5/15/24 C & G Special Edition — Oakland

NEWSPAPERS Special Edition

Habitat for Humanity Rocks the Block in Southfield

BY KATHRYN PENTIUK kpentiuk@candgnews.com

SOUTHFIELD — “I’m trying not to cry,” Eugenia Ballard said as a team of four Habitat for Humanity volunteers from Aptiv, an automotive supplier, got to work in her yard April 25.

“This is not about me,” she said. “This is about bringing light to Habitat. When I talked to one of the people, he was like, ‘Well, this is your moment to shine.’ I said, ‘No, this is your moment to shine. People really need to know what you do, the sacrifices you guys make, and if I can contribute anything that’s gonna help with your funding so that people really understand what

State Representative introduces bill to police excessive noise from modified cars

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — A new bill introduced in the Michigan House of Representatives aims to curb excessive noise from vehicles.

The legislation, House Bill 5696, was introduced by state Rep. Natalie Price, D-Berkley, and would “crack down on vehicles intentionally modified to create excessive noise while being used,” a press release states.

Price said the legislation will update the vehicle code and allow local law enforcement to enforce the current prohibition on modifying a vehicle to cause it to make excessive noise.

According to the representative, one problem found in the code was that there was some language that was considered to be contradictory by the courts that needed to be revised.

“Even though in one point in the vehicle code it says that you can’t modify your vehicle and have it make excessive noise, there was another part where it said that modifications couldn’t be made above a certain decibel level,” she said. “That was interpreted that then you would need to have very specific devices to measure decibel levels, and out on Woodward with all the various vehicles, it was really impractical for our officers to be able to measure that.”

Price said the code didn’t get rid of decibel limits, because those are able to be measured in very controlled environments.

“It’s required that the manufacturers, the dealerships, they are doing those measurements, and we are not changing that path, but in terms of modifications to vehicles, we made it so that that language did not apply,” she said. “We’re just talking about modifications that create excessive noise are now going to be clearly illegal, as we believe that code was intended.”

Adam Bernard, president of the Detroit chapter of the Lambda Car

TOP: Jemimah Kwoba, a volunteer from Aptiv, gets to work cleaning up Ballard’s yard. ABOVE: Habitat for Humanity Oakland’s first neighborhood revitalization event of the year took place April 25 and 26. Homeowner Eugenia Ballard and her niece

Erica Davenport pose with volunteers Jemimah Kwoba, Matt Wahler and Susan Santoni.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

File photo by Patricia O’Blenes

A proposed bill in the Michigan Legislature would see increased punishments for car owners if they have modified vehicles that make excessive noise.

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REGIONAL YOUTH POLICE ACADEMY EXPLORES WORLD OF POLICING YOUNG

FILMMAKERS

TO CAPTURE STORY OF CADETS

BY MARY BETH ALMOND AND MARY GENSON malmond@candgnews.com, mgenson@candgnews.com

OAKLAND COUNTY — Teens can get an inside look at law enforcement next month with the Regional Youth Police Academy, which is being offered alongside a new documentary youth workshop that will film the process.

The police departments in Bloomfield Township, Birmingham, Rochester and Auburn Hills have joined forces again this year to host the second annual Regional Youth Police Academy in June.

“We go through all different topics of law

enforcement. … We focus on things like communication, traffic stops, investigations, and show them some of our equipment,” said Officer Nick Soley of the Bloomfield Township Police Department. “We try to make it a fun environment for them to learn and explore our career.”

Open to Oakland County students ages 1418, the free academy will take place 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. June 24-27 at the Bloomfield Township Training Center, 4315 Andover Road in Bloomfield Hills. The program will cover many topics of law enforcement — including a hands-on look

SPORTS

OAKLAND COUNTY FC SOCCER TO RETURN TO ROYAL OAK STADIUM MAY 18

ROYAL OAK — Returning for its fourth season in the USL League Two Great Lakes Division, Oakland County Football Club will kick off its 2024 campaign May 18 at Royal Oak Stadium.

The Purple Gang will go head-to-head with Union FC Macomb, a newly formed club based in Utica, at 7 p.m. to start its 14-game season.

Music, bounce houses, concessions and plenty of other game day activities will make their return for the year, as OCFC will host seven contests in 2024.

For more information on the team or tickets, visit oaklandcoun tyfc.com.

— Jonathan Szczepaniak

File photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Oakland County Football Club midfielder Jack Streberger, a Grosse Pointe Woods native and returning veteran for the Purple Gang, fights to keep control of the ball from a swarm of Lansing City players during OCFC’s home opener in 2023.

Regional Youth Police Academy cadets practice CPR during a past academy training session.

Photo provided by the Bloomfield Township Police Department

See ACADEMY on page 10A

Birmingham resident nominated for Women in Blue Officer of the Year

BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

BIRMINGHAM — For the 11th year, Detroit’s female first responders are being recognized during the Women in Blue breakfast 8:30-9:30 a.m. Thursday, May 23, at MGM Grand Detroit. Attorney General Dana Nessel will be the event’s keynote speaker.

At the event, the Detroit Public Safety Foundation will honor the Detroit Police Department Women in Blue Officer of the Year and the Detroit Fire Department Woman of the Year.

“It is a celebration of their contributions to the community and what they do within the department,” said Carter Drewry, the director of communications, grants and administration for the Detroit Public Safety Foundation. “Every year we recognize a group of women who are nominated by their peers and then selected by the departments for the finalists.”

Detroit Police Lt. Lisa Porter, a Birmingham resident, is one of the 16 finalists for the Women in Blue Officer of the Year award.

Porter has been with the Detroit Police Department for 25 years and has held several roles throughout her time there. She is currently assigned to secondary employment, overseeing a program that helps officers find additional opportunities for pay throughout the community as “secondary” assignments.

When she joined the department in 1998, she worked for a now-closed unit called the housing support section, where they focused on patrols in low-income areas of the city. She was transferred to the gaming unit, which handles the casinos. She was in that position from 2004-2006, when she was promoted to sergeant in the detective unit, where she was in charge of cases and administration.

In 2013, she was transferred to internal affairs, where she worked for approximately nine years. From internal affairs, she was promoted to lieutenant and was in charge of the afternoon shift at the 11th Precinct. From there she was transferred to her current position.

Throughout her career, Porter has been known to mentor young women and encourage them to join the Detroit Police Department. She said she likes to show them the benefits of having a stable and permanent job, and oftentimes she is successful in getting people to join.

“In the Detroit Police Department, as a woman, you have the ability to reach as far as you want to,” Porter said.

Porter said there is equality at the Detroit Police Department, and women are given the same pay and opportunities as men.

“It is a very diverse department where anyone can make it if they put their minds to it,” Porter said.

Prior to pursuing a career in law enforcement, Porter earned an associate degree in culinary arts from the French Culinary Institute and was a pastry chef in New York. However, she decided to change careers after she found that there was not much room for growth or long-term benefits from being a chef. In search of something with more stability, she decided to go into law enforcement, which is something she had always wanted to do.

This month, Porter received her bachelor’s degree from Cleary University in business management. She was given this opportunity through the Detroit Police Department’s partnership with Cleary University. She plans to soon register for a master’s program as well.

Porter said that with this degree, she plans to use her education to benefit others.

“I want to be able to pass on my knowledge and mentor people,” Porter said.

Overall, Porter speaks very highly of the Detroit Police Department and the opportunities it has opened up for her.

“I am proud to say that I am a member of the Detroit Police Department,” Porter said.

Lt. Lisa Porter has been with the Detroit Police Department for 25 years and is now being recognized at the 11th annual Women in Blue breakfast.

Photo provided by the Detroit Public Safety Foundation

ANOTHER BRANCH TO CHAMPION YOU IN

NEWS & NOTES

Troy teen named Miss Michigan Teen

TROY — Maddison Kott, a senior at Troy Athens High School, recently competed in and won the Miss Michigan Teen pageant. She will be making appearances around the state, as well as traveling to other states over the summer before heading off to compete in California at the end of July in the Miss USA pageant.

MID-CENTURY MODERN ARCHITECTURE TOUR RETURNS TO SOUTHFIELD

SOUTHFIELD — The Southfield Historical Society, the Detroit Area Art Deco Society and the Friends of Southfield Public Arts are partnering to bring back the Southfield Mid-Century Modern Architecture Tour at 2 p.m. June 9 at Shaarey Zedek Synagogue, 27375 Bell Road.

The tour will celebrate Southfield’s mid-century modern architecture and history as Michigan’s fastest-growing city in the 1960s. The tour will move from Shaarey Zedek to a classic mid-century home, with original interior decor, to the Cranbrook Neighborhood and on to significant buildings along Southfield Road and Northwestern Highway. The tour will loop around Northland with several stops, including Minoru Yamasaki’s Reynolds Aluminum building and through Northland Gardens to the Ira Kaufman Funeral Home and Emmanuel Lutheran Church.

Guides will share information on the features of mid-century modern architecture as well as architects of the time, including Victor Gruen, Gunnar Birkerts, Rossetti and Associates, Percival Goodman, G. Bruce Boore, and Louis Redstone.

Free parking will be available at the site. The bus will return to Shaarey Zedek at approximately 4:40 p.m. Tickets cost $40 in advance and $50 on the day of the tour. Tickets may be purchased through the Mayor’s Office at Southfield City Hall, 26000 Evergreen Road, or via PayPal to SFLDPublicArts@ gmail.com. Checks can be made payable to Friends of Southfield Public Arts. For more information, contact Mayor Ken Siver at ksiver@cityofsouthfield.com or (248) 796-5100.

Fresh from the market

TOP LEFT: Many dogs made their way through the Downtown Rochester Farmers Market on opening day May 4 to say hello to their favorite farmers while their owners shopped the locally grown produce, garden plants, baked goods, meats, cheeses and more. TOP RIGHT: The stand of DeMeulenaere Farms of Romeo offers eggs and honey, in addition to produce.. The market will run 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays until October at the corner of East Third and Water streets.

LEFT: Downtown Rochester Farmers Market shoppers examine the plants on opening day. The market is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

by Patricia O’Blenes

KIDS KOMOTION CONCERT DATES SCHEDULED

WEST BLOOMFIELD — Three Kids Komotion concerts have been scheduled at Marshbank Park. The Funny Dumplings are scheduled to perform 5-7 p.m. May 16, the Children’s Theatre of Michigan will perform 10 a.m.-noon June 20 and Guy Louis Sferlazza will perform 10 a.m.-noon Aug. 22. According to the township parks and recreation website, Kids Komotion Concerts take place three times each summer and feature interactive children’s entertainment and inflatables. There are free inflatables. However, socks are required. Concerts will take place in the event of light rain. The West Bloomfield Township Public Library is an event partner. Marshbank Park is located at 2805 Hiller Road.

For more information, call (248) 451-1913 or send an email to aburgess@ wbparks.org.

Photo provided by West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission

Photos

MOTOR CITY COMIC CON BRINGS FANDOMS TOGETHER

BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com

NOVI — The 2024 Motor City Spring Comic Con is set to take over the Suburban Collection Showplace May 17-19. The annual show draws a crowd of 30,000-40,000 people who are anxious to meet their celebrity idols, like-minded people, and have the opportunity to purchase various paraphernalia from a vast array of fandoms.

As always, the show will bring many big-name celebrities to the area. This year, William Shatner, who is best known for his role as Captain Kirk on “Star Trek” will return to the con, and actress Helen Hunt will make her first-ever con appearance.

“For people who enjoy ‘Star Trek,’ he is the ‘Star Trek’ name. I mean, he is the original Captain Kirk, he is an icon for that franchise. So, both ‘Star Trek’ and ‘Star Wars’ just always has such a huge following that we always try to bring in people from both of those fandoms,” said Beth Burland, MC3 show manager.

“Then on top of that, he has now been to space, so he has a whole new perspective on life,” added Samantha Yankee, MC3 show manager.

Shatner went to space with the Blue Origin Shuttle on Oct. 13, 2021, at the age of 90. This made him the oldest person to travel into space. Yankee said this will give him something extra to talk about this time around.

According to Yankee, Hunt decided to make her con premeire at MC3, as her agent loves the show and said her clients always

have a great time. Hunt will be hosting a special screening of her film “Twister” at 8 p.m. May 18 at the Emagine Novi with a Q-and-A session prior.

“It’s going to be a really cool event,” said Yankee. “And this is her first con that she’s ever done, so it’s definitely exclusive.”

Hunt and Shatner will be joined at MC3 by 38 other celebrities in various fandoms, including John Ratzenberger and George Wendt, best known for their roles as Cliff and Norm on the hit sitcom “Cheers”; Michigan’s own Ernie Hudson, who stars in the latest Ghostbusters movie, “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” and who will host a screening of the original movie; Katey Sagal, of “Sons of Anarchy”; Paul Sun-Hyung Lee from “Avatar: The Last Airbender”; and Tom Kenny, the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants.

Although known for certain roles and fandoms, many of the celebrities attract fans of their other roles. For example, although many will know Sagal for “Sons of Anarchy,” others will remember her as Peggy Bundy on the hit sitcom “Married with Children.” Lee is also known for his role in the Canadian comedy sitcom series “Kim’s Convenience,” and Shatner is also known for other roles including hosting the TV series “The UnXplained.” This enhances the draw to MC3 for so many people.

“I mean we’re bringing Bruce Greenwood in for ‘Star Trek,’ but I just watched a show called ‘The Resident’ on Netflix with him in it. So, just because we are bringing them in for a reason, they have so many different credits of things that they’ve done. It’s amazing,” said Burland. “That’s the nice

thing about the people we’re bringing in. One person might be coming because they have a ‘Star Wars’ credit, and you may be coming for another reason.”

On top of all the celebrity guests who will be available to meet fans, there will be around 40 comic book artists, numerous vendors catering to the different fandoms, kids activities, concessions and plenty of events. This includes the traditional cosplay contests for both adults and children, multiple panels with celebrity and comic guests,

and sketch duels by artists.

“I’m excited because we’re doing a lot of different things this show than what we’ve done in the past. So that’s exciting to be able to add new events,” Burland said.

New this year is the Extra Lives, which is marketed as the “world’s first Audience RPG (Role Playing Game).” It is a type of choose-your-adventure game where the participants are the main characters. The fully narrated storyline includes visuals, music,

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File photo by Patricia O’Blenes

Attendees at the fall 2023 Motor City Comic Con visit with R2-D2 from “Star Wars.” The spring Motor City Comic Con will take place May 17-19 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

Academy

from page 3A

at investigations, criminal law, procedures, CPR certification, traffic stops, firearm safety and scenario training. All training is provided by officers from Bloomfield Township, Birmingham, Rochester and Auburn Hills.

Soley said the CPR certification is one of the most valuable parts of RYA.

“That is something that I think is important because, one, it gets more people out in the public that are certified in this skill that can save a life, and two, it’s an immediate career-builder for these kids,” Soley said.

Rochester Police Chief George Rouhib said the program fosters connections..

“It’s a great way for us to make a connection with youth, because there has been that stigma for years, that younger people are afraid of the police. We just want to teach them, engage with them and show them what we do,” said Rouhib. “The goal is to get them interested in a law enforcement career.”

The academy is free to attend. Lunch will be provided daily, and participants will receive an academy T-shirt. Space is limited to 30 students, and applications are due before May 20. Soley said those who apply must possess good character and a good work ethic, demonstrate their honesty and trustworthiness, be in good legal standing, and authorize their respective police department and its agents to complete a thorough background check on them.

Birmingham Police Chief Scott Grewe said any youth, especially any who are considering a career in law enforcement, would be a great fit for this program.

Comic Con

from page 8A

sound effects and an inclusive choose-yourown-adventure game where you are the main character in legendary console games of the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s, such as Super Smash Bros. This is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18.

Another new event this year is “FandoMadness,” a pop culture trivia game show experience that will be offered throughout the show. Guests can test their expertise in various categories such as comics, TV shows, movies, music, food and more.

New Dawn Kyber Squadron will be offering classes for those 18 and up on the fundamentals of LED swordsmanship. They will also offer another type of class geared to-

“Even if it’s a youth that maybe isn’t desiring a career in that path but wants to know more about it and get an inside look at what police officers do on a daily basis, it is great for that, and it’s great for someone that does have interest or (is) considering it to get a firsthand experience of what it can be like,” Grewe said.

Applications can be emailed to CRO@ bloomfieldtwp.org, or mailed or hand delivered to Officer Nick Soley, Bloomfield Township Police Department, 4200 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, MI 48303, before the May 20 deadline.

The students who are accepted — along with at least one parent — will be required to attend an informational meeting at 6:30 p.m. June 11 in the Bloomfield Township Training Center. A Regional Youth Police Academy graduation ceremony will be held June 27 in Bloomfield Township.

This year, a media training component has been added to the program through a partnership with Bloomfield Community Television. BCTV is offering a separate and free documentary workshop that will allow nine selected applicants to tell the stories of Regional Youth Police Academy cadets. LeZotte said priority will be given to students in the BCTV coverage area — which includes Beverly Hills, Birmingham, Bingham Farms, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and Franklin — as well as those in Auburn Hills and Rochester. BCTV staff will teach the nine young filmmakers interview techniques, pre-production strategies, hands-on camera training and editing the same week as the academy. The final short video created by the students will be shown at the Regional Youth Police Acad-

ward children.

Tickets to MC3 are now on sale at MotorCityComicCon.com. Tickets range in price from $30 to $50 for an adult day pass, depending on the day and whether the tickets are purchased online or in person. Tickets for children ages 6-12 cost $10-$20 for Friday and Saturday, depending on how the tickets are purchased. Weekend and VIP passes are also available.

Autographs and photos with celebrity guests are individually priced. Show parking is available on-site for $10 per car. There is also parking available off-site at Novi Middle School for $2 per car with a shuttle running continuously between the school and Suburban Collection Showplace. ATMs will be available on-site.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to motorcitycomicon.com.

emy graduation ceremony. Applications for the BCTV Documentary Youth Workshop — which are due May 20 — may be picked up from the Bloomfield Township Cable Studio, 4190 Dublin Road, or by emailing cable_dept@bloomfieldtwp.org.

BCTV Cable and Community Relations Director Carrie LeZotte said the relationship between media and the police in the U.S. is fractured.

“While we have excellent relationships locally, national stories and coverage impact the morale of public safety professionals ev-

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erywhere. My hope is that programs like this one can help build mutual trust and respect between media and police, both complicated and stressful professions,” LeZotte said in a statement.

For more information on the academy, contact Bloomfield Township Police Officer Nick Soley at (248) 433-7724 or email CRO@Bloomfieldtwp.org.

For more information on the Documentary Youth Workshop, call Director of Cable and Community Relations Carrie LeZotte at (248) 433-7791.

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Habitat

from page 1A

you do and don’t take it for granted, I’m all in.’ It’s not about me; it’s about Habitat. I’m just blessed by Habitat and what they do and what they’ve done over the long haul.”

Ballard usually tends to her yard herself, but after falling off a ladder a year ago, she wasn’t able to do some of the work that she used to do. She joked, “I did it to myself this time. And when you turn 60, you don’t bounce back as quick.”

Ballard’s home is one of seven homes between Nine Mile and Lahser roads that Habitat for Humanity volunteers visited for revitalization efforts April 25 and 26 for the Annual Rock the Block event in Southfield.

Rock the Block has taken place in

Southfield every year since 2016 and aims to enhance the neighborhood by lending a helping hand to residents by way of yard cleanup, which includes leaf removal (front and backyard), trash removal, limited branch trimming, hedge trimming, lawn mowing and edging.

Mayor Ken Siver explained that the Rock the Block partnership with Habitat came because he was “nosy.”

“They were building this house in the neighborhood on a vacant lot,” he said. “And it was a very unusual house. Then I saw that Habitat was closing. So, it wasn’t a contractor. And then I saw that the houses had an unusual roofline. So I was nosy. I went over and introduced myself. One thing led to another, and Habitat had this program, I think, originally it was called The Big Sweep, which then became Rock the

Block.”

Siver said that Southfield’s partnership with Habitat for Humanity Oakland County began around nine years ago, when a Women Build event was happening. “We’re very appreciative, because we have an aging community and a number of people that their home is their wealth. That’s their biggest investment. And consequently, I want them to age in place. But as people get older, it’s harder and harder, especially to do yard work and minor repairs, whether it’s taking care of gutters or fixing a fence or porch. So this is just typical of the Habitat motto, it’s a hand up, not a handout, and helping people to stay in their homes.”

Southfield also has city-led programs, such as the Chore program, which has been helping senior adults age in place and main-

tain their homes since 1983, and The Big Rake, which the mayor’s office organizes to help seniors or disabled residents with lawn maintenance in the fall.

Less than a week after Rock the Block, Habitat Oakland held its first home dedication of the year in Southfield May 1 for a three-bedroom, three-bathroom home with a two-car garage on Westover Avenue, which was built in the fall as part of the Global Build initiative in partnership with Bank of America. The initiative aims to support affordable housing and revitalization efforts in communities across the globe.

For more information on Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County, visit www. habitatoakland.org. For more information on the Chore program and The Big Rake, visit www.cityofsouthfield.com.

Club, said the club doesn’t have an official position on the bill, but understands where the bill comes from.

“When the windows are open, when the weather’s out, I can hear it all. I do appreciate the rumble of a nice V-8 or V-12, but yeah, there’s some stuff out there that is out of hand,” he said. “To be honest, I have the same issue. It’s great that people enjoy their music. I don’t need to hear it at 140 decibels coming out of the windows either. So, you know, I think people can enjoy their music inside their cars. But I certainly understand. … It’s not just even, you know, going down Woodward. I can sit outside Starbucks in Birmingham and hear people revving their engines just waiting at a stoplight. So, it’s something that’s not confined to a major thoroughfare. So, I can understand the interest in going after (the excessive noise).”

Bernard did state that some vehicles do come out of the factory already pretty loud, which he hopes law enforcement can be educated on.

“I know there are some engines out there that come pretty loud out of the factory. I’m not a sound engineer. So from that standpoint, it could be challenging,” he said. “If you have a Volkswagen Golf, for example, those don’t come out of the factory very loud, but I know you can buy hardware that can make them sound really intimidating. So, I think part of it would be educating the police force. It’d be awful if somebody who bought a vehicle out of the

factory got pulled over. Now of course, if you’re sitting at a stoplight and you’re revving it just to make noise, maybe that is a problem.”

Penalties for violating the code would be increased. The bill, if passed into law, would increase the penalty for a first-time offense from $100 to $500. Any subsequent offense would cost $1,000.

The bill, introduced at the end of April, has since been referred to the Transportation, Mobility and Infrastructure Committee.

“We all know and love the Dream Cruise in our area. The Woodward Dream Cruise is a fantastic tradition, and we see coming out of that culture that people can cruise very responsibly and respectfully and in wonderful ways that our communities love,” Price said. “I think as a result of the Dream Cruise, that there is a level of showmanship that comes along with that. Some people choose to modify their vehicles in order to create excessive noise and maybe don’t realize what an impact that is having on the people who live around the area.

“We also see those impacts of the cruise not only during the designated week, cruise week, but spilling over throughout the summer. Even again as it’s warming up now, Woodward is a destination for folks to come in and show off their vehicles. So yes, I do believe that it is a problem out on Woodward and in our surrounding communities, but I’m not gonna say it’s the only area in the state where that is a problem. I have colleagues from all over the state expressing support for this update because they know that this will help their local law enforcement as well,” she continued.