Troy Times | Published November 9, 2023
Event to address real estate questions for female homeowners
TROY — Two local real estate agencies are reaching out to single women navigating the homebuying market.
Representatives from Gorman Real Estate and Delmar Mortgage will host a program called “Empowering Women Through Real Estate.” Topics will include issues such as loan availability and rates, selecting the right home, and when the right times to buy and sell are and how to tell.
“The real estate and mortgage industries are in a very difficult spot right now. A lot of people are confused which way is up and down,” said JoJo Dries, the branch manager of Delmar Mortgage, who is one of the speakers. “Our goal is to take the uncertainty away from people, especially as it relates to women.”
The event will take place 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 16, in Room 208 of the Barry Center at Walsh College, 3838 Livernois Road. Light food and beverages will be provided. The organizers ask anyone wishing to attend to register by Tuesday, Nov. 14, by emailing jdries@delmarmortgage.com.
Troy Library to host local authors
TROY — The Troy Public Library will host an author fair showcasing 32 local authors and their work at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, in the Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Road.
“We have more than 30 local authors coming to share information about their books that they have out. We have authors who write for people of all ages. We have both fiction authors and nonfiction authors. It’s really impressive to see all of the talent we have in southeastern Michigan,” said Olivia Olson, the library’s community engagement librarian. “We’ll also have some activities for kids and raffles. It’s a great way to learn about some new authors and books.”
Those interested can register at troypl.librarycalendar.com/event/local-author-fair-53364. More information is available by calling (248) 524-3554.
Troy artist featured in art gallery
TROY —Troy artist Larry Zdeb will be featured at the Color | Ink Studio & Gallery in Hazel Park in a solo mixed-media exhibition titled “Dream Journals.”
The show opens Friday, Nov. 10, and runs through Wednesday, Dec. 20. The gallery calls Zdeb the “master of found objects and personal mementos.”
“What many see as trash is treasure to him, and he creates incredible assemblage pieces from discarded and antique items,” the gallery said in an email. “Many of Zdeb’s pieces and pendants feature portraits, which he finds in old 1930s and 1940s yearbooks. His other materials come from collecting the kind of detritus that usually goes unnoticed. The items in his work are juxtaposed in such a way that the viewer might ask, ‘What is that?’ The simplicity of his work is apparent, yet it is an illusion; they are dream journals!”
The public is also invited to attend an artist reception 1-3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2. The event is free, and guests will have the opportunity to meet the artist in person and talk about the artwork. Light refreshments will be offered. The exhibition will be on display online at www.colorinkstudio.com and in the gallery, which is open most weekdays by appointment. The gallery is located at 20919 John R Road in Hazel Park and can be reached by email at gallery@colorink studio.com or by phone at (248) 398-6119.
AG warns of scammers targeting the elderly
LANSING — Reports of imposters posing as government representatives targeting seniors and people with disabilities are on the rise, according to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel.
She is warning residents that fraudsters have been claiming to be from the Administration for Community Living’s Eldercare Locator or the Disability Information and Access Line. They have reportedly made calls to seniors asking for personal information such as Social Security numbers, banking information or Medicare numbers — or demanding payment, and threatening jail time or fines. In some cases, these individuals have used harassment techniques, such as repeatedly calling victims from the same number.
“The actions of these bad actors threaten to undermine resources that seniors rely on every day by using them as vehicles for fraud,” Nessel said in a press release. “The best way to avoid becoming a victim is to be suspicious of anyone calling to ask for your personal information. My office’s Consumer Protection Team stands ready to answer your questions and provide assistance whenever it is needed.”
She stressed that seniors and their caregivers should remember that no government agency will ever call out of the blue and ask for a Social Security number; ask for payment by gift card, Bitcoin or other digital currency or wire transfer; or threaten to suspend anyone’s Social Security.
Those who think they may have been a victim of an imposter scam can file a consumer complaint or get additional information by contacting the Michigan Department of Attorney General at (517) 335-7599 or writing to “Consumer Protection Team” at P.O. Box 30213.