‘We remain hopeful that the service with Priority Waste will be a major improvement’
PRIORITY WASTE TAKES OVER REFUSE HAULING IN WB JULY 1
BY NICK POWERS AND MARK VEST
npowers@candgnews.com mvest@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The lime green trucks picking up refuse in your neighborhood will soon be yellow.
Green For Life Environmental, the waste management company that has contracts with many municipalities in metro Detroit, recently sold the residential trash collecting assets to Priority Waste. News of the sale hit social media before GFL was able to put out its official statement.
“Social media got ahead of the process,” said Matt Allen, Priority Waste’s director of public relations and government affairs.
Residents of these communities will still be able to use their GFL bins. Garbage collection dates will remain the same.
EXPLORE
MACKINAC ISLAND: a summer destination
BY GREG TASKER
For a destination seemingly frozen somewhere in time, Mackinac Island always boasts something new each summer.
And this summer is no different.
This season much of the buzz centers around the reopening of the Inn at Stonecliffe after a $40 million renovation. Built in 1904 as a lakeside estate for a Chicago family, the refurbished inn includes new common spaces, renovated guest rooms, new bathrooms and up-to-date comforts. Among the new additions is a 26,000-squarefoot Summer House building, with 32 king and queen
guest rooms with spacious layouts. Each is equipped with a kitchenette, small dining table and lake or garden views.
The two-year renovation restored many parts of the 18,500-square-foot mansion and property, staying true to its historic charm but adding modern elegance and amenities. For overnight guests, that means an elevated experience with personalized concierge service.
But you don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy some of the new amenities; three new dining concepts have been created and are open to the public. They feature products from Michigan and the Great Lakes and from the resort’s orchard and gardens. Dinner at The Straits, a
See MACKINAC on page 10A
Arch Rock is often called the “Star Attraction of Mackinac Island State Park.”
Photo provided by the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau
THE FIGHT GOES ON OVER ROOSEVELT DEMOLITION
Asbestos cost discrepancy sparks accusations
BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com
KEEGO HARBOR/WEST BLOOMFIELD — The decision about whether or not Roosevelt Elementary School in Keego Harbor will be demolished remains at a standstill.
The most recent major development came April 30 when the Court of Appeals granted an emergency motion for stay, pending an appeal that was filed by Heart of the Lakes Community Inc., a nonprofit that filed a lawsuit against the West Bloomfield School District in an attempt to stop demolition of the building.
That decision means that “any action in furtherance of the demolition of the Roosevelt School Building is stayed pending resolution of the appeal or further order of the Court,” states the Court of Appeals.
While waiting for a decision, opponents of demolition continue to make their case.
In a letter to the Beacon, Heart of the Lakes stated that last August, the West
Bloomfield School District hired Arch Environmental to conduct an asbestos inspection report for Roosevelt, which confirmed that “Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) were abundantly present in more than 65,000 square feet of the building and estimated the cost to abate could be up to $816,000.”
However, in February, when the district received bids for the abatement, the bids were “shockingly low, between $93,000 and $200,000,” according to the Heart of the Lakes letter.
A representative for Arch Environmental could not be reached for comment.
“By using these suspiciously low bids, WBSD made demolition and selling the vacant land appear financially justifiable vs selling the building, and the Board of Ed. approved the low bids,” the letter states.
At a West Bloomfield School District Board of Education meeting last March, board members voted to award asbestos abatement work to Environmental Maintenance Engineers for $93,000 and building demolition to International Construction for $465,000, totaling $558,000.
According to Heart of the Lakes, on April 8, Environmental Maintenance En-
A
gineers submitted a notice to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy – EGLE – that they were going to abate 9,500 square feet of asbestos, the letter from Heart of the Lakes states.
Peek Inside Your Health: Full Body MRI Screenings Unveil Silent Issues Before Symptoms Arise
(South eld, MI) Full body MRI clinics have gained national attention lately, as TV personalities publicly share their personal full body scan experiences. One actress credits the scan for saving her life after doctors dismissed her unexplained pain for months. After various tests, including a CT scan, had “unremarkable” results, the pregnant actress became her own advocate, searched out a full body MRI clinic and discovered she had pancreatic cancer. anks to early detection the tumor was removed successfully.
As a general rule, when symptoms occur related to cancer, it usually has progressed to stage three or four. Even with annual physicals, there are limitations. Most screenings only cover about 29% of cancers with 71%
occurring outside of where doctors are able to screen. However, full body MRI scans can detect cancer in every organ from the top of the head through the pelvis and can detect it very early.
For a long time, full body MRI scans were available only in select areas outside of Michigan, requiring expensive ights like in Vancouver or California. However, this changed when a facility opened in South eld, making these screenings available to Metro Detroit residents.
“Our advanced MRI screening can detect cancers very early when they are as small as a pencil eraser and are more easily treatable. If cancer goes undetected, however, it can grow into stage three or stage four with di cult treatments. We can also identify hundreds of conditions
such as brain, abdominal, chest, and groin aneurysms,” stated the founder of the South eld clinic called Bionicc Body Screening.
“That’s the size of the building in its
See ROOSEVELT on page 15A
Timothy Mullins, who is an attorney representing the school district on behalf of Giarmarco, Mullins & Horton P.C., addressed the rationale for why 65,000 square feet of the building is not being abated.
MRI full body screenings are safe, non-invasive and emit zero radiation. Book in July to save $450.
e primary focus of Bionicc Body Screening is to deliver peace of mind, o ering a comprehensive and detailed imaging of the body’s internal structures. e ultimate hope is for excellent health. However, in the event that something is detected, the advanced screening aims to catch any potential issues at their earliest stages. is approach o ers the best opportunity for successful treatment outcomes, should the need arise.
Robert B., age 50, opted for a full body scan from Bionicc Body Screening
and a very small tumor was detected. He said, “It saved my life. eir MRI found a kidney tumor that had been missed by a recent CT scan. I cannot recommend this service more.”
Save $450 this Independence Day when you book a full body MRI appointment for the month of July. Learn more now by visiting www. BioniccBodyScreening.com ( is is a limited time o er.) Schedule today at 1-833-BIONICC.
0303-2427
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes
group opposed to the demolition of the Roosevelt Elementary School building in Keego Harbor is taking issue with asbestos abatement bids.
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SECOND FRONT PAGE
3A/ WEST BLOOMFIELD BEACON • JULY 1, 2024 @candgnews
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‘Shot of a lifetime’ helps OLSM capture first boys golf title in school history
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
It was a part of his game that he’d been working on and improving all season.
A three-time Michigan High School Athletic Association state finals competitor, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s junior Ethan Mukhtar was a seasoned veteran for this year’s state finals squad.
He’d shown physically what he could bring to the table with a club in hand, but it was all about the mental game in his third year on varsity.
“This year, I felt like after a bad shot, I would go into the next shot thinking about how to execute in order to save par or save birdie,” Mukhtar said. “I picked my head up after a bad shot that way.”
Little did Mukhtar know that on the 17th hole June 8 at Forest Akers West — with the MHSAA Division 2 state finals ever so close to St. Mary’s grasp — all of his men-
See GOLF on page 5A
‘IT’S THEIR COMMUNITY. IT’S THEIR NEIGHBORS.’
Local volunteers sought to deliver meals to seniors
BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com
WEST BLOOMFIELD — Meals on Wheels has been delivering food to people in need for around seven decades, and one of its outreach directors is seeking help from residents to assist in the nonprofit’s local efforts.
Meals on Wheels supports more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country to address senior hunger and isolation, according to its website.
Aside from delivering food, volunteers provide a welfare check on community seniors and give them someone to talk to, even if only for a brief period of time per visit.
Candie Hovarter is the outreach director for the Livingston County Senior Nutrition Program and Western Oakland Meals on Wheels, which, she said, serves meals throughout all of Livingston County and much of Oakland. The nonprofit is in search of some help in the West Bloomfield area. According to Hovarter, meals for local residents get delivered to the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation building at around 9:30 a.m. on weekdays,
Photo provided by Tom Brecht
Orchard Lake St Mary’s boys golf celebrates its first state championship in school history June 8 at Forest Akers West. Pictured, from the left, are Coach Joe Bacani, Blaise Krol, Mason Shea, Hudson Hitch, Ethan Mukhtar, Ben Carroll, Cooper Eaton, Anthony Jabero, Mikey Karwaski and coach Tom Brecht.
JULY 27-28
Orchard Lake Fine Art Show: Featuring nearly 140 nationally recognized artists, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. July 27 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. July 28, 6925 Daly Road in West Bloomfield, hotworks.org
CALENDAR
JULY 11
Neighborhood concert series: Detroit Symphony Orchestra plays works by composers Benjamin Britten and Felix Mendelssohn, 7:30 p.m., The Berman Center for the Performing Arts, 6600 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield, (313) 576-5111, dso.org
JULY 13
Rockin’ for Roosevelt: Fundraiser to save historic building features live music/tribute to Bugs Beddow by The Good STuFF, dinner (pizza, pasta and salad), cash bar, silent auction and 50-50, 7-11 p.m., Santia Hall, 1985 Cass Lake Road in Keego Harbor, bit. ly/3z2wrYU
JULY 18
Sylvan Lake Garden Club meeting: 12:30-2:30 p.m., Sylvan Lake Community Center, 2456 Pontiac Drive, call Tina at (248) 406-4858 or Julie at (248) 941-7801
ONGOING
Outdoor concerts: Food trucks at 5:30 p.m. and music at 6 p.m., July 10 (Dan Rafferty Band, rock and pop hits), July 17 (ThunderBeards, ZZ Top tribute), July 24 (Detroit Retro Society, soul, funk, R&B and more) and July 31 (Mobile Dueling Piano), Marshbank Park, 2805 Hiller Road in West Bloomfield, (248) 4511914, mtehako@wbparks.org, facebook.com/WBParks
• 7-9 p.m. July 10 (Surf Zup), July 17 (Sound Station), July 24 (Detroit Social Club), July 31 (The Groove Suns), Aug. 7 (Harmonized Steel) and Aug. 14 (Weekend Comeback), Hiram Sims Park, 1299 Quinif Drive in Walled Lake, walledlake.us
‘Guys and Dolls’: Performance by Nicely Theatre Group,7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays July 13-14 and 19-21, The Berman Center for the Performing Arts, 6600 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield, (248) 406-6677, nicelytheatregroup.org
‘It’s Only Life’: Performance by The Inspired Acting Company, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays July 12-14, 19-21 and 26-28, 1124 E. West Maple Drive in Walled Lake, (248) 863-9953, info@ inspired.org, inspiredacting.org
Waterford Oaks Wave Pool: Open select dates until Sept. 2, 1702 Scott Lake Road, (248) 858-0918, waterfordoakswaterpark@oakgov.com, oakgov.com
Farmers markets: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays through October, Casey J. Ambrose Public Safety Campus, 1499 E. West Maple Road in Walled Lake, walledlake. us
• 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through end of December, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford, (248) 858-5495, ocmarket@oakgov.com, oakgov.com
Live music: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, Fork n’ Pint, 4000 Cass-Elizabeth Road in Waterford, (248) 7913256, forknpintcasslake.com
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Golf
tal planning would come to fruition.
Grand Rapids Christian was on the heels of the Eaglets all throughout the day after entering day two four shots behind leader Richland Gull Lake and three behind St. Mary’s. Gull Lake shot themselves out of contention on day two, but St. Mary’s continued to push back against GR Christian with birdies from Mukhtar, junior Mikey Karwaski and senior Ben Carroll on the 15th hole.
Every stroke mattered, and every shot had ramifications that could cost its team a state championship. Mukhtar was staring one down with two holes left to play after flying a 140-yard iron shot over the green.
“I was walking down 17, and I just put a tee shot into the trees on the left after making a double on 16,” Mukhtar said. “I was pretty down on myself. I was thinking how I didn’t want that to be the reason why we missed out on a state title.”
Luckily for the Eaglets, Mukhtar had been strong with his execution and deciding what to do next in the face of danger.
A year or two ago, moments like this might have only gotten worse for the young golfer. Now more poised than ever, he followed through on a shot that he’ll never forget.
“Right as I hit the shot I knew it was going to be pretty
good, but then I just saw it rolling and rolling,” Mukhtar said. “I saw it drop and it was just electric. The whole course heard me. It was such a cool moment. People chip in here and there, and yeah it’s a good feeling, but when it’s on the 35th hole of the state championship to pull away by one, it’s something you can’t explain. I consider it the shot of my life.”
The Eaglets edged GR Christian by one stroke (603604) to capture their first state championship in school history with longtime St. Mary’s coach Tom Brecht, who’s been at the helm since 1996, finally having the opportunity to hoist a first-place trophy.
“I was looking at an article on MHSAA that was a preview for the state finals about a month ago, and we weren’t even in the top-3 teams,” senior Cooper Eaton said. “It was definitely really big that we were able to all put it together, especially since we didn’t win a tournament all year.”
Courtesy of top-10 finishes from Eaton (third) and sophomore Blaise Krol (seventh), St. Mary’s was fortunate enough to even have a shot at first as Eaton and Krol were consistent all weekend.
Eaton shot a 71 and a 73 in the two rounds, while Krol added a 74 and a 73. Eaton had had an up-and-down season for his standards as a four-time state finals golfer, but locked in when his team needed him most.
“Cooper (Eaton) struggled all season, but he finally got it together at the end of the year and played to the ability that I knew he had,” Brecht said. “I stuck with him throughout the year, and he did very well. Blaise (Krol), I was very fortu-
nate with that young man. He played baseball last year, and while St. Mary’s is very good at baseball, this year he decided to play golf instead.”
Mukhtar and Karwaski both finished tied for 31st in the tournament with a two-round score of 156, while Carroll finished with a 164.
Four of the Eaglets’ five state finals players had played in one or more state tournaments, three having played in three or more, and Brecht said the past finals helped his team over the weekend.
“I think it was the experience that this group had playing in the state finals,” Brecht said. “I had one kid (Eaton) that played in four of them, two kids that played in three of them (Carroll and Mukhtar), and one kid (Karwaski) who played one, and the other (Krol) was his first time. I think the difference is you have to have experience to understand the pressures that come with playing in the state finals, and I think they did a very good job with that.”
The 2024 class has been a history-making group for the Eaglets, bringing home the school’s first regional title in 2023 and first state title this year.
Losing both Eaton and Carroll will be a tough pill to swallow, but Mukhtar, Krol and Karwaski are all ready to step up and defend their Division 2 crown.
“I’m playing the best golf of my life at this moment,” Mukhtar said. “I feel like we can go back-to-back, especially with how I plan to improve. I’m putting in countless hours each week because I want to go back-to-back.”
NEWS & NOTES
FIREWORKS SCHEDULED ON SYLVAN LAKE
SYLVAN LAKE — A fireworks display is scheduled to take place 7-11:30 p.m. July 3, shot from a barge in the middle of the lake, according to Sylvan Lake’s city website.
The display is set to be hosted by the Oakland County Boat Club.
According to the site, residents can park at the Community Center parking lot, 2456 Pontiac Drive. The fireworks can also be viewed from Ferndale Park.
The Oakland County Boat Club was established in 1912 on the shores of Sylvan Lake.
West Bloomfield Board of Education member elected to county seat
WEST BLOOMFIELD/OAKLAND COUNTY — West Bloomfield Board of Education
Finkelstein
Treasurer Carol Finkelstein was elected to the Oakland Schools Board of Education June 3, when the board held its biennial election.
Finkelstein was elected to the West Bloomfield school board in 2011 and is set to complete her second six-year term Dec. 31.
Finkelstein is scheduled to begin a six-year term on the Oakland Schools Board of Education July 1.
West Bloomfield native/ Mercy graduate receives recognition
FARMINGTON HILLS/WEST BLOOMFIELD — According to a press release, West Bloomfield native and 1999 Farmington Hills Mercy graduate Laura (Merlo) Strybel was named as a “Distinguished Teacher” by Noble Schools in Chicago.
The release states that the “Distinguished Teacher” program from Noble, a public charter school system, recognizes exemplary teachers across the network’s 17 high school campuses for their impact as educators.
According to the release, among the benefits for those who are recognized is receiving $10,000 annually for as long as they remain teachers at Noble.
COUNTY FAIR SET TO RETURN
DAVISBURG — The Oakland County Fair is scheduled to make its return to Springfield Oaks County Park next month.
Rides, glassblowing demonstrations, a saw artist, racing pigs and a petting zoo are among the attractions.
“Oakland County has a rich rural heritage,” Oakland County Parks Director Chris Ward stated in a press release. “The Oakland County Fair not only celebrates the hard work of youth who diligently care for farm animals throughout the year, it shares it with those who live in more urban communities throughout the county. This provides for numerous community building opportunities in a fun, casual setting. In the process of offering fairgoers a glimpse into the hard-working agricultural lifestyle and what it takes to feed a community, strong bonds are forged that make us more connected to our roots and what is truly important.”
Competitive project exhibitions by Oakland County youth, an offroad demolition derby, micro wrestling, “Figure 8 Races,” monster trucks and “SuperKicker Rodeo” are also scheduled to be part of the entertainment.
Fair parking, which includes admission, costs $15 per vehicle and $10 for motorcycles or walk-ins.
Springfield Oaks County Park is located at 12451 Andersonville Road in Davisburg.
For the fair schedule, visit oakfair.org.
WEST BLOOMFIELD — According to a press release, Walnut Lake boat owners will be treating nearly 100 children living with special challenges to boat rides in support of the Bloomfield Scamp Camp at Lone Pine Elementary School in West Bloomfield July 23.
“To help delight these deserving youngsters, captains, volunteers and supporters may enlist in Scamp Flotilla - 2024,” the release states.
For more information, call Admiral Al Linden at (248) 626-2255.
Strybel
Meals
from page 3A
and volunteers come to pick them up and receive their delivery routes.
She estimated that there are typically 10-13 stops per volunteer.
According to Hovarter, those requesting assistance are “supposed to be over 60 and homebound.”
“Sometimes they’re waiting for (you),” Hovarter said. “They’re pretty cute; they’re standing there like they’re ready.”
From Hovarter’s perspective, checking in on seniors is as impactful as delivering meals.
“The food is equally as important as talking to them and making sure they’re OK,” she said. “We’re doing a wellness check every time.”
If a volunteer has any concerns about how someone is doing, it can be reported to the local Meals on Wheels office.
West Bloomfield resident Ruth Dziuba has been a volunteer with Meals on Wheels for approximately four years.
After retiring from a teaching position with the West Bloomfield School District in 2020, she got bored.
“I thought a good volunteer job would fill in that gap,” Dziuba said.
Dziuba said that her routes typically take two to three hours, although it can be longer on occasion.
The individuals she delivers to aren’t the only ones getting something out of it. Dziuba said volunteering has been “very rewarding.”
“I haven’t met anyone except really nice people doing this,” she said. “The people have varying needs. I have delivered to people whose instructions say, ‘Come right in, put it on the counter,’ (because) that person’s in a wheelchair or something like that. I have had people that really wanted to talk because they were lonely, and I love to talk, so that was easy. It’s been a very pleasant exchange.”
Meals on Wheels delivers MondaysFridays. If a senior requests food on the weekends, frozen meals can be delivered during the week to be saved for Saturday and Sunday.
Dziuba said she typically delivers to residential homes or apartments on Thursdays.
“It makes me feel good to be able to help other people and make them feel good,” she said. “I enjoy what I do a whole lot.”
Hovarter said seniors are “thrilled” to have someone come to see them and for the meals.
“For some of these seniors, we are their food source,” she said. “They don’t have anybody to help them. … Some of these people – it’s a weird time we’re living in – but they
don’t have anybody. They don’t have any family around to help them. … They’re like, isolated.”
According to its national website, Meals on Wheels was created as a partnership between the federal government and the public, with the Older Americans Act paying for approximately one-third of its funding, and local communities and private resources generating the rest.
According to mealsonwheelsmi.org, there is funding through the Area Agency on Aging 1-B and other contributors.
Hovarter said that routes are typically the same for volunteers.
From her perspective, one of the best parts of what Meals on Wheels does is allow seniors to remain living in their homes.
“Usually, their homes are paid for, and they’re comfortable there,” Hovarter said. “They’re familiar with that. A lot of times when you move ‘em … they struggle with the change.”
According to Dziuba, seniors receive a variety of meals, which are nutritionally balanced.
Hovarter estimated that there are currently approximately 20 volunteers.
“I don’t know how this is going to go … if we can’t get more people to get involved,” she said. “It’s their community. It’s their neighbors. … I think they feel rewarded by it. … You could be done … at 11:30. … It’s not all day, and you’re making somebody’s day.”
For more information, call (810) 6322155 or visit mealsonwheelsmi.org.
Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 4981052.
Photo provided by Candie Hovarter
Western Oakland Meals on Wheels is seeking volunteers to help deliver meals to local seniors. Pictured are volunteer Ruth Dziuba, left, and Outreach Director Candie Hovarter.
HOMES
TIPS CAN HELP KEEP PETS CALM DURING FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATIONS
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, pet owners need to be mindful of their animals’ anxiety. Elaborate fireworks displays, although beautiful to human eyes, for animals, especially dogs, can bring a vast amount of fear and tension.
“It’s best to please not take your pets to fireworks displays,” said Heather Robertson, a veterinarian at Animal Emergency Center in Novi. “I do think it freaks them out, some of them, and it’s more stress to them.”
Joanie Toole, chief of the Oakland County Animal Shelter and Pet Adoption Center, said that on average at least 20 dogs come through the shelter who have run away from home after getting scared because of fireworks.
To help keep dogs calm during the festivities, Robertson recommended keeping them away from windows and doors. She suggested having things turned on that create more pleasant sounds, such as music or the television.
“Keep them in an area of the house where you can hang with them, you can chill with them if you want to. But, like, if you are going downstairs to the
basement, have on music, have on the TV. Or if there’s, like, the exhaust fan in the bathroom is pretty loud or the laundry room or something like that, turn those fans on to go ahead and kind of deaden the noise,” Robertson said.
She suggested getting the animal acclimated to this type of location and scenario prior to the fireworks, so that the location is just another place to go and not equated to scary noises outside.
Pet stores also offer an array of different things to help keep dogs calm. This includes a large variety of calming treats, toys and even “ThunderShirts.”
According to the company website, thundershirt.com, the ThunderShirt “applies gentle, constant pressure to calm all types of anxiety, fear, and overexcitement issues.”
“You put it around the dog and it kind of gives, like, a coddling feeling,” said Sarah Hanscom, general manager of Pet Supplies Plus in Royal Oak.
Along with music or background noise, Hanscom suggested using various toys and dog puzzles that involve treats to keep dogs occupied and thus
See PETS on page 11A
CRIME WATCH
Trespass warning issued against subcontractor
WEST BLOOMFIELD — On June 12, officers were dispatched to the 2600 block of Water Oaks for a trespassing complaint.
A subcontractor who previously performed work at the residence unexpectedly showed up about a dispute over payment for services, the resident stated.
The officers issued a trespass warning to the subcontractor on behalf of the homeowners.
The subcontractor proceeded to leave the residence.
PPO violation reported
WEST BLOOMFIELD — Officers took a personal protection order violation report June 11.
A female listed as the protected party in a personal protection order against her exboyfriend informed officers that he had been contacting her from various phone numbers, contrary to the order.
No further information was provided.
Threatening communication reported
WEST BLOOMFIELD — An officer
was dispatched to the 3200 block of Bloomfield Park Drive June 15 to take a report about “intimidating” phone and text messages.
The officer was informed that an unknown person was calling and sending threatening text messages from a phone number that was not known to the reporting party.
The reporting party did not recognize the suspect’s voice.
Gift cards allegedly stolen from pickup truck
WEST BLOOMFIELD — On June
11, a West Bloomfield Police Department officer was dispatched to the 4800 block of Arrowhead Road to take a report about a larceny from a vehicle.
It was reported that a resident’s pickup truck was parked unlocked in a driveway from approximately 10 p.m. June 10 to 8 a.m. June 11.
It was later discovered that the vehicle had been rummaged through, with an assortment of gift cards taken.
Anyone who has information about these crimes or others is asked to call the West Bloomfield Police Department at (248) 975-9200.
— Mark Vest
Mackinac
fine dining option, is well worth the trek to the Inn at Stonecliffe, but for a casual option, consider its outdoor eatery, The Backyard, where you can eat and drink while stunning views of the Mackinac Bridge. The menu highlights include brick oven pizzas and a daily special called The Daily Flame. On Mondays, for example, the specials are beef kebab and smoked yogurt or cucumber and tomato salad — dubbed the Mediterranean Mingle.
The inn is home to a chef with Michelin-star credentials — believed to be a first for the island. Executive Chef Joseph Nardo most recently held the same title at the Camden Harbor Inn and Natalie’s Fine Dining in Maine. His Michelin background includes The French Laundry, Lazy Bear and The Dabney.
It’s a bit of an adventure to get to the Inn at Stonecliffe. It’s about two miles from downtown following Cadotte Avenue past the Grand Hotel and then taking Annex Road to the interior of the island. Expect some hills. You can get there by foot, bicycle or horse-drawn taxi.
Milliken Nature Center
If you’ve biked the island’s perimeter, you’ve passed or likely stopped by Arch Rock, perhaps Mackinac’s most notable among several natural landmarks. A newly opened nature center at Arch Rock shares its geological story as well as the island’s. It’s believed Arch Rock is about 4,000 years old, hollowed out by splashing waves when water levels were much higher.
With its stone facade and wood beams, the $7.5 million Milliken Nature Center accentuates the natural beauty of Arch Rock. The main exhibit, “Arch Rock: Unsurpassed in Nature’s Beauty,” celebrates what is often called the “Star Attraction of Mackinac Is-
land State Park.” There are dozens of historic images of Arch Rock on display and a timeline showing how the limestone arch was formed. Kids will enjoy an interactive 3D map of the island.
Arch Rock and the Milliken Nature Center are reachable by bike, foot or horsedrawn carriage. The new nature also features new public restrooms. And you can still climb the 207-step stairway to the Arch Rock viewing platform.
Closer to Mackinac’s downtown is the new Carousel Arcade, a great spot for families. The arcade offers state-of-the-art games and a selection of snacks and drinks — including adult drinks. The arcade is located on Market Street, which runs parallel to Main Street, and is part of the Bicycle Street Inn and Suites properties.
Resort additions
On the island’s east side, Mission Point Resort continues to focus on curated experiential offerings for guests and non-guests alike. The headliner this summer is The McCartney Years, a live concert celebrating the life of former Beatles Paul McCartney and his many hits. It’s the first time the resort’s Mission Point Theater has offered a show of this nature. Shows are performed at 3 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. Other offerings include bird watching, painting classes, culinary events and cooking workshops.
One of my favorite spots to chill is Mission Point’s Round Island Kitchen. The resort renovated its main lobby and the bar and restaurant last year, creating a more open space with a summer-cottage-like vibe. It’s a relaxing spot to grab a bite to eat or drink and enjoy the panoramic views of the Straits.
Another favorite hangout is the Cupola Bar at the top of the iconic Grand Hotel.
The one-of-a-kind bar has been updated and redesigned for the season, paying homage to one of the hotel’s former owners, W. Stewart Woodfill. The redo includes a glass display of Woodfill’s walking stick collection. If
you’re a fan of the hotel’s colorful, bright decor, you’ll be pleased to know the Grand has renewed its partnership with the acclaimed design firm Dorothy Draper & Co. and there is now a retail shop on the property — Dorothy Draper Home at Grand Hotel.
Lastly, on the mainland, the first new building constructed at Colonial Michilimackinac — part of Mackinac State Historic Parks — since 2013 will open in early July and tells the seldom-told story of enslaved people at the settlement. Located at the east end of the Southwest Rowhouse, the building hosts the Slavery in the Straits exhibit.
Combining archaeological and archival research, the exhibit shows how slavery was an integral part of the fort community — as well as the rest of Michigan — throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. Enslaved Black and Native American men and women worked in all levels of society, doing everything from domestic work to skilled labor.
The role slavery played at Colonial Michilimackinac has been explored in recent years. State park officials introduced a
walking tour of the fort describing slavery in 2020 and have kept the tour on the schedule since then.
“Once we knew that we would have a new gallery space at the fort the decision was made to expand on this subject and dedicate an exhibit to the topic,” says Dominick Miller, chief of marketing for the Mackinac parks. “Slavery was an integral part of the community at Michilimackinac, and this allows us to highlight some of these people who were enslaved at the fort.”
Already a hub of the Great Lakes fur trade, Michilimackinac also served as the center of the regional trade in enslaved workers as French and British colonists exploited pre existing systems of Native American enslavement to feed a growing demand for enslaved labor.
For information on the Mackinac State Historic Parks, visit mackinacparks.com. For information on Mackinac Island, visit mackinacisland.org.
Greg Tasker is a Traverse City-based freelance writer.
Photo provided by the Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau
A favorite hangout is the Cupola Bar located at the top of the Grand Hotel. The one-of-a-kind bar has been updated and redesigned for the season.
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Salvation Army offers to help keep residents cool
METRO DETROIT — According to a press release, the Salvation Army is reminding the public that anyone seeking relief from “scorching” temperatures can visit a local Salvation Army community center to stay safe and cool.
“The summer heat can be challenging for many families in need throughout metro Detroit,” the release states. “Thousands of our neighbors don’t have access to air conditioning, making them vulnerable to heat exhaustion,” Major Toni Dorrell, who is the metro Detroit area commander for the Salvation Army Great Lakes Division, stated in the release. “As temperatures climb, The Salvation Army encourages anyone in need of a cool place to stay to stop by one of our facilities. We also encourage our neighbors to stop by their local corps community centers to learn how The Salvation Army helps with utility assistance and shelter not just on hot days, but all year long.”
A Salvation Army facility is located at 27500 Shiawassee in Farmington Hills. The phone number is (248) 477-1153.
— Mark Vest
MDOT seeks feedback through survey
LANSING — The Michigan Department of Transportation is conducting a vulnerable road user safety assessment through a 15-question survey throughout the state to improve understanding of the conditions and behaviors present in fatal and serious injury crashes.
Vulnerable road users include anyone walking, biking or rolling by nonmotorized forms of transportation on public roads or on foot in work zones. The 15-question survey is now available through Aug. 18.
The survey is available online at www.michigan.gov/mdot.
— Maria Allard
LIVE Your Way
and inviting
that fosters a
in
retirement
Pets
from page 8A
distracted from the noise of the fireworks.
“Keep them somewhat occupied,” Hanscom said. “As occupied as you can. I realize that when a dog is scared, a dog is scared, but try and give distractions.”
However, in some cases an animal’s anxiety is just too high and pet owners should go ahead and take their pets to the vet. Robertson said that in some cases veterinarians prescribe either one of two sedatives, trazodone and acepromazine. Trazodone is most commonly used for separation anxiety or the dog who needs to be kept quiet at home.
Robertson said that people have to remember that they can’t just start the medication at the time of the fireworks. She said that it takes time for the medication to kick in and for the animal to get acclimated to it. She said that the medication should be started the day before the event, or at least that morning. Trazodone in particular is something that can be given every eight hours. So she said the dog would be able to get the medication the morning prior to the event and then again in the afternoon or evening so that it would be completely in the dog’s system.
“I think too many people try to give things too late and then they are like, ‘It doesn’t help. It doesn’t help.’ Well, no. You’re behind the eight ball because it takes time for things to kick into their system and what have you,” Robertson said.
She said she would recommend that people not wait until the holiday to contact their vet about these issues. She said they should contact their vets now and prepare and start medication ahead of time.
Dogs that run away during events such as fireworks are typically picked up by local police departments. Cmdr. Jason Meier, of the Novi Police Department, said they don’t usually have a lot of issues with lost dogs in Novi, even during the Fourth of July holiday.
“If we do come across them, we take them to the vet to see if they are chipped first. If they are chipped, we can return them to the owner; if not, we hold them on-site until the next day when animal control can pick them up,” Meier said.
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
Norma Jean and Edward Meer Apartments
offers a
believe fulfillment comes with choices, and that is exactly what you will find here. Engage your mind with JSL’s Live and Learn courses, explore cultural activities, and enjoy our enriching amenities. Choose the perfect all-inclusive package and savor delicious kosher meals with our Dine Your Way program
ON family
BUSINESS
C & G NEWSPAPERS KEEPS IT IN THE FAMILY
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
For anyone curious about what the “C” and “G” in C & G Newspapers stands for, here is the answer.
The “C” represents Charlotte, and the “G” is for Gil.
It was Charlotte and Gil Demers who more than 45 years ago created the familyowned business C & G Newspapers, which is still standing today.
In the early days, the husband-and-wife team ran the company from their home in St. Clair Shores with two papers: the Shores Shopper, a monthly advertiser first published in December 1977, and the Warren Weekly, with its inaugural issue Aug. 20, 1980.
Gil Demers definitely found his calling selling advertisements to local businesses, which included restaurants, mom-and-pop shops, car dealerships, medical offices, educational institutions and much more.
“He was a very personable guy,” daughter Karen Bozimowski said. “He knew everybody. He talked to everybody. He could talk to anybody.”
Gil wanted his family to be part of the business. Eventually the Demers’ five children — Bozimowski, Jeff Demers, Gregg Demers, Keith Demers and Suzanne Badalamenti — came to work for the family business. They all started “on the road” selling
advertising to neighborhood retailers, securing their own accounts with local establishments that trusted them. By watching their parents, the kids learned the value of hard work, the importance of helping their customers, and the ropes of running a successful family-owned business. Gil Demers died in 2019, and Charlotte retired several years ago.
C & G Newspapers serves metro Detroit residents in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties with 19 biweekly publications that reach 45 communities and are delivered to more than 571,000 homes via direct mail. The papers’ source of revenue is advertising. Instead of selling subscriptions, Gil Demers set up the company so each newspaper was distributed by direct mail straight to people’s homes.
“He was very entrepreneurial as far as ideas,” Keith Demers said.
Gil Demers was a natural. The directmail system proved successful right away, not only for him but for his advertisers.
“He knew they were reading it because the advertisers got great response because we went to every home,” Jeff Demers said. “We mailed it to every home. There wasn’t anything like that in St. Clair Shores.”
“That was the difference. No one else did that,” Gregg Demers said. “The thought was that a small business only could draw from so far. Let’s go to every home right
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
The Demers Family, from left to right, includes Karen Bozimowski, Suzanne Badalamenti, Gregg Demers, Keith Demers and Jeff Demers.
around your store, and that will get them the best response.”
Many advertisers have stayed with the company over the years, Mr. C’s Deli in St. Clair Shores was their first advertiser. An advertisement for Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, located at Hoover and Common roads, was in the first-ever Warren Weekly back in 1980.
“He still advertises today, every issue,” Suzanne Badalamenti said.
Gregg Demers, though, felt the publications needed more and came up with the idea to add editorial content with news stories that covered local city government, education, crime, human interest stories, sports and features about upcoming events happening in the readerships’ own backyards.
A family affair
After the success of the Warren Weekly, the company expanded to add more newspapers, the next one being the Madison-Park News, which covers Madison Heights and Hazel Park. At one point, the Demers family was able to open up an office located on Nine Mile Road, east of Van Dyke Avenue, in Warren.
Then the family members began adding more newspapers in Macomb County, including the Eastsider, the Fraser-Clinton Chronicle, the St. Clair Shores Sentinel, the Sterling Heights Sentry, the Journal, the Macomb Township Chronicle and the ShelbyUtica News.
Over in Oakland County, the Demers publish the following papers: the Troy Times, the Royal Oak Review, the Rochester Post, the West Bloomfield Beacon, the Southfield Sun, the Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle, the Farmington Press, the Novi Note and the Woodward Talk
The company also has a long-standing Wayne County paper: the Grosse Pointe Times. As the company grew, more space was needed, and in 1997 C & G Newspapers moved to 13650 11 Mile Road in Warren.
Currently there are 65 employees in the company who work in different departments to produce each newspaper. The team consists of salespeople, journalists, editors, graphic designers, photographers and an administrative staff. The newspapers are built right at the C & G office and then are sent to an outside company for printing.
With readers patronizing the advertisers, they are supporting family businesses, and that keeps them going. There has always been competition and different challenges. To keep the business thriving, each family
member has different responsibilities. They also take time to talk to each other and share ideas.
“Each one of us has our own area of responsibility,” Jeff Demers said. “Then we meet regularly. We talk about ‘what’s going on in each area.”
The Demers said the best aspect of running the family business is working together.
“We have a common goal,” Jeff Demers said. “To be successful.”
They also appreciate the dedication of their staff members.
“The employees are just great,” Gregg Demers said.
“That’s the bottom line,” Keith Demers said.
While many newspaper entities have ceased to exist because of the internet and digital media, C & G Newspapers still continues publishing print editions.
“That comes down to the mail,” Keith Demers said. “We don’t rely on subscriptions.”
“And it’s local stories,” Suzanne Badalamenti said.
“We still believe in our product as a direct-mail community newspaper going to every home,” Gregg Demers said.
C & G Newspapers also evolved electronically with its website, www.candgnews. com, and a social media presence on Facebook and X. The company also has contests every month where readers can win gift cards and other prizes from local advertisers. The family is always looking for new opportunities and has plans for the business to expand.
“As far as the future, we’d like to open a new paper,” Suzanne Badalamenti said.
‘The Demers were always kind and fair people to me’
The brothers and sisters get along well with each other while working together. They also want to give their employees that same sense of family so staff members feel welcome coming to work each day.
Not only that, but they know the importance of providing their workforce with the supplies they need to get their jobs done, including everything from office equipment to moral support to the occasional social event.
A majority of staff has remained with the company 10, 20 or 30 years.
“What has always mattered to me the most about C & G is that they are unbiased. … We don’t have an agenda of any kind. We just want to be as factual and fair as possible,” said editor Annie Bates, who began with the company 25 years ago. “In our little corner, the Demers want us to do it right. In the beginning of my career, everyone asked
CAR NEVER MISSES HUNTINGTON WOODS’ FOURTH
OF JULY PARADE
‘It’s my contribution to the community’
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
Bob Weltman hasn’t missed the Huntington Woods Fourth of July parade since 1986. He has driven his 1978 Volkswagen Beetle in the annual event for 38 years.
You can’t miss the tomato-red car. Bob decorates the Beetle with American flags and other trimmings of red, white and blue to celebrate the holiday. He is always the caboose of the parade.
“I’m the last one,” said Bob, who resides in Huntington Woods with his wife, Robyn. “It’s fun. It’s my contribution to the community. I get a kick out of doing it.”
Bob said the parade lasts about an hour. It is always held right on July 4.
“The Fourth Of July parade is huge here. It’s a wild parade,” Bob said. “It’s an old-fashioned, 1950s parade. It’s a throwback to another era. Half of the community is in it and half is watching. It’s so popular.”
See BEETLE on page 17A
TOP LEFT: Bob and Robyn Weltman pose with their 1978 Volkswagen Beetle. The Beetle again will be in the annual Fourth of July parade in Huntington Woods on July 4. TOP RIGHT: The Weltmans purchased the tomato-red Volkswagen Beetle in 1985. LEFT: The 1978 Volkswagen Beetle’s engine is in the rear and the trunk is located at the front of the car.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
totality, but asbestos is only in certain portions of the building, as was confirmed by specific testing and specific test results, which were released to the bidders,” Mullins said. “That’s what they bid on. … When experts came in and conducted the studies, they showed there’s this many square feet of the building that may have asbestos in it and require abatement, and that’s what they bid on, and that’s what the contracts were awarded on. … There was a determination as to what would need to be abated, and bids were submitted in accordance with the studies that showed where there was and where there was not asbestos.”
According to Mullins, EGLE conducted testing “a couple months ago.”
“They went to all these different areas of the building and, negative, negative, negative, negative,” he said. “I know all the claims that people are making in their attempt to stop this from being torn down, but factually, there’s no factual basis.”
An EGLE Air Quality Division inspection was conducted April 17, according to an inspection report that was provided to the Beacon
It states that EGLE-AQD sample results were returned April 23.
“All six samples taken returned results that were negative for asbestos content,” the report states. “All samples collected were from areas that the consultant identified plaster as non-asbestos containing. The roof was also identified in the Arch report as nonasbestos containing.”
The report goes on to state that an EGLE asbestos program manager proposed the recommendation that “all plaster from the second and third floors be treated as if it were regulated asbestos containing materials (RACM) out of an abundance of caution.”
At press time, EGLE had not responded to opportunities to comment.
Michael Kelly is the owner of Environmental Maintenance Engineers, which is based in Inkster.
He said there is “nothing to comment on,” in regard to the allegation that bids were altered to financially justify demolition.
“We haven’t been given any directive, other than the project’s on hold,” he said. “It’s off our plate right now. We’re involved in quite a bit of other work.”
Brad Babbitt is a member of Heart of the Lakes. Among the reasons for opposing demolition, he cited what is perhaps the biggest concern for some residents.
“We’re afraid of potential contamination by not abating all of the asbestos in that
building, which should be done,” Babbitt said. “So that’s an endangerment to the community, and it’s also financially irresponsible. It doesn’t make any sense to take a building that’s perfectly sound and demolish it when developers want to make it into something that would really be special for the community. We just don’t understand why West Bloomfield’s doing this.”
According to Kelly, there is no health risk.
“(There’s) a consultant that oversees the work,” he said. “We’ve been working with the district for years – never had any issues on their sites. Asbestos abatement is going on (in) districts all over the metropolitan area, currently.”
Mullins also weighed in on the concern some residents have about potential environmental damage.
“Buildings are torn down all the time,” he said. “There’s a certain way to do it; that’s why you do the asbestos abatement before you do the demolition, so there’s no asbestos in there when you do the demolition. … That’s why you do asbestos abatement, so there is no danger to anybody’s health.”
Heart of the Lakes’ assertion is that, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, “there is no safe level of asbestos, and even in the best scenario for abatement and demolition, nothing is 100%.”
According to a National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants Asbestos Inspection Report for the Roosevelt building, several asbestos-containing materials “which may be impacted by any building renovations or demolition” were identified.
When Mullins spoke with the Beacon, he was expecting a decision from the Court of Appeals within a month or two.
One of Babbitts’ aspirations is for the Board of Education to have contractors submit new asbestos bids.
Babbitt said that the district’s motivation for wanting the Roosevelt building demolished is a “big mystery.”
“It would be much better to keep the building (and) sell it for a profit of $2 million, versus holding the land (and) demolishing the building at a loss of a million dollars,” he said. “The district should be forced to give a reason.”
Local resident Christian Sonneville recently filed a complaint against West Bloomfield School District Superintendent Dania Bazzi with Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel over the asbestos bids. A request for comment from Bazzi was not returned by press time.
“Residents and taxpayer funded bond money is being needlessly wasted on the demolition of an historic building instead of
Green for Life Environmental has sold its residential trash collecting assets to Priority Waste. The change, including in West Bloomfield, was set to take place July 1.
Refuse
from page 1A
The July 4 holiday will still cause a one-day delay of service. Allen said those who are having issues with GFL should continue to contact them until July 1. GFL will retain its commercial contracts.
“This sale encompasses assets and collection operations within Oakland, Washtenaw, Livingston, Macomb, Genesee, and Wayne Counties,” John Addison, GFL General Manager for Wayne, stated in a letter to employees. “It includes the transfer of contracts with 75 municipal customers as well as 70,000 homeowner’s associations and subscription residential customers.”
The change was addressed on West Bloomfield Township’s website.
“We apologize for the abysmal and patently unacceptable service being provided by GFL Environmental, USA,” the site states. “As you may know, GFL’s residential contracts for most of southeast Michigan have been sold to Priority Waste. This change for West Bloomfield Township will be effective July 1, 2024. GFL Environmental has been struggling to keep up with its normal routes owing to a severe shortage of staff members to operate the trucks. We remain hopeful that the service with Priority Waste will be a major improvement, although the first few weeks will entail a learning curve for the new crew.
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this frustrating transition.”
The site also addressed another potential concern some residents may have.
“If you previously paid in full for the entire year with GFL Environmental, your account will be marked paid in full with Priority Waste,” the site states. “If you pay quarterly, please pay the July statement di-
rectly to GFL Environmental as you normally would. If you are signed up for auto-pay through GFL, it will automatically cancel after July 1st. If you are signed up for auto-pay through your bank or credit union, please make sure to cancel that auto-pay after the July payment is made. We will be receiving instructions on setting up a new online account with Priority Waste in the next couple of weeks and will share that information as it becomes available. Thank you for your patience during this transition.”
Allen said talks for the acquisition began earlier in 2024. The Detroit transition to Priority Waste from GFL happened earlier in June. In Sterling Heights, the company is about a month into its changeover. According to Allen, the transition in both communities has gone well so far.
Hundreds of GFL employees impacted by the switch will be terminated, though they will be able to reapply for their jobs with Priority Waste.
“Our understanding is that Priority intends to extend offers to the majority of employees, as it will be imperative to maintain continuity of service,” Addison stated in the letter.
Allen said the company is working to make the transition a seamless process so there are no interruptions in service. He said the company has bought approximately 500 pieces of equipment from GFL. This equipment will be assessed by Priority Waste in the coming months.
“We’re going to do an overhaul of their fleet,” Allen said. “It’s a very deliberative process. We’re going to overhaul, rebuild, evaluate each one based on age and hours of running time.”
GFL did not respond to requests for comment at press time.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes
page 14A
The fun of participating in the Fourth of July procession started when a former City Council member asked if Bob could drive him in the convertible during the parade. Bob enjoyed the patriotic experience so much that he’s geared up ever since, becoming a piece of Huntington Woods history.
“There’s a little trick to it,” Bob said of driving in the parade. “You’re on your clutch a lot and your foot hurts because there are cars in front of you stopping.”
Over the years, Bob, daughter Karlie and sons Peter and Trevor have appeared in the parade, as has Trevor’s wife, Van. This year’s parade will start another tradition: there are plans for the Weltmans’ two granddaughters, Dolly, 8, and Lana, 6, to ride in the procession for the first time.
Not only do local residents know Bob from behind the steering wheel of his Volkswagen, but also through his career as an associate broker at Real Estate One and Max Broock in Royal Oak.
“When I go into people’s homes, there’s pictures of the parade — of Robyn and I — in the car on their wall,” Bob said.
Bob and Robyn, too, have met people when they take the car out for leisurely drives and when they head over to the Woodward Dream Cruise. Last year, for instance, Bob mingled with other Dream Cruise car enthusiasts on Old Woodward in Birmingham.
“This car brings up so much nostalgia for older people.
They start crying. You just see it in their face and their eyes — especially our ages. You know, this was the ’60s car,” Bob said. “And younger kids love this car.”
“If we do drive around here, people ask him, ‘Are you going to be in the parade?’” Robyn said. “Some of the kids are now grown and have their own kids, and they remember it. It’s just really being part of the community.”
Bob and Robyn married in 1981, and Bob purchased the Beetle in 1985. After he saw it for sale, he just had to have it. There, however, was one problem. Bob did not know
how to drive a stick shift, but he quickly learned by watching Robyn, who could drive a stick.
Bob really wanted a Porsche but settled for the Beetle, as he and Robyn had already started a family and a sports car at the time wasn’t feasible. Bob said his model is considered a Super Beetle and it’s a Karmann Ghia design.
“This is definitely more rounded than the older Volkswagens,” Robyn said.
Bob is the second owner of the Volkswagen, which came with running boards. In addition, the engine is in the rear and the trunk is located at the front of the car. The car is mostly original with a few modifications. The first owner changed the radio. The Weltmans also updated the car’s hubcaps while keeping them in the family.
“My father-in-law had the same car, and he had hubcaps from it that were better than the ones I had that were already aging,” Bob said.
The Huntington Woods parade will begin at 10 a.m., July 4, and will be held rain or shine. According to the city’s website at ci.huntington-woods.mi.us, the parade route will begin at the corner of Salem Road and York Street. It will then proceed onto Salem, which turns into Nadine Avenue.
The route will then turn right at Wyoming Road, followed by a left onto Borgman Avenue. Then it turns left onto Scotia Road and travels until it ends at the corner of Nadine and Scotia at Burton Park, with a hot dog roast and speeches scheduled at 11 a.m. There are several other activities planned for the holiday in Huntington Woods, including fireworks at approximately 10:05 p.m. over Rackham Golf Course, 10100 W. 10 Mile Road. For more details, visit the city’s website.
Brunch Menu 11am-2pm
$9 Mimosas, $2 Each Additional $7 Bloody Marys Fri.-Sat. Late Night Happy Hour 8-10pm 25% Off
$5 Well Drinks & $5 Domestic Pints
Brunch Buffet 10am-2pm $9 Mimosas, $2 Each Additional $7 Bloody Marys Dine In Only All You Can Eat Perch- $20, 4-9pm
Tues.-Fri. 3-6pm & Thurs. All Day Fri. & Sat. 8-10pm • Sat.-Sun. 3-5pm Super Specials on Drinks & Food
YOU CAN EAT PERCH - 4PM-9PM HAPPY HOUR Bar Rail Only Tues.-Fri. 4-6pm Sat. 12-4pm • Sun. 4-6pm 1/2 OFF Draft Beer, $3 Well Drinks
$3 Glasses of House Wine
$5 House Margaritas $7 Titos Martinis
$7 Cocktail of the Week $8 Appetizer Menu
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Bob Weltman’s 1978 Volkswagen Beetle is always the last car in the Huntington Woods Fourth Of July parade.
CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Orchard Lake Village Board of Review will meet at 9:00 a.m. until business is concluded on Tuesday, July 16, 2024. The meeting will take place at the Orchard Lake City Hall, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, Ml. The purpose of this meeting is to correct Qualifed Errors in the assessment roll, and to consider Exemptions for hardships. The meeting is open to the public.
Rhonda R. McClellan CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com
Publish: West Bloomfeld Beacon 07/01/2024
Notice of Posting For Charter Township of West Bloomfeld Township Board
1. Synopsis of the Regular meeting on: Monday, June 24, 2024
The above Synopsis shall be posted (in its entirety) at the following locations:
(1) Offce of the Township Clerk
4550 Walnut Lake Road
(2) Township’s website: www.wbtownship.org
Published: West Bloomfeld Beacon 07/01/2024
0381-2427
Debbie Binder Township Clerk
NOTICE TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WEST BLOOMFIELD
Notice is hereby given that the Public Accuracy Test for the August 6, 2024 State Primary Election has been scheduled for Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. in the Township Hall at 4550 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfeld, Michigan.
The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to demonstrate that the computer program used to record and count the votes cast at the election meets the requirements of law.
DEBBIE BINDER TOWNSHIP CLERK West Bloomfeld Township 248-451-4848
Published: West Bloomfeld Beacon 07/01/2024
NOTICE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2024
CITY OF KEEGO HARBOR
CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
CITY OF SYLVAN LAKE
TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any qualifed elector of the City of Keego Harbor, City of Orchard Lake Village & City of Sylvan Lake who are not already registered, may register to vote at their City Clerk’s Offce, the offce of the County Clerk; a Secretary of State branch offce, or other designated state agency. Registration forms can be obtained at mi.gov/vote and mailed to the City Clerk’s Offce. Voters who are already registered may update their registration at www.expressSOS.com. The last day to register in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk is Monday, July 22, 2024
After that date, anyone who qualifes as an elector may register to vote in person with proof of residency (MCL 168.492) at the City of Keego Harbor, located at 2025 Beechmont, Keego Harbor, Ml 48320, City of Orchard Lake Village, located at 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, Ml 48323 & City of Sylvan Lake, located at 1820 Inverness St., Sylvan Lake, Ml 48320 at the following times:
• Business hours: OL&SL Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
KH Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Saturday, August 3rd from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Election Day, Tuesday August 6 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
For the Purpose of Nominating Candidates to be placed on the November 5th General Election ballot:
PARTISAN United States Senator, Representative in Congress, State Legislature, County Executive, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, County Clerk, County Treasurer, Water Resources Commissioner, County Commission and Delegates to County Convention
NONPARTISAN Judge of Circuit Court
PROPOSAL O L Bloomfeld Hills Schools Operating Millage Renewal Proposal
A sample ballot may also be viewed at mi.gov/vote.
Publish: West Bloomfeld Beacon 07/01/2024
NOTICE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2024 WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP, MICHIGAN
TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any qualifed elector of West Bloomfeld Township who is not already registered, may register to vote at the offce of the Township Clerk; the offce of the County Clerk; a Secretary of State branch offce, or other designated state agency. Registration forms can be obtained at mi.gov/vote and mailed to the Township Clerk. Voters who are already registered may update their registration at www.expressSOS.com.
The last day to register in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk is Monday, July 22, 2024.
After this date, anyone who qualifes as an elector may register to vote in person with proof of residency (MCL 168.492) at the West Bloomfeld Township Clerk’s offce, located at 4550 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfeld, MI 48323 at the following times:
• Election Day, Tuesday August 6 from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
The August 6, 2024 Primary election will be conducted in all voting precincts of West Bloomfeld Township for the purpose of nominating candidates for the following offces:
CONGRESSIONAL United States Senator, Representative in Congress - 11th District
LEGISLATIVE Representative in State Legislature - 20th District
COUNTY County Executive, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, Clerk/Register of Deeds, Treasurer, Water Resources Commissioner
County Commissioner – 10 and 11th Districts
TOWNSHIP Supervisor, Clerk, Treasurer, Trustee, Park Commissioner
DELEGATES Delegates to the County Convention
NONPARTISAN Judge of Court of Appeals, 2nd District, Judge of Circuit Court, 6th Circuit, Judge of Probate Court, Judge of District Court, 48th District
And for the purpose of voting on the following proposals as presented and listed below:
ALL Voters – West Bloomfeld Township Bond Proposal Parks & Recreation
• To borrow a sum not to exceed Twenty-Five Million Dollars ($25,000,000), and issue its unlimited tax general obligation bonds therefore, in one or more series, for the purpose of: constructing, furnishing, equipping, and renovating Parks and Recreation improvements, including the parks, playgrounds, community and senior center, trail system, pickle ball courts, nature education areas, meeting rooms, administrative spaces, new pavement, and other capital improvements. The estimated millage to be levied in the frst year of levy is .35 mill ($0.35 for each $1,000 of taxable value), and the average annual millage rate required to retire the bonds is 0.35 mill ($0.35 for each $1,000 of taxable value). The maximum number of years the bonds or any series of bonds may be outstanding, excluding any refunding, is twenty (20).
Voters in Bloomfeld Hills School District ONLY – Operating Millage Renewal Proposal
• Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the Bloomfeld Hills Schools, be increased in the amount of 22 mills, with 18 mills being the maximum allowable levy ($18.00 per $1,000 of taxable value), to the extent such property is not statutorily exempt, and of which not more than 9.65 mills may be imposed on principal residences, for twenty (20) years, the years 2026 to 2045, inclusive, to provide funds for operating expenses of the School District. This operating millage, if approved and levied, would provide estimated revenues to the School District of $18,300,000 during the 2026 calendar year, to be used to general operating purposes.
Full text of the ballot proposals may be obtained at the West Bloomfeld Township Clerk’s offce, 4550 Walnut Lake Rd, West Bloomfeld, MI 48323, telephone 248-451-4848. A sample ballot may be viewed at mi.gov/vote.
Persons with special needs as defned by the Americans with Disabilities Act should contact the clerk’s offce.
Debbie Binder
West Bloomfeld Township Clerk
Published: West Bloomfeld Beacon 07/01/2024
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me what my next step was. It was assumed you wanted a bigger outlet,” but that wasn’t what appealed to Bates. “C & G … remembers the goal a lot of media outlets seemed to have forgotten, which is to listen and be as fair as you can.”
Graphic designer Kathy Calvisi is a loyal employee who found her niche when she was hired in 1990. Working in the company’s art room designing ads gives her the chance to be creative every day.
“It’s held my interest,” Calvisi said. “It’s something different every day.”
C & G Newspapers also has been a great place to work because the Demers always accommodated Calvisi when she needed to tend to her family, such as picking up her children from school when they were growing up.
“With a flexible schedule I have the ability to take care of my family,” Calvisi said. “They’re fun people and they treat us good.”
In 1986, sales representative David Rubello joined C & G Newspapers.
“I’ve had a great ride ever since. The Demers were always kind and fair people to me. That’s what gave me my drive to keep up my good work,” Rubello said. “I’ve been here for almost 40 years. If they weren’t good to me there’s no way I could have stayed that long.”
Rubello primarily sells advertising for the St. Clair Shores Sentinel, but also has accounts in surrounding areas. He likes the idea of working for a family-run business.
“You’re not just a number. They get to know you,” he said. “It’s not like you’re working for a really big business where there’s just a lot of faces and no names.”
He also credits the Demers for helping other family businesses stay afloat.
“They have impacted this community in so many positive ways, from promoting people’s businesses with advertising to having stories about people and their great accomplishments,” Rubello said. “This would all go silent if there weren’t community papers like ours.”
Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.
NOTICE
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WEST BLOOMFIELD BOARD OF REVIEW
The West Bloomfeld Township Board of Review will convene on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at 9:00 AM at the West Bloomfeld Town Hall, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, Room 75/76, for the purpose of correcting mutual mistakes of fact or clerical errors, in accordance with MCL 211.53b.
For further information, please contact the Assessor’s Offce at 248-451-4850.
Debbie Binder
West Bloomfeld Township Clerk
The Township of West Bloomfeld will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services such as:
* Hearing impaired sound system & receivers (notify the Clerk or Community Development Department one day prior to meeting of interest)
* Signers for the hearing impaired (two {2} weeks advance notice)
* Audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting (to individuals with disabilities) two (2) weeks’ notice in writing or by calling the Township Clerk or Community Development Director at 4550 Walnut Lake Road, Box 250130, West Bloomfeld, MI 48325-0130, (248) 451-4800.
Published: West Bloomfeld Beacon 07/01/2024
CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
SUMMARY OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
June 17, 2024
At the June 17, 2024 Regular City Council Meeting, Council took the following action:
o Approved the 4th Quarter FY 2023/24 Budget Amendments;
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o Approved a Zoning Board of Appeals Variance to Allow a Previously Constructed Sports Court to Remain in the Front Yard/Streetside of the Property at 3565 Wards Point Drive;
o Approved a Zoning Board of Appeals Variance Extension to Construct a New Home at 3610 Wards Point Drive;
o Approved an Appointment to the Tri-City Fire Board;
o Approved an Appointment to the Greater West Bloomfeld Cable Communications Commission;
o Approved Appointments to the Election Commission;
o Approved General Business Licenses;
o Approved a Fireworks Display Permit for the Orchard Lake County Club at 5000 West Shore Drive;
o Approved Resolutions Adopting the FY 2024/25 Water & Sewer Rates;
o Approved a Resolution to Place on the November 5, 2024 Election, a Ballot Proposal Question to Adopt an Ordinance Changing the Name and Responsibilities of the Director of City Services to City Manager;
o Approved an Addendum for the Legal Retainer Services;
o Approved the Participation Agreement with Oakland County for the 2024 Local Road Improvement Program Matching Fund Pilot Program;
o Approved Employment Contracts for the Managers & DPW Foreman;
o Accepted all Department Reports.
Norm Finkelstein, Mayor Rhonda R. McClellan, City Clerk
Roosevelt
from page 15A
accepting one of the offers to purchase and repurpose this structurally sound school building. Costs would appear to have been kept artificially low to hide eventual cost overruns of as much as $1,000,000. The school district is not fiscally responsible with taxpayer funds.”
According to a statement attributed to Mullins, the complaint is unfounded, as Circuit Court Judge Phyllis McMillen ruled that the district complied with all appropriate procedures.
“While this case is pending in the
Court of Appeals, we are confident that Judge McMillen’s ruling in favor of the District will be upheld,” the statement reads. “Should Mr. Sonneville have any further evidence, he should submit it to the court. After an unfounded complaint was submitted to Environmental Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE), EGLE conducted followup testing at the Roosevelt site and found zero asbestos in the 11 samples they tested. … The District works closely with an environmental consultant, Arch Environmental Group, and has conducted extensive testing, following all applicable laws in the abatement and demolition process.”
Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 498-1052.
In Memory of Theodore G. Kurowski Jr.
Teodore G. “Ted” Kurowski Jr, of Scarborough, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday June 9th, 2024 at the age of 63. Ted was born on November 7th, 1960 in Royal Oak, Michigan to the late Teodore and Virginia (Kokoszka) Kurowski and was raised in West Bloomfeld, Michigan.
Ted was a graduate of Brother Rice High School and Michigan State University. He moved to Boston and studied at Boston University. Ted spent many years working for biotechnology companies as a Health and Safety Manager throughout the greater Boston area. Ted moved to Wilmington, MA in the early 1990s and lived there with his family for nearly 30 years. During this time you could fnd Ted volunteering in the community and he was never happier than when he was coaching his daughter Katie’s soccer, sofball and basketball teams or being dragged around the world to follow her high school orchestra and educational pursuits. In his free time, he enjoyed spending time with his family, reading mysteries and thrillers, trying out all the restaurants wherever he was and watching a good show. Nothing made Ted happier than a good book, good beer, a good meal, and a good conversation with friends and family around the dining room table. Ted was a loyal fan of all Detroit sports, and grew to love Boston
teams as long as they were not playing Detroit.
Ted is preceded in death by his parents Teodore and Virginia Kurowski, and his brother Tomas Kurowski.
Ted is survived by his loving wife of 34 years, Ann (Maurice) Kurowski of Scarborough, Maine. He was the beloved father of Katie Kurowski of Baltimore, Maryland. Ted was the devoted younger brother of David Kurowski of Denver (Loretta). He was also the loving son-in-law to Gertrude Maurice, and Robert and Lucille Maurice. Ted was the caring brother-in-law to Jackie Maurice, Laurie Nielsen (Paul) and Loretta Bressette, as well as devoted uncle to Tristen Maurice, Madison Nielsen, Nicholas Nielsen, Dustin Bressette, Gabriel Bressette (Kim), Colton Bressette, Sapphyre Bressette and Clayton Maurice. He will be sadly missed by his extended family and friends. Te man who adamantly claimed he hated cats (except his own) will be sorely missed by Zeke, Zoey and Sadie.
Ted will be forever remembered as a kind, patient, loving and generous man who always told us “Don’t sweat the small stuf… and it’s all small stuf.” His warm and grounding spirit touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Although our hearts are heavy, we celebrate his life and are comforted knowing
he is resting peacefully and watching over us.
In lieu of fowers, donations may be made to the Marfan Foundation (22 Manhasset Avenue, Port Washington, NY 11050), Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (217 Landing Road, Westbrook, Maine 04092), or the charity of your choice in Ted’s memory.
A funeral mass will be held on Monday, June 17, 2024 at 10:00 am at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Scarborough, ME (150 Black Point Rd, Scarborough, ME 04074). Following the memorial service, family and friends are invited to celebrate Ted’s life at 22 Atlantic Drive, Scarborough, Maine 04074.
A memorial service and burial will take place on July 2nd at 11:00 am at Holy Sepulchre Catholic Cemetery (25800 W. 10 Mile Rd, Southfeld, Michigan 48033). Arrangements are by Hope Memorial Chapel, 480 Elm St, Biddeford, ME 04005. To leave online condolences, please visit www.hopememorial.com
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NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF THE AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WEST BLOOMFIELD
The 2023 audited fnancial statements were presented at the June 24, 2024 Township Board meeting and are available for public inspection at the West Bloomfeld Township Clerk’s Offce, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfeld, during regular business hours.
The
Teodore G. “Ted” Kurowski Jr, of Scarborough, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday June 9th, 2024 at the age of 63
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ACROSS
1. Unfedged hawk
5. The ____ Gala, haute couture fundraiser
8. Ballet step
11. Sasquatch’s cousin 12. Prefx in levorotary
13. DVD player button
15. What Tylenol and xylenol have in common
16. Seaport in Yemen
17. With ample space
18. *Rumpelstiltskin’s ____ wheel
20. Viking writing symbol
21. Musical fnales
22. In favor of
23. Source of tapioca
26. Smith, e.g.
30. “Stand and Deliver” singer
31. Live-in helper (2 words)
34. Et alii, abbr.
35. Nephew’s sister
37. Tire depression
38. Turkey’s southern neighbor
39. Same as ayah
40. Engage in a pursuit (2 words)
42. Bed-and-breakfast, e.g.
43. Tibetan Buddhism
45. Pinched
47. Sing like Public Enemy
48. Mother-of-pearl
50. Cripple
52. *Wheel in Vegas
55. Chocolate substitute
56. Egg on
57. Capri or Catalina
59. Olden days violin maker
60. Croaks
61. “Run Away to Mars” singer
62. Jump key
63. Corncob
64. Gaelic
DOWN
1. *London ____, tourist attraction
2. Hankerings
3. At the summit of
4. Glass ingredient
5. TV and radio
6. Not odds
7. Chinatown gang
THINGS WITH WHEELS
8. Low-ranking worker
9. Pinnacle
10. Pig’s digs
12. *Royal procession carriage
13. E in baseball box
score
14. *”Wheel in the Sky” band
19. Star bursts
22. “____ Elise”
23. Suez or Panama
24. Carl Jung’s inner self
25. *Type of locomotive
26. Surfer’s stop
27. Like anchor aweigh
28. Easternmost state
29. Serengeti grazer
32. *Perambulator, for short
33. Black and white sea bird
36. *Ancient Greek ride
38. Top of a steeple
40. Kitchen meas.
41. Reunion attendees
44. Poets’ feet
46. Smaller size than small
48. *a.k.a. water wheel
49. Hole-borer
50. Baby’s frst word?
51. Speedy steed
52. Boorish
53. Russian autocrat
54. 90-degree pipes, e.g.
55. “Peace Train” singer-songwriter
58. Increase
The Exterior Painters Celebrate 20 Years of Transforming Properties, Neighborhoods
Nothing transforms a property and makes it shine brighter than a fresh coat of paint. It’s simply the best and most cost-effective investment you can make for your home draped in the colors of yesterday.
The Exterior Painters have been revitalizing properties for 20 years.
“We specialize in just exterior painting, and the reason why we do that is we believe that repetition is the mother of all skill,” said owner Brian Scott. “For 20 years, that’s all we’ve been doing is outside work. When it comes to that, we do wood replacement and siding replacement. It makes us the perfect fit for homeowners who don’t want to re-side their whole house.”
The Exterior Painters replace damaged siding and boards as needed, but they’re not looking to push for a full siding replacement.
“It gets people by another 10 years and transforms the look of the house, bringing it to the next color trends of today,” Scott said.
“Another thing we do that makes us unique, we have a full-time color consultant,” Scott added. “For most people, that’s the hardest, most stressful part, choosing what color they want. Our consultant comes out and
meets with the homeowners and gives them an idea of what the new color trends are so they can make a good color choice that complements their landscaping, brickwork and architectural features.”
The Exterior Painters also specialize in brick staining.
“A lot of younger people are buying houses. We’re taking it from grandma’s house of the ’50s, ’60s or ’70s and bringing it to that HGTV look,” Scott said.
you’re getting a bigger bang for your buck.”
It’s a win for everyone, from the crews The Exterior Painters employ and pay well to the homeowners who see their neighborhoods transformed. The company paints 30 houses a week on average in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Livingston counties, and boasts a five-star Google review average.
Power washing the siding — and for an additional charge, soft washing the roof if needed — can also make a big difference in terms of curb appeal.
charge, soft washing the roof if needed — can also
transformed through fresh paint,
Scott said his crews often see their work spread from house to house in a neighborhood as the properties are transformed through fresh paint, siding repairs and much-needed washing.
“It’s the cheapest home improvement you can do without breaking the bank,” Scott said. “Compared to other home improvements,
“With us you’re buying certainty. We don’t ask for a large deposit, and you don’t have to worry about anyone running off with your deposit,” Scott said.
“We stand by our work. We provide a warranty and proven results by taking care of everybody in the community. We’re Nextdoor’s No. 1 preferred contractor in Rochester two years in a row. It’s that certainty factor. You know what you’re going
“It’s the cheapest home to get.”
The Exterior Painters are located at 2365 Avon Industrial Drive in Rochester Hills. To request a quote or for more information, call (248) 844-8888.
