3/7/24 Troy Times

BY BRENDAN LOSINSKI blosinski@candgnews.com

unanimously

Photo by Brendan Losinski

An

took place Feb. 21 to inform the public about the future of the Turtle Woods property in Troy.

Photo provided by Kristin Olmedo

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.

Trusted Protection During Unpredictable Weather

Call or go online today for more information

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.

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

Call or go online today for

more information

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

The Troy Times 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 to more than 571,000 homes in 45 communities via direct mail.

Main: (586) 498-8000

Editor: Annie Bates abates@candgnews.com

News: Brendan Losinski blosinski@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: Amy Randolph arandolph@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

3A/ TROY TIMES • MARCH 7, 2024

Stage Nature Center’s ‘Maple Syrup Time’ returns in time for spring

BY BRENDAN LOSINSKI blosinski@candgnews.com

The Troy Nature Society is offering local residents a sweet experience with the return of its Maple Syrup Time at the Stage Nature Center.

The 90-minute tour will highlight how

trees are tapped for sap and how maple sugar was processed 100 years ago, and attendees can visit an historical sugar camp to learn similarities in the process used today. Guests will also stop in at the sugar shed to see a wood-stoked evaporator in action and learn how sap is made into maple syrup courtesy

Troy to host robotics demonstration for local teams

BY BRENDAN LOSINSKI blosinski@candgnews.com

Troy’s robotics teams will show off their ingenuity and hard work during a demonstration hosted by the Troy Public Library Saturday, April 27.

With more than 50 robotics teams in the Troy School District, the community has become a center for teams in the FIRST, Tech Challenge and Lego leagues for high school, middle school and elementary school students, respectively. FIRST stands for For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.

“The inspiration came from our getting a lot of requests from robotics teams to do demonstrations at the library,” said Keegan Sulecki, the library’s head of youth services. “We thought it would be better if we provided them with a dedicated time and space to show all of their hard work off. When they asked for these demonstrations, it would have otherwise been short notice, and we couldn’t guarantee an audience. This way, by grouping it together formally, we can ensure there are people who can see their accomplishments and that we can better show people how robotics in Troy is such a big deal.”

Photo provided by Carla Reeb

Stage Nature Center “Sap Masters” will demonstrate how sap was made into maple syrup in the 1800s as part of the nature center’s annual “Maple Syrup Time” tours.

Photo provided by Srinivas Simhan Several of Troy’s robotics teams, including the Troy Argonauts, pictured, will be on hand at the Troy Public Library Saturday, April 27, to show the public what robotics teams are and how they work.

See ROBOTICS on page 8A

See MAPLE SYRUP on page 4A

Maple syrup

from page 3A

of the nature center’s very own expert “Sap Masters.” The tour concludes with everyone enjoying mini-pancakes topped with real maple syrup. A delicious variety of sweet maple treats will be available for sale, courtesy of the Troy Historical Society.

“It has an educational aspect. It is fascinating. It’s a unique experience,” said Sap Master John Youngerman. “Most of all, people get to taste the syrup. Most people have never tasted real syrup. Store-bought syrup is mostly corn syrup. This is kind of a big deal. Kids love it. Plus, you get to walk around the woods and enjoy the facility right in the middle of Troy. Some people live less than a mile from here, and they have never learned about us.”

“We’ve done this program for more than 35 years,” added Troy Nature Center Executive Director Carla Reeb. “We bring it back over and over again because it introduces new groups of people and new families to this wonderful historical program.”

The program will be held 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, March 2, 9 and 16. Tours start every 15 minutes.

See MAPLE SYRUP on page 16A

Attendees at the Stage Nature Center can see how sap is turned into maple syrup as part of the center’s Maple Syrup Time tours this March.

Photo provided by Carla Reeb

Michigan Design Center invites public to ‘ArtWalk at MDC’

The Michigan Design Center in Troy is inviting the public to join them for its “ArtWalk at MDC” Friday, March 22.

During the event, the Michigan Design Center will feature multiple professional artists whose work will be shown in showrooms and studios throughout the building.

Attendees can meet more than 25 artists and curators, gaining insights into their creative processes and inspirations. They can explore works in painting, sculpture, glass, woven art and more. A selection of works will be available to purchase. There is no admission to attend the open house.

The ArtWalk at MDC will take place 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Michigan Design Center, located at 1700 Stutz Drive, Suite 25, in Troy. More information is available at www.michigandesign.com/event/art-walk-mdc.

TROY CHURCH TO HOST DANCE PROGRAMS

The Oakland County Traditional Dance Society is hosting two dance events at the First United Methodist Church in Troy, located at 6363 Livernois Road.

The first takes place 7-9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 9, and is titled “A Live Lively Line Dance.” First lessons for line dance beginners begin

at 7:15 p.m., while the dance runs 7:30-9:30 p.m. Dances are led by Joanne Chesney.

The second event takes place 7-10 p.m. Saturday, March 16, and is titled the “Ides Of March” contra dance. First lessons for beginners begin at 7:15 p.m. and the dance starts at 7:30 p.m. It will be led by Ed

Historic Village to host Easter Egg Hunt

The Troy Historic Village is inviting families to their annual Village Egg Hunt 4-7:30 p.m. Friday, March 22, and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 23.

Families may work their way around the village, participating in activities along the way. Each family or group will have their own lane with eggs hidden in it so they are not competing with other families. After kids have collected all the eggs in their lane, they get to trade them in at the “Egg Trading Post” in the general store for small toys and other treats.

“This is our fourth year doing an Egg Hunt,” Youth Programs Director Alex Konieczny said in an email. “As a parent myself, I like that it’s more laid back and structured, not a big, mad dash for eggs with a hundred other kids. Families will be able to take their time and enjoy exploring around the village while stopping off to play games, collect eggs and treats, and make a fun craft.”

In addition to hunting for eggs, there will be 10 other stops around the village with activities like a lollipop ring toss, pin the tail on the bunny, an obstacle course, and a colorful egg suncatcher craft to hang in a window.

This year will also feature a meet and greet with local author Meredith Bezak, the author of The Bunny and Carrot series. The Troy Garden Club will also be handing out goodies for young gardeners.

The Village Egg Hunt will take place rain or shine. The event features free on-site parking at the village, as well as free overflow parking at Brookfield Academy, a short walk down the street. For discounted event pricing, guests may purchase their Egg Hunt admission by noon on Thursday, March 21, at www.troyhistoricvillage.org/ programs/spring-egg-hunt. The advance price is $7 for Troy Historical Society members and $9 for nonmembers. Tickets will also be available at the door on a first-come, first-served basis: $8 members and $10 for nonmembers. All children under age 2 are admitted free.

Vincent, and music will be provided by Dawn’s Early Light. Recommended admission is $10 for each event. Attendees can pay what they are able to help support the band and the evening refreshments. Those who bring snacks to contribute to the event get $1 off admission. For more information, email info@octds.org.

Photo provided by the Michigan Design Center

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

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

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.

At a Feb. 12 Farmington Hills City Council meeting, consideration of approval for the partial redevelopment of the center was unanimously approved. According to the city, the portion of Hunter’s Square that was approved for redevelopment is 186,634 square feet.

The shopping center property was recently acquired by Kimco Realty, which is North America’s largest publicly traded real estate investment trust, specializing in gro-

cery-anchored, open-air shopping centers and mixed-use assets, according to its website.

At the City Council meeting, a 70,000-square-foot Meijer grocery store was discussed as one of the new tenants that will be moving into that location.

“Meijer is one of the big tenants that are moving in, but I am not being displaced for Meijer’s,” said Jeremy Yagoda, who owns Marvin’s. “Meijer’s is just going to be a small grocery store format — it’s not one of the huge Meijer stores. … What exactly is going to replace me, I am not sure, as of yet. … I don’t know the exact specifics, but from what I have understood, it’s supposed to be a Meijer’s (and) a couple stand-alone buildings for mixed use — be it doctors’ offices, retail — I am not exactly sure.”

At the City Council meeting, an unspecified drive-thru-style type of restaurant was also discussed as a possibility.

Other tenants at Hunter’s Square listed on Kimco’s website include Ulta Beauty, Five Below and DSW Shoe Warehouse.

Yagoda said that there has been very lit-

See MARVELOUS on page 19A

Robotics

from page 3A

This event takes place 10 a.m.-noon

Saturday, April 27, at the Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Road, in rooms 304 and 305. Registration is encouraged, but not required. This event is provided in partnership with the Troy Robotics Foundation. Teams and attendees can register on the library’s calendar page, troypl.librarycalendar. com/events/upcoming. There is no cost for either teams or attendees. Applications are due by Monday, April 8.

“We hope to make Robotics Demonstration Day a twice-yearly event to support teams in recruiting new members, sharing information about robotics and its growing importance, and giving teams an opportunity to work on those communication and teamwork skills before competition,” Sulecki said. “With the now-established Troy Robotics Foundation, we had an excellent opportunity to create a partnership to host this event.”

The Troy Robotics Foundation supports the robotics programs in Troy, although it is not part of the district, said its president, Srinivas Simhan.

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

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

MRI machines use magnets and emit no radiation.

Photo provided by Srinivas Simhan Robotics leagues such as FIRST, Tech Challenge and Lego League teach students a variety of skills, including engineering, computer programming, manufacturing, teamwork and promotion.

I saw a headline last week that stated Troy is not the most beautiful city in the world. The most beautiful city in the world is a pretty high bar, and I love Troy and the location of my home, but we could be better, especially if some changes to the Master Plan and zoning ordinance are made to address the serious problems facing our city.

The Troy offce market, has a serious problem as 20% of our offce space in Troy is vacant, that’s over 830,000 sq. ft. For example, the Bank America building by Somerset is advertising up to 150,000 square feet available. The advertised vacant space isn’t the only problem. With employees working from home, many businesses have a lot of unused space. When the lease is up for renewal, businesses will downsize.

The logical solution to the vacancy problem is conversion to multifamily residential. It’s not an easy nor cheap conversion, but the end product has exactly what people are looking for. Attractive buildings, new fnishes, workout area, frst foor retail, nearby restaurants and an urban setting.

These conversions also eliminate the need for townhouses and apartments located next to single family homes in our subdivisions. Developments that are eliminating open space and trees and covering most of the land with buildings and parking lots. What will happen when the offces eventually make the conversions to residential? The amenities and surrounding uses of the converted offces will be much more attractive and desirable than what is built in the Neighborhood Nodes, like at Wattles & Crooks or Livernois & Sq. Lake. Will these buildings end up empty?

The Planning Commission will likely be meeting on this March 12th, followed by the City Council to address changes to the Master Plan. If you agree that we would rather have single family homes with lawns, trees and roaming deer in our Neighborhood Nodes than multifamily buildings, please attend the meetings or email the planning commission c/o Planning@troymi.gov.

Jerry Rauch rauchtroyplancomm@icloud.com

0451-2410

Turtle

from page 1A

ownership arrangement allows Six Rivers to negotiate a sale through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund to the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Department.

Once the grant is obtained, the land can be purchased from the school district and the protected area can be established by the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Department.

“It will be the first nature preserve operated by Oakland County parks,” said Melissa Prowse, the manager of planning and development for the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Department. “We don’t operate any parks as nature preserves. Our goal is that this will be a place where you can come and quietly enjoy nature. You can view wildlife, you can walk on trails, you can meditate. It will be there for generations. We’re not going to build it out or use it for recreation like sports and playgrounds. There will be a parking lot, a restroom facility, and we’ll redo or formalize some trails and ensure no trails go through sensitive areas that could affect the ecosystem.”

The Troy School District purchased the property several decades ago with plans

to build various facilities on it over the years having been proposed. Without a pressing need for new land for the school district, and considering the wetlands ecosystem that lives on the land, many residents began pushing for the land to be protected and preserved.

“This was a major property for the school district,” said Board of Education member Vital Anne. “It was never utilized, and there was a lot of support from the community to keep it as a natural preserve, especially because it’s in the middle of Oakland County and we don’t have many such things around.”

The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund did not approve the grant to Six Rivers in 2023, but they will be reapplying this year. With the additional money provided by the school district, those pushing for the new protected area are confident they will receive the grant this year.

“We did apply last year, and there were a lot of applications for the grants. Ours barely missed the cutoff for funding,” said Prowse. “We are increasing our points in the (methodology) they use to score applicants. We’re coming back with a higher percentage of match funding. Last year we had 25% of match funding from the school district, and this year we have 50%.”

The district previously was match-

ing $937,500. It will now be contributing $1,875,000. This means the trust would only have to award $2.6 million instead of the approximately $3,537,000 that was requested before.

An open house took place Feb. 21 to communicate with the public what the next steps are for the property.

“We’re holding the event today mostly

Photo provided by the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Department Residents have long desired that the Turtle Woods property, located on Square Lake Road, between John R Road and Dequindre Road in Troy, become a nature preserve.

Robotics

from page 8A

“For all of the robotics extracurricular programs in the Troy district, we support their growth and advancement. Specifically, when the high school teams wanted to build a nonprofit to support the teams, TRF had to come in and promote the program. We host events, help out at workshops and camps, and so forth. We are not part of the school district, but we support their programs. It’s similar to an athletics booster program for sports programs,” Simhan said.

Each team that attends will have a space to demonstrate what their team has been doing, and there will be a field for the teams to use their individual robots as they would at competitions.

“Each team registers for a table, and they can decorate the space. Then they bring in some of their fields where they can safely drive the robots while people look on,” said Sulecki. “If they are at all interested in learning more about robotics and the creativity and hard work of Troy students, it would be a really good event to attend and support.”

Simhan said the teams will show off their accomplishments and inform the pub-

lic, including potential future robotics team members, how the teams work, what competitions are like, and what the students on each team do.

“At the high school level, teams will show those in the middle school what they can expect,” he said. “The teams will be demonstrating their robots and competitions. They will show off their designs and what they do at competitions. We will focus on the three predominant age-level programs in Troy. … They show how to build the parts from scratch, how to program in Java, how to operate the robots and how to construct the robots at the high school level.”

Simhan encourages anyone who is interested to drop by and check out the event and see what robotics can offer.

“Come and discover robotics programs for all three grade levels and see where your kid can get involved in Troy,” said Simhan. “Teams are bringing their robots from all three levels. We like to think of it not only as kids building robots but as robots building kids as they learn practical skills, teamwork and communication abilities.”

Visit www.troypl.org or call (248) 5243538 for more information.

Call Staff Writer Brendan Losinski at (586) 498-1068.

Photo provided by Srinivas Simhan Robotics teams from Troy will explain and demonstrate how competitions work in a special event at the Troy Public Library.

Spring

But

The

“Donations are down,” said Furniture Bank Board President Wanda Van Haitsma,

Maple syrup

from page 4A

Visit the Troy Nature Society website at www.troynaturesociety.org to sign up. Preregistration is strongly suggested. The fee is $10 per person for teens and adults; $7 for children 4-12 years; and $7 for Troy Nature Society and Troy Historical Society members; children under 4 years of age get in free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Walk-ins are only accepted on the day of the program subject to space availability. The Stage Nature Center is located at 6685 Coolidge Highway in Troy.

“We tap the trees. People from the community can come and help us tap them, and it gets people involved in the process,” explained Youngerman. “We tap about 67 trees, hang a 5-gallon bucket on the side of the trees, and then we wait for the sap to drip into the bucket. We do it all the old-fashioned way. We bring it back to the sugar shed and put it into a big tank for storage.”

He said the process is very simple, but also very precise.

“We collected our first tapping Feb. 26 and got about 190 gallons. That is probably going to yield about 3 gallons of syrup, total,” said Youngerman. “Our sap has approximately 2% or 2.5 % sugar. The rest is water we need to boil down. … As the water is being evaporated out, the sugar concentration goes up. It’s like making a balsamic reduction when you’re making it on the stove. We’re reducing the sap until we get to 66% sugar in the liquid. Then it thickens and turns color. It is caramelization, which is why the syrup becomes dark instead of clear, like when it comes out of the trees. The longer it is on the fire, the darker it will get, but the better it tastes too. The maple flavor comes out in the cooking process. That’s what everybody wants. Then we filter and bottle it.”

Youngerman got involved in the nature center’s annual syrup making tradition through his wife and said he fell in love with the process.

“My wife was a teacher at the nature center,” he said. “She’s been with them for more than 30 years. When I met her in 1992, I went to the nature center because she was there all the time. I loved it and started with just parking cars and doing chores. I started helping making syrup and have been getting more involved as time went on. I’ve now been making syrup for about 15 years.”

Those attending can try the syrup, but due to health regulations, the syrup they can purchase doesn’t come from the Troy trees.

“We don’t sell it, but the nature center sells syrup, but that is syrup we buy because it is certified safe for consumption,” Youngerman said. “We, the volunteers at the nature center, usually bring home the syrup we make ourselves.”

Both said the historic nature of the syrup-making process is something that ties people to the past and shows them something about Troy’s heritage.

“It’s very historic. The Native Americans have been making syrup around here for centuries,” said Youngerman. “We also incorporate how the Native Americans taught the settlers how to do it and how the process has evolved. It’s part of Troy’s history, and we love to keep that going. Most people don’t know anything about the process or how it is done.”

“This is a unique educational experience that engages the public into how sap was made into maple syrup 200 years ago,” added Reeb. “It’s an exciting experience for families, especially those who have never seen a historical sugar camp or wood stove evaporator in action.”

Call Staff Writer Brendan Losinski at (586) 498-1068.

Suspect charged with stealing tires off disabled vehicle

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

The incident took place at 1:41 p.m. Feb. 21 near the I-75 northbound offramp to Crooks Road. The owner of the disabled vehicle said he had left the vehicle on the side of the road that morning because it was overheating, and when he returned, he found the suspect removing the wheels and tires.

According to the police, the suspect claimed he was removing the wheels and tires because he worked for a tire shop. When the police arrived, the suspect was unable to provide any documentation to prove he owned or worked for such a business, nor did he have any personal identification, including for the vehicle he was driving. Police said both passenger side wheels/tires of the victim’s car were found in the subject’s vehicle, along with numerous other used tires.

Charges expected after vehicle strikes trees and signs, nitrous oxide found in vehicle

A 26-year-old Troy man is expected to face charges for operating under the influence of drugs after allegedly striking multiple signs and trees before driving up onto a divided median.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:18 a.m. Feb. 17 near the intersection of

CRIME WATCH

Rochester Road and East Big Beaver Road.

Troy police officers received calls from those who witnessed the damage and responded to a nearby parking lot, where they were told the vehicle had pulled into following the incident. According to police, the driver told them he lost control of the vehicle when the front bumper came off. Officers observed two canisters of nitrous oxide, with a mouthpiece attached to one of the cans, on the passenger seat.

Officers said the driver performed poorly on sobriety tests, and a blood draw was authorized. Charges are pending the results of the blood test.

Dodge Ram stolen

A 2012 Dodge Ram truck was stolen from in front of its owner’s home sometime between 8:30 p.m. Feb. 12 and 6 a.m. Feb. 14 in the 2100 block of Orpington Drive.

Catalytic converters stolen from dozens of work trucks

The catalytic converter from a 2021 Ford Econoline van belonging to Evoqua Water Technologies was stolen while the van was parked overnight in the lot of the business, located at 1350 Rankin St. The theft occurred sometime between 5 p.m. Feb. 9 and 8:56 a.m. Feb. 13.

Catalytic converters from 10 work trucks belonging to Parks Lawn Service, at 1401 Souter Blvd., were also stolen from within the business’s gated lot sometime between Feb. 12 and 14.

The catalytic converters were stolen

from 10 company trucks at the Accessories of Michigan business, located at 2300 Meijer Drive. The thefts took place at approximately 1 a.m. on Feb. 24.

Wheels, tires stolen from dealership lot

A window was broken and the wheels and tires were stolen from four vehicles in the dealership lot of Suburban Ford of Troy, located at 777 John R Road, between 5 p.m. Feb. 12 and 7:42 a.m. Feb. 13.

Car damaged on Troy Center Drive

The side mirror and windshield wipers were damaged on a vehicle parked in the 2800 block of Troy Center Drive sometime between 8 p.m. Feb. 16 and 2:45 p.m. Feb. 17.

Flooring stolen from job site

A contractor reported that 64 boxes of flooring were stolen from a home in the 6000 block of Edmunds Drive sometime between 3:30 p.m. Feb. 16 and 9:30 p.m. Feb. 19.

Vehicles stolen

A 2021 Dodge Challenger was stolen from the parking lot of 3310 W. Big Beaver Road sometime between 9:30 a.m. and 12:09 p.m. Feb. 21. A 2021 Ram 1500 was also stolen from a parking lot at 305 W. Big Beaver Road sometime between noon and 2 p.m. Feb. 21.

Vehicle broken into at community center

The window of a 2018 Honda CR-V was broken and a bag of personal items was stolen from the Balkan American Community Center parking lot at 1451 E. Big Beaver Road sometime between 11 a.m. and 1:35 p.m. Feb. 18.

License plate stolen

A license plate was stolen from a vehicle parked at 201 W. Big Beaver Road sometime between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Feb. 21.

— Brendan Losinski

Careers

from page 1A

“The program provides women with business professional clothing so when they go out looking for jobs they can dress appropriately,” explained UCFS-CALC President and CEO Kristin Olmedo. “It’s a new program for us. We’ve always accepted new and gently used clothing for other purposes, but that didn’t usually mean formal or business attire, so a lot of our clients didn’t have access to that, despite needing it.”

Vanessa Denha Garmo, the head of the Women’s Business Institute, said that this need is particularly important for those the UCFS-CALC serves, since they focus heavily on aiding those new to the United States.

“A lot of the clientele that our organization caters to are new immigrants, so they are trying to get on their feet,” she said. “They might be divorced or have lost a husband, so they are new to the workforce. We are helping them get clothes for job interviews. This is a more holistic form of aid as it’s helping them get on their feet so they won’t need help down the line.”

The new initiative was made possible by a grant from the state of Michigan for $437,700.

“We recently have been awarded a new grant, the Barrier Removal and Employment Success Expansion Initiative, which is through the state of Michigan, which is designed to help get people into the workforce and remove barriers to employment,” Olmedo said. “With International Women’s Day coming up it seemed like a

good opportunity to ask the community for help with this and launch it.”

The program is intended to be a permanent one for UCFS-CALC, and anyone who needs assistance is welcome to speak to them.

“People can donate clothes at our office, at 2033 Austin Drive in Troy. They can call us or visit our website at www.ucfamilyservices.org for more information,” said Olmedo. “Those looking for help can contact (248) 5280130 and ask for a case manager to discuss their needs.”

“This is about women helping other women in need. It helps them get a leg up,” Denha Garmo added. “We have a lot of successful women who are doing well in their careers, and they just want a way to give back.”

Both said that this is a great way for people to help others get on their feet and build their lives while doing little more than taking a look inside their closets.

“For someone like myself, who is a professional in the workforce, my closet is overflowing, so I take for granted that I can just pick something out to go to work every day,” said Olmedo. “Not everyone has that, so we need to band together to help all women move forward.”

“A lot of women have clothing in their closets that they haven’t worn for three or four years,” added Denha Garmo. “If it’s professional business attire, maybe give it to someone who can actually benefit from it. It also gives women the confidence to do well in a job interview. You’re always nervous in an interview, but if you feel like you fit in and have the proper confidence, you can do better in that interview.”

Call Staff Writer Brendan Losinski at (586) 498-1068.

WHEN WILL COUNCIL STOP WASTING OUR MONEY?

Uniquely situated among suburban municipalities, Troy utilizes an in-house City Attorney as opposed to attorneys at private law frms. We’re told that this is the best bang for the taxpayer’s buck, as the cost of these employees is ofset by the services we receive. Given my work as an attorney I have always been skeptical of this claim.

Troy’s 2023-2024 Budget allocates $1.4 Million Dollars to our Legal Department, for which we receive four attorneys. Tis does not include the hundreds of thousands of dollars in fees the city pays for outside legal work requiring specialized lawyers. By comparison, our neighbors, who contract legal services to outside law frms, pay as follows: Birmingham pays $523K for 8 attorneys; Farmington Hills pays $744K for 25 attorneys; Sterling Heights pays $960K for 18 attorneys; Rochester Hills pays $295K and has 4 attorneys handling their legal matters. Privatizing legal services ensures cost efectiveness and diverse expertise in handling litigation.

Tere are additional costs Troy Citizens incur for not having diverse expertise through outside law frms. Troy has fought and lost multiple lawsuits: Because of the Transit Center lawsuit, Troy was forced to pay the builder $4.15 million for the land behind Kroger, then paid yet again to allow vehicle trafc to the transit center through the Kroger parking lot. Why? Because the City Attorney couldn’t foresee the legal issue. Recently the City Attorney fought and predictably lost the Mosque lawsuit, paying over $600K in damages and attorney fees.

Why does the Troy City Council continue to pay millions each year for a law department when other cities have found ways to control costs?

REN NUSHAJ, Attorney / Prosecutor Ren@MichiganTreeInitiative.org

Photo provided by Kristin Olmedo

Women in need of business-oriented clothing can speak to the case workers at UCFS-CALC to find the perfect outfit for free so they can help further their career opportunities.

Marvelous

from page 7A

tle communication between him and Kimco, with the communication that has taken place being “very un-definitive and ambiguous.”

“The latest is that I’m going to have to be out of here by the end of the year. At least that is what is presented to me so far,” he said. “I know I am here till the end of the year; whether they’re going to give me any more time beyond that, I don’t know. They’ve been very ambiguous in everything.”

Yagoda said that his reaction to the development was shock and disappointment.

“It was definitely not something that I was expecting to happen and definitely not something I was expecting to happen as quick as it is,” he said.

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 was originally a part of Tally Hall, which Yagoda described as “like the first big food court in metro Detroit.”

After Tally Hall closed in 1988, Marvin’s ceased operations until around 1990, according to Yagoda.

He described the Marvin’s experience.

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

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

Farmington Hills Mayor Theresa Rich said that she has had a number of conversations with Yagoda.

“What I’ve made very clear from the get-go is my hope that this very iconic business chooses to stay in Farmington Hills,” Rich said. “We’ve always thought that it’s

BUSINESS CLIP

Dr. Shariff Bishai opens Detroit Orthopaedic Institute

a great draw for the city and it helps make Farmington Hills a destination. They’ve been a good partner with us in the city, and we hope they continue to be so.”

Yagoda expressed no ill-will toward the city of Farmington Hills for approving the partial redevelopment.

“The city’s been phenomenal to me,” he said. “This is something that the city has no control over. As long as the property owner meets the zoning and the licensing requirements, a city can’t tell a property owner who they can lease to or things like that.”

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.

“It’s really nice to be wanted,” he said. “I’d love to stay in Farmington Hills. They’ve been phenomenal to us for years, but I have to go where I’m going to find the best option for me, and where that is, I do not know right now.”

However things end up playing out, Yagoda has thought about the issue from perspectives other than his own, and he understands the business side of things.

“They say progress is good, and progress is good, but it’s not always good for everyone, and I’m the unfortunate victim here,” he said. “I’m not blaming my landlord. I’m not blaming the city. … Do I agree with it from a business standpoint, separating myself from the picture? Absolutely. I get it.”

Yagoda did say, however, that it hurts. He is not the only one who is dealing with the disappointment of having to relocate the business.

He pointed out that more than 50,000 people from all over the country and the

See MARVELOUS on page 22A

Dr. Shariff Bishai, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in shoulder treatment and sports medicine for 17 years, has opened Detroit Orthopaedic Institute PLLC in the city of Troy. Bishai and his staff celebrated with a ribbon-cutting Jan. 25.

As medicine and surgery becomes more difficult to navigate for the patient, Detroit Orthopaedic will allow the patient to see the doctor, understand their pathology, and be involved with shared decision-making in their care. Bishai’s experience includes the latest and most minimally invasive treatments for patients.

The business is located at 1560 E. Maple Road, Suite 120, in Troy. Call (248) 952-8080 or visit detroitorthoinstitute.com for more information.

0080-2410

Turtle

from page 10A

as an update for the community,” said Prowse. “I think most people are aware that we were not awarded the trust fund grant last year, and a lot of people were disappointed about that. We do have a very strong plan moving forward, though, and we are giving it another run this year, and we are very excited about it. We want everyone who supported us in the run-up to our first application to know where we are at and for them to share their support again.”

The next application for the grant is due April 1.

Anne said that, given the value of the land, the school district would need to receive some compensation for it, hence the need for the grant.

“As a board, we have a responsibility to ensure the district keeps it for its students but also to try and find a financial gain, if possible,” said Anne. “We took the 6-acre parcel along the road for development that wasn’t wetlands. That was sold. The rest we wanted to give it in perpetuity to a group that would maintain it. Now there is this grant that will help (the district) offset some of the cost, so we get money for the value of this very valuable property. … It was a 25% match; now it is 50%, because we are willing to go lower in order to get this grant so the land can be maintained.”

Chris Bunch, the executive director of the Six Rivers Land Conservancy, said that those who want the land protected should push for the grant and ask their elected officials to support it.

“Pay attention and stay involved. We want people to

stay tuned to this issue if it’s something they want for their community,” he said. “I would suggest they communicate to (Troy) City Council, because they can be a strong supporter of projects like this. They should contact their state representatives, too. They can contact the trust fund on behalf of this project. Letters to Oakland County (Parks and Recreation Department) also can be included in our application if they are received before April.”

With a change of policy from the Board of Education, the likelihood of the custodians of the Turtle Woods property receiving a grant so it can be made into a wildlife refuge has drastically increased.

Any such letters can be sent to Prowse at prowsem@ oakgov.com.

“We want people to know we are still working on it. We didn’t forget about it because we didn’t get the grant last year,” said Prowse. “If we are successful, we won’t acquire it until the end of 2025 and it won’t open to the public until probably 2026.”

Call Staff Writer Brendan Losinski at (586) 498-1068.

Photo provided by the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Department

Furniture Bank

from page 14A

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 Haits-

See FURNITURE BANK on page 23A

Photo provided by the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan Janith Bryson — one of the 2,000 local individuals and families helped last year by the Furniture Bank — can now have visitors because she has furniture.

Marvelous

from page 19A

world have signed a petition in protest of the development.

“It’s unbelievable to see how many people are touched by my father’s passion and what he started,” Yagoda said. “I’m flattered by the response and that the people started that, but at the same time I’m realistic and I understand how business works, and that wasn’t going to, unfortunately, change anything. But still, to see that many people supporting us is unbelievable, and it shows me that I don’t (want to) close. … If they were going to be dislocating a Meijer’s, a Kroger or a McDonald’s, you’re not going to get 50,000 people that sign a petition to try and stop it.”

West Bloomfield resident Emily Meretsky is one of the people who signed a petition.

“I cried out of anger and out of being upset, and I was not very happy about it,” Meretsky said. “And then I looked immediately, ‘What can I do to fix it? What can I do to help?’”

Meretsky attended Marvin’s as a child and continues to now as an adult.

“That is a historic landmark of a sort from when my parents were my age, and even younger,” she said. “They shouldn’t have to move.”

Another resident of West Bloomfield, Miriam Leary, has frequented Marvin’s during various stages of her life.

“I have memories from, basically, all parts of my life — single person, married person; now I take my kids there,” Leary said. “I hope they can stay in the Farmington or West Bloomfield area … but if they move a little farther, we’ll probably still go.”

Leary has taken notice of the community support for Marvin’s.

“I belong to several Facebook groups in the general metropolitan Detroit area, and when they originally announced right before Farmington was going to vote on whether

BUSINESS CLIP

StretchLab Troy opens Feb. 22

StretchLab Troy, a locally owned business, opened Feb. 22. The business said it has a team of highly trained “Flexologists,” and that stretching improves sports performance, increases range of motion and flexibility, reduces muscle and joint pain, improves posture, and reduces stress.

or not to approve the plans for Meijer’s, my groups blew up,” she said. “I would say hundreds of people were commenting about how upsetting it was they were moving, and the petitions were flying around to tell the city how much they didn’t want them to approve the plans.”

Rich said that the council worked together to make sure the development is something that is going to be “very positive for all and very welcoming as a destination.”

“The overall project is a fantastic thing for the city,” she said. “When you think about that intersection where we have 14 Mile, Orchard Lake and Northwestern all coming together, we are seeing some major development coming in very, very soon, and so, starting with the Hunter’s Square development, we’re going to see very much an upgraded … gateway to the city. … So, when I look at what’s coming in that gateway to the city, it will really make the city stand out as looking very modern.”

Rich provided details about what people can expect to see.

“One of the things we’re excited about with the Hunter’s Square development is, it’s going to very much uplift Farmington Hills, and that area in particular, as a destination,” she said. “We’re going to see more common areas for people to get together; we’re going to see some outdoor dining; we’re going to see some outbuildings; we’re going to see more public art. I think our residents will be very happy to see what goes in.”

Although it is still possible that Marvin’s could lease a space within the center, Yagoda said that the building is being demolished, and that there’s no changing that.

However, he also shared some words of encouragement for fans of Marvin’s.

“I am looking at other locations,” Yagoda said. “We are not going to close. That’s not an option at all. … Where we will reopen, I do not know yet.”

A representative from Kimco Realty declined to comment.

The business offers one-on-one and group assisted stretching sessions to customers across a broad range of age and fitness levels.

Owners Kyle and Brianne Josefiak and Mark and Nicole Docherty celebrated the opening with a ribbon cutting at 2862 W. Maple Road. For more information, call (248) 963-0223 or visit Stretchlab.com.

0164-2410

Furniture Bank

from page 21A

ma 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.

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.

“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.

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

Photo provided by the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan

ICONIC FASHION MOMENTS

Seasonal

Handyman Services A#1REPAIRSERVICES: GUTTERS Clean/Repair InstallGuards SIDING Vinyl-Siding/Alum-Trim Gable/SoffitVents/Shutters ROOF Leaks/Shingles Vents/Caps 248-892-1927

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

**CLUTTERGUY'S**

Removal-Experts Residential/Commercial Houses/Offices Garage/Storage-Areas EfficientCourteous Workers Reasonable-Rates Free-Estimates NEEDCLUTTER REMOVED? LETUSDOTHEWORK! 586-258-6672

Heating & Cooling

AFFORDABLE

FurnaceRepair Greg'sHeatingLLC Servicesallmakes andmodels Servicecallis89.00 10%seniordiscounts 586-422-8528

Home Improvement

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

Home Repairs

EXTERIOR REPAIRSLLC.

Call1-866-495-1709

GUTTERS &WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOMMICOLI 313-656-9402

526-1849

Book clubs: Find month meetups for romance, mystery, learning English, kids/beginners and more, Troy Public Library, 510 W. Big Beaver Road, troypl.org

Widowed Friends events: Lunch 1:30 p.m. every second Thursday of month, Alibi of Troy, 6700 Rochester Road, RSVP to Joyce at (586) 323-6007

• Breakfasts for men only, 10 a.m. every first and third Thursdays of month, Lukich Family Restaurant, 3900 Rochester Road in Troy, RSVP to Ed at (586) 909-1444

Troy Newcomers: Social group for women, activities include service projects, bowling, euchre, wine tasting, book club, games nights, golf, scrapbooking and more, troynewcomers.com, clubactivities@ troynewcomers.com

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

MARCH 9

Line dancing: Sponsored by Oakland County Traditional Dance Society, doors at 7 p.m., lessons for beginners at 7:15 p.m. and dancing from 7:30-9:30 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Troy, 6363 Livernois Road, (248) 217-1058, info@octds.org, octds.org

MARCH 16

Contra dancing: Sponsored by Oakland County Traditional Dance Society, doors at 7 p.m., lessons for beginners at 7:15 p.m. and dancing from 7:30-10 p.m., live music by Dawn’s Early Light, First United Methodist Church of Troy, 6363 Livernois Road, (248) 642-3306, info@octds.org, octds.org