RINGING IN THE SEASON
Amazon unveils ‘Prime Air’ drone delivery service in Hazel Park
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
HAZEL PARK — Amazon will soon begin offering deliveries by drone, flying packages straight to the homes of customers who live within an 8-mile radius of the company’s Hazel Park distribution center at the corner of 10 Mile and Dequindre roads.
The shipping option, dubbed Prime Air, will only be available for certain goods. It is being marketed as a convenient way to get last-minute items without a trip to the store. But some are concerned about the safety of flying packages over traffic and homes, the noise it might create and whether it violates the privacy of homeowners.
See AMAZON on page 2A
an event at the
Madison Heights City Council members sworn in, those leaving office honored
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights City Council has undergone
dramatic change with the adjournment of its 35th council and the start of its 36th.
The changeover occurred at the council meeting Nov. 19, when Judge Keith Hunt from the 43rd District Court in Madison
Heights swore in the new mayor, Corey Haines — also the city’s former police chief, and the current police chief of Eastpointe — along with returning Councilwoman Toya Aaron and new Councilwoman Laurie Ger-
alds. Haines’ mayoral term is for two years, while the council terms are for four years.
Tributes were also paid to the departing council members, including the former
See COUNCIL on page 7A
During
Hazel Park Community Center Nov. 20, Kyle Degiulio, manager of economic development policy at Amazon, explains the delivery process for the MK30 drone that will deliver packages as part of Amazon’s new Prime Air program.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Amazon
page 1A
To address any concerns, Amazon held a public event Nov. 20 at the Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd. The event allowed guests to see the MK30 drone up close, learn about how its one-hour delivery service works, and meet the team members who operate it.
Gordy Dalziel lives in Royal Oak, which is within range of the drones. Dalziel described how he had previously seen an Amazon drone making a delivery in Berkley, in what he believes was a test run.
“It was pretty noisy, which is how we noticed it, but it was fast — it took maybe five minutes once we saw it to drop off its package, and then it was gone. It hovered for a moment and took off,” he said. “When you see how it cuts over the houses and it’s gone so quickly, you can see the efficiency of not being on the roads making those deliveries.”
After the event in Hazel Park, he said he still has some concerns, such as whether the drones will work in all weather conditions, or whether they could violate people’s privacy.
“If you want it delivered in your backyard, to avoid porch pirates, (the drone) might come in with
the camera when you’re not expecting it, and you might be doing something where it invades your privacy,” Dalziel said. “So, I can see pluses and minuses. There might be some kinks for them to work out.”
Hazel Park Mayor Mike Webb is also taking a wait-and-see approach.
“For now, I’m reserving my judgment regarding the outcome of the future of this project,” Webb said. “As a parent and homeowner, I understand a lot of people are going to have apprehensive moments about anything new like this. We’ve been able to bring in new corporations (at the Tri-County Commerce Center), and Amazon is one of them. They’re a big employer in our town, and now they’re expanding. Hopefully it’s for the better, but time will tell.”
According to Sharyn Ghacham, a representative for Amazon, customers will see whether a product is eligible for drone delivery upon checkout. Customers select and confirm a preferred delivery spot at their address, such as in a driveway or yard. Once it arrives, the drone descends to about 13 feet from the ground — low enough to safely deliver the item. It also scans the ground to make sure it’s clear of people, pets or cars before dropping the item.
Prime Air delivers packages that weigh less than 5 pounds and fit within the drone’s delivery box, which
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Kyle Degiulio, manager of economic development policy at Amazon, demonstrates how the drone carries the packages. Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
See AMAZON on page 10A
Avancez, an auto supplier located at the TriCounty Commerce Center in Hazel Park, is laying off nearly 150 workers this month.
by Liz Carnegie
Layoffs hit automotive supplier Avancez
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
HAZEL PARK — Automotive supplier Avancez is cutting its second shift this month, resulting in the permanent layoffs of 143 workers at its Hazel Park facility.
The move was detailed in a notice submitted Nov. 7 by Avancez in compliance with WARN — the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act of 1988. WARN is a federal labor law that requires employers of certain sizes to issue advance notice before mass layoffs or site closures. A WARN notice is filed with a state’s Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity.
Avancez is located at the Tri-County Commerce Center, the site of the former Hazel Park Raceway at the corner of 10 Mile and Dequindre roads. At press time Dec. 4, the layoffs were expected to begin Dec. 5 and be completed within 14 days.
“We expect these layoffs to be permanent,” wrote Chris Rovas, human resources manager for Avancez, in the WARN notice.
Most of the workers affected are hourly positions. They include 105 assembler/ sequencers and 16 mobile equipment operators, as well as two team leaders, two torque monitors, one junior production supervisor, two maintenance technicians, three quality coordinators, three dock coordinators and two plant liaisons.
Seven salaried workers are also affected, including one operations manager, one
Podgorski, Owner
at William Beaumont University
Moonbeams continues to lift spirits of pediatric patients
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams, hosted by Corewell Health Children’s in Royal Oak, helps light up the lives of the youngest patients in the hospital during the holidays.
The annual event has been a staple at the hospital for seven years, and its coordinators are looking forward to many more years of Moonbeams.
Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams will take place Dec. 9-23 at Corewell Health Children’s at William Beaumont University Hospital, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road.
On each of these days at 8 p.m. sharp for 10 minutes, participants will come together with flashlights, shining them up into the hospital rooms of the pediatric patients. The beams are meant to shine in hope and cheer to the young patients.
Patients will also shine their lights back to the crowd to create a connection between the community and the patients, reminding everyone that they are not alone this holiday season.
Kathleen Grobbel, Child Life program manager and co-leader of Moonbeams,
See MOONBEAMS on page 4A
Photo
Participants in Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams on Dec. 15, 2024, shine lights from the parking lot to connect with pediatric patients at Corewell Health Children’s
Hospital in Royal Oak. File photo by Erin Sanchez
Moonbeams
said that this year the moonbeams will include some added sparkle that won’t be announced.
“We are going to have a little added sparkle on certain days, but that will be unannounced, where we are going to give out some fun flashing items to people who are the first to arrive,” she said. “Those will be random nights that we have the special lights passed out, thanks to some generous donors in our community.”
Grobbel said that she and her co-leader of the event, Lisa Muma, RN, are encouraging attendees to register online that they will be coming so that organizers can get a head count on how many people attend this year’s Moonbeams.
Grobbel said hundreds of people come to the event each night, and every year she gets to talk to families or attendees who have heartwarming stories to share of why they are at the event.
“Usually people have a really touching story about why they are there to support the kids in the hospital,” she said. “And on the pediatric unit, it really means a lot for
the kids. Watching them come to the windows and see the lights and just feel special for that little bit of time before they go to bed at night is really important for them.”
Muma said that she is “mostly retired” from Corewell Health, but she helps Grobbel with the Moonbeams event because it is her favorite event of the year.
“It’s so wonderful to see the community come out and support our children and families who are stuck in the hospital during such a wonderful time of the year and missing out on their family celebration, school celebrations,” Muma said. “To have the community come out and let them know they are not alone and they are here for them, it’s just wonderful.”
Muma said that many of the families she has spoken to have made the event a family tradition.
“The families tell me they are raising their children to really understand how important it is to support other children going through a tough time,” she said. “We have also had families who have been inside of the hospital now on the outside. They really understand how important it is and how wonderful it is that they are able to do that, having been on the inside themselves and kind of sad during the holidays, to now be-
ing able to be outside and cheer up other children.”
Because the event is popular each night, Muma and Grobbel are encouraging people to arrive at 7:30 to 7:45 p.m. to make sure they can get parking. Parking is located at the north parking deck; additional lots are near the Coolidge Highway entrance and Neuroscience Center.
Attendees are being asked to gather near the Medical Office Building across from the East entrance; signs will be posted
to help people find their way.
Drones and laser pointers are not permitted at Moonbeams.
“I am just so grateful for our community. We couldn’t do this without an amazing community of families, individuals and our first responders that all come out. We could not do this program without them,” Muma said. “We really appreciate them.”
For more information on Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams and to register, visit core wellhealth.org/moonbeams.
NEWS & NOTES
HOLIDAY MARKET
MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison District Parent Boosters will host its annual Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at Madison High School, 915 E. 11 Mile Road in Madison Heights. The event will feature more than 70 vendors, including local artisans and small businesses. There will also be photo ops with Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, The Grinch and more, against a backdrop of the North Pole. In addition, attendees will be able to write letters to Santa and decorate Christmas ornaments. Admission is $2 at the door and free for children 10 and younger.
ADOPT A FAMILY AT CHRISTMASTIME
Letters to Santa, lunch with Santa
HAZEL PARK — The Hazel Park Recreation Department has set up a special mailbox outside the Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights Blvd., which will be accepting letters to Santa Claus now through Dec. 18. Santa will respond to all letters by Christmas.
In addition, Santa will show up for the Lunch with Santa event, which will take place at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13 at the Hazel Park Community Center. The cost is $10 per child and includes pictures with Santa by the tree, a gift from Santa, a pizza lunch and holiday crafts.
To RSVP, call the Hazel Park Community Center at (248) 547-5535.
METRO DETROIT — Anyone looking to give to others this Christmas season is encouraged to adopt a family through Volunteers of America Michigan. The nonprofit organization is seeking residents to help give families, veterans and senior citizens in need a happier holiday season. Through Adopt A Family, participants purchase and deliver gifts to recipients in the program. When you sign up, volunteers can read the family’s stories and view gift wish lists. For more information, go to voami.org/adopt-a-family. The adoption period ends Dec. 15 and no more families will be matched after this date. All gifts must be delivered to families by Dec. 19.
SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN
NORTH POLE — The North American Aerospace Defense Command will again track Santa Claus on Christmas Eve Dec. 24. The program, based at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado, is in its 70th year.
NORAD monitors and defends North American airspace 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. On Dec. 24, NORAD takes on an additional mission of tracking Santa Claus as he makes his way across the globe.
The NORAD Tracks Santa website, noradsanta.org, launched Dec. 1. It features Santa’s North Pole Village, a holiday countdown, games, a movie theater, holiday music, a web store and more. The website is available in nine languages: English, French, Spanish, German, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Chinese and Korean. Children awaiting Santa can count the days on mobile devices with the official NORAD Tracks Santa app, available on social media and on Amazon Alexa, SiriusXM and OnStar.
‘Enjoy the Holidays, Not the Debt’ workshop Dec. 12
SOUTHFIELD — Gesher Human Services, a human service agency in metro Detroit, is offering a free Zoom workshop to help people enjoy the holiday season without going into debt. Participants will learn a number of steps to take to create a realistic holiday budget that includes strategic gift giving to find thoughtful presents without overspending. The workshop also will explore creative, low-cost alternatives for gifts, decorations, celebrations and more.
The “Enjoy the Holidays, Not the Debt” virtual workshop will take place at 1 p.m. Dec. 12. Register at geshermi.org/events. For more information about the workshop, call (248) 233-4422 or email lcunningham@geshermi. org.
Photo provided by Hazel Park Recreation Department
RINGING IN THE SEASON
The holiday displays
during
ABOVE: The kids weren’t the only ones smiling — Corey Haines, the new mayor of Madison Heights, beamed brightly as he presented Santa with the key to the city.
TOP RIGHT: Also bringing the holiday cheer were The Grinch and JJ the Christmas Monkey.
BOTTOM
During the
BELOW: Members of the Hazel Park High School Band pose with McGruff the Crime Dog on the steps of City
TOP LEFT: At Hazel Park’s holiday tree lighting Nov. 25, Santa Claus was welcomed by the newly reelected Mayor Mike Webb, left, and state Rep. Mike McFall, D-Hazel Park.
BOTTOM LEFT: The trees around Hazel Park City Hall now glow brightly at night.
Hall.
RIGHT: Santa poses for a picture with Myori Brown, 5.
Photos by Liz Carnegie
LEFT:
at Civic Center Plaza were switched on
the Madison Heights holiday tree lighting at Madison Heights City Hall Nov. 24. They will continue to brighten the cold dark nights all winter.
RIGHT:
event, Santa Claus met with children such as Mila Lowry, 4.
Photos by Liz Carnegie
page 1A
mayor, Roslyn Grafstein, and former mayor pro tem, Mark Bliss, as well as David Soltis. All three chose not to run for reelection this year.
William Mier also began a new term on council, now as its mayor pro tem. He was the top vote-getter in the council race Nov. 4, followed by Aaron and then Geralds, who ran as a write-in candidate. Quinn Wright, a council member who ran for mayor against Haines, retains his seat on council.
Words of appreciation
Each of the departing members received a resolution describing their contributions.
Grafstein joined the council in 2017 and became
COUNCIL on page 8A
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Screenshot taken from Madison Heights City Council meeting broadcast
The 36th City Council of Madison Heights conducts business during its first meeting Nov. 19. New to the council are Laurie Geralds, second from left, and
Mayor Corey Haines, fifth from left. Returning to the council is Toya Aaron, far right.
Council
mayor in 2020. She has lived in the city since 2004 and is a chartered financial analyst with a degree in economics. Grafstein revived the Environmental Citizens Committee, helping to expand sustainability projects such as rain gardens and pollinator-friendly gardens while restoring the city’s tree canopy. She also led efforts to modernize the city’s zoning policies, strengthen infrastructure and support local businesses.
The resolution also noted her support for a hotel ordinance to combat human trafficking, and how she led early pandemic response efforts by securing emergency vehicle decontamination services and organizing vaccine clinics at no cost to the city or its residents.
“I’m going to miss you guys,” Grafstein told her colleagues.
Bliss first joined the council in 2013 and served as mayor pro tem for eight years under three different mayors. During his tenure, he helped navigate the city through crises such as the “great flood” of 2014, the “green ooze” incident on Interstate 696 shortly before the pandemic, and then the pandemic itself. He is a lifelong resident of Madison Heights and a third-generation homeowner who graduated from Lamphere High School.
Bliss founded both the Information Technology Advisory Committee and the Madison Heights Arts Board. The ITAC modernized the city with meeting livestreams, social media, enhanced cybersecurity and police body cameras. The Arts Board created murals around town, started the music festival Trail Tunes, and secured
grant funding for projects such as the bandshell at Civic Center Park. Bliss also chaired a Historical Commission subcommittee that renamed venues in honor of past community members, and he started a special projects fund where money is set aside each year for matching grant opportunities.
“This has been the profound honor of my life to serve on the City Council,” Bliss began, choking up at points as he thanked his dad — the late Tony Bliss — as well as mentors such as former council members Margene Scott and the late Robert Corbett.
He also praised city staff, including Melissa Marsh — “the greatest city manager we’ve ever had,” he said to applause — and other colleagues past and present, including Brian Hartwell — the current judge of the 43rd District Court in Hazel Park — who would provide a listening ear to Bliss’s “wild and crazy ideas,” as Bliss put it, back when Hartwell was the mayor of Madison Heights.
Bliss also reminded the incoming council that incremental progress through compromise is better than no progress at all.
“In my experience, the work of City Council is not about the big swing — we’re not trying to get a grand slam every time we come up here — but rather it’s about finding any way that you can to get on base and then allow our incredible staff — and our incredible network of volunteers this city was built on — to take that one idea and get it all the way across home plate,” Bliss said. “Any one small strategic choice is capable of sparking huge positive changes.”
Soltis joined the council the same year as Bliss and served just as long. His tenure was defined by advocacy helping those in need, such as senior citizens, families with children and those struggling to make ends meet.
Soltis organized bus trips to Lansing each year so that seniors could meet state lawmakers, and he supported Meals on Wheels, home assistance programs, and the development of the Active Adult Center. He championed the creation of “no hit” zones protecting children in public spaces, and he gave detailed presentations raising awareness on the effects of child abuse.
Soltis also pushed for public safety, spearheading the ordinance cracking down on drugs and human trafficking at local hotels, reinstating the city’s undercover Special Investigations Unit, and helping secure the Madison Heights Police Department with a perimeter fence.
He declined to comment that night, but others were quick to praise him.
“Councilman Soltis, I want to thank you for your unwavering support for our most vulnerable residents, and your care and compassion for our elders and our youngest residents,” Grafstein said. “Thank you for that.”
The new council
During closing comments, the new and returning council members shared their thoughts.
Haines asked Aaron to speak first.
“I want to say, now that we have concluded our first meeting as the 36th council for Madison Heights … I’m so looking forward to the next four years working with each of you,” Aaron said. “It’s a privilege to return to this seat.”
Aaron emphasized the importance of community feedback.
“Public engagements are essential to the government of our city. It’s your perspective that helps us work together, to guide and lead the city, to make recommendations to
what the city needs. I’ve heard the voices; I read the Facebook pages — I hear you. And as we move forward, I want to emphasize the work ahead of us requires a lot of collaboration, a lot of patience,” Aaron said.
“I respectfully ask the community to give this new council 100 days to assess, to organize and to implement the foundational steps needed to ensure long-term progress. We need to be able to work together,” she said. “I’m so happy the next four years are about to be the best four years Madison Heights has seen in a while.”
Mier was similarly optimistic.
“It’s a privilege and an honor to work with this group,” Mier said. “I will take this new title of mayor pro tem and make it the best two years Madison Heights has ever seen and then continue as just a plain old councilman for another two fantastic years. I’m certainly looking forward to the next four years serving with this group.”
Geralds said she appreciates how groups like the Arts Board and initiatives like the bandshell at Civic Center Park have been improving quality of life in the city.
“I also really want to thank our community right now. They are super generously stepping up for the (Madison Heights Food Pantry), in light of everything going on,” Geralds said. “I am really honored to be here. Thank you so much — I’m looking forward to working with you all.”
The new mayor wrapped up the meeting by thanking the residents.
“Honestly, none of us could be here without the support of the community,” Haines said. “It’s just overwhelming, and I just cannot thank you enough for coming out here showing your support for all of us tonight.”
Amazon
measures 15-by-8-by-5 inches. Eligible items include household products, beauty products, office supplies, some electronics and more. The service promises delivery within 60 minutes of the order being placed. The shipping cost is $4.99 per drone delivery for Prime members and $9.99 per drone for non-Prime members.
“You could wake up in the morning, realize you’re out of coffee, and if you don’t feel like leaving your house to run to the store, this drone comes to you and arrives in your backyard with the coffee like 20 minutes later,” Ghacham said.
The drone itself has received approval from the Federal Aviation Administration and features advanced technology for detecting and avoiding obstacles. Ghacham also said that the drone is “quieter than a vacuum (cleaner) upon delivery,” faster than traditional delivery and that it helps reduce road congestion.
Hazel Park City Councilman Luke Londo said he was originally against the drone delivery service.
“I was inherently skeptical and leaning ‘no.’ I was worried about the noise concerns and weight concerns and frequency of packages being delivered and what kind of data aggregation was going on at any given moment,” Londo said. “I had many legitimate concerns, not only as a council member but as someone who lives in this city who will be impacted by these drones. I was curious how it would affect my quality of life.”
He said he is more positive about the program now, after he and his fellow council members Alissa Sullivan and Andrea Washington went on a fact-finding mission in September, visiting an Amazon drone facility near Phoenix.
“They did an exemplary job not only dispelling my concerns but really conveying how well-researched and well thought out this is,” Londo said. “This is a program that Amazon has been thinking about for well over a decade. They’ve been very thoughtful and deliberate to make sure they’re minimizing the impact as much as possible.”
Londo recalled how he raised the concern about being a frequent buyer who might ship items on a regular basis, and whether
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
The drone program is for delivery of small items, arriving within one hour of placing the order.
that would inconvenience homes along the flight path to his house.
To his surprise, Amazon had already
worked out this scenario, with a system in place for detecting what it calls “high-frequency buyers,” changing up routes between
deliveries so that the drones don’t always fly past the same homes.
“I was also worried about the weight limit, but these packages don’t weigh much, and the drones can handle significantly more weight than what they’re carrying,” Londo said. “And when I asked who the clients would be, I was told what they’re seeing are people who only need the occasional small item, like a prescription or batteries — things they’d otherwise get in their car to drive to a hardware store or grocery store or pharmacy. It’s just saving a trip.”
The councilman said he appreciated Amazon taking the time to speak to the community at its event.
“I don’t want constituents to think this was a fast-paced aggressive campaign without concern for our residents in mind,” Londo said. “So, the fact (Amazon) is engaging in opportunities like this open house really shows they’re deeply invested in our community, making sure everyone is comfortable with what they’re doing.”
At press time, a start date for the delivery service had not been finalized.
Avancez
production supervisor, two material supervisors, one manufacturing engineer, and two IT specialists.
The employees are represented by the International Union, United Automobile, Aerospace and Agricultural Implement Workers of America.
“However, there is no contract in place yet, and therefore, no direction on bumping
rights,” Rovas said.
Representatives for UAW Local 155 and UAW Region 1 did not return requests for comment by press time.
Rovas also explained the timing of the one-month notice.
“Greater advance notice was not given because of the unforeseeable business circumstances provision in the WARN Act, due to the sudden and unexpected cancellation of our primary customer’s second shift,” Rovas said. “Notice was provided as soon as practicable after the customer in-
CRIME WATCH
Items stolen from Jeep
MADISON HEIGHTS — Between 5 p.m. Nov. 29 and 10 a.m. Nov. 30, an unknown suspect stole a phone and laptop from a Jeep Grand Cherokee while the vehicle was parked in the 30000 block of Winthrop Drive. The items belong to a 35-year-old Madison Heights resident.
A similar crime occurred between 8:10 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Nov. 29 in the 32000 block of John R Road. An unknown suspect entered a Jeep Wrangler by breaking out a window and stole assorted items belonging to a 55-year-old Troy resident. The suspect then entered a nearby Chevrolet Trax and stole jewelry belonging to a 17-year-old Detroit resident. Investigations were ongoing.
Tools stolen from storage
MADISON HEIGHTS — Sometime between 4:30 p.m. Nov. 23 and 10 a.m. Nov. 25, an unknown suspect entered a storage unit in the 29000 block of John R Road and stole assorted tools belonging to a 30-year-old resident of Auburn Hills. Police were investigating.
If you know more about these cases or others, call the Madison Heights Police Department at (248) 585-2100.
— Andy Kozlowski
formed Avancez of their decision.”
The customer was not specified.
“I hope all those who are impacted are able to quickly find new jobs,” said Ed Klobucher, the city manager of Hazel Park.
Earlier in the year, on Feb. 11, another automotive supplier in Hazel Park issued its own WARN notice — BorgWarner, formerly known as Akasol prior to its acquisition in 2022. Nearly 190 jobs were lost due to the company closing its Hazel Park and Warren facilities, which manufacture batteries for electric vehicles. Like Avancez, the
Hazel Park facility was at the Tri-County Commerce Center. The Warren facility was at 23950 Mound Road, Suite 300.
“I think any corporations are going to ebb and flow there over time,” said Hazel Park Mayor Mike Webb, regarding the business makeup at the Tri-County Commerce Center. “But it is still a good market for creating jobs and opportunities in the area for our residents.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
12A/ MADISON-PARK NEWS • DECEMBER 10, 2025
DEC. 13
Explore Madison Heights Heritage Rooms: See working classroom from early 1900s, antiques, political memorabilia, vintage clothing, yearbooks from all local schools, section dedicated to “hometown heroes” and more, 10 a.m.-1 p.m., lower level of Madison Heights City Hall, 300 W. 13 Mile Road, madisonheights.org/heritage
DEC. 16
Tinker Tuesday: Make holiday gifts for furry friends, 6-7 p.m., Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, free but registration encouraged, (248) 588-7763, madison-heights.org/library
DEC. 18-21
‘The Phantom Tollbooth’: Show about boy whose boredom changes to adventure thanks to mysterious package he finds in his room, performed by Stagecrafters Youth Theatre, 7 p.m. Dec. 18-19, 2 and 7 p.m. Dec. 20, and 2 p.m. Dec. 21, The Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette in Royal Oak, (248) 541-6430, info@stagecrafters.org, stagecrafters.org
ONGOING
‘No child without a Christmas’: Madison Heights Goodfellows collecting new unopened gifts and money for local families in need, donations can be dropped off at or checks mailed to Madison Heights Police Department, 280 W. 13 Mile Road
Speaker series: Includes “The Creative and Compassionate Art of Seeing Others Deeply” with cultural and
political commentator and bestselling author David Brooks at 2 p.m. Jan. 13, “Nature, Art, and Service as Medicine” with journalist and author Julia Hotz at 2 p.m. Jan. 20, and “Secrets and Second Chances” with author Liz Moore at 7 p.m. Jan. 28, Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, registration required, (248) 588-7763, see more at libraryc.org/ mhlibrary/upcoming
Book clubs: Find groups for ages 55 and older, tweens, lovers of romance novels, phycological thrillers and mysteries, LGBTQIA+ themes, fiction and nonfiction, and more, Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, find times and dates at madison-heights.org/1907/book-clubs
Fun Fridays: Games, crafts, snacks and movies, 3 p.m. every Friday, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail. com, hazel-park.lib.mi.us
Social clubs: Lego/Pokémon (6:30-7:30 p.m. every first Tuesday of month), Stitch & Knit (4-6 p.m. every first Thursday of month), Ham Radio (7:30-9 p.m. every second Wednesday of month) and various book groups, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095, hpmlibrary@gmail.com, hazel-park.lib.mi.us
Madison Heights Women’s Club meetups: 6:30 p.m. every third Monday of month, Madison Heights Fire Station # 1, 31313 Brush St., (248) 840-7189, gfwcmhwc@gmail.com
LEGAL POSTING
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE: Any person who has an interest in the real property located at 100 W. Evelyn Ave, Hazel Park, MI 48030, legally described as: T1N, R11E, SEC 35 FORD HEIGHTS SUB LOT 179, ALSO 1/2 OF VAC ALLEY ADJ TO SAME, Parcel 28-2535-427-030 is invited to attend the Nuisance Per Se hearing scheduled on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at 2:00 p.m. to be held at the Hazel Park City Hall, 111 E. Nine Mile Road, Hazel Park, MI 48030. Check in at the Building Department located on the frst foor of City Hall.
Published: Madison-Park News 12/10/2025
0081-2550
PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF HAZEL PARK
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a public hearing will be held by the Hazel Park Planning Commission at 6:30 p.m. on January 6, 2026, at 111 E. Nine Mile Rd., Hazel Park, MI 48030. This public hearing is being held in conjunction with a Special Land Use application received by the City of Hazel Park for a proposed cat adoption center and shelter at 22102 John R (Parcel #25-36-107-008). All are invited to attend these hearings and express views pertaining to these matters. Written comments may be submitted to the Hazel Park Planning Department until 4:00 p.m. on the day of the hearing. Additional information can be obtained from the Planning Department at www.hazelpark.org or by calling (248) 546-4072.
0229-2550
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.
Senior card playing: Noon-3 p.m. every Monday and Thursday, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 547-5535, facebook.com/ cityofhp
‘Re: Union’: Features new work by 30-plus artists who exhibited in 2025, 1-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Saturdays until Dec. 19 (also by appointment), Maus Haus Gallery in Color | Ink Studio & Gallery, 20919 John R Road in Hazel Park, maushausgallery@gmail.com, (248) 398-6119, maushausgallery.com/onlinepreview, colorinkstudio.com
Wild Lights: Nighttime strolls include 500-plus displays and millions of LEDs, also pop-up performances and music, Santa photos, seasonal drinks, eats and sweet treats, and more, select times and dates until Jan. 4, Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, detroitzoo.org/events/wild-lights,
Royal Oak Holidays: Free outdoor activities held each weekend until Dec. 21, downtown Royal Oak and Centennial Commons, see themes and schedule at royaloakholidays.com, read story at candgnews.com
Ice skating: Open daily from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays, noon-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-11 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays until Jan. 4, The Rink at Royal Oak in Centennial Commons, 221 E.
Third St., therinkatroyaloak.com
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
Ice skating: Regular hours run 5-8 p.m. Fridays, noon-8 p.m. Saturdays and noon-7 p.m. Sundays, plus holiday hours added/extended from noon-8 p.m. Dec. 22, 23, 26, 29 and 30 and Jan. 2, Warren City Square outside City Hall, 1 City Square, facebook. com/warrenparks
Published: Madison-Park News 12/10/2025
CITY OF MADISON HEIGHTS, OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN AMENDMENT TO THE CODE OF ORDINANCES
NOTICE:
Ordinance No. 2208 was adopted by the City Council after the second reading at the City Council meeting of November 10th, 2025. Synopsis of said Ordinance is as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 2208
AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCE 571, BEING AN ORDINANCE CODIFYING AND ADOPTING A NEW CODE OF ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF MADISON HEIGHTS BY AMENDING CHAPTER 10, SECTION 10-1, OF THE CODE OF ORDINANCES, CITY OF MADISON HEIGHTS, MICHIGAN, TO APPROVE PRECINCT BOUNDARY DESCRIPTIONS, POLLING LOCATIONS, AND PRECINCT NUMBERS FOR THE CITY OF MADISON HEIGHTS
Ordinance 2208 will take effect December 10, 2025. A full copy of the Ordinance is available on the City’s website at www.madison-heights.org.
Cheryl E. Rottmann, MMC
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