8/7/25 Novi Note

SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS / 10A

Auto dealers discuss the latest in the industry

Residents to see average 4.7% increase in water rates

BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com

Novi residents will see an increase in their upcoming water bill, as the City Coun-

cil approved a rate increase during its regular meeting July 28.

“The average user will be looking at a 4.7% increase for next year,” City Manager Victor Cardenas said.

Cardenas said the increase is a result of various rate increases from the Great Lakes Water Authority, which provides water to the city, and the Water Resource Commissioner, the recipient of the city’s used water.

Cardenas said that the GLWA is implementing a 6% rate increase this year, and the Water Resource Commissioner is implementing an increase of just over 4%.

New anime convention held at the Suburban Collection Showplace

BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com

The MiAnime Convention, a new event, was held at the Suburban Collection Showplace Aug. 2-3.

The family-focused convention featured 11 voice actors featured in popular shows such as “One Piece,” “Soul Eater,” “Demon Slayer,” “My Hero Academia,” “Dragon Ball Z” and more. Guests included Alexis Tipton, Jad Saxton, Sonny Strait, Kent Williams, John Swasey, Brittney Karbowski, Tia Ballard, Luci Christian, Justin Cook and Zach Aguilar.

Anime fans attending the convention were also treated to a Japenese domestic market car show. Approximately 20 Japanese sports cars and the like were on display for guests to view and take photos with.

The show also included the traditional convention fanfare with

SAPPORO HIBACHI STEAKHOUSE

Sapporo Hibachi Steakhouse and Sushi is probably best known for...its hibachi lunch and dinner meals of course. But customers know that Sapporo is much more than that, from its daily specials to its recently expanded menu.

e restaurant opened in 2017 and has been known for its great take outs ever since. Owner Jenny Wu has more than three decades of experience in running successful takeout restaurants and managing a catering business, regularly providing food for the meetings hosted by various departments at the University of Michigan, and worked closely with the Ann Arbor Meals on Wheels in providing food for the seniors in our community.

Nabeyaki Udon is a Japanese noodle soup dish that includes a poached egg, chicken, Japanese vegetables, seaweed and 2 pieces of tempura shrimp.  Like other noodle soup dishes, it can be ordered with Ramen instead, an authentic Japanese

creativity and a unique avor pro le.

Hibachi o erings include numerous types of meat, seafood, tofu and vegetables.  For those couples who are celebrating a special event, or are simply very hungry, may want to consider the Sapporo Extreme for Two people.  It includes all of the meats, seafood with hibachi rice, noodles and vegetables, and even lobster and let and more.

Sapporo meals are full of avor from sushi to hibachi to salads and soups.  Wu and her sta have added recently to their menu Ramen noodle soups and special sushi appetizers and rolls.  For example,

One of Sapporo's most popular appetizers is the Crab Rangoon, which can be an appetizer or part of a light lunch or comes with the Teriyaki dinner meals. Sapporo's chefs have also created a new batch of special sushi rolls that o er

"We are best known for our steak, so that's our best seller but really we're known for our wide range of menu options."

Wu said. "We like to o er new menu items so people can come in and enjoy something new even if they've been here before"

Everyday there can be a celebration at Sapporo Hibachi Steakhouse because guests celebrating an important event in their lives such as a birthday or a

graduation will also receive a free gift along with their meals.  Guests without a speci c reason to celebrate can still save with an Early Bird Discount of 10 percent o .  Seniors 65 and over and veterans can also save 10 percent o menu prices anytime.

Plus, patrons can enjoy unique happy hour specials weekdays from 2:305:30pm and lunch specials before then.  Customers who haven't been to Sapporo in several months may also notice that the restaurant has undergone some interior remodeling work to lighten colors, increase space and provide a more relaxing atmosphere for all.

e restaurant is open seven days a week from noon to 9:30p.m. for dining in or takeout service.  Wu promises that all takeout will be properly packed so that hot food stays hot and cold food remains cool.

Wasabi Novi family and sta has joined Sapporo under one management. Please call 734-266-0888 or visit  sapporolivonia.com to learn more.

SECOND FRONT PAGE

Author aims to make reading enjoyable for those with learning disabilities

BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com

Learning disabilities such as dyslexia present numerous challenges that often prevent people from enjoying a good book. However, one Novi man is working to change this and make the magic of reading accessible to all.

Oliver W. Decay, 28, of Novi, was diagnosed with dyslexia as a child. He said the learning disability made it very difficult for him to read books, but over the years he has learned several different tricks that help him process the written word easier, and he is incorporating them into the design of his self-published book, “Devil’s Harvest: Blood Bonds.”

The sci-fi thriller tells the story of two brothers who were once estranged and find themselves in the middle of a deadly conspiracy and must come together and face their past as they face “monstrous forces and a prophecy that threatens to unravel their reality.”

See AUTHOR on page 8A

Paddleboard National Championships held in Michigan

BY SCOTT BENTLEY sbentley@candgnews.com

DETROIT — The USA Stand Up Paddleboarding National Championships

took place in Michigan this year, held July 18-20 at Belle Isle and Wyandotte. Officials said the weekend event was a success for both the community and USA SUP organization. There were a handful of competitions

during the weekend, including 100-meter sprints, technical races and 10k distance races. All events were held at either the Wyandotte Boat Club or on Belle Isle Beach.

See PADDLEBOARD on page 11A

Our next edition will come to homes Aug. 21. Stay current by

City sells land it no longer needs for fire station site

BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com

The city of Novi recently sold a parcel of land it owned on Venture Drive to Boll Filter Corp., which desired the land to expand its company.

The 1.75-acre property was donated to the city in 2020 with the intent for the land to be used to build a new fire station. However, city officials have now determined that at least 2 acres of land are needed to do so. Therefore, the city plans to construct a new Fire Station No. 3 on 3.65 acres of property it recently acquired on the west side of Venture Drive, closer to Nine Mile Road.

According to the city, the location of the newly acquired property will allow the firefighters closer access to the thoroughfare and result in quicker response times.

The $300,000 sale of the property to Boll Filter Corp. will help the fastgrowing company to remain in the city, according to officials.

“The proceeds will now go to pay off the new station on the east side,” said City Manager Victor Cardenas.

“Just to clarify, the other parcels have already been purchased and closed on,” Mayor Justin Fischer said of the land where the city now intends to build the fire station.

The council voted to approve the sale during its July 28 meeting with a vote of 6-0. Councilwoman Ericka Thomas was not in attendance at the meeting.

Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.

City Council approves zoning overlay for Feldman Kia

BY CHARITY MEIER cmeier@candgnews.com

The Novi City Council gave its final stamp of approval for a planned rezoning overlay agreement with Feldman Kia during its July 28 meeting.

Feldman Kia is planning to build a car dealership, with accessory outside storage of inventory vehicles, on the currently vacant 4.88 acres of land on the south side of Grand River Avenue and Joseph Drive, where Glenda’s Garden Center once stood. To make the plan work, Feldman Kia had to have the area rezoned from non-center commercial to general business in order for a car dealership to be permitted in a B-3 district.

The dealership building will be 18,800 square feet with a mezzanine floor for parts storage. The parking lot will have approximately 300 spots.

The council tentatively approved the planned rezoning overlay and directed the city attorney to draft the PRO agreement following the April 9 recommendation by the city’s Planning Commission.

The dealership will be near professional offices, small strip retail centers, sit-down

restaurants, and the U.S. Energy fuel supplier. There are also single-family dwellings located south of the property.

As such, the area is zoned I-1 light industrial in the north, OS-1 office service to the west, NCC Non-center commercial to the east, and R-4 one-family residential to the south.

In recognition of its neighbors, the dealership will place greater restrictions on itself. Feldman Kia will have greater building and parking setbacks than the B-3 zoning they have been granted requires.

The dealership will also limit its hours of operation. The dealership will be open Monday to Saturday. Feldman will also limit the hours of vehicle deliveries and the areas where vehicles can be delivered. Vehicle deliveries will only take place on weekdays between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. in designated areas.

According to the PRO agreement, if the dealership has cars unloaded in an area where the public has the right of way, they are to be fined $1,000 for each occurrence. Should the dealership fail to pay the fine within 30 days, it will violate the agreement.

“City Council expressed a concern about car haulers unloading on Grand

River. We took care of that with Feldman Kia, because it’s written right into the PRO agreement that there’s a stiff penalty if that happens,” said attorney David Landry, of Landry, Mazzeo, Dembinski & Stevens PC, who represents the dealership.

He said that is the biggest complaint, as the dealership does not control the car haulers. Landry said car haulers are not employed by Feldman Automotive or General Motors. He said all they can do is call the police when they fail to park in the desig-

nated zone. However, he said they will be more proactive about doing so, as it is in the PRO agreement.

Landry said that Feldman Chevrolet, which will take over the area where Feldman Kia currently sits, is also working to establish set locations for vehicle deliveries.

“We are getting ready and out in front (of this issue) to prevent (any problems),” Landry said.

Council members said they were

See FELDMAN on page 16A

MiAnime

adult and child cosplay contests. The contests were judged by professional cosplayers.

Yasmeen Al-Hussain, of Dearborn Heights, took second place in the advanced cosplay contest for her portrayal of Boa Hancock from “One Piece.” She said she decided to act upon her interest in cosplay, as she is a fashion design major at Wayne State University.

Al-Hussain said she has attended several other conventions, including the Motor City Comic Con, and that the MiAnimie Con was smaller and less overwhelming.

“It’s more on the lesser and chiller side, because it’s summer and people are going to other cons,” Al-Hussain said.

“I really liked how friendly everyone is here and how inclusive they are,” she said. “They don’t let you feel left out even if you came alone.”

The convention also included multiple panels, workshops and vendors.

“It was amazing. There were so many nice vendors,” said Oliver Decay, of Novi.

Decay had a booth at the show to gain public awareness for his book, Devil’s Harvest Blood Bonds. It is the first book in a planned series.

“We found, like, a really great community at MiAnime Con to really support us,” said Sami Thompson, Decay’s girlfriend. “It was fantastic.”

Brody Stevens, of Belding, was able to experience the convention from the perspective of a first-time conventiongoer, as well as that of a vendor, as he came to the show to assist his friend Clinton Hewartson with his booth.

“I’m sad and happy that I don’t have any money, because otherwise I would have spent it,” Stevens said. “I would have blown my money.”

Hewartson, who sells dice rollers for

DETAIL CENTER

NEWS & NOTES

Aug. 5 election

The Aug. 5 election was taking place as the Novi Note went to press. For the results of the vote on the public safety facilities bond proposal, look to candgnews.com or the Aug. 21 issue of the paper.

Novi pet photo contest

Novi residents have a chance to have their furry friends put in the spotlight with a photo featured in the 2026 Novi calendar. Pet owners can submit a photo of their pet at cityofnovi.org/calendarcontest. The photo must feature something Novi, such as a city landmark and or swag, it must be high-resolution, and oriented to a landscape perspective. Residents are limited to three entries per person, and each entry must be submitted individually. All entries must be submitted by 5 p.m. Sept. 12.

INTERNATIONAL GEM AND JEWELRY SHOW

The International Gem and Jewelry Show will return to the Suburban Collection Showplace Aug. 8-10. The hours are noon to 6 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday Tickets cost $6 online or $8 at the door. The Suburban Collection Showplace is located at 46100 Grand River Ave.

AQL

Novi Taco Fest to return

The Novi Taco Fest will return to 12 Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk Aug. 22-24. The festival will feature over 30 taco trucks, an artisan market, live music, lucha libre wrestling, family-friendly yard games, dancing and a pepper-eating contest. The festival will be held from 5 to 10 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday, and noon to 7 p.m. on Sunday in the lots near Chuck E. Cheese, 44275 W. 12 Mile Road in Novii. Tickets cost $10 at the door or $7 online at novitacofest.com

Marketed as Michigan’s largest indoor Indian cultural event, AQL India Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.. Aug. 16 at the Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave..The event is organized by the Indian League of America and will feature live performances, authentic food, educational exhibits and more. For more information, visit ilamichigan.org.

Water rates

from page 1A

“Our good folks in our finance commission was able to work the magic, and we’ll see only a 4.7 (% increase) to most of our residents around the city,” Cardenas said. “We do this every year, and we’ll keep on looking at trying to keep those increases down as much as possible, as we also make investments into our infrastructure to get this valuable resource to our residents.”

Councilman Dave Staudt said that according to Nextdoor.com, neighboring communities are looking at much higher rate increases.

“Any of us who read Nextdoor sees that joining communities are looking at (an increase of) 10, 12, 14%. Novi has never looked to make water something we make a profit on,” Staudt said. “I would guess that the majority of this is probably capital improvements and things that we’re being forced to increase our rates on.”

“I hope nobody likes to see increases, but I’m pleased to hear that the city staff has been able to mitigate that,” said Staudt, before making a motion to approve the rates for the upcoming year.

The rates were approved with a vote of 6-0. Councilwoman Ericka Thomas was absent from the meeting.

Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.

“When I was going throughout school, I had a very difficult time reading. A lot of the books that I found easier to read were like mangas and comic books or smaller, bigtext books,” Decay said.

He said that he noticed that he would write differently from other students, and his teachers would comment that his papers just seemed to flow more easily when they went to grade them. He said at first he thought it was just because of his dyslexia, which made him rewrite whatever he would write numerous times.

“I kept wondering why people don’t make things easier to read. If you want your book to be enjoyed, make it easier to read,” he said.

So, he considered that when he decided to write the stories he had been drafting in his head since childhood. He said he wants to make sure that everyone can read his books.

“A lot of books that I wanted to read I couldn’t read because of my dyslexia, and I kind of felt like I was getting cut out from those books themselves. So, I wanted to go in and make a book that doesn’t allow anyone to be cut out,” Decay said.”The only reason why you don’t want to read it is because you don’t enjoy (the story).”

In order to make his books more accessible, Decay utilized the fonts Libre Baskerville and Oswald and plans to use OpenDyslexic font for his next book. He said the font choice is particularly important for the ease of those with dyslexia. He said he looks for fonts where the letters don’t touch each other, where there’s decent spacing, and he makes sure that there weren’t any extra points and curves in the lettering.

“One of the things that helped me when I was going through elementary school and middle school was to know what the letter looked like and what it’s supposed to

look like, and the minute that it doesn’t look like that, that you need to replace that letter. Some fonts, they touch each other and have extra points and curves, which causes this to happen, so I had to go through and make sure that none of this existed.

He said he constantly rereads his work because of his dyslexia to make sure there aren’t any issues for others with the disability.

“This may sound funny, but if the page hurts, I rewrite it,” he said. “If it hurts my brain trying to read it, if my eyes start getting strained too much while reading it, if the text is becoming piled up or being overdone, then I’ll go ahead and redo that page,” he said.

He said he also takes into consideration the spacing, as some paragraphs are smaller and don’t need as much space, while others need more. That way, the smaller text pops out to the reader “like the cheese in a cheeseburger.”

Decay also designed the page layout to reflect the speakers. If the text is on one side of the page, it is about the character the chapter is about. If it is aligned on the other side of the page, it is someone speaking to the character the chapter is about, and if it is aligned in the middle, it is like a TV talking or something.

According to Sami Thompson, Decay’s girlfriend, a lot of people who have dyslexia also have ADHD.

“If you have a comprehension issue, it’s easy to follow (the story) because of the size of the text, and the way that it’s laid out,” Thompson said.

According to Thompson, a friend of theirs with ADHD read through the book and said it was the first book she had ever been able to read.

“It really was a labor of love,” Thompson said.

“Devil’s Harvest: Blood Bonds” can be purchased through Amazon in hardcover for $20.99 or $15.99 for paperback.

Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.

(Oakland Co.) C & G Newspapers publishes 21 papers in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties:

& G Special

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

Reporter: Charity Meier | (586) 498-1092 | cmeier@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 For retail ad rates: Christina Moeller | (586) 498-1091 | cmoeller@candgnews.com Karen Bozimowski | (586) 498-1032 | kboz@candgnews.com Legals and Obits: (586) 498-1099 Automotive Advertising: Jeannine Bender | (586) 246-8114 | jbender@candgnews.com Real Estate Advertising: Paula Kaspor | (586) 498-1055 | pkaspor@candgnews.com Birmingham-Bloomfield Eagle • Farmington Press • Fraser-Clinton Township Chronicle • Grosse Pointe Times • Macomb Township Chronicle Madison-Park News • Mount Clemens-Clinton-Harrison Township Journal • Novi Note

(Grosse Pointe/Macomb Co.)

G Special

CALENDAR

AUG. 8

Night Hikes on the Farm: Guided stroll with “Batty About Bats?” theme, also light snacks and beverages, 8-9:30 p.m., Michigan State University Extension Tollgate Farm and Education Center, 28115 Meadowbrook Road in Novi, programs continue Sept. 26 (“Surviving the Night”), Oct. 24 (“Folklore Nights”) and Nov. 21 (“Owl Prowl”), register at canr.msu.edu/ tollgate

AUG. 9

SibShop: Support group meeting for siblings of children with special needs, 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Monaghan Banquet Center, 19801 Farmington Road in Livonia, also meets Nov. 8, dawnsmith@restorative therapysolutions.com, (734) 748-6432

AUG. 10

Relay for Life: Benefits American Cancer Society Relay For Life of South Oakland County, also includes games, activities and entertainment, 8:30 a.m.-noon, Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, relayforlife.org/southoaklandmi

AUG. 12

Street Sounds at Fountain Walk: Free live music by Mega 80’s (hits from decade), bring chair, 6-8 p.m., 44175 W. 12 Mile Road in Novi (event moves inside to The HUB Stadium if raining), twelvemilecrossing. com

ONGOING

Jessica’s Splashpad: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. until Sept. 1 (Labor Day), 25805 Beck Road in Novi, (248) 567-0373

Farmers markets: 7 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford Township, ocmarket@oakgov.com, (248) 858-5495, also yoga Aug. 21 and Sept. 6 and 18, tai chi Sept. 6, document shredding Aug. 22, moonlight

market Aug. 28, and craft nights Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks/ parks-trails/farmers-market

• 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays until Oct. 30, new location at 550 W. Seven Mile Road in Northville, northville. org/farmers-market-vendors

NO-VI Chess Club: For ages 5 and older, includes lectures, practice games, analysis and other training, 7-8 p.m., Novi Public Library, 45255 10 Mile Road, registration required, (248) 349-0720, novilibrary.org

The Tears Foundation: Groups for those who lost infant (6:30 p.m. every first and third Thursdays of month) and child (7:30 p.m. every first and third Wednesdays of month), New Hope Center for Grief Support, 133 W. Main St. (Suite 113) in Northville, newhopecenter.net

Free community lunches: Noon-1 p.m. Thursdays, Salvation Army Farmington Hills Corps Community Center, 27500 Shiawassee Road in Farmington Hills, centralusa.salvationarmy.org/farmingtonhills

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

SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS

Auto dealers: Buy now before tariffs drive prices up

BY MARY BETH ALMOND malmond@candgnews.com

With looming tariffs likely to push auto prices higher, industry insiders say now’s the time to buy.

It’s a buyer’s market, according to Robert Shastal, general manager of the Fox Automotive Group in Rochester Hills.

“Right now, buyers have an advantage,” he said. “If they wait, they could face higher prices, fewer incentives, missed opportunities on trade values, and the end of EV credits.”

Buying sooner may keep more green in your wallet, with tariffs on imported vehicles expected to lead to price increases in the near future.

Macular Degeneration and Maintaining Independence

My mom has Macular Degeneration and has stopped spending time with her friends. She says it’s because of her vision but won’t do anything about it. How do I get her past the “woe is me” stage and to seek help?

Q. A.Vision loss, from Macular Degeneration or other eye diseases, affects everyone differently. But your mom’s social withdrawal is common. Keeping her actively engaged with friends and activities she loves actually helps her vision. This gives her a purpose to continue seeing, even as it becomes more challenging. I can maximize use of her remaining vision through hands-free, eyeglass-mounted telescopes and training. To help slow her disease progression - and potentially prevent its onset and progression for you since Macular Degeneration is hereditary - diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and vitamin supplements should be discussed, as changes in these areas have helped other patients like you and your mom. Her vision may be changing but we can keep her doing what she loves.

Paddleboard

from page 3A

“Detroit and the Belle Isle location have a very, very long history with paddleboard racing,” said Harrison Withers, a member of the USA SUP Board of Directors and event organizer for the 2025 national championship. “And to be able to tack onto an existing event

NOVI TACO

that has its own pretty rich history in Detroit … kind of adds to the legitimacy of stand-up paddleboarding.”

This was the third USA SUP national championship. The location has moved each year, with the first two championships taking place in Long Beach, Calif., and Hilton Head, S.C. in 2023 and 2024, respectively.

“Before USA SUP and the national

See PADDLEBOARD on page 13A

FEST: 3

DAYS OF NONSTOP MUSIC, FOOD AND FUN!

The Novi Taco Fest is back Aug. 22-24 for its fourth year, bigger and better than ever, with dozens of food trucks, live performances, contests and activities for all ages.

“We’ve added new flavors, new music and more variety this year,” said Karyn Stetz, executive director of the Art As Healing Foundation, which produces the event. “It’s one of the most fun, safe and family-friendly festivals in the area. We can’t wait for everyone to come out and join the fun.”

Festivities kick of Friday with DJ Cisco spinning lively Latin favorites, followed by Fantasia Ballet Folklórico and mariachi-punk band Pancho Villa’s Skull on the main stage.

Saturday brings nonstop entertainment with Ballet Folklórico de Detroit and Mariachi Jalisco de Detroit alternating all afternoon, Expedition (Ralph Koziarski’s jazz fusion quartet), a joint performance by Joyas de Mexico & Matices and a closing sent from funk-Latin favorite Damon Terrell.

On Sunday, Mondo Kane’s fiery Mexican rock beats take center stage, with Ballet Folklórico Mexico Lindo and Expedition rounding out the lineup.

Caravan Gypsy, Mark Reitenga & Friends, Chava Gomez El Charrito, Sheila Landis, Caleb Gutierrez and Gabriel Estrada III will also perform throughout the weekend.

This year’s food scene ofers the widest variety yet, with vendors serving everything from street tacos and

Dealers

from page 10A

“The tariffs and supply chain costs are rising, but right now, automakers are still holding their line with incentives. People will risk paying more once those costs hit because the manufacturers can’t take on the additional costs forever,” said Shastal.

Ledell Griffin, sales manager at Galeana’s Van Dyke Dodge in Warren, said tariffs will not only increase prices, but it will also affect incentives and how vehicles and parts are shipped.

“It’s passed down to the consumer, so it’s not something that the manufacturer pays for,” he said. “If a part used to cost $100, it might cost $150 to $200, depending on the tariffs.”

New vehicle inventory has rebounded to near pre-pandemic levels, so buyers also have a wider selection to choose from. And, with increased inventory, dealerships are more likely to offer deals to attract buyers.

“Whenever we have a lot of inventory, we put a lot of sales on, so that’s another good reason to buy, because inventory is now at an all-time high for me. I’ve never had so many trucks,” said Griffin.

Those interested in purchasing a new or used electric vehicle, or an EV, can also take advantage of savings, but only for the next two months. The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 qualified certain electric vehicles for a tax credit of up to $7,500 for eligible buyers. However, the federal vehicle tax credit is set to expire Sept. 30.

“One of the big incentives for all brands is the federal EV tax credit — $7,500 on new, and $4,000 on used — which ends Sept. 30, making the next two months the last chance to capture that savings for a buyer,” Shastal explained.

If you already have a car and are looking to trade, industry leaders say now is an excellent time.

“Trade-in value remains strong and used car inventory is still tight, so the dealers are paying top dollar for trades, making it a great time to maximize the vehicle’s value,” Shastal added.

Call Staff Writer Mary Beth Almond at (586) 498-1060.

burritos to Caribbean fusion, Korean corndogs and desserts.

New this year are Smoke Rattle and Roll’s barbecue tacos, Peace Love Tacos and Pull On This Chimney Cake.

Adults can sip strawberry frozen margaritas, tequila sunrises or even spicy margaritas made with jalapeñohabanera bitters, while children enjoy the Kid’s Zone’s games and art projects.

Back by popular demand, live pro wrestling returns all three days, featuring masked luchadores in high-energy matches. Market vendors will ofer Mexican American crafts, jewelry, T-shirts and handmade goods.

Two massive tents will provide shaded seating, and with road construction finally wrapped up, organizers expect a larger turnout this year. Dogs on a leash are welcome, and the beloved Cutest Dog Contest, Hot Pepper Eating Contest and Taco Eating Contest are back.

“The festival is dog friendly, kid friendly and there’s much more than tacos,” Stetz said. “You’ve got music, dancing, entertainment—in a lively, welcoming space.”

Regular admission is $7 ($10 on August 22nd) or $21 (3-day pass) at novitacofest.com. Children under 3 and those with military ID (active duty or veteran) get in for $1.

Novi Taco Festival is located at Twelve Mile Crossing – At Fountain Walk, 44275 W. Twelve Mile Rd. (in the lots near Chuck E Cheese).

Modern additions fire up Chevrolet Fleetmaster Coupe’s vintage ride

BY MARIA ALLARD allard@candgnews.com

David Watson wanted to buy a classic car that represented the year of his birth: 1947.

The St. Clair Shores resident looked around but didn’t find one made that year. He got as close as he could, though, by purchasing a striking 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Coupe. He bought the car in 2004.

While the white vintage vehicle — with the decorative purple and blue flames — is 77 years old, Watson had it modernized over the years at local shops.

“When I got it, it was all white. I had the flames painted on it,” he said. “I put the rims on it.”

If you look under the hood, you’ll see the motor of a 1991 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z.

“It’s just a modern engine. It’s fuel-injected,” Watson said. “It has a digital dash, power steering, power brakes, power windows, and a custom interior. It’s an automatic. All the shiny parts are stainless steel.”

Other updates were completed to keep the car running smoothly. The transmission was rebuilt, air conditioning was added, and there also is a power antenna and a power trunk. So he could play music, an AM/FM radio and a compact disc player were installed. And “breaker one nine,” the car has a citizens band radio that works, although Watson doesn’t use it.

See FLEETMASTER on page 13A

Fleetmaster

The ’48 model does not have any door handles but rather shaved doors. The shaved doors were a popular trend that gave cars a smooth look.

Perhaps you’ve come across the car around town. One spot Watson likes to take the coupe on a regular basis to is Eddie’s Drive-In in Harrison Township, which has a classic car show from 4 to 8 p.m. every Sunday during the warmer months.

“That’s my favorite place to go,” Watson said.

Watson sometimes shows up to the weekly car shows from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays at St. Margaret’s Catholic Church in St. Clair Shores, and to the Friday night car shows from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Walter F. Bruce Veterans of Foreign Wars Post No. 1146, also in St Clair Shores. He made it to the Eastpointe Crusin’ Gratiot car show June 14 at Eastpointe High School.

“There’s somewhere to go every day,” the car buff said. “People wave and they give you a thumbs-up.”

He also comes across people whose dads or grandpas once owned a 1948 Chevrolet Fleetmaster Coupe, which generally sparks conversations. Watson’s car gets around, as it was featured in the background of a commentary video for the 2008 Clint Eastwood film “Gran Torino.” Watson used to go to Kalamazoo for the Street Rod Nationals, which he said was great for meeting other car enthusiasts.

“The newest car that could get in was a ’48,” Watson said. “Anywhere from 1925 up to ’48.”

Watson has always been into cars.

“When I was 15 years old, I started working on cars. I would go to people’s houses. The first car I ever worked on was a 1953 Buick convertible. A straight-A car, three speeds on the column,” he said. “My neighbor gave it to me. He said, ‘Here, it doesn’t run. You can have it.’ At that time, there was nowhere to donate them. You just took it to the junkyard. This was in ’62.”

Watson found a Buick book and discovered it was the coil causing problems for the convertible.

“I put a coil on it and I gave it back to him,” said Watson, who found a new pastime fixing cars in the neighborhood. “I got really busy. I couldn’t do it anymore. Too many cars at the house.”

At age 21, while working for Chrysler, Watson bought his first car, a 1969 Plymouth Road Runner. Price tag: $2,850.

“It was a ’69, but I bought it in December of ’68. We were making, I think, $3.40 an hour,” Watson said. “The car payment was $100 a month, but I paid $1,000 a year for insurance in 1969, which was a lot of money then; it’s a lot of money now. The first year, I put 30,000 miles on that car. I just went everywhere. My mother would pull her hair out because at the time there were no cellphones and no way to track you.”

As a young adult, Watson cruised Woodward Avenue. Maverick’s Drive-In, Big Boy and the Totem Pole on Woodward were regular hangouts.

“You would go and mingle,” he said. “You could cruise then and people would pull over and stop. You could talk to them.”

The Road Runner was like a second home.

“I slept in the car out on Woodward more than I slept in my house. You get tired, too far to drive,” Watson said. “I had police wake me up, ‘Hey, what are you doing?’ I’m in the back sleeping.”

Paddleboard

from page 11A

championships, there was no one single definitive event in our sport,” Withers said. “We’re coming to the Midwest (this year) because paddleboarding is a sport that people enjoy on all kinds of different water. It’s not just the surf-related locations. … We don’t just paddle on the coast; we paddle throughout the country.”

The sense of community is something that USA SUP was excited to bring to Detroit. Officials say the paddleboarding competitions are truly for everyone.

“When we have events like this, there might be somebody … that doesn’t know that paddleboard racing is a thing,” Withers said. “If we can show folks that it’s more than just paddling around for a few minutes, and that you can actually build community and make some friends … that’s the greatest impact we can really have.”

The star of the show was paddleboarding legend Seychelle Webster, who ended the weekend with three gold medals and a silver in what was her first time paddleboarding in Detroit.

“Personally, I’m thrilled. … It went extremely well,” Webster said. “Being one of the best in the country is a huge honor … and I’m training to be one of the best paddlers in the world.”

Webster has been paddling competitively for about a decade now and has seen the growth of the sport right in front of her eyes.

Having a national championship for paddleboarding is something that paddlers don’t take for granted. The title can open the door for even bigger opportunities.

Webster said that the championship series provides an official path for athletes in the sport. The 2025 series was deemed a success with strong viewership all weekend. It was also a success for USA SUP, with a new region of the country now following the sport.

“One of the things I love about this sport is all the different places it can take you to,” Webster said. “Belle Isle was gorgeous. … It had all the different elements you’d look for in a stand-up paddle race.”

For more information on USA SUP, visit usasup.org, or follow “usasupofficial” on Instagram to track future competitions.

Call Staff Writer Scott Bentley at (586) 498-1090.

Attendees interact with vendors during the MiAnime Convention at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi Aug. 2.

MiAnime

from page 5A

role-playing games and other 3D printed items, said he has previously had vendor booths at four other conventions, but the MiAnime con was much better organized than the others. He appreciated the thoughtful placement of vendors in relation to each other.

“They are very on top of things. They’re very knowledgeable in their craft,” Hewartson said of the show operators. “Another reason why I said they are doing really good is they’re spreading like businesses away from each other so everybody gets a chance.”

The show featured some unique vendors including that of Klawsome, a grabclaw arcade based in Novi and a vendor specializing in personalized 3D scans to be used as figurines or even wedding cake toppers.

The event appears to be planning a 2026 show, according to its website, but no date has been announced.

Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.

Your Brightest Season Yet Begins

Feldman

from page 4A

pleased with the way the dealership addressed their concerns.

“Thank you guys for that. I appreciate that. I know that’s been something that several of us I’ve noticed have commented on. It’s just that we’re concerned about safety hazards and everything related to those vehicles being unloaded there. So, thank you,” Councilman Matt Heintz said.

“Thank you for listening to us. I see that every one is clearly written and every one of our comments were taken and worked with the city, and clearly I see the berm, the landscape, the shelters, the bus stop, everything, so thank you so much,” Councilwoman Priya Gurumurthy said.

The dealership also agreed to prohibit test drives on Joseph Drive.

The Feldman Kia project also includes the design and construction of three pedestrian seating areas as part of an enhanced sidewalk with nicer light poles along Joseph Drive, as well as two covered seating areas at nearby bus stops. According to the city, the dealership will coordinate with SMART as well as the city to determine where the appropriate shelters should be located.

“I really appreciate that you’re developing the site and that you’re doing the berm first,” said Mayor Pro Tem Laura Marie Casey. “I said it last time, and I’ll say it again. I really wish that would become more of a standard practice as developers are coming in and putting in a development up against existing residential.”

According to the city, the dealership asserts that, “taken together, the conditions result in a project that is in the public interest, whose benefits outweigh its potential detriments.”

The council voted to approve the PRO plan with a vote of 6-0. Councilwoman Ericka Thomas was absent from the meeting.

Call Staff Writer Charity Meier at (586) 498-1092.

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