BEHIND THE WHEEL
Ferndale introduces new Market Days event for vendors, patrons
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
FERNDALE — A brand-new event will be hitting downtown Ferndale later this month.
Ferndale Market Days will take place over the course of two days, Saturday, July 19, and Sunday, July 20, in the Ferndale Area District Library’s municipal parking lot.
The event came to be after another big July event, Pig & Whiskey, canceled its plans to take place this year.
With a void in the month of July, the city decided to create an event to bring visitors to Ferndale, that being Market Days.
LEFT: Attendees take to Coolidge Highway to create chalk art during last year’s Berkley Street Art Fest. This year’s event will take place July 12.
BELOW: This year’s Street Art Fest will see an expanded pet area and more opportunities to adopt dogs.
Berkley Street Art Fest returns with expanded pet zone, dog adoptions
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
BERKLEY — Berkley’s colorful art festival is back to transform the streets of the downtown with chalk.
The Berkley Street Art Fest will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 12, on Coolidge Highway, highlighted by the return of its highly anticipated chalk
art contest.
Beginning as early as 8 a.m., each artist or team will create a piece of art in a 5-by-5-foot space. There will be youth, adult and team categories as part of the judging, which will occur between 2 and 3 p.m. Awards will be presented at 3:45 p.m.
“We don’t know what their chalk art’s gonna look like
photos by Erin Sanchez
Berkley celebrates Pride in annual block party
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
BERKLEY — As Pride month came to an end last month, the city of Berkley held a celebration for its LGBTQ+ community.
The fourth annual Berkley Pride Block Party was held June 22 in the downtown between Robina and Griffith avenues, south of 12 Mile Road.
The intimate but packed event featured residents and visitors in the heart of Berkley’s downtown checking out the vendor booths, taking part in games or celebrating.
Arleta Greer, of Saline, said she loves coming to the Berkley Pride Block Party because of how open it is with all the people and local groups, as well as how uncommercialized it is in comparison to other events.
Greer volunteers regularly at Pride events all around southeast Michigan as a member of Free Mom Hugs.
Southfield receives over $1 million grant for Nine Mile Road corridor project
GREENWAY CORRIDOR RUNS BETWEEN FARMINGTON HILLS AND HAZEL PARK
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
OAKLAND COUNTY — The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments recently announced it was awarding more than $10 million in Transportation Alternatives Program grants. SEMCOG awarded $10,707,004 to cover 10 projects in southeast Michigan, including one in the city of Southfield. Southfield will receive $1,094,801 for its project which, according to a press release, is a SEMCOG-identified regional bicycle and pedestrian corridor almost a mile in length on Nine Mile Road.
“SEMCOG’s Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) — one of our most impactful programs — enables us to provide direct funding into communities to improve safety for all road users, connect our regional trails and greenways, and improve access to key destinations like schools, parks, and jobs,” SEMCOG Executive Director Amy O’Leary said in a prepared statement. “These ten projects show both the need our region has for high-quality, well-maintained walking and biking infrastructure as well as the commitment our communities have to ensuring quality of life for residents and visitors.”
Southfield Mayor Kenson Siver said the city is committing to doing urban trails and getting more people walking in the city.
“Many times when you think of going hiking, you get in the car and you go to the woods someplace or a trail along a river, and
RIGHT: The hot and humid temperatures didn’t stop people from dancing at the Berkley Pride Block Party.
BELOW: Disco ball dancers move through the crowd and vendor booths during the Berkley Pride Block Party.
Photos by Liz Carnegie
See BLOCK PARTY on page 9A
See NINE MILE on page 9A
Fourth of July in Huntington Woods
TOP: Riders on one of the floats in Huntington Woods’ annual Fourth of July parade interact with the crowd.
ABOVE: Kids dance to live music performed during Huntington Woods’ Fourth of July festivities.
TOP LEFT: Huntington Woods held its 54th annual Fourth of July festivities, starting with its annual parade.
BOTTOM LEFT: Members of the 1st Michigan Colonial Fife and Drum Corps march in the Huntington Woods Fourth of July parade.
Photos provided by Huntington Woods Parks and Recreation
Market Days
from page 1A
“This was a concept that is not as complicated to organize as you would a festival, where you’re having amusement rides and music and everything,” Director of Special Events Michael Lary said. “It’s focused more on just bringing people down to Ferndale, do some shopping and then while you’re here, browse around the downtown local businesses, enjoy a PATIO Zone drink at one of the local bars or restaurants so you can mingle. That was really the primary focus.”
Art
fest
from page 1A
until they get there,” said Darlene Rothman, Berkley Area Chamber of Commerce executive director. “They’re told that they have to be family friendly, but we don’t know what they’re going to do before they get there.”
Nonparticipants of the contest also get to take part, as there is a people’s choice award, where they can vote on their favorite chalk art to receive prizes.
“We’re very happy with the quality of chalk arts that come and certainly people come who’ve never chalked before and just want to have fun, and maybe they’ve been practicing over the last year and this is a good way to come out and do it,” Rothman said.
This will be the fifth year Megan Homanick has taken part in the chalk art contest. A Berkley resident and art teacher at Clawson High School, Homanick likes to create art of creatures, with past chalk art featuring chameleons, a bird, butterflies and a pond with fish and frogs.
Homanick worked as a team on each of these works with her father, Bob.
“The first person I thought of was my dad. My dad and I, we’ve always done collaborative projects,” she said. “We had never chalked before, so it was something new for both of us to experience and come up with.”
Homanick is a fan of creating chalk art because it’s temporary and washes away, but it’s still challenging with the layering and colors.
“To do it at the Street Art Fest, it’s awesome because you meet so many people as they’re coming through the festival,” she said. “You get to talk to other people about the art that you’re making, about the art that they’re seeing. A lot of people, especially kids, ask questions like, ‘How do you do
The two-day event will have more than 30 vendors selling a variety of goods including art, jewelry and vintage clothing, many of which are handmade.
Angela Boone, of Angelique Collections, said she’s excited to be partaking in the market as it gives her an opportunity to meet people and for them to get to know her brand. This will be her first time participating in a market in Ferndale.
“I sell online, and so when people are able to see it in person, they know the brand and then it’s like if they do want to shop online, then they’ll already know what it is, what it looks like, what it feels like,” she said.
Boone, a Detroit resident, makes hand-
that? What’s that supply?’ You get to kind of share this technique or this process that, for the last five years now, we’ve been kind of honing in on or kind of having fun and really kind of developing it and making it our own.”
Whether it’s from judging or from the people’s choice award, Homanick and her dad have won an award in some fashion in each year they’ve participated, which she said was an honor and which motivates her and her father to come up with something good for their next chalk art.
This year, Homanick said, they’ll be making chalk art of her dog, Lentil.
“We’re so excited,” she said. “We can’t wait. It’s something we look forward to every single summer. It’s kind of, you know, mark it on our calendar once the date’s announced and get signed up and start brainstorming and start working. Obviously, I’m a teacher so I have the summer off, and so it’s a nice chance for me to really express my art and have some fun creating with my dad.”
The Street Art Fest also is home to vendors, a beer garden, a kids zone and a culinary corridor with food options. There also will be an art demonstration from David Zinn from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and a collaborative mural project from Daniel Cascardo.
Expanded this year from the last festival is a zone dedicated to pets. There will be a Yappy Hour Dog Zone with Scrubber’s Dog Wash hosting dog adoptions, pet portraits and more. There also will be another dog adoption area from No Dogs Left Behind near the bounce houses.
Last year’s adoption event proved to be popular with 13 dogs being adopted, which led to the expansion, Rothman said.
“We wanted people coming who have dogs,” she said. “It’s a great event that’s family friendly and pet friendly. So, we want to encourage people that do have pets. Because
crafted handbags from canvas and leather, which she also embellishes and paints. She started making bags for fun in 2009, but later made it her business in 2013 after she lost her job and her father suffered a stroke.
Now going on for 12 years, Boone said the business has its ups and downs but things are going well.
“I actually started out creating stuff from newspapers and magazines, what I had around the house,” she said. “I grew into leathers and canvas, and then I had a store in downtown Detroit, a small boutique. And then when my mom got sick, I had to let that go and take care of her. So, I was just doing everything online and just trying
we have a lot of kids events, people think, you know, they’ll bring their kids, but this one you can bring your dog. And because it’s a strolling event, it’s a good place that you can walk around with your dog to do that.”
to figure it out. So, I say these markets are the best way for me to get out here and for people to meet me.”
There also will be food vendors, a DJ and a children’s play area. If the event proves to be successful, Lary said he can see it expanding in the future.
“We’re going to start it in the library lot, which is going to be a nice space,” he said. “If it grows, we have plenty of more space in downtown to take advantage of in the future if we need to.”
The hours will be 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. July 19 and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 20. Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.
To sign up for the chalk art contest or find more information, visit berkleycham ber.com/berkley-street-art-fest.
Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.
IMMIGRANTS THRIVE IN BUSINESS, SHARE AMERICAN CULTURE
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — The United States of America is the melting pot of people and cultures: a nation built on the dreams of people who came here from around the world, often to escape persecution.
Three business owners in C & G’s coverage area recently took the time to share their stories of how they found their dream through hard work, determination, and dedication in America.
‘If you apply yourself, you can make it’
Johnette Eggert, owner of Elite Bridal and Donate a Gown USA Int’l in Farmington Hills, came to the U.S. 30 years ago to escape the civil war in her native Liberia.
“I think it was the best decision they made for me,” Eggert said of her parents’ decision to bring her to the U.S.
She said she knows Africa and recalled seeing people get lined up and slaughtered in Liberia. She said people from Africa would be grateful just to be
here in the U.S. and to have the chance to obtain their dreams.
“It’s America, and the whole world fits in America. America is a big enough light. You go to Liberia, and people would give anything in the world to come here. Even if they’re sleeping on the street, they know that they can go to the church and get food. You can go and get a job. If you apply yourself, you can make it,” Eggert said.
She said entrepreneurship runs in her blood. Her parents founded the Richard M. Nixon Academy in 1965, a private school in Liberia for children in kindergarten through 12th grade. Eggert said she believes education is the key to success for anyone. She also strives to help provide food to the community by donating to Cares in Farmington Hills.
Through the bridal shop, Eggert said she hopes to help local youth continue their education by providing scholarships. She also wants to support the schools her parents started in Liberia, where a teacher makes $25 and a principal, $75.
It was her father’s kindness and generosity to
See BUSINESS on page 11A
JUNK REMOVAL
Johnette Eggert came to the U.S. from Liberia 30 years ago. She said owning a business was a dream of hers after working as a substitute teacher in Madison Heights and hearing girls say how they wished there was an affordable store where they could shop for highend dresses.
said she and her husband, Rodrigo, decided to look into franchising their own Biggby Coffee business after the birth of their second child. Since coffee is such an important part of Brazilian culture, they thought it was the perfect type of business to get involved in.
TOP:
BOTTOM: Mariana Steganha
Photos by Charity Meier
NEWS & NOTES
LIBRARY TO OPEN NEW ART EXHIBIT
FERNDALE — The Ferndale Area District Library will be hosting an opening reception for a new art exhibit next week.
Linden Godlove’s “Keep” exhibit will have a reception at 2 p.m. Sunday, July 13, at the library, 222 E. Nine Mile Road. Godlove paints in styles such as encaustic, acrylic and oil.
“For this special solo show, titled ‘Keep,’ Godlove is bringing together a spectacular survey of new and recent works,” a social media post states. “The title ruminates on what we hold on to, what we protect, and also how we endure.”
For more information, visit fadl.org/linden.
Movie night
FERNDALE — The city of Ferndale will be hosting a movie night in one of its parks and will be showing “Moana 2.”
Ferndale’s Park It night will start at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 17, at Harding Park, 989 Mapledale St. Live music will begin at 6:30 p.m. from Kevin Wilson, and the movie will start at 8:15 p.m.
There also will be activities on-site for kids and giveaways. Attendees are asked to bring their own lawn chairs and blankets for the movie.
BEAUTIFICATION AWARDS ANNOUNCED
FERNDALE — The Ferndale Arts & Beautification Commission recently revealed the winners of its Resident Yard Awards. The winners received recognition during the June 23 meeting of the Ferndale City Council.
The northeast winner was a home located at 3261 Inman St. The winning home in the city’s southeastern section is at 443 College St., pictured left. In the northwest the winning home was 4225 W. Lewiston Ave., pictured right. And finally, the southwestern winner was 394 Fielding St.
Health discussion to focus on body and mind
BERKLEY — The Berkley Public Library will host a discussion on the connection of body and mind and one’s health. The discussion, titled “Understanding the Mind-Body Connection for Better Health & Healing,” will take place at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at the library, 3155 Coolidge Highway.
“The mind-body connection has been known for centuries, mainly through Eastern philosophies. In more recent years, medicine and science are realizing that there is a mind-body connection. With a better understanding of this connection, it is possible to help prevent or reduce some health issues, improve current health problems and, in some cases, have complete healing,” a news release states. “In this introductory talk, you’ll learn more about the vast subject from Bonnie Watson, a Reiki, spiritual, and energy healer.”
To register for the event, visit berkley mi.gov/libraryevents. For more information, call the library at (248) 658-3440.
Nine Mile
instead we want people to walk in their own community,” he said.
According to Siver, Southfield received funding to do the trail from Evergreen Road to Greenfield Road, which will be done in 2026.
He also said there is focus to layer amenities all along the trail. This includes benches, trash receptacles, bike repair stations, dog respite stations, public art, birdhouses, mile markers and way-finding signage.
“These are not sidewalks,” Siver said of the trails. “These are 8-to-10-foot-wide pathways that are suitable for biking, rollerblading, certainly walking, jogging, and one of the reasons SEMCOG is doing this is they want people to get outside, to not always get in a car. … By fall of ’26, we will have 5 of our 6 miles across Nine Mile with a trail.”
In the press release, Siver stated that Southfield will be partnering with the neighboring communities of Farmington, Farmington Hills, Oak Park, Ferndale and Hazel Park for its Nine Mile Road Greenway Corridor project.
Ferndale Mayor Pro Tem Laura Mikulski said Nine Mile has evolved from more than just a road and is now a connector of
Block party
from page 3A
“One of the things that I love most is to make eye contact with people, smile, wave, give them a compliment if there’s something that I notice about them,” she said. “Then I would also offer hugs, because that’s what first pulled me into coming to Pride events, is giving hugs to people trying to model affirming, accepting parental behavior.”
Greer, a bisexual woman, said Pride events are one of the few places where everybody can be their authentic selves and not worry about the judgments and hatred of others.
“When you’re walking here, you can be whatever it is you are authentically. You can hold your girlfriend’s hand, you can wear whatever makes you feel good about yourself,” she said. “I love that people can be their authentic selves and can show their pride in being something different than what the society says that they need to fit into. If they feel different, they can be that here and
communities.
“It is serving as a multimodal way for people to get from point A to point B and really enjoy the corridor,” she said. “Ferndale has always been a kind of a hub, like, around our Nine Mile area because we have a downtown there, but the effort to make it multimodal and expanding out across multiple cities, it’s really a regional effort to revitalize the entire corridor.”
The most important improvement Mikulski said that they as communities can make is to improve walkability.
“We see it in Ferndale and making the sidewalks safer for people. That extending out in Oak Park has been absolutely phenomenal with a greenway where people can walk and have pocket parks and things to do along the way,” she said. “I really think that was one of those transformational things, because it makes it nicer to go through to the different restaurants and retail stores along the Nine Mile corridor.”
Siver said that this is all about economic development and investing in Nine Mile.
“If you were to drive down Nine Mile from Evergreen over to Telegraph or beyond, you’d see the pathway and then you’d see — we’re not done — but we’ve been putting out benches, trash cans and way-finding signage,” he said. “Eventually, as money becomes available, we keep layering on things.”
Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.
they can be joyous about it. They don’t have to be afraid.”
Jeff Jones, of Clawson, has been to several Pride events. While not a member of the LGBTQ+ community, his daughter is gay and married and he comes to support her.
“I’m very supportive of her,” he said. “She is happy, so therefore I am happy. So, this is just a sort of a liberating kind of situation.”
Though his daughter wasn’t with him today, Jones attended Ferndale Pride with her and said coming to Pride events and supporting the community is very important.
“Family is important,” he said. “A lot of people have a disconnect with family, and luckily we don’t. It’s demonstrations like this I think that may start to get the people who have this hard wall built, they may decide, if they want to have a relationship with their children, maybe they should at least not resent them or resent their lifestyle and be more accommodating, if you will. It’s not the path they chose, it’s the path that someone else chose. And if they’re happy, then really where’s the negative?”
Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.
CRIME WATCH
Patron steals tip money, dines and dashes
BERKLEY — A 40-year-old Detroit man was arrested for allegedly stealing from a Berkley business at 3:09 p.m. July 2 at 28939 Woodward Ave.
According to the report, the suspect entered Crispelli’s Bakery and Pizzeria and ordered an 11-inch pizza and Long Island iced tea. He consumed most of the pizza and drink before going behind the bar, taking $45 from the tip jar and then fleeing the scene without paying for his meal, according to police.
Berkley officers located the man walking on Coolidge Highway. When police attempted to arrest him, he resisted by becoming “dead weight,” according to the police report. He was arrested for larceny in a building, obstructing police and defrauding a restaurant
.
Fake ID discovered
BERKLEY — Police were called to Quality Roots at 11:45 a.m. July 1 for someone attempting to use a fake identification card.
According to the report, a man entered the business and presented an ID for verification. The employee wasn’t sure if the ID was fake, so the suspect was allowed in while the business evaluated the ID to a greater extent.
The subject entered, browsed the products but didn’t buy anything and left without retrieving the ID.
A search of the name on the ID found the person to be a 19-year-old East Lansing man.
— Mike Koury
There’s nothing ‘middle’ of the road about these cars
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — There is a large group of micro/mini car owners nationwide who meet occasionally to bond over the unique vehicles they own.
They travel across state lines for activities geared toward quirky cars, funny stories and camaraderie.
Jim Golomb, of Northfield, Illinois, is one such car buff. He just organized the fourth annual Meet in the Middle Micro Car/Mini Car 2025. Micro/mini car owners from Ohio, Wisconsin, Georgia, Kentucky, New Mexico and more trailered their vintage vehicles and met up June 20-21 in Macomb County.
Marty and Marybeth Abramson, for instance, made the trip with their 1971 British Bond Bug all the way from Niagara Falls, New York. Jeff Lane, of Nashville, Tennessee, brought three mini cars along for the ride. Lane felt right at home with the other micro car fanatics: he owns the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville.
A microcar usually has three or four wheels with an engine smaller than 700 cubic centimeters. Types of microcars include bubble cars, cyclecars, Invacars, quadricycles and voiturettes.
Meet in the Middle was supposed to kick-start with an outdoor barbecue June 20 at Brandenburg Park in Chesterfield Township. However, because of unpredictable weather, the group brought the hot dogs and potato salad indoors to the Tru by Hilton Hotel in Chesterfield Township.
See CARS on page 12A
TOP LEFT: John Golomb, of Northfield, Illinois, poses with his 1955 Messerschmitt. He coordinated the events for the micro/mini drivers. BELOW: Marty and Marybeth Abramson, of Niagara Falls, New York, brought their 1971 British Bond Bug to the fourth annual Meet in the Middle Micro Car/Mini Car 2025.
ABOVE: The Amphicar, designed by Hans Trippel, is a vehicle that operates on land and water.
BOTTOM LEFT: Jeff Lane, of Nashville, Tennessee, unloads one of three mini cars. Lane, who owns the Lane Motor Museum in Nashville, drove his 1958 Vespa to Sanders Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppe in Clinton Township June 20. Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Business
from page 6A
those less fortunate that ultimately spared his life in Liberia. Eggert’s father, John Woolu, worked for the Liberian government and was on a hit list. However, the hitman who was assigned to assassinate her father recognized him and recalled how he had fed him as a young boy, when his family was homeless. So instead of killing him, he took her parents to the border, where they were able to return to the U.S.
Eggert said the business was a dream of hers after working as a substitute teacher in Madison Heights for many years and hearing girls repeatedly say how they wished there was an affordable store where they could shop for high-end dresses.
“I had a dream and for months and months, I kept thinking about the dream, and I kept thinking about the vision, and what I would hear the students say about how they wished they had a place that was fancy and had a set up that wasn’t like a thrift store, but still be getting a resale item that was high end, and I was like, ‘I can do that.’ And here it is,” she said.
‘The feeling of brightness and happiness was the first feeling I had’
Jenny Wu, who owns three Chinese restaurants, came to the U.S. as a child in 1981 to escape political turmoil in her native China. Her family was labeled as traitors to the country by the Communist Party.
“There was a lot of changes. I noticed the streets were brighter. The streetlights just made it seem like America was really beautiful,” Wu said of her initial impression of America. “Back in the day in China wasn’t like how it is now. They didn’t allow people to have lights or have anything really. The streets were always dark at night. So that alone, just entering into the United States, the feeling of brightness and happiness was the first feeling I had.”
She said initially, a language barrier caused her family to struggle with employment for a while. She said they only came to the U.S. with approximately $30 and two suitcases. Eventually, her mom started one of the restaurants Wu owns with a friend in order to help her godson get a green card. However, her mom, a pianist, did not really care for the stress of the restaurant business, and her mom’s godson didn’t care for it, either. So Wu, who had gone to school at the University of Michigan for organizational studies, which incorporates business with psychology, ultimately took over the business and expanded it. At one point, she owned four restaurants across metro Detroit:
JJ Crab House and Lucky Kitchen, in Ann Arbor; Sapporo Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi, in Livonia; and her largest one, Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse, in Novi. After 13 years in Novi, she closed the restaurant this year but still maintains her other locations.
Wu said she has faced some challenges as an immigrant business owner over the years, especially when there was the SARS epidemic, which originated from Hong Kong.
“SARS was a big challenge for me. A lot of people didn’t want to come eat Chinese food,” said Wu. “Also, back in 1993 when I started it, a lot of people saw Chinese food as really unhealthy. So yeah, there’s always challenges.”
‘This is something that, at one point, my kids can be part of it’
Mariana Steganha co-owns the Biggby Coffee franchise location in Lathrup Village with her husband, Rodrigo.
Originally from Brazil, she came to the U.S. with her husband, who had a temporary work assignment in 2016. She said he was offered a full-time position with his company in the U.S., and ultimately, they ended up staying stateside.
Steganha said that after the birth of her second child, they decided that a traditional 9-5 job was not something that was suitable for her anymore. They decided to look into franchising their own business. Steganha said their neighbor is the area representative for Biggby franchise locations and asked if they were interested in opening one. Since coffee is such an important part of Brazilian culture, they thought it was the perfect type of business to get involved in.
“My husband thought it was a good idea to own a business and long term, we would have more time for our family, too,” Steganha said. “This is something that, at one point, my kids can be part of it.”
They opened the franchise in November 2024. She said she really has enjoyed getting to know the community through the business.
Like Wu, Steganha said that the biggest challenge she had when coming to the country was the language barrier. She said her husband spoke the language well, but she didn’t. She did, however, have a foundational understanding of the written language and was able to learn it by submersion with her first job in the U.S.
“I got to learn how to communicate. I had to face challenges like talking to people over the phone, especially angry customers, with some delayed orders, for example. So you know customer service, so I was the first one to take the heat,” she said. “So that brought me a lot of experience. For me,
when I’m here at the cashier talking to people, that’s something that I really appreciate because it’s how everything started for me when I started my career path.
“I like that, and people get curious and say, ‘Hey, where are you from? I noticed your accent,’ and we start to get to know each other,” Steganha said.
She said getting to know the community and her staff is her favorite part of owning the coffee shop. She said she has learned a lot from both her customers and her staff.
Wu has been in the restaurant industry for years and said that her Novi customers have continued to frequent her Livonia locations. Eggert and Steganha, who recently opened their businesses, said that they just want people to know they exist.
Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.
The June 21 agenda was to tour Stahls Auto Museum in Chesterfield Township, drive over to Selfridge Military Air Museum in Harrison Township, and have dinner at the Sugarbush Tavern in Chesterfield Township. The parade of cars also headed to Sanders Chocolate & Ice Cream Shoppe in Clinton Township Friday night.
“I’m glad to be here among friends. This is what it’s all about,” Golomb, 75, said. “I grew up in Saginaw and my family worked for General Motors. Cars were my thing. I enjoyed them. I like unusual cars.”
Golomb can’t get enough of his 1955 Messerschmitt.
“It’s a two-seater. There’s a front and back seat. What I like most is sharing the cars with other people, letting kids see them and letting adults see them,” he said. “They’re fun. They’re unique. They’re different.”
Golomb also owns a 1957 BMW Isetta and a 1930 Rolls Royce Phantom One.
One reason for the Brandenburg Park barbecue was so that a small group of local Amphicar owners could make a splash in Lake St. Clair. That fell through, but International Amphicar Owners Club members still met up with the group at the hotel.
The Amphicar, designed by Hans Trippel, operates on land and water. According to the website rarehistoricalphotos.com, the Amphicar was manufactured in West Germany and first appeared in the U.S. at the 1961 New York Auto Show. The website states the Amphicar’s engine was mounted at the rear of the vehicle, driving the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission. On the water, the same engine drives a pair of reversible propellers at the rear with a second gear lever engaging forward or reverse drive.
Fraser resident Chuck Reiner, 70, owns a 1968 blue Amphicar.
“It’s all my wife’s fault,” he joked. “She
saw an Amphicar at the Woodward Dream Cruise.”
His wife, Deanna, thought it would be the ideal vehicle to take up north.
“I did end up finding one. I take it to a lot of car shows whenever possible and on Lake St. Clair. You can seat two people in the front and three people in the back,” Reiner said. “On water, it felt very unnatural at first. You’re driving your car into the water. After you’ve done it a couple times, it feels enjoyable. It takes forever to get up to speed. We go on all kinds of rivers, lakes, all over the place in different states.”
The Reiners trailer the car to Florida in the winter to meet other IAOC members for some water time.
“We have members throughout the country and throughout the world,” Reiner said.
Other IAOC members Tom Hurley, of Fair Haven, and Jeff McKeown, of Chesterfield Township, attended Meet in the Middle. McKeown has a 1964 Amphicar he takes out often with his significant other, Sandra Shenduk. McKeown morphed into owning the vehicle after his uncle sent him a photo in one.
“It’s just awesome. We get together in the summer and go to Lake St. Clair. We can travel in the shallow areas and by the bays and hang out with the boaters and go swimming,” McKeown said. “Little kids love it.”
“We get so many people stop what they’re doing and take a picture of the car,” Shenduk said.
Rumor has it that even singer Uncle Kracker once snapped a photo of them. Harsens Island in St. Clair County is a favorite spot for Shenduk, and McKeown has even medaled at the Algonac boat show. Not content with just owning one vintage model, McKeown also has a 1948 Crosley wagon.
Hurley said he purchased his 1964 red Amphicar from George Gray, an announcer from “The Price Is Right” who also hosted the “Weakest Link” game show.
Although the Amphicar “doesn’t go very
fast, everyone loves it. Everyone is waving at you. Everyone is looking at you,” Hurley said. “I’ve swam out of it. The first time driv-
ing it was a little scary. We’ve been to Lake Michigan. We trailer them and go all over. Just putzing along, it’s relaxing to me.”
AUCTION
AROUND MICHIGAN
Outdoorsman & Hunting Estate Online Auction #2. Bid now! 2024 Polaris Slingshot, ammo, knives, camping gear, hunting accessories, much more. This and other great auctions @ Bid. SherwoodAuctionServiceLLC.com. Questions? Call Joe, 1-800-835-0495.
July Online Consignment Auctions. Hudson Stinger Reverse Trike, guns, tools, lawn care, coins, collectables, antiques, trolling motors and much more! Visit NarhiAuctions.com often for updates, other great auctions. Questions? Call 810-266-6474.
BUILT RITE POLE BUILDINGS Statewide. Prices starting at - 24x40x10 - $18,300.00. 30x40x10 -$20,400.00. Erected on your site. Call for price not shown on any size building or go to www.builtritepolebuildingsmi. com. Or call 989-259-2015 or 989600-1010 or 989-324-0035.
BUSINESS SERVICES
METAL ROOFING regular and shingle style, HALF OFF SPECIAL COLORS! Lifetime hail asphalt shingles. Vinyl siding. Licensed and insured builders for 40 years. AMISH CREW. 517-575-3695.
MATTRESSES
MISCELLANEOUS
Amish-built mini-cabins starting at $5,295. Made in Michigan! We deliver statewide. Call 989-8321866. MyNextBarn.com.
POND/LAKE
Eco-Friendly Pond & Lake weed removal tools. Veteran made in Michigan. Visit our website www. WeedGatorProducts.com or call 989-529-3992. 5% discount code GATOR5.
Replace your roof with the best looking and longest lasting material – steel from Erie Metal Roofs! Three styles and multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Ofer – 50% of installation + Additional 10% of install (for military, health workers & 1st responders.) Call Erie Metal Roofs: 1-888-718-1856
No more gutter cleaning! LeafFilter ofers advanced gutter protection with no-clog guarantee lifetime transferable warranty. 1-844-3692501 for FREE inspection, 20% of, plus 10% for seniors/military!
Created
Created
Created
Adjustable Bed Brand New with mattress. Made in U.S.A, in plastic, with warranty. Retail Cost $3,995.00 sacrifice for $875.00 Call for showing or delivery: DanDanTheMattressMan.com. 989923-1278
Published: July 9, 2025
BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Afordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 1-833-776-0121.
Created
SAFE Step.NorthAmerica's#1Walk-InTub. Comprehensivelifetime warranty.Top-of-the-line installationandservice. NowfeaturingourFREE showerpackageand $1600Offforalimited time!Calltoday!Financingavailable.CallSafe Step1-855-861-4501
www.printingbypennylane.com ginad@pennylaneprinting.com
www.printingbypennylane.com ginad@pennylaneprinting.com
www.printingbypennylane.com ginad@pennylaneprinting.com
Electrical
Bathrooms
BATHROOM REMODELING
BasicBathrooms
Startingat:$10,995.00
Experienceofover 500-bathroomsacross Metro-Detroit, Lookatourworkat: andyscarpentryllc.com 248-376-0988
Lic/Insured/References
Brick Work
AA4DABLEMASONRY
586-822-5100
Chimneys,Porches, Steps,Flat-Work, Residential/Commercial Tuck-Pointing,CulturedStone,AllBrick&MasonryRepairs/Needs.
SPRINGSPECIALS
Upto30%-OFF Free-Est./SeniorDisc.
MOUTON'S MASONRY
Any&allmasonryrepairs. Brick,block,steps, chimneys,porches-tuckpointing,Cementwork, mortar-matching. 25-yrsexperience Free-estimates. References/Insured. 248-252-5331
PREFERRED
BROTHERSMASONRY
•Tuckpointing•Brickwork
•ChimneyRepair/Rebuild •ChimneyCaps
•CementFlatwork•Steps
•PorchRebuild/Porch Caps•CultureStone Senior/MilitaryDiscount Upto20%off! 586-944-8898
Brick Work
A-DMASONRYLLC. AllMasonryWork Bricks,Stones,Pavers, Blocks,Porches, Chimneys.Tuckpointing. 26-yrsexperience Insured,FreeEstimates. 586-873-8210 Filip
CENSODEVELOPMENT
MASONRYINC. MasonryRepairs, Tuckpointing, ChimneyRepairs, GlassBlock,Brick/Block Repairs,Mailboxes, Brick/CementSteps. FreeEstimates! Alfonso586-419-7818
Carpentry
GOTROT?
RottenWood ReplacementSpecialist AllTypesofWoodRepair Fascia,Soffit&Siding PaintedtoMatch AMGAppliedServices 248-828-7998 www.amgapplied services.com
WePower Re-stretch and Steam-clean ForOneLowPrice MultipleRoomDiscount CallNow:Craddock's CarpetCare,Inc. 586-754-9222
Chimney Service
ROYAL EXTREMECLEAN
586-219-0335
AirDuct&DryerVent Cleaning,GasFireplace Tune-ups&Repairs, WoodBurningFireplace Cleaning&Repairs, Multi-ServiceDiscounts. Royalextremeclean.com
Cleaning Service
CLEANINGLADY with10-yrexperienceis lookingforwork.Weekly, bi-weekly,monthly Excellentreferences. Flexiblehours. Bonded&insured. 248-890-8830
Decks/Patios
2025SPECIALS CustomDeck Building/Repair, Power-Washing, DecksRemoved, Composite,Treated &CedarMaterials, CustomRailingMaterials, CustomFence Installation. 586-260-5218
CASTLEELECTRIC
586-634-1152 (directcellphone#) Panelupgrades, generators,hottubs, 220lines.ALLSERVICE Licensed&Insured Dependable,quality work! License#-6111359
PREPARE forpoweroutagestodaywithaGeneracHomeStandbyGenerator.Actnowtoreceivea FREE5-Yearwarranty withqualifyingpurchase. Call1-855-773-8191 todaytoscheduleafree quote.It'snotjustagenerator.It'sapowermove.
586-755-3636
Dr.Electric AffordablePrices! Father&Son MasterElectricians Same-Day-Service! All-Residential-Wiring, ChangeFuseBoxto CircuitBreakerPanel, Troubleshooting,Backup GeneratorTransfer Switch,License#6109094 SenDisc.V/MC/Lic./Ins.
Gutters
A.M.G. Gutters&Downspouts.Owneroperated. Seamlessgutter installationandrepair specialist.Builders License#2101202369 www.amgapplied services.com FullyInsured 248-828-7998
*”STEVE'S SEAMLESSGUTTERS” Made&installedonthe spot.5”&6”Gutter Cleaning.Treetrimming, exteriorpainting, powerwashing. 586-778-3393 586-531-2111
GUTTERS &WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOMMICOLI 313-656-9402
Handyman Services
HANDYMANWOW
Painting,Drywall, Powerwashing, SealCoating *Driveways*ParkingLots MinorPlumbing, Caulking,Shelving, CallForaFreeQuote! 248-755-0246
HANDYMAN Extraordinaire! Doesalljobs,anysize, whenyourhome needsabestfriend. Licensed&insured. CallGeorge 248-515-5158
Hauling & Waste Removal
GOLDENBUILT CONSTRUCTION Additions,Garages, Roofing,Siding,Basements,ConcreteWork, Foundations,Driveways, PorchesandSidewalks. Over40YrsExperience Licensed/Insured 586-948-4764
ALLTIMATE OUTDOORSERVICES Fencing,Concrete, Porches,Masonry Repairs,Steps,Railing, HandicapRamps, Yard-Drainage,Grading, Patio's,Retaining-Walls &MuchMore. FREE-ESTIMATES 586-719-1202
3Sons HandymanService 586-888-9031 Electrical,Plumbing, HVAC,Minor/Major Repairs,AnySizeJob. FreeEstimates 10%Discount
AA4DABLE HANDYMAN HomeImprovement, Tile,Hardwood-Floors, Kitchen/Bath-Remodeling, Plumbing,Electrical, Painting,Hauling,Cleanouts,AnyHomeRepairs, FreeEst.30%Disc. AllMajorCC'sAccepted. 586-822-5100
***AAA HAULING*** JUNKREMOVAL Wehaulitall!Demolition Big&Small,Residential/ Commercial,Rubber WheelDumpsters-10,15, 20-Yards,Clean-outs, ConstructionMaterial, Small-Moving,Appliances,Furniture&More! Free-Est.Sen/Mil/Disc. 586-360-0681 ucallwehauljunk.com
BURLYGUYS JUNKREMOVAL removesANYTHING! Appliances,furniture, basementcleanouts, hoardersallwelcome! CallorText 248-224-2188
Heating & Cooling
HEATMASTERS HEATING&COOLING Springishere! $79.00/ACTune-ups, ACReplacement SpecialsNowThrough EndofJune. Call586-770-3233
Home Repairs
EXTERIOR REPAIRSLLC. Since1999 GUTTERCLEANING LEAFGUARDS Roofing,Siding, Gutter,Repair.Reliable Ask,WeMightDoIt! FREEESTIMATES 248-242-1511
Kitchens/ Cabinets/ Countertops
MR.BACKSPLASH ·CUSTOM BACKSPLASHES ·CUSTOMKITCHENS ·COUNTERTOPS *Granite*Quartz* ·CustomBathrooms ·TILEREPAIRS *FREEESTIMATES* 586-552-5416 mrbacksplash.com
Handyman Services
&
DrainageSystem Professionals
Big/SmallJobs, Yard-Drainage,Grading, Sod/Seed,Retaining Walls/Walkways/Patios, Senior/Military-Discounts
Credit-Cards-Accepted Free-Estimates 586-719-1202
SUPREMEOUTDOOR SPECIALISTS
SodRemoval,Lawncare, Landscaping,Pavers, Walls,Shrub/Tree Trimming/Removal, Mulching,Power-washing, Sprinklers.FreeEst. 586-727-3924
supremelandscaping michigan.com
Lawn Maintenance
2025SPRING
586-260-5218
Commercial/Residential
*Landscaping
*Decks
*SpringClean-Ups
*LawnCutting
*LicensedFertilization
*Aerating&Thatching VisitFacebook: BrightHorizonServicesInc.
PREFERRED
LANDSCAPING
SpringClean-ups, Lawncutting,Fertilizing, Trimming,Planting, Powerwashingand Sealing,Haulingand Delivery,Gardening Rototilling,MiscServices. Senior/VeteranDiscounts! 248-739-9779
586-792-3117
PETE'SPAINTING
SPRINGSPECIALS!
10%OFF Specializing inVacantHomes, Great-Rooms,Deck Staining&WoodenFence Repair,Interior/Exterior, Residential/Commercial. SeniorDiscount, Free-Estimates,Insured.
Painting
ANDERSON Painting&Carpentry
CompleteInterior/Exterior Services.Plaster/Drywall &WaterDamageRepairs. Wood-Staining.Wallpaper Removal.Kitchen/Cabinet Refinishing,Insured/References.Free-Estimates 586-354-3032 248-974-4012
Painting
PAINTING GPC MASTERPAINTER
PLASTER&DRYWALL Restoration/Insurance Projects, Wallpaper Removal/Carpentry, 30-yrsLicensed, BBBA+ SeniorDisc/FreeEst. 586.899.3555(Cell) 248.566.6460(Office)
(586)229-4267
AmericanPainting
Residential/Commercial
•Interior/25YearsExp. •PowerWashing •Insurance•Drywall •PlasterRepair •DeckRepairs•Cleanouts•HomeRepairs •SeniorDiscounts
PEAKPAINTING
Custom-Painting, Commercial/Residential, Interior/Exterior. Drywall-Repair,Paper Removal,Carpentry. *WillBeatAnyOther ReasonableEstimate! 35yrsexp.Sen.Disc.Ins. CC-Accepted/References. 586-722-8381
2BROTHERS PAINTING
CompleteInterior/Exterior WoodRepair, Powerwash, Free-Estimates CallFrank 248-303-5897 ReferencesAvailable
STEVE'SCUSTOM PAINTING
586-350-1717 Since1985 ProfessionalQuality, Neat,MeticulousPrep, Drywall/PlasterRepair, Interior/Exterior, Insured,References, Free-Estimate, 10%SeniorDiscount.
ANYONE'S PAINTER
Interior/ExteriorPainting Commerical/Residential PressureWashing, DrywallRepairs, DeckStaining, FreeEstimates,Insured. Call586-921-3654
FARR'SPAINTING
Interior/Exterior Wood&DrywallRepairs MoldRemediation FreeEstimates CertifiedMoldInspector 248-345-3308 farrsmoldremoval.com
NEBOPAINTING
ServiceAllYearRound
Interior/Exterior WeMakeIt EasierForYou, AllNeedsAreMet! FreeEstimates Call 248-953-7807
VKPERFECTPAINTING
Interior/Exterior SpecializesinKitchen &Bathroom CabinetPainting. Drywall/Plaster/Repair Free-Est.26YearsExp. CallBill 313-433-9400 586-746-9846 vkperfectpainting.com
WOWPAINTING
Interior/Exterior QualityPainting DrywallRepairs,Remove Wallpaper,ExteriorWood Replacement,Epoxy Flooring.Ins./Free-Est. 248-990-5388 wowpainting00@ gmail.com wowpaintingmi.com
MASTER PLUMBER
Sewer&DrainService. Remodeling,Repairs, NewInstallations. FreeEstimates SeniorRates. 35+yrsexp.CallPaul 248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852
Plumbing
586.524.6752
ANDY'SPLUMBING
33+YearsExp.Lic/Ins. CallUsToday ForAllYour PlumbingNeeds!! ServingThe Tri-County-Area 10%/Senior/Military/ Discounts Lic#-8004254
APEX
PLUMBERSCORP
586-210-0903 35-YearsExp.Seniors/ Military/Multi-TaskDisc. Free-Est.•DrainCleaning •PlumbingRepairs/ Fixtures•SumpPumps/ WaterHeaters.Lic/Ins. apexplumbers corporation.com Lic#8111771
EAPLUMBING ANDDRAIN
FullServicePlumbing. DrainCleaning,Sump Pumps,WaterHeaters, Leaks,Disposals, CameraInspections, BackflowTesting andMore. 586-477-7777 License#803020312
Plumbing
WATERWORK Plumbing.com
•DrainCleaning •SewerCamera •WaterHeaters •SumpPumps •BackflowTesting 248-542-8022
SameDayEmergency ServiceAvailable Reliable/Experienced License#8003885
Powerwashing
AJʼsPRESSURE CLEANING& SEALCOATING
•StampedConcrete(removemilkyorcloudyfilm)
•ExposedAggregate •BrickPavers(resanding) Website: ajspressure cleaning.com 586-431-0591
ALLWASHEDUP
POWERWASHING
SPRINGSPECIALS!
Weofferpowerwashing& deckstaining.Houses/ awnings/fences/driveways/porches/windows/ gutters/doorsandmore!! FREE-ESTIMATES
SeniorDiscounts 586-360-0827
Roofng
SILVERSMITHROOF MAINTENANCE
MinorShingle ReplacementSpecial, Re-Roofs,Tear-Offs, Flat-Roofs, AllInsuranceWork, Residential/Commercial WeAcceptAll MajorCreditCards 248-707-4851
CHERRY CONSTRUCTION
Roofing,Gutters,Cement, RefinishingHardwood Floors,NewHomes, Remodels,Additions, Doors,Windows, Fencing,Decks, Kitchens,Bathrooms. 586-291-2647
MICHAELNORTON BUILDERSINC.
BuildingValueEveryday 586-436-9600 Licensed/Insured Since1965 Servicing-Roofing, Siding,Basement, Bathroom,Kitchen Remodeling,Decks& AllYourHome ImprovementNeeds.
Professional Services
CONSUMER Cellularthesamereliable,nationwidecoverageasthe largestcarriers.Nolongtermcontract,nohidden feesandactivationisfree. Allplansfeatureunlimitedtalkandtext,starting atjust$20/month.For moreinformation,call 1-866-306-6243
PREFERRED
BROTHERSROOFING
•FullTear-off•Recover •ShingleRepair •Leak's•AllRepair •Flat-Roof•TourchDown •SeamlessGutters& GutterGuards Senior/Military-Discount Upto20%Off 586-944-8898
AA4DABLEROOFING
Hurry&SaveBig-$$$! SPRING-SPECIALS Upto30%-Off!!!
Roofing/Siding/Gutters, All-Leaks/Repairs, Residential/Shingles/ Commercial-FlatRoofs/Torch-downs 30yrs-exp.CC'saccepted. 586-822-5100
Tree Service
BERGBROS.LLC. “FullyInsured, HighlyReferred.” SeniorDiscounts Tree-Removal,Stump Grinding,Tree-Trimming, Hedging,Shaping, Emergency-Service Residential/Commercial Free-Estimates (586)262-3060
DAVE'STREE&SHRUB
25%-SpringSpecial. Insured,Emergency StormDamage, Large-TreeRemovals, Mulchinbeds/spreading, Trimming,Stump-Grinding,Season-Firewood (100acord)30YrsExp. (586)216-0904 davestreeandshrub.com
ELITETREE SERVICE
"Bringing30yearsof experiencetoyourdoor!" Treetrimming, removals&stump grinding.Insured&FREE estimateswithfairprices! FirewoodForSale 586-756-0757
Painting
Roofng
