4/17/24 Madison-Park News

State of the County address focuses on affordable

housing, transit, business

‘PROVING ONCE AGAIN THAT IN OAKLAND COUNTY, WORKING ACROSS THE AISLE IS HOW WE DO BUSINESS’

BY MARK VEST mvest@candgnews.com

OAKLAND COUNTY — At his State of the County address at The Hawk Community Center in Farmington Hills April 4, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter painted an optimistic picture of where things stand in the county.

Coulter took the stage following remarks by Farmington Hills Mayor Theresa Rich.

During his speech, Coulter highlighted what he considers some of the county’s successes, including affordable housing, transit, small business coaching and mental health care.

He said that one of the county’s greatest strengths is fiscal responsibility, as, from his perspective, taxpayer dollars have been handled responsibly.

“Every year I’ve presented three-year balanced budgets with healthy reserves that help provide essential services that re-

See COUNTY on page 8A

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — The spirit of independent record stores will make music on Record Store Day, set for April 20 this year.

Record Store Day, held internationally, was launched in 2007 to give employees and customers the chance to gather and celebrate the culture of the

Music fans tune in to Record Store Day

indie record store, including those that sell used and new titles.

The event can trigger feelings of nostalgia for anyone who grew up listening to vinyl on their parents’ turntables or met up with friends at the neighborhood shop in their youth.

It’s also a day on which artists release new music or re-release albums and CDs that have been out of

Seniors invited on trip to Lansing for Older Michiganians Day

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

MADISON HEIGHTS — A springtime tradition is returning to Madison Heights. For six years prior to the pandemic, the city would send interested seniors on a bus ride to the state capital in Lansing for Older Michiganians Day. There they would enjoy a free lunch on the lawn of the Capitol building, listen to presenters advocating for seniors, tour historic sites, and even sit in on a legislative session.

Organized by Madison Heights City Councilman David Soltis, there was no cost to attend. The only requirement was that each participant is a senior citizen who lives in Madison Heights. Now, after a four-year hiatus, the trip returns on Wednesday, May 1. Soltis said people can

See TRIP on page 12A

In 2019, during the last seniors trip to Lansing, a group of Madison Heights senior citizens enjoyed a free lunch and toured the historic Capitol building before sitting in on a legislative session. The COVID-19 pandemic put the tradition on hold, but it returns this year on May 1 for Older Michiganians Day. The trip is free to attend and open to any seniors living in Madison Heights.

Secret admirer charged with stalking, attacking man’s girlfriend

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

HAZEL PARK — An infatuation with a man at the gym escalated to a dangerous confrontation, police say, when the secret admirer stalked the man’s girlfriend using a GPS tracking device placed on her car and pistol-whipped her outside of her home.

“This was an extremely dangerous situation,” said Hazel Park Police Chief Brian Buchholz. “Unbeknownst to the victims, this woman was watching them for an extended period of time and wanted to harm the girlfriend. It’s very fortunate that it didn’t go further than it did.”

The suspect is Jie Yu, 52, of Rochester. She was arraigned in Hazel Park in the 43rd District Court

April 2, charged with aggravated stalking and felonious assault — each punishable by up to five years in prison — and two counts of possession of a firearm in the commission of a crime, each punishable by up to two years in prison.

She was also charged with one count of carrying a concealed weapon, which is another five-year

Photo provided by David Soltis

Records

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print or previously weren’t available. That could include music from current bands and also from groups no longer together. Some titles are limited releases.

From the mainstream to the obscure, Record Store Day will have artists from all genres: classic rock, rap, blues, jazz, punk and country. Each individual record store owner decides what titles to order.

Several metro Detroit stores will participate in Record Store Day. It has become a tradition for record collectors to wait in line before the stores open for the day in hopes of getting that one special title they have been patiently waiting for.

“People make a day of it,” said Todd Fundaro, owner of Flipside Records in Berkley, which will be open from 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. on April 20. “It’s the busiest day of the year by far.”

Flipside Records will offer discounts on used merchandise. Customers may even get a chance to see their favorite bands live this year as Fundaro will have ticket giveaways to 14 different upcoming concerts, including Santana, Green Day and Incubus.

The alternative rock group Paramore was crowned as the Record Store Day 2024 ambassadors. The musicians will pay tribute to the Talking Heads with their version of “Burning Down the House” on 12-inch vinyl; on the B-side will be Paramore’s song “Hard Times,” performed by David Byrne.

“That’s been getting some buzz,” Fundaro said.

As Record Store Day approaches, pop music’s biggest star right now — Taylor Swift — will drop her new album the day before. Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department” is set for release April 19, and Fundaro expects “a bunch of Swifties” to go record store shopping to pick up the new release. “Dark Matter” from Pearl Jam is due out April 19, which could prompt fans of the Seattle rockers to hit the stores on Saturday.

Music from many other artists will come out on April 20 including selections from the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, The Doors, Linda Ronstadt, Willie Nelson, Mavis Staples, The Offspring, Public Enemy, Queen Latifah, The Sisters of Mercy and many, many more. There are singles, full albums and picture discs. A list of new releases also can be found on recordstoreday.com.

‘There are a lot of good releases this year’

“We always have a great turnout,” said John Lehl, who owns Village Vinyl in Sterling Heights, which will open at 8 a.m. April

“I enjoy everything about music. It’s always exciting to see what people will buy and what people will bring in. We see a little bit of everything.”

— John Lehl, Village Vinyl owner

20. “There are 300 releases, and we should have most of them.”

For Lehl, the Mudhoney box set “Suck You Dry: The Reprise Years”’ is the title he’s most interested in. Village Vinyl recently moved from its digs on Chicago Road in Warren to its new spot at 34230 Van Dyke Ave., between 14 Mile and 15 Mile roads. Something Lehl always notices about Record Store Day is the camaraderie between customers.

“It’s a lot of people talking music and having a good time,” he said. “I think people are on the move all day bouncing from store to store. Every store has different sales.”

One piece of music people have been asking about is the release from folk-pop performer Noah Kahan.

“There’s a regular release and a split with Olivia Rodrigo, which is going to be pretty big,” Lehl said.

Village Vinyl has been in business for seven years.

“I enjoy everything about music,” Lehl said. “It’s always exciting to see what people will buy and what people will bring in. We see a little bit of everything.”

Melodies & Memories, located at 23013 Gratiot Ave., in Eastpointe, will get into the vibe of the occasion by offering a 20% discount on used merchandise all day. The store will be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“We do Record Store Day every year. A lot of the people are our regular customers,” said Dan Zieja, who owns the business with his wife, Denise. “There are a lot of good releases this year.”

Over the years, vinyl records have been the biggest seller for the Ziejas. They’ve also witnessed a recent resurgence of 45 RPM sales, and plans are underway to start stocking vintage T-shirts. Melodies & Memories recently celebrated 36 years in business.

“We’re like an old slipper,” Zieja said. “We’ve been here a long time. People know our store from all over the world.”

According to Zieja, past shoppers have included rappers Eminem and Kanye West, and Motown great Martha Reeves.

“Aretha Franklin used to shop here,” he said. “Questlove (from) Jimmy Fallon’s show was just in here.”

Record Store Day is held twice a year, in April and every November on Black Friday, the day after Thanksgiving.

SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT

According to the website recordstoreday.com, the following stores in the C & G Newspapers coverage area are participating in Record Store Day:

• Dearborn Music-Farmington, 33025 Grand River Ave., Farmington.

• Found Sound, 234 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale.

• Ripe Records Detroit, 15212 Charlevoix St., Grosse Pointe Park.

• Weirdsville Records, 61 Macomb Place, Mount Clemens.

• Blast in the Past, 28071 Gratiot Ave., Roseville.

• Solo Records, 30148 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak.

• The Detroit Record Club, 28834 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak.

• UHF Music, 512 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak.

• Media Reload, 13285 Hall Road, Utica.

Participating

record stores are subject to change.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

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felony, and illegally using a tracking device on a motor vehicle, which is a 93-day misdemeanor.

She was being held on a $1 million cash bond and, according to court officials, did not have an attorney of record at press time.

The attack occurred in the 90 block of West Shevlin Avenue in Hazel Park on the morning of March 29. Police received calls around 8:20 a.m. reporting that shots had been fired. Officers rushed to the scene and found that while a gun was involved, no shots were fired. Rather, a 35-year-old woman was reportedly struck in the face with a pistol.

The victim had reportedly been sitting in her car in the driveway with the driver’s window down while she talked on her cellphone. That’s when the suspect allegedly approached her, carrying a bright red bag similar to those used by food delivery workers. She told police that the suspect first asked her about the address and then walked away before returning moments later with a 9mm Glock pistol. Without saying anything, the suspect reportedly used the gun to pistolwhip the victim, and at some point, she allegedly racked the slide on the gun and dropped a live 9mm round onto the ground near the car.

“The suspect was manipulating the weapon when she confronted the victim and racked the slide a couple times. It does make you wonder if she would’ve shot and killed this woman if she knew how to correctly use the gun,” Buchholz said. “It’s hard to say, based on her actions, how the suspect would’ve expected the victim to know to stay away from the boyfriend, or what her purpose was.”

The attack occurred after the victim had returned from the home of her boy-

friend, who is also in his 30s. The victim saw the suspect’s getaway vehicle, which she described as a gray 2018 Ford F-150 pickup truck. Police used surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses to get the number on the license plate, which linked the truck to the suspect’s estranged husband, a resident of Auburn Hills.

Upon executing a search warrant at Yu’s home in Rochester, police reportedly found the packaging and codes to two tracking devices. One was found on the vehicle of the man she was apparently interested in, and the other was found on the vehicle of the man’s girlfriend — the woman she allegedly attacked.

Yu returned home a short time later. At first, she kept changing her story, police said, but in a subsequent interview she allegedly admitted to feeling lovestruck when she saw the man at the gym, and that she had been stalking them for some time prior to the attack. She also reportedly told police that she had intended to “scare” the man’s girlfriend.

Yu has no prior criminal history, and no prior connection to either victim. When the man was shown Yu’s picture, he recognized her from the gym, but he knew nothing else about her.

Buchholz commended the work of his team solving the case.

“All of the patrol officers, command officers and investigators involved did excellent work here. They really did. This started with nothing to go by that made any sense. But little by little, they put the pieces together to develop this case,” Buchholz said. “They located the suspect and arrested her within six to seven hours of when it happened. They basically had to sacrifice their Easter weekend and work extra hours to figure this out. But they did a great job.”

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

Woman charged with swindling $113,000 from military vet

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

HAZEL PARK — About three years ago, a Hazel Park man befriended a woman more than 30 years his junior. A year later, he noticed money disappearing from his bank account.

Now, the woman stands accused of having used his banking information to bilk him out of more than $100,000.

Kristin Vian, 42, formerly of Auburn Hills, has been charged with larceny of more than $20,000, a felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. She was recently bound over for trial in Oakland County Circuit Court, where she has a pre-trial date set for May 2.

At press time, her attorney Douglas Hampton had not returned requests for comment.

Vian was previously arraigned in Hazel Park 43rd District Court Feb. 24 and has since been held in Oakland County Jail on a $50,000 cash bond. At press time, she was also being held for other charges includ-

ing two probation violations and drug possession, with a $12,000 cash bond for alleged property damage in a separate Oak Park case.

In recent years, Vian had been living out of hotels and motels in the area, police said. It is alleged that in less than two years, she swindled the victim out of $113,000.

Vian first met the victim — a 73-yearold man who is a military veteran and lives in Hazel Park — during a chance meeting at a Detroit gas station in the summer of 2021. They quickly became friends, and police say Vian exploited the man’s trust to gain access to his personal records.

“This woman probably marked him out as a target from the very start,” said Hazel Park Police Chief Brian Buchholz.

Police say that Vian fraudulently made herself a delegate to the man’s bank account

and opened a checking account using his information. She also reportedly acquired a debit card that she used to withdraw money from his account.

But about a year into the scam, the victim and his son noticed that his savings were depleting for no apparent reason. They began looking more closely at the situation, including a series of withdrawals that the victim did not recognize.

Once the police got involved, it was determined that Vian had made herself an unauthorized delegate on the victim’s account. Authorities believe that she has a history of drug abuse and that she was using the man’s money to pay off her credit card debt.

Police say Vian may have gained access to the man’s information while housekeeping for him at multiple points in 2021 while he was at the hospital for surgery. The victim first reported the missing money to police in the summer of 2022. Police say the investigation that followed was a lengthy and complex process, culminating in the charges earlier this year.

“It did take some time for the detectives

to go through all of the banking records and try to see how the money was coming out of the accounts, and to tie this woman to those transactions,” Buchholz said.

“You really need to know someone very well before you invite them into your home and allow them to be there without you being there,” the chief added. “We feel terrible for the victim to suffer this much loss. I’ve talked to him at different times, and seen him throughout the city at different events. He’s a very good man, and a trusting person. But unfortunately, the woman here was just not the right person to trust. I feel bad that this happened to him.”

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

Vian

DONATIONS, MILITARY PICTURES AND VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT FOR PARADE

MADISON HEIGHTS — The 2024 Madison Heights Memorial Day Parade is set for May 25, the Saturday before the holiday. The parade will follow the same route that made its debut last year, starting near Wilkinson Middle School and proceeding north on John R Road to 11 Mile Road where it will turn east and continue to Madison High School, concluding with a memorial service on the football field.

Donations make the parade possible and continue to be collected. Checks can be made payable to “Madison Heights Parade Committee” and mailed to parade organizer Martha Kehoe at 1765 Dulong Ave, Madison Heights, MI 48071.

Residents can also mail pictures of military members with ties to Madison Heights, past and present, which will be photocopied and included on the Wall of Heroes. Include a note on the back of the picture with the service member’s full name, and when and where they served, as well as a return address so that the Parade Committee can mail back the original picture.

Volunteers are also needed for the parade. Those interested in helping operate the event can email mhparade@gmail.com for more information.

HOW TO OPERATE A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

MADISON HEIGHTS — The fire departments in Madison Heights and Hazel Park are teaming up for a public workshop on how to properly operate a fire extinguisher.

The event, sponsored by the Madison Heights/Hazel Park Chamber of Commerce, will take place at Madison Heights Fire Station No. 2, located at 26339 John R Road, from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Thursday, May 16.

The event will feature demonstrations and hands-on training. There will also be light snacks and refreshments. Admission is free for Chamber members and $15 for nonmembers.

To learn more or to register for the event, visit mhhpchamber.com.

Recycling in Hazel Park

HAZEL PARK —The Hazel Park Department of Public Works, located at 24211 Couzens Ave., will host a recycling event for paper products, scrap metal, electronics, paint, cleaners and more from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27.

The DPW is also organizing park cleanups around the city from 9 a.m. to noon on that date. Those interested can call (248) 547-5535 to sign up and choose a location. For more information, visit facebook. com/cityofhp.

Life-saving training

MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights/Hazel Park Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Madison Heights Police Department for an emergency medical training session to take place at ABC Southeastern Michigan, 31800 Sherman Ave., from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 23.

Madison Heights Police Sgt. Steven Schram will lead the training, showing participants how to stop bleeding from life-threatening injuries such as severe cuts or bullet holes by applying pressure, packing wounds and properly using a tourniquet. There will be a PowerPoint presentation and hands-on training. The cost is free for members of the chamber, and $15 for nonmembers. A light breakfast and refreshments will also be served. For more information, visit mhhpchamber.com.

County

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flect our shared priorities and values,” Coulter said to those in attendance, including residents, and city, county and state officials. “That careful and far-sighted fiscal planning has once again allowed us to earn our AAA bond rating. … It’s the foundation that allows us to execute our strategic plan – an intentional and thoughtful roadmap to deliver initiatives and services to improve the lives of our people.”

Coulter shared what he thinks has gone well for the county over the past 12 months or so.

“We’ve had remarkable success on a number of fronts this past year, from transit to mental health care, affordable housing to sustainability, small business coaching to education (and) training,” he said. “We were able to provide these innovative programs with the support of our Board of Commissioners. They passed a budget in a bi-partisan manner, proving once again that in Oakland County, working across the aisle is how we do business. These programs have touched hundreds of thousands of people.”

Coulter cited Oakland SAVES, which

he said was opened on a Monday morning in January and is designed to provide grants to people with an interest in energy-efficient improvements in their homes.

“The interest and need were so high that by Friday of that same week, the entire $5 million in funding was spoken for,” Coulter said. “We’re helping to keep people safer and more comfortable in their homes, providing more energy efficiency and keeping more money in their pockets as they save on their monthly utility bills.”

Coulter said that affordable housing is important for attracting and retaining individuals to help grow the population.

“So, working with the Board of Commissioners and using federal American Rescue Plan (Act) dollars, we established a $20 million housing trust fund – this fund is working with developers to provide more affordable housing options in the county through incentives and gap finding,” he said.

“Projects have already been approved for these funds in Southfield, Royal Oak Township, Pontiac and Rochester Hills, filled with both market-rate and affordable homes that will create inclusive communities for the hard-working Michiganians who are looking for attractive and safe places to raise their

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter highlighted what he considers some of the county’s successes at a State of the County address April 4 at The Hawk Community Center in Farmington Hills.

County

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families. And we just closed last month on a project in Rochester Hills to provide desperately needed housing for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It’s only the second such development in all of Michigan.”

With the help of multiple Oakland County Michigan Works offices, Coulter said that more than 8,500 people have entered the workplace over the last two years.

He said that due to services that have been offered, interns and apprentices have been matched with thousands of businesses.

Coulter touted the county’s Oakland 80 initiative, which aims to have 80% of the adult population attain a college degree or certified training by 2030.

He said the county is currently at 69%.

Coulter also highlighted Oakland Thrive, a nonprofit that was launched to provide coaching and consulting resources for small businesses in the county.

Oakland Thrive can assist entrepreneurs with things such as a business plan, social media, financial workshops, and assistance with applications for business grants and loans.

Coulter also cited efforts to help small and midsize manufacturers.

“Our economic development department has helped 20 companies either locate or expand in Oakland County during 2023,” he said. “Their presence represents $387 million in new investment, and more than 3,300 new and retained jobs.”

In 2022, voters approved the Oakland County Public Transportation Millage. With that approval, the county is now authorized to levy a millage for the purpose of funding transportation services throughout Oakland County. Prior to that, individual communities could opt out.

Residents in communities that opted in prior to the countywide millage paid 1 mill in taxes for public transportation services. Residents in all Oakland County communities will now pay 0.95 mill for 10 years, which is 95 cents for every $1,000 of taxable value of a home.

“We’re building on the strength of voters, who, like us, were committed to creating a countywide public transportation system,” Coulter said. “We’re expanding into the jobrich centers of Novi, Wixom, Bloomfield Hills and Rochester Hills, which is happening with the help of the SMART bus system. Transit is on the move for the folks who live in the outer reaches of Oakland County, who may not have been sure they would ever benefit from a public transportation system.”

Opponents of the millage, however, said that residents in communities where there is not a high demand for public transportation should not have to pay taxes for it.

Mental health care has been a popular topic in the country, and it is one that Coulter touched on during his speech.

“Another significant initiative we’ve adopted … is our investment in expanding access to mental health care in Oakland County,” he said. “Through our partnership with the United Way of Southeastern Michigan we’ve provided millions in grants to dozens of nonprofits that have the expertise to positively impact, and in some cases save, the lives of tens of thousands of people across our country.”

Coulter’s speech also included a “sad note,” as he discussed the deaths of three individuals who helped serve Oakland County.

“Oakland County Sheriff Deputy Nicholas Dotson from Holly died in December after a battle with cancer,” Coulter said. “Sheriff Mike Bouchard said Nick had a special spark that led him to his job with the county because he wanted to make a real difference, and he did during his 10 years of service with the Sheriff’s Office. At the young age of 32 he leaves behind his wife, Delaney, and son, Sullivan.

“County Commissioner Gary McGillivray lost his battle with cancer late last year,” Coulter said. “He was a devoted public servant during his time as a councilman and mayor of Madison Heights, and during his 15 years on the Board of Commissioners. He was also a champion for the Oakland parks system and as chairman of the Parks and Rec Commission.”

Coulter also recalled someone who he said had a legacy of helping people.

See COUNTY on page 11A

‘With the right support, there’s a lot of opportunity’

NEW CLINIC HELPS AUTISTIC INDIVIDUALS DEVELOP LIFE SKILLS

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com

MADISON HEIGHTS — A new clinic has opened in Madison Heights, focused on helping autistic teens and young adults develop skills for social and professional success. Its opening also coincides with Autism Acceptance Month, recognized each year in April.

The clinic is the fourth and latest addition at Healing Haven, founded in 2010. Healing Haven provides behavioral health and autism therapy at its campus in the Barrington Street office park off 13 Mile Road between John R Road and Stephenson Highway.

The clinical spaces there are focused on serving individuals from age 2 to young adulthood with applied behavior analysis therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. The new clinic is located at 30701 Barrington St., Suite 125. The services there develop social skills, prevocational skills and vocational skills. An open house was held April 4.

“We had an amazing turnout,” said Jocelyn Cook, vice president at Healing Haven. “I hear this all the time from families: They call us desperate for therapy for their child, since the waitlist to get their child evaluated and assessments done sometimes takes a year at other places. And then they call around to ABA clinics and they’re told there’s another waitlist. But that’s not the case with us because of how accommodating we are at our campus. I tell them we can get them started within four to six weeks and move them through pretty quickly. That’s a huge stress relief for families.”

Autism is a neurological disorder characterized by social, communication and behavioral deficits that typically develop within the first three years of life. The severity varies greatly from person to person, with the term “spectrum” used to refer to the range of possible challenges.

ABOVE: Jamie McGillivary is the president and founder of Healing Haven, an organization that provides therapy and other services for autistic individuals. Its campus in Madison Heights recently opened a fourth clinic focused on developing life skills in teenagers and young adults with autism.

TOP RIGHT: Healing Haven features several living and work environments at its campus, such as this model bedroom where students can perform tasks such as making the bed and putting away clothes.

BOTTOM RIGHT: The Unique Boutique at Healing Haven allows students to take inventory and organize items, clean the store, and wash and fold clothes. The idea is to help develop skills for self-sufficiency.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes See CLINIC on page 14A

County from page 9A

“We tragically lost Dr. Calandra Green, our county health officer, almost a year ago,” he said. “Calandra was a passionate advocate for public health services … especially in communities of color.”

Green’s death last year was ruled a homicide. She was found near her husband in their home in Pontiac. His death was ruled as a suicide.

At the address, Coulter announced that working with Oakland University, a scholarship fund to help nursing students at the university was created.

Coulter also said that a $20 million investment will help create new public spaces and make improvements to dozens of parks across the county.

He referred to the county’s 14 parks as the “crown jewel of Oakland County.”

Coulter said the county is helping communities with $14 million in grants to upgrade water infrastructure, with a $5 million investment going toward 29 senior centers across the county.

He also touted a multimillion-dollar upgrade to the county’s public radio safety program.

“That allows our police, firefighters and

EMTs to seamlessly and in real time connect with hundreds of agencies across the region and the state so we can improve response times (and) better respond to a crisis,” Coulter said.

Oakland County Commissioner Bob Hoffman attended the event.

Although he said that he thinks the county is in good shape and he commended the employees who work for the county, he did share a concern.

“It just seems like we keep building staff and creating programs, and that’s always a concern to me. (It’s) somebody else’s money we’re spending,” Hoffman said.

He also questioned a decision to purchase two office buildings in Pontiac for $19.2 million.

“We have the true market value of those two office buildings,” Hoffman said. “It’s either $10 (million) or $12 million. So we’re going to pay $19.2? Then we’re going to get another $100 (million) or $150 million (invested) in it, and they talk about we’re getting money from the state, whatever. I don’t care where you get the money: It’s taxpayer money, and how are you creating economic development in Pontiac when you spend $19.2 million for a building and then take them off the tax rolls?”

Call Staff Writer Mark Vest at (586) 498-1052.

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

City and county leaders were among those in attendance at Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter’s State of the County address April 4 at The Hawk Community Center in Farmington Hills.

Trip

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call him directly at (248) 219-6381 to sign up. Volunteers are also needed to chaperone the group.

Everyone will meet at the Active Adult Center, 260 W. 13 Mile Road, at 8:30 a.m. on May 1. The bus will depart around 9 a.m. and should reach Lansing in less than two hours.

Martha Kehoe, a resident of Madison Heights, said she attended in the past.

“It was wonderful — just wonderful. It was really great,” Kehoe said. “I’ve always enjoyed going on that trip. I think my favorite part was meeting all the people from the different regions and hearing what’s going on across the state. It was nice meeting them and making those connections.”

Upon arrival, the first activity will be lunch on the lawn of the Capitol building. Seniors from across the state will enjoy boxed meals at tables and chairs under large tents. The meals are served cold and usually consist of sandwiches, fresh fruit, chips and other items, along with drinks.

Elected officials and advocacy groups will give presentations at that time. One of the groups is the Area Agencies of Aging Association of Michigan, a statewide organization that advocates on behalf of seniors. The group is calling on the state Legislature to take action on several issues.

A call for action

The group is calling for increased support for Michigan’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program by budgeting 33 new full-time positions at an estimated cost of $3 million. The ombudsmen work with residents of long-term care facilities, such as nursing homes and adult foster care, to improve quality of life for residents.

According to the AAA, a recent review of the ombudsman program found that to reach the recommended minimum staff-tobed ratio of 1 to 2,000, Michigan needs to add 33 more full-time staff members. The program’s funding formula has not been updated since 1987.

Another item calls for a permanent $5 million appropriation to AAA divisions across the state in the fiscal year 2024-25 budget, which would help support continued development of their caregiver programs and resources. The AAA also wants policymakers to pass the Caring for Michigan Family Tax Credit, which would provide tax relief of up to $5,000 per year for family caregivers.

Expanded access to the MI Choice Medicaid Waiver Program is another request by the AAA. The program is an in-home service that enables seniors and adults with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements to receive long-term care services at their home instead of a nursing facility. One way to expand access would be to increase the participant’s asset limit to reflect inflation, allowing more people to participate.

The last request is for increased support for home and community-based services. More than 6,100 seniors are on waiting lists for essential non-Medicaid in-home services provided by the state. These services include home-delivered meals, in-home personal care, homemaking, and respite care that can delay or prevent the need for more costly long-term options. The AAA supports a request by the Silver Key Coalition for a $7 million increase toward these services, and also wants the state to permanently budget a $1 million increase for home-delivered meals.

Soltis said the biggest issue on his mind is helping seniors to age in place.

“They need to be able to afford the cost of living in their own home. That includes being able to maintain and repair their homes. And it also means being able to cover utilities, and get the food and medication they need,” Soltis said. “One great service is Meals on Wheels, which delivers nutritious meals to homebound seniors. I volunteered with them, making deliveries. We need more services like that to meet this critical need.”

The rest of the day

After lunch on the lawn, the group will tour the sprawling Capitol building, which will include sitting in on a legislative session, seeing policymakers at work in the Michigan House of Representatives.

Soltis will pass a note to a security guard who will relay it to the elected officials on the floor, letting them know that they’re there. The legislators then give the seniors a round of applause.

“They realize that seniors are an important voting bloc. And when they see them sitting up there in the gallery, they realize that seniors are watching what’s happening in Lansing,” Soltis said.

He said the experience allows attendees to feel more connected to the policymaking process. It can be both educational and inspiring, Soltis said.

The visit usually wraps up mid-afternoon, getting back to Madison Heights around 4 p.m.

The councilman said that the last trip in 2019 was among the most well-attended,

drive separately.

The first year’s trip, in 2014, was a bit eventful. The city had to send a second bus when the first one broke down with a flat tire. But there hasn’t been an incident since, he said.

“They always have a blast,” Soltis said of the seniors. “Many of them would return for the trip each year. They just loved being out and about at the Capitol. For many of them, it was the first time they had been there, and certainly up in the gallery with the legislators applauding them.”

He said everyone should appreciate the

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at a City

older generations that helped build their community.

“Seniors have worked hard and did everything asked of them, paying their taxes and building our city. We really owe it to them after all the sacrifices they made. We need to recognize that in kind,” Soltis said. “Someday, we’ll all be older, if we’re lucky. So it’s in the best interest of everyone to make sure we take care of our vulnerable seniors. As a community, we need to be there for them.”

For more information, call the Active Adult Center at (248) 545-3464.

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

PUBLIC NOTICE

CITY OF HAZEL PARK

Sections Contrary to the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System (MERS) Plan. The effective date of this Ordinance is April 26, 2024. In addition to this Ordinance, the entire Hazel Park Municipal Code is available for inspection and/or purchase at the City Clerk’s Offce, 111 E.

0390-2416

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that the City Council for the City of Madison Heights will hold a public hearing on Monday, May 13th, 2024 at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building at 300 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights, Michigan 48071 to consider the following special approval request:

Case # PSP 24-02

The applicant, Skilken Gold LLC, on behalf of Sheetz (proposed tenant) and Albert Santia (property owner), requests Special Approval from City Council under Section 10.319(2) of the Madison Heights Zoning Ordinance, “gasoline service stations.” The applicant requests approval for a gasoline service station featuring a convenience store and quick-service restaurant. The subject property is located at 30901 Dequindre Road (southwest corner of Dequindre and E. 13 Mile), PIN 44-25-12-226-008, and is zoned B-1, Local Business district. A strip retail center is proposed to be demolished to accommodate the development.

The application and any supporting documents can be viewed during regular business hours at the Community and Economic Development Department. In addition, the agenda item can be viewed online after 4:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to the meeting at www.madison-heights.org in the Agenda Center.

For further information, please contact the Community and Economic Development Department at (248) 583-0831. Cheryl Rottmann, CMC City Clerk (248) 583-0826 Published:

the Municipal Building at 300 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071 to consider the following:

New Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map

An ordinance to repeal in its entirety Appendix A (Zoning Ordinance) of the Code of Ordinances of the City of Madison Heights, Michigan, including all related Zoning Maps, and adopt a new comprehensive Zoning Ordinance, including related Zoning Maps. The proposed Zoning Ordinance provides: a re-formatted layout and structure; new defnitions, tables, and graphics; new and modifed zoning districts; updated tables of permitted and special land uses for each zoning district; new fexible zoning tools; a form-based “City Center” zoning district; new use-specifc standards; regulations for site development, including, but not limited to, building setbacks and height, landscaping, lighting, and parking; access management standards; revised signage regulations; standards for non-conforming situations; and new application submittal and review processes; among other elements.

A new Zoning Map is also proposed to refect new, deleted, and modifed zoning districts, relating to all properties within the City of Madison Heights.

The proposed draft Zoning Ordinance and Map are available for review on the City’s website at: https://www.madison-heights.org/877/Planning-and-Zoning-Updates. The draft Zoning Ordinance and Map are also available for review at the Community and Economic Development Department, City Hall, 300 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071. City Hall is open M-F, 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Public

CRIME WATCH

Vehicle damaged in driveway

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, a white Dodge Caravan had a window broken and its tires slashed while it was parked in a driveway in the 26000 block of Wolverine Street around 9:30 p.m. April 8.

The vehicle belongs to a 39-year-old Madison Heights resident.

Police were investigating.

Tires taken

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect stole four tires from the garage of the home in the 30000 block of Palmer Boulevard, sometime between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. April 7.

The victim is a 58-year-old Madison Heights resident.

An investigation was ongoing.

Power shut off

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, a suspect described as a white man turned off the power to a business in the 1000 block of West 14 Mile Round at 12:30 p.m. April 4.

Police were investigating.

Lawn mower stolen

MADISON HEIGHTS — According to a police report, an unknown suspect stole a red lawn mower from the shed of a 27-year-old Madison Heights resident in the 27000 block of Delton Street, sometime between midnight and 6:30 a.m. April 5.

An investigation was ongoing.

If you know more about these crimes or others, call Madison Heights police at (248) 8372732.

Stolen van recovered

HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, a white 2016 Ford Transit van was stolen from the 21000 block of Dequindre Road on April 5 and then recovered later in Highland Park.

The van was originally stolen when the driver left the vehicle unlocked and running while delivering parts to a collision shop. The owner of the vehicle had a tracking device on it that helped officers recover the vehicle in Highland Park, where it was found unattended and undamaged with nothing missing.

Police were investigating.

Unauthorized charges

HAZEL PARK — According to a police report, a 54-year-old Hazel Park woman in the 1400 block of East Woodward Heights Boulevard reported unauthorized charges on her credit card April 2 totaling $298.

The victim contacted her bank. There were no suspects at press time.

Investigations were ongoing.

If you know more about these crimes or others, call Hazel Park police at (248) 542-6161.

— Andy Kozlowski

Clinic

from page 10A

But nearly all people with autism have some level of challenge socializing with others, communicating verbally or nonverbally, or behaving appropriately in different settings. Some possible signs of autism include difficulty making friends or maintaining conversations, inflexibility with routines or an obsession with certain objects.

Jamie McGillivary, the founder and president of Healing Haven, said many people with autism are very creative and intelligent individuals adept at thinking “outside the box.”

“Individuals with autism want to be understood and accepted, just like any other person in the world,” McGillivary said via email. “While autistic individuals work hard to fit in, the world as a whole needs to continue to move toward acceptance.”

She said the condition is being diagnosed more frequently as it becomes better understood.

“The rate of autism has doubled in the past 10 years, going from 1 in 68 children in 2014 (1.4% of the population) to 1 in 36 children in 2023 (2.8% of the population). It is likely that the increase in cases can at least be partially attributed to strong awareness both in the community and among medical professionals,” McGillivary said.

She also noted that the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all children be screened for autism at ages 18 months and 24 months, along with other developmental screenings.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, autism affects more than four times as many boys as girls, occurring across all racial, ethnic and socioeconomic groups. The CDC also estimates that 40% of those with autism do not speak. The Michigan Department of Education reports that more than 20,000 children were classi-

come to grips with your new reality and how to face it, knowing there’s beauty in it as well. An autism diagnosis is not the end of the world, and with the right support, there’s a lot of opportunity.”

Cook said she is often the first person families speak to when signing up at Healing Haven.

“Just listening to their situation and encouraging them with the resources we have available and walking them through that process to get their child support is very rewarding. And it’s especially rewarding when

we hear back from them on their child’s growth,” Cook said. “A child may come into our clinic nonspeaking, for example, and sometimes within a few weeks of being here, they start saying words. The parents are just overwhelmed by how transformative the support and therapy is — not only for their child, but their family as well.”

More information about Healing Haven is available by calling (248) 965-3916 or visiting online at thehealinghaven.net.

Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.

fied as autistic in Michigan public schools during the 2017-18 school year.

In addition to different therapies, Healing Haven also offers developmental testing services, autism evaluations, counseling services, and a 12-week parent training program focused on ABA and stress management.

“It is overwhelming for parents when their child first gets an autism diagnosis. Being the parent of a child with special needs adds a whole lot more stress to your life than if your child was neurotypical or without special needs,” Cook said. “So we’ve been a big proponent of stress management and therapy and accepting your child’s needs so that you can fully support them, and also

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

The open house April 4 featured cupcakes by Christian Creative Cakes, a company founded by Christian Minter, one of Healing Haven’s former ABA therapy clients who is now studying to become a pastry chef.

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en Everywhere” (8 p.m. May 8) and “Asian American Representation in Literature” (7 p.m. May 21), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, register at libraryc.org/mhlibrary/upcoming

Book clubs: Novels & Neighbors (focuses on range of viewpoints and life experiences, 6 p.m. every second Tuesday of month) and Golden Bookworms (for ages 50 and older, 1:30 p.m. every fourth Tuesday of month), Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, (248) 588-7763

Social clubs: Ham Radio (7:30-9 p.m. every second Wednesday of month), Stitch & Knit (4-6 p.m. every first Thursday of Month), Lego/ Pokémon (6:30-7:30 p.m. every first Tuesday of month) and various book clubs, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, hazel-park.lib.mi.us

Hazel Park Garden Club: Workshops during spring include Sheet Mulching & Tree Planting (April 24), Trellising (May 8), Beekeeping 101 (May 22) and Organic Weed Management (June 12), noon, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 546-7000, facebook.com/HPBeautification

for Make-A-Wish, 7:30 a.m.-noon, Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, wish.org/fundraising

MAY 8

Pollinator garden workshop: Also taste honey and lavender lemonade, 6 p.m., Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, registration required, (248) 547-5535, facebook.com/CityofHP

ONGOING

Fun Fridays: Games, crafts, snacks and movies, 3 p.m. every Friday, Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, hazel-park.lib. mi.us Senior card playing: Noon-3 p.m. every Monday and Thursday, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, (248) 547-5535 Speaker Series: Hear from bestselling authors and thought leaders, topics are “A

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Farmers markets: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays,