Royal Oak Review

Published June 10, 2015

Homeowner’s restoration project earns historical distinction

ROYAL OAK — The love affair Marge Goodrich has with her Crane Avenue home began years before she signed the purchase agreement.

“Whenever I took a walk — because I lived only a couple blocks away — I would circle this block, and then I started becoming fixated on this particular home,” Goodrich said.

It seemed like kismet that after unsuccessfully attempting to correspond with the out-of-state homeowner, the house hit the market and became hers.

Published June 10, 2015

Excitement builds with a new location for Clay, Glass & Metal Show

ROYAL OAK — Changes to the 21st annual Clay, Glass & Metal Show this weekend include a new location and more interactive opportunities for the expected 15,000 attendees.

The show is moving to Fourth Street between Main and Knowles in downtown Royal Oak this year because of construction at its usual location on South Washington Avenue, and Royal Oak Chamber of Commerce Director of Events Jennifer Clark said the change is building additional excitement for the event, which will take place from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. June 13 and from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. June 14.

Published June 10, 2015

Police arrest man for local home invasions

Marino

ROYAL OAK — A man wanted for breaking into local homes was arrested last week through the cooperation of the Royal Oak Police Department and the Berkley Public Safety Department.

Published June 10, 2015

City Commission officially adopts new sidewalk-pitting policy

ROYAL OAK — After an intense month of discussions with residents, the City Commission last week approved modifications to its residential sidewalk program.

As expected, commission members voted unanimously June 1 in favor of new requirements for sidewalk replacement and patching criteria, as City Manager Don Johnson had suggested and preliminarily implemented in May.

Published June 10, 2015

Experts provide tips on how to make a room shine

METRO DETROIT — It’s time to let your light shine — in your home, that is.

We all have many lighting styles in our homes: table lamps, under-cabinet lights, and even the tuxedo of lights: chandeliers.

But what kinds of lighting work best for your abode?

Corie Conroy, owner of Bloomfield Hills-based First Impression Home Staging and Interior Design, said different lighting packs a unique punch in your home, like bedroom table lighting that creates a calming feel.

Published June 10, 2015

C & G staffers reminisce with tales of dear ole Dad

METRO DETROIT — Father’s Day is tough.

How do you express your gratitude for the man who gave you so many happy memories over the years, gave you unyielding support to follow your dreams and the pearls of wisdom to actually get you there?

Somehow, a tie just doesn’t seem to cut it.

Published June 10, 2015

Judson Center home could face closure

OAKLAND COUNTY — The constant juggle of work and school, as well as a number of other daily responsibilities, can be a strain on many families.

When physical and cognitive disabilities are tossed into the mix, the results can be positively overwhelming, explained Kelli Dobner, vice president and chief development officer for the Judson Center.

For more than 90 years, the Judson Center has provided services to strengthen children, adults and families impacted by autism, developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, abuse and neglect.

Published June 8, 2015

Summer months offer plenty of cruisin’ chances

METRO DETROIT — The hum of engines across metro Detroit promises to be a familiar sound of summer as communities hold their annual classic car and auto events.

Although the Woodward Dream Cruise, which is scheduled this year for Aug. 15, is known as the largest classic car event in the area, auto events in Shelby Township, Roseville, Grosse Pointe Shores and Eastpointe will take place in June, and others will occur in August.

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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

Residents can Focus on the Forties this weekend

CLAWSON — Residents from all eras are invited to downtown Clawson this weekend to party like it’s 1940 during the community’s 75th Jubilee celebration.

The theme for the family-friendly fête is Focus on the Forties, and the festivities will take place from noon-6 p.m. June 6 throughout the downtown. The theme was selected to commemorate the decade when Clawson grew from a village into a city.

Published June 3, 2015

Police seek information regarding business break-ins

ROYAL OAK — Police are investigating a string of break-ins at businesses before Memorial Day weekend.

Lt. Dave Clemens, of the Royal Oak Police Department Criminal Investigations Division, said none of the businesses were occupied at the time of the break-ins.

Police said all incidents happened sometime between the night of May 20 and the early morning hours of May 21.

According to police, officers responded to an alarm call at about 4:55 a.m. May 21 at the Sunoco station located at 1808 Crooks Road. Officers found a broken garage door window.

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 1, 2015

Upton Elementary garage sale to help family’s fight against student’s cancer

ROYAL OAK — Asking for help can be a difficult task for a mother, and accepting it can be even harder.

But it’s a concept that parent Karin Prothero was forced to embrace when her now 7-year-old daughter, Tessa, was diagnosed with stage 4, high-risk neuroblastoma. She was diagnosed with the aggressive form of cancer that attacks the sympathetic nervous system nearly two years ago while Karin was pregnant with her 18-month-old daughter, Marley.

Published June 1, 2015

Police arrest Clawson man after multi-county chase

ROYAL OAK — A multi-county vehicle chase that began in Royal Oak Friday evening ended with the arrest of a 42-year-old Clawson man for fleeing and eluding law enforcement officials.

No one was injured during the pursuit, which began at about 8:30 p.m. May 29 near the intersection of 12 Mile and Campbell roads.

Royal Oak police said officers were called to the 700 block of Ottawa Drive after the suspect approached a woman and her 9-year-old child and displayed “suspicious and unusual behavior.”

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

Clawson water rates to increase this summer

CLAWSON — Members of the City Council unanimously agreed during the May 19 meeting to an estimated net 3.47 percent quarterly increase in water and sewer rates.

The actual amount is based on water consumption and will be effective for the fiscal year starting July 1.

“As far as the overall rate goes, that’s the lowest percentage increase in the 15 years I’ve been here,” said City Manager Mark Pollock.

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.