WB officials preview general fund for 2026
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
WEST BLOOMFIELD — During its meeting Dec. 1, the West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees reviewed plans for the 2026 budget’s general fund.
It was the last meeting before a proposal would be presented for approval. Leading the budget presentation was Allison Broihier, the township’s budget and pension manager. She noted there are 32 funds, $132.5 million in estimated revenue and more than $165 million in expenses. She highlighted how the expenses for 2026 are expected to be much higher than those in 2025.
“Part of the reason for that is the township has two funds for Parks and Recreation — debt service and capital bonds,” Broihier said. “They will be spending approximately $25 million (between) those two funds for the new Community Connect Building, as well as making $1.7 million in debt service payments next year. Overall, spending is up.”
Also contributing to the increase in the budget are the elections planned for 2026.
ABOVE: The Metro Detroit Police and Fire Pipes and Drums perform during the Project Blue Light ceremony honoring fallen first responders at St. Mary Magdalen Church in Hazel Park Dec. 2. Their performance included a poignant rendition of “Amazing Grace.”
LEFT: Debbie Swofford, event organizer, places a flower on the Project Blue Light wreath. One can show support for police and fire this winter by placing a blue light and red light, respectively, in their front window.
Photos by Liz Carnegie
SECOND FRONT PAGE
Officials sworn onto Farmington Hills City Council
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
FARMINGTON HILLS — Newly elected and reelected officials were sworn into office Nov. 24, just before the Farmington Hills City Council meeting.
Those sworn in thanked voters for entrusting them with their role on council. This includes Michael Bridges, who was reelected to a fifth term.
“I take this responsibility quite seriously,” Bridges said. “I recognize my role on council is to represent you. I will do my best over the next four years to do just that … (and to ensure) that Farmington Hills remains a great city for us all, remains fiscally responsible with a AAA bond rating, maintains our ‘safe city’ designation, and that we have a high quality of life in our city.”
See COUNCIL on page 6A
Our next edition will come to homes Dec. 17. Stay current by
DEALING WITH HOLIDAY DEPRESSION
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — ‘Tis the season to be jolly, as the saying goes. But for individuals struggling with depression, the holidays can be an especially difficult time.
“It’s really common for people to feel the holiday blues,” said Asha Shajahan, a primary care physician specializing in family medicine at Corewell Health in Novi.
Ibrahim Sablaban, a psychiatrist with Metropolitan Behavioral Health — also part of Corewell Health — described two types of depression: clinical and non-clinical.
Clinical depression, Sablaban said, is a state where “things have gone awry (and) life has become nonfunc-
tional,” while non-clinical depression is when one experiences a “depressed mood or feeling down (that) may not be a clinical illness but could be something to address.”
The holidays can exacerbate both conditions and be particularly challenging if a person has recently experienced the death of a loved one.
“It’s a time where you see everyone is happy and joyful, and sometimes you don’t feel the same way,” Shajahan said. “There is the unrealistic expectation of perfection and joy that we put on ourselves.”
Sablaban agreed.
“Set realistic expectations for yourself,” Sablaban said. “Don’t oversell what the experience might be.”
DEPRESSION on page 13A
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Charlie Starkman is sworn in as a new member of the Farmington Hills City Council
Nov. 24.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Shutterstock image
Depression around the holiday season is common, according to Asha Shajahan, a primary care physician at Corewell Health. Volunteering to help those in need can lessen feelings of isolation and helplessness.
Novi discussing sister-city relationship with Nagahama, Japan
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
The city of Novi is currently looking into the possibility of a sister-city relationship with Nagahama in Japan.
“It’s similar to Novi in terms of size, and that’s a large part of it. They also don’t actively have a relationship with a community in Michigan,” City Manager Victor Cardenas said. “It’s like you’re at the school dance and you’re trying to figure out if you want to dance together or not.”
Mayor Justin Fischer and Cardenas recently visited the city, which is located within Michigan’s sister state of Shiga, during the Midwest Japan Conference, which was also attended by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer.
“We have a very strong relationship with Japan. We have the most Japanese residents living and or residing in Novi for the whole state of Michigan,” said Cardenas.
Cardenas said that the sister city would
benefit residents by further strengthening the city’s already strong relationship with and knowledge of Japan.
He said the city also hosts Japanese government officials for about a week each year. During their time here, Cardenas said, they show them how a typical Midwest city government runs.
“It’s just being able to provide that kind of environment where when they come here, they have the amenities of home that makes them feel at home when they are across the globe,” Cardenas said.
He said that he hopes through this process they can build a relationship where residents will have the opportunity to go to Nagahara to learn about Japanese culture and Nagahara residents will have the opportunity to come to Novi to learn about American culture.
“It is very important given the large presence of Japanese population as well as
See JAPAN on page 6A
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
West Bloomfield artist exhibits at Wright Museum
METRO DETROIT — Larry Green, of West Bloomfield, is currently showcasing two of his paintings at the Charles H. Wright Museum, located at 315 E. Warren Ave. in Detroit.
The exhibit is titled, “Luminosity: A Detroit Arts Gathering.” The pieces on display are “The Spirit of Detroit: The Bloom of Inner Great-ness” and “Splash, The Simple Joy of a Child.” They will remain on display through July 2026.
New principal named at North Farmington High School
FARMINGTON — Crystal Ballard has been named the new principal at North Farmington High School. She started the role Dec. 1.
Farmington School District Superintendent Kelly Coffin said that Ballard has been deeply involved with comprehensive school improvement efforts, expanded professional learning programs and advanced postsecondary readiness initiatives. In addition, Ballard has organized instructional coaching teams and helped secure grant funding. She was most recently the principal at Hopkins High School in Minnetonka, Minn.
“We are excited for her to lead the next chapter at NFHS,” Coffin said.
The Road Commission honors deceased
worker
SOUTHFIELD — Cedric Jones was recently honored by the Road Commission of Oakland County with the renaming of the Southfield Highway maintenance garage after him.
Jones was killed in July while working on Orchard Lake Road. An SUV crossed the median while Jones and his fellow crewmembers were working there, striking him.
In addition to the name change, the Cedric L. Jones Garage displays a plaque honoring Jones’ life and legacy. There is also a tree at the garage dedicated to his fellow crew members Robert Dinkins and George Thomas, who were seriously injured during the accident.
“It’s an honor to be part of the effort to preserve the memory of our colleague, Cedric Jones, and to recognize the sacrifices that our coworkers George and Robert have both made,” said Dennis Kolar, managing director of RCOC, in a statement.
— Gena Johnson
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s football wins back-to-back Division 2 state titles
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
DETROIT — Orchard Lake St. Mary’s won the MHSAA Division 2 state title in a 51-14 victory over Dexter on Nov. 28 at Ford Field.
The 51-point performance in the finals was the highest point total that the Orchard Lake St. Mary’s offense had scored all season. OLSM junior quarterback Jabin Gonzales led the team with over 100 yards rushing and 300 yards passing.
“It was good to be able to use my legs more,” Gonzales said. “I hadn’t been able to, due to some injuries earlier in the year, so I was glad that I could hurt the defense with my arm and my legs.”
The title capped off a dominant postseason run by the team.
Detroit Catholic Central football completes perfect season with D1 state title
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
DETROIT — Detroit Catholic Central defeated Detroit Cass Tech 42-19 on Nov. 30 at Ford Field in the Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 1 state championship football game.
The final score shows a comfortable victory for Detroit Catholic Central, but the first half was much closer until a DCC touchdown before halftime.
“We knew, obviously, they were going to be a great team,” Detroit Catholic Central senior lineman Benny Eziuka said. “Defense played great in the first half. Offense was a little slower than we would’ve wanted but got the touchdown before the half.”
That momentum carried throughout the rest of the game. The 23-point margin of victory is the largest in a Division 1 title match since 2020.
“In the second half, the defense started forcing some turnovers and the offense started pouring it on,” Eziuka said. “It just became a whole team effort to get the win.”
After back-to-back undefeated regular seasons, the expectations surrounding Detroit Catholic Central were high, and have been high for more than a calendar year. However, the team didn’t allow the hype to weigh on the players.
ABOVE: The Orchard Lake St. Mary’s football team celebrates Nov. 28 at Ford Field in Detroit with the MHSAA Division 2 trophy after its 51-14 win over Dexter.
LEFT: Camari Patterson does a back flip after winning the state title.
Photos by Erin Sanchez
Council
from page 3A
Valerie Knol was reelected to her fourth term.
“I will continue to work hard,” Knol said. “Some of my goals are to keep the city safe, (and) continue to support redevelopment of our commercial areas. When redevelopment is in residential areas, I will make sure it is compatible. I will continue to fight for that, as well as continue to have a responsible budget and keep taxes down, (and) ensure that we have a high quality of life.”
Charlie Starkman is newly elected to the council. This was his first time running for a seat.
“It was a very inspiring experience to run for office,” Starkman said. “My goal is to be as transparent and open as possible with everyone. … I hope to make you proud as your councilman.”
Theresa Rich, the mayor of Farmington Hills, won her reelection bid by more than 59% of the vote. The mayoral term is for two years, with a four-year term limit.
In a previous interview, Rich said, “I am extremely grateful to the voters of Farmington Hills for affirming that the city is on a great track and that they support my leadership.”
the 70-plus companies that call Novi home, “ Fischer said. “I think it is important for the leader of the city to have that in-home understanding of the culture.”
Fischer said that they were able to meet with local and government officials and encourage their businesses in Japan to consider Novi, as well as Oakland County and Michigan, as the premier places to go because of the diverse, hardworking workforce and the large auto industry.
See JAPAN on page 9A
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Other highlights of the council meeting included Councilman Jon Aldred lauding the Farmington Hills Special Services Department for its efforts creating and facilitating the city’s 192 summer camps, which were attended by nearly 5,000 participants.
“This is more camps than Novi, West Bloomfield, Northville and Southfield combined,” he said. “It is not only appreciated by our families, (but) it is revenue generated for the city.”
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
Photo provided by Justin Fischer
Novi Mayor Justin Fischer, Novi City Manager Victor Cardenas and Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer were among several state dignitaries to visit the Daifuku plant in Japan in September. The company also has a plant in Novi.
from page 4A
TOP: Patrick Dunn, administrator for the 48th District Court, presents the court’s 2026 budget at a Dec. 1 meeting of the West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees.
ABOVE: Allison Broihier, West Bloomfield’s budget and pension manager, reviews the general fund in the township’s proposed budget for 2026, including estimated expenses and revenues.
Fund
from page 1A
Larger elections require more planning, staffing and budgeting, said the township clerk, Debbie Binder, at a special budget meeting Nov. 12. She said when comparing budgets, it is important to compare expenditures in similar election years.
“This year, we had one small election that we didn’t know we had at the start of the year. So, we’re going to look at planning, staffing and budgeting for one small election,” Binder said. “Next year, we know right away we’re going to have two large elections. In a presidential year, we know we are going to have three large elections, and possibly a fourth.”
West Bloomfield also partially funds the 48th District Court, in collaboration with Birmingham and Bloomfield Township. Patrick Dunn, the court’s administrator, presented the court’s budget for 2026.
“In the last year, we have received another rise in caseloads,” Dunn said. “We are anticipating with certainty that we are going to surpass 32,000 cases for the year.”
The court serves West Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake and Sylvan Lake. Six of the seven communities have seen a rise in traffic tickets from the previous year, according to Dunn. Traffic tickets account for the highest number of court cases.
Thus far, Birmingham has seen a decrease in traffic
Screen captures from Dec. 1 meeting broadcast See FUND on page 15A
SPOTLIGHT ON FAMILY BUSINESS
Family businesses share experience, secrets to longevity
BY MARY GENSON genson@candgnews.com
The Detroit area is filled with familyowned businesses that take pride in their work and build meaningful connections within the community.
As such they are crucial to the economy on a local, national and global level. According to the Conway Center for Family Businesses, 59% of the country’s employment is generated by family businesses, defined as those where two or more people from the same family own a majority stake.
Like every business venture, family businesses have their own set of pros and cons when it comes to running operations.
Keeping connection and history within the family
Matt Klopp, store manager at G.A. Fuchs Church Supply in Troy, owns the business with his brother, Greg. They are the third family to own the company since it opened in 1919.
“It’s a long-standing family business, and I love it. I wouldn’t trade it for the world,” Klopp said.
He said owning the business with his brother has made it easier to keep in touch regularly.
“It is nice to have something that we can all do together and have something that bonds us,” Klopp said.
Because G.A. Fuchs Church Supply is run by a family, Klopp said that they highly value the connections they make with customers and employees.
“Even if they’re not part of our blood family, they’re still our family,” Klopp said.
Joe Allemon is in the third generation of Allemon’s at Allemon’s Landscape Center on Mack Avenue in Detroit — a business his grandfather started in 1929. Now, Allemon’s children operate the business, and sometimes, his grandchildren help out as well.
Allemon said the biggest benefit of running a family business is “the privilege of being able to work with family members.” He
ABOVE: Joe Allemon Sr., father of Joe Allemon, on furlough in 1942 during World War II.
LEFT: Fourth- and fifth-generation Allemons at work at Allemon’s Landscape Center on Mack Avenue in Detroit.
Photos provided by Joe Allemon
Japan
page 6A
Fischer and Cardenas said that they enjoyed the trip to Japan, particularly hearing from so many people who had heard of Novi or who had a connection with the city.
“We met with a lot of groups. It was interesting to hear them say to the governor or to County Executive (David) Coulter, ‘Oh yeah, I have visited Novi,’ or ‘I have family that has visited Novi’. So, it shows how well respected Novi is in Japan and how well known it is,” Fischer said. “It seemed like every time we turned around, they were talking about Novi.”
The relationship between Novi and Japan began in the late 1970s as a result of the expansion of companies within the auto industry, according to Cardenas.
“As those companies started to grow, the word kind of got out to come to Novi. I think it’s the safety, the security and the environment that has been built. The infrastructure of restaurants and grocery stores and the Japanese day school Ringo Kai. All of those things kind of play in together, in addition with our partners with the Japan America Society and with the Japanese Business Society, all of those things kind of just play into and build that support and builds the attraction for people to come in and work and live here,” Cardenas said.
Cardenas said that during their trip to Japan, they met people with connections to Novi everywhere they went.
Novi has an inactive sister-city relationship with Owani in Japan. Cardeans said that the relationship has not been active for a few decades because when the relationship was established, the two cities were both very small. Novi has since grown into a large city, but Owani has not; hence, the relationship became dormant.
Cardenas said there is no formal way to his knowledge of ending the relationship with Owani. He said to start a sister-city relationship, they usually start with a friendship agreement and then go on to a sister relationship. There is no set length of time to acquire the relationship, but both cities must be in agreement.
“Personally, I’d like to see us establish something within the year, but I can’t say there’s a typical length of time,” Fischer said.
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
“This team is just different. … We knew we were going to be good and we knew we were going to be the best,” Eziuka said. “We didn’t let anything phase us. We were confident but didn’t get cocky about it. … We had one goal in mind.”
The goal was to win the state title, and that’s been the goal for each of the last two years.
“We had a lot of seniors from last year reaching out and encouraging us. … They should’ve gone out with a state title,” Eziuka said. “We really wanted to do it for them because they really brought our program back to what it’s supposed to be: The best program in the state.”
The 2025 championship was a rematch of the 2024 MHSAA Division 1 semifinals, where Detroit Cass Tech beat Catholic Central 17-14 before going on to win the Division 1 title.
“We believed we were a better football team than them last year,” Detroit Catholic Central head coach Justin Cessante said. “We thought if we played them five times last year that we would’ve beat them four. … But we didn’t prove it the day we needed to prove it.”
Cass Tech and DCC are two of the best and most historic programs in Michigan. Both teams were undefeated going into the final and have a combined nine Division 1 titles just since 1999.
“We talked all year that we wanted Cass Tech in the state championship,” Cessante said. “We didn’t want an easy way out. We wanted everyone to be at their best and healthy so that we can go out there and see who the best football team is.”
It’s safe to say that Catholic Central was the best football team in the state in 2025. A 14-0 record, state title, a Catholic League Central Division title over Division 2 state champion Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, and blowout performances seemingly every week. In fact, the 42-19 state title game was the closest game the team played all postseason.
“We have a football team with a lot of really good football players,” Cessante said. “The offense was the most explosive offense, statistically, in Catholic Central history, and our defense lived up to our tradition of the ‘Brick Wall’ defense.”
Catholic Central has now had backto-back undefeated regular seasons and is poised to be one of the best teams in the state again in 2026.
“One thing is how you handle success.
Don’t forget the process of what got us here,” Cessante said. “That’s playing for something bigger than yourself. The bottom line is, we’re going to get back to work.”
This is Detroit Catholic Central’s 11th state title since 1978, and according to the school, is the program’s 15th in its history. This is the first DCC football title since 2009 and is Cessante’s first as head coach of the team.
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
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Detroit Catholic Central players celebrate after a 42-19 state championship victory over Detroit Cass Tech on Nov 30 at Ford Field. For more photos from the title game, visit candgnews.com/galleries.
from page 8A
sees his sons at work every day, and even his grandkids from time to time, which he said he does not take for granted.
The family business has also provided the opportunity to keep history alive at Allemon’s Landscape Center.
“It gives them a chance to hear the history that I remember and that I retained from my grandfather, who started this business,” Allemon said.
Allemon said the business has gone through several changes in the almost 100 years it has been operating. Passing on stories and history allows for the opportunity to compare and contrast the past and present.
The struggles of a family business
Though both family business owners have many positive things to say about the experience of running things, there are a few obstacles that can come up in a long-standing family business.
Klopp said he wears a lot of hats as a business owner, meaning he is hands on with everything having to do with the business.
“Sometimes it can get overwhelming,
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Photo provided by Matt Klopp Matt Klopp is the co-owner of G.A. Fuchs Church Supply in Troy. See FAMILY on page 14A
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
12A/WEST BLOOMFIELD BEACON • DECEMBER 10, 2025
DEC. 10
‘Chasing the Aurora Beyond the 45th Parallel’: Author and Michigan Aurora Chasers founder Melissa F. Kaelin discusses how to view Northern Lights locally, 6:30-8 p.m., West Bloomfield Township Public Library - Westacres Branch, 7321 Commerce Road, (248) 363-4022, wblib.org
DEC. 11
Holiday Magic with Santa & Mrs. Claus: Take free family photo (bring own camera), also free holiday treat (while supplies last), 3:30-6:30 p.m., Open Door Thrift Store, 7140 Cooley Lake Road in Waterford Township, (248) 360-4977
DEC. 11 & 18
Caregiver support group for men: Free sessions from 1-2 p.m., Jewish Family Service, 6555 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield, register at bseelbach@jfsdetroit. org or (248) 592-2655
DEC. 12 & 14
‘Christmas Dreams’ concert: Hear joyful music and narration of Christmas story, 7 p.m. Dec. 12 and 4 p.m Dec. 14, Orchard Lake Community Church, 5171 Commerce Road, (248) 682-0730, olccp.com
DEC. 13
Shop Small Maker Mart: Features Michigan-made
artisans and businesses, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., West Bloomfield Township Public Library - Main Branch, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, (248) 682-2120, events@wblib. org, wblib.org/shop
DEC. 16
Optimist Club of West Bloomfield meeting: Hear from Robert Brooks about being a member on charter school board, 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, facebook.com/westbloomfieldoptimist
DEC. 17
Balance, Fall Risks and Brain Health: Physical therapist Brittany Denis discusses how to prevent falls, improve balance and confidence, and enhance brain health, 1-2:30 p.m., Jewish Family Service, 6555 W. Maple Road in West Bloomfield, register at (248) 788-6463 or mindu@jfsdetroit.org
DEC. 20
Winter concert: Performance by children’s entertainer Kevin Devine, 11 a.m.-noon, West Bloomfield Township Public Library - Main Branch, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, (248) 682-2120, wblib.org
DEC. 31
Enchanted Skate: 7:30-9:30 p.m., Riley Park Ice Rink,
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.
33113 Grand River Ave. in Farmington, facebook. com/rileyparkicerink
ONGOING
Orchard Lake Museum open houses: See permanent exhibits that interpret local history and culture at home of Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society, 1-4 p.m. every third Friday of month, also special event programming on select dates, 3951 Orchard Lake Road, free but donations appreciated, (248) 757-2451, gwbhs.org
Holiday market: Find handcrafted items created by artists with special needs, program run by Dresner Foundation Soul Studio inside Friendship Circle Farber Center in West Bloomfield, shop online through Dec. 31, gallery.friendshipcircle.org
‘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 until Dec. 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 some Thursdays and all Fridays-Sundays until Dec. 28, Glenlore
Trails, 3860 Newtown Road in Commerce Township, glenloretrails.com
Farmers market: 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from May-December and Saturdays from January-April, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford Township, ocmarket@oakgov.com, (248) 858-5495, www.oakgov.com/community/ oakland-county-parks/parks-trails/farmers-market
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
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
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
Depression
Instead, prioritize the small things that matter and bring joy to your life, such as a conversation you had with someone where both of you were engaged and enjoyed the encounter. It doesn’t have to be the centerpiece of the event.
“Try to savor and cherish (the experience) and appreciate those for what they are,” Sablaban said.
To improve your mood, both doctors recommend staying away from alcohol and drinking plenty of water while eating a variety of fruits and vegetables.
The holidays can be filled with excitement and unpredictability, so it’s important to ground oneself by maintaining a routine.
“You want to make sure the ebb and flow of life is very consistent for you,” Sablaban said.
Get plenty of sleep each night — seven or eight hours.
Wake up and go to bed at a consistent time and exercise regularly each day. The doctors also recommend getting outside during daylight, which helps elevates one’s mood. If getting outside during the day is not an option, Shajahan suggests trying a lux lamp rated at 10,000 lux of light.
“It basically mimics the natural daylight that helps regulate your mood and circadian rhythm,” she said. “This is a way of getting sun therapy without the harmful UV rays.”
Practice self-care by taking time to do things you enjoy. Being kind to yourself also includes avoiding situations that cause too much stress. Managing your spending habits and social commitments is also key.
“I think it’s really important to say ‘no’ to things,” Shajahan said. “I think we’re so used to trying to please everyone and saying ‘yes,’ and then over-extending ourselves.”
But don’t remain isolated; instead, give back and volunteer.
“Spending time with people who are in need can help with feelings of hopelessness and social isolation,” Shajahan said.
The rates of suicide and depression rise during the holidays, with more people reporting their mood worsening during this time Sablaban said.
Many holiday songs and movies promote family togetherness and romance, which might be why people report an increased feeling of loneliness during the holidays.
“Half of adults under the age of 35 actually say they feel very lonely during the holidays,” Sablaban said.
If these strategies don’t yield results and the feeling of depression continues, you may want to seek help from a doctor, both physicians said.
Sablaban said those without insurance can access programs through religious organizations and independent clinics. If a person needs immediate help and thinks they may harm themselves or others, they can go to the emergency department of a hospital.
“They can get evaluated, assessed and receive appropriate treatment in an emergency capacity without being turned away,” Sablaban said.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
Warm up this winter with Waltonwood...
Family
from page 11A
trying to play a role in every single aspect of the business,” Klopp said.
G.A. Fuchs Church Supply is closed on Sundays in order to give employees a guaranteed break every week to spend quality time with family.
While Klopp said this is a decision that he values, he can see how it could be considered a drawback from both a customer side and the business side.
When running a family business, Allemon said it is important to keep business and work talk at a minimum at home.
“Believe me, it always doesn’t happen that way,” Allemon said. “But it’s a goal that you kind of set to keep work at work.”
The
secrets
to the longevity of a family business
Allemon said the key to running a family business is communication and the ability to work through the tougher times.
“When times are good, things are easy,” Allemon said. “When the tougher times are
Matt Klopp, left, and Greg Klopp, right, are the owners of G.A. Fuchs Church Supply.
there, that’s when it really comes down to brass tacks.”
Klopp said it is important to “love what you do.”
Though that advice can apply to anything, he said, “With a family business in particular, if you don’t love it, it can get really overwhelming,” Klopp said.
Fortunately, Klopp said he loves what he does.
Call Staff Writer Mary Genson at (586) 498-1095.
1. Synopsis of the Special Interview meeting on: Monday, December 1, 2025
2. Emergency Adoption of Ordinance No. C-760-B to Amend Chapter 19, Titled Secondhand Goods, to Add Article III, Precious Metal and Gem Dealer, Sections 19-31 to 19-70
The above Synopsis and Ordinance shall be posted (in their entirety) at the following locations:
(1) Offce of the Township Clerk
4550 Walnut Lake Road
(2) Township’s website: www.wbtownship.org
Debbie Binder Township Clerk
Published: West Bloomfeld Beacon 12/10/2025
Photo provided by Matt Klopp
Fund
tickets; however, the year is not over, yet he noted. He added that general civil cases are also on the rise.
“Those cases are really significant, because they involve multiple parties … (and) a lot of court hearings,” Dunn said.
He attributes the increase in general civil cases to changes in the no-fault amendments that occurred in 2021.
“They are pretty complex cases. So, that significant rise has really affected court operations over the last year,” Dunn said.
Adding to the complexity is that the lawsuits are being initiated by providers of medical insurance versus the injured party.
“Before, they were primarily brought by the injured party,” Dunn said. “Now, the provider of medical services — whether it’s a chiropractic company, pain specialist, whatever kind of doctor or physicians’ office — can be assigned the rights of those benefits by the patient and seek to recover for medical services that they have provided through an insured party.”
West Bloomfield makes up more than 33% of the court cases, second to Birmingham with nearly 41% of cases and exceeding Bloomfield Township with 26% of cases.
The proposed budget requested by the court was just more than $1.7 million for 2026 — just shy of $427,000 per quarter.
The trustees unanimously agreed to receive and file the budget presentations with a vote of 7-0. All trustees were present.
Three previous public budget meetings were held in September, October and November. Residents were invited to share their input. Each of the 32 funds were discussed.
At each budget meeting, the board members present voted unanimously to receive and file. At press time, the board had not voted on the township’s 2026 budget but was expected to do so at the Dec. 8 meeting.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
Christmas DREAMS
By Joseph M. Martin and Heather Sorenson
The closest matchup OLSM had in the playoffs was a 35-14 win over Brother Rice in the District Finals. Every other matchup, before the State Finals, was either a 42-7 final or a 35-7 final.
“The first time we played Brother Rice (this season) we lost. That was kind of an eye-opener for us,” Gonzales said. “From there we took off. We got so much better over the next couple of weeks. We had that momentum and kept it throughout the whole playoffs and into the championship.”
Gonzales, the son of OLSM head coach Jermaine Gonzales, is one of the premier quarterbacks in the state and led the team to an average of 37.5 points a game in the 2025 season.
“Offensively, we could do anything. We could beat you on the ground or beat you in the air,” Jabin Gonzales said. “It was our versatility. … Being able to adapt to any game plan or team is what really separated us this year.”
Gonzales, with still a year left in his high school career, said the locker room is already focusing on a three-peat, which Orchard Lake St. Mary’s hasn’t done since 2016 at the Division 3 level.
“We set the bar pretty high,” Gonzales said. “We got to win it again. … ‘State championship or bust’ is our mindset.”
The defense was also a focal point in this year’s state championship game and throughout the season. The team only allowed more than 21 points twice on the year and didn’t allow more than 14 the entire postseason.
“Our defense was up for the challenge,” head coach Jermaine Gonzales said. “We had a good week of practice going over what (Dexter) does well. … I thought our boys played well and made plays.”
The program ends 2025 with an 11-2 record, but a runner-up finish in the uber-competitive Catholic High School League Central Division. Detroit Catholic Central went a perfect 14-0 and won the Division 1 state title over Cass Tech on Nov. 30 at Ford Field.
The turnaround that OLSM has seen over the last two seasons has been phenomenal. The program went 3-6 in 2023, and before 2024 it hadn’t recorded even a seven-win season since 2019. Now, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s has state titles in 2024 and 2025 with backto-back 11-win seasons.
“We made some changes in the staff after that year (2023),” Gonzales said. “I brought on some guys that really brought a lot to the table. … The boys bought into what we were trying to do and (the players) will only get better and better.”
This title is also special to Jermaine Gonzales because it’s the first year that every player has joined the program since his hiring four years ago.
“This group is definitely special for me because this senior class
& G Newspapers publishes 21
Reporter:
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
SPORTS SHORTS
WB tennis coach receives state’s top honor
WEST BLOOMFIELD — The West Bloomfield School District recently announced that Chris Ludwig, the varsity tennis coach at West Bloomfield High School, has been named the Michigan Tennis Coach of the Year for Division 1 high schools.
The award is given annually by the Michigan High School Tennis Coaches Association.
Ludwig has been coaching the girls and boys varsity tennis teams at WBHS for seven years.
Oakland County Football Club to host open tryouts
AUBURN HILLS — Oakland County Football Club will be hosting an open tryout from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Dec. 27, at Evolution Sportsplex in Auburn Hills.
The tryout will give players an opportunity to make the OCFC roster in 2026, with the chance to play in the United Soccer League’s USL2 and the Midwest Premier League.
OCFC has established itself as one of the top developmental paths in the state of Michigan by providing a plethora of opportunities to young soccer players looking to take the next step on the pitch.
is the first class that came in with me,” Gonzales said. “They went through the ups and downs to get to this point. … To see our goals come to life is a great feeling.”
This is the eighth state championship in Orchard Lake St. Mary’s history. The program has won two at the Division 2 level, three at the Division 3 level, and another two as a Division 4 program.
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties:
| (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com
For ad rates (586) 498-8100
and Obits: (586) 498-1099
Most of the players in the USL2 are collegiate athletes who are looking to get playing time in the summer months. There are exceptions, with standout high school players and some older players also getting opportunities. It’s a popular league for professional teams to scout for young talent.
In order to try out, all players must register. Visit oaklandcountyfc.com and click ‘Register’ on the homepage. There are limited spots available.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
OLSM head football coach Jermaine Gonzales holds the state trophy. For more photos from the championship game, visit candgnews.com/galleries.
— GENA JOHNSON
— SCOTT BENTLEY
West Bloomfeld Beacon
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