6/5/24 Madison-Park News

BEER HONORS WARTIME LEGACY, VETERANS/3A

Madison Heights City Council approves budget for FY 2024-25

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

MADISON HEIGHTS — While the budget for the fiscal year starting July 1 in Madison Heights features a lower millage rate, officials say that most residents can expect a slight increase in taxes due to rising property values.

The Madison Heights City Council unanimously approved the budget for fiscal year 2024-25 during its regular meeting May 13. The budget clocks in at $66 million, up from the current year’s amended total of $65.4 million. The total millage rate is reduced by about 0.1 mill.

Prior to casting his vote, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Bliss said the new budget is a great value.

“I think for me, as a resident and taxpayer, knowing this is a lower tax rate year over year, and knowing the city could tax more but we’re choosing to keep it as low as we possibly can, I think that’s a highlight, and a real testament to our staff and council,” Bliss said. “We’re able to continue providing the services and investments that the community needs, without adding to the inflation all of us are living with right now.”

Of the $66 million, $42.7 million is assigned for the general fund, which covers the bulk of city operations including general administration, police, fire, emergency medical services, library, parks, recreation, city clerk and elections. Also included are special millages for senior citizens, solid waste, the drain debt, neighborhood road improvements, and police and fire retiree benefits.

The total millage rate covers the general fund and will be set at 25.4572 mills in fiscal year 2024-25. This is down slightly from the cur-

See BUDGET on page 13A

Memorial Day festivities

TOP LEFT: A carnival featuring a variety of attractions set up shop at Green Acres Park the last weekend of May, part of Hazel Park’s annual Memorial Weekend festivities. TOP RIGHT: The Drum Messengers keep the beat as they march down 11 Mile Road to Madison High during the 2024 Madison Heights Memorial Day Parade. LEFT: On May 25, the Saturday before Memorial Day, members of the Madison Heights Boy Scouts of America Troop 1589 Color Guard stand at attention with students in the Madison High and Lamphere High marching bands during a memorial service at the Madison High School football field.

Photos by Liz Carnegie

Summer Special!

Berkley - 12 Mile and Woodward 28983 Woodward Ave

Beverly Hills - 13 Mile and Southfield 17650 W 13 Mile Road

Birmingham - Maple and Woodward 725 East Maple Road

Bloomfield Hills - Square Lake and Telegraph 2207 S Telegraph Road

Chesterfield - 23 and Gratiot 50790 Gratiot Ave

Clinton Township – Groesbeck Hwy and near Cass Ave 40037 Groesbeck Hwy

Clinton Township - Canal and Garfield 41731 Garfield Road

Fraser - 15 Mile and Utica 34835 Utica Road

Grosse Pointe – Kercheval and St. Clair Ave. 17026 Kercheval Ave

Harrison Township - 16 Mile and I-94 26010 Crocker Blvd

Hazel Park - 9 Mile between John R and Dequindre 1162 E 9 Mile Road

Macomb - 23 Mile and Romeo Plank 50918 Romeo Plank Road

Macomb - Hall and Heydenreich 20807 Hall Road

Macomb - 23 and Card 21890 23 Mile Road, Ste. B

Rochester Hills - Rochester and Tienken 1416 N. Rochester Road

Rochester Hills - Walton and Adams 3216 Walton Blvd

Rochester Hills - M-59 and Adams 2540 S Adams Road

Rochester Hills – Hamlin and Rochester 1970 S Rochester Road

Roseville - Masonic and Gratiot 31965 Gratiot Ave

Royal Oak - 12 Mile and Stephenson 2130 East Twelve Mile Road

Saint Clair Shores - Jefferson and Marter 23195 Marter Road, Ste. 150

Shelby Township - 21 and Van Dyke 47647 Van Dyke Ave

Shelby Township - Hall and Hayes 45617 Hayes Road

Shelby Township - 23 Mile and M-53 12169 23 Mile Road

Sterling Heights - 16 Mile and Dequindre 2132 Metropolitan Parkway

Sterling Heights - 18 Mile and Ryan 40792 Ryan Road

Sterling Heights - 19 and Schoenherr 42938 Schoenherr Road

Sterling Heights – 17 ½ and Van Dyke 40048 Van Dyke Ave

Troy - South and Crooks 2125 South Blvd W

Troy - Square Lake and John R 5945 John R Road

Troy - Long Lake and Livernois 57 E Long Lake Road

Troy - Big Beaver and Rochester 3091 Rochester Road

Warren - 14 Mile and Schoenherr 13586 E 14 Mile Road

Madison Heights City Council denies special approval for Sheetz

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

MADISON HEIGHTS — A controversial proposal for a new gas station and convenience store in Madison Heights has been denied special approval by the City Council.

The formal applicant was Skilken Gold, a real estate development firm working on behalf of Sheetz, a Pennsylvania-based chain that is trying to expand into Michigan.

Under the city’s zoning ordinance, “gasoline service stations” require special approval from the council since they can have significant impacts on adjacent properties. All seven members unanimously denied the request at the council meeting May 13.

“Generally speaking, I’m torn,” Madison Heights Mayor Pro Tem Mark Bliss said at the meeting. “I want to be pro-business, I want the increase in taxes, I want to be able to take that money and invest in our police and fire and all the things that make this community great and safe and walkable. But the Planning Commission noted in their meeting several concerns, and I don’t think those concerns have been alleviated.”

Sheetz had applied for a site at 30901 Dequindre Road, at the southwest corner of Dequindre and East 13 Mile roads. The property spans 1.55 acres, in a strip mall with associated parking.

See SHEETZ on page 15A

approval by the

and other businesses.

‘ARSENAL OF DEMOCRACY’ BEER HONORS WARTIME LEGACY, VETERANS

BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Nearly one year before the United States entered World War II, President Franklin Delano Roosevelt declared the country would be the “arsenal of democracy” and supply the free world with equipment and munitions to fight the Axis powers.

More than 80 years later, FDR’s iconic phrase will adorn cans across the city that served as the arsenal among arsenals. Over Memorial Day weekend, Detroit Liquid Ventures unveiled its new Arsenal of Democracy Detroitstyle lager, made with support from the Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum.

“I have a good friend, John Lind, who runs the Arsenal of Democracy Museum in Detroit,” Mark Rieth, Detroit Liquid Ventures founder, said. “We had conversations months back about how it would be a cool idea to launch a beer called ‘Arsenal of Democracy’ on Memorial Day weekend. That was where it started and we just took it from there, and we were able to get it done in time, which was kind of fun.”

Arsenal of Democracy will be sold in 12- and 16-ounce cans and will be served on tap at Ford’s Garage restaurants in Dearborn and Novi. In line with its wartime-inspired name, the olive drab cans feature an M4 Sherman tank with bombers overhead. Both tanks and

See BEER on page 16A

The olive drab cans and tap handles of the Arsenal of Democracy Detroit-style lager feature an M4 Sherman tank and bombers. Sherman tanks were produced in Warren and bombers were built at Willow Run during World War II.

Photo provided by Detroit Liquid Ventures

Photo provided by Matt Lonnerstater

A proposed Sheetz location on the southwest corner of Dequindre and East 13 Mile roads was denied special

Madison Heights City Council May 13 due to possible impacts on neighbors, traffic

REMEMBERING MARK WELLS

‘UNSUNG HERO’ OF TEAM USA PLAYED HIS PART FOR MORE THAN JUST THE GOLD

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

ST. CLAIR SHORES — In order for a team to achieve greatness, it’s vital for everyone to understand their role and play it to perfection for the well-oiled machine to operate successfully.

Everyone has a part to play, starting with setting their egos aside and doing what is asked of them in order to benefit the team.

For the 1980 United States men’s Olympic hockey team, St. Clair Shores native Mark Wells did just that.

“As a player, he was as good as it gets,” said Mike Eruzione, the captain of the 1980 U.S. hockey team. “He’s another unsung hero on our hockey team. Mark was awfully good, and he had a key role in our success by just doing his job. That fourth line did a great job during the Olympics.”

Courtesy of Wells’ play alongside his linemates Phil Verchota and Eric Strobel, the U.S. outlasted some of the top teams in the world, including the Soviet Union, which dominated Olympic hockey throughout the ’60s and ’70s.

In the famous matchup with the Soviet Union in 1980, on Feb. 22 in Lake Placid, N.Y., during the medal round of the men’s hockey tournament, Wells, who was second on the team in points at Bowling Green State University the season before he joined the U.S. team, was asked to step into a certain role.

“He (Mark Wells) said, ‘Herb pulled me over, and it was the only time in my career that (he did that),’ because my brother was a scorer,” said John Wells, the older brother of Mark Wells. “He was a better assist guy than a scorer. Herb tells him, ‘Mark, I don’t care if you get a goal in this Russian game, but I need you to help shut down (Vladimir) Petrov,’ who was just tearing the Olympics up. He was probably the best Russian. My brother said, ‘John, nobody ever told me not to try and score.’”

The rest has been covered extensively as the U.S. did the unthinkable, defeating the Soviet Union 4-3 and winning the gold medal two days later in a victory over Finland. As the U.S. team dogpiled onto each other after the win over the Soviet Union, Wells’ No. 15 jersey is easily visible in the television broadcast at the center of the celebration.

It was a surreal moment for Wells, who suffered a hairline fracture in his ankle four months before the Olympics on a training

run with U.S. assistant coach Craig Patrick, and was the last player added to the 1980 Olympic team roster.

Off the ice, Wells carried his selflessness on his sleeve, which made the news of his passing on May 18 in Escanaba, Mich., a devastating loss for all of those who’ve had the pleasure of watching, meeting or knowing him.

A 1975 St. Clair Shores Lake Shore High School graduate, Wells was a local legend based on his Olympic accomplishments alone, but also as a National Hockey League draftee in 1977 when the Montreal Canadiens selected him 176th overall. Wells played from 1980-1982 but was unable to suit up in an NHL game in his career. He returned home and was a restaurant manager in Rochester Hills.

After suffering a fractured vertebra, Wells was forced into early retirement by a rare spinal disease that left him bedridden

for nearly nine months after surgery. He battled constant pain daily up until his passing.

The city of St. Clair Shores recognized its hometown hero in March 2014 when the Civic Arena’s Olympia Rink was renamed the Mark Wells Ice Arena.

A ceremony was held in his honor, and Wells returned the favor by making sure every attendee received a moment they’ll never forget with him.

“After that (event), he was supposed to sign autographs for an hour,” John Wells said. “It was 2014. I could not believe how many people were there. It was like, wow. I could hardly get from the entrance of the doors to the ice arena. Afterwards, we were going to meet at the Blue Goose Inn because my grandmother worked there until she was 72. We’re just going to meet there because it’s a great place, it’s in St. Clair Shores, and grandma works there. All of a sudden, it’s getting late. Mark stayed until the last kid

got the signature. I think he was supposed to end the signing at 5 and I’ll bet you he stayed till 7 or 8, but he didn’t leave until the last kid.”

Wells aimed to be that kind of person with his fans, and sometimes his fans became part of his family. That was the case with Luke LaPlant, a friend of Wells in Escanaba.

LaPlant wrote a fan letter to Wells back in 2015, and in the blink of an eye he was on the phone with the gold medalist for two hours and appointed as Wells’ primary social media and fan mail executive.

“He was just a good person,” LaPlant said. “He would help countless everyday people who were maybe worse off than he was financially, and he would not want any credit for it. He would lend his car to people who needed it. He was very giving, and he cared for people.”

ABOVE: Bowling Green State University and 1980 United States men’s Olympic hockey teammates Mark Wells, left, and Ken Morrow, right, a Flint native, stand together. Photo provided by David Rubello

TOP LEFT: Wells was honored at the 1980 St. Clair Shores Memorial Day Parade.

Photo provided by the St. Clair Shores Historical Commission

BOTTOM LEFT: St. Clair Shores has always been proud to claim Mark Wells as one of its own. The city recognized its hometown hero in March 2014 when the St. Clair Shores Civic Arena’s Olympia Rink was renamed the Mark Wells Ice Arena.

Photo provided by David Rubello

MADISON HEIGHTS JUNETEENTH CELEBRATION RETURNS TO CIVIC CENTER PARK

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

MADISON HEIGHTS — Since its debut in 2021, the Madison Heights Juneteenth Celebration has roughly doubled its turnout each year, with live music, food trucks, children’s activities, vendor sales and educational exhibits drawing a crowd.

This year’s event will once again be at Civic Center Park, located at 360 W. 13 Mile Road, running from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, June 15.

Organized by the nonprofit Madison Heights Citizens United, the free event takes place mere weeks before the Pre-

Fourth of July Festival in the Park at the same venue. “Juneteenth doesn’t compete with the Fourth of July — it completes it,” said event organizer Kevin Wright. “It’s a one-two combination of celebrating freedom in Madison Heights, first with Juneteenth itself and then the Festival in the Park. Even though we still have a lot of work to do as far as racial equality in this country, the Juneteenth Celebration is a great holiday where we can all celebrate freedom together.”

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates June 19, 1865, nearly two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation, when Union soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas, and Gen. Gordon Granger issued General

Order No. 3, proclaiming that all enslaved people are free. The Texan slaves were the last to realize their freedom.

“I think it’s going to be a great time,” Wright said of the event. “Hopefully the weather cooperates this year, although we’ll go rain or shine, so long as it’s not severe weather.”

After an opening ceremony at 12:15 p.m. with welcoming remarks, an opening prayer and a reading of General Order No. 3, Emmy Award-winning performance artist Crystal “Kirei” Turner, of Flint, will perform an original piece titled “Freedom” that she composed exclusively for the event.

Live music begins at 1 p.m. with Kayfabe: The Ppls Band, a hard-rocking cover band that were the runner-up

See JUNETEENTH on page 10A

NEWS & NOTES

Red Oaks Waterpark opens June 8

MADISON HEIGHTS — Red Oaks Waterpark, located at 1455 E. 13 Mile Road, west of Dequindre Road in Madison Heights, opens for the 2024 season on June 8.

The hours are June 8-9, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; June 10-13, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; June 14-16, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; June 17-20, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.; June 21 through Aug. 18, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Aug. 19-25, from noon to 6 p.m.; and Aug. 31 through Sept. 2, from noon to 6 p.m.

The River Ride will be unavailable from Aug. 19 onwards and the water park will be closed on Aug. 26-30. Times are subject to change based on weather, attendance and staff availability.

The Red Oaks Waterpark features a wave pool and triple-flume waterslide that older children and teenagers enjoy. Children of all ages can play at SplashTown, a splash pad with 52 interactive water features, including a water play climber with slides and a dumping bucket.

Adults and older children can also unwind by grabbing a tube and floating on the River Ride, which moves slowly along a 990-foot channel. The waterpark also provides lounge chairs and picnic areas so guests can relax in the sun.

Water park and wave pool tickets can be purchased online at oaklandcountyparks.com three days prior to the day of a visit. Tickets can also be purchased at the park during regular hours.

For more information, call the water park at (248) 858-0918.

Madison heights recognized for environmental practices

MADISON HEIGHTS — The city of Madison Heights recently received a silver-level seal of achievement through the statewide Michigan Green Communities program.

The organization awards bronze, silver, gold or platinum seals of achievement to communities based on leadership in areas such as energy efficiency, climate adaptation and resilience, recycling and environmental justice.

Madison Heights was deemed exemplary in categories such as sustainability planning, energy efficiency and community engagement.

Recent efforts by the city include its energy footprint with the modernization of Civic Center Plaza and Fire Station No. 2, working with Energy Sciences of Berkley to create a city sustainability master plan, and earning the Energy Futures grant to partner with neighboring communities on a regional decarbonization plan.

The city also maintains an Environmental Citizens Committee that studies and recommends ecofriendly practices and policies.

Hazel Park Citywide Yard Sale and Freecycle

HAZEL PARK — Homes across the city of Hazel Park will feature yard sales the weekend of June 7-9. The Hazel Park District Library, located at 123 E. Nine Mile Road, will also be holding a sale during that time. The map of participating locations can be found online at hpsale.carrd.co (not .com).

A number of locations will feature free items, labeled as such. The idea is to keep them out of landfills by finding them new homes — a practice known as “freecycling.”

The event was once run by Hazel Park Neighborhood Enrichment, which has since disbanded, but a new group of volunteers are organizing it. To add your own home to the list, email the organizers at hazelparksale@gmail.com.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.

JUNE 7-9

Hazel Park Citywide Yard Sale & Freecycle: 11 a.m.-7 p.m. June 7 and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. June 8-9, more than 100 locations listed at hpsale.carrd.co, (248) 716-4999, hazelparksale@gmail.com

JUNE 11

Animal Magic: Nickelodeon “Entertainer of the Year” Mark Rosenthal presents two showsfeaturing exotic rescue animals, facts and stories, 3:30 and 6:30 p.m., Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail.com, hazel-park.lib.mi.us, facebook.com/hpdlibrary

JUNE 15

Juneteenth celebration: Concerts, food trucks, vendors, educational exhibits, climbing tower, bounce houses, petting zoo and pony rides, noon-6 p.m., Madison Heights Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road, facebook.com/MadisonHeightsRecreation

ONGOING

Red Oaks Waterpark: Open select dates June 8-Sept. 2, 1455 E. 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights, (248) 858-0918, redoakswaterpark@oakgov.com, oakgov.com

Play ‘Pokémon Go’: June 6 (Harding Park, 989 Mapledale St. in Ferndale), June 20 (Rosie’s Park, 1111 E. Farnum Ave. in Madison Heights), July 11 (Madison Heights Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road) and July 25 (Red Oaks Nature Center), facebook.com/hpdlibrary

Fun Fridays: Games, crafts, snacks and movies, 3 p.m. every Friday, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail.com, hazel-park.lib.mi.us

Senior card playing: Noon-3 p.m. every Monday and Thursday, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 547-5535, facebook.com/CityofHP

Book clubs: Mind Readers (discussions of self-improvement through self-help books and narrative nonfiction), LitWits (general club for avid readers), Novels & Neighbors (focuses on range of viewpoints and life experiences) and Golden Bookworms (for ages 50 and older), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, find times, dates and more at madison-heights.org/1907/Book-Clubs

Social clubs: Ham Radio (7:30-9 p.m. every second Wednesday of month), Stitch & Knit (4-6 p.m. every first Thursday of Month), Lego/Pokémon (6:30-7:30 p.m. every first Tuesday of month) and various book clubs, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail.com, hazel-park.lib.mi.us

Hazel Park Garden Club: Workshops and events include Organic Weed Management (June 12), Herb Gardening (June 26), Irrigation and Rain Barrels (July 10), Rain Garden (July 24), Harvesting and Biological Insect Controls (Aug. 14), Fruit Tree Pruning and Berries Care (Aug. 28), Harvest Festival Potluck (Sept. 11), Beekeeping 102 (Sept. 25), Composting (Oct. 9), Vermicomposting (Oct. 23), Putting the Garden to Bed (Nov. 13), and Bug and Bat Houses (Nov. 27), noon, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 546-7000, facebook.com/HPBeautification

Speaker Series: Hear from bestselling authors and thought leaders, topics are “Psychological Thrillers and the Queen of Twists” (8 p.m. June 13), “Unpacking a History of Systemic Racism in the American Education System” (2 p.m. June 20), “A Visit to Deckawoo Drive with Mercy Watson” for students in grade 2 and younger (2 p.m. July 9), “Surviving the Summer with The Last Kids on Earth” for grades 3-6 (2 p.m. July 16), “Learning the Power of Poetry” for grades 9-12 (2 p.m. July 23), and “Graphic Novels are Life!” for grades 5-8 (2 p.m. July 30), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, registration required, (248) 588-7763, libraryc.org/mhlibrary/upcoming

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

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

Health workshops: For chronic pain, high blood pressure and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, beaumonthealth.digitalsignup.com

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TUESDAY-ALL DAY

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FRIDAY: Live Music! 9:pm

TRIVIA WEDNESDAY: 7:30pm & 9pm

TUESDAY: Opinionation Game 6:30pm-8:45pm

MONDAY-FRIDAY: HAPPY HOUR 3-6pm

|

Juneteenth

from page 6A

during the Battle of the Bands at last fall’s Trail Tunes.

At 1:45 p.m., steel pan soloist Quinton Robinson will perform, followed by the Detroit funk bank Groove Fellowship at 2:30 p.m., making their first appearance at the event.

At 3:15 p.m., award-winning actor and vocalist X Alexander Durden will perform a special tribute to Opal Lee — the 97-yearold Texas woman whose decades-long efforts were instrumental in Juneteenth being proclaimed a federal holiday in 2021.

“We commissioned him to specifically come up with something for this event,” Wright said. “He’s performed at each of our previous three events. He’s just an amazing talent.”

The music concludes at 4 p.m. with The Smoke Jones Heart and Soul Big Band, led by Alfred Lloyd “Smoke” Jones III, of Hazel Park. He will be accompanied by special guests such as jazz vocalist Audrey Northington, horn section leader Allen Dennard, and DJ Jewels Baby. Directed by Randal V. Wilson, the show will span multiple genres honoring the diverse contributions that the Black community has made on music and culture.

Throughout it all, there will be food and drinks available at the Food Truck Rally, featuring a variety of African Americanowned food trucks. The selection will run the gamut, from soul food and Caribbean fare to ice cream and elephant ears.

Scheduled businesses include Big Bo’s Grill, Nita Signature Soul Food, We Juice, Mr. Creole, Steve’s World of Food, Chicken Headz, Eight Claws Crab Boil, So Icy Italian Ice, Royal Treats & Eats, Vedged Out, Grillz on Wheelz and Greedy Rice.

There will also be a pop-up sale featuring more than 50 local small business

vendors selling clothing, accessories, jewelry, sunglasses, candles, oils, beads, gourmet popcorn, dream catchers, books, skincare products, face painting, crafts and more. The sale will also feature nonprofits and community resources, including the Human Rights and Equity Commission and the Madison Heights Public Library.

For the kids, there will be free youth attractions such as a 25-foot-tall climbing tower courtesy of Oakland County Parks, plus bounce houses, a petting zoo with pony rides, and special crafts.

The event is also an opportunity to learn about its namesake, with an eightstation educational exhibit featuring informational displays ranging from life in Africa before enslavement and the Atlantic slave trade, up through the history of Juneteenth and the modern Civil Rights Movement.

One can also contribute to a good cause by bringing nonperishable food items to donate to the Madison Heights Food Pantry, which will have a booth set up in the vendor area.

THURSDAY 6/6FRIDAY 6/7

Wright originally pitched Juneteenth at the inaugural meeting of the city’s Human Rights and Equity Commission in the fall of 2020. Due to COVID considerations, the event didn’t come together until 2021, when it had an estimated 600 people. The turnout doubled to about 1,200 at the 2022 event, which was co-organized by the HREC and MHCU. Then, MHCU took over completely in 2023 with the HREC continuing to lend support, and the event has only continued to grow.

“Most of the day last year, there wasn’t a lot of parking available due to construction at Civic Center Plaza,” Wright said. “There were many people coming and going, getting carryouts and leaving. It was a huge turnout last year, more than 2,000 people. The entire parking lot at Lamphere (High) was crowded with people looking for spots. We hope to build on that momentum this year.”

Roslyn Grafstein, the mayor of Madison Heights, noted that the event is run entirely by volunteers and funded solely by

THURSDAY 6/13

private and public sponsors.

“We had hoped the new bandshell would be ready by Juneteenth, but delays have pushed its completion out a few months,” Grafstein said via email.

Madison Heights City Councilman Quinn Wright, who is not related to Kevin Wright, said he always enjoys the Juneteenth Celebration.

“I really love how we get the best of Madison Heights to come out and support this event, and how it’s all gathered around creating community with good food and good music,” Quinn Wright said.

“I want people to keep in mind that this holiday is for everyone,” he continued. “Juneteenth tells the story of what it means to be a second-class citizen in America, and to have the promise of the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness restored. It represents the embrace of equity and the independence of this great nation. It’s a celebration for everyone who loves America.”

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

FRIDAY 6/14

SATURDAY 6/15

SUNDAY 6/16

Educational exhibits taught attendees about Juneteenth last year and will return again this year. The federal holiday commemorates the date that the last U.S. slaves learned they were free.

File photo by Donna Dalziel

BEHIND THE WHEEL

Ford F-100 pickup keeps on truckin’

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — What started out as a dilapidated pickup truck is now a sleek, vintage vehicle that draws plenty of attention.

Nearly 25 years ago, Paul Grabski took a chance by purchasing a 1953 Ford F-100 pickup truck. Although he got a good deal on the sale, the vehicle had seen better days.

“It was inexpensive. I brought it home. It was sort of a derelict vehicle,” Grabski, 66, said. “It was so tall. It was an old farm truck that was taken out of a barn in Saginaw.”

The Sterling Heights resident knew that a couple of previous owners tried to turn the vehicle into a hot rod without much success. His plan was to restore the truck and then put it up for sale.

“When I got it running, the vehicle was not in drivable shape,” Grabski said. “No steering, no brakes.”

He changed his mind about selling the truck, though, and decided to keep it. Grabski soon got to work to make the set of wheels his own.

“I tore it down and I rebuilt the

entire chassis. Both suspensions, front and back,” Grabski said. “I did the motor up nice, put an automatic transmission in it. Virtually created the truck.

In the process I threw everything but the cab and the doors away. It was just all junk.”

Then “life got in the way,” so Grabski parked the Ford in the garage, where it stayed for 15 years.

“A couple years ago we decided we’d go ahead and finish it,” the 1975 Eisenhower High School graduate said.

He found a custom painter who beautified the truck with an indigo blue color.

“It’s not original, but what we did, we did right. It is customized to be more enjoyable and easier to operate than when it was first built,” Grabski said. “It’s pretty comfortable to ride in now as opposed to the old farm truck. A farm truck is exactly that. They’re stiff. They’re hard to drive. This changed it all.”

The pickup is now equipped with power steering, power brakes, automatic transmission, air conditioning and power windows. He even installed a Chevy V-8 engine. To keep up with the truck’s

See TRUCK on page 13A

TOP: Paul Grabski, of Sterling Heights, will be at several local car shows this summer with his 1953 Ford F-100 pickup truck. ABOVE LEFT: “This is actually a factory seat reimagined,” Grabski said of the front seat. “It used to be a straight, flat seat.” ABOVE RIGHT: One of Grabski’s favorite features is the wood floor in the back.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

CRIME WATCH

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 32000 block of John R Road between 5 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. April 27. An investigation was ongoing.

Tractor-trailer taken

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown person stole

Budget

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.

Identity stolen

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, a 21-year-old Madison Heights resident had their personal information stolen by an unknown suspect who attempted to secure a loan at a location in the 32000 block of Concord Drive around 8 a.m. May 1. Investigations were ongoing.

iPhone swiped

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown person snatched the iPhone of a 32-year-old Madison Heights resident while the phone was set down

purpose, or too low as to not be able to handle an emergency,” she said.

on a table at a location in the 29000 block of John R Road sometime between 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. May 16. Police were investigating.

Credit card fraud

MADISON HEIGHTS — An unknown suspect used a credit card stolen from an 18-year-old Sterling Heights resident to make purchases at multiple locations in the 31000 block of John R Road between 12:10 p.m. May 22 and 5 p.m. May 23.

In a similar incident, an unknown suspect used a credit card stolen from a 48-yearold Detroit resident to make purchases at multiple locations in the 32000 block of John R Road between 1:15 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. May 21. Investigations were ongoing.

If you know more about these crimes or

eco-friendly.

others, call Madison Heights Police at (248) 585-2100.

Drunken driver arrested

HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, officers were called to South Chrysler Drive and Nine Mile Road just after midnight May 24 on reports of an intoxicated driver.

Upon arrival, the officers allegedly located a 2015 Dodge Charger with a 38-yearold Southfield man sleeping inside. The driver failed sobriety tests with a blood alcohol content level of 0.183 and was arrested.

Police were investigating.

If you know more about this crime or others, call Hazel Park Police at (248) 542-6161.

— Andy Kozlowski

rent year’s 25.5288 mills. The city collects $1 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, multiplied by the millage rate.

City Manager Melissa Marsh noted that the city reduced its millage rate to help offset the effects of inflation. In terms of utilities, the water and sewer rate is increasing by roughly 4%.

“Madison Heights is still one of the lowest rates in the area,” Marsh said in an email. “This is required to continue to maintain and replace the water infrastructure in the city, and also pass through the increases from our third-party providers for water and wastewater treatment.”

Marsh also noted that the city is not projecting any use of fund balance in the coming fiscal year. The city expects to have $9 million in fund balance by the end of the new fiscal year.

“This is in line with the city fund balance policy to protect against having a balance that is too high without a designated

from page 12A

from page 1A authentic appearance, the rear end is a bit higher than the front.

“It gives that hot rod stance to it. I love the wood floor in the back. I like the louver hood,” Grabski said. “I built the truck I wanted to build with the help of some friends and some people I paid to have work done.”

Working on the truck was second nature for Grabski, who has “done auto repair

About $10.2 million is planned for capital improvements. Some notable projects include about $1.4 million in parks improvements — some started in the current fiscal year — that include the addition of pickleball courts and a pavilion at Rosie’s Park, and baseball field lighting improvements.

Other projects include water main replacements on sections of Diesing Drive, Groveland Street, East Rowland Avenue and Edward Avenue, as well as road improvements on sections of Brush Street, Palmer Street and Hampden Street. The budget also invests in the library makerspace, traffic safety improvements and public safety equipment.

On the note of public safety, staffing levels at the Fire Department will increase in the coming fiscal year 2024-25 to better manage call volume, with three new emergency medical technicians added full time.

Madison Heights City Councilman Quinn Wright said he and his peers also thought about how the city could be more

my whole life.” He worked in the auto industry in production, building various car models, motor home chassis and transmissions. The retired GM employee also learned the trade by repairing vehicles when he worked overtime.

“I picked up tons of knowledge repairing them,” he said.

Grabski, who built model cars as a kid, paid attention to the interior.

“This is actually a factory seat reimagined. It used to be a straight, flat seat,” he said of the front seat. “A couple down in Detroit that did the interior came up with this

“One of the things we were attentive to is our environmental impact,” Wright said. “We’re very excited to roll out a program next year, if not this year, where residents will receive new recycling and trash receptacles. That should help not only with the efficiency of our trash pickup, but also lower the rodent population, and reduce some other issues folks have with their trash.”

Marsh said that the city expects to bring in more revenue during the new fiscal year while seeking grants to maximize funding. She said the budget is once again focused on the city’s long-term financial stability, with key priorities being infrastructure, public safety, sustainability and quality of life.

“The city takes pride in its sound financial management, prudent allocation of limited resources and steadfast commitment to long-term planning,” Marsh said. “This budget once again is a testament to that work.”

Wright said he’s happy with the final package.

“I think our residents will be happy with it, too, from the perspective of quali-

design. We added a box on the bottom; we didn’t have cup holders in ’53.”

Grabski is a fixture at all the local car haunts, including the Mount Clemens Cruise, Autorama, the annual Shorewood Kiwanis Club of St. Clair Shores Harper Charity Cruise, and Cruisin’ 53, organized by the Warren Community Foundation and the Center Line Festival Foundation.

People have stopped him in the middle of the avenue to snap photos during the Woodward Dream Cruise. He’s won trophies for the vehicle, which has about 2,500 miles on it.

ty-of-life elements and the addition of fire staff and improvements to the parks, as well as the cost savings,” Wright said. “It shows what we can accomplish when council and staff work together.”

Roslyn Grafstein, the mayor of Madison Heights, said the city’s long-term planning approach has allowed the city to be flexible in uncertain economic times. Earlier this year, the city renewed contracts with labor unions that resulted in raises to help employees keep pace with the cost of living. And last fall, the city completed its largest capital improvement project in nearly 70 years. That project included renovations at City Hall and the library, a new Active Adult Center built between them at Civic Center Plaza, and renovations at Fire Station No. 2. She said the city will continue to modernize, but also won’t lose sight of what matters most.

“As always, public safety is my top priority,” Grafstein said in an email. “It doesn’t matter how many new programs or services we offer if people do not feel safe.”

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

“We get thumbs-up everywhere we go. We get phones shoved out the window at traffic lights,” said Grabski, whose wife, Roberta Hunter, is usually by his side. “You meet a lot of people with a vehicle like this.”

On a recent Monday morning while at James C. Nelson Park in Sterling Heights, local resident Donna Hill — while on the walking track — noticed the restored pickup truck.

“What kind of engine? Was that the original color? It’s so perfect how you kept it up,” Hill said. “That’s really nice. That is absolutely beautiful.”

Truck

Wells would go live on his Facebook page, now renamed to “Remembering Mark Wells,” in efforts to interact with fans, and LaPlant said the page continuously was stormed with messages from fans showing their love for Wells.

Since Wells’ passing, LaPlant said the outpouring of messages to the page has been overwhelmingly touching, and said it just goes to show the type of impact Wells had on his fans all over the world.

“He liked going live on his Facebook page and interacting with his fans, and we would get done with an hour chat on his page and sometimes we would privately call a fan and we would chat for 15-20 minutes, and he would tell stories,” LaPlant said. “He loved it, and the fans loved it.”

Bowling Green State University honored Wells and Ken Morrow, a Bowling Green and 1980 U.S. hockey teammate of Wells, in February 2022 with their very own custom U.S. hockey bobblehead for the hockey team’s Olympic night.

Wells was inducted into the Bowling Green Athletic Hall of Fame in 1992 after playing for the Falcons from 1975-1979.

John Wells and his wife, Nancy, were able to make the trip for the ceremony where John said a moment took place that he’ll never forget.

“At that event, this couple walks up, and they’ve talked to Mark, and they came up to me and said, ‘John, our daughter died at 12 of a very rare disease, and we said we’d like to start a foundation to get a cure, and we asked Mark if he could help,’” John Wells said. “‘If it wasn’t Mark, this would have never gotten off the ground because he gave us stuff that we could sell, and we did and we started this foundation that’s still going today because of your brother.’ I thought that it was cool for me that he did good. He cared.”

John Wells is the older brother — by 17 months — who Mark always respected and admired. Mark scored both of his Olympic goals in both games (Czechoslovakia and Norway) that John attended in Lake Placid. Mark also has a younger sister, Lori, who is 13 years younger than him.

The Wells brothers shared the ice a handful of times as teammates throughout their life, dominating the opposition as representatives of St. Clair Shores hockey.

“Our town, St. Clair Shores, was probably the best hockey town probably until Mark and I were 15, 16, or 17 years old,” John Wells said. “Your team could only be from St. Clair Shores, but we had some good teams that were competitive, even with the

Canadians. Mark and I were on a team when I was 15 and he was 14, and we played in Canada probably 30 times because we had maybe two teams in Michigan that could even give us a game. Now, that team ended up having seven or eight scholarship hockey players from this little dinky town. I have no clue why that happened, but it did.”

Before Wells’ passing, it was only fitting he was able to make it back to Lake Placid one last time as the “Miracle” team held their eighth annual Miracle On Ice Fantasy Camp in early May of this year with Eruzione, Mark Johnson, John Harrington, and many other members of the 1980 team teaming up with over 60 campers. Attendees get to play alongside their heroes over the course of a four-day camp.

“We get anywhere from 10 to 13 players to come back, and it’s always fun to go back to Lake Placid obviously, but it’s even more fun to go back and all the guys are there,” Eruzione said. “We sit in the same locker room where we dressed and just kind of share some funny stories. We have the most immature, 60-plus-year-old men you’d ever want to be around. We’re like little kids when we get together.”

While Wells was unable to play, he served as the camp commissioner each year while also supplying plenty of laughs to his former teammates.

That’s what Wells did best: He put smiles on everyone’s faces around him.

“As a person, he’s very unique,” Eruzione said. “He’s a character. He was a funny, funny guy. Sometimes when we get together to do a Q&A and Wellsy gets a question, you have got to take the mic away from him because he’ll just keep talking, but in a good way. We love Mark. He was a great teammate. He was somebody who cared a lot about people. Not just our team, but in general. He was a very generous man. He helped a lot of different people for a lot of different causes in the Michigan area.”

Memories of Mark Wells

Luke LaPlant on what Mark Wells thought of Herb Brooks:

“Mark always spoke very highly of Herb (Brooks). He would never say a bad word. The only time he would really get fired up is when he would talk about the time that Herb told him he didn’t think he (Wells) had it after he broke his ankle. I believe Mark broke his ankle four months before the Olympics on a training run with Craig Patrick, and it was after an exhibition game in Oklahoma City. Mark had flown from Nova Scotia to Oklahoma City, and after the game Herb had Mark skating on the ice and said, ‘I don’t think you have it right now.’ Mark said he skated a circle around Herb and spit

at his feet and said, ‘You’re not going to take my dream away from me. I’m going to make this team.’”

John Wells on the moment Mark Wells found out he made the U.S. team

“After the period in Joe Louis Arena (during an exhibition game between the U.S. and Canada on Feb. 5), he (Mark Wells) said Herb (Brooks) comes up to him, and he doesn’t know he’s dressing yet, and he tells my brother, ‘Hey Mark, please meet me in section 356.’ That’s in the nosebleeds of Joe Louis Arena, and of course my brother told me he had no clue what was going on. Maybe he thought he was going to cut him, right? He had to cut somebody. He said, ‘I get up there,’ and he had to dress and shower, and Herb was up there waiting. My brother

said that Herb told him, ‘Mark, you’re dressing,’ and he knew he meant Friday. Herb then just left. That’s all he told him. He goes, ‘Why in the hell did I have to come way up here?’ That’s just Herb.”

Mike Eruzione on favorite memory of Mark Wells

“I think my favorite one was when he showed up the first year of the fantasy camp and he forgot his teeth, and I said, ‘Wellsy, where’s your teeth?’ He said, ‘I forgot them.’ I said, ‘Isn’t that the first thing you do in the morning is get up, put your teeth in, and brush your teeth?’ He goes, ‘Yeah, I don’t know. I just forgot.’ That was just typical Mark, and off he went, walking away laughing.”

PUBLIC NOTICE CITY OF HAZEL PARK

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at a City Council meeting on May 14, 2024, the Hazel Park City Council adopted the following: Ordinance #05-24, an Ordinance to Amend the Hazel Park Municipal Code, Title 10, Vehicles and Traffc, Chapter 10.40 – Expense of Emergency Response. The effective date of this Ordinance is June 14, 2024. In addition to this Ordinance, the entire Hazel Park Municipal Code is available for inspection and/or purchase at the City Clerk’s Offce, 111 E. Nine Mile Rd., Hazel Park, Michigan 48030. Lisa K. Mayo, City Clerk, CMC.

Published: Madison-Park News 06/05/2024

0081-2423

THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE, PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET, WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THIS HEARING

A public hearing will be held on June 17, 2024, during the regular Board meeting starting at 6:00 p.m. in the auditorium of Madison High School, Madison District Schools, located at 915 E. Eleven Mile Rd., Madison Heights, Michigan. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the proposed 2024-2025 budget.

A copy of the proposed 2024-2025 budget, including the proposed property tax millage rate, is available for public inspection during normal business hours beginning Monday, June 10, 2024, in the Business Offce located in the Administrative Building, 26550 John R Road, Madison Heights, Michigan, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Publish: Madison Park News 06/05/2024

Editor: Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com

Reporter: Andy Kozlowski | (586) 498-1046 | akozlowski@candgnews.com

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

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

0229-2423

retail ad rates: Robin May | (586) 498-1083 | rmay@candgnews.com Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100

and

(586) 498-1099

Advertising: Louise Millar | (586) 498-1054 | lmillar@candgnews.com

Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com

The applicant would have demolished the strip mall and constructed a store and fuel pump canopy (6,132 square feet) with eight fueling stations, each with two pumps for 16 pumps total.

Along with gasoline services and a convenience store, Sheetz also would have featured a quick-service restaurant with madeto-order and grab-and-go offerings. The restaurant would have been open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, all year long.

Last November, the proposal was submitted to the Planning Commission for preliminary feedback. The commission raised concerns about the impacts a 24-hour operation could have on nearby residential properties, such as noise, light and increased traffic.

Other concerns included the proximity of the gas pump canopy to the west property line and adding another vehicle-oriented business at a busy intersection, as well as an increase in pollution.

The applicant addressed several of the concerns, noting that the convenience store would be positioned between the fuel pumps and nearby condominiums, serving as a screen between the two. The parking lot and dumpster enclosure were also shifted away from the condominiums to the west.

The density of gas stations in the area was another concern. According to Matt Lonnerstater, the city planner for Madison Heights, there are currently 21 gas stations within city limits. The city is only 7 square miles, so that amounts to three gas stations per square mile, and one gas station per 1,333 residents. Nineteen existing gas stations are located within a 1-mile radius of the site.

He also noted that while city staff echoed the Planning Commission’s concerns about the proximity of a 24-hour gas station to residential areas, the lack of alignment with the city’s master plan and land use policies, and the addition of yet another gas station, there were some perceived benefits to the plan, such as the opportunity for improved landscaping at the site.

But the council members concluded the risks outweighed the potential rewards.

“At this specific site and distance to residents, the amount of fuel pumps, the light pollution, the noise and smells are definitely something that concerned me,” Bliss said.

He added that while he saw letters of support from members of the community, he didn’t see any from the neighborhood that would be most affected. Bliss also felt that Sheetz should have held town hall

meetings soliciting feedback from the public, given the impacts the proposal would have on neighbors and traffic flow.

“I would have loved to see something like that here,” Bliss said to applause from the crowd.

After the meeting, City Councilman Quinn Wright said he listened closely to the concerns of residents and business owners alike in reaching his verdict.

“I think with Sheetz, it boiled down to what was the sentiment of the overall community. I think there was a lot of support for Sheetz from residential members of our community. However, from the business community especially, there was a tremendous pushback and concern about the longterm impacts Sheetz would have on their business,” Wright said. “I think that at the end of the day, what we have to do is not necessarily regulate the market but uphold our ordinances and make sure that we understand the impact special approvals will have overall on the community. And here we determined that the overall impact didn’t warrant special approval.”

Roslyn Grafstein, the mayor of Madison Heights, said via email that the council learned a lot from the Sheetz application process.

“I appreciate Sheetz for shining a light to the number of residents who would like to see that corner revitalized with a new grocery store and restaurant for busy families, and I want to thank everyone who shared their thoughts on the development,” Grafstein said. “The feedback we received from the community was invaluable in guiding our decisions. I am excited to see what kind of new development will go in there.”

When contacted for comment, Ashley Nathan, project manager at Skilken Gold, said that Sheetz will continue to try and make inroads in the community.

“While we are disappointed by the City Council’s decision, especially given the amount of support Sheetz has in Madison Heights, we appreciated the opportunity to share the Sheetz story with the community and local officials,” Nathan said via email. “Sheetz will continue its expansion with the goal of bringing its brand of fresh made-toorder food and 24/7 convenience to southeast Michigan. We hope to continue the dialogue with local officials in the future.”

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

Beer

from page 3A

bombers were produced in the Detroit area. The Willow Run plant built B-24 Liberator bombers, while the Detroit Arsenal in Warren built 27% of the Sherman tanks used in the war.

“They built the tank plant, and then around that nucleus all the other plants were built,” said Lind, the director of the Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum. “Thousands and thousands of small feeder plants were built. Ford built the bomber plant out at Willow Run. And the rail spur, which is incredibly important for shipping and receiving, the main rail spur in Detroit fed not only Cleveland but Philadelphia and Chicago and Kentucky and Toledo, where the bulk of the Willys Jeeps were made.”

Tanks and planes were built in Detroit and used by all the major Allied militaries. British and Free French forces used Shermans alongside the U.S. military in North Africa and on the Western Front in Europe, while the Soviet Union and its tank forces had a significant number of Shermans augmenting the Russian tanks produced on the Eastern Front.

“What we did is we equipped the rest of the world,” Lind said. “We fielded the equivalent of 250 divisions, but we equipped 2,000. And that was us, the great arsenal of democracy.”

The Detroit-style lager itself has a long history. Detroit breweries like Stroh’s, Goebel, Pfeiffer, and about 40 other breweries, were supplying watering holes around the city with cold suds for decades until prohibition came into law.

“I’m a huge lager brewer (and) fan,” Rieth said. “That started back in my Atwater (Brewery) days, and I always wanted to bring back that Detroit-style lager that had been made back in the 1800s. (Arsenal) is an

ode to that style of beer that was made back in 1850 when Bernhard Stroh was handdelivering kegs in wheelbarrows.”

When the ban on beer was lifted and World War II broke out, Stroh’s and other breweries around the country picked up contracts to supply U.S. service members with domestic beer overseas.

“Beer was sent overseas in large, large amounts, and that was to keep the GIs from trying to make their own and possibly poisoning themselves,” Lind said. “Beer was contracted out particularly to the Pacific. There was beer in Europe. That wasn’t a problem.”

For as much relief as Detroit lagers provided service members during the war, Rieth plans for Arsenal of Democracy to be more than just a cold drink with a nifty name. Detroit Liquid Ventures plans on supporting veterans causes along with supporting the Detroit Arsenal of Democracy Museum through licensing its name.

“What we’re doing is we’re trying to

support in different ways,” Rieth said. “Financially, as part of it, we can’t do it on a percentage of proceeds. It’s not allowed, so we want to make certain that we make some donations to some certain charities throughout the year as good gestures. One would be the Arsenal of Democracy Museum. Obviously, we want to support them because they’re a big part of what we wanted to accomplish with the beer. Others we’re talking to are the VA hospital downtown and some

others that we’ll announce over the next month or two.”

Arsenal of Democracy will be a regular part of the Detroit Liquid Ventures lineup, joining the company’s Old Head Irish-style beers and FÜL Beverages non-alcoholic drinks. A nonalcoholic version of Arsenal of Democracy is expected to be released in the future.

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

Centerline Family Dental: Providing a patient-centered approach to dentistry

Dr. Saher Soliman and his team at Centerline Family Dental are dedicated to creating a familyoriented, low-anxiety atmosphere, catering especially to those with dental apprehensions.

ey pride themselves on personalized patient care, ensuring each individual receives their undivided attention during their visit. Specializing in root canals, cosmetic dentistry, periodontal care, Invisalign and smile makeovers, they o er comprehensive services to enhance both dental health and aesthetics.

“We took over Dr. Mark Smith’s established practice, which had been serving the community for 40 years,” said Dr. Soliman. “We are continuing the quality care that he provided for this community while integrating modern advancements to enhance our services.”

e practice also prioritizes same-day emergency services and strives to accommodate patients within the same week for follow-up visits.

“What sets us apart is that we have a welcoming atmosphere while providing high-quality, high-end dental care that surpasses what other dental practices o er,” said Dr. Soliman. “We take pride in our work and are very meticulous about what we do.”

He also places a high priority on building personal connections with his patients, going beyond their dental needs.

“It’s not only about the dental work,” he explained. “I genuinely enjoy learning about my patients’ lives. ere is immense grati cation in providing immediate dental solutions and seeing their smiles afterwards.”

“Denna, the o ce manager, goes above and beyond to ensure our patients feel cared for. She is known for her friendly demeanor, and she enjoys personally interacting with each patient to enhance their experience at our clinic,” he added.

Patients consistently praise the quality of care, as one noted: “I recommend this place as it has a

very good home atmosphere, very kind and friendly employees. Even if you came from another country and your English is far from perfect, the employees of this dentistry will understand you, take care of you and do everything necessary.”

Another said, “Dr. Soliman did a great job deep cleaning the back side of my teeth—rare and appreciated! e friendly, lighthearted sta made the visit pleasurable.”

A third patient added, “What a wonderful experience! Amazing sta , quick service, and a great environment. Loved the personality of the doctor, assistant and receptionist.”

Mention this article and get a new patient exam for $99 with a complimentary dental cleaning.

Free second opinions are also available, as well as a rewarding patient referral program. When a patient refers someone, both they and the individual they referred each receive a $25 discount on their treatment.

Centerline Family Dental is located at 24650 Van Dyke Ave. in Center Line. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (586) 757-2136 or visit centerlinefamilydental.com.

Madison-Park News

June 5, 2024

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Chimneys,Porches, Steps,Flat-Work, Residential/Commercial Tuck-Pointing,CulturedStone,AllBrick&MasonryRepairs/Needs. SPRINGSPECIALS

Upto30%-OFF Free-Est./SeniorDisc.

MOUTON'S MASONRY

Any&allmasonryrepairs. Brick,block,steps, chimneys,porches-tuckpointing,Cementwork, mortar-matching. 25-yrsexperience Free-estimates. References/Insured. 248-252-5331

PREFERRED

BROTHERSMASONRY

•Tuckpointing•Brickwork

•ChimneyRepair/Rebuild

•ChimneyCaps

•CementFlatwork•Steps

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586-944-3669

AAABROOKSIDE

Porches,Steps, Chimney's,Tuck-pointing, CulturedStone,PreventativeMaintenance, Concrete,Custom MortarMatching, Free-Estimates,Senior Discounts,37yearsexp.

Cleaning

Electrical

Gutters

Hauling & Waste Removal

Brick Work

A-DMASONRYLLC. AllMasonryWork Bricks,Stones,Pavers, Blocks,Porches, Chimneys.Tuckpointing. 26-yrsexperience Insured,FreeEstimates. 586-873-8210 Filip

LOVELL MASONRYLLC.

586-241-9541

Affordable/Professional SpecializesinBrick-Work, Custom-Steps,Concrete, Mailboxes,Porch&Chimney-Repairs,Tuck-pointing,PaverMaintenance, FreeEst./SeniorDisc. lovellmasonryllc.com

Carpentry

GOTROT? RottenWood ReplacementSpecialist AllTypesofWoodRepair Fascia,Soffit&Siding PaintedtoMatch AMGAppliedServices 248-828-7998 www.amgapplied services.com

Carpet Cleaning CARPET

WAVY-n-LOOSE?

WePower Re-stretch and Steam-clean ForOneLowPrice MultipleRoomDiscount

CLEANINGLADY with10-yrexperienceis lookingforwork.Weekly, bi-weekly,monthly Excellentreferences. Flexiblehours. Bonded&insured. 248-890-8830

Decks/Patios

2024SPECIALS

CustomDeck Building/Repair, Power-Washing, DecksRemoved, Composite,Treated &CedarMaterials, CustomRailingMaterials, CustomFence Installation. 586-260-5218

586-755-3636

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

CASTLEELECTRIC

586-634-1152

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

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

Fence Service

PLATINUMFENCE

Residential/Commercial Vinyl,Wood, Aluminum,Chain-link, CommercialGates, QualityWork,Affordable, FamilyOwned/Operated, FreeEstimates, SeniorDiscounts 586-701-0596

Gutters

SmallHangJobs AnySizeFinishJobs DonePerfectly Shon- 586-801-6190

Electrical

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

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

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

GUTTERS &WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOMMICOLI 313-656-9402

Handyman Services

AA4DABLE HANDYMAN

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

Hauling & Waste Removal

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

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

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

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

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

Heating & Cooling AFFORDABLE HeatingandCooling Greg'sHeatingLLC Familyowned company 89$servicecall 79A/Ctuneup SeniorDiscounts 586-422-8528 Home Repairs EXTERIOR REPAIRSLLC. Since1999 Roofing,Siding, GuttersandMore! Reliable Ask,WeMightDoIt! FREEESTIMATES 248-242-1511

AIRCONDITIONING REPAIRS 586-354-3662 www.acheating repairmi.com Licensed,Boilers, Furnaces,Plumbing, Gas/WaterPiping, WaterHeaters,Pumps, DuctWork/SheetMetal, AirConditioning

Kitchens/ Cabinets/ Countertops

MR.BACKSPLASH

·CUSTOM BACKSPLASHES

·CUSTOMKITCHENS

·COUNTERTOPS

*Granite*Quartz*

·CustomBathrooms

·TILEREPAIRS

*FREEESTIMATES*

586-552-5416

mrbacksplash.com

Landscaping & Water Gardens

ALLTIMATE OUTDOOR SERVICES

DrainageSystem Professionals

New-Construction, Yard-Drainage,Grading, Sod/Seed,Retaining Walls/Walkways/Patios, Senior/Military-Discounts

Credit-Cards-Accepted Free-Estimates 586-719-1202

TOTALBRICKPAVING LANDSCAPINGPROS

586-420-3531

Brickpaving,Patio, Walkways,Driveways, Porches,Repairs, Powerwash,Rock Installation,Mulch,Sod, CompleteLandscape Design.

Lawn Maintenance

2024SPRING

586-260-5218

Commercial/Residential

*Landscaping *Decks

*SpringClean-Ups

*LawnCutting *LicensedFertilization

*Aerating&Thatching VisitFacebook: BrightHorizonServicesInc.

SUPREMEOUTDOOR SPECIALISTS

SpringClean-up

LawnMaintenance, Landscaping,Paver, Patios,RetainingWalls, CementWork,Shrub/Tree

Trimming&Removal, Mulching,35Yearsin Business,Free-Estimates 586-727-3924

Painting

586-792-3117

PETE'SPAINTING

SPRINGSPECIALS!

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

Painting

PAINTINGby-GPC MASTER Plaster/Drywall CompleteRestoration &InsuranceProjects Wallpaper Removal/Hanging PAINTING!PAINTING!

A+BBB-Rating/20yrs 30-yrs,BuilderLicense SeniorDisc/FreeEst. 586.899.3555(Cell) 248.566.6460(Office)

(586)229-4267

American Painting

•Residential/Commercial •Interior/25YearsExp. •PowerWashing •Insurance•Drywall •PlasterRepair •Clean-outs •HomeRepairs •SeniorDiscounts •Guaranteed-Work.

PEAKPAINTING

Custom-Painting, Commercial/Residential, Interior/Exterior. Drywall-Repair,Paper Removal,Carpentry. 30-yr.-exp.*WillBeat AnyOtherReasonable Estimate! Senior-Disc. Insured.Credit-Cards Accepted.References. 586-722-8381

2BROTHERS PAINTING

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

ANDERSON

Painting&Carpentry

CompleteInterior/Exterior Services.Plaster/Drywall &WaterDamageRepairs. Wood-Staining.Wallpaper Removal.Kitchen/Cabinet Refinishing,Insured/References.Free-Estimates 586-354-3032 248-974-4012

FARR'SPAINTING

Interior/Exterior Wood&DrywallRepairs

MoldRemediation FreeEstimates

CertifiedMoldInspector 248-345-3308 farrsmoldremoval.com

Painting

NEBOPAINTING

ServiceAllYearRound

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

VKPERFECTPAINTING

Interior/Exterior Drywall,Plaster,Repair Free-Estimates DedicatedtoQuality 26YearsExperience CallBill 313-433-9400 586-746-9846 vkperfectpainting.com

WOWPAINTING

Residential/Commercial

Interior/Exterior QualityPainting DrywallRepairs, RemoveWallpaper, ExteriorWood Replacement, EpoxyFlooring, Insured Free-Estimates 248-990-5388 wowpaintingmi.com

Plumbing

MASTER PLUMBER

Sewer&DrainService. Remodeling,Repairs, NewInstallations. FreeEstimates SeniorRates. 35+yrsexp.CallPaul 248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852

586.421.5520

586.524.6752

ANDY'S PLUMBING

25-YearsExperience

Licensed/Insured CallUsToday ForAllYour PlumbingNeeds!! ServingThe Tri-County-Area 10%/Senior/Military/ Discounts Lic#-8004254

Plumbing

EAPLUMBING ANDDRAIN

FullServicePlumbing. DrainCleaning,Sump Pumps,WaterHeaters, Leaks,Disposals, CameraInspections andMore. 586-477-7777 License#803020312

Plumbing

WATERWORK Plumbing.com •DrainCleaning •SewerCamera •WaterHeaters •SumpPumps •BackflowTesting 248-542-8022

SameDayEmergency ServiceAvailable Reliable/Experienced License#8003885

Powerwashing

AJʼsPRESSURE CLEANING& SEALCOATING

•StampedConcrete(removemilkyorcloudyfilm) •ExposedAggregate •BrickPavers(resanding) Website: ajspressure cleaning.com 586-431-0591

Roofng PREFERRED BROTHERSROOFING

•FullTear-off•Recover •ShingleRepair •Leak's•AllRepair •Flat-Roof•TourchDown •SeamlessGutters& GutterGuards

Senior/Military-Discount Upto20%Off 586-944-8898

AA4DABLE ROOFING

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

SILVERSMITHROOF MAINTENANCE

FlatRoofSpecialist $225•MinorShingle ReplacementSpecial •GutterRepairs Residential/Commercial InsuranceWork 30-yrsexp/Family-Owned WeAcceptAll MajorCreditCards 248-707-4851

Roofng

MICHAELNORTON BUILDERSINC.

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

Tree Service

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

DAVE'S TREE&SHRUB

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

ELITETREE SERVICE

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

Monica Rattee

Zyski

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