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WEST OAKLAND’S NEWSWEEKLY www.spinalcolumnonline.com

11/23/11

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TEENAGERS’ HEROISM Trio of Milford students credited with saving life of missing woman - pg. 3

BREAKING THE LAW? Questions arise over treasurer’s dual role as cemetery sexton - pg. 3

TRIPLETS TO BENEFIT Helping newborns the focus of fund-raiser in White Lake - pg. 7

pg. 8 Santa Claus and Supervisor Carl Solden do a grip and grin at Waterford’s tree lighting ceremony. (Photo submitted by Lori Soma)

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That’s what HE said: "These were more of a revenue enhancer than changing driver behavior and people are fined twice for the same offense. It's not good public policy." — State Sen. David Robertson (RWaterford) commenting on the state Legislature's repeal, effective Oct. 1, 2012, of several of Michigan's so-called driver responsibility fees that were enacted into law in 2003.

Students locate, comfort missing elderly woman By Angela Niemi staff writer

A trio of Huron Valley Milford High School students were in the right place at the right time on the afternoon of Tuesday, Nov. 15, when they helped rescue an elderly Highland Township woman who had wondered away from home and fell into a ditch. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Department employed both a K-9 Unit and its Aviation Unit to help search for the woman who was reported missing on Nov. 15, and was found just hours after being reported missing. Ultimately, it was the students who located 81-year-old Highland resident Patricia Lee Zebda, who had last been seen sleeping at a residence on Allen Road by her daughter at around 3:30 a.m. before the daughter left for work. When a caregiver arrived at the residence around noon, Zebda, who suffers from Alzheimer’s disease, was nowhere to be found. Zebda was reported missing and sheriff’s department personnel began their search of the area.

Legality of Brendel holding treasurer, sexton jobs raised By Angela Niemi

INSIDE Special Report . . . . . . . . .8-9 County . . . . . . . . . . . .36-37 Public Safety . . . . . . . . . . .25 Environment . . . . . . . .34-35 State . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38-39 Lakes Area News . . . . . .7-17 Editorials . . . . . . . . . . . . .41 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . .18 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . .44-46

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staff writer

The White Lake Township Board of Trustees voted 4-2 last week to reject a proposed motion requesting a legal opinion from the Michigan Townships Association (MTA) on Treasurer Forrest J. Brendel simultaneously holding the township treasurer and cemetery sexton positions, but Brendel has asked the state Attorney General’s Office to weigh in on the issue. Trustees David Lewsley and Todd Birkle, Clerk Terry Lilley, and Brendel voted against seeking an MTA opinion during the township board’s Tuesday, Nov. 15 meeting, while Supervisor Greg Baroni and Trustee Carol Burkard were in favor of seeking an opinion from the

Huron Valley Milford High School students (from left to right) Michael Millsap, Kayla Hughes, and Derrick Newman are credited with locating and comforting a missing Highland Township woman who wandered away from home last week and fell into a ditch. The students pulled the woman from the ditch, wrapped her in a blanket and called police. (Photo submitted by Huron Valley Schools)

Students Derrick Newman and Kayla Hughes, who were unaware that authorities were looking for the missing woman, were walking in backyards on their way to friend Michael Millsap’s home after classes when they discovered Zebda lying face down in a ditch in front of the Highland Greens

Estates mobile home park. The trio reportedly heard Zebda moaning and saying “Help me.” Hughes phoned the police for help and ran to Millsap’s home for assistance, according to a Huron Valley Schools press release. The three

association. Trustee Mike Powell was absent from the board meeting. It’s been argued that Brendel’s holding of the two positions at the same time may represent a conflict of interest. Brendel denies that any conflict exists. A sexton is the municipal position that maintains and manages public cemeteries, including retention of various documentation and Brendel marketing of available cemetery plots. Although the township board majority voted against asking the MTA for a legal opinion, Baroni said township officials are now waiting for a legal opinion from the Michigan Attorney General’s Office.

“I asked for a legal opinion (from the Attorney General) to address the issue, and I will do whatever the legal opinion says to do,” said Brendel, who has been the township’s cemetery sexton for over 25 years. “I don’t have a problem with that, but I don’t believe in following hearsay. The MTA has given a generic opinion. They haven’t really given an identified opinion that I can’t do both. The sexton doesn’t get paid; it’s a volunteer job. The only thing I get paid for is the opening and closing of graves,” Brendel said, referring to his private business being used to open and close graves in the township’s cemeteries. Brendel took over the treasurer position last September through a township board appointment following the resignation of Beverly Spoor. Before his appointment he had served as a township trustee for about 13 years. ❏

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ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WEST

OAKLAND’S

PUBLISHER / PRESIDENT: Susan Fancy BUSINESS MANAGER: Dennis Boggs EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Carol Barr EDITOR: Tim Dmoch

Birch earns leadership post

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Staff Writers: Angela Niemi, Leslie Shepard, Michael Shelton Contributing Writers: Mike Scott, Mark Stowers Staff Photographer: Amy K. Lockard ADVERTISING SALES: Account Representatives: Cindie Audia, Denise Engelberts, Debra Grubb Linda Stickney, Laurie Wasker Sales Assistant/Proofing: Karen Whikehart PHONE SALES MANAGER: Lori Snyder Account Representatives: Rhonda Libkuman, Cindy Stawick, Leslie Timko GRAPHICS: Denise Jungjohan, Marcia Reimer, Stacie Sabady IT MANAGER: Joel Stickney CIRCULATION: Dan Griffin ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE MANAGER: Carolyn Petherbridge Assistant: Mable McCullough PRESS RELEASES: Deadline 10 a.m. Thursday. Mail to P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387-0014. Fax 248.360.1220 or bring to office. After-hours drop box. NEWS TIPS: Post at our website MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS: 52 issues - $45 per year.

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Waterford treasurer tapped as director of state association

he more Margaret Birch undertakes, the more she thrives. Not only does she assume a demanding job as treasurer for Waterford Township, the largest township in Oakland County, but she is a member of the Waterford Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, a member of the International Association of Public Treasurers of the U.S. and Canada, a board member for the Oakland County Treasurers Association, and serves on several internal boards within Waterford Township. Her astute decision-making and tireless involvement in municipal government has earned her the title of director for the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association, as voted by her peers throughout the state. Tell us about your tenure as treasurer in Waterford Township and how long have you have been in the field? MB: I was actually elected in 2006 — I finished out the term of a former treasurer. I was re-elected in 2008. My prior experience that prepared me for being the treasurer — I was on the Oakland County Pension Board for approximately 12 years and also served on the Waterford general pension board for eight years. I was also in the banking industry and worked in the Oakland County Treasurer’s office. As the new director of the Michigan Municipal Treasurers Association, what the association does, and what will your role be? MB: The association is an educational association. The MMTA’s mission is to provide membership with tools to meet the diversified challenges facing us by the education, the services, and continued development and ethical standards. By being a member you have access to the 800+ members across the state via listservs that pose daily questions and give answers. You get a quarterly newsletter, employment postings, education, and also awards and certifications. The treasurers association, and all the treasurer associations, because I’m actually a board member on the Oakland County Treasurers Association, as well as the national association — it’s such a camaraderie. All of us realize the importance of having well-educated treasurers. Why are these memberships important to municipalities? MB: Being a member of the MMTA, we are probably the largest membership for the national association and by my

being on the national association, (they call it an international association because it includes Canada), we are privy to so much education that we can use in our association. I’m hoping we can collaborate with the national association to utilize their tools to help us with education and with issues and concerns in our municipalities. You are head of payroll and benefits for the township and sit on the retiree health board. Share with us why you established a trust for municipal employees’ retirement healthcare? MB: I came from the county and the county is probably the leader in establishing a retirement health care board.

•

NE MINUTE

INTERVIEW

When I came here there wasn’t an independent trust for healthcare. I wanted to ensure that those funds were only used for post retirement healthcare so I established the trust. That way those funds can only be used for that. As a member of the township Defined Contribution System Board, it was decided that all new hires now are under a defined contribution benefit system, except police and fire personnel. Please state why those employees are exempt and why the switch? MB: We went to the switch to the defined contribution, which was actually before I came here in 2005, because of the legacy costs. Defined benefits and defined contribution is different because the township puts in a certain portion (under a defined contribution system), but it’s not a pension. Our

police and fire are still unionized. The general employees are not, except some Teamsters, but all our general employees — new ones are hired under the defined contribution because of the (lower) costs. It’s such a high cost. I know everyone is aware of the unfunded liability of a lot of pension plans. Waterford pension plans are generally really in good status. It’s 80 some percent funded. Police and fire is over 70 percent funded, which is still good because our police officers and firefighters retire at an earlier age. Why do you serve on so many boards and associations, and what do you find the most rewarding? MB: For different reasons. I serve on the Oakland County Treasurer’s Association Board because that’s all my peers in Oakland County. We have 61 municipalities in Oakland County and we get together and have a lot of the same concerns because a lot of our stuff is handled the same. Being on the state association brings you aware of smaller and larger communities, but we still all have a common goal. Even though some individuals may have a smaller piece of the pie than we have, because we have more population here, we still have all the same issues and the education. It’s a great learning process. I have treasurers who call me from, let’s say, East Tawas to ask me a question, or someone from Independence Township. I think there’s such a camaraderie and educational experience to be had with us all being together like that. There’s over 800 members in the state association. Is there a need for changes in state law to either forbid or authorize certain investment vehicles in order for municipalities to reap a better return on the investment of public funds in this economic climate? MB: No, I don’t think so because public funds are governed under Public Act 20 and we can’t invest in anything that will give us less than what we put in. So say if we invest $1, our return has to be $1 or higher. It’s different than the Public Act 314 or 345, which governs general pensions or police/fire pensions. There you can invest in equity income and get a lot more latitude, but the market constantly goes up and down so you could lose money. We’re not allowed to do that with Act 20. ❏

By Leslie Shepard

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

NOVEMBER 23-29, 2011

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Orchard Lake OKs Student heroes removal of trees ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 3 at country club teenagers then carried Zebda out of By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The Orchard Lake City Council mulled a significant infrastructure restoration proposal for the Orchard Lake Country Club grounds at its Monday, Nov. 21 meeting, but only approved a portion of the proposal. The private club appealed to the city’s governing body for relief from the woodlands ordinance so it could cut down numerous trees, including landmark trees, which specifically violates the ordinance provisions. The proposal includes selectively removing 145 dead or diseased trees, 16 landmark trees more than 24 inches in diameter, and 96 smaller nonlandmark trees. Removing the trees is deemed necessary due to overgrowth and encroachment on larger trees, exposed root systems, and the impact of the trees on playable areas of the golf course. The council voted to approve the removal of the dead or diseased trees, as well as the 96 non-landmark trees, without requiring replacements, but denied the request for removing the landmark trees in a 3-2 vote. Councilwoman Ann Hartzell recused herself since she is a member of the club, and Councilman Mark Hoffman was absent. “In the past we had cases, maybe one or two a year, that typically questioned a single tree, and this was treated in bulk,” said Mayor Bruce McIntyre. “It’s harder when you’re talking about removing 16 (landmark) trees.” “We were pleased with the part that council approved,” said former city councilman and Orchard Lake Country Club member Dave Boerger, who presented the proposal. “They realized the environmental impact on those dead and dying and those healthy (trees) that are encroaching on the course.” Club representatives will return before the council next month to specifically address the remaining targeted trees. “We’re hoping for a compromise with the city,” Boerger said. The Orchard Lake Country Club currently has over 7,000 trees on the 160-acre course — roughly 50 trees per acre. The woodlands ordinance states that a minimum density of 35 trees per acre must be maintained. “Overall, that’s not a big impact to the club grounds,” Boerger said.

the ditch and comforted her with a blanket until deputies arrived. Zebda’s daughter was grateful and thanked the students for saving her mother’s life, according to the school district release. “It’s so impressive to have students who will go out of their way to help others,” said Milford High School Principal Kevin McKenna. “It’s an example of the strength of our community and the hard work our parents and staff do everyday.” Zebda was treated at the scene by the Highland Township Fire Department personnel and was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. ❏ Staff writer Leslie Shepard contributed to this report.

“There will be a new variety of grasses we think will net a positive gain. While tree removal is getting the attention, there will be natural filtering and retention, and a new variety of grasses that take no or half the water.” Keith Foster, who creates environmentally sustainable golf course designs, developed the plans. Should the project move forward, the golf course will require significantly less water, energy and chemical treatments, its proponents say. “The positives outweigh the negatives,” Boerger said. “As a citizen, knowing that water usage from lakes and noise from mowing machines will be dramatically reduced are positives.” The proposal also calls for recontouring the greens and bunkers to mitigate flooding during heavy rains. Two other changes include making refinements to the irrigation system to provide targeted watering in specific areas — rather than across the entire golf course — to enhance natural water absorption and mitigate runoff; and relocating the bulk storage area as a means of controlling flooding and erosion during heavy rainfall. Tree removal would begin this winter, while the remaining work would take place in August. Due to the recurring issue of residents approaching the council with proposals to remove landmark trees on private property, Councilman Joe Majcher may begin digging into the woodlands ordinance to see if it warrants revision. ❏

crowded Huron Valley Schools election on Nov. 8 as Bonnie Brown and Jeffery Long earned seats on the school board. He has been working in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District in its food service department for 29 years. Milford Township trustees earn $150 per meeting and serve four-year terms. ❏

Highland Township resident Patricia Lee Zebda, 81, was transported to a local hospital for evaluation Tuesday, Nov. 15, after wandering away from home and falling into a ditch in front of the Highland Greens Estates mobile home park. (Photo submitted by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department)

Lawrence will seek Milford board seat in ‘12 By Michael Shelton staff writer

After falling short in a bid for a seat on the Huron Valley Schools Board of Education earlier this month, Milford Township resident Kevin Lawrence is now setting his sights on a different elected post. Lawrence, 46, said he is getting ready to toss his hat in the ring for a trustee seat on the Milford Township Board of Trustees in 2012. He said he feels that while the township has grown by leaps and bounds, it has lost touch with what it once was. “I’ve lived in Milford for 46 years and I was born and raised here,” he said. “We used to have a hardware store and a pharmacy downtown, but now it’s mostly just restaurants. We used to have a tractor show, but it has been pushed farther away from town and now we have a car show downtown. We have a couple empty restaurants and we should give Milford a touch of class instead of an alcohol license. We’re trying to be too much like Plymouth or Northville.” Lawrence added that if elected, he would work more to reach out to residents, especially senior citizens, and find out what they want from their government. Lawrence recently fell short in the

Sprader’s hosting fund-raiser for newborn triplets By Angela Niemi staff writer

While one baby is a blessing and two babies is double the pleasure, three babies is triple the joy. However, as every parent knows, raising a child — yet alone three — isn’t cheap, which is why Sprader’s on the Lake in White Lake Township is hosting a fund-raiser to benefit the Yeager-Saylor triplets. The triplets were born to Jennifer Yeager-Saylor and Billy Saylor, who live on Oxbow Lake in White Lake Township, 10 weeks early on Oct. 7 at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. One of the triplets, Cooper (2.8 pounds), was showing signs of distress, which resulted in the need for an early delivery. He needed surgery the day after he was born. His sisters, Emily Faith (3.1 pounds) and Margaret Grace (3.5 pounds), remain in the hospital with him at this time. “All the babies are still in the hospital, but we hope to have them home soon,” said grandmother Cheryl Yeager, who has lived on Oxbow Lake for over four decades. In preparation for the triplet’s homecoming, Rob Sprader wanted to do something to help with some of the costs. “Everybody wants to do something to help Jennifer,” said Sprader, who knows Yeager-Saylor from the real estate community in the lakes area through his work with Keller Williams and hers with Christine Atkinson. “We thought this fund-raiser would be a good way to help her and her husband out with the cost of the babies. We just knew what such a nice girl she is and wanted to help her out.” The benefit will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 29 at

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 11

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

f you’ve been hearing festive music filling the air in the lakes area recently, that’s because the holiday season is about to swing into full gear, and local communities are getting in on the action with their annual tree lighting ceremonies. Santa’s sleigh will be replaced by a fire truck in most instances and kids are sure to have a great time at the events coming up next month, which are detailed in the report that follows. Happy holidays, west Oakland County!

SPECIAL REPORT

Santa Claus coming to Highland on Dec. 5 Santa Claus will be making a special trip to Veteran’s Park in Highland Township on Monday, Dec. 5, and he will be arriving in style. Around 7 p.m. Santa and his missus will be greeted with a rendition of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town” as they make their way to the township’s tree lighting ceremony in a car provided by LaFontaine Buick GMC Cadillac. “There will be some elementary (school) students who will be performing and leading the crowd in Christmas caroling,” said Missy Dashevich, the Highland Downtown Development Authority (HDDA) director. “We traditionally sing ‘Santa Claus is Coming to Town.’ Then Santa greets the children and lights the tree with his holiday magic.” The HDDA has been hosting the annual tree lighting for the past several years. “We’ve hosted (the tree lighting) for the past 4 or 5 years, but the Highland tree lighting has been a tradition for many years,” Dashevich said. After the tree lighting, children will have the opportunity to get their picture taken with Santa at the Highland Station House across the street, provided parents bring their own cameras. “It’s very personal, and we always have a good turnout,” Dashevich said. “But it’s not like the mall where you have to wait hours on end to finally tell Santa your Christmas wishes.” The Huron Valley Council for the Arts will be hosting a gallery for adults with items for sale. There will also be a special exhibit, the Festival of Trees Holiday Artist Market, with a variety of artists showcasing their works inside the Highland Station House. Cider and cookies will also be provided. “I just think it’s a wonderful time for families to get together and to experience what the holidays are all about,” Dashevich said. “It’s local. You’re with friends and family in your

Not-so-silent nights

Tree lightings in W. Oakland ring in season

Between 1,000 and 2,000 people are expected at the annual White Lake Township tree lighting ceremony that will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Village Lakes Shopping Center on M-59. The event will include ice sculptures, Christmas caroling, live reindeer, roasted s’mores, a raffle and Christmas trivia prizes, and a variety of kids’ crafts. (Photo submitted by Larry Ostrowski)

hometown. It’s a great time and the DDA loves hosting it.” Highland Township Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski agreed. “It’s an annual event that I always enjoy attending,” she said. “It’s just a fun event. It makes you realize the holidays are upon us.” Veteran’s Park is located next to the Highland Fire Department on Livingston Road. While there will be no parking by the Highland Station House, there will be parking at the nearby Highland Elementary School.

Up to 2,000 expected at White Lake ceremony For the third consecutive year, White Lake Township will be having its annual tree lighting ceremony at the Village Lakes Shopping Center located on M-59 near Elizabeth Lake Road. And this year, the township is expecting an even bigger crowd on Wednesday, Dec. 7 than the 800-plus people who attended last year, according to Steve Martinko, who serves on the township’s Planning Commission and Tree Lighting Committee. “We are expecting between 1,000

and 2,000 people this year,” Martinko said. “Without the cooperation of Village Lakes and the corporate tenants, this event would be impossible to facilitate. Every year we’ve had our attendance double. So we keep adding on activities and sponsorships so that people can enjoy a bright and fun mini-vacation to start the Christmas season.” Among those sponsoring the event are The Root Restaurant and Bar, St. Joseph Mercy Medical, LaFontaine Buick GMC Cadillac, Contender’s Tree and Lawn, the Spinal Column Newsweekly, and JCPenney. Jimmy John’s will be providing sandwiches, while Biggby Coffee will be providing hot chocolate. The event will include ice sculptures, Christmas caroling, live reindeer, roasted s’mores, a raffle and Christmas trivia prizes, and a variety of kids’ crafts. “The Friends of the Library is sponsoring the crafts again, which will be outdoors,” said White Lake Library Director Larry Ostrowski. “So, I’m picking some craft things that kids can do with mittens on.” Because all the activities will be

taking place outdoors, all the tents will be heated. “We’re really hoping the weather cooperates this year,” Ostrowski said. “A couple years ago it rained, and last year it was really cold. We’re hoping the third time is the charm.” While there won’t be a mobile stage on site this year, performances by the Art of Dance, Walled Lake Northern’s jazz club, and Rochester College’s Autumn will take place. Prizes will also be awarded to those winners of the gingerbread house contest and the coloring contest, all of which have to be dropped off at the library for judging by Dec. 5. The event will start at 6 p.m. and will culminate with the arrival of Santa Claus and his wife on a fire truck. Santa will have the honor of lighting the township’s Christmas tree. “It’s always a great event for the community to get together and join in the Christmas tree lighting,” said White Lake Township Supervisor Greg Baroni. “When you see parents and grandparents taking photos of all their excited kids — that excitement in everyone’s faces is really refreshing these days,” Martinko said.

NOVEMBER 23-29, 2011

“Mr. Milford” event still in full swing downtown

1499 E. West Maple. “The tree lighting is a kickoff for the holidays in celebration of all religious beliefs,” said Janell Joyce, the event’s coordinator. The evening will start out with Mayor William Roberts giving a customary welcome, followed by the actual tree lighting. Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus will sweep in on a fire truck and conduct visits with the children in the adjacent fire station bay. “It’s always so much fun and the entertainment gets better every year,” Joyce said. “Last year, we had 37 more kids that visited with Santa compared to the year before.” Light complementary refreshments will be served, including hot chocolate and cookies. Entertainment will be provided by Dance Dynamics and the Twirl-m’s, while a Junior Girl Scouts group will perform holiday carols. Participants are encouraged to bring donations for Hospitality House such as toys, mittens, scarves, games, puzzles and books. Monetary gifts and non-perishable foods are also gladly accepted.

will begin with the Board of Trustees and Waterford Goodfellows welcoming township residents, followed by music played by the Waterford Kettering High School Jazz Band and the Pontiac/Waterford Big Chief Chorus singing carols. Santa and Mrs. Claus will arrive on a fire truck shortly after and will receive the keys to the township from Supervisor Carl Solden. “It’s always great to visit with Santa during this free event,” said Recreation Supervisor Lori Soma. “This is another event to bring the community together and to get into the holiday spirit.” The tree lighting event will begin around 6:30 p.m. Food and beverages, including hot dogs, nachos, pretzels, and hot chocolate, will be available for purchase. Cookie decorating, crafts and visits with Santa will be conducted under a tent. Each family is encouraged to bring a canned good donation for the Waterford Goodfellows.

Waterford decking the halls Dec. 6 with Santa, Goodfellows

For over 20 years the city of Wixom has been holding a tree lighting ceremony for the community. This year the event is planned for Wednesday, Dec. 7 at 6:30 p.m. at the city offices located at 49045 Pontiac Trail. “We started the tree lighting event

In Waterford Township, the 25th annual tree lighting ceremony will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 6 at the township offices located at 5200 Civic Center Drive. The event

Vendors, children’s crafts await Wixom event revelers

Ring-a-ling on Dec. 5 at Walled Lake event The Christmas countdown is about to begin in Walled Lake. Over the last 20 years, the city has maintained its tree lighting tradition every December, with this year’s event taking place on Monday, Dec. 5 from 7 to 9 p.m. in front of the City Hall at

Carolers treat attendees of the 25th annual Waterford Township tree lighting ceremony to a holiday song. This year’s event, which will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 6, will begin with the Waterford Board of Trustees and Waterford Goodfellows welcoming township residents, followed by music played by the Waterford Kettering High School Jazz Band and the Pontiac/Waterford Big Chief Chorus singing carols. (Photo submitted by Lori Soma)

PAGE 9

to recognize the holiday season in the community,” said Parks and Recreation Director Deanna Magee. “It’s another way to get the community together and to welcome in the holidays.” To kick off the festivities, the Walled Lake Western High School band will perform, followed by the Wixom First Baptist Church, which will get the crowd involved in caroling. Mayor Kevin Hinkley will be on hand to make some remarks before Santa Claus and his reindeer ride in. Then the countdown will begin for the tree lighting. There will be a free stocking decoration opportunity for kids. This year, holiday vendors will be lining the municipal complex selling holiday items such as wreaths and candles. Light refreshments will be served free of charge for kids, including juice boxes and cookies, while coffee and hot chocolate will be available for purchase. And while the community rings in the holidays, community organizations are also taking the opportunity to remember those who can’t be home with loved ones this year. The city of Wixom and the Walled Lake Eagles No. 3492 are teaming up for Operation Soldier, which will be collecting items through Thursday, Dec. 1. to send to soldiers serving in Afghanistan. Items on soldier wish lists include toiletries; non-perishable foods; Chapstick; travel games; CDs and DVDs; iTunes and iPhone gift cards; art supplies; calendars; warm blankets; puzzle and word search books; notebooks; flavored water drink packets; and homemade cookies. Unwrapped items can be dropped off at the following locations: • The Wixom Parks and Recreation counter in City Hall, 49045 Pontiac Trail, Mondays through Thursdays from 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. • The Wixom Community Center Lounge, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Mondays through Thursdays, 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. • The Walled Lake Eagles No. 3492, 1721 Glengary Road in Walled Lake, Mondays through Saturdays, noon to 10 p.m. Contact the Parks and Recreation Department with any questions at 248-624-2850. ❏ Staff writers Angela Niemi, Michael Shelton, and Leslie Shepard contributed to this report.

SPECIAL REPORT

The Milford Business Association will host its Christmas Open House in downtown Milford on Thursday, Dec. 1 beginning at 5:45 p.m. and ending at 9 p.m. Festivities will include choir groups from Huron Valley Lakeland and Milford high schools and musicians walking the streets throughout the evening singing holiday songs. The big arrival of Santa Claus will take place at 6 p.m. as he rides in on a fire truck. Santa will then be stationed at the Village Center Mall at 400 N. Main Street from 6 to 9 p.m. for photos. Those who cannot see Santa during the open house are invited to come back on Thursday evenings from 6 to 8 p.m. through Dec. 22, and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. through Dec. 17. The open house will also provide nostalgic carriage rides during the event, with proceeds benefiting Community Sharing, which provides food and other services to needy the area’s families year-round. Patrons are also invited to help Community Sharing by bringing a canned/dry food in exchange for a glow stick that can be waved around outside. According to event coordinator Ron Barnette, the event was started 20 to 25 years ago by the late Tom Motley — the long-time owner/operator of the Arms Brothers Men’s Clothing store on Main Street — more affectionately known as “Mr. Milford.” Barnette said he was the store’s manager for 35 years. “(Motley’s) vision was that it’s a very caring and giving time and the merchants here were looking for something to do,” Barnette said. “You now have people whose parents brought them here as kids who are now taking their own children here. I think it’s a really special thing for kids.” Barnette added that the open house was Motley’s favorite night of the year and that Motley’s wife would come in sometimes to help serve punch. “I loved him like a father,” Barnette said. General village rules will apply during the event.

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Waterford, MI 48328 248-674-1212 lutheranchurch.ofthe.ascension@gmail.com Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m. We welcome Pastor Mary Duerksen CRAFT SHOW & BAKE SALE Dec. 3rd • 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

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NOVEMBER 23-29, 2011

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Fund-raiser ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 7

Sprader’s on the Lake. Guest bartenders will be volunteering/donating their tips, while proceeds from raffles and a 50/50 drawing will also go to help the family. “Please stop by and join in the celebration and great cause for this new family of five,” Cheryl Yeager said. Sprader’s on the Lake is located at 10070 Elizabeth Lake Road in White Lake. ❏

Wixom honored for efforts to help businesses thrive By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The city of Wixom is among seven communities identified as the 2011 top performers at fostering entrepreneurial growth and economic development, following a recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M) Dearborn College of Business. The city was also recognized as a five-star community. City Manager Mike Dornan represented the city and was presented with the award on Wednesday, Nov. 16. This is Wixom’s fourth time earning the award. The city was also honored for entrepreneurial excellence in 2007, 2009 and 2010, following a study of 138 communities by researchers at the U-M Management Center for Innovation Research (iLabs). “Wixom is particularly proud to again be recognized as being exemplary in using a combination of the best governmental practices and business approaches to retain and attract business,” said Wixom Mayor Kevin Hinkley. “This translates into jobs.” Researchers also found that Wixom demonstrates the understanding of small business needs for success by communicating with them and providing connections to broader resources by quickly identifying business and economic trends. Dornan lauded Wixom’s operational culture, which he said is conducive to entrepreneurship and business development. “Wixom’s long-standing reputation as a community that moves quickly to service existing and new business needs tremendously aids us in retaining existing business and recruiting new business,” Dornan said. “This

St. Catherine of Siena Academy in Wixom hosted a ribbon-cutting and open house ceremony Sunday, Nov. 6, to mark the official opening of its permanent facility at 28200 Napier Road. The event drew local officials such as Wixom City Mayor Kevin Hinkley, Ledcor Group construction representatives, community members, and St. Catherine of Siena Academy staff and foundation board members. Dignitaries pictured from left to right include: Ledcor Group representative Chad Bouck; Patrick O’Meara, chairman of the St. Catherine of Siena Foundation Board; Michael Dewan, president and founder of the St. Catherine of Siena Foundation Board; principal Kathy Tarnacki; and St. Catherine of Siena Foundation Board Member Msgr. Charles Kosanke. St. Catherine of Siena Academy is a new, all-girls Catholic high school located in Wixom, featuring a state-of-theart, 137,000-square-foot facility. (Photo submitted by St. Catherine of Siena Academy)

cycle tends to feed on itself. We are a small organization that has thoughtfully evolved into one with the ability to react instantaneously to changing economic and social conditions to satisfy the needs of our residents and businesses.” The U-M study focuses on entrepreneurship because of its importance to expansion and diversification of Michigan’s regional economies and the impact small businesses have on job creation. In addition to performing well in the numerical portions of eCities 2010, Wixom and the other six topperforming communities are recognized for innovative collaborations and programs that aid entrepreneurial growth. In addition to Wixom, Auburn Hills, Rochester Hills, Novi, Grand Rapids and Frankenmuth have been recognized as top-performing communities. ❏

Annual program dinner to benefit Goodfellows By Leslie Shepard staff writer

For over 25 years, Waterford Parks and Recreation has been holding an annual Christmas dinner for seniors. This year the 50+ Program Dinner will be held on Thursday, Dec. 15 at the CAI Building located at 5640 Williams Lake Road. Doors open at noon, but the plated dinner will be served at 12:30 p.m. The dinner is intended to ring in the holidays for seniors and raise money for the Waterford Goodfellows, an equal-opportunity group with the goal of ensuring

that there is “No Child Without a Christmas in Waterford.” The Waterford Goodfellows is a non-profit organization made up of community groups and individuals in Waterford Township such as the Waterford Eagles, The Rotary Club, Optimists, Lions, Jaycees, volunteer firefighters and Parks and Recreation personnel. Reservations for the dinner are required. The deadline is Dec. 9. Tickets are $8 for Golden Age Club members and $13 for non-members. “The program was originally held as a social dinner affair, but now it’s also to help the Waterford Goodfellows, so we’re encouraging people to bring a new toy or book to

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 13

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

is Saturday, December 10, 2011 St. Matthew Lutheran Church 2040 S. Commerce, Walled Lake

YOU CAN HELP LOCAL FAMILIES BY DONATING NEW, UNWRAPPED:

Toys and Gifts for kids 0-18 years of age Hats, Mittens, Gloves and Scarves for all ages Books, Games, Puzzles or Arts and Crafts Kits WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL

WE ALSO NEED: • Wrapping Paper, Bows, Tape If you would like to help please consider volunteering

• Volunteers for set-up Friday, December 9, 6 p.m.

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

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

(This is a great chance for families to volunteer together) • Volunteers (18 and older) for Saturday, Dec. 10, 8:30-6:30

DEADLINE FOR DONATIONS IS DECEMBER 3, 2011 Here is a partial list of drop-off locations - for more information email HHsantashop@gmail.com City of Wixom Offices 49015 Pontiac Trail Citizens Bank 546 N. Pontiac Trail Allstate 39540 14 Mile Mini Storage Depot 46550 Pontiac Trail Wolverine Lake Village Offices 425 Glengary Dance Dynamics 1400 E. West Maple Melvin's Hardware 690 N. Pontiac Trail City of Walled Lake Offices 1499 E. West Maple

Fifth Third Bank 4747 Haggerty Road Talmer Bank & Trust 7950 W. Maple SCN Communications/ Spinal Column Newsweekly 7196 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford Sports Club of Novi 42500 Arena Dr., Novi Prudental Great Lakes Realty 2000 Oakley Park, Ste. 201

For more information contact Nancy McHugh at 248-787-4217 or email HHsantashop@gmail.com

NOVEMBER 23-29, 2011

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Walled Lake seeks to raze home on Leon By Leslie Shepard staff writer

home located in the 300 block of Leon in Walled Lake may be razed for being dangerous and dilapidated once the city obtains a court order to get the job done. The Walled Lake City Council authorized the city attorney to seek the property’s demolition at a Nov. 1 meeting. The single-family dwelling has gone unmaintained to the point where the home is no longer inhabitable, according to city officials. Area residents have voiced numerous complaints regarding the blighted condition of the property and, as a result, multiple civil infractions have been issued to the property owner. In July, the district court issued an injunction requiring the property owner to perform necessary maintenance and repairs to bring the property into compliance with city codes and ordinances. The order authorized the city to enter the property and perform such repairs and assess costs as a lien against the property in the event the property owner failed to perform them. “It’s so bad that to go in and fix it would cost more than the property is worth,” said Walled Lake City Manager L. Dennis Whitt. The property owner allegedly didn’t comply with the court order as expected. Therefore, code enforcement officers obtained an

Annual dinner ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 13

help fill Christmas baskets,” said 50+ Program Supervisor Sharon Hunt. Entertainment by accomplished coronet player Bill Hart is included in this year’s program. Also included in the festivities are door prizes that will be awarded. Parks and Recreation staff will also be acknowledging the Volunteer of the Month. A 50/50 raffle will also be held. ❏

After trying to get the owner of this property on Leon in Walled Lake to comply with the city’s dangerous building rules, city officials are seeking to raze the structure that, among other things, has extensively damaged walls and a bathroom that is beyond repair, blighted by mold and unsanitary conditions. It’s not yet known when the property will be demolished following the Walled Lake City Council authorizing the city attorney to seek the property’s demolition. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

administrative search warrant to inspect the home. Upon entering the property, they saw the extreme conditions of the home. “We first approached the property owner to comply, but he didn’t maintain the home at all levels,” Whitt said. “It’s uninhabitable — the roof is gone and there’s black mold on the walls and ceilings throughout.” A majority of the walls are extensively damaged, as evidenced by fiber glass insulation spilling out in virtually every room, according to city officials.

Milford board OKs 2012 budget that tops $6 million By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Milford Township Board of Trustees discussed and approved the township’s proposed budget for 2012 at its Wednesday, Nov. 16 meeting. According to a draft provided by township officials, Milford Township’s general fund can expect to take in $6.146 million in estimated revenue

Moreover, the bathroom is beyond repair, blighted by mold and unsanitary conditions. Given the extent of the damage, the city building official recommended demolition since restoring the home to an inhabitable condition wouldn’t be feasible or cost-effective. According the city’s dangerous building rules, the home on Leon meets the criteria for a dangerous building since it has been determined to be “a building or structure used or intended to be used for dwelling pur-

poses, including the adjoining grounds, because of dilapidation, decay, damage, faulty construction or arrangement or otherwise, is unsanitary or unfit for human habitation, or is in a condition that is likely to cause sickness or disease, or is likely to injure the health, safety, or general welfare of people living in the dwelling.” The property owner has since vacated the property. There is no firm date as to when the property will be demolished. ❏

next year, which is up from $5.24 million in 2011 and $4.74 million in 2010. Expenditures for 2012 are also pegged at $6.146 million. The top four revenue sources are expected to be the police millage ($3.13 million), other taxes and special assessments ($1.13 million), property taxes ($855,426), and state shared revenue ($598,000). The top expenditures are expected to be public safety ($3.372 million), followed by general government expenses ($1.04 million), appropriations from the township’s fund bal-

ance and transfers ($1 million), and capital outlay ($390,000). The township is expected to collect $48,414 less in property taxes in 2012 than it did this year, but anticipates collecting $80,000 more in state funds next year. The township is also expected to collect $1.71 million in special revenue funds in 2012, including $808,778 for the fire department, $503,808 for the refuse collection fund, $220,000 for

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 15

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“I’m Dreaming of a White Lake Christmas 2011”

Coloring Contest Rules Drop off at White Lake Library by Dec. 5th with name and age. 3 Prize Winners (6 and under, 7-9, 10-12) announced at the ceremony

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

WHITE LAKE TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY When: Wed., Dec. 7th Location: Village Lakes Shopping Center on M-59 Event runs from 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Festivities (Bring your camera): •Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus •Ice sculpting on site •Christmas Carolers •Reindeer •Kids crafts •Roasted S’mores •Raffle/Trivia prizes •Art of the Dance Performance •Free balloon creations for kids

Thank you to our local sponsors! Spinal Column Newsweekly “The Root” restaurant LaFontaine St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Contender’s Tree & Lawn JCPenney

NOVEMBER 23-29, 2011

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Senior citizens from Highland, Milford and White Lake came to the annual senior dinner presented by the Highland-Milford Fraternal Order of Eagles and Auxiliary No. 4076 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post No. 9914 in Highland Township. In addition, more than 160 meals were delivered to homebound seniors in the area and to the local fire and police department personnel as a thank you for their service, according to event coordinators. (Photo submitted by Richard Libkuman)

23 years and still counting Hundreds enjoy Eagles’ Annual Free Senior Dinner event

undreds of west Oakland senior citizens and first responders enjoyed a festive and traditional holiday dinner on Saturday, Nov. 12, during the 23rd Annual Free Senior Dinner presented by the Highland-Milford Fraternal Order of Eagles and Auxiliary No. 4076. The Eagles and their auxiliary purchased, donated and prepared 25 turkeys, 10 hams, 100 pounds of potatoes and all the trimmings that

Milford budget ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 13

the road improvement fund, $107,907 for the senior center fund, and $73,484 for the cemetery fund. The millage rate for township general operations will be 1.0735 mills and bring in $903,840 next year, while the total police millage rate will be 3.8417 mills. The fire operation millage rate will be at 0.9396 mills, while the fire station debt millage will be collected at 0.32 mills. The senior center millage rate is 0.125 mills while the total library

make up a perfect turkey dinner. Over 200 senior citizens from Highland, Milford and White Lake came to the annual dinner held at the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post No. 9914 in Highland Township. Several of the Huron Valley Lakeland High School Eagles hockey players assisted with greeting and serving the attending seniors. In addition, more than 160 meals were delivered to homebound seniors operating millage rate will be 1.14 mills. ❏

Audit: Village’s rainy day fund up to $1.64 million By Leslie Shepard staff writer

After receiving a clean opinion from the auditing firm of Post, Smythe, Lutz, and Ziel once it completed an audit for the 2010-11 fiscal year, village of Wolverine Lake officials are proud of the community’s healthy

in the area and to the local fire and police department personnel as a thank you for their service, according to event coordinators. “Most of these folks come every year and if they can’t make it we have members and volunteers from Meals on Wheels that are happy to deliver to them,” said Eagles Auxiliary President Sheryl Smith. “We have been coming for 10 years and it’s always wonderful,” fund balance that has been growing for the fifth consecutive year, especially given the economic climate over the last few years. The audit was submitted to the Wolverine Lake Village Council at its Wednesday, Nov. 9 meeting. The audit report states the village’s financial reporting was conducted fairly. No recommendations were made for improvement. “What’s important is knowing the financial stats on a monthly basis are accurate and we get a clear picture of the village finances,” said Village Council President John Magee. “It’s all pretty good news in the midst of

said Highland Township resident Helen Warenski, who came to this year’s dinner with friends Eva Light and Jennie Collins.” Chester Johnson, a Highland Township senior citizen, donated two batches of his delicious homemade rice pudding, which was quite a treat, according to event organizers. In addition, the White Lake Market generously donated five of the turkeys that were served. ❏ difficult times for municipalities.” Total general fund expenditures for the 2010-11 fiscal year added up to $1.92 million. The village spent $743,226 on public safety, $568,258 on public works and $460,980 on general general government expenses. Total general fund revenues for the fiscal year were pegged at $2.28 million. The village collected $1.34 million in property taxes, $456,948 from federal, state and local sources, and $335,378 from charges for services.

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 16

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Village audit ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 15

Property tax revenues made up nearly 59 percent of the total general fund operating revenues in 2011. Although the rate of decline in property tax revenues seems to have slowed from the last few years, nominal declines are still anticipated next year. “The rate of decline seems to be slowing down,” Village Treasurer Mike Kondek said. “According to an Oakland County study, instead of the 4 to 5 percent drop in 2011, they are now looking at under a 2 percent decline next year, but still it’s a decline based on preliminary numbers. Any uptick is several years away.” The beginning general fund balance reported on July 1, 2010 was $1.285 million and by the fiscal year’s end on June 30, 2011, it was approximately $1.642 million, or about 85 percent of total general fund expenditures. The village has come a long way since 2006, when the fund balance was a paltry $483,000 compared to the $1.64 million reported this year. “It’s an important marker for the village — it gives us the ability to ride out the real estate downturn and economic issues that the state has been experiencing for some time,” Magee said. There was a $301,300 increase in revenues between the original budget and the final amended budget; $250,000 of that spike was due to the solid waste collection fee that began in 2011. Results of the audit indicate that assets exceeded liabilities at the end of the fiscal year by $7.5 million. Net assets increased by $1.1 million. Major capital asset events configured into the current fiscal year budget included the Heron Hills paving project pegged at $27,546, and $15,010 for police, Department of Public Works and parks equipment. At the end of the current fiscal year, Wolverine Lake had a total bond debt of $2.14 million outstanding, all of which is compartmentalized under the water and sewer fund. The bond indebtedness increased by $530,000 or 33 percent as a result of a $760,000 special assessment district (SAD) issued, less payments made. “The SAD debt was for sewer infrastructure and tie-ins mostly in the southern area because, at Commerce Township’s expense, they put a main down South Commerce,” Kondek said. ❏

NOVEMBER 23-29, 2011

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LAKES AREA NEWS

All proceeds from Dec. 10 event to help racehorses By Angela Niemi staff writer

Help to save and find homes for thoroughbred horses by attending CANTER into Christmas, on Saturday, Dec. 10. “CANTER into Christmas is a reflection of the wonderful things that CANTER (The Communication Alliance to Network Thoroughbred Ex-Racehorses) does to rehabilitate and rehome thoroughbreds,” said Sharon Greene of the Highland Equestrian Conservancy (HEC). “This event is a fun way to raise funds.” CANTER started as a solution to help racehorses find new careers by connecting buyers and sellers by posting racehorses for sale on the Internet. “It’s a non-profit organization that goes to racetracks to rescue young thoroughbreds whose owners are getting rid of them because they are a liability or aren’t fast enough,” said Ron Gardner, who, along with Sue Pelto, owns West Wind Equestrian in New Hudson, where the event will be held. They currently have 10 horses at their site right now being re-trained for adoption. Gardner and Pelto will host the event with former WXYZ-TV newscaster Robbie Timmons and her husband, University of Michigan and Detroit Lions broadcaster Jim Brandstatter. Tickets for the event will include a strolling dinner, two drink tickets, a horse show, entry in a raffle for two Detroit Red Wings tickets, dessert, and a gift bag. There will also be a silent auction featuring items such as a week-long stay at an oceanfront Florida condo, six Red Wings suite tickets for April 1, a Detroit Lions football signed by quarterback Matthew Stafford, and original equine artwork, among other items. Tickets are $45. E-mail canterintochristmas@aol.com for more info. West Wind Equestrian is located at 55535 Lee Road in New Hudson. ❏

‘Incredible’ piano event coming to area Dec. 2-3 By Angela Niemi

Force on Four Grand Pianos,” the pianists will not only be an auditory delight but a visual one, as well. “The uniqueness is the four grand pianos played simultaneously,” said Walt Matzke, the conductor and producer of A Piano Extravaganza, which is set to air a spring concert on Detroit PBS and is scheduled to audition for America’s Got Talent in January. “It’s not only incredible to hear all four ... we turn the pianos around so the audience can see keyboards played. There is a lot of drama that goes on between each of the pianos. The audience gets to see it as much as hear it.” Matzke will bring his concert to the area on Friday, Dec. 2 and Saturday, Dec. 3 with three concerts at Huron Valley Milford High School. “It’s totally unique in that it brings people in from the community,” said Donalee Knowlton, executive coordinator of the event. “The other important part is we find talent that they have within their own community. We give the local talent opportunity to be up there performing for the community.” While four professional pianists will be coming from west Michigan to perform, six local pianists will also be sharing the stage, along with the Oak Valley Middle School Chorus, Milford High School Percussion and Drumline, Milford Music percussionists, and the St. Mary’s Parish Adult Choir. Tickets are available ($10 to $25) from the Huron Valley Council for the Arts (248-889-8660 or www.huronvalleyarts.org). Shows are at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 2 and 3, with a 3:30 p.m. matinee on Dec. 3. ❏

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PAGE 18

Obituaries BICKNELL, JAMES, age 77 of Waterford, formerly of Commerce, died on November 14, 2011. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley in 2008. BRIGHAM, LOUISE DILDINE, age 96 and a resident of Milford since 1942, died on November 10, 2011. CASTWIRTH, CRAIG MARSHALL, a resident of West Bloomfield, died on November 10th, 2011 at the age of 61. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel. CHUDNOW, MANDEL, a resident of West Bloomfield, died on November 14th, 2011 at the age of 81. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel. HAWK, GEORGE A., of Commerce was born on April 7, 1923 in Piney Flats, TN and died November 14, 2011 at the age of 88. JOHNSON, VELMA M., of Brighton, formerly of West Bloomfield was born on June 10, 1915 in Farmington, Michigan. She died November 4, 2011 at the age of 96. JURCZYK, KAREN SUZANNE, formerly of Commerce Twp. was born in Taylor, Michigan on August 20, 1963 and died November 9, 2011. She was 48 years old. KANE, JAMES A., a resident of Walled Lake, died on November 13th, 2011 at the age of 93. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel. MORNEAU, PAULA E., age 92 of Commerce Township, died on November 9, 2011. WHALEN, DONALD JAMES, a longtime resident of Milford, died November 9, 2011 in the care of his family. RUCK, ROBERT J., of Wixom. November 14, 2011 , age 87. Condolences to: obriensullivanfuneralhome.com.

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

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

EDUCATION

New HVS head of communications named by board By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The Huron Valley School District has tapped Kimberly Root as the new director of communications and community relations in the wake of former director Janet Roberts’ departure for a job at Oakland Community College (OCC).

Root comes to Huron Valley with vast knowledge in communications, including business development, government affairs, public relations, and crisis communications. “I have a lot to learn and will take a 90-day Root approach to listen and learn and get to know the community,” Root said. “I was attracted

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to Huron Valley because of its outstanding reputation and the strong management team in place. I want to continue in the strong tradition of communicating by tuning into the community we serve.” The Board of Education approved Root’s appointment at its meeting held on Monday, Nov. 14. “We’re very excited to bring in a talent like Kimberly to the Huron Valley team,” said Board of Education President Sean Carlson. “She has a wealth of experience in both the public and commercial sectors, and she is a great strategic communicator.” The district conducted extensive interviews before selecting Root for the position. We are very excited about adding Kim to our administrative team, as she brings a great depth of knowledge and experience in the communications field,” said Superintendent Jackie Johnston. “Her background in community relations is a great asset to this position.” Root received her bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University and has earned credits towards her master’s degree in education administration from Central Michigan University. ❏ 31st Annual

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NOVEMBER 23-29, 2011

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PAGE 19

EDUCATION

WLW yearbook earns national recognition

alled Lake Western High School’s 2011 yearbook has earned national recognition, as it will enter into the Walsworth Publishing Company’s Gallery of Excellence. Ann Watson, Western’s yearbook advisor for the past 12 years, said only a small percentage of yearbooks make it into the gallery. According to Watson, the criteria to make it into the Gallery of Excellence are well-written copy, strong photography, and trendy design. “I was exceptionally proud of last year’s yearbook,” Watson said. “We had a very hardworking staff. And the student editor last year, Elizabeth Nagle, really knew what she was doing. I had a student who had the skills of an adult with her attention to detail and ability to meet deadlines.” Nagle is currently a student at the University of Michigan. “Our theme of the yearbook really stood out,” Watson said. “The cover is very unusual. It’s like a varsity jacket sleeve, and our theme was just ‘11.’ We did an excellent job with theme spreads in the beginning of the book.”

District eyes more state funds for consolidations By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Waterford Schools Board of Education voted Thursday, Nov. 17 to approve an application to be sent to Michigan Department of Education (MDE) for additional per-pupil funding in light of the district’s efforts to consolidate a variety of services, including technology and software services and waste and energy management services. The district will next send the application to the MDE for approval by the end of the year. The application could net the district $100 per pupil, or $1.1 million, for the current school year and help it recover some of its recent losses in per-pupil funding. In addition to technology and software services and waste and energy management services, the district is

Meeting the required criteria for the Walsworth Publishing Company’s Gallery of Excellence, the Walled Lake Western High School yearbook for 2011 was among the chosen few to be included in the gallery that is displayed at regional, state, and national conventions and workshops as an example of what other schools should aspire to. Pictured from left to right are 2011 Western yearbook staff members Lyndsey Kubbe, Allie Zatkin, Olga Wawer, Mary Stepek, Bailey Barnhart, and yearbook advisor Ann Watson. (Photo submitted by Ann Watson)

She also said that it helps to have Focal Point photographers shooting the action shots for sports. “It’s too difficult with our budget to get high-quality photography

equipment,” she said. “Our small cameras are great for candids, but not for the football field. It’s been very beneficial for us to have that relationship with Focal Point.”

Western’s yearbook will be displayed at regional, state, and national conventions and workshops as an example of what other schools should aspire to. ❏

working on strengthening collaborations with Waterford Township, Oakland County and other business partners. When the school board adopted the district’s 2011-12 budget last June, it was originally reported that the state per-pupil foundation grant allowance for the current school year would be $7,175 per student, which is down from $7,480 per student for 2010-11. Bill Holbrook, the district’s business director, said the loss in perpupil funding is now actually $470 per student, but the MDE has set up additional funding for consolidating services in a move to implement financial best practices. He added that the district met the five requirements needed for consideration for additional funding, including charging employees at least 10 percent of their health care costs; holding a policy on medical benefit plans; developing and implementing a service consolidation plan; obtaining competitive bids on non-instructional services;

and providing a Dashboard report card that gives out information on the district. Prior to the budget being passed in June, Holbrook said that all employees were foregoing a 2-percent wage increase and would be contributing to their health care in the form of $30 per pay period for single coverage, $60 for two people, and $90 for a family. ❏

will be held in the West Bloomfield High School auditorium. The show will be sponsored by SHAR Music, an internationallyrenowned company that sponsored a contest that was entered by Abbott students. Lynn Brosnan, Abbott’s orchestra director, asked students to write essays to SHAR for the chance to win a performance with O’Connor. Her school was one of only four winners nationally, along with schools in Texas, Florida and North Carolina. The show will not only feature O’Connor solo, but also music from his O’Connor Orchestra Method, which has been used by teachers across the country and encourages improvisation and collaborative engagement. He is also known for his nationwide fiddle camps. Linda Trotter, the orchestra director for West Bloomfield High and Orchard Lake Middle schools, will also be on hand for the 7 p.m. concert. Tickets ($10, adults; $5, students) can be purchased at ShowTix4u.com or at 1-866-967-8167. ❏

WB bands to perform with renowned violinist By Michael Shelton staff writer

A Grammy award-winning musician will join the orchestras from West Bloomfield High School, Abbott Middle School and Orchard Lake Middle School for a special concert on Dec. 15. Mark O’Connor, a renowned violinist, fiddler and composer, will be a part of “An American Festival,” which

PAGE 20

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

COMMUNITY LIFE births

50 YEARS AGO Nov. 23, 1961 Present to cut the ribbon which marked the opening of Grants Department Store in Union Lake on Thursday, Nov. 16 were Ralph Rasmussen, manager of another Grants store in Taylor, Mich.; Sen. Farrell Roberts; Don Bush, who is the new manager of Grants in Union Lake; W.J. Thannum, a representative from the Chicago office; Eddie Cheyz, the super visor of White Lake Township; and E. Larson, who is a store manager from Madison Heights. Upwards from 20,000 people shopped in the new Grants on the opening day. Customers found the new store conveniently arranged and the personnel helpful and considerate. 40 YEARS AGO Nov. 24, 1971 Four boat liveries in White Lake Township with access to Pontiac Lake are adding to already congested conditions and should be prevented from further expansion, says the president of an affected subdivision association. John E. Winconek, 4496 Thames, White Lake Township, president of the English Villa Subdivision, charged at a township board meeting last week that the businesses are slowly expanding in violation of a township ordinance which permits their existence. Because the liveries were in existence before most of the homes which surround them were built, the township cannot force them to conform to the residential zoning of the neighborhood. The non-conforming use permission specifies only that the liveries may not be enlarged. 30 YEARS AGO Nov. 25, 1981 Ten thousand years ago, a 2-ton mastodon was strolling down what is now M-59 in White lake Township and had the misfortune to fall into a bog and die. The mastodon's misfortune, however, proved lucky for 40 Oakland Community College (OCC) students who are now reconstructing the beast from his fossilized bones, preserved for centuries by the acid in the ancient bog. In 1968, the Groleau Brothers construction company unearthed the mastodon remains while digging in a low spot behind what is now the Flame Restaurant on Highland Road. After being contacted by the construction

company, OCC personnel helped to remove the bones from the site. 20 YEARS AGO Nov. 20, 1991 It looks like Meijer is coming to Wixom after all. After about seven months of review, study and debate, the Wixom City Council last Tuesday, Nov. 12, approved a rezoning request that will allow the Grand Rapids-based company to build a 200,000-square-foot retail center north of Grand River, between Wixom Road and Grand Oaks Court. The project had been nixed this past September, but the council reconsidered. The decision was met with applause from most of the audience, but others expressed grave concerns ... about increased traffic, crime and noise the proposed shopping center could bring. 10 YEARS AGO Nov. 21, 2001 The Highland Township Board of Trustees is examining the possibility of purchasing a state-owned parcel at the corner of M-59 and Eleanor Street, and erecting a pedestrian viaduct over M-59 linking the state land with the township's future civic center site. According to Highland Township Clerk Mary McDonell, the state has offered to sell 1.6 acres of land to the township for $39,000. Township officials have not taken any action regarding the land purchase, expect to pass a motion that allows township Supervisor John Stakoe to look into the purchase. According to McDonell, the board has until Dec. 1 to decide if they want to buy the land. In working to make Highland more pedestrian-friendly, McDonell said Highland should eventually have sidewalks from Duck Lake Road to Hickory Ridge Road.

Headlines of the Past

– A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly –

❐ Born to Jennifer Yeager-Saylor and Billy Saylor of Commerce, triplets — a son and two daughters. Cooper Yeager, Emily Faith, and Margaret Grace were born on Friday, Oct. 7, 2011 at Motts Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor. Cooper was 2 pounds and 8 ounces; Emily was 3 pounds and 1 ounce; and Margaret was 3 pounds and 5 ounces. Their grandparents are Cheryl Yeager of White Lake and Bill and Sue Saylor of Ortonville and Lou Ann Saylor of Warren.

academic honors ❐ Baker College in Auburn Hills has announced that Kimberly Cross of Waterford, a junior, is a recipient of the 2011 Dianne Addington Community Leadership Scholarship award. This $2,000 scholarship is funded by Genisys Credit Union. Cross was recognized for maintianing a solid scholastic record and her long history of serving her community, both as a volunteer and in a variety of leadership roles. She is working toward a bachelor’s degree in health service administration and is currently fulfilling a dream that began 30 years ago — to complete her college degree. One of her long-term goals is to organize a safe house for the unfortunate victims caught in the web of human trafficking, helping them rebuild their lives.

military notes ❐ The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that Soldiers’ Angels is collecting donations for a unit it has adopted out of Ft. Hood, Texas that is deployed to Afghanistan. The contact for this group is from Michigan and is the son of a retired servicemember who helps with various Soldiers’ Angels events. The unit has approximately 150 soldiers. They need letters and cards from you each month.

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Donations can be dropped off at the chamber office, located at 305 N. Pontiac Trail, Ste. A, in Walled Lake. The chamber is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Here is a list of the most requested and allowed care package items, most of which can be found at your local dollar store. Items must be new and unopened — Ziploc bags (sandwich, quart and gallon sizes) and plastic Rubbermaid containers (small to large) are in huge demand. The bags are also useful to put some items in for shipping that could potentially leak in your package. They can be reused once received. Please note that items must be new and unopened. Prepackaged microwavable foods (keep in mind the heat) are highly requested. All sprays must be non-aerosol. FOOD: Canned meats (no pork products); tuna in a pouch; cereal; granola bars; Pop Tarts; crackers and cookies; cheese spread (no aerosol cans); Chef Boyardee microwavable Items; pudding snacks; chips and pretzels (in snack sizes); popcorn; coffee (singles); tea bags; hot chocolate packets; powdered drink mixes (individual packets are best); condiments (salt, pepper, sugar, seasoned salt); dried fruit; nuts; sunflower seeds; trail mix; gum; hard candy (individually-wrapped); Tootsie Rolls (both candy and lollipops); beef, chicken or turkey jerky; Slim Jims; microwavable macaroni and cheese singles; ramen noodles; and peanut butter and jelly. HYGIENE AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES: Ibuprofen; Tylenol; Band-aids; body wash; dental floss; deodorant; eye drops; saline solution; facial cleansing pads; feminine products (pads, tampons); flea collars; fly strips and swatters; foot powder; gel insoles Imodium D; lip balm (chapstick); moisturizing lotion; memory sticks for computers; mosquito netting for their racks; mouth wash; mouse traps; nail care (files, clippers, tweezers); nasal spray; Neosporin; Off bug spray; Pepto-Bismol; plastic pill bottles; powder laundry detergent; Preparation H wipes; Q-Tips; razors; Rolaids / Tums; sewing kit (travel size); shampoo/conditioner; shaving cream; sunblock; Shower In A Bag wipes; throat lozenges; tissues (Kleenex); toilet paper, toothpaste; toothbrushes; waterless hand soap/sanitizer; and wet wipes and refill packs. PAGE 21 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

NOVEMBER 23-29, 2011

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COMMUNITY LIFE

Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 20

military notes MISCELLANEOUS AND CLOTHING: Beanie hats (dark or tan colored); blank greeting cards; blankets and pillows; can openers (hand-held); cloth rags/towels (dark or tan, wash cloth and bandana size); dryer sheets; electrical tape; flip-flops; notebooks; paint brushes (quick gun cleaning); panty hose (tan, for gun covers); pens, pencils and sharpeners; envelopes; phone cards (AT&T international); pipe cleaners (quick gun cleaning); socks, T-shirts, boxers, and scarves (dark colored, to warp around face); sunglasses (wraparound kind, dark); tan boot laces; and T-shirts (tan); SPORTS EQUIPMENT: Baseballs; baseball gloves; footballs; Frisbees; hockey sticks; miniature flashlights; Nerf toys; squirt guns; soccer balls; and volleyballs; ENTERTAINMENT: AA and AAA batteries; books (softcover: mysteries, action, drama, science fiction, fantasy); CDs and DVDs (action and comedy);

craft kits; crossword, word search or Suduko puzzles; dice; disposable cameras; magazines (sports, news, entertainment); playing cards and card games (Uno, etc); poker chips; portable CD and DVD players or MP3 players; and small hand-held games or travel games. ❐ The city of Wixom and the Walled Lake Eagles have teamed up for “Operation Soldier.” The team will be collecting items to send to our soldiers in Afghanistan. Let’s send some holiday spirit and cheer from home! Drop off

nwrapped items by Thursday, Dec. 1, at the Parks and Recreation desk at 49045 Pontiac Trail or the Community Center Lounge at 49015 Pontiac Trail. The soldiers’ wish list includes toiletries, CDs and DVDs, warm blankets, non-perishable foods, iTune and iPhone gift cards, puzzle and word search books, chapstick, art supplies, flavored water drink packets, travel games, calendars, and notebooks. For more information, visit www.wixomgov.org, e-mail listserv@civicplus.com or call 248-6244557.

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PAGE 22

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HOPE HOUSES OUTLET MALL

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

LOCAL MATTERS business notes movers/shakers changes ❐ There’s a new chiropractor in town: Dr. Alex Rodnick, a 2009 graduate of Life University, who will now be practicing in the Commerce Township branch of Rodnick Chiropractic Health Centers of Michigan. He will be practicing with his brother, Dr. Adam Rodnick, also a Life University graduate. Dr. Alex Rodnick is a member of the International Chiropractic Association and the Michigan Association of Chiropractors. He currently serves as the president of the 5th District of the Michigan Association of Chiropractors and has a seat on the board. Dr. Alex Rodnick is very pleased to be coming to the Commerce area and is now accepting new patients. For more information, call 248-366-6378.

transitions new products ❐ The Huron Valley Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration, Inc. has announced that they are now offering their great 2012 Huron Valley

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ing the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Each month contains pictures from the Civil War era, with many photos reflecting our local community. The calendars can be found at: Acorn Farm in Milford, Main Street Art in Milford, Milford Township offices, Highland Township offices and at the Village of Milford offices. The calendars can also be purchased through the Huron Valley Civil War Sesquicentennial Commemoration website at http://huronvalleycivilwar.webs.com.

openings ❐ Batteries Plus of White Lake is offering grand opening savings from now until Dec. 31 in celebration of their new location in Auburn Hills. Visit Batteries Plus at 9064 Highland Road in White Lake or call 248-396-5768 for more information.

benefits ❐ Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel at 2600 Union Lake Road in Commerce is now currently collecting new unwrapped toys for Toys For Tots from now until Dec. 19. Their office is open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. PAGE 23 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

Sick and Tired of your Teeth and Your FEAR of the Dentist? Immediate Emergency Compassionate Dental Care. Right Now. Voted Best Dentist 3 YEARS IN A ROW in the Oakland Press’ Reader’s Choice Awards! 2009, 2010, 2011! Do You Suffer From These Problems? •Tooth Pain from hot, cold or sweets? •Broken out filling or cracked tooth? •Big Hole in a tooth that catches food? •Pain radiating from tooth to jaw? •Swollen gums with painful chewing? •Bad Breath or Nasty Taste in your mouth? •Black halo around old silver filling? •Paralyzing fear of dentists?

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NOVEMBER 23-29, 2011

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PAGE 23

LOCAL MATTERS

Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 22

benefits on Sundays. Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel has been a leading Realtor in southeast Michigan since 1950. Their company is respected in the marketplace for its professionalism, ethical behavior, experience and proven results. For more information, visit ww.cbweirmanuel.com.

weekly agenda ❐ The David B. Hermelin Resource Center in the Jewish Community Center in West Bloomfield is now accepting applications for the winter 2012 Better Job Opportunities course. This program is designed to provide basic computer skills including the Microsoft Office Suite to underemployed and unemployed workers. There is no charge to those that qualify. The course meets twice a week for 12 to 15 weeks. Day and evening classes are available. For more information, call 248-432-5411 or download an application from their website at www.hermelinort.org. Select the “Better Job Opportunities” button to the left of the screen.

chamber notes ❐ 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: • Annual Christmas Parade sponsored by Community Choice Credit Union and Americus Coney Island, 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, downtownMilford. • 43rd Annual Holiday Gala, 6 p.m. to midnight, Saturday, Dec. 3, Dunham Hills Golf Course, 13561 Dunham Road, Hartland. Celebrate the wonders of the season along with honoring the 2011 Community Award recipients at this annual chamber event featuring dinner, dancing and a silent auction. Cost: $60/person includes dinner and one drink ticket. 248-685-7129. • Off the Clock Connect, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, Sparkies Bar and Grill, 2868 E. Highland Road, Highland. This is an evening networking opportunity hosted by the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. •Ambassadors meeting, 10 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 14, Milford Police Department conference room, 1100 Atlantic Street, Milford. •The Coffee Club, 8 to 9 a.m. Friday, Dec. 16, Petrillo Group-Raymond

Westlake Health Campus, a Commerce health facility, recently received the 2011 Great Lakes Caring annual Award of Excellence. The facility was selected as a recipient from more than 2,000 candidates in Michigan, Ohio, and Indiana in recognition of its collaborative efforts to help determine in a timely manner home healthand hospice-appropriate patients in order to provide meaningful and helpful quality care. Honorees are chosen based on three specific criteria: believing in the importance of good communications amongst the Great Lakes Caring and partner staffs; keeping in mind the needs of residents/patients and the importance of making timely referrals; and supporting and understanding of the importance of collaborative care. Pictured in the front row (left to right) are Westlake’s Debby Jewell, environmental services; Sandy Edmonds, environmental services; Nancy Good, laundry; Kathy Dawson, director of nursing; Colleen Higgins, administrator; and Nancy Hammond, CNA. Pictured in the middle row (left to right) are Michelle Mulliniks, CAN; John Gotberg, Great Lakes Caring Hospice chaplain; Jennifer Golden, LPN; Michelle Serafin, Great Lakes Caring Hospice CNA; Donna Chwierut, Great Lakes Caring Hospice social worker; Kim Rybarz, Great Lakes Caring Hospice RN case manager; Lisa Rauch, community liaison/marketing; and Jason Furman, CNA. Pictured in the back row (left to right) are Michelle Baker, speech therapist; Gail Carmean, social worker; Shanda Shultz, assistant director of nursing; Debby Green, Business Office manager; and Jillian Duchene, rehab director. (Photo submitted by Great Lakes Caring)

James, 2753 S. Milford Road, Highland. Take a moment out of the holiday hustle and bustle and join us for this free morning mixer. Great networking and holiday cheer are on the agenda. ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 43rd Annual Holiday Gala celebrates outstanding community service. Their Annual Holiday Gala is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3 at Dunham Hills Golf Course. The blacktie optional evening begins at 6 p.m. and concludes at midnight. The 2011 award recipients will include Citizen and Business of the Year along with the Chamber and Milford Memories Volunteers of the Year. Reservations are required by Friday, Nov. 25. To encourage attendance, the price will be only $60 per person. It’s certainly a

great night out, and you won’t be disappointed at the event of the season. It’s a great way to get in the holiday spirit and celebrate the wonderful work of all our award recipients. ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced the membership of the following businesses: • H.E.A.T. 4 Athletes, Inc., Jennifer Murray, 1280 Holden Road, Suite 115, Milford, MI 48381, infor@heat4athletes.com, www.heat4athletes.com, 248-529-6201, Fitness. • Rotary Club of Milford, Sally Harvey, P.O. Box 308, Milford, MI 48381, sallyaharvey@comcast.net, www.milfordrotary.com, Non Profit. • Tanglewood Assisted Living and Home Care, John Strayer, 19086 Tipsico Lake Road, Fenton, MI 48430, P: 810-629-6098, C: 810-348-5770, F:

810-373-4848, tanglewoodtw@comcast.net, www.memorycarenow.com, Assisted Living/Retirement Housing Senior Home Health Care. • Formula For Fitness, Nancy McDaniel, 2365 Ridge Road, White Lake, MI 48383, P: (248) 787-2853, formulafitness@comcast.net, Fitness ❐ The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) is holding its 2012 Holiday Mixer from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, at the Shark Club, located at 6665 Highland Road in Waterford Township. Admission is $10 per person. Join the Chamber for a fun holiday networking event, and help it assist the less fortunate in the community. Bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to one of the area’s local food banks, Hospitality House of Walled Lake.

PAGE 24

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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PUBLIC SAFETY Man, 38, on life support following Milford wreck A New Hudson resident is clinging to life after his car crashed into a ditch in Milford during the early morning hours of Monday, Nov. 21. Milford police officers were called to the scene by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department dispatch about a rollover accident at 3:04 a.m. at Pontiac Trail and South Hill Road, where a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee was upside down in a ditch. The victim, 38, was unresponsive and not breathing. According to police, the vehicle appeared to be traveling eastbound on Pontiac Trail when it crossed the center lane and went into the ditch. Tire marks showed that the vehicle continued eastbound in the ditch, striking street signs prior to striking a tree and rolling over. The Milford Fire Department and Lyon Township first responders were also on the scene. The male driver was transported by Huron Valley Ambulance to a helicopter pad, where he was then airlifted to University of Michigan Hospital. As of 9 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 21, hospital officials reported the man in hypercritical condition and on life support with a slim chance of survival. ❏

Police: Worker, 20, had beers at restaurant An underage employee of an area restaurant was pulled over by Milford police officers for allegedly driving drunk, which resulted in the restaurant being cited for serving alcohol to minors. An officer stopped a 2000 Saturn on Wixom Road at Charms Road on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 3:26 a.m. The driver reportedly told police that he is less than 21-years-old and that he was coming from the restaurant where he is a cook. He said his shift ended at 1 a.m., but the manager invited him to stick around for some drinks. According to police, he said the manager provided beer for him and his coworkers and that he drank three or four beers. He allegedly also said that he told the manager that he was 20-years-old, but the manager invited him to sit at the bar and he ended up leaving at 3 a.m. A preliminary breath test (PBT) reportedly indicated that the man had a blood-alcohol content of 0.074-percent. He was was arrested, but told police that he is willing to cooperate in a Liquor Control Commission (LCC) hearing, according to a Milford Police

“Res-Q,” the White Lake Township Fire Department’s mascot, got into this year’s Halloween holiday spirit by handing out goodies in several neighborhoods. Now Res-Q and his firefighter colleagues are gearing up for the busy holiday season. (Photo submitted by the White Lake Township Fire Department)

Keeping it safe for holidays Fire chief urging residents to follow set of simple safety tips

he onset of cold weather and holiday season’s arrival makes for a busy period for firefighters, and White Lake Township Fire Chief Tony Maltese is urging residents to observe simple holiday safety tips. Cold weather means heating equipment is being used for the first time in a while, according to Maltese, who said firefighters annually respond to blazes caused by furnaces, space heaters, kerosene heaters, and fireplaces, especially chimney fires and fires caused by items stored too close to heating devices. Holiday decorations, such as lighting, wrapping paper, pine Department incident report. An officer then visited the restaurant and spoke with the manager, who said that a waitress and cook are the only ones that who are underage. However, the manager later state both the waitress and the cook are 21years-old and left the restaurant at 1 a.m. The manager was cited for furnishing alcohol to a minor. Police later completed an LCC violation report. ❏

trees, ribbons, bows, and candles add to the fire risk. The holiday period also produces medical emergencies. Many people celebrate in unfamiliar surroundings and eat and drink more than usual, especially seniors, who are particularly susceptible to cold weather, noise and obstacles, and germs. Maltese urges residents to be aware of their surroundings and follow these holiday safety tips: • Make certain you have working smoke detectors; • Have a fire extinguisher or two and know how to use them; • Ensure heating equipment is

Two vehicles stolen on the same day in Wixom Two cars were stolen on Thursday, Nov. 17 in the city of Wixom and while one of the vehicles was found, both cases remain under investigation. One of the thefts occurred in the 300 block of Beck Road at the Bristol Square apartment complex. The tenant phoned police once she discovered her 2006 yellow Chevrolet Cobalt missing. The victim stated she went out to

running properly and keep combustibles a safe distance away; • Keep your chimney clean and clear of creosote; • If you like real Christmas trees, cut a fresh one; • Be careful with extension cords, decorations, and candles; • Properly attend to smoking material. Don’t discard ashtrays into the garbage until the next day; • Celebrate with moderation; and • Be considerate of senior citizens’ normal routines. Visit the White Lake Fire Department’s website at wltfd.com for more information. ❏ warm up her car and while it was running, someone stole it. Police scoured nearby apartment complexes and located the vehicle at the Stoneridge apartments. The key and electronic keypad were missing. Police later located the electronic keypad in a grassy area. A second incident occurred in the 30700 block of Tamarack. The victim returned home to find his 1981 Chevrolet Malibu missing from the parking lot. The vehicle is still missing. There are no suspects in the case. ❏

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CardiovascularNews Heart Attack. They brought me back. Early Monday morning September 5, 2011, Stephan Toth knew something was desperately wrong. He was suffering from intense chest pain and had lost feeling in his left hand and arm. Fearing he was having a heart attack, Stephan’s wife and daughter drove him immediately to DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital’s emergency room. At a critical moment in Stephan’s life he made the right decision. Under the expert and compassionate care of Huron Valley’s E.R. physicians and staff, Catheterization Team and Cardiac Unit, Stephan’s condition was diagnosed and successfully treated with a heart catheterization. Following this minimally invasive procedure, Stephan was able to return to his life and family. “I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who took care of me.” Stephan said in a letter to the hospital.

“My wife, daughter and I have all been patients of Huron ValleySinai Hospital. We have the highest regard for the treatment we have received.” Stephan Toth - Angioplasty Patient

What is ANGIOPLASTY? Angioplasty is a minimally invasive medical procedure. Patients are usually given mild sedation and are awake during the procedure. An incision is made in the patient’s upper thigh. A tiny, flexible tube, or catheter, is inserted into the artery. After the physician diagnoses the size and location of the blockage, it is usually opened by inflating a tiny balloon on the tip of the catheter shaft. To keep the artery open, a stent, or small mesh tube, is usually inserted once the artery is opened up. Patients are usually discharged from the hospital within 24 hours.

"DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital is the only hospital in the area to be a designated chest pain center with an emergency angioplasty designation.” Jay Kozlowski, M.D.

When it’s serious, go to DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital www.hvsh.org

HEART ATTACKS Identifying Symptoms While many people identify chest pain as a warning sign of a heart attack, symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. “It’s important to remember the most common symptoms of a heart attack are typically different for men and women,” says Dr. DeGregorio, Chief of Cardiovascular Services at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital. Michele DeGregorio, M.D.

Women

Men

r Ranges from squeezing chest pain to no chest pain at all

r Squeezing chest pain radiating to left arm

r Shortness of breath

r Upper abdominal pressure or discomfort that feels like indigestion

r Nausea/vomiting

r Nausea r Arm pain r Unusual fatigue or weakness r Upper back or shoulder pain

r Heaviness in chest, often described as an elephant on the chest r Squeezing or stabbing sensations in center or left side of chest r Racing heart

r Dizziness

DMC Huron Valley-Sinai is the only hospital in the area with DMC emergency angioplasty. If you have chest pain or are experiencing any potential heart attack symptoms, it is critical you receive treatment as quickly as possible. The faster a blocked coronary artery is opened and blood flow restored, the less damage is done to the heart. Here, you’ll be seen quickly by some of America’s best heart doctors with expertise from the DMC Cardiovascular Institute.

FIND US FAST! Call 248-937-3300 for directions from a live operator.

DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital is certified by the Joint Commission, a national leader in health care accreditation, for being a stroke center of excellence.

Cardiac Calcium CT Scan Take pictures of your heart and loads off your mind. DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital is pleased to offer the Cardiac Calcium CT Scan, a painless, safe and accurate one-minute test that can tell whether you are at risk for a heart attack. Evaluating and measuring the calcium build-up in your coronary arteries, combined with a blood pressure check and health risk assessment, will give you a picture of your overall risk for heart disease and allow you to change life-styles or seek further treatment. This state-of-the-art procedure involves no injections, incisions, treadmills or other preparations. For your safety, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital has the most advanced equipment.

Our Calcium Score Screen takes only a few seconds and costs just $48. Simply call 1-877-MY TEST9 (1-877-698-3789) to schedule your screening.

Welcome Dr. Grines DMC’s Cardiovascular Institute has appointed Cindy L. Grines, M.D., F.A.C.C., F.S.C.A.I. to Vice President of Academic and Clinical Affairs for DMC Cardiovascular Institute, effective Sept. 6, 2011. Dr. Grines will provide clinical, research and administrative services for DMC Cardiovascular Institute. In particularly, she will develop and administer a Women’s Cardiovascular program at CVI as well as a Women’s Cardiovascular Health Initiative throughout the DMC system. “Cindy’s experience and expertise as an interventional cardiologist and researcher will be a great asset. Her interest in women’s health and the vision she has for our Heart and Vascular Institute will set us a part from all others and affirm DMC as an acknowledged leader in Michigan and the Midwest in the treatment of structural heart defects,” said Theodore Schreiber, M.D., Specialist-In-Chief, Cardiovascular Medicine, Detroit Medical Center and President, DMC Cardiovascular Institute. At William Beaumont Hospital for nearly 21 years, Dr. Grines most recently was the Vice Chief of Academic Affairs and Director of the Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Program. Dr. Grines is widely acclaimed for her research in acute myocardial infarction and has initiated and designed the PAMI Studies, which have brought primary angioplasty to the forefront as a leading reperfusion strategy revolutionizing the management of heart attack patients. Dr. Grines earned her medical degree from Ohio State University and completed a cardiology fellowship at the University of Michigan.

Did You Know...

We’ll tell you. E.R. Wait Times at hvsh.org or text ER to 42660

Angioplasty — Best in class. "Our times are just amazing. We're required to open the blockage in 90 minutes (national standard) and we're doing it in 64, with great results," Nancy Briody, B.S.N., R.N., Director of Cardiovascular Services. The only hospital in the area that is part of the DMC, home of Cardio Team One. See the area’s best cardiologists with some of the area’s fastest times for performing angioplasty. DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital was recently surveyed by the Joint Commission and awarded designation as Primary Stroke Center.

Health Risk Assessments A service provided by DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital. DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital knows how important it is for everyone to be aware of their own health risks. Our new service will help you assess your own risk for various diseases. Many diseases are preventable, and knowing your risk profile will allow you to make necessary adjustments to your lifestyle in order to preserve your good health. It is all about prevention and early detection. In less than ten minutes, you will know your risk. You will also receive a free Personal Health Report, which includes a summary of your results, information about your specific risk factors and what you can do to improve your health. This report is a good way to begin dialog with your physician. The risk assessments available are cardiac, stroke, diabetes, lung, sleep and vascular. This service is fast, free and confidential. Visit www.hvsh.org/HealthRiskAssessments to find out more.

Are you HeartAware?

TEST YOURSELF!

r 65% of people under the age of 65 already have one or more forms of cardiovascular disease. r 45% of heart attacks occur in people under age 65. r Each year, more women die from cardiovascular disease than men. r Cardiovascular disease claims more lives than the next six causes of death combined. r Cardiovascular disease is about seven times more deadly than breast cancer. r A family history of heart disease increases your risk of heart disease.

Are you StrokeAware? Warning Signs of Stroke r Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, especially on one side of the body. r Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding. r Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes. r Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination. r Sudden, severe headache with no known cause. Not all of these warning signs occur in every stroke. Don’t ignore signs of stroke, even if they go away.

Act F.A.S.T.! Face – Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? Arm – Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? Speech – Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence. Are the words slurred? Time – If the person has any of these symptoms, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital immediately.

Find out if you are at risk of cardiovascular disease. Take our fast, free and confidential HeartAware Risk Assessment online at www.hvsh.org/HeartAware Have a smart phone? Scan this QR code to link directly to the assessment. Find out if you are at risk of a stroke. Take our fast, free and confidential StrokeAware Risk Assessment at www.hvsh.org/HealthRiskAssessments Have a smart phone? Scan this QR code to link directly to the assessment.

HEART SMART Holiday Recipes Oven Baked Sweet Potatoes with Toasted Pecans

HEART SMART

INGREDIENTS tsp. kosher salt 3 lbs fresh peeled sweet potatoes 1/ 8

3/ 4

tsp. ground cinnamon

1 tbsp. chopped pecans 11/2 tsp. granulated sugar 1/ 2

tsp. ground Nutmeg 1 tbsp. olive oil 1/ 2

Preheat oven to 350˚F. Combine salt, nutmeg, sugar and cinnamon, set aside. Slice sweet potatoes into 1/2 inch coins. Drizzle or toss in olive oil. Lay sweet potato slices down in a single layer. Sprinkle with half of the sugar mix. Bake for 15 minutes. Remove pan from oven and turn over each slice. Sprinkle second side with remaining sugar mix. Return to oven and bake until tender. Lightly toast pecans in dry sauté pan. Arrange sweet potatoes on a platter and sprinkle with pecans. Serve. Portion size 1/2 cup. Yield 12 servings. ©2011 Copyright Morrison Management Specialists, Inc.

Israeli Whole Wheat Couscous with Butternut Squash INGREDIENTS 2 tsp. olive oil 4 oz. diced yellow onion 1 tbsp. minced fresh garlic 11/2 tsp. ground cumin 5 oz. diced red bell pepper 6 oz. fresh butternut squash, 1” dice 2 tbsp. fresh minced cilantro 1/ 4

tsp. ground black pepper

1/ 2

lb. whole wheat Israeli Couscous

1/ 4

tsp. kosher salt

Heat vegetable broth over medium heat in a sauce pan. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until starting to caramelize. Add garlic, cumin and couscous. Sauté for a few more minutes to lightly toast the couscous. Add bell pepper, squash cubes (use 1/2 inch cubes which will cook more evenly), hot vegetable broth, pepper and salt. Stir to combine. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low simmer and cover. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until the couscous is tender. Stir several times during the cooking process. Toss in fresh cilantro. Portion size 1/2 cup. Yield 9 servings.

3 cups vegetable broth

INGREDIENTS for Relish

1/ 4

cup wheat bran

3/ 8

1/ 4

cup Panko japanese breadcrumbs

11/2 oz. diced yellow onion

3/ 8

tsp. dried crushed basil

3 oz. dried cranberries

3/ 8

tsp. dried crushed thyme

1/ 8

tsp. ground black pepper

2 tbsp. cider vinegar 11/8 tsp. granulated sugar

1/ 4

cup egg substitute

1 cinnamon stick (3/8 oz.)

6 raw 4 oz. turkey breast tenderloins

These recipes were provided by Morrison Healthcare Food Services. Morrison Healthcare Services provides DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital with an exciting menu concept for the cafeteria called whole + sum. whole + sum offers flavor and nutrient packed components that can be combined into a meal totaling 600 calories or less. whole + sum features global flavors from the Middle East, the Mediteranean, America, Latin America and Asia. Power your body with fun, trendy, customizable meals that make you feel and look great. A healthy diet low in fat and sodium is important to heart health. Combined with exercise, a healthy diet may help to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and heart attack.

Oven Fried Turkey Cutlet with Cranberry Relish INGREDIENTS for Turkey

HEART SMART

Heart Smart Holiday Recipes

tsp. kosher salt

33/8 oz. apples, peeled, cored & diced 3 tbsp. apple juice (100%) 5/ 8

cup hot water

HEART SMART

To make Turkey: In a small bowl, mix the wheat bran, panko, basil, thyme and pepper. Lightly pound each 4 oz. turkey breast to 1/4 inch thickness. Bread the turkey breast by dipping in the egg substitute, then into the breadcrumb mixture. Place the breaded turkey breast in a single layer on a sheet pan sprayed with cooking spray. Then lightly spray the top of the turkey with cooking spray. Bake in a preheated 375˚F oven until internal temperature reaches 165˚F for 15 seconds. To make Relish: In a sauce pan, simmer onion, dried cranberries, chopped apple, apple juice, cider vinegar, water, cinnamon stick, sugar and salt. Cover and cook slowly for 20 minutes or until the apples are soft. Remove cinnamon stick and discard. Yield 6 servings. ©2011 Copyright Morrison Management Specialists, Inc.

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PAGE 33

TRANSPORTATION

House and Senate kill off driver fees for some offenses By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Michigan drivers more than likely will get a break from some of the state’s driver responsibility fees come next October, after the state House of Representatives last week passed a measure phasing out some of the added charges. Driver responsibility fees are added monetary penalties imposed on motorists who accumulate a certain number of points on their licenses or who commit certain offenses. The legislation was introduced by state Sen. Bruce Caswell (R-Fawn River) in February. Both the state Senate and the state House passed their versions of the legislation unanimously. “There has been a great deal of public unhappiness with driver responsibility fees,” said state Sen. David Robertson (R-Waterford). “I opposed this when I was in the House and it was enacted a few years ago, and now I support the repeal. These were more of a revenue enhancer than changing driver behavior and people are fined twice for the same offense. It’s not good public policy.” If enacted, Senate Bill (SB) 166 would eliminate the $150 per-year fee for two consecutive years for operating a motor vehicle with an expired or invalid license, having more than one license, or failing to surrender licenses from another state. The bill would also do away with the $200 fee for two consecutive years for those charged with a civil infraction for failing to have insurance, and violations for failing to produce proof of insurance or knowingly providing false evidence of insurance. In July, the upper chamber passed its version that also calls for specifically eliminating responsibly fees for those who have accumulated seven or more points on their driving records. The fees that are expected to remain in place include the $1,000 per-year fee for two consecutive years for a variety of serious offenses such as manslaughter or negligent homicide resulting from operating a motor vehicle; the $500 per-year fee for two consecutive years for a variety of alcoholrelated and controlled substance violations and reckless driving; and the $500 per-year fee for two consecutive years for the misdemeanor offense of failing to have required insurance cov-

M-59 MAINTENANCE PROJECT (Highland and White Lake townships) • Completion date: Paving was completed on Tuesday, Nov. 15, but punch-list items are set to be finished by the Thanksgiving holiday. • Cost: $4 million. • Notes: No lane closures are expected from this point on, but if necessary they will be done during nonpeak traffic hours. BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION/I-96 BETWEEN MILFORD 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. Ramps from Kent Lake Road to westbound I-96 will remain closed until end of November.

erage. “The issue came back last session and seems to be one we’ve been dealing with on and off for years,” said state Rep. Bill Rogers (R-Milford). “The only heartburn is finding the money now, but it’s still the right thing to do. People can’t make the payments.” Rogers said the state is only col-

• Completion date: By Dec. 1 • 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: The end of November. • 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. The RCOC just needs to complete striping and ancillary work.

lecting 56 percent of the fees annually. “We need to attack this another way,” Rogers said. “Ultimately the goal is to get people insured and licensed. We’re not encouraging people to drive without a license, but they need to get to work to pay the initial fees. Double-assessing them isn’t working.”

The bill would also reroute the first $8.5 million collected to the state’s fire protection fund, with the remaining dollars deposited into the state’s General Fund. It’s expected to reduce General Fund revenue by over $23.6 million annually. The proposed legislation must now return to the state Senate for final approval. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

ENVIRONMENT By Angela Niemi staff writer

ouse Bill (HB) 4554 became Public Act (PA) 218 of 2011 on Thursday, Nov. 10, thereby authorizing the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to issue new permits for the harvesting of submerged logs from Great Lakes bottomlands. It also establishes a permit application fee for submerged log removal from the bottomland of an inland lake. Under the previous law, the DEQ could not issue new permits after Dec. 31, 2003. All 11 permits issued before then were set to expire on Jan. 1, 2013. The permits are now to expire five years after they are issued or, for permits issued before the legislation took effect, five years after their effective date. According to the DEQ, the Great Lakes Submerged Logs Recovery Program “provides for the legal and controlled recovery of abandoned old growth logs that were not captured and processed during Michigan’s logging era.” These logs are considered a part of the state and, as such, the state receives proper compensation under

PAGE 35 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

Log removal bill takes effect DEQ can now issue permits for harvesting submerged trees

The value of submerged logs can be as high as $30,000 to $40,000, according to a legislative analysis of a new law authorizing the state to issue permits for the removal of logs from the bottomlands of the Great Lakes and Michigan’s inland lakes. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

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PAGE 35

ENVIRONMENT

Log removal ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 34

Part 326 of the Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act (NREPA). The value of submerged logs can be as high as $30,000 to $40,000, according to a legislative analysis of the bill. Recovered wood is used by custom furniture makers, artists, contractors, architects, and makers of high-end musical instruments. Under PA 218, submerged loggers are required to pay 15 percent of the market price received from selling the logs. They must also pay a $500 submerged log removal application fee, as well as a $3,000 log recovery fee which is to be deposited in the Great Lakes Fund. The application fee was previously $3,500. A new application fee of $500 was also created for log removal from the bottomlands of an inland lake. According to the legislative analysis, it’s believed that this new law will help create jobs since the number of logs in the Great Lakes is estimated to be in the millions. State Reps. Hugh Crawford (R-

Walled Lake, Wixom) and Eileen Kowall (R-Highland, White Lake) co-sponsored the bill, which was introduced by state Rep. Greg MacMaster (RKewadin). “It allows for a good process to protect resources under the water in inland lakes, as well as Great Lakes, and allows recovery of some of those resources,” Kowall said. “Back in the logging days, the logs would be floated on the water, but some would get too water-logged and sink. Those logs are well-preserved and very valuable.” While submerged logs can be removed from inland lakes and the Great Lakes with a permit, they cannot be removed from rivers and streams, according to Kowall. “They can’t be removed from rivers and streams unless they are creating a log jam that interferes with navigation because they serve an ecological purpose in rivers and streams.” ❏

Bill would require DNR to OK horse use on state trails Legislation under consideration by the state House of Representatives

looks to grant pack and saddle animals access to pack and saddle trailways on public land managed by the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR). House Bill (HB) 4684, sponsored by state Rep. Greg MacMaster (RKewadin), also prohibits the DNR from issuing an order that would restrict the use of pack and saddle animals on these trailways. As currently written, the bill would mandate that the DNR allow recreational horseback riding on any stateowned land that is currently being used by or has been open at any time in the past to use by pack and saddle animals, even if there have since been regulatory or statutory provisions prohibiting such recreational use. The concern is that the DNR would lose federal funding for wildlife programs since most of that funding is contingent upon compliance with certain federal laws and regulations. The federal Pittman-Robertson Restoration Act prohibits hunting and fishing license fees and land bought with federal assistance funds from being used for purposes that would

interfere with game and fish activities, which is why the land was acquired or developed. According a House legislative analysis, if legislation is enacted that mandates interfering activities on the land without the DNR having the control to manage the land in a way conducive to hunting and fishing, it could be seen as a diversion of funds and the federal funding would be lost. “If we allow pack animals to ride anywhere unchecked and uncontrolled in the Pigeon River Country State Forest, we will lose $25 million to $30 million in federal funding that is used for game and fish management,” said DNR spokesperson Mary Dettloff, who said the DNR is opposed to the bill. In order to address the issue, the House Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Committee voted unanimously to adopt an amendment stating that the DNR shall not allow pack and saddle animals to use trailways if it violates federal law or grant requirements that constitute a diversion of funds. ❏

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PAGE 36

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

COUNTY

Race to represent Orchard Lake on BOC shaping up By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

Oakland County Commissioner Mattie Hatchett (D-Pontiac) may not be a known commodity in west Oakland County politics, but she and Republican Andrew Pettress may square off in the November 2012 general election to earn the right to represent Orchard Lake Village, among others. Pettress, a Pontiac Republican, will run for the newly-drawn 10th Board of Commissioners District seat — which is the one that caused the most consternation among county GOP brass, including Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard, Jr. and Oakland County Republican Party Chairman Jim Thienel, who were the two Republicans in the minority on the five-member Oakland County Reapportionment Panel that was helmed by Democrats over the summer. They argued that the proposed

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10th District was the result of gerrymandering for political gain on the part of the reapportionment panel’s Democrats: Oakland County Democratic Party Chairman Frank Houston, county Treasurer Andy Meisner, and county Prosecutor Jessica Cooper, all of whom have denied the GOP’s attacks on the district lines that were approved in a party-line vote in May as a result of 2010 U.S. Census data. As drawn, the 10th District — with its total population of 47,488 and total electorate of 34,781 — starts in the northeast end of Pontiac and swoops southwest, across Telegraph, into the much smaller communities of Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor and Sylvan Lake. Politically, the new district is considered safely Democratic with its nearly 70-percent minority voter base. Pontiac, under the proposed map, would also be represented by commissioners serving the new 5th and 11th districts. Pettress, a consultant who said he has helped people find loans for 30 years, said this is his third attempt at securing a Board of Commissioners seat.

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“I’ve ran two times before and I’m familiar with the area, including what is going to be perceived as the new Mattie Hatchett area,” he said, adding that he served under former Pontiac Mayor Wallace E. Holland, the city’s first full-time black mayor. “The other cities (Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor, and Sylvan Lake) happen to be Republican cities.” And at least for now, the district will stand as drawn. Last week, the Michigan Court of Appeals rejected a legal challenge to the new Board of Commissioners Hatchett districts, although it remains to be seen whether county Republicans will challenge the appellate court’s ruling all the way up to the state Supreme Court. Hatchett, who was first elected to the county board in 2002 and is a former deputy mayor of Pontiac and elementary school principal, said she will run for re-election in 2012. She added that she “is very familiar with Andy” and has “known him for years.”

However, with the newly-drawn district, she said she will have to familiarize herself with the issues facing the three small communities west of Pontiac. She said she will begin meeting with officials in those communities at the beginning of the year. ❏

Court rejects GOP suit over new district lines By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

The state Court of Appeals has determined that the new district lines for the Oakland County Board of Commissioners in light of the 2010 U.S. Census — as required by law — are constitutional and that the district lines stand approved as adopted in May. Yet a challenge to the appealate court’s ruling may come before the Michigan Supreme Court, although county Republican Party officials wouldn’t say exactly when an appeal PAGE 37 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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PAGE 37

COUNTY

New districts ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 36

decision would be made. “We are looking at appealing that (appeals court) decision to the Supreme Court,” said Oakland County Republican Party Chairman Jim Thienel, adding that he would expect to get a “more favorable reaction” from the GOP-controlled Supreme Court. Thienel, who also served on the five-member Oakland County Apportionment Commission as one of two Republican members, said it would be “at least a couple weeks” before the party makes a final decision on whether to take the matter to the state Supreme Court. Oakland County Republicans had contended that the new district lines, which were approved in a party-line 3-2 vote by the reapportionment commission on May 26, were gerrymandered and based solely on politics, not representation. Democrats, including county Democratic Party Chairman Frank Houston, who chaired the apportionment commission over the course of the redistricting process, held firm in their stance that the district map would withstand a legal challenge. “We’ve all along stated that we felt we had very fair maps,” Houston said last week. “You can compare it to any past maps. By all standards, we have a map that follows the letter and spirit of the law, and it’s a good map for Oakland County voters.” Houston said if a Supreme Court challenge is in the cards, a “quick meeting” of the reapportionment panel may be held “just to check in.” However, the modus operandi will be to “defend (the map) vigorously.” “I can say that the legal guidelines for the process of redistricting are well established,” said Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner, another Democratic member of the reapportionment panel. “We followed all of them from minimizing the difference in population from district to district, to making sure the districts are compact and contiguous. These legal principles are well established. We followed them. And the Michigan Court of Appeals agreed that the charges that were made against these districts were without merit.” Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard, Jr. — the reapportionment panel’s other Republican member

Oakland County Republican Party Chairman Jim Thienel said a decision is expected in “a couple of weeks” on whether an appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court will be made over the state Court of Appeals’ ruling last week that the district lines (above) for the Oakland County Board of Commissioners — which were approved in May by the Oakland County Apportionment Commission in a 3-2 party line vote — are constitutional. Thienel and Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard, Jr., the two Republicans on the reapportionment panel, have called the district lines gerrymandered for political gain. Democrats on the panel have denied that claim.

aside from Thienel — could not be reached for comment prior to press time. Barring a successful legal challenge at the state Supreme Court level, west Oakland County will be represented at the county level as follows, with the total number of residents in each district in parenthesis: • 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 Orchard Lake (47,488 residents). • The 11th District will represent the middle of Waterford Township running from east to west (49,732 residents). • The 15th District will stretch up into the southern portion of West Bloomfield Township (47,962 residents). • The 16th District will represent a portion of eastern West Bloomfield Township (48,350 residents). • The 17th District will cover the vast majority of West Bloomfield Township (49,933 residents). ❏

PAGE 38

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

STATE

High court: Tax on pensions is in line with constitutions By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

The Michigan Supreme Court in a 43 decision has upheld that the vast majority of Gov. Rick Snyder’s plan to do away with the tax exemptions many retirees enjoy on their pensions is constitutional, paving the way for Public Act (PA) 38 of 2011 to take effect. The advisory opinion issued Friday, Nov. 18 declared that reducing or eliminating the exemption on public pension incomes “does not impair accrued financial benefits of a ‘pension plan [or] retirement system of the state [or] its political subdivisions’” as prohibited by the state constitution, nor does reducing or eliminating the pension tax exemption “impair a contractual obligation in violation” of the state and U.S. constitutions. In addition, the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is not violated when date of birth determines the eligibility for income tax exemptions, the court determined. However, the court held that deter-

mining eligibility for income tax exemptions and deductions on the basis of total household resources as set forth in PA 38 of 2011 violates the state Constitution because it creates a graduated income tax. That portion can “reasonably be severed from the remainder of the act, which is constitutional with respect to all the issues raised.” According to the Snyder administration, the determination by the court blows a roughly $60 million hole in the Fiscal Year 2011-12 state budget, which ends on Sept. 30, 2012. He and the state Legislature will be working to address the shortfall, he said in a news release. “I’m pleased by today’s ruling from the Michigan Supreme Court that the removal of the income tax exemption for public pensions is constitutional,” Snyder said in the release. “We appreciate the court’s willingness and work to review this critical issue on an expedited basis. “Our administration has been unwavering in its position that the removal of the public pension income tax exemption was the right and prudent thing to do. It will provide for the longterm structural stability of the state’s PAGE 39 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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

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

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PAGE 39

STATE

Pension tax ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 38

budget while minimizing the impact on current retirees and seniors. This will help get Michigan’s fiscal house in order and economy back on track.” Under the new state law, the retirement income — public pensions, private pensions, 401(k)s and IRAs — for those born after 1952 will be taxed at 4.35 percent, with that rate dropping to 4.25 percent on Jan. 1, 2013. When those people turn 67, a senior income exemption will be available at a $20,000 level for single-filers and a $40,000 level for joint filers. For those born between Jan. 1, 1946 and Dec. 31, 1952, their retirement income will be taxed above $20,000 if they are single filers and above $40,000 if they are joint filers. For those born before 1946, their private pensions — if above $45,120 for single-filers and $90,240 for joint filers — will be taxed at 4.35 percent, with that level dropping to 4.25 percent starting in 2013. Public pensions for those people would not be taxed, and 401(k)s and IRAs would be treated the same as under current law. “In our efforts to ensure a simple, fair and efficient tax system, we believed it was appropriate for those individuals at the higher end of the income scale to contribute,” Snyder said. “This ruling still protects the exemptions for those at lower income levels, but also now applies equally to everyone across the board.” In addition, effective Jan. 1, 2012, senior citizens born after 1945 will not be able to deduct a portion of interest, dividends and capital gains. ❏

Michigan ballot may see changes under legislation Legislation in the hands of the state House Redistricting and Elections Committee would reorder the non-partisan Michigan ballot to have the races for a community college board of trustees and an intermediate school district board member position placed higher up on the ballot. House Bill (HB) 5127, which was introduced late last month by state Rep. Ed McBroom (R-Vulcan) and is cosponsored by state Reps. Eileen Kowall (R-Highland, White Lake) and Bill Rogers (R-Milford), among others, would make those two contests appear right after where people check the ballot for district court judge races.

Brown recall effort begins Canvassers trek through W. Bloomfield Democrat’s district By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

Deer hunting season may now be officially open in Michigan, but Republicans and Democrats across the state have their sights on different game — each other. Paul Scott, who on Nov. 2 was booted from his job as a state representative from Genesee County and the Republican chairman of the House Education Committee, didn’t survive a recall effort that received statewide attention and significant backing from the Michigan Education Association (MEA), the state’s largest teachers’ union. Now, with less than a year until Election Day 2012, state Rep. Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield, Commerce, Wolverine Lake) may face the same fate as canvassers paid by the Oakland County Republican Party trekked through Brown’s west Oakland County district earlier this month to gather signatures for a pair of recall petiBrown tions submitted by West Bloomfield resident David Rohtbart, a donor to Gov. Rick Snyder. Brown has appealed the Oakland County Elections Commission’s decision several weeks ago to approve the recall petitions’ language — which were approved Sept. 26 and cite her opposition to the repeal of the pension tax exemption many retirees across the state enjoyed, as well as her vote against a bill that enacted an increased level of authority for emergency financial managers — but no ruling has been made on her challenge, which is now before Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Martha Anderson. A motion for summary disposition is slated for a hearing at 8:30 a.m. on Dec. 7, according to Anderson’s staff. It’s not known whether she will make a ruling that day. Oakland County Democratic Party Chairman Frank Houston said he thinks it’s unlikely that either the process of getting a recall election will be successful or that, if a recall election is held in February 2012, that Brown would lose in that race. “She really does represent the district and work it hard,” Houston said. “People know her, her record, what she stands for, and she has some bipartisan supporters.” “To date, it appears that the GOP isn’t going to do a serious recall effort,” Houston added. “We aren’t taking it for granted, though. The bottom line is, to date, it looks like their caucus hasn’t been motivated to run recalls” that are likely to fail. But Jim Thienel, chairman of the county Republican If the bill is approved by both chambers of the state Legislature, the non-partisan races would be ordered as follows: Michigan Supreme Court justices; state Court of Appeals judgeships; circuit court judgeships; probate court judgeships; district court

Party, had a different take. “We don’t know whether it’s going to be successful until the end of it, but we’re looking at it right now as if it’s going to be a successful effort,” he said. “It’s highly unfortunate that Democrats started it with numerous recall efforts across the state. It’s just a way to cost Republicans money.” Thienel said the Michigan Republican Party is spearheading and financing the recall effort against Brown. In addition to volunteer efforts, Thienel said that canvassers are being paid $1 per signature collected in the attempt to have a recall election held that would pit Brown against a Republican candidate. “The state party has more than enough money,” Thienel said, adding that if the state GOP encounters to a cash crunch, the county Republican Party is more than happy to chip in to fund it. “The county’s in the best financial shape its been in the last 8 to 10 years.” According to staff in the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Office, 10,090 registered voter signatures — an amount equal to 25 percent of the voters in the 39th state House District that cast ballots for governor in 2010 — are needed for a recall election to be held. Rohtbart has 180 days from Sept. 26 to submit those 10,000-plus signatures. Messages left with Brown’s office were not returned prior to press time, though she has defended her voting record in the past in a statement issued in September. “This misguided recall effort is a stark example of why our residents are outraged by what’s happening in Michigan right now,” Brown said in the statement. “Our system is broken, plain and simple. This recall effort is a distraction from the real work that needs to be done — working together to create jobs, protect education and get Michigan back on track. “I will say it again — I heard overwhelmingly from the people who I represent that they did not want our schools and our students to pay for a tax break for corporate special interests. I stand by my decision to vote against the massive corporate tax break that came at the expense of our kids’ education. The people who I’m fighting for every day can rest assured that I plan to appeal the action taken today by the county board of elections.” Brown isn’t the only member of the lakes area’s delegation to the state House facing a recall effort. State Rep. Gail Haines (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield) is the target of a recall effort by Waterford Township resident Neil Billington — who challenged Haines in the 2010 Republican primary election — for her vote in favor of the emergency financial manager bill that would eventually become Public Act 4 of 2011. ❏

judgeships; community college boards of trustees; intermediate school district board members; city officers; certain village officers; local school district boards of education; and district library board members. Staff in McBroom’s office said the

issue was brought up by the Michigan Association of Counties and municipal clerks. Messages left with local school district officials and the Michigan Association of School Boards went unreturned prior to press time. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

MAIL BAG

Guts and honesty From Ralph Hashoian, West Bloomfield Township: My correspondence with the media in the last (few) years has seemed always to be in the form of a negative response to various news articles. But I must say I was very impressed with your (editorial) on Nov. 9-15, “Bullying is bullying. Period.” What refreshing insight, guts and honesty. It is rare today to see the press do its job — call it as it is. In this case (its job is) taking a stand on something that is obviously wrong. I would like think the GOP, (state) Sen. (Mike) Kowall (R-Commerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield) and (state) Sen. (David) Robertson (RWaterford) know this fact, (but) they are just playing to the choir. Their reluctance to answer the pointed question just adds to the direction they wish to go, and I cannot, as benevolent as your editorial was, (give) them a pass. They should come right out and admit the error and set the story straight. But your paper gives me hope that maybe the press at times can still have the courage to enlighten the people and not just mouth the messages of the GOP Senate. Thank you. ❏

Stop, look and listen From Joe Hargrove, Commerce Township: Before you sign a petition to recall a state representative, ask what “terrible deed” they did. Did they vote to repeal Michigan’s drug industry immunity law — the law that denies you your day in court if you or a loved one is harmed or

Mail Bag provides a forum to express your thoughts. Please limit to 275 words or less. Please type and double space. We reserve the right to edit or not publish any letter. Deadline Friday at 12 noon. Include name, address and phone number for verification, only your name and community will be published. Letters without names will not be considered. Mail to Spinal Column Newsweekly, P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387 or fax 24/7 to Editor 248-360-1220. killed by a (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) FDA-approved medication? Did they vote against tax cuts for big business at the expense of our kids and seniors? Did they oppose the idea of emergency (financial) managers dictatorially replacing our duly-elected city governments? Or are (they) simply members of the Democratic Party with a constituency who values civil rights? ❏

Thanks for your effort From Lynn “Lindy” O’Brien, director of musical entertainment, Quake on the Lake: Please allow me to thank a very special group of people — the concert/live entertainment volunteers who most graciously donated their time and efforts to this year’s annual Quake on the Lake hydroplane races, a charity that benefits Michigan children who are seriously ill on behalf of the Rainbow Connection founded by Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. First of all, special thanks to David Schell for many hours of research and negotiations with the national acts; and Bob Locher, director of concert

security, who rotated posts, used a professional radio system, and directed security on Sunday in other capacities (gate security, beach, pits, and perimeter), on behalf of Lisa West, volunteer coordinator. Mr. Locher’s security team consisted of Mike Sumner, Brad Sumner, Scott Makushik, Mark Davis, Al Rubin, Kevin Lawrence, Kevin Lambert, Micky Vizard, and Jim Kish, Jr. A very special thank you to Barrett Novack, stage manager, who drove all the way up to Michigan from Austin, Texas (on his own dime)! He kept an ever-going entertainment line-up right on track and all bands performed on time (well, save for the headline act Rare Earth, who was just a few minutes late). Other volunteers included Jeannie Davis (VIP Entrance), Taylor Schell, Sherry Clark, Alexis Lawrence, and Maegen O’Brien Watterson. Thanks to Joanna Lauren and Addy O’Brien for singing the Canadian and American national anthems, respectively. Both of you did a fantastic job! My deepest gratitude to those who worked in 90-degree weather for two days straight and also attended the pre-event, on-site concert security meeting. Thanks to all of the generous and charitable live entertainment sponsors for supporting the national and local performing artists — especially Genisys Credit Union, Village Lakes Shopping Center, General R.V. of White Lake, and the Spinal Column Newsweekly for the beautiful layout in Oakland Lakefront (magazine), articles, and for publishing this thank you letter! Mwah! Mwah! And hugs, too! A huge thank you to the bands that performed for (substantially) less than their going rate in order to benefit Michigan’s children. You know who you are! (Especially the Shotgun Willie Band, who have performed every year

AROUND THE LAKES AREA

WE’RE ASKING… "Of course, at Target. I'll probably pull an allnighter like I did two years ago with my friends. We look for deals on electronics, clothes and big Christmas items." — Bryce Piskorski, Commerce

since the Quake’s inception!) I couldn’t have done it without all of you and your dedication, professionalism and solid commitment. May you receive continuous special blessings, good karma and happiness! ❏

Not stopping at HVSB From Kevin Lawrence, Milford Township: I would like to take time to congratulate (Huron Valley Schools Board of Education trustee-elects) Bonnie Brown and Jeffery Long on a job well done with their campaign and wish them good luck on the (board). May they keep moving things forward for the betterment of our children and (may) their ideas be heard. The campaign for school board was quite unique in its own way — nine candidates all could do a great job, always staying friendly. I am sure that, with all the great ideas that came out during the campaign, Bonnie and Jeff will use them as well to keep things moving along in the right direction and keep Huron valley schools on top. I would also like to thank all of the candidates that ran with me on a job well done — Karen Wallis, Kim Galbraith, Robert Artinian, Russ Krawczyk, Joe Ghislain, and Xuan Avallone. This being my first time running for any type of public office, I learned a lot, made lots (of) new friends along the way, and I will not stop here as I stated in the Spinal Column (Newsweekly) a few weeks ago. I will now get ready to toss my hat in the ring for Milford Township trustee in 2012 and try to make a change at that level. I feel, as Milford has grown for the better over the years, it has lost part of its past along the way. We need to bring that back to make it grow as our hometown. I would also like to thank all that voted for me for (school board). Thank you. ❏

A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly

Do you participate in "Black Friday," and if so, where do you shop?

"No, because I work. I've done it in the past and usually went to Twelve Oaks mall to get clothes on sale."

"Yes, Wal-Mart, Target, Meijer and GameStop. I look for great deals on Christmas presents."

"Yes, I'll go to JCPenney and Sears. Sometimes I'll go with my mom or my friends."

— Marta Shegelman, West Bloomfield

— Jessie Glander, White Lake

— Marta Gron, Commerce

NOVEMBER 23-29, 2011

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 41

IN OUR OPINION

Driver fees are insult to injury Lawmakers thankfully take scalpel to overly punitive fines A

fter eight years of what effectively amounts to the state of Michigan issuing heavy-handed penalties to motorists for relatively minor infractions as a means of shoring up the state’s budget, lawmakers in the state Legislature have unanimously voted to do away with some of the state’s so-called “driver responsibility fees” that are levied for accumulating a certain number of points on a driver’s record or committing certain specified offenses. We don’t get to say this often enough, but legislators of both parties did right by Michigan motorists in their effort to repeal several of the fees, which we see as just another overbearing way the state was reaching into the pockets of residents to get its fiscal situation in order without really addressing the budget problems it was facing at the time of the fees’ enactment. Now that both chambers have passed different versions of the legislation, it’s time for the state Senate to act and get rid of some of these fees once and for all — and we’re confident they’ll do so. Senate Bill (SB) 166, introduced by state Sen. Bruce Caswell (R-Fawn River), received the blessing of the state House of Representatives on Thursday, Nov. 10. State Reps. Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield, Commerce, Wolverine Lake), Hugh Crawford (R-Walled Lake, Wixom), Gail Haines (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield), Eileen Kowall (R-Highland, White Lake), Chuck Moss (R-Orchard Lake), and Bill Rogers (RMilford) all voted in favor of the legislation. When SB 166 cleared the upper chamber in June, state Sens. Mike Kowall (R-Commerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White

Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield) and David Robertson (R-Waterford) both voted for it. The two chambers passed different versions of the bill, which now must have the conflicting details ironed out. Under the bill, effective Oct. 1, 2012, the following driver responsibility fees would be eliminated: • The $150 per-year fee levied for two consecutive years for operating a motor vehicle with an expired license and for operating without a valid license, having more than one license, or failing to surrender licenses from other states as is required by the Michigan Vehicle Code; and • The $200 per-year fee that’s charged for two consecutive years for a civil infraction of failing to have mandatory motor vehicle insurance coverage, and violations for failure to provide proof of insurance or knowingly providing false evidence of insurance. According to Rogers, the state is only collecting 56 percent of the driver responsibility fees annually. As a result of the legislation, the state budget would take a hit of about $23.6 million annually based on first-year assessment data for the fees in the 2010 calendar year, according to state Senate fiscal analysts. That’s not an easy pill to swallow for a state that still is plagued by economic uncertainty. Difficult cuts have been made, and we suspect this will be no different, but regardless, it’s the right thing to do. Michigan drivers — many of whom are already strapped for cash as it is — simply can’t afford to pay the fee, which we view as a way the state, intentionally or not, added insult to injury by double-charging

motorists who were already hit with the cost of a traffic ticket for their relatively minor infraction. That contributes to the driver responsibility fees’ woeful collection rate that Rogers cited — slightly more than half. And Robertson cited that as a reason why the fees are “not good public policy.” We agree. What’s more is that lawmakers of both parties rightly took a scalpel to the driver responsibility fees rather than an ax. Many of the fines charged for two consecutive years for the most serious offenses — ranging from $500 to $1,000 per year for crimes like vehicular manslaughter, negligent homicide, operating while intoxicated, fleeing or eluding a police officer, and a moving violation or reckless driving that causes serious injury or death — are, at this point, slated to remain within Michigan Vehicle Code. And they should. The driver responsibility fees were enacted at a time when state lawmakers were still burning the midnight oil during the tail-end of the state’s fiscal year, when legislators couldn’t muster up the guts to make the difficult choices needed to bring the state’s budget in order. This group of legislators, Republicans and Democrats alike with this particular measure, are working to clean up the mess created and left during that era. And now that lawmakers have unanimously expressed their will to do away with some of the driver responsibility fees, we urge the state Senate to act quickly to scrap the overly punitive fines for what are, in the grand scope of things, relatively minor traffic violations. ❏

Trash issues worth dialogue A

Waterford Township trustee probably realized he would raise a stink by prompting a dialogue on potential changes in the township’s approach to waste collection, and deserves some credit for pushing the issue anyway. We look forward to seeing a detailed plan and suggest the township put it before voters next year as an advisory ballot question. Trustee David Kramer had planned to broach trash collection issues at a Monday, Nov. 14 township board meeting, but asked to remove the discussion from the agenda at the last minute, stating more research is needed. Kramer would like to consider alternatives to the present scenario in the township, under which each individual resident and business is left to secure their own trash collection service. There’s been little to no talk of changes since the traditional single-hauler concept was soundly rejected in 1998, when two-thirds of the township’s

electorate voted against that approach. Kramer notes a preponderance of waste collectors operating in any given neighborhood, which is a danger for pedestrians, children and pets. He believes having multiple haulers operating nearly every day adds excessive wear and tear on roadways. There’s also a concern about garbage on the sides of township roads every weekday. Kramer has mulled establishing standards, by ordinance, for waste collectors. He also envisions carving up the township into waste collection districts and soliciting bids from haulers to serve those districts. While there would be multiple operators serving the township, only one would serve each district in order to reduce truck traffic, blight, safety hazards and road deterioration. We have no doubt that all the benefits envisioned by Kramer would come to fruition with changes to the current system. However, the 1998 vote on the sin-

gle-hauler approach indicated many Waterford residents want to choose their own waste hauler. We have never understood that, since contracting with one hauler to serve the whole community would standardize and maximize service, and produce a cost savings. Yet, the people have spoken — at least they did over a decade ago. As such, we’d like to see Kramer continue researching potential alternatives to the status quo with an eye toward placing an advisory question on one of the township’s 2012 ballots. It’s possible that the public view on the current trash collection free-for-all has changed — then again, maybe it hasn’t. The only way to know for sure is to ask voters at the 2012 primary or general election polls. In the meantime, we encourage Kramer to keep up his research and work on developing potential alternatives for the entire community to weigh and debate. ❏

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR ■ Detroit Model Railroad Club: Thanksgiving Weekend Open House Shows, noon to 5 p.m. Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Nov. 25-27, 104 N. Saginaw, Holly. 248-634-5811. ■ Oakland County Sheriff’s Office: In conjunction with the village of Wolverine Lake, “Coats for the Cold,” donations accepted 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday now through Nov. 30 at Village Offices on Glengary in Wolverine Lake. 248-624-2826. ■ White Lake Township: Helping Hands Food Donation Program for lowincome people held now through Wednesday, Nov. 30. Containers for non-perishable food items located at Township Offices, the police department, fire department, and the Dublin Senior Center. For additional information, 248-698-3300, ext. 6. ■ Village Fine Arts Association: “Views & Visions” art show and sale 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday now through Nov. 26, 205 Livingston Road off North Milford Road, Highland. 248-797-3060 or 248-889-8660. ■ Scott Lake Baptist Church: Holiday Cookie Exchange Party, bring two dozen of your favorite cookies to mix and match with new friends; refreshments will be served; all are welcome; 6:15 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, 811 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. 248-681-1681. ■ Waterford Garden Club: 57th Annual Greens Market — fresh greens, wreaths, roping, swags, crafts, fresh & silk arrangements, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Dec. 1 and 2, Waterford Parks and Recreation building, 2303 Crescent Lake Road, Waterford. All proceeds will be donated to Waterford Parks and Recreation, Drayton Plains Nature Center, Christmas Adopt-a-Family, and miscellaneous community projects. E-mail waterfordgardenclub@gmail.com.

force on four grand pianos, 7:30 p.m. Friday and 3:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2 and 3, Milford Center for the Performing Arts, 2380 S. Milford Road, Highland. Tickets: $10 to $25. 248-889-8660 or www.huronvalleyarts.org.

59, Waterford. 248-625-4897.

■ Lakeland High School Athletic Boosters Fund-raiser: Practice ACT test for high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors, 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, 1630 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake. Registration, $25 for the test by e-mail, $35 at the door (limited walk-in). 248-360-1252 or e-mail kimlech@comcast.net.

■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Knitters circle, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Highland Station House, Highland. 248685-9015.

■ City of Walled Lake: Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, entertainment, refreshments, Santa, 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 5, in front of City Hall on E. West Maple in Walled Lake. 248-624-4847. ■ Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club: Desert Angel Miracle Box Packing Party, 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, 4770 Waterford Road, Clarkston. 248-6230444 or ocsclub.org. ■ Holy Spirit Lutheran Church: Free community Christmas caroling with light refreshments, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, 4800 Orchard Lake Road located across from West Bloomfield High School. ■ Jackson Chorale: Annual Christmas concert, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, Central United Methodist Church, 3882 Highland Road, Waterford. Tickets available at the door. 248-651-3085. or 248-682-4992.

■ Big Chief Chorus: Rehearsals, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford. 248-698-9133 or 248-5632109.

■ (Breakfast) Optimist Club of Waterford: Meeting, 7:15 a.m. Thursdays, Big Boy Restaurant, M-59 and Airport Road, Waterford. 248-6733493. ■ 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. 1-888-9374390. ■ 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. 248559-1147, 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.

gram, 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. 248-937-5220.

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 248-625-3288. ❐ 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 ages 55 and older to provide tutoring, mentoring and nurturing youth with special needs. Volunteers receive a non-taxable stipend, mileage reimbursement, a meal or meal reimbursement, training. 248-559-1147, ext. 3424.

❐ Divorce Care: Support group meeting for adults and children, 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Brightmoor Christian Church, 40800 W. 13 Mile, Novi. 248-7559533.

❐ 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.

■ Dads of Foreign Service: Bingo, 5:30 p.m. Sundays, VFW Post 4156, 321 Union Lake Road, White Lake. www.vfw4156.org or 248-698-8302.

❐ Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: Meeting, 6 p.m. Fridays, Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 1445 Welch Road, Commerce. 248-807-8667 or foodaddicts.org.

❐ Richardson Community Senior Center: Knitting and crochet group, 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, 1485 E. Oakley Park, Commerce. Registration. 248926-0063 or commercetwp.com.

■ Waterford Baptist Cathedral: Holiday Craft Show, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2 and 3, 2640 Airport Road, Waterford. 248-599-7306 or 248-673-5022.

■ Rotary of West Bloomfield: Meeting, 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Henry Ford Medical Center, second floor, southwest corner of Farmington and Maple roads. 248-520-0095.

❐ Independence Village of White Lake: Volunteers needed part-time for bingo, coffee chat, walking group, etc., 935 Union Lake Road, White Lake. 248-3607235.

❐ Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church: Senior Stretch and Tone, 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. Fridays, 2399 Figa Avenue, West Bloomfield. 248-682-0770.

■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: “A Piano Extravaganza,” exciting tour de

■ Waterford Rotary Club: Meeting, noon, Tuesdays, The Shark Club on M-

❐ Over-Eaters Anonymous: Recovery from compulsive eating, 12-step pro-

❐ Waterford Senior Center: Art Expression, 9 a.m. Thursdays, 3621

■ Lakes Area Rotary Club: Meeting, noon, Tuesdays, Bayside Grill, 142 E. Walled Lake Drive, Walled Lake. 248770-2707.

NOVEMBER 23-29, 2011

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 42

SENIOR ACTIVITIES 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. 248-451-1900. ❐ Wixom Senior Center: Exercise, Mondays and Wednesdays, coffee talk, Thursdays, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Registration. 248-624-0870 or wixomgov.org.

PARKS ❐ Huron-Clinton Metroparks: Will waive vehicle entry fees and boat launch fees on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25 for its Appreciation Days Program. For more information, call the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority at 1-800-477-2757 or visit metroparks.com. ❐ Indian Springs Metropark Environmental Discovery Center: “Tracking the Wild Turkey,” ages 6 and up, 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake. Registration. 1-800-477-3192 or 248625-7280. ❐ Independence Oaks County Park Needs volunteers to patrol the crosscountry ski trails this winter. An informational meeting will be held 8:30 to 11 a.m Sunday, Dec. 4, Wint Nature Center, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. Registration. boydr@oakgov.com or 248-975-9717 ❐ Kensington Farm Center: Farmer for a Day, ages 7 to 15, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration. 248-684-8632. ❐ Kensington Nature Center: Chickadee Chow-Down, 1 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25; Live Birds of Prey, 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration. 248-685-1561 or 1-800477-3178. ❐ Oakland County Parks and Recreation: Guest Appreciation Day with free park entry, Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25 at Addison Oaks,

Highland Oaks, Independence Oaks, Orion Oaks, Lyon Oaks and Rose Oaks county parks. For park hours, maps, activities and amenities, visit DestinationOakland.com.

LIBRARY EVENTS

❐ Commerce Township Community Library: All ages storytime, 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2860 N. Pontiac Trail, Commerce. 248-669-8108 or commercelibrary.info. ❐ Highland Township Public Library: Wimpy Kid — Cabin Fever, grades 2 through 6, 11 a.m., Saturday, Dec. 3, 444 Beach Farm Circle, Highland. Registration. 248-887-2218. ❐ Milford Public Library: American Girls 25th Anniversary, 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, 330 Family Drive, Milford. Registration. 248-684-0845. ❐ Walled Lake City Library: Learn how to work with your lender to avoid foreclosure with HUD certified counselors, 5 p.m. and adult book discussion- Chevy Steven’s “Still Missing,” 6:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake. Registration. 248-624-3772.

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t f i G Our u To Yo

WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL

0 0 1 WIN Cash! y $

HolidI t ’as ye a s y !

Count how many times the words “local” or “locally” appear only in the advertisements of THE HOLIDAYS special pull-out section.

❐ Waterford Township Public Library: November Lego Club, Saturday, Nov. 26, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. Registration. 248-672-4831. ❐ West Bloomfield Public Library: 4, 5 Alive — All By Myself Fall 2011, 1:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 1, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248-851-0463 or www.wblib.org/friends. ❐ White Lake Township Library: 7UP, crafts/snacks, ages 7 to 11, 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 29, 7527 E. Highland Road, White Lake. Registration. 248698-4942. ❐ Wixom Public Library: Holiday Crafts, 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 28, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Registration. 248-6242512.

RELIGIOUS ❐ Waterford Community Church: “Walk Through Bethlehem,” 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9 through 18, 3900 Airport Road, Waterford. Free admission. 248-6231340 or www.waterfordwired.org.

I found “Local” or “Locally” in ads ___________ times. Name ___________________________________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________________________________________________ City ___________________________________________________ State _________ Zip ______________ Email __________________________________________________ Phone__________________________ Bring your coupon any time between now and DECEMBER 5, 2011 to the Spinal Column Newsweekly. To deposit a coupon, you WEST OAKLAND COUNTY must be 18 years or older, only SHOP oneLOCAL coupon accepted from each family. Each drawing will be held at the close of business on • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL December 5, 2011. One entry per household. No purchase necessary. Winners will be notified immediately by mail or phone. Employees and family members of the SCN Communications Group are not eligible.

W E S T

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Grant Niemiec (No. 32) of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s lunges the ball across the goal line for a 2-yard touchdown run in a Michigan High School Athletic Association Division 3 semi-final against Harper Creek Battle Creek on Saturday, Nov. 19. Niemiec would later score the game-winning touchdown on an 11yard run to give the Eaglets a 14-10 victory and send them to the Division 3 state final at Ford Field for the third straight season. (Photo submitted by Mary Angeloff)

Soaring into Ford Field

Niemiec’s heroic last-minute TD sends Eaglets to state final By Michael Shelton staff writer

For Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, it wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without a visit to Ford Field in Detroit. That’s where the Eaglets are heading after a thrilling 14-10 victory over previously undefeated Battle Creek Harper Creek in a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 3 state semi-final at Withington Stadium in Jackson on

Saturday, Nov. 19. Trailing 10-7, Grant Niemiec scored the game-winning touchdown for the Eaglets on an 11-yard run with just under 1 minute to play in the fourth quarter to complete an 80-yard drive. “I just thought our kids were poised and they knew they had to take the ball down the field and they did a tremendous job on the 2-minute drill,” said Eaglets Head Coach George Porritt. St. Mary’s (11-2) will next play in the

MHSAA Division 3 state championship game on Saturday, Nov. 26 at Ford Field, marking the Eaglets’ third straight state title game appearance and eighth in 13 seasons. However, their opponent will not be East Grand Rapids, the team that defeated the Eaglets in their past four visits to the Detroit Lions’ home stadium on Thanksgiving weekend. Rather, it will be undefeated Mt. Pleasant (13-0), which spoiled a poten-

tial Eaglets’ rematch with the Pioneers with a 38-37 victory in the other Division 3 semi-final on Nov. 19, ending East Grand Rapids’ run of consecutive state titles at five. St. Mary’s will be looking to win its first state championship since 2000. Saturday’s matchup between the Eaglets and Beavers featured two offenses that averaged over 40 points a game, as well as two strong defenPAGE 45❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

NOVEMBER 23-29, 2011

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PAGE 45

FOOTBALL

‘Tough’ OT loss to Lowell thwarts title bid for Warriors Walled Lake Western once again showed resilience as it has done throughout the 2011 state playoffs, but it was not enough last weekend to push the Warriors through to the state finals. Western fell in an overtime heartbreaker, 42-35, to Lowell in a Michigan High School Athletic Association Division (MHSAA) 2 state semi-final on Saturday, Nov. 19 at Kelly-Shorts Stadium at Central Michigan University. “The effort was phenomenal and that’s a compliment to our players, coaches and fans,” said Western Head Coach Mike Zdebski. Western (11-2) was making its first state semi-final appearance since 2001 and was looking to advance to its first state final since 1999, the year the Warriors won the Division 1 state championship. But after defeating Huron Valley Milford, South Lyon and Port Huron in the previous three weeks, the Warriors faced a Red Arrows (12-1) team that won the 2009 Division 2 state title before losing to Farmington Hills Harrison in last year’s Division 2 state championship game. Western struck the first blow when Kyle Bambard threw a 21-yard touchdown pass to Connor Ruby to set up a 7-0 lead. Lowell’s standout quarterback, Gabe Dean, responded with a 1-yard touchdown run, but the Red Arrows failed on the extra-point attempt, leaving Western with a one-point advantage at halftime following a scoreless second quarter. Lowell picked up the tempo in the third quarter when Dean threw a 45yard touchdown pass to Jeff Houston and a 2-point conversion throw to J.P. North before scoring on another 1yard touchdown run to put his team up 21-7. But, the Warriors stepped up again as CJ McGorisk threw a 42-yard scoring pass to Nik Heglin and Bambard added a 3-yard TD pass to Brent Zdebski, putting the Warriors within one point, 21-20, after a failed extrapoint attempt. Josh Addington increased Lowell’s lead on a 49-yard touchdown run to put the Red Arrows up 28-20 at the end of the third quarter. Western answered once again as Bambard found Cam Vieaux for a 27-

Parker McInnis (No. 33) and Orchard Lake St. Mary’s were not going to be stopped as they won a Division 3 state semi-final over Battle Creek Harper Creek on Saturday, Nov. 19. The Eaglets will next take on undefeated Mt. Pleasant in the Division 3 state title game on Saturday, Nov. 26 at Ford Field as they seek their first state title since 2000. (Photo submitted by Mary Angeloff)

St. Mary’s ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 44

sive lines. St. Mary’s struck first when Niemiec, who finished with 117 yards rushing on the day, scored on a 2-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Harper Creek (12-1) answered on its next drive when quarterback Braden Black found Connor Bauserman for a 3-yard touchdown connection to tie the score at 7-7. The second and third quarters were scoreless before Alec Fisher kicked a 27-yard field goal in the fourth quarter to put the Beavers on top by 3.

yard touchdown connection, but failed on the 2-point conversion attempt and trailed by 2. Alex Buchanan then scored on a 2yard touchdown run to give Western a 32-28 lead, but the Warriors couldn’t score on a 2-point conversion attempt. Dean then threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Blake Lyman to put Lowell up 35-32 and increase the pressure on Western to tie the game.

The Eaglets then grabbed the lead on Niemiec’s second touchdown run of the game, before their defense stepped up on Harper Creek’s final drive and shut the Beavers down, not allowing them past midfield. “I think at that point, the defensive rush got to them and we had good secondary coverage,” Porritt said. Linebacker James Ross finished with 16 tackles for the Eaglets, while David Talley had 9, including a sack in the final minute of play. Kasey Carson finished with 75 yards rushing for the Beavers. Now the Eaglets hope to bring home the state championship that has eluded them for the last 10 years, but will be challenged by an

Bambard, who previously kicked a 46-yard field goal against South Lyon, delivered once again with with a 47-yard field goal with just over 1 second remaining to tie the game at 35-35 and force overtime. Lowell had the first possession and Dean wasted little time, throwing a 13yard touchdown pass to Lyman to give the Red Arrows the lead. Western had to answer, but Bambard

Oilers team that is in the middle of its sixth straight state playoff appearance. Mt. Pleasant has averaged 10 wins a season in those six seasons, including this year, but lost twice in the regional finals and also fell in last year’s state semi-final to East Grand Rapids. The Oilers’ offense is led by Michael Tweh, who has rushed for over 1,800 yards and has scored 25 touchdowns this season, while quarterback Ryan Elliott has passed for almost 2,000 yards and has thrown 16 touchdowns. “Mt. Pleasant is a tremendous team and they have great skilled players,” Porritt said.

threw four straight incompletions, ending the Warriors’ season. “We just went back to our best plays and we had a chance where things were there, an inch here, an inch there,” Coach Zdebski said. Bambard finished completing 20of-36 passes for 319 yards and three TDs, while Vieaux had 10 catches for 159 yards and a touchdown.

PAGE 46 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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FOOTBALL

Western Warriors ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 45

Dean finished completing 16-of-22 passes for 320 yards and 3 touchdowns in addition to rushing for two touchdowns. Lyman had 8 catches for 198 yards and two touchdowns. Lowell will next take on Birmingham Brother Rice in the Division 2 state title game at Ford Field on Friday, Nov. 25. Last Saturday saw the end of a season in which the Warriors won the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division title and overcame controversy stemming from an alleged hazing incident that resulted in the discipline of five players and the suspension of two assistant coaches, to advance to the state’s final four. The state semi-final marked the final game for Western’s seniors, including Brent Zdebski, Vieaux, Ruby, Buchanan, Michael Condon, McGorisk, Vinny Gjokaj and Gabe Costanzo. “This group of seniors focused on this moment before walking in the door at Western, going all the way back to youth football,” Coach Zdebski said. “That’s why this is so tough.”

SWIMMING

Waterford United freshman captures swimming crowns By Michael Shelton staff writer

The lakes area’s best female swim-

PUBLIC NOTICE At the request of the Charter Township of West Bloomfield, Oakland County, State of Michigan and by the authority conferred on the Department of Natural Resources by Section 12-17 of Act 451, Part 801, Public Acts of 1994, as amended, and Section 250 of Act 380, Public Acts of 1965, and Section 41 of Act 306, Public Acts of 1969, a hearing will be held at the West Bloomfield Charter Township Hall, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, Michigan, at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, December 8,2011. At this hearing the Department of Natural Resources will gather information from the public concerning amendment to DNR ordinance R281.763.67 on Green Lake (entitled: Operator of Vessel Powered by Motor). West Bloomfield Charter Township, Oakland County. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact the Township Clerk at (248) 451-4814, a week in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. All interested persons are invited to attend and offer comments orally at the public hearing. Interested persons unable to attend this hearing may within 30 days after the hearing submit written comments to: DNR, Law Enforcement Attn: Sgt. Al Bavarskas 26000 W. Eight Mile Road Southfield, Michigan 48034 S.C. 11-23 & 11-30-11

West Bloomfield High School senior Allyson Kus officially signed on Wednesday, Nov. 9 with Western Michigan University to play softball on a full-ride scholarship. Kus helped the Lakers win district championships in her freshman and sophomore seasons. (Photo submitted by Steven Kus)

mers were on display this past weekend at the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) state finals, with one swimmer bringing home a pair of championships. Waterford United’s Maddie Wright, a freshman at Waterford Kettering, took

the Division 1 state crowns in the 200 Freestyle (1:19.04) and the 100 butterfly (54.82) at Eastern Michigan University. Waterford Unified finished 16th in the Division 1 overall standings, while West Bloomfield tied for 27th-place.

Notice of Posting

City of Walled Lake Planning Commission NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

for Charter Township of West Bloomfield Township Board

1. Synopsis of the meeting held on: Monday, November 14, 2011 2. Introduced: Ordinance No. C-758, to amend the Solicitors Ordinance #275 3. Adopted: Ordinance No. C-757, allowing a permit application process to allow work in the community by the film industry The above ordinances and synopsis shall be posted (in their entirety) at the following locations: (1) Office of the Township Clerk 4550 Walnut Lake Road (2) Main Township Library 4600 Walnut Lake Road (3) Township’s website www.wbtwp.com Catherine Shaughnessy Township Clerk SC: 11-23-11

Pursuant to Section 24.02(c) of the City of Walled Lake Zoning Ordinance, a notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission of the City of Walled Lake will hold a public hearing at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, December 13, 2011, for the purpose of considering a special use request for an automobile repair operation at 960 Pontiac Trail. The site is zoned C-2, General Commercial. The public hearing will be held at the Walled Lake City Hall, 1499 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake, MI 48390. Additional information is available for review at the City Hall and may be viewed Monday through Friday during regular business hours. You may attend the meeting in person or by representative and ask to be heard or you may send written comment prior to the hearing to: Jennifer Stuart, Building Secretary 1499 E. West Maple Road Walled Lake, MI 48390 248-624-4847 (phone) 248-624-1616 (fax) SC: 11-23-11

Other local top finishers included Waterford’s Katherine Kuhn, who came in 14th in the 200 Individual Medley (2:10.88) and 15th in the 100 Breaststroke (1:07.21); West Bloomfield’s Maison Moore, who took 11th in the 50 Freestyle (24.40), and Claire Forhan, who came in 10th in diving with a total score of 368.05. Farmington Hills Mercy won the Division 1 state title. Meanwhile at the Division 2 state finals at the Holland Aquatic Center, Allie Murphy of Walled Lake Western earned a runner-up finish in diving with a total score of 414.60, finishing behind Kelly Frazier of Birmingham Seaholm (433.45). Walled Lake Northern’s Lauren Slayton finished sixth in diving with a total score of 354.25. Northern’s 200 Medley Relay Team of Hannah Cole, Haley Riley, Annie Sommer and Kaley Gohrmann also earned an eighth-place finish with a time of 1:58.38. Sommer also finished 16th in the 100 Butterfly, while also helping Gohrmann, Kelsey Schultz and Abbey Brinks finish 13th in the 200 Freestyle Relay and 15th in the 400 Freestyle Relay.

NOVEMBER 23-29, 2011

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NOTICE

Notice of Posting

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP BOARD The West Bloomfield Township Board will meet on Monday, December 12, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the West Bloomfield Town Hall, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, to consider the following: Case #:

PWD-10-0249

for Charter Township of West Bloomfield Township Board 1. Synopsis of the meeting held on: Thursday, November 10, 2011 The above synopsis shall be posted (in their entirety) at the following locations: (1) Office of the Township Clerk 4550 Walnut Lake Road

Parcel:

Sidwell #18-24-153-010

Location:

2649 Cove Lane

Appellant:

Dr. and Mrs. James Mohyi

Request:

To appeal to the Township Board to reverse the November 3, 2011 decision of the Woodland Review Board’s denial of the after-the-fact request and approving a restoration order which was upheld by the Woodland Review Board via their denial of the reconsideration on May 4, 2011.

(2) Main Township Library 4600 Walnut Lake Road (3) Township’s website www.wbtwp.com Catherine Shaughnessy Township Clerk SC: 11-23-11

Any objection to or comment in favor of this request may be made by letter to Catherine Shaughnessy, Township Clerk, or by appearing in person at the scheduled meeting. If you have any questions, please call 248-451-4848. Catherine Shaughnessy West Bloomfield Township Clerk

S.C. 11-23-11

• Hearing impaired sound system & receivers (notify Clerk/Development Services Dept. one day prior to meeting of interest) • Signers for the hearing impaired (two {2} weeks advance notice) • Audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting (to individuals with disabilities) two (2) weeks notice in writing or by calling the Township Clerk or the Development Services Director at 4550 Walnut Lake Road, Box 250130, West Bloomfield, MI 48325-0130, (248) 451- 4800 or TDD (248) 451- 4899

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 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, December 13, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. to consider the following request: ZONING MAP CHANGE: Leibovitz Rezoning

Parcel: Applicant:

ZR-11-02 Rezoning from I-OP Industrial Office Park District (existing) to B-3 General Business District (proposed) Sidwell #s 18-30-101-002 & -003, 2000 Haggerty (7.99 acres) Arie Leibovitz

Plans are available for public review at the Community Development Department, 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 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 Planning Division at (248) 451-4876. S.C. 11-23-11 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.

Notice of Posting for Charter Township of Commerce Township Board 1. Synopsis of the November 9, 2011 Regular Township Board Meeting. The above synopsis shall be posted (in its entirety) at the following locations: (1) Office of the Township Clerk 2009 Township Drive (2) Main Township Library 2869 North Pontiac Trail (3) Township’s website www.commercetwp.com Daniel P. Munro Township Clerk SC: 11-23-11

CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Orchard Lake Village Board of Review will meet at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 13, 2011 at the Orchard Lake City Hall, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, MI. The purpose of this meeting is to correct clerical errors in the 2011 assessment roll, to review homestead exemption requests, and to review hardship appeals. The meeting is open to the public. Rhonda R. McClellan CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com SC: 11/23/11

COMMUNITY LEGAL NOTICES

NOTICE

The Township of West Bloomfield will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services such as:

Rezoning Case #: Request:

PAGE 47

PWT10-1774 Sidwell #18-06-326-032 7570 Barnsbury Donald and Linda Sawyers

Request:

To appeal to the Township Board to revoke or amend a portion of the Wetland Review Board’s motion to approve the amendment to Case No. PWT10-1774 on 10/26/11 as new information is available regarding the matter. The appeal is filed by a noticed property owner with rights to file an appeal.

S.C. 11-23-11

The Township of West Bloomfield will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services such as: • Hearing impaired sound system & receivers (notify Clerk/Development Services Dept. one day prior to meeting of interest) • Signers for the hearing impaired (two {2} weeks advance notice) • Audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting (to individuals with disabilities) two (2) weeks notice in writing or by calling the Township Clerk or the Development Services Director at 4550 Walnut Lake Road, Box 250130, West Bloomfield, MI 48325-0130, (248) 451- 4800 or TDD (248) 451- 4899

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WHITE LAKE

Regular Board Meeting – Synopsis – November 15, 2011 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Six board members and attorney present. Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Denied: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved:

Changes to Agenda Minutes, October 5, 2011, October 12, 2011, October 18, 2011 Second Reading, Ordinance 133, Confirm Establishment of Planning Commission Remove from Table, Second Reading, Proposed Amendment to Zoning Ordinance No. 58-13 Ordinance No. 58-13, Proposed Amendment to Zoning Parks and Recreation Proposed Updates to Rules and Regulations White Lake Presbyterian Ordinance 88 Permit Extension Consent Agenda, A, B, C 1-6 Purchase of Replacement Turnout Gear (Fire Dept.) Open Public Hearing, Lake Neva Standpipe Repair B Close Public Hearing, Lake Neva Standpipe Repair B Resolution #11-027, Special Assessment Roll, Lake Neva Standpipe Repair Project B Open Public Hearing, 2012 Budget Close Public Hearing, 2012 Budget Resolution #11-029, General Appropriations Act 2012 Budget Resolution #11-030, Board Salaries Second Reading, Amendment to Ordinance 32-A, Traffic Code Request for Legal Opinion Budget Amendments Codification Document Management December Meeting Date, from 13th to the 20th Village Acres Rebate Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m. Terry Lilley, Clerk White Lake Township S.C. 11/23/11

PAGE 48

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FOUND BMX bike, off Benstein and Bass Lake Roads, must describe. 248-363-8879 LOST CAT: Male, tiger striped, black, grey & brown. Reward for information on whereabouts. Missing for 2 weeks. Wolverine Lake/ Commerce Road area. 248-9262386

Reunions

West Oakland area school reunions. FREE for 4 weeks within a 13 week period (27 word limit).Other Reunions Published 4 weeks for a total cost of $20 for 15 words; each add’l 4 words $2. REDFORD UNION High School Class of 1962, looking for classmates for 50th Reunion on October 13, 2012. contact Madeline (Rice) Smith: paddoinmadeline@gmail.com or Linda (Horning) Tracy: Lindatracy100@gmail.com

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Houses For Sale

Looking to purchase or sell your home? Contact Arlene at Keller Williams 248-912-4628 mihome4u.com Commerce

WALLED LAKE SCHOOLS Charming 3 bedroom ranch w/ privileges to Carroll Lake. Many updates. Partial basement & 24x24 garage. Reduced! $74,900. 5686 Carroll Lake Road.

England Real Estate (248)887-9736 Hartland

ALL SPORTSLAKE! Custom built 1 1/2 story home on Lake Tyrone. Sharp kitchen, dining area with cherry cabinets & granite counters open to great room with soaring ceilings. Many Andersen windows & doorwall leading to deck for relaxing & enjoying the scenic views. Walk-out lower level nicely finished with bedroom, walk-in closet & full bath. 2x6 construction. 4 car gar garage w/finished loft area. Paved road. $254,500.

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

NOVEMBER 23-29, 2011

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MOBILE HOMES

Hartland

Mobile Homes for Sale

NICE PACKAGE! Heated barns, private 15.85 acre setting & charming 1656 sq. ft. permalog home. 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, custom kitchen, living room w/woodburning stove, great room w/ many windows. Heated 30x28 garage & paved drive. $295,000.

England Real Estate

(248)887-9736 Highland

Mobile Homes for Rent

GORGEOUS! 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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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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Fawn Lake

RENTALS

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

Commercial/ Industrial

Mobile Homes for Rent

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

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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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Waterford

(248) 624-0709

Houses/ Condos

WALLED LAKE 3 Bedroom house, newly remodeled & freshly carpeted, Walled Lake view & access, fenced yard, petsok, $850 per month.

olivermich@mac.com 248-755-5073

Houses/ Condos

WHITE LAKE Charming waterfront on Cedar Island Lake. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, with finished basement and large deck for entertaining. All appliances included. $1,500 per month plus utilities.

Houses/ Condos

PAGE 49 Apartments

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

248-568-6119

248-318-2752

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

248-912-4628 for more details mihome4u.com WOLVERINE LAKE 2 Bedroom house with shed, 1 bath, freshly painted, new carpet, new floor in kitchen, stove & refrigerator, washer/dryer hook up. No pets. Lake privileges. $760 per month

248-624-2503

Upside Down on Your House? Need to Sell NOW?

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248-343-1666 Looking to rent a house or condo? call Arlene Keller Williams Realty mihome4u.com 248-912-4628 Condominium For Rent Union Lake, 2 bed, 1.5 baths, basement, 1 car garage.

$850 per month 1 month free rent Security deposit & references needed

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

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

White Lake Apts 248-626-7857

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

(248)477-9192

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 *

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WHITE LAKE DUPLEX

Town & Country Apartments

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

HELP WANTED

Seeking Landscaping Professional Must have valid drivers license, 2 year plus experience with grounds maintenance, full tie employment thru winter

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248-830-7690

Companies desperately need employees to assemble products at home. No selling, any hours. $500 weekly potential. Info:

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DIRECT CARE Full time staff needed, working with disabled adults. Looking for caring people at our vocational program in West Bloomfield.

Mon-Fri 8am-4pm

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. WP DT OR F TER WA

LD FIE OM O L B ST WE

$759,900 CUSTOM BUILT - ALL-SPORTS MACEDAY LAKEFRONT!! •4 bed, 4 bath, all brick + fin. walkout •5,200+ sq. ft., 1st & 2nd flr. masters, 3 car #211017553 EXT. #296 • KEY #248341

ITE WH

LD FIE OM O L B ST WE

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

$399,900

ALL-SPORTS OXBOW LAKEFRONT 1.19 TREED ACRE LOT •3.271 sq. ft. + fin. walkout, contemporary •4 bed, 3.5 bath, multi-decks, 3+ car #211075518 EXT. #271 •KEY #248363 P. TW RD FO R TE WA

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

$119,900

55 FT. OF FRONTAGE TO ALL-SPORTS CRESCENT LAKE •1,572 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2.5 bath, new kitchen •Ceramic, hardwood, 2 car, seawall, deck, porch #211114249 EXT. #210 •KEY #266255

P. TW RD O F TER WA

GORGEOUS HILLSIDE HOME ON ALL-SPORTS SILVER LAKE •1,718 sq. ft., 3 bed, 3 bath + fin. walkout •2 story great room, loft, family room, patio #211112589 EXT. #266 • KEY #266253 D IEL MF LOO B ST WE

E AK

$329,900

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

. WP DT OR F TER WA

STUNNING 90 FT. OF MAIN LAKEFRONT ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •2,778 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2 .5 bath, 2 fireplaces •2+ car, 3 decks, dock, seawall, shed #211063900 EXT. #231 •KEY #248358

$99,900 PLEASANT LAKE BEACH PRIVILEGES •1,870 sq. ft., sq. ft., 3 bed, 1.5 bath, fireplace •Walkout, fenced yard, attached garage, patio #211118494 EXT. #250 •KEY #268869

We are full time professionals... • Meeting Client’s Needs Since 1977 • 4 Dedicated Listing & Buyer’s Agents • 150+ Negotiated/Closed “Short Sales” • 121 Closed Sales, January-October 2011 Including 28 Waterfront Properties

Our performance speaks for itself!

$399,900

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

E AK

$289,900/ LEASE $1,995/MO.

$299,900

$189,900

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

2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382

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

L ITE WH

. WP ET RC E MM CO

$549,900

248-366-7200

P. TW CE ER M M CO

. WP ET L AK

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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

janet@TheStocktonTeam.com

steve@TheStocktonTeam.com

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

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

There’s No Better Time To Sell! Call Us and Ask About Our

FALL LISTING INCENTIVE!

$149,900 CROSS LAKE VIEWS AND ASSOCIATION BEACH •1,640 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 bath, fireplace •Ceramic baths, fenced, 2 car, deck, patio #211118856 EXT. #275 •KEY #267987 RD FO TER A W

$224,900

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

M XO WI

$124,900 HOME BACKS TO SUB PARK & WALKING PATH •1,438 sq. ft. + fin. lower level, 3 bedroom •Great rm, dining w/doorwall to deck, 2 car #211089004 EXT. #247 •KEY #256965 . WP ET AK L ITE WH

$209,900/ LEASE $1,495/MO. $99,900 219’ FRONTAGE TO ALL-SPORTS 2000 BUILT HOME WILLIAMS LAKE BACKS TO RIVER AND TREES •3 bed, 2 bath, Florida rm, huge deck, fireplace •2,046 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2.5 bath, master suite •Waterside deck/dock, shed with electric •12’ high family rm, fireplace, 2 car, shed #211089314 EXT. #248 •KEY #256951 #211118696 EXT. #297 •KEY #268870

Our Marketing Plan for all listings includes: • Virtual Tour • Home Features Brochure • 24 Hour Recorded Information Hotline • 24 Hour Text Information Hotline • 30+ Real Estate Websites Advertising • All Area Printed Publications • Weekly Email Updates

www.TheStocktonTeam.com

NOVEMBER 23-29, 2011

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 51

Visit us at 560 N. Milford Rd., Milford ER WAT

NT FRO

C ORI HIST

E HOM

$350,000 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

CR 1A

S ATE UPD

FOR THE COLD Please drop off COATS Nov 1st thru 30th

$699,000

Real Estate One

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

K ND ISLA

EN ITCH

248.684.1065 S ATH

S C RE

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

VI PRI LAKE

S LEGE

$674,900 PRIVACY BY NATURE! •3,683 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, basement, 3 car attached garage •41 beautiful acres •Horse barn with 5 stalls •Wrap around decking •211075949

S IEW EV LAK

$139,900

$79,000

$555,000

$444,500

E CR

$214,900

$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

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 with wet bar •211091132

ET QUI

$125,000 DUCK LAKE CANAL FRONTAGE! •856 sq. ft., 2 bedrooms, 1 bath •Spacious great room with cathedral beamed ceilings •Gas fireplace •Gorgeous maple kitchen •211091508

Serving Milford & Surrounding Areas - 248.684.1065

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

A 1/4

AL CAN AKE L K DUC

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

NT F RO

$239,400

$132,000

DRY

ER WAT

RO ERF WAT

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

C PL A FIRE

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

N LA U LR. 1ST F

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

S CRE

$749,999

$248,300

$2,100,000 ON PRIVATE DOWNEY LAKE! •5,552 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 4.1 baths, basement, 5 car garage •24 beautiful acres •Mahogany kitchen •Generator, elevator •211088015

ALL-SPORTS LAKE SHERWOOD! •3,845 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 car attached garage •Open floor plan •Huge foyer open to great room •1st floor master suite •211116287

560 N. Milford Rd. • Milford

B 5.1

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

41 A

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

C O AT S

T E LO

RES

$27,000

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

C 24 A

BAY

$309,900 WONDERFUL WHITE LAKE VIEWS! •1,700 sq, ft., 2 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •On quiet bay to main lake •Maple and granite kitchen •211028656 ©Real Estate One, Inc., 2011

PAGE 52

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

CE ER MM CO

E AK

LD FIE OM O L B W.

CE ER MM CO

LD FIE OM O L B W.

L ITE WH

E AK

211079746 - $259,900

211113805 - $185,000

211104416 - $415,000

211108317 - $124,900

211104716 - $389,000

211108753 - $162,900

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

CEDAR ISLAND LAKEFRONT 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 100 ft. of frontage, 2 fireplaces

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

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

RD FO TER A W

L ITE WH

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

RD FO TER WA

LLY

RD FO TER WA

RD FO TER A W

HIG

211113169 - $85,000

211056180 - $124,900

211068047 - $189,900

211120853 - $152,900

211091695 - $185,500

211089418 - $130,000

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

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

GOLF FRONTAGE Corner unit condo, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, finished basement, fireplace

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

LOVELY HOME 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, bright kitchen with pantry, finished basement

LD FIE OM O BL

C O AT S

K OA YAL RO

LD FIE OM O L B W.

VI NO

FOR THE COLD 211095071 - $245,000

211103967 - $149,500

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

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

RD FO MIL

211092618 - $234,900

VACATION AT HOME 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, pool, hot tub, acreage cathedral ceilings RD FO TER A W

Please drop off COATS Nov 1st thru 30th

CE ER MM O C

211053983 - $87,000

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

D AN STL WE

Real Estate One

211047575 - $400,000

8430 Richardson • Commerce

COMMERCE LAKEFRONT 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, almost 3/4 acre, finished walkout L ITE WH

211114594 - $724,900

MIDDLE STRAITS WATERFRONT Spectacular 4 bedrooms, 3.2 baths, kitchen newly remodeled, master suite

248.363.8300

E AK W.

LD FIE OM O BL

D AN RTL HA

CE ER MM O C

211112861 - $135,000

211078139 - $74,800

MOVE IN TOTALLY REMODELED 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, ceramic floors, maple cabinets, 2 car garage, finished basement

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

R BO AR OH G E KE

CE ER MM O C

211117225 - $24,000

211091929 - $795,000

211112421 - $180,000

211101276 - $250,000

211048408 - $100,000

211078342 - $199,900

METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED HOME! 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, large bedrooms and closets, quiet street, corner lot

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

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

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

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

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

RD FO TER WA

RD FO OX

L ITE WH

E AK

D IEL MF LOO B W.

VI NO

ALE ND FER

211115899 - $265,000

211104235 - $110,000

211115490 - $249,000

211099179 - $233,000

211074688 - $110,000

211108984 - $165,000

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

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

CUSTOM RANCH END OF CUL-DE-SAC 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, maple kitchen, hardwood floors, finished walkout, wet bar

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

NOVEMBER 23-29, 2011

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

BECKY KATZMAN McCARTHY 248-790-9915

SUSI GOLLINGER Associate Broker - A.B.R.

Lakes Area Specialist

(248) 310-9002

rmccarthy@RealEstateOne.com

susigollinger@hotmail.com Lakefront on all-sports Cedar Island Lake!! Cozy ranch on almost half acre, features spacious kitchen and family room, 3 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, 2 fireplaces, located in family room and living room, built-ins and plenty of storage, lakeside brick patio, sandy beach area for swimming, sprinklers, neighborhood park nearby, great opportunity to update all of this space to fit your needs. 40 ft. of dock included. $185,000. Call Becky for details!

PICTURE PERFECT HOUSE NESTLED ON 1 ACRE LOT!!

House features, approx. 1,800 sq. ft., open floor plan, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, oak hardwood floors throughout, eat-in kitchen includes all appliances, cozy fireplace in living room, master bed with private bath and jacuzzi tub, 2.5 car garage, pole barn, sprinkler system, fenced backyard, privileges to Stony/Squaw Lakes. $110,000. Call Becky for details!

W NE

TIN

LIS

WATERFORD - $265,000

All-sports lakefront gem, 83 ft. on Woodhull Lake that connects to Lake Oakland. 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, finished walkout lower level. Beautiful landscaping. Large deck. Western exposure for ultimate sunsets. (S.G. 4395 S.)

FOR ALL SHOWINGS CALL SUSI

MEET THE POWER TEAM

AUDREY STOREY

CHERYL YEAGER 248-310-8077

MARY SHIELDS

248-363-8300 Ext. 233 248-496-1846

Cell 248-245-6090 realestateone.com/mshields

audreystorey@yahoo.com

RESIDENTIAL AND WATERFRONT SPECIALISTS

Diane & Mary strive to make your transaction seamless from start to finish. Let our TEAM guide you through the process.

DIANE BUCHANAN

SELLING REAL ESTATE SINCE 1980

Cell 248-921-8152 www.realestateone.com/dianeb

TOP PRODUCER

100 FT. OF LAKE FRONTAGE!!

0 ,10 $1 SE A LE

O FR

PAGE 53

CT TRA ON ABLE C D IL L AN AVA

SPECTACULAR LAKEFRONT All-sports Middle Straits. Over 6,000 sq. ft. of living Vacation at Home! space, newly remodeled. Acreage, pool, barn, ranch with full basement. Kitchen Amazing kitchen with featuring granite countertops and ceramic floors. Master bedroom featuring hardwood floors and gas fireplace. custom imported cabinets, Huron Valley Schools AS3170M $234,900 Sub Zero refrigerator and wine keeper, WD Wood Burning Pizza Oven. Private master suite with amazing bath, jacuzzi tub, walk-in closet. Additional master/ princess suite. Theater View of White Lake room on main level. Sandy Lake and boat privileges on White Lake. Old world charm beach. Impressive!!! comes with this 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home with coved ceilings. Remodeled kitchen and appliances stay. Full $724,900 basement, triple lot. AS3761C $149,900

GO LIONS! BEAT PACKERS! Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour

cherylyeager.com cherylyeager@yahoo.com

Lakes Area (248) 363-8300 • 8430 Richardson

ICE

WHITE LAKE RANCH Desirable Whispering Meadows Sub, cul-de-sac setting, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, hardwood floors, first floor laundry, maple kitchen, vaulted great room with natural fireplace, skylights, Andersen windows, 4 door walls, vaulted master suite, spa tub, awesome finished walkout lower level, huge wet bar, well landscaped, sprinkling system. $249,000 (cy1047T)

OXBOW LAKEFRONT Private all-sports, 105 ft. of main lakefront, estate size lot offering loads of potential, home will require some work, 2 garages, great storage, 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, natural fireplace, quiet peninsula street. $178,000 (CY10188L) ©Real Estate One, Inc., 2011

PAGE 54 General/ Help Wanted

www.spinalcolumnonline.com 65

TAXI & AIRPORT

Used/Wanted

DRIVERS WANTED Full or Part time Day or Night LOOKING FOR PART TIME COUNTER HELP Responsible hard worker needed. Must be personable and customer friendly. 20-25 hours per week.

248-887-3114

MACHINE SHOP HAND / TRAINEE Part to full time. Lathe, milling, grinding. Please contact us via E-mail :

office@ rollamaticinc.com

MAIDS Residential cleaning company in Waterford seeking energetic part time employee 15 to 20 hours, Monday through Friday, No evenings or weekends, car required, experience a plus but will train.

248-674-5800

SNOW PLOW DRIVERS & SHOVELERS Must be available 24/7 Good pay for hard workers.

248-310-8678 69

ASS'T CONTROLLER For southwest Oakland County manufacturer- full time position with benefits & 401K, experience required through General Ledger including payroll function. Computer skills a must. Email resume to:

permacct@gmail.com Sales Positions

SCRAP METAL

248-666-2110

Office/ Clerical

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

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

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

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

Odds N Ends

CONCRETE SEALER/ finish. Johnson Wax brand. 5 gallons. $24.50 248-360-8485

$20 PREPAID Phone card for only $12.50- I can give you a 1-800 number to verify, expires June 13, 2013. 248-6232661. CHARCOAL GRILL- Weber kettle style with wheels, 24inches, $24. 248-360-8485

FLUSH DOOR- 24inch interior, used, $12. 248-698-4168

Pets/Supplies

Items must be FREE to respondents, ad free to you. Restricted to residential. The publishing group accepts no responsibility for actions between individuals. Sorry, we do not accept ads for free dogs. COUCH & LOVESEAT Brownish fabric, good condition. You pick up. 231-350-3501 FREE FIREWOOD- You pick up, Commerce area. 248766-3182. HANDSOME MALE Goat needs good home. 248-3639850

115

MICHIGAN WILD Bird seed. (No Filler.) 25 lbs. $15. 248736-0254

Clothing/Apparel

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

Absolutely Free

Building Materials 105

119

(3) PAIR gently used jeans, size 14 petite. $25 248-6669444 MEN'S CANVAS Hunting Vest with pockets & pouches, size medium, $5.00. 248-6232661

Furniture/Rugs

125

COMPACT COMPUTER desk w/hutch. Holds everything. $25. 248-360-1648 RETRO 2 tier coffee table. $25. 248-666-9444

Art/Crafts

128

CRAFTERS WANTED Dublin Elementary Craft Show 425 Farnsworth December 3, 2011 9am to 5pm $35 per table Contact Chris Bartel 248-376-6354

LANDSCAPE RIVER Rock- 3 plus yards, must take all- no par tials. Commerce area. 248-363-5298

Home Care Equipment 130

THREE STRAW/ Hay bales, nine pumpkins. You pick up. 248-444-0149

NEBULIZER BY Health dyne model 323 compressor driven $24.50 248-425-1004

Collectibles

LIONEL "O-27" Gauge Christmas train set up/ layout, free standing/ 6ftx10ft, animated toy gadgets- ferris wheel, antique trains, etc. $2,000 OBO. 248-366-7044

Cemetery Plots

100

CHAPEL MAUSOLEUM, chapel crypts 5 through 10. Oakland Hills Memorial Gardens, Novi. 2/$10,000 248474-7827

Auction/Estate Sales101 HUGE ESTATE Sale: Saturday, Sunday, 9a.m.-4p.m. 5291 Rossiter, Dixie/ Williams Lake, Waterford. Christmas decor & more. Everything goes!!

NEW HANDICAPPED Shower chair, full size/ free standing. $25. 248881-2031

Stuff/Kids

133

KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY 14 and younger DECEMBER 17th 1pm-3pm VFW POST #4156 321 UNION LAKE ROAD Please R.S.V.P. by DECEMBER 12th 248-303-9157 A canned good or non-perishable item, appreciated.

138

JANE FONDA New aerobic step master, adjustable height $15. 248-363-0693 WOOD BURNING Insert, air tight, ("Old Timer"), $600. 248-895-0100

LEISURE TIME

Wanted Parts/ Salvage

BOATS/ OUTDOOR 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 Motor Homes

$150 to $2,000

RC Towing 248-770-3333 CAMPBELL'S TOWING AUTOS, CARS & TRUCKS

179

Snowmobile Parts & Repairing Discount Prices * Quality Service * PWC Shrink Wrapping & Boat Storage

Lakes MotorSports 4713 Dixie Highway, Waterford, MI 48329

248-674-0663 www.lakesmotorsports.com

CARS/TRUCKS MOTORCYCLES Wanted Parts/ Salvage

$200 AND UP

248-698-1062 Tires/ Parts

182

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

Motorcycles

183

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

177

1999 DUTCH Star diesel pusher, model #3884, single slide out, 300hp caterpillar on freight liner chassis, 6686 miles, Tracstar satellite, option to numerous to list $60,000 OBO 248-425-6071

Snowmobiles

Cars 181

Unwanted Autos any year

TV/VCR/DVD Players156 50" SONY TV with stand, works great $400 248-7797735

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

181

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

(248)467-0396

MOTORCYCLEGUARANTEE See First Want Ad Page Cars

187

SALES GUARANTEE Autos, Vans, Trucks See First Want Ad Page BUICK LESABRE, 2005, 85K, $7,000.Very good condition. 248-363-3457 FORD FUSION Sel 2010. Fully loaded, all the bells & whistles. $17,000. 33,500 miles. 248210-9936 or 248-924-7412 GREAT TRANSPORTATION car 2004 Chevy Malibu Max. All mechanical issues in good working order, 162k. $3,800 firm, call Jenny at 248-8891785 CHEVROLET IMPALA SS 1996, 93,000 miles, leather seats, CD changer, always garaged- excellent condition, $10,000 OBO. 248-363-1210

187

FORD FUSION 2008, V6, 24,500 miles. Wixom, $16,500. (586) 206-3222 MERCURY GRAND Marquis LS, 2004. Loaded, leather, silver, 36,500K, clean. $11,500. OBO 248-669-8171 SATURN SC-2 Hatchback 2001, good condition, 5 speed, one owner, 240,000 miles. $2,900. 248-363-5133

Vans

194

2000 DODGE GRAND Caravan Ramp Van. Low mileage, mint condition. Price negotiable. Call: 248-624-7835

SERVICE DIRECTORY PERSONAL/ SERVICES Disc Jockeys/ Music

332

LMS PRODUCTIONS "Music For The Holidays" •Holiday Favorites •Oldies/ Classic Rock Perfect for small to medium gatherings- Hire radio personality for your next event!

LARRY MATTHEWS 248-505-8792

REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT Appliance Repair

502

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

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

513

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

Call Bob (248)681-5771

Reasons To Use West Oakland Service Firms • Up-to-date listings allow for seasonal or changing conditions • They are part of the community • They offer a variety of services to meet your needs • They are ready and eager to serve

Buying a Home? Let us

Look Before You Leap!

Afford

able Home Inspections

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

248-881-3478 Licensed Insured

4075 Echo Drive West Bloomfield

NOVEMBER 23-29, 2011

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 55

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 Cabinetry

515

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

(248)363-3804 elegant-woodworking.com

Carpentry

516

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

(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 Drywall

526

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

Ron (248)673-7665 Electricians

528

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

(248)683-7985 Excavating

529

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

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

248-624-4473

Flooring

536

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

(248)684-5983 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 #

Heating/Duct Work 546

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

FREE ESTIMATES ON INSTALLATION

248-363-1615 HURON VALLEY HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING •Repair •Replace •Inspections •Humidifiers •Water Heaters •Night service available

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 Painting/ Decorating

562

FARR'S PAINTING

(248)887-3666

Licensed and Insured

Home Improvement 547

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

D & S HOME REPAIRS REMODELING

SHERMAN BLDG CO.

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

248-684-4175 810-714-3058

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

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

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

VS PAINTING FALL SPECIAL

Michigan Toolbox

248-894-3239

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

567

Premier Plumbing Licensed & Insured Complete Plumbing Service New Construction & Remodel Commercial & Residential

248-363-5864 Roofing

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 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

248-682-1393 248-802-6554

Plumbing

WATER DAMAGE REPAIRS

Call Doug Miller 248-360-0344

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.

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

ROOF LEAKS &

FREE Estimates

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

(248)891-7072

571

D & D GUTTERS * Snow Plowing* • Leaf Guards • Siding • Windows •Insulation special: Avg. $1500 per house Doug Dible

248-431-6243

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

COLLEGE STUDENTS

SNOW PLOWING * Drives *Sidewalks * Insured * Shawn Larkins

248-931-0295

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 jmtileandmarble.com

Trash/Debris Removal

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

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

MAXON'S TREE SERVICE •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

Tree Service

587

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

248-921-9097 Waterproofing

599

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

Wells

603

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

Emergency Service 7 days a week 248-

363-6464

aquawells.com All credit cards accepted

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

(248)310-0917

Emergency Service EASY PAYMENT PLANS No Credit Check Visa & MasterCard

PAGE 56

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Union Lake Rd.

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

Commerce Rd.

morrismotorsmi.com Ric d hard son R

248-624-4500

Oakley Park

WALMART

Maple Rd.

Where You Need Us! morrismotorsmi.com

HAVE A HAPPY THANKSGIVING — Closed Thursday & Friday 2006 BUICK TERRAZA CX

14,995

11,995

8,995

#P1875A

10,600

11,995**

2008 FORD TAURUS SEL

11,995**

9,577

#P1913

13,400

Now

2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO CONVERSION #P2051 $

3,995**

Like New–7,200 Miles Was $12,995

5,999

5,700

2009 CHEVROLET AVEO

#P2052

#P1940A

2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING

FEATURING

2000 OLSMOBILE SILHOUETTE

14 Mile Rd.

2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE

You Can Buy A Late Model Car For Under $12,00000

#P2039

Haggerty Rd.

M-5

YEARS 11 9-20 1 96

Benstein Rd.

RIGHT HERE

Celebrating

Trail tiac Pon

#P1915

13,995

11,995**

2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA

#P1921

#P1960

13,995

11,995**

$ Find us on Facebook

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

**For purchase with qualified credit approval. Prices are plus tax, title, license & doc fee. Call dealer for more details. Offer good thru 11/30/11. Subject to prior sale.

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

Service Special

BG’s Cooling System Flush

O I OTOR L

OIL CHANGE

25 Off 95 $ 15 Off

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

+tax & dep. fee with coupon

*Includes up to 5 quarts of oil and oil filter. Excludes synthetic oil and diesel engines. Most vehicles–see service advisor for exceptions. With this coupon. Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 12/7/11. SC

Plus tax and disposal. Most GM cars and trucks. All coupons must be presented at time of write up. Offers cannot be applied with any other offers. Chemical cleaning extra. Expires 12/7/11.

Any Service Over $175.00 Any Service Over $90.00

Any Make or Model SC

One coupon per customer. Coupons may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 12/7/11. Excludes oil changes, brake promotion, tires and SRTA’S. Valid only in our service department. Must present coupon when order is written. SC

248-624-4500

morrismotorsmi.com

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

Check Engine Light Special or any Warning Light (ABS/Airbag)

WILD CARD SPECIAL

~ COUPON ~

~CHILD FRIENDLY CUSTOMER LOUNGE~

We will perform a complete ACT NOW computer scan BEFORE OFFER and external EXPIRES diagnosis. If your vehicle displays a “Check Engine” or “Service Soon” bring this coupon in for diagnosis.

LIMITED TIME ONLY

FREE

Must present coupon when order is written. Cannot be combined with any other offers. GM vehicles only. Plus tax and shop supplies. Expires 12/7/11.

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

WE OFFER: NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY Most Repairs Completed Same Day

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

SERVICE, PARTS & BODY SHOP HOURS:

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

FREE Estimates on Collision Repairs!