‘I Love a Piano’ is a Hit!

The reviews are in and Meadow Brook Theatre's production of I Love a Piano is a hit! This magnificent Irving Berlin musical tells the story of a special piano as it travels through a hundred years of American lives. I Love a Piano is directed by Meadow Brook Theatre Artistic Director Travis W. Walter. Ryan Domres is the choreographer and Mathew Croft is the musical director. Terry Carpenter is the stage manager, with set design by Jen Price Fick, costumes by Corey Collins assisted by Maureen … [Read more...]

Dear Crabby, Why Do People Dislike Pit Bulls?

Dear Crabby, I’ve been following the story of Diggy the dog in The Oakland Press and whether or not his owners should be allowed to keep him because there is a ban on pit bulls in Waterford. Why does it seem like there is no love for this breed? Thanks, Greg Growler Dear Mr. Growler, Good gracious. Are people still yammering on about this? I think the first time I gave my two cents on this issue was four years ago! In case your memory is as flighty as mine, let me summarize what I … [Read more...]

Roll the Film! Festival Coming to Rochester in September

Move over Traverse City. There’s a new festival in town and it’s in Downtown Rochester. According to The Oakland Press, the Film Society of Rochester is hosting the festival September 19-20 at the Rochester Ballroom. Eleven films will be shown, including the documentary 20 Years of Madness, a film about friends and Rochester alumni who reunite 20 years later to revive their 1990s public access show. The organizers are hoping to make this an annual event. For more information, including the … [Read more...]

Where Prop 1 Failed, Rochester Hills May Succeed

Almost no one was surprised when Proposal 1 failed on May 5, so with the roads still in desperate need of repair, the question became: now what? The City of Rochester Hills may just have the answer. In recent years, the city has repurposed dedicated millages three times to help take care of road repair and upkeep. Soon, a millage that was first approved back in 2005 will generate around $900,000 per year and help fund roads through 2020. Read the full story on The Oakland Press. … [Read more...]

Loved Ones Prepare to Say Goodbye to Jogger Killed on Oakland University Campus

Last week Rochester Hills resident Perry Badia was struck while jogging on Oakland University"s campus and later died from his injuries. Later this week, friends and family will gather to pay their respects and say goodbye. According to officials, Badia"s death has been ruled accidental, but the investigation is still ongoing. Read the full story on The Macomb Daily. … [Read more...]

Leader Dogs for the Blind Embarks on a Nearly $15 Million Construction Project

Perfectly timed to coincide with International Guide Dog Day on Wednesday, April 29, Leader Dogs for the Blind announced that they are expanding their Rochester Hills facility to 75,000-square-feet. They have already raised $12.3 million of the $14.5 million needed to complete the project, and they are hoping to raise the remaining $2.2 million so that construction can be completed by next year. The much needed updates will make room for more dogs, which will encourage socialization and … [Read more...]

‘Stop the CrISIS’ Symposium Gives Local Muslim Youth a Voice

For months ISIS has constantly dominated the headlines of nearly every news outlet on the air, in print, and online. During this time Mahir Osman, Vice President of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association (AMYA) of Metro Detroit has been diligently working to get the word out that the AMYA does not support or identify with the radicalization that ISIS glorifies. Most recently Osman spoke out against the brutal execution of 30 Ethiopian Christians in an editorial. On Monday night, the AMYA held … [Read more...]

Nonprofits Get Help From Rochester Event Services Firm

Rochester High School alumni Scott Fader and Matthew Wurm have found a way to help nonprofits with their full-service event planning, promotion, and marketing company -- Rochester-based Michigan Event Services, Inc. With a focus on family-friendly events, the pair’s plan is to create and manage events such as golf outings, 5K runs, obstacle courses, kickball tournaments, and more for the nonprofit sector. Read the full story on The Oakland Press. … [Read more...]

Damages to Oakland Township Golf Course Could Top $1 Million

In the early morning of Friday, April 24, three fires were intentionally set by arsonists to nearly 100 golf carts at the Myth Golf and Banquet Center in Oakland Township. While no injuries were reported, a hazardous materials team and personnel from seven area fire departments were needed to battle and pacify the fires. A representative for the golf course said it will remain open and events for the weekend will go on as planned. Read the full story on The Oakland Press. … [Read more...]

Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett Could Face Additional Candidates in Primary Election

The road to the Rochester Hills Mayor's office is getting crowded. Incumbent Mayor Bryan K. Barnett announced that he would run in this year's race as a write-in candidate to circumvent the position's term limits. Former City Councilman Ravi Yalamanchi has also thrown his name in the race and now Jim Stevens has joined in as well, which means on August 4, residents will have three candidates to choose from, with only two moving on to the November election. Read the full story on The … [Read more...]