NEWSPAPERS Special Edition
Jennifer Fisher, Development Director and Renee Consiglio, hospitality coordinator, salon manager and Maggie’s daughter, hold up T-shirts designed for the “Pigs 4 Wigs” event in November.
‘Pigs 4 Wigs’ to raise money for children’s wigs
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
ST. CLAIR SHORES — Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids is hosting another “Pigs 4 Wigs” outreach with the assistance of police departments throughout Metro Detroit. The event lasts throughout the month of November in conjunction with “No Shave November,” a campaign focused on raising awareness and funds to fight cancer.
Maggie Varney, owner and founder of Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids, said her family has a long history of law enforcement with multiple family members involved in all levels of public safety. She said she has the utmost respect and admiration for what law enforcement officers do.
“I don’t think they get enough credit for how much they give back and help the community,” Varney said.
She said it was natural for her to reach out to police departments and started with a toy drive involving the St. Clair Shores Police Department. Varney said she participated in a Cops for Kids drive at the department and it was mentioned how they need to get more involved with Wigs 4 Kids.
See WIGS on page 9A
Volunteers offer assistance and friendly conversation to lonely seniors
BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — As they retire, experience age-related health conditions and even lose loved ones, some older adults may find themselves experiencing loneliness — possibly for the first time.
Loneliness and social isolation aren’t just emotionally taxing. According to the National Institute on Aging, those who are lonely or socially isolated are more likely to be admitted to the emergency room. Loneliness and isolation are also linked to greater risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, anxiety, obesity, weakened immune function, cognitive decline, depression, dementia and death.
But there are local agencies that can provide comfort and companionship to seniors at no cost.
Macomb/Oakland counties
Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, based in Roseville, serves people in Macomb, Oakland and St. Clair counties. Despite the name, neither the volunteers nor the recipients need to be religious, explained Community Outreach Coordinator Stacey Conte.
Macomb County and Grosse Pointe
Volunteers at The Helm at the Boll Life Center pack meals that will be delivered to homebound seniors.
Photo provided by The Helm at the Boll Life Center
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Celebrating half a century at Bur-Lers Variety Store
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
WARREN — Walking into Bur-Lers Variety Store on Nine Mile Road in Warren is like browsing at a five-and-dime shop with your grandparents as a kid.
It’s a throwback to the days before online shopping when going to your favorite mom-and-pop shop was a weekly ritual. Bur-Lers still has that feeling with aisles of items featuring something for everyone.
Inside the store, merchandise hangs neatly by categories on the walls, shelves are organized with customers in mind, and the prices are kept low. Everything seems to move at a more relaxed pace when inside the long-standing retailer, which opened in 1961.
Although many department stores have closed, Bur-Lers Variety Store, at 4130 E. Nine Mile Road, has stood the test of time. One employee who has kept the store on its feet for the last 50 years is Mark Majeski. He was first hired to work at Bur-Lers in the fall of 1975 as a stockboy and celebrates his golden anniversary this year.
Customers come from Warren, Hazel Park, Royal Oak, Center Line, Detroit and other communities. Majeski believes the store has stayed in business so long from “just knowing your customers and what you’re going to buy. Know your area and where you’re going to get your merchandise.”
“We buy from different companies,” Majeski, 67, said.
Barbara Studevent is a frequent shopper.
“I’ve been in Warren for a few years, and I just happened upon them one day. I call it the old-timey store,” she said. “It reminds me of the old five and dimes. I got my sister going and my friend. I just come and look and see what I could find. I think the prices are great.”
At Bur-Lers, shoppers will find bandanas, square folding chairs, bathroom items, bakeware, dishtowels, coloring books, board games, and dress socks for men. Yarn in various colors is available, as are your favorite snacks, sweatshirts, sweatpants, sewing fabric, Croc shoes, pajamas, medical scrubs, hoodies and much more.
See BUR-LERS on page 10A
OAA & MAC PREP FOOTBALL REGULAR SEASON RESULTS
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The 2025 high school football regular season has come to an end. Teams all over metro Detroit are celebrating division titles and preparing for district tournaments that kick off this weekend.
Oakland Activities Association
OAA-Red
The Oakland Activities Association Red division is widely considered to be one of the best divisions in the state. This year, Clarkston will take home the outright division crown after finishing 4-0 in the division. This is the first time that Clarkston has finished in sole possession of first place in the Red since the 2020 season, when the pro-
SPORTS
gram also went undefeated in the OAA-Red. Clarkston has won at least one playoff game every year since 2021. Oxford, Rochester Adams and West Bloomfield will also all be in the postseason, and Rochester Adams will face cross-town rival Rochester in the first round.
OAA-White
The OAA-White is also a premier division in the state, and in 2025 Harper Woods earned its first division title since joining the OAA in 2022. The school went a perfect 4-0 in the White and with a win on Oct. 24, completed an undefeated 9-0 regular season.
Harper Woods is also the only team that defeated Clarkston in the regular season. Birmingham Groves was the runner-up in the White and is always a threat in the postseason, while Rochester Hills Stoney Creek and Rochester will also participate in postseason play.
OAA-Blue
Farmington won the Blue this season for the first time since 2014 thanks to an undefeated season against OAA-Blue opponents. The difference ended up being a 35-22 win over rival North Farmington earlier this season. While the Blue was competitive this year, Farmington still recorded a 49-7 loss to Clarkston and will be an underdog the farther the team goes in postseason play. Birmingham Seaholm and North Farmington will also look to make noise in district play.
OAA-Gold
Ferndale’s first-year head coach, Donovan Jackson, will end Year 1 with an OAAGold title after going 4-0 in the division. The program hasn’t won the division since 2022 and has to be excited about the future. Unfortunately, the Gold wasn’t competitive enough for any team in the division to earn a playoff spot. Ferndale went 5-4 on the season and 1-4 against non-OAA-Gold teams, including a 44-8 loss to Harper Woods. No other team in the division finished with a .500 or better record.
Macomb Area Conference
MAC-Red
The MAC-Red is one of the tougher groups in the state, and this year Romeo fin-
See FOOTBALL on page 5A
ABOVE: Owner Mark Majeski is celebrating his 50th year with Bur-Lers Variety Store in Warren.
RIGHT: Fedora hats are among the many items sold at Bur-Lers Variety Store in Warren.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Center Line Public Schools celebrates 125 years as a district
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
CENTER LINE — The Center Line High School homecoming parade Oct. 18 gave schools officials the opportunity to publicly celebrate being a district for 125 years.
While at Memorial Field before the homecoming football game, a brief presentation was held highlighting the district’s biggest events through the decades. The event kicked off by recognizing that the first official Center Line Public Schools Board of Education minutes were recorded in 1899 when the district was first known as Warren School District No. 2.
According to school officials, Mortimer W. Plunkett was the only teacher from 1900 to 1916. Students of all ages learned from him. When he started teaching, he earned $333 per year. By 1913, he was making an annual salary of $1,000, according to the district’s history.
School officials, staff and students also acknowledged the various schools that opened over the years. Center Line High School opened in 1952 with a bond approved for $995,000 and a $250,000 grant. On Aug. 12, 1959, the Board of Education adopted a resolution to rename Warren District No. 2 to Center Line Public Schools.
Also noted were the years the district’s current school buildings opened: Wolfe Middle School in 1961; Peck and Roose Elementary Schools were dedicated in 1963; and Crothers Elementary School opened in 1966. Some of the building locations have changed because of recent bond updates.
Center Line won the Oct. 18 homecoming game against Lincoln High School, 2820. Not only was it the school’s homecoming game, but it also marked the annual Brown Jug game between the two schools. The Brown Jug game became a tradition decades ago in which the winning team — the Center Line Panthers or the Lincoln Abes — wins a brown jug and keeps it for one year until the next game. The jug is just over a foot tall in height, and the scores and years of various games are etched on it.
BATHROOM REMODELING
The Center Line High School marching band performs at homecoming Oct. 18. According to the Center Line Public Schools history, the school’s band program was organized in 1928. LEFT: The tradition of the annual Brown Jug football game between the Center Line High School Panthers and the Lincoln High School Abes continued Oct. 18. The winning team wins a brown jug and keeps it for one year until the next game.
Photos by Erin Sanchez
ABOVE:
ished with a 5-0 Red record with a division title for the first time since 2021. Romeo started the season 0-2 with losses to Rochester Adams and Grosse Pointe South, but then won the team’s next six games and will look to make a run in the postseason. Macomb Dakota, Utica Eisenhower and Sterling Heights Stevenson will all participate in the playoffs as well.
MAC-White
Since moving from the Red to the White in 2022, Grosse Pointe South has won the MAC-White every season. This year will mark four consecutive division titles for South; however, the team did suffer a 25-22 loss to MAC-White foe St. Clair Shores Lakeview. Utica, Lakeview, and Roseville will also participate in postseason play, and Roseville will face Grosse Pointe South in Round 1.
MAC-Blue
Port Huron Northern moved from the White to the Blue in 2022 and now has won the division title in three out of four seasons. Northern beat its two biggest competitors in the division, Port Huron and Warren Cousino, by scores of 21-7 and 35-22 respectively. Cousino, Port Huron and Warren Mott all have seats at the postseason table as well, thanks to all three schools finishing with better than .500 records.
Editors:
Brian Louwers | (586) 498-1089 | brianlouwers@candgnews.com
David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com
Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com
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MAC-Gold
Warren Fitzgerald has been a consistent regular-season threat for several years now, but hasn’t won a MAC-Gold title since 2021. After a 5-0 Gold record, Fitzgerald is back on top of the division and will be looking to carry that momentum forward into district play. Marysville and Madison Heights Lamphere also had solid seasons in the MACGold and will play in the postseason.
MAC-Silver
Last season, Marine City was one of the bigger stories in the state due to a run that took the team all the way to the state semifinals. Marine City ended up losing to Jackson Lumen Christi, the team that ended up winning the Division 6 state title, but this year is in position again to advance in the postseason. Marine City went 5-0 in a Silver division that will have one other postseason participant in 7-2 Center Line.
MAC-Bronze
Two seasons ago, Madison Heights Madison went 0-9 and the school brought in coach Kyle Gary to try to right the ship. Last season, the school went 3-6, and in 2025 Madison celebrates a MAC-Gold title. The program went from 0-5 to 5-0 in division play in just two seasons and will look to carry that momentum into the postseason. Hazel Park, Clawson and Clinton Township Clintondale will also play in Districts as the Bronze takes four teams to the playoffs.
For playoff matchups and times, visit MHSAA.com.
Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com
and Obits: (586) 498-1099 Automotive Advertising: Jeannine Bender | (586) 246-8114 | jbender@candgnews.com
Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com
6A/C & G NEWSPAPERS MACOMB COUNTY/GROSSE POINTE SPECIAL EDITION • NOVEMBER 5, 2025
‘We brought it Back from the dead’
TAKE A RIDE WITH THE F-HOLE WRECKERS
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT— The F-Hole Wreckers prove that sometimes all you need are rockabilly tunes and a vintage hearse.
Since 2018, the rockabilly band has built a following while gigging at Freddy’s Bar & Grill in Clinton Township; the Kuhnhenn Brewing Co., in Clinton Township; the Old Miami in Detroit; and the Diesel Concert Lounge in Chesterfield Township. Each time they’re on stage, it’s the 1950s all over again.
With a Gretsch six-string slung over his shoulder is Kurt J. on lead guitar, vocals and pompadour. Drummer Bradley James fuels the band’s backbeat at just the right tempo. Rounding out the trio is Adam Bob slapping the upright bass influenced by his idols: Lee Rocker, Willie Dixon, Chuck Berry and Marshall Lytle of Bill Haley & His Comets.
At shows, the audience is treated to original songs that include “Change My Direction,” “Ride of Frankenstein” and “Death Wish.” The F-Hole Wreckers also toss in cover songs with enough retro rockabilly vibes and sorchin’ surf sounds to get people dancing. When seeing the band live, there’s a feeling that Johnny Cash is watching from up above and Jerry Lee Lewis, if he could, would travel through time with his piano to join them on stage.
ABOVE: The 1984 Cadillac DeVille limousine hearse gets different reactions from people, some who love it and some who fear it. LEFT: The band added some decals to dress up the hearse that transports the rockabilly band’s instruments to shows.
The F-Hole Wreckers, from left, Adam Bob, Kurt J. and Bradley James, travel to gigs in a 1984 Cadillac DeVille limousine hearse.
Photos by Erin Sanchez
Hearse
The F-Hole Wreckers share family ties: Kurt J. and Bradley James, of Chesterfield Township, are brothers who grew up listening to music that ranged from George Gershwin to Elvis Presley to Led Zeppelin. Their mom, Diane Mogan, was a music teacher whose students came to the family home for lessons. The brothers graduated from Lutheran High School North in Macomb Township.
As young kids, all three guys were exposed to artists from the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s. Classical, jazz and rock made an impact. Part of their sound also stems from the heavy metal bands they like.
“There’s a lot. Slayer. Rammstein. Mastodon. Shining,” Bradley James said. “We go to a lot of metal shows. I think we play heavier than most rockabilly bands.”
Adam Bob, a 2006 Romeo High School graduate, started playing music when he was about 21.
“I started late,” he said. “I learned how to play electric bass first. My stepdad was a collector. I began playing bass by ear by listening to my favorite bands at the time.”
He switched to upright bass after listening to the Stray Cats.
“I ordered a cheap bass off eBay,” Adam Bob said. “I would play six hours a day. It’s different. It’s definitely harder to play. You need this kind of instrument to play jazz and rockabilly.”
Adam Bob also is “big on country music.”
“I can’t get enough ’90s roadhouse country,” he said. “Alan Jackson, Joe Diffie, Vince Gill.”
The F-Hole Wreckers also pay homage to rockabilly kings the Stray Cats, occasionally performing as the Strait Cats. Because of the two bands, they decided on a company name under the moniker the F-Hole Wrecking Co. As for the name, F-holes are basically a pair of sound holes on a guitar that are shaped like the letter f.
‘One of the slowest things I’ve ever ridden in’
While most bands use trucks or vans to transport their instruments to gigs, the FHole Wreckers stay in tune driving a 1984 Cadillac DeVille limousine hearse, a car meant for funerals.
When the group found the vehicle, “It looked like it had been dragged out of a
swamp,” Kurt J. said. “You could see all the history and all the years from the different paint colors.”
No worries, though. Kurt J. is a mechanic and fixed it up.
“We brought it back from the dead. I just basically painted it with industrial enamel paint to make a nice white top,” Kurt J. said. “After that, I said, ‘I’m done.’ I like how it looks. I like that it’s not finished.”
The hearse fits all the band’s equipment: guitars, the double bass, drums and monitors.
“Those limos, they’re extra long,” Kurt J. said. “Because it was off a limo platform, there is a lot of extra space.”
The talented musicians travel by hearse locally and have cruised to Traverse City; Arcadia, Michigan; Dayton, Ohio; and Cedar Point in Sandusky, Ohio. The guys often let other people sit in it and take pictures. The ride brings out different reactions from people.
“We’ve had both experiences. One of sheer joy when they see us coming down the road. They look at this thing and go ‘I can’t believe what I’m seeing.’ Then you have the other people that look at it and freak out, clench their purse, back up, grab their dog and hold their kids tight,” Kurt J. said. “There’s people out there that are scared of it. There’s people out there that think it’s
cool. Sometimes they ask, ‘Are there dead people in there?’ or ‘Aren’t you worried about any spirits?’”
Bradley James said the rig is a great way to promote live shows, because wherever you find the hearse, you find the band. The bandmates agree the car drives “low and slow.”
“One of the slowest things I’ve ever ridden in, zero to 60,” Adam Bob said. “Whatever gets us there.”
Rockabilly music, classic cars, junkyards and greased-back hair sync with each other, but why?
“It’s American rock ‘n’ roll. It’s American motors,” Bradley James said. “Everything popped big in the ’50s.”
“It’s been that way since the creation,” Adam Bob said. “When hillbilly and rock ‘n’ roll merged together, it attracted all the rebels.”
The F-Hole Wreckers are such big fans of the rat rod car style that they hold a Rat Rod Rally every summer at Three Blind Mice Irish Pub in Mount Clemens.
“A rat rod is a half-done vehicle that has an upgraded, hot-rodded engine but nothing else,” Kurt J. said. “It’s really bare bones. Usually a rat rod is something you kind of just climb into, but it runs. It looks gnarly.”
Check out the band at fholewreckers. com.
SMART TOILETS
Seniors
from page 1A
“Our whole goal is to help seniors and disabled adults to stay in their own homes,” Conte said.
While they prioritize those who are low income or don’t have family nearby, Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers does assist some people who don’t fall into either of those categories. Conte said volunteers will do things like light housework, minor home repairs and yardwork; provide respite care for family caregivers; and take program participants to medical appointments.
“We try to customize our services to what our volunteer skill set is,” Conte said.
One of their most popular services is their companion program. Conte said a senior is matched with a volunteer based on shared interests and geography, and the volunteer will connect with the senior either through weekly or biweekly home visits or phone calls.
“That’s one of our most popular services,” Conte said. “A lot of people are isolated and lonely, especially since the (COVID-19) pandemic.”
Conte said it’s not uncommon for volunteers and seniors to become close; in some cases, they find themselves being invited for holiday meals or birthday celebrations.
“A lot of them become really good friends,” Conte said.
The group runs background checks on volunteers and sends a representative with the volunteer on the first visit, Conte said.
To volunteer or to receive services from Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, go to ivcinfo.org or call (586) 757-5551 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays.
Catholic Charites of Southeast Michigan, which serves residents of Oakland and Macomb counties, offers a similar program, called the AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program.
Carmela LaCommare, program manager for the AmeriCorps Seniors Senior Companion Program, said they pair volunteers age 55 and older with seniors or disabled individuals age 21 and over for friendly visits.
“It helps older adults who are homebound,” LaCommare said. “Our older adults in our community sometimes don’t have family members nearby.”
Volunteers are matched with participants based on similar interests, skills or hobbies. Besides providing companionship, volunteers might take participants to medical appointments or the grocery store, or out to lunch or to bingo or other events.
LaCommare said the average age of their volunteers is 80, and they have one volunteer who just celebrated her 91st birthday.
“It’s an awesome program,” LaCommare said. “Seniors understand each other.”
LaCommare said they currently have a waiting list and need more volunteers.
Volunteers undergo an extensive background check and
training, she said.
To volunteer or have a volunteer assigned to you, call (248) 537-3300.
Grosse Pointes/Harper Woods
Residents in the five Grosse Pointes and Harper Woods age 55 and older can turn to The Helm at the Boll Life Center in Grosse Pointe Farms for companionship through the Friendly Reassurance Program. Volunteers are paired with seniors and must have at least monthly communication with each other, although Helm Case Coordinator Allie Short said most talk two to four times per month. Some volunteers stay in touch with their senior by phone, but Short said home visits are possible as well.
“The goal of the program is to decrease isolation and loneliness,” Short said. “We (also) want to get a sense of how the person is doing and see if they need any supports outside of connection.”
Volunteers also benefit.
“Volunteerism is another way to combat loneliness and isolation,” Short said. “We feel better ourselves when we’re giving back.”
The Helm offers Meals on Wheels to local seniors, but thanks to a recent grant, they’ve been able to add extra deliveries of either prepared dishes or boxes of produce, in conjunction with Edibles Rex and Eastern Market. Short said they try to have volunteers deliver these meals while the senior is home, so the volunteers can check on them and make sure everything is all right.
“Sometimes that food delivery turns into a bit of conversation,” Short said. “It’s one more time a week they’re able to have a friendly visitor and a delicious meal.”
To participate in the Friendly Reassurance Program, call Short at (313) 649-2106 or email her at ashort@helmlife.org. To volunteer for Helm programs or to be added to the meal delivery list, call The Helm at (313) 882-9600.
“We care,” Short said. “We want to (get to) know you… So please call.”
To find other local support resources for seniors and their families, call the National Institute on Aging’s Eldercare Locator at (800) 677-1116.
Once I get the right diagnosis for the cause of your heel pain, I will provide
Photo provided by Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers
Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers program are paired
Varney suggested they could sponsor a child and raise enough funds for a wig.
“They really liked it because with our adopt-a-kid program, you receive a before and after photo of the child,” Varney said.
The event truly came about when an officer from Milford knew a family who received a wig for their child.
“He said, ‘We’d like to do a fundraiser for, you know, how can we help?’” Varney said. “So we told him about the adopt-akid, and he goes, ‘Well, why don’t we get more police departments involved?’”
The police officer suggested he and Varney could reach out to departments and host the fundraiser in “No Shave November.” The officer said the men could grow out their facial hair and the women could wear nail polish or earrings. Varney said the officer informed her that law enforcement officers usually don’t get to grow their hair or wear nail polish or earrings.
“What’s good is people will notice cause that’s not your norm and they will ask you and it gives you a chance to talk about the program,” Varney said.
The officer coined the “Pigs 4 Wigs” event name.
“He came up with it, not us,” Varney said.
“He wanted to take something bad and make something good,” said Jennifer Fisher, development director of Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids.
Varney said one year, officers from different departments made it a competition to see who could raise the most money. She
said Sterling Heights has usually come out on top most years, but that one year, the Wolverine Lake Police Department beat their effort when a “secret angel” donated a large amount of money.
“But it’s a friendly competition,” Varney said.
“It’s all for the kids,” Fisher said.
Participating departments include Fraser, Hazel Park, Lathrup Village, Milford, Orchard Lake, Portage, Romeo, Shelby Township, South Lyon, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights and Wolverine Lake.
Multiple departments including St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights and others have donated over $500 and received a star on the organization’s Galaxy Wall in their facility located on Harper Avenue.
Varney said their program transcends all socioeconomic boundaries.
“And a lot of them (officers) know kids in the community that they serve that are going in through our program so that makes it even more real to them,” Varney said.
The charity has been around for around 22 years and has assisted thousands of children with different diagnoses such as cancer, alopecia, blood diseases and more. They service all of Michigan including the Upper Peninsula. This year, they received thousands of hair donations from 68 countries.
They also receive all types of hair including straight hair, curly hair with all different curl patterns and everything in between. If they don’t have a specific hair texture, Varney said they use different hairstyling methods to create them.
The charity also offers a wide range of other services to their clients including spa days, makeup lessons, hair styling lessons, counseling services and more. To find out more about Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids, visit their website at wigs4kids.org.
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Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
The Maggie’s Wigs 4 Kids facility in St. Clair Shores has a wide range of services available for children experiencing diagnoses like cancer, alopecia and more.
Bur-Lers
Right now, for instance, is a good time to pick up Halloween decorations. And if you’re looking for that perfect Detroit baseball cap, you just might find it on a shelf. It’s also the place to shop for thread, fedora hats, fleece and lottery tickets.
‘We get regular customers all the time.’
The history of Bur-Lers Variety Store dates back to 1946 when military buddies William Fieldler and Alfred Bourget opened up a new store at 12819 Seven Mile Road in Detroit. It had a soda fountain, and the businessmen sold ice cream for 10 or 15 cents. The name Bur-Ler came from the owners’ last names by combining the letters “Bur” from Bourget and “Ler” from Fieldler.
But because they disliked cleaning up the food afterward, the soda foundation dissolved to make room for a five-and-dime store. At one point, an outside company came in to sell greeting cards for 25 cents each, which helped launch the business. Because the Seven Mile Road store was so successful, Fieldler and Bourget opened the second location in Warren. Several photos of the company’s history are displayed on the walls near the entrance.
Majeski, who grew up in Detroit, started working for the company when he was 17. The Detroit store was sold in 1982. Fieldler and Bourget have since passed away.
“They were both great guys. Both of them were easy going,” Majeski said. “They both had different ways of doing business. One would take care of certain things, and the other would take care of certain things.”
Majeski remembered the business partners also rotated between working at the Warren and Detroit stores.
“They moved merchandise back and forth between each store,” Majeski. “They knew so many people.”
Majeski always had an interest in business.
“As I was working here, they said they would sell me the store,” he said. “They made me a partner.”
When Majeski began working there in the mid-1970s, many families with young children made up the majority of the neighborhood demographic. One popular item of the time — that is still a big seller — were Levi’s jeans. Bur-Lers has racks of jeans in all styles and sizes. Other items were a hit with shoppers.
“Your seasonal stuff always did very well: Easter, Christmas, Halloween,” Majeski said.
And when all kids wanted electronic hand-held games, staff did their best to stock them.
“It was hard getting all that stuff,” Majeski said. “We sold a lot of dolls and games back in the day.”
But those aren’t in high demand anymore. There is still a toy section, but on a much smaller scale.
“We cut way back on them,” Majeski said. “We had to change with the times.”
Majeski has certainly witnessed the store’s ups and downs over the years. One depressing time was the state’s recession from 2008-09.
“Sales really dropped,” Majeski said. “It was very depressing.”
That’s around the time Bur-Lers began stocking pet supplies, including food and toys for dogs and cats, birdhouses, chicken feed and wild bird seed. It started slowly with the store just having a few pet items, but then sales escalated.
“Pet supplies are a huge change. For us, that is big business,” Majeski said. “It took a while, but it took off. We get regular customers all the time. I never believed in a million years how much we sell.”
Bur-Lers remained open during the COVID-19 pandemic. Majeski said during that time the store enjoyed “two record years in a row” regarding sales.
“I think we gained a lot of customers during COVID,” he said.
People who have moved away and former workers still come back to see how the store is doing. Fifty years later, Majeski continues to enjoy meeting customers and working with his employees. He’s still enthusiastic about going to work every day and providing shoppers with what they need.
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‘Holland America Lines’ May 3rd, 2026. 7- day Norwegian Fjords & Scotland with History Channel Rotterdam. Rates start as low as $1234.00, per person double occupancy. Group id: TPQ, voyage: Y630.
‘Holland America Lines’ May 16th, 2026. 7- day Alaska Explorer on the Eurodam. Rates start as low as $1339.00 per person double occupancy Group id: TNW, Voyage: D637.
‘Holland America Lines’ May 31st, 2026. 7- day Alaska Explorer on the Noordam. Rates start as low as $1334.00 per person double occupancy.
‘Holland America Line’ June 13th, 2026. 7- day Alaska Explorer on the Eurodam. Rates start as low as $1415.00 per person double occupancy. Group id: TPZ, Voyage: D644.
‘Holland America Line’ July 26th, 2026. 7- day Alaska Explorer on the ‘Noordam’. With rates starting as low as $1449.00, double occupancy. Group id: TN3, Voyage: N644.
‘Holland America Line’ August 22nd, 2026. 7-day Alaska Explorer on the Eurodam. Roundtrip from Seattle Rates starting at $1359.00 per person double occupancy. Group ID: TPG, Voyage: D663.
‘Premier World Discovery’ November 10th, 2025, ‘River Cruise’ Highlights of the Douro with Spain, 9 days- Riviera Rose (new). Starting rates as low as $5595.00 per person double occupancy (air included) booking #207545.
‘Premier World Discovery’ December 5th, 2025, New York City Holiday, 5 days, booking #207546. Rates starting at $3249 per person double occupancy (land only), to $4199.00 per person double occupancy (airfare included).
‘Princess’ March 5th, 2026. 12-day circle Caribbean on the “Caribbean Princess” in Fort Lauderdale Florida. Rates start as low as $2838, double occupancy. Group id:TP9, voyage: B607.
‘Princess Cruise Line’ June 7th, 2026. 7- day Inside passage on the ‘Star Princess’ starts in Seattle. Balcony rates start as low as $2709.00 per person double occupancy. Group id: TR1, voyage: 4624.
‘Collette Vacations’ Spain’s classics, March 20th-31st, 2026 features a 12-day land tour around Spain with 15 meals. Rates starting at $8498.00 per person double occupancy. And has an optional 4- night extended stay (low as $2798 double occupancy).
Collette Vacations’ Pilgrimage to Fatima & Lourdes with Barcelona. May 3rd-12th, 2026. a 10-day tour through Spain and France. Rates start as low as $4099.00 per person double occupancy. Book now to save $50 per person.
‘Collette Vacations’ May 15th-27th, 2026. Southern Italy & Sicily. Rates start as low as $6099.00 double occupancy, book now to save $200 per person.
‘Collette Vacations’ September 18th - October 1, 2026. Southern Italy & Sicily with optional 2-nights Rome post tour extension.
‘Collette Vacations’ July 12th-24th, 2026. Exploring Scotland & Ireland. 12-day fully escorted tour around Ireland and Scotland. Plus, round trip air from Detroit. Rates as low as $6849 per person double occupancy.
‘Princess Cruise Line’ May 19th, 2026. 7- day Mediterranean & Adriatic on the ‘Enchanted Princess’. Rates start as low as $2246 double occupancy. Group id: TP7, Voyage: N614.
‘Princess Cruise Line’ July 2nd, 2026. 10 days inside passage cruise on the ‘Ruby Princess’ from San Francisco. Rates start as low as $5378 per person double occupancy. Group id:TP4, Voyage: R617.
‘Princess Cruise Line’ August 8th, 2026. 7-day Inside passage cruise on the ‘Royal Princess’. Rates start as low as $2389.00 per person double occupancy. Group id: TQT, Voyage:1634.
Cosmos Tours “Enchanted Canyonland 11 day From Las Vegas to Las Vegas Starting 19th April 29th to all on the major Canyons including Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands National Park, Moab Arches National Park, Zion National Park, Arches National Park. From $4929 per person double occupancy.
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ March 22nd-29th, 2026 7- night Caribbean cruise on the Norwegian Aqua, starting at Miami, then visiting Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay. Rates starting as low as $2184.00 per person double occupancy, ($3172 balcony) double occupancy. Group id: 2948362
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ June 20th, 2026. 7- night Alaska cruise on the ‘Norwegian Bliss’. Rates can be asl low as $1488.55 per person double occupancy. Group id: 2948328.
Celebrity Cruises’ April 20th-May 1st, 2026, 11- night best of Greece & Turkey Cruise on the ‘Celebrity Infinity’. Rates starting as low as $1148.00 double occupancy. Group id: 1826919.
‘Celebrity Cruises’ April 25th – May 5th, 2026. 10-night Greek Isles & Turkey on the ‘Celebrity Equinox’. Rates start as low as $3229.00 per person double occupancy. Group id: 18700
‘Celebrity Cruises’ July 3rd, 2026. & night Alaska Northbound Glacier from Vancouver Canada on the Celebrity Summit. Rates as low as $2781.00 per person double occupancy. Group id: 2003094.
‘Celebrity Cruises’ July 4th, 2026. 7-night Norwegian Fjords Cruise om the ‘Celebrity Apex’ from Southampton England. Rates go as low as $1793.00 per person double occupancy.
‘Celebrity Cruises’ July 31st, 2026. 7- night Alaska Dawes Glacier Cruise Roundtrip Seattle on the ‘Celebrity Edge’ Rates from $1348.00 per person based on Double Occupancy. Group id: 1957453. Group name: TRAVEL TIME4.
‘MSC’ May 18th, 2026. 7- night cruise on the ‘MSC Poesia’. Starting at Seattle. stopping at Ketchikan, Icy Straight Hoonah, Tracy arm, Juneau, and Victoria. Starts as low as $1111.00 per person double occupancy.
‘MSC Cruise Line’ June 22nd, 2026. 7- night Alaska cruise on the ‘MSC Poesia’. Starts in Seattle, Ketchikan, Icy Straight Hoonah, Tracy Arm, Juneau, and Victoria. Rates start as low as $1303.00 per person double occupancy.
‘MSC Cruise Line’ August 31st, 2026. 7- night Alaska cruise on the ‘MSC Poesia’. Roundtrip Seattle Rates start as low as $1223.00 per person double occupancy.
Cosmos Tours “Splendors Of Italy” May 17th -25th 9 days Rome to Rome from $2688.00 per person double occupancy fully escorted bus tour.
‘Holland America Line’ Sept 5th, 2026. 7- day Alaska Explorer. Rates start as low as $1369.00 per person double occupancy. Group id:TN9, Voyage: D665.
Cosmos Tours 6th June -13th June SICLIY from Palermo to Palermo 8 day Fully escorted tour of Sicily. $1679.00 per person based on double occupancy.
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ June 27th, 2026. 7- night Alaska Cruise on the ‘Norwegian Bliss’ from Seattle Washington. Rates start as low as $1536.00 per person double occupancy group id: 2948311.
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ July 18th, 2026. 7-night Alaska cruise on the ‘Norwegian Bliss’ from Seattle. Rates starting as low as $1621.31 per person, double occupancy.
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ August 15th, 2026. 7- night Alaska cruise on the ‘Norwegian Bliss’ roundtrip from Seattle Washington. Rates start as low as $1374.30 per person double occupancy (airfare included). Group id:2948335.
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ Sept 13th, 2026. 7- night
Alaska cruise on the ‘Norwegian Encore’. Rates start as low as $1329.00 per person, double occupancy. (airfare included). Group id: 2948350.
‘‘Globus Escorted Tours “Lost Canyons of the Southwest” 9 days form Phoenix to Las Vegas. This popular tour Starts in Phoenix it goes to Sedon, Montezuma Castles Nation Monument, Verda Canyon Railroad, Jerome, Meteor Center Natural Landmark, Grand Canyon, Petrifies Forest National Park, Canyon de Chelly National Monument and Boulder City. Breakfast every day with some evening meals included.
‘Globus Tours’ The Best of Italy. May 17th- 23rd, 2026. 11 days from Rome to Rome a tour throughout Italy. with rates starting at $2688.00 Per person double occupancy.
