Orchestra celebrates 50 years 3A
DRAWN IN FOR SPINS
Record Store Day hits the right notes
BY MARIA
ALLARD AND NICK POWERS allard@candgnews.com, npowers@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Andrew Dore and Andy Colohan were ready to shop on Record Store Day April 12.
The Madison Heights residents stood in line outside Solo Records in Royal Oak with about 40 other music collectors before the store opened, hoping to find a few titles to be released only on Record Store Day.
“I’m looking for the Jerry Garcia Band re-release and the Prince record,” said Dore, 26. “They also put out non-
Record-Store-Day records. It’s fun to see what gems they have. I lean toward jam bands. This is the record store I go to the most.”
Colohan, 26, was in search of Joey Valence & Brae. Even if he didn’t find it, “I’m just here to have fun,” the hiphop and jazz music fan said. “Coming out early is always fun to get the exclusives and all the new Record Store Day picks.”
Record Store Day, launched internationally in 2007, gives employees and customers a day to celebrate the culture of the independent record store. Artists, even bands no
See RSD on page 14A
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — In board chambers coated with Easter decorations, the Macomb Township Board of Trustees voted on April 9 to award Quadrate Construction a $1.7 million contract to build an addition onto the Department of Public Works’ building.
Nine companies applied for the contract to build out the addition to the DPW’s 51650 Card Road headquarters with Macomb Township-based Quadrate coming in with the lowest bid. The project involves building a 10,557-square-foot addition to the east side of the existing headquarters, including a 9,360-square-foot garage and nearly 1,200-square-foot masonry storage work area.
Quadrate representatives also impressed township officials with the possibility of savings that could be found during construction.
“They also provided some of what’s called ‘value engineering.’ They provided some potential cost saving opportunities for this project such as overhead door adjustments … so there may be some additional cost savings with this project we may see,” DPW Director Kevin Johnson said.
The potential for cost savings on the project means it may be brought down to the original budgeted cost. The full contract cost of $1,785,801 is above the budgeted amount of $1.7 million, though the contract includes a $100,000 contingency fund that was not considered in the budgeted amount.
Johnson believes work will begin in May and be completed by October.
See BOARD on page 18A
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Blast in the Past in Roseville took part in Record Store Day on April 12.
Macomb Symphony Orchestra celebrates 50 years
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — From a few strings in a side room to full concerts in a hall, a lot can change in 50 years.
For the Macomb Symphony Orchestra, a professional classical orchestra that performs at the Macomb Center for the Performing Arts as well as at other locales throughout the county, 2025 marks its golden year.
According to Thomas Cook, orchestra director from the MSO’s founding in 1974-2021, the orchestra formed as an outgrowth of the Macomb Community College music program at the South Campus, though it did not take long for the orchestra to become its own nonprofit organization. Many of the orchestra’s early concerts took place in the multipurpose room.
“There’s some not-so-great acoustical locations there, but we soldered through there and performed there as well as at local high schools and some summer park concerts,” Cook said.
Much like today, the initial orchestra was made up of 15 professional musicians from around the region, though unpaid at that time.
After operating out of Warren for the better part of the 1970s, the orchestra made the move north to Clinton Township in 1983 as the Macomb Center was opened. Cook attributes
See ORCHESTRA on page 13A
DNR ‘Hunters Feeding Michigan’ program assists those in need
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — A Department of Natural Resources program is aiming to expand and provide more for those in need.
The DNR’s Hunters Feeding Michigan program allows hunters to donate their harvest at select processing locations throughout the state. The DNR is contracting the
Food Bank Council of Michigan to facilitate the program. The council links up donors, wild game processors and charities.
“It’s a privilege to work side by side with the Food Bank Council of Michigan to grow the Hunters Feeding Michigan program and to help channel venison donated by hunters to local food agencies throughout the state,” Joe Presgrove, DNR Hunters Feeding Michigan program specialist, said in a press
release. “Together we will help many Michiganders in need!”
Hunters Feeding Michigan was established in 2005 by legislation and really got off the ground in 2007, according to Presgrove. He said the program’s numbers have been increasing each year. Since Oct. 1, 2024, Presgrove said over 75,000 pounds of meat have been donated, working out to about 300,000 servings for the fiscal year so
far. Presgrove estimates over 2.8 million servings have been provided since the program started.
The FBCM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and was started in 1984. It has seven regional food banks, covering all of Michigan’s 83 counties.
“We are excited to help partner with the participating deer processors and hunt-
Photo provided by Macomb Symphony Orchestra
The Macomb Symphony Orchestra rehearses in 2023. Now in its 50th year, the orchestra reflects on its past as it looks to the future.
See DEER on page 16A
CRIME WATCH
Drunk driver
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On March 30 at around 2:40 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies pulled over a Dodge Ram pickup truck after a caller reported odd behavior from the driver, including crossing yellow lines.
Pulled over near North Avenue and Merlene Drive, deputies spoke with the 41-year-old Bruce Township man driving the truck, noticing the odor of alcohol and his bloodshot eyes as they spoke. The man performed field sobriety tests, and his breath test registered a 0.124 blood alcohol level.
Deputies arrested the man and took him to the Macomb County Jail.
Hit and run
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On March 27 at around 5:45 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the intersection of Romeo Plank Road and 21 Mile Road for a hit-and-run collision.
Deputies spoke with a 40-year-old Macomb Township man who told them he was rear ended while in the Romeo Plank right turn lane. The offending driver, behind the wheel of a silver sedan, reportedly fled the scene north on Romeo Plank.
Stolen mail
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On March 25 at around 1:20 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies pulled over the driver of a sedan that was driving rapidly through a parking lot and matched the description of a car involved in a theft from a mailbox.
The car’s occupants — three men ages 34, 26 and 32 as identified by passports and a Wisconsin ID — were arrested and taken to the Macomb County Jail. Mail found inside the car matched the address where the mailbox theft was reported.
On March 27, deputies spoke with a 56-year-old Macomb Township woman at the Macomb County Jail about a fraudulent purchase in Clinton Township with one of her credit cards. Deputies went to Office Max in Clinton Township where the purchases occurred and spoke with staff about the purchases, which consisted of over $900 in gift cards.
Given the similar descriptions of the March 25 and March 27 suspects — the occupants of the car were believed to be
Haitian citizens while staff claimed the gift card purchaser had a “Haitian accent” — and that the credit card used in the March 27 case was from a residence close to where the March 25 theft was reported, deputies believe the incidents may be connected.
‘External account’ scam
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On March 24 at around 3 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies spoke with a 41-year-old Macomb Township man about a fraud that targeted him.
The man was contacted on March 19 by someone claiming to be from Extra Credit Union stating that he needed to set up an “external account” to avoid fraud. After giving the caller his birthdate to set up the “external account,” he was contacted on March 24 by an actual Extra Credit Union employee about over $3,000 in fraudulent purchases and transfers.
Broken lights, suspended license
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On March 24 at around 7:20 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies pulled over a Jeep Liberty with broken lights.
The driver, a 30-year-old Macomb Township man, was told about the lights and informed deputies this was not the first time the issues were mentioned to him by law enforcement. A check of his license revealed the man’s license was suspended, but the man said he was not aware of that.
— Dean Vaglia
‘This is a little slice of history’
DETROIT’S AUTO LEGACY EMBOSSED IN MICHIGAN INNOVATION DOLLAR
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — In April 2022 Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed Steve Bieda as the official liaison to the U.S. Mint for the development of design for the Michigan Innovation Dollar.
It was the perfect fit for the Warren resident who is a history buff and has an interest in coin collecting. For the past three years, the former state legislator and current Warren 37th District Court judge consistently met with various coin clubs around the state to come up with a theme and design for the collector coin. Many topics were considered to represent Michigan, including Motown, colleges and the Mackinac Bridge. Ultimately, the choice was made to honor Detroit’s automobile assembly line on the collector coin.
On April 8, Bieda and others involved with the process unveiled the Michigan Innovation Dollar during a ceremony at the Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave. The MotorCities
National Heritage Area, the Michigan History Foundation and the Michigan State Numismatic Society hosted the event.
The Michigan Innovation Dollar features a 1930s-era assembly line in which a team of autoworkers are lowering an automobile body into place. On the flipside is the Statue of Liberty.
According to a MotorCities National Heritage Area press release, the design was created by U.S. Mint Artistic Infusion Program designer Ronald D. Sanders and was sculpted by U.S. Mint Medallic artist John P. McGraw.
“I was delighted by the way it looked,” Bieda said when he first saw the coin. “This is a little slice of history.”
The assembly line concept hit close to home for Bieda, who grew up in an automotive family. His dad worked for General Motors and Chrysler, his grandpa worked on the Model T assembly line, and Bieda had summer internships at the GM Tech Center in Warren.
During the ceremony, Michigan History Foundation Director Bill Arnold talked about the innovations that contributed to the automobile industry and assembly line technology “for which our state is world-renowned.”
See DOLLAR on page 12A
Vacancy filled on L’Anse Creuse board
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — At its meeting on March 31, the L’Anse Creuse Public Schools Board of Education voted to appoint Jeffrey Cyprus to serve as a board trustee until Dec. 31, 2026.
Cyprus’ appointment fills a seat left by Andrew Parski’s resignation effective March 9. After having a window for applicants to apply, the board narrowed down a field of nine candidates to four at a March 19 special meeting. The four chosen from the board to move on were Cyprus, Mark Deldin, Dane Ramsden and Dale VanDeWater.
Cyprus is an 11-year resident of Harrison Township and has been an employee of robotics firm FANUC for just about as long, becoming a program manager in June 2024. He was in the Marines from October 2004 to May 2014, retiring at the rank of staff sergeant. He is married to a graduate of the district and has two children attending L’Anse Creuse Middle School-Central.
“I started (at FANUC) as a trainer (and) moved all the way up into what I am now, a program manager on the largest account that we have in the world,” Cyprus said in his opening remarks on March 19. “I’m not afraid of working with large sums of money. (I’m) not afraid of working in highpressure situations; I pretty much deal with it every day.”
Cyprus’ term on the board is effective immediately. He previously served on the board following an appointment in 2022.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
NEWS & NOTES
FAN HOSTING 5K WALK/RUN
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Face Addiction Now will host its 17th annual Run Drugs Out of Town 5K Run/Walk fundraiser on Saturday, June 21 at 10:00 a.m.
Taking place at Macomb Community College’s Clinton Township campus, the 5K’s organizers are expecting 2,000 participants. The run will take place entirely on the MCC campus.
“Every year at Run Drugs Out of Town, I find myself overwhelmed — not just by the incredible turnout, but by the stories,” Linda Davis, FAN executive director, said via press release. “Families reuniting, healing, and creating memories with their children. Through the years, we’ve celebrated countless victories, but we’ve also lost people who were near and dear to our hearts. That’s why this run matters. It’s our chance to come together, to remember, and to keep fighting and push for change.”
The campus is located at 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township. To register as an individual or team for Run Drugs Out of Town, or to sponsor the event, go to faceaddictionnow.org/run-drugs-out-of-town, or call (586) 438-8500.
Scholarships available for high school seniors
METRO DETROIT — The Sparkle Network, a local nonprofit organization that offers many programs, is accepting applications until April 26 for its Dream, Believe and Do scholarship awards. Sparkle Network founder Moe Lietz, a 1992 Romeo High School graduate is seeking applicants who are high school Class of 2025 seniors who reside in Oakland or Macomb counties and have completed a minimum of 40 hours of documented community service. Students who apply must have a dream they fully believe in and can explain how and what they will do to make that dream happen. To apply, log onto sparklenetwork.org and scroll down to the Dream, Believe and Do link. For more information, call (248) 840-8136.
Salvation Army moves
Music in the Park lineup revealed
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Fans of summer fun can start making their plans, as Macomb Township Parks and Recreation announced the 2025 Music in the Park schedule on April 10. Beginning on Thursday, June 26 and running through July 31, each concert takes place at Macomb Corners Park on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. The Act kicks off the summer with their setlist of greatest hits, followed by Power Play Detroit’s high energy sound on July 10. On July 17, Rolling Stones tribute act Shattered takes to the park stage, while The Jerry Ross Band follows on July 24. The concert series is rounded out by 50 Amp Fuse with another greatest hits setlist.
Local credit union honored
STERLING HEIGHTS — Christian Financial Credit Union, based in Sterling Heights, was among 180 credit unions nationwide named as winners of the prestigious Diamond Award through the Marketing, PR and Development Council of the America’s Credit Unions organization.
Christian Financial Credit Union received a “Category’s Best” award in the ongoing event category for their Autumn Apple Giveback event last fall, which contributed over 3,500 apples to the neighboring community, donated 500 hours of community service and contributed $5,000 to area nonprofits.
The awards recognized the best marketing campaigns in the credit union industry from the past year. Credit unions, advertising agencies, and associations submitted 1,400 submissions for the prestigious awards. The awards were presented March 25 at the Marketing, PR & Development Council Conference in Austin, Texas. Winners were from 42 states.
Time to ‘SHINE’
STERLING HEIGHTS — First Church Sterling Heights will host its Spring SHINE Day at 9:30 a.m. May 3. There is opportunity for students, friends, family and coworkers to become involved with the community by helping out neighbors with property maintenance. It is the intent to assist neighbors who are unable to do the work because of age, physical disabilities, or financial hardship. The church is located at 39400 Dequindre Road. Those interested in volunteering should email cityhall@sterlingheights.gov or call (586) 446-2476.
to new location
STERLING HEIGHTS — Thrifters take notice: The Salvation Army is reopening its Sterling Heights store at a new location.
The Salvation Army Southeast Michigan Adult Rehabilitation Center’s new store will be at 37600 Van Dyke Ave.
The grand reopening will kick off with a celebration on April 25. Doors will open at 9 a.m. at the location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
A press release from the Salvation Army states that the new store will be fully stocked with “new and gently used” items. The new store will be open Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Those making donations can do so from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Prior to the opening, the 35170 Dodge Park location will stay open until April 24. The release states that the former location will place items on clearance, excluding mattresses, “until the sales floor is cleared.”
“The new Sterling Heights Thrift Store will offer untouched merchandise and updated building fixtures in a more central location,” Envoy Jacqulynn Idzior, administrator for The Salvation Army Southeast Michigan Adult Rehabilitation Center, said in the release. “We look forward to welcoming the community back to the store they know and love in an upgraded space for an enhanced thrifting experience.”
Henry Ford hosting free heart screenings on 26th
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Henry Ford Health is bringing its healthy heart screening event to Henry Ford Macomb Hospital from 7-11 a.m. on Saturday, April 26.
Originally held in 2005, the heart screening has been provided to over 10,000 people across metro Detroit. Participants receive a free whole heart checkup, including an electrocardiogram (EKG), all at no cost to them. Other free screenings include blood pressure, BMI and blood glucose. Patients will receive results that day and meet one-on-one with a doctor. There will also be a stroke assessment and information on weight loss, diet and nutrition.
Other Henry Ford hospitals taking part in the screenings include Grand Blanc, Rochester, Southfield, Warren and Wyandotte.
CMPL closing temporarily, still hosting events
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Patrons of the ClintonMacomb Public Library’s main branch will once again have to find a different place to go to as the location will close from Sunday, April 20 through Thursday, May 15 for roof work. All items taken out from the main branch have an extended deadline and if items must be returned, they may be returned to the North Branch in Macomb Township, the South Branch in Clinton Township, or the nearest Suburban Library Cooperative partner library.
The North Branch is hosting its Fan Art Show until April 30. North Branch visitors can look over the fanworks on display and vote for their favorites. Winners will be announced on Saturday, May 3 during Free Comic Book Day.
Children ages 2-5 are invited to play with and explore a variety of construction themed activities at the South Branch on Saturday, April 26 at 10:30 a.m. Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to the South Branch on Tuesday, April 29 at 7 p.m. to take on a variety of world records, such as stacking the most donuts or identifying the most Pokémon.
Those looking to use their green thumbs can visit the North Branch and join Brendan Nolan, a Detroit native and founder of Plants for Ecology, at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 7 to explore the world of native plant landscaping in southeast Michigan.
Visit cmpl.libnet.info/events for a full list of events or to register for an event listed above.
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SPOTLIGHT ON HOMES
ADVANCE PREP KEY TO AVOIDING PROBATE AT WORST POSSIBLE TIME
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The last thing that a family wants amidst the passing of a loved one is to wind up in court. Figuring out how to share an estate is expensive, time-consuming, and complicated for many and probate court can lead to drama within a family unless the right steps are taken.
The most important step anyone can take to avoid probate court is to simply be prepared. It may sound fairly obvious, but making sure you have a will, trust, or some form of legal document involving your assets can go a long way in avoiding family tension.
“I’ve been practicing law for over 40 years. The best way to avoid the probate court is to prepare,” attorney Randall Shepard of Colbert, Shepard & Sadowski LLP said. “Talk to an attorney or talk to a specialist that can help you prepare your estate plan so that you don’t have to end up going through probate.”
There are several ways to organize assets in a way that prevents going to court. Trusts, ladybird deeds and wills can be simple ways to make sure your estate ends up in the right hands.
Probate also isn’t strictly used when someone passes away,
as a lot of families find themselves in court for guardianship and conservatorship.
“Conservatorship is, of course, when the court oversees the management of somebody’s finances,” Shepard explained. “You really want to avoid that at all costs if you can. You’re better off having that set up ahead of time.”
In order to prepare in advance, one of the best things a person can do is have an expert in their corner. There are so many possible outcomes in probate and having a specialist to help with documentation that “speaks the language” is sometimes all a client needs.
“My advice is to get someone to help you. Don’t try and do it yourself,” Shepard said. “It can be a nightmare… Try to have an attorney that helps you resolve your case, not make it worse.”
Arguably the most common reason for probate is housing. Real estate is something that many families end up going to court over and it is an area of law that can get very complicated very quickly.
“Especially in real estate, you can encounter some family situations where it can be contentious,” Re/Max First certified probate specialist Ray Nadolski said. “Do you want sons and
The advice that is most commonly told from people that work in probate is about how to avoid it. Shutterstock image
Probate
from page 10A
daughters to become enemies after you die? That’s the message I would send to people.”
A joint tenant, a trust or a will can help make the process easier for everyone involved. The best way to accomplish this is by working with someone in real estate that specializes in probate. In some cases, even with documentation, families find themselves in court because there are errors or missing statements from those involved.
“Some of the longest, most contentious and expensive probate battles come from unforeseen mistakes made by a person seeking to avoid probate,” Nadolski said. “I see a lot of issues in real estate… Do this just in case so it’s not all hearsay.”
Nadolski is now an expert in probate and has been working with former Macomb County Probate Court Judge Carl Marlinga to help make the transition of assets easier for families. Nadolski and Marlinga provided C & G Newspapers with a document that highlights important background information about probate and what advice they have after many years in the field.
The advice that is most commonly
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“This is our history. That’s why we’re so committed to preserving and interpreting that history,” Arnold said. “We’re so proud to be a part of this commemorative effort and celebrate the legacy of the state of Michigan and our people whose contributions to innovation are represented by this Innovation Dollar.”
Brian Yopp, deputy director of the MotorCities National Heritage Area, also addressed the crowd.
told from people that work in probate is about how to avoid it. As Nadolski and Marlinga explained, even a will that has been witnessed and notarized can still be subject to the jurisdiction of probate court. People will argue that the deceased may have been acting “under duress” or “undue influence.” Finding a lawyer that specializes in probate is the best court of action.
In the long run, planning ahead is also far cheaper than the alternative of probate court.
“The money you spend now would be less expensive than what your estate would have to spend if you don’t,” Shepard said. “It goes back to the theme of avoiding these problems.”
Perhaps the most important reason to get assets aligned and avoid probate is simply because it’s fair. The management of finances, housing or anything else should be decided by the owner of those assets while the person is still able.
“You’re better off spending the money now while the person is able to make the decisions of where they want their property to go,” Shepard said. “If you don’t have anything planned, then a judge makes the decision.”
Call Staff Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
“The assembly line is an innovation that revolutionized auto production, making cars affordable to the masses and literally putting the world on wheels,” Yopp said. “It took an idea that was a craft — they were making cars by hand one at a time — that exploded into the industry that we know and love.
“The story we’re telling didn’t start too far from here. Not too far down Woodward Avenue, going towards the river, Ransom E. Olds owned a place. He patented an assembly line and had a plant here in Detroit before it burned,” Yopp said. “The story moves to an
See DOLLAR on page 13A
Dollar
from page 12A
area called Milwaukee Junction. This was sort of a bed of automobile manufacturing in the early 1900s. That’s where a lot of folks were trying to get their start. You see the stories of Packard and Hudson.”
Yopp said the Highland Park Ford Plant is “where things got launched and started” and “most people got their image of what the assembly line was and the impact it made more than a century later.”
The U.S. Mint made arrangements to
Orchestra
much of the orchestra’s growth in the decades since to the Macomb Center’s opening and using it as a venue.
“We got a lot more visibility,” Cook said. “(The Macomb Center is) really the only firstclass acoustically sound facility in Macomb County, I would think. There are some other places that are fine, too, but everybody knows if they live in Macomb County or even adjoining areas what the Macomb Center is and what they present.”
The Macomb Center became a focal point for a number of events in the county, serving both traveling acts stopping by the Detroit suburbs and local acts looking to perform within the community. The Macomb Symphony Orchestra used the Macomb Center’s presence to establish itself as, in Cook’s words, the “voice of classical music in Macomb County.” The move allowed the orchestra to expand to up to as many as 70 musicians per concert and even begin paying all of its musicians as of the 1990s.
“We wanted to tackle different pieces, more challenging pieces, and we didn’t have the bodies in the student body to accommodate that,” Cook said. “Gradually we picked up more community players and those who came from a great distance — some from Ann Arbor and Windsor and what have you — we had to compensate them for their time and their gas, so it gradually grew from that.”
Cook stepped down from directing the orchestra in 2021 with Andrew Neer taking on the role. Having grown up in Sterling Heights, Neer found out about the orchestra around 2019 and has worked to make the organization more visible.
“I’m a little bit more involved in (the business and marketing side) than maybe your average music director would be,” Neer said. “I take a big hand in helping to navigate the social media presence, design the website, all
those types of forward-facing community outreach types of things, in addition to going to different events in the community to try connecting with businesses and people in the area so they know we exist, and we can continue to grow and develop our support base.”
Having conducted orchestras across metro Detroit and guest conducted in Europe, Neer’s experience at the stand is without doubt. But the management of the business aspects of the orchestra has become very important since taking on the role, especially as the orchestra came out of the COVID-19 pandemic financial situation and into a continually uncertain economic situation.
“Coming out of COVID and the challenges that it faced, the orchestra has been struggling to bring in the same amount of money than it did (before),” Neer said. “And their expenses have expanded because of the pay changes and some of that stuff … But the board (of directors) came to make some adjustments so we can continue into the future, and we can continue to keep this alive and vibrant in the county.”
Should the orchestra navigate its financial situation, Neer believes it has a bright future. Neer would like to increase the orchestra’s involvement with Macomb County student musicians.
“To work with this organization, this group of people, the board, the legacy that Tom started, I just want it to go on in perpetuity so that we can have the continual development of our art and the curation of art right here in Macomb County,” Neer said. “My biggest hope for the organization is that we could continue to grow and continue to develop in a way that would be lasting and have an impact on the community for the good.”
The Macomb Symphony Orchestra’s 2025 schedule currently includes a concert with a “Star Wars” theme on Sunday, May 4 at the Macomb Center and a park concert as part of Shelby Township’s Summerfest on the evening of June 21. For more information visit macombsymphony.org.
have coins on sale for $1 after the ceremony, with a limit of two coins per person. The coins will not be available in banks. The American Innovation Dollars struck with a circulation quality finish will not be released to the Federal Reserve for general circulation. The unveiling ceremony was made possible through donations from the sponsors that permitted the coins to be sold at face value for $1.
The collector coins will cost higher than face value because they are offered on the U.S. Mint’s website, usmint.gov. According to Bieda, the cost will be $36.25 for 25 coins, or a bag of 100 for $123.50. He said all of the coins at the April 8 ceremony can be used for
commerce and were struck at the Philadelphia Mint. Bieda said the coins are being sold through eBay now from people who were at the unveiling. There are plans to put the coin on display at the Detroit Historical Museum. During the ceremony, Kathy Freeland, of the Michigan Numismatic Association, and Rebecca Salminen Witt, chief strategy and marketing officer of the Detroit Historical Society, spoke to attendees. American Numismatic Association President Tom Uram reminded everyone that National Coin Week is April 20-26 this year.
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
Mark Zagata and Lisa Stoddard of the Michigan State Numismatic Society manage the sale of the new 2025 Michigan Innovation Dollar coin to collectors during the coin launch ceremony April 8 at the Detroit Historical Museum.
Photo by Liz Carnegie
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longer together, release new music or re-release material previously not available. Many record shops in metro Detroit participated and some held give-a-ways and discounts. Post Malone was this year’s ambassador.
Record Store Day wasn’t on Mark Iacobelli’s radar, but his 19-year-old daughter Emilina, at college in Grand Rapids, asked if he could get a copy of Kelsea Ballerini’s “The First Time: 10 Year Anniversary Edition.” She struck out when she tried to find the country’s singer album, one of the most in-demand releases on Record Store Day. Iacobell, 50, of Macomb Township, said that if he couldn’t find it, he’d pick up something from Taylor Swift.
Solo Records owner Heath Craig welcomed customers at 9:30 a.m.
“It’s the busiest day of the year and it’s the most fun,” Craig said. “We’re happy to share in our love of music.”
The line for Record Store Day at Ferndale’s Found Sound stretched down Nine Mile Road, ending near Pops for Italian restaurant just before the record store opened at 10 a.m.
“It’s not as big as it’s been and it’s not as small as it’s been,” said Ray Hayosh, manager of Found Sound. “It’s somewhere in between.”
He predicted the “Wicked” soundtrack, Charli XCX’s “Guess” single with Billie Eilish and Post Malone’s tribute to Nirvana would sell well.
“Those are definitely the ones we’ve got the most calls about,” Hayosh said. “Usually, there’s one in particular that everybody seems to want and that’s not the case this year.”
Davion Jackson, who hails from Detroit’s westside, was first in line. In order to get the spot, he’d camped out around midnight. Jackson came for Lil Uzi Vert’s three-record set, the Thompson Twins’ “Into the Gap: Live!” and the “Wicked” soundtrack. Jackson has over 200 records.
“I’ve been doing it for over two years now,” Jackson said. “Last year, I went to Dearborn Music in Farmington. This is my first year here.”
Lynae Peres, of Ferndale, who’s taken part in the event for three or four years, camped out with folding chairs and blankets around 7 a.m. Peres was waiting to add Swift’s “Fortnight” single and Gracie Abram’s “Live from Radio City Music Hall” to a collection that numbers at least 100.
Ken Bernard, from Royal Oak, who got in line just before 10 a.m., came for Joni Mitchell’s “Live 1976” and George Harrison’s “All Things Must Pass.” This is his fifth year attending the event. He’s been collecting records since he was 11 years old and his first was a Jackson 5 record. The following year, he rode his bike to the now-defunct Korvette’s to pick up Elton John’s “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” He currently has about 400 records and CDs in his collection.
“The line is really long today. It’s huge!” Bernard said. “I think I’ve gotten in line earlier in previous years. I was sitting at Java Hut, just relaxing and thinking, ‘Oh, I should really get in line.’ I think it might’ve doubled while I was sitting there.”
‘Both Joe and I love music’
(Left to right) Megan and Lynae Peres came to Record Store Day prepared. The two started waiting at 7 a.m. for Found Sound in Ferndale to open three hours later.
called the Violators, set to play May 3 at Roger’s Roost in Sterling Heights. He likes the idea of Record Store Day, although that’s not the only time he picks up music at Village Vinyl. About a month ago he traded in some of his collection to help pay for the first Badlands album, featuring guitarist Jake E. Lee.
Over at Blast in the Past, owners Jacquie and Joe Pellegrino welcomed a steady stream of music fans and even set up a sidewalk sale in front of the store.
“The first 10-12 girls were looking for Taylor Swift. They were happy,” Jacquie said. “We had Post Malone. That was a pretty popular one.”
“We sold almost all of the Fleetwood Mac and Stevie Nicks today,” Joe said. “We have people coming in for Dolly Parton.”
Some music fans went to great lengths to track down the music they love, including a crowd that camped out overnight outside Village Vinyl in Sterling Heights. When the store opened Saturday morning, at least 200 people were lined up around the strip mall.
“Everybody was super cool. Everybody was bonding and making new friends,” Village Vinyl owner John Lehl said. “It’s kind of cool to see people sitting together.”
Lehl said pop star Swift was the top seller of the day. Other popular female artists were Abrams, Eilish and Charli XCX. Many customers also bought Post Malone’s “Tribute to Nirvana,” Wallows, Oasis and the “Wicked” soundtrack, which had a “very limited” release.
As music from Gladys Knight, Marvin Gaye, Club Nouveau and Billy Paul played through the speakers, the store remained busy throughout the day. Macomb Township resident Rick Paulus, 57, stopped in to pick up Mark Morton’s “Without the Pain.”
“He’s the guitar player from Lamb of God, and this is a country album he did,” Paulus said. “I’ve heard a little bit of it, and it sounds good.”
“Both Joe and I love music. That’s been our passion for years. We’ve made a lot of friends through the years. We like all types of music, rock ‘n’ roll, jazz,” Jacquie said. “Joe has built up a very good, strong clientele. The Beatles go very well for us. Pink Floyd is a good seller, the Rolling Stones. We sell a lot of jazz and blues.”
Joe began doing record shows on and off in the 1970s.
“When I lost my job in ’87, I took my hobby and turned it into a business,” Joe said. In the early 1990s, when vinyl was being phased out, Joe bought a lot of those records from the now-closed Harmony House Records and Tapes chain “for less than a dime apiece.” They sold well at record shows.
“People want to have something they can relate to,” he said of vinyl. “When you pick up an album, you read about all the people and the producers.”
This was the second year Blast in the Past participated in Record Store Day. Not only does the Roseville business have vinyl, CDs, laser discs and 8-tracks, its shelves are filled with all kinds of memorabilia, including dolls, lunch boxes and Funko Pops. Blast in the Past will celebrate 30 years in business next February.
Paulus himself plays guitar in a local band
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
Photo by Nick Powers
ers to expand the Hunters Feeding Michigan program and are looking forward to what the future holds,” Garrett Zuver, Food Bank Council of Michigan Agriculture Program specialist, said in the release.
Hunters Feeding Michigan is primarily funded by voluntary donations when hunters and anglers sign up for licenses. Presgrove said these funds go toward processing expenses.
“We see the demand for good clean protein at the food banks, so we’re trying to get creative with raising additional revenue or donations to put toward processing,” Presgrove said in a phone interview. “We re-
imburse our processors at a certain rate and we want to make sure it’s a reasonable rate for them to continue processing deer for us.”
This year the DNR is getting some help from a local business. Sterling Heights-based Deer Camp Coffee Roasting Company & Outfitters, which started up in 2015, has partnered with the DNR to raise funds for the program. The funds support the processing and distribution of the donated meat.
Donations at Deer Camp can be made by buying coffee bags of medium roast Donor Doe or dark roast Traditions. With Traditions, an embroidered DNR deer patch from the past is included.
“At Deer Camp, we believe in great coffee, strong traditions, connecting and giving back to the community,” Julie Majewski, Deer Camp’s director, said in the release. “This partnership with the DNR is more
than just a collaboration — it’s a way for us to support hunters, conservation efforts and those in need. Every purchase makes a difference, and together, we can create lasting change, one cup at a time.”
According to Mike Tocco, who does media relations for Deer Camp, the company got involved with the program through Uncle Henry’s Gourmet Meats. Uncle Henry’s is one of the participating processors in the DNR program and Deer Camp has a relationship with the company. He said the contribution from each coffee bag purchased is “very significant.”
“From our standpoint, because of the benefit from what they’re trying to do, it’s over $6 in some cases that we’re donating back,” Tocco said in a phone interview.
The Sterling Heights business is no stranger to getting involved in the com-
munity. Tocco pointed to Deer Camp’s partnerships with other local businesses like Tennerra Winery. Tocco said students with disabilities from Utica Schools help bag and package coffee as part of a work training program. The company sponsors the Pure Michigan Hunt and has previously partnered with the DNR for a tree planting program.
“We did a tree planting program, which basically created wildlife in the Upper Peninsula that allowed deer to come in and habitat it,” Tocco said. “It also created more opportunities for them to not only be fed during harsh winters, but also manage the herds in an effective way.”
For a list of processors taking part in the DNR program, visit michigan.gov/ dnr/about/get-involved/hunters-feedingmichi gan.
Board
page 1A
Broughton Road cost sharing
Trustees approved a cost-sharing agreement with the Macomb County Department of Roads for the extension of Broughton Road between 23 Mile and 24 1/2 Mile roads.
The agreement calls for a 60% township and 40% county split of costs covering tasks related to design including surveying, rightof-way acquisition, sourcing materials and more. Design work and studies on the extension have been underway by the township, a departure from usual county-designed road projects.
“In this case, we are going to be paying OHM (the design firm) directly and then billing the county for their portion of the work,” Macomb Township Land Development Director James Van Tiflin said. “That’s why it’s $0 on the agenda. The township won’t be writing a check to the county. The
county will be actually paying us so we can pay OHM.”
The Broughton Road expansion aims to be a boulevard-style road and serve as part of the township’s Town Center concept. This is in contrast to the usual approach to road expansion, as seen recently with Garfield Road.
Van Tiflin said that while the right of way costs were estimated to be $120,000, the actual cost is subject to change once acquisition begins.
24 Mile rezoning
Trustees also approved rezoning parcel No. 08-08-400-007, located along 24 Mile Road west of Cracklewood Golf Course, from agricultural to R-1 residential.
The rezoning brings the parcel in line with the township’s master plan and will allow for the planned development of a site condominium subdivision.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Dr. Bergeron has comprehensive education, training, and experience in hospital and clinic-based patient care. She excels in all areas of foot and ankle care with specific training and interest in wound care and foot and ankle surgery (including cutting-edge minimally invasive techniques designed to minimize surgical trauma and help patients recover faster).
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Photo by Dean Vaglia
In board chambers decked in Easter decorations, members of the Macomb Township Board of Trustees listen to comments from township officials during the April 9 meeting.
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AND NOTES NEWS
Vendors needed for Downtown Rochester Makers’ Market
ROCHESTER — The deadline to register for the third annual Downtown Rochester Makers’ Market is Friday, April 18.
The market — which will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. June 21 on W. Fourth Street in downtown Rochester — will consist of unique artisan vendors, crafters, vintage collectors and makers selling their handcrafted goods, wares, and other specialty items.
Artisan vendors, makers, and handmade crafters are welcome to purchase a booth space at the market. Vendor spaces are $150 for a 10x10 space and $250
workmanship, originality, and booth display as depicted in vendor’s photo submissions.
To stay in the know of all downtown Rochester happenings, text “JOIN” to (866) 603- 4005 or visit downtownrochestermi.com.
Vendors sought for Farmers Market
STERLING HEIGHTS — Vendors are needed for the annual Farmers Market at Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road. The Farmers Market will operate from 3-8 p.m. every Thursday from June 5 through Sept. 25. The event includes local fresh food, produce, flowers and more. Vendor applications are available at sterlingheights.gov. Click on the Parks and Recreation link.
SELFRIDGE LUNCHEON MAY 1
CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVAL TO RETURN
FERNDALE — The Ferndale City Council approved a special event permit for the return of the Cinco de Mayo Festival. The festival, in its third year, will take place May 3-4 after the event received approval from the City Council at its March 24 meeting. The festival is produced by Mezcal Mexican Bar and Kitchen. The festival will be located near the restaurant at 201 E. Nine Mile Road.
PET SHOP FIXTURE HONORED
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Franky the Sulcata tortoise, a beloved fixture at Lou’s Pet Shop in Grosse Pointe Woods, was recently honored with a tribute by state Sen. Kevin Hertel, D-St. Clair Shores.
Hatched in May 1990 in Florida, he grew to become a 40-pound pet — larger than his owners had anticipated. When he burrowed through a wall in his family’s home, they realized they needed to relocate him. He was donated to Lou’s Pet Shop in August 2007. The shop initially planned on sending Franky to a Florida animal rescue facility, but his personality won everyone over and he became an ambassador for good pet ownership, visiting schools across metro Detroit, greeting store visitors and earning international notoriety for his livestreams, filmed via a camera on his shell.
Franky had tortoise scoliosis, which caused his death in October 2023. Hertel presented the tribute to Lou’s Pet Shop owner Donnie Cook on Jan. 31, 2025, in honor of the one-year anniversary of Franky’s death.
“When I was sworn in to the Senate, I never thought I’d be presenting a tribute in recognition of a tortoise, but Franky was so much more than a simple pet,” Hertel said in a press release. “Here in our community, and through the beloved ‘Franky-Cam,’ he captured hearts and brought smiles to people of all ages. He also served as an ambassador for responsible pet keeping, teaching local kids the importance of compassion and proper care for animals. While Franky is no longer with us, may his memory continue to live on in our hearts and minds.” On hand for the presentation were, pictured from left, Grosse Pointe Woods City Administrator Frank Schulte, Hertel, Cook, Woods Mayor Arthur Bryant and Assistant City Administrator Susan Como.
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — The Southeastern Michigan Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America will hold a luncheon at Mulligan’s on Selfridge Air National Guard Base at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, May 1. Retired Vice Admiral Fred Midgette of the Coast Guard will be the guest speaker. Admiral Midgette is a 1982 graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy and has earned master’s degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and the Naval War College. To RSVP, email Larry Powell at l-spowell@ameritech.net.
Intoxicated driver hits light pole
GROSSE POINTE PARK — A 41-year-old Warren resident was arrested after reportedly driving over a curb and hitting a light pole in the 15000 block of Charlevoix Avenue at around 10:07 p.m. March 22. Police said they located the driver inside a nearby bar.
Vehicle theft reported
GROSSE POINTE PARK — An unknown person is said to have stolen a 2021 Kia Sportage from a driveway in the 1200 block of Grayton Street between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. March 26. The victim had the only key to the vehicle.
Crooks target Ram vehicles
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — Three incidents involving larcenies from vehicles took place in Grosse Pointe Woods over a matter of a few days, all of them involving Ram trucks.
In the first incident, a 2025 Ram was broken into at around 8:55 a.m. March 27 while it was parked in the Henry Ford St. John Hospital parking lot and the suspect removed the infotainment console. According to a police report, surveillance footage shows the suspect walking through the parking lot. The suspect was seen breaking a window on the vehicle, removing the infotainment system and leaving.
In a second incident, which occurred sometime between the hours of 8 p.m. March 28 and 7:40 a.m. March 29, someone broke a window on a 2024 Ram and stole a loaded handgun and the vehicle’s infotainment console. The vehicle was parked in the 1200 block of Roslyn Road at the time.
A third incident took place in the 100 block of Hampton Road at around 8:30 a.m. March 29. A neighbor alerted the victim, who was out of town at the time. The vehicle was backed into a driveway and locked when the unknown suspect smashed out the back window and removed the infotainment system from a 2023 Ram.
Vehicle, hockey equipment taken
GROSSE POINTE WOODS — A resident in the 19000 block of East Ida Lane contacted police the morning of March 23 after an unknown person stole the resident’s Jeep Grand Cherokee, which had been parked in front of the resident’s house. A police report states that the key fob to the vehicle had been left inside it. The suspect also got away with hockey equipment that had been in the vehicle.
Vehicle stolen GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Sometime between the evening of March 17 and 8:30 a.m. March 18, an unknown suspect is said to have stolen a white 2017
home in the first block of Warner Road. The victim said the keys might have been left inside the vehicle. Police said they didn’t find any broken glass where the vehicle had been parked.
Vehicle theft attempted
GROSSE POINTE FARMS — An unknown person is believed to have tried to steal a silver 2024 Kia Forte from the first block of Muir Road between the hours of 5:30 p.m. March 25 and 6:30 a.m. March 26. The victim told police he found the right rear door window smashed out when he headed to his vehicle in the morning. A police report states that the windshield wiper lever was popped out as if the suspect was trying to pop the ignition. The victim said the interior of the vehicle hadn’t been rummaged through, nor did anything appear to be missing, so the suspect likely wasn’t trying to commit a larceny from auto. A neighbor told the victim she saw the lights on the Kia go on at around 2 a.m. March 26, but she didn’t see anyone inside the vehicle.
Unruly youths sought
GROSSE POINTE CITY — Two unknown female suspects are being sought by police after they allegedly became angry when The Village CVS store refused to sell them cough syrup and the store made an announcement that minors needed to be accompanied by adults at 10 p.m. March 26. According to a police report, one of the suspects knocked over a magazine rack as the pair exited the store.
Damaged car
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On March 13 at around
10 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to the 39000 block of Canterbury Drive for a property damage report.
Deputies spoke with a 62-year-old man who said his Buick LaCrosse was damaged. The front driver’s side window was shattered while both passenger-side tires were slashed. The man believed his son’s ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend was the culprit based on a “pushing match” the two got into once. No cameras were present to document any vandalism.
Bail payment scam
HARRISON TOWNSHIP — On March 11 at around 3:10 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies spoke with an 82-year-old woman about a fraud scheme that targeted her.
The woman said she received a call claiming her daughter was involved in a fatal car accident and was in jail with a $15,000 bond. The caller told her to withdraw the money from the bank and call her back upon returning home. While at the bank, the woman called her
was no accident, and she was not in jail. No money was taken from the bank.
Fast food freak-out
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On March 14 at around 4:15 p.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the Tim Hortons at the corner of Hall Road and Groesbeck Highway/North Avenue to stop a disorderly person.
Deputies were dispatched to the restaurant on the report of a customer throwing coffee at staff. The first deputy to reach the scene found a 40-year-old Clinton Township man behind the counter, yelling at workers and bleeding from the mouth. The deputy led the Clinton Township man out of the restaurant under threat of TASER and detained him. Multiple witnesses told deputies the Clinton Township man came in and began harassing staff. He was told to leave the store but refused to go, demanding to be served. He threw a cup at the staff and went behind the counter, where a fight broke out between him and the staff. Along with the accounts of witnesses, the incident was documented on security cameras.
The man was taken to the Macomb County Jail after his arrest.
Unknown loan
MACOMB TOWNSHIP — On March 13 at around 11 a.m., Macomb County Sheriff’s Office deputies spoke with a 37-year-old Macomb Township woman about a loan fraudulently opened in her name.
The woman recently received an alert from her bank noting a 30-point drop in her credit score after a $1,584 Department of Education loan was taken out in her name.
She was working with the department and the loan servicer to remove a hard inquiry from her record.
Burglary reported on Nine Mile Road
ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 3:30 p.m. March 17, a report was made of a burglary that occurred March 13 in the 22000 block of Nine Mile Road.
The officer spoke to the victims, a 53-year-old woman and a 58-year-old man. The woman said she left the apartment to take out the trash, leaving the door ajar. On the way back, she found an item wrapped in athletic tape just outside the apartment door, which she picked up and took inside with her. When the man returned later that day, he saw that the item contained a diamond of his, leading him to panic. He asked the woman why it was out, and she said she found it by the door but did not know what it was. The man checked his safe and found that all of the jewelry secured in there was gone.
not in disarray. The man told officers the safe was locked but that he became careless and left one of the spare keys in the lock.
Police: Weed thief nabbed after chase WARREN — A Detroit man was apprehended by Warren police following a pursuit on March 22. Warren police responded to a call around 1:55 a.m. about a burglary at a marijuana facility on Dequindre Road near 14 Mile Road, according to a press release from the department. Police had previously gathered intel on a pickup truck involved in similar burglaries. The business owner met officers on scene, informing them a large amount of marijuana had been stolen. Police searched the area and found a truck matching the description. They attempted a traffic stop, but the driver kept going. The chase went into Detroit where the driver lost control, crashing into an unoccupied house near the intersection of Livernois Road and the Davison Freeway. The release states a large amount of marijuana was found in the truck. The driver was identified as 29-yearold Dijon Tyree. He faces counts of delivery/manufacture 45 kilograms of marijuana, a 15-year felony; conspiracy to deliver/manufacture 45 kilograms of marijuana, a 15-year felony; breaking and entering a building with intent, a 10-year felony; conspiracy to commit breaking and entering of a building, a 10-year felony; receiving and concealing stolen property $20,000 or more, a 10year felony; receiving and concealing a stolen vehicle, a five-year felony; and fleeing and eluding third degree, a five-year felony.
Tyree was arraigned March 24 in 37th District Court by Judge Suzanne Faunce. His bond was set at $100,000 cash or surety. Macomb County Public Defender Noel Erinjeri, who is representing Tyree, offered “no comment.” Tyree was set for a preliminary examination on May 13 at 9 a.m. Person allegedly threatens woman, posts addresses on social media
SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Officers from the Shelby Township Police Department were dispatched to the 46000 block of Jonathon Circle, near Auburn and Dequindre roads, for a threat report at 3:24 p.m. March 19. When officers arrived, they met with the caller who advised that she had been receiving threatening text messages regarding money that is owed. The person who was texting her started to post her address and other family members’ addresses on social media. Through the officers’ investigation, they were able to locate the person sending the text messages. The case was to be forwarded to the Macomb County Persecutor’s Office for review of possible charges.