6/7/23 Madison-Park News by C & G Newspapers

candgnews.com JUNE 7, 2023 Vol. 42, No. 12

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MAKE THE MOST OF A DAY ON MACKINAC ISLAND BY GREG TASKER Spending a day on Mackinac Island is a rite of summer for many Michiganders. But most of us, I’m betting, aren’t making the most of that day. We scurry off the ferries right into the heart of downtown Mackinac Island, rent a bicycle for the traditional loop around the island, and then spend a few hours searching for souvenirs and fudge. We might grab a drink or a meal before heading back to the dock. While it’s always a fun outing, there’s so much more to

this Michigan gem than fudge, bicycles and horses. Most of the car-free island is a state park with miles of trails to hike and bike. It’s steeped in centuries of Native American, European and American history. And while Mackinac evokes images of being lost somewhere in time, there’s always something new to check out. New this season, for example, are: Patrick Doud’s Irish Pub, named after a contractor of Irish descent who helped build a number of important buildings on the island; the See MACKINAC on page 8A

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI

akozlowski@candgnews.com

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HAZEL PARK — Hazel Park’s tax rate will decrease slightly with the budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, due to a small change in the amount levied for economic development and the city’s Downtown Development Authority. While the overall tax rate will decrease, water rates will slightly increase, from $13.24 per unit to $13.94 unit. One unit is 748 gallons. “We are simply keeping up with increasing costs,” said Hazel Park City Manager Ed Klobucher. There are also raises planned for staff — roughly 4% across the board. “In this inflationary environment, Hazel Park has to be competitive to retain employees,” Klobucher

MADISON-PARK NEWS • JUNE 7, 2023

Madison Heights Citizens United to host Juneteenth celebration BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI

At last year’s Juneteenth celebration in Madison Heights, Colette Vandervest, of Grosse Pointe, received a painted tattoo from Princess Tiana. Attendees enjoyed live music, educational exhibits, children’s activities, a rib contest and more. This year’s event will be at Civic Center Park June 17.

akozlowski@candgnews.com

MADISON HEIGHTS — For the third year in a row, Madison Heights will mark the end of slavery in the U.S. with a Juneteenth celebration. Hosted by Madison Heights Citizens United, this year’s event will once again take place at Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road, from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 17. 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. “It’s an important part of American history I was never taught about in school and just learned a few years ago,” said Kevin Wright, one of the event organizers, via email. “Some have said that Juneteenth takes away from the Fourth of July, but I think the opposite is true: Juneteenth doesn’t compete

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with the Fourth of July — it completes the Fourth of July, because it’s the day that all Americans became free.” He noted that the Juneteenth event takes place one week before the city’s PreFourth of July Festival in the Park, which makes for a “one-two punch of celebrating freedom in our city.” Kevin Wright was a member of the city’s Human Relations & Equity Commission back when the event first started under

that board. Last year, the HREC co-hosted the event with the MHCU. This year, the MHCU is the sole organizer. The event will feature more than 40 small business vendors, of which about 80% are owned by African-American entrepreneurs. They will be selling such varied items as floral arrangements, clothing, jewelry, waist beads, sunglasses, body oils, candles, books, pillows, throws, quilts and dream catchers. The Madison Heights Food Pantry

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will also have a booth at the venue. The Juneteenth Food Truck Rally will also be taking place. An event within an event, the rally will feature all African-American-owned food trucks, such as Big Bo’s Grill, Grillz on Wheelz, Mr. Creole, Eight Claws Crab Boil LLC, Yeah It’s Vegan, B.L. Ellis Catering, Clara’s Place Soul Food, Motor City Sweet Treats, Royal Eats and Treats, and So Icy Italian Ice. The musical lineup includes the R&B group Smoke Jones Band, led by Hazel Park resident Alfred Lloyd “Smoke” Jones III. Other acts include the Brazeal Dennard Chorale, vocalist and actor X Alexander Durden, steel pan artist Quinton Robinson, and Kayfabe: The Ppls Band — a metro Detroit rock band performing covers and making its debut at this event. When the city first celebrated Juneteenth in 2021, attendance was around 600 people on a rainy day. Attendance doubled in 2022, making it one of the largest such Juneteenth celebrations in Michigan. Awareness for the date has grown steadily since the day became a federal holiday in 2021. Everything this year is paid for com-

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SECOND FRONT PAGE Bike Rodeo returns to Madison Heights

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3A/ MADISON-PARK NEWS • JUNE 7, 2023

HONORING THE FALLEN

FAMILYFRIENDLY EVENT SET FOR JUNE 10 BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights Police Department will hold a Bike Rodeo June 10 with giveaways and safety checks as part of an effort to build bonds with the people they serve. “Residents will get to talk about the community with the police, face-to-face, without the stress of a difficult situation like an emergency,” said Madison Heights City Councilman Sean Fleming, who also serves on the Crime Commission. “They can discuss the issues that matter most to them.” The rodeo will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 10, across two locations: the Madison Heights Police Department, 280 W. 13 Mile Road, and Civic Center Park, right behind it at 360 W. 13 Mile Road. A bike giveaway will be sponsored by the Michigan Schools and Government Credit Union, while the first 200 children in attendance will receive free bike helmets from Ascension MacombOakland Hospital, which they can decorate at a separate station. Participants are also encouraged to bring their bicycles for free safety checks by Trek Bicycle Corp., and there will be an obstacle course for them to test their riding skills, as well. All visitors are also welcome to tour the police station, see the police and fire vehicles up close, and participate in games. In addition, the Madison Heights Lions Club will be grilling hot dogs. There will also be a group offering child ID kits. Others involved include the Arts Board, the library and Community Coalition, each with their own booths, along with various sponsors.

ABOVE: Boy Scout Troop 1589 leads the 2023 Madison Heights Memorial Day Parade down a new route starting at Wilkinson Middle School and ending at Madison High School on May 27, two days before the holiday. It was the first time the parade had been held since 2019. The new route was due to road construction.

LEFT: Liam Lobaza, 7, salutes the crowd while marching with Boy Scout Troop 1589. ABOVE: Norm Mauldin, representing the Veterans of Foreign Wars District 5, spoke during the memorial service at Madison High School. Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

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MADISON-PARK NEWS • JUNE 7, 2023

HAZEL PARK NATIVE RELEASES NEXT NOVEL IN ‘COZY MYSTERY’ SERIES BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

HAZEL PARK — An award-winning author/playwright who grew up in Hazel Park has released the second book in his “cozy mystery” series about a gay millennial couple who solve crimes. Frank Anthony Polito’s latest work, “Rehearsed to Death,” is the sequel to last year’s “Renovated to Death,” and features the same leads, Peter and JP. The couple host a hit reality show where they renovate homes around metro Detroit. They live in the fictional suburb of Pleasant Woods, located between Royal Heights and Fernridge, and nearby Madison Park. As the names suggest, the towns are inspired by actual places, with “Madison Park” featuring elements of both Madison Heights and Hazel Park. Their latest adventure is set during the summer, while their TV show is on hiatus. JP is set to star in a community theater production at the Royal Heights Playhouse — a parody of Stagecrafters in Royal Oak. Pe-

ter wrote the play, “Blue Tuesday,” about two couples — one gay, one straight — living in New York City before the events of 9/11. But then the two men find themselves investigating the murder of Xander Sherwood Deva — the play’s arrogant and over-controlling director, who was found strangled to death by the same imported cashmere scarf he wore like a boa. The egomaniacal director was loathed by many people, so there is no shortage of suspects. Now, as the opening night of the play draws near, Peter and JP must figure out the identity of the killer. The “To Death” series is written in the style of the cozy mystery genre, which features elements such as charming small towns with colorful casts of characters, and a tasteful avoidance of gore, sex and swearing. Even the murders tend to happen off-screen. Polito said it’s appropriate for teens and adults alike, and is meant to be warm and inviting, despite the dark crimes at each mystery’s core. See POLITO on page 15A

Hazel Park native and author/playwright Frank Anthony Polito, seen here at his Pleasant Ridge home with his dogs, Jack and Clyde, has just released “Rehearsed to Death.” The dogs also feature in the story. Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

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5A/ MADISON-PARK NEWS • JUNE 7, 2023

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Special events

MDPS holds first Open Air Market

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison District Public Schools will host its first Madison Open Air Market on Saturday, July 15 (with a rain date of July 22) from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The market will be held in the parking lot and field of Wilkinson Middle School at 26524 John R Road in Madison Heights. Vendors are free to sell garage sale items, crafted goods and more, although organizers reserve the right to reject any items deemed objectionable. The fee for vendors is $40 for one space, $75 for two spaces and $110 for three spaces, with a table rental fee of $10, although vendors can bring their own tables instead. Tables are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, with two chairs provided for each space. Tents are allowed but must be weighed down or secured in some way. To apply or for more information, email openairmarket@madisondistrict.org.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Read with Cosmo: Children can tell stories to therapy dog, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Madison Heights Active Adult Center, 29448 John R St., registration required, (248) 588-7763, patron.mylibro.com

JUNE 15

Ukelele Club: Meets 3-4:30 p.m., Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, hazel-park.lib.mi.us Salsa/Latin Dance Party for Beginners: Learn from award-winning dance instructor and contest judge, 6-7:30 p.m., Red Oaks Youth Soccer Complex, 29601 John R Road in Madison Heights, registration

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

HAZEL PARK — A singer, magician and comic book artist will be among the guests at this year’s summer reading program in Hazel Park. There will also be exotic animals, drum circles, lessons on stop-motion animation, a truck showcase and more. Participants will be eligible for prizes as well, leading up to the grand finale — a picnic party at Scout-McPherson Park. The library, located at 123 E. Nine Mile Road, east of John R Road, announced the highlights in advance of registration, which opened June 5. The program then begins Tuesday, June 13. “The kids, and their parents, get really excited,” said Corrine Stocker, the library director. “Usually, we open registration a week before the first program, just so we don’t have to sign up hundreds of kids all at once. Everyone is eager to sign up and save a spot.” The overall theme for 2023 is “All Together Now,” celebrating friendship, kindness, and working together as a community. “It’s fun, it’s free, and it’s right in the middle of the community. Many people can walk here,” Stocker said. “I’m thrilled for the programs we have lined up this year, for both the kids and teens.”

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Red Oaks Nature Center at Suarez Friendship Woods, located at 30300 Hales St. in Madison Heights, will hold an event, “What a Bee-utiful Day,” from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 17, in anticipation of National Pollinator Week. The program is suitable for children ages 5 and older and will discuss how bees are crucial to food production and the economy. Participants will also get to make eco-friendly “bee hotels” to take home. The cost is $7 per person. For more information and to register, call the nature center at (248) 585-0100.

JUNE 13

Hazel Park District Library unveils summer reading lineup

School’s Out Celebration: Face painting, bounce houses and giveaways starting at 6 p.m, live music at 6:30 p.m. and movie at 8:15 p.m., Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights

JUNE 28

Self-defense classes: For ages 6-11, 5:306:30 p.m., Red Oaks Youth Soccer Complex, 29601 John R Road in Madison Heights, bit.ly/MHChildrensSelfDefense, for females 12 and older, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Fire Station #1, 31313 Brush St. in Madison Heights, bit.ly/JuneSelfDefense

The events kick off Tuesday, June 13, with two sessions of “Drummunity,” a drum circle led by Lori Fithian, who will bring her collection of hand drums and other percussion instruments for everyone to play. The first session is at 1 p.m. that day, and the second is at 6:30 p.m. “Patrons go nuts for ‘Drummunity,’” said librarian Amy Beem. “It’s going to be so much fun — the whole community, all playing together on their drums.” On Tuesday, June 27, at 6:30 p.m., the library will be visited by “Dan the Creature Man,”

known for his exotic animals. He will bring live specimens such as a tarantula, a tortoise, an alligator, a chinchilla, a giant African bullfrog, parrots, a panther chameleon and snakes. Most were adopted or rescued from local shelters, police departments and private citizens. “These are not animals you see all the time, so it’s very interesting for kids and adults alike,” Beem said. “The handler is very good with the crowd and at keeping the animals safe.” The same day, June 27, participants are invited to Scout-McPherson Park, 901 E. Otis Ave., for “Touch a Truck,” at 1 p.m., where guests can check out a fire truck, an ambulance, a police car, a dump truck and a bucket truck, and also enjoy crafts and stories. “The truck program goes well with the theme of communities working together,” Beem said. “Police, fire, public works — they all work together to keep our city safe. It’s like thinking of our city as one big family.” On Tuesday, July 11, at 6:30 p.m., the library will host “Beverly Meyer, the Music Lady,” performing her “All Together Now” show, which Beem described as an interactive musical experience. “Beverly plays guitar and sings, and she’s doing songs about friendship and kindness to go along with the theme,” Beem said. “She pulls out instruments for the kids to play, and has them all hopping and dancing. She’s just full of energy, and we all love her.” On Tuesday, July 25, at 1 p.m. and again at 6:30 p.m., “The Amazing Flec” will juggle and perform gravity-defying feats in a comedy show where crystal balls whirl around his body and along his hands and limbs, as though by magic. He will also explain the secrets behind the tricks, and teach attendees how to juggle. “He’s very kind, with a soothing presence and voice, and the kids are just mesmerized by his contact juggling and everything he does, and how he does it,” Beem said. In addition, there are events geared toward See LIBRARY on page 8A

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NEWS & NOTES

SPORTS

6A/ MADISON-PARK NEWS • JUNE 7, 2023

ABOVE: Madison Heights Lamphere senior captain Kate Robinson sends a corner kick during a game this season. LEFT: Lamphere’s impressive 2023 campaign sets high expectations for next season behind the program’s slew of sophomore talent. Photos courtesy of Kate Robinson

LAMPHERE GIRLS SOCCER ONE STEP AWAY FROM DISTRICT TITLE BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

MADISON HEIGHTS — It’s been a long road for Madison Heights Lamphere girls soccer this season, but the team is finally just one game away from achieving what they set their sights on before the first game of the year. Battling injuries with sophomores Sophia Fleury and Faith Stinson both sidelined for the season and transitioning up to the Macomb Area Conference Blue Division from the MAC Gold, Lamphere didn’t flinch en route to a 14-3 record and a 7-0 win against Warren Woods Tower to open districts May 30. More impressively, the team is doing it with a predominantly sophomore-heavy squad. It doesn’t hurt that one of the senior leaders is captain and forward/midfielder Kate Robinson, who is set to play Division 1 soc-

cer at Eastern Michigan University after this season. Robinson has been a staple for Lamphere soccer throughout her high school career and continues to be one of the most dominant scorers in the MAC. Breaking the previous school record of 32 goals in a season with 35 of her own this time around, Robinson’s ability to score any way she wants makes Lamphere a threat against just about anybody. Robinson said the progression of the young talent has taken the team to another level. “Everyone wants to learn and get better, and I feel like as a leader on the team, I try to help the younger girls because we have a lot of sophomores on the team, so I try to lead by example,” Robinson said. Sophomores Mia Hope, Allison Herrell, Emma Malkowski, Mya Giffin, and freshman

Sophie Musket have flexed their muscles as the young guns of the squad. Musket stepped in for Stinson this season and has been impressive alongside Malkowski as the most improved center/midfielders on the squad. “The two of them have done a great job in the middle,” Lamphere coach Mike Joa said. Senior Brooke McNab has continued to be impressive on and off the field for Lamphere this season. Giffin and McNab lead a Lamphere defense that has allowed less than a goal per game, tallying nine shutouts behind a stellar sophomore goalkeeper in Natalie Rose. Joa is letting the young players find their footing, and they’re repaying him with a closeup of what the future of Lamphere soccer holds. “We had some freshmen that stepped in

to help out, and they’ve done a good job so far,” Robinson said. “I feel like we have a ton of sophomores on the field, and they’ve also done a super good job at working hard and getting better. I’ve seen improvement in them.” Lamphere will need every bit of its roster when the team takes on Grosse Pointe North in the Michigan High School Athletic Association District 23 Championship at Lake Shore High School on June 1. North, a MAC Red team, will be Lamphere’s toughest test this season. The winner will face the winner of Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood and Bloomfield Hills Marian. Lamphere has been prepared for this moment. “We saw who we were going to play in districts, and I think our goal was to win districts at the beginning of the season,” Robinson said. “We’re almost there.”

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MADISON-PARK NEWS • JUNE 7, 2023

Juneteenth from page 2A

pletely by Madison Heights Citizens United through donations in the form of sponsorships, grants, T-shirt sales and private contributions. The event is run entirely by volunteers. The group is reimbursing the city for the cost of police and public works staff who will be helping manage the event. As a licensed 501(c)(3) nonprofit, all donations to Madison Heights Citizens United are tax deductible. More details are available at the event’s website, madisonheightsjuneteenth.com, or the group’s website, mhcitizensunited.org, as well as its Facebook page. Extra volunteers are also needed to help run the event, and they can apply on Facebook or by emailing madisonheightsjuneteenth@gmail.com. Madison Heights City Councilman Quinn Wright — who is not related to Kevin Wright — said that the event is an opportunity for people to come together to celebrate diversity and inclusion. “I would hope that everyone keeps in mind that this is a celebration for everyone,” he said. “The goal is to help bring us closer together. It’s not meant for any one subculture. It’s meant for those who want to celebrate freedom and the opportunity for everyone to live the American dream.” Quinn Wright said that Juneteenth is also an opportunity to think about “racial reconciliation,” which he described as a fourstep process that begins with people listening to each other’s life experiences with an open mind. The next step, he said, is lamentation, “which really means to just grieve with people,” he said. “We first acknowledge that slavery was awful, and how when bad things happen, we sometimes put on a straight face and say, ‘Pick up yourself and move forward.’ But we acknowledge that we should also take a minute to say aloud, ‘What your people went through was not fun — it was traumatic.” The third step is learning from the perspectives of others, he said, followed by the final step of sharing what you learned with others — using your relationships and connections to raise awareness for the hardships faced by different people. “You can leverage your spheres of influence to help make the world better,” Quinn Wright said. Mark Bliss, the mayor pro tem, said he appreciates the efforts of Madison Heights Citizens United. “Historically, the city has done a great job of celebrating the Fourth of July. That

holiday is about liberty, but we have an understanding that it was an imperfect liberty because slavery still existed in the nation. So the importance of Juneteenth is about freedom for all, and celebrating both of these events allows us to recognize both important moments in our shared history as Americans,” Bliss said. “Juneteenth serves as a rallying cry for all of us to think about and truly understand the meaning and history of freedom in our country.” The mayor, Roslyn Grafstein, said the event is educational. “For me, personally, I was born and raised in Canada, and didn’t even know about Juneteenth until 2020. I knew about slavery and all that, but I didn’t know it took some years for the last slaves to find out they were free,” Grafstein said. “I think it’s important for people to understand that history — the educational aspect is huge.” Madison Heights City Councilmember Sean Fleming was serving on the HREC when the event was first discussed. He made the motion to support Kevin Wright’s proposal. “I think it’s also great to raise awareness for African-American-owned small businesses, and to help promote them in the community,” Fleming said. “The event itself helps share the historical story of the last slaves to be freed in the United States, and that is an important story to tell.” Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

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from page 1A

Mackinac Island Pizza Co., which serves Detroit-style pizza and is among the restaurants operated by the Grand Hotel; and the Cedar Grove Bike Track, a dirt bike trail designed for children 12 and younger. In the last few years, a distillery, a brewery and a whiskeythemed restaurant and bar have opened as well. So how do you make the most of a day trip to the island, which was recently named Best Summer Travel Destination in the country by USA Today readers. Here’s a loose itinerary to make sure you enjoy the highlights.

9 a.m. — Join a horse-driven tour with Mackinac Island Carriage Tours

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it wasn’t until my third trip to Mackinac that I hopped aboard. What a difference. It’s a leisurely and nearly two-hour excursion that provides a better sense of the island. There are several stops, so you can get off and ex-

Library from page 5A

teens and adults. On Wednesday, June 21, the library will screen the documentary film, “Boblo Boats: A Detroit Ferry Tale,” starting at 6 p.m., followed by a question-and-answer session with an expert on the topic. On Saturday, June 24, at 1 p.m., the library will hold a program on stop-motion animation — the kind of animation seen in films such as “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” where puppets are moved and filmed one pose at a time. Each participant will build their own stop-motion puppet and bring it to life using the technique. They will also receive a DVD video with a deep dive into the craft. And on Saturday, July 15, at noon, comic book artist Jerry DeCaire will return to the library. DeCaire is known for his work at Marvel Comics, where he illustrated stories for series such as “Thor,” “X-Men,” “Wolverine,” “Punisher,” “Conan,” “Iron Man,” “Nick Fury,” and “The Phantom.” He will talk about his prolific career, and teach attendees about his approach to art. “People are already getting excited for that one,” Beem said.

Prizes to be won

Upon signing up, kids receive a packet with the program flyer, a bingo sheet and reading log. For every three hours of reading

plore. The company bills itself as the oldest horse and buggy service in the world.

11 a.m. — Explore Fort Mackinac

Perched atop a bluff overlooking the harbor, the limestone fort is a one-of-a-kind attraction in Michigan. Costumed interpreters offer rifle-firing demonstrations and tours, sharing the stories of the Revolutionary War-era fortress. Exhibits share the island’s role in the War of 1812. For a unique experience, make a reservation to shoot an authentic cannon. Cap your visit with refreshments at the Fort Mackinac Tea Room. Run by the Grand Hotel, the Tea Room boasts some of the best views on the island. Other lunch options: For a more casual break, order a picnic from the Mission Point Picnic Society. Customers select their own fare, everything from crackers and cheese to dips and charcuteries to sandwiches and salads. Lunch sacks also are available. Spread your picnic on Mission Point Resort’s expansive lawn overlooking the Straits of Mackinac. Other options include grabbing prepared foods at Doud’s Market, the is-

logged, they receive a prize. There are four levels of prizes, with the prize value increasing at each level. For example, at nine hours of reading, kids receive a free book, and at 12 hours, they are entered into the grand prize drawing, to be held Tuesday, July 25, where they can win a Kindle Fire, gift cards, Star Wars bobbleheads, Lego sets and Funko Pops. There are also weekly prize drawings, where everyone who signed up is eligible. Prizes there include Beanie Babies, Barbie dolls, Pokémon items and fidget spinners. Teens and adults can also win prizes, but in a different way. They receive a bingo card upon signing up, and for each bingo they complete, they receive a ticket. They can also earn tickets for attending programs and writing book reviews. The tickets will then be drawn at the picnic for one of the grand prizes. Teens also get to choose a prize from the library’s display case when they complete their first bingo card and again when they complete three bingo cards. Adults, meanwhile, are enrolled in weekly prize drawings where a winner will be announced each Wednesday through the end of July. The summer reading program then comes to a close on Friday, July 28, with the picnic party at Scout-McPherson Park. “I think there are two reasons I’m such a fan of summer reading,” Stocker said. “First one is that not only does it get kids reading during the summer, but it prevents ‘summer

land’s only grocer, run by descendants of the aforementioned Patrick Doud. The island is home to a variety of restaurants, most of them can be found along Main Street.

1 p.m. — Rent that bicycle

Bike rentals can be found along the village’s Main Street and at some hotels. It’s an 8-mile trek around the island and you can pedal at your own pace. If the views of the Straits of Mackinac, Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge aren’t enough to lure you away from the shops, the M-185 loop (it’s an official state highway) passes landmarks like Arch Rock, an unusual rock formation that stands nearly 15 stories high above Lake Huron.

welcome to join activities (for a fee) at the Woodlands Activity Center, which includes an 18-hole miniature golf course, and the Cedar Grove Bike Track. Ask about the hotel’s Secret Garden.

5 p.m. — Downtown Mackinac Island

It is well worth the short uphill walk from downtown to the Grand, among the last of the big wood-frame hotels in the country. For $10, you can explore the venerable hotel and the grounds. Take time to secure a white wooden rocking chair on the front porch, the world’s longest, and breathe in the mesmerizing views. The public is

Spend some time shopping. You won’t miss the ferries back to the mainland — they leave later in the evening during the peak of summer. Fudge shops here are almost as plentiful as hotels. There’s even a Sanders (btw, you can still find Sanders ice cream toppings here). If you have children, be sure to check out the Original Mackinac Island Butterfly House, where hundreds of butterflies, from around the world, flutter and amuse. I passed through recently with a 3-year-old in tow. She was mesmerized. Before leaving, stop by the Pink Pony (inside the Chippewa Hotel), one of the island’s most famous bars, and toast its 75th anniversary. Cheers. Greg Tasker is a Traverse City-based freelance writer. Greg’s articles focused on northern Michigan travel will appear in C & G Newspapers during the summer.

slide.’ Kids tend to lose the skills they learn in school if they don’t engage with reading over summer break. “But also, when you add the programs

and prizes, it really just makes reading so much fun for the kids,” she said. “It brings the whole community out to the library, and gets them all reading and doing things together.”

3 p.m. — Grand Hotel

THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE, PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET, WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THIS HEARING A public hearing shall be held on June 19, 2023, at a regular Board meeting beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Media Center at the Madison District Public Schools Wilkinson Middle School, 26524 John R Road, Madison Heights, Michigan, for the purpose of considering the proposed 2023-2024 budget. A copy of the proposed 2023-2024 budget, including the proposed property tax millage rate, is available for public inspection during normal business hours beginning Monday, June 12, 2023, in the Business Office 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 06/07/2023

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Corey Haines, the police chief of Madison Heights, said the Bike Rodeo is always a good time. “The Police Department loves to engage with our citizens, and having the children as our guests is amazing,” Haines said via email. “We enjoy interacting with our citizens in a positive way, and helping to keep our kids safe on their bicycles by providing them with free helmets, and a lot of fun on their bikes to kick off summer.” The event first appeared in the late ’90s and went on hiatus until 2014. The rodeos then continued until the pandemic put them on hold for two years. Mayor Pro Tem Mark Bliss said such gatherings help humanize the police for the public. “I think one thing our Police Department does extremely well is community-oriented policing, and a big focus when we talk about community policing is building those relationships, and allowing people to see law enforcement as people, outside of their times of need,” Bliss said. “When you’ve built those relationships, it allows you to be more comfortable with the police when you need them, reducing a lot of the anxiety related to the police force. “Honestly, I’ve seen many videos of our officers in my time here on the council, and one that’s had the most impact on me was a video I saw posted to social media — a neighbor took it, maybe it was door cam footage — which showed an officer who pulled over their squad car just to toss around a football with a few kids in the neighborhood,” Bliss said. “I never saw a better example of the philosophy of our police than that moment.” Mayor Roslyn Grafstein recalled how during the summer of 2020, the Crime

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Commission was merged with the Multicultural Relations Board to form the Human Relations & Equity Commission, but she later proposed rebooting the Crime Commission as a standalone entity, so it could better focus on issues like public relations. “And outreach events like this Bike Rodeo are something we really wanted to keep doing,” Grafstein said. “I think it’s a great event — great for the public, and a great way to start the summer, right as school is ending. Bikes and helmets are given out, people can register them, and there are safety lessons too, which are always important. The idea here is to provide outreach programs that residents want and need, so this is something we’ve been working on here. “I think we need to remember that at the end of the day, police officers are people too,” Grafstein said. “Their job is to serve and protect, and people may sometimes be hesitant to reach out for help, but I think our police officers do a great job, and events like this help us understand them. When I’m going around town, I’ll see our officers at neighborhood garage sales and buying lemonade from stands set up by kids. It’s nice to see those things, to see they’re really part of the community.” Bliss said that a community mindset is something the city looks for when hiring new officers. There will also be more events later this year, such as a demonstration by the K-9 unit that will take place during Trail Tunes at its own venue this September. “I appreciate not only our police, but the citizens on our Crime Commission who understand the importance of working to create moments like these,” Bliss said. “This goes way beyond giving away bikes and holding craft projects. We want our police to continuously engage with the public.” Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

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EXTRA

10A/ MADISON-PARK NEWS • JUNE 7, 2023

COMFORT AND CARE FOR THE ANXIOUS PET BY MARY GENSON mgenaon@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Anxiety is something that many people are familiar with as it troubles a large percentage of humans, but it is important to consider how anxiety may be affecting pets at home. There are multiple different types of anxiety that animals experience. Some of the most common ones include separation anxiety, travel anxiety and thunderstorm anxiety. Laura Wiltshire has been training dogs for about 20 years and has been with Wolverine Dog Training Club for about five years. “Training is a good source to help alleviate anxiety, and when you train a dog, it actually builds the confidence in yourself, and the dog and you do form a bond,” Wiltshire said. For rescue dogs, Wiltshire shared the “3-3-3 rule.” “It takes three days for the dog to settle down, three weeks for your dog to get comfortable and three months for your dog to open up to you and show what their personality is,” Wiltshire said. Angela Tolonen is the owner of Tolonen Family Pet Shop at 23320 Farmington Road in Farmington. One of the managers at Tolonen Family Pet Shop, Sofia Solis, is experienced in working with pets with anxiety. “The COVID dogs were almost like a little mini generation of dogs that lived through a good portion of their life without ever needing anyone who was not within their four walls, and I think for a lot of pet parents, it did not occur to them what that experience would be like once they finally got their pet out and about,” Tolonen said. Anxiety can be experienced by smaller animals as well. For smaller animals such as cats and rabbits, Solis said enrichment is helpful in reducing their anxiety. Unlike humans, animals cannot use their words to share that they are anxious. However, there are several signs to look for. For dogs, excessive panting, barking or tail tucks are common signs of anxiety. Other animals may be reactive in their own way to people or other pets when they are anxious. Solis said the first thing owners should do when they notice their pet is anxious is look at the root of the problem. For instance, owners should reflect on if their animal has been given sufficient enrichment to stimulate them. A product that can help with enrichment is a snuffle mat, where owners can hide treats that the pet has to find. “It can just be part of their day that they are doing some sort of job for their food, which is actually incredibly rewarding for them. It not only keeps their

anxiety down but just really helps their relationship with their human as well,” Tolonen said. One of the ways Solis has helped remedy pet anxiety is through CBD oil. Mike Palmer, the owner of Premier Pet Supply, which has several local locations, said that oftentimes, one of the best things to do is to supplement with a product like CBD. “They don’t make it so that they lose their functional motor skills, it actually just triggers receptors in the brain to provide calm and make it easier to manage situations, whether that is traveling, visiting the vet or the groomer, fireworks, thunderstorms and things like that,” Palmer said. CBD is also one of the first things Solis would recommend. CBD is derived from hemp plants but does not cause a “high.” “It is one of my top recommendations just because it’s not a sedative; it’s not a medication like you would get at the vet. It’s kind of just a more natural way to bring them down a couple of levels,” Solis said. While there was not a specific brand she recommended, she said she typically mixes CBD oil in her dog’s food. Other CBD options include CBD peanut butter powder, CBD treats and CBD water. Dogs with high anxiety can potentially benefit from a daily dose of CBD, with higher doses given on more high-stress days. If people do not want to go the supplement route, thunder jackets are a product that can be used to help reduce anxiety. They are like a compression shirt that works similarly to a weighted blanket. Palmer, Wiltshire and Solis all recommended using thunder jackets for anxious pets. “It provides almost like a swaddling effect that you would do for a newborn baby,” Palmer said. “And what that does is essentially provides them the comfort and calm of feeling almost like a warm hug.” Wiltshire also recommends owners try using pheromones for dogs. Pheromones are chemicals that animals (and humans) emit to signal to other animals. These can be sprayed in a dog’s bandana or through an air diffuser in the home. By smelling pheromones, some dogs become more relaxed. For anxiety that is situational, Palmer suggested testing out a product before the stressful scenario and giving it time to become effective. Solis said it is important to remember that anxiety in pets is very common, and the best thing to do is use different resources and reach out for help. Keeping an open mind and following research from professionals is a good way to make sure your pet is getting the care they need.

Photo provided by Mike Palmer

ABOVE: Some pets benefit from products such as PetReleaf Edibites Stress Relief. BELOW: Tess is a rescue who struggles with being reactive. The ThunderShirt quickly helps her feel more secure and relaxed.

Photo provided by Angela Tolonen

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BEHIND THE WHEEL 12A/ MADISON-PARK NEWS • JUNE 7, 2023

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.

‘It’s about the road trip’ BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

Photos by Karen E. Breen

See BREEN on page 13A

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Karen E. Breen, of Birmingham, likes to hit the open road in her 1978 GMC Royale motor home she purchased in 2016. Breen has traveled to New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis, Philadelphia, Cleveland and northern Michigan. FAR RIGHT: The 1978 GMC Royale motor home has a kitchenette, bathroom, dining area, bar and more.

METRO DETROIT — Each time Karen E. Breen travels in her 1978 GMC Royale motor home, it attracts a crowd. “There’s a lot of excitement. It’s an attention-getter no matter where I go,” Breen said. “The minute I pull into a campground, I’m approached by young kids and older people. Everyone gives a thumbs-up. People get their cameras out. You can’t be an introvert and own a GMC.” Breen purchased the 1978 model in 2016. The Birmingham resident is the fifth owner of the 26-foot-long vintage vehicle, which has logged miles upon miles of adventures. “It’s about the road trip,” Breen said. “It’s about the experience.” Since getting the keys to her own RV, Breen has hit the open road with good friends traveling to New Orleans, Nashville, Memphis, Philadelphia and Cleveland. There are some favorite spots up north Breen likes to visit, and she has two trips on her bucket list: Route 66 and U.S. Highway 89 through seven national parks. The ardent traveler always tries to find a campsite in which the RV’s bedroom faces the water. Not one to stay idle, Breen finds various activities, such as hiking or checking out lighthouses, when traveling. A professional photographer, Breen takes plenty of snapshots of the spots she visits. Breen keeps a journal of each road trip by tracking the date, starting point, time of day, mileage and destination. The GMC motor home has everything needed to hit the open road. It’s equipped with all the original appliances — refrigerator, stove and microwave. The walnut cabinets provide warmth. The dinette table located near the front of the vehicle can

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MADISON-PARK NEWS • JUNE 7, 2023

Packages taken from home

WATCH Dodge Charger stolen and recovered

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect stole a 2015 Dodge Charger belonging to a 22-year-old Detroit man while the vehicle was parked in the 31000 block of Concord Drive sometime between 3 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. May 21. The vehicle was later recovered. Police were investigating.

Bag of change taken from vehicle

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, a bag of coins belonging to a 22-year-old Madison Heights woman was stolen from an unlocked vehicle by an unknown suspect overnight on May 25 or May 26. The theft occurred while the vehicle was parked in the 800 block of East Dallas Avenue sometime between 5:30 p.m. May 25 and 7:40 a.m. May 26. There was no damage to the vehicle. The investigation was ongoing.

Breen from page 12A

be made into a bed. The sleeping area can accommodate a large bed, or be rearranged to make bunk beds. Breen has decorated the RV to make it “comfortable and cozy.” A white, fuzzy throw blanket, for instance, fits snuggly on the back of the booth dinette and a Lucite table provides a bit of home. There is a bar area for a favorite cocktail and an espresso coffee maker. Control panels adjust the RV’s systems for climate, water and power. The Detroit native, who grew up in South Bend, Indiana, discovered the GMC motor home when she was 11 years old. She remembers when they first appeared on the market. “It was so futuristic looking. When you saw them, it was a rarity. They were not cheap,” Breen remembered. “My parents said, when they retired, they would get a GMC motor home and travel the U.S. Who knew they would only be around five years?” That’s right. The GMC motor homes were only produced from 1973 to 1978. The RVs were designed with contemporary styling and large windows and built in Pontiac. There were four models named after national parks: Canyon Lands, Glacier, Painted Desert and Sequoia. Breen and her family eventually moved back to metro Detroit, settled in Warren and in 1980 Breen graduated from Mott High

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect stole packages belonging to a 36-year-old Madison Heights woman in the 31000 block of Concord Drive sometime between 1:40 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. May 25. The woman told police the packages were taken at some point after they were delivered to the home. Police were investigating. If you know more about these crimes or others, call Madison Heights Police at (248) 585-2100.

Armed man found sleeping in vehicle

HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, officers were dispatched to investigate a suspicious vehicle parked at Milton and Russell avenues at 3 a.m. May 21. When they arrived, they reportedly found a 21-year-old Utica man asleep in the driver’s seat, with a semiautomatic handgun in the center console cupholder. The man did not have a concealed pistol license, and he was arrested for carrying the gun and driving on a revoked license. He had been driving a white 2010 Dodge Ram pickup. The investigation was ongoing.

School, which is now Warren Mott. According to Breen’s findings, the GMC motor home was the only motor home produced by a car manufacturer and was considered to have been “ahead of its time.” “The technology of the front wheel pin allowed it to be lower to the ground,” Breen said. She also discovered almost 13,000 GMCs were produced from 1973 to 1978, and over 8,000 are registered. While the majority of GMC motor home owners are in the U.S., there are also owners in Canada, the U.K., Australia, the Netherlands, Venezuela and other parts of the world. The vehicles were produced by GM Truck and Bus at the site that is now M1 Concourse, Breen said. Because 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of the GMC, the international club, GMCMI, is planning a fall convention in metro Detroit culminating with a caravan through Pontiac to M1 Concourse. “We are expecting approximately 100 GMCs to participate,” Breen said. Through her on-the-road ventures she has crossed paths with other GMC motor home owners. “They are salt-of-the-earth people,” Breen said. “They’re super helpful. Everyone is always willing to help out.” Breen is a bit of a vehicle collector. She owns a 2013 Volkswagen Golf R, which is her car and a rare production vehicle. She also owns a 2019 Kawasaki Ninja 400 and a 1979 Volkswagen Beetle Cabriolet “Epilog”

Driver under the influence

HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, at 2 p.m. May 22 in the area of Eight Mile and Ford roads, a 24-year-old Detroit man was found in a 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee under the apparent influence of drugs. Police reported that he was continually falling asleep. The man reportedly admitted to eating edibles and advised paramedics he was very high. A search warrant was obtained for his blood and he was transported to a local hospital. He was issued a citation and released to hospital care. Police were investigating.

Rock thrown through window

HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, a 36-year-old Hazel Park woman heard a loud noise in the living room of her home in the area of West Granet Avenue and John R Road around 11:20 p.m. May 23. Someone reportedly threw a rock through her window. The woman doesn’t have any known enemies, according to the report. The investigation was ongoing. If you know more about these crimes or others, call Hazel Park Police at (248) 542-6161. — Andy Kozlowski

edition, which she said is the last year of the German-produced Beetle. Breen, a data factory communications lead with Ford’s Global Data Insight and Analytics division, volunteers throughout the community, including with M1 Concourse in Pontiac and the GMC Great Lakers club. The ardent camper is a board member of the GMC Great Lakers, where she is the editor and publisher of the club’s newsletter. The Great Lakers was the first GMC club

chapter, formed in January of 1976, according to Breen. In addition “there are a few very active GMC Facebook groups providing lots of information and camaraderie.” For more information on the GMC Great Lakers, visit gmcgreatlakers.org. The GMC Motorhomes International website is gmcmi.com. The Facebook page is called GMC Great Lakers Motorhome Club (1973-1978). Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.

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14A

“You want to keep good employees — you have good staff, and you want to keep it that way,” he said. “We would be happy if we could give our employees even more (than a 4% raise), but that’s not the reality of our budget. Right now, there is a lot of money from the American Rescue Plan floating around the state, but that’s not going to last forever. So, we have to look to the future.” Hazel Park City Councilwoman Alissa Sullivan praised the work of the city’s finance director, Laci Christiansen, for presenting another balanced budget. She also thanked property owners and developers such as Ashley Capital, the group behind the Tri-County Commerce Center at the site of the former Hazel Park Raceway, a project that continues to yield dividends. Sullivan also said that the city’s cannabis ordinance has created a more

from page 1A

said. “Most city employees are required to have licenses, certifications or degrees to do their jobs. Those skills are in high demand. We’re fortunate that we were able to negotiate fair contracts with all of our bargaining groups.”

Revenues and expenditures

The overall budget for FY 2024 totals $42.9 million, of which the general fund is $18.8 million. The Hazel Park City Council unanimously approved it May 9. The general fund covers council and city manager expenses, part of police and fire services, public works, the city clerk’s office, the city attorney’s office, the city treasurer’s office, elections, recreation, senior services, code enforcement, animal control and more. The end-of-year fund balance is set to be $3.9 million. The total millage rate for the city is 21.77 — the same as the total for FY 2023. This includes 17.3799 mills for city operations, 2.1642 mills for garbage collection, and 2.2259 mills for the library. Residents are also taxed on special millages. This includes an additional 2.8 mills for the public safety special assessment, 12.5752 mills for fire protection special assessment, 1.9459 mills for DDA operations, and 0.1535 for economic development. The amount levied for economic development and the DDA were slightly higher in FY 2023. The city collects $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value, multiplied by the millage rate. For revenue, property taxes account for nearly half of the general fund at 48.9% ($9.2 million). State and federal sources account for 19.7% ($3.7 million), services fees for 12.7% ($2.4 million), licenses and permits for 8% ($1.5 million), and interest and other sources for 10.7% ($2 million). The city anticipates more property tax revenue in FY 2024, due to rising property values. During FY 2023, property taxes brought in $8.9 million, about $300,000 less than the FY 2024 figure. Most of general fund spending goes into police (35.9%, or $6.7 million), fire services (19.6%, or $3.7 million), general government (11.9%, or $2.2 million), retiree health and insurance (11.6%, or $2.1 million), and public works (9.1%, or $1.7 million).

Managing manpower

“We are almost at full strength, but it has definitely been a struggle,” said Hazel Park Police Chief Brian Buchholz, via email, when asked about police staffing.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

City employees will see a slight increase in pay for Hazel Park’s new fiscal year. Meanwhile, the taxpayers will see a small increase in water rates, although the overall city tax rates will decrease. He said that his department used to set deadlines for applications, in order to avoid being bombarded by applicants, but now there is a rush to review them before they accept work elsewhere. His department also has to continually weigh whether vehicles and equipment should be taken out of service, or if it is still safe and cost-effective to repair them. Finding the right balance has been key, he said. “Patrol is the backbone of the department, so that is always the main focus, trying to not let our numbers dip too much. Overtime can become a burden and takes a toll on the officers that have to work more to cover the gaps,” Buchholz said. “Our goal is always to try and retain our employees and find the best (officers) we can to fill the holes that we have, while providing the best services we can to provide a safe environment for residents, businesses, and those that travel through our city.” Preparing his officers is another consideration. “We have increased our amount of training and feel that is going to help us immensely, as we are a pretty young department,” Buchholz said. “We have some guys that are new to us, but we have a lot of experience from other departments. It takes some time to get used to a new department.”

Council thoughts

Hazel Park City Councilman Andy LeCureaux said it’s important to invest in talent.

favorable business environment. “With the constant cuts in state revenue sharing, seeking ways that cities can continue to meet their funding needs and goals is difficult, at best. Thankfully, our city has managed to do that again,” Sullivan said. “We’re constantly seeking ways to increase workable and livable spaces, and to bring more residents and visitors to our neighborhoods and businesses. “There are also great tools for our city to stay on track for future balanced budgets,” she said. “The influx of federal money, to all cities, is not to be overlooked in the benefits it has provided us. We’re also very lucky to receive some great redevelopment grants this year and last — we hope to institute those updates and build-outs over the next few years.”

Live independent at The Reserve at Red Run

On the morning of May 26, Hal Barber dressed in his U.S. Marine Corps military uniform and headed outside for a flag-raising ceremony at The Reserve at Red Run. The ceremony, held a few days before Memorial Day, was his way of saying “thank you” to other veterans who reside at the residence. Barber, 93, and his wife, Emma, are among the many community members who live at The Reserve at Red Run. The 133-unit apartment community located at 30031 Dequindre Road, in Madison Heights, opened Dec. 1, 2022, and continues to welcome new residents. The modern senior residence offers independent living for active seniors age 55 and older. Community Members live in one- or two-bedroom apartments that range in size from 700-square feet to 930-square feet. The residence offers all-inclusive amenities, including chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, cable/WiFi, daily activities, fitness classes and more. The Reserve at Red Run is not a medical environment but offers supportive care services such as on-site home care, physical, occupational and speech therapy. “The goal is to provide stress-free living for people so they can enjoy their lives,” Executive Director Sheri Emery said. The Barbers moved there in February.

“I enjoy it. You get to meet a lot of nice, good people,” Hal Barber said. “The apartment, it’s really nice. They take care of any problems you have.” The cozy and comfortable apartments come with a full kitchen, dining area, living room and bathroom with a walk-in shower. The complex features its own restaurant called The Great Lakes Restaurant, open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, with a chef always there. “I love working with the residents and their families,” Sales Director Katherine Klaus said. “We have fun and we make positive experiences for the residents.” While many apartments have their own washers and dryers, complimentary laundry rooms are also conveniently located throughout the community. For added fees additional storage, covered parking and salon services are available. There is always plenty to do at The Reserve at Red Run, especially through their THRIVE program. On any given week, Community Members can get crafty in the art studio, spend time in the pub or relax in the lounge area listening to vinyl records. There is bingo, Bible study, Wii bowling, open gym, field trips and more. For more information about The Reserve at Red Run, call (248) 776-2000 or visit www.ReserveatRedRun.com.

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Polito from page 4A

“I always describe it as fun — they’re meant to be fun,” Polito said. “So many of the cozies I’ve read are definitely what you could call comedy. I’m not saying they’re not serious, or that they shouldn’t be respected, but they do have humor — they’re all humorous. The writers intentionally look for the humor in the situation. “It’s a genre that works for me because even in my most serious works, where a young teen is dealing with accepting his sexual identity, I still infused it with humor,” Polito said. “It’s just who I am — it’s just my personality. I always try to keep it light — maybe it’s a defense mechanism of trying to get people to like me by getting them to laugh. I don’t ever want to be taken too seriously. So I feel like this genre, apart from a few things, could be enjoyed by both a 12-year-old and someone who’s 102. These are books for people of all ages.” Some of his other works, prior to “Rehearsed” and “Renovated,” include “Band Fags!” (2008), “Drama Queers!” (2009) and “The Spirit of Detroit” (2013), which together form a trilogy, focusing on a group

who attended Hazel Park High during the mid-to-late ’80s, inspired by Polito himself and his closest friends. “Drama Queers!” won a Lambda Literary Award. “Band Fags!” is the first book in the trilogy and follows the adventures of Jack Paterno, who is based on Polito himself, from the ages of 14-18 in Hazel Park, circa the midto-late ’80s. Jack has known he’s gay all his life, but he spends much of the story trying to deny his sexuality. When his best friend since seventh grade, Bradley Dayton, comes out to him, Jack begins to entertain the idea of accepting that he is also gay. “Drama Queers!” is the second book, set in the same world, focusing on Bradley in 1987 and 1988 when he and Jack are seniors. Bradley is involved with the Hazel Park High School Drama Club, and when the lead role in the school play goes to an attractive freshman boy, Bradley doesn’t mind having the opportunity to spend time with him every day after school during rehearsals. He soon finds himself forming feelings for him, but then an older boy warns Bradley against coming out, telling him it will risk his dreams of becoming an actor. The trilogy then concludes with “The Spirit of Detroit,” set in 1991 and 1992. Bradley is once again the protagonist, and

Jack makes cameo appearances. Bradley has decided to return to college and enroll in the theater program at Wayne State University. The story pays homage to Polito’s favorite novel, “The Mysteries of Pittsburgh” by Michael Chabon, with a similar plot, but from the perspective of a gay man. “By the time I finish a story, I’ve been living with it so long that when it actually goes on sale, I have to remind myself that no one has read it. But yeah, there’s a feeling of accomplishment telling a complete story. It feels good, and when I feel like I’ve accomplished nothing over the last year or two, I remind myself I’ve written three books, since I just finished the third one,” Polito said. That third installment, “Haunted to Death,” is set to release this Halloween. A young woman acquires a lavish mansion and discovers she’s the long-lost daughter of the previous owner who died falling off the balcony 25 years ago. When Peter and JP begin renovations on the home, they witness ghostly phenomenon and discover secret passages. “Much like a ‘Scooby-Doo’ episode, there’s a double mystery: Who killed the woman, and is the house really haunted — and if not, who is making us think that it is,” Polito said. “It was a lot of fun for me to

write because it’s even more fantastical, taking the knowledge of all the haunted house movies I watched growing up, and again, the ‘Scooby-Doo’ cartoon. There’s even a portrait of a woman where the eyes move watching them, and a mysterious fog rolls in out of nowhere — all of the haunted house tropes. I’m hoping people find it as fun to read as it was to write.” Alissa Sullivan, a member of the Hazel Park City Council, said she appreciates Polito’s love for his hometown and the metro Detroit area, and how it’s reflected in his works. “He came and did a presentation here, during one of our pride events in the past, with his book ‘Band Fags!’ set right here in Hazel Park, including a reading and meetand-greet in a private room at our library,” Sullivan said. “He’s great, and always shouts out to his hometown of Hazel Park. It’s nice that he’s achieved such success, and still remembers his ‘Friendly City.’” “Renovated to Death” is available at major online outlets where books are sold, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Target. It was released May 23. Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

0329-2323

MADISON-PARK NEWS • JUNE 7, 2023

16A

Time to

FIRE UP THE GRILL

& Enjoy!!

YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD STORE SINCE 1962

We Oﬀer Super Savings On Meat Bundles, Too! 0323-2323

Madison-Park News

June 7, 2023

Autos Wanted

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2B - MADISON-PARK NEWS, June 7, 2023

www.candgnews.com

Plumbing

Gutters

Painting

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• Wood Repair • Power Wash • Free-Estimates

REFERENCES AVAILABLE

Financing Available

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Restriction May Apply

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Roofing

OUTDOOR SERVICES

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by-GPC

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0288-2323

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www.candgnews.com

MADISON-PARK NEWS, June 7, 2023 - 3B

EEK

HE W T F O E M I R C WEEK •

F THE O E M I R C • NEWSWORTHY OF THE WEEK INCIDENTS REPORTED TO LOCAL POLICE, AS COMPILED BY C & G REPORTERS

Laser light jeopardizes helicopter

MADISON HEIGHTS — Trooper 2, a Michigan State Police helicopter, was in flight at 9 p.m. May 16 when it was struck by a green-colored laser, which was reportedly later traced back to an address in Madison Heights. A male suspect in the 26700 block of Osmun Avenue was arrested and a laser device was located on his person. “It is a crime, both federal and state, to point a laser at an aircraft,” Michigan State Police Lt. Michael Shaw said in a prepared statement. “We are fortunate that no one was hurt (and that) the aircraft didn’t crash in this incident.” He added that the suspect, 44, was transported to the Metro North Post, processed and released pending prosecutor review.

Former employee warned not to return to market

WEST BLOOMFIELD — An employee of a business was terminated from employment due to allegedly making threats to fellow employees at 2:40 p.m. April 28. The employee was contacted via phone by the West Bloomfield Police Department and given a trespass warning to not return to the market.

Cellphone hack drains bitcoin

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — On May 9, Bloomfield Township police took a fraud report from a resident in the 4000 block of Pine Tree Trail. The victim said his personal cellphone was hacked through a SIM swap -- a removable card that stores data -- and $204,024.15 worth of bitcoin had been withdrawn from his Coinbase account. The case was under investigation.

Bank card stolen from ATM

BIRMINGHAM — On May 2 at 10:06 a.m., an officer was dispatched to take a fraud report. The victim, a 62-year-old woman from Birmingham, reported that she had left her bank card in the exterior drive-thru ATM at Comerica Bank. Witnesses reported a vehicle pulled up to the ATM after the victim left, and the suspect used the woman’s card to withdraw $500 from her bank account. Comerica Bank refunded the victim $500, and the victim canceled her debit card. An investigation was ongoing.

Residents caught dumping illegally

FARMINGTON — Police officers were dispatched to a local business on Grand River Avenue for a report of illegal dumping at 12:44 p.m. May 4. Officers learned that the business owners had

observed two subjects throwing items into their Dumpster without permission. Officers were able to track the responsible individuals to a local residence, where the culprits were educated on illegal dumping laws.

Stolen moped pulled over

FARMINGTON — At 7:41 p.m. May 5, a Farmington officer conducted a traffic stop on a moped that did not show a valid registration sticker. During the investigation, the officer discovered that the driver had provided the officer with a false name. Officers ran the vehicle’s vehicle identification number through the Law Enforcement Information Network and learned that the moped had been stolen in Lansing. Officers confirmed with Lansing police that the moped had been stolen. The driver was arrested for showing a false ID to a police officer, as well as receiving and concealing stolen property.

Shoplifter arrested

HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, a 32-year-old Detroit man stole more than $340 in groceries from a Kroger store in Hazel Park around 8:50 p.m. May 1. He was arrested and the stolen goods were recovered roughly a half-mile away. Police were investigating.

Lost wallet found by fellow shopper

NOVI — A woman filed an online police report after her wallet was stolen from a handheld shopping basket at an unidentified store between 6:20 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. May 2. She had placed the wallet in the basket while she shopped. She told police she put the basket down several times but never walked away from it, but she did turn her back away from it multiple times. The woman said she didn’t realize the wallet was missing until she went to check out. The dark blue wallet contained her driver’s license, $55 in cash, credit cards and five miscellaneous gift cards worth $228.25. Police advised her to cancel all her cards that she lost and to call the three major credit bureaus and report the cards as stolen. The woman said none of the cards had been used. On May 10, the woman informed police that her wallet had been returned to her. She stated a female shopper had placed the wallet in between her front door and screen door shortly after the initial incident, with a note. The shopper explained that she did not trust the store employees and decided to drop it off instead. The owner of the wallet stated she does not use the front door, which created the delay in finding the wallet. All contents were present except for the cash.

NEWSAND

NOTES NEWS AND NOTE ITEMS TAKEN FROM AROUND OUR COVERAGE AREAS

Mayor proclaims 65th Blessing of the Fleet ST. CLAIR SHORES — At the St. Clair Shores City Council meeting on May 15, a proclamation was made celebrating the 65th Blessing of the Fleet. Mayor Kip Walby read the proclamation recognizing the annual blessing and allowed Glen Rossini, commodore of Jefferson Yacht Club, to say a few words. He stood with his wife, Darla Rossini, the fleet captain. He said after commencements at the blessing of the fleet are completed, a Macomb County Sheriff’s boat goes into the lake with a flowered wreath as an indication of a very safe boating season. “We thank you, everybody, for your attendance, and you certainly are welcome to come to this,” Rossini said. The event starts at 10 a.m. on June 3 at the Watermark Bar and Grille.

MUSEUM EXHIBITS CURATOR’S ARTWORK ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Historical Museum will be holding an exhibit called “The Journey Never Ends,” by Johanna Schurrer, throughout June. The exhibit — which features sculptures and paintings by Schurrer, a local artist and museum curator — will be having its opening reception from 7 to 10 p.m. Friday, June 16, at the museum, located at 1411 W. Webster Road. According to a news release, Schurrer has been a volunteer with the museum for 18 years. “As the curator for the archival collection, Johanna creates displays and exhibits four times a year for the public to enjoy,” the release states. Donations collected at the opening night reception and during the event will go directly to the Royal Oak Historical Museum. The exhibit will end on Saturday, July 1.

Subject cited for disorderly intoxication in park

ROCHESTER — Officers were dispatched to Rochester Municipal Park for multiple reports of an intoxicated subject at approximately 7:10 p.m. April 27. When officers arrived at the scene, they found a highly intoxicated subject talking on the phone, according to reports. While speaking with the man, officers located an open bottle of whiskey. The man became agitated and began screaming profanities. He took a preliminary breath test, with a result of a 0.18% blood alcohol content. The subject was given a citation for disorderly intoxication and given a ride to his residence.

Security system alerts residents of home invasion

Student attacked by 3 classmates

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to the 1900 block of Traceky on the report of a possible breaking and entering in progress at 11:03 a.m. April 22. The residents, who were out of town, said their security video system alerted them to an unknown female inside their residence without their permission. The person had left, but the caller provided a description of her and the vehicle, including the plate number, she had arrived in. Deputies checked the residence but observed no signs of forced entry. Police believe the doors were left unlocked. The residents were contacted via Facetime, and a walk-through was conducted. It appeared that nothing was taken. The residents were advised to complete an inventory once they returned home, and the residence was secured. Upon further investigation, the suspect — a 44-year-old Ortonville woman — was found to have been involved in an unrelated incident on Texas Avenue in Rochester Hills. Deputies responded, located the responsible woman and investigated. The woman was taken into custody and was transported to the Oakland County Jail for processing and housing.

Woman tasered after noise complaints bring police to party

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to the 1600 block of Bedford Square for a noise complaint from a loud party at 12:59 a.m. April 23. Deputies spoke with the lessee, a 23-year-old from Auburn Hills. Deputies were called back out to the location a second time on the same loud party complaint and witnessed a large party spill out into the hallway.

TROY PRESCHOOLERS HELP PLANT NEW TREES

Fights ensued between people attending the party, but deputies were able to de-escalate several of the altercations. At that time, a fight broke out between a 22-year-old from Pontiac and a 21-yearold from Pontiac. Deputies attempted to separate the two females, who continued to fight around and over deputies. Police had to deploy a Taser to gain control over one of the females. Both were then taken into custody. The two females were issued citations, and one of them was treated by the Rochester Fire Department, was transported to the Oakland County Jail for processing and was released pending further investigation. The apartment lessee was also issued citations. SOUTHFIELD — A student at a school in the 24000 block of Garner Street reportedly was jumped by three students in a locker room at 3 p.m. May 9. Prior to the attack, the student observed some girls at school arguing and fighting, according to a police report. The victim stated that she had attempted to stay out of the drama but then began receiving harassing texts from one of the girls claiming that she wanted to fight her. On May 9, the victim was in the locker room when three girls allegedly jumped and assaulted her multiple times, and the victim’s phone was allegedly stolen by the girls. The incident was recorded, and video shows one of the girls running toward the victim, grabbing her by her hair and assaulting her. The victim is then held down while the other two girls begin to assault her as well. The victim was eventually able to get up and flee the locker room. The three girls were identified, and the investigation was ongoing.

Cars targeted by thieves

TROY — Several Troy residents were targeted by an unknown suspect or suspects stealing parts from their vehicles in recent weeks. Sometime between 3 p.m. April 30 and 7:59 a.m. May 1, the driver’s side rear wheel of a 2013 Chevrolet Malibu was stolen in the 1900 block of Hempstead Street. On May 1, between 12:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m., the driver’s side front wheel was stolen from a 2023 Ford Focus parked in the 2800 block of Saratoga Street. The license plate from a vehicle parked outside its owner’s home in the 4000 block of Three Oaks Boulevard was stolen at some point between 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. May 4. Police were investigating and had not indicated whether they think the crimes may be linked.

Photo provided by Patrice Rowbal

ReLeaf Michigan, a nonprofit tree organization, in collaboration with the Troy School District, SavATree, and the DTE Energy Foundation, planted 20 trees at the Troy School District preschool in Troy May 6. Students and members of the community came together to plant the trees and educate the young students on ecology. DTE donated the 20 trees of various types, SavATree dug the holes and donated site prep services, and more than 80 volunteers attended, including current and past preschool families, preschool staff, community members and representatives from five different tree planting groups. “The trees planted will create a tree canopy for shade, improve the aesthetics of the new school, create an outdoor learning space, and provide a fantastic teaching resource,” said Troy Schools Maintenance and Operations Supervisor Larry Franckowiak. “What a joy to see our community come together for something so close to our Preschool hearts, our connection to nature. These trees will provide learning opportunities and beautify our space for years to come,” added Preschool Director Erin Keyser.

SUMMER COURSES TO TEACH YOUNG ADULTS LIFE SKILLS MACOMB COUNTY — Michigan State University Extension is offering Adulting 101 this spring and summer. The educational programs are designed for high school students and young adults. Each class teaches life skills and tools to live independently, with different topics planned for each month taught by experienced MSU Extension educators and 4-H volunteers. “Sew What! Clothing Care saves Cash” will be held at 1 p.m. July 13. “Eating Healthy on a Budget” will be held at 1 p.m. Aug. 16. Register at canr.msu.edu/events/adult101s23. For more information, contact Macomb County MSU Extension educator Kathy Jamieson at jamies13@msu.edu.

‘ROCHESTER: NO FILTER’ ON DISPLAY

ROCHESTER — Downtown Rochester invited the community to share their favorite things about Rochester through the lens of a disposable camera with the third annual “Rochester: No Filter Event.” Registration was limited to 50 participants and already sold out, but one photo from each camera will be framed and on display as part of the “No Filter Photo Exhibition” at the Downtown Collaboration Studio. The exhibition kicked off June 1. Photos will be for sale for $20 each, and proceeds will go to Love Local Rochester for downtown events and promotions. The exhibition will continue through June 30. “Last year, we were wowed by the response and enthusiasm for this event, with cameras selling out on the first day,” Kristi Trevarrow, Rochester DDA executive director, said in a statement. “We cannot wait to see the amazing photos from this year’s photographers.” For more information, contact the Rochester DDA at (248) 6560060 or visit downtownrochestermi.com.

www.candgnews.com

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855.336.4595 Van Dyke & 17 ⁄2 Mile • www.sterlingheightsdodge.net 1

Lease payments add tax, that’s it. Due at signing includes first payment, destination, taxes on down payment (including rebates) documentary, title, and license transfer fee (new plate, additional). Lease mileage allowance is 10,000 miles per year. Overmileage is .25 cents per mile. Ram Laramie offer expires 6/19/23. Purchase and lease prices include Stellantis consumer rebates including return lease rebates and Chrysler Capital finance rebates where applicable. Purchase prices, add for tax, title, doc, plates, and destination. Pictures may not represent actual vehicle, prices and payments are accurate at time of printing and subject to change,Residency and lender restrictions apply, see dealer for details. Exp June 30, 2023. 0251-2323