4/17/24 Woodward Talk

Berkley interim manager leads while city begins search process

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

BERKLEY — Berkley continues to work toward finding a new city manager while its interim gets settled into helping run the town.

Current City Manager Matt Baumgarten will leave his role April 19. In the interim, Nate Geinzer will be city manager while Berkley conducts its search process.

This isn’t Geinzer’s first time working in Berkley, as he previously worked as the Downtown Development Authority manager in the city for several months in 2007.

“It was very early in my career and I had another parttime job working with the city of Brighton, and there was a part-time opportunity here,” he said. “I spent some time in that role and then had the opportunity to get my first full-time gig in the city of Farmington Hills as their manager’s assistant, which worked out well because I was still relatively young in my marriage and we were getting ready to have a family, and a full-time job is an important piece of that process.”

Geinzer only spent around seven months in Berkley, but from that period, he gathered that it was a strong community.

“I had always kind of wondered … why being adjacent

See MANAGER on page 9A

Along with eighth grade art students at Norup International School, artist Daniel Cascardo leads the students in painting one of the murals that will hang in the school.

NORUP STUDENTS WORKING WITH ARTIST ON SCHOOL MURALS

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

BERKLEY — The students of Norup International School have been working together with a professional artist on murals that will be installed throughout the school.

Norup, located in Oak Park, has been collaborating with local artist Daniel Cascardo to create four murals that will go up in the school — two outside the cafeteria and two outside the gym. The theme of the murals is kindness and respect for all.

See MURALS on page 8A

Photo by Donna Dalziel

Ferndale resident captures photos of total solar eclipse

FERNDALE — A rare instance of a total solar eclipse engulfed a large part of the United States on April 8, capturing widespread attention.

According to NASA, a total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and the Earth, blocking out the face of the sun.

Traveling to get the best sight of the eclipse is not uncommon. Ferndale residents Greg and Shelly Stempfle took a trip to Emory Adams Park in Findlay, Ohio, to view the totality.

See ECLIPSE on page 4A

Ferndale Farmers Market no longer scheduled for this year

FERNDALE — It doesn’t appear that the second iteration of the Ferndale Farmers Market will happen this year.

The Ferndale Farmers Market was in the process of getting underway for next month, as it had begun taking applications for vendors in February. It was scheduled to begin on May 12 outside The Rust Belt Market and run every other Sunday until the end of September.

See MARKET on page 4A BY

Ferndale resident Greg Stempfle captured photos of the total solar eclipse on April 8 in Ohio. Greg and Shelly Stempfle traveled to Findlay, Ohio, to get a great view of the total solar eclipse.The Stempfles previously traveled to Missouri the last time a total eclipse happened in the United States in order to get the best view.

Photos provided b Greg Stempfle

Eclipse

from page 3A

“The path of maximum totality ended up being in the middle of Ohio, a little bit farther south of Findlay,” Greg Stempfle said. “We wanted to get the most amount of time in the shadow as possible, but we just found such a good spot in Findlay that I didn’t want to risk … not getting a good spot.”

Greg Stempfle is a big fan of both astronomy and photography, and he took the opportunity to capture photos of the total eclipse.

“I’ve always been interested in astronomy and science fiction, and it’s such a surreal, unusual event that it’s worth experiencing,” he said. “I do a lot of photography, too, and a lot of people like and look forward to my photography, so I feel a little bit obligated sometimes to document things for my friends and family.”

Though the eclipse went for a couple of hours, the totality lasted around four minutes, which meant Greg Stempfle had to act fast in order to get the best photos he could.

“I spent a good 30 seconds making

Market

from page 3A

According to Michael Fraley, owner of The Flower Project, he was told the market isn’t happening.

Fraley originally was going to act as the market manager for the farmers market, but, as he put it, a personal decision was made by Rust Belt that led him to leave this role.

When he informed the Rust Belt owners that he wasn’t going to be involved with the Farmers Market, Fraley was told that the event wouldn’t be happening at all.

“I sent an email to all the vendors putting Chris (Best), one of the owners of the Rust Belt, (as the contact) and letting him know that I was writing that I’ve informed other vendors that I’ve resigned and that they could reach out to him to get further details on what will happen next,” he said.

“His response was essentially … ‘I have no interest in managing the farmers market in the pavilion, nor will I be responding to emails from vendors. Best of luck to you,’” Fraley continued.

Best could not be reached for comment on the status of the farmers market.

The first Ferndale Farmers Market was held last year, also at The Rust Belt Market. For its second year, the market looked to ex-

sure I got a good and focused picture and snapped a couple shots and then just sat back, and then … I took in my surroundings, and then I spent the rest of the time just looking around and experiencing it,” he said.

“There’ll probably be only a couple more in my lifetime that I’ll be able to get to, and I’m only in my 40s. That’s how infrequent they are,” he continued.

The last time there was a total eclipse was on Aug. 21, 2017. The Stempfles also traveled then in order to get a great view of the eclipse, that time to the St. Louis, Missouri, area.

Shelly Stempfle said the eclipses are incredible experiences, especially with how the environment changes around her, as she feels the air get cooler, the lighting changes and even the sounds that birds make are different.

“It’s not like it just goes dark all of a sudden and then light again. It’s almost like the sun is on a dimmer switch, and that’s just so interesting to me,” she said.

“All of those sights and sensations that happen and then they’re gone — I just think that that’s a really neat experience,” she said.

Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.

pand and diversify its selection of goods offered. It was to house products such as arts and crafts, as well as prepared products like honey and jam, plus vegetables, fruits and flowers.

“I think (the cancellation is) sad for the community, because I think it’d be really great for Ferndale,” Fraley said.

Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.

MUSIC FANS

TUNE IN TO RECORD STORE DAY

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — The spirit of independent record stores will make music on Record Store Day, set for April 20 this year.

Record Store Day, held internationally, was launched in 2007 to give employees and customers the chance to gather and celebrate the culture of the indie record store, including those that sell used and new titles.

The event can trigger feelings of nostalgia for anyone who grew up listening to vinyl on their parents’ turntables or met up with friends at the neighborhood shop in their youth.

It’s also a day on which artists release new music or re-release albums and CDs that have been out of print or previously weren’t available. That could include music from current bands and also from groups no longer together. Some titles are limited releases.

From the mainstream to the obscure, Record Store Day will have artists from all genres: classic rock, rap, blues, jazz, punk and

Village Vinyl

John Lehl, left, and manager Adam Davey will be on hand to welcome customers on Record Store Day April 20. Pictured with them are posters from past Record Store Day events.

STARTING APRIL 22, 2024

492 Rochester Scan

owner

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

TREE PLANTINGS

Charity basketball raises money for Camp Casey

BERKLEY — Anderson Middle Schools raised thousands of dollars to help benefit the nonprofit organization Camp Casey.

The school held a “March Miracles basketball tournament” fundraiser on March 21 for the camp, which “provides horseback riding programs to children with cancer, rare blood disorders and other life-threatening illnesses.” The events saw students enter a tournament with a team and compete in a March Madness bracket competition.

The event raised $16,500 for Camp Casey.

FERNDALE — The Ferndale City Council awarded a contract for its 2024 tree planting program to Schichtel’s Nursery Inc. and Chestnut Ridge Nursery Inc. at its April 8 meeting. The Department of Public Works will be planting trees in Ferndale’s rights of way and parks. According to city documents, between residential and park plantings, the DPW will plant a total of 93 trees this spring. The total cost of the trees is approximately $15,000, and a portion invoiced to residents will cover approximately $10,500.

THREE EVENTS APPROVED FOR BERKLEY

BERKLEY — The Berkley City Council approved at its April 1 meeting three events that will be taking place later this year.

One event is the return of the Berkley Pride Block Party, which will take place 1-5 p.m. Sunday, June 23, on Robina Avenue south of 12 Mile Road, on Gardner Avenue south of 12 Mile Road, and in the municipal parking lot located between those two roads.

The next event is a continuous event, the Downtown Berkley Farmers Market from the Downtown Development Authority. It will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursdays starting on June 6 and ending on Oct. 31.

The Halloween-themed BOOkley Monster Mash Block Party from the DDA was approved for noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26, on Coolidge between 12 Mile and Catalpa.

MDOT TO HAVE OPEN HOUSES FOR LAST PHASE OF I-696 PROJECT

ROYAL OAK/FERNDALE — The Michigan Department of Transportation will host two open houses in regard to the last phase of the Interstate 696 Restore the Reuther project at 4:30-6:30 p.m. April 23 at the Southfield Public Library and at 4:30-6:30 p.m. May 15 at the Hazel Park Community Center.

The Restoring the Reuther project phase will improve the portion of I-696 between Lahser Road and Dequindre Road.

“The $290 million investment will include eight miles of new concrete pavement and base material, 1.5 miles of concrete patching, drainage improvements, and sign, traffic signals, and pavement marking upgrades,” MDOT stated in a press release. “Improvements and preventative maintenance on 60 bridges within the project limits will also be included.”

This project phase directly impacts the communities of Southfield, Lathrup Village, Oak Park, Huntington Woods, Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Madison Heights and Hazel Park.

Interested residents, commuters, community stakeholders, local businesses and MDOT staff will all be attending the open houses.

The project will occur between 2025 and 2027. During 2025 and 2026, the westbound lanes will remain open with eastbound traffic detoured via southbound M-10, eastbound M-8 (Davison Freeway), and northbound Interstate 75 back to eastbound I-696.

The Church Street plaza bridge is included in the project. It will be removed and replaced in 2025 and 2026.

Public comment can be submitted to Monica Monsma at MonsmaM@Michigan.gov.

Murals

from page 1A

“They had an idea of inclusivity, diversity, education, community, and so they gave me those kind of catchphrases and words, and then I came up with a black-and-white design,” Cascardo said.

“(The kids are) allowed to, wherever there’s white, to add colors, patterns and shapes to the design,” he continued. “We say that the sun doesn’t have to be yellow and it’s not in this picture. It’s purple and pink and whatever. So they’re able to do that. It’s how they express themselves creatively.”

According to Cascardo, around 350 students from the school’s kindergarten to eighth grade have been participating in the project.

The project was organized by art teacher Lisa Ficorelli, who said she wanted the art to show a sense of community and power

through kindness.

Ficorelli has been teaching at Norup for 22 of her 32 years in education. It also is her last, as she will be retiring at the end of the school year. She said she’s hoping that this mural program is something that can continue after she’s gone.

“I’m hoping whoever fills my shoes, I’m sure that they will do it. I usually try to do something every couple of years. There’s a lot of permanent art in the building. I think the community art with the kids is really important, that when they collaborate together and they work together, you know, it brings them together,” she said.

For the project, middle school art students are helping lead the elementary students in kindergarten, first and second grade.

“The older students are pairing up with them and mentoring them so that they can help them, guide them along in the process,” Cascardo said.

The students in grades three to five

work on the mural on their own.

“I thought it was really cool that we were working with, like, a professional artist and painting up a mural for our school,” seventh grader Celia Rubin said. “I thought it was really cool and a good opportunity.”

Rubin said she loved working with the younger students and seeing all the art come together.

“I’m excited that I get to be a part of putting something up that Norup is going to have for a while,” she said.

Eighth grader Emmanuel Powell said it was fun seeing how creative the younger students could be and also working with them on the art.

“I think it’s, like, a really nice idea of having the oldest grades connect with the youngest grades and work together and create something,” he said. “I feel like it’d be a very nice idea to continue this.”

After the murals are completed, Cascardo will be taking the art home to refine it.

“I bring it back to my studio and I clean it up and tighten it and make sure that the design is coherent so there’s not a lot of one color in one area or if there’s any signatures or things that they slipped in there, I clean it up,” he said. “(The students have) been pretty good. And so when they come back, they’ll be able to say, ‘Oh, I rendered the sun, I rendered that tree,’ and hopefully, when they’re in high school or college or whatever, they’ll be able to come back and see it.”

Ficorelli said seeing all the middle schoolers work and be engaged with the younger students has been wonderful.

“I had my advanced artists — my eighth graders — with first graders and they were all hugging,” she said. “The little first graders were hugging the eighth graders when they left because they’d, like, made a little bond because they were working together.”

Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.

ABOVE: Students at Norup International School are helping Cascardo paint four murals that will hang on the walls outside the gym and cafeteria. RIGHT: Cascardo and eighth grade art students help a kindergarten class paint one of the murals.

Photos by Donna Dalziel

Manager

to Woodward you didn’t see more activity at that time,” he said. “What’s really interesting is coming back 15 years later, there’s a lot more businesses in the area, there’s a lot more restaurants, there’s a lot more retail. The city’s clearly done something right in that time, because there’s a lot more active businesses along 12 Mile and Coolidge. I mean, the neighborhoods always seemed to be strong when I was here way back when, and they appear to still be very, very strong. So there’s been a lot of progress that appears in the community.”

After eight years working as assistant to the city manager in Farmington Hills, Geinzer served as the city manager of Brighton for six years.

from page 1A transitions to new city managers.

certainly look forward to utilizing their vast network to find the right person for Berkley, but it certainly doesn’t hurt having a longterm connection to Berkley and understanding of the area.”

Berkley recently hired GovHR USA to conduct a national search for the next city manager. Gavin said the firm laid out a fourmonth timeline to find a candidate, but that timeline is “not hard and fast” and just a projection for this process.

“We want to make sure we’re doing this right,” he said. “We want to make sure to get it right, and we definitely anticipate over that process, whether it be four months, five months, that kind of thing, we anticipate having robust public input, staff input and just various other stakeholder input (as) a part of the entire process.”

Geinzer said that when he accepted the position, it wasn’t his intent to apply for the job full time.

“You never know what’s going to happen over time, but my interest is helping out multiple communities,” he stated. “It’s only been a week, but there’s some really great people here. There are some very passionate city employees. I’ve had some great conversations with elected officials. These are the kinds of people I get to work with and I’m looking forward to learning more about them, I’m looking forward to learning more about the opportunities and struggles that the city of Berkley is dealing with, and in the time that I have, I’ll do what I can to help keep things moving forward.”

Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.

He was selected from a list of candidates who gave their names to the Michigan Municipal League as people who can help municipalities during transitions such as this one.

Mayor Pro Tem Ross Gavin believes Berkley is in good hands with Geinzer as interim city manager based on his experience in local government and assisting cities with

“Berkley would not be the first city that he’s helped do this,” Gavin said. “We’ve engaged GovHR (USA) to help conduct the search for a new full-time manager, and we

STATE OF THE COUNTY ADDRESS FOCUSES ON AFFORDABLE HOUSING, TRANSIT, BUSINESS

‘PROVING ONCE AGAIN THAT IN OAKLAND COUNTY, WORKING ACROSS THE AISLE IS HOW WE DO BUSINESS’

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

OAKLAND COUNTY — At his State of the County address at The Hawk Community Center in Farmington Hills April 4, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter painted an optimistic picture of where things stand in the county.

Coulter took the stage following remarks by Farmington Hills Mayor Theresa Rich.

During his speech, Coulter highlighted what he considers some of the county’s successes, including affordable housing, transit, small business coaching and mental health care.

He said that one of the county’s greatest strengths is fiscal responsibility, as, from his perspective, taxpayer dollars have been handled responsibly.

“Every year I’ve presented three-year balanced budgets with healthy reserves that help provide essential services that reflect our shared priorities and values,” Coulter said to those in attendance, including residents, and city, county and state officials. “That careful and far-sighted fiscal planning has once again allowed us to earn our AAA bond rating. … It’s the foundation that allows us to execute our strategic plan — an intentional and thoughtful roadmap to deliver initiatives and services to improve the lives of our people.”

Coulter shared what he thinks has gone well for the county over the past 12 months or so.

“We’ve had remarkable success on a number of fronts this past year, from transit to mental health care, affordable housing

to sustainability, small business coaching to education (and) training,” he said. “We were able to provide these innovative programs with the support of our Board of Commissioners. They passed a budget in a bi-partisan manner, proving once again that in Oakland County, working across the aisle is how we do business. These programs have touched hundreds of thousands of people.”

Coulter cited Oakland SAVES, which he said was opened on a Monday morning in January and is designed to provide grants to people with an interest in energy-efficient improvements in their homes.

“The interest and need were so high that by Friday of that same week, the entire $5 million in funding was spoken for,” Coulter said. “We’re helping to keep people safer and more comfortable in their homes, providing more energy efficiency and keeping more money in their pockets as they save on their monthly utility bills.”

Coulter said that affordable housing is important for attracting and retaining individuals to help grow the population.

“So, working with the Board of Commissioners and using federal American Rescue Plan (Act) dollars, we established a $20 million housing trust fund — this fund is working with developers to provide more affordable housing options in the county through incentives and gap finding,” he said. “Projects have already been approved for these funds in Southfield, Royal Oak Township, Pontiac and Rochester Hills, filled with both market-rate and affordable homes that will create inclusive communities for the hard-working Michiganians who are looking for attractive and safe places to raise their families. And we just

closed last month on a project in Rochester Hills to provide desperately needed housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It’s only the second such development in all of Michigan.”

With the help of multiple Oakland County Michigan Works offices, Coulter said that more than 8,500 people have entered the workplace over the last two years.

He said that due to services that have been offered, interns and apprentices have been matched with thousands of businesses.

Coulter touted the county’s Oakland 80 initiative, which aims to have 80% of the adult population attain a college degree or certified training by 2030.

He said the county is currently at 69%.

Coulter also highlighted Oakland Thrive, a nonprofit that was launched to provide coaching and consulting resources

Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter highlighted what he considers some of the county’s successes at a State of the County address April 4 at The Hawk Community Center in Farmington Hills.

for small businesses in the county.

Oakland Thrive can assist entrepreneurs with things such as a business plan, social media, financial workshops, and assistance with applications for business grants and loans.

Coulter also cited efforts to help small and midsize manufacturers.

“Our economic development department has helped 20 companies either locate or expand in Oakland County during 2023,” he said. “Their presence represents $387 million in new investment, and more than 3,300 new and retained jobs.”

In 2022, voters approved the Oakland County Public Transportation Millage. With that approval, the county is now authorized to levy a millage for the purpose of funding

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

transportation services throughout Oakland County. Prior to that, individual communities could opt out.

Residents in communities that opted in prior to the countywide millage paid 1 mill in taxes for public transportation services. Residents in all Oakland County communities will now pay 0.95 mill for 10 years, which is 95 cents for every $1,000 of taxable value of a home.

“We’re building on the strength of voters, who, like us, were committed to creating a countywide public transportation system,” Coulter said. “We’re expanding into the jobrich centers of Novi, Wixom, Bloomfield Hills and Rochester Hills, which is happening with the help of the SMART bus system. Transit is on the move for the folks who live in the outer reaches of Oakland County, who may not have been sure they would ever benefit from a public transportation system.”

Opponents of the millage, however, said that residents in communities where there is not a high demand for public transportation should not have to pay taxes for it.

Mental health care has been a popular topic in the country, and it is one that Coul-

ter touched on during his speech.

“Another significant initiative we’ve adopted … is our investment in expanding access to mental health care in Oakland County,” he said. “Through our partnership with the United Way of Southeastern Michigan we’ve provided millions in grants to dozens of nonprofits that have the expertise to positively impact, and in some cases save, the lives of tens of thousands of people across our country.”

Coulter’s speech also included a “sad note,” as he discussed the deaths of three individuals who helped serve Oakland County.

“Oakland County Sheriff Deputy Nicholas Dotson from Holly died in December after a battle with cancer,” Coulter said. “Sheriff Mike Bouchard said Nick had a special spark that led him to his job with the county because he wanted to make a real difference, and he did during his 10 years of service with the Sheriff’s Office. At the young age of 32 he leaves behind his wife, Delaney, and son, Sullivan.

“County Commissioner Gary McGillivray lost his battle with cancer late last year,” Coulter said. “He was a devoted public servant during his time as a councilman and mayor of Madison Heights, and during his 15 years on the Board of Commissioners. He was also a champion for the Oakland parks

system and as chairman of the Parks and Rec Commission.”

Coulter also recalled someone who he said had a legacy of helping people.

“We tragically lost Dr. Calandra Green, our county health officer, almost a year ago,” he said. “Calandra was a passionate advocate for public health services … especially in communities of color.”

Green’s death last year was ruled a homicide. She was found near her husband in their home in Pontiac. His death was ruled as a suicide.

At the address, Coulter announced that working with Oakland University, a scholarship fund to help nursing students at the university was created.

Coulter also said that a $20 million investment will help create new public spaces and make improvements to dozens of parks across the county.

He referred to the county’s 14 parks as the “crown jewel of Oakland County.”

Coulter said the county is helping communities with $14 million in grants to upgrade water infrastructure, with a $5 million investment going toward 29 senior centers across the county.

He also touted a multimillion-dollar upgrade to the county’s public radio safety program.

“That allows our police, firefighters and EMTs to seamlessly and in real time connect with hundreds of agencies across the region and the state so we can improve response times (and) better respond to a crisis,” Coulter said.

Oakland County Commissioner Bob Hoffman attended the event.

Although he said that he thinks the county is in good shape and he commended the employees who work for the county, he did share a concern.

“It just seems like we keep building staff and creating programs, and that’s always a concern to me. (It’s) somebody else’s money we’re spending,” Hoffman said.

He also questioned a decision to purchase two office buildings in Pontiac for $19.2 million.

“We have the true market value of those two office buildings,” Hoffman said. “It’s either $10 (million) or $12 million. So we’re going to pay $19.2? Then we’re going to get another $100 (million) or $150 million (invested) in it, and they talk about we’re getting money from the state, whatever. I don’t care where you get the money: It’s taxpayer money, and how are you creating economic development in Pontiac when you spend $19.2 million for a building and then take them off the tax rolls?”

FLOWER SEASON APPROACHES AS WEATHER IMPROVES

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT— The weather has been slowly getting warmer in Michigan, which means homeowners can start planning their flower beds for their properties.

The first thing people should think about when getting their flower beds ready, said Brad Wethy, manager for the Oakland County Farmers Market, is how to prepare the beds, what needs to be removed, what needs to be deadheaded and cut down, and what can last through the wintertime.

“It’s gonna be cleaning up that flower bed, making sure that when things do want to actually sprout through the ground, that they’re not having any extra obstacles such as branches, piles of leaves from the previous fall, things of that nature,” he said.

Wethy also recommended adding things to the soil that will help with plant growth, such as compost.

Matt Colonius, co-owner of Piechnik’s Greenhouse & Garden Gate in Oakland Township, said that people moving into newly built homes have to mend the soil.

“You buy a new house and it’s just an empty lot. The foundation that they dig, they bring up the old soil from the job,” he said. “They usually don’t replenish

Photo by Erin Sanchez

Flowers

from page 13A

the topsoil. So you’re stuck with this topsoil. It’s just not got any nutrients or anything in it. So it takes time the first year to establish your plants when you’re buying a new house. You have to add topsoil and nutrients.”

The best way to clean the flower beds, Wethy said, is to use simple gardening tools.

“You don’t need to go too in depth with it,” he said. “You don’t need power tools, nothing of that nature. A simple trowel, a simple … rake and just knowing what to remove and what not to remove can do leaps and bounds for your garden.”

Colonius said that if homeowners are cleaning up the yard, they should do a walkthrough to see if anything was damaged over the winter.

Items for homeowners to search for include broken branches caused by the weather and rodent damage.

“Be careful, if you have any perennials, not to disturb the perennials. Leave the mulch around them until the danger of frost is over, which is usually the beginning of

May, but it can be as late as Memorial Day,” he said.

As for what to plant right now, Colonius said flowers including pansies, daffodils and tulips would grow well.

“You might want to consider whether you have deer in your yard or not,” he said. “When you make the choices, you want some deer-tolerant, cold-tolerant plants. So you know pansies are wonderful. They can take the cold but … there’s a lot of problems with the way the deer have cohabitated with us and it’s causing a lot of issues with landscapes in the area.”

Besides sun and water, Wethy said the best way to keep the flowers healthy is to keep an eye out for pest and fungi issues, and issues with overcrowding.

“I even had issues with overcrowding. … As I removed certain things from the garden or gave them more space, they were actually able to flourish better,” he said.

He said it’s important to know the space and light requirements for plants — what needs more space, what grows in shade and what grows in direct sunlight.

Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.

CRIME WATCH

Resident defrauded of thousands

BERKLEY — A 78-year-old Berkley woman reported she was the victim of fraud April 1.

The police report states that the victim told police she had been contacted by someone claiming to be from Xfinity who told her that her account had been hacked and that there was fraudulent activity, including child pornography, associated with her account.

“The suspect stated her credit union account which she has used to pay her Xfinity account was hacked and that the FBI would also be contacted regarding the child pornography associated with her account,” the report states.

To clear up the issues, the Berkley woman was told to withdraw all funds from her Credit Union One account and deposit them into a digital wallet by buying bitcoin at various machines in the area. When she questioned the legitimacy of the transaction, she was contacted by someone claiming to be with the FBI who said the wallet would hold “bitcoin funds and would be released once her account was cleared up.”

The victim bought $38,900 at the various bitcoin machines. She told police she had not received any information on the bitcoin and realized there was no digital wallet and that she had been scammed. She stated she has received several calls from the suspect but has not returned the calls.

The woman was advised to contact the credit reporting bureaus and report the fraud and monitor her credit history.

— Mike Koury

Paul Viaene helps out at the flower stands and gives advice to Marsha Milton, of Lathrup Village.

Photo by Erin Sanchez

•

•

•

•

•

•

Royal Oak.

• Media Reload, 13285 Hall Road, Utica.

country. Each individual record store owner decides what titles to order.

Several metro Detroit stores will participate in Record Store Day. It has become a tradition for record collectors to wait in line before the stores open for the day in hopes of getting that one special title they have been patiently waiting for.

“People make a day of it,” said Todd Fundaro, owner of Flipside Records in Berkley, which will be open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. on April 20. “It’s the busiest day of the year by far.”

Flipside Records will offer discounts on used merchandise. Customers may even get a chance to see their favorite bands live this year as Fundaro will have ticket giveaways to 14 different upcoming concerts, including Santana, Green Day and Incubus.

The alternative rock group Paramore was crowned as the Record Store Day 2024 ambassadors. The musicians will pay tribute to the Talking Heads with their version of “Burning Down the House” on 12-inch vinyl; on the B-side will be Paramore’s song “Hard Times,” performed by David Byrne.

“That’s been getting some buzz,” Fundaro said.

As Record Store Day approaches, pop music’s biggest star right now — Taylor Swift — will drop her new album the day before. Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” is set for release April 19, and Fundaro expects “a bunch of Swifties” to go record store shopping to pick up the new release. “Dark Matter” from Pearl Jam is due out April 19, which could prompt fans of the Seattle rockers to hit the stores on Saturday.

Music from many other artists will come out on April 20 including selections from the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, The

Doors, Linda Ronstadt, Willie Nelson, Mavis Staples, The Offspring, Public Enemy, Queen Latifah, The Sisters of Mercy and many, many more. There are singles, full albums and picture discs. A list of new releases also can be found on recordstoreday.com.

‘There are a lot of good releases this year’

“We always have a great turnout,” said John Lehl, who owns Village Vinyl in Sterling Heights, which will open at 8 a.m. April 20. “There are 300 releases, and we should have most of them.”

For Lehl, the Mudhoney box set “Suck You Dry: The Reprise Years”’ is the title he’s most interested in. Village Vinyl recently moved from its digs on Chicago Road in Warren to its new spot at 34230 Van Dyke Ave., between 14 Mile and 15 Mile roads. Something Lehl always notices about Record Store Day is the camaraderie between customers.

“It’s a lot of people talking music and having a good time,” he said. “I think people are on the move all day bouncing from store to store. Every store has different sales.”

One piece of music people have been asking about is the release from folk-pop performer Noah Kahan.

“There’s a regular release and a split with Olivia Rodrigo, which is going to be pretty big,” Lehl said.

Village Vinyl has been in business for seven years.

“I enjoy everything about music,” Lehl said. “It’s always exciting to see what people will buy and what people will bring in. We see a little bit of everything.”

Melodies & Memories, located at 23013 Gratiot Ave., in Eastpointe, will get into the vibe of the occasion by offering a 20% discount on used merchandise all day. The store will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We do Record Store Day every year. A

lot of the people are our regular customers,” said Dan Zieja, who owns the business with his wife, Denise. “There are a lot of good releases this year.”

Over the years, vinyl records have been the biggest seller for the Ziejas. They’ve also witnessed a recent resurgence of 45 RPM sales, and plans are underway to start stocking vintage T-shirts. Melodies & Memories recently celebrated 36 years in business.

“We’re like an old slipper,” Zieja said.

Participating record stores are subject to change.

“We’ve been here a long time. People know our store from all over the world.”

According to Zieja, past shoppers have included rappers Eminem and Kanye West, and Motown great Martha Reeves.

“Aretha Franklin used to shop here,” he said. “Questlove (from) Jimmy Fallon’s show was just in here.”

Record Store Day is held twice a year, in April and every November on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Village Vinyl, which recently moved from Warren to Sterling Heights, will participate again in Record Store Day April 20. On Record Store Day, artists release new music or rerelease albums and CDs that have been out of print or previously weren’t available.

Seamlessgutter installationandrepair specialist.Builders License#2101202369 www.amgapplied services.com FullyInsured 248-828-7998

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

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

GUTTERS &WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOMMICOLI 313-656-9402 Handyman Services

sters-10,15,20-Yards, Clean-outs,Construction

APRIL 23

Go to College, Not into Debt: Virtual workshop for teens and parents, 6:30 p.m., Berkley Public Library, 3155 Coolidge Highway, registration required, berkleylib.evanced.info/signup/calendar

APRIL 27

A Walk at the Zoo: Fundraiser for Shades of Pink Foundation, 7 a.m.-noon, Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, www. shadesofpinkfoundation.org

APRIL 28

Community cleanup: Hosted by The Cleanup Club and Walking Lightly, 9:45-10:45 a.m., 1031 Hilton Road in Ferndale, meditation with Sitara Bird and coffee (bring a cup) by Dessert Oasis Coffee Roasters to follow at nearby park, thecleanupclub.org/events

APRIL 30

Vape 101: Hosted by Oakland County Health Division, 6:30 p.m., Berkley Public Library, 3155 Coolidge Highway, registration required, berkleylib.evanced.info/signup/calendar

APRIL 18-21

8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak Farmers Market on Facebook

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

The passenger asked the driver to let her out of the vehicle.

The passenger said that after she exited the vehicle, the driver punched her in the back of the head. An investigation was ongoing.

Someone uses stolen credit card number to order groceries

NOVI — Novi police were dispatched at 8:06 a.m. March 23 to a residence on Steinbeck Glen, near 13 Mile and Meadowbrook roads, after a woman discovered fraudulent charges had been made on her credit card.

The woman told police that her Capital One Venture account had been used to make unauthorized purchases at Kroger in Lincoln Park in the amount of $418.67 and again for $347. She said another unauthorized purchase was made at Fry’s Food and Drug in Georgia for $487.44.

entered the credit union and gave a check to deposit for $7,721.62. He reportedly said it was back pay for work that he had done.

The clerk told the man that credit union policy was that when verifying a check, she only could release $1,000 of the funds, which was done. The man exited the building and left in a small white SUV.

Five days later, the check was alerted as altered or fake, and correspondence was made with the suspect with no resolution. A risk management investigator also spoke with a representative from the business that allegedly sent the check, and the representative reportedly did not know anyone by the name of the suspect.

The case was turned over to the detective bureau for further investigation.

in their 50s went to the West Bloomfield Police Department to report that an unknown person was trying to extort money, due to the reporting party sending a compromising photo.

No further information was provided.

Pierce Elementary closed for bomb threat

BIRMINGHAM — On March 18 at approximately 7 a.m., the deputy superintendent of Birmingham Public Schools contacted the Birmingham Police Department regarding a threatening voicemail at Pierce Elementary.

The suspect left a voicemail that a bomb would explode within 10 minutes of the call on Sunday evening, March 17. School staff received the voicemail the next morning, Monday, March 18, prior to school starting for the day.

A decision was made to close the school for the day. Those who had already arrived for early morning programs were bused to another school. An investigation was immediately initiated and a sweep of the school was conducted, determining there were no credible threats or

— At approximately 10 a.m. March 15, officers were dispatched to the

Department lobby for an

report. A 78-year-old Auburn Hills woman told them that on March 14 she was taking an Uber to her desired location, and shortly into the ride, the driver, a

The Novi resident contacted the credit card company and informed it that the charges were fraudulent. She said she had also contacted the Kroger in Lincoln Park. They told her that it was an online purchase and provided her with the email address to which the order was charged. The suspect was going to pick up the groceries that morning but canceled the order. Police advised the Novi woman to contact the credit reporting agencies and notify them that her name and credit card account had been used fraudulently. Capital One returned the money to her account, according to the police report. The woman said she wishes to prosecute if police find a suspect.

Window

Suspect flees through multiple cities

BERKLEY — A 20-year-old Detroit man was arrested for fleeing and eluding, resisting arrest, carrying a concealed weapon and motor vehicle fraud at 8:31 p.m. March 30 at Greenfield and 12 Mile roads.

The police report states that while on patrol, an officer pursued a wanted vehicle that ran from Troy, Royal Oak and Beverly Hills police. The jeep was found to be driving erratically at speeds of 80-90 miles per hour.

“Due to the erratic driving of the suspect, fleeing from multiple jurisdictions and the lack of concern for the general public’s safety, (the officer) intentionally collided with the (suspect’s) rear passenger side bumper to end the pursuit as the vehicle slowed to approximately 37MPH,” the report states. “The vehicle spun around and came to a stop at 696 and Greenfield.”

The driver allegedly exited the vehicle and began running on foot. The officer reportedly pulled out a Taser and ordered the suspect to the ground. Simultaneously, the suspect fell to the ground and a handgun fell from his person, according to the report. The officer was able to jump on the suspect and place him under arrest.

Drunk driver hits tree

FARMINGTON — On March 15, at approximately 11:40 p.m., officers were