6/19/24 Royal Oak Review

Event organizers promising excitement for 2024 festival

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — The nationally recognized festival Arts, Beats & Eats is preparing for the 2024 end-of-summer celebration, and organizers of the event have announced new initiatives and entertainment that they expect will make this year one to remember.

Arts, Beats, & Eats is hosted by Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort and presented by Flagstar Bank.

The four-day event will be returning to downtown Royal Oak on Labor Day weekend from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2.

In 2023, Arts, Beats, & Eats event brought in an estimated 345,000 people to the streets of Royal Oak and generated

FESTIVAL on page 20A

ABOVE: The new Arts, Beats & Eats logo was revealed at a press conference June 12 in Royal Oak. The design pays homage to the original logo from 1998.

Royal Oak’s new interim city manager settles into role

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — The city of Royal Oak welcomed Mark Wollenweber into the position of interim city manager on May 13 at the City Commission meeting after a unanimous vote by the commissioners. Wollenweber has taken the place of previous interim City Manager Todd Fenton, who left Royal Oak for a job in the private sector. “Our interim city manager, Todd Fenton, who has been with the

MANAGER on page 22A

Photo provided by Judy Davids

The Royal Oak City Commission appointed Mark Wollenweber as interim city manager during a meeting May 13.

Photo provided by Judy Davids

The Review 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. We deliver our papers to more than 571,000 homes in 45 communities via direct mail.

Main: (586) 498-8000

Editor: David Wallace dwallace@candgnews.com

News: Taylor Christensen tchristensen@candgnews.com

Mike Koury mkoury@candgnews.com

Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak sports@candgnews.com

Community Calendar: calendar@candgnews.com

Classifieds: (586) 498-8100

Legals & Obits: (586) 498-1099

Artroom: (586) 498-1036

Retail Advertising: Robin May rmay@candgnews.com

Karen Bozimowski kboz@candgnews.com

Automotive Advertising: Louise Millar lmillar@candgnews.com

Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor pkaspor@candgnews.com

candgnews.com

facebook.com/candgnews @candgnews instagram.com/candgnews

SECOND FRONT PAGE

3A/ROYAL OAK REVIEW • JUNE 19, 2024

80th anniversary of D-Day sheds light on true American heroes

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — The 80th anniversary of D-Day brings one of the last anniversaries of the World War II era where surviving veterans will be present for the event.

President of the Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial, John Maten, said that is what makes this particular anniversary different.

Maten and his team at the Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial in Royal Oak hosted a D-Day anniversary event on June 6, commemorating one of the most significant days in history.

“I think the one thing is that this is the last significant anniversary, if you count every five or 10 (years) a significant anniversary, well, this is one where we will actually have DDay veterans alive,” Maten said.

Having veterans who survived these efforts standing with the community, recounting their stories, and honoring those who lost their lives is a unique opportunity that might not last much longer.

“Being the 80th anniversary, it is important because we are losing veterans every day, and to honor them as we can, as they are alive, and continue this on,” Maten said. “It is not just about honoring them as they are alive, but honoring them in perpetuity as things move on.”

The anniversary event ran from noon to 5 p.m, with a special wreath laying ceremony at approximately 12:30 p.m.

Neil Sobeck, grandson of D-Day veteran John Sobeck, spoke at the event. John Sobeck, who passed away in 2016, was also the founder of Detroit’s Original Chicken Shack.

Neil Sobeck tells the stories of heroism that his grandfather, John Sobeck, founder of Chicken Shack, had experienced in World War II during the 80th anniversary of D-Day commemorative event June 6 at the Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial in Royal Oak.

Photos by

Patricia O’Blenes

NEWS & NOTES

Royal Oak High School ranked 74th best high school in Michigan

ROYAL OAK — U.S. News & World Report recently released a ranking of the best high schools in the U.S.

Royal Oak High School has been ranked No. 74 in Michigan in the report, and in the top 40% nationally. It was ranked against nearly 18,000 schools at the national, state and local levels.

Schools are assessed by college readiness; reading, math and science proficiency; reading, math and science performance; underserved student performance; college curriculum breadth; and graduation rates.

“The 2024 Best High Schools rankings highlight schools across the country where students consistently demonstrate academic excellence,” LaMont Jones, managing editor of education at U.S News, said in a press release.

Royal Oak High School is ranked No. 25 among the Detroit metro area high schools, according to usnews.com.

Students and parents can see how Royal Oak High School compares to other institutions at usnews.com.

Clawson plans Fourth of July celebrations

CLAWSON — The Fourth of July is a few weeks away, and for the city of Clawson, there are sure to be many fun activities planned.

Clawson will be hosting a run, a parade, an arts and crafts fair, a carnival, concessions and games, and fireworks on July 4.

Kicking off the day of festivities at 9 a.m. will be the Firecracker Mile Run that begins at Crooks Road and runs straight down 14 Mile Road to the finish line at Main Street. Cash prizes and trophies will be awarded to the top three men and top three women in the race.

Runners’ registration fee is $25 on race day, and registration begins at 7:45 a.m. in the CVS parking lot at the corner of Crooks and 14 Mile roads.

The Fourth of July parade will also kick off at 9 a.m. Following the parade will be an arts and crafts fair from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The arts and crafts fair will be located at Clawson City Park.

The fair will include food and other fun activities such as the Clawson vs. Troy fire department water battle, a hot dog eating contest, and live music from various artists.

From 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m., there will be a carnival with rides, games and concessions. The Clawson fireworks show will begin at 10 p.m. For more information visit clawson4thofjuly.com.

OAKLAND COUNTY BECOMES A PURPLE HEART COUNTY

OAKLAND COUNTY — Oakland County has been designated a Purple Heart County following a unanimous vote by its Board of Commissioners May 22.

Being designated as a Purple Heart County means that Oakland County is being recognized by officials who are honoring men and women who have served and sacrificed for the country.

The Purple Heart is the oldest military medal, awarded in the name of the president and given to service members who have been wounded or killed while serving in the military.

“Designating Oakland County as a Purple Heart County will serve as an acknowledgement of their service and sacrifice and a reminder of the cost of the freedoms that we enjoy,” Garth Wootten, Oakland County Veteran Services division manager, said in a press release.

There are plans in the works to honor this designation through special activities later this year.

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

Royal Oak Pride set for July 26-27

ROYAL OAK — June is Pride Month, and Royal Oak will be celebrating with its own Pride event July 26-27.

The event will include food, music and other entertainment to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

On Friday, July 26, there will be Shakespeare in the Park, a local drag showcase, Ben Sharkey, Bell Bastien and more.

Saturday, July 27, will include more entertainment including Stagecrafters and a special Elton John tribute act, Captain Fantastic Detroit.

There will be two stages hosting events. The main stage will be located at the Farmers Market West Lot and the sound stage will be located at Centennial Commons.

To purchase tickets, visit prideroyaloak.com.

SHAKESPEARE ROYAL OAK TO HOST EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS IN JULY

ROYAL OAK — Shakespeare Royal Oak will present two educational programs directed toward students who wish to learn more about the art of Shakespearian theater.

KidsAct! is a program meant for students in grades 1-8, and SRO Teen Ensemble is designed for grades 9-12.

During the SRO Teen Ensemble program, students will work for two weeks learning about character development, stage combat and sword-fighting techniques, costume designs, and aspects of presenting a Shakespearean play.

The teen program will run July 15-26, and the students registered for the program will be in three public performances at the Starr Jaycee Park stage at 7 p.m. July 28, 29 and 30.

Tuition for SRO Teen Ensemble costs $310 per student and registration is available online at ShakespeareRoyalOak.com/education.

KidsAct! will run from July 29 to Aug. 2. Students will take part in one public performance at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 3.

The six-day program will include the learning of Shakespeare, safe sword-fighting, stage combat and improv skills from local theater professionals.

KidsAct! tuition costs $260 per student and registration is available at ShakespeareRoyalOak.com/education.

My approach, using advanced treatments, personalized care, and a commitment to saving limbs and lives, offers a new horizon for those afflicted with chronic foot wounds. If you or someone you know is navigating the challenges of foot wound care, the opportunity to transform this struggle into a story of healing and hope is within reach. Call me for an appointment today.

Painted rocks encourage hope and love between generations

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — “One kind word can change a life,” was the inspiration behind the colorful rock garden now located at Oak Ridge Elementary School on 13 Mile Road. The garden was created by both Oak Ridge Elementary students and Waltonwood senior residents.

On June 6, the kindness rock garden was unveiled to the community, showcasing 150 colorful rocks with inspirational quotes, designs and illustrations hand-painted on each one.

The collaboration between Oak Ridge Elementary and Waltonwood stemmed from Royal Oak Schools’ strategic plan to get involved with the community.

After visiting a Waltonwood open house event in the winter, Royal Oak Schools Communications Specialist Amy Murphy connected with Waltonwood’s life enrichment manager, Donyel Snead.

Snead suggested the idea of the kindness rock garden as a way to connect Waltonwood and Royal Oak Schools.

“We felt like children could take advantage of kindness rocks

by Patricia O’Blenes Waltonwood resident Frances Darnell and Oak Ridge Elementary School fifth grader and student senate President Isabel Fernandez cut a celebratory ribbon for the school’s kindness rock garden June 6. Darnell taught at Oak Ridge Elementary School for more than 35 years. See ROCKS on page 18A

Photo

SPOTLIGHT ON SENIOR LIVING

GSOME CALLED HIM ‘SCHOOLBOY,’ MOST CALL HIM MR.

EVERYONE KNOWS HIM AS AN ICON RON TEASLEY:

TEASLEY,

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

rowing 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, Teas-

LITTLE TREE SUSHI BAR COMES TO ROCHESTER HILLS!

Long time Royal Oak awarding winning restaurant LITTLE TREE SUSHI BAR has picked up roots and moved to 1890 South Rochester Road in Rochester Hills. Opened in 1998 on Main Street in downtown Royal Oak, LITTLE TREE SUSHI BAR became the rst sushi bar in all of Royal Oak. For over two decades, LITTLE TREE SUSHI BAR has been the mainstay for sushi lovers in southeastern Michigan. With its sushi, along with Japanese, ai and Filipino cuisines, LITTLE TREE SUSHI BAR has proven to be one of the most popular restaurants in Royal Oak. In 2023, the company was restructured and the remaining partners made plans to move the restaurant from Royal Oak to Rochester Hills. LITTLE TREE SUSHI BAR has now opened in the Hamlin-Rochester Retail Center at the corner of Hamlin and Rochester Roads at the north end of the parking lot.

e good news for fans of LITTLE TREE SUSHI BAR is that it still has the same sushi chefs that it has had for over 20

ley 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

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

See TEASLEY on page 7A

assortment of sushi brought the

years. When you walk into the new restaurant, it seems surprisingly familiar with good reason. e ownership took the Royal Oak restaurant apart piece by piece and reconstructed it to t the new venue, along with some added new construction. Everything was then re nished and restored to its original condition. e 3,800 square foot restaurant seats 110 and the dining room includes a spacious cocktail bar and the original sushi bar. e menu o erings have not changed with the widest assortment of sushi brought in from all over the world as well as cooked Japanese, ai and Filipino appetizers and entrees together with Asian noodle dishes.

LITTLE TREE SUSHI BAR is family friendly and, with its extensive menu, has something for everyone. LITTLE TREE SUSHI BAR’s hours of operation are currently Tuesday through Sunday - Lunch 12:00 pm noon to 2:30 pm and reopening for Dinner at 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm and closed on Monday. Happy Hour is 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm daily o ering an assortment of specials on drinks, appetizers and sushi.

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 player

Teasley

page 6A

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 AllStar 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 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.

See TEASLEY on page 9A

Oakview Cemetery groundskeeper retires after 57 years

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — Oakview Cemetery on Main Street is a place of solitude, wildlife and beautiful scenery. Lining the gravel roads of the grounds are trees accompanied by gravestones with the names of those who have been buried there.

The sense of peace brings visitors to the cemetery and keeps them coming back, according to 74-year-old groundskeeper Zygmunt “Ziggy” Koniecki.

Koniecki began working at Oakview in 1967, when he was just 17 years old, and he has been there ever since. This year marked his 57th year working there, and also his retirement. He retired June 10.

“I started on April 1 (1967),” he said. “So I was skipping school, and then I found this job. I started here part time, and then I went full time.”

The job has been a mix of ups and downs, according to Koniecki, but what kept him around this long was the friendships he made along the way.

“Sometimes it was bad days and sometimes it was good days. And the good days were the days when we had a lot of fun here,” he said.

For many, thinking about working at a cemetery might seem rather depressing, but Koniecki said that his experience was never too upsetting.

Working with families who lost a loved one was certainly hard, but he said he was grateful to have been there to help put the deceased to rest.

“It’s very sad, and then after all of that they leave and we take care of the graves and everything,” he said. “Then it’s like an everyday thing and, you know, you let it go and go on with life again.”

Koniecki has made his mark on the grounds, saying that he had

See RETIRE on page 22A

Zygmunt “Ziggy”

last official day was June 10.

FINANCIAL CHAMPION

Around The Corner

Photo by Taylor Christensen

Koniecki stands in front of his groundskeeper truck at Oakview Cemetery, where he worked for 57 years. Koniecki’s

Teasley

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 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 Pennsylvania-Ontario-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 Teasley 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.

Photo provided by the Teasley family

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

CONGRATULATIONS

Royal Oak High School and Churchill Community High School

CLASS OF 2024

Royal Oak High School Class of 2024

Top Ten

Graduating

Seniors

NATALIE FORSYTH

GPA: 4.513

Summa Cum Laude

· National Honor Society

· IB Diploma Programme Diploma Candidate

· Academic Excellence in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies

· Mathematics, Science, Social Studies Departmental Awards

· University of Michigan Regents Merit Scholarship

· National Merit Scholarship

· ROFC Scholarship

College Plans: University of Michigan: Aerospace Engineering

RAQUEL KRANIAK

GPA: 4.489

Summa Cum Laude

Senior Class Treasurer

· National Honor Society

· IB Diploma Programme Diploma Candidate

· Academic Excellence in English Language Arts, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies

· Mathematics, Social Studies Departmental Awards

· University of Michigan Regents Merit Scholarship

· T.J. Page Memorial Scholarship

College Plans: University of Michigan: Architecture

ANNA SCHROEDER

GPA: 4.442

Summa Cum Laude

· IB Diploma Programme Diploma Candidate

· Academic Excellence in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies

· Mathematics, Science, Social Studies Departmental Awards

· Chuck Jones Athletic Award

College Plans:

University of Michigan: Math/Environmental Science

BRANDON COMER

GPA: 4.468

Summa Cum Laude

· National Honor Society

· Academic Excellence in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science

· Mathematics, Science Departmental Awards

· National Merit Scholarship Program

SARAH BARNETT

GPA: 4.413 Summa Cum Laude

· Student Council President

· National Honor Society

· IB Diploma Programme Diploma Candidate

· Academic Excellence in English Language Arts, Science

· Mathematics, Science, Social Studies Departmental Awards

· Margaret Brom Scholarship

· Michigan ELKS Scholarship

· Michigan State Premier Soccer Program Scholarship

· PR Foundation William Tigertt Scholarship

· Royal Oak Rotary Scholarship

· Realtor Fund Scholarship

College Plans:

University of Michigan: Film, Television & Media

LILLIANA HELINE

GPA: 4.381

Summa Cum Laude

· National Honor Society

· IB Diploma Programme Diploma Candidate

· Academic Excellence in English Language Arts, Foreign Language, Mathematics

· Mathematics, Science Departmental Awards

· Outstanding leadership, Service and Contributions to Acorn Newsmagazine

· Royal Oak Coaches Award

· Tulane Honors Scholarship

· Relentless Raven Scholarship

College Plans:

Tulane University: Public Health on Pre-Med Track Honors Program

REBECCA

CZARNIK

GPA: 4.367

Summa Cum Laude

· National Honor Society

· IB Diploma Programme Diploma Candidate

· Academic Excellence in English Language Arts, Foreign Language, Mathematics, Social Studies

· Mathematics, Social Studies Departmental Awards

· The Helen V. Gay Scholarship

· Michigan Achievement Scholarship

· Jordan & Ashley Siegel Scholarship

College Plans:

University of Michigan: Biomedical Engineering

SERRAIOCCO

GPA: 4.364

Summa Cum Laude

· IB Diploma Programme Diploma Candidate

· Academic Excellence in Foreign Language, Mathematics, Science

· Social Studies Departmental Award

· James C. Covert Athletic Award

EMILY CHAFETZ

GPA: 4.349

Summa Cum Laude

· National Honor Society

· Academic Excellence in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies

· Mathematics, Social Studies Departmental Awards

· MSBOA Scholar Musician Award

· University of Michigan Regents Merit Scholarship

College Plans: University of Michigan: Mathematical Science

· IB Diploma Programme Diploma Candidate

· Academic Excellence in Foreign Language

· Science Departmental Award

· Wayne State University Warrior Scholarship

· Michigan Achievement Scholarship— Part 1 and Part 2

· Wayne State University Honors Dean’s Award

Top Grads

Summa Cum Laude

3.95-4+

Tessa Abrutyn

Antonio Acevedo

Natalie Aubuchon

Lena Baqir

Sarah Barnett

Catherine Beaulieu

Haley Berry

Matthew Bigley

Estela Blanton

Evelyn Bossenberger

Grady Bowman

Ava Buccafurri

Adora Calagias

Emily Chafetz

Lucie Coburn

Brandon Comer

Rebecca Czarnik

Delaney Dalziel

Allison DeMare

Josephine Devine

Mac Dingeldey

Ava Doty

Connor Elliott

Ava Emery

Alana Fleming

Annabel Flora

Natalie Forsyth

Olivia Fox

Jacob Garcia

Katharine Gooch

Lauryn Guns

Megan Haun

Lilliana Heline

Michael Herman

Chloe Jarrett

Maxine Kaley

Avery Keogh

Grace Kern

Samuel Klonke

Raquel Kraniak

Jordan Labarge

Sophia Lavallee

Miles Lehman

Riley Maizy

Katrina Malinich

Matthew Matola

Sophie Matthews

Brooke Maurer

Jonathan McNett

Aidan Morris

Ava Motz

Naomi Mowers

Charlotte Murray

Natalie Nixon

Ava Paananen

Daniel Panis

Xavier Prokurat

Connor Pullen

Ethan Robine

Kira Russell

Danica Schmitt

Alyssa Schneider

Cody Schneider

Anna Schroeder

Antonio Serraiocco

Jacob Shao

Audrey Stocker

Esther Toy

Kiera Tracy

Lucy Truesdell

Anna Twork

Anna Vasicek

Charlotte Vos

Emmy Walden

Annabelle Waterstredt

Audrey Wehner

Cameron Weiss

Jack Winterburn

Katherine Wischman

Giselle Wrona-Green

Zirou Xie

Naomi Zadorsky

Magna Cum Laude

3.85-3.94

Grace Almas

Cecilia Carcamo

Kiersten Ciccone

Rilan Cope

Shawn Davis

Colton DeShais

Benjamin Fairless

Abbigail Freeman

Jasmine Gittinger

Andrew Gotta

Ava Grongstad

Oliver Harris

Cecilia Irwin

Isabell Kuka

Kaylie McLemore

Zavier Rosario

Alyssa Rose

Cierra Selden

Edward Skaleski

Leah Sobick

Owen Soper

Logan Vinluan

Finn Wheatley

Melissa White

Maxwell Willey

Anna Young

Cum Laude

3.75-3.84

Chisanusorn Brett

Leia Dressler

Mackenzie Gardner

Nicholas Genette

Scarlett Girgenti

Evan Glasson

Robert Godau

Carter Harris

Mairead Lynch

Ahmeyah Martin

Molly McConnell

Jacob Mihelic

Brooke Misiewicz

Delaney O’Shea

Robert Ring

Jack Schultz

Madeleyn Seckel

Braxton Sipes

Hannah Spring

Graduated with Distinction

Marcos Altuve Mejia

Adrian Aubin

Emilee Austin

Caitlyn Barden

Drew Bates

Sean Birnbaum

Alexia Boji

Ava Burke

Parker Cavell

Matteo Coletta

Riley Danaher

Ryan Dubensky

Brie Emery

Annie Findlay

Kayla Garner

Ellamae Hague

Lauren Hipp

Jessilyn Hughes

Nia Johnson

Bedulla Karanfli

Rylee Koch

Luscia Kuban

Ryan Lassner

Royal Oak High School Class of 2024 Graduates’ Achievements

Tarian Miller

Helaina Milosevic

Jack Novak

Amanda Orlando

Ava Schwartz

Jacob Seay

Maya Semik

Elliott Shea

Aidan Shellnut

Emma Smith

Elijah Solnikowski

Jack Strand

Allyson Twiss

Jack Waldrop

Markus Werner

Madalyn Wisner

Taylor Wolf

Mia Yerke

Sofe Zadorsky

International Academy Graduates

Darrin Quang Du (Northwood, ROMS)

Phoebe McGillis (Northwood, ROMS)

Nicholas Wasniewski (Addams, ROMS)

Royal Oak High School Class of 2024

Tessa Ruth Abrutyn

Antonio Acevedo

Verukah Grace Ali-Arendt

Grace Elizabeth Almas

Marcos Altuve Mejia

Averi Danae Anderson

Teagan Audrey Anderson

Cortez Allen Anthony II

Anthony James Antonino Jr.

Jordyn Armour

Ethan Hunter Arnold

Adrian Joseph Aubin

Natalie Ann Aubuchon

Emilee Rose Austin

Lena H. Baqir

Caitlyn Barden

Sarah Elizabeth Barnett

Morgan Taylor Barteld

Calvert Jules Bates

Drew Charles Bates

Catherine Beaulieu

Nathan Benton

Haley Renae Berry

Matthew Alexander Bigley

Veronica Loreen Birmingham

Sean Robert Birnbaum

Estela Vivian Blanton

Ethan Joseph Boeck

Alexia Boji

Evelyn Karen Bossenberger

Lucian Sirius Bowen

Grady Anthony Bowman

Chisanusorn Matthew

Thaidee Brett

Ian Michael Browning

Noelani Arianna Bryan

Ciara McKenna Bryant

Ava Scarlett Buccafurri

Ava Charlotte Burke

Devin James Burton

Braylon Vaughn Bushey

Alan Edgardo Caballero

Adora Calagias

Cecilia Rose Carcamo

Russell Wayne Carlson

Nathan Robert Casanta

Parker Charles Cavell

Emily Hope Xiangni Chafetz

Roslyn LillieAnn

Monet Chandler

Kiersten Jessica Ciccone

Camden Elijah Clark

Lucie Nevart Coburn

Matteo Adrian Coletta

Brenden Collinash

Brandon Phillip Comer

Maia Lecaryl Conway

Tamia Deborah Conway

Rilan Cope

Robin J. Cronkite

Jocelin Grace Cross

Rebecca Carolyn Czarnik

Delaney Doyle Dalziel

Riley Danaher

Shawn Donald Davis

Grace Elisabeth Deleon

Van Satchel Grayson Dellinger

Allison Kristine DeMare

Colton Cruz DeShais

Josephine Elizabeth Devine

Sloane Reid Dicriscio

Mac Marie-Bergt Dingeldey

Ava Marie Victoria Doty

Andrew David Drawbaugh

Vincent Adler Dreher

Leia Irene Dressler

Ryan Rose Dubensky

Logan Zachary Eland

Connor Michael Elliott

Breanna Michelle Ellison

Ava Gail Emery

Brie Mykelle Emery

Victoria Rose Emery

Kennedy Elizabeth Engel

Benjamin Bernd Fairless

Emma Isabella Fields

Annie Eloise Everett Findlay

Alana Fleming

Annabel Marie Flora

Natalie James Forsyth

Cami Catherine Forsythe

Olivia Leigh Fox

Aiden Frazho

Abbigail Marie Freeman

Lucy Louise Fresch

Blake Galbraith

Anthony Christopher Garcia Jr.

Jacob Antonio Garcia

Mackenzie Gardner

Kayla Annette Garner

Zoe Grace Gartner

Audrey Gearheart

Michael James Geletka

Nicholas Matthew Genette

Meaghan Elizabeth Gilliam II

Scarlett Elise Girgenti

Jasmine Kara Gittinger

Evan Glasson

Robert C. Godau

Zander Abdullah Goecke

Katharine Fournier Gooch

Andrew Michael Goodman

Kennedy Goodner

Andrew Don Gotta

Andrew Robert Graboske

Charlotte Graves

Jack Grippo

Ava Luzhou Caussyn Grongstad

Cynthia Aster Guest

Lauryn Chapman Guns

Mason Hack

Ellamae Dale Hague

Austin Hajredini

Matthew Irwin Haney

Carter Harris

Oliver Blake Harris

Megan Olivia Haun

Owen Webster Hayes

Megan Marie Hearl

Keagan James Heckman

Lilliana Elaine Heline

Michael Patrick Herman

Jesse Michael Hill

Lauren Janelle Hipp

Aidan Holmgren

Xuxia Lee Hopkins

Jessilyn Hughes

Jasmine Lynn Hunt

Cecilia Lynn Irwin

Chloe Isabella Jarrett

Angela Johnson

Dreco-ki Jerman Johnson

Isabelle Genevieve Johnson

Nia Nikole Johnson

Noah Thomas Johnson

Ryan Richard Johnson

Steven LeRoy Johnson

Marshall Raymond Jones

Braedon Joyce

Maxine Bannan Kaley

Zachary Evan Kanfer

Sidney Elizabeth Kapelanski

Bedulla Karanfli

Tair Karanfli

Avery Paige Keogh

Grace Kern

Samuel Klonke

Nathan Klopfenstein

Rylee Madison Koch

Jenevieve Rose Marie Kostecke

Raquel Catherine Kraniak

Carter Mark Krugman

Luscia Poppy Kuban

Isabell Hesper Kuka

Jordan Lucy LaBarge

Brayson Thomas Lamb

Ryan Scott Lassner

Sophia Rose Lavallee

Sean Patrick Leahy

Miles Christopher Lehman

Sophie Julia Lewinski

Luke Raymond Liszak

Allison Rose Locke

Owen Joseph Louwers

Anna Lynnette Lovelace

Mairead Rose Lynch

Riley Marie Maizy

Igli Maleveci

Katrina Malinich

Christian James Mansfeld

Madisen Shaye Marinetti

Ahmeyah Martin

Matthew Calder Matola

Sophie Constance Matthews

Katherine Olivia Mauger

Brooke Marie Maurer

Molly Jane McConnell

Charlotte Sylvia McDonald

Griffn Roger McGee

Emma McGowan

Lucas Michael McInerney

Silas McKellar

Kaylie Michelle McLemore

Rachel Lynne McNaughton

Jonathan Robert McNett

Rute Mekhaskhen

Melissa Rose Menzo

Alena Maria Michael

Jacob Thomas Mihelic

Tarian Miller

Helaina Victoria Milosevic

Alicia Maria Miranda

Brooke Misiewicz

Matthew Moore

Lyrica Ava Morgan-Hang

Aidan Stanley John Morris

Ava Jordan Motz

Naomi Josephine Mowers

Alexander Charles Muller

Charlotte Noelle Murray

Aidan Robert Muxlow

Casey John Nelson

Natalie Eleise Nixon

Jonathan Logan Nolen

Jack Hudson Novak

Delaney Siobhan O’Shea

Amanda Marie Orlando

Sinead Maureen Oster

Ava Donna Paananen

Daniel Joakim Panis

Liam Michael Pattison

Jack M. Perez

Leila Peters

Julian Maxim Pickering

Aidan Lynn Pounders

Xavier Takahiro Prokurat

Nicholas Eric Prost

Griffn Przybylo

Connor Pullen

Sebastian Ramirez

James Frederick Randall

Justin Thomas Richardson

Robert Charles Ring

Ethan Oliver Robine

Ethan Jacob John Rollert

Zavier Rosario

Alyssa Layla Rose

Kira Luella Russell

Jacob Allen Sandzik

Giselle Gillian Sarra

Leonello Joseph Savona

Lucas Michael Scharf

Danica Lynn Schmitt

Alyssa Elizabeth Schneider

Cody Michael Schneider

Anna Bayne Schroeder

Jack Martin Schultz

Ava Elizabeth Schwartz

Jacob Joseph Seay

Madeleyn Jo Seckel

Cierra Eve Selden

Maya Rose Semik

Antonio Rafael Serraiocco

Jacob Shao

Elliott Shea

Aidan Paul Shellnut

Noah Devin Shinn

Dyllan Sifuentes

Braxton Sipes

Edward William Skaleski

Emma Christine Smith

Leah Margaret Sobick

Elijah Solnikowski

Owen Richard Soper

Daniel Spranger

Hannah Spring

Jacob Joseph Stanton

Justin Stewart

Audrey Kaye Stocker

Connor Stoyanof

Jack Everitt Strand

Ava Suiter

Steven Sulaiman

Daniel Benjamin Sullivan

Leah Shea Terry

Aiden E. Tesch

Ashley Thomas

Nathan Alex Till

Chloe Isabella Perez Torres

Esther Katherine Toy

Kiera Kelly Tracy

Lucy Kay Truesdell

2024 Churchill

Community High School

Jagger Acosta

Emily Almas

David Blanchard

Gavin Caldwell

Tiffany Carrillo

Austin Collick

Landen Cutler

Drake Dixon

Alex Djuric

Joseph Flomo

Shayna Girard

Ryan Gladysz

Connor Gleason-Allor

Timothy Gomes

Cameron Gorncy

Ava’Maria Haeusler

Cheer Hall

Gwyn Hames

Grace Hearl

Moses Herrick

Landon Hilson

Avery Hogue

Sabastian Hormez

Sa’Mya Howze

Charles Jones

Tori Kramer

A.J. Landry

Logan Leicht

Frankie Locker

Leigh Locks

Mia Lucido

Sage McDade

Cynthia McKinney

Kayden Middleton

Sommer Morton

Mia Plancarte

Ava Regan

Owen Richards

Joshua Robinson-Nevels

Allyson Madeline Twiss

Anna Judith Eileen Twork

Nathaniel Tyler

Anna Elizabeth Vasicek

Olivia Rochelle Villa

Logan Serra Vinluan

Peyton Lee Vorhoff

Charlotte Nicole Vos

Bryanna Lilly Voss

Emmy Gray Walden

Jack Waldrop

Maddie Sheridan

Valin Szymkowski

Daniel Vanamberg

Gerson Vasquez-Ramirez

Abbigail Young

Churchill Adult Education

Elias Alcala

Angel Conner

Rashoka Gaines

Nichole Guyton

Tiana Hart

Bonnie Haywood

Brianna Hockenberger

Carol Huston

Minnyatta Jackson

Geneina Kuykendall

Michael Mo

Amanda Narbut

Menyelle Peterson

Jerome Poole

Yvette Sanders

LaShell Thornton

Paul Trawinski

Dayvid Yokhanis

Churchill High School Equivalency

Michael Apone

Collin Bakka

Glenn Bush

Daniel Cajas

Schneur Davidson

Ryan Germaine

David Nrecaj

Shterna Shepherd

Celeste Tucker

Alexandra Walerski

Christopher Robert Walters

Annabelle Lee Waterstredt

Ryann Michelle Webster

Audrey Susan Wehner

Cameron Carlesso Weiss

Markus Allen Werner

Finn Michael Wheatley

Melissa Ann White

Jayanna Renee White

Lucas Edward Whiting

Maxwell Willey

Nathaniel Xavier Willms

Lucas Wilner

Kyla Wilson

Jack Henry Winterburn

Katherine Rae Wischman

Madalyn Suzanne Wisner

Sophia Elise Wodwaski

Taylor Wolf

Aleksey Wooddell

Giselle Wrona-Green

Jordan Xavier Wynn

Zirou Xie

Mia Ryan Yerke

Anna Katherine Young

Malai M. Young

Naomi Ava Zadorsky

Sofe Antoinette Zadorsky

Dante Michael Zaffarano

Maria Zakharova

Ethan Daniel Zalewski

BEHIND THE WHEEL

‘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.

See CARS on page 17A

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

from page 16A

“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.

Admission: 3 canned goods/per person (Gleaner’s) OR $3/per person OR $10 per Family (Free under 12) ST. NICHOLAS GREEK ORTHODOX CHURCH 760 W. Wattles Rd • Troy, MI • More info: opafest.org opafesttroy Opa! Fest

SundayServiceTimes:8:45amOrthos,10amDivineLiturgy

Rocks

the most with everything going on in the world,” Snead said. “Kind words would help a child, and we have our seniors here that could put a lot of life experiences onto a rock and try to help them to remember that they are worth it.”

Coincidentally enough, fourth and fifth grade students at Oak Ridge hand-painted rocks around a year ago with the inspiration coming from the fourth and fifth grade student senate.

Student senate is a group of fourth and fifth grade students who are tasked with decision-making and representing their classes. It is a group led by teachers Mary Kosnik and Ali Bodle.

The already-painted rocks finalized the decision by Murphy to have the collaboration be between Waltonwood and Oak Ridge Elementary.

Arlene Sherman, a resident at Waltonwood, has been one of the most dedicated rock painters among the seniors and wanted to spread the message of hope to the students.

“We wanted to let the kids know that as seniors we care, and that we support them,” Sherman said. “We wanted to give them messages through art and take the time to make something that we thought they could look at and appreciate.”

Sherman said a lot of the rocks created by the seniors reference smiling and laughing to show the students that everything will be OK and to stay positive.

Creating inspirational rocks for the children is a particularly emotional endeavor for Sherman, who cares deeply about the growth of society through the younger generation.

“I want them to know that we care and that we can relate to them, and that we understand their problems and what they might be going through,” Sherman said. “We are

trying to put it in words to be strong and let them know that we are here and we support them, and that they are the future.”

Snead said that connecting with younger people is very important to the residents of Waltonwood, who are anywhere from 80 to 100 years old and have gone through a lifetime of experiences.

“It is always good to connect the older generation and the younger generation. They (residents) have been through a lot,

THURSDAY 6/20 FRIDAY 6/21

SATURDAY 6/22

SUNDAY 6/23

and there is really nothing new under the sun,” Snead said. “They can relate and try to help the younger generation through those feelings and through those experiences.”

Murphy said that collaborating with Waltonwood is a great way to enhance the experiences of the students, and it gives them an opportunity to learn a new perspective.

Kosnik said that this initiative emphasizes the importance of being kind, a topic that is widely taught throughout the school.

“One of our favorite things is in a world where you can be anything, be kind,” she said. “Sometimes all of us have moments where we need a kind word, and that rock garden can be a place for them to seek that.”

The rock garden is open for anybody to view and enjoy. Murphy said that members of the community are encouraged to visit or leave a painted rock on the pile.

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

THURSDAY 6/27

SATURDAY 6/29 FRIDAY 6/28

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

The student senate members pose with the kindness rock garden at its unveiling June 6. The students worked with Waltonwood residents to create rocks to inspire kindness in one another.

Teasley

from page 9A

Iola Sobeck, John Sobeck’s widow, and Linda Alvira, the daughter of D-Day veteran Clifford Alvira, a Royal Oak resident who passed away April 24 at age 99, laid the wreath together to honor those who took part in the D-Day operation.

Neil Sobeck said that his grandfather served in World War II from 1943 to 1946, piloting landing boats on the Normandy beach, and he served as a machinist in the Navy.

“Many soldiers paid the ultimate sacrifice while fighting for freedom. We owe an immeasurable amount of debt and gratitude to all World War II veterans for their bravery and sacrifice,” Sobeck said. “They faced unimaginable horrors and yet their commitment to the duty and country never waivered.”

Attending the event were multiple veterans, whether they were in World War II or younger. Some attendees were family members of veterans wishing to honor their family members’ memory on this day.

Norbert Kaczmarek, 97, a resident of Livonia, served in World War II in the 84th Infantry Division, nicknamed the Railsplitters.

The Railsplitter Division landed on Oma-

from page 3A See D-DAY on page 21A

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, Teasley 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.

Festival

from page 1A

more than $386,000 that was donated to local charities. Since the event began in 1998, the festival has raised more than $7 million.

At a press conference June 12, Executive Director of Marketing at Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort Raul Venegas unveiled the new logo for the event. Designer Kelsey Mendez created the logo.

The logo pays homage to the original 1998 poster with a guitar, fork and paintbrush image to represent all three aspects of the festival.

“The new Arts, Beats & Eats logo is a perfect illustration of what is the core of the Arts, Beats & Eats experience,” Venegas said.

Along with the new logo, a commemorative poster was revealed, created by professional artist Julie Roth, who was a “best in show” recipient at the 2023 Arts, Beats & Eats juried fine arts show.

This year, the Detroit Institute of Arts said it will be adding inclusive and cultural music acts to the kids’ stage that will “captivate and educate young minds,” according to a press release.

“We are going to deliver more engaging entertainment in programming that families across this region can enjoy and immerse themselves in,” said Julie McFarland, executive director of public affairs and community engagement at the DIA. “The kids stage will feature over 50 performances across the festival.”

House of Dank will be returning for its second year after making national headlines last year by being the first cannabis company to participate in an event like Arts, Beats & Eats.

In 2023, the House of Dank had its own area where people could buy and consume cannabis at the event.

“They had a lot of eyes on them last year for what they were going to deliver and how it was going to be done,” Jon Witz, event producer, said. “And they overdelivered and also brought us one of the most creative activations we have ever had.”

Mike DiLaura, chief corporate operations and general counsel at House of Dank, said that the company has planned more game-changing experiences for the 2024 event.

“We have Dank Land, we have Dank Way, two of our amazing activations,” DiLaura said. “Inside of our Dank Way this year we are going to be scheduling some special celebrity smoke sessions.”

DiLaura announced HOD’s collaboration with Baker College, which has recently begun a cannabis program dedicated to teaching students about professions in the cannabis industry.

“There are all sorts of jobs up and down

this industry,” DiLaura said. “Baker College is on the forefront of this. This year they are announcing their certificate program, where they have started teaching cannabis-specific classes.”

With the continued collaboration between Kroger and Pensole Lewis College of Business and Design, the festival will have three PLC students, Torrence Jackson, Micah Shumake and Joe Cazeno III, creating a mural during the event.

This year marks the 11th Family Days event, which occurs on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, where hundreds of children and young adults who have autism spectrum disorder receive a one-day pass to enjoy the festival at no cost.

Family Days is presented by Corewell Health, an official sponsor of Arts, Beats & Eats, in collaboration with the Judson Center and the Ted Lindsay Foundation Hope Center.

“Royal Oak is this incredible backdrop to host 300,000 people in a safe and secure way,” Oakland County Commissioner Dave Woodward said. “I mean, this is an internationally recognized event that is truly remarkable.”

The 2024 Arts, Beats & Eats festival will be open 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Friday, Aug. 30 through Sunday, Sept. 1; and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 2. For more information, including about tickets, visit artsbeatseats.com.

Photo by Taylor Christensen Arts, Beats, and Eats organizers and partners stand together following the press conference outlining all the new entertainment to come for the 2024 festival. Pictured from left are Kristin Shaoni, Dave Woodward, Kelley Suggs, Jon Witz, Julie McFarland, Kristin Cavender, Mike DiLaura, Raul Venegas, Monica Hunt and Cam Barrett.

D-Day

from page 19A

ha Beach in Normandy five months after DDay in early November of 1944, according to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s encyclopedia available at encyclopedia.ushmm.org.

“I was glad to be able to help in that tremendous conflict,” Kaczmarek said. “Never in the history of any war has there been that many deaths.”

Eight years ago, Kaczmarek’s family bought him a brick with his name on it to be put at the Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial, and he finally got to see it for himself during the D-Day event.

“It shows an acceptance of life, the fact that I was able to participate in that conflict with the result being positive,” he said.

Kaczmarek said that growing up, his parents were both Polish immigrants who had come to America in 1902. Their hard work and dedication similarly influenced him, pushing him forward through his war efforts.

Being a father, grandfather and great grandfather has proved to him the difference between the ideas of life and happiness young people had during the World War II era versus now.

“My heart goes out to all of these young people with the wrong ideas they have about life,” he said. His advice would be this: “Love your fellow man, and be very careful of the people you choose to admire. I think sometimes they are a detriment to what a positive life looks like.”

The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial is not fully completed, and the organization is currently raising money to complete the memorial as designed.

For more information on events, or how to donate, visit michiganww2memorial.org.

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

TOP LEFT: Livonia resident Norbert Kaczmarek, 97, a World War II veteran who served in the 84th Infantry Division, nicknamed the Railsplitters, attends the 80th anniversary of D-Day ceremony at the Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial in Royal Oak June 6.

ABOVE: Art Fishman, 97, of Oak Park, speaks to the audience of his gratitude for the support shown at the event. Fishman is a World War II veteran who served in the Navy from 1944 to 1946.

LEFT: Mark Hechler, 98, of Southfield, a World War II veteran who served in the 12th Armored Division from 1944 to 1946, takes in the celebration.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

CRIME WATCH

Earrings and spoons stolen

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 4:30 and 4:40 p.m. June 1, a known customer stole a set of earrings and metal spoons from Rail & Anchor on South Washington Avenue.

Manager

city for 10 years, did an amazing job helping even in the worst of times in Royal Oak,” Mayor Mike Fournier said.

Wollenweber is a veteran in the city manager role, managing various small communities after his 15 years as the city manager in St Clair Shores.

The city of Royal Oak intrigued Wollenweber, as he said he looks forward to working with the downtown environment.

“The scale of things here is, of course, different,” he said. “The fact that there is a gorgeous downtown and new buildings here, as well as in the community, you know, makes it desirable for people to move here or to stay here and support the downtown businesses and things like that.”

Wollenweber was influenced to take this position by City Commissioner Sharlan Douglas, who contacted him when he was about to board a cruise ship to Barcelona, Spain.

“It is kind of funny, but we were leaving our hotel in Miami to go on an across-theAtlantic cruise to Barcelona,” he said. “Com-

Food stolen from 7-Eleven

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 2:22 a.m. June 6, two unknown people stole candy bars and drinks from a 7-Eleven on South Crooks Road.

Vaping products stolen

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 1:16 p.m. June 5, an unknown

missioner Douglas contacted me and asked if I would be interested. Phone calls from the mid-Atlantic on board a ship were definitely interesting.”

Since beginning the position last month, Wollenweber said he has been impressed with the City Commission.

“The commission certainly listens, and the mayor runs a good meeting, and listens to what residents have to say in their time frame for public participation,” he said. “Then they go ahead and make a decision that they believe is in the best interest of the city overall.”

Wollenweber said that as the interim city manager, he has the ability to fill different positions that are vacant in the city government, which he thinks has been going well so far.

“The staff that we have, I have been impressed by them, and we have been trying to fill some holes that there are in the staff,” he said. “We got a couple of those accomplished, and it looks like we will continue to fill the holes that we have.”

Continuing forward, Wollenweber said he is going to focus on the current goals set in place by the City Commission and help to push the community forward during his time as interim city manager.

the graves of those who have passed. Those who visit will most likely catch sight of a runner, biker or walker at nearly all times of the day.

person stole multiple vaping products from Royal Liquor on East Eleven Mile Road.

Liquor stolen

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 11:50 a.m. and 12 p.m. on June 2, an unknown person stole a case of whiskey from Holiday Market on South Main Street.

Commissioner Monica Hunt said she felt that Wollenweber would be a great fit in Royal Oak after meeting with him before the May 13 meeting.

“He is more than capable of stepping into Todd’s big shoes to fill,” Hunt said. “I am very confident that he will be able to hit the ground running and keep Royal Oak moving in the direction that it is currently moving.”

The employment agreement with Wollenweber as the interim city manager states that he will be receiving a salary of $165,000 annually, payable in biweekly installments.

Wollenweber’s term as interim city manager will last until the Board of Commissioners appoints someone as the permanent city manager.

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

many friends who worked at Oakview over the years. He has even found friends in the people who frequent Oakview for walks or to visit a loved one.

Chris Kriss, a Royal Oak resident, has been visiting the cemetery for approximately four years. She utilizes the grounds to train for her backcountry backpacking adventures. Kriss often walks 8 to 10 miles at a time on and around the grounds of Oakview. She stumbled across Koniecki one day in 2020, when he told her she was not allowed to walk along a fence near the woods.

What is special about Oakview is the amount of life that can be seen surrounding

“It is like Ziggy said, it is very, very peaceful. There is so much wildlife” Kriss said. “And if you just start talking to people, soon you learn about their life, and then you have their phone number, and pretty soon you are checking in on them to see what you can do to help.”

Koniecki plans to enjoy his retirement to the fullest by traveling to places like Tahquamenon Falls, and by visiting his old Army base in Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Koniecki is also excited to take a trip to his wife’s home country, South Korea.

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

Clothing, tools stolen from unlocked garage

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 11 p.m. May 26 and 6 a.m. May 27, an unknown person entered his unlocked garage and stole clothing and tools near South Main Street and Kenilworth Avenue. — Taylor Christensen

Cozy,PrivateGuest-

Kitchenettew/Essentials, FurnishedBedroom, Bathroom,Patio,Private Entrance,FreeParking onPremisesandWi-Fi. *NoPets/PartiesPlease* Call/Text 313-461-8485

Garage/Yard Sale WARREN, 28754Newport 12-MileBetween Hoover/Schoenherr. June20th-22nd,9-6pm, Clothes/Furniture, GreatBuys! Miscellaneous For

SAFE Step.NorthAmerica's#1Walk-InTub. Comprehensivelifetime warranty.Top-of-the-line installationandservice. NowfeaturingourFREE showerpackageand $1600Offforalimited time!Calltoday!Financingavailable.CallSafe Step1-855-861-4501 WHEN veterinarycareis unavailableorunaffordable,askforHappyJack® animalhealthcarefor cats,dogs,&horses.At TractorSupply® (www.happyjackinc.com)

Electrical

586-755-3636

POBLETECEMENT BrickPavers,LLC. •Driveways•Patios •Porches•Steps •Stamp•Color •Exposed•Floors•Walks •Licensed/Insured 30+years!Troy,MI 248-743-1220 248-496-4964(Cell)

ROZECEMENTLLC 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

Drywall

LAKESHORE DRYWALL MasterFinisher SmallandLarge Repairs SmallHangJobs AnySizeFinishJobs DonePerfectly Shon- 586-801-6190

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

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

ELECTRICAL AirConditioning Licensed/Insured SeniorDiscounts SameDayService Remodeling/Repairs 35YearsExperience ALPINEELECTRICAL Call248-219-2486 License#7107731

PREPARE forpower outagestodaywithaGeneracHomeStandbyGenerator.Actnowtoreceive aFREE7-Yearwarranty withqualifyingpurchase. Call1-855-773-8191 todaytoscheduleafree quote.Itʼsnotjustagenerator.It sapowermove.

Gutters

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

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

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

GUTTERS &WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOMMICOLI 313-656-9402 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

HANDYMAN Extraordinaire! Doesalljobs,anysize, whenyourhome needsabestfriend. Licensed&insured. CallGeorge 248-515-5158 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

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

Heating & Cooling AFFORDABLE

586-552-5416 mrbacksplash.com

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

Lawn Maintenance

SUPREMEOUTDOOR SPECIALISTS Lawncare,Landscaping, Pavers,Walls,Shrub/Tree Trimming/Removal, Mulching,Power-washing, CementWork,Sprinklers. 35YearsExperience FreeEstimates 586-727-3924 supremeoutdoor@ gmail.com

Painting 586-792-3117

PETE'SPAINTING SPRINGSPECIALS! 20%OFF Specializing inVacantHomes, GreatRooms&Decks, Interior/Exterior, Residential/Commercial. SeniorDiscount, Free-Estimates,Insured.

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) (586)229-4267 American Painting •Residential/Commercial •Interior/25YearsExp. •PowerWashing •Insurance•Drywall •PlasterRepair •Clean-outs •HomeRepairs •SeniorDiscounts •Guaranteed-Work.

PEAKPAINTING Custom-Painting,

JUNE 21-23

Roofing

PREFERRED BROTHERSROOFING •FullTear-off•Recover •ShingleRepair •Leak's•AllRepair •Flat-Roof•TourchDown •SeamlessGutters& GutterGuards Senior/Military-Discount Upto20%Off 586-944-8898

248-371-8628

DANZ'SROOFING CertainTeed,IKO, Tamko,GAF,Timberline, WeUseAllMajorBrands RoofingRepairs&Leaks CallForFree-Estimates 10%SeniorDisc. 45-YearsExperience 313-303-9403

MICHAELNORTON BUILDERSINC. BuildingValueEveryday 586-436-9600 Licensed/Insured Since1965 Servicing-Roofing, Siding,Basement, Bathroom,Kitchen Remodeling,Decks& AllYourHome ImprovementNeeds.

CITYROOFING -Commercial& ResidentialRoofRepairs -FullRoofReplacement (Shingles) -FlatRoofReplacement -24/7EmergencyRepairs -Eavestroughs(Gutters) andLeafGuard Installations. 586-733-3004 cityroofinginc@gmail.com

GUTTER CLEANING/REPAIR Rottenfaciareplaced Minorroof/animal holes/sidingrepairs Flatroofsrepair/installed Creditcardsaccepted Insurancework Freeestimate SilversmithRoofing Maintenance 248-707-4851

‘Sunset Boulevard’: Performance by Stagecrafters, 8 p.m. June 21-22 and 2 p.m. June 23, Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette in Royal Oak, stagecrafters.org

JUNE 22

Mushroom walk: 10 a.m., Tenhave Woods in Royal Oak, park at Marais/Lexington lot and meet at Lexington entrance, romi.gov/411/Nature-Walks

Royal Oak Community Cleanup: 9:45 a.m.-11:45 a.m., meet at Royal Oak Amtrak Station, 202 S. Sherman Drive, hello@thecleanupclub.org, thecleanupclub.org/events

JUNE 22-23

Royal Oak Live!: Free music festival, lineup on June 22 includes Royal Oak Concert Band (1:30-2:30 p.m.), Four80East (3-4:15 p.m.), Tim Bowman (4:45-6 p.m.) and Brian Simpson and Jackiem Joyner (6:30-7:45 p.m.), acts on June 23 are Angela Davis (1:30-2:30 p.m.), Gregg Karukas (3-4:15 p.m.), Alexander Zonjic and Demetrius Nabors (4:45-6 p.m.), and Marion Meadows (6:30-7:45 p.m.), Centennial Commons Park, 204 S. Troy St. in Royal Oak, royaloakchamber.com/royal-oak-live

JUNE 24

Learn about Norman ‘Turkey’ Stearnes: Author and granddaughter Vanessa Ivy Rose discusses Negro League legend, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson, (248) 588-5500, clawson.lib.mi.us

AA4DABLE ROOFING Hurry&SaveBig-$$$! SPRING-SPECIALS Upto30%-Off!!! Roofing/Siding/Gutters, All-Leaks/Repairs, Residential/Shingles/ Commercial-FlatRoofs/Torch-downs 30yrs-exp.Allmajor creditcardsaccepted. 586-822-5100

Tree Service

BERGBROS.LLC. “Fullyinsured, highlyreferred.” Seniordiscounts. Tree-removal,stump grinding,tree-trimming, hedging,shaping, Emergency-Service Residential/Commercial Freeestimates! (586)262-3060

DAVE'S

TREE&SHRUB 20%-SpringDisc.Insured, EmergencyStorm Damage,Large-Tree Removals,Trimming, Stump-Grinding,Gutters, Season-Firewood (100acord)Free-Estimates/10%Senior-Disc. (586)216-0904 davestreeandshrub.com

ELITETREE SERVICE "Bringing30yearsof experiencetoyourdoor!" Treetrimming, removals&stump grinding.Insured&FREE estimateswithfairprices! FirewoodForSale 586-756-0757

JUNE 29

Genealogy research presentation: Hosted by Clawson Historical Museum, noon-1:30 p.m., Community Room at Clawson City Hall, 425 N. Main St., (248) 588-9169, historicalmuseum@cityofclawson.com

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 23, July 14 and July 28, and Aug. 11 and 25, Clawson City Park, 1080 N. Custer Ave., see full schedule at cityofclawson.com

Glass52: Featuring 400 pieces of glass art from around world, on display 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays until Aug. 30, Habatat Galleries, 4400 Fernlee Ave. in Royal Oak, habatat.com

Rails Through Royal Oak: Learn history and see model trains, exhibit on display 1-4 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through July, also presentation July 12, Royal Oak Historical Society Museum, 1411 Webster Road, (248) 439-1501, royaloakhistoricalsociety.com

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

Royal Oak Leprechauns: Member of Northwoods League (largest organized summer collegiate baseball league in world), plays almost daily until Aug. 10, Memorial Park, 3530 Coolidge Highway, royaloakleprechauns.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