11/24/25 Royal Oak Review

6A SPOTLIGHT ON CHARITIES & NONPROFITS

Rosie the Riveter statue unveiled on Veterans Day

TBY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

he World War II Legacy Veterans Memorial hosted a special Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 11 that included the unveiling of the Rosie the Riveter statue.

“We come together to honor the courage, service and sacrifice by veterans both past and present,” said John Maten, president of the Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial. “We also recognize the family and friends who stood behind them and offered strength and love while their loved ones served. Their sacrifices too are woven into the story of our freedom. It never feels like enough to simply say thank you.”

The program on Veterans Day included the posting of the colors, an invocation by the Rev. Richard Dalton, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” the Pledge of Allegiance, and keynote speakers U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell and Lanette Mattison, of Ford Global Data Insights and Analytics.

The main event of the day was the unveiling of the

Clawson special meeting causes upset between officials and residents

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

CLAWSON — A Clawson City Council special meeting caused discussion

throughout the council chamber among not only the residents in attendance, but between Mayor Paula Millan, council members, and Mayor-elect Susan Moffitt on Nov. 13.

Clawson voters voiced their distaste

for the special meeting, with most saying they wanted the newly elected City Council members and Moffitt to be in charge of making the decisions on the agenda.

The meeting addressed the reappoint-

ment and appointment of nine individuals to various boards and commissions and the approval of a contract amendment for City Manager Joe Rheker.

Woman arrested for allegedly fleeing police, crashing into Ulta Beauty

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

ROYAL OAK — On Nov. 9, Katrina Deann-Renee Patterson, 26, of Canton, was arrested after allegedly fleeing from the Royal Oak police and crashing into the Ulta Beauty at 27844 Woodward Ave.

At approximately 12:40 a.m. Nov. 9, Royal Oak police officers responded to a report of a white SUV driving on the train tracks near West Fourth Street and South Center Street, according to a Royal Oak Police Department press release.

Officers attempted to interview Patterson when they located the vehicle with her in it, but she reportedly did not cooperate. Officers noticed that one of her tires was flat, and there was an open container of alcohol in the car, according to the release.

When the police officers asked for Patterson’s driver’s license, she fled northbound on Washington Avenue, according to police. The officers reportedly continued to pursue Patterson as she traveled west on Farnum Avenue to Oakridge Avenue, See ARREST on page 11A

NEWS & NOTES

4A/ ROYAL OAK REVIEW • NOVEMBER 24, 2025

Clawson to have Christmas tree lighting

CLAWSON — Clawson will be hosting its annual Christmas tree lighting from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3 at Memorial Park, next to the Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St.

There will be caroling at the gazebo, and Santa Claus will visit via fire truck to flip the switch on the Christmas tree.

Wrap up the night by visiting with Santa at City Hall, and warm up with hot chocolate and cookies provided by the Clawson Chamber of Commerce.

Clawson students will also be playing festive string-orchestra songs. For more information, visit cityofclawson.com.

Holiday Magic Marketplace coming to Royal Oak

ROYAL OAK — Find all things holiday and gifts at the Royal Oak Farmers Market Holiday Magic Marketplace.

ROYAL OAK CONCERT BAND HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE

ROYAL OAK — The Royal Oak Concert Band will be performing “A

709 N. Washington Ave.

Directed by Kevin R. Czarnik, the band will be celebrating the holiday season with traditional songs and themes. The concert will feature the Detroit Women’s Chorus, a 60-member vocal ensemble, performing independently with the ROCB. The ROCB will perform classics such as “Sleigh Ride,” “Carol of the Bells,” “The Christmas Song,” and festive sounds of Hanukkah. The concert will also include a “guest conductor from the North Pole” to help conduct the performance of “Little Saint Nick.” The 18-piece Woodward Avenue Jazz Orchestra will open the concert with a jazzy set as its salute to the holiday season.

Admission costs $12 for adults and $10 for seniors. Children 12 and younger will attend for free. Tickets are available online or at the door.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit royaloakconcertband.org.

St. Paul Lutheran Church to showcase renovations with ribbon cutting

ROYAL OAK — St. Paul Lutheran Church and the Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon cutting at noon Dec. 2 at the church, 202 E. Fifth St.

From 4 to 9 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, families will be able to shop for various gift options, decorations and food from local vendors.

The event will also include free cookies and hot chocolate, live entertainment and a visit from Santa Claus from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

The event is free to attend. For more information, visit romi.gov.

The ribbon cutting is to commemorate 150+ years of St. Paul Lutheran Church, which reportedly is the longest-serving church in Oakland County and which received a Michigan Historical Marker in the summer of 2023, according to a press release.

The ribbon cutting will also showcase the church’s newly renovated office space and welcome center inside of the main entrance. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 11:45 a.m., according to royaloakchamber.com.

For more information, visit royaloakchamber.com.

PAC-MAN is out for blood

METRO DETROIT — The video icon PAC-MAN is helping the American Red Cross.

The nonprofit organization has teamed up with Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., to recruit blood donors. Anyone who donates blood until Dec. 7 will receive a classic pair of Red Cross x PACMAN socks and a one-of-a-kind PAC-MAN Gashapan collectible, both while supplies last.

Donors of all blood types are needed. To make a blood donation, visit RedCrossBlood. org, download the Red Cross Blood Donor App, or call (800) RED CROSS. See www.Red CrossBlood.org/PACMAN for additional details.

PAC-MAN is celebrating its 45-year anniversary this year.

Donating blood takes about an hour, including talking to a health official about your medical history to ensure you are a good candidate. Blood transfusions are given to patients in a wide range of circumstances, including serious injuries such as car crashes, surgeries, child birth, anemia, blood disorders, cancer treatments and more.

Through the end of November, the Red Cross is providing free A1C testing, commonly used to screen for prediabetes and diabetes. The test measures an individual’s blood sugar level over the past three

months. While no fasting is required for the test, blood donors should eat a nutritious meal ahead of their appointment. To receive A1C results, donors must make a successful blood, platelet or plasma donation and have not received an A1C result with their donation in the past 12 months.

Michigan residents travel for turkey

DEARBORN — According to AAA, more than 2.6 million Michiganders are expected to travel at least 50 miles from home during the Thanksgiving holiday period, from Nov. 25 to Dec. 1. This marks a 1.4% increase over last year and sets a new record for Thanksgiving travel in the Great Lakes State.

AAA predicts about 2.3 million Michigan residents will travel by car and 224,600 will travel by airplane. Around 80,000 people will reach their destination by other means, including bus, train or a cruise.

According to INRIX, Tuesday and Wednesday afternoons will be the most congested travel times before Thanksgiving. Heavy traffic is expected all day Sunday as travelers return home. AAA recommends leaving early and staying alert for construction, crashes, or weather delays. Remember to slow down and move over for emergency responders and stopped vehicles.

Founded in 2004, INRIX pioneered intelligent mobility solutions by transforming big data from connected devices and vehicles into mobility insights. — MARIA ALLARD

Groups work to ensure there is ‘No Child Without a Christmas’

BY TAYLOR CHRISTENSEN tchristensen@candgnews.com

The holiday season is upon us, and families all over are preparing for the next few months of fun, food and gifts. But some families are wondering how they are going to pull it off for their children.

To help, local charities and nonprofit organizations come together each year to supply families in need with gifts and food for the holiday season.

For the 31st year, the Troy Police Department is hosting “Operation Blue Sleigh,” a program aimed at helping families in need in the Troy area have the best holiday ever.

Officer Greg Pokley, with the Troy Police Department, said that the team is helping 41 families this year.

Pokley said that 95% of the families selected are identified through the school system and can include kids who are on the free lunch program, or those that teachers know need help the most. The other 15% are chosen by road patrol officers who notice families in need.

“Operation Blue Sleigh encompasses our gift card drive, Shop with a Cop, and then adopt a family,” Pokley said. “This year I have 41 families and that number keeps going up every year.”

During the Shop with a Cop portion of the program, officers take the kids through Walmart and buy the kids a gift with a $100 gift card provided by Walmart.

“We have 41 families and 41 sponsors, generous, generous sponsors, throughout the city of Troy,” he said. “That can include businesses or just residents in Troy that want to donate to families in need.”

Sponsors of the program essentially adopt a family in need. The families send See GROUPS on page 10A

CALENDAR

DEC. 5

‘Waltzes, Wonders & Winter Classics’ concert: Performance by Royal Oak Symphony Orchestra, also guest soloists Hannah Hammel Maser (flute) and Alyssa Katahara (harp) from Detroit Symphony Orchestra, 7:30-9 p.m., Royal Oak Middle School, 709 N. Washington Ave., season continues March 13 and May 8, (248) 854-2375, rlbrown417@gmail.com, royaloakorchestra.com

Holiday Jam: Fundraiser for St. John’s Episcopal Church includes jazz music by The April Tini Quintet, silent auction, and snacks and drinks, doors at 6 p.m., 26998 Woodward Ave. in Royal Oak, (248) 5461255, givebutter.com/c/holidayjam2025

DEC. 7

Holiday open house: See 180-year-old Orson Starr House decorated as it was when family celebrated Christmas, free event also includes visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live music and refreshments, donations appreciated, 1-4 p.m., 3123 N. Main St. in Royal Oak, additional parking at nearby Salvation Army, (248) 219-5807, orsonstarrhouse@gmail.com, facebook.com/orsonstarrhouse

DEC.

13

Handmade Holiday Market: Presented by Great Lakes Artisan Markets, 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Brown Iron

Brewhouse, 30955 Woodward Ave., Suite 510, in Royal Oak, glartisanmarkets@gmail.com

DEC. 16

Concert: Performances by Royal Oak Musicale Chorus and Royal Oak Musicale Harmonics, holiday afterglow follows, 7 p.m., First Congregational Church of Royal Oak, 1314 Northwood Blvd., royaloakmusicale.com/ chorus

ONGOING

Wild Lights: Nighttime strolls include 500-plus displays and millions of LEDs, also pop-up performances and music, Santa photos, seasonal drinks, eats and sweet treats, and more, select times and dates until Jan. 4, Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, detroitzoo.org/events/wild-lights

Royal Oak Holidays: Free outdoor activities held each weekend until Dec. 21, downtown Royal Oak and Centennial Commons, see themes and schedule at royaloakholidays.com, read story at candgnews.com

Ice skating: Open daily from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays, noon-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-11 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays until Jan. 4, The Rink at Royal Oak in Centennial Commons, 221 E. Third St., therinkatroyaloak.com

Royal Oak Farmers Market: 7 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays year-round, also antiques and collectibles from 8

See CALENDAR on page 13A

Training for a high-rise fire

The Southfield Fire Department hosted a training event on Nov. 6 to simulate and practice what to do during a mass causality incident. This event tested how to act during a fire on the fourth floor of a high-rise. In the situation, nursing students portrayed the victims involved in the fire. Firefighters moved the victims to a triage area. Once the injuries were assessed, they were transported by an ambulance to Henry Ford Providence Southfield Hospital. Fire departments from Southfield, Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Ferndale, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Waterford and West Bloomfield participated in the simulation.

FAR LEFT: Royal Oak firefighters prepare to transport a victim to a local hospital during the training event Nov. 6 hosted by the Southfield Fire Department.

NEAR LEFT: Royal Oak firefighters help transport a victim.

BELOW: Royal Oak firefighters load a victim into an ambulance as part of the simulation.

Te Ultimate Health Check-Up:

Full Body MRI Screenings Catch Silent Issues Early

(Southfeld, MI) Te Silent Killer Within. You feel fne. No aches, no pains. But what if something sinister lurks beneath the surface, silently growing, waiting to strike? Te truth is, traditional checkups often miss the early warning signs. Cancer. Aneurysms. Blocked carotid arteries. Tese silent killers can progress undetected for years, only revealing themselves when it’s too late.

Te Full-Body MRI Revolution

Tat’s where the full-body MRI comes in. Screenings evaluate the brain, neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, shoulders, hips and spine. It’s like a high-defnition movie of your insides, revealing hidden threats that other tests miss. Full body MRI screenings can catch them early, before symptoms and when they’re easiest to treat.

We all know someone who woke up one day with an unexplained symptom, only to be told they have stage four cancer. Te

pancreas, liver, brain and all other major organs get evaluated during a full body MRI screening. Tumors can be detected in stage one – before symptoms develop. Early detection can be the diference between life and death.

Bionicc Body Screening: Your Early Warning System

Bionicc Body Screening in Southfeld is Michigan’s frst MRI full body screening center. We’re not just scanning your body; we’re safeguarding your future. Our stateof-the-art facility and expert team provide a comfortable, reassuring experience. Our advanced MRI technology can detect tumors as small as a pencil eraser. Screenings can detect aneurysms; risk of stroke and hundreds of conditions that could be lurking undetected. Is it Right for You?

If you’re serious about your health, if you

want the ultimate peace of mind, then YES, a full-body MRI could be the most important decision you make this year. It’s not just for the privileged few; it’s a health resource available to those willing to make a proactive investment in their wellbeing, ofering peace of mind and early detection opportunities.

Don’t Gamble with Your Health

Scans are safe, non-invasive, emit no radiation and are available without a doctor’s referral. Scans can detect tumors, aneurysms, stroke risk and other conditions.

Limited-Time Ofer

Every day you wait is a risk. A small tumor today could be a major problem tomorrow. Take control. Get the screening. Get the answers.

Robert B., age 50, did just that. He opted for a full-body scan from Bionicc Body Screening, and a very small kidney tumor was detected that had been missed by a recent CT scan. “It saved my life,” he said. “I cannot recommend this service more.”

Learn more at www.BioniccBodyScreening.com and request a Free Welcome Information Kit and a $200 Savings Ofer. Schedule today at 1-833-BIONICC (833-246-6422)

Meeting

from page 1A

The council voted 4-1 in favor of passing the contract amendment. Moffitt voted no on the matter.

Rheker’s contract was supposed to end in March of 2025, but on Oct. 3, 2023, the City Council amended the contract for four years, taking it to March of 2029, according to the agenda packet.

The city manager requested that his contact be extended to March of 2031, along with a pay out of military compensation days at the end of his employment or upon his retirement from the Navy Reserve. The extension also includes an increased sick leave payout from the current 65% to 100% to equal the treasurer’s contract. The extension changes the “for cause termination” clause payout to match the “without cause” clause; this will include the MERS (Municipal Employees’ Retirement System) retirement financial contribution as well as that year counting toward vesting. And finally, the city will be responsible for any shortfall of financial contribution and time toward vesting should a termination occur prior to his vesting in January 2027.

“This meeting is so wrong; it’s so wrong for so many reasons. It’s a slap in the face to

not only me, but to all the citizens and voters in Clawson, but especially to our new mayor and new City Council,” said Darlene McDaniel, who said she is a Clawson resident of 79 years. “The voters have great confidence with them (the newly elected officials) and they aren’t even given a chance on these matters. I don’t know how any of you sleep at night calling this meeting tonight.”

Michael Stein, from West Bloomfield, practices law in Royal Oak. He stood before the council and shared his distaste for the meeting, calling it “disgusting.”

“You drag everyone in here on a Thursday, everyone has kids, jobs, everything is hard right now. And you drag everyone in here for a special meeting to extend a contract for two more years to 2031 for no particular purpose on top of what else you want to add,” Stein said. “I mean the idea that you would try to jam this through, and you guys all got voted out, is a joke. That is an absolute joke. You guys lost, and you’re going to stick this with another council that’s coming in. You know they have their own agenda. Why would you stick that contract with them?”

Stein said that if the council went through with the vote, it would be making a decision that could create big consequences for the next council.

“I cannot believe you guys would sit

See MEETING on page 15A

Pokley a wish list which he then sends over to the sponsors.

“I recommend (to the sponsors) sending roughly $100 per person that is in the family. I divide the families into small, medium, and large so that way the sponsors can pick what size they want, because it will give them an idea of what their budget will be,” he said.

Once all of the gifts are collected from the sponsors, the Troy Police Department hand delivers the gifts to the families at home on Dec. 22.

“We get a bunch of police cars, and we have some large vehicles that are blue, and we load up the vehicles and deliver them to each house that morning,” he said. “The officers get a kick out of that. They love doing that.”

During this time the Troy Police Department is also accepting donations, including money and gift cards. He said they recommend grocery store gift cards.

“We know that the kids, sometimes their best meal is when they are at school, and over the holidays, when they are on break, they don’t get that same food,” he said. “So we ask for grocery store gift cards, and we provide those families with gift cards as well as the sponsors providing the gifts.”

‘No Child Without a Christmas’

In St. Clair Shores, the Goodfellows have been providing holiday help for 99 long years, according to president of the St. Clair Shores Goodfellows organization, Mike Cook. The Goodfellows motto is “No Child Without a Christmas.”

Each year, the Goodfellows gather volunteers to sell newspapers on city street corners and collect food donations from the surrounding schools.

The newspaper sale is always on the first Saturday in December, which this year is Dec. 6. Volunteers fill the streets from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. selling newspapers for donations.

With the money collected from the newspaper sale, Goodfellows volunteers purchase food and gift cards.

Schools around St. Clair Shores also collect nonperishable items to donate, according to Cook. That food is then put into

food baskets that are delivered by volunteers to needy families in the St. Clair Shores area.

“We collect nonperishable food through the holidays and then we have a help line that needy families can call and request help, and we interview those families and for every child under the age of 16 we give out a gift card so that parents can go buy Christmas presents for the kids,” he said. “Along with that on Christmas Eve morning, we take the food that was collected by all of the schools and deliver that to the needy families on Christmas Eve morning.”

Cook said that the food baskets even include turkeys to ensure the families have a full Christmas meal.

“We want them to have everything they need for a Christmas dinner so we go out and purchase turkeys so they have turkeys and stuffing and cranberries and all of the good stuff to go along with it, so they can have a nice Christmas dinner,” he said.

Cook said that prospective families that need Christmas help can call the Goodfellows hotline at (586) 980-0400. They start taking calls the day after Thanksgiving.

Being such a big part of these families’ lives is a heartwarming experience according to Cook, who has been with the Goodfellows for around 38 years now.

“Everybody deserves to have a nice Christmas. All children deserve to have a nice Christmas. It’s heartwarming when we can show up at someone’s house on Christmas Eve morning and bring them food and bring them the things they need, you know, maybe for some reason, they are less fortunate that year,” Cook said. “It doesn’t mean they are bad people, or they have had issues. Something has happened in their life that they need help. They may have lost their job, had an injury, they may have been hospitalized for something. So they have had an event in their life that they need assistance. And if we can help them just to brighten their day a little bit, it makes it all worthwhile.”

For more information about the Troy Police Department, go to troymi.gov. For more information about Goodfellows organizations in metro Detroit, go to detroit goodfellows.org.

For Christmas help from the St. Clair Shores Goodfellows, call (586) 980-0400. Donations can be made at any time at the St. Clair Shores Goodfellows, located at 26700 Harper in St. Clair Shores.

Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.

Santa & Mrs. Claus

invite you to the Sunday December 7 1:00 to 4:00pm at the historic Orson Starr House 3123 North Main Street

Holiday Open House

See the house decorated for the season as it was when the Orson Starr family celebrated the Christmas holiday Visit Santa and Mrs. Claus for children (of all ages)

Enjoy live holiday music & refreshments

This is a free event presented by the Royal Oak Historical Commission

Donations welcome | Additional parking at the Salvation Army

Arrest

which ends at an alley that parallels northbound Woodward.

Patterson turned north into the alley and accelerated into the parking lot of Ulta Beauty, where she lost control and crashed into the building, police said.

According to the press release, despite her vehicle being fully lodged inside the building, Patterson attempted to flee again, backing up and ramming into a patrol car.

While she continued to try to flee from officers, she rammed her car farther into the Ulta, causing thousands of dollars in additional damage, according to police.

Patterson’s escape ended when the vehicle became stuck on debris inside the store, police said, and she was taken into custody without further incident.

A male passenger was also arrested but later released with a citation for having open alcohol in a motor vehicle, police said.

The total amount of damage done has not yet been calculated, according to police. Patterson is suspected of being under the influence of alcohol, but a final determination is pending the result of blood tests, police said.

No officers were injured during the incident, and the driver and passenger reportedly were medically evaluated for minor injuries suffered in the crash.

“We are extremely fortunate this suspect did not

Rosie

from page 1A

Rosie the Riveter statue, a life-size bronze statue depicting a Rosie working on the line, riveting a panel for a B-24 bomber. The statue was sculpted by Oleg Kedria.

“Rosie represents the significant contribution of homefront women to the Arsenal of Democracy, who kept production lines rolling,” Maten said. “We are especially honored that 103-year-old Frances Mauro Masters, a riveter from the Ford Willow Run World War II bomber plant in Ypsilanti, is the inspiration for the face of the statue.”

Mauro Masters attended the Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 11 and expressed her gratitude for the statue.

“I am thrilled to have this statue made of little old me,” Mauro Masters said. “Did everyone know that Marilyn Monroe was a Rosie, and they chose me as the inspiration instead of her!”

In a press release sent out by the Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial, Mauro Masters expressed her excitement for the piece.

“Oh, it’s beautiful! I am proud to be a part of something like this. My husband was in the Marines during WWII. I never told him what I did, I didn’t think it would make such a difference,” she said as she paused. “But it did.”

Bette Kenward, a board member of The Michigan WWII Legacy Memorial and Michigan director and cor-

See ROSIE on page 14A

Grow your savings with this limited-time ofer.

With our 5-month New Money Certifcate of Deposit, you can invest a minimum of just $500 and earn an impressive 4.40% APY. Guaranteed. Open to all Michiganders.

Calendar

from page 7A

a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays year-round, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, (248) 246-3276, farmersmarket@romi.gov, romi. gov/1533/farmers-market

Harmony United Chorusrehearsals: Practice with Greater Detroit chapter of men’s barbershop-style group, 7-9 p.m. most Tuesdays, choir room at Royal Oak Middle School, 709 N. Washington Ave., harmonyunitedchorus@gmail.com, greaterdetroit.org

CAMEO Quilters Guild meetings: 7 p.m. (doors at 6:30 p.m.) every third Thursday of month through June, Clawson United Methodist Church, 205 N. Main St., (248) 544-4504, cameoquilters@gmail.com, cameoquilters.org

Royal Oak Garden Club meetings: 7-8 p.m. (socializing at 6:30 p.m.) most second Mondays of month through June, Unity of Royal Oak, 2500 Crooks Road, royaloakgardenclub@gmail.com, royaloakgarden clubmi.org

Widowed Friends breakfasts: 9:30 a.m. every second and fourth Wednesdays of month, The Avenue Family Restaurant, 31253 Woodward Ave. in Royal Oak, RSVP to Marilyn at (248) 543-1018, widowedfriends.com

Monthly groups: For kids, LGBTQIA+, book clubs for horror fans and more, Royal Oak Public Library, 222

E. 11 Mile Road, (248) 246-3700, romi.gov/1532/ library

• Journaling and discussion group for older adults meets 6:30-7:30 p.m. every third Monday, and writing group for all skill levels and genres meets 6-7:30 p.m. every fourth Wednesday, Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson, registration required, (248) 588-5500, clawson.lib.mi.us

• Wednesday Afternoon Book Club meets 1-2 p.m. Dec. 17 (“Wishin’ and Hopin’: a Christmas Story” by Wally Lamb), then Jan. 21, Feb. 18, March 18 and April 15 in 2026, Blair Memorial Library, 416 N. Main St. in Clawson, registration required, (248) 588-5500, clawsonlibrary@gmail.com, clawson.lib.mi.us

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

Kit Homes of Clawson exhibit: Includes advertisements, photos, artifacts and more about unique early 20th century housing, 2-5 p.m. Saturdays and Wednesdays until Dec. 20, Clawson Historical Museum, 41 Fisher Court, cityofclawson.com, (248) 588-9169, historicalmuseum@cityofclawson.com

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

CRIME WATCH

License plate stolen off car

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that at 5 p.m. Nov. 7, an unknown person stole the license plate off the complainant’s vehicle in the 1300 block of Crooks Road, west of Main Street.

Purse stolen out of vehicle

ROYAL OAK — A complainant re-

Arrest

seriously injure or kill our officers, herself, her passenger, or anyone else during this reckless incident,” Police Chief Michael Moore said in a prepared statement.

Patterson was arraigned before Magistrate Donald Chisholm, of the 44th District Court, Nov. 10. She is charged with one count of third-degree fleeing police, a five-year felony; one count of assault/resist/obstruct police, a two-year felony; two counts of felonious as-

Rosie

from page 12A

responding secretary of the American Rosie the Riveter Association, spoke during the event.

Kenward read a poem written by Donnalee Lanktree, the former president of the American Rosie the Riveter Association.

“They were teenagers, young adults, senior citizens, and they came together with one purpose, to help win the war,” she read. “They built 80,000 landing craft, 100,000 tanks, 300,000 aircrafts, 15 million guns, and 41 billion rounds of ammunition. They were Rosies.”

ported that between 12:35 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. Nov. 6, an unknown person stole the complainant’s purse out of the complainant’s unlocked vehicle in the parking structure at 110 E. 11 Mile Road.

Cellphone stolen

ROYAL OAK — A complainant reported that between 3:40 p.m. and 4 p.m. Nov. 11, an unknown person stole the complainant’s unattended cellphone from the desk at LA Fitness at 25352 Woodward Ave. — Taylor Christensen

sault, a four-year felony; one count of malicious destruction of a building, a 10-year felony; one count of malicious destruction of personal property, a five-year felony; and one count of malicious destruction of police property, a fouryear felony.

Patterson has a 2023 conviction for operating while intoxicated in Port Huron.

Her bond was set at $50,000 cash, no 10%, and Patterson’s next court appearance was set for Nov. 21 in the 44th District Court, after press time. She requested a court-appointed attorney; Brittany Anne Costello was appointed Nov. 19 and could not be immediately reached.

The Rosie the Riveter statue joined the existing life-size statue of a soldier reading a letter from home. The two statues are surrounded by the newly expanded Walk of Honor, which now includes over 1,600 inscribed pavers honoring those who played a role in the state’s World War II history.

The Michigan World War II Legacy Memorial has big plans to continue to expand the memorial. In order to do so, organizers need around $2 million.

They plan to add seven more statues, the Entrance Wall/Wall of Stars and many other elements. To donate, visit michiganww2memorial.org.

Call Staff Writer Taylor Christensen at (586) 498-1081.

& G Newspapers publishes 21 papers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties:

Editor: David Wallace | (586) 498-1053 | dwallace@candgnews.com

Reporters: Taylor Christensen | (586) 498-1081 | tchristensen@candgnews.com

Mike Koury | (586) 498-1077 | mkoury@candgnews.com

Sports: Scott Bentley | (586) 498-1090 | sports@candgnews.com

Artroom: (586) 498-1036 | ads@candgnews.com

| jbender@candgnews.com Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com

from page 9A

up there with these smug looks on your face like you are actually helping anyone. That’s a joke. You guys better take a good look at what you are doing and think about it before you make a vote,” he said. “You keep playing stupid games, you’re going to win stupid prizes. I promise you that.”

Laura Montague, a Clawson resident, said that although many residents were unhappy with the meeting, it was not illegal.

“If there is something going on here that really shouldn’t be allowed now or in the future, change the rules people. It doesn’t mean anything. You know what, that’s just the way it is,” she said. “You can sit here and go on and on and back and forth and do all of the name-calling you want, but you must change the rules. This is a lame duck council, and lame duck presidency, but it doesn’t matter; they are still in the job and they can still do as they see fit for the city.”

During the discussion about the city manager’s contract, Millan explained her support for the changes to Rheker’s contract.

She said that throughout her eight years on the council, she has seen city managers come and go, and it has not been easy keeping one in Clawson.

“Getting a city manager to want to come to this community, as lovely as it is with such lovely people who are here tonight, is really difficult, extremely difficult, when you have people who are not necessarily — who want to do what they want to do,” she said. “I think this election and what we have seen on the dais for the past two years tells us that a willingness to work well with others is not necessarily in the cards for Mr. Rheker, and I think we as a community have worked really hard, we as a council have worked really hard, to put stability back in play here.”

Millan went on to say that if they did not move forward with Rheker as the city manager and bring someone new in, that would “probably” cost the city around $250,000.

“I think most of us in this room would say our city is far better today than it was four years ago, and we are on an extremely solid footing, and we want to maintain that. We will not maintain that if we start the cycle of open door city managers again,” she said. “People are entitled to their opinions; they are entitled to their passion. I have no problem with any of that. I take every hit you want to throw at me, I’ve done it for eight years.”

Millan said that although the residents are entitled to their opinions, it is not fair

to berate Rheker about his job, as it is his livelihood.

“This is his professional job. This is not his, ‘I’ll do it on Tuesdays for not a lot of money for fun job,’ and you guys should respect that, and I feel like that might not be respected,” she said.

“The most fundamental obligation of elected officials is to work with integrity and protect the city and to respect the voice of the citizens. None of these provisions are in the city’s best interest,” Moffitt said. “They perhaps are in the city manager’s best interest, but they are not in the best interest of the people that are here tonight, and the people that voted, and the people that pay taxes for the city.”

“Miss Moffitt, you started that so great because you said one of the greatest obligations we have is to ‘work with,’” Millan said. “If I thought on any stretch of an imagination that you had the capacity to work with our city manager, I wouldn’t even test …”

At that point, Millan was interrupted by an uproar from the crowd.

“The majority of the people in this community believe that I am the person, not you, who’s best positioned to work with and respect the voice of the people of this community,” Moffitt said. “That’s the voice of the people.”

“I hear those people, and there’s not a

world where you’re best. … If I trusted that you would work with, we wouldn’t have as many issues, but we have it on tape time and time again that you have refused to work with, and the people who support you also refuse to work with,” Millan said. “It is incumbent upon this council, the next council and the following council to ensure the stability of this community, and an open door of city managers will not provide stability.”

“Theres nothing about anything that has happened tonight in this meeting that suggests that you are willing to work with anyone or put the interests of the city first,” Moffitt responded.

Council member Bruce Anderson said that prior to the meeting he received multiple negative emails about the meeting.

“I am very impressed with how Mr. Rheker has handled himself,” Anderson said. “We are looking at the extension of a contract of a city manager. It is germane to discuss his performance. If he was a bum, I would say no, maybe you should fire him, but he’s not a bum. He’s done a very good job. I am sorry some people in the city may not appreciate his efforts, but I do.”

The meeting concluded with the vote to approve the updates to the contract of the city manager.

For more information on the city of Clawson, visit cityofclawson.com.

HOMES

Real estate professionals share tips to prepare for a home inspection

MARY GENSON mgenson@candgnews.com

Ahome inspection — which can bring attention to major issues in a house that the buyer can request that the seller repair before closing — is an essential part of the buying and selling process that ensures buyer satisfaction and safety.

As a seller, the idea of one’s home being inspected might be daunting — especially knowing that the report directly impacts the sale. Cleaning and fixing simple repairs are some of the ways that sellers can prepare for their inspection to help minimize the issues.

A local real estate agent and a local inspector shared insights on how sellers can best prepare for an inspection to ensure it goes as smoothly as possible.

Ensuring access and decluttering

A seller can try to eliminate surprises during the inspection by evaluating all areas of the house — even the ones that are hard to reach.

For example, attics are a place that many sellers might not regularly go to, which can result in an unpleasant surprise if an issue is found during an inspection.

“My No. 1 tip is for the seller to go up into their attic and make sure there isn’t any moisture up there, because that can be an expensive thing on a home inspection if the buyer wants it all remediated,” said Michelle Carey, a Clinton Township real estate agent from Century 21.

President and CEO of Home Inspection Professionals Kevin Stripling said it is also important that the attic is accessible. For homes where the attic access is in the garage, it is ideal for cars to be parked elsewhere.

“Keep in mind that we have to go into the attic. So attic access-wise, we like it when the closets are cleared out so we can set the ladder up and we can go up inside the attic areas,” Stripling said.

In addition to attics, Stripling said it is important to make sure that clutter is cleared from all important areas such as furnaces, hot water heaters and crawl spaces. Before an inspection, a seller can ensure convenient entry into all parts of the house by tidying up clutter.

Though the seller is not usually present for a home inspection, the buyer usually is present. Even though the buyer has already put in an offer, it is important to keep up the positive image of the home for the buyer. A seller should make sure the house is as clean as it was when it made its first impression on the buyer.

“Just as you would for a showing of your home, have it looking really good and clean, because the buyers come for the home inspection. … It is important for the house to be looking its best, because you don’t want the buyer to come and all of a sudden, it doesn’t look as good as it did when they wrote the offer,” Carey said.

Another important tip from Stripling is to make sure pets are caged or kenneled. Even though he said they try to be cautious

and keep the doors closed, it is possible for pets to accidentally get out during an inspection.

It can be exciting when a house goes under contract; however, the inspection is an

It is

to

a

so

important step in securing the sale. Before packing boxes, a seller should think about how to prepare ahead of a home inspection. Call Staff Writer Mary Genson at (586) 498-1095.

Once I get the right diagnosis for the cause of your heel pain, I will provide you with a tailored treatment plan, which outlines exactly how we can fix your heel pain and keep you free from future foot pain. If you are ready, call me for an appointment to start your journey back to normal life, free from heel pain.

OFFERINGS AROUND MICHIGAN

AMISH FURNITURE

An AMISH LOG HEADBOARD AND Queen Pillow Top Mattress Set. Brand new-never used, sell all for $375. Call anytime, 989-923-1278.

AUCTION

Visit Bid.SherwoodAuctionServiceLLC. com often for online auctions. Current auctions include antiques, flat trailers, tools, kitchenware, shop tools, outdoor gear, more. Don’t miss the Maurer live farm auction! Questions? Call Sherwood Auction, 1-800-835-0495.

Huge Firearms Online Auction. Bidding open. 1,200+ New, used, collector guns, ammo, knives, accessories. Bid Anywhere anytime @JohnPeckAuctions.com. Shipping available. Ofices In Gladwin & Charlotte. Selling guns? Call John Peck 989-345-4866. Michigan’s premier gun auctioneers Since 1979.

Discover hundreds of vintage and antique clocks and watches + 1000’s of parts—most need repair or restoration. To view and bid go online, BidItMi.com. Estate Auction Experts of Michigan, 313-600-5451.

Visit NarhiAuctions.com for our November consignment auctions. Featuring vehicles, tractors, log splitter, tools, vintage earthenware jugs, Model A parts, license plates, toys, knives, and much more! Need an auction? Call 810-266-6474.

Published: November 24, 2025

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

MISCELLANEOUS

Amish-built mini-cabins starting at $5,295. Made in Michigan! We deliver statewide. Call 989-832-1866. MyNextBarn.com.

AMISH-built storage sheds starting at $2,500. We deliver anywhere in Michigan! Call 989-832-1866. DanDanTheMattressMan.com.

IF YOU HAD KNEE OR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND SUFFERED AN INFECTION between 2023 and the present time, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Attorney Charles H. Johnson 1-800535-5727

Restaurants & Hotels

CUSTOMERSERVICE REPWANTED forestablished,growing company.Opportunityfor advancement,friendly workenvironment, experiencenotnecessary, sewingskillsaplus. Fulltime.Sundaysoff. Starts@$15.00/hr. Benefitsavailable. Inquireinpersononly @JanetDavisCleaners, 27607Woodward, Berkley

HELPWANTED Full/Part-Time, Eastpointe OilChange, EXPERIENCED TECHNICIAN, MustHaveExperience!! Applyinperson: 17830E.9MileRd. Eastpointe,orOnline www.twinsoil.com

Simply Perfect

Created

Created

Created

Created

www.printingbypennylane.com ginad@pennylaneprinting.com

www.printingbypennylane.com ginad@pennylaneprinting.com

www.printingbypennylane.com ginad@pennylaneprinting.com

www.printingbypennylane.com ginad@pennylaneprinting.com

Brick Work

MOUTON'S MASONRY

ACCULEVEL.Your foundationrepairand basementwaterproofing experts.Whetherbasement,crawlspaceorconcreteslabweʼllguideyou ontherightpathtoa healthyhome.Actnow! Upto$600off.Restrictionsapply.Callfora freeconsultation. 1-866-438-1859

Bathrooms

BATHROOM REMODELING

BasicBathrooms

Startingat:$10,995.00 Experienceofover 500-bathroomsacross Metro-Detroit, Lookatourworkat: andyscarpentryllc.com 248-376-0988

Lic/Insured/References

Brick Work

586-944-3669

AAABROOKSIDE

Porches,Steps, Chimney's,Tuck-pointing, CulturedStone,PreventativeMaintenance, Concrete,Custom MortarMatching, Free-Estimates,Senior Discounts,37yearsexp.

AA4DABLEMASONRY

586-822-5100

Chimneys,Porches, Steps,Flat-Work, Residential/Commercial Tuck-Pointing,CulturedStone,AllBrick&MasonryRepairs/Needs. FALLSPECIALS

Upto30%-OFF Free-Est./SeniorDisc.

Any&allmasonryrepairs. Brick,block,steps, chimneys,porches-tuckpointing,Cementwork, mortar-matching. 25-yrsexperience Free-estimates. References/Insured. 248-252-5331

Carpet Cleaning

CARPET

WAVY-n-LOOSE?

WePower Re-stretch and Steam-clean ForOneLowPrice MultipleRoomDiscount CallNow:Craddock's CarpetCare,Inc. 586-754-9222

Chimney Service

CHIMNEYS,INC

$129/Sweep& SafetyInspection •Repairs•Dampers •Caps•CrownRepair Senior/MilitaryDisc. NextDayAppointment Available 586-431-0591

ROYAL EXTREMECLEAN

586-219-0335

AirDuct&DryerVent Cleaning,GasFireplace Tune-ups&Repairs, WoodBurningFireplace Cleaning&Repairs, Multi-ServiceDiscounts. Royalextremeclean.com

CLEANINGLADY withover20-yr experienceislooking forwork.Weekly, bi-weekly,monthly Excellentreferences. Flexiblehours. Bonded&insured. 248-890-8830

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, EVCharger, 220lines.ALLSERVICE Licensed&Insured Dependable,quality work! License#-6111359

MASTER ELECTRICIAN JIM

586-582-9320 (Cell) Over30YearsExp. NewInstallationWork Repairs Troubleshooting ElectricalUpgrades CodeCorrections

PREPARE forpoweroutagestodaywithaGeneracHomeStandbyGenerator.Actnowtoreceivea FREE5-Yearwarranty withqualifyingpurchase. Call1-855-773-8191 todaytoscheduleafree quote.It'snotjustagenerator.It'sapowermove.

Fence Service

PLATINUMSERVICES

*FenceInstallation andRepairs *Decks*Landscape *TreeRemoval Wecoveryouroutdoor needs.FullyInsured. CALLNOW! 844-ALL-FENCE (844-244-3363) 248-830-3333

Gutters

GUTTERS &WINDOW CLEANING INSURED TOMMICOLI 313-656-9402

Handyman Services

HANDYMAN Extraordinaire! Doesalljobs,anysize, whenyourhome needsabestfriend. Licensed&insured. CallGeorge 248-515-5158

Handyman Services HANDYMANWOW

Painting,Drywall, Powerwashing, SealCoating *Driveways*ParkingLots MinorPlumbing, Caulking,Shelving, CallForaFreeQuote! 248-755-0246

3Sons HandymanService 586-888-9031 (Call/Text) Electrical,Plumbing, HVAC,Minor/Major Repairs,AnySizeJob. FreeEstimates 10%Discount

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

Hauling & Waste Removal

BURLYGUYS JUNKREMOVAL removesANYTHING! Appliances,furniture, basementcleanouts, hoardersallwelcome! CallorText 248-224-2188

Home Repairs EXTERIOR REPAIRSLLC. Since1999 GUTTERCLEANING LEAFGUARDS Roofing,Siding, Gutter,Repair.Reliable Ask,WeMightDoIt! FREEESTIMATES 248-242-1511

Painting

ANDERSON Painting&Carpentry

CompleteInterior/Exterior Services.Plaster/Drywall &WaterDamageRepairs. Wood-Staining.Wallpaper Removal.Kitchen/Cabinet Refinishing,Insured/References.Free-Estimates 586-354-3032 248-974-4012

ANYONE'S PAINTER

Shrub&Tree-Trimming, Planting,Removal.Mulch, SodInstallation,Pavers, Garden/RetainerWalls, PorchSteps,Raise Backyards/DrainTiles, Powerwashing/Sealing, Seeding,DebrisRemoval 586-634-0033

JAY'SHOMESERVICES

Landscaping, Shrub&TreeTrimming, Clean-ups, Gardening/Tilling PropertyMaintenance, ServingThe RoyalOakArea Since2008. 248-755-6995

Lawn Maintenance

2025Fall

586-260-5218

Commercial/Residential

*SnowRemoval

*FullSaltingServices

*FullLandscaping/Design

*FallClean-up &DebrisRemoval

*Aerating&Thatching. brighthorizonservices.biz

PREFERRED

LANDSCAPING

FallClean-ups, GardenRemoval, SnowRemoval,Gutters, Hauling!MiscServices, SeniororVeteran Discounts! 248-739-9779

Roofng

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

SILVERSMITHROOF MAINTENANCE

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

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

Interior/ExteriorPainting Commerical/Residential PressureWashing, DrywallRepairs, DeckStaining, FreeEstimates,Insured. Call586-921-3654

DʼAchillePainting &Decorating 3-generationsof comprehensive-service. Extremely-neat, meticulous-prep. Wallpaperremoval Interior/Exterior. Free-Est.&consultation Licensed/Ins. Nathan 586-855-9766

FARR'SPAINTING

Interior/Exterior Wood&DrywallRepairs MoldRemediation FreeEstimates CertifiedMoldInspector 248-345-3308 farrsmoldremoval.com

MARATHONPOWER WASH&PAINTING •INTERIOR•CABINETS •EXTERIOR Painting,refinishing &powerwashing Family-Owned& FullyInsured 586-463-9564 marathonpowerwash.com

$225•MinorShingle ReplacementSpecial $88*GutterCleaning Residential/Commercial WeAcceptAll MajorCreditCards Over30-yrsexp. FamilyOwned 248-707-4851

MICHAELNORTON BUILDERSINC.

248-904-5822 Lic.#8109852 Plumbing

APEX

PLUMBERSCORP 586-217-9002

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

Discounts Lic#-8004254

Plumbing

WATERWORK Plumbing.com •DrainCleaning •SewerCamera •WaterHeaters •SumpPumps •BackflowTesting 248-542-8022

SameDayEmergency ServiceAvailable Reliable/Experienced License#8003885

Professional Services

CONSUMER Cellularthesamereliable,nationwidecoverageasthe largestcarriers.Nolongtermcontract,nohidden feesandactivationisfree. Allplansfeatureunlimitedtalkandtext,starting atjust$20/month.For moreinformation,call 1-866-306-6243

PREFERRED

BROTHERSROOFING

•FullTear-off•Recover •ShingleRepair •Leak's•AllRepair •Flat-Roof•TourchDown •SeamlessGutters& GutterGuards Senior/Military-Discount Upto20%Off 586-944-8898

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 30%-FALLSPECIAL Insured,Emergency StormDamage, Large-TreeRemovals, Leaves,Gutter-Cleaning, 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