7/27/23 Troy Times

Troy Library shows off end-of-summer programming

New offerings include fantasy football league

BY BRENDAN LOSINSKI blosinski@candgnews.com

The Troy Public Library is promoting its new programs for August and inviting the public to join them before the summer ends.

Connie Doherty, the library’s head of adult information services, hopes the public will drop by the library or go to its website to see if there’s something that interests them.

“We always have programs going on and starting up,” she remarked. “There’s always something coming up.”

Community group calling for recall of school board members after curriculum disagreement

BY BRENDAN LOSINSKI blosinski@candgnews.com

A disagreement over the Troy School District’s curriculum may escalate into recall efforts for four members of the district’s school board.

The conflict began in February, when the board began discussing proposed changes to the middle school math curriculum. Previously, the curriculum split students into either an honors course or a standard course beginning in the sixth grade. The new plan would keep the students in the same courses until the start of eighth grade, when they could decide whether they wanted to take the honors route or not.

“People often move to Troy because of the good schools. We don’t want to lose that by ‘dumbing down’ our curriculum,” said Alex Karpowitsch, an organizer with Keep Troy Honors, a group which was created to maintain the old curriculum. “We want to let the public decide what policies they want their community to take.”

A petition was begun by some members of Keep Troy Honors to recall four board members, Gary Hauff, Nicole L. Wilson, Karl Schmidt, and Nancy Philippart. A total of 8,000 signatures for each recalled board member would be needed by Aug. 4 for the recall efforts for all four candidates to make it onto ballots in the autumn.

“The vote to adopt the new curriculum was six in fa-

For the history-minded patron, there is an upcoming presentation on the historic Hamtramck Stadium. A sidewalk chalk program will be offered by the Troy

See LIBRARY on page 15A

Photo provided by Alex Karpowitsch

Members of the Troy community expressed their disagreement with the Troy Board of Education following a decision to alter the honors course for middle school math classes.

Photo provided by Keegan Sulecki

Catching Cancer Before It’s Too Late

Early Cancer Detection Made Possible: Michigan’s First MRI Total Body Screening Clinic Now Open in Southfield, Pioneering Symptom-Free Diagnosis.

I’ll never forget the words of a patient who recently completed a total body cancer screening with me: ‘Doc, you saved my life!’ Despite having no symptoms, we discovered a tiny tumor lurking and growing inside of him. Without early detection, the mass could have silently grown into late-stage cancer, leading to excruciating treatments and a potentially dire outcome.

Thanks to the power of early detection, cancer was discovered before it was too late. It’s moments like these that are precisely why total body screening saves lives. As a general rule, when someone presents to the doctor with a symptom related to cancer, they are usually at stage III or stage IV.

Even with annual physicals, there are limitations. Most screening tests that are covered by insurance companies only cover about 29% of cancers. The other 71% of cancers occur in areas where doctors are unable to screen, and insurance companies will not pay for screening. This is where Bionicc Body Screening in Southfield can save lives.

I am Dr. Warren Ringold, and last month marked the fifth anniversary of the day my life changed forever. Five years ago, I was diagnosed with stage IV cancer in my chest and

abdomen. The most alarming part is that I had no symptoms before this diagnosis. This is the great dilemma of cancer: the need for early detection. Early diagnosis is key to successful treatment, and cancer needs to be detected when it is most treatable.

My personal stage IV cancer journey has been long and rugged. My tumor eventually was recurrent in my brain after an initial seven months of chemotherapy. I have been extraordinarily lucky. After being told that I would live only two months without treatment on my brain, I was fortunate enough to become patient number one in a new drug study and I have been in remission 5 to 8 times longer than expected.

During that time, instead of ending up with the indignation of dying, from a brain tumor in front of my family with seizures and eventual blindness, I have been able to see twins, born as grandchildren, ball games, swim meets, graduations, while watching my grandchildren and children achieve.

Most importantly, I’ve gotten to hold my wife, Nancy, in my arms for more than 1500 more nights of my life. I get to hug my children and kiss my 13 grandchildren. They don’t have to look at me with tears in their eyes, because

they see Papa deteriorating. What a gift that has been. But very few patients are as fortunate as I have been, which is why I founded Bionicc Body Screening.

At Bionicc Body Screening, we can screen for cancer from the top of the head through the genitals, detecting cancers as small as the size of a pencil eraser. We use highly advanced and sophisticated MRI screening, which can find small cancers in areas where doctors cannot order testing that will be covered by insurance.

The irony is that these cancers start out very small, and they are very treatable at this stage. They are usually stage one and can be seen in

every organ of the body, including the dreaded pancreas. While screening for cancer, we can also find many other things that need to be treated or watched, such as brain, abdominal, chest, and groin aneurysms.

If detected at this stage, treatment for stage one cancer is usually simple resection of a tumor. Unfortunately, if you are stage III or IV like most people, it results in vigorous and difficult treatment with much poorer outcomes.

It is unfortunate that some patients resist screening due to fear. Despite their desire to take the test, they unnecessarily delay it out of fear of receiving potentially distressing news about their health. Giving in to fear can only make matters worse and potentially allow undetected health problems to spiral out of control. Don’t put off your screening any longer. Ask yourself, when is a better time to take action than right now? Don’t wait another 6 months or even another day. Prioritize your health and get screened today.

The only regret patients have is that they waited. Don’t wait. Get a total body cancer screening today. Call 1-833-BIONICC (1-833-246-6422) today, or learn more now by visiting www.BioniccBodyScreening.com.

Dr. Warren Ringold, M.D.

Total Body Screening is offered exclusively at Bionicc Body Screening in Southfield

“It saved my life. Their MRI found a kidney tumor that had been missed by a recent CT scan. I cannot recommend this service more”

– Robert B., age 50

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Suspect in Troy assault case charged with Detroit murder

BY BRENDAN LOSINSKI blosinski@candgnews.com

The Troy police have arrested a suspect related to an assault that took place at 9:10 p.m. July 7 outside of a Troy store. On July 15, the Detroit police announced he is also being charged with murder in what they believe is an unrelated case.

The assault reportedly took place at the Troy Target store, located at 1301 Coolidge Highway. Upon arrival, officers found a single victim with injuries to her face, and a witness who helped stop the assault.

The victim informed officers that as she was entering her vehicle, an unknown subject forced the driver’s door open and attacked her. She told police that she was punched in the face before the suspect pulled a handgun from his waistband.

According to police, the victim was able to

Volleyball and throwball tournament to raise money for Detroit schools

BY BRENDAN LOSINSKI blosinski@candgnews.com

Pampa Kannada Koota, a local Indian cultural organization, is inviting the community to join them for a volleyball and throwball tournament to help them raise money and resources for schools in Detroit.

This is the second year that the organization has hosted a fundraiser of this kind. It will take place at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, July 29, at Firefighters Park in Troy.

“This is the second year we’ve done this fundraiser. Some of our students educate students in Detroit. They said many schools need financial help. We had about 18 teens participate last year, and we raised about $1,000. We also did a literacy program. This year we set a larger goal for fundraising,” explained Veena Kulkarni, a committee member of Pampa Kannada Koota. “We donated to Carleton Elementary last year. This year we hope to donate to two schools. We want to raise $3,000 this year.”

fight back and alert another individual who was nearby. They said the witness yelled at the suspect and ran towards the victim, prompting the suspect to run away.

The Troy police identified 31-year-old Andrew James Hall of Detroit as the suspect in this case. He was taken into custody without incident July 11 in Dearborn Heights after police initiated a search for him.

Hall was arrested on one count of unlawful imprisonment, one count of assault with intent to do great bodily harm — less than murder, one count of attempted carjacking, one count of assault with a dangerous weapon, one count of carrying a concealed weapon, one count of pos-

6:30–8:30 pm

Boulan Park, 3671 Crooks Rd. Food Truck on-site at 5:30 pm

8/3: Gary Greenfelder Orchestra 8/10: Air Margaritaville

8/24: Thornetta Davis

Presenting Sponsor: Genisys Credit Union

A search for a suspect, pictured, accused of assaulting a woman in a local parking lot on July 7, ended with an arrest in Dearborn Heights July 11.

Photo provided by the Troy Police Department

Photo by Swathi Jeeda

A volleyball and throwball tournament to raise funds for schools in Detroit will take place on Saturday, July 29, at Firefighters Park in Troy.

Troy man accused of plotting murders of family members

BY BRENDAN LOSINSKI blosinski@candgnews.com

A 48-year-old Troy man has been charged with five counts of solicitation to commit murder after allegedly planning the deaths of five of his own family members. The suspect, identified as Max Garza, was arrested July 3. According to the Troy police, on July 1, a witness went to the Troy Police Department and provided information to officers regarding Garza making plans

to hire someone to kill family members. The witness also claimed that Garza was seeking a firearm in order to kill the family members himself if he was unable to secure someone else to do it.

Troy police said that Garza had hoped to gain a larger inheritance from the estate and was also “generally upset” with those members of his family.

“On July 3, Troy investigators interviewed Garza at the police department and he was taken into custody,” the Troy police said in a press release. “The information that we received from the witness proved credible and officers felt if Garza was not immediately arrested his family was in danger. … The reporting witness had recorded conversations with Garza discussing his plans to solicit or commit murder. These plans included how he would fund the cost, how he would construct his alibi, and his alterna-

tive plan if he was unable to hire someone. These recordings were turned over to our investigators who began working to verify the reported information.”

Garza was arraigned at the 52-4 District Court July 7 and had bond set at $1 million cash or surety. His next court date is a probable cause conference scheduled for 2:30 p.m. July 18.

Garza’s attorney, Mitchell Ribitwer, did not wish to comment on the matter at this time.

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Public warned to be on the lookout for fake QR codes

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is raising awareness of a warning by the FBI that criminals are hijacking QR — or quick response — codes by placing stickers with codes they create over the top of the real QR code.

QR codes are a common convenience used by businesses, airlines, ticket vendors and others. This square barcode can be scanned by a smartphone’s camera to provide quick access to a website where you can learn about a product, share information, make a payment, prompt an application download, or get rewards and discounts.

When scanned, these fake malicious codes direct victims to phishing websites where their personal or financial information can be stolen.

The codes themselves are not dangerous. It’s when they are used to steal or commit fraud that they become problematic. Malicious QR codes can take the scanner to a phishing website or be used to download malicious software such as malware, ransomware and trojans, which can spy on you, steal sensitive information or files, or even encrypt a device until the owner pays a ransom. They can also be programmed to open apps on the victim’s device. It could open financial apps, social media accounts and email accounts. It can compose and send messages to your contacts using your email or social media accounts.

The FBI instructs consumers not to scan a code if it is on a sticker, looks like it has been replaced, or is covered up. They also advise not to enter information into any site that doesn’t begin with “https.”

The Consumer Protection Team of the office of the Michigan Attorney General can be reached by calling (517) 335-7599.

STERLINGFEST TO OFFER MOBILITY ASSISTANCE

The July 27-29 Sterlingfest Art & Music Fair by Dodge Park and Utica roads will offer multiple amenities for people with mobility issues. Amenities including handicapped parking, shuttle buses and courtesy golf carts that will drop off and pick up attendees at stops throughout the vicinity of the festival grounds. Find out more by visiting sterling-heights. net/733/Parking-Information or by calling (586) 446-2489.

Acclaimed photographer uses Somerset work as backdrop for latest project

Somerset Collection has signed Detroit-based and internationally renowned photographer Jenny Risher to photograph its “Construction Catwalk” campaign that coincides with the recently announced exterior makeover.

Risher’s work will highlight fashion amidst the backdrop of the work being done on the mall’s south rotunda area.

“Somerset Collection’s exterior makeover serves as the perfect backdrop for Risher to shoot the ‘Construction Catwalk’ fashion photography campaign that will be released through social media featuring models sporting global brands selected by the personal stylists,” Peter Van Dyke, of the VVK Agency, said in an email. “Guests can also see the campaign in action as they traverse Somerset Collection’s iconic skywalk.”

Risher, a College for Creative Studies professor and alumnus, is best known for her acclaimed books, “Heart Soul Detroit” and “DCYPHERED,” which features interviews and photographs of iconic Detroiters, including Iggy Pop, Smokey Robinson, Jack White, Lily Tomlin, Alice Cooper, Lee Iacocca and Eminem, and highlights the community’s hip-hop community, respectively.

Fishing line recycling effort to aid in Michigan conservation efforts

Thanks to the kindness of thousands of campers and boaters who gave an additional $2 when making their camping or boating reservation, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is rolling out fishing line recycling tubes this summer and fall.

Those taking advantage of Michigan’s numerous lakes and rivers for fishing will be able to find the recycling receptacles throughout the state where they can deposit their used or broken fishing lines.

With the help of Michigan Cares for Tourism volunteers who are building the tubes, the DNR is working to place them at every harbor, boating access site and fishing pier throughout the state’s parks and recreation system. These recycling tubes will help protect aquatic wildlife from the dangers of eating or getting tangled in fishing line and other fishing tackle. It also helps protect boat propellers.

Photo provided by the Michigan DNR

Photos provided by Peter Van Dyke

EXTRA

PUBLIC SCHOOL STUDENTS COULD ALL RECEIVE FREE MEALS THIS SCHOOL YEAR

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

Michigan is the fifth state in the nation to agree to provide free breakfast and lunch to all public school students this school year.

Michigan’s House and Senate have approved the state’s fiscal year 2024 budget, which was recently signed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. The budget includes the allocation of $160 million to provide students in pre-kindergarten through 12th grade with a free daily school breakfast and lunch for the 2023-24 school year.

Some states have either implemented universal free meals or are considering it following last June’s expiration of the U.S. Department of Agriculture waivers that allowed schools across the nation to offer free meals to students during the height of the pandemic.

Michigan’s new universal free meal program is only budgeted for this year, so to keep it going, state lawmakers would have to provide additional funding.

The Michigan initiative, called “Healthy School Meals for All,” aims to address food insecurity and improve student concentration and performance, state officials said.

“This is something we have wanted to see for the kids of Michigan for years,” said Diane Golzynski, the deputy superintendent for finance and operations for the Michigan Department of Education, which will oversee the program. “It’s going to be a huge win for kids all over the state to be able to go to school and know that there will be meals there if they want to eat them.”

Schools will have to opt in if they want to participate.

“The important message for families is, as long as your school opts in, then you will be able to have free breakfast and lunch at school,” Golzynski added.

Critics of the program say that free and reduced school meals were already offered to students who need them.

State Rep. Jaime Greene, R-Richmond, objected to the “expansion of the school

Inman Audiology Treats Tinnitus, Hearing Loss Through Experience and Best Practices

You don’t have to live with tinnitus, and you don’t have to fight hearing loss alone. Is a hearing issue affecting your life? The staff at Inman Audiology is listening, with the best staff and best audiologist in Michigan.

With tinnitus, “If you go to the doctor, they’ll say there’s nothing that can be done, just ignore it, and that’s not the case anymore. It hasn’t been for many years,” said Dr. Tiffany Inman, Au.D, CCC-A, F-AAA.

Inman Audiology, in Troy, specializes in the effective management and treatment of hearing loss and tinnitus through a patient-centered approach based on best practices. For those currently wearing hearing aids, or where hearing aids are the prescribed treatment, that includes real ear measurement to test the performance of the devices while they’re in use in the ears. Less than 10% of all clinics in America perform these tests.

Inman Audiology is accepting new patients at 1651 W. Big Beaver Road, in Troy. To set up a consultation or for more information, visit www.InmanAudiology.com or call (248) 839-5429

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Photo provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture

During the 2023-24 school year, Michigan students will be eligible for free breakfast and lunch from their public schools.

Say Hello to Transformed Space with Hello Garage

Imagine your garage transformed, with durable, cleanable flooring that looks as good as it performs, and a storage solution to match the needs of any space.

It’s time to take that from a dream to reality with Hello Garage of Metro Detroit.

“Hello Garage comes from a background in concrete foundation repair and waterproofing. It’s still privately held by the same family that founded it back in 1975,” said Jack Veltema, the franchise owner of Hello Garage of Metro Detroit.

Veltema’s franchise covers Detroit’s northern suburbs, and he’s selling a best-in-class product and service.

“Our primary focus is helping customers, providing them with a great customer experience to transform their garage into a clean, organized space,” Veltema said. “Hello Garage has a tremendous understanding of how concrete functions through the

changing seasons and what is needed for a long-term solution. Our focus in the garage is a 100% polyaspartic floor coating. We also offer industrial strength storage solutions.”

Polyaspartic floor coatings outperform epoxy, polyurethane and blended floor coatings offered elsewhere, Veltema said.

“In this competitive market, Hello Garage offers the premium product. It also comes with a lifetime warranty,” he added.

Polyaspartic floors check all the boxes for adhesion, ultraviolet stability and long-term flexibility, which combine to make that lifetime warranty possible.

“Without those key factors, any other concrete coating will fail,” Veltema said.

Hello Garage of Metro Detroit also offers shelving and cabinetry, flatwall or overhead storage solutions, and track-style storage.

“Our installers are trained by the

National Corporate Training Team. They work directly for Hello Garage of Metro Detroit. We do not use subcontractors,” he said.

Everything they do is backed by the national franchisor, Hello Garage, in Omaha, Nebraska, and all of the supplies come directly from the company, which adds consistency and reliability to any project.

Veltema transitioned from a long career in franchise development with an international restaurant company to join Hello Garage.

“That’s why I bought this brand. There are so many franchise opportunities out there. I knew if I was going to invest in something, I had to be passionate about it,” Veltema said.

“The product is the best, and we’re also selling the service experience,” he added. “We show up on time and do what we say we’re going to do. The price we quote is the price you pay. On average, it’s a one-

day install.”

Veltema lives in Troy with his wife of nearly 10 years, Katie. Their son, Chuck, is a third grader attending Troy Public Schools. They enjoy cheering on the Red Wings and Lions in addition to spending time outdoors with their dog, Yogi. Call (888) 59-GARAGE to learn more about Hello Garage or to schedule a consultation with Hello Garage of Metro Detroit.

Jack Veltema, franchise owner

Meals

meal program, a previously needs-based program that will instead provide free food even for kids from the wealthiest families when fully phased in,” according to a press release.

ranged in cost from around $1.55 to $2.12, and the NSLP lunches came in around $2.15, without giving a dollar amount to the time involved in preparing either, according to schoolnutrition.org, which also found that parents tend to pack more sugary items.

period, we had gotten expired milk and yogurts … and upset stomachs, and were told stuff smelled or wasn’t cooked right,” said Kalef.

ments for calories, trans fat, saturated fat and sodium content.

Advocates said the Healthy School Meals for All program will eliminate the stigma associated with receiving free and reduced lunch by providing reimbursement from the state for meals served to students who do not qualify for free or reduced-price meals.

Previously, just over half of all students in the state qualified for free or reduced meals through federal programs, based on their family’s income or whether they qualified for SNAP benefits or Medicaid. In 2022, 53.3% of Michigan students qualified for free or reduced-cost lunches.

“The federal reimbursement will come in first, and then (the MDE) will calculate the state reimbursement and provide those resources to the schools that opt in,” Golzynski explained.

The governor’s office said the program will help feed 1.4 million children across the state, which they estimate will save a family $850 over the year. A 2012 study of school lunch costs found that homemade lunches

Collin McDonough, director of Michigan government relations at the American Heart Association, said he applauds Whitmer, the state Legislature, the Michigan Department of Education and the AHA’s partner organizations No Kid Hungry Michigan, the School Nutrition Association of Michigan, and the Michigan School Meals Coalition for “their tireless work to take this program from an idea to reality.”

He said Healthy School Meals for All will be “transformational” for Michigan’s students and families.

“Not only will it help students learn — no one can focus on an empty stomach — it will help reduce the risk for chronic diseases such as high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes,” McDonough said in a statement.

Parent Jessica Kalef, of Rochester, has concerns about the quality of food served.

“While this sounds like a good idea, during COVID, when they were offered free lunch, there was a big difference in the quality of free food, versus paid. During the free

Food standards, she stressed, need to be upheld for the universal free food program as well.

“We, as parents, can’t be there for lunch, so it was upsetting that they were served this on several occasions,” Kalef added. “I would rather pay for the lunch to be sure it’s hot, fresh and not expired. However, I know that not all families can do that — so then who is responsible for upholding the standards and checking our kids safety?”

The meals offered through the state and federal programs, Golzynski said, are required to meet the dietary guidelines for Americans, which are set at the federal level.

“In order to get the federal reimbursement, those meals have to meet those nutritional values, but the beautiful part of having the additional state reimbursement is the schools will actually now have more money to spend on their food products, so they can get even higher quality food than what they had before,” she said.

Federal requirements include minimum servings for vegetables, fruits, milk, grains and meat or meat-alternate components. Schools must also adhere to require-

While meal pattern requirements are set at the federal level, MDE officials said school menus are set at the local school or school district level.

“If there is a food allergy situation, where it is life or death, then the family gets a note from the child’s doctor, and the food service department has to make those accommodations; no matter what those accommodations are, they have to meet that child’s requirement based on what the doctor says,” said Golzynski. “In the case of dietary preference, like for religious reasons, or oftentimes a family eats vegetarian or vegan, then the food service department will do everything they can to meet those but they aren’t required to.”

Rochester Community Schools, along with many other local school districts, works with Chartwells for its food service.

“Universal free meals in Michigan offer a great opportunity for students to eat together in the cafeteria and hopefully make it easier for students and families to confidently check breakfast and lunch off their list. We’re excited to serve even more students in Rochester Community Schools this year, helping to fuel their busy days with fa-

from page 6A See MEALS on page 13A

CRIME WATCH

Park equipment vandalized

The inclusive swing, designed for use by children with disabilities, at Boulan Park, 3671 Crooks Road, was discovered to have been vandalized by an unknown suspect. The damage was discovered July 14 by a park employee. Police officials said the swing will require replacement.

Vehicle stolen from lot

A 2024 Chevrolet Equinox was found unoccupied, running, and with the doors open in the middle of the road in Royal Oak.

Officers tracked the owner of the vehicle to an apartment in the 150 block of Crossroads Lane. The owner said she had last seen the car two hours prior and had not been aware the vehicle was missing. She informed officers she only had one fob for the vehicle, and the other may have been left inside.

The theft is believed to have occurred between 1 a.m. and 2:44 a.m. July 14.

Challenger broken into

A 2021 Dodge Challenger was broken into between 6 p.m. and 8:09 p.m. July 12 in the 2500 block of Livernois Road.

The victim told police that the window had been broken, but nothing had been taken despite his wallet being in plain view.

Attempted theft of Challenger

Police said that there was an attempted theft of a 2017 Dodge Challenger at 8:05 a.m. July 15 in the 1900 block of Chatham Drive.

Police said there was damage from a pry tool on the window frame and that they located a screwdriver on the driver’s side floorboard, leading them to believe it was an attempted theft.

Dodge Charger stolen

A 2020 Dodge Charger was stolen from a parking lot at 155 W. Big Beaver Road between 7:30 and 8:55 p.m. July 12. Police are investigating.

Car theft attempted at gym

An attempted car theft took place outside the Planet Fitness gym located at 288 John R Road between 5:15 and 6:20 p.m. July 11.

The owner of the vehicle reported that an unknown suspect broke out the passenger window of his 2021 Dodge Charger, and the wiring underneath the dashboard had been tampered with.

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New model grand opening at The Villa at The District

Birmingham’s The Villa at The District recently hosted an open house for its three new model homes now available for sale, including another model designed by Birmingham-based Richard Ross Designs. The first loft home he designed won a 2023 Detroit Design Award for best apartment/ loft/condo in metro Detroit. Designed with detail and a special focus on lifestyle, The Villa at The District is featuring for-sale opportunities on one, two and three-bedroom loft homes ranging in size from 1,525 square feet to 1,950 square feet. Located in Birmingham’s popular Rail District, the community is adjacent to the new Big Rock Italian Chophouse restaurant opening in spring of 2024. Residents can experience Birmingham’s cultural and entertainment scene while enjoying condominium living in a quiet, secure and conveniently located boutique property. The Villa at The District is now offering special pricing on three homes left in phase one and 4% buyer’s credit now through July 31, 2023. Visit www.TheVillaAtTheDistrict.com or call (248) 593-6000 for more details.

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BUSINESS CLIP

Meals

from page 11A

vorite menu items and a variety of delicious new recipes,” Marsha Dziewit, the director of dining services for Rochester Community Schools, said in an email.

Rochester parent Cristina Poma feels the universal free meal program is “a move in the right direction” and said it can always be tweaked in the future to address concerns.

“I’m sure the quality of the food and whatever other gripes people may have can be adjusted as the program grows, but for the children of Michigan, I couldn’t be prouder to be in a state that is taking care of their kids in this manner,” she said.

MDE officials said parents or students can advocate for improved meal quality by

first contacting their school’s food service director with concerns.

“Not every family will choose to eat the meals — and that’s always been the case, even during the pandemic, when the meals were free. … But we do expect there to be more children who choose to eat because they are free,” Golzynski stated.

She also encouraged parents to fill out income information, specifically a form called the “educational benefits form,” which will allow schools to continue to get federal funding for education.

“No matter what your income level is, return it, because it’s important to the school for additional education funding that they can get,” she said.

Those with additional questions or concerns can email MDE’s School Nutrition Programs at mde-schoolnutrition@michigan.gov.

understand the service and quality that homeowners desire. Their

team is sure to bring the best possible service to homeowners. They coat the floors in only four to six hours and vehicles can park in the garage within 24 hours. Their office is located in downtown Birmingham, across from Mills Pharmacy. Call them for a home estimate today at 248-479-4803 or visit comercrossconcretecoatings.com

Corvair convertible stays in the cruising lane

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

If you’ve ever ventured over to Eddie’s Drive-In, you may have spotted Bill Shuster and his 1969 Chevrolet Corvair Monza.

On occasion, the Grosse Pointe Park resident takes the vintage vehicle to the popular Harrison Township eatery, where diners are served by carhops on roller skates.

Cortez silver in color, the Corvair is always a conversation piece. Sometimes Shuster comes across people whose parents or relatives once owned a Corvair. Other times, he’ll meet someone unfamiliar with the car, but intrigued.

The convertible has been in the family since 1970. The evening his father, Stuart Shuster, brought it home for the first time is forever etched in Shuster’s memory. It was Stuart Shuster’s 31st birthday, and Shuster remembers his dad coming home from work later than usual on that snowy, January evening.

“My father was a designer at General Motors,” Shuster said. “His studio developed the Firebird insignias. He was a really good designer, really talented.”

As Shuster waited for his dad, he heard a “sort of sputtering rumble” echoing through the Birmingham neighborhood

where the family resided. Looking outside, Shuster saw tail lights in the winter air. He didn’t think much of it until the Corvair pulled into the driveway.

Once his dad was inside the house, the reveal of the new family car came as a surprise. While looking at it, Shuster felt the Corvair had “an aura.” It was his dad’s prized possession.

“Nobody drove this car except my father,” Shuster said.

Although the car was in great shape, Stuart Shuster insisted on tinkering with it over the next few months with his oldest son helping him at the age of 5. Shuster also has a younger sister and brother.

“I was out in the garage every weekend,” he said. “A lot of that was holding the flashlight.”

The Shusters owned other cars over the years, but the Corvair always stood out.

“Everyone knew this car,” Shuster said. “My dad drove it daily and he would take it to car shows.”

As a passenger in the Corvair, watching drag races was a childhood pastime.

“When I was very young, there were a lot of drive-in restaurants along Woodward (Avenue) we would go to,” Shuster said. “That’s where all the hot rods met to set up races. You’d see Super Bees, Jaguars and Corvettes.”

Mustangs, Challengers and Firebirds

also were a part of the action. Shuster described the atmosphere as “an incredible sensation of noise and color and, of course, the music at the time — the MC5, all the Detroit bands.”

Stuart Shuster purchased the convertible from Ed Rinke Chevrolet in Center Line. Shuster still has the paperwork. One distinguishing feature is the engine is located in the back while the trunk is in the front. Other traits are noticeable.

“The pipes have a nice growl. It has the original fire extinguisher my dad put in,” Shuster said. “It’s all original. I had to replace some parts.”

Shuster kept track of the car’s history. He said the car was once owned by Ned Nickles, the designer of the original Corvair body style. Shuster’s research also determined that General Motors executive Ed Cole “was the chief engineer” of this car. Stuart Shuster was such a fan of the Corvair that he became a member of the Detroit Area Corvair Club.

On the last day of school sophomore year at Seaholm High School, things switched gears a bit when Shuster finally had the chance to take the car for a spin.

“I asked my father if I could take the car out and drive around,” Shuster remembered. “He said, ‘If the keys are on my dresser, you can go ahead and do that.’”

So, when the teenager woke up on

TOP LEFT: Bill Shuster, of Grosse Pointe Park, remembers when his dad, Stuart Shuster, brought home the 1969 Chevrolet Corvair Monza.

TOP RIGHT: While growing up in Birmingham, the ’69 Corvair was popular in the neighborhood.

MIDDLE RIGHT: Shuster’s Corvair was once owned by Ned Nickles, who he said designed the car’s original body style.

BOTTOM RIGHT: The engine is located in the back.

the last day of school in 1981, he checked the dresser, and saw the keys. He was “shocked” that his dad granted him permission, and after school he rounded up his friend Matt. They

See CORVAIR on page 21A

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Library

from page 1A

“We have a great program on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 7 p.m. on historic Hamtramck Stadium, which was built in 1930 for the Negro League baseball teams and is only one of five stadiums built for the league from that era remaining,” said Doherty. “That should be very neat. We are requesting they register by calling or signing up online.”

Those looking to spruce up their home and garden can try out the “Your House Planned and You” event.

“We also have Your House Planned and You. A gardener will be talking a lot about planting and gardening in the home,” Doherty said. “Sara Poradish is our presenter, and she will be talking about daily plant care, the meaning behind plant colors, propagation and more. People can even bring their own plant so she can diagnose issues. That is on Tuesday, Aug. 15, at 7 p.m.”

Music aficionados might get a kick out

of the library’s presentation by musician Leonardo Gianola.

“On Tuesday, Aug. 17, at 6:30 p.m., there is a music program for fans of country and Delta blues. The presenter is Leonardo Gianola, and he is a Detroit Blues Society blues guitarist. He will show off some of the earliest blues recordings from the 1910s and talk about blues music up through how it influenced postwar music.”

Those looking forward to the football season can sign up for a new fantasy football league being run through the library.

“We have our first-ever fantasy football league. It is a program you can do from home,” said Doherty. “Players of all levels are welcome, from newbies to veterans. We are using the Fleaflicker app to run and organize it. The winner gets a $50 gift card to Loaded Dice Brewery in Troy. People need to register by Aug. 20, before the season starts. It’s a somewhat passive program, but something open for everyone.”

Keegan Sulecki, the head of youth services, said there also is a variety of activities

for young readers, adding that they have been having a strong summer so far.

“Our kick-off event for the summer reading program had 3,000 people this year,” she explained. “We were really pleased with how it turned out.”

One of the new programs Sulecki is excited about is the Middle School Hacks program, an opportunity for students entering middle school to speak to some older students about what advice and tips they would give.

“We had Tuesday night matinees each Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m.,” she said. “We have a Middle School Hacks program for kids going into sixth grade in the fall. This will let them talk with older students about what they can expect as they enter middle school from kids who have just been through it. We have ukulele lessons in our Uke Can Play program on Wednesday, Aug. 9, at 11 a.m. Middle School Hacks is at 6 p.m. on that same day.”

Other programs are returning to give young library patrons a chance to take ad-

ANY 24 oz.

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vantage of the summer weather.

They have a sidewalk chalk program 10 a.m.-noon Saturday, Aug. 12, “and we also want to highlight our storyboard trail adventure program from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 15, at Raintree Park,” said Sulecki. “Participants can read the story on the trail and take part in activities to compete for a prize. We do this one every month on the trail.”

Sulecki added that there is plenty to do for library patrons of all ages.

“The library tries to have items of interest for all of our users,” she remarked. “Staff is always available to help young readers find something they are going to enjoy. We have so much going on that we think people should check out.”

Registration is requested for all adult programs at the library. More information on the programs can be found at www. troypl.org. They can be reached by phone at (248) 524-3538.

Call Staff Writer Brendan Losinski at (586) 498-1068.

tax extra. Limit one combo per coupon.

Fundraiser

from page 3A

She added that it has yet to be determined which particular schools will benefit from their support this year.

Sneha Chandrasekar is a junior at Troy High School and is one of the Pampa Kannada Koota members participating in and helping organize the tournament.

“It’s for a very good cause,” she remarked. “Living in Troy, education has always been a big part of our lives. We noticed that our schools are really well maintained. We get district-issued iPads. We have access to a lot of resources to help our education. When we saw that there are so many schools in Detroit that don’t even have things like up-to-date textbooks, we saw we needed to

do something to help. We hope others will help too by playing or just donating.”

Swathi Jeeda, a sophomore at Troy High School and a fellow participant and organizer, agreed with Chandrasekar, saying that people in the community should be aware of those who have to work with less in the field of education and help them whenever possible.

“As students of the Troy School District, we have a bit of a privileged life and live in a bit of a bubble, so it is easy to think that everyone in Michigan has the same opportunities we do,” Jeeda said. “But there are people just a few miles away who are struggling. We want people to join us at the event. They can have fun playing volleyball but also help some people who can use a hand.”

The event will be organized into two brackets, featuring teams of eight.

“Volleyball will be co-ed. There will also be a throwball game, which will be all girls. You catch the ball and throw it back. It’s a little less intense than volleyball, and it will be a separate tournament with a separate trophy at the end,” explained Kulkarni. “This event will be based on our outreach to local volleyball teams. One of our students plays and coaches volleyball and is reaching out to local teams. We have six players and two subs on each team. We will generate a bracket depending on how many teams register. We will provide free breakfast for the players. We will have six courts in Firefighters Park.”

A school supply collection also will take place at the tournament so those attending can help contribute even if they do not play on one of the competing teams.

“If people want to donate money or

school supplies, we have a donation box at the tournament,” said Kulkarni.

The members of Pampa Kannada Koota say they want to ensure they are working to make their community a better place while staying connected to their heritage.

“I’m also Kannada, which is a language that originates from a south Indian state,” Chandrasekar said. “Being away from India and growing up here can be a wonderful experience. I got to learn a whole new culture when I moved here. Being part of Pampa allows us to stay connected to our history and connect to those who have similar experiences to us.”

“Pampa Kannada Koota has always been there for us,” added Jeeda. “I’ve been in it longer than I can remember, since I was 3 or 4 years old. It was always a space to celebrate our culture.”

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

JULY 27

Thursday Tea: Presentation about Sears Modern Homes program, 2-3 p.m., Old Troy Church at Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, www.troyhistoric village.org/programs/teas-at-two

AUG. 6

Troy Traffic Jam car show: Also pedal car race and tech talks by members of auto industry, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Columbia Center, corner of Big Beaver and Livernois roads, troytrafficjam.com

AUG. 10

Widowed Friends lunch: 1:30 p.m., Alibi of Troy, 6700 Rochester Road, RSVP to Joyce at (586) 323-6007 by Aug. 4

AUG. 13

Constitution Café: Learn about Amendment VIII and cruel and unusual punishments, 2-3 p.m., Old Troy Church at Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles, www. troyhistoricvillage.org/programs/constitution-cafes

AUG. 19

Free Mall: Gently used clothing giveaway for all ages, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Calvary Chapel of Oakland County, 1975 E. Long Lake Road in Troy, (248) 457-9673

AUG. 24

Widowed Friends dinner: 5 p.m., McVee’s Pub & Grub, 1129 E. Long Lake Road in Troy, RSVP to Louise at (248) 338-6743 by Aug. 18

Charged

from page 3A

ONGOING

Guided tour of Troy Historic Village: 10-11:30 a.m. or 1-2:30 p.m. Fridays in July and August, 60 W. Wattles Road, troyhistoricvillage.org/visit

Troy Farmers Market: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays until Sept. 29, Jeanne M. Stine Community Park, 241 Town Center, facebook.com/TroyMIFarmersMarket

Widowed Friends breakfast: For men only, 9:30 a.m. every first and third Thursday of month, Lukich Family Restaurant, 3900 Rochester Road in Troy, RSVP to Ed at (586) 909-1444

Troy Newcomers: Social group for women, activities include games, card playing, wine tasting, book club and scrapbooking, times/dates/locations TBD, troynewcomers.com

Summer Concert Series: 6:30-8:30 p.m. July 27 (Devin Scillian & Arizona Son), Aug. 3 (Gary Greenfelder Orchestra), Aug. 10 (Air Margaritaville, Jimmy Buffett tribute) and Aug. 24 (Thornetta Davis), also food trucks at 5:30 p.m., Boulan Park, 3671 Crooks Road in Troy, troymi.gov

Blood drives: 9 a.m-3 p.m. Aug. 4, 9 a.m.–7 p.m. Aug. 9, 9 a.m.–3 p.m. Aug. 18, 1-7 p.m. Aug. 28, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Aug. 29 and 1-7 p.m. Sept. 5 and 11, Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois, redcrossblood.org

Tuesday Family Matinee: 2-4 p.m. Aug. 1 (“Raya and the Last Dragon”), Aug. 8 (“Mary Poppins Returns”), Aug. 15 (2017’s “Beauty and the Beast”), Aug. 22 (“Dora and the Lost City of Gold”) and Aug. 29 (“The Muppets”), Troy Public Library, 510 W. Big Beaver Road, registration required, troypl.org/calendar

session of a firearm in the commission of a felony, one count of aggravated assault and five counts of felony firearm.

“(The charges are) in relation to the serious assault that took place at 1301 Coolidge on July 7,” the Troy Police Department said in a press release. “We would like to thank the Detroit Police Department, Dearborn Police Department, Dearborn Heights Police Department, and Homeland Security for their assistance with bringing this search to an end. (The) Troy Police Department is grateful for all the assistance in this case provided by many local, state, and federal agencies.”

Hall’s bond was set at $5.5 million, cash or surety. His next court date is a probable cause conference that has been scheduled for 9 a.m. on Tuesday, July 25. His attorney, Scott Kozak, did not respond to requests for comment prior to press time.

On July 15, the Detroit Police announced Hall also is being charged in the murder of a 40-year-old Royal Oak woman. At approximately 5:50 a.m. on July 11, Detroit police officers were dispatched to a building in the 300 block of West McNichols for a discovery of a deceased woman. Upon their arrival, officers located the victim at the rear of the building, deceased, with multiple stab wounds.

Hall has been charged with one count of first-degree murder. He was arraigned on July 17 in 36th District Court in Detroit for the case.

“The evidence in this case will show that Andrew Hall is an extremely dangerous person,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said in a press release. “He allegedly killed the victim in this case for no reason at all, simply because he wanted to.”

Call Staff Writer Brendan Losinski at (586) 498-1068.

ADD CURB APPEAL TO YOUR HOME WITH TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — “Tidy,” “refreshed” and “exciting” are some of the words to describe a home whose owners have increased its curb appeal.

It has been said that first impressions are everlasting. Curb appeal is the first encounter that homebuyers have with a property. So whether prospective buyers are cruising the neighborhood on a nice sunny afternoon or viewing the listing on their phones, real estate agents agree: make it a good first impression.

Some leading metro Detroit real estate agents recently shared tips to increase curb appeal.

“The first image in the marketing is typically the front exterior of the home,” said Alan Jay, of Century 21 Curran & Oberski.

“First impressions go a long way. I always advise my sellers, if they have the physical and financial ability to dress up their curb appeal to either match or supersede their neighborhood’s curb appeal, that that would be ideal,” he said.

Part of the matching or superseding process begins with cleaning.

“Do a good spring and fall cleanup,” said Nancy Robinson, of Century 21 Curran & Oberski.

Power-wash the driveway to remove grease stains. Power-wash the exterior of the house to remove dust or mold. Clean the gutters, particularly after a storm or windy weather.

Remove all debris. Cut the grass and edge the lawn. Trim the shrubs, plant flowers and lay fresh mulch. Remove all the weeds from cracks in the driveway. Fill in cracks in the driveway or cement so it is flat.

According to real estate agents, these projects pay off exponentially.

“Clean the windows and open the blinds,” said

Robinson. “Your house looks a lot more inviting when the windows are clean and the blinds are open. It doesn’t look quite as closed up.”

Make the property tidy by removing lawn items.

“They want to at least put it in the backyard where it cannot be seen from the street,” said Caron Koteles Riha, of Real Estate One/Max Broock.

Refresh by painting the front door and adding a new doorknob. Sand and paint any rusty banisters. Remove and replace torn screens.

“Replacing the front porch light — make sure it is new and modern,” Robinson said. “They are pretty inexpensive and it’s a lot of bang for your buck.”

Robinson also suggests making the house number more noticeable from the street.

A mat at the front door that evokes excitement can be a plus when showing the house.

“If you have a doormat, (have) something that has enthusiasm. It sets the tone of the showing,” Jay said.

Part of a refreshed look includes landscaping.

According to Koteles Riha, flowers and shrubs show a pride of ownership that is very appealing to a buyer.

“If (buyers) are looking at several different homes and there’s one that has nice shrubs and fresh flowers, it just makes them feel happier,” Koteles Riha said. “Landscaping is proven to increase the value of a home. It doesn’t necessarily have to be professional. It just has to look good.”

According to Koteles Riha, shrubs and flowers that look good and are hearty — and economical — are boxwood shrubs, impatiens and begonias.

“I like begonias because you really can’t kill them,” Koteles Riha said.

Some are finding microclover to be a good replacement for grass.

“There is a new trend coming in to replace grass

ABOVE: Maximize curb appeal by cutting the grass, edging the lawn, trimming shrubs and planting flowers that add a pop of color.

LEFT: Fresh mulch, plants free of dead leaves and stems, and bright flowers enhance the appearance  of the home.

with microclover,” Robinson said. “It will be very interesting to see where that goes.”

Jay has had microclover for about a year.

“The reason I did it is, it’s less maintenance than grass. Microclover requires less water, so it is more environmentally friendly. It grows slower,” Jay said.

According to Robinson, in the summer, the grass in metro Detroit goes dormant and can be seen turning brown. Microclover may be a remedy for that.

“It is very vivid, beautiful, electric green that I have right now,” Jay said.

Sellers should keep pets out of sight when showing their homes.

“Buyers can stigmatize a property as having potential issues due to their odor and their behavior,” Jay said.

Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.

Photos provided by Caron Koteles Riha

Curriculum

from page 1A

vor, one opposed; and Trustee Vital Anne, who was the only one to vote against it, has posted publicly that she is against the recall and asked people not to sign any petition, the Troy School District said in an email. “New trustees Emina Aliq and Matt Haupt were just elected in November and as such, according to the bylaws, cannot be subject to a recall until they have been in their positions for a certain period of time.”

Wilson and Philppart declined to comment on the topic. Hauff did not respond to requests for comment prior to press time.

Board of Education President Karl Schmidt, one of the board members whose recall has been proposed, said that the curriculum issue is moot since any middle school student in Troy will still have the same chance to take Algebra 1 before high school, which was the most advanced point a student could reach under the old system.

“(In) the original pathway, you were selected by teachers and test scores. If you are selected for the advanced pathway, it ends with Algebra 1 in eighth grade. The new curriculum is more rigorous so each student taking math in sixth and seventh grade is prepared to take Algebra 1 in eighth grade. All of our students will

be further along by the end of seventh grade,” he said. “The conventional pathway kids were far behind the kids in the advanced class by the eighth grade. Now they are on more of an even footing when it comes time to choose the advanced path. Those in the conventional pathway never had the chance to take Algebra 1 in eighth grade.”

Karpowitsch said that students need more advanced classes to prepare for Algebra 1 in the eighth grade and said that the board acted inappropriately by making claims that parents’ efforts in opposition to the change were led by outside influences.

“You don’t wake up one day and decide to be an AP student,” he said. “What frustrated us was a letter sent by the superintendent stating the opposition to these changes stem from an outside group and not from within the community. This was false. We were disappointed that they are seeing parents asking very reasonable questions as a threat. … We feel like they are trying to gaslight us.”

Schmidt said that this new system is the opposite of “dumbing down” the curriculum.

“The argument is that we are eliminating honors and dumbing down the curriculum,” said Schmidt. “We are not snipping off a branch of the tree. We are changing the shape of the tree. They don’t believe you can level-up a curriculum, but you can, and now we have everyone getting a fair chance to get algebra before high school. We’ve explained this all

over and over again. The other side has said we hadn’t done a sufficient pilot (program). We can’t really do that for a whole curriculum. No school district tests a curriculum the way they want it. We can’t create a program that we are shoving one group of students in and the rest we’re not. The curriculum is not new to the country, it’s been used in districts all over the place. It’s only new to us.”

Karpowitsch said that in addition to the concerns over the curriculum, the recall effort is led by parents upset that there is a school board that they believe doesn’t listen to the concerns of parents.

“We have the ability to do a recall in Oakland County,” he said. “These are elected officials. They answer to the community, and they work in conjunction with the administration to pursue a path for the curriculum that takes parents’ considerations and concerns into consideration. We have a three-decade track record of these courses being offered, so they should have a good reason to change it. We asked them for a reason to change this curriculum framework in middle school math and why they are eliminating honors options. We asked them to show us a district that had done this and it resulted in improved test scores. They couldn’t.”

“Ultimately, if we are being recalled, it is for opening up advanced math to more Troy kids,” Schmidt countered. “It’s amazing to me that people are so angry at this. We are follow-

ing the science that says that we should not be tracking kids on two tracks as early as sixth grade. Studies show that you shouldn’t do that before the eighth grade. It takes the school out of the business of picking winners and losers because it allows the parents and students to decide which path they want to go on instead of relying on a standardized test or teacher recommendation, which is how it is done now.”

He added that just because this new system hasn’t been tried in Troy before doesn’t mean it is untested, since he said it has been found to be successful in districts all over the country.

“We don’t want to segregate our kids into two tracks and they don’t accept that the research shows that this segregation is bad for the kids. This has been a thoroughly examined change,” said Schmidt. “We want to get the school distinct out of the business of picking winners and losers. We want families to have the tools to make decisions about education paths for themselves.”

Karpowitsch said that regardless of the recall efforts, he believes the district needs a change in leadership on the board.

“I am running for school board if the recall is successful. If not, I will be running for a seat in 2024,” he remarked. “We are trying to create a new group to keep these efforts going. We want a board that represents the interests of the community, and the needs of the students and the teachers.”

Corvair

from page 14A

cruised around a bit, making their way over to Cranbrook Institute of Science in Bloomfield Hills.

“We were clearly the coolest guys in Birmingham,” Schuster thought.

One stop was a gas station at Maple Road and Woodward Avenue in Birmingham. The gas cap is on the front of the car on the driver’s side.

“As I was backing up, there was a Cadillac Coupe de Ville in front of me,” Shuster said.

That’s when Shuster accidentally bumped something and got a scratch on his dad’s Corvair.

“I just went white,” Shuster said. “It was like waiting for the apocalypse to come home.”

But his dad remained calm when he learned of the mishap.

“He was pretty mellow about it,” Shuster said. “But he garnered my wages.”

That included what Shuster earned on his paper route and from his job at the local hardware store. Shuster did not get behind the wheel of the Corvair again until four years ago when his dad died.

A couple of years ago, the car was in-

vited to be displayed at the annual EyesOn Design on the grounds of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores. All these years later, there were attendees who remembered the car from its early days with Stuart Shuster.

“It runs really well,” Shuster said. “Driving around, I can feel his spirit.”

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‘The Dispo Difference’ On Display At Michigan’s First Cannabis Mall

It’s 2023, and Michigan is an awesome place to live. Not only are the many benefits of cannabis legally available to anyone over 21, you can find all the best brands and related merch under one roof at the state’s first cannabis mall, Dispo Romeo.

“Dispo has 12 locations and counting, and this is the first cannabis mall in Michigan,” said Darren Dabish, director of marketing for Dispo. “This is the first of its kind.”

The Dispo Difference will be on full display at Dispo Romeo. The mall is a 60,000-square-foot space near 32 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue offering a unique experience and luxurious amenities for patrons.

“The dispensary budroom is definitely one of the many focal points,” Dabish said. “It’s a large showcase budroom with 18 different stations and hundreds of different brands and products to choose from.”

It’s not only about size and volume, offering the largest selection of cannabis products in the state. It’s an opportunity for guests to browse and learn about the products offered, and where trained professionals stand ready to answer questions.

Facing the mall are seven shops for vendors, offering boutique-style merchandise, including paraphernalia and apparel that is often exclusive or limited edition.

Of course, no mall is complete without a food court, and Dispo Romeo will offer fresh, tasty

fare from local vendors with both stationary storefronts and food truck services.

“Having the ability to build the first cannabis mall in Michigan is definitely a unique opportunity,” Dabish said. “We can set the precedent for people who are wanting to do large scale projects that are the first of their kind. Our overall goal is to curate a destination point for consumers and the community as a whole. Having the opportunity to educate our guests is one of many important efforts we make to fight the stigma and make it more accepted and approachable. Dispo is not one to cut corners, we really value quality and do things the right way.”

“Dispo is really all about community involvement,” Dabish added. “We do canned food drives, coat and toy drives and many other initiatives. The team encourages local community involvement quite heavily as they want to support those who support us. From sponsoring community events, hosting events of their own at the mall location and donating to charity causes, Dispo proves to deliver the difference they promise as they continue to go the extra mile where it matters most. Dispo is always looking to partner with brands to do things that better the community and we do that in each community we reside in.”

Dispo Romeo is located at 100 Shafer Drive, in

For more information, visit disposhops.com/home.

FDI-1867L-A © 2022 EDWARD D. JONES & CO., L.P. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. AECSPAD

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Birmingham’s Day On The Town plans fun-filled day

BIRMINGHAM — The Birmingham Shopping District’s Day On The Town will

take place 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday, July 29. Visitors will get to shop deeply discounted merchandise from stores downtown. There will be food trucks, live broadcasts, chalk art displays, kids activities and more throughout the streets and sidewalks of downtown.

“Mojo in the Morning,” Channel 955, will broadcast live 1–3 p.m. People who visit in time may get a free Faygo Firework and Cotton Can-

dy flavors, and Browndog Creamery ice cream.

“This is a day to indulge in all of what downtown Birmingham has to offer,” Birmingham Shopping District Executive Director Cristina Sheppard-Decius said in a press release. “Get here early to find the best deals, then stay the rest of the day to participate in downtown activities or relax at one of our many bistros, outdoor patios and parks.”

248-259-4385

Help Wanted/Engineering

SW Developer & SW Engineer needed to dev & create SW app sol. All duties will be performed using Javascript, Lightning Component Framework, & Apex Object Oriented programming language, OR Azure Migrate, Cloud Endure, HCX, & Plate spin for Cloud Migrations. Sr. Business Analyst needed to Analyze complex pharmaceutical bus processes & other data processing problems to dev & implement sol to improve efficiency. All duties will be performed using Salesforce, Oracle, & SQL. CISCO Voice Engineer needed for admin, implementation, maintenance & support/resolution of VOIP Infrastructure & end to end service requests. All duties will be performed using UCCE, UC, & UCCX. Not all positions require all tools/skills. Work locations for all positions will include Troy, MI & also at various unanticipated locations in the U.S., as assigned, which may require relocation. Applicants must specifically identify all post- secondary educ & all mentioned SW languages, skills or tools in which applicant has educ, training or exp. Resumes must show if the applicant has any of the mentioned combination of skills.

Mail resumes to Attn: HR, Teksoft Systems Inc. 850 Stephenson Hwy Ste.202, Troy, MI 48083. 0155-2330

VALIDATION ENGINEERINFOTAINMENT SYSTEM

SOFTWARE

(Thundersoft America Corp, Troy, MI) Anlyz., dsgn., prgm., verify automated test scripts, & execute test automation on automotive systems. MS EE, CE, CS, & Mechanical Engr’g. + 3 yrs. exp. Resume talent.na@thundersoft.com.

SOFTWARE QUALITY ASSURANCE ENGINEER

(Thundersoft America Corp, Troy, MI) Dvlp. Vehicle Cockpit Infotainment System Software Dvlpmnt. Create test plans & cases accrd’g. to proj. sched. & software functional reqmts. MS CS, CE, Software Engr’g., or foreign equiv. + 2 years of exp. Resume talent.na@thundersoft.com.

as per ASME standards & applying them in engg drawings; Creating & reviewing DFMEA reports; Utilizing mechanical dsgn s/ware like CATIA or CREO; Utilizing engg principles incl material, dsgn, dynamics, structure & mfg; & Verification & validation for product dvlpmt. Telecomm permitted 2 days/week. To apply, please email resume to OR-IBC-hr-recruiting@schaeffler.com.

Must specify ad code RMGSGUSA.

0382-2330

Help Wanted General SUBWAY NOWHIRING CrewMembers, Managers& AssistantManagers. Restaurant& Management ExperiencePreferred. •SignonBonus •CompetitivePay •Advancement Opportunities •FlexibleScheduling •FriendlyWork Environment CALLTODAY! 586-216-2124

SENIOR SOFTWARE ENGINEERS (Master’s w/ 3 yrs exp or Bach w/ 5 yrs exp; Majors: CS, Info Systems Technologies - Info Assurance, or equiv) - Troy, MI. Job entails working w/ & reqs exp incl: Informatica (Power Center, Intelligent Services, MDM, EDC, Axon, & EDP), AWS, Azure, Control-M, Tableau, Databricks, PowerPoint, Linux, & Denodo. Relocation & travel to unanticipated locations within USA possible. Send resumes to Think IT Technologies Inc., Attn: HR, 1985 W Big Beaver Rd, Suite 220, Troy, MI 48084. 0070-2330 0171-2330

FACILITIES STAFF WORKER at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. Two positions open: part-time (afternoons/evenings).

Review position at https:// bbartcenter.org/bbac-jobs/

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AND

NOTES NEWS

NEWS AND NOTE ITEMS TAKEN FROM AROUND OUR COVERAGE AREAS

Distracted driving law now in effect

METRO DETROIT — Drivers and law enforcement departments across Michigan are reacting to a new law that went into effect June 30 that prohibits using cellphones and other devices while driving.

According to a press release issued on behalf of Insurance Alliance of Michigan, data from the Michigan State Police showed that in 2021, more than 16,000 motor vehicle crashes involved a distracted driver, with 59 of those crashes resulting in a fatality.

The use of a mobile electronic device means using a mobile electronic device to do any task, such as sending or receiving a call; sending, receiving or reading a text message; viewing, recording or transmitting a video; and accessing, reading or posting to a social networking site. An exception is allowed if the driver is contacting emergency services. Michigan is now the 26th state to adopt a hands-free driving law.

SWIMMING ACROSS AMERICA FOR A CURE

DETROIT — At press time, swimmers and volunteers were preparing for the fifth annual Swim

Across America-Motor City Mile scheduled for July 7 on Belle Isle in the Detroit River. A 2-mile swim, a 1-mile swim and a half-mile swim were scheduled. SAA-Motor City Mile benefits cancer research at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, where roughly 500 researchers are working to prevent cancer, improve outcomes for patients, and improve quality of life for cancer patients and survivors. One participant, Julie Brabbs — pictured right with her husband, Steve — is the chief administrative officer at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center. Brabbs also is a cancer patient and currently has raised $14,232 for cancer research, with more donations expected. Brabbs, 56, of Ann Arbor, is currently being treated with Keytruda, which is an immunotherapy cancer treatment that was funded and created in a Swim Across America lab at Johns Hopkins University. For more information about Swim Across America, visit swimacrossamerica.org.

According to the release from MDOT, texting while driving has been illegal in Michigan since 2010, but increasing the parameters of the law to prohibit the use of phones “without hands-free technology is expected to further improve safety for all road users, including passengers, pedestrians and road workers.”

“Everyone who spends time on our roadways has a story or a negative experience that involves a distracted driver. The latest legislation is another tool to help encourage safer driving habits and ultimately save lives,” Capt. Joshua Jones of the Troy Police Department said in an email. “Our officers have been briefed on the new law and will be out there helping educate the public on its importance. The more buyin we can get from drivers, of all age groups, the safer our roads will become. I like the simple message we put out on our social media: ‘Just Drive.’ Put the phone down, and just drive.”

AUTHORITIES WARN OF DEBT COLLECTION SCAM

METRO DETROIT — The office of Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is alerting Michigan residents about a new scam in which fraudulent letters are directed to workers and businesses.

The letters attempt to collect an outstanding debt and are part of a scam that fraudulently identifies the sender as the State of Michigan, seeking to unlawfully collect a debt that is owed to the Unemployment Insurance Agency or the Michigan Department of Treasury, which functions as the state’s debt collection agency.

The recipients are threatened with seizure of their bank accounts, wages, business assets, cars, real estate, refunds and cash if past due debts are not paid. The letters use personal information that can be

gleaned from internet records to make their sources sound legitimate and make the threats more likely to result in payment.

Workers and businesses should note that any legitimate letters from the Department of Treasury will be printed on Treasury Department letterhead and will also provide options for paying the debt, as well as outline taxpayer rights. Letters from the UIA will contain information about how to protest and appeal payment determinations. Letters from the treasury or the UIA will always include the names of departmental leadership at the top.

Anyone with questions about their state debts should call the Treasury Collections Service Center at (517) 636-5265. Anyone with a consumer complaint or who believes they have been the victim of a scam can file a complaint with the Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Team by calling (517) 335-7599.

THE WEEK • CRIME OF THE WEEK • CRIME OF THE WEEK

Purse snatcher returns to the scene of the crime

SOUTHFIELD — A woman contacted police at 3:59 p.m. June 26 to report her purse missing from her vehicle in the 23000 block of Lahser Road.

She told police that she knew the individual who took her purse. The suspect returned to the area while the officers were at the scene.

Officers observed a purse matching the victim’s description in the suspect’s vehicle. The purse was recovered, and the suspect was arrested for larceny from auto and outstanding warrants.

Man finds sliding door open after alarm is tripped

NOVI — A man living in the 24800 block of Fairway Hills Drive, in the general area of 10 Mile and Taft roads, contacted police when he discovered that his back patio sliding door was open after his home alarm had been tripped at 7:29 p.m. June 26.

The man told police that his neighbor had seen a man near his home at approximately that time.

The homeowner stated that he keeps a piece of wood in both of his sliding doors, which is why he believed that whomever unlocked the door was unable to gain entry, according to the police report.

The man told police he does not know who would try to break into his home, but he said he had “weird feelings” about some contractors who worked on his back patio a month prior. He said he paid for the services in cash and noticed that the workers paid close attention to that detail. He reportedly said he did not wish to give the name of the company, as he had no proof. He said he would be looking into obtaining and mounting cameras for security. The case was closed pending more information.

Troy bank robbed

TROY — Police are searching for a suspect accused of robbing the PNC Bank at 725 E. Big Beaver Road at 4:27 p.m. June 23.

According to the Troy police, the male suspect entered the bank and slid an envelope across the desk with a note demanding money “so no one would get hurt.” The teller put the money in the envelope, and the suspect was last seen fleeing the bank on foot.

Three arrested in theft

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 3:20 p.m. July 3, three suspects stole clothing and household goods from the Meijer located at 5150 Coolidge Highway and fled in a blue Chevrolet Traverse. The suspects were arrested for retail fraud after responding officers reportedly located the vehicle and recovered the stolen merchandise.

Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial looking for volunteers

ROYAL OAK — The Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial is looking for volunteers for a dedication event later this summer.

The organization will hold a dedication ceremony in celebration of completing phase 1 of the memorial at 4 p.m. Aug. 10 in Memorial Park, 31100 Woodward Ave. The group is looking for volunteers to help with the event.

Volunteer efforts will include helping to coordinate volunteers at the event, helping with setup from noon to 3:30 p.m., helping during the ceremony from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., helping during cleanup from 5 to 6:30 p.m., or assisting with tasks the day prior to the event.

For more information, visit michiganww2memorial.org/ dedicationceremonyvolunteer.

From 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 27, the memorial is looking for volunteers to help Team Depot as it lays sod, spreads mulch and plants bushes at the memorial’s site. Also on the agenda that day is to rebuild the flower box at the corner of 13 Mile Road and Woodward Avenue.

Volunteers need to be 18 years old. Volunteers should wear comfortable shoes and bring work gloves, sunscreen and water. Sign up for a time slot at michiganww2memorial.org/ home-depot-grounds-project.

Hockey net reportedly

stolen from driveway

WEST BLOOMFIELD — A woman on McDivitt Drive reported that her son’s hockey net was taken from near the end of her driveway between June 25 and 26 by an unknown person. No further information was provided.

Fight breaks out between drivers

BIRMINGHAM — On June 21 at approximately 9:59 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of South Old Woodward and Merrill Street on a report of two men fighting.

The confrontation began as a verbal altercation between the individuals while they were driving in their own vehicles before turning physical in a parking lot at 33400 Woodward Ave. The case was being reviewed for possible charges.

Steering wheel columns

stolen from Malibus

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield Township Police Department took two reports of larcenies from automobiles June 27-28, one in the 400 block of Maple Road and the other in the 1600 block of Bloomfield Place.

In both cases, two separate 2019 Chevrolet Malibus had the driver-side windows smashed out and the steering wheel columns stolen. Other agencies in metro Detroit have reported similar thefts from Chevrolet Malibu vehicles.

The case was under investigation.

Bank customer bothers others

FARMINGTON — Farmington Public Safety officers responded to the Chase Bank on Farmington Road for a report of a customer trouble at 2 p.m. June 24.

An investigation revealed that a customer had been at the location for over two hours disturbing other customers, and began swearing and yelling at the bank staff. The customer was advised to leave and not return at the request of the business.

Driver arrested for felony assault

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to the area of Rochester and Auburn roads for a report that a subject had a gun pointed at him by another motorist at 12:47 p.m. June 15. The complainant, a 34-year-old man from Rochester Hills, provided a vehicle description of the responsible driver and a direction of travel. A deputy in the area began looking for the suspect vehicle and located it in an adjacent apartment complex. The driver, a 31-year-old resident of Auburn Hills, was taken into custody and lodged at Oakland County Jail. A handgun was recovered. The case was forwarded to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.

49. Epoch

51. Between 90 and 180 degrees

54. E-wallet’s content

56. Very, in music

57. Japanese zither

58. Author Bagnold

59. Goes with interest

60. Great masters’ medium, pl.

61. *Hoofed “express” traveler

62. “The Summer I

Turned Pretty” actress Lola ____

63. Solemn promise

64. Surveyor’s map

67. Morning drops

Photo provided by Swim Across America - Motor City Mile