Royal Oak Review

Published April 30, 2015

U.S. Supreme Court hears arguments on marriage equality

The eyes of the nation were on the U.S. Supreme Court on April 28 as it heard arguments for and against same-sex marriage. The cases were brought forth by Michigan, Kentucky, Ohio and Tennessee.

The first issue, directly involving Michigan, is whether it’s constitutional to deny same-sex couples the right to marry. The other issue is whether all states must recognize same-sex marriages conducted in other states.

Published April 29, 2015

When it comes to decorative art, the writing is on the wall

Walking into a home without wall art would be almost as jarring as stepping inside an observatory and seeing no telescopes, or eating at a Mexican restaurant and not being served chips and salsa.

People sense the ambiance when standing inside a building. And no matter what the setting is or what is taking place in that particular environment, people often expect to see aesthetically pleasing and visually stimulating art.

Published April 29, 2015

From the heart: Grad gifts mean more when they have a personal touch

It’s so easy to honor a new graduate’s accomplishment with a gift card, a fancy tech device or even just some cash tucked into an envelope.

But there are other gifts you can give that student starting a new chapter in his or her life that involve a bit more thought and creativity. Those gifts, of course, mean so much more than their monetary value.

Published April 29, 2015

Excellence the focus of Royal Oak Schools’ annual address

ROYAL OAK — If you were to ask Royal Oak Schools Superintendent Shawn Lewis-Lakin what the school district’s goal is, he would reply “excellence.”

That message was communicated the evening of April 23 at the Royal Oak State of the Schools Address. About 50 people attended the event held at the new district administrative offices on the north side of the Churchill Community Education Center, on DeVillen Avenue.

Published April 29, 2015

Police seek help curbing thefts from unlocked vehicles

ROYAL OAK — Officers are reaching out to the public, asking for help to reduce thefts from unlocked vehicles.

“The Royal Oak Police Department is asking citizens and visitors to assist us with preventing this type of crime by ensuring vehicles are locked and items of value are not left inside,” said Lt. David Clemens.

Police are also looking for help in identifying the suspects involved in an April 18 stealing spree. Clemens said the department received 11 larceny from motor vehicle/tampering with automobile complaints on that date.

Published April 29, 2015

Local defense industry recalls ‘Arsenal of Democracy’

METRO DETROIT — As artillery and troops traveled overseas to fight in World War II, metro Detroiters who remained at home stayed productive by making the equipment needed to defeat the Axis powers.

Ron Lamparter, who owns the Defense Corridor Center for Collaboration and Synergy in Sterling Heights, said dozens of books and tens of thousands of pages have been written about Detroit’s role as the “Arsenal of Democracy” in World War II.

Published April 29, 2015

Stories of V-E Day: Rita Sparks

Editor's note: This story was included in a full-length C & G Newspapers feature commemorating the 70th anniversary of V-E Day, the end of World War II in Europe. The war in Europe ended with the surrender of Nazi Germany on May 8, 1945. Metro Detroit residents graciously shared their stories in interviews conducted between January and April 2015. Click here for more V-E Day stories from our coverage area.

Rita Sparks, 80, Royal Oak

Published April 29, 2015

Local V-E Day events

• Warren Mayor Jim Fouts will host an event recognizing all military veterans on the 70th anniversary of V-E Day. The program will begin at 2 p.m. May 8 in the atrium of Warren City Hall, north of 12 Mile Road and just east of Van Dyke Avenue. There will be several special guest speakers. All veterans from any city are invited to attend the program, but veterans of World War II can register in advance with the Mayor’s Office by calling (586) 574-4515.

Published April 29, 2015

The women who won the war

METRO DETROIT — Not every American who fought for victory during World War II wore a uniform on foreign shores.

You won’t find their tales often in history books, but rather in journals and family photo albums.

The work done and sacrifices made by women during the war are heroic in their own right, though those ladies aren’t always given the full credit they’re due.

Published April 28, 2015

The end and the beginning

METRO DETROIT — The most destructive war ever fought in Europe ended on May 8, 1945. That point in time will forever be known to history as V-E Day.

For those who lived through the war, it was both the end and the beginning.

Gone forever were millions of lives. Millions more were left grieving, homeless and hungry, struggling to pick up the pieces of their shattered world. Towns that had stood for centuries were obliterated. It was a cataclysm never before seen, the end result of maniacal nationalism and industrialized war.

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Published April 27, 2015

Crime down, quality of department up in 2014

ROYAL OAK — Royal Oak Police Chief Corrigan O’Donohue released the department’s 2014 annual report last week, highlighting a 25 percent reduction in crime from four years ago and a department that is growing to meet the city’s expanding needs.

The 2014 Police Department Annual Report includes operational data, crime statistics and other information regarding police activity.

Published April 27, 2015

Detroit Zoo crowdfunds to harness energy from poop

ROYAL OAK — The Detroit Zoological Society is seeking $55,000 through online donations to construct a “biodigester,” a device that would collect the methane from animal waste and turn it into electricity.

The money is part of the final effort needed to construct the digester, Detroit Zoo Chief Operating Officer Gerry Van Acker said. The zoo already has raised $900,000.

Published April 27, 2015

List of intersection accident data released

Several of Michigan’s traffic intersections with the most total accidents or related injuries or deaths in 2014 were found in Oakland and Macomb counties, according to top 10 lists recently compiled by a law firm.

Using data from the Michigan State Police Traffic Crash Reporting Unit, the Michigan Auto Law firm’s website posted in March that the Michigan intersection with the most accidents last year was South State Road at West Ellsworth Road in Ann Arbor, with 170 accidents.

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Published April 22, 2015

Michigan International Women’s Show celebrates 20 years

NOVI — Men, you might as well look away now.

There will be a lot to see and do during the 20th annual Michigan International Women’s Show from April 30-May 3 at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi.

“It has definitely grown,” Beth Anderson, executive show manager of Southern Shows, said. “It has changed, and we hope that everyone enjoys it as much today as they did 20 years ago when it first started at the Novi Expo Center.”

Published April 21, 2015

Jazz pros, students to celebrate music of past and present at April 30 concert

DETROIT — Local leading jazz musicians will be sharing a famous stage with some aspiring jazz greats of tomorrow when the University Liggett School Jazz Band opens for the Scott Gwinnell Jazz Orchestra on April 30 at the Music Hall Jazz Café.

Published April 21, 2015

City approves new parking at Whittier Park for spring

ROYAL OAK — Despite an 11th-hour effort by a couple of concerned neighbors, paving and parking will be added to Whittier Park.

The neighborhood park, located along Potter, Alexander and Farnum avenues, has become a busy destination for activities like basketball, tennis and the increasingly popular pickleball. The park contains soccer fields, pickleball courts, tennis courts, playground equipment, picnic areas and green space.

Published April 21, 2015

ROHS Teacher of the Year described as ‘genuine,’ ‘supportive’

ROYAL OAK — Words used to describe teacher Jennifer Browne include “amazing,” “genuine,” “caring,” “professional,” “supportive” and “student-centered.”

Those words and other terms of endearment and appreciation were spoken during the April 16 school board meeting as Browne was introduced as the 2014-15 Royal Oak Schools Outstanding High School Teacher of the Year.

Published April 21, 2015

Resident offers advice for becoming extraordinary

ROYAL OAK — There is nothing ordinary about resident William Allen.

Allen, 68, competes in powerlifting competitions as a deadlifter, traveled the world while in and out of the military, was a successful businessman, is a former marathon runner who still competes in a couple of half-marathons here and there, and recently added “author” to his résumé. Allen possesses a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Wayne State University.

Published April 20, 2015

Farewell to the Field event takes a look back

CLAWSON – High School graduate Jim Bowerfind fondly remembers the first football game played on the field of Clawson City Park.

The Class of 1953 graduate said he played on the field in the fall of 1952.

“The field was dirt the first year,” Bowerfind said. “It wasn’t turf or greens like you have now.”

The former Clawson resident said he remembers playing only about three home games that year. He remembers taking on teams from Berkley, Center Line, Roseville and Romeo.

“We did OK,” he said.

Published April 20, 2015

All aboard to the DIA

OAKLAND COUNTY — On May 9, residents can catch a free ride to and from the Detroit Institute of Arts as part of the museum’s County Days program.

The program, which is provided four times a year for tri-county residents, is a good opportunity for people to get downtown and see a return on their investment, explained Thomas Guastello, chair of the Oakland County Art Institute Authority.

The investment was the 2012 voter-approved, 10-year, 0.2-mill levy to provide free DIA admission for Wayne, Macomb and Oakland County residents.