NEW MURAL UNVEILED/3A
Booming apple crops this year add to fall fun at local orchards, cider mills
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
Redesigned playground opens at Wabash Park
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER HILLS — Families and friends have a new neighborhood playground to explore in Rochester Hills.
The 3.7-acre Wabash Park — at 100 Wabash Road, west of Rochester Road and north of Auburn Road — has been completely redesigned with new play equipment and
a whole new look.
Rochester Hills Director of Parks and Forestry Ken Elwert said the park was home to “the city’s oldest playground.”
“That was the first park that we put in that hasn’t been redone, so it was time,” he said.
The previous park featured a big purple slide and various purple features and was affectionately known as “Purple
See WABASH PARK on page 9A
METRO DETROIT — As the weather begins to cool in Michigan, there’s no better way to warm yourself up than with a cup of hot apple cider and mouth-watering doughnuts this fall. According to the Michigan Apple Committee, there’s plenty of apples to choose from this year. Michigan is now in its third consecutive season of large apple crops, estimating a harvest of 30.5 million bushels in 2024 — well above Michigan’s average of approximately 25.9 million bushels.
“Apples are the largest and most valuable fruit crop in Michigan – not to mention a big part of Michigan’s culture,” Diane Smith, the executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee, said in a statement. “Ask any Michigander about their fall traditions, and you’ll hear about apple picking, apple cider and more. Apples are the flavor of fall in Michigan, naturally.”
Warmer than normal temperatures in late winter and early spring caused buds to form, leading to an earlier bloom in May. Growers, Smith
See CIDER MILLS on page 18A
The Wabash Park playground has a new look and is open for enjoyment.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
NEW MURAL UNVEILED IN ROCHESTER MUNICIPAL PARK
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER — The community can now experience the four seasons all year round with a stroll through Rochester Municipal Park.
The Rochester City Beautiful Commission commissioned self-taught artist Chelsea Hensbergen to create a four-panel mural highlighting the city’s natural beauty.
Hensbergen, of Washington Township, said she draws inspiration from nature.
“My philosophy is finding magic in the mundane,” she explained. “I’m always outdoors, being active. I love noticing all the little changes that we see, like the leaves, and watching and observing everything, because there’s so much out there that we don’t pay attention to.”
As soon as she heard about the mural project, Hens-
See MURAL on page 22A
New fire chief takes the helm in Rochester Hills
BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER HILLS — Todd Gary has been named the chief of fire and emergency services for the Rochester Hills Fire Department.
Gary — the sixth fire chief in the city’s 40-year history — replaces former Chief Sean Canto, who retired from his post in August after over 10 years of service in that role.
“It was my honor to serve the men and women of this organization,” Canto said of his retirement on social media.
Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett said the city’s new chief has been with the Rochester Hills Fire Department for 43 years.
“Chief Gary has earned every bit of respect from me and everyone he’s worked with,” said Barnett. “I’m excited to support him completely and fully as he leads this department.”
Gary, a Rochester Hills native and Rochester High School graduate, has worked for the department since 1981, serving as the deputy fire chief since 2016.
“It’s an honor and very humbling that I got support from the mayor and that he’s willing to trust me to run the organization,” Gary said. “Obviously, there’s a lot of responsibility associated with this, being responsible for the entire Fire Department and the fire safety of our community.”
Gary is a second-generation firefighter for the Rochester Hills Fire Department as his father, Roger Gary, served as a district chief starting in 1977. The two worked together at Fire Station #5 early in his career.
“I got into the fire service through my dad,” Gary said. “My dad just kind of suggested it one day, and I said, ‘Sure, I’ll give it a try’ … and I enjoyed it.”
• Cash and prizes • Tournament players gain free access to the park • Spectators or those looking to participate in Brew Fest must either buy a brew fest ticket or designated driver/general admission pass
Todd Gary
See GARY on page 20A
Artist Chelsea Hensbergen shows off the four season mural she painted for the Kiwanis Shelter at Rochester Municipal Park. Photo by Erin Sanchez
NEWS & NOTES
RCS Board of Education approves tentative agreement with the Rochester Education Association
ROCHESTER — The Rochester Community Schools Board of Education voted to approve a new tentative agreement with its teachers union Sept. 3.’
The board voted 5-2, with Trustees Andrew Weaver and Carol Beth Litkouhi dissenting.
Critics of the contract say it gives teachers too much freedom and results in parents being blocked from knowing what is being taught and what occurs in schools, among other complaints.
Through the agreement, the district said it’s investing an additional $33 million in RCS teachers over the next three years.
The REA master agreement will be available on the RCS website once the agreement is signed and dated.
For more details, look for a story in the next Rochester Post.
Library presents ‘AI Unleashed: Practical Tips for Everyday Success’
ROCHESTER — The Rochester Hills Public Library presents “AI Unleashed: Practical Tips for Everyday Success” at 7 p.m. Sept. 26. From crafting the perfect birthday card to drafting emails and social media posts, learn how AI can simplify everyday tasks and become a tool for communication and productivity. The event is open to the public. Registration is required at calendar.rhpl.org or by calling (248) 656-2900.
RCU Theatre Company presents ‘The Yellow Boat’
ROCHESTER HILLS — Rochester Christian University Theatre Company will present
“The Yellow Boat,” written by David Saar and directed by Robert Arbaugh.
“The Yellow Boat” is based on the true story of David and Sonja Saar’s son, Benjamin, who was born with congenital hemophilia and died in 1987 at the age of 8 of AIDSrelated complications. A gifted visual artist, Benjamin’s buoyant imagination transformed his physical and emotional pain into a blaze of colors and shapes in his fanciful drawings and paintings. Though it touches on and sensitively explores the serious issues of death and dying, the theatre company said this is a play about living and the power of imagination and art to transform lives and make them full of color and hope.
Performances of “The Yellow Boat” will be at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19-21 and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 22 on the campus of Rochester Christian University, 800 W. Avon Road in Rochester Hills, in the RAC Theater. Tickets cost $5 for students and $18 for adults, with discounts available for seniors and veterans. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office beginning an hour before each performance. To purchase tickets online and find more info, visit www.rcu.edu/rcu-theatre-music. For more information, email theatre@rochesteru.edu. This production is recommended for ages 10 and up.
OPC Social and Activity Center hosts annual 50+ Expo
ROCHESTER — The OPC Social and Activity Center will host its 50+ Expo 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 26. While the focus of the event is on addressing the needs of those 50 and older, it’s also for caregivers and residents of all ages facing health issues or needing information and assistance. Flu shots will be available by Trinity Health, and Beyond Juice and June Bird Coffee will have food trucks on-site. The Expo will take place at the OPC Social and Activity Center, 650 Letica Drive in Rochester. The event is open to the public, no preregistration is required, and admission and parking are free. Shuttle service is available from St. Paul’s United Methodist Church. For more information, visit opccenter.org.
City to host ‘80s 5K for victims of Brooklands Splash Pad tragedy
ROCHESTER HILLS — The city of Rochester Hills will host the “Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go!” ‘80sthemed 5K fun run at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 15 in Bloomer Park.
Attendees are encouraged to don their leg warmers, neon sweatbands, and favorite ‘80s-themed T-shirt to celebrate the city’s 40th birthday. The event is open to seasoned runners, beginners and families.
Attendees will get ‘80sthemed swag, and the event will end the run with DJ Devoe spinning ‘80s hits. The event will be held rain or shine.
Registration is open at rochesterhills.org/5k. Pricing starts at $35 for adults and $15 for youth under 12. Proceeds from the event will go to the Brooklands Splash Pad Resource Fund through the Community Foundation of Greater Rochester to support the victims of the Brooklands Splash Pad tragedy.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR CLINTON CLEAN-UP
ROCHESTER — Join the Community effort to keep Municipal Park and the Paint Creek Trail clean with the Clinton Clean-Up 9-11 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 21. Email Jason Dickinson at jdickinson@rochestermi.org with questions or to register.
CRIME WATCH
Car window broken out, purse stolen at Innovation Hills
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to Innovation Hills Park for a larceny from vehicle report at 2:45 p.m.
The victims, a 64-year-old man and a 65-year-old woman, stated they had parked their 2023 gray Ford Escape at approximately 1:30 p.m., and upon returning at 2:45 p.m., they noticed the driver’s side window broken and glass on the ground. Missing from the vehicle was a Kate Spade purse that contained credit cards but no cash. Park staff said there were no witnesses.
Man arrested for aggravated stalking, harassing communications
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to the area of Walton and Livernois on a report of an aggravated stalking/ harassing communications complaint at 11:15 p.m. Aug. 2. The complainants — a
21-year-old woman from Rochester Hills and a 21-year-old man from Clarkston — told police a 24-year-old man from Rochester Hills has contacted them several times throughout the day and has repeatedly come by their residence after being advised to cease and desist. The 24-year-old also made threats to shoot himself on the doorstep of the complainant’s residence over a breakup at midnight.
Deputies canvassed the surrounding area and the man’s residence for the 24-yearold, with negative results. A short time later, the man’s vehicle was located in the area of North Rochester Road and Romeo. A unit located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. He was taken into custody without incident and was transported to Oakland County Jail. His vehicle was towed and stored. No weapons were in the vehicle at the time of inventory.
Police arrest speeding drunk driver
ROCHESTER — A Rochester officer performing stationary radar in the area of Main and Romeo saw a vehicle traveling at 52 mph in a 25 mph zone at approximately 3 a.m. Aug. 24. The officer conducted a traf-
fic stop and also observed the vehicle to have an expired plate.
The driver failed all field sobriety tasks and submitted to a preliminary breath test, which resulted in a blood alcohol content of 0.15%. The driver was placed under arrest, was lodged until sober and released, pending a later court date.
Car stolen from Deguise Court found in Detroit
ROCHESTER HILLS — A deputy responded to a residence in the 6000 block of Deguise Court for a stolen vehicle at 9:20 a.m. July 31.
The complainant, a 37-year old woman from Rochester Hills, said that she had parked her 2022 Ford Expedition in her driveway the previous night, and when she woke up the following morning, her Expedition was missing.
A neighbor’s video camera captured the vehicle being taken around 4:30 a.m., but there were no visible suspects, according to reports.
The victim said she had an app that tracked the vehicle, and it showed the vehicle parked on a street in Detroit. Auto theft detectives responded and located the vehicle
where it was parked. Auto theft detectives will continue the investigation.
Woman arrested for being drunk and disorderly
ROCHESTER — Rochester officers were dispatched to an apartment complex pool for a disturbance at approximately 5 p.m. Aug. 28.
The caller indicated there was a group of individuals drinking, and the one female kept falling into the pool due to her intoxication.
Officer arrived and spoke with management, who confiscated the alcoholic beverage. Officers attempted to speak with the female who was causing the main disturbance, but she continued to cause a disturbance. At that point, she was placed under arrest, was lodged until sober and was released with a citation.
— Mary Beth Almond
Clinton Township asks Oakland County to do more about sewage water
BY NICK POWERS npowers@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Clinton Township Board of Trustees unanimously passed a resolution critiquing Oakland County for dumping partially treated sewage into the Clinton River.
The resolution suggests that funds used for other county projects should be diverted to address the problem. It also encourages action at the state and county levels to restrict grant appropriations for Oakland County as it relates to sewage management.
Though, admittedly, the resolution is more of a request than anything binding, Trustee Dan Kress, who brought the motion forward, said the resolution is the culmination of frustration with the neighboring county.
“This has no teeth to it. There’s nothing we can do to stop them from dumping in Oakland County,” Kress said. “But this shows our residents and our taxpayers that we are encouraging other elected officials to make an effort to resolve this during this short window, where there may be an oppor-
tunity to make some revisions or conditions on monies received.”
This is not the first time the county has passed a resolution like this. In 2022, a similar resolution was approved by the board.
The resolution says the neighboring county discharges the “lightly treated” sewage through the Red Run Drain, which is a tributary to the Clinton River. This happens when combined sewage overflows following heavy rain runoff into relief points. The township alleges that between Jan. 11-12 alone, 700,000,000 gallons of the combined sewage overflow water made it into the river.
“Oakland County has a permit to dump in the Clinton River and ultimately the lake (Lake St. Clair), which closes Metro Beach, and you end up with the sludge in the river and the lake south of the Clinton River,” Kress said.
The resolution points out that Clinton Township spent $30 million to expand its sanitary sewer system to prevent overflows into the Clinton River. Clinton Township Supervisor Bob Cannon spoke to this and said the township will address any issues relating to water quality.
“We had probably one of the most serious problems in the state of Michigan,” Cannon said. “We have not even come close to that again. Oakland County is doing a very poor job, and I think what this brings forward is (Macomb County Public Works Commissioner) Candice Miller and others are addressing it. We should encourage that.”
Trisha Bruzek, the marketing and communications supervisor for Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash’s office, said the office had “no comment” about the resolution at this time.
Trustee Julie Matuzak said she feels “outrage” over the dumping.
“The underlying problem of all of this is that state government and the federal regulators don’t set standards high enough,” Matuzak said.
Trustee Mike Keys said he has the same frustrations but said Oakland County is working to address issues that are also a problem in Macomb County.
“As a region, if we work together to ask for money from the state and the federal government and for changes versus continuing to punch our neighbor in the eye at the
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expense of a press release and a resolution, I think we would get more done,” Keys said.
Keys asked Department of Public Services Director Mary Bednar at the meeting if Oakland County had been contacted about the resolution. Bednar said township officials attend meetings concerning the Red Run Drain and are in communication with Oakland County.
“The thing is we want to do more,” Bednar said.
Cannon agreed that the township should work together with the neighboring county, but said they needed to put more money toward fixing the problem.
Township Treasurer Paul Gieleghem said there was a double standard at work. He said that Oakland County communities are not required to update their sewer system even though Mount Clemens and Fraser have been required to.
“The DEQ should be requiring that these communities take that same action and that the standards are applied across the board, rather than selectively,” Gieleghem said.
See SEWAGE on page 20A
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Wabash Park
Park” to those who lived around it.
“People have expressed some dismay about removing the purple slide, because it used to be ‘the Purple Park,’ but they are all in on ‘the green park’ because the playground is all green now,” Elwert said.
Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett said Wabash Park has been a special neighborhood park for many years.
“We knew we needed to freshen it up and bring it up to the level and expectations of our other Rochester Hills parks. We found the coolest playground pieces we could find and added a bunch of new fun features — and even though we couldn’t find them in purple, we planted a special tree that blooms purple every year as a reminder of just how special this park has always been.”
The new space features all-new play equipment to appeal to more age groups — ages 2-12 — new “mommy and me” type swings, artificial turf surfacing, fencing around the perimeter of the playground area and improved accessibility of the site overall. The park is also home to the city’s community garden.
“It took almost nine months to get in,” Elwert said. “The neighbors really like it. They like going here because it’s not as crowded as, perhaps, Innovation Hills. It’s a much smaller playground than Innovation Hills, but it has some nice pieces and some separation between the older and the younger play areas.”
The playground cost around $400,000, and Elwert said a significant portion of it was funded through the parks capital millage that voters approved several years ago.
“People seem to really like it,” Elwert said.
Wabash Park, 100 Wabash Road, is open 8 a.m.-dusk daily. For more information, visit www.rochesterhills.org.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
LEFT: The playground at Wabash Park has been completely renovated.
ABOVE: Sienna Shugars, 8, of Rochester Hills, and Isabella Sanchez, 11, of Macomb Township, have fun on the swings at Wabash Park playground.
Photos by Erin Sanchez
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Dr. Dolan Saves Rochester Hills
It was a dark and stormy night in Rochester Hills. A mysterious group known as the "Foggy Fiends" had infiltrated the town, determined to cloud the vision of every citizen. Their nefarious plan involved a powerful, vision-altering serum that they were secretly dosing the town's water supply with.
As the days turned into weeks, the citizens of Rochester Hills began to notice strange things. Their vision seemed to be deteriorating. They stumbled, bumped into things, and had trouble reading even the largest signs. Panic began to spread as people realized they could no longer see the world clearly.
Dr. Dolan, a renowned optometrist in Rochester Hills, was alarmed by the growing number of patients complaining about blurry vision. Sensing something was amiss, he began investigating. He discovered the Foggy Fiends' plot and realized the dire consequences if they succeeded.
Dr. Dolan knew he had to act fast.
He devised a brilliant plan. He created a catchy advertisement that not only warned the citizens of the danger but also offered a solution. The ad featured a dramatic image of a person struggling to see, followed by a simple message: "Don't let the Foggy Fiends cloud your world. Get your eyes checked at 20/20 Vision with Dr. Dolan."
The ad was a viral sensation. It reached every corner of Rochester Hills, spreading awareness of the Foggy Fiends' plot. Citizens flocked to Dr. Dolan's office, eager to protect their vision. With the help of his dedicated team, Dr. Dolan administered eye exams to thousands of people, identifying the effects of the serum and providing corrective lenses.
The Foggy Fiends, enraged by the success of Dr. Dolan's plan, tried to retaliate. They launched a desperate attack on his office, hoping to destroy his equipment and stop his efforts. But Dr. Dolan and his staff were prepared. They fought back, using their
newfound clarity of vision to outsmart and defeat the Foggy Fiends.
In the end, Dr. Dolan and the citizens of Rochester Hills emerged victorious. The Foggy Fiends were captured and their nefarious plot foiled. The town returned to normal, and everyone could see the world clearly, once again. Dr. Dolan became a local hero, celebrated for his courage, intelligence, and dedication to the well-being of his community. And so, the legend of Dr. Dolan, the optometrist who saved Rochester Hills from the Foggy Fiends, was born. Everyone came in to get eyeglasses and exams! THE END?
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Cider mills
from page 1A
said, were fortunate this year not to experience significant frost and freeze events after that early bloom, allowing a plentiful crop to be harvested 10 days earlier than usual.
Although the Michigan Apple Committee’s estimated harvest of 30.5 million bushels this year is slightly down from 31.9 million last year, Smith said that’s still above average. Michigan harvested around a record 32.38 million bushels of apples in 2022, according to the United States Department of Agriculture.
“It is unusual to have three large crops in a row,” Smith explained. “However, as growers continue to plant high-density orchards and adopt other innovative growing practices, Michigan’s apple crop sizes will increase, and we will continue to see these larger crops.”
There are more than 14.9 million apple trees in commercial production, covering 34,500 acres on 775 family-run farms in
Michigan, which means plenty of apples to taste this fall.
Visiting orchards and cider mills for freshly picked apples, or sipping apple cider with fresh doughnuts is part of the culture of Michigan.
“It’s definitely a southeast Michigan tradition for people to have a pilgrimage to a cider mill in the fall,” said Katie Titus, who owns Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills.
Yates Cider Mill, touted as one of the oldest cider mills in Michigan, has been in operation for over 160-years, bringing families and friends together each year for fall flavors and fun.
“Some folks have actually been coming for decades. I’ve spoken to so many of them who’ve said they started coming when they were little, they brought their kids, and now, their grandkids,” Titus said. “We even have that within our own employee base, where we have third generations of kids working whose parents and grandparents have worked here — so it’s not just the customers, it’s also our employees that keep coming
See CIDER MILLS on page 19A
CIDER MILLS IN OAKLAND AND MACOMB COUNTIES
Armada
• Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, blakefarms.com/orchard-cider-mill
• Blake’s Big Apple, 71485 North Ave., blakefarms.com/big-apple
Bloomfield Hills
• Franklin Cider Mill, 7450 Franklin Road, franklincidermill.com
Commerce Township
• Long Family Orchard and Farm, 1540 E. Commerce Road, longsorchard.com
Highland Township
• Bonadeo Farms, 1215 White Lake Road, bonadeofarms.com
Holly
• Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 1479 Ranch Road, diehlsorchard.com
• Mitchell Farm, 3500 Mitchell Road, mitchellfarm.biz/index.html
Lake Orion
• Yates Cider Mill at Canterbury Village, 2375 Joslyn Ct., yatescidermill.com/canterbury-village
Northville
• Parmenter’s Northville Cider Mill, 714 Baseline Road, northvillecider.com
Ortonville
• Ashton Orchards, 3925 Seymour Lake Road, michigan.org/property/ ashton-orchards
Rochester
• Rochester Cider Mill, 5125 N. Rochester Road, rochestercidermill.com
Rochester Hills
• Yates Cider Mill, 1950 E. Avon Road, yatescidermill.com
Romeo
• Hy’s Cider Mill, 6350 37 Mile Road, hyscidermill.com
• Stony Creek Orchard and Cider Mill, 2961 W. 32 Mile Road, stonycreekorchard.com
• Westview Orchards & Cider Mill, 65075 Van Dyke Ave., westvieworchards.com
South Lyon
• Blake’s Lyon Township, 61475 Silver Lake Road, blakefarms.com/blakes-south-lyon
Washington Township
• Big Red Orchard and Cider Mill, 4900 32 Mile Road, bigredorchard.com
• Verellen Orchards, 63260 Van Dyke Ave., verellenorchards.com
LEFT: Yates Cider Mills staff member Ava Ramales, 17, of Shelby Township, takes out dozens of freshly baked doughnuts.
BELOW: Yates Cider Mill’s press can produce hundreds of gallons of apple cider each hour.
Photos by Erin Sanchez
Cider mills
back year after year.”
Fresh-pressed cider, warm doughnuts, farm animals and scenic trails are a few of highlights at Yates that keep guests coming back.
“Our focus is really good cider and really good doughnuts, and that’s what we do really well,” Titus explained.
The mill’s press can produce 300 gallons of apple cider each hour, and guests can even watch cider being made on-site. The cider recipe, Titus said, changes a bit as the season goes on and different apples become ripe, adding new flavors as the weeks pass by.
“We also aim to have fresh doughnuts all day long — we don’t just make them in the morning. We make them all day, so everybody gets fresh doughnuts,” she added.
Fudge, ice cream, hot dogs and more are available for purchase.
“We aim to have an environment that is park-like, where people can take a walk on the trail with their cider and doughnuts, enjoy some hotdogs for lunch and grab some fudge from the Frankenmuth Fudge Shoppe here,” Titus said. “We just want our custom-
ers to come enjoy time with their friends and family, and enjoy the fall weather, because Michigan is having amazing fall weather so far.”
Blake’s, a family-owned and operated orchard and cider mill in Armada that has been serving generations since 1946, is reporting a robust crop this year leading into the busy fall season.
“The harvest of the crop is two to three weeks earlier this year than it has been in past years because it’s been so hot this summer — and because of that too, we are seeing a bumper crop,” said Jacqlyn Bradford, director of marketing at Blake’s Orchard and Cider Mill.
The Blake’s Family of Companies has a harvest of fun-filled events and attractions at its four locations — Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill in Armada, Blake’s Big Apple in Armada, Blake’s Backyard in Almont and Blake’s Lyon Township in South Lyon.
The farm and apple orchards started it all in 1946, and they expanded over the years to include year-round attractions, experiences and events. This fall, the crowds are already rolling in.
“It’s a tradition that’s passed down,” Bradford said. “It’s a simple activity, but one that has been around for so long.”
Depending on the Blake’s site, guests can enjoy u-pick apples and pumpkins, cider and doughnuts, corn mazes, a haunted house, hayrides, a hard cider bar, farm stand produce and more.
“We really try to create experiences for our customers and innovate all the time. We really try to get people out and create memories that you wouldn’t be able to do at your typical cider mill,” Bradford added. Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
Families and friends enjoy some sweet treats at Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Sept. 7. Photo by Erin Sanchez
from page 3A
Barnett said Gary brings with him over four decades of fire service experience in the community and understands the city’s needs and expectations.
Gary started his career as a paid-oncall firefighter for what was known as Avon
Sewage
Township Clerk Kim Meltzer implied that one political party, when in power, was not doing enough to address these problems. Meltzer is a Republican. She said that the difference in the standards the township is held to compared to communities in Oakland County makes her wonder about the situation.
“We’re talking about agencies and putting it all on them,” Meltzer said. “There are legislators there who have to do some of that heavy lifting for us to be able to address this issue.”
Township before becoming a full-time fire dispatcher in 1986. He became a firefighter in 1987 and was promoted to fire inspector in 1993. Four years later, Gary was promoted again to the rank of fire inspector/ lieutenant. In 2001, he was named the fire marshal, a position he held until becoming the deputy fire chief.
In 1981, when Gary was working as a paid-on-call firefighter, Avon Township re-
Cannon tried to dissuade Meltzer from making it a partisan issue.
“I have hope because when I took this position we were in a mess,” Cannon said.
“Mrs. Bednar, and (Township Attorney) Jack Dolan helped, got us out of this mess and this board got us out of the mess. We paid for this. Nobody once on this board complained about all the money we had to spend. Nobody once. I haven’t seen that in other communities.”
Resident Fred Nienstedt, during public comment, thanked the township and Miller for her efforts to combat sewage making it into the river.
Call Staff Writer Nick Powers at (586) 498-1059.
corded 1,055 calls for service in a year. Today, that number is over 9,000.
Longtime Fire Department employee
Bill Cook — who Barnett said has worked for the city at least 31 years — was promoted as the city’s new deputy fire chief.
“These two gentlemen have worked together for a number of years,” Barnett said. “They provide incredible leadership. I am thrilled that we have the kind of bench in
the Rochester Hills Fire Department that we can turn the team over to these incredible leaders and both have a passion for their department.”
Gary and Cook will be responsible for 78 staff members and the five fire stations that service the city’s 32-square-miles.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
FOOTBALL
Mural
from page 3A
bergen said, she immediately thought of painting the four seasons. Her work colorfully depicts the park’s familiar ducks swimming in the Paint Creek in spring; butterflies, dragonflies and bees flying in blue skies and landing on a colorful sea of blooms in summer; a couple and their dog taking a stroll down the Paint Creek Trail amid falling leaves in fall; and community members ice skating on the duck pond in a magical winter scene.
The four-panel, 4-by-8-foot mural — hung on the Kiwanis Shelter, near the bandshell, in the park — was unveiled to the community Aug. 29.
“To me, they look really like Rochester,” said Rochester Mayor Stuart Bikson. “The artwork is beautiful.”
City Beautiful Commission Chair Jeanine Offer Krupp said the volunteer nine-member commission reviewed 12 mural proposals — including two from out of state — based on “artistic merit, alignment with the theme and feasibility” before selecting a winner.
“Not all the murals fit Rochester at all. Some were really urban. Some were really angular, and we also didn’t want a mural that was too similar to what we already had in the park. … This one was my favorite,” said Krupp.
“Chelsea’s art is the perfect fit for our park and Rochester,” she said.
The City Beautiful Commission is dedicated to making city spaces more appealing. The committee has been involved in many projects over the years, including adding everything from cedar pergolas and new murals to butterfly, sun and pollinator gardens in the city.
For the latest mural project, the idea is that every two to three years, the mural will be swapped out for another artist’s work, and the previous artist’s work will be returned.
“At first we talked about cycling them out every two to three years, but if we keep getting a good response to this — it’s hard to imagine beating it, but other people deserve a chance too — maybe the city will give us more walls,” said Krupp.
“We want artwork all over town,” Bikson added. “The City Council really supports the arts, so we are for that and want to keep on going.”
The City Beautiful Commission, the Community Foundation of Rochester and Rochester’s Tree Committee allocated a budget of up to $11,250 for the mural project — $8,000 from the City Beautiful Commission, $2,250 from the Tree Committee and $1,000 from the Community Foundation — including all artist fees, materials and installation costs. The city will purchase the protective coating.
For more information, email the City Beautiful Commission at cbc@rochester. mi.org.
Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Artist Chelsea Hensbergen talks about the summer panel of the four season mural she painted during an unveiling 29.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
SEPT. 15
Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go 5K: ’80s-themed run/walk supports Brooklands Splash Pad Resource Fund, 9 a.m., starts at Bloomer Park, 345 John R Road in Rochester, rochesterhills.org/5K
SEPT. 18
Remember Us? Stories of the Forgotten Presidents: Presentation at 7 p.m., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, registration required, (248) 656-4663, rochesterhills. org/musprograms
The Rainbow Connection Meet and Mingle: Learn about group’s mission to grant wishes and provide support services to children battling life-threatening illnesses, plus complimentary food and drinks, adults only, 6-8 p.m., Pinnacle by Moceri Custom Homes Model, 4834 Pinnacle Blvd. in Rochester, free but registration required, kcollins@ rainbowconnection.org
SEPT. 19
Nightfall at the Hall: Fundraiser includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, live music and silent auction, 6-9 p.m., Meadow Brook Hall on campus of Oakland University, 350 Estate Drive in Rochester, (248) 364-6200, meadowbrookhall.org/nightfallbenefit
SEPT. 20
Rochester Symphony Orchestra: Take musical journey through Italy and Czechoslovakia, 8-10 p.m., St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Road in Rochester, info@rochestersymphony.com, (248) 651-4181, rochestersymphony.com
SEPT. 21
Charity Collection Day: Hosted by Rochester Lions Club, drop off canned foods, returnables and eyeglasses, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., also document shredding 10 a.m.-noon, First Congregational Church, 1315 N. Pine St. in Rochester, (248) 404-8413, bbmacgregor@sbcglobal. net, rochesterlionsclub.org
Clinton Clean-Up: Hosted by Clinton River Watershed Council, volunteers meet at 9 a.m., Rochester Municipal Park, 400 Sixth St., crwc. org/clinton-clean-up
VIEW MORE! Visit candgnews.com/ calendar or use this QR code
SEPT. 26
Feeding Frenzy: Interactive program focusing on live animals and their eating habits, for ages 6 and older, 5-6 p.m., Bloomer Park, 345 John R Road in Rochester, eventbrite.com
50+ Expo: Meet vendors offering resources on caregiving, healthcare and assistance, medicare/medicaid, real estate, legal services, senior living options, financial management and more, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., OPC Social & Activity Center, 650 Letica Drive in Rochester, (248) 6561403, OPCcenter.org
SEPT. 28 Hometown Hustle: Supports Rochester Community Schools Foundation, includes 1-mile superhero color run/walk at 8 a.m. and 5K at 8:30 a.m., starts at Chief Financial Credit Union’s corporate headquarters, 200 Diversion St. in Rochester, search for event title at runsignup.com/races
ONGOING
Farmers market: 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays until Oct. 26, corner of East Third and Water streets in Rochester, downtownrochestermi.com/ farmers-market
Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve activities: Story & STEAM (ages 3-5, 10-11 a.m. every second and fourth Friday of month) and Nature Tales Classic (story, snack and craft, ages 3-5, 10-11 a.m. every third Thursday of month), 333 N. Hill Circle in Rochester, dinosaurhill.org
Rochester Community Chorus rehearsals: 7:45-9 p.m. Mondays until Dec. 2, St. Mary of the Hills Catholic Church, 2675 John R Road in Rochester Hills, performances scheduled for Nov. 17, Dec. 3 and Dec. 8, rochestercommunitychorus.org
Rochester Toastmasters: Meets 6:30 p.m. every first and third Thursday of month, Pixley Memorial Hall, 322 W. University Drive in Rochester, (248) 828-5649, www.4890.toastmastersclubs.org
Live music: Upcoming shows include Sept. 14 (Elektrik Dream), Sept. 15 (ShamRock Jazz Orchestra), Sept. 21 (Kashmir - The Led Zeppelin Show) and Sept. 22 (Ben Sharkey), The Roxy, 401 Walton Blvd. in Rochester Hills, (248) 453-5285, theroxyrochester.com/events
WANT TO SEE YOUR OWN EVENTS ONLINE & IN PRINT — FOR FREE?
With the same link, click and sign in using your Google or Facebook information, or easily create a CitySpark account.
Input the details, upload a photo and select “Review Changes,” then “Submit and Finish.” Events should appear online within 2 hours, and will appear in print as space permits. There’s no limit as to how many you can submit.
SEPT. 19-22 ‘The Yellow Boat’: Presented by RCU Theatre Company, 7:30 p.m. Sept. 19-21 and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 22, Rochester Christian University, 800 W. Avon Road in Rochester Hills, theatre@ rochesteru.edu, rcu.edu/rcu-theatre-music
• 7-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Fork n’ Pint, 51 N. Broadway in Lake Orion, forknpintlakeorion.com, (248) 845-4476
Rochester Cancer Support Group: Free nondenominational meetings for patients, survivors, family, friends and caregivers, guest speakers at 7 p.m. and sharing from 7:30-9 p.m. Tuesdays Sept. 24-Nov. 12 (except Nov. 5), St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Road, (248) 736-3253, wskihanes@yahoo.com
Health workshops: For ovarian cancer support, diabetes prevention, nutrition education and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, beaumonthealth.digitalsignup.com
Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/ support-groups
ADHD meetings: Hosted by CHADD of Eastern Oakland County, for adults and parents, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Zoom, see schedule on chadd. net/chapter-events/527
For questions, email calendar@candgnews.com
Medication goes missing
WEST BLOOMFIELD — On Aug. 13, a resident told police that after a gathering at their home with more than 40 people they noticed that several medications were missing.
No suspects were identified.
PayPal scam shows fake phone number on internet search
WEST BLOOMFIELD — On Aug. 13, an officer was dispatched to the 5400 block of Fairway Court to take a fraud report.
The resident reported having received a potentially fraudulent email about a PayPal charge.
The resident searched for a customer service number and reportedly called a fraudulent one by mistake.
The unknown suspect or suspects allegedly conned the resident out of thousands of dollars by stating that there was a problem with the resident’s computer.
Motorcyclist reportedly hits 130 mph before arrest
ROYAL OAK — A motorcyclist was arrested in Royal Oak Aug. 8 after allegedly speeding at more than 130 mph on Interstate 94 and 100 mph on Interstate 75. The Michigan State Police had tried to stop the motorcyclist and reportedly tracked the motorcyclist from the sky in a helicopter and took a video of the whole incident. The incident began on I-94 in Dearborn near the Wyoming Avenue exit and ended when the driver pulled into downtown Royal Oak and Royal Oak police were able to pull him over.
Customer damages inside of Mobil gas station
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 1:30 p.m. Aug. 13, a customer became irate and damaged multiple shelving units at the Mobil gas station on Woodward Avenue.
Apartment resident finds door lock tampered with TROY — A resident on John R Road reported that on Aug. 2, around 5:45 p.m., his lock was messed with when he briefly left his apartment to take out the trash.
When he returned, he discovered an unknown suspect had squeezed superglue into the deadbolt lock of his door, rendering it inoperable.
Sewer drain cover stolen from park
TROY — A city employee reported that, between Aug. 3 at
a.m.,
Books stolen from municipal campus
SOUTHFIELD — Between 10:30 p.m. Aug. 9 and 3:19 p.m. Aug. 10, miscellaneous books were taken from a rolling cart left unattended in the city complex at 26000 Evergreen Road.
Resident observes break-in while out of town
SOUTHFIELD — While a resident was out of town, she saw a break-in at her home.
At 2:20 a.m. on Aug. 10, the victim reported seeing through her security cameras an unknown individual enter the back door of her home in the 17000 block of Roseland Boulevard.
Man scammed while trying to buy speaker
NOVI — A man was scammed out of $377 after he attempted to buy a Bose Bluetooth speaker from someone online Aug. 17. The man sent the seller the money via Cash App and was told that the speaker would be coming from Grand Rapids. However, he never received it and the seller blocked him online. At the suggestion of police, the man contacted his bank, but he was told he could not be reimbursed, according to the report. He reportedly did not want to pursue a court case and told police he was just going to take it as a “lesson learned.”
Vape pens stolen during Dream Cruise
BIRMINGHAM — Police were dispatched at around 10 a.m. Aug. 17 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.
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 was ongoing.
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
vehicle recklessly drove away, heading north on Old Woodward. An investigation was ongoing.
Drunken 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 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.
Parking spot disagreement leads to assault charges
FARMINGTON — On Aug. 8 at approximately 8:15 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 32000 block of Grand River Avenue for a report of an assault and battery.
When officers arrived, the suspect, a 56-year-old man, had fled the scene, but witnesses were able to copy down the license plate of the suspect vehicle.
A 27-year-old man reported that he and the suspect had had a disagreement about a parking spot. The suspect then assaulted him and fled, according to the police report.
Officers were able to locate the suspect from the license plate, and he was arrested and cited for assault and battery.
Juveniles apprehended
HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, police were dispatched to the area of East Harry Avenue and Merrill Avenue at around 1 a.m. Aug. 16 to investigate a report about three male subjects walking in the street wearing masks.
When police arrived, the three subjects started running. Police were able to apprehend two of them — both were 14-year-old juveniles from Hamtramck and Detroit. There were no reported thefts, and the two juveniles were turned over to their parents.
Also on Aug. 16, at 2:30 p.m., a resident in the 1700 block of East Harry reported that sometime between 6 p.m. Aug. 15 and 7 a.m. Aug. 16, someone entered his unlocked vehicle and stole a 9 mm handgun, along with some cash. The vehicle had been parked in front of the victim’s home.
Around 2:30 p.m. the next day, Aug. 17, a postal worker walking his route observed a gun on the front lawn of a home on East Jarvis. The gun was loaded with ammunition and next to its holster. The postal worker called the police. The gun was verified as the one that had been reported stolen.
The case was being investigated to determine the identity of the third juvenile who ran from police and whether any of the subjects were involved with the theft of the gun.
Customer caught stealing from store ROCHESTER — An officer was dispatched to a local business for retail fraud that had occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. Aug. 10. The business reported an item had been stolen by a customer who concealed it on their person. The officer made contact with the suspect, who returned the item. The suspect was issued a citation for a court date after the business indicated that it wished to pursue criminal charges.
Alex Link, Emmy Cook and Arianna Engnell rehearse. Photo by Rachel Corp