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Easter egg hunts in west Oakland County near — page 13 Champagne resigning Wolverine Lake council seat — page 15 Walnut Lake Road closure caused by culvert failure — page 22 That’s what SHE said: "He was the epitome of what I would like my current students to achieve in that situation — calm, cool, and collected." — Walled Lake Elementary School teacher Natalie Rohde on the actions of Walled Lake Northern High School student Jarrett Harmon, who helped her following a car accident in October when no one else would. Harmon was honored earlier this month with the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools' Golden Apple award.
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Bigger and better Milford garden in works for spring By Michael Shelton staff writer
With warmer weather and the melting of snow comes the return of the Milford’s community garden, otherwise known as Growing Greens, this spring. The garden is located near the intersection of General Motors Road and Milford Road, west of the Pet Supplies Plus store, bordering the Huron River and the bike trail. The garden’s concept was created by a group of three women: Sara White, Alison Ellis and Piera Larabell, who call themselves the “Green Team of Huron Valley.” In February of last year, the Milford Village Council approved their proposal for the garden. “We are gearing up now to start an even bigger and better second growing season,” White said. “We are inviting last year’s gardeners back and then opening up plots to be rented to new gardeners interested in joining our group. We hope to fill 30 plots this year.” Green said that the goals of the garden are to offer residents a place to grow fresh produce for their own families, to grow food to donate to the local food bank Community Sharing, and to provide a place to learn about
Solden seeking 4th term as head of Waterford Twp. By Leslie Shepard staff writer
Waterford Township Supervisor Carl Solden, a Democrat, has announced that he is seeking reelection to the chief executive position in Waterford, a job he’s held since 2000. Solden, who has served the community in some capacity for 42 years, is seeking his fourth term in that office. He made his decision public on Monday, March 12.
Volunteers who spearheaded the implementation of the Milford community garden, otherwise known as Growing Greens, hope this year’s incarnation will be bigger and better than the first one that was planted last year. (Photo submitted by Sara White)
healthy food and participate in its production. She added that the group is also discussing possible fund-raisers to pay for a permanent deer fence after using a temporary fence last year, as well as possibly filing for status as a non-profit organization. The village council at its Monday, March 6 meeting received a report on Growing Greens from the Green Team of Huron Valley.
“I think it is a wonderful thing and a great cause. It’s gotten the community involved,” Village Manager Arthur Shufflebarger said. Last year, plots of land measuring 15-feet by 15-feet were rented for $30 for the season. Volunteers are also welcome to help. For more information, visit growinggreensmilford.org or contact the Green Team at info@growinggreensmilford.org. ❏
“We’ve had great success over the last several years, and envision that over the next four years we can accomplish more as well,” he said. During his current term, Solden oversaw a township government that he says is bringing additional cost savings measures to Waterford, including a recent effort to provide fire services to the city of Pontiac. “The venture saved 65 jobs between both (fire) departments while retaining quality service,” Solden noted. “If it hadn’t come to pass, we would have had to lay off 15 to 20 firefighters in 2013 and probably move (emergency medical) transport to Star EMS.” The venture is estimated to save the
cash-strapped city of Pontiac $3 million, while Waterford expects to reap $2.2 million from the initiative. Recently, Waterford also contracted with White Lake Township to provide information technology support and services to its westerly neighbor, another revenue generator for Waterford. He said he also helped to negotiate for advanced life support transport. “The group realized the economics and called us with a proposal and we worked to implement the program that now has five rescues on the road every day,” Solden noted. Prior to becoming supervisor, he PAGE 7 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
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Waterford’s Lucca on ‘The Voice,’ L.A., and what’s next
W
aterford native and resident Tony Lucca is making his mark on the national stage as a contestant on the hit singing competition “The Voice” on NBC. Lucca, 36, recently advanced past the Battle Round portion of the show after getting all four of the show’s coaches to request him to join their teams during the blind auditions. He ended up selecting Maroon 5 lead singer Adam Levine and is now heading on to the show’s live quarter-finals. It’s the latest turn in a show business career that first saw Lucca leave metro Detroit for Orlando, Fla. and “The Mickey Mouse Club” on the Disney Channel, where he performed alongside “The Voice” coach Christina Aguilera, as well as Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. A move out to Los Angeles and a brief acting career followed, including a stint on the short-lived NBC series “Malibu Shores,” before Lucca started focusing full-time on music. What resulted was a string of albums, including his most recent release, “Under The Influence,” as well as having his music featured in movies and TV shows and performing with the likes of N’Sync, Marc Anthony and Sara Bareilles. Now back in Waterford, where he lives with his wife, 9-year-old stepson and 2.5-year-old daughter, Lucca spoke with the Spinal Column Newsweekly just before the Battle Round about his experiences so far, his hopes for the future and what to look forward to on “The Voice.” Congratulations, first of all, on making it through the blind auditions of “The Voice.” I’m sure many people are wondering, what was it like for you to stand on that stage, playing your song while hoping one of the judges’ chairs would turn around? In the end, what made you decide to choose Adam Levine as your coach over the other judges, including your former colleague, Christina Aguilera? How would you rate him as a coach so far? TL: I have not, nor will I probably ever, be as nervous as I was for that particular performance. I was as prepared as possible for it, but just the whole premise of that construct, to stand out there and my sole purpose is to get someone to turn their chair around, it’s pretty nerve wracking. But, definitely once someone was able to turn around, it was the best 90 seconds of my life. My relationship with (Christina) aside, as far as coaches go, I knew going into it that if I had my choice, I’d love to work with Adam. He just
Q
seemed like, in terms of the role of coach, the one who kind of offers up the most straight-to-the-point constructive criticism. I feel like I understand him best of the four of them, and I think maybe because we’re very similar in a lot of ways, we have a lot in common in terms of our early years of struggling and playing a lot of the same venues and being a white guy with soul. It seemed like an obvious choice, as well. He pushed his button first, he pushed someone else’s button and quite simply, he was the only one who really said, “I really hope you pick me.” So far, (working with Levine is) everything I kind of hoped it would be. He’s very to the point and no-non-
•
NE MINUTE
INTERVIEW
sense. He’s very present when he’s working with his team, and I like that. You don’t have any aura or pretense. It’s for real. What was it like for you growing up in Waterford and how did you get your start in music? What artists were you influenced by growing up and what inspires most of your songwriting? TL: I come from a really big music-making family. My grandpa was pretty well known piano-player organist back in the radio heyday in Detroit. He was good friends with Soupy Sales and Danny Thomas. He was Uncle Jimmy on “The Auntie Dee Show,” which had a pretty big listenership. He also had 12 kids, of which my mom was No. 10 and they all sing and play something, so there’s really kind of, by osmosis, a good handful of my
Q
cousins that all kind of got a bit of it. Fortunately I was one of them. I was sort of one of the torch bearers of the family bloodstream, and it’s been really cool. Going to Clarkston, Clarkston is predominantly a sports town and lot of great athletes kind of come out of there. So of course I was playing a lot of sports before the Mickey Mouse Club happened, but then once I left for that, it was kind of the end of my time in Clarkston. Basically at that time, (when) I was 15, I was a non-entity in those parts. As far as overall inspiration, I’d have to say the main thing that kind of drives my inspiration is travel, like constantly moving around and touring. It just helps refresh my perspective a lot so I don’t ever really get burrowed too deep into any one groove. I’m able to sort of continue to try and see things from other people’s perspectives and see the relevance in things from a more universal perspective. Finally, when will you be back in the Waterford area so that your hometown fans can possibly see you perform live? TL: We just had a show (on Feb. 23). A friend of mine put together a nice big show over at Overtyme Bar and Grill on Dixie (Highway) and they opened up a new room there called The Lakeside Lounge and we sold it out. We basically sold 250 tickets and we filmed and recorded the whole thing and it was a night. Right now, I’m sort of in a bit of a holding pattern with regards “The Voice.” I need to see how things pan out and what that means for the notso-distant future. I’m sure later in the spring, or maybe this summer, we’ll line up some area shows and try to get some folks out. It’s good (living in Waterford). Being home has a tremendous grounding effect and it’s always great to be back to the basics. It has a very humbling effect on my head space and where I’m at as an artist, especially the older I get, the more I realize the value of family and friends that I have there, it’s good. I can’t lie and say that I’m going to be here for good. I think I have too much of a nomadic nature. We’ll see what pans out in the coming months, but it’s great for now, it really is. ❏
Q
By Michael Shelton
Read more of this interview at spinalcolumnonline.com.
MARCH 14-20, 2012
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LAKES AREA NEWS
Solden reelection ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 3
served 32 years with the Waterford Police Department, first as a patrolman and then as sergeant, detective sergeant and commander of the Special Operations Unit. He is the also current vice president of the Oakland County chapter of the Michigan Township’s Association. “It’s been a great career and I’d never trade it for anything — I can’t say enough about the people here,” Solden said. Oakland County Commissioner John Scott (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield) has also made known that he may run for the Waterford supervisor position, although he has also filed for reelection to the county Board of Commissioners. What Scott decides to do is contingent upon how the state Supreme Court rules in a controversial legal case involving the legality of new state law focusing on county Board of Commissioners redistricting. A full story on Scott’s political situation appears on page 27 of today’s Spinal Column Newsweekly. The Waterford supervisor serves four-year terms and the current salary is $90,987. The filing deadline is May 15. ❏
Ureste will seek another term as WB supervisor
The Bayside Sports Grille (above) in Walled Lake was honored by the American Power Boat Association as the association’s 2011 Promoter of the Year. The restaurant, owned by Johnny Semma, received the national accolade for its efforts in promoting and rolling out the 4th annual Walled Lake Thunder hydroplane races last June. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
Bayside nets APBA honor Sports bar recognized for 2011 Walled Lake Thunder effort
By Michael Shelton
By Leslie Shepard
staff writer
staff writer
West Bloomfield Township Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste has officially announced that she will run for reelection this year. Ureste is seeking her second term after she was elected in 2008 over Republican challenger Jeff Matte with nearly 67 percent of the vote. In a statement, Ureste said that she is seeking a second term to continue improving service delivery to township residents. She added that some of her election goals are to update internal policies and procedures on a new Intranet, constructing a water reservoir to reduce water rates by up to 35 percent, and attracting more businesses to the community. Her other goals include creating a comprehensive waste water master plan and seeing the completion of the Civic Center Drive paving project. The statement also cited that her accomplishments included achieving a
ayside Sports Grille in Walled Lake is the proud recipient of a special award from the American Power Boat Association (APBA) for its efforts in rolling out the 4th annual Walled Lake Thunder hydroplane races last June. It was the fourth consecutive year the restaurant had put on the event. “This is an important award because it’s a national honor,” said Todd McQuade, owner of T&D Enterprises and Walled Lake Thunder coordinator. “There are many races
B
AA-plus bond rating on account of proactive measures and cost-cutting efforts, restructuring, streamlining and automating the building permit process and upgrading energy efficiency in all township facilities to reduce annual utility costs. “Running for reelection has always been a certainty and I think that my
and promoters throughout the U.S., and we received it. It gives us more credibility now. Johnny (Semma, owner of Bayside Grille) does a great thing for the community.” The APBA doled out the national award to Bayside Sports Grille as the 2011 Promoter of the Year as part of its Mach Series program. The Mach Series is geared toward racers in Michigan, Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and more recently, New York. “The Mach Series was created 28 years ago to entice boat racers, teams, and owners to show up to a support has grown over the years,” Ureste said. Ureste and a majority of the township Board of Trustees have battled on some issues, including the board’s appointment of Police Chief Michael Patton, the $40,000 settlement with former police chief Ronald Cronin, and the board’s approval of Richfield
Mach Series race,”McQuade said. The Walled Lake Thunder race continues to feature seven different classes of in-board hydroplanes and is classified according to length of boat, size of engine, and type of engine. The watercraft vary from personal watercraft engines all the way up to V-8 Ford engines and include: 1 liter stock; 1.5 liter stock; 2.5 liter stock; 2.5 liter modified; 5 liter; national modified; and grand national hydro. The highly anticipated race typically also features food stations and entertainment. ❏ Equities as the township’s singlesource waste hauler, all of which Ureste objected to. She also went to the Oakland County Circuit Court in 2010 to chal-
FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 12
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
By Leslie Shepard staff writer
SPECIAL REPORT
A
relatively new drug is enticing teens to spice up their lives and try a new high. The street drug Spice produces powerful and mind-altering effects and is considered by some to be more detrimental to those using it than marijuana. The distribution and use of this synthetic cannabis is making many wonder how can this drug legally be sold in convenience stores in Michigan as an incense, especially when it is considered so destructive and addictive? In addition, some are asking where the public outcry is. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), Spice describes a diverse family of herbal mixtures that are also marketed as K2, fake marijuana, Yucatan Fire, Skunk, Moon Rocks, and others. Each product contains dried, shredded plant material and chemical additives that are responsible for psychoactive effects and mimic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana. Spice has emerged as a popular, legal alternative to marijuana among teenagers and college students alike. According to the NIDA’s “Monitoring the Future” survey conducted for the first time in 2011, 11.4 percent of high school seniors in the U.S. reported using Spice in the past year. It ranks as the second most frequently used illegal drug among this same demographic, the institute reported. Moreover, poison control center calls were flooded with calls related to Spice and K2 in 2011, doubling from the previous year. To illustrate that point, just a week ago, three teens were hospitalized with kidney failure and a dozen others experienced vomiting and back pain in Wyoming in an outbreak linked to “blueberry Spice.” To inform community members on the dangers of Spice, a town hall meeting will be held on Thursday, March 22, at 6:30 p.m. at the Waterford Township Auditorium located at 5200 Civic Center Drive in Waterford. The forum will feature keynote speakers 51st District Court Judge Jodi Debbrecht; Elizabeth Reader, program director for Milford Counseling; Heather Halls, executive director for Waterford Coalition for Youth; and Dr. Adam Apfelblat of Michigan Chiropractic Specialists of Waterford. “We see it becoming mainstream like marijuana and alcohol,” Halls said. “The reason for the forum is in response to the number of calls we’ve been getting from parents who want to know what to look for and how to address it.”
Lethal… and legal
Concerns about Spice raised in W. Oakland
Some area officials are sounding the alarm about Spice and other similar synthetic marijuanas — like the one pictured above — that are often marketed and sold as an incense. According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse, each product falling within the Spice family of drugs contains dried, shredded plant material and chemical additives that are responsible for psychoactive effects and mimic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the active ingredient in marijuana. Lawmakers in the state House of Representatives are wrestling with a proposal to ban Spice and other such addictive substances. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard) Spice products sell for as much as $35 an ounce — and are often packaged and sold under the guise of “incense” — but resemble potpourri rather than the popular and common form of incense. These Spice mixtures are sold in gas stations, party stores, and over the Internet, despite the fact that use and distribution is outlawed in many states and countries. Spice products may be labeled “not for human consumption,” but they are marketed to those interested in alternatives to marijuana. Spice is readily available and therefore its popularity has puffed up over the last several years. “It’s behind the counter and you have to ask for it — the packaging, styles, and name are different every time,” Debbrecht said. “It’s readily available.” Akin to marijuana, Spice is used mainly by smoking it. At times, Spice is mixed with marijuana or is prepared as an herbal infusion for drinking. Some teens buy ingredients and make a concoction themselves, which experts say is even more dangerous. Marketing labels often tag Spice products with claims that it contains 3 grams of a natural psychoactive mate-
rial taken from a variety of plants, according to the NIDA. While Spice products do contain dried plant material, chemical analyses of seized Spice mixtures indicate the presence of synthetic cannabinoid compounds such as JWH-018 and HU-210, which bind to the same cannabinoid receptors in the body as THC. “The labels say it’s natural and (that) is false advertising,” Reader explained. “True, it may contain cloves, roots or berries, but each container contains man-made cannabinoids. There are 1,300 variations. It’s the substances within the vegetative material that makes it so addicting.” Further concerns revolve around the unknown chemical compositions of Spice and its derivatives. It is more than likely that some varieties also contain substances that produce dramatically different effects than those anticipated by the user. Moreover, it is thought that various Spice mixtures may contain harmful heavy metal residues. “Recent studies reveal that Spice can cause permanent psychoses,” Reader said. “We already know that it is causing temporary psychoses as a result. It’s not what (users) sign up
for when they think they’re smoking something natural.” Given that cannabinoids found in Spice have the potential to bind more strongly to the receptors than THC, using the drug could lead to a much more powerful and unpredictable effect. Some of the symptoms reported by users include delusions; elevated blood pressure; elevated heart rate; hallucinations; heart palpitations; increased agitation; nausea; pale skin; burned lungs; panic attacks; seizures; vomiting; overdoses; and even death. “Spice is severely addicting and has more affinity because it binds much tighter and the user stays intoxicated longer than marijuana,” Reader said. “People become addicted very quickly and it’s impacting mostly young adults, but there a fair share of adults who use (Spice) to get under the radar of the courts.” Regular users may experience withdrawal and addiction symptoms. “There is a misperception in youth that they are exempt from the risks, that nothing will happen to them,” Halls said. “It’s virtually epidemic. I haven’t done a drug use history (on someone) under (the age of) 25 in the last few years that hasn’t tried it,” Reader noted. “It’s hor-
MARCH 14-20, 2012
Judge Jodi Debbrecht (above) of the 51st District Court in Waterford Township will be among the keynote speakers at a town hall meeting on the dangers of Spice scheduled for Thursday, March 22 at the Waterford Township Auditorium at 6:30 p.m. “Her son’s brain is fried after using (Spice) for a year,” Debbrecht said of one mother who will be speaking to attendees of the forum that will be held at 5200 Civic Center Drive. “He was seeing demons and hallucinates horribly.” (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard) power, no one enforces it.” The town hall meeting in Waterford next week is an attempt to educate the community. “There are Spice users showing up all over Michigan,” Debbrecht said. “I see cases where Spice is a detriment almost every day in my court room — young adults, teens with minor in possession (charges) or serious offenses. Their behavior is erratic, from assaults to fighting — a list of hyper-rollercoaster behavior that parents don’t identify with substance abuse. These parents have no idea and are dismayed and confused, with nowhere to turn. We need to address the problem and arm the parents (with the ability) to identify if the kids are acting out or behaving abnormally (due to Spice usage).” One mother of a 19-year-old Spice user will be speaking at the forum to illustrate the dangers of the drug. “Her son’s brain is fried after using it for a year,” Debbrecht said. “He was seeing demons and hallucinates horribly.” Debbrecht noted that another teen was injecting Spice into his neck, causing serious health complications, including infections. She also cited several documented cases where a young adult used Spice with fatal results. “There is one documented death in Michigan,” she said. “The byproducts
of this is the lack of control — disorientation. One committed suicide and another drove off a cliff and died. There are 911 calls of him talking to his brother prior.” And Debbrecht said cases where young adults are abusing Spice pile up on a regular basis. “I’m in regular talks with officers and youth assistance. We’re getting about eight referrals a week,” she said. Reader also cited numerous cases in which Spice has traumatized teens and families. The first time Reader came across a case of Spice addiction was in 2008. “I thought the kid was on opiates,” she said. “He couldn’t keep his head up, his eyes were rimmed in pink, he was pale and had black rings under his eyes. The drug test came back negative and it took a couple months to figure out what he was using.” Parents trying to get help are also experiencing some difficulty getting treatment for their kids addicted to Spice, Reader said. “I had a 16-year-old boy who could not stop smoking Spice and the parents were desperate,” she explained. “The courts got involved and the parents tried to get in-patient treatment and had good insurance, but no one would take him for detoxification. He’s in jail now.”
PAGE 9
Currently those businesses selling Spice in various forms are yielding a profit and are reluctant to take it off their shelves, but Debbrecht said there is such a thing as civic responsibility and doing the right thing. “Some acknowledge what they’re selling is detrimental but keep selling it,” Debbrecht said. “There must be some sense of public responsibility. We need to put pressure on these businesses — maybe that’s the best way to attack this.” And outside of Walled Lake and Waterford, law enforcement officials are noticing disturbing trends. Sergeant Matthew Brumm of the Milford Police Department said that there has been an increase in the usage and possession of synthetic marijuana products like Spice and K2 in both Milford Village and Milford Township. “A large majority of the products we are encountering are the brands and types that can be purchased legally at gas stations, party stores and smoke shops,” Brumm said. “These pre-packaged containers that are being sold in the retail sector do not contain one of the five illegal compounds that currently establish the threshold for criminal prosecution within Michigan.” He added that synthetic marijuana products are becoming a problem in Milford among the teenage and young adult population. “The products seem to be showing up at large parties and gatherings held by teenagers because it can be purchased at gas stations and party stores,” Brumm said. “The products have also been a target of business burglaries in the area because of the products’ relatively high price.” He added that the department has received several complaints from citizens about the products being sold to minors at local stores. The department is working with the legal groups on gathering information about age restrictions that can be enforced. “As soon as we get official responses about this topic, the Milford Police Department will take enforcement action similar to tobacco and alcohol sales with our local businesses,” he said. Brumm noted that officers have encountered people under the influence of synthetic products that are operating motor vehicles and failing roadside sobriety evaluations. “When an officer encounters these behaviors, they are arrested and subjected to the same process as an intoxicated driver, which may include blood draws to determine what substances are present in their system,” he said. But in West Bloomfield Township, the issue is less of a concern, accordPAGE 11 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
SPECIAL REPORT
rible for us as substance abuse counselors because we’re the ones treating these users and this substance is open and readily accessible for any age.” The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has banned five synthetic cannabinoids by placing them under the Schedule I status — which means that the substance is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no known medical benefits, making it illegal — under the Controlled Substances Act. As a result, anyone who manufactures, distributes, possesses, imports, and exports of these synthetic cannabinoids are subject to the penalties of the law. Problems are compounded when manufacturers of Spice allegedly circumvent the law. “Manufacturers change the compounds to beat the test. They are very crafty about this,” Debbrecht said. “There needs to be some specificity within the law.” A number of states have passed bans on Spice and its derivatives, and many others are considering legislation prohibiting the sale or possession of Spice. In Michigan, however, the drug is still legal due to manufacturers finding loopholes in legislation. Senate Bill 99, introduced by state Sen. Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge), has passed the state Senate. It essentially bans the possession of Spice and its derivatives, but it is still in the hands of the House of Representatives. “They are trying to expand the language,” Debbrecht said. “The problem comes in the way it’s labeled. Some of the chemicals may be in there, some may not, and it’s expensive for law enforcement agencies and counties to drug test for it. They are already strapped for cash.” There is a separate drug test for Spice and it’s not only expensive, but uncommon for municipalities to have them available. Walled Lake Police Chief Paul Shakinas said that given the gravity of the Spice situation, it should be outlawed. But in the meantime, police officers’ hands are tied. “It’s pretty frustrating because we can’t enforce it,” he said. “Every time something new comes on the market, we’re a step or two behind. It’s disappointing that it takes lawmakers and law enforcement so long to catch up with these trends.” For all intents and purposes, each of the five cannabinoids found in Spice is illegal federally, but only the DEA and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has jurisdiction over it until individual states outlaw it. “If there is no comparable state law, then it can’t be enforced, so until that happens, it falls under the jurisdiction of the DEA and the FBI,” Reader said. “Therefore, if there’s not enough man-
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Spice ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 9
ing to law enforcement officials. Lieutenant Tim Diamond of the West Bloomfield Police Department said officers recently arrested some young adults for committing larcenies, and they admitted that they had been using Spice. “Our patrol officers have encountered young people in possession of Spice, but I would not say that it is a problem that we frequently see,” Diamond said. But Diamond said that as more and more people become aware of its existence and the possibility of getting high as a result of its usage, the more people will consider experimenting with it. “Until there are stricter regulations regarding the sale, use, and testing of people under the influence of these products, law enforcement will be challenged with taking enforcement action,” he said. White Lake Township residents have had concerns about Spice, according to Police Chief Ed Harris. “It is a concern,” he said. “We’re trying to do everything we can. We’ve have had some incidents in the past where people were concerned about family members using it. And it’s being sold in several locations in White Lake.” However, there is not much the
police can do except to be proactive about the situation in raising awareness. “We’re encouraging residents that if they see it at stores to talk to the owners about their concerns and to not frequent places if it sells the product,” Harris said. “I’m hopeful legislation will be passed soon so that we can move on and these party stores and gas stations will quit selling it.” In addition, some elected government officials are warning of dangers associated with the use of Spice and other synthetic marijuana products. Highland Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski first became aware of the issue after hearing about it from Detective Jeff Kesselring, the resource officer out of Huron Valley Milford High School. “It really shook us all up, the information he shared with us,” said Pilchowski, a member of the Huron Valley Youth Assistance Board of Directors. “To realize something like that is going on in your community is just intolerable. It seems to me the community and business owners should take care of it ourselves, even without having any laws passed, by removing it from the shelves. There’s enough illegal stuff floating around.” Kesselring said one of the biggest battles is raising awareness among both parents and students.
“Spice itself is a harmless herb,” Kesselring said. “It’s the man-made chemical it’s laced with that makes it dangerous and makes you high. I hate to guess, but I think about 70 percent of parents haven’t heard about it. And kids think it’s a legal way to get high, but just because it’s not illegal doesn’t mean it’s not hurting you. “We’re trying to get the information out there because this is something all communities will have to deal with here because it’s affecting kids.” West Bloomfield Schools Liaison Officer Chuck Mendham said that no Spice has been recovered from West Bloomfield High School or any of the district’s middle schools, but he is aware of those who use it, including former students who had habits of smoking marijuana and using Spice to get around urine tests. Mendham added that there have been car accidents where drivers admitted they smoked and fell asleep at the wheel. He also said that the West Bloomfield Police Department is working with the Greater West Bloomfield Community Coalition on programs in area schools to address topics such as Spice. ❏ Staff writers Angela Niemi and Michael Shelton contributed to this report.
PAGE 11
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Ureste running ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 7
lenge a township policy amendment stating that any board member, and not the supervisor alone, can recommend the termination of a department head. “These are tough issues that I’ve had to deal with,” she said. “I’ve lost a lot of sleep wrestling with these issues on behalf of township residents. I have had to yield the bully pulpit.” So far, Ureste’s lone announced challenger for the Democratic Party’s nomination is Jonathan Warshay, 50, a staff attorney for Lakeshore Legal Aid in Southfield. The filing deadline for candidates is in mid-May. The township supervisor serves a four-year term.
Waterford board splits on waste hauler standards By Leslie Shepard staff writer
In a split 5-2 vote on Monday, March 12, the Waterford Township
Board of Trustees took action to oppose an initiative that would develop a licensing program for trash haulers in order to conduct residential business within the township. “There were issues about licensing and waste haulers and recycling, but my fear was that this was being pushed on the residents,” said Supervisor Carl Solden. “Even though I’m for recycling, I don’t want to drive up more costs.” Trustee David Kramer introduced the idea in the “best interest of public health and (for) the general welfare” of township citizens. The licensing aspect was to be the first phase of a twoprong approach for standardizing trash collection. Kramer stressed repeatedly that his intent steered clear of the single-hauler debate that was nixed in 1998 when two-thirds of township residents voted against the measure. “I bring before you a motion to establish a base standard for the collection of garbage, recyclables, yard waste and the like within the township — it is nothing more than that,” he stated. However, Solden said he was uncomfortable with the proposal given that it is a point of contention with the
residents. “I feared the next step would be a single waste hauler and people are adamant about trash and limited government,” Solden said. “They want freedom of choice here, and I respect that.” Via ordinance, licensure would have been required for waste hauling companies, as well as weekly trash collection, periodic collection of all recyclable materials, collection of yard waste in season, and a provision for special pickup items. The new ordinance language would have required approval by the township board. Kramer said that the proposed standards were necessary to ensure equitable availability of waste hauling services for all residential areas from all vendors in the township; bring awareness to citizens to engage in recycling while taking advantage of the NO-HAZ program; and reduce materials that could be recycled and hazardous waste from entering landfills. “Presently we have the full spectrum, from simple garbage collection with no separate collection of recyclables, to full-blown collection of virtually anything and everything that residents throw away, and there are vast differences from company to company,” Kramer explained. “All companies should be required to collect not only garbage, but also those recyclables that we once disposed of as garbage, as well.” The second stage called for possibly placing before a voters referendum on the 2012 ballot by which operators competitively bid for districts of garbage collections within the township. ❏
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The Multi-Lakes Conservation Association in Commerce Township will be erecting a memorial honoring veterans this summer. The memorial with have a 5-sided, black granite obelisk base that will feature five bronze service plaques — one on each side honoring those who have served in the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy. The base will also support a lifesized bronze Fallen Soldier statue. The memorial will be next to the clubhouse near the flagpole. While Multi-Lakes has a conserva-
tion memorial already, they wanted to have another memorial honoring the veterans. “Multi-Lakes has become so much more than a conservation club, or even a sportsmen’s club,” said Rich Carlson, the chairman of the veterans memorial project. “Multi-Lakes, in our 70 years, has become a community institution. We have so many people and kids coming in and out. We wanted to show our patriotism (with the memorial).” The memorial is being funded by selling paved bricks, which will be incorporated into a patio surrounding the memorial. Three different brick sizes are available. A 4-by-8 paver costs $60 and is the bronze sponsor level. Up to three lines can be engraved on the brick. A silver sponsor contributes $250 for an 8-by-8 paver that holds up to six lines of engraving. Multi-Lakes members can become a silver sponsor for $200. A 12-by-12 paver is gold sponsor level at $500. This brick also holds up to six engraved lines. Order forms can be picked up at the clubhouse located at 3860 Newton Road in Commerce Township. Order forms can also be found online at www.multilakes.com. ❏
Milford continues to weigh road improvement tax By Michael Shelton staff writer
Milford Village hosted a capital improvement meeting on Tuesday, March 6 about possible improvements to village roads, with a road millage discussed as a possibility. Village Manager Arthur Shufflebarger said that a discussion regarding village roads and improvement methods will be added to the agenda for the Milford Village Council’s next meeting scheduled for Monday, March 19. “There was a general discussion about street improvements and our engineer discussed the asset management method of evaluating road conditions and needs for improvements,” Shufflebarger said. He said that the presentation was similar to the one given to the village council by Director of Public Works Robert Calley and OHM Engineering on Feb. 21. According to the presentation, 18.2 miles of village roadways are in poor condition, 7.62 miles are in fair
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LAKES AREA NEWS
Easter egg hunts in W. Oakland will please youngsters With spring-like weather now in the air — for the time being — children throughout west Oakland County will have the opportunity to participate in a time-honored tradition: Easter egg hunts to celebrate the April 8 holiday. What follows is a rundown of select Easter activities in the lakes area. WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) in White Lake Township will be hosting an Easter egg hunt on Saturday, March 24 from 1 to 3 p.m. A non-perishable food donation is appreciated but not necessary. Because there is limited space, pre-registration is required tomorrow, Thursday, March 15 by calling 248-303-9157. The VFW is located at 321 Union Lake Road. In addition, Rosco the Clown will be at the Environmental Discovery Center at Indian Springs Metropark in White Lake Township on April 7 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Face painting and spring crafts will be included in the activities of the day. An Easter egg hunt will be scheduled by age group. The fee is $5 per child in advance. Pre-registration is required. To pre-register or for additional information, call 248-625-7280. COMMERCE TOWNSHIP The Friends of Byers will be hosting their annual Easter egg hunt at the Byers Homestead on March 31. The hunt will begin at 1 p.m., rain or shine. The Easter Bunny will also be making an appearance. The event is BYOB (bring your own basket), and a donation of $1 per child is requested. The Byers Homestead is located at 213 Commerce Road in Commerce Township. For more information, call 248-363-2592. HIGHLAND TOWNSHIP In addition, the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce is urging residents to “hop into spring” at their 10th annual Huron Valley Easter egg hunt at Duck Lake Pines Park in Highland Township on March 31. Thousands of colorful, candy-filled Easter eggs will be found by children 2- to 10-years-old. The first 500 children will receive a goody bag with candy and games. The Easter Bunny will also be taking pictures with children from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free face painting is also a part of the festivities. Goodie bags will be distributed at
Scenes like the one above of the annual Huron Valley Easter egg hunt, organized by the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce, will be common throughout west Oakland County in the coming weeks as children from around the area take part in the yearly tradition of searching for Easter eggs — and, of course, getting their pictures taken with the Easter Bunny. Easter is Sunday, April 8. (Photo submitted by Laura Bolyard/Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce)
10 a.m. The Easter egg hunt start times will be broken up by age: 2- to 4-year-olds begin at 11 a.m.; 5- to 7year-olds begin at 11:10 a.m.; and 8to 10-year-olds can start hunting for eggs at 11:20 a.m. The event is hosted by the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce and Highland Township, with Genisys Credit Union and Hines Park Ford sponsoring the event. For more information, call the chamber at 248-685-7129. MILFORD Kensington Park in Milford Township will host a toddler egg hunt on April 5 at 10 a.m. at the Farm Center. The program is geared toward toddlers and not older children. There will also be story time and an opportunity to meet the Easter Bunny. For more information, call 248-684-8632. Meanwhile, a Great Egg Hunt will take place at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 7 at Maple Beach in Kensington Metropark. For more information, call 248-685-0603. WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP In West Bloomfield, Marshbank Park will host a “Spring Fling” Easter egg hunt on Friday, March 23 at 6
p.m. for children ages 1 to 6. Fees are $5 for residents and $8 for non-residents. Participants are encouraged to bring a camera and a basket. The event will happen regardless of rain or snow, and participants are asked to dress for the weather. Then at 8:30 p.m. a Spring Fling flashlight egg hunt will be held for children ages 6 to 11. Participants are asked to bring their own flashlight, camera and basket and to dress appropriately. Fees are $5 for residents and $8 for non-residents. On-site registration for both events is allowed only if there are still openings and a $10 fee will apply. To register, visit westbloomfieldparks.org, or call 248-451-1900. WALLED LAKE The free-of-charge Easter egg hunt will be held on April 7 beginning at noon at Sims Park, located at Quinnif and S. Commerce Road for children up to 11-years-old. If it’s raining at that time, event organizers say it will be moved to the Walled Lake Fire Station located on E. West Maple Road. WATERFORD TOWNSHIP A free-of-charge Easter egg hunt
will be held at Hess Hathaway Park, located 825 S. Williams Lake Road on March 31 beginning at 10 a.m. for kids 11-years-old and younger. WIXOM Wixom is holding an Easter egg hunt beginning at noon on April 1 at Gilbert Willis Park on Loon Lake Road. There are two areas for different age groups and a limit of 10 eggs per child will be enforced. The Easter bunny will also be on hand for visits with the young participants. A $3 participation fee includes an Easter basket. To register, cal 248624-2850. In addition, the city will be hosting a “Bunny Hop” on Saturday, March 30 beginning at 5:30 p.m. A $7 entry fee will be charged for the event being held in the Community Center ballroom. The fun family dance will feature a pizza dinner along with a disc jockey, as well as photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. Interested participants must register by 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 29. To register, call 248-624-2850. WOLVERINE LAKE An Easter bunny luncheon including
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Tell us why your Mom is the Best in our
MOTHER’S DAY CONTEST Enter now for a chance to WIN a feature story about your mom in the Spinal Column Newsweekly. Mom will receive valuable prizes including a $100 gift certificate to the Root Restaurant in White Lake, a ladies’ watch from Ronnie’s Jewelry & Loans in Waterford, $25 gift certificate from Complete Beauty Supply Hair & Nail Spa in West Bloomfield, 3 hour house cleaning provided by Housekeeping Associates of Michigan, hanging basket of flowers from Melvin’s Ace Hardware in Walled Lake, gift basket with a gift certificate for a haircut and wax from Salon Tease in Walled Lake, $10 gas card and more in our first annual contest to celebrate Moms. The story will be published in our May 9, Spinal Column Newsweekly’s “West Oakland Women” issue. Deadline for entries is April 20, 2012. Email us a photo of your Mom along with a short essay telling what your Mom has meant to you and any outstanding qualities she may have. Include your mother’s name and the city she lives in and email to: mothersday@thescngroup.com OR you may mail the information to the “MOTHER’S DAY CONTEST” at the Spinal Column Newsweekly, P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387-0014. Be sure to include your Name, your address, home phone or cell phone number and (email address if you have one) so we may notify the winner. Sorry photos cannot be returned. Employees of the SCN group and their families are ineligible.
Hospitality House, a 501(c)3 charity, provides food to those in need, operating a food pantry that serves the residents of the Walled Lake school district and city of West Bloomfield and by supporting efforts to fight hunger in the wider southeastern Michigan community by providing advice and aid to pantries in other cities.
MILLION DOLLAR MATCH – The Feinstein Foundation is dividing $1 million among hunger fighting agencies nationwide, using it to help them raise funds this March and April. Please help Hospitality House compete for this money to feed your neighbors in need! The more donations received by April 30th– the more of the Feinstein challenge money we will get! You can donate on line at www.hospitalityhousefoodpantry.org or send checks to: Hospitality House Food Pantry • P.O. Box 284 1600 West Maple, Suite C • Walled Lake, MI 48390
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Milford road tax
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❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 12
condition, and 0.7 miles are in good condition. Shufflebarger said that some methods that came up at the capital improvement meeting included not only a new road millage, but also looking at assessments and a longterm, but small, maintenance millage. The village previously put a fiveyear, 0.5-mill levy for the maintenance of major and local roads in the village before voters in the September 2009 election, which resulted in a tie and defeat. ❏
Easter egg hunts ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 13
an Easter egg hunt will be held on March 31 from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Richardson Center, located at 1485 E. Oakley Park Road in Commerce Township. The egg hunt begins at 2 p.m. The luncheon includes pizza, beverage, and a dessert. A craft is also included. Costs are $5 for children in advance, or $7 at the door. Adults are $2 in advance or $3 at the door. Register at Wolverine Lake Village Hall, located at 425 Glengary Road; call 248-624-1710; or visit www.wolverinelake.com. ❏ Staff writers Angela Niemi, Michael Shelton, and Leslie Shepard contributed to this report.
Parks Department seeks entertainers for concert series The Commerce Township Parks and Recreation Department will once again be hosting three outdoor concerts this summer. Last year was the first year the township held summer concerts, an effort that the township says proved to be a success. This summer’s outdoor concert dates have been set for June 22, July 20, and Aug. 10. In addition to the musical talent, the Parks and Recreation Department is looking for local entertainers, in particularly those skilled in family entertainment, such as magic tricks, juggling, puppetry, balloon shaping, and clown acts. Those interested in being a part of the entertainment at the concert
Champagne resigning council seat By Leslie Shepard staff writer
W
olverine Lake Village Council member Linda Champagne is stepping down from her position on the village’s governing body. Champagne has served on the council for over five years and is currently in the middle of her four-year term. “I’ve missed too many meetings for personal and business, and it’s not fair to council or the constituency,” Champagne said. “I’m sad. I really enjoy it. It’s just (that) I’m away so much now due to work and it conflicts with council meetings.” During her time on the council, she has served on numerous ad hoc committees, including the administrative and police sharing committees; and has acted as the Parks and Recreation Committee liaison. President Pro tem Ed Sienkiewicz said he thinks Champagne is doing the right thing. “The charter specifies that if a council member misses more than 25 percent meeting he or she should resign,” he said. The village council is expected to accept Champagne’s resignation at its meeting tonight, Wednesday, March 14. series should contact Emily England at the Richardson Center in Commerce or by calling 248-9260063. ❏
Gunnar Mettala’s mineral rights may be leased By Leslie Shepard staff writer
The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently completed a field review of environmental features at Gunnar Mettala Park in Wixom to classify the parcel before leasing its mineral rights. The state of Michigan currently owns 75 percent of the mineral rights in the area underneath the city park. The rights were traded in exchange for a $153,000 state Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) grant in the 1990s, accord-
Council members will have 60 days to appoint a replacement, and the council will begin the process by accepting applications. A special meeting will then be held to interview candidates. The new council member will fill the vacancy until November and then must run for election or step down. According to Village Council member Mike Stack, it will be difficult to replace Champagne, who he said has worked tirelessly for the village. “She has been a great asset to the community and was always willing to take on new things,” Stack said. “Even when she didn’t want to do something, she could always be dragged along. It will be hard to replace her.” Champagne’s immediate plans include taking an active role in the village as an involved citizen by working with Commerce Township and the village’s Parks and Recreation Committee, as well as the Fireworks Committee. “Right now I can’t do the job I want to for the village, but that doesn’t mean it’s forever, and if things change, I could run again or be reappointed,” she said. ❏ ing to Assistant City Manager Tony Nowicki. The field review was conducted Friday, March 9. At some point, an unknown person nominated the parcel for an upcoming oil and gas lease auction on May 8. “We don’t know if it will be leased at this point,” said a DNR official who didn’t wish to be named. “Up until last year, the royalties went to the NRTF, which is constitutionally protected. Now that the NRTF reached its $500 million cap, the dollars will go into the Park Endowment Fund.” The NRTF provides a source of funding for the public acquisition of lands for resource protection and public outdoor recreation. Funding was derived from royalties on the sale and lease of state-owned mineral rights. According to DNR officials, the Gunnar Mettala Park parcel has been classified as non-developmental, or
not allowed for surface disturbance. That does not mean, however, that drilling could not occur. If a lessee owns a different site, it can be annexed as a drilling unit in conjunction with other properties. “A well won’t be on this parcel, but then a well doesn’t have to be on every property leased,” the DNR official said. According to Nowicki, before a lessee develops these oil/gas fields, a lease must be negotiated with the city. The city would retain the right to review and approve any lease before drilling would commence. “They are not given any permission to drill unless they get approval by city,” Nowicki said. The state Department of Environmental Quality would act as the regulatory agency if exploratory drilling is conducted. ❏
Benches, swings for parks coming in the spring The White Lake Board of Trustees has approved recommendations for several park purchases recommended by the township’s Parks and Recreation Commission, including park benches, a swing set, and bleachers, as well as implementation of a resurfacing project along the walking tracks at a pair of township parks. Park benches will be placed at both Judy Holly Park, located behind the township offices on Highland Road, and at Vetter Park, located behind the Dublin Senior Center. A swing set is also being considered for Judy Holly Park, while both Vetter Park and the park on White Lake Road need bleachers for the new baseball fields. According to Jason Iacoangeli of the township’s Community Development Department, the biggest project would be the resurfacing of the walking tracks at Judy Holly Park and Vetter Park. “The walking tracks haven’t been resurfaced since they were first installed in the park, and now they need to be done,” he said. While the final cost of the projects aren’t set, the benches are not to exceed $4,200, while the bleachers are not to exceed $6,000. The resurfacing projects would be open to contractor bids. Iacoangeli believes that the majority of purchases should be ready or placement this spring. ❏
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EDUCATION
WB thespians to perform Peter Pan on March 23, 24 The Orchard Lake Middle School Musical Theater Department will be presenting its production of the classic children’s story, “Peter Pan,” next weekend at the West Bloomfield High School Auditorium. Performances are scheduled for Friday, March 23 at 7 p.m., with a matinee scheduled for Saturday, March 24 at 2 p.m. The show is directed by Janey Compton, with musical direction by April Tini and choreography by Valerie Mould. All tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door, by calling 248865-4480, or by e-mailing olmsmusictheater@aol.com. Both shows will have a different cast, as Seth Betman will play Peter Pan at the March 23 show, while Mara Soverinsky will take over as the title character on March 24. Wendy will be played by Alexis Michaels on March 23, followed by Erin Simon on March 24. The role of Captain Hook will be
played by both Alex Kaufman and Perry Quarke,r while Smee will be played by Mario Kakos and Avery Ribiat. Tiger Lily will be played by Peyton Sternfeld and Deepa Raghavan, while Tinkerbell will be played by Carly Abrahams and Nicole Schwerin. John will be played by Michael Martin and Jackson Abohasira, while the role of Michael will be played by Maroukie Khemmoro and Kameron Mio. The performance consists of three acts. ❏
Performances of ‘Over the Rainbow’ debut next week The Huron Valley Milford High School Vocal Music Program is gearing up to present its annual Pops 2012 blockbuster performance, “Over the Rainbow Where Dreams Come True,” on Friday, March 23 and Saturday, March 24. Both performances begin at 7 p.m. under the direction of Chorale Director Maryann Lambrecht. Tickets cost $10 each and can be purchased online at www.mhsperformingarts.com.
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The two-hour events are intended for all ages. It promises a fun evening filled with song and dance by Center Stage, a student group of 27 performers; and Choraleers, comprised of 35 female vocalists. These groups travel throughout the community as entertaining acts, especially during the holidays. “They do a lot of appearances as one means of fund-raising,” said Milford High School Principal Kevin McKenna. Each “Over the Rainbow” performance will showcase music and dance that align with dreams including romance; childhood memories, nightmares; and magical places. Vocalists will take to the stage and belt out their best renditions of songs like “Forget About the Boy” and “Night Before Christmas.” As a special performance, there will be singing and dancing to an African culture piece complete with a bevy of drums. Proceeds benefit the vocal music program for uniforms and travel expenses incurred throughout the year. “This is the annual show they work on all year-long, a culminating performance and fund-raiser,” McKenna said. The Milford High School Center for Performing Arts is home to four different choral groups, including a men’s ensemble; women’s ensemble; an all advanced female group (the Choraleers); and an advanced mix group, Center Stage. ❏
Student honored for his assistance to crash victim A Walled Lake Northern High School student was honored earlier this month for his efforts to help a woman involved in a car accident when no one else would. On a rainy, dark night last October, Natalie Rohde was on her way to an ice cream social at Walled Lake Elementary School, where she teaches fifth-grade, when she was blind-sided. While she traveling south on Bogie Lake Road past Walled Lake Northern High School, Rohde was hit by a vehicle that ignored a red light “There was nothing I could do,” she said. “It was not a good situation. There was smoke coming out of my vehicle and people were just driving by. I just kept thinking, ‘What am I going to do?’ I didn’t know how hurt I was. My car was totaled and I was a wreck, emotionally. I have never felt so alone in my life as I watched person after person just drive past staring at us.” Then help arrived in the form of high school Jarrett Harmon, who opened Rohde’s door while calling 911.
“He kept asking if I was okay and asking if he could call other people for me. He stayed right there the entire time. He was the epitome of what I would like my current students to achieve in that situation — calm, cool, and collected,” said Rohde, who was “banged and bruised up” but suffered no further injury. Wearing her seatbelt saved her life. “The Commerce EMS and police said without my seatbelt, I would’ve died,” said Rohde. The other driver was also fine. “Jarrett was just an amazing young man,” said Rohde, who nominated Harmon for the Walled Lake Consolidated Schools’ Golden Apple award. “He really showed a good deal of maturity that you wouldn’t even see in many adults. He really stepped up to the plate, and I was incredibly impressed.” Harmon was honored with the award by the Board of Education at the March 1 board meeting. ❏
Board gives Silveri high marks in its yearly evaluation The Waterford Schools Board of Education has approved its evaluation of Superintendent John Silveri for the 2011-12 school year. According to the evaluation, Silveri either met or was above expectations in all areas graded. As far as overall performance, Silveri was above expectations when it came to having thorough understanding of the superintendent’s role; exhibiting confidence and inspiring confidence in others; dealing with people’s emotional issues; and performing under pressure. It was also pointed out that Silveri was above expectations when it came to having the respect of administration and district employees; striving to keep employee morale high; treating all personnel fairly; and furthering continuing growth and professional development. Silveri also scored high marks in community relations for presenting a positive public image of the schools. In regards to budget and financial matters, Silver was above expectations when it came to directing the preparation of the district budget and analyzing the district’s financial condition. Silveri also was above expectations when it came to educational programs and met expectations on the issues of Board of Education relationships. He did not receive a contract extension or raise after the evaluation was given. ❏
MARCH 14-20, 2012
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EDUCATION
Running for a good cause March 24 race to benefit girl, 2, with rare brain tumor By Angela Niemi staff writer
B
y throwing on some running shoes and jogging through downtown Walled Lake in the Passion for Life 5K on Saturday, March 24, you can help a little girl who loves kittens, being outdoors, and the “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” Last June, the Shull family was on vacation visiting family in Canton from North Carolina when they noticed their 2-year-old daughter, Lilli, seemed constantly tired and no longer wanted to walk on her own. “She was a normal 20-month-old, walking and talking,” said Lilli’s mother, Jennifer Shull. “And then suddenly, she was really sleepy all the time. She was also having trouble walking on her own anymore without holding our hands.” Concerned, Shull called her pediatrician in North Carolina who instructed her to take Lilli immediately to the pediatric emergency room. The doctors at St. Joseph Mercy in Ypsilanti then sent the Shulls to Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor because they were confident there was something wrong neurologically. Unfortunately, they were right. Lilli was diagnosed with AT/RT (atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumor), a rare, malignant, and extremely aggressive brain tumor. It is most often diagnosed in patients under the age of 3 and, according to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, occurs in between 1 and 2 percent of children with brain tumors. Even after surgery and chemotherapy treatment, the survival rate for children younger than 3 at diagnosis is less than 10 percent, according to St. Jude’s. Since Lilli’s diagnosis, the Shull family has relocated to Canton for Lilli to continue treatment at Mott’s Children Hospital. Her father, Mike, who had returned from a 9-month deployment flying helicopters with the U.S. Marine Corps in May 2011 and was set to be a flight instructor at the Naval Flight School in Florida that July, is currently attached to the ROTC unit at the University of Michigan for a year to be near his daughter and family. Over the past year, Lilli has under-
The 2012 Passion for Life 5K run/walk will benefit the family of Lilli Shull (second from right), a 2-year-old girl from North Carolina, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor while visiting family in Michigan. Founded by Walled Lake Central High School teacher and coach Nebjosa Stokjovic in 2008, Passion for Life will put on the fund-raiser on Saturday, March 24. Registration is from to 8 to 10 a.m. on March 24, with the race starting at 10 a.m. There will be both a 5K run/walk and a 5 mile “Run Around the Lake.” (Photo submitted by Jennifer Shull)
gone six rounds of chemotherapy and has just finished six weeks of proton beam radiation in Chicago. “She’s doing really well,” said Shull, who was encouraged by a friend to apply to be Passion for Life’s 2012 Inspirational Family. “We don’t know the status of the tumor yet. We go for an MRI on Thursday.” Every year, Passion for Life hosts a 5K run/walk and 5-mile run to raise funds for the year’s inspirational family and to conduct research at Mott Children’s Hospital. Nebjosa Stokjovic, a teacher and coach at Walled Lake Central High School, founded the non-profit organization in 2008. The original inspiration for the event was a fellow coach and teacher of Stojkovic’s whose daughter was born with a congenital heart defect. Since then, the race has raised funds for three other families with children suffering from various diseases and injuries. The Shull family was chosen from many that applied, according to
Stojkovic. “To be quite honest with you, there is no ‘right choice’ in this matter — all of the families are deserving,” Stojkovic said. “Ultimately, Lilli’s story, and that of the Shull’s, captured all of us in such a way that we decided it was time for the Passion for Life Organization to address the need for research in Pediatric Brain Cancer Research at ... C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.” Each year since the organization’s inception, the number of race participants and the funds raised through the 5K have grown. Last year, there were almost 1,000 runners. And Stojkovic believes they will have even more participants this year. “We are well ahead of where we were at this time last year and we are fully expecting over 1,000 participants in 2012,” he said. “It is the biggest/best charitable run in Michigan during the month of March.” Registration is from to 8 to 10 a.m. on March 24, with the race
starting at 10 a.m. There will be both a 5K run/walk and a 5 mile “Run Around the Lake.” The race will be held in downtown Walled Lake, beginning at the Bayside Sports Grille. The fee to register on race day is $20 for those 12-years-old and under, while those older must pay $35. For those wishing to pre-register online at www.passion5k.com, the fees drop to $15 for participants 12-years-old and under and $30 for everyone else. Preregistration ends at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 22. The race fees include a long sleeve T-shirt. Those wishing to raise funds for the race can also request a pledge packet. You must raise $100 in pledges to participate and all packets must be mailed by Saturday, March 17. Those wishing to make a donation can do so at www.passion5k.com or by making out a check to Passion for Life Organization and sending it to 2380 Bevin Court, Commerce Township, 48382. ❏
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LOCAL MATTERS
March 21 WACC Expo features 134 exhibitors so far By Leslie Shepard staff writer
The Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting its 6th annual Business and Home Expo on Wednesday, March 21 to encourage west Oakland County residents to shop local at the slew of businesses in the community and to take advantage of township services. The event is slated to run between 5 and 8 p.m. at Waterford Mott High School, located at 1151 Scott Lake Road. The presenting sponsors this year include Lunghamer Chevrolet, Smith’s Disposal, and the LaFontaine Automotive Group. “It’s a one-stop shop under one roof for personal and business needs,” said Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marie Hauswirth. “This venue is like our downtown that gives a smattering of what’s in our community. It’s focused on home improvement and business needs, and there’s something for everybody.” So far, the chamber has lined up about 134 exhibitors for the event. The township Police Department, Fire Department, Department of Public Works, Parks and Recreation and the Waterford Township Public Library are just some of those participating again this year. “It’s a great opportunity for resi-
business notes movers/shakers changes ❐ Detroit Medical Center (DMC) Chief Executive Officer Mike Duggan
Called “a one-stop shop under one roof for personal and business needs,” the Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to host its 6th annual Business and Home Expo at Waterford Mott High School on Wednesday, March 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. This year’s presenting sponsors include Lunghamer Chevrolet, Smith’s Disposal, and the LaFontaine Automotive Group. (Photo submitted by Marie Hauswirth/Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce)
dents to visit and learn more about Waterford services,” Hauswirth said. “There are so many more resources people don’t even know we have.” The Spray Masters water ski team will also be conducting short demonstrations. Skull Island and Wee Discover Preschool and Daycare will have activ-
ities for the kids while parents mill around the Expo. A $1 donation will be charged at the door. However, free admission tickets are available by visiting the chamber’s website, www.waterfordchamber.org. Parking will be provided in Mott’s front and back parking lots, as well as
announced that he has hired Joe Mullany as DMC president, filling the hospital system’s No. 2 position. Mullany will report directly to Duggan and will oversee DMC’s strategic positioning for health care reform and the building of its ambulatory network.
His position will be effective April 2. Mullany comes to DMC from Vanguard Health Systems’ New England region, where he served as president since joining Vanguard in 2005. Mullany has excelled at creating a culture of excellence within the New England region based upon a foundation of patient and family, safety, quality, and value creation. Over the last seven years, the hospitals within the New England region have received numerous awards and honors, and developed several recognized service lines, including excellence designation for stroke care, hospice, home care, and cancer care services. Prior to joining Vanguard Health Systems, Mullany was a vice president at Essent
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across the street at the Covert Center. The Waterford Senior Center will be shuttling attendees who park farther away free of charge. The event will also feature prize drawings and a grand prize of Detroit Red Wings tickets, in addition to specials offers, hands-on exhibits, and general admission raffles. ❏ Healthcare in Nashville, Tenn., where he had operational responsibility for that company’s New England hospitals from 2002 to 2005. He also served as corporate vice president and president of the Mississippi division of Health Management Associates, responsible for nine hospitals with more than $1 billion in net revenues from 1999 to 2002. Mullany currently serves on the boards of the Massachusetts Hospital Association, the Kenneth Schwartz Center for Compassionate Care, and the Federation of American Hospitals. He is a former board member of the Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives. He is a graduate of Wake Forest University and has a master’s degree in business administration and master’s degree in health science from the University of Florida. Mullany, his wife, Cori, and their three daughters are excited about making Detroit their new home.
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LOCAL MATTERS
Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 18
openings ❐ A&C Pet Hospital recently announced the grand opening of its brand new state of the art facility in our area. A&C Pet Hospital is a full service veterinary hospital offering routine vaccinations, medical and surgical services, nutritional counseling and general wellness care. Both Dr. Chahal and Dr. Aujla — who have more than 25 years of combined experience and have been working in Michigan since 1999 — will staff this clinic and provide high quality compassionate care. This will be their second location in the Detroit area after they opened their first clinic, A-Quality Care Vet Hospital, in Livonia in 2008. A&C Pet Hospital is located at 46670 W. Pontiac Trail, Unit 10, in Commerce Township. They are open from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. They can be reached by calling 248-669-6500. ❐ Cole Taylor Mortgage, a division of Cole Taylor Bank, opened a new mortgage lending office on Feb. 6 in Farmington Hills. Branch sales managers Scott Elia and Suzanne Boutorwick have a combined 40 years of experience in residential mortgage lending. Interest rates are at record lows, so now may be the perfect time to refinance your mortgage or purchase a new or second home. Our mortgage lending team is committed to superior customer service. We specialize in Federal Housing Administration and conventional mortgage loans. In addition, Cole Taylor Mortgage also offers the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP) loan product. Cole Taylor Mortgage is an equal housing lender and member FDIC. They can be reached by calling 248-381-8865; visiting their website at coletaylormortgage.com; or by email at sboutorwick@coletaylor.com or selia@coletaylor.com
weekly agenda ❐ The Women’s Advisory Commission for Oakland County will present special guest speaker Mary Kerwin of the Women’s Official Network to speak on Why it is Imperative to Have Women at the Public Policy Table at the meeting that will be held tomorrow, Thursday,
WEST OAKLAND COUNTY
SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL
Support yourself and your community – shop locally! The choices that you make about where to shop are powerful statements to your community. By choosing locally owned & operated businesses, you support: Schools • Police and Fire • Libraries • Parks & Recreation • Roads Invest in our future – buy local, live local, and volunteer local too.
You have a choice! Spend it here. Keep it here. March 15. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. with Kerwin speaking at 6:30 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Executive Office Building No. 4 in the East Oakland Conference Room, located at 2100 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford, across from Oakland Schools. The free event is open to the public. For more information, contact Women’s Advisory Commission Chairperson Mishelle Y. Kennedy at 248-808-3120 or Oakland County Commissioner/Women’s Advisory Commission Ex-Officio Representative Marcia Gershenson at 248-808-1032. ❐ The Inn of Cass Lake, located at 900 N. Cass Lake Road in Waterford, has announced its upcoming March events. Lunch is served at 12:30 p.m. and dinner is served at 5:30 p.m. You are more than welcome to arrive prior to the activity of your choice to enjoy a complimentary chef-prepared meal. We look forward to your presence. RSVPs can be placed at 248-6818229. • Friday, March 16: Patrick
Cooper’s Irish Band performing at 6:45pm. Non-alcoholic beer and h’orderves will be served. Wear green and get ready to do the Irish jig! • Monday, March 19: Watercolor Expressions at 1:45pm. Art class taught by Julie Turnes, enrichment director, painting pictures with watercolors. This is a painting class that allows the individual to express their feelings with color. This is a quiet time for everyone to turn off everything in their lives dealing with stress, anxiety, and worry. Hopefully our class will help bring down your blood pressure and, most of all, meet new friends. • Wednesday, March 28: Fiddles n’ Friends performing at 1:45 pm. This musical group consists of friends that get together and play different instruments. This is very entertaining and a lot of fun.
chamber notes ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce (HVCC) is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, visit www.huronvcc.com: • The Coffee Club, 8 to 9 p.m. Friday, March 16, Waterfall Jewelers, 340 Town Center Boulevard, White Lake. • Huron Valley Community Showcase, noon to 3 p.m., Sunday, March 25, Huron Valley Milford High School Field House, 2380 S. Milford Road, Highland Township. Registration is now open for the 2012 Huron Valley Community Showcase (formerly the EXPO). The showcase is a community event designed to provide business owners and local organizations a costeffective way to personally meet hundreds of potential customers from the Huron Valley area. Register before tomorrow, Thursday, March 15 and you can participate in the LaFontaine Business 2 Business EXPO on May 10 for only an additional $25. For more information, contact Laura at 248-6857129, ext. 104. • The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce is offering its members a sponsorship opportunity for its 10th annual Huron Valley Egg Hunt. The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, at Duck Lake Pines Park, 1241 N Duck Lake Rd, Highland, MI 48356. • Ambassadors Meeting, 10 a.m., April 11, Milford Police Department conference room, 1100 Atlantic Street. • Off the Clock Connect, 5:30 to 7 p.m., April 12, Duke’s of Highland, 1200 S. Milford Road, Highland.
❐ The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce (LACC) is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-624-2826 or visit www.lakesareachamber.com: • The Grand Court-Novi is sponsoring and hosting a new member reception from 8:30 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27, at 45182 West Park Drive in Novi. The event is complimentary, but reservations are needed since space is limited. ❐ The Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce (WACC) is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-666-8600 or visit www.waterfordchamber.org: • The Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce will host its 6th annual Business & Home Expo from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, March 21 at Waterford Mott High School, located at 1151 Scott Lake Road. The expo is your opportunity to shop local and discover the products, services and amenities available in your community. Whether you’re a new resident, business or long-time homesteader, you won’t want to miss Expo 2012. This is your one stop “local” shop under one roof. From leisure to finance, recreation to business or home improvement, remember that supporting local businesses preserves and creates jobs and provides the financial core for your community. Shopping locally generates tax revenue and keeps dollars at home, helping preserve your services and public safety. As an added bonus, raffles and prizes will be plentiful. Make sure you sign up for a chance to win some great prizes. There will be over 100 booths representing local business, products, services and organizations. For more information as an exhibitor or attendee, call 248-666-8600 ❐ The Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-626-3636 or visit westbloomfieldchamber.com. • Mingle, Mix, & Meet Networking will be held at 8 a.m. on March 21, at Busch’s Fresh Food Market, located at 33300 W. 14 Mile Road in West Bloomfield Township. Bring your business cards and come out to network. You will get the opportunity to do a 60 second “Spotlight” about your business to everyone in attendance. Free for chamber members, $5 for non-members.
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
PUBLIC SAFETY Bonneville. The incident is still under investigation. If you have any information, call Waterford Police Detective Himmelspach at 248-202-7334. ❏
Mott student flees from possible child predator By Leslie Shepard staff writer
50 YEARS AGO March 15, 1962 The possibility of organizing a Junior Chamber of Commerce in the Commerce-Union Lake area was aired at an open meeting of the Walled Lake Jaycees on March 12 at Clifford H. Smart Jr. High School. According to Walled Lake Jaycee members, the meeting was set at the request of many of the area young men who have expressed an interest in forming a junior chamber unit in the area. Duanne Hanna, extension chairman of the Walled Lake chapter, reported that many young men attended the meeting. Anyone interested in this Jaycee organization is invited to telephone Mr. Hanna at MA 4-9468. 40 YEARS AGO March 15, 1972 A citizens committee in the Walled Lake School District Monday night recommended a new high school should be built by 1976. This was one of five building needs submitted to the school board as the result of an 18-month study by the 26member advisory committee. The other four recommendations included utilizing Walled Lake Central High School as a junior high school sometime in the future, determining alternative uses for the to be vacated Walled Lake Junior High School, a continuation of land purchases for future school sites, and not to seek additional funding for new elementary schools. Assistant School Superintendent Rolland Langerman said the primary reason for a new high school is that by 1976 “our two high schools will have exceeded their enrollment capacity by 500 students.”
shots were fired during the chase by at least one uniformed officer. No additional details were available at press time on whether the suspects shot at police or which department officer was responsible for the shooting. Both suspects were captured by Pontiac police and turned over to Waterford Township officers at the scene. 20 YEARS AGO March 18, 1992 Pizza czar Mike Ilitch and Rattlesnake Club owner Jimmy Schmidt will open their third restaurant in Orchard Lake Village’s closed Roadhouse Restaurant in late June. “It’s a terrific area to put in a restaurant,” Schmidt said. “We are excited to be in Orchard Lake Village.” Schmidt said the restaurant will have a “family atmosphere” and will be a place for neighborhood residents to drop in late at night. He said the restaurant will serve “incredibly fresh fish” due to suppliers he will use from Maine and Florida.
10 YEARS AGO March 13, 2002 The Huron Valley Schools Board of Education and the district’s Diversity Action Council announced last week that if the Milford High School Redskins mascot is to be changed, the school’s students should be the ones to do it. In a presentation by Diversity Action Council members on March 7, an outline for the mascot change was introduced to the public. If a mascot change is adopted, the Redskins mascot would be “retired” in a celebration at the end of the current school year. After 55 years, the Huron Valley district’s administration has determined 30 YEARS AGO that the Redskins mascot denigrates March 17, 1982 Two Pontiac residents are being Native Americans and that it’s time for held in connection with the gunpoint a change. abduction and robbery of a priest from in front of the Arrowhead Mall Apartments at 2423 Elizabeth Lake Road on March 13. Headlines The youths, aged 16 and 17, allegedly kidnapped Father Anthony of the Kosnik, a priest at Orchard Lake SS Past Cyril & Methodius Seminary. The two were apprehended after Kosnik escaped and called police, who chased the youths through Orchard Lake, Keego Harbor, Sylvan Lake and finally Pontiac. Several police officers confirmed – A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly –
Waterford police are looking for a possible child predator who reportedly attempted to abduct a teen near Waterford Mott High School on Thursday, March 8. A 15-year-old female was walking to school on Pontiac Lake Road near Cass Lake Road when the incident occurred. Arriving officers spoke with both school staff and the student, who said she heard the unknown suspect yell something to her as he drove past, but she ignored him and kept walking toward the school. As she approached Hira Street, the man reportedly cut her off in his vehicle and began walking toward her, demanding she get into the car. The student ran around the man and headed directly to the school office. The unknown suspect is described as a white male in his 40s or early 50s, with blond hair and scruffy facial hair. He is approximately 6-feet-tall and weighs between 215 and 225 pounds. The vehicle he was driving was described as a dark green, late 1990s to early 2000s four-door Pontiac
In-line hockey player claims assault by ref A 25-year-old man told West Bloomfield police officers that he was allegedly assaulted by a referee during a game of in-line hockey at the Jewish Community Center on W. Maple Road. The alleged incident took place on Tuesday, March 6 at 10 p.m. during a game in which there was a scuffle near one of the nets, according to the incident report. The man said he skated some 8 to 10 feet away from the scrum to pick up gear and equipment. He then said he was grabbed from behind and thrust face-first to the floor and was then escorted off the floor to the locker room. Teammates told the man he was unconscious for one to two minutes and that allegedly it was one of the referees who assaulted him. The victim then went to Henry Ford Hospital, where he was diagnosed with a concussion. ❏
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MARCH 14-20, 2012
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PAGE 21
PUBLIC SAFETY
Child endangerment Police: Woman under influence of drugs with son in car By Michael Shelton staff writer
Milford Police arrested a woman for child endangerment after she was allegedly caught driving erratically under the influence of narcotics with her son in her car. The incident took place on Tuesday, Feb. 28 around 7:53 a.m. when police dispatch reported three calls of a car driving wildly, running red lights and almost hitting other vehicles while traveling westbound on Summit Street. An officer then found a dark blue Pontiac G6 driving northbound into
Woman, 44, allegedly stabbed her husband Waterford Township police arrested a woman on Tuesday, March 6 after she allegedly stabbed her husband. Linda Fay Green, 44, was taken into custody after officers responded to the 2500 block of Voorheis on a domestic assault complaint around 4 p.m. and spoke with the victim, a 52-year-old Waterford man. Police observed that the victim’s leg was bleeding from the assault. The victim said his wife stabbed him after an altercation inside their home. ❏
Milford man arrested for crack possession By Michael Shelton staff writer
Milford police arrested a 54-year old-male resident for possession of crack cocaine and drug paraphernalia, along with allegedly ripping siding off of residences. Police were dispatched to a residence on Stafford Street in the Childs Lakes Estate mobile home parkon Saturday, March 10 at 7:30 p.m. when a caller reported a male subject hiding behind their porch. At the residence, police found a satellite dish on the ground and skirting removed from the trailer. The pedestrian entry door was also pulled from the door frame. The homeowner said that she just had the skirting replaced and that it shouldn’t have been pulled off. Police questioned other residents in the area who said they saw the man and also found five residences
southbound traffic on West Summit Street and Main Street, striking a curb and backing up a short distance two times, almost striking vehicles. The officer then opened the driver door, put the car in park and shut off the ignition. The driver, a 34-year-old woman, reportedly said to police that she had taken Vicodin. According to the incident report, her 12-year-old son was in the passenger seat, agitated and crying. He reportedly told police that his mom was taking him to school and was driving all over the place, nearly hitwith skirting removed. One residence had an open shed. Officers then visited a residence on Bickel Street that was pointed out to them by a visitor to the residence on Stafford Street who said he saw the suspect. Once inside, police questioned the man and also found boots that were consistent with the marks found at the Stafford residence. A search of the suspect’s Chevrolet Silverado truck reportedly turned up a plastic baggie with a white chunk consistent with crack cocaine. Officers also found three broken glass pipes and a box of zig-zag wrappers in the man’s bedroom, according to the incident report. He was then arrested and told reportedly police he got the cocaine from a female friend before leaving for Costa Rica last month. As for the alleged incident, he said that he thought he heard someone under his house and saw a truck leave the Stafford residence. He said he then went to the front and back doors of the residence, which he said were both open, and yelled for whoever it was to come out. He added that he pulled off the skirting to look under the house and admitted looking under several houses for unknown people. The suspect said that he didn’t remove skirting from all the houses and that as a self-employed carpenter, he could repair each one himself. The victim said that if the skirting was fixed, she would not pursue charges. Warrants were requested on all
ting other vehicles. He added that his mother hadn’t slept in several days. The driver received medical treatment on the scene and she said that she took two “Norco” and one “Sona” in the morning. She added that she was taking medication after being hit by a drunk driver. She was arrested for driving under the influence of narcotics and child endangerment. She had blood work done at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital before being lodged. ❏ charges against the suspect. Police said that lab testing needs to be done on the suspected crack cocaine. ❏
Teen steals shoes, coins from ex-friend’s home By Michael Shelton staff writer
Milford police officers arrested a 17-year-old male suspect for seconddegree home invasion after he reportedly admitted to taking shoes and change from a former friend’s residence. The incident was reported on Thursday, March 1 at 4:59 p.m. when a 17-year-old male came home after school to his residence on East Lafayette and said he saw a jacket on his living room floor with a pill bottle containing two hydrocodone pills and a small amount of suspected marijuana (Spice). The victim said he believed the jacket belonged to a former friend which whom he had a falling out. He said that a pair of black Nike shoes were missing, along with $60 cash from his sister’s room. Police then visited the suspect’s residence on Opal Lane, where the suspect reportedly admitted he took a bag of change totaling $17.22 from a counter and then gave back the Nike shoes to the officers. He denied taking the $60, however. After follow-up interviews with both the suspect and the victim, the suspect was arraigned at 52-1 District Court on Friday, March 2 on charges of second-degree home invasion. ❏
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
TRANSPORTATION
Walnut Lake Road closure caused by failure of culvert
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ENVIRONMENT
Volunteers sought for annual frog and toad survey The Friends of the Rouge is once again looking for volunteers to participate in its annual Rouge River Watershed Frog and Toad Survey. The Friends of the Rouge has been conducting this survey since 1998 in order to monitor the health of the wetlands because the presence of several species of frogs and toads is an indicator of good wetland health. Frogs and toads are very sensitive and require a healthy wetland to survive. During the survey, volunteers learn how to recognize eight frog and toad calls commonly heard in Michigan in spring. The volunteers are assigned a nearby area to survey for frogs and toads by listening. “Learning to identify which type of frog or toad makes each sound is what volunteers most often report they enjoy about the survey,” said Sally Petrella, the volunteer monitoring program manager for the Friends of the Rouge. “It is a skill that makes spring more enjoyable.” The survey includes identifying seven species of frogs: the wood frog, the western chorus frog, the northern spring peeper, the northern leopard frog, the gray treefrog, the green frog, and the bullfrog. There is also one species of toad — the American toad — targeted during the survey. The actual surveying begins in March once the temperature reaches PAGE 24 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
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PAGE 23
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
ENVIRONMENT
Frog, toad survey
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above 46 degrees, and continues through July, which is the peak breeding season for the frogs. Volunteers go out on their own on warm, damp evenings to survey a few times a month. All the data is then compiled and provided to surveyors in local communities, as well as the state. Surveys must be done within the Rouge River watershed, with survey areas being assigned as close to volunteers’ residences as possible. The Friends of the Rouge will be hosting a training session on Saturday, March 17 from 10 a.m. to noon at Bloomfield Township Hall, located at 4200 Telegraph. Pre-registration is required to attend the session. For more information visit www.therouge.org. ❏
Stewardship days at Highland Rec. area March 18, 24 By Angela Niemi staff writer
The Highland Recreation Area will be
holding volunteer stewardship days from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 18 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, March 24. Volunteers will be removing shrubs and small trees, especially invasive glossy buckthorn, from the grassland edges of Teeple Lake on March 18. They are asked to meet at the sheep barn parking lot, about 5 minutes south of the park entrance on M-59. Waterproof, knee-high boots are recommended for this site. On March 24, volunteers will help restore the Barn Course Field Trial Area to open grassland by hauling and piling brush and stacking fire wood. Those interested should meet at the barn field trial area parking lot on the north side of Cooley Lake Road between Duck Lake and Beaumont roads. More information on this stewardship day, as well as registration forms, can be found by clicking on the “Calendar of Volunteer Stewardship Workdays” link on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website at michigan.gov/dnrvolunteers. ❏
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PAGE 25
ENVIRONMENT
Season hastened by weather Maple sugaring events this month promise fun for families
By Angela Niemi staff writer
W
ith above freezing temperatures during the day and frigid temperatures at night, March is typically the ideal month for maple sugaring season. However, with the mild winter weather, maple sugaring season began as early as mid-February in some parts of Michigan, according to Dave Schoneman, an interpretive naturalist at Indian Springs Metropark in White Lake Township. “To get the sap flowing, the temperatures at night need to be below freezing — ideally in the upper 20s,” he said. “And then in the day, they need to be above freezing. And with weather we’ve had, we began tapping the trees in mid-February.” While the mild weather has hastened the maple sugaring season, it should not change the quality or quantity of the syrup — unless the weather causes the trees to bud early. “Once they bud, the content of the sap changes. But that normally occurs after the sap has been flowing for a while,” Schoneman said. Michigan is one of the few places in the world where maple syrup can be produced, and both Kensington, located in Milford Township, and Indian Springs metroparks will be offering tours every weekend in March, showing the steps of the maple sugaring process. Tours at both parks will include a hike out to a sugar brush to see how to properly tap a tree and identify the different species of maple, as well as a stop at the sugar shack to witness how the maple sap is boiled down into syrup by the evaporator pan. At Indian Springs, tours are held every hour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. every weekend in March. The fee to participate is $3 per person and preregistration is required. To pre-register, contact either 248-625-6640 or 800-477-3192. The 11 a.m. session will also give advanced tips and techniques on tapping trees for people interested in tapping their own trees. Sap collection starter kits are available for $12. Indian Springs will also be hosting its first pancake breakfast on Saturday, March 17 and Sunday,
Michigan is one of the few places in the world where maple syrup can be produced, and both Kensington, located in Milford Township, and Indian Springs metroparks will be offering tours every weekend in March, showing the steps of the maple sugaring process. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
March 18 at the golf course from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Costs are $5 for adults and $3 for children. At Kensington, tours start at noon every weekend with the final group leaving at 2:30 p.m. After 4 p.m., the sugar bush will remain open for selfguided visits. Unlike Indian Springs,
no reservation is needed. Admission for the tour is $3 per adult and $1 per child/senior. Children under 3 are free. A pancake breakfast is also available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Farmhouse Grille. The tour at Kensington will also
include reenactors representing Michigan natives from the 18th century as they recreate life in an Algonquin winter camp, which will include demonstrations of the deer hide tanning process, as well as the centuriesold process of producing maple sugar from maple sap. ❏
PAGE 26
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
COUNTY
Circuit Court field grows as Housey, Sakwa enter race By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
Two new candidates have announced that they are running for an open seat on the Oakland County Circuit Court that will be created because Family Division Judge Edward Sosnick is barred from seeking reelection due to age. Sahera Housey and Layne Sakwa have joined family law attorney Karen McDonald in the race for a Housey six-year term on the Circuit Court bench, which pays approximately $140,000 annually. Housey, a Novi resident, is a Friend of the Court referee, a position she’s held since 2007, presiding over more than 5,000 enforcement hearings and 3,000 custody, parenting time, and child support hearings,
according to a release announcing her candidacy. She holds degrees from the University of Detroit-Mercy School of Law and the University of Detroit. “There is no greater honor than the opportunity to serve the community,” Housey said in a press release. “Having spent my career fighting for justice for Oakland County families, I am confident that my Sakwa experience working directly with those involved with the court system on a daily basis, makes me uniquely qualified to serve as Oakland County’s next Circuit Judge, most likely in the family court.” Sakwa, who has worked in as an assistant prosecutor in the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office’s Special Victims Section, Juvenile Section, and District Court Section since 2004, received her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law and her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan, her campaign said.
“I have been a public servant my entire career,” Sakwa said in a press release. “I am in the courtroom daily where I utilize my skills and experiences to maintain justice. Whether adult or juvenile, individual or family, civil or criminal, I wish to continue my commitment to the people of Oakland County as your next Circuit Court judge.” Sosnick, who will turn 72-years-old in December, can’t run for re-election because state law prohibits judges from seeking another term in office if they are 70-years-old or older. The filing deadline for non-incumbent judicial candidates wishing to run in the Aug. 7 primary election is May 1. The two candidates receiving the highest number of votes in that contest will move on to the November general election. ❏
Felice-Boudreau announces bid for sheriff’s position In what may shape up to be a rematch to be the county’s top law enforcement official, Democrat Jane
Felice-Boudreau has announced her intentions to run for Oakland County Sheriff. Felice-Boudreau, who lost to Sheriff Michael Bouchard, a Republican, in the 2008 general election, 60-40, is the first Democrat to announce her candidacy for the job that Bouchard has held since 1999, when he was the state Senate majority floor leader and was appointed to the position after the sudden death of former sheriff Felice-Boudreau John F. Nichols. Felice-Boudreau pointed to her 25plus years of law enforcement experience and Bouchard’s past campaigns for higher office, among other things, as reasons she decided to again enter the race. “He doesn’t really want the (sheriff’s) job,” she said, noting Bouchard’s 2006 bid for the U.S. Senate and a 2010 gubernatorial run in the Republican primary that was eventually won by Gov. Rick Snyder. PAGE 27 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
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PAGE 27
COUNTY
Felice-Boudreau
Scott v. Solden?
❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 26
She also pointed to jail overcrowding and a Sheriff’s Department radio system that she says “doesn’t work adequately” as top issues for her. Felice-Boudreau also said she would go into the department’s budgeting process with a zero-based approach and highlighted a “need to re-implement the Marine Division.” At its height, the Marine Division and Water Rescue Unit was equipped with 27 boats, two jump boats, a hovercraft, four all-terrain vehicles and four snowmobiles for use by full- and part-time deputies. Due to budgetary issues, the sheriff’s department was compelled in recent years to stop providing regular patrols on specific lakes free of charge, and municipalities had to enter into contracts with the Marine Division if they wanted lakes patrolled. The Oakland County Sheriff serves four-year terms and is currently paid $138,999 per year. ❏
New BOC districts to stand for now with COA ruling At least for the time being, the new Oakland County Board of Commissioners district lines approved last spring by Democrats will stand now that the state Court of Appeals has upheld — in part — an Ingham County Circuit Court judge’s ruling that a new state law giving power over the redistricting process to the county board’s Republican majority is unconstitutional. The 2-1 split ruling, with Judges Michael J. Kelly and Amy Ronayne Krause in the majority and Judge Patrick M. Meter offering a dissenting opinion, effectively means that the two main goals of Public Act (PA) 280 of 2011 — forking over control of the reapportionment process to the county board and winnowing that body’s total membership from 25 to no more than 21 commissioners — will go unaccomplished. The two jurists determined that PA 280 constituted a purely local act affecting only Oakland County, and therefore violated Section 29 of Article 4 of the Michigan Constitution prohibiting the state Legislature from enacting a “local or special act in any case where a general act can be made applicable” without a two-thirds vote of state lawmakers. PA 280 is designed to change the
Republican considers supervisor race By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
O
akland County Commissioner John Scott (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield) says his political future rests in the hands of the Michigan Supreme Court. Although he has filed for reelection to the county’s governing body, he said he has also pulled nominating petitions for a possible run for the Waterford Township supervisor’s job, a position currently held by Democrat Carl Solden. Depending on what the state Supreme Court decides, that could set up a hot political contest between two long-time west Oakland County elected officials. At issue is whether the highest court in the state will rule that a new law assigning county board redistricting authority to the board itself is constitutional, essentially reversing rulings from the Ingham County Circuit Court issued in February and the Michigan Court of Appeals last week. Scott said that if the high court deems that the law is constitutional and essentially winnows the county board from 25 to no more than 21 commissioner districts, the county board would likely be safely in the GOP’s hands for the next decade after Republicans redraw district boundaries. However, if the Supreme Court determines that the law violates the state Constitution — effectively meaning that county board district lines drawn by county Democrats on the Oakland County Reapportionment Commission on a 3-2 vote in May stand — then it is possible that the county board could swing from Republican to Democratic control in the 2012 general election. Scott, who was first elected to the county Board of Commissioners in 2002, doesn’t want that to happen. “If they keep us at 25 commissioners, I have no choice but to run
county board redistricting process only for counties with a population of 1 million or more that have adopted a unified form of county government
to seek reelection so we can keep Republican majority on the county board,” said Scott, who is a sales engineer with McMaster’s Koss in Royal Oak and also chairman of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG). But the state Supreme Court has a Republican majority, a fact not lost on county Republicans who have brushed aside news of the two previous legal rulings on Public Act (PA) 280 of 2011 as just precursors to an ultimate showdown in the state’s high court. The redistricting process for the Oakland County Board of Commissioners has been a contentious issue for nearly a year. The district map approved by Democrats withstood a legal challenge by county Republicans in the Michigan Court of Appeals. The state Legislature, handily dominated by the GOP, approved state Rep. Bradford Jacobsen’s (R-Lake Orion) House Bill 5187 toward the tail end of 2011, and Gov. Rick Snyder signed that enacting legislation into law. Republicans argue that PA 280 of 2011 saves the county $250,000 a year in commissioner salaries and benefits, while Democrats contend that it’s a purely political maneuver to maintain Republican control on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. County commissioners serve two-year terms and earn $32,093 annually. Solden, who first won election as township supervisor in 2000, informed the Spinal Column Newsweekly on Monday, March 12 that he plans on seeking a fourth term as the township’s chief executive. A story on Solden’s decision appears on page 3 of today’s edition of the Spinal Column Newsweekly. “I’ve heard (about Scott’s interest in the position), but I haven’t heard that pretext,” Solden said. “Hey, it’s a public office and anybody has a right to run for it.” ❏ and have an elected county executive. At the time Gov. Rick Snyder signed state Rep. Bradford Jacobsen’s (RLake Orion) enacting legislation,
House Bill 5187, only Oakland County was affected. The appeals court ruling also concurred with Circuit Court Judge William Collette’s Feb. 15 ruling that, because of a requirement that reapportionment take place within 30 days of the law’s enactment, PA 280 of 2011 constitutes a purely local act. “The practical effect of our decision today is to permit Oakland County to retain its current level of commissioners and its current apportionment until after the next decennial census,” the ruling states, adding that the court “must uphold the constitutionality of the act to the greatest extent possible” and therefore “not invalidate the entire act if the offending provisions can be severed from the act.” County Democrats called the Wednesday, March 7 ruling a victory for the rule of law. “The bottom line is, we are thrilled that the Court of Appeals has agreed with us that the Republican power-grab legislation was clearly an unconstitutional act,” said Oakland County Democratic Party Chairman Frank Houston, who is a plaintiff in the lawsuit and helmed the five-member Oakland County Reapportionment Commission that redrew district lines last year. County GOP brass, which pushed for the rules change following an unsuccessful challenge to the constitutionality of the new district lines approved in May, said they will proceed with an appeal to the Michigan Supreme Court, which has a 5-4 Republican majority. Bill Mullan, media and communications officer for county Executive L. Brooks Patterson, who supported the law on the basis that it would save the county about $250,000 annually in commissioner salaries and benefits, said that the county “fully expected” the Court of Appeals ruling to come down the way it did because Kelly and Ronayne Krause were appointees of former Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat. “As the county executive has said from the beginning, this will be settled in the Michigan Supreme Court,” Mullan said. “When the county filed in the Michigan Court of Appeals, we also filed at the Michigan Supreme Court at the same time. We anticipate that the Michigan Supreme Court will likely have a decision on this in the coming weeks.” Houston added that, should an appeal to the state Supreme Court be filed, he expects the high court to “set aside politics and follow the spirit and letter of the law, precedent, and the state Constitution.” ❏
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OAKLAND VISION Walled Lake DDA April Business of the Month
T
he Walled Lake Downtown Development Authority (WLDDA) Urban Design Committee awards the efforts of those businesses that add to the beautification and economic vitality of Downtown Walled Lake. This month, the Urban Design Committee recognizes Oakland Vision as an example of excellence in urban design and overall appearance. A great new addition is sure to catch your eye as you drive down North Pontiac Trail in Downtown Walled Lake. Oakland Vision, which is known for its impeccable appearance, has once again enhanced their location with a complete makeover of their existing pylon sign. The new sign is very clean and straightforward; depicting an “eye” and Oakland Vision’s name. Dr. Fred Weiser, owner of Oakland Vision, applied for and received a sign grant from the WLDDA Urban Design Committee for this improvement. This new signage together with the crisp tailored awnings and the well-maintained façade is an asset to the streetscape along Pontiac Trail. Oakland Vision is located at 519 N. Pontiac Trail. Dr. Fred Weiser has owned this location since 1978 and is joined by Dr. Kenneth Stein and Dr. Tyrone Miller in this popular optometric office. They are open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 9 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Wednesday and Friday, 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.; they can be reached at 248-624-1707 or www.oaklandvision.com.
Building A Better Walled Lake
www.milfordmontessorischool.com Schedule a Tour & See How a Montessori Education Prepares Your Child for the Future!
MULTI-LAKES CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC EVERY TUESDAY
6:30 p.m. BINGO Progressive Jackpot We still play hard card
Free Coffee / Food Available
SPORTING GOODS SWAP MEET
MARCH 18th • 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
FISH FRY
Every Friday 5:30 - 8:30 p.m
$8.00 Adults • Senior Discounts ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT Fish • Chicken • Salad Bar
COUNTRY BREAKFAST Second Sunday of the month - Next Breakfast Easter April 8th
9 a.m. to 12 p.m. • Adults $700/Senior Discounts HALL RENTALS AVAILABLE For more information call 248-363-9109 3860 Newton Road • Commerce Township, MI 48382
for more information call 248-363-7474
www.multilakes.com
“Good Times - Good Friends”
M cSprader’s St. Patrick’s Day Party! Beer and Drink Specials
CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE BUFFET at 4:30 while it lasts! Visit by Bagpipers DJ/Karaoke and Beads!
FREE POOL Sun. & Mon.
Open daily 11 a.m.-2 a.m.
on the Lake
10070 Elizabeth Lake Rd. White Lake
248-698-4800
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St. William Church 531 Common St., Walled Lake
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Proceeds go to St. Williams parish’s general Funds.
Non-smoking Bingo
Bingo at 6:30 p.m. Air Conditioning
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MARCH 14-20, 2012
www.spinalcolumnonline.com
STATE
Bills would bring up to $900 million to state’s coffers By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
A local lawmaker is looking to start a discussion on a proposal to secure up to an additional $900 million in revenue for the state from insurance companies. State Sen. Mike Kowall (RCommerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield) is the co-sponsor of Senate Bill (SB) 985, which is one of three in a legislative package that would authorize the state to collect up to $900 million in premium taxes early from insurance companies that would essentially be repaid to the companies through a 10 perKowall cent tax break in later years. “This is something they (insurance companies) offered to the Legislature,” Kowall said, adding that while lawmakers “don’t know if, in fact, it’s the correct thing to do or not, it’s worth the discussion. “We are going to explore it,” he said. “We are not just going to blindly jump into anything.” Kowall said that the plan is to ask Gov. Rick Snyder’s administration to take part in discussions. He added that the issue cropped up in light of lawmakers being “bombarded” with concerns over reports that the state has over $1 billion in unmet Bieda infrastructure improvement needs, including deteriorating roads and expressway bridges, among others. “It would not affect the general public, the insurances that I pay or anybody else pays,” Kowall said. Peter Kuhnmuench, executive director of the Insurance Institute of Michigan, said the legislation “emanated out of a couple financial organizations rather than the insurance companies, per se,” but added that this particular financial investment vehicle is used in other states.
While the organization hasn’t yet come to an official policy stance on the legislative proposal that was introduced on Feb. 29, Kuhnmuench said it’s likely that it could be palatable to the industry and individual insurance companies. “If it makes sense to use prepayment of premium taxes as part of your investment strategy, I think that makes sense generally,” he said. “It ultimately comes down to questions like what the rate of return is going to be.” The legislation, Senate Bills (SBs) 985 to 987, would be in effect from the tax years beginning Dec. 31, 2013 through the 2023 tax year. State Sens. Steve Bieda (D-Warren) and Jack Brandenburg (R-Harrison Township) are also sponsors of the legislative package. “In today’s marketplace, that’s a pretty long-term time frame,” Kuhnmuench said. “It’s really going to depend on the individual company and what their investment strategy is.” The bills have been referred to the state Senate Finance Committee, of which Brandenburg is chairman and Bieda is minority vice-chairman. Bieda said there is a “good possibility” that hearings on the legislation will take place after Easter. ❏
OPEN HOUSE West Highland Christian Academy Thursday, March 22
PAGE 29
NOMINATIONS BEING ACCEPTED FOR
OUTSTANDING STUDENTS OF WEST OAKLAND COUNTY
The Spinal Column Newsweekly is looking for West Oakland County students deserving special recognition. Do you know of a student age Kindergarten through High School, who has done something special for their community? For instance: • Do they donate their time and effort to help someone else? • Do they work hard to excel at something? (School, music, sports, etc.) • Do they go above and beyond to reach out to another, or extend themselves in some other way? If you think that a student deserves special recognition, tell us why. The winners will be featured in the first annual edition of “The Yearbook,” a special section of the Spinal Column Newsweekly being published and distributed on Wednesday, June 6, 2012. The Spinal Column Newsweekly is locally owned and operated with the largest distribution of any newspaper in the Lakes area. In addition to being featured in a story, the first place prize winner will receive: A limousine ride (compliments of Blue Diamond Limousine of Wixom) to a fabulous dinner, compliments of The Root Restaurant in White Lake for the student and 4 guests of their choice. The six top runners up will receive $20.00 gift certificates donated by Papa Romanos of Richardson Rd., Commerce, Happy’s Pizza at Pontiac Trail & Welch in Commerce, Marco’s Pizza of Highland and Windmill Market. Winners will be chosen by a panel of local senior citizens.
6:30-8:30 PM 1116 S. Hickory Ridge Rd., Milford (1/4 mile S. of M-59)
OPEN HOUSE K - 12 • Interdenominational school, welcoming all Christian families • Curriculum reflects Biblical worldview • Small classroom sizes • Individual attention • Safe, non-bullying environment • Above average standardized test scores • Dyslexia testing & tutoring
248-887-6698 www.whca-k12.org
Student’s Name: ________________________________________________________ Age:____________ Name of School: _________________________________________________________ Grade:_________ (Can be public school, private school or homeschooled student)
Your Name: ______________________________________________________________________________ Your Phone: ____________________________ Your Email: ______________________________________ Please attach 1 or 2 paragraphs to explain why this student deserves to be recognized. Fax to: Attention Outstanding Students of West Oakland Fax: 248-360-5308
Email to: students@thescngroup.com
Mail to: Outstanding Students of West Oakland P.O. Box 14 Union Lake, MI 48387-0014
Deadline for submission is May 1, 2012 W E S T
O A K L A N D ’ S
N E W S W E E K LY
www.spinalcolumnonline.com 248.360.SELL (7355) • 7196 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48327-4113 • 248.360.NEWS (6397)
www.bluediamondlimomi.com
Member of the SCN Communications Group SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY • OAKLAND LAKEFRONT OAKLAND HOMES • MONTHLYADVERTISER • WEST OAKLAND DIRECTORY FAX: 248.360.5308/248.360.5309
www.therootrestaurant.com
PAGE 30
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
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•NATURAL GAS BAR-B-QUES •BAR-B-QUE GRILL PARTS – ALL MODELS •SERVICE & INSTALLATION AVAILABLE
Easter Bunny Luncheon Saturday, March 31, 2012
Join the Easter Bunny for lunch and an Easter Egg Hunt!
FREE 20 lb. bag CHARCOAL WITH GRILL PURCHASE With this ad • Expires 3/31/12
Everything Your Grill Requires
248-624-6655
1987 E. West Maple • Walled Lake • 1 1/2 miles W. 0f Haggerty
TIME: 1:00 - 3:00 pm, Easter Egg Hunt Begins at 2:00 pm Bring your camera for pictures with the Easter Bunny! ADMISSION: Children $5.00 in advance/$7.00 at the door, Adults $2.00 in advance/$3.00 at the door LOCATION: The Richardson Center 1485 East Oakley Park Rd. For reservations call Village Hall at 248-624-1710
MARCH 14-20, 2012
www.spinalcolumnonline.com
PAGE 31
IN OUR OPINION
Action on Spice ban needed Reinstate criminal penalties for synthetic marijuana use
L
ansing has not been tone deaf to the concerns raised by some officials — including some from right here in west Oakland County — about the dangers associated with the use of, and addiction to, a variety of types of synthetic marijuana, including Spice, as well as other similar substances marketed as K2, fake marijuana, Yucatan Fire, Skunk, Moon Rocks, and others. Yet after the state Senate passed a bill last year that would make illegal those substances, which experts say are becoming more prevalent among teens and young adults, the state House of Representatives has yet to give the legislation its seal of approval. We hope the state’s lower chamber takes up state Sen. Rick Jones’ (R-Grand Ledge) Senate Bill (SB) 99 before the legislative session ends and once again makes illegal the synthetic marijuana substances that are causing concern here locally and across the state of Michigan. The Jones legislation would not have been needed were it not for what we chalk up to as an “Oops” moment in the waning days of the 95th state Legislature’s term in office. After the state Legislature during the last legislative session made illegal the possession and use of synthetic marijuana compounds, including Spice and K2, with Public Act (PA) 169 of 2010, which took effect on Oct. 1, 2010, lawmakers approved PA 352 of 2010, which took effect on Dec. 22, 2010. Conflicting language in the two new state laws had the practical effect of making legal again those substances that had been illegal for less than three months. When then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm, a Democrat,
signed into law PA 352, she also issued a signing statement noting the inadvertent repeal of the ban on synthetic marijuana compounds and urged the incoming state Legislature — the one currently in office — to restore the criminal penalties that were, for a short time in 2010, associated with the use and possession of such compounds. Those criminal penalties that were approved by lawmakers, when the state Senate had a Republican majority and the state House was controlled by Democrats, stipulated that someone who knowingly or intentionally possesses a synthetic marijuana compound is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by up to a year in prison, a maximum fine of $2,000, or both — penalties similar to those for someone who is convicted of marijuana possession. And the state Senate acted quickly after its 38 members were sworn into office in January 2011, passing Jones’ legislation on Feb. 15, 2011 in a 37-0 vote, with both state Sens. Mike Kowall (R-Commerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield) and David Robertson (R-Waterford) casting their votes in favor of SB 99. Yet for over a year, the legislation has languished in the state House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, which is chaired by state Rep. John Walsh (R-Livonia). That should change and members of the state House need to pass SB 99. Spice and other synthetic marijuana compounds have emerged as a concern for area officials, some of
whom are holding a public forum on the dangers of Spice and other such compounds. The National Institute of Drug Abuse reports that 11.4 percent of high school seniors in a 2011 survey reported using the drug — which produces symptoms such as delusions; elevated blood pressure; elevated heart rate; hallucinations; heart palpitations; increased agitation; nausea; pale skin; burned lungs; panic attacks; seizures; vomiting; overdoses; and even death — in the prior year, making it the second most frequently used drug among that same demographic. We understand that there are other pressing issues — not the least of which is the state budget for the next fiscal year that starts in October — that lawmakers are dealing with on a day to day basis. But the legwork has already been done to make Spice and other synthetic marijuana compounds illegal, both by the 95th state Legislature and the state Senate in the 96th state Legislature. Lawmakers in both parties, therefore, are generally in agreement about the need to put synthetic marijuana compounds in the same criminal category as marijuana. We see no reason why the current incarnation of the state House shouldn’t recriminalize the use and possession of such drugs. If lawmakers need further proof of the harm Spice and other similar synthetic marijuana compounds can cause, they only need to attend the forum held at the Waterford Township Auditorium on Thursday, March 21 for proof. It’s time for the state House to quit dawdling on this issue, and we hope they act soon. ❏
Insurance co. tax proposal L
awmakers are starting a process of exploring the feasibility of having insurance companies effectively injecting some cash — which would likely be used for infrastructure improvements — into the state’s coffers. Similar financial investment tools are used in other states, and the bipartisan group of state Senators looking into the investment vehicle that could generate up to $900 million for road, highway, and bridge upgrades is on the right path by putting their toes into the water of the issue rather than diving in head-first. State Sens. Mike Kowall (R-Commerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield); Steve Bieda (DWarren), minority vice-chairman of the state Senate Finance Committee; and Jack Brandenburg (RHarrison Township), chairman of the Senate Finance Committee have put forward a three-bill legislative
package that would allow certain insurance companies to prepay their premium taxes early to the tune of up to $900 million — money which would essentially be repaid to the companies through a 10 percent tax break in later years. Kowall and Bieda both said the next step in the process is to ask Gov. Rick Snyder’s administration to weigh in on the proposal, which is laid out in Senate Bills (SBs) 985 through 987, all of which have been referred to Brandenburg’s Senate Finance Committee, where they await hearings and testimony. Bieda said he expects committee work to begin on the proposal at some point after the Easter holiday, and Kowall stressed that the legislation would not result in a tax hike on Michigan’s citizens. It’s laudable that lawmakers are approaching the proposal with a measure of caution rather than ramming the issue through the Republican-controlled
state Legislature since such a financial investment vehicle would be new to the state. The complexities of the issue at hand deserve candid discussion and deliberation, including input from all the stakeholders involved, rather than a policy debate founded on platitudes. Infrastructure funding is a serious issue for serious people. Members of both political parties know that Michigan’s road and highway network is in serious decline, with some reporting a funding deficiency statewide at $1.2 billion, and a variety of funding proposals have been floated in the past with little or no success. While more details are needed on the exact repercussions — both positive and negative — of the three-bill proposal introduced to the state Legislature last month, getting the ball rolling on a thoughtful and honest dialogue about its merits and drawbacks is a step in the right direction. ❏
PAGE 32
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
MAIL BAG Scott’s 2012 decision From Oakland County Commissioner John Scott (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield): In early 2009, I was approached by several community and business leaders in Waterford Township asking me to run for Waterford Township supervisor in 2012. These leaders are very concerned about the financial decline in Waterford Township government. They feel my experience as an Oakland County commissioner makes me the perfect candidate to fix the financial problems facing Waterford Township now and into the future. Bringing the Oakland County business model to Waterford is the only way to fix these financial problems. I have been an Oakland County commissioner since 2003. In those 9plus years, I have seen what it takes to make Oakland County the best-run county in the country. Oakland County is essentially debt free. Our legacy costs — pension and retiree health care — are paid. Oakland County has a $201 million fund balance surplus this year. This surplus is there to cover anticipated revenue shortages in future years. Let’s face it, folks. Oakland County has done the right things over the years to avoid the problems facing Waterford Township. By 2014, Waterford Township could be on the path to be in the same great financial condition as Oakland County as long as they have the right leadership. One person cannot do it alone. It will take the entire township board — supervisor, clerk, treasurer, and trustees — to make this work. They will have to buy into the Oakland County business model to right the ship. Waterford Township needs to devel-
op policies and procedures to ensure Waterford Township government has the fiscal stability to maintain quality services, regardless of the local economic composition. They need to fund ongoing operations with recurring revenues, rather than through the arbitrary use of fund balance or issuance of debt. Long-term financial planning is needed to allow the township to reduce expenditures and create surpluses to cover revenue shortages in future years. The township needs to identify opportunities for increased efficiencies and continuous efforts to reduce the waste that is embedded in the township’s culture at all organizational levels. Prudent discipline ensures that structural budget difficulties do not develop. I have met with people who currently work for Waterford and people who have left Waterford employment. These are people who know the actual financial condition of the township. They all told me the same thing: Declining property values and ever escalating legacy costs are taking a major toll on the township’s budget. Property values are still declining in Waterford. Taxable value in 2012 is going to be down approximately 13 percent. That’s 13 percent less money to run the township. The decline in property values in 2013 is projected to be around 5 to 7 percent. At the same time the legacy costs are increasing significantly. Retiree health care costs alone will increase 10-plus this year. Folks, we can save the township, but it is going to be very difficult. Nobody likes change. I know I don’t like change, especially when it hits me in the pocket book. In the 9-plus years I have been a commissioner, I have witnessed a lot of change at the county. County employees have faced two pay cuts, increased co-pays for health
care, and the elimination of retiree health care for new employees. County retirees have seen their co-pays for health care and prescriptions increase. In the private sector, people have experienced even more drastic reductions and job loss. Most employees in the private sector do not have pensions and retiree health care. The taxpayers have taken significant cuts in wages and benefits. It is not right for public sector employees to have great pensions and retiree health care when those taxpayers paying the bill have given up those luxuries a long time ago. Whoever leads Waterford in the future will need to make the necessary changes to ensure the fiscal viability into the future. The question I am constantly being asked is, am I going to run for Waterford Township supervisor? The answer depends on what the Michigan Supreme Court decides regarding the commission districts for Oakland County. Currently, the commission districts adopted by the Apportionment Commission have 25 districts. To save Oakland County money, the Michigan Legislature passed, and the governor signed, legislation that would reduce the number of commission districts in Oakland County from 25 to 21. This legislation is being challenged in the courts and is on its way to the Michigan Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court upholds the legislation reducing the commission to 21 districts, I plan to run for Waterford Township supervisor. If the Supreme Court rules against the legislation, I have no choice but to run for re-election to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. I know I can win the new 5th District. That district consists of four precincts in Pontiac and 14 precincts in
AROUND THE LAKES AREA
Waterford. For the reasons stated above, it is imperative we maintain the Republican majority on the Board of Commissioners. Oakland County is the best run county in the country because of Republican leadership. I have filed to run for re-election to the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. At the same time, I have pulled nominating petitions for Waterford Township supervisor and am in the process of collecting signatures. Once the Supreme Court hands down its decision, I will know which office I am running for in 2012. Let’s hope they make their decision sooner rather than later. ❏
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.
CORRECTION An article appearing in the Feb. 22 edition of the Spinal Column Newsweekly under the headline “And they’re off: GOP primary fight set in 39th District” should have also said that Bubba Urdan has also entered the Republican primary race for the new 39th state House District, which includes Commerce Township, Wolverine Lake, Wixom, and the western half of West Bloomfield Township. ❏
A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly
WE’RE ASKING… Should Rush Limbaugh be taken off the air? "No. He overspeaks, and then they overblow it."
— Ken Navarre, White Lake Township
"I don't. I like him."
— Judy Whitlock, Commerce Township
"No. This political correctness goes too far off the charts. People can't say what they want to anymore. It's gone too far." — George Goeddeke, White Lake Township
"No. He's the only guy who speaks (for) anything. I disagree with what he said, but I got over it. Stop taking up air space with the trivial (coverage by talking about it). Most news stations are under Democratic control, and I watch them, too. We need that counterbalance." — Bill Patrick, Walled Lake
MARCH 14-20, 2012
www.spinalcolumnonline.com
PAGE 33
COMMUNITY CALENDAR ■ VFW Easter Egg Hunt: 1-3 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 321 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Non-perishable items appreciated but not necessary. Limited space, sign up by Thursday, March 15. 248-303-9157. ■ Huron Valley Schools: Special Olympics Celebrity Server Night, 50/50 raffle, baked goods sale, 4-5 p.m. Thursday, March 15, Comeback Inn, 1451 S. Milford Road, Highland. 248 684 8143 or email garrisond@huronvalley.k12.mi.us. ■ American Cancer Society: Information night for residents interested in joining the planning committee, volunteering or participating in the 2012 Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of Oakland County walk. The information night will be held on March 15, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. at the Bloomfield Hills City Hall located at 45 E Long Lake Road. 248-663-3404 or visit cancer.org/stridesonline. ■ Four Towns United Methodist Church: All you can eat spaghetti dinner with salad bar, 4-7 p.m. Friday, March 16, 6451 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford. Adults, $7.95; children eat free. Carry outs available. 248-682-0211 or 248682-6868. ■ The Highland-White Lake Business Association: 9th Annual Women’s Enrichment Day, 8 a.m. Saturday, March 17, White Lake Middle School, 1450 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake. 248-8891422 or enrichment-day.com. ■ Multi Lakes Conservation Club: Sporting Goods Swap Meet, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, March 18, 3860 Newton Road just north of Richardson Road, Commerce. 248-363-9109. ■ Red Cross Blood Drive: 2-8 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, Wixom Parks and Recreation, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Please call Jodi at 248-624-2850 or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment; walk-ins are also welcome. ■ Highland Township: Beautification Garden Talk, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, Deneweth Garden Center, 13790 Highland Road, Hartland. Tickets are $5. Registration required. 248-887-3791, ext. 134; or 248-887-1125. ■ Democrats of West Oakland County: Speaker, Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner, 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, Comfort Suites Wixom, intersection of Wixom Road and Grand River, near Exit
No. 159 off I-96. kkuehnel@yahoo.com.
7129 or visit www.huronvcc.com.
■ Waterford Democratic Club:Meeting, speakers John Keserich of Planned Parenthood and Kevin Howley, candidate for Oakland County Executive, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, VFW Post 1008, Airport Road and M-59, Waterford. 248674-3857.
■ Village Fine Arts Association of Milford: “Call for Artists, Time to Enter PAN,” (Poetry Art Night), visual arts and poetry competition exhibition and sale, April 21-May 6, Milford Library, 330 Family Drive, Milford. Deadline is Saturday, March 31. Prospectus available at the library, Main Street Art, Huron Valley Council for the Arts, online at milfordvfaa, or by calling 248-797-3060.
■ West Highland Christian Academy: (WHCA) Open house for K-12th grade, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Thursday, March 22, 1116 S. Hickory Ridge Road, Milford. Tour the school, meet the faculty, current students and their families. Providing a Christian education, with small classroom sizes, since 1973. WHCA has programs and testing for Dyslexia students. www.whca-k-12.org. ■ Wild Winter Thaw Strolling Appetizer Event: 6-9 p.m. Friday, March 23, Bogie Lake Greenhouse, 1525 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake. Charity event for Faith in Action of Oakland County. Booths still available for vendors and restaurants. 248-364-4064 or email jksassoc@mich.com. ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Erickson Flute & Ensemble, concert, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, March 24, Highland House, 205 W. Livingston, Highland. General Admission, $15. Tickets are available for purchase on line at huronvalleyarts.org or at the HVCA office, 205 W. Livingston Road, Highland 248-8898660. ■ Detroit Model Railroad Club and Model Railroad Museum: Open House, Michigan’s largest O-scale model trains operating on 5,000 feet of track, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 2425, 104 N. Saginaw, Holly. 248-6345811 or dmrcc.org.
■ 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. ■ Friends of Byers: Byers’ Antique Barn now open noon to 5 p.m. Sundays, volunteers are needed at 213 Commerce Road, Commerce. For more information visit byershomestead.org or call 248-363-2592.
■ Village of Wolverine Lake: Easter Bunny Luncheon, pizza, dessert, crafts and egg hunt, 1-3 p.m. (egg hunt, 2 p.m.) Saturday, March 31, Richardson Center, 1485 Oakley Park Road, Commerce. $5 in advance/$7 at the door for children; $2 in advance or $3 at the door for adults. Register at Village Hall, 325 Glengary, Wolverine Lake or online at wolverinelake.com. Questions? Call 248-624-1710.
■ 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.
■ Lakes Area Rotary Club: Accepting scholarship applications from Walled Lake High School Students. A minimum of three $1,250 scholarships will be awarded. Eligible students will have maintained a “B” (3.0) average, be in good standing with the school and have actively participated in community service during their high school years. Application deadline is April 1. Applications can be obtained at lakesarearotary.org or by contacting Rotarian Lorrie McVey at 248-390-8572.
■ Mothers & More: Book club meeting, 7 p.m., first Monday of the month, Caribou Coffee, Union Lake Road, Commerce. 248-360-7702.
■ Commerce Parks & Recreation: Looking for local entertainers who are skilled in family fun, such as magic tricks, juggling, puppetry, balloon shaping, and clown acts for its outdoor summer concerts on June 22, July 20, and Aug. 10. Interested local entertainers should contact Emily England at the Richardson Center, 248-926-0063.
■ City of Wixom:Bunny Hop, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, March 30, Everyone Fee: $7 per person. Come hop about and the Easter Bunny will hop out to shake his tail, too. Fun family dance with pizza dinner and DJ. Must pre-register by 2 p.m. March 29. Will also have photo opportunity with Bunny, so wear your Sunday best. To register, call 248.624.2850.
■ Big Chief Chorus: Rehearsals, 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Waterford Oaks Activity Center, 2800 Watkins Lake Road, Waterford. 248698-9133 or 248-563-2109.
■ Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce: Huron Valley Egg Hunt, goody bags for the first 500 kids, visit with the Easter Bunny and free face painting, ages 2-10, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Saturday, March 31, Duck Lake Pines Park, 1241 N. Duck Lake Road, Highland. Registration. 248-685-
■ Catholic Social Services of Oakland County: Senior companion volunteers needed to support adults with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic mental illness, as well as the physically frail and homebound. 248-5591147, ext. 3434.
■ (Breakfast) Optimist Club of Waterford: Meeting, 7:15 a.m. Thursdays, Big Boy Restaurant, M-59 and Airport Road, Waterford. 248-673-3493.
■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Knitters circle, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Highland Station House, Highland. 248685-9015.
■ Multi-Lakes Conservation Association: All-you-can-eat fish fry, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, 3860 Newton Road, Commerce. 248-3639109. ■ 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. ■ Waterford Rotary Club: Meeting, noon, Tuesdays, The Shark Club on M59, Waterford. 248-625-4897.
SUPPORT GROUPS ❐ AA Meetings: 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Four Towns United Methodist Church, 6451 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford. 248-6820211. ❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addiction, for life’s hurts, habits or hang-ups, meetings, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Woodside Bible Church, 9000 Highland Road, White Lake. 248-698-1300. ❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addiction, for life’s hurts, habits or hang-ups, meetings, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Life Point Christian
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Obituaries BOONENBERG, STUART MICHAEL, a resident of Milford since 1985, died at his home surrounded by family after a nine month struggle with pancreatic cancer. He was 58 years old. BURG, MILTON, a resident of Northville, Michigan, died on March 5th, 2012 at the age of 86 CHIPIX-MARTIN, ERICELDO “ERIC”, of White Lake and formerly Milford and Guatemala, passed away on March 3, 2012. He was 54 years old. He is survived by his loving wife, Jacqueline Brandenberg. CROWE, FLORENCE, of Commerce Twp., passed away after a brief illness, on March 3, 2012 at age 93. DONAL, GLORIA, age 66 of Highland Twp., died in a tragic auto accident on March 1, 2012. FRACK, SUSAN M., of Waterford. Suddenly March 2, 2012 at 46 years of age. NYER, BETTY, a resident of Northville, died on March 3rd, 2012 at the age of 84. PRICE, CHARLOTTE A.; age 73; of Waterford MI; passed away peacefully with her family February 25, 2012. SCHULTZ, VIRGINIA LUCILLE, age 86 of Milford, and formerly of Newberry, died on March 4, 2012. SHORR, ALLEN, a resident of West Bloomfield, Michigan, died on March 2nd, 2012 at the age of 72. STONER, DOROTHY PEMBLETON, of Waterford died peacefully at Lourdes Nursing Home March 2, 2012 at 92 years of age. WARFORD, DOROTHY GERTRUDE, died March 4, 2012 at 87 years of age at Canterbury-on-the-Lake in Waterford. 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
COMMUNITY CALENDAR Church, 501 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. 248-682-1747. ❐ C.A.S.A: Cleptomaniacs and Shoplifters Anonymous, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Wesley Room, Commerce United Methodist Church, 1155 N. Commerce Road located between East and West Commerce roads, Commerce. 248-358-8508 or kleptomaniacsanonymous.org. ❐ Divorce Care: Support group meeting for adults and children, 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Brightmoor Christian Church, 40800 W. 13 Mile, Novi. 248-755-9533. ❐ Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: Meeting, 6 p.m. Fridays, Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 1445 Welch Road, Commerce. 248-807-8667 or foodaddicts.org.
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. 248559-1147, ext. 3424. ❐ Highland Adult Activity Center: St. Patrick’s Day Party, 11 a.m. Friday, March 16, 209 N. John Street, Highland. 248887-1707. ❐ Richardson Community Senior Center: Knitting and crochet group, 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, 1485 E. Oakley Park, Commerce. Registration. 248-926-0063 or commercetwp.com.
❐ 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.
❐ 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.
❐ West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Senior Programs: Line dancing, 11 a.m. Fridays at the Corners, 4640 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248451-1900.
❐ Over-Eaters Anonymous: Recovery from compulsive eating, 12-step program, meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 5301 Hatchery Road, Waterford. ❐ Postpartum Depression Support Group: Meeting, 6:45 p.m. Thursdays, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Commerce. 248-937-5220. p TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly): Meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, weigh-in at 5:30 p.m., new meeting site, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital Conference Room 1-C, 1 William Carls Drive, Commerce. 248363-6369 or e-mail jr.h@att.net.
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: Drums Alive! 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays (no class on March 27); Zumba Gold, 2 p.m. Tuesdays, 685 Union Lake Road, White Lake.
PARKS ❐ Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center: Pancake Breakfast, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 17-18; Maple Sugaring, demonstrations, tours, hikes, tasting, Saturdays and Sundays in March, Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake. Registration. 810494-6026. ❐ Kensington Farm Center: “Maple’s Sweet Story,” breakfast, tours, Algonquin winter re-enactment, Saturdays and Sundays in March; Horse-drawn hayrides or sleigh rides, noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Kensington Metropark, Milford. 248-684-8632 or 1-800-4773178. ❐ Kensington Nature Center: “Webelos: Outdoorsman,” 1-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, March 17 and 18, Nature Center, Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration. 248-685-1561.
LIBRARY EVENTS ❐ Commerce Township Community Library: Adult Book Discussion, Suzanne Collins’ “Hunger Games,” 10:30 a.m.
Friday, March 23, 2860 N. Pontiac Trail, Commerce. Registration required. 248669-8108 or commercelibrary.info. ❐ Highland Township Public Library: Book Sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 17; Free workshop for adults about Social Security with Rob Reading of America’s IRA Center, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 31, 444 Beach Farm Circle, Highland. Registration. 248-8872218. ❐ Milford Public Library: Raw Food “Cooking” Demo for adults, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 21, 330 Family Drive, Milford. Registration. 248-684-0845. ❐ Walled Lake City Library: Will be starting a reading dog program for children, 6:30 p.m. Thursdays beginning March 15, 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake 48390. Register each child for their 20 minute session to read to a dog. Volunteers and their dogs are also needed, must be registered with “Pet A Pet” for insurance purposes. For more information, call Director Donna Rickabaugh at 248-624-3772. ❐ Waterford Township Public Library: Glass Lanterns for ages 9-12, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 17, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. Registration. 248-6744831. ❐ West Bloomfield Township Public Library: Youth program, “4, 5, Alive, All By Myself,” books, rhymes, math activities, science concepts, art work, 1:30 p.m. Thursday, March 15, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248-682-2120 or www.wblib.org. ❐ White Lake Township Library: Fit Friday, Wii Bowling for adults projected on the big screen, 10:30 a.m. Friday, March 16, 7527 E. Highland Road, White Lake. Registration. 248-698-4942. ❐ Wixom Public Library: Meet Author D.E. Johnson, (“The Detroit Electric Scheme” and “Motor City Shakedown”) adult program, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 15, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Registration. 248-624-2512.
RELIGIOUS ❐ Lakes Area Ministries Association: Speaker Rev. Janis Stevenson, “Psalm 130” Friday, March 16, Commerce United Methodist Church, 1155 N. Commerce Road, Commerce. 248-624-3821.
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
The Walled Lake Central Vikings hoist the district championship trophy after a 36-32 victory over Huron Valley Milford on Friday, March 9 at a Michigan High School Athletic Association Class A district final at Huron Valley Lakeland. The Vikings had previously lost in games where the Kensington Lakes Activities Association North Division and Lakes Conference titles were on the line before advancing to the Novi region of the state tournament. (Photo submitted by Lisa Gustafson)
Central ‘kept grinding’ for title Vikings pull away from Milford in OT to claim district crown By Michael Shelton staff writer
After falling just short in division and conference championship games, Walled Lake Central fought through adversity and was finally able to hoist a trophy for the first time this season. The Vikings defeated Huron Valley Milford in overtime, 36-32, in a Michigan High School Athletic
Association (MHSAA) Class A district final at Huron Valley Lakeland on Friday, March 9, marking Central’s first district title since 2006. The victory came after Central (17-6) had previously suffered two heartbreaking losses on the road with titles on the line, with the first coming at Waterford Mott on Feb. 10 in which the Corsairs edged out the Vikings to break a first-
place tie and win the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division title.
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That was followed up by a loss on the
road to Pinckney on Feb. 24 in the KLAA Lakes Conference title game, but not before Central defeated Milford back on Feb. 21 in a conference semifinal game. “Any less of a team would have packed it in after that, but we kept grinding and the kids bought into it,” Central Head Coach Dennis Butcher
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said. For the KLAA West Division champion Mavericks (18-5), it was a stunning end to what was a breakout season that brought Milford basketball back to prominence. “I told them I wasn’t disappointed that we lost, but rather (disappointed that the season) was over because we had a great group of seniors and it was a finality,” Milford Head Coach Chip Lutz said. “(The Vikings) just made a couple more plays than we did.” Central played against Novi Detroit Catholic Central (16-6) in a Class A regional semi-final at Novi on Monday, March 12 after press time, with the winner facing either Orchard Lake St. Mary’s or Ann Arbor Huron in the regional final tonight, Wednesday, March 14. Last Friday, the Vikings got off to a 7-0 lead in the first quarter before Milford scored 5 points to cut the advantage to two heading into the second quarter. It was then that Central’s defense clamped down and held Milford scoreless until Alex Larson scored Milford’s only basket of the quarter just before the halftime buzzer. But, Central could only manage 5 points in the second quarter and led 127 at halftime. “I thought we did unbelievable in the first half defensively, but I was disappointed that we didn’t get to the foul line more,” Butcher said. Central built its lead to ten, 18-8, in the third quarter before its frustrations started to show. Two technical fouls were assessed to Central’s assistant coaches and to senior Zac Leimbach for arguing with the officials. “One of our assistants said something that got a technical, even though there wasn’t any cursing or anything derogatory,” Butcher said. “One of our kids said something he shouldn’t have.” Brandon Wallace made only one of the four technical free-throws, but at the end of the third quarter, Central had 9 team fouls compared to only one for Milford and the Vikings’ lead was down to one point, 20-19, entering the fourth. “I thought we did a better job (in the second half) of being physical and playing aggressively,” Lutz said. Chris Orr’s only field goal of the game came in the fourth as he gave Milford its first lead, 21-20, before Wallace scored a basket and hit a freethrow to complete a three-point play for a 24-20 Mavs’ lead.
Huron Valley Milford’s Joshua Corey (dark jersey) dives past Walled Lake Northern’s Leo Susick in a Michigan High School Athletic Association Class A District semi-final at Huron Valley Lakeland on Wednesday, March 7. The Kensington Lakes Activities Association West Division champion Mavericks defeated the Knights, 47-27, to advance to the district final two days later, where they fell to Walled Lake Central for the second time this season. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
But Chuck Taylor, who had been held scoreless until the fourth, woke up and scored two straight baskets to tie the game at 24. Milford lost the ball on its next possession and Central ran the clock down for a final shot, but T.J. Warren missed a shot at the buzzer and overtime was needed.
Leimbach also hurt his right ankle in the fourth quarter and didn’t return until later in the overtime, but was doubtful for the regional semi-final. Milford was dealt an early blow in the extra session when senior Steven Sloboda fouled out and Central then built up a 32-25 lead.
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
The Mavericks answered on a 3pointer by Jacob Lee and Wallace converting on 2-of-3 free-throw attempts to cut Central’s lead to 33-31. Both teams then split a free-throw each before Taylor split two free-throws to give Central a 35-32 lead. Brett Gustafson had a chance to ice the game for Central at the charity stripe after stealing the ball from Milford and being fouled, but he missed both free-throws. Wallace tried one last 3-point shot from the top of the arc, but it was off the mark and Central held on to win. Free-throws were key as Central shot 10-for-20 from the charity stripe in overtime while Milford was 13-for-25 on free-throws for the night. Warren led the Vikings with a gamehigh 22 points, while Taylor finished with 8. “It was unbelievable for T.J. to come out of his shell and I’ve never seen a tougher kid than Zac (Leimbach),” Butcher said. Sloboda led Milford with 11 points in his final game while Wallace had 9. “I thought Sloboda has battled and played bigger than he was and it was the same thing with Orr. Brandon (Wallace) is a solid, calming force and he will be hard to replace,” Lutz said. “Nobody tries to miss shots and free-throws, we just didn’t make them.” Central also had to play overtime just to reach the district final as it defeated Howell, 40-38, in a district semi-final at Lakeland on Wednesday, March 7. The Vikings trailed 21-14 at halftime before going on a 14-6 run in the third quarter to take a 28-27 lead. But, the score was tied at 33 at the end of the fourth and overtime would be needed. Central then outscored the Highlanders, 7-5, in the extra session to move onto the district final. Taylor led Central with 15 points while Warren had 11 and Leimbach had 9. The Vikings began tournament play on Monday, March 5 with a 56-44 victory over Hartland in a first-round district game. Taylor had 15 points for Central while Leimbach had 10. Meanwhile, Milford defeated Huron Valley Lakeland, 44-23, on March 5 in a first-round district game. Sloboda had 15 points for Milford while Orr had 9. Nick Troxell had 11 points for Lakeland (4-17). Milford then defeated Walled Lake Northern, 47-27, on Wednesday, March 7 after seizing control with a 20-6 run in the second quarter. Josh Corey had 17 points for Milford while Orr had 15. Kirk Thomas led Northern (13-8) with 7 points. “Every day was a joy,” Lutz said. “This was an extremely fun group that practiced hard.”
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BOYS BASKETBALL
Hard work pays off in Mott’s district championship run By Michael Shelton staff writer
In spite of flying under the radar at the beginning of the state tournament, Waterford Mott is now flying high as district champions for the first time since 1982. The Corsairs defeated district host Troy Athens, 42-38, on Wednesday, March 7 in a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Class A district semi-final before toppling Troy, 58-53, in the district final on Friday, March 9. “It was a great feeling seeing my players accept the district championship trophy Friday night,” Mott’s first-year head coach Jeff Jayson said. “I am so happy and proud of them because they put in the time and effort back in last spring, summer, and this fall. Their hard work paid off for them.” Mott (16-6) played against Southfield (12-11) in a Class A regional semi-final at Lake Orion on Monday, March 12, after press time with the winner facing either host Lake Orion or Bloomfield Hills Lahser in the regional final tonight, Wednesday, March 14. Despite winning the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division crown, few counted Mott as a district title contender heading into the state tournament. Against Troy last Friday, Mott jumped out to a 36-20 halftime lead before taking a 46-29 lead into the fourth quarter. The Colts (17-6) fought back to trim Mott’s lead to 56-51, but the Corsairs were able to pull away for the win. DaVonte Daniel had 19 points and 15 rebounds to lead the Corsairs, while Khalil Malone had 18 points,10 rebounds, and 5 assists. “The key to our district championship was our team’s defensive intensity and focus,” Jayson said. Prior to the district final, the Corsairs had to get past Troy Athens (15-7) last Wednesday. Mott led 20-15 at halftime and 29-27 after the third quarter before falling behind 32-29 in the fourth quarter. Mott scored 10 straight points to take the lead back and led 41-38 when it forced a turnover as Troy Athens had a chance to tie the game late. Malone then sealed the win with a free-throw. Malone led the Corsairs with 15 points against Athens.
Carlee Cottrell of Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes drives the lane on her home floor in a 65-37 victory over Lutheran Westland in a Michigan High School Athletic Association Class D regional final on Thursday, March 8. Cottrell had 18 points for the Lakers as they claimed their fourth straight regional title and played in a Class D state quarter-final on Tuesday, March 13 for the chance to advance to the state’s final four at Michigan State University on Thursday, March 15. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
Our Lady ‘focused all year’ Lakers cruise past Roeper, Lutheran in bid for Class D title By Michael Shelton Staff Writer
It was smooth sailing this past week for Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes on its home floor and the Lakers are now on the verge of playing in the Breslin Center for a third straight state championship. The Lakers (20-4) easily dispatched of Birmingham Roeper, 5318, in a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Class D regional semi-final on Tuesday, March 6 before handling Westland Lutheran, 65-37, in a regional final on Thursday, March 8. Our Lady claimed its fourth straight regional championship and fourth consecutive Class D state quarter-final berth. The Lakers played against Saginaw Michigan Lutheran Seminary (18-6) at Waterford Kettering yesterday, Tuesday, March 13 after press time, with the winner moving onto the Class D state semi-finals at Michigan State University tomorrow, Thursday, March 15 at 6 p.m. against
either Leland or Portland St. Patrick. The Class D state final is on Saturday, March 17 at 10 a.m. “The girls have been focused on this all year and they are determined to get back to Breslin,” Our Lady Head Coach Steve Robak said. The Lakers’ focus showed in their victory against Roeper (10-13) last Tuesday in which they jumped out to a 19-0 lead in the first quarter and a 315 halftime lead. View VIDEO CLIPS relative to this story at
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“We put a lot of defensive pressure on their guards and were able to create several easy baskets off of steals and in transition,” Coach Robak said. “We played with a real focus from the opening tip, which we were happy to see as we continue to advance through the state playoffs. The girls have raised their level of play.” Lexie Robak had 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 steals while Carlee
Cottrell had 13 points, 3 assists and 3 rebounds. Tori Duffey also chipped in 10 points and 3 steals while Ava Doetsch had 9 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. Then against Westfield Lutheran (10-7), the Lakers jumped out to a 28-11 first quarter lead and a 44-18 halftime lead. “We played probably our best half this season,” Coach Robak said. “We created a fast pace of play, a few turnovers for some easy baskets, and we did a super job of rebounding and then transitioning for easy baskets from the three-point line. We had four players in double figures at halftime.” Cottrell led Our Lady with 18 points and 4 rebounds. Doetsch had 15 points, including three triples, along with 7 rebounds, 7 assists and 4 steals. Lexie Robak also scored 14 points, including four 3-pointers, to go along with 5 rebounds and 6 assists while Duffey had 11 points and 6 rebounds.
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BOYS BASKETBALL
Another trophy for Eaglets; others fall short in title hopes By Michael Shelton staff writer
Orchard Lake St. Mary’s claimed its sixth district championship in seven seasons with a 42-40 overtime victory at home over Farmington in a Michigan High School Athletic Association Class A district final on Friday, March 9. St. Mary’s (12-10) trailed 19-13 at halftime before taking a 27-25 lead at the end of the third quarter. But Farmington (14-9) rallied in the fourth to tie the score at 33 and force overtime. St. Mary’s earned the victory by outscoring Farmington, 9-7, in the extra session. Chibunna Ukandu led the Eaglets with 13 points while Sam McClendon had 10. St. Mary’s played Ann Arbor Huron (17-6) in a Class A regional semi-final on Monday, March 12 at Novi after press time. The winner will face either Walled Lake Central or Novi Detroit Catholic Central tonight, Wednesday, March 14 in
the regional final. The Eaglets were the only lakes area team last season to win a regional championship. In a district semi-final on Wednesday, March 7, St. Mary’s defeated North Farmington, 80-57. Ukandu led the Eaglets with 20 points while Matt Linehan had 15, McClendon had 14, Daniel Furlong scored 13, and Woelke scored 11. The Raiders finished their season at 14-8. • Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes fell to host Clarkston Everest Collegiate in overtime, 43-41, in an MHSAA Class D district final on Friday, March 9. The Lakers (11-11) previously defeated Everest twice in the regular season as they finished as the runner-up in the Catholic League C-D Division behind champion Everest. Last Friday, Everest had an 11-7 lead at the end of the first quarter before Our Lady came back in the second quarter to tie the score at 20 at halftime. Both teams scored 19 points in the second half and overtime was needed. Everest (16-5) sealed the win with a 42 advantage in the extra session. Garrett Ross had 17 points in the loss for Our Lady, while Don Allen had 13 for Everest. Two nights prior, the Lakers defeated
WEST OAKLAND’S
N E W S W E E K LY
Marine City Cardinal Mooney, 59-28, on Wednesday, March 7 in a district semifinal. Ross and Jake Doetsch each had 11 points, while Josh Grenn and Steven Losiowski each scored 10. • West Bloomfield fell to Farmington, 58-47, in a Class A district semi-final on Wednesday, March 7 at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s. Malik Humes had 16 points for the Lakers (3-18) • Walled Lake Western fell to North Farmington, 63-39, in a first-round district game at Orchard Lake St. Mary’s on Monday, March 5. Miroslav Jaksic and Aaron Prim each had 10 points for the Warriors (10-11) • Waterford Kettering fell to Troy Athens, 77-67, in a first-round district game at Troy Athens on Monday, March 5. Maurice Scott scored 26 points for the Captains (3-18) while Justin Santana had 18 points and Dunkan Chizek had 14.
GIRLS BASKETBALL
Kettering captures regional crown with 40-28 victory By Michael Shelton staff writer
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Waterford Kettering won its first regional girls’ basketball championship in over a decade this past week. The Captains held off SouthfieldLathrup in overtime, 47-44, in a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Class A regional semi-final at Lake Orion on Tuesday, March 6. Two nights later on Thursday, March 8, the Captains defeated Rochester Hills Stoney Creek, 40-28, in the regional final to claim its first regional trophy
CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
NOTICE OF MEETING SCHEDULE CHANGE PLANNING COMMISSION The April 3, 2012 Regular Meeting of the City of Orchard Lake Village Planning Commission has been rescheduled to Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Orchard Lake City Hall, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, MI. Rhonda R McClellan City Clerk SC: 3-14-12
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
since the 1999-2000 season. Kettering (23-2) played against Grosse Pointe South (21-3) in a Class A state quarter-final at Calihan Hall at the University of Detroit-Mercy on Tuesday, March 13 after press time. The winner will play either Ann Arbor Huron or Saginaw Arthur Hill in a Class A state semi-final at the Breslin Center at Michigan State University on Friday, March 16. The Class A state final is on Saturday, March 17 at noon. The Captains last played in the state quarter-finals in 2000, where they fell to eventual Class A state champion Lansing Everett. Kettering’s previous state semi-final appearance was in 1999, where it also fell to Everett. Against Stoney Creek (15-7) last Thursday, the Captains had a 7-4 lead at the end of the first quarter and a 20-13 lead at halftime. Stoney Creek then trimmed Kettering’s lead to 26-21 in the third quarter before the Captains pulled away with a 12-7 run in the fourth quarter. Arjanai Washington had 13 points to lead Kettering, while Allison Bicknell scored 9 points, Taylor Steinhelper had 7 points, and Shelby Watts had 10 rebounds. Natalie Voss had 14 points for Stoney Creek while its standout player, Gabby Yurik, was held to 5 points. Prior to the district final, Kettering had to hold its own against SouthfieldLathrup (13-10) in the regional semifinals. The Chargers hit on 6 of their first 8 shots to take a 13-9 lead at the end of the first quarter before the Captains went on an 11-6 run to take a 20-19 lead at halftime. Kettering held on to its one-point lead, 34-33, at the end of the third quarter. But, Lathrup’s Michelle Hayes scored all 7 of her team’s points in the fourth quarter to force overtime with the score tied at 40. Hayes hit a 3-pointer at the start of overtime to put the Chargers ahead by 3 early. After Bicknell scored to cut Lathrup’s lead to one, Steinhelper scored to tie the score at 44 after her team trailed by two. Washington then split two free throws before Bicknell was fouled and hit both of her shots from the charity stripe to put Kettering up by 3. Lathrup had a chance to tie the game, but Hayes’ last second 3-point attempt was blocked by Hannah Huff, touching off a jubilant celebration by the Captains. Washington finished with 14 points for Kettering while Watts had 11 points and 14 rebounds. PAGE 39 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
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Hayes finished with a game-high 21 points for the Chargers. The Captains now hope to see their ship sail into East Lansing this weekend.
Huron too much for W. Bloomfield in semi-final, 50-44 West Bloomfield saw its memorable tournament run come to an end with a 50-44 defeat to Ann Arbor Huron in a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Class A regional semi-final at Farmington on Tuesday, March 6. The Lakers (10-13) had a 24-21 halftime lead before Huron took a 36-33 lead at the end of the third quarter. Huron (20-5) built up its lead to 12 in the fourth quarter before the Lakers went on a run on their own to cut Huron’s lead to 3, but ran out of time. Ashley Zeigler scored 15 points to lead West Bloomfield while Sydni Davis had 12 points and Kheri Motley scored 10. All three will return next season after helping the Lakers pull off a surprising run to a district championship after a rough regular season. Huron went on to defeat Hartland for the regional championship two nights later.
CITY OF WIXOM PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE THRUSH ROAD & PHEASANT ROAD VACATING The Wixom City Council will conduct a Public Hearing to discuss the vacating of the “paper streets” Thrush Road and Pheasant Road (sometimes referred to Seagull Road) located in the Birch Park Subdivision. The Public Hearing will take place during the regular City Council meeting on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, which begins at 7:30 p.m. in the City Council Chambers, 49045 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, Michigan 48393.
HOCKEY
Eaglets’ loss in OT, 2-1, to Brighton ends title hopes Orchard Lake St. Mary’s third straight appearance in the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 1 state semi-finals once again resulted in the Eaglets’ season ending all too soon. Despite a valiant effort, St. Mary’s was defeated by Brighton in double overtime, 2-1, on Friday, March 9 in Division 1 state semi-final game at Compuware Arena in Plymouth. Brighton would go on to defeat Grosse Pointe North to win the Division 1 state championship on Saturday, March 10. “I thought my team played extremely well. The only thing we didn’t do is finish,” St. Mary’s Head Coach Brian Klanow said. “We probably need to get more traffic in front of (the Bulldogs), but we controlled the game.” The Eaglets (17-11) outshot the Bulldogs 12-1 in the first period and 8-4 in the second, but Brighton goaltender Christian Michalik held his own. Then with 4:20 remaining in the third period, Chet Daavettila finally scored for Brighton (24-4-2) off assists from
CITY OF WIXOM
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Wixom City Council will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, March 27, 2012, at 7:30 pm at the Wixom City Hall, 49045 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, Michigan, 48393, to discuss the sale of surplus City property acquired through the Oakland County Tax Forfeiture Program: 2330 ROSEWORTH PARCEL NUMBER: 96-17-29-227-003 T2N, R8E, SEC 29 HICKORY HILL GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB LOT 17 BLK 8
Catherine Buck City Clerk
SC 3-14-12
Tommy Kivisto and Zach Carr. But just 24 seconds later, the Eaglets were able to tie the game at one when David Muth scored off assists from Stephen Beauvais and Cooper Anstett, prompting overtime. After a scoreless first overtime, Scott Schueneman scored the game-winning goal for Brighton at the 6:19 mark of the second overtime off Kivisto’s second assist of the game, ending the Eaglets’ quest for their fourth state title and first since 2008. The Eaglets outshot Brighton, 38-15, but Michalik made 37 saves in net compared to 13 from the Eaglets’ Austin Julvezan. “My hats off to Brighton,” Klanow said. The Eaglets advanced to the state’s final four after a 4-1 victory over Utica Eisenhower in an MHSAA Division 1 state quarter-final at St. Clair Shores Civic Arena on Wednesday, March 7. Shane Bednard opened up the scoring for the Eaglets in the first period when he deflected a shot by Alex Fasan past Eisenhower goaltender Tyler Wakefield.
The Eagles tied the game at one when Jacob Schmidt scored on the power play. Then in the second period, the Eaglets scored three unanswered goals, beginning with Mitchell Vanderburg’s goal with 13:35 left off assists from Cody Milan and Anthony Scarsella. Stephen Zorc then scored with 12:11 left off assists from Muth and Beauvais before Milan rounded out the Eaglets’ scoring with a goal with 3:34 left on a 2on-1 break with an assist from Vanderburg. St. Mary’s outshot the Eagles, 37-17, in its eighth straight appearance in the state quarter-finals. Despite the loss in the semi-finals, Klanow said that this year’s team was one of his favorites that he’s ever coached. “I told them how well they played and that they have outstanding character,” he said. “We’re going to be strong (next season). We have a great junior varsity team and we work together with their coaching staff. I’m excited for next year.”
ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID
Notice of Posting
WALLED LAKE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL DISTRICT
for Charter Township of West Bloomfield Township Board
TRACK SURFACE RENOVATION
1. Synopsis of the meeting held on: Monday, March 5, 2012
The Walled Lake Consolidated School District’s Board of Education will receive firm, sealed proposals for track surface renovation at Central High School and Western High School. All proposals are due and must be delivered to the Education Services Center no later than 3:00 PM EST on or before Thursday, March 29, 2012. Bids to be publicly read immediately following due date. Proposals submitted without a familial form or after the “due date” will not be considered or accepted. Bid details can be www.wlcsd.org/bids.
obtained
at:
2. Introduced: Ordinance No. ZR-11-01, Zoning Map Amendment for the properties that make up the existing and proposed West Bloomfield Trail from Right of Way to REC Recreation District Ordinance No. ZR-11-02, Zoning Map Amendment for 2000 Haggerty Road (18-30101-002 & 003) from I-OP Industrial Office Park to B-3 General Business District 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: 3-14-12
SC: 3-14-12 CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WHITE LAKE OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN
NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION ORDINANCE NO. 134 SOLICITATION ORDINANCE
Members of the public are invited to offer comments on this vacation during the course of the hearing or may address their comments in writing by submitting letters to the Office of the City Clerk, City of Wixom, 49045 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, Michigan 48393 prior to the Public Hearing. Should anyone have any questions regarding this vacation request, please contact the Clerk’s Office at (248) 624-4557 during regular business hours, 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday – Thursday.
PAGE 39
Notice is hereby given that at a regular board meeting on February 21, 2012 the Charter Township of White Lake introduced White Lake Township Ordinance No. 134 the Solicitation Ordinance, with final consideration to be made at the March 20, 2012 regular board meeting.
To acquire a summary of the terms of agreement, call Debra Barker (248) 624-3280.
Catherine Buck, City Clerk City of Wixom SC 3-7 & 3-14-12
Solicitation Ordinance 134 has been posted in the White Lake Township Clerk’s Office at 7525 Highland Road, White Lake, MI and on the Township’s website at www.whitelaketwp.com. Terry Lilley, Clerk White Lake Township SCN 3/14/2012
Notice of Posting for Charter Township of Commerce Township Board 1. Synopsis of the February 14, 2012 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: 3-14-12
PAGE 40
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
WHY READ THE W E S T
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PAGE 42
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REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Houses For Sale
Hartland
BULLARD LAKE!
11
Looking to purchase or sell your home? Contact
Arlene at Keller Williams 248-912-4628 mihome4u.com
Beautiful waterfront home on private lake. 2200 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 1/2 baths, granite counter tops in kitchen, formal dining, living room with hardwood flooring & family room w/wet bar. Finished walk-out lower level with full kitchen. Large deck and beautiful views. $269,900.
England Real Estate (248)887-9736
PERSONAL SERVICES 329
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330
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332
Disc Jockeys/Music
334
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336
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338
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340
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342 344
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346
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352
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Phone Rhonda, Leslie or Cindy for Introductory Rates 248-360-7355
RENTALS
Hartland
Houses/ Condos
LAKEFRONT OPPORTUNITY! Private hilltop setting & scenic views of all sports Maxfield Lake. Comfortable 1500 sq. ft. home w/3 bedrooms. Living room, family room & Florida room. Many updates! $149,900.
England Real Estate (248)887-9736
55
WHITE LAKE BEAUTIFUL CONDO 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, with jacuzzi. Fireplace, new paint, blinds and appliances. Beach, boat dock. $875 per month.
248-672-3532 WIXOM LOON LAKE 1000 sq.ft. updated 3 bdrm house, granite kitchen, ceramic baths, fenced yard, lake access,a/c,Walled Lake Schools, small pets ok. $875/ month Olvermich@mac.com
Highland
JUST LISTED! Desirable Dunham Lake access w/this pristine 1.5 story home situated on 1 acre setting. Well planned with 3076 sq. ft. Gorgeous kitchen w/butler’s pantry, granite counters & terrazzo floor. Spacious great room w/2 story see through stone masonry fireplace. 1st floor master suite. 1338 sq. ft. in finished w/o LL includes family room w/fireplace & addl. 2 car garage/ workshop. Extensive landscaping. $499,000.
England Real Estate (248)887-9736
MOBILE HOMES
248-755-5073 Looking to rent a house or condo?
call Arlene Keller Williams Realty mihome4u.com 248-912-4628 Houses/ Condos
57
General/ Help Wanted
HELP WANTED
42
Pontiac Trail at Maple Pre-Owned Homes: $6,000 - $25,000 Rent: $385 - $400 PLUS MOVE-IN DISCOUNTS On Select Homes
in White Lake Call
In West Bloomfield
Seeking Child Care Provider. Early childhood or child related field degree preferred. 35-40 hours a week. Must be able to work until 6 p.m. Commerce Twp area. Call 10a.m.-3p.m.
248-889-2051 248-499-6931
Latchkey Lead Teacher
Must be first aid & CPR certified.
Machinist
480 hours of experience working with children required
248-360-3762
Please apply online at: www.bloomfield.org
accelltech@ameritech.net
WATERFORD Duplex
43
BEAUTIFUL 55+ COMMUNITY Brand NEW homes for rent. Appliances. Lake access. MOVE IN SPECIALS!! 15 month lease for $600/mo Cranberry Lake- White Lake 248-698-1120 888-306-2483
Now hiring grounds crew workers, experience helpful
STYLIST Needed for Cut -N- More Beauty Salon located in Hiller's Market Plaza off Union Lake Road in Commerce.
Ask for Elaine 248-420-2605 Wait Staff Openings Experienced preferred but will trail outgoing individuals who can multi task.
Hartland Big Boy M59 and US 23 10587 Highland Road
Please apply in person Monday thru Saturday 9-5
PART TIME CLEANERS Needed for evenings. Lakes area. Immediate positions available. Call
Mr. Curtis @ 248-778-7237
MORE ADS ON PAGE 46
Pre-Licensing Class
3 bedrooms, unfurnished, all appliances. $750 a month plus security.
March Classes Available $ Class only
99
56
☺ WALLED LAKE
With a prepaid voucher Contact Mary Nicole 248-684-1065 MaryNicole@RealEstateOne.com
1 Bedroom Apartments 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath Town Homes * $400 Moves You In* 1/2 Month FREE on 1 bdr 1/2 month FREE on 2 Bdr
•Are you looking for a new career? •Would you like to own your own business? We’re Michigan’s largest real estate broker and last year we sold over 17,000 properties. We expect to surpass that in the coming year.
Join us as we grow Michigan.
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(248) 624-0709
65
CHILD CARE CENTER
65
Bridgeport, Lathe, Surface Grinder Hands, Gauge experience. Part time/ full time. Commerce
General/ Help Wanted
65
Bay Pointe Golf Course
248-669-6880
General/ Help Wanted
General/ Help Wanted
Help Wanted Stylist
LOOKING FOR mature, older female roommate, rent negotiable. (248)669-5958 FURNISHED SLEEPING room for rent. Waterford area, $100 /week. 810-355-8097
65
248-343-1666
Fawn Lake
Mobile Homes for Rent
Rooms/Share Quarters
55
Apartments Mobile Homes for Sale
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
www.cormorantco.com * Call For Details *
Milford Road/ 96 Area Newly renovated deluxe 2 bed apartment available in quiet country setting. $700 per month plus security. No pets
248-553-4466
RELOCATE TODAY!!
Pontiac Lake
Beautiful 55+ community! We'll pay up to $5,500 for a single section home & $8,500 for a multi section home. Relocate your manufactured home to beautiful Cranberry Lake. Call for special pricing!
1 bdrm for $459 (newly renovated). Includes all utilities except electric. Security Deposit. For more information & availability call
248-698-1120
248-335-7368
OAK TREE APARTMENTS Condo Style 2 Bedroom Apartments
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OPEN SUNDAY, MARCH 18 1-4 PM 2501 Old Sherwood Ct., Commerce MOVE RIGHT IN TO THIS WELL-MAINTAINED HOME Open great room with fireplace, large eat in kitchen with granite, ceramic tile floor, oak cabinets, doorwall to large deck, 1st floor master bedroom with master bath, 1st floor laundry, full basement, large 32’X20’ fenced-in dog run, 2 car heated attached garage with built in custom cabinets, hot/cold water. Huron Valley Schools $214,999
THELMA CARY-ROSSBACH CELL:
(248) 408-0957
1042 N. Milford #201 - Milford, MI 48381
MARCH 14-20, 2012
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PAGE 43
Whether you are buying or selling you need a professional!
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www.TheStocktonTeam.com
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direct cell
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348 E. MAPLE ROAD • BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009 248-644-7000 • WWW.SKBK.COM
PAGE 44
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MI
$725,000 STONE HOLLOW SUB - CUSTOM BUILT 2.62 ACRE LOT •5 br, 3.5 ba, 3,671 sq ft + 1,627 sq ft w/o •Att 3 car gar + 2.5 car carriage house gar #211127827 EXT. #265 •KEY #248347
ST WE
LD FIE OM O BL
$598,000
UPPER STRAITS LAKEFRONT INVESTMENT SPECIAL •4 br, 3.5 ba, 2,746 sq ft + f-bmt, 1st fl mstr •Wet bar, deck, 2nd buildable lot + 4 other lots #211104723 EXT. #245 •KEY #260513
. WP ET AK
248-366-7200 Zillow - Preferred Agent
P. TW CE ER M M CO
HILLS OF BOGIE LAKE SUB CLUBHOUSE & POOL!! •3,303 sq ft + fin daylight bsmt, ff laundry •5 br, 4.5 ba, 3 car gar, large raised deck #211116381 EXT. #255•KEY #267493 . WP ET RC E MM CO
$214,900
SPRAWLING RANCH ON LARGE LOT BACKING TO WOODS •2,349 sq. ft. + f-bsmt, 3 br, 3 ba, grt rm w/fp •Deck, 1st flr laundry, 2 kitchens, 3 car gar #212008128 EXT. #283•KEY #276271
VI NO
$169,900 $149,900 MIDDLE STRAITS LAKE SHARP RANCH - LARGE BEAUTIFULLY SUB BEACH, BOATING & PARK LANDSCAPED LOT •1.714 sq ft + f-bsmt, 3 br, 2.5 ba, brick fp •1,408 sq ft, 3 br, 2 ba, oversized 2 car gar •Cathedral family rm, snackbar kitch, 2 car gar •1st flr laundry, lg shed, patio, Walled Lk schools #212024502 EXT. #232 •KEY #248371 #212011148 EXT. #285 •KEY #fm256j
THANKS
LAKES AREA RESIDENTS FOR A GREAT 2011 • 142 Closed Sales in 2011 Including 34 Waterfront Properties
Our performance speaks for itself! • Meeting Client’s Needs Since 1977
$450,000
Janet Direct: Steve Direct: 248-755-7600 248-755-7500
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PLEASE NOTE THE I.R.S. TAX RELIEF ON SHORT SALES DEADLINE IS 12/31/12. If you ever thought you might need to do a Short Sale - now is the time
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STUNNING CUSTOM BUILT PRESTWICK GOLF FRONT •3,765 sq ft + 1,450 lower level, 5 br, 3.5 ba •Dramatic open floor plan w/all the extras #212005328 EXT. #264 •KEY #256951
L ITE WH
$399,900
1+ ACRE BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED LOT AND INGROUND POOL •3,828 sq ft, fin w/o, 4/5 br, 3.5 ba, library •Consortium, fps, master jet tub bath #212018825 EXT. #204•KEY #248379 P. TW CE ER M M CO
$299,900 BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED CEDAR ISLAND LAKEFRONT •2,302 sq ft, 4 br, 3 ba, LC terms, GR w/fp •Granite kit & ba, new paint, carpet, 2 car gar #211089671 EXT. #246 •KEY #257017 LD FIE OM LO B ST WE
2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382
STUNNING 90 FT. OF MAIN LAKEFRONT ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •2,778 sq ft, 3 br, 2.5 ba, 2 fp, jet tub mstr. •2+ gar, 3 decks, dock, shed, W. B. schools #211105126 EXT. #231•KEY #248358
$487,500
$495,000
P. TW ND A HL HIG
$499,900
Lakes Area’s #1 Team!
RD
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STUNNING ALL SPORTS UNION LAKEFRONT VIEWS •3 br, 2 ba, 75’ Frontage, 1,800 sq ft, Fp •200” deep lot, basement, huge mstr br #212017000 EXT. #205 •KEY #248367
L ITE WH
LD FIE OM O L B ST WE
LD FIE OM O L B ST WE
. WP
DT
R LFO
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
. WP ET AK
$249,900 PRIVACY - QUIET .9 ACRE CUL-DE-SAC LOT BACKS TO WOODS •Spacious 2,557 sq. ft. + f-bmt, 4 bd, 2.5 ba •Ff laundry, porch, side entry gar, w/s, pool #212021371 EXT. #270•KEY #263460
DL LLE WA
E AK
$179,900 $199,900 BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED HOME WALKOUT RANCH ON ALL-SPORTS ON LARGE LOT CLARK & CARROLL LAKES •1,353 sq ft + 950 sq ft in fin. w/o, 3 br, 2 ba •1,936 sq. ft., 3 br, 2.5 ba, island kitchen •Florida rm, 2 fireplaces, mstr w/ba, shed •Grt rm, fp, fam rm, Florida rm, I/G pool #212025153 EXT. #201 •KEY #263461 #NEW EXT. #243•KEY #264094 . WP ET RC E MM CO
DL LLE WA
$79,900
BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED CONDOMINIUM TOWNHOUSE •2 br, 1.5 ba + fin-bsmt, granite kitch •Ceramic/hdwd, LC terms, clubhouse, pool #211107248 EXT. #259 •KEY #262565
E AK
$59,900 COMPLETELY REMODELED UPPER RANCH CONDOMINIUM •2 br, Silestone counters, att gar, deck •New windows, doors, carpet, porcelain tile #212013498 EXT. #248•KEY #257047
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
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www.TheStocktonTeam.com
MARCH 14-20, 2012
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N RIO MA
211131493 - $154,900
211101478 - $149,900
212019134 - $210,000
212021785 - $159,900
212020774 - $197,000
SPACIOUS, UPDATED HOME 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, lakes privileges, finished basement
OLD WORLD CHARM TUDOR 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, coved ceilings, lake privileges
CASS LAKE CANALFRONT 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors, finished walkout
LOVELY COLONIAL 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, first floor laundry, 3 season sunroom
NEW CONSTRUCTION 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, island kitchen, great room with gas fireplace
S INE GA
RD FO TER WA
RD FO TER WA
CE ER MM CO
EL RIN LVE O W
E AK
212011824 - $125,000
211068047 - $189,900
211091695 - $139,900
212019342 - $119,900
212014288 - $160,000
WELCOME HOME - SPLIT RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, open floor plan, master suite, beautifully finished basement
FAIRWAY ESTATES STUNNING 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, granite, new carpet, tile overlooking 16th hole
WILLIAMS LAKE DEEDED CANALFRONT 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, spacious kitchen, open floor plan
GORGEOUS RANCH 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, spacious kitchen, finished basement
BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED CONDO 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, hardwood floors, granite counter tops, spacious floor plan &fin. basement
RD FO MIL
FEATURED HOME
RD FO MIL
OF THE WEEK
CE ER MM O C
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CE ER MM O C
212010376 - $95,000
211121712 - $169,000
211047575 - $400,000
212021370 - $319,000
MILFORD VILLAGE HIDDEN GEM 4 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, lots of cabinets, hardwood flrs, nat. fireplace, part. fin. basement
COME ON OUT TO THE COUNTRY!! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors, woodstove, almost 2 acres, 3 car garage
212020077 - $277,900
COMMERCE LAKEFRONT 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, almost 3/4 acre, finished walkout
NEW ENGLAND CHARM 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, 1.5 acres with pond, walkout finished basement
R BO AR OH G KEE
L ITE WH
D IEL MF LOO B ST WE
LEY RK BE
E AK
RD FO TER WA
211112421 - $180,000
211108336 - $59,900
211048408 - $100,000
212022600 - $170,000
211129544 - $66,000
WELL MAINTAINED RANCH 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, kitchen and dining open to family room, deck, patio and large yard.
CHARMING BUNGALOW/RANCH 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, updated kitchen and bath, fenced private yard
ADDITIONAL LOT 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, brick, vinyl ranch, 2 car garage
ELEGANT CONDO 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, two-story foyer, hardwood floors
UPDATED RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, property consists of 3 lots, 2 car garage and separate workshop
D IEL MF LOO B W.
CE ER MM O C
L ITE WH
E AK
RD FO TER A W
EL RIN LVE O W
E AK
211099179 - $222,000
212018936 - $175,000
211128969 - $180,000
211107874 - $54,900
211124998 - $235,000
TRANQUIL SETTING ON CROSS LAKE 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, up north feeling, beautiful clean interior
GORGEOUS COMMERCE HOME 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, possible 4th bedroom, natural fireplace
CENTENNIAL FARMHOUSE 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, family/parlor with fireplace over an acre
A RARE GEM 3 bedroom condos, 2.5 baths, large master open floor plan
EXPENSIVE LAKEFRONT 3 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, remodeled & updated, new furnace, Florida room, fireplace
Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour
Lakes Area (248) 363-8300 • www.RealEstateOne.com
©Real Estate One, Inc., 2012
PAGE 46
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General/ Help Wanted
65
Medical/ Dental
Used/Wanted
TELEMARKETERS
CARE GIVER AFC
Needed part time, Wixom area. $9 per hour plus bonus, 20 hours per week, room for advancement, fast growing "young" environment,
Needed full & part time in White Lake for all shifts. Must be experienced with Alzheimers patients. 2-3 positions available. Penny Lane
248-295-6000
248-866-3984
Employment Opportunities • Landscape Foreman • Grounds Maintenance • Mechanical Abilities • CDL class A/B
Mulligan's Landscape & Garden Center, Inc. 8215 Elizabeth Lake Rd White Lake
248-698-4741 EXPERIENCED LINE COOKS Full time available
BAR & WAIT STAFF Apply in person:
CJ's Upper Deck 3270 W. Huron Waterford, MI
Sales Positions
89
67
71
SCRAP METAL Aluminum .30-.60¢/lb. Copper $2.00-$2.60/lb. Brass .80¢- 1.50/lb. Auto Rads. .80¢-1.10/lb. 1011 Decker, Walled Lk
Mann Metals Corp. (248)960-1200 Absolutely Free
90
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
MERCHANDISE FOR SALE Used/Wanted
89
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
Receptionist/Customer Service Needed for Commerce Twp. Distributor Ideal candidate will have people skills required for customer service and also be detail oriented to handle order entry, purchasing and accounting duties of this position. Position requires good math skills, Excel and other Microsoft office skills. You will have to keep organized while juggling many responsibilities and won’t be bored. All applicants are required to take drug test prior to start. Please reply with salary requirements to: lolejniczak@srs-i.com
Mature people wanted for full time general shop help and machine operator. Wixom or Farmington Hills locations. Overtime, benefits, health and life insurance, Optical, and 401K. Pre-employment Physical required. Apply in person & ask for JJ Weekdays from 9-4
4527 Old Plank Rd. Milford, MI 48381
(248) 685-0961 ext. 231
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. CATS OR Ferret- all need loving homes. 248-738-4901 CATS, FIXED, need love. 248-738-4901
Moving Sales
MOVING SALE March 17th, 18th, 24th, 25th, 12-4pm Kids games, toys, books, and furniture. Outdoor equipment and furniture, household items. clothes, exercise equipment Hill N Dale Sub, 1885 Dawn Ridge Road. Commerce 48390 MOVING SALE- Couches, washer, dryer, grill, etc. 9a.m.5p.m. Thursday through Sunday, 747 Los Arboles Drive, Wolverine Lake 48390
Building Materials
101
PUBLIC AUCTION "Mini Storage Depot will sell at public auction, contents of Units Numbered (E346, Michael Mack: furniture, suitcases, tools), (D215, Anthony Schwerin: household goods, furniture, boxes, trunks, toys, sporting goods, tools), on Fri day, March 30th, 2012 at 2pm, for back storage fees owed. The auction will take place at Mini Storage Depot 46550 Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, Michigan 48390. We reserve the right to reject any and all bids."
Moving Sales
102
MARBLE DINING room set, cherry entertainment center, corner curio, black love seat, oriental cocktail table. 9a.m.3p.m. Saturday, 2616 Lari West Bloomfield. 48324
105
CONCRETE SEALER/ finish. Johnson Wax brand. 5 gallons. $24.50 248-360-8485
Lawn Tractors/ Mowers
109
B&S 5hp motor, $23.39 OBO, par ts, Call Dan 248-7662505
Firewood
Auction/ Estate Sales
102
112
SPRING Special Mixed Firewood $45 face cord, 2 face core minimum plus delivery. 248-795-3424 Art/Crafts
128
LOVELY FRAMED Antique jeweled Christmas tree picture 20X25 $50 248-623-2661
Home Care Equipment
130
ASCENSIA BREEZEGlucose monitor, brand new, $25. 248-534-7004
CNC PROGRAMMER AND SET-UP
We are an aggressive and growing CNC machine shop. We are looking for people to Program and Set up OKUMA mills and lathes. 3 to 5 years of experience. Overtime, Benefits, Health and Life Insurance, Optical, and 401K. Pre-employment Physical Required. Apply in person & ask for JJ Weekdays from 9-4
4527 Old Plank Rd. Milford, MI 48381
(248) 685-0961 ext. 231
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
Home Care Equipment
ATVs 130
INVACARE power chair $750, Amigo power chair $400. 248360-1812
Odds N Ends
138
32" TV Toshiba not a flat screen $20 248-881-2031
178
FULL REPAIR SERVICES Snowmobile Parts Sale Mention ad for up to 50% of! MX • ATV• P.W.C
Lakes MotorSports 4713 Dixie Highway, Waterford, MI 48329
248-674-0663 www.lakesmotorsports.com
$20 PREPAID Phone card for only $10- I can give you a 1800 number to verify, expires June 13, 2013. 248-6232661.
CARS/TRUCKS MOTORCYCLES
LIGHTBAG Less vacuum cleaner dirt devil $20 248363-8295
Wanted Parts/ Salvage
WESTINGHOUSE AUTOMATIC extra tall can opener, brand new in box. $7.50 248-623-2661
TOP $ Paid For Any: • Junk • Non Running • Wrecked Cars $275 & Up
162
SEA-DOO JET SKIS WANTED DEAD OR DYING.
Motorcycles
MOTORCYCLEGUARANTEE See First Want Ad Page Cars
187
Call Steve 231-943-4152
EXPLORER XLT 2002, 4X4, 8- Passenger, 6 cylinder, 115K. 248-420-7500
OUTBOARD GAS Can 5 gallon $20 248-425-1004
(100 ft. max)
183
1995 on ups. $200- $1400. Top $ for XP's & 947/951 or larger motors.
164
FREE GUTTERS
(248)467-0396
SALES GUARANTEE Autos, Vans, Trucks See First Want Ad Page
Boats/ Motors/Trailers
877-361-7705
www.ljhomerepair.com Financing Available • Senior Discount
181
UNWANTED AUTOS LLC
Wanted Boats/ Jet Skis/Parts
Licensed & Insured • Free Estimate
with Roof Replacement over 10 sq.
NIKE SHOX shoes size 7 women $10 retail $105 248960-7285
BOATS/ OUTDOOR
ROOFING, SIDING, WINDOWS COMPLETE HOME REMODELING
HONDA ELEMENT EX 2005 4wd., bright red, 122K, 248881-0900 Private. MAZDA 626 LX 2001, 136K, gold, clean- must sell. 248884-7200
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
MARCH 14-20, 2012
www.spinalcolumnonline.com
PAGE 47
LAKES AREA SERVICES (248) 360-7355
www.SpinalColumnOnline.com IN PRINT and ON-LINE 24/7
Fax (248) 360-5308
Personal • Business • Maintenance • Improvements • Repair PERSONAL/ SERVICES Designated Driver
344
ALWAYS FROM THE HEART TRANSPORTATION •airport •doctor •school •shopping •wheel chair accessible "12 years & still growing" Contracted with the City of Wixom. Ask for Nan. Advance notice, please
368
A & M Home Cleaning Service We clean like its ours. Weekly, biweekly, monthly available. Call Maureen 248-520-8374 Anna 248-881-3389 RELIABLE EUROPEAN LADIES Will clean your home or office. We work individually or in a group. Family owned since 2000. Insured & References avail. Oakland County Area.
Call Diana @ (586) 615-0042
REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT Appliance Repair
Cement/Concrete 513
502
TONY'S APPLIANCE SERVICE Servicing all Major Appliances. •Hot water tank
(248)360-0213 (248)698-8819
MARCUCCI As Seen on ABC TV "Extreme Home Makeovers"
Great prices on plush & berber carpet. Low prices on pad & installation. Living room & bedroom sized remnants $4 per yd. Restretching &repairs. 35 years experience.
Bob (248)681-5771 515
Elegant Woodworking
Satisfying Customers for Over 30 Years •DRIVEWAY •PORCHES •FOUNDATIONS •BRICK •BLOCK •STAMPED/ COLORED Lic/Ins Visa/ MC Wixom
248-486-5900 Doors
•Mantels •Fireplace Surrounds •Furniture •Entertainment Center •Custom Cabinets •Crown Molding •Kitchen Cabinets •Custom Bars Harold Canfield
(248)363-3804 elegant-woodworking.com
Cement/Concrete
517
CONCRETE
BOB'S CARPET
Cabinetry
248-363-6033 Home/Office Cleaning
Carpet Installation
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 ARROW CONCRETE •Driveway Specials •Free Removal •Regular & Stamped •Home Owner Friendly •Residential - Commerical Fully Lic. & Ins. 20 Yr. Exp.
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 & PAINTING •Hang & Finished •Small Repair •Texture Repair •Plaster Repair •Wet Sand
Ron (248)673-7665 Electricians
528
MASTER ELECTRICIAN
ARROWCONCRETE.NET
Insured & State Licensed, 25 years experience. Prompt, courteous service. FREE ESTIMATES. ALL TYPES OF WORK. Competitive Prices
248-758-4346
(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 Flooring
536
EDWARD'S FLOOR COVERING •Linoleum •Ceramic Tile •Hardwood Floors •Laminate Wood 27 Years Exp. Free Est.
(248)684-5983 Handy Person
545
SAVOIE CONSTRUCTION Additions, Garages, Decks, Kitchens, Remodeling, Trim, Painting, Repairs, Etc.
Local References Low Rates Lic. Builder- 25 Years exp.
Ph-Fax: 248-625-0319 Cell: 248-505-7715 D & S HOME REPAIRS REMODELING •Additions •Garages •Drywall •Painting •Plumbing •Electrical •Tile •Marble •Kitchens •Baths •Basements •Decks 33 Years ... Licensed
248-684-4175 810-714-3058
TOTAL HOME SERVICE
35 Years Licensed PLUMBING • HEATING CARPENTRY • DRYWALL ELECTRICAL NEW SERVICE KITCHENS BATHS CERAMIC TILE
"The job your husband will do tomorrow." (248)887-2366
Handy Person
545
DU-IT-ALL HOME CARE IMPROVEMENTS Specials: •Ceramic Tile •Formica Tops & Kitchens •Exterior/Interior Painting Also, we do complete basements and all other interior work, including electric, plumbing, etc. Call today. Cell #
(248)891-7072 Licensed and Insured
Heating/Duct Work 546
THOMASON HEATING & COOLING • Furnaces • Boilers • Air Cleaners •Air Conditioners •Humidifiers Service & Replacements
FREE ESTIMATES ON INSTALLATION
248-363-1615 Home Inspection
548
Buying A Home? Let Us Look Before You Leap! AFFORDABLE HOME INSPECTIONS Licensed Insured STERLING HOME SERVICES
248-881-3478 Lawn/Garden Services
553
A R T Outdoor Services, LLC * Snow Plowing * Salting Landscaping • Lawn Service •Insured Residential & Commercial www.artoutdoorservices.com
(248)625-5719
Painting/ Decorating
Roofing 562
Exterior & Interior Wood Repairs • Caulking Staining • Wallpaper Removal Drywall repairs • Water repairs Free Power Washing w/paint. farrshomeimprovements.com
(248) 477-7764 (248) 345-3308 VS PAINTING WINTER SPECIAL Save 20% this season on exterior/ interior painting, drywall repair, & wallpaper removal on small or big jobs. 25 years experience. licensed and insured. Same day free estimates.
248-894-3239 567
Premier Plumbing Licensed & Insured Complete Plumbing Service New Construction & Remodel Commercial & Residential
248-363-5864 Roofing
571
D&D ROOFING •Siding •Gutters & Leaf Guards •Soffits & Trimwork •Decks •Windows
Doug Dible 248-431-6243 ROOF REPAIRS Missing shingles replaced, Chimney flashing resealed, Leaks stopped, Vent stack flashing replaced, Complete roof inspection service, Guaranteed work. 30 yrs exp.
Call Doug Miller 248-360-0344
Tree Service
MAHER RESTORATION www.goMaher.com "Maher Makes It Happen"
•Tree Trimming •Lot Clearing •Tree Removal •Experienced •Quality Work •Affordable •Free Estimates •Insured
(248)939-7420 (248)978-1096
248-926-6631
jromotreeservice@yahoo.com
Waterproofing
PRICE IS RIGHT ROOFING •Repairs •Re-Roofs •Chimney Repair •Metal Work •Flat Roofs •Complete Roof Packages. •Siding •Gutters
FREE Estimates 30 Years Experience
248-459-7894 Siding
587
J ROMO TREE SERVICE
ROOF LEAKS & WATER DAMAGE REPAIRS
FARR'S PAINTING
Plumbing
571
577
I.D.C.
599
Dry Basements, LLC We Repair: •Poured Walls/ Concrete Block •Waterproofing •Cracked or Bowed Walls •Foundation Repaired Replaced •Underpinning •Crawl Space and Encapsulation •Licensed & Insured •Ron Heck, Builder (248)420-0116
Wells
603
McPherson
Home Service Siding, Trim & Soffitt Guaranteed Professional Installation. Lic./ Ins. References available.
WELL SERVICE
idchomeservice.com
PUMPS •TANKS WELL REPAIR 2, 4, & 5 INCH
Bob: 248-363-0589 Tile
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
Emergency Service 7 days a week 248-
363-6464
aquawells.com All credit cards accepted
BOB WYCKOFF WELL SERVICE "If you have questions, we have answers!" •PUMPS •TANKS • WELL REPAIR
(248)310-0917
Emergency Service Visa & MasterCard
PAGE 48
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
Yo u r Tr u s t e d D e a l e r s h i p A l t e r n a t i v e All Makes and Models ice rv Se ir pa Re to Au e Complet
2199 Haggerty Road @ Pontiac Trail Walled Lake • www.morrismotorsmi.com
MORRIS BONUS BUCKS
10 Off 20 Off 30 Off
~ COUPON ~
OIL CHANGE
19
M
95*
$
+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 3/28/12. SC
All certified Auto Technicians
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $
248-624-4500
Service Special OIOTOR L
ou Y e c i v r The Se ices r P t a Expect se! n e S e ak That M
Any $100 Service Any $200 Service
Any $300 Service ANY MAKE OR MODEL
$ $ $ $ $
One coupon per customer. Coupons may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 3/28/12. Excludes oil changes, brake promotion, tires and SRTA’S. Valid only in our service department. Must present coupon when order is written. SC
Fully Equipped Collision Shop with FREE Estimates!
Battery Service
BG’s Cooling System Flush
& Charging System Check
~ COUPON ~
•Service battery and fully charge •Clean cables and connections •Check alternator output
OUR FACTORY-TRAINED TECHNICIANS WILL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING:
19
$
Was 8500
$
95
WITH COUPON
*Dead battery or draw concerns require added diagnosis Must present coupon when order is written. Cannot be combined with any other offers. Plus tax and shop supplies. Expires 3/28/12
99
$
•Pressurized system leak test •Check belts and hoses •Check heater output $ Was99 129 •Flush cooling system
SC
95
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 3/28/12.
SC
SERVICE HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 7 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tues., Wed. & Fri. 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
PRE-OWNED CARS & TRUCKS - THIS WEEK’S SPECIALS 3/14 thru 3/21/12 2007 CHEVROLET CUBE VAN
2005 GMC YUKON DENALI
#P2044
19,995
$
2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA #P1921
13,995
$
10,995**
$
#P1955
19,995
$
17,995**
$
2008 LAND ROVER
#P2046
18,990**
$
2008 CHEVROLET MALIBU LTZ #P2025
19,995
27,495**
$
2010 FORD FUSION SE #P2018
$
15,650**
$
Find us on Facebook
30,995
$
18,450
$
14,950**
$
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. Subject to prior sale. Expires 3/21/12.
SALES HOURS: Mon. & Thurs.: 8:30 a.m. - 8:00 p.m. Tues., Wed., Fri.: 8:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m.
~CHILD FRIENDLY CUSTOMER LOUNGE~