12/17/25 Royal Oak Review

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM

Alec Speshock appointed seventh member of Clawson City Council

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0327-2551

DECEMBER 17, 2025 Vol. 23, No. 29

Julie Selonke, right, a professional chef and graduate of the Culinary Studies Institute at Oakland Community College, shares a moment with a student. “I fell in love with teaching as much as I fell in love with food,” Selonke said.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

See COUNCIL on page 10A

Chefs share tips for entertaining during holidays

BY GENA JOHNSON

gjohnson@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — The holidays are a time to eat, drink and be merry.

To make the most of the season, the Culinary Studies Institute at Oakland Community College — Royal Oak shared tips on how to make holiday entertaining enjoyable for both guests and the host.

“I believe love is incorporated into the

food,” said Angelica Galeana, 24, a longtime cook and first-semester student at the Culinary Institute. “If you’re cooking and you’re in a bad mood, it’s not going to come out right.”

A favorite for her holiday dinners and celebrations are pozoles, a traditional Mexican stew. Galeana said green pozoles are from southern Mexico near Acapulco and typically made with chicken while red See CHEFS on page 6A

LEFT: Mike Dakoske prepares for an event at Oakland Community College in Royal Oak. The first-semester student has more than 30 years of culinary industry experience and believes that school is important for his career growth.

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CLAWSON — Clawson held a special City Council meeting Dec. 8 to interview applicants for the vacant spot on the City Council previously held by now-Mayor Susan Moffitt, and when the time came for a decision, the council unanimously chose Alec Speshock.

The candidates up for consideration also included Scott Manning and Glenn Shepard. William Speshock Renshaw was supposed to be interviewed but did not show up to the Dec. 8 special meeting. All four candidates ran in the City Council election in November but were not elected.

Speshock has been a resident of Clawson for four years and has been working with the city for two years, according to his application.

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ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 17, 2025

Community lights up for Corwell Health Children’s TOP RIGHT: Participants shine their lights up to the pediatric patients at Corewell Health Children’s on the first night of Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Families enjoy the cold weather together.

FAR LEFT: Corewell Health Children’s patients shine their flashlights to the crowd from the hospital windows.

Photos by Erin Sanchez

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SECOND FRONT PAGE New parking meter installation is underway in downtown RO

Our next edition will come to homes Jan. 14.

Stay current by visiting candgnews.com.

3A/ ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 17, 2025

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN

Royal Oak announces Joe Gacioch is no longer city manager

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN

tchristensen@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — The city’s changes to its parking system are slated to be complete

by Jan. 2, installing what it believes will be easy-to-use parking meters, signage and a new payment app.

The new Flowbird meters are replacing the old Municipal Parking System meters, which caused some upset with residents and visitors throughout the years they were in service.

“Royal Oak is upgrading to Flowbird pay stations and a new mobile app from ParkMobile to improve and enhance the parking experience for users,” according to the city’s website, romi.gov. “The new system provides more convenient payment options and uses new pay-by-plate technology, making it easier to park, pay, and stay downtown.”

Work on the meters began Dec. 1, with the meter delivery and initial installation on East Fourth Street.

On Dec. 17, meters are scheduled to be installed on South Troy Street, and on Dec. 18, they are scheduled to be installed on North Main Street.

“The whole point of this is to make this transition as seamless as possible, and that’s exactly how we are executing it,” City ComSee METER on page 13A

tchristensen@candgnews.com

Photo provided by Judy Davids

Flowbird placed this trial parking meter located in City Hall, 203 S. Troy St.

ROYAL OAK — The city of Royal Oak announced on Dec. 9 that Joe Gacioch will no longer serve as the city manager.

Gacioch served as the city manager for just under a year, and his reason for leaving is not being publicized, according to Royal Oak Communications Director Kara Sokol.

Gacioch was chosen as the new city manager on Oct. 15, 2024.

Prior to being the city manager of Royal Oak, Gacioch served as the city manager of Ferndale for about five years, and he had worked for Ferndale since 2012.

“City leaders said that they appreciate the contributions Gacioch made during his one-year tenure and they wish him the best in his fuFile photo by Patricia O’Blenes Joe Gacioch poses for a photo Oct. 23, ture endeavors,” Sokol said in 2024, shortly before leaving Ferndale a prepared statement.

At the Dec. 8 City Comto become Royal Oak’s city manager. mission meeting, officials unanimously decided to end the employment agreement with Gacoich, with no further discussion.

An interim leadership team was unanimously approved at the

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4A/ ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 17, 2025

Dylan Carlin as King Azaz, Avery Herman as Mathemagician, Luke Rogers as Humbug, Luca Perrelli as Milo, Abby McKissen as Tock, Malia Reid as Princess Rhyme, and Maeve Roesse as Princess Reason will perform in “The Phantom Tollbooth.”

Lions fans perk up for Stephen Tulloch

The Phantom Tollbooth at Stagecrafters ROYAL OAK — The Stagecrafters youth theater will be performing “The Phantom Tollbooth” Dec. 18-21 at the Baldwin Theater, 415 S. Lafayette Ave. in Royal Oak. The story follows Milo, who has a lot of toys, games and books, but nothing really interests him, according to stagecrafters.org.

One day a mysterious package arrives and changes his life forever.

OAKLAND COUNTY FOOTBALL CLUB TO HOST OPEN TRYOUTS

“The Phantom Tollbooth” is presented in accordance with Concord Theatricals on behalf of Samuel French Inc. Showtimes include 7 p.m., Dec. 18-19, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 20, and 2 p.m. Dec. 21.

Tickets cost $15 for youth and adults plus a $3 per ticket fee online, at the door, or by phone. For more information visit stagecrafters.org.

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.

Former Detroit Lions linebacker Stephen Tulloch launched his premium coffee and signed autographs at the Kroger on 23 Mile Road in Shelby Township Dec. 13, pictured, then was scheduled to do the same later that day at the Kroger on 12 Mile Road in Royal Oak. Each bag of coffee sold will help The Stephen Tulloch Foundation, which provides resources, mentorship and educational opportunities to young people.

Photos by Erin Sanchez

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.

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.

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ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 17, 2025

WILD LIGHTS SHINING AMID THE EARLY SNOW

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN

tchristensen@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — The Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights is having a successful start to the holiday season with new sculptures and experiences added to the walk.

The rest of the Wild Lights season runs until Jan. 4, so there is still time to experience the millions of lights strategically placed throughout the zoo.

The event runs from 5 to 10:30 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays and 5 to 9 p.m. all other days of the week.

“Two brand-new features we are excited about are the enchanted rainforest, which is a walk through the woods that has been transformed into a South American rainforest,” said Emily O’Hara, senior director of guest experience at the zoo. “There is a giant waterfall, there are new moving sculptures, so you’ll see dragonflies flap their wings and ants move their legs and turn their heads as you are immersed in the space.”

O’Hara said that when purchasing a ticket online, there is a chance to save some

money as well as add some packages to the experience.

“We really recommend the dinner buffet at table 28 or getting the souvenir cup with unlimited hot cocoa refills to help stay warm during your journey,” she said. “We also have some attractions in the carousel and in the 4D theater. Another new thing this year is we have a glow with a show lanyard that people can add to their ticket.”

The glow with a show lanyard, according to O’Hara, will glow along with the light shows as people walk through the different zones of the lights.

The millions of LED lights and sculptures are placed by a team of eight full-time staff members who work on the Wild Lights project and the other light show projects throughout the year, according to O’Hara. There are also 15 additional people who are seasonal staff that help to set up the Wild Lights.

“About 90% of the show is done in house. We do work with some contractors and outside companies to support some of the larger pieces that we have, but that large percentage we keep here in the metro De-

Photo provided by Jeff Sell

The trail is lit up by the various light sculptures at the Detroit Zoo. troit area,” she said. “As far as the creativity push for sculptures and everything else; that and the thought that goes into it, that is the usually takes about two weeks,” he said.

Detroit Zoological team.”

Hinton said that this year the Wild Mark Hinton, the assistant technical di- Lights exceeded the expectations of the staff rector for the Detroit Zoo, is one of the main and the people who have visited so far. people who set up and handle the lights.

“I am really proud of my team this year.

“We start in July with the physical put- They really went above and beyond with the ting up of trees and stuff like that. Then usu- expectation I have set for them. So, I was really right after our other big event in the fall, ally proud of them for that,” Hinton said.

See WILD LIGHTS on page 6A which is ZooBoo, is when we have our big

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ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 17, 2025

6A

from page 5A

“The main thing that I love is just watching my team see their hard work and the guests’ reaction to their hard work. It’s one of my favorite things in the entire world, is just watching the joy of our guests, and then the joy on my team being like, ‘I built something that people can react to.’”

O’Hara said that as the winter continues, and the snow falls, it’s the perfect time to see the lights in their full glory.

“Everyone is really feeling the early snowfall this year. It feels earlier than the last few years. And one of the wonderful things about

Chefs from page 1A

pozoles are commonly eaten in northern Mexico and made with pork. The meat is the centerpiece of the dish and topped with vegetables, which can include onions, cabbage, cilantro, radishes, lime and avocado.

“There are so many toppings,” Galeana said. “We like to joke and say that it is the salad in the soup.”

The seasonings include chiles, spices, whole oregano, cumin, clove, black pepper and salt. A chicken or beef bouillon further enhances the flavor. Hominy — a white corn — is also added.

Galeana prefers cooking with whole spices because the freshness of ground spices is difficult to determine. The dish is typically served with tostadas, which are crunchy and flat. Galeana likes the El Milagro tostadas, available at most grocery stores that sell Hispanic food.

She said the stew is simple, easy to make, and has been a crowd pleaser at her home.

“It takes putting love in small ingredients,” she said.

Galeana has been cooking most of her life. She started working in the industry at age 16.

“I have been cooking since I was 8 … when I was tall enough to reach the pots and pans and things from the cupboard,” she said.

Galeana said she knew a lot about cooking and preparing foods in the Mexican tradition, but she wanted to learn more. She has been working at an upscale Italian restaurant.

“It opened up my mind to learn new things,” Galeana said.

She said she’s always studying the craft, from beautifully plating a dish to incorporating different spices and preparing foods from

Wild Lights is that the snow doubles the glow, so you really have that shine,” she said. “I would say, even if you are feeling cold, still please make sure to come out and see it, because it really is spectacular. And we are embracing the snow this year because it really enhances the look.”

Ticket prices may vary by date and time, according to the DZS website. Parking is $8 per vehicle or free for zoo members.

Wild Lights tickets range from $17 to $27, and the total experience package including all of the add on experiences is $70 online, and $75 at the gate.

To purchase tickets and for more information, visit detroitzoo.org/events/wild-lights.

Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081. other cultures. Galeana strives to “whip up something on the fly,” as professional chefs do. It was with this in mind that she enrolled in the program to study to be a chef.

Mike Dakoske is also a first-semester student in the culinary program at OCC. He describes himself as primarily a vegetarian, and he suggests preparing vegetables cooked properly for holiday entertaining.

“Watch that you don’t overcook vegetables,” he said.

Dakoske suggested a technique used at the vegan restaurant where he used to work.

Wash the vegetables and slit the top to allow air in, keeping the vegetable whole.

Put on a baking sheet, season with oil and salt and pepper, and then roast the vegetables for about 45 minutes or until they have some char. Then take the vegetables out of the oven.

“People would just walk by and grab them,” Dakoske said. “They taste like candy.”

Dakoske, 53, has more than 30 years of industry experience. He works at a high-end restaurant in downtown Detroit where he is responsible for cold foods, appetizers and desserts.

He believes going to school and studying to be a chef makes a big difference.

“I would highly recommend anybody in the culinary industry go to school,” Dakoske said. “I’m on the other side of it now.

I believe in the value of school.”

Julie Selonke is a professional chef who has been teaching at OCC for 14 years. Her career spans nearly 30 years. She has cooked for kings and queens, U.S. presidents, and celebrities like Tiger Woods and Kid Rock — to name just a few — during her 10 years working at Oakland Hills Country Club in Bloomfield Hills and at the Tribute restaurant in Farmington Hills.

Selonke suggests preparing as much as possible in advance to make the event go smoothly.

The 4D theater addition to the general admission Wild Lights ticket features “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

Photo provided

by Jeff Sell

A scalloped potato dish is an easy dish to serve when entertaining. The chef suggests prepping it in a casserole dish and then putting it in the refrigerator. The extra time will enhance the flavor.

“They probably taste better after hanging out in the refrigerator for a few days,” she said.

The day of the event, put the casserole dish in the oven and bake. Top with crumbled pretzels in melted butter for crunch and serve.

Selonke also recommends enlisting oth-

ers to bring a dish of their choice.

“As host, it’s lovely to spread the workload a little bit, and that can enhance the enjoyment,” Selonke said. “When you do the major items that may be difficult for people to bring — the roast, the turkey — invite people to bring a side or some other component. … You have an opportunity to get yourself put together and not look disheveled, (but rather) like the consummate entertainer.”

Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.

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SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS 7A/ ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 17, 2025

CUSTOMER SERVICE, EMPLOYEE TREATMENT KEYS TO BUSINESS SUCCESS LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS TALK ABOUT LONGEVITY AND ITS SECRETS

BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com

C

ustomer service and treatment of employees are the keys to success, according to the owners of two local businesses that have flourished for decades.

“I think we have built a company based on a certain ethical standard and we’ve treated our customers the right way, and we’ve acted with integrity and trust, and we’ve treated our team members the right way who in turn have really put in that additional effort and loyalty to help us grow,” said Mark Tapper, CEO of Tapper’s Jewelry.

Tapper said his father, Howard Tapper, founded the company in 1977 because he believed many other jewelry businesses at the time were not focused on customer service.

“He believed many jewelry stores were not operated in a customer-centric way. So, there were silly policies that were considered the norm in 1977 that today we would think were kind of crazy, but he didn’t like how those businesses operated,” Tapper said.

According to Tapper, some of the customer-service policies that his father was very innovative in changing included giving customers cash refunds and offering them a vast selection of complimentary gift wrapping for their purchases.

“He was very value oriented. He wanted to make sure that the customer got tremendous value for the price that they were paying. So, he had a very large selection of merchandise, and he really tried to give the very, very best prices in metropolitan Detroit,” Tapper said.

The first Tapper’s Jewelry store opened at 12 Mile Road and Northwestern Highway in front of a racquet club. Tapper said his dad chose that location due to the popularity of the sport at the time; he thought that customers would come in and look at jewelry on their way to or from the racquet club. That idea didn’t work out as well as his father hoped it would, but he said his dad maintained a positive attitude. He said his father See BUSINESS on page 11A

Mark Tapper (left in the color photo), Howard Tapper, and Steve Tapper (left in the black-andwhite photo) stand together in photos taken decades apart at Tapper’s Jewelry. The company was founded in 1977.

Photos provided by Tapper’s Jewelry

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ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 17, 2025 /9A

CDs offer CCCU members ways to save, grow money

Stuffing surplus cash in your mattress — or even into a traditional low-interest savings account — isn’t the safest or best option for most people.

The financial experts at Community Choice Credit Union said certificates of deposit, currently available with terms of five, 15 and 25 months, offer a bigger interest-earning potential with a locked-in rate that consumers can feel comfortable with.

“Essentially, they are risk-free. They are insured by the National Credit Union Association,” said Shadonna Rawls, the Member Center Manager at CCCU’s Farmington Hills location on West 12 Mile Road. “It’s a higher interest rate that’s guaranteed — typically higher than a regular savings account, and you don’t have

to worry about market fluctuations once you lock in.”

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ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 17, 2025

10A

Council from page 1A

Speshock has a background in accounting and banking, along with management and nonprofit work, according to his application. He is also an active board member with the Downtown Development Authority, the executive director of the Clawson Chamber of Commerce, a Clawson Lions Club board member and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

Speshock was asked how he would deal with decision-making when public opinion is divided on a controversial issue.

“I would want to make sure that I hear all sides. Obviously, I think public forums are important. So, any way that we can add to allow people to speak what they believe in is important for us to hear so we can make those tough decisions,” he said. “I know we are not always going to please everybody. I have witnessed it myself … but I think being as fair as possible is important in making sure that we listen to the public.”

Speshock was asked how he would maintain ethical conduct in his role if he were selected to serve on the council.

“Ethics are very important. Taking a step back and understanding, if I was chosen for

the seat, that I am placing myself above, I am not somebody who is set aside, I am held to a higher standard than everybody else,” he said.

“So, making sure to continue to hold myself to this higher standard across the board and understanding those guidelines.”

Speshock also said in the interview that to prepare for council meetings he would focus on researching the information scheduled for discussion.

“I would try to have conversations and try to provide myself with an open opportunity for anybody to reach out and learn their point of view,” he said.

Closing out his interview, Speshock said that he would hope to accomplish a few specific goals throughout his term.

“I really want to work within the city and find ways that we can improve our tax burden, find ways that we can improve the city as well,” he said. “Obviously, throughout the campaign a lot of people will always look for grants, but really I want to take a deeper dive and see ways that we can work with the communities around us, and within our own, and find those to continue to help us improve our city.”

Manning is a three-year Clawson resident who serves on the Clawson Fourth of July committee. Manning also served on a school board in the past.

Manning serves as the senior pastor

of Clawson United Methodist Church and Rochester Hills St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, according to his application.

Manning was asked to name the top three issues currently facing the city.

“Trust, infrastructure and strategic planning, which deals with the first two. When we have water mains breaking and challenges with our infrastructure and how to deal with our roads, those pieces that Clawson, unfortunately like other governmental units, has deferred maintenance, that’s a huge challenge for us and the trust factor between the council and administration and within the community,” he said.

Manning addressed how he would make decisions when the public is divided on controversial issues.

“When there is a division in the community, you have to go back to what are the overarching goals of the community, what are the needs of the community all together,” he said.

“Sometimes as an elected official, you’re going to go with the voices of people that come forward. Other times you have to look at what’s the state’s law, what’s the charter, and what is the long term need of the city.”

Glenn Shepard served on the City Council for four years and was not reelected in November.

Shepard has also served 12 years on the

Planning Commission, two as the chairman, and was a former member of the Kenwood Elementary PTO. Shepard was asked how he would approach decision-making when the public opinion is divided.

“First and foremost you have to develop your own opinion, and you have to develop your own opinion based on data and facts. As long as you have that, then you can speak to what your opinion is,” he said. “And certainly a lot of times it may be controversial just because people feel that that’s not the course of actions. But again, you have to have the longterm objective on what’s best for the community.”

In regard to Renshaw not attending the meeting, the council decided to move forward without his interview, and Moffitt made the motion to remove his application from the list of candidates.

The council decided that it was prepared to make the decision at the Dec. 8 meeting.

Speshock was sworn in following the vote, and his first meeting will be the next scheduled City Council meeting on Dec. 16. His term will last until November of 2027.

For more information on the city of Clawson, visit cityofclawson.com.

Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.

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ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 17, 2025

sold $1,100 worth of merchandise on that first day, and with rent being $1,000 his dad knew his business would survive another month.

Today, Tapper’s Jewelry has four locations, including its headquarters in West Bloomfield; Novi, which opened in 2022; and two locations that recently expanded inside Somerset Mall in Troy.

“For us it’s all about the customer — giving the very, very best customer experience possible,” Tapper said. “One of our core values is about spreading joy to our guests, and it’s just really, really important to us. As soon as a guest walks into one of our stores, it’s my expectation that they really get treated as if they were a guest in your own home.

“We offer beverages, we try to make it a nice, warm and welcoming environment for everyone that comes in. Whether you are buying a $50 baptism gift or a $50,000 diamond, or selling us $200 in gold, our expectation is that everyone gets the same level of high service when they come in,” said Tapper. “So, I really think that is what has differentiated us throughout the years, as well as a

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“I think that has really helped us at adapting to new technology and just really doing things the right way. But I really believe it’s about how you treat your employees and how you treat your customers, and that’s something that my grandfather instilled in all of us in the car business, and I really believe that,” McInerney said.

McInerney and Tapper both emphasized treating people like family and being involved with the community in many ways, including donating to various charities.

Tapper said that they once brought in a strategic business planner who asked them

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all a question about which comes first, family or business, and all of them answered independently — family. Therefore, they run their business as a family-centered operation.

“It goes with community involvement, aligned with your marketing, aligned with business functions that you put on for your employees. Everything is kind of aligned, and I think that’s what’s really making things work for us, especially with the new business climate and the new world we’re in postCOVID,” Tapper said.

Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.

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reputation of being one of Michigan’s most trusted businesses.”

Ryan McInerney, executive manager of Star Lincoln in Southfield, grew up in the car business. He said he started with the company at the age of 16 as a porter. His grandfather founded the company in 1970, one of approximately 30 dealerships around the country that Hoot McInerney owned.

McInerney said that he believes the successful outcome of any business, including his, is determined by the people who work there.

“From a baby onward, I was always around car people, and I always heard about how to treat customers, how to treat your employees, and, you know, doing business the right way,” said McInerney. “And really, I believe it’s all about relationships that you build with the employees, with whoever the corporate people are that you’ve got to deal with (from Ford Motor Co., in the case of Star Lincoln). You’ve got to treat people with kindness and respect, and I think that goes a really long way.”

McInerney said they have also hired a very diversified staff that is in tune with the latest technology and brings a wide range of cultural knowledge and experiences. He said that their current staff ranges in age from 18 to 80-plus.

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‘I FEEL IT HAS EXTRA LOVE IN IT’

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

ABOVE: Amilia Galba, who is now 9, rolled out Christmas cookie dough a few years ago. Amilia, her brother Ben, mom Kristina, and Aunt Raychel Galba have a family tradition of baking holiday cookies every season.

Photo provided by Raychel Galba

T

he smell of Christmas cookies baking in the oven is a childhood memory for many who gather around kitchen counters with rolling pins, measuring cups and cooling racks to make their favorite holiday treats.

While growing up, Raychel Galba spent many Christmas seasons with her sister, Kristina, and cousins baking homemade cookies for the

See BAKING on page 15A

ABOVE CENTER: In a photo from a few years ago, Patty Giorlando with three of her six grandchildren — Ben, to her left; Addy, next to Ben; and Liam — make Christmas cookies. “I love to bake and spend time with the grandkids,” Giorlando said. “It’s building memories, but it also teaches them how to bake, how to have fun and how to be creative.”

ABOVE: Ben, left, and Addy Giorlando use different cutouts to create Christmas cookies during a past baking session. The kids are older now but still bake every season.

Photos provided by Ken Giorlando

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13A

ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 17, 2025

from page 3A

missioner Brandon Kolo said. “So, come Jan. 2, the new system will be online, ready to go, and no training will be needed to use it.

It’s just ParkMobile, which anyone and everyone has used, no matter where you go, in different municipalities around the country.

It’s a very intuitive, nice and easy app that people will be able to use on day one.”

If residents want to check out the new meters, there is a Flowbird meter located at City Hall, 203 S. Troy St., provided to help residents feel comfortable with the new technology.

“If residents are curious about how they function and what they look like, we have one that lives in our downtown City Hall that people can go check out and demo to see what the unit is going to look like,” Kolo said.

Kolo suggested that residents and visitors utilize the parking structures during this time.

“We have two weeks left in the year, and it’s a great time to come to downtown Royal Oak, and there’s always two hours of free parking in our parking decks, which are most convenient to downtown,” he said.

Some of the old MPS meters are still running and on during installation of the new meters. If there is a bag placed over the meter, then they are not on and the person parking does not have to pay.

“Always look at the meter that you park at right now to see what the requirements are, because we still have active meters that are still up,” Kolo said. “So, as long as the meter is on and active and not bagged, there is a requirement to pay.”

The cost for parking will remain the same when the Flowbirds are fully installed.

In parking structures, Monday-Saturday, the first two hours are free, and 75 cents an hour thereafter. Parking is free on Sundays.

For surface lot parking, there is still a four-hour maximum time limit. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, the cost is 75 cents per hour, and from 5 p.m. to midnight, it is $1 an hour. On Sunday, surface lot parking is free.

On-street parking has a three-hour maximum time limit, with 11 a.m.-5p.m.

Monday-Saturday costing $1.25 an hour, and 5 p.m.-midnight costing $1.50 an hour.

On Sundays, parking is free.

For more information on the new parking meters and app, visit romi.gov.

Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.

City manager from page 3A

meeting, including City Attorney Niccolas Grochowski as the interim city manager, and Police Chief Michael Moore serving as the interim deputy city manager alongside deputy city manager Susan Barkman.

“The city looks forward to a smooth transition and remains committed to its mission of delivering the highest-level services to its residents, businesses, and visitors,” Sokol said in a prepared statement.

Gacioch could not be reached before press time.

Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.

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ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 17, 2025

14A

Royal Oak Schools begins using Care Solace for mental health services ROYAL OAK — Royal Oak Schools has implemented a mental health resource program called Care Solace to help provide students and their family members with access to mental health resources.

The Care Solace program is free for students to use, but the district pays a $3 per student fee to the organization to keep it up and running.

The district began using Care Solace around Thanksgiving, according to Superintendent John Tafelski, who said that he has a lot of experience with the program from previous schools.

“It’s pretty prevalent in Wayne County, where I come from, and in Allen Park Public Schools, where I previously worked, and so I have used it a lot and I am familiar with it,” Tafelski said. “This is a gap that everyone has in education that is not unique to Royal Oak, Wayne County, or anywhere.

And so having experience with it, and kind of having some goals around staff and student wellness, and now having Care Solace in Royal Oak, it was an easy decision to say that this is an area we should look at.”

Care Solace provides families within Royal Oak Schools a quick and easy way to find treatment options matched to their needs, according to Dina Bansen, the Royal Oak Schools lead psychologist.

“It’s a 24/7 care coordination service.

It helps to connect people to mental health and substance use treatment providers. It can also help people to find resources for shelter, food insecurity and low-cost medical or dental care,” she said. “One of the biggest challenges we see in the school is that

CRIME WATCH Lottery tickets stolen

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 1:49 a.m. Dec. 3, an unknown person broke into the Meijer gas station, 5150 Coolidge Highway, and stole numerous lottery tickets.

Thief takes vehicle

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 4:15 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. Nov. 30, an unknown person stole the complainant’s unlocked vehicle after the complainant left the keys inside in the 1200 block of Hickory Avenue, off of Crooks Road south of 13 Mile Road..

families don’t know where to start when they need mental health support. It can be really difficult to find a provider to navigate insurance.”

Bansen said that the program removes the barriers of finding those resources, such as wait lists. Care Solace helps find a provider that can work with the individual’s needs, schedule, insurance and language.

Being a new superintendent, Tafelski said that this initiative helps to push his hopes and goals for the students of Royal Oak. “If a kid has a hard time learning, if they have a hard time getting their basic needs taken care of, we want to make sure that our families feel safe, warm, loved and mentally healthy. This helps to relieve some of the friction that is on families when it comes to looking for care for them and their households,” he said. “We have some families that are dealing with substance abuse and then other families that struggle with food insecurity and some of those other things that Solace can help with.”

The program does not replace in-school counseling, according to Bansen, who said it enhances the resources that those professionals can provide for the students.

Care Solace also provides an easier way for staff to ensure that the students are following up on those resources. The program makes it simple for school counselors to immediately know if the student has seen a professional outside the school.

“Being able to pass it off to Care Solace and knowing that there is going to be a follow-up and follow-through, that just makes us more efficient in school,” Tafelski said.

“It makes things in school better. Dina and her staff and her people spend a lot of time

asking if people get seen (by help). Now we don’t have to do that anymore, so that can be time they are spending on taking care of other students rather than the first half of (a student’s) visit being about a social worker or a psychologist on hold with a provider asking if they have seen the students.”

Care Solace can be used for all the family members associated with the Royal Oak students.

“We are all human, and we understand that when we have a parent or sibling who is going through health problems, that impacts us on a daily basis,” Tafelski said. “Imagine being a 16-year-old student or a younger student and you realize a family member is having an issue and can’t seek care. So, this goes a long way with that too.”

Bansen said that Care Solace has already helped a handful of students and families since its inception.

“There is an impact report that certain designated staff members have access to that we can look at to see how it’s been used. We have had 23 warm handoffs, so that means a staff member has communicated with a parent that we want to make a referral and that they have made a referral,” Bansen said. “We

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have had three family-initiated cases, so that means families reached out on their own to Care Solace, and we have had 52 anonymous searches, so that’s when families can go in or staff can go in and see what services are offered through Care Solace. And we have had four confirmed appointments where a student or a family have gotten a recommendation from Care Solace of a provider and have made and attended an appointment.”

Bansen said the main priority of the Care Solace program is to remind families that they are not alone.

“If you or someone in your household needs help, or help navigating the mental health of substance use support, there are resources out there,” she said. “It’s available 24/7, 365 days a year. We know that early access care leads to better emotional wellbeing, improved school engagement and stronger academic outcomes.”

Care Solace is only available to the Royal Oak students and families. More information can be found at the Royal Oak Schools website at royaloakschools.org or caresolace. com/royaloakschools.

Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.

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Laptop and iPad swiped in larceny from automobile

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ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 1, an unknown person broke into the complainant’s van and stole multiple boxes of consumable goods in the 100 block of Tiffany Lane, near Woodward Avenue and 10 Mile Road.

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 9:12 p.m. Dec. 3, an unknown person stole the complainant’s laptop and iPad from the complainant’s unlocked vehicle.

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15A

ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 17, 2025

Baking from page 12A

holidays. Their aunt, Tami Galba, started the tradition, where the cousins not only produced gooey and delicious treats of all kinds, but also a lifetime of memories that could fill a stocking from here to the North Pole.

“It’s been more than 30 years and my sister and I have kept it going. The older you are, you get nostalgic,” said Galba, of Shelby Township. “Normally we do it before our family Christmas party, which is the Saturday before Christmas.”

Galba and Kristina, along with Kristina’s children, Ben, 20, and Amilia, 9, will be “baking” spirits bright when they make about 15 dozen homemade cookies this month to give as gifts to family and friends.

“My mom puts them in tins,” Galba, 43, said. “Everyone loves the homemade cookies. It puts a smile on their faces. I feel it has extra love in it.”

One holiday staple for the Galbas are the sugar cookies they roll out, cut and decorate into different shapes of Santa Claus, Christmas trees and more. In recent years, the foursome added snickerdoodles and peanut butter chocolate chip cookies to their recipe collection.

“We do Almond Joys with coconut, and Christmas bark,” Galba said. “We change it up. We do varieties, dark chocolate and peppermint, graham crackers and milk chocolate. Sometimes I do a s’mores one.”

Galba’s all-time favorite Christmas treats are the Corn Flakes wreaths that melt in your mouth. The family puts on Christmas music while baking. The playlist usually starts

with Elvis Presley, followed by traditional holiday tunes that fill the house with melodies. It can take the crew up to seven hours baking, decorating and visiting. The freshly baked cookies are made all in one day.

Across town, in Eastpointe, Patty Giorlando, her husband, Ken, and their six grandchildren will again bake batches of Christmas cookies this year. It’s a tradition they started with their own four children that has carried over to a third generation.

“We pick a weekend and a day for them to come over,” Giorlando said.

Giorlando, 60, said she gets the refrigerated dough ready ahead of time. The kids then roll out the dough and make stars, angels, snowmen, trees, gingerbread figures, a Christmas bell and a holly leaf. They put their own finishing touches on the sugar cookies with frosting and sprinkles of green and red. Melting Hershey’s Kisses onto pretzels, snowballs and peanut butter blossoms are other family traditions.

“It’s fun to shop for the different candies and the different decorations. Sometimes we make Rice Krispies Treats and use cookie cutters to cut those. We go until they get bored and tired,” Giorlando said. “I love to bake and spend time with the grandkids. It’s building memories, but it also teaches them how to bake, how to have fun and how to be creative.”

The family listens to the sounds of the seasons as the cookies bake in the oven. Ken is usually in charge of the Christmas playlist with music that includes everything from country music to old-world music to the classics like Frank Sinatra and Ray Conniff. “‘Alvin and the Chipmunks’ is one we play for sure,” Giorlando said. “Some songs they know and they sing along.”

The Giorlandos have another food tradition that occurs before Thanksgiving. They get together with relatives to make cannoli shells from scratch. Giorlando’s sister-in-law, Sharon Litz, made aprons for everyone to wear while in the kitchen. Spending time together is something they treasure.

Some students in James Ford’s culinary classes at Macomb Community College will bake holiday treats at home this season. One student is even making Grinch cookies that Ford can take to an event.

“In the classes I teach, the most popular cookies seem to be what Grandma and Mom used to make. The recipes were passed down from family,” he said. “Peppermint is a popular flavor this time of year.”

Ford, a certified pastry chef and culinary professor at MCC, offered a number of tips to help bakers while whipping up treats.

“The main thing is to keep your kitchen organized.

Have everything in its place,” he said. “I would prepare stuff ahead of time. It helps you be efficient.”

One recommended baking practice is placing the ingredients on a quarter-pan-size tray so they stay in one place.

Ford advises keeping ingredients at room temperature unless something needs to be chilled. He also reminds bakers to check on how the butter needs to be for the recipe.

“Where butter is involved you have to watch the method: cold, melted or softened,” he said.

Wait for the cookies to cool to begin frosting them, and stay near the stove while baking so the cookies don’t burn.

“A lot of time, people get distracted at home,” he said.

“Have someone back you up.”

Call Staff Writer Maria Allard at (586) 498-1045.

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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.

16A/ ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 17, 2025

DEC. 19-20

‘Merry Cringemas’: Original holiday sketch show, 7:30 p.m., Go Comedy! Improv Theatre, 261 E. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, gocomedy.net

DEC. 19-21

Royal Oak Holidays: Final weekend of outdoor activities includes 40-plus ice sculptures on display, appearances by The Grinch, visits with Santa, and horse and wagon rides, downtown Royal Oak and Centennial Commons, see schedule at royaloakholidays.com, read story at candgnews.com ‘Steel Poinsettias’: Holiday parody sequel to “Steel Magnolias,” 7 p.m. Dec. 19-20 and 3 p.m. Dec. 21, Ringwald Theatre at Affirmations LGBTQ+ Community Center, 290 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, (248) 545-5545, theringwald@gmail.com, theringwald.com, read story at candgnews.com

DEC. 27

Watch ‘Home Alone’: 11 a.m., Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson, registration required, (248) 588-5500, clawsonlibrary@gmail.com, clawson. lib.mi.us

JAN. 3

Royal Oak Woman’s Club meeting: Social time from 9:30-10 a.m., general meeting from 10-10:45 a.m. and hear from Royal Oak High School graphic communications instructor Kariann Orth from 10:4511:30 a.m., ROWC clubhouse, 404 S. Pleasant St., rowcmembership@gmail.com, rowc.org

JAN. 13

Preschool & Early Learning Fair: Inaugural open house-style event features 25-plus local representatives, hosted by Royal Oak Public Library and Ferndale Area District Library, 6:30-8 p.m., Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, ropl.mi.org, fadl.org/ youth

JAN. 21

Vape 101: Free one-hour training for students, parents, community members and organizations, learn about dangers of e-cigarettes and health consequences, safety and other concerns, also why youth use them and prevention resources, presented

by Oakland County Michigan Health Division, noon-1 p.m., held virtually on Microsoft Teams, register at bit. ly/3LWBi4i, email arabon@oakgov.com with questions

ONGOING

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, read story at candgnews.com Ice skating: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays, 3-9 p.m.

Mondays, noon-9 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays, noon-11 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays, The Rink at Royal Oak in Centennial Commons, 221 E. Third St., therinkatroyaloak.com

Harmony United Chorus rehearsals: Practice with Greater Detroit chapter of men’s barbershop-style group, 7-9 p.m. most Tuesdays, choir room at Royal Oak Middle School, 709 N. Washington Ave., harmonyunitedchorus@gmail.com, greaterdetroit.org CAMEO Quilters Guild meetings: 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) every third Thursday of month through June, Clawson United Methodist Church, 205 N. Main St., (248) 544-4504, cameoquilters@gmail.com, cameoquilters.org Royal Oak Garden Club meetings: 7-8 p.m. (socializing at 6:30 p.m.) most second Mondays of month through June, Unity of Royal Oak, 2500 Crooks Road, royaloakgardenclub@gmail.com, royaloakgarden clubmi.org Widowed Friends breakfasts: 9:30 a.m. every second and fourth Wednesdays of month, The Avenue Family Restaurant, 31253 Woodward Ave. in Royal Oak, RSVP to Marilyn at (248) 543-1018, widowedfriends.com Monthly groups: For kids, LGBTQIA+, book clubs for

Royal Oak Farmers Market: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays year-round, also antiques and collectibles from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays year-round, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, (248) 246-3276, farmersmarket@romi.gov, romi. gov/1533/farmers-market

horror fans and more, Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E. 11 Mile Road, (248) 246-3700, romi.gov/1532/ library • Journaling and discussion group for older adults meets 6:30-7:30 p.m. every third Monday, and writing group for all skill levels and genres meets 6-7:30 p.m. every fourth Wednesday, Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson, registration required, (248) 588-5500, clawson.lib.mi.us • Wednesday Afternoon Book Club meets 1-2 p.m.

Dec. 17 (discuss “Wishin’ and Hopin’: a Christmas Story” by Wally Lamb), then Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 18 and April 15 in 2026, Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson, registration required, (248) 588-5500, clawsonlibrary@gmail.com, clawson.lib. mi.us Bingo: 12:30-1:30 p.m. every first Friday of month, Mahany/Meininger Senior Community Center, 3500 Marais Ave. in Royal Oak, (248) 246-3900 To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, visit candgnews.com/calendar.

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Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams: Join others in shining flashlights toward pediatric patients and seeing them reciprocate, 8-8:10 p.m. until Dec. 23 (arrive by 7:45 p.m.), Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road in Royal Oak, park in North parking deck or lots near Coolidge Highway entrance or Neuroscience Center, then meet near Medical Office Building across from East entrance, register at corewellhealth.org/moonbeams, read story at candgnews.com

Editor: David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com Reporters: Taylor Christensen | (586) 498-1081 | tchristensen@candgnews.com Mike Koury | (586) 498-1077 | mkoury@candgnews.com Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com

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Opinions expressed in this newspaper are the opinions of the individual sources and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the views of C & G Publishing Inc., its ownership or management. Copyright © 2025 C & G Publishing Inc. All rights reserved.

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17A

ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 17, 2025

Royal Oak Review

December 17, 2025

Legal Notices

Auctions

City of Royal Oak, Michigan Advertisement

OFFERINGS AROUND MICHIGAN AUCTION

Fifth Street Plaza Improvements Contract CAP05TH Notice to Contractors: Sealed proposals will be received by the Purchasing Agent of the City of Royal Oak, Michigan, up to 1:00 pm, local time, Tuesday, January 13, 2026 at which time all proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud for the Fifth Street Plaza Improvements Contract CAP05TH. Electronic proposals shall be submitted through the procurement portal at https://procurement. opengov.com/portal/romi. Bids will be automatically opened and posted online at the bid opening time. The work shall consist of furnishing all labor, materials, equipment, and incidental items for the following major items of work: • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • •

8” ductile iron water main installation Electrical conduit construction Drainage structures and piping HMA paving Site lighting installation and electrical distribution Decomposed granite fines Telescopic stainless-steel bollards Seat wall Site furniture (benches, tables, bike racks, etc.)

Landscape Planting/Irrigation

The provisions of the City of Royal Oak Ordinance 2022-07, Responsible Contractor Ordinance do not apply to this project.

0127-2538

$1,000 AND UP!

Traffic control and barricading Removal of concrete and composite pavement and curb and gutter Street tree removal including tree grates Street light removal including concrete base Concrete driveway/sidewalk construction Architectural cast-in-place concrete Composite decking surface treatment

The Plans and Specifications under which the work is to be done may be obtained through the procurement portal on or after Tuesday, December 16, 2025. Plans and specifications cannot be mailed.

Each proposal must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond by a recognized surety company in the amount of five percent (5%) of the bid, payable to the City of Royal Oak as security for the acceptance of the contract. No bidder may withdraw his proposal between the date set for the opening thereof and the date upon which the contract is awarded.

The City reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and the right to waive defects in proposals.

By order of the commission of the City of Royal Oak, Michigan. __________________________ Melanie Halas City Clerk Published: Royal Oak Review 12/17/2025

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24x40x10 - $18,300.00. 30x40x10 -$20,400.00. Erected on your Multiple great online auctions site. Call for price not shown on featuring snow blowers, tools, any size building or go to www. shop tools, Christmas items, builtritepolebuildingsmi.com. Or Fenton/collector glassware, coins, call 989-259-2015 or 989-600-1010 currency, toys, much more! View or 989-324-0035. all items and bid now at Bid. SherwoodAuctionServiceLLC.com. BUSINESS SERVICES Questions? Call Joe, 1-800-835- METAL ROOFING regular and 0495. shingle style, HALF OFF SPECIAL COLORS! Lifetime hail asphalt Winter Sportsman Auction. shingles. Vinyl siding. Licensed Bidding open. 250+ fine firearms, and insured builders for 40 years. vintage sporting, antique & AMISH CREW. 517-575-3695. modern ammunition, militaria, FURNITURE tools. This is a Great sale!

Shipping available. Bid anywhere Adjustable Bed Brand New anytime @JohnPeckAuctions. with mattress. Made in U.S.A, in plastic, with warranty. Retail Cost com. Offices Gladwin & Charlotte. $3,995.00 sacrifice for $875.00 Selling items like this? Call John Call for showing or delivery: Peck 989-345-4866.

DanDanTheMattressMan.com.

989-923-1278.

Visit NarhiAuctions.com now for our January Collectables Online MISCELLANEOUS Auction! Featuring vintage CHIMNEY SWEEP SERVICES: firearms, tools, toys, western Protect your home and all prints, figurines, tins, ashtrays, who reside there. Schedule an glassware, bottles, porcelain, annual fireplace and chimney Barber's Pole, much more! Need inspection and cleaning. Call an auction? Call 1-800-266-6474. 1-877-396-0354DOLLAR Published: December 17, 2025

0130-2551

Wanted To Buy WANTED:

Antiques & Collectibles

BUYING Coins, Sport Cards & Stamps Collections Top $$$, Call 248-471-4451

Old Military Stuff: Uniforms, Medals, Helmets, Pins, Patches and swords. Antiques: Watches, Costume Jewelry, Metal Toys, advertising. Cash Paid!

We are local & come to you! Call Jake 631-697-6391 or Peter 810-875-1657

Help Wanted General HELP WANTED Full/Part-Time, Eastpointe Oil Change, EXPERIENCED TECHNICIAN,

Must Have Experience!!

Apply in person: 17830 E. 9 Mile Rd. Eastpointe, or Online www.twinsoil.com

Help Wanted/ Restaurants & Hotels

start right away!

•CASHIERS •CARRY-OUT CLERKS •FULL TIME/ PART TIME

• NO NIGHTS • NO HOLIDAYS • HIGH PAY

0354-2551

Autos Wanted

ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 17, 2025

18A

Bathrooms BATHROOM REMODELING Basic Bathrooms Starting at: $10,995.00 Experience of over 500-bathrooms across Metro-Detroit, Look at our work at: andyscarpentryllc.com

248-376-0988

Lic/Insured/References

MOUTON'S MASONRY Any & all masonry repairs.

Brick, block, steps, chimneys, porches-tuckpointing, Cement work, mortar-matching.

25-yrs experience Free-estimates.

References/Insured.

Chimney Service

Electrical

CHIMNEYS, INC

586-755-3636

$129/Sweep & Safety Inspection

•Repairs •Dampers •Caps •Crown Repair Senior/Military Disc.

Next Day Appointment Available

586-431-0591

248-252-5331

Carpet Cleaning

CARPET WAVY-n-LOOSE?

We Power Re-stretch and Steam-clean For One Low Price Multiple Room Discount

Call Now: Craddock's Carpet Care, Inc.

586-754-9222

Scan our QR code Scan QR code to fiour nd your to fiinvitation! nd your perfect

perfect invitation!

Scan our QR code to find your perfect invitation!

Scan our QR code to find your perfect invitation!

Simply Perfect

Simply Perfect Simply Perfect W E D D I N G I N V I TAT I O N S

W Ejust Dfor D your ING I N we've V I TA I O N Ssets of Created big day, putTtogether stunning wedding invitations to perfectly match your style.

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Created just for your big day,ginad@pennylaneprinting.com we've put together sets of stunning wedding invitationswww.printingbypennylane.com to perfectly match your style. ginad@pennylaneprinting.com WEDDING IN V I TAT I O N S

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ROYAL EXTREME CLEAN

586-219-0335

Dr. Electric Affordable Prices!

Father & Son Master Electricians Same-Day-Service!

All-Residential-Wiring, Change Fuse Box to Circuit Breaker Panel, Troubleshooting, Backup Generator Transfer Switch, License# 6109094 Sen Disc. V/MC /Lic./Ins.

Cleaning Service

PREPARE for power outages today with a Generac Home Standby Generator. Act now to receive a FREE 5-Year warranty with qualifying purchase.

Call 1-855-773-8191 today to schedule a free quote. It's not just a generator. It's a power move.

CLEANING LADY

Gutters

248-890-8830

GUTTERS & WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOM MICOLI

Air Duct & Dryer Vent Cleaning, Gas Fireplace Tune-ups & Repairs, Wood Burning Fireplace Cleaning & Repairs, Multi-Service Discounts.

Royalextremeclean.com

with over 20-yr experience is looking for work. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly Excellent references.

Flexible hours.

Bonded & insured.

Electrical CASTLE ELECTRIC

586-634-1152

(direct cell phone #) Panel upgrades, generators, hot tubs, EV Charger, 220 lines. ALL SERVICE Licensed & Insured Dependable, quality work!

License#-6111359

Handyman Services AA4DABLE HANDYMAN Home Improvement, Tile, Hardwood-Floors, Kitchen/Bath-Remodeling, Plumbing, Electrical, Painting, Hauling, Cleanouts, Any Home Repairs, Free Est. 30% Disc.

All Major CC's Accepted.

HANDYMAN WOW Painting, Drywall, Powerwashing, Seal Coating *Driveways *Parking Lots Minor Plumbing, Caulking, Shelving, Call For a Free Quote!

248-755-0246

Handyman Services HANDYMAN

"No job too small!"

Extraordinaire!

Does all jobs, any size, when your home needs a best friend.

Licensed & insured.

Call George

248-515-5158

VETERAN AND SENIOR DISCOUNTS

586-822-5100

THE HANDYMAN THAT CAN! Greater Royal Oak Area Licensed-MI Builder Drywall/Plaster/Tile, Carpentry/Paint, Plumbing/Electrical, Handicap-Access, Installation/Assembly, Exterior-Repairs 30yrs/exp. 24/7.

313-656-9402

Heating & Cooling

0122-2550

ACCULEVEL. Your foundation repair and basement waterproofing experts. Whether basement, crawl space or concrete slab weʼll guide you on the right path to a healthy home. Act now!

Up to $600 off. Restrictions apply. Call for a free consultation.

1-866-438-1859

Brick Work

248-739-9779

Family-Owned Business $

89Call

Service

79

$

Mtn Call

GREG’S HEATING AFFORDABLE HEATING & COOLING Licensed & Insured

0030-2502

Basement Waterproofing

Senior & Veterans Discounts Available

Office: 586-961-6070 | Cell 586-422-8528

19A

ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 17, 2025

Painting

Roze Remodeling LCC

•Interior Renovations •Kitchens •Bathrooms •Tile Work •Basements •Painting •Vinyl Floors •Fireplaces •Custom Designs Free Estimates

***AAA HAULING***

JUNK REMOVAL We haul it all! Demolition Big & Small, Residential/ Commercial, Rubber Wheel Dumpsters-10,15, 20-Yards, Clean-outs, Construction Material, Small-Moving, Appliances, Furniture & More!

Free-Est. Sen/Mil/Disc.

586-360-0681

ucallwehauljunk.com

Home Repairs EXTERIOR REPAIRS LLC.

Since 1999 GUTTER CLEANING Snow Blowing Driveways LEAF GUARDS Roofing, Siding, Gutter, Repair. Reliable Ask, We Might Do It! FREE ESTIMATES

248-242-1511

Landscaping & Water Gardens JAY'S HOME SERVICES Landscaping, Shrub & Tree Trimming, Clean-ups, Gardening/Tilling Property Maintenance, Serving The Royal Oak Area Since 2008.

248-755-6995 Painting

PAINTING GPC MASTER PAINTER PLASTER & DRYWALL Restoration/Insurance Projects, Wallpaper Removal/Carpentry, 30-yrs Licensed, BBB A+ Senior Disc/Free Est. 586.899.3555 (Cell) 248.566.6460 (Office)

FARR'S PAINTING

SILVERSMITH ROOF MAINTENANCE Ice Dam and Snow Removal, Roofing, Siding, Chimney, Window Frame Repair Insurance work, 40 Yrs Exp. All Major Credit Cards Accepted Family Owned/Operated.

Interior/Exterior Wood & Drywall Repairs Mold Remediation Free Estimates Certified Mold Inspector

248-345-3308

farrsmoldremoval.com

248-707-4851

MARATHON POWER WASH & PAINTING •INTERIOR •CABINETS •EXTERIOR Painting, refinishing & power washing Family-Owned & Fully Insured

Tree Service BERG BROS. LLC.

0350-2548

586-463-9564

Painting

marathonpowerwash.com

Timeless

586-792-3117

Painting LLC CIAL

RESIDENTIAL & COMMER

FR EE TI ES M AT ES

• Interior and Exterior Painting • Drywall • Carpentry and Remodels

0125-2530

Hauling & Waste Removal

0141-2548

Andre 586-354-7791 Filip 586-873-8210 rozecementllc@gmail.com www.cementroze.com

Now Accepting Zelle & Venmo too!

Call or Text Us Today!

Ask for Tony!

248-894-5804 PEAK PAINTING Custom-Painting, Commercial/Residential, Interior/Exterior.

Drywall-Repair, Paper Removal, Carpentry. *Will Beat Any Other Reasonable Estimate!

35 yrs exp. Sen.Disc. Ins. CC-Accepted/References.

586-722-8381 ANYONE'S PAINTER

Interior/Exterior Painting Commerical/Residential Pressure Washing, Drywall Repairs, Deck Staining, Free Estimates, Insured.

Call 586-921-3654

Roofing

Plumbing

Motor City Plumbing & Drain

Repairs & Installation Master Plumber • Fully Licensed & Insured Senior Citizen & Military Discounts 100% Guarantee

PETE'S PAINTING

HOLIDAY SPECIALS! 10% OFF Specializing in Vacant Homes, Great-Rooms, Deck Staining & Wooden Fence Repair, Interior/Exterior, Residential/Commercial.

Senior Discount, Free-Estimates, Insured.

*

Restriction May Apply

*

*

Residential/Commercial •Interior / 25 Years Exp. •Power Washing •Insurance •Drywall •Plaster Repair •Deck Repairs •Cleanouts •Home Repairs •Senior Discounts

Plumbing

MASTER PLUMBER

Sewer & Drain Service.

Remodeling, Repairs, New Installations.

Free Estimates Senior Rates.

35+yrs exp. Call Paul

248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852

586.524.6752

ANDY'S PLUMBING 33+Years Exp. Lic/Ins. Call Us Today For All Your Plumbing Needs!!

Serving The Tri-County-Area 10%/Senior/Military/ Discounts Lic#-8004254

$50 OFF Sump Pump Installation * $30 OFF Any Plumbing Service

888.572.0928 586.585.1862 www.MotorCityPlumber.com

Plumbing APEX PLUMBERS CORP

586-217-9002

35-Years Exp. Seniors/ Military/Multi-Task Disc.

Free-Est. •Drain Cleaning •Plumbing Repairs/ Fixtures •Sump Pumps/ Water Heaters. Lic/Ins. apexplumbers corporation.com Lic#8111771 EA PLUMBING AND DRAIN Full Service Plumbing.

Drain Cleaning, Sump Pumps, Water Heaters, Leaks, Disposals, Camera Inspections, Backflow Testing and More.

586-477-7777

License# 803020312

WATERWORK Plumbing.com •Drain Cleaning •Sewer Camera •Water Heaters •Sump Pumps •Backflow Testing

248-542-8022

Same Day Emergency Service Available Reliable/Experienced License#8003885

Professional Services CONSUMER Cellular the same reliable, nationwide coverage as the largest carriers. No longterm contract, no hidden fees and activation is free.

All plans feature unlimited talk and text, starting at just $20/month. For more information, call 1-866-306-6243

Roofing AA4DABLE ROOFING Hurry & Save Big-$$$!

WINTER-SPECIALS Up to 30%-Off!!!

Roofing/Siding/Gutters, All-Leaks/Repairs, Residential/Shingles/ Commercial-FlatRoofs/Torch-downs 30yrs-exp. CC's accepted.

586-822-5100

“Fully Insured, Highly Referred.”

Senior Discounts Tree-Removal, Stump Grinding, Tree-Trimming, Hedging, Shaping, Emergency-Service Residential/Commercial Free-Estimates

(586)262-3060

Financing Available

FREE Camera with Drain Cleaning

*

(586)229-4267

American Painting Winter Specials!!!

Family Owned & Operated

0355-2235

Home Improvement

DAVE'S TREE & SHRUB 30%-Winter Disc. Insured, Snow Removal, Emergency Storm Damage, Leaf Clean-up, Large-Tree Removals, Trimming, Stump-Grinding, Gutters, SeasonFirewood(100 a cord)

(586)216-0904

davestreeandshrub.com

ELITE TREE SERVICE

"Bringing 30 years of experience to your door!"

Tree trimming, removals & stump grinding. Insured & FREE estimates with fair prices!

Firewood For Sale

586-756-0757

ROYAL OAK REVIEW • DECEMBER 17, 2025

20A

EXTRA CHEESE EXTRA CHARGE • WITH COUPON EXPIRES 1-28-26 • ZINO’S

EXTRA CHEESE EXTRA CHARGE • WITH COUPON EXPIRES 1-28-26 • ZINO’S

EXTRA CHEESE EXTRA CHARGE WITH COUPON • EXPIRES 1-28-26 • ZINO’S

EXTRA CHEESE EXTRA CHARGE • WITH COUPON EXPIRES 1-28-26 • ZINO’S

EXTRA CHEESE EXTRA CHARGE • WITH COUPON EXPIRES 1-28-26 • ZINO’S

EXTRA CHEESE EXTRA CHARGE • WITH COUPON EXPIRES 1-28-26 • ZINO’S

EXTRA CHEESE EXTRA CHARGE • WITH COUPON EXPIRES 1-28-26 • ZINO’S

EXTRA CHEESE EXTRA CHARGE • WITH COUPON • EXPIRES 1-28-26 • ZINO’S

NOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERS. LIMIT 1 PER ORDER PER CUSTOMER. EXP. 1-28-26

0253-2551