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Given the choice, most of us want to stay in our homes. Sometimes, people need help to remain at home. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

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TESTIMONIALS

“Best place I’ve ever worked. Not only do they take care of their clients, their employees too!! Blessed everyday to work for this company”

Jeanine L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I’d like to thank always best care for all their support. As this was my first experience with any senior care agency, I was a bit apprehensive but they were great right from the start. All the caregivers were very attentive and assisted my parents with proper care at home. Undoubtedly a great caregiving agency..”

Christoper W.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We used Always Best Care of Macomb County for my friend and they were wonderful. We chose them because they had a little edge on the caregiving model that they use and they negotiated the price with us. The caregivers were professional and prompt. They provided my friend with companionship, helped with feeding, and they were available at night for nighttime issues that arose. They were also there to pass meds to her, to facilitate her taking her anti-anxiety pills, and to reassure her. They were always prompt in returning my phone calls and they kept a notebook so we could communicate. They solicited feedback too.”

Cindy
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“Good review Good review Good review Good review Good review Good review”

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 In-Home Care Macomb, MI

How does In-home Senior Care in Macomb, MI work?

Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it's especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age. When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one ages, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

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 Senior Care Macomb, MI

Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a unfamiliar assisted living community, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

Comfort
Comfort

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them? A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old. With the help of elderly care in Macomb, MI, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Healthy Living
Healthy Living

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors. Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

Independence
Independence

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like an assisted living community. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

Cost and Convenience
Cost and Convenience

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, can be less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care in Macomb, MI gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

Empowers Seniors

Affordable Care Plans

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

Veteran's Benefits
Veteran's Benefits

Aid and Attendance benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.

Long-Term Care Insurance
Long-Term Care Insurance

Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.

Private Insurance
Private Insurance

Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.

Life Insurance
Life Insurance

Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.


Respite Care Macomb, MI

During your Care Plan consultation with Always Best Care, your Care Coordinator will speak with you about in-home care costs and what options there may be to help meet your budget needs.

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Macomb,MI understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

 Caregivers Macomb, MI

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

An assessment of your senior loved one

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An in-depth discussion of the needs of your senior loved one to remain in their own home

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Reviewing a detailed Care Plan that will meet your senior loved one's needs

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

Latest News in Macomb, MI

Artists at Lenox Twp. scare park share their secrets

Scarefest Scream Park in Lenox Township is not a frightening place during daylight hours.But once darkness comes and the makeup artists go to work all those who appeared normal become weird, wacky, hair-raising characters.“I’ve been working here for seven years,” said Carlie Belfry of Chesterfield Township, one of four artists who help to create the monsters entertaining the crowds throughout the Halloween season.Vampires. Cr...

Scarefest Scream Park in Lenox Township is not a frightening place during daylight hours.

But once darkness comes and the makeup artists go to work all those who appeared normal become weird, wacky, hair-raising characters.

“I’ve been working here for seven years,” said Carlie Belfry of Chesterfield Township, one of four artists who help to create the monsters entertaining the crowds throughout the Halloween season.

Vampires. Creepy dolls and the walking dead. Ghouls.

Clowns and creatures who don’t even have a name because they are so odd, Belfry and her team never know what kind of monsters they will be asked to create.

“We’ve done all kinds of faces,” said Belfry, who is also walks among the characters who haunt the park. “I’m not sure what you would call me. People say I look like a cat.”

Someone else might say a ghoul with whiskers.

“I wanted to create something unique,” Belfry said, while setting up a tray of makeup that she will use to transform the face of Carmen Blonde, who is also a makeup artist and member of the team, who vary from serious professionals like Belfry, who hopes to work in the film industry, to seasonal help such as Blonde, who is a student at Wayne State University pursuing a career in psychology.

“It’s a great job for a student,” Blonde said.

She goes to school during the day and then goes to work for a few hours at night doing something that’s fun and different.

“I love to see people’s reactions. Some are scared but then there are those who are curious and will come closer,” she said.

Belfry concurred.

“I love the interaction with people — especially the kids,” Belfry said. “It’s so much fun and the parents are always grateful because they love the reactions and the memories you’re creating for them.”

Among the questions children will have: are Belfry’s teeth really black?

Answer: No, it’s done with a special makeup, as are the scars, protruding bones, horns and other creepy things that might appear on the faces of the monster who haunt Scarefest Scream Park.

One question people always have is how they do what they do, which Belfry has offered to share for those who might want to create something like a ghoulish cat. Serving as a model for this example is Blonde.

Step 1

Start with the darkest part of the face such as the hollows of the eye. Using a black charcoal powder, Belfry proceeded to apply the black makeup to the area surrounding Blonde’s eyes. In some cases she’ll extend the black up to the eyebrows. This can be done with a sponge or a brush as Belfry prefers.

Tip: Belfry took some of her training at the Multimedia Makeup Academy in Troy and as a result is big on cleanliness and hygiene insisting that what is used on one person should not always be shared. Some people can also be allergic to certain makeup. She found this out while creating a scar on a woman’s face. She said the woman had no known allergies but when Belfry applied the makeup she started to break out. Before applying the makeup to your face, test a spot on your wrist or the back of your hand first.

Step 2

To give Blonde’s character a ghoulish look Belfry used a Mehron creamblend stick to apply blotches of white to Blonde’s cheeks and forehead. Then she blended it all in being careful not to mess up the black hollows of her eyes.

TIP: The white provides a good contrast to the black and shows up at night. If you’re going to a Halloween party that is likely to have black lights also know that green and blue will appear black under this lighting.

Step 3

Using the black powder or black stick, outline the face and blend it so there’s no skin showing at the hairline. Don’t forget to color your ears and neck so it doesn’t show beneath the costume. Belfry will also apply black to the inside of one’s nostrils, adding even effects to the face. The last part of this stage is the mouth. Outline the mouth in black or whatever color you might wish to use.

Tip: In her line of work, Belfry considers mistakes happy accidents. If you feel yourself getting nervous, take a break. Step back and look over what you’ve done so far. Then pick up where you left off.

Step 4

Once you’ve created the foundation for a ghoulish face you can work to make it unique by adding prosthetic scars or bloody gashes. For this example Belfry took out a small tipped brush and added thin lines flicking upward like the strands of hair on a cat or other hairy creature. Do the eyes and then the mouth.

Tip: Professionals like Belfry and Blonde use top of the line makeup but for people at home it’s not always about the product but how you apply it. Belfry said when she first started she used eyeshadow for everything.

Step 5

Give the face a second look. Both sides do not need to be even and more is not always better. Sometimes a simple application of black on the face of someone wearing a tattered hood can be creepy.

Tip: Molly Massey, who is another makeup artist on the team, adds water to her brush and then splashes the makeup on. She used this technique to give the goblin face Antonio Moore wanted a completely different look. Lastly, remember once you’ve created the look you want it’s up to you to bring it to life. A clown after all, can be funny, scary or both depending on whether you’re the clown or its victim.

FYI

Scarefest Scream Park is open every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Oct. 29. The park has four scary adventures including: Hayride of Doom (family-friendly), Forest of Darkness (medium-scary), Terror Zone Maze (medium-scary) and for the die-hards the Castle of the Dead (intensely scary).

The park also features a beer tent, food, bonfires, live music and scary movies on a big screen.

All tickets must be purchased online at scarefestscreampark.com/.

Scarefest Scream Park is at 34111 28 Mile Rd., in Lenox Township.

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Downtown Mount Clemens to host several Halloween events in next two weeks

Things will be getting a little scary in the streets of downtown Mount Clemens for the next couple of weeks.Various Halloween-themed events — and Christmas, too — are taking place this week including a pub crawl and zombie parade.Next week, thousands of little ghouls and goblins are expected to descend onto city streets for the 16th annual Halloween Spooktacular event. Organizers say the event provides families with a safe trick-or-treating environment as well as an afternoon of merry-not-scary Halloween activities....

Things will be getting a little scary in the streets of downtown Mount Clemens for the next couple of weeks.

Various Halloween-themed events — and Christmas, too — are taking place this week including a pub crawl and zombie parade.

Next week, thousands of little ghouls and goblins are expected to descend onto city streets for the 16th annual Halloween Spooktacular event. Organizers say the event provides families with a safe trick-or-treating environment as well as an afternoon of merry-not-scary Halloween activities.

Area restaurants, retail shops and salons host trick-or-treating rain or shine from noon-3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 21 Parents can pick up walking maps of participating locations.

“With over 5,000 attending in 2022, the Halloween Spooktacular continues to grow each year, and is undoubtedly the most popular event for children in Downtown Mount Clemens,” said Michelle Weiss of the Downtown Development Authority.

There is no cost to attend and most events are free or require a nominal fee.

The Mount Clemens Optimist Club Trunk or Treat event is scheduled to return to Macomb County parking structure on South Main Street.

Optimists adopted the event formerly run by Turning Point Macomb. Not enough participants had signed up to fill the parking structure in 2022, so the event was moved front of Nickel & Saph Insurance on Macomb Place.

This year it’s back at the county parking structure.

“Our numbers are looking pretty good,” Steve Saph, a member of the Optimists club, said Monday.

Halloween festivities will take place at the Fountain Stage on Macomb Place, in the Cherry Street Mall area, and at businesses located throughout downtown.

Costumed kids won’t want to miss seeing Spooky, the 20-foot-tall inflatable black cat and the dinosaur corral on Macomb Place.

Other activities include free kids shows by Rosco the Clown at 1 p.m., a kid-friendly haunted hallway (small donation required), free vision screening inside the Discovery Center of Macomb, and the Mount Clemens Kiwanis Cake Walk.

Sponsors are Mount Clemens Downtown Development Authority, Mount Clemens Lions Club, Mount Clemens Kiwanis Club, and The Discovery Center of Macomb. For more information, visit DowntownMountClemens.org or call the Mount Clemens DDA at 586-469-4168.

Other activities taking place this week:

Pubs include Abbibo’s, Bath City Bistro, Bilrus Bar, Dick Weeds, Doug’s Train Wreck, Engine House, Eastside Tavern, Fast Eddie’s, Little Lorraine’s, Madison’s Pub, O’Halloran’s, Orleans Sports Cafe, Rec Bowl, Rubber Duck Bar, Three Blind Mice and Your Mother’s.

Proceeds will go toward the 2023 Mount Clemens Santa Parade.

Led by the Anchor Bay High School Marching Band, the event runs 7-8 p.m., with registration starting at 6:30 p.m. at the Fountain Stage on Macomb Place. Prizes will be awarded.

The parade is sponsored by Weirdsville Records, Paperback Writers, and Ardis Music.

‘Mr. Halloween’ plans spooky St. Clair Shores nights

Local filmmaker Mike Stanley grew up watching horror and science fiction movies on Sir Graves Ghastly, Creature Feature and The Ghoul.This year, the man known as Mr. Halloween among his St. Clair Shores neighbors on Detour Street because of his spectacular holiday decorations added a little something extra to his usual display.As an homage to his favorite old creepy films, many of which he went to see at the drive-in theater, Stanley has set up a large screen in his driveway where every night through Halloween, he will be showi...

Local filmmaker Mike Stanley grew up watching horror and science fiction movies on Sir Graves Ghastly, Creature Feature and The Ghoul.

This year, the man known as Mr. Halloween among his St. Clair Shores neighbors on Detour Street because of his spectacular holiday decorations added a little something extra to his usual display.

As an homage to his favorite old creepy films, many of which he went to see at the drive-in theater, Stanley has set up a large screen in his driveway where every night through Halloween, he will be showing classic horror films. The Dead End Drive-In is open to the public and begins showing films around 7:30 p.m. every night.

“I just show the horror films from the public domain archives,” said Stanley. “I’ve got Night of the Living Dead, The House on Haunted Hill, Horror Express – those types of films.

“A lot of kids, they don’t know what these movies are because they’ve never seen them before.”

On Friday, some neighborhood kids sat in his driveway watching the 1968 classic Night of the Living Dead. Before Walking Dead, before Day of the Dead, there was Night of the Living Dead.

“It is fun for me to come out here and watch them, too,” Stanley said. “It is always good to see some of these movies on the big screen like this.”

Stanley has made several horror films including Dead is Dead, Monster in the Woods and Octoberfeast. He loves the feel of the old, black-and-white moves he saw at the drive-in and while he knows that kids today have never had that experience, he tried to recreate that ambiance in his driveway.

“Back when the old Gratiot Drive-In used to be right there on Gratiot and Masonic, they used to have a horror-thon at this time of year for these types of films,” said Stanley. “I thought that since I love these types of films and I make these types of films, I’m going to do that for Halloween this year.”

Night of the Living Dead holds a special place in Stanley’s heart because he said seeing that movie as a teen made him realize that you do not need a huge budget to make a movie.

“I love low-budget movies,” said Stanley. “I know what kind of creativity goes into a film like that.”

Stanley remembers coming home from school and watching movies like Godzilla with his friends during horror week on the afternoon movie. He still enjoys those same types of movies today.

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Halloween and National Pasta Day come together in Macomb Twp.

Combining National Pasta Day with a Halloween activity may sound batty, but it adds up to a fun and educational day about the importance of bats in the ecosystem for Macomb Township senior citizens.“The idea of combining a presentation about bats with National Pasta Day occurred by happenstance,” Aubrey Brohl, Macomb Township Parks and Recreation senior coordinator, said. “I knew that I wanted to tie in an educational program that was relevant to the season. Bats are a common symbol associated with Halloween, often f...

Combining National Pasta Day with a Halloween activity may sound batty, but it adds up to a fun and educational day about the importance of bats in the ecosystem for Macomb Township senior citizens.

“The idea of combining a presentation about bats with National Pasta Day occurred by happenstance,” Aubrey Brohl, Macomb Township Parks and Recreation senior coordinator, said. “I knew that I wanted to tie in an educational program that was relevant to the season. Bats are a common symbol associated with Halloween, often featured in decorations and other festivities, but also play a significant role in our ecosystem.”

Originally, Brohl planned to have a presentation on bats on Oct. 13, with themed refreshments. However the date conflicted with the Macomb County Senior Spelling Bee, which Macomb Township senior citizens are participating in for the first time.

“By bumping the bat presentation to the next available date, it happened to fall on National Pasta Day and I figured, who doesn’t like pasta?” Brohl said.

By combining National Pasta Day with a bat presentation, Brohl created the new Bat Chat and Pasta Lunch event. The meal will be provided by American House Sterling Woods Senior Living Community in Sterling Heights, and will consist of special bat themed pasta, with salad and bread.

“Even though there is no real correlation between the two, it’s mostly about bringing the seniors together to have fun and maybe even learn something they didn’t know while they’re at it,” Brohl said.

The Bat Chat and Pasta Lunch will be held at Macomb Township’s Marvin Blank Senior Center on Oct. 17, 11:30 a.m. The center is located at 51210 Alma Drive in Macomb Township. Cost to attend the Bat Chat and Pasta Lunch is $5 for residents and $10 for non-residents. Pre-registration is required and can be found at register.macomb-mi.gov/ or by calling 586-992-2900. In person preregistration will be accepted at the Macomb Township Recreation Center, located at 20699 Macomb St. in Macomb Township. Recreation Center hours are Mondays through Fridays 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Registration is limited to the first 80 participants.

“The senior citizens can learn a variety of fascinating information about bats from the various species of bats to the crucial role that they play in our ecosystem as pollinators and insect controllers, all which can have an impact on agriculture,” Brohl said.

The bat presentation will be given by Amanda Felk, a program director from the Dinosaur Hill Nature Preserve in Rochester. Felk will not be bringing live bats with her to the presentation, but will instead bring taxidermy specimens. Felk also said that at the Marvin Blank Senior Center, seniors can learn about what bats do at this time of year before hibernating

“They can learn about what makes a bat like people, how many bats are in the world – 1,467 species – how different bats can be from other bats, and what to do if a bat gets in their home, plus have any of their bat questions answered,” Felk said.

She will also discuss how Michigan bats play a key role in the state ecosystem.

“All Michigan bats are insect-eaters, which is important when you consider how much damage some insects can do to plants. Of course, we need the insects too, it’s just a matter of balance for a healthy ecosystem,” Felk said, adding holding the program at a senior center is unique for her.

Brohl said that although in general fall crafts planned at the senior center are intended for participants to take home and enjoy, the Marvin Blank Senior Center will be decorated with plenty of fall season and bat-themed décor to welcome Felk.

“Again, I wanted to tie in an educational event that is relevant to the season. Halloween is a time when bats are prominently featured in decorations. By hosting this educational presentation, it will provide an opportunity to educate seniors about the true nature of bats, dispelling myths and misconceptions. Overall, it is intended to foster a greater understanding and appreciation for these creatures,” Brohl said.

Brohl also has other Halloween themed events planned for seniors at Marvin Blank Senior Center, including the Bad to the Bone Halloween and Costume Party on Oct. 31 at 11:30 a.m.

“I am really excited for this because it is another first time program which will feature music bingo, lunch and a costume contest,” Brohl said.

Costumes are not required to attend the event but are encouraged, as prizes will be awarded in several costume categories. Cost to attend is $10 for residents or $15 for non-residents. Preregistration is required due to limited space. For registration information about this program, contact 586-992-2900 or register.macomb-mi.gov/.

“In addition to our Halloween Party, we will be adding a seasonal twist to the upcoming monthly programs that we offer such as our regular bingo and monthly euchre tournaments,” Brohl said.

Bend it like Blake: New Baltimore native leads U-M Marching Band as drum major

Though Brian and Heather Brdak are devoted Michigan State University Spartan football fans, they couldn’t be prouder of their son, Blake’s, accomplishments at their No. 1 rival school, the University of Michigan Wolverines.“I wear my Michigan gear and cheer for them,” Brian Brdak said of attending games at the Big House in Ann Arbor. “We are die-hard Spartans but right now I’m a Wolverine dad.”Related Articles...

Though Brian and Heather Brdak are devoted Michigan State University Spartan football fans, they couldn’t be prouder of their son, Blake’s, accomplishments at their No. 1 rival school, the University of Michigan Wolverines.

“I wear my Michigan gear and cheer for them,” Brian Brdak said of attending games at the Big House in Ann Arbor. “We are die-hard Spartans but right now I’m a Wolverine dad.”

Blake Brdak, 21, of New Baltimore, is the drum major for the U-M Marching Band, serving as the inspirational and educational student leader of the 400-member renowned unit. He performs the famous back bend and baton toss-and-catch over the goal post, among other things, before each home game.

Blake Brdak said he feels hometown pride at every game when he is announced to the packed Big House as hailing from “New Baltimore, Michigan.”

“It’s awesome to be able to represent New Baltimore,” he said. “I love that they say it every game. Every once in a while during the game I’ll be walking around and someone in the stands will shout down to me about Anchor or New Baltimore. I’ll say, ‘Yes!’ That’s awesome.”

Brian Brdak said he chokes up every time he sees his son perform or views a replay.

“The first time we saw him come out onto the field at the stadium was just amazing,” he said. “It’s awesome to hear our local community announced in front of 100,000 people. … I was especially nervous at the first game, and of course so proud when either of my children have the opportunity to do what they love.”

Brdak was selected as the 58th drum major early this year from an inital group of 15 band members who applied. The entire band voted from among a handful of finalists, and selected Blake after the final audition last spring when he and the other aspirants marched, twirled and did other things in front of the band.

“He is just fantastic,” said Marching Band Director John Pasquale. “He’s a fantastic performer and a wonderful educator and motivator, and inspiring and compassionate.”

Blake played trumpet in the band the prior three years and aspired to be the drum major after serving in the same role for the Anchor Bay High School Marching Band. His effort for the post in his junior year in 2022 at U-M was cut short when he dislocated his knee while performing in the band at a women’s basketball game.

“It’s been absolutely everything I hoped for and dreamed of,” he said. “It’s been an honor to represent the band and the University of Michigan.”

One of his biggest responsibilities in addition to his game-day performance is teaching the younger members how to march and perform.

He said he gives a speech “every once in a while” to the band but concentrates more on befriending all 400 members.

“I have 400 best friends,” he said.

Band members’ participation can be intense especially in light of their academic duties, as well.

“We’re busy, but we all love doing it,” said Brdak, who is studying computer engineering.

His dad said Blake is familiar with a full schedule so it wasn’t too big of an adjustment.

“From a young age he always had a lot of things going on,” Brian said.

Blake also plays in the men’s and women’s basketball bands, where he plays the trumpet, and plays the instrument for the Boston Crusaders Drum and Bugle Corps of Drum Corps International.

There is a two-week band camp each August during which the band practices over 12 hours a day. During the season, home-game weeks consist of about 20 hours of practice and rehearsal, while away-game weeks consist of less than half of that.

Game week, the band rehearses for two hours a day Monday through Thursday, two hours Friday night and another two hours at 7 a.m. Saturday for a noon game. They take a break and relax at a tailgate and return to Revelli Band Rehearsal Hall, from where Brdak leads the band in a spirited march by cadence to the stadium alongside spectators lined three or four people deep.

In the stadium, Brdak high steps it as he darts onto the field and performs the back bend that he said he spent three or four months perfecting.

“It took a lot of practice, a lot of stretching,” he said.

He twirls the baton, runs over to the goal post and tosses the baton thought the uprights, guaranteeing a win for the team when he catches it, which he has always done amid “a lot of pressure,” he said.

During the game, the band sits in the crowd and continues to perform with pre-selected music and cheers. Brdak’s responsibilities lessen at that time, and he said he is able to watch from the sidelines, where he talks to visitors and enjoys the game.

Game days are long and energy-sapping but worth it, he said. After the game, “It’s a good feeling. It’s a long day but it’s rewarding.”

A special moment came at the home game on Sept. 23, which was Blake Brdak’s birthday, when his maternal grandparents, Don (a U-M graduate) and Grace Guthrie, 81 and 80 respectively, attended and were announced to the crowd.

“It was overwhelming,” Brian Brdak said.

Other family members have been attending other home games. Brian Brdak said he has rustled up six to eight tickets for each game.

At the next home game, the band’s show will consist of classical music selections with the theme, “Tales as Old as Time,” Pasquale said.

In addition to the home games, the band will travel this year to two away games – Oct. 21 at MSU and Nov. 25 at Ohio State University, Blake said.

During halftime of the MSU game, Brdak will perform his normal pre-game show, his father said.

Brian Brdak said he and his son are hoping Michigan makes the NCAA college football playoffs and marches at the Rose Bowl in Pasedena, Calif., which is hosting one of the semi-final games. The band would also take part in the iconic Rose Parade, a 135-year tradition.

The elder Brdak, a former county commissioner who is operations chief for Macomb County Clerk Anthony Forlini, said he has learned to appreciate the unique nature of college athletics and the respite and camaraderie it can provide during these days of stark political and social divisions.

He also appreciates what it means to both of his children. His daughter, Karly, is a freshman at Marymount Manhattan College in New York City, where she is studying dance.

He attributes some of his children’s talent in music and movement to their participation starting at age 1 in Kindermusik International in which the child and parent listen and dance to music together in a social setting so children can “begin to understand and anticipate patterns, which preps their brains for math and musical theory,” according to the organization.

Blake has played many musical instruments, including playing guitar in the Anchor Bay jazz band.

Storms pass through SE Michigan, Macomb County hit hardest with outages, downed trees

MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) - Heavy storms rolled through Metro Detroit, with the strongest impact felt in Macomb County Tues...

MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. (FOX 2) - Heavy storms rolled through Metro Detroit, with the strongest impact felt in Macomb County Tuesday.

DTE Energy reported about 15,000 outages with numerous in the northern suburbs including Macomb - where Chesterfield Township was hit hard.

Noah Rosetti was there along Sass Road in Chesterfield Township when Mother Nature decided to throw down.

"It definitely was not a normal day," said Rosetti. "The wind started blowing up our front yard. Like our flowerpot started hitting our window. I was really shocked, so I go outside and I saw these dangling down and I heard something starting to crack. I looked over to the left and the tree was falling."

More: For the DTE Outage Map click here

"I looked out my window and it was like a wind shear. I said, oh my gosh a tornado," said one woman. "No it was a wind shear."

"So I grabbed my phone," Rosetti said. "The tree started smoking up but the rain stopped the fire from like going up and then I tried calling my mom. I didn’t really have good service so then she started freaking out."

The calm after the storm for Metro Detroit

Stephanie Mead breaks down the weather outlook tonight.

Naturally there would be no driving on Sass just off of 23 Mile Road as utility crews rushed in to get control of the situation. Those who handle tree removal did stop by to get a glimpse at the business potential.

"We have to make sure that the wires are dead, and then we can come in and remove the debris and the trees off the power lines that are dead," said one man. "Edison does that first, and then the private company comes in and does it afterward."

Now there’s the matter of getting power restored to the several thousand customers in the dark. But neighbors say no sweat, they’ve been here before.

"It seems like we have a lot of storms. We are always the first township to go without power so it’s old hat to me," she said. "I’m always prepared."

Macomb County residents urged to be cautious after 3 skunks test positive for rabies

Macomb County health officials are urging the public, especially residents in Macomb and Clinton townships, to be cautious if they see a skunk, three of which have tested positive for rabies this summer.Two of the skunks were found this month within 3 miles of each other in Macomb Township; the third was identified in Clinton Township in June, officials said Wednesday.They said the skunks engaged family pets, and, according to a news release; the animals were euthanized and tested. Health officials didn't provide...

Macomb County health officials are urging the public, especially residents in Macomb and Clinton townships, to be cautious if they see a skunk, three of which have tested positive for rabies this summer.

Two of the skunks were found this month within 3 miles of each other in Macomb Township; the third was identified in Clinton Township in June, officials said Wednesday.

They said the skunks engaged family pets, and, according to a news release; the animals were euthanized and tested. Health officials didn't provide specific locations in the townships for confidentiality reasons, but said none of the pets was injured and none has developed rabies.

"Given the proximity of the subject skunks, residents are strongly encouraged to take caution for themselves and their pets when they see a skunk due to the possibility of localized transmission," it stated.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said rabies is a preventable viral disease mostly transmitted through the bite of a rabid animal. The virus infects the central nervous system of mammals, ultimately causing disease in the brain and death if not treated. It said the vast majority of rabies cases it receives each year are in wild animals, such as bats, raccoons, skunks and foxes.

Many people are treated each year after bites

The CDC said rabies in people is rare in the U.S., with one to three cases reported annually. About 60,000 Americans, however, get post-exposure prophylaxis each year to prevent rabies infection after being bitten or scratched by an infected or suspected infected animal, according to the federal agency.

About 60 animal rabies cases are reported each year in Michigan, with about 90% of those infections in bats, according to the state health department.

As of Wednesday, state authorities knew of 27 rabies-positive animals in Michigan, including a total of 19 bats in 10 counties — Barry, Bay, Charlevoix, Clinton, Ingham, Lenawee, Livingston, Kalkaska, Oakland and St. Joseph; seven skunks including the three in Macomb County plus three in Wayne County and one in Oakland County, and one cat in Oakland County.

More:Rabid dog in Detroit marks first confirmed case in a decade

What should I do if I see a potentially rabid animal?

Macomb County residents who believe they see a skunk that is positive for rabies should call the county's animal control office at 586-469-5115, health officials said.

County and federal health officials say animals with rabies often show signs, including:

Health officials recommend you and your pets leave wild animals alone, including baby animals or a bat that is on the ground. Some animals with rabies may not appear ill, according to the CDC.

Laboratory testing is needed to determine if an animal or person has rabies.

More:Property owners can take out beavers, squirrels under new kill list

How to prevent rabies

For people:

For pets:

Contact Christina Hall: [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter: @challreporter.

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5 communities under boil water alert due to Macomb Co. main break

Macomb Township ? Crews with the regional water authority on Tuesday bypassed a break in a Macomb County main that resulted in boil water alerts for at least five communities, which means water pressure has been restored but the advisories will remain in place for now.A leak in a 36-inch water transmission main on 24 Mile Road near North Avenue was discovered just after 6 a.m., according to the Great Lakes Water Authority. The leak, the cause of which is unclear, resulted in a "large drop in water pressure...

Macomb Township ? Crews with the regional water authority on Tuesday bypassed a break in a Macomb County main that resulted in boil water alerts for at least five communities, which means water pressure has been restored but the advisories will remain in place for now.

A leak in a 36-inch water transmission main on 24 Mile Road near North Avenue was discovered just after 6 a.m., according to the Great Lakes Water Authority. The leak, the cause of which is unclear, resulted in a "large drop in water pressure," officials said. Images show a large expanse of water covering part of the road and nearby fields late Tuesday morning.

At about 12:30 p.m., crews isolated the leak and switched the water flow to a 42-inch transmission main that runs parallel to the damaged pipe, according to the water authority. Normal water pressure has been restored but the boil water alerts will likely stay in effect for at least 48 hours for Chesterfield Township, Lennox Township, Macomb Township, New Haven, and the east side of Rochester.

More than an estimated 156,000 people live in the four Macomb County communities, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Rochester, which is in Oakland County, has a population of about 13,000.

Officials said water needs to be boiled for at least one minute and then cooled to kill any bacteria in it. A loss of pressure can lead to bacterial contamination in the water system, they said. The bacteria is common and generally not harmful, but can cause illness.

Shawn Schrade, general manager of Bello Woods Golf Course, about 1.5 miles south of the main break, said the creek on the 27-hole course has overfilled, affecting business and closing two holes while shortening three others.

"Ever since I got here today, I've been riding around, moving the water with stuff, so that people can just get around," Schrade said Tuesday. "The whole fairway is covered with water."

Schrade said the course was recovering from last week's weather, which produced scattered severe thunderstorms and flooding throughout parts of southeast Michigan, closing the course over the weekend. He said although flooding is normal when it rains, he had not seen that much water resting on the course's surface in a long time.

"We had about 3 inches throughout the bottom of our building (from the storm). Now today, it's not even Mother Nature — it's the township," Schrade said.

The water authority said the boil water advisory will remain in effect until test results verify the water is safe to drink. It will advise the affected communities when the alert has been lifted, officials said.

Authority officials said they plan to conduct the first of two rounds of water quality testing Tuesday afternoon, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Each round of testing takes about 24 hours and the soonest the boil water advisory can be lifted is 48 hours after the first test, they said.

In the meantime, residents of the five communities should use boiled, bottled or disinfected water for drinking, making ice, washing dishes, brushing teeth and preparing food until further notice.

For more information, call the Great Lakes Water Authority Water Quality at (313) 926-8102 or (313) 926-8128 or email [email protected].

Macomb County officials also said Tuesday that 24 Mile Road between North Avenue and Fairchild Road is closed due to the water main break. Motorists should seek an alternate route.

[email protected]

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Macomb County’s boil water advisories lifted Thursday after testing comes back clear

MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – A boil water advisory in effect for multiple Macomb County communities was lifted Thursday after two rounds of water testing showed the water is safe to drink.On Tuesday, Aug. 1, a major water main break occurred on 24 Mile Road near North Avenue in Macomb Township. The Great Lakes Water Authority said a leak was dis...

MACOMB COUNTY, Mich. – A boil water advisory in effect for multiple Macomb County communities was lifted Thursday after two rounds of water testing showed the water is safe to drink.

On Tuesday, Aug. 1, a major water main break occurred on 24 Mile Road near North Avenue in Macomb Township. The Great Lakes Water Authority said a leak was discovered in the 36-inch water transmission main.

The water main break caused a drop in water pressure in the area, triggering a boil water notice for the following communities:

Chesterfield TownshipLenox TownshipMacomb TownshipNew HavenCity of Rochester (Rochester east, GLWA District only)

The advisory was issued because a change in pressure in the water system can lead to bacteria contamination. During the advisory, residents have been asked to use boiled water, or bottled water, for anything from drinking, to preparing food, to washing dishes, brushing teeth, making ice, and the like. Boiling water kills any bacteria that may be present.

The GLWA announced Thursday, Aug, 3, that the boil water advisory was lifted after samples showed the water is safe. Two rounds of samples were taken within the 48-hour period.

“All testing has confirmed that the water is safe to consume and cook with and meets all Safe Drinking Water Act regulations,” said GLWA CEO Suzanne Coffey. “I want to thank the residents of the five impacted communities, as well as our member partners, for their patience throughout this challenging situation and as we worked to fulfill our obligation to protect the public’s health.”

When a boil water advisory is lifted, customers are encouraged to take certain steps to flush out their pipes and clear their hot water tanks. Here are steps water customers should take, as written by the Great Lakes Water Authority:

Flush

Unscrew and remove the faucet aerator (screen).Turn on each cold water faucet/tap slowlyTurn on each cold water faucet/tap slowly.Clean and reinstall aerator.Flush automatic ice makers. Ice cubes made during the Boil Water Advisory should be emptied and the ice maker run through a 24-hour cycle. Make three batches of ice and discard them. The water line should be clear, and ice should be safe to consume with the fourth batch.

Clear hot water tanks/heaters

Run hot water only at all faucets and flush until water runs cool or typically a minimum of15 minutes for a typical household 40-gallon hot water tank.30 minutes for a hot water tank greater than 40 gallons.

Replace filters

Water filters, such as ones used in refrigerators, faucets, pitchers and under the sink, are not designed to remove the specific bacteria potentially present during a Boil Water Advisory. If you ran water through your filter during the Boil Water Advisory, the filter should be replaced.Remove and discard water filters.Replace with a new filter following flushing.

Checklist for residents

Track Covid-19 in Macomb County, Mich.

An updated vaccine is recommended for adults and most children. Statewide, 6% of vaccinations did not specify a home county.Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Notes: The hospitals map shows the average I.C.U. occupancy at nearby hospitals in the most recent week with data reported. The ...

An updated vaccine is recommended for adults and most children. Statewide, 6% of vaccinations did not specify a home county.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Notes: The hospitals map shows the average I.C.U. occupancy at nearby hospitals in the most recent week with data reported. The data is self-reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by individual hospitals. It excludes counts from hospitals operated by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and the Indian Health Service. Numbers for hospitalized patients are based on inpatient beds and include I.C.U. beds. Hospitalized Covid-19 patients include both confirmed and suspected Covid-19 patients. The C.D.C. stopped reporting data on cases in May 2023.

How trends have changed in Macomb County

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Notes: Weekly county death data prior to Jan. 2021 was not reported by the C.D.C. and is sourced from reporting by The New York Times. Hospitalization data is a weekly average of Covid-19 patients in hospital service areas that intersect with Macomb County. Hospitalization numbers early in the pandemic are undercounts due to incomplete reporting by hospitals to the federal government.

Historical trends in Macomb County

The data in these charts has been archived and they are no longer being updated.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The data in these charts has been archived and they are no longer being updated. Weekly county case data prior to Jan. 2021 was not reported by the C.D.C. and is sourced from reporting by The New York Times. The C.D.C. stopped reporting data on cases in May 2023. Test positivity data is based only on test results reported to the federal government and is a seven-day average.

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