Human element considered a benefit at local shopping plazas 10A
Ballot set for Fraser City Council election
BY ALYSSA OCHSS aochss@candgnews.com
FRASER — The filing deadline for the Fraser City Council race passed on July 22 and the stage is set for the Nov. 4 election.
The withdrawal deadline was July 25, with one person dropping out of the race.
This year’s candidates are incumbent Councilman Patrick O’Dell, George-Michael Higgins, Crystal Fletcher, Lora Michael and Matthew Dantes.
Three seats are up for election this year with each serving a four-year term.
O’Dell said he thinks it’s great that they have more candidates running than they’ve had in the past.
“Shows an interest in people wanting to make a difference in Fraser and I welcome all candidates to the race,” O’Dell said.
Higgins said it’s good to have so many people interested in running for council in Fraser and he thinks the last-minute withdrawal is healthy.
Trustees
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — The Clinton Township Board of Trustees made five commission and committee appointments at its meeting on Aug. 11.
Trustees approved William Rucker and Rick Adlen to fill two open spots on
the Planning Commission. Rucker comes to the board with experience in utilities and as a Little League umpire.
“Even though I am not a state licensed engineer, I have worked my butt off to get the position I am in today,” Rucker said.
“I have held various jobs in infrastructurebased (roles) that have allowed me to work on a professional level with engineers. I
believe that this expertise gives me a good handle on how utilities and planning should come along in township projects.”
He added, “I think my skills would, for this committee, bring real-world input to (projects) to cut costs, avoid delays and just to make sure our decision making as a whole is community based.”
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Rick Adlen speaks before the Clinton Township Board of Trustees in support of his application to the
Police millage renewed in township vote
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — Voters in Clinton Township decided on Aug. 5 to renew the Clinton Township Police Department’s millage for 2026-2035.
“There was a lot weighing on getting this renewal, so having this pass at such a large percentage shows us that we have a lot of support from the community,” Clinton Township Police Chief Preston Susalla said. “We already knew we had a lot of support from the community, but this just reinforces it, so it definitely makes us feel good knowing that we have the community support and that we’ll have the funding to provide the protective service that the community has come to expect and deserves.”
About 15% of Clinton Township’s registered voters participated in the single-item special election by returning absentee ballots or voting in-person on Aug. 5, with the Macomb County Clerk’s Office reporting 7,972 voters in support of the millage and 4,729 voters against it unofficially as of Aug. 6. In-person early voting was waived by the township board, with Township Clerk Kim Meltzer citing costs as the reason.
“As a clerk my expectations are always higher than the turnout, but 12-15% is about the norm on a special election,” Meltzer said. “When I saw the social media information out there (about the election) I thought we might get more than that; I thought we were looking more closely to a 20% turnout, but that did not happen.”
The run-up to the election saw some con-
Detroit Metro Football Club joins Detroit sports scene
BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
BRIGHTON — The sports landscape in Southeast Michigan has added a new team to the mix after a successful inaugural season from the Detroit Metro Football Club.
DMFC is in its first calendar year of existence and is already making a name for itself as a desirable destination for players, fans and sponsors.
The club plays out of Legacy Center Sports Complex in Brighton and has received great feedback on the facility and the product of play.
DMFC plays in the United Premier Soccer League, which is in the fourth tier of the U.S. Soccer pyramid. The UPSL is the largest and most competitive pro-develop-
Photos provided by Detroit Metro Football Club
Tattoo artist and Detroit Metro Football Club striker Max Rugova Jr. kicks a ball downfield during the team’s first game.
Spectators cheer behind a Detroit Metro Football Club sign at Legacy Center Fieldhouse. See SOCCER on page 8A See MILLAGE on page 7A
NEWS & NOTES
CMPL holding new reading challenge, September events
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — As the Clinton-Macomb Public Library works on its fall events schedule, the library announced a new reading challenge for adults.
Reader’s Choice runs from Sept. 1 through Dec. 31 with two reading prompts per month. Participants choose which of the prompts they prefer and earn a badge for reading that month. Those who complete all eight prompts will receive a raffle ticket and a bonus badge. Those who complete four badges will be invited to a pizza party and book discussion in January. Interested parties can sign up for the reading challenge at cmpl.beanstack.org/ reader365.
On Tuesday, Sept. 2 at 7 p.m., the first meeting of the new Teen Library Ambassador program will be held at the South Branch in Clinton Township. The group aims to give teens a chance to have their voice heard in the library while learning what the library offers. No registration is required.
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, Oscar Quiroz will lead a workshop on Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, one of colonial Latin America’s most prolific writers on Tuesday, Sept. 16 at 3:30 p.m. at the Main Library in Clinton Township. The presentation aims to offer an immersive experience into the rich tradition of Hispanic Golden Age Drama through the lens of the 17th century Mexican playwright.
For the full list of events and registration, go to cmpl. libnet.info/events.
FRASER — At its meeting on Aug. 14, the Fraser City Council honored the Baumgartner House and the city’s Historical Commission with a proclamation for the house’s 150th anniversary.
The house has an extensive history starting in the 1850s when the property was first bought by John Christian Baumgartner. The land included room for raising pigs, cows and an apple orchard.
This year, the Historical Commission has plans for a celebration of the house’s history on Sept. 7.
Council says goodbye to Sutherland
Members of the City Council said goodbye to former Mayor Pro Tem Dana Sutherland on Aug. 14 and accepted her resignation in a 6-0 vote. Sutherland plans to move to another city with her boyfriend, leaving the council seat vacant for the time being.
City Council members, Mayor Michael Lesich and City Attorney Don DeNault extended their
well wishes and thanks to Sutherland during the meeting.
Patrick O’Dell was approved as the new Mayor Pro Tem at the council meeting in a 6-0 vote.
The council decided to extend an invitation to Mike Carnagie, who previously ran for mayor in 2022, to fill the seat. If he refuses, the council will reconvene in September and decide what to do
with the empty seat. The rule states the vacancy is offered to the first runner up who ran for office, but, in the 2022 election, council members ran unopposed.
Coin-operated amusement device ordinance repealed
Also at its meeting on Aug. 14, the Fraser City Council decided in a 6-0 vote to repeal a previous “coin operated amusement device” ordinance.
According to items attached to the meeting agenda, the ordinance is outdated with roots dated back to 1975 and has not been amended since 1984. It also said that other municipalities are encouraging retro gaming and have repealed such ordinances.
Fraser City Clerk August Gitschlag said the ordinance was originally enacted to prevent gambling and that there are currently no public safety concerns.
Lawmakers ask Apple to not close Partridge Creek store
CLINTON TOWNSHIP — On Aug. 7, 16 state legislators from Macomb County called on Apple to reconsider its decision to close its Apple Store at The Mall at Partridge Creek.
The letter, addressed to Apple’s Cupertino, California headquarters, cites population demographics and the local business environment that supports the store and other businesses at Partridge Creek.
“Over the last 15 years, Macomb County has experienced one of the most sustained population growths in the state,” the letter states. “From 841,350 residents in 2010 to more than 875,000 today, the region is one of few locations in Michigan — and the midwest — that are actively growing. Clinton Township alone where the mall is located has seen explosive growth, rising from 79,580 in 2010 to nearly 100,000 residents today. This growth reflects a unique sense of vibrancy and demonstrates a thriving suburban community.”
The letter states the Apple Store was one of the first businesses to open at The Mall at Partridge Creek. The mall opened in 2007.
“Thank you for your consideration, and for the years of service you have already provided our community,” the letter says. “We ask you to continue your investment in a stable, growing community in the heart of Macomb County.”
Macomb teen receives ecological award
SAN FRANCISCO — On Aug. 11, environmental nonprofit Action for Nature announced Macomb Township 16-year-old Nethanya Fonseka as one of 15 recipients of its 2025 International Young EcoHero Award.
Fonseka received the award for her work through Plant It Forward, her organization that has been responsible for planting over 860 trees, supporting the Macomb Township Heritage Garden and backing a microforest project in Warren.
“Nethanya is a true changemaker,” Kathi Piepenbrok, mentor and master gardener, said in a press release. “She has galvanized city officials, courageously won over the support of difficult city councils, and earned the donations and support of many organizations. Adults and youth alike have a lot to learn from her.”
Fonseka was selected as a second-place winner of the International Young Eco-Hero Award by a panel of independent judges, including experts in environmental science, biology, and education. For the past 22 years, Action For Nature has recognized 360 EcoHeroes from 40 countries and 39 U.S. states.
TIME TO ‘SPARKLE’
METRO DETROIT — The Sparkle Network will again hold its Dress Into A Dream homecoming dress sale for high school students by providing new and gently-used homecoming dresses for $10 each.
There are dresses of all sizes and lengths for homecoming dances and special occasions. For the first time this year, the organization will have separate pants, tops and skirts in limited sizes for $5 each. All proceeds will benefit the Prom Closet Project Tour 2026, which provides prom dresses to local high school students.
The following Dress Into A Dream dates and locations have been confirmed:
Aug. 22-23 at American House East 1, 17255 Common Road in Roseville. Time: 3-7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.
Aug. 24 at Front Door Housekeeping, 11255 Hall Road Unit #104 in Utica. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Aug. 29 Meadowbrook Center for Learning Differences, 811 Oakwood Drive, Suite 303, in Rochester. Time 3-7 p.m.
Aug. 30-31 T-Tech Solutions, 1172 E. Big Beaver Road in Troy. Time: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.
Sept. 3 at Romeo High School, 62300 Jewell Road in Romeo. Time: 4-8 p.m. Students do not have to go to Romeo to participate.
Everyone who signs up for a dress must fill out an application ahead of time by going to sparklenetwork.org and clicking the Dress Into A Dream icon.
Fonseka
Warren, Sterling Heights seek defense advisor for Arsenal Alliance
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
MACOMB COUNTY — Several months after the mayors of the two largest cities in Macomb County signed an agreement aimed at bolstering the defense industry’s ties to the region, they have collaboratively launched a national search to fill a key leadership position.
The two cities are working together to conduct a search for a defense industry economic development advisor to drive the work of the Arsenal Alliance, a regional initiative aimed at growing the defense industry in southeast Michigan.
The advisor will be tasked with leading stakeholder engagement across business, government and military sectors; developing a strategic plan aligned with emerging defense priorities; identifying and pursuing state, federal and private investment opportunities; and amplifying the region’s presence in national policy and procurement conversations.
An Aug. 11 press release states the role is “a first-of-its-kind regional blueprint designed to secure southeast Michigan’s place at the forefront of national defense readiness and innovation.”
“This isn’t just about hiring a director
File photo by Brian Wells
The cities of Warren and Sterling Heights have launched a national search to fill a key role for the Arsenal Alliance, a $500,000 agreement between the two cities signed in April aimed at growing the defense industry in southeast Michigan.
fusion regarding the language of the ballot initiative. While the millage would maintain the 2.3766 mills rate currently set for the department’s services, language in the ballot initiative made it appear as though the rate would increase due to it technically being an increase from 0 mills once the current millage ends. This led to media and door-todoor campaigns from the township to raise awareness of the details, ultimately paying off with support from about 63% of participating voters.
“We had a pretty robust campaign of going door to door talking to voters and residents,” Susalla said. “We were getting a lot of positive feedback from those interactions, so that also helped to reinforce the confidence in getting this thing passed.”
The $9.6 million expected to be raised annually from this millage covers about a third of the township’s police budget. Had it not passed, officials across the township would have needed to look into service cuts.
“We have a lot of resources here that we’re able to provide such as school resource officers, K-9 officers, we have a drone program, we have a public relations team, a full-time detective bureau, evidence technicians, accident reconstructionists,” Susalla said. “We have a lot of things that we’re able to provide to the community because of the
funding that we have, and that’s why we have such a high level of service that we provide. If we didn’t have the funding for that obviously we wouldn’t be able to have those types of resources, and it would significantly impact what we are able to provide in a negative way.”
The Aug. 5 election was notable for being a first for both the township and Police Department. It was the first township-wide election under the new precinct map for the township, with trustees voting in February this year to reduce the precincts from 42 to 20 and the number of Election Day voting sites from 23 to 19. For Susalla, a 23-year Clinton Township Police Department employee, it was his first major undertaking since being sworn in as chief of police in June.
“Coming into this job (getting the millage renewed was) priority number one because of the significant impact that the millage has on our budget, so I tackled it head-on” Susalla said. “Being employed here for the past almost 23 years, I’ve done other millage efforts — new millages and renewals — and we have a very good team here of employees that have also been involved in past campaigns, so I was familiar with it and that gave us all confidence.”
“Everybody at the department worked as a team as we always do to see its success, and it was definitely a relief from my point of view leading this department to get this under our belt. Now we can look forward to the future of this department,” Susalla said.
Soccer
from page 3A
ment league in North America with around 400 teams. The league is just one tier below professional soccer.
“We have a vision of assembling a roster to help players become professionals. … Some will become soccer professionals, and some will use our program to become professionals in all walks of life,” said Alex Lubyansky, general manager and head coach of DMFC. “We had one player go on trial at an MLS club, and another player just got signed professionally in Germany.”
The club’s official team website lists each player’s position on the field, and their occupation or field of study off the field.
“We have built a roster with folks who have 9-to-5 (jobs) and are developing, and that’s been awesome,” Lubyansky said. “I’d say it’s unique to our club. We have this vision.”
The club’s support of players on and off the field is key. DMFC wants to be integrated in the community and make the game of soccer accessible to all.
“Our vision (is) to provide free soccer. There’s no youth component to this and there’s no pay-to-play component to this,” Lubyansky explained. “It’s to create opportunity. That was kind of our mission statement going into this thing.”
It’s also important to give the players as many opportunities as possible. The UPSL has spring and fall seasons every year, and DMFC participates in the U.S. Open Cup and the Merit Cup. Make no mistake about it: this organization wants to win, and it wants to win badly.
“We want to make the playoffs and make a deep run in the UPSL,” Lubyansky said. “It’s a very high level and it’s very competitive. … We want to compete, and we want to win.”
In DMFC’s first season this spring, the team ended with a 4-1-5 record and a +13
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goal differential. That was good enough for a fifth-place finish in the UPSL Midwest East division.
The team also hosted the Merit Cup, an event that allows anyone to try and beat the club for a $10,000 prize. In the first DMFC cup final, the team lost to a challenger.
Aside from a successful inaugural season on the pitch, the club also immediately established itself as a destination for players around the league thanks to its fanbase, facilities, and the way management treats its players.
“No one is doing it quite like we are in the league that we’re at,” said Jeff Tripoli, president of DMFC. “We’re going to create an atmosphere that attracts different talent. … Other players look around and say, ‘Wow.’”
That’s a crucial area of focus for Tripoli. He has lofty long-term goals for what the experience will be like at the DMFC.
“I envisioned something more around a campus, not necessarily a stadium,” Tripoli said. “A campus with significant training, open free soccer, and then from that, the best rise above, and we’ll give you a pathway to the team.”
Soccer is unique because it allows fans to watch their teams rise through the ranks. DMFC is in its inaugural year, but the longterm goal is in place, and the people that start supporting the team now can follow along for the ride.
“(The goal) is a moonshot, and that’s OK. It’s being the first non-MLS team in this century to win the U.S. Open Cup,” Lubyansky said. “In the modern era, no one has done it. That is our goal. To demonstrate that this model can actually put something competitively together that will produce the best team in U.S. Soccer.”
DMFC will release its fall schedule in the coming days. To learn more about the DMFC, visit detroitmetrofc.com, and follow detroit.metro.fc on Instagram.
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
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HUMAN ELEMENT CONSIDERED A BENEFIT AT LOCAL SHOPPING PLAZAS
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
For those who have active roles in various business spaces in the metro Detroit area, shopping plazas can provide some benefits for in-person shopping as opposed to buying online.
A survey conducted by the International Council of Shopping Centers notes that there are around 115,000 shopping centers in the U.S. with nearly 90% being small, neighborhood and convenience store centers. Also, about 83% of Americans visit a shopping center at least once a week and 20% go to a shopping center more than 10 times a week.
According to statistics compiled by CapitalOne Shopping, American consumers spent $5.927 trillion in retail stores and $1.337 trillion online in 2024, though this value does not account for seasonal adjustments.
The Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce works with major retail centers around the Maple Road/Telegraph Road, Telegraph Road/Square Lake Road, and 13 Mile Road/Southfield Road intersections, around both east and west ends, as well as the Adams Square Shopping Center. The plazas feature a combination of local retail stores, restaurants and chain stores.
Chamber President Joe Bauman says the personal service of in-person shopping may be more
See PLAZAS on page 13A
in Detroit and Dearborn, among other
The Birmingham-Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce works with major retail centers in its area, including the Adams Square Shopping Center on South Adams Road, south of Maple Road and east of Woodward Avenue. The plaza features a combination of local retail stores, restaurants and chain stores.
Photos by Erin Sanchez
TOP: Tom Petzold and members of his family manage a portfolio of neighborhood shopping centers. The business manages the Tech Plaza at 12 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue in Warren as well as other centers
locations. ABOVE:
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(Now Don’t Forget) We have a full service Auto Repair Shop on the same grounds. Our main mechanic Rick brings 40 years in the business. With his trained Techs, they have the knowledge and ability to do as small as a tire repair to pulling an engine or transmission for repairs or replacement. There is nothing the Snappy Repair team can’t handle. With low hourly rates and great pricing on parts, you don’t have to shop around and is why we say ONE STOP SHOP. THANK YOU! For taking the time to read about us.
WUJEK-CALCATERRA & SONS: Round-the-Clock Compassion since 1913
With 15 licensed funeral directors, totaling 350 years of combined experience, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is uniquely qualified to bring peace and comfort to grieving families in their time of need. And these aren’t ordinary funeral directors. Each one was specifically sought out by the Wujek and Calcaterra families based on their individual talents and expertise.
Licensed funeral director Dominick Astorino, managing director at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, is honored to be a part of this exceptional team. “My colleagues and I are career professionals,” stated Astorino. “Most of us have been with Wujek-Calcaterra for over 20 years. We are dedicated to our career in a long-standing way.
“We also have an excellent collection of younger funeral directors. As the embalming professor at Wayne State University School of Mortuary Science, I have taught many of them. I see their potential from the first day I meet them and watch them develop.”
These devoted individuals represent a variety of religious and cultural backgrounds. They have formed enduring relationships with local families and the community. They are familiar with the neighborhood churches and have worked alongside their pastors. This allows them to connect with all types of families, putting them at
ease at a most difficult and overwhelming time.
Furthermore, their compassion isn’t strictly confined to business hours. Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is one of the few funeral homes in the area where there is someone present 24/7.
According to Astorino, “We have never taken a day off since opening our original location in Detroit back in 1913. Christmas, holidays, brownouts, the worst snow storms – there has always been someone here to pick up the phone. We treat our families the way we would like to be treated. They never have to talk to an answering machine, and they know their loved one is never left unattended.”
In addition to the 15 funeral directors, there is a support staff of 35 capable and compassionate individuals to complete the team at Wujek-Cacaterra & Sons. “We can serve all of our families, giving them everything they need – much like a personalized concierge.”
From preplanning to aftercare services, Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons is available seven days a week, 365 days a year. They offer two welcoming locations: 36900 Schoenherr Road in Sterling Heights, phone (586) 588-9117; and 54880 Van Dyke Avenue in Shelby Township, phone (586) 217-3316. For more information, visit wujekcalcaterra.com or follow Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons on Facebook.
Plazas
appealing than the convenience of online shopping.
“There is a much greater chance you are going to be satisfied with your purchase when you can see and feel it before you buy it,” Bauman said in an email. “And if a problem does occur, it is much more likely to be resolved if you have established a relationship with the local retailer.”
“There is no denying the level of competition being brought by these massive, online retailers. But there are still plenty of people who want to deal with another human rather than a computer screen,” Bauman added.
At Petzold Enterprises, Tom Petzold and members of his family manage a portfolio of neighborhood shopping centers. The business manages the Tech Plaza at 12 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue in Warren as well as other centers in Detroit and Dearborn, among other locations. His grandfather started the business in the 1960s.
“We try to focus on being in ... central(ly) located, convenient locations,” Petzold said.
“We are a small family business, and we have shopping centers that we lease out to a combination of tenants, some of whom are small family businesses like us and others are more corporate,” he added.
In terms of the comparison of in-person shopping versus online shopping, Petzold says the positivity of the staff and the environment are really important to the consumer experience.
“When you think about when you’re creating a shopping center, one thing I’ve learned is that one of the constituencies that you’re competing for is the staff that work inside the stores and when I say that I mean you want to make your shopping center attractive, safe, inviting and even a place that someone could be proud to go to work,” Petzold said. “Like, it’s clean and you attract better personnel that work in the stores when you build a better shopping center and that ultimately benefits the customer to have the best people in the stores.”
Scott Marcus owns two locations of a franchise called Restore Hyper Wellness, one of which is located in a strip area at 643 S. Adams Road in Birmingham. The other is located in Northville. The business offers wellness services like intravenous fluids, cryotherapy, compression therapy, red light therapy and a hyperbaric chamber.
Marcus has had the locations for about four years. He says the Birmingham location is the busiest but that both spots are fairly busy.
“For us it feels like the parking is excellent, so that’s definitely great for us because people come in and out and want ease of access,” Marcus said. “So for us it’s a great spot.”
Because the business offers health services, there is not a huge concern about online business affecting them. The products have to be delivered in person.
“Because most of what we do is therapy-type services, so not something you can do online,” Marcus said. “You know, if someone wants to do cryotherapy for instance, that’s a cold chamber for three minutes. They’re not going to be able to buy something on Amazon to do that.”
The Golden Fig Gallery of Fine Arts and Antiques is located in the Adams Square Shopping Plaza in Birmingham, at 725 S Adams Road, No. 170. It is an art gallery that offers a wide variety of artworks and antiquities that has been in business for over 30 years.
“I did shows for contemporary artists, but I didn’t find that was working as a business model for me, so I moved into just vintage art and pretty much everything in the gallery is old and most of the artists have passed away,” owner Ron Povlich said.
Povlich works with a wide variety of older and younger customers. He previously did online sales before but, due to the cost of shipping and other sales factors, he found that it was not profitable.
“This is a very funny market,” Povlich said. “You can’t tell online if something is real. I mean, it can look like a painting but in fact when you get it, it’s either a print, a very good lithograph print laid onto a canvas, embellished with clear paint strokes to make it look like a real painting, whereas people who come in here, they really want to put their hands on it and see it and know what they’re getting.”
Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.
COMMUNITY BRIEF
Metroparks rolls out new water safety equipment
METRO DETROIT — Even with summer wrapping up, Huron-Clinton Metroparks announced on Aug. 5 it is adding throw bags, rescue boards and equipping parks police with LUCAS devices in order to improve water safety at all of its parks.
“With new life-saving equipment like the rescue throw bags and rescue boards, the public is better equipped to respond quickly and effectively in emergencies,” Metroparks Chief of Police Michael Reese said via press release. “These tools can truly mean the difference between life and death. The addition of the LUCAS devices then assist our officers in better responding to emergencies at the scene. Collectively, they represent a major step forward in our work to prevent drownings and protect lives across the Metroparks.”
The lifesaving equipment is paired with Metroparks’ “Everyone in the Pool” initiative, which aims to limit drowning by providing free swimming and lifesaving lessons. Over 1,900 people have attended lessons this summer.
“Too many families in our region have experienced the heartbreak of losing a loved one to drowning and we’re determined to change that,” Metroparks CEO Amy McMillan said in a press release. “From free swim lessons to life jackets at every beach and now new life-saving equipment for our officers, we’re taking real, proactive steps to protect every visitor. Everyone deserves to feel confident and safe when they step into the water and we’re working every day to make that a reality.”
Photos provided by Huron-Clinton Metroparks New rescue boards, top, and throw bags, above, have been installed across beaches at Huron-Clinton Metroparks.
GOVERNMENT BRIEF
MDOT hosts open houses to discuss pedestrian bridge study
DETROIT/ROSEVILLE — The Michigan Department of Transportation is holding two open houses for the public to provide their input on how they use pedestrian bridges in their community.
The first open house will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Aug. 20 at the Adams Butzel Complex, 10500 Lyndon St. in Detroit. The second open house will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Recreation Authority of Roseville and Eastpointe at 18185 Sycamore St. in Roseville. Both presentations begin at 5:45 p.m.
Attendees will be able to view posters,
take a survey, and view a presentation outlining MDOT’s efforts to better understand the usage of state-owned pedestrian bridges in the region. The study team will collect data on current conditions and travel patterns, perform on-site observations, and engage with people across the region to identify priorities and better understand community needs.
For comments or questions regarding the study, email MDOT-Metro-Communications@Michigan.gov. Attendees who require mobility, visual, hearing, written or other assistance for effective participation should contact Orlando Curry at (517) 2417462 or CurryO@Michigan.gov, preferably at least five business days prior to the scheduled meeting. Forms are located on the Title VI webpage, michigan.gov/mdot/programs/ title-vi. Requests made after this time frame will be evaluated and honored to the extent possible.
Photo by Erin Sanchez
BEHIND THE WHEEL
Rockin’ Robin
THREEWHEELER GETS LOTS OF ATTENTION ON LOCAL ROADS
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
If you made it out to the Woodward Dream Cruise Aug. 16 in Oakland County, you might have spotted Sami Abu-Soud in his 1997 Reliant Robin.
At press time, he planned to take it to the annual car cruise that brings together car buffs and spectators who spend the day reliving the golden age of the automobile.
Abu-Soud has owned the Reliant Robin for a few years and loves to take it to car shows and cruises. The British car has three wheels, one in the center front and two in the back. The car can fit two people in the front seat, two passengers in the back seat and there is a trunk where Abu-Soud keeps a spare tire and speakers that play his music of choice — electronic.
“The car is something else,” the Royal Oak resident said. “They haven’t changed the car style much since the ’70s and ’80s. This is the van model of it. It’s technically a motorcycle, so I have a motorcycle license.”
Abu-Soud, 38, purchased the three-wheeler directly from England. It traveled the Atlantic Ocean by ship, and all the parts for maintenance are ordered from across the pond. The Reliant has a stick shift, and because the car is British, the steering wheel is on the right side, unlike American cars in which the steering wheels are on the left side. Abu-Soud had no trouble adjusting to driving with the steering wheel on the opposite side.
“It’s actually pretty natural,” he said. “It keeps up with traffic for the most part.”
Abu-Soud has other cars, including a 1998 Dodge Viper, a 2001 Chevrolet Corvette and two Subaru WRXs. But the Reliant is his favorite vehicle to drive in the warmer months around town, visiting downtown Detroit or when running errands.
“I wanted something different. Anytime I don’t have to use the highway, I try to drive it as much as possible. It gets a lot of looks. As I’m driving, people take pictures of me all the time,” Abu-Soud said. “Even non-car people stop me and ask me about it.”
See RELIANT on page 19A
Sami Abu-Soud, of Royal Oak, drives his 1997 Reliant Robin whenever possible during the warmer months. The 1997 Reliant Robin was featured this past year at the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place. In honor of the Reliant Robin, Sami Abu-Soud keeps a tiny stuffed robin in the front seat of the car, pictured above. Photos by Liz Carnegie
Election
from page 1A
“I think it’s very healthy to have some new faces on council,” Higgins said.
Fletcher said she’s excited and this is her first run in politics.
“I’m just excited to help the city hopefully and just be a part of, a part of something bigger,” Fletcher said.
Michael said this is her first time running for council and said the process of applying was easy. She’s not sure what to expect.
Trustees
from page 1A
Alden comes to the board as a resident since the 1960s with experience in the Clinton Township Police Department and the township’s Planning Department.
“I find myself with a lot of time on my hands now and I would like to join the Planning Commission,” Alden said. “I think I have a well-rounded understanding of things and would like to keep this community — which is one of the best in the state — moving forward.”
LaVette York, Melissa Rintz and Cye Bittner were approved unanimously to fill three of the eight vacant spots on the Prince Drewry Park Advisory Committee. Bittner was the only applicant who chose to speak at the meeting.
“I’ve lived in the community for 20 years, right pretty much behind Prince Drewry Park, and I thought it would be something I could do to help maintain or improve the neighborhood and the community,” Bittner said. “The park itself, my kids play there all the time. I just thought it would be something I could offer to do.”
The Planning Commission terms are for three years and expire on Nov. 30, 2027.
O’Dell Higgins Fletcher
“I’m hoping for the best,” Michael said. “I’m hoping for a seat, but, yeah, I mean, we shall see.”
Dantes could not be reached for comment at press time.
Call Staff Writer Alyssa Ochss at (586) 498-1103.
The Prince Drewry Park Committee terms are for two years and expire on June 30, 2027.
Ordinance votes
Trustees also voted on two ordinances, the first of which was the approval of an ordinance to waive fees when the township is its own contractor on township projects. It was previously brought before the board with support from the Building Department.
The second vote was for the annual codification of ordinances and resolutions. Given unanimous support on its first vote and set for second vote at the board’s next meeting, the ordinance codifies two resolutions and nine ordinances passed between July 8, 2024, and May 5, 2025.
Budget ways and means broadcasts
Trustees voted 4-3 along party lines to move the Budget Ways and Means Committee’s meetings to the board chambers, located in the Robert J. Cannon Civic Center, in order to make the meetings easier to broadcast. Meetings for the advisory committee are held at 9:30 a.m. on the first (and third, as needed) Tuesday of a given month.
Members include Township Supervisor Paul Gieleghem, Clerk Kim Meltzer, Treasurer Mike Aiello and Trustee Julie Matuzak.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
18A/ FRASER-CLINTON CHRONICLE • AUGUST 20, 2025
AUG. 21
SCAMS presentation: Stopping Crimes Against Macomb Seniors, led by Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, 1 p.m., Hampton Manor, 18401 15 Mile Road in Clinton Township, (586) 469-5642, heather. esposito@macombgov.org
Macomb Ballet Company audition: Expand training through rehearsals and perform in classical productions while continuing at primary studio, 4:30-6:15 p.m. (ages 13-19 as of Jan. 1, 2026), 6:30-7:45 p.m. (12 and older) and 6:30-7:30 p.m. (7-11), 51504 Danview Technology Court in Shelby Township, macombballet.org/auditions
AUG. 21-24
Fraser Lions Club Carnival: Rides and games, beer and food, vendor show, and live music all four days, also petting zoo and pony rides Aug. 23-24, and foam party and fireworks Aug. 24, Steffens Park, 33000 Garfield Road, see times at band lineup at www. fraserlionscarnival.com
AUG. 23
Cars and coffee: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Pleasantrees (former Gibraltar Trade Center), 237 North River Road in Mount Clemens, more on eventbrite.com
AUG. 27
Spaghetti dinner: 11:30 a.m.-7 p.m. (or until gone), Lt. Wood-Cpl. Reid VFW Post #6691, 17075 Anita Ave. in Fraser, continues every fourth Wednesday of month, (586) 899-9883
AUG. 28
Wine tasting fundraiser: Includes 15 wine samples, cheese, cracker and sausage pairings, chocolate demonstration, and more, for ages 21 and older, 6:30 p.m. (arrive by 6:15 p.m.), Filipo Marc Winery, 39085 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, benefits Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers (provides assistance to neighbors who are elderly or disabled), (586) 757-5551, events@ivcinfo.org, ivcinfo.org/events/ wine-tasting-fundraiser
AUG. 29
’90s-themed party: For kids in grades 6-12, clothing
to match decade encouraged, 6 p.m., ClintonMacomb Public Library - Main Branch, 40700 Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township, register at (586) 226-5030, cmpl.libnet.info/events
SEPT. 2 & 9
Metropolitan Detroit Chorale open auditions: 7 p.m., rehearsals continue on Tuesdays, choir room at Fraser High School, 34270 Garfield Road, performances scheduled for December, March and May, (586) 792-7464, metropolitandetroitchorale.org
SEPT. 6
Inside|Out discussion: Learn about artwork on display in Clinton Township as part of Detroit Institute of Art’s program, 10 a.m., Clinton-Macomb Public Library - South Branch, 35679 S. Gratiot Ave. in Clinton Township, registration required, (586) 226-5073, cmpl.libnet.info/events
SEPT. 8
Macomb County Quilt Guild meeting: 7 p.m. (fellowship at 6 p.m.), Trinity Lutheran Church, 38900 Harper Ave. in Clinton Township, continues every first Monday of month through June (second Monday if holiday), macombcountyquiltguild.org
SEPT. 9
Music at Main: Hear Expedition (jazz, blues, rock, Latin and R&B), 7 p.m., concert follows brief annual meeting with Friends of the Library at 6:45 p.m., refreshments included, Clinton-Macomb Public Library - Main Branch, 40700 Romeo Plank Road in Clinton Township, (586) 226-5020, cmpl.libnet.info/events
SEPT. 13-14
Fall Art & Craft Show: Shop dozens of local vendors from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Sept. 13 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 14, held outside on north end of Macomb Place between Pine Street and southbound Gratiot Avenue in Mount Clemens, free admission and parking, downtownmountclemens.org/events
SEPT. 18
Medicare 101 educational seminar: Presented by Medicare Learning Services, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Macomb
To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.
Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, also held Oct. 28, registration required, (586) 465-0588
SEPT. 27
Jammin’ at the Junction: Car show, live music, food and awards, registration at 8 a.m. and vehicles on display until 2 p.m., Utica Road between Gratiot Avenue and 12 Mile Road in Roseville, roseville-mi. gov/332/roseville-dda-events
North Gratiot Cruise & Craft Fair: Also 5K, tailgating with college football games, food trucks, live music, kids zone, car show and awards, car parade, cornhole tournament, and vendor tables, headquarters in Kohl’s parking lot, 50500 Gratiot Ave. in Chesterfield Township, see times and other locations at www. cruisegratiot.com
ONGOING
Farmers market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 13 and Oct. 11, John F. Kennedy Knights of Columbus Council #5460, 33320 Kelly Road in Clinton Township, (586) 610-2990
Outdoor Summer Movie Series: Free event features “Finding Nemo” Sept. 6 and “The Incredibles” Sept. 13, also face painting, cotton candy and popcorn, bring blanket or chair, coolers permitted (no alcohol), screenings start around dusk, Steffens Park, 33000 Garfield Road, (586) 293-3100 (ext. 205), facebook. com/fraserrecreation
Baumgartner House Museum open houses: Also sales most first Sundays of month, 18577 Masonic Blvd. in Fraser, see times and dates at facebook.com/ baumgartnerhouse, read story about 150th anniversary at candgnews.com
Summer Sounds: Free concerts from 5-8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 3-6 p.m. Sundays until Aug. 31, also 3-6 p.m. Sept. 1 (Labor Day), Center Court at The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Road in Clinton Township, see lineup at shoppartridgecreek. com/events
Summer Concert Series: Hear Taylor Tucky (country) Aug. 24 and Larry Lee & the Back in the Day Band
BUSINESS CLIP
B&M Exclusive Fashions hosts grand opening, ribbon-cutting ceremony
B&M Exclusive Fashions celebrated the grand opening and ribbon-cutting of its new Clinton Township boutique on Aug. 1.
(funk, R&B and soul) Sept. 1, 6:30-9 p.m., Lake St. Clair Metropark, 31300 Metropolitan Parkway in Harrison Township, metroparks.com/lake-st-clairmetropark
Wellness Wednesdays: Free yoga classes sponsored by Henry Ford Health, 9-10 a.m. Aug. 20 and 27, Center Court at The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Road in Clinton Township, shoppartridgecreek. com/events
Uptown Friday Night Concert Series: Hear Spooky Sterling (Motown and classic rock) Aug. 22 and more weekly until Sept. 12, 7-9 p.m., stage in front of O’Halloran’s Public House on Macomb Place in downtown Mount Clemens, downtownmountclemens. org/events
Car shows: 3-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Ram’s Horn Fraser, 31917 Utica Road, (586) 296-1744, ramshornfraser. com
• 5-8 p.m. Aug. 21 and Sept. 18, Sanders Chocolate and Ice Cream Shoppe, 23770 Hall Road in Clinton Township, (586) 464-5372
Widowed Friends breakfasts: 10:30 a.m. every second Monday of month, Big Boy, 16880 Hall Road in Clinton Township, RSVP to Gerry at (586) 556-9471, widowedfriends.com
Live entertainment: 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, Great Baraboo Brewing Co., 35905 Utica Road in Clinton Township, (586) 792-7397, greatbaraboo.com
Book clubs: Find meetups about historic American figures (Presidential Book Club), solving cases (Mysteries & Munchies), quiet reading for adults and kids (Silent Book Club and Silent Book Club Jr), and recipes and sharing dishes (Cookbook Club), Fraser Public Library, 15260 15 Mile Road, (586) 293-2055, fraserpubliclibrary.org
Men overcoming loss ofpartner/spouse meetings: 6-7:30 p.m. every third Tuesday of month, virtual and in person, Hospice of Michigan, 39531 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, wlawton@hom.org, (586) 263-8514
Co-founders and CEOs Brenda and Mamie welcomed guests to their store, describing it as a place “where your impressive style journey begins.” The boutique offers a curated selection of head-to-toe fashion, including designer apparel, footwear, and accessories — each item handpicked to ensure customers make a statement with clothing that fits as well as it flatters.
“Our motto is, ‘We Dress to Impress,’” the founders said. “We’re here to help you craft the perfect, unforgettable look.”
For more information, go to bmexclusivefashions.com, follow them on social media @bmexclusivefashions, email brendamayes012@comcast.net, call (313) 580-6528, or stop by the boutique at 39755 Garfield Road, in Clinton Township.
Defense
from page 6A
of defense policy, strategy and advocacy — it’s about choosing the right partner to help us build the future,” Warren Mayor Lori Stone said in a statement.
The Arsenal Alliance is a $500,000 agreement between Warren and Sterling Heights, which was signed in April. It aims to build on the strong defense industry already present in Macomb County by driving development, job creation and retention.
“It’s long past time that we collaborate on more issues like this for the benefit of our people and for the betterment, really, of the nation,” Sterling Heights Mayor Michael Taylor said at the April press conference.
The agreement, he said, takes funding from both cities to create a joint venture to support the contractors that are already here while also helping to find new government contracts through the Department of Defense.
In the Aug. 11 press release, Arsenal Al-
Reliant
from page 16A
Abu-Soud also lets friends and even strangers drive the car, usually in parking lots or around the block. They just have to know how to operate a stick shift.
“I bought it to have fun,” said AbuSoud, who always makes sure to go with guest drivers. “Everyone has been able to drive it, no problem.”
One of Abu-Soud’s neighbors who works in the automotive industry helped him tune up the Reliant Robin.
“It’s pretty solid otherwise,” he said. “I haven’t done too much to it.”
The ’97 model, which has more than 80,000 miles on it, does not have power steering or power brakes.
“Basically, no frills,” Abu-Soud said. “It’s all fiberglass, so it’s really light. The car weighs less than 1,000 pounds.”
The four-cylinder Reliant is equipped with an 850 cc engine that produces 40 horsepower. When looking at the rear license plate, it reads “Flipy,” because the cars have a reputation for flipping onto their sides. That has not happened to Abu-Soud, but he saw it on the British Broadcasting Corp. television show “Top Gear.”
The ’97 Reliant Robin owner has always been into cars. Abu-Soud, who now works in real estate, worked as a mechanical engineer for 13 years.
“When I was a little kid, I started tinkering with cars,” he said. “I would fix cars. I
liance Executive Advisory Committee Member Mark Pasik said the agreement ensures that local defense companies, supplies and workers remain at the forefront of innovation.
“But this partnership is about so much more than economic development,” he said in a statement. “It’s a commitment to protecting American security, growing goodpaying jobs and building the advanced capabilities our warfighters depend on right here in our own community.”
The executive advisory committee, which is made up of public officials, private industry leaders, academic institutions and veterans advocates, will guide the selection process for the defense industry economic development advisor position.
A request for proposals opened Aug. 11 and will remain open until Sept. 16. In addition to being posted on both city’s websites, the RFP will be distributed through local, state and national networks and will be posted on BidNet Direct.
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
try to do all the work myself on all my cars.”
There may be a reason why he is so comfortable driving the British car. AbuSoud was born in England, and his family moved to the U.S. when he was just 1 year old. He also has his own version of a mascot for the car: a tiny stuffed robin he keeps in the front seat. One highlight this past year was displaying the 1997 Reliant Robin at the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place.
“It was pretty exciting,” Abu-Soud said.
According to reliant.website, which is the official website for the Reliant Motor Club, the Reliant Motor Co. was formed in 1935 when Tom Lawrence Williams built the first prototype vehicle in his garden in the U.K. along with E.S. Thompson. A number of different Reliant styles were built over the years, including the Scimitar GT, Rialto and Kitten.
According to the website, the Reliant Robin was introduced in November 1973 and replaced the Reliant Regal 3/30. The Robin had different variations: the Standard Robin, the Super Robin, the Robin Estate and the Robin Van.
The Reliant Robin had become one of the most famous three-wheelers in the U.K. until 1981, when it was replaced by the Reliant Rialto. But in 1989, Reliant brought back the Robin with a new look, including a new fiberglass body attached to a galvanized chassis and a single, central windscreen wiper.
The website states that the company’s last Reliant vehicle was built in February 2001.
