3/7/24 Novi Note

Wildcats on hunt in college baseball

Brick Fest Live connects people through Legos

BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com

Legos are one of a handful of toys that have withstood the test of time, making them a common link between the generations.

On March 2 and 3, thousands of people from across the state headed to the Suburban Collection Showplace for Brick Fest Live, an interactive show that highlights everything that can be done with the plastic building bricks.

“It’s geared toward everyone, and I mean that letter by letter: everyone. There’s no age limit,” said Byron Ruley, Brick Fest Live’s road manager. “I think a very high percentage of people all around the world

have grown up with Legos. It’s something that is very relatable. Everyone can agree on loving Legos.”

Brick Fest Live was started in 2014 by Chad Collins, who along with his daughter, Jordan, came up with the idea of an interactive Lego expo while recording an episode for their YouTube channel show, “Your Creative Friends.”

The festival, which has two simultaneous tours around the world, offers attendees the opportunity to not only see life-size Lego creations done by Lego masters, but the ability to physically touch and build with various forms of the bricks.

According to several attendees and show staff, the majority of other Lego

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

LEFT: Kids play in the Brick Pit during the Brick Fest Live event held at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi March 2. ABOVE: Lego derby cars made by attendees are ready to race.

The Novi Note is one of 21 bi-weekly publications produced by C & G Newspapers, a family-owned company serving residents in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties since 1981. We deliver our papers

Main: (586) 498-8000

Editor: David Wallace dwallace@candgnews.com

News: Charity Meier cmeier@candgnews.com

Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak sports@candgnews.com

Community Calendar: calendar@candgnews.com

Classifieds: (586) 498-8100

Legals & Obits: (586) 498-1099

Artroom: (586) 498-1036

Retail Advertising: Christina Moeller cmoeller@candgnews.com

Karen Bozimowski kboz@candgnews.com

Automotive Advertising: Louise Millar lmillar@candgnews.com

Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor pkaspor@candgnews.com

candgnews.com

facebook.com/candgnews

@candgnews

instagram.com/candgnews

Novi sees fewer early voters in presidential primary than last November

BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com

Voters across the state had the opportunity to physically cast their ballots early in the presidential primary election Feb. 27. For many, this was the first opportunity to cast their ballots ahead of election day, but for Novi residents, this was their second go at it after the city took advantage of the opportunity to do a trial run of early voting last November,

The option was not mandated statewide until this primary election.

“Early voting is different than election day voting,” Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds Lisa Brown said. “This isn’t at your precinct down the street. This is something different and for a minimum of nine days.”

Early voting starts the second Saturday before the election and runs for nine days, ending on the Sunday just before election day. In Novi, early voting hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. except on Thursday, when residents can vote noon-8 p.m. In this past election, early voting ran Feb. 17-25.

Early voting commonly is held at a particular polling location for several municipalities. For Novi, Novi Township and the city of Northville, early voting is conducted at the Novi Civic Center. This gives voters the opportunity to place their ballot into the tabulator themselves,

BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com

The nonprofit Novi Youth Assistance is bringing back the Silver Lining Mentor Program this month and is in need of volunteers.

The program pairs at-risk youth in the Novi Community School District in grades K-6 with a senior adult mentor to offer support and guidance through conversation and activities at the school during a 30- to 60-minute period once a week during the school day.

“We know one of the No. 1 preventative or protective factors for our students who are struggling or at risk is to have a positive adult role model, and that’s really what Silver Lining Mentor Program is about,” said RosaLeigh Johnson, the director of mental health and wellness for the Novi Community School District.

Seniors mentor at-risk youth in Novi

The students are selected for the program by school administrators. Currently, each school principal — seven in all — was asked to select two students for the program, and according to Johnson, the response came back that they could probably each name 1012 students.

Johnson said there is a wide range of factors that could deem a student as “at-risk.” They include anxiety, poor social skills, trauma, family conflict, poverty, poor peer relationships and more.

The Silver Lining Mentor Program ran for several years in the district before it was forced to end abruptly in early 2020 as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The mentors act as role models to the children by engaging in some one-on-one time with them. This is done through having

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Rob Fridenberg, program chairperson for the Silver Lining Mentor Program, and RosaLeigh Johnson, director of mental health and wellness for the Novi Community School District, discuss the senior volunteer program Feb. 28.

See VOTERS on page 11A

See MENTOR on page 10A

Wildcats on hunt in college baseball

They left as state champions and are already making their mark on the college stage.

Novi graduate Andrew Abler, who earned Division 1 Cold Weather Bats Pitcher of the Year honors as a senior in high school last year, made his debut on the diamond for Harvard University, tossing four strikeouts in four innings of work Feb. 23 against Troy University.

Abler took over in the fifth inning for the Crimson, striking out the first batter he faced. Abler followed up his impressive debut with his first career win March 2 against The Citadel, striking out three in 3.2 innings of work as Harvard won 4-3.

Abler currently carries a 2.35 ERA on the year and is expected to hold a prominent role in the Crimson bullpen as a long reliever.

Harvard (1-5) was swept by Troy in their opening threegame series.

Abler wasn’t the only Novi state championship winner to make headlines in his debut as Brett Reed tallied a triple in his first plate appearance for Lawrence Technological University March 2 against Trinity Baptist College.

Reed would score later in the inning as LTU (6-3) would go on to win 13-0.

— Jonathan Szczepaniak

LEFT: Novi graduate Andrew Abler raises the state championship trophy after winning the MHSAA Division 1 state title June 17 at McLane Stadium at Michigan State University.

ABOVE: Novi graduate Brett Reed puts a ball in play. File photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Obit bandit arrested after multi-department investigation

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — A suspect who has reportedly confessed to 12 home invasions throughout metro Detroit in recent weeks — including in Novi — has been arrested.

Jerry Ashley, 44, was apprehended at his Detroit home Feb. 27 by the Eastern Wayne County Special Response Team, or SRT, which is similar to a SWAT team and consists of officers from the five Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods. Police said Ashley was finding homes to break into by reading death notices.

“It looks like he was targeting obituaries and estate sales,” Grosse Pointe City Public Safety Director John Alcorn said.

Ashley was arraigned on three counts of breaking and entering into a building March 1 in Grosse Pointe Woods Municipal Court, where he was given a cash or surety bond of $700,000. He was slated, at press time, to be arraigned on additional charges March 7 in Grosse Pointe City Municipal Court, and he is expected to face charges in other cities as well, including Grosse Pointe Farms. Ashley remained in custody at press time at the Andrew C. Baird Detention Facility in Detroit.

“So far, we have connected him to incidents in Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe City, Grosse Pointe Woods, Novi, Farmington Hills, Ann Arbor, Shelby Township and possibly Canton,” Alcorn said. “The investigation is ongoing.”

Ashley’s defense attorney, Mark Magidson, had only been appointed to the case about an hour before he was reached for comment the afternoon of March 4. Magidson was unable to offer any remarks on the case because he hadn’t yet seen any of the police reports or met with Ashley.

“He’s presumed not guilty until proven guilty without a reasonable doubt,” Magidson said.

The case aroused suspicion immediately in the City when the home of retired Wayne County 3rd Circuit Court Judge James Callahan was struck just before his funeral in mid-January.

“(In) Grosse Pointe City, if we have a B&E, it’s unusual,” Alcorn said. “That drew attention right away — and the fact that it was right after Judge Callahan died.”

Also unusual was the fact that Grosse Pointe Woods had three breaking and entering cases in a two-week span in February, Woods Public Safety Director John Kosanke said. Alcorn and Kosanke began compar-

ing notes and recognized there were striking similarities between their cases.

The primary investigators on the case were Grosse Pointe City’s Detective Michael Narduzzi and Detective Sgt. Joseph Adams, and Grosse Pointe Woods’ Detectives Miles Adams and Keith Waszak. But, Alcorn said, they soon realized they needed additional manpower and contacted the public safety departments in Grosse Pointe Farms and Grosse Pointe Shores, both of which lent personnel to the case.

“I feel really fortunate about working in the Grosse Pointes,” Alcorn said. “It was truly a team effort. Initially, it was just the City and the Woods, but when we needed more help, they jumped in right away.”

Kosanke agreed, saying the public safety departments “did an excellent job in the capture of this individual. There was a lot of teamwork.”

For six days, Alcorn said, multiple officers and detectives were investigating these crimes 24 hours a day.

“Stuff like this really bothers me because you have families dealing with a tragedy, and then a lowlife takes advantage of the situation,” Alcorn said. “We were all very motivated to put him in jail.”

Alcorn said it’s possible there could be additional victims who don’t realize it yet.

“If you’re not intimately familiar with what’s in a home, it could be months down the line (before you discover) something’s missing,” Alcorn said.

Jewelry, silverware and other valuables were reportedly stolen from homes allegedly by Ashley. Kosanke said at press time that investigators haven’t been able to determine — or even estimate — the total value of the items allegedly taken by Ashley because police were still trying to collect what they could from pawn shops around the area.

Alcorn said people who have a loved one who has died can contact their public safety or police department to let them know, so that officers can try to keep a closer eye on that address. In addition, he recommended that people use as many security measures as they can, including deadbolt locks, motion-detection lights and cameras.

“The bad guys are looking to get quick, easy entry, so anything that slows them down helps,” Alcorn said.

While not typical, Alcorn said other suspects have used death notices before to find potential homes to target.

Ashley, said Alcorn, is “not the original mastermind behind this.”

Call Staff Writer K. Michelle Moran at (586) 498-1047.

Shamrock Shuffle coming up

The annual Shamrock Shuffle, a 2-mile hike around Lakeshore Park in which participants go on a scavenger hunt for 17 shamrocks hidden along the unpaved path, will take place 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, March 13.

Participants are asked to wear green and a pair of boots and to walk at their own pace. Following the walk, hot chocolate will be served. The event is free, but guests are asked to preregister at cityofnovi.com.

sale now. The ticket includes lunch, live entertainment, three-flight wine tasting or nonalcoholic beverages, raffles and games. Seats are limited. Call (248) 869-7204 or visit the library administration office to reserve a spot. Cash or check payments are strongly encouraged; credit cards are accepted, but an additional service fee will be charged.

Call for Tiny Art Show artists

The Novi Public Library is bringing back its Tiny Art Show and is seeking artists to feature. Artists can pick up a 4-by-4-inch canvas at the library’s second-floor information desk while supplies last. Finished artwork must be returned by March 29 to be on display throughout the library.

Novi Concert Band invites community to ‘Dance to the Music’

The Novi Concert Band will hold a free “Dance to the Music” concert 2-3:30 p.m Sunday, March 10, at the Novi Civic Center, 45175 W. 10 Mile Road. The band said the concert will range from Irish music to Harry Belafonte, Michael Buble and Leroy Anderson.

Life of Guy Stern set to be celebrated

Stern, who recently died at the age of 101, was a Holocaust survivor, a decorated American war hero and a distinguished scholar, according to a press release.

According to a previous release, Stern was born Günther Stern in Hildesheim, Germany, in 1922 and was the only member of his family to escape the Nazis.

Traveling alone to America at age 15 in hopes of securing sponsorship in the United States for his parents and siblings, Stern would later learn of their deaths in the Holocaust.

Bilingual and a skilled negotiator, he and a band of other enlisted men known as The Ritchie Boys are credited with securing more than half of the actionable intelligence gathered in Europe during World War II, according to the release.

“Dr. Stern was a pillar at The HC,” the release states. “He joined our Board of Directors in 1987, served on advisory committees, and assumed the role of Interim Executive Director following the 2008 passing of Founder Rabbi Charles Rosenzveig. Until his death, Dr. Stern served as the Director of our International Institute of the Righteous.”

“Guy’s contribution to the Allied war effort is a well-studied and established fact. He and the other Ritchie Boys were instrumental in the outcome of the war,” Rabbi Eli Mayerfeld, the CEO of the center, stated in the release. “He is a hero in every sense of the word. Truly, Guy Stern was a national treasure, and he will be greatly missed.”

Free estate planning class

Erick Glick, of Glick Law, will offer a free estate planning class for seniors ages 55 and older 6-7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the Novi Civic Center, 45175 W. 10 Mile Road. The class is designed to give participants an understanding of the basics of estate planning. It will go over a variety of legal documents, such as a revocable living trust, a last will and testament, durable power of attorney, and patient advocate designations.

Glick will talk about how to achieve common estate planning goals, including ensuring assets will be distributed where and when desired, that taxes are minimized and avoided, and that probate court will be avoided. For more information and to register, go to cityofnovi.org or call (248) 347-0414. Registration ends March 18.

FARMINGTON HILLS — The Zekelman Holocaust Center, located at 28123 Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills, is scheduled to host “An Enduring Legacy: Celebrating the Life of Dr. Guy Stern,” at 11 a.m. March 10.

File photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Shutterstock images

Legos

from page 1A

shows don’t allow guests to touch the Legos. At Brick Fest Live, guests were able to construct things with glow-in-the-dark Legos, play in a pool of Legos, build and race Lego derby cars, make Lego graffiti art, color with Lego markers, and construct Lego tiles for a gigantic floor mosaic.

The “floorsaic” featured a Lego Marvel superhero fight scene. It comprised 73,728 4-by-4-stud squares, 32,256 2-by8-stud bricks, 9,216, 1-by-8-stud bricks, and 1,152 32-by32-stud plates for a total of 116,352 Legos with 2,949,120 studs, which are the bumps on the tops of Lego brick. Lego lovers from all over waited in a long line to put together a small square of the scene.

Brick Fest Live’s front-of-the-house manager, Melissa Banister, said the show is designed to bring creativity and imagination to kids and give them a reason to take a break from their electronic devices. She said Brick Fest Live also is breaking into the science, technology, engineering and math programs — and the STEM variants, which add art and more — and the show’s organizers hope to have some people involved in those fields as part of future shows.

“We try to encourage people coming together with likeminded things,” said Brick Fest Live floor manager Gilbert Delgado. “Bring out the art in people, embrace the future of engineers and innovators, bring out the creative side and inspire people, bring families together and promote family pastimes, and also just community — bring the community together.”

Delgado said this is the second time the show has come to Novi, and staff estimated that approximately 10,000 people attended the festival over the two days.

Tiffany Baron, of Redford, went to the festival with her teenage daughters, who she said have been into Legos since they were quite young. She said they have always built things with their father using Legos.

“It’s just a fun thing to do,” Baron said. She said her daughter, Becca Trovini, really enjoyed working on the “floorsaic.”

“I like getting to build stuff, like getting to do the handson,” said Trovini, 13.

“I jumped into the Lego pool and then I hurt my foot when I stepped onto a Lego,” Rigley Gonzalez, 7, of Dearborn Heights, reported back to his dad, Gary Smith, after spending some time in the Giant Brick Pit.

Smith and his friend, Baron, laughed.

“Karma. I bet you’ll pick them up next time you make a mess with them,” she said.

Gonzalez said he liked the show “a lot” and really enjoyed being able to have so much free time to make things out of Legos.

Lego fanatic Collin Sampson, 12, of Hope, was surprised with a daytrip to the show by his grandpa, who drove the approximately two and a half hours to Novi from Hope. Sampson said he really liked the “huge,” life-size Lego statues, especially the one of a dog. He said he doesn’t build large things like that with his Legos, but he likes to build smaller things, such as spaceships.

“It’s fun and I can create whatever I want,” Sampson said of his reason for liking Legos.

See LEGOS on page 12A

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Daniel Francis, of Ann Arbor, contemplates his next move while building a Lego tower at the architectural building area at Brick Fest Live at the Suburban Collection showplace March 2.

CRIME WATCH

Thief steals coins and gift cards

Novi police were called to a local residence on Worcester Drive, near Nine Mile and Taft roads, at around 10:30 a.m. Feb. 10 after a man found the driver’s window of his 2019 Chevrolet Trax had been shattered and approximately $80 in assorted coins and $200 in gift cards had been taken from the vehicle.

The man told police that the vehicle was fine at around 10 p.m. Feb. 9. The man didn’t have a security camera, but a neighbor’s camera showed a white SUV, possibly a Range Rover, moving eastbound on Worcester Drive at 4:04 a.m. Another homeowner and his wife had footage of a subject walking through their front yard at 3:57 a.m. The subject appeared to be male and was observed wearing a surgical mask, dark-colored pants and a dark-colored sweatshirt with white stripes on the sleeves, according to the report.

The man reported that the driver’s window cost $380 to repair through insurance. The case has been closed as there were no further leads.

Walmart customer pays for only part of his bill

At 1:01 p.m. Feb. 17, a Walmart customer was caught at the U-Scan self-checkout machine attempting to pay for only half the items in his grocery cart.

The man was seen paying for nine items that cost a total of $128.76 and trying to walk away without paying for 16 additional items in his cart that were valued at $80.52 When confronted by police and the store’s asset protection staff, the man said he had paid for the items in a previous transaction. However, after viewing the CCTV footage, it was discovered that the items never left the man’s cart and there was no previous transaction.

The officer noted that one of the plush toys the man stole did not have a price tag and asked him how he supposedly paid for that item. He said he just moved the items over the scanner and assumed they were rung up. He said he didn’t listen for the “beep,” according to the report.

One item, a roll of paper towels, was unpaid for and was added to the cart by the man’s female companion. However, his story was contradicted by the footage of him scanning the items he did pay for, which shows him meticulously scanning each item to make sure the scanner beeped. Police had the store check to see if any of the items the man stole had indeed been purchased that day.

Only one of the items, a popular bottle of Clorox spray, had been purchased at all that day. This confirmed that the man had stolen the items, according to the report. The man was then arrested for third-degree retail fraud. He was later released with a citation to appear in court.

Phone purchased with man’s identity

Two weeks after discovering that his name and Social Security number were used to purchase an iPhone Pro Max 13 valued at $2,384.06 through Spectrum, a Michigan man contacted Novi police at 2:42 p.m. Feb. 14. Spectrum provided the man with two account numbers that had been opened in his name. However, it is unknown if cellular services were also opened in the man’s name.

The man wanted to document the incident per Spectrum’s wishes but also wanted to pursue charges if a suspect could be identified, according to the report. Detectives contacted the most recent resident at the address where the phone had been delivered. The woman seemed very confused and offered to share her doorbell camera footage if an exact date could be identified. However, the man said that Spectrum did not provide a time or date as to when the phone was delivered.

The officer advised the man that in incidents like this, someone is usually waiting for UPS or FedEx to arrive with the package and the package is taken quickly. According to the report, the person responsible is not usually the resident, who usually has nothing to do with it.

The man made the report for documentation only, and the case was closed.

Minnesota food stamps used fraudulently at Novi Sam’s Club

A Minnesota woman contacted Novi police Feb. 16 after her food stamp purchases kept getting declined and she was unable to purchase her groceries. She discovered upon reading her statement that her card had been used at Sam’s Club in Novi. A person used her $659.82 worth of food stamps and also took out $10 cash, as the card doubles as a debit card. The person had previously attempted to take out $1,253.76 from the account but was declined due to insufficient funds.

The Minnesota woman was given a case number and was advised to report the fraud in her jurisdiction of Minnesota. Novi police told her to contact the Minnesota Department of Human Services, and that she would likely be reimbursed for the fraudulent charges made on her account. The case was closed in Novi.

— Charity Meier

Mentor

from page 3A

conversations over a common-interest activity, such as building a puzzle or shooting baskets.

“It’s not a tutor. It’s not a social worker or a counselor. It’s just somebody to have a positive interaction with,” Johnson said.

She said it differs from an interaction with a social worker in that it is activitiesbased. She said people typically think of interacting with social workers as sitting across from them at a table, but with the mentorship program, the student is interacting with the mentor through an activity that causes the conversation to flow.

“That’s organic conversation that happens just from playing cards or doing some sort of activity,” said program chair Rob Fridenberg.

Mentors are paired with students based on responses from a parent questionnaire that includes the students’ hobbies and interests. For example, if a mentor is an engineer by trade, that mentor might be paired with a student who has expressed an interest in robotics. Administrators also consider the mentor’s preference and comfort level with various age groups.

Fridenberg recalled having a first grade mentee who was really into dinosaurs. He said that student gave him an education on the names of the different dinosaurs.

“He knew them all. So it was like he was tutoring me,” Fridenberg said. “Yeah, he was great. The first day meeting him, it was like I had known him for five years already, so it was really cool.”

Fridenberg said he had a fifth grade mentee who was into superheroes, and because of that passion, the two started to collaborate on writing a cartoon book. He said that they would both draw superheroes and would try to add words to the drawings. He said they were adding to the book every week.

Another student took an interest in Fridenberg’s background.

“He was very intelligent, and he found out I was an engineer, and he wrote, like, a math test for me to do,” said Fridenberg, “which was, like, incredible.”

The other thing that is important to consider is the mentor’s availability. All mentor sessions happen during the school day, sometime between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Mondays-Fridays. This makes it challenging for many working adults and makes it ideal for a retired senior citizen, according to Fridenberg.

“I’m pretty much a 12-year-old still, myself. That’s why when we had our son I was so happy, because I could start buying, like, the radio-controlled trucks. So that was an excuse to do all that stuff again. So for me, it was just fun being around young kids again, and it’s kind of rewarding as well,” said Fridenberg.

Volunteers will be given an hourlong training session to go over the logistics of the program, meet the staff they will be interacting with and meet their mentees, as well as options for activities. They are also taught what to do if a child says something that needs to be reported and how to handle things that can occur in a school, such as an emergency drill.

Potential mentors must apply and are given a thorough background check before being accepted as a volunteer mentor for the Silver Lining Mentor Program. There are currently five people who have applied for the program and been approved, but there is a need for many more. Mentors are able to take on as many students as they would like. Most choose to take on one to two students.

For more information on the program and to apply to become a mentor, contact Carrie Reichley, of Novi Youth Assistance, at carrie.reichley@novik12.org or call (248) 675-3089.

Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.

Voters

from page 3A

instead of submitting an absentee ballot, for which the City Clerk’s Office places the ballot into the tabulator.

Brown said the early voting went well overall and that the workers at the sites “loved it.” Her hope is that with each election, more and more people become familiar with and utilize early voting.

She added that absentee voters can take their ballots to their early voting sites and put them in the tabulators.

Novi City Clerk Cortney Hanson said that early voting went well. She said that those who participated in it expressed a lot of appreciation for the opportunity. However, she said it was pretty quiet over the nine days. According to Hanson, 482 Novi residents participated in early voting over the nine-day period. This was down from 530 voters who did so last November for the local election. Hanson said she thought the number would have increased for the primary election.

“I think once more people learn that it’s an option it will become more popular as the year goes on,” said Hanson.

On election day, just over 4,000 voters cast their ballots in person. The majority

of participating Novi voters had already cast their ballots. Hanson said they had almost 8,000 absentee ballots submitted.

Hanson said that all ways of voting are “safe and secure.” However, she said that some people see early voting as valuable, as it is essentially the same as voting in a precinct on election day.

“It just gives people that added benefit of having put their ballot in the tabulator and a little bit more trust in the system,” Hanson said.

“We need to get the word out that early voting is an option, because it is now in the state constitution that we have early voting for nine days for both state and federal. So, we are running them whether people show up or not. So, we would like people to take advantage of it,” she said.

“For August, I think that is the most crucial election to do that for, because we see more spoiled ballots in an August primary than in any other election,” Brown said. “Because in an August primary, you have to, what we say, ‘Stay in your lane.’ You can only vote for one party’s candidate. And often when voters turn their ballot over, either they forget or they think it doesn’t count anymore — I don’t know what — and they cross over, and when they do that, they have now spoiled the entire partisan section of their ballots. So

none of the votes in the partisan section will count.

“When you put it in the tabulator, and you’ve crossed parties in the August primary, it’s going to spit the ballot back out at you and you’ll have the opportunity to remedy that,” she continued. “If you return your absentee ballot to your local clerk’s office and have it counted on election day or whatever in an absentee voting counting board, there is no way to remedy that. So your partisan votes won’t count.”

In total, only 26% of registered voters in Novi, approximately 12,600 residents, participated in the presidential primary election. This is down significantly from the 2020 election, where about 37% of voters participated.

“We have been through a lot of changes with election law since 2018, and I am hopeful that as we work through elections this year, that we start to kind of see a new normal,” Hanson said. “We have no-reason absentee (voting) now, we have early voting, there’s just so many options for voters that I think we will see a little bit of an increase in turnout that could potentially be due to we now have a permanent ballot list.”

Voters used to have to apply for an absentee ballot in every election. Hanson said they now have the option to be placed on a permanent ballot list whereby they will auto-

Peek Inside Your Health: Full Body MRI Screenings Unveil Silent Issues Before Symptoms Arise

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

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

matically be mailed a ballot for each election without having to reapply. She said this was also implemented as a result of Michigan Proposal 22-2, which added the option of early voting. In the city of Novi, almost 9,000, or 20%, of the city’s 46,000 registered voters have signed up for the permanent ballot list.

Staff Writer Mike Koury contributed to this story.

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

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

Legos

from page 8A

Ruley said that Legos have become a part of pop culture with a FOX television show, “Lego Masters,” which features advanced Lego craftsmanship and is now going into its fifth season.

“Lego Masters” season two runners-up Wayne, 31, and Zack Macasaet, 29, were on hand to sign autographs and take photos with fans.

The Macasaet brothers have been building with Legos for 28 years. Wayne said they started working with Legos when they were ages 4 and 2, respectively.

“We started building right out the womb,” Zack joked.

Wayne said that he really got into Legos when they merged with his passion for “Star Wars.” Zack said he likes to build a variety of things, especially tanks, and he is also into “Star Wars.” On the show, he said, they built a lot of dragons, whales and other animals.

“We just took all our experiences growing up and we brought them onto ‘Lego Masters,’” Zack said.

“It’s like a marble sculpture with a lot of different pieces coming together to make something interesting,” Wayne said of building with Legos.

“We didn’t know what our skill level was, but when we went on the show, we scared a few people. We even scared ourselves, as a matter of fact,” Wayne said.

The brothers have formed a company called Brick Art Motion and hope to make a full-time career out of Legos. Wayne said that is their ultimate goal: to make their passion

for Legos into their career.

“I love watching them put (Legos) together, and I love how they are able to just throw stuff together without directions,” said “Lego Masters” fan Kelli Favot, of Gibraltar.

Favot said that Legos are very therapeutic for her son, Hunter Favot, who has autism, and they like to watch “Lego Masters” together. She said that when he is in a mood to do Legos, he will work on building things with them for hours. Hunter Favot said he really enjoys building things with Legos and likes the hands-on aspect of the show, but his favorite thing was the Lego brick pit.

Wayne Macasaet said that he thinks the television show and Brick Fest Live will demonstrate to kids that there is no limit to what they can do.

“They’re going to be able to say, ‘Wow, now this is what you can do.’ Any artform you have right there, you have to push it to its extreme,” Wayne said. “I’m more of a manager, if you will — with this guy right here, my intuition is to make him more of a Picasso, if you will, but preferably alive and not dead. We kind of have this Mozart/Salieri thing going on. Zack is a genius but unappreciated. I’m Salieri — I’m good at making myself look more important than I am.”

Zack said they come to events like Brick Fest Live to entertain kids.

“We like to make people happy,” he said.

Zack said they are trying to envision the future of Lego. He said the future is unknown, but they are seeing more technology and artificial intelligence going into Lego.

“Lego is a whole community in itself. It’s like a whole ‘nother universe,” said Delgado.

Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Parents look on as their children use glow-in-the-dark Legos to build their own creations during Brick Fest Live at the Suburban Collection Showplace March 2.

OFFERINGS AROUND MICHIGAN

AUCTION

200+ Gun online auction ending 3/5/24. Nice sporting goods auction coming soon + multiple 1-owner auctions. Shipping available. To bid Johnpeckauctions.com. Offces in Charlotte & Gladwin. Selling? Call John Peck 989-345-4866.

Unique collections from John Gall estate. Online auction of beer signs, NASCAR items, mirrors, die cast cars, banks, much more!  Bidding from March 7-19. Bid. SherwoodAuctionServiceLLC. com to view catalogue, other auctions. 1-800-835-0495.

BUSINESS SERVICES

METAL ROOFING regular and shingle style, HALF OFF

SPECIAL COLORS! Lifetime asphalt shingles. Steel and vinyl siding. Hail damage. FEMA claims. Licensed and insured builders. Pole Buildings. Quality work for 40 years! AMISH CREW. 517-575-3695.

MATTRESSES

Adjustable Bed Brand New with mattress. Made

MISCELLANEOUS

AMISH BUILT storage sheds and mini cabins delivered to your site anywhere in Michigan! Starting at $2,500.00 mynextbarn.com 989-832-1866

Get DISH Satellite TV + Internet! Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-950-6757

Prepare for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 7-Year warranty with qualifying purchase* Call 1-855-922-0420 today to schedule a free quote. It’s not just a generator. It’s a power move.

Safe Step. North America’s #1 Walk-In Tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our FREE shower package and $1600 Off for a limited time! Call today! Financing available. Call Safe Step 1-877-707-0424 POLE BUILDINGS

BUILT RITE POLE BUILDINGS

2014

2006

2008

Published: March 6, 2024

State-wide. Prices starting at - 24x40x10 - $18,300.00. 30x40x10 -$20,400.00. Erected on your site. Call for price not shown on any size building or go to www.builtritepolebuildingsmi. com. Or call 989-259-2015 or 989-600-1010.

0217-2410

Help Wanted General

Unipres North America, Inc. seeks Sr. Development Engineer in Novi, MI to interact with customer R&D and Manufacturing areas to develop and coordinate current production of new vehicle body in white (BIW) products, from early digital phase up to mass production, evaluating manufacturing processes and working with interdisciplinary teams to guarantee customer drawing specifcations are fully achieved and under Unipres production capabilities. Hybrid remote/in-offce. Travel required up to 25%. Majority of travel is to domestic plants and suppliers in Alabama, Tennessee, Ohio, and Mississippi as well as to customer facilities in Ohio and Indiana. Occasional international travel may be required to visit plants and suppliers. To apply, mail resume to raul.ramirez@unipres. com. and reference Job #46622.106

0166-2410

• DESIGN ENGINEER- Design automotive components using Catia V5.

• Designer Primary - Design exterior lighting systems. Use Catia V5 and IDEAS NX.

• CAE Specialist - Use ANSA, NASTRAN, LS-Dyna. Create Full vehicle NVH models for NVH CAE Simulations. Worksite location - Bingham Farms, Michigan or client sites throughout U.S. Send resume to: Satyam-Venture Engineering Services Pvt. Ltd., at seethat@satven.com Help

0430-2239

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CLINTON DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SERVICES SEASONAL EMPLOYEES

Seasonal general laborer positions, $15.00 - $16.00 hourly, no benefts. 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.

Adult Home Care/ Adult Day Care

INNHOMECARE

WeprovideCaregivers intheprivacyofyour ownhomehourlyand 24/hrcare.Best Prices-Guaranteed.

Now-Accepting New-Clients 586-215-6777 office@innhomecare.net www.innhomecare.net

NOWHIRING!

Bathrooms

BATHROOM REMODELING

BasicBathrooms

Startingat:$10,995.00

Experienceofover

500-bathroomsacross

Metro-Detroit, Lookatourworkat: andyscarpentryllc.com 248-376-0988

Licensed/Insured References

Brick Work

MOUTON'S MASONRY

Any&allmasonryrepairs. Brick,block, steps,chimneys, porches-tuckpointing, Cementwork, mortar-matching. 25-yrsexperience. Free-estimates. References/Insured.

248-252-5331

Brick Work

AA4DABLE MASONRY

586-822-5100

Chimneys,Porches, Steps,Flat-Work, Residential/Commercial/ Tuck-Pointing, Cultured-Stone, Brick-and-Any-Masonry Repairs/Needs. Acceptallmajor creditcards

SPRINGSPECIALS up-to-30%-off!

Senior-Discounts Free-Estimates! 30yrs-Experience

586-944-3669

AAABROOKSIDE

Porches,Steps, Chimney's,Tuck-pointing, CulturedStone,PreventativeMaintenance, Concrete,Custom MortarMatching, Free-Estimates,Senior Discounts,37yearsexp.

PREFERRED BROTHERSMASONRY

•Tuckpointing•Brickwork

•ChimneyRepair/Rebuild

•ChimneyCaps

•CementFlatwork•Steps •PorchRebuild/Porch Caps•CultureStone

Senior/MilitaryDiscount Upto20%off! 586-944-8898

Brick Work

NEXTLEVEL CONCRETELLC. SpringSpecial'supto $1500offcomplete drivewaysandupto $1000offpatio'sand porchrebuilds. Wedoallbrickwork andconcrete. FreeEstimates 248-383-3480

Carpet Cleaning

CARPET WAVY-n-LOOSE?

WePower Re-stretch and Steam-clean

ForOneLowPrice

MultipleRoomDiscount CallNow 586-754-9222

ccarpetrepair.com

Cement

ROZECEMENTLLC CONCRETE,MASONRY &LANDSCAPING

10%OffPre-Spring!

•Driveways

•Patios

•Brick/Stone

•Pavers

•Sidewalks

Free-Estimates Requests: roze cementllc@gmail.com Andre-586-354-7791

Cleaning Service

CLEANINGLADY with10-yrexperienceis lookingforwork.Weekly, bi-weekly,monthly Excellentreferences. Flexiblehours. Bonded&insured. 248-890-8830

Decks/Patios

2024SPECIALS

CustomDeck Building/Repair, Power-Washing, DecksRemoved, Composite,Treated &CedarMaterials, CustomRailingMaterials, CustomFence Installation. 586-260-5218

Electrical

586-755-3636

Father&Son MasterElectricians Dr.Electric Same-Day-Service! All-Residential-Wiring, ChangeFuseBoxto CircuitBreakerPanel, Troubleshooting, ElectricVehicleChargers, BackupGenerator TransferSwitch, License#6109094 Senior/Discounts! Visa/MC/Lic./Insured

Electrical

BEST-Price-Period Licensed/Insured. 30-yrs.-experience. Callforfree-estimates. Open7-daysaweek 24/hrs-day. 10%-OffForCash NowAcceptingAll MajorCreditCards. HotchkissElectric 586-291-3143 Lic.#6211028

CASTLEELECTRIC 586-634-1152 (directcellphone#) Panelupgrades, generators,hottubs, 220lines.

ALLSERVICE Licensed&Insured Dependable,quality work!

License#-6111359

PREPARE forpower outagestodaywithaGeneracHomeStandbyGenerator.Actnowtoreceive aFREE7-Yearwarranty withqualifyingpurchase. Call1-855-773-8191 todaytoscheduleafree quote.Itʼsnotjustagenerator.Itʼsapowermove.

Gutters

GUTTERS &WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOMMICOLI 313-656-9402

Gutters

ELIMINATE gutter cleaningforever!LeafFilter,themostadvanced debris-blockinggutter protection.Schedulea FREELeafFilterestimate today.20%offEntire Purchase.Plus10%Senior&MilitaryDiscounts. Call1-866-495-1709

Handyman Services

A#1REPAIRSERVICES: GUTTERS

Clean/Repair InstallGuards SIDING Vinyl-Siding/Alum-Trim Gable/SoffitVents/Shutters ROOF

Leaks/Shingles Vents/Caps 248-892-1927

Handyman Services

AA4DABLE HANDYMAN

HomeImprovement, Tile,Hardwood-Floors, Kitchen/BathRemodeling, Plumbing,Electrical, Painting,Hauling, Clean-outs, AnyHomeRepairs, FreeEstimates, 30%Discount, AcceptAllMajor CreditCards 586-822-5100

Hauling & Waste Removal

***AAA HAULING*** JUNKREMOVAL Wehaulitall!

DemolitionBig&Small Residential/Commercial RubberWheelDumpsters-10,15,20-Yards, Clean-outs,Construction Material,Small-Moving, Appliances,Furniture& More!LowestRates!!! Free-Estimates Senior/MilitaryDiscounts 586-360-0681 ucallwehauljunk.com

BURLYGUYS JUNKREMOVAL removesANYTHING! Appliances,furniture, basementcleanouts, hoardersallwelcome! CallorText 248-224-2188

0384-2410

Home Improvement

GOLDENBUILT CONSTRUCTION

Basementrenovations, foundationsnew/repairs, interior/exteriorsupportingwallsremoved/rebuilt, newgarages/polebarns, seamlessgutters&downsprouts,Licensed/Insured 586-948-4764

Home Repairs

EXTERIOR REPAIRSLLC. Since1999

Roofing,Siding, GuttersandMore! Reliable

Ask,WeMightDoIt! FREEESTIMATES 248-242-1511

Kitchens/ Cabinets/ Countertops

MR.BACKSPLASH

·CUSTOM BACKSPLASHES

·CUSTOM KITCHENS ·COUNTERTOPS

*Granite*Quartz* ·CustomBathrooms

·TILEREPAIRS

*FREEESTIMATES* 586-552-5416 mrbacksplash.com

Landscaping & Water Gardens

ALLTIMATE OUTDOOR SERVICES DrainageSystem Professionals

New-Construction, Yard-Drainage,Grading, Sod/Seed,Retaining Walls/Walkways/Patios, Senior/Military-Discounts

Credit-Cards-Accepted Free-Estimates 586-719-1202

Landscaping & Water Gardens

DOLL'S LANDSCAPING

SPRINGCLEAN-UPS!

Shrub&Tree-Trimming, Planting,Removal. Mulch,SodInstallation, Pavers,Garden/Retainer Walls,PorchSteps,Raise Backyards/DrainTiles, Powerwashing/ Sealing,Powerrake, Aeration,Seeding, DebrisRemoval 586-634-0033

Lawn Maintenance

2024SPRING

586-260-5218

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

(586)229-4267

American

Painting

•Residential/Commercial •Interior •PowerWashing •Insurance•Drywall •PlasterRepair •Clean-outs

•HomeRepairs

•Senior-Discounts. •Guaranteed-Work. •25-yrsExperience.

PAINTINGby-GPC MASTER

Plaster/Drywall

CompleteRestoration &InsuranceProjects

Wallpaper Removal/Hanging

NOW20%OFF PAINTING!PAINTING!

A+BBB-Rating/20yrs

30-yrs,BuilderLicense

Free-Estimates 586.899.3555(Cell) 248.566.6460(Office)

Painting

586-792-3117

PETE'SPAINTING

SPRINGSPECIALS!

20%OFF Specializing inVacantHomes, GreatRooms&Decks, Interior/Exterior, Residential/Commercial. SeniorDiscount, Free-Estimates,Insured.

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. 586-722-8381

2BROTHERS PAINTING

CompleteInterior/Exterior WoodRepair, Powerwash, Free-Estimates CallFrank 248-303-5897

ReferencesAvailable

ANDERSON

Painting&Carpentry

Complete Interior/ExteriorServices Plaster/Drywall& WaterDamageRepairs. Wood-Staining. Wallpaper-Removal. Kitchen/Cabinet Refinishing

Insured/References. Free-Estimates 586-354-3032 248-974-4012

FARR'SPAINTING

Interior/Exterior Wood&DrywallRepairs MoldRemediation

FreeEstimates CertifiedMoldInspector 248-345-3308 farrsmoldremoval.com

Painting

NEBOPAINTING

ServiceAllYearRound

Interior/Exterior 15YearsExperience WeMakeIt EasierForYou, AllNeedsAreMet! Call 248-953-7807

PROTOUCH PAINTINGLLC

Interior/Exterior 30-yrs-experience, Power-washing, Drywallrepairs, Staining, Free-Estimates. AllWorkGuaranteed. AffordablePrices. SeniorDiscount/Insured. 248-495-3512

WOWPAINTING

Residential/Commercial Interior/Exterior QualityPainting DrywallRepairs, RemoveWallpaper, ExteriorWood Replacement, EpoxyFlooring, Insured Free-Estimates 248-990-5388 wowpaintingmi.com

Plastering

PLASTER

Repair-NoSanding. Painting Interior/Exterior, Drywall,Decks, Remodeling.Call Ray586-242-3813

WATERWORK Plumbing.com

•DrainCleaning

•SewerCamera

•WaterHeaters

•SumpPumps

•BackflowTesting 248-542-8022

SameDayEmergency ServiceAvailable Reliable/Experienced License#8003885

Plumbing MASTER PLUMBER

Sewer&Drain Service. Remodeling,repairs, newinstallations. Freeestimates, seniorrates. 35+yrsexp. CallPaul 248-904-5822

Lic.#8109852

586.421.5520 586.524.6752 ANDY'S PLUMBING 25-YearsExperience Licensed/Insured CallUsToday ForAllYour PlumbingNeeds!! ServingThe Tri-County-Area 10%/Senior/Military/ Discounts Lic#-8004254

Professional Services

NOTARYPUBLIC, AllenScott,charges $10ppsigned,more totraveltoyou. Eveningsand weekendsarebest. (810)923-2850

Roofng

PREFERRED BROTHERSROOFING

•FullTear-off•Recover •ShingleRepair •Leak's•AllRepair •Flat-Roof•TourchDown •SeamlessGutters& GutterGuards

Roofng

AA4DABLE ROOFING

Hurry-up&Save Big-$$$$! SPRING-SPECIALSClean-up, Upto30%-Off!!! Roofing/Siding/Gutters, All-Leaks/Repairs, Residential/Shingles/ Commercial-FlatRoofs/Torch-downs Weacceptmajor credit-cards. 30yrs-Experience 586-822-5100

CITYROOFING -Commercial& ResidentialRoofRepairs -FullRoofReplacement (Shingles) -FlatRoofReplacement -24/7EmergencyRepairs -Eavestroughs(Gutters) andLeafGuard Installations. 586-733-3004 cityroofinginc@gmail.com

MICHAELNORTON BUILDERSINC.

BuildingValueEveryday 586-436-9600

Licensed/Insured Since1965

Servicing-Roofing, Siding,Basement, Bathroom,Kitchen Remodeling,Decks& AllYourHome ImprovementNeeds.

Senior/Military-Discount Upto20%Off 586-944-8898

AAA allstarrepairs aslowas$225.00* Gutterrepairs,Flat-roofs, Reroof,New-roof, Residential/Commercial CallSilversmith Maintenance 248-707-4851

Acceptcreditcards Family-owned Over30yearsexp.

Tree Service DAVE'S TREE&SHRUB

20%-SPRINGDiscount INSURED,Emergency StormDamage, Large-Tree-Removals, Trimming,StumpGrinding,Gutters, Season-Firewood (100acord) Free-Estimates. 10%Senior-Discounts. (586)216-0904 davestreeandshrub.com

ELITETREE SERVICE "Bringing30yearsof experiencetoyourdoor!" Treetrimming, removals&stump grinding.Insured&FREE estimateswithfairprices! FirewoodForSale 586-756-0757

Plumbing