6/20/24 Rochester Post

97-YEAR-OLD’S BASEBALL PAST

SUSPECT DEAD, NINE INJURED IN SPLASH PAD SHOOTING

SHERIFF: ‘THIS HAS BECOME ALL TOO COMMON IN AMERICA, AND ESPECIALLY, ALL TOO COMMON IN OUR COMMUNITY’

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

ROCHESTER HILLS — A man was found dead by suicide after reportedly opening fire at the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad, injuring nine people in Rochester Hills June 15.

“I, in my worst nightmare, couldn’t have imagined standing up here again talking about another active shooter,” Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said in an 11 p.m. press conference the night of the shooting.

Bouchard said the incident was a “gut punch” for Oakland County Sheriff’s Office deputies, after their response to the active shooter tragedies at Oxford High School in November 2021 and Michigan State University in February 2023.

“Unfortunately, this has become all too common in America, and especially, all too common in our community.”

Over the weekend, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center was notified of an active shooter at the Brookland Plaza splash pad, 1585 E. Auburn Road, between John R and Dequindre Road, at 5:11 p.m. June 15.

The gunman, according to reports, drove himself to the splash pad and opened fire from the steps, just 20-feet away from the victims.

“It appears the individual pulled up, exited a vehicle, approached the splash pad, opened fire. Reloaded. Opened fire. Reloaded. Left. It was very random. At this point, there is no connectivity to the victims,” Bouchard said.

A deputy from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office was on the scene within two minutes of the 911 call, thanks to new technology called Live911.

“One of our deputies was monitoring Live911 — that allows us to hear what is coming

See SHOOTING on page 8A

Photos by Mary Beth Almond

Temporary fencing has been erected around the Brooklands Plaza Splash Pad after a shooter injured nine people. Rochester Hills officials said the splash pad is closed “until further notice.”

SECOND FRONT PAGE

3A/ ROCHESTER POST • JUNE 20, 2024

New community mural project tabled due to location concerns

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

ROCHESTER — The Rochester Downtown Development Authority has decided to table a proposed crosswalk mural project after it hit a roadblock at City Council.

The Rochester Downtown Development Authority received a $2,500 matching funds placemaking grant from Main Street Oakland County for a proposed crosswalk mural project and recently shared their idea with the City Council for potential approval June 10.

In order to secure time in the artist’s schedule, the DDA had already contracted professional mural artist Rhiannan Sibbald to install four corresponding crosswalk murals at the intersection of West Fourth Street and Walnut June 17.

“West Fourth Street, as many of you know, is an area that is activated by the DDA quite often — whether it’s our Kris Kringle Market, Dancing in the Streets or our upcoming Maker’s Market event. That is a street that we utilize and could see any artform being installed in here as an additional attraction to our events, as we are already welcoming visitors to town,” DDA Marketing Coordinator Taylor Knuth said during the meeting.

The DDA board selected a floral design from a collection of three options, which they felt would add “vibrancy and excitement” to downtown Rochester while making pedestrian zones “safer and more visible.”

“Our artist mentions this artwork being bold, fun, imagina-

Michigan

National

RIGHT: Michigan Air National Guard Maj. Jason Holm flies a special full-color A-10 Thunderbolt II over the English Channel during the 74th anniversary of D-Day in 2018.

LEGACY SELFRIDGE PILOT TAKES FINAL FLIGHT

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

HARRISON TOWNSHIP/ROCHES-

TER — After two decades of service, Rochester resident and Air National Guard Maj. Jason Holm has piloted his final military flight.

Taking place over the course of June 13, Holm flew an A-10 Thunderbolt II along with two other pilots around Michigan. The first stop on the trip was to the Grayling Air Gunnery Range for training, flying back along Lake Michigan on a path that went over Charlevoix, Traverse City and Manistee.

The flight marks the end of a military career that began with his enlistment in 2004. Holm’s father, Keith, flew F-4 Phantom II jets out of Selfridge in the 1980s and 1990s. Holm

See HOLM on page 30A

ABOVE:

Air

Guard Maj. Jason Holm stands on the steps outside of an A-10 Thunderbolt II on June 13.

Photo provided by 127th Wing

Photo provided by DVIDS

Rochester student arrested for allegedly threatening ‘something bad’ on last day of school

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

ROCHESTER HILLS — A Rochester High School student was arrested June 6 after reportedly writing a threatening graffiti message in a bathroom to avoid taking a test.

School administrators were alerted by a student that a threatening message, in the form of graffiti, had been discovered in the male bathroom on June 5. The message, ac-

cording to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, read, “something bad gonna happen Friday” and “stay home Friday, sum bad gonna happen Friday.”

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, which was also alerted of the incident, said a school resource deputy working with school officials was able to identify and arrest the student who allegedly made the threat. Deputies said the student, whose identity was not revealed by authorities, admitted he

City Marine

wanted classes canceled because he was not prepared for a test.

The 16-year-old student, a sophomore, was taken to Oakland County Children’s Village and deputies said he was expected to be charged with threatening to commit an act of violence against a school.

Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said the Sheriff’s Office has “zero tolerance for anyone who makes threats against a school or any location.”

“All threats will be investigated, and we will seek to hold the perpetrators fully accountable. A threat by itself terrorizes our community and is completely unacceptable,” Bouchard said in a prepared statement. “We are proud of the student that reported the threat, because students or school officials are more likely to see or hear a threat before us, and looping us in is a critical component of getting in front of a threat or safety concern.”

BARK AND BREW

BELOW: Participants in the eighth annual Bark and Brew 5K Sue Barnes and Traci Hills, of Rochester, enjoy a free beverage for participating. The event, presented by Chief Financial Credit Union, serves as a fundraiser for Leader Dogs for the Blind.

ABOVE: Joey Caron, 10, of Jacksonville, Florida, gets face paint at the event.

LEFT: Bark and Brew event-goers pet a Leader Dogs for the Blind “mom,” Nutmeg, during the Bark and Brew event at Rochester Mills Beer Co.

Photos by Donna Dalziel

CRIME WATCH

Students investigated after ‘inappropriate drawings’ are discovered

ROCHESTER HILLS — A school resource officer was made aware of inappropriate drawings made by a student at a school in the Rochester Hills area at 9 a.m. May 28. The drawings, according to reports, were of “one character with a firearm shooting another character who was holding a knife.” The student, a 12-year-old boy from Auburn Hills, was removed from class with his belongings and was brought to the main office. The school resource officer searched the student’s locker and backpack for weapons and contraband. The school resource officer later discovered that another student, a 13-year-old boy from Troy, was involved with drawing the pictures. The second student was escorted to the main office, and the student’s locker and belongings were searched for weapons and contraband. School staff explained the inappropriate

context of the drawings during school. The students’ parents arrived at the school and were sent home with their students. The students were notified that they would not be returning to school until a threat assessment was conducted.

Student, 12, removed from school after drawing ‘people being killed, lying in blood’

ROCHESTER HILLS — A school resource officer and school administration were made aware of inappropriate drawings made by an emotionally impaired student at a school in the Rochester Hills area at 9:42 a.m. May 30.

The drawings, according to reports, “had people being killed and lying in blood.”

The student, a 12-year-old girl from Auburn Hills, was removed from class and brought to the main office with her belongings. School staff searched the student’s belongings and locker. The student’s parents were contacted and arrived at the school to take their child home.

The student was removed from the school for the remainder of the year, and a threat assessment was scheduled.

Driver caught on the road without valid license

ROCHESTER — A Rochester officer on patrol in the area of Fourth and Water Street observed a tan vehicle driving with a defective exhaust at approximately 1:35 p.m. June 6.

The officer also saw that the passenger was wearing a seatbelt incorrectly. It was also discovered the vehicle was uninsured. The officer conducted a traffic stop and made contact with the occupants. During the traffic stop, it was determined the driver did not have a valid license. The driver was placed under arrest and was transported to the Police Department for processing, was issued a citation and was released.

Deputies assist Fire Department in controlling garage fire

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — Deputies were dispatched to the 2900 block of Croftshire Court in Oakland Township at 9:29 p.m. June 6 to assist the Fire Department with a fire in the garage. All occupants of the home were uninjured and outside of the residence.

Deputies arrived to find a large fire

inside the garage. They deployed their fire extinguishers and a garden hose from the residence to get the fire under control prior to the Oakland Township Fire Department’s arrival.

Further investigation revealed that the fire was caused by flammable items that had been disposed of in a garbage can, which combusted. Oakland Township firefighters checked the residence and determined the fire had not spread beyond the garage.

Apple products missing from package on front porch

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — Deputies were dispatched to the 2000 block of Aberdeen Court in Oakland Township for a larceny complaint at 2:37 p.m. June 7.

The complainant, a 47-year-old woman from Oakland Township, stated that she’d had a package delivered from FedEx containing Apple products, and it was stolen from her porch.

The woman said she received a photo from FedEx of the package on the front porch at 2:16 p.m., which was confirmed on her doorbell camera. The next motion

Continued on page 7A

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.

CRIME WATCH

activated video on her camera shows two juvenile neighbors at the front door selling lemonade at approximately 2:29 p.m. The complainant noticed on the video that the package was behind the children, opened, with the contents missing.

Police are investigating.

Unlocked car, with keys inside, stolen from hotel parking lot

ROCHESTER HILLS — A deputy responded to a hotel in the 3900 block of South Rochester Road for a stolen vehicle at 7:45 a.m. May 28. The complainant, a 31-year-old man from Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, stated that he had parked his 2023 Chevrolet Malibu rental car in the middle of the lot. He went out to the vehicle around 4:30 a.m. to have a cigarette and went back to bed. When he got up around 7:45 a.m. the vehicle was missing. Video from the hotel shows that around 4:49 a.m. the vehicle backs out of the spot and goes south on Rochester Road. No suspects could be seen in the video. The vehicle was entered as stolen and was sent to local departments. The man told police he left the car unlocked with the keys inside.

Police investigate after woman found dead in home

ROCHESTER — Deputies were dispatched to an address in the 1100 block of Kingsview for a welfare check at 12:33 p.m. May 30. The caller indicated that the woman, 61, had not shown up for work in two days, and the caller requested a welfare check on her.

Deputies arrived at the residence and located the woman deceased in the home. Detectives are investigating.

Drunken man crashes car in driveway with unsecured 3-year-old in front seat

ROCHESTER HILLS — A deputy traveling on Walton Boulevard observed a vehicle, front end first, at the end of a residential driveway that appeared to be waiting to exit onto Walton Boulevard at 12:42 p.m. June 1. The deputy saw a 3-year-old boy in the front passenger seat of the vehicle not in a car seat or wearing a seat belt.

When the driver, a 35-year-old man from Rochester Hills, made eye contact with the deputy, the man placed his vehicle into

reverse and accelerated quickly up the driveway. As the driver accelerated, the deputy watched the child’s body launch into the dashboard/windshield of the vehicle. The vehicle continued rapidly up the driveway and crashed into the carport area of the home, causing damage to a barbeque grill and several other objects in its path.

The deputy drove up the driveway to the vehicle that had come to rest after the crash. The driver refused to exit the vehicle and was removed and secured. The child was also located and checked. The driver was evaluated by a drug recognition expert and was arrested for operating while intoxicated and child endangerment.

He was taken to a local hospital for a blood draw and was lodged at the Oakland County Jail. The child’s mother was at the scene and refused medical treatment for the child.

Uninsured driver taken into custody with active warrant

ROCHESTER — A Rochester officer performing selective enforcement at the area of Main and Second at approximately 8:10 a.m. May 30 observed a black sedan traveling northbound, the driver not wearing a seatbelt.

The officer conducted a traffic stop and determined the vehicle was uninsured and that the driver had an active arrest warrant. The driver was taken into custody and turned over to the Michigan State Police on their warrant.

— Mary Beth Almond

Shooting

from page 1A

in to dispatch before it is even put out over the radio — so he heard that call come in, immediately self-deployed to the splash pad, and was on scene in less than two minutes, prior to 5:13 p.m.,” Bouchard explained. “The suspect had already fled that scene upon that arrival, but, obviously, there were multiple victims wounded on scene, so our deputies began providing emergency first aid, including tourniquets.”

The victims were taken to four area hospitals.

“(These) include an 8-year-old boy with a gunshot wound to the head — he is in critical condition. We have a 4-year-old boy with a gunshot wound to the thigh — he’s stable. A 39-year-old woman with wounds to the abdomen and leg, she’s critical. And that’s all from one family,” Bouchard said during a June 16 press conference. “We have a 39-year-old white female, she has wounds to the back and arm — she’s considered stable. A 30-year-old female with wounds to the thigh and buttocks — she’s considered stable. A 30-year-old male with a right leg wound, considered stable. A 78-year-old male with an abdominal wound — considered stable. A 37-year-old female with a hand wound — considered stable, and a 40-year-old male with a right knee wound — considered stable as well.”

A 9 mm Glock handgun was recovered at the scene, along with three magazines and at least 28 shell casings. Bouchard said the gun was registered, leading deputies to a mobile home in Shelby Township.

During a press conference June 17, Bouchard announced the number of shell casings discovered on the scene had increased to 36 and that investigators believe the man had two pistols on the scene — one that he left there and one that was found next to his body at his home.

Within 45 minutes to an hour after the shooting, deputies said, the suspect was “contained” in the home in Shelby Township within a half mile from the splash pad.

“The reason that quick containment is critically important, and why potentially more lives were saved, is because we don’t know what the next chapter was going to be,” Bouchard said.

After attempts to contact the suspect failed, deputies deployed drones to examine the home and found the suspect deceased inside, next to a handgun. The man, a 42-yearold man from Shelby Township, died by suicide, according to reports.

Investigators recovered another weapon inside the home — what Bouchard said

appears to be a semi-automatic 223 rifle — on the kitchen table.

“I do know that individual was in that house, with that weapon. I’m not sure how many other weapons were in that house — again, it’s still an active scene being processed — but I believe that because we had quick containment on him, that if he had planned to do anything else, and it wouldn’t surprise me, because having that on the kitchen table is not an everyday activity, there was probably something else, a second chapter, potentially,” he said.

An update by Bouchard for media June 17 revealed 11 guns were recovered within the home — including the one on the kitchen table and the one next this body.

The gunman — who reportedly lived with his mother and is believed to have mental health challenges — had no known previous criminal activity and no connection to the victims or the location, the sheriff said. He was identified as Michael William Nash, 42, of Shelby Township.

“Obviously, we will be looking for any evidence or manifest or anything that would give us an inclination of what may be driving this individual to this terrible moment,” he said. “We have no contact on record with him, either on the home, by Shelby Township, or any criminal history that we are aware of, so it’s going to be one of those challenges to try to figure out why there appears to be no connection between the victims and that location whatsoever. The person doesn’t live in Rochester Hills and he went to a Rochester Hills park. It may be very much like Michigan State University, where the person had no connection to Michigan State but just decided to go there to find victims,” Bouchard said.

Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett said that when he got to the scene, he started to cry, because he knows “what a splash pad is supposed to be.”

“It’s supposed to be a place where people gather, where families make memories, where people have fun and enjoy a Saturday afternoon, and it wasn’t today,” Barnett said at the press conference. “It’s a mental reset. It’s a reminder that we live in a fragile place, with fragile people, and it’s also a reminder to be grateful for professionals. There were a hundred firefighters and sheriff’s deputies out there today.”

The mayor said Rochester Hills is “fully-focused” on helping all the families injured — which he said includes the family of a Rochester Hills employee — heal, provide the resources needed, and “begin to get the community back on its feet again.”

“I imagine that mental health will be a discussion that will follow this story for some time, and we want to make sure that we’re do-

ing all we can to support those folks that have seen some very challenging things and get them the help that they need,” Barnett added.

Rochester Hills City Council President Ryan Deel said he and his wife, Melinda, are “absolutely devastated by this senseless tragedy.”

“The idea that something like this would happen is unfathomable. The thought that any fathers or children would be spending Father’s Day in a hospital is just heartbreaking,” he said in an emailed statement. “To the victims and their families, our hearts and prayers are with you tonight. Our Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, his team, our fire department and the many other law enforcement agencies that responded did an outstanding job bringing this to a resolution. Mayor Bryan Barnett called me when he was en route to the scene and kept me up-to-date as the events unfolded. As a community, we are all in this together and we will get through this together.”

Several other political leaders weighed in on the tragedy.

State Sen. Michael Webber, who represents and lives in Rochester Hills, said he was “heartbroken” by the “horrific shooting.”

“I am praying for the victims and their families. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to our first responders, including the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the Rochester Police Department and nearby paramedics who responded quickly. The Greater Rochester Area will remain a strong community, and we will support each other during this tragic time,” he said in a statement.

U.S. Rep. John James, who represents Rochester Hills in Congress, said under no circumstance in this country, particularly in Rochester Hills, should fathers be spending Father’s Day in a hospital.

“This is an American epidemic that we need to fix, gun violence needs to stop, and we are now, most recently, hit the hardest by it,” James said. “We’re working at every level of government to make sure that our

communities stay safe and stay whole. Under no circumstances is it normal for ice cream cones and flips-flops to be strewn amongst blood and bullet casings.”

As of 2 p.m. June 17, Bouchard said two of the victims, a 37-year-old female and a 78-year-old man had been released from the hospital. He expected the 39-year-old woman with wounds to the back and arm to also be released soon. The other victims, he noted, remained in the same condition — two of them still in critical condition at press time.

To aid in the recovery process, OCHN has opened a Family Assistance Center at the Rochester Hills Department of Public Services, 511 E. Auburn Road, where counselors will be available 4-8 p.m. MondayFriday. No appointment is necessary. Clear signage by the road marks the entrance to the center.

Individuals unable to visit the Family Assistance Center may call the Oakland County Nurse on Call to access mental health resources at (800) 848-5533, available 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday. The Michigan Crisis and Access Line is available at 988 24 hours a day, seven days a week. OCHN’s non-emergency behavioral health access department is at (248) 464-6363, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988 — formally known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Those who may need help supporting a loved one through a difficult time can also call or text 988.

For more information about mental health care resources and support, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine can be reached 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Eastern Time Mondays-Fridays, at 1-800950-NAMI (6264) or email info@nami.org.

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

BASEMENT FLOODING:

HOW TO COUNTER MOTHER NATURE AND PREPARE YOURSELF FOR DISASTER

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — For some homeowners, the sight of a rain-filled forecast is enough to fill them with dread because of a potential disaster.

Residents’ pages on Facebook are filled with people going back and forth to see who else had their basements flooded by a storm and to assist each other with names of companies who could help ease an awful situation.

It’s a fight against Mother Nature, who will come out on top in most of the bouts, but it’s important to understand your area, what might make your area susceptible to basement flooding, and how you can defend yourself against a potential flood.

“Most of the homes in Grosse Pointe, St. Clair Shores, and other older cities, their sewers are made out of a different material,” Mike Kish, owner of Motor City Plumbing and Drain in Roseville, said.

“It’s ‘crock pipe’ we call it. It’s a clay ceramic kind of pipe,” Kish said. “The thing is when they built these houses in the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s, they really just butted these pieces up every 2 or 3 feet, they threw some tar around it or maybe a little rubber seal, and they laid it that way. The problem is the tree roots grew right through that little section. Every 2 to 3 feet, you have a joint that the tree roots can go through in this old crock pipe. Up in Macomb and in newer houses, we use a different material such as PVC, and PVC is basically 10-foot length, and with

the glue and primer that we do use, it melts the pipe together.”

On the east side, specifically for St. Clair Shores and the Grosse Pointes, Kish said the city infrastructure is aged and hasn’t been repaired, but multiple factors also add themselves into the mix.

Kish, who’s been a plumber for 30 years and services Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties, said newer houses have an advantage in another area when compared to older homes.

“A lot of the new houses have sump pumps,” Kish said. “They have their sewer that goes out and a sump pump, so they have two different lines. The sewers in Grosse Pointe, St. Clair Shores and other older homes, we call it a combined system, so your sewage and your rainwater both go out in the same pipe. When it storms and you’re using stuff, you’re overloading that pipe sometimes if you got a small blockage in there.”

When it’s not Mother Nature wreaking havoc, it’s nature in general that could be the key cause of basement flooding.

“The big thing really is tree roots,” Kish said. “There’s these trees, and every house has it. People don’t maintain it. Nobody calls and says, ‘Hey, I think I want to maintain my drain and get it snaked out,’you know? People are starting to do that, and that’s what people really need to start doing. They need to start having their drain looked at with a cam-

See FLOODING on page 11A

Shutterstock image

Flooding

era and having it snaked out before the big rain or the big storm. We can stick a camera in there and see the condition of the pipe. You have to be proactive.”

Kish said various signs of potential backups can be slow draining, gurgling sounds or water residing by your floor drain in the basement.

Options to combat drain issues are periodic snaking of the drain; hydro jetting the drain, which is basically a snake on steroids that offers more of a five- to seven-year solution; or digging up the sewers to install polyvinyl chloride pipe for a more permanent fix. If an issue does arise, the restoration process begins to combat any bacteria, extract the water and develop a game plan for the future.

“What we do is we send out a technician — once the call comes in — to go out and meet with the customer to assess the situation and figure out exactly where the water is coming from,” Bryan Graham, project manager for Advance Restoration in Clinton Township, said. “We work in collaboration with a plumber to figure out how to get the water out. … Once we remove the water,

any drywall or carpet padding that the water touched, because it’s contaminated water, we have to remove all that stuff. Once we remove everything down to the bare shell, anything that the water has touched we give what’s called a ‘biowash.’ We use an anti-microbial spray in an extraction process where we apply the anti-microbial with hot steam and extract the water back up. That helps kill any bacteria that may be present from the water. Once we do a biowash, then we can set our equipment. We do a calculation based on the cubic footage of the affected areas and the ratings on our dehumidifiers will determine how many fans and dehumidifiers need to be set. It’s usually a three-day drying process.”

Advance Restoration has been in business for 14 years and services Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair and other surrounding counties to help homeowners identify the issue causing the basement flooding; help restore contents in the basement such as furniture, clothing, documents and more; and assist with a complete reconstruction of structural damage, water damage and other issues.

Through his experience with customers and being in the business for 18 years, Graham said there’s one piece of advice he gives to all his clients.

“The worst part about it is most home-

owners don’t understand when they pay for their (insurance) policy that they may not even have the coverage for those sump pump failures, and those who do typically have a very low capped coverage between $5,000 and $10,000,” Graham said. “You look at somebody who may have renovated their basement and put $40,000 into it in building materials and their contents, and then

they have a $5,000 cap and find out they don’t have that coverage until that happens. It’s a very disappointing situation to have to explain to the customer that they’re not covered. Paying out of pocket, especially postCOVID, for services is expensive.”

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

*Unlimited Putt Putt Golf

NEWS & NOTES

12A/ ROCHESTER POST • JUNE 20, 2024

Rochester Garden Club awards two college scholarships

ROCHESTER — The Rochester Garden Club recently helped two graduating high school seniors reach their goal to pursue environmental studies in college. This year, Alexander Reszewski, from Rochester Adams High School, and Keira Nagy, from Rochester High School, earned $1,500 scholarships in support of these goals.

Reszewski plans to major in environmental science at Michigan State University or the University of Michigan. He hopes to pursue a solution to improve the sustainability of energy.

Nagy also plans to major in environmental science at MSU or U-M. She is concerned about extinction rates and habitat losses worldwide and hopes to use her degree to improve conditions for the natural world.

Funds for these scholarships are from the annual Gifts and Greens Market, a Rochester holiday tradition for over 70 years. This year the market will be held at Abiding Presence Lutheran Church on Walton Boulevard. The club also sponsors the Rochester Garden Walk, to be held this year June 20. Visit RochesterGardenClub.org for more details.

MUSIC IN THE PARK KICKS OFF

Festival of the Hills fireworks show to be held June 26

ROCHESTER HILLS — The 2024 Festival of the Hills will be held Wednesday, June 26, at Borden Park, 1400 E. Hamlin Road in Rochester Hills. Admission into Borden Park and the event are free. Crowd entertainment — which includes musical performances, a bounce house, a rock wall, a petting zoo, a free outdoor meeting and more — begins a 6 p.m., and the fireworks start at 10:05 p.m. The rainout makeup date will be Wednesday July 10. Parking is available inside the park at the Hamlin Road entrance.

ROCHESTER — The seven free Music in the Park concerts take place 7-8:30 p.m. in the Rochester Municipal Park starting Thursday, June 13 with Dueling Pianos.

Additional shows include the Rochester Community Band June 20, Loose Screws June 27, Roots Vibration July 4, Sheila Landis July 11, Jello Shots July 18, and the Rochester Symphony July 25. Sponsored by the Rochester Kiwanis, the concerts are free and feature many bands that offer a wide variety of musical genres. Refreshments and beverages are available at the Kiwanis shelter and at Don Armando’s Taqueria’s food truck. People can also welcome to bring their own picnic baskets. Music in the Park would not be possible without community support, so a special thank you goes out to this year’s Music in the Park sponsors: Dillman and Upton, Modetz Funeral Homes, the Rochester Community Foundation, Rochester Wealth Strategies and Serra Automotive Rochester.

VAN HOOSEN TEACHER, STUDENT UNEARTH HISTORY OF ESCANABA MAN KILLED DURING D-DAY INVASION

ROCHESTER HILLS — U.S. Navy seaman Auvergne Breault was just 20 when he was struck by a giant mortar that knocked him off his boat, leading to his drowning death, during the June 6, 1944, allied forces invasion of Normandy, France, known as D-Day.

Thanks to Van Hoosen Middle School social studies teacher Matt Cottone and a former student, Breault’s story will soon be recorded and saved at the very location where he gave his life for his country 80 years ago this week.

Cottone and Ian Smith, one of Cottone’s former students at Van Hoosen Middle School, are one of 15 teacher-student teams nationwide chosen for the Albert H. Normandy Institute fellowship. They were given a specific mission: Identify a Michigan soldier who fought and died on D-Day and is buried in Normandy.

Cottone and Smith, now a junior at Adams High School, are the only Michigan team in the program, which is run through George Washington University.

“This was a unique opportunity to truly take education outside the classroom to the very beaches of Normandy where so many brave Americans sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we and our allied partners enjoy every day,” Cottone said in a press release. “Ian was the perfect partner, and we got to work right away.”

Cottone and Smith next travel to Washington, D.C., to study first-hand experiences from World War II, and they leave for Normandy June 18.

Based on their research, Cottone and Smith will write and recite a eulogy for Breault in Normandy. A copy of the eulogy will be enshrined in the Normandy American Cemetery archives. Once stateside again, they will hand deliver a copy of the eulogy to Breault’s nieces in Escanaba.

“I consider this adventure the latest in my continued efforts to help my students understand the world is a much bigger place than just Rochester schools,” Cottone said in a press release. “It’s been a long and winding road, but one that has provided a once-in-a-lifetime learning experience for both me and Ian, and I can’t wait to share this experience with my students.”

Keira Nagy Alexander Reszewski

File photo by Erin Sanchez

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

METRO DETROIT — 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.’”

See TEASLEY on page 18A

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 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.

assortment of sushi brought

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.

ai and Filipino appetizers

NEAR LEFT: 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.

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

Photos provided by the Teasley family

Join a Free Online Weight Management Program!

AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services (formerly called the Area Agency on Aging 1-B) is offering an effective and fun workshop for older adults who want to get healthier.

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is a free 15-week program led by a registered dietitian nutritionist. It is designed to give participants the tools to get healthier by helping them to think differently about eating and exercise.

make better choices,” says Jeannine Roach, MSA, manager of Health Promotion at AgeWays.

The Workshop Includes:

• Information about why behavior is important for weight loss/maintenance

• Practical strategies for adopting healthy behaviors

• A short physical activity break

• Suggestions for living mindfully

• Guided discussion of strategy for the week

Participants will have access to one-on-one coaching with the nutritionist throughout the 15 weeks and will be able to measure their progress on the Eat Smart online platform.

Proven Health Outcomes

“This program isn’t about losing weight necessarily; it’s about educating and motivating people to live a healthier life, live more mindfully and

Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less has a good track record. According to its website, 70% of participants have maintained or lost even more weight

six months after classes ended and 16% saw their blood pressure fall within normal range.

Research backs up the effectiveness of synchronous (real-time) online weight loss programs that include mindful eating strategies.

A study published in the journal Obesity in 2016 found that people who completed a 15-week, synchronous web-based weight management program lost significantly more weight than a control group and kept it off for at least 6 months. Their body-mass index also fell.

Flexible Schedule

Participants are expected to commit to the evidence-based program, which is held each week by Zoom. Each participant can choose the class time that works best for his or her schedule. Lunchtime, late afternoon, and evening classes are available to accommodate work schedules and time zones.

Get Started

After registering, participants will

get a welcome kit mailed to their home that includes an Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less program workbook, a mindful eating journal, and measurement guidelines. They also may order a ‘perfect attendance’ T-shirt in whatever size they think they’ll need once the workshop is finished.

“If you’re not fully invested in making a change in your life, this is not going to be for you,” Roach says. “You get tools and materials and one-on-one support that is invaluable.”

Register Today

Call today to register for Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less. Part of the process is a screening to determine readiness and commitment to the program. Once you are registered, you will receive a voucher code for the Eat Smart website to provide access to the program. For those who do not have internet access, AgeWays may be able to lend you a laptop computer. Call 833-262-2200 or email wellnessprograms@ageways.org to get started.

Free, Online Weight Loss Program for Ages 60+

•Track your progress

An online portal allows you to see how you're doing at any point in your journey. If you need to borrow a laptop, ask us.

•One-on-one support

Registered dietitians are trained to engage and empower participants inside and outside of class.

•Interactive and motivational

Surveys show that the vast majority of participants are very satisfied with the program and would recommend it to others.

•Evidence-based

Research shows that Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less is successful in helping people reach their lifestyle goals.

Livingston,

Jeannine Roach of AgeWays

WUJEK-CALCATERRA & SONS: Round-the-Clock Compassion since 1913

With 15 licensed funeral directors, totaling 350 years of combined experience, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is uniquely qualifed to bring peace and comfort to grieving families in their time of need. And these aren’t ordinary funeral directors. Each one was specifcally sought out by the Wujek and Calcaterra families based on their individual talents and expertise.

Licensed funeral director Dominick Astorino, managing director at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, is honored to be a part of this exceptional team. “My colleagues and I are career professionals,” stated Astorino. “Most of us have been with Wujek-Calcaterra for over 20 years. We are dedicated to our career in a long-standing way.

“We also have an excellent collection of younger funeral directors. As the embalming professor at Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science, I have taught many of them. I see their potential from the frst day I meet them and watch them develop.”

Tese devoted individuals represent a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds. Tey have formed enduring relationships with local families and the community. Tey are familiar with the neighborhood churches and have worked alongside their pastors. Tis allows them to connect with all types of families, putting them at

ease at a most difcult and overwhelming time.

Furthermore, their compassion isn’t strictly confned to business hours. Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is one of the few funeral homes in the area where there is someone present 24/7.

According to Astorino, “We have never taken a day of since opening our original location in Detroit back in 1913. Christmas, holidays, brownouts, the worst snow storms – there has always been someone here to pick up the phone. We treat our families the way we would like to be treated. Tey never have to talk to an answering machine, and they know their loved one is never lef unattended.”

In addition to the 15 funeral directors, there is a support staf of 35 capable and compassionate individuals to complete the team at Wujek-Cacaterra & Sons. “We can serve all of our families, giving them everything they need – much like a personalized concierge.”

From preplanning to afercare services, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is available seven days a week, 365 days a year. Tey ofer two welcoming locations: 36900 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights, phone (586) 588-9117; and 54880 Van Dyke Avenue in Shelby Township, phone (586) 217-3316. For more information, visit wujekcalcaterra.com or follow Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons on Facebook.

Teasley

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 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 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 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 AllStar 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 masSee TEASLEY on page 19A

Teasley

from page 18A

ter’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 Olym-

pics 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 Ti-

gers 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.”

Mural

tive flowers, approachable, straightforward — a friendly concept and a display of her signature style of artwork,” Knuth said.

Because the murals were rooted in traffic safety concerns, Knuth said they were really not meant to be very detailed or message-focused.

The project was slated to cost $5,500 — with $3,000 coming from the DDA and $2,500 from the grant.

While Councilman Christian Hauser said he liked the concept, he was worried about the maintenance.

“For me, it’s more about the maintenance and what it’s going to look like in 16 months or 19 months. … Let’s be candid: There’s going to be a lot of traffic. … How do we maintain that it looks pristine, as much as we can, for as long as we can?” he asked.

The artist, Knuth said, planned to craft the mural with traffic marking paint, formulated to essentially withstand road traffic, ultraviolet light, salt applications and more. The paint has a one-year guarantee from Sherwin Williams, but it was slated to last two-three without showing wear and tear, according to the DDA. Any touch-ups to the mural would be an additional cost.

“Additionally, it could wash away, so we could revisit this project and contract a new artist under the DDA’s overview,” Knuth noted.

Councilwoman Marilyn Trent said she is “totally for public art” and was supportive of the floral design, but the location concerned her. Trent preferred placing a mu-

ral in the pocket parks or even the parking structure, to be “less of a distraction.”

“It seems like one painted crosswalk going to The Roxy, going to the Corner Bar, or going toward the alley or the parking structure, where a lot of people come from, that would be a test, as opposed to putting down four — and two of those are going to a funeral home. I just don’t know about activating the funeral home at this time,” she said.

Councilman Steve Sage proposed possibly picking an alley behind Main Street and adding street murals there to add some vibrancy.

City Manager Nik Banda said the DDA had already nixed that idea due to wear and tear from frequent garbage and delivery truck stops, grease spills, and more.

“The alleys are abused. We can’t even keep the white stripes on there because of the trucks constantly, every day, loading and

unloading. It sounds nice, but … that would take way more abuse than just driving on it,” said Banda.

Councilwoman Sara King said the murals looked “a little out of place.”

“I just don’t see how the design chosen ties in with Rochester and our community. Having it in one location just feels like we’re throwing something on the ground a little bit in this one area. I’d rather see a more thought-out plan if we are going to do something like this, where it would be more throughout the city,” she said.

Following the meeting, Knuth said the DDA decided to table the project but could potentially explore other locations in the future.

“We only paid for services rendered (date saved and rendering options provided),” Knuth said in an email. “We don’t have contractual obligations or monies lost with the artist at the time. With that said, I think we would like to make the project work with the artist that was hired moving forward.”

“As of right now, just between the artist’s schedule — she isn’t available again until September — and we are unsure with the pivoting of the grant, so we might move in a different direction, or we might return to this concept next spring,” Knuth said.

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Plans for this crosswalk mural have hit a roadblock. Image provided by the the city of Rochester Hills

CLASS IS BACK IN SESSION FOR NONTRADITIONAL STUDENTS

BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Nontraditional students, broadly classified as undergraduates 25 and older, may find going back to school daunting. But with the right help, learning can be an enjoyable and enriching experience.

Joshua McCoury, a nontraditional student at Oakland Community College, said his experience was tough at first.

“I hadn’t been in school in many, many years,” McCoury said. “I’d never taken any online classes so getting into the swing of that was pretty, you know, there was a huge learning curve there. But I overcame that, and it became a lot easier as I went.”

He said that taking the classes online was the hardest aspect of going back to school.

“Before that I had never taken an online class in my life,” McCoury said. “I’d never even heard of Zoom.”

While he wouldn’t say he was nervous, he was unsure about online learning and other aspects of the classes. McCoury went back to school in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. He said at that time, the OCC campus was closed, and everything was remote.

He finished his business administration degree at the college. McCoury said he didn’t have any issues interacting with the other students.

“I’m a pretty outgoing person,” McCoury said.

McCoury also said there were a lot more nontraditional students in his classes than he expected.

“I expected to go back and be in classes full of 18-, 19-, 20-year-old kids. For the most part it was like that, but, I mean, every class that I took had students over 25, for

sure,” McCoury said.

According to statistics sent in an email by Kim Madeleine, a marketing and communications representative at Oakland Community College, for the 2023-2024 school year, the college had 7,537 nontraditional students. That represents 40.5% of the student population, compared to 11,061 traditional students, or 59.5% of the student population.

Jennifer Berne, provost at Oakland Community College, said she’s pleased that they have so many nontraditional students at OCC. She thinks those students find the college to be convenient and that they have a wide range of modalities.

“They can take classes face to face, they can take them online, they can take them hybrid,” Berne said. “And that seems to be consistent with the demands of nontraditional students who are often working, taking care of families and have a myriad of responsibilities beyond the classroom.”

Some nontraditional students as well as young students may be nervous to start classes, Berne said.

“College is a big commitment and a big responsibility.” Berne said. “But our nontraditional students tend to do quite well.”

She thinks the way younger students and older students interact with each other is really enriching.

“Nontraditional students often have life experience,” Berne said. “Experience in the workplace, experience from being parents that they bring to the classroom, and it really adds a texture and, I don’t know, a nuance that is very fortifying for everybody.”

A large portion of nontraditional students are in the Associate of Arts program at OCC, Berne said, and that is designed to be a transfer program.

“Students who complete their Associate’s of Arts, sometimes take that Associate’s

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The engineer of over 30 years is back in school pursuing a personal interest to develop his photography skills as he approaches retirement.

of Arts and go to work or get a promotion in their job,” Berne said. “But also, often they transfer to a four-year (college).”

She recommends nontraditional students take as many classes as possible that fit into their schedules.

“What we find for our nontraditional students is if they can go just a little bit more quickly through their studies, they tend to be more successful,” Berne said.

Shane Lewis, director of undergraduate admissions at Oakland University, said last fall they had almost 13,000 undergraduate students and around 2,000 nontraditional students, or about 15% of the total. There were only around 10 first-year nontraditional students or adult learners. Transfers took up about 30% of the population.

“So it’s a little bit larger percentage of the students who are coming with credits

from another university or the community colleges,” Lewis said.

He said he would say the top major for undergraduate nontraditional students is the second-degree Bachelor of Science in nursing.

“It’s for students who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and they want to come back, and they want a second bachelor’s in nursing,” Lewis said.

This degree has an accelerated program, Lewis said, and it is for those who are looking for a career change. Their nursing completion program is also an accelerated program, and it allows students to continue their careers in nursing while taking online classes.

“A lot of our adult learner students find that very convenient for their lives,” Lewis See STUDENTS on page 28A

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John Andree, 58, edits a picture in a digital photography class at Oakland Community College.

Photo by Dean Vaglia

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

Contaminants & Their Presence in Water

Drinking water, including bottled water, may reasonably be expected to contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. The presence of contaminants does not necessarily indicate that water poses a health risk. More information about contaminants and potential health effects can be obtained by calling the EPA’s Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791.

Sources of Drinking Water

The sources of drinking water (both tap water and bottled water) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs and wells. As previously mentioned, the west side of the City is served by community wells. As water travels over land or through the ground, it dissolves naturally occurring minerals that pick up substances from the presence of animals or human activity. Examples are:

• Microbial contaminants such as viruses and bacteria, may come from sewage treatment plants, septic systems, agricultural livestock operations and wildlife.

• Inorganic contaminants, such as salts and metals, which can be naturally occurring or result from urban storm water runoff, industrial or domestic wastewater discharges, oil and gas production, mining, or farming.

• Pesticides and herbicides, may come from a variety of sources such as agriculture, urban storm water runoff, and residential uses.

• Organic chemical contaminants, including synthetic and volatile organic chemicals, are byproducts of industrial processes and petroleum production, and can also come from gas stations, urban storm water runoff, and septic systems.

In order to ensure that tap water is safe to drink, the EPA prescribes regulations, which limit the amount of certain contaminants in water provided by public water systems. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations establish limits for contaminants in bottled water, which provide the same protection for public health.

Warning about the vulnerability of some populations to contaminants in drinking water: Some people may be more vulnerable to contaminants in drinking water than the general population. Immunocompromised persons such as persons with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, persons who have undergone organ transplants, people with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders, some elderly, and infants can be particularly at risk from infections. These people should seek advice about drinking water from their health care providers. EPA/ CDC guidelines on appropriate means to lessen the risk of infection by Cryptosporidium and other microbial contaminants are available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline (800) 426-4791

While your drinking water meets EPA’s standards for arsenic, it does contain low levels of arsenic. EPA’s standard balances the current understanding of arsenic’s possible health effects against the costs of removing arsenic from drinking water. EPA continues to research the health effects of low levels of arsenic, which is a mineral known to cause cancer in humans at high concentrations and is linked to other health issues such as skin damage and circulatory problems. If present, elevated levels of lead can cause serious health problems. Pregnant women, infants, and young children are typically more vulnerable to lead in drinking water than the general population. It is

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 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.

See ARTS on page 29A

possible that lead levels at your home may be higher than at other homes in the community as a result of materials used in your home’s plumbing.

The City of Rochester is responsible for providing high quality drinking water, but cannot control the variety of materials used in plumbing components. When your water has been sitting for several hours, you can minimize the potential for lead exposure by fushing your tap for 30 seconds to 2 minutes before using water for drinking or cooking. If you have a service line that is lead, galvanized previously connected to lead, or unknown but likely to be lead, it is recommended that you run your water for at least 5 minutes to fush water from both your home plumbing and the lead service line. If you are concerned about lead in your water, you may wish to have your water tested. Information on lead in drinking water, testing methods, and steps you can take to minimize exposure is available from the Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791 or at http://water.epa.gov/drink/info/lead.

The City of Rochester currently has no known residential properties that have a copper or galvanized water service.

Unregulated contaminants are those for which EPA has not established drinking water standards. Monitoring helps EPA to determine where certain contaminants occur and whether it needs to regulate those contaminants. Beginning in July of 2008 - April 2009, the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) began monitoring quarterly for unregulated contaminants under the Unregulated Contaminant Monitoring Rule 2 (UCMR2.) All the UCMR2 contaminants monitored on List 1 and List 2 in 2008-2009 were undetected.

Infants and children who drink water containing lead could experience delays in their physical and mental development. Children could show slight defcits in attention span and learning abilities. Adults who drink this water over many years could develop kidney problems or high blood pressure.

Water Quality Data

The tables on the following pages list all the drinking water contaminants that we detected during the 2023 calendar year. The presence of these contaminants in the water does not necessarily indicate that the water poses a health risk. Unless otherwise noted, the data presented in this table is from testing performed January 1 - December 31, 2023.

The State allows us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary signifcantly from year to year. All of the data is representative of the water quality, but some are more than one year old.

As you can see, our system had no violations. We’re proud that your drinking water meets or exceeds all Federal and State requirements. We have learned through our monitoring and testing that some contaminants have been detected. The EPA has determined that your water is SAFE at these levels.

We will update this report annually and will keep you informed of any problems that may occur throughout the year, as they happen. If you have any questions about this report or concerning your water utility, please contact the City of Rochester DPW at (248) 651-5165. We want our customers to be informed about their water utility.

2023 Water Quality Data

Rochester Groundwater Informaton Regulated

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.

Photo provided by Judy Davids

2023 Special Monitoring Contaminant Test Date UnitMCLGMCL Highest Level Detected Source of Contaminant Sodium 04-11-2023 ppm n/an/a 4.8 Erosion

2023 Inorganic Chemicals - Annual Monitoring at Plant Finished Tap

2023 Lake Huron Regulated Detected Contaminants Table 2023 Inorganic Chemicals - Annual Monitoring at Plant Finished Tap

2023 Lake Huron Tap Water Mineral Analysis

2023 Inorganic Chemicals - Annual Monitoring at Plant Finished Tap

Lead and Copper Monitoring at the Customer’s Tap in 2023

Regulated Contaminant Test Date Unit Health Goal MCLG Allowed

Regulated Contaminant Test Date Unit Health Goal MCLG Allowed Level MCL Highest

Regulated Contaminant Unit Year Sampled Health Goal MCLG Action Level AL 90th Percentile Value* Range of

Erosion of natural deposit; Water additive, which promotes strong teeth; Discharge from fertilizer and aluminum factories.

04-11-2023ppm1010 0.38 n/ano Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits.

allows us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year. The data is representative of the water quality, but some are more than one year old.

2023 Lake Huron Tap Water Mineral Analysis

2023 Lake Huron Tap Water Mineral Analysis

04-11-2023ppm1010

2023 Lake Huron Regulated Detected Contaminants Table

Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits.

04-11-2023ppm1010 0.38 n/ano Runoff from fertilizer use; Leaching from septic tanks, sewage; Erosion of natural deposits.

2023 Lake Huron Regulated Detected Contaminants Table

2023 Lake Huron Regulated Detected Contaminants Table

Lead and Copper Monitoring at the Customer’s Tap in 2023

Lead and Copper Monitoring at the Customer’s Tap in 2023

Lead and Copper Monitoring at the Customer’s Tap in 2023 Regulated Contaminant

Regulated Contaminant Unit Year Sampled Health

Regulated Contaminant

2023 Disinfection Residual - Monitoring in the Distribution System

Regulated Contaminant Test

Chlorine Residual

2023 Disinfection By-Products - Stage 2 Disinfection By-Products Monitoring in the Distribution System

2023 Disinfection Residual - Monitoring in the Distribution System

2023 Disinfection Residual - Monitoring in the Distribution System

2023 Disinfection Residual - Monitoring in the Distribution System

Regulated Contaminant

Regulated Contaminant

Regulated Contaminant Test Date Unit Health Goal MRDLG Allowed Level MRDL Highes

Regulated Contaminant Test Date Unit Health Goal MCLG Allowed Level MCL Highest Level LRAA Range of Quarterly Results Violation Major Sources in Drinking Water (TTHM) Total Trihalomethanes 2023ppb n/a 80 59 n/ano By-product of drinking water chlorination (HAA5) Haloacetic Acids 2023ppb n/a 60 21 n/ano By-product of drinking water chlorination

Chlorine

Key to the Detected Contaminants Table

Chlorine

Regulated Contaminant Treatment Technique Typical Source of Contaminant

Key to the Detected Contaminants Table

2023 Disinfection By-Products - Stage 2 Disinfection By-Products Monitoring in the Distribution System

2023 Disinfection By-Products - Stage 2 Disinfection By-Products Monitoring in the Distribution System

2023 Disinfection By-Products - Stage 2 Disinfection By-Products Monitoring in the Distribution System

Total Organic Carbon ppm The Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal ratio is calculated as the ratio between the actual TOC removal and the TOC removal requirements. The TOC is measured each quarter and because the level is low, there is no requirement for TOC removal. Erosion of natural deposits

Contaminant

Key to the Detected Contaminants Table

Regulated Contaminant Test Date Unit Health Goal MCLG Allowed Level MCL Highest Level LRAA Range of Quarterly Results Violation Major Sources in Drinking Water (TTHM)

Total Trihalomethanes 2023ppb n/a 80 59 n/ano By-product of drinking water chlorination (HAA5)

(TTHM) Total Trihalomethanes 2023ppb n/a 80 59 n/ano By-product of drinking water chlorination (HAA5) Haloacetic Acids 2023ppb n/a 60 21 n/ano By-product of drinking water chlorination

Haloacetic Acids 2023ppb n/a 60 21 n/ano By-product of drinking water chlorination

Regulated Contaminant Test Date Unit Health Goal MCLG Allowed Level MCL Highest Level LRAA Range of Quarterly Results Violation Major Sources in Drinking Water (TTHM) Total Trihalomethanes 2023ppb n/a 80 59 n/ano By-product of drinking water chlorination (HAA5) Haloacetic Acids 2023ppb n/a 60 21 n/ano By-product of drinking water chlorination

Regulated Contaminant Treatment Technique Typical Source of Contaminant

AL Acton Level

°C Celsius

> Greater than

The concentraton of a contaminant, which, if exceeded, triggers treatment or other requirements which a water system must follow.

A scale of temperature in which water freezes at 0° and boils at 100° under standard conditons.

Regulated Contaminant Treatment Technique Typical Source of Contaminant

Regulated Contaminant Treatment Technique Typical Source of Contaminant

Total Organic Carbon ppm The Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal ratio is calculated as the ratio between the actual TOC removal and the TOC removal requirements. The TOC is measured each quarter and because the level is low, there is no requirement for TOC removal. Erosion of natural deposits

Total Organic Carbon ppm The Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal ratio is calculated as the ratio between the actual TOC removal and the TOC removal requirements. The TOC is measured each quarter and because the level is low, there is no requirement for TOC removal. Erosion of natural deposits

HAA5 Haloacetc Acids

Total Organic Carbon ppm The Total Organic Carbon (TOC) removal ratio is calculated as the ratio between the actual TOC removal and the TOC removal requirements. The TOC is measured each quarter and because the level is low, there is no requirement for TOC removal. Erosion of natural deposits

Radionuclides - Monitored at the Plant Finished Tap in 2014

Regulated Contaminant Test Date UnitMCLGMCL Level Detected Violation Major Sources in Drinking Water

Combined Radium Radium 226 and 228 5/13/14 pCi/L 05 0.86 + 0.55 no Erosion of natural deposits

2023 Special Monitoring

Contaminant Test Date UnitMCLGMCL Highest Level Detected Source of

These tables are based on tests conducted by GLWA in the year 2023 or the most recent testing done within the last five calendar years. GLWA conducts tests throughout the year only tests that show the presence of a substance or require special monitoring are presented in these tables. The State allows us to monitor for certain contaminants less than once per year because the concentrations of these contaminants are not expected to vary significantly from year to year. The data is representative of the water quality, but some are more than one year old.

2023 Lake Huron Tap Water Mineral Analysis

Regularly scheduled City Council meetings are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, at 7:00 PM, in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 400 Sixth Street, Rochester, MI. For more information about safe drinking water, visit the U S Environmental Protection Agency at www.epa.gov/safewater.

Level 1 Level 1 Assessment

LRAA Locatonal Running Annual Average

MCL Maximum Contaminant Level

MCLG Maximum Contaminant Level Goal

MRDL Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level

MRDL G Maximum Residual Disinfectant Level Goal

n/a not applicable

ND Not Detected

HAA5 is the total of bromoacetc, chloroacetc, Dibromoacetc, dichloroacetc, and trichloroacetc acids. Compliance is based on the total.

A study of the water system to identfy potental problems and determine (if possible) why total coliform bacteria have been found in the water system.

The average of analytcal results for samples at a partcular monitoring locaton during the previous four quarters.

The highest level of a contaminant that is allowed in drinking water. MCLs are set as close to the MCLGs as feasible using the best available treatment technology.

The level of contaminant in drinking water below which there is no known or expected risk to health.

The highest level of disinfectant allowed in drinking water. There is convincing evidence that additon of a disinfectant is necessary for control of microbial contaminants.

The level of a drinking water disinfectant below which there is no known or expected risk to health. MRLDG’s do not refect the benefts of the use of disinfectants to control microbial contaminants.

NTU Nephelometric Turbidity Units Measures the cloudiness of water.

pCi/L Picocuries Per Liter A measure of radioactvity

The ppb is equivalent to micrograms per liter.

ppb

PLEASE NOTE that this report will not be mailed to each customer in the City of Rochester. Copies of this report are available at http:// www.rochestermi.org/234/Water-Quality-Report and at Rochester City Hall, 400 Sixth Street, upon request.

Parts Per Billion (one in one billion)

ppm Parts Per Million (one in one million)

RAA Running Annual Average

SMCL Secondary Maximum Contaminant Level

A microgram = 1/1000 milligram.

The ppm is equivalent to milligrams per liter.

A milligram = 1/1000 gram.

The average of analytcal results for all samples during the previous four quarters.

An MCL which involves a biological, chemical or physical characteristc of water that may adversely afect the taste, odor, color or appearance (aesthetcs), which may thereby afect public confdence or acceptance of the drinking water.

TT Treatment Technique A required process intended to reduce the level of a contaminant in drinking water.

Total Trihalomethanes is the sum of

Compliance is based on the

Measure of electrical conductance of water

and

BEHIND THE WHEEL

26A/ ROCHESTER POST • JUNE 20, 2024

‘I love each of them for different reasons’

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — 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.

“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 brought 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 orangishred 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

Do you own a vehicle with an interesting history?

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

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.

by Erin Sanchez

“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.

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; the 1965 Buick Riviera, center; and the 1947 Ford Coupe. FAR LEFT: Kevin Dombrowski has always een a fan of classic cars with fins, including his 1960 Chrysler Impala. NEAR LEFT: One feature of the 1965 Buick Riviera are the hidden headlights.

Photos

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

Students

said about the degree. “Many adult learners have jobs; they have children or families that they’re caring for and so convenience is always a big factor for those students in terms of course modality.”

He also said that some students are nervous when coming back to school. They have a program called Golden Grizzlies Graduate that started in 2019 and they welcome back students who previously started at the university. It is designed to help a smooth transition back into learning and make it less daunting.

“So much has changed already, just in the buildings,” Lewis said. “So I think for a student who’s been, let’s say, away from Oakland for five, 10, 15, 20 years, they might be a little intimidated to come back and to navigate their way through campus.”

Lewis said that the traditional students welcome the nontraditional students.

“More and more people, I think, are recognizing that what we would call the nontraditional student, which is really the adult learner audience, that group. That

population of individuals is actually the new majority of those who are in higher education today across the country,” Lewis said.

Patrick Evans-Mach, associate dean of culinary and IT at Macomb Community College, said his students range in age from 17 to people in their 60s. He said the primary group of students fall in the ages of 18 to 24. He usually gets one or two nontraditional students who join classes out of interest.

“We haven’t seen a big increase since like 2010,” Evans-Mach said. “(That) was when we had our Michigan grant, our Michigan Works! grant that paid for people that were in industry to go back and get retrained. That was when we were at our highest.”

He added when the grant ran out, they saw the number of nontraditional students trail off.

While the traditional students welcome and enjoy having the nontraditional students there, the more “seasoned” students feel a bit awkward at first.

“They will feel very conscious about coming back to class and seeing a bunch of the peers being a lot younger,” Evans-Mach said.

The biggest difficulty nontraditional students have is getting over the fear of

Congrats Graduate

coming back to school and indoctrinating themselves with the other students, EvansMach said. He said they have a fear of not belonging due to their age and have the fear of standing out.

“I think they quickly learn that that’s not true and usually they meet someone within the first two classes or first class and make a good connection,” Evans-Mach said.

He also said that some of the older students sometimes have issues with the newer technologies such as videoconferencing platforms.

“For those that maybe have come back to school after retirement or after they have already completed a career, they’re not used to the conferencing tools and the learning management systems like Canvas that we use here at the college,” Evans-Mach said.

He also said the nontraditional students have a little more resilience and fortitude to apply themselves to their studies.

“And that just comes naturally with being as you mature,” Evans-Mach said. “You tend to be able to be a little bit more, have more foresight or a little bit more earnest in your time management.”

They all have a lot of fun in their classes, Evans-Mach said.

“There’s also opportunities that they will seek me out as far as ways they can better engage the class,” Evans-Mach said. “The biggest part is that they seem to truly enjoy activities.”

He recommends those looking to go back to school take one or two classes to begin with and to engage the instructor.

“Letting them know what they would like to get out of the class,” Evans-Mach said.

McCoury said he recommends others go back to school and work closely with the college guidance counselors. He took classes to allow him to transfer him to a university as well as working toward an associate degree.

“If I would have tried to do it on my own, I would have ended up taking a bunch of stuff that I didn’t need and, yeah, they helped me out a lot,” McCoury said.

Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.

Artsfrom page 24A

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.

June 6, 1944.

joined the Air National Guard at Battle Creek while in the Western Michigan University aviation program, getting hired on in 2006.

“I enlisted there to try to help get a pilot spot and help get myself through college with all the benefits you get from that,” Holm said. “While I was there, about a semester before I graduated, I was hired for the A-10s out in Battle Creek.”

That year, the A-10s were moved out to Selfridge as part of the Base Realignment and Closure Act, putting Holm on the path to fly out of the base his father used to. After several years of officer pilot training on T-37 and T-38 jets, Holm went through six months of training on the A-10 and then began going on mission flights.

“I love it,” Holm said of the A-10. “It’s always an Army and Marine favorite. Our job is supporting guys on the ground, so thinking about the 18- or 19-year-old rifleman on the ground and being able to support them. I know multiple people that at some point in their military career, they’ve been saved by an A-10.”

Holm’s career led him to fly the A-10 in a variety of places. He was deployed to Afghanistan in 2011 and 2019, and in Kuwait in 2015, as well as in Europe: in Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania. In 2018, he flew in an A-10 painted in World War II invasion markings over Normandy as part of the 74th anniversary remembrance of the landings on

“We got to fly out of England and fly over the whole Normandy route with a bunch of C-130s based out of Europe, so we all got to fly together up and down the coasts and over the cemeteries out there,” Holm said. “I think they were dropping paratroopers, like the reenactment they do every year. It was pretty cool to get to cross the English Channel in a D-Day painted A-10.”

Before touching down for the last time in an A-10, Holm made several passes over the runway for friends and family who came out to witness the occasion. Once he landed, Holm was summarily sprayed with both water and champagne. He shared some words and mementos with the squadron before heading to the American Legion post in Rochester to cap off the night with over 60 family members and friends.

“I’ve been super lucky to be able to get this job and be able to do it for as long as I have; I’ve been extremely lucky with all that,” Holm said. “My parents encouraged me to do this and supported me throughout the whole thing. I’m excited to move on and spend more time with the family. I have two little boys now and I’m excited to spend time with them a little more.”

While his time behind the yoke of an A-10 has come to an end, Holm is not leaving the pilot’s seat anytime soon. After retiring from the Air National Guard later this fall, he will join American Airlines’ roster of 737 pilots, a job Holm was hired for in 2018.

Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.

Editor: Annie Bates | (586) 498-1071 | abates@candgnews.com

Reporter: Mary Beth Almond | (586) 498-1060 | malmond@candgnews.com

Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com

Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com

Joan Marie (Fagan) Bates, 83, the “gold standard” of a sister, mother and grandmother, passed away on May 9, 2024. A loving mother of George (Michelle) Bates of Denver, CO and Keith (Lauren) Bates of Seattle, WA.; she was the cherished grandmother of Keith and Georgia Bates of Bainbridge Island, WA and Denver, CO and Greyson and Elliot Bates of Seattle, WA. Joan is survived by her sister, Elizabeth Koerber of Leland; NC; her brother, Robert (Janet) Carmichael of Scottsdale, AZ. and many treasured nieces and nephews throughout the United States. Joan joined the religious order of Sisters of Charity at 19 years of age and spent seven years studying and nursing in Catholic hospitals throughout the Western United States. Fortunately for her sons, she left the order and upon returning home to Michigan, she married Robert Bates (deceased) and continued her medical career until retiring. Joan was devoted to her family and was passionate about her profession. Joan was known for her vivacious personality, her beautiful smile and loving heart. She was treasured by her family and many friends. May she be somewhere right now looking at beautiful elephants while enjoying a tall skinny latte with sugar-free vanilla and any kind of ice cream while playing euchre (with both bowers in her hand), laughing and smiling for eternity. You may honor her by deliberately doing something wonderful for yourself and someone you love. Service and other details at abbottfuneralservices.com/obituaries/Joan-Bates-4.

Photo provided by 127th Wing

Michigan Air National Guard Maj. Jason Holm poses with wife, Cristina, and children, Harrison and Hendrick, after completing his final flight on June 13.

Home Selling Specialist

I create a lifestyle video for each home that I’m hired to sell. Why?

• 80% of online consumption is video. YouTube is the 2nd most utilized search engine, right after Google.

• Buyers can have the attention span of a gnat. If they don’t like the looks of your home within the rst 8 photos or rst 30 seconds of a video, they are on to the next house. Capturing those best 8 photos and creating an engaging video is crucial.

• Lifestyle videos help potential buyers envision themselves living on the property and in the home, creating an emotional connection to what they see.

• My job is to get your home in front of the right eyeballs AND keep them looking until they want a tour to potentially buy your asset. Netting you the most money with your desired terms is my goal.

• I believe that a curated, quality lifestyle video is vital when selling a home. When hired, I become your duciary. Fiduciaries are legally and ethically bound to act in the other’s best interests. As a former VP, Director of Marketing for Northern Trust, my de nition of stellar marketing and duciary duty are crystal clear.

Many homes are bought by people outside of Michigan. I have received o ers based solely on my marketing and have sold them sight unseen to out of state buyers.

If you decide to sell, I’d love to get started on your home’s lifestyle listing video!

-Cara

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JUNE 21

Win the Fight golf fundraiser: Benefit for A Mother’s Wish (supports women and their families impacted by breast cancer), 8 a.m. check-in and 9 a.m. shotgun start, includes 18 holes plus lunch, dinner and complimentary drinks, on-course contests and games, and auction and raffles, Westwynd Golf Course, 4161 Adams Road in Oakland Township, tinyurl.com/AMW2024

JUNE 22

Makers’ Market: Handmade goods from local small businesses, also live music, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., West Fourth Street in downtown Rochester, www. downtownrochestermi.com/makers-market

JUNE 23

International Day of Yoga: Free meditation and yoga, 10 a.m.-noon, Shirdi Sai Temple, 2652 Crooks Road in Rochester Hills, registration required, tinyurl.com/MIiyd2024

ONGOING

Wet and Wild Wednesdays: July 3 (juggler Crazy Craig), July 10 (musician and storyteller Beverly Meyer), July 17 (magician and comedian Jason Abbott), July 24 (magician Gordon Russ) and July 31 (musician Kevin Devine), also two slip and slides, foam machine, water activities and more, noon-3 p.m. Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, rochesterhills. org/museum

Farmers markets: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays until

Oct. 26, corner of East Third and Water streets in Rochester, www.downtownrochestermi.com/ farmers-market

Summer in The Village of Rochester Hills: Live music for adults and kids at Festival Park, food trucks and exotic bugs/doughnuts events at Fountain Park, and yoga next to Von Maur and Eddie Bauer, select times and dates until Aug. 31, also art fair July 27-28 at Festival Park, 104 N. Adams Road, see details at thevorh.com

Music in the Park: Free concerts 7-8:30 p.m. June 20 (Rochester Community Band), June 27 (Loose Screws, classic rock), July 4 (Roots Vibration, reggae), July 11 (Sheila Landis, blues), July 18 (Jello Shots, classic rock) and July 25 (Rochester Symphony), Rochester Municipal Park, 400 Sixth St., kiwanisofrochester@gmail.com, facebook.com/ musicintheparkdowntownrochester

Disposable camera photo contest: Works from “Rochester: No Filter Event. No Filters, no Photoshop, just Rochester” exhibit on display and for sale until June 30, Downtown Collaboration Studio, 431 S. Main St., proceeds benefit Love Local Rochester, (248) 656-0060, downtownrochestermi.com

Rochester Grangers: Live “base ball” games featuring teams using equipment, uniforms and rules circa late 1800s, 6:30 p.m. July 11, and 1 p.m. July 20 and Aug. 10, Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, www. rochesterhills.org/musprograms

Story & STEAM: For ages 3-5, 10-11 a.m. every second and fourth Friday of month, Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, 333 N. Hill Circle in Rochester Hills, dinosaurhill.org

Nature Tales Classic: Story, snack and craft,

intended for ages 3-5, 10-11 a.m. every third Thursday of month, Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve, 333 N. Hill Circle in Rochester, dinosaurhill.org

Harmony in the Hills concert series: Featuring harpist Juan Riveros (7 p.m. June 26), North Star Saxophone Quartet (7 p.m. July 10) and Detroit Symphony Orchestra String Quartet (7 p.m. Aug. 14), St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo St. in Rochester, stpaulsrochester.org/index. php/harmony-in-the-hills

Stream Science: Use nets, magnifying glasses, bug boxes and more to learn about what’s living in Stony Creek, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m. Thursdays June 27-Aug. 15, Rochester Hills Museum at

Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, www. rochesterhills.org/museum

Free days at Lost Lake Nature Park: Themed indoor and outdoor activities, noon-3 p.m. June 23, July 13 and 28, and Aug. 10 and 25, 846 Lost Lake Trail in Oakland Township, oaklandtownshipparks rec@gmail.com

Rochester Toastmasters: Meets 6:30 p.m. every first and third Thursday of month, Pixley Memorial Hall, 322 W. University Drive in Rochester, (248) 828-5649, www.4890.toastmastersclubs.org

Live music: 7-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Fork n’ Pint, 51 N. Broadway in Lake Orion, www. forknpintlakeorion.com

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 OAK — A complainant reported that between 9 a.m. May 11 and 9 a.m. May 15, a former tenant had broken into the 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