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LAKEFRONT www.oaklandlakefront.com Publisher
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Subscriptions: Paid subscriptions are available for $15 for 6 issues. Subscriptions can be placed by phoning the SCN Communications Group at 248.360.6397 or mailing payment to P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387-0014. Editorial: All editorial matter fully protected. All rights reserved. No portion, whole or part, may be reproduced without prior written permission. The name Oakland Lakefront is protected property. Advertising: Copy closing/space reservation deadline generally three weeks in advance of publication. Specific issue closing dates/editorial calendar available by phoning 248.360.6397.
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY OAKLAND LAKEFRONT • OAKLAND HOMES MONTHLYADVERTISER • WEST OAKLAND DIRECTORY
www.oaklandlakefront.com
October 2011 • Volume 20 • Number 7
contents
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Legends and local lore Through the evolution from Native American communities to the current urban sprawl, Oakland County’s lakes have borne witness to an interesting history chock-full of legend, fun, and fame before becoming the sites of today’s lakefront residences.
21 A new hope? 27 Seasonal chores 32 Four closures Unfortunately for riparians, there aren’t many ways to combat zebra mussels besides physically removing them, as most chemical controls aren’t environmentally safe. But there soon may be another tool to use in the battle against this pesky invasive species.
in every issue
:
It’s fall in Michigan, marking the end of boating season, so it’s time to put away the boat until next spring. However, putting a boat away for the winter isn’t as simple as just taking it out of the water, covering it and parking it in the driveway. Our experts offer their winterization tips.
20 – Snapshot: Alexandria Youngblood 26 – Snapshot: Magdalena Trever
Fewer Oakland County beaches were temporarily closed in 2011 than last year due to high levels of bacteria in the water, but that’s a reality that may have as much to do with the county's budget situation as the conditions this past summer at the county's more than 260 beaches.
24 – Port of Call: Schoolhouse Lake 45 – Waterway Levels
Excluding Holidays. Expires 11-20-11.
index of advertisers October 2011 • Volume 20 • Number 7 Aerial Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Goddard Talmay Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Aggressive Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
J & D Marine Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Allied Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Livingston Concrete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
American Marine Shore Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Michigan Rockscapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
American Soft Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47
Nick Page Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
Anderson’s Boat Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Oak Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Bev's Canvas Covers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Oakland County Water Resource Commission . .22
Blackbox Surf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Scotty Lee's Landscaping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Boating Supply Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Skier's Pier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Colony Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Spark's Construction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
DSL Marine Transport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Stanz Custom Upholstery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Dave's Mobile Marine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Sunset Boats & Marine Services LLC . . . . . . . . . . .16
Discount Batteries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Volare Ristorante . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Dock Squad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
Walt's Point Marina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
Freeway Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48
Wonderland Marine West . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30
lakefront real estate Coldwell Banker/Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Real Estate One - Milford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Karen Thomas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Cyndi Robinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Keller Williams - Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . .40, 41
ReMax New Trend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Steve/Janet Stockton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40, 41
Michael . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Max Broock - Birmingham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
SKBK Sotheby's International Realty . . . . . . . . . . .39
Kathy Broock Ballard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
Lee Embrey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
Morgan & Milzow Realtors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
ORCHARD LAKE
From Native Americans to dragons to the Big Band Era and beyond, lakes in Oakland are ripe with local lore
History’s mysteries: The first in a series By Angela Niemi
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umans can last for weeks without food, but without water, we last only days. As a consequence, humans have always gravitated towards water, because as W.H. Auden once said, "Thousands have lived without love, not one without water." With its 400 some lakes, Oakland County was an ideal place to settle, first for the Native Americans and then the pioneers, who were soon followed by vacationers. With the advent of the automobile, next came the suburbanites who wanted to make lake vacations an everyday reality. Through this evolution from Native American living to the current urban sprawl, the lakes of Oakland County have borne witness to an interesting history full of legend, fun, and fame before becoming the sites of many lakefront homes.
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Lakeville Lake: From Mill Pond to Large Lake Although water is necessary for hydration, it can also be harnessed for energy to be used for sawmills and gristmills, which were typically the first industries in a pioneer settlement. Sawmills were used to cut timber into lumber to build homes and businesses, while gristmills were used to grind grain into flour. To build such a mill, the correct site needed to be found featuring one crucial element — a proximity to running water. A stream would be dammed up to create a mill pond and a mill race to carry the water to the mill, where it turned a water wheel. One such mill pond was created in Addison Township in 1830 by Sherman Hopkins of New York. According to the "Oakland County Book of History," by Arthur A. Hagman, Hopkins built a 6-foot dam to create a mill pond at the south end of what is now Lakeville Lake. This flooded several smaller lakes to the north, creating the current large lake — resulting in a lake that is partly natural and partly man-made. Addison Chamberlain — the township's namesake — moved to the area in 1832 and built the first house in the village of Lakeville. He proceeded to build a tavern that he eventually expanded to include a store and a post office. Chamberlain then proceeded to build a gristmill south of his tavern. As can be expected, a community grew around the gristmill, with the village of Lakeville becoming the commercial hub of the area. Stores, taverns, a foundry, churches, and schools were built to accommodate the growing population. The Chamberlain Mill burned down in 1846 and was then purchased by a Charles Chapel, who built another mill that was purchased by James Dunn of Scotland in 1923. Dunn converted the mill into a general machine shop, sawmill, and boat works. His son, Cecil, ran the boat manufacturing end, producing both inboard motor boats and row boats. The Dunns also built surf www.oaklandlakefront.com
boards that bear a resemblance to today's water skis as they were towed behind boats. These surf boards varied in size — some were equipped for one person while others could accommodate several people. Over time with more people building cottages and moving onto Lakeville Lake, conflicts arose over the use of water to generate power for the Dunn's shop. Lakefront property owners believed their property values were being negatively affected by the lowering of the water level. However, the Dunns maintained that they needed the power from the water wheel. In a court battle that ended up at the Michigan Supreme Court, it was found that the Dunns were within their legal right to use the water as stipulated by their original deed, which granted them the use of the water "as it flows" to power their machines. However, this was not the end of the battle. In 1958, the Lakeville Lake Property Owners Association worked with the Oakland County Drain Commission and Board of Supervisors to establish a water level for the lake. Yet, since the Dunns still had legal rights to the water flow, nothing was resolved until 1963, when the water rights of the Lakeville Mill property were sold to the State of Michigan for the exact cost to convert the mill to operating on electricity.
Orchard Lake: Full of Myths and Legends Orchard Lake has a history full of legends, apples, Scots, and warriors. Some of the legends revolve around the famous Ottawan Chief Pontiac. Local lore has it that Pontiac planned his 1763 siege of Detroit from Apple Island — the 35-acre island in the middle of Orchard Lake. However, according to scholars, there is no evidence that validates this claim. Another product of local legend is that the Ottawan chief's final resting spot is on the island. The story evolved to the point where his grave was marked as "Pontiac's Mound." However, this too is unlikely, since most historians agree that Pontiac's body was buried in St. Louis. Yet, one legend that may have some truth to it is that Pontiac's nephew, Okemos, may have been born on Apple Island. Before his death, Okemos gave the following testimony in a Saginaw court, which has led some to believe that he could only be talking about Orchard Lake: "I was born in Michigan near Pontiac on an island in a lake." Although it cannot be determined whether Okemos was actually born on Apple Island, there is no doubt about the truth that Native Americans once inhabited the island. In fact, the island received its name from the apple orchards planted by natives, who may have been there as early as 9000 B.C., according to archaeological evidence from digs conducted by the Cranbrook Institute of Science. Orchard Lake's name is derived from the native OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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word Me-Nah-Sa-Gor-Ning, which translates to "apple place," which most likely referred to the apple orchards on Apple Island. Dr. Samuel Leggett, a Pontiac and Commerce Township resident, wrote an epic poem entitled "MeNah-Sa-Gor-Ning" back in the early 1900s that chronicles the tragic story of an Indian maiden whose betrothed — a young chief — died suddenly. Overcome by grief, she regularly disinters his corpse at night and transports it by canoe to the site of his former lodge on the island. er tribe, frustrated by her insanity, follows the advice of their medicine man and kills her. This act incurs the ire of the Great Spirit, who places the tribe under the control of her spirit. Thus, they are compelled to perform the task for which she was killed. Or so the poem goes. The Native Americans would be pushed further westward as white settlers began to migrate to Michigan in the early 1800s. In November of 1807, the Chippewa, Ottawa, Potawatomi, and Wyandot nations ceded their claim to southeast Michigan to the U.S. government in the Treaty of Detroit. Throughout the years following the treaty, the natives were pushed out and by 1817 there were no accounts of tribes on Orchard Lake, leaving the island open for purchase. James Galloway was the first white owner of Apple Island, which he purchased in 1827 and proceeded to pass onto his daughter in 1938. The next owner was William Dow. He had immigrated to the area from Scotland with his parents and siblings. According to William McIsaac of the Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society, land throughout the West Bloomfield area was especially advertised to the Scottish, as the land was supposedly similar to that of Scotland. The Dows were the first members of what would become the "Scotch settlement" in the area. A little known fact is that curling — the sport played on ice with large rocks and brooms — was introduced to the United States from Scotland on Orchard Lake by this Scotch settlement. A romantic tale also surrounds William Dow. He was reportedly a very shy man and had fallen in love with a young lady who lived nearby but was too shy to make his affections known. Instead, he thought he would surprise her with a grand gesture — purchasing the island to build a honeymoon house.
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It was while building the home that one of his workers inquired whether he was going to the wedding that night. When Dow asked whose wedding, he found out it was the girl he was building the house for. Broken-hearted William stopped building the house, sold the property, and sought solace in sunny California. Or so the story goes. Happily, Dow did return (or perhaps never left) to the area and married a West Bloomfield girl with whom he had a daughter. After Dow, there was a succession of Scottish owners of Apple Island. The island was sold in 1851 to John Coats of Paisley, Scotland, whose brothers had formed the world-renowned J&P Coats Thread Co. Coats completed the home on the island first started by Dow and lived there a few years before eventually returning to Scotland with his family. Coats sold the island to yet another man from Scotland — Colin Campbell. A successful dry-goods merchant, Campbell viewed Apple Island as the perfect summer retreat, and for over 60 years Campbell's family and friends enjoyed the island. Extensive gardens and orchards were planted, and new structures built. Nevertheless, Apple Island remained electricity-free. Electricity came to the island with Willis Ward, a ORCHARD LAKE close friend of the Campbells who purchased the island in 1915. In the 1920s, he built a large home with electricity coming from a generating system. He lived there only a few summers. In 1946, the vacant home burned after being struck by lightning. he island was conveyed to Ward's daughter in 1943 after Colin's death. Upon her death in 1970 and in accordance with her wish, the island was deeded to the West Bloomfield School District, making West Bloomfield one of only two school districts in the nation to own an island, according to McIsaac. Before that happened, however, Apple Island was a spot frequented by another group of school children — the "brass button boys" of the Michigan Military Academy (MMA). Located on the shores of Orchard Lake where St. Mary's Preparatory currently stands, the Michigan Military Academy was established in 1877 by Captain Joseph Sumner Rogers, a veteran of the Civil War. Rogers had bought and turned the former Orchard Lake Hotel into a military academy emulating that of the United States Military Academy at West Point.
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Throughout its 30 year history, the MMA had gained prestige as an academy; it played a prominent role in the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, won several National Drill Competitions, tied the University of Michigan football team 12-12 in 1894, and had General William Tecumseh Sherman address the second graduating class in 1879, where 10,000 people gathered to hear his speech. Although the MMA had been referred to by some journalists as the Second West Point, the school began to decline with the health of its founder Rogers in 1900. With death of Rogers and the accumulating debt of the school, it eventually closed its doors in 1908.
Ward had found that a large deposit of boulders had been left along the western shoreline of the lake by the final period of glacial drift that first formed many of the area's inland lakes. This boulder deposit extended quite a distance into the lake itself, and over time a sandbar was created on top of the boulders. Near the center of the stone ride, located outside the lake, Ward found the ground to be about 10 feet above the water surface at that time. As the ridge extended north and south of this center point, it gradually sloped downward. When extreme freezing occurred during the height of winter, the lake's surface would transform into ice at least 3 feet thick. According to Ward, with the right atmospheric conditions, the ice expanded from the center of the lake out toward its edges. Thus, Walled Lake has a history similar to most other Ward believed the force of the ice moved the village communities. The area was settled first by boulders near the water surface closer together. The Native Americans and then later on by pioneers cycle then repeated over centuries, creating the wall. looking to inexpensively purchase land from the This theory gained additional weight as Ward had government. discovered that a similar The village had a geological phenomenon WALLED LAKE blacksmith, a wagon maker, a occurred at several other AMUSEMENT PARK cobbler, a carpenter, a mason, Oakland County lakes, and a doctor. There was a including Cass Lake, where a general store that also served similar stone ridge was as a post office, a lumber present along the southeast mill, and a schoolhouse. With shore, and Orchard Lake its community "Town Pump," with the formation of a sand Walled Lake was similar to ridge on its eastern shore. many other small While the mysterious wall communities. in Walled Lake may have given However, this small town the area a nominal amount of would gain not only fame attention, it was during locally but internationally, as Walled Lake's "Golden Years" well. that it achieved not only Locally, Walled Lake gained attention because of national, but international fame. its unique lake with its unusual wall formation. One With the Michigan Railroad coming through the popular theory was that Native Americans had once village in 1883 and the roads being built to Pontiac erected the wall across the lake. and Detroit by World War I, Walled Lake had become However, according to H. O. Severance's "The Story easily accessible to the rest of southern Michigan. of a Village Community," which was published back in And as one of the largest and nearest lakes to 1931 in the Pontiac Press, there were more likely Detroit, Walled Lake became favorite destination of scientific reasons for the appearance of the wall by those wishing to escape the city. geologists. Among them was that the wall had been Like many other area lakes, summer cottages a drift deposit formed during the glacial period; that began to dot the shorelines of Walled Lake in the it was a result of an upheaval similar to small islands early 1900s. in the sea; or that the wall was formed by the action As the lake grew in popularity, two citizens — of water and ice. According to the last theory, stones Jake and Ernie Taylor — built a small dance hall on originally in the bottom of the lake were in the winter the south end of the lake in 1919, which became the caught in the ice and floated with the ice to the shore Casino Shores Pavilion. It was reputed to attract in the spring and deposited there. about 1,000 visitors nightly. Walled Lake's mysterious wall was investigated by In 1921, Herman Czankusch developed Cenaqua David Ward of the Cass Lake area in the 1870s. The Shores, a waterfront cottage community that results of his study were included in "A History of included another dance hall, water slides, and bath houses. This further attracted visitors to the Walled Oakland County Michigan," published in 1912 by Lake area. Thaddeus D. Seeley.
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Walled Lake was thrust into national prominence with the Big Band era. The new Casino Pavilion, owned by Louis Tolettene, had replaced the original Taylor dance hall in 1928. It featured a 120-by-140-foot maple dance floor and a hand-painted lattice ceiling. The new casino would attract some of the most prominent acts in the nation, making it a rival with the Glen Island Casino in New York, the Meadowbrook in New Jersey, and the Trianon and Aragon Ballrooms of Chicago. The Walled Lake Casino — as it was known — hosted such greats as the Dorsey Brothers, the Benny Goodman Band, Red Nichols and his Five Pennies, Glen Miller, Guy Lombardo, Lawrence Welk, Sammy Kaye, and Louis Armstrong. The casino would usually draw a crowd of over 2,500 people during these performances. Even after the Big Band era faded in the 1950s, the Walled Lake Casino remained the place to go, hosting such talents as the Four Freshmen, the Kingston Trio, and Mel Torme. In the 1960s, the casino would play host to "Little Stevie" Wonder, Chuck Berry, and other Motown acts. By 1965, the Walled Lake Casino would succumb to a fire on Christmas Day, despite the efforts of firefighters from Walled Lake, Wixom, Commerce, Northville, West Bloomfield, Farmington and Novi. But it wasn't just the music and dancing that drew people to Walled Lake. Czankusch, the developer of Cenaqua Shores, sold his dance hall in 1929 after he could no longer compete with the new casino. His new idea was to build a roller coaster on his land. In February of 1929, Fred Pierce began constructing the "Flying Dragon," which became the focal point of Walled Lake Park. The amusement park offered many attractions. Among them were a bath house and beach; a twostory water slide; rides such as the Tilt-A-Whirl, Dodge-Em cars, and Flying Scooters; games and special exhibits. People would come from all over to enjoy the park, boardwalk, and beaches. At one point, the park was attracting over 25,000 visitors daily. However, during the 1960s, attendance at the park began to decline and by 1968 the park was closed and dismantled. Yet before the Golden Years of Walled Lake ended, the area had enjoyed a long run of being one of the most popular destinations in Michigan for fun and entertainment. www.oaklandlakefront.com
Lake Orion: The Venice of the Midwest Postcards are a staple of any vacation resort. That remained true over a hundred years ago when Lake Orion was one of the premier vacation spots in Michigan. It was known as the "Paris of Detroit" and "Lake Orion, the One Best Resort." And with its 21 islands that "sleep like so many emeralds upon its shining surface," as one travel writer once wrote, Lake Orion was also described as the "Venice of the Middle West." As many vacationers were ferried throughout the lake by various passenger boats to their cottages on the islands, it's not surprising that Lake Orion would be compared to Venice. It wasn't just passengers that were shuttled around the islands, but groceries and even the mail. In fact, in 1905, the first inland lake marine postal service in the United States was established at Lake Orion. Instead of delivering mail to certain addresses, the postal boy would take a boat during the summer and deliver mail addressed to cottage names, such as Old Homestead, Venice Cottage, Ten Oaks, and Stumble Inn. The marine postal service remained active through 1952. While various islands on the lake featured summer WALLED cottages, Park Island and LAKE Bellevue Island were the AMUSEMENT main hubs of Lake Orion PARK activity. Like many communities, it was the railroad that first made the Lake Orion area a favored destination with city dwellers. The Detroit and Bay City Railroad was brought to the area in 1872, which first set the course for Lake Orion becoming a summer resort. In 1874, E.R. Emmons along with other prominent citizens formed the Orion Park Association, which first developed a park on the shore of the lake where the present-day Green's Park is located. From there, Emmons launched a passenger boat called the "Little Dick," which he named for his son, Richard. Eventually a larger double-deck passenger boat called the "City of Orion," formerly the "Chautauqua," would be the main transportation on the lake with its dance floor and bands on the upper deck. The park association later purchased Island Park, which became Park Island, and a bridge was constructed to the island where a 100-foot long reception hall with an 80-foot observation tower had been built. Before it became a popular amusement park, spiritualists would camp on the island each year for religious assemblies. OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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Bellevue Island also played a large role in the religious assemblies held on Lake Orion. Originally known as Spencer Island, the island was owned by John Meyers and his wife, who had planted a peach orchard on it. In 1898, the Assembly Resort Association led by John Winer and J.T. Haller purchased the island as a permanent location for religious summer schools and assemblies. A large auditorium holding 2,250 people was built on Bellevue Island, along with two hotels — the Bellevue Hotel and the Lakeview Hotel. Cottages were also built along the lake. A wooden bridge was built connecting the island to the mainland. With religious assemblies being held on both islands, Lake Orion became known as the "Chautauqua of Lower Michigan." The Chautauqua was a popular adult education movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that brought entertainment and culture to rural communities by bringing in lecturers. One of the most popular speakers who took part in the movement was politician William Jennings Bryan, who came to Lake Orion and gave his "Cross of Gold" speech. Concerts and theater performances would also take place at the auditorium on Bellevue. As more visitors came to stay on Lake Orion, it wouldn't be unusual to see church services taking place on landing docks around the lake to accommodate all the LAKE ORION guests. According to James Ingram and Lori Grove's book "Lake Orion," a minister would administer the service from the docks, backed by a choir as people would listen from boats. ake Orion was more than just a place for spirituality. Like a true resort area, it offered entertainment, as well. In 1911, John Winter, the head of the Lake Orion Summer Homes Company, revamped Park Island into an amusement center complete with a dance hall, rides, and a roller coaster. The "Thriller" roller coaster was one of the main attractions on the island, which could be heard around the lake. As former resident Barbara Wilson-Benettie recalls in Ingram and Grove's "Lake Orion," "When the cars hit the long drops, the metallic rattle of the acceleration carried across the water quite plainly like a keg of nails being poured down a brick chute and along with it came the high pitched screams of the
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girls. These came out as one sound, a long 'R-r-r-r' as the car fell and simultaneously a high 'E-e-e-e' trailing out behind like a ribbon." A carousel also made its home at Park Island in 1915 after Winter purchased it for $12,000. The carousel operator was a man of Italian descent and was reported to only play Italian opera as the carousel was in motion. o island would be complete without a swimming beach. Park Island had one that featured men's and ladies' bathhouses, a two-story observatory, and an L-shaped dock with several diving boards and platforms. The highest stood at a height of 42 feet at the end of the dock, and in the afternoons it wouldn't be uncommon to see lifeguards put on diving exhibitions for the beach goers. Park Island also had the bragging rights to the largest beach water slide in Michigan. At night the lake would become illuminated from the thousands of lights along the lake and islands. As one person noted in Ingram and Grove's "Lake Orion," "the myriad of lights transform the islands and shores into a veritable fairyland." With the advent of the Great Depression, the activity on the islands began to decline. The rides and buildings were torn down. The wood from the roller coaster was used to make a toboggan slide on the north side of Park Island in the 1930s. By 1964, Park Island changed from a resort to lakefront living. Bill Davis purchased the island, replaced the wooden bridge with a concrete bridge, and developed the island with lakefront homes. While the resort days may have passed, Lake Orion is still known as a place "where living is a vacation." And there are still a couple of things that have survived the passage of time. Not only can some of the original cottages be seen today, but some traditions have been passed along, as well. The tradition of a Fourth of July boat parade first began in 1888, when prizes were offered for the most beautifully decorated and illuminated boats on the lake. This became known as Venetian Night, which still continues today. Perhaps even more enduring is the "dragon" of Lake Orion. Originally seen by two ladies in 1894, according Paul Scott's "Orion Since 1818," the animal grew larger as the story was retold and retold until it reached at least 80 feet. Today, the dragon remains the mascot of Lake Orion. â??
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OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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snapshot
alexandria youngblood t was a busy summer for 9-year-old Alexandria Youngblood of Highland Township, as she established herself as one of the more accomplished barefoot waterskiers not only in the state, but in the country with back-to-back state, regional and national championships. Youngblood won gold medals in the Girls 1 Division for the second straight year in the trick, slalom and overall categories at not only the Michigan State Barefoot Waterski Championships in Gaines, Mich. on July 16, but also at the 2011 Midwest Regional Championships in Alma Center, Wisc. on July 24. She then followed up with gold medals in the Girls 1 Division for the second straight year in the trick, slalom and overall categories at the U.S.
National Barefoot Waterski Championships in Waco, Texas on Aug. 13. She is now looking to become the youngest competitor to qualify for the 2012 World Championships. According to Jim Youngblood, Alexandria attracted as much attention at this year's national championships as anyone. "People were amazed at how smooth and solid a 4-foot-4-inch-tall, 60-pound, 9-year-old girl can barefoot waterski," he said. "She demonstrated a level of athleticism, focus, drive, and fun that is well beyond her years. This is a result of her great attitude and dedication to training." — Michael Shelton and Tim Dmoch — Photo submitted by Jim Youngblood
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lthough tiny, zebra mussels can wreak havoc in freshwater lakes and rivers. Not only do they cause economic and ecological problems, but they can also cause recreational issues by adhering to boats and cutting the feet of swimmers. Unfortunately for lakefront property owners, there aren’t many ways to eradicate this species besides physically removing them, as most chemical controls aren’t environmentally safe. But there soon may be another tool to use in the battle against zebra mussels. Marrone Bio Innovations (MBI), a provider of biopesticides for agricultural and water treatment markets, just had its latest product — Zequanox — approved by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Because Zequanox is derived from a common microbe found in soil and water bodies, it has an advantage over current zebra mussel chemical treatments, which can be toxic to native species and pollute waterways. “The Zequanox approval represents a revolutionary step in the treatment of this serious problem,” said Dr. Saraham Rackl, MBI’s invasive mussel project leader in a press release. “By providing a safe and effective biological solution that does not harm other aquatic species, Zequanox could ultimately prevent millions of gallons of toxic chemical by-products from entering increasingly scarce water sources.” Zequanox utilizes a strain of the natural bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens, which selectively kills large numbers of invasive mussels while not being harmful to other organisms or water quality. New York State Museum spent the past four years assisting MBI with research, searching for an organism to help control
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zebra mussels in an environmentally-safe way. Rochelle Sturtevant, regional Sea Grant extension educator and manager of the Great Lakes Aquatic Nonindigenous Species Information System within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab, declined to comment specifically on the efficacy of Zequanox. However, she characterized the product as a new tool in the battle against zebra mussels. “EPA doesn’t make these decisions in a vacuum,” she said. “They rely on a huge amount of university and agency-based research at all different levels. I have every confidence they’ve reviewed all the available information.” While biological controls can have some distinct advantages over chemical controls, they also have the potential to produce negative impacts in the environment, according to Sturtevant. “Once you release a biological control, it can reproduce and spread on its own,” she said. “They’re living things, and will do what living things do, both good and bad. If they’re well researched, they can do wonderfully. They’ll reproduce and do their job after being introduced once. A chemical control has a halflife or expiration, then you have to start over again and reintroduce it. “It’s a balancing act,” she added. “The positive side of a biological control is that once you set it loose, it manages itself. The minus side is when you set a living organism loose, it may cause all kinds of problems you didn’t foresee. On the other hand, a chemical control can leach into groundwater and such. It won’t spread on its own. You have to apply it and reapply it. Once the chemical control is used, you have to constantly manage it.” Initially, Zequanox will be launched in power generation and industrial facilities late this year, with expansion into open water treatments coming later. Open water chemical treatments — for example, treating an entire lake — aren’t practical, according to Sturtevant. “There’s no way to make enough of a chemical to control something in open water,” she said. “Zequanox, as a bacterium, will be self-replicating, so the potential (for open water, or a whole-lake treatment) is there. That’s the exciting part about this tool.” Zebra mussels have posed numerous problems by clogging water intake pipes, disrupting biodiversity and food chains by coating the bottoms of lakes and reservoirs, and by attaching to boats. They are small, fingernail-sized mussels native to the Caspian Sea region of Asia. They are believed to have made their way to the Great Lakes Region via ballast water from transoceanic vessels. Originally found in Lake St. Clair in 1988, the zebra mussel has since spread to all of the Great Lakes, and many waterways and inland lakes since then. Transient recreational boating is often www.oaklandlakefront.com
blamed for spreading zebra mussels from the Great Lakes to Michigan’s inland waterways. There are about 50 Oakland County lakes with confirmed zebra mussel infestations. Those lakes, and the year the zebra mussel infestations were discovered, include: • Lake Angelus, discovered in 2001; • Bald Eagle Lake, discovered in 2006; • Big Lake, discovered in 1999; • Brendle Lake, discovered in 2000; • Bush Lake, discovered in 2005; • Cass Lake, discovered in 1993; • Cedar Lake, discovered in 1998; • Cedar Island Lake, discovered in 1999; • Clear Lake, discovered in 1998; • Commerce Lake, discovered in 1998; • Crescent Lake, discovered in 2001; • Crystal Lake, discovered in 2000; • Duck Lake, discovered in 1998; • Elizabeth Lake, discovered in 1994; • Green Lake, discovered in 2006; • Greens Lake, discovered in 2001; • Highland Lake, discovered in 2003; • Kent Lake, discovered in 1998; • Lake Orion, discovered in 1998; • Lakeville Lake, discovered in 1995; • Long Lake, discovered in 1998; • Loon Lake, discovered in 1993; • Lower Pettibone Lake, discovered in 2002; • Lower Straits Lake, discovered in 1999; • Lower Trout Lake, discovered in 1998, • Maceday-Lotus Lakes, discovered in 1997; • Middle Straits Lake, discovered in 1999; • Moore Lake (discovery date not available); • Oakland Lake, discovered in 1998; • Orchard Lake, discovered in 1994; • Lake Orion, discovered in 2000; • Otter Lake, discovered in 1994; • Oxbow lake, discovered in 1999; • Pine Lake, discovered in 1997; • Pontiac Lake, discovered in 2000; • Proud Lake, discovered in 2006; • Schoolhouse Lake, discovered in 1996; • Silver Lake, discovered in 1994; • Squaw Lake, discovered in 1998; • Stoney Creek Impound, discovered in 1997; • Sylvan Lake, discovered in 1994; • Tan Lake, discovered in 1998; • Union Lake, discovered in 1997; • Upper Straits Lake, discovered in 1997; • Van Norman Lake, discovered in 1998; • Voorheis Lake, (discovery date not available); • Walled Lake, discovered in 1993; • Walnut Lake, discovered in 1999; • Watkins Lake, discovered in 1995; • Whipple Lake, (discovery date not available); • White Lake, discovered in 1997; • Wolverine Lake, discovered in 1999; and • Woodhull Lake, discovered in 1999. ❏ OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
23
SCHOOLHOUSE LAKE
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magdalena trever ife's a beach for 25-year-old Milford resident Magdalena Trever, owner of Maggie May Swimwear, a line that is already getting rave reviews from coast to coast from designers, celebrities and customers for its innovative knitted style. The graduate of Milford High School and the Academy of Art University in San Francisco decided to focus on designing knitted swimwear because it stood out from the crowd. "All the big stores like Nordstrom come and everybody walks by (at swimwear trade shows) and says they haven't seen anything like it," Trever says. Her Oakland County roots haven't kept the smalltown girl from making waves. While people's faces "just kind of light up" when she informs others — mostly from California — of her Wolverine State pedigree, she calls Milford a relaxing and down-home
place to live and own a business "I'm happy I'm there starting my business and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else." Everyone from Gretchen Rossi to Taryn Manning — and yes, even some Playboy Bunnies — have latched on to the young fashionista's trend-setting designs. So with that much attention in such a short period of time in the business, where will her knitted designs appear next? "I'm hoping Sports Illustrated. They have a bunch of my samples which I sent and that (swimsuit issue) comes out in February. If we make it in there — that's the best spot you can make it being a swimwear company, is in that magazine," she says. — Michael Shelton — Photo submitted by Magdalena Trever
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he temperatures are cooling. The leaves are changing. It’s getting dark earlier in the evening. It’s officially fall in Michigan. And with fall comes the inevitable approach of winter and the first freeze. Unfortunately, this marks the end of boating season, and it is time to put away the water toys until next spring. However, putting a boat away for the winter isn’t as simple as taking the boat out of the water, covering it and parking it in your driveway. If you do that, you will feel pain come next spring, emotionally and financially. Not only will you be unable to cruise the lake right away when the weather warms up, but it will cost a hefty chunk of change to get your engine running again. “The way I see it, it’s worth the $130 to let someone else take care of (winterizing your boat),” said Michael King, the service manager at Colony Marine in Pontiac. “If you do it wrong, it can cost you thousands of dollars. It’s sort of like you can pay me now or pay me later if you don’t know what you’re doing. Paying $130 is the best insurance I can sell you because if something is done wrong, it’s my fault.” While water may be fun in the summer, it is a boat’s worst nightmare in the winter — especially for boat engines. Any water left in the motor will freeze over when the temperatures plunge and may cause cracking — a very expensive repair according to most marine experts. “You need to make sure everything is protected. Just one crack can ruin an engine. And then you’re looking at a possible $5,000 repair,” said Greg Adams, the sales manager at Freeway Sports Center in Fenton. To prevent this from happening, there’s a list of recommended chores you should complete to properly protect your boat from the winter. First, it’s recommended that you follow the guidelines and recommendations found in the manufacturer’s instruction manual. The next thing is to know whether your engine is an outboard or an inboard engine. As implied by the name, the outboard engine is outside of the boat, while an inboard engine is located inside. Outboard engines pretty much drain themselves. “Typically, outboard engines virtually have a selfdraining cooling system,” King said. “It’s still important to oil the cylinders and follow all the manufacturer’s specifications and details.” “Outboard engines drain themselves, but you www.oaklandlakefront.com
need to make sure you winterize them because of rust. You don’t want it to corrode,” said Kurt Banas, owner of Sunset Boats and Marine Services in Waterford Township. Meanwhile, inboard engines need to have their blocks properly drained and filled with a non-automotive anti-freeze. “With an inboard engine, it’s important to drain the manifolds of all water and replace it with the appropriate anti-freeze,” said David Crow of DSL Marine and Transport in Waterford. “You shouldn’t use car anti-freeze because that goes right into the lakes. It’s toxic stuff. You need something earth friendly.” The gear loop on inboard engines should also be checked at the bottom to ensure there is no water inside. It’s also recommended to check shaft seals for any potential leaks. Another recommendation is to change the oil and filters, although this may not be imperative to do in the fall. Aaron Monier, the sales manager at Action Water Sports in Fenton, said oil changes can happen during the fall or spring. “There’s really no right or wrong. It’s really your preference,” he said. Fogging the carburetors with fogging oil is recommended to prevent corrosion. “You’re basically setting your boat up for spring. You want it to be a breeze in the spring. You want to just charge your battery, toss it in, and go. The thin oil keeps the parts free from rust,” said Crow, who also recommends leaving the battery fully charged when you put it away because if it’s not fully charged, the battery may crack and leak acid all over the boat.
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nother chore to complete before putting your boat away for its winter hibernation is adding a fuel stabilizer to the gasoline. This is to prevent the gasoline from degrading over the winter. One of the greatest challenges facing winterization and boat maintenance in general is the increase of ethanol in gasoline. Because ethanol attracts water, this can be quite problematic for boat engines. One of the fuel stabilizers recommended by marine shops is Marine Formula Stab-Bil to help combat the ethanol in the fuel. Cracking is not the only problem caused by OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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water. Mildew and mold are others. This is why it’s imperative to thoroughly clean and dry your boat before storing it for the winter. Seats should be propped up to let in air. The boat should be properly vented when covered to keep the boat dry. All toys, wet beach towels, and other water gear should be removed from the boat. Otherwise come May 1, King warns, “It’s just one huge black gob of mold sitting under the seat.”
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dded Ron Wiergowski, the sales manager at Skiers Pier in Waterford, “Make sure you put away your boat dry. Take all of your gear out of the boat. This way it will stay nice. (Taking all that stuff out) allows the boat to breathe better so no mold will grow in the boat.” Cleaning the boat with an anti-microbial protectant is not a bad idea, either. Adams recommends Elite Marine Shield, a product recently introduced to the market to combat mold and bacteria. Hanging dehumidifying bags is also recommended. “We make sure the boat is vented properly. We also hang little moisture bags on the poles to take care of any residual moisture,” Wiergowski said. If storing your boat outside, it’s recommended that you have it shrink wrapped for several reasons. “If you shrink wrap your boat, it will keep the carpet and the upholstery as new and nice as possible. Especially if it’s cold and you haven’t taken care of the upholstery, just sitting on it will crack it into oblivion,” Crow said. “If they’re storing their boat outside, we tell them to have it shrink wrapped. It keeps the elements out — rain, sleet, snow, leaves,” said Steven Cooper, the sales director at Anderson Boat Sales in Waterford. Shrink wrapping is also a better bet than using the mooring cover to protect the boat. “Shrink wrap warms in the sun. So the snow melts and slides off,” King said. “Even really nice mooring covers may be insufficient if it gets a couple hundred pounds of snow on it.” By shrink wrapping your boat, covers remain nicer and last longer. Another force of Mother Nature to be aware of is animals. “Mother Nature has all kinds of little critters. And on a cold night they are looking for a warm spot,” King said. “Honest to God, we’ve seen
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raccoons get into boats through small holes, and they lived in there all winter. The boat was totaled because they had defecated and urinated in the carpet and deck. They ate the seats.” In order to combat animals, it’s suggested to keep mothballs in the boat in a container such as a Frisbee and to perform visual inspections of your boat throughout the winter to make sure no animals have been squatting inside. It’s not just boats that should go through seasonal inspections. Trailers also should go through periodic checkups. “Definitely use grease on the wheel bearings of the trailer,” Cooper said. “Check the electrical connections and the brakes to make sure they’re in good working order and that the lights work properly.” You want to be able to trust your trailer. “The loneliest Friday night you will ever have is on I-75 where you left your boat sitting on the highway,” King said. Adams also recommends shrink wrapping the trailer or making sure to cover the hitches and winches to prevent them from rusting due to exposure to snow and ice. “Also, if you can, cover the tires,” he said. “They will begin to dry rot over a period of time. It takes a long time to dry rot, but you’re better off covering your tires when you can.”
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hose who constantly tow their boat should be more diligent about inspecting their trailer. “A lot of it depends on how much you trailer,” Wiergowski said. “Some people just use it twice a year to pull in and out their boats, and others are towing their boat some place every week.” Although there isn’t a certain date you should winterize your boat by, it’s universally accepted that you should do so before the temperatures drop below freezing. Most people are done winterizing by the middle of October. And if you’re unsure what to do when winterizing your boat, you may just be better off having a professional handle the chores for you. Many dealers and marine shops throughout and around Oakland County have special winterization offers and package deals at this time of year. “If you don’t know what you’re doing, you should definitely read the owner’s manual or bring your boat to a certified dealer,” Banas said. ❏ OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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ewer Oakland County beaches were temporarily closed in 2011 than last year due to high levels of bacteria in the water, a reality that may have as much to do with the county’s budget as conditions this summer at the county’s more than 260 beaches. When the Oakland County Health Division’s 2011 beach monitoring program ended on July 29, a total of four beaches on four lakes had been closed for a total of five days because of bacteria levels found in beach water samples. The Health Division monitored 44 public beaches on 37 different lakes this year with the help of four summer college interns, beginning on June 6. The beach monitoring program in Oakland County has been pared back in recent years due to a meager revenue stream for the overall county government. The program had previously hired a greater number of college interns to collect beach water samples for analysis at the county’s lab. In prior years, those interns visited well over 100 public and semi-public beaches. The county’s 2010 beach monitoring program targeted 45 public beaches for potentially unsafe levels of bacteria in the water. Just 30 beaches were monitored in 2009, compared to the 120 targeted in 2007. Although the 2010 monitoring program officially ended on July 31, E.V. Mercer City Beach on Walled Lake was tested through Aug. 18 due to
persistent problems with Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. Overall in 2010, 11 county beaches were closed for a total of 20 days. In 2009, a total of three Oakland County beaches were closed for a total of 39 days, according to data from the county’s annual beach monitoring program. A total of 16 Oakland County beaches were closed in 2008 for a total of 17 days. Beach monitoring in 2008 continued until the end of August, instead of ending on Aug. 1, as was the case in 2007. In 2007, there were nine Oakland County beaches closed for a total of 27 days. Beach monitoring resulted in 23 beach closures for a total of 22 days in 2006, when beaches were monitored from the beginning of June through the end of July. Monitored beaches are to meet the one-day standard of 300 bacteria colonies per 100 milliliters of water and the 30-day geometric average standard of 130 colonies per 100 milliliters. If a beach does not meet these water quality standards, it will be closed until satisfactory samples are obtained. The Health Division reported the following beach closing information for 2011: • The Camp Oakland beach on Handsom Lake in Oxford was closed on July 26 with a bacteria colony count of 389. The beach was reopened the following day with a bacteria colony count of 86.
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Serving The Lakes Area Since 1978
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AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY Aerial Graphics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.aerialgraphics.com BEACH RESTORATION TT&C Beaches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.ttcbeaches.com BOAT COVERS Bev’s Canvas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .www.bevscanvascovers.com BOATS/NEW & USED Lake Ponemah Marina . . . . .www.lakeponemahmarina.com L TO CAL IVE E REC
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BOAT REPAIRS/FURNITURE American Soft Trim . . . . . . . . . .www.americansofttrim.com BOATING SUPPLIES Boating Supply Center . . . . . . . . . . .www.boatsupplies.com DOCKS & LIFTS American Marine . . . . . . . . . . .www.americanmarinesc.com LAKE MANAGEMENT SERVICES Aqua Weed Control, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . .www.aquaweed.com
Go direct or reach these lake-related websites at www.oaklandlakefront.com Ask about promotion opportunities on our website www.oaklandlakefront.com by phoning 248.360.6397 www.oaklandlakefront.com
According to the Michigan Department of strains of E. coli aren’t particularly dangerous, but Environmental Quality’s (DEQ) BeachGuard can point to the presence of other disease-causing database on beach water quality monitoring, wildlife bacteria. was the source of bacteria that prompted the ccording to the DEQ, E. coli doesn’t survive closure of the Camp Oakland beach. The same long in water. Factors such as wind and wave beach was closed for four days in 2010 due to action, as well as ultraviolet light from the sun bacteria from an unknown source, according to help reduce the level of bacteria living in beach information posted in the BeachGuard system. water. The time needed to reduce bacteria levels can • The Finnish Day Camp beach on Sun Lake in be unpredictable, but it usually takes less than 48 Wixom was closed on July 20 with a bacteria colony hours, according to the DEQ. count of 402. The beach was reopened the next day There are a variety of sources that contribute with a bacteria count of 49. bacteria and other pathogens to surface water The BeachGuard database states that stormwater resources. runoff was the source of bacteria that forced the Sources of bacterial contamination include beach closure. The same beach was closed for two combined sewer overflows (CSOs), which are releases days in 2010 due to bacteria from an unknown of raw or inadequately treated sewage from systems source. designed to carry both sewage and stormwater to wastewater treatment plants. When the volume of • The Independence Oaks County Park beach on the combined wastewater is greater than the Crooked Lake in Independence Township was closed treatment plant can handle, the excess untreated on July 20 with a bacteria colony count of 351. The beach was reopened the next day sewage and stormwater are discharged into nearby with a bacteria count of 187. When monitoring waterways. According to the BeachGuard database, stormwater runoff Sanitary sewer overflows beaches for potentially was the source of bacteria (SSOs) are another potential unsafe levels of bacteria, leading to the beach closure. source of bacteria. They are beach water samples are The beach was closed for one discharges of raw or day in 2008 due to bacteria inadequately treated sewage collected at about 1 foot from an agricultural source, from systems designed to carry below the surface in water according to BeachGuard data. domestic sanitary sewage, but that is 3- to 6-feet-deep. • The Pontiac Lake not stormwater. According to Recreation Area beach on White the DEQ, systems that contain The water samples are Lake in Waterford Township was cracks, obstructions, then analyzed at a lab. closed on July 20 with a stormwater connections, or bacteria colony count of 728 that are undersized with and a 30-day average count of 154. The beach was sewers and pumps too small to carry all the sewage reopened the next day with a bacteria colony count may leak or overflow raw sewage from manholes, of 110 and 30-day average count of 15. bypass pump stations, and treatment plants into The Pontiac Lake Recreation Area beach was also surrounding waters, particularly during extreme closed on July 6 with a bacteria colony count of hydrologic events. 1,070. The beach was reopened the next day with a Failing septic systems also are a source of the bacteria count of 14. bacteria that can force a beach closure. They can he beach’s July 21 closure was due to bacteria cause leaching and/or runoff into the waterways, from stormwater runoff, according to the causing bacterial contamination. BeachGuard database. The July 6 closure was Urban stormwater runoff from roads, roofs, prompted by bacteria coming from another, construction sites, parking lots, and other impervious surfaces may contain fecal matter from unidentified source. The beach was closed for two pets and wildlife, representing a common source of days in 2010 because of bacteria from wildlife, the bacteria that sometimes fouls beaches. according to BeachGuard data. Excessive waterfowl near the beaches and animal When monitoring beaches for potentially unsafe waste runoff from farms and fields can work in levels of bacteria, beach water samples are collected at about 1 foot below the surface in water that is 3- tandem with stormwater runoff to contribute to elevated bacterial levels. Illicit connections of pipes to 6-feet-deep. The water samples are then analyzed at a lab. containing sewage to storm sewers or surface E. coli bacteria live in the digestive systems of waters are also a potential source of bacterial people and other warm-blooded animals. Most contamination. ❏
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OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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SPINAL SPINAL COLUMN COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY NEWSWEEKLY OAKLAND OAKLAND LAKEFRONT LAKEFRONT OAKLAND OAKLAND HOMES HOMES MONTHLYADVERTISER MONTHLYADVERTISER WEST WEST OAKLAND OAKLAND DIRECTORY DIRECTORY
The 2012 lake season Make sure your business is ready to capture its share of the 2012 season by marking your calendar now for the ad deadline for the April issue of Oakland Lakefront. The ad deadline for the April 2012 issue will be March 13. Call 248.360.6397 about marketing information on Oakland Lakefront and how you can reach this important segment of Oakland County.
248.360.SELL (7355) 248.360.NEWS (6397) Mailing Address: P.O. BOX 14 UNION LAKE, MI 48387-0014 Offices at: 7196 COOLEY LAKE ROAD WATERFORD, MI 48327-4113 spinalcolumnonline.com oaklandlakefront.com monthlyadvertiser.com
lakefront real estate
CYNDI ROBINSON 20 Years of Successful Experience!
(248) 431-4571 cell www.cyndirobinson.com realestateone.com/crobinson
560 N. Milford Rd. Milford
TOP AGENT, REAL ESTATE ONE - MILFORD OFFICE FOR 15 YEARS IN A ROW! LAKEFRONT AND ACREAGE SPECIALIST! LIVE ON THE LAKE IN 2011! ENJOY ALL-SPORTS WHITE LAKE FRONT ON THE MAIN LAKE! This setting is stunning! Just off Ridge Road. A rare find! Home has a drive in boathouse with electric boat hoist inside! Docking along the waterside and roof top deck on boathouse. Home is 1.5 story and has 4 bedrooms and 4 baths. over 3,200 sq. ft. total with walkout. Two beds on main floor and 2 upper beds. Master on main and view of lake. Two car attached garage. Wet bar in basement. $395,000 (1784L3) 24 ACRE ESTATE TRAVERSE CITY STYLE IN MILFORD AREA! On 24 acres of magnificence! Feel the presence! Exceptional all stone and cedar home with 1,600 ft. of shoreline on private Downey Lake. Exotic woods used throughout. Tigerwood floors, Rosewood and Walnut species used for custom cabinetry throughout. Art collectors and car enthusiasts craftsman will love gallery style spaces and large outbuilding for workshop or car storage. 5 car garage capacity with home elevator. So much more! $2,100,000. ML#211088015 Also - home is offered on 13.2 acres. $1,500,000 ML#210088932 (809H3)
4 STAR CUSTOM DESIGNED - WHITE LAKE Captures panoramic lakeviews, yet on quieter part of bay to White Lake. Built in ‘94 with attention to details. 2 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, Pella casement windows. Paver walks. 2-story entry with bridge. Spiral stairs, 2 side fireplace, granite kitchen, maple cabinets, heated drive. White Lake. $309,900 MLS#211028656 (3604L)
LAKE LOT ON 2 LAKES! Highland Township, Oakland County. Build your lake house on this super site in Mallards Landing on 2 lakes and a cul-de-sac! All large sites. Three large parks in sub. These 2 lakes connect! Taggett and Kellogg Lakes are about 100 acres in size total. $69,900 MLS#211062079 (MAL3)
ALL-SPORTS LOWER PETTIBONE LAKEFRONT Milford/Highland. Woods and water! Highland Rec State Land. See this terrific ranch, redone inside and out. Two bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car garage. Paved street. Travertine floors, American cherry cabinets. Granite counters and tumbled backsplashes. Walkout. Master with deck access patio. $239,900 MLS#211077057 (1427L3)
20 Years Solid Successful Experience in the Milford, Highland, Commerce, White Lake & Lakes Area.
PUT YOUR HOME ON MY SOLD LIST! 2011 SOLDS & PENDING SALES! 3252 Lakeview-Highland, White Lake Front-Leased 634 Hickory-Milford-Sold 3866 Highland Ct.-Highland, Duck Lake Front-Sold 3991 Woodland-Highland, White Lake Front-Sold 3902 Loch-Highland-Sold 755 Nortoon-Milford-Sold 1283 Jeffwood-Waterford-Pending Sale
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OCTOBER 2011
3978 Chanda Ct.-Duck Lake Front-Sold 3670 Duck Lake Rd.-Highland, White Lake FrontPending Sale 882 Golden Shores-White Lake, Cedar Island FrontPending Sale 3309 Ormond Rd.-White Lake-Pending Sale 12853 Old Farm Ct.-Hartland-Sold
4045 Commerce Rd.-Pending Sale 2784 Motorist-Highland-Sold 3415 Lido-Highland-Sold 2916 Vero Dr.-Highland-Sold 3104 Rosemary Ln.-Highland-Sold 936 Deep Valley-Milford-Pending Sale 1775 Burns-Milford-Pending Sale
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LEE EMBREY 248-283-8151
348 E. MAPLE • BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009 248-283-8151 WWW.SKBK.COM
E-MAIL: LEMBREY@ SKBK.COM
CHECK OUT LEE’S WEBSITE AT WWW.LEEEMBREY.COM OR WWW.LAKEANGELUS.COM
PRISTINE AND PRIVATE LAKE ANGELUS YOU’LL THINK YOU’RE IN NORTHERN MICHIGAN. Crystal clear, spring fed, 470+ acre private Lake Angelus. Water Skiing and sailing. No jet skis. 15 minutes north of Birmingham/Royal Oak/Southfield. Call me for your personal tour.
VIEW ALL LAKE ANGELUS LISTINGS AT WWW.LAKEANGELUS.COM S
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3421 OLD BALDWIN ROAD LAKE ANGELUS Fabulous sunsets from this beautiful 3+ acre Lake Angelus Estate 4 bedroom 4.5 bath, 4.5 car garage, 7,000 sq. ft., 1st floor master, 151 ft. lake frontage, paved road + 3 bedroom, 2 bath guest house. $1,499,900
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2378 LAKE ANGELUS LANE Fabulous lake views. 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, 2,000 sq. ft. ranch with 1,600 sq. ft. in finished lower level. Deck, paver patio, 2 car garage, stone seawall. $869,900
2405 LAKE ANGELUS ROAD Horses, horses, horses 6.25 acres. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 3.5 car garage, horse barn, pole barn, tack room, corrals, walkout lower level, 3,200 sq. ft. $1,199,900
299 GRAY WOODS LAKE ANGELUS Fabulous newer construction (‘04). Views, views, views with 10,000+ sq. ft.! 5 bedrooms, 5.1 bath, 4+ car garage, 2+ acres with 105 ft. lake frontage, finished walkout. Granite, marble, hardwoods. $1,795,000
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742 LAKE ANGELUS SHORES Fabulous lakefront lot. 2,500 sq. ft. 1860s farmhouse with 3-4 bedrooms, 1 full and 2 half baths. Beautiful south shore location with 4.06 acres and 124 ft. of lake frontage. $849,900
G 2074 LAKE ANGELUS SHORES Fabulous 4 bedroom ranch on “Shores Drive” – First time on the market. 3,000 sq. ft., 2.5 bath, sunsets, 6 car heated garage, private setting. $975,000
CUSTOM LAKEFRONT AND RESIDENTIAL 321 INDIANWOOD RD. LAKE ORION Fabulous newer construction 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 3.5 car garage, 1+ acre, gourmet kitchen. Views from every room. Custom upgrades throughout. Over 5,100 sq. ft. Designer’s own home. Too much to list. $849,000
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6739 ROYAL HARBOR INDEPENDENCE Van Norman Lake Subdivision. Entire sub - 3+acres, over 500 ft. lake frontage on Van Norman Lake. 2,400 sq. ft. new construction home. 7 additional lots make into 1 lot or buy home and split off lots or finish sub. Bank owned. ALL FOR: $325,000
Janet Direct: 2900 Union Lake Rd., Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382
248-366-7200
Steve Direct:
248-755-7600
248-755-7500
janet@TheStocktonTeam.com
steve@TheStocktonTeam.com
Zillow - Preferred Agent
800-396-5204 + Ext. # for recorded message Text Key # to 90210 for text message
The Stockton’s are the Lakes Area’s #1 Team! CE ER MM CO
DEEDED BOAT SLIP ON ALL-SPORTS COMMERCE LAKE •3,019 sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 3 bath, island kitchen •Cathedral living and dining, family room, 2 fireplaces •Daylight basement, large deck, courtyard garage HURRY @ $324,900 #211073119 EXT. #224 • KEY #248364 . WP ET AK L ITE WH
ALL-SPORTS OXBOW LAKEFRONT - 1,19 TREED ACRE LOT •3,271 sq. ft. + finished walkout - custom contemporary •4 bedroom, 3.5 bath, windows galore, huge master •Multiple decks, 3+ garage, waterside deck and dock A BEST BUY @ $364,900 #211075518 EXT. #271 • KEY #248363 . WP DT OR F TER WA
CHARMING HOME ON ALL-SPORTS WATKINS LAKE •1,170 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, deep treed lot, fireplace •Newer kitchen and bath with ceramic floor •Basement, 2 car garage, huge storage loft HURRY @ $259,900 #211078354 EXT. #251 • KEY #248371 P. TW CE ER M M CO
GORGEOUS 1.37 ACRES WOODED LOT ON HURON RIVER •2,160 sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 1st floor laundry •Great room, formal dining, updated kitchen •Master with 2 walk-ins, basement, 2 car garage GREAT VALUE @ $199,900 #211082673 EXT. #233 • KEY #248375
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P. TW RD FO R TE WA
CUSTOM BUILT - ALL-SPORTS MACEDAY LAKEFRONT! •4 bedroom, 4 bath, all brick + finished walkout •Boasting 5,200+ sq. ft. of pure luxury living sq. ft. •1st and 2nd floor masters, huge volume rooms + 3 car A MUST SEE @ $759,900 #211017553 EXT. 296 • KEY #248341 L ITE WH
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BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED - CEDAR ISLAND LAKEFRONT •2,302 sq. ft., 4 bedroom, 3 bath, land contract terms •Granite kitchen and baths, great room with fireplace •New paint, carpet, ceramic throughout, 2 car garage WOW @ $329,900 #211089671 EXT. #246 • KEY #257017 RD FO TER A W
219 FT. FRONTAGE TO ALL-SPORTS WILLIAMS LAKE •3 bedroom, 2 bath, Florida room, huge deck •Great room with fireplace, dining room •Waterside deck/dock, shed with electric A MUST SEE @ $209,900 #211089314 EXT. #248 • KEY #256951 . WP DT AN L H HIG
WHITE LAKE WATERFRONT RANCH WITH WALKOUT •1,661 living sq. ft., 3-4 bedroom, 2 bath, great room •Snack-bar kitchen, family room with fireplace •Enclosed carport, shed, deck, patio, dock, beach UNBELIEVABLE @ $149,900 #211026322 EXT. #260 • KEY #248378
P. TW LD FIE M O BLO W.
STUNNING 90 FT. MAIN LAKEFRONT - ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •Private dead-end street, trees, spectacular views •2,778 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2 fireplaces, jet tub master •2+ garage, 3 decks, dock, seawall, shed, W.B. schools! A MUST SEE @ $649,900 #211063900 EXT. 231 • KEY #248358 P. TW CE R E MM CO
ALL-SPORTS LOWER STRAITS LAKE LAKEFRONT SPECIAL •2 houses for the price of 1- Lots of possibilities •House at street - remodeled 3 bed, 1 bath + att. garage •Lake house - 4 bed, 2 bath, 1,768 sq. ft., basement, needs TLC A MUST SEE @ $299,900 #211073682 EXT. #232 • KEY #248367 P. TW RD FO R TE WA
GERUNDEGUT BAY - ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •Beautifully remodeled ranch home, stonefront fireplace •Dining room, Corian counter kitchen with appliances •Wood laminate floor, ceramic tile, crown molding, deck HURRY @ $219,900 #211027050 EXT. #280 • KEY #248373 . WP DT N A HL HIG
ALL-SPORTS PENINSULA LAKE - LAKEFRONT ON TREED LOT •3-4 bedroom, 2 bath ranch with finished walkout •Beautifully remodeled / updated, 3 fireplaces •2 car, large deck, stamped concrete patio and deck WOW - ONLY @ $118,900 #211095520 EXT. # 253 • KEY #258748
www.TheStocktonTeam.com OCTOBER 2011
www.oaklandlakefront.com
The Stockton’s are the Lakes Area’s #1 Team!
2900 Union Lake Rd., Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382
Guaranteed Marketing Janet Direct: ‘Til Sold: •Virtual Tours 248-755-7600 janet@TheStocktonTeam.com •800 # Hotline •Best Web Exposure www.TheStocktonTeam.com
Steve Direct:
248-755-7500
steve@TheStocktonTeam.com
248-366-7200
RARE OPPORTUNITY
100’ LAKEFRONT - PRIVATE ALL-SPORTS UPPER STRAITS LAKE SPECTACULAR 1+ TREED ACRE GENTLY SLOPING HILLSIDE LOT FEATURES INCLUDE: •1,660 sq. ft. custom brick ranch •Finished walkout lower level •4 bedroom, 2.5 bath, 2 fireplaces •Wet plaster, hardwood floors •Large tiered entertainer’s deck •Attached garage + covered patio •Sandy shoreline - includes dock MLS#211092249 $775,000
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OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
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Love Lake Living!! 7495 Locklin - West Bloomfield - $950,000 Lakefront on All-Sports Union Lake ♦
Custom built - 1998 with 4,000 square feet plus additional 2,000 in partially finished lower level walk-out
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96 feet of prime lakefront - plus the prized boat house
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10 foot ceilings, hardwood, granite, 3-car garage
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4/5 bedrooms - 5 full baths
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Luxury master suite with large tub & shower overlooks lake
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Every bedroom has direct access to bath
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Paver patios, extensive decking and views, views, views!!!
4949 Grand Court - West Bloomfield - $550,000 Lakefront on All-Sports Cass Lake ♦
80 ft. of lake frontage
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Beautiful building site with potential for walk-out
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Current home is suitable for year round living until you are ready to build your dream home
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Southern exposure and sandy bottom beach
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Beautiful views of lake and Dow Ridge homes across the lake
♦
West Bloomfield Schools
Karen Thomas 248-505-3066
www.KTsellsHomes.com #1 at the lakes office since 2001
Looking for lakefront? Call me today - I can show you what is currently on the market and set up a hot link for you that will email you every time one is listed.
Time to sell your lakefront? Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Lakes Area Office 2600 Union Lake Road
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OCTOBER 2011
Call me today and consider it SOLD!
www.oaklandlakefront.com
(248)
25 South Main St. Clarkston, MI
625-1010
www.mmrealtors.com
CLARKSTON ALL-SPORTS CONTEMPORARY LIVING $269,000 11-BIG
“HARBOR SPRINGS” CHARM ON ALL-SPORTS LAKEFRONT $225,000 62-WER
PARK LIKE SETTING ON LITTLE WALTERS LAKE $279,000 76-OLD
HISTORICAL LAKEFRONT $340,000 91-MAI
CHATEAU DU LAC 22 ACRE ISLAND $700,000 10-KNO
ALL-SPORTS LAKE OAKLAND 10 ACRE BUILDABLE SITE $650,000 00-OAK
BRICK TUDOR WITH LAKEVIEW $372,000 98-KIN
STONE PALACE POISED ON ULTRA-EXCLUSIVE LAKE ANGELUS $2,250,000 23-LAK
ALL-SPORTS CRESCENT LAKE PRIVILEGES $30,000 56-CRU
www.kenice.com
bobnewman@mmrealtors.com
www.oaklandlakefront.com
www.emilysells.com
www.yourmichiganrealtor.com cherylakarrick@mmrealtors.com
OAKLAND LAKEFRONT
43
Michael
CALL
NEW TREND Each Office Independently Owned and Operated
★
(248) 681-8500 (248) 553-5050
V i s i t w w w. T h e M i c h a e l Te a m . c o m
LOWER STRAITS LAKE $1,590,000 Call MICHAEL★
ORCHARD LAKE $1,100,000 Call MICHAEL★
ORCHARD LAKE $887,500 Call MICHAEL★
CASS LAKE $1,400,000 Call MICHAEL★
ORCHARD LAKE $1,350,000 Call MICHAEL★
LOWER STRAITS LAKE $5,500,000 Call MICHAEL★
UPPER STRAITS LAKE $2,995,000 Call MICHAEL★
LAKE SHERWOOD $649,000 Call MICHAEL★
DUCK LAKE $599,000 Call MICHAEL★
WALNUT LAKE $1,999,000 Call MICHAEL★
waterway levels
Following are the waterway level readings for lakes and rivers across Oakland County, as compiled by personnel in Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John P. McCulloch’s office. Legal levels are denoted by elevation in feet from sea level. Current (one month prior to press time) levels are denoted both in elevation from sea level and as plus or minus the legal level in hundredths feet. Prior year elevation from sea level is provided as a comparison. River depths are measured from the river bottom, at the point of measurement.
LAKE
LEGAL LEVEL
PRIOR YEAR
9.23.11
+ OR -
Angelus
950.00
950.15
+.15
949.63
Bevins
910.40
910.69
+.29
910.38
NOTES & REMARKS
Big
1017.30
1017.30
Legal
1016.98
Winter Lvl: 1016.70
Bunny Run
965.95
966.20
+.25
966.32
Winter Lvl: 965.45
Bush Lake
913.60
913.70
+.10
913.40
Cass
929.22
928.31
–.91
929.40
Cedar Island
934.00
934.30
+.30
934.40
Cemetery-Dollar
Winter Lvl: 927.87
968.50
968.30
–.20
968.60
Clinton River
2.10
2.60
+.50
1.94
Commerce
906.80
907.32
+.52
907.05
Crystal
917.50
917.90
+.40
916.85
7) Winter Lvl: 917.00
Dawson Mill Pond
928.60
928.60
Legal
928.60
6) Winter Lvl: 927.25
Duck
1016.63
1016.78
+.15
1016.73
Fox
930.00
930.29
+.29
930.05
Huron River
1.08
1.48
+.40
0.96
Indianwood
992.62
992.86
+.24
992.80
Lakeville
952.30
952.38
+.08
952.39
Long (Commerce Twp.)
933.00
933.23
+.23
933.23
Loon
949.30
949.41
+.11
949.40
2), 3)
Louise-Huff
962.27
962.22
–.05
962.30
8)
Middle & Lower Straits
930.70
930.78
+.08
930.20
Mohawk
949.30
949.43
+.13
949.51
Oakland-Woodhull
957.50
957.76
+.26
957.70
Orchard
930.50
930.63
+.13
930.01
Oxbow
942.75
942.79
+.04
942.96
Oxford-Multi
1017.80
1018.06
+.26
1018.00
Pontiac
962.83
963.38
+.55
962.70
Schoolhouse
949.30
949.43
+.13
949.49
Scott
951.00
949.75
–1.25
949.45
Sylvan-Otter
928.60
928.63
+.03
928.54
Tipsico
1015.39
1,015.30
–.09
1015.00
Union
927.07
927.40
+.33
927.00 930.17
2)
5) Winter Lvl: 992.12
2), 3)
1) 2), 3) 6) Winter Lvl: 927.25
Upper Straits
930.80
931.17
+.37
Van Norman
966.70
966.73
+.03
966.85
2), 4)
Walled & Shawood
932.80
933.20
+.40
932.77
Winter Lvl: 932.10
Watkins
950.00
949.94
–.06
949.93
Waumegah
1049.90
1049.60
–.30
1049.67
White
1019.10
1019.10
Legal
1019.12
Williams
965.42
965.60
+.18
965.48
NOTES: 1) Oxford-Multi includes: Cedar, Clear, Long, Squaw, Mickelson & Tan Lakes. 2) Waterford-Multi (WML) includes: Cemetery (Middle), Dollar, Greens, Maceday, Lotus, Lester, Van Norman, Williams, Mohawk, Wormer, Schoolhouse, Silver, Upper Silver and Loon Lakes. 3) The Loon Lake control structure also controls Mohawk, Wormer, Schoolhouse, Silver and Upper Silver Lakes. 4) The Van Norman control structure also controls Greens, Maceday, Lotus and Lester Lakes. 5) Lake Angelus, Huron River and Clinton River levels not under the jurisdiction of this office. 6) The Dawson Mill Pond and Sylvan-Otter Lakes are controlled by the Price Dam. 7) Crystal Lake is controlled by the Walter Moore Dam. 8) Lake Louise and Huff Lake are controlled by the Ruth Johnson Dam.
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