Kruppe reinstated as superintendent of Hazel Park Public Schools
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
HAZEL PARK — Earlier this year, the Hazel Park Public Schools Board of Education placed the district’s superintendent, Amy Kruppe, on non-disciplinary paid administrative leave, pending an investigation into alleged board policy violations. Now, after 107 days, Kruppe has been reinstated. The reason why she was investigated in the first place remains unclear. On May 18, an open letter issued by Kruppe’s attorney, Heidi Sharp, criticized the board’s handling of the situation, alleging violations of the Open Meetings Act, and describing ongoing measures against Kruppe as inappropriate.
The original board decision to put Kruppe on leave was made 7-0 on Jan. 27. At a subsequent meeting Feb. 3, the board appointed Catherine Cost — a former superintendent of the Wyandotte Public Schools — to serve as the interim superintendent for the Hazel Park Public Schools.
ABOVE: During the county board meeting May 1, Oakland County Commissioner Michael Spisz, RDistrict 5, criticizes the board majority’s decision to raise rates on communities contracting with the county for assessing. The final vote was 10-9. Spisz voted against the rate increase.
Screen capture taken from May 1 Oakland County Board of Commissioners meeting
RIGHT: The county’s rates for assessing services are set to increase more than 100% for some communities during the next three years, prompting local officials to explore other options.
COMMUNITIES PROTEST OAKLAND COUNTY RATE SPIKE FOR ASSESSING SERVICES
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
OAKLAND COUNTY — Communities that contract with Oakland County for assessing services are raising concerns — and in some cases, changing vendors — after a narrowly divided Oakland County Board of Commissioners voted to raise rates.
There are 19 cities and 13 townships that contract
with the Oakland County Equalization Division for assessing services, which determine taxable values. The county charges communities on a per-parcel basis. The contracts are for a three-year period, beginning July 1.
The increase affects each community, averaging an increase of 75% the first year and nearly 92% the third year. An optional “smoothing method” raises the rates more gradually, averaging 26% the first year and 140%
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Kruppe
LEFT: Paige Wallace, the animal control officer for Madison Heights, enjoys the spring weather with rescue dog Coal, a 2-year-old Staffordshire terrier found abandoned near 12 Mile and Dequindre roads. Coal is currently looking for a forever home.
ABOVE: The Madison Heights Animal Shelter, located at 801 Ajax Drive, currently has four litters of kittens in need of homes. Ideally, the bonded siblings could be adopted out together.
Craft event to benefit Madison Heights Animal Shelter
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — The cost of operating the Madison Heights Animal Shelter adds up quickly between housing animals, feeding them and providing medical treatment.
An upcoming event by the Madison Heights Women’s Club will help cover that cost.
“We really appreciate them doing this for us,” said Paige Wallace, the city’s animal control officer.
The Spring Craft Day fundraiser event will take
place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 7 in the cafeteria at Lamphere High School, 610 W. 13 Mile Road in Madison Heights.
The registration fee is $40. To register, email Robin Wojta at rwojta@aol.com. Fees are nonrefundable, and seating is limited. All proceeds benefit the Madison Heights Animal Shelter.
The event will feature a continental breakfast, light lunch, refreshments and desserts, as well as door prizes and raffle prizes. Attendees can bring their own projects and supplies and enjoy crafting with others.
See BENEFIT on page 14A
Plans announced for Madison Heights Juneteenth Celebration
BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI akozlowski@candgnews.com
MADISON HEIGHTS — Now in its fifth year, the Madison Heights Juneteenth Celebration will once again liven up Civic Center Park with music, food trucks, a vendor fair, a petting zoo, pony rides, climbing towers, bounce houses and more.
It will also be an opportunity to learn, with a nine-station educational exhibit that explores the history of the holiday, which commemorates the day that the last slaves were freed in the U.S.
That date was June 19, 1865, but this year’s Juneteenth Celebration will be a bit earlier. The festival takes place from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 14 at Civic Center Park, 360 W. 13 Mile Road, next to Civic Center Plaza. Admission and parking are free, with space available at both the municipal complex and Lamphere High School next door.
“Juneteenth is more than just an event. It’s a powerful reflection of our city’s commitment to honoring history and diversity, and building a more inclusive future,” said Madison Heights City Councilman Quinn Wright.
The group hosting this year’s event is Madison Heights Citizens United, a licensed 501(c)(3) nonprofit that launched in 2021 to provide a forum for discussions of racial reconciliation.
This year’s festival begins at noon with remarks by Patricia Perry, superintendent of the Madison District Public Schools, and a prayer by Dr. Benjamin Jones, senior pastor at Nehemiah’s Temple of The Apostolic Faith in Madison Heights.
There will also be a reading of General Order No. 3, read by Tony Austin, a retired U.S. Army officer who resides in Madison Heights. General Order No. 3 was the proclamation originally made by Union troops when they arrived in
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
HOMES
COMPOSTING CAN BENEFIT THE GARDEN AND THE ENVIRONMENT
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Two master gardeners from Michigan State University Extension recently shared their expertise on composting and gardening during presentations at the Bloomfield Township Public Library.
Imagine food rotting away in a garbage can and then being transported to a landfill, or intentionally disposing of food scraps to enrich the soil.
Which sounds better?
Composting describes the intentional way of disposing of organic waste to enrich the soil.
Michigan State University master gardener Sara Covatta presented “Helping to Demystify and Normalize Composting in Michigan” at the Bloomfield Township Public Library April 22. She defined compost as a dark, crumbly material with an earthy smell that is produced by the natural decomposition of organic materials. Compost is a living soil amendment. Microbes do all the work to break down the materials.
Some composting enthusiasts have suggested having a container to collect food scraps in the kitchen and store it in the freezer. After a week or month of collecting, see how much has been collected. From that, determine what size compost bin is needed.
To start composting, Covatta recommended collecting vegetable scraps, coffee grounds and egg shells.
Use a carbon source, such as fall leaves, in the compost bin. Stockpile the leaves that fall from the trees in the autumn. Store the leaves in an enclosed container by the compost bin. Covatta suggests that whenever adding to the compost bin, add the leaves. This prevents odors and breaks down the food properly.
If the center of the composting pile is dry, add water and turn the pile.
If the pile is damp and will not heat up, this is due to a lack of nitrogen, according to Covatta. Mix in a nitrogen source such as grass clippings.
“Despite my efforts, there are people who are not going to backyard compost,” Covatta said in a subsequent interview.
According to Covatta, people are unnecessarily afraid of composting.
“Municipalities, businesses, schools are sometimes afraid to add food scrap collection, but their fear is really misplaced,” Covatta said. “Because if the thought process is you’re going to attract rodents by having a food scrap collection when you’re already putting it in the garbage, that’s really not a very rational thought process.”
Composting food scraps produces dividends.
“We really truly have to start looking at food scraps as a resource and an extremely valuable resource that is not waste,” Covatta said. “It allows us to make a really valuable product.”
According to Covatta and other master gardeners, soil with compost improves plant growth, reduces soil erosion, benefits soil structure, and allows soil to retain more water and nutrients.
Every 1% increase in organic matter can result in up to 20,000 gallons more water held in the soil per acre, according to the presentation. The presentation said that healthy soils
LEFT: Read the labels of each plant and know how much sun exposure and water it needs to thrive. CENTER: Beautiful flowers can enhance any yard, but before planting, master gardeners suggest having a soil sample tested. RIGHT: Compost is defined as a dark, crumbly material with an earthy smell that is produced by the natural decomposition of organic materials.
Photos provided by Michigan State University Extension
Juneteenth
Galveston, Texas, on June 19, 1965, informing the last slaves they were freed, several months after the end of the Civil War.
The fun then gets underway with live music at the city’s new bandshell, including acts by the Detroit Social Club Blues Band, at 12:30 p.m.; Groove Fellowship, a Detroit funk band playing at 1:15 p.m.; Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations, playing Motown and R&B, at 2 p.m.; Kayfabe: The PPLs Band, playing covers at 2:45 p.m.; X. Alexander Durden, an award-winning actor and vocalist, with a Black Church tribute at 3:30 p.m.; and Smoke Jones and the Heart and Soul Band, playing jazz at 4:15 p.m.
This will be the first appearance at the Juneteenth Celebration by both the Detroit Social Club Blues Band, and Denise Davis and the Motor City Sensations.
There will also be plenty to eat. A food truck rally will feature African Americanowned businesses selling items ranging from vegan and Caribbean cuisine to ice cream and elephant ears.
Participating businesses include Big Bo’s Grill, Mr. Creole, Chicken Headz, Eight
Claws Crab Boil, Greedy Rice, Love’s Cooking & Baking, Cynt-Sational Eats (vegan), So Icy Italian Ice, Royal Treats & Eats, and Motor City Sweet Treats.
In addition, more than 40 small business vendors will be present at a nearby pop-up sale. There will also be booths for local groups such as the Madison Heights Historical Commission, the Madison Heights Human Relations and Equity Commission, and the city’s food pantry. Attendees are encouraged to donate nonperishable food items there.
A free activity area for families and children will include a 25-foot-tall climbing tower courtesy of Oakland County Parks, bounce houses, a petting zoo, pony rides, crafts and more.
And then there’s the nine-station educational exhibit, with informational displays detailing topics such as life in Africa before enslavement, the trans-Atlantic slave trade, and the history of Juneteenth and the Civil Rights era.
The event is paid for entirely by donations and organized by volunteers. Sponsors include the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, Oakland County Parks, DTE Foundation, Consumers Energy, Henkel, Sheetz, New Standard Cannabis, Target, and state Rep. Mike McFall, D-Hazel Park.
Event organizer Kevin Wright — who is unrelated to Quinn Wright — said he is proud of the way the community has embraced the Juneteenth Celebration.
“Our first Celebration was in 2021. We were just starting to come out of the uncertainty of COVID and it ended up raining on and off all day. Still, several hundred people showed up, and it has grown steadily since. Last year, we estimated 2,000 people attended from all over the metro Detroit area,” Kevin Wright said in an email. “We had people from Pontiac, from Saginaw, even Ohio,
come to attend our Celebration.
“I think the Celebration has been very positive for Madison Heights,” he said. “Our primary goal is to spread awareness of Juneteenth and its significance in our nation’s history, but I think it’s also had a cultural and economic impact on our city. Our festival has grown into one of the largest Juneteenth Celebrations in the state of Michigan, and I think that’s a pretty amazing statement about our community.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
Increase
the third year.
In Hazel Park, the increase in the first year without smoothing would be an eyewatering 112%, rising to nearly 133% in the third year. In neighboring Madison Heights, the rate increase would be 74% in the first year, rising to roughly 90% in the third year.
Hazel Park was billed roughly $124,400 for assessment services in 2024; with the increase, the same bill in the new budget would be over $263,700. For Madison Heights, the 2024 bill of nearly $229,800 would be just shy of $400,000.
Local officials were outraged by what they saw as an inexplicable increase, one with little warning.
“This huge increase doesn’t make any damn sense,” said Ed Klobucher, city manager of Hazel Park. “We understand that in an inflationary environment, there may need to be reasonable increases, but this is an absurd increase with no notice, no heads up, no alternatives. It’s a really poor way to do business with local units of government that have been faithful customers (of the county) for years.”
Oakland County Commissioner David Woodward, D-District 1, chairs the county board. He explained the rationale for the increase at a meeting of the Madison Heights City Council April 28.
“The cost of providing this service is roughly $6.5 million. The amount of revenue that’s been coming in from these contracts after a complete overview is, I believe, less than $4 million,” Woodward said. “So, there’s a massive deficit there.”
He noted the cost increase would help cover many “indirect costs” associated with assessment work, such as human resources support to process dedicated staff for each project, the space and equipment required to do that, associated printing and postage costs, and more.
“We are not in the business of making a profit,” he said. “We’re in the business of fiscal responsibility, making sure we’re covering the cost.”
Shortly after the county’s decision, some cities began exploring other options. At its City Council meeting May 12, Madison Heights switched to a new vendor: Assessment Administration Services LLC.
The new firm offered Madison Heights four times the in-office hours provided by Oakland County, at a cost less than the budget originally planned for fiscal year 2026: $229,980 for the year, with a 4% increase each following year, compared to the county’s anticipated cost of nearly $408,600 without smoothing.
Prior to that, at the April 28 council
meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Mark Bliss expressed his concerns about the county’s proposal.
“Imagine that you’re paying rent or mortgage on your house at $1,200, which would be a great rate in Madison Heights. Then you get a call two months before the increase that it’s going up to (about) $2,128. … That’s the problem we’re living in here.
“When we’re planning five years in advance and we’re doing all the work we can to provide the best services we can for residents while keeping taxes as low as possible, being hit with this increase at the last minute is just not OK,” he said. “I bet if you polled the residents in this room, they would be wondering where all the increase in this is going to go, if it’s not going to help citizens like us.”
Melissa Marsh, the city manager of Madison Heights, said the city didn’t receive adequate notice.
“You (Woodward) keep alluding to this March memo, which I did receive; I read it at least 10 times since I got this notification. Nowhere in there does it talk about a significant increase,” Marsh said. “Our budget is pretty well set, and I don’t have any flexible money to spend (on) this. I don’t have a fund balance equal to what Oakland County has. I mean, Oakland County has a fund balance of over $200 million, or 45%. We struggle to pay for our policing services here and had to eliminate four positions and at least $1 million in capital.”
Representing the cities of Madison Heights, Hazel Park and Troy is Oakland County Commissioner Ann Erickson Gault, D-District 3. She voted in favor of the increase. Gault said it wasn’t an easy decision, but she felt it was needed due to rising operational costs.
“I am keenly aware of the financial challenges that our cities face, and I will always try to find a solution that will not burden our communities,” Gault said via email.
“That being said, the current assessing rates are unsustainable, and everyone agreed that the rates had to be increased to cover the county’s costs.
“Even with the new rate (of about $30 per parcel the first year), Oakland County assessing services remain less expensive than the average municipal self-managed cost of $33 per parcel,” she continued. “Troy, which I also represent, has its own internal assessing department. Based on its 2024 data, it costs Troy at least $35 per parcel to assess their properties.”
A split Board of Commissioners approved the rate increase at its meeting May 1. The room was tense as the measure passed by a vote of 10-9.
The “yes” votes were David Woodward, D-District 1; Ann Erickson Gault, D-District 3; Penny Luebs, D-District 2;
Gwen Markham, D-District 15; Angela Powell, D-District 9; Marcia Gershenson, D-District 11; William Miller, D-District 16; Yolanda Smith Charles, D-District 17; Brendan Johnson, D-District 4; and Linnie Taylor, D-District 18.
Voting against the increase were Michael Spisz, R-District 5; Michael Gingell, R-District 6; Karen Joliat, R-District 8; Kristen Nelson, D-District 10; Christine Long, R-District 12; Robert Hoffman, RDistrict 7; Philip Weipert, R-District 13; Charlie Cavell, D-District 19; and Robert Smiley, R-District 14.
In all, 32 communities are affected: Berkley, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Clarkston, Clawson, Commerce Township, Farmington, Ferndale, Groveland Township, Hazel Park, Holly Township, Huntington Woods, Keego Harbor, Lathrup Village, Lyon Township, Madison Heights, Milford Township, Novi Township, Pleasant Ridge, Pontiac, Oakland Township, Orchard Lake,
Orion Township, Oxford Township, Rochester, Rose Township, Royal Oak Township, South Lyon, Southfield Township, Springfield Township, Walled Lake and Wixom.
Immediately before the vote on May 1, two commissioners spoke out in protest. Cavell said he didn’t understand the urgency in raising rates.
“There is time to talk it out,” he said. “We’re not in a massive crisis where we need money tomorrow.”
Spisz said the extra money will vanish into what he called the “black hole” of the county’s fund balance “and just sit there in the bank.”
“I cannot believe the amount of effort going into screwing our communities. This is nothing but a freaking money grab,” Spisz said. “I hear you, we want to get those numbers there. But tell me the last time this county has been hurting for money in the last 25, 30 years? We have yet to have a year where we’ve been in the red.”
from the date of this publication to: K. Eisele, Terracon, 930 Harvest Dr, Suite 460, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 856-813-3267, or Kathy.eisele@terracon.com.
Published: Madison-Park News 05/28/2025
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Composting
have high water-holding capacity.
“Composting is awesome,” Michigan State University Extension advanced master gardener Louise Sloan said. “I am making free fertilizer to enrich my yard.”
In her presentation, “Working with Your Garden, Not Against It,” April 29, she focused on soil, light and labels.
Sloan referred to the soil as the foundation of the garden.
“If we don’t take care of our soil, our plants aren’t going to do well,” Sloan said.
She categorizes Michigan as having “great soil,” and the soil in its yards are a “precious, precious commodity.”
According to Sloan, only 10% of the earth has growable or arable soil.
She recommends getting a soil test of the area in which one plans to plant. A sample can be mailed to the Michigan State University Extension. Visit shop.msu.edu/ products/soil-test-mailer for more information.
The results of the soil test will include the pH of the soil, which indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the soil. A pH of 7 represents neutrality of the soil. Numbers below that represent increasing acidity levels, while numbers above 7 indicate increasing alkalinity. According to the Michigan State University Extension soil testing website, a pH of 6 to 7 is optimal for nutrient availability for plant growth.
“There are 18 nutrients that are really
important that help plants live,” Sloan said. “If you already have it (those nutrients), you don’t have to add it, but if it (soil) is deficient, you will want to add it.”
According to Sloan, compost can be added to the top of the soil. Let water and Mother Nature work it in the soil without tilling.
Light is integral to any garden, and every plant has a different need for light.
Sloan suggests looking at the various locations across one’s yard throughout the day and in different seasons. A south-facing yard gets the best sun, according to Sloan. The north side of the home is generally going to be cooler and not have as much light.
The east side will have the morning sun, which is generally cooler than the west side, which has sun exposure from midday
to sunset.
Don’t be fooled by the sunlight in the winter, when no leaves are on the trees, and put in tomato plants or other plants that need full sunlight where there will be shade once the trees have full foliage. According to Sloan, it will be a disaster.
When buying plants, look at the plant label that comes with it, which indicates how much light and water the plant needs to thrive, and follow the label, Sloan suggested.
Whether composting or gardening, finding good information is key. For more information visit canr.msu.edu/home_gardening and canr.msu.edu/home_gardening/ tip_sheets.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
Kruppe
The board then unanimously voted to reinstate Kruppe at its meeting May 15 — with a catch: She will not be allowed to attend the district’s upcoming graduation ceremonies.
“This action constitutes a violation of her constitutional rights, the Open Meetings Act, and must immediately be remedied,” stated Sharp in her letter.
“Considering that Dr. Kruppe still has never been told what she is being punished for or what, if any, complaints were made against her, this action has no basis,” Sharp continued. “The harm to Dr. Kruppe in keeping her from graduation is extremely significant. She has been with the district for 10 years — meaning for some of the students graduating, she has been their superintendent for their entire school career.”
Sharp said that the manner in which this decision was made also violated the Opening Meetings Act — a public law requiring school districts and other public entities to make their business open to the public, with exceptions only in limited circumstances.
Sharp noted how during the May 15 meeting, the board motioned to go into closed session on the basis of “attorney-client privilege,” and over the course of two hours, they allegedly discussed the investigation conducted and Kruppe’s performance as superintendent.
Kruppe’s attorney was reportedly contacted by a representative of the district asking if Kruppe would be willing to resign in lieu of a partial payout of her contract. Sharp said this was an improper use of the exception to the Open Meetings Act.
“The law does not authorize a public body to hold a closed session for the purpose of receiving an oral legal opinion, because oral opinions are not within the definition of ‘public records,’” Sharp stated. “This means that using a closed session to discuss how to end the superintendent’s contract under false pretenses is a violation of the Open Meetings Act.”
Sharp noted that no reason was given for the reinstatement following the board’s closed session, and that the board voted immediately after returning from closed session, suggesting the board members had
already worked out their decision in private.
“Because decisions were reached during the closed session, it is an additional violation of the Open Meetings Act, and she can seek injunctive relief to remedy the violation,” Sharp stated.
Regarding the decision to bar Kruppe from graduation ceremonies, Sharp added: “Dr. Kruppe cannot be punished without due process. … Since the Board clearly recognizes that the decision to keep her from graduation is a punishment or impairment of her position, it is an adverse action.”
At press time May 20, Beverly Hinton, president of the board, issued a statement in which she noted that Kruppe’s exact return date will be determined in the coming weeks, on or before June 30.
The letter also elaborated on the board’s approach.
“The Board understands that Dr. Kruppe’s placement on non-disciplinary, paid administrative leave was a tough decision, but it was made for several reasons,” the statement reads.
“First, the non-disciplinary, paid administrative leave was issued to allow the Allen Law Group, P.C. to perform a thorough fact-finding investigation regarding concerns that were brought to the attention of the Board. Second, the Board approved non-disciplinary, paid administrative leave because it wanted to protect Dr. Kruppe against any potential claims that Dr. Kruppe or anyone else on her behalf unduly influenced the fact-finding process.
“The Allen Law Group, P.C. has completed its fact-finding investigation and submitted its findings to Dr. Kruppe. The Board reviewed the findings and will address the findings with Dr. Kruppe through disciplinary action, along with a Plan of Assistance to improve some performance deficiencies that were found during the fact-finding process,” the statement continued. “In addition, the Board will implement another measure that will further support Dr. Kruppe’s team for the 2025-26 school year.”
The statement concluded, “While this process has been challenging, the Board has received answers concerning longstanding concerns, and is now prepared to move forward with Dr. Kruppe as the superintendent for the 2025-26 school year.”
Call Staff Writer Andy Kozlowski at (586) 498-1046.
SPOTLIGHT ON CHARITIES & NONPROFITS
Food pantries, lunch programs help fill summertime meal gaps
BY GENA JOHNSON gjohnson@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — As the school year ends and the second year of the Michigan School Meals program nears completion, C & G Newspapers looked across metro Detroit to see what food programs are available to bridge the food insecurity gap during the summer.
The Michigan School Meals program provides free breakfasts and lunches to all students from pre-K to 12th grade during the school year, according to the Michigan Department of Education’s website. Without this program, what will students do for meals?
Among the programs that fill this void are the United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Meet Up and Eat Up, several programs at Forgotten Harvest, and local food pantries, including one offered through Heritage Church, in Sterling Heights.
Meet Up and Eat Up
Meet Up and Eat Up is a food program offered throughout the state. It provides free meals for children 18 and younger or anyone with a disability 26 and under, according to Madelyne Wright, assistant director of nutrition services for the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, which facilitates the program in Pontiac.
The program does not mandate enrollment, specific documentation, or eligibility requirements.
“This eliminates the burden of administrative paperwork,” said Wright.
The idea is to begin the Meet Up and Eat Up program as soon as the kids are out of school.
“So the kids don’t have any gaps in nutritional support,” Wright said.
This year, the Meet Up and Eat Up program through OLHSA is slated to begin June 16. Food trucks will visit apartment complexes, schools and day camps.
The need keeps growing in the community, according to Wright.
“We keep breaking records,” she said. “Last summer, 2024, we served about 50,000 meals between mid-June until lateAugust. The summer before that (2023), we served 40,000 meals.”
“We get a massive turnout for food,” Wright added.
Meet Up and Eat Up works to meet the demands of the community.
“If we go to a mobile site and there are 100 people waiting for food and the vendor only made 50 meals, we’ll come back and serve the rest of the 50 people,” Wright said. “We always make sure to serve everyone.”
Meet Up and Eat Up programs are offered in other communities throughout
The Forgotten Harvest mobility market is fully stocked and ready for guests to select what they want.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Lessenger Early Childhood Center and Einstein Elementary Named 2024–2025 Capturing Kids’ Hearts National Showcase Schools
Oak Park Schools is proud to announce that Lessenger Early Childhood Center and Einstein Elementary have been named 2024–2025 Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) National Showcase Schools, a distinction awarded to campuses that exemplify a culture of strong relationships, academic excellence, and social-emotional learning.
Out of more than 2,000 schools nominated nationwide, only 800 were selected, placing Lessenger and Einstein among an elite group of schools recognized for creating emotionally safe, engaging, and
e ective learning environments. “ is recognition a rms the extraordinary work our sta has done to create a safe and supportive culture where students can truly ourish,” said Superintendent Angel Abdulahad. “ e daily e orts of our sta to build positive relationships and an inclusive environment represent the heart of what it means to be a caring, collaborative school community. I am extremely
Oak Park Schools Earn National Recognition for Creating Exemplary School Culture
proud of everyone who made this honor possible.” ese schools have consistently demonstrated a districtwide commitment to student well-being.
e Capturing Kids’ Hearts (CKH) framework has been implemented across all Oak Park Schools, PreK through 12th, a er initially launching at Lessenger, Einstein, Pepper, and Key elementary schools. It is now embedded in classroom instruction, school operations, and sta collaboration. CKH provides training to every school employee—from teachers and administrators to support sta —ensuring every student receives consistent care, respect, and encouragement throughout the school day. “Being named a National Showcase School is a tremendous honor. It a rms the hard work our sta has done to create a safe and supportive culture where students can truly ourish. e CKH program is woven into the fabric of our school, from classroom activities to sta meetings, ensuring that its principles guide our interactions, decision-making, and overall culture. rough these e orts, we strive to create a community where relationships are prioritized, hearts are captured, and everyone feels valued. is rec-
ognition places us among an elite group of schools nationwide that are leading the way in social-emotional learning and relationship-driven education. We remain committed to continuing our work with Capturing Kids’ Hearts to foster connected, compassionate, and empowered learners,” said Principal Provenzola.
At Lessenger Early Childhood Center, which serves children ages 2½ to 6, CKH plays a critical role in supporting social-emotional development and building school readiness. “ is nomination is such a meaningful honor. is year, our team has exempli ed what it means to lead with heart. By fully embracing the tenets of Capturing Kids’ Hearts, we’ve built more than just classrooms, we’ve cultivated a community grounded in trust, connection,
and purpose. rough every greeting, every Social Contract, and every meaningful interaction, we’ve fostered strong relationships among colleagues, between sta and students, and with our families. ese e orts have not gone unnoticed. Together, we’ve created a warm, inclusive environment where learning is joyful, academic growth is celebrated, and families feel deeply connected. Our Capturing Kids Hearts’ culture and climate stand as a testament to our commitment, and I couldn’t be prouder,” said Director North.
Einstein and Lessenger continue to o er measurable impact and meaningful change in the classroom. rough the implementation of CKH the district has learned to handle and embrace healthy con ict in a constructive way. For example, teachers can disagree on (strategy), but everyone is committed to pushing forward to set high expectations for students and for one another. “ anks to our Superintendent, Mr. Abdulahad, our academic initiatives and our social-emotional initiatives are aligned to support one another in being optimally e ective for students’ overall well-being,” i.e., academically and socially. is alignment positions our district
to thrive at the highest level, to be a frontrunner in innovative educational initiatives and student success.” Director North continued.
Feedback from families and students has shown that CKH is positively in uencing behavior, communication skills, and academic success.
Surveys taken throughout the school year reveal improvements in both social-emotional and educational outcomes.
Oak Park Schools has established intentional touchpoints throughout the school day to ensure that students and families experience meaningful, consistent interactions with sta . ese e orts are designed to leverage the district’s collective strengths and foster a strong, supportive foundation for student success.
As a result, the district has observed noticeable growth in students’ critical thinking skills and the frequency of authentic, face-to-face conversations between students and sta . In an increasingly digital world, the Capturing Kids’ Hearts framework is helping students reconnect with the importance of empathy, communication, and genuine human connection.
Lessenger Early Childhood Center educates about 250 Pre-K - Kindergarten students with a team of 25 full-time teachers, while Einstein Elementary currently serves approximately 400 students in grades K–5. Both schools o er a wide range of support services, including social work, school psychology, programs for English language learners, and multiple enrichment opportunities. e achievements of these two schools have created a community-wide Celebration. e showcase award is a re ection of the collective e orts across the district, which serves around 3,400 students in
seven schools from early childhood through high school. “ is award is a testament to our entire community’s commitment to capturing hearts and empowering minds,” said Superintendent Abdulahad. “We are honored to be recognized and remain dedicated to nurturing the next generation of engaged, compassionate learners.”
For more information about Oak Park Schools and its commitment to student-centered learning, visit oakparkschools.org.
Lessenger Early Childhood Center
Einstein Elementary School
One Day at a time, We grow our Heart and our Mind
We Shine at Einstein
RETRO RIDES REV UP LOCAL CAR SHOWS
FUN TIME CRUZERS FIND NEW LOCATION
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — “This is quite a group. I was here last week. There were 374 cars,” Shelby Township resident Tom Konicki said. “There are quality cars here. Cars that are so rare. Beautiful cars.”
Konicki was talking about the Fun Time Cruzers, back on the road for another season of hot rods, muscle cars and vintage vibes. For almost 20 years, the Cruzers met at Lakeside in Sterling Heights. When the mall closed last year, it put the brakes on their weekly car shows.
Start those engines because the group found a new home from 4 to 8 p.m. every Monday until September at NAPA Auto Parts, located on Van Dyke Avenue, north of 21 Mile Road, in Shelby Township. President Ken Savage said it took nine months to find a new location.
It all began in 2005 when Savage’s son worked at Lakeside Mall and a store owner wanted to start a weekly classic car show. He recruited Savage and his son to help, but after a year, he left the group. Savage kept the Cruzers’ motor running.
“When I began, there were just 50 cars. It started going more and more. I have 600 cruise emails now,” said Savage, a Shelby Township resident who owns a Grabber Blue 1970 Ford Mustang convertible.
Fun Time Cruzers posts musical photo slideshows available on YouTube. Every week, Savage — with help from other members including Jerry Benoit, of Chesterfield Township, and Dave Gmerek, of Clinton Township — holds an awards ceremony with local businesses as sponsors. Categories range from
See CAR SHOWS on page 13A
BELOW: The Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society Museum will host a classic car show from 9 a.m. to noon on the third Saturday of every month through Oct. 18. The event is open to all classic car fans with no fee or preregistration. The museum is located at 16600 Stephens Road in Eastpointe.
LEFT: Ken Savage is the president of Fun Time Cruzers, which meets every Monday in the parking lot of NAPA Auto Parts in Shelby Township. Every week, he presents awards in different categories. The winner of the “Sweetest Ride” award also receives a lollipop.
Photo by Maria Allard
Photo by Liz Carnegie
Car shows
“Coolest Cruze 2025” to “Best Original/ Restored Cruzer” to “Best Corvette.” At the May 19 event, Madelyn Upleger won “Best Orphan Cruzers” for her 1999 Plymouth Prowler.
“That means they don’t make it anymore,” said Madelyn, who attended the weekly show with husband Dale Upleger.
Dale once owned the Prowler but gave it to Madelyn when he purchased a 2022 Chevrolet Corvette C8.
“She loved it and she didn’t want to sell it,” Dale said. “OK, we’ll keep it.”
“I always wanted a Prowler,” Madelyn said. “We saw them at a car show, and I fell in love with it.”
Both cars garner a lot of attention when on the road.
“I think it’s because of the color,” Dale said. “It draws the eye to it.”
The Rochester Hills couple, who have three children and two grandchildren, have been married 64 years.
For more details about the Fun Time Cruzers, call (586) 260-3459 or check the website at funtimecruzers.com.
There is at least one classic car show every night in metro Detroit where chrome shines and engines purr. Here is a list of other weekly and monthly car shows that we know of in the C & G Newspapers coverage area.
Mondays
• Jimmy’s Tavern behind the National Coney Island, located on Van Dyke Avenue north of 12 Mile Road, in Warren. It begins at 11 a.m. and it lasts all day.
• Lumberyard Pub and Grub, 26700 Schoenherr Road in Warren, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Tuesdays
• The Ukrainian Cultural Center, 26601 Ryan Road in Warren, from 5 to 8 p.m.
• Cruisers also will spin their wheels at the Ram’s Horn at Garfield and Utica roads from 5-8 p.m.
Wednesdays
• Classic car owners can drive into Sandbaggers Sports Bar and Grill, 25615 Van Dyke Ave. in Center Line, from 5 to 8 p.m. Organizer and Warren resident Paul Gutkowski, owner of a 1968 Mercury Cougar, said the car show brings in anywhere from 25 to 45 car owners each week.
“We just hang out, look at all the other cars and get to know each other,” Gutkowski said.
Gutkowski also runs the Pauly G’s Car
Cruis’n Page on Facebook, where he lists various car shows happening in the area. Check the page for more car shows not listed in the C & G Newspapers guide.
Thursdays
• Car enthusiasts will mingle from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Big Boy restaurant located on West Maple Road in Troy.
• Beginning in June, antique automobiles will line the pavement at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church, 21201 E. 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, from 5 to 8 p.m.
• The Stahl’s Automotive Collection at 56516 N. Bay Drive in Chesterfield Township will hold cruise nights from 4 to 7:30 p.m. every Thursday, minus the third Thursday of the month.
• Culver’s, located at 66227 Van Dyke Ave. on the Romeo and Washington Township border, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Fridays
• Weekly car shows at the Walter F. Bruce Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1146, located at 28404 Jefferson Ave. in St Clair Shores, will begin in June. The events will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. in the back of the facility, between the building and Lake St. Clair.
• Twisted Axles will meet from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Lucky Leprechaun Pub, 32456 Gratiot Ave. in Roseville.
Saturdays
• Gearheads can get an early morning fix from 7 to 10 a.m. at Parking at Pasteiner’s Cruise-In at 33202 Woodward Ave., one block north of 14 Mile Road, in Birmingham.
• The Michigan Military Technical and Historical Society will hold monthly car shows from 9 a.m. until noon on the third Saturday of the month. The museum is located at 16600 Stephens Road in Eastpointe.
Sundays
• Eddie’s Drive-In, 36111 Jefferson Ave. in Harrison Township, from 4 to 8 p.m.
Charity drive
• For more than 30 years, the nonprofit Friends of Mount Clemens has organized the Mount Clemens Cruise in downtown Mount Clemens at the center of Main Street and Market Street. Money raised has provided Kroger gift cards for families in need and helped many charities, including the city of Mount Clemens Santa Parade, Turning Point, the Mount Clemens Lions Club and the Macomb Food Program. This year’s two-day Mount Clemens Cruise is set for June 6-7. This year’s event will feature a car cruise, awards, live entertainment and special attractions. For a complete schedule of events, visit mountclemenscruise.com.
Attendees are also encouraged to bring cat food or dog food for an extra raffle ticket. Wallace said the shelter appreciates Purina Indoor Cat Chow, Purina One for dogs, nonclumping kitty litter, kitten formula in powdered form, as well as Kleenex, paper towel, bleach and other cleaning supplies.
“We can always use these,” Wallace said. Jill Gold, recording secretary with the Madison Heights Women’s Club — part of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs — said there will also be a variety of vendors at the event.
“We (originally) came up with the craft theme as a social event for club members,” Gold said via email. “We decided to open this event to anyone who wishes to come and work on a craft for a cause.”
Situation at the shelter
With spring in full swing, the stray animal population is booming. The shelter in Madison Heights — located at 801 Ajax Drive — is now busy with four litters of kittens.
“They’re all very cute, very friendly. They’re doing well,” Wallace said. “A lot of the kittens are starting to bond with their siblings, so we need to get them out as soon as possible.
“The moms will be spayed and released, too, as soon as we can. They need to stay with their kittens a bit longer,” she said. “There’s one mother who might be adoptable, but we need to see how she acts after the kittens are removed from her care.”
She said there has also been an unusual uptick in abandoned dogs found wandering the streets.
“We’ve been finding dogs abandoned on the outskirts of the city. The dog room at the shelter has already been full seven times this year, which has never happened before since I first came here in 2023. Before this year, we’ve only been full three times. We’re
starting to encounter this problem now,” Wallace said.
“I think they’re being dumped off from other cities here. It’s probably due to inflation in our economy — people are going to look to cut prices wherever they can, so some might get rid of their animals,” she said. “But people should never get rid of their animals this way. They should always contact a shelter, and they should always have a plan. If they just let their animal loose outside, it can get hit by a car or hurt someone, and there’s a chance they will never be found.”
Wallace said that breeding and neglect issues have also “gone through the roof,” as well as hoarding and cruelty cases.
“We’re coming across many people who simply can’t take care of their animals. It’s not just our shelter dealing with this — shelters across the board are full,” she said. “The breeding must stop. People need to get their animals fixed.”
Regarding strays, Wallace recommends contacting the Warren-based rescue group All About Animals and asking for their “TNR” program — Trap, Neuter, Release. The volunteers there know how to safely capture stray animals, get them spayed or neutered, and then release them back into the wild.
Once fixed, not only will an animal no longer reproduce and add to the homeless population, but it will be less likely to wander and get into fights or accidents.
Wallace also noted that ground-feeding animals comes with added responsibility.
“Per state law, after four days of caring for an outdoor animal like a feral cat, it legally becomes yours, and you’re responsible for getting it fixed and vaccinated and sheltered,” she said.
Group of do-gooders
The upcoming benefit is just one of many initiatives by the Madison Heights Women’s Club, which has been a cornerstone of volunteerism in the city since 1977.
There are currently 56 members in the club representing 17 cities. They meet the
third Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Madison Heights Fire Station No. 1, located at 31313 Brush St., except for December when the club does not meet, and July and August when the group instead meets for a pool party at a member’s home.
“Women with an interest in volunteering are eligible to join,” said Roslyn Yerman, the group’s corresponding secretary, in an email, noting that dues are $35 a year. “Residency in Madison Heights is not required, and the group is non-denominational.”
This past March, the club held its inaugural Bookshop Hop, where participants visited local bookstores in southeast Oakland County, getting their passports stamped with stickers provided by the club. The event benefited the Madison Heights Public Library and the Oakland Literacy Council.
The club also recently collected new and gently used shoes to support Soles4Souls, and the club continues to support Michigan Honor Flight. The club also collaborates with Madison Heights Youth Assistance on Pinwheels for Prevention, an initiative aimed at preventing child abuse.
Wallace said their efforts make a real difference.
“The club has helped (the shelter) multiple times in the past, and each time they make a huge impact on our summer month-
ly medical bills, allowing us to provide our animals even better health care,” Wallace said. “We appreciate them doing this, and we really appreciate the support of the community. Every time we need something, the community is always there for us.”
For more information about the Spring Craft Day fundraiser, call (248) 217-3004.
At regular menu price.
Excludes Steak Sub & BBQ Chicken
Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties. For a detailed list of locations go to unitedwaysem.org/resources/meet-up-and-eat-up.
For volunteer opportunities at Meet Up and Eat Up in Pontiac, call (947) 957-4599.
Forgotten Harvest
In 2024, Forgotten Harvest fed 474,637 children, according to Christopher Ivey, marketing and communications director for the nonprofit. As of mid-May, it had fed 358,682 children so far in 2025.
If the trajectory continues, this year’s numbers will surpass last year’s numbers.
The need is increasing, according to Ivey.
“All of the food we rescue is distributed free of charge without any real questions asked,” Ivey said.
They only ask generic questions for the purpose of analytics to determine the organization’s impact on the community, according to Ivey. Those questions include where the persons served live, where they are coming from and the makeup of their household — children, adults and seniors.
The summer programs include a youth snack program distributed through the Detroit Public Library. There are 12-15 sum-
CRIME WATCH
Suspect arrested for shoplifting
HAZEL PARK — According to the Hazel Park Police Department, at 7 p.m. May 16, officers were dispatched to the Kroger store at 23101 John R Road on a report of retail fraud.
The store reported that a person had allegedly walked out of the store without paying for merchandise. Police allegedly found
COMMUNITY BRIEFS
Tips on tidying up
HAZEL PARK — The Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, will host a workshop with “decluttering coach” Stephanie Foley from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
mer pantries that still run throughout the schools and mobile distribution.
“So if the family is in need of food, they can still go back to a location that is familiar to them,” Ivey said.
With 40 pantry partners, Forgotten Harvest runs a subsidized summer lunch program in addition to the Forgotten Harvest Summer Lunch Program where they will do about 100,000 lunches communitywide, according to Ivey. In addition, they are the lunch partners to Metro Youth Day on Belle Isle July 9 where they will do an additional 3,000 lunches.
The lunch programs start June 23 and go through Aug. 29.
Last year there were 29 sites where Forgotten Harvest distributed food throughout Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.
“We’re working to expand that list,” Ivey said. “Or at least working to confirm we have that many pantry partners again.”
Forgotten Harvest has a mobility market, which is a food pantry on wheels. It goes to various neighborhoods throughout Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties. There is also a truck on their Oak Park Forgotten Harvest campus. Guests are allowed to go in and select what they want.
According to their website, the mobility markets are open Monday through Saturday except for holiday weekends.
For more information about their pro-
the suspect — a 42-year-old Roseville man — across Nine Mile Road in the Tim Horton’s parking lot, with about $175 worth of groceries in a blue bag, including nine steaks (ribeye and strip).
The suspect was also reportedly wanted on several out-of-state warrants and had two prior convictions for retail fraud in Michigan. Police were investigating.
If you know more about this crime or others, call Hazel Park Police at (248) 542-6161.
— Andy Kozlowski
grams and a schedule of their mobility market, go to forgottenharvest.org/find-food/
Heritage Church
While most food pantries are not open on the weekend, the Heritage Church food pantry is only open on Saturdays.
Drivers pull up and are given a shopping list, where they check off items they want. Volunteers bag the groceries and deliver the groceries to the car.
Although anyone in need can come and get food assistance, they have a program for parents with special needs children.
“Because the child is challenged, they (their parents) are pulled out of their work and they can’t make ends meet,” said Candi James, the pantry manager. “We don’t know who they are, but we have it set up. We will bless them with whatever we have.”
Heritage Church is located at 44625 Schoenherr in Sterling Heights. The pantry is open Saturdays from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
The program started more than a decade ago and has grown as the needs of the community have grown.
Call Staff Writer Gena Johnson at (586) 498-1069.
on Monday, June 2.
The free presentation will share strategies to help simplify one’s life, including how to better manage emotional roadblocks, make faster decisions and build lasting productive habits.
The event focuses on practical guidance, and attendees are encouraged to ask questions. For more information, call the library at (248) 546-4095.
— Andy Kozlowski
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AmericanPainting
•Residential/Commercial •Interior/25YearsExp. •PowerWashing •Insurance•Drywall •PlasterRepair•Cleanouts•HomeRepairs •SeniorDiscounts •Guaranteed-Work.
PEAKPAINTING
Custom-Painting, Commercial/Residential, Interior/Exterior. Drywall-Repair,Paper Removal,Carpentry. *WillBeatAnyOther ReasonableEstimate! 35yrsexp.Sen.Disc.Ins. CC-Accepted/References. 586-722-8381
Gutters
Professional Services
586-792-3117
PETE'SPAINTING
SPRINGSPECIALS!
10%OFF Specializing inVacantHomes, Great-Rooms,Deck Staining&WoodenFence Repair,Interior/Exterior, Residential/Commercial. SeniorDiscount, Free-Estimates,Insured.
ANDERSON
Painting&Carpentry
CompleteInterior/Exterior Services.Plaster/Drywall &WaterDamageRepairs. Wood-Staining.Wallpaper Removal.Kitchen/Cabinet Refinishing,Insured/References.Free-Estimates 586-354-3032 248-974-4012
ANYONE'S PAINTER
Interior/ExteriorPainting
Commerical/Residential
PressureWashing, DrywallRepairs, DeckStaining, FreeEstimates,Insured. Call586-921-3654
FARR'SPAINTING
Interior/Exterior
Wood&DrywallRepairs
MoldRemediation FreeEstimates CertifiedMoldInspector 248-345-3308 farrsmoldremoval.com
NEBOPAINTING
ServiceAllYearRound
Interior/Exterior WeMakeIt EasierForYou, AllNeedsAreMet! FreeEstimates Call 248-953-7807
VKPERFECTPAINTING
Interior/Exterior SpecializesinKitchen &Bathroom CabinetPainting. Drywall/Plaster/Repair Free-Est.26YearsExp. CallBill 313-433-9400 586-746-9846 vkperfectpainting.com
WOWPAINTING
Interior/Exterior QualityPainting
DrywallRepairs,Remove Wallpaper,ExteriorWood Replacement,Epoxy Flooring.Ins./Free-Est. 248-990-5388 wowpainting00@ gmail.com wowpaintingmi.com
Plumbing MASTER PLUMBER
Sewer&DrainService. Remodeling,Repairs, NewInstallations. FreeEstimates SeniorRates. 35+yrsexp.CallPaul 248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852
586.524.6752 ANDY'SPLUMBING
33+YearsExp.Lic/Ins. CallUsToday ForAllYour PlumbingNeeds!! ServingThe Tri-County-Area 10%/Senior/Military/ Discounts Lic#-8004254
APEX
PLUMBERSCORP 586-210-0903
35-YearsExp.Seniors/ Military/Multi-TaskDisc. Free-Est.•DrainCleaning
•PlumbingRepairs/ Fixtures•SumpPumps/ WaterHeaters.Lic/Ins. apexplumbers corporation.com Lic#8111771
Plumbing
EAPLUMBING ANDDRAIN
FullServicePlumbing. DrainCleaning,Sump Pumps,WaterHeaters, Leaks,Disposals, CameraInspections, BackflowTesting andMore. 586-477-7777 License#803020312
GREATLAKE PLUMBING
LicensedPlumber Re-piping,WaterHeaters, DrainCleaning,Plumbing Repairs,GasLines. SprinklerBackflow Testing,FastFriendly Service,Lic#8112407 586-823-9744 greatlakeplumb.com
WATERWORK Plumbing.com
•DrainCleaning
•SewerCamera
•WaterHeaters •SumpPumps
•BackflowTesting 248-542-8022
SameDayEmergency ServiceAvailable Reliable/Experienced License#8003885
Powerwashing
AJʼsPRESSURE CLEANING& SEALCOATING
•StampedConcrete(removemilkyorcloudyfilm)
•ExposedAggregate •BrickPavers(resanding) Website: ajspressure cleaning.com 586-431-0591
ALLWASHEDUP
POWERWASHING SPRINGSPECIALS!
Weofferpowerwashing& deckstaining.Houses/ awnings/fences/driveways/porches/windows/ gutters/doorsandmore!! FREE-ESTIMATES SeniorDiscounts 586-360-0827
Professional Services
CONSUMER Cellularthesamereliable,nationwidecoverageasthe largestcarriers.Nolongtermcontract,nohidden feesandactivationisfree. Allplansfeatureunlimitedtalkandtext,starting atjust$20/month.For moreinformation,call 1-866-306-6243
TMEDIAIMPACT SOLUTIONS
ExpertGrantWriter& DevelopmentCoordinator! Capacitybuilding, communityimpact, fundingforoperations, programming,andyouth programs.Emailtoattach: tmediasitee@gmail.com
Roofng
PREFERRED BROTHERSROOFING
•FullTear-off•Recover •ShingleRepair •Leak's•AllRepair •Flat-Roof•TourchDown •SeamlessGutters& GutterGuards Senior/Military-Discount Upto20%Off 586-944-8898
AA4DABLEROOFING Hurry&SaveBig-$$$! SPRING-SPECIALS Upto30%-Off!!! Roofing/Siding/Gutters, All-Leaks/Repairs, Residential/Shingles/ Commercial-FlatRoofs/Torch-downs 30yrs-exp.CC'saccepted. 586-822-5100
SILVERSMITHROOF MAINTENANCE $225•MinorShingle ReplacementSpecial GutterCleaning Residential/Commercial WeAcceptAll MajorCreditCards 30-yrsexp.FamilyOwned 248-707-4851
CHERRY CONSTRUCTION
Roofing,Gutters,Cement, RefinishingHardwood Floors,NewHomes, Remodels,Additions, Doors,Windows, Fencing,Decks, Kitchens,Bathrooms. 586-291-2647
MICHAELNORTON BUILDERSINC. BuildingValueEveryday 586-436-9600 Licensed/Insured Since1965 Servicing-Roofing, Siding,Basement, Bathroom,Kitchen Remodeling,Decks& AllYourHome ImprovementNeeds.
Tree Service
BERGBROS.LLC. “FullyInsured, HighlyReferred.” SeniorDiscounts Tree-Removal,Stump Grinding,Tree-Trimming, Hedging,Shaping, Emergency-Service Residential/Commercial Free-Estimates (586)262-3060
DAVE'STREE&SHRUB 25%-SpringSpecial. Insured,Emergency StormDamage, Large-TreeRemovals, Mulchinbeds/spreading, Trimming,Stump-Grinding,Season-Firewood (100acord)30YrsExp. (586)216-0904 davestreeandshrub.com
ELITETREE SERVICE
"Bringing30yearsof experiencetoyourdoor!" Treetrimming, removals&stump grinding.Insured&FREE estimateswithfairprices! FirewoodForSale 586-756-0757
OFFERINGS AROUND MICHIGAN
AMISH FURNITURE
An AMISH LOG HEADBOARD AND Queen Pillow Top Mattress Set. Brand new-never used, sell all for $375. Call anytime, 989-923-1278.
Fine Firearms, Coins, Tool Estate Auction. Bidding open. Winchesters, Rugers, Brownings, Remington Bronzes, ammo, Morgan Dollars, machinists tools. Bid@JohnPeckAuctions.com.
Need an auction? Call John Peck 989-345-4866. Ofices Charlotte & Gladwin.
AUCTION
George King Online Estate Auction, bid now through June 3. 2002 Dodge Ram B1500 van, Craftsman mower, milling tools, RC planes, ham radios/ equipment, tools, more at Bid. SherwoodAuctionServiceLLC. com. Questions? Call Joe, 1-800835-0495.
BUILT RITE POLE BUILDINGS
State-wide. Prices starting at24x40x10 - $18,300.00. 30x40x10 -$20,400.00. Erected on your site. Call for price not shown on any size building or go to www. builtritepolebuildingsmi.com. Or call 989-259-2015 or 989-6001010 or 989-324-0035.
BUSINESS SERVICES
METAL ROOFING regular and shingle style, HALF OFF SPECIAL COLORS! Lifetime hail asphalt shingles. Vinyl siding. Licensed and insured builders for 40 years. AMISH CREW. 517-575-3695.
MATTRESSES
Adjustable Bed Brand New with mattress. Made in U.S.A, in plastic, with warranty. Retail Cost $3,995.00 sacrifice for $875.00 Call for showing or delivery: DanDanTheMattressMan.com. 989-923-1278
MISCELLANEOUS
Amish-built mini-cabins starting at $5,295. Made in Michigan! We deliver statewide. Call 989-8321866. MyNextBarn.com.
AMISH-built storage sheds starting at $2,500. We deliver anywhere in Michigan! Call 989-832-1866. DanDanTheMattressMan.com
POND/LAKE
Eco-Friendly Pond & Lake weed removal tools. Veteran made in Michigan. Visit our website www. WeedGatorProducts.com or call 989-529-3992. 5% discount code GATOR5.
EXTRA CHEESE
EXTRA
EXTRA
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EXTRA CHEESE EXTRA CHARGE • WITH COUPON • EXPIRES 6-25-25 • ZINO’S