Report: alcohol-related driving fatalities up, drunk-driving arrests down statewide
BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com
WEST BLOOMFIELD — According to a recent report, Michigan has some troubling statistics.
Bridge Michigan reported that drunk-driving arrests have dropped 28% in the state since 2014, while fatal alcohol and drug-related crashes have risen 40%.
In 67 of Michigan’s 83 counties, including Oakland, drunk-driving arrests have declined, which mirrors a national trend, according to the report.
The rise in crashes is being attributed to fewer police officers and less traffic enforcement, which is leading to more New community center to be built after voters approve parks and rec bond
Township supervisor, trustees, parks commission primary results are in
BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com
At the primary election Aug. 6, residents in the greater West Bloomfield area had an opportunity to vote on elected races and a bond proposal.
In the race for township supervisor in West Bloomfield, Democrat incumbent Steven Kaplan got 7,938 votes to finish ahead of his opponent, David Flaisher, who got 2,157 votes, according to results posted on Oakland County’s website.
There were no Republicans in the race.
The position is for a four-year term.
“My family and I are elated by my gaining reelection for a third
According to stats provided,
West Bloomfield Police Department has not fallen into a statewide trend of decreased drunk-driving arrests.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
The Beacon is one of 21 bi-weekly publications produced by C & G Newspapers, a family-owned company serving residents in Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties since 1981. We deliver our papers to more than 571,000 homes in 45 communities via direct mail.
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3A/WEST BLOOMFIELD BEACON • AUGUST 14, 2024
C & G’s projected standings for OAA football
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
Home to two state champions last year — Southfield A&T and Harper Woods — the Oakland Activities Association is propping itself up to be the conference to beat this year.
Below is C & G Newspapers’ projected
standings for the 2024-2025 OAA football season. Regular season and division records from last year are in parenthesis.
OAA Red Division
1. West Bloomfield (10-3, 3-2)
2. Lake Orion (10-1, 5-0)
3. Clarkston (6-6, 4-1)
4. Rochester Adams (6-4, 2-3)
5. Oxford (4-6, 1-4)
6. Rochester Hills Stoney Creek (3-6, 0-5)
Heading into the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 state tournament last year, the OAA Red was home to three poten-
PLAYERS TO WATCH IN THE OAA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
HearingQuiz
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
C & G Newspapers sports reporter Jonathan Szczepaniak looks at players to watch in the Oakland Activities Association League.
Elisha Durham, West Bloomfield
A 50/50 ball is more like a 90/10 when it’s in the vicinity of Durham.
As a junior in 2023, Durham had a breakout campaign for the Lakers, racking up 41 receptions for 1,124 reception yards and 11 TDs.
West Bloomfield had an array of receivers with 2024 senior Nigel Dunton, 2025 senior Kamren Flowers and Durham all sharing the receptions, but Durham still found a way to separate himself.
More often than not, when 2024 senior quarterback Reqez Nance found himself in trouble he’d take a deep shot to Durham. Having that kind of trust in a receiver speaks
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West Bloomfield senior wideout Elisha Durham attempts to make a grab with two defenders around him.
NEWS & NOTES
Senior Expo set to return
WEST BLOOMFIELD/FARMINGTON — The West Bloomfield/ Farmington Senior Expo is scheduled to take place at the J-Detroit 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Aug. 29.
According to a press release, the free event connects seniors and caregivers with more than 50 organizations that specialize in assistance and care for seniors in West Bloomfield, Farmington and southeast Michigan.
Those who attend can get information about assisted living, Alzheimer’s, home care, veterans benefits, mobility solutions, Medicare and more.
Free refreshments and health screenings are slated to be part of the expo, according to the release.
The J-Detroit is located at 6600 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield.
The expo is scheduled to take place indoors, rain or shine.
For more information, call (248) 524-4868.
West Bloomfield School District set to host ‘Family Fun Night’
WEST BLOOMFIELD — The West Bloomfield School District recently announced that its 13th “Family Fun Night” is scheduled to take place Aug. 29.
According to a press release, community organizations will be present with activities and giveaways for those in attendance.
The entertainment is slated to include the Channel 95.5 “high school take-over,” bounce houses, face painting, a photo booth, a dunk tank, a video game semi-trailer and more.
Tours of military and first-responder vehicles will be available.
The release states that Family Fun Night started as an opportunity to kick off the upcoming school year and celebrate first responders and military members.
According to the release, representatives from the Armed Forces, and police, fire and EMS personnel will be in attendance.
At 7 p.m., West Bloomfield High’s football team is scheduled to host Clinton Township Chippewa Valley.
COMMUNITY RESIDENT TO RECEIVE AWARD
WEST BLOOMFIELD — The United Community Family Services – Chaldean American Ladies of Charity has announced that the 2024 Timeless Giving Award will be awarded to Tiffany Zair-Yalda.
The event is scheduled to take place 6:30-10:30 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Shenandoah Country Club in West Bloomfield.
According to a press release, the award aims to recognize the impact that award-winners have on their community.
Zair-Yalda is a local optometrist who has consistently sponsored UCFS-CALC special-event fundraisers, benefiting more than a dozen programs and services
helping families in need, the release states.
Zair-Yalda is married with three children, according to the release.
“As a Chaldean American woman, I find it important to remember my roots and give back to the community from which I came,” Zair-Yalda stated in the release. “Witnessing the struggles of many of our parents and new refugees arriving in the U.S. reminds me of how crucial it is to support our community. … Supporting each other will only make us stronger as a community.”
Tickets are scheduled to be open for pre-sale until Aug. 26. For more information, visit ucfamilyservices.org/event/timeless-hope-gala/.
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools names new
principals
WALLED LAKE — At a Walled Lake Consolidated Schools Board of Education meeting July 24, Jami Rose was appointed as the new principal for Loon Lake Elementary School and Danielle Archie was named as the new principal at Meadowbrook Elementary School.
Also on July 24, at a special meeting, Amy Pashak was appointed as the new principal at Walled Lake Western High and Taneia Giles was named as the new principal at Wixom Elementary School.
Pashak has served as the principal at Fowlerville High School and Fowlerville Online Learning Academy for the past two years, according to a press release.
Giles served as an elementary administrator in Ann Arbor for the past six years, including as Pattengill Elementary School’s principal for four of those years, according to the release.
Rose joined Walled Lake Consolidated Schools in 2019, most recently serving as an assistant principal at James R. Geisler Middle School.
Archie has served as the K-8 principal at Detroit Enterprise Academy for the past two years. Prior to that, she was an upper elementary assistant principal for five years, according to the release.
Rose Archie
Pashak Giles
Fundraiser helps support foster care and adoption services
METRO DETROIT — According to a press release, Child Safe Michigan, which is an affiliate of the Judson Center, a human services agency that is headquartered in Farmington Hills, raised more than $280,000 at its 2024 Legends of Tomorrow gala June 7 at the Oakland Expo Center in Waterford.
The fundraiser benefits Child Safe Michigan’s foster care, adoption and mentoring services for neglected and abused children in southeast Michigan.
“This event is extremely vital to helping Child Safe extend its reach to more children,” Lenora Hardy-Foster, who is the Judson Center’s president and CEO, stated via the release. “Judson Center is celebrating 100 years of unwavering care in the community, and the vision and mission of Child Safe is an important part of our legacy of helping children and families thrive.”
For more information, visit childsafemichigan.org or judsoncenter.org.
West Bloomfield resident recognized with Lifetime Achievement Award
WEST BLOOMFIELD — West Bloomfield resident Karol Wilson was slated to be recognized with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award from ZERO TO THREE, which, according to a press release, is a nonprofit “working to ensure all babies and toddlers have a strong start in life.”
The award recognizes individuals who have made contributions to improving the lives of infants, toddlers and their families.
Wilson is an infant and early childhood mental health innovator, leader and author, according to the release.
“Karol has conducted groundbreaking work in infant and early childhood mental health and emotional development,” Dr. Walter S. Gilliam, the president of the board of directors at ZERO TO THREE,” stated in the release.
Wilson has served as an infant mental health specialist in Grand Rapids and as an intake specialist in the Healthy Start Program at St. Joseph Mercy.
Wilson was slated to be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award at a conference in Long Beach, California, July 31-Aug. 1.
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Driving from page 1A
dangerous driving behavior, the report states.
“There’s just less traffic enforcement,” Jonathan Adkins, who is the CEO of the Governors Highway Safety Association, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that represents state highway offices, stated in the report.
With a decline in the number of police officers patrolling for drunk drivers, there’s “greater willingness to drive dangerously,” according to Adkins. “They don’t think they’re going to be caught.”
From 2014-2023, drunk-driving arrests were down 20% in Oakland County, 15% in Macomb County, 16% in Wayne County and 22% in Kent County, according
to annual state drunk-driving audits, Bridge Michigan reported.
Ron Wiles, who is the deputy director of the Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, reported that the number of police officers in the state has declined from 19,262 in 2014 to 18,879 last year.
A negative perception of police work, due to incidents such as when George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minnesota in 2020, have led to what Wiles described as a “hiring crisis” in law enforcement.
West Bloomfield Police Department Deputy Chief Dale Young recently discussed some of the details that came out in the report.
Although drunk-driving arrests were reported to be on the decline in some areas, Young shared some statistics that tell a different story in West Bloomfield.
There were 57 such arrests in 2022, 62 last year, and as of Aug. 1, there were 56 so far this year in the township, he said.
“While I can’t speak to why the article is mentioning that the trend is declining, at least in West Bloomfield it appears that it’s actually gone up,” Young said. “I think that it’s a testament to the men and women that we have working here. … I’m biased towards the men and women we have here working as police officers. They are working tirelessly to make sure that the health, safety and welfare of the public is taken care of each and every day.”
Despite the stats that Young cited, like other law enforcement agencies, the number of police officers employed by the West Bloomfield Police Department is not as robust as it could be.
He said that, although the Police De-
partment is budgeted for 82 police officers, there are currently 74 sworn officers.
“So, currently, we’re down eight officers,” Young said.
From Young’s perspective, the reason for the decline in police officers is a complex issue.
He pointed out that some new hires don’t make it through the field-training program. There are also instances when officers retire, take positions at other departments, or leave law enforcement altogether.
Although Young acknowledged that the negative publicity directed toward law enforcement could be a reason for the decline, he said that it is hard to point to any one thing.
“The problem is that the reasons are usually multi-faceted, and they’re going to See DRIVING on page 14A
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OAA
from page 3A
tial Division 1 state championship-caliber teams in West Bloomfield, Clarkston and Lake Orion.
That was until the league beat up on itself, and Clarkston, who finished second in the league, earned some revenge by eliminating Lake Orion, who won the league, from the playoffs.
West Bloomfield then eliminated Clarkston before coming up a game short of the Division 1 championship game, falling to OAA White’s Southfield A&T in the semifinals.
The top three teams are interchangeable, so the standings could shake out either way. For the sake of having a league champion, our projections favor West Bloomfield because of its returning cast of Kamren Flowers (WR), Elisha Durham (WR), Jay Gardenhire (OT), and Josh Tate (RB), but the Lakers matchup against Clarkston Sept. 27 will be one to watch.
To show how close it’s been, the Lakers are 7-9 against Clarkston since 2010 while posting a much more respectable 9-5 record against Lake Orion.
Adams, Oxford and Stoney Creek will try to do what they do best: make the top three teams sweat. Stoney Creek had onescore losses to both West Bloomfield and Clarkston, while Adams also posted a onescore loss to West Bloomfield during the regular season.
If one thing is for sure, there are no days off in the OAA Red.
OAA White Division
1. Birmingham Groves (6-4, 4-1)
2. Harper Woods (11-3, 3-2)
3. Southfield A&T (13-1, 5-0)
4. Rochester (3-6, 2-3)
5. Farmington (2-7, 1-4)
6. Bloomfield Hills (1-8, 0-5)
How about two state champions coming out of the OAA White? And they say the OAA Red is the one to beat.
Harper Woods graduated a top D1 college talent in Jacob Oden, a University of Michigan commit, but there’s still plenty of talent from their title-winning season with Dakota Guerrant (WR), Colby Bailey (ATH), Jevon Jones (DL) and Matthew McCraw (ATH) all returning.
As good as Harper Woods has been, the Pioneers are winless against Groves since joining the OAA in 2022, and Groves should only be stronger this year after returning the majority of its offensive and defensive weapons.
Groves, who finished second in the league last season, had its only league loss come at the hands of Southfield A&T, the eventual D1 state champion who had an abundance of D1 college talent.
Graduating the majority of its skill players on both sides of the ball, Southfield A&T is expected to drop a few spots, but it’s difficult justifying a defending state champion any further than third.
Rochester, Farmington and Bloomfield Hills will look to play spoiler for the top three teams while also battling against each other.
OAA Blue Division
1. Birmingham Seaholm (9-2, 4-0)
2. Oak Park (3-6, 2-2)
3. North Farmington (4-5, 3-1)
4. Troy (5-4, 1-3)
5. Troy Athens (3-6, 0-4)
The OAA Blue could inevitably end up being the league with the most movement in the standings, which makes for some great football.
Our projected standings give Seaholm the benefit of the doubt as the two-time league champions (tied for first with Farmington in 2022), but there’s a lot of unknown with the OAA Blue heading into the year.
Seaholm obliterated the OAA Blue last year, outsourcing opponents 189-62 en route to an unbeaten league record, and the hope is that the well-oiled machine continues to run without all-Region talents, such as Granden (RB) and Colton Kinnie (QB) as the skill positions and Blake Baldner (OL) on the line.
Prior to last year, Seaholm was 0-6 against Oak Park since 2010. Oak Park will play host to this year’s matchup on Sept. 20.
North Farmington hopes its 4-2 stretch to end the year continues on this season after handling Troy and Troy Athens by a combined score of 46-13. The Raiders are 4-0 against Troy and Troy Athens since 2022, when the program rejoined the OAA Blue.
OAA Gold Division
1. Auburn Hills Avondale (9-2, 4-0)
2. Ferndale (4-5, 3-1)
3. Royal Oak (3-6, 2-2)
4. Pontiac (3-6, 1-3)
5. Berkley (0-9, 0-4)
A conference is only top-to-bottom strong if every division can bring something to the table, and the OAA Gold reserved itself a seat last year.
Auburn Hills Avondale made quick work of its league opponents and even crossed over to the Macomb Area Conference Gold to beat Warren Cousino and Warren Fitzgerald.
With the type of showing the Yellow Jackets put on in 2023, it’s impossible to not have them reclaim the top spot in the league again.
As for Avondale’s league counterparts, Ferndale earned a MAC Gold win of its own by besting St. Clair Shores Lake Shore, and handled league business by beating Royal Oak by 19 points and taking care of Berkley.
Pontiac showed life early in the season and hopes to re-light its flame, but the only movement to potentially foreshadow is Ferndale and Royal Oak in the second and third spots.
Pontiac has suffered eight-straight losses to Royal Oak after beating them in 2011. Call Staff Writer Jonathan Szczepaniak at (586) 498-1090.
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Novi resident Robert Fridenberg purchased his 1972 DeTomaso Pantera three years ago. The 1972 DeTomaso Pantera is painted mandarin copper metallic. Cruising Hines Drive in Wayne County is a favorite spot for Fridenberg.
‘It feels almost like a race car’
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
In the mid-1990s, the Woodward Dream Cruise in Oakland County was officially established, giving classic car owners the chance to relive the heyday of cruising the avenue in their souped-up vehicles, muscle cars and vintage models.
Novi resident Robert Fridenberg has attended the Dream Cruise many times over the years, but his cruising days began long before — in 1979 — when he and a pal regularly drove up and down Woodward Avenue in his buddy’s “hopped up” 1976 Pontiac Trans Am.
They spent most of their Saturday nights cruising to the tunes of Journey, ELO and the Cars playing on the radio. The young adults — who grew up across the street from
each other in Southfield — often stopped at the Northwood Shopping Center at Woodward and 13 Mile Road in Royal Oak.
“It had a huge parking lot,” Fridenberg recalled. “Back in the day, that place was full of hot rodders. That’s where we hung out, met girls and met up with some of our buddies.”
The following year, the duo were back at cruising al-
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
OrChArD LaKe FiNe ArT ShOw dRaWs a cRoWd
Deborah Whiting and Lenora Koyton, above, check out one of the features at this year’s Orchard Lake Fine Art Show, “Jeffrey Floral Architecture.” The show returned to West Bloomfield July 27 and 28. The work of artist Julie Pflanzer, top right, and walking sticks by artist Micha Gaskill, near right, were featured. For more photos, visit candgnews.com/galleries.
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Primaryfrom page 1A
four-year term as township supervisor,” Kaplan stated via email.
There were four township trustee spots open, with Diane Rosenfeld Swimmer (6,794), Jonathan Warshay (4,960), Jim Manna (4,691) and Vincent C. Kirkwood (4,678) securing the Democratic nominations for four-year terms.
There were no Republicans in the race.
There were eight Democratic nominees running to be a parks commissioner, with seven spots open.
Securing spots were Amy Mindell (6,307), Sally Wenczel (5,465), David Barash (4,872), Robert V. Brooks (4,777), Terrance T. Adams (4,464), Merv Aronoff (4,353) and John Erich (4,189).
Republican Olga Meyer ran unopposed.
West Bloomfield voters were tasked with deciding whether or not to approve a $25 million bond proposal for the purpose of, among other things, constructing, equipping, furnishing and renovating parks and recreation improvements, including for parks, playgrounds, and a community and senior activity center.
According to language on the ballot, the estimated millage to be levied in the first year is 0.35 mills, which is 35 cents for each $1,000 of taxable value for homeowners.
The proposal passed with 8,922 voting yes, and 4,525 voting no.
The voters’ approval means that the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission can have a Connect community center built on Civic Center campus. The proposed facility is expected to be around 33,000 square feet.
The current Connect Senior Center operates in a facility located at 14 Mile and Farmington roads.
“We are excited to get going on the project, and of course the big legacy project is our Connect community center,” West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission Executive Director Kelly Hyer said. “We’re humbled at the voter response.”
For more local, county, state and national election results, visit candgnews.com and click on “Elections”
Hyer previously reported that it would take approximately 18 months to build the See PRIMARY on page 17A
HAS HAPPENED TO THE UNITED STATES? Our Country Needs You to VOTE with us! For These Reasons
Individual Freedoms— God given liberties preserved against government intrusions.
Limited Government— Legitimate Government operates by Consent of the Governed.
Peace through Strength— First Obligation of the Federal government is Defense of our Nation.
The Rule of Law— A government of Laws, Not of Men
Fiscal Responsibility— Government must live within its means; the current crisis must be resolved.
Free Markets— Along with Competition are to be encouragement and government intervention and regulation are to be limited.
Human Dignity— Driven from men created in the images of GOD and measured only by the content of their character.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Along with races for elected positions, voters in West Bloomfield also had an opportunity to weigh in on a parks and recreation bond proposal during the primary election Aug. 6.
Court’s ruling on wages and sick time reverberates across region
Workers, businesses and associations react to divided Michigan Supreme Court decision
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — A recent 4-3 ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court affecting the state’s laws governing minimum wage and sick time is sending shockwaves through many businesses, including the restaurant industry.
All workers will receive a pay bump to more than $12 an hour in 2025 with tipped workers gradually reaching $12 in 2029. The final amounts will be determined by the state’s treasurer. The current minimum wage is $10.33 and $3.93 for tipped workers.
All employees, including part-time and temporary workers, are entitled to paid sick leave. Every 30 hours an employee works generates one hour of paid sick leave. Employees get 72 hours paid sick time a year at large companies. However, employers with fewer than 10 employees need to only pay for 40 hours of sick leave a year.
These sweeping changes will go into effect Feb. 21, 2025. For some, it’s a step toward a living wage for workers. For others, it’s a hit to businesses across the state and possibly tipped workers.
How this happened
This ruling was years in the making. It’s the result of wrangling to keep the issue off the ballot in Michigan by legislators against the changes.
It started with two petitions in 2018 that received the required number of signatures to potentially appear on the ballot.
One petition would have given workers gradual wage increases until the minimum wage became $12 in 2022. After 2022, the wage would be increased each year, as determined by the state, according to inflation. The minimum-wage gap between tipped workers and all other workers, 38% in 2018, would be eventually closed by 2024.
The other petition required employers to give employees one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked per week.
The Legislature adopted the unaltered initiatives in September 2018. This kept See WAGES on page 12A
Photo by Nick Powers
Crazy Gringo’s Clinton Township Manager Dawn Mathews makes a margarita at the bar.
them off the ballot and allowed lawmakers to alter them.
They did this in two bills. One caused the minimum wage increases to not exceed $12 until 2030 and removed the increases for tipped workers. It also removed increases to the wage based on inflation. The second made changes to sick time. It exempted employers with under 50 employees from providing paid sick time. It reduced the amount of paid sick time hours for larger businesses from 72 hours to 40.
The changes, led by Republicans, were approved along party lines by margins of 6048 in the Michigan House of Representatives and 26-12 in the state Senate in a lame duck session in December 2018. They were signed by then-Gov. Rick Snyder and went into effect March 29, 2019.
In the Michigan Court of Claims, it was determined that the Amended Wage Act and the Amended Earned Sick Time Act were unconstitutional on July 19, 2022. This was reversed by the Michigan Court of Appeals, but was ultimately upheld by Michigan Supreme Court’s July 31, 2024, ruling.
“We hold that this decision to adopt the
initiatives and then later amend them in the same legislative session (what has been referred to as ‘adopt-and-amend’) violated the people’s constitutionally guaranteed right to propose and enact laws through the initiative process,” the majority opinion states.
Business owners, associations react
Many business owners and associations have decried the decision.
The Michigan Retailers Association released a statement in the wake of the news.
“Bedrock principles of capitalism and a competitive labor market are thwarted by extending the paid leave law to employers with only one employee, dramatically altering the paid leave requirements for those with 50 or more employees, and mandating substantial changes to the minimum wage,” the association stated in a press release.
Other organizations including the Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the Small Business Association of Michigan struck a similar tone in press releases.
Joe Vicari, founder and CEO of the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group, spoke out against the changes. The Vicari Group, which includes mostly Michigan businesses under the Andiamo brand, has over 20 restaurants.
“This ruling will devastate the restaurant industry,” Vicari said in an emailed
statement. “Many hard-working people will lose their jobs. Eighty-three percent of the restaurant industry did not want this law to pass!”
Crazy Gringo owner Tommy Vasilos said the change will negatively impact his businesses. The Mexican restaurant chain has three locations in metro Detroit and approximately 22 employees. Vasilos said, with inflation and other high operating costs, the minimum wage increase is another added strain for business owners.
“I’ll be hurting; we’re all going to get hurt,” Vasilos said. “I think it’s going to affect everybody down the line.”
Vasilos said many restaurants will either need to raise costs or shut down. He said other restaurant owners he’s talked to are feeling “the crunch.”
“I just have a really bad taste in my mouth, thinking that it might have a big effect on restaurants and they’ll start closing their doors,” Vasilos said.
Vasilos said higher costs could drive away customers who are also struggling with inflation. Though, he said he didn’t mind an increase in the minimum wage. But, when compounded with other costs, it makes things more difficult on restaurants.
Lauryn Tillman, a bartender and server in Macomb County, said she was concerned
about people tipping and going out to dinner in the current economy. She said customers may be less likely to tip if the minimum wage for servers gets too high.
“I truly believe that,” Tillman said. “Basically, I rely on my tips to live.”
A ‘landmark victory’
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel praised the ruling.
“This is a landmark victory for Michigan voters and a resounding affirmation of the power of direct democracy,” Nessel is quoted as saying in a press release. “The Legislature cannot manipulate its power to undermine the will of the people. This ruling sends a clear message that elected officials cannot disregard the voices of their constituents. I am glad to see the Court recognize and respect that the people reserved for themselves the power of initiative, a crucial tool meant to shape the laws that govern them.”
The Restaurant Opportunities Center called the day of the ruling “an important day to remember,” calling the decision a win for working families and democracy.
“This ruling is the answer to economic opportunities and job protections that every worker, every voter and every person—
Players
volumes to Durham’s playmaking capability.
Currently a three-star recruit (according to 247sports) with offers from various D1 colleges — such as the University of Wisconsin, the University of Toledo, Central Michigan University and Western Michigan University — another monster year from Durham should only result in more colleges looking his way.
There’s very few wide receivers who possess the type of hands Durham has, which is why he holds the rank as one of the top high school receivers in Michigan.
Matteo Humbert, Rochester Adams
Having a nearly four-minute highlight tape for both offense and defensive plays should tell you all you need to know about Humbert and what he brings to the table.
Humbert may not have the college offers stacking up for him, but he has the skill-set and heart all college coaches are looking for.
Handling the bulk of the carries for the Highlanders offense and anchoring the linebacker core, Humbert does whatever is asked of him, and he does it with extreme efficiency.
He’s a gritty, north-and-south kind of runner with the ball in his hands, and he’s equally as physical when he’s going after a ball carrier, but can also drop back in coverage if needed.
Wherever the football is on the field,
you’re guaranteed to see No. 39 right near it.
Hopefully, an impressive senior year throws some attention Humbert’s way, because it’s well deserved.
Chris Little, Birmingham Groves
What can you say about the Grand Valley State University commit other than he’s an absolute athletic freak?
Against Birmingham Seaholm last year, Little made one of the greatest catches you’ll ever see in a high school football game, running a fade route towards the corner of the back end zone and reaching up for a onehanded grab over a Seaholm defender.
The best part? That’s not even the position he earned first team all-State honors for.
As a defensive back, he tallied seven interceptions to notch his career total at 17 now in only two seasons as a starter.
Little is a natural athlete with elite-level speed and playmaking ability, making him a defensive back with explosive closing speed who can wrap up on a tackle or lockdown any receiver.
On the offensive side, he tallied 620 receiving yards and 4 TDs this year. So whatever side of the ball you’re on, Little can make you pay with his skill-set.
Jordan Melton, Southfield A&T
There’s a lot of question marks surrounding Southfield A&T and its flurry of losses, from graduation to head coach Aaron Marshall now manning the sidelines for Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice, but the Southfield
Rochester Adams senior Matteo Humbert carries the ball.
Photos by Donna Dalziel
Birmingham Groves senior Chris Little makes an incredible one-handed grab.
CRIME WATCH
Extortion attempt
WEST BLOOMFIELD — On July 29, a resident went to the West Bloomfield Police Department to report being a victim of online extortion.
According to the report, the resident started communicating with an unknown person online, and that person eventually threatened to disseminate the reporting party’s “compromising media” unless paid.
No further information was provided.
Money stolen from homes
WEST BLOOMFIELD — Some residents went to the West Bloomfield Police Department July 23 to report that they suspect a cleaning person of stealing money from inside their homes over the past year.
According to the report, an investigation continues.
Driving
from page 6A
be different depending on where you are doing your policing at,” Young said. “So it’s hard to paint broadly across the nation (and) come up with a simplified reason as to why something is the way that it is because of how many variations of policing there are around the country.”
Young has observed a big change in the public’s interest level in choosing law enforcement as a profession.
“Where I see maybe the biggest change is the fact that when we run hiring ads, and it’s not just us, this is like across the country – this is all anecdotal – is that it seems that not as many people at all are trying to apply to be a police officer,” he said. “When I first started as a police officer there was at least 100, maybe more, applicants that I was testing with. And then some of the guys that
Items reportedly stolen from vehicle
WEST BLOOMFIELD — A police officer was dispatched to the 7100 block of Spring Ridge Road July 29 to take a report about items being taken from a vehicle that had been parked there overnight.
No suspects were reported.
Anybody with information is asked to call Detective Alex Mutchler at (248) 9758938.
Counterfeit money reported
WEST BLOOMFIELD — On July 22, an officer was dispatched to a business on Orchard Lake Road when a customer allegedly attempted to pay for an order with a counterfeit $20 bill.
When that was not successful, the cus-
were police officers even before me, it could (have) been 200 people or more that were trying to … apply to be a police officer. … The trend as of late seems to be when we run these hirings, we’ll get less than 10 applicants, sometimes into the single digits.”
Although Young did not want to disclose how many officers are typically on road patrol for strategic purposes, from his perspective, there is ample coverage in West Bloomfield, which he said is approximately 36 miles.
“The number of officers that are working road patrol at any given time — we are confident that it is sufficient at the moment,” Young said.
As for a decline in the number of police officers, Young is not necessarily expecting that is an issue that will remain.
“I’m very hopeful that we’ll see that bounce back,” he said. “I don’t think that this is going to be the trend for life. I just think this is the trend right now.”
tomer reportedly paid with what seemed to be authentic cash.
No further information was provided.
Vehicle reported missing on Coldspring Lane
WEST BLOOMFIELD — An officer was dispatched to the 5100 block of Coldspring Lane on a report of a vehicle being stolen July 29.
The vehicle reportedly had been unlocked and parked in a driveway overnight.
No suspects were identified.
Items taken from vehicle on Woodside Trail
WEST BLOOMFIELD — On July 29, officers were dispatched to the 6700 block of Woodside Trail due to a report of
items being stolen from a vehicle that had been parked and unlocked in a driveway overnight.
No suspects were identified.
Identity theft reported
WEST BLOOMFIELD — On July 22, a resident went to the West Bloomfield Police Department and reported that an unknown person or persons had rented a vehicle in the reporting party’s name.
The reporting party has reportedly received fraudulent emails and texts.
No suspect information was provided.
Anyone who has information about these crimes or others is asked to call the West Bloomfield Police Department at (248) 975-9200.
— Mark Vest
NOTICE OF ADOPTION
CITY OF KEEGO HARBOR ORDINANCE NO. 2024-03
THE CITY COUNCIL OF KEEGO HARBOR APPROVED AND ADOPTED A ZONING ORDINANCE MAP AMENDMENT. THE CITY OF KEEGO HARBOR ORDAINS:
Part I. The zoning ordinance section 3.01 provides the zoning map. Ordinance 2024-03 of Keego Harbor hereby adopts the zoning map amendment, which is summarized below.
Parcel ID 18-01-303-026 is re-zoned and now part of the C-2, General Business district.
Part II. CONFLICTING PROVISIONS REPEALED. Any ordinance or parts of ordinances in confict herewith, are hereby repealed.
Part III. EFFECTIVE DATE. The provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared to take effect ten days after publication.
Part IV. ADOPTION. The ordinance was adopted by the City Council of the City of Keego Harbor by the authority of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, P.A. 110 of 2006, as amended, at a meeting duly called and held on May 16, 2024, and order to be given publication in the manner prescribed by law. The ordinance may be purchased or inspected at the City of Keego Harbor Building, Planning, and Community and Economic Development Department during regular business hours.
Adopted by the City Council on: July 16, 2024
Effective Date: 10 days after notice is published in the newspaper
Published: August 14, 2024
Published: West Bloomfeld Beacon 08/14/2024
NOTICE OF ADOPTION CITY OF KEEGO HARBOR ORDINANCE NO. 2024-04
Tammy Neeb Clerk and City Manager
0105-2433
Black, white, Latino, Asian, gay and straight, binary and non-binary, Democrat and Republican, immigrants and Native Americans, young and senior—deserves,” Chris White, director, ROC Michigan, is quoted as saying in a statement. “Together with our coalition partners and allies, I am proud of what we have accomplished!”
The Michigan AFL-CIO also commended the ruling.
“We commend the Court for ruling what we all clearly witnessed back in 2018,” Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber said in a press release. “The Republicancontrolled legislature’s flagrant disregard for the citizen initiative process has robbed Michigan workers of wages and sick leave for the past five years. Republicans in the legislature quite literally stole out of the pockets of Michigan workers and today’s ruling by the Supreme Court is the first step in righting this wrong and making workers whole.”
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF KEEGO HARBOR APPROVED AND ADOPTED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS. THE CITY OF KEEGO HARBOR ORDAINS:
Part I. The text for Zoning Ordinance No. 2024-04 of Keego Harbor, is hereby adopted. For a full understanding of the amendments, see the June 27, 2024 Planning Commission meeting minutes and the July 18, 2024 City Council meeting minutes. Amended articles are as follows: Article 2- Zoning Districts, Overlays and Context Zones; Article 8 - Local Business District; Article 12 – Schedule of Regulations, Building Form and Design Standards; Article 14 –Off-Street Parking; Article 15 – Signs; Article 17 – Administration and Enforcement; Article 24 – Effective Date.
Part II. CONFLICTING PROVISIONS REPEALED. Any ordinance or parts of Ordinances in confict herewith, are hereby repealed.
Part III. EFFECTIVE DATE. The provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to take effect ten days after publication.
Part IV. ADOPTION. The City of Keego Harbor City Council adopted the zoning ordinance by the authority of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, P.A. 110 of 2006, as amended, at a meeting duly called and held on July 18, 2024. The Public Hearing for the zoning ordinance amendments was held by the Planning Commission on June 27, 2024.
Adopted by the City Council on: July 18, 2024
Effective Date: 10 days after notice is published in the newspaper
Published: August 14, 2024
Tammy Neeb Clerk and City Manager
Family Caregiver Connections Event Helps People Caring for an Older Loved One Find Help, Resources
AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services is hosting an event to help family caregivers connect with resources and learn more about caregiving topics — like legal issues surrounding caregiving or communicating with a loved one with dementia.
Family Caregiver Connections:
Learn, Link & Lunch is on tap from 10 am-1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.
A $10 entrance fee covers a light breakfast and boxed lunch, along with a program that features two dynamic speakers who will talk about their experiences in the caregiving trenches.
WDIV/TV-4 anchor Christy McDonald will provide the keynote address. She lost her husband
Jamie Samuelsen, a Detroit sportscaster, to colon cancer in 2020.
McDonald will speak on “Hope, Grief and the Unknown: A Caregiver’s Journey” about her experience and what helped her through it. She’ll help caregivers embrace their own tough and beautiful moments - what makes us laugh and what gives us hope.
Jim Mangi, PhD, will speak about caring
for his wife, a fellow scientist who developed Alzheimer’s disease in her late 50s. Mangi is a sought-after speaker who is often called upon to share his experience caring for his wife for the last 16 years. In his role as a volunteer community educator with the Alzheimer’s Association, he will speak on effective communications with people who have dementia. Mangi’s talk will include how to manage behaviors and how to recognize when more help is needed.
Mangi also works with Area Agencies on Aging in his role as founder and chair of Dementia Friendly Saline, a nonprofit that helps persons dealing with dementia live their best lives in their communities, with less difficulty and more dignity.
Attorney Jason Tower will also be on hand to talk about important legal documents caregivers should have.
Participants may also browse caregiver-focused exhibitor tables throughout the event and get onsite help from the AgeWays Resource Center team.
“We know that supporting family caregivers is critical to caring for the older adults in our region.
Family caregivers can’t do it alone. They need information and resources,” said AgeWays Director of Communications Kathleen Yanik. “The event is all about helping caregivers connect with resources and get the help they need.”
To register for the event, visit YouAreACaregiver.org . You can also call 800-852-7795 if you have trouble registering online. Proceeds from the event will benefit the AgeWays Holiday Meals on Wheels Program.
Parking is free.
NOTE: If cost is a barrier, a fee waiver may be available. Please contact communications@ageways.org or 248-6065798 for more information.
Are you providing support to an aging family member or friend? You are a caregiver. Join us for an event made just for you!
Saturday, October 5, 2024 | 10am - 1:30pm
Suburban Collection Showplace, Legacy Ballroom 46100 Grand River Ave., Novi Parking is free
Hear from Detroit TV personality Christy McDonald as she shares her personal caregiving journey. This event also features expert presentations on legal topics and Alzheimer’s care, resources from 20 senior- and caregiver-focused organizations, and onsite help from AgeWays Resource Specialists.
TV Personality Christy McDonald, WDIV Channel 4, Lunchtime Keynote
Jim Mangi, volunteer Educator, Alzheimer’s Assoc. Speaks on caring for loved one w/dementia
HOMES
PREVENT SERIOUS INJURIES WHILE WORKING IN THE YARD
BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com
Injuries are common occurrences while working outdoors; however, they can be prevented by following recommendations of local doctors and personal trainers.
Many injuries suffered while working in one’s yard tend to be back injuries, neck injuries, pulled muscles and knee injuries. Common ways to prevent these types of injuries don’t take long or require much work.
Elizabeth Pietrykowski, owner and personal trainer at Peak Physique in Troy, said it’s very important to warm up your body before working in your yard or gardening.
“A great place to start would be to foam roll in order to lubricate your fascia and prepare your body for work,” she said. Foam rolling involves using a dense foam cylinder and rolling tight parts of the body over it.
“Foam rolling can relieve pain and tension caused by adhesions between fascia and muscle,” Pietrykowski said.
She noted some other exercises to try, as well.
“A simple way to warm up your arms is to do arm circles by raising your arms out to the side and make small circular motions. Often, low back pain originates in the SI joint (sacroiliac joint), which is where the pelvis and the lower back meet. We can warm up or release this area by using a lacrosse ball. Place the lacrosse ball in your SI joint and lean against a wall and slowly lift your leg. This will allow your body to hinge correctly and work effectively and avoid pain in the low back,” she said.
She also said one thing that can help while working in the yard is to make sure that when lifting something heavy, to use your legs to lift it.
“Injury occurs when lifting something heavy by leaning over and not bending your knees and engaging your legs. Another good idea — if you’re kneeling, to place a pad under your knees. Engaging your core is important when doing any activity in order to protect the low back from strain. When you are either raking or shoveling, it’s important to make sure that your shoulder blades are squeezed together, chest up, and knees are bent,” she said.
Drinking a lot of water can also keep you hydrated and fight off the fatigue that leads to missteps and injury.
Brad Semp, founder and CEO at Backology, said that strengthening your spine and back muscles and maintaining their protection against injuries is something to focus on.
“Working in the yard, whether it’s mowing the lawn, raking leaves or planting flowers, can be surprisingly strenuous on the back. Many people think that improper bending and lifting techniques are the main culprits behind common injuries like muscle strains, herniated discs and sciatica. While it’s true that poor technique can contribute to these issues, the real problem often lies deeper,” he said.
TOP: Lunges are a good way to stretch before doing any yard work outside. ABOVE: Practicing the job you might be about to do without actually doing it yet can help prepare you for the work. Photos provided by Elizabeth Pietrykowski
Primary
from page 10A
facility.
In the state House of Representatives District 20 Republican primary, there was one spot available, with Brendan Cowley (2,655) beating out Hermon Barbe (2,033). Cowley is set to face incumbent Democrat Noah Arbit, who ran unopposed in the primary, in the general election. The winner is slated to earn a two-year term in office.
In the U.S. House of Representatives District 11 Democratic primary, one spot was available, with incumbent Haley Stevens (83,450) winning her party’s nomination by a large margin with a victory against Ahmed Ghanim (12,340).
Stevens is set to face Republican Nick Somberg, who secured 24,182 votes in the primary, in the general election. The winner is slated to earn a two-year term.
Somberg’s opponent, Charles Frangie, finished with 15,729 votes.
In the Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 10 Democratic primary, with one spot open, incumbent Kristen Nelson got 4,421 votes to finish ahead of her opponent, Keego Harbor Mayor Robert Kalman, who had 2,522 votes.
She is slated to face Republican Gregg Marinelli, who was unopposed in the primary, in the general election. The winner is set to get a four-year term.
In the Oakland County Board of Commissioners District 16 Democratic primary, William Miller’s 5,131 votes were enough to secure a nomination over Sean C. Thomas, who finished with 2,600 votes.
Miller is set to take on Republican Jacob Kovacs, who was unopposed in the primary, in the general election. It is also for a four-year term.
In a non-partisan selection, Tricia Dare secured the one spot that was available for the position of 6th Circuit Court Judge. She was credited with finishing with 79,608 votes to put her ahead of Nicole Sophia-Calhoun Huddleston (45,469) and Moneka Sanford (34,160).
The position is for a term of six years.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Voters cast their ballots for the primary election Aug. 6. Races at the local, county and state levels were included on ballots.
Pantera
titude and that’s how Fridenberg met his future wife, Chris. She knew Fridenberg’s friend first, and when the couple married 33 years ago, he was best man at their wedding.
Three years ago, Fridenberg purchased a 1972 DeTomaso Pantera. He drives it every chance he can. Fridenberg first became familiar with the Pantera as a kid. When he headed to the bus stop each morning for school, he’d walk past a neighbor’s yellowhued model.
Several years back, Fridenberg owned a Porsche 911 Turbo, but after a while he wanted a different car. When looking to replace it, he turned to someone he knew who owned an exotic car consignment business. He hadn’t planned on owning a Pantera but soon changed his mind after spotting the vehicle on the business website.
“When I saw this, it kind of rekindled the memory,” Fridenberg said. “Having worked for Ford, the fact it has a Ford motor in it just kind of got me excited to arrange to buy one. We arranged a swap.”
Fridenberg’s Pantera was originally red, but a previous owner painted it mandarin copper metallic.
“It’s a Ford color. It was used on Mustangs and SUVs in the early 2000s,” Fridenberg said. “This color really makes the car pop. The metallic makes the lines show up more.”
The Pantera has the original body, but because the car sat for so long, Fridenberg did a lot of work to get it road-ready.
“When the Panteras were originally made and developed, the quality wasn’t very good. So over the years a lot of owners had to do upgrades,” he said. “I pretty much had to fix every system on the car. The cooling system had problems with overheating. The horns didn’t work. The windows didn’t go up and down. The seats wouldn’t go back and forth. The brakes had to be rebuilt.”
With his automotive knowledge, Fridenberg was able to overhaul the car. He has also connected with other Pantera owners through clubs online, and has read up a lot on the car’s history. According to his research, the mid-engine sports car was made in Italy as a joint venture with the Ford Motor Co.
“As a retired Ford engineer, I was honored to purchase this car and show it off, as it is a unique part of Ford’s history,” he said. “The design is over 50 years old, but it’s still very modern.”
It was a lot of work, but it was worth it. He takes it out often, including in the wintertime if the weather is favorable and the
Fridenberg likes to take his Pantera out for drives as often as possible. The Pantera’s Ford motor made the car especially attractive to Fridenberg, a retired Ford engineer.
roads are dry. It always draws interest at local car shows.
“Bakers of Milford is a big one, and I take it to some of the cars and coffees around here,” the classic car owner said.
But he’d rather drive than sit. One favorite spot is cruising Hines Drive in Wayne County.
“It’s slow, but it’s a nice drive to go on. I usually go up to Newburgh Lake or I’ll go as far as Ann Arbor Trail with it,” he said. “There’s a nice road if you take Seven Mile west, it dead-ends at Whitmore Lake. That road has a lot of nice twisties. It’s a beautiful ride.”
Because the Pantera is so low to the ground, “it feels almost like a race car.” Fridenberg drives it during non-peak traffic times.
“It’s loud, it’s hot, there’s no electronics. It’s more like an event when you go for a drive, because you worry something is going to go wrong,” he said. “It just makes it more of an experience to take it out and drive it. People will pull up next to me. I can see them on their phones. They’ll roll their windows down and say, ‘What is that? Is that a Pantera?’ Everywhere you go someone wants to talk about it.”
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Robert
Players
from page 13A
A&T defense should still be strong, courtesy of safety Melton.
A key member of the state championship-winning defensive unit in 2023, Melton led a defense that held one of the most prolific offenses in Michigan high school football, Belleville, to only 10 points at halftime to help win the school’s first-ever state title.
Melton has a natural nose for the ball and can drop back in coverage, which is a necessity for an OAA White league that can be pass-heavy.
From a leadership standpoint, Melton learned from guys like Dorian Freeman and Reggie Gardner on the defensive side, so he knows what is expected for this unit to click in 2024.
With Melton anchoring the defense along with some key returners, expect the Southfield A&T defense to hold its own.
Melton currently has offers from Wayne State University and Lawrence Technological University.
Penn Roberts, Birmingham Seaholm
Roberts simply embodies everything that Seaholm football is about, which is a blue-collar, hard-nosed brand of football.
As a linebacker, Roberts embraces contact and has a natural nose for the ball on the defensive side.
When he’s a running back, the mentality doesn’t change. Roberts can either lay a block on a rushing defender to free up some time for his quarterback or space for his running back, or he can drag three defenders with him as he carries the ball.
After graduating a slew of talent on both sides of the ball, especially with lead ball carrier Granden Kinnie graduated, Roberts will be someone Seaholm heavily leans on this year on both sides of the ball.
Noah Oury, Troy
Standing at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, Oury is a physical quarterback who can showcase just about any ability the position asks for on the football field.
A Grand Valley State University commit, Oury has the arm talent that translates
Homes
from page 16A
He said that over time, the deep spine muscles, which provide essential support to the spine, tend to weaken in nearly all people.
“This weakness can make the back more
to the next level, combined with the mobility to evade the pocket and either find an open receiver or run at a defender.
Troy was on the cusp of reaching its fourth-consecutive state playoff last year after starting 3-0, but a rocky finish saw the Colts slip to 5-4, a tough record compared to the 7-3 and 8-2 record the Colts had the two seasons prior.
With Oury under center, Troy is never out of a game as long as the receivers are still running and the offensive line is still standing.
Other players to watch:
• Kamren Flowers (WR), West Bloomfield
• Beau Jackson (QB), West Bloomfield
• Tristan Hill (QB), Lake Orion
• Ryan Rocheleau (WR), Lake Orion
• Greyson Clark (ATH), Clarkston
• Lachlan Tillotson (WR), Rochester Adams
• Ryland Watters (QB), Rochester Adams
• Luke Johnson (RB/LB), Oxford
• Spencer Beckeman (OL), Rochester Hills
Stoney Creek
• Brandon Dobos Jr. (FB/LB), Rochester Hills Stoney Creek
• Jevon Jones (DL), Harper Woods
• Bryant Weatherspoon (OL/DL), Harper Woods
• Colby Bailey (RB), Harper Woods
• Matthew McCraw (LB), Harper Woods
• Nick Hardy (WR), Birmingham Groves
• Noah Sanders (RB), Birmingham Groves
• Mario Campoy-Lovasco (RB), Birmingham Groves
• Avery Gach (OL/DL), Birmingham Groves
• Kenneth Brooks (LB), Southfield A&T
• Jaun Mitchell (WR), Southfield A&T
• Jack Lower (RB/LB), Rochester
• Daniel Vukaj (TE/LB), Farmington
• Payton Parsons (WR/DB), Bloomfield Hills
• Wesley Billings (K), Birmingham Seaholm
• Ron’Dre Austion (DB), Oak Park
• Brendon Rice (DL), North Farmington
• Terrance James (WR), North Farmington
• Jaielen Peacock (WR), Troy
• Nathan Piggott (WR/DB), Troy Athens
• Cooper Voeffray (WR/DB), Auburn Hills Avondale
• Jaden Mills (ATH), Ferndale
• Blaze Jeffries (WR/CB), Royal Oak
• Khanye Donalson (QB), Pontiac
• Benjamin Bullock (LB), Berkley
susceptible to injury, even with the most careful movements. By focusing on strengthening these deep, paraspinal muscles, you can better protect your spine, maintain proper posture and enjoy your yard work with less risk of pain or injury,” Semp said. Call Staff Writer Kara Szymanski at (586) 498-1029.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
AUG. 14
Outdoor concert: Featuring Weekend Comeback, 7-9 p.m., Hiram Sims Park, 1299 Quinif Drive in Walled Lake, walledlake.us
AUG. 16-17
Woodward Dream Cruise: Officially held 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Aug. 17, participating cities along 16-mile radius of M-1 include Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Huntington Woods, Berkley, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and Pontiac, more events for both days at woodwarddreamcruise.com
AUG. 17 Native plant identification workshop: 10 a.m.-1 p.m., Indian Springs Metropark Environmental Discovery Center, 5175 Indian Trail in White Lake, hahnk@msu.edu, events.anr.msu.edu/NativePltID, (248) 8024590
AUG. 18
Music @ Main: Hear Janet Christensen play summer love songs, 2-3 p.m., West Bloomfield Township Public Library, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, (248) 682-2120, wblib.org
AUG. 22
Kids Komotion: Free interactive concert featuring Guy Louis Sferlazza, 10 a.m.-noon, also inflatables and Optimist Club of West Bloomfield selling snacks and refreshments, Marshbank Park, 2805 Hiller Road in West Bloomfield, wbparks.org/series/kids-komotion-concerts, (248) 451-1900
AUG. 24
Pollinator festival: Learn about pollinators and how to help, plus hands-on activity stations and honey for sale, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Marshbank Park, 2805 Hiller Road in West Bloomfield, wbparks.org
AUG. 29
West Bloomfield/Farmington Senior Expo: Connect with 50-plus organizations specializing in assistance and care, also free health screenings, prize drawings, giveaways and refreshments, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., The J (formerly Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit), 6600 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield, (248) 524-4868, facebook.com/SeniorExpoUSA
VIEW MORE! Visit candgnews.com/ calendar or use this QR code
CLASS REUNIONS
Franklin School - all alumni and family/friends: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 1 at Franklin Historical Museum, 26165 13 Mile Road, open house 2-4 p.m. at former Franklin School (now Huda School & Montessori), 32220 Franklin Road, and happy hour 4-6 p.m. at Franklin Community Association Park, 26495 Carol Ave., RSVP for happy hour by noon Aug. 31 at fcamichigan.org/form/m/284879
Cousino High School Class of 1969: 55-year reunion, classes of 1967-1971 also welcome, 7 p.m. Sept. 6, Roger’s Roost, 33262 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights, RSVP to Larry Wilk at lwilk@ comcast.net
Mount Clemens High School — all alumni: Cash food and
AUG. 29-SEPT. 2
Michigan State Fair: Activities include live music and entertainment, midway rides and games, agriculture and livestock showcases, Shrine Circus, Beginning of Life exhibit, competitions for giant pumpkins, home brewing, baking, singing and more, 5K, racing pigs and Rock-NRoll K-9’s, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 29-30, 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Aug. 31-Sept. 1 and 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 2, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, michiganstatefairllc.com
ONGOING
‘Beyond Boundaries’: See exhibit featuring six Michigan artists, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays in August, also reception 6-9 p.m. Aug. 24, Art Leaders Gallery, 33086 Northwestern Highway in West Bloomfield, artleaders.com
Waterford Oaks Wave Pool: Open select dates until Sept. 2, 1702 Scott Lake Road, (248) 858-0918, waterfordoakswaterpark@oakgov. com, oakgov.com
Live music: 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, Fork n’ Pint, 4000 Cass-Elizabeth Road in Waterford, (248) 791-3256, forknpintcasslake.com
Farmers markets: 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays through October, Ambrose Public Safety Campus, 1499 E. West Maple Road in Walled Lake, walledlake.us
With the same link, click and sign in using your Google or Facebook information, or easily create a CitySpark account.
refreshments, 5 p.m. Sept. 13, Rec Bowl, 40 Crocker Blvd. in Mount Clemens, contact Ron Hiestand at (586) 463-6386 or drron82@ yahoo.com with questions
Osborn High School Class of 1974: 50-year reunion includes dinner and open bar, 6-11 p.m. Sept. 20, Blossom Heath Inn, 24800 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, osborn1974.com
Grosse Pointe North High School Class of 1974: 50-year reunion includes cash bar, food stations, photo booth and GPN gift, 5:30 p.m. Sept. 21, Grosse Pointe Yacht Club, 788 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, also casual gathering 7 p.m. Sept. 20, WaterMark Bar and Grille, 24420 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, grossepointenorth1974.com
• 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
Game nights: For Sylan Lake residents only, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sylvan Lake Community Center, 2456 Pontiac Drive, (248) 682-1440, sylvanlake.org/community_center
• 5-6:30 p.m. every first and third Wednesday of month, Commerce Township Community Library, 180 E. Commerce Road, (248) 6698108, commercetwp.com/library
Veterans peer support group: For men, hosted by Oakland Community Health Network, 5:30-7 p.m. every third Tuesday of month through November, CNS Healthcare, 279 Summit Drive in Waterford Township, RSVP to (248) 294-0063
Michigan Renaissance Festival: New activities include House of Dragons, Barbi Mermaid, and crow’s nest and barrel rides, themed weekends include Pirates & Pups Aug. 17-18, Highland Fling Aug. 2425, Vikings Invasion Aug. 31-Sept. 2, Wonders of the World Sept. 7-8, Shamrocks & Shenanigans Sept. 14-15, Harvest Huzzah Sept. 21-22, and Festival Friday and Sweet Endings Sept. 27-29, 9 a.m.-7 p.m., 12600 Dixie Highway in Holly, michrenfest.com
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Events should appear online within 2 hours, and will appear in print as space permits. There’s no limit as to how many you can submit. WANT TO SEE YOUR
email calendar@candgnews.com
SOUTHFIELD — At 1:30 p.m. July 11, a guest heard a knock on the door of her hotel room in the 27000 block of Northwestern Highway.
When the guest opened the door, there was a man with a gun pointing at her.
The guest ran out of the room and to the front desk, and the gunman fled the area. Nothing was taken and no one was injured during the incident.
Guitar stolen from car
SOUTHFIELD — Someone had their guitar stolen from their vehicle between 1:30 and 9:40 a.m. July 8 in the 26000 block of Berg Road, according to a police report.
$1K stolen in home invasion
SOUTHFIELD — Between 9 a.m. and 11:34 p.m. July 13, a resident discovered that her front door had been damaged, according to a police report. Approximately $1,000 in cash was taken from the home, located in the 26000 block of West 12 Mile Road.
Witness reports car stolen
SOUTHFIELD — A caller told Southfield police that they observed four to five males break out of a window of a 2023 Kia Forte at 12:37 a.m. July 14 in the 25000 block of Grodan Drive. The caller said the men started the car and left.
Police apprehend car thief
SOUTHFIELD — A 2021 Mazda CX-9 was stolen from the 28000 block of Franklin Road at 9:38 p.m. July 11. Officers located the stolen vehicle as it was leaving the immediate area, and a chase ensued.
The chase resulted in the suspect exiting the vehicle and fleeing on foot, but officers apprehended him.
Vehicle theft outside restaurant
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 9 p.m. July 12 and 3 a.m. July 14, an unknown person stole the complainant’s vehicle from his parking spot in the street at Hop Cat at 430 S. Main St.
Intoxicated driver found asleep outside Sunoco
TROY — Officers on patrol saw a suspicious vehicle at the Sunoco gas station at 5012 Rochester Road at 3:18 a.m. July 12.
The business
and
Officers awoke the driver, a 56-year-old Macomb man. While speaking with him, they noted that his eyes were bloodshot and glassy, his speech was slurred, and there was an odor of intoxicants emitting from his person.
The driver was asked to perform several sobriety evaluations, and the officers noted that he performed poorly. He submitted to a preliminary breath test with a result of a 0.14% blood alcohol content.
He was arrested and transported to the Troy police lockup, where he agreed to submit to a chemical breath test, with a result 0.175%. He was issued a citation for operating with a blood alcohol content of 0.17% or more.
Fraudulent U.S. Immigration letter results in check scam
TROY — In December 2023, a Troy resident reportedly received a letter supposedly from U.S. Immigration, demanding a check payment of $137.20.
The resident sent the check to the address provided, but did not notice it had not been deposited.
In July, the resident was notified by their bank about an overdraft alert. Upon contacting their bank, the resident discovered an unknown suspect had altered the check, changing the payee and increasing the amount to $9,500.
Shoplifting incident reveals possession of illegal substance
TROY — On July 19, at 11:05 a.m., police officers were notified by Kohl’s loss prevention officers of a retail fraud in progress and responded to the store at 500 John R Road.
The suspect, a 42-year-old Detroit man, was observed exiting the store with a duffel bag full of unpaid merchandise. Officers detained him, and he was escorted back to the security office.
Loss prevention officers inventoried the stolen merchandise and found 24 items worth $1.011.24 total. During a pat-down of the man, officers located a glass crack pipe in his pants pocket.
The suspect was arrested and transported to the Troy police lockup facility. During the booking process, lockup staff observed a brown powdery substance in the suspect’s sock. The substance later tested positive for heroin.
The suspect was charged with retail fraud and possession of a controlled substance.
Inebriated driver found slumped over in 7-Eleven parking lot
TROY — Officers were dispatched to the 7-Eleven at 3982 Crooks Road after a caller reported a tan
the driver appeared to be slumped over the center console at 1:41 a.m. July 18.
Upon arrival, officers knocked on the vehicle’s window and awoke the driver. While speaking with her, officers noted a strong odor of intoxicants emanating from the vehicle.
The driver was asked to perform several sobriety evaluations, and the officers noted she performed poorly. She submitted to a preliminary breath test, with a result of a 0.185% blood alcohol content.
The driver, a 47-year-old West Bloomfield woman, was arrested. During the impound of her vehicle, officers noted both the front and rear passenger tires were flat.
The case was turned over to the Detective Bureau for appropriate charges.
Suspect fraudulently orders products using another person’s account
TROY — A resident of Dorchester Road reported July 13 that an unknown suspect gained access to his Amazon account.
The suspect ordered $450 worth of products to be delivered to an address that the resident was unfamiliar with.
The resident became aware of the fraud when he received an email from Amazon notifying him that his purchases had been delivered.
Attempted Vehicle Theft
NOVI — A man parked his rental car in a lot on Haggerty Road at 5 p.m. July 15, and when he returned to the vehicle at 7 a.m. the next day, he found that the rear passenger side window of the Dodge had been broken out and that some of the electrical components under the glove box had been tampered with. When officers arrived, they noted shattered glass inside the vehicle and on the ground. Officers also said in the report that a control module under the glove box had been pulled out and “obviously” tampered with. The center console tray had also been taken. Police searched the area but there were no cameras that would have recorded the incident.
Police make arrests for alleged fraud
NOVI — A man and a woman reportedly were caught making fraudulent transactions at 8:25 p.m. July 18 at Walmart in Novi. The couple was seen at the self-checkout attempting to commit fraud with an exchange of gift cards. In order to prevent the couple from leaving, the police officer handcuffed both of them pending investigation.
After viewing the security footage, police advised the couple that they were under arrest for fraud. They
released with a court date.
Purse snatched
MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an 85-year-old Troy resident had a purse stolen from a shopping cart in the 32000 block of John R Road between 4 p.m. and midnight July 13. Police were investigating.
AirPods stolen
BERKLEY — A 38-year-old Hazel Park man was suspected of retail fraud July 8 at a cellphone store at 27861 Woodward Ave.
According to the report, police were called to a T-Mobile store at 12:42 p.m. July 9 for a report of a larceny the day before. The manager told police a man came in and purchased items on his T-Mobile account. It was discovered after the man left the store that a pair
Burglary
Tinted