By: Curtis Drogmiller

The Fraternal Order of Police Southwestern Oakland County Lodge #128 held their Annual Cops and Kids Holiday event at the Meijer’s store on Grand River in Wixom on Thursday December 4, 2014. On hand were members from ICE-ERO, Homeland Security-OIG, officers from various cities in Oakland County, the Oakland County Sheriffs Dept., even a couple firefighters. FOP 128 President John KirkPatrick said,” I am proud of everyone involved with our Cops and Kids annual holiday event at Meijer in Wixom, Meijer’s was the perfect partner and our membership came out in large numbers of local and federal law enforcement officers to make this holiday brighter for several area children.”

Cops and Kids invited 30 kids from three organizations, Novi Youth Assistance, Lakes Area Youth Assistance and Huron Valley Youth Assistance. The event started at 5:30 with a pizza party for 30 kids, each child received a surprize bag and then it was time to shop. Each child received a $200.00 gift card to shop with an Officer. The evening would conclude with an extra surprise for the families, each receiving a bag to take home, filled with various food items to make their Holiday Feast complete. The FOP#128 Cops and Kids Holiday event is getting larger each year spreading joy to many more children in the area. In 2013 the FOP#128 had 20 kids and in 2014 had 30 kids at the event. Event Chair John Jacob Sr. said, “We had a terrific turnout, there is no greater joy than to see the happiness on the children’s faces during our Cops and Kids holiday event at Meijer located in Wixom.”

Photos by Curtis Drogmiller

By: Curtis Drogmiller
October 10, 2014

      Thirty years ago in Walled Lake Michigan one of Oakland County’s most trusted Jewelers Dale Uranis opened his doors for business: Dale’s Custom Jewelry and repair.  With wife Carol by his side, in 1984 Dale found the perfect building for his storefront located at 933 N. Pontiac trail.  Dale has been making jewelry for over 50 years now, and has developed a great reputation as one of the area’s most honest, trusted jewelers mastering incredible workmanship, a true craftsman.
     Dale is a full jeweler with over 50 years experience in cutting stones, silver smiting, shadow box , works with waxes, makes custom castings, replaces approximately 1000’s watch batteries yearly, finishing and diamond setting working with precious metals silver and gold. Dales branding signature symbol for his creations is a U with a D in the center. Dale has a love to carve and design animals in his jewelry making artwork. Prior to opening Dale’s Custom Jewelry, Dale developed a reputation working out of his home and making several appointments at area restaurants taking orders for custom jewelry.  Dale said,” the key to his success is simply being honest and educating his customers.”” I provide service with a smile, my customers all become return customers, we are a small business with no high pressure sales, many of our customers come in and stop by for a laugh or two or come by to simply talk and become friends, we have the greatest customers.”
     The store is unique with a character all of its own, the walls covered in antique pictures and a wall of many police items, mugs, caps and patches Dale has collected over the years. Dale is known for his great big heart, generosity and his charity work, he supports and raises funds yearly for FOP128 Cops and Kids, Homes for the troops, Wolverine Packing Party and Special Olympics. When not making Jewelry, Dale is the Associate Liaison for the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 128. Dale plans on spending his retirement years doing whatever I want to do he said. He plans on spending time fishing and hunting and wants to get their dog Goldie certified for therapy for working in hospitals, schools and nursing homes.
     On October 31, 2014 Dales Custom Jewelry will open its doors one last time before retirement. Dale will be retiring as well as his wife Carol of 51 years. Between now and October 31st. Dale’s will have a in store rummage sale selling Jewelry, showcases, desks, file cabinets, bookcases, chairs, glassware , Antiques, large police collection and more. Dale’s recommend Suburban Exchange for your future battery replacement needs and for watch repair he endorses Northville clock and watch.  Dale’s Custom Jewelry is located: 933 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake 248-669-4320 Store Hours: Tues-Fri noon to 5 P.M. Sat. 10 am- 2pm.

Photo credits: Curtis Drogmiller

   

Above: Dale was selling raffle tickets again like he does every year at Walled Lake Market Days. Photos: Curtis Drogmiller.

October 2, 2014

Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #128 Southwestern Oakland County President John Kirkpatrick presented a placque(plaque) of recognition to Angie Williams Gorman and son Thomas Gorman Jr. in honor of Thomas Gorman Sr. for his 34 years of service as a public safety officer at Detroit Mercy Hospital. The presentation of the plaque was on October 1, 2014 during the FOP128 general membership meeting.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Curtis Drogmiller