Rochester City Council approves voting precinct consolidation
voter precincts from six to three, with additional changes being made to polling locations. Since the passing of Proposal 2, significant changes have been made to Michigan election law and how elections are conducted — including the implementation of nine days of early voting, increasing the number of registered voters assigned to a single precinct from 2,999
Rochester City Council debates ordinance to ban feeding stray cats
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER — The city of Rochester may soon have another tool when it comes to managing the city’s feral cat population.
With a 4-2 vote, the Rochester City Council recently moved a new ordinance amendment regarding the feeding of stray cats and dogs for first reading and introduction.
Four councilmembers — Christian Hauser, Marilyn Trent, Debbie Jones, and Mayor Nancy Salvia — voted in favor of moving the new ordinance forward.
Photo by Mary Beth Almond
The city plans to use its Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return program on cat colonies in the Taylor, Fourth and Castill areas this spring.
Photo by Mary Beth Almond
OU police ask for public’s help after utility cart theft
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER HILLS — The Oakland University Police Department is looking to the public to help identify who took one of the university’s utility carts.
The utility cart, a Club Car Carryall worth $4,000, was stolen from the university’s Research and Innovation Center at 3:55 a.m. April 6.
U.S. SENIOR WOMEN’S OPEN COMING TO MICHIGAN IN 2026
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
ANN ARBOR — On April 2, the United States Golf Association announced that the 2026 U.S. Senior Women’s Open will be played at Barton Hills Country Club in Ann Arbor.
This event started in 2018 and travels to a different course in the country every year. This summer, the tournament will be played at San Diego Country Club in Chula Vista, California.
“We make several visits in advance to check out the
golf course… and really be sure that we’re playing on what is a U.S. Open-caliber course,” Katherine Khoury, who is the assistant director of the U.S. Senior Women’s Championship, said. “Then we progress and look at the area around it… to be sure that it will be ready for play come time for the Senior Women’s Open.”
Barton Hills checked all of the boxes for the USGA and was chosen for the event due to the combination of a stellar course and a fantastic area to host such a large tournament.
“(Barton Hills) is a phenomenal golf course and See GOLF on page 7A
Photos provided by the Oakland University Police Department
A utility cart was stolen from Oakland University’s Research and Innovation Center and loaded onto the trailer of a white four-door pickup truck.
Photo provided by Chris Keane/USGA
Annika Sorenstam hits her tee shot in front of a crowd during the final round of the 2024 U.S. Senior Women’s Open at Fox Chapel Golf Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Next year’s open is set to take place in Michigan.
A REAL ID will soon be required for domestic air travel
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Starting May 7, in order to board a domestic flight within the United States, a REAL ID or a compliant document will be required. C and G Newspapers recently explored some of the pertinent facts.
Why
Requiring that passengers have a REAL ID is based on a recommendation from the 9/11 Commission, according to Jessica Mayle, who is the regional spokesperson for the Transportation Security Administration.
“Identity verification is such an important part of TSA’s mission, knowing who is going through the checkpoints,” Mayle said.
“With 50 states issuing 50 different (driver’s) licenses, we wanted one baseline set of security standards, so we knew that all (driver’s) licenses issued from any state met minimum security protocols.”
Who
According to the Transportation Security Administration’s website, only adults 18 and older are required to have a REAL ID when boarding a plane traveling within the United States. Passengers are encouraged to check with airlines about specific ID requirements for children, according to the site.
What
A REAL ID is a driver’s license that has an image of the state of ID holders, with a star in the middle. An Enhanced Driver’s License is automatically REAL-ID compliant, whether or not it displays the star, according to the Michigan Department of State website.
A REAL ID, or compliant documents, will also be required for entrance into some federal buildings.
For a list of other compliant documents, visit www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/ identification.
When
Although May 7 is the date when the REAL ID requirement begins, Secretary of State offices will continue to issue REAL IDs moving forward, according to Mayle.
“Maybe you’re not traveling until June or July,” Mayle said. “That gives you a little more time.”
How
To schedule an appointment at a lo-
Starting May 7, a REAL ID or REAL ID-compliant documents will be required to board a domestic flight in the
cal Secretary of State office, call (888) 7676424 or visit https://dsvsesvc.sos.state.mi.us/ TAP/_/.
The documents that are needed at an appointment include a driver’s license or state ID card, a birth certificate with a raised seal of stamp issued by a governmental agency, a valid unexpired U.S. passport or an approved citizenship or legal presence document.
According to the Secretary of State Michigan website, faxes or photocopies of these documents won’t be accepted.
Married women who have taken their husband’s last name should bring a marriage license or other supporting documentation to verify the name change, according to Mayle.
Sarah Webb is currently gathering the required documents for herself, along with helping her clients navigate the new requirements.
Webb is a certified dementia practitioner and care partner.
Although some effort is required to get a REAL ID, from her perspective, going to the Secretary of State is more convenient than it used to be.
“It is so much easier now that you can make appointments at the Secretary of State, rather than wait in line for an indefinite time,” Webb said.
Andy Howell owns a travel agency in Farmington Hills. He shared that only one client has asked about a REAL ID.
Photo provided by the Transportation Security Administration
United States.
DIA celebrates 16 years of Inside|Out
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT —The Detroit Institute of Arts announced the Oakland County communities that are participating in the museum’s 2025 Inside|Out program.
The initiative brings reproductions from the DIA’s world-class collection to outdoor spaces across Oakland, Macomb, and Wayne counties. The program aims to make it easier for residents to engage with art in their everyday lives and inspire a visit to the museum, according to a press release from the DIA.
“We’re honored to bring Inside|Out to communities in southeastern Michigan and connect people with the museum’s collection in new and exciting ways,” Julie McFarland, the executive director of public affairs and engagement for the DIA, stated via the release. “This year, with reproductions placed across Oakland County, we hope this small representation of the collection not only brings art to people’s everyday lives but also inspires a visit to the museum.”
The Inside|Out program will share artwork reproductions with various communities throughout Oakland County, including Beverly Hills, Waterford
Township, Madison Heights, Lake Orion, some Oakland County Parks locations and all of Oakland Community College’s campuses.
Inside|Out is scheduled to run from May until October, with the installation dates varying.
This is the sixth year that Oakland Community College will have installations on all five of its campuses. At OCC’s Auburn Hills campus, “Cycles” by Norval Morrisseau is scheduled to be displayed, according to a representative of the DIA.
“OCC will once again be home to 15 pieces of art from 15 artists, on all five campuses, from May to October this year. The Inside|Out partnership highlights the power of two great community institutions coming together to ensure art is accessible for all to enjoy,” Eunice Jeffries, who is the executive director of government and community affairs for OCC, stated via email. “Each piece was selected to enhance and complement the natural beauty of OCC’s campuses, while capturing individual curiosity and interest in art appreciation. These pieces are strategically located so that students, employees and our community can enjoy while on campus attending classes, community events, or simply walking our campuses.”
See ART on page 7A
Photos provided by the Detroit Institute of Arts
TOP: “Cycles” by Norval Morrisseau will be on view at the Oakland Community College Auburn Hills campus as part of the Detroit Institute of Arts’ 2025 Inside|Out program. BOTTOM LEFT: Wadsworth Jarell’s “Woman Supreme” is set to be displayed in Madison Heights. BOTTOM RIGHT: Vincent van Gogh’s “Portrait of Postman Roulin” will be on display in Waterford.
Container gardening 101: Tips to have thriving plants in small spaces
BY KATHRYN PENTIUK kpentiuk@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Not all gardens need to be grown in the ground.
According to Lindsey Kerr, the Wayne County consumer horticulture educator for Michigan State University Extension, container gardening is a great option for those who want to enjoy gardening without the need to dig holes in their backyards or for aspiring gardeners who do not have backyards at all.
“Container gardening is great for people who live in smaller spaces, maybe in a condo or an apartment,” Kerr said. “But even homeowners that have maybe a deck or a patio, container gardening can be great because you might not have to bend over as much.”
Kerr advised beginner container gardeners to keep an eye out for keywords like
“patio,” “baby,” “bush” or “dwarf” when purchasing fruits and vegetables.
“If you want to grow squash in a pot, then you would want a dwarf or a bush-type squash plant. It’s not going to vine. Squash, like zucchini, can get huge. They bred ones that the plant is smaller, but the produce is the same size,” Kerr said.
She added that, ultimately, one would want a bigger pot, around 18 inches across, for things like tomatoes, because they can grow tall. Wind could cause them to topple over in a smaller pot, and the plant might dry out faster in a smaller pot.
Kerr added that gardeners should also be careful not to put young, small plants in a pot that is too big to avoid rotting. Instead, she encourages container gardeners to start small with a 4- or 6-inch pot and gradually work up to the 18-inch pot as the plant grows.
“I tell people to only plant one tomato plant or one pepper plant or one eggplant in a pot. I don’t think it’s a good idea to put other things in a pot with them. It’s just too much competition,” Kerr said.
Splawski, who is based in Oakland County, shared how to ensure success for co-inhabiting plants in a container.
MSU Extension Greenhouse and Floriculture Extension Educator Caitlin
“The rule of thumb is to have a thriller, a filler and a spiller in a container so that you
See GARDENING on page 15A
Photo provided by Lindsey Kerr
Kerr, of MSU Extension, advises
Art
from page 5A
Other pieces of art that are set to be displayed include “Fruit Piece” by Robert S. Duncanson in Lake Orion; “Portrait of Postman Roulin” by Vincent van Gogh in Waterford; and “Woman Supreme” by Wadsworth Jarrell in Madison Heights.
“Seeing art in the community is just one way we hope people will connect with our collection,” McFarland stated via the release. “Now, with a simple scan of a QR code
Golf
from page 3A
their facilities are outstanding,” Khoury said. “There’s really no downside (to choosing Barton Hills). Ann Arbor’s a great location. … We’re very excited.”
The course has a history of hosting USGA events, including the 1998 U.S. Women’s Amateur and the 2008 U.S. Women’s Mid-Amateur. It’s also a frequent host of Michigan’s amateur championships, including the Golf Association of Michigan men’s amateurs just last summer.
In 2026, Barton Hills will host the eighth U.S. Senior Women’s Open Championship. It’s an event that already means a lot to the community.
“Michigan really embraces championship golf,” Michigan Golf Hall of Famer and Barton Hills member Suzy Green-Roebuck said. “Women’s golf in particular. … The LPGA loved coming to Ann Arbor.”
Green-Roebuck is golf royalty in the metro Detroit area and has seen firsthand the growth of women’s golf locally and nationally. Being a part of that growth and seeing the event come to her own backyard is special.
“We have a great venue for it. Our course is one of the best,” Green-Roebuck said. “I just think it will really suit this tournament to a tee.”
The success of the event over the last seven years has been apparent. Not only has the tournament itself grown over time, but now women are continuing to golf later in life because of the opportunities available.
“I’ve already seen the trickle down. I’ve seen women in their 40s staying invested in the game… to have the potential to be a part of this,” Green-Roebuck explained. “It’s really a great collection of great amateurs and professionals… names that have walked away and came back and names that have stayed in it.”
It’s an important event. This is a way to celebrate the trailblazers and legends of
next to any Inside|Out installation, you can find the next closest artwork or start planning your visit to the DIA.”
The new web experience launches later this spring, according to the DIA. In the meantime, for more information visit dia. org/insideout.
The Detroit Institute of Arts’ Inside|Out program is made possible by tri-county millage support and Ford Philanthropy, according to the release.
General admission to the DIA is free for residents of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne counties.
women’s golf in a way that wasn’t possible before 2018.
“This is a selection of our golfing champions and a population that really needs to be appreciated and celebrated,” Green-Roebuck said.
Among those who will hopefully be participating in the event is 86-year-old JoAnne Carner. Carner is one of the more famous golfers in the history of the sport and is one of the most influential players ever. Her career has helped pave the way for female golfers everywhere.
“She’s the G.O.A.T.(greatest of all time),” Green-Roebuck said. “Last year in Pittsburgh was the first time she was in a (golf) cart.”
One of the best parts about the event is that the course is very open to walk as a spectator. You can walk up to the golfers and interact with legends of the game throughout the day. It’s truly a unique and special atmosphere.
“It’s one of those unique opportunities you truly don’t get at any other U.S. Open. We don’t rope the golf course,” Khoury said. “We rope the tees and the greens, but pretty much after they leave the tee box we encourage fans … you can walk right behind them.”
The hype has already started for the U.S. Senior Women’s Open, as Michiganders everywhere are excited to be a part of the event.
“Very aware and very happy to be a part of history bringing the tournament here,” Green-Roebuck said. “I think the ability to host a third USGA women’s event is pretty special for any club, and I’m excited it’s ours.”
The U.S. Senior Women’s Open is for professional and amateur golfers that are at least 50 years of age by the start of tournament play and have a handicap index of 7.4 or less.
The event is scheduled for Aug. 20-23, 2026. Visit www.usga.org for more information.
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
NEWS & NOTES
HELP WITH GARLIC MUSTARD PULL APRIL 30
ROCHESTER HILLS — Volunteer for the garlic mustard pull from 6-7 p.m. April 30 at the Harding Green Space. The event, officials say, is a fun and easy way to connect with nature and fellow residents while making a difference. Learn more and sign up at rochesterhills.org/outdoors. Volunteers can park at the Rivercrest Professional Center, 940 W. Avon Road.
Library presents concert with the Dirk Kroll Band
ROCHESTER — The Rochester Hills Public Library will welcome the Dirk Kroll Band at 2 p.m. May 4. Fronted by Detroit Music Award recipient singersongwriter Dirk Kroll, this eight-piece band brings blues-based rock with Americana and jazz flavors to the library. The event is open to library cardholders. Registration is required. To register, visit calendar.rhpl. org or call (248) 656-2900.
OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 56TH ANNUAL CLEAN SCENE EVENT HELD MAY 3
OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — The 56th annual Oakland Township Clean Scene event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, May 3 at Oakland Township Hall, 4393 Collins Road. Each year, residents help to clean township roads of the uncovered debris when the winter snow finally melts. Anyone can volunteer. The event, which is held rain or shine, begins with registration, bag pick-up, and coffee at Township Hall. If you are interested in donating supplies, food, drinks, or money, contact jsantacruz@oaklandtownship.org, or call (248) 651-4440 option 4.
‘THE RAT
PACK LOUNGE’ COMES TO MEADOW BROOK THEATRE
ROCHESTER — The Rat Pack Lounge, by James Hindman and Ray Roderick, with musical arrangements by John Glaudini, runs through May 18 at Meadow Brook Theatre on the campus of Oakland University in Rochester Hills.
“This is a show about friendship and honesty...and a lot of nostalgia,” Travis Walter, the MBT’s artistic director, said in a statement. “People from all generations love the music of this era. The Rat Pack Lounge is a great and creative way to tie 30 songs together with a great story about the importance of keeping your promises.”
The Rat Pack Lounge is suggested for audience members in middle school and up. The cast of The Rat Pack Lounge includes Javier Alfonso Castellanos as Jeorge/ Dean, Eric Coles as Vic, Jackey Good as Katherine/Angie, Malik Jordan as Bobby/Sammy, and Corbin Payne as William/Frank.
Tickets range from $39 to $48 and are available by calling the Meadow Brook Theatre box office at (248) 3773300 or visiting www.ticketmaster.com. Student discounts are available at the box office.
OU to award four honorary degrees at spring commencement ceremonies
ROCHESTER HILLS — Oakland University will present four individuals with honorary degrees in recognition of outstanding achievements in their respective fields during the university’s spring 2025 commencement ceremonies.
Irene Miller has been selected to receive a Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa in recognition of the work she has done in her roles as director of the Eleonore Hutzel Recovery Center at the Detroit Medical Center; mental health program director of Detroit Osteopathic; and director and chief administrative officer for Livingston County Community Mental Health. Miller will be honored at the 9 a.m. ceremony on Thursday, May 1.
Mickey Shapiro has been selected to receive a Doctor of Business Honoris Causa. Shapiro is the principal and owner of M. Shapiro Real Estate Group and cofounder of Lautrec Limited, and a prominent leader in the real estate industry and community advocate. Shapiro will be honored at the 2 p.m. ceremony on Thursday, May 1.
Brent Wirth has been selected to receive a Doctor of Humane Letters Honoris Causa in recognition of his efforts to improve the health and wellness of people throughout the region through his dedication to higher education and his advocacy for the education and training of mental health professionals. Wirth will be honored at the 9 a.m. ceremony on Friday, May 2.
Dr. Richard Frankel has been selected to receive a Doctor of Medicine Honoris Causa for his role as an accomplished professor of medicine at Indiana University, as a respected research scientist at the Indiana University Center for Health Services and Outcomes Research in the Regenstrief Institute, and as a core investigator at the VA HSR&D Center for Health Information and Communication at the Richard L. Roudebush VA Medical Center. Frankel will be honored at the 2 p.m. OUWB ceremony on Friday, May 9.
Honorary degrees are awarded by OU’s Board of Trustees in recognition of “distinguished accomplishment and service within the scope of the arts and letters, sciences, professions and public service as recognized and supported by the university.”
— Compiled by Mary Beth Almond
Voting
from page 1A
to 4,999, and the growing popularity of the permanent ballot list, to name a few.
“In 2018 and 2022, there were proposals that passed that were really massive changes to the way voting happens in the state — mainly with the no reason absentee ballots. That means anyone can get an absentee ballot 40 days before the election. It created a permanent ballot list where people can ask to automatically have their ballot mailed to them,” Rochester City Clerk Lee Ann O’Connor said.
In the November 2024 election, absentee voting across Oakland County remained steady, while Election Day voting declined due to early voting. In 2022, 55% of voters cast ballots in the precinct, while 45% voted absentee. In the November 2024 election, 35% of voters cast ballots in the precinct, with 45% voting absentee and 20% voting early.
In Rochester, voters have also been following the trend away from in-person voting, with over 3,000 people on the permanent ballot list, and over 2,000 voters who utilized early voting during the November 2024 election.
Decreasing the number of election-day precincts in Rochester, O’Connor explained, will require less election workers, supplies, staff time and energy, and ultimately save the city money.
“By reducing the number of precincts from six to
See VOTING on page 18A
Map provided by the City of Rochester
SPOTLIGHT ON KIDS
THE NECESSARY BURDEN OF TEEN CAR INSURANCE
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
Obtaining a driver’s license is one of the major milestones in life but also can become a liability very quickly.
“Statistics show that young drivers are involved in more car accidents, and many companies consider them a greater risk,” a fact sheet shared at michigan.gov states. “As a result, automobile insurance will be one of the most expensive costs teens will face in relation to obtaining their driver’s license and earning the privilege to drive.”
To help ensure that young drivers and their parents don’t find themselves in a sticky situation with a car accident, parents must take action to put their child on car insurance as soon as the child gets their learner’s permit.
“People are mostly nervous about the fact that their car insurance for teen drivers does rake their prices up pretty high,” said Azaila Powell, of Powell Insurance Agency. “In the event of an accident, your child needs to be listed on your own insurance, because it can cause voiding their insurance and your own.”
In terms of costs for insuring a teenager, every company is different, according to Sue Crowe, an insurance agent with State Farm in St. Clair Shores.
Crowe said that at State Farm, it is nearly impossible to predict the general cost of insurance after adding a teen because of an algorithm they use to give families coverage that makes sense based on their personal situations.
“You can’t even guestimate anymore. Thirty or 40 years ago, I could tell you exactly what it would be. Now, all of us insurance companies have our secret algorithms, and for me to spit out the cost, I can’t even do that anymore,” Crowe said. “It used to be so easy. I think insurance companies are better at matching a risk to the price now… you need to find a good, reputable company with a good agent that can help guide you when you are making the choices to pick out the discounts.”
Every state is different when it comes to insurance policies. In Michigan, a teen has to be 18 or older to be able to purchase their own car insurance, according to Powell. The teen driver must be put onto their parent’s
In terms of costs for insuring a teenager, every company is different, according to Sue Crowe, an insurance agent with State Farm in St. Clair Shores. Shutterstock photo
insurance policy as soon as they receive their learner’s permit.
Michigan is a no-fault state, and the law requires people to have no-fault insurance on all cars. If you have an accident, no-fault insurance will pay for the injuries to the people involved and for the damages your car does to other people’s property, according to michigan. gov.
“It is against the law to drive, or let your car be driven, without no-fault insurance. If you are caught driving without insurance, you could be fined $500, sentenced to jail time, and have your license revoked,” according to michigan.gov.
“If you don’t notify your car insurance company of a new driver and they are the cause of an accident while they are driving, the insurance may not cover your teens medical bills,” Powell said. “They also may not be able to sue the at-fault driver who caused an accident if they are not listed, even if your teenager wasn’t found guilty or at fault, even if they suffered an injury. Putting off adding your child to your car insurance policy is definitely not a good call.”
To help parents navigate saving money on car insurance, Crowe said it is important
to find a trustworthy insurance agent who can help find all of the discounts that the company has to offer.
“Take advantage of every discount that an insurance company has to offer. You need to find a good, reputable company with a good agent that can help guide you when you are making the choices to pick out the discounts.” Crowe said. “For example, we (State Farm) have a good student discount that has a very good effect on the cost… Bottom line, buy a safer car, because with a safer car, the less extreme injuries can happen, and therefore the cost of the insurance is reflective.”
Making sure that new drivers are practicing safe driving is another major suggestion that both Crowe and Powell emphasized to help avoid accidents in the first place.
“A lot of parents don’t talk to their teens about driving safety. There are times it seems that they may have left it up to the drivers training school to kind of help, but it’s important for parents to be involved in that process,” Powell said. “Distracted driving is a very serious issue that goes on within our community. It is important for teen drivers to have guidance when it comes to driving and understand the importance of not being on their phones.”
For more information about teen car insurance in Michigan, visit michigan.gov.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
13A/ ROCHESTER POST • APRIL 24, 2025
APRIL 24
Kanopy & Coffee: Watch “The Perfect Candidate” (2019) through Rochester Hills Public Library’s free streaming subscription service while enjoying java and sweet treats, 7 p.m., 500 Olde Towne Road in Rochester, register at calendar.rhpl.org or (248) 656-2900
APRIL 24-27
‘Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812’: Electropop musical based on section of Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace,” 7 p.m. April 24-26 and 2 p.m. April 26-27, Stoney Creek High School, 6755 Sheldon Road in Rochester Hills, stoneycreektheatrecompany.ludus. com/index.php, (248) 563-1416
APRIL 25
Meadow Brook Garden Club: Hear lecture about “Patagonia – From Giant Trees to Tiny Cushions,” 10 a.m. (coffee and refreshments at 9:15 a.m.), Meadow Brook Hall (on campus of Oakland University), 350 Estate Drive in Rochester, next meeting held May 16, (248) 364-6210, mbgcmembers@gmail.com, meadowbrookhall.org/gardenclub
APRIL 26
Healthy Heartscreening: Free event with electrocardiogram and blood pressure, body mass index and blood glucose checks, also meet with doctor about weight loss, diet and nutrition, plus stroke assessment, 7-11 a.m., Henry Ford Rochester Hospital, 1101 W. University Drive, henryford.com/campaign/healthyheart-screening-event
Earth Day 5K: 9 a.m., Bloomer Park, 345 John R Road in Rochester, rararecreation.org/events/_5k_ races.php
Cultural Fair: Free event features food, music, dance and other performances from around world, also booths presented by cultural centers, organizations and student-led clubs, noon-3 p.m., Garth Pleasant Arena at Rochester Christian University, 800 W. Avon Road in Rochester Hills, (248) 841-2463, read story at candgnews.com
Shred event: Securely dispose of documents, noon-2 p.m., Real Estate One, 1002 N. Main St. in Rochester,
Editor: Mark Vest | (586) 498-1052 | mvest@candgnews.com
Reporter: Mary Beth Almond | (586) 498-1060 | malmond@candgnews.com
Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
free but donations accepted for New Day Foundation for Families Fighting Cancer (with match from realtor Caron Koteles Riha), (248) 379-6651, caron@ caronkoteles.com
Mom-to-mom sale: Presented by Chief Financial Credit Union, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. (early bird at 9:30 a.m.), Rochester Avon Recreation Authority, 500 E. Second St., (947) 886-0082, rararecreation.org
APRIL 30
Wine and beer tasting fundraiser: Presented by Rochester Rotary, also includes hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants, silent auction and 50-50, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Bordine’s of Rochester Hills, 1835 S. Rochester Road, rochesterrotaryclub.org
MAY 1
Oakland County Quilt Guild meeting: Hear lecture titled “Myth: Quilting is an Expensive Hobby,” 7-9 p.m., First Congregational Church of Rochester, 1315 N. Pine St., meetings held every first Thursday of month September-June (December and June for members only), oaklandcountyquiltguild.com
‘Three Needles & Suture’: Play about Dr. Bertha Van Hoosen’s relationship with sister Alice Van Hoosen Jones and niece Dr. Sarah Van Hoosen Jones, meet with cast plus tea and light refreshments after production, 7-8:30 p.m., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, (248) 656-4663, rochesterhills.org/musprograms
MAY 3
‘Songs for the Spring’ concert: Performance by Rochester Community Chorus, 7:30 p.m., group also hosts open rehearsals at 7:45 p.m. Mondays, St. Mary of the Hills, 2675 John R Road in Rochester Hills, rochestercommunitychorus.org
MAY 4
Blood drive: 8 a.m.-2 p.m., St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1234 Inglewood Ave. in Rochester, participants earn e-gift card to merchant of choosing, make appointment at (800) 733-2767 or redcrossblood.org (sponsor code: standrew)
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
Hear Dirk Kroll Band: Eight-piece group plays blues-based rock with Americana and jazz, 2 p.m., Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road in Rochester, open to RHPL carholders and registration required, (248) 656-2900, calendar.rhpl.org
MAY 5-9
‘It’s About Time’ musical revue: Luncheon shows from noon-3 p.m. May 5, 6, 8 and 9, and dessert shows from 6-7:30 p.m. May 6 and 7, OPC Social & Activity Center, 650 Letica Drive in Rochester, (248) 659-1029, opccenter.org
MAY
7
Mental Health & Wellbeing Expo: 9 a.m.-noon, lobby of Henry Ford Rochester Hospital, 1101 W. University Drive, free but registration required, rrc-mi.com
MAY 10
Learn about Stoney Creek Schoolhouse: Also activities during public drop-in visit, noon-3 p.m., 1051 Washington Road in Rochester, check in at Dairy Barn at Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, continues June 7, rochesterhills. org/museum
ONGOING
‘The Rat Pack Lounge’: Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. leave heaven to perform one final show on earth, select dates until May 18, Meadow Brook Theatre (room 207 in Wilson Hall on campus of Oakland University), 378 Meadow Brook Road in Rochester, (248) 377-3300, see times at mbtheatre.com
‘Romeo and Juliet’: 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays April 24-27 and May 1-4, Richardson Academic Center Theater on campus of Rochester Christian University, 800 W. Avon Road in Rochester Hills, rcu.edu/theatre
Art exhibit: See works by graduating Oakland University graphic design and studio art students, on display noon-5 p.m. daily (except Mondays) until May 11, Oakland University Art Gallery (room 208 in Wilson Hall), 371 Wilson Blvd. in Rochester, ouartgallery.org
Widowed Friends movie club: Meets every second Tuesday of month, Emagine Rochester Hills, 200 Barkley Circle, shows and times TBD, contact Valerie at (248) 701-9567 or widowedfriends9@gmail.com, widowedfriends.com
Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve activities: Story & STEAM(ages 3-5, 10-11 a.m. every second and fourth Friday of month) and Nature Tales Classic (story, snack and craft, ages 3-5, 10-11 a.m. every third Thursday of month), 333 N. Hill Circle in Rochester, dinosaurhill.org
Rochester Toastmasters: Meets 6:30 p.m. every first and third Thursday of month, Pixley Memorial Hall, 322 W. University Drive in Rochester, (248) 828-5649, www.4890.toastmastersclubs.org
Live entertainment: Includes AC/DC tribute Thunderstruck (8 p.m. April 25), Who’s Bad - The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience (7 p.m. April 27), ’80s tribute The 1985 (8 p.m. May 2), Sponge (8 p.m. May 3) and female pop tribute Material Girls (8 p.m. May 9), The Roxy, 401 Walton Blvd. in Rochester Hills, (248) 453-5285, theroxyrochester.com/events
• 7-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Fork n’ Pint, 51 N. Broadway in Lake Orion, forknpintlakeorion.com, (248) 845-4476
Downtown Rochester Farmers’ Market: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays May 3-Oct. 25, new temporary location at East Parking Platform, 415 East St. in Rochester, downtownrochestermi.com/farmers-market
Support groups: Find meetups for grief, alzheimer’s/ dementia, parkinson’s, memory loss and more, OPC Social & Activity Center, 650 Letica Drive in Rochester, (248) 656-1403, opccenter.org
Health workshops: For hypertension, diabetes, pre-diabetes and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, corewellhealth.org/classes-events/ southeast-michigan
ADHD meetings: Hosted by CHADD of Eastern Oakland County, for adults and parents, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Zoom, see schedule on chadd.net/chapterevents/527
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Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100 For retail ad rates: Jeannine Bender | (586) 498-1034 | jbender@candgnews.com Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099
Stray cats
from page 1A
“The goal is to treat and capture these cats and deal with this issue humanely and responsibly, and this ordinance helps us get there,” Hauser said.
Subsection A of the amendment prohibits the ground feeding of wild animals — including, but not limited to, raccoons, skunks, rodents, rabbits, crows, wild birds, rats, mice, fowl, waterfowl, gophers, groundhogs, moles, opossums, squirrels, chipmunks, and any and all other types of wild animals and reptiles.
But there is a provision that allows the feeding of wild birds, only from elevated bird feeders.
Subsection B prohibits any feeding of feral or stray cats or dogs, but states that the city’s ordinance officers may review and approve feeding and watering on a case-by-case basis, if it’s part of city-approved animal control efforts.
Salvia said she has a soft spot on the topic, adding that she owns a kitty that was rescued in Oakland Township.
“One of the things I like about what’s in this ordinance is that the code officer can review and approve feeding and watering lo-
cations,” she said. “That was important to me, that there was some way to have that happen.”
Although councilwoman Sara King was absent from the meeting, she said in an emailed statement she was also in support of the amendment.
“Together, with responsible feeding and targeted intervention, we can create a healthier and more sustainable environment for both our residents and our community animals,” she said in the statement.
Mayor Pro Tem Stuart Bikson and councilman Steve Sage voted against the amendment, adding they feel the city’s Trap, Neuter, Vaccinate and Return program has been a success in controlling the feral cats.
“I do not feel we need to create a problem through this ordinance. Let’s let neighbors be neighbors and figure this out — and we know TNVR works, so I would say give that a try,” Sage said.
“We have this plan that seems to be working, and now we have this ordinance, and it just seems unnecessary to me at the time,” added Bikson.
Council will consider adopting the ordinance during an upcoming meeting.
Stray cats, according to city officials, have been known to roam certain neighbor-
See STRAY CATS on page 17A
Gardening
from page 6A
kind of mix and match those different height levels within the container,” Splawski said.
Splawski said a thriller is the center or the tallest plant. The fillers spread out under the thriller to cover the soil, and the spillers trail over the sides of the container.
She shared that a combination of plants in a sunny spot could have a mangave as the thriller, since they have fibrous tissue with a high water-holding capacity, paired with angelonia as the filler and an ornamental oregano as the spiller.
“Those two plants (angelonia and ornamental oregano) are going to use up a little more moisture, which is fine when you’re combining it with one that doesn’t use quite as much moisture, but they can all tolerate full sunshine, and that will make them flower more,” Splawski said.
She added that most plants need attention on a weekly basis, so tools like selfwaterers can help to keep the moisture level consistent, and some pots have water reservoirs to allow the plant to access additional water if needed.
“You can use little tricks like that to kind of help keep those pots maintained, and just knowing your preferences as a gardener is important,” Splawski said.
She explained that gardeners who don’t want to have to worry about checking on their plants so much might prefer plants that require part shade since they can do well with only six hours or less of sun.
She shared an example of some partially shaded plants that could coexist in a container and combine different textures, including alocasia as the thriller, Persian shield as the spiller and euphorbia as a filler.
Splawski encouraged gardeners to combine herbs with flowers, if they’d like, but advised gardeners to be careful when using pesticides on ornamental plants that are combined with edible plants.
“You can combine all sorts of flowers with herbs. You just want to make sure that you know you’re treating them in a way that is going to be safe for you to eat. So, steer clear from putting any pesticides on those containers. If you are someone that uses those chemicals, you’re going to want to keep in mind that you’ve got edible things in the pot,” she said.
See GARDENING on page 16A
This mangave in the center paired with angelonia — the white flowers — and an ornamental oregano are an example of a thriller, filler and spiller that can coexist in a pot together.
Hi.
Photo provided by Caitlin Splawski
Gardening
page 15A
Splawski added that gardeners pulling out their containers for the new growth season might be pleasantly surprised to find some perennial herbs that survived the Michigan winter.
“When you are rehabbing your containers for the season, you might have some perennial herbs that can last in those containers for you over the winter. And all you have to do is build in some annuals around them, and it gives you a nice start,” Splawski said.
Both Kerr and Splawski warned Michigan gardeners who have a case of spring fever to hold off on planting just yet, with some exceptions for hearty plants such as kale, lettuce, snap peas and pansies. Otherwise, Kerr said to keep a watchful eye on the weather, and it is usually safe to plant around Memorial Day.
“We can plant those kinds of things
REAL ID
from page 4A
“Most of the people I deal with already have the REAL ID,” Howell said.
Howell advised his client as to what documents to take to a Secretary of State appointment.
Other Tips
Although domestic travelers may still be able to board a plane without a REAL ID, according to Mayle, those who don’t have one can expect delays, as they may have to sign identity-verifying documents.
According to Mayle, the TSA recommends arriving two hours before a domestic flight when domestic travelers have a REAL ID or REAL ID-compliant documents. However, more time should be factored into travel plans when they don’t have those documents.
Cart theft
from page 3A
Surveillance cameras captured the silver and blue cart as it was loaded onto the trailer of a white four-door pickup truck.
“OUPD is looking for the responsible party and any reader assistance would be much appreciated,” Oakland University Police Department Police Chief Mark Gordon said in a statement.
Oakland University’s Research and Innovation Center is located at 2871 Research
in pots and have them outside, and they’ll be OK. If it’s going to get below freezing, then I would just cover those pots. You can cover them with blankets or old towels or bedsheets, and that helps hold in the heat overnight, and then you take those covers off in the morning. But I would wait till late May to plant anything like tomatoes and eggplant and peppers and cucumbers, melons, squash, beans — those things like to be hot,” Kerr said.
Gardeners are encouraged to reach out to the MSU Extension with any questions at www.canr.msu.edu/home_gardening. The MSU Extension gardening hotline, (888) 678-3464, operates from 9 a.m. to noon on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
“It’s a free resource that Michigan State University Extension provides to everybody in Michigan. So we just want people to know that so we can fulfill our mission of serving the people of Michigan,” Kerr said.
Call Staff Writer Kathryn Pentiuk at (586) 498-1070.
“(The) TSA is going to take a phased enforcement approach, but we don’t really know what that’s going to look like,” Mayle said. “It’s just important you take care of this before any trips you have planned after May 7. … This is something you need to get done sooner rather than later.”
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
Drive in Rochester Hills, two miles from Oakland University’s main campus. The facility has open gathering spaces and multiple faculty research labs that support research in advanced manufacturing, artificial intelligence, bioengineering, data science and cybersecurity, autonomous and connected systems, and power and energy.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oakland University Police Department at (248) 370-3331. Police said callers can remain anonymous.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
Image provided by the Transportation Security Administration According to Transportation Security Administration officials, an Enhanced Driver’s License is REAL IDcompliant.
Stray cats
from page 14A
hood streets, making noise all hours of the night in the alleys. And their population seems to have been growing over the past few years.
Trent said addressing the city’s feral cat community is a tricky issue, with many people on differing sides of the fence.
“We have different points of view,” she said. “Some people go ‘oh, isn’t that a cute little kitty,’ and then a cat, maybe others are like, ‘Ugh, get this out of here’ — and that is how a community learns to live with each other, to understand those points of view.”
As part of the city’s efforts to manage its feral cat community, officials formed a Community Cat Committee last fall — which has met over the past several months to decide how to best stop the feral cats from multiplying. The committee has partnered with leaders of a few nonprofit rescue organizations and spay and neuter clinics — including Cristen Alimario of Tigerlily Cat Rescue, Tara Tomcsik-Husak of the Feline Fund, and Cheryl Lynn Phillips of the GG’s Foundation — to tackle the issue, electing to proceed with a TNV program, beginning on Griggs Street.
Trent, who serves on the cat committee with fellow councilmembers Hauser and King, among others, said the program has been successful thus far.
All of the cats around Griggs Street have been spayed and marked by a small clip in their ear.
“What has happened, which is beyond my expectations on Griggs Street, was that there were eight adult cats — seven females and one male — that have been trapped, neutered, (vaccinated) and returned, and seven kittens have been adopted to loving homes through the Tigerlily Cat Rescue,” Trent said.
Now that the weather is warming up, Rochester City Manager Nik Banda said the city has once again begun receiving complaints about the feral cat population and plans to target colonies in the Taylor and Castill areas this spring.
Rochester community members on other streets who feel there is a cat issue in their neighborhoods are invited to reach out to the city by calling the Rochester Fire Department at (248) 651-4470.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
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CRIME WATCH
Pet pit bull bites toddler
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to an apartment in the 2000 block of Yarmuth, along with the Rochester Hills Fire Department, and were met with a mother holding her 1-year-old son who had been bit on his face by her 4-year-old male dog, a pit bull mix, at 4:24 p.m. March 28. According to the mother, her son was crawling on the floor near her sleeping dog when the dog snapped at him, biting him on the nose and left eye. The Fire Department transported the mother and child to the hospital for further treatment. The information relayed to the deputy was that a plastic surgeon would be evaluating the child that night to determine if surgery would be needed. The dog was transported to animal control by deputies at the request of the dog’s owner. It is unknown if the dog’s vaccinations are up to date.
Man has seizure while driving, crashes car
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies, along with the Rochester Hills Fire Department, were dispatched to a vehicle crash on Brewster Road, north of Nottingham Road at 12:35 p.m. April 1. The caller stated that the driver was unconscious, and the vehicle, a 2007 white Ford Crown Victoria, was smoking. Deputies learned that a male had a medical episode and left the roadway, striking a fire hydrant and two trees, before
Voting
from page 9A
coming to rest at the second tree. The vehicle sustained significant damage and had to be towed from the scene. From information gathered at the scene, it appears the driver, a 60-year-old man from Clinton Township, had a seizure and lost consciousness while driving. The driver was removed from the vehicle by the Rochester Hills Fire Department and was transported to the hospital for treatment. There were no other occupants in the vehicle and no other vehicles involved. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in the crash.
Police called to help investigate garage fire
ROCHESTER HILLS — The Rochester Hills Fire Department requested a sheriff’s office fire investigator in the 1100 block of King’s Cove for a residential structure fire at 4:26 p.m. April 4. No injuries were reported. The fire was found to have originated from an electric vehicle that had been parked in the garage.
Police investigate after eight cars found on fire
ROCHESTER HILLS — The Rochester Fire Department requested assistance from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Fire Investigations Unit at Byers Towing, located at 399 South Street, at 1:07 a.m. April 5. Eight vehicles were engulfed in flames in the back of the impounded yard. No injuries were reported.
— Mary Beth Almond
three, we are going to save on three tabulators, which are approximately $6,000 each — that $6,000 cost was from 2017, so when they go out to get new equipment, probably next year, I expect that is going to be higher,” said O’Connor.
The Rochester City Council unanimously approved the move to consolidate and change polling locations, with a 6-0 vote. Councilwoman Sara King was absent from the meeting.
The move means the Community House and OPC Social & Activity Center will no longer serve as polling locations for the city of Rochester.
Moving forward, past precincts 1 and 3 will consolidate to form New Precinct 1, with a new polling location in the Rochester Municipal Building, located at 400 Sixth Street. Previous precincts 2 and 4 will be combined as New Precinct 2, which will vote at St. Paul’s Methodist Church, located at 620 Romeo Road. Past precincts 5 and 6 will become the New Precinct 3, which will also vote at St. Paul’s.
“I think it’s a great idea to have a polling station here (in the Rochester Municipal Building) and at St. Paul’s,” Councilman Christian Hauser said.
A letter explaining the changes, along with new voter ID cards, will be sent to all residents.
“ID cards will go out citywide. I’m required to send them out 45 days before the first election that it affects, so if we have a primary, then they’ll go out on June 1. If we don’t have a primary, I’ll send them out Sept. 1,” O’Connor noted.
For more information, call the Rochester City Clerk’s Office at (248) 651-9061.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
Waltonwood supports residents’ active and independent lifestyles and removes the worry that seniors — and their family members — often experience when they’re living on their own. Move to Waltonwood and spend time doing the things you love most. We’ll take care of the rest.
