Reader's Choice - 2012 by Midland Daily News

Page 2 | Midland Daily News

Lalonde’s takes gold in deli category By Steven Griffin for the Daily News

Photo for the Daily News by Steve Griffin

Scott MacNellis poses in the deli department of his store, LaLonde’s Market on Jefferson Avenue and Sugnet Road.With the LaLonde’s Market on Bay City at Saginaw Road, it won first place in the Daily News Reader’s Choice “Best Deli” category.

The word ‘delicatessen,’ according to the New World Dictionary, comes from the French delicatesse, French for fine food or a delicacy, especially a cooked meat, smoked fish, cheese, salad or relish. The ‘essen’ ending is thought to have come from German, denoting a place. A delicatessen or deli, then, is the place you go to obtain fine foods, delicacies. Daily News readers say that’s LaLonde’s Markets; they gave the two stores – distinctive personalities with a shared, familyderived philosophy — a gold medal in the deli category. Deli, though, is just one leg in what Scott MacNellis, who became part of the LaLonde See “Lalonde’s,” Page 3

Reader’s Choice winner year after year!

IRCLE QUALITY SHOE STORE BILL & PAT KUEHNE Apples Pears Caramel Apples Fresh Cider Pumpkins Cider Slush

2581 Wilder Rd. Midland, MI (989) 631-5694

Donuts Caramel Corn Fresh Made Honey Homemade Apple Butter NEW 2012: Cider Smoothie NEW 2012: Cookies by CRUMBS Craft Items

Thank you for voting us #1 Best Place to Buy Shoes year after year. We appreciate your business. OPEN: Mon.-Fri. 9-8 • Sat. 9-6

208 CAMBRIDGE ST. • 835-4853

Thank You For Your Vote!

Lawn Care Service G OLD MEDAL WINNER

We Sincerely Appreciate It!

Wallace Landscaping

Commercial & Residential Since 1985 Complete Landscaping Design & Installation

832-0737 4609 Dublin Ave • Midland

Specializing In: Brick Pavers Shrubs Retaining Walls Creative Landscape Designs Spring & Fall Clean-Up Landscape Mulch & Stone Snow Removal PROMPT • PROFESSIONAL

JULIE RATCLIFFE DESIGNER/OWNER

Thank you for voting for us!

www.designedbyjulie.biz 621 S. Saginaw Rd • Midland, MI 48640 Hours: M-F 10 am - 5 pm or by appointment

(989) 835-1200

Sunday, September 9, 2012 | Page 3

LaLonde’s offers lunch meats, and hearty salads and a personal touch Continued from Page 2

family when he wed Emily LaLonde, and who with her now owns the LaLonde’s store at Sugnet and Jefferson Roads, sees as distinctive lines he calls ‘perishables.” “Produce, deli, and seafood and meats, they’re what we call our ‘perishables triangle,’” said MacNellis, “and the display in our store is actually shaped in a triangle” presenting customers with a range of tasty items, many created in-house. And while he’s glad for the Reader’s Choice deli accolades, he said that his other perishables lines are created and presented the same way: “We take great pride in our quality and customer service. We insist on the highest and finest quality, at reasonable prices. It’s the same set of values: full service.” MacNellis said changing seasons are reflected in deli and other perishable offerings. “Right now, I’m changing my summer set (of products) to a fall set, in meat and deli and even produce. It’s

football season, so we have chilis and stews. Kids are back to school, so we emphasize our lunch meats and hearty salads. We give it all a personal touch.” “The overall philosophy of the store,” said MacNellis, “goes with every product, a common value system. And it’s all handed down from Charlie” LaLonde, who with his wife Joyce founded the store in 1958. That value system is shared with the Bay City Road store, which Charlie’s son Steve and Bill Albritton co-manage. The Bay City Road LaLonde’s Market specializes in its hot deli, what MacNellis calls “stick-to-your-ribs” foods popular with its lunch customers, 350 to 400 of them each day. “It’s done the same way, everything full-service.” Its location near The Dow Chemical Company and other plants and offices makes it a favorite with the lunch crowd Both stores also offer party trays featuring roll-ups, mini-sandwiches, sandwich builders, fruit and veggie trays and more. As the French might well say, delicatesse.

The Paper Place Thank you for choosing us ��

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THANK YOU, MIDLAND I appreciate your continued support and conﬁdence making me a Reader’s Choice winner for lawyer. I look forward to assisting you and your family.

ALTERATION SHOP Beth’s Alterations Alterations by Laura Lynn Alterations by Me Cheryl’s Alterations

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze Bronze

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze

AUTO BODY SHOP Northtown Collision Garber Chevrolet Jim Miller

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

AUTO DEALERSHIP Garber Chevrolet Feeny Chrysler, Dodge, Ram, Jeep Midland Ford

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

AUTO DETAILER Detail One Midland Ford Dirk Waltz

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

BAKERY The Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe Hamilton Pastries Meijer

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

BANK Chemical Bank Fifth Third Bank Wolverine Bank

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

BRACES Bailey Family Dental & Braces

1st

Gold

BREAKFAST SPOT Big Boy Bob Evans McDonald’s Restaurant

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

BUFFET Golden Buffet Pi’s Ponderosa

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

BUILDER Doug Cook - Cook’s Homes Ed Wallace - Wright Builders Yost Builders Gerace Construction Trevillian Construction John Long Clark Carpentry Mark Hickerson Cobblestone Homes Orvosh Builders Stan Clark Construction Don Varner Builders

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze

ATTORNEY Mike Carpenter Steve Durance Dan Duke Dick Handlon Mark Maddox Rick Lee Robert Bourne Todd Gambrell

Page 4 | Midland Daily News

BURGER Boulevard Rally’s Wendy’s

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

BUSINESS WITH FRIENDLY EMPLOYEES The Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe Grounds for a Better World Simmons Specific Chiropractic Clinic

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

CARAMEL APPLE Bayne’s Apple Valley Farms Apple Blossoms Orchard Connie’s Cakes Grounds for a Better World Heather and Holly Kroger Leamans Green Apple Barn Meijer Sid’s

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze

CARPET CLEANERS Bear Carpet Cleaning Ladies First Stanley Steemer

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

CAR REPAIR Auto Technicians Schneider’s Garage Jim Miller

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

CAR WASH Firehouse Fast Eddie’s Meijer

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

CARRYOUT Applebee’s Asian Express Pi’s

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

CATERER Shirlene’s Cuisine Catering by Rachel Bone Daddy’s Cafe American Molly’s Pat & Jerry’s Qdoba Shari’s Gourmet Dining

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze

CELL PHONE STORE Verizon Radio Shack Sprint

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

CHIROPRACTOR Simmons Specific Chiropractic Clinic Rodnick Chiropractic Clinic James Dorais

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

COOK/CHEF Dan James - Midland Country Club Ryan Westergard - Bennigan’s Andrew - Molly’s Dave - Bennigan’s Jess - Creek Grill Patrick - Midland Country Club

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze

CPA Dennis Hall Thomas Harms Fred Spiker Kevin Jajo Stuart Wilson

1st 1st 2nd 2nd 3rd

Gold Gold Silver Silver Bronze

Readers: He’s the right guy for a tough job By Cheryl Wade for the Daily News

No one likes the news that it’s time to get a mouth full of wires that will have to stay in or months. But Daily News readers say when a son or daughter needs braces, dentist Brian Bailey is mostly likely the one they prefer. Bailey Family Dental & Braces received the top rating in the newspaper’s Readers Choice contest for the best place to get braces. Dr. Brian Bailey is a general dentist rather than an orthodontist, but he has received much training in the techniques of braces and has been putting them into patients’ mouths for years. In fact, he said, helping patients get the most benefit from braces is his passion “because of the end result that it does for people. “I had braces for years,” he said. “I was all gnarly.” The effects of braces can make a difference in people’s job prospects, spouse prospects and self-esteem, he said. Orthodontists generally see four times as many patients for braces as Bailey does, he said. He believes his patients choose his dental practice because they like the way he follows them up during the process. “We’re really good buddies with them” during the 18-month-long experience with braces, he said. Bailey believes the wire material is one reason for patients’ satisfaction. He uses nickel titanium wiring

rather than stainless steel. “ I t ’s a v e r y m a l l e a b l e k i n d o f metal that has complete memory,” he said. “So it’s a lot more flexible to the teeth than the stainless steel is. It moves the teeth faster with a gentle, light force.” Nickel titanium costs about 10 times more than stainless steel, but the comfort level is huge, Bailey said. H e ’d a l wa y s wa n t e d t o b e a n orthodontist, but he was talked out of it. So he took part in a program taught by a University of Detroit professor. He received one-on-one and small-group training as he and his teacher would visit each other’s offices and work on cases. In one sense, braces work is one of the easier disciplines, Bailey said. “The assistant places the wires and can work so much in the mouth,” he said. “It’s more brain work than actually digging inside somebody’s mouth.” A thorough bonding of braces to the teeth is important. Since the 1970s dentists have etched the tooth so the wires can be bonded with a material that holds them fast, Bailey said. Bailey’s son, Ben, has followed in his father’s footsteps. He, too, has put serious study into the art and science of braces. Free-lance reporter Cheryl Wade may be reached at wadecher@msu. edu.

THANK YOU! G OLD MEDAL WINNER BEST PLACE TO BUY FRESH MEAT & PRODUCE

Jack’s Fruit Market

14 YEARS IN A ROW

Produce Dept. 835-9911 • 2000 S. Saginaw Rd. • Meat Dept. 835-7140

Sunday, September 9, 2012 | Page 5

Ben Bailey and Brian Bailey of Bailey Family Dental & Braces.

STEVEN SIMPKINS/Daily News

We would like to thank our patients and their families for voting us a Gold Medal Winner for Best Veterinarian. Connie Moll, DVM Janet Sherwood, DVM Sue Johnson-Wendt, DVM Ashley Elzerman, DVM Karen Mikols, DVM

1500 East Patrick Road

989-631-0220

• www.midlandanimalcl.com

CREDIT UNION Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union Wildfire Credit Union Members First Credit Union

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

CUP OF COFFEE Grounds for a Better World The Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe Big Boy

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

DELI Lalonde’s Subway Jimmy John’s

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

DENTIST Bailey Family Dental & Braces Dr. Carter Dr. Vansteenhouse

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

DESSERT The Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe Big Boy Texan Family Restaurant

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

DONUTS Dunkin’ Donuts Hamilton Pastries Tim Hortons

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

ELECTRICIAN Laframboise Electric Woodward Electric Blasy Electric Church Electric Veterans Electric Harbron Electric Valley Electric Select Electric Trombley Electric

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze

ETHNIC RESTAURANT Pi’s Genji’s China Palace

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

EYE CLINIC Midland Eye Associates Midland Eye Care Mid-Michigan Eye Care

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

FAMILY DOCTOR Dr. Sara Nadolski Dr. Vargas Dr. Lovell

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

FLOOD/WATER/FIRE CLEAN UP Paul Davis Bear Water Restoration Hammer Restoration

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

GOLF COURSE Currie Midland Country Club Sandy Ridge Forestview

1st 2nd 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Silver Bronze

GROCERY CASHIER Kroger Meijer Fruitland Market JoJo’s Walmart

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze

Page 6 | Midland Daily News

GYM/FITNESS CENTER Midland Community Center Smitty’s Snap Fitness

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

1st 2nd 2nd

Gold Silver Silver

3rd

Bronze

HOTEL Holiday Inn of Midland The H Hotel Midland Resort

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

ICE CREAM/YOGURT Dairy Queen Great Lakes Ice Cream Baskin Robbins

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

INSURANCE AGENT Ieuter Insurance Brian Holmes - A.S. Arbury Tom Johnson - State Farm

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

INVESTMENT COUNSELOR Professional Analysts LLC Ameriprise - Ben Dollard Hantz Financial - Jason Crockett Chemical Bank - Brenda Rajewski Struthers Financial - Clint Struthers Daniel J. Gavin Edward Jones - Luke Russell Edward Jones - Rick Frasier Hantz Financial - Jason Hall Edward Jones - Kevin Spencer Ralph Brazzo Sym Financial Wells Fargo

1st 2nd 2nd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze

JEWELER Jeanne Behmlander Kay’s Ginis Goldsmiths

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

KID-FRIENDLY RESTAURANT McDonald’s Bob Evans Big Boy

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

KITCHEN CABINETS LeBeau Cabinets Nowak Cabinets of Midland Designed by Julie

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

LANDSCAPER Reder Landscaping DeLisle Ron Kutchey Landscape & Irrigation Servinski Sod Service

1st 2nd 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Silver Bronze

LAWN CARE SERVICE Wallace Landscaping & Lawncare Servinski Sod Service Ron Kutchey Landscape & Irrigation

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

HEATING & AIR RP Carder Mechanical Reliable Plumbing & Heating Wild’s Plumbing & Heating Brubaker Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Fireplaces

LeBeau believes in communicating with customers, listening, too By Steve Griffin For the Daily News

EJ’s LeBeau’s business is cabinetry, but he says the key its success is something else: communication. LeBeau, owner of LeBeau Cabinets, said his staff listens closely to customer needs and expectations, and clearly explains the process of cabinet design, manufacturing and installation. The result? A second consecutive first place in “Best Place to Buy Cabinets” from Daily News readers. “If we’re all on the same page, things go smoothly,” said LeBeau designer Denise Thomas of the process of matching customers to the perfect cabinets for their kitchen, bath or entertainment center, or large or small commercial installations. LeBeau said it helps that his is both a manufacturer and a retailer. “If there’s a problem, we can usually take care of it right here. We have the expertise and the equipment, and we’re the last (cabinetmakers) in Midland with a full service business.” Describing the evolution of his business, the native Midlander said, “I’ve always built things.” While attending Kirtland Community College, he worked in the cabinet shop of Three Rivers Construction, at that time owned by his uncle, John Bartos. LeBeau earned a degree in aviation, but a love of the area and cabinetry drew him back to Three Rivers and in 1993, to open his own business, first housed in a 12- x 24-square-foot garage. He next rented a Sanford building and, in 1999, built a manufacturing facility on Eastman Road. LeBeau opened a retail showroom in

2001, and in 2007 bought his current building at 608 S. Saginaw Rd., in the Center City district. LeBeau’s wife Krista, a Bay County native, handles bookkeeping, assists the designers and provides a contact point for customers. Two designers complete the showroom staff; the manufacturing shop on North Eastman Road has a crew of four. The company provides design consultations and custom designs, including counter tops of granite, Corian, quartz and laminate; fixtures and lights. Cabinet brands also available include Dynasty, Omega and Diamond Cabinetry. LeBeau offers Delta, Kohler and Moen faucets, and sells and installs high-end home appliances from Sub-Zero, Wolf and Asko. Sometimes LeBeau handles installations, sometimes they provide cabinets for contractors to install. If cabinets are to be part of a larger project, LeBeau helps match customers to contractors. Communication with customers, LeBeau said, includes “lots of detailed (cost) breakdowns, so that people know what they’re paying for; people in the information age, want to know.” How does LeBeau explain back-toback Reader’s Choice wins? “We try to make sure that everyone is 100 percent satisfied.” Krista LeBeau said, “We send out a letter after each job is completed, thanking the customer and ask ing them to remember us in the future,” when considering more home improvements, or referring friends to the company.

Thank you for your votes! Midland’s Best...

Organic/Health - Gold Grocery Cashier - Silver Place to Buy Groceries - Gold Place to Buy Produce - Silver Caramel Apple - Bronze

Car Wash - Bronze Place to Buy Hearing Aid - Silver Place to Buy Meat - Bronze Place to Buy Pet Supplies - Bronze

7300 Eastman Ave. Midland 839-5900 www.meijer.com

Sunday, September 9, 2012 | Page 7

EJ LeBeau, owner of LeBeau Cabinets

STEVE GRIFFIN | for the Daily News

Dan Dan The Mattress MAN.com THANK YOU FOR YOUR VOTES! GOLD MEDAL WINNER

BEST PLACE TO BUY A MATTRESS 802 ASHMAN ST., MIDLAND • (989) 832-1866

LOCAL HARDWARE STORE Ace Hardware Gilroy’s Lowe’s

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

LOCALLY OWNED BUSINESS The Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe Grounds for a Better World Midland Sabourin’s Pharmacy

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

MASSAGE THERAPIST Doreen Herring - Rodnick Chiropractic Clinic Camile Gerace - Angel Heart Studio Rob Randall - Rodnick Chiropractic Clinic

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

MORTGAGE LENDER Scott Strouse - Prime Lending Mike Kahl - Glacier Financial Chemical Bank Wolverine Bank

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze Bronze

NURSERY/GARDEN STORE Lowe’s Roy Kutchey Greenhouse Home Depot Maple Hill

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze Bronze

NURSING HOME/ASSISTED LIVING Tendercare Bickford Stratford King’s Daughters

1st 2nd 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Silver Bronze

ORGANIC/HEALTH FOOD Meijer Nature’s Gift Organic Market Health Hut

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

PARTY SUPPLIES Paper Place Dollar Tree GFS

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

PASTOR/CHURCH L. Cecile Adams Mapleton United Methodist Church Father Pete - Blessed Sacrament Church Joel Stocker - Christian Celebration Center

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

PERSONAL/FAMILY COUNSELOR Dr. Tracey Allan Covenant Counseling Eric Ozkan Terri Stephenson

1st 2nd 2nd 2nd

Gold Silver Silver Silver

PET GROOMER Petsmart Midland Animal Clinic Zach’s Animal Pal Howl a Day Lori Blalock Marianne’s Pet Salon

1st 2nd 2nd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze

PHARMACY Midland Sabourin’s Pharmacy Rite Aid Walgreen’s

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

PHOTOGRAPHER Warner Photography Morley Portraiture Captured Photography Thomas Photography

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze Bronze

Page 8 | Midland Daily News

PIZZA Pizza Sam’s Jet’s Pizza Domino’s

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

PIZZA DELIVERY Jet’s Pizza Domino’s Pizza Sam’s

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

PLACE FOR HOME DECORATING Marshall’s Home Depot Lowe’s Amish Reflections Bed Bath & Beyond Design Within Godwin’s

1st 2nd 2nd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze

PLACE FOR OIL CHANGE Valvoline Fast Eddie’s Auto Technician

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

PLACE FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY Rodnick Chiropractic Clinic Physical Therapy Rehab In Home Rehab

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver

PLACE TO BUY CARPET/FLOOR Everett Carpet Supreme Floor Covering D&R Floor Covering Lowe’s

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze Bronze

PLACE TO BUY CHRISTMAS TREE Doumel Tree Farm Walmart Home Depot Roy Kutchey Greenhouse

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze Bronze

PLACE TO BUY A BICYCLE Ray’s Bike Shop Walmart Bicycle HQ

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

PLACE TO BUY A HEARING AID Miracle Ear Audio Rx Bieri Hearing Meijer

1st 2nd 2nd 2nd

Gold Silver Silver Silver

PLACE TO BUY A MATTRESS Dan Dan the Mattress Man Godwin’s

1st 2nd

Gold Silver

PLACE TO BUY FRESH FLOWERS Awesome Blossoms Smith’s Lil’ Pear Tree Kutchey’s Flowers

1st 2nd 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Silver Bronze

PLACE TO BUY FURNITURE Godwin’s Amish Reflections Stanley’s Furniture Aaron’s Denno’s Goodwill Industries Marshall’s

1st 2nd 2nd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze

Stepping Stones is named the best preschool By Angela E. Gambrel for the Daily News

Patience, love, and skill are the hallmarks of this Midland preschool and daycare. The 2012 Readers Choice for Best Preschool is Stepping Stones Preschool and Daycare. Stepping Stones opened in downtown Midland in 1984, and moved to its current location on Ashman Street 20 years ago. Stepping Stones provides preschool and day care for children ages 2 years and nine months old to 12 years old. Emily Squires is the owner and director. “When you see the kids happy and safe, and the parents have piece of mind. We know we are doing what we’re meant to do,” Squires said. Squires brought a lifelong love of children to the preschool. She earned a business degree at Saginaw Valley State University, and went back to school for early childhood development classes. “I started babysitting when I was 12 years old, and all the way through high school and college,” she said. “I just love being with kids,” she continued.

“I decided to look into day care, and this opportunity came along.” Stepping Stones has seven full- and part-time staff. The lead caregiver and lead teacher both have child development associate credentials. Squires said it takes someone with special qualities to work with children. “Someone who is outgoing,” she said. “Someone who is patient and kind.” Each day is different at Stepping Stones. The children learn through a combination of play and curriculum. The day includes playing and learning through puzzles, sensory items, computers, and arts and crafts, and more. The children also go on field trips, have lunch and snacks, and if younger, take naps. “We take pride in teaching them what they need to know to go to kindergarten, both academically and socially,” she said. “It is very important. It helps these kids be successful in school,” she continued. Stepping Stones prices vary according to See “Stepping Stones,” Page 9

Thank you for voting us the #1 Preschool! Providing over 20 years of quality childcare in Midland

Family Friendly Rates

• ENROLL NOW FOR THE 2012-2013 SCHOOL YEAR (33 MO.-12 YRS.) • 2s & 3s, 4s & Young 5s Preschool Classes • Before/After School Care and Transportation • Low Child/Teacher Ratios • Nutritious Meals Provided • Large, Shaded Playground •Fantastic Field Trips

2904 E. Ashman St. • Midland • Open 6 am - 6 pm M-F • 832-8588

Thank You! We appreciate your votes! CHIROPRACTOR Silver Medal Winner MASSAGE THERAPIST/LOCATION Doreen Herring - Gold Rob Randall - Bronze

Rodnick Chiropractic Clinic Midland • 4604 N. Saginaw Rd. • 989-832-5433

Saginaw • 6165 Bay Rd. • 989-792-7246 / Clare • 135 S. McEwan • 989-386-5437

Sunday, September 9, 2012 | Page 9

SEAN PROCTOR | photo@mdn.net

Students at the Stepping Stones Preshool and Daycare celebrate enjoy some time outdoors.

Stepping Stones named Reader’s Choice top preschool Continued from Page 8

what the family needs. Squires said she works with the family so they can afford quality day care and preschool. “Our goal has always been to be there for

the family,” she said. “We work with them to provide a quality program at a reasonable cost. For more information, call Squires at (989) 832-8588.

Thank you, Midland, for voting us one of your favorite Second Hand Shops. Midland County

1703 S. Saginaw (across from K-Mart) Mon - Fri 9 am - 5 pm, Sat 9 am - 2 pm Open until 6 pm on Thursday

(989) 835-6265

STOCK the ReStore - SHOP the ReStore

PLACE TO BUY GROCERIES Meijer Kroger Walmart

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

PLACE TO BUY KIDS’ CLOTHES Kohl’s Walmart Target

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

PLACE TO BUY MEAT Jack’s Fruit & Meat Market Lalonde’s Meijer

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

PLACE TO BUY PAINT Lowe’s Home Depot Ace Hardware Sherwin Williams

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze Bronze

PLACE TO BUY PET SUPPLIES Petsmart Soldan’s Meijer Walmart

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze Bronze

PLACE TO BUY PRODUCE Jack’s Fruit & Meat Market Meijer Farmers Market

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

PLACE TO BUY SHOES Circle Quality Shoes Kohl’s Payless

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

PLACE TO BUY TIRES Discount Tire Belle Tire Sears

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

PLACE TO GET PICTURES FRAMED Michael’s Hangups I’ve Been Framed

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

PLACE TO HAVE A BIRTHDAY PARTY The Gourmet Cupcake Shoppe McDonald’s Midland Community Center

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

PLACE TO WORSHIP Trinity Lutheran Church Blessed Sacrament Mapleton United Methodist Church

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

PRINT SHOP QRP McCreadie Sales MidMichigan Printex Rush

1st 2nd 2nd 2nd 2nd

Gold Silver Silver Silver Silver

1st

Gold

PLUMBER Big Randy Brubaker Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Fire Places Grosteffon Plumbing Reliable Plumbing & Heating Wild’s Plumbing & Heating PRESCHOOL Stepping Stones Daycare & Preschool Trinity Lutheran Church Montessori

2nd 2nd 3rd 3rd

Silver Silver Bronze Bronze

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

Page 10 | Midland Daily News

REAL ESTATE AGENT Christine Morley - Ayre Rheinhart Brad Vandervliet - Park Place Homes Ashley Bromley - Ayre Rheinhart

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

RESTAURANT FOR FRIENDLY SERVICE Big Boy Bob Evans Shirlene’s Cuisine

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

Dairy Queen the Reader’s Choice for ice cream By Beth Bellor

RESTAURANT FOR HOME COOKIN’ Shirlene’s Cuisine Bob Evans Alex’s Railside

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

RESTAURANT FOR LUNCH Big Boy Bennigan’s Applebee’s Cafe American Subway

1st 2nd 3rd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze

RESTAURANT FOR ORIENTAL CUISINE Pi’s Asian Express China Palace

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

SALAD Big Boy YaYa’s Ruby Tuesday

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

SEAFOOD/FISH Long John Silver LaLonde’s Ruby Tuesday

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

SOUP Big Boy Riverside Family Restaurant Bennigan’s

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

STEAK Logan’s Roadhouse Applebee’s Ponderosa

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

STYLIST Rose Stover - Magnifique Salon & Spa Chyan Horneber - Magnifique Salon & Spa Patrick Manning - Patrick’s Hair Design Paul Kuipers - Borics Beth Olney - Elegante Carol Trombly - Studio 121 Chaina Marley - Angles Cindy Hage - Hopfensburger’s Deanna Bork - Magnifique Salon & Spa Deb Keene - Connies Country Curl Debbie Paxton - New Hairizon

1st 2nd 2nd 2nd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd 3rd

Gold Silver Silver Silver Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze Bronze

TRAVEL AGENCY AAA Circle Travel Delta

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

THRIFT/SECOND HAND SHOP Salvation Army Goodwill Habitat For Humanity

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

VETERINARIAN / OFFICE Midland Animal Clinic Animal Medical center Northern Animal Clinic

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

WAITRESS/WAITER Hillary Hierholzer- Pi’s Katie- Big Boy Oscar Pickering- Bennigan’s

1st 2nd 3rd

Gold Silver Bronze

for the Daily News

MIDLAND — A decades-old recipe keeps people coming back to Dairy Queen, and it also netted the shop top honors for ice cream in this year’s Midland Daily News Reader’s Choice survey. “Dairy Queen has been around for over 70 years, so they’ve perfected their ice cream over the years,” said Erin Dunn, shift leader. Still, there was stiff competition in Midland. “It’s an honor to be voted No. 1 ice cream, I know that much,” Dunn said. The first Dairy Queen opened in 1940. There now are more than 6,000 of them in 20 countries. Favorite items vary somewhat by the age of the customer, Dunn said. Older folks tend toward the chocolate and nuts. Turtle items with caramel also are popular. Kids, she said, go for candy and cookies. “Ice cream cones are always popular and Moolattes, which are our frozen coffee

drinks, are really popular, too.” Moolattes come in mocha, cappuccino, French vanilla and caramel varieties. Other frozen drinks include shakes, malts and frozen hot chocolates. Then there’s the Blizzard, which blends vanilla ice cream with cookies, candy or other goodies. “The Blizzard treats are the most popular item we sell,” Dunn said. “It would be like an ice cream sundae all blended together.” The most popular varieties of Blizzard are Oreo, Reese’s and cookie dough, Dunn said. There are more than 20 blends available, including banana split, French silk pie, mint Oreo and strawberry “CheeseQuake.” The Eastlawn Plaza Dairy Queen, 917 South Saginaw Road, also is an Orange Julius, offering fruit drinks and premium fruit smoothies. Hours are from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. The store has a drive-thru and offers a 99-cent chili cheese dog special from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. weekdays.

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THANK YOU

Dairy Queenwas voted by readers to have the best ice cream/yogurt.

Thank you for voting for Northern Animal Clinic and our award winning team in Midland’s Readers’ Choice Best Vet! The doctors and health care team at NAC are proud to be chosen for Midland’s Readers’ Choice Best Vet! Thank you for making us an award winning team!

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Page 12 | Midland Daily News

Thank You, Midland, for voting us:

Midland’s Best Nursery/Garden Store - SILVER MEDAL WINNER Midland’s Best Place to Buy a Christmas Tree - SILVER MEDAL WINNER Great selection of Fall Mums and Pansies ready now! Coming soon: Grave Blankets, Poinsettias, Fresh Cut Christmas Trees & Wreaths! Holiday Open House - Nov. 23-25

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704 SUGNET • 832-8076

Best chiropractor: Simmons says ‘we put patients first’ by

Roger Bryant

for the Daily News

The owner of Simmons Specific Chiropractic believes that his business was chosen best chiropractor because “we put the patients first.” “We are definitely here for the patient’s satisfaction,” said Steven Simmons. “Everything we do is to benefit them.” “You’re not a condition, you’re a patient to us.” The business at 5108 Eastman Ave. is in its 13th year of operation. Simmons’ wife, Vanessa, is the office manager, and the other chiropractors on staff are Melanie Waskevich, Stanton Couch and Eric Selle, a Midland native and H.H. Dow High School graduate. Five other staff members deal with record-keeping, insurance and other office matters. The “specific” in the name of the business is because each patient’s needs are unique and specific. “Everyone is getting what they need,” he said, According to the Simmons website, “Just like no two fingerprints are the same neither is any one spine the same

[as another]. That is why in each particular case we have created a specific chiropractic adjustment.” Simmons uses a digital “spinography” system that is designed to not only relieve pain but locate the cause of the pain. He said his team is “constantly striving to make our best better.” “We want to be Midland’s chiropractor,” he said. Simmons, a Kawkawlin native, got his training at the Palmer School of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa, which he called “the fountainhead of chiropractic.” He said the “main thing” for patients who come to his office is to “keep on open mind.” He said chiropractic is “different from mainstream medicine” but that there is a “time and place for everything.” Simmons doesn’t claim that chiropractic can cure every problem. “There is no one cure-all for everything,” he said. Simmons said his office “only accepts cases we know that we can help.” He tries to maintain a balance between See “Simmons,” Page 13

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Sunday, September 9, 2012 | Page 13

STEVEN SIMPKINS/Daily News

Dr. Steven Simmons with Vanessa at Simmons Specific Chiropractic.

Simmons puts the patients first Continued from Page 12

continually evolving to incorporate new ideas and “continuing to do what’s working.” “We’re constantly striving to get sick

people well,” Simmons said. Simmons Specific Chiropractic is open 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays; and 12-4 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. For more information, call 923-2225.

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Everett Carpet has been named as the 2012 MIdland Daily News Readers’ Choice Best Place to Buy Carpet/Flooring.

Everett Carpet offers large amount of stock, has own installers By Beth Bellor for the Daily News

Don’t let the name fool you, Jim Everett says Everett Carpet Co. sells a lot more than carpets. Luxury vinyl tile, for example. Hardwoods. Area rugs. That selection impressed voters, who named the store the best place to buy carpet and flooring in the annual Midland Daily News Reader’s Choice survey. Jim and brother Dan are the third generation of Everetts. Their father,

Tom, owns the store, and their grandfather founded it in 1950. “Grandpa used to work at Skaff ’s in Flint and decided to make the move to Midland,” eventually buying out his original partner, Jim Everett said. “We have expanded many times over the years.” Probably the most notable expansion was in 1974, adding a warehouse in back and a “track rack” for carpet-

THAN K YOU!

See “Everett,” Page 15

Thanks to all our patients for selecting our practice a

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Sunday, September 9, 2012 | Page 15

Everett has lots of stock in a little place Continued from Page 14

ing and rolled goods, “probably in the range of 120 rolls just in the showroom,” he said. “They’re easy to pull out. We can stock quite a bit in a small place,” he explained. “People can see large swatches of what they’re going to possibly purchase.” A variety of qualities is offered, as well as special orders. “We carry better goods, and we always have,” Everett said, adding that because the store buys so much, they are able to come by exceptional deals and offer great value. “They range from very, very reasonable to high end, even in our stock program.” An even greater range of quality, pattern and style is available by special order. Owners of Alden B. Dow houses, for example, often find they must order carpet to replace what gets worn. “You’re not going to find a lot of carpet lines designed around bright, primary colors,” which Dow favored, Everett said. One woman had a rich purple so custom that it had to be dyed to match. Fortunately, the store had kept a sample of her original order. “We had some cuttings from many, many years ago,” he said. “That was sort of an unusual case.” It might have been installed by some of the same people as well. Everett’s installation crew leaders

have been with the store for 25 to 40 years. “On the installation side of it, we’ve always had our own installers. We don’t subcontract,” Everett said. “That’s one place that people usually don’t want to cut on.” Current trends include LCL carpet, or level cut loop, which is a cut pile carpet with a tracery pattern — solid color but with a pattern in it. On the environmental side, renewable or recyclable floors are popular. Even before they were in vogue, though, there had been carpets made from pop bottles. Now there is one manufacturer who even takes old carpet tiles that are returned and turns them into new products. Everett said another trend is LVT — luxury vinyl tile, very high end and highly durable. “As they’ve matured, they’ve gotten more realistic looking,” he said. “Some of the vinyl tiles, if they were installed, people would be hard pressed to tell it from a wood product.” It was developed in response to laminate flooring, which was appealing in many ways. However, some people complained about the hollow sound to the floating floor, and the high maintenance. LVT offers the wood look while eliminating those problems, Everett said. “That’s probably the biggest benefit to them, the water issue is a non-issue.”

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Ryan Carder won the Reader’s Choice for heating and cooling systems for the second time.

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Carder gets top award for heating, cooling By Erich T. Doerr for the Midland Daily News

In Michigan temperatures vary wildly over the year so the residents take both their heating and cooling systems very seriously. When the Midland Daily News readers were polled on who’s the best in area for heating and air they choose the local RP Carder Mechanical. The Midland-based company is owned by Ryan Carder. His company is no stranger to being the MDN readers’ choice. It previously received the honor two years ago. “It feels good,” Carder said of the honor. “It was the efforts of a lot of good customers and the support of family and friends to be able to have this opportunity.” Carder has a small staff, just him and one other employee, but they are skilled. He personally has 15 years of experience in the business and has had his business organized as a limited liability company for the last four of them. He added he was licensed as a contractor in 2001 and is a state-licensed boiler installer. Carder said the number of customers he handles each week varies depending on what each job entails. He added he can see up to eight to 10 customers a day throughout the Tri-Cities at times but on other occasions could end up working jobs that take all week. Carder’s company handles heating and air conditioning projects of all sizes all the way up to large commercial equipment. No matter what the size of the project he said he enjoys being in action. “I prefer to be busy,” Carder said. “I don’t like to let a bunch of grass grow under my feet.” Carder said his favorite part of the job

is working on service calls as he gets to meet new people and see new places and equipment. He said about 90 percent of his jobs are fixing something for a customer. “I thoroughly enjoy being a problem solver,” Carder said. “It’s the most fun.” In addition to maintence RP Carder Mechanical also sells heating and cooling systems. Carder said he sells American Standard forced air heating and air conditioning services and is also a diamond contractor with Mitsubishi, the company’s highest standard, for work on ductless heating and cooling systems. “I am a branded dealer,” Carder said. “We get to offer a lot more to an individual than an average company.” Carder finds his sales have benefits for his customers as he can offer better than standard warranties with financing available. His strong connections with the brands also allow him to get additional training to stay up to date, he said he spends 200 hours every year in training to work with new equipment. Carder said the summer season is the busiest time for his business. He added this is due to the amount of construction that is ongoing at that time of year. “There are so many different parts to the construction atmosphere,” Carder said. Carder added his business in the spring and fall are more routine maintence and annual service where issues can be addressed before a problem ever arises. “It’s making sure everything is working properly for when the cold months come around or it finally heats up,” Carder said.

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Page 18 | Midland Daily News

Bayne’s has the best caramel apple, readers say By Beth Bellor for the Daily News

We respond to water damage emergencies 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

• Structural Drying • Flood & Sewage Extraction • Building Remodeling It’s No Wonder Why Bear Has Been Voted Best Of The Best For Six Years in A Row. Bear Has Offered Prompt And Quality Service Which Is Second To None. Bear would Like To Thank The Midland Community For Their Referrals And Support Through The Years.

FREELAND — Patti Bayne Tomczak was “very honored” that her b u s i n e s s wa s c r e d i t e d t h e b e s t caramel apples by voters in the annual Midland Daily News Reader’s Choice survey. She wasn’t surprised, though. A lot of thought goes into the caramel apples at Bayne’s Apple Valley Farm, 5393 Midland Road, which she has owned for 28 years. “They’re made fresh every day,” she said. The shop only is open seasonally, from August through the end of December, and becomes “extremely busy” beginning Labor Day weekend, she said. For caramel apples, they will go through a bushel of 115-120 apples daily. The apple variety changes throughout the season and always is posted. “We change depending on what is the freshest and what is the firmest because we want a nice, hard crisp apple,” Tomczak said. “So it’s a constant process and we are constantly evaluating the process.” The caramel has changed names over the years but used to be Kraft, and Bayne’s has used it for 48 years. “We’ve stayed loyal with them and we’ve found for us that’s the best caramel.” For nuts they are loyal to another area business, St. Laurent Brothers in Bay City. There’s a lot more to the caramel apples than with or without nuts, though. “I come up with new varieties

all the time, so we have 10 or 12,” Tomczak said. Adults especially like an all-pecan variety, while children love the Dirt Ball — an apple coated with Oreo crumbs, and with a sour gummy worm coming out of it. She often hears people saying they plan to take specialty apples back to the office, and she has several tags made up just for Boss’ Day, ranging from “You’re my inspiration” to “You put on your big girl panties and deal with it.” Her favorite gift tag is the o n e t h a t r e a d s, “ R e m e m b e r t h i s next time I screw up.” Bayne’s also decorates apples for breast cancer awareness, covering them with peanuts and pink and white sprinkles. Tomczak said the inspiration struck her in the middle of the night a couple of years ago. “A l l o f u s a r e a f f e c t e d , ” s h e explained. Bayne’s began working with the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer annual walk, and in the first year raised $200 — enough for three mammograms. This year the Saginaw Making Strides walk is Oct. 27. Bayne’s will have its “Think Pink” week Oct. 21-28, with profits from everything it makes, bakes or dips with pink going to the cause. Last year, $1,000 in profits benefited local women. “To me that’s huge. I heard stories that I felt very honored that people felt comfortable to tell me,” Tomczak said. “My staff, they were on board with it, and they were so proud of what we were able to do, one little business.”

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Sunday, September 9, 2012 | Page 19

Allan enjoys helping people get better By Beth Bellor Daily News

for the

D r. T r a c e y A l l a n h a d a s i m p l e motivation for becoming a psychologist. “I like helping people get better,” said Allan, who was named voters’ favorite personal and family counselor in the Midland Daily News’ Reader’s Choice survey. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to see a metamorphosis when they really come back alive.” Her practice includes ages 7 to 97, she said. She has specialties in children, adolescents and adults, with a doctorate in psychology from the University of Michigan, a year of postdoctoral work at U-M and another two years of postdoctoral work at Northwestern University. She worked in the Chicago area for two years and Ann Arbor for five

before coming to Midland, where she has had her practice for 20 years. “I work with a lot of people around divorce, depression, relationship problems,” she said. “Some people who are bipolar, personality disorders.” While she does receive many referrals, she also welcomes people to call her office (835-1174) on their own. “I really enjoy meeting new people, getting to know them.” She appreciates the transformation she sees after people have been coming to her and begin to take care of themselves again. “If you see somebody when they first come in and they’re downtrodden, miserable, you work with them for a while and they start looking better,” Allan said. “They do some of the things they need to do to have a better quality of life. It’s just very gratifying.”

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Page 20 | Midland Daily News

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A business of their own, and a gold award, too Up to By Kris Winterton For the Daily News

Business is brisk at Awesome Blossoms, largely because of its owner’s and manager’s philosophy, which can be summed up in five words: “it’s all about the people.” The store with a catchy name opened in late November 2011. After it was in business for just eight months, Daily News readers voted it the best place to buy fresh flowers in Midland. Manager Penny Rowles said she was ecstatic when she learned that Awesome Blossoms was chosen to receive the Reader’s Choice Gold Award for 2012. “I had always wanted to have a place of my own, and I was given that opportunity,” Midlander Rowles said. “Meg (Eastling) is the owner. She and I met six years ago.” Eastling’s only sister died of cancer in 2006, and Cancer Services helped her a lot during her illness. Eastling wanted to give back to the agency. On the counter at Awesome Blossoms is a ceramic pig, where customers may donate to Cancer

of experience working at floral shops. Eastling also works at the shop several days a week, and there is one other employee. In addition to selling fresh flowers, gift baskets and plants of all kinds, Awesome Blossoms sells a variety of handcrafted items, which Rowles and Eastling accept on consignment. They have about 15 consigners, Rowles said. Currently on display in the store are infants’ clothing items, wooden toys, twig furniture, bird houses, home decor items, handmade note cards, fabric handbags and jewelry. Everything is arranged in an attractive manner in the spacious store. Rowles painted a stylized black tree with curving branches on one wall. “We wanted the store to have a homey feel,” she said. “We try to BRITTNEY LOHMILLER | blohmiller@mdn.net cater to people’s needs and ideas. I Awesome Blossoms, located at 104 W. Wackerly in Midland, is a floral and gift shop enjoy people. I’ve built a lot of friendOILthe CHANGE years. Meg and I want makes a variety of flower arrangements for ships over Most cars. Up to 5 quarts of non-synthetic oil and oil filter. people to feel they’re not just another any event. Environmental and shop fees, taxes andIt’s diesel number – they’re friends. about Services if they choose to. vehicles may be extra. them. Our customers have been Rowles has had a total of 14 years Offer expires 08/31/12. See dealer for complete details. very loyal.”

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Sunday, September 9, 2012 | Page 21

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Penny Rowles of Midland put the finishing touches on a floral arrangement at Awesome Blossoms Thursday morning. Rowles first job was working at a floral shop.

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Page 22 | Midland Daily News

Dow Chemical Employees Credit Union checks in as area’s best By Erich Doerr for the Daily News

When the Midland Daily News readers were polled about what was the best credit union in the area they selected the Dow Chemical Employees Credit Union and not for the first time. Credit union president Dennis Hanson noted the organization works hard to satisfy its members and as such they have been selected as the reader’s choice several times before. “We feel very good about that,” Hanson said. “We work very hard on behalf of our members and our employees are very committed to (exceptional service).” According to Hanson the credit union serves about 56,000 members who fall into four stakeholder groups. The first two are the employees plus their families and the retirees of The Dow Chemical Co. and Dow Corning Corp. Other members are those involved with Select Employee Groups, businesses aligned with helping either of the Dow companies, and those who have an ownership interest or own stock in Dow Chemical.

The credAccording it union’s to Hanson care of its each year members the organihas paid zation pays off as Hanback a loan son noted interest the credit rebate to union is one members of the area’s every year. highest perHe added formers as over the rated by last year the Radthe credit don Finanunion has cial Group Dow Chemical Employees’ Credit Union has been named as given back s u r v e y o fMDN’s Reader’s Choice contest as the best Credit Union. $7.2 million credit unions, in profits to always finishing in the top 10 percent its various members and over $60 mil. Hanson also added each year the lion during the last 10 years. organization does its own internal Hanson credits some of the credit survey of its members. union’s success to its mission state“Each year the results put us at ment that says “we are a principlesaround 98 to 99 percent (of our mem- based financial cooperative committed bers as being) satisfied or very satis- to exceptional service, convenience, fied,” Hanson said. “We’re very proud value and security.” of that.” “I think part of it is we constantly Members have a good reason to apply and live out our mission statepleased as the credit union has done ment,” Hanson said. “It’s something well at returning its investments. we’ve applied for the last 75 years.”

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Hanson believes the credit union idea offers a better business model than a normal bank for three reasons, including that the members are also technically both the owners and customers. It also means they have a volunteer board of directors, leaving “no financial incentive to do the wrong thing.” He added that each member is also entitled to one vote, meaning a small minority of larger shareholders are not going to be the only ones running the organization. According to Hanson, the credit union has just a single main branch location in Midland. He added it currently serves members worldwide but that the predominant share of them are in the Great Lakes Bay region. Hanson closed by noting the credit union continues to work to develop new programs to increase convenience to its members. He said the latest example is a new banking platform for mobile devices. More than 6,000 people have signed up since it was launched on July 23. “We’ll continue to try and work on services through our self-service channels,” Hanson said.

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Sunday, September 9, 2012 | Page 23

Nationwide store appeals to locals for kids’ clothes By Cheryl Wade for the Daily News

When it comes to children’s clothes, a good sampling of Midland-area readers turn to a nationwide store, Kohl’s. Kohl’s won the Daily News’ Readers Choice Award for best place to buy children’s clothes. In its information to investors, Kohl’s touts its “private” and “exclusive” brands. When an advertisement states “Only at Kohl’s,” it refers to the idea that the company carries merchandise made for its customers. The company believes these brands make it stand out in the market, and the company has “significant control” over production and manufacture of these brands so Kohl’s can offer more flexible pricing. The company states these clothes are competitively priced, durable and well made so they may be worn for years to come. Before launching one of these brands, Kohl’s says it conducts significant consumer research to gain insight

NEIL BLAKE | nblake@mdn.net

Kohl’s is one of the top clothing department stores in Midland. It was named as the best place to buy kids’ clothing in the Midland area. about brands, trends and strength and since its launching in 2005. the brand awareness of its products. The Chaps includes boys’ and girls’ clothes and brand has been a “model of success” newborn, layette and children’s wear.

FILA SPORT makes accessories for men, women and children and was launched at Kohl’s in 2008. Jumping Beans is a private brand that carries clothes for infants through little boys and girls. It was launched at Kohl’s in early 2008. Urban Pipeline is billed as a modern classic brand in young men’s and boys’ apparel. Kohl’s says it works to deliver its merchandise quickly. Three years ago, it took 45 weeks from the start of a product’s development to the time it was delivered into the store. Now, it’s been cut to 20 to 32 weeks, with fastest brands delivered in 12 weeks and re-orders in four to six weeks. The company’s practice of “disciplined inventory” keeps Kohl’s from having a glut of products from the previous season as, for example, summer changes to fall. The company prides itself on friendly and knowledgeable associates, wide aisles, convenient parking, shopping carts and strollers and fast checkout. The Daily News was unable to get an interview with Kohl’s corporate staff in time for publication.

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Page 24 | Midland Daily News

Garber No. 1 , but getting facelift By Erich T. Doerr for the Daily News

Garber Chevrolet speeds to victory in reader’s choice polls as top dealer It’s been one year since the last time the Midland Daily News polled its readers about what is the best car dealer in the a r e a b u t t h e i r opinion has not changed. Once again the readers choose Midland’s Garber Chevrolet as the best place to start their engines. “We’re very honored to be chosen,” Garber General Manager Mike Weinert said. “We strive to take care of our customers.” According to Weinert Garber was the number one Chevrolet dealer in the Great Lakes Bay Region by its volume of new car sales in 2011. He added the dealer is “tracking well” in that area again in 2012 and he believes the dealer’s family atmosphere helps set it apart from other dealers. “If you come in here you can feel

it,” Weinert said noting the dealer intends to not be a high-pressure environment. “We’re here to help guide the customers in their purchase.” Weinert said part of that family atmosphere is because of the organization’s mission statement; “We’re only are doing our job properly when we create an experience that makes the customer return to do business with us again.” “We follow the mission statement and treat our guests like family,” Weinert said. “You take care of the customer and they will take care of you. Garber Chevrolet has a very high percentage of repeat and referral business because of how we treat our guests.” According to its website, The Garber Automotive Group started selling cars in 1907 with Saginaw’s Garber Buick, today the oldest family-owned Buick dealer in the world. The company expanded over the

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years and moved into Chevrolet sales in Midland in 1991 when it took over the Bandeen Chevrolet dealership. Today the dealer is a supporter of many local events including sponsoring the Great Lakes Loons, Weinert said. “We’re huge community supporters,” Weinert said. Garber sells an average of 85 new vehicles and 55 pre-owned vehicles each month. Both the new Chevy Malibu and the Volt hybrid-electric car have been selling well, noting Garber is the number one seller of Volts in the Great Lakes Bay region and the number three seller in the state of Michigan, Weinert said. “Chevrolet has a killer lineup for 2013,” Weinert said. “They have come so far in the last 10 years and even the last 5 years.” In addition to sales the dealer also has a busy service department and body shop. According to Weinert the department handles about

1,600 repair orders each month for both types of cars they sell and others they do not such as Lexus and Range Rover. “There’s an old saying sales sells the first car, service sells the next five,” Weinert said of his pride in the department’s performance. Despite the success Garber is not sitting on its laurels, as construction is beginning this month on a major remodeling of the dealer. While GM is requiring some facelifts at many of their dealers Garber is going “above and beyond” the requirements in its rebuilding to create a ‘better flow’ within the dealer, Weinert said. Once completed the dealer is going to have a showroom that is 50 percent larger than the current one. There is also going to have a new customer lounge with a quiet zone work area and larger restrooms. “We’ll have more space for our guests,” Weinert said.

Sunday, September 9, 2012 | Page 25

STEVEN SIMPKINS/Daily News

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Page 26 | Midland Daily News

Big Boy staffers (standing, from left) Jenn Crego, Elaine Monsion and Carolyn Popp attend to Pat Russell (seated left) and Steve Lucas, both Freeland residents. Russell said he’s been a regular Big Boy breakfast customer, “since 1993, every Thursday, except when I’m on vacation.” Although Lucas, originally a Midlander, moved to Freeland, “I still come here. You know everybody; it’s like family”

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Just a ‘regular’ day at the Big Boy By Steve Griffin for the Daily News

Editor’s Note: Full disclosure: freelance writer Steve Griffin is one of the regular morning customers at Big Boy. Bob Miller had breakfasted on the other side of town for years when he moved toward the southeast side about 20 years ago and came to the Big Boy of Midland for his early-morning coffee and breakfast. He’s been a regular ever since. Jerry Landosky had been meeting work buddies for breakfast at another local restaurant when, one day in 1989, the owner/server/cook dropped a stack of menus on the table with a take-it-orleave-it snarl. “That did it,” said Landosky. Before he retired in 1996, and ever since, has been coming to the Big Boy nearly every morning.

“They make sure we have the door open at five minutes to six,” said Carolyn Popp, Big Boy senior manager, of Miller, Landosky and a clutch of other regulars. “They make sure we have the door open at five minutes to six,” said Carolyn Popp, Big Boy senior manager, of Miller, Landosky and a clutch of other regulars. The restaurant opens at 6 a.m., and there’s always customers waiting to get in, part of a daily breakfast crowd that earned the restaurant “Best Place to Eat Breakfast” among a sackful of other awards from the Daily News Readers’ Choice competition. Popp, a Big Boy employee for 16 years, 15 of them mainly mornings, said, “I like the people and making their day, the first thing. They make my day, too.” “We have their coffee poured before

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they even get to their seats,” said Popp. And yes, the regulars have their appointed roosts, although they’re genial about moving if someone beats them to it. Most are greeted by name — more than a few, by nickname earned there. Some who now sit together daily were strangers before they began coming to Big Boy. They come for breakfast specials, including the Senior Special and PickYour-Own Blockbusters, with a choice of both number and items. Weekend and holiday buffets draw crowds, “always a big seller,” said Popp. Miller said he likes the restaurant’s “nice waitresses, and all friendly people

to talk to,” with whom he stays up to date on wild berry crops, soup-making and canning, and other matters. Waitress Jenn Crego has worked full-time at Big Boy “a while,” which turns out to be about 18 years, nearly all mornings. Her mom, Bev Murdock, had worked there for 10 years. “I like seeing the same people in the morning,” said Crego. “Tuesday, this guy comes in, Wednesday it’s so-and-so, the Bible group comes this day.” It’s a comfortable pattern. Nor is the family trend unusual. Elaine Monsion has worked at Big Boy, mornings, for 30 years (“but who’s counting?”), including stints with her daughters Amber and Laken. Midland’s Big Boy also won gold medals for Best Breakfast Spot, Best Salad, Best Soup, Best Restaurant for Friendly Service, and Best Restaurant for Lunch; silver medals for Best Waitress (Katie) and Best Dessert; and bronze medals for Best Cup of Coffee and Most Kid Friendly.

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Page 28 | Midland Daily News

Circle Quality Shoes has little door, big selection By Cindy Warrick for the Daily News

The Reader’s Choice Best Shoe Store is Circle Quality Shoes. If you’re traveling down Saginaw Road and think “Oh, you’re in that ‘little‘ store, you wouldn’t be alone, according to store manager, Dorann Schott. That little door is really the back door. The front door is on 208 Cambridge, “but no one knows how to give directions to the store using the Cambridge Street address,” Schott said. . Barbara Swift was there trying on shoes. She’s been getting her shoes at Circle Quality Shoes since they opened in November of 1980. Swift said, “I used to drive to Bay City, but since I’ve been coming here, I wouldn’t go anywhere else.” She continued, “I like the personal attention and I never have to worry about not having my size. I have foot problems and I can always find the right kind of shoes for my feet.” Kim Johnson, Schott’s sister and comanager of the store, said, “We pride

NICK KING | nking@mdn.net

Another popular women’s shoe made by Alegria at Circle Quality Shoes in Midland.

ourselves in the personal touch. You won’t find our shoes in big box stores. We provide quality shoes that last and customer service that keeps people coming back.” Schott says they try to have as many American made products as possible. But she added, “We carry quality no matter what country they come from.” She pointed to sections of the store, each representing a country which included Romania, Spain, Portugal, Germany,

Israel, Mogadishu, and the United States. She was proud of the American made line. They had to really wait to carry the S.A.S. line of shoes because stores in the surrounding areas carried it. They had to wait until someone stopped carrying it – that wait took 26 years. Children’s boots protecting little feet to 30 degrees below zero, classy eyecatching shoes for teachers and health care workers who are on their feet a long time, shoes with classic style for the professional, those you can slip your own orthotics into, are just a few of the hundreds of styles carried in the store. Schott and Johnson just returned from a shoe buyer’s convention in Livonia. Schott said, “We had appointments every half hour for two days. We’d finish one day, go to a reception and do the whole thing over the next day. We still didn’t get to see all the ones we wanted to.” She admitted to making buy or two over the years which just didn’t pan out. She pointed to a perky little light

brown Hush Puppy leather flat with little holes all over the side. She said, “I looked at that little shoe and fell in love with it. I bought shoes in all sizes and widths and here they sit. It’s a lovely looking shoe, but who’s going to wear them in winter with all those cute little holes?” Johnson said that over sixty percent of their clientele are people with foot problems. “We carry styles here that people can slip their own orthotics into as well as a variety of widths.” Schott said that about eighty percent of their customers are women. “The men who come in just seem to buy shoes for weddings or funerals or when they have a hole in them. The one style them seem to gravitate toward is the “Jungle Moc” – a shoe with no laces, straps, or buckles – just slip into them.” Store hours are Mon-Fri 9:00 a.m. to 8:00, Sat 9:00 – 6:00 and closed Sunday. Andy McGee and Kim Carrier complete the store staff. The store is owned by Bud and Dorothy Thayer, though they are now retired.

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Long-time customer Barbara Swift puts on her shoes after buying a few new pairs at Circle Quality Shoes in Midland. NICK KING | nking@mdn.net

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Page 30 | Midland Daily News

Midland’s Chemical Bank a community bank When the Midland Daily News asked its readers to choose what is the best bank to do business with they went with the local choice. The reader’s choice honor this year goes to Chemical Bank, a firm originally founded in Midland. “ I t ’s a g r e a t h o n o r a n d r e a l l y a t t r i b u t a b l e t o o u r e m p l o y e e s,” Chemical Bank’s Community Bank President for Midland Bob Rathbun said of the award. “They provide great customer service.” According to Rathbun the honor comes this year as Chemical Bank celebrates its 95th anniversary. He added the bank was originally founded in Midland as the Chemical State Savings Bank before expanding throughout the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. Today Chemical Bank has 11 locations in Midland County alone including six in the City of Midland. Rathbun said this is not the first

time Chemical Bank has received t h e R e a d e r ’s C h o i c e h o n o r s. H e credits his bank’s ongoing success to three factors: customer service, employee dedication and commitment to the local area. “Most people that bank with us would agree they do so based on our quality customer service and our commitment to the communities,” Rathbun said. When it comes to customer service

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Rathbun said all of the company’s employee receive ongoing training in that area to assure quality. He added service is a very important part of setting his bank apart from others as most provide similar money services. “They are the biggest part of it,” Rathbun said of his employees and the company’s success. Rathbun added Chemical Bank’s ‘community banking philosophy’

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Sunday, September 9, 2012 | Page 31

The members of Chemical Bank in Midland. Chemcal Bank won the Gold Prize in the banking category in the Readers’ Choice contest. STEVEN SIMPKINS/Daily News

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Page 32 | Midland Daily News

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