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Township reports increased credit rating
WEST BLOOMFIELD — According to a press release, S&P Global Ratings has upgraded West Bloomfield Township’s credit rating from AA+ to AAA, which is the highest rating there is.
The release states that S&P cited consistently strong financial operations guided by effective management, sustained improvement in the township’s debt, long-term liability positions over the last several years, and an affluent and sizable tax base as the reasons for the rating upgrade.
“The improved credit rating was assigned as the township prepared for the sale of capital improvement bonds,” the release states. “The Township is now one of only 5 Michigan townships with a AAA rating. There are only 17 local governments (i.e. counties, cities, townships, etc.) in Michigan that hold the prestigious AAA rating.”
Funds raised by the sale of bonds will be used for the modernization of the township Police Department facility as part of the township’s ongoing capital improvement plan, according to the release.
Township Treasurer Teri Weingarden and Township Clerk Debbie Binder were part of the team participating in the ratings call and receipt of bids call.
“We were thrilled to receive 10 bids on our proposed bond offer,” the release states. “The robust response and the favorable interest rate are confirmation of the positive impact of the upgraded AAA bond rating. This … saves the taxpayers significant costs.”
The capital improvement bonds are expected to close May 16, the release states.
“According to the Township’s financial advisor, PFM Financial Advisors, the rating upgrade will have a positive effect on the cost of borrowing for the Township,” the release states.
Township Supervisor Steven Kaplan weighed in on the accomplishment.
“The township is honored to have achieved this milestone bond rating,” he stated.
Nonprofit set to host dance class series
BLOOMFIELD HILLS —According to a press release, JARC, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Bloomfield Hills and dedicated to providing housing and services to people with developmental disabilities, is scheduled to host a free-to-the-community musical theater dance class series in June.
The three-part class is one of several “Hobbies and Hangouts” events, a program of “Making Community Connections,” which is meant to bring people together to learn a new hobby and connect with one another, the release states.
Participants who join the musical theater dance series will learn a dance routine from a Broadway classic, with all experience levels welcome, according to the release.
The series of classes is scheduled to take place 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursdays June 1, 8 and 15 at Temple Beth El in Bloomfield Hills.
According to the release, attendees are required to be able to attend all three class sessions and must sign up through Jessica Tierney by sending an email to jessicatierney@jarc.org or calling (248) 940-2607.
Food Truck Tuesdays events scheduled
WEST BLOOMFIELD — A Food Truck Tuesdays event is scheduled to take place May 30.
According to West Bloomfield Township’s website, Food Truck Tuesdays are held at the Civic Centre complex, 4640 Walnut Lake Road, in a tent between the library and the Recreation Activities Center.
The May 30 Food Truck Tuesdays event theme is “Potato Bar.”
The event series is organized by West Bloomfield Township and the township’s library, police and parks departments, according to the website.
New middle school principal named for Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
WALLED LAKE — At a Walled Lake Consolidated School District Board of Education meeting May 4, it was announced that Stuart Riley is the permanent principal at James R. Geisler Middle School. Riley has served as the school’s interim principal since Jan. 9 and will start his permanent role for the 2023-24 school term July 1, according to a press release.
“I am beyond excited to begin my role as principal at James R. Geisler Middle School in the 2023-24 school year,” Riley stated via the release. “My time as interim principal has been so rewarding and fulfilling.”
Riley has been with Walled Lake Consolidated Schools for his entire career in education, which spans approximately 30 years.
He started at Walled Lake Elementary teaching fifth and sixth grade for eight years before taking over as the director of the Walled Lake Outdoor Education Center in 2001.
Riley made an impact on students attending fifth grade camp and other Outdoor Education Center events for 19 years, the release states.
In the fall of 2020, Riley was named assistant principal and athletics coordinator at Walled Lake Central, where he served until moving to James R. Geisler Middle School as interim principal in January.
“Stuart Riley is a veteran administrator in Walled Lake Consolidated Schools who, over the course of his career, has made an impact at every level within our school district,” Walled Lake Consolidated School District Superintendent of Schools John Bernia stated via the release. “I have the utmost confidence in Mr. Riley’s abilities to serve the Geisler community and continue to grow the building’s reputation for excellence in education.”
Sr. Lenore Pochelski retires from Marian High in June
BLOOMFIELD HILLS — On May 2, Marian High School celebrated Sr. Lenore Pochelski’s retirement. After her 31 years of service to Marian, she will retire in June. Throughout her time at Marian, she served in the roles of assistant principal, principal, president and head of school. She helped Marian grow in many ways, including raising capital funds to upgrade technology and improve many areas of the school, including the new gymnasium, auditorium, library media center, the Ferris Foyer, and more. During her retirement celebration, the Marian community gathered to share well wishes. A short program was led by past Marian board President Tim McConaghy and included words from Sr. Jane Herb, Rebecca Ewing, Sheila Geary and Kevin Hammer. The Marian Melodies opened and closed the program.
