Birmingham - Bloomfield Eagle

Published June 8, 2015

Grace in Action strengthens community in southwest Detroit

METRO DETROIT — In the fall of 2010, John Cummings began talking to residents in the neighborhoods of southwest Detroit. He estimates that he had around 200 one-on-one conversations with the people in the community, developing a feeling for their passions, their interests and concerns.

Conversation led to collaboration, and five years later, there are two groups: Grace in Action, the church community with Cummings as pastor, and Grace in Action, the entrepreneurship arm and 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

Published June 6, 2015

‘A life is a life, no matter how small’

HAZEL PARK — During her day job as a vet technician at the Animal Medical Center of Troy, in Rochester Hills, Marjorie Sapp finds time to feed baby birds she brought with her in an incubator. Baby birds need to be fed on a regular basis from dawn to dusk, so it’s a lot of work. Her co-workers will help out, nursing the frail little creatures that fell out of their nest or were abandoned.

Published June 3, 2015

Save time and money with these local minivacation ideas

METRO DETROIT — Have you ever come home from a big trip out of town, looked around at all the daily chores you left behind and thought: “I need a vacation from my vacation.”

It’s for that reason, and so many others, that many families these days are opting to forgo a big summer excursion in favor of a more relaxed vacation at home. But just because you’re not packing your bags and draining your retirement fund to head out of state doesn’t mean you can’t take a quick break from your routine.

Published June 3, 2015

From utility to fashion: Sinks are no longer a side thought

METRO DETROIT — It may not be the sexiest topic when discussing a kitchen or bathroom remodel, but sinks have come a long way from function to fabulous.

Gone are the days when a divided sink was necessary. Multiple local experts agree that bigger is better when choosing a kitchen basin.

Published June 3, 2015

Garden events put a little spring in your step

BLOOMFIELD HILLS/FRANKLIN — This month, opportunities abound to cultivate garden inspiration if your green thumb is feeling a bit blue.

On June 17, the Franklin Branch of the Women’s National Farm and Garden Association is welcoming the community to embark on a tour of six private gardens in its 30th annual garden walk.

The annual event will also feature an artisan market offering goods for sale, as well as local artists displaying their work.

Member Roberta Cornwell said the event can serve to spark creativity.

Published June 1, 2015

‘See every opportunity thrown your way’

BIRMINGHAM — There’s a reason graduation ceremonies are such a big deal. Making it through the homework, the social pressures, the grueling tests and the hectic schedules can be tough.

Imagine how tough it would be then to complete high school — with honors — in a country and culture that’s not your own. That’s just what 18-year-old Maame Boatemaa did this past Sunday when she joined her classmates at Seaholm High School’s commencement exercises.

Published June 1, 2015

Load up on information about truck driving

If you’re getting ready for the long haul about a career in truck driving, a local truck driving school says businesses are welcoming new talent.

Mike Arrigo, executive administrative assistant at Class ‘A’ Training Center in Romeo, said the truck driving industry still has a heavy demand for hires. He said an entry-level truck driving position often gives employees a salary between $40,000 and $60,000, and wages may climb depending on experience and the number of routes.

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Published May 27, 2015

Activity passes allow entrance into local parks, attractions

METRO DETROIT — Residents with library cards can use them to get free passes to local attractions through the Michigan Activity Pass program that kicked off in May.

Sue Todd, librarian at the Eastpointe Memorial Library, said the program can help people gain free entry to attractions like the Michigan Military Technical & Historical Museum, Arts & Scraps, the Michigan Science Center and state parks.

Published May 27, 2015

Seniors gear up for smooth ride

METRO DETROIT — With gorgeous summer weather finally here, many of us are itching to get out and enjoy the warm breeze and sunny skies while the season lasts.

According to the League of American Bicyclists, biking is something of a favorite pastime for Michiganders. The state placed 18th out of 50 for bicycle-friendly states, based on legislation and enforcement, policies and programs, infrastructure and funding, education and encouragement, and evaluation and planning.

Published May 27, 2015

Bring color, calm and comfort to outdoor space

METRO DETROIT — Looking to create plush, peaceful outdoor spaces that also pop?

For The Great Outdoors program held at the Michigan Design Center May 14, interior designer Paul Feiten transformed the MDC’s lobby in Troy into virtual outdoor space that he said was inspired by a European veranda.

Published May 26, 2015

Stay on course with safety while off-roading

The thrill of riding off road in a Jeep or truck might not have as many obstacles as some think.

Hollie Marlett, marketing assistant at Genesee County Parks, said The Mounds Off Road Vehicle Area in Mt. Morris Township is frequently used for off-road treks by Jeeps, trucks, ATVs and dirt bikes that fit under the umbrella of off-road vehicles, or ORVs.

She said the course is quite popular in the area and is one of the few larger areas with variety.

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Published May 25, 2015

Chamber celebrates 52 years of Village Fair fun

BIRMINGHAM — It’s one of the community’s favorite summer traditions, and it’s back again this weekend for four days of family fun.

The Birmingham Village Fair returns to downtown May 28-31 with entertainment, carnival rides, games, prizes and food for all. The celebration will be the 52nd annual event for the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber, which hosts the fair every year with help from sponsors to benefit local nonprofits.

Published May 24, 2015

Buddy’s fundraiser to benefit Michigan Humane Society

METRO DETROIT — While pizza is a favorite dish for many people, one local pizzeria has found a way to feed man’s best friend while at the same time helping other animals in need.

About a year ago, Buddy’s Pizza and the Michigan Humane Society teamed up to create a dog treat called Buddy Bones. The dog biscuits are made from leftover multigrain Buddy’s Pizza dough that otherwise would be tossed away.

Published May 23, 2015

Bloomfield Hills to hear SMART presentation

BLOOMFIELD HILLS — During its regular meeting June 9, the Bloomfield Hills City Commission is expected to hear a presentation from representatives of the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation.

Published May 23, 2015

‘Get into the pit’ or enjoy some ‘pop’

This weekend, it’s all about the music, with two local concerts that promise to entertain.

For those who prefer their music loud, raw and aggressive, get your eardrums prepped for the second annual “Get Into the Pit” Michigan metal festival at the Diesel Concert Lounge and Theatre in Chesterfield Township from May 29-30.

But if piano pop with some jazz and trumpet sounds is more your speed, Warren resident Marcello Rossi brings his original style of music May 31 to the American Polish Cultural Center in Troy.

Published May 21, 2015

Strap in pets and keep them cool in the car

Furry friends who are going for a ride need to stay cool and buckled up just like other passengers, according to pet safety advocates.

Michigan Humane Society spokesman Ryan McTigue said the No. 1 thing that pet owners need to remember as the weather starts getting hot is to not take their animals with them on unnecessary trips.

“The best thing to do is leave them at home where they’re safe,” he said. “Temperatures can climb really high (in a car) even on a relatively cool day, even if you crack the window.”

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Published May 20, 2015

When time is short, some tips to start your round off right

METRO DETROIT — Sure, you had planned on stopping at the driving range before teeing off, perhaps turn that slice into a gentle fade.

But then you missed a turn on the way to the golf course, or the babysitter was late, and suddenly the tee time that you’ve looked forward to is now a race to the first tee box instead of a relaxing start to the weekend.

Published May 20, 2015

Planet Lori gives kids touched by cancer chance to be young again

BIRMINGHAM — In the summer, there’s usually a day camp to be found to suit any youngster’s tastes and interests.

There’s one camp, though, that’s even more special, since it welcomes kids 5 to 15 years old who’ve experienced the pain and stress that come when a loved one is diagnosed with cancer.

Published May 18, 2015

Local shop to host baby shower for mamas in need

PONTIAC — There are a few new additions in town, and just like you’d expect, they’re cute, cuddly and need lots of attention.

Two goats at the City Girls Soap urban dairy in Pontiac had baby goats recently, and the dairy owners are inviting the community to come out and welcome the little ones into the world with a baby shower.

But instead of the mama goats coming away with goodies for their newborns, the City Girls Soap team is donating gifts to mothers in need through the Lighthouse of Oakland County Path Program.

Published May 15, 2015

Canadian nuclear waste site is one step closer to reality

METRO DETROIT — The Canadian joint review panel looking over a proposed nuclear waste site that would be less than a mile from Lake Huron recommended the project to Canada’s minister of the environment May 7 despite an outcry from communities on both sides of the border.