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BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com
FRANKLIN — The Franklin Village Council unanimously approved the purchase of two Flock cameras totalling $6,000 using state forfeiture funds Oct. 13.
Flock cameras are automatic license plate readers that several Michigan communities are utilizing to keep their roads safe. Currently, there are 510 Flock cameras in
See CAMERAS on page 7A









BY MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com
BIRMINGHAM — Detroit artist Ryan Steadfast presents an exhibition at the Birmingham Bloomfield Arts Center that is filled with new pieces that come together to form a cohesive body of work. The exhibition, titled “As then there was no then, so there is none now,” will be displayed at the BBAC until Oct. 30.
Layering color to create meaning
Steadfast was trained as a printmaker at the University

of Iowa — a background that influences how he works with color. He said he used to avoid color because of the complexities that came along with using color in printmaking.
“I’ve been able to finally shed that and dive into color in a way that I’ve been meaning to for many years,” Steadfast said. “I think I always start from a very emotional place. In terms of the colors that I choose, there’s a tone and a mood that I’m trying to establish; they’re bright, but they’re also dark at the same time; they exist in some middle ground for me.”
In printmaking, layering is part of the process of build-
See ART on page 7A


























As a long-time downtown Birmingham resident, father, and grandfather, Bill understands what matters most to our families and community.
An Approachable Birmingham.
RESPONSIBLE DEVELOPMENT
that prioritizes our infrastructure and families
COMMUNITY ACCESSIBILITY
responsive and attentive to all Birmingham residents
SUPPORTING FAMILIES
attract young families and build a multi-generational community for decades to come
A balanced, collaborative approach
Bill believes in listening to what our community wants and refecting those priorities in every decision. A walkable, thriving Birmingham requires attention to homeowners, businesses, and the quality of services we all depend on.
Experience that serves our community
Retired CEO of McCann Worldgroup at Maple & Bates - Birmingham’s largest employer University of Michigan graduate Board member National Kidney Foundation of Michigan
Committed volunteer with Project Healthy Minds and Women of Tomorrow Metro Detroit
Birmingham Advisory Parking Committee member



Klint Pleasant points at the crowd of spectators as he is honored for being inducted into the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Fame.

BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
ROCHESTER — Rochester Christian University’s longtime basketball coach Klint Pleasant was inducted into the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan Hall of Fame Oct. 5.
On Sept. 23 there was a celebration of his accomplishments at Frank Rewold and Sons in Rochester. At the event were former players, university staff members, friends and family.
“I let them use our office here because it’s pretty conducive to stuff like that,” Frank Rewold said. “They had a great group of people here.”
Frank Rewold and Sons built the university’s basketball arena five years ago and has been a supporter of the school and its programs for years. Hosting the event to honor Pleasant was a no-brainer.
“To me it’s just a class act, what they do up there,” Rewold explained. “What they do is they build young men and
See PLEASANT on page 12A

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — When it comes to ballroom dancing, it’s all about passion. Throughout the years, LaBlast founder Louis van Amstel has seen countless examples of passionate dancers and instructors in his partner-free dance fitness workout program.
Fans of the television show “Dancing with the Stars” will recognize Louis van Am-
BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — The image of Frances Mauro Masters, 103, of Chesterfield Township, will be immortalized as the symbol of the Greatest Generation’s homefront workers when a bronze statue made in her likeness as a Rosie the Riveter will be added Nov. 11 to the Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial in Royal Oak.
Mauro Masters, better known as “Rosie Fran,” grew up in Detroit during the Great Depression. As one of five children born to Italian immigrants, she was taught the value of hard work to support not just herself, but her family. When she graduated from high school in 1940, her first priority was to find a job to help support her family.
While working at a local grocery store and taking night courses to learn to use a comptometer, Mauro Mas-
“We



ters learned of a job at the Ford Willow Run Bomber Plant.
“I had two brothers in the service, and my future husband, he joined the Marines at 17, and I thought, ‘I want to work to help win the war,’” she said of her reason to apply.
Mauro Masters and her two sisters, Angeline and Josephine, were all hired on the spot for the plant. She said they all worked in different departments, as they were not allowed to work together.
“Out of the three of us, I was the only riveter. They worked in small parts, but I was the only riveter,” Mauro Masters said. “I worked in small parts for the wing (of B-24 Liberators), on a press, riveting.”
Mauro Masters worked at the plant for the duration of the war. She said her greatest challenge with the position was actually getting to the plant.
She recalled having to take a streetcar from her family’s Detroit home near the city airport to downtown De-
See MAURO MASTERS on page 10A

It doesn’t matter how old you are or what you do for work or play: Life is a grind that beats the body up.
Holistic healing, rejuvenation and relaxation are now available at Que Sera Volcano Stone Spa, in Birmingham.
old. When you lay on it, it opens the blood vessels and promotes circulation and beauty.”

The first location in Michigan to offer volcano bedrock sauna, Que Sera Volcano Stone Spa uses centuries-old treatments from Japan, Korea and China to sooth the physical and mental wear and tear left by the daily grind of modern living.
The signature service is Ganban-Yoku, a volcano bedrock sauna. The Japanese wellness practice uses a heated volcanic rock slab that is embedded in the floor.


The slabs are warmed to a moderately-hot temperature and emit far-infrared rays and negative ions. Far-infrared rays penetrate the skin to resonate within our cells and provide warmth from within. The warmth helps to expand tiny blood vessels, boosts circulation, activates metabolism and promotes cleansing by removing waste products through the sweat glands. Negative ions are believed to help neutralize acidic blood, which supports healthy immunity. By making water molecules in the body smaller and more refined, the process is thought to enhance oxygen delivery and improve overall health.
“The most amazing thing is the volcano hot stone sauna,” said spa owner Shizue Clark. “The rock comes from a volcano in Japan, and it is thousands of years
Other treatments include Yogogimushi, a V-Steam traditional folk remedy practiced in Korea for more than 600 years. Steaming the lower body is believed to boost immunity, provide cleansing and promote balanced physical health. Available V-Steam treatments include 40-minute mugwort beauty treatments, mugwort and Chinese herbal wellness treatments and a 30-minute, $30 V-Steam introductory trial, available to first-time clients only.
Que Sera’s facials and back treatments are designed to cleanse, exfoliate and hydrate, leaving the skin revitalized and glowing. The spa’s massage clients enjoy the ultimate relaxation that pairs volcanic hot stones with skilled hands to relieve muscle tension, promote a profound sense of well-being and melt the stress of the day away.
“We’re selling healing for life and helping clients build a healthier life,” Clark said. Introductory treatment options and spa packages are available in an array of service offerings.
Que Sera Volcano Stone Spa is located at 33226 Woodward Ave. To schedule a visit, call (248) 9405518. For more information, go to queseraspa.com.

















































BIRMINGHAM — The 2025 OUR TOWN Art Show & Sale will mark the 40th year of the annual juried, allmedia art show presented by The Community House. It will be held Oct. 30-Nov. 1.
Each year, local artists show their work, including paintings, pastels, sculptures, watercolors, ceramics, glassworks, fiber, photography, jewelry and mixed media. As for the proceeds, 65% goes to the artists, and the remaining 35% goes towards the programs and services of The Community House
There will be an Opening Night Party 6-9 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30, with cocktails, strolling hors d’oeuvres and an opportunity to meet the artists. To purchase tickets, visit communityhousehelps.org/ ourtown_entry.
BLOOMFIELD HILLS — On Saturday, Oct. 25, the Bloomfield Hills Department of Public Safety is partnering with the DEA for National Prescription Take Back Day 10 a.m.-2 p.m. People can safely turn in old, unused or expired prescription medications to 45 E. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, with no questions asked.



BIRMINGHAM — Birmingham Youth Assistance’s annual “Breakfast with Santa” event will be held on Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Townsend Hotel. Families are invited to a full sit-down breakfast and a personal visit with Santa. Other entertainment includes a clown who will be making animal balloons and the Seaholm High School symphony ensemble. Children will receive a craft goodie bag to take home.
Breakfast seating is available at 9 a.m. or 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $40 for adults and $30 for children ages 1 to 10, and they are free for children under 1 year old. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit birminghamyouthassitance.org. Questions about the event can be directed to office@birminghamyouthassistance.org or Birmingham Youth Assistance at (248) 203-4300.
Medications must be pills, capsules or tablets that are sealed in a zipper bag. Illicit substances, liquids, syringes and sharps will not be accepted.
Call the non-emergency line, (248) 644-4200, with questions.
BIRMINGHAM — Site prep is underway at Lincoln Well. According to a Facebook post from the city of Birmingham, the playground will be installed in the next two weeks. After that, sidewalks and parking improvements will be completed.
Following work at Lincoln Well, Pumphouse Park playground will be installed. The post said the tentative completion date for the Pumphouse Park playground is the middle of November.

















ROYAL OAK —Includes trick-or-treating, character meet and greets, illuminated decor and displays, costumed performers, Halloweenthemed face painting and photo stops, seasonal market and more. Runs from 4-9:30 p.m. at the Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak. Visit detroitzoo.org/events/zoo-boo. Read more at candgnews.com.


Oakland County. While they do not take video, these cameras take still images that capture the make, vehicle type, color, license plate and other distinguishable vehicle characteristics.
“One of the things I’ve said since I got to Franklin is that bad things can happen anywhere,” FranklinBingham Farms Police Chief Curt Lawson said in the meeting.
These solar-powered cameras can operate day and night, and they are self-contained, meaning the village does not have to purchase any additional infrastructure.
Having Flock cameras in operation can benefit law enforcement by providing real-time alerts about vehicles of interest. Additionally, having these cameras enhances the department’s communication with neighboring departments.
There is an annual fee of $3,000 to operate each camera through Flock Safety, which provides the hardware and software.
At the village meeting, Lawson shared that these cameras got on his radar about five years ago, when West Bloomfield — his former department — purchased 24 of them. He recalls an incident of a shooting at a home where they were able to track the vehicle from the northern end of West Bloomfield all the way

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to Detroit.
In the past, Franklin has worked with neighboring communities to access information from Flock cameras that was relevant to vehicles of interest. However, recently, Flock changed its policy, no longer allowing other communities to share information with communities that do not subscribe to Flock. Therefore, the village has decided to purchase cameras in order to access information from the over 500 cameras in Oakland County.
“The amount of data that we are accessing for $6,000 a year is astronomical and far exceeds the cost,” said Franklin Village Trustee David Sahli at the meeting.
The village asked Flock to do its own review of the area based on where other cameras are in the county. However, the village recommended one be placed at Franklin Road and 14-Mile Road, and one at Franklin Road and 13-Mile Road.
While it may take two to four months to get the actual cameras installed, the village will receive immediate access to information captured by the cameras in other communities, once the cameras are purchased — which the village plans to do as soon as possible.
Lawson said he encourages homeowners associations and mobile watches in Franklin and Bingham farms to consider purchasing a camera for the exits or entrances of the different subdivisions.
“This has just been such a game changer for law enforcement,” Lawson said.






from page 1A
ing color. He carries this technique into his paintings.
“I don’t paint all the way to the edge. There will be one color, and then the next color sort of shrinks a little bit in, and then the next one shrinks a little bit in, so that when you see the edges, it’s like a geologic stratification of color, so you’re kind of seeing how the painting is built,” Steadfast said.
There are 18 pieces total in the show — 13 paintings, three etchings and two colored pencil drawings. All of the pieces are small, which he explains is intentional because he hopes viewers will have the opportunity to spend some time with the pieces without interruption.
“It’s really showcasing the work with a lot of white space around it,” VanGelderen said. “You can really take your time going from one piece to the other and diving in.”
Steadfast said he does not like to showcase the work with a narrative already locked in. Instead, he likes to give viewers “breathing room.” The titles of the work are not very specific, either.
“I think that there needs to be some room to dream with each of the paintings,” Steadfast said.
Steadfast is also hosting an Artist Talk 5-6 p.m. Oct. 27 at the BBAC. For more details on the exhibition and Artist Talk, visit bbartcenter.org.
Call Staff Writer Mary Genson at (586) 498-1095.























Scammer solicits at victims door BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 3 p.m. Oct. 13, officers took a report of fraud.
The victim, a 41-year-old resident, reported that on Oct. 4, an unknown male suspect had approached his residence, selling magazines for charity. The suspect claimed the purchase was tax-deductible.
The victim sent $720 via Zelle to an account belonging to a 25-year-old Pontiac woman. The victim learned that he was the victim of a scam and disputed the $720 charge with his bank.
Officers contacted the female suspect, who stated she would issue a refund to the victim. She was advised by police that a permit is required to solicit within the city of Birmingham.
BIRMINGHAM — On Oct. 14, at approximately 9 p.m., officers were dispatched to the 1000 block of East 14 Mile Road for an altercation.
A 30-year-old man from Imlay City stated that he is a repossession agent and was in the process of repossessing the suspect’s vehicle when the suspect, an 81-year-old male resident, began threatening him with a gun.
The victim stated that he had spoken with the financial agent prior to loading the vehicle onto the tow lift and confirmed that the repossession was valid. The suspect claimed that his vehicle had been paid off, but he was unable to provide proof. The suspect then became argumentative and approached the victim’s tow truck while holding a handgun.
Shortly after, officers arrived and secured the weapon from the suspect. The
suspect was unable to verify payment for the vehicle and continued to act hostile. He was placed under arrest for felonious assault and felony firearm charges. The investigation is ongoing.
BIRMINGHAM — On Oct. 14, at approximately 1 a.m., officers on patrol near Rivenoak Street observed a 29-year-old Detroit man speeding.
Officers activated their emergency lights and conducted a traffic stop. Officers immediately identified signs of intoxication on the suspect. After failing field sobriety evaluations, the suspect was placed under arrest and given a citation for driving while under the influence of alcohol.
BIRMINGHAM — Officers were dispatched to South Glenhurst Drive for a
home invasion report at 9 p.m. Oct. 14.
Officers spoke with a 45-year-old woman and a 60-year-old man, who stated that around noon, someone had entered their residence and stolen jewelry and other items valued at approximately $30,000.
The victims told officers that they typically leave some doors in the house unlocked. There were no signs of forced entry. An investigation is ongoing.
— Mary Genson






































BY DEAN VAGLIA dvaglia@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — They are small, brown and everywhere, and boy, do they hop.
Rabbits do not need much more of an introduction. Anyone who has spent time in southeastern Michigan has seen their share and more of wild rabbits — particularly, the widely abundant eastern cottontail — but aside from a jump scare while driving or a fleeting critter spotted while out and about, the actual role and purpose of rabbits tends to go unknown to the average Michigander.
Which begs the question: What even is a rabbit?
For starters, a rabbit is not a rodent — it’s an entirely different animal altogether.
“(Rabbits) are within the order Lagomorpha, taxonomically,” said KR Vedolich, a naturalist with the Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center in Shelby Township. “They are genetically distinct from a lot of different kinds of animals … and this is the group that contains rabbits and hares and pikas. They are separate rodents and rodents are in their own taxonomic order, Rodentia.”

The eastern cottontail rabbit is native to Michigan, having been in the eastern part of North America for millions of years. For all of that time rabbits have played a key role in how the natural environment of the region has functioned, even if most of what they do is hidden from the surface view.
“They’re a good herbivore to clean up our forest floor to help control plant populations,” Vedolich said. “After a rabbit eats it has to digest that food and then poop it out. That poop provides important resources for other animals in the area. Think of dung beetles or any other kind of insect that might relish those nutrients (in the poop) and break those down further to help fertilize the soil. There’s multiple steps of moving energy around the ecosystem.”
Another step in the energy-moving process is the rabbit’s role as a prey animal that is eaten by other animals within the environment, therefore passing energy along the food chain. Beyond moving energy, rabbits also move plenty of dirt by building underground tunnels — and not just for rabbits.
“They build really extensive burrow systems which are actually quite sophisticated,” Vedolich said. “They can have dozens, even over 100 different entrances into a single burrow system … But those burrows are not only important for the rabbit itself to find shelter from predators. Those kinds of borrow systems that rabbits build are also important for other types of wildlife as well. Animals like snakes may take advantage of
the additional shelter. Skunks might also use rabbit burrows. Things like groundhogs, chipmunks, even turtles can find their way (into burrows). It’s a really cool thing. They provide a lot of services to the environment.”
Rabbits and humans have always had an interesting relationship. Along with being a prey animal hunted for fur and food for centuries, more recent development patterns in the region have seen wild rabbits go through a cyclical relationship with the lands they live on.
“In the original forest there may have been a very healthy population of rabbits that, with initial urban development, was probably pushed out by all of the noise, changing structures (and) heavy equipment,” Vedolich said. “But as time goes on, let’s say that (a) subdivision is now established. The ground is settling, homes are settling, you may have more people in an area which is a deterrent for rabbits to be nearby — but it also might mean that their predators may not be around. When it comes to rabbits in an urban landscape, there’s a benefit of being around because they have more ornamental plants they can eat and there’s potentially less
See RABBIT on page 12A




Experience and expertise are what you want from an expert in any endeavor, and those attributes are critically important in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world of real estate.
Experience and expertise are what you want from an expert in any endeavor, and those attributes are critically important in today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world of real estate.
If you’re looking to buy or sell a property in the West Bloomf eld area, the expert you’re looking for is Beth Danto Borson of National Realty Centers. She is available in the National Realty of ces located in Birmingham, Northville, Clarkston & Ann Arbor.
If you’re looking to buy or sell a property in the West Bloomfield area, the expert you’re looking for is Beth Danto Borson of National Realty Centers. She is available in the National Realty offices located in Birmingham, Northville, Clarkston & Ann Arbor.
Beth has spent nearly 30 years in business, helping countless clients locate and close on their dream homes. Beth’s marketing expertise helps her clients sell properties at top dollar, typically within 95% of list price. She spent 16 years on the
Beth has spent nearly 30 years in business, helping countless clients locate and close on their dream homes. Beth’s marketing expertise helps her clients sell properties at top dollar, typically within 95% of list price. She spent 16 years on the


West Bloomfield Board of education and knows how important customer service is on top of the community market trends and employs all of the technological tools needed to quickly sell a home, or find the property her clients are looking for.
West Bloomf eld Board of education and knows how important customer service is on top of the community market trends and employs all of the technological tools needed to quickly sell a home, or f nd the property her clients are looking for.
Everything she’s learned and all of her skills are filtered through the prism of her experience to list, stage, organize and market a property. Her wealth of experience helps mitigate the stress of the process from the inspection and walkthrough to the final closing for each and every one of her clients.
Everything she’s learned and all of her skills are f ltered through the prism of her experience to list, stage, organize and market a property. Her wealth of helps mitigate the stress of the inspection and to the f nal closing for each and every one of her clients.
“I know the area,” said Beth. “I live and work here. I give every client the knowledge to make a good decision when they’re buying or selling a home,
“I know the area,” said Beth. “I live and work here. I give every client the knowledge to make a good decision when they’re buying or selling a home,

and to make them comfortable with that decision. My experience gives them a competitive edge.”
and to make them comfortable with that decision. My experience gives them a competitive edge.”


Her relationships with other agents and trusted contractors make any related project painless and hassle-free.
Her relationships with other agents and trusted contractors make any related project painless and hassle-free.


Beth said the market is still hot in West Bloomfield and its neighboring communities. Demand for available properties remains high and the inventory is low, so having someone on your team with that edge is crucial to not only finding the right property or buyer, but to closing the best deal on the best available property.
Beth said the market is still hot in West Bloomf eld and its neighboring communities. Demand for available properties remains high and the inventory is low, so having someone on your team with that edge is crucial to not only fnding the right property or buyer, but to closing the best deal on the best available property.

my clients with the most positive real estate experience possible.”
my clients with the most positive real estate experience possible.”
If you are eying a property or are ready to sell in the West Bloomfield area, Beth Danto Borson is the luxury home and relocation expert you’re looking for.
“In this market, you need a Realtor you can trust and one who gives you honest advice,” she said. “I work hard to provide
“In this market, you need a Realtor you can trust and one who gives you honest advice,” she said. “I work hard to provide


To inquire about listing a property or finding your perfect home in West Bloomfield or the surrounding area, call Beth directly at (248) 535-7888.
If you are eying a property or are ready to sell in the West Bloomf eld area, Beth Danto Borson is the luxury home and relocation expert you’re looking for. To inquire about listing a property or f nding your perfect home in West Bloomf eld or the surrounding area, call Beth directly at (248) 535-7888.

248-535-7888
from page 4A
troit, and then caught a bus similar to a Greyhound bus that was privately owned by Ford Motor Co. and was sent for the Rosies. She said it took well over an hour for her to get there.
“It took us an hour to get there and an hour to get back, and a lot of us slept on the bus. Thank God for my mother having supper ready for us,” she said. “We would just go to work and come home. We didn’t go out because we had to get up early in the morning to go to work. We worked six days, sometimes seven days.”
Mauro Masters said that she worked eight hours a day. She would have to be there at 6 a.m. and said she got up very early to catch the bus, but said she liked it because she was able to go part of the way to work with her father, who worked at Eastern Market.
She said she had very little training when she started working at the plant. The employees had approximately one hour of training and then were on their own.
“No training. No. Just you do it this way and do it that way. When I was on the press, some of the rivets got crooked and you had to drill the rivets out and start over and put new rivets in,” she said. “I never complained, never made a mistake; I just did what they told me to do.”
The position at the plant paid $1 an hour. She said they were given a check each week, which she gave to her mom to help pay for their family house and expenses. She recalled that the house provided shelter for many family members who were
in need, as money was hard to come by and they were the only ones that had a house.
“We didn’t keep any allowance,” she said.
Her son, John O’Brien, said he only found out about 20 years ago that his mom was a Rosie the Riveter.
“We knew my mom worked at Willow Run, but who cared? You know, as teenagers, who cared? I mean, she worked at Willow Run, ‘Oh, thank you, Ma.’ Because she worked her whole life when we were kids,” O’Brien said.
He said he found out when he and his brother took their mother to Willow Run after seeing an ad in the newspaper that they were opening up the plant to show the planes.
“We were totally shocked when we saw all the crowds, and I said, ‘Ma, are these the planes that you worked on?’ And she said yeah, and some young woman heard that and then she told her friends and they all took my mom and swept her away. I said to my brother, ‘What the heck is going on? What is this big deal?’ Well, as time went on we learned. We recognized that mom built these planes that were used in the war,” O’ Brien said.
Mauro Masters said she doesn’t know why she never told her kids, but she was proud of it. However, she didn’t think it was as important as some things her family members had done during the war, such as her two brothers, one of whom, Salvatore Mauro, was killed during the Battle of the Bulge. However, now she realizes her work during the war was very important.
“Now I always tell my friends when they ask what she did in the war, I say, ‘She killed Hitler,’” O’Brien said.
See MAURO MASTERS on page 11A


The job not only enabled her to help with the war effort, but also provided her with a skill that would grow into a career for her. Her first husband died young, at 40, leaving her with three young children. But unlike many other single mothers, Mauro Masters was able to get a job at the Chrysler plant as a riveter in an era when the factory jobs were a male-dominated profession, thanks to her experience as a Rosie the Riveter.
“It opened up the workforce for women,” O’Brien said.
“It was interesting, very interesting,” she said of her experience.
During the war, the plant produced more than 8,000 planes. Mauro Masters said they made one plane per hour.
She said she got to see President Franklin D. Roosevelt when he toured the plant. She also noted that Marilyn Monroe and Betty White were also Rosies.
“Marilyn Monroe was a riveter in California. A lot of people didn’t know about that,” Mauro Masters said. “But one of the presidents discovered her, and I said, ‘Well, why didn’t they come and get me?’ That was my joke.”
Bette Kenward, the Michigan director
stel as a pro on the show who has been partnered with celebrities Lisa Rinna, Monique Coleman, Priscilla Presley and several others.
“I started it (LaBlast) after my Season Two celebrity partner Lisa Rinna asked me to start a class because she fell in love with ballroom dancing,” van Amstel said.
A few years later, van Amstel made the final with Kelly Osbourne, who made a huge transformation during the show. LaBlast was officially established in 2010.
During a LaBlast session, participants do weight training, interval training, stretching and more.
“LaBlast is the perfect balance between dance and fitness.”




for the American Rosie the Riveter Association, said that Monroe was a Rosie, the collective term for the women who worked on the home front in the factories, but was actually a spray painter.
When the war ended, Mauro Masters said it was announced over the loudspeaker that it would be their last day of work, but they were allowed to finish their shift.
The memorial in Royal Oak at Memorial Park, 31100 Woodward Ave. at 13 Mile Road, is being commissioned in segments as the statues are funded. It will have a statue to represent all the different groups that helped to win the war. Mauro Masters’ likeness will be the second statue. The first is of Joe, a soldier. The memorial is being placed in the park where a group of trees were grown from acorns that were given to the U.S. by the British as a thank-you for American efforts in winning the war.
“They say the Royal Oaks in England saved the monarchy, so it was kind of a tribute to that,” said Judith Maten, a member of the memorial’s board of directors.
The acorns were nurtured by the Detroit Zoo until they could be planted in the park in an oval shape, and the memorial is designed to fit into the oval.
Maten said that Mauro Masters has been involved in the memorial from the beginning and was a natural choice to be the likeness for the statue.
Van Amstel will host a LaBlast Master
Class 4-5:30 p.m. Oct. 24 at The Village Club, 190 E. Long Lake Road in Bloomfield Hills. There will be 30 minutes of dancing, a wine break, and an interview session. Guests will also have the opportunity to take photos with van Amstel.
Bobbi Hamilton, membership director at The Village Club, said, “We actually have LaBlast dance fitness classes every Friday here at the club, and they’re very popular. So when this opportunity became available, it was a perfect fit for us.”
He will host a class the next day at Studio 8 Fitness, 4761 Highland Road in Waterford.
Call Staff Writer Mary Genson at (586) 498-1095.
“She has just been kind of the face of the homefront for us. It’s not that we haven’t had other Rosies involved, but Rosie Fran has always been there,” Maten said.
“The thing that strikes us whenever we talk to the World War II veterans or the homefront workers is their humility — the idea that they would do it all over again if they had to,” She said.
Mauro Masters said that she just likes to work and would gladly take a job even now if it were offered to her.
“I would do it again. I would. I want to work. It’s in my blood, I think,” Mauro
Masters said.
The board is still working to raise funds to complete the memorial, which is estimated to cost $2.5 million to $3 million. Each statue costs about $100,000 and the black granite wall costs about $300,000. The memorial board is still raising money for one piece of the plane panel for the Rosie Fran statue. The piece that they still need to commission is expected to cost $30,000.
To donate to the memorial, visit michi ganww2memorial.org or email John Maten at john.maten@michiganww2memorial. org.




























women. … That’s the bigger picture to me that makes it so cool.”
The event itself, ended up being a surprise to Pleasant. What he initially thought would be a get-together of a few friends ended up becoming a room filled with people who made an impact on his career.
“I didn’t think much of it. I thought it would be smaller. … I was blown away and was completely overwhelmed and honored,” Pleasant said. “I choked up. I got up there and looked out and thought, ‘I don’t know what I’ve done to have such good friends.’ It felt good.”
This was a great opportunity to showcase the impact that Pleasant and Rochester Christian University have had on so many people. Former players from all walks of life, and even some different countries, came in to honor the coach.
“Seeing all the former players there and thinking time flies,” Pleasant said. “It does make me think that it’s been a life well lived. … We did something worthwhile and we did something good. Now they transition from being my players to being my friends.”
Pleasant is entering year 15 as head coach for Rochester Christian and has won the UCSAA National Championship twice with the school. While his coaching career isn’t over, his legacy is already ingrained.
“I just felt honored. … Coaching can be a real grind, and the seasons can be long. Sometimes you wonder if you’re making a difference,” Pleasant said. “Having an opportunity to scratch together a career that’s worthy of a Hall of Fame induction was really surreal, because that was never the plan. … I’m just really honored.”
Another special part of the induction is that Pleasant now joins his father, Garth Pleasant, in the Hall of Fame. Garth Pleasant won four national championships and amassed over 700 career wins. The tandem is now 115 wins shy of becoming the all-time winningest father son-duo, according to Klint Pleasant.
“That’s what was so surreal about it. … I grew up being at events like that for my dad,” Pleasant said. “It’s so cool to have opportunities like that where he can have moments where we’re proud. And we did something really unique as a father and son. … Seeing him almost live through it again was very touching for me.”
The mark that Pleasant and his family have left on the program is massive and ever-
predation pressure on those animals within an urban environment.”
But for all their interactions with humans and the world built by humans, wild rabbits like the eastern cottontail are an entirely separate species from the domestic rabbits that make up one of the county’s most popular — and most abandoned — pets. While eastern cottontails are a local species, domestic rabbits have a lineage of Iberian rabbits bred by Romans for the purpose of harvesting meat and furs.
“When that wild-type rabbit was domesticated, all its fearful traits were bred out,” Vedolich said. “It’s just like how dogs were domesticated from wolves. You breed a litter, you choose the calmest (and) most agreeable ones, you breed those ones so that over generations the rabbits that you find are lacking a lot of the flight and fear responses. Domestication has actually changed the structure of the domesticated rabbit’s brain such that within a domesticated rabbit’s brain, the amygdala (the part responsible for

lasting. The small school’s basketball program has seen years of success, and Pleasant will always be a vital reason for that.
“It sounds cheesy… but they’re just very humble people. They work hard, have good ethics, and the more I’m around it the more I like it,” Rewold said. “Everything about the program is the right way.”
To learn more about Rochester Christian University athletics and its programs, visit www. rcuwarriors.com.
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
fear) is greatly reduced in comparison to a wild rabbit.”
Given the docility bred into domestic rabbits over so many generations, abandoning one in the wild under the assumption it can survive is essentially giving it a death sentence.
“It would be no different than if you thought of dumping your cat or your dog,” Macomb County Animal Control Director Jeff Randazzo said. “These are animals that have already been acclimated to human interactions, humans feeding them, watering them, all those things and all of a sudden, all of those stop. They do not know how to free graze. And they are susceptible because they weren’t born in the wild, they are not going to — in my opinion — take cover or know that harm is on the way.”
Randazzo recommends that looking to take on a domestic rabbit as a pet should study the way rabbits behave in captivity, seek an animal through a trusted rescue agency and get all the proper vaccines for the rabbit.
While the face and shape of metro Detroit is set to change with new developments and further expansions northward and westward, Vedolich believes the eastern cotton-
tail’s history of resilience will lead to a future where wild rabbits will remain a fixture of the southeastern Michigan ecosystem for decades to come.
“The eastern cottontail rabbit is a very resilient animal,” Vedolich said. “It has the ability to produce multiple litters of rabbits every year. They can go through a lot of change and adapt to it over time, whether that change is because of human development or whether the change is because of


Reporter: Mary Genson | (586) 498-1095 | mgenson@candgnews.com Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com Classifieds: For ad rates (586) 498-8100
overarching continuous dynamics with predator populations as well. Populations can go up and down, but rabbits are very good at compensating for any large hits. They’re really resilient animals. I would say if we start to see more of a public passion for conserving our wild spaces, I think the rabbit has a really good shot of being with us for a long, long time.”
Call Staff Writer Dean Vaglia at (586) 498-1043.
(586) 498-1099
| (586) 246-8114 | jbender@candgnews.com
ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Leprechauns baseball team is set to host the second annual Paddy O’Dinger Halloween Stroll from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, at Memorial Park, 31050 Woodward Ave.
‘The Lucky Corner’ will again be a spot for trick-or-treaters to fill their buckets as team partners will be passing out candy to those who attend.
The stroll will be around the infield and outfield at Memorial Park and will have stations to receive candy from partners. Attendees can dress up in their Halloween costumes, receive treats and see Leprechauns mascot Paddy O’Dinger himself.
There will be at least 15 local businesses and organizations, including Royal Oak Sandlot League and the Royal Oak Police and Fire departments, that will have stations at the event.
There is no sign-up necessary to attend the event. To learn more, visit facebook.com/RoyalOakLeprechauns.
— Taylor Christensen





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14A/ BIRMINGHAM-BLOOMFIELD EAGLE • OCTOBER 22, 2025
OCT. 23
Ex Libris fundraiser: Benefits adult learners in Oakland County, features Hollywood screenwriter and Detroit native Rob Edwards, cocktails at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m., The Village Club, 190 E. Long Lake Road in Bloomfield Hills, oaklandliteracy.com/ exlibris2025
OCT. 24
Monster Mash: Includes costume contest, flashlight ghost tour, liquid nitrogen ice cream, skeleton dance-off, mummy relay, mini pumpkin decorating, Halloween-themed bites and drinks, and more, for ages 21 and older, 7-10 p.m., Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, science.cranbrook.edu
Trunk or treat: Also live music, cider and doughnuts, and costume contest, 5 p.m., American House Village at Bloomfield, 1957 S. Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills, RSVP by Oct. 22, (248) 213-8771
OCT. 25
Franklinstein Frenzy: Includes Halloween parade from noon-12:20 p.m. through Village of Franklin, trick-or-treating at 12:20 p.m. from business district to Franklin Public Library, pumpkin roll at 12:45 p.m. at Kreger House, cider and doughnuts from noon-2 p.m. at library, and arts and crafts all day at library, facebook.com/mainstreetfranklinmi
Halloween Hoot: Includes trick-or-treating along trail, bring flashlight, 6-8 p.m., Beverly Park, 18801 Beverly Road, villagebeverlyhills.com, read story at candgnews.com
Halloween Science: Includes electrifying experiments, immersive ride in planetarium, creepy stories, pumpkin launch from trebuchet, bug eating challenge, make-and-take arts and crafts, Permian monsters exhibit, and more, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2:30-5:30 p.m., Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, science.cranbrook.edu
Pumpkin Patch: Inaugural free event includes live music, food trucks, train rides, pumpkin decorating
station, face painting, spooky stories, costume parade and more, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Shain Park, 270 W. Merrill St. in Birmingham, bhamgov.org/pumpkinpatch, read story at candgnews.com
OCT. 25-26
Fall Festival: Includes corn maze, pumpkins, wagon rides, animals, bounce pad, climbing elements, games, live music, face painting, cider and doughnuts, beer garden and more, 5-10 p.m. Oct. 25 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Oct. 26, Bowers School Farm, 1219 E. Square Lake Road in Bloomfield Hills, schoolfarm.org
OCT. 26
Birmingham Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Public Parking Lot #6, 660 N. Old Woodward Ave., www. allinbirmingham.com/farmersmarket
NOV. 11
Veterans Day breakfast: Hear stories from five veterans who served from World War II to Vietnam War and who live or lived at St. Anne’s Mead, also performance by The Michigan Bagpiper, event hosted by Bishop Bonnie Perry of Episcopal Diocese of Michigan and emceed by WXYZ-TV anchor and reporter Alicia Smith, 8-10 a.m., The Community House of Birmingham, 380 S. Bates St., (248) 557-1221, stannesmead.org
Birmingham Metropolitan Women’s Club meeting/ luncheon: Hear historian Mike Woloszyk discuss Ford family, 10:30 a.m., The Iroquois Club, 43248 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Township, group meets every second Tuesday of month, RSVP to Chris at (248) 3037339 two weeks before each event, tbmwc.com
NOV. 13
‘November Nuances’ concert: Free performance by The Birmingham Musicale, audience encouraged to wear antique jewelry, 1 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1800 W. Maple Road in Birmingham, 100th anniversary season continues Dec. 11, thebirminghammusicale.org
NOV. 15
Hear pianist Michelle Cann: Presented by Chamber Music Detroit, 7:30-9 p.m., Seligman Performing Arts

To view more Community Calendar and to submit your own event, use the QR code or visit candgnews.com/calendar. To advertise an event, call (586) 498-8000.

Center at Detroit Country Day School, 22305 W. 13 Mile Road in Beverly Hills, chambermusicdetroit.org/ season82
ONGOING
‘Lost in Yonkers’: Neil Simon comedy set in 1942 New York about brothers living away from father while he pays off debts and the colorful characters who come into their lives, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Nov. 7-9, 14-16 and 20-23, Birmingham Village Players, 34660 Woodward Ave., (248) 644-2075, boxoffice@birminghamvillageplayers.com, birminghamvillageplayers.com
Art exhibit: See “The Human Experience” by Boyd Quinn, “As then there was no then, so there is none now” by Ryan Standfest, “Homemade” by Marla Karimipour, and works by students of Rachel Brunhild and Kira Keck, on display 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays until Oct. 30, also artist talks with Quinn Oct. 22 and Standfest Oct. 27, both 5-6 p.m., Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, 1516 S. Cranbrook Road in Birmingham, (248) 644-0866, bbartcenter.org
‘Permian Monsters: Life Before the Dinosaurs’: Features fossilized skeletons, vibrant paleo-art and lifesized animatronics representing Permian period 290 millions years ago, traveling exhibit on display noon-4 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Fridays until Jan. 7, Cranbrook Institute of Science, 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, science.cranbrook.edu
Senior Men’s Club of Birmingham meetings: Guest speakers and luncheons for active men 55 and older, topics include “Automotive Highlights from The Henry Ford” by Matt Anderson Oct. 24 and “Detroit Media Matters” by Carolyn Clifford Oct. 31, 10:30 a.m., Zoom and in person at The Iroquois Club, 43248 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Township, RSVP for lunches by previous Tuesdays, seniormensclub@gmail.com, seniormensclubbirmingham.com
Birmingham-Bloomfield Newcomers and Neighbors Club: Nonprofit comprises 270-plus women around
world, group hosts monthly Welcome Coffee events to connect, share cultures and build friendships, also local activities including card games and sports, inquire about events at bbnc.membership@gmail. com, bbnewcomers.com
Second Saturday Book Sale: Monthly event also includes DVDs, CDs and more, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. (10 a.m. for Friends of the Bloomfield Township Public Library members), 1099 Lone Pine Road, (248) 6425800, btpl.org
Birmingham-Ferndale Stamp Club: Meets 6 p.m. every first and third Tuesdays of month (fellowship at 5:30 p.m.), Birmingham Next, 2121 Midvale St., birminghamstamp.club
MI Options Medicare Assistance Program: Get free unbiased counseling during enrollment period (ends Dec. 7), one-on-one appointments available by phone, virtually or in person, (248) 262-0545, find locations at ageways.org/calendar
Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less: Virtual 15-week program presented by AgeWays Nonprofit Senior Services and led by registered dietitian nutritionist, free for first-time participants ages 60 and older, register at (833) 262-2200 or wellnessprograms@ageways. org, tinyurl.com/agewaysworkshops
Health workshops: Hosted by Corewell Health, free and virtual, corewellhealth.org/classes-events/ southeast-michigan
Lupus support groups: 10 a.m. every second Tuesday of month and 7 p.m. every last Wednesday of month, Zoom, (248) 901-7299, milupus.org/support-groups
ADHD meetings: Hosted by CHADD of Eastern Oakland County, for adults and parents, 7:30-8:30 p.m., Zoom, see schedule on chadd.net/chapterevents/527
Bingo: 12:30-1:30 p.m. every first Friday of month, Mahany/Meininger Senior Community Center, 3500 Marais Ave. in Royal Oak, (248) 246-3900

BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com
METRO DETROIT — High school football teams around the state are preparing for the most dramatic game of the season this weekend. This will be the final regular season game of 2025 for most teams and the games feature rivalries, playoff implications and seasons on the line.
Marquee matchup of the week
Birmingham Groves at Birmingham Seaholm — 7 p.m. Oct. 24
One of the biggest rivalries in the metro Detroit area is Seaholm versus Groves, and Seaholm will host this year’s showdown. Both teams are having solid seasons and will finish toward the top of their respective divisions. Two seasons ago, Seaholm defeated Groves in the regular season and in the postseason, but Groves returned the favor by accomplishing the exact same feat in 2024. That puts these rivals as playoff-caliber teams that are 2-2 in the last four meetings, and it should make for an electric Friday night at Seaholm High School.
Games to watch
Berkley at Madison Heights Lamphere — 7 p.m. Oct. 24
The season will end for both of these teams with an out-of-conference game, but a competitive one nonetheless. Berkley finds itself in second in the Oakland Activities Association-Gold, and after starting the season 1-3 is now playing with the chance to make the postseason. Lamphere is third in the Macomb Area Conference-Gold and will be looking to secure a 6-3 season.
Oxford at Macomb Dakota — 7 p.m. Oct. 24
Oxford ends the season with two difficult out-of-conference opponents after a Week 8 matchup against highly ranked North Farmington. The team is in a battle for second place within the OAA-Red and will be looking for a strong finish. Dakota is aiming to finish 2025 with just two losses and become a threat in the postseason.
St. Clair Shores Lakeview at St. Clair Shores Lake Shore — 7 p.m. Oct. 24
This crosstown rivalry will be a great way to end the season for both teams. Lake Shore has had a rough season but can go out on a high note with a win over a rival to end the year. Lakeview, however, has made a playoff push after a 2-2 start to the season and a big win over Lake Shore before postseason play could be great for momentum.
Utica at Warren Cousino — 7 p.m. Oct. 24
This matchup features two of the best teams in the MAC as Utica is tied atop the MACWhite and Cousino will finish in second in the MAC-Blue. Cousino’s only division loss this year is to MAC-Blue champion Port Huron Northern, and both of these teams will be looking to go into postseason play with an emphatic regular-season finale win.
Grand Blanc at Romeo — 7 p.m. Oct. 24
Grand Blanc may not be a local team, but it’s impossible to look at this week’s games and not highlight this one. Romeo finished the season with a perfect 5-0 record in the MAC-Red and won the division, while Grand Blanc is on the hunt for an undefeated season. Grand Blanc will have to get through Romeo after getting through then-undefeated Davison to achieve a 9-0 record in 2025.
Call Sports Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.
























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NEWS BRIEFS TAKEN FROM AROUND OUR COVERAGE AREAS
Welcome to the ‘Sandsbash’ ST. CLAIR SHORES — The “Sandsbash” is back with live entertainment, food and dancing, all to support a great cause. The event this year is held from 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Nov. 8. Tickets are $60 until Oct. 24 and $70 at the door. The bash will be held at Barrister Gardens located at 24225 Harper Avenue. This year, the event supports Wertz Warriors benefiting the Special Olympics. The event features live entertainment, an open bar, a “family style” dinner and more. The color scheme is “Red Accent” with the press release stating a touch of red goes a long way. For more information or to purchase tickets until Oct. 24 contact Al Melfi at (586) 489-6220, Dinghy Concepts at (586) 879-3061, April Sikes Fish at (586) 405-5131 or Marty Sikes at (586) 5304072.
MCC again named ‘veteran-friendly school’ WARREN/CLINTON TOWNSHIP — For the 10th straight year, the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency recognized Macomb Community College as a certified Veteran-Friendly School, awarding the college gold-level recognition for the 2025-26 school year. The VFS program was created by MVAA to recognize colleges and universities across Michigan that demonstrate a commitment to supporting veterans, active-duty service members and their families in utilizing their GI Bill and navigating other educational resources. Colleges can earn gold, silver and bronze level status.
To earn gold-level status, an institution must meet six of MVAA’s seven judging criteria. They are: an established process for identification of current student veterans; veteran-specific website; active student veteran organization or club; veteran-specific career services, resources, advising, and/or outcome monitoring; on-campus veterans’ coordinator and/or designated staff point of contact; system to evaluate and award academic credit based on prior military training and experience; and monitoring and evaluation of student veteran academic retention, progress and graduation rates. MVAA is a state government agency operating under the Michigan Department of Military and Veteran Affairs. It serves as the central coordinating point for Michigan veterans, connecting those who have served in the U.S. armed forces and their families to services and benefits throughout the state.
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ROCHESTER — Rochester Christian University is seeking donations for its new Professional Clothes Closet, which will provide current students with free access to professional clothing appropriate for interviews, internships, networking events, conferences and career fairs. The type of clothing needed is modern professional suits and suit separates (jackets/blazers, pants, skirts, and dresses); button-up shirts and blouses; and gently used/like new dress shoes and belts. All items must be recently cleaned, with no rips, tears, missing buttons, or stains.
Rebekah Pinchback, dean of the School of Business and Technology, started the initiative to help remove financial barriers for students and empower them with free career wear, so they can step into professional opportunities with confidence.
“It has become evident that not all students have access to necessary career wear. Our goal is to help our Warriors feel confident, professional and prepared when making a positive first impression,” Pinchback said in a press release.
The closet is size-inclusive, and all clothing is provided at no cost to students. Students also receive free resources and information on the importance of dressing professionally and the different types of professional attire in the workplace.
To support this initiative, email Pinchback at rpinchback@rcu.edu to contribute clothing; purchase item(s) from the closet’s Amazon wish list; or direct funds to this university gift fund.
Matt Dion, a 2008 alumnus and owner of Closets by Design,
for another

rpinchback@rcu.edu.

Merchant Savings,” according to a press release. Learn more about this free event at MainStreetFranklinMi.com. Photo




ACROSS 1. Eye affliction
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45. *Silver ammo, useful against werewolves, sing.
47. Rooster’s girlfriend
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59. Missouri River tributary
60. Chooses
61. *Rice of “The Vampire Chronicles” fame
62. “____ the fields we go”
63. Turkish title of respect
64. Oxen’s harness DOWN
1. Hog haven 2. Like certain ice tea

3. Holler 4. Pupil protector 5. Driver’s license sticker 6. Dark 7. #63 Across, pl. 8. Forum, pl. 9. Previously mentioned, acr. 10. Hi-____ monitor 12. Pooh’s repast, pl. 13. Drawing support 14. *Bobby ____ of “Monster Mash” fame


ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to Citizens Bank at 44 North Adams Road on a report of a female driving into the front of the business at 1:30 p.m. Sept. 25. Deputies determined that a 63-year-old female driver operating a 2020 Chevrolet Blazer had attempted to make a left turn from the Village of Rochester Hills Mall onto southbound Adams Road, just north of Walton Boulevard. During this maneuver, she collided with a 2022 Western Star semi-truck and trailer driven by a 40-year-old man from California traveling in the left southbound lane of Adams Road. The driver improperly utilized the two-way continuous left-turn lane as a merge lane to enter traffic, resulting in a collision with the side of the semi-trailer.
Following the initial impact, she inadvertently depressed the accelerator instead of the brake, causing the vehicle to accelerate uncontrollably. The vehicle veered left, crossed the northbound lanes of Adams Road, left the roadway, struck a traffic sign, descended an embankment, and ultimately crashed into the front of Citizens Bank. The driver, a 63-year-old woman from Sterling Heights, was injured in the crash and was transported to the hospital for medical treatment. Police said alcohol and drugs did not appear to have been contributing factors. The incident caused significant structural damage to both the vehicle and the exterior wall of the bank.
Clothing stolen from Lululemon
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to Lululemon, 252 N. Adams Road, for a retail fraud that had just occurred at 8:25 p.m. Sept 20. The store employee stated that three females and one male entered the store empty handed. Once inside the store, they all started grabbing as much clothing as they could carry and ran out of the store into a white Tesla before fleeing the scene. The store employee estimates that over $3,000 in merchandise was stolen. Deputies were investigating.
MSU jersey stolen from car
ROCHESTER HILLS — Deputies were dispatched to the 1700 block of Bedford Square Drive on a report of a larceny from vehicle at 10:49 p.m. Sept. 24. The caller said his vehicle had been parked for approximately 36 hours before he realized that $200-$300 worth of miscellaneous items, including a Michigan State football jersey displaying No. 9, was missing. He believes he had left his vehicle unlocked. Detectives were investigating.
Driver on the road with suspended license
ROCHESTER — An officer on patrol in the area of
on the windshield and the driver using their phone while driving. A traffic stop was conducted, and it was determined the driver had a suspended license. The driver was placed under arrest, was transported to the station for processing and was released with a citation for a later court date.
Victim receives fraudulent text
TROY — A man who lives on Jordan Drive reported that at 4 p.m. Oct. 10, he received a text message from a person claiming to be a representative with Citibank, who told him there had been a fraudulent charge and instructed him to call a phone number. He called the number provided and gave his personal information to another representative, only to realize it was a scam.
Vehicle damaged at Aston Martin Detroit
TROY — The Aston Martin Detroit dealership at 1820 Maplelawn Drive reported that the glass rooftop of a 2023 BMW i7 had been damaged sometime between Sept. 24 and Sept. 26. The roof had been struck in multiple locations, apparently by an unknown person.
Fraud reported
WEST BLOOMFIELD — A 75-year-old West Bloomfield woman told police Sept. 16 she was a victim of fraud when an unknown suspect withdrew $400 from her bank account.
Man threatens hospital employees
WEST BLOOMFIELD — A 46-year-old Sylvan Lake man reportedly threatened employees at Henry Ford Hospital in West Bloomfield Township Sept. 16 when he was unhappy with his medical treatment.
Drug paraphernalia found
FARMINGTON — Officers with Farmington Public Safety reportedly grew suspicious of a person parked at a self-storage business after hours around 2 a.m. Sept. 23 in the 34000 block of Nine Mile Road, prompting them to check the plates.
They allegedly found that the vehicle was registered to a 27-year-old woman with a warrant out for her arrest on a probation violation in another jurisdiction. The woman was then located and detained by the officers, who conducted a search of her backpack with her consent and reportedly discovered drug paraphernalia, including possible heroin.
The case was turned over to the detective bureau for follow-up pending lab results for the possible narcotics.
FARMINGTON — At around 7 p.m. Oct. 5, a woman in her 50s or 60s reportedly left a retail establishment in the 2200 block of Farmington Road without paying for 16 items.
The case was forwarded to the detective bureau.
Suspect reported to have stolen items repeatedly since July
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP — On Oct. 2, the Bloomfield Township Police Department took a report of retail fraud from Lowe’s, located at 1801 S. Telegraph Road.
Employees reported seven incidents of theft, with items totaling $1,272.36, dating back to July 2. All thefts were reportedly committed by the same suspect, who investigators are attempting to identify.
These cases were turned over to the Bloomfield Township Police Investigations Unit.
Driver flees after being stopped for running red light
BIRMINGHAM — At approximately 10 p.m. Oct. 3, officers in a police vehicle observed a small SUV drive through a red light on westbound 14 Mile Road, at Eton.
Officers initiated a traffic stop, following the vehicle with emergency lights and siren activated on 14 Mile, past Woodward and Greenfield, until the driver finally turned onto Cummings and stopped. Officers checked the 30-year-old Detroit man’s identification and found a Michigan State Police felony warrant for resisting an officer and fleeing.
Officers asked the driver to exit the vehicle, and he instead drove away, accelerating through the neighborhood and heading west.
Birmingham police terminated the chase at Smith and Grant and notified neighboring police departments. An investigation was ongoing.
Women seen stealing clothing at store
BIRMINGHAM — On Oct. 6, at approximately 10 a.m., officers were dispatched to the 100 block of South Old Woodward for a report of retail fraud in progress. Four female suspects were seen running out of the store carrying large amounts of clothing. The reporting party stated that the suspects had entered the store, refused staff assistance, and shortly after, left with their arms full of clothing without paying. It was later learned that an unknown male suspect who entered the store with the female suspects was also involved. Witnesses observed the suspects entering an SUV that was parked nearby. An investigation was ongoing.
the vehicle was taken between 6 p.m. Oct. 5 and 10 a.m. Oct. 6. The vehicle’s owner, a 73-year-old Berkley man, told police that his black 2018 GMC Terrain had been taken from Oxford Park Towers of Berkley.
Berkley Public Safety Department received news from Southfield police that they had recovered the stolen vehicle and that an arrest was made.
Driver spits at officer, suffers seizure in arrest
BERKLEY — A 27-year-old Detroit woman was arrested by police at 12:16 a.m. Oct. 2 at Franklin Road and Woodward Avenue. According to the report, police performed a traffic stop on the suspect after noticing that the vehicle had a headlight out and had almost struck the curb. The vehicle stopped but also began to go in reverse and struck the patrol vehicle’s bumper.