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A ‘STORR’-IED CAREER ENDS Waterford Chief Storrs retires; Spears to helm fire department - pg. 3

DOUBLING IN MANPOWER Pact ratified by Pontiac firefighters awaits OK by Waterford board - pg. 3

ANNUAL MLK WALK JAN. 15 W. Bloomfield district’s ‘United We Walk’ has music, speakers - pg. 16

pg. 8 Stacy Trott lifts weights at Balance Fitness Personal Training in Walled Lake. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

JANUARY 4, 2012

SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL

People gathered around the TV on Christmas Eve to watch five select choirs compete, and saw the Milford High School Center Stage group win first-place. Choir groups from across the state were eligible for My TV 20’s Holiday Sing competition. Milford’s Center State group received a check for $1,250 and earned bragging rights for the year with its first-place finish. • Warren Miller’s 2011 Production “... Like There’s No Tomorrow” will be hosted by the Milford High School Ski Team at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 7 in the school’s Center for Performing Arts. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Proceeds will benefit the ski team. Call Shari Moser at 248-3467217 or send an e-mail message to shariandscottmoser@comcast.net for more information; or search Facebook for the “MHS Ski Team” page.

That’s what HE said: "They are a very talented bunch of firefighters, some of the best in the state." — Dave Hensel, president of the Waterford Professional Firefighters Union Local 1335, commenting on the quality of firefighters in the Pontiac Fire Department. Firefighters from that department are expected to soon join the Waterford Fire Department ranks after the Pontiac Firefighters Union Local 376 ratified an agreement involving a department takeover by Waterford expected to save the cash-strapped city millions of dollars.

INSIDE Special Report . . . . . . . .8-11 County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 Public Safety . . . . . . . . . . .20 Education . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Lakes Area News . . . . . .7-15 Mail Bag . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 Local Matters . . . . . . .18-19 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . .25-27

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Spears promoted to fire chief after Storrs’ retirement

First hired as a paramedic following a successful 1977 millage proposal in Waterford Township, Dennis Storrs retired from the Waterford Township Fire Department effective Friday, Dec. 30. He will be replaced by Battalion Chief Ron Spears, whom Storrs called “a man of integrity, intelligence and compassion (who) will take the department to great heights.” (Photo submitted by Dennis Storrs)

By Leslie Shepard staff writer

After 35 years of dedicated service, Waterford Township Fire Chief Dennis Storrs is passing the torch on to a new fire department chief as he enters the retirement phase of his life. “I’ve planned to retire for a couple years now,” Storrs said. “It’s been a great career. I’ve met incredible people who I’ve worked with and had the opportunity to get to know. I’ve truly been blessed for the last 35 years.” Deputy Chief Jeff Finkbeiner credits Storrs with being a visionary and elevating the department’s status. “He’s been my mentor and a friend for the past 22 years and has taught me more than can be expressed,” Finkbeiner said. “He’s the best fire chief the department has ever seen. He brought the fire department out of the dark ages and into the 21st century.” Storrs’ legacy began when he became the first paramedic hired using funds from a successful 1977 millage proposal, and was soon promoted to paramedic coordinator. In 1991, he was promoted to lieutenant inspector, and then to fire marshal in 1994 before becoming chief in June 2000. “It’s been a great experience to come in every day and know the people you work with are qualified and professionals,” Storrs said. “I give them

Pontiac firefighters accept Waterford service pact By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Despite Herculean efforts retain its autonomy as a fire department after being in existence for 175 years, the city of Pontiac Firefighter’s Union Local 376 voted Wednesday, Dec. 28 to ratify an agreement involving a department takeover by the Waterford Fire Department. “As of Feb. 1, 2012 the Pontiac firefighters will now work for Waterford

all the credit — I’m the fortunate one.” Storrs’ retirement became effective on Friday, Dec. 30. Battalion Chief Ron Spears will now lead the department as chief. “I feel like I’m ready,” Spears said. Spears completed requisite testing for the chief position two years ago and finished the highest among those who took the test. Since that time, Storrs has been grooming him for the chief position. “He (Spears) was the top candidate and I’ve had the opportunity to include him in every aspect of the fire

department,” Storrs said. “He’s been a tremendous asset to the department and the citizens of Waterford.” “Chief Storrs has been very gracious and involved in a lot for an easy transition,” Spears said. Spears’ tenure with the department began in 1986 when he came on board as a new firefighter. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1998, to captain in 2003, and then to battalion chief in 2007. He was also the acting EMS coordinator for 22 years and the program director of the EMS Academy

and there is a process by which they will move from here to there,” said Pontiac Emergency Financial Manager Lou Schimmel. Pontiac firefighters had been given a Tuesday, Jan. 3 deadline to turn in their employment applications to Waterford Township. “They will be given preferential treatment to be accepted — all will be accepted unless a background check comes back indicating something otherwise,” Schimmel said. According to the agreement, the top 13 Pontiac firefighters will be granted the opportunity to take early retirement rather than working until their 25th year. The 44 remaining firefighters are

eligible for employment with Waterford Township. The city of Pontiac will grant them one-time bonuses of up to $15,000. Should any firefighter be laid off or terminated by Waterford within a threeyear period, except for in cases of misconduct, Pontiac will pay that firefighter one year’s salary. “There’s no intention to lay off, but it’s a safeguard for these firefighters,” Schimmel said. The city of Pontiac also agreed to resolve outstanding grievances. Lastly, four of the firefighters hired by Waterford will join the department as higher ranking officers. According to

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Dogs used to help troubled teenagers, returning soldiers

ogs couldn’t care less “if you are rich or poor, educated or illiterate, clever or dull. Give him your heart and he will give you his,” wrote John Grogan, author of Marley and Me, who accurately sums up the relationship between a man and his dog. And it’s a relationship that Amy Johnson hopes to foster with her non-profit organization. With a master’s degree in teaching from Wayne State University, another master’s degree in counseling from Oakland University, and a certification in dog training, Johnson put all three together to form Teacher’s Pet, an organization that pairs at-risk youths with rescue dogs to foster in positive results for both the child and the dog. Likewise, she is applying similar principles in the Oakland County Dog Tags program, which helps veterans returning from war zones reintegrate into society by training rescue dogs to become more adoptable. In both programs, everybody wins — participants, dogs, adoptive families, and even Johnson herself. You are the director of Teacher’s Pet. Please tell us a bit about the program. What is its purpose? Who does it help? How did it come about? What are the goals of the program? What made you decide that the two together were an effective match? AJ: We started Teacher’s Pet program in 2005, and we began running the program in January of 2006 at Kingsley Montgomery in Waterford. We work with kids there, and we do 10 weeks with 2 hours a day twice a week. So they get one hour each day of learning about dog communication, dog body, you know just what’s going on in the world of dogs and other animals — anything that is tied to humane education. And then the second part is they’re paired with a rescue dog who has behavior problems, and they teach the dog different obedience commands to help the dog become more adoptable. And our goal is to help foster empathy in the kids, impulse control, sense of responsibility and accountability. It’s an altruistic act, something they’re doing to help the dogs in the community and the adoptive families in the community, relationship attachment, those type of things. We work out of four facilities: Children’s Village in Waterford, Kingsley Montgomery, Crossroads, and (the) Macomb County Juvenile Justice Center. You are also involved with Dog Tags, a veteran reintegration and dog training program. Explain what the program is about and how you

became involved. AJ: That one is a little bit newer. We started our first pilot program this past fall. We work with veterans. Our last group had just Iraq (War) veterans, but any veteran can participate. And it’s a 7-week reintegration group. It’s not necessarily a support group or group therapy, but we sort of apply the same principles. We work out of the Oakland County Animal Shelter, and we have the veterans work with dogs who have behavioral challenges. We use the dogs as a way to talk about other issues. A lot of the veterans coming back feel they have difficulty with people they once had a strong connection to. The people they were closest to no longer

•

NE MINUTE

INTERVIEW understand them. They haven’t been through the same experiences, and a lot of the veterans start to feel isolated. So this is a way that they can help practice communication skills. They can practice relational skills and ways to reintegrate back into society, into reestablishing relationships that they had previously. We do that through a once-a-week, 2-hour group. What has been the most rewarding things you have gained out of being involved in these programs? AJ: It’s hard to pick one. I find that while it’s intended to be therapeutic for other individuals, it is equally as therapeutic for me. I could have the worst day ever, but being able to watch the kids smile and laugh and really let their guard down and watch how they interact with the dogs, it’s amazing to watch. You have kids who are hardened

by society because of where they’ve come from; they have developed a hard shell and it’s hard for them to let anyone in because they have not had positive experiences with adults in the past. They’ve not had positive experiences much in general. So you see them and watch the wall slowly come down. You see them laying on the floor and hugging their dogs. Or you see them talking baby talk to their dog. Or sometimes they’ll even, when they think no one is watching, climb into the kennel with the dog to say goodbye. When you see the kids in that light, it totally changes how you see them. You don’t look at them as their behavior. When you see them at their most vulnerable, it helps to see them in a different light. When you’re doing any type of therapy or when you are talking to students, the staff will see the kids in that light now, too, so it changes that aspect, and they can understand the kids a little differently. So it changes the relationship between the staff and the youths. But there’s so many really positive stories from kids who have changed just a little bit. One of the kids we had, his social worker had tried talking to him for years. He’d been in the school a couple years, and she tried talking to him and he didn’t really have much to say to her. He was a very, very quiet kid. He was a very introverted kid. But once he got his dogs or, on this particular day, one of our volunteers brought in kittens that she had found in a dumpster. They were a few weeks old, and she had to feed them every couple hours. So he was like, “Can I help feed them?” She said yeah and gave him the little bottle. He’s feeding the babies, and he walked right into the social worker’s office, sat down with the kittens, and started talking to her. He spent 15, 20 minutes, and she was stunned. She’s like, “Two years, I’ve been trying to talk to this kid. And all it took was a couple kittens.” But she had already laid down all the groundwork. He wouldn’t have gone into her if he didn’t already feel something for her, feel that he could trust her, but it’s very difficult when you’re sitting oneon-one, staring eye-to-eye. A kid feels kind of on the spot. This a kind of way to take the attention off what they feel (is) an interrogation, and it becomes more of a relationship. ❏ By Angela Niemi

Read more of this interview at www.spinalcolumnonline.com.

JANUARY 4-10, 2012

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Fire contract ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 3

Dave Hensel, president of the Waterford Professional Firefighters Union Local 1335, these firefighters are well deserving of the titles. “We’re for that,” Hensel said. “They are a very talented bunch of firefighters, some of the best in the state.” Though Hensel lauds Pontiac’s firefighters, he said there is concern among Waterford union members as to how the transition will be brought to fruition. “There’s a lot of work ahead of us,” Hensel said. “It’s a big transition and it’s like creating a new department. We have a short time to integrate 50 guys — that’s like doubling our department.” Schimmel had presented the Pontiac firefighters union with a formal written offer on Dec. 22 to voluntarily agree to be absorbed by the Waterford department or be terminated. The proposed 10-year fire service contract agreement between

Storrs retiring ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 3

for a decade. With the expected change of Waterford absorbing the Pontiac Fire Department in the near future, Spears said he is up for the challenge. “I look forward to the opportunity,” he said. “It’s not about one person. We have a team concept here to make it a successful transition. Chief Storrs laid great groundwork for me and the department.” Storrs shares a mutual respect for Spears and said he is confident in Spears’ abilities as a leader. “He’s a man of integrity, intelligence and compassion and will take the department to great heights,” Storrs said. ❏

Hirzel, Smith reappointed to Highland DDA By Angela Niemi staff writer

Two members of the Highland Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board were reappointed at Highland Township’s December Board of Trustees meeting.

Waterford and Pontiac comes on the heels of the city facing a $12.5 million budget deficit. The measure is expected to save Pontiac a minimum of $3 million annually, including through the outsourcing of EMS services. “The whole package will save us at a minimum $3 million,” Schimmel said. “EMS will be handled by a separate contract with Star Ambulance, which already backs up the firefighters in Pontiac.” Waterford Township is expected to receive $6.2 million annually, of which about $4 million will be doled out to fire services. Waterford will profit roughly $2.2 million. “It’s a tough situation for everybody, but these are tough times and everyone is doing what they have to to take care of their families,” said Waterford Township Fire Chief Dennis Storrs. “Everyone has mixed emotions and I know all the firefighters will find a way to make it work because our job is to serve.” Hensel said the Waterford union’s contract will need to be re-evaluated given the change. “We don’t have provisions in our

own contact on how this will run, from vacation to health care changes to shift changes,” Hensel said. “We plan on having meetings over the next two weeks.” The sparring between Pontiac and its firefighter union had been ongoing for weeks. Union officials argued that their proposal would have saved the city more money than Waterford providing the city with fire services, and estimated that figure at $3.1 million annually. However, Schimmel said that proposal did not factor in significant costs. “There was not as much detail in their proposal and they ignored a lot of expenses like the purchasing of fire engines and supplies — it wasn’t an apples-to-apples proposal,” Schimmel said. The Waterford Township Board of Trustees is expected to take action on the fire service contract at its Monday, Jan. 9 meeting. Pontiac Firefighters Union Local 376 President Damon Harney did not respond to calls for comment prior to press time. ❏

John Hirzel and Roscoe Smith will each be serving another four-year term, which will end Dec. 31, 2015. The DDA is a public corporate entity dedicated to revitalizing the Highland Station area centered around the intersection of Milford and Livingston roads, as well as its surrounding commercial and industrial district. It’s committed to promoting economic growth in and around Highland Station, as well as historic preservation, while remaining sensitive to those living and working in the area. DDA members do not get paid for their service. Meanwhile, Highland is also looking to fill an open seat on the township’s Planning Commission and one on the Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA), according to Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski. Highland is also looking for individuals to volunteer with the Beautification Commission, the Parks Committee, and DDA committees. “Every community relies on the active participation of its residents. It doesn’t matter whether you choose to sit on a board, commission, committee, or regularly attend meetings held by your community, this is your opportunity to listen and be heard,” Pilchowski said. Any Highland residents who are interested in getting involved in the

community should contact Pilchowski’s office. ❏

City council sinks its teeth into new pit bull regulations By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The Orchard Lake City Council took has approved on first reading its revised animal control ordinance at a Dec. 19 meeting. The comprehensive ordinance was drafted to address exotic and dangerous animals. If passed, the ordinance — which mimics much of Waterford Township’s exotic animal rules — would address animals such as pit bull terriers and other exotic animals like poisonous snakes and spiders. The proposal also calls for the maintenance of existing pit bull terriers in the city and the subsequent banning of all new pit bulls. Existing pit bulls would be grandfathered in under the proposal. The council approved the proposal in a 5-2 vote, with Mark Hoffman and Ann Hartzell voting

against it. “Two council members were in favor of the ordinance but not necessarily on a breed-specific prohibition,” said Council member Joe Majcher, who helped research the proposal. The first draft is based on data collected about the number, nature, and severity of attacks by pit bull terriers in the community, state, and across the country. The city’s research concluded that pit bulls pose an unacceptable risk of harm. Other statistical evidence amassed reveals that pit bulls lead the pack in dog bite-related fatalities in the United States, and have jaws that can crush a victim with up to 2,000 pounds of pressure per square inch, three times that of a German shepherd or Doberman pinscher. Moreover, the breeds are difficult to confine, research concluded, therefore necessitating the breed-specific restrictions. Still, the proposal lends itself to some controversy in the community. “At one meeting prior to the December meeting one resident supported the ordinance and quoted data from Center for Disease Control, but then in December a couple (Sophia and Terry Neubacher) came in and opposed a breed-specific ordinance,” Majcher said. “Overall that’s one pro and one against. To be honest, there wasn’t that much discussion.” The council reviewed ordinances from various communities and state law prior to drafting a final ordinance. “We acted on much more than the pit bull issue,” said Mayor Bruce McIntyre. “Some felt it was unnecessary or there was insufficient evidence for the ban, but Sylvan Lake, Waterford and a fair number of places have this in effect.” The animal control ordinance would combine both the dog ordinance in place and the zoning ordinance for animals. Under the proposal, violations also carry stiffer penalties. Currently any violation results in a municipal civil infraction. If the ordinance is revised, violators would be subject to a misdemeanor charge. ❏

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 12

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

By Angela Niemi staff writer

SPECIAL REPORT

illions throughout the country and billions around the world ushered in 2012 this past weekend by celebrating with champagne, and watching the ball drop in New York’s Times Square and fireworks. With the fun and joyous start of a new year comes a bevy of personal resolutions to make the upcoming 365 days better than those that just ended, whether the resolution is learning to play guitar, stop gossiping, trying something new every day such as wearing leather pants, or never, ever drinking again. Yet, resolutions can be hard to fulfill, which is why it’s not surprising that some of the same goals appear year after year. According to the federal government’s website, the most popular New Year’s resolutions are as follows: • Drinking less alcohol; • Eat healthier food; • Getting a better education; • Getting a better job; • Managing debt; • Managing stress; • Quitting smoking; • Recycling; • Saving money; • Taking a trip; • Volunteering more; • Losing weight; and • Getting fit. The popularity of the last two resolutions can be seen at gyms all over the country, as well as in west Oakland County, as people feel the need to shed the holiday pounds. January and February are some of the busiest months for gyms and fitness facilities, according to the owners and managers who operate them throughout the lakes area. “We absolutely see an influx of new customers around the new year,” said Andrea Bernstein, a personal trainer at Powerhouse Gym in West Bloomfield Township. “It’s probably the No. 1 New Year resolution — to exercise more and have a healthier lifestyle.” And it’s not just new faces showing up next to you on the treadmills, but returning members, too. “You’re going to see everything (around the new year),” Bernstein added. “Brand new people, people you haven’t seen in a while, and those people who are dedicated to fitness.” “It’s one of our busiest times of

Shedding the pounds

Fitness gurus weigh in on popular 2012 goal Two members of Balance Fitness Personal Training in Walled Lake, Stacy and David Trott, work up a sweat at the gym located at 686 N. Pontiac Trail. Bill Sutton, the manager of Balance Fitness, says that although losing weight is a top priority among the gym’s members, “more and more people are coming in for health reasons” based on recommendations from doctors. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

the year. We also see a lot of members come back,” said Shari Vedro, the owner of the Highland Township and Commerce Township Curves fitness centers, which employ circuit training that focuses on both strength training and cardiovascular work by using 28 work stations for 30 seconds each over one half-hour. “There are other women here, talking and having fun, and then the whole thing is done,” Vedro said. “It doesn’t seem like a workout anymore.” However, while gyms and fitness classes may be packed throughout January and February, the deluge of people heading to the gym tends to settle down between the end of March and May, according to Bernstein. “It’s basically a phenomenon at all gyms,” said Steve Kwapisz, the owner of Snap Fitness in Highland Township, which is open 24 hours a

day, 7 days a week to members so they can workout at any time, on their own time. “We do have an influx right after the new year. But people think they can get fit in a month, and as bad as it sounds, they just can’t. It’s impossible to do that.” Most new gym joiners are hoping to accomplish two goals — losing weight and improving their overall health. “Most of them are trying to do both. Some are trying to lose weight, and some are just trying to get fit and toned,” said Vedro, who noted that Curves is a part of the Silver Sneakers program that encourages those over 65-years-old to stay healthy by working out. The program uses supplemental insurance to pay for seniors on Medicare to go to the fitness center. “Losing weight is the No. 1 thing, although we are finding more and more people are coming in for health

reasons, especially on doctors’ recommendations,” said Bill Sutton, the manager of Balance Fitness in Walled Lake. Patricia Heath, who co-owns American Fitness in Waterford Township along with her husband, Bob, agrees. “It seems most people are worried over a number on a scale,” she said. “They are mainly worried about their appearance. Then we have people who don’t need to lose a lot of weight but need to exercise to maintain their health.” While losing weight is a major goal for most people, staying healthy is an added benefit. “Those that come and want a healthier lifestyle, to make a difference, are those most likely to stay with a fitness routine rather than just hope for a quick fix,” Bernstein said. Those hoping for a “quick fix” are often those who do not experience much success. In order to see results, you have to make exercise a new part of

JANUARY 4-19, 2012

Members at Fitness 19 in Commerce Township workout. Kevin Shaw, manager at the facility located at 3050 Union Lake Road, says that maintaining consistency in your workout regime is key to success. “Basically you should surround yourself with people who have similar interests and similar goals,” he said. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Kwapisz of Snap Fitness, which has a fitness trainer on-site to help with nutritional goals. “You need to get a fitness plan and stick with it. And 85 percent of it is diet. People need to watch what they are eating. If they have a diet down and increase their physical activity, everything should fall into place.” While exercise has many important benefits, it’s hard to lose weight if you aren’t eating healthy in moderate

proportions. Faye Lloyd is a coach with the Waterford Township-based nutrition club Daily Nutrition, which helps people achieve their health goals including weight loss, increased energy, and sports nutrition. “There a lot of different areas that we can help you with,” she said. “We help people learn how to eat healthy.” One of the biggest problems with

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nutrition is a lack of knowledge, according to Lloyd. “A lot of people just don’t know what’s healthy to eat. They want to eat healthier, but they don’t even know what that means. We give them suggestions of healthy snacks and a place to start from,” said Lloyd, who is also starting a free workout class on Wednesdays starting Jan. 11 at 6:30 p.m. at Riverside Elementary School in Waterford. She and other coaches also have a weight loss challenge starting this month which offers cash prizes. “It’s a way to support on a weekly basis and to learn nutrition to make better, healthier choices throughout life,” she said. According to Vedro, Curves also offers a complete management program that helps with exercise, diet and motivation to start and stay on a diet. “We are certified through the Cleveland Clinic,” Vedro explained. “And the program is overseen by Curves’ corporate registered dietitian.” The Carl’s Family YMCA in Milford also offers nutrition classes to help people maintain a healthy lifestyle. “It’s healthy to exercise at least three days a week and to eat healthy. We have nutrition classes here,” said Jeff Brown, the marketing and membership director at the Carl’s Family YMCA. People can even get a taste of the nutrition classes at the YMCA’s open house on Saturday, Jan. 14. “It’s a free event for the community to try every area of the YMCA — our group exercise, pool, basketball courts, and personal training. They can try it out for a day and see if it’s the right option,” said Brown, who added that as a non-profit organization, the YMCA raises money to help families who may not have the income to join a fitness facility. The YMCA, with its slew of classes — including the recently added ballroom dancing, equipment, two pools, and pick-up sports activities — can be a great place to add variety to your workout, which gym experts agree is important both physically and mentally. “At 46 weeks, your body will plateau if you keep doing the same thing all the time,” said Powerhouse Gym’s Bernstein. “It’s not that you won’t keep fit — you might just not see change. You need to add enough variety to see continued improvements and changes.” PAGE 10 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

SPECIAL REPORT

your life and not just a short-term thing, according to a fitness professional at Fit Zone for Women in Waterford — which offers a friendly, secure workout atmosphere designed for women — who did not want to be identified for this special report. Bernstein agrees. “For those who have never exercised, they should look to do moderate exercise five to six times a week to ease into it,” said Bernstein, who has been a personal trainer for over three decades. “And they need to moderate their eating — everything in moderation. You don’t want to do too much too soon and then fizzle out. I’d rather see someone ease into a fitness program and make lifestyle changes by becoming more active and more moderate in eating rather than making too many changes too soon.” Consistency seems to be a key component to successfully getting fit. “(To be successful) stay consistent,” said Kevin Shaw, the manager at Fitness 19 in Commerce Township, which offers deals with monthly payments as low as $5. “Basically you should surround yourself with people who have similar interests and similar goals.” American Fitness’ Heath said she believes people can be successful if they “can just be consistent.” “A common error everybody has is an ‘all or nothing’ approach — a whole hour of working out or nothing at all,” Heath said. “The ones I see who are really successful are the ones I see doing something every day, whether it’s 10 or 20 minutes one day and then 60 minutes the next day. A lot of people look at the clock and think, ‘Oh, I don’t have an hour to work out.’ But stop in and walk on the treadmill for 10 minutes up hill when you are out doing errands. Some people will think it’s not a very good workout, but guess what? It was a workout. So many people feel you have to be sweating buckets to get fitness in, but that’s not the case.” She added that you don’t want to always do only 10 minutes every day, but to vary your workouts accordingly. Setting realistic goals is instrumental to success, as well. “You need to set goals,” said Balance Fitness’ Sutton. “You can’t walk into a gym without knowing what you are going to be doing that particular day. You won’t accomplish anything. And it’s not just your weight or health goals. You need to come in knowing what program you are working on and knowing what you want to achieve.” “Consistency is everything,” said

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Keeping fit in 2012 Where you can trim the fat — locally

e’ve compiled a list of fitness and exercise facilities in west Oakland County for you to keep handy as 2012 progresses, if you’re looking to lose weight or just get healthier in the new year. While we’ve done our best to include all relevant locations, there may be businesses in the lakes area not listed below that provide similar services. Best of luck to you in your quest to shed the pounds! • Snap Fitness, 2825 E. Highland Road, Highland Township, 248-714-9686. • Carl’s Family YMCA, 300 Family Drive, Milford, 248-685-3020. • Huron Valley Schools Pools and Fitness Centers, Lakeland High School, 1630 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake Township, 248-6762341; Milford High School, 2380 S. Milford Road, Highland, 248-6762346. • Waterford Schools Pools and Fitness Centers, Kettering High School, 2800 Kettering Drive, Waterford, 248-673-9969; Mott High School, 1151 Scott Lake Road, Waterford, 248-674-6360. • Balance Fitness Personal Training, 686 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, 248-669-3370. • Powerhouse Gym, 2258 N. Milford Road, Highland Township, 248-889-8884. • Your Fit Club, 9278 Highland Road, White Lake Township, 248698-2100. • 59 Fitness, 786 W. Highland Road, Highland Township, 248-8893004. • Modern Messages Dance Company, 2336 E. Highland Road, Suite No. 102, Highland Township, 248-889-2499. • Plymouth Physical Therapy, 29822 S. Wixom Road, Wixom, 248-926-5826. • Plymouth Physical Therapy, 8896 Commerce Road, Suite No. 1, Commerce Township, 248-3632115.

• Plymouth Physical Therapy, 9178 Highland Road, Suite B, White Lake Township, 248-698-1277. • Curves, 546 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township, 248-3604880. • Curves, 730 W. Highland Road, Highland Township, 248-889-9400. • Curves, 3675 Highland Road, Waterford Township, 248-738-7725. • World Gym, 4721 Highland Road, Waterford Township, 248-618-9293. • Planet Fitness, 5142 Highland Road, Waterford Township, 248-706-1553. • Fitness 19, 4299 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 248-932-1919. • Fitness 19, 3050 Union Lake Road, Commerce Township, 248-366-1919. • Fit Zone for Women, 5217 Highland Road, Waterford Township, 248-674-9800. • 24/7 Fitness Center, 2083 N. Wixom Road, Wixom, 248-926-4077. • Center for Yoga, 6710 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 248-865-9642. • Fitness Together, 6279 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield Township, 248-668-9884. • American Fitness, 5806 Dixie Highway, Waterford Township, 248-623-0099. • Bally Total Fitness, 1490 North Oakland Boulevard, Waterford Township, 248-666-3611. • Anytime Fitness, 1001 Welch Road, Commerce Township, 248-926-0558. • Powerhouse Gym, 6750 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 248-539-3370. • Life Time Fitness, 2901 Commerce Crossing Boulevard, Commerce Township, 248-9600955. • Fit Zone for Women, 1537 N. Wixom Road, Wixom, 248-668-8410. • Anytime Fitness, 141 S. Milford Road, Milford, 248-685-8373. ❏

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Fitness centers ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 9

“The best way to avoid plateauing is to change your workout after a time,” said Kwapisz of Snap Fitness. “Once you plateau you tend not to make any gains. You need to change things up and change new things.” Many gym owners and managers suggest meeting with a personal trainer at least once as a way to learn new techniques, how to use new equipment, and to incorporate new exercises to vary your workout. Others suggest joining a class such as yoga, pilates, or kickboxing, among many others. One in particular that happens to be widely popular right now is Zumba. “It’s a fun Latin dance exercise craze,” Bernstein said. “People like it because it’s fun, but you don’t necessarily have to be a dancer to do it.” “It’s really booming,” said American Fitness’ Heath. “You burn a ton of calories while having the best time in Zumba classes. It’s just a really fun dance. We even throw Zumba parties. Join the party and get into shape. We dance for two hours and turn the studio into a disco with lights.”

Vedro said Curves has even integrated Zumba into their circuit training. While exercise can be a way to look great, it also makes you feel great in mind and body, according to experts. So while getting fit and losing weight might be your resolution, it might also help you knock off another couple on the country’s most popular resolution list. “I just always believe a healthy body, a healthy mind. Exercise is a great stress reliever,” said Fitness 19’s Shaw. ❏

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Wixom opts out of cap on employee healthcare costs By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The Wixom City Council recently voted to opt out of a new state law that calls for municipalities to limit government spending on public employees’ healthcare costs. Gov. Rick Snyder, as part of the Publicly Funded Health Insurance Contribution Act, pushed legislation that allows municipalities to pass 20 percent of healthcare costs onto employees, while municipalities assume 80 percent. Each municipality had the option of applying a hard-capped dollar amount for each government employee’s healthcare costs ($5,500 single, $11,000 couple, $15,000 family), adopt by majority vote the 80/20 cost sharing model, elect not to follow the model, or opt out this year by a twothird majority vote and revisit the issue the following year. The Wixom council adopted a resolution at its Tuesday, Dec. 27 meeting to opt out for a six month period to give the city adequate time to evaluate which benefit plan is most beneficial. The plan will be re-evaluated prior to the end of the city’s fiscal year, which is June 30, 2012. “The biggest reason was the bill seems unclear and didn’t indicate if you were to begin at the start of the new calendar year or start of the plan year,” said Mayor Kevin Hinkley. “We tried to get that defined and couldn’t by some of our legislators.” Currently, Wixom employees contribute nothing to their healthcare costs. However, the city has taken steps to decrease the premium costs by increasing deductibles and implementing a Health Reimbursement Plan, and has realized nearly $800,000 in savings since the program began in 2007-08. “We do things rather thoughtfully in a calculating manner that benefits the taxpayers and keeps our team in tact,” said City Manager Mike Dornan. The consensus was that it would be inappropriate to apply a cost sharing agreement to non-union employees. The measure would provide time for the city to enter into negotiations with the employee union. Opting out was also preferred given that city employees agreed to a wage freeze for both 2010-11 and 2011-12, all while taking on additional tasks

Hannah, a Yorkshire sow at the Kensington Metropark Farm Center in Milford, gave birth to this litter of piglets on Wednesday, Dec. 21, according to the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority (HCMA), which added that this litter brings Hannah’s total offspring to 53 so far. (Photo submitted by Chris Williams of the Kensington Metropark Farm Center)

when other positions were eliminated through attrition. The 80/20 model would have financially strapped employees. “For a family it would have annually cost them anywhere from $2,100 to $3,800 out of pocket,” Dornan said. “When we do implement the act, we’ll develop a holistic plan citywide.” Currently, the city’s Finance Department, in tandem with Dornan and the city’s insurance advisor, has been investigating other healthcare plan alternatives. ❏

Park closed until around Jan. 20 for force main work By Angela Niemi staff writer

Long Nature Park in Commerce Township will be closed for the next two to three weeks as construction is completed on an effluent force main extension. Engineers from Giffels-Webster are heading up the project.

Currently, the discharge from the Commerce Waste Water Treatment Plant on Welch Road goes into the wetland just north of the park, which is located at Berry Lake in the southeastern corner of Commerce Township, on the west side of M-5 and north of 14 Mile Road. According to John Solowczuk, who is the project manager, the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) required the township to have the discharge bypass the wetland. “There would be more dissolved oxygen in the water if it didn’t go through the wetland,” Solowczuk said. Instead of having the water go through the wetland, the force main is being extended under the wetland so that treated waste water is discharged at the same body of water in the park. “The water is going to the same place,” Solowczuk said. “The DEQ is just requiring us to bypass the wetland. We are just moving the end of the pipe from one place to another.” With a few more weeks of con-

struction planned, Solowczuk said he expects the park to be opened again by Friday, Jan. 20. ❏

Milford budget amended for recreational trail By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Milford Township Board of Trustees voted Wednesday, Dec. 21 to approve a resolution amending the township’s Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 budget by more than $100,000. The board originally approved the FY 2012 budget at its Nov. 16 meeting. Township Supervisor Don Green said the budget was amended to include $107,812.50 from an existing millage to fund the Milford Recreational Trail.

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 15

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JANUARY 4-10, 2012

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PAGE 15

LAKES AREA NEWS

Township board takes additional steps on new trail By Michael Shelton staff writer

Village of Milford officials were expected to approve July 29 as the date for the fourth annual Milford Criterium, a bicycle race on a short course that stretches for 0.92 miles starting at the intersection of Main Street and Center Street. In addition, new events planned for this year’s criterium weekend include roller races on July 27 and a mountain bike challenge on July 28. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Criterium date considered Milford officials looking at July 29 for fourth annual race By Michael Shelton staff writer

he Milford Village Council at its meeting yesterday, Tuesday, Jan. 3, was scheduled to consider approving a date of July 29 for the 2012 Milford Criterium bicycle race. A criterium race takes place on a short course with bikers competing for a certain length of time, followed by certain number of laps, the number of which varies based upon racer age, gender, and experience. This year will mark the criterium’s

Milford budget ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 12

Green said that the tax levy amounts to 0.1 mills and that the revenue will go towards paying off the $1.62 million bond that was sold in 2008 to construct the trail. The bond was sold to Fifth Third Securities, Inc. and closed on Sept. 25, 2008. Milford Township’s general fund can now expect to take in $6.25

fourth year. It’s traditionally held on a closed road course through downtown Milford that stretches for 0.92 miles, starting at the intersection of Main Street and Center Street and heading west down Commerce Road, south down Cabinet Street, and east on Liberty. The race then heads south through Central Park before heading back north on Main Street, concluding back at the intersection of Main and Center streets. The 2012 event will consist of several races, ranging in age, gender, and million in estimated revenue next year, while expenditures for 2012 are also expected to come in at $6.25 million. The top four revenue sources are expected to be the police millage ($3.13 million), other taxes and special assessments ($1.13 million), property taxes ($855,426), and state shared revenue ($598,000). The top expenditures are expected to be public safety ($3.37 million), followed by general government expenses

biking levels. According to Race Director Joe Dolan, new events being planned for this year’s criterium weekend include roller races on July 27 at an area restaurant to be determined, along with a mountain bike challenge on July 28. For more information, visit the event’s official website, milfordcrit.org, or the event’s official page on Facebook by typing in “Milford Criterium” in the search bar. ❏ ($1.04 million), appropriations from the township’s fund balance and transfers ($1.12 million), and capital outlay ($390,000). The township is also expected to collect $1.71 million in special revenue funds in 2012, including $808,778 for the fire department, $503,808 for the refuse collection fund, $220,000 for the road improvement fund, $107,907 for the senior center fund, and $73,484 for the cemetery fund. ❏

The West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees was unanimous in recently approving a site plan for the West Bloomfield Trail recommended by the township’s Planning Commission. The Wetlands Review Board recommended to the Planning Commission to extend the trail with certain conditions, including the removal of invasive plants and the stipulation that soil erosion controls be put in place. The Planning Commission also recommended a zoning map change that would shift the trail extension from its current right-of-way/no zoning area designation to the township’s recreation district, a recommendation the township board approved. In Dec. 2010, the township’s Parks and Recreation Commission purchased an abandoned stretch of the Michigan Airline Railway corridor, from Arrowhead Road to Haggerty Road. The total cost of the purchase was $1.725 million, with $1.45 million covered by a grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund and $300,000 covered by a grant from the state Department of Transportation. Trail extension plans will be submitted to the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) for review and approval. Trail construction is slated to take place between April and July. ❏

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EDUCATION

‘United We Walk’ scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 15 By Michael Shelton staff writer

he West Bloomfield School District will hold its 18th annual “United We Walk” celebration in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. on Sunday, Jan. 15, at West Bloomfield High School. The actual walk is open to the general public and will begin at 3 p.m. in the high school parking lot. It will be led by the West Bloomfield High School Drumline. The walk will last 30 minutes and head south along Orchard Lake Road before turning around at Walnut Lake Road and moving back to the high school. This year’s theme is “United We Build the Dream.” The main program will be held in the high school auditorium at 3:30 p.m., including performances by the West Bloomfield High School Choir, the Orchard Lake Middle School Choir, and the Madrigal Chorale of Southfield. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Silas Norman, associate dean for admissions, diversity and inclusion at Wayne State University. As a college graduate student, Norman was part of the famed Freedom Riders as he traveled to Selma, Ala. in 1964 and became a member of the Selma Literacy Project,

WLCS musicians to shine as part of MSBOA ensembles By Angela Niemi staff writer

Nine students from the Walled Lake

The 18th annual “United We Walk” celebration in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. in West Bloomfield will begin at 3 p.m. in the West Bloomfield High School parking lot. In addition to the half-hour walk south along Orchard Lake Road, the main program of the event will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the school’s auditorium and feature a variety of musical performances and keynote speaker Dr. Silas Norman, associate dean for admissions, diversity and inclusion at Wayne State University in Detroit. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

whose mission was to prepare people to vote. He later became state director of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee to fight back against racial discrimination in the south. The United We Walk event will conclude with a candlelight vigil beginning at 4:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium. The highlight of the vigil will be the announcement of the latest inductee into the World Leaders group, Consolidated School District were selected to perform in the 2012 Michigan State Band and Orchestra (MSBOA) All-State ensembles. In order to be chosen, students had to audition and were required to perform difficult etudes, a list of memorized scales, and sight read a piece of music which they had never

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which is chosen each year by West Bloomfield High School students. The group — which includes Rosa Parks, Nelson Mandela, Barack Obama, and last year’s inductee, Maya Angelou — is honored for advancing the cause of unity and peace. The vigil will be followed by a community/family dinner in the high school cafeteria, which is free of charge and open to the public. This year’s 2012 United We Walk seen before. Over 2,000 students from across Michigan auditioned for the All-State program. Two students from Walled Lake Western High School — Pujan Bhattarai, who plays the trumpet, and Kyle Krause, who plays the viola — were selected. Katherine von Bernthal of Walled Lake Northern High School was selected for her alto saxophone talents. Walled Lake Central High School had five students chosen: Hannah Brown (clarinet); Evan Kennedy (trumpet); Jeran Norman (alto saxophone); Jacob Rexroat (clarinet); and Emily Tyrrell (violin). Brek Moorey from Sarah Banks Middle School was also selected to perform on her French horn. The MSBOA All-State ensembles will be performing on Jan. 21 at the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids. Also performing in Grand Rapids that Saturday will be three eighthgrade students from Clifford Smart

Co-Chairs are Alyxis Flaggs, Brian Flaggs, David Flaisher, Olivia Peace and Katherine Sheiko. The annual event is sponsored by local organizations, congregations and businesses including the Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce, the West Bloomfield Clergy Association, and the Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition for Youth. For more information, visit unitedwewalk.org. ❏ Middle School who were chosen for the Michigan School Vocal Music Association State Honors Choir. Jessie Bailey, Amanda Navarre, and Adrienne Pringle auditioned as a trio and will performing at the DeVos Place. Meanwhile, another Walled Lake student will be performing at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl on Saturday, Jan. 7, which will be televised on NBC at 1 p.m. Mike Abel, a senior at Walled Lake Central, was selected to be a member of the 2012 U.S. Army All-American Marching Band, which will perform at the half-time show of the game at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas. “Michael has stood out in every possible positive way for our program,” said Dave Rogers, Central’s band director. “To be named as one of the top 125 marching band seniors in the country is an incredible achievement that Michael worked tirelessly for. He is a great teammate, leader, and someone who can always be counted on. I am so proud of Mike.” ❏

JANUARY 4, 2012

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COMMUNITY LIFE community honors ❐ Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church in West Bloomfield has announced that the Reverend Mary T. Duerksen will be installed on Sunday, Jan. 8, as pastor of both Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church and Lutheran Church of the Ascension in Waterford. Both ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) congregations will be served by Pastor Duerksen as she begins her joint call to this ministry. The Rite of Installation service will begin at 9 a.m. at Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church followed by a reception at 11 a.m. at Lutheran Church of the Ascension. Non-perishable food items will be collected as part of the offering and given to the Good Samaritan Lutheran Church Food Bank — loose offerings will be given to local and mission charities. Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church is located at 2399 Figa Avenue and Lutheran Church of the Ascension is at 4150 Pontiac Lake Road. For more information call 248-682-0770 or visit www.lutheransonline.com/sllc.

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WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL

Support yourself and your community – shop locally! The choices that you make about where to shop are powerful statements to your community. By choosing locally owned & operated businesses, you support: Schools • Police and Fire • Libraries • Parks & Recreation • Roads If you purchase from non-locally owned and operated businesses or the internet, tax dollars are going to someone else’s community - possibly in a completely different state. Invest in our future – buy local, live local, and volunteer local too.

You have a choice! Spend it here. Keep it here.

50 YEARS AGO Jan. 4, 1962 The R & M Department Store in Union Lake displayed some of their finest and most attractive merchandise for the public to see in their showcase for the Christmas holiday — too attractive maybe. On Dec. 24 at 2:45 p.m. thieves threw a trash barrel through the window and gained entrance to the store. They broke two manikins and escaped with merchandise from the store. At the time this paper went to press, Charles Miller, the owner of the R & M Department Store, and his employees had not had time to take a thorough inventory to discover all that was missing. 40 YEARS AGO Jan. 5, 1972 United General Theatres, of Los Angeles, announces that final plans have been completed to install a franchised mini-theater, the Milford Cinema, in Milford Village. The theater will be located in the shopping center at Summit and Commerce roads in the two vacant buildings near the A & P store. The Milford Cinema will utilize the latest and most modern automated sound and comfort equipment available and will feature primarily "family pictures" at prices reasonable to all age groups. The theater will seat 200 with planned showings seven nights a week and special matinees on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. 30 YEARS AGO Jan. 6, 1982 Waterford School district buses could be called into service the weekend of the National Football League's Super Bowl, board members said recently. The Board of Education voted unanimously at their meeting on Dec. 17 to let the district's buses haul fans from airport runways to the terminal. District Superintendent Dr. John Pagen said there would be no cost to the district for the service with gas, insurance and drivers' time all charged to Super Bowl organizers. 20 YEARS AGO Jan. 2, 1992 No decision will be made on state funding for the Holocaust Memorial Center in West Bloomfield until after the Michigan Legislature returns from its winter break.

The Holocaust Memorial Center, located on the campus of the Jewish Community Center, received $110,000 from the state in previous years, but probably won't receive any more than $50,000 this year. Funding for the center as a part of a 1992 budget supplemental bill has been debated for the past two months. Money for the center has been vetoed once by Michigan Gov. John Engler. Fifty-thousand dollars in funding was agreed on by the Democratic-controlled House but denied by the Republicancontrolled Senate. 10 YEARS AGO Jan. 2, 2002 Current 52-1 District Court Judge Michael Batchik has chosen not to run for 52-2 District Court Judge Gerald McNally's seat in November, and will instead follow through with a planned transfer to the Clarkston court for a term that will become effective in January 2003 and expire in January of 2005. Batchik has reportedly pondered running for McNally's seat, which will be open during the 2002 election cycle. Batchik was elected to his current seat in November 1998 for a six-year term that began in January of the following year. His current term does not expire until January 2005. McNally's open 522 term will run from January 2003 to January 2009. The Oakland County Board of Commissioners approved a resolution in June 2000 that will bring a new judgeship to the 52-1 District Court in Novi and transfer Batchik, as well as Rose and White Lake townships, to the 52-2 court in Clarkston. Winning McNally's seat would have allowed Batchik to curb an existing judicial age restriction and extend his career by approximately four years.

Headlines of the Past

– A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly –

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

LOCAL MATTERS business notes movers/shakers promotions ❐ Julie Hanson of Farmington Hills has been named Team Manager with Tastefully Simple, Inc., a national direct seller of delicious, easy to prepare foods. Hanson earned this promotion through sales achievements and by adding new consultants to the team. She is now entitled to a variety of benefits, such as commissions, bonuses, allowances and more. “These types of promotions encourage our consultants to develop their businesses and take control of their incomes,” said Tastefully Simple’s founder and CEO, Jill Blashack Strahan. For more information about Tastefully Simple products, taste-testing parties or starting your own Tastefully Simple business, contact Julie Hanson at julielovests@gmail.com. ❐ Melissa V. Rodic of White Lake has been promoted to Director of Career Services at Baker College of Auburn Hills. She will be responsible for the development and maintenance of partnerships with community and

area employers to foster internship and employment opportunities for Baker College students as well as providing current students and graduates with employment search assistance. Rodic is also Dean of Work Experience, overseeing 22 courses relating to internships/externships and all phases of the employment search process. She will also teach a professional career strategies course. Rodic joined Baker College in 2010 as an employment coordinator at the Allen Park campus. She transferred to Baker’s Auburn Hills campus in November 2010, where she was employment coordinator until her recent promotion. Before that, she was a student support services coordinator at another area higher education institution and also a sales and marketing development coordinator at an Internet service provider in Brighton. Rodic is a graduate of Madonna University in Livonia with both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in business administration. She is a member of the National Association of Colleges and Employers and Women in Defense and is currently attending Leadership Oakland’s LOXXII class. (Leadership Oakland is an organization that focus-

changes

WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL

You have a choice! Spend it here. Keep it here. es on business and community leadership development.)

❐ Amber Butler of West Bloomfield has become an independent consultant with Tastefully Simple, Inc., a national direct seller of delicious, easy to prepare foods. As an independent business owner, Butler offers food samples at home taste-testing parties along with easy ideas for everyday meals, recipes, serving suggestions and fun. All of these products are open-and-enjoy or can be prepared by adding only one or two ingredients. For more information about Tastefully Simple products, taste-testing parties or starting your own Tastefully Simple business, contact Amber Butler at butleramber01@yahoo.com

monthly agenda

❐ The Highland-White Lake Business Association (HWLBA) hosts a networking coffee hour on the second Friday of each month at a different location. This month’s meeting will be held from 8 to 9 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 13, at Veterinary Care Specialists/ VCS Pets First at 59 West in Highland Township. Join them for coffee and treats. This is a great way PAGE 19 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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LOCAL MATTERS

Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 18

to learn about their organization, meet new business owners, and discuss potential opportunities. For more information, e-mail Heather Marquis of the HWLBA at hmmba@gmail.com ❐ The Highland-White Lake Business Association (HWLBA) and the Hartland Chamber of Commerce is holding a Post Holiday Mixer from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan 19, at 59 Westin Highland. This is a fun way to interact and meet great people and network with current members and potential members of the HighlandWhite Lake Business Association. The event will feature light appetizers, a raffle, and door prizes. For more information ,e-mail Heather Marquis at the HWLBA at hmmba@gmail.com ❐ The Highland-White Lake Business Association (HWLBA) is holding a Winter Showcase Luncheon at noon at Thursday, Jan. 26, at White Lake Inn. This event is a great opportunity for their members to showcase their business with a display table in a miniexpo setting. Walk along and learn about area businesses while enjoying your lunch. This is a great way to learn about their organization, discuss your business and meet great people. For more information, e-mail Heather Marquis at the HWLBA at hmmba@gmail.com

monthly agenda ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, visit www.huronvcc.com: • The Coffee Club, 8 to 9 a.m. Friday, Jan 6, Gregory J. Hicks, 1203 N. Milford Road, Milford. Start the new year off right at this free morning mixer. • Ambassadors meeting, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, Conference Room, Milford Police Department, 1100 Atlantic Street, Milford. • Ribbon Cutting for 2 Moms & A Mop, 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, new suite location, 317 Union Street, Milford. Check out the new world headquarters of 2 Moms & A Mop. • New Member Meet and Greet, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, Conference Room, Huron Valley State Bank, 130 S. Milford Road, Milford. • Hosted by The Plum Door Teas, The Coffee Club will be held from 8 to 9 a.m., Friday, Jan. 20, at 210 S. Main, Milford. Join us for this free morning

Participants in a recent Coffee Club meeting, put on by the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce and hosted at Petrillo Group - Raymond James in Highland Township, were all smiles during the Dec. 16, 2011 gathering. The next free Coffee Club meeting will be held on Friday, Jan. 6 from 8 to 9 a.m. at Gregory J. Hicks Chiropractic, 1203 N. Milford Road, in Milford. (Photo submitted by the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce)

mixer where you’ll enjoy coffee, tea and some of the best scones in town. •January Jump Start Membership Mixer, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, Red Dog Saloon, 250 W. Summit, Milford. Join them for this free mixer exclusively for their members. This is a great way to get your business engines fired up for the new year! Appetizers provided and cash bar. R.S.V.P. the chamber office at 248-685-7129. ❐ Member news from the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce: Refer a business owner or yourself for a free assesment and win a free iPad when they or you become a client. Contact Mike Moses at Insight Business Coaching for more information, Insight Business Coaching, 28345 Beck Road, Suite 402, Wixom, 48393 or e-mail mike@insightbusinesscoaching.com ❐ The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-624-2826 or visit www.lakesareachamber.com:

• Each One - Reach One Reception, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 25, Comfort Suites, Wixom. Invite nonmembers to “come check us out.” Compelmentary appetizers and refreshments. Enter a drawing for a free one-year chamber membership. Sposored by Comfort Suites, Wixom. Call for reservations, 248-624-2826. ❐ The Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce (WACC) is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-666-8600 or visit www.waterfordchamber.org: • WACC’s 13th annual Meeting and Awards Dinner, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 12, White Lake Oaks, 991 N. Williams Lake Road, Waterford. Join us for a fantastic evening as we roll out the red carpet for the Grammys. Cost: $48 per person, table of eight is $360. For more information or to RSVP today, visit http://bit.ly/sOrK8I • WBAG, 8 to 9 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 17 and 31, Clarkston State Bank, 6600 Highland Road, Waterford.

❐ The Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-626-3636 or visit westbloomfieldchamber.com. • The chamber’s annual meeting and installation of new board members will be held at the Jewish Community Center in the Greenberg Suite beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2012. There will be a breakfast buffet and networking from 7:30 to 8 a.m. with Judge Kimberly Small installing new board members beginning at 8 a.m. Tickets are $25 and advance registration is required. Register at westbloomfieldchamber.com or call 248626-3636. • Join us for Mingle, Mix & Meet networking and coffee at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 25. This month’s Mingle, Mix & Meet is being hosted by Touch of Europe Spa located at 4301 Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield. Be sure to bring plenty of business cards to hand out to attendees. Free to chamber members, $5 for non-members. Register at westbloomfieldchamber.com or call 248-626-3636.

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Commerce Township teenager is in critical condition after he was accidentally shot in the face in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Dec. 27 at a house party in the 2000 block of Nacona. Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Commerce Township Substation deputies were called to the scene around 1:55 a.m. Initially, it was unclear whether the wound was self-inflicted or the result of an accidental shooting by one of the other teens at the house. According to a sheriff’s department incident report, deputies were told the shooting occurred when someone brought out a handgun owned by one of the residents of the house. Earlier in the night, the homeowner’s 18-year-old son brought out the 9mm Ruger semi-automatic handgun from the owner’s bedroom to show people before returning it. When the owner of the gun returned home, there were nine guests at the house. Shortly after his arrival, the victim went to the room where the gun was and took it. The owner of the gun saw it and told the victim to hand it over. According to the incident report, the victim appeared to have racked a bullet into the gun’s chamber and then began to hand it to the owner. During the transfer, the gun discharged and hit the victim in the face. The 19-year-old victim was taken to DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital before being transported to Detroit Receiving Hospital. While the incident remains under investigation, witnesses indicate there’s not a bad relationship between the gun’s owner and the victim. So far, no charges have been filed. Undersheriff Mike McCabe said the department plans to bring the investigation before the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office sometime at the end of the week. As of press time, the victim was still hospitalized in critical condition, according to McCabe. ❏

Suspect in destruction of home apprehended Wolverine Lake police officers have wrapped up their end of an investigation into a 1-year-old home invasion case and nabbed a second individual thought to be involved in the crime that resulted in an estimated $125,000 in damage to a home on the 800 block of Adelaide. Wolverine Lake resident Justin Napier, 22, was taken into custody last week for his allegedly role in a home invasion that occurred in September 2010. During the crime, the suspects spray painted the entire interior of the home, cut up every piece of furniture with a knife, dumped paint throughout the home and broke the toilets, which resulted in massive flooding. The family was displaced for over a year after the incident. “It was devastating to the family and the police felt horrible,” said Acting Police Chief/Captain John Ellsworth. “The suspects didn’t even know the family.” A juvenile was arrested for his

involvement last year. Police could not apprehend Napier until the juvenile was adjudicated. Napier has been charged with breaking and entering and one count of second-degree home invasion, Ellsworth said. He is currently being held on a $200,000 bond. A preliminary exam is scheduled for Feb. 1. ❏

Police investigate case of stolen Ford F-550 Milford police are asking for the public’s help in recovering a snow plow truck stolen from the 2200 block of Fyke Drive. Police are searching for a 2008 Ford F-550 dump truck with a white cab, a black steel dump up front and wood side panels. The doors have “Sunrize Irrigation Services” inscribed on them. The owner told police the truck was stolen between Dec. 28 and Dec. 29. Anyone with information on the missing truck is asked to call the Milford Police Department at 248-6841815. ❏

JANUARY 4-10, 2012

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PAGE 21

UPDATE

DNR looks for help during Jan. 15, 28 stewardship days Working outside in the fresh air, getting exercise during the winter season, and contributing to the protection and restoration of Michigan’s state parks are all benefits enjoyed by volunteers participating in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) volunteer stewardship days. The Highland Recreation Area will be holding two of these volunteer stewardship days from 1 to 4 p.m on Sunday, Jan. 15 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28. Volunteers will be removing shrubs that are encroaching on the fen and wet meadows near Teeple Lake on Jan. 15. They are asked to meet at the sheep barn parking lot, about 5 minutes south of the park entrance on M59. Waterproof, knee-high boots are recommended for this site. On Jan. 28, volunteers will be helping to restore the Highland Recreational Area to open grassland by hauling and piling brush and stacking fire wood. Those wanting to help are asked to meet at the Silo Field Trial Area parking lot on Livingston Road between Pettibone Lake and Beaumont roads. More information on this stewardship day, as well as registration forms, can be found by clicking on the “Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays” link on the DNR website at michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers. ❏

SEMCOG survey gives insight into mass transit users By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Attempts to map out mass transit throughout the metro Detroit area seems to be losing momentum and changing direction especially since last month Detroit Mayor Dave Bing, Gov. Rick Snyder and U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood agreed to scrap the $528 million M1 Rail project — a proposed light-rail system along Woodward from downtown Detroit to the city limits at Eight Mile Road — in favor of a regional rapid-transit bus system. Yet to determine the need for mass transit, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) conducted a recent mass transit survey last year. “The survey information is important because it gives basic information of what systems are being used and

rider specifics,” said SEMCOG Director of Transportation Programs Carmine Palombo. “When devising any transit system, the data provides much more updated information as well as information to transit operators and SEMCOG to help us do our planning work.” Survey results reinforce the need for transit systems in the region. The systems surveyed included: Detroit Department of Transportation, Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation, Ann Arbor Transportation Authority, University of Michigan Transit Service, Detroit People Mover, Blue Water Area Transit and Lake Erie Transit. The questionnaires rounded up information about passenger demographics and trip details. The key preliminary findings found that over 222,000 boardings occurred on the region’s bus system each day and about half of transit usage occurred on 10 percent of the system. Of the 14,000 active bus stops surveyed, 800 of them (or 6 percent) served 50 percent of daily regional ridership. The vast majority of transit trips (85 percent) either began or ended at home and 54 percent of the trips were work or university related. About 84 percent of respondents

walked to or from the bus stop, while 75 percent of the transit riders were frequent riders (between 3 and 7 days per week). Fifty-two percent of riders reported that they required no transfer to complete their trips, while 36 percent required one transfer. According to the survey, more young people used transit. More than onethird of the riders were between 18years-old and 25-years-old. Moreover, 90 percent of the riders did not receive any fare subsidy. Fares from 8.2 percent of riders were fully paid by employers, while 1.9 percent of riders received partial financial assistance. Of those surveyed, 20 percent were unemployed. Forty-six percent of riders did not have a valid driver license and nearly 52 percent of riders did not have access to any vehicle. Moreover, 86 percent of riders were from households with annual income less than $50,000 and 40 percent were from households with less than $10,000 income. It was also found that nearly 40 percent of those surveyed would like service to be more frequent. One-third expressed they would like extended service hours, whether that was an earlier starting time for service or a later end. ❏ Family Owned and Operated. Support small business, without you there is no us.

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Obituaries

ADAMS, MILLAR "KATHY" was born on march 15, 1942 and passed away December 25, 2011. ADSIT, DOROTHY MAY, of Waterford; December 24, 2011; age 84; born July 3, 1927 in Pontiac, MI. BLUST, CLYDE N., of White Lake; December 22, 2011; age 84. Loving husband of Amelia Rembach Blust for 62 years. DIAMON, MOLLY M., a resident of West Bloomfield, Michigan, died on December 26th, 2011 at the age of 96. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel. FOSTER, CAROLINE M., age 83 of Commerce Twp., passed away Wednesday, December 14, 2011. GOLEMBIEWSKI, WILLIAM (BILLY) memorial service to be held at the Union Lake Eagles Club, January 8, 2012 from 2-4 pm. KINSMAN, DENNIS D. "LUCKY", age 44, of Highland; passed away on December 22, 2011. KOLOZSVARY, LEE EDWARD JR., of Farmington was born on August 29, and died December 22, 2011 at the age of 40. LAABS, NANCY, of Novi, Michigan died December 24, 2011 at Providence Hospital with her loving family at her bedside. MCCLOSKEY, JOHN T., of White Lake was born May 5, 1947 and died December 23, 2011 at age 64. Beloved husband of 18 years to Cathleen. QUALMAN, AMY JUNE, age 97, passed away December 25, 2011. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 62 years, Jack Walter. REDDISH, MARIE E., was born on August 13, 1918 and passed away December 25, 2011. SEAMAN, JOHNNY J., 64; of Highland, MI; passed away at Alpena Regional Medical Center on Thursday, December 22, 2011. To place an obituary in the Spinal Column Newsweekly please call the Classified Department at 248-360-7355 or email: lorisnyder@thescngroup.com

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COUNTY

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How Long Have You Been Married? The Spinal Column Newsweekly is looking for west Oakland's longest married couples for recognition in our Seniors Today special section, which will be published on Jan. 18, 2012. Send us a copy of your wedding or engagement photo, along with information about the wedding, by Wed., Jan. 4, 2012. We will feature the area's longest married couples in an article and photo layout that tells their story.

The Longest Married Couple will receive a $40 Gift Certificate from Dobski’s Restaurant for a romantic dinner. Send your photos and information to Editor Tim Dmoch P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387-0014; or via e-mail to timdmoch@thescngroup.com.

County board to weigh new ‘firmer’ stance on MMMA By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

With questions still swirling in legal and political circles about the exact ramifications and requirements of the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act (MMMA) — approved by the state Legislature following overwhelming popular support at the polls in the 2008 general election — the Oakland County Board of Commissioners is expected in the coming months to work on drafting a new, “firmer” stance on the state law. Commissioner Shelley Taub (ROrchard Lake), who also chairs the board’s Republican Caucus, said work will begin later this month or in February and various stakeholders — including county Prosecutor Jessica Cooper and county Sheriff Michael Bouchard — will be included in the process. “It’s been very difficult,” Taub

said. “We were working, at one point in time, (with) both the sheriff and the prosecutor, who have been very strong in making sure that the law is followed. Then we kind of gave up on it because we heard that the (state) Legislature was going to fix (the law).” However, state lawmakers have been tackling issues ranging from the business tax climate to education reform to public employee unions, leaving some waiting for legislators to get to work on providing additional guideance on or clarification to the MMMA, which went into effect on April 4, 2009. “My personal opinion is that they should make the laws consistent and make it clear and understandable,” said Commissioner Bob Hoffman (RHighland). “There’s people who were under the impression that they were voting for a certain thing, and then it appears that the state law doesn’t comply with the federal law.” It’s unclear how, if at all, the state Legislature will address concerns surrounding the MMMA in the coming legislative session. However, state Senate Majority Leader Randy Richardville (R-Frenchtown) said last September that reform of the state law was a priority for the Senate GOP in the fall; yet, no substantive action was taken. Cooper, a Democrat, has “always taken a position that the statute is very, very clear, that it is an exemptive statute,” said staff in her office. That means that if you fall within its guidelines, you’re not subject to prosecution; if you fail to meet the guidelines set forth, you may face drug charges, staff said. The county board does not currently have a formal position, established by resolution, on the MMMA, Taub said. Board Chairman Mike Gingell (RLake Orion) said he expects a resolution to come forth that would outline the board’s position stating that “the distribution of marijuana is illegal, (and) that we support the federal law with regards to distribution” of marijuana, among other things. ❏

ALL THE NEWS ON AREA WATERWAYS www.oaklandlakefront.com

JANUARY 4-10, 2012

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PAGE 23

MAIL BAG From Chuck Tindall, Novi: Where is the outrage? Where are all the screams of Big Brother take-over, crony capitalism and legislation for special interests? If we currently had a Democratic majority running our state, the screams would be deafening. But with Republican domination, it appears to be just a whimper of objection as they over-run the people’s choices. What are some of these Republican over-runs? Oakland County Republicans, fearing losing control of the county commission after a court challenge failed, went to state legislators to change the rules after the fact. In 2008, two Democrats (county Prosecutor Jessica Cooper and county Treasurer Andy Meisner) were voted into county-wide positions. Because of this voter choice, the committee charged with redrawing county commission districts became (a) majority Democrat (committee). With legislation applying to Oakland County alone, Gov. (Rick) Snyder has signed these new rules into law. Republican legislators are again trying to take away our catastrophic injury coverage, this time referring to the “no-fault” law. This was tried under the (former Gov. John) Engler’s Republican majority. It was challenged by the voters who said “no” to giving up the cov-

erage. Under the change, we could still buy it at (a) higher cost with less coverage. (Former Gov. Jennifer Granholm) and the Democrat-controlled state House passed a bill authorizing a new bridge (from Detroit to Canada) to be built downriver. The Republicans in the (state) Senate, at the behest of the Ambassador Bridge owner, refused to vote on the bill. Our new governor, a Republican, the Detroit auto companies and labor unions, along with many other industries and unions on both sides of the border favor a new bridge. Canada has even said they will front Michigan’s share of the money if the bridge is not built next to the Ambassador Bridge. Building a new bridge would mean thousands of construction jobs, an increase in trade and travel traffic and thousands more spin-off jobs. With Republican domination, you get legislation for special interests, disregard of the people’s will and crony capitalism. They have even passed legislation so one particular businessman could and will receive a tax abatement if he expands his business, giving him an advantage that those he would be competing with will not receive. This is not government of, by and for the people. This is Republican rule. All voters should refuse to accept this. ❏

Mail Bag provides a forum to express your thoughts. Please limit to 275 words or less. Please type and double space. We reserve the right to edit or not publish any letter. Deadline - Friday at 12 noon. Include name, address and phone number for verification, only your name and community will be published. Letters without names will not be considered. Mail to Spinal Column Newsweekly, P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387; fax 24/7 to Editor 248-360-1220 or email to news@thescngroup.com.

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A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly

How far do you think the Lions will advance in the playoffs?

"Not far. There are better teams out there. For the Lions, this is the first time in the playoffs in a long time, and they're not going to go far."

"I think the Lions will make the division championship game. I don't think they can beat Green Bay."

— Megan Warner, Clarkston

— Craig Sendelbach, Commerce

"I think they'll make it to the second round. They've been doing pretty good this year, but all good things must come to an end." — Konrad Burrell, Milford

"I think they'll win the first round game and lose the second round."

— Brandon Kaufman, Clarkston

PAGE 24

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Waterford Kettering’s Hannah Stinson (No. 44) dribbles to the hoop in the Captains’ game against Romulus at the Motor City Roundball Classic on Friday, Dec. 30. The Captains defeated the Eagles, 52-41, after falling two nights earlier to Detroit Mumford. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Captains rebound after loss Kettering still focused on division title repeat after tourney

By Michael Shelton staff writer

Waterford Kettering played in the prestigious Motor City Roundball Classic at Birmingham Detroit Country

Day Middle School over the holiday break. Kettering fell in its opening game of the tournament to Detroit Mumford, 6049, on Wednesday, Dec. 28.

View VIDEO CLIPS relative to this story at

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

Mumford led 12-10 after the first quarter and 21-19 at halftime before outscoring Kettering 19-14 in the third quarter and 20-16 in the fourth.

PAGE 26 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

PAGE 26

GIRLS BASKETBALL

Lakers, Our Lady win; Central and Western defeated By Michael Shelton staff writer

West Bloomfield defeated Walled Lake Northern at the Rochester Holiday Classic, 60-41, on Wednesday, Dec. 28. The Lakers (3-2) led 15-8 at the end of the first quarter and 29-18 at halftime before outscoring the Knights 31-23 in the second half. Sydney Davis led West Bloomfield with 32 points while Ashley Ziegler had 10 points. Caitlin Crowley led Northern with 26 points while Ashlyn Davis chipped in with 8. Prior to last Wednesday, Northern hosted the Walled Lake Holiday Invitational on Wednesday, Dec. 21, in which the Knights fell to Farmington, 46-35. Northern (1-4) trailed 13-12 at the end of the first quarter before taking a 24-19 lead at halftime. But Farmington went on a 14-5 run in the third quarter and outscored Northern, 15-6, in the fourth to earn the victory. Crowley led Northern with 12 points while Maria Ropek had 8 points. Northern will next open Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division play against Walled Lake Western at home on Friday, Jan. 6 before playing at Waterford Mott on Tuesday, Jan. 10. Meanwhile, West Bloomfield will play at Stoney Creek tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 5 and at Clarkston on Tuesday, Jan. 10 to open Oakland Activities Association division play. • Walled Lake Central fell to Farmington Hills Harrison, 41-34, at the Walled Lake Holiday Invitational at Walled Lake Northern on Wednesday, Dec. 21. The Vikings (1-4) led 22-10 at halftime before Harrison outscored Central, 31-12, in the second half. Kara Birrell led the Vikings with 15 points while Tiera Parker had 14 points for Harrison. Central hosted Livonia Franklin yesterday, Tuesday, Jan. 3 after press time and will play at Waterford Kettering on Friday, Jan. 6 and at Huron Valley Lakeland on Tuesday, Jan. 10 to open KLAA North division play.

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Kettering hoops ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 25

Julia Kroll and Arjanai Washington each scored 12 points in Kettering’s (4-1) first defeat of the season, while Allison Bicknell had 11 points. Raine Bankston led Mumford with 29 points while Raven Bankston contributed 17. “With the loss on Wednesday, we were just not sharp,” Kettering Head Coach Scott Woodhull said. “(Mumford) was able to penetrate and we were a half-step slow. We have a sporadic schedule and we hadn’t played in two weeks and it showed.” The Captains then rebounded in their second game of the invitational on Friday, Dec. 30 with a 52-41 victory over Romulus. Kettering led 18-7 at the end of the first quarter and 30-15 at halftime. The Captains held on despite being outscored by Romulus, 26-22, in the second half. Washington led the Captains with 11 points while Kroll had 9 and Danielle Bohn had 8. “We did a better job on the boards and challenging them defensively,” Woodhull said. “Overall, we had a lot of contributions all the way around and played pretty darn good. Bicknell hurt her ankle on Wednesday and Taylor Steinhelper stepped in when needed. “Tailer Roscoe also came in off the bench and did well.” Kettering, the defending Kensington Lakes Activities Association North Division champion, will open division play on Friday, Jan. 6 at home against Walled Lake Central before traveling to face Walled Lake Northern on Tuesday, Jan. 10. • Walled Lake Western fell to North Farmington, 53-31, at the Walled Lake Holiday Invitational at Walled Lake Northern on Wednesday, Dec. 21. North Farmington led 32-13 at halftime and outscored the Warriors, 21-18, in the second half. Erickah Woods led Western (3-3) with 8 points. The Warriors will play at Walled Lake Northern on Friday, Jan. 6 and will host Waterford Kettering on Tuesday, Jan. 10. • Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes (3-0) defeated Oxford, 50-34, at home on Monday, Dec. 19. Carlee Cottrell led the Lakers with 20 points while Lexie Robak had 16 points, including four 3-pointers.

Waterford Kettering’s Arjanai Washington (No. 32) was the target of Romulus defenders on Friday, Dec. 30 at Birmingham Detroit Country Day Middle School. But, she wouldn’t be contained for long as she finished with a teamhigh 11 points in the Captains’ victory over the Eagles at the Motor City Roundball Classic. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Last year, Kettering won the North Division with a perfect 10-0 record in division play. “Our mindset is to get better every day and if we do that, we’ll be tough to beat,” Woodhull said.

Milford’s first ‘W’ of season comes at Skyline’s expense Huron Valley Milford played in the Northville Holiday Tournament on Wednesday, Dec. 28 and Thursday, Dec. 29 and earned its first victory of the season. The Mavericks (1-5) defeated Ann Arbor Skyline, 45-33, on Dec. 29 thanks to a strong second half in which they outscored Skyline, 28-16. “We really needed this win heading into our competitive league schedule,” Milford Head Coach Jennifer VanGoethem said. “The girls have been working really hard and they deserved for it to pay off with a victory. It definitely is a confi-

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

dence booster.” Claire Slaughter led the Mavericks with 11 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals. Paige Smith also had 7 points, 4 steals and 4 assists in addition to scoring a buzzer-beating three-pointer to tie the score at halftime. Milford began the invitational on Dec. 28 with a 43-26 loss to Farmington Hills Harrison. “Harrison utilized their speed and athleticism to force turnovers and get some quick points in transition,” VanGoethem said. “Looking ahead to our league opponents, we will be facing teams with a tremendous amount of speed. We need to continue working on taking care of the ball.” Slaughter led Milford with 7 points while Lane Andrews had 6 points and 4 rebounds. Milford will next open Kensington Lakes Activities Association West Division play on Friday, Jan. 6 when it travels to Grand Blanc, the first of three consecutive road games. The Mavs will then play at Howell on Tuesday, Jan. 10 and at Hartland on Friday, Jan. 13.

HOCKEY

‘Stellar’ play in net couldn’t prevent Eagles’ loss, 5-1 By Michael Shelton staff writer

Huron Valley Lakeland traveled to St. Clair Shores on Wednesday, Dec. 21 and fell to the Lakers, 5-1. The Eagles (2-7) were blitzed in the first period as they were out-shot, 27-4. St. Clair Shores led 2-0 in the first after goals by Cody McPhee and Brandon Misiak. The Lakers were then awarded a 5on-3 power play in the second period and Mike DeFranco scored to give St. Clair Shores a 3-0 lead. Maintaining the power play, Misiak scored his second goal of the night to give the Lakers a four-goal advantage. Tyler Mesclier scored Lakeland’s only goal with 3:19 left in the second period as the Eagles were out-shot, 20-2, in the second. Niko Greco scored the Lakers’ fifth goal late in the third period to cap their victory. Trevor Kalinowski made 53 saves in net for Lakeland while Lakers’ goaltender Joe Sedrowski had to make only 9 saves. “Kalinowski was stellar in net PAGE 27 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

JANUARY 4-10, 2012

HOCKEY

Lakeland Eagles ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 26

throughout the game,” Lakeland Head Coach Tim Ronayne said. “The score could’ve been a lot worse.” Lakeland will next play tonight, Wednesday, Jan. 4 at Lakeland Ice Arena against the Howell Highlanders.

Mott splits pair of games; Northern wins invitational Waterford Mott split two games before the holiday break to move to 6-31 on the season. The Corsairs began the week with a 6-2 loss to Hartland on Wednesday, Dec. 23. Scott Cuthrell had a goal and an assist for Mott while Max Vancil also scored a goal and Austin Maas was credited with an assist. Jon Furton made 25 saves in net for Mott. The Corsairs rebounded two nights later with an 8-4 victory over Huron Valley Milford on Friday, Dec. 23. Cuthrell was dominant as he scored 5 goals and also had an assist while Austin Sereno had 2 goals and 2 assists. Tyler Vaughan also scored a goal. Furton made 14 saves in net and Scott Koenigbauer also made 7 saves. The Corsairs will return to the ice tonight, Wednesday, Jan. 4, when they play at Livonia Churchill. • Walled Lake Northern won the Petoskey Hockey Invitational Tournament that was held Friday, Dec. 16 and Saturday, Dec. 17. The Knights first defeated host Petoskey, 6-5, on Dec. 16 before earning a 3-1 win over Kalamazoo on Dec. 17. Northern returned to the Lower Peninsula on Dec. 23 for a matchup with Utica Eisenhower that resulted in the Knights being shutout, 3-0. Northern (8-3) will next host Troy Athens at Lakeland Ice Arena on Saturday, Jan. 7.

BOYS BASKETBALL

Mavs net OT win; Eaglets prevail; Knights lose by 11 Huron Valley Milford defeated Farmington, 53-45, in overtime at the Northville Holiday Tournament on Thursday, Dec. 29, thanks to a 9-1 run in the extra session.

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Chris Orr had 14 points for Milford while Stephen Sloboda and Joshua Corey each scored 12. Milford (4-0) opens Kensington Lakes Activities Association West Division play at home against Grand Blanc on Friday, Dec. 6. • Orchard Lake St. Mary’s defeated Warren Cousino, 56-54, at the Crusader Classic at L’Anse Creuse North on Tuesday, Dec. 27. Justin Barrows led St. Mary’s with 17 points while Sam McClendon had 11. St. Mary’s (3-1) will next travel to Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard on Tuesday, Jan. 10 to open Catholic League play. • Walled Lake Northern (3-1) fell to Saline, 55-44, at the Dexter Holiday Tournament on Thursday, Dec. 29. The Knights will host Walled Lake Western on Friday, Jan. 6 and Waterford Mott on Tuesday, Jan. 10.

SPORTS NOTE After closing out his senior season with a state championship and numerous honors, James Ross of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s will soon be in the national spotlight. Ross will play in the U.S. Army AllAmerican Bowl at the Alamodome on Jan. 7. The game will be televised by NBC. Ross will suit up for the West team in the game. Ross showed why he is regarded as one of the best linebackers in the state by finishing with over 100 tackles on the year, including 10 tackles in the Division 3 state title game. Ross is committed to attending the University of Michigan. Also at the All-American Bowl, a couple lakes area high school band members will be a part of the marching band halftime show combining some of the country’s best high school musicians. Michael Abel of state champion Walled Lake Central High School’s marching band will play as well as Justin Bronstein and Zachary Helm of West Bloomfield High School.

Notice of Posting for Charter Township of Commerce Township Board 1. Synopsis of the December 13, 2011 Regular Township Board Meeting. The above synopsis shall be posted (in its entirety) at the following locations: (1) Office of the Township Clerk 2009 Township Drive (2) Main Township Library 2869 North Pontiac Trail (3) Township’s website www.commercetwp.com Daniel P. Munro Township Clerk SC: 1-4-12

PAGE 27

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE 2009 TOWNSHIP DRIVE Commerce Township, MI 48390

Water 17-25-101-029

Parcel Nos.

Sewer 17-08-154-004 17-08-177-007 17-11-340-015 17-12-351-016

Plans showing the improvement, the location, and the legal description, are on file with the Township Clerk for public examination. The Special Assessment Roll can be inspected at the office of the Township Clerk at the above-listed address. If the proposed Special Assessment District Roll is approved by the Township Board, the assessment will be a lien on the affected property as of the date of approval. In order to appeal the amount of any special assessment, affected owners or parties with an interest must protest the proposed assessment. This may be done by appearing in person at the hearing or having an agent appear at the hearing on behalf of an owner or party in interest, or in writing by filing a letter of protest before the hearing, addressed to the Township Clerk at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, Michigan 48390. An owner or party having an interest in the real property affected by the special assessment may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the confirmation of the special assessment roll if the special assessment is protested at the hearing held for the purpose of confirming the special assessment roll. Please direct any questions you may have to the Charter Township of Commerce Building Department at (248) 960-7060. Daniel Munro, Clerk Charter Township of Commerce

SC: 12/28/11; 1/4/12

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The West Bloomfield Township Wetland Review Board will hold a public hearing at the Township Board Room, 4550 Walnut Lake Road on Wednesday January 11, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. to consider the following Wetland/Floodplain Permit Applications: CASE #PWT11-1814 KABOT Parcel: Lot 16, Supervisor’s Plat No. 9 Sidwell #18-13-126-014 Location: 2626 W Long Lake Request: A request to remove three (3) existing trees and landscape beds, undertake extensive grading and drainage improvements (new structures), install new stone stairs and install native plantings within the 25 foot environmental features setback to Pine Lake. Applicant: George Michael Kabot CASE #PWT11-1818 KABOT Parcel: Lot 17, Supervisor’s Plat No. 9 Sidwell #18-13-126-013 Location: 2638 W Long Lake Request: A request to remove one (1) tree, undertake extensive grading and drainage improvements (3 structures with one direct discharge), install bio-swale/rain garden with perforated drain pipe, construct boulder seawall and retaining wall and install native plantings within the 25 foot environmental features setback to Pine Lake. Applicant: George Michael Kabot CASE #PWT11-1817 HENRY FORD Parcel: Sidwell #18-32-200-001 Location: 6777 W Maple Request: A request to mow protected native plant areas to control invasive/noxious plants, install native plants around and within wetland areas and restore eroded slopes adjacent to wetlands. Applicant: Henry Ford Health System, Joe Urbas Detailed plans are available for inspection at the West Bloomfield Township Environmental Department, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A staff report, as prepared for the Wetland Review Board, will be available for review the Friday prior to the meeting. If you have any questions on this matter, contact the Environmental Department at (248) 451-4818. Marshall Labadie, Development Services Director S.C.1-4-12 The Township will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at a public meeting upon two weeks notice in writing or by calling the Township Clerk or Environmental Director at (248) 451-4800.

PAGE 28

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CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

The following map depicts the boundary of the Special Assessment District:

2009 TOWNSHIP DRIVE, COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MI 48390

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Township Board of the Charter Township of Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan, will meet at a Regular Board meeting on the 10th day of January, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., at the Township Hall, located at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, Michigan 48390, to determine if the following Special Assessment District will be established and to receive PUBLIC COMMENTS, if any, regarding creation of the following Special Assessment District: Fox Lake Weed Control Special Assessment District No. 4 The proposed Special Assessment District involves the following property located in the Charter Township of Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan: 17-03-229-014 17-03-229-026 17-03-401-020 17-03-451-018 17-03-451-019 17-03-451-020 17-03-451-025 17-03-451-027 17-03-451-028 17-03-451-030 17-03-451-031 17-03-451-032 17-03-451-036 17-03-451-037 17-03-451-038 17-03-451-040 17-03-451-075 17-03-206-008 17-03-206-019 17-03-206-027 17-03-206-028 17-03-206-029 17-03-206-034 17-03-206-035 17-03-206-036 17-03-206-039 17-03-206-040 17-03-206-041 17-03-206-042 17-03-206-050 17-03-206-051 17-03-206-052 17-03-206-054 17-03-206-058 17-03-206-062 17-03-206-064 17-03-206-065 17-03-206-067 17-03-206-068 17-03-206-070 17-03-206-072 17-03-206-073 17-03-206-074 17-03-206-075 17-03-206-076 17-03-206-077 17-03-228-001 17-03-228-016 17-03-228-019 17-03-228-020 17-03-228-028 17-03-228-029 17-03-228-031 17-03-228-032 17-03-228-033 17-03-228-034 17-03-229-005 17-03-229-006 17-03-229-012

Parcel Nos. 17-03-229-024 17-03-229-033 17-03-229-035 17-03-252-005 17-03-252-010 17-03-252-011 17-03-252-012 17-03-252-013 17-03-252-014 17-03-280-001 17-03-280-002 17-03-280-003 17-03-280-004 17-03-280-005 17-03-282-001 17-03-282-002 17-03-282-003 17-03-282-004 17-03-282-009 17-03-282-019 17-03-401-001 17-03-401-010 17-03-401-011 17-03-401-012 17-03-401-019 17-03-401-021 17-03-451-009 17-03-451-016 17-03-451-017 17-03-451-024 17-03-451-026 17-03-451-029 17-03-451-033 17-03-451-034 17-03-451-035 17-03-451-039 17-03-451-041 17-03-451-042 17-03-451-043 17-03-451-044 17-03-451-073 17-03-451-074 17-03-451-076 17-03-451-077 17-03-451-079 17-03-451-083 17-03-451-085 17-03-451-086 17-03-451-087 17-03-451-088 17-03-451-090 17-03-451-091 17-03-451-092 17-03-451-093 17-03-451-094 17-03-451-095 17-03-451-096 17-03-451-097 17-03-451-098

17-03-451-099 17-03-451-100 17-03-451-102 17-03-451-105 17-03-451-106 17-03-252-030 17-03-206-002 17-03-206-037 17-03-206-038 17-03-206-043 17-03-206-044 17-03-206-053 17-03-206-055 17-03-206-056 17-03-206-059 17-03-206-060 17-03-206-063 17-03-206-066 17-03-206-078 17-03-206-079 17-03-228-013 17-03-228-014 17-03-228-015 17-03-228-023 17-03-228-035 17-03-228-036 17-03-228-037 17-03-229-003 17-03-229-004 17-03-229-007 17-03-229-011 17-03-229-013 17-03-229-021 17-03-229-023 17-03-229-025 17-03-229-027 17-03-229-028 17-03-229-031 17-03-229-032 17-03-276-007 17-03-276-008 17-03-277-001 17-03-279-001 17-03-282-010 17-03-282-017 17-03-401-016 17-03-401-017 17-03-451-003 17-03-451-078 17-03-451-080 17-03-451-081 17-03-451-082 17-03-451-084 17-03-451-089 17-03-451-101 17-03-451-103 17-03-451-104

Plans showing the improvement, the location, and the legal description are on file with the Township Clerk for public examination. In order to appeal the amount of any special assessment, affected owners or parties with an interest must protest the proposed assessment. This may be done by appearing in person at the hearing or having an agent appear at the hearing on behalf of an owner or party in interest, or in writing by filing a letter of protest before the hearing, addressed to the Township Clerk at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, Michigan 48390. An owner or party having an interest in the real property affected by the special assessment may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the confirmation of the special assessment roll if the special assessment is protested at the hearing held for the purpose of confirming the special assessment roll. Please direct any questions you may have to the Charter Township of Commerce Building Department at (248) 960-7060. Daniel Munro, Clerk Charter Township of Commerce

SC: 12/28/11 & 1/4/12

PAGE 29

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Waterford Industrial space with offices, loading dock, 14' overhead doors, 3 phase electric, brokers welcome

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Pontiac Trail at Maple Pre-Owned Homes: $6,000 - $25,000 Rent: $385 - $400 PLUS MOVE-IN DISCOUNTS On Select Homes

(248) 624-0709 RELOCATE TODAY!! Beautiful 55+ community! We'll pay up to $5,5,00 for a single section home & $8,500 for a multi section home w/ $299 site rent for the 1st year. Relocate your manufactured home to beautiful Cranberry Lake. 248-698-1120 BEAUTIFUL 55+ COMMUNITY Brand NEW homes for rent. Appliances. Lake access. MOVE IN SPECIALS!! 15 month lease for $600/mo Cranberry Lake- White Lake 248-698-1120 888-306-2483

www.jmzmangement.com

Waterford Condo - close to OCC 2 Bedroom, 2.5 baths, all appliances, nice deck, basement, 1 car garage, no smokers, pets negotiable. $1300.00/mo, 1/2 month security deposit, $100.00 cleaning fee.

248-912-4628 for more details mihome4u.com Wolverine Lake 3 bedroom raised ranch, partial finished full basement, all appliances included, Walled Lake Schools, lake access.

$1,200 per month 248-787-1477 WHITE LAKE DUPLEX Across from Cedar Island Lake Clean, 2 bedroom, all appliances. $675 per month. Walled Lake Schools.

248-640-7960

PAGE 30 Houses/ Condos

www.spinalcolumnonline.com Apartments 55

WALLED LAKE 3 Bedroom house, newly remodeled & freshly carpeted, Walled Lake view & access, fenced yard, petsok, $795 per month.

olivermich@mac.com 248-755-5073 LOVELY COMMERCE TWP. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, basement, lake privileges, fenced yard, appliances, wood floors. New windows. $955 per month lease.Walk to shopping. Near Union Lake & Commerce Rds.

248-568-6119

Looking to rent a house or condo? call Arlene Keller Williams Realty mihome4u.com 248-912-4628 Apartments

WALLED LAKE HILLSIDE MANOR APTS 360 ROSEBUD Special Half off Security Dep. 2 Bedrooms- $650 per month plus electric 1 Bedroom- $500 per month

☺

1 Bedroom Apartments 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath Town Homes * $400 Moves You In* 1st Month FREE on 1 bdr 1/2 month FREE on 2 Bdr

248-624-6606 EHO www.cormorantco.com * Call For Details *

COME SEE US NOW WIXOM * MOVE IN SPECIAL* 2 BEDROOM ONLY, $595 Will Move You In !

•Playground/Pool •Free Heat & City Water

Town & Country Apartments •48200 W. Pontiac Trail

Staff Accountant Needed for small CPA firm. Experience with quick books, creative solutions, corporate tax returns preferred. Full time during tax season, part time after.

(248)624-3194

Pontiac Lake

(248)477-9192

BUSINESS WOMAN looking to share 2 bedroom apartment in Novi, with female. $400 plus utilities. Call for information. 248-787-2059

Medical/ Dental

TAXI & AIRPORT

Both full time and part time. Up to $9.03 per hour to start, with Benefits. Small group home setting. Must be Patient & Reliable. South Lyon, Highland, Novi, Oxford, Holly Rochester Hills,

New Great Clips salon now open in White Lake needs both part time & full time hair stylists. No clientele needed, hourly wage plus commission. Fun team environment.

Ask for Bridgette

248-330-6402

DRY CLEANER 57

Call Kelly at 248-366-8082

DIRECT CARE

HAIR STYLISTS

CALL US TODAY !

Seeking p/t helper. Dependable, reliable and a love for children a must! References required.

Send resume to: 21056we@gmail.com

248-666-2110

•Between Beck & Wixom Rd.

Rooms/Share Quarters

General/ Help Wanted

West Bloomfield Day Care

DRIVERS WANTED Full or Part time Day or Night

(248)335-8988

White Lake Apts 248-626-7857

General/ Help Wanted

WALLED LAKE

Apartments For Rent SPECIAL 1 or 2 bedroom apartments. Heat and water paid. No pets. In City of Milford.

1 bdrm for $395 2 bdrm for $450 (newly renovated). Includes all utilities except electric, Security Deposit, Call after 12 noon for availability:

HELP WANTED

Looking for Counter Help and Presser. Full or Part Time. 248-624-4333

248-486-5368 Sales Positions

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE Used/Wanted

Real Estate Career We're doubling our staff! •Do you like working with new people and new situations? •Do you have good problem solving skills? •Do you have a "Sky is the limit mentality"? If you said, "Yes", call me. Kathy Solan 248-363-8300 248-348-6430

Real Estate One

SCRAP METAL Aluminum .30-.60¢/lb. Copper $2.00-$2.60/lb. Brass .80¢- 1.50/lb. Auto Rads. .80¢-1.10/lb. 1011 Decker, Walled Lk

Mann Metals Corp. (248)960-1200 Used/Wanted

& Waterford areas

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

SEA-DOO JET Skis wanted dead or dying. 1995 on ups. $200- $1400. Top $ for XP's & 947/951 or larger motors. Call Steve at 231-943-4152

Absolutely Free

Items must be FREE to respondents, ad free to you. Restricted to residential. The publishing group accepts no responsibility for actions between individuals.

January Classes Available $ Class only

With a prepaid voucher Contact Mary Nicole 248-684-1065 MaryNicole@RealEstateOne.com •Are you looking for a new career? •Would you like to own your own business? We’re Michigan’s largest real estate broker and last year we sold over 17,000 properties. We expect to surpass that in the coming year.

Join us as we grow Michigan.

179

Lakes MotorSports

TOYOTA SOLARA 1999, leather, sun roof, 85k, one owner. 248-884-7200.

4713 Dixie Highway, Waterford, MI 48329

248-674-0663 www.lakesmotorsports.com

CARS/TRUCKS MOTORCYCLES Wanted Parts/ Salvage

181

105

Home Care Equipment

NEBULIZER BY Health Dynemodel 323, compressor driven $24.50 248-425-1004

Wanted Boats/Jet Skis/ Parts 162 SEA-DOO JET SKIS WANTED DEAD OR DYING. 1995 on ups. $200$1400. Top $ for XP's & 947/951 or larger motors. Call Steve 231-943-4152

248-252-9194 Vans

194

2000 DODGE Grand Caravan Spor t. 76K. 3.3L V-6. Power windows, locks, drivers seat. A/C, 4 captains chairs. Excellent condition. $6,200 248-320-1969

CAMPBELL'S TOWING

248-698-1062 Tires/ Parts

182

THE CLUB- Auto security bar, red, $15. 248-360-2911

Motorcycles

183

MOTORCYCLEGUARANTEE See First Want Ad Page 185

2007 CHEVY Classic 4X4, V-6 manual.. 8ft bed. 79K. Very clean. $11,500 OBO 248-363-6987

Cars

BOATS/ OUTDOOR

WANTED 1967- 69 Camaro or any muscle car, any make, any model, any condition. Also 1972 or older Corvettes,

(248)467-0396

Trucks/Trailers 130

188

TOP $ Paid For Any: • Junk • Non Running • Wrecked Cars $275 & Up

$200 AND UP

Building Materials

SALES GUARANTEE Autos, Vans, Trucks See First Want Ad Page

Classic/ Antique Cars

UNWANTED AUTOS LLC

ASSORTED BOXES & packaging materials. You pick up. Wolverine Lake area. 248624-4753

MALE CAT 1 year old, all shots, fixed. Needs a forever home. gray, good with other animals, children and adults. 248-636-0978

187

JEEP LIBERTY 2007, 4x4, chrome addition, 37k, excellent, $12,500 248-770-3828

AUTOS, CARS & TRUCKS

FREE KITTENS 9 weeks old. To good home, Walled Lake area, 248-894-7037

Cars

Snowmobile Parts& Repairing Discount Prices *Quality Service suspension service & Shock rebuilding

Sorry, we do not accept ads for free dogs.

STEEL TANK- 15 gallon, 12" diameter, 1/2" taps, $20. 248698-4168

Pre-Licensing Class

Snowmobiles

187

RC TOWING 46089 Grand River Novi Mi 48374 1999 Dodge 2B3HD46RXXH835566 1994 Dodge 1BAP2403RN237480 1992 Saturn 1G8ZK5571PZ270424 1994 Ford Van

Buying a Home? Let us

Look Before You Leap!

Afford

able Home Inspections

Up to 170 components inspected in a typical three bedroom home. Computer-generated, comprehensive, easy-tounderstand report summary. High resolution, color pictures provide a visual reference of problem areas. Reports are emailed to you and your Real Estate Agent. After inspection questions are always answered, even after you move into your home.

248-881-3478 Licensed Insured

1FTEE14Y0RMA44964

Auction will be held at Jauary 12th, 10am 1237 E/W. Maple Rd Walled Lake MI 48390

4075 Echo Drive West Bloomfield

JANUARY 4-10, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 31

LAKES AREA SERVICES (248) 360-7355

www.SpinalColumnOnline.com

Fax (248) 360-5308

IN PRINT and ON-LINE 24/7

Personal • Business • Maintenance • Improvements • Repair PERSONAL/ SERVICES Tutoring/Lessons

GUITAR INSTRUCTION Beginning Through Advanced

All Styles 1st Lesson FREE 248-245-3475

REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT 502

TONY'S APPLIANCE SERVICE Servicing all Major Appliances. •Hot water tank

(248)360-0213 (248)698-8819 Carpet Installation

513

BOB'S CARPET Has the best buys on all brand named carpet. Pad 1/2 8 lb $3 yd. Installation guaranteed. Lots of remnants $4 per yard

Call Bob (248)681-5771

Doors

CERTIFIED OVERHEAD DOOR SERVICE

•New Carpet & Pad Sales •Installation, Repairs, & Restretches •28 years experience •Free estimates WE WORK FOR YOU

248-561-5667 Cabinetry

524

Flooring

536

513

MB QUALITY FLOOR COVERING

354

Appliance Repair

Carpet Installation

515

Elegant Woodworking •Mantels •Fireplace Surrounds •Furniture •Entertainment Center •Custom Cabinets •Crown Molding •Kitchen Cabinets •Custom Bars Harold Canfield

•Garage Doors •Repaired/ Services •New Doors/ Openers •Installed at Factory Pricing •Emergency Service Available

248-624-3161

EDWARD'S FLOOR COVERING •Linoleum •Ceramic Tile •Hardwood Floors •Laminate Wood 27 Years Exp. Free Est.

(248)684-5983 Handy Person

Drywall

545

526

R&D DRYWALL •Hang & Finished •Small Repair •Texture Repair •Plaster Repair •Wet Sand

Ron (248)673-7665

DU-IT-ALL HOME CARE IMPROVEMENTS Specials: •Ceramic Tile •Formica Tops & Kitchens •Exterior/Interior Painting Also, we do complete basements and all other interior work, including electric, plumbing, etc. Call today. Cell #

(248)363-3804

(248)891-7072

elegant-woodworking.com

Licensed and Insured

Cement/Concrete

517

C&G CEMENT

528

D & S HOME REPAIRS REMODELING

MASTER ELECTRICIAN

Quality Workmanship Residential-Commercial Over 30 years Experience STAMPED CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS FOOTINGS GARAGE FLOORS BLOCK WORK FREE ESTIMATES Michael (248)363-4783 MILFORD LOCATION

(248)684-5928 Doors

Electricians

524

THE DOOR STOP Since 1980 Garage door springs and door openers repaired and/or replaced.

Call Anytime 248-624-4042 (cell) 248-640-6298

Insured & State Licensed, 25 years experience. Prompt, courteous service. FREE ESTIMATES. ALL TYPES OF WORK. Competitive Prices

(248)683-7985 Excavating

529

J.J.M BACKHOE SERVICE LLC Backhoe service & landscaping. 38 Years Experience. Small or Large Jobs. Fully insured. Free estimates.

(248)624-6458 AFFORDABLE DEMOLITION & SERVICES "Division of Rae Excavating" • BUILDING REMOVAL• • Sewer and Water • Storm Sewers • Trucking & Grading Licensed & Insured

248-624-4473

•Additions •Garages •Drywall •Painting •Plumbing •Electrical •Tile •Marble •Kitchens •Baths •Basements •Decks 33 Years ... Licensed

248-684-4175 810-714-3058

TOTAL HOME SERVICE 35 Years Licensed PLUMBING • HEATING CARPENTRY • DRYWALL ELECTRICAL NEW SERVICE KITCHENS BATHS CERAMIC TILE

"The job your husband will do tomorrow." (248)887-2366

Handy Person

545

SAVOIE CONSTRUCTION Additions, Garages, Decks, Kitchens, Remodeling, Trim, Painting, Repairs, Etc.

Local References Low Rates Lic. Builder- 25 Years exp.

Ph-Fax: 248-625-0319 Cell: 248-505-7715 Heating/Duct Work 546

THOMASON HEATING & COOLING • Furnaces • Boilers • Air Cleaners •Air Conditioners •Humidifiers Service & Replacements

Lawn/Garden Services

Roofing 553

A R T Outdoor Services, LLC * Snow Plowing * Salting Landscaping • Lawn Service •Insured Residential & Commercial www.artoutdoorservices.com

(248)625-5719 Painting/ Decorating

562

248-363-1615

SHERMAN BLDG CO. •Additions •Garages •Decks •Rough & Trim Carpentry •Wood Siding •Basements •Kitchens •All outside wood repairs

248-682-1393 248-802-6554 Home Inspection

farrshomeimprovements.com

(248) 477-7764 (248) 345-3308

Save 20% this season on exterior/ interior painting, drywall repair, & wallpaper removal on small or big jobs. 25 years experience. licensed and insured. Same day free estimates.

248-894-3239 548

Buying A Home? Let Us Look Before You Leap! AFFORDABLE HOME INSPECTIONS Licensed Insured STERLING HOME SERVICES

248-881-3478

PRICE IS RIGHT ROOFING •Repairs •Re-Roofs •Chimney Repair •Metal Work •Flat Roofs •Complete Roof Packages. •Siding •Gutters

577

I.D.C.

567

Premier Plumbing Licensed & Insured Complete Plumbing Service

587

LOUIE'S TREE SERVICE Tree Removal •Stump Grinding • Free Estimates 30 Yrs. Exp. • Fully Insured "Will Beat All Competitors" Residential • Commercial

248-240-6143 248-240-6142 248-366-1325 Waterproofing

599

Dry Basements, LLC We Repair: •Poured Walls/ Concrete Block •Waterproofing •Cracked or Bowed Walls •Foundation Repaired Replaced •Underpinning •Crawl Space and Encapsulation •Licensed & Insured •Ron Heck, Builder (248)420-0116

Wells

603

McPherson

Home Service Siding, Trim & Soffitt Guaranteed Professional Installation. Lic./ Ins. References available.

WELL SERVICE

idchomeservice.com

PUMPS •TANKS WELL REPAIR 2, 4, & 5 INCH

Bob: 248-363-0589 Tile

VS PAINTING WINTER SPECIAL

Tree Service

248-926-6631

Siding

Free Power Washing w/paint.

Plumbing

MAHER RESTORATION www.goMaher.com "Maher Makes It Happen"

248-459-7894

Exterior & Interior Wood Repairs • Caulking Staining • Wallpaper Removal Drywall repairs • Water repairs

Home Improvement 547

WATER DAMAGE REPAIRS

FREE Estimates

FARR'S PAINTING

(248)887-3666

ROOF LEAKS &

30 Years Experience

FREE ESTIMATES ON INSTALLATION HURON VALLEY HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING •Repair •Replace •Inspections •Humidifiers •Water Heaters •Night service available

571

585

J.M. TILE & MARBLE CUSTOM WORK •Remodeling •Quality Service •New Construction • Repairs •Grout Sealing • Licensed and Insured

John Miller (248)505-8865 jmtileandmarble.com

Trash/Debris Removal

586

Progressive Transportation Specializing in: •Appliances •Furniture •Debris Removal

New Construction & Remodel Commercial & Residential

Call anytime for estimates & great service

248-363-5864

248-887-4892

Emergency Service 7 days a week 248-

363-6464

aquawells.com All credit cards accepted

BOB WYCKOFF WELL DRILLING "If you have questions, we have answers!" •PUMPS •TANKS • WELL REPAIR

(248)310-0917

Emergency Service EASY PAYMENT PLANS No Credit Check Visa & MasterCard

PAGE 32

www.spinalcolumnonline.com . WP DT OR F TER WA

. WP ET RC E MM CO

$399,900

HILLS OF BOGIE LAKE SUB CLUBHOUSE & POOL!! •3,303 sq. ft. + finished daylight basement •5 bed, 4.5 bath, ff laundry, 3 car garage, deck #211116381 EXT. #255 •KEY #267493

$96,900

MAPLE CROSSINGS – PREMIUM UPPER RANCH CONDO •Open flr plan, 1,568 sq. ft., 2 bed, 2 bath •Covered deck, lg. utility, attached garage #211130482 EXT. #224 •KEY #257017 LD FIE OM LO B ST WE

$759,900

CUSTOM BUILT - ALL-SPORTS MACEDAY LAKEFRONT!! •4 bed, 4 bath, all brick + fin. walkout •5,200+ sq. ft., 1st & 2nd flr. masters, 3 car #211017553 EXT. #296 • KEY #248341

248-366-7200

Lakes Area’s #1 Team! Zillow - Preferred Agent

$189,900

PERGOLA & HUGE DECK OVERLOOKING NICELY TREED YARD •1,922 sq. ft., 4 bed, 2.5 ba, side entry garage •Cathedral mstr., full bsmnt, Walled Lk. Schools #211122204 EXT. #282 •KEY #271596

. WP ET AK L ITE WH

$109,900

Thank You Lakes Area Residents For Another Great Year! • 142 Closed Sales in 2011 Including 34 Waterfront Properties • 150+ Negotiated/Closed “Short Sales”

Our performance speaks for itself! • Meeting Client’s Needs Since 1977

ALL-SPORTS LOWER STRAITS LAKEFRONT SPECIAL •2 houses @ price of 1 - Remod 3 bed, 1 ba, garage •Lake house 1,768 sq. ft., 4 bd, 2 ba, needs TLC #211073682 EXT. #232 •KEY #248367 P. TW RD FO R TE WA

$189,900

$209,900/ LEASE $1,395/MO.

Janet Direct: Steve Direct: 248-755-7600 248-755-7500

janet@TheStocktonTeam.com

SHARP RANCH HOME ON LARGE LOT BACKING TO WOODS •3 bed, 2 bath, vaulted ceilings, fireplace •Doorwall to patio, master w/bath, basement #211130845 EXT. #253 •KEY #278041

$299,900

$329,900

$224,900

WOLVERINE LAKEFRONT RANCH WITH FINISHED WALKOUT •3 bed, 2.5 bath, 85 ft. of sandy shoreline •Family rm w/fireplace, deck, dock, 2 car, shed #211105596 EXT. #267 •KEY #261788

$549,900

STUNNING 90 FT. OF MAIN LAKEFRONT ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •2,778 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2 fireplaces •2+ car, 3 decks, dock, seawall, shed #211105126 EXT. #231 •KEY #248358 P. TW CE R E MM CO

P. TW RD FO R TE WA

. WP DT OR F TER WA

. WP ET RC E MM CO

$598,000 UPPER STRAITS LAKEFRONT INVESTMENT SPECIAL •4 bed, 3.5 bath, 2,746 sq. ft. + fin. walkout •1st flr. mstr., 2nd buildable lakefront lot #211104723 EXT. #245 •KEY #260513

BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED CEDAR ISLAND LAKEFRONT •2,302 sq. ft., 4 bed, 3 bath, LC terms, 2 car •Granite kitchen & baths, fireplace, ceramic #211089671 EXT. #246•KEY #257017

E AK

$224,900

WELLINGTON WOODS – STATELY 2-STORY SPECIAL •2,536 sq. ft., 4 bed, 2.5 bath, fireplace •Vaulted mstr & jet tub bath, 2nd flr laundry #211129979 EXT. #205•KEY #276271

2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382

$374,900 CUSTOM QUALITY BUILT 1.14 PRIVATE ACRE ESTATE •1st flr mstr, 4 bed, 4 full baths, 2,900+ sq. ft. •Fin. daylight basement, 3 car + workshop #211110916 EXT. #241•KEY #248360 EL RIN LVE O W

LD FIE OM O L B ST WE

E L AG VIL RD O F MIL

P. TW CE ER M M CO

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

steve@TheStocktonTeam.com

800-396-5204 + Ext. # for recorded message Text Key # to 90210 for text message

HAPPY NEW YEAR

from the Stockton Team

219 FT. FRONTAGE TO ALL-SPORTS WILLIAMS LAKE •3 bedroom, 2 bath, Florida rm, deck •Great rm w/fireplace, deck/dock, shed #211089314 EXT. #248•KEY #256951 . WP ET AK L ITE WH

$99,900 2000 BUILT HOME BACKS TO RIVER AND TREES •2,046 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2.5 bath, master suite •12’ family rm, fireplace, 2 car, shed, 2 decks #211118696 EXT. #297 •KEY #268870

170 FEET OF FRONTAGE TO ALL-SPORTS WILLIAMS LAKE! •3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, fin. daylight basement •Huge mtr., jet tub, deck, garage, shed, dock #211109029 EXT. #214 •KEY #263461 . WP DT OR F TER WA

$89,900

PRIVATE BEACH ASSOCIATION ALL-SPORTS PLEASANT LAKE •1,870 sq. ft., sq. ft., 3 bed, 1.5 bath, fireplace •Walkout, fenced yard, attached garage, patio #211118494 EXT. #250 •KEY #268869

With property inventory down, mortgage rates remain low and home pricing on the rise...

There’s No Better Time To Sell!

www.TheStocktonTeam.com

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 33

– BLOOMFIELD – UPDATED 5 BEDROOM HOME ON CUL-DE-SAC WITH FINISHED BASEMENT 211120203 $1,250,000 248-851-4100

– FARMINGTON HILLS – YOU’LL LOVE THE PEACEFUL SURROUNDING 211073457 $300,000 248-851-4100

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – GREAT HOME WITH NATURAL FIREPLACE, FINISHED BASEMENT & DECK 211122390 $179,000 248-851-4100

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – SPRAWLING RANCH HOME ON ALMOST 1/2 ACRE 211128658 $330,000 248-851-4100

– BLOOMFIELD TWP. – 4 BEDROOM WITH FINISHED WALKOUT LOWER LEVEL, LARGE LOT & PATIO 211108709 $139,900 248-851-4100

– BLOOMFIELD – ON ALL-SPORTS UPPER LONG LAKE WITH 1.4 ACRES 211095246 $1,299,900 248-851-4100

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – GRAND, CUSTOM WALNUT LAKE VIEWS, BLOOMFIELD SCHOOL! 29005020 $1,194,999 248-851-4100

– BLOOMFIELD TWP. – ELEGANT 4 BEDROOM HOME W/CUSTOM KITCHEN & FINISHED LOWER LEVEL! 211120731 $1,100,000 248-851-4100

– BLOOMFIELD – TOTALLY UPDATED WITH FINISHED WALKOUT LOWER LEVEL! 211126840 $674,900 248-851-4100

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – UPDATED HOME WITH LOWER LEVEL, NEW KITCHEN AND LAKE PRIVILEGES 211123077 $599,000 248-851-4100

– BLOOMFIELD TWP. – SPECTACULAR LAKEFRONT CONDO WITH WINE CELLAR 210104364 $500,000 248-851-4100

– ORCHARD LAKE – CONTEMPORARY HOME WITH WOODED VIEWS! 211074978 $499,000 248-851-4100

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – CUSTOM 3,800 SQ. FT. LAKEFRONT HOME. GREAT VIEWS 210061488 $449,900 248-851-4100

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – OPEN FLOOR PLAN WITH HARDWOOD FLOORS AND NEWER CARPET 211060384 $169,900 248-851-4100

– BLOOMFIELD TWP. – GREAT CONDITION WITH 2-STORY FOYER AND GRANITE KITCHEN! 211102030 $349,000 248-851-4100

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – CUSTOM BUILT HOME IN ’08 WITH WINE CELLAR 211130957 $325,000 248-851-4100

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – 4,400+ SQ. FT., RANCH HOME, FULLY FURNISHED! 29147684 $325,000 248-851-4100

– FARMINGTON HILLS – BEAUTIFUL 3 BEDROOM, 1.5 BATH RANCH GREAT LOCATION 211054994 $275,000 248-851-4100

– BLOOMFIELD – BEAUTIFUL HOME WITH CIRCLE DRIVE AND OPEN FLOOR PLAN 211107711 $255,000 248-851-4100

– COMMERCE – CUSTOM BUILT 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH, END UNIT RANCH CONDO 211033381 $209,900 248-851-4100

– FARMINGTON HILLS – FANTASTIC 4 BED, 2.5 BATH, FIN. WALKOUT LOWER LVL W/REC ROOM 211053404 $209,900 248-851-4100

– FARMINGTON HILLS – SPRAWLING RANCH WITH UPDATED KITCHEN ON .5 ACRE 211093882 $185,000 248-851-4100

– FARMINGTON HILLS – COMPLETELY REMODELED 4 BEDROOM, 2 BATH HOME WITH HARDWOOD FLOORS 29141083 $128,000 248-851-4100

– SOUTHFIELD – CUTE AS A BUTTON UPDATED HOME WITH NEW KITCHEN 29118390 $124,999 248-851-4100

– SOUTHFIELD – FANTASTIC 3 BEDROOM HOME WITH FINISHED LOWER LEVEL FAMILY ROOM 211118544 $113,500 248-851-4100

Far mington Hills 851-4100 Farmington Hills/West Bloomfield • (248)(248) 851-4100 • (248) 851-1900 32961 Middlebelt 6960 Orchard Lake Rd. • Ste. 150 • West Bloomfield • 48322 A

denotes denotes virtual virtual tour tour

JANUARY 4-10, 2012

PAGE 34

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

CE ER MM CO

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

N RIO MA

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211079746 - $259,900

211123433 - $164,900

211104716 - $389,000

211129312 - $172,000

211108753 - $162,900

SUPERB COMMERCE HOME 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, first floor master with bath, close to M-5

100 FT. CANAL FRONT 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open floor plan, updated Corian

FABULOUS GREEN LAKEFRONT HOME 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, Pella windows, hardwood flooring, lower level walkout, 2 fireplaces

NEW CONSTRUCTION BRICK RANCH 3 beds, 2.1 baths, cathedral ceilings, fireplace, granite master suite. Almost complete.

NEW CONSTRUCTION 3 bedrooms, 2 baths,kitchen, recess lighting, 1st floor laundry, daylight basement

DL LLE WA

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RD FO TER WA

LD FIE OM O L B W.

IEL

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211129477 - $57,600

211125557 - $70,000

211091695 - $185,500

211095071 - $245,000

211126420 - $70,000

DOVER HILL CONDO 2 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, unit has fireplace

STOP THE CAR! 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, gorgeous kitchen, finished basement

WILLIAMS LAKE DEEDED CANALFRONT 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, spacious kitchen, open floor plan

A PIECE OF PARADISE 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bath, open floor plan, quality decking

PRISTINE CONDITION, READY TO MOVE IN 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, newer roof, upgraded bathroom, 4 car garage, large fenced yard

LD FIE OM BLO . W

FEATURED HOME

LD FIE OM BLO . W

TE OIN STP A E

MIL

OF THE WEEK

211103967 - $149,500

211114594 - $724,900

211119870 - $28,500

211123452 - $234,900

ARTS & CRAFTS BUNGALOW 4 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, updated, cove ceilings, new roof/furnace/central air

SPECTACULAR MIDDLE STRAITS WATERFRONT 4 beds, 3.2 baths, kitchen, newly remodeled, master suite, theater room, many extras

MOVE IN CONDITION 3 bedrooms, 1 baths, first floor laundry, living room with bay window

VACATION AT HOME 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, pool, hot tub, acreage cathedral ceilings

LD FIE ING SPR

M XO WI

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211047575 - $400,000

COMMERCE LAKEFRONT 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, almost 3/4 acre, finished walkout D IEL MF LOO B W.

D AN STL WE

211112861 - $135,000 MOVE IN TOTALLY REMODELED 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, ceramic floors, maple cabinets, 2 car garage, finished basement R BO AR OH G E KE

211107874 - $54,900 RD FO TER A W

211121503 - $279,000

211125575 - $196,800

PROFESSIONALLY LANDSCAPED 5 bedrooms, 2.2 baths, master suite with jacuzzi, lower level walkout, brick patio

CHARMING COLONIAL 3 CAR GARAGE 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, master bath & suite natural fireplace. Lake privileges Loon Lake

RD FO OX

L ITE WH

E AK

211112421 - $180,000

211048408 - $100,000

211115899 - $259,000

211126471 - $110,000

211115490 - $249,000

WELL MAINTAINED RANCH 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, kitchen and dining open to family room, deck, patio and large yard

ADDITIONAL LOT 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, brick, vinyl ranch, 2 car garage

LAKEFRONT GEM 83 FT. ON WOODALL LAKE 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, huge master with bath, doorwall to deck walkout with 2nd kitchen

PICTURE PERFECT HOUSE 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open floor plan, cathedral ceilings

CUSTOM RANCH END OF CUL-DE-SAC 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, maple kitchen, hardwood floors, fin. walkout, wet bar & full bath

RD FO TER WA

LD FIE OM O L B W.

VI NO

L ITE WH

E AK

EL RIN LVE O W

E AK

211129544 - $66,000

211099179 - $229,000

211074688 - $110,000

211128969 - $190,000

211124998 - $235,000

UPDATED RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, property consists of 3 lots, 2 car garage and separate workshop

TRANQUIL SETTING ON CROSS LAKE 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, up north feeling, beautiful clean interior

CHARMING RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, hardwood floors, vaulted ceiling

CENTENNIAL FARMHOUSE 3 bedroom, 2 baths, family/parlor with fireplace over an acre

EXPANSIVE LAKEFRONT! 3 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, remodeled and updated, new furnace, Florida room, fireplace

Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour

Lakes Area (248) 363-8300

ÂŠReal Estate One, Inc., 2012

JANUARY 4-10, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 35

Visit us at 560 N. Milford Rd., Milford P LAKE

ES ILEG RIV

$125,000 CHARMING WIXOM RANCH •1,388 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths •Hardwood floors •Patio with private yard with lake privileges •210132913

TH BOA

E OUS

$393,000

HS BAT 5.1

$749,999

EN ITCH DK N A ISL

NT F RO

$248,300

NT FRO

$444,500 ALL-SPORTS LAKE SHERWOOD! •2,478 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, basement, 3 car attached garage •Finished walkout •First floor master •Large island kitchen •211110654

NT F RO

$669,000

DRY

$555,000 ALL-SPORTS LAKE SHERWOOD! •3,845 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 car attached garage •Open floor plan •Huge foyer open to great room •First floor master suite •211116287

S IEW EV LAK

ALL-SPORTS WHITE LAKE! •1,702 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car detached garage •2nd floor master suite with jet tub •First floor laundry •211064566

ER WAT

ALL-SPORTS TAGGETT LAKE! •4,114 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 5.1 baths, basement, 5 car attached garages •Generous 1 acre lot on cul-de-sac •First floor master with office •211115821

FRO

$69,000

$345,000

ER WAT

TOTALLY REMODELED! •1,616 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, basement •2 car attached garage •Situated on over 1/2 acre •211118570

N LA U LR. 1ST F

CONTEMPORARY WATERFRONT HOME! •2,780 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage •Remodeled and updated •Granite kitchen and all baths •2nd floor laundry •211001443

$249,900 UPDATED HISTORIC HOME! •1,980 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, basement, 2 car detached garage •Open entry level floor plan •Granite kitchen •Great backyard •210111484

$139,900

$145,000

ER WAT

BEAUTIFUL QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD! •1,680 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement •1 car attached garage •Kitchen with island •Finished lower level •211114550

$55,000 GREAT INVESTMENT! •Includes 3 structures •Main house 1,199 sq. ft., 1 bedroom, 2 baths •Guest house 400 sq. ft., 1 bedroom, 1 bath •2 car garage •211114072

ACRE 1/2 R OVE

LAKE ACCESS ON CRYSTAL CLEAR DUNHAM! •1,456 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.1 2 car attached garage •Open & airy •Kitchen and breakfast room with heated ceramic floors •211126432

GREAT FAMILY SUB! •1,800 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.2 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Open floor plan •Great room with natural fireplace •Walk to downtown •211043331

D ATE UPD

$239,200 PRIVATE 2 ACRE LOT! •2,168 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.2 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Family room with natural fireplace and oak mantle •Andersen windows •Finished lower level •211098339

$159,999

$2,150/MO. WATERFRONT LEASE ON LAKE SHERWOOD! •1,764 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car attached garage •Family room with fireplace •Granite baths and laundry room •Dock included • 211080636

URES UC T R T 3S

SS CCE EA K A L

SPECTACULAR CUSTOM BUILT! •3,300 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 5.1 baths, basement, 3 car attached garage •Gourmet Brazilian cherry kitchen •Granite counter tops •211022713

E LAC EP FIR

$1,350,000 GREAT INVESTMENT! •5,552 sq. ft., 5 bedroom, 4.1 baths, basement, 5 car garage •13 beautiful acres •Mahogany kitchen •Generator, elevator •211088932

LOT RE 2 AC

ON WHITE LAKE! •2,215 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Drive in boat house •Beautiful hardwood entry •Formal dining room •211111348

ER WAT

T R ON ERF T A W

ES CR 13 A

FRO

$119,900 WHITE LAKE LAKEVIEW! •2,100 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, basement, 4 car garage •Hardwood floors on entry level •Large open kitchen with granite and eating area •211091388

ET QUI

$157,000 ON LAKE GEORGE! •1,721 sq, ft., 3 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Open floor plan •Finished walkout basement •First floor laundry •211097045

Serving Milford & Surrounding Areas - 248.684.1065

BAY

$309,900 WONDERFUL WHITE LAKE VIEWS! •1,700 sq, ft., 2 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •On quiet bay to main lake •Maple and granite kitchen •211122345 ©Real Estate One, Inc., 2012

PAGE 36

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Union Lake Rd.

2199 HAGGERTY RD. At Pontiac Trail across from Lakes Professional Building

Commerce Rd.

morrismotorsmi.com Ric d hard son R

Oakley Park

Haggerty Rd.

11 9-20

Maple Rd. M-5

1 96

Benstein Rd.

42 YEARS

Trail tiac Pon

WALMART

RIGHT RIGHT HERE HERE

Celebrating

248-624-4500

Where You Need Us!

morrismotorsmi.com

2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA #P1921

2008 LAND ROVER

30,995

12,495***

29,559

13,995

#P1955

14 Mile Rd.

FEATURING

2007 MAZDA CX7 #P1951

18,995

2008 FORD ESCAPE #P1937

2007 SATURN OUTLOOK

#P1940A

4,450**

Now

16,995

***

5,700

Was $19,995

2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE

18,559**

2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA #P1960

#P1956A

20,999

19,995

13,995

12,895**

2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO CONVERSION #P2051

2008 SATURN VUE

15,995

15,559

10,600

#P2035

9,876**

** Find us on Facebook

Morris Complete Inventory At: www.morrismotorsmi.com Motors Michigan For Peace of Mind: most of our vehicles have warranty or service contracts available.

**For purchase with qualified credit approval. Prices are plus tax, title, license & doc fee. Call dealer for more details. Offer good thru 1/11/12. Subject to prior sale.

~CHILD FRIENDLY CUSTOMER LOUNGE~

SALES HOURS: Mon. & Thurs.: 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Tues., Wed., Fri.: 8:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.

Service Special

95*

OIL CHANGE

O I OTOR L

~ COUPON ~

+tax & dep. fee with coupon

*Includes up to 5 quarts of oil and oil filter. Excludes synthetic oil and diesel engines. Most vehicles–see service advisor for exceptions. With this coupon. Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 1/18/12. SC

BG’s Cooling System Flush ~ COUPON ~

OUR FACTORY-TRAINED TECHNICIANS WILL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING: •Pressurized system leak test •Check belts and hoses •Check heater output $ Was99 129 •Flush cooling system

Plus tax and disposal. Most GM cars and trucks. All coupons must be presented at time of write up. Offers cannot be applied with any other offers. Chemical cleaning extra. Expires 1/18/12.

Battery Service

10 Off 20 Off 30 Off

$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $

•Service battery and fully charge •Clean cables and connections •Check alternator output

Was 8500

WITH COUPON

*Dead battery or draw concerns require added diagnosis Must present coupon when order is written. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Plus tax and shop supplies. Expires 1/18/12

248-624-4500

morrismotorsmi.com

Your Hometown Car & Truck Service and Maintenance Center for over 42 Years *Diagnosis extra, brake inspection extra

MORRIS BONUS BUCKS

& Charging System Check

Any $100 Service Any $200 Service

Any $300 Service ANY MAKE OR MODEL

$ $ $ $ $

One coupon per customer. Coupons may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 1/18/12. Excludes oil changes, brake promotion, tires and SRTA’S. Valid only in our service department. Must present coupon when order is written. SC

We Service All Makes and Models of GM Vehicles and most Domestic and Import models as well

WE OFFER: NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY Most Repairs Completed Same Day

Enjoy your complimentary coffee while you wait • Work With Most Insurance Companies • Expert Mechanics and Technicians • Full Paint or Touch-Ups • Expert Color Matching • We Handle Large or Small Jobs

SERVICE, PARTS & BODY SHOP HOURS:

Mon. & Thurs.: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tues., Wed. & Fri.: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

FREE Estimates on Collision Repairs!