SCN-11.2.11 by Kingsett

WEST OAKLAND’S NEWSWEEKLY www.spinalcolumnonline.com

11/2/11

WATERFORD • UNION LAKE • WHITE LAKE • HIGHLAND • MILFORD • WIXOM WALLED LAKE • WOLVERINE LAKE • COMMERCE • ORCHARD LAKE • WEST BLOOMFIELD

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WESTERN FLIES HIGH Warriors stave off Mavs, 27-20, in state playoffs; South Lyon’s next - pg. 47

CANDIDATES’ RESPONSES School board hopefuls answer questions ahead of Nov. 8 election - pg. 19

MISSION COMPLETE M-5 roundabout nears completion as officials hold ceremony - pg. 37

pg. 10 Community Sharing Food Pantry workers stock a box of food in Highland. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

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John E. Booth, Walled Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force, WWII Eric Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marines Larry Caplin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Vietnam Rex Catlaneo, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .WWII Ken Barrott, Oxford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marines, Desert Storm Jon S. Bond, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force, 1969-1973 James D. Goff, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, 1961-1964 Ward W. Hingst, Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Korea Charles Tober, Walled Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Vietnam Bill Nelson, Wolverine Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Korea Francis “Frank” Serridge, Milford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army Air Corps, WWII-E.T.O. Jerald Wasker, Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army Dick Laird Pearson, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, WWII John Charles Pearson, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Vietnam Russell Walter Ortwine, Novi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, WWII James Mark Ortwine, Whitmore Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army Vietnam Richard William Ortwine, Howell . . . .U.S. Marines, Army, Air Force, Vietman, Gulf War, Desert Storm David Brian Ortwine, South Lyon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Gulf War Todd S. Weiller, Wolverine Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marine Corps., Iraqi War Herb Warwick, Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy Thomas S. Dmoch, Commerce Township (Deceased) . . . . . . . U.S. Marine Corps, Korean Vet Bud , Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Air Force, WWII Roland Heaton, Novi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Royal Canadian Navy, WWII William Green, Wixom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army, Vietnam William McKettrick, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Michael C. Bays, Orchard Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army William R. Morfitt, Walled Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Raymond F. Gargan, Walled Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Jared Nielsen, Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Mike Borashko, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Robert Houghton, Highland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Julian Y. Nusbaum, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Army Air Corp Chuck Lovell, Walled Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Korean War Thomas Lloyd, Wixom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marine Corps, WWII Robert Van Fleet, Walled Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force Raymond Ziol, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Army Air Corp William Cartter, Walled Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Air Force Scott Hungerford, Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Air Force Wilson Sparks, Walled Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy Jack Reimer, Walled Lake (Deceased) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, WWII George Boleratz, Walled Lake (Deceased) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force, WWII Michael Boleratz, Brighton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force, Vietnam William Ingram, Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Vietnam Leslie A. Morris, Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U. S. Army, Vietnam, Purple Heart Thomas P. Morris, Rockwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Marine Corps Richard G. Morris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Marine Corps MSG Louis W. Kimble, Waterford . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Bosnia, OIF Bob Pewitt, Walled Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Navy, Vietnam Pvt. Phillip A. DeConick, Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Charles J. Gribbon, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army, Korea Frederick A. Trott, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Air Force, Vietnam R. Lawrence Caplin, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Navy, Vietnam Gordon Elliott . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Arnold Johnson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Mike Landry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Arbo Lestkines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army, South Pacific John P. Luusua . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Isla McKenna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Brent McMullen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Richard Moore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army J kR US A

Steven Krastof, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army James Lowe, Wixom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Vietnam Joesph Muscat, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Korea Mitchell Malek, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army Wallace Boshew, Highland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army Robert King Newcombe, Wixom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Vietnam David R. Bush, Walled Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Panama Canal Donald O. Quinn, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army M.P., Vietnam, South Korea Roy Borgeson, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy Bruno (Bernard A.) Clem, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, WWII Jon S. Bond, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force Jack (John W.) Miller, Walled Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army, Korea Jerome Guest, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Navy, Cuban Missile Crisis, Dominican Republic Conflict Michael Kelly O’Brien, Walled Lake (Deceased) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army Airborne Jim Pierce, Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Vietnam Matthew J. Zelenak, Novi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Iraq Daniel V. Laporte, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Peacetime Thomas Johnston, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Cuban Missile Crisis Cam West, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Vietnam Harry L. Bolt, Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, World War II Steve Dehnbostel, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Iraq Harry Wagner, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Korea James Weakland, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Vietnam Bonnie Murray, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Vietnam Dennis Drake, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Desert Storm Donald Pipp, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Korea William Newcombe, Wixom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Vietnam Ralph E. Mulvany, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army Patricia Loftus, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army Walter Mozurkewich, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Vietnam Frank Krumm, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Vietnam Michael Maxim, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force, WWII James Leo Oberski, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force, Vietnam Frank Massaria Jr., Reed City . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force, Korea Ted Kisse, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, WWII Charles De Hart, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Peacetime Sandor Vigh, Belleville . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Desert Shield John Carpenter, Wixom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Vietnam - Seals Seabee Harold Scheerer, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, WWII John Kett, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Korea Nicholas Karaguleff, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Korea Daniel Barden, Wixom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marines, Peacetime Dale Lawson, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marines, Vietnam Thomas Morris, Wixom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marines, Vietnam Ed Grabowski, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marines, Desert Storm James C. Morris (Deceased) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force Harvey Morris (Deceased) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Purple Heart Merle R. Meadows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . MIA Vietnam, Body Returned Tom Laforge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marines, Beirut Roy Howie, Walled Lake (Deceased) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marines, Korea Donald J. Watson, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, WWII Larry W. Renton, Milford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marines, Vietnam James R. Elliot Jr., Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Korea Jon S. Bond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force Robert A. Huber, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Okinawa WWII Ward M. Hingst, Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Korea John Bogosian, Walled Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Peace Time Bruce Kurth, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Vietnam Cahide Greenwald, Walled Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Vietnam Craig D. Hancock, Wixom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Vietnam T L B h Wh L k US A F V

Veteran’s Day is November 11, 2011

T h a n k Yo u F o r Yo u r S e r v i c e I n P r o t e c t i n g O u r G r e a t N a t i o n .

Honor Roll of Gratitude

PAGE 2 www.spinalcolumnonline.com SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

NOVEMBER 2, 2011

SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL

A test of the Emergency Alert System will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at roughly 2 p.m., the Village of Wolverine Lake has announced. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) will test the system using Emergency Activation Notification, which has never been tested before, according to the village. The test will come from FEMA and will be over 3 minutes in length, according to the village. Typically weekly tests last 10 seconds while monthly tests last 1 minute. Every radio and television channel — including cable and satellite channels — will air the test at exactly the same time, according to an announcement from the village.

That’s what HE said: "I don't want to say it's a large roundabout, but the only thing that's missing is the Arc de Triomphe in the middle of it." — Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson yesterday, Tuesday, Nov. 1, discussing the size of the M5 roundabout in Commerce Township, the completion of which was officially commemorated yesterday at a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Located at the convergence of M-5, Pontiac Trail and Martin Parkway, it is now the largest roundabout in the county.

INSIDE Special Report . . . . . . .10-12 County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Public Safety . . . . . . . . . . .35 Environment . . . . . . . . . .39 State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Lakes Area News . . . . . .7-17 Editorials . . . . . . . . . . . . .43 Community Calendar . .45-46 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . .47-51

248.360.6397

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Hazing incident investigated Five Western football players disciplined for alleged roles By Michael Shelton staff writer

he Walled Lake Consolidated School District has disciplined five Walled Lake Western varsity football players for their alleged involvement in the hazing of a teammate. According to a letter from Walled Lake Schools Superintendent Kenneth Gutman to district parents, an “unacceptable incident” involving the players occurred the week prior to Tuesday, Oct. 25, when the letter was dated. Gutman added that immediately following the incident, an investigation was conducted by school administrators and that the individuals involved were given “appropriate consequences,” without specifying the discipline given. The players were noticeably absent from Western’s regular season finale against Belleville on Oct. 21 and most recently at Western’s pre-district playoff

Council splits on six-month medical pot moratorium By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The Wixom City Council voted to extend a medical marijuana moratorium in the city until April 3, 2012, based on a recommendation by the city’s attorney. Some council members said that at this juncture it would be prudent to postpone drafting a medical marijuana ordinance until cases under litigation come to some conclusion. “The hang-up is there are still court cases ongoing and an effort to rewrite legislation and we’re waiting until that’s taken care of,” said Councilman Pat Beagle. The council voted in favor of the moratorium in a 4-2 vote with Beagle and Councilman Jim Cutright opposing the measure. Both wanted

victory at home over Milford on Friday, Oct. 28. A source who spoke with the Spinal Column Newsweekly on the condition of anonymity said that no coaches have been fired and that the school district is still hearing appeals about the discipline enacted. There is also no word if the players will be available for Western’s next game, a Division 2 district final at home against South Lyon on Friday, Nov. 4. According to another source who spoke on the condition of anonymity, the mother of the student who was hazed visited Wixom police regarding the matter and Wixom Public Safety Director Clarence Goodlein filed a police report on Monday, Oct. 24. The source said that the police report was documenting what was being shown in a video that made its way to YouTube for a short time before

it was eventually taken down. The report states that the video showed an incident that took place in the basement of an assistant coach’s house during a team dinner. The alleged incident involved the player being tied around a pole with duct tape and a helmet being put on him. No other information on what else may have occurred during the incident was given. The source added that the student’s mother is not looking to file charges or prosecute. Instead, she just wanted the incident documented, the source said. Gutman stated in his letter that the school district “has zero tolerance for bullying or hazing in any form regardless of the circumstances and situation.” Western Head Coach Mike Zdebski had no comment on the matter when reached. ❏

to extend the moratorium by one year instead of six months. “It’s a jumbled issue and everyone has a different opinion, so it will probably take a good year until all is said and done,” Beagle added. Mayor Kevin Hinkley was excused from the meeting. This is the city’s fourth move to extend a moratorium on drafting an ordinance to comply with the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act (MMMA) following voter approval in November 2008. The city’s first moratorium was passed in May 2010. It was extended in November 2010 and in again in May. “We’re not studying the issue anymore, just waiting to see what other entities are going to do,” said Assistant City Manager Tony Nowicki. “If we pass an ordinance and the Legislature comes back with something different, we’d have to rescind it and draft a new ordinance, so it doesn’t make sense.”

One ruling was handed down this August by the Michigan Court of Appeals. The unanimous decision by the court states the MMMA — which allows the use of medical marijuana by qualifying patients — does not provide legal grounds for so-called dispensaries to facilitate patient-to-patient sales of medical marijuana. The MMMA took effect on April 4, 2009. An ordinance may be deemed necessary to help regulate legal marijuana within the city and guide law enforcement efforts in combating any illegal drug activity. At the end of the six-month moratorium time frame, it’s expected that the Planning Commission will either draft a final zoning ordinance amendment that specifically outlines areas within the city where medical marijuana can be legally grown and sold or will determine that the issue falls under the current land use zoning ordinance in place. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WEST

OAKLAND’S

NEWSWEEKLY

51st YEAR OF PUBLICATION Waterford • White Lake • Highland • Milford Commerce • Wolverine • Walled Lake • Wixom West Bloomfield • Orchard Lake • Union Lake PUBLISHER / PRESIDENT: Susan Fancy BUSINESS MANAGER: Dennis Boggs EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Carol Barr EDITOR: Tim Dmoch

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Kirk Pinho

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Supporting victims of violence HAVEN’s Beth Morrison still fighting domestic, sexual abuse

eth Morrison has spent eight years as president and CEO of HAVEN of Oakland County, an organization dedicated to addressing and preventing domestic violence and sexual assault along with assisting victims of those crimes. Morrison has spent the past 30 years doing her part to address these issues in positions ranging from a children’s therapist to a rape counselor and a crisis line operator. A Bloomfield Hills resident, Morrison started at HAVEN as the senior director of programs, but was promoted to the highest position in the organization just nine months later. Morrison recently spoke about her experiences with domestic violence and assault, what HAVEN does in the community, and how people can play a part in helping victims of violence and assault. For those who may not be familiar with your organization, please tell us what HAVEN is and what services it provides? How did you become involved with HAVEN? BM: HAVEN is Oakland County’s center for the prevention and treatment of domestic violence and sexual assault. We provide a wide range of services for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, from a 24-7 crisis line and a domestic violence shelter. We do individual and group counseling for adults and children for people who are in our shelter and maybe don’t need shelter at all but need some counseling services. We offer a court advocacy program where we can work with survivors who are navigating the court system as it relates to their victimization. We have a response team, a group of staff and trained volunteers who go out to local emergency rooms, law enforcement agencies, schools, employers, and places where other people are meeting with a victim that might need some help and support. We have a forensic examination program where we provide forensic evidence collection, as well as crisis counseling in support for individuals after they’ve been sexually assaulted. We also have prevention education programming, where we go out into the school systems, preschool through 12grade, and talk with students about the issues of domestic and sexual violence in age-appropriate ways. We also have an office at the circuit court building where we assist individuals who are in need of a personal protection order. I’ve been working in the field for over

30 years, I started out as a student at Central Michigan University volunteering at the newly opened domestic violence shelter there back in the late ‘70s and I just really got turned on to the issues in the sense that I recognize that, one; I as a woman was vulnerable to becoming a victim myself of either domestic violence or sexual assault, and then I also really got angry and frustrated by the injustice of the violence against women and children. It’s no surprise that most domestic violence and rapes occur against women. There are cases where women are afraid to come forward due to scrutiny by others or threats of

•

NE MINUTE

INTERVIEW subsequent violence. From your experience, how prevalent is that? How does HAVEN encourage women who are victims to stand up and be strong in the face of scrutiny? BM: I would say it’s very prevalent, I think that coming forward and sharing your victimization is a significant step for an individual and it’s something that they’re in the best position to determine when the best time is to be able to do that. For some, it’s immediate — they have a support system in place, they have resources in place, and they feel this is their opportunity to be able to reach out and get help right away. For others, the fear might be so great that the abuse is going to increase that it may hold them back or they might not feel that they’re going to have support from their small social system, their family and friends, or the

greater system. They might not feel that the community is going to believe them and support and help them and therefore, the consequences of coming forward are going to be greater than not coming forward. Domestic and sexual violence are still considered, by national statistics, the most underreported of all crimes, especially sexual violence. It often happens behind closed doors, if you will, and the only opportunity for it to become known is for the victim to come forward, and with sexual violence in particular it’s very difficult to do that. What we believe in doing is really supporting a survivor on where she’s at, that there are individuals who believe that if they were to end the relationship or take some kind of action that their life would be in danger or maybe lives of other people would be in danger. And if that individual believes that’s where they’re at, we’re not going to tell them what to do, we’re going to support them and help them and look for other avenues of which maybe at some point in time they would be able to end that relationship and reach out for additional assistance. Our No. 1 goal is safety and educating people on safety, but No. 2 is really looking at and educating individuals about options and choices and resources. When we write stories about our municipalities’ Community Development Block Grant funds, we find that a lot of them allocate some of those funds to HAVEN. How much of your funding comes through CDBG monies? Where does the majority of your funding come from? BM: Over the years, we’ve been able to receive a significant amount of funding from the different municipalities. Unfortunately this past year, the federal government imposed, I believe, a 43 or 45 percent cut in CDBG funds, so actually this year we’re experiencing a significant decrease. In the past it was probably about 5 to 8 percent of our budget and we’re expecting it this year to probably drop to about half of that to maybe 2 and a half or 3 percent of our budget. We have a budget of roughly $3 million dollars. About half of that comes from federal funding ... ❏

By Michael Shelton

Read more of this interview at spinalcolumnonline.com.

NOVEMBER 2-8, 2011

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Commerce gets new ladder truck months early By Angela Niemi staff writer

s the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the roundabout at M-5 in Commerce Township took place yesterday, Tuesday, Nov. 1, two fire trucks representing the old and the new from the Commerce Fire Department were there. “We had the old truck there with the new one to show everybody what is being replaced,” explained Jim Liker, a Commerce Township firefighter and member of the ladder truck committee. The township’s old ladder truck dates back to 1986, when it was first donated to the fire department by DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital. While the truck still looks “sharp for its age,” according to Supervisor Tom Zoner, the truck is also “somewhat outdated.” “This (new) truck (has) a midmount aerial platform that’s 100foot to replace our current apparatus, which is over 25 years of age,” said Fire Chief Joe Schornack. According to Schornack, the total cost of the new truck will be just shy of $1 million at $962,471, the majority of which will be covered by federal grant money. The department recently received money totaling $681,048 from a federal Assistance to Fire Fighters grant with the stipulation that the township match 10 percent of the grant money. Another provision of the grant stated that the fire truck must be purchased and delivered by January.

Outlet mall will help serve the area’s needy Hope Houses Outlet Mall is not only a business that set up shop recently in downtown Walled Lake, but a haven of hope for those unemployed and indigent. By selling wares from its vendors, co-owners Lee and Charles Davis will be diverting some of the dollars earned into purchasing homes for the needy. “We are a for-profit business to help people get off the streets and into tran-

Officials from the Commerce Township Fire Department were pleased when the new ladder truck they purchased for just shy of $1 million, with the majority of that coming from federal grant money, showed up on Monday, Oct. 31, a few months ahead of the deadline set forth by provisions of the federal Assistance to Fire Fighters grant that totaled $681,048. The truck was officially unveiled to the community yesterday, Tuesday, Nov. 1 at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the completion of the M-5 roundabout. Pictured from left to right areCommerce Township Fire Chief Joe Schornack, Fire Marshall Todd Martin, and Mark Gall, Tom Moore and James Liker, all three of whom are firefighters and emergency medical technicians who served on the ladder truck committee. (Spinal Column Newsweekly/Amy K. Lockard)

However, the fire department took delivery of the truck on Monday, Oct. 31 — well before the deadline. Meanwhile, according to the stipulations of the grant, the old fire truck can not be sold and must be de-commissioned. As such, the old truck is being traded in to the company from which the new truck was purchased.

According to Schornack, members of the fire department and a special committee were instrumental in helping the department earn the grant. “I just want to give special thanks to the truck committee for their time and effort and to firefighter Mark Gall who applied for the grant,” he said. Training on the new truck will take

place this week at Station No. 4 at the fire department’s headquarters. “The truck looks really good,” Liker said. “When you’re involved on the truck committee and trying to make everybody happy, it’s pleasant when everybody said we did a good job (on the truck).” ❏

sitional housing where they will be evaluated and have a plan worked out for them and job training,” Lee Davis said. “One of the goals is to purchase housing for the homeless and to do this we need to make money.” Hope Houses Outlet Mall is a subsidiary of the non-profit organization, Hope Houses, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization that assists recovering substance abusers, the mentally challenged, indigent persons and veterans. Lee and Charles Davis network with organizations such as Community Network Services, Lighthouse in Pontiac, and churches. “We get calls from the homeless

now and refer them to other agencies until we can rent other homes,” Lee Davis said. Lee and Charles Davis have been lending their support to Hope Houses, Inc. for six years now. It’s been a passion of Lee’s due to her own personal journey. “My brother was on drugs and we didn’t know where he was for three years,” she explained. “When we finally visited him he was living in squalor. After that we decided to rent a house for people to get them off the streets.” The new business has a footprint of 4,000 square feet and is housed in the

former Farmer Jack Shopping Center at 728 N. Pontiac Trail. Currently the pair has signed up six vendors to rent space at the outlet mall, but there’s room enough for 21 in total. Currently items for sale include jewelry, wreaths, floral arrangements, prepackaged candy, purses, monogramming, skin care, and clothing for men, women, and children. Vendors interested in renting space can contact Lee Davis at 248-9600390. ❏

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 9

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LAKES AREA NEWS

2012 CDBG funds totaling $103K to be mulled Nov. 14 The West Bloomfield Township Planning Commission discussed proposed plans for the township’s 2012 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program at its Tuesday, Oct. 25 meeting. The proposed allotments are expected to go before the Board of Trustees on Monday, Nov. 14. According to Senior Planner Sara Roediger, the township’s recommended 2012 CDBG grant amount is $103,661. CDBG grants are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. They must fund activities to provide affordable housing, anti-poverty programs, and infrastructure development in low- to moderate-income areas of participating communities. Under the township’s proposed allocations, $15,550 would go towards public services, with senior services receiving all of the funding within that allocation. Planning and Administration would receive no CDBG funding in 2012 while $40,000 would go towards minor home repair and $48,111 towards removing architectural barriers from township facilities and attractions. Previously, funds have gone to help remove barriers at facilities, including the Township Hall, the Family Aquatic Center, and the Drake Sports Park. CDBG funds in past years have gone to support public service agencies such as HAVEN (Help Against Violent Encounters Now), an organization that provides services to domestic violence and sexual assault victims — whether they are individuals or families — and helps prevent such crimes in the future. Other efforts that have benefited from CDBG funds include senior activities provided by West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation, and the Bloomfield Township Meals on Wheels program. But now 2012 CDBG funding has been proposed for emergency and disabled services or battered and abused spouses. ❏

Zoning applicant seeks to create senior care facility The Highland Board of Trustees will be rendering a decision to a Highland resident regarding a rezoning applica-

Several recommendations — including improved trails, more historical fencing and landscaping at the front entrance — for Hess-Hathaway Park in Waterford Township were garnered from a public feedback session held last week as part of the process of updating the park’s master plan. The park is located on Williams Lake Road between Cooley Lake and Elizabeth Lake roads. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Public offers project ideas Hearing held on Hess-Hathaway Park improvements By Leslie Shepard staff writer

s the recipient of a grant by the Hess Charitable Trust Fund, the Waterford Parks and Recreation Commission held a public forum on Thursday, Oct. 27 to glean public feedback as it moves forward in updating the Hess-Hathaway Park plan. “Some of the recommendations included trail improvements, and more historical fencing and landscaping at the front entrance, but we will wait until a plan is in place,” said Parks and Recreation Director Tom Newcombe. The Waterford Township Parks and Recreation Department applied for the funding through the Myrtle tion that has been ongoing since 2007 at the board meeting scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 9. The application concerns rezoning a piece of property from single-family residential to multi-family residential in order to build a senior care facility. According to Clerk Mary McDonell,

E. and William G. Hess Charitable Trust grant program. Earlier this month, the trust donated $10,000 to fund the painting of the farm house and another $17,000 to update the 1987 Hess-Hathaway Park master plan. “In the past, we didn’t have a bona fide plan and wanted some guidelines,” Newcombe said. “Grants are easier to get with a formal park plan.” Of the $27,000 received, $9,000 is expected to be left over given that the bids for the planning consultant’s master park plan came in lower than anticipated. The remaining dollars will be leveraged for other park improvements. McKenna and Associates was

awarded the bid as the planning consultant. The company is expected to have two conceptual proposals completed by early January. As for the painting of the farmhouse, the contractor is replacing some rotted wood and will conduct the actual painting in the spring. Located on the Waterford Township side of Williams Lake Road between Elizabeth Lake and Cooley Lake roads, the Hess-Hathaway Park features a playground, a restored farm house from the 1860s, an animal exhibit, a softball field, four horseshoe pits, a pair of sand volleyball courts, and more. There are also nature trails for hiking, as well as hayrides and farm animal tours by appointment only. ❏

the Continuum of Care project is a proposed multi-use senior campus with both independent and assisted living facilities. The property is located on North Hickory Ridge Road south of Wardlow Road. After several amendments over

several years, the application came before the Highland Township Planning Commission in September 2010, at which point they recom-

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 15

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

By Angela Niemi staff writer

SPECIAL REPORT

alloween is over, as all the ghosts and goblins, princesses and super heroes have all turned back into children and are now enjoying their annual candy haul. However, with the end of one holiday, the attention has now turned to two more: Thanksgiving and Christmas. And if some are still preoccupied with Mars bars and candy corn from their children’s candy bags, they won’t be able to ignore the holiday season for long as stores have already begun to pull out Christmas merchandise and radio stations have begun playing Christmas carols. As these two holidays approach, naturally thoughts turn to food — especially Thanksgiving dinner with its turkey and stuffing, green bean casserole and potatoes, and, of course, pumpkin pie. However, while some families are beginning to plan their holiday meals, others in the lakes area are wondering how to put food on their table. And not just for the holidays, but for each day.

Gleaners still working to help feed the region As the economy continues to remain stagnant, many families are seeing an increased need for food — which has been noticed not only among local food pantries but by Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, as well. Gleaners, one of the oldest food banks in the country, has been “nourishing communities by feeding hungry people” for more than 33 years by distributing food to over 552 partner pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, and Monroe counties. “We measure demand primarily in terms of pounds of food we distribute,” said Anne Shenk, the senior director of advancement for Gleaners. “For the last fiscal year ending in September, we distributed 40.4 million pounds of food, which was up from 36.4 million pounds the year before. Our goal this year is to distribute even more next year by the end of September with about 45 million pounds, which is another significant increase.” The main reason for the increased demand for emergency food, according to Shenk, is the economy. “It’s the economy, the prolonged recession. The slowness in recovering jobs in the area is really making it

Need keeps rising

Food cost spike hampering local charities

Feeding about 325 families a month is no easy task for Community Sharing Food Pantry, located in Highland Township, as the pantry’s food costs have nearly doubled over the course of the last year. “Cash is our No. 1 need so that we are able to buy what we need at any given moment,” said Community Sharing Board Member Barbara Maher. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

necessary for us to provide more emergency food,” she said. While unemployment remains high almost everywhere around the United States, Michigan remains one of the hardest-hit areas in the country. “When you look at unemployment and poverty in the area, it’s high and has been high,” Shenk said. “But historically, we are on the higher end of the unemployment and poverty levels, which always makes the situation worse. Southeastern Michigan is still one of the worst-off areas economically. The situation here is still critical compared to other areas that don’t have as high unemployment and poverty levels.” Despite the current economic woes and the continuously rising need for emergency food, Shenk said Gleaners hasn’t noticed a decrease in donations. “We are meeting our fund-raising targets. And we’re very happy about that. We are working hard to raise the money to do the work we need to do,” she said. Shenk said monetary donations primarily go toward food, with 95 percent of it going to food programs and food distribution. “We are able to provide three

meals for every dollar donated,” she said. “Our distribution is in the form of pantry staples, such as proteins, fruits and vegetables, and a wide range of foods.” All the food gathered by Gleaners is inventoried online. Local pantries can order from that list, and then Gleaners will put the pantry orders together. Half of the orders are distributed by Gleaners’ fleet of 13 trucks. The pantries go to Gleaners to pick up the other half. Gleaners acquires food from a variety of sources. About 23 percent of the food Gleaners distributes comes from grocers and retailers, such as Sam’s Club, Costco, Meijer, Kroger, Whole Foods, and the Detroit Produce Terminal. They normally pass on overstock and slightly damaged but still safe goods to Gleaners, which provides roughly 4.6 million meals each year. Community gardens, local food drives, and the statewide Food Bank Council of Michigan all contribute food to Gleaners, as well. Government sources of food, such as the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Federal Emergency Management Agency, also provide about 15 percent of Gleaners’ stock by providing

non-perishable, nutritious foods high in protein. National food manufacturers and food retailers, including Kellogg, Kraft Foods, and Pepperidge Farms, also donate food to Gleaners. However, the trend of manufacturers and retailers becoming more effective in reducing waste has led to a decrease in the amount of such food donated to Gleaners. Consequently, this has hiked Gleaners need to purchase food with volume discounts. In fact, Gleaners now purchases around 32 percent of the food it distributes, which in turn affects local food pantries and the prices they pay for certain products. “There’s really three ways agencies get food from us,” Shenk said. “Any free food we get goes out for free. For example, food we get from food drives. About half of the food we distribute goes out for free. Then, there’s also the food we get that we have to pay shipping and handling fees. We have to pay for trucking. We pass a small portion of that fee onto the agencies, which is about 10 cents per pound for food that comes from that source.” The third source is the food Gleaners purchases with donations. These three ways of acquiring food

NOVEMBER 2-8, 2011

Hospitality House sees increase in demand for help Local food pantries have seen firsthand the need for food increase in west Oakland County. And they have to contend with not only rising demands but rising food costs as they attempt to alleviate some of the hunger pains in the community. “Demand is definitely still on the rise,” said Kristy Hutson, director of Hospitality House in Walled Lake. “But our biggest concern right now is the rising cost of food and the limited availability of certain foods.” When Hospitality House first opened

According to Sharon Josephson, executive director of Open Door Outreach Center in Waterford Township, there has been a 30 percent increase in people requesting the organization’s help. Located on Cooley Lake Road between Williams Lake and Hospital roads, Open Door served over 135,000 pounds of food to over 3,400 families in 2009 and, at this time last year, it had already surpassed that mark. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

its doors eight years ago, the organization served approximately 200 families a month in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District. Today, the need has grown to an average of 650 families a month. The number of families that are helped grows around the holidays. Last year, Hospitality House helped approximately 800 families through the holidays. This year, Hutson anticipates helping close to 900 families. Hospitality House distributed around 430,000 pounds of food this past fiscal year, which is up from 400,000 pounds of food the previous year. Hutson said there are a number of reasons for the increase in demand. “(No. 1), the economy, and (No. 2), people are learning about us more and more,” she said. “They are talking to their friends at church or

workers at schools or people in the neighborhood. There are a lot of people finding themselves in need of food and help when, in the past, they never needed help. But word about us gets out and more families know we are available to offer assistance.” She has also “definitely” seen a change in the demographic of Hospitality House’s clients. “A lot of people who come in have never been in this situation before,” Hutson said. “They’ve never had to ask for help with food before. They have never got to the point where they couldn’t eat. We are getting a lot of people whose unemployment (benefits have) run out.” She said she is concerned that the number of clients is going to increase even more in January. “We’re concerned about the rise in

PAGE 11

demand we are going to get in, I think, January, when food stamps and bridge card benefits for families registered with the state Department of Human Services are cut off after they’ve been with them a certain period of time,” Hutson said. “We are anticipating an increase in clients at that time.” Adding to her concern is the rising cost of food. “We purchase food from Gleaners, and their food availability of main staples has been down,” Hutson said. “And the cost of those we have been able to get have gone up. Last year, we were able to keep our costs at below 35 cents a pound, and in the last three months, we have doubled that. Overall across the board, I have noticed the price of food going up. I’ve noticed it in grocery stores. And this just makes it harder for us when trying to feed families and keep the costs down.” In addition to purchasing food from Gleaners, Hospitality House also receives food from Forgotten Harvest and food drives by local churches, community and youth groups, and schools. All three Walled Lake Consolidated School District high schools — Central, Northern and Western — are doing food drives. Currently, Hutson said food donations have been down this year, as well. Last fiscal year, Hospitality House received 198,000 pounds of donated food compared to this year’s 174,000 pounds. And while donated food is definitely appreciated, cash is preferred. “Cash goes further, so we actually prefer it because we can purchase food at much lower rates than people who donate food purchase it for. So donations of cash go further,” Hutson said. The food situation is “definitely dire,” which can be felt even more keenly around the holidays, according to Hutson. She said the agency was “swamped” last week when it started the sign-up for the holiday program. “A lot of families were in a crunch last year and knowing what the holidays did to them, they are trying in advance to get food for the holidays,” Hutson said. For Thanksgiving, Hospitality House offers free dinners to registered clients. “They can sign up to have a frozen turkey with all the fixings to have a turkey dinner at home with the family,” she said. Hospitality House is also looking for volunteers and new gifts appropriate for newborn children to 18-yearolds for the organization’s Santa Shop PAGE 12 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

SPECIAL REPORT

means the prices of certain foods varies depending on how the goods were acquired. “There are a variety reasons why prices for certain goods increase,” Shenk said. “For example, for peanut butter, it depends where we get it from. If we have to purchase it, then it will be a different price to agencies than if the peanut butter was donated.” And although Gleaners has plenty of food to provide to local pantries, that doesn’t necessarily mean there is an everlasting supply of in-demand goods — especially those that have been affected by the rising cost of food. “Protein goods are expensive, so they’re not donated as often, which makes them harder to come by,” Shenk said. “But we have a lot of produce right now as it’s harvest season, and we get donated goods like fresh apples and squash.” Nevertheless, more donations are always needed. “The need is still really high for emergency food. We’re working hard to meet that need, and we appreciate any support we can get,” she said. And there’s a variety of ways to help and support Gleaners, the first of which is donating funds. “This directly helps our mission to get food to those in need,” Shenk said. Holding a food drive is another option. “Churches, businesses, or schools can put together a food drive,” Shenk said. “We have a lot of resources for you to do a successful food drive. It’s a great way to help.” And of course, there is always volunteering your time. “We need volunteers at the distribution center — to help pack pantry boxes to go to the food pantries, to sort food donated from food drives, and to assemble orders that pantry partners place,” she said. To volunteer or offer a donation, call 1-866-GLEANER or go to the Gleaners website at www.gcfb.org. Gleaners is located at 2131 Beaufait in Detroit.

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

SPECIAL REPORT

Assistance ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 11

on Dec. 10. To donate or volunteer at Hospitality House, call 248-960-9975 or visit the website at hospitalityhousefoodpantry.org. They are located at 1600 West Maple Road, Suite B, in Walled Lake. “We thank everyone who continues to support and help us help families in need locally,” Hutson said. “We could really use help this year with cash donations and new toys for our holiday program because of the increase in the amount of families we will be helping.”

“We’re seeing people that used to be at a higher income level now needing our assistance,” she said. “We’ve even had a couple former donors become clients. We’re seeing more families and have seen more homeless people trying to get help with temporary food assistance.” Open Door accepts perishable foods like milk, eggs, meat and produce, as well as non-perishable items. The organization also accepts gift cards, gas cards, hygiene items, and cash. The cash is used not only to purchase food, but to help families who need utility bill and rent assistance. “We appreciate whatever people

Community Sharing helps about 325 families a month. While she said these numbers are similar to last year, she noted that the families who are coming in are different — a fact which she attributes to families moving around to find work or their homes being in foreclosure. The food pantry offers families enough food every week to provide 21 meals per individual in the family. While Community Sharing gets the majority of its food from Gleaners, donations from churches, businesses, and individuals within the community are also instrumental to Community Sharing’s cause.

Open Door Outreach Center confirms hike in need Sharon Josephson, executive director of the Open Door Outreach Center in Waterford Township, said she too has seen more people requesting help as well as less availability of certain food products from Gleaners. “We’ve seen maybe about a 30 percent increase in the amount of people requesting help,” Josephson said. “And with less availability from Gleaners, we have to buy some food products from retail (stores), which means the food will cost more.” While she classifies the situation as “not critical” overall, there are a few exceptions. “There are certain foods that are very expensive that we haven’t been able to get from Gleaners, which makes our need for funding greater,” Josephson explained. Among those foods are cereal, peanut butter, fruit and apple juices. Open Door, located on Cooley Lake Road between Williams Lake and Hospital roads in Waterford, serves families in Waterford, White Lake, West Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake, Commerce, Walled Lake and parts of Wixom by providing food, clothing, referral information, and other services to those in need. The majority of its support and funding comes from individuals, local businesses, corporations, and religious and civic organizations. While Josephson said she is unsure exactly how much demand has increased, she said she does know that it has increased. In 2009, Open Door served 135,59 pounds of food to over 3,400 families. This time last year it had already surpassed that mark. Josephson attributes the increase in demand to more people losing their jobs.

In addition, Community Sharing accepts in-season, gently-used clothing and hygiene products. Everything is free to their clients. “Our mission is to provide food, clothing, education, and emergency financial assistance to those in need while respecting their dignity and fostering their independence,” Maher said. Community Sharing is located in the Apollo Center at 2029 N. Milford Road in Highland Township. Donations can be sent to P.O. Box 405, Highland, Mich., 48357. For more information on how to help, call 248-889-0347 or visit www.community-sharing.org. “The need is there and it’s constant,” Maher said. “It’s not just the holiday season. We are so overwhelmed with need.”

Grace Church working to Outrun Hunger

Eight years ago, when Hospitality House first opened its doors, the organization served approximately 200 families a month in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District. Today, that number has more than tripled to an average of 650 families per month, according to staff. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

can give us,” Josephson said. “Need is always present, not just around the holidays. We need help year-round.” Open Door is always looking for donations, as well as volunteers, especially now, to pass out Thanksgiving and Christmas bags. It normally provides Thanksgiving turkeys for 165 client families and around 100 Christmas dinners for senior citizens and adults living alone. For more information or to find out how you can help, go to the website at opendooroutreachcenter.com or call 248-360-2930 and ask for Sharon or Tammie.

Community Sharing food bills are on the rise Those working with Community Sharing Food Pantry, headquartered in Highland Township, have noticed the rise in the cost of food, as well. “We have probably almost doubled our food bills in a year,” said Community Sharing Board Member Barbara Maher.

The organization accepts any kind of food, including boxed meals, frozen foods, baby food and formula, pasta, produce, canned goods and soups. “We really need cereal because we are having a hard time getting it on a regular basis, and it’s very expensive to buy,” Maher said. The agency is also looking especially for canned soups and canned meat. However, donations are down, a dip which has led to a fairly dire financial situation, especially as the cost of food continues to rise. “The cost of food has risen astronomically,” Maher said. Community Sharing used to spend $2.40 per case on peanut butter from Gleaners, which has since risen to $18 a case. “Cash is our No. 1 need so that we are able to buy what we need at any given moment,” Maher said. Cash donations are used for purchasing and delivering food to families that can’t make it to the outreach center. Community Sharing also assists clients in avoiding utility shutoffs.

If you’re looking to help provide holiday dinners for those in need while getting a head start on burning all the calories you will consume this holiday season, you can participate in Grace Church’s first Outrun Hunger 5K run event beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Commerce Commons Pathway right outside of Commerce Township Hall. There will also be a one-mile run/walk for children. The church is partnering with Hospitality House in Walled Lake and the Open Door Outreach Center in Waterford to assist families in the lakes area in need of food for Thanksgiving and Christmas. The inaugural “charity fun run” aims to feed 100 families this holiday season. All proceeds from the race will be given to Hospitality House and Open Door. It costs $20 to register for the 5K run and $5 for the one-mile event. For more information on Outrun Hunger event, call 248-887-3700 or go to gracechurchinfo.net/events. You can also look them up on Facebook.

Waterford Goodfellows seeking families in need The Waterford Goodfellows is encouraging families served by the Waterford School District who are in need of holiday assistance to contact the organization at 248-618-7555. Sign-up for holiday assistance is limited to the first 300 families. Sign-up will be in person on Dec. 3 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Waterford Parks and Recreation Department. ❏

NOVEMBER 2-8, 2011

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Highland ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 9

mended to the township board that the application to rezone be denied. In February, when the issue came before the board, the owner of the property and applicant asked for the board’s decision to be tabled indefinitely. The board complied with his wishes. However, in November 2010, the township adopted a new zoning ordinance, which means the application can no longer be tabled “indefinitely.” “We can’t set aside indefinitely an application that came in under the old zoning ordinance,” said Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski. “The township is now operating under a new ordinance.” Added McDonell, “Since the application was filed under the ordinance that was rescinded in November of 2010, we offered to hold the application for a year to allow changes to be made. This gave the resident a Nov. 18, 2011 deadline. We need to do something by then.” As the applicant has asked for the board to give their decision by the Nov. 18 deadline, the board will do so at its Nov. 9 meeting. “He’s looking for the board to give him an up or down vote on the rezoning so that he can make decisions on how to move forward,” said Pilchowski. ❏

White Lake’s CDBG allocation slated to stay at $64,799 By Angela Niemi staff writer

The White Lake Township Board of Trustees has approved a resolution to apply for the 2012 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Federal CDBG grants are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). They must be used to fund activities to provide affordable housing, anti-poverty programs, and infrastructure development in low- to moderateincome areas of participating communities. In past years, CDBG guidelines stated that no more than 45 percent of a community’s allocation can go towards service organizations, and that at least 25 percent of the funds must be used to purchase and redevelop housing for households whose incomes don’t exceed 50 percent of the area’s median income. However, according to Dena

A smattering of people from throughout the Highland Township community gathered at the new site of the time capsule that was formerly buried in 1989 in a small pocket park owned township at the corner of Milford and Livingston roads. For the past decade, the land that contained the time capsule has been owned by a private citizen. The new location of the time capsule is near the Highland Township Library. (Photo submitted by Highland Township Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski)

Potter, who handles White Lake’s CDBG program, the percentage of the grant that can go toward service has been dropping over the past several years. “Last year, I believe we could only give 20 percent, while this year it dropped to 15 percent,” she explained. In their application to the county, White Lake has made allocations for minor home repairs, Meals on Wheels, and Youth Assistance. Minor home repair includes those repairs that address a health or safety issue. Past repairs have included new roofs, furnaces and water heaters, as well as repairs to septic systems and wells. The allocations total $64,799 — the same as last year. However, that does not necessarily mean White Lake will receive that much. “When it is all done and approved for the 2012 year, it may be less, depending on what the federal government decides to allocate to us,” Potter said. The township won’t hear until July about how much money it will actually receive to go toward these programs. ❏

Senior center will get repairs thanks to CDBG funding By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Milford Township Board of Trustees approved an allocation for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for 2012 totaling $17,637 at its meeting on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

CDBG grants are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to fund activities to provide affordable housing, anti-poverty programs, and infrastructure development. The funds must be used to benefit low- to moderateincome people, handicapped residents, and senior citizens. Township officials awarded $14,992 in 2012 CDBG funds toward upgrades at the Milford Senior Center, including the replacement of three furnaces and PAGE 17 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Milford CDBG ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 15

two air conditioning units. The township also allocated $2,645 towards public services, specifically transportation. CDBG guidelines state that only 45 percent of total funds for a program year can go to service organizations. Township officials at the meeting also approved a bid from Community Sharing Food Pantry for an allocation of CDBG funding for 2011 emergency food services. Last year, the township approved an allocation of $21,378 for 2011 CDBG funding. Out of the township’s total 2011 CDBG allocation, $14,973 was to go to the Milford Senior Center, while $3,905 was to go toward emergency food services and $2,500 was to go toward the production of the Milford Senior Center newsletter. Also on Oct. 19, the board approved a bid from Press On Printing Inc. for the printing of the senior center newsletter, with its prices ranging from $255.00 for 400 newsletters and $35.00 for 400 labels, and to $345.00 for 800 newsletters and $55 for 800 labels. In recent years, the township board approved a total allocation of $20,640 in 2010 CDBG funds, $19,439 in 2009 CDBG funds, and $20,275 under the 2008 CDBG program. ❏

Home-based jobs rules still under review in Milford By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Milford Township Board of Trustees stated that an amendment to the township’s home occupation ordinance is still in review with the township Planning Commission after the amendment was on the agenda at a Wednesday, Oct. 19 meeting. The township board sent the original amendment back to the Milford Township Planning Commission when it first came before the board at its Aug. 19 meeting for introduction. At the board’s Sept. 21 meeting, the board approved a motion to postpone introduction. The Planning Commission previously approved sending an amendment before the township board for introduction, but on July 20 the board tabled the introduction until its August meeting.

Construction of handicapped-accessible sidewalk ramps has been completed in Milford Village after the village council awarded C & G Cement Contractors a pair of contracts for the construction of the ramps, which are located on the east side of Main Street along Liberty and Center Street. The ramps are being paid for largely with Community Development Block Grant funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Sidewalk ramps installed Milford makes changes east of Main along Liberty, Center By Michael Shelton staff writer

he Milford Village Council has approved a bid for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) ramp project. The council approved a combination of two bids from C & G Cement Contractors Inc. for a total of $44,740. The village said that the amount is based on the understanding that monies needed in excess of CDBG funding will come from the village’s sidewalk fund. The ramps are located on the east side of Main Street along Liberty and Center Street in the vil-

The Planning Commission began discussing changes to the ordinance back in August 2010, with Commissioner and Township Board Liaison William Mazzara saying that the current ordinance is outdated and

lage with the ramps leading to the road at each intersection. According to Village Manager Arthur Shufflebarger, all of the revamped handicapped ramps are done for the most part, with correctional work yet to be done on one ramp. He added that there is currently $19,000 in the sidewalk fund, which is contributed to by homeowners who want to build a house and are originally asked to build a sidewalk for their property, but then that request is waived because of topography or other reasons. CDBG grants are administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and revisions are in order. Other commissioners also noted that the current ordinance doesn’t address residents working out of their homes, changes in technology, and current economic trends.

Urban Development. They must fund activities to provide affordable housing, anti-poverty programs, and infrastructure development in lowto moderate-income areas of participating communities. The 2011 CDBG program allocation for the village was approved last year for $19,036 with $13,326 going towards installation of handicapped-accessible sidewalk ramps in the area of the village east of Main Street. The village council also voted on Monday, Oct. 17 to approve 2012 CDBG allocations of $15,706, with $13,351 going towards installation of sidewalk ramps. ❏ The Milford Village Council back at its Oct. 3 meeting voted to approve the introduction of amendments to the village’s home-based occupation zoning ordinance and commercial vehicle storage ordinance. ❏

PAGE 18

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PAGE 19

EDUCATION

Huron Valley School Board Nine candidates are competing in the Tuesday, Nov. 8 general election for two seats on the Huron Valley Schools Board of Education. The winners will serve four-year terms on the school board. Board members are paid $30 per meeting for up to 52 meetings per year and receive reimbursement for board-related travel, including training and expenses. The candidate field includes Robert A. Artinian, Xuan Avallone, Bonnie Brown, Kim E. Galbraith, Joe Ghislain, Russ Krawczyk, Kevin Lawrence, Jeffrey Long, and Karen Wallis. The following are questions our staff recently posed to the candidates, and their responses to those questions. BUDGET: In what specific areas do you believe the district must change its spending? On the revenue side, in what ways should the district be looking for new funding sources? What, if any, changes would you like to see at the state level to address school funding? FACILITIES: Please explain why you do or don’t believe the school district’s buildings and equipment are adequate at this time. What specific building or equipment upgrades, if any, would you like to see? CURRICULUM: Graduation requirements and curriculum standards are periodically revised at both the state and local levels. Please tell us why you are or aren’t satisfied with the school district’s existing curriculum and graduation requirements. If you believe changes are necessary, please explain the revisions you would support. TOP ISSUES: What are the three most important issues for the school district at this time, and how do you propose to address them as a member of the school board? WHY YOU? Why, specifically, should voters choose you over your opponents? ROBERT ARTINIAN BUDGET: With structural deficits ahead of us, we must push efforts in Lansing to bring adequate funding for our students. When elected, I will bring forward thinking to these budget issues and remind everyone that we must keep our eyes on the future. I believe public monies should be used only on public education and

Robert A. Artinian is president of the Summit By The Lake Homeowners Association for the past eight years and has been vice chairman of the White Lake Township Zoning Board of Appeals since 2001.

Bonnie Brown, a registered nurse, has served on the Huron Valley Schools Board of Education since December 2010 and serves as the board secretary. Brown has served on the Huron Valley Schools Parent Council and been involved with the St. Mary's Health Ministry.

Xuan Avallone has worked as a software integration leader at GM Powertrain Engineering at the Milford Proving Grounds. She served as president of the GM Vietnamese Employee Resources Group.

all the 21st century resources needed to accomplish their goals. TOP ISSUES: District budgets must be current, in line and on track. Keeping budgets balanced moving forward and accountability at all levels is a main objective. We must support 21st century (cutting-edge) programming. I believe we should strongly support 21st century skills and have the highly-qualified educators we need to compete. I would encourage focus on cutting-edge programming in order to prepare our children for global job markets. We must strive for transparency in all areas. Using every form of media, communication and involvement with the public in every way possible, we must strive for a collaborative relationship between the board and administration, as well as the HVEA (Huron Valley Education Association). WHY YOU? I am a family man who has worked in big business as an automotive designer on many (General Motors) GM programs and was often set with the tasks of problem-solving using forward thinking and creative thought. This will come in handy when facing the issues this board will encounter in the future. I have been an involved parent of two children — a sixth-grader at White Lake Middle School and a second-grader at Brooks Elementary

not on charter (schools). Also, we must keep communicating that a level playing field is the only way to level students’ educations state and countrywide. I believe every student, countrywide, should be supported financially by public revenue equally. Only then can all students nationwide be evaluated and excel to all their full potentials. FACILITIES: I believe the district has addressed the building utilization issues fairly well considering how delicate these issues are. Closing or re-purposing under-utilized buildings is a fact of life and must be addressed. Moving forward with 21st century-based equipment is a priority. I believe we are moving in the right direction and must keep looking to new and exciting programming in order to prepare our children for a very global job market. CURRICULUM: I believe the district is heading in the right direction in regards to curriculum. I would like our graduation rates to be continually evaluated and the bar constantly raised until 100 percent of our students who want to graduate have the opportunity and

School — at the building level and worked with parent organizations on many school programs and fund-raising. I have also closely monitored the building utilization process and I plan on living in the district until both of my children graduate. I have the support of my wife, and I am an entrepreneur, a self-starter, and president of the Summit By The Lake Homeowners Association (eight years) and vice chairman of the White Lake Zoning Board of Appeals (since 2001). I have heart and passion for this school district and believe change is needed. This is why I should be representing the students on the Huron Valley school board. XUAN AVALLONE BUDGET: An area where the district must change is building improvement spending. Just because the community approved the millage increase for the sinking fund doesn’t mean the district can use this fund wastefully. The district needs to save the fund for emergency repairs as advertised (broken furnaces, windows, air conditioning, bus repair/replacement). Spending the money on repaving a perfectly fine parking lot during this downturn is very wasteful. Going (for) a few more years with old color schemes in the buildings is just fine. As the general public needs to curb and prioritize their spending, so must the district. On the revenue side, there are ways to look for new funding sources, but it’s hard when the rest of the country is stretched, as well. The bottom line is, the district exists to educate children even on a modest budget. FACILITIES: As long as the building is safe enough to weather what nature dishes out to the Huron Valley School District, I call that adequate at this time. Having trailer use at one school building while solid buildings of another school sit sparse doesn’t make sense. That should be addressed. Maintenance is the operative word when it comes to building spending. CURRICULUM: The current curriculum is adequate but we should not stop there. If a child is ready to do more, give them the challenge. I am PAGE 20 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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EDUCATION

Huron Valley board ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 19

open to new ways of teaching as long as it enforces “learn to learn” as technology constantly changes and can’t be anticipated. The ability to learn new things based on the basic strategy of methodical troubleshooting skills are what companies require, thus the district must prepare our students for this capability — in other words, creative thinking and the ability to improvise using things on-hand rather than having the right tool to function. TOP ISSUES: The primary issue would be funding. Everyone and every industry is feeling the squeeze. The one thing we can do under our control is cut out wasteful spending and as a board member, I stand by to give the community their oversight voice, as they are the taxpayers. Communication to the community would be another priority. The details are important so they know where and how the district is spending their money. The role of the district is to educate the students and we must use the money towards that. Operation/maintenance of the buildings is a burden that must be managed wisely. We are not at the liberty to make unnecessary improvements. Third is to assure students have the capability to learn how to learn so they can apply it to achieve successful standard test (scores), as that is the benchmark measure against other schools. As a board (member), I will research other schools/industry and take their best practice to apply it in our district at minimal cost (teaching the basics using the old-fashion pencil and paper to make what students learn permanent. As they say with computers, garbage in is garbage out. Technology has its place and way later in the learning cycle ... i.e., high school level). WHY ME? I am a no-nonsense person who had to make due with the modest budget my parents had in order to survive. I was fortunate to know an education was the only road to success early on and have that as my “meaning” in life. Not being able to know easily how the district is spending taxpayers’ hard-earned money is the primary reason I wanted to run. A public sector should have no “secret” in how money is spent, no “secret” on how the teachers teach. The only “secret” in this public sector is protecting personal information. I advocate transparency through technology (online usage of

Kim E. Galbraith is president of 2 Moms & A Mop, Inc., overseeing day-to-day operations of a commercial and residential cleaning business. She is a member of the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Board, the Huron Valley Promise Committee, and the Huron Valley Grass Roots Committee. She previously served as president and a board member for the Heritage Elementary PTO.

Joe Ghislain is a manager with Ford Motor Co. responsible for increasing efficiency and reducing costs, as well as developing business strategy. He previously served on the Huron Valley Board of Education from May 2007 to December 2008. He is a current member of the Huron Valley Schools Strategic Planning — Finance Task Force.

information access) with the strictest safety measure in place (for example, users must log in to view info for traceability). Open communication is a must. BONNIE BROWN BUDGET: Huron Valley Schools have cut $23 million from their budget over the last eight years. Inequitable funding by the state continues to be an issue faced by our district as we are one of the lowest-funded districts in Oakland County. Even though we are a low-funded district, our students continue to be highachieving. We must continue to put pressure on our representatives in Lansing by utilizing our district Grassroots Committee that is currently in place. Decreasing enrollment is difficult to control as families continue to migrate out of Michigan. Huron Valley should continue to offer competitive programming which will attract families to our district. FACILITIES: We as a district need to provide a safe environment that is conducive to student learning. We are fortunate to have a community that recognizes and supports their public schools by providing the technology, equipment and infrastructure needs of the district through passage of the bond issue and building and site sinking fund millage. We must utilize these funds to ensure a safe learning environment and to increase the consistency in the use of technology in our buildings. Although we have done significant work to reduce energy consumption, the district should upgrade to more

energy-efficient structures and equipment. Redirecting funds toward this initiative is difficult in these financially challenging times. Concentrating dollars toward direct education of kids in a safe and nurturing environment must continue to be our passion. CURRICULUM: Presently, our curriculum meets the state of Michigan requirements. Our curriculum and graduation requirements align with the goals of the district’s Strategic Plan, which was created by our community and holds our students to higher graduation requirements than those of our state. Our curriculum and graduation requirements meet the needs of individual students and prepares our students to be collegeand career-ready when they exit our district. The school board and administration must continue to monitor curriculum so that our students can meet the expectations of our GRAD 100 Initiative. To meet the commitment of adhering to our mission statement, “Inspiring and Building Futures ... One Student at a Time,” we must continue to identify and support the needs of all of our students. TOP ISSUES: Inequitable funding by the state continues to be an issue faced by Huron Valley Schools. We are a low-funded district and our perpupil foundation allowance is below both the Oakland County and state of Michigan averages. The school board needs to be fiscally-responsible while providing excellence in education. The board

must meet state and federally-mandated standards while maintaining local control over our district so that our community, whom we represent, has a say in the priorities we set for making our students successful in a global economy. Implementing and maintaining open fields of communication between the school board, administration, teachers/staff and the community continues to be a priority. We must strive to increase communications through the Internet, HVS TV, and e-mail. WHY YOU? Having been appointed to the Board of Education in December of 2010 and having completed the first six hours of Michigan School Board Association certification, I now have 10 months of experience on the board. I have 33 years worth of experience with children in the public school system and I can render knowledgeable advice regarding what works with a child’s education. As an involved community member, I will bring strength and transparency between our community and Huron Valley Schools. KIM GALBRAITH BUDGET: Michigan is declining in both population and enrollment. HVS is a high-achieving, low-funded district, losing roughly 150 students per year. Currently, our per-pupil funding is over $1,200 less per student than Walled Lake’s. Because of this factor, HVS has always had to be fiscally-responsible. There are several areas HVS can look to decrease spending, including alternate heath care provider options, competitive contracts, efficiency in transportation and use of green energy technology within our buildings. On a revenue side, we need to continue to focus on attracting families through open enrollment. We need to continue our commitment to the International Academy and explore the possibility of reintroducing our year-round program. FACILITIES: First and foremost, HVS administration needs to keep the school board apprised of needs including technology, facilities and equipment. I am happy to see new computer equipment and smart boards implemented in conjunction with our 21st century curriculum. However, the roll-out was spotty and we need to keep focus on widespread deployment within the classrooms so we can continue to take advantage of new technologies. Our buildings need to explore the

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feasibility of moving towards widespread use of green technologies that exist from both a cost savings and environmentally-friendly perspective. Our transportation department needs to continue to complete its deployment of safety and security equipment within our school buses, including DVR and monitoring devices. CURRICULUM: In 2007, I represented HVS on a statewide forum for graduation requirements. The result was increased graduation requirements for high school students across the state. Our district needs to continue moving towards a globally-ready child. This requires expansion of our foreign language programs, increased math/science programs and reinstatement of our year-round program. Elementary: Kindergarten through second-grade classes especially need to focus on smaller class sizes, with continued emphasis on math, reading and writing. Middle: We need full deployment of a foreign language program, and continued development of a 21st century curriculum, with focus on critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving. High School: We must quickly focus on revamping our E2020 online learning program. Taking advantage of technology to increase and maximize learning opportunities is crucial, but we cannot minimize the advantage a qualified teacher plays in the learning process. TOP ISSUES: Funding across school districts is not equitable. HVS is funded significantly lower than most school districts in Oakland County and (that) needs to be adjusted. HVS funding was reduced by $7.1 million in 2011-12. As a result, E2020 Online learning was rolled out quicker than anticipated. Online learning needs to be reworked quickly and used in conjunction with a qualified teacher, not in place of one. Improved performance in writing is a second curriculum area. MEAP (Michigan Educational Assessment Program) performance across the state has drastically declined in the past five years. Student writing workshops and focus on non-fiction writing are two areas to consider to improve our writing performance. WHY YOU? Experience as a business

Russ Krawczyk is a global commodity manager with TRW Automotive.

Kevin Lawrence has worked for 29 years in the Walled Lake Schools Food Service Department. He has served as a Michigan Education Association (MEA) representative in the Walled Lake district.

owner and volunteer gives me a wellrounded background. As a business owner, I have been able to grow my company into a $1 million organization in under six years. This achievement took planning, commitment, and the ability to make both thoughtful and tough decisions As a parent, leading a PTO, representing our district on initiatives for our children in Lansing, and having a well-rounded knowledge of our school district has been fundamental. I promise to make informed decisions. I will remain committed to our efforts in Lansing. We need to stay on the radar of our legislators and remind them the impact their decisions will make on our school district. Children are our future and giving them a quality education is my priority. JOE GHISLAIN BUDGET: I think all areas of costs need to be scrutinized, especially those that do not directly support education. This includes optimizing all services, energy, building expenses, overhead and perks/benefits that are nice to have but may no longer be affordable, like the HVEA president’s salary. The current strategy of continuing to close buildings cannot be the only answer. Regarding revenue, we have to develop innovative programs and pilots that will not only attract grants and funding but students to our district. On state funding, everyone is going to say equitable funding (is needed) but what I would like to have the state do is a study on what it actually costs to educate a student and then set that as the base for all districts. FACILITIES: I feel that we should

aggressively go after building and operational improvements that not only improve the facilities but reduce costs. For example, there are a number of energy-efficiency actions that can be taken both to upgrade the facilities and the way we operate the buildings with a number of potential sources of funding for these actions. A comprehensive plan to maximize the benefits from the building and site sinking fund needs to be implemented. We need to make sure that the classrooms are conducive for learning and embrace and enhance our technology to better education — not just for the teachers’ use, but directly for the students, and an upgraded smart board for the administration office would not be part of the plan. CURRICULUM: Just before I was appointed to the HVS school board in 2007, the district raised the graduation standards to exceed the state requirements, and while the intent was to raise the standard, it had the unintended consequences of reducing electives and choices that the students need to help explore what they want to do in their life. While I am not advocating changing this until I see recent data as to whether it worked, I would advocate for shortening the periods and adding an extra class so the students could have additional electives. My other concern is GRAD 100, which is a great goal — I just want to make sure that the implementation is truly increasing student achievements and not just graduating students and diluting AP/honors classes by shifting resources. TOP ISSUES: Funding and the budget is a given and a major part being

on the board, so the three things I want to stand for are: Great education for all children — My daughter has a learning disability. We were an advocate for her and I will be an advocate for all children. Responsibility and transparency to the taxpayers — The board is obligated to use the taxpayers’ dollars wisely and provide them with all the data. We have to scrutinize all expenses and I will be fiscally responsible to the taxpayers. Inclusion of and accountability to the community — The lack of genuine community involvement in the district and fragmentation taking place needs to be addressed. The board, superintendent, and all employees of HVS have to be accountable for their actions and decisions. WHY YOU? I have the experience, knowledge and leadership to get the job done right. I had three daughters graduate from HVS as NHS (National Honor Society) students, and have experienced the good and the bad of HVS. As a certified school board member who served on the HVS board, I received several awards and commendations. I have master’s degree in business management and energy, and over 25 years experience with Ford, achieving over $200 million in savings while maintaining quality in products and services. I am used to making tough decisions and not afraid to challenge the status quo and take advantage of changes happening in Lansing. Since I am unaffected by the school/district pressures, I am in a great position to represent and do what’s best for the children, taxpayers and community. RUSS KRAWCZYK BUDGET: HVS needs to remain focused on the budget process, which includes careful analysis of how every dollar is allocated. We must utilize “out-of-the-box” thinking to maximize every resource and opportunity for HVS due to decreasing revenues. Increasing enrollment is a key focus, especially due to the economic conditions, a competitive market, and budget constraints. I would investigate online learning, elearning initiatives, and market our district in the community to further the enrollment. FACILITIES: In my opinion, the facilities of HVS are adequate and sufficient to meet the requirements of academic achievement. While the environment of learning continues to PAGE 22 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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evolve, we must evolve with it. This would include additional computers and technology, which would provide our students a competitive advantage. Our students deserve the best, and it is our job to ensure we offer the best learning environment possible. CURRICULUM: I believe the HVS is doing a great job on academic metrics, budget analysis, and preparing for the future. Many tough decisions have been completed to meet these requirements. I believe going forward, there will be more challenges and more opportunities for growth. We need to maintain the focus and continue moving forward. Planning, communicating, and execution will be key principles moving forward. I believe we are heading in the right direction and the current curriculum is meeting this objective. TOP ISSUES: The three most important issues are academics, the budget, and student safety. For academics, I fully support using metrics to measure success, benchmark our programs, and implement strategies for excellence. It is critical to keep focus on academic metrics, as this will be a key measurable (factor) in understanding our success. Regarding the budget, this has been extremely important over the past few years, due to economic pressure. Adhering to the budget will be challenging, but required for longterm viability. For the issue of student safety, my policy is zero tolerance. It is crucial to provide a safe learning environment where students can focus on learning, as opposed to their own safety concerns. For this, zero tolerance is needed. WHY YOU? I believe I should be elected to the school board due to my belief system and background. My belief system includes commitment to education, vested interest in HVS success, accountability to stakeholders, and focus on objectives. I believe my background in business will bring a “fresh eyes” approach to the school board. I will use facts, data, and metrics for my decisionmaking process. KEVIN LAWRENCE BUDGET: At this point in time, I don’t know if I would change anything, but just maintain what we have now. We’ve lost so much over the years. It’s just like with our own

Jeffrey Long is a master electrician/certified thermographer with 25 years experience, and has been the owner of Greenspections for over two years. He has served on the Huron Valley Schools 21st Century Curriculum Committee as the Country Oaks Elementary School representative; has been a youth soccer, T-ball, baseball and softball coach; and a Cub Scouts den leader and Cubmaster.

Karen Wallis is a former sales manager. She is a Spring Mills PTA member and classroom volunteer, a Milford High School Marching Band volunteer, and a Grace Church Sunday School teacher and volunteer.

households — I would maintain what we have until the storm passes. As far as revenue goes, I’d like to check into the lottery program and see how that pie is broken down to the school district level. I want to see what portion the schools actually get. As soon as we have a few state leaders in our area, I would like to include them in our board meetings to help with budget planning. We need to show them how we’re trying to save money so they can take that back to Lansing with them, rather than us going there. Then they will know what we’re going through. FACILITIES: At this time the buildings and equipment are adequate for what we have to work with. If we need to change anything it’s the student-teacher ratio. Instead of what we do or don’t have, we should look at the student-teacher ratio and how we can change that for the better. CURRICULUM: I’m satisfied with what we have now. I know from talking to teachers that the curriculum is driven by MEAP testing and scores. We’re trying to be a better school instead of trying to work for the actual child. We’re teaching for the test. We can address this by being more well-rounded in testing and doing more one-on-one between the teachers and pupils. The kids are lacking some of the skills they need to move forward. TOP ISSUES: One is funding from the state and local level. If you look back at recent legislation on health care with the next wave of contracts

coming through, the employees have to pick up a certain amount of the costs. State and local officials need to come to the table. They expect “X” from us, but how do they expect us to do that? The teachers and employees are taking concessions already. Another is the student dropout ratio. I’m not sure of the exact number. It’s like a 95 percent graduation rate and a 5 percent dropout rate. We need to visit with parents and see what their needs and wants are, and work closely with the families on a one-on-one basis. Testing is the third. I would like to go back and sit down with the head teachers in the schools and see where the problems lie, and see what needs to be changed so we can revise that area and see how needs can be better met. WHY YOU? I have 29 years of service time with the schools. I have been a union representative. I have the ability to think on my own without the influence of others. I have the ability to think outside of the box. I’m willing to talk to people on a one-on-one basis. I will be keeping an eye on the open seats for (Milford) township trustee positions. If I can’t change things at the school district level, I’ll go to the next level and maybe run for a township seat. I will keep an eye on those as they open up, and look at those to see if I can make a change there. JEFFREY LONG BUDGET: Huron Valley is an under-

funded district and has been forced to make cuts to staff, salaries, and buildings. We need to explore other cuts to improve our financial bottom line. On the revenue side, I would like to see the district increase the Schools of Choice student enrollment to bring in additional revenue. We also need to partner with other districts to push for changes that will eliminate the funding inequalities that exist statewide. All districts should receive the same per-pupil funding from the state. FACILITIES: I would like to see the district explore investment in improving our buildings’ efficiency. Taking advantage of current incentives to install alternate energy sources such as solar and wind, and adding graywater and geothermal systems to reduce use and costs could provide continued savings. We could also improve our building envelope to reduce expenses for heating and cooling our buildings. It may also be possible to use these systems in an educational way, by introducing our students to modern technologies and their practical applications while in use. CURRICULUM: As a member of the 21st Century Curriculum Committee, I’m glad we adopted a technologybased ideal that will be applied to all subjects. Our students need to be able to continue educating themselves throughout their lives, and that will have to be done with technology. Where I am afraid we have jumped too soon is the E2020 online learning. As someone who is required to update my education for my careers, often with online learning, I know that it takes a very self-motivated person who has a good understanding of technology to learn from online classes. If we do not commit to keeping certified educators in the classrooms to monitor, assist, and guide students with online learning, I do not think it will be successful. TOP ISSUES: The most important issues to me are the overwhelming legislative changes from Lansing that have to do with diverting funds, privatization, and local control. Both chambers are passing bills with little research as to the actual effects they will have on funding and district management. Diverting funds to other interests, and limiting district control is not the answer to helping public education. Public funds should never be allowed to fall into private hands. If someone is taking a public

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dollar of profit from education, that is a public dollar not being spent on education. Being a board member gives you a louder, stronger voice to be heard. I would use that voice to push for sensible bills to help funding of public schools. WHY YOU? As a Lakeland High School Class of 1982 graduate, a student of five of the district schools, and a parent of two middle school students, I have a personal history and investment in the future of Huron Valley. I am the only candidate endorsed by the Huron Valley Educational Association and would work closely with our educators to put students first. I have been involved with youth and school groups that coach, educate, and raise funds for the enrichment of children’s lives. I have earned the respect of district educators and administrators by being non-biased and analytical when considering issues. I believe the school board would benefit from my interest and ability to understand legislation, and my knowledge of construction and efficiency techniques to improve our buildings. KAREN WALLIS BUDGET: The district’s primary spending priority should be the core business of providing a sound K-12 education. This includes providing adequate funding for teachers, supplies, and materials. One way that Huron Valley Schools are seeing a loss in revenue is by losing students to other districts and charter schools. We need to address the reasons that people are leaving and provide schools that will reclaim these students and families. Furthermore, we must have bold and innovative leadership to create schools that draw students to our schools. The state of Michigan must decide whether to support a thriving public school system. I would like to see our Legislature take up meaningful funding reform that will equalize funding for all districts and position our public schools to be the best in the nation. FACILITIES: I believe the school district’s buildings and equipment are adequate; however, there are areas that can be improved. We should assure that all buildings have the same basic facilities and equipment. For example, if all buildings but one have lockers we should make sure

that we get lockers in that other building. Some buildings are newer than others, and we should make sure that the older buildings are upgraded and improved to make the facilities equal across the district. The board should be aware of the conditions in each building and make every effort to address shortcomings and inequities. CURRICULUM: Our curriculum is good, but there is nothing that makes it stand out when compared to other schools in Oakland County. The district has not scored well in writing — this program must be improved. Now is the time for Huron Valley Schools to be bold and innovative in evaluating the curriculum, making changes that elevate our schools, challenge our students and teachers to be better, and raise the bar on performance. TOP ISSUES: Aside from the obvious issue of dealing with reduced revenues, the three most important issues for the district are improving community relations, teaching atrisk students, and increasing enrollment. The board must truly interact with the community and listen to their concerns and ideas. At-risk students represent approximately 25 percent of our enrollment. We must meet the educational needs of these students to improve test scores and graduation rates. We can increase revenue by increasing enrollment — we do this by regaining the students we have lost to other districts and charter schools. WHY YOU? Assuring a high-quality education is important to me. I have volunteered in the schools and community for 10 years and am ready to provide an independent voice to the school board. If elected, I will be informed on the issues before the board, listen to the opinions of others, make fact-based decisions, and advocate for the best interests of the students and the district as a whole. I believe that the board of education and school administration are accountable to one another, and ultimately accountable to the people they serve. If elected, I will work hard to assure that we continually improve the quality of education that we provide our children, and create an education system that stands head-and-shoulders above all others in the area. ❏

Following a legal challenge in Oakland County Circuit Court, plans are moving forward for an Islamic youth center slated to be located at a Farmington Public Schools building located on West 14 Mile Road in West Bloomfield. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

WB Islamic center Purchasers moving forward with plan By Michael Shelton staff writer

he transformation of the former Eagle Elementary School to an Islamic youth center in West Bloomfield Township will soon take place after the Farmington Public Schools, which owns the building, was informed on Monday, Oct. 31 that the purchaser of the building is moving ahead with the purchase. Diane Bauman, Director of School and Community Relations for Farmington Public Schools, said the district is now in the process of preparing for a closing that needs to be held within 30 days, or by Nov. 30. The Farmington Public Schools Board of Education previously approved the purchase of the former Eagle Elementary School at 29410 West 14 Mile Road in West Bloomfield for $1.1 million by the Islamic Cultural Association, now located in Franklin. The purchase came before the district’s Board of Education at a June 14 meeting, which brought a vocal, passionate crowd, with many arguing against the purchase. Then on July 29, a lawsuit was filed in Oakland County Circuit Court by Eugene Greenstein and Melvyn Sternfeld, two residents who live near the school. The two men claimed that the school board had already approved

and took bids for the demolition and that the purchase from the Islamic Cultural Association took place back in January. They also alleged that the board took no motion to rescind the demolition, didn’t mention the purchase on the agenda for the June 14 meeting and didn’t follow an approved process before the sale, such as analyzing community impact and seeing if there were other bids for the property. Susan Zurvalec, Superintendent of Farmington Public Schools, countered by saying that the district followed standard protocol and that the Islamic Cultural Association was the only buyer to step forward and make an offer for the building. It was not done in secret and no preferential treatment was given, Zurvalec argued. Zurvalec added that when demolition was approved for four elementary school buildings in the district, Eagle was excluded. Circuit Court Judge Rae Lee Chabot denied the two men’s request for summary disposition and/or an injunction on Sept. 21. Zurvalec said that the two men filed an appeal with the Michigan Court of Appeals, with the first aspect being denied three days later and the remainder of the matter still pending. ❏

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HVS spokesperson leaving post for new job at OCC For over 12 years, Huron Valley Schools Director of Communications and Fund Development Janet Roberts has played a pivotal role in ensuring the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success by promoting and advocating for it and its staff members. Now the district must bid her a bittersweet farewell as she begins a new chapter in her life as executive director of marketing and communications for Oakland Community College (OCC). â&#x20AC;&#x153;Janetâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s done an exceptional job over the years,â&#x20AC;? said Board of Education Member John Knight. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The job she ultimately took came into creation when Bob Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien was superintendent. He realized the importance of having a spokesperson to extol all the good things about the district. Janet has always been pleasant and upbeat. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sorry to see her go, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a better opportunity, so good for her.â&#x20AC;? When the new position presented itself, Roberts felt compelled to seize the opportunity, she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s too good of an opportunity both personally and professionally to pass up,â&#x20AC;? Roberts said. Robertsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; last day with Huron Valley is today, Wednesday, Nov. 2; she begins her new position on Monday, Nov. 7, when she will oversee the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s five satellite campuses. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to speak for the college, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my understanding that they havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t had someone in a position like this for several years,â&#x20AC;? Roberts said. During her tenure with Huron Valley, Roberts was key in launching safety initiatives and securing grants; helped the district earn a number of awards recognized by state and national peer groups; and was part of the strategic team in opening new facilities such as the pools and fitness centers and the Apollo Center. One of her greatest accomplishments that set Roberts apart was spearheading the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Schools of Choice program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It has brought in hundreds of kids and the funding to help the district,â&#x20AC;? Roberts said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were a leader in the Schools of Choice movement seven or eight years ago.â&#x20AC;? Roberts will be leaving a significant void in the wake of her departure. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Janet made a significant and positive impact throughout the community with her frequent communications to district stakeholders, her fund development initiatives that generated addi-

tional funding to support students and staff, and her oversight of district-wide safety including her work with cyber safety, emergency drills and anti-bullying,â&#x20AC;? said Superintendent Jackie Johnston. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We anticipate many successes for Janet as she takes on her new role.â&#x20AC;? Apart from district officials, staff members are saddened to see Roberts leave after serving with her for so many years. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I feel privileged to have been able to work for Janet for the past 11 years and have learned so much from her,â&#x20AC;? said Administrative Assistant Jane Martilla. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We learned to expect the unexpected each day. She put 100 percent into any task while always maintaining composure and a calm demeanor. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Her positive attitude made her a great role model. When you work for someone like that it inspires you to do your best. Janet brought that out in everyone,â&#x20AC;? she said. The district is currently soliciting candidates to fill Robertsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; position. â??

WLCS looking for public input on redistricting effort With the closing of Maple and Twin Beach elementary schools looming at the end of the current school year, the time has come for the Walled Lake Consolidated School District to begin to fit together the pieces for redistricting. As part of the process, the district is holding three community forums at the three high schools. The first was held last night, Tuesday, Nov. 1 at Walled Lake Central High School, and two more community forums will be held over the next month. One will be held Monday, Nov. 14, in the media center at Walled Lake Northern High School from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The other will be held Monday, Dec. 5, in the media center at Walled Lake Western from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Meanwhile, the advisory committee will be taking this public input into account as members form their recommendations for the new school attendance boundaries relative to prekindergarten through fifth-grade school buildings. Theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re expected to present their recommendations to the Board of Education by February. Throughout this process, community input will be invaluable, and as such the district is looking for feedback. For more information, visit www.wlcsd.org or e-mail redistricting@wlcsd.org. â??

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PAGE 27

EDUCATION

W. Bloomfield School Board Six candidates are competing in the Tuesday, Nov. 8 general election for two seats on the West Bloomfield Schools Board of Education. The winners will serve six-year terms on the school board. Board members aren’t paid for the service. The candidate field includes Julie Beaty, Karen M. Faett, Carol Finkelstein, Nelson Hersh, CharRhonda Moye, and John Reed. The following are questions our staff recently posed to the candidates, and their responses to those questions. Moye did not respond in time for inclusion in our election coverage. BUDGET: In what specific areas do you believe the district must change its spending? On the revenue side, in what ways should the district be looking for new funding sources? What, if any, changes would you like to see at the state level to address school funding? FACILITIES: Please explain why you do or don’t believe the school district’s buildings and equipment are adequate at this time. What specific building or equipment upgrades, if any, would you like to see? CURRICULUM: Graduation requirements and curriculum standards are periodically revised at both the state and local levels. Please tell us why you are or aren’t satisfied with the school district’s existing curriculum and graduation requirements. If you believe changes are necessary, please explain the revisions you would support. TOP ISSUES: What are the three most important issues for the school district at this time, and how do you propose to address them as a member of the school board? WHY YOU? Why, specifically, should voters choose you over your opponents? JULIE BEATY BUDGET: The control of school funding needs to be returned to the local level. There are too many conflicts of interest at the state level. The district must be more fiscally prudent when implementing new programs. These programs and tools need to have longevity in their usefulness. We need to do our due diligence when researching programs and include the teachers in the decision process. It is the teachers who have to implement the tools in the classroom. All budget cuts need to stay as far away from

Julie Beaty is an Oakland Community College professor teaching marketing, advertising and business; and vice president of consumer engagement for Indentity Marketing Group. Beaty serves on the Lighthouse of Oakland County Board of Directors, as chairperson for the Beacon of Hope, and is the Gretchko Elementary School PTO president.

Karen M. Faett is an attorney and shareholder with Siemion Huckabay.

Carol Finkelstein has worked as a manager of a medical/surgical practice, a licensed residential builder and licensed real estate salesperson. She has served on the Asthma & Allergy Foundation of America Board of Directors and Advisory Board, and as vice president of legislative affairs and communication.

the students as possible. The school district is in the business of educating. West Bloomfield has an amazing parent-run group called the West Bloomfield Education Foundation. We need to tap into that resource even further and support them in efforts to bring in corporate sponsors and parent donations. FACILITIES: I would like to thank the community for supporting our past millage initiative. The bond funding has helped tremendously in improving our facilities. To continue to build on these improvements, our buildings need to be updated for WiFi. Teachers would be able to access timely world information and events that could be used to help them in the classroom. There are technology advancements everyday. We need to catch up with what is now considered commonplace. We are now in the age of cloud technology. The students could use cloud technology to store their homework assignments and projects. This would make it easier for them, the teachers, and parents to monitor their performance. CURRICULUM: The West Bloomfield School District has top-notch academics that exceed state standards and are quite rigorous. We are competitive with all of our surrounding school districts. We realize that in the global climate our students will be competing for jobs with students from all over

the world. Our curriculum is always evolving to address these issues and challenges. We need to continue to advance our curriculum as technology and common core state standards develop. To involve these standards in lower grades, I am presently working with the school district to implement pre-AP in the middle school level. I believe this should also include teaching foreign language in the elementary level. TOP ISSUES: No. 1 is preparing our students for global competition by seeking programs with long-term benefits, that are globally relevant and equip our students with the knowledge needed to be successful adults. No. 2 is to manage the budget. I will work to ensure the district operates in a fiscally responsible manner by evaluating all programs and contracts thoroughly. I will continue to meet with legislators to preserve funding at the state level and bring control back to the local level. No. 3, I will work to attract and retain the highest quality of teachers and administrators by enhancing our professional environment. I will listen to the concerns of our staff and community. WHY YOU? I have held many positions in my career. I led Nickelodeon’s Western Region Advertising Group where I was responsible for multi-million dollar negotiations and strategic

planning. I am currently an adjunct professor at Oakland Community College, where I expand on my love for education. My proudest tile is PTO mom, where I donate my time and energy to improving the West Bloomfield School District everyday. These skills and passion for education make me uniquely qualified to be a trustee on the West Bloomfield Board of Education. KAREN FAETT BUDGET: The district will have to consider privatization of transportation, food service, and paraprofessionals, particularly in light of MCL (Michigan Compiled Law) 388.1622f, which encourages a school district to accept bids in order to be eligible for additional funds per student. I am not currently in support of privatizing custodial services. The district may also have to consider closing an elementary school and reclassifying a school in a manner similar to the WayneWestland district. Regarding the state, I believe the state should substantially reward a district which meets all five of the financial best practices. In addition, a school district which encourages substantial dual enrollment opportunities should be compensated by the state. FACILITIES: Last year, in an effort to curb costs, the teachers’ copy PAGE 28 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

EDUCATION

W. Bloomfield board ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 27

machines were taken from them to cut down on the use of paper. The teachers were forced to use the communal copier. This has been an absolute disaster for all, and has adversely impacted students who have had tests canceled because the teacher could not make a copy of the test for them. Teachers were affected because they bore the cost of copying themselves by taking the copying to Kinkos. The decision to remove the copiers was shortsighted. The other insufficiency is the technology. The White Boards are inadequate. Only one student can use them at a time. CURRICULUM: The foreign language program needs to be expanded to reflect the countries that are successful in today’s global economy. China has a growing economy based on manufacturing. Two of the most rapidly growing automobile companies in the U.S. are Korean, yet neither Chinese nor Korean are taught. Advanced German similarly is not offered. These languages must be available in our schools. Furthermore,

the administration must find a better means of working with the student who is excelling and whose needs have far surpassed what is offered him or her at the high school level. TOP ISSUES: First and foremost, as a board member, I would conduct myself in a manner, and ensure that other board members conduct themselves in a manner, so as to make our district appear attractive and inviting so that our residents will desire to have their children continue to be educated in our schools, and that our policies will encourage people to move into our district to have their children educated here. I will address financial issues by looking to the private sector to raise funds. I will make our district more desirable by trying to create more internships with local businesses, and attempt to increase the amount of technology available in the high school. WHY YOU: I believe this district is looking for an intelligent, independent thinker who is ready to address the issues facing our district proactively. I am convinced that our community is tired of the old excuse — “The state won’t let us do our job” — and it is ready for a leader like me to step up

and say the job can be done by the collective efforts of our families, our schools, our community and the private sector. The citizens of West Bloomfield should vote for me because I am not beholden to any special interest groups like the MEA (Michigan Education Association), for instance. I am proud I am not endorsed by them, like Carol Finkelstein and John Reed (are). That organization held our District hostage for 14 months last year. Similarly, I have not been endorsed by sitting board members which circumvent the democratic process. If you are through with the status quo, vote for me. CAROL FINKELSTEIN BUDGET: The district must consolidate school buildings in response to continued declining enrollment. The district cannot operate profitably with enrollment at 85 percent of capacity. We must decrease our reliance on Schools of Choice to fill our empty classrooms. We should explore purchasing contracts with other neighboring districts to obtain better pricing on the commodities we use most such as food, technology, cleaning, and classroom and office supplies.

On the revenue side, we must work with our legislators to stabilize funding. Currently, school budgets must be submitted well before the state determines the funding level. We must also seek legislation that would change school budget due dates to follow decisions on funding levels. FACILITIES: Our district clearly has excess capacity and must consolidate school buildings. Our schools need to maintain up-to-date technology for our students which, of course, is an ongoing challenge. We must assure that there are adequate numbers of computers and printers and other technology so that students and teachers have reasonable access. CURRICULUM: We have a strong AP (Advanced Placement) program in our high schools and we eagerly anticipate availability of pre-AP in our middle schools in the near future. I support expanding gifted and talented education in our elementary schools. The Magnet program is currently available to only a limited number of students in grades three through five. Our students should be appropriately challenged at every grade level. I support a strong program of honors classes — PAGE 29 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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PAGE 29

EDUCATION

W. Bloomfield board ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 28

many students in standard classrooms could be challenged at a higher level and not every student is able to succeed in AP. We also must continue to explore and support alternative education options to assure we can address the educational needs of every student. TOP ISSUES: The three top issues for the district are: • Financial (stable funding, maximizing our available resources and fiscal responsibility); • A challenging curriculum that assures that we are truly preparing our students to be the best in and for the world; and • Communication with stakeholders and restoring the confidence of the community. To address these issues I will utilize my budget and business experience to assure fiscal responsibility. I will utilize my experience to advocate necessary stabilization of school funding in Lansing. I will communicate with members of our community, the administration, teachers and other stakeholders and make wellresearched decisions that are in the best interest of our students and our community. WHY YOU? Recent board actions have divided our community. Board members must represent their constituents and fulfill their obligation to listen to the community before voting on issues. I am the best candidate because I have those listening skills, as well as business, budget and advocacy experience. I have young children that will still be in our school district at the end of my six-year term. Board members make important decisions about our children and I believe that they should have children in our schools. NELSON HERSH BUDGET: Fiscal responsibility has been at the forefront of our district for years now. We must continue to look for ways to reduce spending and, as many families, we must be “thrifty” to get the most bang for the taxpayers’ dollar. New funding sources have been in progress, including the Educational Foundation, Oakland Early College, collaboration with other districts, and sharing services. Our revenue enhancement committee has come up with various ideas, including enhanced rental of our facilities and collaborating with businesses in our area. At the top of my wish list at the state level is to return funding control

Nelson Hersh is the owner of HershBeattie Orthodontics. He has served on the West Bloomfield Schools Board of Education since 2002, including stints as the board president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. Hersh has served on many school district and civic committees.

John Reed has been a special education teacher in the Farmington Public School District for 26 years.

to the local level so districts and taxpayers have more control of their own finances. Taxpayers have a right to determine how their tax dollars are utilized and assessed. FACILITIES: The facilities of the district are fortunately very good due in part to green planning and our taxpayers voting for the bond proposal. These bond dollars are used for buildings, technology, and facilities. We are near completing the enhancement of all our buildings, which have them sound, environmentally-enhanced, and energy-efficient, which saves the taxpayers dollars for years to come. Our high school has become more state-of-the-art, which enables our students and teachers to use technology, and prepare our students for the world competing at an enhanced level. Our other schools have smart boards and Promethean boards in almost every classroom and make us the envy of other districts. Once again, we are ingratiated to our taxpayers who recognize our needs. CURRICULUM: Curriculum is constantly improving. We have 23 AP courses in the high school. Sixty percent of our graduating seniors graduate with college credit. Seventy-four percent of our high school students take AP classes. We rank in the top 500 high schools in the country. Our graduated seniors had $3 million in scholarships. I know of no other district in the country that has medical and legal mentorship programs. Students at the middle schools are taking math classes at the high school. We are using pre-AP strategies in the middle schools now in language arts and social studies. Fourthand fifth-graders come to the middle

schools for advanced math. I would like to see foreign language options increase and begin in early elementary schools along with increased emphasis on English composition. TOP ISSUES: Important issues currently are, No. 1, fiscal responsibility with appreciating our residents’ tax dollars and utilizing this money wisely and efficiently; No. 2, preparing our students for the future and being able to compete globally; and No. 3, attracting and retaining excellent educators and staff. This can all be done with better communication and showing all our employees that they are appreciated, important and respected. We must restore pride to our district, and recent community events (WBSD Family Fun Night) are moving us in this direction. I want our district be the premier school district that our residents deserve and what our neighboring districts wish they were. This would positively impact our property values and reward the students, staff and taxpayers that made this possible. WHY YOU? In this time of uncertainty with state funding, it is imperative that our board is knowledgeable, fiscally responsible, experienced, and can make difficult decisions. We must utilize taxpayer money wisely, giving them a superior return on their investment. I have proven that I listen to taxpayers, am fair, and dedicate the time necessary to successfully run and improve our schools. I am more experienced than any candidate and have run a successful business. I have been a school board trustee for eight years, as president and (held) all offices (on the board). I have served on committees including

finance, athletics, transportation, technology, youth assistance, curriculum, and the educational foundation. Most importantly, I care immensely. I have shown my involvement and will continue to value your trust, and preserve students’, parents’ and taxpayers’ best interests. JOHN REED BUDGET: In comparison to other surrounding school districts, the West Bloomfield School District does not have a reasonable fund equity balance that will be able to adequately address future uncertainties. This has occurred as a result of financial irresponsibility over the past several years. As a school board member, I plan to help our members become refocused on financially responsible spending practices that not only address the needs of our current students, but also provide for students well into the future. FACILITIES: The school district’s facilities are more than adequate at this time to meet the needs of our staff and students. CURRICULUM: West Bloomfield Schools provides a world-class curriculum for our students and we must put forth great effort to maintain the programs we have. TOP ISSUES: The top three priorities facing the West Bloomfield School District are becoming financially responsible, restoring the relationships with its valued employees, and improving communication with all stakeholders. As a school board member, I will work collaboratively with the board to promote a philosophy of financial responsibility focused on establishing fund equity balance to offset future uncertainties. I will also build bridges to foster trust and improve communication with all, through the establishment of a districtwide committee encouraging open, honest, and courteous dialogue. WHY YOU? I am a 37-year resident of West Bloomfield, a father of four, the husband of a district teacher, and a 26-year special education teacher and coach. I hold a master’s degree in special education, as well as postgraduate work in administration from Eastern Michigan and Oakland universities, respectively. These experiences and skills uniquely qualify me for a position on the school board. I am a candidate who can truly see all sides of the district’s current issues from multiple perspectives. These qualities, as well as my daily involvement within the educational environment, will prove valuable to the community in its efforts to restore the West Bloomfield School District’s status as one of the country’s premier school districts. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

COMMUNITY LIFE academic honors

50 YEARS AGO Nov. 2, 1961 Milton Probert is the manager of the new Kroger store in Union Lake Village, which opened up on Tuesday, Oct. 31. He first started in the Kroger business 10 years ago as a pack boy in the Huron Street store in Pontiac. Since then he has been steadily promoted and eventually worked as a comanager at the Perry Street Kroger in Pontiac for four years. He is now the manager of one of the most modern, up-to-date, wellequipped grocery stores in the area. Mr. Probert is married and resides at 3217 Whitfield Ct. He was in the Army for two years and was discharged just last December. 40 YEARS AGO Nov. 3, 1971 Voters from Commerce Township and the village of Wolverine Lake decided Tuesday that they do not want to incorporate the two communities as one city of Commerce. In rejecting the cityhood proposal, voters also eliminated election of nine charter commissioners. The commissioners would have had two years to draft a city charter for voter approval, while the township and village government remained constant. The cityhood defeat now paves the way for annexation of portions of Commerce Township by adjacent cities. Both Walled Lake and Wolverine Lake failed in previous attempts to annex parts of Commerce Township.

Oct. 30, 1991 Students in one Huron Valley elementary school will not be allowed to wear their Halloween costumes to school this year, causing some parents to become angry and petition the district's superintendent. Dr. James Doyle, superintendent of Huron Valley Schools, said the teaching staff, administration and Parent Teacher Association (PTA) at Johnson Elementary School decided last month to ban Halloween costumers this year because of the growing trend of violent and gory costumes. The school is located in Milford. Doyle said the school administration and teaching staff will meet with parents to evaluate this year's costume ban, and come to a decision about how to celebrate Halloween next year.

10 YEARS AGO Oct. 31, 2001 Although where its students will come from is yet to be determined, the new Walled Lake Northern High School has been slated to open with maroon, silver and black as its school colors, and the Knights as the school mascot. Northern Principal Janelle McGuire and a number of students recently met to discuss and decide upon the two issues. The school colors and mascot had to be chosen, McGuire said, in order to outfit the school — through paint and interior design — in a manner that would reflect the school's identity. Since a third high school has been approved, and is now being built in the 30 YEARS AGO school district, the entire district is Nov. 4, 1981 State officials have agreed to con- experiencing another redistricting duct a public hearing on a controver- effort to channel students from two to sial application to construct and oper- three high schools. ate a commercial boat marina on the southwest shore of Union Lake. Two homeowners associations asked the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to schedule a session before considering the Union Lake Beach Club's proposal to place two 77-foot docks at 2261 Union Lake Road in Commerce Township, the site of the Pizza Company restaurant. Opponents of previous marina applications on Union Lake have argued that additional docking space will contribute to boating overload and may lead to water quality problems. The (hearing) requests were submitted by the Union Lake Homeowners Association and the Union Lake Shore Association. 20 YEARS AGO

❐ Hope College in Holland, Mich., has announced that freshman Hwui Yoo of Commerce Township and the son of Brian Yoo and Jook Park participated in the Pull, one of the nation’s oldest college traditions on Oct. 1. He was a puller for the Class of 2015 team. The Pull, first held in 1898, is an annual fall highlight at Hope. It started as a tug-of-war between the freshman and sophomore classes for the freshmen to earn their place on campus. Over the years, it has

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evolved into a grueling three-hour match during which freshmen and sophomore teams, entrenched in shallow pits on opposite sides of the Black River, attempt to gain the most rope through their strength and stamina. The Pull brings hundreds of alumni, parents and students to cheer on the “odd” or “even” year team. The odd-year Class of 2015 team won this year’s Pull.

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LOCAL MATTERS

EXPO, TASTE & FUN Fest Third annual event on Nov. 5 highlights local businesses

akes Area Chamber of Commerce members have joined together as participants in the chamber’s 3rd Annual EXPO, TASTE & FUN Fest to be held at Walled Lake Central High School on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The event is open to the public. The $5 admission price includes a TASTE ticket which enables the ticket holder to sample foods from all TASTE Fest participants. These include Buttercream Bakery; CJ’s Brewing Company; Commerce Breakfast Club; Costco Wholesale; Edible Arrangements; Frankie’s Pizza; Happy’s Pizza; Heather’s Happy Hour; and Leo’s Coney Island. Children under 12 are admitted free. Additional tickets can be purchased at the event. Jo Louise Alley, the chamber’s executive director, said the TASTE ticket obtained upon entry can be used to sample the food of all 10 participating eateries. “You get that one ticket and take it around to the booths and get it punched by each restaurant,” she said. “If you really like something, or have children with you — who are admitted free of charge — you can buy added tickets, which are two for $1. “We ask that the restaurants provide 2 ounce samples, but you might get a small slice of pizza or a little cup of soup, for example,” she said. “For the price you paid, you end up being pretty satisfied when you’re done.” In addition to hourly prize drawings, new cars and trucks will be on display in the school’s parking lot and, indoors, there will be an activity area for children featuring a clown, face painting and a magician. Informative workshops will also be hosted by Lakes Area Chamber members. Topics for the workshops include: Painting Techniques, presented by Wright Renovations; Happy Hour Highlights, presented by Heather’s Happy Hour; Buying and Selling Real Estate in 2011, presented by Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel; Jazzercise demonstration, presented by Studio A Center for Performing Arts; How to Clean the Dirtiest Carpet in the World, presented by Modern Floors/Carpet One; Pet Safety and CPR, presented by Veterinary Care Specialists; and Safe Driving Techniques presented by Allstate Insurance.

Huron Valley State Bank, a supporting sponsor of the Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce’s third Annual EXPO, TASTE & FUN Fest, will be on hand to promote the bank and help event visitors. The EXPO, TASTE & FUN Fest will be held at Walled Lake Central High School on Saturday, Nov. 5, from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. The event is open to the public. (Photo submitted by the Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce)

Alley said the EXPO, TASTE & FUN Fest is important for chamber members because it provides them with an unique opportunity to come faceto-face with members of the community. “We’re also trying to get residents of the community to think about shopping local,” she said. “That’s a big thing we’re trying to push, and one of our main focuses. We want people to know that probably everything they need is available right here in their own community, and there’s no need to leave the community. When you spend here, it supports the local communities. “This event gives our members a chance to show the community what they have to offer,” she added. “For restaurants, this can be the only way to get people to see what they have to offer, since the residents may not come into their businesses otherwise. Some people in the community may not even know our members are doing business in the area.”

According to Alley, Hines Park Ford representatives told her after last year’s EXPO, TASTE & FUN Fest that any chamber member that didn’t participate in the event lost out on an incredible opportunity to showcase their products and services and come face-to-face with hundreds of prospective customers and vendors. “This is a fun and relaxed atmosphere coupled with great food,” Alley said. “It’s our way of trying to provide an avenue for our members to get before more people in our communities. There are other expos out there, but no others in this part of the lakes area. Our community was not used to having an opportunity to go to an expo in their own backyard — they had to go outside to places like Novi. The chamber’s focus is on business, and this allows us to get our members exposed to the community. “It’s also a great way to reach out to businesses to bring in new members,” Alley said. “New businesses

recognize how important it is to get customers in as soon as possible. This can increase the membership for the chamber and increase the strength of the business community in the area.” The event is presented by the Spinal Column Newsweekly. Supporting sponsors include DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Dwyer and Sons Volvo Subaru, Farm Bureau of Michigan, Henry Ford Self Health Center, Hines Park Ford and Huron Valley State Bank. Discount coupons for 50 percent off the admission price are available at participating businesses, as well as at the Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce office at 305 N. Pontiac Trail, Suite A, in Walled Lake. The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, with offices in Walled Lake, has served the communities of Commerce Township, Union Lake, Walled Lake, Waterford, White Lake, Wixom and Wolverine Lake since 1963. ❏

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❐ Agäpé Salon & Spa in Waterford Township is to be commended for its efforts on behalf of our armed forces. The salon will be offering free haircuts to all veterans with a military ID from 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on Veteran’s Day, Friday, Nov. 11, at 5416 Highland Road. For more information, contact owner and stylist Teresa Thayer at 248-673-5252.

weekly agenda ❐ The Flip ‘n Dip Café in Waterford Township is hosting its Fall Festival and Chili Cook Off from 3-7 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 5763 Cass Elizabeth Lake Road, located next door to the Lakeside Party Store. Enter your ready-to-eat 2+ quart Crock Pot with your favorite chili; you will be provided with taste tickets and voting ballots at no charge; you must bring your chili recipe with you and be willing to hand it over to the Flip ‘n Dip Café. The award-winning chili will be featured on the café’s menu. There will be first- and secondplace prizes for the best chili. For a $6 fee per person, spectators can taste all

the entries and vote for your favorite chili — hot cider, donuts and other concessions will be available for purchase. To register or for more information, call The Flip ‘n Dip Café at 248706-5988.

chamber notes ❐ The Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce is hosting a business luncheon featuring former Detroit Red Wing Chris Chelios on Nov. 10, from noon to 1:30 p.m. The luncheon will be held at Knollwood Country Club in West Bloomfield. Tickets are available by calling the chamber office at 248-626-3636. The cost is $50 per person and autographs will be available. Seating is limited, so please make your reservation soon. Event sponsorships also are available. For more information, contact the Chamber office. ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce announces its newly-formed Huron Valley Referral Network Groups (RNGs) are off and running. RNGs are category-exclusive business referral groups that develop business contacts and share leads with the members of the group. Each group will have 15 to 25 members, and only one person from any profession or business specialty will

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be eligible to join. Not only will group members be potential customers for each other, but they will be committed to finding referrals for other members of their RNG group. This is a free perk with chamber membership. Many referral organizations charge from $300 to $600 annually to belong to this type of group; however, the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce is making membership even more valuable with free access to one of these groups to chamber members, with the exception of a $25 start-up fee to cover administrative costs and supplies. For more information, call the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce at 248685-7129. ❐ 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: • Community Awards Luncheon, noon, Thursday, Nov. 3, at the Prestwick Village Golf Club, 136 Iverness, in Highland Township. The Chamber will recognize the businesses and individuals who have contributed outstanding service to the community, through their civic, political, charitable, business or educational activities. • Coffee Club, 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 4, March Dentistry, 165 S. Milford Road, Milford. Admission is free. • HVCC Ambassador Meeting, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, Milford Police station Conference Room, 1100 Atlantic Street, Milford. • Multi-Chamber Business-toBusiness Holiday Mixer, 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, Hines Park Ford, 56558 Pontiac Trail, New Hudson, MI 48165. Huron Valley Chamber members are invited to join Brighton, Plymouth, Lakes, Novi and South Lyon chambers for this multi-chamber morning mixer. Members are encouraged to share their marketing materials on tables provided. Networking and breakfast provided. The fee is $5 per person. Proceeds will go to a local charity or charities. Advance reservations required. Contact the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce at 248-685-7129. • HVRN Wednesday Group, 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, Comeback Inn, 1451 S. Milford Road, Highland. • Off the Clock Connect, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at the Skybox Sports Grill, 2825 E. Highland Road in Highland Township. Hosted by the Chamber Ambassadors. This is an afterhours networking group that will meet the second Thursday of every month. • HVRN Wednesday Group, 8 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, Comeback Inn, 1451

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S. Milford Road, Highland. • HVRN Tuesday Group, 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, Milford Fire Station, 325 W. Huron, Milford. • New Member Meet & Greet, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, Huron Valley State Bank, 130 S. Milford Road, Milford. Hosted by Huron Valley State Bank and the Chamber Ambassadors, members are invited to learn more about the benefits of membership at this free gathering. Find out how to get the most of your membership. Reservations helpful. Contact the Chamber office at 248-685-7129. ❐ The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce 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: • Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce’s 3rd Annual Expo, Taste and Fun Fest, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, Walled Lake Central High School located on Oakley Park Road in Commerce Township. Food, fun, workshops, shopping, meeting local business owners. • Edgewood Biz Connectors (LABAT), 8:15 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8, Edgewood Country Club, 8399 Commerce Road, Commerce. • Multi-Chamber Breakfast Connection, sponsored and hosted by Hines Park Ford, 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at 56558 Pontiac Trail in New Hudson. Food, networking and Door Prizes will all be part of the fun. Registration is $5 and will be donated to charity. Call 248.624.2826 or email info@lakesareachamber.com to register. • Government Affairs Meeting, 11 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9, at the chamber office. • Spotlight Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, at the Shark Club, 6665 Highland Road, Waterford Township. Informal networking over lunch- bring your business cards. ❐ 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: • Networking, Lunch & Pure Energy, 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, The Root

Math Yoga recently celebrated its grand opening in Waterford Township at 5742 Williams Lake Road. Math Yoga — the name was chosen to help alleviate the fear associated with learning math — is a specialty gift/teacher store with engaging math literature, unique presents, music, puzzles, pins, posters and more. It also has an on-site Constructivist Mathematics Classroom for teacher professional development, Community Math Nights and classes. There’s also a mediation room, individual and small group tutoring/enrichment rooms and a family waiting area. Owner Mary Zeppelin (above left) is a former Oakland University special instructor who won the University’s Excellence in Teaching Award. She also taught math at Mason Middle School in Waterford. Zeppelin has a passion for teaching meaningful, accessible math by concretely engaging learns with all math concepts first, moving then into visual representations and finally verbal and written explanations. Abstract formulas and symbols are connected and applied. Math Yoga is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more, call 248-599-9282, or send an e-mail to mary@mathyoga.net.

Restaurant & Bar, 340 Town Center Blvd. Ste. E-106, White Lake Township. Cranking Up Your Business Using Social Media! Featuring Pure Energy Advertising! RSVP Required. Cost is $20 (non-members pay $35). Register at http://bit.ly/uXHYK2. Sponsored by DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital. • “Properly Diagnosing & Treating Your Back Pain,” Bruce Henderson MD, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Franco Communications Center, 44405 Woodward. Call 800372-6094. • 5th Annual Job Shadowing Day! 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16. Be a mentor for this day and provide the valuable opportunity for eighth-grade middle school students to job shadow under your guidance. Teach and demonstrate the value of education, hard work and determination in reaching goals. Be an important and valuable mentor and role model for our community’s youth. Join together for a luncheon and keynote speaker at the Kurzman Administration Building/Covert Center (1150 Scott Lake Rd). Buses will return students to

school following lunch. For more information on how to mentor a student for this day or sponsorship opportunities, please contact the Chamber at 248666-8600. • Costco Coffee Connect, free multichamber networking event, 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, Costco in Bloomfield Hills, 2343 S. Telegraph Road. Join the Bloomfield Hills Costco for their multi-chamber networking event. For more information, call Karen Merritt at 248-836-3223. ❐ 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 www.westbloomfieldchamber.com • West Bloomfield and Novi Chamber Lunch, “Government Resources Impacting Businesses,” 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at Courtyard by Marriott in Farmington Hills. $20 pre-registration fee is required. The keynote speaker will be Michigan Business Ombudsman Amy Banninga. She will provide an update

on Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) projects and major initiatives. The MEDC recently launched Pure Michigan Business Connect, a marketplace that provides opportunities for Michigan businesses to buy and sell to one another. Amy leads the Interdepartmental Collaboration Committee (ICC) for Gov. Rick Snyder. The ICC is working to build collaboration across state government, and implement solutions and new approaches that further economic development and placemaking at the state and local level. • November Mingle Mix & Meet, Wednesday, Nov. 16, at the 7 Bar & Grill located on the southeast corner of Maple and Orchard Lake roads in the Old Orchard Plaza. The fun will start at 5:30 p.m. Appetizers will be served and a cash bar will be available. Stay on for dinner and make a great evening of it. Bring an unwrapped gift for a child to donate to Toys for Tots. Admission is free for chamber members and $5 for non-members. Registration is requested by Monday, Nov. 14. Call 248-626-3636.

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PUBLIC SAFETY Police say chase speed hit 100 miles per hour By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Walled Lake police are looking for a man who reportedly sped through the streets of the city while fleeing police in the early morning hours of Sunday, Oct. 30 and took out two streetlights in the process. While on routine patrol at 2:27 a.m., an officer observed the suspect speeding at 49 mph in a 35 mph zone while traveling along West Maple Road near Gamma. Once the man spotted police, he made a Uturn and pulled into a Taco Bell restaurant. The officer made contact with the driver in the drive-through lane and asked him to pull over his vehicle. The suspect immediately sped out onto Maple heading toward Ladd Road, reaching speeds of 100 mph while police followed in pursuit. The vehicle eventually lost control after hitting a pair of streetlights. One of the streetlights burst into flames. When police reached the vehicle, the front end was completely destroyed and the driver was not in the vehicle. Police found a marijuana pipe inside the car. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Department dispatched a K-9 officer to track the suspect, but could not locate him. After further investigation, police identified the driver as a 21-year-old Fowlerville man who was driving on a suspended license. The man is also wanted as a suspect in a separate fleeing and eluding case. ❏

Motorist combative with police, hospital staff By Michael Shelton staff writer

Milford police arrested an intoxicated female driver who fought with police and hospital officials last weekend and tried to inflict harm on herself after her keys were taken away by witnesses. The incident occurred on Saturday, Oct. 15 around 3:20 p.m. when witnesses noted that a brown sedan was traveling at a high rate of speed (90 miles per hour) northbound on South Milford Road and had struck a vehicle at General Motors Road. A witness said that the driver was tailgating her with the windshield

Bowling sentenced Convicted cop killer gets life in prison By Leslie Shepard staff writer

he man on trial for the killing of a Livonia police officer in January has been given consecutive sentences that add up to life in prison. Terry Bowling, 49, was charged with murder for his role in the Jan. 17 shooting death of Larry Nehasil, and sentenced up to 150 years behind bars with a minimum of 100 years in prison by Oakland County Circuit Judge Michael Warren. In September, Bowling pleaded no contest to second-degree murder, first-degree home invasion, and resisting and obstructing police with hope that Warren would dole out the 30 year minimum sentence. However, Warren decided to tack on an additional 50 to 100 years in prison for the lesser charges. The day of the shoot out, Bowling and his brother, David Bowling, entered the Walled Lake area after being evicted from their Detroit rental home to collect a $30 debt owed them. On the way out of that local home, they noticed a neighboring homeowner leaving, and seized the opportunity to rob that home. wipers on high even though it wasn’t raining. The vehicle then passed the witness and almost caused a head-on collision with two tractor-trailers. The witness added that she also saw a driver of a PT Cruiser confront the driver at the South Milford Road/General Motors Road intersection. Another witness confirmed the PT Cruiser incident and added that the sedan pushed the PT Cruiser away before moving eastbound on General Motors Road. The original witness added that the vehicle then approached her again on North Peters Road and that she pulled over to avoid it, but the vehicle struck the rear of her car while passing. Reports also indicated that the car had crashed into several mailboxes and veered into the middle of the roadway. When an officer arrived, a Buick Century was in the roadway with the front of the car across a small grass

During the break-in, the pair stole a .45-caliber semi-automatic handgun from a residence on the 100 block of Glenwood. The handgun stolen from the residence was the same gun used to shoot and kill Nehasil. Nehasil was part of a six-member Livonia police Intelligence Bureau Team working on the case involving a string of break-ins in the metro Detroit area. The team was surveilling the suspects when Terry Bowling spotted police before loading a cache of stolen goods. Terry Bowling left to back out a vehicle and hit the undercover police car blocking him. David Bowling ran out the back door and Nehasil followed him. Seven shots were fired during the exchange in the backyard. As a result, Nehasil sustained five gunshots to the hip, thigh, buttocks, head and back, but not before he shot David Bowling twice in the chest. Both Nehasil and David Bowling were killed in the firefight. There were no witnesses. Police apprehended Terry Bowling following the incident. ❏ area and sidewalk. Witnesses at the scene said that they took the driver’s keys away because she was trying to leave. The driver, a 29-year-old Highland Township resident, stumbled out of the car, saying she had only a couple of beers at TGI Friday’s in Southgate. The suspect took a preliminary breath test and blew a 0.172 percent, which the officer said was more than twice the legal limit. When questioned if she had anything else to drink, the suspect said “Who cares, just cuff me already.” Officers later found a dog pinned underneath the driver’s seat. The dog was extracted from the car by the Milford Fire Department and didn’t appear to have any broken bones. The driver was handcuffed and transported to the Milford Police Station. On the way there, she worked her hands out of the cuffs and handed them to the officer upon arrival.

She was then recuffed and escorted to a cell, but then allegedly tried to repeatedly hit her head against the door and against the floor. She also spit at an officer and was kicking, screaming and flailing. Milford Fire Department personnel arrived and the woman eventually was placed on a stretcher and transported to DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital for a blood draw. While at the hospital, she fought with the hospital staff and officers, ripping out her IV and needle during the blood draw, and had to be held down. After enough blood was drawn, the suspect was placed under observation for 72 hours. ❏

Man allegedly assaults wife during altercation By Michael Shelton staff writer

West Bloomfield Township police arrested a 50-year-old male resident last week for domestic assault after he allegedly assaulted his wife. Officers were dispatched to the corner of Greer and Lockhaven roads for a 48-year-old woman who allegedly was a victim in the early morning hours of Friday, Oct. 14. The victim told police that her husband was drinking. She said they had gotten into an argument and that eventually he grabbed her by the shirt, yanked her off the couch and threw her to the ground. She then claimed that she kicked at him before he dragged her across the room by her feet, picked her up and slammed her to the ground. He then allegedly grabbed her by the shirt and slammed her to the ground again. The victim then got away, but the couple argued some more. As she went to leave through the garage, the suspect allegedly grabbed her and pulled her back into the house and dragged her to the living room. He then allegedly tried to get her shirt off and took her into the kitchen and grabbed a steak knife before cutting at her shirt. The victim escaped, got into her car and called police. When officers went to the residence, there was no answer. An officer kept watch there until 10 a.m. that same day, when the suspect finally arrived. The suspect was arrested for alleged domestic assault. He was later arraigned and posted a bond of $5,000. ❏

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TRANSPORTATION

Bair leaving post as managing director of RCOC By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Long-time Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) Managing Director Brent Bair has announced he will retire at the end of 2011. “Brent’s influence in the world of Oakland County and Michigan roads has been enormous,” said RCOC Board Chairman Eric Wilson. “I don’t think there is any other individual in the state who has personally had such a tremendous impact on Michigan roads for such a long time.” Bair has worked for the road commission for more than 34 years and has been managing director for the last 19 years. Prior to that, he Bair served as deputy managing director, director of the RCOC’s Planning and Development Department, transportation planning coordinator and risk management program coordinator. “There is no question that Brent’s leadership is directly responsible for the stability this agency has experienced and for the road commission’s widely acknowledged reputation as a leader and innovator in everything from traffic technology to safety to road design,” said RCOC Board Vice Chairman Greg Jamian. In Oakland County, Bair is a member and former chairman of the Oakland County Business Roundtable Transportation Committee. He is also a board member and past president of the County Road Association of Michigan (CRAM), and serves on the Traffic Improvement Association Board of Directors. Bair has been recognized as a leader in his work with the Intelligent Transportation Society (ITS). He is a founding member, past president and current board member of ITS of Michigan and is a former board member and past chairman of ITS of America. He also served as chairman of the ITS Congressional Caucus

BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION/I-96 BETWEEN MILFORD ROAD AND KENT LAKE ROADS (Milford Area) • Closure: Single lane closure on I-96 in each direction between Milford and Kent Lake roads on weekends and weekdays during non-peak hours. North and south ramps from Kent Lake to westbound I-96 will remain closed until end of November. • Completion date: Winter. • Cost: $15.5 million. • Notes: The first bridge reconstruction project to be undertaken will be the bridge over the Huron Valley Trail east of Milford Road. MILFORD/DAWSON INTERSECTION WORK (Milford Township) • Closure: None planned. • Completion date: Nov. 4 • Cost: $700,000, split between Milford Township, the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), and the county government. • Notes: Both Milford and Dawson roads will remain open in both directions at all times throughout the project, but there will be lane closures on Milford and, at times, the road will be reduced to one lane between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays with traffic directed by flaggers. Public Sector Advisory Committee, advising members of Congress on matters related to ITS. Bair is also a member of the 2014

M-59 MAINTENANCE PROJECT (Highland and White Lake townships) • Completion Date: Approximately Nov. 15. • Cost: $4 million. • Notes: Highland Road will not be closed at any time during the project. Single-lane closures will be restricted to weekday and weekend hours between 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. Weekend lane closures will be minimized in central business districts. M-5/PONTIAC TRAIL/MARTIN PARKWAY ROUNDABOUT (Commerce Township) • Closure: Pontiac Trail between M-5 and Welch Road. • Detour: Welch Road to Maple Road to Haggerty Road and back to Pontiac Trail, and vice versa. • Notes: Currently crews are erecting signs and lighting. Road work is nearly complete. Pontiac Trail east of M-5 will remain open, and traffic will be permitted to travel from northbound M-5 to eastbound Pontiac Trail and from westbound Pontiac Trail to southbound M-5, but traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. Traffic has been shifted to the southeast quadrant of the roundabout. • Completion date: Approximately Nov. 1. • Cost: $5 million.

ITS World Congress Host Committee, which successfully lobbied to bring the largest international ITS conference and exhibition to Detroit.

The RCOC Board will conduct a thorough search for Bair’s replacement, which will culminate with interviews of the top candidates. ❏

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TRANSPORTATION

Gov. calls for new wave of reforms for road funding By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Gov. Rick Snyder recently introduced a round of options that would, in part, pave the way toward leveraging more dollars to fix roads and bridges, as well as improve transit service. During his Wednesday, Oct. 26 Special Message at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Snyder said that Michigan would require another $1.4 billion to fix a deteriorating infrastructure system, including roads and bridges. Snyder said $1 billion a year could be raised by tacking on an extra $10 per month on each vehicle registration. More money Snyder could be raised annually via legislation authorizing counties and regional authorities to levy up to $40 in vehicle registration fees per vehicle pending voter approval. The revenue stream would then be doled out to that county or region for road repair and bus transit. “I’m not sure about upping the registration fees — people are really hurting and it would be hard for them to absorb that increase, but we definitely need to do something,” said state Rep. Eileen Kowall (R-Highland, White Lake). “However, it will be interesting to look at allowing local communities to levy their own millage to raise money for roads.” Snyder said he intends to have public discussions before he moves forward with any formal proposal to the state Legislature. In addition, Snyder is proposing an overhaul of the state gas tax, currently collected at a flat rate of 19 cents per gallon. The changes would shift taxing gas from the distributor to the wholesaler, and levying it as a percentage based on the price per gallon. A wholesale tax would allow revenues to vacillate with changing fuel prices rather than tying gas tax revenue to consumption. “We thought it was fairly positive in some respects like shifting the perpenny price to a percentage at the wholesale level to ensure road funding over time,” said Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) Spokesperson

A slew of local officials — including Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson (fourth from left) and Commerce Township Supervisor Tom Zoner (fifth from left) — attended a ribbon-cutting ceremony held yesterday, Tuesday, Nov. 1, to commemorate the completion of the M-5 roundabout in Commerce Township, which is being billed as the largest roundabout in Oakland County. Road Commission for Oakland County officials expect the roundabout to official open by the end of the week. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Mission accomplished Work largely done on M-5 roundabout, county’s largest By Leslie Shepard staff writer

he Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) held a ribboncutting ceremony yesterday, Tuesday, Nov. 1, to mark the opening of the new roundabout at M-5, Pontiac Trail, and Martin Parkway in Commerce Township — the largest roundabout yet in Oakland County. The RCOC expects the roundabout to officially open by the end of the week. “We are waiting for the street lights to be installed and functional so motorists don’t have to drive through it in the dark,” said RCOC Spokesperson Craig Bryson. “We are Craig Bryson. “One of the flaws with the gas tax is that we never got more than 19 cents so it’s a flat tax, but

also awaiting overhead signage that still hasn’t arrived, but the physical roundabout will be finished. There will only be ongoing restoration efforts ongoing out of the roadway.” The M-5 roundabout is expected to have the highest traffic volume of any roundabout in Oakland County, with 45,000 cars traveling the thoroughfare each day, according to Bryson. The $5 million project hooks up the major north-south artery of M-5 and Pontiac Trail with Martin Parkway. Most of the roundabout is two lanes, but there are three lanes at the north end. The project converted with the percentage it would gradually go up as fuel (price) goes up.” Bryson said road funding is “woe-

a signalized intersection into a roundabout. Commerce Township doled out extra dollars for stamped concrete inside and outside the lanes of roadway. RCOC officials are reminding motorists who are intimidated by the proliferation of roundabout configurations that the key to maneuvering a roundabout is paying attention to signage. “Some people are baffled by roundabouts, but the key is to watch for the signs when approaching and identify which lane you need to be in and enter that lane and stay there,” Bryson said. ❏ fully inadequate” and steps need to be taken due to the trend of reducing

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

TRANSPORTATION

Registration fee ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 37

fuel consumption. “Reducing fuel consumption is expected to continue, meaning revenues will continue to decrease, so it’s a system designed to fail,” Bryson said. “The new structure would be constant vs. decreasing, but it’s a hard sell to the Legislature.” “Changing the structure and making it a percentage at the wholesale level is one of the best road funding proposals so far,” Kowall said. “I also like the governor’s idea that most of the funding should go to the most congested roads based on traffic volume.” The proposal would not be a cure-all and has been tried before without much success. A hike of an additional $25 in vehicle registration fees per vehicle was knocked down by state voters in the late 1980s. The RCOC suggested a slight increase in the sales tax, up to 1 percent, to help address traffic congestion. “That would have generated the most money, but we first need to increase road funding in general for road maintenance by raising the gas tax,” Bryson said. Snyder noted it’s time to change the way road money is distributed from the state to local governments to address needs rather than through a formula, per se. Currently the distribution formula is set up so that 39 percent of state and federal road funds goes to the state, 39 percent goes to county road commissions and 22 percent goes to cities and villages. “I continue to be impressed with the governor’s goal to ‘reinvent’ Michigan and get us on stable footing, but I hit the brakes when there’s talk of the gas tax and vehicle registration fees,” said state Rep. Gail Haines (RWaterford, West Bloomfield). “I would

like to see the infrastructure improved but I’m hesitant to ask the taxpayers for a greater burden.” As another means of restructuring, Snyder thinks it’s time to do away with road commissions, stating they’re “unneeded.” He suggested giving counties the option to usurp control over their road commissions or consolidating them. “We are the only state in the country that has county road commissions — 81 of them in total — and 35 of those are not accountable to the rest of the county government,” he said. “Based on the assumption you’d save money by merging with the county government, that would politicize the road project selection and road maintenance decisions,” Bryson said. “If the RCOC must answer to the Oakland County Board (of Commissioners), it could mean they would want an equal number of projects in each district regardless of need. “We would like to be involved in discussions and share information as to why this isn’t a good idea,” he said. House Bills 5125 and 5126 were introduced Oct. 26 to allow elected state officials or boards of commissioners to eliminate the autonomy of county road commissions and merge them into the counties’ general government structures. “The idea could have merit, but there are things we could do on economy of scale,” said Oakland County Commissioner Bob Hoffman (RHighland). “There are ways to consolidate without absorbing the whole thing.” Haines said she’s reluctant to take a stand on the bills at this point. “It’s not a mandate, but an option that has bipartisan support, but I would like to speak with county officials first,” she said. Both bills are in the hands of the House Transportation Committee. ❏

NOVEMBER 2-8, 2011

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ENVIRONMENT

Passport for parks enrollment higher than anticipated By Angela Niemi staff writer

The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) not only reached, but slightly exceeded its participation goal of 24.3 percent of Michigan motorists taking part in the DNR’s Recreation Passport Program. The Recreation Passport, created by state lawmakers last year, was supported by the DNR because the department felt it needed to “broaden the base of its financial support” for state parks, according to DNR Spokesperson Mary Dettloff. To encourage more day use of the state park system, the DNR cut the annual admission price from $24 to $10. “We did see an increase in day use this summer, but that could have been completely weather-related since we had a hot, dry summer,” Dettloff said. When renewing their vehicle registration data, 24.7 percent of motorist checked “Yes” to support the

Recreation Passport and generated a total revenue of $18.8 million. “We appreciate the support of Michigan citizens who support our state parks and state forest recreation programs by checking ‘Yes’ when they renew their motor vehicle registration at the Secretary of State,” said DNR Director Rodney Stokes. “We also are grateful for the strong support of Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and her staff. Without their partnership, we would have had a tougher climb toward our goal in our first year of implementation.” The funds raised in the first year of sales for the Recreation Passport are to be split according to a formula present in the law that created the program. The Secretary of State’s Office is reimbursed $1 million for administrative costs, while the state parks operational budget will get $10.7 million and the Michigan Waterways budget will get $1.03 million. These amounts are equivalent to the revenue that the old Motor Vehicle Permit system brought in averaged over the last three years. After that revenue is deducted, the remaining revenue for 2011 was divided as follows:

• Capital outlay for state parks, $3.04 million; • Maintenance for state parks, $1.82 million; • Local park grants, $608,650; • State forest recreation, $426,055; • Cultural/historical facilities in state parks, $167,379; and • Marketing, $15,216. “Even if you think you will never go to a state park or enjoy one of our state forest campgrounds or trails, supporting the Recreation Passport is a good way to support your county, community or township parks,” Stokes said. “Ten percent of the revenue is dedicated to a grant program to help improve parks in local communities.” ❏

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Resources (DNR) has recently endorsed an online course for snowmobile safety offered by Fresh Air Educators. It’s the first online course approved by the DNR for online snowmobile safety classes. Completion of the course satisfies the state’s snowmobile safety education requirement for youth operators. Currently, snowmobile operators between 12-years-old and 17-yearsold are required to successfully complete an approved safety training program under Michigan law. Under Michigan law, those between the ages of 12 and 17 must also carry a snowmobile safety certificate when riding on public lands by themselves. If they are under the supervision of a person 21-years-old or older, however, they do not need a certificate. Those under the age of 12 are also not required to carry a certificate if under the direct supervision of an adult or if on property owned or controlled by their parent or legal guardian. The approved online snowmobile course costs $29.95. More information on the course can be found at www.snowmobilecourse.com/usa/michi gan. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

COUNTY

Oral arguments in BOC district line suit begin today By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

Oral arguments in the legal challenge to the new Oakland County Board of Commissioners district lines are set to begin today, Wednesday, Nov. 2. The lawsuit against the district lines — which were approved by the Democratically-controlled five-member Oakland County Reapportionment Commission on May 20 — was filed in the Michigan Court of Appeals on June 20. The legal challenge was filed by the law firm of Clark Hill on behalf of Oakland County Commissioner David Potts (R-Birmingham), Mary Decuir and Janice Daniels. The Republicans on the reapportionment panel — Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard, Jr. and Oakland County Republican Party Chairman Jim Thienel — have both said in the past that the new district map was “gerrymandered” and “political” in nature. Oakland County Democratic Party Chairman Frank Houston, who also chaired the reapportionment panel that included county Treasurer Andy Meisner and county Prosecutor Jessica Cooper as its Democratic members, has said in the past that he expects the district lines to pass legal muster. Thienel said he would expect a Court of Appeals ruling on the district maps to come in the next three or four weeks, by the early part of next month. If the legal challenge is thrown out of court, the following is how the lakes area districts will be carved up: • The 2nd District will represent the northern half of Milford Township — including Milford Village — and Highland Township (48,365 residents). • The 4th District will represent the northern reaches of Waterford Township (49,939 residents). • The 5th District will represent the southern portion of Waterford (48,529 residents). • The 6th District will represent the entirety of White Lake Township (49,449 residents). • The 7th District will represent Commerce Township, Wolverine Lake and Walled Lake (47,171 residents). • The 8th District will represent the southern portion of Milford Township (48,225 residents). • The 9th District will represent Wixom (46,339 residents). • The 10th District will represent

ITCTransmission, a Novi-based company that owns, operates and maintains roughly 2,800 circuit miles of electricity transmission line in southeast Michigan, doled out a $100,000 matching grant to Oakland County that will be used to plant trees at various sites in West Bloomfield, among other communities. Planting a tree at a ceremony held last week are, from left to right, Donna Zalewski, ITCTransmission’s director of local government and community affairs; Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson; and Farmington Hills Mayor Jerry Ellis. (Photo courtesy of Oakland County)

West Oakland to get greener ITC grant will pay for tree planting in W. Bloomfield, others By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

est Bloomfield Township, along with two other Oakland County communities, will get a little greener thanks to a $100,000 matching grant to the county that will be used to plant roughly 850 trees at 20 different locations throughout the Rouge River Watershed. The grant from ITCTransmission — a Novi-based company that owns, operates and maintains roughly 2,800 circuit miles of electricity transmission line in southeast Michigan — doubles the Grant Lakes Restoration Initiative grant of $100,000 the county received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Orchard Lake (47,488 residents). • The 11th District will represent the middle of Waterford Township running from east to west (49,732 residents).

In West Bloomfield, trees will be planted by Karner Farm, at the roundabouts at West Maple and Farmington and Drake roads, as well as the roundabout at 14 Mile and Farmington roads. Trees will also be planted along 14 Mile Road, and at the Family Aquatic Center off of Farmington Road and the Civic Center off of Walnut Lake Road. Drake Sports Park off of Drake Road will also be the location of some of the new plantings. “Oakland County is among the best places to live, work, play and raise a family in part because of its beautiful natural surroundings,” said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson in a press release announcing the company’s contribu• The 15th District will stretch up into the southern portion of West Bloomfield Township (47,962 residents). • The 16th District will represent a

tion. “ITC’s generosity will help us improve our green space throughout the Rouge Watershed.” “Our commitment to environmental stewardship naturally extends from our company culture into our operating philosophy,” said Donna Zalewski, ITCTransmission’s director of local government and community affairs. “We are proud to support Oakland County in their efforts to maintain a healthy environment for the community.” Bill Mullan, Oakland County’s media and communications officer, said workers will attempt to “get a good number of them planted before winter sets.” Any trees not planted before winter will be planted in the spring, he said. ❏ portion of eastern West Bloomfield Township (48,350 residents). • The 17th District will cover the vast majority of West Bloomfield Township (49,933 residents). ❏

NOVEMBER 2-8, 2011

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STATE

Area senators OK with axing PPT for tools, equipment The two Republicans in the state’s upper chamber representing west Oakland County are on board with legislation that would phase out a portion of the personal property tax (PPT) — an assessment on things like computers, furniture and other equipment businesses need and own. Advocates of the proposal have argued that eliminating the personal property tax would be a boon to business development in the state. State Sens. Mike Kowall (RCommerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield) and David Robertson (R-Waterford), who Kowall were both elected to the state Senate last year, have signed on to Senate Bill (SB) 766, which would phase out the PPT. SB 766 — which was introduced by state Sen. Jack Brandenburg (RHarrison Township) and referred to the Senate Finance Committee — would exempt business tools and equipment acquired after the end of 2012 from being subject to the PPT. Kowall said he’s heard estimates on how much revenue the PPT generates overall — to state and local units of government — as high as $1.2 billion. “What we are doing is starting to open the discussions as to how that should be approached,” Kowall said earlier this week. “It’s by no means the carved-in-stone version of what’s going to pass. We’ve all agreed that the personal property tax is very important to local units of government and to the Robertson schools and, if it is going to be changed, I want to have a seat at the table to have a voice as to how to take a logical approach. We may find that it’s just not possible.” Kowall said his intention is to have “some form of replacement” for the revenue that the PPT generates. “There has to be some type of replacement,” he said, highlighting communities such as River Rouge and Dearborn where a significant amount of heavy industry

means that vast majorities of those communities’ budgets are reliant on revenue from the PPT. “You can’t just pull the rug out from underneath them,” he said. “The last thing we need is a whole new series of EFMs (emergency financial managers).” “The administration (of Gov. Rick Snyder) has indicated that it is primarily focused on dealing with industrial personal property because it has the greatest potential to draw jobs to the state,” reads a Tuesday, Oct. 25 legislative update on the Michigan Townships Association website. “That being said, the administration has also indicated that it would like to reimburse local governments for revenue loss due to their plan, but that would not mean a dollarfor-dollar replacement of lost revenue. This would likely mean that most funds will be reserved for those communities that have a current significant reliance on this specific component of the tax.” The Michigan Chamber of Commerce has come out in support of another proposal to do away with the PPT (SB 34), which would exempt all personal property tax after Dec. 31, saying that “Michigan must begin to eliminate this costly, administratively burdensome and uncompetitive tax.” A message left with Robertson’s Lansing office last week was not returned prior to press time. ❏

CAPITOL NOTES Legislation that would expand the variety of fireworks available for sale in the state of Michigan has cleared the state House of Representatives with an overwhelming majority and now heads to the state Senate for the upper chamber’s consideration. House Bills (HBs) 4293 and 4294, which were sponsored by state Rep. Harold Haugh (D-Fraser) and would create the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act, passed in the state House of Representatives last month. State Reps. Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield, Commerce, Wolverine Lake), Gail Haines (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield), Eileen Kowall (R-Highland, White Lake), Bill Rogers (R-Milford), Chuck Moss (R-Orchard Lake), and Hugh Crawford (R-Walled Lake, Wixom) all voted in favor of the legislation. The pair of bills have been referred to the state Senate Regulatory Reform Committee, where they await a hearing. ❏

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MAIL BAG

Letter was ‘right on’ From Don Donigan, Commerce Township: The writer (Dan Ruetenik) of the letter “True past is guide” in the Spinal Column Newsweekly (Oct. 19, 2011) is right on! It is good to read a reasonable letter from someone who knows history. He also knows how to use a dictionary. Anyone who quotes George Santayana is OK in my book. ❏

Support Joe Ghislain From Michael Wehner, Commerce Township: In 2007, the Michigan Education Association (MEA) published a guide for its members titled “Electing Your Employer: It’s As Easy As 1, 2, 3” and the Huron Valley School District has not been the same since. Over the last several years, as our enrollment has declined, our expenses have actually gone up despite all of the “cuts” that we hear about. Salary and benefits represent three quarters of our budget and have had the biggest impact on this. To help cut costs, our district has closed three schools in recent years. Despite our need to cut our expenses, we still have board members and board candidates like Jeff Long who believe it is not a conflict of interest for our school district to be paying the salary of the HVEA (Huron Valley Education Association) president, who is on 100-percent work release from his teaching duties. Can you imagine the UAW president’s salary being paid directly by Ford with him having to sit across the table from his employer in contract negotiations? Last year I witnessed how seriously the HVEA takes elections when I saw then-President Michael MacGregor making the rounds to polling places and sending teachers out in support of Lindsay Cotter, a candidate who was running uncontested on the ballot! That is how afraid they were of the write-in candidacy of Joe Ghislain. Perhaps they, too, know how badly we need a leader like Joe that will fight for our children and represent our interest as taxpayers. We love our teachers and, in the Huron Valley School District, we are lucky to have several of the best teachers in the country. We want our teachers to earn a decent living for their contributions to our community, yet we also need a balanced school budget and we want our schools to

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL remain open. The next five years will be critical to our district and that makes this an important election. We need a leader like Joe to help us through these difficult times, not another HVEA-endorsed board member that will keep the status quo by closing more schools while paying the HVEA president’s salary. This past year, much has been made of the “new” 21st Century Skills curriculum, of which critical thinking is a key component. As a voter this year, you will need to apply this same critical thinking skill. When you are asked to vote for a candidate by someone standing outside your polling place, ask them if they are a teacher. If they say “yes,” ask them if they believe that electing their employer is “as easy as 1, 2, 3.” ❏

Kowall Brown A collection of gossip, scuttlebutt, and odds and ends from our reporters’ notebooks: GOING KOWALL: Apparently that’s the latest buzz-phrase in Lansing — at least, according to state Sen. Mike Kowall’s (R-Commerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard

Letter is ‘so ludicrous’ From Eric Nagler, Commerce Township: The rambling, practically incoherent letter from Dan Ruetenik in the Oct. 19-26 edition (of the Spinal Column Newsweekly) is so ludicrous as to be almost laughable. To address his main point about the 2008 (economic) bust, it wasn’t caused by selfish people on Wall Street, greedy bankers, or even Bernie Madoff. If Mr. Ruetenik would stop engaging in this fantasy, he (and the Occupy Wall Street protesters) would direct their attention several hundred miles south to Washington where the real culprits can be found. For starters, how about the Community Reinvestment Act (thank you Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton) that forced those “greedy” bankers to make loans to unqualified borrowers? How about (U.S. Rep.) Barney Frank (D-Mass.) and his defense of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, those great GSEs (governmentsponsored enterprises) that have cost us the taxpayers billions and made the situation worse? How about the Federal Reserve that just keeps on pumping more and more billions of dollars into the economy, thereby cheapening the value of each dollar and driving up the cost of everything? And as for learning the lessons of history, Mr. Ruetenik (and our clueless president) seems to have forgotten the lesson that Ronald Reagan taught us on how to recover from a recession: lower taxes and less (not more) spending so that we, the public, can decide the best use of our hard-earned money. The response from the White House? Obama shrugged. ❏

Lake, West Bloomfield) official Facebook page. We’ve got some ideas of our own for new-and-improved “Going Kowall” artistry — Kowall as Luke Skywalker thrusting a light saber in the air; and Kowall as Indiana Jones, complete with a whip and a spiffy brown hat (and perhaps a little facial scruff, to boot). But face it (or Facebook it) — the possibilities are endless. “Somebody sent that,” Kowall said with a laugh. “That’s just silly stuff. That’s what happens when you get overzealous supporters.” No one in his office concocted the Rambo-themed artistry, he said, and he promptly wanted it taken down from the Facebook page. And what prompted the Rambo-themed fun at the former White Lake Township supervisor’s expense? It was all over the New International Trade Crossing vote, which put the kibosh (at least for now) on Gov. Rick Snyder’s pet project that would, according to Kowall, cost between $2 billion and $4 billion. “When I adjourned the (Senate Economic Development Committee) meeting during the bridge debate, I just let everybody know how unhappy I

Scott Bentivolio was with the goings on, the way it was all handled. I had a couple of my colleagues teasing me a little bit.” SPEAKING OF KOWALL: The race for the newly drawn 11th Congressional District has gotten a little more crowded on the Republican side as Kerry Bentivolio, a Vietnam and Iraq veteran and Tea Party darling, has thrown his “Don’t tread on me” bona fides into the ring against Kowall and U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Waterford, White Lake, Highland, Milford, Commerce, Wolverine Lake, Walled, Wixom). “I am a statesman first and never wanted to be a politician,” Bentivolio said in an announcement posted to his Constitution-draped website, bentivolioforcongress.com. “But someone needs to stand up for the average folks out there ... and career politicians aren’t doing that.” When asked if Bentivolio’s candidacy — he also challenged Kowall in the 2010 Republican state Senate primary — changed the dynamic of the race, Kowall said: “America is the kind of place where anybody can grow up to do whatever they want,” also noting that oodles of fund-raising has to be done. Things are continuing to get more interesting, and Oakland Confidential is looking forward to the McCotter-KowallBentivolio contest perhaps even more than we were excited about Halloween — which is saying a lot. Boo! WATERFORD, 48328: Oakland County Commissioner John Scott (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield) isn’t so sure that a possible takeover of fire protection services in Pontiac by the Waterford Fire Department is going to work. Waterford officials have been approached by Lou Schimmel, Pontiac’s emergency financial manager (read: “dictator,” if you believe some on the left crying foul over the expanded EFM powers enacted earlier this year) about the possibility. While Scott gave props to Schimmel for thinking outside the box — “He’s got a good idea,” Scott said — he said he’s got a feeling that firefighter unions haven’t been contacted regarding the possible takeover. “If I was a Pontiac firefighter, I would say, ‘No way,’” Scott said, adding that unionized Waterford firefighters would likely have a beef with the proposal, as well. TOTAL RECALL: Not that it should

NOVEMBER 2-8, 2011

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IN OUR OPINION

Area school board elections Our endorsements in the Huron Valley, W. Bloomfield races

oters in the Huron Valley and West Bloomfield school districts will decide contested races for school board seats during the Tuesday, Nov. 8 general election. As has been our practice over many years when voters are presented with a contested race, we queried the candidates on issues we believe are relevant to the school district at this time, and considered their backgrounds in coming up with endorsements for those readers seeking advice. Readers can also find our election coverage on the Education pages of this week’s edition. HURON VALLEY SCHOOLS Voters in this district will fill two school board seats on Nov. 8. Nine candidates are vying for fouryear terms on the board. This particular field is not only large, but fairly strong, making for a difficult decision for voters. For example, candidates such as Kim Galbraith and Jeffrey Long were pretty impressive with their responses to our candidate questionnaire, and other candidates in the race also showed a sound grasp of the issues and relayed some interesting ideas. We’re recommending BONNIE BROWN and JOE GHISLAIN for the two open seats on the Huron Valley board. Brown has some experience on the board, having been appointed to a seat last December. She’s used some of the time since then to work toward becoming certified through the Michigan School Board Association. Brown, a registered nurse, is currently the school board’s secretary and has served on the Huron Valley Schools Parent Council and been

involved with the St. Mary’s Health Ministry. Brown is an advocate for increased use of energyefficient structures and equipment as a means to help the district save money. She also calls for open communication between the board, administration, teachers and staff, and the community through any and all modes and media. Ghislain, a manager with Ford Motor Co. responsible for increasing efficiency and reducing costs, as well as developing business strategy, previously served on the Huron Valley Board of Education from May 2007 to December 2008. He’s also a current member of the Huron Valley Schools Strategic Planning-Finance Task Force. Like Brown, Ghislain also calls for expanded use of energy-efficiency to help the district reduce ongoing costs. He remains mindful of board members’ obligation to promote transparency and accountability by making sure the public has access to officials and data. The thing that both Brown and Ghislain offer that the other candidates don’t is experience. This is important because it minimizes the amount of time they will need to be fully up to speed and productive members of the school board. WEST BLOOMFIELD SCHOOLS While not as large, the six-candidate field in this race may well be even stronger than the Huron Valley field, which is really a blessing. With two, sixyear board terms at stake, we believe voters should elect NELSON HERSH and JULIE BEATY.

Hersh is the owner of Hersh-Beattie Orthodontics and has served on the West Bloomfield Board of Education since 2002, including stints as president, vice president, treasurer, and secretary. Beyond that, he has been very active in the district and the greater community through many volunteer positions and endeavors. This wealth of experience is what makes Hersh stand out above all the candidates. He already knows the mechanics and intricacies of public education in Michigan and will waste no time bringing himself up to speed on issues, processes or statutes influencing the schools. A proponent of providing greater foreign language options in the early elementary setting and more emphasis on English composition, Hersh cites board members’ appreciation of taxpayers’ financial contributions to the district and using them wisely and efficiently as one of the most pressing issues for the district. Beaty is an Oakland Community College professor teaching marketing, advertising and business; and vice president of consumer engagement for Indentity Marketing Group. She serves on the Lighthouse of Oakland County Board of Directors, as chairperson for the Beacon of Hope, and is the Gretchko Elementary PTO president. She’s working to help implement pre-Advanced Placement offerings in the middle schools and also supports foreign language courses at the elementary schools to help students become competitive in the global economy. ❏

Our advice on ballot issues

oters in the city of Orchard Lake Village and West Bloomfield Township have before them ballot questions in the Tuesday, Nov. 8 election relating to the abandonment of city property, as well as a critical public safety funding for the township’s police and fire departments. We are urging residents of those two communities to vote YES on vacating of a piece of property on Willow Lane in Orchard Lake, and YES on a renewal and hike in West Bloomfield’s millage collections for public safety services. ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE Willow Lane Property Abandonment Orchard Lake voters will be asked to weigh in on whether the city should vacate a portion of cityowned property on Willow Lane, located on the west shore of Orchard Lake on Willow Lane, off of Old Orchard Trail near Birchway. The property juts out to where Willow Lane dead-ends. The measure deserves a YES vote. The official ballot language reads as follows: “Shall the City of Orchard Lake Village vacate, discontinue and abolish 40 feet of roadway located at

the end of Willow Lane, formerly known as Troy Street, in the City of Orchard Lake Village, and then sell the vacated portion of the road?” The road-ending is a grassy, non-improved trail that projects into a 1.56-acre parcel currently for sale at 44890 Birchway. As it currently stands, the property is not used and serves no real useful purpose. If voters approve the measure, the property has the chance to be sold and developed for a potential building site, meaning that the property would go on the city’s tax rolls. In addition, the city would get a one-time cash injection from the sale — not a large amount of money, admittedly, but every little bit helps. We can honestly think of no logical reason why voters shouldn’t cast their ballots in favor of the Willow Lane land abandonment. WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP Public Safety Millage Proposals We advocated two weeks ago (Oct. 19, 2011 Spinal Column Newsweekly) for passage of two ballot questions West Bloomfield voters are to decide on

Nov. 8 for public safety funding, and we are reminding the electorate that the two proposals before them are needed to ensure adequate police and fire funding to support existing services into the future. The first ballot question seeks to renew the township’s existing public safety millage at its current rate of 3.1378 mills for 10 years. If authorized by voters, the renewed millage would be collected from 2012 to 2021. The second ballot question asks voters to approve an 11-year increase of 2.85 mills. If approved by voters, this new millage would be collected from 2011 through 2021. The township’s police and fire departments have already done a significant amount of cutting, implementing a variety of cost-saving measures. We’re convinced the departments have been good stewards of the taxpayers’ money. Both need these millage proposals approved in order to maintain — not expand — existing police and fire services. Vote YES on the millage renewal and increase proposals on Nov. 8. ❏

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EAGLE GRAPHICS & DESIGN, INC. & THE SUNFLOWER AND SCULPTURE PROJECT

Walled Lake DDA November Business of the Month

he Walled Lake Downtown Development Authority (WLDDA) Urban Design Committee awards the efforts of those businesses that add to the beautification and economic vitality of Downtown Walled Lake. This month, the Urban Design Committee recognizes Eagle Graphics and the Sunflower and Sculpture Project as an example of excellence in urban design and overall appearance. This month’s “Business of the Month” is not only a business but it is an experience, a first-time endeavor and a cooperative effort. Eagle Graphics & Design, Inc. is located at 317 N. Pontiac Trail in Downtown Walled Lake and is a family operated company owned by Tony and Patti Lucero and their sons Ed and Aaron. Their Walled Lake location serves as a satellite sales and design outlet for their 2040 Airport Road store in Waterford specializing in signs and vehicle lettering. They have recently added printed business cards and laser engraving of plaques, name plates and awards to their services. Eagle Graphics is a perfect business to host Downtown Walled Lake’s first Public/Green Art display that includes a sculpture and a field of sunflowers. Valerie Kemp, visionary for the project, approached the Lucero’s about being the first Walled Lake business to host a green art display. The display is located on a vacant lot that separates Eagle Graphics and the GoddardTalmay Agency at 347 N. Pontiac Trail. The lot is owned by Tom Bingham, Jon Retherford and John Marshall owners of Goddard-Talmay, who joined with the Lucero’s in bringing art to the Downtown by donating the use of their property. The Public/Green Art display consists of 1,600 square feet of sunflowers and an eight foot plate steel sculpture called “Saint Sebastian” created by artist John Sauve.

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR HALLOWEEN COLORING CONTEST WINNERS! BROOKE GALLAN . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 years RYLIE JOSEPHSON . . . . . . . . . . . .8 years NATALIE KOCSIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 years ANDREW KIDDER . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 years ROCCO DEANGELIS . . . . . . . . . . .5 years GIANNA KIDDER . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 years SAM KROMBERG . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 years EMERSON WEINMAN . . . . . . . . . .6 years BRYCEN SMITH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 years JAMIE GNOTEK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 years

Eagle Graphics is open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Call 248-668-0344 or go to www.EagleGraphics.com for more information.

Building A Better Walled Lake

FT SHOW A RWATERFORD EAGLES NOV. 12-13 • 10 AM - 6 PM

4761 HIGHLAND RD. - WATERFORD Book your Table $20 for Saturday - $15 for Sunday Both Days $30 • Senior Discounts Available

Call Helen to Book Your Table 248.673.9980 248.673.3545

MULTI-LAKES CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

HOLIDAY SHOW - Sunday, December 11 • 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Crafters are needed - if interested call 248-363-9109

EVERY TUESDAY

6:30 p.m.

BINGO Progressive Jackpot

Now Smoke-Free

Free Coffee / Food Available

OUTDOOR RANGE SIGHT-IN DAYS November 1-14

"I know things need to be fixed, but I'm broke. I'd pay it and not complain about it because I know what it's going towards." — Karen Dittman, Commerce

Every Friday 5:30 - 8:30 p.m $8.00 Adults • Senior Discounts Now Smoke-Free

ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT Fish • Chicken • Salad Bar

COUNTRY BREAKFAST Second Sunday of the month - Next Breakfast November 13th

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. • Adults $700/Senior Discounts HALL RENTALS AVAILABLE For more information call (248) 363-9109 3860 Newton Road • Commerce Township, MI 48382 Call for details 248-363-9109

AROUND THE LAKES AREA

WE’RE ASKING…

FISH FRY

A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly

Do you support an added $40 annual vehicle registration fee for roads and transit?

"I would agree and pay for it and not complain. If I had to vote on it, I'd say no because I already pay a lot in taxes anyway so I feel (those taxes) should go towards it already." — Clara Krivsky, Commerce

""No. There's better ways to do that. They would be taxing people to use roads that they may not ever use. Instead, they should look at toll roads where you pay to use the roads. I support taxes for roads, but not the way the governor proposes." — Harry Jara, Commerce

"Yeah, because it would better the roads and help the community."

— Kristin Daboul, West Bloomfield

NOVEMBER 2-8, 2011

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 45

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ■ White Lake Township: Helping Hands Food Donation Program for low-income people held now through Wednesday, Nov. 30. Containers for non-perishable food items located at township offices, the Police department, fire department, and Dublin Senior Center. For additional information, 248-698-3300, ext. 6. ■ West Bloomfield High School Theatre Arts Program: “Arsenic and Old Lace,” comedy, 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; and 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 3-5, 4925 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield. $10 tickets at the door. 24-865-6720 or visit www.wbhstheatre.com ■ Village Fine Arts Association: “Views and Visions” art show and sale with opening night fund-raising event, “Art and All that Jazz,” gourmet finger foods, wine, other refreshments, live jazzy entertainment, 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4, 205 Livingston Road off North Milford Road, Highland. Admission $10 for adults or $5 for youth (under 4years-old, no charge) payable at the door. The exhibit will then remain open to the public free of charge, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5-26. 248-797-3060 or 248-889-8660 ■ Jewish Ensemble Theatre: “Imagining Madoff,” drama, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, 5 and 8:30 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays now through Nov. 13, Jewish Community Center, 6600 W. Maple, West Bloomfield. 248-788-2900 or www.jettheatre.org. ■ Greater West Bloomfield Historical Society: “Looking Back: The Early Settlements of the Scots and Irish in the West Bloomfield Area,” presentation/refreshments, 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6, Barnes and Noble Lecture Room, 6800 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Reservations by Thursday, Nov. 3. 313-9293543. ■ Knights of Columbus, Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen Council No. 7444: Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 3 and 17, St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Commerce Road, Milford. 248-363-0646. ■ Wixom Walled Lake Lions Club: Meeting 7 p.m. Thursdays, Nov. 3 and 17, Big Boy Restaurant, Pontiac Trail and Maple Road, Walled Lake. 248-683-9439 or 248-6857646. ■ Grace Church is sponsoring an “Outrun Hunger” 5K Fun Run/Walk, Saturday, Nov. 5, at Commerce Commons Pathways. All proceeds go back to the community. Times and registration information at gracechurchinfo.net/events or call 248-887-3700. ■ Lakes Area Garden Club: Meeting, 7 p.m.

Tuesday, Nov. 8, Village of Wolverine Lake offices, 425 Glengary, Wolverine Lake. 248624-1501. ■ Lakes Area Rotary Club: Speaker Jeff Lichty on the Rotary Foundation, noon, Tuesday, Nov. 8; Speaker Peggy Burkhart on Donate Life Coalition of Michigan, noon, Tuesday, Nov. 15, Bayside Grill, 142 E. Walled Lake Drive, Walled Lake. 248-770-2707. ■ Zonta Club of Pontiac North Oakland:Meeting, 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10, Crown Plaza Hotel, Opdyke Road, Auburn Hills. 248-852-6533 or www.zontapontiacnorthoakland.org. ■ Milford United Methodist Church: Crafters wanted for Holiday Marketplace, Saturday, Nov. 12, 1200 Atlantic Street, Milford. 248-684-2798. ■ St. Mary Our Lady of the Snows: Crafters and vendors wanted for craft show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, 1955 E. Commerce Road, Milford. 248-366-5394 or e-mail ccathys@comcast.net ■ Detroit Model Railroad Club: Model Railroad Museum, open house, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 12 and 13, 104 N. Saginaw, Holly. 248-634-5811 or www.dmrrc.org. ■ Bethany North Oakland Singles Dance: “Dear” Hunters Ball, 8 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Nov. 19, VFW Post 1008, 1690 Airport Road, Waterford. $12 admission/ $2 veteran discount. 248-891-8938. ■ Dads of Foreign Service: Bingo, 5:30 p.m. Sundays, VFW Post 4156, 321 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Light dinner, snacks available for purchase. www.vfw4156.org or 248-698-8302. ■ Rotary of West Bloomfield: Meeting, 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Henry Ford Medical Center, second floor, southwest corner of Farmington and Maple roads. 248-5200095. ■ Waterford Rotary Club: Meeting, noon, Tuesdays, The Shark Club on M-59, Waterford. 248-625-4897. ■ Big Chief Chorus: Rehearsals, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford. 248698-9133 or 248-563-2109. ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Knitters circle, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Highland Station House, Highland. 248685-9015. ■ (Breakfast) Optimist Club of Waterford: Meeting, 7:15 a.m. Thursdays, Big Boy Restaurant, M-59 and Airport Road,

Waterford. 248-673-3493. ■ Multi-Lakes Conservation Association: All-you-can-eat fish fry, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, 3860 Newton Road Commerce. 248363-9109. ■ Grace Hospice: Volunteers with reliable transportation needed to visit terminally ill patients and family members in our communities. Free training and classes are now forming. 1-888-937-4390. ■ Catholic Social Services of Oakland County: Senior companion volunteers needed to support adults with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic mental illness, as well as the physically frail and homebound. 248-559-1147, ext. 3434.

SUPPORT GROUPS ❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addition recovery meetings, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Life Point Christian Church, 501 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. 248-682-1747. ❐ Divorce Care: Support group meeting for adults and children, 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Brightmoor Christian Church, 40800 W. 13 Mile, Novi. 248-755-9533. ❐ Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: Meeting, 6 p.m. Fridays, Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 1445 Welch Road, Commerce. 248-807-8667 or foodaddicts.org. ❐ Independence Village of White Lake: Volunteers needed part time for bingo, coffee chat, walking group, etc., 935 Union Lake Road, White Lake. 248-360-7235. ❐ Over-Eaters Anonymous: Recovery from compulsive eating, 12-step program, meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 5301 Hatchery Road, Waterford. ❐ MOMS Club of Waterford South:Support group for mothers at home, weekly activities, monthly meetings, third Friday of the month, Waterford area. momswaterfordsouth.webs.com. ❐ Postpartum Depression Support Group: Meeting, 6:45 p.m. Thursdays, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Commerce. 248-9375220.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES ❐ Calvary Lutheran Church: In conjunction with St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, “Senior Fit,” free exercise program for ages 55 and up, 11 a.m. to noon, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 9101 Highland Road, White Lake. Registration. 1-800-372-6094 or 248-6253288.

❐ Dublin Senior Center: Lunch, bingo and cards, 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Fridays, 685 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Registration. 248-698-2394. ❐ Foster Grandparent Program of Oakland County: Volunteers needed age 55 and older to provide tutoring, mentoring and nurturing to youth with special needs. Volunteers receive a non-taxable stipend, mileage reimbursement, a meal or meal reimbursement, training. 248-5591147, ext. 3424. ❐ Highland Adult Activity Center: Bingo, noon Mondays and Wednesdays; Sit’N’Stitch, 10 a.m., and movie with popcorn, noon, Fridays, 209 N. John Street, Highland. 248-887-1707. ❐ Richardson Community Senior Center: Knitting and crochet group, 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, 1485 E. Oakley Park, Commerce. Registration. 248-926-0063 or commercetwp.com. ❐ Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church: Senior Stretch and Tone, 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 8:30 a.m. Fridays, 2399 Figa Avenue, West Bloomfield. 248-6820770. ❐ Waterford Senior Center: Art Expression, 9 a.m. Thursdays, 3621 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. Registration. 248-682-9450. ❐ West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Senior Programs: Line dancing, 11 a.m. Fridays at the Corners, 4640 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248451-1900. ❐ Wixom Senior Center: Doo Wop Dinner, live entertainment, 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 4; Exercise, Mondays and Wednesdays, Coffee Talk, Thursdays, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Registration. 248-624-0870 or wixomgov.org.

PARKS

❐ Huron-Clinton Metroparks Photo Contest: Photos taken at any of the 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks can be entered to win. Photo entries will be accepted now through Thursday, Nov. 3. Contest rules and entry information is posted at www.metroparks.com. ❐ Huron-Clinton Metroparks: Will waive vehicle entry fees and boat launch fees on Veterans Day, Friday, November 11; and Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 for its Appreciation Days program. For more information, call the Huron-Clinton

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Internet Directory

Include your firm’s website in this weekly feature at very favorable rates. Phone 248.360.SELL (7355). AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHY Aerial Graphics www.aerialgraphics.com BEACH RESTORATION TT&C Beaches www.ttcbeaches.com BOAT COVERS Bev’s Canvas Covers www.bevscanvascovers.com BOAT REPAIRS/FURNITURE American Soft Trim www.americansofttrim.com BOATS/NEW & USED Lake Ponemah Marina www.lakeponemahmarina.com

BOATING SUPPLIES Boating Supply Center www.boatsupplies.com DOCKS & LIFTS American Marine www.americanmarinesc.com LAKE MANAGEMENT SERVICES Aqua Weed Control www.aquaweed.com REAL ESTATE Cyndi Robinson - Real Estate One www.cyndirobinson.com VISITING NURSES & THERAPISTS Affinity Home Care Agency, Inc. www.affinityhomecareagency.com “Good Times - Good Friends”

CELEBRITY BARTENDERS NIGHT A fundraiser for MS

THURSDAY • NOV. 3 • 5-11 p.m. Open daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m.

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 45 Metropolitan Authority at 1-800-477-2757 or visit www.metroparks.com.

Milford High School 2380 S. Milford Rd., Milford

Nov. 5

9am - 4pm

❐ Milford Public Library: R.E.A.D. (Read, Eat and Discuss) Book Club, Madeline L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Tine,” grades 4-7, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 9; More with Facebook, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10; Jane Austen Book Club — “Persuasion,” adult program, 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, 330 Family Drive, Milford. Registration. 248-684-0845.

❐ Kensington Nature Center: Survival Saturday — Shelter Building, 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5; Nature’s Nutcases, 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 6; “Webelos — Geologist,” 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12; Animal Tracks on T-shirts, 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 13, Kensington Metropark, Milford. 248-6851561 or 1-800-477-3178.

❐ Waterford Township Public Library: Friends Used Book Sale, Thursday, Nov. 3, 4 to 8 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 4, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and Saturday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., with $5 Bag Sale, 1 to 3 p.m., 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. 248-674-7098.

❐ Oakland County Parks is offering free park entry to all guests in honor of Veterans’ Day on Friday, Nov. 11. Guests can hike, bike and enjoy the natural surroundings at Addison Oaks, Highland Oaks, Independence Oaks and Rose Oaks county parks. The dog parks at Lyon Oaks, Orion Oaks and Red Oaks are ideal for dogs and their owners. For more information about Oakland County Parks and Recreation, visit DestinationOakland.com or on Facebook.

LIBRARY EVENTS

❐ Commerce Township Community Library: Celebrate National Gaming Day, teen program, 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, 2860 N. Pontiac Trail, Commerce. 248-669-8108 or commercelibrary.info. ❐ Highland Township Public Library: Clay Animals, 4:30 p.m. and Estate Planning,

$2 admission • 12 & younger free www.keepsakecollectionshows.com

989-981-4023 989-781-9165 Portion of proceeds to

on the Lake

10070 Elizabeth Lake Rd. White Lake

248-698-4800 The White Lake Township Water Department will be conducting the Fall 2011 Fire Hydrant flushing during the hours of 9:00 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday from Tuesday, September 6 through Friday, November 11, 2011. Fire hydrant flushing signs will be posted one day in advance and the day of flushing at the entrance to each subdivision/development. Caution should be observed around any hydrant discharge. Minimizing water usage is recommended during the day of flushing in your area. Any questions should be directed to White Lake Township Water Department at 248-698-3300, ext. 8 SC: 8-31, 9-7, 9-14, 9-21-, 9-28, 10-5, 10-12, 10-19, 10-26, 11-2 & 11-9-11

6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3; Let’s Melt Things! teen program, 5 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14, 444 Beach Farm Circle, Highland. Registration. 248-887-2218.

❐ Indian Springs Metropark Environmental Discovery Center: Tot Time — Feathered Friends, Brownies — Science Wonders, and Magnificent Moon, Saturday, Nov. 12, Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake. Registration. 1-800-477-3192 or 248-625-7280.

FREE POOL Sun. & Mon.

Featuring 100 Exhibitors!

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Lutheran St. Matthew Lutheran Church 2040 S. Commerce, Walled Lake Sunday: 8:15, 10:45 & 11:00 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Bible Study Hour Monday: 7:00 p.m.

248-624-7676 48380 Pontiac Trail, Wixom Sunday: 9:00 & 11:30 a.m. - new times 10:15 a.m. Bible Study Hour

248-624-9525 www.st-matthew.org

❐ West Bloomfield Public Library: Saturday Morning LIVE, stories, songs, activities, birth-age 5, 11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 12, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248-851-0463 or www.wblib.org/friends. ❐ White Lake Township Library: “World War II — In Their Own Words,” adult program, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 7; Fun with Shrinky Dinks, teen program, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 15, 7527 E. Highland Road, White Lake. Registration. 248-698-4942. ❐ Wixom Public Library: Rebecca Skloot’s “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks,” adult book discussion, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 8; Author visit — Jeremy Brown (“Suckerpunch”), book signing and presentation, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Registration . 248-6242512.

WORSHIP SERVICES Lutheran

Lutheran Church of the Ascension 4150 Pontiac Lk. Rd. Waterford, MI 48328 248-674-1212 lutheranchurch.ofthe.ascension@gmail.com Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. We sew quilts every Tuesday at 9 a.m. ALL ARE WELCOME

To Advertise Your Worship Services call the Classified Department at 248-360-7355

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Walled Lake Western’s Cam Vieaux catches a 10-yard pass from Kyle Bambard in the end zone for a touchdown just before halftime against Huron Valley Milford in an MHSAA Division 2 pre-district game on Friday, Oct. 28. The score gave the Warriors a 17-14 halftime lead and they would go on to win the game, 27-20, snapping a four-game losing streak in the state playoffs. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Western edges past Milford Warriors prevail in a nailbiter against Mavericks, 27-20 By Michael Shelton staff writer

Walled Lake Western overcame adversity on and off the field last week to earn its first state playoff win in six years. The Warriors defeated Huron Valley Milford at home, 27-20, in a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 2 pre-district game on Friday, Oct. 28 to snap a four-game losing streak in the state playoffs.

Western (9-1) not only had to withstand the Mavericks’ offense, including a late Milford drive in the final seconds of the game, but also scrutiny surrounding the team after it was revealed last week that the Walled Lake Consolidated School District disciplined five Western players for their alleged involvement in the hazing of another football player. “I think it shows the focus of our coaches and players and it was a tough week to have focus,” said Western Head

Coach Mike Zdebski. “They did an outstanding job of focusing on the game.” Western will next host South Lyon (73) in a Division 2 district title game on Friday, Nov. 4. The Warriors have not won a district championship since 2001. For Milford (6-4), their first playoff appearance since 2008 and Head Coach Pat Fox’s first playoff game since 2006 resulted in a disappointing ending to a stellar season. “I’m very proud of our kids,” Fox

said. “They played to their potential and we just came up a little short in time.” Kyle Bambard kicked a 31-yard field goal in the first quarter for Western before Brandon Wallace took a toss from Alex Larson 10 yards into the end zone for a 7-3 Milford lead. Connor Ruby gave Western the lead back in the second quarter on an 11yard touchdown run to cap a 16-play, PAGE 49 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Obituaries

GORDON, NICOL WEATHERSTON III, of Commerce Township went to be with his Lord on Saturday, October 22, 2011. He was 65 years old. KIGER, MICHAEL ALLEN of Wixom was born on March 12, 1947 in Livonia, Michigan to Jack Vernon and Shirley Mae (nee: Trinka) Kiger and died October 23, 2011. He was 64 years old. KLAVONS, ETHEL, a resident of West Bloomfield, died on October 19th, 2011 at the age of 101. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel. LAWRENCE, DONALD "DON", a long time resident of Milford, died on Tuesday, October 25, 2011 in the care of his family. He was 80 years old. LEFTON, CALVIN, a resident of West Bloomfield, Michigan, died on October 24th, 2011 at the age of 65. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel. MCBRIDE, DALE FREDERICK, of Farmington was born on July 19, 1954 in Detroit, Michigan to James Caldwell and Joyce M. (Nee: Gagnon) McBride and died October 22, 2011. MONCZYNSKI, VICTOR L. JR., of West Bloomfield, was born on February 23, 1928 in Buffalo, New York. He died October 23, 2011 at the age of 83. RUDOLPH, HAROLD MAREK, "Rudy" of Clarkston. October 23, 2011 at 86 years of age. Loving husband of Doris for 61 years. SOUTHERLAND, SANDRA SUE, of Hartland formerly of Wixom was born on August 13, 1942 in Detroit, Michigan and died October 20, 2011. She was 69 years old. WASKUL, WILLIAM "RICK", of Commerce Township was born on February 13, 1956 in Detroit, Michigan and died October 21, 2011. He was 55 years old.

To place your obituary in the Spinal Column Newsweekly please call the Classified Department at 248-360-7355 or email: lorisnyder@thescngroup.com

www.spinalcolumnonline.com FAX: 248.360.5308/248.360.5309

NOVEMBER 2-8, 2011

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

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FOOTBALL

Warriors win ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 47

62-yard drive. Trailing 10-7, Milford responded with a 68-yard drive and Larson threw a 9-yard touchdown pass to Michael Pobur to put the Mavs up 1410. Pobur intercepted Bambard on Western’s next drive, but the Mavs would end up punting the ball away. Starting at their own 42, Bambard threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Cam Vieaux in the left corner of the end zone with 13 seconds left in the half to give Western a 17-14 halftime advantage. The Warriors got the ball to start the third quarter, but started off on the wrong foot as James LaLonde fumbled the ball on the second play of the half and Milford recovered it at the Western 27-yard line. The Mavs converted on the turnover as Larson scored on a 7-yard touchdown run for a 20-17 Milford lead before the Warriors blocked the extra-point attempt. Both teams punted the ball away on the next two drives before Bambard threw his second touchdown of the night, a 35-yard strike to Nik Heglin, to give Western a 24-20 lead. “As you move along, a lot of teams adapt to the run and you have to open things up,” Zdebski said. “It’s good that Kyle has become accustomed and he has a good mentor in C.J. McGorisk.” After Milford punted, Western started at the Milford 42-yard line and Bambard kicked his second field goal, from 29 yards away, to give the Warriors a seven-point advantage at the end of the third quarter. Western forced a Milford turnover on downs and Bambard had a chance to go 3-for-3 on field goals on the Warriors’ next drive, but the Mavs blocked his 29-yard attempt. Both teams punted on their next

Eaglets trounce Pershing, 56-6, to advance to finals Orchard Lake St. Mary’s began its 2011 Division 3 state playoff run in impressive fashion with a 56-6 victory at home over Detroit Pershing of the Detroit Public School League in a predistrict game on Saturday, Oct. 29. St. Mary’s (8-2) has now won seven

Walled Lake Western quarterback Kyle Bambard completed 11-of-16 passes for 161 yards with two touchdowns and an interception as the Warriors defeated Huron Valley Milford on Friday, Oct. 28. Western will next host South Lyon in a Division 2 district final on Friday, Nov. 4. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

two drives before Milford began its final drive at its own 46-yard line. Larson completed four passes on the drive, including a 24-yard completion to Pobur to the Western 8-yard line, and Milford seemed to be in position to score a touchdown and decide whether to tie the game on a extra point or go for the game-winning two points. But on third-and-goal from the Western 5-yard line with just over 10 seconds left, Larson was pressured and was tackled by Zack Mitchell. Unable to stop the clock with no timeouts left, the clock ran out and

Western’s celebration ensued on the field. Bambard completed 11-of-16 passes for 161 yards with two touchdowns and an interception for Western, while Alex Buchanan had 73 yards rushing on 17 carries. For Milford, Larson completed 11of-26 passes for 135 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for 53 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries. Chris Borgman finished with 6 solo tackles for Western. Nick Kelly and Mike Jenkin also finished with 5 solo tackles each. Michael Condon had 4 solo tackles,

including three tackles for a loss, a sack and combining for a sack with Dillon LaFontaine. Vincent Gjokaj also had a sack while Mitchell had 4 solo tackles. Wallace finished his final game in a Milford uniform with 124 yards rushing and a touchdown on 14 carries. Jordan Hayward also had 6 catches for 73 yards. Daniel Jaklic had 5 solo tackles while Cameron Bell and Jacob Morton each had 4 solo tackles. Fox said he will miss the contributions of seniors such as Wallace and

straight pre-district playoff games. “We just got on a roll,” said St. Mary’s Head Coach George Porritt. “We were blocking real well, our defense stepped up and the kids prepared well.” The Eaglets had a 21-0 lead after the first quarter on a 2-yard touchdown run by Grant Niemiec, a 13-yard touchdown run by Keylan Smith, and a 20yard fumble recovery return for a touchdown by Julian Lewis. St. Mary’s added 21 more points in the second quarter on a 2-yard touch-

down run by Parker McInnis, a 20-yard touchdown run by quarterback Dan Clements, and a 75-yard kickoff return for a touchdown by Spencer McInnis to lead 42-6 at halftime. The Eaglets added a 41-yard touchdown run by Spencer McInnis in the third quarter and a 4-yard touchdown run by Parker McInnis in the fourth to cap their scoring. Spencer McInnis finished with 68 yards rushing while Parker McInnis had 61 yards rushing.

Craig Henderson threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Demetrius Newsome for the Doughboys’ (7-3) only score of the game. The Eaglets will next face Redford Thurston (9-1) on the road in a Division 3 district final on Friday, Nov. 4. Last season, St. Mary’s defeated the Eagles in the regional final, 45-7. “We have to watch a lot of film and have the right mindset,” Porritt said. “They have a few playmakers and they’re dangerous.”

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FOOTBALL

Warriors win ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 49

Hayward, but that with Larson and other starters returning next season along with other up-and-coming players, he’s confident in the direction of the program. “We need to have a good off-season and get to know our young kids,” Fox said. Western will now prepare to host a South Lyon team that is coming off a 33-14 win over Holly and whose defense has surrendered an average of 15 points a game. “South Lyon blitzes a lot and puts a lot of pressure in the box,” Zdebski said. “Their skill kids can run well. They run a lot of routes and formations.”

Vikings upset 2010 Division 1 champs as time expires By Michael Shelton staff writer

Walled Lake Central not only didn’t flinch in its return to the Division 1 state playoff bracket; it also eliminated the defending Division 1 state champion. The Vikings defeated Lake Orion on the road, 20-17, in an MHSAA Division 1 pre-district game on Friday, Oct. 28, when Bryan Maxwell kicked the game-winning field-goal from 20-yards out as time expired. The 3 points followed a fake punt pass in Dragons’ territory on fourth down that kept the drive alive. Last Friday marked the Vikings’ (7-3) first playoff game in Division 1 since 2003, as their last four playoff appearances were in the Division 2 bracket, including last year’s run to the Division 2 district semi-finals. The Vikings will be challenged again on Friday, Nov. 4 when they travel to face another opponent from the Oakland Activities Association (OAA), Clarkston (7-3), in a Division 1 district final. Central and Clarkston last met in 2003, with the Wolves winning 3528 in a pre-district playoff matchup. Central scored first last Friday on a 24-yard field goal by Maxwell in the first quarter, followed by a 3yard touchdown run by K.J. Schultz in the second quarter that was set up by an interception by Andrew Goor that was returned to the Dragons’ 14-yard line. But, Lake Orion (6-4) rallied to

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Scrappy defense of Our Lady not enough in defeat By Michael Shelton staff writer

Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes fell to Madison Heights Bishop Foley in straight sets, 13-25, 2225, 17-25, in the Detroit Catholic League C-D Division Championship match at Madonna University on Monday, Oct. 24. “Overall, I am disappointed with the loss, but happy with a number of efforts that I saw from my team,” said Our Lady Head Coach Stephanie Linz. “My starting line up is made up of juniors and sophomores,” Linz said. “They will remember this experience, and hopefully work hard next year to again reach the Catholic League finals, but this time, finish with different results.” Linz added that Bishop Foley’s top-spin jump servers really challenged her team and that following the first set, the Lakers (17-8-6) began to adjust to the serves and were extremely scrappy on defense. “We had a 7-point lead (18-11), and I was feeling really positive about our momentum swing, but unfortunately, Foley was able to slowly come back and our lead didn’t hold,” Linz said. “In the third game, we came out strong again, but struggled to stop the strong swings and serves from Foley.” Haley Howell led the Lakers with 3 aces, 4 kills, 14 assists and 2 blocks. Kelly Meehan had 7 digs and Devon Valent had 5 kills. Kristina Krupiak also had 5 kills while Lexie Robak had 5 kills and 1 block. The Lakers hosted Frankel Jewish Academy in a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Class D district semi-final on Monday, Oct. 31 after press time. The winner will face either Auburn Hills Christian or ClarkstonEverest Collegiate in the district final tomorrow, Thursday, Nov. 3. Haley Howell, Kelly Meehan, and tie the score before halftime on a 1yard touchdown run by Jacob Miller to finish off an 80-yard drive, along with a 34-yard field goal by Jeremy King. Central retook the lead, 17-10, in the third quarter on a 26-yard touchdown run by quarterback Zac

Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes' Lexie Robak (No. 7) had 5 kills and 1 block in the Lakers straight-set defeat against Madison Heights Bishop Foley in the Detroit Catholic League C-D Division Championship match at Madonna University on Monday, Oct. 24. The Lakers began the MHSAA District Tournament at home against Frankel Jewish Academy on Monday, Oct. 31 after press time, with the winner playing in the district final on Thursday, Nov. 3. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Lexie Robak were also awarded AllCatholic awards; Kristina Krupiak was awarded an All-League award; Leimbach. The Dragons tied the score again when their quarterback, Sean Charette, scored on a 9-yard touchdown run. But, it was Central Head Coach Robert Meyer’s gutsy call on the fake

and Lauren Juliano received the Catholic League All-Academic Award. punt and Maxwell’s game-winning field goal that would be the difference in the fourth quarter. Leimbach finished with 156 yards rushing on the night for Central, while Charette had 158 yards passing for Lake Orion.

NOVEMBER 2-8, 2011

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VOLLEYBALL

Momentum falters as Eagles start out strong, finish weak By Michael Shelton staff writer

Huron Valley Lakeland completed its regular season by traveling to the Bedford Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 29 as a warm-up for the state playoffs. The Eagles started out with two victories over Brighton (25-18, 27-26) and the two-time defending state champion Bloomfield Hills Marian (25-23, 25-22). However, the Eagles would go on to lose their final two matches in pool play to Livonia Ladywood (26-27, 26-27) and Birmingham Seaholm (12-25, 2025) before falling in a rematch to Marian (13-25, 17-25) in a first-round playoff bracket match. “We started out the day playing great as we defeated two great programs in Brighton and back-to-back state champions Marian,” said Lakeland Head Coach Jen Cottrill. “Unfortunately, our momentum didn’t carry over into the Power Pool as we lost both matches. “It was very rewarding to play such tough competition right before districts, as we were able to play around with the line up and work on some things we needed to fix before districts this week.” Prior to the Bedford Tournament, the Eagles hosted the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) tournament on Saturday, Oct. 22. Lakeland tied Livonia Churchill (1625, 25-12) and defeated Huron Valley Milford (25-14, 25-18) and Walled Lake Northern (25-16, 25-20) in pool play. The Eagles then defeated Northville in the quarter-finals (25-17, 25-22) and knocked off Livonia Stevenson in the semi-finals (25-15, 25-18). But, in the championship match, the Eagles fell to Novi, 25-21, 10-25, 8-15. Ciara Schultz led Lakeland with 40 kills, 83 assists and added 38 digs, while freshman Madison Harris had 31 kills, 32 digs and 10 aces. Brittany Leonard also had 29 kills and 10 blocks. On Tuesday, Oct. 18, the Eagles won their fourth consecutive KLAA Lakes Conference championship with a straight-set victory over Brighton, 2523, 25-14, 25-16. Schultz had 33 assists, 10 kills and 10 digs. Leonard had 11 kills and a 50percent attack percentage. Senior libero Lindsay Hansard also had 19 digs. “We are very excited to have our

Varsity football players from Waterford Mott and Waterford Kettering clashed in the 13th annual Beef Bowl that took place at the Lion’s Den restaurant on Wednesday, Oct. 5. It was a competition between two players from both Mott and Kettering to see which team would eat 20 ounces of prime rib (each) the fastest. Kettering won the event for the second year in a row. Seniors Vince Cooper and Daulton Arthur represented Kettering in the event, which was created in reference to the Lawry’s Beef Bowl held at the Rose Bowl every New Year’s by the two competing teams. However, it would be Mott who would win the football game against Kettering, 21-0, on Saturday, Oct. 8. (Photo submitted by Michael Fras)

hard work and determination pay off and to check one of our goals off as accomplished,” Cottrill said. Lakeland hosted Howell in a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Class A district quarter-final yesterday, Tuesday, Nov. 1 after press time, with the winner facing Walled Lake Northern tonight, Wednesday, Nov. 2 at Lakeland. The district final is Friday, Nov. 4 at Lakeland.

Tournament title a lead-in for Vikings before playoffs Walled Lake Central played its final regular season matches before the state playoffs on Saturday, Oct. 29, when the Vikings traveled to the River Rat Tournament at Ann Arbor Huron. In pool play, the Vikings defeated Holly (25-9, 25-20), tied with Ann Arbor Skyline (16-25, 25-23), and fell to Plymouth (17-25, 19-25). The Vikings (25-18-5) finished pool play 9th out of 16 teams and were placed in the Silver Bracket of the tournament. Central defeated Holly in the quarterfinals, 25-17, 25-15, before prevailing over Erie-Mason, 25-18, 26-24, in the semi-finals. In the Silver Bracket championship match, the Vikings knocked off Farmington Hills Harrison, 25-18, 2512. Brittany Guldan had 52 assists, 29

kills and 8 aces for Central during the tournament. Mikaela Beck had 23 kills and 8 aces. Gia Morianti also had 22 kills and 12 aces while Sydney Daviskiba had 14 aces. “We were missing four players for the tournament (2 starters) due to three of them being ill and the fourth had a pre-planned family event,” said Central Head Coach Cathy Johnson. “However, Brittany Guldan was back and able to practice this entire week and had a good day for us.” Central played a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Class A district quarter-final game against Hartland at Huron Valley Lakeland yesterday, Tuesday, Nov. 1 after press time. The winner will face Huron Valley Milford in the district semi-finals tonight, Wednesday, Nov. 2. The district final is Friday, Nov. 4 at Lakeland.

Mavericks lose in Ann Arbor Huron tourney finals Huron Valley Milford traveled to the River Rat Invitational at Ann Arbor Huron on Saturday, Oct. 29, advancing to the tournament final where the Mavericks fell to Plymouth 2 sets to 1. “This was the type of match we were looking for before districts, and we got our money’s worth today; a win would have been better, but I’m not

PAGE 51

going to ask for a refund, that’s for sure,” said Milford Head Coach Jeffrey Stark. Milford (24-16-3) started pool play by playing the host River Rats and split the match before defeating Milan and Troy Athens. “This gym is huge,” Stark said of Huron’s gym. “It reminds me of a college basketball arena and it makes the court look really, really small.” Milford then defeated Chelsea in the tournament quarter-finals before defeating the River Rats in a rematch, 25-15, 27-25, in the tournament semifinals. Jonna Villemure had 9 aces and 115 assists for the Mavs on the day, while Kristen Yeager had 53 digs and 8 aces. April Prokes also had 34 kills and 51 digs while Rachel Kopf had 28 kills. Dagny Stark (25 kills) and Karly Shorr (18 kills) each had 19 blocks on the day. Milford will play either Walled Lake Central or Hartland in the MHSAA Class A district semi-finals at Huron Valley Lakeland today, Wednesday, Nov. 2. The district final is Friday, Nov. 4.

SOCCER

Knights’ ‘fantastic’ season ended in double-overtime Walled Lake Northern’s magical run in the state tournament came to an end after the Knights fell to Troy in doubleovertime in a Division 1 regional final, 2-1, on Saturday, Oct. 29. Brett Kowalski scored Northern’s lone goal with an assist from Alex Hays with 32 minutes left in the first half. Jason Leslie tied the match for Troy and also scored the game-winner 12 seconds into double-overtime off an assist from Danny Berger. “We knew the game was far from over and wanted to keep defending well. We gave up the goal 10 minutes later and ended up going to overtime,” said Northern Head Coach Chris Stevanovic. “We had a mental lapse to start the second overtime that cost us our season. Still, I am very proud of what we have accomplished with the team we had. It was a fantastic season.” The Knights advanced to the regional final with a scoreless shootout victory over Grand Blanc. Hays, Spencer Viksne, Gage Coder, David Cubr, and Revie Gill all scored on their shots. Northern finished 2011 as the Kensington Lakes Activities Association North Division champion and also won the Lakes Conference championship.

PAGE 52

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

COMMUNITY LEGAL NOTICES

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WEST BLOOMFIELD

PLANNING COMMISSION & WETLAND REVIEW BOARD JOINT MEETING The West Bloomfield Township Planning Commission and Wetland Review Board will hold a public hearing at the West Bloomfield Town Hall, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. to consider the following requests:

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

West Bloomfield Trail Extension Wetland Case #: Request:

Location: Applicant: Rezoning Case #: Request: Parcel:

Applicant:

PWT11-1812 A request to convert 2.7 miles of abandoned railway to an accessible pedestrian, biking, and non-motorized trail compliant with the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) and with impacts to wetlands and the 25 foot environmental features setback to wetlands and lakes Proposed Trail on the Michigan Air-Line railroad (formerly Coe railroad) right-of-way, described as a 50 foot wide strip of land for 2.7 miles starting at Haggerty Road running northeast to Arrowhead Road (15.5 acres) Dan Navarre, West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Commission ZR-11-01 Zoning/rezoning of the parcels that make up the existing and proposed trail from right-of-way/no zoning (existing) to the REC Recreation District (proposed) Proposed Trail on the Michigan Air-Line railroad (formerly Coe railroad) rightof-way, described as a 50 foot wide strip of land for 2.7 miles starting at Haggerty Road running northeast to Arrowhead Road (15.5 acres) and Existing Trail on Sidwell #s 18-01-376-104, 18-12-151-062, 18-11-276044, 18-14-126-025, 18-14-302-040, 18-15-476-084, 18-22-101-005, 1821-276-002, and 18-21-502-004 (30.33 acres) West Bloomfield Township

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WEST BLOOMFIELD PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING

The West Bloomfield Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at the West Bloomfield Town Hall, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, on Tuesday, November 22, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. consider the following request:

Eager Minds Montessori School Site Plan #: Request: Parcel: Location: Applicant: Zoning:

SP-10-02 plan, special land use, and associated stormwater management plan approval permit a Montessori School Sidwell #18-23-301-017 5335 Orchard Lake Road, 1.4 acres on the east side of Orchard Lake Road, north of Walnut Lake Road Jayeeta Champati R-15 Single Family Residential

Detailed plans are available for public review at the Community Development and Development Services Departments, West Bloomfield Township Hall, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Any comments regarding this request may be made in writing to the Commission or Board or by appearing at the scheduled public hearing. If you have any questions, please contact the Planning Department at (248) 451-4876. S.C. 11-2-11

Sara Roediger, AICP, Senior Planner

The Township of West Bloomfield will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services (such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting) to individuals with disabilities at a public hearing/meeting upon two weeks notice in writing or by calling the Township Clerk at (248) 451-4800.

PUBLIC HEARING CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WEST BLOOMFIELD COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) 2012 PROGRAM YEAR November 14, 2011 -7:00 P.M. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the West Bloomfield Township Board will hold a public hearing on the use of Community Development Block Grant Funds. The hearing will be held on November 14, 2011 at 7:00 PM at Township Hall, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield for the purposes of hearing public comments on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Year 2012 application in the approximate amount of $103,661 to fund eligible projects. The West Bloomfield Township Board will consider any public comments on these matters at this time and all interested citizens are requested to attend the public hearing to voice their views. Comments will also be received in writing or in person at Township Hall before the hearing. West Bloomfield Township Hall is handicap accessible. Arrangements to reasonably accommodate special needs, including handicap accessibility or interpreter, will be made upon receiving 72-hour advance notice in writing or by calling the Township Clerk at (248) 451-4800. Sara Roediger, AICP Senior Planner

S.C. 11-2-11

Detailed plans are available for public review at the Community Development and Development Services Departments, West Bloomfield Township Hall, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, MI 48323 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Any comments regarding this request may be made in writing to the Commission or Board at the address above in advance of the hearing or by appearing at the scheduled public hearing. If you have any questions, please contact the Environmental Department at (248) 451-4818 or the Planning Department at (248) 451-4876. Marshall Labadie, Development Services Director Sara Roediger, AICP, Senior Planner The Township of West Bloomfield will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services (such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting) to individuals with disabilities at a public hearing/meeting upon two weeks notice in writing or by calling the Township Clerk at (248) 451-4800. S.C. 11/2/11

Notice of Posting for Charter Township of Commerce Township Board 1. Adoption: An Ordinance to Amend Ordinance No. 2.005 to be known as the Charter Township of Commerce Fee Ordinance No. 2.006. The above Ordinance 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) Townshipâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website www.commercetwp.com Daniel P. Munro Township Clerk SC: 11-2-11

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE 2009 Township Drive Commerce Township MI 48390 (248)960-7020

ABSENTEE BALLOT NOTICE To the Qualified Electors of the Charter Township of Commerce, the last day to apply for ABSENTEE BALLOTS for the Tuesday, November 8, 2011 Election is:

SATURDAY, November 5, 2011 The Charter Township of Commerce Clerkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Office will be open on Saturday, November 5, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Electors who wish to receive an Absent Voter Ballot for the Tuesday, November 8, 2011 Election by mail must submit Absent Voter Ballot applications by 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 5, 2011. Daniel P. Munro Clerk, Charter Township of Commerce

SC: 11-02-11

NOVEMBER 2-8, 2011

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RECREATION

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CARS, TRUCKS CYCLES 181-196

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Well maintained like new 1.5 story home w/2500 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms & 3 1/2 baths. Many fine details, fireplace in great room & dining room with lots of windows, library, formal dining, finished walk-out lower level with family/game room. Private 4.14 acre setting. $375,000.

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Condominium For Rent Union Lake, 2 bed, 1.5 baths, basement, 1 car garage.

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

Charming waterfront on Cedar Island Lake. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, with finished basement and large deck for entertaining. All appliances included. $1,600 per month plus utilities.

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RELOCATE TODAY!! Beautiful 55+ community! We'll pay up to $4,000.00 to relocate your manufactured home to beautiful Cranberry Lake. Rent from $516/month!

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Houses/Condos

3 Bedroom colonial, 1.5 baths, basement, gas heat, stove & refrigerator only, small pets negotiable. Sylvan Lake access for park & boating. $875 plus deposit

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

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BEAUTIFUL 55+ COMMUNITY Brand NEW homes for rent. Includes appliances, lake access. Call today and ask about our MOVE IN SPECIALS!! Cranberry Lake- White Lake

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advertisement you get a FREE Garage Sale Kit with street signs, balloons, price stickers and tips on having a successful garage sale.

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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.

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PAGE 54 Apartments

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WALLED LAKE

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 *

Walled Lake Area 1 Bedroom Apartment. Small room for office or hobby. Quiet apartment building. Nice neighborhood, no pets. $495

per month. Includes heat and water.

248-624-4310 Rooms/Share Quarters

FURNISHED SLEEPING room for rent. Waterford area, $100 /week. 810-355-8097 BUSINESS WOMAN looking to share 2 bedroom apartment in Novi, with female. $400 plus utilities. Call for information. 248-787-2059 ROOM FOR Rent, kitchen privileges. $90/ week. West Bloomfield. 248-420-4320

40 year old company seeking part time janitorial staff for Wixom, Commerce, Fowlerville, Howell areas for evening positions. Must have reliable transportation. Position requires police clearance & possible drug screening. Complete online application at:

www.usservico.com or fax resume to 248-926-9595. No phone calls please. General/ Help Wanted

HOME HEALTH CARE COMPANY lLooking for RNs & OTs for

group home residents located in West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, & Southfield. Other needed areas include southern Oakland & Northern Wayne Counties. Please send resume to mcunicare@yahoo.com or fax to 248-922-9516 Please contact Michelle at 248-922-9513

SNOW PLOWERS/ SHOVELERS NEEDED Must be available 24/7 in the event of a snowstorm. Willing to work until the job is complete. Pay based on experience and performance. Position starts immediately.

248-360-3858 BAR & WAIT STAFF Now hiring for full and part time positions. Experience necessary. APPLY IN PERSON

CJ's Upper Deck 3270 W. Huron

Waterford, MI 48328

HAIR STYLISTS

HELP WANTED General/ Help Wanted

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Dependable Part time House Cleaners Highland Area Call Kim 248-887-4384 ALEX'S PIZZA Needs experienced bartender and servers, line cooks, pizza makers, salad/ sub person, and counter helper.

Apply in person: 49000 Pontiac Trail Wixom

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

Office/ Clerical

Used/Wanted 69

SALES PRODUCER Customer Service Representative for Allstate Insurance office in Novi. Insurance license preferred but not necessary.

248-344-0460 Sales Positions

Real Estate Career

Kathy Solan 248-363-8300 248-348-6430 Real Estate One

DIRECT CARE WORKERS Great place to work! Full time and part time D.C.W. staff needed to assist challenged adults.Trained preferred or will train. Walled Lake and Clarkston areas.

COMPUTER PERSON Experienced in teaching an older person to use computer but very patient. West Bloomfield 248-326-1898

CEPTIONIST. Clerical/Computer experience required. Good phone skills. 3 days per week PART TIME MEDICAL ASSISTANT. Certified, exp. with EKG, V/S injections & immunizations. 3 days per week. Call Barb @ 248-926-6610

Dental Assistant Part time Includes Wednesdays Evenings and Saturday

248-360-3700

CLEAN FILL Sand in 72lb bags- approximately 60 bags , good for sea walls. You pick up, West Bloomfield area. 248-672-8934 FREE LARGE painted hutch/ dresser. Has been used in girl's bedroom. You haul. Wixom. 248-624-7441

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Garage Sales

103

ESTATE SALE, 3345 West Maple, Nov. 3rd thru 5th, 10am-4pm.

WHITNEY'S HOUSECLEANING Over 15 years experience small to large homes. Weekly biweekly monthly. Excellent references.

For FREE Quote call 248-568-6444

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WIXOM

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248-335-3547 PART TIME MEDICAL RE-

Collectibles

Housekeeper/House Cleaning 86 67

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FREE TO good home 3 kittens, born July 9th. 248-860-2085

248-330-6402 Medical/ Dental

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

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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.

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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

Building Materials 105 CIRCULATING PUMP Bell & Gossett, 1/12hp, 1" pipe. $25. 248-698-4168 SOLID BLACK Walnut, several board feet, rough and 1/4 sawn, 30 year air dried, various sizes. Price negotiable. 248-363-5321 or 248-5056545

Clothing/Apparel

119

MEN'S CANVAS Hunting Vest with pockets & pouches, size medium, $7.50. 248-6232661

Art/Crafts

128

CRAFTERS WANTED White Lake VFW 321 Union Lake Road Friday Nov. 18, 2011 5pm-8pm Saturday Nov. 19, 2011 10am-5pm

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(248)960-1200

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Contact Margaret Ledford @

Art/Crafts

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY 128

11th Annual Craft Show & Bake Sale St. Mark Lutheran 7979 Commerce West Bloomfield

Saturday Nov. 5th 9am-3:30pm Lunch Available 248-363-0741

Bargain Bin

137

"OUR CENTURY in Pictures," 1900-1999, Life Magazine book. very large 10" X 11", excellent condition. $10. 248623-2661

Odds N Ends

138

CARS/TRUCKS MOTORCYCLES Wanted Parts/ Salvage

181

UNWANTED AUTOS LLC TOP $ Paid For Any: • Junk • Non Running • Wrecked Cars. FREE TOWING. SAME DAY PICK UP

(248)467-0396 Unwanted Autos any year

$20 PREPAID Phone card for only $12.50- I can give you a 1-800 number to verify, expires June 13, 2013. 248-6232661.

RC Towing 248-770-3333

JANE FONDA New aerobic step master, adjustable height $15. 248-363-0693

CAMPBELL'S TOWING

BOATS/ OUTDOOR

$200 to $2,000

AUTOS, CARS & TRUCKS

$200 AND UP

248-698-1062 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 Boats/Motors/Trailers 164 Boat & Pontoon Hauling Local & long distance Shrink wrap- Winterization

Winter storage $149.99* Tom 248-681-4250

seaway5@comcast.net *with mention of this ad

TRAVEL- TECH

Shrink Wrap 248-980-3453 I / O Winterizing 248-698-3686 Certified Master Mechanic Boat Storage

170

PWC & BOAT WINTERIZING Shrink Wrapping & Storage Motorcycle, ATV, Snowmobile Parts & Service

Lakes MotorSports 4713 Dixie Highway, Waterford, MI 48329

248-674-0663 www.lakesmotorsports.com

Motorcycles

183

2004 YAMAHA R1- 1000 motorcycle. Many extras, must see. $4,500. (248)9789246

Cars

187

1997 GMC Yukon Auction will be held on November 8th,@ 10am Cash only 2025 E.W. Maple Commerce Twp, MI 48390

SALES GUARANTEE Autos, Vans, Trucks See 1st Want Ad Pg BUICK LESABRE, 2005, 85K, $8,750.Very good condition. 248-363-3457 GREAT TRANSPORTATION car 2004 Chevy Malibu Max. All mechanical issues in good working order, 162k. $3,800 firm, call Jenny at 248-8891785 BUICK PARK Avenue 2002, loaded, 76,000 miles, $7,900 firm. 248-887-1927

HADLEY'S TOWING 24825 HATHAWAY FARMINGTON HILLS Auction: 11-8-11 9a.m 1. 1995 Isuzu Vin# JACDJ58W1S7913816 2. 1999 Chrysler Vin# 2C3HH46R9XH601152 3. 1998 BMW Vin WBAGJ8322WDM24009

Cars

187

MERCURY GRAND Marquis LS, 2004. Loaded, leather, silver, 36,500K, clean. $11,500. OBO 248-669-8171

Vans

Carpet Installation

513

BOB'S CARPET

194

CHEVROLET EXPRESS Van 2005. 3/4ton, V8, air, cruise, tilt, p.s p.b, power windows, power locks, keyless entry, heavy duty locking differential, ziebart, tintedwindows, original owner, highly maintained. $10,900 OBO 248-622-8910

Has the best buys on all brand named carpet. Pad 1/2 8 lb $3 yd. Installation guaranteed. Lots of remnants

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Call Bob

$4 per yard

(248)681-5771 Cabinetry

REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT Appliance Repair

502

515

Elegant Woodworking

Servicing all Major Appliances. •Hot water tank

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

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

elegant-woodworking.com

TONY'S APPLIANCE SERVICE

(248)363-3804

a H g o me ? n i y u B 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

4075 Echo Drive West Bloomfield

NOVEMBER 2-8, 2011

CE ER MM CO

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OR RB HA O EG KE

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211079746 - $259,900

211100643 - $169,000

211096149 - $289,000

211070398 - $68,000

211092231 - $41,000

211104416 - $449,900

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

GREAT NEIGHBORHOOD 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, fireplace, vaulted ceilings, finished basement

STATELY COLONIAL!! 4 bedrooms,m 3.1 baths, gorgeous maple kitchen with island finished lower level with bathroom

UP NORTH LIVING 1.45 ACRES 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, oak cabinets, newer roof, 3 car detached garage

FIRST FLOOR CONDO 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, new hardwood floors, lake privileges

PRIVATE, CUL-DE-SAC, WOODS 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, spacious, 2-way fireplace, large master suite, walkout basement

LLY

RD FO TER A W

CE ER MM CO

LD FIE OM LO B W.

L ITE WH

P. TW LD FIE M O BLO

E AK

211108317 - $124,900

211104716 - $389,000

211108753 - $168,900

211101373 - $250,000

211056180 - $124,900

211068047 - $189,900

GROUND LEVEL UNIT 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, large kitchen and master suite. Private wooded views.

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

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

PEACEFUL WOODED SETTING 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, stone fireplace, all-season sun porch

GORGEOUS SETTING 2.2 ACRES 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, family room with fireplace, master 2 closets, barn/shed

FAIRWAY ESTATES STUNNING 2 bedrooms, 3 bath, granite, new carpet, tile overlooking 16th hole

RD FO TER WA

211091695 - $185,500

211106614 - $73,500

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

NICE UPDATED RANCH 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, new kitchen flooring, living room, bay window, corner lot, fenced yard

K OA YAL O R

211103967 - $154,500

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

C O AT S

RD FO TER WA

FOR THE COLD

Please drop off COATS Nov 1st thru 30th

VI NO

8430 Richardson • Commerce

BRICK RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, large lot, central air E AK

248.363.8300 L ITE WH

E AK

L ITE WH

E AK

RD FO TER WA

211095071 - $245,000

211105361 - $80,000

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

CANAL FRONTAGE ON CRESCENT LAKE 2 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, solid stone home, 2 garages, large living room, jetted tub

RD FO MIL

Real Estate One

211053983 - $87,000

L ITE WH

LD FIE OM O L B W.

LD FIE ING R P S

211092618 - $234,900

211091693 - $289,000

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

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

ND LA RT HA

N TO IGH BR

211078139 - $74,800

211091929 - $795,000

211097738 - $145,000

211097483 - $140,000

211101276 - $250,000

211072484 - $50,000

WELL MAINTAINED RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, .80 acre double lot, fireplace, 2 car garage

WHITE LAKE FRONT 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, totally remodeled, finished walkout

LOVELY RANCH HOME 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, gourmet kitchen, impressive fireplace

CHARMING CAPE COD 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, 1.5 acres, finished basement, wrap around deck

IMPECCABLY MAINTAINED HOME 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, great room, island kitchen, finished walkout basement

UPPER UNIT CONDO 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, balcony, basement, 1 car garage

CE ER MM CO

M XO WI

RD FO OX

D IEL MF LOO B W.

VI NO

ALE ND FER

211078342 - $199,900

211106237 - $149,900

211104235 - $110,000

211099179 - $233,000

211074688 - $110,000

211108984 - $165,000

LAKE SHERWOOD CANAL FRONT 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, open floor plan, sun room, newer windows, carpet

LOTS OF UPGRADES 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, hardwood floors, premium carpet, full basement, den with bay window

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

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

CLASSIC TUDOR 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, new windows, hardwood floors, third floor, finished attic

Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour

Lakes Area (248) 363-8300

PAGE 56

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Visit us at 560 N. Milford Rd., Milford S AT E UPD

ES CR 13 A

VI PRI LAKE

$1,500,000 ON PRIVATE DOWNEY LAKE! •5,552 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 4.1 baths, basement, 5 car garage •13 beautiful acres •Mahogany kitchen •Generator, elevator •211088932

A 1/4

S CRE

LOT

IER PREM

NDO E CO

ES CR

IMMACULATE SPRAWLING RANCH! •2,218 sq. ft., 6 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Open floor plan with cathedral ceilings •Granite counters •1.57 private acres •211106307

$144,900 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

AL CAN AKE L K DUC

$125,000

LOT

$350,000

E HOM

$249,900

$129,900

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

BAY ET QUI

$79,000

$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 •211028656

CE PL A FIRE

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

$149,900 COUNTRY RANCH •1,300 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Open floor plan •Living room with vaulted ceilings •Island kitchen •Walkout basement •211070599

C ORI HIST

MOVE IN READY! •1,700 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Colonial on large lot •Open kitchen and eating area •All appliances stay •211076905

$239,900

RO ERF WAT

DUCK LAKE CANAL FRONTAGE! •856 sq. ft., 2 bedrooms, 1 bath •Spacious great room with cathedral beamed ceilings •Gas fireplace •Gorgeous maple kitchen •211091508

$90,000

BAY IET QU

ON LOWER PETTIBONE LAKE! •1,492 sq. ft., 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •New kitchen w/cherry & granite •Master bath with dual shower head •1st flr laundry •211077057

$159,999 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

UT L KO WA

PREMIUM CONDO LIVING! •1,370 sq. ft., 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, 1 car attached garage •Private patio •Open floor plan •Maple kitchen •Lots of storage •211086327

GE LAR

N CHE KIT W NE

S IEW

O COND

$249,995

$267,900

EV LAK

IUM PREM

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

A 1.57

BRIGHTON’S PREMIERE CONDOS! •2,260 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Large eat in kitchen with oak cabinets •1st floor laundry •Master bedroom with private bath •211106651

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

$239,900

$229,900

CE PLA FIRE

$132,000

$27,000 LAKEFRONT CO-OP CONDO LIVING! •780 sq. ft., 1 bedroom, 1 bath, basement •Kitchen and bath updated •Large sunroom •211083873

S RE 2 AC

BEAUTIFUL HOME ON 1/4 ACRE! •2,566 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Island kitchen opens to family room with cathedral ceiling •Finished basement w/wet bar •211091132

S LEGE

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

TO M CUS

$169,000 BEST DEAL IN CITY! •2,200 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, basement •2 car attached garage •Huge great room with natural fireplace •Huge master bed with 2 closets •211111307

Serving Milford & Surrounding Areas - 248.684.1065

BUILT

$749,999 SPECTACULAR CUSTOM BUILT! •3,300 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 5.1 baths, basement, 3 car attached garage •Gourmet Brazilian cherry kitchen, granite countertop •211022713 ©Real Estate One, Inc., 2011

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PAGE 57

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

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – BEAUTIFUL UPDATED UNION LAKEFRONT HOME 211080415 $690,000 248-851-4100

– COMMERCE – LARGE 5 BEDROOM BRICK RANCH ON ALMOST 4 ACRES! 211026468 $589,900 248-851-4100

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – THIS HOME IS EVERYTHING YOU COULD HOPE FOR 211058336 $575,000 248-851-4100

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

– COMMERCE – COMPLETELY UPDATED HOME ON COMMERCE LAKE! 211098509 $435,000 248-851-4100

– COMMERCE – ALL-SPORTS COMMERCE LAKE CANALFRONT 211104379 $430,000 248-851-4100

– WATERFORD – MASTER SUITE FACING ALL-SPORT LAKE AND DOCK! 211090119 $400,000 248-851-4100

– COMMERCE – BEAUTIFUL 4 BEDROOM, 2.2 BATH IN BIRKDALE POINTE 29126774 $381,000 248-851-4100

– COMMERCE – GREAT LANDSCAPING ON LARGE CORNER LOT! 211092290 $369,000 248-851-4100

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – SPRAWLING RANCH HOME ON ALMOST 1/2 ACRE 211110396 $330,000 248-851-4100

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

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – ENJOY THE SPACE & SOLITUDE OF CROSS LAKE 211068717 $285,000 248-851-4100

– NOVI – GRAND COLONIAL WITH FINISHED BASEMENT AND GRANITE KITCHEN 211085411 $234,999 248-851-4100

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – BEACH PRIVILEGES, FIN. BASEMENT, STONE FRONT AND NEW ROOF 211067596 $219,000 248-851-4100

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

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – A BEAUTIFUL 4 BEDROOM, 2.5 BATH COLONIAL! 211090478 $179,900 248-851-4100

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

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – DETACHED 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH CONDO IN GATE COMMUNITY 211021641 $141,900 248-851-4100

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – GREAT LOCATION FOR THIS 2 BEDROOM, 2 BATH RANCH CONDO0 211035295 $94,900 248-851-4100

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – OPEN AND BRIGHT WITH CANALFRONT TO WALNUT LAKE 211083312 $425,000 248-851-4100

– NOVI – LUXURY RESORT STYLE LIVING IN ISLAND LAKE 211112188 $269,900 248-851-4100

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – ELEGANT CONDO WITH LAKE VIEWS AND FINISHED WALKOUT 211084837 $215,000 248-851-4100

– WEST BLOOMFIELD – DETACHED BRICK CONDO WITH CLUBHOUSE AND POOL! 211087211 $154,000 248-851-4100

– BLOOMFIELD – ON ALL-SPORTS UPPER LONG LAKE WITH1.4 ACRES 211095246 $1,299,900 248-851-4100

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

NOVEMBER 2-8, 2011

PAGE 58

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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 Carpentry

516

Electricians

528

YAM CONTRACTING

MASTER ELECTRICIAN

•Carpentry •Deck Repair •Int. & Ext. Painting •Custom Woodwork •Powerwashing •To Do Lists •Unfinished Projects

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

(248)709-6631 anthyam@att.net Cement/Concrete

517

C & G CEMENT 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 MARCUCCI CONCRETE As Seen on ABC TV "Extreme Home Makeovers" Satisfying Customers for Over 30 Years •DRIVEWAY •PORCHES •FOUNDATIONS •BRICK •BLOCK •STAMPED/ COLORED Lic/Ins Visa/ MC Wixom

248-486-5900

Doors

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 CERTIFIED OVERHEAD DOOR SERVICE •Garage Doors •Repaired/ Services •New Doors/ Openers •Installed at Factory Pricing •Emergency Service Available

248-624-3161

(248)683-7985 Excavating

529

Handy Person

545

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)891-7072

Heating/Duct Work 546 HURON VALLEY HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING •Repair •Replace •Inspections •Humidifiers •Water Heaters •Night service available

(248)887-3666 Home Improvement 547

J.J.M BACKHOE SERVICE LLC

Licensed and Insured

Backhoe service & landscaping. 38 Years Experience. Small or Large Jobs. Fully insured. Free estimates.

TOTAL HOME SERVICE

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

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

248-682-1393 248-802-6554

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

248-624-4473 Flooring

536

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

(248)684-5983

"The job your husband will do tomorrow." (248)887-2366 QUALITY HOME REPAIR •Carpentery & Painting •Plumbing •Kitchen & Bath remodelingCounter tops, Cabinets •Home Improvements

248-820-1286 Licensed & Insured

Heating/Duct Work 546 Handy Person

545

D&S HOME REPAIRS REMODELING

THOMASON HEATING & COOLING

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

• Furnaces • Boilers • Air Cleaners •Air Conditioners •Humidifiers Service & Replacements

248-684-4175 810-714-3058

248-363-1615

FREE ESTIMATES ON INSTALLATION

SHERMAN BLDG CO.

Michigan Toolbox Remodeling/ Finish bathrooms, kitchens, basements. All your interior/ exterior home improvements need. 30 years experiences fully insured

248-987-6512 Home Inspection

548

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

248-881-3478 Lawn/Garden Services

Lawn/Garden Services

Roofing 553

A R T Outdoor Services, LLC Fall Clean-ups • Snow Plowing • Landscaping • Lawn Service • Gutter Cleaning • Insured Residential & Commercial www.artoutdoorservices.com

(248)625-5719

GRASS GROOMERS INC Your Outdoor Maintenance Company Residential/ Commercial CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FALL CLEAN UP Insured/ free estimates 248-926-9993

Painting/ Decorating

562

FARR'S PAINTING Exterior & Interior Wood Repairs • Caulking Staining • Wallpaper Removal Drywall repairs • Water repairs Free Power Washing w/paint. farrshomeimprovements.com

(248) 477-7764 (248) 345-3308 VS PAINTING FALL SPECIAL

LADY LIBERTY ENTERPRISES Land Dec-

•Siding •Gutters & Leaf Guards •Soffits & Trimwork •Decks •Windows We accept Credit cards

Doug Dible 248-431-6243

ROOF LEAKS & WATER DAMAGE REPAIRS MAHER RESTORATION www.goMaher.com "Maher Makes It Happen"

248-926-6631 PRICE IS RIGHT ROOFING •Repairs •Re-Roofs •Chimney Repair •Metal Work •Flat Roofs •Complete Roof Packages. •Siding •Gutters

FREE Estimates 30 Years Experience

248-459-7894 ROOF REPAIRS Missing shingles replaced, Chimney flashing resealed, Leaks stopped, Vent stack flashing replaced, Complete roof inspection service, Guaranteed work. 30 yrs exp.

Siding

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.

Plumbing

D&D ROOFING

Call Doug Miller 248-360-0344

248-894-3239 553

571

567

Premier Plumbing Licensed & Insured Complete Plumbing Service

orating & Maintenance, LLC. Flower bed weeding, Mulching, Brick Pavers/Repairs, Boulder Walls, Lawn Maintenance, Fall Clean-ups, Tree & Shrub Pruning. Insured.

New Construction & Remodel Commercial & Residential

248-634-7041

248-363-5864

577

I.D.C.

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

Bob: 248-363-0589 idchomeservice.com

Snow Removal

579

SJ Maintenance Commerical Residental

Snow removal Fully insuured

Fall cleanup Gutter clean outs.

248-634-0878

Tile

585

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

John Miller (248)505-8865

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

jmtileandmarble.com

Trash/Debris Removal

Welding

Light Steel And Aluminum Welding Fabricating

586

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

Call anytime for estimates & great service

248-887-4892 Tree Service

587

LOUIE'S TREE SERVICE Tree Removal •Stump Grinding Firewood • Free Estimates 20 Yrs. Exp. • Fully Insured "Will Beat All Competitors" Residential • Commercial

602

248-931-0911 Wells

603

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

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

Emergency Service

KODIAK TREE SERVICE

248-

25 years experience •Tree trimming •Tree & stump removal •70ft bucket lift •Free estimates •Insured

7 days a week

363-6464

aquawells.com All credit cards accepted

BOB WYCKOFF

248-921-9097

WELL DRILLING

MAXON'S TREE SERVICE

"If you have questions, we have answers!"

•Trimming •Tree Removal •Stump Grinding •Lot Clearing •Firewood & Woodchips "We now have wood fencing & deliver sand, gravel, top soil."

Licensed & Insured Free Estimates

(248)887-2190

•PUMPS •TANKS • WELL REPAIR

(248)310-0917

Emergency Service EASY PAYMENT PLANS No Credit Check Visa & MasterCard

“Thanks fo r rem Frank W embering us.” . U.S. Na Gaca, White Lake vy WWII Subma rine Ve teran

“My name is for nine ye Paul Trusty from W o ars. I serv ed during lverine Lake, Mi. I Desert Sto serv th rm families. M . May God watch e Invasion of Grena ed in the Army da over our ay he brin C o g mrades-in and Operation them back Paul Tr -Arms an usty, W sa fe ly .” d their olverin Army e Lake Grena da Inva sion an d Ope ration Desert “Proud Storm to be a support n A merican ...” to d a y David and alw ays! Th Army A. Shady, ank yo Comm u for y Viet N our erce am Twp.

SALES HOURS; MON. & THURS. 8:30 - 9:00 TUES., WED., FRI. 8:30 - 6:00 SAT.: 10:00 - 3:00

www.morrismotorsmi.com

248-624-4500

there were more of this you do for the veterans. I wish nk you and keep up “This is a wonderful thing Tha t, present and future troops. women of the kind of gratitude for the pas munity and the men and com the ting por sup of the great job services.” er of Timothy B. Fenn Diane Fenner, wife ip sh wn Commerce To U.S. Marines Vietnam “Thank you for your gen ICA!! erous offer of a free oil GOD BLESS AMER change for veterans. My name is Larry Caplin and I live in West Bloomfield. I was with the U.S. Naval Support Activity and spe nt a year at Camp Tie n Sha in Danang, Sou Vietnam., 1968-1970. Ou th r group supported the Ma rines and Army who wer in the field. During this e conflict, we lost over 55, 000 men and women wh gave their lives in suppor o t of our country. A terrible loss of young American life“ LAND LAND OF OF THE THE FREE, FREE, Larry Caplin BECAUSE BECAUSE OF OF THE THE BRAVE BRAVE

“Thank you for honori ng them. Mr. and Mrs. John P. Ha rris” Major Eric Harri s, Stafford, VA U.S. Marines, HM X Washington D.C. Helicopter Pilot

Tommy L. Bushre, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force, Vietnam Anthony M. Thiel, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marines, Iraq Lloyd Miller, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Iraq Duane A. McGeachy, Walled Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Korea Leo Camardese, Walled Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, WWII Gregory Nelson, Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Vietnam Michael G. Farrell, Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Vietnam Louise Wyman, Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Vietnam Dan Faber, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force Carl Tessier, Novi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Military Service Ronald W. Proulx, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Peace Time Kirk Cooke, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Vietnam Casper B. Hughes, Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, WWII Frederick J. Laskos, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marines, Vietnam Donald Miller, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force, WWII Eric Rogers, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force Reynolds F. Cattaneo, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, 255th Inf. Reg. Richard E. Kohler, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Korea Harry Martin, Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marine Corps, Vietnam Fred Belcher, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Gulf War Kerry Hartley, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marines, Vietnam Thomas Johnston, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army Anthony M. Thiel, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marines, Iraq Paul D. Smith, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force, Vietnam Wayne Herning, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Medical Corps, Korean War Paul J. Kirkwood, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army Corrie Cannon, Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force Dale Lawson, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marines John P. Luusua, Walled Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army Mike Roy, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marine Corps Bruce Kurth, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, SeaBee Thomas P. Morris, Flat Rock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marine Corps Robert Espeland, Milford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy Thomas F. Jakubiec, Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force, Korea Herb Heavner, Milford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, U.S. Air Force Kandy Guest, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy Roy Bergeson, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy James Lowe, Wixom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army Russell Kubeck, Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force Ronald Hall, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .173rd Airborne Army David A. Shady, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Vietnam, 2 Purple Hearts Bob Zang, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, WWII, Korean War www.spinalcolumnonline.com

2199 Haggerty Road @ Pontiac Trail Walled Lake

d been wounded an who have served, e se erc tho g mm rin Co no in e ho triotism in wife and I liv ur support and pa d its people. My boot camp, I er aft y tel “Thank you for yo e sacrifice for this great nation an dia me was em World War II. Im is first campaign even paid the supr the Marine Corps in 1945 during pational Forces. Th r. After serving 12 cu in Oc ted tes lis Sta en I d ite ip. Townsh rt of the Un d Vietnam Wa Tao, China, as pa the Korean War an oned a permanent Warrant was sent to Tsing ssi r. I served during ee mi car com ar s wa -ye I 21 , a nk in Michigan. the beginning of every enlisted ra in Naval Air Station d ve Ille ser se I os e Gr tim at d ich ne wh tio tance Officer g sis sta rin s As du y wa s, year s of my careers, I s, I was the Casualt ar tie ye du ee er thr battlefield t oth las the e my Officer. Th Along with War. Only on ficult assignment. killed or wounded in the Vietnam helming erw ov d an rs tea It was my most dif re we r, followed by the more! ro who’s loved ones no ter s d od ilie an ‘G f fam y, lie se da be tho un to bat. I prayed every ty in the United horrified look of com me in sa n t so tha r d he t fin do you she has los my last tour of du when you tell her tinued. That was daughter would grief of a mother week!’ But it con xt ty years later my ne for or me w so ro t or tha tom e liz on t her son, my rea er I tha oth r did an he t tle l No Lit I retired in 1966. o her home to tel y! I’ve never written s. int rp p Co ste e rin uld Ma wo States officers more I could sa and two Marine There is so much opportunity to answer the door was killed in Iraq. n nkful I am for the on for their so tha ter w Pe ho n sti th Ju wi w ds no an ish gr fin my d I’ll grandson, Capt. ry. of my daughter an in this great nation.” but that’s my sto mely proud I am tre om this down before ex ed w fre r ho d ou an ng y countr perpetuati faithfully serve my fend us from evil, d protect us and de omplishe eternal sacrifice to they acc untry.” r th or fo dw s, oo n W co Don vetera uch for their nt Officer d m ering all Chief Warra Milfor Rememb ave sacrificed so t. “ Re , ps or C ridge, h r d e n S a ” ch U.S. Marine nk mu J. “Fra . Francis my Air Corp r A . .S . U - E.T.O WWII

Jack Rae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Odell Ratliff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Raymond Ziol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Richard Staron . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Charles Lovell . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Kimberley Price . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Robert Carriveau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Army Ronald Case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Air Force Casper B. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Air Force Eric Rogers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Air Force Roger Schmittling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Air Force Steven Ulivi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Air Force Raymond Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Navy Mac Bonds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Navy Arthur Pearson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Navy Tom Plotinski . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Navy Bob Triplett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Navy Donald Williams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Navy Edward Stockman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Navy Keith Hudson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Marine Corps Fred Bochheek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Marine Corps Robert Erdmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . U.S. Coast Guard James Simaner Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army Air Corp Bill Williams, Wolverine Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Vietnam Anthony Thiel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Marines, Iraq - 2 tours Kyle Thiel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army Airborne, Iraq John P. Luusua, Walled Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Vietnam Charles J. Gribbon, Jr., White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army William Green, Wixom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army Micheal G. Farrell, Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Vietnam William Higgins, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, WWII Jack Rae, Wixom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Korea/Vietnam John F. Bowers, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, WWII/Korean War Conflict Donald Lamb, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Army, Korean War Conflict Eric Rogers, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force Edmund J. Kurzawa, West Bloomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force Michael A. Cole, Milford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force, Vietnam Scott Hungerford, Waterford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force, Gulf War Wilbur V. Huber, Milford . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force Henry Rowinski, White Lake . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Air Force Isadore B. Averbuch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, WWII Bruce Kurth, Commerce Township . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .U.S. Navy, Vietnam NOVEMBER 2-8, 2011 PAGE 59

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