CLEARING THE AIR ON VAPING RISKS
CLERKS SHARE TIPS, INFO TO HELP VOTERS PREP FOR ELECTION
BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com
FARMINGTON HILLS/SYLVAN LAKE/WEST BLOOMFIELD — Local clerks may be among the busiest people around these days, as preparations for the general election Nov. 5 are in high gear.
According to Farmington Hills Clerk Carly Lindahl, the preparations start months in advance and involve a lot of extra hours, extra training, keeping staff abreast of new election rules and laws, and educating voters.
“A lot goes into each election, this one in particular,” Lindahl said. “There’s so many different options for voters with this election.”
Although voting via an absentee ballot and in-person were options for voters during the general election in 2020, what’s new this time around is early voting.
For nine days prior to the general election Nov. 5, residents in Oakland County have the option of voting early.
IN MICHIGAN’
BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com
FARMINGTON HILLS — Last winter, nearly 100 people had the opportunity to learn some interesting facts about history
associated with Michigan.
That opportunity came from classes that were offered by the SOAR Lifelong Learning Institute during its 2024 winter semester. SOAR stands for the Society of Active Retirees.
The institute’s winter term is organized around a theme, and the theme chosen for 2024 was “Made in Michigan: The Influence of Our Pleasant Peninsula.”
SOAR’s winter terms are offered via Zoom, and last February-March, about 950 people attended the program, according to Debra Yamstein, who is the institute’s executive director.
There were 12 classes organized around the “Made in Michigan” theme, with classes
Local clerks have been busy preparing for the general election. Voters in all municipalities in Oakland County have the option of participating in early voting.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Local chefs, Wildlife Council, DNR serve Harvest to Table Gala
BY KATHRYN PENTIUK kpentiuk@candgnews.com
SOUTHFIELD — The Michigan Wildlife Council hosted its firstever Harvest to Table Gala Oct. 1 at the Great Lakes Culinary Center, 24101 West Nine Mile Road, showcasing the hunting, fishing and foraging heritage in Michigan and the role these natural resources play in addressing hunger statewide.
“The mission of the Wildlife Council is to promote all the benefits of hunting and fishing, that it’s a management tool to ensure that we have sustainable wildlife populations now and in the future, that hunters and anglers provide conservation funding, not only for game species like turkey and deer, but also nongame species like butterflies and salamanders, and it’s something that generates a lot of money and jobs around the state,” said Nick Buggia, the chairman for the Michigan Wildlife Council. “This is the first time we’ve done an event like this, where we’ve invited people to come in. We tried to get a group of hunters and anglers and nonhunters and anglers to bring those two groups together over food and highlight all the natural resources that Michigan has to offer from things like wild game, like venison and fish. A lot of the sides and things today
Photo by Kathryn Pentiuk Paul Grosz, the owner and executive chef of Cuisine Restaurant and a Schoolcraft College Culinary Arts instructor, prepares a roasted venison loin for the third course of the Harvest to Table Gala Oct. 1 at the Great Lakes Culinary Center. See GALA on page 6A
The Farmington Hills Police Department responded to the area of 14 Mile and Farmington Road Oct. 5, where several residents reportedly found plastic bags containing “virulent” antisemitic material on their front lawns.
Antisemitic material reportedly distributed across Oakland County neighborhoods
BY MARK VEST AND MARY BETH ALMOND mvest@candgnews.com, malmond@candgnews.com
OAKLAND COUNTY — Neighborhoods across Oakland County were reportedly peppered with antisemitic material and a building was vandalized between Oct. 5 and 7, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office and local police departments.
A statement released by the Sheriff’s Office said deputies are investigating multiple instances of antisemitic flyers being distributed around the county, which the Sheriff’s Office called “completely unacceptable,” adding that it stands firmly against “this disturbing and disgusting behavior.”
“It happened in a number of communities all across the county — Rochester Hills, Commerce, Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield, and I believe Waterford and White Lake as well,” Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said. “I would say close to 1,000 flyers were distributed.”
Officials are investigating whether it could be connected to Monday, Oct. 7 marking the one-year anniversary of Hamas’ attack in Israel.
“I don’t think it was a coincidence,” Bouchard said. “It’s the first time we’ve seen such a large number of things distributed almost simultaneously.”
The first instances were reported in West Bloomfield and Farmington Hills, followed by Rochester Hills and Commerce Township.
According to a press release, at around 8 a.m. Oct. 5, the West Bloomfield Police Dispatch Center received a phone call about residents in the 4800 block of Pelican Way finding anti-Jewish rhetoric flyers in a plastic bag.
According to the release, after officers were sent to investigate, it was revealed that over
SPORTS
Farmington’s Drew Hansz named MHSCA swim and dive Coach of the Year
BY JONATHAN SZCZEPANIAK jszczepaniak@candgnews.com
FARMINGTON — The year 2024 continues to be a road to achievements for Farmington High School boys swim and dive.
Following their electric Division 2 state finals showing March 9 at Eastern Michigan University, finishing state runner-up and earning the program its highest state finals placement in school history, head coach Drew Hansz was named the Michigan High School Coaches Association State Boys Swimming and Diving Coach of the Year.
“The MHSCA selection of Mr. Hansz from Farmington High School reflects positively on the school and community,” the MHSCA organization said in a press release. “MHSCA State Boys Swimming and Diving Coach of the Year selections have been based on the performance of their program over the years and/or their contribution to the sport, school, and community. These were some of the criteria to determine the selection.”
Hansz is slated to be honored at the MHSCA State Awards Luncheon Nov. 17 at the Great Hall Banquet and Convention Center in Midland.
Farmington finished one point shy of first-place Birmingham Groves at the state finals, tying with Birmingham Seaholm at 244 points. All three teams compete in the Oakland Activities Association Red league, which Farmington competed in for the first
See HANSZ on page 15A
Photo provided by Farmington Public Schools
Farmington boys swim and dive head coach Drew Hansz stands with his team at the Division 2 state finals March 9 at Eastern Michigan University.
COWABUNGA!
FALL MOTOR CITY COMIC CON TO BE A FRIGHTFULLY FUN EVENT
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
NOVI — The Motor City Comic Con, which is set to take over the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi Nov. 8-10, has a reputation for bringing in phenomenal celebrity guests, and the lineup for the third annual fall convention does not cease to amaze.
This year’s lineup includes: Freddy Krueger himself, Robert Englund; Wayne Knight, better known as Newman from the TV sitcom “Seinfeld”; Priscilla Presley; the voice actors behind the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Cam Clarke, Townsend Coleman, Barry Gordon and Rob Paulsen; Star Trek’s George Takei; and Alan Ruck, who is known for his role as Cameron Frye in the cult classic “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
“A lot of the times we will try and look at anniversaries that are happening,” Sam Yankee, show manager of MC3, said of the guest selection process. “We have Ray Park, and it’s the 25th anniversary, I believe, of (‘Star Wars: Episode I — The) Phantom Menace’ coming up, and then, I believe, we also have the anniversary of the Ninja Turtles. But that is a really good indicator. … Yeah, people like to celebrate those big events.”
Yankee said that original actors for the various fandoms are always going to be popular because they started it all.
“I also think that with some of the original actors and the original voice actors from movies, you are hitting different generations,” said Beth Burland, MC3 show manager. “So, maybe you watched it with your parents and now you’re showing that to your children. So it just carries on.”
Yankee said they also like to ‘gear a little bit more towards horror” for the fall show and bring in guests who are known for their roles in horror films, such as Englund.
“Horror icons are what we try to get as well,” she said.
This year the show will be presenting two off-site movie events at the Emagine Theatre in Novi with celebrity guest Q&A sessions. Knight will host a screening of “Jurassic Park” on Nov. 8, and Englund will host a presentation of “Nightmare on Elm Street” on Nov. 9. Tickets for Englund’s presentation have already sold out, but there are still some seats available for Knight’s. Tickets run $40, which is in addition to the cost of MC3 admission. Both tickets must be purchased to attend the screening.
There is also a lot of crossover between the various fandoms and other fields, such as with the multiplatinum rapper Logic, who will also be a celebrity guest this fall. The rapper’s mu-
See COMIC CON on page 15A
CRIME WATCH
Purse stolen at business
FARMINGTON — Officers met with an 88-year-old woman at 5 p.m. Oct. 1 who told them that while she was shopping in the 24000 block of Orchard Lake Road, she had set down her purse outside of the business and forgot to pick it back up, and the purse later went missing.
A review of the surveillance video shows an unknown age male exit a black Cadillac SUV, walk up to the purse, take it, get back into the vehicle and drive away.
The woman was advised to cancel her
credit cards.
The case has been forwarded to the detective bureau for investigation.
Suspect accused of assault with a baseball bat
FARMINGTON — Police were on their way to stand by for a child custody exchange at 5 p.m. Oct. 4 when they were alerted that the two parties, a 33-year-old suspect and a 44-year-old victim, were involved in an active altercation involving an assault with a baseball bat.
Officers arrived and secured the suspect, along with the weapon. The suspect was arrested, and the case forwarded to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s office for warrant consideration.
Election
The early voting dates are Oct. 26-Nov. 3. Oakland County residents can cast their votes 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on those scheduled dates, with the exception of Oct. 31, when the hours change to noon-8 p.m.
All Oakland County residents can vote early at the Waterford Oaks Activity Center, located at 2800 Watkins Lake Road in Waterford.
Residents in Farmington and Farmington Hills can also vote early at the Costick Activities Center, located at 28600 W. 11 Mile Road. People in West Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake and Sylvan Lake can vote early at the West Bloomfield Township Public Library, located at 4600 Walnut Lake Road.
“That’s nine days of doing the election over and over,” said Sylvan Lake Clerk/Treasurer Dennise Dryden. “It’s Election Day for nine days in a row.”
Although Dryden acknowledged that early voting is a lot of work for clerks, she understands the overall benefit it offers to voters.
“I think it does probably help people to get out and vote (and) make it a little bit more convenient for them,” she said. “Each election is so different. This one’s a big one, so this one will really give us an outlook, if people really like this early voting.”
Lindahl has gotten some positive feedback from residents about having it as an option.
“It’s not like Election Day when there’s a long line and it’s hectic to try to get there
before or after work, or something like that,” she said. “They love the options. Our phones are kinda ringing off the hook right now. A lot of the questions we’re getting is, ‘When (will) early voting be available?’”
West Bloomfield Clerk Debbie Binder also weighed in on early voting.
“Early voting is a great option for voters who will be out of town on Election Day and those who work a long shift,” Binder stated via email. “The other benefit of Early Voting is that you get to spoil your ballot and request a new one if you make a mistake since you are feeding your ballot through a tabulator.”
The option to vote via an absentee ballot is another way of helping to make life a little bit easier for voters who may not want to go to the polls or who have a difficult time doing so.
According to the state’s website, online and mail requests for an absentee ballot must be received by a city or township clerk no later than 5 p.m. Nov. 1. Registered voters who are living at their current address can request an absentee ballot at their respective clerk’s office in-person up until 4 p.m. Nov. 4.
Those who request an absentee ballot the day before the election or on Election Day must vote the ballot in the clerk’s office, according to the site. Completed absentee ballots must be received by clerks by 8 p.m. Nov. 5.
“Within two weeks of election day, to avoid possible postal delays, we recommend making your request in person at your local city or township clerk office,” the state’s website states.
Polling locations will be open 7 a.m.-8
p.m. Nov. 5.
For voters who like the idea of having their ballots completed early but also going to a polling location, that is also an option, as residents can now go to their local precincts and run their absentee ballots through a machine.
A proposal that passed in 2022 has also made voting more convenient and easy for some, as residents can choose to be placed on a permanent absentee ballot list so that their local clerk can mail an absentee ballot for every local, state and federal election.
Although it is too early to know what the most popular way of voting will be this year, in particular with early voting now being offered as an option, stats from the 2020 general election for Sylvan Lake and Farmington Hills show absentee voting being the most popular.
In Farmington Hills, of the 50,107 votes that were cast, 37,083 were via absentee ballot, with a 76% turnout reported.
In Sylvan Lake, of the 1,329 votes that were cast, 790 were via an absentee ballot, with 539 residents voting in-person.
A turnout of 84.65% was reported.
According to Dryden, who said that she has been the clerk in Sylvan Lake for 34 years, things are “very, very different” from when she first started.
“Law changes happen constantly now, so just a lot more work to do, (a) lot more pressure. It’s a lot now,” she said.
Lindahl shared what she considers the most important things for residents to know this voting season.
“I would say know where you vote on Election Day,” she said. “If you’re going to the polls on Election Day, make sure that
you’re registered and know where you vote, especially for those folks that maybe moved recently – make sure you’re registered in your new location and know where you go to vote on Election Day.”
Dryden also shared some tips.
“Do your research on all the candidates,” she said. “There’s a lot (of) candidates on this ballot. It’s a huge ballot. Also, know your options of how to vote.”
From Binder’s perspective, there is a way for citizens to feel more at ease with the voting process.
“The best way to understand elections is to work an election and see the protocols and procedures in place,” she stated. “Election Inspectors are our best ambassadors to recruit new election workers. It’s a rewarding day and a great resume and/or college app experience.”
Lindahl discussed what this time of year is like for her.
“It’s very exciting, especially implementing all these new election laws and all these options for voters,” she said. “It’s exhausting, but it is exciting.”
Lindahl also noted that in Farmington Hills, City Hall will be closed to the public for anything other than election-related business on Nov. 4 and 5.
To learn more, visit michigan.gov/sos/ elections.
were foraged within an hour and a half of here. So they’re all things that are local. We wanted to highlight that and then educate everybody on the Wildlife Council and everything that hunters and anglers do as far as funding conservation.”
The gala’s menu featured a four-course meal inspired by Michigan’s natural resources and created by local chefs.
Chef de partie Danny Pesja, of Sylvan Table, located in Keego Harbor, prepared a wild mushroom salad for the first course, which displayed his love of foraging for wild mushrooms. He said he got into mushroom foraging around six years ago while he was working in the restaurant industry.
“Learning more about wild food and how it was what we originally had to eat back in the day was really exciting for me, on top of the flavors,” he said. “The flavors are unmatched compared to anything you can cultivate or farm. Not to mention that the nutrient value being so high makes that flavor come through so much more and so better for you, too — on top of getting outside a little more, which we don’t often do in today’s society.”
The second course was a kombu steamed walleye prepared by Mike Ransom, the owner and chef of Ima Noodles in Detroit and Madison Heights.
“This event resonated with me because I grew up fishing, and it’s one of my hobbies,” Ransom said of the enjoyment he found combining his love of fishing and outdoor recreation with cuisine. “I think it’s kind of getting back to us understanding where our food comes from and how the nutrient base can be much richer for us, and definitely get-
ting away from too much processed foods. And I think if we get kids into hunting and fishing and foraging, then kids will probably understand how they can base their diets on things that are going to be more nourishing for themselves and also find themselves more connected to the world around us.”
Paul Grosz, the owner and executive chef of Cuisine Restaurant, a Schoolcraft College Culinary Arts instructor and the honorary “meat cutter” of the night, prepared a roasted venison loin.
The fourth and final course was an apple crostada prepared by Abigail Tull, a pastry chef at Walnut Creek Country Club in South Lyon.
“Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger is supported by the DNR. It is a collaborative effort of Michigan hunters, processors and charities aimed at reducing hunger across our state,” Joe Presgrove, a Michigan DNR Sportsmen Against Hunger representative, said. “Our mission is simple but impactful: to connect hunters and anglers with local processors and food banks to ensure that our wild game harvests can benefit those most in need.”
He said that this effort is a sustainable way to address food insecurity throughout the state, noting that of the 1.3 million Michigan residents experiencing hunger, 300,000 are children. He added that through Michigan Sportsmen Against Hunger, Michigan hunters can donate all of their legally hunted game or just part of it, which will then be processed before being delivered to local food banks and shelters.
For more information on the Michigan Wildlife Council, visit hereformioutdoors. org. To learn more about Sportsmen Against Hunger, visit www.sportsmenagainsthunger. org.
0234-2442
Photo by Kathryn Pentiuk
Schoolcraft College Culinary Arts students Barley Guadagnini, left, and Lainey Woodman plate the roasted venison loin with a potato cake, maple butternut squash and wild blueberry sauce.
NEWS & NOTES
Event raises more than $75,000 for Judson Center
WALLED LAKE/FARMINGTON HILLS — More than $75,000 was reportedly raised by supporters of the Judson Center, a nonprofit human services agency based in Farmington Hills, and Child Safe Michigan at the 15th “Pull! For Kids” sporting clays tournament Sept. 19 at the Detroit Golf Club in Walled Lake.
According to a press release, funds benefit Child Safe Michigan’s foster care, adoption and mentoring services for neglected and abused children in southeast Michigan.
Attendees participated in a 16-station sporting clays course.
“Each year, this event generates much-needed funds that enable us to expand our ability to reach more children and families who need the services of Child Safe Michigan,” Judson Center President and CEO Lenora Hardy-Foster said in the release. “We welcomed Child Safe into the Judson Center family in 2015 because the program is a perfect fit for our legacy in the community as an organization that helps children and families thrive.”
According to the release, during the programs and awards ceremony following the tournament, Child Safe Michigan Mentor Kenneth Isaacson delivered a moving testimonial about his personal experiences as a teenager in foster care and how Child Safe now provides him an outlet to help others in the foster care system.
“It’s the only place in my life where my darkest traumas serve the brightest purpose,” he said in the release.
To learn more about Child Safe, which is an affiliate of the Judson Center, visit childsafemichigan.org.
For more information about the Judson Center, visit judsoncenter.org.
MASTER PLAN FOR FUTURE LAND USE APPROVED FOR FARMINGTON HILLS
FARMINGTON HILLS — A new master plan for future land use has been approved by Farmington Hills City Council members.
“The Master Plan is a strategic document that will guide change in the City of Farmington Hills over the next 50 years,” states the city’s website. “It includes future land use and development, non-motorized transportation, housing, economic development and more.”
Farmington Hills awarded federal money
FARMINGTON HILLS — Farmington Hills has been awarded over $140,000 from the U.S. Department of Energy, according to a release from the city.
The money will support the city’s efforts to enhance energy efficiency and conservation by funding the installation of light-emitting diode lighting at Fire Station 4, located at 28711 Drake Road. The benefits of implementing LED lighting, including reduced energy consumption, improved light quality, extended lifespan of lighting fixtures, lower operating costs and decreased greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity generation, according to the release.
“We are grateful to the Department of Energy for this grant, which will be instrumental in helping the City achieve its energy efficiency goals,” City Manager Gary Mekjian stated via the release. “This funding makes necessary upgrades to City facilities possible, while allowing for reallocation of resources to other critical uses. This ultimately benefits taxpayers and supports the City’s commitment to sustainability.”
This city’s objectives include a 10% reduction in energy use in city-owned buildings by 2027 and a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from 2020 to 2050.
For more information, visit fhgov.com or call (248) 871-2540.
According to the site, in order to implement the vision laid out in the master plan, the city’s Planning Commission and City Council will have to review and approve updates to various city ordinances.
The new master plan could lead to more modern amenities in the city, such as increased walkability, bike lanes and paths; and sustainable design, with the plan also helping to allow for and encourage mixed-use redevelopment, in an effort to attract a variety of dining and entertainment options, according to the site.
For more information and to learn how to get a copy of the approved plan, call the Planning and Community Development Department at (248) 871-2540. Look for more details in an upcoming scheduled edition of the Press.
Editor: Annie Bates | (586) 498-1071 | abates@candgnews.com
Reporters: Mark Vest | (586) 498-1052 | mvest@candgnews.com
Charity Meier | (586) 498-1092 | cmeier@candgnews.com
Sports: Jonathan Szczepaniak | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
retail ad rates: Maria Kruse | (586) 498-1026 | mkruse@candgnews.com Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032
SPOTLIGHT ON HEALTH
CLEARING THE AIR ON VAPING RISKS
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — While vaping was originally marketed to replace cigarettes and some teens say it helps them with stress, health officials say the opposite is true.
Alliance for Coalitions for Community Health Prevention Outreach Specialist Justen Daniels said a lot of health complications come with vaping, including damage to the lungs, heart problems, gastrointestinal issues and more.
He said vape cartridges are filled with hundreds of cancer-causing chemicals.
“The majority of vape pens or vape products are going to contain nicotine, and they’re going to contain a lot of it — a lot of potency,” Daniels said.
He said Stanford’s Reach Lab shared a study that one type of vape pen, which has around 5,000 puffs, has the nicotine equivalent of around 590 cigarettes.
“I don’t think folks are realizing how much nicotine is in there and how addictive that nicotine is,” Daniels said.
Youth are more susceptible to nicotine or THC — a cannabinoid found in marijuana — dependence because their bodies and brains are still developing, Daniels said. The youngest he’s seen or heard of a person having a vape pen is around 8-years-old.
He said that though he doesn’t have a definitive answer of whether cigarettes or vape pens are more harmful, they are both very addictive.
Megan Phillips, Oakland Community Health Network’s director of substance use and disorder services, gathered information about the dangers of vaping.
A document from the organization states that nicotine addiction can cause harm to a person’s mental health, but more research is needed to understand the connection between vaping and mental health. It also states that studies show those who quit smoking experience lower anxiety, stress and depression, and experience a better mood and quality of life.
Vaping
from page 8A
“Oakland Community Health Network, alongside our prevention partners, The Alliance, and Oakland County Health Division, work tirelessly to educate community members on the dangers of vaping,” Phillips said in email.
Vaping products can affect brain development, memory, attention, learning, mood and mental health, the Health Division states.
“Additionally, vaping devices may produce vapor containing lead, which can cause brain damage,” the Health Division states.
The age to purchase vape products is 21 years old in both Michigan and nationally, though kids still manage to get these products by employees not age checking IDs, connections with older friends and sharing or by fake IDs Daniels said.
“Because technology has gotten so sophisticated, so a lot of times it’s easy to pick up on a fake ID, so a lot of times they will take an older sibling’s ID,” Daniels said.
“The most common reason middle and high school students give for currently using e-cigarettes is, ‘I am feeling anxious, stressed,
or depressed,’” the document from OCHN said.
The document went on to say, though, that vaping can actually increase these feelings.
Daniels said that if an underage person looks enough like their older sibling, a quick glance will not give away that they are underage. These IDs will not trip the scanners because they are legal IDs.
Underage people who are caught with vaping can face consequences.
Daniels said in the worst case scenario underage people could face a misdemeanor. They can also face detention, suspension and expulsion at school.
“We are seeing so many of our schools take an interest in restorative programming and alternatives to suspension programming,” Daniels said.
He went on to say that if a child is kicked out of school for vaping, they are going to go home and vape.
“It defeats the purpose,” Daniels said. “And so we have a lot of folks who are doing friends of the court programs.”
Vaping products like Juul became popular around the late 2010s, and Daniels said he still considers it very new.
“Especially within the grand scheme of,
Veterans Ride Free
Frank Withers’ world has opened up a bit with the help of a transportation program for veterans ofered by Oakland County in partnership with the state and local public transit providers.
“I use this for all my traveling,” Withers, a retired Army Sergeant from Waterford, said during a recent trip to the Waterford Senior Center. “It brings me to places like this here and makes my problems non-existent for a little while.”
Te “Tis Ride’s on Us” program, which ofers Oakland County military veterans and their caregivers free, doorto-door public transportation rides for medical appointments, chores like grocery shopping and visits to senior centers, began in June and has provided more than 2,750 rides.
Tey can get out and socialize. Tey can go to a senior center and interact with other seniors,” said Garth Wooten, Division Manager of the county Veterans Services ofce. “Tis is a quality-of-life program not only for the veteran but also for their family, who may have had to take time of from work to take their loved one to appointments.”
you know, how long it took the cigarette and everything to come out,” Daneils said. “It took around 100 years for a lot of that information about cigarettes and some of its potential impacts, some of its potential harmful health implications to come out.”
Vape products were originally marketed as a product to help adults stop smoking tobacco, and they were marketed for adults. Daniels said now it’s really hard to identify vape products due to their evolution and how they are made to blend in as electronic cigarettes. Daniels said there are vapes that
look like smart watches, key fobs, straws and more.
Parents should educate themselves through education programs and presentations so they can recognize vape products.
“Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know,” Daniels said. “And that’s one of the good things about our organizations with the alliance.”
He went on to say they have programs to educate parents and community members about what vapes look like, the health implications and much more
vices ofce through a grant from the Michigan Veterans Afairs Agency, the free ride service was supposed to end on Sept. 30, but a $530,000 additional grant from the state will allow the program to continue through September of 2025.
“Tis has already helped so many Oakland County veterans and I’m thrilled that we can continue this vital service,” said Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter. “Our goal is to eliminate any barriers to transportation for our veterans who have sacrifced so much in service to us all.”
Te Veterans ofce had ofered free rides to county ofces for several years so that former service members could meet with counselors about the benefts they earned through their active duty. However, they consistently heard that transportation for day-to-day tasks was a challenge for many of the 53,000 veterans in the county, more than half of whom are older than 65 and many of them with disabilities.
Tat was the genesis of the “Veterans Ride Free” concept and the pilot project was of the ground.
All the local public transit providers in Oakland County – North Oakland Transportation and Western Oakland Transportation authorities, People’s Express and OPC Social and Activity Center along with the SMART system – participate in the Veterans Ride Free initiative.
Ride’s on Us” program
Administered by the Oakland County Veterans Ser-
“Tey’re not so stuckin their house anymore.”
“Our veterans don’t have to rely on other individuals to get them around anymore,” Wooten said. “It allows them to be more independent.”
And that’s priceless, said Withers.
“I can come here and relax with my friends,” he said. “And that’s good for my mental health.”
To book a ride, veterans can call 248-419-7984 and provide proof of their military service through their DD214 discharge papers.
Frank Withers (retired veteran)
“This
Antisemitic
from page 3A
100 households in the neighborhood had received similar material on their driveways overnight.
A resident in the neighborhood reportedly captured security camera footage of an unknown dark-colored pickup truck driving in the neighborhood around 11:45 p.m. Oct. 4, although the release states that “it is currently unclear if the truck is connected to this incident.”
No suspects have been reported.
The West Bloomfield Police Department is treating the situation as a case of ethnic intimidation, according to the release. Anyone with information is urged to call the West Bloomfield Police Department at (248) 975-8934.
The Farmington Hills Police Department responded to the area of 14 Mile and Farmington Road Oct. 5, where several residents reportedly found plastic bags containing “virulent” antisemitic material on their front lawns.
The neighbors opened the bags to find that they contained an antisemitic flyer that had been thrown onto their front lawns and driveways overnight.
“The timing of this detestable activity exacerbates the chilling effect on our community,” Farmington Hills Police Chief Jeff King, stated via a press release. “This type of hateful activity will not be tolerated in Farmington Hills and our agency will use all available resources to prevent, investigate, and prosecute those responsible for this incident.”
Investigators and officers eventually recovered over 100 bags containing the antisemitic materials.
The bags were found to be weighed down with various non-hazardous materials for ease in hurling onto the residential lawns and driveways, according to the release.
A team of detectives and command officers reportedly went door-to-door, collected evidence and conducted interviews with witnesses.
“This is a very active investigation, with investigators coordinating with our State and Federal Law Enforcement partners, the Anti-Defamation League, and other jurisdictions who experienced matching incidents.”
In Rochester Hills, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office said, many of the same baggies of flyers, around 200, were reportedly found in the lawns and driveways of homes in the 900 block of Majestic the morning of Oct. 7, as well as many other homes in the neighborhood and nearby subdivisions.
In Commerce Township, a baggie was
discovered in the driveway of a home in the 2500 block of Northtrail Road. Detectives are investigating.
Bouchard the incidents are being “aggressively investigated” by detectives and the Sheriff’s Office is working closely with others that have similar cases.
“We suspect much of this is coming from outsiders,” Bouchard said in a statement. “I have been very clear on this topic, but it bears repeating: If you come at our Jewish community, or for that matter anyone in our Oakland County community, we will stand in front of them to protect them, and we will come for you.”
In Bloomfield Township, the Jewish Federation of Detroit, on Telegraph Road, was vandalized in the early morning hours Oct. 7.
In a statement released Oct. 7 by Jewish Federation of Detroit, CEO Steven Igber and Federation President Gary Torgow said, “We are deeply disturbed and saddened to report that early this morning, the offices of the Jewish Federation of Detroit were the target of antisemitic vandalism. This attack, occurring on the anniversary of the October 7 massacre in Israel, was not only an assault on our physical space but also on the heart of our community. It is a stark reminder of the rising tide of hate affecting the Jewish people, here and around the world.
“We unequivocally condemn this cowardly act of vandalism and stand firm in our resolve. It will not deter us from our vital mission to support the people of Israel, combat antisemitism, and foster a strong Jewish future. In the face of these challenges, we remain united and resilient, committed to defending our values and protecting our community.
“We are grateful for the support of our local community, partners, and allies during this difficult time, and we thank local, state, and federal law enforcement for their efforts.”
Nick Soley, of the Bloomfield Township Police Department, said police were notified at 4 a.m. of the spray-painted antisemitic graffiti and are currently investigating.
“It seems like most of the ground-level windows and sidewalks facing Telegraph were vandalized,” Soley said.
Soley said police are in contact with the Attorney General’s Office, the FBI and the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.
“The federation handed over some evidence to us, and we’re still working through it,” he said.
The building has video surveillance, which is under review by police.
“It’s very unfortunate and disturbing that people would do these things,” Bouchard said.
Detectives are currently canvassing neighborhoods looking for homes that have cameras and asking to review footage.
“They have seen some footage, and that’s an ongoing process. If someone has camera footage that they think would be
helpful, it would be great if they give us a call or their local police department, if it’s not us,” Bouchard added.
Anyone who has information is asked to contact their police department.
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BEHIND THE WHEEL
HEARSE COLLECTION ADDS MEANING FOR FAMILIES AS IT SERVES THE DEPARTED
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
WARREN/STERLING HEIGHTS — As a licensed funeral director, Jeff Mandziuk’s intent is to always treat the departed with the utmost respect and dignity.
It is one of the many aspects he learned from his father, Eugene Mandziuk, who in 1956 built his first funeral home, which became Mandziuk & Son Funeral Directors Inc. Currently, there are two locations: one in Sterling Heights and a second funeral home in Warren.
Eugene Mandziuk, who died in 2017 at age 91, not only passed down the business to the younger Mandziuk, but also his love for antique automobiles, particularly the Packard. Over the years, the father and son purchased seven antique Packards, most of them hearses.
The fleet includes a 1921 Henney hearse; hearses from 1939, ’40, ’42 and ’48; an 1851 horse-drawn carriage hearse and a 1949 Packard limousine. The first hearse Eugene Mandziuk owned was the horse-drawn model, which he purchased at an auction in Texas.
“A funeral home donated a hearse to a Catholic church to auction off to remodel the church,” Mandziuk said.
Eugene Mandziuk, a military veteran who lost part of his hearing during World War II, misheard the highest bid of $1,000. When he mistook it for $2,000, he bid $2,100 to outbid the highest bidder. He got the horse-drawn hearse, and grew his classic car collection from there. Some of the best times Mandziuk and his dad had were taking vacations to the East Coast. They’d attend car shows or hunt through junkyards “looking for other hearses to restore.”
By the mid-1980s, the Mandziuks began offering to drive the vintage hearses during funeral processions. However, families weren’t interested
See HEARSE on page 13A
ABOVE: Mandziuk & Son Funeral Directors Inc. uses vintage Packard hearses during funeral processions as one way to provide comfort to grieving families.
Photo by John Cicotte
RIGHT: Jeff Mandziuk, owner of Mandziuk & Son Funeral Directors Inc., left, and his son, Mitchell, have continued taking care of the Packard hearse collection that Eugene Mandziuk started in the 1980s.
Photo by Julian Orlikowski
Hearse
page 12A
and usually declined the offer.
“When we had the hearse, nobody wanted to use it,” Mandziuk said. “Everyone wanted a modern-day car.”
That all changed in the mid-1990s when the Woodward Dream Cruise in Oakland County started. Soon, people became nostalgic for classic cars. Grieving families saying goodbye to their loved ones began asking if the antique Packards could be utilized during funeral processions. The vintage models provided some comfort, reminding them of their moms and dads.
“It just took off from there. I credit everything to the Woodward Cruise for starting it. All of a sudden people wanted to use the old cars,” Mandziuk said. “They are not just a hobby, but a labor of love to provide extra meaning for families. Sometimes the Packard hearse will go on two, three runs in one day. People have come in making arrangements. They’ll see the old hearse out there and say, ‘Is that just for show or do you actually use it?’”
From Mandziuk’s viewpoint, the Packards were built to last.
“I use them year-round. If it’s raining outside, it don’t bother me. They were built back in those days for that type of service. They never get stuck in the snow,” Mandziuk said.
Whether it’s rebuilding the engine or conducting maintenance, Mandziuk doesn’t shy away from working on the cars when needed. He learned by watching his dad.
“He would always talk about the class
the hearse used to have,” Mandziuk said. “As the years went by, they just got boxy looking.”
During an interment, the Packards can be en route to a number of cemeteries, including Guardian Angel in Rochester, Resurrection in Clinton Township and White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy. Veterans buried at Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly are often transported by a Mandziuk hearse. Since funeral assistant Larry Pokrywka is the only member on staff who knows how to maneuver a stickshift, he drives the hearses during processions.
Keeping it in the family, Mandziuk’s niece, Ashley J. Cicotte, wrote a history on the hearses. One recollection that stands out was when a local family laid their son to rest. He loved the color purple, so the family went to several funeral homes “searching for the perfect element for the service,” according to Cicotte’s essay. When they came upon a black hearse with purple interior in the Mandziuks’ fleet, they made the proper arrangements with the funeral home to honor their son.
Another highlight was the time a 102-year-old World War II veteran went to his final resting place in a Packard. When his daughter found out, she “was driven to the point of grateful tears” during her time of grief, Cicotte wrote, because her dad had once owned a Packard.
There also was the time in which Mandziuk got himself in a bit of trouble with the Packards. He “bought” his first 1941 Packard Sedan in exchange for one family’s funeral expenses. Dad wasn’t too happy with the method of payment, but eventually got over it. Mandziuk still has that Packard and drives it around at times.
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The effort resulted in a 2024 State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan, which was presented during the 150th Meeting and Michigan History Conference Sept. 26-29 in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor.
According to a press release, the state history award recognizes individuals and organizations for their “exceptional contributions to the appreciation, collection, preservation, and promotion of state and local history.”
The release states that SOAR was “celebrated for its innovative program that explored the rich historical and cultural impact of Michigan, offering an engaging and educational experience to the community.”
SOAR’s founder, Sharon O’Brien, was there to accept the award.
“For the state to recognize our program and what we offer really validated what we do,” Yamstein said. “SOAR has been in existence for 21 years. We have won previous awards, but this is the latest one, and to be recognized from a stateside perspective was something special for us.”
The classes were taught by 12 instructors, each class revolving around a different topic related to Michigan.
Some of those topics included “Michigan’s Quest for Statehood,” “Made in Michigan: Coney Detroit,” “Detroit Broadcast History,” “FrontierArms Race: The Story of the Cannons from the Detroit River,” “Michigan’s Freedom Fighters in the Underground Railroad,” “Regina Carter & Stevie Wonder: Sparked by The Motor City,” and “Celebrating 50 Years of the Detroit Film Theatre.”
According to Yamstein, the program was recognized for its educational value and its focus on Michigan.
SOAR is a nonprofit organization that is predominantly made up of volunteers and has committees.
Yamstein shared how the “Made in Michigan” theme came to be.
“The committee discusses different ideas for themes for the winter program, evaluates the merits of those programs, and then decides on a theme,” she said. “So that committee decided on the theme of ‘Made in Michigan.’”
Ralph Stromberg is the chairperson for SOAR’s winter program and serves on committees for the organization. He played a role
in choosing the “Made in Michigan” theme.
“It makes me feel extremely gratified for the recognition of an award for our winter program,” said Stromberg, who also acknowledged the work of the other committee members who were a part of the process. “(It) takes a lot of work. Though it’s thematic, there is a variety of classes included within that theme, such as music, history, etcetera.”
SOAR also offers spring and fall classes that take place on the third floor of The Hawk in Farmington Hills.
The fall term was scheduled to start Oct. 14, after press time.
According to Yamstein, the spring and fall terms offer classes in different categories, with the winter term organized around a theme. The theme for the 2025 winter term is set to center on Route 66.
The fall and spring terms feature 55 classes that are offered in “all sorts of different subject areas,” with a $135 fee providing access to all the classes for those who register. Individual classes during the spring and fall semesters are $20 apiece, with the fee for the winter term being $80, according to Yamstein.
She shared a synopsis of what SOAR is.
“SOAR offers lifelong learning for older adults,” Yamstein said. “It’s academic-style classes taught during the day by college professors and experts in their field. All of our classes meet only one time. There’s no tests or studying or homework, it’s just learning for the love of learning.”
Stromberg is a proponent of not requiring exams or homework in order to take part in SOAR’s educational programming. Continuing education is the mission, he said, and the ability to participate in an experience.
“Whether you want to join in the discussion or not about the experience is up to the individual,” Stromberg said. “A lot of people just prefer to listen. Some people take notes, but there’s no exams. It’s for your pleasure.”
In regard to what she takes from being recognized with the 2024 State History Award, Yamstein said, “The classes that we’re offering are engaging and insightful, and focusing on lifelong learning is something that I think we all should do.”
To learn more about what the institute offers, visit soarexplore.com.
“It’s a really great way for older adults to meet new people, to keep their brain active and engaged and keep themselves interesting and find new friends who are interesting,” Yamstein said.
Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 498-1052.
Spotlight on business...
G&S Property Services celebrates 25 years of making properties
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With its headquarters in Troy and a second location in Brighton, G&S Property Services ofers a wide range of essential cleaning services, including window washing, gutter cleaning, soft pressure washing, roof washing, solar panel washing and underground drain cleaning. G&S proudly serves homes and businesses across Oakland, Washtenaw and Livingston counties, plus surrounding areas.
“Te journey began 25 years ago with a simple mission: to ofer top-quality window cleaning services with a focus on customer satisfaction,” says Geof Shaule, founder and president of G&S Property Services. “As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we refect on our commitment to excellence and our passion for our customers.”
G&S Property Services stands out for its meticulous attention to detail and professional, courteous staf. Te company uses eco-friendly cleaning products and stateof-the-art technology to achieve streak-free, crystal-clear results. Te team is not only highly skilled but also deeply committed to treating each property with the utmost respect and care, with exceptional consideration.
What truly sets G&S Property Services apart is its dedication to customer service. Te company prioritizes clear communication and prompt responses, with a commitment to answering every call with friendly, in-ofce
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staf. Tis ensures that questions are addressed quickly and efciently, and scheduling needs are met without delay.
G&S Property Services also ofers scheduled maintenance plans, ensuring windows remain spotless, gutters stay clear and properties look their best all year-round. With free estimates, customers can make informed decisions about their property maintenance needs without any pressure.
“Te purpose, ‘Exceptional Service from an Exceptional Team,’ truly refects our ethos,” Shaule said. “We are committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring our customers are completely satisfed.”
Join G&S Property Services in celebrating 25 years of service excellence. Whether you’re a long-time customer or new to their services, they’re here to make your property shine. Contact them at (248 )593-8277 or visit gswindowwashing.com for quotes, scheduling, questions and more.
0153-2442
Photo provided by Debra Yamstein
The SOAR Lifelong Learning Institute, which offers classes at The Hawk in Farmington Hills, was recently recognized with a 2024 State History Award for an educational program titled “Made in Michigan: The Influence of Our Pleasant Peninsula.”
Comic Con
sic has been featured in several comic movies and he has recently worked on a movie with cult favorite director Kevin Smith.
“I don’t think we want to limit ourselves in any way,” said Burland. “If we can get a different or interesting celebrity in, then we’re going to do it.”
“A lot of people think comic cons are just comics, and while that is definitely where we started and where the heart of our show is, our slogan is, ‘Pop culture, it’s what we do!’ and we really cover anything that falls into pop culture,” said Yankee.
Aside from the celebrities there are numerous other activities for guests to partake in.
“One of the things we are doing different this year is that we are having a tabletop gaming room,” Burland said. “Throughout the whole entire show, every hour you can go and learn how to play a different game, or you and your friends can just go in and pick a different game. There are over 75 different games to choose from.”
A schedule for the games, and slots to sign up is posted on the show’s website. The games include Magic: The Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, Catan and more.
There will also be a Magic: The Gathering tournament from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday
Hansz
from page 3A
time in 2024.
Achieving history rarely is done with ease, and for the Falcons, it took everyone to make the dream become a reality.
“It’s about the kids,” Hansz said. “Really, the award is about those 25 kids that swam last year.”
Hansz said he’s honored to be recognized for the accomplishment, but he said there’s a multitude of factors that paved the way for his achievement.
Whether it’s his team or the coaches around him, such as Farmington girls head coach Kyle Kinyon and assistant coach Molly Tyler, who also coaches with him at Hansz’s dROP Aquatics, Hansz said he’s thankful to have a strong community around him.
Hansz remains humble if you ask him about his coaching achievement, immediately pointing to the team and his staff, but he said the memory of the state finals will always be something he looks back on.
“It was fun because somebody asked
and Saturday. The cost to participate in the tournament is $5, and prizes will be given to the winners. Guests will also have the opportunity to paint figurines from games and make friendship bracelets for no additional cost.
There will also be traditions such as adult and kids cosplay contests, numerous celebrity panels, an escape room, and iCon tournaments featuring Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Cosplay groups Ghostbusters Detroit and the 501st Legion from “Star Wars” will once again be in attendance, along with many other activities.
“When people come, they don’t just stay for an hour or two. They come and they stay the whole day,” said Burland. “A lot of people buy a whole weekend pass because it’s just a fun place to be.”
MC3 will be held from noon to 7 pm. Nov. 8, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 9, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 10.
Tickets for the event, movie screenings and celebrity autographs can be purchased online at motorcitycomiccon.com. Admission prices range depending on where and when tickets are purchased, as well as the day of the event, and the age of the person. Adult tickets cost $30-$45 or $90 for a weekend pass. Tickets for kids ages 6-12 cost $10 per day or $20 for the weekend pass. Children 5 and under are free. All kids 12 and under are free on Sunday.
for a picture of me, and I was going back thinking, ‘I don’t think I have any pictures of me,’ and then I found one that was sent to me of us with the state team on the pedestal holding up the trophy,” Hansz said. “I was thinking, ‘Yeah, that was a good day.’”
Why participate?
• Receive free health screenings
• Potential compensation for your time
• No health insurance required
You may qualify if you:
• Are 50 years or older
• Are in generally good health
• Have not received a flu shot this season
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to random assault
TROY — Officers were dispatched to Crooks Road for a report of an assault that just occurred at 11:01
a.m. Sept. 27.
Upon arrival, officers spoke to a man who said he was walking his dog when an unknown male suspect came up to him, yelled in his face, punched the top of his head, and ripped his shirt.
Officers located the suspect in the area of Crooks and Wattles, and he was taken into custody. The suspect stated he had just quit his job and had gotten into an argument with his family, so he walked up to the first person he saw and assaulted them.
The suspect, a 27-year-old man from Troy, was arrested and was issued a citation for assault and battery and a petition for a mental health evaluation.
Break-in occurs at cleaners
TROY — Officers were dispatched to Golden Gate Cleaners, at 2997 E. Big Beaver Road, for a possible break-in Sept. 23.
Upon arrival, officers saw heavy damage to the front of the business caused by a vehicle driving through the front entry to gain access. Officers contacted the business owner, who said the only thing stolen was the cash register.
Child left in vehicle
HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, Hazel Park police officers were dispatched to the 22000 block of South Chrysler Drive on Sept. 19 to investigate a report about a child left unattended in a vehicle.
Officers found a 3-year-old child in the back of a gold Buick. The windows were rolled down and the vehicle was left running. The temperature exceeded 81 degrees.
Officers located the child’s father inside the business. He allegedly admitted he had been in the business for 10 minutes in order to purchase marijuana.
The father reportedly stated that the car’s air conditioner did not work, and he believed it was a safe area to leave the child in the car alone.
The child’s grandmother was contacted, and she was given custody of the child. The father was issued a violation: abandonment of children — failure to supervise, a 90-day misdemeanor.
Child Protective Services was also notified.
Police arrest cellphone theft suspect
FARMINGTON — On Sept. 24 at approximately 5 a.m., Farmington Public Safety officers were dispatched to the area of Grand River and Drake for a man in his mid 20s who stole a cellphone from a convenience
they saw the man walking on Drake Road. The subject ran from the officers but was ultimately apprehended and taken into custody. The case was presented to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for warrant consideration.
Woman loses more than $9K to scammer
FARMINGTON — A 74-year-old woman told police Sept. 20 that she had been contacted by a suspect who claimed to work for her bank. The suspect was able to convince the woman to withdraw $9,500 from her bank account and place it onto a credit card provided by the suspect. The woman was working with her bank, and the case was forwarded to the detective bureau for investigation.
Cash register taken from cleaners
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 5:30 and 6 p.m. Sept. 19, an unknown person stole a cash register from the Best Cleaners at 32974 Woodward Ave.
Bar fight suspect arrested after fleeing
BIRMINGHAM — On Sept. 28 at approximately 11 p.m., officers were dispatched to a bar near the 200 block of South Old Woodward Avenue for a report of assault. The bar’s security staff stated that multiple individuals involved in the incident had fled the scene on foot.
Officers were able to identify one of the suspects, a 25-year-old Washington Township man. While fleeing, the suspect repeatedly ignored the officer’s request to stop, and upon being caught he was placed under arrest for obstruction of police.
A 32-year-old Clarkston man and a 33-year-old Birmingham man stated that while at the bar, they got into a physical altercation with the suspect and that they were both punched multiple times in the face by the suspect. An investigation was ongoing.
Former family friend attempts to light empty gasoline cans on porch
BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 7 p.m. Sept. 25, officers were dispatched to Oak Street after a 56-year-old woman and a 57-year-old man reported that a man was attempting to light two gasoline cans on fire on their porch. Shortly after, it was discovered that the gasoline cans were empty and that the suspect, a 27-year-old Troy man, is a former family friend. Charges against the suspect were being sought. An investigation was ongoing.
Speeding motorcyclist arrested BERKLEY — A 20-year-old Waterford man was
11:29 p.m. Sept. 21 near Woodward and West Lincoln avenues.
According to the report, police observed two motorcycles, one red and one black, moving at speeds of around 100 miles per hour on Woodward. Police attempted a traffic stop, but both bikes sped off, leaving the officer to terminate the pursuit. Police did keep following the motorcyclists at a safe distance.
An officer was able to follow the black motorcycle, overtake the driver and position the patrol car to force the motorcyclist to slow down.
Police were able to get the driver to stop and handcuffed him.
Wanted man arrested by police
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to the area of Adams Road and Auburn Road for a Flock camera hit that identified a gray Ford Edge wanted by the Fraser Police Department for fleeing and eluding at 6:23 a.m. Sept. 3.
The vehicle was in the Walmart parking lot and was unoccupied. Deputies established a perimeter, and the man was observed loading items into the vehicle. Deputies conducted a felony stop, and the vehicle and the suspect, a 43-year-old man from Lexington, was taken into custody without incident. The man had several felony warrants from Macomb County.
During the inventory search of the vehicle, a Glock 19 BB gun and drug paraphernalia were located inside the vehicle.
The man was transported and lodged at the Oakland County Jail, to be picked up by Macomb County on the outstanding warrants. While at the jail, possible drugs were located on him during a search.
Police investigate incident at school
ROCHESTER HILLS — A female student at Avondale Middle School reportedly had a previous incident involving a male student texting her late at night. The school resource officer spoke to the male student during a follow-up interview and advised him not to have contact with her. Both students were in the same class Sept. 10, and she said he kept looking at her.
She told her mother about the incident, and her mother later filed a complaint with the school. The female student wrote out a statement and mentioned a text message that was concerning, which was a previous text that he’d sent late at night. He reportedly stated he thinks about killing people. The male student’s parents were requested to come to the school for an interview along with their child. The father advised there is a firearm in the home due to his occupation, adding that it’s locked in a safe when he returns home. Both parents were aware of their son’s
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
OCT. 16
Pretty ‘n’ Pink Bubbly Brunch: Fundraiser for Sisters HOPE with money supporting local women attending breast cancer survivors retreat, includes fashionable shopping, raffle baskets, HOPE boxes, brunch and cash bar, also Emmy award-winning broadcast journalist Lila Lazarus interviewing WDIV-TV meteorologist and breast cancer survivor Kim Adams, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Knollwood Country Club, 5050 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield, sistershope.org
OCT. 17 Free medicare help: Hosted by Michigan Medicare Assistance Program and AgeWays, meet with trained counselor by appointment, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., also Nov. 7 and Dec. 5, Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, (800) 803-7174
OCT. 18-20
Book sale: 12:30-5:30 p.m. Oct. 18, 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Oct. 19 and 1:30-4:30 p.m. Oct. 20, Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, (248) 553-0300
OCT. 19
Michigan Makers Market: Arts and crafts fair, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., The Hawk - Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, (248) 6996700, specialservices@fhgov.com, facebook.com/fhspecialservices
OCT. 20
Boo Bash: Hayrides, s’mores, crafts, creepy crawly creature display and trick-or-treat trail, costumes encouraged, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., Farmington Hills Nature Center inside Heritage Park, 24915 Farmington Road, registration required, (248) 699-6700, specialservices@fhgov.com, facebook.com/ fhspecialservices
Nature walk: Take in autumn beauty over rolling terrain with naturalist, 2-3 p.m., Orchard Lake Nature Sanctuary, 4700 Pontiac Trail, gwbhs.org/events
OCT. 24
Trunk or treat: 5-7 p.m., Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital Administration and Education Building, 28050 Grand River Ave., (947) 521-8000
OCT. 26
Orchestra Sono: Featuring Latin American music and dance, 7-9 p.m., Nardin Park United Methodist Church, 29887 W. 11 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, orchestrasono.org
OCT. 28
Día De Los Muertos celebration: Learn about Mexican holiday, the altar and what should be placed on it, and decorate sugar skull cookies, 6:30-8 p.m., Farmington Community Library, 23500 Liberty St. in Farmington, (248) 553-0321, farmlib.org
NOV. 2
Storied: The Grunge Era: Concert experience exploring popular ’90s alternative rock genre/subculture and its Jewish contributions, 8 p.m., The Berman Center for the Performing Arts in The J (formerly Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit), 6600 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield, (248) 406-6677, tickets.thejdetroit.org/storied-grunge
ONGOING
Rock Around the Hawk: Free mini music festivals for ages 18 months to 5 years, 10-11:30 a.m. Nov. 1, Dec. 13, Jan. 3, Feb. 7, March 7, April 4, May 9 and June 6, The Hawk - Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, (248) 699-6700, thehawktheatre.com
Hayride Central: Traverse trails of Heritage Park, then stick around for cider and s’mores, half-hour slots available 5:30-7:30 p.m. Fridays until Nov. 1, 24915 Farmington Road in Farmington Hills, specialservices@fhgov.com, (248) 699-6700, facebook.com/fhspecialservices
‘Sweet Home Sweet:’ Exhibit featuring photographs of family and friends taken by Holcaust survivor before and during time in Kraków Ghetto and
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school threat assessment was completed.
Business footage catches package
garden tools recovered after attempted car theft
German concentration camps, on display 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Fridays through December, The Zekelman Holocaust Center, 28123 Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills, (248) 553-2400, holocaustcenter.org/exhibits
Farmers markets: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays through early November, Riley Park, 33113 Grand River Ave. in Farmington, facebook.com/Farmington Market
• 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays through October, Ambrose Public Safety Campus, 1499 E. West Maple Road in Walled Lake, walledlake.us
• 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays through end of December, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford, (248) 858-5495, oakgov. com
Farmington Cruisin The Grand Car Show: Also door prizes, 50-50, music and snacks, 4-7 p.m. Mondays through Oct. 28 (weather permitting), Village Commons, 32780 Grand River Ave., find the group on Facebook Multi-media art exhibit: See nature-themed works by local artists Ernest Fackler and Mike Pendleton, on display 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. weekdays until Oct. 25, Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 11 Mile Road, (248) 871-2400
Senior Social Hour: New program for adults 60 and older and caregivers, includes crafts, music, games, puzzles, coffee and light refreshments, 10:30 a.m.-noon every fourth Friday of month, Farmington Community Library, 32737 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, (248) 553-0300, farmlib.org
Enchanted: Immersive and illuminated forest walks, 1-mile tours take approximately one hour to complete and start around dusk with final entries around 10:15 p.m., held Thursdays-Sundays until Nov. 3 (except Halloween) with special event programming on select nights, Glenlore Trails, 3860 Newtown Road in Commerce Township, glenloretrails.com
