4/25/24 Troy Times

SMART adds new bus route through Troy, Rochester

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

TROY/ROCHESTER — Public transit is coming to the Rochester area this month.

On April 22, the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation will unveil its latest addition to the region’s network, Route 492 — a fixed bus route serving Auburn Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy, Clawson, Royal Oak and Ferndale.

“Rochester Road plays a key role in moving people through our City, and I am hopeful the new Route 492 will be well utilized,” Troy Mayor Ethan Baker said in an email. “It is potentially a wonderful opportunity for our small businesses up and down Rochester Road to have new exposure to SMART riders. Rochester Road contains some of our most frequented and well established members of our business community — and with upcoming construction, any extra visibility will be much appreciated.”

Dwight Ferrell, the general manager of SMART, said the introduction of Route 492 marks “a significant milestone” in SMART’s ongoing efforts to expand transportation options and foster community connections.

“Not only will this new route offer convenience and accessibility to riders of all generations, but it will also bring tangible benefits to the communities it serves,” Ferrell said in a statement.

From educational hubs like Oakland University to popular shopping centers like the Village of Rochester Hills and

See SMART on page 10A

CHARLEVOIX — When most people think of northern Michigan, images of Renaissance-style castles don’t readily spring to mind. Yet, such a castle, one with a storied history and ties to state and national memories, stands outside Charlevoix, tucked among the expan-

sive farms, orchards, lakes and small towns of this inviting patch of northern Michigan. Its existence perplexed me for years. Until a recent visit, I knew nothing about this castle, now called Castle Farms, except that it was a wedding venue. It turns out that Castle Farms is See CASTLE FARMS on page 8A

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

Trusted Protection During Unpredictable Weather

Call or go online today for more information

Trusted Protection During Unpredictable Weather

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

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

Trusted Protection During Unpredictable Weather

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

Call or go online today for more information

Call or go online today for more information

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

Call or go online today for more information

The Troy Times is one of 21 bi-weekly publications produced by C & G Newspapers, a family-owned company serving residents in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties since 1981. We deliver our papers to more than 571,000 homes in 45 communities via direct mail.

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SECOND FRONT PAGE

Eagle Scout creates STEM kits for library

BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com

Eagle Scout and Troy Athens High School senior Isaac Bucknell has supplied the Troy Public Library with STEM kits for patrons as part of a service project.

STEM refers to science, technology, engineering and math. These subjects are important to a growing industry and encourage those interested

See STEM KITS on page 14A

“We had been planning on establishing a STEM collection when Isaac approached us about creating kits as part of his Eagle Scout project. It was perfect timing,” Keegan Sulecki, the head of youth services at the library, said. “Isaac’s project was part of a larger initiative to create a permanent STEM collection within universal access. Patrons appreciated the math kits that were already a part of the collection and requested additional handson STEM activities.”

Troy Girl Scout provides library resources for neurodiverse community

Troy High School sophomore Lauren Hatto recently completed her gold award project with the Girl Scouts by providing several resources to better accommodate neurodivergent individuals at the Troy Public Library.

BY BRENDAN LOSINSKI blosinski@candgnews.com

A local Girl Scout has taken on a special project to help ensure every member of the community can enjoy the local library she says has given her so much.

For her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Troy High School sophomore Lauren Hatto created and provided several items for the Troy Public Library that will improve access for neurodivergent individuals, such as those with autism.

“I chose to focus on this topic because I love the library,” said Hatto. “It’s my favorite place to go, and I am grateful I’ve gotten to enjoy it throughout the years and I hope through these materials they can enjoy it the same way I did. My passion for neurodiversity started after I read a book about a year ago. I wanted to learn more about these people and their stories and experiences. My connection to the Troy Public Library led me to create my Gold Award project with them.”

In her 11th year as a Girl Scout, Hatto took on the project to earn her Gold Award, a sort of capstone achievement for longtime Girl Scouts.

Photo provided by the Troy Public Library

See NEURODIVERSE on page 15A

TROY COMMUNITY CHORUS TO HOST CONCERT

TROY — The Troy Community Chorus, under the direction of Jonathan Lowrie and accompanied by Min Sook Chung, will present its spring concert, “Waterscapes,” at 8 p.m. Friday, May 10, at Athens High School, located at 4333 John R Road in Troy. The theme will feature a mix of traditional, spiritual and classical chorale selections.

TCC Vocal Scholarship winner Jerrel Willis, a senior at Troy Athens High School, will be performing.

Advance tickets cost $12 for patrons ages 13-62, and $10 for seniors and children ages 6-12. Children under age 5 are admitted free of charge. Tickets at the door will cost $15 each.

To order tickets, call Gina Sweet at (248) 762-6862 or email ginasweet@gmail.com. Will-call tickets will be available for pickup at 7:30 p.m. the night of the concert.

The Troy Community Chorus was founded in 1978. The non-audition choir consists of 70-plus members ages 24-85 from across metro Detroit. For more information, visit www.troycommunitychorus.com.

TROY — The Troy Parks and Recreation Department will host a “Swift-Tea” event for ages 4 and up 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. May 4 at the Community Center. The event costs $25 per pair and $10 per additional attendee. According to the department, Swifties can “dress up in ‘Style’ in your favorite Taylor era.”

A DJ will supply music from all 10 of Swift’s albums for dancing and singing along. There will be a friendship bracelet making stations, plus a brunch menu of scrambled eggs, hash browns, bagels, coffee and tea, and red velvet cupcakes. Register by May 1 on the city’s website, www.Troymi.gov, and search the “Recreation” tab.

Troy schools gear up for chance to win $1,000 through ‘Step Up to the Plate’

An upcoming annual community fundraiser, “Step Up to the Plate,” will provide Troy community members with dining deals and the chance to win a $1,000 cash prize for a winning Troy school.

The program, presented by Children’s Hospital of Michigan, will run Sunday, May 5, to Friday, May 10, and is a part of a partnership between Troy Chamber of Commerce member restaurants and the Troy School District.

During these dates, participating restaurants will offer diners 20% off their food purchases if they show a Step Up to the Plate promotional piece, such as a school flyer, an ad, an email or some other communication about the program. The discount offer is only valid for food and nonalcoholic beverages.

A Step Up flyer can be downloaded at the Troy Chamber website, troychamber.com.

Diners may then turn in their detailed receipts to a Troy school of their choice. Receipts are due to a Troy school by Friday, May 17.

The school receiving the most money in receipts will win a $1,000 cash prize.

The participating restaurants include:

• Beyond Juicery + Eatery, 830 E. Big Beaver Road.

• Biggby Coffee Troy, 1057 E. Long Lake Road, Ste. A.

• Central Park Deli Troy, 2873 West Maple Road.

• Crispelli’s, 645 E. Big Beaver Road.

• DraftKings Sports & Social, 2850 Coolidge Highway.

• Fresh & Pressed Juice, 3622 Rochester Road.

• Granite City Food & Brewery, 699 W. Big Beaver Road.

• McVee’s Pub & Grub, 1129 E. Long Lake Road.

• Mr. Kabob Xpress, 2036 W. Big Beaver Road.

• Ridley’s Bakery, 4054 Rochester Road.

• Shield’s Restaurant Bar Pizzeria, 1476 W. Maple Road.

• Sweetgreen, 730 E. Big Beaver Road.

For more information, visit troychamber.com.

CRIME WATCH

Woman arrested for drunken driving after kids found alone at hotel

The security staff at Detroit Marriott Troy, 200 W. Big Beaver Road, called police for three young children in the lobby who were unable to find their mother around 12:10 a.m. April 13.

Officers spoke with the children, who said they had been at the nearby Kona Grill with the mother. They believed she was intoxicated, and they did not feel safe driving back with her. When they got back to the hotel, the mother advised them she was going outside to smoke, and the children contacted hotel staff when she did not return.

Employees at Kona Grill also contacted police with concerns about the children’s safety due to the mother’s apparent intoxication.

Officers located the mother driving a 2017 Buick SUV westbound on Big Beaver Road from Livernois and initiated a traffic stop. She was asked to exit the vehicle, and officers noted she was unsteady on her feet, had slurred speech, and her eyes were bloodshot and glassy.

She did poorly on several sobriety evaluations and refused to submit to a preliminary breath test. The driver, 44, from Southfield, was arrested. She refused to take a breath test, and a search warrant for a blood draw was granted.

The case was turned over to the Detective Bureau for appropriate warrants once the blood results are returned.

Wallets stolen at two Planet Fitness facilities, used at Meijer

A woman told police that she had placed her coat and keys in an unlocked locker while she was working out at Planet Fitness, 288 John R Road, between 7 and 9:12 a.m. April 9.

During her workout, she received a notification that her debit card was used at Meijer. Upon returning to her locker, the victim discovered her keys were missing. She went out to her car and found her car keys on the front seat and her wallet missing.

An hour later, at a Planet Fitness at 2880 W. Maple Road, a woman reported she placed her coat and keys in an unlocked locker while she was working out. During her workout, she received a notification that her debit card was used at Meijer. She canceled the card and continued her workout.

Upon returning to her locker, the victim discovered her keys were missing. She went out to her car and found her car keys on the front seat and her wallet missing.

Vehicle found up against a pole

Police were dispatched to the southbound Interstate 75 offramp at Crooks Road for a report of a property damage crash around 5 a.m. April 8.

Upon arrival, officers observed a silver Ford Explorer up against a pole with its hazard lights on. Officers spoke with the driver, a 29-year-old Detroit man, and noted that his eyes were glossy and his movements were lethargic.

The driver performed poorly on sobriety tests. He refused to submit to a preliminary breath test and was arrested and transported to the Troy police lockup facility, where he agreed to a chemical breath test, with results of 0.195% and 0.178%. The driver was issued a citation for operating while intoxicated.

Resident scammed out of $25K

of his Bank of America account. He called the phone number provided and was instructed to go to his bank, where he withdrew $25,000 in cash.

Once he had the cash, the victim was instructed to deposit the cash in a bitcoin ATM at a local gas station. The victim completed the deposit before discovering it was a scam.

A resident on Country Drive told police that on April 10, his computer locked and he received a message, supposedly from Microsoft, advising him of a security breach Provided

A COMPLIMENT

I am often critical of our local government as I believe most of us in this city are and ought to be. It is my belief that in order to ensure the well-being of this community a critical review of all governmental actions is necessary. Only a chorus of all our voices and the focus of all on the issues at hand can possibly ensure the City’s success. I do also believe, however, that where a compliment is due it ought to be freely given and I happen to have one.

In Troy we are fortunate to have some 11 community parks and an equal number of neighborhood/mini parks. Over the years, with the varying fnancial fortunes of the city, investment in our parks has been modest. Tat isn’t to say that the investment in or the dedication to our parks has been small. Maintenance and upkeep take up a decent portion of the City’s budget every year. However, large infrastructure investments into the parks have been limited.

Driving through our City Center complex, as I often do, I watch with great joy and extreme satisfaction the development of the new ice rink and pavilion. As a communal space for the beneft of all in this city, the ice rink is a departure from the sea of useless lawn space and unused parking lots which is what we otherwise have to ofer in lieu of a downtown. I hope and pray that this planning feat is but a great step in the articulation of this community’s desire that ‘as with all our parks, the development of the Troy Civic Center must be considered as an area for community interaction that embraces the natural landscape that is vital to preserving the ecosystem.’ Well done.

Castle Farms

from page 1A

so much more and well worth a visit.

Built in 1918, the castle, after years of being abandoned, was restored by its current owner, Linda Mueller, who purchased the property with her late husband, Richard, in 2001. Since then, gardens have been replanted or added, along with other amenities, including a miniature railroad and wine bistro. More recently, a cluster of barns were revamped into Hungry Ducks Farm, a petting farm for children and families.

To visit Castle Farms today is to walk through eras of history, from the early decades of the last century to the present. Stories from its past incarnations are as plentiful as the maple and oak trees in nearby forests.

The man behind the castle was Albert Loeb, acting president of Sears, Roebuck and Company. He had an affinity for the architecture of Renaissance castles and the stone farms of Normandy, France. The castle was built not as a home but as a working model dairy farm, a place to showcase the latest advances in farm equipment, all available through the Sears catalog, the Amazon of its day.

This was a big dairy farm, part of an 1,800-acre tract that included a private home for the Loeb family. Loeb Farms boasted the most modern milking machinery and was home to 200 head of Holstein-Friesian cows. The star producer was Marion, who was milked six times a day. She consistently set records in milk production and in one banner year — 1922 — produced 35,000 pounds of milk (well above the average 25,000 pounds) and made headlines.

The cows lived a good life. They were

housed in two wings — now known as the East and West Garden rooms, replicated during the restoration. They grazed in a courtyard between the wings and elsewhere on the farm. Instead of the normal whitewash, the barn walls were covered in tile lining and the floor was paved. The barns were hosed down regularly.

“The milking barns were so clean you could eat off the floor,” says Jessica Anderson, who is director of guest services at Castle Farms and made the time to walk me through the property and share many stories of its past.

At its peak, Loeb Farms was the largest employer in the Charlevoix region, with more than 90 people among its daily work force, Anderson says. The farm also boasted a semi-professional baseball team, the Sodbusters, who played on a field north of the barn complex.

“In the evening, during wedding rehearsal dinners, our staff regularly hear the crack of a baseball and bat from the ball diamond,” Anderson says, adding a haunted tour planned for the fall will share more ghost stories from Castle Farms.

Unfortunately, the farm closed in 1927, a few years after Loeb’s death and a family tragedy. Many visitors have some knowledge of the family’s connection to a notorious Chicago murder. Anderson is well prepared to answer those questions and share what she knows. One of Loeb’s sons, Richard Loeb, was convicted, in 1924, of the kidnapping and murder of a 14-year-old boy. The murder garnered national headlines. Lawyer Clarence Darrow represented the young Loeb and his crime partner in court — just before the famed Scopes “Monkey” Trial.

Decades later, the large empty stone walls caught the artistic eye of John Van-

Haver, a Muskegon businessman. He was also an artist and sculptor with a background in metallurgy and metal casting.

His dream? An artists’ mecca with a Renaissance theme. He purchased 100 acres of the original Loeb property, including the barns, office, blacksmith shop and manager’s house, and renamed the site Castle VanHaver. He opened the grounds to the public. Visitors could browse art but also have a cup of coffee and snacks in the Queen’s Courtyard.

Unfortunately, financial difficulties forced VanHaven to sell the property in 1969.

New owners, Arthur and Erwina Reibel, came along, initially envisioning the farm as a riding academy. Their plans, however, evolved to include an outdoor concert venue. A 50-foot wide, covered concrete steel stage was constructed and two wings (where the cows once lived) were removed to accommodate larger crowds and reserved seating.

Consider Castle Farms the Pine Knob of the north. Just about every major recording act in the late 1970s through the early 1990s rocked the stage here. That roster includes Bob Seger, the Doobie Brothers, Heart, Def Leppard, KISS, Iron Maiden, Ted Nugent, REO Speedwagon, Tina Turner and Bob Dylan, and many more.

The music is long gone but stories linger. Aerosmith reportedly had a water fight in the artesian well in the Queen’s Courtyard. Bon Jovi carved his name in a stone in a room that now serves as a changing room for wedding couples. Ozzie Osburn is remembered as a Dracula figurine in one of Mueller’s miniature collections.

The property went up for sale — again — in 1999.

CASTLE FARMS

5052 M-66

Charlevoix, MI 49720

(231) 237-0884

info@castlefarms.com

Self-guided and guided tours available; guided tours are two hours and include a Tram Tour of the property (in season). Hours vary: Currently, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Sundays. Hours are extended in the summer months.

Thanks to Mueller, the castle we are able to visit today has been restored — its crumbling fieldstone walls and windows repaired, along with other buildings on the property, now just 37 acres.

Castle Farms celebrated its centennial in 2018 and opened a winery, 1918 Cellars, named after the year in which the castle was founded. The winery is temporarily closed (expected to reopen by November). It’s an inviting place to linger after a tour and ponder the history of this unusual structure and its many incarnations.

It’s a treat to walk through the castle, to hear interesting stories here and there, and to muse over the vast collection Mueller has amassed. The 1918 Museum, for instance, honors not only World War I but includes a collection of products Sears sold, complete with the original advertising. There’s a barrel-shaped washing machine for $7.95. A 1918 bicycle with wooden wheels — a luxury then — priced at $28.95. Her collection includes wedding cake toppers, not common in 1918 but something Sears eventually mass produced and helped popularize.

New Troy nonprofit aims to combat human trafficking, help survivors

BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com

Troy resident Vernal T. Tiller recently launched Bianca’s Haven, a nonprofit foundation that is named after Tiller’s daughter and aims to address human trafficking by providing support and resources to survivors and community members.

Human trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals through the use of force, deception or coercion. Traffickers use tactics such as violence, intimidation, deceit, bondage and other forms of manipulation to force individuals into participating in commercial sex, labor or services against their will. The issue impacts communities inside and outside the U.S., and all ages, genders, ethnicities and socioeconomic statuses.

“Each client’s trauma looks very different,” said Bianca J. Reaves, the organization’s namesake and treasurer, and a licensed clinical counselor who works with trauma clients, in a press release. “The focus is on redefining their new normal and healing. It can be very difficult for survivors to reestablish healthy relationships and boundaries; this is where the therapeutic skills come in.”

Tiller — a registered nurse who has a Ph.D. in industrial and organizational psychology, and a master’s in health care administration and management — is the CEO and founder of Bianca’s Haven as well as a lifelong Troy resident and a 1978 graduate of Troy Athens High School. She has over 40 years of experience as a registered nurse.

“Witnessing firsthand the toll on selfesteem, I am committed to offering a new beginning and amplifying the voices of those who have been marginalized and silenced,” Tiller said in a press release.

Bianca’s Haven is focused on providing education on the issue, rallying support, promoting safety, contributing to policies that aim to protect the vulnerable, and encouraging empowerment for survivors of human trafficking through impactful public awareness and fundraising campaigns. The nonprofit is driven by a mission to disrupt the cycles of domestic violence, abuse, human trafficking and victimization.

“Our aim is to coordinate fundraising endeavors to enhance programs focused on raising public awareness, promoting empowerment,

See BIANCA’S on page 20A

Do you have a primary care provider?

Do you have a trusted source you can call when you have a medical issue?

Do you have somebody who can help manage chronic medical problems?

Will your provider see you the same day?

If you answered "NO" to any of these questions, then call Associates in Primary Care.

Bethany Is Accepting NEW PATIENTS

248-341-3731

1343 Piedmont Dr. • Troy, MI 48083

(S. of 16 Mile, Off Stephenson Hwy.

Troy Oral Surgery, which held a ribbon-cutting event on April 11, is dedicated to delivering exceptional care and achieving precise surgical results to improve your oral function and overall health. Dr. Robert John, who has dual expertise in dentistry and medicine, adopts a holistic approach tailored to each individual.

•

•

Troy Oral Surgery is located at 1500 W. Big Beaver Road, Suite 110 in Troy. For more information, call (248) 665-8769 or visit troyoralsurgery.com. BUSINESS

Dr. John provides his patients with a range of oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures. He prides himself on providing personalized treatment plans and ensuring his patients receive the highest level of care.

Troy Oral Surgery celebrates ribbon-cutting in Troy

SMART

from page 1A

Oakland Mall, and vibrant downtown districts like Rochester, Royal Oak and Ferndale, officials say the route will provide convenient access to community hubs, hotspots, amenities and attractions.

SMART has long wanted to serve the residents of Rochester and Rochester Hills, according to Bernard Parker III, the vice president of external affairs for SMART.

“With the passage of the millage in 2022, it opened the door for transit in all Oakland County communities, so SMART moved forward to develop this new route,” he said.

Before the millage passed in November 2022, Rochester and Rochester Hills were “opt-out” communities, meaning they elected not to have public transit and therefore

did not pay the public transit tax.

Now that all of Oakland County is “opted-in” to the transit system, Parker III said, SMART is “thoughtfully and strategically expanding services to communities across the county,” and all county residents now pay 0.95 mill for bus service — about $95 per year for a home with a taxable value of $100,000 — plus bus fare.

In the Rochester area, Route 492 primarily runs on Squirrel, University/Walton, and Rochester Road, with bus stops approximately every quarter- to half-mile.

“The new route is ideal for Oakland University students who want to get to shopping or restaurants in Rochester or Rochester Hills,” Parker III said. “It also provides a convenient connection to Troy, Auburn Hills, Royal Oak, Ferndale and other communities across metro Detroit.”

The new route, he added, allows em-

See SMART on page 23A

Athens teen named Boys and Girls Club of Troy Youth of the Year

BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com

A 17-year-old Athens High School senior, Thomas “Tommy” Sutton, has been selected as the 2024 Boys and Girls Club of Troy Youth of the Year.

“It’s been an amazing honor,” Sutton said. “I didn’t expect this, and I was shocked and surprised to be able to receive this huge honor.”

The Boys and Girls Club of Troy, located at 3670 John R Road, is a nonprofit youth development organization that provides educational and recreational activities, in addition to mentoring programs, to more than

1,200 children ages 6 to 18 in metro Detroit.

For the award, Sutton submitted essays that gave insight into his daily life, his life within the club, and what he stands for.

As the 2024 Youth of the Year honoree for the Boys and Girls Club of Troy, Sutton is among hundreds of teens across the country being recognized by the Boys and Girls Clubs of America for their character, leadership skills and willingness to contribute to their community. BGCA’s premier youth recognition program, Youth of the Year, is the highest honor a club member can receive and encourages club members to build their own potential by achieving academic success, leading healthy lifestyles and serving their communities, according to the organization.

“Over Tommy’s time at the Boys and Girls

Club of Troy, he has been a shining example of hard work, discipline, and dedication to BGCT for all of our members,” Boys and Girls Club of Troy CEO Jeff Evans said in a press release. “From being a leader among our Leaders In Training and as a Junior Staff, Tommy has become an outstanding young leader. We have witnessed him grow over his five years at the Club and has become a positive role model for all of our youth here. I’m amazed by not only by how far Tommy has come both academically and personally, but that he continues to give back to the club that has given him so much. His talent, personality and work ethic make him a well-deserved representative of the Boys and Girls Club of Troy and the local community.”

“His growth as an individual has set him apart from his peers here at the Club,” BGCT Club Director Jim Adams said. “He started here as a rather quiet and shy kid. He has pushed himself to try new things and find his voice. He has become a leader among our teens and junior staff last summer.”

Sutton said that some of favorite memories with the club include working with other

Sutton has been a member of the Boys and Girls Club for five years. He has volunteered in a number of roles throughout the club, most notably in leadership roles through the Leaders In Training and Junior Staff programs. He is also a member of the National Honor Society at Troy Athens High School and plans to follow his interests in business at Central Michigan University.

Sutton

O er good April 24 thru May 12, 2024, Including Mother’s Day! Not to be combined with other o ers. Not valid on purchase of gift cards, special orders or pallet stock. PROMO CODE: 01951

O er good April 24 thru May 12, 2024, Including Mother’s Day! Not to be combined with other o ers.

Not valid on purchase of gift cards, special orders or pallet stock. PROMO CODE: 01954

O er good May 13 thru May 31, 2024, Including Memorial Day! Not to be combined with other o ers. Not valid on purchase of gift cards, special orders or pallet stock. PROMO CODE: 01955

O er good June 1 thru June 30, 2024, Including Father’s Day! Not to be combined with other o ers.

Not valid on purchase of gift cards, special orders or pallet stock. PROMO CODE: 01956

STEM kits

from page 3A

in the subjects to explore skills related to problem solving and collaboration.

Eagle Scout is the highest rank in Boy Scouts of America, and the Eagle Scout Project is the essential requirement to make that achievement. The project is designed to help the community while testing a Scout’s ability to lead younger Scouts, handle logistics, and manage resources like volunteers and fundraising.

Bucknell completed all fundraising and purchasing for the project, as well as

thoughtfully choosing topics of interest for young learners and selecting safe, age-appropriate, hands-on activities. He also worked with younger Scouts to write instructions and questions for each kit.

“I want my Eagle Project to teach kids science in the best way possible – fun,” Bucknell said. “I have seen the younger kids from the Boy Scout troop have an absolute blast with the kits.”

In total, Bucknell provided eight kits to the library. The kits contain two activities for children to explore, as well as books and nonfiction DVDs. Topics include light and refraction; magnetism; electricity; material

See STEM KITS on page 21A

Spotlight on business...

Let Lucy Kollin Take e Stress Out Of Your Next Real Estate Transaction

Good communication, teamwork and meticulous planning are the secrets of success in real estate, and they’re the founding pillars on which Lucy Kollin has built her reputation as a Realtor with e Agency Hall & Hunter.

“I love helping people. To me, the environment and home are of the utmost importance,” Kollin said. “When it comes to my role as a real estate agent, my background in business, including international trade and nonpro t co-founding, along with retail experience, informs my approach.”

“Real estate appeals to me due to its project-oriented nature, aligning well with my skills in project management and clarity in goal setting,” Kollin added.

e kind of experience Kollin brings to each transaction is valuable for buyers and sellers looking to make a move in a market thata can be challenging without the right property professional in your corner.

“ e real estate market in metro Detroit remains highly competitive due to low inventory levels,” Kollin said. “Many buyers from the previous year are still active, driven by high interest rates and limited inventory.

“In such a climate, it’s crucial for buyers to be well informed about the market and be ready to move quickly when you nd a place you like,” Kollin said. “Good homes usually get o ers within a few days, sometimes even more than one o er.” Kollin said “timing is paramount” in real estate. By asking her buyers questions in advance, she can better understand their needs. She also stresses the need to have a preapproval letter ready in the race to secure well-priced housing in an extremely competitive market.

“If you’re selling, you’ve got to work closely with your real estate agent to pick the right price and make your home look its best,” Kollin said. “Properties that are priced appropriately and presented e ectively typically attract strong o ers within days of listing, often resulting in multiple o ers.”

To sell your home or secure the property of your dreams with Lucy Kollin, call (248) 219-3282.

Isaac Bucknell shows off some of the STEM kits he created as a part of his Eagle Scout project for the Troy Public Library.

Photo provided by Keegan Sulecki

Neurodiverse

from page 3A

“In the Girl Scouts, the Gold Award is the highest award a Girl Scout can earn,” she explained. “I earned the Bronze Award in the fifth grade and the Silver Award in the seventh grade. I am earning my Gold Award where I spent 86 hours on this project. My passion for this project began with taking small steps toward taking this big step with this donation and a website to learn more about these issues.”

Manda Carr, the youth services librarian at the Troy Public Library, said Hatto has provided numerous resources that will help patrons.

“She reached out to us back in October, and she had spoken with our teen librarian and was working to come up with ideas that would benefit the community. She was very interested in ideas that would benefit those with neurodivergent issues,” said Carr. “We met back in October, and she gave me a plan of what she wanted to accomplish. I adjusted some of her project ideas so they were more easily translatable for the staff so she didn’t have to train us all herself. She created core boards, which are a tool that help those who might not be strong verbal communicators. Lauren’s goal was to work with the library and work with library-specific tabs based on Oakland County Schools’ core board. This would be generic things, like ‘I want’ and ‘this is,’ and then make tabs specific to the three main patron desks that would have icons for people looking for items at the reference desk, or to ask where the bathroom was, where are games, where is the mystery section, and so forth.”

The items vary from sensory stimulating items to books on topics relevant to a variety of conditions and topics.

“She donated wobble cushions, weighted blankets and books to all three departments,” said Carr. “It’s not just books for parents, but also adult books for adults who might suffer from some kind of disorder themselves. It was a really generous and fantastic project. She worked with school counselors, librarians and people from the neurodivergent community. She put at least 80 hours into this, it’s such a great project that she put so much work into.”

Items also can be checked out so families with neurodivergent children can try different

See NEURODIVERSE on page 18A

Sourdough Ida celebrates ribbon-cutting

Mirsida Zholi and Edmond Marena have always loved cooking. After one of their daughters developed a sensitivity to certain foods, Mirsida came up with a delicious sourdough bread recipe. The two celebrated a ribbon-cutting event for their new bakery, Sourdough Ida, on April 12.

The breads sold at Sourdough Ida include classic sourdough, seeded sourdough, turmeric sourdough, everything bagel sourdough, jalapeno and cheddar sourdough, rosemary and olive sourdough, cranberry and walnut sourdough, chocolate chip and focaccia bread. They also make desserts such as muffins, scones and cookies, plus they sell coffee, cappuccinos and espresso.

Sourdough Ida at located at 1969 W. South Blvd. in Troy. The phone number is (248) 635-9827.

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF DETROIT STAGES 1 FINAL SHOW HOUSE

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

Metro Detroiters will have one final chance to see interior designers work their magic on a majestic home when the Junior League of Detroit hosts its 25th — and final — biennial Designers’ Show House in May.

Located at 315 Lakeland Ave. in Grosse Pointe City, the almost 8,500-square-foot Tudor home will be open for tours May 4-19. A ticketed preview party that’s also open to the public will take place from 6:30 to 10 p.m. May 3 and will include cocktails, heavy appetizers, an open bar, a DJ and dancing, a raffle, a silent auction, and valet parking.

Almost 20 designers and artists were chosen to make over the home, which was built in 1929 for Dr. J. Milton Robb and designed by acclaimed architect George D. Mason.

Visitors can get ideas for things they can do in their own homes, from surprising color and pattern mixes to furniture arrangements that are both beautiful and functional.

The living room, as envisioned by Loretta

Crenshaw, of Crenshaw & Associates, is an elegant oasis with lots of green and cream, including multiple seating areas, an inviting window seat and an olive green velvet couch.

“Loretta’s specialty really is layering things — textures and colors,” Show House Co-Chair Ann Baxter said.

Although the designers work independently, threads appear each time that tie the whole home together. This year, those threads include tactile fabrics like velvet and boucle; deep, rich colors — especially shades of green — offset by cream and white; gold and bronze accents; and nods to the Scottish and German ancestry of original homeowner Robb and his wife, with plaid in particular popping up repeatedly.

“Every room is going to need some investigation,” Show House Co-Chair Julia Keim said. “There’s so much to see in every room. We’ve got a great roster of designers.”

Laura Zender, of Laura Zender Design, created a sustainable nursery with vintage dressers, organic and sustainable toys, wallpaper using sustainable paper, children’s books from a

See SHOW HOUSE on page 20A

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Pops of color, like olive green, stand out against the cream and off-white furniture chosen by Loretta Crenshaw, of Crenshaw & Associates, for the elegant, expansive living room.

Experience

Whether it’s dirty from the elements or everyday wear and tear, your property’s exterior takes a beating. For your home or business, maintenance is the key to preserving your investment.

When it’s time to clean and freshen up the look of almost anything, Honest Guys Power Washing is the only call you need to make. Owner Dan Taylor and his “guys” handle expert power washing for everything: homes, decks, brick pavers, cement, gutters, siding, industrial buildings, and even construction vehicles.

Dan said decks and brick pavers are their specialty, where they o er a better quality of service than the competition, the materials they use leave a longer lasting finish and the scope of work goes beyond power washing.

“We’ll refinish decks, replacing boards and fixing structural issues,” Dan said. “We fix patios and pavers that are falling apart.

Not only do we li and level and repair the base, we get the moss out of the cracks and put polymeric sand in the joints that prohibits weed growth and prevents moisture penetration.”

The power washing season heats up in mid-April and runs through October, which means now is the perfect time to protect

your property by keeping it clean and performing optimally.

“It’s worth investing in maintenance,” Dan said. “It’s a lot cheaper to maintain something than it is to repair it or replace it.”

Honest Guys o ers competitive pricing with a quality of work that exceeds what the competition o ers. Dan and his team can also quote pricing for new brick installation, add-ons, retaining walls, rock and more.

“We’re the best,” Dan said. “We take care and pride in our work. We use only the best products and our employees are educated technicians with years of experience.”

Honest Guys Power Washing has a new o ce and showroom in Clarkston. For more information or to set up a consultation for a free estimate, visit honestguyspowerwash.com or call (248) 568-7152.

Neurodiverse

from page 15A

methods to see which items work best for their particular needs.

“If you have a child who has trouble with neurodivergent issues, now you can try some different things out here at the library,” Carr said. “If it’s successful, families can maybe buy them instead of trying 10 things and seeing what does and doesn’t work.”

Hatto called the project “Your Words Matter” and created a website to complement it, sites.google.com/view/your-words-matter/home.

“The library is already a leader in the area of neurodiversity. They already have a universal access collection, for instance,” said Hatto. “This is also a way to celebrate the stories of a group of people who are often overlooked. It’s not just about providing more resources but being neuro-affirming.”

The needs of neurodiverse individuals can be difficult for those who are not educated on their situation to understand. This can make interacting with the rest of the world difficult for neurodiverse people. Hatto hopes this project will give people both the tools and knowledge needed to improve such things in the community.

“Neurodiverse people often have sensory overload, which can include all five senses where they feel overwhelmed in a space. This can be loud noise or bright lights. Headphones or a fidget spinner to help keep their mind occupied can help,” said Hatto. “Some of the supports for the patrons are things like weighted lap pads and sensory seating. There’s noisecanceling headphones and fidget devices. All of this is helpful to those who have issues with overstimulation. Families can check the items out so families can try them out. There also are several books that have been added to the universal access collection so people can learn more about these important issues and encourage more empathy for those with these conditions. … My hope is these supports will aid current and future patrons at the library. More patrons will now be able to enjoy the library, because it’s an integral part of our community.”

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

Youth

from page 11A

members to help them get through tough times and watching them thrive in the club’s programs.

“I thank the Boys & Girls Club of Troy for helping to grow me into the person that I am today,” Sutton said in a press release. He thanked the club for providing him with a platform to share his story, and his pride and respect for the club.

“I will also make sure that everyone knows how amazing it is to be a part of a great environ-

ment, the Boys and Girls Club of Troy,” he said in a press release.

Sutton, along with Youth of the Year recipients from other Michigan communities, was further celebrated during the Michigan Youth of the Year Celebration in Lansing. During this event, Sutton gave a speech, participated in an interview and was able to meet Michigan representatives and senators.

“I’m planning to pursue a career in political science, and one of the representatives at the event said if I wanted an internship during my junior or senior year, I should reach out to them,” Sutton said.

Sutton’s family, friends and others who

have come to know the teen have also expressed their pride and congratulations for his achievement, directly to him as well as on social media.

“We always thought he deserved recognition,” Sutton’s sister Emily said. “We’ve seen family, old teachers and counselors posting about his award on social media. Everyone’s super excited. We had a luncheon with our parents and grandfather to celebrate, though maybe we’ll let him pick dinner to further celebrate this.”

He will now be able to compete against other members of Boys and Girls Clubs within the state for the Michigan Youth of the Year title and a $5,000 college scholarship, courtesy

of program sponsors, which include Toyota, Kohl’s and Mondelez International.

Each year, thousands of club teens participate in local, state and regional Youth of the Year events. Six teens, including five regional winners and a national military youth winner, advance to Washington, D.C., for the National Youth of the Year Gala and Celebration Dinner, where one outstanding young person is named Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s national teen spokesperson.

For more information, visit www.bgctroy. org.

Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.

Show house

from page 16A

book recycler, and low chemicals and volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. With its soft colors and whimsical touches, the room is warm and inviting.

“I wanted to show we could do a room that was beautiful and with a lot of personality,” Zender said.

In a nod to Show House history, the hallway leading to the master bedroom includes framed photos — designed by Michelle Boggess, of Posterity Art & Framing Gallery — of rooms designed by Hudson’s for these houses.

A sleek closet showcasing showstopping shoes and apparel was designed by Kelly Osten, Aubrey Crawford and Ashlynn Robinson, of Closet Connections.

“Our inspiration was designing for a mod-

Bianca’s

from page 9A

and advocating for victims of human trafficking,” Tiller said in a press release. “We strive to accomplish this goal by fostering community collaboration and cultivating strategic partnerships. Michigan houses several task forces committed to addressing this urgent public health concern, such as the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission initiated by the state’s attorney general and assistant attorney general.”

The organization’s board includes a variety of distinguished individuals who have dedicated their careers to the mission of combating human trafficking along with Tiller serving as board chair and Reaves serving as treasurer. The board also includes Danielle Bastien as vice president, Santosh Mudiraj as vice president, and Wendy M. Tiller as secretary.

Bastien is a family nurse practitioner and medical examiner. She completed her doctoral research on creating and implementing a policy and procedure on identifying, assessing and treating victims of human trafficking in the emergency department. This screening tool is now available on every EPIC information technology platform in North America.

Wendy M. Tiller has served as a registered nurse for over 30 years in the emergency room of one of the largest health care systems in Michigan, as well as a corrections nurse.

“Being able to interview the patient in the absence of the trafficker is a pivotal moment in the transformation from victim to survivor,” Wendy M. Tiller said in a press release. “This

ern woman who was working and traveling quite a bit,” Osten said.

Alexandra Decker, of A Decker Design, brought color and life to a small room she made appear larger by hanging the striped wallpaper horizontally instead of vertically and wallpapering the ceiling.

Unexpected details abound, from wallpaper with fringe to a chandelier made of cobalt blue Murano glass to a painting hung in front of a window. Without the strictures imposed by a client, the designers are free to do whatever they feel best suits the space and their artistic aesthetic.

“The designers are designing for themselves,” Keim said. “It’s never happened (with previous Show Houses) to the degree it’s happened in this house. … One of the beauties of the Show House is a designer can step out of what they’re known for and do what’s in their head.”

Held every other year since 1976, the

allows the ability to assess the patient and initiate immediate referrals to social services for emergency housing placement and notification of the police.”

Mudiraj worked as a physician in the Mumbai area, and provided support to human trafficking victims, along with his team.

“I was one of the first lines of contact for human trafficking victims,” Murdiraj said in a press release. “Equipped with specialized training, my team and I identified and aided victims of human trafficking, offered crucial support to these individuals, and helped them transition from victims to survivors by connecting them with essential services. I volunteered at a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting trafficked children. I taught English (as this was not their first language) and fostered social skills, while gaining valuable insights from these resilient young individuals who aspired to become future clinicians, social workers, and educators to combat human trafficking. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this amazing team at Bianca’s Haven and working with the community to address and prevent human trafficking.”

Bianca’s Haven also promotes the work of organizations like Alternatives for Girls, Sanctum House, and Common Ground, which are dedicated to providing support and assistance to women who are survivors of human trafficking. For those interested in additional resources and support, call 911 for emergencies, or reach out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888 or text BEFREE to 233733.

The organization is currently in the planning phases for an inaugural fundraiser, which is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 10.

For further details regarding Bianca’s Haven or to donate, visit biancashaven.org.

Show House has been the JLD’s biggest fundraiser and has raised more than $4.5 million for programs and projects in Detroit. The JLD, which was founded in 1914, also awards community grants and, since 2014, scholarships to young women.

Keim said this last house is “very bittersweet” because a coming generation of JLD members won’t have this experience, which has fostered lifelong friendships because of the time commitment needed to put on a Show House. The challenge of securing numerous volunteers with lots of time available is one of the reasons the Show House tradition is ending.

“We feel this is going to be one of the top (Show Houses) as far as design,” Baxter said. “We want everyone to see this. The designers

are going out on a high note with this one.” JLD leaders said their mission of raising funds for needed initiatives will continue.

“We look forward to everyone joining us to celebrate this beautiful show house and support our mission of doing good in the community,” JLD President Mary Hollens said in a prepared statement. “We have incredible plans that will allow the Junior League of Detroit to more fully invest in projects and programs that continue to change lives.”

Show House tickets cost $35 before May 4 and $40 afterward. A café and gift shop will be open to Show House ticketholders and nonticketholders alike. For Show House or preview party tickets or more information, visit jldetroit.org or call (313) 881-0040.

CITY OF TROY

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED CITY BUDGET

In accordance with Section 8.3 of the Charter of the City of Troy, notice is hereby given that the City Council will conduct a Public Hearing on the three-year budgets for fscal years 2024/2025, 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 on Monday, May 13, 2024 at 7:30 PM, or as soon thereafter as the agenda will permit.

The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing.

The proposed budget is available on the City of Troy website at www.troymi.gov/budget.

A copy of the proposed budget will be on fle in the City Clerk’s offce and the City Public Library for inspection by the public during regular offce hours for one week prior to the public hearing.

CITY OF TROY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING

May 21, 2024

The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing at Troy City Hall, 500 W. Big Beaver, Troy MI 48084, on May 21, 2024, 7:00 pm, to consider the following:

A variance request to allow a proposed home addition to be constructed 38.34 feet from the rear property line, where the Zoning Ordinance requires the addition to be setback 45 feet from the rear property line.

LOCATION: 233 Nottingham

ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION: 4.06 C, R-1B Zoning District

APPLICANT: Jason McFall for Wayne Craft Inc.

PROPERTY OWNER: John Heinlen

The application can be viewed at troymi.gov/boardsandcommittees or in person at the Planning Department, City of Troy, 500 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, Michigan, 48084.

Comments can be expressed at the Public Hearing, or written comments can be directed to the attention of the Planning Department at the above noted address, or by email to planning@troymi.gov no later than 3:00 p.m. one day prior to the date of the meeting. If you have questions, you may contact the Planning Department at planning@troymi.gov or by phone at (248) 524-3364.

Watch the Meeting:

https://troymi.gov/community/government/citycouncil/council_meeting_webcast.php –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

NOTICE:

needing accommodations for effective

in this meeting should contact

or by calling (248) 524-3317 at least two working days in advance of the meeting. An attempt will be made to make reasonable accommodations.

Tiller

STEM kits

from page 14A

properties; minerals and geology; and metal and weight.

“Since they went on the shelves in February Isaacs’s eight kits have gone out 21 times,” Sulecki said. “The kits on matter and electricity have been the most popular so far.”

The library used Bucknell’s contribution for the basis of launching a variety of STEM kits as part of the existing universal access collection. This collection hosts a variety of items, beyond books, to support students of all learning abilities.

“Universal access supports a multisensory approach to learning, so adding items

for students to learn about STEM in an experiential way seemed like a great fit,” Sulecki said. “The STEM collection will be a permanent part of the library’s larger universal access collection. In creating the kits, the durability and longevity of items is considered so that they can circulate for as long as possible. Isaac did a great job choosing longlasting items, as well as providing us with replacements for any consumable elements he included.”

Since the creation of the collection, the library has been able to add 36 new items in the areas of science, technology and engineering.

“In addition to the existing math kits, our collection now has 75 unique kits for patrons to explore,” Sulecki said.

Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.

from 11 a.m.

and is always making sure the highest standards of care are met and maintained. For more information, call (248) 841-4151.

be set back 2.08 feet from the side property line. The Zoning Ordinance requires the total foor area of the accessory supplemental building shall not exceed 200 square feet, and be set back 6 feet from the property line. .

LOCATION: 5356 Capri

ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION: 7.03 B 3

APPLICANT: Peter Stuhlreyer

PROPERTY OWNER: Nouri Orow Jr.

The application can be viewed at troymi.gov/boardsandcommittees or in person at the Planning Department, City of Troy, 500 W. Big Beaver

PUBLISHED: April 25, 2024

POSTED: April 26, 2024

NOTICE: Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in this meeting should contact the City Clerk by e-mail at clerk@troymi.gov or by calling (248) 524-3317 at least two working days in advance of the meeting. An attempt will be made to make reasonable accommodations.

Published: 04/25/2024

CITY OF TROY PUBLIC HEARING

A Public Hearing will be held by and before the Planning Commission of the City of Troy at City Hall, 500 W. Big Beaver, Troy, Michigan, on Tuesday, May 14th, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. or as soon thereafter as the agenda will permit, to consider a Special Use and Preliminary Site Plan application to allow an addition plus other site improvements to an existing Place of Worship within the R-1B One-Family Residential Zoning District, in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.06 B and Section 9.02 of the Zoning Ordinance.

The subject property is located on the South side of Wattles & West side of Crooks Road.

The subject property parcel number is 88-20-22-226-097. The address is 1349 W Wattles.

Comments can be expressed at the Public Hearing, or written comments can be directed to the attention of the Planning Department, City of Troy, 500 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, Michigan 48084, or by e-mail to planning@troymi.gov no later than 3:00 p.m. one day prior to the date of the meeting. If you have questions you may contact the Planning Department by e-mail or by phone at (248) 524-3364.

The application on fle can be viewed by contacting the Planning Department at (248) 524-3364 or by emailing planning@troymi.gov and requesting a copy.

Notices and information for public hearings will also be posted on the City website Boards and Committees page at https://troymi.gov/

–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––Aileen Dickson, MMC, MiPMC II City Clerk

or as soon thereafter as the agenda will permit, to consider a Special Use and Preliminary Site Plan application for a Starbucks with a drive-through within the CB Community Business Zoning District, in accordance with the provisions of Section 4.13 B and Section 9.02 of the Zoning Ordinance.

The subject property is located North side of Big Beaver Road & West of John R.

The subject property parcel number is 88-20-23-476-011. The address is 1735 E Big Beaver.

Comments can be expressed at the Public Hearing, or written comments can be directed to the attention of the Planning Department, City of Troy, 500 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, Michigan 48084, or by e-mail to planning@troymi.gov no later than 3:00 p.m. one day prior to the date of the meeting. If you have questions you may contact the Planning Department by e-mail or by phone at (248) 524-3364.

The application on fle can be viewed by contacting the Planning Department at (248) 524-3364 or by emailing planning@troymi.gov and requesting a copy.

Notices and information for public hearings will also be posted on the City website Boards and Committees page at https://troymi.gov/

Aileen Dickson, MMC, MiPMC II City Clerk

PUBLISHED: April 25, 2024

POSTED: April 26, 2024

NOTICE: Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in this meeting should contact the City Clerk by e-mail at clerk@troymi.gov or by calling (248) 524-3317 at least two working days in advance of the meeting. An attempt will be made to make reasonable accommodations.

0384-2417

Published: 04/25/2024 Troy Times

NOTICE

Troy Police Unclaimed Auto Auction

The following vehicles have been deemed abandoned / unclaimed by their owners. They will be offered for sale at a Public Auction on May 3rd, 2024 at 10:00am. The auction will be held at A & M Towing located at 2075 Austin Dr, Troy MI. Owners may redeem their vehicles until 9:00am on the day of the auction by paying all charges against the vehicle at A & M Towing. All vehicles are sold “as is” and must be removed within 24 hours. Any questions should be directed to the Troy Police Department Impound Management Team at 248-524-3469.

Please note that we are unable to answer questions regarding the condition of specifc vehicles prior to the auction and we cannot respond to such inquiries.

YEARMAKE MODEL COLORVIN

2009FORD FOCUS BLU1FAHP36NX9W244676

2013FORD F150 TAN 1FTFW1ET4DFD35136

2018CHEVROLET TRAX BLK3GNCJLSB7JL336878

1995GMC SONOMA RED1GTCS19Z7S8507769

2006CHRYSLER 300 SIL2C3KA53G76H497214

2017MERCEDES GLA BLKWDCTG4GB6HJ343001

2008CHEVROLET IMPALA SIL2G1WC583281231469

2011KIA SORRENTO BLK5XYKT3A13BG137312

2023DODGE RAM BLK1C6RRFFG7PN540695

2019 JEEP GR CHEROKEE GRY1C4RJFAG1KC845301

2012DODGE CARAVAN WHI2C4RDGBG7CR330078

2013FORD ESCAPE GRY1FMCU9H98DUA29636

2006KIA SORRENTO GLDKNDJD733765524202

2005FORD EXPLORER WHI1FMZU73K65UB62180

2020TOYOTA COROLLA BLUJTDT4RCE8L004499

2013DODGE DART BLK1C3CDFBA5DD291592

2010MERCURY MARINER GRN4M2CN2K35AKJ13279

2007CHEVROLET IMPALA BLU2G1WB58K179344128

2008DODGE CARAVAN BLU2D8HN44H08R706089

2009HONDA FIT BLKJHMGE88259S058061

1999TOYOTA AVALON WHI4T1BF18B6XU325964

2003HONDA PILOT BLK2HKYF18503H595270

2000CHRYSLER T & C RED1C4GT54L2YB655185

2010CHEVROLET MALIBU SIL1G1ZC5EBXA274688

2006DODGE CARAVAN SIL1D4GP24R46B617626

2009FORD ESCAPE WHI1FMCU03G09KD12746

2010KIA FORTE REDKNAFW6A37A5158891

2008FORD FUSION WHI3FAHP08128R239028

2012BUICK REGAL BLK2G4GT5GR1C9146291

PUBLISHED: April 25, 2024

POSTED: April 26, 2024

NOTICE: Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in this meeting should contact the City Clerk by e-mail at clerk@troymi.gov or by calling (248) 524-3317 at least two working days in advance of the meeting. An attempt will be made to make reasonable accommodations.

YEARMAKE MODEL COLORVIN

2009FORD F150 RED1FTPW14V59FB34179

2010TOYOTA CAMRY BLK4T1BB3EKXAU118559

2017CHRYSLER 300 WHI2C3CCAGG3HH637621

2001HONDA ACCORD BLK1HGCG56471A095413

2011BUICK REGAL BLKW04GS5EC3B1058751

2011CHEVROLET CRUZE SIL1G1PF5S94B7274729

2003FORD F250 WHI1FTNF20L73ED21390

2017CHEVROLET MALIBU BLK1G1ZE5ST2HF100714

1999FORD CROWN VIC GLD2FAFP74W3XX117618

2016KIA RIO SILKNADM4A35G6607635

2011FORD EXPLORER BLK1FMHK7B8XBGA67977

2014TOYOTA SIENNA BLK5TDZK3DC5ES515832

2003HONDA ACCORD GRY1HGCM56603A071273

2017NISSAN VERSA RED3N1CN7AP4HL812857

2017MINI COOPER WHIWMWXP5C39H3B15929

2017GMC ACADIA RED1GKKNLLS0HZ176373

2014DODGE JOURNEY RED3C4FDCAB8ET308340

2007SUZUKI GR VITARI GOLJS3TD941874201982

2913HYUNDAI SONATA RED5NPEB4AC4DH741938

2005CHEVROLET MALIBU SIL1G1ZT54885F163777

2019NISSAN SENTRA SIL3N1AB7AP1KY333323

1986CHEVROLET G30 MOTORHOME BRO2GBJG31M0G4158360

2003CHEVROLET MAILBU TAN 1G1ND52J43M729024

2011CHEVROLET EQUINOX SIL2GNALPEC7B1293692

2011FORD FLEX BRO2FMHK6DCBBD31070

2008PONTIAC G6 BLK1G2ZH57N084165120

2002DODGE INTREPID RED2B3HD56M42H160414

2009KIA SPORTAGE SILKNDJF724797570402

2003JAGUAR S-TYPE BLKSAJEA01T73FM56088

2017CHEVROLET SONIC BLK1G1JF6SB7H4112943

2014FORD FUSION RED1FA6P0H72E5404361

2005DODGE MAGNUM WHI2D4GZ582X5H671480

SMART

from page 10A

ployers to expand their pool of employees by attracting them with public transit as a way to and from their job.

Rochester Mayor Stuart Bikson said the city is excited that public transportation is coming to Rochester.

“This new bus system will allow people to visit our city and also make it easier to work in our community and in our downtown,” he said.

The bus service, Bikson added, will benefit both residents and businesses, and will allow Oakland University students to visit the community, as well as shop and dine in downtown Rochester.

“This new service should help our city continue to be a destination city in our region,” he added.

Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett said he has appreciated the communication with SMART leading up to implementation.

“We are eager to see the ridership numbers over the next few months so we can advocate for the most impactful deployment of transportation dollars moving forward,” he said in an email.

SMART, which serves all three counties in metro Detroit, currently has 44 routes and provides about 8 million trips per year.

In the future, SMART plans to add a new route along the western M-59 corridor that will serve Waterford and Wixom and will also connect to Oakland University, officials said.

Residents can download the Transit app to get real-time information on route schedules and directions. Information for the Rochester route will be available on the Transit app April 22.

For more information about Route 492 and SMART’s transit services, visit www.smartbus.org or call SMART directly at (866) 962-5155.

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

The Exterior Painters Celebrate 20 Years of Transforming Properties, Neighborhoods

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

The Exterior Painters have been revitalizing properties for 20 years.

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

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

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

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

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

The Exterior Painters also specialize in brick staining.

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

make a big difference in terms of curb

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

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

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

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

“With us you’re buying certainty. We don’t ask for a large deposit, and you don’t have to worry about anyone running off with your deposit,” Scott said.

Scott said his crews often see their siding repairs and much-needed improvement you can do to get.”

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

“Compared to other home improvements,

“We stand by our work. We provide a warranty and proven results by taking care of everybody in the community. We’re Nextdoor’s No. 1 preferred contractor in Rochester two years in a row. It’s that certainty factor. You know what you’re going

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

roofingandallrepairs, Interior/exterior-renovations,Supportingwallsremoved/rebuilt,Seamless gutters/downspouts, Concrete-sidewalks/ driveways/foundations. Licensed/Insured 586-948-4764

Early Light, First United Methodist Church of Troy, 6363 Livernois Road, info@octds.org

PanCAN PurpleStride: Walk to end pancreatic cancer, 8:30 a.m.noon, Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Road, purplestride.org/ michigan

Paper shredding: Hosted by Jo + Co Realtors, all participants entered to win spring/fall yard cleanup and gutter cleaning, 10 a.m.-noon, Smith Middle School, 5835 Donaldson in Troy, free but donations of new personal hygiene and cleaning products for ChildSafe of Michigan appreciated, (248) 225-7419

Robotics demonstration: 10 a.m.-noon, Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Road, (248) 524-3538

MAY 2

National Day of Prayer: Service for all denominations, hosted by

man from Shelby Township said he arrived at the gym around 10 p.m. March 7 and locked his belongings in a locker. Upon returning shortly before midnight, he noticed the lock was missing from the locker and that some of the things inside were slightly disturbed, but not in total disarray.

Upon checking closer, he found that $600 cash was missing from one of the pockets of the pants he had worn into the gym and stored in the locker.

While the victim was still in the locker room, he was approached by a janitor doing his maintenance duties in the locker room. The janitor, a 52-year-old man from Auburn Hills, witnessed and described a man going through a pair of pants and taking out an unknown sum of cash. The victim reported the activity to the front desk, and based upon the description from the janitor, the front desk employee was able to identify a suspect whose membership had expired but who continued to use the fitness gym and was in the locker room at that time. Police continued to investigate.

Woman arrested after church member allegedly assaulted, purse stolen TROY — Police were sent to St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, 3603 Livernois Road, at 2:03 p.m. April 1 for reports of an assault. Officers spoke with a woman who said that the church had been providing money to the woman to help repay the funds.

The suspect went to the church and asked to have coffee with the victim. While the victim was making coffee, the suspect allegedly grabbed the victim’s purse and ran out of the church. The victim followed her outside in an attempt to get her purse back, but the suspect pushed her to the ground, police said. The suspect then entered a cab and attempted to leave the scene but was stopped by multiple people and was kept at the location until police arrived.

The suspect, a 39-year-old woman from Royal Oak, was arrested and transported to the Troy Police Department lockup facility, where she was charged with unarmed robbery.

Drunken driver arrested after crash

TROY — Officers were dispatched to Long Lake and Crooks roads at 1:31 a.m. April 3 for a report of a traffic crash.

While speaking with the at-fault driver, a 31-yearold man, officers noted his eyes were bloodshot and glassy and that there was a strong odor of intoxicants coming from his breath. The driver performed poorly on sobriety evaluations, and a preliminary breath test showed a 0.167% blood alcohol content.

Woman steals over $500 in clothing

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Bloomfield Township police responded to a retail fraud at Dick’s Sporting Goods, 2105 S. Telegraph Road, at approximately 2:30 p.m. March 13. Store management said the suspect stole approximately $520 worth of women’s apparel. The suspect walked out the front entrance with the cart full of merchandise. She was seen fleeing the parking lot in a black Chevrolet Malibu. This case was being investigated.

New York man charged for identity theft

BIRMINGHAM — Officers were dispatched to a business in the 600 block of North Old Woodward to investigate a possible fraud around 8 p.m. March 30. An employee reported that three men had entered the store and attempted to make a purchase using fraudulent credit card numbers. The cards were declined, and the three then sat in a parked vehicle in front of the store. Police questioned the men and found that the suspect, an 18-year-old New York man, possessed several credit cards and IDs that were not his. He was arrested and charged with identity theft. An investigation was ongoing.

Driver flees police BIRMINGHAM — An officer conducting radar along westbound Big Beaver, at Brookdale, at midnight April 3

The driver then made an illegal left turn onto southbound Woodward and did not comply with officers’ multiple attempts to initiate a traffic stop, continuing to drive erratically through several neighboring communities. A short time later, Berkley police successfully deployed stop sticks and apprehended the driver, a 49-year-old Detroit man. He was issued a citation for fleeing and eluding/reckless driving by Birmingham police, in addition to charges from other jurisdictions.

Woman accused of stealing over $500 in products from Ulta BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Police are searching for a woman who reportedly stole $534 worth of products from Ulta Beauty in Bloomfield Township. Bloomfield Township police were dispatched to Ulta Beauty, located at 2161 Telegraph Road, for a retail fraud at 6:50 p.m. March 13. The suspect stole multiple items, including women’s fragrances and a digital straightening iron, totaling $534. The suspect placed the items into a basket and walked out the front entrance without paying. Police said the suspect fled the scene in a gray hatchback-style vehicle. The case was being investigated.

Power shut off

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, a suspect turned off the power to a business in the 1000 block of West 14 Mile Round at 12:30 p.m. April 4. Police were investigating.

Stolen van recovered

HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, a white 2016 Ford Transit van was stolen from the 21000 block of Dequindre Road on April 5 and then recovered later in Highland Park.

The van was originally stolen when the driver left the