6/18/25 Eagle by C & G Newspapers

MARIAN STUDENT PUBLISHES CHILDRENʻS BOOK/8A

Chilean man sentenced in connection to Oakland County home invasions

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

METRO DETROIT — A man linked to a transnational gang suspected in a series of affluent home break-ins across Michigan has been sentenced to prison.

On June 16, Chilean national Ignacio Ruiz-Saldias, 29, was sentenced to 10-20 years incarceration for his role in various home invasions across Michigan.

Ruiz-Saldias is the first defendant tried in Oakland County with ties to a South American theft ring that Oakland County Sheriff Mike Bouchard said targeted eight homes in Oakland Township and Rochester Hills, as well as Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Grosse Pointe and Ada Township, between Feb. 3 and 17.

“I am proud of the teamwork and the effort that brought this case to a close with a conviction,” Bouchard

See RUIZ-SALDIAS on page 14A

‘The Franklin Show’ wins national award

BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP/FRANKLIN — Michael Seltzer’s “The Franklin Show,” a Bloomfield Community Television Show, recently received a 2025 Hometown Media Award from the Alliance for Community Media Foundation.

Seltzer, a Franklin Village Trustee, hosts “The Franklin Show.” Inspired by David Letterman and the fictional Jiminy Glick, played by Martin Short, “The Franklin Show” is a talk show that features guests — often local ones.

“My goal when I decided to create the show was to do something off-beat and entertaining and unique,” Seltzer said.

Seltzer described the show as fun, fast, entertaining and campy. The show started last fall, and so far, there are 26 episodes. Some of the guests featured on the show include former radio personality Ron Tavernit; Max Brown, the production manager for “The War and Treaty”; and author and photographer Linda Solomon.

“It started out as a way to promote the village that I love, but it’s evolved,” Seltzer said.

In addition to the various guests on the show, Seltzer is also joined by his Maltese, Frank-

See FRANKLIN SHOW on page 11A

Ruiz-Saldias

Michael Seltzer adopted Franklin at the Labor Day Round Up in Franklin in 2016.

Photo provided by Michael Seltzer

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Trumpeter Rob Olson leaves legacy at Birmingham Community Band

BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

BIRMINGHAM — Dr. Rob Olson, 92, was one of the charter members of the Birmingham Community Band.

The band was formed by the city of Birmingham. Business and city leaders got together and decided Birmingham needed a band of its own.

Dave Falvey, an insurance agent, was the first president of the band and gathered local musicians to form it. Olson said he found out about the band through a newspaper ad.

Once a team of musicians was assembled, Birmingham Community Band performed its first concert in Shain Park in August of 1977.

A subset of the Birmingham Community Band was the Straw Hat Band, later known as the BCB Entertainers. While the Birmingham Community Band was a nonprofit, the Straw Hat Band played for profit to raise money for student scholarships.

Since 1979, $100,000 in scholarships has been awarded to students. As the Straw Hat Band, the musicians wore straw hats and red vests while they played. However,

See OLSON on page 13A

Local youth soccer team is one game away from back-to-back undefeated seasons

BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com

BEVERLY HILLS — The Birmingham Bloomfield Soccer Club U9 team has completed back-to-back undefeated seasons and extended the team’s winning streak to 16 games.

On June 7, the BBSC Warriors played the team’s final game of the season and won, giving the team a first-place trophy for the second year in a row.

“I expect them to win first place again,” BBSC Warriors head coach Michael Dedivonai said before the team’s final game. “I don’t see these kids losing.”

On the field, the team has been incredible. David Dedivonai, Yaseen Khan and Baset Sadat have led the team in scoring so far this season, with all three finishing the year

Rob Olson at Shain Park during a Memorial Day ceremony.

Photo provided by Stephanie Karisny

The BBSC Warriors play against the CS Badgers May 10. The Warriors won the match 9-5.

Photo by Erin Sanchez

ADAMS SQUARE

ShopLocal

Steele announces new legislative director

BLOOMFIELD HILLS/LANSING — Denise Pallarito was recently named state Rep. Donni Steele’s, R-Orion Township, new legislative director for the 54th District office. The 54th House District serves Bloomfield Hills, Orion Township, a portion of Auburn Hills, and portions of Bloomfield Township and Oakland Township.

“Denise is a trusted, respected professional with a proven track record in Lansing,” Steele said. “She understands the budget process, knows the key players, and shares a deep appreciation for our state and the roads our residents drive on every day.”

She has over a decade of experience, including her work in the offices of Rep. Phil Green and former Majority Floor Leader Triston Cole.

LOCAL CLERK’S OFFICE WINS STATEWIDE AWARD

Library holds lecture on pottery, history

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — On Wednesday, June 25, the Bloomfield Township Public Library will host a lecture about the history of Pewabic Pottery, a Detroit-based ceramics studio. The event will begin at 7 p.m.

With a history spanning 122 years, Pewabic Pottery is one of the oldest continually operating ceramics facilities in the United States. Mary Chase Perry (Stratton) and Horace J. Caulkin founded the studio in 1903. It has since grown to be an iconic part of Detroit’s culture.

Registration is required. Call (248) 642-5800 or visit btpl. org for more information.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Michigan Municipal Clerks Association recently awarded the Bloomfield Township Clerk’s Office the Excellence in Overall Best Practices award for its election communications plan and mailer used in the 2024 general election cycle. It was intended to educate voters by providing clear and accessible resources on election and voting information to help boost voter turnout.

“As the elected Township Clerk, a goal I have is for every legally registered Bloomfield Township resident to vote in every election. To further this goal, the Clerk and Cable Departments collaborated in 2024 to develop an elections communication plan. This plan provided for uniform messaging across every platform, from mailers to homes to social media and our website,” Township Clerk Martin Brook said in a press release.

NEW DIRECTOR APPOINTED AT CRANBROOK INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — Lucy Hale was recently appointed to become the next Susan Flint Cooper Director of the Cranbrook Institute of Science. Hale, a former chief business officer of the Michigan Science Center, began the role June 16.

“I am honored to be joining the dedicated and talented team at the Cranbrook Institute of Science, and the larger Cranbrook Educational Community. Science is vitally important to our lives, and weaves through every decision we make as we take care of ourselves, our families, and our communities. I can’t wait to dive into the good work of connecting people to science through a place as exciting, enjoyable, and storied as the Cranbrook Institute of Science,” she said in a press release.

Denise Pallarito

Lucy Hale

Photo provided by Bloomfield Township

Photo taken from btpl.org/via Pewabic Pottery

SPORTS

John Shippen Women’s Invitational creating more opportunities for Black women golfers

BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com

SOUTHFIELD — Plum Hollow Country Club hosted The John Shippen Women’s Invitational presented by DOW June 2-4, which featured exhilarating golf.

According to The John Shippen website, John Shippen Jr. was the first American-born golf professional and the first Black golf professional. The goal of the John Shippen invitationals and The John Shippen Memorial Golf Foundation is to create opportunities for Black men and women in golf and to fundamentally increase diversity in golf nationally.

The annual John Shippen invitationals began in 2021. The winner of each event also receives an exemption into future PGA Tour or LPGA Tour events.

“When we first started this event, a lot of it was based off of Rocket’s commitment when they brought the PGA Tour to Detroit the first time,” The John Shippen tournament lead Sommer Woods said. “The Shippen birthed out of that … and southeastern Michigan has a significant representation of African Americans and people of color. Black golf is strong here in metro Detroit.”

That point is proven by the increase in interest year after year for the invitationals. Now, five years in, the public is making it a point to return every summer.

“They’re always excited to come out and to volunteer and to watch the players. Every year people are like, We can’t wait to come back.’ That’s pretty cool,” Woods said. “For the golfers, they (get to) play on these championship courses and compete as well.”

Bailey Davis, Anita Uwadia, Lakareber Abe and Staci Pla finished in the top four, respectively, in the event.

“It was amazing. … We had support. People came out to watch the ladies and walk around with the ladies,” Woods said. “The ladies obviously always come to play … and we were really excited to have a diverse group of women from HBCUs and SEC schools and representation from all over the country as well.”

Bailey Davis celebrates with The John Shippen trophy on June 4 at Plum Hollow Country Club in Southfield.

Photo provided by The John Shippen

Marian student, 16, publishes children’s book

BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — When Lila Shea was 12 years old, she decided to write a book based on some of the emotions she was feeling about her parents’ divorce.

Now, at 16, Shea has published her book, “Little Lola’s Beautiful Mess.”

“The story follows a girl named Lola who deals with some newfound anxiety and struggles with her parents’ divorce. I wrote this book when I was 12 and I was dealing with such a similar situation,” Shea said. “I feel so connected to this book because it is so personal, and my goal with it is to help kids like me who felt so alone in that position and didn’t know there were other people struggling with the same issues.”

Shea, now going into her junior at Marian High School, said she spontaneously decided to sit down one day and write. Once she showed it to her parents, they encouraged her to publish it.

“I love writing,” Shea said. “It has always been an outlet for me to deal with anxiety.”

The process with Palmetto Publishing began when Shea was a freshman in high school.

She said holding the book in her hands for the first time felt “surreal,” and just knowing that there might be a kid out there she can help through this book is so special to her.

Shea emphasizes that “Little Lola’s Beautiful Mess” was written by someone

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She said she wants kids reading it to understand, “I feel them, I relate to them and they are seen.”

Once she published the book, Shea said her school was supportive of her.

“She has a strong sense of who she is and what she values, and she’s so competent in communicating those things,” Christina Krogh, Lila’s guidance counselor, said. “While she wrote this story to process her own emotional response to something difficult, she shared it intentionally to help others. That expression of her values and beliefs is really aligned with our mission as a school and one of the things that makes me so proud that she’s a Marion student.”

Shea plans on continuing Lola’s story through more books. She has already written another one that will begin the publishing process soon. It’s about confidence and dealing with insecurities.

“Something I learned through this whole process is that I have a passion for helping young children, especially with mental health,” Shea said.

To young people who love to write, Shea offers the advice: “Don’t be afraid to take the first step.”

“Writing, no matter what the product of your ideas on the world and your own imagination — so no matter what — it’s beautiful, and someone will resonate with it,” Shea said.

Call Staff Writer Mary Genson at (586) 498-1095.

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Marian High School student Lila Shea holds her recently published book “Little Lola’s Beautiful Mess.”

Photo provided by Lila Shea

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

10A/ BIRMINGHAM-BLOOMFIELD EAGLE • JUNE 18, 2025

JUNE 18 & 21

Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival: Concerts from 7-9 p.m. June 18 and 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. June 21, Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, and 7-9 p.m. June 21, Seligman Performing Arts Center at Detroit Country Day School, 22305 W. 13 Mile Road in Beverly Hills, see more at greatlakeschambermusic.org/festival

JUNE 20

Senior Men’s Club of Birmingham meeting: Hear from Ret. U.S. Army Col. William Sheehy, also luncheon, 10:30 a.m., The Iroquois Club, 43248 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Township, continues June 27 with guest speaker Maj. Gen. Michelle Link, RSVPs for luncheon required, seniormensclub@gmail.com, seniormensclubbirmingham.com

JUNE 20-22

‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat’: Biblical story told entirely through song about Jacob’s favorite son who gets sold into slavery by jealous brothers, presented by Stagecrafters Main Stage, 7:30 p.m. June 20-21 and 2 p.m. June 22, The Baldwin Theatre, 415 S. Lafayette in Royal Oak, (248) 541-6430, stagecrafters.org, read story at candgnews.com

JUNE 23

Ice cream social: Also live music by Ed Black Jazz Band, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Bloomfield Township Senior Center, 4315 Andover Road, register by June 19, (248) 723-3500

JUNE 28

Mushroom walk: Led by Royal Oak Nature Society member and botanist/mycologist Mary Fredricks, 10 a.m., Cummingston Park, park on street and meet at intersection of Torquay and Leafdale, romi.gov/411/ nature-walks

JUNE 30

Summer craft show: 11 a.m.-2 p.m., Bloomfield Township Senior Center, 4315 Andover Road, (248) 723-3500

JULY 8

The Birmingham Metropolitan Women’s Club meeting: Hear from Detroit Institute of Arts Community Engagement Manager Sharon Harrell, also luncheon, 10:30 a.m., The Iroquois Club, 43248 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Township, group meets every second Tuesday of month, RSVP to Chris at (248) 303-7339 two weeks before each event, tbmwc.com

JULY 26

Day on the Town: Find discounted merchandise, food trucks, chalk art displays, kids activities, giveaways and more, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., in stores and along streets and sidewalks in downtown Birmingham, map available week of event at allinbirmingham.com/visitors/ dayonthetown

ONGOING

Birmingham Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays until Oct. 26, Public Parking Lot #6, 660 N. Old Woodward Ave., allinbirmingham.com/farmersmarket

Weekly car show: 8-10 a.m. Saturdays, Pasteiner’s, 33202 Woodward Ave. in Birmingham, (248) 6462886, see hundreds of vehicle photos from past events at pasteiners.com/parking-at-pasteiners

Food trucks: 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays until Aug. 20, parking lot of Bloomfield Community Television, 4190 Dublin Road in Bloomfield Township, see lineup at bloomfieldtwp.org/foodtruck

Cranbrook on the Green: Play artist-designed mini-golf course, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays (10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays) through August, then 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays in September,

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.

Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, ticket includes admission to galleries, cranbrookartmuseum.org/mini-golf

Art exhibits: 44th annual “Michigan Fine Arts Competition” features 80-plus juried artists, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays June 20-Aug. 14, Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, 1516 S. Cranbrook Road in Birmingham, bbartcenter.org

• “Eventually Everything Connects: Mid-Century Modern Design in the US” includes nearly 200 works by 80-plus artists, designers and architects, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays-Sundays (until 8 p.m. Thursdays) until Sept. 21, Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, cranbrookartmuseum.org

In the Park concert series: Hear LL7 Latin Jazz June 18, “Salute America” by Birmingham Concert Band (wind ensemble) June 25, The United States Army Jazz Ambassadors June 29, Mainstreet Soul (Motown, R&B, pop and dance covers) July 2, The Sax Maniacs (soul and rock) July 9, Toppermost (The Beatles tribute) July 16, Ben Sharkey (R&B, soul and jazz) July 23, FiftyAmpFuse (rock) July 30, Zang Band (rock and pop covers) Aug. 6, Magic Bus (late ’60s rock) Aug. 13, Mobile Dueling Pianos Aug. 20 and Rebecca Cameron Band (country) Aug. 27, all 7 p.m. (except 6 p.m. June 29), Shain Park, 270 W. Merrill St. in Birmingham, bhamgov.org/concerts

Outdoor movies: Entertainment at 6:30 p.m. and shows at 7:30 p.m., watch “Home Alone” July 11, “Moana 2” Aug. 8 and “Trolls” Sept. 5, bring lawn chair or blanket, Booth Park, corner of Harmon Street and North Old Woodward Avenue in Birmingham, allinbirmingham.com

Beverly Park activities: Java and Jazz includes free coffee and live music by Ryan Bills Trio from 9 a.m.noon July 20, Aug. 17 and Sept. 21, also Concerts in

the Park with performers TBD at 7 p.m. July 11 and Aug. 8, plus Food Truck Mondays from 4:30-7:30 p.m. until Aug. 25, 18801 Beverly Road in Beverly Hills, (248) 646-6404, villagebeverlyhills.com

Birmingham-Bloomfield Newcomers and Neighbors Club: Nonprofit comprising 270-plus women around world, group hosts monthly Welcome Coffee events to connect, share cultures and build friendships, also local activities including card games and sports, inquire about events at bbnc.membership@gmail. com, bbnewcomers.com

Thursday Evening Speaker Series: Presentations include “Summer is for the Birds” by Johnson Nature Center Lead Naturalist and Program Coordinator Cass Arsenault June 19 and “Michigan - Shiga Sister State: Birmingham and Ritto Japan” by Keiko Nakajima from Shiga Prefecture in Japan June 26, 6 p.m., Birmingham Next, 2121 Midvale St.

Second Saturday Book Sale: Monthly event also includes DVDs, CDs and more, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (10 a.m. for Friends of the Bloomfield Township Public Library members), 1099 Lone Pine Road, (248) 6425800, btpl.org

Birmingham-Ferndale Stamp Club: Meets 6 p.m. every first and third Tuesdays of month (fellowship at 5:30 p.m.), Birmingham Next, 2121 Midvale St., birminghamstamp.club

Health workshops: For hypertension, diabetes, pre-diabetes and more, hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, corewellhealth.org/classes-events/ southeast-michigan

Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday of month, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/support-groups

CRIME WATCH

Ford Edge stolen from Fox Hills resident

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — On June 8, the Bloomfield Township Police Department took a report of a larceny at the Fox Hills Condominium/Apartment complex.

A white Ford Edge had all of its rims/ tires stolen overnight. The case is currently under investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Bloomfield Township Police Department at (248) 433-7755.

Plum Market reports stolen tequila

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield Township Police Department took a report of second-degree retail fraud

from Plum Market, 3675 W Maple Road.

The store team leader reported that at approximately 1:45 p.m., a suspect stole four bottles of Don Julio tequila, which totaled $308.63.

Larceny reported from vehicle in parking lot

BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 1 p.m. June 6, officers were dispatched to the 100 block of Saint Andrews Street for a larceny report.

A 34-year-old Detroit man said he had parked his vehicle in the parking lot about an hour earlier. When he returned, he discovered that the vehicle had been opened and items were missing. He believes he left the key inside the cupholder.

There are currently no suspects. The investigation is ongoing.

Dance studio reports fraud

BIRMINGHAM — On June 6 at approximately 9:30 a.m., the owner of a dance studio in the 2200 block of Cole reported that 10 fraudulent checks from the studio’s

Franklin Show

lin. Seltzer adopted Franklin in 2016 after seeing him at the Labor Day Round Up in Franklin. Even though Seltzer and his wife were not planning on adopting a pet at the time, Seltzer said he and Franklin bonded immediately.

According to Mike Wassenaar, the president and CEO of the Alliance for Community Media, about 1,500 applications come in for the Hometown Awards each year.

“The Hometown Awards go out to organizations and individuals that produce significant programming for local communities across the United States,” Wassenaar said. “There are about 1,700 organizations

account were written and cashed between April 22 and the end of May.

The owner believes the checks, which totaled nearly $6,000, were stolen from her studio. An investigation is ongoing.

Bar employee reports stolen purse

BIRMINGHAM — A 22-year-old Grosse Pointe Park woman stated that on May 31, while she was on her night shift at a local bar, her purse was stolen.

She had seen her purse about one hour before it was stolen. Witnesses identified two unknown female suspects stealing the purse.

The suspects did not use any cards in the victim’s purse. An investigation is ongoing.

String of larcenies reported in Bloomfield Township

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — From June 4-5, the Bloomfield Township Police Department took multiple reports of thefts from vehicles.

Five vehicles left unlocked were entered. Two of the five vehicles had items stolen from them, totaling approximately $520. This case is currently under investigation.

— Mary Genson

Michael Seltzer, the host of “The Franklin Show,” is a Franklin village trustee.

that produce community-based programming on public educational government channels throughout the United States, so it’s significant recognition.”

Bloomfield Community Television is a provider of government and community access programming. Residents of Bloomfield Township and nearby municipalities can watch “The Franklin Show” and other shows through Comcast, AT&T and WOW.

“The media that’s created on channels like those in Bloomfield (Township) is profoundly local, and it represents community voices, which you don’t have in most mainstream media, particularly on television,” Wassenaar said.

To learn more about “The Franklin Show,” visit thefranklinshow.com.

Carissa Brown Village Clerk

Published: Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle

Photo provided by Michael Seltzer

Warriors

from page 3A

with around 20 goals.

“Yaseen is small … but he’s got a bullet shot,” Dedivonai explained. “They love the game. They (all) have a passion for the game. … Already I hear them talking about wanting scholarships. It’s just been such a blessing.”

The team has also received great, consistent contributions from Ameer and Ramy Jumaa, Luke Cindric, George and Rocco Rea, Dylan Cassar, and goaltender Arlo Hamburger.

The Warriors are also one of the only teams in the league with a female player. Ariana Dedivonai has scored twice this season against all-boys teams.

Off the field, the team is extremely diverse, with Albanian, Pakistani, Afghan, Croatian and Polish families all making up the roster.

Golfers

from page 7A

This was the first time the women’s event was held at Plum Hollow Country Club.

“The membership was great, the staff was great and it was a beautiful location,” Woods said. “They were willing to say, ‘Whatever you need, let us know.’ We could not have asked for a better partner with Plum Hollow.”

In this year’s invitational, University of Tennessee golfer Bailey Davis became the first amateur to win the women’s event.

“Yeah, it was awesome. You know, it’s an event I try to play in every year. … It’s around my peers and friends and so I really wanted to win it this year,” Davis said at the 2025 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give

“It’s a multicultural team. Everybody loves each other, which is a blessing,” Dedivonai said. “We’re all united.”

The bonding the families and the kids have done outside of the soccer setting is many of the parents favorite part of the team. There’s structure and a passion for the game, but there’s also relationships being created that will last well beyond the season.

“That’s a thing that’s very different from the previous (soccer) experience that we had. The team is very diverse,” Irm Khan, mother of Yaseen Khan, said. “I don’t feel like there’s a division here. I feel like it’s diverse, but at the same time, we’re all one.”

It’s also impressive to see the mix of talent levels on the Warriors team. There are players who have been playing soccer for most of their lives mixed in with first-year players, and you’d never be able to tell which is which when watching the team practice.

“(Dedivonai) never discourages any of the kids or says anything negative to any

press conference. “My game felt really good and so I’m super excited I was able to pull it off.”

Davis is someone who is a rising star in the sport and is vocal about how important The John Shippen events are to the game of golf going forward.

“I think it’s really important to see people that look like you and that you can relate to,” Davis said. “All the girls in the field look like myself. So, I think it’s just important to have that representation.”

Woods agreed that representation is one of the goals of the events so that the next generation can watch a more inclusive and diverse version of the game of golf.

“Girls that are younger can see us and see that this is a game for us as well,” Davis said.

At press time, Davis was exploring her options but could make the transition to

of them,” Khan said. “It’s a totally different experience from what we had with the last team (Yaseen) was on. We’re very happy.”

Another reason for the team’s success has been the energy that surrounds the players. Despite the on-field success, it’s not the only thing that matters to the players and coaches. Everyone truly just wants to have fun and create a friendly environment.

“Winning is fun, but I like the fact that when you don’t make winning the focus, that’s when you actually win,” Khan explained. “It’s been an extremely positive experience for us and for my son. He’s definitely thriving.”

So what’s next for the U9 superteam? Well, last season the Warriors beat a travel team in a shocking comeback victory. There may be an opportunity for the group to continue moving up and start scheduling better and better teams.

“We played a traveling team, and they were beating us too, 2-0. We came back and

won 4-2,” Dedivonai said. “I had some of the parents come to me, and they said … ‘You should think about making these kids a traveling team.’”

Regardless of what the future holds, this team of elementary school kids has made memories and experiences that will last a lifetime. The success on the field and the camaraderie off the field have left a mark on the community.

“They’re so successful because they love the game and they love one another. It almost brings me to tears,” Dedivonai said. “All our neighbors have seen our videos and the newspaper clips. … These kids work so hard. I just want to reward them.”

The BBSC Warriors have had back to back perfect 8-0 seasons, and will look to keep growing. For more information on the Birmingham Bloomfield Soccer Club, visit www.bbscsoccer.com.

Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.

professional golf this calendar year. The John Shippen National Invitational presented by Rocket men’s field will compete June 21-22 at the Detroit Golf Club. The winner will receive an exemption into the PGA Tour Rocket Classic June 24-29. To learn more about The John Shippen. visit thejohnshippen.com.

Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.

Olson

from page 3A

the name change happened once the band decided to stop wearing the hats to gigs.

Falvey also founded the Straw Hat Band, but eventually, Olson took over as a leader.

“We played some very interesting places,” Olson said.

To name a few, Olson said they performed outdoor concerts in Farmington, for an Alcoholics Anonymous group and at an angus beef farm. One year, they performed a total of 25 times. However, the BCB Entertainers have not performed since the pandemic.

“Rob, basically, was the spearhead, the captain leading the ship, helping us get most of our money to give away to these scholarships every year,” Stephanie Karisny, a member of the clarinet section, and the vice president and scholarship chair of the Birmingham Concert Band, said.

A passion for music

Olson’s love for making music began in elementary school, when the music teacher started a band. He went on to play trumpet

in band and French horn in orchestra in high school.

Throughout his long journey in music, Olson played with various groups and even had the opportunity to spend a week at Interlochen. Some of the ensembles he played with include the Edison Concert Orchestra, the Michigan Civic Orchestra and the Detroit Chamber Winds and Strings.

Olson is a retired dentist and has degrees from four universities: Michigan State University, the University of Michigan, Wayne State University and the University of Detroit. At one point, he was part of an MSU alumni band and toured Canada. He

also was a part of a Dixieland group that performed across Canada, including Lake Louise.

Olson has remained active with Birmingham Community Band up until a couple of months ago. However, Olson said the night before the conversation with the Eagle, that he spontaneously decided to pick up his trumpet.

“I could not believe how well I could play after not playing all that time,” Olson said.

A legacy of leadership

Olson made an impression on many

people throughout the years.

Kerry Mills, Birmingham Concert Band president, said he is a “people person,” adding that he is, ”very knowledgeable in music and just a great personality.”

Karisny said he “never hesitated to talk something out with anyone. And if anyone had a problem, Rob probably had three or four solutions ready to go for you.”

Grant Hoemke conducted the Birmingham Concert Band from 1980-2014. He is now in the French horn section.

“In the 33 years I was the music director, he was my go-to guy in the trumpet section,” Hoemke said.

In the trumpet section, Olson would help assign and organize the section. Grant said Olson was able to do this job well without making people upset.

Upcoming concert

The Birmingham Concert Band is wrapping up its 47th concert season at 7 p.m. June 25 in Shain Park, where the band played its first-ever concert. The event is free for the public to come and enjoy a range of tunes.

For more information, visit www.bir minghamconcertband.com.

Call Staff Writer Mary Genson at (586) 498-1095.

Rob Olson plays a piccolo trumpet solo in February.

Photo provided by Stephanie Karisny

Ruiz-Saldias

from page 1A

said in a statement. “I hope it sends a clear message to the transnational gangs that there are consequences for criminal behavior in Oakland County.”

Ruiz-Saldias was convicted in April by an Oakland County jury of one count of conducting a criminal enterprise, a 20-year felony, and three counts of conspiracy to commit second-degree home invasion, a 15year felony, for his role in home invasions taking place in February 2023 in Ada Township, Grosse Pointe Farms, Rochester and Rochester Hills.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said the highly orchestrated home invasions Saldias participated in typically occurred when the homes were vacant. The

gangs used techniques to thwart alarm systems and employed extensive precautions to avoid personal identification on home security camera systems and by forensic analyses of crime scenes. Nessel said losses from similar break-ins in recent years fitting this pattern measure in the millions of dollars as money, jewelry, high-value items and safes have been stolen from affected properties.

“Our FORCE Team worked tirelessly in concert with a multi-jurisdictional task force to investigate and prosecute members of this highly organized criminal operation, which here led to a significant sentence,” Nessel said, referring to the Focused Organized Retail Crime Enforcement team, in a statement. “I applaud their dedication throughout this case and remain committed to working with our partners to protect Michigan residents, ensuring those who commit such brazen crimes are brought to

justice.”

Ruiz-Saldias and four other defendants were arrested in March 2023 in Carmel, Indiana. Through cooperation between law enforcement in Indiana, Ohio and Michigan, similarities were discovered in home invasions, and criminal cases were made against the defendants. Two defendants are in custody in Ohio awaiting extradition to Oakland County to face charges in Michigan.

Ruiz-Saldias was charged while in custody at the Hamilton County Jail in Hamilton County, Indiana, where he was convicted on separate home invasion-related charges.

Investigators believe he may also have been involved in home invasions in Wayne and Kent counties.

Bouchard said previously that these

transnational crime groups are made up of individuals from South American countries. He said Oakland County is now on their radar. Bouchard said they are believed to have entered the country in one of two ways, either illegally across the southern border or through the Visa Waiver Program.

He said they purchase fake identification and often overstay their visa and cancel their return date. They also are known to establish residency in the areas they are targeting. They do this through fraudulent housing applications or Airbnb, he said in a past report.

Ruiz-Saldias’ attorney, Scott Kozak, could not be reached for comment at press time.

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

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equipment. Stop in today and take advantage of their special discount for the New Freon special. It includes a Flush, Vacuum and Filter plus all Parts and Labor for new model cars. e team at B & R also o ers Emergency Towing during business hours: Monday-Saturday from 8am-8pm. B & R is located at 2330 Cole Street in Birmingham.

Notices

Events & Announcements

Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) proposes to build a 43-foot 2-inch pole Communications Structure at the approx. vicinity of 7160 Lahser Road, Bloomfield Hills, Oakland County, MI 48301. Public comments regarding potential effects from this site on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Trileaf Corp, Edward Reynolds, e.reynolds@trileaf.com, 1515 Des Peres Road, Suite 200, St. Louis, MO 63131, 314-997-6111. 0070-2525

INCIDENTS REPORTED TO LOCAL POLICE, AS COMPILED BY C & G REPORTERS

Fight arises in line for Ferris wheel

BIRMINGHAM — On June 1, at approximately 5:55 p.m., a fair employee approached an officer on foot patrol, reporting that an assault had just occurred in the line for the Ferris wheel at Henrietta and Merrill streets at the Birmingham Village Fair.

The officer located the individuals on Henrietta, walking toward Townsend Street. After an investigation, police determined that a verbal argument had started over one of the people cutting in line.

The argument escalated, and one person punched another multiple times. The suspect, a 19-year-old woman from Commerce Township, was arrested and charged with assault and battery.

Teenage girls arrested for fight, sending victim to hospital

BIRMINGHAM — On May 30, at approximately 10:30 p.m., Birmingham officers on foot patrol observed a commotion and people running toward the corner of South Old Woodward and East Merrill.

Officers ran to the scene and found four teenage females involved in a physical altercation, one of whom was lying on the ground and bleeding from her face.

Officers conducted an investigation, including the review of witness cellphone videos.

Police determined the females were acquaintances, and one of the suspects had been actively trying to start a fight with one of the others.

Officers arrested the three female aggressors: an 18-year-old from Southfield, a 17-year-old from Sterling Heights, and an 18-year-old from West Bloomfield.

The 18-year-old victim from Detroit was taken to the hospital for evaluation of minor injuries. Charges were sought for assault and battery, and disorderly conduct through the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office.

Teen boys arrested after altercation

BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 8:35 p.m. on May 30, a Birmingham officer was on foot patrol on Henrietta Street, between Martina and East Merrill, when he witnessed a physical altercation between four teenage males.

He separated the individuals and began conducting an investigation, but two of them ran southbound into the neighborhoods.

A perimeter was established, and the males were located in a backyard in the 500 block of Pierce Street. Upon further investigation, it was determined that the two individuals who ran were the aggressors in the altercation and had pushed and pulled the upper bodies, shirts and necklaces of the victims during a heated argument.

The suspects, a 17-year-old male from Pontiac and a 16-year-old male from Farmington Hills, were arrested and charged with disorderly conduct.

Woman dies after crashing car into ditch

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Bloomfield Township police responded to southbound I-75, near Squirrel Road, for a fatal crash at approximately 9 p.m. June 2.

The victim, a 20-year-old woman from Livonia, was traveling southbound on I-75 when she lost control and ran off the roadway to the right, into a ditch. Police said the victim was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected when the vehicle rolled over multiple times. The passenger, a 21-year-old male resident of Inkster, was wearing his seat belt and was not ejected.

Both were transported to the hospital. The driver was pronounced dead, and the passenger was released with minor injuries. Drugs and/or alcohol appear to be a factor, police said. Investigators are waiting for toxicology results.

Members of the South Oakland County Crash Investigation Team responded to the scene to investigate the crash. Police were investigating.

Yeti cooler stolen from store

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — The Bloomfield Township Police Department took a report for second-degree retail fraud from Dicks Sporting Goods, 2105 S. Telegraph Road, May 29. The manager stated a female suspect went into the store and stole a blue Yeti cooler valued at $275. The suspect was last seen getting into a black BMW in the parking lot. Police were investigating.

Tip jar theft

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 8 p.m. May 24, an unknown person stole a small amount of money from the tip jar at Panera Bread, 30955 Woodward Ave.

Police investigate break-ins at car dealerships

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies responded to Fox Chevrolet located in the 700 block of S. Rochester Road for a possible breaking and entering that occurred over the weekend at 6:20 a.m. May 19. The service director stated that an unknown suspect threw a patio block through a glass window. Four suspects then entered the business, and one suspect attempted to steal a Chevrolet Blazer that was in one of the bays. After being inside the business for approximately 20 seconds, all four suspects fled, and nothing was taken.

Surveillance video was being reviewed to narrow down the time of the theft. Physical evidence was located by the broken window and was submitted into property to be analyzed for DNA evidence. The suspects left in a stolen Kia Forte that was observed prior to the incident.

The day prior, a broken window was discovered

Nothing was taken.

Man arrested for passing stolen checks

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were actively seeking to arrest a subject who had been passing stolen checks to local businesses in Rochester Hills. As a result of the investigation, the subject was identified but had not been arrested. The subject also had a felony warrant for his arrest for a breaking and entering offense, which had been confirmed by the Birmingham Police Department.

Deputies observed the subject, 43, of Rochester Hills, walking into the Salvation Army, 823 E. Auburn Road, carrying a backpack and duffel bag. Deputies set up a perimeter around the store and entered the building using both the north and south doors. The subject was located inside the store and was apprehended.

Deputies searched the subject and in his backpack found additional stolen checks and stolen credit cards. The subject was arrested and lodged at the Oakland County Jail.

Teen found driving with suspended license, passenger caught with gun

ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were patrolling the Walmart parking lot, 2500 S. Adams Road, when they observed a vehicle illegally parked in a handicapped space at 6:20 p.m. May 22. Upon seeing the deputy, the driver of the vehicle drove from the lot and parked in the parking lot of an adjacent business. Based on the observed violation and suspicious behavior, the deputy contacted the occupants.

An investigation revealed the driver, a 19-year-old man from Pontiac, had a suspended license. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded pistol with no serial number.

The passenger, an 18-year-old from Pontiac, admitted the pistol was his. The vehicle was impounded. The driver was issued an appearance ticket for driving while license suspended. The passenger was arrested and lodged at the Oakland County Jail for carrying a concealed weapon.

Man scammed by fraudulent arrest warrant claims

TROY — A 34-year-old man from Mountain Drive reported, on May 27 at 6:16 p.m., that he received a phone call from an unknown person who claimed there was a warrant out for his arrest due to missing federal jury duty.

The scammer said the matter could be resolved by purchasing Bitcoin and sending it to them via a kiosk. The man borrowed money from a family member and sent $5,000 to the suspect in bitcoin.

Scammer pressures woman to give up personal information

TROY — On May 22 at 12:21 p.m., a 97-year-old victim from Somerset Boulevard reported that she received a phone call from a man claiming to be with the government’s investigation sector.

The man told her he needed to obtain some of her personal information to prevent her from being scammed. The woman was hesitant to provide the information, and the male told her the government would come to her house and arrest her if she didn’t cooperate.

The woman provided her personal information and account information to the scammer.

Woman reports product promotion dispute

TROY — A woman from Drexel Drive reported, on May 29, that she was contacted on TikTok by a company offering her $300 to promote their product.

They also said they would send her $1,500 to send to a vendor for jewelry.

She never received the money and the company was demanding she send back the $1,500, claiming that the payment went through to her account.

Owner attempts to stop vehicle theft

SOUTHFIELD — At approximately 6:36 p.m. May 31, a person saw his 2016 Chevrolet Camaro being stolen from the 26000 block of Berg Road.

The man attempted to stop the suspect and a fight over the vehicle took place. During the altercation, the suspect was stabbed. The suspect fled and was located by officers and arrested. The vehicle was recovered.

Stolen truck found engulfed in flames

SOUTHFIELD — On May 29, a Southfield man’s truck and trailer were stolen from the 28000 block of Northwestern Highway while workers were loading the vehicle.

The man was able to track the vehicle to an address in Detroit, where it was found engulfed in flames and being extinguished by the Detroit Fire Department. The trailer was located a few blocks away with all equipment missing.

Food, soap, baby wipes stolen during armed robbery

SOUTHFIELD — A business in the 28000 block of Telegraph Road was robbed at 6:22 p.m. May 26. Three suspects committed retail fraud at the business. A male suspect threatened to shoot the loss prevention officer when confronted. The suspects fled, but were stopped by officers. The suspects were arrested and a handgun and the stolen items were recovered.