6/19/24 West Bloomfield Beacon

Keego uses grant money for Sheriff’s Office Cass Lake patrols

TOP: Keego Harbor Mayor Rob Kalman is pictured with an employee of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol. Keego has contracted with Oakland County for patrols on Cass Lake this year and next. ABOVE: Keego Harbor used grant money from the state to hire the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol for patrols on Cass Lake.

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

KEEGO HARBOR — Keego Harbor City Councilman John Fletcher previously stated that “it gets crazy” on Cass Lake.

In recent years, one way the city has tried to help remedy that is by contracting with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol to help patrol the lake.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard reported that the county was “busy out there” last year, logging approximately 825 hours on Cass Lake, which included issuing 48 tickets, writing 371 warnings and conducting 373 safety inspections.

Bouchard discussed what it is that communities get when they contract with Oakland County.

See PATROLS on page 14A

Lakers’ Tatum puts Division 1 track on notice, multiple relays earn all-state

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Kamryn

Tatum is a force to be reckoned with, but

anyone who saw her compete on the track knew she was destined to be one of the top track athletes in Michigan.

“I definitely knew Kamryn prior to high school, but my first glimpse of watch-

ing her do what she does on the track was pretty amazing,” West Bloomfield High School head coach Nick Stration said. “She had an immediate impact in the program as a freshman.”

The West Bloomfield sophomore stormed out the gate last season, breaking school records in the 100-, 200-, and 400-meter and the 4x100 and 4x400

See TRACK on page 7A

The Beacon is one of 21 bi-weekly publications produced by C & G Newspapers, a family-owned company serving residents in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties since 1981.

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SECOND FRONT PAGE

3A/WEST BLOOMFIELD BEACON • JUNE 19, 2024

BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — The Bloomfield Hills High School Class of 2024 is graduating a record number of twins and triplets this year.

A total of 13 sets of twins and 1 set of triplets has broken the record for the most multiple siblings in the same grade level in Bloomfield Hills Schools history. Out of the 422 students in the Class of 2024, 29 belong to a twin or triplet set.

This school record was noticed when BHHS Secretary Laurie Mezey saw an article about a high school in Pennsylvania with 11 sets of twins. She realized that BHHS had them beat.

“In Bloomfield, we always try to be the best at everything. So when we saw the school in Penn-

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BHHS breaks school record for twins and triplets

sylvania claimed to have the record and when we found out we had them beat, we had to set the record straight,” BHHS principal Daniel Hartley said.

Some of the students shared their experiences of growing up with a twin by their side.

“I think it was a really great thing to be able to go through my whole education so far with having a twin, because it’s like having a built-in best friend,” Sydney Butler said.

Even though twins have many similar experiences, there are also areas where their experiences differ.

Sydney said she and her twin sister, Jadyn, were never in the same class growing up, so they were able to make friends independently, but they always had each other nearby when needed.

Aaron Rose said he and his twin brother, Ryan, had every single class together up until around 10th grade, and he always enjoyed being able to sit next to and study with him.

“We have the same friends. We do everything together. I just always like being with him. It’s super comfortable,” Aaron said.

Abigayle, Aubrey and Anthony Agbay are triplets who are all going to different colleges after graduation.

“It’s kind of fun to go somewhere where it’s just me, but it’s also going to be hard because I’m so used to having my brother and sister with me for basically everything,” Abigayle said.

Abigayle and Aubrey play the same sport, and Aubrey pointed out how comforting it is to

Bloomfield Hills High School is graduating 13 sets of twins and one set of triplets this year.

Photo provided by Bloomfield Hills Schools

Bird-watching teaches patience, offers relaxation

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Bird-watching takes patience and precision, but it pays off in the end for those looking to learn more about the magnificent creatures that fly and capture the perfect shot.

Rosann Kovalcik, a bird-watcher and birding expert from Grosse Pointe Woods, said a high school biology teacher at Lake Shore High School started a bird-watching club. A member of that club lived down the street from her and they enjoyed the hobby together. She was 16 years old at the time and now she is going to be 70.

One of the things she loves most about birding is the diversity she sees in the birds she encounters.

“Not only different species but within the species you can see how there’s the differences between how males and females act and the difSee BIRD-WATCHING on page 9A

Jack Padley, of New Hudson, started photographing birds in 2018 when he retired from C & G Newspapers.

Photos provided by Jack Padley

NEWS & NOTES

Board member resigns from Walled Lake Consolidated Schools

WALLED LAKE — In a press release dated May 24, it was announced that Christy Tice, a member of the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools Board of Education, resigned her position.

A review of applications and selection of candidates was scheduled to take place June 3.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Ms. Tice for her service to our school district,” John Bernia, who is the superintendent of schools for the district, stated in the release. “I would also like to commend the rest of our board members for their teamwork, meticulousness, and professionalism as they collaboratively finalize the process of appointing a new Board member.”

Pollinator festival lands at Marshbank Park

WEST BLOOMFIELD — A pollinator festival is scheduled to take place 10:30 a.m.-noon Aug. 24 at Marshbank Park, located at 2805 Hiller Road.

According to a release, attendees can learn about the importance of pollinators and what can be done to help them.

Numerous hands-on activity stations are set to be part of the event.

Local honey will be available for purchase via Bees in the D.

The event is free, with no registration required.

Free

resume-writing

assistance offered to recent high school and college grads

SOUTHFIELD — Gesher Human Services is offering a free webinar for Michigan high school and college graduates, according to a press release.

“Level Up Your LinkedIn and Slay the Resume Game PostGrad” is also open to individuals who have started at a first job but are “looking for their next employment opportunity.”

The webinar can help individuals create a resume that gets them noticed by recruiters, according to the release.

The webinar is scheduled to be held at 10 a.m. June 24 on Zoom.

To register, go to the events page at geshermi.org.

Oakland County launches gun safety campaign

OAKLAND COUNTY — According to a press release, as part of National Safety Month and Gun Violence Awareness Month in June, Oakland County commissioners are reminding residents to safely store all firearms. According to the release, a public education billboard campaign to encourage proper storage was set to be launched throughout the county.

The Oakland County Commission website includes a section dedicated to educating residents on new state gun safety laws and changes, along with providing information about how residents can obtain free gun locks and discounts on gun safes.

In February, new Michigan gun safety laws went into effect, one of them requiring individuals to keep unattended weapons unloaded and locked with a locking device, or stored in a locked box or container, if it is known that a minor is likely to be present on the premises.

For more information about the Board of Commissioners, visit oakgov.com/boc or call (248) 858-0100.

Photo provided by Walled Lake Consolidated Schools

Photo provided by West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission

Coyotes: A nuisance or necessary neighbors?

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — It’s 10 p.m. and a howl breaks the calm of an early-summer evening. It doesn’t matter if you are already in bed or up and waiting to see what the night brings as all ears turn to the sound that pierced the darkness.

Whether it comes nestled along a city block or lodged deep into the Michigan wilderness, a coyote’s howl is not an uncommon sound in the night. For some, the thought alone of a coyote lurking about is enough to cause panic. But for as prevalent as the animal’s calls and reputation are around the region, few Michiganders truly understand coyotes for what they are.

“Coyotes are wild canines,” said Cathy Wesley, an instructional guide and naturalist at the Johnson Nature Center in Bloomfield Township. “In Michigan, we have three wild canines: foxes, coyotes and wolves, and coyotes are kind of the mid-sized of them.”

While coyotes are essentially taken (or loathed by some) for granted as part of Michigan’s wildlife, they were not always residents of the Great Lakes State.

“They were more in the central United States, and they are now in 49 of the 50 states; they are not in Hawaii, they haven’t figured out how to swim to those islands yet, but they have swum to islands off of the coast of Massachusetts and Canada,” Wesley said. “The reason we have coyotes in the Great Lakes is because when the European settlers came in, they got rid of wolves and cougars in the area and also created prime coyote habitat by cutting back forests and creating farm fields.”

Wesley says coyotes are “edge species” animals, preferring to hang around where the forests give way to fields. The mass expansion of farms across the continent created edge conditions beyond where they already occurred, giving coyotes favorable territory to expand along.

The mass expansion led to behavioral changes in coyotes. Once pack animals that operated by day, coyotes have since become a primarily nocturnal species that live and hunt either alone or together as a family unit. This and coyotes’ territorial nature are reasons why they have been able to spread so far across the continent. It also explains their howling.

“When you hear coyotes howling, sometimes it’s over territorial disputes and sometimes it’s kind of like a check-in to see how many coyotes are in the area,” Wesley said.

As one of Michigan’s wild dog species, coyotes play a large role in managing the population of various groups of animals.

“In southeast Michigan’s ecosystem, coyotes actually play an important role because over

40% of their diet consists of rodents,” Wesley said. “They keep the rodent population down and they also help keep the Canada geese population down because they’ll eat Canada geese. And then about 20% of their diet is fawns, so because they will eat fawns they actually keep the deer-car collision rate down. In urban areas, they’ll eat feral cats. When you have a coyote in the area keeping the feral cat population down, it actually increases the songbird population in the area.”

To say human-coyote interactions are common is an understatement. From agricultural settlements aiding their movement to residential areas providing prime habitats for rodents, fawns, cats and other prey, coyotes popping up in neighborhoods is not at all as unexpected as it may seem. This means calls to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources about a neighborhood coyote sighting are more likely to result in a quick lesson about the animal’s behavior than anyone showing up to investigate further.

“It can vary anywhere from low concern to high concern,” said Kaitlyn Barnes, a DNR wildlife biologist. “If we’re hearing reports of coyotes that (are) acting normally or we’re hearing it’s healthy and it’s behaving in a normal way that a coyote should, there would not be any intervention at that point from the DNR. If we’re starting to hear about a coyote that’s approaching people, that’s lost its fear of humans, is potentially acting aggressively or maybe growling or barking when its being hazed instead of running away, that it’s following or stalking children or taken pets, then that’s a much higher concern and we would probably initiate some sort of removal either by us or through USDA Wildlife Services or a nuisance wildlife contractor, depending on the situation. Often intervention comes down to if it’s not acting sick or aggressive in any way, we’re usually trying to figure out why it’s causing an issue and it’s usually linked to food.”

Food — be it rodents or cats or fawns or dogs — is usually around for a reason. Keeping garbage tidy keeps rodents attracted to trash away, while hazing in the form of unpleasant sounds or odors keep fawns and coyotes themselves away. Pets should be supervised when outside, preventing cats from becoming feral and all pets from potentially becoming an easy meal. Food sources like bird feeders can attract rodents and other animals, creating another way for coyotes to become attracted to a particular property.

While coyotes have not always been in Michigan, they have made the state their home. As long as there’s space and food for them, coyotes will remain part of the state’s ecosystem — and they are well equipped to keep it that

4x200 with an eighth-place finish teamed up with Uwedjojevwe, Bridges and now-senior Jalia Marks.

FAR LEFT: West Bloomfield boys track and field’s 4x400 relay finished fifth at the MHSAA Division 1 state finals with a 3:22.08, the third fastest time in school history, and consisted of senior Curtis Sharif, junior Devin James, junior Angelo Finnie Jr. and freshman Musa Kay brought home all-state honors. NEAR LEFT: West Bloomfield sophomore Kamryn Tatum, sophomore Ese Uwedjojevwe, freshman Lena Grays and freshman Londyn James took part in the 4x100, earning state runner-up at the state finals this year June 1 at East Kentwood High School.

relays en route to winning the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 state championship title in the 200- and 400-meter. Tatum also earned all-state in the 4x100 with a sixth-place finish alongside now-sophomores Ese Uwedjojevwe, Tiara Hopkins-Butler and 2023 senior Caitlynn Bridges, and she earned all-state in the

Tatum picked up right where she left off with her sophomore campaign, winning the regional championship in the 200- and 400 meter, re-breaking her records in the 400-meter and 4x100 relay, and adding the 4x400 relay record to her resume as well.

Already a show-stopper early in her high school career, Tatum has shown what she can do on the track in any event she puts

her mind to, but Stration said she showed a different strength at the MHSAA Division 1 state finals this year June 1 at East Kentwood High School.

“She also is a team player,” Stration said. “For instance, at the state meet, she ran the 4x200 and the 4x100, and the next event is the 400 (meter), so that’s why she didn’t place high in the 400, because it’s back-toback events, so she kind of sacrificed her own open event to help the 4x100 finish second in the state.”

Tatum regained control of her 200-meter crown with a time of 24.63 while placing 13th in the 400-meter, saving herself to aid the 4x100 to second and the 4x200 to eighth, both all-state finishes to help West Bloomfield earn ninth overall out of 55 contending teams. Uwedjojevwe, freshman Lena Grays and freshman Londyn James took part in the 4x100, while Marks, Grays and James competed in the 4x200.

The 4x100 group fell just short of first-

See TRACK on page 8A

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from page 1A

Photos provided by Nick Stration

from page 7A

place Oak Park, who was the Division 1 state champion this year, by five one-thousandths of a second after both teams won their respective heats with the same exact time; the times had to be further examined in order to crown a champion.

The 4x100 group had a void to fill with Bridges graduating, but Stration said his freshman core grew up quickly this season.

“Last year, we had two significant seniors, Caitlynn Bridges and Makayla Pittman, and they were kind of the core of girls,” Stration said. “They ran track for four years as well, so they were a core for us. Then you had Ese (Uwedjojevwe) and Kamryn (Tatum) come in with the two seniors, and then we graduated the two seniors and had Lena (Grays) and Londyn (James) step into those roles. We’ve just been fortunate to have the right mix of girls come in at the same time.”

On the boys side, the 4x400 relay qualified for states for the first time under Stration in his five years at West Bloomfield, and they didn’t disappoint at states.

Finishing fifth with a 3:22.08, the third fastest time in school history, senior Curtis

Sharif, junior Devin James, junior Angelo Finnie Jr. and freshman Musa Kay brought home all-state honors.

Stration said it was the perfect blend of leadership and talent that led the relay team to its impressive finish.

“We had kind of a mix of veterans,” Stration said. “Curtis Sharif is a senior and a four-year runner. Angelo Finnie and Devin James were both juniors, and they’re both three-year runners who do club track, so they’re very seasoned. Musa Kay is a freshman for us, and he actually moved in from Japan. He came in and ran cross country for us in the fall, and he actually had a calf injury that prevented him from the first month of our season making his name known in some of the bigger meets.”

James also finished 13th in the 200-meter, while Finnie Jr. took 21st in the 110-meter hurdles and 12th in the 300-meter hurdles.

Both will be veteran leaders next season for a talented boys side looking to make a name for itself, but Stration said he expects both of them to graduate with a school record to their name as well.

“They’re both coming back as seniors, so we’re hoping they can leave their mark in the program that way,” Stration said.

CITY OF SYLAN LAKE ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Sylvan Lake has amended the Code of Ordinances, Chapter 78, to amend District regulations and defnitions in I-1 Limited Industrial District; and amend Chapter 78 Administration and Enforcement,” Division 4, “Nonconformities,” Section 78-113; and amend Chapter 42, “Parks and Recreation,” Section 42-11, “Pets, relating to pets in park areas.

Effective Date.

The provisions of this Ordinance are hereby ordered to take effect ten (10) days after adoption by the Sylvan Lake City Council. Enactment.

This Ordinance is declared to have been enacted by the City Council of the City of Sylvan Lake at its meeting duly called and held on the 12th day of June 2024, and shall be given publication in accordance with applicable law.

This is a summary of the ordinance. A true copy of this ordinance is kept at the Sylvan Lake Clerk’s offce, 1820 Inverness, Sylvan Lake, Michigan 48320, and may be reviewed, inspected and/or obtained during normal business hours. Publish: West Bloomfeld Beacon 06/19/2024 0381-2425

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Sylvan Lake Planning Commission

Notice is hereby given that the Sylvan Lake Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on Wednesday July 10, 2024, beginning at 5:00 PM, or as soon thereafter as the agenda allows, at the Sylvan Lake Community Center, 2456 Pontiac Dr., Sylvan Lake, MI 48320.

The purpose of the hearing is to receive public comments on amendments to the Zoning Ordinance pertaining to Division 12 Section 78-519 to Section 78-528.1 Planned Unit Development standards. The amendments do the following:

• Limit use of the Planned Unit Development to areas identifed as Sylvan East on the City’s Future Land Use Map and are zoned C-2

• Permit the uses permitted by right and special land uses in the R-3 and C-1 zoning districts

• Allow for modifcations to the base standards for the R-3 and C-1 districts for the development of a higher quality project as outlined in the ordinance

• Increase the minimum required open space 15% to 20% of the total PUD site

• Clarify the defnition of “dwelling, multiple” and remove the defnition of “dwelling, row, terrace, or townhouse”

• Amend section 78-347 Permitted principal uses in the R-3 Standards to remove the redundant defnition listed after “multiple-family dwellings”

A complete copy of the amendment may be examined at the Sylvan Lake City Offces, 1820 Inverness St., Sylvan Lake, MI 48320, prior to the public hearing, during the City’s regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM through 4:30 PM. Written comments may be addressed to the Planning Commission at the City Offces address. Oral comments will be taken during the hearing on June 12, 2024.

This notice is published pursuant to the requirements of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, PA 110 of 2006, as amended. Dennise Dryden

City Clerk, City of Sylvan Lake

Publish: West Bloomfeld Beacon

06/19/2024 0395-2425

Notice of Posting

For

Charter Township of West Bloomfeld Township Board

1. Synopsis of the Regular meeting on: Monday, June 10, 2024

2. Adoption of: Traffc Control Order – C-833 (Maple Place Villas Condo Association)

The above Synopsis and Ordinance shall be posted (in their entirety) at the following locations: (1) Offce of the Township Clerk 4550 Walnut Lake Road

(2) Township’s website: www.wbtownship.org

Debbie Binder

Township Clerk

Published: West Bloomfeld Beacon 06/19/2024

NOTICE

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WEST BLOOMFIELD BOARD OF REVIEW

0352-2425

The West Bloomfeld Township Board of Review will convene on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 9:00 AM at the West Bloomfeld Town Hall, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, Room 75/76, for the purpose of correcting mutual mistakes of fact or clerical errors, in accordance with MCL 211.53b.

For further information, please contact the Assessor’s Offce at 248-451-4850.

Debbie Binder

West Bloomfeld Township Clerk

The Township of West Bloomfeld will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services such as:

* Hearing impaired sound system & receivers (notify the Clerk or Community Development Department one day prior to meeting of interest)

* Signers for the hearing impaired (two {2} weeks advance notice)

* Audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting (to individuals with disabilities) two (2) weeks’ notice in writing or by calling the Township Clerk or Community Development Director at 4550 Walnut Lake Road, Box 250130, West Bloomfeld, MI 48325-0130, (248) 451-4800.

Published: West Bloomfeld Beacon 06/19/2024

CITY OF KEEGO HARBOR PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS

0083-2425

May 16, 2024 CITY OF KEEGO HARBOR, VOTED LIBRARY MILLAGE, WEST BLOOMFIELD SCHOOL, STATE EDUCATION TAX, OAKLAND COUNTY, OAKLAND COMMUNITY COLLEGE, AND INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL REAL AND PERSONAL PROPERTY TAXES DUE JULY 1, 2023 WILL BE PAYABLE WITHOUT PENALTY AT KEEGO HARBOR CITY HALL, 2025 BEECHMONT ST., KEEGO HARBOR, MICHIGAN 48320, JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 16, 2024.

Taxes may be paid by mail to 2025 Beechmont, Keego Harbor, 48320, or by credit card or electronic check online by visiting www.paylocaltaxes.com, or at the City Offce Monday through Thursday 8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M, except holidays. Taxes may also be paid through the City website www.keegoharbor.org. The offce will be closed Thursday July 4, 2024, as well as Monday, September 2, 2024.

All taxes paid after September 15th will incur a two (2%) percent penalty, plus interest of 3/4% for each month or fraction of a month from July until paid.

Residents who qualify for summer deferment must have an application fled at the Treasurer’s offce no later than September 16, 2024. Deferments allow Summer Tax bills to be paid without interest through February 14, 2025. Applications for deferment of summer taxes are available at the City offces for those who reside at the principal residence and have a total income of less than $40,000. Please call the City Hall offces (248.682.1930 ex. 2) for more information.

The Trash Collection Special Assessment for the 2024 tax year is in the amount of $270.00 and is included in your total tax bill amount.

Beginning March 1st, 2025 all unpaid taxes must be paid to Oakland County Treasurer, with additional penalties. During the month of March, a revised statement from the city must accompany your remittance to the County Treasurer.

Denise Hanley Treasurer

Published: West Bloomfeld Beacon 06/19/2024 0084-2425

Bird-watching

page 4A

ferent habitats that they favor based upon what their food sources are and their nesting habits,” Kovalcik said. “So yeah, I really love the diversity of it.”

She also loves how she can enjoy the hobby anywhere she goes.

“You can be anyplace in the world and there’s going to be birds there to watch, pretty much,” Kovalcik said.

Kovalcik has seen around 4,000 birds over her years of bird-watching. Though most of the time she watches birds in her backyard, Kovalcik also leads bird walks at the Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, and she visits her cottage near the Sleeping Bear Dunes as well.

Kovalcik said she recommends others get involved in bird-watching.

“It’s known to lower your blood pressure, calm you down, put you in touch with the important elements of the out of doors that just make you (a) more peaceful and calm person,” Kovalcik said.

She added that bird-watching also keeps a person sharp.

“As we age and we want to do something that keeps our brains fired, it’s a good one,” Kovalcik said. “You know you get your binoculars out, you’re looking at something, what is this, what clues am I looking for. It’s like a great game.”

Kovalcik said she saw the popularity of bird-watching increase during the COVID-19 pandemic and most of the people who got into it stayed with the hobby.

“Many people took up birding and being out of doors, so it happened both at homes and on the trails,” Kovalcik said. “It’s hugely popular now. There’s many Facebook pages that are devoted to it. It’s definitely seen a big uptick.”

Jack Padley, a bird-watcher and photographer from New Hudson, said he tries to photograph as many birds as he can in a year.

“And then my sister and I look at the photos and the ones that I don’t know what they are, she’s always there to tell me what they are,” Padley said. “I just love being able to go out into nature and walking around and finding birds.”

Padley has filmed and photographed different birds in their natural habitats such as woodpeckers pecking at trees and herons when they’re fishing. He also said he has seen birds when they are born in the spring and has watched them grow up over the course of the season.

“So I’m more into the photography bit of it than actually knowing what each bird is,” Padley said.

Padley started photographing birds in 2018 when he retired from C & G Newspapers. He uses his cellphone to take photos which he says takes quality pictures.

“My sister kind of got me into it and I started going out and, you know, taking photos

while I was walking around in Kensington Metropark and other places,” Padley said.

Padley was able to keep up his bird-watching hobby during the pandemic since it was out in nature. He said there weren’t many people around and he didn’t have to wear his mask. His favorite place to go bird-watching is Kensington Metropark.

“The other parks are good places too, but Kensington is my favorite,” Padley said. “They have nature trails. They have one that’s called Wildwings and there are plenty of birds out there. And the birds are so used to the humans that they’ll land on your hands and eat bird seed right out of your hands and stuff.”

Padley added the birds will chirp at birdwatchers to feed them. He takes his grandchildren out to the park, and they get a thrill waiting for birds to jump on their hands.

So far, Padley has taken pictures of around 40 species of birds. The bird he would love to take pictures of are wood ducks, but he says he would need a better lens.

“That would be great, I’d love to see their nest up there and baby wood ducks,” Padley said.

Padley said he loves that the hobby teaches him to be patient and that it’s very relaxing. He recommends others get involved in the hobby.

“Our days are, especially when you, are so hustle-bustle that you’re always busy or you’re paying too much attention to your phone or watching too much TV,” Padley said. “And this actually gets you out walking in nature and just seeing the beauty that God created in all these creatures.”

Kovalcik warns people to not disturb bird nests while birding and to respect their dwellings. She also said not to disturb roosting birds such as owls.

“During the daytime, when owls are roosting, because obviously they’re awake at night, in the daytime is when they’re roosting or sleeping,” Kovalcik said. “You don’t want to approach too closely to disturb them because then their sleep cycle is disturbed. It uses up energy that they wouldn’t need to have used up. And if you flush them on accident, smaller owls can actually get eaten by a larger predator.”

Kovalcik said it’s a good idea for those just getting into bird watching to join field trips through local groups. Macomb Audubon Society, Oakland Audubon Society and the Detroit Bird Alliance offer field trips. She also welcomes beginners at her bird walks at the Ford House.

“It is a good place to get going and to have people explain them to you,” Kovalcik said.

She also recommends folks hang up feeders and watch birds in their yards. Kovalcik personally has seen around 139 species in her yard.

The website for the Oakland Audubon Society is oaklandbirdalliance.org. The website for the Macomb Audubon Society is macombaudubon.net. The website for the Detroit Bird Alliance is detroitbirdalliance.org. The website for the Ford House to find the bird walks is fordhouse.org.

SPOTLIGHT ON SENIOR LIVING

RON TEASLEY:

SOME CALLED HIM ‘SCHOOLBOY,’ MOST CALL HIM MR. TEASLEY, EVERYONE KNOWS HIM AS AN ICON

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

Growing up, Lydia Teasley couldn’t comprehend the importance of her last name, and who could blame her?

To Lydia Teasley, her father, Ron Teasley, was a renowned basketball and baseball coach at his high school alma mater, Detroit Northwestern High School, compiling numerous Detroit Public School League and district championships across both sports.

Ron Teasley was also the first African American student to play basketball, the first African American team captain, and the second African American to play baseball for the high school.

It wasn’t until elementary school when she first reaped the rewards of the Teasley name by being able to have complete freedom in gym class.

“I got to do anything I wanted to do,” Lydia Teasley said. “I thought, ‘Oh wait, this is pretty cool.’ I still didn’t really understand it, but as I got older, that would happen a lot. I would go somewhere and people would say, ‘Teasley? Like Ron Teasley?’ Then the person is going crazy telling me how he was my coach or my teacher. He was this or he was that. I thought, ‘Oh, this is pretty cool.’”

Ron Teasley, 97, is much more than a former coach in the dugout or faculty member in the school, and one quick internet search could speak a thousand words about his achievements.

One of three surviving members to compete in the original 1948-era Negro Leagues alongside Willie Mays and Bill Greason, Teasley accomplished just about every feat a baseball player could imagine.

Teasley’s life contains memories with some of the most prolific people across sports, including racing Jesse Owens, hitting a triple off Satchel Paige, signing with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and conversing with the likes of Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, Jackie Robinson, Buck Leonard and other Negro League legends.

Growing up around the game

Like most young ballplayers growing up, Ron Teasley had a player he idolized. The only issue was being able to see him play live.

“When I was young, my father wouldn’t take me to a Tigers game because of segregation,” Teasley said. “I didn’t go to any Tigers games when I was young, but I used to listen to the Tigers games on the radio. My favorite player was a player by the name of Charlie Gehringer, who was a second baseman. He was an outstanding player. He was my hero.”

Baseball was the epicenter of the Teasley household, with six children all invested in the sport, and even his older sister sported the nickname “Babe Ruth” because of her baseball prowess growing up.

“They talked a lot about baseball, and sometimes my father would go to Chicago to watch what they called the Negro League See TEASLEY on page 11A

Knee cartilage — the rubbery, flexible tissue that coats the ends of bones in the knee joint — makes smooth bending and movement possible. Over time, due to age or injury, this cartilage wears down, causing the bones within the knee joint to grind against each other. This leads to inflammation, pain, stiffness and swelling. Severity can vary from mild to extreme and, eventually, the condition can change the shape of the knee. Degradation of the cartilage indicates that knee osteoarthritis is developing.

“Up to half of all men and women may develop knee osteoarthritis during their lifetime,” stated Andrew Vartanian, M.D., an expert in interventional radiology who launched PrecisionIR in November 2022. “By the age of 65, nearly 60 percent of seniors are affected to some degree.”

Mild osteoarthritis symptoms can often be managed effectively with medication, supplements and lifestyle modifications. In some cases, physical therapy or support braces may also be recommended. However, for individuals experiencing a significant decline in quality of life, total knee replacement surgery is frequently advised. Now, thanks to an outpatient treatment offered by PrecisionIR called Genicular Artery Embolization (GAE), there is an effective alternative.

Dr. Vartanian and his colleague, Dr. Michael Savin, provide this minimally-invasive procedure, which could enable numerous individuals to delay or completely avoid knee surgery.

GAE targets specific arteries to reduce blood flow to the synovium — the lining of the knee — thereby alleviating inflammation and pain. This process enhances mobility and improves patient well-being.

“Patients who undergo GAE may never need knee replacement surgery,” Dr. Vartanian noted. “While steroid injections often require follow-ups, GAE typically provides a longer-lasting result that may even extend several years.”

A 2021 clinical study showed that average pain scores dropped from 8 out of 10 to 3 out of 10 within the first week following GAE.

Dr. Vartanian recalled treating a woman in her mid-40s, who was experiencing severe knee pain. “She wanted to delay joint replacement surgery for as long as possible,” he said. “Since undergoing the GAE procedure two months ago, she has experienced significant relief of her pain score.”

In some cases, the relief can be so great that patients may not experience pain again in their lifetime, he noted. “It doesn’t always preclude the necessity for an eventual joint replacement if they truly need it, but it can hopefully prolong their ability to have durable pain relief.”

PrecisionIR is located at 32255 Northwestern Hwy., Suite135, in Farmington Hills. If you or a loved one is struggling with the limitations caused by knee osteoarthritis, visit myprecisionir.com or call (947) 218-1352 to schedule a consultation. Most

plans are accepted.

Ron Teasley suited up for the Carman Cardinals from 1949 to 1950, hitting around .300 and making the All-Star team, but the league never received the proper recognition of MLB scouts.

Photo provided by the Teasley family

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Holocaust Center offers virtual tours

FARMINGTON HILLS — The Zekelman Holocaust Center is scheduled to host “Auschwitz, In Front of Your Eyes” as a set of virtual tours through September.

“This in-person series guides attendees through a virtual, live-facilitated tour of the infamous Auschwitz concentration and extermination camp, providing a profound opportunity to deepen understanding and gain exclusive access to previously inaccessible areas,” a press release states.

The series is hosted in partnership with the Auschwitz Birkenau Foundation and is scheduled to take place 10 a.m.-noon June 23, July 28, Aug. 13, and Sept. 22.

The release states that Auschwitz Memorial guides will lead a two-hour virtual tour divided into two parts – Auschwitz I and Birkenau.

Staff members are set to facilitate each session, with opportunities for questions and interactions with the guides.

According to the release, the Zekelman Holocaust Center is one of the first Holocaust centers in the country to offer “this specialized presentation and virtual experience.”

Admission costs $10 per person.

For registration and more information, visit holocaustcenter.org/Auschwitz.

— Mark Vest

FINANCIAL CHAMPION

Teasley

from page 10A

All-Star Game,” Teasley said. “There was a lot of talk about it (baseball), and my father and I would play catch. My brothers and sisters all played baseball. After that, I joined the junior baseball program in Detroit. I became very successful.”

The earliest memories for Teasley began at Hamtramck Stadium, where his father would take him to watch the Detroit Stars play, but Teasley said he was also more focused on playing with rocks under the stands.

That was until he grew into the sport through the junior baseball program. A walk outside the local recreation center one day would be life changing.

“One day I came out of the recreation center and I looked across the field and saw some men playing baseball,” Teasley said. “I said, ‘I think I’ll just go over there and join them.’ So I went over there and started chasing foul balls. I was 13 or 14 years old, and they were nice to me and told me, ‘Why don’t you come around and practice with us?’ So I started practicing with them.”

The men playing baseball weren’t just average joes taking in a game of pickup, but

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rather experienced ballplayers, some former Negro League players, who were double the age of Teasley, taking him under their wing and showing him the beauties of the game. If someone wasn’t able to make it to the game, Teasley would be thrown into right field as a boy surrounded by grown men, earning the nickname “Schoolboy” from his older teammates.

“They usually put me in right field hoping nothing would be hit my way,” Teasley said. “I really think about those fellas, because they taught me a lot of life lessons. They meant a lot to me.”

Creating a baseball legacy

On the collegiate circuit at Wayne State University, Teasley, a Southfield resident, became the first player to ever hit above .400, still holding the single season record with a .500 batting average.

Teasley was a standout basketball and baseball player for the Tartars (now Warriors) before joining the U.S. Navy in 1945 with tours in Saipan and far Pacific areas from 1945 to 1946.

Once he returned home, he picked up right where he left off, dominating his opponents on the baseball field, so much so that the Brooklyn Dodgers caught wind of it and

See TEASLEY on page 16A

File photo by Erin Sanchez

‘I

love each of them for different reasons’

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

Kevin Dombrowski always knows which classic car shows to attend with his wife, Karen.

He keeps track of them on an Excel spreadsheet, and many of the couple’s summer weekends are spent at car events at their favorite Michigan sites.

From metro Detroit to the western side of the state — and everywhere in between — the Dombrowskis can be spotted mingling with the other car buffs during cruising season.

The only challenge is deciding which car to take: the 1960 Chrysler Imperial, the 1965 Buick Riviera or the 1947 Ford Coupe. When Kevin purchased each vehicle, he didn’t want the cars to sit in the garage. The idea was to get out and drive them as much as possible.

“It’s about the cars, but it’s really about the people,” Kevin said. “You meet all sorts of interesting people.”

“It’s a really good group of people,” Karen agreed.

Cruisin’ Hines in Westland, the Mount Clemens Cruise and Greenfield Village’s Motor Muster in Dearborn are among the many car shows for the Shelby Township residents. Vicksburg and St. Ignace also are regular haunts. Many times, Kevin and Karen take leisurely drives along scenic back roads instead of main highways to get to or from their destinations.

“We take the country roads. With the sun going down, it’s so nice and relaxing,” Karen said. “It takes the hectic out of the city. You’re floating down the country roads.”

Each car is special in its own way. For starters, the Ford Coupe is just like the one Kevin’s dad had when he was a child.

“He passed away in 1981 when I was 7,” Kevin said.

Kevin holds on to plenty of under-the-hood memories, including the times he played junior mechanic helping his dad, Tony Dombrowski, doing upkeep on the Coupe.

ABOVE: Every summer Kevin and Karen Dombrowski, of Shelby Township, attend car shows in metro Detroit and across the state with their 1960 Chrysler Imperial, left; 1965 Buick Riviera, center; and 1947 Ford Coupe.

FAR LEFT: Kevin Dombrowski has always been a fan of classic cars with fins, including his 1960 Chrysler Imperial

NEAR LEFT: One feature of the 1965 Buick Riviera are the hidden headlights. Photos by Erin Sanchez

CRIME WATCH

Suspicious calls reported

WEST BLOOMFIELD — On June 8, a West Bloomfield officer was dispatched to the 1500 block of Furnwall Street for a suspicious circumstances report.

An unknown caller reportedly had spoofed the phone number of a resident’s adult son.

When the resident answered the phone, the unknown male caller reportedly began yelling for help, which caused her to be alarmed.

The resident hung up the phone and called her son back directly.

He answered the phone and indicated that he was fine. He also reported having received a similar call from an unknown female who pretended to be his mom.

No suspects have been identified.

Vehicle strikes deer

WEST BLOOMFIELD — On June 8, an officer was dispatched to the area of Walnut Lake and Halstead roads to take a crash report.

A vehicle was reportedly driving west on Walnut Lake Road when a deer ran out in front of it.

The driver reportedly had no time to react and struck the deer.

No further information was provided.

California suspect found with WB resident’s ID

WEST BLOOMFIELD — On June 6, a resident went to the West Bloomfield Police Department to report having received a

Record

from page 3A

always have someone by her side, especially for scary situations, such as tryouts.

The Butler twins will also be going to different schools next year, but the Rose twins will be attending the same college.

The students shared that it was nice to have so many other sets of multiples in their

Coyotes

from page 6A

way. Coyote populations remain stable not only through their territorial and solo nature keeping them spread apart, but also by making up for numbers lost due to hunting through increased breeding.

“If we were to hunt coyotes in the area, it

phone call from a police department in California.

California police had arrested someone who had a copy of the West Bloomfield resident’s identification information.

The West Bloomfield resident did not recognize the name of the California suspect.

The local resident has reportedly had no negative financial impact as a result of the individual in California having the resident’s ID.

Assault reported at medical facility

WEST BLOOMFIELD — An officer was dispatched to a medical facility on West Maple Road June 8 to take an assault and battery report.

A patient who was at the facility for medical services allegedly had struck a family member.

The individual was later arrested.

Wallet reportedly swiped from vehicle

WEST BLOOMFIELD — An officer was dispatched to a location on West Maple Road to take a report of larceny from a vehicle June 8.

The individual’s vehicle reportedly had been parked in a parking lot between 1 and 2:45 p.m. and later discovered that cash and credit/debit cards were taken from a wallet in the vehicle.

No suspects were identified.

Anyone who has information about these crimes or others is asked to call the West Bloomfield Police Department at (248) 975-9200.

—

Mark Vest

grade because they were able to relate to their peers.

“It almost got to a point where just because there were so many, it didn’t seem that out of the ordinary,” Anthony Agbay said.

For many of the twins, they said they didn’t realize how unique it was to have so many sets of multiples in their grade until recently, because it is all they have ever known.

Call Staff Writer Mary Genson at (586) 498-1095.

would actually have the reverse effect of what we could want on it,” Wesley said. “There would actually be more coyotes born the following year.”

Next time there’s howling in the night, take a moment to listen. It may just be a coyote trying to figure out who else is in the neighborhood.

Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 4981043.

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Toasty Treats Cafe opens in West Bloomfield

Toasty Treats Cafe is a new, independent cafe in West Bloomfield. The business is striving to be the favorite for locals to meet friends for a cup of coffee, ice cream, or a quick bite to eat, according to the owner. The cafe serves freshly baked pastries, gourmet sandwiches, crepes, ice cream and more.

Born in Russia, Vlad Gourov, is a former automotive industry professional who retired after a 25-year career to explore another side of his life passion, he said.

He said he is a self-taught pastry chef, cook and business leader. He said that his vision is humble, “old world”-inspired food, pastries and coffee in an inviting environment. For more information, go to toastytreatscafe.com.

BUSINESS CLIP

BUSINESS CLIP

Patrols

from page 1A

“They get a very focused, very welltrained in marine activity unit,” he said. “We’re the largest marine unit in the state of Michigan, so it comes with that expertise, that equipment and those capabilities. We have search and rescue, we have dive, we have all of those things, plus a host of different kinds of water assets — whether it’s jump boats or larger boats or rescue boats, hovercraft. We have a lot of options for us to make an impact on whatever the situation might be.”

According to Keego Mayor Rob Kalman, a $100,000 grant the city got from the state is being used to pay the county for patrols this year and next year.

The money helps provide county protection on the water, with the Keego Police Department patrolling the land near Cass Lake.

“I want people to come to Keego Harbor and enjoy our lakes,” Kalman said. “I want them to have a safe experience while they’re enjoying our community. We’re fortunate that we were able to obtain a grant from the state of Michigan to help pay, in entirety, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol … for this summer and next summer.”

Kalman described the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Marine Patrol as “very professional” and said that he can think of many instances when they’ve helped residents.

He has also taken notice of another way the county has been conducting its business on Cass Lake.

“Most of their time on the lake has been giving warnings as opposed to ticketing peo-

ple,” Kalman said. “They give helpful advice to boaters to ensure safety. … The goal is not to generate tickets; the goal is to provide public safety.”

According to Bouchard, last year there were 24 calls for service and 33 citizens assists.

“So, they respond to a variety of things, but probably foremost — and I think we had less of it last year because we started to increase our presence — is we used to get a lot of complaints about raucous behavior on the lake or reckless boating on the lake,” Bouchard said. “I think our regular presence has tamped that down quite a bit.”

The Cass Lake sandbar has played a large part in issues that have been reported on the lake. Fletcher previously reported that people have stood in the sandbar, thrown trash in the water and urinated there.

“It’s pretty nasty,” Fletcher previously stated.

Bouchard is aware that the sandbar has led to problems around the lake.

“There’s certain behavior that was getting out of line on that sandbar, and it was disturbing the lake and the homeowners,” he said. “So, having a regular presence can have an impact on that.”

Although Bouchard declined to reveal patrol schedules in order to not be predictable, he did share that the county could have one boat or multiple boats on the water at a given time.

Even lakes that don’t contract with the county get attention from the marine unit.

“We’ll do periodic patrols,” Bouchard said. “We’ll respond to complaints or problems, and obviously, any emergency. We have what we call jump boats that we can move around and drop into different lakes, periodically. Obviously, with 450 lakes, we

can’t be everywhere, but we try to put our presence where it’s needed.”

Bouchard shared what led to the county contracting with communities and lake associations for specific patrols.

“We grew that opportunity significantly after the downturn of 2008, because my budget got so heavily cut I couldn’t afford a lot of the things that we used to do, and it’s never come back, quite frankly,” he said. “I had to cut 160 positions, and we’ve never got

those back. So we had a lot more full-time marine deputies in 2008 than we do now, and the only way, without having that money replaced back into our budget that went away in 2008, is to offer the opportunity for communities and lakes to contract.”

Disturbing the peace and littering in the water can be major issues, but there can be even more serious problems when proper precautions aren’t adhered to.

See PATROLS on page 15A

• Cosmetic White: Fillings

• Beautiful Veneers/Crowns

• Teeth Whitening

• Implants:

• Emergencies Welcome (same day by appointment)

• Attractive Partials/Dentures

• Removable/Fixed Implant Dentures

Single/multiple teeth (Day of extraction in most cases)

Dr. Monoseta C. Burwell

Convenient appointments! Before/after work or school

CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE

NOTICE OF ZONING BOARD PUBLIC HEARINGS

20 Years of Quality & Caring Dentistry

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Michigan Public Act 110 of 2006, the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, as amended, the City of Orchard Lake Village Zoning Board of Appeals will consider the following appeal at their Regular Meeting on Monday, July 15, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. at the Orchard Lake City Hall, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, Michigan:

- Al-Karaghouli Appeal - 4513 Cherry Hill Drive (Height Variance for a Fence)

- Walker Appeal- 4470 Pontiac Trail (Variance to Allow a Natural Barrier on the Waterfront Side of the Property to Remain)

Complete copies of the request are available for review at the Offce of the City Clerk in City Hall. Written Comments will be received in the City Clerk’s Offce, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, MI between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or may be submitted electronically to CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com. You are invited to attend the hearing.

Rhonda McClellan

CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com

Publish: West Bloomfeld Beacon 06/19/2024

City of Orchard Lake Village Tax Notice

0431-2425

The City of Orchard Lake Village 2024 City Taxes, Oakland County Taxes, Oakland Community College Taxes, State Education Taxes, Intermediate School Taxes, School Taxes in the West Bloomfeld and Walled Lake Consolidated School District and part of the School Taxes in the Bloomfeld Hills School District will be due payable at the City Hall located at 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, Michigan on July 1, 2024.

The penalties, which will be imposed by the City Treasurer for late payment are set forth in Chapter 9, Section 9.16, of the City Charter, which reads:

On September 1st the Treasurer shall add to all taxes thereafter, four percent (4%) of the amount of said taxes on the frst day of September and each succeeding month shall add an amount equal to the highest penalty permissible by State Law. Such penalties shall belong to the City and shall constitute a charge and shall be a lien against the property to, which the taxes themselves apply, collectible in the manner as the taxes to which, they are added.

Delinquent taxes will be returned to the County Treasurer at the time specifed in the City Charter.

Applications for deferent of Summer Taxes are available at the City Hall for those who meet the qualifcations.

Rhonda R. McClellan

City Clerk

Publish:

Patrols

Bouchard said that equipment issues and alcohol are the two biggest issues that lead to drownings in Oakland County.

“If you’re (going to) drink, then know that it has an effect on you that’s magnified by sun and heat exposure and outdoor activity,” he said. “If you’ve been drinking quite a bit, I would suggest that you put on a flotation device. We’ve had numerous drownings where somebody that (was) drinking quite a bit jumped in and then drowned. And the other thing

THURSDAY 6/20

is operate what you know and what you’re safe operating.”

Bouchard also shared a note of caution about personal watercraft.

“The only way you’re (going to) change your direction is to have a little bit of throttle and operate a change in direction utilizing the steering,” he said. “The reaction for a lot of inexperienced people on a Jet Ski is when they’re approaching … another boat or a dock or a person, they let off the throttle, and now they just become a torpedo.”

Bouchard suggests that individuals get certified in whatever kind of watercraft they want to operate. His tips for staying safe on the water include having a safety check performed on watercrafts, which includes checking the lights,

following the rules when on the water, understanding boating laws, and making sure that the proper number of flotation devices are on watercrafts.

To learn about certification requirements and age limits, call the county at (248) 858-5000 or send an email to ocso@oakgov.com.

If there is an emergency on the water, individuals should call 911. For non-emergencies, call (248) 858-4951.

Bouchard is a proponent of the positives that result when municipalities and lake associations get assistance from the county to help patrol lakes.

“If they’ve got issues on the lakes, the best way to approach it is with a regular presence through a contract,” he said.

THURSDAY 6/27

FRIDAY 6/28 HISPANIC

SATURDAY 6/29

Teasley

offered a tryout in Vero Beach, Florida, to Teasley and Detroit native Sammy Gee from Miller High School.

Upon his arrival to Vero Beach, Teasley exchanged pleasantries with Dodgers infielder Jackie Robinson, widely known for breaking the color barrier in Major League Baseball.

Teasley spent two weeks before being assigned to the Dodgers minor league affiliate, the Olean Oilers of the PennsylvaniaOntario-New York League, but was promptly cut despite impressive numbers early on.

“When I was in the Dodgers organization batting .270, that wasn’t good enough,” Teasley said. “They released me. I never could understand that. I was actually leading the league in home runs when they released me. It’s something you always think about, no matter how old you are. You think about that, you know? What did they expect of you?”

Instead of being discouraged, Teasley continued his professional baseball career in the Negro Leagues as a member of the New York Cubans, but the league would soon become a picking ground for the MLB following the signing of Robinson, who played in the Negro Leagues in 1945 with the Kansas City Monarchs, in April 1947.

With Robinson’s performance came plenty of eyes looking for the next talent in the league, and the inevitable downfall of the Negro League began as teams were gutted, their best players departing for MLB clubs.

Robinson was the face of the broken color barrier, and with the title came plenty of scrutiny and racial discrimination towards him, but Teasley said the opinion of Negro League players towards Robinson’s signing began to split down the middle.

“We had a couple thousand players playing in the league, and then they were taking our best players,” Teasley said. “Then the owners were backing out. Some of the players were suggesting, and even the owners as well, that we have an all-Star team of Negro League players and put them in the league, but that was turned down. They didn’t want to do that. The players were coming and going quite a bit.”

Many players like Teasley, moved north to the Mandak League in Manitoba and North Dakota.

Teasley suited up for the Carman Cardinals from 1949 to 1950 in the league, hitting around .300 and making the All-Star team, but the league never received the proper recognition of MLB scouts.

The league had a solid fanbase, but Teasley said the fans provided a different game

day environment than what he was accustomed to.

“I can recall one game where I was playing third base and I made a double play where there was one player running to third base and another returning to third base, and I tagged each one of them out, and the fans were just quiet,” Teasley said. “There wasn’t that much of a reaction. I thought, ‘Wow.’ They enjoyed the game, and it turned out quite well.”

Life outside the dugout

Teasley would turn to factory work after the 1951 season and head back to Wayne State, earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1955 and joining the Detroit school system soon after. He earned his master’s of administration degree in 1963.

Life postbaseball was everything Teasley could’ve dreamed of, spending time with his wife of 71 years and high school sweetheart, Marie Teasley, who passed away in 2020, and raising their three children: Lydia, Ronald and Tim.

Marie Teasley was a writer and editor for the Michigan Chronicle newspaper for 25 years, taking after her father, who was the first African American to own and publish a newspaper in Hannibal, Missouri.

“She was an outstanding journalist,” Ron Teasley said. “She started out when she was 7 years old because her father owned a newspaper in Missouri, the home of Mark Twain.”

In true love story fashion, Ron Teas-

17A

You’re invited to a special lunch and learn event with Rose Senior Living Farmington Hills, a brandnew senior living community in your neighborhood. Learn about Rose Senior Living and the benefits of joining our Founders Club!

Photo provided by the Teasley family

The Tigers have called upon Ron Teasley several times to throw out the ceremonial first pitch during the times the former Negro Leagues were celebrated.

Teasley

from page 16A

ley was his wife’s photographer when they would go to events, which included the controversial 1986 Goodwill Games in Russia.

The Goodwill Games were brought to the forefront after the United States boycotted the 1980 Olympic Games in Russia and Russia boycotted the 1984 Summer Olympics in California.

An array of political issues surrounded the games itself, with certain countries being banned from competing.

“The first thing that struck you when you landed (in Russia) was there were no people at the airport,” Teasley said. “There’s nobody but guards. In this country, airports are jammed. There, there was nobody. The guards searched you, and we were detained for about a half an hour or so before we were even allowed to come into the country.”

The Teasleys today

Lydia Teasley knows the prominence of her last name, and her kindergarten students at Dorothy Montessori School in Oak Park also get to share in the knowledge.

Each February, Teasley instructs her students on the Negro Leagues, reading books, playing baseball outside or playing hot potato around the classroom.

She’ll show the children a video of her father talking about his playing days, but at such a young age, Lydia Teasley said, it’s difficult for the children to comprehend the importance of the Negro Leagues and how long ago it was.

She especially found this to be true when her classroom watched the Detroit Tigers opening day game, and students asked her if her dad was playing or not.

It’s innocently hilarious, and Lydia Tealsey said it means a lot to her to pass the meaning of the game and her father’s impact on to her students.

“It’s super important, and it also turns out to be fun, because the questions they ask me are just hilarious, but they’re interested,” Lydia Teasley said. “They’ll say, ‘Oh, your dad played baseball?’ I’ll tell them all the history of what happened, and I think they get it a little bit. I think they’re more interested in how to play, so I’ll take them outside and teach them some skills myself. It means so much to me to be able to talk about my dad and for them to see him on the video. It just brings it to life, and they can appreciate the history.”

Even at 97 years old, Ron Teasley is a busy man, but he prefers it that way. Whether it’s taking walks to the park, watching any baseball he can, or playing Wii bowling, Tea-

sley stays active.

The Tigers have called upon him several times to throw out the ceremonial first pitch during the times the former Negro Leagues were celebrated, trading in their traditional home uniforms for the Detroit Stars uniforms.

He’s also made a trip with his family to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, Missouri, to speak and sign autographs, and is involved in the Negro Leagues Family Alliance, which was founded by families of former players.

Lydia Teasley said her father is a popular man at the meetings because he’s able to tell stories to the families of Norman “Turkey” Stearnes, Josh Gibson, Walter “Buck” Leonard, and many other players about their loved ones.

Ron Teasley’s passion for baseball is immeasurable, but it doesn’t compare to the impact he’s made on others around him as a player, a coach and teacher.

Lydia Teasley continues the impact with the Ron and Marie Teasley Foundation, which aims to assist students in metro Detroit through scholarships, mentorships and training.

A person like Ron Teasley should always be reminded of what he brought to the game, and Lydia Teasley said she and her siblings always try to do just that.

“I just want to have him keep talking about all the great things he’s done,” Lydia Teasley said. “I never want him to stop talking about that.”

Call Stff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.

Cars

“I would work on the car with him. Then we would go to car shows,” Kevin said. “As a kid, I remember bouncing around in the back seat. The suspensions back then didn’t have shocks.”

Kevin had his dad’s car for many years and was in the process of having it restored. However, too many obstacles got in the way, so Kevin bought a Coupe that looked just like his dad’s. He even kept some of the original parts as a momento.

“The intent of the car is still there,” Kevin said. “When I see it, my dad is still there.”

Because his father spent so much time tinkering with the Ford, it was jokingly named “The Mistress.” Keeping with tradition, Kevin’s orangish-red Ford Coupe also has taken on the same moniker.

“I love each of them for different reasons. The Ford reminds me of my dad,” Kevin said. “In the sun, you see the orange. In the evening, it looks more red.”

“It’s a hot rod,” Karen said. “You feel every little bump.”

“The Riviera is such a pleasure to drive. You just get in the car and go. The other thing that I like about the Riviera, it’s everyone’s second-favorite car,” said Kevin, describing

how car enthusiasts who grew up with either Chrysler, Ford or GM often stick with those models when they become adults. “The Riviera welcomes everyone. It’s like the girl next door. You don’t see them as often. That, to me, was one of the things that was sort of special.”

For Kevin, the Imperial — with its Alaskan white exterior — is a throwback to his “favorite era of cars of the late ’50s and early ’60s.”

“The big fins and the chrome, I’ve always been in love with that style of car,” he said.

Kevin first spotted the Imperial a couple of years ago at the Packard Proving Grounds Historic Site in Shelby Township. He knew the gentleman, Bill, who owned it and said, “If you ever think about selling that car, just remember me.” About a year later, Bill sold it to Kevin.

“He’s always buying and selling,” Kevin said.

Kevin brought the Imperial home Dec. 22, 2022, right before a snowstorm. There was just enough time for him and Karen to rearrange the garage to fit in their new 18 1/2-foot automobile that is 6 inches wider than most cars.

Kevin said the original owner of the Chrysler Imperial is a woman who lives in New Jersey. He’s tried to get in touch with her, but hasn’t been successful yet.

“She owned the car until 1979 and then

she sold it to a dealership,” he said.

For Karen, the Riviera is her favorite of the three.

“It rides like a dream,” she said. After being at a car show all day, she likes to fall asleep in the passenger seat on the way home. “It floats down the road at 55 (mph).”

Each car attracts a different crowd.

“The ’47, it’s the older, gray guys. The Riviera draws a very different niche of people. Many people don’t know the Riviera. It’s a rather uncommon car. It’s the perfect balance between muscle and luxury,” Kevin said. “The Imperial draws women. It oozes luxury and

extravagance. It is a challenge to drive because it is so large.”

Kevin is a member of the Detroit Area Only Twisted Axle Car Club, which meets at 7 p.m. every Friday at Gratiot Coney Island, 28560 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville. All are welcome.

“It’s a growing club,” Kevin said. “We’re always talking about getting out and driving.”

The Detroit Area Only Twisted Axle Car Club is accepting registration for the second annual Track Day from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sept. 28 at the Ubly Dragway. For registration details, text or call Kevin at (586) 822-7968.

e Whole-Body MRI Debate: Are Doctors Missing Something?

(South eld, MI) e recent buzz around full-body MRI screenings has sparked a lot of debate. While some question this approach, the controversy itself signals an advance in how we think about proactive health. It means we’re not just waiting around for symptoms when it might be too late.

Full body screenings use MRI technology to scan from the top of the head through the pelvis looking for potential abnormalities and early signs of diseases like cancer.

Tyler, age 52, lost his grandfather to lymphoma, so when the results of his full body MRI highlighted enlarged lymph nodes in his chest it gave him concern. “I felt completely healthy, but I wanted to be proactive so I did the scan. My results were concerning, so I saw an oncologist who ordered additional testing.”

e controversy comes from MRI body scans producing false positives. ese ndings are eventually proven

to be benign. Critics claim that false positives create unnecessary worry for people and needless follow up tests.

Tyler says he would rather be safe than sorry. “I hear some doctors on TV saying not to do full body screenings, but why wouldn’t you? It’s about taking control of your health and being proactive. I had some follow up tests to make sure I don’t have cancer – big deal. But what if it turned out to be cancer? en it’s caught as early as possible, and without this scan I never would have known until it was too late!”

Proponents of MRI full body screenings say that false positives should not outweigh the bene ts, stating that early detection is key to easier treatments and better outcomes.

“Early detection saves lives,” says Ryan Ringold who leads the MRI full body screening center in South eld, called Bionicc Body Screening. His father, the late Dr. Ringold, founded the company after battling cancer – twice. “My father

became short of breath one day and discovered he had stage four cancer with tumors as large as softballs inside of him. He endured brutal treatments and never wanted to see others su er because of late detection,” says Ryan.

MRI does not replace annual physicals nor routine screenings like a colonoscopy or mammogram. Although, it may be surprising to learn that routine screenings only cover 29% of cancers and 71% of cancers occur in other areas.

“ is is an additional tool to be proactive. MRI can reduce the enormous blind spot where cancer may be silently growing. ere are no routine screenings for areas like the pancreas, liver, brain, chest or abdomen,” says Ringold. “My father was oblivious to hundreds of tumors growing inside his body and his story is not unique. You rarely hear of someone getting diagnosed with stage one pancreatic cancer because nobody knows until they have symptoms. By that time, it’s almost always stage

four.”  In addition to tumors, MRI can detect hundreds of abnormalities like brain aneurysms, MS, fatty liver and spinal disc disease to name a few. “It’s quite remarkable,” Ringold adds.

Robert B. credits his scan to saving his life. A full-body MRI caught the kidney tumor his CT scan missed. “I consider it a lifesaver,” he says. Stories like these highlight the power of MRI body screenings.

For a limited time, you can request a $200 o coupon when you visit their website at BioniccBodyScreening.com. Schedule today at 1-833-BIONICC. 0324-2425

The debate over full-body MRIs heats up as some doctors criticize the scans, while others quietly get them done.

YOUR SUPPORT MA ERS! Jim Manna has been a dedicated Trustee, commi ed to serving our community since 2009 with integrity, vision and countless achievements for the entire West Bloomfield Community.

★ Brought Tesla Electric vehicles to West Bloomfield

★ Multiple road and bridge improvements enhancing value

★ Continued the goal of making WB one of the safest communities in Michigan

★ Always making our seniors a priority by approving senior housing

★ Approved the multi-million-dollar downtown corridor with gorgeous entrance to the community

★ Helped to make West Bloomfield a welcoming community to all

JIM PROUDLY SUPPORTS & ASKS THE COMMUNITY TO VOTE FOR

Jim is supported and endorsed by:

Andy Gutman

David Coulter

Eugene Greenstein

James Rosenthal

Steven & Lisa Kaplan

Eddie Shapiro

Martin Manna

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JUNE 20

Kids Komotion: Free interactive concert featuring Children’s Theatre of Michigan, 10

a.m.-noon, also inflatables and Optimist Club of West Bloomfield selling snacks and refreshments, Marshbank Park, 2805 Hiller Road in West Bloomfield, next and final event Aug. 22, (248) 451-1900, wbparks.org/series/kids-komotion-concerts

JUNE 23

Pickleball fundraiser: Benefit for pancreatic cancer research, 1-3 p.m., Sports Club of West Bloomfield, 6343 Farmington Road, (248) 385-5143, adalton@skyfoundationinc.org

JUNE 26

Independence Day Picnic: Outdoor lunch and music, 12-1:30 p.m., Marshbank Park, 2805 Hiller Road in West Bloomfield, (248) 451-1900, wbparks.org

JUNE 27

Night Hike: Naturalist-led S’mores Stroll, bring flashlight and bug spray, 8-9:30 p.m., Recreation Activities Center, 4640 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield, registration required, (248) 451-1900, wbparks.org

ONGOING

Waterford Oaks Wave Pool: Open select dates until Sept. 2, 1702 Scott Lake Road, (248) 858-0918, waterfordoakswaterpark@oakgov.com, oakgov.com

Farmers markets: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays through October, Casey J. Ambrose Public Safety Campus, 1499 E. West Maple Road in Walled Lake, walledlake.us

• 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through end of December, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford, (248) 858-5495, ocmarket@oakgov.com, oakgov.com

Sylvan Lake Garden Club: Monthly meetings, 12:30-2:30 p.m. June 20 and July 18, Sylvan Lake Community Center, 2456 Pontiac Drive, call Tina at (248) 406-4858 or Julie at (248) 941-7801

Game nights: 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sylvan Lake Community Center, 2456 Pontiac Drive, (248) 682-1440, sylvanlake.org/community_center

• 5-6:30 p.m. every first and third Wednesday of month, Commerce Township Community Library, 180 E. Commerce Road, (248) 669-8108, commercetwp.com/library

Free fitness classes for cancer survivors: 10-11 a.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays through end of June, RepEaters CrossFit, 3202 Old Farm Lane in Commerce Township, sign up at karmanos.org/capable

from hotel

BIRMINGHAM — Officers were dispatched to a hotel in the 100 block of Townsend for a reported theft on May 13 at approximately 10:30 p.m.

A witness informed hotel personnel that he had seen a woman with two males take a small brass lion’s head that was affixed to the hotel’s front wall and walk toward a vehicle parked on Henrietta Street. Officers observed the lion’s head in the vehicle’s front passenger seat. Two men returned to the vehicle, and officers stopped them at Henrietta and Merrill. After initially denying knowing the woman or how the lion had ended up in their vehicle, the men admitted that she is a business associate and that she had taken the lion after they all had dinner in Birmingham that evening.

The vehicle’s owner, a 46-year-old from Columbus, Ohio, was charged with concealing stolen property. The woman, a 43-year-old from Bloomfield Hills, said that she had seen the lion’s head on the ground and picked it up. She was charged with larceny.

Expired license plate check results in arrest

BIRMINGHAM — An officer traveling northbound on Woodward noticed expired license plate tabs on a vehicle around 8:30 a.m. May 14.

A check of the vehicle’s registration found a felony warrant for the arrest of its registered owner on two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct. Police arrested the suspect, a 23-year-old South Lyon man, and transferred him into the custody of the Michigan State Police.

Police investigate school bomb threat

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Someone going by the name “Alex” called the West Bloomfield Police Department around 7 a.m. May 20 and said that he had placed a bomb at West Bloomfield High School, according to a press release.

Police were immediately dispatched to the school and began to investigate, the release states.

The preliminary investigation concluded that there was no credible threat.

Detectives researched the phone number the caller used when calling in the bomb threat and learned the number was linked to several similar incidents around the country over the last two months.

Ex-tenant suspected in break-in

ROYAL

a.m.

complainant’s apartment

being evicted.

Urn stolen in family dispute

SOUTHFIELD — After a dispute with another family member, a resident noticed that between 8 p.m. May 20 and 7 a.m. May 21, a relative’s urn was removed from the home on Russell Street.

Boyfriend returns to empty home following eviction

SOUTHFIELD — A man who had moved in with his girlfriend’s family on Lahser Road returned May 22 to the home to find that the residents had been evicted and the family members had taken his TV, clothes, PlayStation 5 and laptop.

Victim loses around $30,000 in pop-up message scam

TROY — On May 15, at 10 a.m., a resident on Round Tree Drive reported she had been using her computer when a pop-up message appeared telling her that the computer was locked and to call the provided phone number for Microsoft Security.

The victim called the number and spoke with an unknown suspect, who told her that the computer had been hacked and that her bank account had been compromised.

The suspect was able to convince the victim to withdraw $24,900 from her credit union and convert the money to bitcoin using a bitcoin machine. The victim was then instructed to go to Nordstrom, purchase $10,000 in gift cards, and provide the numbers on the card to the suspect, which she did.

At that point, the victim realized it was a scam and notified her credit union, but she was informed it was too late to recover the funds.

Inebriated woman apprehended while parked in front of private drive on highway

TROY — While on patrol around 1:57 a.m. May 9, officers observed a 2024 Mazda CX30 with its hazard lights on parked on the right shoulder of Stephenson Highway, near East Maple Road, blocking a private drive.

Upon speaking with the 38-year-old driver from Mexico City, Mexico, officers noted that her eyes were glassy and there was a strong odor of intoxicants emanating from her. Police said she performed poorly on sobriety evaluations. A preliminary breath test showed a result of a 0.225% blood alcohol content.

She was arrested and issued a citation for operating with a blood alcohol content of 0.17% or more.

unregistered weapon, Adderall

TROY — Officers initiated a traffic stop at 12:35 a.m. May 11 near Rochester and Wattles roads for the driver of a 2024 Chevrolet Silverado for multiple traffic violations.

Upon speaking with the driver, a 29-year-old man from Royal Oak, officers noted his eyes were glassy, his speech was slurred, and there was an odor of intoxicants emanating from his person. The driver was asked to perform several sobriety evaluations, and officers noted he performed poorly. He submitted to a preliminary breath test, with a result of a 0.170% blood alcohol content.

During an inventory search of his vehicle, officers located a loaded handgun in a holster and a loaded spare magazine, both underneath the center console. The gun was unregistered, and the driver was found to not have a concealed pistol license.

In lock-up, several pills that were identified as Adderall were located in a plastic bag in the driver’s jacket pocket.

The case was turned over to the Detective Bureau for appropriate warrants.

Wallet stolen at Home Goods

TROY — A victim reports that, on May 5, between 2:30 and 2:50 p.m., an unknown suspect stole her wallet from her purse while she was shopping in the Home Goods store at 624 John R Road.

While shopping, a female approached the victim and asked for advice about purchasing a product. The victim now believes this may have been an attempt to distract her while her wallet was stolen.

Multiple fraudulent charges were subsequently attempted on the victim’s credit cards at various locations at a local mall.

Woman accused of assault at party

FARMINGTON — Around 10 p.m. May 22, a woman went to the police station to report an assault that allegedly took place May 12. The woman told police that a 54-year-old woman had struck her in the back with a log for use in a bonfire at a party.

Officers spoke with the suspect, who denied the allegation. The case was forwarded to the city attorney for review.

Cash snatched from purse

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown person stole $2,700 from the purse of a 71-year-old Madison Heights resident while the purse was in a shopping cart. The incident occurred at a business in the

5:30 p.m. April 27. An investigation was ongoing.

Tractor-trailer taken MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown person stole a tractor-trailer from a business in the 32000 block of John R Road sometime between noon May 18 and 3:30 a.m. May 19. Police were investigating.

Student to be assessed after drawing pictures of guns in school

ROCHESTER HILLS — The school resource officer at Avondale Middle School was made aware of some drawings by a student that concerned school staff at 2:30 p.m. May 1. The school resource officer gathered further information and discovered the drawings were of firearms. The school counselor interviewed the student, a 14-year-old boy from Auburn Hills, while the SRO stood by. The student stated that the firearms he sketched were concepts for video games. The student’s parents were called to the school. The father stated there were no firearms in the home. A check showed no firearms registered to the father. The father advised that his child had an evaluation coming up for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and autism spectrum disorder. The student was sent home for violation of the school code of conduct and was advised that he could not return to school until a threat assessment was completed.

Drone helps find lost man

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies became aware that a man was disoriented/lost and in medical distress at 1:04 a.m. May 3. Live911 indicated the subject was inside Flynn Park and Sanctuary Lake Golf Course in Troy. Troy police were also made aware of the incident. The first deputy to hear the Live911 transmission immediately deployed a drone to search the area for the subject. A heat signature was quickly found. Deputies and officers from the Troy Police Department began to search the wooded area with guidance from the drone operator. Information was also received that the subject’s phone was “pinging” to the same area being checked. The subject was found in a densely wooded area along a fence line, between the golf course and Troy Beaumont Hospital. The subject, a 43-year-old man from Shelby Township, was transported to the hospital for treatment.