8/28/24 Eagle by C & G Newspapers

CROSS COUNTRY CAMPING TRIPS 22A

Court’s ruling on wages and sick time reverberates across region

BY NICK POWERS AND MARY BETH ALMOND npowers@candgnews.com, malmond@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

See RULING on page 11A

FOOTBALL PREVIEW

Swim lessons, life jackets and situational awareness can prevent drownings

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

OAKLAND COUNTY — Drowning is fast and silent, and it can take less than 30 seconds for someone to drown. In Oakland County, there have been 11 drowning deaths in 2024 alone.

The number of drownings in 2024 is a significant increase compared to 2023, which had three drownings. A “Vital Signs” study released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in May found that an increase in drownings could be

seen across America in recent years.

The study found that over 4,500 people died due to drowning each year from 2020 to 2022, which was 500 more per year compared to 2019. Oakland County is home to 358 lakes, ac-

See DROWNINGS on page 18A

SYLVAN LAKE DROWNING IS 11TH IN OAKLAND COUNTY THIS YEAR/18A INSIDE:

Birmingham Seaholm storms onto the field during a game last season.

See Sports on 20A to read up on all of the local teams preparing for the 2024 season start.

File photo by Patricia O’Blenes

CARPENTER LAKE REOPENS WITH NEW IMPROVEMENTS

BINGHAM FARMS RESIDENT, CRANBROOK SCIENTISTS CREATE BOULDER GARDEN

BY KATHRYN PENTIUK kpentiuk@candgnews.com

OAKLAND COUNTY — On the hot and sunny morning of Aug. 1, officials gathered at Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, 27225 10 Mile Road, for the park’s grand reopening.

Thanks to a $600,000 Michigan Economic Development Corp. grant secured by state Sen. Jeremy Moss, the park closed July 31, 2023, for improvements.

Work began with the removal of the existing parking lot and entry road. The expansion was laid out, and paving began in the late fall of 2023. The nature shelter was placed in December 2023, and the restroom facilities were completed by mid-spring 2024. The new improvements include the renovation and expansion of the parking lot and entry road. The new layout includes seven parking spaces, including three accessible spaces, and parking for

two school buses, with Americans with Disabilities Actaccessible curb ramps and a marked crosswalk from the Boulder Garden to the restroom/shelter area.

A 256-square-foot, all-season restroom with three unisex stalls and a drinking fountain on the outside of the building is also new.

The work includes the addition of a 16-by-20-foot open-air shelter, eight picnic tables and one accessible picnic table and bike racks, though bikes are not allowed on the trails. The project includes 100 tons of small stones placed throughout the Boulder Garden paths. The motorized gate at the park entrance was repaired, and additional trees and signage will be added soon.

“If you would have told me that my legacy was going to be the Jeremy Moss bathrooms at Carpenter Lake … ” Moss joked at the reopening ceremony. “My very first City Council meeting when I was elected in 2011 had to

See CARPENTER LAKE on page 5A

MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

FRANKLIN — Although summer is coming to a close, the fun continues in Franklin with its 79th annual Labor Day Round Up.

The Round Up is a family fair that runs 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sept. 2 at Franklin Community Association Park, on Franklin Road, between 13 Mile and 14 Mile roads.

“It’s so much fun for people of all ages. The whole family can enjoy it,” said village resident Kathy Erlich, who organizes the event.

The Round Up features a parade at noon, inflatables, a petting farm and pony rides, a magic show, jugglers, an interactive circus, midway games, face painting, a classic car show, a bake sale, henna tattoos, historical society and garden club displays, dog rescue opportunities, food from Leo’s Coney Island, and many other treats — including roasted nuts, shaved ice, cotton candy, ice cream and more.

The Art in the Village fine art fair will be held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 2, celebrating its 43rd year on the Village Green. The show features close to 70 artists’ works in glass, pottery, fiber, furniture, jewelry, photography, painting, watercolor, wood, sculpture, metal and more.

“Most of the artists return year after year because they are successful, and people come and look for the artists

Wallace Mackie, 4, enjoys the Boulder Garden at Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve.

Photo by Donna Dalziel

Round Up

that are their favorites,” said Jane Polan, who organizes the art show. “Many of the artists say it is their favorite fair to do. It’s a wonderful setting in the park.”

There will also be live musical performances throughout the day.

The year 2024 is historic for Franklin itself, as it celebrates the 200th anniversary of its settlement, begun in 1824. Many settlers worked in trades such as blacksmithing, carpentry, masonry and bricklaying. Over time, a lumber mill, a wagon and sleigh shop, a distillery and more opened up in the settlement.

A part of the bicentennial celebration is the Franklin School Reunion Sept. 1.

“People from all over the country are

coming to the reunion who remember Franklin School,” said Erilich, who is also organizing the reunion.

Whether they attended, have siblings who attended or had friends who attended the school, all are invited to come to reconnect and reminisce, tour the Franklin Historical Museum 11 a.m.-2 p.m., walk inside Huda school — previously Franklin School — 2-4 p.m. and enjoy a happy hour with food and drinks at the Franklin Community Association Park 4-6 p.m. An RSVP at fcamichigan.org is required for the happy hour.

The historic Franklin Cider Mill, on the corner of Franklin Road and 14 Mile, will open over Labor Day weekend as well.

For more information on the events, visit www.fcamichigan.org.

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

Carpenter Lake

do with Carpenter Lake. There were plans at the time to create what was an intrusive and overburdensome facility here that some people championed as ‘the vision for an educational opportunity.’ But we had a debate on council, and including members of the community who came out and told us, ‘Let Carpenter Lake be Carpenter Lake.’”

Moss said he and Mayor Ken Siver voted against those plans, but it passed through the council. However, the Southfield mayor at the time, Brenda Lawrence, vetoed the plans, leaving the question, “How can Carpenter Lake draw more people while remaining a nature preserve?”

“When Ken called me years later, I guess 2016, and said, ‘I met this guy named Marshall Lasser,’ I said, ‘Buckle up, because I’ve known Marshall most of my life. His daughter’s my closest friend,’” Moss said. “And it’s true. I mean, Marshall is a visionary and took all of us on this journey with him, but it really kind of was this perfect marriage between Ken and Marshall being unrelenting in trying to make this work. So here we are, all these years later, and what a journey we’ve come from, you know, kind of just a

benign facility to really what stays true to the character of what should be a preserve and is also a very exciting opportunity to draw in people here to Carpenter Lake.”

Siver shared some history of the 42acre nature preserve at the reopening ceremony, explaining that the site used to be a dairy farm, and the farmer impounded the Ravines Branch of the Rouge River with a dam. When the dairy farm left, various other people owned the property, and at one time, a church owned it.

“Through lots of work and grants, we were able to get 30 acres, and it had a long, narrow driveway to come to the back here,” Silver said. “There were 10 acres up here. That was a horse farm, and that property became available in about 2004. The city bought it. We jumped right on it, and that completed this acquisition. So then we have a dam that’s failing. We have an overrun property. It was pretty much wilderness.”

Siver explained that with various grants from the state and the help of former city employee Mary Carlock, the city dredged Carpenter Lake, rebuilt the dam and reopened the park in 2009. He added that despite these major efforts, more improvements were needed.

In the fall of 2016, Siver was approached by attorney Marshall Lasser, from

Medicare 101 Workshop

Bingham Farms, with a proposal to donate a rock garden with various stones from the Great Lakes region to a Southfield park. The work was initially supposed to be installed at Lahser Woods Park, 27577 Lahser Road, but when residents who lived near the park objected to the project, it was dropped, revised and moved to Carpenter Lake. In the fall of 2017, the installation of the Boulder Garden at Carpenter Lake began with boulders and rocks sourced from bedrock of Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula, Wisconsin, southeast Ontario and local glacial deposits near Oxford ranging in age from 1 billion to 2.7 billion years old, with QR codes and interpretive signage.

The installation was a labor of love and was made possible thanks to the donation of $1 million worth of boulders by Lasser. The Boulder Garden was constructed by Ray Rogers, of Rockworks LLC. John Zawiskie, of the Cranbrook Institute of Science, was the primary science content resource, and additional scientific editing and input was done by Dr. Andrew Gangidine, of Cranbrook. After traveling all over the Great Lakes Region, Lasser remarked that the biggest source of rocks was right in Oakland County.

“Interestingly, the biggest source of rocks is Oakland County. Who would have

known, Oakland County? That’s because 12,000 years ago, and more than that, the glaciers, the Ice Age glaciers, which are 1to 2-miles thick, some of them stopped in northern Oakland County, melted, and they deposited their burden of rocks,” he said.

Silver explained that the installation of the Boulder Garden at Carpenter Lake has created a draw to the nature preserve.

“Marshall’s vision was to bring different minerals here, different substances, and so we partnered with Cranbrook,” Silver said. “This isn’t just a walk and a boulder garden. It’s also a science lesson about minerals and where the rocks come from, and how they were formed.”

Lasser added that he hopes people become inspired by geology and that the reason for his donation was “the joy of philanthropy, the joy of giving. And then it’s also the love for rocks and the love for nature. I love rocks. Anybody who’s been to my house knows that I love rocks. A lot of rocks there, and I love nature. And this combines the both. There is also an educational purpose.”

For more information on Carpenter Lake Nature Preserve, visit www.cityofsouthfield.com. To learn more about the Boulder Garden, visit science.cranbrook. edu/discover/glacial-boulder-project.

Nowthere’shopefor hormonalhealthrecovery formenandwomen

Dr. Rona Wadle, D.O., doesn’t hold back when talking about the life-changing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy that she received - and now offers to others at RenewMyWellness in downtown Birmingham.

Dr. Rona Wadle, D.O., doesn’t hold back when talking about the life-changing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy that she received - and now ofers to others at Renew My Wellness located in Birmingham.

“After suffering through severe menopausal symptoms myself, this therapy has given me my life back,” Dr. Wadle said.

Since the 1930’s patients throughout Europe, Japan and the United States have successfully used bio-identical hormones. Many studies show that when prescribed and administered correctly, bio-identical hormone pellets can help a variety of conditions and symptoms. They don’t present the potential hazards that many synthetic medications do.

“Afer sufering through severe menopausal symptoms myself, this therapy has given me my life back,” Dr. Wadle said.

As a registered nurse who later went to medical school and became board certiﬁed in emergency medicine, Dr. Wadle owned and operated an urgent care center in Birmingham. Based on her own medical journey and personal experience with hormone depletion, she founded RenewMyWellness.

“After suffering through severe menopausal symptoms myself, this therapy has given me my life back,” Dr. Wadle said.

As a registered nurse who later went to medical school and became board certifed in emergency medicine, Dr. Wadle owned and operated an urgent care center in Birmingham. Based on her own medical journey and personal experience with hormone depletion, she founded Renew My Wellness.

For men and women dealing with fatigue, depression, apathy, anxiety, weight gain, decreased libido, decreased exercise endurance and muscle mass there is a bioidentical way to improve these symptoms. “What we’re offering is hormone replacement therapy in the form of testosterone and estradiol pellets for both women and men,” Dr. Wadle explains.“Pellets provide a delivery system that mimics the human body so that even improved physiologic levels can be achieved.”

For men and women dealing with fatigue, depression, apathy, anxiety, weight gain, decreased libido, decreased exercise endurance and muscle mass there is a bioidentical way to improve these symptoms. “What we’re ofering is hormone replacement therapy in the form of testosterone and estradiol pellets for both women and men,” Dr. Wadle explains. “Pellets provide a delivery system that mimics the human body so that even improved physiologic levels can be achieved.”

Since the 1930’s patients throughout Europe, Japan and

the United States have successfully used bio-identical hormones. Many studies show that when prescribed and administered correctly, bio-identical hormone pellets can help a variety of conditions and symptoms. They don’t present the potential hazards that many synthetic medications do.

RenewMyWellness also offers testosterone injections for men and a prescription weight loss program for both men and women that is monitored to ensure it is safe and effective.

Dr. Wadle said she founded RenewMyWellness to promote wellness through a holistically-integrative approach to patient care that combines conventional and functional medicine. The results leave patients with improved conﬁdence and a whole-body sense of well-being.

Renew My Wellness also ofers testosterone injections for men and a prescription weight loss program for both men and women that is monitored to ensure it is safe and efective.

RenewMyWellness is located at 33466 Woodward Ave., in downtown Birmingham. To schedule a consultation or for more information, call 248-602-3177.

Scan to receive more information & monthly newsletters.

Dr. Wadle said she founded Renew My Wellness to promote wellness through a holistically-integrative approach to patient care that combines conventional and functional medicine. The results leave patients with improved confdence and a whole-body sense of well-being.

Scan to receive more information & monthly newsletters.

Renew My Wellness is located at 33466 Woodward Ave., in Birmingham.

To schedule a consultation or for more information, call 248602-3177. Or visit www.renewmywellness.com.

Dr. Rona Wadle, D.O.

NEWS & NOTES

HOUSE TOUR RETURNS

BIRMINGHAM — The Community House will host the 35th Birmingham House Tour 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Sept. 12.Tickets cost $42, or $52 for VIP early access. The fundraiser showcases some of the most distinctive private residences in local neighborhoods. For $20 more per ticket, attendees can have a gourmet lunch at The Community House, in the Wallace Ballroom. For more information, visit www. communityhouse.com/event/birming ham-house-tour.

Household Hazardous Waste event slated for Sept. 28

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Residents will be able to dispose of hazardous waste this fall when the Household Hazardous Waste Drop Off Day event returns to the township campus. Household Hazardous Waste crews will be on hand 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28, to take items such as drain cleaners, weed killer, gasoline, motor oil, starter fluid, transmission fluid, paint, fluorescent light bulbs/PBC ballasts, household batteries and automotive batteries, propane, fire extinguishers, old tires, and more.No electronic waste, medication or paper shredding will be accepted at this event. There will be signs on Telegraph and Long Lake directing traffic. The event is open to township residents only, and proof of residency is required. Visit bloomfieldtwp.org/recycle to find out more.

CLERK CALLS FOR VOTER PARTICIPATION

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — On Election Day for the August statewide primary, the township’s turnout was 31.6%, which officials said is consistent with most past August primaries in presidential years. This means that more than 67% of registered voters in the township chose not to vote.

Clerk Martin Brook thinks the township can do better.

“A vote is a terrible thing to waste, and with the recent legal changes,

September book sale planned

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Friends of Bloomfield Township Public Library will hold their Second Saturday Book Sale 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14. Friends members may shop the sale 10 a.m.-11 a.m., and memberships can be purchased at the door on the day of the sale.

The sale takes place on the lower level of the library and includes thousands of books and audiovisual materials for all ages and interests, sorted into more than 50 categories. Highlights of this sale, organizers say, include books on the American Civil War, fall crafting and adult French literature. The sale always includes a wide array of subjects, and a room dedicated to music and film.

Debit cards can be used for any amount, and credit card purchases may be used, with a $5 minimum purchase. The Library Shop, located just inside the library, remains open during library hours and offers a selection of gently used books, movies and music, as well as cards and gifts. The Friends are also continuing to accept donations of books and media in good condition. Visit the Friends of the Library webpage for more information.

Since 1995, purchases made at the Second Saturday Sales have allowed the Friends to donate over $1.85 million to support the library beyond its operating budget, donating over $105,000 last year alone. Donations have paid for artwork and sculptures around the library, the gardens, programs and events for adults and children, and additions to library collections.

For more information, call (248) 642-5800 or visit www.btpl.org.

voting could not be more convenient. There is no-reason absentee, there is the permanent mail ballot list, and there are nine days of early voting at the Bloomfield Township Library,” Brook said in a statement.

Brook added that “the next election is November 5 and it will be here before you know it, so please make a voting plan today.” Residents can learn more to get ready for the Nov. 5 election at bloomfieldtwp.org/ elections.

CRIME WATCH

Assault reported

BIRMINGHAM — On Aug. 12, at approximately 9 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 300 block of North Old Woodward Avenue for a fight in progress. Witnesses identified the suspect, a 23-year-old Bloomfield Hills man, assaulting a juvenile from Bloomfield Hills, according to police.

The two parties were not acquainted before the incident. An investigation is ongoing.

Vape pens stolen during Dream Cruise

BIRMINGHAM — Police were dispatched to a parking lot in the 34600 block of Woodward Avenue that had been rented by a tobacco shop for a special event during the Woodward Dream Cruise around 10 a.m. Aug. 17.

The event manager reported that multiple vape pens and possibly other items were stolen from a display table by at least one person who jumped the fence overnight.

Two hired security guards reportedly discovered the unknown people in the event area near the display table. An investigation is ongoing.

Injured man found sitting on bench

BIRMINGHAM — Officers were dispatched to the sidewalk in front of a hotel in the 200 block of South Old Woodward around 2 a.m. Aug. 18 for an injured subject.

They found a 38-year-old Washington Township man with a bloody head sitting on a bench.

A witness said that he saw a man strike the victim on the side of the head with a drinking glass at a nearby establishment approximately 30 minutes earlier. The victim said he did not know the suspect. An investigation is ongoing.

Drunk driver hits fence at home

BIRMINGHAM — On Aug. 18, at approximately 1 a.m., officers were dispatched to the area of Brookside Drive and Ravine Street for a possible ha-

Continued on page 9A

YOU ARE INVITED TO OUR UPCOMING EVENTS

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH | 6:30 P.M.

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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH | 6:30 P.M.

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WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH | 12:OO P.M.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 10TH | 12:OO P.M.

Green Burial Seminar @ Loui’s Pizza, 23141 Dequindre, Hazel Park, MI 48030

Please RSVP to 586-731-2411 as seating is limited and meals will be served.

Visit sullivanfuneraldirectors.com and like us on Facebook to get up-to-date information on events!

CRIME WATCH

rassment complaint.

Upon arrival, officers found a vehicle reversing down an alley, backing into a trailer and striking a residential fence.

Officers boxed in the vehicle and approached the vehicle. The suspect, a 25-yearold Sterling Heights woman, did not want to exit the vehicle. She told police that the other parties in the vehicle had made her drink.

Officers were eventually able to get the suspect to exit the vehicle, and she was arrested. Officers later learned that the suspect had a warrant for a misdemeanor in Sterling Heights, and she was transferred to the Sterling Heights Police Department.

Suspects wait for police to leave, steal clothing

BIRMINGHAM — An officer was dispatched to a clothing store in the 100 block of South Old Woodward around 7 p.m. Aug. 13 for a retail fraud. The store manager reported that two females in their mid-20s

had entered the store while police were there investigating a theft that had happened 30 minutes earlier. The suspects walked around the store until officers left, and then they began creating piles of merchandise. One suspect left the store, and moments later, the other suspect ran out the door with a pile of clothes valued at more than $1,650 and into a waiting vehicle. The vehicle recklessly drove away, heading north on Old Woodward. An investigation is ongoing.

Drunk man crashes car trying to flee from police

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — A

31-year-old man from Bloomfield Township was arrested after reportedly crashing his car fleeing from police while driving drunk with no license.

Bloomfield Township Police were dispatched to a possible drunk driver in a white Toyota Tacoma heading north on Telegraph, from Lone Pine Road, at approximately 12:50 a.m. Aug. 17.

Officers saw the car on Telegraph, near Square Lake road, and attempted to stop the vehicle, which was reportedly crossing over all lanes of traffic and traveling at speeds over 100 mph. As the suspect neared Humphrey Avenue, police said, his vehicle struck a curb,

drove over the center median into the southbound lanes, drove into a ditch, and then crashed into a tree. The suspect, who exited the vehicle, was ordered to the ground by officers, but reportedly took off running. He was taken into custody shortly after and reportedly smelled of intoxicants. He had a small baggie of pills on him that police suspect to be oxycodone.

A breath sample taken at the Bloomfield Township Police Department reportedly showed a 0.153% blood alcohol content.

The driver, 31, of Bloomfield Hills, was arraigned at the 52-1 District Court and was charged with second-degree fleeing and eluding, resisting and obstructing, operating while intoxicated and driving without a license. He was issued an $8,000 bond.

Three men arrested after stealing clothes

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield Township Police Department was dispatched to Dick’s Sporting Goods,

2105 S. Telegraph Road, for a retail fraud in progress at approximately 3:30 p.m. Aug. 17. Information was provided that two men had entered the store, stolen several items of clothing, and left without paying. Officers arrived at the scene and were flagged down by several witnesses, who informed them that the suspects had fled southbound on Telegraph in a black Nissan with heavy front-end damage.

Additional officers located the vehicle traveling south on Telegraph Road, near Maple Road, and initiated a traffic stop. Three male passengers were identified, and 55 articles of stolen clothing, totaling $2,755, were recovered from inside the vehicle. All three individuals were taken into custody for retail fraud. The report was forwarded to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for review. All three remain in custody pending that review and arraignment. Bloomfield Township will not release the names of those arrested until after arraignment.

— Mary Beth Almond

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Ruling

entitled to paid sick leave. Every 30 hours an employee works generates one hour of paid sick leave. Employees get 72 hours paid sick time a year at large companies. However, employers with fewer than 10 employees need to only pay for 40 hours of sick leave a year.

These sweeping changes will go into effect Feb. 21, 2025. For some, it’s a step toward a living wage for workers. For others, it’s a hit to businesses across the state and possibly tipped workers.

Business owners, associations react

Many business owners and associations have decried the decision.

Bill Roberts, the owner and president of Roberts Restaurant Group, had a similar view of the changes. Roberts Restaurant Group owns Streetside Seafood in Birmingham, Cafe ML in Bloomfield Township, Roadside B&G in Bloomfield Township, and Bill’s in Bloomfield Hills.

“It will not be good for the customers, nor the staff, nor the restaurant owners. … Ultimately, it’s going to increase prices to the guests significantly,” he said. “It’s hard to project that far out, but I was playing with numbers, and my four restaurants, in 2028, it would cost us probably another $400,000$500,000 in payroll and taxes — and you know where that comes from. We have to raise prices. We feel like prices are already high as we are coming out of COVID. Wages have gone up, inflation has caused food prices to go up, and shoot, every time the plumber or electrician walks in the door they’re charging practically double what they did four or five years ago, so it’s putting a hurt on our industry.”

Roberts is also concerned that the price increases he says will be needed to sustain the mandated changes will deter customers from dining out.

“If a burger goes from $18 to $20 right now at an upscale restaurant, it will be $24 or $25 in several years. We’d rather not be increasing our pricing, frankly. At what point does someone not go out as often? We’re seeing it already. We’re seeing guests splitting some items or ordering the lower priced items on a menu, or not getting the big bottles of wine they had been, so we are already seeing some fallout from the inflation that’s been rampant over the last several years. … Though we’re doing business and it appears like things are fantastic, they really aren’t on the bottom line. Our industry is struggling and we’re working hard to make some of these changes more palatable.”

Marty Knollenberg, Sedona Taphouse/ Knollenberg Hospitality LLC owner, said no one at his restaurant is paid under $12. He does have concerns with the changes to tip credit and earned sick time, and how it could affect the current rise in the cost of living.

“There are a lot of loopholes, and my hope is the Legislature will fix this,” Knollenberg said. “I don’t know what they’re trying to solve, and I wish the union groups pushing for this would ask who’s paying for this.”

He said he feels that his own staff would prefer the current system, specifically in terms of how tips are addressed.

“They like the system we currently have,” Knollenberg said. “Some servers start as hosts and find with their tips they make more money as servers.” Knollenberg said the loopholes should be modified in legislation and that Michigan representatives related to the service industry should be listened to.

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.

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,

Ask Rob Wilson, owner of Wilson Fine Violins in Birmingham, what he loves most about his business, and he doesn’t skip a beat: “Our goal is to foster a love for music throughout life,” Wilson said. “We focus on having customers for a lifetime.”

Specializing in the sale, lease, repair and restorations of violins, violas, cellos and basses, Wilson Fine Violins oﬀers full professional support - including lessons and a 100% trade-in policy - to customers ranging in age from under the age of two to 89. “Most of our customers are younger players, so it’s great to see them grow up in front of us,” Wilson said. “They come in small and then move from having their parents’ names on the account, to having their own names on the account, to

said he took to the business right away and eventually became a partner in the shop. The two men moved the business to Birmingham in 1998, and Wilson became the sole owner when his partner retired. Since then, Wilson and his staﬀ have built a business based on customer loyalty and exceptional service for each person who walks in the shop, regardless of their skill level.

“Unlike some other shops, Rob treats you the same whether you are a professional player or a young student,” said Ramon Garza, an instructor and professional musician. “He takes you aside and carefully explains things. I have always felt conﬁdent that he will take care of my students.”

Wilson Fine Violins Oﬀers A Lifelong Haven For Musicians

In addition to helping customers ﬁnd the right instrument, Wilson said that education is also a major component to his workindividual lessons are provided both onsite or oﬀ-site with highly recommended musical instructors.

“We believe in personalized care of our customers and try to understand the unique needs of each of them,” Wilson said. “We’re here to guide you and help facilitate the growth of our clients.”

Wilson Fine Violins is located in the Adams Square Mall at 725 S. Adams Road, Suite 115 in Birmingham. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday 11-6, Thursday 11-8, Saturday 10-3, Closed Sundays.

For more information about Restoration, Repairs and Rentals, visit our website

At Wilson Fine Violins, we know that private lessons and personalized attention make all the diﬀerence in how quickly you learn to play your new instrument. We are pleased to oﬀer the convenience of a private lesson studio right in our building.

Violins

Finding a fresh, satisfying meal a er hours can be challenging, but Joe’s Grill in Troy and Royal Oak is here to change that. Open late— until 1 a.m. on weekdays and 3 a.m. on weekends—Joe’s Grill serves some of the best Mediterranean cuisine in Michigan, all prepared fresh daily with the ﬁnest ingredients.

Owner and chef Maher Shakarna, who has been passionate about cooking since childhood, brings his love for the kitchen to Joe’s Grill. “I grew up watching my mom cook and tasting everything she made,” Shakarna shared. This early interest led him to work in restaurants from the age of 15, study culinary arts with a focus on international cuisine, and work as a hotel chef before brieﬂy exploring other career paths.

The idea for Joe’s Grill took shape in 2018, driven by Shakarna’s diverse dining experiences and a conversation with his wife, Manal, who now manages the restaurant. “As a chef, I love trying new places, but I was o en disappointed by frozen ingredients and lackluster ﬂavors,” Shakarna explained. “I told

my wife I wanted to open a small place where everything is made to order, using all halal meat and real cooking techniques.”

At Joe’s Grill, every dish is prepared fresh and to order. “It’s like the home cooking you’d get from your mom,” Shakarna said. “We don’t use processed ingredients—just fresh vegetables and proteins cooked right in front of you. It’s a Mediterranean twist on fast food, with a focus on health and incredible taste.”

Joe’s Grill also o ers catering services that aren’t limited to any particular style of food. To order online or for more information about Joe’s Grill, go to joesgrillmichigan. com or call (248) 688-9181.

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

Sheriff: ‘This is one of the most disturbing sexual predator cases I have seen’

ROCHESTER HILLS DOCTOR CHARGED FOR RECORDING NUDE ADULTS, CHILDREN

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

ROCHESTER HILLS — A Rochester Hills doctor has been arrested after authorities discovered thousands of nude photos and videos of children and adults taken while the victims were changing at Goldfish Swim School, in hospitals, in changing areas, and in various other locations over at least the past six years.

“This individual is potentially one of the worst I’ve ever seen, because there is no particular category — it’s not just children. It’s not just women. It’s not just men. It goes from a 2-year-old boy to a grown woman,” Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said. “The victimization is so broad and the perversion so great that we’re just beginning to wrap our arms around it.”

Authorities were alerted Aug. 7 of potential criminal activity of Dr. Oumair Ae-

Ruling

from page 11A

binary and non-binary, Democrat and Republican, immigrants and Native Americans, young and senior—deserves,” Chris White, director, ROC Michigan, is quoted as saying in a statement.

“Together with our coalition partners and allies, I am proud of what we have accomplished!”

The Michigan AFL-CIO also commended the ruling.

“We commend the Court for ruling what we all clearly witnessed back in 2018,” Michigan AFL-CIO President Ron Bieber said in a press release. “The Republicancontrolled legislature’s flagrant disregard for the citizen initiative process has robbed Michigan workers of wages and sick leave for the past five years. Republicans in the legislature quite literally stole out of the pockets of Michigan workers and today’s ruling by the Supreme Court is the first step in righting this wrong and making workers whole.”

How this happened

This ruling was years in the making. It’s the result of wrangling to keep the issue off

jaz, 40 — a citizen of India, a physician, a married man and a father of two young children.

“The allegations were that he was engaged in activity, including but not limited to placing hidden cameras in changing rooms, video recording young children, as young as 2 years of age, all the way up to grown adults in different settings,” Bouchard said.

“The defendant’s wife produced materials that were concerning,” Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald added. “The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office immediately executed a search warrant and confiscated more devices and has sifted through really jarring, alarming images, and they’re still doing that.”

Authorities say Aejaz recorded sexual encounters he had with numerous women, with hospital patients who were either asleep or unconscious, and recorded relatives and strangers in the bathroom or while changing clothes.

Aejaz was arrested Aug. 8 at his Rochester Hills home and was arraigned Aug. 13 in 52-3 District Court in Rochester Hills. He is charged with one count of child sexually abusive activity, four counts of capturing an

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

image of an unclothed person and five counts of using a computer to commit a crime. At press time, he was being held in the Oakland County Jail on a $2 million bond.

The current charges, McDonald said, stem from incidents at Goldfish Swim School in Rochester, where Aejaz is alleged to have filmed two women and two children, ages 2 and 4, in a changing area. Investigators believe the victims were filmed from a nearby changing stall. The child sexually abusive activity charge, according to authorities, involves an unidentified minor and is not related to the swim school incidents.

“He was not caught there. The victims were unaware. This was discovered on the hard drives that we were investigating,” Bouchard said. “The camera looks like it’s looking underneath into their changing room.”

In a statement posted on its social media page Aug. 20, Goldfish Swim School of Rochester said its staff was “shocked, angered and saddened to recently learn of the criminal activity of former member Oumair Aejaz within our school, along with many other locations in the greater community. To think that anyone would violate the privacy and

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,

trust of others, particularly vulnerable children, is inconceivable. While Aejaz has not been in our facility for months, we will do everything in our power to continue to cooperate with law enforcement as they, along with other public safety partners, hold him fully accountable for his actions. The safety of our students, families and team members are our top priority — this is not negotiable. We will continue to work with those affected to provide them the support needed during this time. If you, or anyone you know, has any information about Mr. Aejaz and any peculiar behavior, please reach out to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department at ocsosiu@oakgov.com. As this is an ongoing criminal investigation, we cannot elaborate further, in order to preserve the integrity of the investigation.”

Goldfish staff said families who are involved will be notified by law enforcement upon identification, adding that those identified have already been notified.

“We have unfortunately seen a lot of inaccurate reporting about the horrible situation involving the arrest of Oumair Aejaz, a former member who has been charged with

See AEJAZ on page 24A

but was ultimately upheld by Michigan Supreme Court’s July 31, 2024, ruling.

“We hold that this decision to adopt the initiatives and then later amend them in the same legislative session (what has been referred to as ‘adopt-and-amend’) violated the people’s constitutionally guaranteed right to propose and enact laws through the initiative process,” the majority opinion states.

Drownings

from page 1A

cording to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, making it the county with the highest number of lakes in all of Michigan. This easy access to lakes, boats and beaches increases the danger of drowning in the Oakland County area.

“Even if someone is a good swimmer, this can still happen to them,” National Drowning Prevention Alliance President Michele Long said. “No one should swim alone at any age, because no one is completely drown-proof.”

Many factors can lead to a drowning incident. According to ndpa.org, most teenage and adult drownings happen in natural and open waters such as lakes, rivers, ponds and oceans.

Drownings in Oakland County were caused by various dangers, including boating incidents, assisting someone else who was drowning, or in some cases, individuals drowned because of their limited swimming ability.

In one drowning case that took place on Taylor Lake the morning of July 20, a 20-year-old Detroit man, Marsalis Quintin Carter, lost his life while trying to save two of his coworkers who were struggling to stay above water.

Carter’s mother, Daileen Carter, was presented with a citizen citation honoring the heroism of her son, who was able to save his two coworkers from drowning.

Going in to save multiple people from drowning is something that takes a lot of strength, especially if the individual involved does not have lifesaving training, according to Long.

Witnesses validated that Carter was probably exhausted while trying to save the two individuals and went underwater and never came back up, according to a press release.

Long said that, more often than not, the person trying to save an individual from drowning will end up drowning.

“Emotions play into that very strongly; the thing to do is, unless you’re trained in lifesaving, throw something to them that they can use as a flotation device. We have a lot of people, unfortunately, that have drowned trying to save someone else and do the right thing,” Long said. “So, getting someone and yelling to the people around you to call for help and then throwing something out is the best thing to do.”

The first step to preventing a potential drowning incident is to take swim lessons. According to the CDC, over 40 million adults in the U.S. do not know how to swim,

and nearly half, 54.7%, have never taken a swim lesson.

“It is important that you start out with basic swimming, because swim lessons, no matter what, are going to be important,” Long said. “Swimming lessons in general can save a life and can reduce the risk of drowning by 88%.”

Swimming lessons are not only for kids, and often swim lesson facilities or recreational centers offer children and adult swim classes. Some swim lesson organizations offering adult lessons in Oakland County include Royal Swim School, the YMCA, SafeSplash and more.

“No one should have to lose a loved one to drowning. Improving access to effective prevention strategies, like basic swimming and water safety skills training, can reduce drowning risk,” Tessa Clemens, a health scientist in the CDC’s Division of Injury Prevention, said in a press release.

To find the best option for swim lessons, it is recommended to look online. There are a wide variety of options available across Oakland County.

Oakland County offers educational programs dedicated to lake safety throughout the year. Boating safety courses are offered by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office at no charge. More information on these courses can be found at oakgov.com.

Long also said that it is important for people to be aware of the environment they are going to be swimming in, especially when that environment is a lake.

“In pools you have your fences, your locked doors, but also in open water you need to understand what you’re swimming in, looking at the weather, or you should be in a U.S. Coast Guard life vest if you are not a proficient swimmer,” she said.

Wearing a life vest is a major key to provide a sense of safety and reassurance.

Lakes have unseen dangers that can cause drownings. Water currents can sweep swimmers away and tire them out, water depth can suddenly change, and underwater hazards can trap swimmers, keeping them from swimming back to shore or up from the bottom, according to the National Park Service at nps.gov.

Wearing a life vest is a reliable way to prevent these hazards from turning a fun day into a tragic one. The main purpose of a life vest is to prevent drowning, keep a swimmer afloat if they get tired and give the person time while awaiting rescue.

According to the National Park Service, there are three basic kinds of life jackets that can be chosen based on activity or swim level.

Inherently buoyant life jackets are made

Sylvan Lake drowning is 11th in Oakland County this year

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

SYLVAN LAKE — According to a press release from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, the body of an 84-year-old Sylvan Lake man was recovered Aug. 10 after his unattended boat was found drifting in the lake hours earlier.

The body of Louis William Petro was discovered around 10 p.m. by divers from the Oakland County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue Team and Southeast Michigan Dive Group in 5 feet of water approximately 200 feet from the shore, the release states.

The preliminary cause of death was determined to be from drowning. Petro was not wearing a life jacket, according to the release.

“In an already extremely tragic summer, the loss of another person while they were enjoying the water is very sad,” Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard stated via the release. “While we don’t know what happened in this case yet, we encourage people if they are not strong swimmers or they are alone in the water to consider using a flotation device.”

According to the release, it was the 11th drowning in an Oakland County lake so far this year.

Other boaters saw Petro taking his 18-foot Glastron pleasure boat onto the lake at approximately 2:30 p.m. Aug. 9. He was a regular boater on the lake and was in the boat alone.

At around 5:15 p.m. Petro’s unoccupied boat was seen drifting in the water, and

Drownings

from page 18A

of primarily foam and are low maintenance, making them both comfortable and reliable. They are designed for both swimmers and nonswimmers. They come in adult, youth, child and infant sizes.

Inflatable jackets are lightweight and comfortable, and they are only available in adult sizes. According to NPS, these should not be worn by weak swimmers or nonswimmers.

Hybrid life jackets are reliable and available in adult, youth, child and infant sizes. They are recommended for both swimmers and nonswimmers, and some are designed specifically for different water sports.

When choosing a life jacket, it is important to remember that the vest must be U.S. Coast Guard-approved. This can be found on the label of the life jacket. It is also recommended to choose a brightly colored life jacket that can be easily spotted.

To be sure that the life jacket fits, the individual should test if it fits comfortably, and snugly, by fastening and securing the straps and raising their arms. If the vest

Sylvan

from page 18A

authorities were notified, according to the release.

Other boaters on the lake tied up the drifting Glastron to prevent it from getting in the way of other boaters.

Petro’s personal effects, including his cellphone, wallet and car keys, were discovered in the boat by deputies.

No signs of a struggle or foul play were discovered. There was no evidence of alcohol or drug use.

Oakland County Sheriff’s Office divers were assisted by dive group strike teams from Chesterfield Township Public Safety,

slides up, it is too big. This can also be tested by someone else pulling the jacket up at the shoulders, and it should not go above the ears.

“It is kind of like having a seat belt; you have to be wearing it for it to work,” Long said. “Even if you don’t think you’re going in the water, you have got to have that life vest on.”

In a press release regarding one of the drowning incidents, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard emphasized the importance of safety precautions.

“A source of great fun and joy can become a location of tragedy as we have seen far too often in our lakes this summer,” he said. “I encourage people to have emergency capabilities nearby including floatation devices and watch each other while in the water. If you are not a strong swimmer, it’s a good idea to wear a floatation device.”

For more educational resources on water safety, and programs to learn CPR and first aid, visit oakgov.com, the Great Lakes Surf and Rescue Project at glsrp.org, the American Red Cross at redcross.org, or the CDC at cdc.gov.

Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen (586) 498-1081.

4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, the Lapeer County Sheriff’s Office, Livingston County, the Genesee County Sheriff’s Office and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office drone unit and aviation unit also assisted in the search, along with boats equipped with side scan sonar.

The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue team is investigating the incident, according to the release.

Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 498-1052.

SPORTS

WEST OAKLAND COUNTY FOOTBALL PREVIEW

GROVES EYES OAA WHITE TITLE, SEAHOLM HOPES TO STAY ON TOP OF OAA BLUE

BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com

We’re back in full swing with gridiron action at the high school level. Here are previews for all teams in the C & G Newspapers coverage area in western Oakland County.

Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice

Last season’s record: 0-9. League: Catholic High School League Central.

First game: vs. Roseville, 7 p.m. Aug. 29.

It was an out-of-character season for Brother Rice, which was winless in 2023. Now under the direction of head coach Aaron Marshall, who coached Southfield A&T to a state championship last year, Brother Rice is hoping to become players in the CHSL Central Division. Led by junior quarterback Brady Thomas, Rice’s offense hopes to get back on track with senior Nolan Hannawa (LB) and senior Alex Grochowski (DB) commanding the defense.

Birmingham Groves

Last season’s record: 6-4. League: Oakland Activities Association White Division.

First game: at Detroit U of D Jesuit, 7 p.m. Aug. 29.

With the level of talent Groves possesses, there’s no reason why it’s not competing for an OAA White league title this year. Headlined by University of Michigan commit Avery Gach (OL); senior running back Noah Sanders, a three-star recruit, according to 247Sports; and senior defensive back Chris Little, a Grand Valley State University commit, Groves has elite-level talent on both sides of the ball. Senior Ryan Counts will command the huddle this season with senior Mario Campoy-LoVasco (RB), senior Nick Hardy (WR) and Little (WR) also contributing offensively. On the defensive side, Little leads the group alongside senior Jalen Brooks (DB), with junior Joshua Hammonds (DL), senior Teddy Abbot (DB), senior Paul Hubbard (LB), junior Carter Hladki (LB) and senior Wyatt Shortridge (LB) all set to contribute as well.

Birmingham Seaholm

Last season’s record: 9-2. League: Oakland Activities Association Blue Division.

First game: vs. Troy Athens, 7 p.m. Aug. 29.

It will be a tough hill to climb in order to stay at the top of the OAA Blue, but Seaholm is looking for its inexperienced players to step up to fill the void. Returning only two starters on each side of the ball,

head coach Jim DeWald said his guys are hungry to prove what they’ve got this season.

“I think they’re trying to carry on that tradition of being a gritty and tough group of kids, and every coach probably says that, but I really believe that in my heart,” DeWald said. “The last three days, we’ve been as physical as we can be without pads. We have a couple new coaches, and they’re saying how they’ve seen teams never be this physical in full pads.”

Seniors Matt Erne and Magnus Branstrom return to the offensive line, with senior Penn Roberts expected to handle the bulk of the carries offensively. Defensively, Roberts will anchor the linebacking core alongside senior Alejandro Rauth, while senior Nathan Walsh (DB) will be the mainstay in the secondary. Of course, who could forget senior kicker Wesley Billings, who gives Seaholm a chance any time it’s in opponent territory.

Bloomfield Hills

Last season’s record: 1-8.

League: Oakland Activities Association Blue.

First game: vs. Troy, 7 p.m. Aug. 29.

The OAA White wasn’t kind to Bloomfield Hills, so it returned to its roots of the OAA Blue, where it posted a 9-1 record the last time it competed in the league in 2021. Senior running back Evan Becker will headline the offensive unit with senior wideout Payton Parsons, while senior linebacker Sam Doerr leads the defense.

Bloomfield Hills Cranbrook Kingswood

Last season’s record: 2-7.

League: Catholic High School League Intersectional #1.

First game: vs. International Academy of Flint, 5 p.m. Aug. 29.

We’re three years removed from Cranbrook Kingswood’s seven-straight seasons of making the playoffs. With only a handful of returning starters on each side of the ball, it will be up to senior wideout Owen Steinke and sophomore Anthony Warchuck to lead the offense, while sophomore defensive end Charlie Fogle commands the defense.

Detroit Catholic Central

Last season’s record: 8-3.

League: Catholic High School League Central.

First game: at Dearborn, 7 p.m. Aug. 29.

Detroit Catholic Central has been the masters of consistency, and they should have no problem continuing that trend this season. Posting eight or more wins the past four seasons, DCC will lean on senior Jaden Pydyn (Army commit) to handle the bulk

See FOOTBALL on page 21A

ABOVE: West Bloomfield head coach Zach Hilbers speaks with his offensive and defensive lines behind him at the Oakland Activities Association media day Aug. 9 at Rochester High School.

Photo by Erin Sanchez

BELOW: Novi head coach Jim Sparks has a conversation with his players during a game last season. File photos by Patricia O’Blenes

Football

from page 20A

of the carries alongside senior running back Lee Krueger, with junior Benny Eziuka anchoring the offensive line. The Shamrocks’ defense is led by senior defensive lineman Danilo Guberinich, a Western Michigan University commit, and Krueger, who headlines the linebacking core. It’s always a dogfight in the Central, but don’t be surprised if DCC is still standing as one of the top teams in the league by the end of the regular season.

Detroit Country Day

Last season’s record: 3-5. League: Independent. First game: vs. Portland, 7 p.m. Aug. 29.

The 2023 campaign saw Country Day take a step back after seeing 16-straight playoff appearances in 17 seasons, but it’s only a minor setback if you come back strong the next season. Led by returning all-Region talent Chase Dawkins (QB) and Cade Wilhelmi (OL/DL), a University of Toledo commit, Country Day is poised for a successful year to return them back to form. Last year’s three wins was the lowest win total for Country Day since 2005.

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s

Last season’s record: 3-6. League: Catholic High School League Central.

First game: vs. Portage Northern, 7 p.m. Aug. 29.

A team that’s flying under the radar, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s is looking to announce its presence this year in the CHSL. Led by a trio of Michigan State University commits in Bryson Williams (ATH), Charles White (LB) and Jayden Savoury (TE), Orchard Lake St. Mary is quietly flying under the radar with an array of talent ready to leave it all on the field. Sophomore Jabin Gonzales will command the huddle with three-star recruit senior Antonio Johnson anchoring the offensive line group.

Walled Lake Central

Last season’s record: 3-6. League: Lakes Valley Conference. First game: vs. Berkley, 7 p.m. Aug. 29.

With back-to-back 3-6 seasons, the three-straight winless years from 2019-2021 are a thing of the past for Walled Lake Central. Central opened up the season with a win before dropping five-straight, but rebounded with a 2-1 record to end the year.

Walled Lake Northern

Last season’s record: 1-8.

League: Lakes Valley Conference. First game: vs. South Lyon, 7 p.m. Aug. 29.

It’s been a pair of underwhelming seasons for Walled Lake Northern, but, hopefully, the tides turn in its favor in 2024. Northern returns an all-Region talent in senior linebacker Jackson Ferguson.

Walled Lake Western

Last season’s record: 10-2.

League: Lakes Valley Conference. First game: Waterford Mott, 7 p.m. Aug. 29.

The playoff streak now stands at 14 for Walled Lake Western, and they even added a district championship to the fold last year. Returning an all-State talent in senior offensive lineman Liam Vaughn, a Western Michigan University commit, and an all-Region talent in senior linebacker Shane Rachner, Walled Lake Western should be a threat in the Lakes Valley Conference, which they’ve won the last two seasons.

West Bloomfield

Last season’s record: 10-3.

League: Oakland Activities Association Red Division.

First game: vs. Clinton Township Chippewa Valley, 7 p.m. Aug. 29.

A thrilling state semifinals matchup last year was fought between West Bloomfield and Southfield A&T, and being that close has the Lakers motivated for this season. Returning one of the best wide receiving duos in the state in seniors Elisha Durham and Kamren Flowers, a University of Toledo commit, West Bloomfield’s offense should pick up right where it left off. Senior running back Josh Tate is expected to handle the bulk of the carries, with senior defensive back Jaiden Allos, senior defensive back Jonathan Edison Jr. and senior defensive back Brody Pikur headlining the defensive unit. West Bloomfield head coach Zach Hilbers said he expects the offensive and defensive lines to be the Lakers’ strong suit this year, featuring University of Colorado commit Jay Gardenhire, who stands at 6 feet, 8 inches, 350 pounds; junior Travis Robertson (DL); senior Joshua Bryant (DL); junior Jeremiah Benson (OL/DL); junior Kamari Pittman (DL); senior Ashton McCoy (OL); and senior Dwayne Broome Jr. (OL).

“These guys don’t get the recognition they deserve,” Hilbers said.

CAMPING TRAILS FROM THE DUSTY ROADS OF THE SOUTHWEST TO THE ATLANTIC CITY BOARDWALK

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — It was my first road trip, but I was a baby and don’t remember it.

At 6:15 a.m. on July 26, 1970, my family left our Warren home for a camping trip. The odometer read 40,313 miles and my parents had $497 in cash, plus a credit card. Destination: the California coast.

Every summer my parents, two older brothers and I camped. We’d load up, pile into our Plymouth station wagon and head for the open road with an atlas and state maps guiding us. This was before GPS. Altogether, we camped in 48 states — never made it to Alaska or Hawaii — and parts of Canada.

My dad would have lived in a campground all year if he could. Me, ugh, I hated camping. It was torture: the bugs, no room for my bike, and I missed my friends back home. But the worst part was no TV. That would be equivalent to being without an iPad or cellphone in today’s world.

TOP: One of our stops on our way to California.

TOP: One of our stops on our way to California. ABOVE LEFT: The 1972 Apache pop-up trailer was how we saw the country many times.

ABOVE RIGHT: I believe this is Newport Beach, California. I loved the beach and still do.

LEFT: My family spent a day in Tijuana, Mexico. We drove from our camping site in southern California. Photos provided by Maria Allard

Camping

Each vacation was planned out. We’d go out West, down South or just eastbound and down. We’d drive everywhere: big cities, the country, back roads, major highways. To pass the time, I read Mad Magazine and stayed on the lookout for Volkswagen Beetles.

I might have liked camping if we traveled in a cozy motorhome or shiny Airstream trailer. The first family trailer was basically a box on wheels. By the mid-1970s, my parents purchased a 1972 Apache pop-up trailer. It wasn’t one of those easy ones you crank and all the work is done. This trailer required all five of us to put it up and take it down. We’d all hold different poles and pieces of canvas until it was up. It always took forever.

My least favorite campgrounds were the primitive ones. But there were plenty of campgrounds we stayed at that had it all: a pool, game room, movie night, snack bar, laundromat, and gift shop. The KOA’s were always nice. Sometimes we’d end up at a state park.

With each camping trip — from the

mid-1960s through the late 1980s — my parents kept a journal, which I still have. They jotted down the date, mileage, which city and state we were in, the weather, what time we awoke, and people we met. My parents also wrote brief paragraphs about the places we visited. For instance, during our 1974 trip to Yellowstone National Park and the Grand Canyon, we ran into boxing legend Joe Louis at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.

“He said ‘I want to shake hands with these little ones,’” Mom wrote. “When we told him we were from Detroit, he said, ‘Say hello to Detroit for me.’ He looks good.”

Even though camping wasn’t my thing, I loved traveling. The trips that really came alive for me were California in ’77 and ’79, Virginia Beach in ’78, and our 1980 journey through Toronto, Montreal, upstate New York, New York City and Atlantic City.

On off-road days we’d go somewhere: a museum, a tour, a hall of fame, a historic site, a landmark, a cathedral or a ballpark. My parents made sure to have one amusement park on the itinerary.

Another great thing was meeting kids from all over. We’d visit each other’s campsites, swim or play pool in the game room. If I had to pick a favorite spot or two, it would

be the eastern and western shorelines. There was nothing like being on a Pacific Ocean or Atlantic Ocean beach. I still long for swimming with the waves while smelling saltwater in the air.

The Virginia Beach, Virginia, campground stands out. It was huge with so much activity. Every morning a man drove through yelling “Doughnuts, fresh doughnuts!” from a truck, and every time I went into the game room, Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler would belt out “It’s a Heartache” on the jukebox.

When we experienced car trouble in a small West Virginia town, the only mechanic was out for the day. Stuck, we set up camp somewhere. As dusk fell, the mechanic found out about us and invited my brothers and me back to his house to stay overnight with his wife and kids. His large family reminded me of “The Waltons.” They were so kind. We sat around the kitchen table, had snacks and talked. It was the first time I ever had Country Time lemonade.

I always remember where I was Aug. 16, 1977, when news broke that Elvis Presley died at his Graceland mansion in Memphis. We were getting ready to go to the San Diego Zoo while Dad sat at the picnic table listening to his handheld Panasonic radio.

“Elvis died,” he said, looking up at us.

On our way home, we stopped in Memphis. Fans mourning the singer’s death gathered on Elvis Presley Boulevard. Dad picked me up so I could see Graceland. This was before it was open to the public. The house looked big and so far away in the distance. My parents are no longer living. I am so glad they took us on all those trips. We saw so much: the Liberty Bell, Mount Rushmore, Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Redwood National Parks, Dealey Plaza in Dallas where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated, the prairie dogs in Montana, Fisherman’s Wharf, Dollywood, Bob Evans’ original farm in Ohio and more.

A neighbor with two kids bought the trailer at my parents’ estate sale. I hope they got out of it as much as I did. I would not trade the experience for anything. I wish I could do it all over again.

Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.

horrendous crimes spanning multiple facilities, cities, possibly states and countries. We want to clarify and reiterate that within the Goldfish facility, there was never a camera hidden affixed to any structures, restrooms or changing areas, or left behind. What we understand from law enforcement is this was not a case where cameras were affixed to or hidden in the Goldfish facility, but rather recordings were made by hidden recording equipment on the suspect’s person, and/or his belongings that he brought in and out of the facility when he came into our school for lessons. Unfortunately, no one would have known unless the suspect was physically searched,” the company stated. “Law enforcement has done a thorough sweep of our school to assure that there are no cameras hidden or affixed, and we continue to prioritize the safety and privacy of our members, team and guests with continuous facility checks, as we always have. We remain incredibly angered and saddened, not just for the Goldfish community but for everyone who this predator victimized over many years in a multitude of jurisdictions.”

Bouchard said Aejaz had obviously been examining and researching cameras to a variety of surreptitious activity.

“It looks like he is using a variety of camera options, including something that may be accessible, maybe even controlled by a device, and some things may have been just his cellphone. That’s still a work in progress. There’s sometimes opportunistic moments when he does it, and other times when it looks like he has intentionally planned the moment.”

Investigators have confiscated six computers, four cellphones and 15 external storage devices, and they believe there are many other victims, who they are seeking to identify.

“Just one of the hard drives has 13,000 videos, so each one of them will have to be gone through to see if there is criminality or potential criminality in those videos, and the prosecution will determine if there is criminal activity, the charges in those. This could take as long as six months just to get through what we already have, so our computer crimes unit is deeply engaged in this

FINANCIAL CHAMPION

and has put tons of hours into this already,” Bouchard explained. “The other potential is there also might be cloud storage, so we’re trying to run that down. Due to the lengthy time that he’s been involved in this activity and the large amounts of storage that we have in our possession, we believe there is obviously a lot more to be uncovered.”

Aejaz, a citizen of India, has been working in the United States on a visa. He came to the United States around 2011, completed his residency at Detroit Sinai Grace Hospital and then moved to Dawson, Alabama. Aejaz returned to Oakland County to continue his practice in internal medicine in 2018 and had privileges at Ascension Genesys Hospital in Grand Blanc Township and Henry Ford Macomb in Clinton Township but was not on staff.

“He was, apparently, an individual, a contracted physician, that went to different locations for a company, rather than having his own specific practice, so we still don’t know the scope of how many facilities or venues he may have visited in that regard. It is a very active investigation,” Bouchard said.

Bouchard said he expects the geographic scope of the investigation to increase beyond Genesee and Macomb counties, where the hospitals are located, and may include

other states or countries, depending on where Aejaz worked.

“When you think about the incredible perversion and destructive activity of Nassar, he had a much smaller group of victims in terms of potential,” Bouchard said of Larry Nassar, a Michigan State University and Olympic physician, and a serial child rapist. “There’s no limit to this individual in terms of his perversion,” Bouchard said of Aejaz.

“So we’re going to need the public’s help and victims’ help, because a lot of these we may not even be able to identify because we have so many victims, so many videos of people. We have no idea who they are and sometimes, what the venue is,” said Bouchard.

Aejaz’s attorney, Mariell Lehman, could not be reached for comment at press time.

Anyone who believes they were a victim of Aejaz can contact detectives at OCSO SIU@oakgov.com.

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

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