5/22/24 Royal Oak Review

Parade focuses on significance of Memorial Day

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — Memorial Day is coming up on May 27, and the city of Royal Oak has been hard at work planning the annual Memorial Day Parade.

The parade is set to begin at 9 a.m. starting on Main Street at Lincoln Avenue and heading north through Centennial Commons. Immediately following the parade, there will be a Memorial Day service.

Judy Davids, community engagement specialist for the city of Royal Oak, said

that there will also be an all-you-can-eat breakfast before the parade at 7 a.m. hosted by the Royal Oak Historical Society.

The pancake breakfast will be from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and located at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. Adults cost $10 and

See MEMORIAL on page 20A

Community celebrates Oak Ridge teacher’s 50 years of kindergarten classes

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — Lois Mann, of Oak Ridge Elementary School, smiled ear to ear throughout the celebration May 17 of her 50 years of teaching kindergarten.

The celebration at the school brought together around 100 of Mann’s previous students, current students and co-workers for a night of recognition for the teacher.

Being a kindergarten teacher was something that Mann knew she wanted to do since she was in kindergarten.

“I used to tell my kindergarten teacher that when I got older, I was going to be a kindergarten teacher,” she said. “I would tell her that she couldn’t retire until I got out of college, because I wanted to be a kindergarten teacher and take her job.”

The day she got hired as a kindergarten teacher in Royal Oak, she received a letter that was from her inspiration.

on page 6A

Photo by Donna Dalziel Lois Mann’s 50-year anniversary brought together nearly 100 of her past and present students and co-workers.

See TEACHER

2024 Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade Grand Marshal

Gladys Waters drove trucks in convoys during World War II. Photo provided by Judy Davids

Bike Day sees 100 children get fitted for adaptive bicycles

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

OAKLAND COUNTY — Corewell Health Children’s held its big Bike Day on May 11, where 100 children were fitted for adaptive bicycles.

The kids and their families came to the Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital Care Center in Royal Oak for Bike Day, which celebrated its 20th year. The bicycles for the children are special in that they are not available in bike shops or stores.

Bike Day Coordinator Ryan Barto, who also is a senior pediatric occupational therapist for Corewell Heath Children’s Pediatric Rehabilitation, said the bikes grow with the children, and when they outgrow them, they can bring the bicycles back for the center to refurbish for another child.

“They get to get a new bike and kind of grow with them up through 18,” he said. “(May 11 was) our fitting day. So the kids come and get fitted. If they get a refurbished bike, they get to take it with them today. If they order one, they come

in about eight weeks from now … and we will have the bikes delivered at that point.”

The bikes this year were provided at a cost of $250,000 by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Corewell Health Foundation. Barto said the average price for a bike is around $3,500 and can cost between $550 and $9,000, depending on the bike and the child’s needs.

Cristina Sheppard-Decius and Scott Decius, of Ferndale, brought their son, Max, 17, to get fitted for his bike.

“For us and other families, it’s providing a resource that is definitely helping financially, because we already have a lot of expenses because of all the other medical expenses,” Cristina SheppardDecius said. “I think for the family unit as a whole, as well as for Max, it’s giving him a reason to be able to do something, to get around.”

Max Decius was born with cerebral palsy and spastic diplegia, which makes it harder for him to keep propelling a bike at a pace to stay balanced

See BIKE DAY on page 7A

Jessica Lopez helps her daughter, Julianna, try out her new Trivel T-250 Adaptive Tricycle.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

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SECOND FRONT PAGE

3A/ ROYAL OAK REVIEW • MAY 22, 2024

Habatat Galleries hosts 52nd glass exhibition

The 52nd annual glass show held by Habatat Galleries showcases more than 400 pieces of art created by artists from around the world. It is being held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays until Aug. 30.

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — Habatat Galleries is currently hosting its Glass52 event featuring 400 pieces of glass art created by artists from around the world.

Habatat is the oldest and largest gallery in the world dedicated to studio glass art, and this event is free of charge for the public.

Running from May 4 to Aug. 30, the public is welcome to visit the gallery and view the various pieces of art. Habatat is open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturdays and is located at 4400 Fernlee Ave. in Royal Oak.

The gallery features hundreds of pieces, each one showing the craftsmanship of the person who created it.

Glass art is unique in and of itself and has continued to grow in popularity over time, according to Director of Habatat Galleries Andrew Schey.

Guns and Hoses charity event raises $83,000 for Love, Team Tessa foundation

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — The Guns and Hoses charity hockey game raised $83,000 May 11 for the Love, Team Tessa foundation.

Five police officers and eight firefighters went head to head with the Detroit Red Wings Alumni, losing 11-5.

That was expected, according to firefighter Jimmy Sharkey, an organizer of the 2024 Guns and Hoses event.

The point of the game was not to win or lose,

but to raise money for an important cause, and nearly 400 people showed up to the event, according to Sharkey.

Love, Team Tessa is a foundation in honor of 9-year-old Tessa Prothero, who lost her life to neuroblastoma, a rare form of cancer that affects the small adrenal glands on the top of the kidneys.

Love, Team Tessa raises money and awareness to end childhood cancer. According to Karen Prothero, Tessa’s mother, the donated money also goes to granting children affected by cancer “mini wishes.”

What is unique about the Love, Team Tessa

foundation is that not only does it help children who are going through treatment, but also their siblings.

“We try to support kids fighting cancer, as well as their siblings and their families,” Prothero said. “That could look like anything from a staycation to a shopping spree or a gaming console.” Prothero said that most recently, kids have been asking for bedroom makeovers. Being able to provide anything that can help put a smile on a child’s face is the goal of the foundation.

Prothero and her family are residents of Royal

See EXHIBIT on page 14A See CHARITY on page 20A

Photo by Taylor Christensen

NEWS & NOTES

4A/ ROYAL OAK REVIEW • MAY 22, 2024

Compiled by Taylor Christensen

Don Loomis appointed principal of Royal Oak High

ROYAL OAK — Don Loomis has been named the new principal of Royal Oak High School following the Board of Education’s approval at a special meeting April 25.

According to a press release, Loomis has a “wide range of experience,” coming from the position of administrator at Wayne-Westland Community Schools.

Loomis earned a Bachelor of Music Education with a history minor from Oakland University, and a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from Concordia University.

strategic plan supporting that direction, as well as the multitude of programs to help all students succeed regardless of their path,” he said. “I am looking forward to meeting students and families and learning about their experiences of the past and hopes for the future.”

Superintendent Mary Beth Fitzpatrick said that Loomis will provide the leadership ROHS students and families need.

STAGECRAFTERS TO PRESENT ‘SUNSET BOULEVARD’ MAY 31 TO JUNE 23

ROYAL OAK — Stagecrafters in downtown Royal Oak will tell the story of film star Norma Desmond and her complex relationship with Joe Gillis in the musical adaptation of “Sunset Boulevard.”

From May 31 to June 23, Stagecrafters will be putting on the show at the Baldwin Theatre Main Stage, 415 S. Lafayette Ave.

“Set in 1949 Hollywood, the story explores themes of ambition, fame, and the darker sides of the movie industry,” according to a press release.

“Sunset Boulevard” received seven Tony Awards, including best musical, after its Broadway debut in 1994.

According to a press release, the music, plot and characterizations continue to impact audiences around the world.

Rodel Salazar, director of “Sunset Boulevard,” said that the most enticing part of directing the show is the music by Andrew Lloyd Webber.

In a press release, Loomis said that since researching the school, he thought that the district’s plan and direction is one that truly helps students to succeed.

“I really liked the future direction and the

“I am confident Mr. Loomis will provide strong, caring leadership for ROHS students, families, and staff,” she said. “Mr. Loomis’s enthusiasm and knowledge were highly regarded throughout the search process.”

Angela Ashburn, the high school’s interim principal, will remain so throughout the end of this school year, and Loomis will assume his duties on July 1.

Learn about the historical importance of the railroad system

ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Historical Society is hosting an exhibit dedicated to the history of the railroad system in Royal Oak.

The Detroit United Railway served as the only transportation for any distance in the area and helped get people to work at Henry Ford’s manufacturing plant in Highland Park.

According to a press release, real estate developers built homes in Royal Oak and surrounding communities around the railroad, and soon after businesses followed.

The exhibit will feature historical photographs and stories about the railroad and its impact on the growth of the city of Royal Oak and the southeast Michigan region.

There will be two featured presentations, one June 14 by historian Don Callihan, and the second July 12 by author and DUR (streetcar) historian Brian Golden.

The exhibit will open at 1 p.m. June 8 at the Royal Oak Historical Society, 1411 W. Webster Road. For more information, visit royaloakhistoricalsociety.com/exhibits.

Gun violence discussion

ROYAL OAK — National Gun Violence Awareness Day is June 2, and the Social Action Committee of Royal Oak First United Methodist Church is recognizing this by having a “Safety First” discussion from 7 to 8:30 p.m. June 2 at the church sanctuary, 320 W. Seventh St.

“I’ve been a huge fan of his music since the first time I listened to the cassette tape of ‘Phantom of the Opera,’” he said in a press release. “Webber’s adaptation of the classic Billy Wilder film brings a new dimension to the story through its memorable music and theatricality.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit stagecrafters.org.

The discussion will focus on the new gun safety legislation that went into effect Feb. 13.

The legislation “requires individuals to keep unattended weapons unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a lock box or container if it is reasonably known that a minor is likely to be present on the premises,” according to michigan.gov.

Local legislators and law enforcement officers will be attending the meeting.

Families in the area who have been affected by gun violence will be sharing their stories.

Clawson High School graduate Ava Sklar, who

lost her best friend, Cailin Heath, in a domestic violence dispute in March 2021 will be speaking, as will Ted and Nancy Verner, who lost their daughter, Alexandria Verner, in the Michigan State University shooting in February of 2023.

Free gun locks will be offered to those interested.

Loomis

Photo by Bureau Detroit

The musical “Sunset Boulevard” surrounds Norma Desmond (Johanna Steinbrecher-Booker) and her relationship with Joe Gillis (Robby Mullinger) in 1949 Hollywood.

TACO FEST BACK FOR THIRD YEAR

NORTHERN LIGHTS SEEN IN ROYAL OAK

Resident Shelly Hundiwal took this photo of the northern lights, also known as aurora borealis, in her neighborhood at around 10 p.m. May 11 on North Center Street between University and Willis avenues. She took the photos on her iPhone 15. She said it was easier to see the colors through the phone camera.

ROYAL OAK — For the third year, Royal Oak will be hosting Taco Fest in early July.

With more than 50 food trucks, taquerias and eateries coming to the festival, this year is expected to be the biggest Taco Fest yet.

Taco Fest will take place July 4-7 on the east side of Main Street between 11 Mile Road and Fourth street, centered around Centennial Commons and portions of the Royal Oak city complex parking lots.

Attendees can expect to enjoy food from Mezcal, Real Taco Express, Galindo’s, Cuernos Chuecos, Drunken Rooster and more.

Along with the food, there will be an experience with JARS cannabis for those 21 and older. This marks the second major event in the area to provide cannabis sales and consumption.

There will also be entertainment including wrestling matches, tequila sampling, hot sauce challenges, taco eating contests and more at the event.

At this year’s Taco Fest there will be more than 50 local entertainment acts across five stages, as well as strolling mariachi performers walking the streets.

This is a family event, as there will be a Kids Zone set up in the Centennial Commons with inflatables, face painting stations and more.

New this year, there will be a ropes course “designed for both seasoned adventurers and first-time explorers,” according to a press release. This will also include a 300-foot zip line going over the fest at 34 feet off the ground.

Advanced tickets for the Royal Oak Taco Fest are now being sold for $6 each as part of a buy-three-get-one-free deal through Memorial Day. Advance single tickets are available for $8 through Memorial Day. After Memorial Day and at the door, tickets will cost $12.

The festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 4-6 and 11 a.m to 9 p.m. July 7.

NEW SMART Fixed Route serving

Auburn Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Troy, Clawson, Royal Oak and Ferndale.

From Oakland University to the State Fair Transit Center via Squirrel, University/Walton, Rochester, Big Beaver, John R, Oakland Mall, Chicago, Maple, Rochester, Main, Royal Oak Transit Center, 11 Mile, Campbell/Hilton, 8 Mile/Lindsay Lane and Woodward.

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Key Destinations:

Royal Oak Music Theatre

Rochester Woods Apartments

Flex-N-Gate

Oakland Mall

Troy Continuing Education

Sylvan Glen Lake Park

Nino Salvaggio Market

Hampton Village Centre

Leader Dogs For The Blind

Downtown Rochester

Ascension Providence

Rochester Hospital

Rochester High School

Meadow Brook Amphitheatre

University Square

The Village of Rochester Hills

Photos by Shelly Hundiwal

Teacher

from page 1A

“My first day of school, I got a note in my mailbox that said, ‘Congratulations, I am glad you finally made it, but I am still here,’ so that, you know, she was my inspiration, and I always wanted to be a kindergarten teacher,” she said. Mann’s teaching and presence was nothing less

than magical, according to fellow elementary school teacher Mary Kosnik.

“Lois is a treasure. I mean, she just has such a gift with children and is such a mentor to the rest of us who are lucky enough to be teaching with her,” Kosnik said.

For 50 years, Mann has had the opportunity to see kindergarten evolve to what it is today. In the 1970s, Mann said, the school days were only a half-

FAR LEFT: Lois Mann, right, smiles with her former student Emily (Jackson) Andrzejewski and current kindergarten student, 6-year-old Nova Andrzejewski.

NEAR LEFT: Maddie Dehring and her 8-year-old daughter, Eloise Dehring, a student of Lois Mann, sign the memory book put out at the event May 17.

Photos by Donna Dalziel

See TEACHER on page 11A

Bike Day

from page 2A

“This is my second bike. My first bike, it was, like, when I was really young,” Max Decius said. “I feel that the big bike days like this not only help people like me, but they help other people as well … other families. I’m glad to be a part of it.”

“They first got him a bike when he was a lot younger and one that was, you know, where he could push it, but then also something that we could actually push when he would get tired or needed assistance,” Cristina Sheppard-Decius said. “This would be the second bike that he’s getting, so we’ve been a part of this group for a long time. We’re kind of part of the family here.”

Jessica Lopez, of Huntington Woods,

brought her daughter, Julianna Filak, 5, and said the cost to get anything adaptive is expensive, so she’s thankful that a program like this exists for her family and daughter.

“Another thing that’s really cool about this is how many bikes they have here to try,” Lopez said. “We’ve actually gotten Julianna an adaptive bike once, and it just really didn’t work that well for her. … You can’t go to Target and test these bikes. Like most kids, you can take them to a bike store or something and test bikes. These bikes aren’t at bike stores, so it’s really cool that they make it like a whole bike store.”

“It’s so cool to let her get out into the neighborhood and be doing the things that other kids are doing,” she continued. “So it’s huge for us. Otherwise, she’s in our stroller when we’re out in the neighborhood. So this

See BIKE DAY on page 22A

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

With his parents watching, Max Decius tries out his new Trivel T-350 Adaptive Tricycle May 11 in Royal Oak.

BEHIND THE WHEEL

8A/ ROYAL OAK REVIEW • MAY 22, 2024

Do you own a vehicle with an interesting history?

Contact Staff Writer Maria Allard at allard@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1045, and you could be featured in an upcoming Behind the Wheel. For more stories, visit candgnews.com/news/auto or use the QR code.

The

Dodge Super Bee 1970 creates a buzZ

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

If you were to dig into Mike Mazelis’ vehicle history, you’d find someone who, at one time, had an interest in off-road trucks.

“I was always going out into the mud and mud-bogging and things like that,” he said. “I was always breaking the truck. Every time I’d come back, I’d have to fix something new.”

Eventually, the Warren resident switched gears and found a new pastime: muscle cars. In 2008, while perusing Craigslist, Mazelis found out about a 1970 Dodge Super Bee for sale in Hazel Park. He decided to check out the car, but when he did, it didn’t look like much.

“It was just a shell. There’s nothing on it but wheels. There’s no interior, there’s no engine,” he said. “The engine, transmission and all these boxes were just next to the car.”

Even though he “didn’t have any tools or knowledge” of restoring the car, he purchased the vehicle anyway.

“Everybody’s like, ‘How are you going to do this?” Mazelis, 51, said. “‘How are you even going to put this car together?’”

Mazelis learned from friends, watched YouTube videos and did plenty of reading to learn how to build the Super Bee.

“I spent almost every day of two years to get the car on the road, learning as I went, buying tools as I went,” Mazelis said. “A lot of trial and error.”

He made the car his own, including the sublime green paint job and addition of comfortable seats.

“It’s got a five-speed manual transmission in there. It had an automatic before. I

When Warren resident Mike Mazelis found his 1970 Dodge Super Bee in 2008, “It was just a shell.” Mazelis created the Detroit Area Only Twisted Axle Car Club on social media.

club meets at 7 p.m. every Friday at Gratiot Coney Island, 28560 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville.

Photos by Maria Allard

Ferndale once again ready to celebrate the Pride of LGBTQ+ community

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

FERNDALE — The city of Ferndale’s massive celebration of Pride and the LGBTQ+ community will make its colorful return next month.

The 14th annual Ferndale Pride festival will take place from 12:30 to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 1, in the downtown. The event’s footprint is located at West Nine Mile Road between Woodward and Livernois avenues and portions of Planavon and Allen streets near West Nine Mile.

The theme for this year’s Pride is “transcendence.” Event Director Julia Music said organizers are especially excited this year because of the number of transgender people representing the state of Michigan in the national pageant system, such as Michael Christian and Blanca Sapphire.

“We’re really excited to talk about the amazing gains in the transgender community over the last year and how Michigan really is able to foster the growth of the trans community and the support of the trans community,” she said.

The festival will feature more than 200 vendors, live entertainment, a street fair, a children’s play area, a baby feeding area, and Reading with Royalty, a story time where drag performers read books.

See PRIDE on page 19A

File photo by Donna Dalziel Event Director Julia Music said the theme of this year’s Ferndale Pride is “transcendence” and she’s excited to celebrate the gains of the transgender community over the last year.

PRIVATE PARTY ROOM AVAILABLE

for holiday parties, baby showers, work parties, birthdays or any special occasion. Call for details.

Happenings

CRIME WATCH

Purse stolen out of vehicle

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 3:23 p.m. May 4, an acquaintance stole her purse containing her wallet, cash, driver’s license, and debit card from her vehicle in the 1800 block of Chester Road, near Crooks and Devon Road.

Bike stolen

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 3 a.m. and 8 a.m. May 5, an unknown person stole the complainant’s bike after cutting the lock at the Royal Inn Bar on South Rochester Road.

Toothpaste stolen from CVS

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 7 a.m. and 7:10 a.m. May 8, an unknown person stole two tubes of toothpaste from the CVS on Woodward Avenue.

COMMUNITY BRIEF

Detroit Zoo is first to showcase wildlife conservation exhibition

ROYAL OAK — A special exhibition showcasing the importance of wildlife conservation is now at the Detroit Zoo through September.

“Wildlife Rescue” is a traveling exhibition featuring 12 oversized, climbable structures that will be placed throughout the Zoo.

Each sculpture represents a different conservation story and gives guests an opportunity to experience the story firsthand.

The Detroit Zoo reportedly is the first zoo worldwide to host this exhibition.

Animals big and small will be featured, and each has its own unique story of how it has and continues to be conserved. The exhibit will also explain how the Detroit Zoo is working to make a difference for wildlife worldwide.

Two vehicles rummaged through

ROYAL OAK — Two complainants reported that between 10:13 p.m. May 6 and 12:22 p.m. May 7, an unknown person smashed the passenger-side windows and rummaged through their cars at the parking structure on South Center Street.

Statue damaged at

business

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 11:50 p.m. May 6, a known person damaged a statue outside Everything Home on Woodward Avenue.

Vehicle vandalized

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 5:48 p.m. and 8:03 p.m. May 1, an unknown person scratched and dented the passenger-side door of the complainant’s vehicle in the 100 block of South Main Street near West 11 Mile Road.

— Taylor Christensen

Guests will learn about the Panamanian golden frog, a species that the Detroit Zoo cares for by “maintaining a population that could one day be returned to the wild,” according to a press release.

They will also learn about the Detroit Zoo’s strategic partnerships and conservation programs dedicated to the protection of the red panda.

Emily O’Hara, senior manager of guest experience design, said that “both the young and the young at heart,” will enjoy this experience.

“Wildlife Rescue is not just an exhibition; it’s a fun and interactive way to learn about conservation. We look forward to seeing you there!” O’Hara said.

For more information, visit detroitzoo. org/events. Wildlife Rescue was created and produced by Little Ray’s Exhibitions.

— Taylor Christensen

Teacher

day and the teaching was mostly play for the kids.

“It was much more play-based than it is today,” she said. “The more the kids are doing in kindergarten, it has to be a full day.”

Teaching students more educational information in kindergarten is beneficial, according to Mann, but she said that playing will always be a key factor in their development.

“I think we have to be careful to not get away from how important playing is, and how much they learn from playing and getting along with each other,” she said.

Mann was presented with a proclamation of recognition by Oakland County Commissioner Dave Woodward, who said he was thankful for her continued dedication to Royal Oak students.

“For 50 years, the impact you have had on our society and our community, we could not be more thankful,” Woodward said.

Mann has had a decorated career as a teacher, receiving the title of “Top Teacher” in a local publication, “Metro Parent,” in 2013.

She also received the Teacher of the Year

award from the Royal Oak Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1669 in 2023, and she has recently been selected as the Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade ambassador.

Oak Ridge’s Great Room May 17 was filled with the faces of those impacted by Mann’s teaching, including a woman who was a student of Mann’s in 2001 and who recently had her two children in Mann’s class.

“I don’t remember a lot of my teachers in elementary school, but she was one that I will always remember,” Emily (Jackson) Andrzejewski said. “I will always remember the bathtub in her room, which was iconic with a bunch of pillows in it for reading.”

Having such a positive experience with Mann, Andrzejewski was thrilled to have her own children be Mann’s students 23 years later.

“There are so many things that they do that I remember vividly doing as a kid,” she said. “She is just a great teacher, and she loves all of her students.”

Being a teacher is something that comes naturally to Mann. During her career, she has not counted the years, she said; instead, she was enjoying each day.

“I teach every year because I like it and I enjoy the kids, and I enjoy the people I work with,” she said.

Even though many thought she would

be nearing retirement, Mann said she is going to continue to stay in the school and teach as long as she can.

“A lot of people thought that since this is 50 years I would retire, and I have no plans to retire,” she said. “It’s because of the people that I work with, and families that I work with.”

Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.

Photo by Donna Dalziel

Lois Mann is pictured talking with people who attended her 50-year celebration of being a kindergarten teacher on May 17.

Marlene Rose’s art often embodies animals that she is interested in during the time she creates her work. Rose says she became fascinated with octopi when she saw a documentary and was amazed by the creature. RIGHT: This Buddha statue created from glass casting shows Rose’s interest in cultural and spiritual history.

from page 3A

“One of the goals of the annual exhibition is to acquaint the general public with the world of glass art as well. Not everyone is a collector, but it is important to us that the general public learn about the medium of glass and how it has grown in the world of art over the decades,” Schey said in a press release.

Each year Schey and his team are on the lookout for new artists to feature in the annual glass show event. Finding so many artists comes from years of credibility and word of mouth.

“We hear about new talent from other artists or clients,” Schey said. “With social media or (television) shows, you can start to see the creatives that can make up another glass show (at Habatat).”

The television show that Schey is referring to is the new-er Netflix series “Blown Away,” a glass blowing competition show that features glass blowing artists who compete for a prize.

Glass52 currently has a handful of works on display by artists who participated in “Blown Away.”

Marlene Rose, a Florida native glass artist, is internationally known for her work in glass casting, a medium of glass art that she pioneered.

Rose said she has been a part of this show for decades, and currently has a few pieces on display. One piece is a wall installation called “Whirling Ginkgos.” She also has a horse and an octopus on display.

Rose was introduced to glass casting in the 1980s by her professor at Tulane University, where she studied art.

“When I learned it, it just clicked with me — the technique. And yeah, that is when I found my calling,” she said. “It incorporated so much of what I love.”

To safely create a glass casting, Rose works with a team of people who help during each step.

“It is this very choreographed, wellorchestrated, dangerous dance,” Rose said. “You can’t really verbalize much of what you need, even though it is so dangerous, because it is so noisy, so you have to know your part in it.”

Rose’s work is inspired by spirituality and cultural history. Often, her work resembles ancient relics.

“It was so raw and primitive and simple, but bold for me,” she said. “I respond to bold simplicities where you break things down and you’re left with simplicity.”

Rose’s work in the gallery represents her love for history as well as her love for animals.

After seeing a documentary about octopi, and rediscovering her love for horses, she knew these were the pieces she wanted in the show.

“There is a spiritual connection to animals for me right now, and then the Ginkgos are like ancient; they are like dinosaurs,” she said. “They’ve been around forever and they have a lot of healing properties.”

For more information on the Glass52 exhibition, visit habatat.com.

Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.

Photos provided by Aaron Schey

LEFT:

SPOTLIGHT ON CHARITIES & NONPROFITS

Foster Care Month highlights need for loving homes, support for foster children

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

Around 10,000 children in Michigan are currently in foster care, but the need for loving homes remains constant.

Foster mom Michele Austin decided to open up a foster closet in her own home in 2013 to give other foster families access to items that she knew foster kids needed.

“When my very first foster child came to me, he didn’t have anything, so I started talking to family and friends and opened up the closet in my home to help other foster families,” she said.

The closet grew by leaps and bounds, and in 2018 the Oakland County Foster Closet opened as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and expanded into an office building. Today, the Oakland County Foster Closet, a nonprofit based in Farmington Hills, offers supportive services, supplies and aid to children in the foster care system and to those in crisis situations at no cost.

they would need, and we do that absolutely for free for our foster kids and for low income,” she said.

The closet is currently in dire need of hygiene items such as shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion toothbrushes, toothpaste and more.

“We’ve seen a significant amount of need, because people are really struggling right now,” said Austin.

The Oakland County Foster Closet also has many volunteer options available, including one-time, once-in-a-while, and weekly opportunities for individuals and groups. For more information, call the Oakland County Foster Closet (248) 419-4487.

“It’s a really fulfilling type of volunteering because you’re seeing the impact and feeling the impact,” Austin said.

“There continues to be a need for more foster families to provide stable and safe family homes for children of all ages in the state’s care,” Hertel said in a statement.

Many foster children have been victims of abuse and neglect, and officials say they need a nurturing environment until they can be safely reunified with their parents or — in a smaller number of cases — until they can find adoptive homes if it’s not safe for them to return home.

“We offer all of the basic essentials that kids need in life: hygiene items, clothing, socks, underwear, school supplies — everything that

May is Foster Care Month, and Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Elizabeth Hertel said she is thankful for the thousands of families across the state who have already opened up their hearts and homes to care for youth in foster care, but she said more foster families are needed to provide temporary care while the state works to reunify kids with their parents.

Nurturing small businesses and fueling the county’s economic success

Nearly 50% of small businesses don’t survive to the fveyear mark. Oakland Thrive aims to change that by providing essential support and resources to businesses of all sizes in an effort to help them prosper.

Back in 2020, Oakland County sprang into action to support small businesses grappling with survival and recovery following the lengthy COVID-19 shutdown. Although the county was in good economic shape overall, several regions were lagging behind.

The American Rescue Plan Act awarded Oakland County funding for transformational and sustainable programs and services, and Oakland Thrive was created as a 501(c)(3) nonproft organization to support small businesses in those underperforming areas. “There are 36,000 small businesses in Oakland County, and our role is to help them build something sustainable,” said Chief Operating Offcer Laura Dodd. “It’s hard to know who to trust or where to go if no one in your social circle or family has ever opened a business. We are taking the mystery and challenge out of the situation and offering that backbone of support.”

preparation of an appropriate facility to house the business.

“We also have a team of Business Forward consultants, who are regular folks in the community doing general small business consulting with business owners,” Dodd added.

“Focusing on a business-to-business model, participants can engage in two hours of specialized consulting with professionals such as lawyers, CPAs, web designers and so forth.”

Oakland Thrive also collaborates with various organizations across the county to optimize resource allocation and prevent duplication of services, such as banks and nonprofts like the Accounting Aid Society.

A brand-new Newcomer Entrepreneur Program assists immigrants and refugees who have been in the United States for fve years or less with overcoming the unique obstacles they face when starting a business in a new country.

In Michigan, the first step to becoming a foster parent is contacting a “foster care navigator” — experienced foster parents who can answer questions, help individuals find an agency that’s right for them, assist families with the foster home licensing process and provide guidance along their journey to becoming a foster parent. A foster care navigator can be reached at 855-MICHKIDS or www.Fcnp.org.

Spaulding for Children — a private, nonprofit child welfare agency located in Southfield — was established in 1968 to find permanent and safe families for children.

Spaulding for Children President and CEO Melissa Jenovai said there is an increased

15A/ROYAL OAK REVIEW • MAY 22, 2024 See CHILDREN on page 23A

Oakland Thrive’s services are entirely free, and individuals can participate in a range of comprehensive weekly small business training sessions available virtually and in person. The staff also provides one-on-one guidance. “Our staff includes three business specialists who focus on sectors requiring unique expertise, such as childcare and food service,” Dodd explained. Those individuals delve into industry-specifc challenges like compliance with complex regulations and the

“The business owners who are really struggling aren’t always the ones reaching out for help,” Dodd said. “When someone tells us, ‘You’re here just in time,’ that tells us we are truly making a difference. It’s rewarding to see people regain hope and enthusiasm as they overcome challenges and live the American Dream of business ownership. This not only flls us with pride but reinforces our commitment to continue our efforts.”

Oakland Thrive is located at 35 W. Huron St., Suite 201, in Pontiac. To access resources for your business, call (248) 602-0040 or visit oaklandthrive.org.

Laura Dodd Chief Operating Offcer

Volunteers assist at the dessert table during a past Spaulding for Children holiday party for foster families at First Baptist Institutional Church.

Photo provided by Spaulding for Children

Community Choice Foundation continues to ‘Give Big’ with scholarship awards

A credit union is more than a fnancial institution. It’s a community pillar, a job of which is to add strength to the lives of its individual members and the community as a whole.

Founded in 2008 in the grip of the Great Recession, Community Choice Credit Union’s Community Choice Foundation Scholarship Program has awarded a total of $1.6 million in scholarships to 346 recipients over the 15-year life of the program.

“We are one of the largest credit union scholarship programs nationally,” said Kevin McAlpine, CFRE, the foundation’s executive director.

“Currently, we award scholarships to graduating high school seniors, people going into the skilled trades and those continuing their education.”

Tis year, 25 scholars received awards out of a feld of more than 2,500 applicants. A total of $100,000 is awarded annually.

“Te Community Choice Foundation is committed to supporting local causes and nonproft organizations through volunteerism in communities around Michigan where members and team members live, work and play,” McAlpine said. “Te Foundation supports the ‘Give Big’ philosophy of cre-

ating sustained and lasting impact on people’s lives, including causes and nonproft organizations we care about that make a positive difference. We believe in the power of giving back to our community, and with the endless support of our members and team members, we make a tremendous impact on our community by volunteering thousands of hours each year.”

McAlpine added, “Te ability

ways Community Choice Credit Union gives back through the generosity of its members and team members. Other opportunities to “Give Big” include seven Backto-School Bashes at our Hillsdale, Jackson, Livonia, Muskegon - Harvey Street, Roseville, Warren & Wyandotte member centers, where more than 3,200 backpacks will be provided for local students heading

to continue our tradition of giving means a tremendous amount to the entire Community Choice organization. We’d like to send a huge thank you to our members, team members and business partners whose support has made the program a success.”

Scholarship sponsorship opportunities are available.

Te program is just one of the

back to the classroom. Interested in supporting local children with the tools needed to thrive? Sponsorship opportunities are available, and donations can be made online at communitychoicefoundation.org.

For more information about Community Choice Credit Union, the scholarship program and the Community Choice Foundation, visit CommunityChoice.com

REFLECT ON THE BEST BACKYARD POND BUILDING OPTIONS

BY ERIC CZARNIK eczarnik@candgnews.com

With spring in full bloom and the summer drawing near, more people are feeling the urge to head to the water. But for suburban homeowners, is it possible to gaze upon some calming aquatic scenery without living along a lake or taking a trip to the beach?

Pond maintenance experts say yes.

Matt Niemiec, aquatic manager at AguaFina Gardens International in Sylvan Lake, said a typical backyard pond could fit in a space as small as 10 feet by 10 feet.

“And obviously, you can go as big as you want,” Niemiec said.

Nick Salvatore, owner of the Sterling Heights-based online business The Pond Shop, said in an email that ponds can be constructed to fit almost any space.

“That’s the great thing about decorative ponds,” he said. “They can be small to quite large depending on the customer’s wants and yard space.”

SELLING WOODWARD

ABOVE: Rocks surround a pond outside The Pond Shop, an online business located along Mound Road in Sterling Heights. CleanPond.com is a website affiliated with The Pond Shop. LEFT: For ponds stocked with fish, it’s important to have a filtration system in place that will suit the number of creatures living in it.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Shutterstock image

There also will be a hydration station on-site for attendees that will allow eventgoers to fill their water bottles for free with filtered water.

“We try to always look for a way to bring equality to the event,” Music said. “Free water is a way to provide an equal event for folks who want to come out and have a good time who may not be able to afford water or afford the amount of time it might take to stand in a line to get a water.”

One interesting aspect of Pride each year is the number of volunteers who take time offering hugs to attendees at the festival.

Liz Pfleger, a hug coordinator with Pride since 2019, first got involved as a way to give back to the community, as a way of saying thanks because of how her daughter was treated after she came out.

“My oldest came out in high school,” Pfleger said. “She said growing up in the Ferndale/Pleasant Ridge area made her comfortable coming out at an early age. And so I approached Julia because I wanted to give back to the community that made my kid feel comfortable in our own skin.”

Pfleger, a Pleasant Ridge resident, is one of many who offers up hugs to people at Pride. The interactions with people can be very emotional, she said, as she recounted several times where people who were hugged broke down crying because they hadn’t been hugged in years.

“It sounds like a very simple thing. It’s amazing the reception that we get. I think it sounds like a really simple thing, but there’s a lot of people that don’t understand the

power of a hug and just feeling like you’re enough,” said Pfleger.

“I’ve had older women break down crying,” she continued. “It is great for me to be able to do that and to find people that are wanting to do it, and then the reception we get from the people that want hugs, sometimes they just want to talk, sometimes they want to do fist bumps, elbow bumps. Not everybody wants to hug, but they want the physical touch.”

For more information on Ferndale Pride, visit ferndalepride.com. Pfleger also noted that organizers still are looking for more hug volunteers in the later hours of the event, from 5 to 9 p.m. People interested can visit ferndalepride.com/get-involved.

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

“Many foot problems in people with diabetes occur when injuries and infections go unnoticed and untreated. Healing can be delayed due to decreased feeling in the feet (neuropathy) and poor circulation. I will evaluate your feet regularly to detect any changes early, before they become a problem. Call me for an appointment and I will work with you to keep your feet healthy.”

File photo by Donna Dalziel Ferndale Pride will celebrate 14 years with the return of the festival on Saturday, June 1.

Pond

from page 18A

Salvatore explained that it’s important to consider a pond’s size and function before building one.

“If a customer wants to have beautiful plants, fish, or to just hear the soothing sounds of water, they can easily create it with a little vision and getting their hands dirty,” he explained.

Salvatore said The Pond Shop offers pond kits that include a pond liner, pump, filtration equipment and more. He said the kits let their owners “use their visions and creativity to create pieces of visual and functional art, by mimicking Mother Nature.”

Niemiec said it’s common to incorporate rocks into a pond — including putting them on the bottom and along the sides — to provide a natural look. While such a setup may be harder to clean, he added that “muck and debris isn’t always bad.”

Charity

from page 3A

Oak and were connected with the Guns and Hoses event through firefighter Greg Van, a family friend. She said that working with the Fire Department and Police Department was a breeze.

“They were very accommodating and friendly and supportive,” she said. “You know, they just showed us a lot of love. They were just fabulous.”

Sharkey said this was his first time setting up a charity event like this, and to be

Memorial

from page 1A

kids 10 and under cost $5 for entry. The proceeds will go to the Royal Oak Historical Society.

“We encourage people that are either coming to watch the parade or if they are participating in the parade to stop by and have some pancakes,” Davids said.

This year, there will be a few additions to the parade and the ceremony following.

One major addition to the celebration will be the unveiling of the plaque at the Veterans War Memorial dedicated to veterans who lost their lives due to exposure to toxic chemicals or hazardous substances.

The plaque will read, “In memory of the men and women who served in the military

He explained that “there’s no such thing as a maintenance-free pond.” Besides installing a filter and a pump for circulation, he also recommended a special device that he believes should be installed in every pond: a skimmer that collects surface debris for removal. It’s better than using a net, and regular use of a skimmer can cut down on pond maintenance later, he explained.

Another way to tend to a pond is to introduce beneficial bacteria, which keeps the water clean while keeping algae under control. Keeping the pond aerated with an aerator, along with the pump and filter, also helps fight algae, Niemiec said. He also recommended some algaecides such as GreenClean and Algaway — the latter especially when algae is more widespread.

“Most of the time, I like to first combat the algae by using more natural systems like using bacterial or barley products,” he said.

Salvatore said ponds should be cleaned annually and maintained on a weekly to

able to help was rewarding for him and his peers in the ROPD and ROFD.

“I started working on this at the beginning of January of this year, so it literally took four months to set this up,” he said. “In total, we raised $13,000 (to put on the event), and some of that money went to the Wings alumni charity.”

Sharkey has been a firefighter for three years and joined the Royal Oak Fire Department a year and a half ago.

“I felt pretty good. I have never set one of these types of charity events up and this one was a pretty big one,” he said.

Having the community come together

and later died as a result of their service. We honor and remember their service.”

During the parade, Davids said attendees can expect to see some exciting new groups to honor veterans. The parade will be adding Cass Tech High School to the mix, as well as an Army marching band.

“This year, we even have a group of patriotic skateboarders. I’m not sure what that is going to look like, but they will be good,” she said, laughing.

The grand marshal for the 2024 Memorial Day Parade will be 100-year-old Gladys Waters, a WWII veteran.

Waters served for four years driving trucks in convoys, taking them from Fort Wayne, where she was stationed, to the points where they would be shipped overseas, according to her daughter, Ruth Gauci.

“She has always been really proud of the

monthly basis to keep the water clean and clear.

“Although ponds are a great addition to a landscape or backyard, they do come with a fair amount of maintenance,” Salvatore said. “There are many products available that will assist with this, from natural water treatments to filtration, which is a big part of the design and build process.”

A pond’s location can also affect the level or type of required maintenance. For instance, a pond that is under a bunch of trees with falling leaves or buds may require more surface skimming, Niemiec said. He also said adequate filtration is all the more important if a pond is in full sunlight, since that encourages algae to spread.

Niemiec said that if someone is looking to stock a pond with fish, it’s important to have a filtration system in place that will suit the number of creatures living in it. He also said any fish pond should be at least 2 feet deep or deeper so fish can survive the winter.

and support Prothero’s foundation for her daughter solidified the connection she has with the city of Royal Oak.

“It feels absolutely amazing. It really does. We’re a fairly new foundation, and we’re pretty small. So when our community chooses a foundation like ours to support, it really means a lot,” she said. “I just love Royal Oak. I love this community; they have shown us love all throughout our daughter’s treatment and now after.”

For more information or to donate, visit loveteamtessa.org.

Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.

time that she served,” Gauci said. “And it was important to her that we feel proud of her as well.”

See MEMORIAL on page 21A

“It also keeps wildlife from catching the fish easily,” Niemiec said. “Putting in some hiding spots in there too — a little cave you can build out of rocks, plants like lily pads — also help out. They create a little bit of shade.” Salvatore also pointed out the problem of predators.

“If pond owners are going to have a pond with fish, they will need to be aware of predators,” he said. “Even in urban settings, predators can cause havoc on their fish and also create issues with damage to their pond liner, pumps and filters. This is another reason why some regular maintenance and proper planning of their pond build is important.”

Find out more about The Pond Shop, which does not conduct walk-in business, by visiting thepondshop.com or by calling (800) 527-9420. Learn more about AguaFina Gardens International in Sylvan Lake by visiting aguafina.com or by calling (248) 738-0500.

Spotlight on business...

Tropical Smoothie Cafe launches summer events with focus on ending childhood hunger

Memorial

from page 20A

Waters will be accompanied by her family, and she will ride through the parade on a Model T.

Lois Mann will also be walking the parade as the first parade ambassador. Mann’s brother’s name is on the Veterans War Memorial, and the parade has always been very meaningful to her, according to Davids.

Mann has been a familiar face in the Royal Oak community, as she has been a kindergarten teacher at Oak Ridge Elementary for 50 years. She will be walking the parade with her kindergarten students by her side.

Royal Oak will also be putting up 189 flags at Centennial Commons to represent each person who lived in Royal Oak or called

Royal Oak their hometown and who died in service to the country.

The flags will be up for a whole week, and the Sunday following Memorial Day, June 2, there will be a ceremony where each name on the Veterans War Memorial will be read off and a bell will be rung.

Davids said that each year Royal Oak tries to think of new and exciting ways to amplify the parade, and she thinks this year is going to be one to remember.

“We always try to bring back the significance of Memorial Day,” she said. “I can assure you, if you live in Royal Oak, you probably have somebody (who lived) in your neighborhood who gave their life for our country.”

For people in the parade, Davids said they are encouraged to park at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. People who are planning to attend the parade should know that parking is free all day on Monday.

Spotlight on business...

Cafe franchisee Hani Halloun, across his 22 cafes, has a goal of raising $100,000 this year. Last year, TSC raised $93,000 from the 22 combined locations to lead the e orts! e fundraising helped bring 4.8 million meals for children to Michigan.

Kicking o summer May 29, which is National Flip Flop Day, Tropical Smoothie Cafe will be celebrating by giving out free 12-ounce Island Punch Smoothies from 2 to 7 p.m. at every Tropical Smoothie Cafe across America! Guests simply need to bring their ip ops! is event will be only during this time period on May 29, 2024, and inside the cafe. Tropical Smoothie Cafe will not be o ering this event via the drive-thru.

May 29 is also the launch date for TSC’s national campaign with No Kid Hungry! Fundraising e orts will last until June 23. Tropical Smoothie

Inside each cafe there will be a QR Code to see exactly where the donations go in each ZIP code. Each of the franchised locations in Troy, Clawson, Madison Heights, South eld, Farmington Hills, and the Haggerty Rd. Location in Livonia will have unique o ers on each donation over $1. TSC will nish its kicko to summer June 21, which is National Smoothie Day! Via the TSC app, guests will get a free smoothie with any food purchase (excludes sides/kids’ food). is summer also brings back three favorite summer smoothies: Watermelon Mojito, Mango Berry Cosmo, and Island Punch, which will be staying from May 22 until Aug. 20! Come out to celebrate summer, help children and get free smoothies!

0175-2421

Italy American Construction brings decades of experience to any construction project

Founder Armando Mastroianni, 95, brought his work ethic and craftsmanship when he left his home in Italy for America.

Italy American Construction, the company he founded, is celebrating 70 years in business

this year as construction specialists backed by decades of experience ofering a full array of project services.

“We are a full-service company today,” said Michael Mastroianni, a third-generation family partner. “My grandfather went into business with the skill sets he had acquired. He had a business model to build a company around the needs of new housing in the 1950s.”

What started as a company serving families looking to add concrete and garages to their homes in the early metro Detroit subdivision boom continued to develop with the region’s history.

“Our work territory covers all three counties: Wayne, Oakland, Washtenaw,” Mike said. “We have established ourselves well enough over the years, doing jobs in multiple cities, that people have kept us at the top of their list when they need their remodeling done.”

As families grow, so do their home needs. Tese days, Italy American is the trusted choice when it’s time to construct an addition or second-foor dormer. Teir capabilities range from design-build to exterior services including roofng, siding, windows, concrete, masonry, porches, and garages. Inside work includes additions, kitchens, bathrooms, basements and dormers.

Italy American still has the core of their family behind it including Mike’s uncle, Tony; his father, Frank; his brother and cousins.

“Outside of our family, we have a team of dedicated employees who have been with us a long time; some over 30 years. Our team has grown with the business, too,” Mike said. “It’s why people come back to us for repeat work and give us continued referrals. Tey know it’s a solid choice for someone who will work with the same people they loved working with prior. It’s not just a revolving door of staf. Our customers will request installers by name.”

For more information or to set up a quote for your next project, call (877) 984-8259 today.

0170-2421

Pictured is Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchisee Hani Halloun. He owns 22 TSC restaurants in Michigan and Ohio including locations in Troy, Clawson, Madison Heights, Southfield, Farmington Hills and Livonia. TSC nationwide supports No Kid Hungry, a national nonprofit created to help solve the issue of childhood hunger, from May 29 through June 23.

Gladys Waters, 100, will be a key part of this year’s 2024 Royal Oak Memorial Day Parade.

Photo provided by Judy Davids

Super Bee

from page 8A

added the wheels that I wanted. I added some suspension upgrades. That’s a custom hood that’s on there. It’s a steel hood with a fiberglass scoop,” he said. “I’m still modifying, adding parts, doing things to the car. People that have classic cars, they always say they’re never done because they’re always fixing things.”

One change Mazelis recently made was the engine.

“The car had a 440 six pack in it. That was getting pretty tiring,” Mazelis said. “I recently put a 512 cubic inch stroker engine in there, so it makes 650 horse (power). At least 600.”

Mazelis’ main goal was to drive the car

as much as possible. During the summer, most Sundays are spent cruising Lake Shore Drive with his wife, Stacy; daughter Alaina, 15; and son Evan, 11. They’ll stop for lunch somewhere or grab an ice cream.

“It’s a special thing. It’s just quality time,” Mazelis said. “I like being able to share it with my family, driving around and going places.”

The eye-catching vehicle has been featured in many shows, including Detroit Autorama. The farthest trip he’s taken in the Super Bee was an 11-hour drive to Wisconsin for a car show.

Looking to connect with other car buffs, Mazelis created the Twisted Axle Car Club on Facebook and Instagram in 2013. At first, 30 people joined the group, and then 70 car enthusiasts came aboard. After a while, the pages went global as they reached

Family Pride at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market June 12!

car owners in Germany, Australia and Canada.

“Now it’s 50,000 people,” Mazelis said.

From that, Mazelis started the Detroit Area Only Twisted Axle Car Club on social media. He also has a presence on social media with Dynamic Detroit Mopars on Facebook.

“A lot of these people became my best friends. The car community’s just great, always trying to help each other out,” Mazelis said. “Metro Detroit is very diverse. You have all different kinds of cars, all cars that span decades. It’s just a very rich culture that we have here.”

The Detroit Area Only Twisted Axle Car Club meets at 7 p.m. every Friday at Gratiot Coney Island, 28560 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville. All are welcome. Car enthusiasts are also encouraged to check out the website twistedaxlemotorsports.com.

Bike Day

from page 7A

will be, like, another way to get out and about with integration into the community.”

Barto has been participating in Bike Day for 14 years. He said therapy for kids a lot of times involves very incremental little steps, but when they get a bike, it’s a big leap forward.

“They get a lot more interaction with peers, their family, it’s … (something) that they get to do that is meaningful, purposeful and just a lot of fun,” he said. “For us, it’s a blast because we get to do a big tangible thing, where a lot of the time we take a lot of little steps during therapy rather than with this.”

Spotlight on business...

Royal Oak Family Pride, a family-centered pride event will be held on Wednesday, June 12 at the Royal Oak Farmer’s Market from 4-9pm. Tis annual event will be a celebration of the diverse LGBTQIA+ community, focusing on our city’s many queer families and their children. Featuring family-friendly activities like musical performers, crafts, food trucks, entertainment for kids from local community members, and a Drag Queen Story Time.

Tis event is the perfect way to celebrate June’s Pride Month. For 2024, Royal Oak Family Pride will be hosting stilt walkers and jugglers, Captain Fantastic Detroit, an Elton John tribute band that will take the stage at 7:00 PM. Tis event is a themed version of Royal Oak Farmer’s Market monthly Food Truck Rally.

Te Royal Oak Farmer’s Market is located at 316 E 11 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067. Te event will be held rain or shine.  Come join the fun!

A family business thrives with dedication to quality food and love for communities they serve

Zino’s Subs & Pizza is a testament to the enduring power of family legacy, resilience, and passion. Created from the vision of a father and his son, Zino’s began as a humble family venture. “My dad had always loved to cook and serve delicious food for others,” recalls Duane Najarian Jr., current owner and manager. Te fatherson partnership operated on mutual respect and love for food, with Dad mentoring the then-19-year-old to one day take the reins. In 2017, tragedy struck when the patriarch passed away far too soon, leaving both Duane Jr. and the business unsteady. Stepping up at age 27, Duane embraced his father’s legacy with tenacity. Despite his grief, he stepped into his newly evolved role as a family business owner and began managing the two Zino’s locations with the help of lifelong friends, extended family and his two younger brothers.

Te team ensured that quality continued to anchor their work in honor of Duane Najarian Sr. Even during production issues and shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic, they were determined to source the best ingredients possible for their beloved products. Few changes have been made since then, but Duane emphasizes, “We’re always looking for ways to improve our recipes, but we would never, and will never, compromise quality.”

Quality at Zino’s starts with the products sourced but does not end there. Many of their cornerstone menu items are made in-house, because, despite searching, no supplier can compare. Teir dough is kneaded fresh in batches for sub buns and pizza crust, then proofed atop their pizza ovens; sauces and dressings are mixed by hand using family recipes; and their signature blend of pizza cheeses is shredded from bricks and mixed in-house.

Te family-owned and operated business takes pride knowing that the quality food they are dedicated to serving does not just satisfy cravings, it creates a chance for connection and joy around other families’ tables.

When asked about the possibility of expanding Zino’s, Duane shared: “I’m content. We have two locations that are excellent at what they do, stafed by people I care about, and loved by their communities. My focus is on maintaining the quality and consistency that have made us successful. I want to ensure that every customer continues to receive the best service and most delicious food we can ofer, while also preserving a work-life balance that allows us to enjoy this journey.”

Call Zino’s Madison Heights at 248-439-0977 or pick up your delicious carry-out at 26095 John R Rd. From the Livonia area? Call Zino’s Livonia at 734-432-9999 located at 9475 Newburgh Rd. Order from both locations online at https://www.eatzonosnow.com.

Zino’s Owner/Operator, Duane Najarian Jr.

Children

awareness of the need to search out relatives for foster children in Michigan.

“If we can’t prevent them from coming in, we know the next best place for them to go would be with a relative,” she said. “We have put a lot more effort into searching for those relatives up front, and the outcomes tend to be much greater for children and youth who are placed with their kinship families — there’s more stability, and there are better mental health outcomes for those kids.”

But, oftentimes, kids who enter the system don’t have a family member available, so the need for nonrelative foster homes remains constant.

“It can take a person, on average, seven years from the time they inquire about becoming a foster or adoptive parent, all the way up until the point that they decide to take that step and become one,” Jenovai noted.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services provides foster families a daily rate to help with the care of foster children based on the age and needs of the child. Foster families also receive a semi-annual clothing allowance, and many families qualify for reimbursement for the costs of day care, according to state officials. Children in foster care are

eligible for Medicaid, which pays for medical, dental and mental health care.

Spaulding for Children offers monthly online orientation classes for those interested in becoming a foster or adoptive family. In June, orientation sessions will be held 6-7:30 p.m. June 12 and 1-2:30 p.m. June 20. Register by contacting Stacey Oakes at (248) 443-0300 or soakes@spaulding.org, or visit www.spaulding. org.

“Coming to an orientation does not commit you to anything. It really just helps you to learn about the need, and maybe if you decide this isn’t something for you, then you can encourage others to reach out and provide support or learn about it to eventually become an adoptive or foster parent,” Jenovai said.

Those who aren’t ready to become a foster or adoptive parent can still offer support to foster children through monetary donations to organizations dedicated to helping those in the system, volunteering during an event and more.

“We really believe that the more opportunities that we involve the community in and offer our families these positive experiences that in turn helps offset some of the trauma that our kids and families have experienced over the years. The more positive events we can have, the better outcomes we hope to be able to provide with our kids and our families,” Jenovai said.

To learn more about foster care, visit Michigan.gov/HopeforaHome.

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Electrical BEST-Price-Period Licensed/Insured. Additions,Remodels, Basements,Kitchens, 30-yrs.-experience. Callforfree-estimates. Open7-daysaweek 24/hrs-day. HotchkissElectric 586-291-3143 Lic.#6211028

586-755-3636 Father&Son MasterElectricians Dr.Electric Same-Day-Service! All-Residential-Wiring, ChangeFuseBoxto CircuitBreakerPanel, Troubleshooting, ElectricVehicleChargers, BackupGenerator TransferSwitch, License#6109094 Senior/Discounts! Visa/MC/Lic./Insured

CASTLEELECTRIC 586-634-1152 (directcellphone#) Panelupgrades, generators,hottubs, 220lines.ALLSERVICE Licensed&Insured Dependable,quality work! License#-6111359

PREPARE forpower outagestodaywithaGeneracHomeStandbyGenerator.Actnowtoreceive aFREE7-Yearwarranty withqualifyingpurchase. Call1-855-773-8191 todaytoscheduleafree quote.It snotjustagenerator.It sapowermove. Fence Service COPPER COUNTRYFENCING SpecializingInAll FencingNeeds. CustomWood/Gates, Chain-link,Vinyl,Aluminum,SteelandComposite. AllRepairs.Insured. CallForFreeEstimate 313-828-4062

Gutters

A.M.G. Gutters&Downspouts.Owneroperated. Seamlessgutter installationandrepair specialist.Builders License#2101202369 www.amgapplied services.com FullyInsured 248-828-7998

CONCRETE,MASONRY &LANDSCAPING 10%OffPre-Spring! •Driveways•Patios •Brick/Stone•Pavers •Sidewalks Free-Estimates Requests: roze cementllc@gmail.com Andre-586-354-7791

STEVEʼS CONCRETE COMPANY Licensed.Bonded. Insured.Freeestimates. MichiganBuildersLicense #2101118415 (248)588-9808 Cleaning Service

CLEANINGLADY with10-yrexperienceis lookingforwork.Weekly, bi-weekly,monthly Excellentreferences. Flexiblehours. Bonded&insured. 248-890-8830 Decks/Patios 2024SPECIALS CustomDeck Building/Repair, Power-Washing, DecksRemoved, Composite,Treated &CedarMaterials, CustomRailingMaterials, CustomFence Installation. 586-260-5218

COMPLETEDECK MAINTENANCE Our30thYear! PowerWashing, Repairs,Stain/Paint HouseWashing/ HousePainting FreeEst./Insured WearetheDeckDoctors! 586-463-9564 marathonpowerwash.com

Handyman Services

AA4DABLE HANDYMAN HomeImprovement, Tile,Hardwood-Floors, Kitchen/Bath-Remodeling Plumbing,Electrical, Painting,Hauling,Cleanouts,AnyHomeRepairs, FreeEst.30%Disc. AllMajorCredit CardsAccepted 586-822-5100

Hauling & Waste Removal

***AAA HAULING*** JUNKREMOVAL Wehaulitall! DemolitionBig&Small Residential/Commercial RubberWheelDumpsters-10,15,20-Yards, Clean-outs,Construction Material,Small-Moving, Appliances,Furniture& More!LowestRates!!! Free-Estimates Senior/MilitaryDiscounts 586-360-0681 ucallwehauljunk.com

ABLEJUNK REMOVALAND DUMPSTERS Since1991. 5-starGooglereviews. Driveway-safedumpster trailers.Fullyinsured. Junkremovalexperts. 248-333-3933 ablejunk.com

BURLYGUYS JUNKREMOVAL removesANYTHING! Appliances,furniture, basementcleanouts, hoardersallwelcome! CallorText 248-224-2188

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Removal-Experts Residential/Commercial Houses/Offices Garage/Storage-Areas EfficientCourteous Workers Reasonable-Rates Free-Estimates NEEDCLUTTER REMOVED? LETUSDOTHEWORK! 586-258-6672

Heating & Cooling

SHORES METALWORKS SeamlessGutters Installed, FreeEstimates. Licensed&Insured. License#2101209190 586-343-2315

*”STEVE'S SEAMLESSGUTTERS” Made&installedonthe spot.5”&6”Gutter Cleaning.Treetrimming, exteriorpainting, powerwashing. 586-778-3393 586-531-2111

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

POWERWASHING GUTTER&WINDOW CLEANING Veteran/Firefighter Owned/Operated championwindow cleaning.net 248-765-0613

GUTTERS &WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOMMICOLI 313-656-9402

Landscaping & Water Gardens JAY'SHOMESERVICES Landscaping, Shrub&TreeTrimming, Rototilling, YardClean-ups, PropertyMaintenance, ServingThe RoyalOakArea Since2008. 248-755-6995

ALLTIMATE OUTDOOR SERVICES DrainageSystem Professionals New-Construction, Yard-Drainage,Grading, Sod/Seed,Retaining Walls/Walkways/Patios, Senior/Military-Discounts Credit-Cards-Accepted Free-Estimates 586-719-1202

DOLL'S LANDSCAPING SPRINGCLEAN-UPS! Shrub&Tree-Trimming, Planting,Removal.Mulch SodInstallation,Pavers, Garden/RetainerWalls, PorchSteps,Raise Backyards/DrainTiles, Powerwashing/Sealing, Powerrake,Aeration, Seeding,DebrisRemoval 586-634-0033

TOTALBRICKPAVING LANDSCAPINGPROS 586-420-3531 Brickpaving,Patio, Walkways,Driveways, Porches,Repairs, Powerwash,Rock Installation,Mulch,Sod, CompleteLandscape Design.

Lawn

Maintenance

2024SPRING 586-260-5218

Commercial/Residential *Landscaping *Decks *SpringClean-Ups *LawnCutting *LicensedFertilization *Aerating&Thatching VisitFacebook: BrightHorizonServicesInc.

AFFORDABLE HeatingandCooling Greg'sHeatingLLC Familyowned company 89$servicecall 79A/Ctuneup SeniorDiscounts 586-422-8528

Home Improvement

GOLDENBUILT CONSTRUCTION New-garages/additions &dormers,New-siding/ roofingandallrepairs, Interior/exterior-renovations,Supportingwallsremoved/rebuilt,Seamless gutters/downspouts, Concrete-sidewalks/ driveways/foundations. Licensed/Insured 586-948-4764

KASETA CONSTRUCTION Kitchens*Baths *Basements* FencingandRepairs Ceramic/Laminate Flooring Decks/Repairs Roofing/Repairs Over30yearsexperience Greg586-522-6870

Home Repairs

EXTERIOR REPAIRSLLC. Since1999 Roofing,Siding, GuttersandMore! Reliable Ask,WeMightDoIt! FREEESTIMATES 248-242-1511

Kitchens/ Cabinets/ Countertops

MR.BACKSPLASH

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Painting (586)229-4267 American Painting •Residential/Commercial •Interior/25YearsExp.

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2BROTHERS PAINTING CompleteInterior/Exterior WoodRepair, Powerwash, Free-Estimates CallFrank 248-303-5897 ReferencesAvailable 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

PREFERRED LANDSCAPING SpringClean-ups, Lawncutting,Fertilizing, Trimming,Planting, Powerwashingand Sealing,Haulingand Delivery,Gardening Rototilling,MiscServices. Senior/VeteranDiscounts! 248-739-9779

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NEBOPAINTING ServiceAllYearRound Interior/Exterior 15YearsExperience WeMakeIt EasierForYou, AllNeedsAreMet! Call 248-953-7807

Weekly Lawn Care Spring Clean-up Aeration & Dethatching Mulch Shrub Trimming & Removal Overseeding & Sod Installation Landscape Projects

SUPREMEOUTDOOR SPECIALISTS SpringClean-up LawnMaintenance, Landscaping,Paver, Patios,RetainingWalls, CementWork,Shrub/Tree Trimming&Removal, Mulching,35Yearsin Business,Free-Estimates 586-727-3924

Painting PAINTINGby-GPC MASTER Plaster/Drywall CompleteRestoration &InsuranceProjects Wallpaper Removal/Hanging PAINTING!PAINTING! A+BBB-Rating/20yrs 30-yrs,BuilderLicense SeniorDisc/FreeEst. 586.899.3555(Cell) 248.566.6460(Office)

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TIMELESS PAINTING

Interior & Exterior

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Carpentry & Remodels

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

MAY 25

Mushroom walk: 10 a.m., Cummingston Park in Royal Oak, park and meet at intersection of Torquay and Leafdale, romi.gov/411/ Nature-Walks

MAY 27

Memorial Day activities: 9 a.m. parade and 10:30 a.m. remembrance ceremony, route from Main Street and Lincoln Avenue to Centennial Commons Park, 221 E. Third St. in Royal Oak, romi.gov4

• Picnic featuring food, giveaways, raffles, kidzone, scavenger hunt and music by Bobby McManus, 2-5 p.m., also ceremony and wreath laying, 4 p.m., Memorial Park, 3530 Coolidge Highway in Royal Oak, michiganww2memorial.org

Pancake breakfast fundraiser: Benefit for Royal Oak Historical Museum, 7-11 a.m., Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, (248) 439-1501, royaloakhistoricalsociety.com

Royal Oak Leprechauns: Member of Northwoods League (largest organized summer collegiate baseball league in world), home opener at 6:35 p.m., plays games almost daily until Aug. 10, Memorial Park, 3530 Coolidge Highway, royaloakleprechauns.com

JUNE 1 Blair Bazaar: Shop for jewelry, ceramics, pottery, photography, home décor, crochet, embroidery, plants, flea market finds and more, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., parking lot of Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson, (248) 588-5500, facebook.com/BlairMemorialLibrary

Ferndale Pride: Free LGBTQAI+ festival featuring live entertainment, DJ, kids zone, food, vendors and more, 12:30-10 p.m., downtown Ferndale, ferndalepride.com

JUNE 2

Pond life program: 2 p.m., Tenhave Woods in Royal Oak, park at Marais/Lexington lot and meet at Lexington entrance, romi.gov/411/ Nature-Walks

JUNE 8 Berkley Art

then click or

artists and makers, also live music, food and kids activities, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., 12 Mile Road, berkleyartbash.com

Rails Through Royal Oak: Learn history and see model trains, 1-4 p.m., Royal Oak Historical Society Museum, 1411 Webster Road, curator@royaloakhistoricalsociety.org, royaloakhistoricalsociety.com, (248) 439-1501

Geary Park Skate Jam: Skating lessons, food trucks, vendors and contests for skateboards, BMX, inline skates and scooters, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Geary Park, 1198 Earl Blvd. in Ferndale, register for contests at bit.ly/gearyparkskatejam

ONGOING

Farmers markets: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, also antiques and collectibles 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays, 316 E. 11 Mile Road in Royal Oak, (248) 246-3276, more on Facebook

• Also live music and kids activities, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 9 and 23, July 14 and 28, and Aug. 11 and 25, Clawson City Park, 1080 N. Custer Ave., see full schedule at cityofclawson.com

‘Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors’: 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays, and 3 p.m. Sundays, June 7-July 1 (except June 15), Ringwald Theatre at Affirmations LGBTQIA+ Community Center, 290 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, theringwald.com

Car shows: 4-8 p.m. Mondays through October, Old Port Family Restaurant, 278 E. 14 Mile Road in Clawson, (248) 588-2660

Judson Center exhibit: Historical timeline, artifacts, photographs and art celebrating local nonprofit’s 100th anniversary, on display 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays until May 30, Royal Oak Historical Society Museum, 1411 Webster Road, (248) 439-1501, royaloakhistoricalsociety.com

Harmony United Chorus: Open rehearsals for men’s Barbershop-style group, 7-9 p.m. every Tuesday, choir room at Royal Oak Middle School, 709 N. Washington Ave., greaterdetroit.org

Monthly book clubs: Find meetups for horror fans, kids, LGBTQIA+

and more, Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E. 11 Mile Road, (248) 2463700, romi.gov/1532/library

• Wednesday Afternoon Book Club meets 1-2 p.m. every third Wednesday, Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson, facebook. com/BlairMemorialLibrary, register at clawsonlibrary@gmail.com, clawson.lib.mi.us

Oakland County Football Club: Men’s semi-professional soccer team, home games include June 1, 9, 13 and 29, and July 6 and 14, Royal Oak High School Stadium, 1500 Lexington Blvd., oaklandcountyfc. com

Bingo: 12:30-1:30 p.m. every first Friday of month, Mahany/ Meininger Senior Community Center, 3500 Marais Ave. in

Waterford man points toy gun at people

BIRMINGHAM — On May 5 at approximately 3 p.m., officers were dispatched to North Old Woodward and Harmon for an individual in the street waving a fake gun at people.

They found the suspect, a 58-year-old man from Waterford, standing near a restaurant in the 500 block of North Old Woodward.

Police recovered a green-and-red toy gun in a search of the man, and they noticed signs that he was intoxicated. Multiple witnesses at the scene reported seeing the suspect point the toy gun and a phone at passing people and vehicles and pretend to shoot. The suspect was arrested and issued a citation for disorderly conduct.

Novi man causes disturbance

BIRMINGHAM — On April 29 at approximately 1 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 300 block of Hamilton Row, where an individual was causing a disturbance.

The suspect, a 38-year-old Novi man, had previously been escorted out of the business on multiple occasions for disruptive behavior and was no longer allowed there.

A check of records confirmed that Birmingham officers had been called to the business three prior times for similar issues with this suspect. When officers began to question him outside the shop, he caused a disturbance and was arrested and issued a citation for trespassing.

Speeding vehicles flee police

BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 8 p.m. April 25, officers on patrol identified two vehicles going approximately 72 mph in a 45 mph zone.

Officers initiated their overhead emergency lights in an attempt to pull over one of the vehicles, which continued to drive beyond the speed limit. The driver was driving recklessly, weaving in and out of traffic, and did not stop for the police officers. An investigation was ongoing.

Bowling bag stolen from unlocked car

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between midnight and 6 a.m. on April 22, an unknown person stole a bowling bag containing the complainant’s shoes and multiple bowling balls from the complainant’s unlocked car in the 200 block of South Wilson Avenue, near East 11 Mile and South Campbell roads.

Man reportedly stops traffic, arrested

HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, officers were called to the area of Eight Mile Road and

gate a report of an aggressive man who was stopping traffic while drinking beer. He was stopped by police and found to have warrants.

When told to put his hands behind his back, the man allegedly pulled away from officers and began to flee on foot. An officer stumbled to the ground briefly, but the police were ultimately able to capture and arrest the man. The officer later went to the hospital, having suffered a broken finger.

The suspect, 32, of Detroit, faces a felony charge for allegedly resisting and obstructing a police officer. An investigation was ongoing.

Woman steals beer, baby wipes

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — A woman stole beer and baby wipes from a drugstore in the 6500 block of Telegraph Road at 6:45 p.m. April 15. According to reports, a woman loaded two 12-pack cases of Stella Artois beer, two six-packs of Stella Artois beer, and one pack of Huggies baby wipes into a cart and left the store without paying. The suspect was seen loading the merchandise into a U-Haul box truck before leaving the parking lot. Police were investigating.

Man staggering in traffic found with meth

FARMINGTON — Officers were dispatched to a welfare check for a man seen staggering into traffic in the area of Grand River Avenue and Orchard Lake Road at 12:30 p.m. April 26.

Officers made contact with the man and conducted an investigation, leading to the discovery of methamphetamine. The case was to be forwarded on to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for warrant consideration.

Woman calls 911 after truck begins repeatedly ramming her vehicle

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to Adams Road and Walton Boulevard for a white Tesla being rammed by a black truck at 5:11 p.m. April 16.

While on 911, a 43-year-old woman from Rochester Hills told police the truck was ramming her vehicle.

She stated that the truck behind her began flipping her off, then making gun gestures at her.

She had her daughter in the vehicle and called 911. The truck rammed the Tesla four or five times and drove onto the Oakland University campus. When deputies arrived on the scene they could not locate the vehicle, or the suspect.

Woman reports indecent exposure at gym

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to a

report of indecent exposure at 7:38 p.m. March 30. The caller, a 21-year-old woman from Rochester Hills, told dispatchers that an unknown man who had been on the treadmill pleasuring himself in the presence of other gym members was attempting to leave the gym in a black Dodge Charger.

Deputies located the Dodge Charger in the parking lot, occupied by two males, who were detained and investigated.

The caller was located, interviewed, and provided video of the incident.

Gym managers said they would provide interior video of the incident at a later date.

Per video review, the driver of the Charger, a 23-year-old man from Clarkston, was identified as the suspect. He was transported to the Rochester Hills substation for processing and was released pending further investigation.

Shot fired at condo as man cleans rifle

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to 1600 block of Oneil Circle on a report of a shot fired from a condo at 6:49 p.m. April 19.

The round went through the ceiling of another condo unit. Deputies contacted the occupants of both units. The upstairs resident, a 54-year-old man, said he had been cleaning his rifle and moving it from the kitchen to a bedroom when the rifle went off.

The round went through the floor and ceiling and then fragmented, causing no further damage. No injuries were reported at the time of the investigation. The man was interviewed and released pending further investigation. The rifle was recovered and transported to the police property room. The investigation was ongoing.

Teen throws plate at school security guard, resulting in concussion, stitches

ROCHESTER HILLS — School resource officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of Dequindre on a report of an assault at Ace High School at 11:42 a.m. April 15.

School administrators told police that an 18-yearold male student had become agitated in class. When the principal and security personnel arrived to deescalate the situation, the student threw a ceramic plate toward staff, hitting a 62-year-old male security guard in the forehead.

The Rochester Hills Fire Department arrived at the scene and rendered aid to the guard, who was transported to the hospital. He had a concussion and suffered a laceration to the head that required stitches.

The student was taken into custody for felonious assault and was transported to the Oakland County Jail.

Victim drives suspect’s vehicle to police station to file report

SOUTHFIELD — A man stated that he was approached by an unknown male in the 26000 block of Telegraph Road at 7:31 a.m. April 27. The victim perceived that he was being robbed and noticed that the suspect had left his vehicle running with the door open. The victim got into the vehicle and drove it to the police station to file a report.

Driver hits construction equipment

TROY — Officers responded to Coolidge Highway and Wattles Road for a vehicle crash at 2:48 p.m. April 26 in which a Buick SUV had struck a piece of construction equipment.

The driver of the 2017 Buick Encore, a 63-year-old man from Troy, could not explain how he had ended up crashing into the construction equipment in an active construction zone.

Police discovered the driver did not have a valid license, and they noted that his eyes were watery and bloodshot and that there was a strong odor of intoxicants coming from his vehicle.

The driver did poorly on field sobriety evaluations. He submitted to a preliminary breath test, with a result of a 0.193% blood alcohol content. He was arrested, and the case was turned over to the Detective Bureau.

Johannah Steinbrecher-Booker stars as Norma Desmond. Photo by Bureau Detroit

‘Sunset Boulevard’: Performance by Stagecrafters, select dates May 31-June 23, Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette in Royal Oak, stagecrafters.org