State program supports local hospitality courses
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
According to the state’s workforce and development department, hospitality and tourism are responsible for almost 10% of all employment in Michigan, but staffing has lagged since the pandemic.
In light of that, the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity has expanded a program to reach additional Michiganders looking for a rewarding and high-paying career, the state said.
The Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan launched a third round of 2024 hospitality business management courses in Troy and Farmington Hills in July with the support of the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Previously, HTIM piloted this program to about 100 students.
Those interested in further exploring potential opportunities within the hospitality industry have the chance to build their skills and certification needs through the HTIM.
100 WOMEN WHO CARE LOOKS FOR NEW MEMBERS
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
In 2016, Nancy Hauff and four colleagues formed the Troy chapter of 100 Women Who Care to help create a direct, positive impact on the organizations in the area.
They currently have around 55 members, and they are welcoming new ones.
The 100 Women Who Care nonprofit began in Jackson, Michigan, in 2006 as a way to bring different women together to help raise money for local charities. From there, hundreds of chapters connected to 100 Women Who Care have formed in different areas all over the world.
Troy’s chapter has raised funds for a diverse array of local charity organizations, including the Troy Foundation for Educa-
See WOMEN on page 26A
“We’re committed to local charities in Troy and the southeast Michigan area,” Hauff said.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Chris Woodruff, an instructor with the Hospitality Training Institute of Michigan, educates students interested in further pursuing a career in the hospitality industry through the institute’s hospitality business management courses. See HOSPITALITY on page 19A
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The frequency in severe weather has led to an increase in power outages. More than ever, you need to be prepared. Without power, your everyday modern essentials are rendered useless. Think about it, you’ll have no lights, heating or cooling, or refrigeration. You can’t even charge your cell phone. But when you have a Generac home standby generator, you will have power when you need it the most. It’s time to get serious about preparing your home.
The frequency in severe weather has led to an increase in power outages. More than ever, you need to be prepared. Without power, your everyday modern essentials are rendered useless. Think about it, you’ll have no lights, heating or cooling, or refrigeration. You can’t even charge your cell phone. But when you have a Generac home standby generator, you will have power when you need it the most. It’s time to get serious about preparing your home.
Trusted Protection During Unpredictable Weather
Call or go online today for more information
Call or go online today for more information
The frequency in severe weather has led to an increase in power outages. More than ever, you need to be prepared. Without power, your everyday modern essentials are rendered useless. Think about it, you’ll have no lights, heating or cooling, or refrigeration. You can’t even charge your cell phone. But when you have a Generac home standby generator, you will have power when you need it the most. It’s time to get serious about preparing your home.
Call or go online today for more information
The Troy Times 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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SECOND FRONT PAGE
Skating event gets people with disabilities on the ice
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
The Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Center in Troy hosted the Hockey Mentors for Special Players’ third annual hockey tournament and provided opportunities for disabled attendees to play hockey or learn to skate July 27.
Hockey Mentors For Special Players was started by Troy High School graduate Wyatt Lucas as a part of his Eagle Scout project in 2019 to host a hockey event for people with disabilities. Lucas himself has been playing hockey since he was 4 years old, and he is now a junior at Lawrence Technological University studying mechanical manufac-
Fraudulent PayPal emails lead to unauthorized Lowe’s, Amazon orders
BY SARAH WRIGHT wright@candgnews.com
Two separate PayPal scams were reported in the city recently.
On June 27, a Troy resident reported that she had received an email from who she thought was PayPal informing her that there had been suspicious activity on her account, according to a police report.
The victim called the number and was given a website and instructions that included entering personal information, police said. The woman became suspicious when the scammer asked for her banking information, and she ended the call and turned off her computer, police said.
The next day, the woman received a text message that her Lowe’s order was ready for pickup. She contacted her credit card company and was advised that an unauthorized transaction had been made on her account at Lowe’s.
The woman turned her computer back on and realized the suspects still had remote access, police said.
In a separate report from July 12, a woman told police that she had received an email supposedly from PayPal regarding a $299.99 purchase between 5:30 p.m. and 7:24 p.m.
Vendor Details Food Trucks
Photo by Erin Sanchez
The Hockey Mentors for Special Players’ annual hockey tournament and skating event July 27 allowed disabled attendees the chance to learn to skate or play hockey.
WINNING RECIPE CHOSEN IN CHARITY PIZZA CONTEST
Donation made to Lighthouse of Oakland County
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
A new champion has been crowned for the Shield’s Restaurant and Pizzeria 2024 Pizza Bake-Off Contest.
The Detroit, Southfield and Troy locations each picked a winning recipe from around 120 entries submitted. The winning pizza ideas include:
• Troy — “Smokehouse Pizza,” featuring Shield’s original crust, a smoky BBQ sauce, Wisconsin brick and cheddar cheeses, bacon, pulled pork, beef brisket, and caramelized onions, by Kyle Van Huysse.
• Southfield — “Philly Alfredo Pizza,” featuring Shield’s original crust, Alfredo sauce, Wisconsin brick cheese, marinated sliced steak, yellow and red bell peppers, sliced mushrooms, and onions, by Amin Numan.
• Detroit — “Spicy Surf & Turf Pizza,” featuring Shield’s original crust, Cajun-seasoned shrimp, spiced Italian sausage, and pepper jack cheese, by Cedric Wright.
On Tuesday, July 16, everyone gathered at Shield’s in Troy with a panel of judges to choose the winner. The four judges consisted of Charlie Langton from FOX 2 and WWJ Radio; Jonathan Carlson, the co-morning anchor at WWJ Radio; Aaron Amos, from CBS TV; and Matthew Phillips, a videographer from FOX.
In the end, and after much tasting enjoyment, the judges chose the Smokehouse Pizza as the 2024 winner.
Van Huysse is a mechanic from Sterling Heights who heard about Shield’s competition through some of his friends, as well as seeing Facebook posts about it. His idea for Smokehouse Pizza came from going to different smokehouses around the area and wanting to create a pizza he would personally enjoy by putting some of the different food options available at those smokehouses into a pizza.
“It’s pretty neat,” Van Huysse said. “It was definitely a good competition, and I’m a bit surprised I won. I would love it if the recipe was actually added to the menu full time.”
He won a $200 Shield’s gift certificate, while the other two winners received $100 Shield’s gift certificates. Lighthouse of Oakland County will also be among the winners, with a $200 donation from Shield’s.
The “Smokehouse Pizza,” submitted by Sterling Heights resident Kyle Van Huysse, was the winner of Shield’s Restaurant and Pizzeria 2024 Pizza Bake-Off Contest. This recipe includes Shield’s original crust topped with smoky barbecue sauce, Wisconsin brick and cheddar cheeses, bacon, marinated pulled pork and beef brisket, and caramelized onions.
“Lighthouse is one of our favorite places to work with,” Paul Andoni, of the Troy Shield’s location, said. “We anticipate a bigger turnout next year.” They gave $200 to Lighthouse
“What a great time this was,” Andoni said in a press release. “Kyle’s Smokehouse Pizza will be on the menu for a week and may even earn a permanent spot on the menu – people love the taste of it. Next year the event will be even bigger and better.”
He also said the Smokehouse pizza is going over well.
“We’re selling quite a few, and we’re certainly considering putting Smokehouse on our menu.”
For more information call (248) 6373131.
Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.
Photos provided by Paul Andoni
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Troy High grad selected for Student Leaders program
Program supports Focus: HOPE
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
Maria Nido, a recent graduate of Troy High School, is one of five metro Detroit high school students selected to join Bank of America’s 2024 Student Leaders program.
Prior to this internship, Nido has had a lot of experience helping communities, in and outside of the Troy area.
She founded the Single Mothers Initiative, which supported single mothers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nido has served as the Troy Cowboys varsity and Smith Middle School assistant cheer coach, a Vacation Bible School leader and a Leonard Elementary School 5th Grade Camp counselor. She was a member of the National Honors Society at Troy High School. She also represented the state of Michigan at the DECA International Career Development Conference, where she competed at the district and state levels, qualifying for the international competition.
“I got involved with this program (Student Leaders) because I really love helping out in the community,” Nido said in an email. “I found out about the program through social media and decided that it would be a really good experience for me to help out neighboring communities and make new connections.”
See LEADERS on page 12A
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Maria Nido has been selected to participate in the Bank of America Student Leaders program.
NEWS & NOTES
7A/ TROY TIMES • AUGUST 1, 2024
TROY — Architect David Donnellon, a member of the Troy Rotary Club, heard about the need for electricity at Qana Intermediate Public School in Lebanon from his friend, Allie Fayz.
“My friend Allie was born in the village of Qana and immigrated to the U.S. many years ago,” Donnellon said in a press release. “He’s the person who introduced me to the committee that selected me to become the architect for the Islamic Center of America in Dearborn. By helping the school in Qana, it was also a way to honor Allie.”
Donnellon set to work on a plan to provide 24 hours of solar electric power for the school year-round.
With contributions from the Troy and Dearborn Rotary clubs they were able to apply for and receive a matching grant for the project.
“We were happy to collaborate,” Eric Rader, the 2023-24 chair of the Dearborn Rotary Foundation, said in a press release. “It was not the first time our clubs have worked together. A few years ago, we worked with Troy Rotarians to help install one of many water filtration systems in schools across Lebanon.”
In May, more than $15,000 was raised and transferred to the Association of Lebanese Rotary Clubs, enabling the installation of the solar electric power within a few weeks.
A plaque describing Rotary’s support for the project now hangs in the school, which is home to 340 students, 34 teachers and five administrators.
Rotarians provide solar electric power for school in Lebanon
Emagine hosts annual Boys and Girls Club summer fundraiser
TROY — Emagine Entertainment Inc. guests are being asked to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan to help offset the cost of their yearly membership for local youth.
Throughout July and August, guests will be encouraged to make donations when visiting Emagine Theatre locations. Each guest who makes a monetary donation will be recognized with signage at the box office during the two-month period.
“Each year our partnership with the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan gives our staff and guests the opportunity to get involved,” Anthony LaVerde, the CEO of Emagine Entertainment, said in a press release. “Emagine prides itself in helping others and contributing to the wellbeing of local youth.”
The funds raised will provide children ages 6-18 a yearlong BGCSM youth club membership.
“Our BGCSEM youth see the impact of these donations. The donations allow them to take part in programs that we provide from the arts, to workforce and entrepreneurship, to health and wellness, to sports and fitness,” BGCSM President and CEO Shawn H Wilson said in a press release.
For more about Emagine Theatres, visit www.emagineentertainment.com. For more about the BGCSM, visit www. bgcsm.org.
NEW SKATE PARK COMING SOON
ROCHESTER — The Greater Rochester Skate Park Leadership Advisory Team, or SPLAT, has been working to secure a skate park in Rochester since 2013 following the closing of the former indoor South Street Skatepark.
South Street Skateshop owners Von and Linda Gallaher and former Rochester Mayor Cathy Daldin have been at the helm, urging the City Council to provide a dedicated environment for skateboarders that they say would help foster a sense of community and belonging among youth.
Preliminary plans include an above-ground “plaza-style” skate park to be built in the grassy area just north of the baseball diamond at Scott Street Park, located at 580 Woodward.
The ball is already rolling, with crews recently finishing soil and environmental testing in the area.
The next step in the process is to develop a request for proposals and have skatepark builders bid for the project.
Construction will likely begin next spring or summer.
SPLAT is continuing to try to raise funds for additional elements of the park via a 501(c)(3) created through the Rochester Community Foundation. For more information or to donate to the skatepark, visit www.facebook.com/GRSPSPLAT or email GRSPSPLAT@gmail.com.
Photo provided by David Donnellon and Tyre Europa
Photo by Erin Sanchez
turer engineering technology.
“I’ve played hockey since I was 4. I wanted to share this love with people that might not have the opportunity,” Lucas said in an email. “Money for the event was raised, things were in motion, then COVID hit. Everything shut down. I had to pivot to meet a deadline, so with the help of military vets that use hockey to cope with injuries sustained in service, I made a hockey parody video for my project and gifted Special Olympics of Michigan all the money that I had raised,” which, after ice rental costs, came to $1,750, he said.
Following that, in 2022, Lucas again raised money to honor his promise to hold an event for the disabled community and was finally able to hold his first skating event.
“It was a huge success,” Lucas said.
“Over 110 individuals with special needs attended. It exceeded my expectations in every way. It was a pretty emotional day. I can’t explain the utter joy experienced by the kids. They are amazing. Nervous to try something new, but trusting in my volunteers. The smiles and laughter they have on the ice is priceless. It is not lost on me that these families were entrusting me to create a supportive and safe event. Their positive feedback was immensely rewarding.”
Due to the popularity of the event, Lucas decided to make Hockey Mentors into a nonprofit organization and to hold the skating event every year.
The event is free for individuals of any age with any type of disability, along with their families/caregivers. There were 150 people registered to attend the event on Saturday, though some walk-in participants were able to attend while the skating continued.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
On-ice buddies assist disabled guests during the Hockey Mentors for Special Players’ skating event July 27 at the Buffalo Wild Wings Sports Center in Troy.
Long Lake Road closes for culvert replacement
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Long Lake Road, between Eastways and Squirrel roads in Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township, is closed through Aug. 15. Craig Bryson, of the Road Commission for Oakland County, said the closure is necessary for the replacement of a 70-year-old culvert under the road that carries a tributary to the Rouge River.
The project will replace the existing culvert with a precast concrete culvert, in-
Fraud
from page 3A
The email instructed her to call the phone number provided to challenge the charge, police said. The woman called the number and was instructed to download an app to her phone and to fill out an application in the app.
After doing as instructed, the woman
cluding the installation of new culvert wing walls, and adding new signs, guardrails and asphalt paving in the area.
During the closure, the detour route is Long Lake Road to Squirrel Road to East Square Lake Road to Eastways Road, back to Long Lake Road, and vice versa.
Access to homes and businesses within the closed section of Long Lake Road will be maintained east and west of the culvert, but the road is completely closed at the culvert, which is located just east of Eastways Road.
Bryson said the project should be com-
See LONG LAKE on page 23A
realized that she no longer had control over her phone, and she believes the app allowed the subject she was talking to to take remote access to her cellphone.
According to police, the woman discovered $140 missing from her checking account and a $200 charge on her credit card to Amazon that she did not authorize.
Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.
Op. Ed. Our Leaders Must Share Our Values
Virgil, writing about difcult times said: “Perhaps even these things will be good to remember one day.”
I try hard to remember that maxim as I experience, along with our community, some of the rather perplexing outcomes courtesy of our leaders. When I drive on Rochester Rd. I often wonder about the decision making which led us to have a religious institution (mosque) to inhabit a failed former restaurant in front of a universally disliked storage facility between Big Beaver and Wattles. In nearby Rochester Hills I note houses of worship of all kinds nestled away on Auburn Rd. in a quiet and dignifed area. I further wonder with what moral authority the Troy City Attorney opposed the establishment of this religious institution in the city.
We have come to expect such results from a City Attorney’s ofce that we overpay by $1 million each year. Teir focus appears to be that of every bureaucracy: their survival and fnancial well-being as opposed to the wellbeing of the community. Not long ago, Sterling Heights lived through similar issues where the Department of Justice was successfully involved on the side of the congregants. Yet, that example was lost on our City Attorney and as a result, after years of litigation against the Department of Justice, we ended up paying six hundred thousand dollars in settlement and attorney fees to the congregants. If you have ever experienced the state of our parks and other amenities in this city, then you know that this was obviously money better spent elsewhere.
I have lived in Troy all my adult life. I love it here. I built my home and my ofce in Troy because of the wonderful, welcoming community that this is. It is well past time for our leaders to share our values.
REN NUSHAJ, Attorney / Prosecutor Ren@MichiganTreeIntiative.org
Peek Inside Your Health: Full Body MRI Screenings Unveil Silent Issues Before
Symptoms Arise
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(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.
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 this Independence Day 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.
0391-2431
THE GIFT OF FRIENDSHIP
DRIVES THIS AUSTIN-HEALEY
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
It didn’t take long for David White and Dan Heming to become friends for life.
From the moment they met in 1968 as student naval aviators in the U.S. Navy, they formed an immediate bond when stationed in Pensacola, Florida, and Meridian, Mississippi.
“He was in another squadron. We were flying the same airplane, a T-34. It’s a primary trainer,” White said. “He was going through his battles to get the grades to move forward, and so was I. It’s a pretty rigorous environment.”
White, a Michigan State University graduate, and Heming, a University of Michigan graduate, lost touch for a while after leaving the service, but soon reconnected.
“I was out at the Pontiac Airport after we both left the service, and there he was,” White, of Bloomfield Township, said. “This was about 1972, and the bond was re-created instantly.”
Sadly, Heming died a few years ago at age 76.
“We went through some really tight situations to-
gether. He saved me from falling off the side of a mountain one time. We’ve had some really on-the-edge experiences, and it built a bond,” White said. “It’s the purest measure of friendship. When I think of him — a very generous man.”
Over the years, both men married and started families, but they continued their friendship, often cruising in Heming’s 1956 Austin-Healey. The British sports car maker was established in 1952 through a joint venture between the Austin division of the British Motor Corp. and the Donald Healey Motor Co. Many of Heming and White’s leisure drives in the Austin-Healey were in Milford.
“We’d just look around, have a coffee, get waves from people,” White said. “Sometimes we’d go out to the state parks. We were bikers and hikers at the time. Two good friends that would just enjoy the day.”
White also remembers traveling to Wisconsin when the car was going through an engine modification.
“We went on the ferry and across the lake. I remember the first test drive we took. The car hadn’t been completed. The guy that was working on it said, ‘Hey, take it for a drive,’” White said. “We’re hauling down the road
wedding. The two met in 1968 while serving in the U.S. Navy.
by Erin Sanchez
somewhere in Wisconsin. He was pushing it to the limit and I was going, ‘Whoa, whoa. You’re going a little too fast for me.’ We finally got back to the garage. As he was getting out of the car, he pulled up on the steering wheel and it came right off it. We both went, ‘Holy smokes.’”
Heming owned an Austin-Healey while in college but sold it when he entered the Navy. Years later, he bought the 1956 Austin-Healey, which “brought back memories of his college days and also some of the things that happened in the Navy,” White said.
Heming’s friendship also left an impact on White’s wife of 54 years, Ann White.
“There were a lot of late evenings on the patio in the back and a fair amount of Scotch,” Ann White said of the pair.
“And cigars,” White said.
White is now taking care of the Austin-Healey. When Heming died a few years ago, he willed the car to his Navy pal. It took White some time to get used to the idea of having the car. At first, he didn’t want to drive the convertible because “it was Dan’s car.”
“It sat in his garage for quite a while after he passed away,” Ann White said. “It took Dave a while to make it OK in his head.”
See AUSTIN-HEALEY on page 18A
LEFT: David White, of Bloomfield Township, inherited his 1956 Austin-Healey from his friend Dan Heming. BELOW: White, left, was the best man in Dan Heming’s
Photos
Oakland County pitcher Decker selected by New York Yankees in 19th round of MLB Draft
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
Oakland University right-handed pitcher Brandon Decker’s Instagram post, “Official,” said it all.
Decker repped the pinstripes and iconic New York Yankees hat to celebrate his draft selection in the 19th round (571 overall) in the 2024 Major League Baseball Draft.
A 2020 North Farmington High School graduate, Decker was dominant for the Golden Grizzlies, earning Reliever of the Year in 2023 and Pitcher of the Year in 2024 while earning first team All-Conference honors both seasons.
Decker is the first Oakland pitcher to receive Pitcher of the Year honors since the university joined the Horizon League in 2013 and was also the first player in Horizon League history to ever win Reliever and Pitcher of the Year in back-to-back seasons.
“On the surface, he’s got a great size, great frame, and he’s got a very versatile arm,
but he’s got great stuff,” Oakland head coach Brian Nelson said. “Stuff is not the question. The thing that makes Brandon Decker so enticing, especially at the next level, is all the intangibles. Him between the ears is as good as anybody out there. He knows himself better than anybody else out there. He has an unbelievable work ethic.”
From 2022-2024, Decker compiled a 19-13 record with a 4.97 ERA and 219 strikeouts in 222.2 innings of work. His arsenal consists of a mid-to-low 90s fastball, a changeup, a cutter, a curveball and a slider.
Decker’s best statistical season came in 2023, when he tallied an 8-3 record with 71 strikeouts in 69.2 innings of work for the right-hander.
Collecting 16 saves in three years, Decker’s versatility was vital to Oakland’s pitching staff, utilizing him as a starter, a reliever and a closer throughout the season.
“That’s what makes Brandon Decker so enticing in the big leagues, is that he can fit
See YANKEES on page 18A
For Nido, the process of applying for Student Leaders was rigorous, as there were multiple essays, two letters of recommendation, a resume, and links to social media that Nido needed to submit for the opportunity.
“There is a huge emphasis on academic excellence and the magnitude of community work you have already completed, as well as any and all leadership positions held,” Nido said in an email. “It took me weeks to compile all of this and perfect my essays and short answers. It was really exciting to learn that I was one of the interns chosen for this program. I was holding off on making any other summer plans on the off chance that I ended up getting the internship, so that paid off. It was very surprising because this year the Detroit market had a record number of applications (over 200), making the acceptance rate around 4%. As soon as I found out, I let all of my family and friends know, and they were all really excited for me as well.”
Nido is already over halfway through her internship and said she has been able to learn a lot through
See LEADERS on page 17A
and
At Grace, our mission and belief is for everyone to feel loved, listened to and respected. We are locally owned and operated and are raising the bar in how we care for our cherished seniors. Our ownership team is engaged with our residents, families, and sta always making sure our high standards of care are met and maintained. Our context is continuous improvement. We are not perfect, but we believe if we chase perfection, we will catch excellence along the way!
Photo provided by Maria Nido
Jason Howard, Tanya Calzad, Nisha Singhi, Maria Nido and Alexander Villagomez attend events with representatives for a national leadership summit in Washington, D.C.
We Help Oakland County’s Economy
Thrive
At Oakland Thrive, we believe that strong economies mean strong communities. Our goal is to support and grow the economic ecosystem in Oakland County by giving businesses of any size the tools and support they need to achieve success and propel our communities forward. When opportunity knocks in Oakland County, Oakland Thrive makes sure that businesses are equipped to answer.
Ofering:
Small business 1:1 consulting
Free workshops and networking opportunities
Child care business support
Hospitality industry support
Succession planning
Government contracting assistance
Matching buyers and suppliers
Business intelligence services
And more
Grand Opening Open House: Discover the Brand-New Academy of Troy!
Troy, MI – July 29, 2024 – Te Learning Grove Academy of Troy is thrilled to announce the grand opening of its brand-new daycare and preschool, located in the heart of Troy, Michigan! Te open house is on August 15, from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at 5940 John R Rd, welcoming families to explore the state-of-the-art facility. Programs are open for infants through pre-kindergarten with an additional Montessori classroom.
A child’s frst fve years are crucial, and Te Learning Grove Academy is designed to provide a nurturing and stimulating environment for young children. Teir goal is to foster a love of learning, build confdence, and develop critical thinking skills through positive learning experiences. Tis new school features bright and spacious classrooms equipped with brand-new toys and educational materials.
Key highlights include:
• Brand New Facility: A modern, purpose-built space designed to meet the highest standards of safety and comfort for young children.
ing, and math. Overall, their curriculum promotes cognitive, social, and emotional development through a variety of hands-on activities.
“I am excited to open our doors to the Troy community,” said Danielle Walker, Center Director of Learning Grove Academy of Troy. “ My family-oriented approach extends seamlessly into my work, where I value building strong relationships with both the children and their families. My commitment to creating a warm and supportive atmosphere is evident in every aspect of my life.”
• Four New Playgrounds & Indoor Gym: Te outdoor play areas feature the latest equipment, providing a safe, fun environment for children. Additionally, a new indoor gym is available for physical activities and motor skill development.
• STEM Lab & Engaging Curriculum: A dedicated STEM lab fosters interest in science, technology, engineer-
Families attending the open house will have the opportunity to tour the facility, meet the staf, and enjoy refreshments and activities. Enrollment information and special promotions for families will be available.
For more information about Te Learning Grove Academy of Troy, please visit www.learninggroveacademy.com or contact them at (248) 466-0846. RSVP is not required.
Join us as we celebrate the opening of a new chapter in early childhood education in Troy!
About Te Learning Grove Academy of Troy: Opening in Fall 2024, Te Learning Grove Academy of Troy takes a child-centered approach to curriculum. From infants to pre-k students, our dedicated educators will provide engaging hands-on experiences that foster curiosity, creativity, and success!
VETERANS: THIS RIDE’S ON US
Oakland County Veterans Services has partnered with the Oakland Transit division to provide free transportation to any location in Oakland County. Participating transit providers include: SMART, WOTA, NOTA, OPC, and People’s Express (PEX).
To schedule your trip, just , at least 72 hours in advance.
When scheduling your trip, ensure you have one of the following documents verifying your veteran status ready:
Driver’s License with Veteran Designation
Leaders
working with Focus: HOPE. She has also been able to connect with other representatives who are affiliated with different organizations, like Henry Ford, Bank of America, Forgotten Harvest and Gleaners Community Food Bank, among others.
“I have gotten to help make phone calls to seniors informing them about expansions to their areas, which is a really good feeling knowing that I am helping seniors get the nutrition they need,” Nido said in an email. “Every day I learn and experience something new, whether it be taking care of kids in the early learning community or coming up with ideas for our final project on how Focus: Hope can expand their reach.”
Nido will be attending the University of Michigan Ross School of Business with the goal of majoring in business administration, with a specialization in finance.
“I plan to continue to do service in my community wherever I end up, as that is extremely important to me,” Nido said in an email. “As of right now, career-wise, I am most interested in the fields of finance and consulting.”
The Student Leaders program is an eight-week paid summer internship for students around their junior and senior years of high school. Celebrating its 20th anniversary year, the program recognizes 300 community-focused juniors and seniors from across the U.S. annually. Since 2004, it has engaged more than 4,500 students and invested $42 million nationally to build pathways to economic mobility across nearly 100 markets,
according to the company. Seventy-five students have participated in the program since it launched in Detroit in 2008.
The program is designed to unlock students’ and prepare them to be the leaders of tomorrow, according to Star Crawford, a market executive at Bank of America Michigan.
“Together, they exemplify hard work, dedication and drive. . . Congratulations to all five of these talented students,” she said in a press release.
The students will gain practical work and life experience working with local nonprofits, all while earning competitive wages, the company said. During this summer, Nido; Tanya Caldaza, from Detroit; Jason Howard, from Pontiac; Nisha Singhi, from Bloomfield Hills; and Alexander Villagomez, also from Detroit, will participate in
programming that includes a collaborative, mentor-focused project with Focus: HOPE and be flown out to a leadership summit in Washington, D.C.
Focus: HOPE is a Detroit-based nonprofit organization with the goal of overcoming racism and poverty by providing education and training programs and resources for those in need, according to the organization.
Rachel Sherman-Guastella, the manager of the volunteer department at Focus: HOPE, said the organization is thrilled to welcome the students. “Their enthusiasm and dedication are inspiring, and we look forward to empowering them with the knowledge and experience to make a difference in their communities,” she said in a press release.
For more information, visit www.bank ofamerica.com.
Austin-Healey
But he has since carried on Heming’s love for the automobile. A novice to the Austin-Healey, White learned everything he could about the car, “from servicing the vehicle to the right fluids you use.” When he first brought it home, Ann White drove very closely in front of White, who was following in the Austin-Healey.
“I hop in the car, start the car up and I’m driving from Milford to Birmingham,” White said. “And it’s getting dark.”
White then turned on a switch he thought were the headlights, but nothing happened.
“I can’t even turn the headlights on,” he said. “We finally got home. It took me another day to figure out the English have a way of pulling it out and then turning it to the right. I thought I had done that, but I apparently didn’t.”
The restored vehicle is a 100-6 two-seater roadster model. The classic car has a 6-cylinder engine paired with an upgraded 5-speed manual transmission. It is paired in what White calls a “mesmerizing custom green/blue exterior, gleaming chrome with the impeccable condition of luxurious black upholstery interior. A true gem in every sense.”
White often takes the car out for drives on Saturday and Sunday mornings. He’s met up with a local Austin-Healey group a few times. He also likes to drive the English car through Bloomfield Hills, sometimes with his wife by his side.
“There are some neat roads that go on forever. I drive it just for the pure pleasure when I can,” said White, who misses his friend. “I thank him every time I drive.”
During his lifetime, Heming became a commercial pilot for USAir. He also flew for Roger Penske. White worked in advertising, started his own marketing company and also is a published author of two books — “Tall Air” and “True Blue” — under the name D Stuart White.
Yankeesfrom page 11A
in multiple roles,” Nelson said. “He’s just like a utility position player. I’m not sure where he fits, but he’s got a lot of options. If it doesn’t work out here, he can go over here. I think that’s what’s special about Brandon, with how he could legitimately have a career path as a starting pitcher, a
long reliever, a short guy, or a back end guy because of just having that mentality of wanting to be on the mound with the ball in his hand is just so important to him.”
The Yankees’ strong suit for the past several years has been its bullpen, and versatility such as Decker’s would fit well.
It’s a grueling journey to the MLB stage, but Nelson said he believes Decker still has yet to reach his full potential.
“I think the things that will help
Brandon Decker continue to climb the ladder will be physical development and maturation of his body,” Nelson said. “He’s still a young man with great physical skills, but as he continues to get older and his body continues to mature I think you’ll see another significant increase in stuff with Brandon Decker. By stuff I mean more break, more spin, more explosion and more velocity. I think a lot of that is coming.”
Once I get the right diagnosis for the cause of your heel pain, I will provide you with a tailored treatment plan, which outlines exactly how we can fix your heel pain and keep you free from future foot pain. If you are ready, call me for an appointment to start your journey back to normal life, free from heel pain.
Photo provided by Clarence Round, Oakland University Athletics Oakland University right-handed pitcher Brandon Decker throws a pitch during a game.
Hospitality
from page 1A
Jobs within the hospitality industry have a major focus on providing customers with quality experiences and can include employment opportunities related to travel, lodging, food and beverage services, theme parks, and event planning, among other fields. Michigan’s hospitality industry creates nearly $44.6 billion in annual sales and is the state’s second largest private employer of nearly half a million residents, officials said.
HTIM offers different training programs and certification courses for those who wish to explore potential career opportunities within the hospitality industry.
The 12-week comprehensive job skills course is a $2,500 value that has been offered at no cost to the first 2,000 program registrants. HTIM will also provide a $500 incentive to each graduate who successfully completes the course, officials said. Around 10 or 20 students registered for both the Troy and Farmington Hills courses in the last round.
The coursework that is being offered includes assignments and tests that cover guest experiences, financial management, business operation information, supervising staffing and scheduling, and safety procedures related to food and guests.
“There are five credentials in total: Guest Service Gold Tourism, ServSafe Responsible Alcohol Service, ServSafe Food Manager, Certified Hospitality Supervisor, and HTIM Business Management,” Amanda Smith, an executive vice president with the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association and the Michigan Hospitality Foundation,
said in an email. “Additionally, students will earn completion certificates for Understanding Unconscious Bias, Preventing Sexual Harassment, and multiple costing modules.”
Instructor Chris Woodruff said the program equips people with the knowledge and resources they need to “successfully lead people and get positive results.”
“I’m thrilled to apply my hospitality management experience to get individuals ready for more leadership roles in the industry,” he said in a press release. “This course gives participants multiple industry certifications, which is essential in stepping up in a hospitality career.”
The hospitality “industry cluster” is prevalent in every area of the state, and employment was steadily declining before a large drop in 2020, the state said. “Since then, the cluster has improved in employment (currently totaling at 394,500 individuals) but has not returned to its pre-pandemic level of 478,300.”
Following the initial shock of the COVID-19 pandemic on employment and job opportunities, hospitality and tourism online job postings increased by 30% between 2020 and 2022.
Many occupations in hospitality and tourism are expected to “far exceed the average projected employment growth rate of 8.8% in Michigan,” according to the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity. Jobs like restaurant cooks are expected to increase in employment by nearly 56% through 2030, the department said.
Interested students and employers can visit HTIM.com to learn more.
Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.
Hirak Chanda is working to Invest in Public Safety, Modernize our Library, and Protect Troy’s Green Space
Dear Neighbor,
My name is Hirak Chanda and it is my privilege to serve you on the Troy City Council. I am a 25-year resident of Troy, automotive engineer, inventor of eleven US Patents, and father of a Troy High graduate.
In this special election, we need to choose a candidate who puts the well-being of our community rst. I got my start in political activism during the successful e ort to save our beloved Troy Public Library - and more than ten years later, I bring the same community focus to the City Council chamber. is is why I have been endorsed by County Executive Dave Coulter, the Metro Detrot AFL-CIO, Troy Mayor Pro Tem Ellen Hodorek, School Board Vice President Vital Anne, City Council Members Dr. eresa Brooks, Rebecca Chamberlain-Creanga, and David Hamilton; and many more trusted leaders from all corners of our city.
Sincerely,
Now, I am asking for your vote to remain on the Council for the rest of the term. I am running to continue leading Troy through innovation, inclusion, and optimism. Early voting at the Community Center is open through August 4th, or you can vote at your polling place on August 6th.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Students interested in further exploring their opportunities within the hospitality industry attend classes with instructor Chris Woodruff in Troy.
Hockey
from page 8A
“We have a big mixed group that can learn to skate, and the teams come out here for scrimmage,” Wyatt Lucas said.
The event provides opportunities for attendees to learn how to ice skate and play hockey together. No prior experience was needed, and each guest had their own on-ice buddy, some of whom are experienced hockey players.
“The kids are so nervous, and then they don’t want to come off the ice,” Gail Lucas, Wyatt Lucas’ mom, said. “We have one-on-one volunteers that let them experience the ice.”
Hockey equipment like jerseys, helmets, sticks and gloves was provided.
The hockey scrimmage games that guests could also watch during the event were played by teams of differently-abled players.
“Not many people realize hockey is an adaptive sport. There are teams for the deaf, amputees, Downs syndrome, even blind hockey,” Wyatt Lucas said in an email.
Hot lunch and swag bags filled with goodies were provided.
Funds raised were around $7,000-$9,000, and much of the support, in term of financial and volunteer work, came from other local organizations, including Auto Hauler Exchange, Espofitlife, Kelly’s Kidz, Maserati of Troy, a memorial donation from the Petersen family, a memorial donation from the Elam family, Peach Lab, the Troy Community Foundation, the Troy Rotary Club and Twin Pines Landscaping.
“I am always impressed by young people who understand philanthropy and regularly give back to our local community — Wyatt Lucas puts his heart and soul into helping others,” Valiena Allison, the grants committee chair for the Troy Community Foundation, said in a press release. “Wyatt spends countless hours fundraising for his Special Needs Hockey Tournament, and this is a special day for folks who might not have had the opportunity to lace up some skates and hit the ice. Wyatt provides the ice time, the needed equipment, hockey coaches and mentors, and lunch. This event is certainly one that each participant looks forward to and will cherish the memories from afterward.”
For more information, visit https://hockeymentors.net.
Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.
Long Lake
from page 9A
plete and Long Lake Road re-opened by Aug. 16, in time for Dream Cruise weekend.
But the work doesn’t stop there.
Starting around Aug. 19, the Road Commission will close Eastways Road to through traffic from Long Lake Road to Square Lake Road to replace a second 70-year-old culvert under Eastways that also carries the tributary to the Rouge River.
“There is a lifespan on these kinds of culverts — metal culverts — and eventually they rust and deteriorate. We inspect them on a regular basis to monitor that, and recent inspections indicated both of them were starting to deteriorate, which is to be expected when they get beyond 50 years or so. It’s not a surprise that they are at the end of their useful life, and we want to get them replaced before they get to the point where there is any danger of them collapsing — they are not at that point now, but we want to get them before they get to that point,” Bryson said.
During the Eastways Road closure, the detour will be Long Lake Road to Squirrel Road to East Square Lake Road, back to Eastways Road and vice versa. Access to homes will be maintained north and south of the closure.
Both projects are funded by the Road Commission and combined cost approximately $903,000 from the Road Commission’s general operating fund.
“Our general operating funds are generated from the
state gas tax and vehicle registration fees, primarily,” Bryson said.
Both culverts are being replaced by DiPonio Contracting Inc. of Shelby Township.
Bryson said this segment of Long Lake Road carries approximately 9,900 vehicles daily, and Eastways Road carries approximately 4,500 vehicles daily.
“It’s a key access point for a lot of neighborhoods both
east and west of there,” he explained. “We appreciate the public’s patience while we get this replaced and get a nice new culvert that should last, hopefully, another 70 years.”
For more information on the project, visit the Long Lake Road and Eastways Road culvert replacements, page in the “Road Projects” section of the Road Commission website, www.rcocweb.org, email dcsmail@rcoc.org or call (877) 858-4804 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Mondays-Fridays.
Long Lake Road, between Eastways and Squirrel roads, is closed for construction. During the Eastways Road closure, the detour will be Long Lake Road to Squirrel Road to East Square Lake Road, back to Eastways Road and vice versa.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
CRIME WATCH
Park bathroom vandalized
Troy Parks and Recreation employees reported that between 6 p.m. July 7 and 8 a.m. July 8, someone vandalized a park bathroom at Jaycee Park, 1755 E Long Lake Road, with spray paint.
Speeding, inebriated driver apprehended during traffic stop
Officers initiated a traffic stop of a speeding 2006 Mercury Marquis at 1:57 a.m. July 13 around Dequindre and East Maple roads.
Officers also saw the driver strike the right curb and noted that the rear passenger side tire was completely flat.
Upon speaking with the driver, a 27-year-old Sterling Heights man, officers noted that his eyes were bloodshot and watery, and there was an odor of intoxicants emanating from his vehicle.
The driver was asked to perform several sobriety evaluations, which officers noted he performed poorly. He submitted to a preliminary breath test with a result of a 0.108% blood alcohol content.
He was arrested and transported to
the Troy police lockup, where he agreed to submit to a chemical breath test with results of 0.119%, 0.103%, and 0.107%. He was issued a citation for operating while intoxicated.
Intoxicated driver found asleep outside Sunoco
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 the window down and the door partially open.
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
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
On July 19, at 11:05 a.m., officers were notified by Kohls 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 duffle 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
Officers were dispatched to the 7-Eleven at 3982 Crooks Road after a caller reported a tan 2019 Lincoln Nautilus was
CRIME WATCH
parked in the lot and 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
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.
Driver apprehended for intoxicated driving and driving with suspended license
Officers initiated a traffic stop at Big Beaver and John R Road on the driver of a 2021 Kia K5 for speeding at around 11:34 p.m. July 18.
The driver, a 24-year-old from Southfield, said she had consumed two cocktails at a local restaurant prior to driving.
The driver was asked to perform several sobriety evaluations, which she performed poorly. She submitted to a preliminary breath test with a result of 0.13% blood alcohol content.
She was also found to have a suspended driver’s license from Ohio. She was issued a citation for operating while intoxicated and Driving While License Suspended.
— Sarah Wright
AISHA FAROOQI
From a young age, my parents taught me that the American Dream is made of opportunity, hard work, and determination. As an assistant prosecuting attorney, I understand the importance of listening to people while leading with compassion and a firm sense of justice. As a public service attorney, I took on clients turned away by others. I will always put the residents of District 57 first to make sure Michigan has an economy that works for all of us. As your representative in Lansing, I will:
• Support small businesses, create good paying jobs and protect workers’ rights
• Make healthcare, prescription drugs, mental health, and addiction services affordable
• Safeguard reproductive healthcare
• Protect our democracy
• Lower costs for seniors
• Support our local police and firefighters
• Expand access to affordable childcare
• Preserve green spaces
• Keep our water and air clean
• Invest in public education funding and teacher salaries
Women
page 1A
tional Excellence, Humble Design, Dutton’s Farm, and Taylor Street Primary Care Clinic, among many others. The charities that are selected to receive funding are nominated by active members of 100 Women Who Care, and the organizations are vetted to ensure that they are legitimate nonprofits.
Each quarter, two or three nominations are further considered by members before they vote on which charity to support for the quarter.
“There’s a five-minute presentation on why these charities should be selected, and then 10 minutes for questions and answers,” Hauff said.
Members then each donate $100 to the charity that was selected for the quarter.
Over the years, the Troy chapter of 100 Women Who Care has raised around $170,000 for various charities and organizations. For 2024, they’ve raised close to $11,400, which has gone towards the Jenna Kast Believe in Miracles Foundation and the Gianna House Pregnancy and Parenting Residence.
Troy’s chapter has members from different backgrounds around the ages 40-75, but there is no age limit to who can join, and they are actively looking for new members.
“We’ll welcome any adult woman willing to make a difference,” Hauff said.
Cindy Stewart, a member of Troy’s 100 Women Who Care and the community af-
fairs director for the city of Troy, has high praise for the nonprofit and strongly encourages other women to join.
“I have worked for the City of Troy over 26 years in my position as Community Affairs Director,” Stewart said in an email. “Throughout my career I have had the pleasure of working with our nonprofit organizations, volunteering with many of them as well as serving on a number of nonprofit boards and committees, plus donating money to help with their missions. When one of the 100 Women Who Care members approached me a number of years ago about their organization, I felt that they were the perfect fit for me. We are all busy women stretched for time from the Troy community who care about local causes and want to make an immediate, direct, and positive impact to help our community. There is strength in numbers and I invite other women to join this powerful organization.”
The meetings generally occur 6:307:30 p.m. on the first Thursday in February, May, August and November. The Troy School District Services Building at 4420 Livernois Road generally houses their meetings, though the upcoming Aug. 6 meeting is currently planned to take place at Joe Kool’s, 1835 E Big Beaver Road.
“Women interested in joining can either come to our next meeting, or complete a commitment form online at 100 Women Who Care Troy,” Hauff said in an email.
For more information, visit 100womenwhocaretroy.org or the Troy 100 Women Who Care Facebook and LinkedIn pages.
CITY OF TROY ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS MEETING
August 20, 2024
The Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing at Troy City Hall, 500 W. Big Beaver, Troy MI 48084, on August 20, 2024, 7:00 pm, to consider the following:
A variance request to allow a new home to be setback 38 feet from the front property line, where the Zoning Ordinance requires a setback of 40 feet. The subject home is currently under construction.
LOCATION: 55 Florence:
ZONING ORDINANCE SECTION: 4.06 C, R-1B Zoning District
APPLICANT: Kevin Hamilton for KHTM Build LLC
PROPERTY OWNER: Timothy Murphy
The application can be viewed at troymi.gov/boardsandcommittees or in person at the Planning Department, City of Troy, 500 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, Michigan, 48084.
Comments can be expressed at the Public Hearing, or written comments can be directed to the attention of the Planning Department at the above noted address, or by email to planning@troymi.gov no later than 3:00 p.m. one day prior to the date of the meeting. If you have questions, you may contact the Planning Department at planning@troymi.gov or by phone at (248) 524-3364.
Watch the Meeting: https://troymi.gov/community/government/citycouncil/council_meeting_webcast.php
M. Aileen Dickson, MMC, MiPMC 3 City Clerk
Congrats Graduate Dr. Lance Jones
Oakland University William Beaumont Medical School Congratulations to Dr. Lance Jones, who graduated from OUWB Medical School! We’re so proud of you!! Love you, Mom and brother, Paul!
POSTED: July 19, 2024
PUBLISHED: August 1, 2024
NOTICE: Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in this meeting should contact the City Clerk by e-mail at clerk@troymi.gov or by calling (248) 524-3317 at least two working days in advance of the meeting. An attempt will be made to make reasonable accommodations.
Published: 08/01/2024 Troy Times 0156-2431
The Exterior Painters Celebrate 20 Years of Transforming Properties, Neighborhoods
Nothing transforms a property and makes it shine brighter than a fresh coat of paint. It’s simply the best and most cost-effective investment you can make for your home draped in the colors of yesterday.
The Exterior Painters have been revitalizing properties for 20 years.
“We specialize in just exterior painting, and the reason why we do that is we believe that repetition is the mother of all skill,” said owner Brian Scott. “For 20 years, that’s all we’ve been doing is outside work. When it comes to that, we do wood replacement and siding replacement. It makes us the perfect fit for homeowners who don’t want to re-side their whole house.”
The Exterior Painters replace damaged siding and boards as needed, but they’re not looking to push for a full siding replacement.
“It gets people by another 10 years and transforms the look of the house, bringing it to the next color trends of today,” Scott said.
“Another thing we do that makes us unique, we have a full-time color consultant,” Scott added. “For most people, that’s the hardest, most stressful part, choosing what color they want. Our consultant comes out and
meets with the homeowners and gives them an idea of what the new color trends are so they can make a good color choice that complements their landscaping, brickwork and architectural features.”
The Exterior Painters also specialize in brick staining.
“A lot of younger people are buying houses. We’re taking it from grandma’s house of the ’50s, ’60s or ’70s and bringing it to that HGTV look,” Scott said.
you’re getting a bigger bang for your buck.”
It’s a win for everyone, from the crews The Exterior Painters employ and pay well to the homeowners who see their neighborhoods transformed. The company paints 30 houses a week on average in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Livingston counties, and boasts a five-star Google review average.
Power washing the siding — and for an additional charge, soft washing the roof if needed — can also make a big difference in terms of curb appeal.
charge, soft washing the roof if needed — can also
transformed through fresh paint,
Scott said his crews often see their work spread from house to house in a neighborhood as the properties are transformed through fresh paint, siding repairs and much-needed washing.
“It’s the cheapest home improvement you can do without breaking the bank,” Scott said. “Compared to other home improvements,
“With us you’re buying certainty. We don’t ask for a large deposit, and you don’t have to worry about anyone running off with your deposit,” Scott said.
“It’s the cheapest home anyone running off with your deposit,” Scott said. and proven results by taking care of everybody in to get.”
“We stand by our work. We provide a warranty and proven results by taking care of everybody in the community. We’re Nextdoor’s No. 1 preferred contractor in Rochester two years in a row. It’s that certainty factor. You know what you’re going
The Exterior Painters are located at 2365 Avon Industrial Drive in Rochester Hills. To request a quote or for more information, call (248) 844-8888.
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CALENDAR
AUG. 4
Troy Traffic Jam: Automotive festival featuring antiques, classics, muscle cars and exotics, plus tech talks, kids Pedal Power 200 race and more, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Columbia Center on Big Beaver Road, troyhistoricvillage.org/troy-traffic-jam
AUG. 15
Widowed Friends dinner: 5 p.m., McVee’s Pub & Grub, 1129 E. Long Lake Road in Troy, RSVP to Louise at (248) 338-6743 by Aug. 10
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
Free Mall: Gently used clothing giveaway for all ages, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Calvary Chapel of Oakland County, 1975 E. Long Lake Road in Troy, (248) 457-9673
AUG. 24-25
Old-Time Radio Superhero Show: Mock performance of old scripts and commercials with live piano and sound effects, 7-9 p.m. Aug. 24 and 2-4 p.m. Aug. 25, Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, troyhistoricvillage.org/programs/old-time-radio-superhero-show
ONGOING
Summer Sensation: Concert series runs 6:30-8:30 p.m. Aug. 8 (TNT Big Band) and Aug. 22 (Thornetta Davis, blues), also food truck at 5:30 p.m., Boulan Park, 3671 Crooks Road in Troy, www.troymi.gov/ summerconcerts
Farmers market: 3-7 p.m. Wednesdays until Sept. 18, Stine Community Park, 241 Town Center in Troy, (248) 524-1147, troymi.gov/ farmersmarket
Thursday Walking Group: 6 p.m. Aug. 22, meet at Bemis Elementary, 3571 Northfield Parkway in Troy, then head to Boulan Park for laps while hearing music by Thornetta Davis and seeing funerary art inside Crooks Road Cemetery, then back to school for total of at least 2 miles, (248) 524-3570, info@thvmail.org, troyhistoricvillage.org/ programs/walking-group
• 6 p.m. Aug. 29, meet at Ridgedale Players, 1755 E. Long Lake Road in Troy, then traverse trails for 1.8-2.25 miles, (248) 524-3570, info@ thvmail.org, troyhistoricvillage.org/programs/walking-group
Candy Land for a Cause: Play life-size version of classic board game for $5 donation, all money goes to Fleece & Thank You (nonprofit makes blankets with encouraging messages for hospitalized children), noon-6 p.m. Aug. 1-11, North Grand Court at Somerset Collection, 2800 W. Big Beaver Road in Troy, thesomersetcollection.com
Car Cars & Classic Food: Also music, 50-50, prizes and giveaways, 5-8 p.m. Thursdays during summer, Big Boy, 200 W. Maple Road in Troy, (248) 362-0840
Line dancing and contra dancing: Sponsored by Oakland County Traditional Dance Society, lessons for beginners at 7 p.m., line dancing from 7:30-9:30 p.m. every second Saturday of month and contra dancing from 7:30-10 p.m. every fourth Saturday of month, First United Methodist Church of Troy, 6363 Livernois Ave., (248) 6423306, info@octds.org, facebook.com/OCTDS
Monthly book clubs: Find meetups for romance, mystery, learning English, kids/beginners and more, Troy Public Library, 510 W. Big Beaver Road, troypl.org
candgnews.com/calendar
Birmingham Groves High School Class of 1984: 40-year reunion events include brunch at Beverly Park, Tigers game, tour
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 Night: Cash food and 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
Widowed Friends events: Breakfasts for men only, 10 a.m. every first and third Thursday of month, Lukich Family Restaurant, 3900 Rochester Road in Troy, RSVP to Ed at (586) 909-1444
• Lunches 1:30 p.m. every second Thursday of month, Alibi of Troy, 6700 Rochester Road, RSVP to Joyce at (586) 323-6007
Top of Troy Toastmasters: Noon-1 p.m.
meets at various times and locations, clubactivities@troynewcomers.com, troynewcomers.com
Costco charges escalate to international crime claims
TROY — On June 21, a Troy resident reported that in the beginning of May, he had received a phone call from an unknown male claiming to be with Costco customer service.
The caller said the man’s credit card had been used at a Costco in China and that the charges on the card had not been paid. The Troy man stated he had not been to China in years, and the caller told him he needed to make a report with police in China to document the fraud, and the caller transferred him, supposedly to the Chinese police.
The Troy resident then spoke with a man who said a report would be taken via Zoom. The Troy man spoke with a subject wearing a full police uniform who asked him questions about the incident. The subject then told the Troy man he was a suspect in a multi-million dollar theft by an international crime organization involved with the kidnapping of children.
The Troy man was transferred to a “case supervisor,” who contacted him daily. He was asked to transfer $115,000 to a Wells Fargo bank account and then was asked to transfer additional money to hold for his bail during the investigation.
Fake PayPal rep attempts fraudulent transaction
TROY — A resident on Hamman Drive reported June 11 that he received an email that he thought was from PayPal about a recent charge on his account.
He googled a phone number for PayPal and called the number that came up. The victim spoke with an unknown woman, who stated PayPal would give him a refund and to type the amount of $400 into the refund box, but when he did, it turned into $40,000.
The victim was then instructed to go to his bank and complete a wire transfer for the $40,000. When he arrived at his bank, the suspect told him not to tell the bank employees it was for PayPal. The victim realized it was a scam and hung up.
Customer spits at Wendy’s drive-thru
TROY — A customer reportedly caused a disturbance at the Wendy’s at 3995 Rochester Road at 5:14 p.m. June 20 due to some issues with a credit card machine.
Officers found the customer standing at the drive-thru window yelling toward the inside of the building at the employees.
Officers spoke to the customer, a 37-year-old man from Sumter, South Carolina, who initially stated nothing had happened to cause a police response.
subject was upset over the credit card machine being down. They said he eventually approached the drive-thru window on foot and began yelling at the employees before spitting at the employee at the window. The employee closed the window, and the customer allegedly tried to open it and spit again, at which point police arrived.
When asked if he had spit at the employee, the man denied it, but he admitted to spitting at the drive-thru window.
He was arrested and transported to the Troy police lockup, where he was issued a citation for assault and battery.
Obscene images found painted at Troy Athens High School
TROY — A Troy Athens High School employee reported that an unknown suspect spray painted obscene images onto the outside and inside of the girls’ softball dugout and two of the home plates on the field, located at 4333 John R Road. The incident reportedly happened between 2:30 p.m. June 21 and 7:30 a.m. June 25, according to a police report.
Victim reports compromised Social Security account
TROY — A Troy resident reported June 17 that he had failed to receive his expected monthly Social Security check.
He checked online and discovered that the check had been issued and then deposited into a bank account that does not belong to him after someone fraudulently accessed his Social Security account and changed his information.
Hundreds of dollars of Nike items stolen from store
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Police were dispatched to a sporting goods store in the 2100 block of South Telegraph Road for a retail fraud at approximately 7:30 p.m. June 29. Employees stated that at approximately 7 p.m. three females entered the store and placed several Nike apparel items into their shopping cart before walking out without paying for them.
Around $400-$600 worth of goods were stolen. Police were investigating.
Facebook marketplace exchange turns into unarmed robbery
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield
Township Police Department was dispatched to a market in the 1500 block of South Opdyke Road for
imately 11:30 a.m. June 30.
The victim had posted her Apple iPhone 15 for sale on Facebook Marketplace and was supposed to meet the buyer at a grocery store in the area to make the exchange. The buyer arrived and began to bargain the price down. When the victim stated that the price was firm, the buyer allegedly grabbed the phone from the victim’s hand and ran away with it.
The victim and officers canvassed the area but were unable to locate the suspect.
The case was assigned to the Bloomfield Township investigations divisions.
Laundry detergent, diaper stolen from store
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Police were dispatched to a grocery store in the 3600 block of West Maple Road for a retail fraud at approximately 3:30 p.m. June 26. Employees said two men and a woman pushed a shopping cart full of liquid Tide laundry detergent and diapers out of the store without paying for them. It is believed there were approximately 10 containers of detergent and 10 packages of diapers in the cart. The estimated total loss is $500. Police were investigating.
Purse stolen after car accident
SOUTHFIELD — A witness saw two vehicles get into an accident around 3:37 p.m. July 1 in the 20000 block of Southfield Road.
One of the individuals involved in the accident began yelling at the other. The witness then saw one of the parties reach into the other’s vehicle and steal a purse containing an iPhone and wallet.
Officers recover stolen vehicles with the help of trackers
SOUTHFIELD — At 1:42 a.m. July 2, officers arrived at a business in the 20000 block of Telegraph Road after four individuals broke in and stole multiple vehicles. Police recovered all of the vehicles thanks to the owner’s trackers on the cars.
Water gun stolen SOUTHFIELD — At 9:04 p.m. July 7, a complainant reported that his water gun was stolen from his home in the 18000 block of Jeanette Street.
Motorcycle chase terminated due to pedestrian traffic downtown FARMINGTON — An officer saw a motorcycle with no plate heading east at Grand River and Farmington Road around 7:30 p.m. July 5. The officer attempted
but the motorcycle fled eastbound on Grand River, passing slower traffic left of center and accelerating. Due to heavy pedestrian traffic in the downtown area, the officer did not pursue the motorcycle. The motorcycle was described as a red and black sports-bike style motorcycle. The case was forwarded to the detective bureau for further investigation.
Man cited for CPL violation at bar FARMINGTON — Police were dispatched to a local bar regarding a man with a firearm on his hip drinking in the business. Officers found the 24-yearold patron drinking at the bar with a pistol on his hip. The man possessed a valid concealed pistol license.. The pistol was unloaded, and it was secured in the trunk of the man’s vehicle. The man was issued a CPL violation for carrying in a restricted zone.
Stolen vehicle lacks plate
FARMINGTON — An officer stopped a 2016 Buick Regal at
Little
Retail
File photo by Donna Dalziel