6/21/23 Woodward Talk

candgnews.com JUNE 21, 2023 Vol. 20, No. 13

GET RELIEF

®

Schedule Your Appointment Today at 1-877-301-3441

SPOTLIGHT ON SENIOR LIVING

STARTS ON 12A

info@realwavecenters.com

REALWAVECENTERS.COM

0027-2318

Rochester • Warren • Southfield • Livonia • Dearborn

COVERED BY MEDICARE AND MOST INSURANCE PLANS.

BERKLEY PRIDE BLOCK PARTY MAKES RETURN

BY MIKE KOURY

mkoury@candgnews.com

BERKLEY — The city of Berkley’s Pride Block Party will be making its return to the downtown this weekend.

The Berkley Pride Block Party, presented by the Downtown Development Authority, will be held noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 25, on Robina Avenue south of 12 Mile Road, on Griffith Avenue south of 12 Mile, and in the municipal parking lot in between the two roads.

The event will feature various food trucks, arts and crafts tents, vendor booths, and live music. It will be the second Pride Block Party the city has put on after the inaugural edition last year.

“As with last year it was very positive, inclusive,” DDA Executive Director Mike McGuinness said at a City Council meeting last month. “A lot of the churches and community organizations had sort of their focus … on serving LGBTQ+ populations but not exclusively so. It was a number of community organizations that in part just wanted to show their solidarity and engage and reach out to the different populations.”

Along with her morkie, Dutchess, Pamela Serell, of Southfield, and Ty Lancaster, of Illinois, enjoy the Berkley Pride Block Party last year.

See BLOCK on page 7A

File photo by Erin Sanchez

Coffee shop gets approval for former Subway space on Woodward FERNDALE — The Ferndale City Council gave its approval for a special land use for a coffee shop to take over the home of a former Subway.

At its June 12 meeting, the council approved 4-1 an application for a space at

22132 Woodward Ave. that would turn the building into a Caribou Coffee with outdoor seating and drive-thru lanes.

Community and Economic Development Director Roger Caruso stated that while in the planning stage, the biggest concern with the space, which has been vacant for two years, was an increase of traffic and vehicles backing up on Woodward.

“We had the applicant work with (the Michigan Department of Transportation) on a traffic study. … They do propose a double drive-thru that fits about 16 vehicles or so.

That passed MDOT’s standard, and MDOT is signing off on the permit,” he said. “The next question for staff is, ‘How does that affect the adjacent side street as people are exiting?’ We required a supplemental traffic

study on that, and that traffic study showed that there (were) not concerns of any stacking, that there’s enough pulsating on Woodward that the cars can exit or go east on the side street.”

The applicant, Jeff Parker, of Jeffrey Parker Architects, who is the development manager for Caribou Coffee, said they want See CARIBOU COFFEE on page 4A

3.9% APR Financing up to 48 mo* 2023 Ascent or 2023 Forester 2023 Subaru Ascent

2023 Subaru Forester

*Manufacturer Offer. No down payment required. Financing for well-qualified applicants only. Length of contract is limited.

Subject to credit approval, vehicle insurance approval and vehicle availability. From dealer stock by 6/30/23 0247-2323

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

WOODWARD TALK • JUNE 21, 2023

SPECIAL DELIVERY

LEFT: A polar bear gazes at a Buddy’s Pizza box containing a specially prepared pizza at the Detroit Zoo on National Detroit-Style Pizza Day June 16.

ABOVE: A grizzly bear at the Detroit Zoo opens up his box of pizza in honor of National Detroit-Style Pizza Day.

ABOVE: A Detroit Zoo employee tosses out a box of specially made pizza to one of the wolves on June 16.

LEFT: One of the wolves at the Detroit Zoo has lunch in the form of a special Buddy’s Pizza.

Photos by Donna Dalziel

0323-2314

2A

SECOND FRONT PAGE

facebook.com/candgnews

instagram.com/candgnews @candgnews candgnews.com • (586) 498-8000

3A/ WOODWARD TALK • JUNE 21, 2023

File photo by Donna Dalziel

The crowd at Rackham Golf Course watches the fireworks during Huntington Woods’ Fourth of July show last year. Huntington Woods will have multiple Fourth of July events taking place in the days leading up to July 4, ending with the city’s parade and fireworks show.

Fourth of July events shine bright in Clawson, Huntington Woods

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

ABOVE: The Taylor DeRousse Trio performs a song during the Arts, Beats & Eats introductory press conference.

RIGHT: Arts, Beats & Eats Event Producer Jon Witz announces the return of the festival in September with some changes at a press conference June 7.

Photos by Mike Koury

CLAWSON/HUNTINGTON WOODS — Local cities will be throwing their annual Fourth of July celebrations in the lead up to, and on, the national holiday.

Clawson

In Clawson, the city’s Fourth of July events will start on June 25 with two races, the Free Fun Race at 7 p.m. and 5K Freedom Run at 7:30 p.m. Registration will be at Clawson City Park.

On June 28, there will be a concert in the park and ice cream social at 7 p.m. at Clawson City Park, 935 N. Custer Ave. A kiddie parade will be held at 11 a.m. July 1, with registration starting at 10 a.m. It will start in the parking lot of Clawson Middle School, 150 John M Ave. The city’s carnival will take place July 2-4. The hours will be from noon to 10 p.m. July 2-3 and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 4. The arts and crafts fair will be from 3 to 9 p.m. July 3 and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 4. Both will be located at Clawson City Park, with the carnival at the football field. There is an entrance fee of $3 for the carnival, which is put toward the city’s fireworks each year. There also are fees to enter the kiddie parade and freedom races, which can be paid at the events.

The Firecracker Race & Parade will start at 9 a.m. July 4 at 14 Mile and Crooks roads. It will continue to Main Street and to ElmSee FOURTH on page 4A

Arts, Beats & Eats to get rid of plastic containers, hopes to allow cannabis in 2023

BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — Arts, Beats & Eats will be making its big return later this year, and along with it, some bigger changes.

Organizers and stakeholders gathered at a press conference June 7 at Royal Oak’s Baker College campus to announce the return of Arts, Beats & Eats,which will take place Sept. 1-4.

Event Producer Jon Witz told C & G Newspapers that he was thrilled to bring the festival back this year.

“It’s just going to be an amazing show, and it’s going to be something for everyone to enjoy and hopefully have a great experience,” he said.

The 2023 edition of Arts, Beats & Eats will have dozens of musical acts and food options, as well as a juried art show, but the event will be making some big additions this year.

One change, as announced by Mayor Mike Fournier at the press conference, is that Arts, Beats & Eats will no longer serve beverages in plastic.

“That means no more plastic bottles for any of the beverages, all of our beer, soft drinks, water bottles, they’ll all be served in easily recyclable cans,” he said. “There won’t be any plastic cups either.

See FESTIVAL on page 11A

WOODWARD TALK • JUNE 21, 2023

4A

from page 3A

wood Avenue. The celebration will end with the fireworks show at 10 p.m. at Clawson City Park.

This year’s event will mark 90 years since the first one took place.

“It’s a huge tradition,” Secretary of Clawson’s Fourth of July Committee Paym Weaver said. “It’s a way to bring our community together. We end up with about 45,000 people going through Clawson for this. It’s a really great and fun celebration for everyone.”

Weaver said her favorite part of the celebration is the fireworks, but added that the carnival has been a great addition to the schedule.

“This is our second year that we really had a really huge carnival. So that’s been a

Caribou Coffee from page 1A

to fix up the former Subway, which is not looking too good as of now.

“We’re going to redo the parking a lot — cut out a lot of the parking lot and put in landscaping, paint the building and redo the building a little bit,” he said.

Parker explained that the business will not have indoor dining, and that the focus is on patrons using the patio and drive-thru.

Something that was included in the project, he said, based on a recommendation from the Planning Commission, was to move the patio next to the sidewalk.

“So if people want to grab a cup of coffee, there’s a nice spot to sit and watch the traffic go by and have some plants around,” he said. “In terms of the drive-thru, we worked extensively with MDOT to make

nice big change for the city,” she said.

Huntington Woods

The Fourth of July events in Huntington Woods will start June 27 with the Great American Baby Contest at 6 p.m. at Burton Field; the Penny Candy Sale at 7 p.m. at Burton Field; and a concert from Miss Paula & the Candy Bandits at 7 p.m. at Burton Field.

It will be followed by an event to learn archery at 5 p.m. June 28 at the Recreation Center’s gym, a pet pageant at 6:30 p.m.

June 29 at Burton Field and an event called “Celebrate It” with fun activities at 3:30 p.m. June 30 at Burton Field.

The Pancake Breakfast and Old Fashioned Games & Races will take place July 1, with the breakfast at 9 a.m. at the Recreation Center and the games at 1 p.m. at Burton Field. Float-A-Boat, for kids ages 6 and older, will be at 9:30 a.m. July 2 at the city pool,

sure that they were comfortable with how our traffic might pan out. We think we’re not going to have nearly that much traffic as what they’re thinking. … We’ve been collaborating with everybody, and we think we have something that will work well for Caribou and the community.”

Council member Greg Pawlica, who also serves on the Planning Commission, felt the move of the patio would be more attractive for people walking down Woodward, as opposed to parking spaces.

“I just think it’s going to be a really great addition to that area, which has kind of been inactive for several years,” he said.

“When Subway and Tim Hortons closed down, that whole couple of block area has kind of been very, very inactive.”

The “no” vote on the project was from Mayor Melanie Piana, who commented on the plan for the traffic flow.

“It’s significant on that corner,” she said.

and a scavenger hunt will be at noon July 2 at the Recreation Center. On July 3, there will be a boxed lunch for people ages 60 and older at noon at Hassig Park and a MoGo Bike FREEdom Ride at 7 p.m. starting at the Recreation Center.

On the Fourth of July, the city’s parade will start at 10 a.m. at Borgman and Woodward avenues and end at Burton park. A hot dog roast, as well as awards, will follow the parade at 11 a.m. A park concert with Boogie Dynomite will be at 7 p.m. at Burton Field, and the events will end with the annual fireworks show at 10:05 p.m. at Rackham Golf Course.

“The Fourth of July is definitely our highlight of the year,” Huntington Woods Mayor Bob Paul said. “It’s not just the Fourth. It’s a weeklong celebration for us from everything we have going, from family night, the pet pageants, the pancake breakfast on the Saturday morning before

“I know the reasons why we’re doing it is to handle more of the high peak demand times of coffee-goers who are transient traveling through, as there’s really not many places to sit at the Caribou — and I like Caribou Coffee myself — but to me the cons here cancel out the pros, and I don’t love it. And it’s because our community has said they don’t want more drive-thrus specifically in our master plan, and when you double the lanes, you create more traffic.”

Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.

HOME FOR MORE LOCAL NEWS CANDGNEWS.COM

the Float-A-Boat contest. There’s so many different events throughout that whole week leading up to the Fourth of July.”

For more information on the events, visit recreation.hwmi.org.

Paul said the parade is his favorite part of the lead up to the Fourth of July. He also said the concert always has been a fun time before the fireworks show.

“It’s always our biggest concert of the year, too, right before (the fireworks) in the park,” he said. “We get the biggest crowd and a lot of those people, of course, walk over to Rackham and watch the fireworks and then other people have parties in their front yards and get ready for it all afternoon and evening. So it’s definitely a highlight.”

Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.

To learn more about Paws With A Cause and to find out how you help, just download this app and watch the story come to life!

Provided as a community service by this civic minded publication in conjunction with the Association of Community Publishers and Community Papers of Michigan Provided as a community service by:

Calling All Seniors!!

Are you looking for a way to stay active, meet new friends, and meet your wellness goals?

TRVIFit Berkley is excited to announce our new Senior Session classes! Sessions will be tailored to all ability levels and will be scheduled mid-day.

0285-2323

Fourth

Your first class at TRV|Fit is FREE! Come check out why everyone is talking about our amazing fitness community right here in your neighborhood!

Studio Address: 14661 W Eleven Mile Rd., Oak Park, MI 48237 Phone 248-955-2348 @TRVFITBERKLEYINOAKPARK

0394-2325

NEWS & NOTES 5A/ WOODWARD TALK • JUNE 21, 2023

IN YOUR MAIL

OUR NEXT EDITION WILL PUBLISH JUNE 28

‘Strike Out Parkinson’s’ to host 1984 World Series Q&A

Photo provided by Dawn Kelley for the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s

Detroit Tigers great Kirk Gibson — pictured at Comerica Park in Detroit — is now one of the leading advocates in the fight against Parkinson’s disease.

File photo by Donna Dalziel

ROYAL OAK — The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s will be holding its Strike Out Parkinson’s event Aug. 20 at Bowlero Lanes, located at 4209 Coolidge Highway.

Gibson, the former Detroit Tigers outfielder and current color commentator, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015. Tickets are now on sale for the event, which will benefit his foundation.

The event will feature a 1984 World Series question-and-answer panel with Hall of Fame shortstop Alan Trammell. There also will be an appearance by former rival and Hall of Famer Goose Gossage, who played for the San Diego Padres in 1984. The Tigers beat the Padres in five games to win the 1984 World Series.

Tickets cost $250, and sponsorships start at $2,500. More information can be found at KirkGibsonFoundation.org.

ROYAL OAK CONCERT BAND TO PLAY THREE CITIES

METRO DETROIT — The Royal Oak Concert Band’s “Our Great America” summer concert series will take the band to several cities for shows.

The band will be performing in Clawson at 7 p.m. June 28 at Clawson City Park, 935 N. Custer Ave.; in Berkley at 7 p.m. July 12 on the lawn outside the Berkley Community Center, 2400 Robina Ave.; and at 7 p.m. July 24 at Wahby Park in St. Clair Shores, 24800 Jefferson Ave. According to a news release, the concert features patriotic favorites and pop selections from the “Jersey Boys” soundtrack, a medley of Tina Turner songs and a set of “rousing marches.” It also was noted that the concerts in Clawson and Berkley will include a set by the Woodward Avenue Jazz Orchestra.

The concerts are free and open to the public. People are asked to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating. For more information, visit royaloakconcertband.org.

Berkley deploys Narcan kits around city BERKLEY — The city of Berkley has partnered with Families Against Narcotics to help increase Narcan access for the community.

Residents will be able to pick up Narcan kits from public places within the city. Narcan is used to help reduce opioid overdose deaths through the use of a nasal spray to reverse the effect of the overdose.

“RescueBoxes,” which resemble newspaper sales devices containing individual kits with doses of Narcan, have been installed at the Berkley Public

MUSIC FESTIVAL ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce will be putting on a free music festival, Royal Oak Live, this

weekend. Royal Oak Live will take place from 2 to 8 p.m. June 24-25 in the Centennial Commons, located at 221 E. Third St. According to a news release, the festival will feature musicians known for playing funk, rhythm and blues, and jazz.

“Two days of world class music, a beautiful new park, the magic of downtown Royal Oak, and it’s all free,” Artistic Director Alexander Zonjic stated in a press release. “It’s an unbeatable combination. Get there early and plan to stay late, you won’t be disappointed.”

The festival will feature artists including Lindsey Webster, Jessy J, Alex Bugnon, the Urban Jazz Coalition, Detroit School of Rock & Pop Music students with Dave Weckl, Lin Rountree, Deon Yates, James Lloyd and Zonjic himself.

In addition to music, an artist market and local nonprofit groups will be featured on Troy and Third streets, along the nearby park. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets.

For more information about Royal Oak Live, call (248) 547-4000 or visit royaloakchamber.com.

Library, 3155 Coolidge Highway.; the Berkley Community Center, 2400 Robina Ave.; City Hall, 3338 Coolidge Highway; and the Public Safety Department, 2395 12 Mile Road.

There is no cost to take a Narcan kit from one of the RescueBoxes.

“While the City of Berkley has one of the lowest overdose incident rates in the area, many residents privately struggle with controlled substances,” Berkley Public Safety Lt. Andrew Hadfield said in a prepared statement. “Having Narcan readily available in our community can be lifesaving.”

Optimist Club fundraiser

BERKLEY/ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Optimist Club will be holding a fundraiser for the club next month. The club will be putting on “Laughter for the Kids” on July 22 in Gleason Hall at the Berkley American Legion, 2079 12 Mile Road. Doors will open for the event at 6:45 p.m., and the show will start at 8 p.m. The show will include strong language and adult content. Comedians and acts featured in the event will include headliner Milan Stromile, Greg Sharp, Pam Krugman, and Peggy and Paula. Tickets for the fundraiser cost $50 and can be bought by contacting Ilene Harmon-McGough at harmon@ssc-law.com or by calling (248) 259-1035.

Buying or Selling?

Proudly Serving Ferndale, Berkley, Huntington Woods & Pleasant Ridge.

CLICK HERE FOR INSTANT HOME VALUE REPORT

0304-2325

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.

6A/ WOODWARD TALK • JUNE 21, 2023

JUNE 21

Tasting Notes: Ciaccona n Cheese: Part of Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, performance includes tasting of wine, cheese and chocolate, 7:30-9:30 p.m., Mongers’ Provisions - Berkley, 3127 12 Mile Road, greatlakeschambermusic.org

JUNE 22

Costumed model/figure drawing workshop: For adults, theme is “Grease,” supplied provided, 6:30-8 p.m., Ferndale Area District Library, 222 E. Nine Mile Road, fadl.org/sketch

JUNE 28

Kidney PATH (Personal Action Toward Health): Eightweek workshop for individuals and families affected by chronic kidney disease, information session at 6 p.m. June 28, classes run 6-8 p.m. July 12-Aug. 30, virtual and free, nkfm.org/KPATH, pathprograms@ nkfm.org, (800) 482-1455

JULY 4

July 4th celebration: Parade at 10 a.m. from Salem and York roads to Nadine Avenue and Scotia Road in Huntingtoon Woods, hot dog roast and more at 11 a.m. at nearby Burton Park, concert by Boogie Dynomite from 7-9 p.m. at Burton Park, and fireworks over Rackham Golf Course around 10:05 p.m., hwmi. org/residents/hometown_herald.php

JULY 13

Ferndale Garden Club: Presentation on plants for ecology, 7 p.m., Harding Park, 989 Mapledale St. in Ferndale, free and open to the public, facebook.com/ theferndalegardenclub

Ferndale Project Book Club: Meets 6:30-8 p.m. every last Tuesday of month, Ferndale Project, 567 Livernois Ave., fadl.org/fpbc

SUMMER CONCERTS

JULY 21

Ferndale Senior Group: Meets 11 a.m. every second and fourth Wednesday of month, Hazel Park Community Center, 620 W. Woodward Heights, ferndalemi. gov/departments/parks-recreation, facebook.com/ FerndaleParksandRec, (248) 544-6767, ext. 503

7 p.m. at Oxford Park, 2100 Bacon Ave. June 28: Detroit Social Club July 26: Sonic Freeway Aug. 9: Harmonic Swell and the Bridge of Reverberation Aug. 30: Lisa Mary Band

ONGOING

Gaming: RPG group meets 6 p.m. every first and third Thursday of month and board game club meets 6 p.m. every second Thursday of month, both for middle schoolers, new tabletop RPG group for adults meets 1-4 p.m. monthly starting June 25, Ferndale Area District Library, 222 E. Nine Mile Road, fadl.org

7 p.m. at Berkley Community Center, 2400 Robina Ave. July 12: Royal Oak Concert Band & Woodward Avenue Jazz Orchestra Source: berkleymich.org/berkleybeats

Songwriter Showcase: Listen to four artists and hear stories behind the music, Berkley Coffee, 14661 W. 11 Mile Road, Suite 500, in Oak Park, berkleycoffee.com, (248) 422-1373

Form, Fiber & Fire exhibit: Works by Jim Stafford, Amelia Currier and Margaret McGuinness, on display until June 29, Woods Gallery, 26415 Scotia Road in Huntington Woods, www.woodsgallery.org Book clubs: Lower elementary (every first Wednesday of month) and upper elementary and science fiction (second Wednesday), 6:30 p.m., virtual and in person, Ferndale Area District Library, 222 E. Nine Mile Road, also clubs for graphic novels, Reading Rainbow and Read Woke, fadl.org/upcoming-events ‘50 Years An Artist’: Works by Glenn “Fuzz” Corey, on display until June 30, Lawrence Street Gallery, 22620 Woodward Ave., Suite A, in Ferndale, (248) 544-0394, lawrencestreetgallery.com

Birmingham & Ferndale Stamp Club: Meets 6-8 p.m. select Tuesdays, NEXT Senior Center, 2121 Midvale St. in Birmingham, birminghamstamp.club Summer Park Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 25, July 9 and 23, and Aug. 13 and 27, Clawson City Park, 935 N. Custer Ave., cityofclawson.com Oak Park Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. July 5-Sept.

27, Oak Park High School, 13701 Oak Park Blvd., oakparkmi.gov, (248) 691-7555 Royal Oak Farmers Market: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays,

6:30 p.m. at courtyard at Ferndale Area District Library, 222 E. Nine Mile July 18: Chris Bathgate Aug. 22: Theatre Bizarre Orchestra Source: fadl.org

also antiques and collectibles 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays, and food truck rally and concerts 4-9 p.m. every second Wednesday of month through August and 4-8 p.m. September-October, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, ROFM on Facebook, (248) 246-3276

0344-2319

7A

WOODWARD TALK • JUNE 21, 2023

Hazel Park native releases next novel in ‘cozy mystery’ series

BY ANDY KOZLOWSKI

the identity of the killer.

The “To Death” series is written in the style of the cozy mystery genre, which features elements such as charming small towns with colorful casts of characters, and a tasteful avoidance of gore, sex and swearing. Even the murders tend to happen offscreen. Polito said it’s appropriate for teens and adults alike, and is meant to be warm and inviting, despite the dark crimes at each mystery’s core.

“I always describe it as fun — they’re meant to be fun,” Polito said. “So many of the cozies I’ve read are definitely what you could call comedy. I’m not saying they’re not serious, or that they shouldn’t be respected,

akozlowski@candgnews.com

HAZEL PARK — An award-winning author/playwright who grew up in Hazel Park, and today lives in Pleasant Ridge has released the second book in his “cozy mystery” series about a gay millennial couple who solve crimes.

Frank Anthony Polito’s latest work, “Rehearsed to Death,” is the sequel to last year’s “Renovated to Death,” and features the same leads, Peter and JP. The couple host a hit reality show where they renovate homes around metro Detroit.

They live in the fictional suburb of Pleasant Woods, located between Royal Heights and Fernridge, and nearby Madison Park. As the names suggest, the towns are inspired by actual places, with “Madison Park” featuring elements of both Madison Heights and Hazel Park.

Their latest adventure is set during the summer, while their TV show is on hiatus.

JP is set to star in a community theater production at the Royal Heights Playhouse — a parody of Stagecrafters in Royal Oak. Peter wrote the play, “Blue Tuesday,” about two couples — one gay, one straight — living in New York City before the events of 9/11.

But then the two men find themselves investigating the murder of Xander Sherwood Deva — the play’s arrogant and

Block from page 1A

McGuinness said the event certainly is a celebration of Pride, but it also is a celebration for Berkley as well.

“Many celebrations throughout metro Detroit and the region, they each have their different sort of take or interpretation on it.

We very intentionally, with the community members who, through their volunteer efforts, led the planning process last year and this year, make it have a very distinctly Berkley feel,” he said. “In terms of it being all access, you know it’s not catering to one specific age demographic; it definitely does not have a mature or adult focus. It’s very much in keeping with all of our other block parties in the downtown, so that way it celebrates

CORRECTION:

Hazel Park native and author/playwright Frank Anthony Polito, seen here at his Pleasant Ridge home with his dogs, Jack and Clyde, has just released “Rehearsed to Death.” The dogs also feature in the story.

but they do have humor — they’re all humorous. The writers intentionally look for the humor in the situation.

“It’s a genre that works for me because even in my most serious works, where a young teen is dealing with accepting his sexual identity, I still infused it with humor,” Polito said. “It’s just who I am — it’s just my personality. I always try to keep it light — maybe it’s a defense mechanism of trying to get people to like me by getting them to laugh. I don’t ever want to be taken too seriously. So I feel like this genre, apart from a few things, could be enjoyed by both a 12-year-old and someone who’s 102. These See POLITO on page 14A

Take Your Project to New Heights!

Photo by Patricia O’Blenes

over-controlling director, who was found strangled to death by the same imported cashmere scarf he wore like a boa.

The egomaniacal director was loathed by many people, so there is no shortage of suspects. Now, as the opening night of the play draws near, Peter and JP must figure out the many families that call Berkley home.”

Compared to last year’s event, the block party will have an expanded footprint due to its success. It also was moved to Robina south of 12 Mile, whereas last year it was north.

“It was very successful last year, so they have scaled up the number of volunteers; the infrastructure in this particular parking lot has the benefit of having fewer entry points than the one on the north side as well,” City Manager Matt Baumgarten said. “So from a vehicle entry standpoint, we do feel like it’s a safer space to hold this event on the south side there. And, again, it balances between the participating businesses as well. So north side got to participate last year, south side gets to participate this year.”

For more information, visit downtown berkley.com.

The News & Notes item “Ferndale mayor named to RTA board” in the June 7 issue of the Woodward Talk should have stated that Melanie Piana was named to the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan’s leadership team, not as a board member.

PROPANE REFILL STATION

We Have

Propane!

www.kilburnsequipment.com

Coupon must be presented to receive discount.

Cannot be combined with any other coupon.

DO-IT-YOURSELF CONCRETE

­

­

2 OFF

$

Rent the Right Tools for the Job!

We Sell

15% OFF Any Rental One Day Max

Coupon must be presented to receive discount.

Cannot be combined with any other coupon.

Expires 7-26-23

21325 Dequindre Rd.

HAZEL PARK

248-547-8327

0324-2325

WOODWARD TALK • JUNE 21, 2023

8A

9A

WOODWARD TALK • JUNE 21, 2023

Congratulations to the HAZEL PARK SCHOOLS We love our Vikings!

Graduating Class of GPA - 4.0536 Central Michigan University (Maroon and Gold Recognition Award) Pell Grant ($5545) Total CMU Scholarship = 19,195

TOP 10

GRADUATES

Alexis Nickerson

Hazel Park Schools 2023 Scholarships & Monetary Awards Total: $1.9 Million!

GPA - 3.875 Aveeda Institute

SUMMA CUM LAUDE GOLD TASSELL G.P.A. 3.75 - 4.0

Sarah Adkins Alraha Algahim Jenna Durbrow Sierra Guerra

GRADUATES HAZEL PARK HIGH SCHOOL

Sarah Adkins Michael Al Daccache Amir Al-Abesi Maryam Albayati Alraha Algahim Brandon Anderson Dean Anderson Joshua Anderson William Arsenault Savannah Ashley Jacob Bean Branden Bell Zayvior Bell Jessica Black Marissa Bocock Rashad Boyd Alana Breck

Ricardo Hayes Victoria Muzzarelli Alexis Nickerson Katie Norris

Camren Brewer Jimmie Brinson Nicholas Brooks Denzel Brown Mykell Brown Nathaniel Brown Angelo Buford Taeshawn Bunnell Malikai Butler Carolyn Campbell Kimora Campbell Za’Ryah Cann Justin Clave Brianna Coleman Amber Collins Breanna Collis Nicholas Conn Malik Cox Takeila Croff Brooklyn Curry

Brianna Schriefer Sharron Schwanitz Simon Stimac Lauren Zbozien

Landon Davinich Carlos Dorsey William Dowdell George Dudley Jenna Durbrow Jaliyah Eaton Lea Eddy Caleb Edwards-Butte Krystal El-Akel Ivan Eramya Ashia Estell Kamron Evans Essence Fields Tiffani Flaricee Courtney Ford Karmyn Gasperoni Christina Gaughan Kayliah Gipson Sherriann Goodman Kyra Green

Lauren Zbozien

Jenna Durbrow

GPA - 4.0417

GPA - 3.9896

Oakland University (OU Talented Scholar Award) Total OU Scholarship = 9,000

Sarah Griffiths Sierra Guerra Braylon Hafemann Aaliyah Hall Stefen Harris Ricardo Hayes Aalyah Helton Brynn Hoga Aniyah Holmes Dominick Horle Makia Hummel Khari Hurt Madison Jezierski Taylor Johnson Gabrielle Jones Jayona Jones Jay Kendziorski Riley Kennedy Ke’Wan Kirkwood Connor Klusek

GPA - 3.9058

Grand Valley State University (GV award for Excellence) Total GV Scholarship = 13,000

Simon Stimac

Alraha Algahim

Brianna Schriefer

Sierra Guerra

GPA - 3.8717

GPA - 3.8189

GPA - 3.787

GPA - 3.783

Central Michigan University (Maroon and Gold Recognition Award) Total CMU Scholarship = 10780

Oakland Community College Pell Grant (7,395)

UofM Dearborn (Go Blue Guarantee, Destination Blue Award) Pell Grant (7395) Total UofM Scholarship = 17420

Oakland University (OU Academic Achievement Award) Total OU Scholarship = 19154

Riley Kruse Shaylyn Neys Joseph Zonsius

Riley Kruse Morgan Lee Lionel Loggin Izabelle Ludy Fabian Maciel-Garcia Lanaejah Maddox Yousif Malakha Sosha Mason Eryn Mathis Mark Matlick Ryan Maynard Emily McKnight Jhayla Morris Nahjae Murray Victoria Muzzarelli Shaylyn Neys Kerri Nichols Alexis Nickerson Dalaneo NorfleetWatson

Sarah Adkins

GPA - 3.917 Lawrence University (Lawertian Award, More Light! Scholarship) Total Lawrence University scholarships = 45700

MAGNA CUM LAUDE BLUE TASSELL G.P.A. 3.50 - 3.74 Denzel Brown Mykell Brown Aliyah Hall

Victoria Muzzarelli

Katie Norris Ethan O’Connell Megan Palazzolo Hannah Palmer Amelia Parks Jada Powell Nathaniel Powell Samuel Prunkard Travis Quenneville Jihad Ragland Robert Ray Christopher Reini Raymond Richards Melanie Ross Lauren Russell Sophia Russell Joeei Saffer Kennedy Samuel Brianna Schriefer Cody Schultz

CUM LAUDE SILVER TASSELL G.P.A. 3.00 - 3.49

Dean Anderson Jessica Black Marissa Bocock Rashad Boyd Alana Breck

Sharron Schwanitz Julia Seaton Jacob Seguin Brennan Shelton ShaKora Shepherd Amber Siecinski Victoria Smith Elijah Smith-Jackson Angelique Socia Natalia Spivey Allure Stevens Simon Stimac Niyah Swift Akayla Taggart Shania Taylor Rahmaad Turner Zackary Vollmer Kendall Voss Bryson Walker Jamar Whitfield

Camren Brewer Nathaniel Brown Angelo Buford Kimora Campbell Landon Davinich

Damein Wilhelm Deshawn Williams Ikayla Williams James Williams Amya Wise Jayden Wynn Matthew Yeager Philip Yonkos Lauren Zbozien Joseph Zonsius

ADVANTAGE ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL Myla Burton Carley Carpenter Jazzmin Conner Ngarou Diop Deshawna Golson Deyanna Golson

Jaliyah Eaton Krystal El Akel Ivan Eramya Essence Fields Courtney Ford

Jacoria Grant Antwon Hamilton Payton Horle Davion Jackson Keith Johnson Zaniah Jones Taylor Jopes Starr Kibzey Nia Lasalle Layah McCarroll Stella McCrystal Azhena Mitchell Javidah Montford India Nichols Adasia Pope Chloe Sampson Maleik Smith DuNayla Seawright Natalie Sheldon La’Neishia Steen

Karmyn Gasperoni Sheriann Goodman Sarah Griffiths Stefen Harris Brynn Hoga Dalan Straughter Yasmine Ware Sarah Wilfong

MICHIGAN CYBER ACADEMY

Reginald Alexander Charles Allen Cooper Bonanni Trevor Bowyer Cristiana Brumfield Stanley Bynum Taylar Chicora Ryan Chojnowski Alaura Cook Bridgette Couch Robert Craig Alexander Darr Jackson Dennie

Brooklyn Jasper-Curry Jay Kendziorski Morgan Lee Mark Matlick Kerri Nichols Abigail Dubiel Kalin Foster Avery Fouch Day’sia Gardner Tehya Greene Michael Hatton Alexis Griffith Katie Heit Kelsie Hicks Rebeca Ilas Andrew Kemp Keelie Layton Madison Lee Da’Mya Lovely Christian Martin Zachary Mathews Emanuel Muhammed Trevor Mulkey Allyson Pendleton Landon Sanders

Jada Powell Travis Quenneville Lauren Russell Sophia Russell Kennedy Samuel

Chase Shudell Abigail Snyder Annabella Strunk Kira Taylor Adam Van De Winkle Tyler Weiss Peyton West Sage Wilson

INVEST ROOSEVELT ALTERNATIVE HIGH SCHOOL Mahmoud Abdalla Zaineh Abdallah Nada Abdulla Raghad Abdulrazzaq Abdulrahman Alabdullah Obida Albaba

Central Michigan University (Maroon and Gold Recognition Award) Total CMU Scholarship = 12760

Amber Siecinski Angelique Socia Niyah Swift Shania Taylor Zackary Vollmer

Shahd Albaba Jasem Aldabbi Raad AlDarraji Shams AlDarraji Khozlan Alhadi Abdulmalek Alhorani Abdulrazaq Ali Amitalraheem Ali Ali Aljebori Hani Alkhateeb Redhwan Alkolali Ali Almarei Mohammad AlMarei Mustafa Alqarwi Hamzah Alrahal Ali Alsarraji Marwan Altahan Ameer Altalaqani Ghosoun Alzoubi Ummul Barat Ali

2023 HAZEL PARK HONOR STUDENTS Bryson Walker Jayden Wynn

Nazifa Barati Oude Bkdalia Alkhansaa Boobakr Mayasah Boobakr Yousif Gazlawi Marisa Giraud Angelica Habib Kameren Harris Rama Helal Jacob Hinsley Abdulsalam Jafas Issac Jajou Maysam Jamil Avin Kadow Mohamad Kamil Nanssy Khosh Seahontrai Landry Fadi Mansoor Murtada Maslookhi Mansur Nadjibulla

Mansura Nadjibulla Nasiba Nadjibulla Christina Petou Marven Qoda Natalee Rezqallah Ahmed Saleh Fatima Shamman Maha Shamman Rawan Shedewah Manar Sufyan Gehadaldain Turki Hamzah Wahoud Younan Younan

0215-2325

Katie Norris

2023 HAZEL PARK HIGH SCHOOL

BEHIND THE WHEEL

Do you own a vehicle with an interesting history?

Contact Staff Writer Maria Allard at allard@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1045, and you could be featured in an upcoming Behind the Wheel. For more stories, visit candgnews.com/news/auto or use the QR code.

10A/ WOODWARD TALK • JUNE 21, 2023

A one-of-a-kind automobile

BY MARIA ALLARD

allard@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — While growing up in Detroit, one of the first modes of transportation Roy Lipanski ever made as a kid was his very own motorbike.

Using his engineering skills, the native Detroiter took the engine of a lawn mower and mounted it to a bicycle.

“I designed the slipper clutch to make it go,” Lipanski remembered. “I was always interested in doing things like that. I was always making stuff as a kid.”

The desire to build continued into adulthood. Many years ago, Lipanski — who resides in Warren with his wife, Barbara, of 69 years — decided he wanted to custom build his own car. The couple have five children and several grandchildren.

Lipanski, 89, had the mechanical abilities to take on such an endeavor. After all, he worked as a toolmaker building special automation machines, primarily for the automobile industry.

In 1965, he purchased a 1955 four-door Chevy Bel Air, rolled up his sleeves and got to work in the garage. He started the project by sketching out a design that served as a blueprint.

“It’s an automatic. I made everything you see. Everything is handmade. It was a lot of work,” he said. “All you see is handmade bumpers, hood, fenders, doors, headers and a walnut dashboard. It’s the only one like it in the world.”

For starters, Lipanski made sure he had enough sheet metal and steel for his one-of-a-kind production. Everything on the custom-made vehicle is metal, minus the fenders. Lipanski modeled his automobile after two designs he admired: that of the Duesenberg and the Cord styles of the 1920s and 1930s.

“I always liked them,” the 1951 Denby High School graduate said. “It took me only two days to strip the car down to the bare frame, and then I had the frame sand-

WARREN MAN BUILT CUSTOM CAR TO HAVE 1920s AND ’30s STYLING

In 1965, Roy Lipanski purchased a 1955 four-door Chevy Bel Air, stripped it down to its frame and then built his own car. Lipanski likes to take his convertible to the Woodward Dream Cruise and to Eastpointe Cruisin’ Gratiot. The rear of the car was partially made from a 1946 Hudson hood.

Photos by Patricia O’Blenes

See LIPANSKI on page 11A

WE WORK WITH ALL INSURANCE COMPANIES

0307-2325

www.armitagemi.com

11A

WOODWARD TALK • JUNE 21, 2023

Lipanski from page 10A

blasted and primed.”

The two-seater convertible is powered by a Chrysler V-8 engine, which Lipanski installed 2 feet back from the original position. The rear of the car was partially made from a 1946 Hudson hood.

“I found the old headlights in a junkyard,” he said.

Lipanski got down to business when he found tires for the car from a 1955 Ford TBird. He spent $150 for four wheels, which came with a bit of a challenge.

“The hole pattern is different. A special adapter had to be made,” he said.

Lipanski even named his tailor-made model. He gave it the moniker “macht schnell,” which he said means “hurry up” in German. It was a phrase his German grandmother said to him “frequently as a child.”

The car also has a hardtop that clips on, and there’s room for a luggage rack on the back. There’s a side horn made of brass, plus other decorative horns attached. Why add horns?

“Because they look nice,” Lipanski said.

When it was time for him to paint the car, Lipanski chose the color maroon. On the morning of June 8, when the car was parked in the driveway at his home, a man passing by in his pickup truck rolled down the window and inquired about the car.

“I like it. What is this?” he asked Lipanski.

It took Lipanski four years to assemble the car from start to finish. He was inspired to build his own set of wheels by a coworker and friend named Tony Palmeri, who had custom built several cars. Lipanski called him “a real genius.”

“He loved it,” Lipanski said of Palmeri’s reaction to his Duesenberg and Cord look-alike.

Palmeri has since died, but Lipanski said he will never forget him.

Lipanski doesn’t take his car “out too much,” but when he does, it’s usually to the Woodward Dream Cruise in Oakland County or Eastpointe Cruisin’ Gratiot.

“My wife, Barbara, and I have been in many Woodward Dream cruises,” he said.

“I get a lot of compliments from people. I get a lot of looks. People don’t know what to think. They give me a thumbs-up and say, ‘Nice car.’ People think it’s a real Duesenberg or Cord.”

Festival from page 3A

All those beverages will be served in biodegradable corn-based cups.”

The decision behind this move, Fournier said, follows the climate action plan that’s been in motion in Royal Oak. “Whether it’s looking at the city’s desire to reduce greenhouse gasses or how a three- or four-day festival, we consider our waste and plastic use, you know, as a community, we have these values and we try to embrace them in everything that we do,” he said. “I’m glad that Arts, Beats & Eats and everybody here is on board even with the small things.”

Another big change announced, though it has yet to be confirmed, is the sale and consumption of cannabis at the festival.

Chief Corporate Operations and General Counsel for House of Dank Mike DiLaura said at the press conference that the festival has been working with the state and city on getting approval.

“We’re hopeful that in the next few weeks we’ll be able to confirm that Arts, Beats & Eats and House of Dank will officially be the largest festival in America that

has ever introduced legal cannabis sales and consumption into the festival space,” he said. “This will truly be historic, not just for Arts, Beats & Eats and the city of Royal Oak, but for our company, the industry here in Michigan, and the industry worldwide.”

Witz said on June 18 that the event hasn’t gotten approval from the state yet, but he said the approval is “very likely.”

The Royal Oak City Commission previously approved cannabis sales and consumption in a designated area at this year’s festival.

Witz stated that the most exciting part of the event for him as a producer is being able to bring people together.

“We’re unfortunately in some crazy times out there and a festival like ours brings people together, reminds them what they have in common — love of family, love of culture, love of music, love of art, you know, and realizing we have to find what’s in common, and that’s always been my favorite,” he said. “Having 300,000-plus people from all walks of life with different views just realizing, hey, we’re human beings and we like to hang out together.”

For more information on the festival, visit artsbeatseats.com.

Grandparents use MET to help grandchildren with education

0311-2319

The MET prepaid tuition savings program enables grandparents to ensure the legacy of their grandchildren’s future education. It is a safe, secure and flexible way to pay today’s prices for future tuition at any qualified college or trade school in the U.S.

SPOTLIGHT ON SENIOR LIVING

12A/ WOODWARD TALK • JUNE 21, 2023

CITIES AND ORGANIZATIONS WORK TO MEET OVERWHELMING DEMAND FOR SENIOR HOME/CHORE SERVICES

BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — Karyn Curro, the CEO of Interfaith Volunteer Services, said she first noticed the need while working with people in nursing homes over 31 years ago.

“I found that a lot of people who were living in nursing homes didn’t necessarily want to be there and, with a little extra help, they could stay in their own homes for longer and perhaps forever,” said Curro.

She said that some people were not in the nursing home for medical care but simply because they couldn’t take care of their daily needs at home. She said often they just needed help with daily housekeeping or transportation to appointments, or they were lonely.

However, when she started researching

organizations that provided these types of services, she found there were a lot of gaps and approached the Area Agency on Aging, who was in the process of launching what would become IVC. Initially, IVC was started by a fiscal grant received by Catholic Charities of Macomb in 1992. In 1994 it became an independent 501(c)3.

IVC offers aid to seniors throughout Macomb county and parts of Oakland and St. Clair counties. The organization pairs seniors with volunteers to help them achieve a desired task. Curro said they are able to help hundreds of seniors a year with home chores, but she stresses that there is no guarantee that they will be able to assist with any given task.

“We are an all-volunteer organization,” said Curro. “We do have some paid staff in

ABOVE: A team of volunteers from Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers poses with a woman whose yard they cleaned up.

LEFT: A volunteer with Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers helps an elderly woman into a car as part of IVC’s transportation services.

Photos provided by Karyn Curro of the Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers

See SENIORS on page 13A

AMENITY-RICH SENIOR LIVING starting @ $1,900 /month Located in the heart of Ferndale, your apartment at The James is an incredible value, including:

Three Chef-Prepared Meals Daily Housekeeping Laundry Facilities

Utilities Scheduled Transportation Social Events

Call (248) 554-3600 today to schedule a tour.

22111 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, MI 48220

TheJamesFerndale.com

0405-2325

Residents also benefit from having a third-party Health Care Services company onsite (if needed).

SPOTLIGHT ON SENIOR LIVING 13A

WOODWARD TALK • JUNE 21, 2023

Seniors from page 12A

the office who are running the program, but all services are provided by volunteers. So that limits what we can do. … Since we’re an all-volunteer program, if someone calls in for help, regardless of how much they might need that help, we can’t guarantee we can give them help. … It just depends if we have a volunteer (with that skill set) in that area.”

The types of services that IVC routinely provides include yard work like trimming bushes, raking leaves and pulling weeds; cleaning windows, and changing screens and storm windows out; sweeping garages; and even taking the trash to the curb.

It also provides transportation to and from doctor appointments and grocery stores, as well as basic housekeeping, decluttering and organizing of rooms or closets, doing laundry, and washing dishes, along with minor home repairs such as plumbing, electrical and carpentry work, if they are small simple fixes.

“Regular housekeeping is a big need, because a lot of times people can manage in their own home, but they can’t do all the chores to keep up their home safely,” said Curro of Interfaith Volunteer Services, based

in Roseville. “If you start having mobility issues, it’s much more difficult to clean a bathtub or a shower and do some of the heavier cleaning in your house. I think that is a real ongoing need that a lot of people have, and to hire a cleaning service is usually incredibly expensive for someone of a very limited income.”

The one service that they don’t provide frequently is lawn mowing services, because of the amount of equipment necessary to do so. However, the service might be possible if the person requesting it has a working lawn mower.

“We tend to describe the types of things we can do as something that you would ask a neighbor for help for. You know we don’t do anything too extensive. We don’t take on major repairs and renovations,” Curro said.

“You might be comfortable having your neighbor rake your leaves for you, but you wouldn’t ask them to put a new roof on your house. It’s kind of the neighbor helping neighbor level of services that we are able to provide.”

Last year the organization served close to 500 people and their families, approximately 300 of whom were in Macomb County, while 200 were in Oakland and St. Clair counties. Curro said the reason for that is simply the amount of volunteers they have

The Smarter Way to Shop...

available in each area. Services are not provided on a daily basis, but some services are provided once or twice a month, depending on the need.

IVC does not have any income requirements but tends to focus its service offerings on those who would not otherwise be able to afford the help and who don’t have family to assist them.

“We are really trying to get to the people that are isolated and impoverished and just really need a helping hand, largely because our volunteers are doing this just from the kindness of their own hearts, and they want to help the people in the greatest need,” said Curro.

The Macomb County Office of Senior Services also offers a few programs to help seniors with chores such as seasonal yard cleanup and the Handy Helpers Program.

The Handy Helper program offers light repair services such as replacing light bulbs, door locks, window catches, faucet washers and faucets. Program workers will also install screens, storm windows, window shades, curtain rods and weather stripping around doors, and caulk windows and repair furniture. Workers will provide heavy-duty cleaning of appliances, carpets and rugs. They scrub floors, wash walls, and clean interior windows that do not require a ladder to

reach. They provide pest control and rodent services (except bed bugs) and install safety devices for seniors such as grip bars and bath chairs.

The Macomb County Office of Senior Services offers spring, summer and fall yard cleanup services. Volunteers rake leaves, clean flower beds, trim branches, wash exterior windows, and the like.

They do not provide snow removal services and will only provide lawn mowing services on a one-time basis if there is an “urgent need.”

However, some landscaping companies, such as Workhorse Services Lawncare and Landscaping, offer seniors a discount on lawn maintenance. Norm “Workhorse” Adams Sr., the owner of Workhorse Services, said seniors comprise about 80% of his business. He said that he always tries to give seniors a 10% discount on their lawn services.

He offers lawn mowing, yard cleanup, small tree removal, bush and hedge trimming, etc.

“It’s kind of rewarding when you are able to help people who can’t help themselves,” Adams said.

One of his clients is an elderly couple; the man has cancer, and although he would like to cut the grass, he just physically can’t do it anymore. Adams said that the man will See SENIORS on page 14A

• Medicare Advantage • Medicare Supplement Plans • Medicare Prescription Drug Plans

For personalized service call (248) 633-2020 This is an advertisement. HealthMarkets Insurance Agency, Inc. is licensed in all states. Product availability varies. Agents may be compensated based on enrollment. No obligation to enroll. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all your options. ©2022 HealthMarkets 48788-HM-0822

0284-2325

Julia Muraj-Bruceti, Licensed Insurance Agent

WOODWARD TALK • JUNE 21, 2023

14A

Seniors

from page 13A

start to cut a path, and the wife will call Adams in to finish the job. “So, I really understand the problem that they go through.”

Adams, 55, said he understands seniors more than most people. He has had personal experience with struggling to find someone to help his aging mother with simple things around her home and to take her to her appointments, as well as someone his mother could trust.

“I pay (a caregiver) $25 an hour, but what she does is priceless, because they built a bond, and I don’t know what I would do without her,” Adams said of the woman who helps him with his mom.

Adams services Oakland County residents in Southfield, Eastpointe and Oak Park. He can be reached at (313)-415-0274.

To get services from the Macomb County Office of Senior Services you must be 60 or older and live in Macomb County.

The services are offered free of charge, but donations/contributions are appreciated.

Director Sheila Cote said there are currently

Polito

from page 7A

are books for people of all ages.”

Some of his other works, prior to “Rehearsed” and “Renovated,” include “Band Fags!” (2008), “Drama Queers!” (2009) and “The Spirit of Detroit” (2013), which together form a trilogy, focusing on a group who attended Hazel Park High during the mid-to-late ’80s, inspired by Polito himself and his closest friends. “Drama Queers!” won a Lambda Literary Award.

“Band Fags!” is the first book in the trilogy and follows the adventures of Jack Paterno, who is based on Polito himself, from the ages of 14-18 in Hazel Park, circa the midto-late ’80s. Jack has known he’s gay all his life, but he spends much of the story trying to deny his sexuality. When his best friend since seventh grade, Bradley Dayton, comes out to him, Jack begins to entertain the idea of accepting that he is also gay.

“Drama Queers!” is the second book, set in the same world, focusing on Bradley in 1987 and 1988 when he and Jack are seniors. Bradley is involved with the Hazel Park High School Drama Club, and when the lead role in the school play goes to an attractive freshman boy, Bradley doesn’t mind having the opportunity to spend time with him every day after school during rehearsals.

only three part-time workers handling the tasks requested through the Handy Helper program. Due to the popularity of the program and limited funding, they are only able to provide a limited number of services, and the programs are waitlisted. There are currently 150 people on the list for handyman services and 100 people desiring spring/ summer yard cleanup, which runs through the end of June. Cote said that they are doing their best to get through the entire list by the end of the month. However, those who do not get yard service this season will be put at the top of the list for fall yard cleanup.

“Our mission is to support seniors so that they can age in place and stay in their homes longer. And a lot of times they just need a little extra help,” said Cote. “They need somebody to fix a few things around their house or make it more comfortable for them.”

Cote said seniors are often so thankful for the volunteers who help them to maintain their homes and yards.

“It makes them feel so good that their yard looks nice. It really boosts their spirits when their house is looking nice. A lot of seniors worry about that. They can’t get to the

lawn like they used to. They can’t trim their bushes. They can’t clean their yard. So, they feel self-conscious and upset that they’re not able to do that. So, when we’re able to send a team out there to do it, it just does wonders for their spirit.”

IVS and the Macomb County Office of Senior Services both provide “friend” services as well. IVS will send a volunteer to a seniors home as a “friendly visitor” to provide companionship, and the Office of Senior Services has “Friendly Callers” who will contact a senior via phone a couple of times a week to simply check in on them.

“It’s a much-needed program,” Cote said.

“Our goal is to assist seniors to live independently and age in place, but, unfortunately, the funding isn’t enough to do that with every senior in Macomb County, so we try our best to get to everybody, but, unfortunately, it’s a funding issue. There just isn’t enough funding to meet the need at this time.”

A limited number of volunteers greatly limits the number of people who can be serviced. According to Curro, the number of volunteers working for IVC has dropped dramatically since the pandemic. She said they used to have approximately 600 volun-

teers, whereas today they have around 350.

“As much as we publicize services, we can’t help anybody if we don’t get the volunteers,” said Curro. Cote stressed that they appreciate the large organizations who volunteered their time to help with yard clean up this season, but they can always use more volunteers to be able to get to all those who are on the waiting list.

“The population is still continuing to age, so there are more people with these types of needs,” said Curro.

For more information on IVC, to obtain services or volunteer with IVC, call (586) 757-5551 or visit IVCinfo.org. To obtain services or volunteer with MCOS call (586) 469-5228 or visit.

Many other cities and communities throughout Oakland and Macomb Counties have home chore programs and offerings. To find out what your community has to offer, contact your city offices or senior center.

Places such as IVC are part of the National Volunteer Caregiving Network — a coalition of caregiving communities throughout the nation. If your city does not have any offerings, you can go to Nvcnetwork.org to find additional resources.

He soon finds himself forming feelings for him, but then an older boy warns Bradley against coming out, telling him it will risk his dreams of becoming an actor.

The trilogy then concludes with “The Spirit of Detroit,” set in 1991 and 1992.

Bradley is once again the protagonist, and Jack makes cameo appearances. Bradley has decided to return to college and enroll in the theater program at Wayne State University.

The story pays homage to Polito’s favorite novel, “The Mysteries of Pittsburgh” by Michael Chabon, with a similar plot, but from the perspective of a gay man.

“By the time I finish a story, I’ve been living with it so long that when it actually goes on sale, I have to remind myself that no one has read it. But yeah, there’s a feeling of accomplishment telling a complete story. It feels good, and when I feel like I’ve accomplished nothing over the last year or two, I remind myself I’ve written three books, since I just finished the third one,” Polito said.

That third installment, “Haunted to Death,” is set to release this Halloween. A young woman acquires a lavish mansion and discovers she’s the long-lost daughter of the previous owner who died falling off the balcony 25 years ago. When Peter and JP begin renovations on the home, they witness ghostly phenomenon and discover secret passages.

“Much like a ‘Scooby-Doo’ episode,

there’s a double mystery: Who killed the woman, and is the house really haunted — and if not, who is making us think that it is,” Polito said. “It was a lot of fun for me to write because it’s even more fantastical, taking the knowledge of all the haunted house movies I watched growing up, and again, the ‘Scooby-Doo’ cartoon. There’s even a portrait of a woman where the eyes move watching them, and a mysterious fog rolls in out of nowhere — all of the haunted house tropes. I’m hoping people find it as fun to read as it was to write.”

Alissa Sullivan, a member of the Hazel Park City Council, said she appreciates Polito’s love for his hometown and the met-

ro Detroit area, and how it’s reflected in his works.

“He came and did a presentation here, during one of our pride events in the past, with his book ‘Band Fags!’ set right here in Hazel Park, including a reading and meetand-greet in a private room at our library,” Sullivan said. “He’s great, and always shouts out to his hometown of Hazel Park. It’s nice that he’s achieved such success, and still remembers his ‘Friendly City.’”

“Renovated to Death” is available at major online outlets where books are sold, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Target. It was released May 23.

0126-2325

WOODWARD TALK • JUNE 21, 2023

15A

0267-2325

WOODWARD TALK • JUNE 21, 2023

16A

FREE ESTIMATES for Basement Flood Protection System

99

POOL HEATER $ MAINTENANCE

(ONE TIME SERVICE-CALL FOR DETAILS)

Tankless Combination Boiler and Water Heater

COUPON

FINANCING as low as $75.00 per month

Piping Repairs

COUPON

COUPON

Package includes Furnace and A/C with UV Air Purifier or Hi-Efficiency Air Cleaner

ANY PLUMBING OR HVAC SERVICES

TANKLESS WATER HEATER

LIMITED TIME OFFER

WITH THIS COUPON EXCLUDES ALL OTHER OFFERS

LIMITED TIME OFFER

WITH THIS COUPON EXCLUDES ALL OTHER OFFERS

$500 OFF Any Complete Heating & Cooling Package WITH THIS COUPON EXCLUDES ALL OTHER OFFERS

$35 OFF $200 OFF LIMITED TIME OFFER

0194-2310

HUGE CHRYSLER • DODGE • JEEP & RAM SELECTION! • HUGE CHRYSLER • DODGE • JEEP & RAM SELECTION!

June 21, 2023

New 2023 Jeep Compass Limited 4x4

New 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo 4x4 2-Row

DEMO

STK# Z23016 MSRP $37,585

STK# ORD MSRP $43,330

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

EMPLOYEE BUY

28,594

29,953

$

LEASE FOR

LEASE FOR

23995* $28495*

$

24 MO.

24 MO.

DUE AT SIGNING $3,980

EMPLOYEE BUY

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

LEASE FOR

LEASE FOR

LEASE FOR

37,380

35495* $42997*

$

24 MO.

36 MO.

36 MO.

EMPLOYEE BUY

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

LEASE FOR

LEASE FOR

42,979

57,957

DUE AT SIGNING $3,980

$

24 MO.

STK# ORD MSRP $51,220 EMPLOYEE BUY

STK# ORD MSRP $61,225 EMPLOYEE BUY

38,246 LEASE FOR

287

$

50*

39,970

$

LEASE FOR

34226*

$

45,529

$

**

LEASE FOR

347

$

36 MO.

36 MO.

06*

New 2024 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport 4x4

New 2023 Jeep Gladiator Sport 4x4

STK# ORD MSRP $37,690 EMPLOYEE BUY

STK# ORD MSRP $42,785 EMPLOYEE BUY

33,508

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

34,861

$

LEASE FOR

32995*

$

LEASE FOR

36895*

$

35,356

$

47,691

$

**

LEASE FOR

41151*

$

35995*

36,913

$

LEASE FOR

40895*

$

36 MO.

36 MO.

DUE AT SIGNING $3,980

36 MO.

**offer ends 6/19/23

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

LEASE FOR

$

36 MO.

36 MO.

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

36 MO. DUE AT SIGNING $3,980

DUE AT SIGNING $3,980

$

24 MO.

DUE AT SIGNING $3,980

New 2023 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4x4 FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

44,971

$

40995* $49995*

$

New 2023 Ram 1500 Big Horn Crew Cab 4x4

$

24 MO.

DUE AT SIGNING $3,980

$

38370* $49248*

$

LEASE FOR

$

STK# Q23494 MSRP $54,145

STK# Q23191 MSRP $63,655

55,570

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

$

New 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L-Limited 4x4 3 Row

New 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited 4xe 2-Row DEMO $

EMPLOYEE BUY

35,804

$

DUE AT SIGNING $3,980

New 2023 Dodge Durango GT AWD

New 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L DEMO

STK# ORD MSRP $46,235 EMPLOYEE BUY

36,928

$

LEASE FOR

326

$

47* 36 MO.

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

38,606

$

LEASE FOR

37995*

$

DUE AT SIGNING $3,980

36 MO.

STK# U23002 MSRP $42,425 EMPLOYEE BUY

31,504

$

LEASE FOR

339

$

08* 36 MO.

FRIENDS & FAMILY BUY

32,938

$

LEASE FOR

38954*

$

36 MO.

DUE AT SIGNING $3,980

HUGE CHRYSLER • DODGE • JEEP & RAM SELECTION! • HUGE CHRYSLER • DODGE • JEEP & RAM SELECTION!

Woodward Talk

SALES HOURS: MONDAY & THURSDAY 8:30AM–9PM • TUES/WED/FRI 9AM–6PM • SERVICE HOURS: MONDAY & THURSDAY 7AM–9PM • TUES/WED/FRI 7AM–6PM

855.336.4595 Van Dyke & 171⁄2 Mile • www.sterlingheightsdodge.net Lease payments add tax, that’s it. Due at signing includes first payment, destination, taxes on down payment (including rebates) documentary, title, and license transfer fee (new plate, additional). Lease mileage allowance is 10,000 miles per year. Overmileage is .25 cents per mile. Ram Laramie offer expires 6/19/23. Purchase and lease prices include Stellantis consumer rebates including return lease rebates and Chrysler Capital finance rebates where applicable. Purchase prices, add for tax, title, doc, plates, and destination. Pictures may not represent actual vehicle, prices and payments are accurate at time of printing and subject to change,Residency and lender restrictions apply, see dealer for details. Exp June 30, 2023.

0109-2325

2B - WOODWARD TALK, June 21, 2023

www.candgnews.com

Autos Wanted

Autos Wanted

Vacation Property & Time Shares

500 & up Also Now Buying Running or Repairable Vehicles 586.381.5046 $1,000 & up

586.600.1108

0444-2314

$

VACATION RENTAL OR CRASH PAD TAMPA, FL Cozy, Private Guesthouse For Rent Including Kitchenette w/Essentials, Furnished Bedroom, Bathroom, Patio, Private Entrance, Free Parking on Premises and Wi-Fi. *No Parties/Pets Please* Call/Text 313-461-8485

Real Estate Services

Ben & Paula Rait—Realtors working together over 35 years

(248) 550-8881

0229-2325

Full Service Realtors for Buyers and Sellers * Free Notary service *

Antiques & Collectibles BUYING

Coins, Sport Cards & Stamps Collections

Top $$$ Call 248-471-4451

Estate Sale

Auctions

OFFERINGS AROUND MICHIGAN AUCTION Little Moving Auction. Bid Online now thru June 26 NarhiAuctions.com.

Byron, MI. Custom motorcycles, 1994 AM General Hummer low miles. snowmobiles, tools. Preview June 22 & 24 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

810-266-6474

MEDICAL VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! 50 Generic Pills SPECIAL $99.00! 100% guaranteed. 24/7 CALL NOW! 888835-7273 Hablamos Espano

MISCELLANEOUS AMISH BUILT storage sheds and mini cabins delivered to your site anywhere Excellent Live & Online Auctions in Michigan! Starting at $2,500.00 happening statewide. Tractors, mynextbarn.com 989-832-1866 Tools, Golf cart, Woodworking, POLE BARNS Machine shop, 80-acre real estate. Bid anywhere/anytime BUILT RITE POLE BUILDINGS State-wide, johnpeckauctions.com. Interested 24 x 40 x 10 = $17,700.00, 30 x 40 x 10 in having an auction? Call John Peck = $19,900.00. Erected on your site. Call for price not shown on any size building 989-426-8061. or go to www.builtritepolebuildings.net Graham Online Estate Auction. 989-259-2015 Days 989-600-1010 2012 Can-Am Outlander 400 Evenings. quad; Sea Doo Bombardier RX Waverunner w/towable trailer; We Build All Year Long! Built Best EZY Lift for Waverunner; Diesel Barns Best Quality, Best Service, Now generator; Firearms; Crossbow in our 25TH Year! Over 4,000 Buildings & accessories; Household; Tools; in Mid Michigan Call for Quotes Antiques. Other auctions available at: License/Insured 989-205-2534 bid.sherwoodauctionservicellc.com POND/LAKE 1-800-835-0495.

Pond/Lake Weed Removal Tools BUSINESS SERVICES (The #1 alternative to chemicals.)

METAL ROOFING regular and Performs C.P.R. Cuts-Pulls-Rakes. shingle style, HALF OFF SPECIAL Michigan Veteran Made. Still $150.00, COLORS! Lifetime asphalt shingles. no price increase! 989-529-3992.

Steel and vinyl siding. Licensed and WeedgatorProducts.com insured builders. Pole Buildings. VACATION RENTALS Quality work for 40 years! AMISH Attention Cottage, Condo, Vacation CREW. 517-575-3695.

Homeowners. Advertise your Vacation MATTRESSES Rental Properties with Community Adjustable Bed Brand New with Papers of Michigan’s MegaMarket mattress. Made is U.S.A., in Classified Network. Reach over 1.2 plastic, with warranty. Retail cost Million households with your in-state $3,995.00, sacrifice for $875.00. or out-of-state vacation rental ad. Call Call for showing or delivery: 1-800-783-0267 Ext. 1 for details.

DanDanTheMattressMan.com 989-615-2951 Published: June 21, 2023

0153-2325

ESTATE SALE

June 24th-25th, 10am-3pm, 31650 Eastlady Beverly Hills, NO KIDS, VintageHandtools/Tool-Boxes, Craftmens-Snap-on, Drake-Press, Table-Saws, Pipe-Fitter-Tools, Oak-wood

Garage/Yard Sale 31027 Morgan Dr. Warren, 48088

Off 13 Mile, Between Schoenherr & Hayes June 24th-25th, 10-5pm, July 1st-2nd, 10-5pm BIG BARGAIN SALE! 30990 Huntsman Dr. E Farmington Hills, Saturday, June 24th, 9am-6pm FREE ITEMS AVAILABLE!

YARD SALE

June-30th-July-2nd 12pm-7pm 22000 block Normandy (between 9 mile/Norton) Eastpointe, Online boutique closeout *New/Used Women's Apparel *Jewelry *Accessories *Home décor *Household-items & MUCH MORE!

Homes For Rent 1-Bedroom Home, Lower,

St. Clair Shores, Beautifully Remodeled, $850/mo. Heat/Water incl.

Leave Message

248-795-0910

Help Wanted/Engineering

Help Wanted General

Help Wanted General

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF CLINTON ASSISTANT TOWNSHIP ENGINEER – PUBLIC SERVICES DEPARTMENT

FULL/PART-TIME, Carpet/Floor Technician, Mon-Fri, 6pm-2am, Some weekends, Knowledge of carpet truck mount system and stripping/waxing.

Experienced preferred, but will train. Mostly commerical buildings.

Up to $18/hr. w/benefits

SUBWAY NOW HIRING

Permanent full-time Assistant Township Engineer position $86,095 - $108,266 (40 Hours per week) includes benefit package. Successful completion of Civil Service Examination is required, and applicants must meet all requirements set forth in the Employees Civil Service Ordinance. Pre-employment background investigation and substance abuse testing is required. Interested, applicants must submit application to the Clinton Township Employees Civil Service Commission, 40700 Romeo Plank Rd., Clinton Township, MI 48038 on or before the close of business, Monday, July 3, 2023. The Charter Township of Clinton is an Equal Opportunity Employer, applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, or disability. For further information pertaining to this position or to download employment application please refer to www.clintontownship. com, click on Employment.

0308-2325

586-698-7324

CALL TODAY!

586-216-2124

Asphalt

Bathrooms

Brick Work

Brick Work

Brick Work

Brick Work

Carpentry

LAYMOR

BATHROOM REMODELING

MOUTON'S MASONRY

AA4DABLE MASONRY

ABOVE & BEYOND CONTRACTING LLC. -Masonry Specialist-

A-D MASONRY LLC.

GOT ROT?

Asphalt Paving & Patching/Sealing

45-years experience!

Residential/Commercial All work guaranteed/ Applied by machine.

Owner supervision.

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

1-800-695-1505

Licensed/Insured References

Discounts!

248-376-0988

Any & all masonry repairs.

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

25-yrs experience.

Free-estimates.

References/Insured.

248-252-5331

586-822-5100

Chimneys, Porches, Steps, Flat-Work, Residential/Commercial/ Tuck-Pointing, Cultured-Stone, Brick-and-Any-Masonry Repairs/Needs.

Accept all major credit cards.

SPRING SPECIALS up-to-30%-off!

Senior-Discounts Free-Estimates!

30yrs-Experience

Crew Members, Managers & Assistant Managers.

Restaurant & Management Experience Preferred.

•Sign on Bonus •Competitive Pay •Advancement Opportunities •Flexible Scheduling •Friendly Work Environment

SPRING SPECIALS ON Brick Pavers, Roof Repairs & Complete Roof Installs.

All-Brick-Repairs/&-Stone, Chimneys/Porches, Tuck-Pointing, Fully-Insured 10%-Senior/Veteran-Disc.

586-443-3362 Give us a Call!

All Masonry Work Bricks, Stones, Pavers, Blocks, Porches, Chimneys. Tuckpointing.

26-yrs experience Insured, Free Estimates.

586-873-8210 Filip

Rotten Wood Replacement Specialist All Types of Wood Repair Fascia, Soffit & Siding Painted to Match AMG Applied Services

248-828-7998

Carpet Cleaning

586-944-3669

AAA BROOKSIDE

Porches, Steps, Chimney's, Tuck-pointing, Cultured Stone, Preventative Maintenance, Concrete, Custom Mortar Matching, Free-Estimates, Senior Discounts, 37 years exp.

CARPET

WAVY-n-LOOSE?

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

Call Now

586-754-9222

ccarpetrepair.com

WOODWARD TALK, June 21, 2023 - 3B

www.candgnews.com

FREE ESTIMATES • SENIOR DISCOUNTS CALL TODAY

586-604-5393 Licensed & Insured

0025-2242

VETERAN OWNED

Commercial/Residential Concrete Placement Fully Licensed | Bonded & Insured

Steven E Cochran President/Owner Steves.concrete@yahoo.com Builder License #2101118415

Phone: 248-588-9808

0290-2312

FREE ESTIMATES

Electrical

248-892-1927

ROZE CEMENT LLC

*ACCU ELECTRIC*

10% Off Pre-Spring!

•Driveways •Patios •Brick/Stone •Pavers •Sidewalks Free-Estimates Requests: roze cementllc@gmail.com

Free-Estimates, Great Prices, Senior Discounts!

Lic./Insured Master Electrician Specializing in All Residential Services.

Customer Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Lic#-6113148

Hauling & Waste Removal

Chimney Service

BEST-Price-Period

CONCRETE, MASONRY & LANDSCAPING

Andre-586-354-7791

ALLTIMATE OUTDOOR SERVICES Masonry Specialist

Cement

810-523-9200

586-719-1202

Cleaning Service ELITE RENOVATIONS, LLC.

586-747-2354

AAA Susie Q's Cleaning & Restoration

1,000-sqft. or more of installed concrete20% off before July 4th Driveways, Sidewalks, Stamped-Concrete, Patio's, Aggregate Cement, All-Brick-Work, Porch & Chimney Rebuilds, Tuck-pointing, Military/Senior-Disc.

The Only Master-Certified!

Multi-Service-House Cleaning-Specialist!

30th-year/experience Wall/washing/windows, more services offered.

Clean/Trustworthy Registered/Insured

586-843-8543

ALLEN CEMENT

Established 1999 Driveways/Garage Floors/Patios, etc.

Licensed/Insured Check out Allen Cement on Facebook!

Vern Allen

586-457-1300 GOLDEN BUILT CONSTRUCTION CONCRETE WORK

Porches, Driveways Sidewalks, Patios, Garage Floors, Foundations, Rat-Walls, Licensed/Insured

586-948-4764

Elite Concrete Services, LLC. WE RAISE SETTLED OR SUNKEN CONCRETE PATIOS • DRIVEWAYS SIDEWALKS • FLOORS CURBS • PORCHES Commercial • Industrial Residential 1/3 TO 1/2 THE COST OF REPLACEMENT FREE ESTIMATES 0026-2242

a.k.a "The Driveway Guy"

586-751-5384

(248) 481-6919 (586) 731-7226

NATURAL CLEANING

***** Make the Right choice with organic cleaning!

Residential/Commercial Licensed & Insured Wall & Window Washing & More A+ BBB NOW HIRING!

CLEANING LADY

with 10-yr experience is looking for work. Weekly, bi-weekly, monthly Excellent references.

Flexible hours.

Bonded & insured.

248-890-8830 Decks/Patios

2023 SPECIALS

Custom Deck Building/Repair, Power-Washing, Decks Removed, Composite, Treated & Cedar Materials, Custom Railing Materials, Custom Fence Installation.

586-260-5218

Licensed/Insured.

30-yrs.-experience.

Call for free-estimates.

Open 7-days a week 24/hrs-day.

10%-Off For Cash Now Accepting All Major Credit Cards.

Hotchkiss Electric

586-291-3143 Lic.#6211028

MASTER ELECTRICIAN JIM

586-582-9320 (Cell) Over 30 Years Exp. New Installation Work Repairs Troubleshooting Electrical Upgrades Code Corrections

586-755-3636 Father & Son

Master Electricians

Dr. Electric

Same-Day-Service!

All-Residential-Wiring, Change Fuse Box to Circuit Breaker Panel, Troubleshooting, Electric Vehicle Chargers, Backup Generator Transfer Switch, License# 6109094 Senior/Discounts!

Visa/MC /Lic./Insured

CASTLE ELECTRIC

586-634-1152

(direct cell phone #) Panel upgrades, generators, hot tubs, 220 lines.

ALL SERVICE Licensed & Insured Dependable, quality work!

License#-6111359

Fence Service ELEGANT FENCE & SUPPLY

248-254-2027

Serving Macomb/Oakland Residential/Commercial All Types of Fence Insured-Free Estimates Senior/Veterans Discount

Gutters *”STEVE'S SEAMLESS GUTTERS”. Made & installed on the spot.

5”&6” Gutter Cleaning.

Tree trimming, exterior painting, power washing.

586-778-3393 586-531-2111

248-828-7998

ELIMINATE gutter cleaning forever!

LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection.

Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today.

15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts.

Call 1-866-495-1709

GUTTER, POWERWASHING, & WINDOW CLEANING Veteran/Firefighter Owned/Operated championwindow cleaning.net

248-881-5093 GB GOLDEN BUILT

Professional- We Wear Masks! We haul it all!

Demolition Big & Small Residential/Commercial Rubber Wheel Dumpsters10, 15, 20-Yards, Clean-outs, Construction Material, Small-Moving, Appliances, Furniture & More! Lowest Rates!!!

Free-Estimates Senior/Military Discounts

ucallwehauljunk.com **CLUTTER GUY'S**

Removal-Experts Residential/Commercial Houses/Offices Garage/Storage-Areas Efficient Courteous Workers Reasonable-Rates Free-Estimates NEED CLUTTER REMOVED? LET US DO THE WORK!

586-258-6672 Home Repairs EXTERIOR REPAIRS LLC.

Since 1999 Roofing, Siding, Gutters and More!

Reliable Ask, We Might Do It! FREE ESTIMATES

248-242-1511 Kitchens/ Cabinets/ Countertops

MR. BACKSPLASH ·CUSTOM BACKSPLASHES ·CUSTOM KITCHENS ·COUNTERTOPS *Granite*Quartz* ·LVT FLOORING ·FIREPLACE TILE *FREE ESTIMATES*

586-552-5416

mrbacksplash.com

Landscaping & Water Gardens

ALLTIMATE

OUTDOOR SERVICES Credit Cards Accepted

Drainage System Professionals New Construction Yard Drainage Grading Sod/Seed Retaining Walls Walkways Patios Paver Maintenance FREE ESTIMATES

Senior & Military Discounts

Summer is here!

Call Today!

586-719-1202 DOLL'S LANDSCAPING

Sod Installation, Shrub & Tree-Trimming, Planting, Removal.

Mulch, Garden Retainer Walls, Porch Steps, Raise Backyards/Drain Tiles, Pavers, Powerwashing Sealing, Power rake, Aeration, Seeding, Debris Removal

586-634-0033

TOTAL BRICKPAVING LANDSCAPING PROS

586-420-3531

Brickpaving, Patio, Walkways, Driveways, Porches, Repairs, Powerwash, Rock Installation, Mulch, Sod, Complete Landscape Design.

Lawn Maintenance

2023 SPRING 586-260-5218

Commercial/Residential *Landscaping *Decks *Spring Clean-Ups *Lawn Cutting *Licensed Fertilization *Aerating & Thatching Bright Horizon Services Inc.

GUTTERS & WINDOW CLEANING

Spring Clean-ups, Lawn cutting, Fertilizing, Trimming, Planting, Powerwashing and Sealing, Hauling and Delivery, Gardening Rototilling, Misc Services.

Senior/Veteran Discounts!

INSURED TOM MICOLI

313-656-9402

888.572.0928 586.585.1862 www.MotorCityPlumber.com

Painting

Roofing

2 BROTHERS PAINTING

AA4DABLE ROOFING

Complete Interior/Exterior

Visit Facebook:

PREFERRED

LANDSCAPING

248-739-9779

• Wood Repair • Power Wash • Free-Estimates

REFERENCES AVAILABLE

Call Frank 248-303-5897

586-360-0681

Seamless Gutters and Downspouts Remove/Replace Gutter Guards Free Estimates Licensed/Insured Over 30 Years in Business

586-948-4764

Restriction May Apply

*

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

*

***AAA HAULING*** JUNK REMOVAL

0402-2323

A.M.G. Gutters & Downspouts. Owner operated.

Seamless gutter installation and repair specialist. Builders License #2101202369 www.amggutter.com Fully Insured

Financing Available

*

FREE Camera with Drain Cleaning

*

TIMELESS PAINTING L.L.C.

ain Out of P eP

• Interior & Exterior • Drywall Patching & Repair • Staining and much more

During the Month of June

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL

FREE Paint

Call or Text Us Today! FREE ESTIMATES

Ask for Tony! 248-894-5804

Lawn Maintenance SUPREME OUTDOOR SPECIALISTS Lawn Maintenance, Landscaping, Paver, Patios, Retaining Walls, Cement Work, Shrub/Tree Trimming & Removal, Mulching, Sprinklers, 35 Years in Business Free-Estimates

586-727-3924

Painting

586-792-3117

PETE'S PAINTING SUMMER SPECIAL! 10% OFF Specializing in Great Rooms, Special Pricing For Decks, Interior/Exterior, Residential/Commercial.

Special pricing for vacant homes.

Senior Discount, Free-Estimates, Insured.

PAINTING by-GPC

MASTER-PAINTER DRYWALL/PLASTER •Restoration/Repairs •Painting! •Painting!

•Interior/Exterior •Wallpaper Hanging •Wallpaper Removal Senior-Rates We-Do-It-All! B.B.B/A+Rating 30-yrs, Licensed/Insured Free-Estimates Owner-Robert

586.899.3555 (Direct) 248.566.6460 (Office)

Hurry-up & Save Big-$$$$!

SPRING-SPECIALSClean-up, Up to 30%-Off!!!

Roofing/Siding/Gutters, All-Leaks/Repairs, Residential/Shingles/ Commercial-FlatRoofs/Torch-downs We accept major credit-cards.

30yrs-Experience

586-822-5100

ting

Cement

586-925-8764

Family Owned & Operated

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

ain

•Chimney-&-Porch Repairs •Brick-Replacement •Tuck-Pointing •Steps •Brick Pavers •Retaining Walls •Masonry-Repairs of all Kinds Senior-Military-Discounts

CEMENT-IT

Residential/Commercial Concrete Specialist Decorative Stamped •Driveways •Patios •Parking Lots •Foundations •Stamped Concrete •Exposed Aggregate •Demolition •Excavating •Insured

248-743-1220 248-496-4964(Cell)

Rick or Shon (586)790-0006

Motor City Plumbing & Drain

A#1 REPAIR SERVICES: GUTTERS Clean/Repair Install Guards SIDING Vinyl-Siding/Alum-Trim Gable/SoffitVents/Shutters ROOF Leaks/Shingles Vents/Caps

0355-2235

Driveway Experts

RETIRED MASTER DRYWALL FINISHER Willing To Do Your Small Job Repairs.

Professional Drywall, Hanging, Taping.

W/35yrs. experience.

Free-estimates.

Plumbing

0325-2302

Residential & Commercial

POBLETE CEMENT Brick Pavers, LLC. •Driveways •Patios •Porches •Steps •Stamp •Color •Exposed •Floors •Walks •Licensed/Insured 30+years! Troy, MI

Handyman Services

0145-2323

Parking Lot Repair Cement & Asphalt

Drywall

CHERRY CONSTRUCTION ROOFING Residential/Commercial Free-Estimates Senior Discounts Fast, Reliable, Licensed/Insured Builder, General Contractor Leave Detailed Message

586-291-2647

Painting

WOW PAINTING Residential/Commercial

Interior/Exterior Quality Painting Drywall Repairs, Remove Wallpaper, Exterior Wood Replacement, Epoxy Flooring, Insured Free-Estimates

248-990-5388

wowpaintingmi.com

Plumbing

MASTER PLUMBER

Sewer & Drain Service.

Remodeling, repairs, new installations.

Free estimates, senior rates.

35+yrs exp.

Call Paul

248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852

CITY ROOFING

-Commercial & Residential Roof Repairs -Full Roof Replacement (Shingles) -Flat Roof Replacement -24/7 Emergency Repairs -Eavestroughs (Gutters) and Leaf Guard Installations.

586-733-3004

cityroofinginc@gmail.com

MICHAEL NORTON BUILDER

Windows-SidingGutters-Roofing All Phases of Home Renovation $500-Off Any Complete Roof or Siding Job Free-Estimates Licensed/Insured Specializing in Insurance Claims Family Owned/Operated Since 1965

586-436-9600

SILVERSMITH ROOF MAINTENANCE

586.421.5520 586.524.6752 ANDY'S PLUMBING

25-Years Experience Licensed/Insured Call Us Today For All Your Plumbing Needs!!

Serving The Tri-County-Area

$225• Minor Shingle Replacement Special $88* Gutter Cleaning Tear-offs, Re-Roofs, Flat Roofs Residential/Commercial 30-yrs exp.

Family Owned

248-707-4851

10%/Senior/Military/Discounts

Lic#-8004254

(586)229-4267 American Painting

•Residential •Commercial.

•Interior & Exterior •Power Washing •Insurance, •Drywall, •Plaster Repair, •Senior-discounts.

•Guaranteed-work.

•25-yrs experience.

248-542-7372

COLORBURST PAINTERS

Residential Specialists Over 30 yrs.

Interior/Exterior.

Quality Value.

Contractor always on job site. FREE ESTIMATES! References. John

PRO TOUCH PAINTING LLC.

Interior/Exterior 30-yrs-experience, Power-washing, Drywall repairs, Free Estimates.

All Work Guaranteed.

Affordable Prices.

Senior Discount. Insured.

248-495-3512

PEAK PAINTING Custom-Painting, Commercial/Residential, interior/exterior.

Drywall-repair, paper removal, carpentry.

30-yr.-exp. Free estimates, senior discounts, insured.

Credit-cards accepted.

586-722-8381 Now Hiring!!!

Great Lake Plumbing, Inc. • Plumbing Repairs • Re-Piping • Gas Lines • Hot Water Heaters • Back Flow Testing • Drain Cleaning

Tree Service BERG BROS. LLC.

GREAT SERVICE QUALITY WORK Licensed & Insured

586.823.9744

0364-2325

# A-1 DRIVEWAYS

Cement

Take t h

Cement

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

248-542-8022

Same Day Emergency Service Available Reliable/Experienced License#8003885

Powerwashing AJʼs PRESSURE CLEANING & SEAL COATING •Stamped Concrete (remove milky or cloudy film) •Exposed Aggregate •Brick Pavers (resanding)

586-431-0591 Professional Services

MOBILE NOTARY SERVICE Will come to you, Available nights/weekends if needed, Email-Ksweet1222 @gmail.com

“Fully insured, highly referred.”

Senior discounts.

Tree-removal, stump grinding, tree-trimming, hedging, shaping, Emergency-Service Residential/Commercial Free estimates!

(586)262-3060

586-260-5218 Tree Removal, Stump Grinding, Storm Damage, Tree Trimming/ Shaping, Debris Removal, Insured and Bonded.

Facebook: Bright Horizon Services Inc DAVE'S TREE & SHRUB

35%-Spring-DISCOUNT INSURED, Emergency Storm Damage, Large Tree Removals, Trimming, Stump Grinding, Season-Firewood, Free-Estimates.

10% Senior-Discounts.

-FREE-WOOD-CHIPS-

(586)216-0904 www.davestree andshrub.com

ELITE TREE SERVICE

"Bringing 30 years of experience to your door!"

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

Firewood For Sale

586-756-0757

www.candgnews.com

4B - WOODWARD TALK, June 21, 2023

OF THE

NEWSAND

NOTES NEWS AND NOTE ITEMS TAKEN FROM AROUND OUR COVERAGE AREAS

See ‘50 Years an Artist’ at gallery FERNDALE — The Lawrence Street Gallery will be holding an exhibition for Glenn “Fuzz” Corey throughout the month of June.

The exhibition, called “50 Years an Artist,” runs through June 30. An opening reception was held June 4, and a mid-month reception will take place from 2 to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 18, at the gallery, 22620 Woodward Ave., Suite A. “There are two major trends in the art of the last hundred years: expression and reference,” Corey said in a news release. “For my part, even though some of my works, especially my pastel pieces, have expressive techniques in them, reference plays the major role.

Much of the work looks back to the mythology and other subjects that have been depicted by other artists of the past.”

“In much of my work I try to take themes and images of the past and make them more contemporary to try to satisfy the 21st century (poet Charles) Baudelaire,” he continued.

The gallery is open noon-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, noon-9 a.m. Fridays and 1-5 p.m. Sundays.

Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame seeking nominations

DETROIT — Michigan Women Forward is accepting nominations for 2023 inductees to the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame. The Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame and Historical Center, also known as HERstory, was established in 1983 to tell the stories of women’s contributions to Michigan’s history and to inspire the women and girls of tomorrow. Nominations may be made by individuals or by representatives of organizations or groups. A candidate may also nominate herself. Nominations may be made in either of two categories — historical (deceased candidates) or contemporary (living candidates) — and must follow the nomination criteria of Michigan Women Forward. To nominate someone, visit miwf.org/herstory and click on the “Hall of Fame” page for a nomination form and criteria. The last day for applications is July 15. Those interested in judging the 2023 Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame nominations can email Natalie Hall, chief development and program officer for Michigan Women Forward, at nhall@miwf.org.

POLISH FESTIVAL RETURNS STERLING HEIGHTS — The American Polish Festival and Craft Show is returning to the

American-Polish Century Club, 33204 Maple Lane Drive, June 23-25. The event will have Polish and American food, music, dancers, arts and crafts, and a pierogi-eating contest.

General admission costs $5, though guests ages 17 and younger attend for free. Parking and shuttles are free at the Sterling Heights High School Career Prep Center. Learn more by visiting www.americanpolishfestival.com.

Local house named Michigan Heritage Home TROY — A local home in Troy was recently designated as a Michigan Heritage Home by the Historical Society of Michigan.

The Douglass House was built in 1860 and was recently restored by its owners, Kevin and Susan Lindsey, who have lived in the home since 1989. A plaque was installed on the house to commemorate the honor.

“We are very pleased to get this, and have installed the plaque they sent us. It is my understanding that ours is the first such designation in Troy,” said Kevin Lindsey. “The house was already part of Troy’s historic district that designates homes as historic, but this is a new program that is statewide. We’ve stripped all the woodwork back to its original wood. We painted, removed paneling, and redid the kitchen and bathroom all following the standards for historic restoration. We even got a photo from 1913 so we could change the porches back to how they used to be and worked with our neighbors to move a barn back to where it was originally located.”

Photo provided by Kevin Lindsey

STUDENTS EARN TREASURER’S OFFICE RECOGNITION

OAKLAND COUNTY — Oakland County Treasurer Robert Wittenberg recently announced the winners and honorable mentions for the 2023 Financial Empowerment Arts Contest.

In partnership with Oakland Schools, Flagstar Bank and the Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency, 22 winners and honorable mentions were picked from 160 submissions from high school students. The submissions came in various mediums, including drawing, painting, photography, mixed media, video and illustration, and had a focus on the different aspects of financial empowerment.

Winners were selected from ninth to 12th grades across Oakland County schools. In the ninth grade category, the first-place winner was Ryo Salter, of Royal Oak High School. Eva Houston, of Royal Oak High School, was named an honorable mention. Layla Rogers, of Ferndale High School, was named an honorable mention in the 10th grade category, and Bryn Hazen, of Berkley High School, was named an honorable mention in the 12th grade category.

The cash prizes were $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place, $500 for third place and $100 for an honorable mention. The winning art will be displayed in the Oakland County Treasurer’s Office for a year and at the treasurer’s website at oakgov.com, along with all student entries.

“Congratulations to all the students who participated in and won the 2023 Financial Empowerment Arts Contest,” Wittenberg stated in a news release. “The students showcased their exceptional skills, creativity, artistry, and talent, which helped raise awareness about the significance of financial empowerment.”

STEP BACK IN TIME IN PARISIAN SETTING

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — The Grosse Pointe Historical Society will hold a French-themed gala, La Belle Epoque, at 7 p.m.

June 22 at a lakeside home in the Pointes designed by architect Robert O. Derrick in 1928. French-inspired cuisine, music and beverages will be provided during this 18th annual summer fundraiser for the GPHS. For tickets or more information, visit gphistorical.org or call (313) 884-7010.

K

EE W E H T F O E CRIM • K E E W E H OF T E M I R C • K NEWSWORTHY E WE INCIDENTS REPORTED TO LOCAL POLICE, AS COMPILED BY C & G REPORTERS

Man arrested after tampering with beverages

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — A 26-year-old Detroit man is said to have tampered with beverages at the McDonald’s at 18201 Mack Ave. in Detroit and then did the same with a water bottle at Village Food Market across the street at around 9:15 a.m. May 29.

According to a police report, the suspect poured an unknown substance into beverages in an employees-only area at McDonald’s just before they were going to be served to customers. He is then said to have opened a bottle of water for sale at Village Market and poured something in it that turned the water pink.

The suspect told police that he needed to give people “the cure” and was following a directive from his god to add this substance to beverages to heal people. The suspect was cited for retail fraud for taking the water bottle and tampering with it without paying for it, and he was transported to a nearby hospital for a psychological evaluation.

Organized retail fraud suspects apprehended

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — Several individuals were taken into custody after police said they engaged in organized retail fraud against the Rite Aid on the Hill at around 2:32 p.m. May 24. A 47-year-old Warren man, a 52-year-old Detroit man, a 41-year-old Detroit woman and a 40-year-old Detroit man are said to have stolen more than $100 worth of soaps and detergents, as well as iHome ear buds and a bottle of Jose Cuervo, from the store. Three of the suspects were arrested in a vehicle while the fourth suspect, the 40-year-old Detroit man, was located nearby on foot and taken into custody.

Victim loses thousands to con artist

GROSSE POINTE WOODS — A resident in the 500 block of Heather Lane filed a report with police May 31 after becoming the victim of an unknown con artist or con artists. In February, the victim said she was contacted by an unknown male suspect who claimed he was Todd Sloane, senior vice president of Publishers Clearing House. The suspect told the victim she had won $5.5 million but needed to wire cash to pay for taxes on the winnings before claiming the jackpot.

The victim made seven cash transfers over a six-week period totaling $102,000 that were wired to the suspect. In March, the suspect — who police said appears to be in Connecticut — instructed the victim to purchase and send a Rolex watch to an address in New York. Police said the watch was received and signed for by a different suspect March 21. The victim

has since changed all her accounts and gotten an identity theft monitoring service, police said.

Women get into fight at store

GROSSE POINTE CITY — A 43-year-old Harrison Township woman and a 60-year-old Grosse Pointe City woman could be facing assault and battery charges after police said they got into a physical confrontation at The Village Kroger store at around 9 p.m. May 31. A police report states that the fight stemmed from the actions of the daughter of one of the suspects.

Cable cut

GROSSE POINTE CITY — Two unknown suspects in their late 20s to early 30s are suspects in a vandalism case in the first block of Alger Place at around 3 p.m. May 30. According to a police report, the victim’s AT&T fiber optic cable line, which provides internet service to his home, was cut. The victim told police that he believes the line was slashed by employees of a competitor’s subcontractor.

Someone tries to duplicate woman’s debit card

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 11 a.m. May 13, a woman came to the Police Department to file a fraud report. She stated that she had received a call from her bank May 10 informing her that someone was trying to duplicate her debit card. The bank also advised her that someone was trying to change her personal information that was associated with her bank account. Upon talking to the bank, it was discovered that someone had tried to charge more than $9,000 worth of purchases on her cards, but the transactions were all declined.

Medication goes missing

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — Police officers were dispatched to the 48000 block of Lacota Court, near 22 Mile and Schoenherr roads, for a larceny report at 2:40 p.m. May 12. Upon talking with the homeowner, she stated that she discovered that someone had stolen her prescription medication, which had been in her bedroom. She stated that two movers recently were in her home, and she feels they may be responsible for stealing the medication. The Police Department’s detective bureau was investigating.

Video catches customers stealing tequila

SHELBY TOWNSHIP — At 3:21 p.m. May 12, officers were dispatched to Costco, 45460 Market St., for a retail fraud incident that had occurred May 1.

Officers met with a Costco loss prevention officer, who stated that while reviewing surveillance video, she observed two known Costco members enter

the store and proceed to the liquor aisle, where they concealed a box of Patron Silver tequila, valued at $101.98. Both suspects then exited the store and put the stolen tequila in a vehicle, according to the police report. Both individuals then reentered the store and walked back to the liquor aisle. The subjects then stole another box of tequila, police said.

They were identified by their membership cards, and officers were in the process of requesting warrants against both individuals.

Decorative tree stolen

ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 6:59 p.m. on May 28, a report was made about an alleged larceny that occurred on the same day at 12:39 a.m. in the 21000 block of Maxine Street. An officer working at the front desk of the St. Clair Shores Police Department spoke with the victim, a 42-year-old woman, who said she had a decorative tree stolen from her lawn.

She showed video from the time it occurred showing three juveniles, approximately 13-16 years old. A male teen walked up the driveway toward the camera, noticed it and made a comment about it before turning around. All three subjects then walked further down the sidewalk. The two female teens remained on the camera while the male walked off camera where he allegedly disconnected the lights on the tree and walked off with it.

She said the tree was worth around $100.

Breaking and entering, theft reported

ST. CLAIR SHORES — At 6:50 a.m. on May 25, a report was made about a breaking and entering and theft that occurred between 2:50 a.m. and 3:10 a.m. on the same day in the 21000 block of Madison Street.

Upon arrival at the listed location, two officers spoke with the victim, a 35-year-old man, who said when he woke up that morning, he discovered someone had gone into his garage and taken one of his ATVs. The man had posted the ATV for sale on Facebook Marketplace, but he did not recall any suspicious activity regarding the post.

The garage had been left closed but with the pedestrian door unlocked. Behind the garage, a large hole was cut into the fence. It appeared the driveway was too congested with cars and there was not enough room to get through.

An officer spoke with a neighbor, a 65-year-old man, who said that at around 3 a.m., a camera in his backyard captured two male subjects pushing the ATV out of the yard and down the driveway.

The victim did not notice any other belongings missing from the garage. While going back to the station to pick up equipment, an officer located the stolen ATV on Madison Street. The ATV did not appear

to have any damage but was missing the ignition key.

The ATV was dusted for fingerprints and the victim was notified.

Cricket players banished from high school parking lot

STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to the Stevenson High School parking lot, 39701 Dodge Park Road, the morning of May 21 after hearing that a group of around 25 cricket players were not letting local church members park in the lot as normally allowed. Police reportedly told the players that they can’t play there until they get a school administrator’s permission.

Collision repair shop burglarized, Jeep stolen

STERLING HEIGHTS — A breaking-and-entering incident reportedly occurred May 20 at a collision repair shop in the 6000 block of 14 Mile Road. The incident also included the theft of a Jeep Grand Cherokee, police said. Police investigated and saw that the garage had been opened. Police said the suspect vehicle is a Chrysler 200.

Ear wax remover, cane stolen from drugstore

STERLING HEIGHTS — Police went to a drugstore along Van Dyke Avenue May 20 and heard from a manager that a heavyset woman in her 20s or 30s wanted to return a medical ear wax remover and a foldable walking cane, without a receipt, that she claimed she had bought earlier from another store location.

The manager reportedly told the woman to return to the original store from which the items had allegedly been bought. Store staff reportedly added that a cane and ear wax remover were missing from their shelves.

Surveillance footage reportedly showed the suspect going into the store with an empty plastic bag and then being in the section where the stolen items are shelved. Police said they have no leads and took no other action.

Worker manhandled at tire store

STERLING HEIGHTS — A worker at a tire store along Van Dyke Avenue reportedly said a customer was dissatisfied with brake work and, at one point, allegedly tried to grab the worker’s legs and pull him away from a vehicle.

The worker reportedly told the customer not to touch him and called the police, but later said he didn’t want to file a report for assault. Police reportedly told the customer to contact the store’s corporate offices or file a civil suit to handle the matter. The customer left, and police took no further action.