TIME TO GET THE LAWN AND GARDEN READY FOR WINTER
Orchard Lake voters choose council members, approve proposals
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
“I’m just very grateful that (residents) feel I’m doing the job they elected me to do in the past and I will continue to do the job over the next three years,” Kroger said.
Kroger received 314 votes, which
West Bloomfield voters approve school millage
BY GENA JOHSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WEST BLOOMFIELD — During the election Nov. 4, voters in the West Bloomfield School District approved a sinking fund millage by a 54% majority, with 3,376 voting “yes” and 2,857 voting “no.” The millage is for 10 years, starting in 2026.
“Our facilities are an investment in our students, staff and community,” said Dania Bazzi, WBSD superintendent. “This approval allows us to keep general fund dollars in the classroom while continuing to improve our buildings, technology and safety systems.
The district described the millage as a “renewal” or “continuation” of the millage that was approved in 2013 because it has the same millage rate
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Voters in Orchard Lake Village reelected Kevin Kroger and elected newcomer DuAnne Sonneville to the City Council during the election Nov. 4. A new mayor will be appointed at the Nov. 17 council meeting.
Photo provided by the West Bloomfield Public Schools
The recent approval of a sinking fund will allow the West Bloomfield Public Schools district to purchase buses and other vehicles for
teachers.
SECOND FRONT PAGE
Farmington Hills voters approve safety proposal
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
FARMINGTON HILLS — More than 75% of voters in Farmington Hills supported the renewal of the safety proposal for the city’s police and fire departments Nov. 4, which will help pay for staff and equipment for the next 10 years starting in 2026. Voters cast 14,419 votes in favor of the proposal and 4,754 against.
The proposal is not a tax increase for Farmington Hills residents. Rather, it is a continuation of the current tax rate, which levies 1.4764 mills each year — roughly $1.48 for every $1,000 of taxable value of one’s property. Officials said this will allow the police and fire departments to maintain current service levels with full staffing and up-to-date equipment.
About $7.3 million will be distributed roughly equally between the two departments in the first year, said Tom Skrobola, director of finance and treasurer for Farmington Hills.
Fire officials noted that calls for service have risen.
“Over the last 10 years, the department has seen a 75% increase in run volume,” Deputy Fire Chief Jason Olszewski said
See SAFETY on page 8A
by Patricia O’Blenes The safety millage will allow police in Farmington Hills to maintain services such as the school liaison officers, K-9 officers, drones, and digital forensic labs that quickly analyze data from cellphones and computers when crimes are reported.
Farmington Hills decides mayor, council
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
FARMINGTON HILLS — In the election Nov. 4, Farmington Hills Mayor Theresa Rich was reelected by more than 59% of the vote. Council members Michael Bridges and Valerie Knol were also reelected, and they were joined by a council newcomer, Charlie Starkman.
“I am extremely grateful to the voters of Farmington Hill for affirming that the city is on a great track
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and that they support my leadership,” Rich said.
According to the Oakland County Clerk’s website, nearly 19,500 people voted for mayor, while nearly 49,000 voted for City Council members in the city of 85,000 residents.
Starkman is new to council and received 9,373 votes, which is 19.32% of those that voted.
See HILLS on page 18A
Terms decided for Farmington council
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
FARMINGTON — Familiar faces will continue to run the Farmington City Council.
The only candidates in the race were the three incumbents running for the three open seats on council in the Nov. 4 election. However, the length of each term varies based on placement. The top two vote-getters were elected to four-year terms while the third highest vote-getter received a two-year term.
Maria Taylor led the votes with 39.21% (1,507 votes), followed
See FARMINGTON on page 16A
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Photo
Rich
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TIME TO GET THE LAWN AND GARDEN READY FOR WINTER
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@gandcnews.com
Warm autumn days will soon be followed by winter’s frigid temperatures, frost on the plants and frozen ground. With this in mind, the owner of Red Chair Gardens and a consumer horticulture educator shared tips on preparing the garden for winter.
Each day, trees are dropping leaves that can be used to enrich the soil.
“We bag and throw away our leaves, and this is a great time to just mulch them into the grass, and it provides 25% of the fertilization your yard needs throughout the year, and it’s free,” said Louise Sloan, owner of Red Chair Gardens in Bloomfield Hills and a certified master gardener.
Sloan uses a push mower and slowly goes over the leaves multiple times until they are very fine and it forms a thin layer of mulch.
Studies have shown that in addition to fertilizing the lawn, this creates a mulch barrier in the spots in between the grass, preventing future weed germination, according to Sloan.
“After three years of using this technique, they saw a 100% reduction in dandelion production,” Sloan said. “It’s not going to get rid of all your dandelion seeds, but it will reduce it by a lot.”
Some gardeners cut back their ornamental grasses this time of year, while others leave them up throughout the winter and cut them back in late February or early March. It’s the gardeners’ choice, she said.
“I do that, so I can see something in the landscape,” Sloan said. “I found that it is really pretty when the snow falls on them.”
This is the time to plant spring bulbs.
“Daffodils are great because the deer don’t eat them. Hyacinths, also, deer tend to leave them alone and allium bulbs,” Sloan said. “Plant them now and come spring you’ll have some beautiful flowers to welcome you into the new year.”
The bulbs should be placed a couple of inches below the soil. They will not be damaged by the cold weather if they are planted correctly, according to David Lowenstein, consumer horticulture educator at Michigan State University Extension.
If there are old vegetables in the vegetable garden, Lowenstein suggests adding them to the compost bin or to get rid of them. This is to prevent spores from germinating and infecting the plants the next season.
“You don’t want to accidentally introduce any kind of fungus that might have been on the vegeta-
bles,” Lowenstein said.
Plants, shrubs and trees that are less than two or three years old should be watered regularly until the ground freezes.
According to Lowenstein, the current climate in southeastern Michigan is in a drought even though there have been a couple of days of rain.
“Just because we’ve had a frost already doesn’t mean you don’t need to water again,” Lowenstein said. “If the ground is not frozen and it has been dry, it’s a good idea to water those trees or plants in the garden that remain alive.”
According to Lowenstein, the lack of water is the reason plants and trees don’t do well the next season.
For proper pruning, identify when the plants bloom and prune after that. Pruning is cutting off parts of the plant that are not growing in the right direction. It thins out the branches that are too rooted together. Although the plant will survive if pruned too early, the blooms will not be as plentiful, Lowenstein said.
“This is a great time of year to divide your plants that have outgrown their current locations,” Lowenstein said.
If the lawn has not been reseeded yet, wait until the spring.
“ The seeds need about two-three weeks for the grass seed to germinate. The lawn has to be gently watered every day. If the lawn freezes in that two-three weeks, your lawn is not going to set well,” Lowenstein said.
Other tips include:
• Clean up the garden by removing weeds, dead blooms, leaves and vegetables.
• Don’t cover roses with the white container coverings. It can present a hot/cold differential in the environment, which is not good for the flowers, according to Sloan.
• Think about what went well in your garden this year and what you would like to replicate. Conversely, think about what didn’t go well and determine how you will change it.
• Clean and oil tools to reduce rust. Make sure they receive proper maintenance for another season.
“Once the ground freezes and there is a good snow cover, there is not much else to do,” Lowenstein said.
For gardening questions, the Michigan State University Extension gardening hotline can be contacted Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at (888) 678-3464.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnsn at (586) 498-1069.
Oakleaf hydrangea thrive and exude
ABOVE Instead of throwing leaves away, make a mulch which adds nutrients to the soil.
LEFT: Winter pruning involves cutting back deciduous trees and shrubs during their dormant period.
ABOVE:
their brilliant colors well into November. BELOW: Ornamental grasses can serve as cover crops adding nutrients to the soil. Young trees and shrubs need to be watered regularly until the ground freezes.
Photos provided by the Michigan State University Extension
TWO LOCAL WOMEN SHARE THEIR TRIUMPHS, TRIALS IN BUSINESS
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Colette Hughes of Warren and Jennifer Taylor Boykins of West Bloomfield credit being able to pivot as a key to their success.
A year before starting her business, Hughes joined a Toastmasters International club in Warren and attributes this to contributing to her success.
Toastmasters is a nonprofit public speaking organization that trains speakers.
Hughes is the owner, broker and coach of Virtual Real Estate Services, a full-service real estate company in Warren with clients all over the world. She started in real estate in 1988 as an office administrator and quickly moved up the ranks to become a real estate agent, making herself valuable at the two real estate offices she worked at prior to starting her own business in 2015.
“I was the shyest person in Michigan,” Hughes said. “I was great working behind the scenes, but I couldn’t go up to people and talk to them.”
Hughes credits Toastmasters for helping her to find her voice.
She was inspired to start her own business when she and a broker where she worked attended a real estate event.
TOP LEFT: Colette Hughes, center, owner and broker of Virtual Real Estate Services in Warren, makes her clients a top priority in servicing all real estate needs.
Photo provided by Colette Hughes
BOTTOM LEFT: Jennifer Taylor Boykins, center, and her team at Nothing But Education, Nicole McDowell, left, and Kaylee Jackson have implemented literacy programs in school districts throughout the country.
Photo provided by Jennifer Taylor Boykins
Local, state professionals share tips to get your car winter ready
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Between scraping your windshield and navigating snowy roads, winter driving isn’t always easy. But taking a few minutes and some easy steps can help prepare your vehicle to keep you safe in Michigan’s winter.
Rick Killewald, a master mechanic at Snappy Oil in Clinton Township, suggests drivers check some of their wear-and-tear parts, such as hoses and belts, in preparation for winter.
He also suggested drivers check parts such as wiper blades, and make sure their battery is holding a charge. It’s also important, he said, to check tire pressures and make sure they aren’t dry-rotted or bald.
“Usually on the driver’s door panel, inside the door, it tells you what the tire pressure is supposed to be,” he said.
Killewald said the shop he works at is available to help drivers get their cars ready for winter.
“We check the tires, check the brakes, make sure the battery, hoses, belts, wipers are good,” he said. “That’s basically what we
check for winter, just to make sure they’re all good for winter.”
In a press release, the Michigan State Police also told drivers to remove all snow and ice before driving.
“Snow, ice and dirt buildup can dim the beams of lights and reduce visibility, and snow and ice from the roof can fall onto your windshield and block your view of the road,” the release states.
The release also states drivers can be hit with a fine if snow or ice from their vehicle impairs the visibility of other drivers by hitting their windshields, the road or the shoulder.
If drivers don’t have an ice scraper, they can use items such as an expired credit card or gift card, an old CD or CD case, a dustpan or plastic kitchen utensils. However, drivers should avoid using metal tools to scrape ice as it can scratch the glass, and warm water can crack the glass if used to clear ice.
The press release also states drivers should keep their gas tank at least half full to help prevent the fuel lines from freezing, and emergency winter supplies should be kept in the vehicle at all times.
Some of the items recommended in-
clude flashlights, hand warmers, toilet paper, high-calorie foods such as nuts, granola bars and dried fruit, and extra mittens, hats and socks. Blankets and shovels can also be useful.
The press release also states drivers
should allow plenty of time to reach their destination.
“Allow plenty of time to reach your destination so you won’t be tempted to drive faster than you should,” the release states.
Ace Pickleball Club Serves Up Fun Without The Fuss
Eleven (11) indoor professional-grade pickleball courts await competitors of all ages drawn to the fastest-growing sport in America at Bloomfield Township’s ACE Pickleball Club.
Located on Franklin Road, north of Square Lake Road, the local franchise offers unlimited open play at a reasonable price. The professional grade courts are built to spec with seven different layers. The resulting surface of play is easier on the joints.
“It’s $119 a month, but there are no other charges,” said Adam Lutz, who owns the franchise with his partner, Matthew Sosin. “You don’t pay for court time, you don’t pay for glow ball, competitions, anything.”
While groups and regular teams are welcome, it is an open play concept with a constant rotation of players, the winners stay and face another group of competitors.
“We’ll have a few select times that you can rent a court, but the vast majority of the time it is open play.”
Lutz said. “Additionally, we have a mezzanine where you can arrange parties, corporate or charity events. However, the Ace Pickleball Club model is focused on providing an opportunity for individuals to play at any time of the day. There is no bar or restaurant.”
“You meet people at your skill level and often join a group chat to find out who’s going to be there when you want to play,” Lutz said. “There’s usually 20 players at any level that individuals can join games at a convenient time for them.”
ACE Pickleball Club opened its doors on Oct. 25 and welcomes players of all skill levels. A Starter Series runs just $59 for eight sessions and is perfect for players look-
ing to jumpstart their game.
“These lessons quickly get you up to speed so you feel comfortable joining and becoming a member here to play against other beginners,” Lutz said.
ACE Pickleball Club has franchises in 18 states and hosts national tournaments. Those who qualify at each location participate in a Championship Series held each year in Roswell, Georgia.
This is the second Ace Pic leball Club location. Adam and Matt opened their initial location in Grand Rapids.
The partners intend on opening additional Ace Pickleball Club’s in southeast Michigan.
ACE Pickleball Club is located at 2285 Franklin Road in Bloomfield Township. For more information, call (248) 800-6770, send email to bloomfieldtownshipmi@acepickleballclub.com or go to acepickleballclub.com.
Safety
previously. He noted this is due to how the city is more developed now than it was 10 years ago, with an aging population that calls for ambulance service more often.
“Ten to 20 years ago, people weren’t as inclined to call an ambulance as quickly as they are today,” he observed. “(This millage) will allow us to continue to provide ALS for transporting, medical care and fire protection services for the citizens.”
ALS, or advanced life support, allows paramedics to perform lifesaving measures such as administering medication while the patient is being transported to the hospital.
With the passage of the millage, the department will also purchase a new ambulance and new ToughPads for the firefighters. ToughPads are “rugged” laptops or tablets, according to the website of the manufacturer, Panasonic. They are used for writing reports, communicating information to the doctors and nurses while the patient is being transported, and tracking information such as smoke detector installations and property inspections.
Farmington Hills Police Chief John Piggott said the millage renewal will allow his department to maintain best practices.
“Over the past couple of millages and over the past few years, we’ve been able to expand our services in much more modern ways of doing police work,” Piggott said previously.
Those millages allowed the department to expand many of its programs, such as the school liaison officers, K-9 officers, drones, and digital forensic labs that quickly analyze
data from cellphones and computers when crimes are reported.
The police have also seen an increase in calls, especially those pertaining to mental health. The chief said that mental health crisis calls are up to nearly 400 a year, and all officers are trained to deal with them.
“This renewal is important for the police department and our public safety services because it will allow us to remain at our current staffing levels,” Piggot said previously.
The department currently has 113 sworn officers and is funded for 115. According to the police chief, the department is in good shape.
However, retirements can happen at any time, so Piggot said he is always recruiting for experienced officers and training new candidates through the cadet program where high school graduates 18 and older work at the station while studying for their associate degree.
If they do well, the department then pays for them to attend the police academy, after which they’re hired as officers.
The chief noted how crime has changed over time.
“Certainly, we see a lot more crimes via the internet, online threats and school threats,” Piggott said previously. “Those types of cases require a lot of staffing and a lot of personnel hours to investigate.”
Both Olszewski and Piggott said that without the millage renewal, there was a risk of layoffs or service reductions, placing a greater burden on the city’s general fund.
“There are a lot of services that this (millage) supports that I think are beneficial to the community,” Piggott said previously.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
Keep the darkness at bay during gloomy winter days
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — With fall’s arrival and winter’s approach, shorter days paired with colder weather can do a number on people’s mental health.
Seasonal affective disorder is a sub-type of depression that is influenced by seasonal patterns, typically occurring in relation to the winter months. While research surrounding SAD has not been able to find a definitive cause for why it occurs, it nevertheless has been found in “millions” of people, according to Oakland University psychologist David Schwartz.
“Most of the thinking in a lot of the research seems to point to that when the days get shorter and we have less sunlight, that those affect things like the hormones in our body, as well as neurotransmitters like serotonin (and) melatonin, and that can cause changes within the brain chemistry that can affect depression,” Schwartz said. “It often can affect people who are already prone to other types of depression as well or who have other stressors going on in their life, but sometimes it can happen completely independently of that too. The one silver lining with this type of depression is that it is highly predictable, so that gives us plenty of time to prepare and know it’s coming and do a number of things that can hopefully mitigate some of its effects so that it’s not as severe.”
The effects of seasonal affective disorder can be debilitating, and one also does not need to be clinically depressed to find oneself impacted negatively by the chang-
ing of the seasons. Luckily, there are ways that have been devised to mitigate these season-induced issues that do not require medical help — though those who believe they might have seasonal affective disorder are encouraged to meet with a psychologist.
One common way of countering the seasonal darkness is to undertake light box therapy, which involves spending a prolonged amount of time around a bright light.
“(Light boxes) are actually rather inexpensive now; you can find them in the $20-$40 range,” Schwartz said. “They usually recommend 20 minutes a day or more sitting in front of that light during the winters when we’re not getting as much sunlight. Of course, anything anyone can do to get themselves outside and exposed to real sunlight is going to be helpful for that too; when we have those rare days when the sun comes out in the winter, even if it’s cold, taking a five or 10-minute walk or sitting on your balcony or porch of your apartment can do wonders.”
Redesigning spaces to take on a summer theme or feel can be a way of getting the brain into the right mood. Schwartz has worked with students where corners of dorms have been turned into little slices of summer with inflatable palm trees, light boxes and even some sand. Putting up pictures of summer scenes to remind you that the winter will eventually end helps as well.
On furthering the redecorating aspects into full interior design overhauls, Steph Morris, of interior design
See WINTER on page 19A
Light box therapy is one method of addressing seasonal affective disorder at home. Shutterstock image
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Classical pianist performs at church
BLOOMFIELD HILLS — A performance by classically trained pianist Mira Walker will be held at Birmingham Unitarian Church, located at 38651 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14.
Walker has researched historically underrepresented composers and is known for her sensitive interpretations of classical pieces ranging from Johann Sebastian Bach to Florence Price.
There is no charge for the concert. Light refreshments will be served.
Tutoring services available
WEST BLOOMFIELD — The BrainFuse tutoring program is now available to all township library cardholders. Tutors are available to give one-on-one assistance 2-11 p.m. every day for students in elementary through high school.
Standardized test preparation is also available for the SAT, ACT, GED, HISET and TASC, along with the U.S. citizenship test. Cardholders can download the app at any app store.
Michael Ross exhibits in Farmington Hills
FARMINGTON HILLS — Michael Ross, an artist painting on canvas and panels, is now exhibiting a collection titled “We speak the same language” as one of the rotating exhibits inside Farmington Hills City Hall, 31555 11 Mile Road. The gallery is open now through Dec. 5.
“My work has everything to do with perception and the way we understand and recognize the world and ourselves within it,” Ross said. “Part of my work lies in organizing this confusion and sometimes adding to it as well.”
Library offers free digital newspapers
FARMINGTON/FARMINGTON
HILLS — Free digital subscriptions for local and national newspapers are now available at the Farmington Community Library, 23500 Liberty St. No library card is needed at the Farmington Community Library.
Accessible publications include the Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Wall Street Journal, USA Today and more. To start an account, visit farmlib.org/collections/magazines-newspapers.
—
Gena Johnson
PICTURES
Orchard Lake
from page 1A
received 238 votes (30.16%) and Sean J. O’Bryan received 235 votes (29.78%).
Sonneville made the cut with just three votes more than O’Bryan.
“Thank you to all the voters who came out to make their opinion heard, regardless of who they supported. It’s important that every voice is part of the conversation,” Sonneville said. “I also want to thank all the candidates who offered to serve. I especially want to thank those who supported me.”
Both winners referred to Orchard Lake as a beautiful place to live.
“I look forward to returning to council and being a voice in keeping our city the wonderful place that we call home,” Sonneville said.
Kroger noted that a focus for the new council will be continued development of the city’s master plan, which is updated every five years.
Street proposals
The two street proposals received overwhelming support, each by more than 80%.
One proposal asked voters if the city can vacate, discontinue and/or abolish approximately 200 feet of roadway located at the end of Willow Lane, formerly known as Troy Street. The other asked if the city could then sell the vacated portions of Willow Lane to adjacent property owners.
According to Kroger, the residents that live in the affected area own property on both sides of the roadway, and it will allow them to expand their property.
“It’s on a small section of a dead-end road. It will help to reduce some of the maintenance required by the city, and at the same time, it opens up some land, so the residents that already live there can expand their property,” Kroger said. “I think it’s a win-win all the way around, and I’m just glad the residents of our city have agreed.”
Call Staff Writer Gena Jonson at (586) 498-1069.
Business
page 6A
“When it was time for me to be introduced at the event, I was left out,” Hughes said. “I cannot be left out when I am doing all the work. So I started my own business and could no longer be a secret agent.”
She left that real estate office and has continued to prosper even during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hughes is a proponent of the power and support of women’s groups in business.
She is currently on the board of directors of the National Entrepreneurs Association and was named one of Career Masters’ 2025 Women to Watch.
“It’s a new day when it comes to women in business,” Hughes said. “Women’s groups help to empower them.”
Hughes also believes in the art of pivoting.
The holiday months are slow for real estate housing sales. As a result, she started a real estate holdings company, where she holds real estate licenses for those agents not making money from real estate currently but want to hold onto their license.
She pays all the yearly fees they would incur and negotiates sales on their behalf, sharing a portion of the commission with them.
“When I saw the help was needed, I started the holdings company,” Hughes said.
In business, Hughes said, “Women have to yell louder, fight harder and stand taller.”
Nothing But Education in West Bloomfield was created to change the lives of children and inspire them by providing strategic thought, collaborative partnerships, industry best practices and resource sharing to school districts across the country and internationally in 2019.
Founder Jennifer Taylor Boykins is a former Detroit Public Schools teacher and vice president at Scholastic, the world’s largest publisher and distributor of children’s books, according to the company’s website, where she worked for more than 20 years.
Less than a year after launching her business, the pandemic hit.
When that happened, people weren’t talking as much and when they did it wasn’t an inperson meeting but by telephone. By the time she had the opportunity to use her marketing materials, they were out of date.
“From the early point of business, I learned you have to be able to pivot,” Taylor Boykins said. “What you think may be ideal in the marketplace, the marketplace can change…. Pivot is the name of the game when you are in business for yourself.”
That prompted Taylor Boykin and her team to develop materials that would promote continuous education while students were out of school during the pandemic or on summer vacation. It includes books, worksheets and journals.
The books are designed to engage the students. The worksheets are created to promote a deeper dive into the materials they read, and the journals prompt further reflection on what the student has read.
“Things to help them really think about what they are reading and why it is important,” Taylor Boykins said. “They received it (the materials) with open arms and joy.”
This program was first implemented in some of the Los Angeles area school districts four years ago and has been implemented every summer vacation since.
It was a huge, hard-fought project, and a major triumph for Nothing But Education. Being in contact with the students in their space “is the best part of the business,” she said. “The tales are always around the lives that you change, the lives that you touch.”
That led to her nonprofit, Bravehearts, which funds scholarships for high school seniors who are aging out of the foster care system. Students from school districts across the country have received scholarships. One student studied to be a graphic artist in Japan. Some go to college, attending top-tier schools, while others have gone to trade school, including the field of cosmetology.
To date, Bravehearts has funded around 40 scholarships.
Taylor Boykins says a lot is put on women in business.
“They keep piling it up, she said. But sometimes you have to say, ‘Yes, I can do that for you but not now.’”
Taylor Boykins is also on the West Bloomfield Planning Commission and sits on the West Bloomfield Library’s Board of Directors.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnsn at (586) 498-1069.
Seeing Beyond Limits: How Dr. John Jacobi Helps Patients Thrive With Low Vision
Low vision doesn’t mean the end of independence—and it certainly doesn’t mean the end of hope. At Beyond Low Vision in Novi, Dr. John Jacobi is transforming lives by helping patients with vision loss regain the ability to do the things they love.
Low vision is a condition that glasses, surgery, or standard medical treatments can’t fully correct. It can make reading, driving, watching television, or recognizing faces nearly impossible. For adults with macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, or other serious eye diseases, it can feel like the world is slowly slipping away.
Dr. Jacobi’s mission is to stop that slide— and restore more than just sight. With more than 35 years of optometric experience and advanced training in low vision rehabilitation, Dr. Jacobi is one of the only low vision specialists in Michigan who offers customized visual solutions using advanced optics like high-powered magnifers and miniature telescopes built into glasses.
“Most people with low vision have been told ‘nothing more can be done.’ That’s simply not true,” says Dr. Jacobi. “With the right tools and strategies, we can help patients read again, watch TV, see loved
John P. Jacobi, OD, FCOVD, FIALVS
Low Vision is
ones’ faces, and even drive in some cases.”
As a Fellow of the International Academy of Low Vision Specialists, Dr. Jacobi provides detailed functional vision assessments to understand how each patient’s unique condition affects their daily life. Then, he designs personalized low vision systems— specialized devices and glasses tailored to help them meet real-world goals.
One of his most powerful tools is the miniature telescope lens system, which can be added to glasses to magnify and enhance central vision. For patients with macular degeneration or advanced glaucoma, it can make the difference between watching a grandchild perform in a school play—or just hearing about it later.
Beyond his work with older adults, Dr. Jacobi also helps younger patients living with congenital or acquired visual impairment. His practice is fully devoted to low vision, and he works closely with other eye doctors across the state to bring his services to more people in need.
“Every case is different,” says Dr. Jacobi. “I’ve helped a 12-year-old read her favorite books again, and I’ve helped a 99-yearold get back to doing crossword puzzles. That’s the power of low vision care.”
Appointments with Dr. Jacobi are available in Novi, and an east side location may open soon based on demand. He also offers phone consultations and is happy to speak with referring optometrists or ophthalmologists.
If you or someone you love is struggling with vision loss, don’t give up. Beyond Low Vision may be the answer.
“Low vision care is not about what you’ve lost,” Dr. Jacobi says. “It’s about what we can help you get back.”
Detroit Zoo Wild Lights begins this month
ROYAL OAK — The holidays are just around the corner. To celebrate the festive season, the Detroit Zoo will once again host its Wild Lights.
Wild Lights will have various dates across the next few months beginning on Nov. 22, 23, 28-30. In December, the dates are 5-7, 11-23 and 26-31. And in January, the lights will be available Jan. 2-4. On Fridays and Saturdays, the event will be open 5-10:30 p.m. All other days it will be open 5-9 p.m.
The Wild Lights include a nighttime stroll with more than 500 displays and millions of LED lights that guide attendees through a trail.
The event includes themed zones, more than 500 illuminated animal and naturethemed displays; pop-up performances and music; Santa photos available for purchase; a camouflage art exhibition; seasonal drinks, eats and sweet treats for purchase; 4D theater and glow with the show lanyard add-ons, and more.
Ticket prices may vary by date, time and demand between $17 and $27. All guests 2 and older are required to have a ticket.
Parking costs $8 per vehicle; zoo members park free. Members get 10% off Wild Lights general admission.
For more information visit detroitzoo.org.
— Taylor Christensen
photo provided by the Detroit Zoo
THE HIDDEN RESILIENCE OF THE WILD RABBIT
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — They are small, brown and everywhere, and boy, do they hop.
Rabbits do not need much more of an introduction. Anyone who has spent time in southeastern Michigan has seen their share and more of wild rabbits — particularly, the widely abundant eastern cottontail — but aside from a jump scare while driving or a fleeting critter spotted while out and about, the actual role and purpose of rabbits tends to go unknown to the average Michigander.
Which begs the question: What even is a rabbit?
For starters, a rabbit is not a rodent — it’s an entirely different animal altogether.
“(Rabbits) are within the order Lagomorpha, taxonomically,” said KR Vedolich, a naturalist with the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center in Shelby Township. “They are genetically distinct from a lot of different kinds of animals … and this is the group that contains rabbits and hares and pikas. They are separate rodents and rodents are in their own taxonomic order, Rodentia.”
The eastern cottontail rabbit is native
to Michigan, having been in the eastern part of North America for millions of years. For all of that time rabbits have played a key role in how the natural environment of the region has functioned, even if most of what they do is hidden from the surface view.
“They’re a good herbivore to clean up our forest floor to help control plant populations,” Vedolich said. “After a rabbit eats it has to digest that food and then poop it out. That poop provides important resources for other animals in the area. Think of dung beetles or any other kind of insect that might relish those nutrients (in the poop) and break those down further to help fertilize the soil. There’s multiple steps of moving energy around the ecosystem.”
Another step in the energy-moving process is the rabbit’s role as a prey animal that is eaten by other animals within the environment, therefore passing energy along the food chain. Beyond moving energy, rabbits also move plenty of dirt by building underground tunnels — and not just for rabbits.
“They build really extensive burrow systems which are actually quite sophisticated,” Vedolich said. “They can have dozens, even over 100 different entrances into a single burrow system … But those burrows
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are not only important for the rabbit itself to find shelter from predators. Those kinds of borrow systems that rabbits build are also important for other types of wildlife as well. Animals like snakes may take advantage of the additional shelter. Skunks might also use rabbit burrows. Things like groundhogs, chipmunks, even turtles can find their way (into burrows). It’s a really cool thing. They provide a lot of services to the environment.”
Rabbits and humans have always had an interesting relationship. Along with being a prey animal hunted for fur and food for centuries, more recent development patterns in the region have seen wild rabbits go through a cyclical relationship with the lands they live on.
“In the original forest there may have been a very healthy population of rabbits that, with initial urban development, was probably pushed out by all of the noise, changing structures (and) heavy equipment,” Vedolich said. “But as time goes on, let’s say that (a) subdivision is now established. The ground is settling, homes are settling, you may have more people in an area which is a deterrent for rabbits to be nearby — but it also might mean that their predators may not be around. When it comes to rabbits in
an urban landscape, there’s a benefit of being around because they have more ornamental plants they can eat and there’s potentially less predation pressure on those animals within an urban environment.”
But for all their interactions with humans and the world built by humans, wild rabbits like the eastern cottontail are an entirely separate species from the domestic rabbits that make up one of the county’s most popular — and most abandoned — pets. While eastern cottontails are a local species, domestic rabbits have a lineage of Iberian See RABBITS on page 16A
Photo by Dean Vaglia
An eastern cottontail rabbit looks off into the distance while on a lawn. Eastern cottontail rabbits are a species of wild rabbit native to Michigan.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
15A/ WEST BLOOMFIELD BEACON • NOVEMBER 12, 2025
NOV. 12-13
‘Worlds Beyond: An Exploration of Imagination’: See works by artists with special needs, Dresner Foundation Soul Studio inside Friendship Circle Farber Center, 5586 Drake Road in West Bloomfield, (248) 788-7400, gallery.friendshipcircle.org
NOV. 14-16
Motor City Comic Con: Celebrity guests include John DiMaggio, Juliette Lewis, Matthew Lillard, Alan Tudyk, Stephen Amell, Brutus “The Barber” Beefcake, Catherine Bell, Linda Blair and dozens more, also cosplay contests, iCon Tournaments (“Super Smash Bros. Ultimate”-based gaming lounge), tabletop game room, artist alley, panels and more, noon-7 p.m. Nov. 14, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Nov. 15 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Nov. 16, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, suburbanshowplace.com
NOV. 16
Talkin’ Broadway: ‘Chicago’: Free monthly play and musical discussion group features performances and expertise from visiting Broadway veterans, 2-4 p.m., West Bloomfield Township Public Library - Main Branch, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, (248) 682-2120, wblib.org
Holiday Happiness 2025 benefit: Join Optimist Club of West Bloomfield in supporting West Bloomfield School District families, event includes strolling food and dessert stations, wine, beer and mimosas, magic show, live music, trivia game room, and silent auction, 12:30-3 p.m., All Seasons of West Bloomfield, 5600 Drake Road, facebook.com/westbloomfieldoptimist
NOV. 18
Optimist Club of West Bloomfield meeting: Hear
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own event, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
from Remodeled in Detroit Philanthropy Director Brooke Adams, also discussions about program planning and club updates, plus free breakfast, 7:30-8:30 a.m., All Seasons of West Bloomfield, 5600 Drake Road, schedule continues Dec. 2 and Dec. 16, facebook.com/westbloomfieldoptimist
NOV. 19
‘Albert Kahn: Detroit’s Architect’: Lecture about his innovative approach, influence on modern design and enduring impact on city, 6:30-8 p.m., West Bloomfield Township Public Library - Main Branch, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, (248) 682-2120, events@wblib.org, wblib. org
‘The Happy Effects of Music on Your Brain’: Discussion and performance by local singer/songwriter Michael Krieger, 1-2:30 p.m., Jewish Family Service
of Metro Detroit, 6555 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield, register to (248) 788-6463 or mindu@ jfsdetroit.org
NOV. 21
Night Hikes on the Farm: Guided stroll with “Owl Prowl” theme, also light snacks and beverages, 6-7:30 p.m., Michigan State University Extension Tollgate Farm and Education Center, 28115 Meadowbrook Road in Novi, register at canr.msu.edu/tollgate
NOV. 23
Holiday pet photos: Have professional shots taken with Mensch from 10:30 a.m.-noon or Santa from 12:30-2 p.m., Premier Pet Supply, 6399 Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield, all proceeds go to local rescues, (248) 325-9692, premierpetsupply.com/events
See CALENDAR on page 17A
Rabbits
rabbits bred by Romans for the purpose of harvesting meat and furs.
“When that wild-type rabbit was domesticated, all its fearful traits were bred out,” Vedolich said. “It’s just like how dogs were domesticated from wolves. You breed a litter, you choose the calmest (and) most agreeable ones, you breed those ones so that over generations the rabbits that you find are lacking a lot of the flight and fear responses. Domestication has actually changed the structure of the domesticated rabbit’s brain such that within a domesticated rabbit’s brain, the amygdala (the part responsible for fear) is greatly reduced in comparison to a wild rabbit.”
Given the docility bred into domestic rabbits over so many generations, abandoning one in the wild under the assumption it can survive is essentially giving it a death sentence.
“It would be no different than if you thought of dumping your cat or your dog,” Macomb County Animal Control Director Jeff Randazzo said. “These are animals that have already been acclimated to human interactions, humans feeding them, watering them, all those things and all of a sudden, all of those stop. They do not know how to free graze. And they are susceptible because they weren’t born in the wild, they are not going
Farmington
from page 3A
by Kevin Parkins at 31.82% (1,223 votes) and Steven Schneemann at 27.82% (1,069 votes).
As such, Taylor and Parkins will serve four-year terms on the council, while Schneemann will serve for the next two years. There were also 44 write-in votes.
“I’m so grateful to the voters of Farmington for their support and for trusting me with a third term,” Taylor said. “Even though (there were) three candidates for three spots, I still felt it was important to share my viewpoints and my goals through mailings and outreach, and the results show that Farmington voters appreciated that effort.
“Over the next four years, I plan to focus on restoring the Warner Mansion, advancing zoning reforms, and modernizing our outdated water/sewer infrastructure to get the water main breaks under control. And I’ll be
to — in my opinion — take cover or know that harm is on the way.”
Randazzo recommends that looking to take on a domestic rabbit as a pet should study the way rabbits behave in captivity, seek an animal through a trusted rescue agency and get all the proper vaccines for the rabbit.
While the face and shape of metro Detroit is set to change with new developments and further expansions northward and westward, Vedolich believes the eastern cottontail’s history of resilience will lead to a future where wild rabbits will remain a fixture of the southeastern Michigan ecosystem for decades to come.
“The eastern cottontail rabbit is a very resilient animal,” Vedolich said. “It has the ability to produce multiple litters of rabbits every year. They can go through a lot of change and adapt to it over time, whether that change is because of human development or whether the change is because of overarching continuous dynamics with predator populations as well. Populations can go up and down, but rabbits are very good at compensating for any large hits. They’re really resilient animals. I would say if we start to see more of a public passion for conserving our wild spaces, I think the rabbit has a really good shot of being with us for a long, long time.”
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
doing everything I can to save and redevelop the Old Winery,” she continued. “That project will be the catalyst that lights up the entire Grand River corridor, and I’m thrilled to be serving at a moment when I can help shape the future of east Farmington.”
The councilwoman acknowledged her colleagues on council.
“Congrats also to Kevin Parkins and Steve Schneemann on their reelection,” Taylor said. “I look forward to working with the entire council on continuing to make Farmington a great place to live.”
The other candidates did not respond by press time.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
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CITY OF KEEGO HARBOR
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS
TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing will be held before the Keego Harbor Planning Commission for a re-scheduled regular meeting on Tuesday, December 2, 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 hearing comments on proposed amendments to the City of Keego Harbor Zoning Ordinance.
Updates include amendments to Article 14: Signs.
A complete copy of the amendments may be examined at the Keego Harbor City Hall, 2025 Beechmont St., Keego Harbor, MI 48320, prior to the public hearing, during the City’s regular business hours, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM through 4:00 PM. Written comments may be addressed to the Planning Commission at the City Hall address. Oral comments will be taken during the public hearing.
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 October 30, 2025
Published: West Bloomfeld Beacon 11/12/2025 0157-2546
C & G Newspapers publishes 21 papers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties:
Reporters: Gena Johnson | (586) 498-1069 | gjohnson@candgnews.com
Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com
For retail ad rates: Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com
Advertising: Jeannine Bender | (586) 246-8114 | jbender@candgnews.com Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com
Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100 Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099
Parkins Schnnemann Taylor
Holiday market: Find handcrafted items created by artists with special needs, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Dresner Foundation Soul Studio inside Friendship Circle Farber Center, 5586 Drake Road in West Bloomfield, also shop online through Dec. 31, (248) 788-7400, gallery. friendshipcircle.org
The Magic of Volunteers: Part of Lives Well Lived fundraiser for Jewish Senior Life, includes performance by Michigan native and magician Stuart MacDonald (past winner on Penn & Teller’s “Fool Us” TV show), also refreshments, 2-4 p.m., Adat Shalom Synagogue, 29901 Middlebelt Road in Farmington Hills, (248) 592-5062, brobinson@jslmi.org, give.jslmi.org/ events-homepage
DEC. 5-7
‘An Evening of Radio Plays’: Rosedale Community Players presents three holiday-themed episodes of classic radio shows, 8 p.m. Dec. 5-6 and 2 p.m. Dec. 7, Peace Lutheran Church, 17029 W. 13 Mile Road in Southfield, (313) 532-4010, rcptickets@gmail.com, rosedalecommunityplayers.com
ONGOING
Orchard Lake Museum open houses: Free admission on second Sunday and third Friday of each month,
1-4 p.m., 3951 Orchard Lake Road, (248) 757-2451, see special event programming at gwbhs.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 E. Commerce Road, (248) 669-8108, commercetwp. com/library
Caregiver support group for men: Free sessions from 1-2 p.m. Nov. 13 and 20 and Dec. 4, 11 and 18, Jewish Family Service, 6555 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield, register at bseelbach@jfsdetroit.org or (248) 592-2655
‘Scrooge in Rouge’: Musical-comedy about actors who get sick and chaos that ensues when fill-ins must perform “A Christmas Carol,” 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays Dec. 5-21, The Inspired Acting Company, 1124 E. West Maple Road in Walled Lake, (248) 863-9953, info@inspiredacting. org, inspiredacting.org
Aurora Winter Wizards: Milelong forest walk filled with lights and holiday sounds, also use wand to unlock hidden magic, open nightly Thursdays-Sundays from Nov. 21-Dec. 28, Glenlore Trails, 3860 Newtown Road in Commerce Township, glenloretrails.com
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 market: 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from May-December and Saturdays from January-April, also porch pot class from 6-8 p.m. Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, and holiday market from 3-7 p.m. Dec. 3, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford Township, ocmarket@oakgov.com, (248) 858-5495, oakgov.com/community/oakland-countyparks/parks-trails/farmers-market
MI Options Medicare Assistance Program: Get free unbiased counseling during enrollment period (ends Dec. 7), one-on-one appointments available by phone, virtually or in person, (248) 262-0545, find locations at ageways.org/calendar
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less: Virtual 15-week
program presented by AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services and led by registered dietitian nutritionist, free for first-time participants ages 60 and older, register at (833) 262-2200 or wellnessprograms@ageways. org, tinyurl.com/agewaysworkshops
Health workshops: Hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, corewellhealth.org/classes-events/ southeast-michigan
Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday of month, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/support-groups
ADHD meetings: Hosted by CHADD of Eastern Oakland County, for adults and parents, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Zoom, see schedule on chadd.net/chapterevents/527
To view more events and to submit your own, visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
WB voters
from page 1A
of 1.1552, so it will not increase the tax rate. Rather, it continues at the rate of $1.1552 on each $1,000 of a property’s taxable value.
Technology upgrades and vehicles for transporting students and teachers were not included in the 2013 proposal, so legally it could not be called a “renewal,” according to Christy Forhan, a community member who worked with the attorneys on the sinking fund.
“We are grateful to our community for supporting this continuation,” said Stacy
Hills
page 3A
“My win tonight shows that Farmington Hills residents are ready for a new face, a fresh vote and a new perspective on council. They are excited about someone who can come in and work well with sitting members of council,” Starkman said. “They are also excited about someone with a new set of ideas that represents the younger generation that they are trying to attract.”
Starkman said he is not a politician, and he thinks that resonated with people.
“People were excited to meet a regular person who ran a campaign while working fulltime and juggling many things,” he said. “I think they can see themselves in that experience.”
Rich and Starkman worked together when she was on City Council in the mid2010s when he was appointed to the Commission on Community Health.
“I know him through community work, and we’ve done a number of things together over the years,” Rich said. “I appreciate the fresh point of view. I appreciate having the voice of someone in their 30s.”
Michael Bridges has served on the Farmington Hills City Council for more than 17 years and was reelected to serve another four years. Bridges received the most support at nearly 28% — more than 13,500 votes.
“I am grateful to the citizens of Farmington Hills for reelecting me to the City Council. I look forward to working with the City Council to continue to move the city forward,” Bridges said.
Knol also thanked the voters.
“I would like to thank the residents of Farmington Hills for their support. It is truly an honor to be elected to City Council again,” Knol said. “I look forward to continuing (to work) on keeping Farmington Hills a safe and desirable place to live and do business.”
Both Rich and Starkman said determin-
Brickman, WBSD board president. “The sinking fund provides the resources needed to maintain safe, high-quality learning environments while protecting the general fund for teaching and learning.”
Officials say the sinking fund supports the district’s long-term goals of protecting community assets, maintaining secure and healthy schools, and keeping taxpayer dollars local. Funds can only be used for voterapproved purposes and cannot be diverted to other expenses such as salaries or utilities.
“The community has always been very supportive of the West Bloomfield School District,” Bazzi said previously.
During the election Nov. 4, five candidates ran for three open seats on the Farmington Hills City Council. Each seat was for a four-year term. According to the Oakland County Clerk’s Office, the results were as follows:
• Michael Bridges — 13,532 votes (27.89%)
• Valerie Knol — 11,123 votes (22.93%)
• Charlie Starkman — 9,373 votes (19.32%)
• Angie Smith — 9,129 votes (18.82%)
• Farah Khan — 5,234 votes (18.825)
ing a location for the Costick Center is at the top of their priority list.
“The Costick Center has to be rebuilt,” Starkman said. “We cannot integrate seniors into The Hawk. That is not feasible.”
The new councilmember would also like to focus on hiring social workers at the Farmington Hills Police Department. The social workers would help the officers when responding to situations involving mental health issues.
“I am also extremely passionate about bringing a police social worker to our public safety department,” said Starkman, who is a psychologist and familiar with crisis intervention. “I believe that Farmington Hills would benefit greatly from having somebody who can specialize in those issues while our public safety officers are able to focus their attention more on issues that are within their purview. We have a great public safety department. Regardless of how much training a police officer has, I don’t think anybody is necessarily prepared for those kinds of crises.”
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
0174-2544
Bridges Knol Starkman
Winter
from page 9A
firm North + Birch Interior Design, says using fabrics such as linens and building cozy spaces around windows can go a long way in making the winter months livable.
“We use a lot of linens in our designs,” Morris said. “A lot of our designs are pretty timeless and linen is a classic textile that’s stood the test of time. It’s good in any season; it’s really cool and crisp in the summer yet still very cozy in the winter, and it also has a great hand that gets softer over time. There’s a relaxed feel about it because we expect linen to wrinkle and show some movement in it, but also, it’s still very classic and tailored all at the same time.”
Another recommendation from Morris is to incorporate houseplants and use more earthy tones for furniture and other elements when possible. In order to get more light into a space, Morris says to work in more accent lighting and use warmer-colored bulbs around a residence.
“That soft, ambient lighting (from accent lights) is extra cozy in the winter, so we keep the ceiling lights on a dimmer and then we really warm up the space through wall sconces and table lamps,” Morris said. “We use a warmer wattage often referred to as a
‘daylight’ light, especially in the table lamps.”
When Schwartz is working with someone who is known to be affected by seasonal affective disorder, he works with them to set up a variety of little things to help them get into a summer mood despite the season. Developing and listening to a playlist of summer music can help put the mind in brighter, warmer times. Patients with seasonal affective disorder may also be asked to incorporate as many summer behaviors and activities as possible into their daily habits.
“Some (behaviors) obviously they can’t do during the winter … but there’s a lot of things we do during the summer that we probably don’t realize we stop doing during the winter,” Schwartz said. “If we keep those same routines, it helps us keep in that mindset of looking toward the summer (and) is also just a reminder that spring is coming. We know that there’s a time limit to this.”
It’s the fact that seasonal affective disorder has a sort-of time limit in the arrival of spring that, in Schwartz’s eyes, makes it easier to manage than other forms of depression. The end is always in sight and — with enough therapy, redecorating, habit rewiring and work with professionals — the light at the tunnel’s end will be as warm as it is bright.
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
LIVE MUSIC
BEHIND THE WHEEL
20A/ WEST BLOOMFIELD BEACON • NOVEMBER 12, 2025
Do you own a vehicle with an interesting history?
Contact Staff Writer Maria Allard at allard@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1045, and you could be featured in an upcoming Behind the Wheel. For more stories, visit candgnews.com/news/auto or use the QR code.
LEARN HISTORY TO A ‘T’ WITH EASTPOINTE’S ANTIQUE 1921 FIRE TRUCK
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
Anyone who visits the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum in Detroit will see an important piece of Eastpointe history. Eastpointe’s first-ever fire truck is among the many antique vehicles on display. The 1921 Ford Model T was purchased a little more than 100 years ago when Eastpointe was known as Erin Township.
A group of business owners pooled their money to buy the chemical fire truck. They were concerned about fires as the township grew and felt the horse and wagon used in town to douse flames wasn’t enough. The proprietors wanted a truck to carry more water and also allow for the pumping of water.
For the next five years, the red 1921 model will remain at the museum for public viewing. At the Aug. 19 Eastpointe City Council meeting, the council voted 4-0 to approve the automobile loan agreement between Eastpointe and the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum for five years, beginning Aug. 1, 2025, and expiring Aug. 1, 2030. Council member Rob Baker was absent.
Eastpointe Fire Chief Jason Clark said there was no exchange of money involved in the loan agreement, just that the museum will house and maintain the fire truck for the next five years. This is the second five-year cycle for a loan agreement.
“It’s still looking good,” Clark said. “They seem like they’re doing a good job taking care of it.”
On the late morning of Oct. 31, Clark, retired Eastpointe Fire Chief Danny Hagen, retired Fire Capt. Don Schmidt and his wife, Kim; and retired firefighter Joe Radzwion III toured Piquette with museum operations manager Samantha Wilkinson. Eastpointe Mayor Pro Tem Cardi DeMonaco Jr. and Eastpointe City Council members Harvey Curley and Baker joined them.
Eastpointe’s first-ever fire truck was used by the city’s firefighters until 1942. Although the vehicle ceased fighting fires, it remained in the city — which for decades was called East Detroit — for parades and other events over the years.
One memorable moment for Hagen came in 1981 when he and his bride, Mary, cruised in the historic truck on their wedding day. They drove from St. Jude Catholic Church, on Seven Mile Road in Detroit, to the Eastpointe Fire Station on Nine Mile Road near Gratiot Avenue, where they switched vehicles for the reception. The newlyweds drew plenty of onlookers.
“We went down Kelly Road and it started to rain. My wife was the best sport in the world,” Hagen remembered. “The people were going bonkers when they saw the truck.”
The museum provides informational signs for all the exhibited cars. According to the Eastpointe sign, the 1921 Model T chemical fire truck had 20 horsepower and weighed 1,439 pounds.
The truck was either assembled at the Ford Highland Park Plant or a branch of the plant. The gas-powered truck drove about 25 mph and came with a two-speed transmission. It was equipped with standard pneumatic non-skid tires, and hard rubber tires were optional. Hagen said there was a siren system in town to alert when there was a fire.
“There was one hose and they used axes to open the door and open the roof to let out smoke and gases,” Hagen said, adding that axes also were utilized “for quick entry” into the home or building. Firefighters did not have all the updated equipment and safety gear available now.
“There were no masks, no (compressed) air,” Hagen said. “It wasn’t in existence at the time.”
While on the tour, a group of local students crossed paths with the firefighters, who shared their experiences with the fire truck.
“Driving it is like driving a go-kart in the wind. It’s a big open vehicle,” Radzwion III said. “It was like an icon in every Memorial Day parade. It was awesome. You felt so proud.”
“I was one of the few that drove it,” Schmidt said of those fun city events through the decades. “It brings back so many memories.”
According to its history, the Eastpointe Fire Department and the East Detroit Historical Society together restored the truck and won awards at the 2008 Detroit Autorama. In 2009, the Michigan Historical Commission presented the Michigan Week Gov. John B. Swainson award to Hagen for his “outstanding contribution to the preservation of Michigan history.”
The Halfway Model T chemical fire truck contains a plaque dedicated to the founding members of the department in 1921: Fire Chief Lorenz Rein, and firefighters
Cyril Derdaele, Ray Woodcock, Frank Schustler, August Zado, Fred Rader, Jess Hamner, WM Yuckey, Gottfried Eschmann and Richard Paetsch.
The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum is a Michigan historic site. Piquette was the first factory Ford Motor Co. built, and where models B, C, F, K, N, R, S and T were manufactured. Visitors can view antique cars that are from private collections or that the museum has purchased, including a 1903 Ford Model A Tonneau, a 1911 Hupmobile model 20 C, and a 1916 Studebaker.
The museum also has a replica of Henry Ford’s office, including a safe used to hide blueprints so corporate spies would not find them and a telescope for bird-watching. Ford, however, didn’t spend much time in his office, as he preferred to be on the assembly floor.
The Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum is located at 461 Piquette Ave. in Detroit. Free parking is available in the paved courtyard lot next to the building, and in the gravel lot directly across from the museum on Piquette Avenue. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. It is closed on holidays. For more information, go to fordpiquetteplant.org.
ABOVE: Samantha Wilkinson, Ford Piquette Avenue Plant Museum operations manager left; retired Eastpointe Fire Chief Danny Hagen, center; and Eastpointe Fire Chief Jason Clark discuss Eastpointe’s 1921 Model T chemical fire truck.
ABOVE: Eastpointe’s first-ever fire truck — a 1921 Model T — had 20 horsepower and weighed 1,439 pounds.
LEFT: Kim Schmidt, left, holds a photo of her husband, Donald Schmidt, a retired Eastpointe Fire Department captain, as he drives the fire truck in a Memorial Day parade.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Job Training/Education
The JATC for the Pipeftters, Steamftters, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Service Local Union #636 of the United Association will be accepting applications for our Construction Apprenticeship beginning December 1st, 2025, through December 20th, 2025 ONLINE ONLY! Please visit our website at https://www.pipeftters636tc.org
- Qualifcations necessary for an applicant to be considered are: 1. Must be 18 years of age or older. 2. Complete the application on our website at https://www.pipeftters636tc.org
At which time you must: a. Provide a valid driver’s license. b. Provide a H.S diploma or high school equivalency (GED) certifcate or transcripts. c. There is a $100.00 testing fee that will be collected when submitting your application online. You MUST schedule a test at this time for your application to be accepted. This is a drug free Program. An individual tentatively selected for entrance into the Program after testing and interview will be required to submit to a drug test, which will include testing for marijuana. The Pipeftting Industry Training Center is located at 636 Executive Drive in Troy, MI between John R. and Dequindre north of E. 14 mile Road. PH: 248-585-0636 No resumes please. For more information please contact our web site at: https://www.pipeftters636tc.org
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BATHROOM REMODELING
BasicBathrooms
Startingat:$10,995.00 Experienceofover 500-bathroomsacross Metro-Detroit, Lookatourworkat: andyscarpentryllc.com 248-376-0988
Lic/Insured/References
Brick Work
AA4DABLEMASONRY
586-822-5100
Chimneys,Porches, Steps,Flat-Work, Residential/Commercial Tuck-Pointing,CulturedStone,AllBrick&MasonryRepairs/Needs. FALLSPECIALS Upto30%-OFF Free-Est./SeniorDisc.
A-DMASONRYLLC.
AllMasonryWork Bricks,Stones,Pavers, Blocks,Porches, Chimneys.Tuckpointing. 26-yrsexperience Insured,FreeEstimates. 586-873-8210 Filip
Brick Work
MOUTON'S MASONRY
Any&allmasonryrepairs. Brick,block,steps, chimneys,porches-tuckpointing,Cementwork, mortar-matching. 25-yrsexperience Free-estimates. References/Insured. 248-252-5331
Carpentry
BARRY'S CARPENTRY •Decks•Additions •Bathrooms•Kitchens •Renovations•Plumbing FamilyOwned. 35yrsexperience www.Barryscarpentry.com FreeEstimates 248-563-1733
Carpet Cleaning
CARPET WAVY-n-LOOSE?
WePower Re-stretch and Steam-clean ForOneLowPrice MultipleRoomDiscount CallNow:Craddock's CarpetCare,Inc. 586-754-9222
Cement
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
Cleaning Service
CLEANINGLADY withover20-yr experienceislooking forwork.Weekly, bi-weekly,monthly Excellentreferences. Flexiblehours. Bonded&insured. 248-890-8830
Decks/Patios
2025SPECIALS
CustomDeck Building/Repair, Power-Washing, DecksRemoved, Composite,Treated &CedarMaterials, CustomRailingMaterials, CustomFence Installation. 586-260-5218
Electrical
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.
Electrical
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 GUTTERS &WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOMMICOLI 313-656-9402
Handyman Services
HANDYMANWOW
Painting,Drywall, Powerwashing, SealCoating *Driveways*ParkingLots MinorPlumbing, Caulking,Shelving, CallForaFreeQuote! 248-755-0246
586-524-1552
John'sHandyman Services Nojobtoosmall. Plumbing,electrical, painting,appliances, HVAC&more. 35-yrsexperience. Free-estimates. 10%-SeniorDiscount
3Sons HandymanService 586-888-9031 (Call/Text) Electrical,Plumbing, HVAC,Minor/Major Repairs,AnySizeJob. FreeEstimates 10%Discount
Handyman Services
HANDYMANJOE
LicensedPlumber, VinylPlankFloor, Paint,BasicElectric Repair,Bathroom Remodel,andMore! Lic#8112407 586-823-9744
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 Home
DETROITLLC.
Licensed/Insured Contractor HomeRepairs/Updating OfAllKinds. HandymanServices, ServicingTri-County Area,SeniorDiscounts. 586-420-0036
FCCHOME IMPROVEMENT
WeSpecializein Bathrooms, KitchensandEpoxy. SeniorDiscounts FreeEstimates 313-955-6739 313-686-4701
Home Repairs
EXTERIOR REPAIRSLLC. Since1999 GUTTERCLEANING LEAFGUARDS Roofing,Siding, Gutter,Repair.Reliable Ask,WeMightDoIt! FREEESTIMATES 248-242-1511
FALLCLEAN-UPS!
Shrub&Tree-Trimming, Planting,Removal.Mulch, SodInstallation,Pavers, Garden/RetainerWalls, PorchSteps,Raise Backyards/DrainTiles, Powerwashing/Sealing, Seeding,DebrisRemoval 586-634-0033
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.
ANYONE'S PAINTER
Interior/ExteriorPainting
Commerical/Residential
PressureWashing, DrywallRepairs, DeckStaining, FreeEstimates,Insured. Call586-921-3654
Painting
(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
Interior/Exterior Wood&DrywallRepairs MoldRemediation FreeEstimates CertifiedMoldInspector 248-345-3308 farrsmoldremoval.com
Plumbing MASTER PLUMBER
Plumbing
Roofng 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
SILVERSMITHROOF MAINTENANCE
$225•MinorShingle ReplacementSpecial $88*GutterCleaning Residential/Commercial WeAcceptAll MajorCreditCards Over30-yrsexp. FamilyOwned 248-707-4851
Roofng
MICHAELNORTON BUILDERSINC.
BuildingValueEveryday 586-436-9600
Licensed/Insured Since1965 Servicing-Roofing, Siding,Basement, Bathroom,Kitchen Remodeling,Decks& AllYourHome ImprovementNeeds. Tree Service
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
ELITETREE SERVICE
"Bringing30yearsof experiencetoyourdoor!" Treetrimming, removals&stump grinding.Insured&FREE estimateswithfairprices! FirewoodForSale 586-756-0757
OFFERINGS AROUND MICHIGAN
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
586.524.6752 ANDY'SPLUMBING
33+YearsExp.Lic/Ins. CallUsToday ForAllYour PlumbingNeeds!!
Sewer&DrainService. Remodeling,Repairs, NewInstallations. FreeEstimates SeniorRates. 35+yrsexp.CallPaul 248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852
EAPLUMBING ANDDRAIN FullServicePlumbing. DrainCleaning,Sump Pumps,WaterHeaters, Leaks,Disposals, CameraInspections, BackflowTesting andMore. 586-477-7777 License#803020312
GREATLAKE PLUMBING LicensedPlumber Re-piping,WaterHeaters, DrainCleaning,Plumbing Repairs,GasLines. SprinklerBackflow Testing,FastFriendly Service,Lic#8112407 586-823-9744
WATERWORK Plumbing.com •DrainCleaning •SewerCamera •WaterHeaters •SumpPumps •BackflowTesting 248-542-8022 SameDayEmergency ServiceAvailable Reliable/Experienced License#8003885
Professional Services
CONSUMER Cellularthesamereliable,nationwidecoverageasthe largestcarriers.Nolongtermcontract,nohidden feesandactivationisfree. Allplansfeatureunlimitedtalkandtext,starting atjust$20/month.For moreinformation,call 1-866-306-6243
AMISH FURNITURE
An AMISH LOG HEADBOARD AND Queen Pillow Top Mattress Set. Brand new-never used, sell all for $375. Call anytime, 989-923-1278.
AUCTION
Visit Bid.SherwoodAuctionServiceLLC. com often for online auctions. Current auctions include antiques, flat trailers, tools, kitchenware, shop tools, outdoor gear, more. Don’t miss the Maurer live farm auction! Questions? Call Sherwood Auction, 1-800-835-0495.
Huge Firearms Online Auction.
Bidding open. 1,200+ New, used, collector guns, ammo, knives, accessories. Bid Anywhere anytime @JohnPeckAuctions.com. Shipping available. Ofices In Gladwin & Charlotte. Selling guns? Call John Peck 989-345-4866. Michigan’s premier gun auctioneers Since 1979.
Discover hundreds of vintage and antique clocks and watches + 1000’s of parts—most need repair or restoration. To view and bid go online, BidItMi.com. Estate Auction Experts of Michigan, 313-600-5451.
Visit NarhiAuctions.com for our November consignment auctions. Featuring vehicles, tractors, log splitter, tools, vintage earthenware jugs,
and much
Need an auction? Call 810-266-6474.
Published: November 12, 2025
BUILT RITE POLE BUILDINGS Statewide. Prices starting at - 24x40x10 - $18,300.00. 30x40x10 -$20,400.00. Erected on your site. Call for price not shown on any size building or go to www.builtritepolebuildingsmi.com. Or call 989-259-2015 or 989-600-1010 or 989-324-0035.
BUSINESS SERVICES METAL ROOFING regular and shingle style, HALF OFF SPECIAL COLORS! Lifetime hail asphalt shingles. Vinyl siding. Licensed and insured builders for 40 years. AMISH CREW. 517-575-3695.
MATTRESSES
Adjustable Bed Brand New with mattress. Made in U.S.A, in plastic, with warranty. Retail Cost $3,995.00 sacrifice for $875.00 Call for showing or delivery: DanDanTheMattressMan. com. 989-923-1278
MISCELLANEOUS
Amish-built mini-cabins starting at $5,295. Made in Michigan! We deliver statewide. Call 989-832-1866. MyNextBarn.com.
AMISH-built storage sheds starting at $2,500. We deliver anywhere in Michigan! Call 989-832-1866. DanDanTheMattressMan.com.
IF YOU HAD KNEE OR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND SUFFERED AN INFECTION between 2023 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800535-5727
