Westend: September 2013

PLACES TO EAT: OUR GUIDE TO NEARLY 100 LAKES AREA RESTAURANTS SEPTEMBER 2013

WESTENDMONTHLY.COM

WESTEND C O M M E R C E • WA L L E D L A K E • W O LV E R I N E L A K E • U N I O N L A K E

WI GIFT N A DIN IN CER TIFIC G ATE VO

RIST LARE ORA NTE SEE DET PAG AILS E 51

OCC AT THE CROSSROAD COMMUNITY COLLEGE WORKING TO POSITION FOR THE FUTURE

SECURITY REPORT CARD: HEIGHTENED CONCERN FOR SCHOOL SAFETY FRACKING IN CROSSHAIRS: OPPOSITION FOR DRILLING METHOD ECRWSS Postal Customer PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROYAL OAK, MI 48068 PERMIT #792

Years EXPERIENCE

44

OF PASSION & EXPERTISE

Design for all Styles

248.669.3500 A+ Rating with BBB

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT

3081 Haggerty, Suite 1, Walled Lake, MI 48390

www.newmyer.com

Some restrictions apply

•BATHS •KITCHENS •ADDITIONS •WINDOWS •WINE CELLARS •DOORS •Cabinetry made in Michigan

THE STOCKTON TEAM

MORTGAGE RATES REMAIN LOW, HOUSE PRICES ARE ON THE RISE AND THERE ARE TOO FEW HOUSES ON THE MARKET...

IT'S A GREAT TIME TO SELL!

2900 Union Lake Road, Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382

Lakes Area’s #1 Team!

Zillow - Preferred Agent

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE & RESULTS SINCE 1977 E RC ME M CO

E RC ME M CO

ND LA H G HI

$359,900

E RC ME M CO

$995,000

$299,900

$424,900

HILLS OF BOGIE LAKE POOL, PLAYGROUND, SPORTS COURT!

STUNNING HOME ON INCREDIBLY LANDSCAPED (.72 ACRE) LOT ON PRESTWICK GOLF COURSE 14TH FAIRWAY

BETTER THAN NEW BEAUTIFUL TWO STORY BUILT IN 2010

STUNNING WATER FRONT HOME ALL SPORTS FOX LAKE

• 3,143 Sq Ft, 5 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, 3 Car Garage, Formal Dining • Great Rm-Fireplace, Family Room, Granite Island Kitchen • 1st Floor Laundry, Basement-Egress Window, Large Deck #213075165 Ext. 199

*5,735 SQ FT of Luxury Living Space, 6 Bdr, 6.2 Bath, In-ground Pool *Formal Dining-Butlers Panty, Library/Den, 4 Frplc, 3 Kitchens, *1st Fl Master-Jet Tub Bath,1st Fl Ldry, Fin Walkout, 3 Car Garage #2123081257 Ext. 162

• 2,124 Sq Ft, 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, Cathedral Master-Jet Tub Bath • 2 Story Great Room-Fireplace, Granite Island Kitchen, Deck • 2nd Floor Laundry, Basement-Egress Window & Bath Prep #213073032 Ext. 139

• 2,570 Sq Ft + 1,100 Sf In Finished Walkout, 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath • Living & Dining, Great Room-Fireplace, 2 Granite Kitchens • Cathedral Master Suite, 3 Car Garage, Large Deck #213075030 Ext. 134

E AK EL T I WH

KE LA ITE H W

E RC ME M CO

$314,900

E RC ME M CO

$234,900

$364,900

$474,900

SPECTACULAR CUSTOM HOME 1.74 ACRE PRIVATE SETTING

DESIRABLE HURON HILLS SUB PARK PLAYGROUND & PICTURESQUE PONDS

METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED HOME ON ALL SPORTS TULL LAKE!

GORGEOUS HOME ON 1.43 ACRE PRIVATE LOT WITH POND

• 2,476 Sq Ft + Finished Walkout Basement, 3 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath • Great Rm-Fireplace, Dining Room, Snackbar Kitchen/Hearth • Master – Jet Tub Bath, 1st Flr Laundry, 3 Car Garage, Decks #21382808 Ext. 147

• 2,022 Sq Ft, 3 Bd, 2.5ba, Island Kitchen & Nook, Door-Wall To Deck • Cathedral Living & Dining Room - Fireplace & Door-Wall To Deck • Cathedral Master With Jet Tub Bath, 1st Floor Laundry, Fin Bmnt #213080918 Ext. 155

• 2,903 Sq Ft + Fin Walkout, 4 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath, Large Decks • Living-Family-Great Room, 3 Fireplaces, 2 Kitchens-Appliances • Master Ste-Bath-Priv Ate Deck, Jet Tub, Gorgeous .56 Acre Lot #213058590 Ext. 115

*3,531 Sq Ft + 1,350 Sq Ft In Walkout, 3 Bedroom, 3.5 Bath *Great Room-Fireplace, 2 Story Dining, Jenn-Air Appl *Master-Jet Tub Bath, Spa, Family Room, 2nd Kitchen #213078205 Ext. 175

E AK EL T I WH

E AK EL T I WH

E AK EL T I WH

RD LFO MI

$374,900

$274,900

$234,900

$525,000

ELEGANT TWO STORY ON BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED LOT

BRICK RANCH - 101’ FRONTAGE ALL SPORTS OXBOW LAKE

AFFORDABLE HOME ON ALL SPORTS LAKE NEVA

METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED 2.6 ACRE WITH STUNNING IN-GROUND POOL!

• 2,403 Sq Ft, 4 Bedroom, 2.5 Bath, Library, Granite Kitchen • Dining Room, Great Room-Fireplace, Cathedral Master Ste • 1st Floor Laundry, 3 Car Garage, Walled Lake Schools #213063045 Ext. 105

• 2,000+ Sq Ft, 3 Bedroom, 3 Baths, Great Room -Fireplace • Kitchen-Appliances, Dining, Family Room, Library/Den • Heated Garage & Workshop, Newer Roof-Well-Septic #213075050 Ext. 187

• 1,701 Sq Ft, 4bedroom, 2bath, Family Room-Fireplace • Living Room, Updated Kitchen, Windows, Siding Roof • Sub Park, Playground, Beach & Brendel Lake Access #213085946 Ext. 164

• 3,193 Sq Ft, 4 Bedroom, 5 Bath, 2 Car Garage + 2 Car Pole Barn • 2 Story Great Room-Fireplace, Granite Kitchen-Appliances • Dining Room, Cathedral Family Room, Finished Basement #213085007 Ext. 192

RD LFO MI

ST WE

D IEL MF O BLO

$569,900

$359,900

SPECTACULAR LAKEFRONT HOME WITH FINISHED WALKOUT

MAIN LAKEFRONT ON ALL SPORTS CASS LAKE!

• 2,971 Sq Ft, 4Br, 3.5Ba, Living-Dining-Family Rooms, Fireplace • Granite Kitchen - Ss Appliances, Stunning Sun Room • Cathedral Master-Jet Tub, 1st Flr Laundry, Patio, Deck #213073641 Ext. 167

• Great Room – Fireplace, Snackbar Kitchen -Appliances • 1st Floor Laundry – Washer & Dryer, Central Air • 2 Car Garage, Seawall, Dock, West Bloomfield Schools #213079278 Ext. 100

Robert - Buyer Specialist

Laura - Admin

Melissa - Closing Coordinator

www.TheStocktonTeam.com

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

800-396-5204 + Ext. # for recorded message

WESTEND09.13

33

13 21

OCC at the crossroads Oakland Community College is having to recreate itself to address the future role of the educational institution.

Local school security

Fracking concerns

Local public schools are hard at work increasing security measures in the wake of national school shootings.

Critics of fracking as a methd to tap Michigan oil and gas reserves are making their concerns known.

11 CRIME LOCATOR A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Commerce, Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake and the Union Lake area, presented in map format.

38 MUNICIPAL Police pact still hold-out; marijuana dispensary moratorium; another hotel for township; Walled Lake fire chief leaving; the November Walled Lake election; village getting new police vehicle; Commerce combining departments.

53 BUSINESS MATTERS Moonlight Mediterranean Cuisine; Union Lake Pediatrics; 300 Bowl; Real Green Analytics.

54 ENDNOTE Fracking poses threat for lakes area groundwater/surface water; no real choice on marijuana dispensaries.

THE COVER The iconic stands of tall pines that dot the Oakley Park high tech industrial park and residential area of Commerce.

Westend photo: Laurie Tennent.

DISTRIBUTION: Mailed monthly at no charge to homes in the Commerce, Walled Lake and Union Lake area.. Additional free copies are distributed at high foot-traffic locations.

For those not residing in the free mail distribution area, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual fee. Go to our website (westendmonthly.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order on-line or scan the QR Code here.

4

FACES 19: Kevin Lee

26: Mary Young

42: Michael Grosvenor

47: Steve Potter

31: Tim McCormick

DOWNTOWN P

U

B

L

I

C

A

T

I

O

N

S

DOWNTOWN • WESTEND • BLACK BOOK • THE GUIDE 124 WEST MAPLE ROAD BIRMINGHAM MI 48009 P: 248.792.6464 downtownpublications.com facebook.com/downtownpublications • twitter.com/downtownpubs

Publisher: David Hohendorf Ad Manager: Jill Cesarz Ad Sales: Jacqueline Galvin Graphics/IT Manager: Chris Grammer News Editor: Lisa Brody

News Staff/Contributors: Allison Batdorff, Rachel Bechard, Hillary Brody, Kevin Elliott, Sally Gerak, Eleanor & Ray Heald, Austen Hohendorf, Garrett Hohendorf, Kathleen Meisner, Laurie Tennent

WESTEND

INCOMING: We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Commerce/Union Lake community. The traditional Letters to the Editor in Westend are published in our Incoming section, and can include traditional letters or electronic communication. Your opinions can be sent to westend@downtownpublications.com; or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI, 48009. Letters must include your full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

09.13

Specializing in refreshing and updating your existing landscape

LANDSCAPE DESIGN/INSTALLATION

LAWN MAINTENANCE

• Brick Pavers - Retaining Walls • Outdoor Lighting • Sales & Installation of Mulch, Topsoil, Sand & Gravel

• Weekly Lawn Cutting • Spring & Fall Clean ups • Shrub Pruning - Aeration • Spring Annuals & Perennials • Sprinkler Installation & Repair

MAINTENANCE OF DECK AND BRICK PAVERS • Complete Restoration of Pavers, Patio’s & Walkways • Power Washing & Sealing Wood Decks

CALL ABOUT OUR BACK TO SCHOOL SPECIALS

1-248-366-7980 OR 1-866-MULCH-2-U

email us at info@248landscape.com www.248landscape.com | www.866mulch2u.com

PAVER SPECIAL 10% OFF Brick Paver Patio or Walkway

WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD!

(If booked this month 400 sq. ft. minimum)

Mulchss e Madn ials Spec

100% Canadian CEDAR MULCH

0

5 0 $3

rd Per Ya

Screened

Great Northern Michigan

TOP SOIL

0

0 8 $1

rd Per Ya

HARDWOOD MULCH

0

5 5 $2

rd Per Ya

$300 OFF Landscape Design & Installation ($3500 minimum)

COLOR ENHANCED MULCH Red / Black / Brown

0

5 9 $2

rd Per Ya

We Delive & Ins r tall

Ask about our 3D Digital Landscape Design. See your Landscape Project before and after!

Now!

Quality service at a reasonable price

FROM THE PUBLISHER

F

or the past decade the hot topic in the retail community, locally and across the nation, has been the loss of revenue to the Internet and online retailers where customers can sometimes find the same items from brick-and-mortar operations for less money, mainly because the online operator does not have the overhead, including local personal and property taxes that help underwrite the local community and the public schools.

I was reminded of this most recently by the owner of one upscale Oakland County retail store who shared his experience with customers that on a routine basis shop his home goods store to inspect items and then head home to continue their shopping online in hopes of beating his price and possibly the state sales tax.

In the case of this particular retailer, he told one disturbing story about a customer that spent over an hour in his store, asking advice, looking at sample items, then took products home to see how they looked in her home, only to return days later to bring the items back without making a purchase. His suspicion was that the customer, having the exact items, prices and manufacturers at her disposal in the comfort of her home, spent the time to scour the Internet in an attempt to beat his pricing, probably with no delivery charge, and possibly avoiding paying the Michigan six percent sales tax.

Of course, there is no legislating bad manners or behavior that borders on bad taste, but lawmakers could finally address the tax issue if for no other reason than the overwhelming amount tax revenue lost each year to Internet-based retail operations, estimated in Michigan to be almost $250 million, coupled with another $200 million lost with phone and mail order sales.

The prevailing logic a decade ago, and in some quarters still today, held that the Internet was something new and e-commerce should be allowed to flourish, so any attempt at taxation would smother innovation in the online retail community.

Michigan lawmakers are now considering some tweaks to state tax law in a pair of bills known at the Main Street Fairness Act, similar to legislation that failed for lack of action in previous sessions. But even if it is adopted in both chambers, any minor adjustment here or in other states will have little effect unless the U.S. Congress focuses on this issue.

There is a push in Washington, not the first and certainly not the last, to impose a uniform Internet sales tax on retail transactions or require state taxes to be collected at the time of a sale. The Marketplace Fairness Act (S.336) was introduced in February and has bi-partisan support from some key members of congress.

The legislation would impose a uniform tax on Internet retail sales and would exempt small businesses that transact less than $1 million in out of state sales. Two contentious portions of the bill that might lead to its defeat are an opt out provision for any state that does not want to collect this uniform tax for those states that do not have a sales tax and a requirement that before a state can receive the revenues generated by this tax, the state must simplify state taxes where multi-jurisdiction taxes are now imposed.

There is also concern at the federal level, on the part of some conservative Republicans, that an Internet tax would be viewed as a tax increase (it's not), clearly a rather twisted logic from members of the GOP that used to be viewed as a friend of business.

Then there is a certain faction in congress which thinks that Internet sales tax collection should be made part of a push underway for overall tax reform, no doubt a kiss of death for addressing an issue of importance for local brick-and-mortar retail business owners.

Of course, don't forget the lobbyist factions, which interestingly seem to be divided on this issue. Supporters include Macy's, Office Max, Saks and even Amazon, squaring off against a group operating under the banner of NetChoice which includes Facebook, Yahoo and AOL.

As it stands today, online retailers must collect state sales taxes if the retailer has a physical presence in the state, either a brick-and-mortar store or a warehouse, for example.

You get the picture. A recipe, once again, for inaction at the federal level.

There have been attempts to create an equal playing field, but for a variety of reasons, legislation addressing the online retail tax collection seems to bog down at every turn.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

10 CELEBRATING

YEARS

From our family to yours, we at Gordon Chiropractic want to thank you for your fantastic support and kindness over the last 10 years. We look forward to continuing to serve you. Thank you valued clients!

7887 Cooley Lake Road, Suite 120

|

248.366.3300

|

www.gordondc.com

INCOMING Ivory Farm cover

In this moment . . .

It doesn’t matter if you saved money in 15 minutes.

It doesn’t matter if your neighbor has the same insurance you do.

What matters right now is the quality of your independent insurance agent and the company that stands behind them.

Auto- Owners Insurance is “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with the Auto Insurance Claims Experience, Five Years in a Row” according to J.D. Power and Associates.

Call or visit us:

GODDARD-TALMAY AGENCY 347 N. Pontiac Trail • Walled Lake, MI 48390

248-624-1531

Auto-Owners Insurance ranks highest among auto insurance providers in the J.D. Power and Associates 2008-2012 Auto Claims StudiesSM. 2012 study based on 12,508 total responses, ranking 26 insurance providers. Excludes those with claims only for glass/windshield, theft/stolen, roadside assistance or bodily injury claims. Proprietary results based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed November 2011-September 2012. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com.

12780 (11-12)

DEDICATION CEREMONY MULTI-LAKES VETERANS MEMORIAL SAT URD AY

SEP 14 T

1:00 P.M.

3860 NEWTON ROAD COMMERCE TWP, MI WE HAVE AN OUTSTANDING PROGRAM APPROPRIATE FOR ALL AGES FEATURING: • • • • •

Local and State Dignitaries American Legion & VFW Posts Boy Scouts WLC Marching Band Vocalist Grace Newlin

CONTACT MLCA: 248-363-9109 CONCESSIONS WILL BE AVAILABLE 8

Regarding your publication, "West End" of August 2013, and the cover photo. The Ivory Farm is in White Lake Township, not Commerce Township, as listed on page 4 of this publication. The area map on page 11 of your publication confirms this location. We're also none too pleased with the photo of Ivory Farm and the juxtaposition of the headline "Gangs of Oakland", since we live behind the farm. My kids want to know if they are "Sharks" or "Jets".

Sandra McGlew, White Lake

Enjoy Westend Just wanted you to know that I thoroughly enjoy your magazine. Lots of local news from our area.

Thomas Snyder, Commerce Twp

Walled Lake problems I am a resident of Walled Lake for multiple decades now so I read the last edition of Westend with interest.

I was first captivated by the Incoming (August/Westend) letter from Peggy Hawke, a mother of one of the laid off Walled Lake police officers, Todd Hawke. Then later in the edition there were a couple more articles about the layoffs. Peggy alluded to "lies" on behalf of the city manager, Dennis Whitt, and city finance director Colleen Coogan.

Peggy also mentioned "low morale" and the "budget woes". I think she has hit the nail on the head, but where are the facts? Who is giving us the details behind what is really going on?

Walled Lake pays some of the highest taxes in Oakland County so why are we so far in debt? Property values have dropped to be sure, but they aren't nonexistent. Where has all the money gone? Perhaps an investigation of some of the retirement deals of past employees as well as that of the current city manager will reveal an inability to be good stewards of the city budget.

Is it true that the Walled Lake police officers have been given a directive to only be reactive and not proactive in their policing of the city? Drive by the station and take note of how many police cars are in the parking lot. It appears as though the officers are in the station waiting for a call. It seems as though the patrol cars are seldom on the road.

If an investigation were conducted on the basic activity of a patrol WESTEND

officer, it would reveal that drunk driving arrests are almost nonexistent. The speed limit is not being enforced and the city has become the "Walled Lake Motor Speedway."

If you take a look at the police reports, which are a matter of public record, there are virtually no instances where a police officer initiated an incident. Rather the officers sit at the station or maybe in a patrol car somewhere out of view waiting for a call to come in.

If we are eliminating patrol officers do we need a full time chief and an assistant chief? With a decreased staff could we expect to find the chief taking a shift or two on the road? I think that is standard operating procedure in cities with smaller departments.

Regarding mutual aid by neighboring communities to support WLPD officers when a call requires back up, yes, historically the local "lakes" communities have had a good working relationship. Why is it though that the WLPD has a strained relationship with Wolverine Lake? Is it because at the 11th hour of negotiations between the two communities regarding a cooperative police program Walled Lake pulled the plug? Why is it that the WLPD has a strained relationship with Wixom? Why is that we can no longer house our own prisoners or take them to Wixom?

Chief Shakinas was quoted in one of the articles in the last edition of Westend, "I can't get into staffing too much. It's like an invitation to rob Walled Lake." Hey chief, the invitations have already been sent. What's the difference if we cut the number of officers or if they sit in the station? The best deterrent to crime in the city is an active police force bolstered by good morale. When bad guys see patrol cars on the road and/or patrol officers writing tickets for traffic offenses, they get the message that the police in this city are on top of their game.

I am not a proponent of eliminating our police department, but if they aren't going to do anything maybe we should contact the Oakland Sheriff's Department so we get our laws enforced and keep our streets safe.

Thank you Westend for telling us there is a problem Now, who is going to tell us what is the cause of the problem and who is going to fix it?

Name withheld by request.

09.13

Celebrating Home

888-244-2252 | cbwm.com

Michigan home prices are on the rise. Your home might be worth more than you think! Contact us today to ďŹ nd out the value of your home.

WEIR MANUEL

ø çã®ò KÖÖÊÙãçÄ®ãù ®Ä ½ÊÊÃ¥® ½ s®½½ ¦ ŽǀĞƚĞĚ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶ ĂŵŽŶŐ ŵŝůůŝŽŶ ĚŽůůĂƌ ŚŽŵĞƐ͘ ϰ ďĞĚƌŽŽŵƐ͕ Ϯ͘ϱ ďĂƚŚƐ͕ ůĂƌŐĞ ŵĂƐƚĞƌ͕ ĮŶŝƐŚĞĚ ďĂƐĞŵĞŶƚ͕ ŶĞĂƌůLJ ϯϬϬϬ ƐƋ Ō͘ DĂŶLJ ƵƉĚĂƚĞƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ŬŝƚĐŚĞŶ͕ ďĂƚŚƐ͕ ƌŽŽĨ͘ ŝƌŵŝŶŐŚĂŵ ^ĐŚŽŽůƐ ΨϳϮϱ͕ϬϬϬ

tÊÊ Ý Ê¥ K »½ Ä D ÄÊÙ - t ã Ù¥ÊÙ ^ƉĂĐŝŽƵƐ ŚŽŵĞ ŝŶ ǀĞƌLJ ĚĞƐŝƌĂďůĞ ŶĞŝŐŚďŽƌŚŽŽĚ͊ ϮϯϬϬ ƐƋ Ō͘ ϰ ďĞĚƌŽŽŵƐ͕ Ϯ͘ϱ ďĂƚŚƐ DĂƉůĞ ŬŝƚĐŚĞŶ ŽƉĞŶ ƚŽ ĨĂŵŝůLJ ƌŽŽŵ DĂƐƚĞƌ ƐƵŝƚĞ ǁŝƚŚ ǁĂůŬ-ŝŶ Θ ƐƉĂ ďĂƚŚ ĂLJůŝŐŚƚ ďĂƐĞŵĞŶƚ ΨϮϭϬ͕ϬϬϬ

E ó Ù ÊÄ Ê - t®øÊà WŝĐƚƵƌĞ ƉĞƌĨĞĐƚ ĐŽŶĚŽ͕ DĂƉůĞͬ ĞĐŬ ĂƌĞĂ ZĞĂůůLJ ŶŝĐĞ ƵƉŐƌĂĚĞƐ Θ ƵƉĚĂƚĞƐ͘ hƉĚĂƚĞĚ ďĂƚŚƐͶ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ŵĂƐƚĞƌ ďĂƚŚ͕ ŐƌĂŶŝƚĞ Θ ŚĂƌĚǁŽŽĚ ŝŶ ŬŝƚĐŚĞŶ͘ &ŝŶŝƐŚĞĚ ďĂƐĞŵĞŶƚ ǁŝƚŚ ĨƵůů ďĂƚŚ tĂůůĞĚ >ĂŬĞ ^ĐŚŽŽůƐ ΨϭϲϬ͕ϬϬϬ

ĂƐƐ >ĂŬĞ tĂƚĞƌĨƌŽŶƚ - tĞƐƚ ůŽŽŵĮĞůĚ ZĂƌĞ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚLJ͊ sĂĐĂŶƚ ĐĂŶĂů ĨƌŽŶƚ ůŽƚ ŝŶ ĞƐƚĂďůŝƐŚĞĚ ŶĞŝŐŚďŽƌŚŽŽĚ ǁŝƚŚ ĐůƵď ŚŽƵƐĞ ĂŶĚ ƐƵď ďĞĂĐŚ͘ ϳϭ ĨĞĞƚ ŽŶ ĐĂŶĂů͕ ŶĞǁĞƌ ƐĞĂǁĂůů͕ ǁĂƚĞƌ Θ ƐĞǁĞƌ ;ŶŽ ǁĞůůͬƐĞƉƟĐ ŶĞĞĚĞĚͿ WŽƐƐŝďůĞ >ĂŶĚ ŽŶƚƌĂĐƚ Ψϳϵ͕ϵϬϬ

Chris Martin

Lori York-Hesse

For more Info Call 248-709-1151

Pamela Bartush

For more Info Call 248-760-7640

Tracy Slintak

For more Info Call 248-640-2729

For more Info Call 248-360-1425

Country Living!

GET BACK TO NATURE!

TERRIFIC LOCATION in West Bloomfield! Minutes to major x-ways!

Access to 2 Lakes! Nearly 2800 square feet! 5 Bedroom's and 3 full baths! Spacious kitchen, formal dining room, living room & library. Family room addition w/skylight & adjacent in-law/master suite. Oversized 2-Car attached garage w/pull down stairs to attic for extra storage. Walled Lk Schools. Walking distance to Park. $188,000

MINUTES FROM QUAINT DOWNTOWN MILFORD Charming Home nestled on 5 secluded acres, with gorgeous perennial gardens, trickling pond & abundant wildlife. Nearly 2,000 sq. ft. of living space, full Basement & 2-car Garage.

Home features energy-efficient Geo-Thermal Htg/AC, newer windows, & much more!

Offered at $247,900

Updated Ranch In Waterford Newer kitchen, neutral carpeting, windows, door wall, storm doors, laminated hardwood flooring in living room, new flooring in kitchen/breakfast room, remodeled bathroom, large backyard and extra deep 2 car garage with long driveway.

NG DI N PE

Great home with loads of potential on two acres. If all your toys won’t fit in the four car attached garage, the 30’X40’ pole barn awaits. This 1770 sq. ft. home features an open floor plan with 3 bedrooms, 2 full and 2 half baths, a walkout basement, large deck, and mature landscaping. All of this for only $164,888! Just 10 minutes to I-96 and M-59. Call to make your appointment to see this home today!

2-STORY CONTEMPORARY on 1.5 Wooded Acres in White Lake…

G IN D N PE

Enjoy The Lake

4 BEDROOM COLONIAL in the Heart of West Bloomfield…

Newer kitchen cabinets, tile flooring, and carpeting. Large deck overlooks the ½ Acre backyard - master suite is appointed with two walk-in-closets, corner jetted tub, separate shower, and dual sinks. Beautifully finished walkout lower level just steps away from the Lake.

248-360-1425

Lakes Area Office 2600 Union Lake Road Commerce Twp, Michigan

WEIR MANUEL

888-244-2252 cbwm.com

CRIME LOCATOR

NORTH

Map key

Sexual assault

Assault

Murder

Robbery

Breaking/entering

Larceny

Larceny from vehicle

Vehicle theft

Vandalism

Drug offenses

Arson

These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Commerce Township, Walled Lake and Wolverine Lake Village through August 28, 2013.

Placement of codes is approximate.

FREE ESTIMATES

Specs

248.360.PROS

a unique boutique

SpencerRoofing.com

EYEWEAR STUDIO

Fully Licensed & Properly Insured

Serving the Lakes Area for 33 Years.

With more than 10,000 Satisfied Customers

FREE Extended

Warranty

FREE

Attic Inspection with Estimate

O.D. h c o l B l Michae Optometerist

• Tear Offs • Roof Repairs • Skylights • Gutters • Attic Insulation • Siding • Windows • Porches • Dormers • Chimney & Masonry Repairs • Complete Renovations • Master Carpenter

Complete Eye Exam

Licensed

Spencer Knish Construction • Residential Homes • Commercial Buidlings • Condominium Experts 1748 Traditional Drive, Suite B Walled Lake, MI 48390

Authorized Maui Jim Ray Ban I Costa Oakley & Lots More!

Complete Eye Exam

Complete Exam Contact Lens Fitting

Main# 248.669.9730, Fax# 248.936.5884

$49 $99 Reg. $59

Reg. $119

(Not Valid with Insurance) Coupon Expires 9/30/2013

Designer Frames I Contacts I Lab On-Site I Repairs & Replacements

Clothing & Accessories Sunglass Sale

Final Summer Clearance 20-75% Off

45.99 & Up

On all corsage and boutonnieres.

With this coupon.

Expires 10/31/13. Flowers of the Lakes, Inc. Limit 1 per customer.

Apparel I Great Gifts I Artful Accessories I One of a Kind Finds

Thank you for shopping local and God Bless America!

248.366.8600 2228 Union Lake Rd. Commerce Twp. www.specseyewearstudio.com

10790 Highland Rd. White Lake

Caribou

Specs Eyewear k Walgreens

Union Lk. Rd.

Call Today for your eye exam appointment

Matter of Taste

Wise Rd. Commerce Rd.

Flowers ofthe Lakes,Inc.

Open:Mon. thru Fri. 10-6 I Wed. 10-8 I Sat. 1-3 I Sun. 12-3 12

WESTEND

09.13

KEEPING OUR CHILDREN SAFE SCHOOL SAFETY MEASURES POST-NEWTOWN

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT AND LISA BRODY

F

or many in this country, the shooting massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newton, Conn. in December 2012 was the most traumatic experience we as a nation have been confronted with since Sept. 11, 2011. The heinous slaughter of 20 innocent children only six and seven-years old, just beginning their elementary school education, devastated us, catching us seemingly unaware. How could a young man, from a community not much different than our own, gun down his own mother, then annihilate a classroom of first graders and their teachers, children and teachers in other classrooms, even the principal and counselor who tried to stop him and talk to him. It's unfathomable.

And yet, in other situations, with other children, we've seen it before: Jonesboro, Ark., in 2008; Columbine, Colo., in 1999; Montreal, in 2006; Nickel Mines., Penn., in 2006; Virginia Tech, in 2007; Aurora, Colo., in 2012; at a community college in Houston; and most recently, at an elementary school in Georgia.

CALL ABOU TO BACK TO SC UR SPECI HOOL ALS

The American Bankruptcy Clinic has been in business for 40 years helping people just like you take control of their “financial future.” We offer a FREE Consultation and specialize in Filling Bankruptcy Petitions under the U.S. Bankruptcy Code Chapter 7, which eliminates debt and Chapter 13 which offers financial reorganization of debt enabling you to make a monthly payment and bring stability to your financial life.

QUALITY SERVICE AND SUPPLIES AT THE MOST REASONABLE PRICES! Great Northern Michigan

HARDWOOD MULCH

Relieve your Debt with your Tax Refund!

2550

Get a fresh start - Take Control of your financial future

5

Reasons why to hire me!

$

PER YARD

1. Experience 2. 99.9% Success Rate 3. I don’t nickel and dime you, offering you one price.

4. Relieve stree out of your life 5. Consulting you on how to reestablish your credit

100%

30

$

Richard D. Fessler Attorney

29

50

PER YARD

248-366-7980 or 1-866-MULCH2U www.248landscape.com

www.americanbankruptcyclinic.net

14

PER YARD

$

DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION AVAILABLE

(Former State Senator)

248-666-4445 248-666-8879

50

COLOR ENHANCED MULCH

Also Available: Top Soil & Play Sand

Debt Relief Counselor

Call today

CEDAR MULCH

Red / Black / Brown

WESTEND

09.13

Since 1996, the startling fact is that there have been at least 68 child shootings committed both by fellow students or outsiders entering school buildings, most of the time by individuals known to school officials and fellow students. At least one other person had some prior knowledge of the attacker's plan in 81 percent of school violence incidents surveyed in a study conducted by the United States Secret Service and United States Department of Education that looked at 37 incidents. In 59 percent of those incidents, more than one person had prior knowledge. arents throughout west Oakland County, just like parents throughout the United States, are wondering how to keep their children safe as they let their children walk out the door each morning. It's an issue local districts have been hard at work on, as well.

At the state level, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, has pushed to create a telephone hotline and student safety initiative that would allow for confidential tips about potential violence to be made to law enforcement. The program, dubbed OK-2-SAY, is set to receive about $3.5 million under the state's approved 2014 budget, and is expected to clear the legislature and governor's office in September, with a target start date by the end of the month, according to Schuette's office, which would oversee the program. Calls to the hotline would be taken by state police and assessed before being passed onto local law enforcement agencies for potential action.

While legislation (SB 374) to create OK-2-SAY has met with some opposition based on similar, existing programs – including the state police department's school violence hotline (1-800-815TIPS), which was established in 2001 for $50,000 from the state's budget, and Southeast Michigan Crime Stoppers (1-800-SPEAK-UP), which serves Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair, Monroe, Livingston and Washtenaw counties – the national study found students are more likely to report information about crimes and potential threats if they feel they will be believed and their information would be kept confidential or anonymous.

Local school district officials with the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, Waterford Schools, West Bloomfield Schools and Huron Valley Schools have all taken steps since last December to analyze and assess school safety measures, including special training for staff and evaluation of building layouts.

To help provide further assistance, Oakland County Homeland Security this year offered active shooter training, free of charge, to all Oakland County schools. The two-and-a-half hour course – a result of collaboration among Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard and Oakland Schools Superintendent Vickie Markavitch – was offered to principals, secretaries, all grade-level teachers and custodians, as well as central office staff that oversees safety and security of school buildings.

The course featured experts from Oakland County Homeland Security Division and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office on how to react during an active shooter situation.

“An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearm(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly,

P

which requires people on the scene to be prepared both mentally and physically while waiting for law enforcement to arrive,” the training memo explains.

Bouchard said hundreds of school employees went through the training sessions, and the sheriff's office continues to partner with districts to develop and share safety and security plans.

“We prepare for the worst and hope for the best,” Bouchard said. “We hope and pray that we will never see one of those shootings, but having said that, we are always learning from it. I spent an hour-and-a-half with the police chief from Sandy Hook and got a second-by-second brief to bring back to our training staff, and we shared that with the school people so they could be aware of weaknesses that may be existing in our schools.”

How students, staff and law enforcement respond in an active shooter scenario is determined in part by the specifics of each school, including the unique characteristics of each building and its population. Bouchard said he encourages safety plans shared with the department to include building blueprints, the number of students and age range in each classroom, and other factors which may determine measures taken by students, staff and law enforcement to minimize harm to potential victims and in order to secure a building.

The rise of such reaction plans may be less indicative of our acceptance of the ultra-violent acts being committed upon our children, and more to do with tactical responses deemed necessary to counteract their development. That fact remains that, under state law, the execution and coordination of active-shooter drills are required at all schools, colleges and universities, as are fire and tornado drills, as mandated by the Michigan Fire Prevention Code. Specifically, schools are required to conduct two security drills each year in relation to the release of hazardous materials or the presence of an armed person on or near school premises.

“It's a little different, but there are some very direct similarities,” Bouchard said, differentiating between an active shooter scenario inside a school and other armed and barricaded incidents. “You have innocent people in a situation with havoc and a great deal of chaos when that's happening. Police tactics change over time. Before Columbine, it was contain and negotiate. In the modern world, we aren't waiting for additional units to contain. We train our people to go in as quickly as possible and find that person.”

The sheriff's office, particularly through the use of many of its school liaison officers at some area schools, is working with school districts to employ measures aimed to stop violence in the schools before it occurs. Whether or not allowing some school staff to carry weapons or hiring armed security professionals beyond school liaison officers would be effective, as has been suggested in some national discussions, is still open to debate.

“Anytime you have a scenario like that, you have to make a determination of training,” Bouchard said. “Is that a person who understands what the walls are made out of, and where and when they can shoot. Again, that's a building and school district's decision, but if you have someone who understands and is trained, obviously having someone on hand is going to have a much quicker response.”

While response times are typically shorter from officers working inside school walls, many school liaison officers working the west Oakland's schools

cover multiple schools, thus reducing the chance of being on site if an incident does occur.

West Bloomfield Detective Chuck Mendham is one of two school liaison officers assigned to the district's high school, two middle schools and five elementary schools. Mendham said cuts at the district level have led to fewer officers in the schools, as is the situation in several local districts.

“If we had the means to do it, I would request we have an officer at the high school so they are there the whole time. You do need a presence there, but the middle school students are at a pivotal age, and they are doing a lot of things and learning what they can get away with,” Mendham said. “When I first started, the primary goal was to be there all the time, but there are things that pull me away.

Between the needs of the staff, students and parents, we have to come to an understanding that I may not be there if something bad really happens.”

If school liaison officers are finding themselves spread thin in West Bloomfield Schools, consider there are larger districts with fewer school resource officers. Deputy Lee Van Camp was assigned last year to serve as the sole school liaison officer for the Walled Lake district, which consists of 19 schools, including three high schools and four middle schools.

“Pretty much, when my phone rings and a principal has a problem, that's where I go,” Van Camp said, describing his typical workplace location. “I have workspace in each of the high schools, and sort of a main base at Walled Lake Western High School. I try to divide my time up as equally as I can for each school, but I try not to make plans.” chool administrators typically handle the majority of discipline matters at schools in the Walled Lake district, but Van Camp's presence is often requested for matters related to fighting, bullying and minor thefts when a police presence is appropriate. He also assists with the district's safety and security planning, educating staff and students about safety and law enforcement issues. While he said criminal complaints that result in charges are sometimes necessary, pursuing such matters isn't his primary function.

“I don't want to negatively impact a kid for the rest of their life for something stupid they did in high school,” Van Camp said while discussing alternative measures in place that can be pursued by school administrators or the justice system intended to address issues where police involvement isn't required.

Despite trying to find some flexibility in the system for minor issues, the department and district have a zero tolerance approach to threats and actions involving school safety and security. Such was the case with bomb threats made last year involving a student at Clifford Smart Middle School and a threat at Walled Lake Northern High School.

In both instances, investigators determined the threats weren't credible.

“In a day where unimaginable things happen, you can't be too careful,” Van Camp said. “When we get word of something, like a threat on social media, I look into that, and if evidence is there to charge a crime, we absolutely charge.”

The addition of a school liaison officer in the Walled Lake district last year marked the end of a period of about four years when the district didn't utilize any police officers. Prior to that period, the

S

Jennifer Wrobleski

Oakland County's Lakefront Specialist Jennifer Wrobleski 248-854-3100 Office: 248-360-2900 jwrobleski@kw.com

www.MichiganHomeMarketPlace.com

#1 Agent at Keller Williams - Commerce

COMMERCE TWP

Extensive upgrades throughout. Hearth room off kitchen with doorwall to gorgeous paver patio. Master suite with dual WIC, private living room w/ fireplace, remodeled bath with his & hers sinks w/ granite, jetted tub, and body sprays. Jack & Jill & Princess suite. New roof 2012. $449,900

COMMERCE TWP

Gorgeous ranch overlooking 8th fairway of Beacon Hill.

Spacious professionally landscaped lot. Inviting entry to pristine hardwoods. Granite kitchen w/ tile backsplash, bar island, & stainless appliances. Formal dining room w/ beautiful views. Master suite w/ private bath w/ Jacuzzi & doorwall to deck. Amazing finished lower level w/ bar, dining area, play area, bedroom, family room, & half bath. Truly move in ready for any buyer. $269,900

SOUTH LYON

Beautiful colonial that backs to a common area. Featuring hardwood floors, 2 car side entry garage, & professional landscaping.

Large composite deck - perfect for entertaining. Family room w/ gas fireplace and cathedral ceiling. Master bedroom w/ cathedral ceiling, WIC, and private bath.

Spacious kitchen w/ island, buffet, and stainless steel appliances. Dining area off kitchen w/ doorwall to deck. $314,900

WHITE LAKE

Beautiful 4 bedroom home on almost a 1/2 acre. Hardwood floors t/o 1st floor.

Granite kitchen w/ Gallery appliances, island, & pantry. 2-story great room features gas fireplace. Master bath w/ dual sinks, garden tub, tiled shower, and WIC. Finished loft area. Formal dining room currently being used as a living room.

Enjoy the professional landscaping, deck, and side entry garage. $289,900

Keller Williams Realty

|

DAVISBURG

Amazing lakefront home with almost 2,000 sq ft of finished space. Granite kitchen w/ stainless appliances & natural stone bar. New natural stone fireplace, carpet, engineered hardwoods, paint, light fixtures, doors, & remodeled baths.

New A/C, furnace, water softener & siding.

Finished walkout with fireplace and wet bar. $319,900

COMMERCE TWP

Vacation in your own backyard. Gorgeous colonial on over 2 acres. Open floorplan.

Living room with cathedral ceilings and fireplace. Formal dining room overlooking beautifully landscaped backyard/pool.

Kitchen w/ hardwood floors, tile backsplash, & buffet. Family room w/ hardwood floors & doorwall to backyard oasis. Master suite w/ vaulted ceiling, private bath, & WIC. Finished basement w/ 5th bedroom. $349,900

2900 Union Lake Rd #210

|

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Gorgeous Darb Lake colonial on spectacular wooded lot. Inviting 2 story entry. Hardwood floors. Remodeled kitchen w/ doorwall, granite, and built in stainless appliances. Formal dining, lib/study, living room w/ fireplace, great room w/ doorwall to deck and fireplace. Master suite w/ his & hers WIC, and spectacular bath.

Walkout basement. Fabulous location. Darb lake beach access. Walking distance to Marshbank Park and bike trails. $394,900

WHITE LAKE

Lakefront living at it's finest. Enjoy all 4 seasons at this gorgeous 4 bedroom home on White Lake. Over 3,000 sq ft of living space.

Huge deck off main floor & brick paver patio at waterfront. Open floor plan w/ hardwoods, great room w/ soaring ceiling & fp. Eat in kitchen w/ doorwall to deck. Master suite w/ balcony, dressing area, WIC, & luxury bath.

Finished walkout basement offers a family room w/ fp, rec area, bedroom, & bath.

Heated 3 car garage. $719,900

Commerce Twp, MI 48382

district had school liaison officers at all three of its high schools. Additional safety and security measures the district had already completed or is planning are included in a three-phase safety, security and technology plan administrators hope to complete over the next three years, according to district superintendent Kenneth Guttman.

However, that plan is hinged largely upon voter approval of a $67.5-million proposed bond issue intended to be decided during the 2013 general election in November.

“The tragedy that really hit home was what happened in Connecticut,” Kenneth Gutman said.

“I don't know if it was because it was an elementary (school), but it certainly made us look at school security more closely. Certainly there is a lot more we can do. We immediately put hall monitors in front of each of our entrances.”

Gutman said hall monitors were the first phase of the safety, security and technology plan, which is funded primarily through building and sinking site funds and includes installation of additional video surveillance equipment at each of the school entrances in the district. udy Evola, director of community relations and marketing for the Walled Lake district, said intercom and video systems have already been installed at some schools, allowing school administrators to screen visitors before granting them entry into a building. She said the district hopes to expand that system to all of their schools. Additionally, she said relocating or redesigning offices to physically require visitors to check in at a school office before gaining entry into the overall school would strengthen security and safety operations.

Among the items included in the third phase of the district's plan that would be paid for with the safety, security and technology bond are: • Comprehensive video surveillance systems.

Entrance and office modifications in all of the schools in the district.

• Keyless entry throughout the district.

Upgraded fire alarms and mass notification systems.

• Emergency backup generators and emergency lighting upgrades.

• Emergency responder signage.

• Replacement of district phone system and master clock systems.

• Essential technology upgrades in all of the schools and classrooms to ensure equitable facilities that the entire community can enjoy.

• Purchase of new buses. The district would continue to own all its own buses and the transportation facility would continue to purchase fuel from a regional consortium for all of the district's transportation needs.

• Other much needed and specific repair and renovation projects.

According to the administrators, the district can't make the upgrades under the current budget due to general operating budget declines.

Rhonda Lessel, associate director of school and community services for Waterford Schools, said the district has been in the forefront of school safety and security for more than a decade, and continues to take proactive measures to protect students and staff. She said the district has developed “incident management plans” for all its schools with the assistance of security experts, local law enforcement, emergency management and public health officials. Those plans are

J

reviewed and updated on a regular basis, and include procedures to respond to a range of critical incidents.

“Actions taken during any emergency situation depend on the specifics of the incident, for example, one or more schools may evaluate, lockdown or initiate a shelter-in-place response, according to the nature of the threat. School administrators have a variety of tools to use and have training on how they work,” a district memo regarding security said.

“The main objective is the protection of the students and staff members. The ability to remain flexible is a key component to each school's security plan and district-wide preparations.

Since 2004, the district has received six federal grants totaling $6.8 million, including Emergency Response and Crisis Management Grants in 2004 and 2006, for $201,000 and $218,999 respectively; a Safe Schools/Healthy Students Grant in 2008 totaling $5,745,460; COPS (Community Oriented Policing Services) Grants in 2008, 2010 and 2011, for $267,410, $176,693, and $188,512, respectively.

In March, the Waterford Board of Education approved plans to issue $20 million in bonds for projects and improvements in the district, including the following safety improvements: • Creating a secure main entry at each school building, with a vestibule leading directly into the main office as the only point of entry during the school day.

• Relocating several school main offices to increase visibility to the front entries and parking, and to meet the secure main entry standard.

• Replacing all classroom door hardware to provide the ability to lock the doors from the inside while meeting codes for exiting classrooms.

The district's notification and communications system, Blackboard Connect, gives staff the ability to send messages to thousands of parents and staff.

The service allows the sender to distribute personalized voice and text messages to cell phones, e-mail addresses, and other devices.

The district has several standing safety and security committees, which continually review and analyze school safety developments. The district's Safety and Security Cabinet, consisting of district administrators who meet monthly; the Safety and Security Committee, consisting of local police and fire responders, as well as district administrators who meet quarterly; and the Safety and Security Secondary Committee, made up of secondary school administrators, school safety coordinators and police liaisons who meet to discuss preventative measures to enhance school safety.

In addition to district-wide groups, each school has a Building and Incident Response Team (BIRT), consisting of the building's principal, teachers, custodians and other staff, which is required to meet quarterly to discuss safety and security matters at the building level. Each of the district's secondary buildings has a school safety coordinator, with Kettering and Mott high schools having fulltime police liaison officers in the buildings daily.

The district's Incident Management teams are nationally certified and have been trained to respond to any and all incidents.

Deputy Chief Jeff James with the Waterford Police Department said school liaison and patrol officers assigned to the district have recently helped in training exercises, including the production of an educational video to help staff know what to do in the event of an active shooter situation.

James, like Bouchard, said officers are trained to

respond to active shooter situations by confronting the threat as quickly and effectively as possible.

“We go right to the incidents,” he said. “Maybe there are more tactics because it's in a building, but it's the same situation that would be at a Krogers or Meijer's. The difference is that at a school they have procedures in place. There's already an established protocol that we take when we go to the schools.

We go directly to the source. We don't surround the school, which was maybe the traditional thought at one point.” am Zajac, public relations and marketing coordinator with West Bloomfield Schools, said the district has worked with law enforcement and security experts to create a unified plan on how to respond to incidents, including the active-shooter training offered by Oakland Schools. The district is also looking at possibilities to reconfigure entrances.

“Certainly, we are looking at all of our safety measures,” Zajac said. “Every school is different in terms of layout, but they are all locked, you must come into the office and sign in, unless you are staff, and we all have badges.”

West Bloomfield Schools Superintendent Gerald Hill said the district also uses cameras at school entrances; however, while the equipment allows school officials to screen visitors, Hill said many of the entrances aren't in close proximity to school offices.

“That will continue to be the case,” Hill said about any immediate architectural changes to West Bloomfield's schools. “We will be analyzing the buildings architecturally, but we haven't started yet.

We looked at one building and have a preliminary analysis from a safety and security standpoint. We plan to do it districtwide to see where we can improve safety and security measures.”

The limiting factor for the district, as is a stumbling block for many other districts, is locating funding to make significant changes to the school structures. While Hill said some building and site sinking funds may be available for the changes, which was passed by voters in last spring, construction costs associated with safety improvements would probably exceed any excess funds from the accounts. Other safety measures, such as examining and updating security protocols, he said, are less costly.

Huron Valley Schools this spring worked with a local company, Patriot Services, to conduct an assessment of each of the district's buildings, district spokeswoman Kim Root said.

“There are some things they recommended that we can do for low to no cost,” she said. “Others are moderate or have a higher cost that we couldn't do from our general fund. We are breaking those out into a plan.”

Root said the district is tackling recommendations with low to no cost, including repairs to automatically closing doors; building policy updates; visitor-control systems; securing roof hatches; improved signage; numbering exterior doors; and staff training. The work, she said, will be completed in the next 120 days. The timeframe will also be used to standardize the district's emergency plans across the district.

“We anticipate seeking proposals for installation of access control systems that include key cards and video surveillance,” Root said. “This work will be conducted throughout the school year and will allow us to fully regulate entry into all of our buildings.”

P

“Your Trusted Real Estate Professional”

Jim Mandeville Living in, Working in, and Supporting Our Community.

Call Jim to Sell Your Home

Immaculate ranch

• • • • •

Proven Marketing System Extensive Lakefront Knowledge Professional Grade Photos Maximum Internet Exposure Customer Service Specialist

With finished basement. Three bedrooms and 2 baths. Expanded master suite with jetted tub. Loaded with updates! $159,900

Home values are rising.

Call Jim for a

FREE MARKET ANALYSIS of your home.

248.672.4800 Jim@C21.com

Spacious Commerce Home Nearly 2000 square feet on large double lot. Lake privileges on Commerce Lake. Four Bedrooms. New carpet throughout. $176,900

www.JimMandeville.com

Preferred Lakefront Homes In Your Neighborhood…

• • • • • • •

Wolverine Lake

Wolverine Lake

Cedar Island Lake

$549,900

$564,900

$339,000

All Sports Lake 3000 Square Feet 750 Sq Ft Master Ste Unique Island Location Finished Walkout L L Wide Open Floor Plan 105’ Water Frontage

• • • • • • •

All Sports Waterfront 4376 Square Feet Contemporary Show Place Full Finished Walkout 2nd Kitchen In Walkout Second Detached Garage Dead End Street

• • • • • • •

2278 Square Feet Quiet Bay Location 4 Spacious Bedrooms 135’ Water Frontage 1st Floor Master Bedroom .41 Acre Fenced Yard Custon Decking

FACES Kevin Lee

T

welve-year-old Kevin Lee has undergone four open-heart surgeries in his short life, leaving him with many limitations, but the Make-A-Wish Foundation has made one big dream come true.

“My dad got me interested in football,” Lee said. “I watched Russell Wilson play (college football). He’s short and stuff like me and they said he couldn’t (make it in the NFL).”

Later, Wilson became the Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback.

Meeting Wilson and his teammates became Lee’s dream.

“I didn’t really know what (Make-A-Wish) was when my mom first brought it up,” he said. “When they explained what it was, I was excited and happy.”

Lee immediately knew his wish was to play football with the Seahawks and his father, who currently works with the military in Doha, Qatar. The Make-A-Wish Foundation flew his father in from the coast of the Persian Gulf. They also flew Lee, his mom and his big sister to Seattle.

“I met the whole team and got to practice with them. I got to eat lunch with Russell (Wilson) and all the other players,” he said. “We played and I scored a touchdown. I got a jersey and my own locker. They gave me a helmet that fits me. They treated me like I was one of their teammates and I was part of the team that day. I was happy and it was exciting.”

The Make-A-Wish Foundation had a representative with the family ensuring their comfort throughout the experience.

The foundation put them up at the Hotel Vintage Park in downtown Seattle.

“The management was really nice. The room was full of Seahawks stuff,” Lee said. “And, they have delicious waffles.”

ESPN featured Lee’s story in August, complete with the special moment when Lee first saw his father, whom he only sees once a year. His story can be viewed on ESPN.com by searching “My Wish.”

“It was exciting. Mom was crying most of the time.”

Back at home, Lee is faced with the reality of a valve surgery in a few years and recently spent time at Ann Arbor's C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital for a complication with his medication.

“It’s been difficult on Mom,” Lee said. “She’s nice and she takes care of me and takes me to the hospital when I’m sick. She stays with me and sometimes there are babies there without parents.”

The Walled Lake Geisler Middle School student is looking forward to participating in gym class this fall on a limited basis, but said fatigue is one of his biggest obstacles.

“I get tired quickly. I can’t play as long as the other kids,” he said. “The hospital stays and the IV pokes bother me, too.”

Although Lee is a football fanatic, in awe of Russell Wilson and his beloved Seahawks, he names his mother as the person whom he looks up to most.

“She’s there when I’m in the hospital, she cooks me meals, and she made this whole ‘wish thing’ possible.”

Turning to his mother, Lee said, “You’re a lovely person, Mom.” Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Laurie Tennent

S INSTALLERR WITH OVE F O 25 YEARS E! EXPERIENC CALL FOR A FREE ESTIMATE!

248.623.6666 800.875.8437

• Windows • Doors • Siding • Insulation

ComeVisit Our Showroom

6000 Williams Lake Road Waterford, MI 48329 www.thermalshieldwindows.com

WE USED TO PRACTICE ON LINCOLN LOGS. Passion for tree work is what drives us at Quinlan Tree service.

We offer 24-hour emergency service, tree and stump removal, cabling and tree care.

And of course, we're fully insured.

For a free estimate call:

Livingston 810-494-1333 Oakland 248-363-8500

QUINLAN TREE SERVICE Family owned and operated since 1969

10% OFF ALL TREE SERVICES UP TO $50 DISCOUNT Mention ad after price quote at time of visit for legitimate discount

21

WESTEND

19.03

FRACKING

DRILLING FOR GAS, OIL IN OAKLAND COUNTY

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT

T

he influence of oil and gas in our lives is inescapable. From the time we wake up until after we go to sleep, natural gases and petroleum-based products are used in the manufacture, delivery or consumption of nearly all the goods and services we come into contact with everyday. Considering that the price of crude oil is growing with our dependency on fossil fuels, it's no surprise oil discussions have changed from miles per gallon to barrels per acre.

While the search for oil and gas in Oakland County started in the 1930s, the number of lakes in the county made reaching reservoirs difficult and restricted access to more open, less populated areas.

Technological advances in the industry, such as seismic exploration, horizontal drilling techniques and hydraulic fracturing (fracking) have opened more areas to oil and gas development in recent years, and with it, potential risks to the environment and public health and safety.

Jack Lanigan, a geologist with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), said most companies exploring and drilling in Oakland County are searching for oil, as natural gas reserves are high and prices are low. “They are all looking for oil,� said Lanigan, who monitors oil and gas operations in southeast Michigan for the MDEQ's office of oil, gas and minerals.

Tha n k you

The success of "Concert in the Park" is due to vendors and sponsors who work in conjunction with the Commerce Twp. Parks and Recreation committee at each concert. They are a unique group of people who enjoy participating at the event.

Our vendors, Grand Hot Dogs, Union Lake Dairy Queen and especially Hungry Howie's Pizza, all should be highly commended for their service and professionalism to the patrons in making them feel welcome.

Home Depot is one of our original vendor who provides the famous "Kids Workshop", where children actually construct small wood projects and each attendee gets a bright orange Home Depot apron to take home. Special thanks to Marsha Burly, the management staff and the rest of the Home Depot community service group for their generosity to our community.

Our Deepest appreciation to all our sponsors: LAKES FOOT AND ANKLE GORDON CHIROPRATIC GENYSIS CREDIT UNION COMMERCE ACE HARDWARE BERKMAN AND SHAPIRO ORTHODONTICS AFFINITY HOME HEALTH CARE AMERICAN ALLSTARS ATHLETIC CENTER FRIENDS OF THE COMMERCE TWP. LIBRARY GIFFELS-WEBSTER ENGINEERS INSITE REAL ESTATE GROUP ATKINS, NEED AND ALLEN, PLLC MUSTARD SEED PRESCHOOL We appreciate the Publisher and Staff of Westend Magazine for donating Concert in the Park advertising space each month, they have proven to be a valuable partner to our team.

But most of all, thank you to all residents of Commerce Twp. and neighboring communities who attended each concert. Without your high attendance levels there would not be a Concert in the Park. One of my fondest compliments received this year is when residents from other communities approach me and say; “I wish we had this fun event in our community”.

Sincerely, Peter Pace - Concert Director Emily England - Director Parks and Recreation The members of Commerce Twp. Parks and Recreation Committee

Thank you to Nelson graphics for their advertisement designs, banners and quick service, the Masonic Lodge, and CW3 Soccer group for their volunteer efforts.

22

WESTEND

09.13

In Oakland County, there are at least 21 active oil wells in operation, which produced 49,716 barrels of oil in 2012 and 56,244 barrels in 2011. Oil production in Michigan, which is the fifteenth largest oil-producing state in the nation, increased more than 6 percent from 2011 to 2012, according to the Michigan Oil and Gas News, based in Mount Pleasant. A barrel of oil is equal to about 42 gallons.

Major oil developments in the state's northern Lower Peninsula utilizing high-volume hydraulic fracturing are the main contributors to the state's increase in overall production. ydraulic fracturing, or fracking, is a way of tapping a reservoir to allow oil or gas to flow back to the surface, or completing a well, after the initial wellhole has been drilled. The method uses high-pressured water mixed with sand and chemicals to crack the layers of rock surrounding the oil or gas reservoir.

When the reservoir is fractured, sand remains in the cracked rock, holding it open and allowing gas or oil to pass through and reach the surface. More traditional “cased-hole” techniques complete the drilling process by drilling several small holes, or perforations, in the rock to allow the gas or oil to reach the surface. While fracking may produce more oil and economic reward, critics say the process poses a potential risk to a region's ground and surface water, as well as other environmental resources.

To date, fracking hasn't been used in any Oakland County oil and gas developments.

Lanigan said most of the oil and gas wells that were completed in Oakland County in the past 60 years have since been classified as “dry holes” and have been capped in accordance to state regulations. The MDEQ regulates and enforces the oil and gas process, from a development's initial permitting to the closure of a well. The process, Lanigan said, determines the type of drilling and safeguards that are permitted, as well as ensuring operators have proper permission from land owners and mineral rights.

Oil and gas developers obtain mineral rights through leases, and typically offer mineral rights owners a per-acre bonus, as well as a percentage of royalties if a well becomes productive and profitable. The majority of leases in Oakland County are held by Traverse City-based Jordan Development, which has agreements with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, several municipalities and private landowners.

Royalty payments from state-owned land in Oakland County totaled about $145,845 from January to June this year, according to Tracie Bonner, unit supervisor of the Revenue Verification Unit at the DNR. About $269,433 in royalties were received in 2012; $298,459 in 2011; and $271,341 in 2010.

Bonner said royalty amounts are based on production units or reservoirs that are producing oil or gas, which may cross county lines.

“There's a lot going on in Oakland County,” said Curtis Talley Jr., a farm and business management educator with Michigan State University Extension. “We have a lot of calls from Oakland County residents. Oil companies are leasing entire subdivisions and building lots. There are a lot of people who have been approached with (mineral rights) leases that just own a house.”

Figures for mineral rights leases on privately-owned property are not available.

Talley hosts public education meetings throughout the state for MSU Extension to help private landowners navigate the business of mineral rights leases. Property owners in White Lake, Waterford and Springfield townships have been approached in the past two years by oil companies seeking permission to extract minerals below their land. Some companies are offering lease bonuses in the state that range from $25 to $200 per acre, Talley said.

In addition to bonuses for signing a lease, private mineral rights owners typically have more leeway to negotiate leases than the DNR. “The royalties for landowners is not pocket change,” Talley said.

Waterford Township Supervisor Gary Wall said the township signed a lease agreement with Traverse City-based Jordan Exploration this year which included a bonus of $80,891 for leasing oil and gas rights to 641.13 acres of township-owned land throughout Waterford.

“Waterford signed a contract with them back in the spring with a no fracking guarantee clause,” Wall said. “Fracking is a big concern of residents in the township.”

“I told them that (oil companies) are going to drill the wells, you can't stop them – that's state regulated. We are on the bottom of the totem pole. If the state says they are going to allow (drilling) in your community, they are going to do it once they get enough landowners together. If that's the case, I said, 'let's make sure you're not going to frack.' It makes me sleep a little better at night. You have to do whatever you can to protect your assets as best you can.”

H

Ben Brower, vice president of Jordan Exploration, said the company is focusing current exploration in Oakland County on areas in White Lake, Waterford and Springfield townships, where the company has procured lease agreements with public and private mineral rights owners.

“We have a couple of wells operating and a couple more with permits coming,” Brower said, confirming a recent well construction in Springfield Township, just north of White Lake. “White Lake was our first well. We are testing a second well now. The results are confidential.”

Calls to White Lake Township supervisor Greg Baroni regarding oil and gas drilling in the township weren't returned.

Commerce Township Supervisor Tom Zoner said while there are thousands of acres of parkland in Commerce, the township hasn't been approached regarding any oil or gas developments. However, state parkland purchased by Commerce Township from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources did not include mineral rights.

Wynn Berry, a real estate professional and former Downtown Development Authority director in Commerce Township, said testing conducted by exploration companies 25 or 30 years ago in the township resulted in two exploration wells. The wells, one at 14 Mile and Haggerty, and the other near the Birmingham Gun Club, around Richardson and Martin roads, didn't result in any commercial production of gas or oil.

“They tested nearly every major mile road or so,” Berry said. “They did hit oil, but my recollection is that it had a high sulfur content, so they didn't use it.”

Documents obtained from the DNR indicate thousands of acres of mineral rights are being leased by Jordan Development near Proud Lake, including an area between Sleeth and Wixom roads to the north, Old Plank Road to the west, Glengary to the south and Bass Lake Road to the east. State-owned mineral rights have also been leased in Union Lake, in areas near Cass Lake, Carrol Lake and Long Lake.

The majority of state-owned parkland that has been leased in Oakland County is classified as “non developmental” parcels, meaning that oil and gas may be removed from the land; however, no drilling operations may disturb the surface.

The DNR has been leasing state-owned oil and gas rights through the public auction process since 1929. The auctions are held twice a year, once in the spring and once in the fall. The next oil and gas lease auction is scheduled for October.

Historically, funds received from oil and gas lease auctions and royalties were used to fund the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, which is used to purchase land or rights for recreational purposes. However, the fund was capped in May 2011 after reaching its constitutional limit of $500 million.

Revenue from state-owned oil and gas rights is now deposited primarily into the State Park Endowment Fund, which is used for operations, maintenance and capital improvements at state parks, and for the acquisition of land or rights in land for state parks, according to Julie Manson, Oil and Gas Lease Management Unit supervisor with the DNR's Mineral Management Section.

Although the parks endowment fund is the primary beneficiary of leasing revenue, Manson said the trust fund still processes grants each year.

“It's also interesting to note that through fiscal year 2012, projects in Oakland County have received the large majority of these grants,” she said.

There were 143 grants totaling over $77 million. evenue from oil and gas lease auctions hit an all-time high in May 2010 when oil and gas prospectors paid over $178 million for a total of 118,117 acres, for an average of $1,507.14 per acre. Previously, the highest dollar-per-acre average was $315.94 in September of 1981. The record sale was due as much to the speculation of oil and gas reserves in the northern part of the state's lower peninsula as any other reason. No leases for stateowned land in Oakland County were purchased during the record sale.

Revenue from leases on state-owned land located in Oakland County in October 2012 was $38,720 for 3,876.60 acres of land; $616,514 in May 2012 for 18,347.32 acres; and $765 for 50.57 acres in October 2010. No leases were offered in Oakland County in May 2010 or October 2011. Eleven acres within the county which were offered in May 2013 didn't receive any bids.

While the largest holder of oil and gas leases on state-owned land in Oakland County is Jordan Development, Brower said Jordan isn't interested in expanding south, particularly to the Birmingham/Bloomfield areas, as there is little state-owned land and high population density. In addition to developments in White Lake, Waterford and Springfield townships, the company holds leases at with the Huron-Clinton Metropark Authority in Milford, where the company operates wells at Kensington Metropark.

R

“Specializing in Lakefront and Luxury Homes”

NG DI N PE

Deer Lake ~ Clarkston ~ $2,195,000

Lake Oakland ~ Waterford ~ $1,395,000

4 Bedroom – 5.1 Baths – 3 Master Bedroom Suites Gourmet Kitchen with Stainless Steel Appliances 52,000 Gallon Salt Water Pool – 8,659 Sq. Ft. Combined L.L. with Theater Room, Sauna Room & Wet Bar 7 Fireplaces – Cabana Guest Suite 2 Tier Infinity Waterfall – Separate Guest Quarters 3 Story Floating, Circular Staircase

5 Bedroom – 4.1 Baths 2 Master Suites – 5,885 SqFt Custom Kitchen with Granite 187 Feet of Frontage – 1.64 Acres – Professionally Landscaped Finished Lower Level with 10 Stool Wet Bar 6 Car 37’ x 57’ Heated Garage 3 Fireplaces – Exercise Room – In-Ground Pool

Lake Huron ~ Fort Gratiot ~ $749,000

Rose Hill Lake ~ Emmett ~ $559,000

4 Bedroom – 3.1 Baths Minutes from I-94/I-69 2 Master Suites with View of Lake 3,460 SqFt, Sandy Bottom Shoreline Custom Kitchen with Granite 3 Natural Fireplaces – Minutes from Mall, Shopping, Port Huron 100 Feet of Frontage, 1.33 Acres

3 Bedroom – 1.1 Baths – 26 Acres Private, All Sports 10 Acre Lake, 2 Ponds 30’ x 30’ Master Bedroom Suite Custom Kitchen with Viking Appliances Custom “Hiawatha” Log Home 4,000 Sq. Ft. Above – 4,000 Sq. Ft. Below Minutes to I-69/I-94, 20 Minutes to Port Huron

LD SO

Middle Straits Lake ~ West Bloomfield ~ $944,900 6 Bedroom – 4.1 Baths 2 Kitchens – 127 Feet of Frontage – Southern Exposure 3,729 SqFt – 2,488 Sq Ft Lower Level Walk Out Vaulted, Gourmet Kitchen with Granite 2 Story Great Room – Walled Lake Schools Lower Level Features Irish Pub – Dual Fireplace 22’ x 22’ M. Bedroom Suite Leading to Lakeside Decking

Direct: 248.736.3000

~

www.rwwatson.net

Cass Lake ~ West Bloomfield

4 Bedroom – 3 Baths 75 Feet of Frontage Soaring 2 Story Vaulted Great Room 20‘ x 23’ Master Bedroom Suite with Gas Fireplace 4 Season Florida Rm & Galley Kitchen Facing Water Hand Painted Mexican Ceramic Tiled Sinks Hardwood Floors – 2 Car Attached Garage

~

Email: Rwwatson@skbk.com

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

Bloomfield Township Supervisor Leo Savoie said there hasn't been any discussions about oil and gas drilling in the township.

Only one small parcel, less than one acre, just south of Square Lake Road between Opdyke and Squirrel, has been identified by the DNR as available for mineral rights lease in Bloomfield Township. Several acres just outside the township bordering Orchard Lake are also listed in the DNR's mineral rights inventory as available for lease.

“I have yet to hear that there are any type of reserves in the area,” Savoie said. “I know there are some close by in Waterford and northern Oakland County.”

Savoie said the township would oppose any kind of oil or gas development in Bloomfield Township, and would use all available resources to stop it.

“Something like that, we would oppose from day one,” he said. “If I knew of someone trying to put a derrick in someone's backyard, we would be out there and our building department would classify it as an ancillary structure.

It just wouldn't happen without a court order.”

While oil and gas drilling hasn't encroached upon the Bloomfield Township border, a spokesman with Sunoco Logistics confirmed a natural gas pipeline project along Long Lake Road between Franklin and Telegraph in Bloomfield Township, which is expected to carry about 20,000 barrels of ethane gas a day, beginning in September.

Jeff Shields, with Sunoco Logistics, said yellow markers in the area are part of the Mariner West project, which will transport gas from western Pennsylvania to Sarnia, Ontario, for use in the petrochemical market. The gas is used in the manufacture of some plastics.

“Mariner West is scheduled to start pumping about 20,000 barrels of ethane a day in September, with the ability to expand up to 50,000 barrels a day in the first quarter of 2014,” he said.

Despite the potential for oil and gas development to provide new sources of revenue to public and private landowners, some public officials don't think the price is worth the risk it poses to the environment and the public.

Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash said he and many residents in the county are greatly concerned about oil and gas development, particularly the possibility of fracking. Nash started conducting a series of town hall meetings in September 2012 to raise awareness and education about oil and gas drilling.

“Fracking is the most obtrusive,” Nash said. “It uses an insane amount of freshwater that has to disappear from the hydrological cycle. It's a much more dangerous operation, to me, by far. The traditional shallow (drilling) has been going on for decades, and that has it's own problems.” epending on the type of hydraulic fracturing operation, the amount of fresh water needed during the operation may range from 50,000 gallons to more than 20 million gallons, according to the MDEQ. Withdrawal of water for oil and gas operations is exempt from Michigan's Natural Resources Environmental Protection Act, which regulates water withdrawals from natural water aquifers in the state. Instead, the MDEQ requires well operators to perform a water withdrawal impact assessment.

Twenty million gallons of water, in terms of a visual representation, would be equivalent to an Olympic-sized pool with a length of nearly a mile.

The MDEQ categorizes a hydraulic fracturing operation as “high volume” if the operation uses more than 100,000 gallons of water per day when averaged over 30 consecutive days. The department requires that observation wells are installed to monitor freshwater wells if they are located within a quarter mile of the proposed project.

Brower said Jordan has no plans for fracking operations in Oakland County.

“Even if it's not fracking, the operations and things they are doing are very intrusive into our community, and there is potential for spills,” Nash said. “There are just issues around drilling. Most drilling has historically been done in very small populations. When looking at large populated areas, it could have a huge economic impact and affect property values if it spills in a river or lake.”

Nash said harmful vapors that can escape the area around a wellhead can result in higher incidents of respiratory problems among residents. The increase in traffic of heavy trucks can also stress local infrastructures, he said. While the issues have raised concern with the public, Nash said specific information about what the public may be exposed to during the process is limited.

“This is the wealthiest industry in the history of the planet, and they have an endless amount of money to promote it,” he said. “We don't have a

D

lot of money behind it. We have our voices. They've been spending a lot on public relations. That's what we are up against.”

In July, the American Petroleum Institute launched an online, print, radio and television advertising campaign in Michigan and eight other states aimed at addressing the public's concern about fracking. The ad features statements by a Colorado family that said fracking operations on their familyowned ranch has been safe for the land, water and air.

John Griffin, executive director for API's Associated Petroleum Industries of Michigan division, said oil and gas operations have been ongoing in southeast Michigan for decades without incident or disruptions to residents.

“If you haven't been exposed to the oil and gas industry in your county, it's easy to demagogue the oil and gas industry,” Griffin said. “We have a few things out there in our history that would give people a healthy dose of skepticism, and I accept that. The MDEQ has strict regulations that you have to follow. Every once in a while someone does something wrong. That's why we have laws and prosecutors.”

In July, Calgary-based Encana Oil and Gas spilled 300 to 400 gallons of flowback fluid consisting of water, brine and other chemicals at a drilling operation in Kalkaska County, near Traverse City in northern lower Michigan. The MDEQ, which cited the company, stated the fluid was inadvertently leaked from a tank while cleaning a wellhole that was being prepared for production testing.

Charlevoix-based Ban Michigan Fracking, which is petitioning to stop fracking in Michigan through a state-wide ballot initiative in 2014, lists the potential for fracking fluids to leak during on-site mixing and injection operations as one of the main public health hazards of fracking.

The group, and others in the state, such as Nash and state Rep. Jeff Irwin (DAnn Arbor), are pushing for oil and gas companies to disclose the specific contents of fluids used during the hydraulic fracturing process. he MDEQ indicates that 9.5 percent of fracking fluid is water and sand, with the remaining ingredients consisting of varying chemicals. While the department lists some of the chemicals that are commonly used, such as hydrochloric acid and other potentially hazardous substances, specific ingredients aren't made available to the public due to trade secrets.

Irwin, along with Reps. Gretchen Driskell (D-Saline) and Adam F. Zemke (DAnn Arbor), have introduced eight bills designed to make more information about fracking available.

“These deep, horizontal fracking operations should disclose the chemicals they are pumping underground, and they should be held publicly accountable for their massive water use,” Irwin said. “Nobody should be allowed to pump a nearby creek or well dry. My colleagues and I are introducing legislation to make sure this process is safe and transparent.”

Specifically, the bills would: • Require the disclosure of chemicals used in the fracking process and a report the water used when it exceeds 100,000 gallons.

• Give municipalities and individuals the opportunity to request public hearings before fracking permits are issued.

• Allow local units of government to control fracking operations in their communities.

• Create a public-private industry advisory committee to study the effects of fracking and make recommendations.

• Increase the setback distance of fracking operations from residential areas, schools, hospitals, day care centers and parks.

Griffin said the oil and gas industry is watching the bills but “isn't terribly worried” they will be enacted anytime soon.

“We will still need oil and natural gas for a long time,” he said. “This idea that we can somehow legislate away oil and natural gas and still live lives as we know it just isn't true.”

Strict regulations enforced by the MDEQ, and measures taken by the industry, are already helping to protect the public and environment, according to Griffin. And while he said there have been instances of where mistakes have been made, much of the information about drilling, particularly fracking, are based more on myth than facts.

“Burning faucets – it's just not true” he said, referencing a phenomenon that was highlighted in the 2010 documentary “Gasland,” in which the filmmaker tied gas well fracking to well water contamination. Griffin cited a 1965 publication issued by the Michigan Department of Public Health in which the department said methane gas from natural deposits is sometimes emitted directly from water faucets in homes through seepage.

“I can understand why they are concerned,” Griffin said, “but people filling their tanks with gasoline every day are more exposed to oil and gas than if they had an oil or gas line in their yard.”

T

FACES

Mary Young

W

hen Mary Young would pull a chair up to the kitchen counter and help her mother cook, she never imagined she would be plating dishes alongside Wolfgang Puck one day.

Young’s ingenuity in the kitchen began when she was a little girl and continued through high school where she once trained at Central Station, a student-run restaurant previously located within Walled Lake Central High School.

“I knew I wanted to go to culinary school,” she said. “I did some research and went to the California School of Culinary Arts, which is a French, classically-trained Le Cordon Bleu college.” During her years in culinary school, Young was fortunate enough to meet the late Julia Child, who spoke at the college.

“She came to visit because she was from Pasadena. She talked to a group of us about her career,” she said. “She was very humble.”

Through the college, Young was also afforded the opportunity to work three Hollywood award shows: The Golden Globes, the Grammys and the Academy Awards.

“My school had a program where they would send out 30 of us to work these different paid jobs,” she said. “We worked beside Wolfgang Puck and all of his staff for these award shows. It was utterly amazing.”

Young was enjoying extraordinary opportunities out West, but her devotion to family brought her back home to Michigan. She grew up in Commerce Township and was ready to bring her new-found knowledge to the Midwest.

“I loved it in California, but I missed my family,” she said. “They were ecstatic and couldn’t be more supportive and proud of me.”

A culinary recruiter summoned Young to apply for a private chef position for Detroit Piston Charlie Villanueva. She was quickly hired and spent three years as a personal chef for his household.

“I would cook breakfast, lunch and dinner and for parties,” she said.

“They would always have 10 to 20 family members over on random occasions. They really embraced me and were like family to me.”

Young has also worked under the tutelage of Chef Colin Brown at the upscale Rugby Grille, located in The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. She is now the sous-chef at the elegant Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, where Brown is currently the executive chef.

“I sought (Brown) out,” she said. “I knew he was the executive chef (at the Royal Park Hotel) and he is an amazing mentor. He’s very intense and passionate.”

Working in a largely male-dominated profession, Young said she has fought hard to earn the respect of others in the industry.

“You have to be tough, take it and give it back. I had to prove that I could (cook) at their level or above. I enjoy that, honestly. It’s just another thing to conquer.”

Young dreams of opening her own restaurant in the future, but for now, she is building a reputation and making a living doing what she loves.

“It has helped build my confidence and has given me strength in my personal life.”

Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Laurie Tennent

STAY CALM! THERE’S A CENTURY 21 TODAY AGENT IN THE HOUSE.

Residential. Commercial & Vacant Land Buying, Selling, Leasing & Options Conventional & Distressed Foreclosure Alternatives Short Sale Specialists

Our Professionals are here for you!

Learn more at www.Century21Today.com

1-248-360-9100

CENTURY 21 TODAY AGENTS

SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER. MORE INNOVATIVE.® CENTURY 21 Today, Inc. | 6611 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48324 | 248-360-9100 (0) ©2013 Century 21 Today, Inc. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21® is a registered trademark owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An equal opportunity company.

Equal housing opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated. Property information deemed accurate but not guaranteed.Subject to prior sale.

CENTURY 21 TODAY AGENTS. SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.速

OCEOLA TWP

HIGHLAND TWP

ORCHARD LAKE

Beautiful Belmont in new condition! Entertainers kitchen with walk in pantry and granite. Lots of hardwood. Large family room with fireplace.

Convertible den/guest room and 2 guest lavs.213052573. $289,900

Entertainers delight on all sports White Lake. Private yard. Soaring ceilings, open floor plan. Custom kitchen. Gorgeous!! 213055495. $849,900

Open concept floor plan, light & bright, massive great room w/stone fireplace. 2 deck areas for outside enjoyment. 213069383. $439,900

LIVONIA

WEST BLOOMFIELD TWP

COMMERCE TWP

Great opportunity! Traditional layout, open two story foyer, nice kitchen with lots of storage. Master suite has huge WIC! Must See!! 213045339. $274,900

Super clean ranch. You'll love the master bdrm addition w/bath, jetted tub & walk in closet. Extensive use of brick pavers and nicely landscaped.

213066796. $164,999

New kitchen w/granite island, family room with gas fireplace, built in sound system, 3+ car garage. Lake front. 213028343. $574,900

WHITE LAKE

WHITE LAKE TWP

WEST BLOOMFIELD

Well maintained and updated cape cod w/all sports Cedar Island Lake privileges. Beautiful gardens in front and side yards. 213075660. $91,500

Cute and clean 3 bedroom 2 bath walk out situated on park like setting of more than a half acre canal front leading to all sports White Lake! 213055624. $179,900

Fantastic opportunity for this spacious home. Great living & entertaining space. Family room, dining room & open kitchen. Birmingham schools. 213080616. $304,900

WHITE LAKE

COMMERCE TWP

BRIGHTON

Gorgeous well maintained home in Settler's Point sub.

1st floor master with large bath, hardwood floors, 1st floor laundry. 3 bedrooms and bath on second level.

213073141. $349,900

Nice Colonial in Commerce Township. Two car garage, deck, unfinished walk out. 213055020. $274,900

Great updates and features throughout. Hardwood floors, coved ceiling in bright living room. Separate dining room, updated kitchen with appliances. Sun room. 213071711. $164,000

CENTURY 21 TODAY AGENTS

SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER. MORE INNOVATIVE.速 CENTURY 21 Today, Inc. | 6611 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48324 | 248-360-9100 (0) 息2013 Century 21 Today, Inc. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21速 is a registered trademark owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An equal opportunity company.

Equal housing opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated. Property information deemed accurate but not guaranteed.Subject to prior sale.

CENTURY 21 TODAY AGENTS. SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER.速

HOWELL

FARMINGTON

OCEOLA TWP

4 years new! Large Windsor Model home in much sought after Hidden Creek Sub. Home has it all w/upgrades throughout. Corian kitchen with center island, formal dining room and 2 sided fireplace.

213057962. $284,900

Ranch condo with possible 3rd bedroom in den. Huge partially finished basement. Open floor plan with great room and dining room. 213078192. $194,900

Walk out to nature from this amazing cul-de-sac home.

Large 4 bdrm. with entertainers island kitchen, formal living and dining rooms. 213069971. $324,900

WEST BLOOMFIELD TWP

WHITE LAKE

Beautiful 4 bedroom 2.2 baths Colonial on private street. Ceramic foyer, spacious living and dining room, finished basement. Huge back yard, circular driveway.

213055721. $199,000

Unique quad home looking for new owners. Great home for relaxing or entertaining! Enjoy the summer with the 28 x 16 patio and wonderful treed private lot.

213057677. $134,900

CANTON TWP

LIVONIA

Beautiful, spacious detached condo. Neutral decor, formal dining room, cozy family room with fireplace.

Community swimming pool. 213060061. $182,900

Hard to find ranch! Gracious foyer, open living-dining rooms with 2 way fireplace. Generous kitchen/ breakfast area, newer floor. Cozy den and large master suite. 213062316. $54,000

RELOCATION SERVICES 1-888-21-HOMES HOWELL Grab a piece of Country living with this awesome like new ranch. Private cul-de-sac lot sitting on a tranquil wooded lot. Enjoy many updates including Maple cabinets, hardwood floors and open plan. 213056971. $269,900

RELOCATING? OUR RELOCATION DEPARTMENT OFFERS LOCAL HOMEFINDING ASSISTANCE AS WELL AS NUMEROUS RELOCATION SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. CALL TOLL FREE 1-888-21-HOMES

Search All Foreclosures www.Century21Today.com

CENTURY 21 TODAY AGENTS

SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER. MORE INNOVATIVE.速 CENTURY 21 Today, Inc. | 6611 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48324 | 248-360-9100 (0) 息2013 Century 21 Today, Inc. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21速 is a registered trademark owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An equal opportunity company.

Equal housing opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated. Property information deemed accurate but not guaranteed.Subject to prior sale.

IS NOW THE TIME? SEARCH FOR YOUR DREAM HOUSE WITH AN EDGE. Interest rates are at historic lows and the home of your dreams is out there... waiting for you. There's only one way to really know... step out with a CENTURY 21 Today agent and step into the home of your dreams.

Find an Agent, Search Properties & Plan Open Houses online.

Go to www.Century21Today.com

CENTURY 21 TODAY AGENTS

SMARTER. BOLDER. FASTER. MORE INNOVATIVE.® CENTURY 21 Today, Inc. | 6611 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48324 | 248-360-9100 (0) ©2013 Century 21 Today, Inc. All rights reserved. CENTURY 21® is a registered trademark owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC. An equal opportunity company.

Equal housing opportunity. Each office is independently owned and operated. Property information deemed accurate but not guaranteed.Subject to prior sale.

FACES

Tim McCormick

T

im McCormick, former NBA star and ESPN broadcaster, has come full circle from playing basketball with his father as a young boy to shooting hoops with his own two children.

“My love of basketball started early. My dad put up a basketball hoop; I started shooting and never stopped.”

McCormick, a Michigan native, had not considered playing in the NBA, but was focused on playing college basketball. His hopes were realized when he earned a spot as a Wolverine on the University of Michigan’s basketball team.

“When I was young, I attended the University of Michigan’s basketball camp. I also attended a Michigan football game in the sixth grade. I was so excited by the atmosphere. Once I got to college at U of M, I realized the NBA was a realistic goal.”

In 1984, McCormick was drafted as the 12th overall pick by the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“It was surreal. I remember sitting in the draft room with Michael Jordan,” he said. “It was extremely exciting and a little bit nerve-wracking.”

McCormick was traded to the Seattle Supersonics and, in his 10-year NBA career, he played for the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Nets, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks, and the New York Knicks.

“My favorite city was Philadelphia. I had the chance to be the starting center. That was the highlight of my career. The fans were so passionate about the team.”

With a degree in communications from the University of Michigan,

McCormick became a basketball analyst for ESPN after retiring from the NBA. He also authored the book “Never Be Average” and is a motivational speaker.

Additionally, McCormick mentors young basketball players through the NBA Players Association’s Top 100 Camp for the elite 100 high school players in the nation. He is also helping to implement a similar camp program in Michigan called the Michigan Elite 25.

“We’re using the same model we’ve used on a national level,” he said.

“I believe there is great potential in this state; it’s just undeveloped. We want to take some of these young players and help them on their journey to manhood. We want to help them navigate the path to their dreams.”

Throughout his amazing career, family has remained a priority in his life.

McCormick’s two children, Danielle and Kellen, are following in their father’s athletic footsteps. Danielle is a volleyball player at Notre Dame Prep and Kellen plays college basketball at Western Michigan University.

“I’m going to look back on my life and my favorite times will be with the children: rebounding baskets and coaching teams. I’m so fortunate to have shared that with them. It’s such a precious time.”

McCormick and his wife, Michelle, have been married 24 years and they enjoy their surroundings at their home on Cass Lake in West Bloomfield.

“It’s been very gratifying,” he said. “(Michelle) is an amazing mom. With a lot of travel and responsibilities, it’s an incredible feeling to have a partner who always has your back, regardless of the challenges.”

Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Laurie Tennent

Commerce Township | $499,000 Live the executive lifestyle you deserve! This move-in ready, well cared for and updated home in the most desirable golden corridor in the Lakes area. Homestead Shores Lower Straits Lake neighborhood with its private boat launch and private beach playground, features an amazing 2011 gourmet Viking kitchen with island, granite and custom back splash, hardwood floors and marble flooring throughout 1st floor. New carpet upstairs, new deck, new roof.

Kendra McConnell Hurd

PENDING! 3925 S Shore Drive, Commerce Twp. SOLD! 3120 Edgewood Park, Commerce Twp.

SOLD! 3456 Edgewood Park, Commerce Twp.

SOLD! 8575 Edgewood Park, Commerce Twp.

SOLD! 3896 Ranya Drive, Commerce Twp.

SOLD! 3426 Edgwood Park, Commerce Twp.

Celebrating Home 248-494-1562

www.LinkedIn.com/in/KendraMcConnellHurd Michigan home prices are on the rise. Your home might be worth more than you think! Contact me today to find out the value of your home.

WEIR MANUEL

OCC AT THE CROSSROADS

CREATING A COMMUNITY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT FOR 21ST CENTURY

BY LISA BRODY

O

akland Community College (OCC), while currently enjoying the highest enrollment numbers in its almost 50-year history, is simultaneously experiencing an identity crisis.

Chancellor Tim Meyer PhD would not necessarily express it in those words, preferring to emphasize the popularity of many of the institution's diverse range of programming, its outreach to various student populations, it's affordability, and it's ability to foresee occupational changes by working directly with providers.

“Like our region, Oakland Community College is in the process of recreating itself.

We are focused on increasing the relevancy and responsiveness of our academic programs as well as greater operational efficiency,” Meyer wrote in recent OCC outreach material. “One of our most significant methods for ensuring our relevance is through our connections – with business and industry, K – 12 and universities, the workforce development agencies, economic developers, and community-based organizations.”

Yet, for as many students as they enroll among all of their campuses, many in affluent and educationally-driven Oakland County are not aware that the five campus institution is no longer merely a stop along the way for students considering four-year universities, a place to pick up a class or two during a summer lull, nor just a vocational school, as it was 30 years ago or so, but a college where they can obtain a full RN nursing degree, become a dental hygienist, attend an award-winning culinary arts school, or become retrained in the latest technological health care, manufacturing or industrial jobs.

“Years ago, community colleges were virtually seen as a spin off of vocational and technical school and a junior college, and we maintain that identity. Half of our students come to us with the idea of transferring to a four-year college. We're a high quality, inexpensive first experience twoyear college. The other half come to us because they're interested in or have a vocational pursuit and are interested in employment,” Meyer said.

“Half of our programming is transfer, and half of our programming is vocational.” hat has changed, Meyer emphasized, is the level of quality OCC is delivering, with top-notch nursing, health care and culinary programs, excellent faculty, enrichment programs, IT and other programming, as well as the institution's ability to respond quickly to economic data to provide programming that is responsive to the economic data coming from Oakland County's Emerging Sectors, Automation Alley, and Medical Main Street, as well as major health care institutions.

“A lot of (available) data is historic. We are looking forward,” he noted.

Yet, despite meeting business and technological needs, a majority of students attending OCC continue to seek out liberal arts and business classes. Many of these students will later transfer to four-year universities after getting their collegial start, some transferring after receiving two-year associate's certificates.

Some business students are “young wanna be entrepreneurs who want enough background information to open up their business, and others transfer on to Walsh College,” said Janet Roberts, executive director of marketing and communications for Oakland Community College, noting that Walsh College, in Troy, provides more advanced business degrees, providing a symbiotic relationship with the twoyear associate degree from the community college.

In 2012, southeast Michigan, beginning to climb out of the morass of The Great Recession, had the highest number of skilled trade job postings in the United States, but the number of qualified candidates to fill those jobs did not measure up. A large number of retirees and graduates leaving the state created a void in several job sectors, Roberts noted. OCC has been working to fill the void by developing programs to meet the employment sector's need through the use of real-time data, and offering apprenticeship and internship programs in high demand areas.

In April 2013, OCC was awarded contracts totaling over $3.1 million to train 190 new employees at two Oakland County firms; in 2012, OCC received $7.5 million in training funding and trained 529 new employees for five major companies in the county.

“The deficiency we have is the lack of students in areas where the job growth is needed,” Meyer said. “We have some of the greatest trades and instructors. We have a hard time finding students interested in these courses and trades because of the social perspective of skilled trades. It's not your father's or your skilled trade anymore – it is a high-paying, highly skilled career.”

The Oakland Community College district was established by the Oakland County electorate on June 8, 1964, with two initial campuses when it

W

opened in September 1965, Highland Lakes, in a renovated hospital in Union Lake, and Auburn Hills, in a former Army Nike missile site in Auburn Heights.

In September 1967, the Orchard Ridge Campus in Farmington Hills was built and opened. At the time it opened, it was state-of-the-art and architecturally award-winning. A Southeast Campus was first housed in Oak Park, and then expanded through a purchase and remodeling of buildings at a second site in Royal Oak. In 1980, the Oak Park facilities were replaced by a new campus in Southfield, and Royal Oak's facilities were replaced by a completely new campus complex which opened in 1982.

Each of the five campuses offer liberal arts and developmental courses (remedial classes in language arts and mathematics). The Orchard Ridge campus hosts the culinary arts program while nursing is only taught at their Highland Lakes campus; sonography courses, and other health science courses are taught at their Highland Lakes and Southfield campuses.

Available courses in the system include dental hygiene; HVAC engineering associate's degree; criminal justice and law enforcement administration associate's degree; emergency medical technician (EMT) and paramedic associate's degree; auto mechanic's degree; firefighter's associate degree; medical radiologic technology/radiation therapist associate's degree; landscaping and groundskeeping; legal assistant and paralegal associate's degree; electrical technology; massage therapy; cosmetologist; among many others, all for approximately $2,100 a semester for a Michigan resident.

Of OCC's two-year nursing program which results in an RN degree, “it tends to be one of the larger, most successful nursing programs, and most successful in terms of competency, in the (board) exam to get an RN degree,” Meyer said, boasting that it's not unusual for a class of OCC nursing graduates to have 100 percent pass rate on their board exams. While some nurses head directly to hospital placements, others matriculate to four-year universities to achieve a BSN degree.

All told, between the five OCC campuses, Meyer said the school “is arguably in the top three higher education institutions in the state as providers,” noting they had nearly 30,000 students in their last full semester.

Affordability is a key component for many attending OCC, which is approximately $75 a credit hour. OCC is supported by a county-wide millage, which was renewed in 2012 with 60 percent of Oakland County voters supporting the millage. The millage, at 0.8 mills, accounts for 60 percent of the college's annual revenue.

Meyer said that students who attend OCC pay only about 30 percent of their tuition, with the rest offset by that county-wide millage. The remaining 10 percent of funding comes from the state, which was increased in the last legislative session. The school will receive an additional 2 percent from the state this year, provided they do not raise tuition more than 4 percent. “We are a donor county, not a recipient county. The tuition is significantly subsidized by the property owners of the county,” he said. “We take education to our students, versus students coming to their education.”

National statistics point out that by 2018, over 60 percent of the the nation's jobs will require

some college education. OCC officials say they are poised to fill much of that local need through the specificity of their degree and certificate programs.

“We're a non-traditional school. A lot of our students come to us undefined, from a career and aspiration point of view, and because they're undefined, they're unmotivated and we provide a lot of opportunity for them to discover themselves.

We provide a lot of support. It's not devastating financially for somebody to say, 'I really didn't want to be this, I found out I want to be that.'

They can do that while being at home, while still having their friends, still having a part-time job.

We do not uproot somebody just so they can find out that's not what they do not want to do. They can come to OCC and be supported in their educational journey of self-discovery, and that's a huge value proposition,” Meyer said.

Another issue the school encounters is one that most colleges and universities around the country are seeing – the large demand for remedial education for incoming students. “A large number of our students require developmental work,” Meyer acknowledged. “Nationally, 50 percent of the students who graduate from high school need developmental education, either in math or in language. It's a real sad commentary because it used to be you had a high school diploma and it meant you were ready for college or to do other things. Students are required to take a placement exam to see where they are scholastically, both in English and math. From that placement exam results, from our data, 40 percent are below college readiness in English, and 70 percent are below competency in math, which requires us to provide a significant effort in developmental education.”

Providing for both students' needs, as well as the job market's, has led to some soul searching on the part of the chancellor and the board of trustees. While realignments had been done previously, both for curriculum and services, Meyer, who assumed his position in January 2008, felt a complete appraisal needed to be looked at, analyzed and tackled.

In an effort to evaluate the community college from every single aspect, Meyer approached the school's board of directors about hiring outside professional consultants. In March 2012, College Brain Trust of Sacramento, California, was given a two-year contract, for $500,000, “to look at us completely and put a mirror up to us,” Meyer said.

“It's something we should do periodically, just like we do a financial audit periodically.” Their contract will conclude on March 31, 2014.

Three parts of the report have been released, with more to still be presented to the school's seven-member board of trustees before being more widely distributed. eyer said the price for the consultation, review and plan was typical, reasonable and comparable to other consulting companies offering similar two-year consulting contracts. The school is in the process of receiving, reviewing and disseminating College Brain Trust's report.

In June 2013, OCC's faculty association filed a lawsuit against the school in Oakland County Circuit Court alleging that administrators refused to respond to a Freedom of Information Act request asking for a complete report from College Brain Trust.

M

Live dream…

248.684.1065

560 North Milford Road Milford

®

let us take you there...

248.363.8300

8430 Richardson Road Commerce Township ®

®

your

Michigan’s #1 Broker Website

®

RealEstateOne.com

more properties | more visitors | more info

213086472 – $279,900 STUNNING COLONIAL In Wixom’s Wildwood Sub has it all. Gorgeous Kitchen with ceramic tile, custom cabinets, and many other amenities!

Move in condition! www.realestateone.com

213086092 - $156,900 ENJOY THE WALKING PATHS Of popular Highgate on the Green. Three bedroom Colonial features a great floor plan, large master bedroom with walk in closet and updated roof, windows, AC. www.realestateone.com

213084863 - $219,000 EMERALD PINES RANCH! Spacious kitchen overlooking private backyard on quiet street; beautiful hardwood floors, master bedroom with full bath, full basement. www.realestateone.com

213083133 - $345,000 CHARMING EARLY AMERICAN FARMHOUSE! Country Kitchen, hardwood floors in dining room and spacious great room, updated with newer furnace and air conditioning. www.realestateone.com

213082989 - $169,900 MOVE IN CONDITION! 4 bedroom, 2.5 bath home has hardwood floors throughout!

Newer kitchen with breakfast bar, spacious rooms and great floor plan. Many updates! www.realestateone.com

213081666 - $210,000 LOVELY 4 BEDROOM 2 bath Cape Cod with country charm and all the convenience of the city! Half acre lot, remodeled stainless and granite kitchen, hardwood floors www.realestateone.com

213081610 - $199,900 GREAT LOCATION Near university backing up to U of M Golf Course! French doors to living room with hardwood floors, updated kitchen with oak cabinets, office, large mud room. www.realestateone.com

213081526 - $299,000 GORGEOUS LARGE LOT IN BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP! 4 bedroom 1.5 bath ranch. Beautiful yard and landscaping with secluded serene setting. Birmingham Schools. www.realestateone.com

213080899 - $449,000 SPRAWLING TRI LEVEL HOME With recent updates on a huge lot. Bloomfield School minutes from downtown Birmingham; beautifully landscaped and meticulously maintained. www.realestateone.com

213080834 - $218,000 OPEN FLOOR PLAN 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath home. Two-story great room with vaulted ceilings and fireplace. First floor master bedroom with Jacuzzi tub, huge basement and new roof! www.realestateone.com

213079492 - $299,900 UPDATED/REMODELED SOFT CONTEMPORARY On gorgeous extra deep wooded lot, new kitchen with rough cut slate floors and maple cabinets, first floor master suite, new half bath with cherry floors. www.realestateone.com

213079441 - $299,000 COUNTRY LANE ESTATES! 4 bedroom, 3 bath home with a roomy kitchen, backyard oasis includes an in ground pool, deck backing up to a peaceful wooded area. www.realestateone.com

© Real Estate One, Inc., 2013

Lakes Area (248) 363-8300

EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Meyer responded, “Typical faculty/administration tension. The contract was signed by the board, and the faculty felt there was a different pathway.”

Mary Ann McGee, a psychology instructor at the Orchard Ridge campus and president of the Oakland Community College Faculty Association, disagreed. “In 2006-2007, we had an academic redesign that was collaborative between the faculty and the administration, that looked at programs and services. The chancellor came in 2008. I think he wanted his own process.” he also said the faculty association was upset about the amount of money spent for an outside consulting service, especially in light of years of belt tightening and cost cutting at the college. “We have been told that the college had a structural deficit, what with the economic recession we're coming out of, and property taxes down and tax collections delayed because of the lag time,” she said. “The college has done a lot of budget cutting in the last few years to keep things in line, and we understand that. What we don't understand is the executive administration not being in meetings with us in the usual structure, not participating like they have in the past, and we (the faculty) were asking why decisions were being made, and weren't getting any answers.”

College Brain Trust consultants spent time on campus meeting with all of the constituents – administrators, faculty and students. A variety of reports were prepared and sent to the college's executive administration in a series of reports, to review, beginning in the spring of 2013. Once reviewed, Meyer said they were presented to the board, and then made public. Some of the reports have still not been presented and made public.

The Oakland Community College Faculty Association was not satisfied with not seeing the reports at the same time as the board, and filed Freedom of Information Act requests to the college, which were denied. Appeals were also denied. Currently, the association has filed for access and are waiting for the circuit court to set a hearing date. In the meantime, several of the reports have been made public, and the association has had access to them.

“We were hearing and being told conflicting information about restructuring (OCC), and about divisions needing to be eliminated, but no one saw any reports, but we knew College Brain Trust had submitted them to the college,” McGee said.

“The college has already reorganized the administration. It's disconcerting to be told 'we're not hiring, we're not making changes', when there were already changes being made and people being hired in administration positions.”

As to why the complete report was not released at once, Meyer answered that, “This was the first time ever a consultant had done this kind of work for Oakland Community College. We had to be sure the data was done accurately. We needed to go through the reports, and we wanted to be sensitive to who and how it would be read and interpreted.”

McGee acknowledged that what she had been hearing was rumor and conjecture, but affirms that made it even more important that the faculty and all the constituents have easy access to the reports.

Now, having seen the reports, she said, “Like all consultants' reports, there are some good stuff

S

there, but I'm not seeing what the great benefit to the organization is for the cost.”

According to their website, College Brain Trust says they provide a customized top-down review, analysis and report followed up by mentoring of an institution's leaders. Their services are provided to community colleges, private colleges, state colleges and universities, non-profits, corporations, and state education agencies. Their services are designed to help community colleges develop educational master plans, strategic plans, and finance and budgeting systems, as well as meet accreditation challenges.

“Leading a college is much like governing a community – it requires wisdom, strategic insight, business acumen, and the ability to engage and motivate others toward a common vision. The resulting experience and expertise are remarkably transferable,” they explain.

In their executive summary regarding academic policies and procedures, College Brain Trust wrote, “Oakland Community College is undergoing a fundamental transformation, consciously moving away from a decentralized operation based at the campus level to a more centralized operation through which planning, budgeting, and policy development occur on a college-wide basis.” It recognized that “Oakland Community College is a proud institution with an excellent reputation. It services approximately 74,000 students at five campuses, and offers a wide array of services and programs for students pursuing transfer, CET certificates, and job skills. However, Oakland is facing future budget shortfalls of almost $40 million per year, due to anticipated declines in millage income through 2015. Now, it must adapt to a period marked by volatile change if it is to continue to provide the distinctive, high quality educational services the community has come to expect.”

They acknowledged that the largest administrative unit in the college, Academic and Student Affairs, “and the one most responsible for addressing the mission, the transformation is particularly challenging.” They criticized the policies and procedures from the board of trustees related to the central mission of the school, which is to address the instructional and support needs of students, as the most out-of-date and least developed, without a clear vision for student success.

“The college needs to clarify the scope of policies and procedures it wishes to define as 'academic,'” the consultants wrote. Noting that OCC intends to follow the path, “Many community colleges are combining academic and student affairs administrative components to emphasize the need for a close partnership of instructional programs and the student support services.”

They also chastised the school's board, noting, “While the primary focus of this study is on academic policies, the CBT recommends that all Board policies be reviewed for currency, consistency with recent organizational changes, and adequacy of policy statements and procedures.”

Among the areas where the college needs to direct its attention is toward analyzing and more appropriately disseminating the data it collects, as well as using it when making programing decisions. Critical information that has been gathered is not being shared among all of the necessary constituents, whether they are faculty needing to know when and which

courses to schedule, assessing student learning outcomes, or for non-academic departments which need to integrate consistent messaging and programing.

Further, the consultants noted that each individual campus is rooted in their local communities, and their respective campus presidents maintain strong relationships with high schools, local businesses, chambers of commerce and local governments, but not with one another, leading to a lack of a big picture for the community college as a whole. Both as a means to respond to companies seeking adequately trained employees, for student recruitment and for fundraising, this is a critical puzzle piece which the consultants pointed out should be fitted in to ensure continued success as a college and for future financial stability. ollege Brain Trust also pointed out that there was an almost universal complaint that college communication is poor, and while they said that is difficult to pin down, “it appears to have to do with transparency and accountability,” they wrote. The consultant also noted there should be the development and implementation of internal communication and training strategies to explain the importance of the planning project and to mobilize the entire OCC community to support it, as all constituencies will benefit from their participation and support.

As McGee pointed out, some administrative changes have already been implemented. New presidents have been installed at the Highland Lakes and Auburn Hills campuses.

Recommendations to either close or consolidate the child care centers at Orchard Ridge, Royal Oak and Highland Lakes (there were no longer child care centers at Southfield or Auburn Hills) were implemented over the summer, with the decision to completely close all of the college's child care centers, despite offering an early childcare instructional program.

College Brain Trust determined that the child care centers were supported by significant subsidies from the general fund, with a disproportionately high cost for the small number of children served. They found the organizational structure unclear, with a lack of consistent training for administrators and child care coordinators on the enrollment software. They also found that most students in the early childcare instructional program did outside internships. They also determined, most importantly, that the centers did not serve the most needy student parents.

They determined they were not financially sustainable, and they lacked a clear relationship to the core mission of the schools.

They offered a choice to the college: to eliminate all of the child care centers in the Oakland Community College district; close Royal Oak; close Orchard Ridge; maintain just one child care center.

According to Roberts, administration made the decision over the summer to close all of the child care centers, and as of this fall, they will be permanently closed.

As more reports becomes available, and analysis is made, expect more changes at OCC. Not everyone will be happy. But the viability and sustainability of the system is the priority of the administration.

And ultimately, for many of Oakland County's students.

C

Luxury apartments moving forward

MUNICIPAL

By Kevin Elliott

P

lans by a Farmington Hills-based developer to build about 225 luxury apartments at Maple and Beck Roads in Commerce Township moved forward Tuesday, August 13, following nearly two years of negotiations with township officials opposed to the construction of multi-family buildings in the area.

The project by M. Shapiro Development of Farmington Hills, which calls for two-bedroom, two-bath luxury apartments ranging from 1,200 to 1,400 square feet, was presented to Commerce Township officials in 2011, and was subject to a series of revisions before township board members on Aug. 13 agreed to a conditional rezoning plan, which calls for completion of the development by 2015.

Conditional rezoning allows municipalities to place special requirements that must be met before a parcel is permitted for certain types of development.

Jim Galbraith of M. Shapiro Development said plans to develop the 28-acre parcel of land, which is currently zoned for single-family development, were made in accordance with the township's master plan, which calls for the parcel to be zoned for multiple-family residences.

Township board members met in a closed executive session for about an hour August 13 to discuss options regarding the Shapiro development, Commerce Township attorney Phil Adkison said.

Under the agreement, the plan will be further revised to conform with conditions proposed by the township planning board and board of trustees, including plans to increase guest parking at the complex from 75 to about 95; additional landscaping at the site; road improvements to alleviate traffic concerns; and additional sidewalks.

Further revisions to the site's plan recommended by the township's planning board are also required to be met as a final condition of rezoning.

Board members voted 5-2 to approve the agreement, with supervisor Tom Zoner, treasurer Susan Gross, clerk Vanessa Magner and trustees Robert Berkheiser and David Law voting yes, and trustees Robert Long and Rick Sovel voting against it.

While the agreement stops short of granting the rezoning request, Adkison said it stipulates the terms of the conditional rezoning plan so revisions can be finalized.

“The developer said he's willing to do it, but if he does, there's a guarantee that (rezoning) will be approved,” Adkison said. “If there is an inclination not to approve, I think the developer needs to know that tonight.”

The project came before the township board of trustees in December of 2011, but was sent back to the planning commission for further review. A July 16, 2012 planning commission meeting drew concerns from residents who had issues about developing rental apartments in the area, citing traffic issues and the belief that such a development would have a negative impact on surrounding home values.

After going back and forth between the planning commission, the board of trustees and the applicant, it returned to the planning commission on June 18, 2013, at which time planners recommended the plan be sent to the township board for approval with special conditions regarding sidewalks, elevation requirements, trailway requirements and finalization of the zoning issue.

Trustees on Tuesday pressed Galbraith to increase guest parking at the development, which included about 75 guest spaces, attached garages, parking pads and driveways for residents. Galbraith, who agreed to increase parking from 34 to 75 after the board's August 5 meeting, refused to scale down the project for more guest parking.

“We could add an additional 20 spaces,” Galbraith said. “That would be accomplished by adding spaces where some are planned already. It wouldn't be accomplished by eliminating any buildings. We wouldn't take this on if we felt it wouldn't function properly. The last thing I want to do is invest millions and millions of dollars and have a problem like that. I'm not willing to reduce the density. It's what is allowed under the ordinance.”

Zoner said the board has discussed plans to revisit and update the township's master plan in regard to multiple-family residences.

Walled Lake mayor won't seek re-election

By Kevin Elliott

Walled Lake Mayor Bill Roberts announced in August that he won't seek reelection in the 2013 general election in order to focus on his recovery from recent hip replacement surgery, so based on election petition filings for his post and for city council, the city election will be uncontested in November.

Roberts, who has served as mayor of the city for more than 27 consecutive years, was the only incumbent candidate who didn't file with the Walled Lake City Clerk's office for reelection by the 4 p.m. deadline on Tuesday, Aug. 13, leaving current council members Robert Robertson, Dennis Yezbick, John Owsinek and Linda Ackley to run uncontested races on Nov. 5.

Ackley, who is the current mayor pro tem, was the only candidate to file in the mayoral race.

“I was sure it would be a contested race, and as you know, I had total hip surgery seven weeks ago. I feel great, it's coming along wonderfully.

Rehabilitation and surgery does wonderful things, but the rehab folks couldn't guarantee campaigning doorto-door would be good for me,” Roberts said. “I don't want to jeopardize the good work that has already been done.”

Without an opposing candidate in the mayoral race, Ackley's departure from council would leave a vacancy on city council. Her current term expires in two years.

Walled Lake city manager Dennis Whitt said city council would be able to appoint a council member to serve the remainder of Ackley's term if she is elected mayor in November.

“After what happened in Detroit, anything could happen,” Whitt said, speculating on the possibility of a write-in candidate in November.

“Assuming there's no write-in, that would create a position (on council).

Then council would have to determine who would fill in the unexpired term of two years.”

Ackley has served on the city council since 1979.

With only three council seats open in November, the three incumbent candidates who filed with the clerk's office will run uncontested races.

Council members serve four-year terms and are paid $35 per meeting. The mayor position, which is also a four-

year term, is paid $50 per meeting.

Roberts was first elected to city council in April 1968, making him at the time the youngest elected official in Michigan. He was elected mayor in 1973 and served one term, choosing not to seek re-election. He was elected to city council again in 1979 and 1983.

He was appointed as mayor in 1986, following the death of former mayor Gaspre LaMarca. He was elected as mayor again in 1986, and has won consecutive mayoral elections since.

“I've served a good amount of time and enjoyed it,” Roberts said. “Some councils have been more enjoyable than others.”

Roberts said current city politics was a partial – “maybe 20 percent” – factor in his decision not to seek reelection. He described the current council-mayor relationship as “interesting.”

“Four years ago, I really thought about not running, but nobody filed against me,” he said. “My hip and knee were in terrible shape. I love to campaign door-to-door, I really do. It's what I have always done and has proven successful, but when thinking about it this time, and when I asked my physical therapist what he thought, he said he wouldn't recommend it.”

Moratorium on pot approved by city Debate over the legality of medical marijuana dispensary businesses and subsequent enforcement actions taken by law enforcement agencies spurred the Walled Lake City Council on Tuesday, August 20, to place a moratorium on further licensing of medical marijuana dispensaries.

Council members unanimously passed the resolution for a 120-day moratorium on the city's ordinance that permits the licensing of medical marijuana dispensaries following a recommendation from Walled Lake City Manager Dennis Whitt.

“I believe we have arrived at a time when this council needs to talk about moratoriums on medical marijuana dispensaries,” Whitt said. “I have been subpoenaed two times, and I don't think it's a productive use of our or my time. Our ordinance is solid, but someone believes (dispensaries) are violating criminal law because they are putting people in jail.”

Whitt told council members that Bazonzoes, a medical marijuana dispensary at 1123 E. West Maple, had requested renewal of its license from

the city, which he said he planned to reject based on recent allegations by law enforcement that the business is in violation of federal law.

Oakland County Sheriff's detectives and agents with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency on August 1 seized about 10 pounds of marijuana and $10,000 while executing a search warrant at the business. More than a week after the raid, Oakland County Undersheriff Michael McCabe said criminal charges hadn't been filed, but would be sought in the future.

“We don't consider it a dispensary; we consider it an illegal operation,” McCabe said.

Walled Lake city ordinances allow for the licensing of medical marijuana dispensaries in the city for businesses that meet the policies and requirements of Michigan's Medical Marijuana Act. The ordinance also requires that businesses applying for the license meet requirements established by the city.

Walled Lake mayor Bill Roberts said the local ordinance was designed to add an extra layer of regulation to the businesses because regulations adopted by the state appear to be too loose.

Two medical marijuana dispensaries are currently licensed for operation in Walled Lake, the Bazonzoes location and Green Solutions, at 1258 S. Commerce Road. Both of those businesses have requested license renewals from the city, which wouldn't be granted under the moratorium. Two additional dispensaries that had been licensed in the city have since gone out of business.

Michigan voters in 2008 overwhelmingly approved the legalization of medical marijuana but the issue has been the subject of legal battles ever since. In February of this year the Michigan Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling against a Mt. Pleasant dispensary, saying that the state law did not “contemplate” patient-to-patient sales The court ruling did not order the closure of all state dispensaries although many dispensaries in Michigan did close after the ruling.

Walled Lake Fire Chief gives notice Walled Lake Fire Chief Ken Van Sparrentak left his post at the city effective August 23 to head up westendmonthly.com

Police union is final contract holdout

By Kevin Elliott

T

he city of Walled Lake finalized contract agreements Tuesday, August 20, with four labor unions representing two firefighter groups, public works employees and clerical workers, but has still not come to an agreement with representatives of the police union.

While the contracts still require final ratification from union members, Walled Lake Finance Director Colleen Coogan said Tuesday's agreements represented a strong partnership between the city and unions in working together to address financial limitations the city is experiencing.

However, police officers represented by the Walled Lake Police Association continue to operate without a labor agreement with the city, which expired in July. Coogan said negotiations between the city and police have been at a stalemate since early June when the union voted to reject a tentative labor agreement approved by the city's negotiating team and city council.

Concessions rejected in June by the police union included reducing paid time off, health care benefits for employees, holiday, longevity and education payments and the city's rich benefit program. Four police officers were laid off by the city in late July.

Coogan said negotiations with the police union are still based off of the rejected agreement, which also cut days off from 55 to 42, with sick day balances to be paid at 50 percent of what the employees would have received upon retirement. Pensionable wages under the rejected agreement would have been limited to base wages only, not overtime, and increasing employee pension contributions from 5.25 percent to 6 percent in 2014, and 7 percent thereafter.

Labor representatives and city council members on August 20 agreed to contract terms for the city's professional firefighters, paid oncall firefighters, public works, and clerical unions. Those four contracts will be returned to their full unions for final ratification.

“The employees came to the table,” Coogan said. “They really heard what the problem was and they maintained their base wage, so their day-to-day check remains the same.”

Concessions made by the four unions under the agreements include reducing city pensions and changing retiree healthcare benefits to a health savings account, Coogan said. Clerical and public works unions also agreed to give up some paid leave time and to extend workdays from eight to nine hours by giving up paid lunch breaks.

Coogan said the concessions will help to reduce the amount of pension and retiree health debt the city is accumulating, and should help to provide additional funds to make payments. Without the concessions, Coogan said she believed the city would be heading into bankruptcy in less than five years.

“This will help to turn the ship around,” Coogan said. “We have moved Walled Lake into a house we can afford.”

operations at the Lyon Township Fire Department.

Van Sparrentak, who has been with the Walled Lake Fire Department for 10 years, said he gave official notice Thursday afternoon, August 15. He will start as Lyon Township Fire Chief effective September 3.

The Lyon Township Board of Commissioners approved an employment agreement contract with Van Sparrentak at an August 14 special meeting.

Prior to serving as the city's fire

chief, Van Sparrentak worked for the Ferndale Fire Department for 16 years, including seven as the city's fire marshall. Van Sparrentak also instructs classes at Oakland Community College. He said he looks forward to new challenges in Lyon Township that he'll face as the department grows with the township's population.

Walled Lake city manager Dennis Whitt said Van Sparrentak has been a great asset to the city and that “our loss will be Lyon Township's gain.”

Whitt said Van Sparrentak had

WESTEND

communicated with him openly about the possibility of his leaving the city since he first started the interview process. While Whitt said he would like to retain the chief, he said the city isn't able to offer the same opportunities that Lyon Township has, particularly in terms of growth and expansion.

The Lyon Township Fire Department consists of a 30-person, paid on-call staff, and is expected to add more staff, equipment and facilities as the township's population continues to boom, said Township Supervisor Lannie Young.

Van Sparrentak will replace outgoing fire chief Ron McClain.

Walled Lake explores liquor licenses

By Kevin Elliott

An effort to attract visitors from outside the city and establish Walled Lake as a dining and entertainment destination through the use of special liquor licenses is moving forward.

City council at their meeting on Aug. 20 directed Walled Lake city manager Dennis Whitt to work with the city's Downtown Development Authority (DDA) to form a committee to explore the potential impacts of allowing the issuance of redevelopment liquor licenses in the city. Under the council's motion, any costs associated with exploring the issue would be funded by the DDA. The special liquor licenses are intended to be used as an economic tool in that they require a minimum investment in redevelopment or rehabilitation efforts in a community's business district or redevelopment area. Additionally, municipalities where redevelopment liquor licenses are issued receive a portion of licensing fees paid to the Michigan Liquor Control Commission.

The redevelopment licenses allow for additional liquor licenses in a community beyond MLCC Class C licenses, which are limited to one license per every 1,500 of population in a municipality.

"This could be just the shot in the arm to get the DDA going," councilman Casey Ambrose said about the potential use of redevelopment liquor licenses in Walled Lake.

Ambrose said he doesn't believe the issuance of the licenses would pose much competition for businesses currently holding Class C liquor 39

licenses, but instead would make for "a more vibrant city."

While the special licenses were made available more than six years ago, the idea to utilize the licenses was pitched to Walled Lake city council members in May when Walled Lake resident Valerie Kemp reached out to officials in Brighton after seeing how that city utilized liquor licenses as a redevelopment tool.

Redevelopment liquor licenses have been credited for creating more than $18 million in new development and redevelopment in Brighton over the past five years.

Kemp said in May that the use of the special licenses in Walled Lake would be “a game changer,” considering the gloomy economic situation of the city.

Lauri French, Brighton's director of community development, and Brighton DDA director Matt Modrack, who gave a presentation to Walled Lake City Council members in May, indicated the potential for success in the city is high because it allows the business district to draw from Wixom, Novi and West Bloomfield, essentially making the city a dining destination.

Under state law, applicants for a redevelopment liquor license must be a business engaged in dining, entertainment or recreation and open to the general public and have seating capacity for at least 25 people. In terms of investment, the state's liquor control commission requires applicants have spent a minimum of $75,000 in improvements in the building where the license will be housed over the preceding five years, or a commitment of at least $75,000 to be spent before the issuance of a license. Additionally, public and private investment in the district must be at least $200,000 in the preceding five years, with one license permitted per each $200,000 investment in the district.

The licenses through the commission would include a fee of $20,000, of which a portion would be returned directly to the city.

DDA accepts offer for land purchase

By Kevin Elliott

The Commerce Township Downtown Development Authority (DDA) on Tuesday, August 20, approved a purchase agreement with Hunter Pasteur Homes of Novi for the sale of a 14.9-acre parcel of land for a proposed residential housing development inside the Commerce Towne Place project area, the name for the DDA land north of M-5 between Welch and Haggerty.

The land, identified as Parcel G 40

under the Towne Place project parcel map, is situated in the northwest corner of the project, running from the east near township hall to the west edge of the project's border. Hunter Pasteur Homes would pay approximately $70,000 per acre of land, for a total $1.04 million to the Commerce DDA. The acceptance of the Hunter Pasteur offer marks the second pending sale of DDA-owned land in the Commerce Towne Place area, which is a long-term project to establish a mixeduse area that combines single and multiple-family residential developments and a commercial business district with natural areas including parklands and nature trails.

On June 25, the DDA accepted an offer from M. Shapiro Development for the purchase of 60 acres of land to build more than 400 multifamily residential units, as well as mixed-use development.

The purchase agreement with Hunter Pasteur Homes was selected over a proposed agreement by Schafer Development of Farmington Hills on behalf of Toll Brothers, a national builder. Both offers received by the DDA totaled approximately $1.04 million for the land and proposed similar development projects, but board members concluded terms of the Hunter Pasteur agreement would offer better protections to the township should any problems arise.

“The Hunter Pasteur deal is better for the township for a number of reasons,” DDA board member Daniel Lublin said before making a motion to accept the offer.

While the DDA accepted the purchase offer, the final sale of the parcel will not occur until due diligence by the developer is completed, after which final closing for the sale of the property can take place. Under the DDA-approved agreement, Hunter Pasteur will have a 45-day inspection period, during which it may rescind its offer for a full refund of deposit. The developer will then have 180 days to obtain final approval of the site plan from the township. If the developer isn't able to gain approval for the proposed project during the 180-day period, Hunter Pasteur may terminate the agreement for a full refund of deposit or extend the site plan approval period for another 45 days, after which the DDA would be entitled to a portion of the deposit. The agreement calls for a total timeline of about 270 days before a final closing is complete.

The competing offer from Toll Brothers would have required a total timeline of 380 days, with no ability for the DDA to keep any of the deposit if the deal wasn't finalized. Additionally,

the offer required the DDA to provide a warranty deed on the 14.9-acre parcel, which would hold the DDA responsible for potential issues existing on the land that could pose a problem in developing the land. Additionally, the opposing Toll Brothers' offer wouldn't have provided any payment to the DDA if the developer defaulted on the agreement, while the offer from Hunter Pasteur provides some compensation.

Hunter Pasteur's plans call for 38 to 40 single family homes, ranging in size from 2,500 to 3,200 square feet, which will be sold for $350,000 to $450,000.

Toll Brothers' proposal proposed constructing 38 single family homes, all of the same size, ranging in price form $449,000 to $550,000, depending upon amenities.

Hotel development approved in township Plans to build a four-story Marriott hotel near M-5 and 14 Mile Road in Commerce Township were approved by the Commerce Township planning commission on Aug. 12.

Hotel developer Basil Bacall, along with Powell Engineering, presented the planning commission with a site plan for approval at their meeting on Aug. 6 for a Marriott TownePlace Suites hotel at 169 Loop Road in Commerce Township. The proposed four-story, 72room hotel is intended to accommodate extended-stay guests by offering studio, 1- and 2-bedroom suites with full kitchens and adjacent living space.

Commissioners at that time instructed Bacall to work Powell to “dress up the look of the building” and lower the overall height before they granted final approval of the project.

"I think it's a very plain building and not very attractive. I would like to see something done about that. And I don't care for the elevation," said planning commission chairman Lawrence Haber, who said he felt the building's windows "gave the hotel the appearance of something akin to an army barracks.

This is on M-5, with thousands of cars going by it every day, and it just doesn't look right to me."

Bacall said he was willing to make changes to the plan to accommodate the township's wishes, but noted he also must stay within the design requirements of the Marriott chain.

"I'm trying to find some leeway," he said.

Mike Powell, of Powell Engineering, which is overseeing the design of the project, said he was working to make the project more appealing to residents in Commerce Township, but the building elevation is a concern, as a

WESTEND

"flatter" roof, which would lower the height of the building, "had a negative response from Marriott."

Commerce Township planner Kathleen Jackson said a revised site plan that included a lower elevation of the building was presented and approved by the planning commission on Aug. 12. An exact starting date for construction wasn't known.

“Usually when they are coming through in August, they want to put shovels in the ground soon after,” she said.

Bacall, who also owns the Hampton Inn adjacent to the proposed Marriott hotel, was approved to build a $4.6 million Marriott near Great Lakes Crossing by Auburn Hills officials last month, where he also owns a Hampton Inn and Holiday Inn Express.

Haber said the shape and size of the site makes the design of the project challenging.

"We are trying to put a size 11 foot into a size nine shoe," he said.

Michelle Spencer, vice president at Powell Engineering, said the plan provides for adequate parking at both hotels. She also said the project meets the township's extensive landscape ordinance, and different finishes such as brick and wood were used in the design to make the building more appealing. "(Planning commissioners) like to see finishes looking nice and consistent with what they want to see in the future, and they want to see it fit nicely with the surrounding ordinances," she said. "(The site) is a somewhat triangular shape, so it has no side yard.

The setbacks were a little difficult to work around and we had to combine them with the Hampton Inn site."

Planning commission member Bill McKeever said the look of the originally proposed building didn't appear homey to him from the exterior plans. Haber recommended Bacall return to the planning commission on Aug. 12 after going before the township's zoning board on Aug. 8, and working with the township planning department and Marriott officials to make changes to the site plan, which Bacall complied with.

"We would like to see it come back next week, and we would like to see something over the windows," Haber said, suggesting an awning or canopy may give the proposed hotel a more welcoming look. "Also, can you clean up the windows on the Hampton? I drove by the other day and think you got away with one there. The building was too high, and there's an extra floor. Could you spruce that up a little with something on the windows?"

The zoning board of appeals gave approval on August 8.

09.13

EDUCATION Voters to decide school bond

By Kevin Elliott

A plan to address and improve safety, security and technology issues over the next two years at the Walled Lake Consolidated School District are being tied to a $67.5 million bond issue that will be decided by voters in the November 5 general election.

Walled Lake School Board members on Thursday, August 22, approved placing the Safety, Security and Technology Bond on the November 5 election ballot. The proposal, if approved, would generate about $67.5 million, with an average .99 mills, for not more than 30 years, and .78 mills during the first year, according to Judy Evola, director of marketing and public relations for the district.

“The average millage over the life of the bonds is expected to be .99 mill, which would mean a cost of $99 per year for a $200,000 home,” Evola said.

“That's less than $2 per week.”

Walled Lake Superintendent Kenneth Gutman said approval of the proposed bond would allow the district to complete the third and final phase of a plan to provide additional safety and security to students and staff at each of the district's schools. Safety, security and technology initiatives included in the bond are comprehensive video surveillance systems; entrance and office modifications in all of the district's schools; keyless entrance systems throughout the district; upgrading of the fire alarms and creating mass notification systems; purchase of emergency backup generators and emergency lighting upgrades; developing emergency responder signage; replacing the district's phone and master clock systems; performing essential technology upgrades in all of the schools and classrooms; continuing the district's bus and transportation facility; as well as other needed specific repair and renovation projects.”

The proposed bond couldn't be used for general operating budget expenses, salaries or benefits, or anything other than what is listed in the bond application, as submitted to the state of Michigan.

Gutman said the first two phases of the three-tiered safety, security and technology plan included hiring door monitors and locking all doors at buildings to ensure all people entering the schools are identified, as well as installing entrance intercom systems in all the schools, were done westendmonthly.com

this past school year. The intercom system was funded by proceeds from the district's Sinking Fund, and was performed over the summer.

Walled Lake Schools recall most teachers More than a dozen teachers with the Walled Lake Consolidated School District who had received layoff notices after the end of the last school year were recalled on July 17, with 16 more teachers in various positions brought back at the Aug. 22 school board meeting, district spokeswoman Judy Evola said.

The school board approved layoff notices on June 13 for 53 teachers as part of what the district termed its “annual layoff.” Evola said in June that the district does layoffs annually to make adjustments based on anticipated student population and needs, which she said fluctuate each year. She said the district was expected to have about 303 fewer students during the 20132014 school year than the previous year.

The school board laid off 103 teachers prior to the start of the 2012-13 school year at an April 26, 2012 meeting, with all needed teachers being recalled by Sept. 6, 2012.

School district hires new administrators

By Kevin Elliott

The Walled Lake Consolidated School District has hired a new principal at Commerce Elementary and assistant principal at Walled Lake Northern High School.

Christina Carlin, who previously taught with the West Bloomfield School District for more than a decade, was hired on July 18 as the principal at Commerce Elementary. Marci Augenstein, who previously worked as a school principal in northern Michigan, started as assistant principal at Walled Lake Northern High School on July 1.

Augensten said she will be responsible for assisting with teacher evaluations and student discipline, as well as other duties to be determined in the coming weeks during meetings with other school administrators.

“I'm ready for the kids to come back and dive right into the job,” she said.

“I've had a warm and amazing welcome.”

Augenstein said she's believes in open communication, which may be facilitated with new technology and social media.

“Kids are so in touch with technology. I see a shift in administrators right now that they are more open minded to use social media to communicate with students,” Augenstein said. “That's a primary mode of communication with teenagers today. I think that's a shift in education and something I'm learning more about daily.”

Augenstein taught English and German at Grand Blanc High School for nine years, and served as principal at the K-12 Bear Lake School in northern Michigan. She has two bachelor's degrees, a master's degree in curriculum and teaching, an education specialist degree in administration and a doctorate in educational leadership.

Carlin, a native of Oakland County, most recently served as the reading specialist at Scotch Elementary School in the West Bloomfield School District where she taught second and third grades.

“Being in a neighboring district for so long, I heard constantly about the innovation and high achievement of Walled Lake,” she said.

Carlin said she's excited to join the district and continue a tradition of success at Commerce Elementary School. She holds a bachelor's degree, two master's degrees, as well as certifications as a building reading specialist and as a Reading Recovery specialist.

“Ms. Carlin and Dr. Augenstein bring a variety of experiences in educational leadership that will benefit the Commerce and Northern School communities,” Walled Lake Consolidated Schools Superintendent Ken Gutman said.

“Their clear passion for student learning and natural inclination to be inclusive in their thinking make them an excellent fit for Walled Lake Schools.”

WESTEND

CONNECT with the world’s most POWERFUL travel search engine…

SIGN UP TODAY Get the latest news online from the leading news organization for the Commerce, Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake and Union Lake areas.

Go to westendmonthly.com and register to receive our weekly and breaking news updates from the local area's best website.

WESTEND COMMERCE • WALLED LAKE • WOLVERINE LAKE • UNION LAKE

Member of Downtown Publications

248.792.6464

8101 Commerce Road – Suite A Commerce Township, MI 48382 Phone: 248.360.4940 Fax: 248.360.5799 www.travelleaders.com/travelplus SERVING ALL YOUR TRAVEL NEEDS SINCE 1973!

41

FACES

Michael Grosvenor

T

hrough a series of coincidences and much conviction, Michael Grosvenor has lent his expertise in marketing and promotions to the alternative rock sensation, The Verve Pipe, for over a decade.

“The initial connection to The Verve Pipe began in high school. My freshman year at Walled Lake Central, Doug Corella was the percussion instructor for the marching band,” he said. At the time, Corella was also the keyboard player for The Verve Pipe, a then little known rock band from Michigan. “By 1995, (The Verve Pipe) had gotten so much national attention; they were signed to a label. Away (Corella) went. Their album came out a year-and-a-half later. It was so funny to see my old teacher on MTV.” Grosvenor went on to study recording engineering at Full Sail University in Florida and worked for four years at Columbia Records and Sony Music in marketing and promotions.

Grosvenor assisted in the promotions and marketing efforts for musical talents such as Five For Fighting, Bob Dylan, Aerosmith and Beyonce.

“I didn’t get a chance to meet a lot of the artists, but some I did. John Mayer was a guy who impressed me by being able to remember my name.

His career had shot quite upward since I met him, but he still remembered my name.”

A fan of Billy Joel and Liberty DeVitto, Joel’s longtime drummer, Grosvenor met and befriended DeVitto through a fan letter that evolved into an e-mail dialogue. “(DeVitto) asked if I would be interested in coming and checking out one

of their rehearsals. I was floored,” Grosvenor said. “The rehearsal was at his house. It took me forever to actually process that I was going over to my musical idol’s house.” The two bonded instantly and remain friends today.

In 2001, Grosvenor came home to Michigan for Christmas. He and a friend went to see The Verve Pipe in concert while he was in town.

“I saw Doug (Corella) in the lobby,” he said. “We struck up a short conversation. I told him I had just started working for Columbia Records.

He invited me to meet Donny Brown, their drummer. (Brown) was so intrigued that I knew Liberty (DeVitto). That’s how it all started. It’s all been strange timing, coincidence and luck.”

Grosvenor soon began working for the band and today, he continues to tour with The Verve Pipe. He sells merchandise and handles social media and promotions for the band. He has moved back to Michigan with his wife, Jenny. He also started his own company called Grove Marketing & Media, which focuses on social media, marketing and graphic design.

Grosvenor is far from the boy who would run the streets of Village Acres subdivision in White Lake where he frequented the popular nearby eatery, Circus Circus.

Regardless of his many achievements, his desire to aim higher continues.

“I’m always looking for more experiences and opportunities,” he said. “I always like to keep changing and growing. That’s something that will last forever.”

Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Laurie Tennent

E

xclusive Lakefront properties throughout Michigan

skbk.com

248.644.7000

A

rtfully uniting extraordinary properties with extraordinary lives.

Lake Michigan Frontage $2,975,000 Magnificent beach house is located on a wooded site with a gated enclave of only 8 lakefront homes - The Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor. Within walking distance of the pool, clay tennis courts, golf and ski slopes. High tech, GEO thermal heating and air conditioning. Right on Sleeping Bear Bay beach. Property features a walk out lower level with hot tub, sauna, steam shower, gym, living room and family room, guest bedroom and fireplace. Desirable year round family retreat is exquisitely maintained to perfection. 210046073 Presented by Mike Cotter

Heather Lake Frontage $1,299,900

Lake Huron Frontage $999,000

Gracious and elegant builder's home that has been meticulously maintained.

Features include two story great room, multiple fireplaces, two master suites (1st and 2nd floor), finished basement with bedroom and bath, full house generator, beautiful terrace with breathtaking views, lush landscaping and sandy beach. This is the best that Michigan living has to offer!

Four bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 213088243 Presented by Mia Bardy

Port Sanilac Lighthouse, Michigan's last privately owned and still operating Light House offered for sale for the first time in 85 years. Constructed in 1886, first lit in 1886 and continues today to guide vessels on Lake Huron. 59 foot double brick construction tower is attached to a three bedroom, 1.5 bath with family room, light keepers house. Immaculate mint condition. Own a piece of History!

212032183 Presented by Lee Embrey & David Busch

248.644.7000

skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

A

rtfully uniting extraordinary properties with extraordinary lives.

Augusta $2,399,000 Attention to detail in this Country Estate is an understatement. Walk into the grand entrance and foyer anchored by the warmth of the fireplace. This open floor plan home has all the amenities one would desire. Main floor master bedroom with a large master bath and walk in closet. Rough-cut pine paneled flooring, cedar and stone accents this Country Estate. A perfect entertainers paradise. Take in the scenery of the horses grazing, pool deck and the nature that surrounds. Indoor and outdoor riding arena, fourteen heated box stalls, heated observation room outfitted for entertaining. Four bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 213074129 Presented by Dan Gutfreund

Middle Straits Lake Frontage $944,900

Lake Oakland Frontage $895,000

Magnificent, light, airy six bedrooms, 4.5 baths, Country French home, 6,177 sq ft on three levels. Vaulted gourmet kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances. Entry level, new 5" hand-scraped hickory wood flooring. Three gas fireplaces, great room, den and 20 x 25 master bedroom suite, master bath with heated floors, walk-in marble shower. Finished lower level walkout has full kitchen, mahogany, Irish pub bar + two bedrooms. South exposure, 127' lake frontage.

Award winning Walled Lake schools. 213036575 Presented by RW Watson

Beautiful lakefront home with 210' of lake frontage with all of the updates and amenities. Beautifully finished walkout lower level, fabulous in ground private swimming pool with fiber optic lighting. Fabulous stone fireplaces. First floor master bedroom. Updated and ready to move in.

Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 213049806 Presented by Lee Embrey

skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

248.644.7000

A

rtfully uniting extraordinary properties with extraordinary lives.

Pine Lake Frontage $1,350,000 Spectacular lakefront home! Open and bright floor plan with floor to ceiling window views of a magnificent private lake, tiered deck and lush landscape. Gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite island and new cabinetry adjoining huge and bright breakfast room. Master suite with two walk in closets, gorgeous marble spa bath with steam shower and private balcony. Additional four bedrooms complete the second floor plus third floor bonus area. Private neighborhood park with swings and baseball diamond! 213049967 Presented by Renee Lossia Acho

Hummer Lake Frontage $689,000

Square Lake Frontage $629,000

Enjoy your own private fishing and golf on a 42 acre retreat. Brick two level Ranch with 5500 square feet including a private guest wing. Two great rooms with full wall fireplaces and walk out lower level with terraced gardens. Twelve acre private lake, two par three golf holes and 30 x 50 pole barn. Five bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 213076843 Presented by Beverly McCotter

Perfect lakefront property! Built in 2006 on Square Lake in Lake Orion, it has all the things to enjoy the water, great views and a beautiful home to relax and entertain. Colonial with three bedrooms and three half baths, formal dining room, great room with high ceilings and fireplace, hardwood floors, granite kitchen, stainless steel appliances, butlers pantry. First floor study, finished lower level walkout with full kitchen. Second floor laundry.

Full house generator. 213085599 Presented by Donna Barlow

248.644.7000

skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

FACES Steve Potter

A

rmy Colonel Steve Potter has proudly served his country for 21 years and is giving back to returning soldiers through Onward March, an organization that helps veterans become business owners.

“Soldiers are naturally suited to become entrepreneurs,” Potter said.

The idea for Onward March came to him after he assisted a returning soldier from Milford who was trying to reintegrate into the job market. Potter helped him start his own company.

“When I met him, he was struggling on a lot of different fronts,” Potter said. After guiding the young man, Potter began to see the veteran thrive and Onward March soon became his quest.

The non-profit offers business support, capital funding and assistance with marketing and branding. Onward March has largely been funded by Potter, who has personally donated time and resources. He hopes to inspire fellow Americans to join him in supporting veterans.

“I’d like to get others to infuse their resources into this initiative in order to make an impact statewide.”

Having witnessed the effects of war, Potter understands the challenges veterans face.

“Some (soldiers) may not be so prepared emotionally for (combat),” he said. “As a commander of a battalion, I sent two groups to Iraq. One was in Baghdad during the worst period of the conflict. We had three casualties.” As a result, “some were left with physical and emotional scars from what they saw,” he said.

“A lot of those solders have incredible resilience. But that is the totality of what the U.S. military is facing.”

Potter joined the military on Sept. 11, 1992, and he knew from a young age he was destined to serve his country.

“I would ask my parents to take me to the military store when I was 7 or 8 years old to buy military gear,” he said.

Potter’s grandfathers also served in the armed forces. Sadly, one grandfather lost his life in the Pacific during World War II. As a U.S. Ranger, Potter was a captain for the prestigious 82nd Airborne Division. He also served in Korea, Afghanistan and was sent to the Pentagon after 9/11 to provide antiterrorism and force-protection support.

Today, he is a traditional guardsman and a successful entrepreneur. In 2004, he founded Patriot Services Corporation, a security company located in Commerce Township.

“We have contracts with state government agencies, schools and the Department of Defense,” he said. “We handle both public and private sectors and work with emergency planning, training and testing.”

With his breadth of knowledge, Potter’s goal is to assist soldiers in pursuing business opportunities that can benefit them financially and emotionally.

The mentality he gained through the U.S. Army became instrumental in his own personal and professional achievements.

“I live my life according to the values that a soldier lives.

It’s been a great compass for me as a person,” he said. “All those values are things we all strive as humans to live up to.

Things like courage, respect and loyalty. These are great ways to structure the way you approach life.”

Story: Katey Meisner

Photo: Laurie Tennent

Expires 9-30-2013

PLACES TO EAT The Places To Eat for Westend is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The complete Places To Eat is available at westendmonthly.com and in an optimized format for your smart phone (westendmonthly.com/mobile), where you can actually map out locations and automatically dial a restaurant from our Places To Eat.

Amazing House Chinese Restaurant: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday–Friday, 3-10 p.m. No reservations. 1130 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.669.8896.

Anaam’s Palate: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2534 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.242.6326.

Applebees Neighborhood Grill: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 9100 Highland Road, White Lake, 48386. 248.698.0901.

Backyard Coney Island: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 49378 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.926.9508.

Bayside Sports Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 142 E. Walled Lake Drive, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.669.3322.

Biffs Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

3050 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.366.7400.

Big Boy Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Beer & Wine. 5834 Highland Road, Waterford, 48328. 248.674.4631.

Big Boy Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

800 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.624.2323.

Big Boy Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Beer & Wine. 7726 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.363.1573.

Billy’s Tip N Inn: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6707 Highland Road, White Lake Township, 48383. 248.889.7885.

Boon Kai Restaurant: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1257 S Commerce Road, Commerce, 48390.

248.624.5353.

Buffalo Wild Wings: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

5223 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.674.9464 Carino’s Italian Restaurant: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 500 Loop Road, Commerce Township, 48390.

248.926.5300.

Carrie Lee’s of Waterford: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

7890 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.666.9045.

Open Housest

Sept 21

• Free Samples • Demonstrations • Introduction of Fall Product Line Pre-book corporate or personal gift baskets in quantities of 5 or more and receive 10% off your entire order.

5 selections to choose from: • Executive Tower • Cupcake Trio • All-American Chocolate Sampler • Cookie Trays • Chocolate & Pastry Platter

Trifles Specialty Cakes * Cupcakes * Chocolate 6585 Commerce Rd. W. Bloomfield 248.698.1800

www.triflescakes.com

Limited Time Offer Ends September 30, 2013

Not valid with any other offer. Cannot be used in conjunction with Costco Andiamo Gift Cards.

westendmonthly.com

WESTEND

49

Casey’s Sports Pub & Grill: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1003 E West Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.669.5200.

China Garden: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. 49414 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.8877.

China House: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 901 Nordic Drive, White Lake Township, 48386.

248.889.2880.

China King: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 4785 Carroll Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48390.

248.363.9966.

China Queen: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1130 E Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.669.8896.

CJ’s Brewing Company: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

8115 Richardson Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.366.7979.

Coffee Time Café: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

1001 Welch Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.624.0097.

Coyote Grille: American. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 1990 Hiller Road, West Bloomfield, 48324. 248.681.6195.

Dairy Queen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 10531 Highland Road, White Lake, 48386.

248.698.2899.

Daniel’s Pizza Bistro: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2510 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382.

248.363.7000.

Dave and Amy’s: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

9595 Highland Road, White Lake, 48386. 248.698.2010.

Dave’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations.

901 Nordick Drive, White Lake, 48383.

248.889.3600.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit: Barbecue. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 4825 Carroll Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.360.4055.

Dobski’s: American, Polish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6565 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.363.6565.

Eddie’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

1749 Haggerty Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.960.1430.

El Mariachi Mexican Restaurant: Mexican.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

602 N Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.926.6180.

El Nibble Nook: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations for 6 or more. Liquor.

2750 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield, 48323. 248.669.3344.

El Patio Mexican Restaurant: Mexican.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

7622 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.666.5231.

Five Guys Burgers & Fries: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 5134 Highland Road, 48327. 248.673.5557.

Gest Omelets: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily until 4 p.m. No reservations.

50

39560 W 14 Mile Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.926.0717.

Golden Chop Sticks: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 47516 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393.

248.960.3888.

Grand Aztecha: Mexican: Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6041 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.669.7555.

Greek Jalapeno: Greek, Mexican. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

6636 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.363.3322.

Green Apple Restaurant: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 7156 Cooley lake Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.366.9100.

Haang's Bistro: Chinese/Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 225 E Walled Lake Drive, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.926.1100.

Highland Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 7265 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.666.8830.

Highland House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2630 E. Highland Road, Highland, 48356.

248.887.4161.

Highland House Café: American, Pizza.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

10719 Highland Road, White Lake, 48386. 248.698.4100.

Hong Kong Express: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 5158 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.673.7200.

It’s a Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390.

248.360.4150.

Jennifer’s Café: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 4052 Haggerty Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.360.0190.

Jenny’s Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

1186 E West Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.669.8240.

Kennedy’s Irish Pub: Irish/American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

1055 W Huron Street, Waterford, 48328.

248.681.1050.

L George’s: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1203 S Commerce Road, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.960.5700.

Leo’s Coney Island: American/Greek.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6845 Highland Road, White Lake, 484386. 248.889.5361.

Leo’s Coney Island: American/Greek.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 4895 Carroll Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382.

248.366.8360.

Leo’s Coney Island: American/Greek.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2210 Teggerdine, White Lake, 48386. 248.779.7085.

Leon’s Food & Spirits: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 29710 S. Wixom Road, Wixom, 48393. 248.926.5880.

Lion’s Den: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 4444 Highland Road, Waterford, 48328. 248.674.2251 Lulu’s Coney Island: Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

1001 Welch Road, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.669.1937.

Maria’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323.

248.851.2500.

Mexico Lindo: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6225 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.666.3460.

Mezza Mediterranean Grille: Mediterranean.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

1001 Welch Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.926.2190.

Moonlight Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1123 E West Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.859.5352.

Nick & Toney’s: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday; Sunday until 3 p.m. No reservations. 9260 Cooley Lake Road, White Lake, 48386.

248.363.1162.

North Szechuan Empire: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39450 W. 14 Mile Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.960.7666.

On The Waterfront: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 8635 Cooley Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.363.9469.

Panera Bread: Bakery, Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

5175 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.618.0617.

Pepino’s Restaurant & Lounge: Italian.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations.

Liquor. 118 W Walled Lake Drive, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.624.1033.

Red Lobster: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 479 N Telegraph Road, Waterford, 48328.

248.682.5146.

Red Robin: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 3003 Commerce Crossing, Commerce Township, 48390.

248.926.2990.

Root Restaurant & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd, White Lake, 48386. 248.698.2400.

Rudy’s Waffle House: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

674 N Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.669.7550.

Samuri Steakhouse: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7390 Haggerty Road, Wet Bloomfield, 48322.

248.661.8898.

Shark Club: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6665 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.666.4161.

SIAM Fushion: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 6845 Highland Road, White Lake Township, 48386.

248.887.1300.

Siegel’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3426 E

WESTEND

West Maple Road, Commerce Township, 48390. 248.926.9555.

Sizzl in Subs & Salads: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2051 N Road, Wixom, 48393.

Wixom 248.960.0009.

Swasdee Thai Restaurant: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6175 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.926.1012.

Sweet Water Bar & Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

7760 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.363.0400.

Taqueria La Casita: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 49070 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393.

248.926.1980.

Thai Kitchen: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 7108 Highland Road, Waterford, 48327. 248.886.0397.

The Lake’s Bar & Grill: American. Lunch, TuesdaySunday; Dinner daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2528 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382.

248.366.3311.

The Library Pub: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6363 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.896.0333.

TJ’s Sushi & Chinese Restaurant: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 8143 Commerce Road, Commerce Township, 48382.

2484.363.3388.

Town Lake Family Restaurant: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. 1186 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.669.7550.

Uptown Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 3100 West Maple Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.960.3344.

Village Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

1243 N Commerce Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248. 366.3290.

Volare Risorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 49115 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771.

VR Famous Fried Chicken: American, Cajun. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 47520 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.926.6620.

Walled Lake Coney Island & Pizza: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 1203 Commerce Road, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.624.8531.

White Palace: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6123 Haggerty Restaurant, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.313.9656.

Wilson’s Pub n Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2256 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township, 48382. 248.363.1849.

Wonton Palace: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 5562 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, 48327.

248.683.5073.

Woody’s Café: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 235 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, 48390.

248.624.4379.

09.13

Taste of the Lakes

IT'S SIMPLE

September 26, 2013 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Visit the website for Westend and sign up for our weekly news alerts and/or “like us” on Facebook and your name will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift certificate for Volare Ristorante in Wixom.

Drawing will take place in early September and names of winners will be published in our October issue.

Fourteen people will be chosen from all those who have “liked us” or signed up. (Yes, you can do both and increase your chances of winning.)

JOIN US AT

Edgewood Country Club 8399 Commerce Rd. Commerce, MI 48382 - CASH BAR -

Enjoy Great Food From Local Restaurants & Help Our Communities Youth & Families Alex's Pizzeria & Bar Applebee's Neighborhood Grille Baker's Loaf Big Boy Restaurant CAYA Smoke House Grill CJ's Brewing Co. Cold Stone Creamery Cooley Lake Inn Daniel's Pizza Bistro Dicky’s Barbeque Pit Edgewood Country Club Edible Arrangements Fiesta Fajita Great Harvest Bread Co. Happy's Pizza Ninos Italian Bakery The Melting Pot Tim Horton's Uptown Grille Volare Ristorante Willson's Pub 'n Grill

LIKE US Facebook.com/westendmonthly.com

SIGN UP For our weekly e-mail newsletter notification of news for the lakes area. www.westendmonthly.com Lower right corner of our home page.

WIN If your name is chosen in our drawing in early September, you will receive a $50 Gift Certificate for Volare Ristorante in Wixom.

RAFFLE SILENT AUCTION DOOR PRIZE

(P.S. If you have already “liked us” or signed up at our website in the last few months, your name will automatically be added to the drawing)

40” Toshiba LED HDTV

$25 Per Ticket in advance $30 At The Door TICKETS NOW AVAILABLE AT:

WESTEND

LAYA (Lakes Area Youth Assistance) 248-956-5070 - 615 N. Pontiac Trail

WEST OAKLAND. WE KNOW IT BEST.

Commerce Twp 248-624-0110 - 2009 Township

MEMBER OF DOWNTOWN PUBLICATIONS

Village of Wolverine Lake 248-624-1710 - 425 Glengary Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available

westendmonthly.com

WESTEND

51

(248) 681-8500 (248) 553-5050 EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

NEW TREND

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

visit www.TheMichaelTeam.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS - $3,499,000 SPECTACULAR 15,000 SQ. FT. ESTATE HOME ON 3.4 ACRES W/ INGROUND POOL, TENNIS COURT, FIN WALKOUT.

CALL

BOGIE LAKE - $775,000 LAKEFRONT CUSTOM NEWER BUILT HOME W/ WALKOUT SPECTACULAR 1 ACRE ON MAIN LAKE, SECLUDED PENINSULA

CALL

OXFORD-SQUAW LAKE - $970,000 MAGNIFICENT LAKEFRONT CONTEMPORARY ON ALL SPORTS LAKE SOARING CEILINGS, 2 KITCHENS, FIN WALKOUT

CALL

BLOOMFIELD HILLS - $1,999,000 FABULOUS 2010 BUILT CUSTOM HOME W/ FIN WALKOUT EXTENSIVE MARBLE, GRANITE, LOADED W/ UPGRADES

CALL

ORCHARD LAKE - $599,000 CUSTOM HOME ON OVER 1 ACRE W/ FINISHED WALKOUT & INGROUND POOL. UPPER STRAITS LAKE PRIVILEGES.

CALL

FRANKLIN - $2,100,000 OUTSTANDING FRANKLIN ESTATE ON 2.58 ACRES W/ POOL, KOI POND, WATERFALL

CALL

BLOOMFIELD HILLS - $1,650,000 GORGEOUS CUSTOM HOME ON 1 ACRE WOODED LOT ON CUL-DE-SAC WITH FINISHED WALKOUT.

CALL

WALNUT LAKE - $1,999,000 SPECTACULAR WALNUT LAKEFRONT CONTEMPORARY 1.5 ACRES, 197 FT. FRONTAGE

CALL

WOLVERINE LAKE - $699,000 SPECTACULAR LAKEFRONT CONTEMPORARY WITH PRIME MAIN LAKE VIEWS & FINISHED WALKOUT

CALL

FARMINGTON HILLS - $795,000 CUSTOM HOME IN PRESTIGIOUS SUB. 1ST FLR MASTER, FINISHED WALKOUT

CALL

UPPER LONG LAKE - $995,000 UPPER LONG LAKEFRONT WALKOUT BUILD SITE IN PRESTIGIOUS TURTLE LAKE GATED COMMUNITY

CALL

CASS LAKE - $1,875,000 CUSTOM CASS LAKEFRONT W/ MAIN LAKE VIEWS, 100 FT. FRONTAGE, FINISHED WALKOUT

CALL

CLARKSTON - $1,100,000 GATED PRIVATE 7+ ACRE ESTATE W/ PRIV POND & POOL CUSTOM HOME W/ $10,000+ SQ FT. OF LIV SPACE, FIN WALKOUT.

CALL

BUSINESS MATTERS Middle eastern cuisine Tired of the same old burgers and fries?

The options have expanded in Walled Lake with Waly Said’s decision to enter the restaurant business last September and open Moonlight Mediterranean Cuisine at 1123 E. West Maple, which is helping to give Walled Lake some new flavor. “I picked Walled Lake because I felt it was a good idea to introduce Mediterranean food to an area full of fast food restaurants, which is working very good,” Said said. The business will celebrate its one-year anniversary on September 15. Said said the restaurant specializes in whole lamb, with popular dishes including chicken shawarma, fattoush salad, and raw juices. Orders are available for dine-in, carry out and delivery.

20 years of pediatrics On August 1, physicians Geetha Nair, Amy Kowalski and Stacey Gorman celebrated 20 years of partnership at St. Joseph Mercy Oakland’s Union Lake Pediatrics, 2360 Union Lake Road. The practice, which has actually been in operation for 25 years, is an SJMO Physician Network practice focusing on preventative care, while educating families and children about how to be and stay healthy.

Gorman earned her medical degree at the Wayne State University School of Medicine and completed her residency at Children’s Hospital of Michigan.

Kowalski received her MD degree from the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, and completed her residency at William Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak. Dr. Nair earned her MD degree at Bangalore University Medical College in Bangalore, India, and completed her residency at Kosair Children’s Hospital at the University of Louisville, Ky.

300 Bowl anniversary Larry Crake was running the pro shop inside Waterford’s 300 Bowl, 100 S. Cass Lake Road, when he and his brother, Garry, got the chance to buy the bowling alley and start their family business. “The rest is history,” Crake said in August, when the landmark business marked its 50-year anniversary at the location.

While the bowling alley has been through several changes in its history – including adding new lanes, equipment and changing from wood to plastic floors – Crake said the atmosphere of the family-run business has remained the same. Many bowling alleys throughout the nation have closed shop in the past westendmonthly.com

two decades, but strong support from league bowlers and the community have helped maintain 300 Bowl. “It’s a familyrun operation,” Crake said, listing at least a half-dozen family members that work at the business. “I’m here every day, and that makes a big difference. It’s like a ‘Cheers’ atmosphere when people come in, everyone knows their name.”

Crake said the business is wellequipped to continue operations in the future. All of the business’s 52 lanes were changed from wood to plastic about 15 years ago, reducing the amount of sanding needed and dust produced from maintenance, and extending the life of the lanes for several decades.

Automatic scoring, lane equipment and other modern facilities were added years ago. Most recently, the business added high-definition televisions to all of the lanes so bowlers can watch sports or other events between frames. “We will continue to keep up with the latest trends,” Crake said.

DON'T MISS AN ISSUE

Real Green Analytics Most homeowners might not see the link between pest control and software programs, but an application recently developed by Shelton Analytics and Walled Lake-based Real Green Systems, 8601 Boulder Court, may help pest control businesses improve operations and reduce their liability. Joe McPhail, vice president of operations and coowner of Real Green, said the mergedpartner company — Real Green Analytics — which will help businesses with employee management and keep track of training.

McPhail said Real Green partner Joe Kucik met Donnie Shelton at a recent trade show and was impressed with the analytics software. Real Green has since purchased 50 percent of Shelton Analytics to form the new partnership. Shelton will spearhead the enterprise as CEO of Real Green Analytics. Analytic and training tools offered by Real Green Analytics include Inbound marketing functions, such as search engine optimization, social media marketing and other tools; training and project management software applications; ServiceNet, a company intranet to store company information; ServiceUniversity, which retains training records; and BackOffice, which gives a view of performance of employees and manager reviews, while tracking training courses and other operations.

Business Matters for the west Oakland area are reported by Kevin Elliott. Send items for consideration to KevinElliott@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

WESTEND

If you're not among the over 24,000 homes receiving Westend by mail each month, then make sure you receive the lakes area's most popular publication by taking a subscription to keep up with what is happening in the area.

Go to www.westendmonthly.com and look for 'subscriptions' in the home page index.

Follow the instructions and purchase your subscription online for $12 for one year.

It's that simple.

Don't be left out.

WESTEND WEST OAKLAND. WE KNOW IT BEST. MEMBER OF DOWNTOWN PUBLICATIONS

53

ENDNOTE

Fracking doesn't belong in Oakland County

T

hose of us who live and enjoy Oakland County find numerous reasons why we cherish the county, from its efficient county government, well-maintained communities, parks, golf courses, and especially, its numerous lakes and waterways. We boat and jet ski, fish, sail and row, erect homes on their shores, and relax as we treasure both the public and private lakes in Oakland County.

Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes; according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, in Oakland County, there are 164 lakes, from Alderman Lake in Milford to Wormer Lake in Waterford. The key objective with every one of the lakes, rivers and streams in the county is their environmental preservation.

There are many environmental threats to our lakes, from pesticides and runoff to climate change. Some we can control, and some are beyond our powers. Preventing the introduction of fracking, or hydraulic fracturing, is a critical step for those who want to preserve the sensitive environment of Oakland County.

Fracking is a way of tapping a reservoir to allow oil or gas to flow back to the surface, or completing a well, after the initial wellhole has been drilled. The method uses high-pressured water mixed with sand and chemicals to crack the layers of rock surrounding the oil or gas reservoir.

When the reservoir is fractured, sand remains in the cracked rock, holding it open and allowing gas or oil to pass through and reach the surface. More

traditional “cased-hole” techniques complete the drilling process by drilling several small holes, or perforations, in the rock to allow the gas or oil to reach the surface. While fracking may produce more oil and economic reward, the process poses a potential risk to a region's ground and surface water, as well as other environmental resources.

To date, fracking hasn't been used in any Oakland County oil and gas developments.

Leases from oil and gas companies to mineral rights on public and private land can be quite lucrative as they're paid on a per-acre basis, plus a percentage of royalties if a well becomes productive and profitable. Many local communities which have permitted leases on mineral rights on old wells have no fracking guarantee clauses. A key understanding with drilling is that not only can they go straight down for several miles, but once they are below ground, they can go horizontally over to other areas, underground.

Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash said he and many residents in the county are greatly concerned about oil and gas development, particularly the possibility of fracking. Nash started conducting a series of town hall meetings in September 2012 to raise awareness and education about oil and gas drilling.

“Fracking is the most obtrusive,” Nash said. “It uses an insane amount of freshwater that has to disappear from the hydrological cycle. It's a much

more dangerous operation, to me, by far. The traditional shallow (drilling) has been going on for decades, and that has it's own problems.”

Depending on the fracking operation, the amount of fresh water needed during the operation may range from 50,000 gallons to more than 20 million gallons – or the size of a mile-long Olympic pool. Withdrawal of water for oil and gas operations is exempt from Michigan's Natural Resources Environmental Protection Act, which regulates water withdrawals from natural water aquifers in the state. Instead, the MDEQ requires well operators to perform a water withdrawal impact assessment.

Nash points out that even if it's not technically fracking, the operations being done are intrusive to Oakland County's communities, and could have a large economic impact if any drilling were to spill into a river or a lake. Take for example, the Enbridge oil pipeline spill in Talmadge Creek in July 2010. The Kalamazoo River is still being cleaned up, with the EPA finding more and more environmental problems as a result of the spill.

Besides environmental spills to our waterways, fracking and well drilling can release harmful vapors that can escape the area around a wellhead, causing respiratory problems among residents. The increase in heavy truck traffic can stress local infrastructures.

Protecting our environment, both natural and man made, is paramount. Fracking, and its derivatives, don't belong in Oakland County.

City marijuana dispensary moratorium

W

alled Lake City Council, after a lengthy debate at their recent meeting on August 20, unanimously passed the resolution for a 120-day moratorium on the city's ordinance that permits the licensing of medical marijuana dispensaries following a recommendation from Walled Lake City Manager Dennis Whitt on the heels of a law enforcement raid on a local dispensary.

The reality is, city leaders may not have much of a choice. Licensing of medical marijuana dispensaries became more questionable in February 2013 when the Michigan Supreme Court ruled that current state law did not provide for person-to-person sales of medical marijuana, which is often what takes place at a dispensary, and upheld a lower court ruling that a dispensary can be considered a public nuisance.

Although the court did not call for the closing of dispensaries, the ruling had the same chilling effect and many did close.

Upon hearing the state Supreme Court's ruling, Michigan attorney general Bill Schuette told the media that the court's ruling “empowers county prosecutors across the state to shut down remaining dispensaries that sell marijuana as they now qualify as a public nuisance.”

In November 2008, voters throughout the state of Michigan overwhelmingly approved, by a 63 percent vote, a proposal called the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, to allow for the legal use and dispensation of medical marijuana. Although still against federal law, which the sheriff used as his logic in the recent local raid, most states which have approved medical marijuana are ignoring the federal prohibition and are going with voters' wishes.

Schuette, elected to his job in 2010, actively campaigned against the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act's approval and, since he has become attorney general, has waged an all-out

assault against growers, distributers and now patients who use medical marijuana, ruling recently that cops who return patients' individual medical marijuana to them can be prosecuted. While we recognize and support the public's wishes for the medicinal use of marijuana, Schuette and many state legislators, as well as Oakland County law enforcement and prosecutors have been activists in working against compassionate use of this drug.

Against this background, Walled Lake city leaders may have little choice but to acquiesce and stop issuing licenses to dispensaries. While Walled Lake leaders may know the difference between dispensing medical marijuana in compliance with voters' wishes and large scale drug operations, it seems Schuette and the Oakland County Sheriff's Office unfortunately do not - a real loss for both the city and voters who have already spoken.

A house. A school. The nearest grocery store. And a teacher with the best green eggs and ham...

When it is time to buy, let us do your “Home� work Call Today at 248-360-9100 Representing buyers and sellers throughout Southeast Michigan.

Search the entire MLS at www.Century21Today.com CENTURY 21 Today, Inc | 6611 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48324