Zoo spreads word on sustainability during Greenfest
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — The Detroit Zoo will be hosting the annual Greenfest celebration April 12 and 13 to promote sustainability and celebrate the earth.
The event will be taking place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on both days at the Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak.
The two-day event will be packed with eco-friendly activities to help teach attendees how to make a positive impact on the environment each day.
“Greenfest is really a celebration of the work that we do here at the zoo nature center, as well as out in the community with these wonderful organizations that come in and share their missions with guests,” events supervisor Marissa Ratzenberger said. “It’s a way for guests to interact with topics they already know about and are pas-
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — Following the retirement announcement of Superin-
Royal Oak Schools begins search for a new superintendent
tendent of Royal Oak Schools Mary Beth Fitzpatrick, the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education is now looking for a replacement.
According to royaloakschools.org, the Michigan Association of School Boards will be assisting the school board with the process of finding a new superintendent.
The school board is also asking for input from the Royal Oak community to help find the right candidate. Staff, residents and administrators are being asked to provide feedback in an online survey.
Visitors to Greenfest at the Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, can bring old electronics to the e-recycling event in the 10 Mile Road parking lot from 9 a.m. to noon April 12 and 13 and earn a free ticket to the zoo.
Photo provided by the Detroit Zoo
Three centennial celebrations coming up for the Royal Oak Farmers Market
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Farmers Market is celebrating 100 years with events leading up to Oct. 14, its centennial anniversary date.
“It’s hard work, physical and mental. You’re juggling a lot of crazy situations and crazy hours, night and day,” market manager Shelly Mazur said. “But, I love the people. I love the work that is involved, and I love the farmers and the growers in general.”
The centennial festivities will begin 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 24 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, during the Centennial Flower & Garden Day.
During the flower day, the market will be full of a variety of
flowers, plants and garden essentials. Guests will also be able to enjoy live music, family-friendly activities, a petting farm and treats.
“We want to give back to the community,” Mazur said. “We want to have family fun events that include the whole family of all ages. We want to bring people together and support the local economy.”
The second event will include 100 vendors and a corn roast at the farmers market from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 9.
The event will include one of the biggest days of the year with 100 vendors selling fresh produce, handmade goods, specialty items, and antiques and collectibles. Corn on the cob will be available, and there will be entertainment during the event.
Christie Siegel, farmers market event planner, said that when
Our next edition will come to homes April 16. Stay current by visiting
Royal Oak Public Library showcases art of Royal Oak Schools students
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E. 11 Mile Road, is holding a huge art show for students in kindergarten through the 12th grade until April 25.
The show has hundreds of pieces of art on display created by students from Royal Oak High School; Churchill Community High School; Royal Oak Middle School; and Addams, Keller, Northwood, Oakland, Oak Ridge and Upton elementary schools.
The art includes a variety of mediums, including paintings, drawings, ceramics, photography and more.
Alesha Beistline, art teacher at North-
See ART on page 10A
City Commission approves service agreement with Royal Oak Youth Assistance
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak City Commission unanimously approved a ser-
vice agreement in the amount of $20,000 with Royal Oak Youth Assistance at the March 24 meeting.
Royal Oak Youth Assistance, 1601 N. Campbell Road, was created to strengthen
youth and families and to reduce the incidence of delinquency, abuse and neglect through community involvement, according to royaloakyouthassistance.com.
City Commissioner Sharlan Douglas
said that the money that the commission approved, which had been included in the 2024-25 budget, is being matched by the Oakland County courts and the Royal Oak
See YOUTH on page 11A
Photo provided by Sandy Irwin Royal Oak Schools partnered with the Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E. 11 Mile Road, to put on a districtwide art show. The show opened on March 22 and will run until April 25.
See MARKET on page 15A
Photo provided by the city of Royal Oak
The Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, will have three events leading up to the market’s 100-year anniversary this October.
STATE TO INCREASE LOCAL WATER PROTECTIONS
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
OAKLAND COUNTY — The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) has agreed to strengthen Oakland County’s discharge permit following months of pressure from lawmakers.
Lawmakers, specifically state Rep. Tom Kuhn, who has been a leader in this effort, has expressed concerns about the impact of untreated and partially treated sewage on Macomb County waterways and Lake St. Clair’s water quality. The lawmakers last met with EGLE about this issue in September, with the department recently agreeing to schedule another meeting after multiple follow-up requests from Kuhn and other legislators.
According to a press release, in response to a letter dated from 10 “House lawmakers” Jan. 16, EGLE acknowledged the need for changes and outlined several proposed updates to Oakland County’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, which governs compliance under the Clean Water Act. The department also agreed to an in-person meeting with GOP lawmakers on Feb. 13 to discuss their concerns.
In a letter dated Feb. 5, Phil Roos, the director of EGLE, acknowledged Kuhn’s concerns.
“The Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy shares your overall concerns about improving water quality because of this discharge and other discharges to the Red Run Drain,” Roos stated.
Kuhn has advocated for clean water since the 1990s, when he served as a Royal Oak city commissioner.
“Lawmakers in Oakland and Macomb
Counties, whose districts are in the watershed, believe we shouldn’t be dumping in the watershed,” Kuhn said in a press release.
“This is significant progress for our area’s environment.”
Key changes to Oakland County’s discharge permit include stronger water treatment measures, expanded infrastructure requirements, a hydrogeology study and flood control measures, future permit modifications, and regional water control plan compliance.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Pictured is a portion of the Clinton River in Sterling Heights. The Clinton River Water Resource Recovery Facility is one of multiple facilities associated with the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner that treats stormwater and sanitary sewage each day in the metro Detroit area.
NEWS & NOTES
PROGRAM TO DISCUSS HISTORY OF WPA MURALS
ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Historical Society speaker program will be hosting Deb Anderson and Gary Briggs, two people involved in the restoration of the 11-by-23-foot Works Progress Administration murals at Royal Oak Middle School.
The paintings were rediscovered in the spring of 2004 after being in storage for more than 25 years, according to royaloakschools.org.
The murals currently hang in the auditorium of the middle school.
The Royal Oak Historical Society’s speaker program will dive into the efforts to restore these oil paintings. There will be a video and discussion hosted by Anderson and Briggs.
The speaker program will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. April 11. The event costs $15. To register, visit www. royaloakhistoricalsociety.com/shop/ols/products/wpa.
BOOK SALE AT THE ROYAL OAK LIBRARY
ROYAL OAK — The Friends of the Library’s National Library Week Book Sale will be taking place from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. April 11-12 at the Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E. 11 Mile Road.
There will be a special members-only preview sale from 6 to 7:45 p.m. April 10.
For more information, visit ropl.org.
MARKET TO HOST CLIMATE MARCH, RALLY AND FAIR FOR EARTH DAY
ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, will mark Oakland County Earth Day 2025 with a climate march, rally and fair.
From 3 to 7 p.m. April 26, the Royal Oak Farmers Market will have a sustainability vendor fair, climate march and rally, and other activities.
The march will take place throughout downtown Royal Oak. There will also be a fair for all ages. Speakers, educational opportunities, environmental artists and more will be available for guests.
The climate march and rally will take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m., and the fair will take place from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
For more information and to RSVP, visit turnoaklandcountygreen.com/oakland-county-march.
ROYAL OAK TO HAVE ANNUAL PARK CLEANUP
ROYAL OAK — To celebrate Earth Day, the city of Royal Oak is asking residents to come out and help clean up the parks on April 26 and 27.
This is an annual event, and both individuals and groups can sign up to participate. Volunteers will be gathering debris and leaves, which city crews will then dispose of.
This is a self-guided volunteer opportunity, and participants can pick up yard waste bags and trash bags from the Department of Public Services, 1600 N. Campbell Road, a week prior to the event.
The city of Royal Oak has 51 parks that volunteers can help to clean up. It is all up to the volunteers where they go to do their part.
Volunteers must sign up by April 21 on the Royal Oak website, romi.gov/1884/Park-Cleanup.
Photo provided by the Royal Oak Historical Society
The 11-by-23-foot Works Progress Administration Program Murals are on display at Royal Oak Middle School.
Compiled by Taylor Christensen
Photo provided by Judy Davids
Three Royal Oak residents clean up Barton North Park during the 2024 spring clean up volunteer event.
A surprise proposal
LEFT: Jordan Dixon reacts with happiness as his boyfriend, Craig Stokes, surprises him with a marriage proposal March 22 at the Lawrence Street Gallery in Ferndale. Stokes was looking to have an intimate proposal and the gallery was suggested as a possible location. ABOVE: Stokes surprised Dixon by swapping one of the paintings at the Lawrence Street Gallery with art that read, “Marry Me?” Both are Royal Oak residents.
Photos by Liz Carnegie
Stronger water treatment measures
Oakland County must dechlorinate treated water before discharging it from the retention basin. This will become an enforceable permit condition after an 18-month feasibility study to determine compliance strategies.
Expanded infrastructure requirements
The county must evaluate additional gray infrastructure projects, such as sewer separation efforts and expanded in-system water storage.
Hydrogeology study and flood control measures
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will conduct a hydrogeology study to analyze downstream flow, flooding risks, and soil erosion. The study may lead to additional stormwater reduction and control efforts, particularly to prevent sewage backups in basements.
Future permit modifications
EGLE will have the authority to up-
date the permit based on findings from the Army Corps of Engineers study.
Regional water control plan compliance
Oakland County must comply with a regional water control plan developed by the Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) and approved by EGLE.
Oakland County Water Resources
Commissioner Jim Nash noted that with these changes, his department has been asked to look into controlling the amount of chlorine that gets out of water resource facilities during the process.
“We are going to do a study to see if there’s any problem,” Nash said. “It’s called residual chlorine.That means there’s more chlorine in the water when it leaves the facility than there should be.”
Nash added that, “We’ve not seen anything that shows it.”
“If there is a problem, we will use the data to change our operations,” Nash said. “If not, we’ll just continue operating the way we are. So, basically when there’s a concern around chlorine, that means there’s a potential we might be treating the water too much rather than not enough. So, it conflicts with the idea that we’re not treating this stuff enough if we’re using too much chlorine be-
cause chlorine is what disinfects it.”
Nash said they would also be open to doing a study on potential infrastructure projects, although in 2024 more space was added for a storage tank under I-75.
“The Department of Transportation built a storage tank under I-75 … and that’ll hold 25 million gallons of stormwater that normally would’ve gone into the George W. Kuhn,” Nash said. “So, that new storage brings our total storage at that facility up to 149 million gallons. It’s the biggest in the state.”
On top of that, the county is also start-
ing its second year of a green infrastructure program.
“What green infrastructure does is it puts plants and other things like rain barrels off of a gutter from a house, so the gutter water that would normally go into the nearest storm drain would instead go into rain barrels or a rain garden,” Nash said. “We’re building storage on the surface in that area so it doesn’t go immediately into the George W. Kuhn. So, that’s another part of what the permit is asking us to improve.”
Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.
HOMES
EXPERTS GIVE TIPS FOR FEEDING BIRDS AS WEATHER CHANGES
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The changing of the seasons doesn’t only bring warmer weather to metro Detroit — it also brings different wildlife, including birds to the area.
“You see different birds at different times of the year, and you can also observe their behavior patterns over this time,” said Ben Ihde, a co-owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Novi. “That can be a wonderful way to mark, let’s say the springtime, which for most folks is a sign of positivity.”
Besides birds bringing a sign of positive change, connecting with nature can also provide mental health benefits, Ihde said.
“There are many studies that show watching birds can lower stress and anxiety, lessen worry and bring about a general feeling of joy and well-being,” he said. “Better mental health directly connects to better physical health.”
Bob Gors, who owns Wild Birds Unlimited in Macomb Township, said his store saw an increase in people wanting to feed birds during the pandemic.
“We found that people who had started the bird feeding at some point in their life and for whatever reason stopped, when they couldn’t go anywhere, they said, ‘We can feed birds — we’ve done it. It’s fun. Let’s do it.’ And then people who had never fed the birds before had heard about it and said, ‘I want to try it,’” Gors said.
Gors also said people feed the birds to help them in times when there’s no natural food. But when the weather warms up and food becomes more available, Gors suggested people cut back on how much they’re feeding.
“We feed the birds to help them because any natural food that was left on the plants from late summer into fall has been pecked off all the shrubs and everything, so really, there is no natural food out there,” he said. “During that time of year, during nesting season, when they need that extra food, droughts, winter storms, heavy rains, when areas flood and all that food is covered under water, we provide about 20% to 25% of their diet by feeding them.”
“During that time of year, during nesting season, when they need that extra food, droughts, winter storms, heavy rains, when areas flood and all that food is covered under water, we provide about 20% to 25% of their diet by feeding them.”
Gors said winter is one of the most important times to feed the birds because of the scarcity of natural food. He also added that many types of birds can puff their feathers to help heat themselves, but it requires a lot of energy and they need extra food to help give them the energy.
Elizabeth Schultz-Correll, coordinator at the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, said insects are the most important food source for birds during the springtime, since baby birds don’t eat seeds. She suggested people focus on pollinator plants to help supplement bird feeders. Shultz-Correll also said feeding the birds and keeping a variety of food out helps keep species out of decline.
See BIRDS on page 17A
— Bob Gors, Owner of Wild Birds Unlimited in Macomb Township
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
APRIL 4
Fish fry: Also chicken tender dinners, plus live music, 4:30-7 p.m., Royal Oak First United Methodist Church, 320 W. Seventh St., (248) 541-4100, rofum.org
APRIL 4-5
Quilt show: 30th anniversary event presented by CAMEO Quilters Guild also includes vendors and themed basket auction, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. April 4 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 5, First United Methodist Church of Troy, 6363 Livernois Road, cameoquilters@gmail. com, (248) 544-4504, cameoquilters.org, read story at candgnews.com
APRIL 5
Lucky Loop 5K: Timed race at 9 a.m., untimed at 9:05 a.m. and kids fun run at 9:45 a.m., all participants entered into raffle for Detroit Tigers tickets, Royal Oak Leprechauns game used jerseys and more baseball-themed prizes, Memorial Park, 31050 Woodward Ave. in Royal Oak, runsignup.com/race/mi/ royaloak/luckyloop5k
APRIL 7
‘Growing Dahlias: From Easy to Competition’: Talk by Southeastern Michigan Dahlia Society President Lucy Propst, 6:30-8 p.m., Mahany/Meininger Senior
Community Center, 3500 Marais Ave. in Royal Oak, free but registration required, (248) 743-7091, royaloakgardenclub@gmail.com, royaloakgardenclub mi.org
APRIL 9
Books & Badges: Hear Clawson Police officers read, also eat doughnut holes, 6:30-8 p.m., Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson, cityofclawson.com
APRIL 12
Record Store Day: Celebrates culture of independent record stores while offering music released specially for annual event, find local shops — including UHF Music (512 S. Washington Ave.), The Detroit Record Club (28834 Woodward Ave.) and Solo Records (30148 Woodward Ave.), all in Royal Oak — and more at recordstoreday.com
APRIL 12 & 14
Book sale: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. April 12 and noon-8 p.m. April 14, Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson, (248) 588-5500, clawson.lib.mi.us
APRIL 14
Royal Oak Garden Club: Social time at 6:30 p.m. and business meeting from 7-8 p.m., Unity of Royal Oak, 2500 Crooks Road, also meets May 12 and June 9, (248) 743-7091, royaloakgardenclub@gmail.com, royaloakgardenclubmi.org
APRIL 18
The Great Marshmallow Drop: Collect one of 15,000
marshmallows dropped from helicopter to exchange for prize during free event, 10 a.m. (11 a.m. for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities), Worden Park, corner of Lexington Boulevard and Crooks Road in Royal Oak, (248) 858-0916, facebook.com/ocparks
APRIL 18-19
Bunnyville: Includes golden egg hunt, live entertainment, whisker painting, Easter Bunny photos, animal engagements and more, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, detroitzoo.org/ events/bunnyville
APRIL 24
Royal Oak Nature Society soiree/fundraiser: Benefits city’s 50 acres of wooded nature preserves, features silent auction with 150-plus items, 50-50, desserts and Mediterranean dinners for sale, 7-10 p.m., Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, romi.gov/463/annual-fundraiser
ONGOING
‘A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum’: Musical-comedy set in ancient Rome about slave trying to win woman for his master in exchange for freedom, presented by Stagecrafters Main Stage, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays until April 13, Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette Ave. in Royal Oak, (248) 541-6430, stagecrafters.org
Nature walks: Look forwildflowers at 2 p.m. April 19, April 26 and May 4, Tenhave Woods in Royal Oak, park at Marais/Lexington lot and walk 300 feet east to entrance, also search for mushrooms at 10 a.m. April 26, Cummingston Park, park on street and meet at intersection of Torquay and Leafdale, and 10 a.m. May 24, Tenhave Woods, romi.gov/411/nature-walks
Harmony United Chorus: Open rehearsals for men’s barbershop-style group from 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays,
See CALENDAR on page 14A
wood and Oakland Elementary Schools, said that she had always wanted there to be a districtwide art show.
“Our students are incredible, and we want to share their amazing talents with our community, and that is something that we haven’t had since I’ve worked here,” Beistline said. “We found out that the library was looking to host something in connection with the schools and we jumped on it.”
This is the second year that the school district has partnered with the library to have this event.
“It was so wonderful last year that we wanted to continue it and make it an annual thing,” she said. “For me, it’s really important that not only are our students acknowledged for their talent and creativity, but that they have the opportunity to showcase it, just like any artist would, and share it with the community at large.”
Sandy Irwin, library director, said that on March 22 the show had its opening day celebration, which included music and drinks.
Irwin confirmed that 817 people showed up to visit the library during the opening reception.
“We wanted to showcase art outside of the schools,” Irwin said. “Everybody was really excited about bringing the artwork of the students into the community, because it doesn’t always happen, so it’s a great way to showcase their tremendous talent and let the public see it.”
The show is displayed throughout the main floor of the building, going through the auditorium, on the sides of
bookshelves, on walls and in more places, according to Irwin.
“There are a lot of ways that shows like this could show kids that there is a future in the arts for them as well,” Irwin said.
According to Beistline, there were four elementary teachers, two middle school teachers, and three high school teachers involved in the selection process.
“We all had our own selection processes within our schools,” Beistline said. “We didn’t really set a number that each teacher had to bring, but rather pick the students that you think are representing our schools in a positive way, doing good work, doing creative work and showing their learning.”
Beistline said she chose 52 of her students to be in the
show to represent both Northwood and Oakland Elementary.
“First I look at each project that we’ve done throughout the year; when that project is finished, I look at all of the artworks that the students have selected or created and then select one or two that I think best represent creative ideas along with showcasing techniques that we have learned and the ideas that we are trying to share,” Beistline said.
The art show will continue to be on display during the open hours of the library. The library is open 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
For more information on the art show and the library, visit ropl.org.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
Photo provided by Sandy Irwin
The show has hundreds of pieces of art on display created by students from Royal Oak High School; Churchill Community High School; Royal Oak Middle School; and Addams, Keller, Northwood, Oakland, Oak Ridge and Upton elementary schools.
Youth
3A
Schools to provide a social work team to work with young people who are in danger of coming into the criminal justice system.
“Year after year I have been impressed by the work that this organization does,” Douglas said. “But the organization also raises money independently to fund a number of programs that help young people and their families along the way.”
According to its website, Royal Oak Youth Assistance provides skill-building programs for children that could include extracurricular activities or other needs. Shelly Kemp, chairperson of Royal Oak Youth Assistance, spoke on the uses of the approved money.
“We have camp scholarships. For (fiscal year) ’23-24 we helped 43 kids go to camp in various forms,” Kemp said. “We also have skill building grants and that could be violin lessons, cheer lessons or tutoring, so we help students who have financial issues so they can be kids and learn and do fun things like they should.”
They also offer family education, which is a series of classes and workshops to help parents understand issues facing today’s families. The classes also work on improving child-parent relationships.
Royal Oak Youth Assistance also provides mentors for children.
Additionally, the program offers counseling services that are staffed by professional caseworkers.
“We also have an emergency needs fund that we used a lot during COVID,” Kemp said. “Last year we used around $9,500 worth of emergency needs that’s paying for Consumers Energy, that’s paying for groceries, that’s paying for rent when a family can’t afford it, so we do that,”
The program also tries to uplift the youth by giving them a Rising Star Night, where youth get recognition for their efforts in the community.
“Youth recognition recognizes youth in our community who go above and beyond; this is recognizing someone who shovels someone’s walkway more than once,” Kemp said. “These are groups of kids who do good in the community over and over again.”
“The Rising Star Award is for children who traditionally may not get recognized for being an A+ student, and the kid that keeps trying over and over again even with lots of difficulty,” she continued.
Commissioner Brandon Kolo thanked Royal Oak Youth Assistance for its work.
“This is such an amazing service that touches so many kids in our community, and it’s a need that may not be seen all the time, but it is always there,” Kolo said. “The fact that you are all out there is phenomenal.”
For more information, visit royaloakyouthassistance.com.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
Sommelier
Superintendent
from page 1A
The survey will be open until April 11 and includes a variety of questions regarding the skills and qualifications that participants want to see in the next superintendent. It takes about 10 minutes to complete.
The survey results will be sent directly to MASB in Lansing for tabulation, according to royaloakschools.org.
The school board will then publicly consider the input received and develop a candidate profile to guide the process.
The district also will conduct focus groups to give parents, guardians and community members the opportunity to share their views regarding the qualifications desired in a new superintendent.
On April 15, a virtual focus group will take place at 6:30 p.m. for parents, guardians and the community; at 7:30 p.m., a virtual focus group will take place for Royal Oak Schools staff.
The in-person focus group will take place from 6:30 to 7 p.m. April 23 at the Royal Oak Schools Administration Building, 800 De Villen Ave., in the main conference room.
The chosen superintendent will be slated to begin work July 1. Fitzpatrick will retire July 31.
Fitzpatrick told the Review that before her retirement, she is hoping to provide input to help find a good replacement.
“The priority for me is the smooth transition to the next leader for Royal Oak,” she said. “I really want to make sure that I can help as much as possible in that position.”
A timeline of events provided at royaloakschools.org notes that 4 p.m. May 1 will be the application deadline for the people interested in the job.
At 5 p.m. May 9, the school board will be preparing to interview candidates, screening applications, reviewing interview questions and finishing work on the superintendent contract.
Potential candidates will begin to be interviewed from 5:30 to 9 p.m. May 13-14.
On May 16, final candidates will visit and tour Royal Oak Schools and have an open house for meet and greets at 3:30 p.m. The second round of interviews will begin at 5 p.m. May 16.
“The selection of a superintendent is one of the most important responsibilities of a Board of Education,” school board President Tim Ciechorski said in a press release sent by Royal Oak Schools. “We want to ensure that our next leader reflects our community’s values, priorities, and goals. We encourage everyone to participate in this process by providing their input.”
For more information about surveys, input sessions and a timeline of events, visit www. royaloakschools.org/district/board_of_education/superintendent_search.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
On Our Staff At ML To Help With All Your Special Occasions & Parties
SPOTLIGHT ON HOMES
ABOVE: A basic list of starting supplies includes the seeds themselves, seed starting mix, cell packs or small containers and pots, and a light, as you need more than sunlight from a window, according to Lindsey Kerr, a consumer horticulture educator with Michigan State University Extension’s Wayne County Office. RIGHT: Kerr advised that people should buy labels, too, to help distinguish the different seeds.
JUMP-START YOUR GARDEN BY STARTING SEEDS INDOORS
STARTING SEEDS FOR SUMMER PLANTS IS AN EASY HOBBY TO START AT HOME
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The weather in Michigan remains brisk, but the spring tides soon will bring about sunnier days in the Mitten State.
As the sunnier weather hits, people will be able to begin more outdoor activities, including growing and maintaining vegetables and flowers. But to get started now inside their own home, gardeners often get involved in seed starting.
When it comes to getting ready with seed starting, Rachel Zorn, a sales associate with Piechnik’s Greenhouse & Garden Gate, said the prospective planter needs to think about their own likes and interests with growing and whether they lean more into vegetables or flowers.
Once they do that, Zorn said, they can go out and select the seeds they’ll be using.
“There are a lot of different seeds on the market,” she said. “Some of them are treated seeds. Some of them are non-GMO. There’s
Photos by Brian Louwers
pretty much anything that you could want out there that would fit with what you are looking to do and what your comfort level would be. Once you have the seeds themselves, then you’re going to need a tray for starting the seeds in, usually something that’s got fairly small compartments to start with.”
Zorn said a lot of new gardeners are interested in growing their own vegetables, which leads to their interest in starting seeds.
“They’re looking at that as a way of connecting with nature, a way of supplementing their own produce at home,” she said. “Vegetables can be a very easy first thing to get started with. They generally germinate fairly quickly and with a good percentage of success.”
The packaging the seeds come in will come with instructions on how quickly they germinate and can give an indication of the farmer’s timing for planting seeds, according to Zorn.
This helps let the farmer know when the last frost in their area would be, as plants are very susceptible to weather.
“Anything that started in the house — you do want to have that bright sunny window — but you also want to have a plan in mind for transitioning them outdoors so that they can start to harden off before they’re truly planted outside,” she said.
A basic list of starting supplies includes seeds, seedstarting mix, cell packs or small containers and pots, and a light, as you need more than sunlight from a window, according to Lindsey Kerr, a consumer horticulture educator with Michigan State University Extension’s Wayne County Office. The light can be a LED light. A heat mat also can improve germination rates, but it isn’t necessary.
Kerr believes the variety of what people can do in seed starting leads them to start their involvement.
She said that concerns involving pesticides in plants and vegetables lead people to start seeds as well.
“When they grow them themselves, they know there are no pesticides applied,” she said. “It’s just fun. A lot of people say it’s therapeutic or it gives them something to look forward to. You plant those seeds, and you end up staring at the soil every day, waiting for them to come up. So there’s that excitement and anticipation. And then sometimes there’s cost savings, too. You buy a bag of seeds or a package of seeds, and that can cost less than one single plant. So cost is definitely something people think about.
“When you grow things at home, they have so much more flavor. And so that’s really exciting for people,” Kerr added. “They realize they’ve never had such good tomatoes before and cucumbers. So it can be satisfying or exciting and kind of open up this whole new world of food to people.”
Kerr is active in seed-starting herself, having both a home garden and an office garden where she grows vegetables, which she both keeps and donates to the Women, Infant and Children federal assistance program. She also teaches seed-starting workshops around Wayne County.
Kerr said there is an initial investment in seed starting, but overall, it’s not a hard hobby to get into. She advised that people should buy labels, too, to help distinguish the different seeds.
“The main thing is that you have to be paying attention,” she said. “If you go on vacation, that’s not going to work. Your seeds are going to die from lack of water. But if you’re there, you’re present, then I think it’s pretty easy and it can be a lot of fun.
“You can start seeds, like snap peas, and you can plant them outside in your garden right now and they’ll come up and they’ll kind of do their thing, and that’s very hands off and that’s very easy,” she continued. “But when you start tomatoes inside, that’s a little bit more involved.”
Kerr said there is something satisfying about starting a seed and bringing a plant all the way to harvest, whether it’s a vegetable or a flower.
“It’s pretty incredible to take this little, tiny thing — it’s like a speck — and … it grows and … maybe it becomes a pumpkin, or it becomes a zinnia. It’s just incredible to watch that whole experience and think ‘I did that.’”
Zorn said people often are looking for a connection with nature, which leads to seed starting.
“That gratification of being able to start something from a tiny little seed and get it all the way to a plant that could be producing beautiful flowers or actually producing food items,” she said.
Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.
When buying or selling Real Estate, residential or commercial, clients need a team of experts who listen, understand the market, and prioritize customer satisfaction. The Shields Real Estate Group at Max Broock Realtors in Royal Oak delivers exactly that.
Led by Sean Shields, the team includes four experienced agents assisting clients throughout southeastern Michigan. After nearly 20 years in business, Shields transitioned into real estate almost a decade ago. Since then, he’s built a team of dedicated Realtors who share his passion for exceptional service.
“I think we have a great team,” says Shields. “We pride ourselves on listening to clients and exceeding expectations. Our top-producing agents love what they do—it’s why I got into real estate.”
Shields notes that residential home values in Michigan remain high due to strong demand and limited supply. With infation and high interest rates, many homeowners are staying put, reducing inventory.
“There are more buyers than homes available, and I don’t see that changing this year,” he explains.
“That’s why buyers need a knowledgeable agent who
can uncover the right opportunities. When the right home comes along, buyers need to act fast.”
In contrast, commercial real estate is currently more of a buyers’ market, especially in warehouse and ofce space where inventory is more abundant. For sellers, the Shields Team creates tailored marketing strategies to reach the widest pool of potential buyers. Shields’ background in business and marketing gives his clients an added advantage in promoting their properties.
The team also has strong relationships with reputable lenders to help buyers secure mortgages and has experience with all-cash transactions. “We want every client to feel confdent they’re making a smart investment,” Shields says.
Whether you’re buying or selling, residential or commercial, the Shields Real Estate Group brings experience, dedication, and results. To learn more, call Shields Real EstateGroup at Max Broock in Royal Oak at 248-379-4466 or email at seanshieldsrealestate@gmail.com.
CRIME WATCH
DTE impersonators on the loose
CLAWSON — On March 14, the Clawson Police Department posted a warning on its facebook page outlining a threat involving fake DTE Energy workers.
The post reads: “We recently had a resident approached by three unknown male suspects. They claimed to be with DTE and were checking electrical issues in the area. One of the males told the resident that he needed to check the electrical panel in the basement.”
While downstairs, the resident began to hear footsteps upstairs. She then pushed her way past the men, who fled the scene in a white pickup truck.
“If anyone arrives at your home or business claiming they are DTE, please ask to see a badge with a photo ID,” DTE Energy said in a prepared statement. “If the person refuses to show their badge, do not allow them entry into your home. If the person becomes agitated or acts in a strange manner, call 911 immediately.”
Wallet, jacket stolen
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 4:45 and 5:15 p.m. March 17, an unknown person stole a wallet and jacket from the complainant’s vehicle at the Kroger at 2200 E. 12 Mile Road.
Calendar
from page 9A
Royal Oak Middle School, 709 N. Washington Ave., greaterdetroit.org
Royal Oak Farmers Market: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays from early May-late November and Saturdays yearround, also antiques and collectibles from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays year-round (except Easter), plus Food Truck Rally with live music, vendors, face painting, kids crafts and bounce house from 4-8 p.m. every second Wednesday of month through October, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, (248) 246-3276, romi.gov/1533/ farmers-market
Bingo: 12:30-1:30 p.m. every first Friday of month, Mahany/Meininger Senior Community Center, 3500 Marais Ave. in Royal Oak, (248) 246-3900
Monthly groups: For kids, LGBTQIA+, book clubs for horror fans and more, Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E. 11 Mile Road, (248) 246-3700, romi.gov/1532/ library
• STEM and electronics hobbyists meet from 6-7:30 p.m. every first Wednesday, journaling and discussion group for older adults meets from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Wallet reportedly stolen during detailing
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 10 a.m. March 19, an unknown person stole a wallet from the complainant’s vehicle while it was being detailed at Jax Kar Wash, 27054 Woodward Ave.
Wallet and sunglasses taken from unlocked vehicle
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 11 p.m. March 20 and 7 a.m. March 21, an unknown person stole the complainant’s wallet and sunglasses from the complainant’s unlocked vehicle near North Blair Avenue and 13 Mile Road.
Larceny from auto
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. March 10, an unknown person stole the complainant’s wallet and credit cards from the complainant’s unlocked car on North Main Street near West 11 Mile Road.
Unattended phone stolen at gym
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 5 and 7 p.m. March 12, an unknown person stole the complainant’s unattended phone from the LA Fitness at 25352 Woodward Ave.
— Taylor Christensen
every third Monday, book club meets from 1-2 p.m. every third Wednesday, and writing group meets from 6-7:30 p.m. every fourth Wednesday, Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson, (248) 588-5500, clawson.lib.mi.us
Widowed Friends breakfasts: 9:30 a.m. every second and fourth Wednesday of month, The Avenue Family Restaurant, 31253 Woodward Ave. in Royal Oak, RSVP to Marilyn at (248) 543-1018, widowedfriends.com
‘A Tangled Web: Stories About African Americans in 19th Century Royal Oak’: Exhibit on display 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through May, Royal Oak Historical Society and Museum, 1411 W. Webster Road, (248) 439-1501, royaloakhistoricalsociety.org
Kit Homes of Clawson exhibit: Includes advertisements, photos, artifacts and more about unique early 20th century housing, open 2-5 p.m. Saturdays and Wednesdays until Dec. 31, Clawson Historical Museum, 41 Fisher Court, also on display from noon-1 p.m. April 26, Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson, cityofclawson.com, (248) 588-9169, historicalmuseum@cityofclawson.com
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
Market
page 3A
planning these events, they wanted to spread them out over the year to highlight different seasons.
“Flowers are big in the spring, and then in August, it is corn season,” Siegel said. “We just tried to go off the theme of what’s in harvest.”
The final event, taking place Oct. 8, will be a harvest festival from 4 to 8 p.m. at the market.
The festival will include music, food and community fun, according to a press release from the Royal Oak Farmers Market. The event will also have produce selections, local vendors and a look into the market’s history.
Mazur has been a part of the Farmers Market since 2003, when she sold mushrooms; she then moved to the position of inhouse event planner in 2007. Mazur became the market manager in 2011.
Mazur said that since she began as a mushroom vendor, she has seen significant growth within the market.
“I think there is a lot more variety now,” she said. “There is a lot more diversity
in terms of what items are sold. There are more people who are more conscious, selling gluten-free and vegan and things like that — more health oriented items.”
The original Royal Oak Farmers Market opened on Oct. 14, 1925, and began as “a community farmers market to serve the produce needs of a growing town,” according to the Royal Oak Public Library’s website, ropl.org.
It started as an open-air market, according to Mazur. The farmers market building was built in early 1927.
“On its first day of business, more than 300 consumers purchased from 75 producers. Some family members from the original producer vendors still sell at the market,” it says at ropl.org/1397/About-Us.
Currently, about 20 farms, orchards and greenhouses sell their products at the Royal Oak Farmers Market with more than 60 specialty food vendors selling food that is made with local ingredients.
“It’s amazing how many people come up and tell me, ‘I came here when I was 7 years old with my grandmother,’ or ‘I came here with my family and we had a booth here 35-40 years ago,’” Mazur said. “We have a farmer here that has been here for 70 years.”
Mazur said that the market has contin-
ued to prosper thanks to the sense of pride and community the farmers have with each other.
“The belief in the commitment of what goes on here, and living off of the land and growing off of the land and supporting local vendors, I think it’s really just an amazing history of the memories that are involved,
and that’s what we are putting together right now, and it’s just fascinating,” she said. For more information on the Royal Oak Farmers Market, visit romi.gov/1533/ Farmers-Market or email farmersmarket@ romi.gov.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
Advertorial
In Memory of
Frances Rubello
Frances Rubello, age 93, passed away on March 13, 2025. She was born on February 3, 1932 in Detroit, Michigan to her late parents Joseph and Fulemena Leone. Frances was preceded in death by her husband Joseph S. Rubello. She is survived by her loving children: Geraldine (Ted) Gillespie, Florence (John) Misuraca, David (Greta) Rubello; loving grandchildren: Nicholas (Rosie) Rubello, Adriano (Pamela) Rubello, Sasha Rubello; and siblings: Vincent “Jimmy” (Terry) Leone, Joseph JoAnn) Leone, the late Russell (Frances) Leone, and the late Benedict (Deanna) Leone.
A Father’s Legacy, A Son’s Mission: Full Body MRI Scans Without a Doctor’s Referral
(South eld, MI) e late Dr. Warren Ringold knew rsthand the devastating impact of late-stage cancer diagnoses. As a respected family physician, he witnessed countless patients battling illnesses that could have been detected earlier. His own grueling battle with late-stage cancer ignited a passion, leading him to create Michigan’s rst MRI full body screening center called Bionicc Body Screening.
health and detect potential problems before they escalated. In his nal days, Dr. Ringold passionately advocated for MRI full body screenings, a proactive approach he believed could empower individuals to take control of their health.
Raising Awareness
Softball Size Tumors Silently Grew
Dr. Ringold discovered he had stage four cancer with tumors as large as softballs silently growing inside his body after experiencing shortness of breath. His treatment was brutal. He su ered cruel side e ects. After his cancer went into remission, it returned a year later as a brain tumor. Dr. Ringold believed there had to be a better way. He envisioned a future where individuals could take control of their
Today, his son Ryan carries on this mission. ough not a medical professional himself, Ryan’s dedication to his father’s legacy drives him to raising awareness of this service for families of Michigan. “Every week I learn of another person who felt perfectly ne, only to wake up with an unexplained symptom and discover they have stage four cancer. Once symptoms manifest cancer is usually advanced,” says his son Ryan. “My father never wanted another family to su er the emotional and physical hardships that our family and he endured. He wanted to save lives.”
Full Body MRI Scans Without a Doctor’s Order
Bionicc Body Screening o ers elective, full-body MRI screenings that provide a comprehensive picture of your internal health, going beyond what traditional checkups often reveal. State-of-the-art technology can detect tumors as small as a pea, aneurysms, risk of stroke and a multitude of other conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed. Screenings include scans of the head, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, hips, shoulders and spine.
A Life Saved
Mark B. and his younger brother decided to visit Bionicc Body Screening last spring for a proactive screening because cancer ran in their family. Mark was skeptical until his results returned a 3-centimeter mass on his lung, which tested positive for cancer. He had three-fourths of his lung removed. He credits the scan for saving his life. Meanwhile, his brother’s results were clean.
Scans are safe, non-invasive, emit no radiation and are available without a doctor’s referral.
LIMITED TIME OFFER - Learn more now. Visit BioniccBodyScreening.com to download a free Welcome Information Kit and $200 savings o er. Book an appointment by calling 1-833-BIONICC.
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The late Dr. Ringold founded Bionicc Body Screening in 2022 after battling cancer twice. He believed MRI full body screenings could empower individuals to take control of their health.
A century of values
CROSSCOUNTRY
TRAVELS RECOGNIZE BOY SCOUT MILESTONE
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
ANNIVERSARY
METRO DETROIT — When the Boy Scouts of America celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2010, a group of scout leaders from southeast Michigan found a way to commemorate the milestone.
Over a year’s time, the volunteers traveled the U.S. in a 32-foot recreational vehicle donated by All American Homes/Coachmen. During their journey, the scouters — adult leaders in the organization — visited Boy Scouts councils in each state to which they ventured.
The Boy Scouts of America website, scouting.org, states there are 248 councils. The group traveling the country consisted of 16 teams with four to six members in each team. They took turns on the route, which they called “A Century of Values.” It was quite the adventure.
“The volunteers are still talking about it 15 years later,” said Frank Mallon, a traveler and trip adviser.
Because the organization began Feb. 8, 1910, the scouters traveled from Feb. 8, 2009, through Feb. 8, 2010, promoting the history and accomplishments of the Boy Scouts of America. The first group of travelers kicked off the trek from Mallon’s hometown of Laingsburg, Michigan.
“Because it was winter, we headed south towards Texas,” said Mallon, who said it took five days to get there. “It was an amazing trip.”
ABOVE: A GoFundMe page has been
and
LEFT: Along the way, one of the teams visited the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.
created
patches are being sold to help fund repairs to the motor home.
BELOW: During the “A Century of Values” journey to commemorate 100 years of the Boy Scouts of America in 2010, one of the stops was the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.
Photos provided by Frank Mallon
Birds
from page 8A
“Most of our species are in decline, so anything we can do to help them, that’s a benefit for the birds and increasing biodiversity; making sure that we’re putting out a variety of foods will also bring those birds in,” she said.
Ihde suggested feeding birds based on the season due to the loss of habitat and stress that birds are under.
“Birds only get a small percentage of their daily food from your feeder, even in the winter,” he said. “They will always go after natural food sources over your feeder. So offering a quick, easy meal even when there is some food available is just helping them survive.”
However, while feeding birds does have a number of positive benefits, there can also be some perceived negatives, such as waste falling on the ground or feeders attracting unwanted critters.
Ihde suggested using a no-mess bird seed, which has the shells removed so only the seed hearts or nuts remain. He also said anyone who feeds birds should check what’s in the blend, as many are packed with fillers.
“These are seeds or grains that are used to lower cost but in many cases birds do not even eat. … They kick out these fillers and go for the few desirable seeds in the mix,” he said. “That waste falls to the ground and attracts pests, grows weeds and can generally be messy.”
After seeing an increase in rodents that was believed to be related to bird seed waste, the city of Royal Oak added a section to its rodent control ordinance stating residents must keep approved bird feeders at least 4 feet off the ground and prohibited residents from throwing food on the ground for birds or animals.
Ihde also suggested using baffles to help prevent other animals from getting into bird seed.
“These are obstructions that can be placed on poles or hooks to stop critters from reaching the feeder,” he said. “They are inexpensive and cause zero harm.”
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
of
Christopher R. Myers
Christopher R. Myers, Age 73. March 16, 2025
Beloved husband of Elaine. Loving father of Dan (Lauren), Jim (Megan) and Michael (Shelbey). Proud grandfather of Alexandra, Vinny, Natalie, Lillian and Huxley. Dear brother of Sally (Joe) Myers-Brown, Susan and James. Loving son of the late Don and the late Tish. Christopher earned a bachelor's degree in Agronomy at Michigan State University. Chris is German and Welsh by heritage however, he is proudly Sicilian by marriage. Visitation and funeral service was held on March 22nd at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons Funeral Home. Entombment Resurrection Cemetery. Donations may be made to a Favorite Charity in Christopher’s name. Please share memories with the family at their online guestbook@WujekCalcaterra.com.
Greenfest
from page 1A
sionate about, and are acting on, as well as learning something new and finding a new passion they want to act on.”
The event will be showcasing local environmental groups and organizations, including a sustainable marketplace, sustainable food options, animal engagements throughout the zoo, hands-on educational activities, live music, themed photo opportunities and more, according to detroitzoo.org/events/greenfest.
Ratzenberger said that there will be more than 25 environmental organizations at Greenfest sharing their mission and leading activities.
“We have had some organizations that have been here for many, many years, and then we have others that this is their first year. So, we are super excited.” she said.
The organizations will be located along the main stretch of the zoo near the fountain.
“The local environmental organizations will be sharing their work and also actions that guests can take with our visitors that weekend,” she said. “They will have plenty of hands-on activities and a really great array of educational materials and different experiences for guests.”
Along with these organizations will be sustainable food options to enjoy while visiting the zoo.
“There will be at least one food truck per day at the zoo, and then we will also have some highlighted items on our regular menu, items around the concessions and specifically at Table 28,” Ratzenberger said. “At Table 28, our concessions staff is going to highlight some of those greener options on the menu.”
The “Mindfully Made Market” is going to be another hot spot during the Greenfest, located at the Rackham Memorial Fountain. The market will include local companies or organizations that sell sustainable goods.
“It could be anything from a reusable item to a refillable item or something that was made from sustainably sourced materials,” Ratzenberger said. “Guests will be able to interact with those products as well as purchase those products.”
Another major aspect of the Greenfest comes from the e-recycling event. Visitors can bring old electronics to the e-recycling event in the 10 Mile Road parking lot from 9 a.m. to noon April 12 and 13 and earn a free ticket to the zoo.
Chloe Pyne, sustainability coordinator for the Detroit Zoo, said that the zoo partners with a Michigan-based recycler, Padnos, to get rid of the electronic materials in a safe way.
“The electronics are cleared of any important information, and then if electronics are reusable, they would be carried and put back into the market as they are, or if they are not reusable, they will be broken down for the various metals or plastics that they are comprised of, then be recycled as a commodity,” Pyne said.
Pyne said that the Detroit Zoo got involved with Padnos because of a shared importance to protect the information on the electronics.
“They have the highest recycling standards and certification, and they align with our protection of information with electronics,” she said. “They have also really stepped up and had fun with us, kind of helping to create these events and enhancing them to make them more user friendly.”
Pyne said that the benefit to recycling at the Detroit Zoo instead of at a big box store is the opportunity to keep the recycled materials locally.
“The importance of keeping it local is you’re reducing the transportation miles and the carbon emissions that come with said transportation,” Pyne said.
Last year, the e-recycling event gathered more than 160,000 pounds of materials. That is about eight full semi-trailers, according to Pyne.
“Greenfest and e-recycling are some great Earth Month activities to kind of support the commitment to enhancing environmental resilience,” Pyne said.
To receive a ticket to the zoo, bring one large electronic item or fill a 17-gallon or larger tub with electronics. An entire trunk or back seat full of electronics will get two zoo tickets.
Acceptable recyclable electronics include all TVs and monitors, printers, computers and laptops, cellphones and tablets, holiday lights, cords and other wire, DVD and VHS players, radios, and small electronics.
All personal information should be deleted from electronic devices before recycling.
For more information on Greenfest, visit detroitzoo.org/events/greenfest. For more information on the e-recycling event, visit detroitzoo.org/events/e-recycling-at-greenfest.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
Boy Scouts
Mallon, of Novi, said each group spent anywhere from two to five weeks on the road at a time, and about 140 scouters made the trip overall. Teams No. 2 and No. 3, for instance, traveled toward Florida and northward toward the East Coast. When it was Team No. 10’s turn, the group drove to Washington state and parts of the Northwest.
Along the way, the scouters participated in local parades, council camporees and other events. The final stop was on Feb. 8, 2010, in Irving, Texas, to celebrate the organization’s 100-year anniversary at the National Scouting Museum.
“There were four bunks and it could sleep up to seven people. We got up at 6 a.m. and didn’t go to bed until midnight,” Mallon said. “Our plan was to visit two councils per day. There are a lot more councils in the East.”
Sometimes the group would sleep in the parking lot of a council’s building.
“We could use the office for whatever we needed,” Mallon said.
When the southeast Michigan convoy met up with the other councils, sometimes there would be 10 people in town waiting for them or sometimes 100 “when we pulled in,” Mallon said. In recognition of the anniversary, many times the group was interviewed on local television and radio stations.
The southeast Michigan members presented each council with a centennial mural to display, made by Eagle Scout Bill Morrison, an artist who is best known for his work involving “The Simpsons” and “Futurama” television shows. The 24-inch by 36-inch historic artwork features a number of photos that depict the Boy Scouts history. There are photos of famous Scouts, the first National Jamboree in Washington, D.C., in 1937, the 50th anniversary commemorative stamp, different merit badges and more. Morrison also decorated the RV’s exterior.
The caravan visited or camped at 71 Boy Scouts camps, and at 74 KOA campgrounds.
While the goal was to visit councils across the country, the group also found time to sightsee. The itinerary included the International UFO Museum in Roswell, New Mexico; the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas; Niagara Falls; Busch Stadium in St. Louis, Missouri; Yosemite National Park; the Atlantic and Pacific oceans; Snake River Canyon in Idaho; and many more landmarks.
There was a lot of work involved with the trip, but the volunteers also found time to visit with relatives while out of state.
“We often stayed at their homes,” Mallon said.
Dave Busse, of Troop No. 1478 out of St. Anne Catholic School in Warren, was among the team leaders who made the “A Century of Values” trip. For two weeks, he traveled to San Jose, California; Los Angeles and Las Vegas with his wife, Kathy; Chuck Prohaska; and Mark and Michelle Hodges.
“It was fun but there were some challenges,” said Busse, of Warren. “It was a great treat for us. The Scouting values were always there.”
One thing he learned when meeting the different councils was that “we all have the same challenges recruiting young people and finding ways to raise money for the program.”
When the entire group reached the end of the excursion, the motor home had traveled 49,000 miles. According to a book Mallon wrote on the experience, he said that there were an additional 8,000 miles logged known as “victory laps” around the state of Michigan.
Currently, the motor home is in need of repairs. A GoFundMe page has been established to raise the $25,000 needed for the updates. Mallon would like to fix up the vehicle so that Scouting groups can rent it out for parades, campouts or other activities during June, July and August. A two-week notice would be required. A staff member will provide a designated driver for all events.
To make a donation, visit gofundme. com/f/back-on-the-road-again-2025. For more information on “A Century of Values,” contact Frank Mallon at (248) 348-5189 or foxtrot@ mi.rr.com.
C & G Newspapers publishes 21 papers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties:
Fraser-Clinton
Clemens-Clinton-Harrison
Editor: David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com
Reporters: Taylor Christensen | (586) 498-1081 | tchristensen@candgnews.com
Mike Koury | (586) 498-1077 | mkoury@candgnews.com
Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
Grosse
Macomb
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A-DMASONRYLLC.
AllMasonryWork Bricks,Stones,Pavers, Blocks,Porches, Chimneys.Tuckpointing. 26-yrsexperience Insured,FreeEstimates. 586-873-8210 Filip
Brick Work
PREFERRED
BROTHERSMASONRY
•Tuckpointing•Brickwork •ChimneyRepair/Rebuild •ChimneyCaps •CementFlatwork•Steps •PorchRebuild/Porch Caps•CultureStone Senior/MilitaryDiscount Upto20%off! 586-944-8898
MOUTON'S MASONRY
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CENSODEVELOPMENT
MASONRYINC. MasonryRepairs, Tuckpointing, ChimneyRepairs, GlassBlock,Brick/Block Repairs,Mailboxes, Brick/CementSteps. FreeEstimates! Alfonso586-419-7818
Carpentry
GOTROT?
RottenWood ReplacementSpecialist AllTypesofWoodRepair Fascia,Soffit&Siding PaintedtoMatch AMGAppliedServices 248-828-7998 www.amgapplied services.com
Carpet Cleaning
CARPET
WAVY-n-LOOSE?
WePower Re-stretch and Steam-clean ForOneLowPrice MultipleRoomDiscount CallNow 586-754-9222
Cement
POBLETECEMENT
BrickPavers,LLC. Lic/Ins.•Driveways •Patios•Porches•Walks •Floors•Color•Exposed •ConcreteRemoval 30+years!Troy,MI 248-743-1220 248-496-4964(Cell)
CONCRETE,MASONRY &LANDSCAPING
10%OffPre-Spring!
•Driveways•Patios
•Brick/Stone•Pavers
•Decks,Free-Estimates Requests: roze cementllc@gmail.com Andre-586-354-7791 cementroze.com
Cleaning Service
CLEANINGLADY
with10-yrexperienceis lookingforwork.Weekly, bi-weekly,monthly Excellentreferences. Flexiblehours. Bonded&insured. 248-890-8830
Decks/Patios
2025SPECIALS
CustomDeck Building/Repair, Power-Washing, DecksRemoved, Composite,Treated &CedarMaterials, CustomRailingMaterials, CustomFence Installation. 586-260-5218
COMPLETEDECK MAINTENANCE
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Electrical
586-755-3636
Dr.Electric AffordablePrices! Father&Son MasterElectricians Same-Day-Service! All-Residential-Wiring, ChangeFuseBoxto CircuitBreakerPanel, Troubleshooting,Backup GeneratorTransfer Switch,License#6109094 SenDisc.V/MC/Lic./Ins.
CASTLEELECTRIC
586-634-1152
(directcellphone#) Panelupgrades, generators,hottubs, 220lines.ALLSERVICE Licensed&Insured Dependable,quality work! License#-6111359
STEVEʼS CONCRETE COMPANY
Licensed.Bonded. Insured.Freeestimates. MichiganBuildersLicense #2101118415 (248)588-9808
Chimney Service
ROYAL
EXTREMECLEAN
586-219-0335
AirDuct&DryerVent
Cleaning,GasFireplace Tune-ups&Repairs, WoodBurningFireplace Cleaning&Repairs, Multi-ServiceDiscounts.
Fence Service
PLATINUMSERVICES
*FenceInstallation *Landscape *TreeRemoval Wecoveryour outdoorneeds. FullyInsured. CALLNOW! 844-ALL-FENCE or248-830-3333
ROYALEXTERIORS
•Fence•Roofs•Decks Residential/Commercial AllStyles,QualityWork LicensedResidential
Builder,Senior/Veteran Discounts,Free-Est. royalexteriors.net 586-765-5028
Gutters
A.M.G. Gutters&Downspouts.Owneroperated. Seamlessgutter installationandrepair specialist.Builders License#2101202369 www.amgapplied services.com FullyInsured 248-828-7998
*”STEVE'S SEAMLESSGUTTERS” Made&installedonthe spot.5”&6”Gutter Cleaning.Treetrimming, exteriorpainting, powerwashing. 586-778-3393 586-531-2111
MASTER ELECTRICIAN JIM
586-582-9320 (Cell) Over30YearsExp. NewInstallationWork Repairs Troubleshooting ElectricalUpgrades CodeCorrections
PREPARE forpoweroutagestodaywithaGeneracHomeStandbyGenerator.Actnowtoreceivea FREE5-Yearwarranty withqualifyingpurchase. Call1-855-773-8191 todaytoscheduleafree quote.It'snotjustagenerator.It'sapowermove.
3Sons
HandymanService 586-888-9031
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Kitchens/ Cabinets/ Countertops
MR.BACKSPLASH
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Handyman Services
AA4DABLE
HANDYMAN
HomeImprovement, Tile,Hardwood-Floors, Kitchen/Bath-Remodeling, Plumbing,Electrical, Painting,Hauling,Cleanouts,AnyHomeRepairs, FreeEst.30%Disc. AllMajorCC'sAccepted. 586-822-5100
HANDYMAN
Extraordinaire! Doesalljobs,anysize, whenyourhome needsabestfriend. Licensed&insured. CallGeorge 248-515-5158
Hauling & Waste Removal
***AAA HAULING***
JUNKREMOVAL
Wehaulitall!Demolition Big&Small,Residential/ Commercial,Rubber WheelDumpsters-10,15, 20-Yards,Clean-outs, ConstructionMaterial, Small-Moving,Appliances,Furniture&More! Free-Est.Sen/Mil/Disc. 586-360-0681 ucallwehauljunk.com
BURLYGUYS
JUNKREMOVAL removesANYTHING! Appliances,furniture, basementcleanouts, hoardersallwelcome! CallorText 248-224-2188
Home Repairs
EXTERIOR
REPAIRSLLC. Since1999
GUTTERCLEANING LEAFGUARDS Roofing,Siding, Gutter,Repair.Reliable Ask,WeMightDoIt! FREEESTIMATES 248-242-1511
Landscaping & Water Gardens
JAY'SHOMESERVICES
Landscaping, Shrub&TreeTrimming, Clean-ups, Gardening/Tilling PropertyMaintenance, ServingThe RoyalOakArea Since2008. 248-755-6995
ALLTIMATE OUTDOORSERVICES
DrainageSystem Professionals Big/SmallJobs, Yard-Drainage,Grading, Sod/Seed,Retaining Walls/Walkways/Patios, Senior/Military-Discounts Credit-Cards-Accepted Free-Estimates 586-719-1202
SUPREMEOUTDOOR SPECIALISTS
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2025SPRING
586-260-5218
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PREFERRED LANDSCAPING
SpringClean-ups, Lawncutting,Fertilizing, Trimming,Planting, Powerwashingand Sealing,Haulingand Delivery,Gardening Rototilling,MiscServices. Senior/VeteranDiscounts! 248-739-9779
Painting
PEAKPAINTING
OUR NAME SAYS IT ALL... FIRST CLASS LAWN A FULL SERVICE LANDSCAPE COMPANY
Not Happy With Your Current Service? LET US HELP YOU! We Are Lawn Cutting Specialists!
• Senior Discounts
Custom-Painting, Commercial/Residential, Interior/Exterior. Drywall-Repair,Paper Removal,Carpentry. *WillBeatAnyOther ReasonableEstimate! 35yrsexp.Sen.Disc.Ins. CC-Accepted/References. 586-722-8381
2BROTHERS PAINTING
• All Credit Cards Accepted 586-825-3333 FREE Estimates
586-792-3117
PETE'SPAINTING SPRINGSPECIALS! 10%OFF Specializing inVacantHomes, Great-Rooms,Deck Staining&WoodenFence Repair,Interior/Exterior, Residential/Commercial. SeniorDiscount, Free-Estimates,Insured.
PAINTING GPC
MASTERPAINTER PLASTER&DRYWALL Restoration/Insurance Projects, Wallpaper Removal/Carpentry, 30-yrsLicensed SeniorDisc/FreeEst. 586.899.3555(Cell) 248.566.6460(Office)
(586)229-4267
AmericanPainting •Residential/Commercial •Interior/25YearsExp. •PowerWashing •Insurance•Drywall •PlasterRepair•Cleanouts•HomeRepairs •SeniorDiscounts •Guaranteed-Work.
CompleteInterior/Exterior WoodRepair, Powerwash, Free-Estimates CallFrank 248-303-5897 ReferencesAvailable
STEVE'SCUSTOM PAINTING
586-350-1717 Since1985 ProfessionalQuality, Neat,MeticulousPrep, Drywall/PlasterRepair, Interior/Exterior, Insured,References, Free-Estimate, 10%SeniorDiscount.
ANDERSON Painting&Carpentry
CompleteInterior/Exterior Services.Plaster/Drywall &WaterDamageRepairs. Wood-Staining.Wallpaper Removal.Kitchen/Cabinet Refinishing,Insured/References.Free-Estimates 586-354-3032 248-974-4012
ANYONE'S PAINTER
Interior/ExteriorPainting Commerical/Residential PressureWashing, DrywallRepairs, DeckStaining, FreeEstimates Call586-921-3654
NewInstallations. FreeEstimates SeniorRates. 35+yrsexp.CallPaul 248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852
WATERWORK Plumbing.com
•DrainCleaning •SewerCamera •WaterHeaters •SumpPumps •BackflowTesting 248-542-8022
SameDayEmergency ServiceAvailable Reliable/Experienced License#8003885
APEX
PLUMBERSCORP 586-210-0903
35-YearsExp.Seniors/ Military/Multi-TaskDisc. Free-Est.•DrainCleaning •PlumbingRepairs/ Fixtures•SumpPumps/ WaterHeaters.Lic/Ins. apexplumbers corporation.com Lic#8111771
EAPLUMBING ANDDRAIN
FullServicePlumbing. DrainCleaning,Sump Pumps,WaterHeaters, Leaks,Disposals, CameraInspections, BackflowTesting andMore. 586-477-7777 License#803020312
Plumbing
586.524.6752 ANDY'SPLUMBING 33+YearsExp.Lic/Ins. CallUsToday ForAllYour PlumbingNeeds!! ServingThe Tri-County-Area 10%/Senior/Military/ Discounts Lic#-8004254
Powerwashing
AJʼsPRESSURE CLEANING& SEALCOATING
•StampedConcrete(removemilkyorcloudyfilm)
•ExposedAggregate •BrickPavers(resanding) Website: ajspressure cleaning.com 586-431-0591
Professional Services
CONSUMER Cellularthesamereliable,nationwidecoverageasthe largestcarriers.Nolongtermcontract,nohidden feesandactivationisfree. Allplansfeatureunlimitedtalkandtext,starting atjust$20/month.For moreinformation,call 1-866-306-6243
TMEDIAIMPACT SOLUTIONS
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Roofng PREFERRED BROTHERSROOFING
•FullTear-off•Recover •ShingleRepair •Leak's•AllRepair •Flat-Roof•TourchDown •SeamlessGutters& GutterGuards Senior/Military-Discount Upto20%Off 586-944-8898
AA4DABLEROOFING
Hurry&SaveBig-$$$! SPRING-SPECIALS Upto30%-Off!!! Roofing/Siding/Gutters, All-Leaks/Repairs, Residential/Shingles/ Commercial-FlatRoofs/Torch-downs 30yrs-exp.CC'saccepted. 586-822-5100
SILVERSMITHROOF MAINTENANCE $225•MinorShingle ReplacementSpecial GutterCleaning Residential/Commercial WeAcceptAll MajorCreditCards 30-yrsexp.FamilyOwned 248-707-4851
Roofng
CHERRY CONSTRUCTION
Roofing,Gutters,Cement, RefinishingHardwood Floors,NewHomes, Remodels,Additions, Doors,Windows, Fencing,Decks, Kitchens,Bathrooms. 586-291-2647
MICHAELNORTON BUILDERSINC.
BuildingValueEveryday 586-436-9600 Licensed/Insured Since1965 Servicing-Roofing, Siding,Basement, Bathroom,Kitchen Remodeling,Decks& AllYourHome ImprovementNeeds.
Tree Service
BERGBROS.LLC. “FullyInsured, HighlyReferred.” SeniorDiscounts Tree-Removal,Stump Grinding,Tree-Trimming, Hedging,Shaping, Emergency-Service Residential/Commercial Free-Estimates (586)262-3060
DAVE'STREE&SHRUB
40%-EarlySpringSpecial. Insured, EmergencyStorm Damage,LeafClean-up, Large-TreeRemovals, Trimming,Stump-Grinding,Gutters,SeasonFirewood(100acord) (586)216-0904 davestreeandshrub.com
ELITETREE SERVICE
"Bringing30yearsof experiencetoyourdoor!" Treetrimming, removals&stump grinding.Insured&FREE estimateswithfairprices! FirewoodForSale 586-756-0757
