SCHOOL CELEBRATES 100 YEARS 3A
SHEETZ IS COMING TO TOWN
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — The conditional rezoning and site plan for a Sheetz located at 3200 W. 14 Mile Road was brought before the City Commission on June 9. The plan passed with a unanimous vote.
Sheetz is an automobile filling station that includes a convenience store, restaurant with drive-thru and outdoor cafe. The developer of the property is Broder Sachse Real Estate.
The entire property is currently zoned as general industrial and was most recently occupied by a metal fabrication facility. The area would need to be rezoned to general business to allow for the gas station and a car wash to be built there.
According to the City Commission meeting agenda, the commission was not required to hold a public hearing on the rezoning application, and it chose not to. However, the Planning Commission held a public hearing on the matter at a Feb. 13 meeting.
During public comment at the beginning of the June 9 City Commission meeting, members of the community voiced their opinions on the plan.
See SHEETZ on page 17A
Library invites all to read, explore and have fun this summer
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Public Library is putting on its annual summer reading program with the theme of “Color Our World.”
The program began June 10 and will end on Aug. 11, and it is meant for people of all ages. Participants can register up until the last day, Aug. 11.
Trevor Winn, the head of adult services at the Royal Oak Public Library, said that this program is an inclusive and excit-
ing way to get adults and children to read.
“One of my main goals when creating a summer reading program for adults is to illustrate the wide range of activities, services and opportunities there are for them at their public library,” Winn said. “For as
See LIBRARY on page 14A
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
The theme for the Royal Oak Public Library summer reading program is “Color Our World.”
ABOVE LEFT: Tanana waves to the crowd as he takes the mound. Tanana played for the Tigers from 1985 to 1992.
LEFT: Former Detroit Tigers pitcher Frank Tanana throws out the ceremonial first pitch for the Royal Oak Leprechauns on May 30 at Memorial Park.
ABOVE RIGHT: Tanana shakes hands with Leprechauns pitcher Justin Brown. Photos by Erin Sanchez
Clawson City Council searching for new member after resignation
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
CLAWSON — Matthew Binkowski has resigned from his position on the Clawson City Council for a reason none other than love.
On June 3, the Clawson City Council announced Binkowski’s resignation, paired with his resignation letter that states, “I resign from my position on the Clawson City Council, effective immediately.”
The Review attempted to call Binkowski but was unsuccessful.
Binkowski had served on the City Council since 2023. He posted on his personal Facebook page dedicated to his position as a councilmember, “Clawson Councilmember Matt Binkowski,” a long message on why he is resigning.
“Today, I resigned my position as councilmember for the City of Clawson. This certainly wasn’t in my plan when I ran for the seat in 2023. But a few months after taking office, I met an extraordinary woman and fell in love,” the post states. “Now we’re planning our life together. Unfortunately, we’ll be residing together outside of Clawson.”
He went on to thank those who voted for him, supported him and encouraged him during his time on the council. He also offered his hopes for the city.
“Clawson has a lot of challenges ahead of it and there are several things I hope the city can achieve,” he said on FaceBook.
Council member Glenn Shepard was not in attendance at the meeting due to being sick.
According to the agenda packet, “a vacancy in the office of mayor or city council member shall, within thirty days after such vacancy occurs, be filled by appointment by a majority vote of the remaining members of the city council.”
The appointee will hold office until the next regular city election, which will take place in November of this year.
Because of the recent passage of the new charter stating that the city of Clawson will now have seven people on the council, there will now be five council member seats up for election on the November ballot, including the two years remaining on Binkowksi’s original term. The mayor’s seat is also up for election.
“I don’t know what the easy answer is to any of this. I don’t think there is one,” Mayor Paula Millan said. “I did talk with Council member Shepard this afternoon; he can barely speak, and what he did articulate to me is that he would really prefer we not make a decision without him, that he would like to weigh
Our next edition will come to homes June 25. Stay current by visiting candgnews.com.
Northwood Elementary celebrates 100 years
BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — Northwood Elementary School has just been recognized for 100 years in Royal Oak.
The elementary school at 926 12 Mile Road opened its doors in 1923, just more than 100 years ago. During the June 12 Royal Oak Board of Education meeting, Northwood was honored with a proclamation.
Chelsea Cleghorn, former Northwood student and current Northwood teacher, said that hitting this milestone is an exciting thing to see from her perspective as a teacher, former student, and mother of future Northwood students.
“I graduated from Northwood in the ’90s and went all through Royal Oak Schools and graduated from the high school in 2006,” Cleghorn said. “Soon my son will be a student there (Northwood), starting in developmental kindergarten next year. So, I kind of have gotten a chance to experience Northwood as a student, staff member and soon as a parent, but it was a big part of my childhood, so I am really excited to be back there as a staff member now.”
Northwood underwent renovations that
Binkowski
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes Northwood Elementary School celebrated its 100th anniversary on June 12. The school was presented with a milestone marker that was on display as well as a proclamation from Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter.
Molly Bascom-Keller and Maryanne Campbell smile during the recognition given to the school. See CENTENNIAL on page 15A
NEWS & NOTES
4A/ ROYAL OAK REVIEW • JUNE 18, 2025
Volunteers needed for Dream Cruise parking
ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Nature Society is looking for volunteers to help with parking at the Woodward Dream Cruise on Aug. 16 at Gunn Dyer Park, which is south of 13 Mile Road and west of Coolidge Highway.
Shifts for volunteers will be three hours long. Volunteers will receive Dream Cruise shirts to wear during the shift, four issues of the Nature Society quarterly newsletter, and they can park their cars at the Gunn Dyer lot before and after their shifts and check out the cruise.
There will also be a pre-cruise volunteer evening picnic on Aug. 15 at Gunn Dyer Park.
Cal Rutherford throws a pitch during the Royal Oak Leprechauns game against the
May 30 at Memorial Park.
Royal Oak Leprechauns to host ‘Strike Out Cancer’ night on July 2
ROYAL OAK — On July 2, the Royal Oak Leprechauns will play a home game at Memorial Park against the Traverse City Pit Spitters with a “Strike Out Cancer” theme.
The first “Strike Out Cancer” night for the Leprechauns was on June 7.
Fans can purchase tickets for cancer patients by using the “Add-On” feature when buying tickets online.
The Leprechauns will also sell exclusive “Strike Out Cancer” gear online with proceeds donated to cancer organizations. Fans can also donate to help “Strike Out Cancer” online through the month of September.
For more information visit northwoodsleague.com/royal-oak-leprechauns or visit zeffy.com/en-US/fundraising/ royal-oak-leprechauns-strike-out-cancer to donate to “Strike Out Cancer.”
WOOD CARVING ARTIST TO VISIT ROYAL OAK
ROYAL OAK — Fred Butters, an artist who specializes in woodwork, will be visiting Royal Oak from 6 to 8 p.m. June 26 at the Art and Faith Galleria, 433 N. Washington Ave.
Butters transforms wood into hand-carved pens. Each piece is made with precision and intricate detail, according to the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce website.
Butters’ work can be viewed June 26. The event will include complimentary tea, espresso and light snacks.
The event will have free admission. Free parking will be available at Royal Oak Middle School.
For more information, visit royaloakchamber.com.
Pride for the whole family
ABOVE: A
provides a
the
Mimi Southwest participates in drag queen story time.
BELOW: Bell Bastien, husbands Adam and Jerome Bell-Bastien, headline the entertainment on the outdoor stage.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
Kenosha Kingfish
balloon artist
sculpture during
Family Pride event at the Royal Oak Farmers Market June 11.
LEFT:
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
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 Americanborn 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.”
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
Photo provided by The John Shippen Bailey Davis celebrates with The John Shippen trophy on June 4 at Plum Hollow Country Club in Southfield.
Families
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
DETROIT — Actor Mark Wahlberg and Jay Feldman once again took to the green, along with several other celebrities and sponsors, for the Feldman Automotive Children’s Miracle Network Celebrity Golf Invitational at the Detroit Golf Club June 9. The annual event raises money for the Children’s Miracle Network programming at Corewell Health Children’s and the Mark Wahlberg Youth Foundation.
Wahlberg, who is known for his strong Catholic faith, said that he feels that God is calling him to do this and that it is the purpose God chose for him.
“Obviously, it’s always about giving back. I don’t think that I’ve been put in the position that I’m in to forget about where I come from and the adversity that I faced as a young person, and so anything that we can do to give back,” Wahlberg said. “So everything that we do is based on being aspirational and telling people that there isn’t anything that they can’t accomplish or overcome despite the hand that they’ve been dealt.”
This year, the event raised $1.3 million, all of which will directly benefit children and their families in southeast Michigan, according to Lamont Yoder, RN, president of Corewell Health Southeast Michigan. Children’s Miracle Network programs help children from birth to 18, Yoder said.
During the event, five local children and their families, who have each endured various trials and tribulations as a result of different
health conditions, emphasized the importance of the philanthropic event.
Kennedy Shallal, 8, of Rochester Hills, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in December of 2020, at the age of 4. Complicating the harshness of the diagnosis and treatment were the restrictions in place at the time with the COVID-19 pandemic, but Children’s Miracle Network therapy dogs Olive and Millie came to her aid by providing comfort and support as she endured long and grueling chemotherapy sessions.
“Children’s Miracle Network has been a huge help in Kennedy’s treatment, and the programs that they do, especially the dog therapy program, has been huge for her,” said Kennedy’s mom, Cristina Shallal.
Cristina Shallal said the dog therapy program helped by giving her daughter something to look forward to during her treatments and made it easier to get Kennedy out the door and to treatment.
“Whenever she would have to come in for treatments, we would align it with Olive’s visits and it made such a huge difference in just, like, her demeanor, being able to interact with the nurses, not fighting us on everything, not screaming — the whole hospital could hear her when she was going through treatments, So Olive just sitting there made such a huge difference.”
Cristina Shallal said Olive would cuddle up to Kennedy and sit with her while she was undergoing treatment.
Kennedy has been in remission since April of 2023 and is expected to be in total remission in 2026. Her love and appreciation for
the Children’s Miracle Network therapy dogs were on full display during the golf outing, as she could be seen hugging and playing with them.
“Therapy dogs make such an amazing difference, especially for kids,” Yoder said. “Some of these kids and families are scared the first time that they heard ‘cancer,’ and the dogs really help these kids get through some of the toughest days and weeks of their lives.”
Mila Sikes, 10, of Sterling Heights, spent her first 135 days of life in the neonatal intensive care unit after being born 16 weeks premature. During that time, Mila was aided by equipment provided by CMN, such as preemie-sized pressure cuffs, breathing cannulas, and devices to treat retinopathy. As a result, she was able to overcome the multiple challenges she faced as a result of being a micro-preemie, including bradycardia, bronchial pulmonary dysplasia, retinopathy, nephrosis, a congenital heart defect and a brain bleed. Today she is a healthy, spunky and energetic kid who enjoys telling her story and helping CMN as a Miracle Kid.
“I guess it makes me feel special (to be called a Miracle Kid),” Mila said. “When I raise money for kids, it kind of makes me feel good.”
Everett LaBrash, 2, of Sterling Heights, made his second appearance at the event. Everett was born prematurely, at just over 31 weeks, which resulted in some issues with his lungs.
He developed pneumothorax and had to be placed on a ventilator. During his long hospital stay, Everett’s parents, Alex and Marianne LaBrash, were able to utilize fold-out furniture, which was provided to the hospital by CMN. Today Everett is actively reaching all his milestones.
Fran Watson, of Southfield, has attended the event for the last four years. She is the 2024 recipient of the Alma Wahlberg award. Her children, Braylen, 13, and Rylee, 11, have receptive and expressive language disorder, which resulted in speech delays. CMN was able to provide her children with speech therapy, and today they both love to talk. Watson says she enjoys coming to the event to tell their story to bring awareness and help other families who may be in need of CMN’s services.
“To me, this event is a powerful steppingstone to helping families in need,” she said. “You never know who may need the help or what child is going through what. So, it’s a very good opportunity just to create awareness to other families who may need that help. That help is there if needed.”
Over the years, Braylen and Rylee have gotten to know Wahlberg through the event and his work with CMN. They lovingly refer to him as their BFF (best friend forever) and said they were excited to see him this year, as they hadn’t seen him in two years. Wahlberg
See MIRACLE on page 18A
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Mark Wahlberg and Jay Feldman talk to C & G Newspapers during the Feldman Automotive Children’s Miracle Network Celebrity Golf Invitational at the Detroit Golf Club June 9.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
7A/ ROYAL OAK REVIEW • JUNE 18, 2025
JUNE 18
Nature walk: Led by Royal Oak Nature Society, 7 p.m., park at north end of Mahany/Meininger Senior Community Center lot, 3500 Marais Ave., and meet at Fred A. Erb Arboretum, romi.gov/411/nature-walks
JUNE 19
CAMEO Quilters Guild meeting: Includes lecture and demonstration, 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.), Clawson United Methodist Church, 205 N. Main St., (248) 5444504, cameoquilters@gmail.com, cameoquilters.org
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 21-22
Royal Oak Live!: Hear Ben Sharkey (1:30-2:30 p.m.), Larry Lee and The Back in the Day Band (3-4:15 p.m.), Paul Taylor (4:45-6 p.m.) and Special EFX featuring Chieli Minnuci (6:30-8 p.m.) June 21, then Tumbao Bravo (1:30-2:30 p.m.), Lady Sunshine and The X Band (3-4:15 p.m.), Alexander Zonjic with special guest James Lloyd (4:45-6 p.m.) and Kim Waters (6:30-8 p.m.) June 22, free event also has food and ice cream for sale, Centennial Commons, 204 S. Troy St., royaloakchamber.com
JUNE 21 & 28
Silence the Violence: Community-based effort honors victims of gun violence and raises awareness of solutions, includes gun buyback and on-site destruction, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Disarmory Ministries, 2312 Greenfield Road in Berkley, find more events at endgunviolence mi.org/silence
JUNE 22
Berkley Pride: Block party with vendor booths, food trucks, DJ, crafts and face painting in kids tent, and games and crafts in teen lounge, 1-5 p.m., south of 12 Mile Road between Robina and Griffith avenues, downtownberkley.com/berkley-events/berkley-pride
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 29 & JULY 4
Clawson Runs: Kids Freedom 1 Mile Fun Run at 7 p.m. and Freedom Run 5K at 7:30 p.m. June 29, also Firecracker Mile at 9 a.m. July 4, starts and finishes at Clawson City Park, West Elmwood Avenue between Washington and Bywood avenues, runsignup.com
JULY 2
Blood drive: 3:30-7:30 p.m., 10th floor at Corewell
Health William Beaumont University Hospital, 3601 W. 13 Mile Road in Royal Oak, (866) 642-5663, donate. michigan.versiti.org
JULY 3-6
Royal Oak Taco Fest: All-ages street event includes 50-plus taquerias and eateries, margaritas, tequila sampling, entertainment on three stages, bounce houses, splash pad, face painting, crafts, lucha libre wrestling, mechanical bull rides, taco-eating contest, artisan vendors and more, 4-11 p.m. July 3, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. July 4-5 and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. July 6, also meet-and-greet with Tommy Chong July 5-6, held on east side of Main Street between 11 Mile Road and Fourth Street, royaloaktacofest.com, read story at candgnews.com
ONGOING
Farmers markets: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Fridays until late November and Saturdays year-round, also antiques and collectibles from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays year-round, plus food truck rally with live music, vendors, face painting, kids crafts and bounce house from 4-8 p.m. every second Wednesday of month through October, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, farmersmarket@romi.gov, (248) 246-3276, see additional special dates at romi. gov/1533/farmers-market, read story about market celebrating centennial at candgnews.com
• 9 a.m.-1 p.m. June 28, July 12 and 26, and Aug. 9, Southeast Municipal Lot at South Main Street and Gardner Avenue, cityofclawson.com
‘Glass53’ art exhibit: Features 400 pieces of glass art from around world, on display until Sept. 19, Habatat Galleries, 4400 Fernlee Ave. in Royal Oak, habatat.com, read story at candgnews.com
‘Macbeth’: Steampunk-style performance presented by Shakespeare Royal Oak as part of 25th anniversary season, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays July 24-Aug. 3, Starr Jaycee Park, 1321 W. 13 Mile Road, shakespeareroyaloak.com, read story at candgnews.com
Royal Oak Leprechauns baseball: Member of Northwoods League (collegiate summer baseball), home games on select dates until Aug. 5, The Lucky Corner at Memorial Park, 31050 Woodward Ave., (248) 9300388, royaloakleprechauns.com
Oakland County Football Club: Semi-professional men’s soccer team, home games include June 21 and 28, and July 12, all 7 p.m., Royal Oak High School Stadium, 1500 Lexington Blvd., (248) 629-0251, oaklandcountyfc.com
Widowed Friends breakfasts: 9:30 a.m. every second and fourth Wednesdays of month, The Avenue Family Restaurant, 31253 Woodward Ave. in Royal Oak, RSVP to Marilyn at (248) 543-1018, widowedfriends.com
early 20th century housing, open 2-5 p.m. Saturdays and Wednesdays until Dec. 31, Clawson Historical Museum, 41 Fisher Court, cityofclawson.com, (248) 588-9169, historicalmuseum@cityofclawson.coms
Harmony United Chorusopen rehearsals: Practice with men’s barbershop-style group from 7-9 p.m. Tuesdays, Royal Oak Middle School, 709 N. Washington Ave., greaterdetroit.org
Bingo: 12:30-1:30 p.m. every first Friday of month, Mahany/Meininger Senior Community Center, 3500 Marais Ave. in Royal Oak, (248) 246-3900
‘Annie’: Musical follows title character’s life in harsh New York City orphanage during Great Depression and her determination to find loving family, 7 p.m. Thursdays-Mondays (3 p.m. Sundays) until June 30 (no June 27), Ringwald Theatre at Affirmations LGBTQIA+ Community Center, 290 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, theringwald.com, read story at candgnews. com
Monthly groups: For kids, LGBTQIA+, book clubs for horror fans and more, Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E. 11 Mile Road, (248) 246-3700, romi.gov/1532/ library
(586) 498-8000 facebook.com/RoyalOakReview @candgnews candgnews.com
Editor: David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com
Reporters: Taylor Christensen | (586) 498-1081 | tchristensen@candgnews.com Mike Koury | (586) 498-1077 | mkoury@candgnews.com
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CONGRATULATIONS
Royal Oak High School and Churchill Community High School
CLASS OF 2025
Royal Oak High School Class of 2025
Top Ten Graduating Seniors
KATHRYN MACEY
GPA: 4.575
Summa Cum Laude
RANEEN AWADA
GPA: 4.537
Summa Cum Laude
· National Honor Society
· IB Diploma Programme Diploma Candidate
· Academic Excellence in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies
· Science Departmental Award
· Foreign Language Departmental Award
· National Honor Society
· IB Diploma Programme Diploma Candidate
· Academic Excellence in English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies
· Science Departmental Award
· Foreign Language Departmental Award
· Exemplary Completion of Personal Project; Score of 5 or Higher
· ROMUN Ambassador Emeritus
· Science National Honor Society
· Royal Oak PTA Donald M. Currie Scholarship
· Royal Oak Schools Foundation Daniel Champagne Memorial Scholarship
· Royal Oak High School Class of 2025 Brightest and Best
College Plans: Wellesley College: Psychology
· Exemplary Completion of Personal Project; Score of 5 or Higher
· Science National Honor Society
· 2024-25 Oakland Press Top Scholar Program
·
40th Annual Detroit News Outstanding High School Graduate in Science
College Plans: University of Michigan: Neuroscience on Pre-med Track
LILLIAN NAVIN
GPA: 4.498
Summa Cum Laude
· National Honor Society
· IB Diploma Programme Course Candidate
· Academic Excellence in Science
· Science Departmental Award
· Foreign Language Departmental Award
· Exemplary Completion of Personal Project; Score of 5 or Higher
· MSBOA Scholar Musician Award
· Joseph R. and Sarah L. Williams Full Ride Scholarship - Michigan State University
College Plans:
Michigan State University Honors College: Psychology - Lyman Briggs College Social Science Scholars Program
CHARLES FRANCIS
GPA: 4.491 Summa Cum Laude
· National Honor Society
· Foreign Language Departmental Award
· Pleasant Ridge Foundation Scholarship
MADELEINE ORLANDO
GPA: 4.476
Summa Cum Laude
· National Honor Society
· IB Diploma Programme Diploma Candidate
· Academic Excellence in English Language Arts and Science
· Science Departmental Award
· Foreign Language Departmental Award
· Science National Honor Society
· Honors College State Scholarship College Plans: Michigan State University Honors College: Eli Broad College of Business Marketing
AUBREY DELEON
GPA: 4.45
Summa Cum Laude
· National Honor Society
· IB Diploma Programme Diploma Candidate
· Academic Excellence in English Language Arts and Science
· Science Departmental Award
· Social Studies Departmental Award
· Foreign Language Departmental Award
· Exemplary Completion of Personal Project; Score of 5 or Higher
· Science National Honor Society
· Director’s Award for Orchestra
College Plans:
University of Michigan: Biology, Pre-Med Track
MASON
GPA: 4.425
Summa Cum Laude
· National Honor Society
· IB Diploma Programme Course Candidate
· Academic Excellence in English Language Arts , Mathematics and Science
· Science Departmental Award
· Foreign Language Departmental Award
· Outstanding leadership, contributions, and service to Student Council
· Charles H. Jones Award
· FIRST Scholarship MI Tech
· Leading Scholar Distinguished
· Presidential Platinum Scholars
· Michigan Tech Excellence Award
· Royal Oak PTA Donald M. Currie Scholarship
· Royal Oak Education Association - Royal Oak High School Scholarship
· Theodore Cologie Scholarship from OUR Credit Union
College Plans:
Michigan Technological University: Mechanical Engineering Technology
JULIA MALONE
GPA: 4.38
Summa Cum Laude
· National Honor Society
· IB Diploma Programme Diploma Candidate
· Academic Excellence in English Language Arts
· Foreign Language Departmental Award
· Exemplary Completion of Personal Project; Score of 5 or Higher
· ROMUN Ambassador Augustus
· National Art Honor Society
· Honors College State ScholarshipMichigan State University
·
Royal Oak PTA Donald M. Currie Scholarship
·
Royal Oak Schools Foundation Daniel Champagne Memorial Scholarship
College Plans:
Michigan State University Honors College: Social Science Scholars Program Economics Major German Minor
ANNA NIELANDER
GPA: 4.355 Summa Cum Laude
· National Honor Society
· IB Diploma Programme Course Candidate
· Academic Excellence in English Language Arts
· Social Studies Departmental Award
· Foreign Language Departmental Award
· Outstanding Art Student Award
· Sarah Elizabeth Klaus Memorial Scholarship
· 2025 Detroit News Outstanding Graduates Visual Arts Runner-Up College Plans: University of Michigan: Dual Degree in Art and Design &
KAYLA BREZENSKI
GPA: 4.328
Summa Cum Laude
· National Honor Society
· IB Diploma Programme Course Candidate
· Academic Excellence in Mathematics
· Foreign Language Departmental Award
· Exemplary Completion of Personal Project; Score of 5 or Higher
· National School Choral Award
· Science National Honor Society
· Royal Oak Musicale Scholarship
· MSGCU High School Excellence Scholarship
College Plans: Michigan State University: Dual Major in MicrobiologyHonors College Voice Performance - School of Music
Top Grads
Summa Cum Laude
3.95-4+
Sophia Applebee
Dominik Paul Arnone
Colin Samuel Auger
Raneen Samantha Awada
Hailey Beth Barnwell
Abigale Rose Bloomfeld
Kayla Brezenski
Audrey Josephine Bruner
Katherine Helen Brunette
Sarah Wisam Bukaita
Claudia Camps Marcos
Mackenzee Elizabeth
Childress
Mary Anoush Coburn
Benjamin James Colburn
Isaac Contreras-Brumley
Aubrey Nicole DeLeon
Molly Scout Dingman
Quinn Doerr
Charles Khairi Francis
Vivian Harka
Jordan Jean Hills
Zoe Alexandra
Hubbard-Reinstein
Lauren Elizabeth Jensen
Owen Sand Krause
Kevin Krishti
Andrew M Lang
Elliot Christopher London
Kathryn Sheila Macey
Jaiden Allen Armendi
Magat
Wyatt Matthew Martin
Reagan Elizabeth Mason
Sarah Kaylen Milligan
Zachary Morello
Lillian Marie Navin
Anna Ruby Nielander
Madeline Olivia Nixon
Madeleine Beatrice Orlando
Nicholas John Panzica
Maddox Vincent Podmokly
Christian Scheel
Kaitlyn Anne Scripter
Samantha Veranica Smith
Michael Anthony Stefanovski
Mika Stoffers
Brady Russell James Taylor
Farrah Ranea Terry
Chelsea Rose Thelen
Nolan Patrick Till
Mariana Christine Van Fleet
Olivia Dulaney Walker
William Thomas Watkins
Abigail Marie Watson
Elena Frutos Wright
Justin Xhelilaj
Julian Thomas Zagar
Magna Cum Laude
3.85-3.94
Brenna Dombard
Kaitlyn Sophia Eberhardt
Gavin Flynn Ehlers
Lucy Addison Freytag
Joseph Robert Gooch
Nolan Kazuhisa Kaiser
Natalie Jeanne Keveney
Presley Jane Nahhat Mamo
Miya Michiko O’Branovic
Kara Rylee Pickering
Mark Joseph Say
Ryan Leigh Stapelman
Adam Joseph Sust
Gianna Marie Vesprini
Nora Jane Wattleworth
Ava Julia Carlesso Weiss
Cum Laude
3.75-3.84
Alexcys Mary Counts
Cohen Dancha
Jada Milan Ewell
Colin Hamlin
Lillian Harmon-Cawley
Lillian Harris
Alyssa Shamara Huewitt
Dakota Sean Kelly
Jacob Matthew Love
Ayden James McClintock
Andrew Joseph Mikos
Sophia Ann Regan
Layal Jade Sarra
Hannah Alexandra Saunders
Alexander Paul Schulz
Natasha Serdoner
Sadie Elizabeth Stine
Thomas Andrew-Laughton
Swanney
Christian Maxim Carlesso
Weiss
Graduated with Distinction
Ryan Jason Aaron
Owen Abbey
Arthur Edward Berkowitz
Alison Kay Blaesing
Ethan Michael Blay
Dominic Aden Carlock
Ava Kathleen Dargaj
Connor Arman DePottey
Faustine Dieulouard
Bridget Dillon
Madeline Anne Embrey
Jarek Reilly Falcon
Gabriel Ethan Farah
Avelin Rose Fournier
Jacob Daniel Gaynier
Mea Gnass
Avani Katherine Gontina
Lillian Harris
Ashlynn Rae Hilgendorf
Nicholas Hofmann
Marissa Houston
Alia Moon Keath
Alexander Thomas Kissling
Jesse Harpster Lawrence
Madeline Jane Lawrence
Pamela Silva Marchi
Jaxon Patrick McCaffrey
Brenna Joan Merle
Owen Christopher Miller
Trevor William Mulheisen
Veronika Rose Nolte
Emilia Katherine Pawlicki
Hudson Ryan Phipps
Alexander Paul Schulz
Natasha Serdoner
Isabella Tula Thornton
William Raymond Twork
Devon Oliver Wills
Helena Wisner
Brady Young
Joan Marie Zadorsky
Ethan Art Zgoda
Royal Oak High School Class of 2025
Graduates’ Achievements
Royal Oak High School
Class of 2025
Ryan Jason Aaron
Owen Abbey
Gabriel Jason Adler
Nadia Sky Adolphus
Ella Rose Aho
Ashlee Kimberly Akers
Alexis Elizabeth Allen
Zachary Dylan Antoniotti
Noah Adil Antwan
Sophia Applebee
Dominik Paul Arnone
Colin Samuel Auger
Raneen Samantha Awada
Logan Matthew Ball
Hailey Beth Barnwell
Morgan Taylor Barteld
Olivia Ann Bates
Malachi Beland
Donielle Bell
Lily Ilana Bell
Elana Rose Belzyt
Soren Bennis
Aiden Jencks Benson
Arthur Edward Berkowitz
Gabriella Birmingham
Ismael M Bissell
Forman Gilbert Blackmon V
Alison Kay Blaesing
Connor Henry Blain
Ethan Michael Blay
Abigale Rose Bloomfeld
Kayla Brezenski
Madison Rae Bridges
Alexander Arthur Briton
Eden Britt
Joseph Daniel Brody
Audrey Josephine Bruner
Katherine Helen Brunette
Sara Wisam Bukaita
Silas Burbridge
Emma Nicole Burke
Julien Anton Burns
Claudia Camps Marcos
Anthony Cantenelli-Suszynski
Ravi Carden
Dominic Aden Carlock
Sloane Elaine Carlson
George Alan Casanovas
Emma Rose Cattini
Ani O Ceccacci
Hailey Madison Chagnon
Dakota Chase Mackenzee Elizabeth Childress
Jackson Cioff
Giselle Cisneros
Amy Rebecca Clegg
Mary Anoush Coburn
Benjamin James Colburn
Bruce Collins III
Isaac Contreras-Brumley
Alexcys Mary Counts
Alexander Ralph Curtis
Lucas John Danaher
Cohen Dancha
Ava Kathleen Dargaj
Aubrey Nicole DeLeon
Connor Arman DePottey
Drew Antonette R Desuyo
Faustine Dieulouard
Bridget Dillon
Molly Scout Dingman
Quinn Doerr
Brenna Dombard
David Wolf Donovan
Kaitlyn Christina Doss
Kaitlyn Sophia Eberhardt
Keira Mae Eberle
Eva Maxine Edson
Gavin Flynn Ehlers
Olivia Martina Ellis
Madeline Anne Embrey
Jada Milan Ewell
Aaron Timothy Fairless
Jarek Reilly Falcon
Gabriel Ethan Farah
John Thomas Felk Jr
Daniel Jamaal Felton
Justin David-Paul Fergerson
Avelin Rose Fournier
Charles Khairi Francis
Layla Frede
David Freeman
Lucy Addison Freytag
Rachel Charlene Fritz
Jacob Daniel Gaynier
Connor Benjamin George
Sydney Gerenraich
Jack Michael Gilbert
Mea Gnass
Ari Hershel Goldberg
Avani Katherine Gontina
Joseph Robert Gooch
Will Graham
Raushaun Marious Gray
Nathan Parker Guthrie
Colin Hamlin
Vivian Harka
Lillian Harmon-Cawley
Lillian Harris
Liby Hesson-Reno
Lincon Hesson-Reno
Greyson A Hewelt
Ashlynn Rae Hilgendorf
Jordan Jean Hills
Nicholas Hofmann
Noah Holder
Mya Danielle Horne
Marissa Houston
Zoe Alexandra Hubbard-Reinstein
Alyssa Shamara Huewitt
Omar Adrian Hunt
Leilene Naomi Jackson
Riley Benjamin Jacobs
Gracie Lee Jagodzinski
Andres Nicolas Jaime
Blaze Hugo Jeffries
Lauren Elizabeth Jensen
Chase Jordan
Nolan Kazuhisa Kaiser
Amanda Paige Kaplan
Alia Moon Keath
Sawyer Keck
Dakota Sean Kelly
Natalie Jeanne Keveney
Hannah Marie Kimberly
Hannah Sharon King
Alexander Thomas Kissling
Megan Rose Klopfenstein
Justin Jerome Kolasa
Owen Sand Krause
Kevin Krishti
Nolan Henry Kruse
Ana Elizabeth Ladzinski
Caroline Elizabeth Lagoe
Adam Charles Lampman
Andrew M Lang
Parker William Lassner
Jesse Harpster Lawrence
Madeline Jane Lawrence
Jose De Jesus Leon
Kelsey Dean Linz
Nathaniel Chitkasem Litner
Samuel Logsdon
Elliot Christopher London
Sofa Cristina Quintero London
Ginger Lyn Loosle
Jacob Matthew Love
Natalie Lovelace
Kathryn Sheila Macey
Benjamin Thomas Machiniak
Jaiden Allen Armendi Magat
Alice Elizabeth Mahar
Julia Marie Malone
Presley Jane Nahhat Mamo
Alima Manneh
Tye Dakotah Mansfeld
Pamela Silva Marchi
Santiago Andres Marrero-Davila
Wyatt Matthew Martin
Reagan Elizabeth Mason
Willow Theron Masters
Jaxon Patrick McCaffrey
Kamya McCarty
Lucy Rose McClelland
Ayden James McClintock
Avah Kay Menary
Brenna Joan Merle
Grayson Henry Merrick
Tivon Alem Mikael
Andrew Joseph Mikos
Owen Christoper Miller
Riley Anne Miller
Sarah Kaylen Milligan
Francis Ryan Minnick
Jacob Douglas Montgomery
Annie Mae Moore
Zachary Morello
Payden Nicholas Morrison
Trevor William Mulheisen
Pornpawis Natvaratat
Lillian Marie Navin
La’Sarah Ann Neely
Anna Ruby Nielander
Madeline Olivia Nixon
Noah Samuel Nixon
Veronika Rose Nolte
Jake Nutter
Miya Michiko O’Branovic
Noah Ockenfels
Madeleine Beatrice Orlando
Jude Michael Pallay
Nicholas John Panzica
Zoey Esperanza Pardo
Emilia Katherine Pawlicki
Gavin William Pearson
Josephine Mary Pearson
Emma Marie Perttunen
Vahagn Petrosyan
Jacob Petrowski
Zyonna Irene Phillips
Hudson Ryan Phipps
Kara Rylee Pickering
Sydney Taylor Pippin
Maddox Vincent Podmokly
Camden Lee Pounders
Jaelynn Rae Prebelich
Maximilian Prunkard
Joao Queiroz
Kaylei Annise Reeves
Sophia Ann Regan
Jacquelyn Justine Rice
Tyrone Rodgers
Kalli Roelofs
Nathan John Rogers
Grace Regan Ronan
Finnegan James Rossbach
Wes Ryan
Maleena Ghassan Sami
Romal Sanders
Layal Jade Sarra
Hannah Alexandra Saunders
Mark Joseph Say
Virgil Aidan Schalm
Christian Scheel
Hunter Mazza Schepperly
Bella Grier Schleede
Alexander Paul Schulz
Samantha Janee Schwab
Luke Allen Schwanki
Kaitlyn Anne Scripter
Evan Sellinger
Natasha Serdoner
Henry Rilyn Sherwood
Samantha Veranica Smith
Artavius Snell
James Luther-Juergen Sommerfeld
Ryan Leigh Stapelman
Michael Anthony Stefanovski
Mackenzie Stewart
Sadie Elizabeth Stine
Mika Stoffers
Gabriel Quentin Stout
Brock Edward Stremmell
Adam Joseph Sust
Thomas Andrew-Laughton Swanney
James Patrick Swanson
Shelby Katherine Szasz
Brady Russell James Taylor
Jaren Taylor
Farrah Ranea Terry
Chelsea Rose Thelen
Isabelle Tula Thornton
Vivianna Louise Thornton
Savanna Cayla Throneburg
Keira Jacquline Tietz
Nolan Patrick Till
Andrew Paul Tompkins
ROYAL OAK REVIEW • JUNE 18, 2025
William Raymond Twork
Mariana Christine Van Fleet
Reyna Pearl Vaughan
Edwin Vazquez
Morgan Rose Verplank
Gianna Marie Vesprini
Mylan Walker
Olivia Dulaney Walker
William Thomas Watkins
Abigail Marie Watson
Xavier Watson
2025 Churchill Community High School
Christian Behrens
DeQuavais Black
Sarah Amel Boumediene
Wilburt Brady
Caitlin Brooks
Abdoulie Brown
Lauren Cavanaugh
Fernando Crumley
Leah Dale
Elise Dubeauclard
Joshua Hess
Javone Jackson
Aidan Killian
Mary Koehn
Joseph Marchand
Ari McCants
Tara Potros
Claire Pozzo
Charnell Smith
Liam Smith
Nevaeh Stewart
Keira Stone
Devin Turoski
Derrick Vaughan
Diego Vega-Bommarito
Myia Williams
Kathryn Wiberg-Thweny
Ava Wisniewski
Nora Jane Wattleworth
Robert A Weaver
Ava Julia Carlesso Weiss
Christian Maxim Carlesso Weiss
JorDan Cortez Welch
Liam Jude Whitelaw
Devon Oliver Wills
Evan Wilson
Helena Wisner
Eliott Wootton
Churchill Adult Education
Linda Alnadhari
Nicole Angelich
Kyndra Benedict
Ashlee Bilyeu
Michael Bishop
Heather Borowski
Daniel Cajas
Alexis Collins
Olive Daratony
Austin Dizotell
Shelby Forbes
James Franklin
Keith Howard
Michelle Jabiro
Jasmine Knott
Matthew Lafeur
Shane Luxon
Donald Madden
James Gibbons
Ernesto Guerrero-Segura
Shamira Harbor
John Heisler
Todd Hobbs
Aidan Mills
Jeffery Nicholson
Kadence Lynn Work
Elena Frutos Wright
Kurt Erwin Wussow IV
Justin Xhelilaj
Brady Young
Joan Marie Zadorsky
Julian Thomas Zagar
CRIME WATCH
Vehicle theft
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 3:50 a.m. and 4:50 a.m. June 2, an unknown person stole the complainant’s vehicle from a parking lot near Midtown Circle, near 14 Mile and North Campbell roads..
Air compressor stolen
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between noon May 29 and 10 a.m. June 4, an unknown person stole an air compressor from a utility room at the Royal Oak Estates, 1005 N. Stephenson Highway.
Vehicle damaged while parked
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 9:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. May 30, an unknown person damaged the complainant’s vehicle while it was parked near Fifth Street and Main Street.
Movie screen damaged
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 11:50 p.m. June 4, an unknown person damaged a movie screen at the Emagine theater, 200 N. Main St.
Car stolen
ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 2:30 a.m. and 6 a.m. June 5, an unknown person stole the complainant’s vehicle from a parking lot near Gardenia Avenue.
— Taylor Christensen
Library
from page 1A
long as I have worked in libraries, there have been summer reading programs for adults. Why should the kids be the only readers earning fun prizes in the summer?”
Leah Kenny, the head of youth services at the library, said that the program is a way to keep kids engaged with reading during the summer.
“Our summer reading program is a fun, free way for families to combat the ‘summer slide.’ All four of our challenges encourage children to keep reading by incentivizing their effort,” she said. “By staying connected with books and reading every day for even a small amount of time, children will not only be able to earn prizes but also maintain their reading skills in preparation for the next school year.”
The summer reading program is through an app called “Beanstack,” the library’s reading challenge app, and people can register as an individual or as a group.
the summer on the app.
For the adult readers, there will be prizes related to local businesses, gift cards, certificates, or a grand prize at the end. Youth readers have the chance to win prizes and virtual tickets for a chance to win a grand prize.
The big grand prize is an e-bike, according to Winn, who said that it is sponsored by Vibe Credit Union. The one winner of the e-bike will be revealed on Aug. 11, when all activities must be completed and logged on the Beanstack app.
For every five entries a person completes, they will earn one entry for the grand prize.
“Completing activities listed in the Beanstack tracker app is the way to earn chances to win a prize for adults, kids or teens,” Kenny said. “Our prizes will be announced after the completion of the program on Aug. 11, so be sure to log all activities by that day. All the prize baskets for younger readers are on display just inside our Centennial Commons entrance.”
in on this, and I think it’s really important we allow him to weigh in anyways before we make a decision.”
Millan went on to say she thinks it would be beneficial to at least come up with a rough plan of what the council would like to see happen before approving anything without Shepard.
“I know I personally received many texts, emails and a couple phone calls of whom they would like to see sit up here with us for the next five or six months,” she said. “I want to be very thoughtful and pragmatic in what we are doing, and I would like us to be able to understand what is allowed and what is not allowed.”
Mayor Pro Tem Susan Moffitt suggested that although Shepard was not in attendance, the council still should begin receiving applications from people who are interested in the position.
“If we were to solicit applications now, then that postures us with a whole pool or people who are interested so we know what our candidate pool is, and then we could at the next council meeting look at the candidate pool presented to us and then decide how we are going to select from that pool,” she said.
Millan said she would want to interview people following the application process.
“People present differently, we think we know everyone, but I would like to give every-
one an opportunity to have a conversation and see how they interact with us,” Millan said. “Honestly, the most important thing to me is someone who is not coming in with preconceived stuff and is going to just want to kind of work with us and pick up and move along.”
Ultimately, the City Council decided 3-0 to move forward with receiving applications and interviewing applicants.
The deadline for applications was at noon on June 12. The next steps were to be the City Council reviewing the applications at the 7:30 p.m. June 17 City Council meeting, which occurred after press time, and announcing the finalists.
Following that meeting, the council will be announcing the process of interviews at a regular or special meeting, according to cityofclawson.com. Following the interview process, the City Council will make an appointment to fill the remaining term at a regular or special meeting; the date is yet to be announced.
Moffitt said that Binkowski had been a great addition to the council, and he will be missed by the city of Clawson.
“He resigned for love. He fell in love, and he’s moving out of the city, so what a more beautiful reason,” she said. “But you know, he was just an incredible asset to the council. He was through a lot, but he had some great ideas, and he will be sorely missed.”
For more information on the open seat, visit cityofclawson.com.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
The app will encourage participants to attend events, read or listen to books, complete activities, and more to earn prizes. Participants are also required to log all their activities and books read throughout
Kenny said that reading is an essential part of growing up, and it is detrimental when kids do not read throughout the summer.
“Reading and literacy in general are
See LIBRARY on page 18A
Centennial
page 3A
replaced most of its original building, which were finished during the 2022-2023 school year. Renovations included facility upgrades, select flooring replacements, elevator upgrades and other mechanical and electrical infrastructure upgrades.
Cleghorn said sometimes little reminders of the past pop out at her while walking the halls, like the little tiles that she used to see above the fireplace in her classroom as a student.
“They preserved some of the special things, like the pillars and the flowers from the front of the building, even some of the tiles from the fireplace, which I remember in my kindergarten classroom,” she said. “My kindergarten classroom had a fireplace with beautiful tiles with ducks and I think rabbits and things on them, so they have preserved some of that character from the original building.”
Molly Bascom-Keller has been the principal of Northwood for two years now and said that the preservation of some of the original parts of the school are a reminder of the rich history.
Cleghorn said that multiple staff mem-
bers grew up going to Northwood.
“There is a community here where people just return to Royal Oak Schools, and specifically Northwood, because they had such a good experience in their childhood and now want to pour back into the school as adults,” Cleghorn said. “The school continues to focus on building a school community, not just with the students there, but with the families, and making it feel like the students have a place to belong.”
Bascom-Keller said being a part of such a milestone has been a particularly humbling and exciting experience.
“It’s really humbling, and it’s an honor. This school in particular is highly revered in the community. It has been an institution of educational excellence for 100 years,” she said. “It’s very humbling and an honor to be part of this wonderful community of staff, students and families, so I am just thrilled; we are hoping to continue serving the students and families of Royal Oak for many years to come.”
Bascom-Keller said Northwood is a beacon of the community and continues to pull back alumni to work for or volunteer with the school.
“We have lots of families that are second and third generation families of Northwood. We have some teachers who went to school
here, and some volunteers that are former students,” she said. “One of our volunteers, who does some reading to the children, went to kindergarten at Northwood in 1953, so we have a lot of continuing history in this building.”
In honor of Northwood’s 100 years, the
city of Royal Oak will be planting a tree on the school property in the fall, according to Bascom-Keller.
For more information on Royal Oak Schools, visit royaloakschools.org.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Royal Oak communications specialist Amy Murphy presents the Northwood Elementary School milestone marker to principal Molly Bascom-Keller and teacher Maryanne Campbell.
HOMES
ART PLAYS A PROMINENT ROLE IN ELEVATING ANY HOME
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
Art has always been an important part of the home. It’s not only a way to express the resident’s personality, but also a way to elevate spaces and rooms.
On June 6, the Michigan Design Center in Troy hosted a panel discussion among renowned artists called “The Artful Home.” The event, which kicked off the Michigan Design Center’s 2025 Art Walk, shared the artists’ perspectives on what to focus on when adding artwork to the home.
“I think that you should fall in love with the piece first. … You love that piece, and it triggers some emotion in you, and that’s why you should buy the piece,” artist Laurie Tennant said. “That is something that’s going to be with you that you really adore. … And you want people to see what’s inside of you.”
When adding art into the home, the location of the piece is important. Each piece is different, and it should be in a spot that allows the art to be admired, while also tying the room together. If it’s not located well, the goal of the work may not come to fruition.
“You have to be able to get far enough away from the work,” Tennant said. “You can have horizontal or vertical (pieces) but … I know with my work, it’s great to go up close to it, but you have to get back to appreciate the size of the piece.”
There’s also a common debate with pieces about whether to frame the work or not. Partially, it depends on the piece itself and the area where it’s going, but artist Tony Roko frames all his pieces for a reason.
“I had a mutual artist that I worked with and he just pulled me off to the side and said … ‘Always frame your work,’ and he talked about the subconscious importance of it,” Roko said. “I started framing my pieces and it made such a difference … because people could imagine it on a wall. It’s worked really well.”
It’s also important to remember that art is subjective and the home is the owner’s. There
ABOVE: From left, Valeria Zozaya, Tony Roko, Laurie Tennant, Boswell and moderator Megan Swoyer talk to the public about art and its role in the home on June 6 at the Michigan Design Center.
RIGHT: Laurie Tennant prepares to answer a question about her work. Following the panel, the artists presented their art to the public as a part of the Michigan Design Center Art Walk.
Photos by Liz Carnegie
Some residents said that the City Commission does not listen to residents’ concerns and no matter what residents said during public comment, the council would not side with the public.
“I’ve been to two previous meetings and the thing that really bums me out the most is the fact that you (the commission) have driven the majority of the people that have filled these rooms out,” resident Mike Grant said. “They don’t bother coming back anymore because this is a set deal. There is no way you guys have any inclination of listening to what we really say. You don’t care anymore.”
“I live three quarters of a mile from Woodward Avenue, and every single night I can hear people racing up and down Woodward. That is going to happen on 14 Mile if you put a Sheetz there, because they are not going to be respectful of anybody that lives in that area,” Nancy Sumner said. “You guys (the commission) have to start thinking about the residents and not making money for your own pockets.”
Mayor Michael Fournier addressed that the City Commission does not have the say
on what businesses propose a site plan.
“I want to make sure people understand the legislative and judicial aspect of the Planning Commission and how an applicant, in this case through a real estate developer, comes to a planning commission with an application to do something,” Fournier said. “We are not choosing or saying, ‘Hey, developers, do this,’ or ‘Hey, bring a gas station’ or whatever things come to us.”
Steve Robinson, of Broder Sachs Real Estate, spoke directly to the City Commission about the plan’s background. He said that it was difficult to figure out what would work in that spot.
“The choices here were to try and redevelop this site or repair this building, at which point we would have a 70,000-squarefoot industrial property at this location,” Robinson said. “We looked at it, and we said, ‘What is the best use for this property?’ My first inclination was, ‘I don’t live too far from this intersection, and we know this is a difficult stretch of road.’”
Robinson said that his team engaged a traffic consultant to do a study.
“We knew critically that we had to make this a functioning intersection in order to develop anything here,” he said. “Based on that traffic study, we started to look at potential uses for the property. … We want-
ed to develop something that would simply take traffic or substantially take traffic that’s on that road today and bring it into our site and put them back on their merry way, and that’s why we thought a gas station would be the best use and the least impactful for this location.”
Robinson went on to say that the petitioners spoke with multiple different convenience retailers and service station owners throughout southeast Michigan.
“We decided to go with Sheetz. One of the reasons we went with Sheetz is because
Library
from page 14A
and will always be important to the health and wellness of our community, and especially so for the children of Michigan. Our reading scores continue to lag nationally and last year ranked 44th in the nation for our fourth graders,” she said. “Creating and surrounding our children in a community of readers, like our summer reading program, helps to support their development and challenges them to grow as a reader. Reading is crucial to a child’s future academically, emotionally and socially.”
Winn said that this is a way for adults to connect with friends and family in a fun and interesting way.
“Several hundred adults participated last year in Royal Oak, and I anticipate that number to grow this year — we’ve pumped up our promotion and marketing to ensure the community is aware of the great things planned. In three days, we’ve had 150 adults register.” he said. “The summer reading program is a great opportunity for adults to earn chances to win gift cards, prize packs or our big grand prize by reading, attending a fun event or visiting a local business around Royal Oak. We really strive to make the program
Miracle
from page 6A
was not able to attend last year’s event due to his film schedule.
“It’s very sweet,” Wahlberg said. “Especially to see Rylee and her family, knowing her for many years now, and watching her thrive, it’s amazing.”
Patrick Rugiero, owner of The Roman Village and Antonio’s restaurants, has been an event sponsor for the last five years. He said that it is a great cause with a lot of need.
“It’s heartwarming to see, and as I always
Sheetz
from page 17A
they just have a great product. I’m not going to advocate for Sheetz one way or another, but they have a great product, they are a wonderful family-owned company to work with and we have enjoyed the experience despite some of the opposition that has come from many of the communities,” he said.
Traffic is by far one of the major issues brought up by the public and the commissioners. The traffic was evaluated by the petitioners’ engineers — Fleis & Vandenbrink — and Hubbel, Roth & Clark, which according to City Commissioner Sharlan Douglas is employed by the city of Royal Oak.
The city of Royal Oak will have final approval of the design of these improvements.
During discussion following the motion, Douglas spoke in favor of the project.
“This is a challenging property, and I think the applicant gave us a very clear picture of what some of the options were for this property,” she said. “I have heard from all sides of the issue that people in this room are vocally opposed to this, but if you look at social media, there are plenty of people who love this provider, the Sheetz; there are people who visit their establishment elsewhere and who want this business to serve their needs.”
as approachable as possible, and since it can be done at your own pace through Aug. 11, there’s flexibility to earn prize entries when you’re able.’
For more information and to sign up for the summer reading program, visit ropl.org.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
say, we need more of this and we need more people involved, because there is so much need in our communities,” Rugiero said.
“Being part of this event each year and seeing the support and generosity of so many people is so inspiring. Knowing that the money we raise is helping children and their families with programs and vital equipment makes this all worthwhile. We will continue to strive to raise more money each year to be able to support those families in need,” Jay Feldman, chairman/CEO for Feldman Automotive and Mark Wahlberg Automotive Group, said in a press release.
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
Changes to that intersection, which were in the agenda packet, included an upgrade to the traffic signal at 14 Mile and Coolidge Highway, installing a left turn lane for eastbound 14 Mile Road to the northbound east site driveway, and a widening of 14 Mile Road.
“We have committed all costs associated with not only the expansion of the lanes, the acceleration and deceleration lanes, which we have added on per request of the traffic consultants, we have modified some of the geometrics of the intersection based on their comments, and all of those improvements will be paid for by us,” Robinson said.
Commissioner Melanie Macey asked City Engineer Holly Donoghue to clarify approximately how much these improvements might cost, and how the city can be sure the petitioner is going to pay for them.
“This is probably going to be a full upgrade, where all those signals go away and we have new poles and new underground conduit, so we are anywhere from $300,000 to $500,000 in cost to do an intersection like this,” Donoghue said. “So we did make that point before the meeting and he (the petitioner) was like, ‘Yes, I know,’ so I think we are on the same page with that.”
Commissioner Monica Hunt also spoke in favor of the Sheetz development, saying that her biggest concern is the traffic, but she hoped that whatever went into that space would come with an opportunity to make that area safer for drivers.
“It’s adding value to our city. Following this process all along and hearing the issues with regards to crime and safety, that’s not really an issue in any of our other gas stations here. I think prior to COVID many of our gas stations were open 24 hours; that’s not the case anymore, so it’s really nice to have a 24-hour place to go to get gas and convenience goods,” Hunt said. “I walked in (to the meeting) on the fence and I appreciate the fact that many of these changes to many of the concerns by the engineer and our staff have been remedied.”
Commissioner Brandon Kolo said that construction projects will not begin for quite a while. The petitioners must now go back to their architect to get construction drawings and submit them for approval. They also must draw up a new road configuration and get that approved by the Engineering Division.
While that is going on, the petitioner must start the environmental cleanup. Once all of this is done, they can start building. Kolo said he wouldn’t be surprised if construction started sometime next year.
Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
The Royal Oak Public Library features stations with activities that participants can take part in.
low Country Club. Davis became the first amateur to win the women’s invitational.
Golf
from page 5A
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 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) 4981090.
Art
from page 16A
isn’t a one-size-fits-all format to how art looks in a home, and sometimes simplicity is the best option.
“I think it’s whatever balance is appealing to the eye, and not necessarily this mathematical balance that people try and use as a guideline,” Roko said. “For me, if it’s just pleasing to the eye, it makes for an easy space.”
The creator of any given piece is also trying to capture a feeling that a buyer wants in the buyer’s home, and if something triggers an emotion, then the artist has done their job.
“I really set off to create work with intent. … I really don’t think about where (the piece) is going to go,” artist Boswell said. “I think about what is going to make me happy as an artist, and I just like to create really impactful images.”
Perhaps most importantly, you want a piece that not only expresses how you feel, but is also something that can become a family heirloom. The value in a piece that triggers memories and emotion is priceless.
“If (the homeowner) thinks about the generations that (the piece) is going to go through, an original piece will add much more meaning to your space,” artist Valeria Zozaya said. “I think they should see it as more transcendent — something that is going to stay with them for life and something that will mean much, much more.”
Art is something that can turn a house into a home, and when adding pieces to a space, the goal should be to make the home special.
“Have you ever walked into a house with not very much art, and how does it make you feel?” panel moderator and artist Megan Swoyer asked. “It’s kind of like being on a street with no trees. … I think art actually warms up a home.”
To learn more about the Michigan Design Center and upcoming events throughout the year, visit michigandesign.com.
Call Staff Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
Davis walks the course at Plum Hol-
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FOOD TRUCK WEDNESDAYS RETURN TO THE TOWNSHIP JUNE 18
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — Starting Wednesday, June 18, and ending Aug. 20, Bloomfield Township will be hosting Food Truck Wednesdays. A different food truck will be featured every week on the Township Campus 11 a.m.-1 p.m., serving out of the BCTV Studio Parking Lot at 4190 Dublin Drive Bloomfield Township – just follow the signs.
This series is open to both Bloomfield Township employees and the entire community at large. Per Township Supervisor Mike McCready, “It’s the perfect opportunity for our employees and residents to gather, enjoy the summer weather, and support local businesses.”
The schedule is Simply Spanish June 18, Dos Locos Burritos June 25, Tacos El Guero July 2, Twisted Street BBQ July 9, Egg Roll Diva July 16, Dos Locos Burritos July 23, Tacos El Guero July 30, Simply Spanish Aug. 6, Twisted Street BBQ Aug. 13, and Egg Roll Diva Aug. 20. Vendors are subject to change.
A dining area will be provided inside the BCTV Studio, with all welcome, whether they partake of the food truck or brown-bag it. There will also be a pair of putting greens and a cornhole game set up for entertainment. Up-to-date menus and pricing for each vendor can be found at www.bloom fieldtwp.org/foodtruck.
CHARLIE BROWN MEMORIAL GOLF OUTING
EASTPOINTE/MACOMB — Odd Fellows Eastwood Lodge No. 496, based in Eastpointe, will hold its Charlie Brown Memorial for Care House 2025 golf outing Aug. 23 at Cracklewood Golf Club, 18215 24 Mile Road in Macomb Township. Registration will take place from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., and the shotgun start will take place at 2 p.m. For more information, call Tom at (810) 343-1098 or Dan at (734) 260-0554.
ROYAL OAK LIVE
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
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,
ABOVE: Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickerham awards and shakes hands with Meritorious Award recipients Dep-
Schmittler, Morgan