Royal Oak Schools superintendent announces retirement
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — After eight years with Royal Oak Schools, Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick announced her retirement at the March 13 school board meeting. Her retirement will be effective on July 31.
“Marking my 39th year in public education leading in this district has been an incredible opportunity,” Fitzpatrick said during the meeting. “I am the first female superintendent in the history of this district, and I have been very proud to represent you with that.”
“I just wanted to convey how deeply I respect the work that you do,” Michelle Cook, treasurer of the school board, said at the meeting. “It is clear that you are committed and dedicated to the students, to the staff and to helping all of us fulfill the role that we have taken on as board members.”
Fitzpatrick began her career in the Berkley School
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — Royal Oak is on the road to a greener footprint following the addition of a Ford Transit electric vehicle to the senior center’s fleet.
The Royal Oak Leo Mahany/ Harold Meininger Senior Community Center provides seniors or adults with permanent disabilities with transportation services 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday. Transportation can be provided to doctor appointments, grocery stores and more.
The senior transportation vehicles travel anywhere from 80 to 130 miles
Fitzpatrick
Photo provided by Judy Davids
Harold Dallou, John Dionne, Marti Lewis, Sarah Duckery and driver Michael Gagecki prepare for a trip in the brand-new Ford Transit electric vehicle that the Royal Oak Senior Center is now using for transport services.
SECOND FRONT PAGE
String of vehicle thefts lead to 14-year-old suspect
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — A 14-year-old suspect was taken into custody March 4 following a string of auto thefts in the Royal Oak area. The juvenile recently had moved to
Royal Oak, according to Lt. Rich Millard, of the Royal Oak Police Department.
Royal Oak police received stolen-vehicle reports concerning a Kia Sportage Jan. 30 and a Hyundai Tucson Feb. 27, according to Millard.
The vehicles were later recovered within
a mile of where they had been stolen, according to a press release sent out by the Royal Oak Police Department. While investigating one of the reports, officers reportedly located security footage showing the suspect wearing a mask.
On March 4, officers were notified of a stolen Hyundai Sonata that had been taken near Devon Road and 13 Mile Road.
After receiving the report of the stolen vehicle, police were able to locate the Hyundai Sonata unoccupied and parked in the back of an apartment complex parking lot
STAGECRAFTERS ANNOUNCES LINEUP FOR 70TH SEASON
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — Stagecrafters has some iconic productions coming up to celebrate its 70th season.
Featuring a mix of broadway favorites, thought-provoking dramas, comedies, and family productions, there is sure to be a show for every taste, according to a Stagecrafters press release.
“For 69 seasons, Stagecrafters has brought powerful storytelling to the stage, creating unforgettable experiences for our community,” Sara Carolin, director of development and marketing, said in a prepared statement. “This season’s lineup honors our rich history while embracing the future of live theater.”
To create the 70th season lineup, Daryl Ziegelman, president of Stagecrafters, said in a prepared statement that surveys were conducted to help shape the show lineup to exactly what the people want.
“Crafting our 70th season involved carefully selecting shows that represent both our history and our future,” Ziegelman said. “We aimed for a dynamic and balanced mix of beloved classics that honor our roots, fresh
Photo provided by Bureau Detroit
Stagecrafters premiered “Beauty and the Beast” on Nov. 22, 2024.
Grant awarded to Royal Oak Schools adult education program
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — It’s never too late to finish high school and receive a diploma.
Through the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer gave 15 schools in Michigan a total of $3 million to boost their efforts in helping adult learners ages 23 and older to obtain their high school diplomas.
Royal Oak Schools’ Churchill Community Education Center, 707 Girard Avenue, Royal Oak, received $58,000 of that money, which was announced March 10, and plans to put it toward transportation, salaries for teachers and mentors of the program, and upgrades to software, according to Joy Zug, adult education coordinator.
“The program is designed to help people who have families and jobs be able to finish their high school credential,” Zug said.
This is the fourth year Zug has applied for this grant, and the fourth time the school has been given the money. This grant money does not fully fund the program, but it helps the team of teachers and mentors in their work. Other funding comes from the State School Aid Act.
“We are very thankful for this, (the grant), it helps us out a lot. It’s not our main funding source, but it certainly helps with the high school diploma people,” she said.
Zug said that the program takes the average student around two years to complete, but it can be done at any speed. It’s all up
See GRANT on page 16A
Photo provided by Joy Zug
Royal Oak Schools’ Churchill Community Education Center, 707 Girard Ave. in Royal Oak, received $58,000 in grant money to go toward its diploma program.
Local quilt guild celebrating 30th year with big show
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
OAKLAND COUNTY — The CAMEO Quilters Guild will be hosting a quilt show next month in celebration of its 30th anniversary.
The guild’s 30th anniversary show, called “Bloom Together,” will be held April 4-5 at the First United Methodist Church of Troy, located at 6363 Livernois Road.
The event will feature more than 150 handmade quilts, from smaller 15-by-15-inch quilts to the massive 108-by-108inch pieces that can take years to make.
“We’re showing them. We’ll have quilts throughout the space and people can come in and see the quilts. We do have vendors who will be there, selling fabric and quilting related items and things like that,” said Pleasant Ridge resident Rosemary Spatafora, of CAMEO. “CAMEO” stands for “Come And Meet Each Other.”
In addition to the quilt showings, there also will be a themed-basket auction and sales of quilt-shop-quality fabric.
While the focus of the show isn’t to sell quilts on-site, attendees who find quilts of interest can meet with quilt makers to strike up potential business deals.
“Some of the quilts, the makers may be selling them, but if that’s the case, they will put a little card on them saying ‘this quilt is for sale’ and put their name and contact info,” Spatafora said. “So it won’t be like, ‘Oh, you can come in and buy a quilt there.’ It’s mostly for people to come in and see the quilts.”
Theresa Nielsen, of Royal Oak, has been making quilts for over 35 years and has been to almost all of CAMEO’s quilt shows for the past 15.
Nielsen, who is in the middle of making 25 quilts at the moment, loves the process of making quilts, whether it’s
Photos provided by Rosemary Spatafora
In celebration of its 30th anniversary, the CAMEO Quilters Guild will be hosting a quilt show April 4-5. The quilt show will display more than 150 handmade quilts of various sizes, including some that took years to make.
See QUILT SHOW on page 15A
Stagecrafters
from page 3A
productions that appeal to newer audiences, and diverse stories that reflect the broad interests of our community.”
On the Main Stage in September, audiences can enjoy the musical show, “Tuck Everlasting,” directed by Jennifer Ward.
Starting in November, “Frozen” the musical will be coming to the Stagecrafters Main Stage, directed by Deborah Landis-Sigler.
In February of 2026, experience the mystery story of “Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express,” directed by Leta Chrisman.
The classic production of “Fiddler on the Roof” will be directed by Ari Holland and presented in April of 2026 on the main stage.
And finally, the last show of the season premiering on the main stage will be “Newsies,” a fun and heartwarming musical being directed by Maria Fernandez-Ahola.
The Second Stage will be showcasing productions including “Amy and the Orphans,” “Daddy Long Legs” and “5 Lesbians Eating a Quiche.”
The Stagecrafters Youth Theater lineup includes “Beetlejuice Jr.” and “The Phantom Tollbooth.”
“By blending classic shows with contemporary works, we wanted to create something for everyone,” Ziegelman said in a prepared statement. “The classics offer a sense of nostalgia and tradition, while newer productions provide fresh perspectives and stories relevant to today’s audiences. This balance keeps our programming vibrant and engaging.”
Stagecrafters has been a staple in metro Detroit since 1956. It was founded by two teens from the Clawson area, according to stagecrafters.org.
“From those tenuous beginnings, a vibrant theater community grew into one of Metro Detroit’s most popular community theaters,” the website states.
The shows consist of volunteer members of the community who wish to develop their talents, according to stagecrafters.org.
“Stagecrafters remains popular because we continually strive to offer exceptional theatre experiences that resonate with diverse audiences,” Ziegelman said in a prepared statement. “Our success comes from a combination of community engagement, artistic excellence, and the wonderful volunteers and artists who bring every show to life.”
All the Stagecrafters shows take place at the Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette Ave. in Royal Oak.
For more information and tickets, visit stagecrafters.org.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
Photo provided by Bureau Detroit
Bob Minchella deals with the sound and effects during a Stagecrafters show.
MASTER PLAN PUBLIC HEARING SET TO TAKE PLACE APRIL 8
ROYAL OAK — A public hearing regarding the Royal Oak Planning Commission’s proposed master plan will take place at 7 p.m. April 8 in the City Commission Chambers, room 121, 203 S. Troy St. in Royal Oak.
The city of Royal Oak has been working on this new master plan to update portions of the existing master plan that are more than 20 years old, according to planroyaloak.com.
The goal is also to update the plan to align more with the current conditions of the city.
The draft of the master plan can be viewed at planroyaloak.com.
MOTHER-SON NIGHT WAS A HOME RUN
CLAWSON — The Clawson Mother-Son Night on March 1 was a hit.
The event was sold out, according to Lisa Ball, assistant director of recreation and senior services.
The event included inflatable bounce houses, dancing with a DJ, a photo booth, and cookies and punch. The night was decorated in a sports theme.
“Events like this are essential for strengthening family bonds and building a connected community,” Ball said via email.
For more information on other recreational activities hosted by the Clawson Community Center, visit cityofclawson.com.
NATURE SOCIETY TO HOLD ANNUAL FUNDRAISER APRIL 24
ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Nature Society will be hosting its 17th annual soiree/fundraiser from 7 to 10 p.m. April 24 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road in Royal Oak.
The event will include a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, desserts and a chance to socialize with other nature society and community members.
The purpose of the event is to raise funds to protect, maintain and improve 50 acres of Royal Oak’s wooded nature preserves at Cummingston Park and Tenhave Woods.
The event costs $10 per person in advance or $15 at the door.
For more information on how to donate and to purchase tickets, visit romi.gov/463/Annual-Fundraiser.
TROY — People can adopt a new furry friend at a Detroit Dog Rescue adoption event March 29.
The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at City of Cars, 1695 Stutz Drive in Troy.
There is an adoption fee ranging from $200 to $400. An adoption application, agreement and home check are required. To facilitate the home check, people are asked to bring photos of the inside of their homes and of their yards.
Donations will also be accepted at the event.
Donations can be monetary or items listed on the organization’s Amazon wish list at amazon.com/ registries/gl/guest-view/1K792DG7NQBKG, or daily supplies on the Detroit Dog Rescue website, www. detroitdogrescue.com/donate.
Photo provided by Detroit Dog Rescue
Photos provided by city of Clawson
District as a special education teacher before transitioning into instructional support and staff development, according to a Royal Oak Schools press release.
“From the start of my career in 1986, I have passionately pursued teaching and learning,” Fitzpatrick said in a prepared statement. “Each role has allowed me to work with outstanding educators in two amazing communities.”
Fitzpatrick also had her time in the administrative realm, serving as assistant principal and principal at the elementary and high school levels in Berkley.
Fitzpatrick was known to focus on curriculum enhancement, staff supervision and student engagement, according to the release.
“When I was a teacher in the Berkley School District, I was afforded a lot of opportunities to be a teacher leader, to get my feet wet and try on some leadership roles with peers,” she told the Royal Oak Review “And my master’s degree is in administration as well, and that work was very interesting to me. So then when I made a decision to leave the classroom and try on administration for
The late Dr. Ringold founded Bionicc Body Screening in 2022 after battling cancer twice. He believed MRI full body screenings could empower individuals to take control of their health.
Softball Size Tumors Silently Grew
Dr. Ringold discovered he had stage four cancer with tumors as large as softballs silently growing inside his body after experiencing shortness of breath. His treatment was brutal. He su ered cruel side e ects. After his cancer went into remission, it returned a year later as a brain tumor. Dr. Ringold believed there had to be a better way. He envisioned a future where individuals could take control of their
the first time, I really enjoyed all of the opportunities that were afforded to me.”
Fitzpatrick said she had a lot of mentors who helped her gain experience and confidence in those administrative roles.
Fitzpatrick made a lasting impact on Royal Oak Schools, implementing five district-changing initiatives.
In 2017, Fitzpatrick led the district when voters passed a bond for $60 million, providing funding for facility improvements, technology and educational resources, according to the press release.
Throughout her time in Royal Oak, Fitzpatrick focused on providing community-driven events, which connected the school district with the community.
Fitzpatrick recruited and hired many of the district’s leaders and administrators.
The superintendent also led the long range planning process that focuses on a strategic plan to guide the district’s vision and priorities.
Fitzpatrick also mentored staff members who have aspirations to be administrators.
“I feel incredibly proud of everything that we’ve accomplished,” Fitzpatrick said during the meeting.
Fitzpatrick said that she is retiring to prioritize time with her family.
“After almost four decades, it’s time to
do something different with my time and have more free time for my family. I have adult children now and they’re just in a new phase in their life that I would love to be more a part of,” she said. “This job has many, many demands, and it just seems like the right time.”
Fitzpatrick also secured grants for Royal Oak Schools and its students.
In particular, Fitzpatrick secured support from the Oakland County Schools Mental Health Grant Program, which helped to provide resources for district initiatives and bolster programs that promote student well-being and educational opportunities, according to the press release.
Fitzpatrick also was recently awarded the Safe Routes to School mini-grant that aims to help improve student safety and encourage walking and biking to school through infrastructure improvements and community engagement.
“It’s been a shared mindset in the community for continuous improvements,” she said. “We know we are a great school district, we have an amazing community, and we knew that we also wanted to be self-reflective and always look forward to what’s next and what would serve our students best.”
“I had that shared mindset with my staff as well as our Board of Education, and
Advertorial
that’s what really drove us to put things in writing and make commitments to our community and our strategic plan,” she said.
“I just want to thank her for all her years, the importance in ensuring that our mission, vision and values stays the same and we are committed to our staff, students and community. So, thank you.” Maryanne VanHaitsma, school board trustee, said at the meeting.
The immediate next steps for Fitzpatrick are to ensure a smooth transition to the next leader of the Royal Oak School District.
“I really want to make sure that the district is in a good position and that I can help as much as possible in that transition,” she said. “And then I do believe some travel is in my near future, to just explore some places we haven’t been able to visit, take a little more time for that.”
But this is not the end for Fitzpatrick, who said she still sees herself contributing to the school community in different ways.
“I don’t believe I am finished in the profession,” she said. “I think there’s probably other things I would like to do to be a contributing member and help future leaders.”
For more information on Royal Oak Schools, visit royaloakschools.org.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
A Father’s Legacy, A Son’s Mission: Full Body MRI Scans Without a Doctor’s Referral
(South eld, MI) e late Dr. Warren Ringold knew rsthand the devastating impact of late-stage cancer diagnoses. As a respected family physician, he witnessed countless patients battling illnesses that could have been detected earlier. His own grueling battle with late-stage cancer ignited a passion, leading him to create Michigan’s rst MRI full body screening center called Bionicc Body Screening.
health and detect potential problems before they escalated. In his nal days, Dr. Ringold passionately advocated for MRI full body screenings, a proactive approach he believed could empower individuals to take control of their health.
Raising Awareness
Today, his son Ryan carries on this mission. ough not a medical professional himself, Ryan’s dedication to his father’s legacy drives him to raising awareness of this service for families of Michigan. “Every week I learn of another person who felt perfectly ne, only to wake up with an unexplained symptom and discover they have stage four cancer. Once symptoms manifest cancer is usually advanced,” says his son Ryan. “My father never wanted another family to su er the emotional and physical hardships that our family and he endured. He wanted to save lives.”
Full Body MRI Scans Without a Doctor’s Order
Bionicc Body Screening o ers elective, full-body MRI screenings that provide a comprehensive picture of your internal health, going beyond what traditional checkups often reveal. State-of-the-art technology can detect tumors as small as a pea, aneurysms, risk of stroke and a multitude of other conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Screenings include scans of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, hips, shoulders and spine.
A Life Saved
Mark B. and his younger brother decided to visit Bionicc Body Screening last spring for a proactive screening because cancer ran in their family. Mark was skeptical until his results returned a 3-centimeter mass on his lung, which tested positive for cancer. He had three-fourths of his lung removed. He credits the scan for saving his life. Meanwhile, his brother’s results were clean.
Scans are safe, non-invasive, emit no radiation and are available without a doctor’s referral.
LIMITED TIME OFFER - Learn more now. Visit BioniccBodyScreening.com to download a free Welcome Information Kit and $200 savings o er. Book an appointment by calling 1-833-BIONICC.
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Books & Badges
CLAWSON — Clawson Police officers will be reading books from 6:30 to 8 p.m. April 9 at the Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson.
This is a family-friendly open house event with no costs for admission and no sign up required.
Officers will be available to get to know the community and share doughnut holes while reading books to the attendees.
For more information, visit cityofclawson.com
Royal Oak Nature Society’s walk schedule
ROYAL OAK — The Nature Society of Royal Oak will be hosting a series of nature walks to kick off the warm weather.
All park maps are provided at romi.gov/1013/Park-Locations-Trail-Maps to help locate the parks.
The Beginning of Spring Walk will take place at 2 p.m. March 23 at Tenhave Woods. It will be an educational walk focusing on what to expect during the beginning of spring.
The Spring Wildflower Walk at 2 p.m. April 19, also taking place at Tenhave Woods, will have attendees looking for various types of flowers including red and white trillium, blue and yellow violets, jack-in-the-pulpit, bloodroot, trout lily, wild geranium, spice bush, spring beauty, wood poppy, wood anemone and more.
A second Spring Wildflower Walk will begin at 2 p.m. April 26 at Tenhave Woods to look for more of those types of flowers.
At 10 a.m. April 26, visit Cummingston Park for the Mushroom Walk where attendees can learn more from Mary Fredricks, botanist/mycologist of the Royal Oak Nature Society. She will be teaching the group about mushrooms and other fungi that are common in urban woods.
For more information on the nature society, visit romi.gov/407/Nature-Society.
— Taylor Christensen
CRIME WATCH
Vehicle stolen from street
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 4:25 p.m. March 3, an unknown person stole the complainant’s vehicle from the street near Golf Avenue and Ardmore Avenue.
Vehicle stolen from end of driveway
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 4 and 5 p.m. Feb. 27, an unknown person stole the complainant’s vehicle from the end of the driveway near Sylvan Drive and 13 Mile Road.
Wallet stolen out of locker
ROYAL OAK — A complainant re-
ported that between 9:50 and 11 a.m. March 1, an unknown person stole the complainant’s wallet after breaking the lock on the complainant’s locker at the LA Fitness on Woodward Avenue.
Items
stolen
from CVS
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 11:09 a.m. March 2, an unknown person stole various items from the CVS on Woodward Avenue.
Car stolen while running in the driveway
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 7:30 a.m. Feb. 24, an unknown person stole the complainant’s vehicle, which had been left running in the driveway near North Washington Avenue and La Plaza Court.
— Taylor Christensen
from page 1A
per day, according to Yolanda Botello, director of the senior center.
“It will definitely help the environment but also will help us save on fuel usage,” Botello said. “I am hoping that we can do a full day’s run on one charge.”
The electric vehicle was fully funded by the Department of Energy through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program. The total cost of the van is $99,753.37, according to Judy Davids, Royal Oak community engagement specialist.
Currently, the senior center transporta-
tion fleet consists of six vehicles that are being gassed up around four times a week, according to Botello, with the oldest powered by diesel.
Botello said that the senior center sees a high usage in its transportation services and at times has had to turn rides away, so the new vehicle will help prevent that in the future.
The new Ford Transit can seat six people and also has a lift for those who need help getting in and out of the vehicle.
“We are very excited to try out our new electric vehicle, and I have eight bus drivers, and they’re all eager to get their turn to drive,” Botello said. “We will also be utiliz-
Photo provided by Judy Davids
Joe Gacioch, Royal Oak city manager, said that providing the senior center with the first EV in the city gives a look into two of the city’s top priorities: community and environment.
Thefts
from page 3A
on Devon Road, according to the press release.
A few hours later, police were able to apprehend the suspect at around 3:15 p.m. when the juvenile returned to the stolen Sonata.
After further investigation, police suspect the juvenile of being responsible for a fourth reported auto theft, a Kia Sportage on March 3.
“This is a perfect example of amazing investigative teamwork, which solved four crimes and stopped an outof-control teen from victimizing more of our residents,” Chief Michael Moore said in a prepared statement.
It is suspected that the 14-year-old is the culprit in the March 3 theft because the SUV was recovered near where the first two were recovered, police said.
“All four cars were unlocked,” Millard said. “The suspect then damaged the steering column to gain access to the ignition system and was able to start each car.”
According to Millard, two of the vehicles were stolen from apartment complex parking lots, one from a driveway and one from the street.
“I suspected that the juvenile just wanted a car to drive around in,” Millard said. “The suspect told us he learned to steal cars by watching TikTok and YouTube videos.”
Moving forward, Millard urges residents of Royal Oak to lock their vehicles whenever they are left unattended.
“We have had many car thefts where the owner left the car unlocked with the key fob in the car,” he said. “Although none of these cases involved a key or fob being left in the car, it is still the best advice to lock your car and never leave the key fob in it.”
The 14-year-old is currently being held at Oakland County Children’s Village. He has been charged with one count of receiving and concealing a stolen motor vehicle, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison; and three counts of unlawful driving away of a motor vehicle, a felony punishable by up to five years in prison, according to the press release.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
On Our Staff At ML To Help With All Your Special Occasions & Parties
LEFT: Police said the 14-year-old suspect in a string of vehicle thefts would damage the steering wheels to gain access to the ignition systems and then start the vehicles.
ABOVE: A Kia Sportage
Photos provided by Rich Millard
CALENDAR
MARCH 20-23
‘The Wizard of Oz’: Musical presented by Shrine Catholic High School Performing Arts Department, 7:30 p.m. March 20-22 and 3 p.m. March 23, Shrine Catholic High School & Academy, 3500 W. 13 Mile Road in Royal Oak, (248) 549-2925, shrineschools. com/news/come-see-the-wizard-of-oz
MARCH 22 & 24
CAMEO Quilters Guild events: English paper piecing lecture and demonstration during monthly meeting, 7 p.m. March 22 (doors at 6:30 p.m.), and National Quilting Day sew-in with coffee and doughnuts in morning and lunch provided (bring beverages), 9 a.m.-3 p.m. March 24, Clawson United Methodist Church, 205 N. Main St., cameoquilters@gmail.com, (248) 544-4504, cameoquilters.org
MARCH 23
Spring walk: 2 p.m., Tenhave Woods in Royal Oak, park at Marais/Lexington lot and walk 300 feet east to entrance, romi.gov/411/nature-walks
MARCH 29
Dog adoption event: Presented by Detroit Dog Rescue, adoption application, agreement and home check (bring photos of inside and yard) required, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., City of Cars, 1695 Stutz Drive in Troy, see dogs at detroitdogrescue.com
APRIL 1
Royal Oak Woman’s Club meeting: Social time at 6 p.m., general meeting at 6:30 p.m. and program about Royal Oak Boys & Girls Club/Metro Detroit Youth Club at 7:15 p.m., light snacks and refreshments served, 404 S. Pleasant St. in Royal Oak, rowc. org/events
APRIL 7
‘Growing Dahlias: From Easy to Competition’: Talk by Southeastern Michigan Dahlia Society President Lucy Propst, 6:30-8 p.m., Mahany/Meininger Senior Community Center, 3500 Marais Ave. in Royal Oak, free but registration required, (248) 743-7091, royaloakgardenclub@gmail.com, royaloakgardenclub mi.org
APRIL 12-13
Greenfest: Features environmental groups and organizations, sustainable marketplace and food options, educational activities, live music, animal interactions and more, free with admission, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, also electronic recycling in exchange for free admission, 9 a.m.-noon, 10 Mile Road parking lot, detroitzoo.org/ events/greenfest
APRIL 12 & 14
Book sale: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 12 and noon-8 p.m. April 14, Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson, (248) 588-5500, clawson.lib.mi.us
APRIL 14
Royal Oak Garden Club: Social time at 6:30 p.m. and business meeting from 7-8 p.m., Unity of Royal Oak, 2500 Crooks Road, also meets May 12 and June 9, (248) 743-7091, royaloakgardenclub@gmail.com, royaloakgardenclubmi.org
APRIL 24
Royal Oak Nature Society soiree/fundraiser: Benefits city’s 50 acres of wooded nature preserves, features silent auction with 150-plus items, 50-50, desserts and Mediterranean dinners for sale, 7-10 p.m., Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, romi.gov/463/annual-fundraiser
Editor: David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com
Reporters: Taylor Christensen | (586) 498-1081 | tchristensen@candgnews.com Mike Koury | (586) 498-1077 | mkoury@candgnews.com
Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
ONGOING
Fish fries: Also chicken tender dinners, plus live music, 4:30-7 p.m. March 21 and April 4, Royal Oak First United Methodist Church, 320 W. Seventh St., (248) 541-4100, rofum.org
‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’: Musical-comedy set in ancient Rome about slave trying to win woman for his master in exchange for freedom, presented by Stagecrafters Main Stage, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays March 28-April 13, Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette Ave. in Royal Oak, (248) 541-6430, stagecrafters.org
See CALENDAR on page 16A
HOMES
UTILITY COMPANIES GIVE TIPS TO SAVE MONEY ON ENERGY YEAR-ROUND
BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com
Energy bills can add up throughout the different seasons in Michigan, whether trying to stay cool or keep warm.
DTE Energy and Consumers Energy have some tips to help alleviate some of these costs, such as adding insulation to your home or reducing your thermostat temperature when you’re away from home.
Jose Goncalves, DTE Energy efficiency manager, said DTE Energy encourages customers to manage their energy use through energy-saving programs, rebates and simple tips to stay comfortable and lower bills.
He said some energy-saving tips to manage costs include year-round maintenance of one’s furnace and sealing any leaks in windows and doorways.
“Clean or replace filters. Dirty filters block airflow, causing your furnace and central air conditioning to slow down air flow and make the system work harder to keep you warm or cool, wasting energy. Clean or replace furnace and air filters regularly — at least every three months,” he said.
He said sealing air leaks and adding insulation as needed help.
“Ensure your home is properly insulat-
ed by checking for gaps in doorways or windows that are letting air in or out and sealing up any air leaks with low-cost, clear plastic window sheeting. This can save you up to 10% on your annual energy bills,” he said.
He said installing a smart thermostat can save $100 a year.
“Program your thermostat to automatically dial down a few degrees while sleeping or when you’re away to lower your heating and cooling costs. Homes with high heating and cooling bills, as well as homes that are unoccupied for much of the day, can save approximately $100 a year with an Energy Star certified smart thermostat. Find them on the DTE Marketplace with an instant discount,” he said. The DTE Marketplace is located at dtemarketplace.com.
He said LED light bulbs are more efficient and durable, and they last up to 15 times longer than incandescent bulbs.
“They use 90% less energy while providing the same amount of light,” he said.
He mentioned the cost of heating water.
“Water heating consumes about 90% of the energy it takes to operate a clothes washer, so by washing your clothes in cold water, you’ll save about $66 per year,” he said.
He said air-drying clothes can help a lot.
“Clothes dryers use more energy than any other household appliance. Consider air-drying clothes on a drying rack or outside when it’s warm instead of using the dryer. This not only saves energy but keeps the quality of the fabric,” he said.
In the winter, he recommends turning the thermostat down.
“During the winter, set your thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and at night or while you are away, turn it down a few degrees to help you save up to 10% annually on energy costs,” he said.
Some indications of energy or heat loss, which can cause higher bills, are condensa-
tion, cobwebs and melted areas of snow on the roof. Moisture condensing on windowpanes is a sign of warm air escaping and meeting the cold glass surface. Cobwebs indicate that there is an air leak along the exterior of the home that lets exterior air inside. Melted patches of snow on a roof that is otherwise covered with snow show that heat is escaping through the house.
Goncalves said a summer tip is to use ceiling fans, as ceiling fans were created to cool people, not rooms, by pulling up warm air and then pushing it down to create a cool breeze. Remember to turn it off when leav-
Photo provided by Jose Goncalves
Quilt show
from page 5A
shopping for the fabric or getting to share her quilts with other people.
“Some people think you can go to Walmart and get the same thing, and you can’t,” she said. “A real quilt is made not only with love, but a lot of hours and hand work. We have a passion like nothing else. It comes out in our work. I can work on a quilt for hours and let the day pass by.”
Nielsen said doing the quilt show is a lot of work, but the quilters end up with a nice display and the opportunity to talk to people about their work.
“I love talking to people about quilts, quilt making, and hoping to encourage … other people to take up quilting because it can be a lot of fun,” she said. “Sometimes people are scared that, ‘Oh, I gotta sew all those little pieces,’ or ‘I have to cut this out.
Correction:
What if I make a mistake?’ Every quilter makes a mistake. You live and learn from your mistakes and next quilt you make, you’ll do better. Everybody has that first quilt that they may not be proud of, don’t want to show it, but it’s out there. So, I love being a part of the quilt guild and being able to give back to other people.”
The show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 4 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 5. Admission for attendees to enter is $8, which will help support the group’s programs and charity work. Organizations supported by the event this year include HAVEN of Oakland County, Michigan Honor Flight, Orchard Children’s Services, Clawson United Methodist Church’s Layette Program and Royal Oak House Assisted Living.
For more information, visit cameoquilters.org.
Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.
The story “St. Patrick’s Day Parade to return to downtown Royal Oak” in the March 5 edition of the Royal Oak Review should have said that Shirley O’Brien, 89, matriarch of the O’Brien family, has been active in the Royal Oak St. Patrick’s Day parade since the parade’s beginning in 1999. O’Brien was named the grand marshal of the event. She has been a Royal Oak resident since 1961.
Grant
to the students and their availability.
There are approximately 45 students currently enrolled in the high school diploma program. To complete the program, the students must bring in their transcripts from whenever they went to high school.
Whatever criteria they did not finish at that time is what they need to do in the diploma program.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re 47 or 27, whatever the requirements were when your cohort graduated, those are the requirements you need to complete now,” Zug said. “People can test out of classes; we can accelerate classes for people so that they learn at their own speed.”
The diploma program at Churchill Community Education Center is a statewide program open to anybody in the state of Michigan. But, it also requires the students to come into the building at least once a week, which can be difficult for some people.
Part of the $58,000 will be going toward helping those who need help with the transportation aspect.
“A lot of the people quit the program because they can’t get here. So, we recently instituted a reimbursement program,” Zug said. “We can’t incentivize people to come here by giving them gas cards, but we can reimburse, so it’s based on the IRS mileage rate of how long it takes you to get there,
Calendar
from page 12A
‘Cock’ (aka ‘The Cockfight Play’): Production about man who takes break from boyfriend only to meet girl of his dreams, 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays and 3 p.m. Sundays through March 31, Ringwald Theatre at Affirmations LGBTQIA+ Community Center, 290 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, theringwald.com, read story at candgnews.com
Royal Oak Farmers Market: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, also antiques and collectibles 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, (248) 246-3276, romi.gov/1533/farmers-market
Harmony United Chorus: Open rehearsals for men’s
how many miles your house is away, and we just reimburse gas cards or bus passes to help people solve the transportation problem a little bit.”
Part of the money will also be going toward the software program Edgenuity, which the district uses to provide online classes.
“We use the software program to provide the online content of the classes, and then the teachers and mentors help the people during the weekly in-person class if they don’t understand something taught online,” Zug said. “And that software is, you know, kind of pricey, so the grant helps us pay for that every year.”
The students are split up between three mentors or teachers who specialize in helping the adults complete the requirements for their high school diplomas, according to Zug. The grant will also help to pay for their salaries.
Michiganders with a high school diploma can earn over $7,600 more per year than those without one, according to a press release sent out by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
“We want every Michigander, no matter who they are, to have a chance to learn more and earn more with a highquality public education and a path to a good-paying job,” Whitmer said in the press release. “This investment will help the more than 600,000 Michigan adults who don’t yet have a diploma get one so they can earn more money to protect and provide for themselves and their family. Getting this done also helps businesses expand in Michigan by connect-
barbershop-style group from 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Royal Oak Middle School, 709 N. Washington Ave., greaterdetroit.org
Bingo: 12:30-1:30 p.m. every first Friday of month, Mahany/Meininger Senior Community Center, 3500 Marais Ave. in Royal Oak, (248) 246-3900
Monthly groups: For kids, LGBTQIA+, book clubs for horror fans and more, Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E. 11 Mile Road, (248) 246-3700, romi.gov/1532/ library
• STEM and electronics hobbyists meet from 6-7:30 p.m. every first Wednesday, journaling and discussion group for older adults meets from 6:30-7:30 p.m. every third Monday, book club meets from 1-2 p.m. every third Wednesday, and writing group meets from
ing them with the talent they need to succeed. Let’s keep working together to make our state an even better place to live, work and invest.”
The Churchill Community Education Center, 707 Girard Ave. in Royal Oak, is where students go to in-person classes.
The next round of the adult education program registration will begin on Aug. 1 for the fall semester. There is a $25 registration and testing fee. To register, visit ccec. royaloakschools.org.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
6-7:30 p.m. every fourth Wednesday, Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson, (248) 588-5500, clawson.lib.mi.us
Widowed Friends breakfasts: 9:30 a.m. every second and fourth Wednesday of month, The Avenue Family Restaurant, 31253 Woodward Ave. in Royal Oak, RSVP to Marilyn at (248) 543-1018, widowedfriends.com
‘A Tangled Web: Stories About African Americans in 19th Century Royal Oak’: Exhibit on display 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through May, Royal Oak Historical Society and Museum, 1411 W. Webster Road, (248) 439-1501, royaloakhistoricalsociety.org
Kit Homes of Clawson exhibit: Includes advertisements, photos, artifacts and more about unique early 20th century housing, open 2-5 p.m. Saturdays
and Wednesdays until Dec. 31, Clawson Historical Museum, 41 Fisher Court, cityofclawson.com, (248) 588-9169, historicalmuseum@cityofclawson.com
Health workshops: For hypertension, diabetes, pre-diabetes and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, corewellhealth.org/classes-events/ southeast-michigan
Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday of month, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/support-groups
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/chapterevents/527
To view more events, visit candgnews.com/calendar.
Photo provided by Joy Zug
There are 45 students currently enrolled in the Royal Oak Schools’ Churchill Community Education Center adult diploma program.
from page 10A
ing this for some of our day trips.”
The purchase of the Ford Transit aligns with the city of Royal Oak’s environmental goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40% by 2030. It also is a start to the transition into a mostly EV fleet for the city, which is an initiative outlined in the Royal Oak Sustainability and Climate Action Plan.
This is the first time the city of Royal Oak has purchased an electric vehicle, and according to Joe Gacioch, city manager, it benefits both the senior center and serves as a test run for future EV fleet additions.
“It was important for us to purchase our first kind of public-facing EV, making sure that this was a commitment for our seniors,” he said. “I think it was a great opportunity, so it was a shared priority for everybody.”
Gacioch said that providing the senior center with the first EV in the city gives a unique look into one of the city’s top priorities.
“The first level is service, we need flatout reliability and an efficient vehicle for our seniors. These are important trips they are making often, and we want to be able to sup-
port them with a reliable vehicle,” Gacioch said. “But, above and beyond that, I think symbolically I love that we are able to have a modern, next gen electric vehicle purchase that prioritizes our seniors and isn’t city staff oriented. … Our first major investment is demonstrably for the population.”
Botello said that the senior center is grateful to be the first to try out the new vehicle.
“This is a very important program for seniors to continue aging in place,” Botello said. “And I thought this was a perfect location for us to trial the electric vehicle.”
Gacioch said that a few level-two EV charging stations are going to be installed at the senior center potentially in the next few weeks.
The city is currently coordinating with DTE to get the site ready for installation of EV charging stations. That includes an analysis of the grid and input on how to connect them safely, according to Gacioch.
In the meantime, the vehicle is being charged at the Department of Public Services yard at 1600 N. Campbell Road.
“We intend to embrace the shift towards EV or hybrid-ready vehicles,” Gacioch said. “It’s one small step towards emission reduction, and I think it raises attention for the support of the community to make sure
we are OK with investing our tax dollars towards this.”
Transportation services are provided for residents ages 60 and older or adults who have permanent disabilities.
To schedule a ride, call (248) 246-3914 between 9:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call up to two weeks in ad-
vance for appointments. A minimum of one day is required; however, space is not always available with such short notice, according to romi.gov.
For more information, visit romi. gov/383/transportation.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen (586) 498-1081.
Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Royal Oak
ABOVE: Marchers with Shrine Catholic Grade School and Early Childhood Center throw candy to spectators during the St. Patrick’s Day parade March 15 in downtown Royal Oak.
Canines dressed up in green. For more photos, visit candgnews.com/galleries.
LEFT: The queen and court of the Detroit United Irish Societies wave to the crowd.
MIDDLE: The Father Solanus Casey Big Head interacts with parade attendees.
BELOW: The Detroit Celtic Ramblers perform along the parade route.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
ABOVE:
ing the room. Keep an air conditioner clear of debris and the filter clean to reduce strain on the unit. It’s best to clean or change the filter once every three months.
“Raise your thermostat during the summer. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit during the day,” he said.
He said to keep the heat and humidity out, grill outside or use a crockpot or microwave.
“Using stoves and ovens can add 30% more heat to your home, causing your AC to work harder. If you do have to cook in the kitchen, turn on your exhaust fan to move the hot air outside,” he said.
Matt Johnson, media relations specialist at Consumers Energy, said one way to save money is by shifting electricity use to mornings, nights and weekends.
Johnson also noted that people can adjust their water heaters. Water heating is typically the third-largest energy expense, accounting for about 14% of energy bills. One way to cut down on this expense is to take a shower instead of a bath, to heat less water. Turning off hot water, instead of letting it run while washing or shaving, is another way to reduce costs. Another way to keep hot water hot is by making sure that pipes in unheated areas are insulated.
Installing a low-flow aerator or flow restrictor on an existing showerhead will save water. Setting the water heater temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit can cut water heating bills without losing comfort. When away from home for more than two days, setting the water heater to “on vacation,” if it has that feature, can save money.
Johnson said Consumers Energy gives customers the opportunity to reduce energy waste and lower bills through various energy efficiency programs, such as its smart thermostat program, home energy analysis, appliance recycling and water heater rebates.
“We provide our customers with payment assistance options and connect low-income customers with state and federal bill help programs. And in conjunction with our Clean Energy Plan, which uses natural gas as a fuel source to generate baseload power, we plan to save customers about $650 million through 2040,” he said.
For more information, go to consum ersenergy.com or dteenergy.com.
in the
and
Service Ordinance.
is
Interested applicants
to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48038 on or before the close of business, Friday, March 28, 2025. 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. 0281-2512
actress Jessica ____ 37. Not hers
38. Dionysus’ pipe-playing companion
39. Not on land
40. Water pipe
42. Dog tags, e.g.
43. First lunar phase (2 words)
45. Higher education reward
47. Biblical mother
48. *What “I love Lucy” did in the ‘80s
50. Name of the Blue Ox
52. *Gull-winged sports car
55. Party handout
56. Smoothie berry
57. Clickable image
59. Follows orders
60. Mixed breed canine
61. *Air Jordan, e.g.
62. *”Cheers” setting
63. Byron: “Maid of Athens, ___ we part”
64. Dispatched DOWN
1. Ambulance squad, acr. 2. “Shoot!”
3. Person of French descent
Preserve, as in body
Prejudiced one
Falstaffian in body
Cr me de la cr me
“Do ____ others as...”
Property right
____ Aviv
Bridge-like
of a
Tsar’s
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Landlord holds tenant at gunpoint
SOUTHFIELD — At 4:24 p.m. Feb. 13, a resident’s landlord kicked in the front door of a home in the 21000 block of Inkster Road and told the victim to get out at gunpoint.
The landlord was arrested for home invasion and assault.
Suspects arrested after breaking into construction site
SOUTHFIELD — At 12:33 a.m. Feb. 19, officers observed two suspects attempting to enter a building under construction in the 16000 block of Northland Drive. The suspects were arrested for breaking and entering, possession of burglary tools and obstructing police.
Wanted woman found
HAZEL PARK — On Feb. 24, a Hazel Park police officer on patrol observed a 2024 Chrysler 300 traveling in front with an expired temporary plate in the window. The officer verified the plate was registered to a Chevrolet Colorado truck and had expired in January.
The officer stopped the vehicle on northbound I-75 and I-696. The driver claimed she had purchased the vehicle two weeks earlier off Facebook Marketplace and didn’t have valid registration.
It was later found that she was wanted on a felony warrant for assault out of Sterling Heights. She was arrested and turned over to police there.
Officers further inspected the Chevrolet 300 and found the vehicle identification number plate to be fraudulent, locating the true VIN and determining the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Detroit in November 2024.
The investigation was turned over to the auto theft unit for investigation.
Stolen vehicle found
HAZEL PARK — A Hazel Park officer on patrol found a 2017 Kia Optima parked oddly in the Tim Horton’s lot at Eight Mile and Dequindre Road around 5:30 a.m. Feb. 23. Upon investigating, the officer found the vehicle was reported stolen out of Warren two hours earlier that morning. The Warren Police Department confirmed the theft, and the vehicle was impounded.
Warren resident reports assault and battery
WEST BLOOMFIELD — On Feb. 10, a female resident of Warren went to the West Bloomfield Police Department to report being the victim of assault and battery Feb. 9.
of business located on Maple Road, the victim was then reportedly flagged down by a female motorist on Orchard Lake Road.
The victim pulled over and the motorist who flagged her down was now out of the car and walked toward her vehicle.
The woman on foot accused the victim of having a relationship with the man she had just dropped off.
The suspect reached into the car and struck the victim in the side of her head twice with her hand.
According to police, no apparent injuries were sustained by the victim.
Resident reports scam
WEST BLOOMFIELD — On Feb. 8, a male homeowner living in the 2900 block of Greenwoods Court went to the West Bloomfield Police Department to report that he had been a victim of fraud.
He told the officers he invested $300,000 in a cryptocurrency that he believed was a legitimate investment located in Hong Kong.
The unknown suspect told the victim his $300,000 had grown to $2.4 million but he needed to pay $450,000 in taxes before the funds could be released to him. The victim paid the money but never received his investment profits.
The victim then invested an additional $250,000 in another cryptocurrency investment scheme and again was defrauded.
He contacted what he believed was a legitimate website for the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and reported his losses online. He then received an email from what he thought was the Federal Trade Commission stating they had recovered $980,000 of his lost funds. However, he would need to pay $64,000 in legal fees to an attorney before he could receive his funds, which he did.
He never received any returned funds and has been defrauded out of more than $1 million to date.
Money stolen at self checkout
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 4 p.m. Feb. 19, an unknown person stole money that the complainant had left unattended at the self-checkout at Kroger, 2200 E. 12 Mile Road.
Dog food theft
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 3:15 p.m. Feb. 17, an unknown person stole multiple bags of dog food from the Pet Supplies Plus located at 29402 Woodward Ave.
Resident encounters burglar BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 8:30 p.m. on
the 600 block of Purdy Street, where a 37-year-old male resident reported a burglary in progress. He and a 35-year-old woman live in one unit in the building and rent a second unit, from which they sell clothing, purses and other fashion merchandise.
The male victim went to the rental unit after receiving motion notifications and found its door had been forcibly opened. Inside, he encountered a man carrying a container of stolen merchandise.
The suspect initially claimed to be a police officer but could not produce a badge. The victim took the container of merchandise from the suspect and threw the man outside, then chased the suspect to Townsend and Pierce, where the suspect got into a vehicle and drove away. That vehicle is registered to a 62-year-old Detroit man. An investigation was ongoing.
Warren man uses fake preapproval to tour expensive homes
BIRMINGHAM — At approximately noon Feb. 24, officers were dispatched to a local real estate agency in response to a report of a suspicious person. The reporting person, a real estate agent, reported that the suspect, a 49-year-old man from Warren, was using a fake preapproval letter and refused to provide a driver’s license.
The suspect requested to tour high-value homes in the area. Further investigation revealed that he had previously been arrested in Shelby Township for using real estate agents to gain access to homes and committing larceny.
An investigation was ongoing.
Teen attempts to purchase marijuana
BERKLEY — Police were called to a local marijuana shop for someone who attempted to make a purchase with a fake ID. According to police, officers were called at 3:58 p.m. Feb. 9 to Quality Roots, 3916 W. 11 Mile Road. Police were told that a 19-year-old Detroit man attempted to use a fraudulent Michigan operator’s license to purchase marijuana.
A manager at the store knew the identification was fake and confiscated it, while the teen left the business. Police were able to identify the teen, contacted him and issued him a citation. Police said the teen agreed to identify websites where people could purchase fake IDs.
Office transporting prisoner spots drunken driver
NOVI — A Novi police officer reportedly observed a vehicle swerving on Haggerty Road near Grand River Avenue on Feb. 15. The officer was transporting a
Another officer who was patrolling the area then pulled behind the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. The driver reportedly told police that he was delivering papers, but the officer could tell he was intoxicated, police said. The man was arrested for driving under the influence and his car was impounded.
Stolen beer leads to arrest NOVI — Novi police were contacted after a man was seen by Walmart security stealing a $2 can of beer and then walking off toward Crumbl Cookies at 7 p.m. Feb. 16. Dispatchers advised officers that the man was spotted kicking the can and appeared to be highly intoxicated. According to the police report, officers confirmed that the man appeared to be intoxicated and said he would not respond to any of their commands and later determined that there was a language barrier. The man was arrested for retail fraud, and another officer came to assist with the arrest.
Resident reports scam TROY — Sometime between Feb. 13 and Feb. 18, a resident from Forge Drive reported that she received a letter in the mail claiming to be from Xfinity informing her that her bill was increasing. The victim called the number provided and was told they could lock her into a lower rate if she paid for the year upfront. The suspect went on to say that the deal was a promotion with Target, so she would need to buy two $300 gift cards for the payment. The victim purchased the gift cards and provided the activation codes to
Scam
victim was working with her bank to stop the cashier’s check.
Detroit Zoo’s Greenfest back in April
will be hosting Greenfest, an event highlighting eco-friendly practices, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 12-13 at the Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak. Greenfest is free with zoo admission, and free for members. Attendees can connect with local environmental groups and organizations, a sustainable marketplace shopping experience, sustainable food options, animal engagements throughout the zoo, hands-on and educational activities, live music, and more. In addition to the events, the zoo will be accepting old or unwanted electronics to safely recycle them during the annual e-recycling event that takes place at the 10 Mile Road parking lot from 9 a.m. to noon April 12-13. People who recycle electronics get a free ticket to the zoo. For more information on Greenfest, visit detroitzoo.org/ events/greenfest.
BOOK A TRIP...
According to a new AAA survey, using national AAA booking data, the top 10 domestic spring break destinations this year are:
1. Orlando, Florida.
2. Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
3. Atlanta, Georgia.
4. Miami, Florida.
5. New York City, New York.
6. Honolulu, Hawaii.
7. Anaheim, California.
8. Tampa, Florida.
9. Chicago, Illinois.
10. Charlotte, North Carolina.
Photos provided by Hospice of Michigan
Photo provided by Macomb Ballet Company