3/13/24 C & G Special Edition — Oakland

NEWSPAPERS Special Edition

In

search of a ‘Marvelous’ home

NEW LOCATION FOR MARVIN’S MARVELOUS MECHANICAL MUSEUM YET TO BE DETERMINED

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

FARMINGTON HILLS — For more than four decades, Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum has been synonymous with good times and a place to gather with friends and family for many local residents.

While that isn’t expected to change anytime soon, the location likely will. Marvin’s is an arcade and museum that is currently located at 31005 Orchard Lake Road in Farmington Hills. It is located at the Hunter’s Square Shopping Center, at 14 Mile and Orchard Lake roads.

At a Feb. 12 Farmington Hills City Council meeting, consideration of approval for the partial redevelopment of the center was unanimously approved. According to the city, the portion of Hunter’s Square that was approved for redevelopment is 186,634 square feet.

The shopping center property was recently acquired by Kimco Realty, which is North America’s largest publicly traded real estate investment trust, specializing in grocery-anchored, open-air shopping centers and mixed-use assets, according to its website.

At the City Council meeting, a 70,000-square-foot Meijer grocery store was discussed as one of the new tenants that will be moving into that location.

“Meijer is one of the big tenants that are moving in, but I am not being displaced for Meijer’s,” said Jeremy Yagoda, who owns Marvin’s. “Meijer’s is just going to be a small grocery store format — it’s not one

See MARVIN’S on page 10A

Oakland County highlights new park projects, program expansions

BY BRENDAN LOSINSKI blosinski@candgnews.com

OAKLAND COUNTY — The Oakland County Parks and Recreation Department is announcing several projects made possible through its $20 million Healthy Communities Park and Outdoor Recreation Investment Plan.

In 2022, the department approved the plan, providing

funding for Oakland County to invest in local communities by creating sustainable parks and public spaces.

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners and County Executive Dave Coulter approved $15 million from pandemic relief funds the county received as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. Combined with a $5.2 million match from the parks department, this provided the parks system with funds to revitalize and enhance parks located in

or servicing residents of communities most impacted by the pandemic, officials said.

During 2023, the parks department developed agreements with local entities identified in the plan, conducted public engagement sessions to gather feedback from residents, and introduced design and engineering plans. In some cases where needs were already clearly identified, improve-

ABOVE: According to Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum owner Jeremy Yagoda, pictured with his son, Jonathan, more than 50,000 people have signed a petition in protest of a development that will likely force the business to move.

FAR LEFT: Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum will likely have to move from its current location on Orchard Lake Road. NEAR LEFT: Marvin’s Marvelous Mechanical Museum features “sensory overload” and “one man’s passion gone wild,” according to the owner.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Kirk Gibson Foundation partners with Yoga Moves for people with Parkinson’s

BY KATHRYN PENTIUK kpentiuk@candgnews.com

SOUTHFIELD — The Kirk Gibson Foundation, in partnership with Yoga Moves MS, launched a new program March 6, “Yoga Moves Parkinson’s,” specially designed for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Weekly classes are free and open to individuals of all abilities 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Wednesdays at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, 27375 Bell Road.

Yoga Moves MS’s mission aligns perfectly with the Kirk Gibson Foundation, said Cameron Gibson, Kirk Gibson’s son.

Cameron Gibson expressed how crucial exercise and eating well have been for his father.

“My dad has always been a go-getter. He’s never been someone to be told to sit and just relax. And even if you did tell him, he wouldn’t listen. He has to cater to his strengths, which are working out and participating in exercises and exercise classes. And what he found was that it helped him feel better in a lot of ways. When he has a workout class, it helps him open up his chest, which helps him be taller, which helps him talk louder, which helps a chain reaction of things.”

Mindy Eisenberg, the founder of Yoga Moves MS, knows the benefits as well.

“It’s not only the yoga that has so many benefits, but it’s also the camaraderie and the support from a small group class,” Eisenberg said. “For instance, someone with Parkinson’s disease has a movement disorder, and they have challenges with balance and rigidity, the slowness of movements, and posture. Yoga can address all those things, and do it in a fun way, too. We add music in and encourage questions and a little bit of interaction during class to make it fun and not too serious and have a good time.”

New printmaking art fair to stroll into Ferndale in April

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

FERNDALE — A new art fair will be debuting in Ferndale next month centered around the printmakers of Michigan.

The first Peninsular Printmaker Art Fair will take place from noon to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 6, at Urbanrest Brewery, 2615 Walcott St.

The Printmaker Art Fair landed in Ferndale after a suggestion from one of the people with whom Ernest Fackler, of Southfield, is organizing the event. From his experience, Fackler said Ferndale is a great art-buying town.

“Every time I do an art fair in Ferndale, it’s a great response for my work, as well as some of the other printmakers who I converse with and are

See PRINTMAKING on page 6A

TOP: Mindy Eisenberg, the founder of Yoga Moves MS, firmly believes in the healing properties of yoga and the community that comes with the practice. ABOVE: Yoga Moves Parkinson’s is specially designed for individuals with Parkinson’s disease. Weekly classes are free and open to individuals of all abilities at Congregation Shaarey Zedek, 27375 Bell Road.

Photos provided by Dawn Kelley

See YOGA on page 6A

Ernest Fackler, of Southfield, who is an organizer of the Peninsular Printmaker Art Fair, created this print.

Photo provided by Betsy Stecker

Cranbrook holds first spring break camps

BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — For the first time, Cranbrook Institute of Science is holding a spring break STEAM camp March 26, 27 and 28.

Students will get to explore the subjects of physics, astronomy or innovation science through fun and engaging workshops, the institute said. Students in grades one-six are encouraged to participate, especially if they are passionate about science.

Each day will bring new activities, and students can sign up for one day or all three days. Danielle DiFalco, the Cranbrook Institute of Science education manager, described the spring break camps as a “taste of one of our summer camp days.” However, she added that there will not be any repeat activities between the spring and summer camps.

On March 26, the theme is physics; on March 27, the theme is astronomy; and on March 28, the theme is innovation.

“All three days will include hands-on workshops, design thinking and an engineering problem-solving and building-type interactive,” DiFalco said.

Students will be combined into three groups, depending on grade level.

Cameron Wood is one of the camp staff helping coordinate the fifth-sixth grade camp. Wood provided examples of activities the age group will be doing on each themed day.

On astronomy day, students will create a solar system mobile. On physics day, they will make a homemade Newton’s cradle. On innovation day, they will be asked to design an exoplanet and a lifeform that could hypothetically live on that planet. These activities

Parks

from page 1A

ments began immediately.

The projects, programs and other developments are highlighted in the department’s 2023 annual report, which can be viewed at OaklandCountyParks.com.

One highlight from 2023 is Pontiac Oaks County Park, formerly Hawthorne Park in Pontiac, where a new fishing dock was constructed and new programming was launched.

Other community investments in 2023 included the approval of $658,166 in grant funds to 11 communities as part of a grant program. The money assists local municipalities with planning, preliminary engineering,

are among many the students will have the opportunity to do during camp, according to the institute.

“We hope that it’s something that would appeal to quite a broad variety of kids, but certainly those with an interest in science,” Wood said.

In addition to the hands-on learning at camp, students will explore the museum’s interactive exhibits, view a planetarium show and watch an energetic stage science performance.

Camps run 9 a.m.-3 p.m., and campers are asked to bring a packed lunch. No before or after care is available. Each day costs $110 for members and $125 for non-members. Registration for each day is separate.

For more information on the Cranbrook Institute of Science’s STEAM camp, visit science.cranbrook.edu.

design and construction costs for park improvements and trail projects. It also included an expansion of the Free Entry Day program, providing increased access to health and wellness activities in the parks.

The parks department partnered with the Huron-Clinton Metroparks to offer free swim lessons at the Waterford Oaks wave pool and to remove financial barriers to swim instruction in order to increase safe water recreation.

The parks department said the funds allowed them to expand participation in Welcoming Week, with two events that highlighted immigrant inclusion in the community and provided free recreation opportunities through the Recreation Assistance Partnership Program, which serves 117,983 participants.

Photo provided by Cranbrook Institute of Science Students with a love for science are encouraged to participate in the spring break camps at Cranbrook Institute of Science.

TIME TO GET OUTDOOR SPACES READY FOR SPRING AND SUMMER

BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Outside living spaces have grown in popularity over the years. As spring approaches, this is the time to start preparing lawns and gardens for “backyarding” fun.

“‘Backyarding,’ I think we came up with the term during COVID. It was the first time I heard it,” said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the TurfMutt Foundation, which advocates for the care of outdoor spaces from yards to parks. “It’s a verb meaning to champion the outdoors and creating the spaces for your particular needs.”

According to Kiser, lawns and backyards are no longer meant just to look pretty and provide curb appeal.

“We’ve worked with Realtors who have said, ‘Young people want outdoor living spaces,’” Kiser said.

These spaces are determined with a purpose in mind and tailored to the owner’s needs and desires: a Zen space, a cooking space or outdoor fun. When planning these spaces, one must factor in kids, dogs, deer and flowering plants.

Matching the right plant to the right place is the mantra of many gardeners and growers. To find the right match, homeowners must know their climate zone, Kiser said.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently updated their plant hardiness map,” said David Lowenstein, consumer horticulture supervising extension educator at the Michigan State University Macomb County Extension Office. “Now everyone is in zone 6 in the Detroit metro area.”

“What the zone information describes is the average minimum winter temperature. Zone 6A, the average temperature is minus 10 degrees Fahrenheit to minus 5 degrees Fahrenheit,” Lowenstein said. “That means the plants can survive if temperatures get to minus 10 degrees.”

Combining the right plant with the right soil can yield thriving results. Common types of soil are clay, sand and loam, according to Lowenstein.

“We do tend to have a lot of clay soil in our area,” Lowenstein said about the soil in Macomb and Oakland counties.

The soil types can vary in this area depending on how close you are to a body of water, ac-

Outdoor living spaces are growing in popularity. Spending time outdoors can decrease stress and anxiety.

Photo by Rebecca Finneran

Yoga

from page 3A

Yoga Moves MS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for individuals with neuromuscular conditions — including multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries and stroke — through movement and community.

Eisenberg has been teaching adaptive yoga for people with neuromuscular conditions for nearly 20 years.

Her journey with adaptive yoga began shortly after she finished her first teacher training. Eisenberg began volunteering and instructing through the National MS Society, and then her son’s nursery teacher, who has MS, invited her to lead a session at her MS support group at the Michigan Institute for Neurological Disorders, or MIND, in Farmington Hills.

“I started to realize after these two experiences how beneficial it was — like, people felt better. The group at the MIND asked me if I would continue to teach them on a weekly basis. And here we are, I venture to say it’s, like, 19 years later, and we’re still meeting on Tuesday nights.”

Printmaking

from page 3A

pals with,” he said.

The fair will bring together 18 artists for its first year to sell original printmaking art such as letterpress, woodcut, linocut, screenprinting, etching, drypoint, intaglio and collagraph art.

“I noticed that over the years, there’s all-potters fairs, there’s all-painting fairs and things like this, but there hasn’t been an allprintmaker fair,” Fackler said. “Printmaking is kind of like a large art genre. There’s different types of printmaking, and so I had this idea to put this fair together, and so I reached out to some of my fellow printmakers who I’ve met through art fairs and things like that, and we kind of got this ball rolling and we put together this fair.”

Betsy Stecker will be one of the makers bringing her art to the fair. Stecker owns

Big Mitten Linocuts, her art studio brand where she makes original handmade linocut prints, and Forested Goods, a shop inside The Rust Belt Market.

Stecker said she’s super excited about the fair and to meet the other printmakers taking part in it, as well as the customers in attendance.

“Printmaking is a unique medium because it’s handmade, but because we work in art that, I guess it’s called multiple originals, we’re able to offer it affordably. So you can find an original print for less than $100, less than $50, whereas a painting to get at that price point is usually going to be (more expensive) … or it’s going to be a digital reproduction.

Eisenberg said this is an issue near to her heart, since her mother was diagnosed with a progressive form of MS and used a wheelchair and was bedridden for most of her adult life.

She emphasized that adaptive yoga is tailored to the individual’s goals and ability level. Eisenberg added that the practice doesn’t need to be drawn out each time, and it can be as simple as taking 10-15 minutes each day to work on a few poses.

Yoga Moves MS began their partnership with the Kirk Gibson Foundation when Eisenberg met Kirk Gibson at a fundraiser for the Michigan Parkinson Foundation. She approached him about a grant to help people with chronic conditions to practice yoga. Last year, Eisenberg used the grant to launch a portal on her website with instructional videos addressing flexibility, shoulder mobility, rigidity and tight hamstrings.

This year, Yoga Moves MS received a $15,000 grant from the Kirk Gibson Foundation to provide weekly yoga classes for a year designed especially for those with Parkinson’s disease.

“We see programs like this, and they mean a lot, because we can offer these things up to the people who don’t

“With printmaking, we’re able to bring original art into homes for a very accessible price point, and that is one reason why I love being a printmaker,” she continued. “I really believe that art is for everybody and it’s important that art fairs carry a balance of super fine artwork that might cost thousands and original art done by printmakers that can start at $30.”

really necessarily even know that these programs are out there for them to use,” Cameron Gibson said.

The Kirk Gibson Foundation was created in 1996 with the mission to provide scholarships to both athletes and nonathletes at Waterford Kettering and Clarkston high schools. The mission of the foundation shifted to include funding for Parkinson’s research and raising awareness for Parkinson’s disease in 2015, when Kirk Gibson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

Cameron Gibson emphasized the positive impact that exercise and yoga have on individuals with Parkinson’s, such as improving breathing, balance and flexibility, and calming their nervous system. He said that in the future, the foundation aims to open a judgment-free center for individuals with Parkinson’s to visit for exercise, resources and community.

Eisenberg encouraged anyone nervous about attending their first class to “bring a buddy and dive right in.”

For more information on Yoga Moves Parkinson’s, contact Mindy Eisenberg at (248) 417-5985 or Mindy@Yog aMovesMs.org. For more information on Yoga Moves MS, visit yog amovesms.org. For more information on the Kirk Gibson Foundation, visit kirkgibsonfoundation.org.

For Stecker’s art, she takes linoleum blocks and carves them with wood carving gouges and rolls ink onto the blocks and furnishes it by applying pressure.

Stecker said that customers who come

to the fair will find a lot of art for a variety of prices, but most of it should be accessible.

“We’re a community of printmakers in Michigan, and that community is growing,” she said.

This linocut print by Betsy Stecker, from Big Mitten Linocuts, will be for sale at the first Peninsular Printmaker Art Fair in Ferndale April 6.

Photos provided by Betsy Stecker

Furniture Bank puts unwanted household basics to good use NONPROFIT REPORTS SERIOUS

BY K. MICHELLE MORAN kmoran@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Spring — the season of renewal — is a popular time for people to remodel or redecorate their homes.

But what many may not realize is the old dresser or couch they no longer want could make life substantially better for a local family in need.

The nonprofit Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan, which provides household basics like beds, dining tables and chairs to vulnerable metro Detroiters who are rebuilding their lives, is facing a serious shortage of furnishings at a time when demand for these items is spiking.

“Donations are down,” said Furniture Bank Board President Wanda Van Haitsma, of Redford. “We have about 180 families waiting for beds and other furniture, and that’s a big number.”

Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan Executive Director Robert Boyle, of Grosse Pointe Woods, said that’s three times the number of families waiting for furniture at this time in 2021. At the same time, furniture donations have dropped; Boyle said that in 2022, they went on 4,600 pickups, but in 2023, there were only 3,800 pickups.

“At a time of high inflation, it would seem people would rather sit on their current

SHORTAGE OF FURNISHINGS

couch than buy a new one,” Boyle said.

That same high inflation disproportionately hurts people on the lower end of the income spectrum. More than 80% of the people the Furniture Bank serves have incomes of $20,000 or less, and most are families with children.

“Now it’s even more difficult to cover basics like a bed for a child or a dining table to share a meal at,” Boyle said.

The Furniture Bank will collect essential items in good condition from homes across metro Detroit at no charge, if these items can be placed in a garage or on a porch, or they’ll charge a flat fee of $75 to collect any number of essentials from inside the home. Essential items include mattresses, box springs, dressers, end tables, nightstands, coffee tables, sofas/loveseats (excluding reclining sofas and sofa beds), dining/kitchen tables (excluding glass or heavy marble), dining/kitchen chairs (in sets of at least two) and living room chairs. The Furniture Bank will also collect as essentials up to five bags or boxes of smaller housewares, such as towels, pots, pans, silverware, lamps, bedding and other basics; they cannot accept clothing.

Because there’s such a serious need for mattresses and box springs in good condition, the Furniture Bank is currently offering to pick up these items for free, whether they’re

ABOVE: Families served by the Furniture Bank are happier and healthier because they have a comfortable place to sleep and have a meal together.

LEFT: Over the last year, the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan has supplied more than 800 children in metro Detroit with beds, including Nehemiah, of Pontiac, who’s thrilled with his. Photos provided by the Furniture Bank of Southeastern Michigan

cording to Lowenstein.

“Streams have been channeled, and they’re now underground,” Lowenstein said. “Where your house is now could have once been a wetland or had a stream nearby, and that can impact the soil type.”

The right plant for the right place is as simple as a couple of clicks of the mouse, according to Kiser. Homeowners can do research on the internet into the kind of soil they have and what plants are optimal in that environment. The MSU Extension Office also has soil testers that give the nutrient composition of the soil. The testers are available in the office or online for purchase. For more information, see homesoiltest.msu. edu.

Kiser created an outdoor office during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to enjoy it today as it draws colorful migrating birds, butterflies and a fox.

“The office has turned into a bit of an interaction with nature,” Kiser said. “It’s a disturbance I like.”

“Whatever you have, work with it.” Kiser said. That can include everything from a potted plant on a terrace to sprawling acres with plants, bushes, flowers, fruit trees and vegetables.

A beautiful outdoor garden can attract unwanted visitors. Deer love tender young plants and flowers. According to Lowenstein, it is difficult to keep the deer away completely unless there is a high fence or other barrier.

Deer typically avoid holly and ornamental grasses, according to Lowenstein. Catmint also deters deer with its fragrant scent and fuzzy leaves. Deer usually do not eat plants with hairy leaves like lamb’s ear.

Lowenstein suggests covering new plants and flowers with a cage to keep the deer away, at least until the new plants have been in the ground a month or two.

A lush green lawn can be a highlight of a beautiful outdoor space.

“Lawns look green when their fertility needs are met,” Lowenstein said. “What I mean by that is, when there is a sufficient amount of nitrogen available to them.”

Fertilizer can add nitrogen to the lawn, but err on the side of caution and do not over-fertilize, Lowenstein said. Slow-release fertilizer can be used less frequently than the fast-release variety, because slow-release continues to release nutrients.

Although metro Detroit had some unseasonably warm days in February, according to Lowenstein, the time to seed and plant will be in April.

“We could still have days that could bring us freezes, frosts or even snow,” Lowenstein said. “You don’t want to be fooled by Mother Nature and plant too early.”

Now the lawn can be mowed and any debris cleared. In a few weeks, the lawn will be ready to aerate, which involves punching holes into the ground, and to scarify, which creates grooves in the soil for grass seed to penetrate, protecting it from birds, according to Kiser. Kiser said to order plants, hardscapes and pools and arrange for labor now, because they may be more difficult to come by later in the season.

Marvin’s

from page 1A

of the huge Meijer stores. … What exactly is going to replace me, I am not sure, as of yet. … I don’t know the exact specifics, but from what I have understood, it’s supposed to be a Meijer’s (and) a couple stand-alone buildings for mixed use — be it doctors’ offices, retail — I am not exactly sure.”

At the City Council meeting, an unspecified drive-thru-style type of restaurant was also discussed as a possibility.

Other tenants at Hunter’s Square listed on Kimco’s website include Ulta Beauty, Five Below and DSW Shoe Warehouse.

Yagoda said that there has been very little communication between him and Kimco, with the communication that has taken place being “very un-definitive and ambiguous.”

“The latest is that I’m going to have to be out of here by the end of the year. At least that is what is presented to me so far,” he said. “I know I am here till the end of the year; whether they’re going to give me any more time beyond that, I don’t know. They’ve been very ambiguous in everything.”

Yagoda said that his reaction to the development was shock and disappointment.

“It was definitely not something that I was expecting to happen and definitely not something I was expecting to happen as quick as it is,” he said.

Yagoda took over the business after his father, Marvin, died in 2017.

He said that the business has been at its current location since 1980.

It was originally a part of Tally Hall, which Yagoda described as “like the first big food court in metro Detroit.”

After Tally Hall closed in 1988, Marvin’s ceased operations until around 1990, according to Yagoda.

He described the Marvin’s experience.

“It’s a sensory overload,” Yagoda said. “It’s one man’s passion gone wild. My father built this, not about a business. Not everything was about, ‘will this pay for itself?’ It was about him buying things that he loved

Furniture

from page 7A

inside or outside the house. For essential items that are structurally damaged, stained, torn or badly worn, they will haul these items away for $100 per item, whether they’re inside or outside of the home. For fees ranging from $100 to $125 per item, the Furniture Bank will also pick up nonessential items from inside or outside of homes, including

and sharing them with other people.”

Marvin’s is over 5,000 square feet and has features such as coin-operated machines, model airplanes, movie posters, collector’s items and antique memorabilia.

Farmington Hills Mayor Theresa Rich said that she has had a number of conversations with Yagoda.

“What I’ve made very clear from the get-go is my hope that this very iconic business chooses to stay in Farmington Hills,” Rich said. “We’ve always thought that it’s a great draw for the city and it helps make Farmington Hills a destination. They’ve been a good partner with us in the city, and we hope they continue to be so.”

Yagoda expressed no ill-will toward the city of Farmington Hills for approving the partial redevelopment.

“The city’s been phenomenal to me,” he said. “This is something that the city has no control over. As long as the property owner meets the zoning and the licensing requirements, a city can’t tell a property owner who they can lease to or things like that.”

Yagoda’s hope is to remain in the same shopping center, but in a space that is approximately 10,000 square feet, with the extra space allowing for perks such as dedicated party rooms.

If things don’t work out for Marvin’s to remain in Farmington Hills, Yagoda may not have to worry about having other suitors, as, according to him, multiple municipalities have reached out to him about moving the business to their community.

“It’s really nice to be wanted,” he said. “I’d love to stay in Farmington Hills. They’ve been phenomenal to us for years, but I have to go where I’m going to find the best option for me, and where that is, I do not know right now.”

However things end up playing out, Yagoda has thought about the issue from perspectives other than his own, and he understands the business side of things.

“They say progress is good, and progress is good, but it’s not always good for everyone, and I’m the unfortunate victim here,” he said. “I’m not blaming my landlord. I’m

desks, bookshelves, armoires, china cabinets, buffets, sofa beds, reclining sofas, entertainment centers and treadmills. Proceeds from fees support the work of the Furniture Bank and enable them to hire professional movers to safely remove furniture.

“It’s such a great nonprofit,” Van Haitsma said. “We’re providing furniture and beds for people who are trying to get back on their feet.”

In some cases, the people helped by the Furniture Bank are individuals who are mov-

not blaming the city. … Do I agree with it from a business standpoint, separating myself from the picture? Absolutely. I get it.”

Yagoda did say, however, that it hurts. He is not the only one who is dealing with the disappointment of having to relocate the business.

He pointed out that more than 50,000 people from all over the country and the world have signed a petition in protest of the development.

“It’s unbelievable to see how many people are touched by my father’s passion and what he started,” Yagoda said. “I’m flattered by the response and that the people started that, but at the same time I’m realistic and I understand how business works, and that wasn’t going to, unfortunately, change anything. But still, to see that many people supporting us is unbelievable, and it shows me that I don’t (want to) close. … If they were going to be dislocating a Meijer’s, a Kroger or a McDonald’s, you’re not going to get 50,000 people that sign a petition to try and stop it.”

West Bloomfield resident Emily Meretsky is one of the people who signed a petition.

“I cried out of anger and out of being upset, and I was not very happy about it,” Meretsky said. “And then I looked immediately, ‘What can I do to fix it? What can I do to help?’”

Meretsky attended Marvin’s as a child and continues to now as an adult.

“That is a historic landmark of a sort from when my parents were my age, and even younger,” she said. “They shouldn’t have to move.”

Another resident of West Bloomfield, Miriam Leary, has frequented Marvin’s during various stages of her life.

“I have memories from, basically, all parts of my life — single person, married person; now I take my kids there,” Leary said. “I hope they can stay in the Farmington or West Bloomfield area … but if they move a little farther, we’ll probably still go.”

Leary has taken notice of the community support for Marvin’s.

“I belong to several Facebook groups in

ing from a homeless shelter into their own apartment or home. In other cases, they’re people starting over after escaping from an abusive relationship.

Boyle said their clients are excited to leave shelters for their own dwelling — until they realize they were more comfortable in the shelter because, at least there, they had a bed.

“It’s stressful,” Boyle said of sleeping on the floor. “It’s not comfortable. It’s not good for your mental or physical health.”

the general metropolitan Detroit area, and when they originally announced right before Farmington was going to vote on whether or not to approve the plans for Meijer’s, my groups blew up,” she said. “I would say hundreds of people were commenting about how upsetting it was they were moving, and the petitions were flying around to tell the city how much they didn’t want them to approve the plans.”

Rich said that the council worked together to make sure the development is something that is going to be “very positive for all and very welcoming as a destination.”

“The overall project is a fantastic thing for the city,” she said. “When you think about that intersection where we have 14 Mile, Orchard Lake and Northwestern all coming together, we are seeing some major development coming in very, very soon, and so, starting with the Hunter’s Square development, we’re going to see very much an upgraded … gateway to the city. … So, when I look at what’s coming in that gateway to the city, it will really make the city stand out as looking very modern.”

Rich provided details about what people can expect to see.

“One of the things we’re excited about with the Hunter’s Square development is, it’s going to very much uplift Farmington Hills, and that area in particular, as a destination,” she said. “We’re going to see more common areas for people to get together; we’re going to see some outdoor dining; we’re going to see some outbuildings; we’re going to see more public art. I think our residents will be very happy to see what goes in.”

Although it is still possible that Marvin’s could lease a space within the center, Yagoda said that the building is being demolished, and that there’s no changing that.

However, he also shared some words of encouragement for fans of Marvin’s.

“I am looking at other locations,” Yagoda said. “We are not going to close. That’s not an option at all. … Where we will reopen, I do not know yet.”

A representative from Kimco Realty declined to comment.

Boyle said they’re trying to provide people with a stable, dignified life. Studies show there are higher rates of attention deficit disorder and obesity in children who don’t get adequate sleep.

“It’s really important that families get what they need when they need it and they don’t go through any more distress,” Boyle said.

To donate or for more information, visit www.furniture-bank.org or call (248) 332-1300.

The Exterior Painters Celebrate 20 Years of Transforming Properties, Neighborhoods

Nothing transforms a property and makes it shine brighter than a fresh coat of paint. It’s simply the best and most cost-effective investment you can make for your home draped in the colors of yesterday.

The Exterior Painters have been revitalizing properties for 20 years.

“We specialize in just exterior painting, and the reason why we do that is we believe that repetition is the mother of all skill,” said owner Brian Scott. “For 20 years, that’s all we’ve been doing is outside work. When it comes to that, we do wood replacement and siding replacement. It makes us the perfect fit for homeowners who don’t want to re-side their whole house.”

The Exterior Painters replace damaged siding and boards as needed, but they’re not looking to push for a full siding replacement.

“It gets people by another 10 years and transforms the look of the house, bringing it to the next color trends of today,” Scott said.

“Another thing we do that makes us unique, we have a full-time color consultant,” Scott added. “For most people, that’s the hardest, most stressful part, choosing what color they want. Our consultant comes out and

meets with the homeowners and gives them an idea of what the new color trends are so they can make a good color choice that complements their landscaping, brickwork and architectural features.”

The Exterior Painters also specialize in brick staining.

“A lot of younger people are buying houses. We’re taking it from grandma’s house of the ’50s, ’60s or ’70s and bringing it to that HGTV look,” Scott said.

Power washing the siding — and for an additional charge, soft washing the roof if needed — can also make a big difference in terms of curb appeal.

charge, soft washing the roof if needed — can also transformed through fresh paint,

you’re getting a bigger bang for your buck.”

It’s a win for everyone, from the crews The Exterior Painters employ and pay well to the homeowners who see their neighborhoods transformed. The company paints 30 houses a week on average in Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Livingston counties, and boasts a five-star Google review average.

Scott said his crews often see their work spread from house to house in a neighborhood as the properties are transformed through fresh paint, siding repairs and much-needed washing.

“With us you’re buying certainty. We don’t ask for a large deposit, and you don’t have to worry about anyone running off with your deposit,” Scott said. “We stand by our work. We provide a warranty and proven results by taking care of everybody in the community. We’re Nextdoor’s No. 1 preferred contractor in Rochester two years in a row. It’s that certainty factor. You know what you’re going

“It’s the cheapest home improvement you can do without breaking the bank,” Scott said. “Compared to other home improvements,

“It’s the cheapest home

to get.”

The Exterior Painters are located at 2365 Avon Industrial Drive in Rochester Hills. To request a quote or for more information, call (248) 844-8888.