A group of Monroe-area men are proving that age is no barrier to having fun for a good cause.

The Monroe Center for Healthy Aging has unveiled its 2027 fundraiser calendar, titled "Naturally, The Other Half," featuring male volunteers who posed in playful, tasteful photographs to help raise money for the center.

WATCH VIDEO REPORT BY 7 NEWS DETROIT'S TONY GEFTOS BELOW:

Monroe Senior Men Pose for Risqu Charity Calendar to Support Aging Center

The project follows last year's successful calendar featuring women from the center, which was inspired by the movie "Calendar Girls." According to center Director Sandie Pierce, the men wanted their turn after seeing the enthusiasm surrounding the original effort.

"They asked to be in the calendar," Pierce said. "So we did this calendar for them."

The calendar features local men ranging in age and background, including 91-year-old Danny Richardville, who said the experience gave participants something new and exciting to focus on.

"Nothing new happens to me," Richardville said. "So she gives us something to think about besides growing old."

Some participants admitted they needed time to decide whether they would take part. Others jumped at the opportunity.

For Antonio Terry, the center's cook and one of the youngest participants at age 40, the photo shoot was easy.

"I'm not camera shy or anything," Terry said.

Most of the men kept their boxer shorts on during the shoot, using props and creative photography to preserve modesty while embracing the fundraiser's lighthearted spirit.

The women featured in the previous calendar jokingly suggested the men were not quite as daring as they had been.

"I think they weren't brave enough," Pierce said.

The photographs were taken by Amy Fuller, whose creative approach helped participants feel comfortable throughout the process.

Organizers hope to match last year's success, when sales of 250 calendars generated about $3,000 for the Monroe Center for Healthy Aging. Proceeds help cover daily operating expenses and programs at the center.

The center is also hosting a calendar-signing event to help promote sales and celebrate the volunteers who participated.

"Im not a chicken," Richardville joked.

Inkster is expanding its use of Flock Safety technology by adding more license plate readers, video security cameras, gunshot detection devices and a drone program designed to help police respond to emergencies.

City leaders recently approved a 10-year contract with Flock Safety that is expected to cost taxpayers about $241,000 annually.

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Inkster Expands Flock Cameras, License Plate Readers and Police Drone Program

Under the expansion, Inkster will increase its number of license plate readers from six to 20. The city also plans to install five video security cameras, deploy 48 gunshot detection devices and launch a drone as a first responder program, allowing officers to assess scenes from the air before arriving.

The investment comes as communities across the country continue to debate the use of surveillance technology.

Some Inkster residents said the cameras could help reduce crime and aid investigations.

"If it cuts down on violence and children passing away from senseless stuff, then bring the cameras on," resident Sarah Guy said.

Others expressed concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse.

"In the beginning, it sounds wonderful," resident Lynn Palmer said. "It does this for you, and then it'll turn."

Flock Safety spokeswoman Courtney Terlecki said the company's license plate readers capture images of vehicles, not people.

"A license plate reader takes a point-in-time image of a vehicle," Terlecki said. "It does not know who's driving that car. It doesn't know who's in that car."

Inkster Police Chief Tamika Jenkins said safeguards will be in place to prevent misuse of the technology, including requiring officers to open a case before accessing footage.

Jenkins said any employee found improperly using the system would be terminated.

"In the city of Inkster, if someone is found violating the policy, they will no longer be employed with the city of Inkster," Jenkins said. "We do not want to lose the public's trust."

Police expect to begin using the drone as a first responder sometime next month.

As crews prepare for another major traffic shift on Interstate 696, some Ferndale residents say the biggest problem is not congestion but the dust they say construction has left behind.

Watch the report from Tony Geftos in the video player below: Ferndale Residents Say I-696 Construction Dust Is Affecting Air Quality Concerns

The Restore the Reuther project is set to reach another milestone this weekend as westbound traffic shifts back to the westbound side of the freeway. The transition requires a full weekend closure in both directions.

Residents who live near the interstate say dust from the prolonged construction project has accumulated on their homes, vehicles and windows.

Martin Smith said he washes his truck every other day because of the buildup.

Just yesterday I washed my truck and you can just see it's just dirt, Smith said. All day, every day, that's what I'm breathing in.

Smith said the issue has come and gone over the past year but remains a concern because of its potential impact on health.

I don't know what I'm breathing in, he said.

Other neighbors, including Ed Spilker and Scotty Iulianelli, said they have also noticed dust settling throughout the area.

Everything around here is always covered, Spilker said. Every time it rains, your windshield has mud residue on it.

Iulianelli said dust frequently enters his home and has prompted concerns about local air quality.

It's just a full-on dust storm, he said.

Iulianelli said he filed a complaint with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, known as EGLE, and wants to know whether air quality from the construction zone could be contributing to respiratory problems he has recently experienced.

I've never had breathing problems, he said. I'm going to urgent care because I'm like, What is this?

In a statement to 7 News Detroit, MDOT spokesperson Diane Cross said the department used standard practices to reduce dust throughout the project.

We followed industry standard practices to mitigate dust, including using water trucks daily to control dust and using vac broom trucks to sweep dust, Cross said in an email. We performed weekly soil erosion and sedimentation control inspections and have documented reports on file. All dust was contained to the best of our ability during the duration of this project.

Cross said westbound I-696 traffic will move back to its permanent alignment this weekend, with eastbound lanes expected to return to normal before the end of the year as the project nears completion.

MDOT expects westbound I-696 from Interstate 75 to M-10 to reopen by 5 a.m. Monday. Most westbound ramps are also expected to reopen at that time.

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Michigan is rolling out new firewood regulations aimed at preventing invasive insects and diseases from entering the state and threatening forests, including maple trees.

Watch Tony's story in the video player below: Michigan Cracks Down on Firewood to Protect Maple Trees From Invasive Beetles

State officials say the rules are intended to stop more than 140 invasive plant pests and diseases that can be transported through firewood. Among the biggest concerns is the Asian Longhorned Beetle, an invasive insect capable of damaging and killing maple trees.

The threat has drawn comparisons to the emerald ash borer, which devastated ash tree populations throughout Michigan.

At Frank's Firewood of Canton, owner Joe Lysakowski said his family business has long taken precautions when sourcing wood.

"It's always been, get as much wood on the ground as you can before October gets here, because once October gets here, it's gone," Lysakowski said.

The family-owned business has operated in Canton Township for decades. Lysakowski said the company only brings in wood from Michigan's Lower Peninsula to help reduce the risk of transporting invasive pests.

"Even when we go over the Mackinac Bridge, we don't bring wood from here to there," he said. "They worry about the borers or any bugs that you're going to be bringing to their place."

After arriving at the yard, logs are split, stacked and allowed to season for months before being sold.

"We let it age for anywhere from eight months to over a year, depending on what kind of wood or species it is," Lysakowski said.

Under new regulations from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, firewood entering the state from outside Michigan must be heat-treated. The process requires wood to be heated to 140 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 60 minutes in a certified kiln.

State officials say that treatment is effective at eliminating invasive insects and diseases that may be hiding in the wood.

Vicki Sawicki, an invasive species prevention coordinator with the DNR, said many consumers assume transporting firewood is already prohibited.

"I wish it was, but it's not," Sawicki said.

The state has launched a certification program that allows approved suppliers to place certification stickers on firewood bundles sold in stores. Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, a quarantine will prohibit untreated firewood from outside Michigan from entering the state.

Gary Daniels, who purchases firewood annually, said invasive species remain a concern.

"There's definitely problems with invasive species," Daniels said.

Although the new regulations will not directly affect Frank's Firewood because it sources wood from within Michigan, Lysakowski said the potential spread of the Asian longhorned beetle is troubling.

"Everybody's got a maple," he said. "You don't want that stuff killing off all of our trees."

State officials hope the quarantine and certification requirements will help prevent that outcome and protect Michigan's forests for years to come. To read the full quarantine declaration, CLICK HERE.

Starting Jan. 1, the DNR is encouraging consumers purchasing bundled firewood at gas stations, campgrounds and retail locations to look for certification labels showing the wood meets the state's standards.

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As temperatures begin to cool across Michigan, experts say homeowners can expect to see an increase in brown marmorated stink bugs searching for sheltered places to spend the winter.

For many residents, that means the insects may start appearing on windows, screens and even inside homes.

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Stink Bugs Are Coming Inside: Experts Share Easy Ways to Keep Them Out

Mary Arrasmith is already keeping an eye on her garden for signs of the pests.

"I hate when they get on the screens and stuff and then trying to flick them off," Arrasmith said.

While stink bugs can cause minor damage to fruits and vegetables, experts say their annual migration indoors tends to draw the most attention.

"They're just looking for a place to spend the wintertime," said Dr. David Lowenstein, a consumer horticulture educator with Michigan State University Extension.

Lowenstein said the brown marmorated stink bug has become a common part of the region's environment.

"The reality is that now brown marmorated stink bug is our most abundant stink bug species that we have in the area," Lowenstein said. "It's just going to be a part of our environment."

Many homeowners are tempted to crush stink bugs when they find them indoors, but doing so can release the odor that gives the insect its name.

"It is a smell, but it's not repulsive," said Mark VanderWerp, manager of education and training for Rose Pest Solutions. "It's not like a fart spray."

VanderWerp said the insects seek protected areas where they can survive the winter and often hide inside walls and other sheltered spaces.

"They overwinter as adults, so they're looking for protected shelters," he said.

Experts recommend taking preventive measures before the bugs find their way indoors. Homeowners can seal cracks and openings, install screens and cover vents with hardware cloth to block potential entry points.

"You can actually use the same thing that you use to exclude squirrels and rodents," VanderWerp said. "They're wide enough that they don't fit through quarter-inch hardware cloth."

For homes that already have stink bugs inside, Lowenstein recommends simple removal methods rather than chemical treatments.

"If you're finding them inside of your home in large numbers, vacuuming them away or setting up a small trap with some dish soap and soapy water in there with a light above them where they bump into the light and fall into the trap would be all that you need," Lowenstein said.

Arrasmith said the homemade trap idea was one she had not considered.

"I always think that for little gnats and things," she said.

Experts stress that stink bugs do not bite, sting or pose a direct threat to people. However, homeowners bothered by the insects may find prevention and removal techniques helpful during the fall migration season.

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A new restaurant is bringing a fresh dining experience to downtown Rochester.

Harrisons recently opened at the corner of Fourth Street and Main Street, taking over the space formerly occupied by D'Marco's Restaurant & Wine Bar.

Watch Tony's story in the video player below: Inside Harrisons: Rochesters New Restaurant at 4th and Main

The restaurant is owned by Glenn Wilhelm, who also operates The Roxy entertainment venue in Rochester.

"We opened The Roxy three years ago, and we were drawing a lot of people into town that were having meals and dinner before shows at other places," Wilhelm said. "It's natural for us to try and get into the restaurant side as well."

Wilhelm said the goal is to make Harrisons a gathering place for the community, offering both upscale dining and family-friendly options.

"We really want Harrisons to be a real hometown locals place," he said. "We're looking for a spot where you can bring your wife for a nice steak dinner and a great bottle of wine, and then also come with the kids and family and have a great wood-fired pizza."

The menu features a variety of offerings, including steaks, pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas. One featured entree combines lemon pepper fettuccine with broiled salmon and a house-made lemon basil cream sauce with spinach.

Behind the bar, staff members prepare an assortment of signature cocktails, including the Honey and Thyme, Blackberry Heat and the Harrison Spritz.

The restaurant's wood-fired pizza oven is also a focal point of the kitchen, turning out traditional pizzas topped with ingredients such as fresh basil, sea salt and olive oil.

Community leaders say the addition of another occupied storefront is a positive development for downtown Rochester.

"We're happy to have no vacancies in downtown Rochester," said Tami Salisbury, president of the Rochester Rotary Club.

Juliane Morian, director of the Rochester Hills Public Library, praised the restaurant's atmosphere and location.

"Whether you're in the restaurant or window seating and watching all the people walking by, it's a fantastic place to dine," Morian said.

Owner Glenn Wilhelm said the restaurant reflects his family's ties to the community.

"I live in Rochester. My wife and I and our kids are in Rochester schools," Wilhelm said. "This is really our community here, and we're really happy to be here."

Harrisons is located at Fourth Street and Main Street in downtown Rochester.

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Longtime Detroit sports announcer Bobb Vergiels, known for his work with the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions and Michigan Wolverines, is preparing to return to the microphone after receiving a life-saving kidney transplant.

Vergiels, 74, underwent transplant surgery in July at Henry Ford Health after being diagnosed with stage four kidney failure.

Watch the latest from reporter Tony Geftos in the video player below: Detroit Sports Announcer Saved by Fans Kidney Donation Returns to the Mic

The veteran announcer said he was initially hesitant about receiving a donor kidney because of his age.

"I kind of resisted having a kidney transplant," Vergiels said. "My thing was, look, I'm in my 70s. If you have a kidney for somebody, why don't you give it to some guy in his 50s? Because he's got a whole lot more time to go. I may not. But they said, 'No, you're healthy.'"

For years, Vergiels was a familiar voice at some of Michigan's biggest sporting events, serving as an in-game announcer for the Tigers, Lions and Wolverines. He also announced every Detroit start by former Tigers pitcher Justin Verlander during his tenure with the club.

More recently, Vergiels continued calling games for the Toledo Mud Hens and Toledo Walleye. He said he worked his final Mud Hens game just three days before undergoing surgery.

The transplant became possible after a fan approached Vergiels at a Toledo Walleye game in January and offered to donate a kidney after learning about his condition.

According to Dr. Atsushi Yoshida, division head of transplant surgery at Henry Ford Health, the fan was ultimately a better match for another recipient. Through a kidney paired exchange, Vergiels received a compatible donor kidney from another participant in the exchange network.

"When you start getting kidney disease, you start feeling a little bit crummier over time," Yoshida said. "Once you get a transplant, it's like a fountain of youth a little bit. You feel stronger, healthier and you kind of bounce back."

Vergiels said the fan's generosity played a major role in helping him pursue the transplant.

"I've got two grandkids who will be graduating from college soon. I've got one grandkid who's going to be graduating from law school. I want to live to see that," Vergiels said. "And now I've got a pretty good shot at doing that."

The woman who offered to donate her kidney has chosen to remain anonymous.

Vergiels is expected to return to announcing at the Toledo Walleye's home opener on Nov. 7.

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Ann Arbor police are warning drivers about a new scam involving fake QR code stickers placed on parking meters in the downtown area.

The stickers, labeled with phrases such as "Scan to Park!" and "Park AA," appear to offer a convenient way to pay for parking. However, police say the QR codes are fraudulent and could direct users to scam websites designed to capture personal or financial information.

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Ann Arbor Police Warn About Fake QR Codes on Parking Meters

University of Michigan students say they would be cautious about scanning unfamiliar QR codes but worry older relatives could be more vulnerable.

"This is my grandma. She actually is the one prone to scams," said freshman Landon Johns. "We were just talking about this on the way here."

His grandmother, Patti Johns, agreed.

"I would be the one to scan it, and then some hackers will get me like they did in Alabama," she said.

Other students said internet safety awareness helps them identify potential scams but acknowledged some family members might still fall victim.

"I definitely wouldn't scan it, 'cause also we kind of learn about Internet safety, like, don't scan, but for a parent, I'm speaking to my dad, like, what would he do? He might scan it," said Sophomore Gabrielle Murphy.

While at a downtown parking meter on East William Street, a city parking employee removed one of the fake stickers. The worker said employees have been instructed to inspect meters and collect any suspicious QR code stickers they find.

The sticker was located near Coratti's Pizzeria, where owner Pete Coratti said he wants customers to have a positive experience when visiting downtown.

"Well, I think it's crazy," Coratti said. "I don't want people to be taken advantage of, so I want to be aware of what people are doing."

Police recommend residents and visitors take the following precautions if they encounter a suspicious QR code sticker on a parking meter:

Do not scan the QR code.

Use official payment methods, including authorized apps, websites or kiosks.

Report suspicious stickers to police.

Authorities say taking a few extra seconds to verify a payment method could help prevent identity theft, financial loss, and other scam-related issues.

The future of Redford Township's oldest home remains uncertain as township officials consider whether to preserve, sell or demolish the historic property.

The Wait House, built in 1824 by Luther Wait, has stood in the community for more than two centuries. The home now sits at the corner of Five Mile and Gaylord roads, though members of the Redford Township Historical Commission say it spent its first 100 years across the street before being moved to its current location.

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Will Redford Township Save Its Oldest Home or Tear It Down?

The township acquired the property in 2008 after a relative of the home's last owners sold it to cover back taxes. Since then, the house has remained vacant and fallen into disrepair.

"Everybody looks at it and they're like, 'Oh, it's a dump,'" said Amanda Flesher, a member of the Redford Township Historical Commission. "And it's like, 'No, if you look, there's little hidden features.'"

Among those features are distinctive eyebrow windows and architectural details that Flesher believes help tell the story of early Redford Township.

Some artifacts connected to the home's former owners are now displayed at the Redford Township History Center. Others remain inside the house, including a grand piano and musical instruments that belonged to lounge singer Sunny West.

Flesher said the Historical Commission has hoped to acquire and preserve the property since the 1960s, with plans to ultimately convert it into a museum.

"It's been on our radar since the '60s," she said.

That vision has yet to become reality.

The township's community development director said officials are evaluating three possible paths forward: transforming the house into a museum, renovating it for sale or demolishing it.

Some nearby residents say action is needed regardless of which option township leaders choose.

"It would be nice if they did something with it," resident Nicole Valin said. "It's been sitting vacant for quite a while."

Neighbor Martie Swek said complaints often center on animals getting in and out of the deteriorating structure.

Flesher said one challenge is that the home does not qualify for a historical marker because it was moved from its original location. That limits some preservation funding opportunities.

Still, she hopes the home can be saved.

"Certain fixtures that you know are historic, you could get funding just to protect those items," Flesher said. "But we can't do any of that until we know it's going to be standing here."

Township officials are awaiting estimates tied to the three options before presenting them to the township board, which will ultimately decide the historic home's future.

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