New ordinance to allow solar panels in Sterling Heights
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — A new ordinance has been introduced that will allow residents in Sterling Heights to install solar panels — with restrictions.
At its Aug. 19 meeting, the Sterling Heights City Council unanimously voted to adopt a new ordinance allowing solar panels to be installed on properties in certain zoning districts in the city.
The new ordinance, which was presented by City Planner Jake Parcell, will allow for roof-mounted, ground-mounted and building-integrated solar systems, with height and setback restrictions to reduce glare from panels.
“It has to be designed and located in order to prevent reflective glare. That’s something the sustainability commission was very involved with,” Parcell said. “That way people in the public right-of-way and adjacent property owners aren’t having glare created from solar.”
The ordinance was drafted by the Sterling Heights Sustainability Commission in 2024 and in February of this year,
See SOLAR PANELS on page 7A
Reconstructed DeKeyser Elementary shows changes coming to 2 more schools
BY SARAH WRIGHT swright@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS/UTICA/SHELBY TOWNSHIP — As the newly reconstructed DeKeyser Elementary School was ready to welcome students back, Utica Community Schools held a ribbon cutting and open house Sunday, Aug. 24, and a media preview a few days earlier, to showcase
See DEKEYSER on page 18A
TOP: The kindergarten area at the newly remodeled DeKeyser Elementary in Utica Community Schools features a collaboration area as well as separate classrooms.
A
ABOVE:
second grade classroom at the newly renovated DeKeyser Elementary is ready for students Aug. 21.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
Come run our beautiful memorial park grounds linedwith over500 large American fl�gs ... all frThe Michigan Wounded& Returning Warrior Program that benefts so many veteranswitb struggles thatlinger on. Then stayfr a fntastic concert featuring three countrystars, andvisitTheWall ofRemembrance honoring sacrifces during the War On Terror.
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BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights City Council has voted to make improvements at one of the city’s parks.
At its Aug. 19 meeting, the council voted unanimously to purchase and install ADA-compliant bleachers at Gerald N. Donovan Park, located on Clinton River Road.
According to the agenda item, the city’s adaptive recreation softball league has four summer travel softball teams that utilize the ball diamonds at the park, which has led to larger and more diverse crowds attending each game on a regular basis.
“To ensure players and family members have full accessibility, the city has made a commitment to installing ADA-compliant amenities within Donovan Park,” the agenda states.
See BLEACHERS on page 20A
Bus driver electrocuted while performing ‘non-routine task’ City Council votes to install new bleachers at Donovan Park
BY BRIAN WELLS bwells@candgnews.com
STERLING HEIGHTS — A 41-yearold school bus driver from Grosse Pointe Park died after touching a power line while working on a lift on Aug. 25, Sterling Heights police said in a media release.
According to the release, emergency dispatch received a call at approximately 2:30 p.m. about a man who touched a pow-
er line while working on a mechanical lift and was electrocuted.
An officer arrived on the scene and observed the victim unresponsive on the lift, still in the air and touching the power lines, the release states. The Sterling Heights Fire Department arrived, as well as crews from DTE Energy.
According to a statement issued by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the victim was a school bus
driver working near the bus parking lot at 6785 Metro Parkway.
“On August 25, 2025, a 41-year-old school bus driver was in a boom lift performing the non-routine task of trimming trees near energized power lines at the perimeter of the school bus parking lot,” the statement said.
First responders were able to remove the man and began performing CPR. He was then transported to a hospital where he
was pronounced dead.
“During the task, the victim came in contact with the power lines and died from injuries sustained,” according to the statement from MiOSHA.
The incident is still under investigation, and no further information has been released.
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
At its Aug. 19 meeting, the Sterling Heights City Council voted unanimously to purchase and install ADA-compliant bleachers at Gerald N. Donovan Park, located on Clinton River Road.
Photos by Brian Wells
Peanuts gang seeks blood donors
METRO DETROIT — The American Red Cross and Peanuts have teamed up to recruit blood donors.
In celebration of the 75th anniversary of the Peanuts cartoon, those who give blood Aug. 29 through Sept. 21 will get an exclusive Red Cross x Peanuts mystery bag with one of four special T-shirt designs while they last. There also will be several “golden tickets” randomly hidden in the mystery bags throughout the country. Donors who find a golden ticket will have the chance to redeem it through an online form for all four T-shirts. Go to RedCrossBlood.org/Peanuts for details. Donors of all blood types, especially those with types O positive and B negative blood, are needed. To make an appointment visit RedCrossBlood.org, call (800)-RED CROSS or use the Red Cross Blood Donor app.
The Peanuts gang, which includes Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy and Linus, was created by Charles M. Schulz.
Unity IV Toastmasters’ coming up
WARREN — Unity IV Toastmasters of Warren invites the public to its annual open house from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 20 at St. Martin De Porres Church Parish Center, located at 31555 Hoover Road. This year’s theme, “Harvest Your Potential,” celebrates growth and achievement.
Toastmasters International is a nonprofit, worldwide organization that helps its members improve their communication, public speaking, and leadership skills. Attendees will engage in speeches, table topics, and meet club members who have transformed their personal and professional lives through Toastmasters.
Resmy Francis, shown in the photo, facilitated the Toastmasters International speech contest. Admission is free. Please RSVP to Janet at jsilvestri250@gmail.com by Sept. 13. For more information go to unityiv.toastmastersclubs.org.
Date set for public hearing regarding proposed storage facility
STERLING HEIGHTS — The Sterling Heights City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, Sept. 15 at 7 p.m. to consider a proposed storage unit on 14 Mile Road.
The proposed facility, named Red Run MiniStorage, will convert a little over six acres on the north side of 14 Mile Road into an outdoor selfstorage facility consisting of 10 buildings and 167 exterior storage units, according to the agenda item from City Council’s Aug. 19 meeting.
To mitigate environmental and logistical challenges, the developer plans to preserve the existing trees and avoid building near the Red Run.
Human Services Board/Social Services Board vacancy
DONATIONS SOUGHT FOR MISD HOMELESS EDUCATION PROJECT
MACOMB COUNTY — Donations are being accepted for the Macomb Intermediate School District Homeless Education Project. The MISD Homeless Education Project works with Macomb County’s 21 local districts and charter schools to provide backpacks, school supplies, hygiene products, socks, hats, gloves and emergency food cards to students in need.
Last year, the MISD Homeless Education Project distributed backpacks and school supplies to nearly 1,500 homeless students. Donations can be dropped off throughout the year at the MISD building, 44001 Garfield Road in Clinton Township.
For more information or to coordinate a donation, contact Sara Orris at sorris@misd.net.
MACOMB COUNTY — The Macomb County Board of Commissioners is seeking to fill one upcoming vacancy on the Human Services Board/Social Services Board. Applicants must be Macomb County residents and must not hold an elective office. The three-year term runs from Nov. 1, 2025, through Oct. 31, 2028.
The Social Services Board administers the provisions of the county’s social welfare services in accordance with the Social Welfare Act, Public Act 280 of 1939, including the Martha T. Berry Medical Facility. The Human Services Board has operational control of the Martha T. Berry Facility as specified by the joint operation agreement of Jan. 22, 2009. More information and the application for this position can be found at bocmacomb.org. Applications must be received by 5 p.m. on Sept. 30, and should be sent to: Macomb County Board of Commissioners; 1 South Main Street, 9th Floor, Mount Clemens, MI 48043 or emailed to bocadmin@macombgov.org. Applicants should expect to attend the Government Oversight Committee meeting at 3 p.m. on Oct. 7 for a public interview. Appointments will take place at the full board meeting on Oct. 23.
“Many foot problems in people with diabetes occur when injuries and infections go unnoticed and untreated. Healing can be delayed due to decreased feeling in the feet (neuropathy) and poor circulation. I will evaluate your feet regularly to detect any changes early, before they become a problem. Call me for an appointment and I will work with you to keep your feet healthy.”
OLD CROWD RETURNS FOR ANNUAL GATHERING
BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
MOUNT CLEMENS — At the sounding of a whistle shortly after 9 a.m. on Aug. 21, the denizens of Mount Clemens were awoken by the thundering drums and trumpeting horns of one of Macomb County’s oldest traditions, marching through the city’s streets.
The Old Crowd, a group of 240 men that have been assembling every August in the county seat since 1880, gathered and set off for its 145th day of festivities. The first meeting of the group occurred as four former residents of Mount Clemens were looking for a way to reconnect as they began moving into the surrounding townships and elsewhere in the state.
“The founding fathers … were members of the community here, and they saw that in 1880 already people were moving away into the nether regions of Macomb County,” Old Crowd Vice Chairman Paul Berger said. “So, what they tried to do is they tried to have a reunion; get everybody together and invite everyone in.”
See OLD CROWD on page 20A
Members of the Old Crowd marching band lead the Old Crowd parade down Main Street in Mount Clemens on Aug. 21.
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Solar panels
they made a recommendation that the City Council adopt it. Before coming before the council, it was reviewed by the Planning Commission in July, which voted unanimously to send it to the council.
The ordinance allows residents to install solar panels in a variety of fashions, including roof-mounted units, which Parcell said most people are familiar with. They would be permitted on principal and accessory buildings such as sheds and garages, he said. Solar panels mounted in this way would not be required to sit flush against the structure but cannot exceed 10 feet above the roof.
“So if you think of a commercial or an industrial building that has it on the roof, they’re allowed to tilt up to a maximum height of 10 feet,” he said. “That way, it can kind of catch the sun at its appropriate angle.”
The recommended angle for a roofmounted solar panel in Sterling Heights is 30 degrees, he said, so they don’t anticipate them to be tilted to a very significant degree.
Under the new ordinance, groundmounted solar panels will also be allowed, though they cannot exceed 15 feet in height, or 10 feet in height in residential lots less than a quarter acre. They must also be placed in the side yard and may be subject to a three-foot rear and side setback.
Integrated solar devices will also be allowed under the new ordinance.
“So there are shingles and other types of technology that actually can be solar panels now, and they lie flat, flush on the roof, so they’re integrated into the structure itself,
rather than placed on top of the existing structure,” he said. “This would be allowed in any zoning district where the underlying building is allowed.”
Parcell also said solar panels would be allowed on carports. However, Sustainability Commission member Nathan Inks said they wouldn’t be allowed on residential carports.
“If anybody’s familiar with Michigan State University’s parking lots and what they’ve installed for their carport solar up there, this would allow solar panels that are actually forming the carports themselves, as opposed to going on top of an existing carport,” he said.
Inks said these would likely be seen in industrial sites or large commercial sites. These would not be allowed in any residential districts, he said.
However, Parcell said, all solar systems would need a permit.
While Mayor Pro Tem Liz Sierawski said she thinks it’s a “brilliant” idea, she asked if the solar panels would generate any heat.
“Our neighbors are going to have this reflective thing, and is it going to create a little heat, wind or heat area cushion right in front of or behind their home?” she asked.
Parcell said he doesn’t believe they generate any heat.
Councilman Michael Radtke Jr. said he was happy to support the ordinance.
“I think it’s very smart. It basically mimics accessory structures throughout our community,” he said. “If you can put up a shed, you can now put up a solar array, and I think that that makes a lot of sense. It’s almost kind of like an ordinance in a box.”
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
MEDICARE 101 EDUCATIONAL SEMINAR
Sept. 18th 6:30pm-8:30pm • Oct. 28th 6:30pm-8:30pm Nov. 20th 6:30pm-8:30pm
Do I enroll if I’m still working Macomb Community College Center Campus University Center One Building Lecture Hall B 44575 Garfeld Rd Clinton Twp, MI 48038
Please call to reserve your seat 586-465-0588
BEHIND THE WHEEL
8A/SEPTEMBER 3, 2025 • STERLING HEIGHTS SENTRY Do you own a vehicle with an interesting history? Contact Staff Writer Maria Allard at allard@candgnews.com or at (586) 498-1045, and you could be featured in an upcoming Behind the Wheel. For more stories, visit candgnews.com/news/auto or use the QR code.
SETTING
UP ‘CAMP’ IN A CUSTOM-MADE CARAVAN THAT CRUISES IN REVERSE
BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — When it comes to car cruises, Jerry Naumann knows how to make a grand entrance.
For many years, the car enthusiast drove an upsidedown GMC 1984 Rally van that attracted crowds from St. Clair Shores to downriver communities. After owning it for several years, he sold the vehicle to a gentleman in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where the upside-down van currently rests.
But the wheels behind Naumann’s cruising days are still spinning. A couple of years ago, he purchased another offbeat vehicle that looks like a camper riding backward while connected to a 1985 Ford Ranger pickup truck. Naumann drove the memorable trailer in this year’s Woodward Dream Cruise Aug. 16 and made an appearance at the Berkley CruiseFest Classic Car Parade Aug. 15 where he “had a blast.”
Here’s the twist: the trailer isn’t really a camper but is manufactured to look like one.
“It’s just vinyl siding and it has a 2-by-2 framework,” Naumann said.
With a 1998 Chevrolet S-10 Blazer floor plan with drivetrain, a front and back seat, and steering wheel, it appears as if the Ford Ranger is backing up with the trailer behind it. But it’s really the trailer driving forward while pulling the Ranger behind it.
“Pretty much the body was removed off the ’98 Chevy Blazer and the seats were left there. The camper is bolted to it. It just drives itself. The Blazer is what pulls the whole framework of the camper,” Naumann said. “You can see the dashboard and the engine is all intact. The four wheels actually propel this camper.”
Naumann said the engine from the Ford Ranger was removed to make the ride lighter. The camper can drive by itself, but Naumann always has the Ranger with it so spectators can get the full illusion.
“The same guy that did the van for me did this,” Nau-
Jerry Naumann, of Berkley, brought his backwards trailer to this year’s Woodward Dream Cruise Aug. 16 and the Berkley CruiseFest Classic Car Parade Aug. 15. Naumann’s camper looks like it rides backward while pulling a 1985 Ford Ranger pickup truck.
mann said. “I saw this about three years ago up in Flint at Back to the Bricks. Very nice, high-end cars go there.”
While en route, Naumann often keeps the speedometer at 40 mph. There is no radio, and the air conditioner doesn’t work, but the windows bring in fresh air. Naumann attaches a wire between the two vehicles so the Ranger’s taillights and turn signals work.
“That way people see when they’re coming up behind the truck if I’m turning or breaking,” he said.
The camper stands about 7 1/2 feet in height. Naumann gets a kick out of driving the rig around town. When people see him driving by, they pull out their cameras to take photos and videos.
“It’s that shock and awe, I guess,” Naumann said. “When driving down the road, you love to see people, especially little kids, smiling and pointing at it. I just love seeing the expression on their faces and the fact they enjoy it.”
Naumann lives close enough to the Berkley CruiseFest Classic Car Parade on 12 Mile Road that he can see people as they mark their spots with lawn chairs and canopies to get a good view of the event. He loves to see so many spectators come to town, which he said boosts the economy and puts Berkley on the map. The same goes for the Woodward Dream Cruise, which stretches through several communities in Oakland County.
Naumann has always been interested in cars, something that was in the family’s DNA.
“I restored many cars and painted many cars,” he said. “My dad was into cars and my older brother was into cars.”
Along with the backward camper, Naumann owns two Plymouth Prowlers: a 1999 model and a 2001 model. The ’01 Prowler has 130,000 miles on it.
“That one, I drove all over the country just to events,” said Naumann, who belongs to the online Plymouth Prowler Enthusiasts car club.
This year, the club met up in Hocking Hills, Ohio. Last year, the Prowler peeps got together for camaraderie in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.
Classic Cars for the Cure Sept. 20
DETROIT/CLAWSON — The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute will hold its third annual Classic Cars for the Cure from 7 to 10:30 p.m. Sept. 20 at a private garage at 1330 N. Crooks Road in Clawson. Funds raised will support cancer research at Karmanos in Detroit.
The event will include a strolling supper by Forte Belanger, live 1950s and ’60s music by Stella and her band Intrigue, a performance and swing dance lessons from the Oakland University Dance Team, and dessert served in a 1950s diner. Guests, too, can learn more about Karmanos’ research.
Attendees are asked to wear cocktail attire or 1950s and 1960s-style flair. Al Trombetta, Classic Cars for the Cure automobile curator, has gathered 25 rare classic cars from museums and top collectors to showcase. The event is personal for Trombetta, whose mother died of lung cancer.
Debra Partrich, of Bloomfield Hills, is a member of the Karmanos Cancer Institute Board of Directors and also a cancer survivor who underwent treatment at Karmanos.
“If it weren’t for a doctor doing research to find a cure for the cancer I had, I would not be here today. I would not be able to watch my grandsons grow up, spend more time with my family, enjoy trips with my husband, or be around with my friends,” she said in a prepared statement. “That’s the most important thing. Just to be present. This event is a wonderful evening full of classic cars, dancing, music and just a lot of fun. And we are raising dollars for research. Research that will hopefully someday cure cancer.”
Helping to make Classic Cars for the Cure a success is Franklin resident and event sponsor Jeff Kopelman. His wife, Sandy, was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer but lived for 4 1/2 years because of the cancer treatment she received from Dr. Robert Morris and the Karmanos staff. Tickets cost $250 each at karmanos.org/cars25.
Partrich
Kopelman
Photos by Liz Carnegie
HOMES
10A/SEPTEMBER 3, 2025
AUTUMN FLOWER PLANTING BRINGS FALL CHEER AND A BRIGHTER SPRING
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Planting flowers around your home in the fall can help bring color and cheer to the otherwise dreary autumn season, and it will brighten your spring season as well.
“It’s a great time of year to grow flowers,” said Matt Colonius, co-owner of Piechnik’s Garden Center and Nursery in Oakland Township and Piechnik’s Greenhouse in Clio. “I mean, it’s a great time of year to establish gardens and rework beds.“
He said that as a landscape architect, the flowers do a lot to enhance the entryway of a home. He said the options are “endless,” and there are plenty of things to be added to a flower garden to enhance it, such as gourds, pumpkins and cornstalks.
“It’s endless. It’s not just natural beauty, but there’s other elements to this that can be added,” Colonius said.
“Fall is for planting,” said Nancy Kassab, owner of Flowers by Nancy K in Berkley. “By planting now, you’ll enjoy early blooms as soon as spring arrives.”
Colonius said that early fall is the best time for planting your spring flowers, but it can be done until at least Halloween.
“It’s a great time to plant perennials, especially this year with the cooler weather moving in early, they get rooted into the ground really well now and should be in place and ready for spring,” Colonius said.
“Tulips and daffodils are planted in the fall and not in the spring,” Piechnik’s co-owner Stan Piechnik said. “Everybody thinks that because it’s a spring flower you plant it in the spring, and it’s not. Fall bulbs are important.”
Kassab said that fall planting gives perennials and spring bulbs such as tulips and daffodils time to establish roots before the ground freezes. She said the cool weather reduces stress on plants, and fall is therefore an ideal time to refresh garden beds.
“It’s more hostile for rooting in the summer than it is in the fall,” Colonius said. “The spring is also a good time for us where rooting is heavier than growth. So, if the plant is not producing a lot of growth, it’s rooting into the ground stronger.”
Kassab said it is also a good time to plant hardy seasonal flowers. She said the most popular outdoor fall flower by far is the chrysanthemum, but other seasonal flowers include pansies, violas, ornamental kale and cabbage, camellias, and winter jasmine.
“For fall color you want to put in a lot of hardy mums; we sell some other hardy annuals like pansies, celosia, and some of the other annual grasses like purple fountain grass, and those are best used in planters for the fall,” said Colonius.
According to Colonius, many people are looking for fall flowers right now to enhance and freshen up their gardens as a result of the heat this summer.
“Hardy mums are a great way to do that, and we sell over 80 different varieties of hardy mums,” he said. “Hardy asters are great this time of year both for gardens and for planting in planters.”
He said the flowers that are not going to come back are best used for color by the door of your home, and the hardy perennials should be put directly into the ground.
Piechnik said that it is important to look into flower bulbs that are more resistant to deer. According to Piechnik, daffodils are much more resistant to deer than tulips; however, there are some newer tulip varieties that are resistant to deer.
Colonius said that in the spring, the flower bulbs come up and the deer like to eat them, essentially eating the flowers and ruining a garden.
Colonius said that they have a lot of products that offer some resistance to the deer, but nothing is foolproof.
“There’s really nothing that completely works for the deer,” he said. “They may smell at one and back away from it, but long term they might get used to the smell and figure nothing happened so I’m going to go ahead and eat it anyways, so we sell a lot of products that are kind of that way and they begin to work, and when the deer figure it out, they go ahead and chow down anyway. So, the jury’s kind of out on that one,” Colonius said.
He said there have been changes in the flower, nursery and landscaping industry because of the deer. He said they now often consider what plants will grow and not get eaten because of the deer.
Fall bouquets are another option to brighten a home. Kassab said the best flowers for fall bouquets include sunflowers, dahlias, roses, eucalyptus and narcissus. She said winter jasmine is “sunshine in winter,” amaryllis is “festive and dramatic,” paperwhites offer “fragrant elegance,” cyclamen has vibrant petals and heart leaves, and orchids offer lasting beauty.
“Flowers are so beautiful; they add color, texture and variety, instantly brightening up any space,” Kassab said.
She said that sun-loving flowers are usually low-maintenance if watered regularly and are good for those who are new to gardening.
Other easy-to-care-for flowers are marigolds, zinnias, sunflowers and geraniums, Kassab said, while roses, lavender and daisies need more moderate care.
According to Kassab, flowers are proven to reduce stress and boost happiness.
“Coming home to a garden of blooms creates a calming, uplifting environment,” she said.
ABOVE: Floral designer Amy Carrier shows some of the fall decorations and flowers offered at Piechnik’s Garden Center and Nursery in Oakland Township.
LEFT: Pansies are a popular flower that can be planted in the fall.
Photos provided by Piechnik’s Garden Center and Nursery
LEFT: Nancy Kassab, owner of Flowers by Nancy K, poses for a picture inside her flower shop in Berkley.
RIGHT: Kassab said that fall flower arrangements can brighten up a home.
Photos provided by Nancy Kassab
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS
Standing in front of his produce and previous awards,
David
FAMILY MARKETS, GARDEN CENTERS ROOTED IN HOMETOWNS
BY MIKE KOURY mkoury@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — Creating a lasting business in a community can be quite difficult. Growing that business can be even more stressful.
Some of the longest lasting businesses in metro Detroit are its family markets and garden centers, founded decades ago. Many still can be visited at their original locations.
Impressively, there might not be many other businesses that have lasted longer than Kutchey Family Market. It has been part of the fabric of the city of Warren since the early 1800s. The original farm and store were located at 3202 East 10 Mile Road.
It was eight years ago when David Kutchey decided to sell that land and open a market at 27825 Ryan Road to sell produce and an expanded inventory of flowers and gardening supplies. The land was formerly home to Young’s Garden Mart & Christmas Fantasy, another longtime family farm business in Warren.
Kutchey said they always wanted to stay in Warren when looking for a new spot, as the community has always supported the business. They want to support the community, too.
“We just obviously enjoy the community and we’re so well known in the community,” he said. “People know us from being here for the original farm on 10 Mile. Being there for over 170 years, it’s just been a staple in the community … I don’t want to start all over. We have an excellent reputation and people know us and they trust us, and they know they can get good quality produce when it’s in season. So it was the right thing to do to stay here.”
Over in Troy, Uncle Luke’s Feed Store found its home in the city around 100 years ago in the 1920s selling their products to locals in one form or another, originally as Stiles Feed Store. The market operated out of a shed next to the current location as a farm outlet and hardware store.
OPEN ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE MEDICARE
October 15 — December 7, 2025
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 9:00 a.m.— 1:15 p.m. VerKuilen Building | 21885 Dunham Rd., Suite 9, Clinton Township
Must be 60 years or older, a Macomb County resident and a current Medicare beneficiary. Please bring all current medication bottles and your Medicare card to your appointment.
Kutchey holds the historical marker for Kutchey Family Market.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
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Collette Vacations’ Pilgrimage to Fatima & Lourdes with Barcelona. May 3rd-12th, 2026. a 10-day tour through Spain and France. Rates start as low as $4099.00 per person double occupancy. Book now to save $50 per person.
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‘Collette Vacations’ July 8th- 19th, 2026. 12- day Alaska discovery land & cruise. Rates go as low as $6899.00 per person double occupancy with 12 meals.
‘Collette Vacations’ July 12th-24th, 2026. Exploring Scotland & Ireland. 12-day fully escorted tour around Ireland and Scotland. Plus, round trip air from Detroit. Rates as low as $6849 per person double occupancy.
‘Princess Cruise Line’ May 19th, 2026. 7- day Mediterranean & Adriatic on the ‘Enchanted Princess’. Rates start as low as $2246 double occupancy. Group id: TP7, Voyage: N614.
‘Princess Cruise Line’ July 2nd, 2026. 10 days inside passage cruise on the ‘Ruby Princess’ from San Francisco. Rates start as low as $5378 per person double occupancy. Group id:TP4, Voyage: R617.
‘Princess Cruise Line’ August 8th, 2026. 7-day Inside passage cruise on the ‘Royal Princess’. Rates start as low as $2389.00 per person double occupancy. Group id: TQT, Voyage:1634.
‘Celebrity Cruises’ July 4th, 2026. 7-night Norwegian Fjords Cruise om the ‘Celebrity Apex’ from Southampton England. Rates go as low as $1793.00 per person double occupancy.
‘Celebrity Cruises’ July 31st, 2026. 7- night Alaska Dawes Glacier Cruise Roundtrip Seattle on the ‘Celebrity Edge’ Rates from $1348.00 per person based on Double Occupancy. Group id: 1957453. Group name: TRAVEL TIME4.
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ March 22nd-29th, 2026 7- night Caribbean cruise on the Norwegian Aqua, starting at Miami, then visiting Puerto Plata, St. Thomas, Tortola, and Great Stirrup Cay. Rates starting as low as $2184.00 per person double occupancy, ($3172 balcony) double occupancy. Group id: 2948362
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ June 20th, 2026. 7- night Alaska cruise on the ‘Norwegian Bliss’. Rates can be asl low as $1488.55 per person double occupancy. Group id: 2948328.
Cosmos Tours “Enchanted Canyonland 11 day From Las Vegas to Las Vegas Starting 19th April 29th to all on the major Canyons including Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands National Park, Moab Arches National Park, Zion National Park, Arches National Park. From $4929 per person double occupancy.
Cosmos Tours “Splendors Of Italy” May 17th -25th 9 days Rome to Rome from $2688.00 per person double occupancy fully escorted bus tour.
Cosmos Tours 6th June -13th June SICLIY from Palermo to Palermo 8 day Fully escorted tour of Sicily. $1679.00 per person based on double occupancy.
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ June 27th, 2026. 7- night Alaska Cruise on the ‘Norwegian Bliss’ from Seattle Washington. Rates start as low as $1536.00 per person double occupancy group id: 2948311.
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ July 18th, 2026. 7-night Alaska cruise on the ‘Norwegian Bliss’ from Seattle. Rates starting as low as $1621.31 per person, double occupancy.
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ August 15th, 2026. 7- night Alaska cruise on the ‘Norwegian Bliss’ roundtrip from Seattle Washington. Rates start as low as $1374.30 per person double occupancy (airfare included). Group id:2948335.
‘Norwegian Cruise Line’ Sept 13th, 2026. 7- night
Alaska cruise on the ‘Norwegian Encore’. Rates start as low as $1329.00 per person, double occupancy. (airfare included). Group id: 2948350.
‘MSC’ May 18th, 2026. 7- night cruise on the ‘MSC Poesia’. Starting at Seattle. stopping at Ketchikan, Icy Straight Hoonah, Tracy arm, Juneau, and Victoria. Starts as low as $1111.00 per person double occupancy.
‘MSC Cruise Line’ June 22nd, 2026. 7- night Alaska cruise on the ‘MSC Poesia’. Starts in Seattle, Ketchikan, Icy Straight Hoonah, Tracy Arm, Juneau, and Victoria. Rates start as low as $1303.00 per person double occupancy.
‘MSC Cruise Line’ August 31st, 2026. 7- night Alaska cruise on the ‘MSC Poesia’. Roundtrip Seattle Rates start as low as $1223.00 per person double occupancy.
‘‘Globus Escorted Tours “Lost Canyons of the Southwest”9 days form Phoenix to Las Vegas. This popular tour Starts in Phoenix it goes to Sedon, Montezuma Castles Nation Monument, Verda Canyon Railroad, Jerome, Meteor Center Natural Landmark, Grand Canyon, Petrifies Forest National Park, Canyon de Chelly National Monument and Boulder City. Breakfast every day with some evening meals included.
‘Globus Tours’ The Best of Italy. May 17th- 23rd, 2026 11 days from Rome to Rome a tour throughout Italy. with rates starting at $2688.00 Per person double occupancy.
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12TH
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27TH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 3RD
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13TH FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19TH FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 4TH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10TH SATURDAY, OCTOBER 11TH
FRI. & SAT. OCT. 24TH & 25TH
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12TH FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17TH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7TH SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14TH FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21ST SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 22ND
Briarwood Heating & Cooling, a family-first business.
Founded in 1998, Briarwood Heating & Cooling has always been a family- rst kind of business. We’re Lee and Renee Deel, and we started Briarwood with a simple mission: do right by people, x what needs xing, and treat every customer like they’re our neighbor.
We’re proud to serve customers all over Oakland and Macomb counties, from Rochester Hills to Shelby Township to Royal Oak and beyond. Whether we’re xing a furnace in Birmingham or installing an AC system in Clinton Township, our team of licensed, NATE-certi ed technicians are known for showing up on time, solving the problem right, and standing by our work.
We o er a full range of services: AC and furnace repair, maintenance and installation, boiler service, water heater installs, air quality solutions, and smart thermostat installs. We serve both residential and commercial customers, and we’re proud to be a Trane Comfort Specialist and multiple-time Top Performance Dealer award winner.
But what truly sets us apart? Our people. We have a phenomenal team of techs and installers, as well as an administrative team who care deeply about our customers and each other. When
something goes wrong, we make it right — fast. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t walk away from tough jobs.
A er more than 27 years, we’re still proudly family-owned and operated. We believe in doing the right thing, treating people fairly, and making sure your home stays safe, comfortable, and energy-e cient.
With winter fast approaching, we recommend scheduling a furnace clean and check for the season. is ensures lters are clean, the unit is safe, without carbon monoxide leaks, and running e ciently so it’s not increasing your energy costs for the season. For $69.95, the service also covers checking both the humidi er and water heater. We are also one of the few licensed companies in the area specializing in boilers, and o er boiler clean and check services for $79.95.
We’d be honored to serve your home or business — and we’re always just a call away.
Briarwood Heating & Cooling is located at 46851 Dequindre Rd. in Rochester Hills.
To schedule or get more information, call (248) 299-8126 or visit briarwoodheatingandcooling.com
the completed project, which is the first of similar reconstruction projects planned for two more elementary schools in the district.
DeKeyser Elementary opened in 1971 with an open-school design, meaning the school did not have classroom walls or doors.
After the passing of a $550 million bond issue in May 2023, school officials wanted to update the school in terms of safety, more collaborative learning communities, technology upgrades, new playground equipment, lighting and furniture, and diverse spatial uses.
“I think when we set out to do a major emphasis for the district, this 2023 bond issue, there was an emphasis around what do we want to see happen with transformation in our facilities,” UCS Superintendent Robert S. Monroe said. “That was also a big part of what the Board of Education pushed forward when they requested me to start a strategic plan for the school district over the next five years, and that strategic plan, it called for creative ways for instructing our students today but also looking at how we can transform our facilities to better leverage that instruction for today’s learners, but also for tomorrow’s learners as well.”
In terms of safety, doors and classroom walls were added to the formerly open-concept facility, and the doors include safety locks in classrooms and impact- and shatterresistant glass. Other safety features include a buzzer system for visitors and a new audiovisual system, which can send immediate alerts to the school office in the event of an emergency.
“We have the ability to lock down every area within the building with a push of a button in the office, but the technology also allows our teachers to shut down,” DeKeyser Principal Shannon Hathcock said. “So, if there was something that were to happen in this end of the building, our teachers can put the building into a complete lockdown just by the push of their fingers on their lanyards, which is an amazing safety feature.”
While the school has separate classrooms, different grade levels will also have shared spaces that intend to promote collaboration and flexibility among students and staff. This is also evident in the school’s furniture, much of which can be moved around as educators see fit.
“You’ll notice that there are no name tags on these (desks) because really, we’re not assigning a seat to a student like you would see back when we went to school,” Hathcock said. “These chairs are meant to be very flexible for different purposes, different reasons
. . So our teacher desk is also very condensed . . . and we have movable workstations that our teachers are excited about.”
The updated classroom technology is a new audio-visual system, which includes a projection system, a document camera and a lanyard microphone that can be used to am-
plify voices or alert the main office in emergency situations. All DeKeyser classrooms are included in this upgraded system.
Other DeKeyser Elementary School updates include a new playground, a cafeteria/gym that is separated by a retractable wall, and a buried geothermal energy system.
“The students are very excited to come in and see their new (playground) equipment,” Hathcock said. “It’s divided in two sections, so we’ll have two different grade levels outside, divided by some great sensory options down the middle.”
DeKeyser
from page 18A
DeKeyser is the first of three UCS elementary schools that are currently scheduled for reconstruction. Over the next two years, both Graebner Elementary and Havel Elementary, which were built with similar open-school concepts, will be completely reconstructed to reflect the new building design.
“Each building will be a little unique, have very similar attributes but kind of the
visuals, it’s own style,” Monroe said. “It will have its own, you know, branding for its community of learners, which is exciting because in Utica Schools we probably have four or five different models of elementary schools for our 25 different elementary schools. The goal is to keep it Utica but, at the same time, give each community their own something that they can embrace and call their own.”
For more information, visit uticak12. org. Call Staff Writer Sarah Wright at (586) 498-1068.
DeKeyser Elementary School Principal Shannon Hathcock shows a classroom library and learning boards in a sixth grade classroom Aug. 21, a few before the first day of the new school year.
Photo by Patricia O’Blenes
Old Crowd
from page 6A
Functionally speaking, not much has changed since the original meeting nearly a century and a half ago. The itinerary for the day begins with a brass band and a parade through Mount Clemens, starting at the Macomb County Circuit Court, looping around Walnut Street and Macomb Place before marching down to the YMCA next to MacArthur Park. From there, members embark on boats or travel by other means to Lake St. Clair Metropark for a full day of three meals, fishing, cooking and camaraderie.
“We eat three meals a day, a big band’s there, have a couple beers and we go home,” Old Crowd President Mac MacCarroll said.
Many of the changes that have occurred within the Old Crowd have come down to balancing the new with the old. What was once an event held under a single tent has since evolved to multiple tents. Most of the cooking has been moved to catering due to ordinance shifting, though the frying of fish and boiling of corn cobs remain an on-site special. Bands still play for the congregating members, even as the location of the Old Crowd’s meetup has changed from Conger Bay to MacRay Harbor to Lake St. Clair Metropark. At one point, a double decker boat carried the Old Crowd out to their gathering spot, though the ship has since traded the Clinton River for the Chicago River, leaving members of the crowd to embark on private ships should they choose to sail.
Membership rules are heavily steeped in tradition. The 240-maximum number for members has been set since the 1900s and membership really only opens up when an existing member dies or becomes a life member. New members can apply starting at age 35 with children of current members
Bleachers
from page 3A
Marissa Russo, marketing and communications manager for the city, said having available seating will allow more supporters to watch the games.
“Gerald Donovan Park is home to youth and adaptive sports which welcomes players and spectators of all ages and abilities so having available seating amongst fellow spectators allows families, friends and team supporters to be able to cheer on their athletes without being separated,” she said in an email.
According to the agenda, the city budget for 2025 includes funding for the instal-
getting the chance to apply early starting at age 30. One notable membership tradition is that Old Crowd members must be men, with Berger saying there were “too many problems” on the two occasions women were allowed in. Berger claims this exclusion was one of the contributing factors that led to the creation of the women-only Daughters of Macomb organization, which itself meets annually in August.
Much like the activities themselves remaining mostly unchanged since the late 1800s, so too does the purpose of reconnecting with old friends and acquaintances. Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, an Old Crowd member since the early 2000s, demonstrated this by catching up with former law enforcement friend and current St. Clair County Magistrate Dennis Rickert prior to the parade’s start.
“It really is kind of a unique thing,” Hackel said. “Really no purpose behind it other than bringing people together. It’s almost like a reunion of sorts, like a high school reunion but we didn’t go to school together. We all connected somehow through civic and community events and just being around the Mount Clemens area.”
With membership being a tightly controlled thing and the waiting list remaining long, Berger believes the Old Crowd will last much, much longer than the next 145 years.
“Hopefully it will keep on going forever and ever, amen,” Berger said. “There are enough people that are applying on a regular basis, we’re constantly getting new members to fill in and we’re also making sure that there’s people that are invested in the thing so that we have the core group that puts the whole thing on … So long as we have a good core group, I think it’ll be around for a while.”
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
lation of new spectator bleachers at each ball diamond.
The new bleachers will be 30-feet wide and feature five rows of seating with wheelchair accessibility. They will be installed on four concrete pads, which will be 4 inches in depth and measure 30-feet wide by 15 feet long.
According to the agenda item, the cost of the bleachers and concrete pads will be $139,119.71. Russo said there is currently no timeline as to when construction will begin, although when it does, the ball fields will remain usable as the existing bleachers will be kept at the fields until the project is completed.
Call Staff Writer Brian Wells at (248) 291-7637.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF STERLING HEIGHTS Zoning Board of Appeals
Meeting Date, Time, and
Location: Tuesday, September 23, 2025 at 7:00 pm
City of Sterling Heights – City Council Chambers
40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313
Under Consideration: PZBA25-0016 – Residential Backyard Patio
Requesting Board approval for a non-use variance which if granted would allow an unenclosed terraced patio to project into the required rear yard or open space for a distance of 25-feet-6-inches, which is 10-feet-6-inches more than the 15-feet permitted by ordinance.
Property Address: 42432 Beechwood Drive
Location: South of Nineteen Mile Road, between Ryan Road and Mound Road
Current Zoning: R-100 One Family Residential District
PZBA25-0017 – Marketplace Cove Apartments
Requesting Board approval for a non-use variance which if granted would allow an internally illuminated sign on property utilized for residential purposes.
Property Address: 8484 Brougham Drive
Location: North of Fifteen Mile Road, east of Van Dyke Avenue
Current Zoning: C-3 General Business District and Van Dyke Mixed-Use Overlay District
PZBA25-0018 – Sterling Landings III
Requesting Board approval for a non-use variance which if granted would allow an internally illuminated sign on property utilized for residential purposes.
Property Address: 8271 Irving Road
Location: North of Fourteen Mile Road, east of Van Dyke Avenue
Current Zoning: O-2 Planned Offce District and Van Dyke Mixed-Use Overlay District
NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that any interested person may appear and comment upon the requests in person, or by agent or attorney during the public hearing to be held on the date and time, and at the location set forth above. Pertinent information related to the application may be reviewed at the Sterling Heights Offce of Planning, during regular business hours. Questions regarding the application can be directed to the Offce of Planning at 586-446-2360. Written comments may be submitted to the Sterling Heights Offce of Planning, 40555 Utica Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48313, or to the City Planner at shplanning@sterlingheights.gov up to 4:30 p.m. of the meeting date.
Anyone planning to attend the meeting who has need of special assistance under the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) is asked to contact the City’s Community Relations Offce at 586-446-2370, seven days prior to the meeting date. Staff will be pleased to make the necessary arrangements.
0396-2536
Published: Sterling Heights Sentry 09/03/2025
Photo by Dean Vaglia
Members of the Old Crowd march down North River Road, nearing the end of the group’s annual parade through Mount Clemens at the YMCA on Aug. 21. Members will proceed by boat or other means to Lake St. Clair Metropark for a day of fishing, cooking and camaraderie.
COMMUNITY CALENDAR
22A/ STERLING HEIGHTS SENTRY • SEPTEMBER 3, 2025
SEPT. 4-6
United Shore Professional Baseball League: See Birmingham-Bloomfield Beavers, Eastside Diamond Hoppers, Utica Unicorns and Westside Woolly Mammoths in playoffs, game #1 Sept. 4, game #2 and fireworks Sept. 5, and championship Sept. 6, all 6:30 p.m., Jimmy John’s Field, 7171 Auburn Road in Utica, (248) 601-2400, uspbl.com
SEPT. 6
Operation Breast Density Gala: Dinner, dancing, live and silent auctions, and celebration of breast cancer survivors, event highlights nonprofit’s mission to educate public about contributor to delayed or missed detection while raising funds for supplemental imaging, 6 p.m.-midnight, The Palazzo Grande, 54660 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, density.cbo.io
SEPT. 6-7
Utica Antiques Market: Browse thousands of items from approximately 100 dealers from around country, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 6 and 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Sept. 7, Knights of Columbus Grounds, 11541 21 Mile Road in Shelby Township, (586) 254-3495, uticaantiques.com
SEPT. 9
Metropolitan Detroit Chorale open auditions: 7 p.m., rehearsals continue Tuesdays, choir room at Fraser High School, 34270 Garfield Road, performances scheduled for December, March and May, (586) 7927464, metropolitandetroitchorale.org
SEPT. 12
Simply Unique Market: Indoor/outdoor event held during night in fall, 5-10 p.m., Packard Proving Grounds, 49965 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, packardprovinggrounds.org/events
SEPT. 14
Carbs & Coffee: See cars, motorcycles, trucks and more, also java and doughnuts, 9 a.m.-noon, Bagnasco & Calcaterra Funeral Home, 13650 E. 15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights, free but donations benefit Kiwanis Club of Macomb, (586) 977-7300, wecare@bcfh.com
SEPT. 15
‘Retro Rewind’ audition: Ages 50 and older can try out for Heart of the Hills Players’ 1960s/’70s-themed show, 1-4 p.m., First United Methodist Church of Troy, 6363 Livernois Road, rehearsals held 1-4 p.m. Mondays and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays starting Sept. 22, also at church, performances scheduled for Nov. 7-9, Sterling Heights Lions Club, 12828 Canal Road, prospective members should email hohplayers@gmail.com, hohplayers.org
Birth Trauma: What to Expect at Each Stage: Free workshop about emotional distress, coping strategies, risk factors, advocating for yourself, resources available and more, plus gift for mom and baby, noon-2 p.m., Macomb County Community Mental Health West, 6555 15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights, register at bit. ly/45IZNtD
SEPT. 18
Medicare 101 educational seminar: Presented by Medicare Learning Services, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, also held Oct. 28 and Nov. 20, registration required, (586) 465-0588
SEPT. 20
Mom-to-mom sale: Raises money and awareness for Friends of Foster Kids of Macomb County, includes 50-60 tables, $1 admission and strollers welcome, 8 a.m.-noon, Sterling Heights High School, 12901 15 Mile Road, (586) 854-7987, shhs.psk.nhs@gmail.com
SEPT. 23
Postpartum Depression, Anxiety and Healthy Coping Skills: Free workshop also covers considerations for partners, destigmatization of mental illness, importance of community, self-care tips and personal stories from others, plus gift for mom and baby, 10 a.m.-noon, Macomb County Community Mental Health West, 6555 15 Mile Road in Sterling Heights, register at bit.ly/45IZNtD
SEPT. 28
Widowed Friends movie and lunch: Show and time TBD, AMC Forum 30, 44681 Mound Road in Sterling Heights, also lunch TBD, RSVP to Pat at (586) 2952804 by Sept. 25 (leave phone or email in message to receive details), widowedfriends.com
ONGOING
Dodge Park Farmers Market: 3-8 p.m. Thursdays until Sept. 25, Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, find special events, music lineup and more at sterlingheights.gov/1236/dodge-park-thursdays
Sterling Heights Skate Park: 7 a.m.-10 p.m. daily through September, 40111 Dodge Park Road (between 41A District Court and Sterling Heights Public Library), sterlingheights.gov/1607/skate-park
Upton House Museum tours: Visit 1860s Michigan Historical Landmark, 1-4 p.m. every Wednesday and second Sunday of month, 40433 Dodge Park Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 446-2495, sterlingheights. gov/789/upton-house-museum
Concerts at Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre: Hear Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas with Willie Watson Sept. 6, Quinn XCII with Wild Rivers Sept. 12, Goose Sept. 19, Kevin Gates hosted by DJ Chose Oct. 10, and Seether and Daughtry with P.O.D. and Kami Kehoe Oct. 11, Freedom Hill County Park, 14900 Metropolitan Parkway in Sterling Heights, 313presents.com
Widowed Friends dancing: Doors at 6 p.m. and music from 7-10:30 p.m. Tuesdays, cash bar available, American Polish Century Club, 33204 Maple Lane in Sterling Heights, RSVP to Liz at (586) 801-4536, widowedfriends.com
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.
CLASS REUNIONS
SEPT. 10
Mount Clemens High School — Class of 1960: 65th reunion, includes cash food/refreshments, no ticket required, noon-4 p.m., Rec Bowl, 40 Crocker Blvd. in Mount Clemens, contact lozenmchs@gmail.com with questions
SEPT. 12-13
Mount Clemens High School — all alumni: Includes DJ and cash food/refreshments, no ticket required, 5 p.m. Sept. 12, Rec Bowl, 40 Crocker Blvd. in Mount Clemens, also MCHS tour at 9 a.m., tailgate and car show at 11 a.m., and football game at 1 p.m. Sept. 13, contact (586) 463-6386 or drron82@yahoo.com with questions
SEPT. 27
South Lake High School — Class of 1975: 50th reunion, includes appetizers and soft drinks, plus cash bar, 6-10 p.m., Fishbones Rhythm Kitchen Cafe, 23722 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, purchase ticket at eventbrite.com
Ferndale High School — Class of 2005: 20th reunion, 6-10 p.m., Fifth Avenue Royal Oak, 215 W. Fifth St., purchase ticket at eventbrite.com
OCT. 4
Seaholm High School — Class of 1995: 30th reunion, includes live music by Lain Hanna, DJ Coop (Kevin Childs) and DJ Second Nature (Brett Belcastro), also light food and drinks, 7-11 p.m., ZANA, 210 S. Old Woodward Ave. in Birmingham, purchase ticket at eventbrite.com
OCT. 11
Warren Cousino High School — Class of 1980: 45th reunion, includes appetizers, buffet dinner, open bar, DJ playing ’70s music, photo booth, prizes and surprises, 6-10 p.m., Vintage House, 31816 Utica Road in Fraser, purchase ticket at warrencousinoclassof1980@gmail.com
Henry Ford II High School — Class of 1975: 50th reunion for first graduating class, includes open bar and professional photographer from 6-11 p.m., strolling hors d’oeuvres and desserts from 6-8 p.m., and pizza buffet at 9:30 p.m., Fern Hill Golf Club, 17600 Clinton River Road in Clinton Township, purchase ticket at myevent.com/henryford2classof1975reunion
Seaholm High School — Class of 1975: 50th reunion, includes food stations, drink ticket, music and other activities, also cash bar, 6 p.m., The Kingsley Bloomfield Hills — A Doubletree by Hilton, 39475 Woodward Ave., purchase ticket at seaholm1975@gmail.com or (248) 217-0990, make optional hotel reservation at (248) 644-1400
Market
The market eventually found its current home at 6691 Livernois Road in 1946, opening as “Uncle Luke’s Print Shop.” It has been there in Troy ever since.
Longtime employee Gil Tufts said their longevity in Troy has been due to their loyal customers.
“That’s the secret to our business,” he said. “I’ve got one lady that travels from Petoskey down here, and probably some further. … If you don’t have a loyal customer base and you don’t treat your customers right, you’re not going to be in business and that’s something we always strive to do here.”
Troy also is home to Telly’s Greenhouse & Garden Center at 3301 John R Road, where it was founded in 1978.
Telly’s Greenhouse kind of fell into the family’s lap, according to owner George Papadelis, as they had been neighbors next to an old woman with a greenhouse who then died in 1976. Papadelis’ father, Gust, bought that land in 1977.
Papadelis said the business got its start when, as a kid, it was suggested he and his brother grow plants in the greenhouse and sell them to make money for a family trip to Greece. They then painted a sign and sold flowers from the side of the road, making $1,000.
The business eventually grew and became what it is today, where it took on the name Telly’s, which was the name of Gust Papadelis’ Greek restaurant.
Since its beginnings, Telly’s has grown to include multiple locations in Michigan but currently has its base of operations at its Troy location and in Shelby Township, where they bought several acres of land 15 years ago to grow their flowers and plants. That’s where they do more than 90% of their growing.
That being said, Papadelis said they plan to stay at their Troy home.
“We’re staying here at the Troy location because it’s an excellent location and we’ve developed a property well to accommodate the store and, quite frankly, I feel like we’ve done a lot to promote gardening in the area and sort of get people to appreciate it more and enjoy it more,” he said.
Papadelis said the city of Troy has grown around them, as has the need for plants from a reputable and family-owned garden center.
“We just grew along with that need,” he said. “As the market changed, we adapted to it because the same person that was growing the plants was selling the plants, which is me. So things have changed an awful lot since, of course, we started almost 50 years ago, but we’re still all about plants that we grow, and we love doing that and we’re good at it and we’re very service-oriented. Customers expect to see me here and they expect to get their questions answered accurately and, in most cases, passionately.”
In the case of Kutchey Family Market, the business has made such an impact in Warren that it was designated with a historical marker.
Kutchey said the designation was something that made him proud that he could continue his family’s legacy in Warren.
“It makes me very proud that I can continue on the family legacy that my great grandfather and my grandfather and my father and all them, that when they settled on 10 Mile and that was the original property, and then they started farming, that I can continue that and bring people good quality fruit and vegetables … and continue the legacy and keep supporting the community that supports us,” he said.
Call Staff Writer Mike Koury at (586) 498-1077.
from page 12A
Kutchey Family Market was founded in Warren in the early 1800s and hasn’t left since. The current location on 27825 Ryan Road was opened eight years ago.
Photos by Patricia O’Blenes
AUCTION
AROUND MICHIGAN
Multiple online auctions at Bid. SherwoodAuctionServiceLLC.com; visit to view all lots, to bid. Guns, ammo, shop tools, power tools, collectables, furniture, property and much more! Need an auction? Call Joe at 1-800-835-0495.
Multiple Quality Online Estate Auctions. Bidding now open. Tractors, tools, ATV’s, guns, sporting, motorcycles, +much more. Bid anywhere anytime @JohnPeckAuctions.com. Need an auction? Call John Peck 989-345-4866. Ofices Charlotte & Gladwin.
MISCELLANEOUS
Amish-built mini-cabins starting at $5,295. Made in Michigan! We deliver statewide. Call 989-8321866. MyNextBarn.com.
IF YOU HAD KNEE OR HIP
REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND SUFFERED AN INFECTION between 2020 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800535-5727
Acculevel. Your foundation repair and basement waterproofing experts. Whether basement, crawl space or concrete slab we’ll guide you on the right path to a healthy home. Act now! Up to $600 of. Restrictions apply. Call for a free consultation. 1-844-700-4986
inTroy (E./of-Rochester, N./of-SquareLake) Sept.19th-21st,9-4pm, (Some-Open-Thurs) Clothes/Tools/Dishes/ Dolls/Furniture/Jewelry/ Antiques/Books/Loadsof OtherTreasures.
GARAGESALE, Multi-Family NorthfieldHills Condominiums, ClubhouseParkingLot, 1750Brentwood,Troy, Sept.6th,9am-4pm
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 989-600-1010 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
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. 989-923-1278
Published: September 3, 2025
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
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.
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.
FALLSPECIALS
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
Brick Work PREFERRED
BROTHERSMASONRY
•Tuckpointing•Brickwork
•ChimneyRepair/Rebuild •ChimneyCaps •CementFlatwork•Steps •PorchRebuild/Porch Caps•CultureStone Senior/MilitaryDiscount Upto20%off! 586-944-8898
586-944-3669
AAABROOKSIDE
Porches,Steps, Chimney's,Tuck-pointing, CulturedStone,PreventativeMaintenance, Concrete,Custom MortarMatching, Free-Estimates,Senior Discounts,37yearsexp.
CENSODEVELOPMENT MASONRYINC. MasonryRepairs, Tuckpointing, ChimneyRepairs, GlassBlock,Brick/Block Repairs,Mailboxes, Brick/CementSteps. FreeEstimates! Alfonso586-419-7818
Brick Work
A-DMASONRYLLC.
AllMasonryWork Bricks,Stones,Pavers, Blocks,Porches, Chimneys.Tuckpointing. 26-yrsexperience Insured,FreeEstimates. 586-873-8210 Filip
Carpentry
GOTROT?
RottenWood
ReplacementSpecialist
AllTypesofWoodRepair Fascia,Soffit&Siding PaintedtoMatch AMGAppliedServices 586-323-0755 www.amgapplied services.com
Carpet Cleaning
CARPET
WAVY-n-LOOSE?
WePower Re-stretch and Steam-clean ForOneLowPrice MultipleRoomDiscount CallNow:Craddock's CarpetCare,Inc. 586-754-9222
Cement ALLENCEMENT "TheDrivewayGuy" Established1999 Driveways/Garage Floors/Patios,etc. Licensed/Insured CheckoutAllen CementonFacebook! VernAllen 586-457-1300
Cement
810-499-6124 (cell) 586-781-4868 (office) M&MCEMENT CONTRACTING "AllTypesof ConcreteWork" DrivewaySpecialists Patios/Sidewalks, Lic/Ins.FreeQuotes!
POBLETECEMENT BrickPavers,LLC. Lic/Ins.•Driveways •Patios•Porches•Walks •Floors•Color•Exposed •ConcreteRemoval 30+years!Troy,MI 248-743-1220 248-496-4964(Cell)
ROZECEMENTLLC CONCRETE,MASONRY &LANDSCAPING •Driveways•Patios •Brick/Stone•Pavers •Decks,Free-Estimates Requests: roze cementllc@gmail.com Andre-586-354-7791 cementroze.com
CAVALLO CONSTRUCTION Concrete,Driveways, Patios,sidewalks, Decorativeconcrete. Qualityworkmanship. Affordablepricing. Paul586-557-9945 Bill586-751-9332
STEVEʼS CONCRETE COMPANY
Licensed.Bonded. Insured.Freeestimates. MichiganBuildersLicense #2101118415 (248)588-9808
Decks/Patios
CustomDeck Building/Repair, Power-Washing, DecksRemoved, Composite,Treated &CedarMaterials, CustomRailingMaterials, CustomFence Installation. 586-260-5218
Gutters
*”STEVE'S SEAMLESSGUTTERS” Made&installedonthe spot.5”&6”Gutter Cleaning.Treetrimming, exteriorpainting, powerwashing. 586-778-3393 586-531-2111
GUTTERSGALORE
Electrical
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.
CASTLEELECTRIC
586-634-1152 (directcellphone#) Panelupgrades, generators,hottubs, 220lines.ALLSERVICE Licensed&Insured Dependable,quality work! License#-6111359
SeamlessGutters, Gutterguard, 1DayService, Licensed/Insured CallToday 586-634-6910
GUTTERS &WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOMMICOLI 313-656-9402
Handyman Services
3Sons HandymanService 586-888-9031
Electrical,Plumbing, HVAC,Minor/Major Repairs,AnySizeJob. FreeEstimates 10%Discount
PowerWashing,Repairs, Stain/Paint, House/Soft Washing,HousePainting FreeEst./Insured WearetheDeckDoctors! 586-463-9564 marathonpowerwash.com
A.M.G. Gutters&Downspouts.Owneroperated. Seamlessgutter installationandrepair specialist.Builders License#2101202369 www.amgapplied services.com FullyInsured 586-323-0755
HONEYDO'S DONECHEAP
FromRemodelingto repairs,Wedoitall, LicensedandInsured, ProudMemberofAnchor BayChamber Greg 586-522-6870
Hauling
& Waste Removal
***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 Sale/Service &Installations. A/CSpecialsUntil EndofSeptember. AcceptingCredit-Cards Free-Est.onNewInstalls. Licensed/Insured 586-770-3233 Lic#-7116542
STYLELINE REMODELING COMPLETE,QUALITY, CustomKitchenand BathroomRemodeling, Framing/FinishCarpentry, ReferencesAvailable SeniorDiscounts, Licensed/Insured Call586-354-7549
TREBOR HANDYMANLLC. SoffitandFasciaRepairs, DeckStaining/Sealing, Interior/ExteriorPainting, Sheds/Foundations, PressureWashing, Insulation,Sealing, 10%off,Free-Estimates. 586-354-4910
586-610-1209
PaintingInterior/Exterior RemodelingKitchens, Bathrooms,Finish Basement,Tiles,Drywall, Repairs,Remove Wallpaper,Repairingand StainingDecks,Power washing.Free-Estimates.
Home Repairs
EXTERIOR REPAIRSLLC. Since1999 GUTTERCLEANING LEAFGUARDS Roofing,Siding, Gutter,Repair.Reliable Ask,WeMightDoIt! FREEESTIMATES 248-242-1511
OUTDOORSERVICES DrainageSystem Professionals Big/SmallJobs, Yard-Drainage,Grading, Sod/Seed,Retaining Walls/Walkways/Patios, Senior/Military-Discounts Credit-Cards-Accepted Free-Estimates 586-719-1202 DOLL'S LANDSCAPING FALLCLEAN-UPS!
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Painting
586-792-3117
PETE'SPAINTING FALLSPECIALS! 10%OFF Specializing inVacantHomes, Great-Rooms,Deck Staining&WoodenFence Repair,Interior/Exterior, Residential/Commercial. SeniorDiscount, Free-Estimates,Insured.
(586)229-4267
AmericanPainting FallSpecials!!! Residential/Commercial •Interior/25YearsExp. •PowerWashing •Insurance•Drywall •PlasterRepair •DeckRepairs•Cleanouts•HomeRepairs •SeniorDiscounts
PEAKPAINTING
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
NEBOPAINTING
ServiceAllYearRound Interior/Exterior WeMakeIt EasierForYou, AllNeedsAreMet! FreeEstimates Call 248-953-7807
(586)795-8122
Plumbing
Plumbing
PREFERRED
BROTHERSROOFING
SILVERSMITHROOF MAINTENANCE MinorShingle ReplacementSpecial, Re-Roofs,Tear-Offs, Flat-Roofs, AllInsuranceWork, Residential/Commercial WeAcceptAll MajorCreditCards 248-707-4851
MICHAELNORTON BUILDERSINC. BuildingValueEveryday 586-436-9600 Licensed/Insured Since1965 Servicing-Roofing, Siding,Basement, Bathroom,Kitchen Remodeling,Decks& AllYourHome ImprovementNeeds.
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
•FullTear-off•Recover •ShingleRepair •Leak's•AllRepair •Flat-Roof•TourchDown •SeamlessGutters& GutterGuards
586-757-4715
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
PAINTING
GPC
MASTERPAINTER PLASTER&DRYWALL Restoration/Insurance Projects, Wallpaper Removal/Carpentry, 30-yrsLicensed, BBBA+ SeniorDisc/FreeEst. 586.899.3555(Cell) 248.566.6460(Office)
ChrisCronin Painting& StainingInc. Professionalquality. Interior-exterior. Power-washing, decksealing.Insured, References.Free-Est. MC/VI/DC/AXaccepted.
586.524.6752
ANDY'SPLUMBING
33+YearsExp.Lic/Ins. CallUsToday ForAllYour PlumbingNeeds!! ServingThe Tri-County-Area 10%/Senior/Military/ Discounts Lic#-8004254
MASTER PLUMBER
Sewer&DrainService. Remodeling,Repairs, NewInstallations. FreeEstimates SeniorRates. 35+yrsexp.CallPaul 248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852
AABSOLUTE PLUMBING FamilyOwned Since1990 CompletePlumbing Repairs Sewer/DrainCleaning SeniorDiscounts, Licensed/Insured Lic#-8216443
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
WATERWORK Plumbing.com •DrainCleaning •SewerCamera •WaterHeaters •SumpPumps •BackflowTesting 248-542-8022
SameDayEmergency ServiceAvailable Reliable/Experienced License#8003885
Senior/Military-Discount Upto20%Off 586-944-8898
AA4DABLEROOFING
Hurry&SaveBig-$$$! FALL-SPECIALS Upto30%-Off!!!
Roofing/Siding/Gutters, All-Leaks/Repairs, Residential/Shingles/ Commercial-FlatRoofs/Torch-downs 30yrs-exp.CC'saccepted. 586-822-5100
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
Roofng
• Comprehensive Eye Exam
• Dry Eye Treatments
• Diabetic Eye Exam
• Contact Lens (soft and hard)
• Myopia Control
• Cataract Consultation and Surgery
• Corneal Disease Treatment
