BEEKEEPING BEGINS WITH LEARNING 8A
WB hosts first round of public budget meetings
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WEST BLOOMFIELD — Capital projects for the West Bloomfield Police Department were reviewed Sept. 4 at the township’s first budget meeting for the 2026 fiscal year. Funds for roads, senior projects and a host of other township services were also considered.
Allison Broihier, West Bloomfield’s budget and pension manager, led the first of three public budget meetings. She reviewed 11 funds, including the current fund balances and the revenues for 2025 and anticipated revenues for 2026. In addition, she enumerated debt services —the amount paid out, and the projected fund balance at the end 2026.
West Bloomfield’s fiscal year corresponds with the calendar year beginning Jan. 1, 2026.
The board had the opportunity at the meeting to question department heads and make suggestions or changes. They will have two more occasions to do so before the final budget is presented to them for approval.
The public was also given an opportunity to comment at the meeting, and will be able to weigh in during future meetings, as well.
Broihier likened the fund balance to a savings account. It is the money currently available.
Explore Feature Series
tanya@wakatitravel.com (810) 814-6185
www.wakatitravel.com
@wakati.travel
Michigan destinations to explore
Up North Wine
BY GREG TASKER
Michigan’s growing wine scene is home to wineries of all different sizes and designs. There’s a Tuscan-style villa perched on a hill on Old Mission Peninsula. A Kentucky-style plantation on the Leelanau Peninsula. Modern industrial-like structures here and there. And, of course, revamped houses and restored barns (even a chicken coop).
But an Airstream trailer may be a first in Michigan. Outside Charlevoix, a restored 1973 Airstream serves as the summer tasting room for Blu Dot Farm and Vineyard. You can walk up to a window — the Airstream has been customized — and order a sampling of up to 10 wines or a glass of your choice.
Grab a chair under an umbrella-topped table, while you sip a glass of Party Girl Sparkling and enjoy views of ripening grapes and a former horse farm next door.
Blu Dot Farm and Vineyard is among the wineries belonging to the Petoskey Wine Region, home to about a dozen small, family-owned wineries
The folLowing is part of C & G Newspapers’ feature series about Northern
ABOVE: Pond Hill Farm’s market features canned ciders, wine, jarred goods and more.
TOP: The husband-and-wife team of Derrick Vogel and Izabela Babinska run Folklor Wine & Cider, located south of Charlevoix.
Photo by Michael Murphy IV Photography
Photo by Brandon Schadler
Our next edition will come to homes Oct. 15. Stay current by visiting candgnews.com.
Fire Station No. 1 to receive $10 million makeover
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WEST BLOOMFIELD — At a Board of Trustees work session in early September, a site plan for Fire Station No. 1 was presented by West Bloomfield Fire Chief Greg Flynn.
No formal action was taken at that time. However, it provided an opportunity for trustees to acquire information, ask questions and make changes. Flynn was exuberant about the project’s vision.
Hear Here!
He said that Fire Station No. 1 would be the flagship facility of the department and a centerpiece for the township.
Among the amenities of the newly built and renovated station would be a tower that firefighters from each station would visit for training.
According to Flynn, this is the only fire station in the township that has a training tower.
“We want to practice how we play, and that’s just what this training center is going to do,” Flynn said.
Local libraries celebrate their biggest supporters
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WEST BLOOMFIELD/FARMINGTON HILLS — The week of Oct. 19–26 is National Friends of the Libraries Week, celebrating the Friends groups that support library programs.
The Friends group brings programs and collections to the library that may not have been in the budget, or that otherwise would’ve taken the library much longer to acquire.
“(The Friends’) mission is to support the library,” said Cathy Russ, executive director for the West Bloomfield Library, located at 4600 Walnut Lake Road.
She likened the library to one’s home.
“You have furniture, but you would like to have pictures on the wall or other decorations, and the Friends provide the color,” Russ said. “And (the patrons) get a colorful and vibrant place.”
At the West Bloomfield Library, the festivities will begin with
See LIBRARIES on page 15A
gently used
The seasons are changing. Are you hearing the leaves skipping across the ground and the voices of neighbors in their yards? Our comprehensive hearing evaluation is always no charge. Call today 248-657-4327
DoIhearsounds,buthavetrouble understandingwords? Dopeopleseemtomumble? Ifyouanswered‘Yes’toeitherofthose questions,ahearinglossmaybepresent. Callustodayforacomprehensive hearingevaluation.
File photo by Patricia O’Blenes Officials plan to update Fire Station No. 1. The station’s current design dates to the early ’70s.
The
book sale at the West Bloomfield Library is organized by the library’s Friends group and has been very popular with patrons. The next sale is the weekend of Oct. 10-12.
Photo provided by the West Bloomfield Friends of the Library
LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT RECEIVES LITERACY GRANT
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WEST BLOOMFIELD — The West Bloomfield School District was among 39 districts to receive a grant aimed at improving literacy rates in reading programs across the state.
WBSD was awarded $187,000 in September by the Michigan Department of Education. This could be the first of three annual installments totaling $500,000 each.
The state designated $10 million for the overall grant program that will be dispersed over three years. There were 115 school districts that applied in the first round, which were whittled down to 39 finalists.
The applications were reviewed by Michigan’s Committee for Literacy Achievement, which consisted of educators, administrators, literacy specialists and more.
“It will take both innovation and research-based literacy instruction to improve our children’s reading and writing achievement,” said Michael Rice, the state superintendent, in a written statement.
WBSD Superintendent Dania Bazzi was pleased with the initiative taken by her district.
“I am proud that our staff are always looking for grant dollars to support our students,” Bazzi said. “Ultimately, this investment helps us move closer to our vision of excellence where every student has the literacy foundation needed to thrive in school and beyond, while also developing the WBSD four C’s of communication, collaboration, creativity and critical thinking.”
The district will embrace the grant.
Reporters:
“This is a tremendous opportunity for West Bloomfield students,” Bazzi said. “Although our literacy rates are above the state average, we continually strive for excellence and will not be satisfied until every student is a confident, capable reader.”
The short-term goal for the elementary schools is to increase the frequency and effectiveness of small group instruction. This will be done by creating new Language Arts teaching assistant positions that will work under the supervision of certified teachers, supporting on-track and advanced students.
This will allow teachers to spend more time with those who need the additional help and target intervention, according to Bazzi.
“In the long term, our goal is to strengthen our entire literacy system by leveraging our Multi-Tiered System of Supports, our talented teachers, and our evidence-based instructional practices to ensure all students succeed,” Bazzi said. “We have already seen success with small-group interventions, and this grant allows us to expand that work in a scalable way.”
According to the Michigan Department of Education’s website, the Multi-Tiered System of Supports is a comprehensive framework that encompasses research-based strategies designed to meet the individual needs and assess the entire child. This strategy intentionally interconnects the education, health, and human service systems in support of successful learners, schools, centers and community outcomes.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
& G Newspapers publishes 21 papers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties:
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C & G Newspapers strives for accuracy and fairness to its readers. If you think we got it wrong, please let us know. Call Gregg Demers at (586) 498-1042, email gdemers@candgnews.com or write us at 13650 11 Mile Road, Warren, MI 48089.
West Bloomfield Library adds Comfort Room
WEST BLOOMFIELD — The West Bloomfield Library at 4600 Walnut Lake Road recently opened a Comfort Room. The space provides a calming environment away from the bustle of library activities, with comfortable seating, a sink and sensory tools to help relax.
OCT. 6
CALENDAR
OCT. 4
Recess Club: Connect with nature and other like-minded women, includes walking, stretching, breathwork and more, 9 a.m.-noon, Marshbank Park, 2805 Hiller Road in West Bloomfield, free but registration required, melissacoulier. com/recess-club
OCT. 5
Music @ Main: Free concert features singer/songwriter Elaine Schoendorf, 2-3 p.m. (doors at 1:30 p.m.), West Bloomfield Township Public Library - Main Branch, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, (248) 682-2120, wblib.org
Book club reception: Event celebrates West Bloomfield Township Public Library’s book clubs during National Book Group Month, also meet New York Times bestselling author Lisa Unger, 7-8:30 p.m., WBTPL - Main Branch, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, free but registration required, (248) 682-2120, wblib.org
OCT. 7
Optimist Club of West Bloomfield meetings: Hear from Oakland County, Michigan Government Community Engagement Manager Tiffani (Moncrief) Luke, also discussions about program planning and club updates, 7:15 a.m., All Seasons of West Bloomfield, 5600 Drake Road,
See CALENDAR on page 10A
Road closes in Novi and Northville
NOVI/NORTHVILLE —The Road Commission for Oakland County and the cities of Novi and Northville have closed Novi Road from Eight Mile Road to Allen Drive.
The route will be closed until midNovember, pausing construction for the winter. This is the first phase of a major resurfacing project. The next phase will begin in the spring.
The construction will include the curve on Novi Road.
During the 2025 closure, the detour for this section is Eight Mile Road to Meadowbrook Road to Nine Mile Road, back to Novi Road, and the reverse.
in Farmington Hills.
Ballots can be returned by mail using the accompanying purple return envelope with prepaid postage, or at any of the city’s five drop boxes, including the Farmington Hills Police Department at 31655 W. 11 Mile Road, the Costick Activities Center at 28600 W. 11 Mile Road, the Division of Public Works at 27245 Halsted Road, Fire Station No. 1 at 35725 Nine Mile Road, and Fire Station No. 3 at 29260 Grand River Ave.
Completed ballots can also be delivered in person at the City Clerk’s Office inside Farmington Hills City Hall.
Week 6 prep football matchups to watch
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The high school football season has already passed its halfway point in 2025 and conference games are becoming more and more important every week.
This weekend, there are a handful of games that will have a huge impact on conference winners, playoff teams and playoff hopefuls.
Marquee matchup of the week
Macomb Dakota at Romeo
7 p.m. Oct. 3
This game is as big as it gets in the regular season. At press time, Dakota and Romeo are in first and second place, respectively, in the Macomb Area Conference Red. This game may determine who wears the division crown, even with three games remaining in the season. Dakota is likely to be undefeated heading into the matchup and with a big win
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
HOWELL — Cleary University is expanding its athletics program to include women’s wrestling and co-ed competitive dance in the 2026-2027 school year, the school announced.
The wrestling team will compete in the Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference beginning next fall. Women’s wrestling is rapidly growing all over Michigan, and Cleary said it is excited to join the movement.
“With so much momentum building for women’s wrestling across the country, it made sense for Cleary to add this sport,” Cleary Director of Athletics Max Ballinger said in a press release Aug 18. “The growing excitement and interest in this sport made it a logical decision.”
The university has already hired Beth Strom to be the competitive dance team’s head coach.
Photo by Donna Dalziel Seaholm players take the field in a Sept. 5 matchup against Avondale.
Budget
from page 1A
The first three funds reviewed were forfeiture funds, which are only available to the police and are typically used for capital investment projects.
“It is not meant to offset the operation costs of our Police Department, but to (pay for those) one-time enhancements,” Broihier explained.
Fund 252 — the Federal Treasury Department Forfeiture Drug/Enforcement Fund — is for police activities. The fund currently has nearly $100,000, which the police will use to purchase hard body armor. It’s anticipated that by the end of the next fiscal year, the department will have a fund balance of about $97,000.
West Bloomfield Police Chief Dale Young described the armor.
“It is wearable armor that would allow for extra safety against rifle rounds and bigger caliber (guns),” Young said, noting the panels are inserted inside the officers’ vests. “The hard body armor will replace the Special Response Team’s body armor. It will also provide wearable body armor for the patrol officers that they can integrate it in their exterior (vests).”
The investment was encouraged by the trustees.
“I think this is a very good use of funds,” said Teri Weingarden, who serves as both a board trustee and as the township treasurer. “Thank you for everything you do.”
All 11 funds reviewed were received, filed and the motion was carried with a 5-0 vote. Trustees Diane Rosenfeld Swimmer and Jim Manna were not present.
Fund 262 — the Federal Justice Department Forfeiture Fund — started with a fund balance of $559,000 in January 2025. The board approved the appropriation of
See BUDGET on page 19A
COMPLETE ESTATE PLAN
Screen captured from meeting broadcast
Allison Broihier, West Bloomfield’s budget and pension manager, led the first of three public budget meetings Sept. 4.
SPOTLIGHT ON LEARNING
A beekeeper removes a frame from a box beehive at the
LEFT: Beekeepers examine a frame from a box beehive. Students in the Southeastern Michigan Beekeepers Association basic beekeeping class will compare hives with each other to see how their bees are doing in relation to the rest of the class.
Photos by Brian Louwers
Responsible beEkeEping begins with learning
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
Despite how it may look in videos and pictures, beekeeping is no simple task.
What appears at first to be pulling racks out of boxes while wearing bulky clothes belies a complex field of animal husbandry where climates are watched, pesticides are precautioned and the wrong move may see a whole hive die off.
“There’s a fad that’s been going on (called) ‘garden hives,’” said Randy List, an instructor of classes with the Southeastern Michigan Beekeepers Association. “They put the box with hive stands in their garden and put some bees in there, and they do nothing to them and bees die and next
year they put more in there. That’s not what proper beekeeping is. (Beekeeping is) husbandry; you have to monitor what’s going on and deal with what’s going on.
The weather and climate is a big deal … so you have to be aware of what to expect, understand what you’re seeing and deal with it.”
For those who find themselves interested in beekeeping and want to learn how to get into it, List recommends first reaching out to local beekeeping clubs and speaking with active keepers. If what they have to say sounds good, interested parties are encouraged to take a course like SEMBA’s basic beekeeping classes. Running from February to October with monthly classes at Michigan State
ABOVE:
Michigan State University Tollgate Farm and Education Center.
OPEN HOUSE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2
Pre-register online
Calendar
from page 5A
continue Oct. 21, Nov. 4 and 18, and Dec. 2 and 16, facebook.com/westbloomfield optimist
Michigan Mushrooms: Learn about identification, tips for foraging, differerent species in state and more, 6:30 p.m., West Bloomfield Township Public Library - Westacres Branch, 7321 Commerce Road, (248) 363-4022, wblib.org
OCT. 9
Pretty ‘n’ Pink Luncheon: Benefits HOPE Retreat for Breast Cancer Survivors, includes boutique shopping and cash bar from 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m. and lunch at noon, also raffle baskets, auction, presentation by personal stylist Mary Morang, and WDIV meteorologist (and breast cancer survivor) Kim Adams as emcee, Knollwood Country Club, 5050 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield, sistershope.org
OCT. 10-12
Used book sale: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Oct. 11 and noon-3 p.m. Oct. 12 (7-9 p.m. Oct. 10 for Friends of the West Bloomfield Township Public Library), WBTPL - Main Branch, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, (248) 682-2120, wblib.org
ONGOING
‘Worlds Beyond: An Exploration of Imagination’: Works by artists with special needs on display until Nov. 13, Dresener Soul Studio inside Friendship Circle Farber Center, 5586 Drake Road in West Bloomfield, facebook.com/fcmichigan
‘Fiddler on the Roof’: Nicely Theatre Group performs musical about Jewish family battling antisemitism, changing norms and traditions in early 1900s Russia, 7:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Oct. 17-26,The Berman Center for the Performing Arts in The J, 6600 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield, (248) 406-6677, nicelytheatregroup.org
Witching Hour: Milelong immersive and illuminated forest walks take approximately one hour to complete, start around dusk with final entries around 10 p.m., held Thursdays-Sundays until Nov. 2 with special programming on select nights, also food trucks and seasonal treats, Glenlore Trails, 3860 Newtown Road in Commerce Township, glenloretrails.com
Grand Raven Victorian Book Walk: Listen to recitation of Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven” while traversing streets in victorian/macabre attire, 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursdays in October, starts at Farmington Community Library, 23500 Liberty St. in Farmington, farmlib.org
Game nights: For Sylan Lake residents only, 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Sylvan Lake Community Center, 2456 Pontiac Drive, (248) 682-1440, sylvanlake.org/ community_center
• 5-6:30 p.m. every first and third Wednesdays of month, Commerce Township Community Library, 180
CLASS REUNIONS
OCT. 4
Seaholm High School — Class of 1995: 30th reunion, includes live music by Lain Hanna, DJ Coop (Kevin Childs) and DJ Second Nature (Brett Belcastro), also light food and drinks, 7-11 p.m., ZANA, 210 S. Old Woodward Ave. in Birmingham, purchase ticket at eventbrite.com
OCT. 11
Warren Cousino High School — Class of 1980: 45th reunion, includes appetizers, buffet dinner, open bar, DJ playing ’70s music, photo booth, prizes and surprises, 6-10 p.m., Vintage House, 31816 Utica Road in Fraser, purchase ticket at warrencousinoclassof1980@gmail.com
Henry Ford II High School — Class of 1975: 50th reunion for first graduating class, includes open bar and professional photographer from 6-11 p.m., strolling hors d’oeuvres and desserts from 6-8 p.m., and pizza buffet at 9:30 p.m., Fern Hill Golf Club, 17600 Clinton River Road in Clinton Township, purchase ticket at myevent. com/henryford2classof1975reunion
Seaholm High School — Class of 1975: 50th reunion, includes food stations, drink ticket, music and other activities, also cash bar, 6 p.m., The Kingsley Bloomfield Hills — A Doubletree by Hilton, 39475 Woodward Ave., purchase ticket at seaholm1975@gmail.com or (248) 217-0990, make optional hotel reservation at (248) 644-1400
OCT. 18
Lahser High School — Class of 1985: 40th reunion, 5-11 p.m., The Kingsley Bloomfield Hills — A Doubletree by Hilton, 39475 Woodward Ave., purchase ticket at eventbrite.com
E. Commerce Road, (248) 669-8108, commercetwp. com/library
Free food distribution: Drive-up program for families and individuals in need, presented by Gleaners Community Food Bank, see dates and locations at pantrynet.org/mobile-distribution-events
Farmers markets: 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford Township, ocmarket@oakgov.com, (248) 858-5495, also craft nights Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks/parkstrails/farmers-market
• Celebrating 20 years of local farmers and artisans, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays until Oct. 29, Casey J. Ambrose Public Safety Campus, 1499 E. West Maple Road in Walled Lake, walledlake.us
Health workshops: Hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, corewellhealth.org/classes-events/ southeast-michigan
Beekeeping
University’s Tollgate Farm and Education Center in Novi and the Bowers School Farm in Bloomfield Hills, the SEMBA basic beekeeping course teaches students how to get into responsible beekeeping.
“It starts out as bookwork and classroom work … and then the students get bees,” List said. “The students all have bees and they learn from each other’s bees, because they’ll have a hive right next to each other and they’ll be doing something totally different. The whole point of that is I look at your hive, you look at my hive and everybody else’s hive as a group and we learn what’s going on. (Around fall) they take the hives back to wherever they’re going to take
care of them and then (October) is a wrapup meeting.”
Students work with beekeeper instructors, like List or fellow instructor Luke Altomore, to learn information important for the first year of maintaining a honeybee hive. Subjects taught include the biology of the honeybee, how bees operate alongside other pollinators, how to maintain hives, how to maintain the health of honeybees, learning about different types of pests, mites and other threats, the tools of beekeeping and more.
It costs around $500 to take the class, including the textbook and a box hive.
Taking the SEMBA course gives students a preliminary set of information to begin beekeeping while also building relationships with emerging and experienced beekeepers in the area.
“My team’s support to the students
Every day
and there’s
• Spacious, pet friendly apartments
• Life enrichment opportunities and Forever Fit programs
• Chef-prepared meals with local flavors
doesn’t end in October,” List said. “They’ve got our numbers and our emails and that continues on. In fact, I still get calls from people from several years back. We also have a Facebook page for alumni, and some people participate in it and others don’t, just asking questions and what’s what. When it comes to extracting the honey, that’s another expense so a lot of people will get together and chip in instead of paying $300 for just (their own) equipment and sharing it. You’re gaining friends and you’re gaining contacts.”
On top of the $500 class and possibly some share of the burden for extraction equipment, beekeeping is a fairly significant investment up front. Altomore says the cost can be $1,000 or more when including protective equipment, hives and honeybees, but there’s also plenty of money to be made once the hives start producing honey.
“The interesting thing I found out was, after a couple years of beekeeping, I was making enough money selling my honey to pay for all of my equipment — and had some left over, too,” Altomore said. “There’s that to keep in mind, that if you do keep up with the hobby, you’ll have enough honey sales to pay for everything that you need to start with.”
Altomore says honey runs for about $15 per pound and $1 per ounce with bottling and labels being a minimal monetary expense.
Along with the honey and whatever joys and profits come from that, beekeeping is more than just the practice of raising bees and managing their hives. Both List and Altomore waxed poetic about the scent of a hive, as well as the relaxing feeling of simply being with and watching the bees.
See BEEKEEPING on page 12A
Beekeeping
from page 11A
“When you find apiaries, which is a bee yard, you will usually find a folding chair or a stool or a bench for people to go out and sit,” List said. “We work with the city of Livonia parks and rec; we have an apiary there and whenever we’re there, there’s always somebody walking by and waiting to come in and sit and watch and listen.
“When we have lectures and observation hives, with the bees behind glass, it’s fun watching the kids but it’s also fun watching the adults watching the bees, getting mesmerized just by looking at it. It is mesmerizing if you let it happen to you,” List added.
While some may try to get into bee-
Sports
from page 6A
keeping as a way of “saving the bees,” SEMBA’s website discourages this and recommend those interested in that to “plant and encourage pollinator friendly farms and gardens, to join the movement to eradicate lethal pesticides, or to participate in citizen science projects that support endangered pollinators.” But for those with a passion and drive for the work, science and art of bee husbandry, Altomore has a dire warning for anyone following the road to beekeeping.
“Beekeeping is addictive,” Altomore said. “You think you’re going to have one or two hives, and before you know it your bees are multiplying, you’re splitting your hives, and very quickly you can have up to 10 or 12 hives.”
To learn more, go to sembabees.org.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
Strom spent the last 10 years at Concordia University where she consistently made the NAIA Championship finals and was named the 2025 NAIA Coach of the Year.
The program announced that the dance team will offer scholarship opportunities. Cleary University now offers 22 sports for students and has begun recruiting for these two new additions. If you have interest in joining the co-ed competitive dance team, email coach Storm at bstrom@cleary.edu.
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
At Top Gun Inc. in Novi, we are revolutionizing the automotive paint repair industry with our unique specialization in small repairs and paint services. Unlike traditional body shops, we are dedicated to providing swi t and e cient service without compromising on quality. We are committed to fast turnaround times and top-notch quality on minor repairs to save you time and money.
growing wine grapes not far from the shores of Lake Michigan.
Fall is an ideal time to visit the Petoskey Wine Region. Most of the wineries are located in rural patches outside small towns and surrounded by farmland turning golden brown. Swaths of woods color the landscape in fiery reds, oranges and yellows.
Adding to seasonal fun are small farm markets and roadside stands loaded this time of year with pumpkins, apples, cider, donuts, and family-friendly activities. Both Pond Hill Farm and Bear Creek Organic Farm are worth checking out.
Petoskey wine country is very different from the Traverse Wine Coast or the Lake Michigan Shore Wine Trail in the state’s southwestern corner. You’ll find mostly hybrid grapes among the Petoskey-area wineries — grapes like Marquette, Petite Pearl, Frontenac and La Crescent. Some wineries have had success growing more-commonly-known grapes like Chardonnay and Riesling.
As you might have guessed, the weather here is much colder in the winter. The distinctive climate and soil types contribute to the region’s designation as the Tip of the Mitt, a
federally designated wine region that stretches from just south of Charlevoix to the Straits of Mackinac and east to Alpena.
Blu Dot Farm and Vineyard is one of the newest wineries. The inspiration to renovate an Airstream into a tasting room came from the owners — Paul and Jennie Silva — wine travels. The couple became enamored of vineyards and winemaking after visiting Napa a few decades ago. Realizing a need for more Michigan wine grapes, they created their own winery.
Their property used to be an old horse training and breeding facility. Many of the original barns, stables and tracks have been restored and are used today. The Airstream is open during the summer season — from May to October. Blu Dot is among the wineries producing Marquette. Developed to withstand brutal winters, Marquette is a longdistance cousin of Pinot Noir and often tastes fruity and earthy.
Several years ago, Walloon Lake Winery’s Marquette won the Best Dry Red in the annual Michigan wine competition. Other notable Marquette producers include Mackinaw Trail Winery, Boyne Valley Vineyards and Crooked Vine Vineyard.
Just south of Petoskey, Mackinaw Trail Winery is the largest winery in the region, offering a variety of red and white wines, craft
beer and food. Some 15 acres are dedicated to growing cold-hardy varietals La Crescent and Frontenac Gris.
Mackinaw Trail boasts some of the best representations of Marquette in Michigan. Currently, the winery is pouring its 202 Estate Marquette, barrel aged for 18 months, and described as a “true Up North Wine.
Winermakers here are as passionate about their craft as winemakers anywhere. Chances are, you’ll run into the owner or winemaker (sometimes one and the same) behind the tasting room bar or out in the vineyard.
That was the case at one of the region’s newest wineries: Folklor Wine & Cider, a boutique winery located off the beaten path south of Charlevoix.
The husband-and-wife team of Derrick Vogel and Izabela Babinska were behind the bar at Folklor on the afternoon I visited. Vogel is the winemaker and Babinska is business manager. Both tend the grapes. They describe themselves as “Northern Michigan enthusiasts, lake swimmers and dry Riesling devotees.” Once a u-pick apple and cherry orchard, Folklor Wine & Cider is the couple’s wine dream. They began growing wine grapes here in 2021, planting vineyards on about two acres of the 52-acre farm. More vines were planted the following year.
“We want our wines to reflect the sea-
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son and the place,” Vogel tells me, noting he is stepping outside some of the boundaries of traditional winemaking. Between the vines, for example, nature is taking its course wth grasses, plants and flowers blanketing the rows. He uses native yeast in fermentation and sprays no herbicides or insecticide on his grapes. “We felt the freedom to let these grapes speak for themselves.”
In the tasting room, you can sample “the season and place” in a variety of Rieslings, as well the red blends and ciders. I especially enjoyed Folklor’s 2023 Lake Swimmer, a blend of Blaufrankisch, Cabernet Franc and a bit of Zweigelt, which is grown on the farm. Lower in alcohol, this red blend was lighter and refreshing, especially on a warm fall day.
The winery’s name is the Polish spelling of folklore (Babinska is a Polish immigrant) and is the name for Polish folk art. The name celebrates more than Polish folk art, the owners say; it’s a connection between wine and storytelling. And that’s part of the experience at Folklor — learning the stories of how this couple came to plant their roots in Northern Michigan, their efforts to grow grapes in a challenging environment and the way they’re making their wine. But I’ll let them share those stories with you when you visit.
Greg Tasker is a Traverse City-based freelance writer.
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Advertorial
Libraries
from page 3A
the Friends book sale the weekend of Oct. 10-12, where gently used books will be sold at a fraction of the price.
“The proceeds go to make the library a better place for the community and the people who use it,” Russ said.
One of the contributions by the Friends are the purchase of Playaways, which are individual audio books for children. Each unit is about the size of a deck of cards, and they do not require downloads or an internet connection.
The Friends also purchased statues of African American children for each branch so that the library would be more inclusive and representative of the community, Russ said.
“This is just the tip of the iceberg (of the Friends’ contributions),” she added.
From 12:30–1:30 p.m. Oct. 11, there will be cake at the library to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the main library’s renovations. For a donation of $75 to the library’s endowment, patrons will receive a print of the library, along with a tote bag and sticker with the same imagery.
Illustrator Nicole Ray created the design.
“Knowing that libraries provide such a vital community resource of knowledge, information, access and other critical functions well beyond books, makes these types of collaborations even more rewarding,” Ray said.
During National Friends of Libraries Week, the West Bloomfield Library will also partner with Schuler Books, 7260 Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield, where 20% of each purchase will go directly to the Friends. Just tell the cashier at the checkout that the purchase is for the Friends of the West Bloomfield Library or use the promo code “WBLIBRARY” when buying online.
“As we wind down the year, we continue our fundraising efforts to ensure excellent programming, services and literacy in our community,” said Hertha Woodruff, the Friends’ fundraising cochair, in a written release.
See LIBRARIES on page 20A
H MES
LOCAL RETAILERS WEIGH IN ON POPULAR HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS, COSTUMES
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
With Halloween around the corner, local retailers are sharing tips on how to make your home — and your costume — the best on the block.
Ying Vang, store director of the Madison Heights Meijer on 13 Mile Road, said that while the basic decorations are always popular — things like witches and skeletons — her store has seen an increase in the number of inflatable decorations being sold.
“It’s an easy decoration for outdoors. You plug it in and it’s Halloween,” she said.
Vang also said that things to decorate a front porch, such as lights, are popular.
Dave Douglas, who owns Crypt Keeper’s Halloween Emporium in Center Line, agreed that traditional decorations are still popular and remain a cheaper option.
“Some people aren’t in as big of a hurry to spend $500 on a prop,” he said.
As far as costumes, Vang said a lot of kids are starting to dress up as characters from older media, such as “The Hungry Caterpillar.”
Douglas said that his store has more than 1,000 costumes. While some faces from horror
franchises remain Halloween staples — such as Michael Myers from “Halloween” and Ghostface from the “Scream” movies — his store sees a lot of people coming in and putting their own costumes together.
“We have the largest mask wall in the country, so people like to make their own costumes,” he said. “They’ll buy a robe, they’ll buy gloves, they’ll buy whatever character matches with it.”
Douglas also said he’s seen an increase in people buying “cutesy” costumes this year.
“I have seen more cutesy things this year than normal, like we’ve been selling a decent amount of inflatable costumes, like the T. rex from “Jurassic Park,” or one that looks like an alien is carrying you,” he said.
Additionally, Douglas said anime-themed costumes are popular this year.
“Anime is super big right now because of ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ and there’s no costumes out yet,” he said. “That’s the No. 1 thing people are asking for.”
A growing trend, according to Vang, is seeing people buy costumes for their pets.
“It’s really adorable. It’s cute that they are matching the costumes that they’re making,” she said.
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 2917637.
ABOVE: This house from last year in Madison Heights displayed a variety of skeletons, some of them wearing outfits. File photo provided by Holly Hayter
LEFT: An ongoing trend is pet costumes. Shutterstock image
Fire station
from page 3A
The building is designed for a balanced workforce, he said. In the past, there would be a locker room designed for two women, and another one designed for 30 men. The new locker rooms will accommodate both genders, giving each privacy.
“We have to be thoughtful with the things that are going on in today’s society and give thought to where it is going,” Flynn said.
The men and women in the department will have their own dorm-style rooms.
The fueling tanks will be removed from the property because they’re in a need of repair. The fire apparatus will go to other stations to refuel. It’s also an opportunity to leverage that space.
There will be open spaces where toddlers and kids can play on the grounds, and a memorial remembering those lost in the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. The station will also have an outdoor space where firefighters can relax and enjoy cookouts.
Meanwhile, the two driveways the site currently has will be reduced to one.
“Anytime you can prevent a vehicle
from backing up, that is our (preference),” Flynn said.
Allison Broihier, the budget and pension manager for the township, estimated the cost of construction of the building to be about $8.3 million dollars. Together with related costs, the total cost in today’s market would be just under $10 million. The project will be financed for 50 years.
Cunningham and Limp, a construction design and development firm, will oversee the project from start to finish.
“They have an amazing track record of delivering on time and under budget,” said Broihier, adding she didn’t want to return to the board to amend the budget.
Fire Station No. 1 is nearly 55 years old, according to Debbie Binder, the township clerk and member of the board.
“I have seen significant changes in West Bloomfield,” Binders said. “But I know when I walk into Fire Station No. 1, I have not seen significant changes. Do you think this building is designed in a way to take us into 54 years of service life?”
Flynn said the building is very classic, operational and functional.
“I am very confident you’ll get 50 years out of it,” Flynn said.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
Football
from page 6A
against Brother Rice under the team’s belt that started off the season.
Games to watch
North Farmington at Birmingham Seaholm
7 p.m. Oct. 3
This matchup may end up being the biggest of the weekend when fans look back on the season. Seaholm and North Farmington are both top teams in the Oakland Activities Association Blue, and it could be the difference between winning the division and losing it. At press time, Seaholm hadn’t lost a game yet during the season.
Troy at Farmington
7 p.m. Oct. 3
Troy and Farmington will go to battle in another top game this week. These are two of the best teams in the OAA Blue this season, and this game might even catapult the winner into first place in the division if Seaholm was to lose.
Hazel Park at Madison Heights Madison
7 p.m. Oct. 3
The MAC-Bronze is a three-horse race
between these two teams and Clintondale. This matchup may decide which team will be sitting atop the division at the end of the year, as both teams have done well in conference play up to this point.
CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Orchard Lake Village Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. in the Orchard Lake City Hall, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, MI. The purpose of the Hearing is to receive comments on the following proposed amendments to the City Zoning Ordinance No. 14.01 as listed below:
- Article II. Defnitions, Section 2.02 - Defnition of Floor Area, Usable.
- Article VI. Off-Street Parking and Loading: Requirements, Section 6.02 -Table of Off-Street Parking Requirements, C. Business and Commercial
Complete copies of the request are available for review at the Offce of the City Clerk in City Hall. Written comments will be received in the City Clerk’s Offce, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, MI between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or may be submitted electronically to CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com. You are invited to attend the hearing.
Nancy Morogi
CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com
Publish: West Bloomfeld Beacon 10/01/2025
CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
NOTICE OF ZONING BOARD PUBLIC HEARINGS
0329-2540
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Michigan Public Act 110 of 2006, the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, as amended, the City of Orchard Lake Village Zoning Board of Appeals will consider the following appeal at their Regular Meeting on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. at the Orchard Lake City Hall, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, Michigan:
- Compton Appeal- 5800 Pontiac Trail (Front Yard Setback Variance and Lot Coverage Variance to Construct an Attached Garage)
- Abdal Appeal - 4480 Dow Ridge (Lakeside Setback Variance for Installation of an Outdoor Kitchen)
- Thompson Appeal- 4831 Old Orchard Trail (Front Yard Setback Variance and Materials, Dimensions, and Opacity Variances for Installation of an Entrance Gate)
- Long Appeal-3878 Sunset Blvd (Front Yard Setback Variance for Construction of an Addition)
Complete copies of the request are available for review at the Offce of the City Clerk in City Hall. Written Comments will be received in the City Clerk’s Offce, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, MI between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or may be submitted electronically to CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com. You are invited to attend the hearing.
Nancy Morogi CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com
Publish: West Bloomfeld
a play before lining up against
on Aug. 28.
Warren Mott at Warren Cousino 7 p.m. Oct. 3
These two teams are in the middle of the pack in the MAC-Blue, and this game could determine which of these teams makes the playoffs. The matchup is also Mott’s homecoming game, so it should be a packed house for one of the bigger games of the season. Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
NOTICE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2025
CITY OF KEEGO HARBOR
CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
CITY OF SYLVAN LAKE
TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any qualifed elector of the City of Keego Harbor, City of Orchard Lake Village & City of Sylvan Lake who are not already registered may register to vote at their City Clerk’s Offce; the offce of the County Clerk; a Secretary of State branch offce, or other designated state agency. Registration forms can be obtained at mi.gov/ vote and mailed to their City Clerk’s Offce. Voters who are already registered may update their registration at www. expressos.com.
The last day to register in any manner other than in-person with the local clerk is Monday, October 20, 2025
After that date, anyone who qualifes as an elector may register to vote in person with proof of residency (MCL 168.492) at the City of Keego Harbor Clerk’s Offce, located at 2025 Beechmont, Keego Harbor, MI 48320; City of Orchard Lake Village Clerk’s offce, located at 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, MI 48323; and City of Sylvan Lake Clerk’s offce, located at 1820 Inverness, Sylvan Lake, MI 48320 at the following times:
• Business hours:
Keego Harbor- Monday thru Thursday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Orchard Lake - Monday thru Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Sylvan Lake - Monday thru Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:30 p.m.
• Keego Harbor, Saturday, November 1st from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Orchard Lake, Saturday, November 1st from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Sylvan Lake, Saturday, November 1st from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
• Election Day, Tuesday, November 4 from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING CANDIDATES FOR THE FOLLOWING OFFICES: LOCAL
Keego Harbor City Council Member
Orchard Lake City Council Members AND FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOTING ON THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS: PROPOSALS (SCHOOL) West Bloomfeld School District Sinking Fund Millage Proposal
Bloomfeld Hills School Building and Site Sinking Fund Millage
School District of the City of Pontiac Building and Site Sinking Fund Millage Renewal Proposal for residents in the School District of the City of Pontiac
PROPOSALS (LOCAL) Replacement Proposal for residents in Orchard Lake
City of Orchard Lake- May the City vacate and sell a portion of a City Street
Full text of the ballot proposals may be obtained at the City of Keego Harbor Clerk’s offce, 2025 Beechmont, Keego Harbor, MI 48320, City of Orchard Lake Village’s Clerk’s offce, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, MI 48323 & City of Sylvan Lake Clerk’s offce, 1820 Inverness, Sylvan Lake, MI 48320. A
North Farmington players discuss
Livonia Stevenson
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Budget
from page 7A
$400,000 to purchase a Roshel Senator, a truck designed for law enforcement. In addition, money was also appropriated for the Special Response Team’s training, equipment, weapons and repairs.
Fund 265 — the State Forfeiture Fund — will have a fund balance of about $232,000 at the end of 2025. Some of the money in this fund may also be used to purchase the Roshel Senator. According to Broihier, this helps to relieve some of the burden of the public safety millage, particularly when making large purchases.
No revenue is anticipated from this fund — only from the interest from the fund balance.
The planned spending for 2026 includes community promotions, conferences, training, and the Special Response Team’s equipment and general operating materials and supplies. This will amount to just under $100,000 and is consistent with spending from other years, Broihier said, leaving the fund balance at $144,000 for the new fiscal year.
Other funds discussed included the Fund 284 — the Opioid Settlement Fund — which collects money from the national
settlements of opioid manufacturers and distributors. The money will be used for coresponder clinicians, where licensed social workers or mental health professionals accompany law enforcement on mental health cases and lend their expertise.
Fund 211 — the Safety Path Fund — will be used for improvements along Walnut Lake and Farmington roads, including a new bridge and ramp in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Fund 234 — the Senior Services Fund — includes the Meals on Wheels program.
“Revenues have continually gone down. We spend our entire allocation,” said Amy Neary, the planning and development services director.
School lunch programs are also being reduced, Weingarden noted.
“I don’t understand how we, in our country, cannot be feeding our children and not feeding our elderly,” Weingarden said. “It breaks my heart.”
A variety of other funds were also discussed, ranging from drainage infrastructure and water utilities to architectural barriers and parks and recreation.
The next public budget meeting will take place at noon on Wednesday, Oct. 15 inside the Trustees Chambers at Township Hall, 4550 Walnut Lake Road.
Joann Nicodemus, a resident of West Bloomfield Township, was the only person who spoke during public comment at the first meeting Sept. 4.
“Why is this at (noon) when no one is here?” she asked. “Where is everybody?” Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
CRIME WATCH
Man allegedly chokes wife
WEST BLOOMFIELD — A 42-yearold-woman called West Bloomfield police around 10:45 p.m. Sept. 16 to report that her 49-year-old husband had allegedly choked her.
When officers arrived, the suspect had reportedly fled the scene.
The woman told the officers that she and her husband had been arguing about a man she had been texting. Her husband grew jealous, said he would kill her and began choking her.
Officers located the suspect in his car, arrested him and took him to the West Bloomfield Police Department. The husband was arraigned by video Sept. 17 in 48th District Court.
The judge ordered a bond of $25,000 and no contact with the suspect’s wife. In addition, the suspect must move out of the couple’s home and make other living arrangements.
The suspect was then released from police custody.
Corvette stolen while owner out of town
WEST BLOOMFIELD — Police were dispatched to the 3300 block of Red Fox Court at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 regarding a possible stolen vehicle.
Libraries
from page 15A
The 40-year-old homeowner asked officers if they could check his driveway for his 2021 Chevrolet Corvette. When the police arrived, they saw no Corvette.
The owner of the vehicle was contacted by the Shelby Police Department and asked if he had been driving his vehicle Sept. 7. The owner of the vehicle had been out of town since Sept. 3 and had not given anyone permission to drive his vehicle.
A person had been seen driving his Corvette in Shelby Township Sept. 7 at the scene of several larcenies. The suspect was wearing a ski mask in the surveillance video.
The Corvette was also located on surveillance cameras leaving West Bloomfield southbound on Northwestern Highway from West 14 Mile Road at 4 p.m. Sept. 7.
The vehicle was entered into the police database as stolen. This incident is under investigation by the detective bureau.
Woman falls victim to identity theft
WEST BLOOMFIELD — At 1 p.m. Sept. 12, a 38-year-old woman told West Bloomfield Police that someone had stolen her personal information and used it to fraudulently open a credit card account in her name, stealing $20,000. The report was made for documentation purposes only.
If you know more about these cases or others, call West Bloomfield Police at (248) 9759200.
— Gena Johnson
CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF A GENERAL ORDINANCE
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the September 15, 2025 Regular Meeting of the City of Orchard Lake Village Council the second reading and adoption was held on General Ordinance Amendment Chapter 20, Fire Prevention & Protection; This ordinance will take effect ten (10) days following publication of this notice.
Complete copies of the full text of the General Ordinance are available for inspection by and distribution to the public between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except legal holidays, at City Hall.
Nancy Morogi
CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com
Publish: West Bloomfeld Beacon 10/01/2025
NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS CITY OF KEEGO HARBOR OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN
0327-2540
TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF KEEGO HARBOR, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS:
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following is a general summary of amendments to the City of Keego Harbor Zoning Ordinance text, which were adopted by the City of Keego Harbor City Council at the meeting held September 18, 2025:
The amendments add a defnition for a carport in Article 2, Section 2.00 – Defnitions, amend Article 15, Section 15.11 – Permitted projections into required open space to allow a carport to project into the required side yard setback, and amend Article 15, Section 15.13 – Accessory buildings to provide standards for the construction of a carport.
Tammy Neeb, Clerk City of Keego Harbor Oakland County, Michigan 2025 Beechmont St. Keego Harbor, MI 48320 2025-03
Published: West Bloomfeld Beacon 10/01/2025 0246-2540
CITY OF KEEGO HARBOR NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLANNING COMMISSION
TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held before the Keego Harbor Planning Commission for a regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., at City Hall (located at 2025 Beechmont St, Keego Harbor, MI 48320).
This meeting will be held for the purpose of reviewing a planned unit development request for nine additional condominium units proposed at 1502 Wayward Drive, Keego Harbor, MI, 48320 (Parcel #18-02-204-034). The Planning Commission will hold the public hearing and evaluate the application prior to its recommendation to City Council on the planned unit development application.
Written comments on the request will be accepted at City Hall, 2025 Beechmont St, Keego Harbor, MI 48320 until 4:00pm the date of the meeting.
The City of Keego Harbor does not discriminate on the basis of disability in the admission or access to a public hearing. If assistance is needed, contact Keego Harbor Clerk’s Offce at least 24 hours in advance at 248-682-1930.
This notice is published pursuant to the requirements of the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, PA 110 of 2006, as amended.
Tammy Neeb, City Manager September 23, 2025
Russ reflected on what the library would be without the Friends.
“Without them, I think it wouldn’t be nearly as fun,” she said.
Kelley Siegrist, the director of the Farmington Community Library, shared what the Friends at her library mean to her community.
“The Friends of the Library are our biggest supporters,” Siegrist said. “They fundraise through book sales and great programming. They advocate for us during millages.”
The Friends of the Farmington Community Library were instrumental in bringing the Start Up collection and programming to the library, where aspiring entrepreneurs can learn how to start their own businesses. The Friends there also provided mobile Wi-Fi hot spots, which expand internet access for patrons outside the library.
The Friends have also brought bestselling authors to the library during the Friends of the Library Week, including Angeline Boulley, Viola Shipman and Marie Benedict.
“It is usually a big-name author that costs quite a chunk of money,” Siegrist said. “They fund that for us, and other things.”
The Farmington Community Library will host a discussion of bestselling author Katherine Center’s book “The Bodyguard” from 1-2:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Costick Center, located at 28600 W. 11 Mile Road. She will appear 6:30-8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 20 at the Farmington Community Library in Farmington Hills located at 32737 W. 12 Mile Road.
For more information about events at the West Bloomfield Library, call (248) 6822120. For more information about events at the Farmington Community Library, call (248) 553-0300.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
Published: West Bloomfeld Beacon 10/01/2025 0258-2540
CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
SUMMARY OF THE REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING
September 15, 2025
At the September 15, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting, Council took the following action:
o Approved a Side Yard Setback Variance for Installation of a Stand-By Generator and Denied Lot Coverage Variance for Construction for a Second Story Attached Deck for 5681 Shore Drive;
o Postponed the Approval of Orchard Shoppes LLC - EGLE Brownfeld Subgrant Agreement;
o Approved the Greater West Bloomfeld Cable Communication Commission (GWBCCC) 2026 Budget;
o Postponed the Approval of Ezee Fiber METRO Act Permit Application;
o Approved and adopted the second reading General Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 20, Fire Prevention & Protection;
o Postponed the Approval of First Reading General Ordinance Amendment to Chapter 12 - Buildings and Building Regulations to Add Article IX - Vacant Property Registration & Maintenance
o Appointed Election Commissioners for the November 4, 2025 General Election;
o Approved Storm Drainage Repairs;
o Approved Front Snow Plow Purchase for the Building Department Vehicle;
o Approved Building Permit Extension for 5800 Lakeview Avenue;
o Approved Building Permit Extension for 2940 Orchard Place;
o Accepted all Department Reports.
Norm Finkelstein, Mayor Nancy Morogi, City Clerk
Publish: West Bloomfeld Beacon 10/01/2025
0326-2540
OFFERINGS AROUND MICHIGAN
AUCTION
Fall Equipment Consignment Auction in Gaylord, 10 a.m., 10-4-25. Fleet vehicles, tractors, farm, recreational, shop, lawn/garden items, more! Multiple auction rings. Visit MichiganAuction.com for complete listing, directions. Leist Auctioneers, 833-323-2243.
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Classic Car Collectible Online Auction. Bidding open @ JohnPeckAuctions.com. 1964 Ford Galaxie 500XL, 1997 Dodge Ram SS/T, firearms, ammo, silver eagles, restored gas pump, collector toys, Galaxie parts. Need an auction? Call John Peck 989-345-4866.
Published: October 1, 2025
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Carpentry
BARRY'S CARPENTRY
•Decks•Additions •Bathrooms•Kitchens •Renovations•Plumbing FamilyOwned. 35yrsexperience www.Barryscarpentry.com FreeEstimates 248-563-1733
Heating & Cooling
Cement
Cleaning Service
Electrical
248-828-7998 www.amgapplied services.com
Cement ALLENCEMENT "TheDrivewayGuy" Established1999 Driveways/Garage Floors/Patios,etc. Licensed/Insured CheckoutAllen CementonFacebook! VernAllen 586-457-1300
POBLETECEMENT
BrickPavers,LLC. Lic/Ins.•Driveways •Patios•Porches•Walks •Floors•Color•Exposed •ConcreteRemoval 30+years!Troy,MI 248-743-1220 248-496-4964(Cell)
ROMA
CEMENTCO. Licensed&Insured
CustomGarageBuilders, Garages,Driveways, Patios,Sidewalk,Porch, ExposedAggregate, Porches,ColorConcrete, StampedConcrete. 248-642-2679
ROZECEMENTLLC CONCRETE,MASONRY &LANDSCAPING •Driveways•Patios •Brick/Stone•Pavers •Decks,Free-Estimates Requests: roze cementllc@gmail.com Andre-586-354-7791 cementroze.com
Chimney Service
CHIMNEYS,INC
$129/Sweep& SafetyInspection •Repairs•Dampers •Caps•CrownRepair Senior/MilitaryDisc. NextDayAppointment Available 586-431-0591
ROYAL EXTREMECLEAN
586-219-0335 AirDuct&DryerVent Cleaning,GasFireplace Tune-ups&Repairs, WoodBurningFireplace Cleaning&Repairs, Multi-ServiceDiscounts. Royalextremeclean.com
Cleaning Service
CLEANINGLADY withover20-yr experienceislooking forwork.Weekly, bi-weekly,monthly Excellentreferences. Flexiblehours. Bonded&insured. 248-890-8830
CAROL'S CLEANING
23YearsinBusiness Responsibleand Dependable OWNERONSITE Carol 248-219-4827 Carissa 586-690-1617
TIREDOF CLEANING? LetMeSweep YouOffYourFeet WithMyExpert CleaningServices. CallLaurieat 248-837-9779
Decks/Patios
2025SPECIALS
CustomDeck Building/Repair, Power-Washing, DecksRemoved, Composite,Treated &CedarMaterials, CustomRailingMaterials, CustomFence Installation. 586-260-5218
LAKESIDEDECKS
DECKREPLACE
DECKREPAIR Free-Estimates! CallTomat: 248-469-7045
586-755-3636 Dr.Electric AffordablePrices! Father&Son MasterElectricians Same-Day-Service! All-Residential-Wiring, ChangeFuseBoxto CircuitBreakerPanel, Troubleshooting,Backup GeneratorTransfer Switch,License#6109094 SenDisc.V/MC/Lic./Ins.
CASTLEELECTRIC
586-634-1152 (directcellphone#) Panelupgrades, generators,hottubs, EVCharger, 220lines.ALLSERVICE Licensed&Insured Dependable,quality work! License#-6111359
PREPARE forpoweroutagestodaywithaGeneracHomeStandbyGenerator.Actnowtoreceivea FREE5-Yearwarranty withqualifyingpurchase. Call1-855-773-8191 todaytoscheduleafree quote.It'snotjustagenerator.It'sapowermove.
Gutters
A.M.G. Gutters&Downspouts.Owneroperated. Seamlessgutter installationandrepair specialist.Builders License#2101202369 www.amgapplied services.com FullyInsured 248-828-7998
*”STEVE'S SEAMLESSGUTTERS”
Made&installedonthe spot.5”&6”Gutter Cleaning.Treetrimming, exteriorpainting, powerwashing. 586-778-3393 586-531-2111
Handyman Services
HANDYMANWOW
Painting,Drywall, Powerwashing, SealCoating *Driveways*ParkingLots MinorPlumbing, Caulking,Shelving, CallForaFreeQuote! 248-755-0246
3Sons HandymanService 586-888-9031
Electrical,Plumbing, HVAC,Minor/Major Repairs,AnySizeJob. FreeEstimates 10%Discount
Hauling & Waste Removal
***AAA HAULING*** JUNKREMOVAL
Wehaulitall!Demolition Big&Small,Residential/ Commercial,Rubber WheelDumpsters-10,15, 20-Yards,Clean-outs, ConstructionMaterial, Small-Moving,Appliances,Furniture&More! Free-Est.Sen/Mil/Disc. 586-360-0681 ucallwehauljunk.com
BURLYGUYS JUNKREMOVAL removesANYTHING! Appliances,furniture, basementcleanouts, hoardersallwelcome! CallorText 248-224-2188
HEATMASTERS HEATING&COOLING Sale/Service &Installations. FallisNear,CallFor FurnaceTune-up! AcceptingCredit-Cards Free-Est.onNewInstalls. Licensed/Insured 586-770-3233 Lic#-7116542
Home Repairs
EXTERIOR REPAIRSLLC. Since1999 GUTTERCLEANING LEAFGUARDS Roofing,Siding, Gutter,Repair.Reliable Ask,WeMightDoIt! FREEESTIMATES 248-242-1511
Landscaping & Water Gardens
DOLL'S LANDSCAPING FALLCLEAN-UPS! Shrub&Tree-Trimming, Planting,Removal.Mulch, SodInstallation,Pavers, Garden/RetainerWalls, PorchSteps,Raise Backyards/DrainTiles, Powerwashing/Sealing, Seeding,DebrisRemoval 586-634-0033
ALLTIMATE OUTDOORSERVICES
DrainageSystem Professionals Big/SmallJobs, Yard-Drainage,Grading, Sod/Seed,Retaining Walls/Walkways/Patios, Senior/Military-Discounts Credit-Cards-Accepted Free-Estimates 586-719-1202
Lawn Maintenance
2025Fall
586-260-5218
Commercial/Residential
*SnowRemoval
*FullSaltingServices
*FullLandscaping/Design
*FallClean-up &DebrisRemoval
*Aerating&Thatching. brighthorizonservices.biz
Painting
586-792-3117
PETE'SPAINTING
FALLSPECIALS!
10%OFF Specializing inVacantHomes, Great-Rooms,Deck Staining&WoodenFence Repair,Interior/Exterior, Residential/Commercial. SeniorDiscount, Free-Estimates,Insured.
(586)229-4267
AmericanPainting FallSpecials!!! Residential/Commercial
•Interior/25YearsExp.
•PowerWashing
•Insurance•Drywall •PlasterRepair
•DeckRepairs•Cleanouts•HomeRepairs
•SeniorDiscounts
PEAKPAINTING
Custom-Painting, Commercial/Residential, Interior/Exterior. Drywall-Repair,Paper Removal,Carpentry.
*WillBeatAnyOther ReasonableEstimate!
35yrsexp.Sen.Disc.Ins. CC-Accepted/References. 586-722-8381
2BROTHERS PAINTING
CompleteInterior/Exterior WoodRepair, Powerwash, Free-Estimates CallFrank 248-303-5897 ReferencesAvailable ANDERSON
Painting&Carpentry
CompleteInterior/Exterior Services.Plaster/Drywall &WaterDamageRepairs. Wood-Staining.Wallpaper Removal.Kitchen/Cabinet Refinishing,Insured/References.Free-Estimates 586-354-3032 248-974-4012
Painting
ANYONE'S PAINTER
Interior/ExteriorPainting Commerical/Residential PressureWashing, DrywallRepairs, DeckStaining, FreeEstimates,Insured. Call586-921-3654
DʼAchillePainting &Decorating 3-generationsof comprehensive-service. Extremely-neat, meticulous-prep. Wallpaperremoval Interior/Exterior. Free-Est.&consultation Licensed/Ins. Nathan 586-855-9766
FARR'SPAINTING Interior/Exterior Wood&DrywallRepairs MoldRemediation FreeEstimates CertifiedMoldInspector 248-345-3308 farrsmoldremoval.com
NEBOPAINTING ServiceAllYearRound Interior/Exterior WeMakeIt EasierForYou, AllNeedsAreMet! FreeEstimates Call 248-953-7807
Plumbing
586.524.6752
ANDY'SPLUMBING
33+YearsExp.Lic/Ins. CallUsToday ForAllYour PlumbingNeeds!! ServingThe Tri-County-Area 10%/Senior/Military/ Discounts Lic#-8004254
EAPLUMBING ANDDRAIN
FullServicePlumbing. DrainCleaning,Sump Pumps,WaterHeaters, Leaks,Disposals, CameraInspections, BackflowTesting andMore. 586-477-7777 License#803020312
WATERWORK
Plumbing.com
•DrainCleaning
•SewerCamera
•WaterHeaters •SumpPumps •BackflowTesting 248-542-8022
SameDayEmergency ServiceAvailable
Reliable/Experienced License#8003885
Sewer&DrainService. Remodeling,Repairs, NewInstallations. FreeEstimates SeniorRates. 35+yrsexp.CallPaul 248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852
Tree Service
ELITETREE SERVICE
"Bringing30yearsof experiencetoyourdoor!" Treetrimming, removals&stump grinding.Insured&FREE estimateswithfairprices! FirewoodForSale 586-756-0757
DAVE'STREE&SHRUB
30%-FALLSPECIAL Insured,Emergency StormDamage, Large-TreeRemovals, Leaves,Gutter-Cleaning, Trimming,Stump-Grinding,Season-Firewood (100acord)30YrsExp. (586)216-0904 davestreeandshrub.com
SILVERSMITHROOF MAINTENANCE
$225•MinorShingle ReplacementSpecial $88*GutterCleaning Residential/Commercial WeAcceptAll MajorCreditCards Over30-yrsexp. FamilyOwned 248-707-4851
Powerwashing
ALLWASHEDUP
POWERWASHING
FALLSPECIALS!
Weofferpowerwashing& deckstaining.Houses/ awnings/fences/driveways/porches/windows/ gutters/doorsandmore!!
FREE-ESTIMATES
SeniorDiscounts
586-360-0827
Professional Services
CONSUMER Cellularthesamereliable,nationwidecoverageasthe largestcarriers.Nolongtermcontract,nohidden feesandactivationisfree. Allplansfeatureunlimitedtalkandtext,starting atjust$20/month.For moreinformation,call 1-866-306-6243
PREFERRED
BROTHERSROOFING
•FullTear-off•Recover
•ShingleRepair
•Leak's•AllRepair
•Flat-Roof•TourchDown •SeamlessGutters& GutterGuards
Senior/Military-Discount Upto20%Off 586-944-8898
AA4DABLEROOFING Hurry&SaveBig-$$$! FALL-SPECIALS Upto30%-Off!!! Roofing/Siding/Gutters, All-Leaks/Repairs, Residential/Shingles/ Commercial-FlatRoofs/Torch-downs 30yrs-exp.CC'saccepted. 586-822-5100
MICHAELNORTON BUILDERSINC.
BuildingValueEveryday 586-436-9600 Licensed/Insured Since1965 Servicing-Roofing, Siding,Basement, Bathroom,Kitchen Remodeling,Decks& AllYourHome ImprovementNeeds.
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