CRUISEFEST PARADE TO BRING THE CLASSICS BACK TO BERKLEY
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
BERKLEY — Classic vehicles from yesteryear will take to the city of Berkley during Woodward Dream Cruise weekend.
The Berkley CruiseFest Classic Car Parade will take place at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16. The parade will be
Ferndale Dream Cruise returns for year 29
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
FERNDALE — The birthplace of the Woodward Dream Cruise is ready to celebrate the historic event once again.
The 29th annual Ferndale Dream Cruise will take place Aug. 16-17 with many events to attract attendees to the downtown, highlighted by Mustang Alley, which is presented by Ford Motor Co., which will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 17.
on 12 Mile Road, traveling from Woodward Avenue to Greenfield Road.
Interim Parks and Recreation Director Dan McMinn stated that there are around 300 vehicles registered for the parade.
“It’s just a good time for people of the community and neighboring communities to come enjoy the cars
See BERKLEY on page 13A
Bill Tondreau, a member of the Mustang Alley committee, said 612 people registered to take part in the event before they had to cut off registration to allow people from the general public to sign up for the alley on the day of the event.
“I’ve been doing it for 18 years. It still surprises me how they wait for that moment to get preregistered, and how fired up they get just to be involved,” he said.
Tondreau said he works the gates to help bring in the Mustangs for the alley. He stated that he makes it a point to greet everyone who comes and attends.
“I feel it’s most important to greet them,” he said. “They’re taking the time to come out and, working for Ford, they’re our customers. I think it’s important to greet them all and thank them. So, it’s amazing to see how many people are lined up for this, because they know the day of the event, they’re a
See FERNDALE on page 7A
The Berkley CruiseFest Classic Car Parade will return to the downtown on 12 Mile Road Aug. 16. File photo by Donna Dalziel
Court’s ruling on wages, sick time reverberates across region
WORKERS, BUSINESSES AND ASSOCIATIONS REACT TO DIVIDED MICHIGAN SUPREME COURT DECISION
BY NICK POWERS AND MIKE KOURY npowers@candgnews.com, mkoury@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
See RULING on page 10A
BERKLEY NATIVE WINS DEMOCRATIC PRIMARY IN BID FOR STATE HOUSE REELECTION
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
BERKLEY — The state House representative from the city of Berkley will have a chance to continue serving in the Michigan Legislature.
Natalie Price, D-Berkley, overwhelmingly won her primary race for the Democratic Party nomination for the 6th District in the Michigan House of Representatives on Aug. 6 against Joseph R. Fisher.
The 6th District represents the cities of Berkley and Huntington Woods, and portions of the cities of Birmingham, Royal Oak, Bloomfield Township, Beverly Hills and Southfield. Price currently serves as the representative for the 5th District.
Of 13,787 votes cast in the Democratic Party primary, Price received 12,424 while Fisher received 1,363, according to the unofficial results. Price will be up against Brent M. Lamkin, who was uncontested in the Republican Party primary and received 3,668 votes.
Price said she was feeling grateful about her primary win.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the volunteers, the supporters and, most importantly, the voters who showed up and supported my candidacy,” she said.
Lamkin could not be reached for comment before press time about the upcoming race.
As far as what she plans to do in the coming months, Price said she will be working on legislation to update the vehicle code to allow local law
See ELECTION on page 4A
Photos provided by Chris Johnston
A ruling by the Michigan Supreme Court will increase the state’s minimum wage. The current minimum wage is $10.33 and $3.93 for tipped workers.
enforcement to enforce noise limitations on Woodward Avenue.
“I know it’s important to my constituents, because I hear from them daily about how their lives are impacted by law enforcement’s inability to enforce, and I continue to be focused on that priority,” she said.
Helena Scott, D-Detroit, also is seeking reelection to the state Legislature and was able to win her Democratic primary race for the 8th District against Chris Gilmer-Hill.
Scott received 10,100 of the 13,773 votes cast, and Gilmer-Hill received 3,673 votes. Her opponent will be Alex Kuhn, who ran unopposed in the Republican primary and received 651 votes.
The 8th District represents the cities of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge and a portion of Detroit. Scott currently serves in the 7th District.
Both Price and Scott changed districts as part of the redrawn district lines that were approved earlier this year.
Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.
OTHER ELECTION RESULTS
OAKLAND COUNTY — Besides the local state representative primaries, there were several other races on the Aug. 6 primary ballot in which voters chose which candidates would advance to the general election in November.
In the race to be Michigan’s next U.S. senator, Elissa Slotkin won the Democratic Party nomination and Mike Rogers won the Republican Party nomination. They will face each other Nov. 5 for the seat in Washington, D.C.
For the 11 District Representative in the U.S. House of Representatives, incumbent Haley Stevens won the Democratic nomination while Nick Somberg won the Republican nomination.
Incumbent Democrat David Coulter and Republican Nik Gjonaj ran unopposed for their parties’ nominations for Oakland County executive and will face each other in November.
The same was true for Oakland County prosecuting attorney, where incumbent Democrat Karen McDonald and Republican Scott Farida were unopposed for their parties’ nominations.
There were no challengers to Democrat Amrit Kohli and incumbent Republican Michael J. Bouchard in the primary for Oakland County sheriff.
The primary was similarly without suspense for the Oakland County clerk and register of deeds, where incumbent Democrat Lisa Brown and Republican Barb Pallotta ran without competition.
There was a primary in the Oakland County treasurer’s race. While incumbent Democrat Robert Wittenberg did not have a primary challenger, Donna Blake won the Republican nomination.
For Oakland County water resources commissioner, incumbent Jim Nash won the Democratic nomination and Steve Johnson won the Republican nomination.
The District 19 seat on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners was an uncontested primary as incumbent Democrat Charlie Cavell and Republican Paul Taros did not have any challengers for their parties’ nominations.
In the primary for 6th Circuit Court judge, Tricia Dare and Nicole Sophia-Calhoun Huddleston received the most and the second-most votes. They will run against each other for the seat in November.
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NEWS & NOTES
Ringwald’s next musical
FERNDALE — The Ringwald will be presenting its next show, “Applause,” later this month.
“Applause” is a musical adaptation of the film
“All About Eve.” The theater’s production of four performances will take place Aug. 23-26. The shows on Aug. 23-24 and Aug. 26 will be at 8 p.m., and the show on Aug. 25 will be at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $25 for shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and $15 on Monday.
The theater is located inside Affirmations in Ferndale, 290 W. Nine Mile Road. Tickets are available at theringwald.com.
BERKLEY GIVES UPDATE ON BALL FIELD
BERKLEY — The city of Berkley recently gave an update on one of its community baseball fields.
According to the city, it has been working in partnership with the Berkley School District to make improvements to Community Field No. 1, located at Gardner and Robina avenues. The field hosts two baseball programs, the school district’s varsity, junior varsity and middle school teams, and the Berkley Dads’ Club baseball league.
“Many helpful and productive conversations have taken place about a potential long-term lease of the field to the Berkley Schools while remaining a community partner, but the City Council is not ready to move forward with a new agreement at this time,” a news release states. “In light of the City’s failed millage request in May 2023 and significant leadership changes across multiple levels of our organization, the City Council is taking a step back to evaluate Berkley’s overall financial picture, including a comprehensive facilities and capital needs assessment that includes all Parks and Recreation facilities and other City assets. We appreciate the efforts made so far by all parties involved and expect the conversation about a new agreement with the Berkley Schools around Community Field #1 to continue in the future.”
District makes hires in athletic department
BERKLEY — The Berkley School District hired two new individuals this summer for roles in the athletic department.
SEE ‘DESPICABLE ME 4’ AT MARTIN ROAD PARK
FERNDALE — The Ferndale Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a movie at Martin Road Park this week.
There will be a showing of “Despicable Me 4” on the hill at Martin Road Park on Thursday, Aug. 15. Concessions will open at 7:30 p.m. and the movie will begin at 8:30 p.m. There also will be lawn games on-site before the movie starts.
The department advised people to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets for the showing.
The district hired Matt Rawlik as the athletic director at Berkley High School. Rawlik has taught social studies at the high school for the past two years and has been the varsity baseball coach since 2015.
“In the time I’ve worked alongside Mr. Rawlik, I’ve always been impressed with his leadership and initiative, both formally and informally within our school community,” Berkley High School Principal Andy Meloche said in a letter to the community. “He places a high emphasis on strong relationships, organization, communication and, most importantly, helping support our students to become their best selves. Mr. Rawlik has high expectations of himself and works hard to help elevate those around him to be successful.”
The district also brought on Lori Stone as the athletic coordinator for the middle school. Stone has been a physical education teacher at Norup International School for the last four years. She also was an athletic coordinator at the high school for eight years.
“Ms. Stone will continue to teach physical education at Norup part time and will assume the Middle School Athletic Coordinator duties the rest of her day. Mr. Rawlik and Ms. Stone will work together to support high school athletics, middle school athletics, unified sports, club sports, coaches and student athletes,” Meloche said. “Ultimately, I have no doubts that our students and coaches are in good hands and I believe the future of Berkley Athletics has never been brighter.”
Rawlik Stone
Photo by Colleen Scribner
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — 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
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.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Ferndale
from page 1A
mile-and-a-half long up Hilton Road. They get there sometimes before I get there. It’s crazy.”
Tondreau noted that for this year’s alley, they have 355 volunteers, which is 150 more than they usually have.
Other events of note include the Emergency Vehicle Show from 1 to 7 p.m. Aug. 16, the Lights & Sirens Cruise Parade, which will start at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 16 at Woodward and East Nine Mile Road, and the official ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. Aug. 16. There also will be Michigan Motorsports Racing Association’s Quarter Midget Youth Racing custom cars on display and the Kids Car Club Play Zone.
Event Director Michael Lary noted the ribbon-cutting ceremony will feature guest speakers Detroit Lions legend Herman Moore and Julius Curry, owner of Curry Motorsports.
Lary said he’s happy to have both Moore and Curry as speakers, as they are focused on helping youth, which is how the Dream Cruise got its start almost 30 years ago with the fundraising for a youth soccer field.
With 29 years under the city of Ferndale’s belt with the cruise, Lary has seen the event change from specifically being about
classic cars to being about all kinds of vehicles.
“The audience, the spectators of people who come to this event, have changed the mission or the purpose of the Woodward Dream Cruise. So now it still remains about the classics or the days that have gone by, but it’s also evolved to embrace all things that are automotive,” he said.
“You see every year not just the classics, but you see people in their creative mind, the art of the automotive, and how people have taken a beat-up vehicle, for example, and turned it into something really creative and beautiful and funny,” he continued. “It doesn’t have to necessarily be an antique or a classic. It can be a modern vehicle, but everything that evolves or anything that’s automotive is celebrated. So it has evolved to where it’s not about us, those of us who organize this event, because it doesn’t matter what event you organize, it’s the spectators, the audience, that decides what they like and don’t like, and the majority of the people that come to this event now are from all areas of the automotive industry and what they like and don’t like. They all come together and they celebrate the automotive, because it is the Motor City.”
For more information on the Dream Cruise, visit ferndaledreamcruise.com.
Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Dream Cruise festivities in Ferndale are highlighted by Mustang Alley, which will see hundreds of classic and modern Ford vehicles pack Nine Mile Road.
CRIME WATCH
Woman discovers home rental scam
BERKLEY — Berkley police were alerted to a home rental scam at 12:29 p.m. July 25 in the 2100 block of Rosemont Road, which is near 12 Mile Road and Coolidge Highway.
The police report states that a 30-year-old Taylor woman told Berkley police that she had responded to an advertisement on Facebook Marketplace to rent a home in the city. She heard from a man and had a walk-through of the home. When she was given the leasing agreement, the name of the man was different from what she had been given before.
The woman contacted the state and requested property owner information. She contacted the owners and learned that the property was not for rent. The owners were notified of the scam and Facebook was notified of the listing.
Business catches fraudulent license
BERKLEY — Police were notified of a fraud case at 3:06 p.m. July 24 at 3916 W. 11 Mile Road.
According to the police report, a 19-year-old Bloomfield Hills man entered Quality Roots to purchase cannabis. The manager took a license from the man with a birth date that stated he was 21 years old.
The license was found to be fake and police were called. The man left the store before an officer could arrive. The case was turned over to the Public Safety Department’s detective bureau.
— Mike Koury
LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT READY FOR DREAM CRUISE WEEKEND
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
FERNDALE/BERKLEY — The Woodward Dream Cruise is almost ready to kick off, and local police departments are ready for the influx of drivers for the busy weekend.
There will be Dream Cruise events and festivities Aug. 16-17 in the metro Detroit area, including in both the cities of Ferndale and Berkley.
Ferndale Police Department communications liaison Evan Ahlin said the department is preparing for the weekend as it normally does, coordinating safety protocols with local law enforcement entities to keep the public safe.
“The main thing that we want the public to know is, because this is the first year that the bike lanes will actually be on Woodward, so there’ll be no standing or setting up chairs within the bike lanes,” he said. “Those bike lanes do need to remain open for people on bikes to move throughout.”
Ahlin also wanted to warn Dream Cruise attendees to not set up tents inside the medians when they’re taking in the passing vehicles on Woodward.
The most important thing Ahlin shared, espe-
Peek Inside Your Health: Full Body MRI Screenings
Unveil Silent Issues Before Symptoms Arise
(Southfeld, MI) Full body MRI clinics have gained national attention lately, as TV personalities publicly share their personal full body scan experiences. One actress credits the scan for saving her life after doctors dismissed her unexplained pain for months. After various tests, including a CT scan, had “unremarkable” results, the pregnant actress became her own advocate, searched out a full body MRI clinic and discovered she had pancreatic cancer. Tanks to early detection the tumor was removed successfully.
As a general rule, when symptoms occur related to cancer, it usually has progressed to stage three or four. Even with annual physicals, there are limitations. Most screenings only cover about 29% of cancers with 71%
occurring outside of where doctors are able to screen. However, full body MRI scans can detect cancer in every organ from the top of the head through the pelvis and can detect it very early.
For a long time, full body MRI scans were available only in select areas outside of Michigan, requiring expensive fights like in Vancouver or California. However, this changed when a facility opened in Southfeld, making these screenings available to Metro Detroit residents.
“Our advanced MRI screening can detect cancers very early when they are as small as a pencil eraser and are more easily treatable. If cancer goes undetected, however, it can grow into stage three or stage four with difcult treatments. We can also identify
hundreds of conditions such as brain, abdominal, chest, and groin aneurysms,” stated the founder of the Southfeld clinic called Bionicc Body Screening.
cially with events like these in the hot summer sun, was that everyone needs to stay hydrated.
“It’s gonna be a long day and people are going to be out there. And more than one occasion, we do have people (passing) out because they are dehydrated and whatnot. So that is one thing that just the public should be cognizant of as well,” he said.
Berkley Public Safety Detective Lt. Andrew Hadfield said the department will start increasing patrols and bring in additional people when possible as Woodward begins to get busier.
“Obviously, this week there’ll be increased enforcement along Woodward just trying to keep any type of reckless driving or other dangerous driving down,” he said.
Hadfield asked everyone to be mindful of others and to be patient as they try to move throughout the area, as there will be a lot of visitors this weekend.
“We want to put on a good show for the rest of metro Detroit, for our community and for the surrounding communities,” he said, “and for those that are heading out of town to be safe and come back when they can.”
Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.
MRI full body screenings are safe, non-invasive and emit zero radiation. Book in August to save $450.
Te primary focus of Bionicc Body Screening is to deliver peace of mind, ofering a comprehensive and detailed imaging of the body’s internal structures. Te ultimate hope is for excellent health. However, in the event that something is detected, the advanced screening aims to catch any potential issues at their earliest stages. Tis approach ofers the best opportunity for successful treatment outcomes, should the need arise.
Robert B., age 50, opted for a
full body scan from Bionicc Body Screening and a very small tumor was detected. He said, “It saved my life. Teir MRI found a kidney tumor that had been missed by a recent CT scan. I cannot recommend this service more.” Save $450 when you book a full body MRI appointment for the month of August. Learn more now by visiting www.BioniccBodyScreening.com (Tis is a limited time ofer.) Schedule today at 1-833-BIONICC. 0301-2433
Pantera
from page 6A
hung out, met girls and met up with some of our buddies.”
The following year, the duo were back at cruising altitude 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 midengine 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.”
likes to take his
out for drives as often as possible. The Pantera’s Ford motor made the car especially attractive to Fridenberg, a retired Ford engineer. Main Office: 13650 E. 11 Mile Road Warren, MI 48089 (586) 498-8000 facebook.com/woodwardtalk @candgnews
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 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.”
Editor: David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com
Reporter: Mike Koury | (586) 498-1077 | mkoury@candgnews.com
Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Robert Fridenberg
Pantera
Ruling
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 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
‘Let’s build a butter world’
Cannabis dispensaries are on practically every block these days, but there’s one right here in the neighborhood that stands out for its commitment to quality and personalized service.
From the moment customers step inside the dispensary, they’re enveloped by the inviting scent of buttery popcorn. Then a customer service representative assists them with their product selection, ensuring a tailored and satisfying experience.
“One of the things we focus on is bringing in superior products for our store through a rigorous vetting process to ensure our vendors match the quality we want for our consumers,” said Director of Retail Lindsay Sufety. “Our goal is to create a loyal customer base by making our retail spaces enjoyable and also understanding and fulfilling what our customers are looking to achieve.”
The dispensary ofers a wide array of products for both novice and experienced consumers, including flowers in a variety of strains such as Sativa, Indica and Hybrid, pre-rolls, vaporizers, edibles, concentrates, topicals, tinctures, accessories and CBD.
butter is also vertically integrated, meaning they produce their own products using proprietary methods that ensure the highest quality.
“We care deeply about the plant and believe that positive experiences with it will help destigmatize
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!”
Chris Johnston, a longtime restaurant owner in Ferndale, saw both sides as to why people will like the decision and why they won’t.
“Since the pandemic, I think the talent pool has greatly shrank for both front-ofhouse and back-of-house employees in the restaurant business,” he said. “Because of that shrink, to hold on to the talented people that we’ve had and to attract new ones, our minimum wage that we’ve paid has gone up quite a lot. So that increase in minimum wage for back-of-house employees wouldn’t really affect us, because we’re already above that.” He added that most of those employees make around $15 an hour.
Johnston, who owns Woodward Avenue Brewers, The Emory and The Loving Touch, said front-of-house employees haven’t made less than $5 an hour in a long time, so on these fronts, he doesn’t see the changes affecting his businesses much.
“I think that one of the psychological things that may change (is) when customers think that waitstaff is already making a higher wage, they’ll be less inclined to tip,” he said. “I’m sure that will happen. … I think
See RULING on page 15A
cannabis,” Lindsay explained. “We also grow our own cannabis, with a special focus on the flower. Our four co-founders share a passion for the plant and the industry, and strive to diferentiate the company through sustainability, packaging and our unique approach to how we grow our flower, how we treat the people within our company and the special attention we give the customers who come through our doors.”
They also developed a product that combines hash rosin with infused honey. For this, they partnered with Bees in the D, a Detroit nonprofit that promotes honeybees while educating and building a network of urban beehives.
“It’s a unique product that’s also very delicious,” Lindsay said, adding that a portion of the sales from this product will be contributed to their eforts to preserve local bee populations. Summer Smoke-Out Special: Mention this article and get butter-branded deli flower for $5 a gram (product only, not the plant).
butter is located at 2222 W. Eleven Mile Rd. in Berkley. Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Saturday. For more information, call (248) 997-4522 or visit butterworld.com. Follow @butterworldmi on Instagram.
Director of Retail: Lindsay Suffety
Building a better world in Berkley
The James Ferndale: The Top-of-the-line Independent Living Facility in Ferndale
The site of a former Catholic school and convent, The James Ferndale is a top-of-the-line independent living facility that offers activities, great service and charm. It’s a senior community for couples and individuals that is designed to provide a feeling of worry-free, classical elegance and comfort.
Located across from St. James Catholic Church in the thriving community of Ferndale, The James Ferndale has attracted many residents who fondly remember the days when the school was active. The building has been updated and retroftted to keep as much of the original exterior and interior of the old school and rectory as possible, while adding in modern-day conveniences and technologies. The result is a community of studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments that offer similar features but different room sizes.
Demand for The James Ferndale apartments is signifcant and will likely grow further in the months ahead, said Executive Director Patrice Miller. The facility’s 104 apartments are flling up fast. The James does currently have openings and expect a waiting list soon. All rooms have high ceilings and convenient features. Residents receive three meals per day in a restaurant-style dining hall with a menu that offers regular favorites and many new options.
Activities are plentiful with a full-time activities director onsite. Yoga, meditation, bingo, card games, music nights and other regular activities, giving residents the opportunity to mingle with their neighbors and staff. “I think that’s what I really like about this place is that there’s a fellowship that exists with our residents,” Miller said. “Everyone looks out for each other.”
Many residents will gather in the warm weather months on the covered patio to enjoy the summer air. They can also take advantage of free transportation offered by appointment. Residents can get that free ride to any location within 10 miles of the facility, whether for a doctor’s appointment or trip to the grocery store.
The James Ferndale is more than an apartment building for older adults – it’s an amenity-rich community that makes it convenient for residents to get the services they want. That robust list of amenities, combined with being within walking distance of exciting downtown Ferndale, ensures an ideal lifestyle for today’s seniors over 55. There’s a gym, hair salon and physical therapist located on the property. Healthcare workers are onsite daily for minor needs. Residents can use the arts, crafts and game room or take their experienced green thumbs to some of the property’s garden areas.
The philosophy of The James Ferndale and its staff is to support residents in any way possible so that their stay is comfortable and convenient, Miller said. “We believe in aging in place so that our residents can be comfortable in a setting they enjoy and thrive in,” she added. So many features are included in the monthly price for residents that virtually all they need to pay extra for is cable and Internet costs, as other utilities are handled by The James Ferndale. Plus, if family members want to visit, there’s a one-bedroom guest suite available for approved loved ones to stay in at a reasonable price. Their three daily meals are also included during their stay.
To further stress the level of comfort available, full-time housekeepers and related staff keep the facility shining. All apartments are cleaned by hired staff twice monthly at no extra charge as well. With chef-prepared meals, an in-house theater, all-inclusive utilities and all the amenities its residents need, The James Ferndale is the perfect independent retirement community for those looking to enjoy their golden years. Learn more by visiting thejamesferndale.com or calling 248-554-3600.
55+ Senior Living
In addition to the parade, there also will be downtown activities for attendees to enjoy, including a movie showing at The Neighbor’s Shoppe.
Berkley
from page 1A
and enjoy the city of Berkley,” he said.
McMinn noted that if people still are looking to register for the parade, they can do so at the Berkley Community Center at 2400 Robina Ave.
“We do send out tickets for them to get into the station area at Roseland Park Cemetery. So, that’s how we know they’ve paid and everything like that. And with it being so close to the event now, it is a little bit late to mail out those tickets, but if they did want to still register, they can come to the community center, pay right on-site and get a ticket for the event,” he said.
Longtime Berkley resident Eric Murrell will be bringing his 1967 Volkswagen bus to drive in the parade.
Owner of the classic van since 2003, Murrell said he really likes the counterculture vibe of the early Volkswagen buses.
“Everyone’s got a story about how they drove to college in one or they used to party in one back in the ’70s or ’60s, depending on when they may have had access to it,” he said. “I’ve always really liked the counterculture aspects of my hippie mobile. It’s undeniably part of that era.”
Murrell has participated in almost every CruiseFest parade and loves the “unique” experience the event brings to Dream Cruise weekend.
“It’s only classic cars. They’re going down the road in single file. It’s very easy to see the cars and see what’s going on. We love the people. Our vehicle gets a great reception,” he said. “Before we had the vehicle, I used to watch the parade, but then also participating in the parade, we got a lot of positive reaction from our vehicle. We get lots of applause and waving and people standing up and saluting us. And it’s a lot of fun to see it from the side of a participant in the parade, because you really begin to see how … people remember the old Volkswagen buses and the important part it had in their lives.”
There also will be a party downtown following the parade that includes musical entertainment from Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations and a showing of the movie “Cars” at The Neighbor’s Shoppe, located at 2833 12 Mile Road, roughly around 7:30 p.m.
McMinn said the whole event offers a little something to everyone who attends.
“The parade is great for the people who love the cars, but I think the after-party is great for people who just want to spend time with their neighbors,” he said. “It’s an all-encompassing event that brings out the best in Berkley, and we’re happy to do it each year.”
For more information on CruiseFest and the event, visit berkleymich.org/departments/parks_and_recreation/cruisefest.php.
Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.
File photo by Donna Dalziel
HOMES WOODWARD TALK
14A/AUGUST
PREVENT SERIOUS INJURIES WHILE WORKING IN THE YARD
BY KARA SZYMANSKI kszymanski@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — 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.
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 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.
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
Ruling
people are using that as an argument against the higher minimum wage, but I don’t know. I think the habit of tipping is a hard one to break and I find that myself, you know, I can’t imagine not tipping, and I can’t imagine someone saying, ‘Well, they’re making enough money.’ Maybe just because I’m in the restaurant business myself that I would never feel that way, I would always just tip and try to help them out, because I know what a tough job it is.”
With more than 20 years in the restaurant business, Johnston said nothing has ever been constant and everything always is changing, such as smoking rules and being able to drink outside in Ferndale.
“It’s a difficult, difficult business, and if you think the sky is falling and everything’s going to end because of one thing, I don’t really think that’s the case,” he said. “I’m an optimist at heart, so I’ll always try to … get through it. But it definitely could be challenging, but there are always ways that you can do things more efficiently to partially make up for it.”
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— 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 legisla-
ture 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.”
16A/ WOODWARD TALK• AUGUST 14, 2024
C & G NEWSPAPERS’ PROJECTED STANDINGS FOR OAA FOOTBALL SPORTS
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
West Bloomfield (10-3, 3-2)
Lake Orion (10-1, 5-0)
Clarkston (6-6, 4-1)
Rochester Adams (6-4, 2-3)
Oxford (4-6, 1-4)
Heading into the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 state tournament last year, the OAA Red was home to three potential 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),
C & G NEWSPAPERS PROJECTED STANDINGS FOR CHSL FOOTBALL
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
The Catholic High School League is shaping up to have a memorable season on its hands with a slew of teams fighting for the top spot in the Central Division and movement between Intersectional 1 and Intersectional 2 teams shaking up the divisions.
Below is C&G Newspapers’ projected standings for the 2024-2025 CHSL football season (regular season and division records from last year in parenthesis):
CHSL Central Division
Warren De La Salle Collegiate (11-3, 5-1)
Toledo Catholic Central (16-0, 6-0)
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (3-6, 3-3)
Detroit Catholic Central (8-3, 4-2)
Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice (0-9, 0-6)
Toledo St. John’s Jesuit (4-7, 2-4)
Similar to how the Macomb Area Conference Red or Oakland Activities Association Red operate, the CHSL Central Division is truly a dogfight each week, and expected improvements from Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s only makes it more of a gauntlet.
Warren De La Salle Collegiate, which lost to Muskegon in the Division 2 state finals, and Toledo Central Catholic, which won its sixth Ohio state title last year, are the two heavyweights hoping one of its league counterparts can do some dirty work and give one of the top teams a loss before DLS and Central Catholic meet up on Sept. 20.
Central Catholic won the first meeting between the two schools 28-23 on their turf, but DLS will have the home field advantage this time around.
It’s always been about retooling a graduating class for DLS, but the Pilots return a healthy amount of all-Region talent in Jacob Hoffman (OL), Damion King IV (WR), Sante Gasperoni (QB), Jacob Tur (DL), Anthony Presnell (DL), Dalton Drogosh (LB) and Isaiah Jones (DB), who are not only motivated to regain control of the Central Division but to take back the D2 state championship.
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s (OLSM) and Detroit Catholic Central (DCC) are prime candidates for throwing a wrench in the plans of a DLS or Central Catholic, but the two schools are also geared up for another battle after a 16-14 DCC win over OLSM last year ultimately swung DCC to finish third and OLSM to finish fourth in the league.
This year will be on OLSM’s turf as the Eaglets host DLS and DCC in back-to-back weeks.
For Brother Rice, you hope the offseason splash of hiring former Southfield A&T football coach Aaron Marshall motivates the guys this year.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
LEFT: Warren De La Salle Collegiate head coach Dan Rohn looks on during the Catholic High School League’s media day on July 31 at Farmington Hills Mercy High School. CENTER: Macomb Lutheran North head coach Garrett Wenzelburger speaks at the Catholic High School League media day on July 31 at Farmington Hills Mercy High School.
RIGHT: Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice head coach Aaron Marshall smiles in his new uniform as he enters his first year leading the Brother Rice sidelines.
OAA
from page 16A
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
Birmingham Groves (6-4, 4-1)
Harper Woods (11-3, 3-2)
Southfield A&T (13-1, 5-0)
Rochester (3-6, 2-3)
Rochester Hills Stoney Creek (3-6, 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
Birmingham Seaholm (9-2, 4-0)
Oak Park (3-6, 2-2)
North Farmington (4-5, 3-1)
Troy (5-4, 1-3)
Farmington (2-7, 1-4)
Bloomfield Hills (1-8, 0-5)
Troy Athens (3-6, 0-4)
The OAA Blue could inevitably end up being the league with the most movement in
PLAYERS TO WATCH IN THE OAA FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Elisha Durham, (WR) West Bloomfield
Kamren Flowers (WR), West Bloomfield
Beau Jackson (QB), West Bloomfield
Tristan Hill (QB), Lake Orion
Ryan Rocheleau (WR), Lake Orion
Greyson Clark (ATH), Clarkston
Matteo Humbert, (RB/LB) Rochester Adams
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
Chris Little, (WR) Birmingham Groves
Nick Hardy (WR), Birmingham Groves
Noah Sanders (RB), Birmingham Groves
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
Mario Campoy-Lovasco (RB), Birmingham Groves
Avery Gach (OL/DL), Birmingham Groves
Jordan Melton, (S) Southfield A&T
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
Penn Roberts, (RB/LB) Birmingham Seaholm
Wesley Billings (K), Birmingham Seaholm
Ron’Dre Austion (DB), Oak Park
Brendon Rice (DL), North Farmington
Terrance James (WR), North Farmington
Noah Oury, (QB) Troy 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
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
Auburn Hills Avondale (9-2, 4-0)
Ferndale (4-5, 3-1)
Royal Oak (3-6, 2-2)
Pontiac (3-6, 1-3)
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
Birmingham Groves senior Chris Little makes an incredible one-handed grab.
Photo by Donna Dalziel
CHSL
Marshall, who led Southfield A&T to its first state title in school history last year, can only improve on a record that saw Brother Rice go winless for the first time since 1963, but his squad will start out with an immediate test in Roseville, which blanked Brother Rice 41-0 to open the 2023 season.
CHSL AA Division
Jackson Lumen Christi (13-1, 3-0)
Detroit U of D Jesuit (7-3, 2-1)
Dearborn Divine Child (6-5, 1-2)
Toledo St. Francis De Sales (1-9, 1-5 Central)
The CHSL AA Division is really in the hands of Jackson Lumen Christi, which is looking for its third-straight Division 7 state championship.
Lumen Christi outscored league opponents 105-19 en route to an unbeaten league record and 13-1 season.
Toledo St. Francis De Sales will make the jump from the Central Division to the AA, but De Sales hasn’t shown enough to prove it’s a worthy challenger to the Titans.
Until Jesuit or Divine Child steps up, it will more so be about the battle for second as Jesuit and Divine Child continue to put on great matchups.
Our projected standings favor Jesuit this season, which has beaten Divine Child in six-straight matchups and returns a core of all-Region talent in Jacob Bellinger (OL), Elijah Dotson (WR), Zach Green (DL), Kasim Gozic (LB), and DaCari Gilkey (DB).
Intersectional 1 Division
Detroit Loyola (4-6, 0-3 AA)
Riverview Gabriel Richard (8-5, 2-2)
Macomb Lutheran North (9-3, 4-0)
Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett (73, 4-1 Int 2)
Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard (8-3, 3-1)
OAA
from page 17A
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.
PLAYERS TO WATCH IN THE CHSL FOOTBALL LEAGUE
Sante Gasperoni (QB), Warren De La Salle
Damion King IV (WR), Warren De La Salle
Collegiate
Jacob Tur (DL), Warren De La Salle
Dalton Drogosh (LB), Warren De La Salle
Jabin Gonzales (QB), Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
Charles White (LB), Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
Bryson Williams (ATH), Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
Jayden Savoury (TE), Orchard Lake St. Mary’s
Jaden Pydyn (ATH), Detroit Catholic Central
Benjamin Eziuka (OL), Detroit Catholic Central
Lee Krueger (RB/LB), Detroit Catholic Central
Kadale Williams (RB), Jackson Lumen Christi
Dante Banks (ATH), University of Detroit Jesuit
Zachary Green (DL), University of Detroit Jesuit
Marcello Vitti (ATH), Dearborn Divine Child
Antonio Sobush (RB/SS), Riverview Gabriel
Richard
Joseph Calhoun (RB/LB), Riverview Gabriel
Richard
Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood (27, 1-3)
Aside from the Central Division, this may be one of the more fun league title races to watch for the upcoming year.
You could spend hours putting multiple teams in different spots to finish, and the likelihood is it will still be incorrect by the time the season is over.
Detroit Loyola, which is picked to finish in first in the Catholic League’s preseason poll, and Grosse Pointe Woods University Liggett, which played in Intersectional 2 after leaving Intersectional 1 in 2021, are the two unknowns for this league.
Loyola played one Intersectional 1 opponent last year in Cranbrook Kingswood, and they beat them 59-20, but that’s also a last place Cranbrook Kingswood team.
Liggett, on the other hand, is no stranger to Intersectional 1 play, but it would be better to have an elephant’s memory when trying to think about its tenure in the league.
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.
Bryson Franklin (OL), Ann Arbor Father Gabriel
Richard
Raylon Murry (MLB/ATH), Detroit Loyola
Owen Steinke (WR/DB), Bloomfield Hills
Cranbrook Kingswood
Mitchell Brewer (OL/DL), Madison Heights
Bishop Foley
Lucas Roman (RB/LB), Allen Park Cabrini
Cam Spezia (WR/DB), Marine City Cardinal Mooney
James Nedwick (ATH), Clarkston Everest Collegiate
Alex Asai (RB/LB), Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes
Josh Cairo (SB/LB), Royal Oak Shrine Catholic
Gary Stacy (RB), Grosse Pointe Woods University
Liggett
Hudson MacDonald (QB/WR), Macomb Lutheran North
Brady Thomas, Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice
The Knights were a bottom-half team, but the program is in a much better place than when the division last saw it.
Macomb Lutheran North and Riverview Gabriel Richard both return a core of talent that should have both teams contending again for a league title, but don’t count out Liggett to be a dangerous play each week.
Lutheran North is coming off a season where the program brought home its first district title and the most regular season wins in school history.
Lutheran North will travel to Riverview Gabriel Richard High School on Oct. 11, and Riverview Gabriel Richard has had Lutheran North’s number at home.
Since 2015, Riverview Gabriel Richard has four-straight wins over Lutheran North at home.
CHSL Intersectional 2 Division
Clarkston Everest Collegiate (9-3, 5-0)
Marine City Cardinal Mooney (6-5, 3-2)
Madison Heights Bishop Foley (1-8, 0-4 Int #1)
Allen Park Cabrini (5-6, 2-3)
Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes (3-6, 1-4) Royal Oak Shrine Catholic (1-8, 0-5)
It’s Clarkston Everest Collegiate’s league and everyone else is just playing in it.
Everest Collegiate outscored returning league opponents 147-39 last year en route to an unbeaten record, which didn’t include Everest Collegiate’s second win over Cardinal Mooney in the playoffs.
You could make an argument that Cardinal Mooney gave Everest Collegiate its toughest test in the league, but returning only three players on offense and four on defense leaves a lot of questions that only its play on the field can figure out.
University Liggett was the only team to really make Everest Collegiate sweat in a 31-29 game favoring Everest Collegiate, but the Knights are no longer the concern of any Intersectional 2 teams.
Allen Park Cabrini and Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes hope their returning starters can help improve on last year’s finish with the CHSL preseason poll picking league newcomer Bishop Foley to finish ahead of both the schools in third while Cardinal Mooney is slated to be in second.
It was a disaster year for Bishop Foley across the board in 2023, but it’s hoping to find its footing in Intersectional 2 play. Even in as tough of a position as Foley was in, it handled Shrine Catholic 33-6 last year, a Shrine Catholic team that had close losses with Cabrini (13-7) and Our Lady of the Lakes (28-21).
13650 E. Eleven Mile Rd. Warren, MI
See Ferndale’s
July Beautification Award winners
FAR LEFT: 1816 Academy St. was selected at the Coneflower Award winner for the month of July.
EAR LEFT: A home at 497 Wilson St. was the southeast area winner of the Ferndale Beautification Commission’s award for July.
BELOW: The northwest winner for the Ferndale Beautification Commission’s awards was 2028 Hyland St.
RIGHT: 3195 Chester St. was picked as the northeast quadrant winner for the Ferndale Beautification Commission’s July awards.
LEFT: The southwest quadrant winner for the month of July is 834 Marshfield St.
Photos by Erin Sanchez
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
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
Church yard sale: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Assumption of the Virgin Mary Orthodox Church, 2101 Livernois St. in Ferndale, ourrussianchurch.org
Ferndale Community Cleanup: 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Garbutt Park, 200 Gardendale St., then one free drink after at nearby Ferndale Project, 567 Livernois St., thecleanupclub.org
AUG. 23-26
‘Applause’: 8 p.m. Aug. 23-24 and 26, and 2 p.m. Aug. 25, Ringwald Theatre at Affirmations LGBTQIA+ Community Center, 290 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, theringwald.com
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
AUG. 30-SEPT. 2
Arts, Beats & Eats: Featuring 125-plus artists, hundreds of musical acts on nine stages including Cheap Trick, Tesla, Keith Sweat, Gin Blossoms and Thornetta Davis, and more than 50 restaurants, caterers and food trucks, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 30-Sept. 1 and 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sept. 2, downtown Royal Oak, artsbeatseats.com
ONGOING
Live music: 4-5 p.m. Aug. 18 (The Vig Arcadia), Aug. 25 (Stereobabe), Sept. 1 (Ammy Amorette) and Sept. 8 (Brad Stuart), Schiffer Park, Planavon Street and West Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, downtownferndale.
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
com, also 6:30 p.m. Aug. 22 (Frontier Ruckus), courtyard at Ferndale Area District Library, 222 E. Nine Mile Road, fadl.org/scs
Art exhibits: “Summer Invitational” showcases 60 art markets from metro Detroit, on display noon-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, noon-9 p.m. Fridays, and 1-5 p.m. Sundays until Aug. 30, mid-month reception 2-4:30 p.m. Aug. 18, Lawrence Street Gallery, Lawrence Street Gallery, 22620 Woodward Ave. (Suite A) in Ferndale, lawrencestreetgallery.com
• “The Pop Art Paintings of Michael Crane: Cat-O-Sphere & Beyond” on display 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays until Aug. 30, Woods Gallery at Huntington Woods Public Library, 26415 Scotia Road, woodsgallery.org
Splash pads: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. daily until Sept. 2, Martin Road Park, 1615 E. Lewiston Ave. in Ferndale, (248) 544-6767
• 11 a.m.-8 p.m. daily until Sept. 2, Oxford Park, 2100 Bacon Ave. in Berkley, (248) 658-3470
Birmingham & Ferndale Stamp Club: Meets 6-8 p.m. every first and third Tuesday of month, fellowship at 5:30 p.m., NEXT Senior Center, 2121 Midvale St. in Birmingham, birminghamstamp.club
WANT TO SEE YOUR OWN EVENTS ONLINE & IN PRINT — FOR FREE?
With the same link, click and sign in using your Google or Facebook information, or easily create a CitySpark account.
Input the details, upload a photo and select “Review Changes,” then “Submit and Finish.” 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.
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
Monthly book clubs: Find meetups for kids, science fiction, graphic novels and more, virtual and in person, Ferndale Area District Library, 222 E. Nine Mile Road, also groups which meet off site, see full list at fadl.org/upcoming-events
• Meets 3
Ferndale Senior Group: Meets 11 a.m. every second and fourth
For questions, 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 was closed and the 2020 Ford F-150 was along the curb outside the front entrance. The vehicle was running and the headlights were on. The lone occupant was asleep in the driver’s seat with
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 of Apple AirPods had been taken.
Security footage showed the suspect removing the AirPods from the box and placing them in his pocket without paying. The suspect only paid for a
Tinted