SCN by Kingsett

WEST OAKLAND’S NEWSWEEKLY www.spinalcolumnonline.com

4/11/12

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

50¢

THE YOUNG PICASSOS

Orchard Lake Art Fair to hold Youth Art contest; deadline is July 1 - pg. 3

OC DISPATCH DISCUSSION

Waterford trustee floats contracting with county for police, fire calls - pg. 7

THE BEST OF W. OAKLAND

Our all-area boys hoops team for 2011-12 season rife with talent - pg. 36 $

5 OFF

Gel Polish with manicure One coupon per customer Exp. 4/25/12

pg. 8 This site near Cooley Lake is among numerous road ends in Oakland County. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Nails by Tiffany 10531 Highland Rd. (At Teggerdine) White Lake

248.698.2066

FREE Nail Polish Change

With purchase of a pedicure One coupon per customer Exp. 4/25/12

EXTERIOR REPAIR

Painting • Gutters • Rotted Siding 44 years of a rock solid reputation

3081 Haggerty, Suite 1, Walled Lake, MI 48390

PAGE 2

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Does Type 2 Diabetes Have You Worried? Learn how to consistently reverse Type 2 Diabetes and its effects in as little as four weeks. Medications like Metformin or Insulin are only going to bandaid the situation. If you continue to gain weight, have low energy, numb/tingling legs and feet or sexual dysfunction, then this hour very well could be a life-changer for you. Dr. Tom Sladic is holding a free seminar. Date: Thursday, April 19th, 2012 Time: 6:30 - 7:30 pm Location: Holiday Inn Express 48953 Alpha Tech Drive, Wixom, MI 48393 (located at the Corner of 96 & Wixom Rd.) SEMINARS FILL UP QUICKLY! CALL TODAY TO RESERVE A SEAT.

Call 248-912-2962

•Are you still suffering from your diabetic symptoms? • Are you tired of the fatigue, weight issues and peripheral neuropathy?

• Would you like to decrease your insulin or even get off of it? • Would you like to feel like yourself again?

What our patients are saying: •“I have dropped over 40 pounds and my HgA1C dropped from 9.5 to 6.3 on Dr. Sladic’s program. It has changed my life. The numbness and pain in my feet is gone and I have more energy to do the things I want. My Doctor cut my meds in half and I feel great!” –Albert M., Troy, MI View more Testimonials at DrSladic.com

About Dr. Sladic: – Chiropractic Physician for 15 years – Studied functional blood chemistry, functional endocrinology and functional neurotransmitters under Dr. Datis Kharrazian D.C., M.S., F.A.A.C.P., D.A.C.B.N., D.I.B.A.K., C.N.S – Member of the Institute of Functional Medicine

SECOND FRONT PAGE

WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL

Greater WB Chamber holding Awards Dinner on April 24 — page 23

IN OUR 52ND YEAR

YOUR LOCAL NEWS SOURCE FOR:

Community Life • Government • Prep Sports • Schools • Environment • Local Shopping • Arts

Fine art show hosts youth competition for those 5 to 12 By Leslie Shepard

Walled Lake Western offering International Baccalaureate Programme — page 18 Central students performing 'Music Man' later this month — page 18

That’s what HE said: "I guess anybody can look at any option." — Waterford Township Supervisor Carl Solden on Trustee Anthony Bartolotta looking into the possibility of the township contracting with the Oakland County Sheriff's Department for police and fire dispatch services.

INSIDE Lakes Area News . . . . . .7-13 Special Report . . . . . . . . .8-9 Public Safety . . . . . . . . . . .15 State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 Education . . . . . . . . . .18-19 Local Matters . . . . . . .21-23 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . .32 Community Calendar . .34-35 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . .36-37

248.360.6397

staff writer

In the spirit of encouraging artistry and community enrichment among all age groups, the 10th annual Orchard Lake Fine Art Show — slated for July 27-29 and voted as one of the top 100 art shows in the country for the last five years — is inviting young artists to submit original artwork to enter the Youth Art Competition. The call for youth art entries will cull creations from those between 5- and 12-years-old, or kindergarten through the eighth-grade, who will submit their artwork to be publicly displayed at the event. Chadwick Accounting Group sponsors the competition in which cash prizes will be awarded. Prizes include the $100 Best of Youth Art Award and three $50 awards of excellence. “It’s important because art education has been cut back in the schools and the incentive is to publicly display their work all weekend,” said show director Patty Narozny. “More importantly, it exposes kids so they learn the rules of being part of a professional art show. It’s also important for other careers, like engineering and architecture where the creativity side is used in those fields.” To apply or get more information, go

White Lake’s Brendel, Birkle seek re-election By Angela Niemi staff writer

Both current Treasurer Forrest Jay Brendel and Trustee Todd Birkle have filed candidate paperwork to run for reelection in White Lake Township. Brendel was appointed treasurer in October 2010 after former treasurer Beverly Spoor retired. Before that, Brendel had served as a township trustee for 14 years. “It’s just a good fit. I like it,”

Young artists like the one pictured above have the opportunity to submit their original artwork to the Orchard Lake Fine Art Show’s Youth Art Competition, scheduled for July 27 to 29 in West Bloomfield Township. Those between 5- and 12-years-old are eligible to enter the competition, which has a deadline of July 1. For more information on cash awards and rules, visit www.hotworks.org. (Photo submitted by Patty Narozny/Orchard Lake Fine Art Show)

to www.hotworks.org. The deadline for submissions is July 1. “Kids can start thinking now what they want to enter and we accept early entries,” Narozny said. Hotworks.org will be hosting the outdoor art show held in the heart of West Bloomfield Township, south of Maple Road and west of Orchard Lake Road. The arts and craft event will showcase about 175 world-renowned

artists that Narozny recruits during her travels around the country. “I travel around the nation searching for artists and bringing people in who wouldn’t normally come to Michigan,” she said. Admission is $5, and those 12years-old and under are admitted free of charge. An artist preview opens the show on July 27 from 5 to 9 p.m. Regular show

Brendel said of his current position. “Being treasurer is different and a challenge. With today’s economy, keeping an eye on things is good. I’m just trying to get as much interest (income) on our (township) money as possible. I’m looking at and questioning bank fees (where we bank), and making sure we are getting as much interest as possible. I try to run (the township treasury) like a business.” Birkle, a manager for Oakland County, was elected as a trustee in November 2008. He previously was a township trustee in Waterford from 1994-2000. He also serves as the township board liaison on the White Lake Planning Commission.

“I’ve enjoyed serving the citizens of White Lake,” he said. “One of the reasons I got all my stuff in early was that I wanted to show people how serious I am about doing this.” Both Birkle and Brendel are running as Republicans. The filing deadline for those interested in running for an elected township position is May 15. The primary election is scheduled for Aug. 7, and the general election is slated for Nov. 6. The White Lake Township treasurer serves four-year terms and currently earns $69,713 annually. Trustees serve four-year terms and earn $681.25 per month. ❏

PAGE 7 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

PAGE 4

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WEST

OAKLAND’S

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

Back to his small-town roots

NEWSWEEKLY

51st YEAR OF PUBLICATION Waterford • White Lake • Highland • Milford Commerce • Wolverine • Walled Lake • Wixom West Bloomfield • Orchard Lake • Union Lake

ASSISTANT EDITOR: Kirk Pinho

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

www.spinalcolumnonline.com OFFICES AT: 7196 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, MI 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday thru Friday 248.360.SELL (7355) / 248.360.NEWS (6397) FAX 24/7: 248.360.1220 MAIL ADDRESS: P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387 SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY OAKLAND LAKEFRONT OAKLAND HOMES MONTHLYADVERTISER WEST OAKLAND DIRECTORY Member of National Newspaper Association Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce Waterford Chamber of Commerce

The Spinal Column Newsweekly, all rights are reserved. No portion, whole or part, may be reproduced without prior permission. The names Spinal Column, Newsweekly, SportsWeekly, and West Oakland are protected property. The Spinal Column Newsweekly is co-owned by Steven and Susan Fancy, brother and sister; son and daughter of James Fancy, publisher from 1969-2011.

Lindberg already feeling at home as Milford’s police chief

ilford has a new police chief in former Novi Deputy Chief of Police Thomas C. Lindberg, 48. Lindberg was a veteran of the Novi Police Department since 1986 before deciding to make the move to Milford. He officially took office on Monday, April 2, following a swearing-in ceremony and is now an at-will, non-union employee with a starting salary of $82,000. Having grown up in Clawson, Lindberg felt right at home with Milford’s smalltown appeal and said he looks forward to its police department playing a more prominent role in the community. He is married to his wife of 20 years, Jackie, with two daughters, Kelsey and Samantha, Lindberg is looking forward to a new start and spoke to the Spinal Column Newsweekly about his views on the changing role of law enforcement and what Milford residents can expect under his leadership. Congratulations on being named the new chief of the Milford Police Department. What have the first couple days in your new position been like for you? TL: It’s been a whirlwind. I’ve met hundreds of new people and attended a number of different meetings including (the Milford Village Council) meeting and Rotary meetings and I’ve met a majority of the people in the Milford Fire Department. It’s my goal to get out into the community and make sure I meet as many people as possible. With the resources available to you, how do you plan to mold the department in your image? TL: I don’t think I will mold the department in my image. This is an excellent department where nothing is really broken at this point. What I will bring to the table and where I hope to adjust the culture a little bit more is in the area of community policing and community engagement. I plan on being a very important part of the community, being out in the community, but more important than me doing that is that the officers are out in the community, are approachable, and are involved as much as they can be in different goings-on throughout the community. The days of the police department being separated from the community are over. The residents and taxpayers demand and deserve too much to fall into that realm. We want the officers to be an actual part of the community. How do you plan to form a connection with the village and the township at large as the new Milford

concept, a new way of doing things, and that’s kind of what’s important about law enforcement — it needs to be flexible, provide the services and the culture that the taxpayers demand and want. I expect changes to continue. We sometimes hear people criticize police for failing to prevent a specific crime, or crime in general. Is it reasonable to expect police to prevent crime? Aside from trying to educate the public on how to avoid being a victim of crime, what, if anything, can police do to prevent crime? TL: It is (reasonable) and one of the newest trends in law enforcement that maybe (is) still in its infancy is the concept of data-driven decisions. You look at what crimes are happening, how many and where they’re happening, and you can be a bit more efficient predicting where the crimes or actions are going to happen if you pay attention to the data. Certainly, when you have the human element involved, you can’t plot out a pattern and guarantee you’re going to be able to stop and prevent that crime, but you can be more successful in predicting where it’s going to happen if you study the data and you look at the historical perspective of it. On the same token, there’s a lot of things within the community that you can do to prevent crime, and many of those things are making sure that all your structures are secure, in good order and looking well, the streetlights that are there are operational — it kind of creates a culture for the community that we’re telling the bad guys, “Hey, we’re not going to take it, we take care of our community, and you’re not going to come out here and cause issues, we’re not going to let our community look like a place that would endorse that.” You can be a bit more successful, but understand that human behavior is not completely predictable and all of a sudden the decisions a bad guy makes may be inconsistent with not only the data but previous behaviors. Certainly an officer being in a place that has identified a pattern of crime is the greatest preventative measure ever, but also the officers sometimes may need to be creative. If you’ve got a crime spot, then the officer might decide to be patrolling that on their bicycle or on foot, or in a more inconspicuous manner. ❏

police chief? TL: It’s just spending the time, speaking with everybody, being here and being there, and I think just communications will force all of that to come. The department owns several bikes and has several officers that are trained to ride the parks as part of the normal patrol. It’s a phenomenal tool in that it makes the officers more approachable... It’s much easier for them to stop, take a break and engage in conversation when they run across people. Also, with the extensive bike paths and trails here, it’s important that the officers be out in that and give the people who use those resources a sense of security and safety, as well as the ability to interact with the officers while

•

NE MINUTE

INTERVIEW

they’re riding those same paths. Please highlight some the greatest changes in law enforcement that you’ve experienced in your career. TL: The law enforcement end of it still exists. We have to do that, that’s the primary function, but again we need to go above and beyond that and provide community policing and be there and that has come back very, very strong, whereas as back in maybe the 70’s and maybe even early 80’s, law enforcement was more of just that — law enforcement — and we were expected to make the arrests, keep people safe and there wasn’t that much focus on improving the quality of life or maintaining the quality of life in the community. Someday, it will all go around to fullcircle again, where there will be a new

By Michael Shelton

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

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 5

free for all!!!

HIGHLAND COIN CHALLENGE

If we don’t offer a higher price for your items, we will give you $50 CASH. Legitimate offers only.

highland coin outpays everyone… period. Yep! It’s getting to be a regular free for all when it comes to selling your old jewelry, gold or silver coins. Some of these gold buyers are saying they pay more (they don’t); some say they care about helping you (they really don’t); and some say they will give you a bonus (a bonus for what?). So - how to decide? It’s easy, take the HIGHLAND CHALLENGE. Fact is, no pawn shop, precious metal buyer, jewelry store, or hole-in-the-wall at a fancy mall pays more than Highland Coin. In fact, Highland Coin is the only buyer in the area who lists their buy prices for all to see.

Current Gold Spot at $1600.00 Current Gold Spot at $1700.00 Current Gold Spot at $1800.00

10K . . . . . . . . .$19.00 per gram 14K . . . . . . . . .$27.00 per gram 16K . . . . . . . . .$31.00 per gram 18K . . . . . . . . .$34.50 per gram 21K . . . . . . . . .$40.50 per gram 22K . . . . . . . . .$42.00 per gram

10K . . . . . . . . .$20.00 per gram 14K . . . . . . . . .$28.00 per gram 16K . . . . . . . . .$32.00 per gram 18K . . . . . . . . .$35.50 per gram 21K . . . . . . . . .$42.00 per gram 22K . . . . . . . . .$44.00 per gram

10K . . . . . . . . .$21.00 per gram 14K . . . . . . . . .$30.00 per gram 16K . . . . . . . . .$34.00 per gram 18K . . . . . . . . .$38.00 per gram 21K . . . . . . . . .$44.00 per gram 22K . . . . . . . . .$46.00 per gram

Pre-1964 U.S. 90% Coins • Silver Prices at the following Silver Spot US US US US

$29.00 Silver Spot 10¢ . . . . . . . . . . $1.80 each 25¢ . . . . . . . . . . $4.50 each 50¢ . . . . . . . . . . $9.00 each $1.00 . . . . . . $19.00 each

US US US US

$32.00 Silver Spot 10¢ . . . . . . . . . . $2.00 each 25¢ . . . . . . . . . . $5.00 each 50¢ . . . . . . . . . $10.00 each $1.00 . . . . . . $21.00 each

US US US US

$35.00 Silver Spot 10¢ . . . . . . . . . . $2.20 each 25¢ . . . . . . . . . . $5.50 each 50¢ . . . . . . . . . $11.00 each $1.00 . . . . . . $23.00 each

US Silver Eagles $1.00 over Silver Spot Price If you need spare cash, or have gold, silver or coins to sell, you owe it to yourself to stop by HIGHLAND COIN and receive an offer for your items before you sell your items to anyone else.

TAKE THE HIGHLAND COIN CHALLENGE! Next time you go to your favorite dealer, pawn shop, etc.… and you receive an offer for your items, DON’T SELL, but simply indicate you wish to think about it and bring your items to HIGHLAND COIN. If we don’t offer a higher price for your items, we will give you $50 cash on legitimate offers only. HIGHLAND COIN prices are listed in our advertisements, however, we will beat any competitor’s price or Legitimate Quote. HIGHLAND COIN will not allow a competitor to beat our prices.

2227 E. HIGHLAND ROAD • HIGHLAND, MI 48356 We are located 1/4 mile West of Duck Lake Rd. on the North side of Highland Road

248-714-9780

PAGE 6

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Water Softeners Sales & Service

We’re On Time, You’ll See, Or The Repair is Free™

ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS? PLUMBING PROBLEMS? We can help you with:

We can help you with: Troubleshooting Surge Protection Lighting Fixtures Circuit Panels Home Re-Wiring

Generator Hook-ups/ Emergency Power Safety Inspections Code Violation Corrections Outlet / Plug Installation

ALL ELECTRICAL SERVICES

Backflow Prevention Certified Copper Re-Piping Gas Line Installation Hose Bibs Leaks

ALL PLUMBING SERVICES

This Week’s Super Special... OFF e 50% ic al Serv

Norm

ELECTRICAL SERVICE CALL

Call!

ONLY

Normal Service Call Fee $49.00

Offer valid on initial service call and with repair only. One offer per visit. Cannot be combined with any other discounts. Valid Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Holidays excluded. Please mention this ad, offer valid through 5/2/12. SC

YOU CAN EXPECT: 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed Electricians are Drug Tested and Receive a Comprehensive Background Check Repair Guaranteed for up to 2 years Fair and Consistent Pricing with No Hidden Cost Fully Equipped Big Red Trucks Technicians Leave Your Home White Glove Clean

Sump Pumps Pressure Tanks Tankless Hot Water Heaters Video Inspection Water Heaters

This Week’s Super Special... OFF e PLUMBING SERVICE CALL 50% ic al Serv

Norm

Call!

ONLY

Normal Service Call Fee $49.00

YOU CAN EXPECT: 100% Satisfaction Guarantee Technicians are Drug Tested and Receive a Comprehensive Background Check Fully-Equipped Big Blue Trucks for Same-Day Service Straight Forward Pricing™ No Surprises We Charge by the Job not by the Hour

PHONES ANSWERED LIVE 24/7 1-888- 8-SPARK Y

PHONES ANSWERED LIVE 24/7

248-363-8508

248-674-7107

(1-888-877-2759)

248-348-8814 248-684-2888

Licensed & Insured • Locally owned & operated www.mistersparky.com

1-866-770-7774

248-855-1707 248-685-7774

Licensed & Insured • Locally owned & operated www.benfranklinplumbing.com

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 7

LAKES AREA NEWS

Youth art ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 3

hours will be July 28 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., and July 29 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be free parking available. Last year, the Orchard Lake Fine Art Show won four awards from Michigan Festivals and Events. Painting, sculpture, fiber, clay, glass, wood, jewelry, photography, mixed media and more will be on display for purchase. Live art demonstrations will be conducted throughout the event, which also boasts of a diverse live entertainment line-up. ❏

Trustee explores OCSD dispatch pact for township By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

Several communities in west Oakland County contract with the county Sheriff’s Department for police and fire dispatching services, and Waterford Township would be the next one, if some members of the township Board of Trustees have their way. Trustee Anthony Bartolotta began investigating earlier this year what the cost savings for the township would be in contracting with the Sheriff’s Department for dispatching services, and he says they would be significant — at least $600,000 a year, if not more, not including legacy costs. After putting in an official request for information to the Sheriff’s Department in January, he received concrete figures last month. Bartolotta said the Sheriff’s Department indicated to him that a three-year contract beginning April 1 and running until March 31, 2015 would cost $487,278 the first year; $497,020 in the second; and $506,950 in the third. “I believe we have 10 or 12 dispatchers, and they (the Sheriff’s Department) would hire seven (of them),” Bartolotta said. “They base that rate on 8,200 calls per year.” According to Bartolotta, it costs the township over $1 million a year to employ dispatchers — whose contract expired on Dec. 31. Township Supervisor Carl Solden said a proposed three-year contract — which included some modifications in the workers’ sick time provisions — with the local dispatcher’s union was shot down last month by the Board of

The Lakeland Players will present “High Spirits,” a musical based on “Blithe Spirit” by Noel Coward, at 8 p.m. on April 13, 14, 20 and 21, and at 2 p.m. on April 15 and 22 at Huron Valley Lakeland High School’s Center for the Performing Arts, 1630 Bogie Lake Road in White Lake Township. Tickets are $12 and can be ordered online at lakelandplayers.net or by visiting ticketderby.com. Cast members pictured above include (left to right) Rob Martin of Brighton as Rupert, Shayna Lax of Waterford as Edith the Maid, Katie Loder of Waterford as Violet Bradman, Matthew Jarjosa of Waterford as Dr. George Bradman, Justin Briggs of Muskogean as Charles Condomine, Melissa Bayer of Sterling Heights as the deceased Elvira Condomine, and Angel Walsh of Waterford as Ruth Condomine. (Photo submitted by Lisa G.W. Mohler/Lakeland Players)

Trustees because of some issues board members had with the timeframe of the proposed pact. “We’re back on the drawing board with that, so we’ll see how that shakes out,” Solden said. He declined to comment specifically on Bartolotta’s efforts to investigate having the Sheriff’s Department provide police, fire, and emergency medical service dispatching for the township. “I guess anybody can look at any option,” he said. Bartolotta said he has informed Police Chief Dan McCaw of his query into Sheriff’s Department dispatch services for township police, but hasn’t yet broached the issue with new Fire Chief Ron Spears, who took over the fire department after the retirement of former chief Dennis Storrs earlier this year. He also said he wants the Sheriff’s Department to make a presentation to the Board of Trustees at an upcoming meeting about its police and fire dispatch services, which Bartolotta said are used by 13 of 28 fire departments in Oakland County and five police departments. “It’s not just us,” Bartolotta said.

“They’re doing this for other municipalities.” McCaw couldn’t be reached for comment prior to press time. ❏

Commerce seeks 15 added POC firefighters By Angela Niemi staff writer

The Commerce Township Fire Department is looking to residents to bolster its ranks of paid-on-call firefighters, in hopes of having qualified individuals begin the fire academy in the fall. Fire Chief Joe Schornack said he is beginning a recruitment process for residents interested in one of the positions, which requires a self-motivated individual able to dedicate time to training with the department. It’s not a job for a lot of people, Schornack said, because of the time commitment required during a probationary period. “The benefits are many,” he said. “Knowing that you are able to help save a life and give something back to

the community are well worth the time and effort an individual has to commit.” Benefits include a wage of up to $18 per hour; worker’s compensation disability benefits; on-going training in firefighting, extrication and medical emergencies; and participation in community events. Paid-on-call personnel, as opposed to career firefighters, don’t work on a set schedule. As a paid-on-call firefighter, payment would be received on a per-call basis and for any extra work a volunteer may provide, such as during community events. Schornack said he’s hoping to get at least enough approved applicants to fill out the roster to at or near 35 paid-on-call fighters. Applications can be obtained from any fire station in Commerce Township, or by calling 248-5600051, ext. 9. Candidates must be at least 18years-old; have a high school diploma or GED equivalent; have a valid dri-

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 10

➥

PAGE 8

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Road ends battle

THE BILL COMPTON SUPPORT OUR TROOPS 5K RUN & 1 MILE FAMILY FUN WALK

New law curtails boating access site use

Sunday, May 27th, 2012

Contact: Walled Lake Downtown Development Authority

248.926.9004 Fax: 248.926.9029 Email: Events@DowntownWalledLake.org www.DowntownWalledLake.org

BINGO

St. William Church 531 Common St., Walled Lake

AY FRID

Proceeds go to St. Williams parish’s general Funds.

Non-smoking Bingo

Bingo at 6:30 p.m. Air Conditioning

Call before 5 PM

248-624-1421

Lic.# A00049

Union Lake Baptist Church Pastor Cliff Powell,

Associate pastor of The River Church in Holly, Michigan, will be speaking at the Union Lake Baptist Church on Sunday, April 15 at 10:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The church is located at: 8390 Commerce Road, Commerce Township, MI 48382

Telephone is: 248-363-9600

SPECIAL REPORT

RUNNER AND SPONSOR APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE ONLINE

By Angela Niemi

A staff writer

fter decades of legal interpretations and litigation, the battle over public use of road ends that provide boating access to inland lakes and streams may have finally come to an end with the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 778, which received approval in both chambers of the state Legislature and was signed by Gov. Rick Snyder on March 27. “After being debated for so long, it’s a good feeling to see something through to fruition,” said state Sen. Mike Kowall (R-Commerce, Milford, Highland, White Lake, West Bloomfield, Orchard Lake, Wixom, Walled Lake and Wolverine Lake), a proponent of the legislation since he first began working on it back in 1999 when he was serving in the state House of Representatives. “It just took a long time to get clarified and signed into law,” Kowall said. “There’s a lot of misunderstanding with this issue. There’s so much confusion and passion over the bill itself.” Road ends are places where public roadways dead-end at the banks of a lake or stream. Most road ends were created more than a century ago to provide public access to lakes,

rivers and streams. No definition of “public use” was ever provided, but case law has held that road end uses should be restricted to the ingress and egress of watercraft. According to Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) Spokesperson Craig Bryson, the road commission is unsure of the number of road ends that exist in the county. In the past, RCOC officials have estimated there could be more than a hundred road ends in Oakland County. “We don’t really keep track of those numbers,” he said. There reportedly has been abuse at some road ends over the past several years, as some people have erected docks, installed boat hoists, and used the sites for picnicking, fishing, sunbathing, and swimming. “This can get to be a very emotional issue,” said Bill Anderson, the legislative liaison for the Michigan Townships Association (MTA). “Especially when someone has been using the lake in a certain manner for 30 years, and then people say that’s not what they are supposed to do, it gets emotional.” In 2003, the Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that the public may use road ends as a boating access point, but can’t use them for lounging, sunbathing, picnicking or the installation of boat docks or hoists.

“People started putting up docks and using the areas for everything but what they were actually intended (for) — a site to back a boat into the lake and then a place to take it out at the end of the day,” said Kowall, who sponsored the bill to codify road end rules already handed down by state judges in a couple of court cases — Jacobs vs. Lyon Township in 1993, and Higgins Lake Property Owners Association (HPLOA) vs. Gerrish Township in 2003. The Michigan Court of Appeals’ ruling in the Jacobs case states that a land plat dedication allowed the installation of one non-exclusive dock at each road end leading to Higgins Lake, while the HPLOA case maintained that while one non-exclusive dock could be constructed, private docks were not permitted and sunbathing, picnicking, lounging, and permanent mooring of boats at road ends could be prohibited. According to Kowall, SB 778 is simply “codifying” the rulings already handed down by state judges. “It clarifies what the publicly-owned property can be used for,” he said. “What perked my interest on (this issue) is that some people are taking public land and turning it into their own private little resorts. They were blocking (the public access) off from general use by the public.” Under the legislation presented to Snyder on March 12, boat hoists or

APRIL 11-17, 2012

on March 1. The upper chamber concurred with the House’s version of the legislation, 31-7, in a March 7 vote. “The bill codifies existing case law,” said state Rep. Lisa Brown (DCommerce, West Bloomfield, Wolverine Lake), who voted for the bill. “Road ends are for access to the water, not for private use.” “It made sense,” added state Rep. Hugh Crawford (R-Walled Lake, Wixom). “The law that was in effect before was vague on the use of a public road that ends on a lake. This clarifies it. People are not supposed to be using a public road or lakefront for private personal uses like boat hoists. People were using roads or lake access to put in private docks, and they are not supposed to do that because it’s public property. The resolution made sense to me.” State Rep. Chuck Moss (R-Orchard Lake) also voted in favor of the bill because it provided clarification on what road ends “can and can’t be used for.” “They provide public access,” he said. “They do not let people put in boat hoists and essentially become mini-marinists, which was happening in many places to the detriment of property owners on either side.” And state Rep. Bill Rogers (RMilford) said he was quite familiar with the “famous old end of the road” issue, having grown up on a lake. “To use them to drop boats off is fine,” he said. “But to physically put structures up there — that’s why folks purchase property on the lake. I just didn’t feel it was appropriate for people from all over to throw in docks and what else and add to the issues on the lake for those who are complying legally.” Kowall said he’s happy to get the issue settled before the pending summer boating season. “Both people that live on the lake and people that live off the lake now can enjoy the water and do it safely,” he said. “They can enjoy their summer.” The bill’s passage marks a new chapter in a battle that had been waged for years, both in the courts and in the state Legislature. “There has been a huge amount of litigation over that issue. Most of it has taken place up at Higgins Lake,” said Anderson. “Essentially the courts came out and said it was a common law issue. When the contract was established to deal with the easement, the rights were defined at that time. The Legislature doesn’t have the authority to change that. And basically, it came down to scenarios where people were making use

of that road end to a degree greater than what was allowed under the contract for that easement.” Anderson said he often explains the situation by likening it to easements for sidewalks in front of houses. “For example, a lot of people have easements in front of their houses for sidewalks. Now, the easement does grant people the right to bike up and down in front of the house. It doesn’t mean people have the right to build a fruit stand in front of your house or go camping on the sidewalk in front of your house. They can go to and fro, but they can’t put in anything permanent. These (road ends) aren’t parks,” he said. The definition of “public use” at road ends led to several legislative battles, as well. Former state Rep. John Stakoe, a Republican whose district included White Lake and Highland townships, took up the fight after Kowall left the state House in 2002. During his tenure in the Legislature, Stakoe repeatedly but unsuccessfully introduced bills — all of which had essentially the same provisions as Kowall’s SB 778 — that would have codified the court rulings on road ends into state law. However, Stakoe’s legislation was countered by opposing bills. In 2005, former state Rep. Joel Sheltrown, a West Branch Democrat, introduced his own legislation which proposed greater use of public road ends. In cases where the public roads were located within a recorded plat, each property owner within the plat would be allowed to take part in activities such as sunbathing, lounging, picnicking, erecting seasonal docks and temporary boat hoists at road ends. Local control would be awarded to municipalities, which could decide how to regulate the road ends. Nearly identical legislation was introduced in March 2007, in the form of a House Bills 4463 and 4464. The legislative package, sponsored by former state Rep. Matthew Gillard, a Democrat from Alpena, required the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to issue a marina permit to a local unit of government to construct a road end dock if the local government enacted an ordinance with specific provisions. Stakoe asked former Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox in 2008 to issue an opinion on the road end use issues. Stakoe wanted Cox to issue a ruling on whether the state Legislature can “revisit” court rulings dealing with the scope of what constitutes “public use” at road ends. The opinion handed down from

PAGE 9

Cox’s office stated that any change in property interests has to be viewed in the context of more than 100 years of court rulings on the rights and limitations of properties within plats. According to Opinion 7211, Michigan law prohibits “marina-like operations,” such as permanent boat mooring or hoists, lounging and sunbathing at public use road ends, unless the dedication authorizes otherwise. Cox concluded that “while the Legislature has the authority to modify the law, any legislative modification of the judicially established rules of property law that have shaped the rights and expectations of property owners regarding the meaning of ‘public use’ in the context of platted roads ending at the shore of a lake has the potential to impact existing property rights and would be subject to the constitutional protections against the taking of property without due process and just compensation.” Nevertheless, no law was put in effect to make that black and white — until now. While the MTA’s Anderson said he doesn’t believe the issue is completely resolved, he said he does believe the clarification will deter many lawsuits. “It will probably give greater guidance to people,” he said. “Now they can see the rulings in law. They don’t have to go back and start reading a dozen court cases. I think it will help to stop some court cases from going through now that people can see it in black and white.” There are those who opposed the legislation, including a group which launched a petition drive at signon.org to have Snyder veto the bill. The petition states: “SB 778 advocates elimination of valuable public access, rather than pensive regulation. It may also decrease revenue for businesses dependent on tourism of Michigan’s many inland lakes and streams, a detriment to the Pure Michigan campaign. This overreaching legislation will hinder local municipalities’ ability to manage public road ends in a manner appropriate to the local area.” Bloom said the petition language is “misleading.” “There are some against the bill spreading falsehoods that this bill would close public access and privatize inland lakes in Michigan,” he said. “That’s not true. No access site is being closed or abandoned due to the bill. All the bill does is codify the common law against private dock and boat moorage at public road ends. Public access to lakes is not being ‘severely restricted.’ It’s sad that a petition would be so misleading.” ❏

SPECIAL REPORT

docks can’t be constructed, installed, maintained or used at a public road end unless there is a recorded deed or easement that provided otherwise. The mooring or docking of a vessel between midnight and sunrise is prohibited, as is any activity that obstructs entering or exiting the inland lake or stream through the road end. A single seasonal public dock or wharf can be installed and used, provided it has been authorized by the local unit of government that has jurisdiction over the road end. Violation of the bill’s provisions would be a misdemeanor punishable by up to 90 days in jail and/or a maximum fine of $500. Each 24-hour period of the offense would constitute a separate violation. Although Kowall’s bill was specific about restrictions on docks, boat hoists, and overnight anchoring at road ends, it didn’t specifically mention other activities such as sunbathing or picnicking. While these are not criminal activities under the new statue, attorney Clifford Bloom, a riparian and water law expert, said they are still civilly wrong. “There are many things that are not allowed at public road ends under common or civil law,” he said. “It’s unlawful but not criminally so. You can’t use (a road end) for bathing, picnicking, or camping. All that is allowed under civil law is for travel. These (sunbathing, picnicking and camping) activities have been illegal (at road ends) for a hundred years, but they aren’t criminal.” According to Bloom, the new statute makes several activities criminal. “It’s now a misdemeanor to put in a dock or put in a boat cradle (at a public road end),” he said. Another clause in the statute is not as clear-cut, according to Bloom. “‘Anything that obstructs lawful ingress or egress is a bit ambiguous,” he said. “So if I put up barriers (at the road end), that’s illegal. Now, a lot of people sunbathing to the point that people can’t walk through the area to get to the lake might be a criminal matter. That might be a violation. But it’s not a criminal statute (violation) itself unless it obstructs ingress and egress.” The MTA gave strong support to the legislation, calling it “the correct interpretation” of previous court rulings, according to Anderson. “This legislation implements court decisions that have come down on how you can use that road end access into an inland lake,” Anderson said. “It doesn’t do anything new. It simply puts into law what court decisions have said must be done.” The state House of Representatives passed an amended version of the Senate-passed SB 788 in a 96-11 vote

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 10

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

LAKES AREA NEWS

Paid-on-call

Township hopefuls

❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 7

ver’s license with a good driving record; and be able to physically perform the activities of a firefighter. Those applying would need to live within one mile of Commerce Township. Commerce Township currently has four fire stations, 16 full-time Fire Department employees and 20 paidon-call firefighters. During 2011, the Commerce Township Fire Department responded to over 2,300 calls for service. Paid-on-call firefighter applications will be accepted now through the end of the month. ❏

Kristian, Flowers enter Highland races

By Angela Niemi staff writer

Field of Milford candidates grows for 2012 primary By Michael Shelton staff writer

A number of incumbents and one challenger have announced that they will seek elected office in Milford Township this year. Among those seeking re-election are Clerk Holly Brandt and Treasurer Cynthia Dagenhardt. Brandt was first sworn in as township clerk on March 31, 2010 by outgoing clerk Colleen Schwartz, who had decided to retire before her term had expired. Brandt was certified as a municipal clerk through the International Institute of Municipal Clerks in September 2004 and had served as the township’s deputy clerk since November 2000 before being promoted. In the 2010 Republican primary, Brandt defeated Garrett Steele, earning 76 percent (2,383 votes) support while Steele garnered 24 percent (750 votes) out of 3,138 total votes.

wo more Republican candidates for elected office have filed to run campaigns in Highland Township. Catherine Kristian will be joining fellow Republicans Donna GundleKrieg, Rick Hamill and Lynn O’Brien in the race for Highland Township supervisor, while Tami Flowers will join Judith Cooper in the Republican primary race for treasurer. Kristian, a Highland resident for 17 years, said she gave a lot of thought before deciding to run. “This is an extremely important position that I take very seriously,” she said. “Highland has been fiscally responsible, safe, clean, and has a high quality of life. I am proud of our community and want to be a part of continuing this legacy.” Kristian holds a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University with a focus in business management. She has worked as a project manager for both Comerica Bank and Trammell. She now coordinates and directs two board committees. “I believe local government officials should be proactive, always remember they are public servants, and have goals for their community,” she said. “Fiscal responsibility is very important to me, and this will be crucial in the next decade as Michigan continues to struggle in stagnant economic times. It’s necessary to attract and welcome new business, but in balance with the integrity of the welfare of our Highland community. I would like to facilitate that by helping our committees work together to find that

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 CLAYS SKEET & TRAP Available

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 May 13th

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

equilibrium.” After living in Highland for 16 years, raising a family, and being involved in the community, Flowers says she is “highly invested in the success of our township.” “I want to see our area flourish in the coming years, which will lead to higher property values and strengthened revenues for the township, making it possible to maintain and improve services to our residents. Serving as treasurer would allow me to continue to work toward a stronger future for our community.” Flowers has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and has served as administrator of the Highland-White Lake Business Association and served on the Highland Downtown Development Authority Economic Development Committee. “My analytical mindset has been useful for finding creative solutions to all kinds of challenges,” Flowers added. “I have extensive experience working within a tight-budget environment, where I was successful in finding ways to maximize efficiency. I look forward to working closely with the community to improve the township’s responsiveness to the needs of area residents and businesses.” The primary election will be held on Aug. 7, with the general election set for Nov. 6. The Highland Township treasurer serves four-year terms and currently earns $62,902 annually. The Highland Township supervisor serves a four-year term and currently earns $65,691 annually. ❏ Then in the 2010 general election, Brandt cruised to victory over challenger Anthony Raimondo with 83.74 percent (5,129 votes) of the vote compared to his 16.08 percent (985 votes). Dagenhardt will be seeking her fourth term as township treasurer after first being elected to the post in 2000. She faced no competition in the 2008 Republican primary election or the 2008 general election. The township clerk and the treasurer each serve four-year terms and are paid an annual salary of $71,000. Meanwhile, Republican Trustees Bill Mazzara and Randall Busick have also

filed for re-election. Busick will be seeking his eighth term as a trustee, while Mazzara will be looking for a fourth term. In the 2008 general election, Busick and Mazzara earned re-election along with Brian Worrell and Dale Wiltse, while Ric Mueller fell short. Meanwhile, Republican challenger Kevin Lawrence has announced that he will seek a trustee position this year. He ran for a spot on the Huron Valley Schools Board of Education in 2011, but lost out to Bonnie Brown and Jeffrey Long. After congratulating them on their victories, he made it clear that he would be throwing his hat in the ring during the 2012 Milford Township election cycle. Milford trustees serve four-year terms and are paid $150 per meeting. These candidacies developed after Michael Glagola, president pro tem of the Milford Village Council, announced that he would run this year against incumbent Milford Township Supervisor Don Green for the Republican Party’s nomination for the township’s chief executive post. The filing deadline for candidates is May 15. The primary election is set for Aug. 7, while the general election will be held on Nov. 6. ❏

12 Mile/Beck intersection slated for improvements By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The Wixom City Council has agreed to leverage Tri-party funds to facilitate improvements at the intersection of 12 Mile and Beck roads. Council voted to allocate the funds at its March 27 regular meeting. The project will specifically realign traffic signals, re-stripe the pavement, and erect new signage along the westbound and southbound approaches. “Motorists traveling on southbound Beck have a dedicated left turn lane and go eastbound to 12 Mile, but instead of turning, some go straight. It’s confusing to some motorists,” said Assistant City Manager Tony Nowicki. The improvements will allow for a dual left turn onto southbound Beck with new traffic signalization and overhead signage for proper lane usage to I-96. “When the intersection was built, there were plans to expand Beck Road

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 13

➥

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

www.marketplacemeats.com Since 1972

OPEN SUN. 9:30 AM- 3 PM

Phone in your order and we will have it waiting for you

PAGE 11

7714 Cooley Lake Road, Union Lake

We gladly accept Michigan EBT • Discover Visa • Mastercard • American Express

Near Ronnie’s Jewelry & Loans & Big Boy

Open Mon. thru Fri., 9-6; Sat. 9-5:30; OPEN THURSDAY ‘ TIl 7 PM

Like us

2 Years In a Row

www.facebook.com/marketplacemeats

Whole Boneless

Top Sirloin

3.49

lb. SC

Pork Steak or Country Ribs

1.99

lb.

Sausage 2.69

Whole Boneless

Rib Eye

With Coupon • Expires 4/18/12

lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb.

Boneless Chicken Breast Boneless Pork Chop Ground Beef from Chuck Beef Cube Steaks Chicken Leg Quarters Chucken Nuggets Dearborn Ham Pieces

lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb.

Bundle A

Boneless Sirloin Steak Ground Beef from Chuck Chicken Breast Chicken Legs Quarters Center Cut Pork Chops Country Ribs

FREE 2 lb. Bacon

lb.

5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb.

from Chuck

Bundle C

119

10 10 10 10 10 10 10

lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb.

lb.

Ground Beef

3 $ 49 3

$ 19 lb.

Sold in 5 lb. bags • Lesser quantities $3.69 lb. With Coupon • Expires 4/18/12

Ground Beef from Sirloin

lb.

Sold in 5 lb. bags • Lesser quantities $3.99 lb. With Coupon • Expires 4/18/12

SALE Beef Bundle B

Bundle D

Boneless Chicken Breast Chicken Leg Quarters Sirloin Steak Beef Stew Ground Chuck FREE 2 lb. Pork Chops Bacon Pork Steak

199

90 $

$ 69

Sold in 5 lb. bags • Lesser quantities $3.19 lb. With Coupon • Expires 4/18/12

Rib Steak

BUNDLE Sirloin Steak Chicken Leg Quarters Ground Chuck Pork Chops Frozen Beef Patties Country Ribs FREE Breakfast Sausage 10 lb. Idaho Bacon Potatoes

Ground Beef

from Round

With Coupon • Expires 4/18/12

BULK

5 5 5 5 5 5

lb.

Sold in 10 lb. bags • Lesser quantities $2.29 lb. With Coupon • Expires 4/18/12

Your Choice

$ 99

$ 69

Already Cut Bone-In

New York

Chicken Breast

lb.

T-Bone • Porterhouse SC

Boneless Skinless

lb.

With Coupon • Expires 4/18/12

Economy Buster Bundle I 5 5 5 5 5 4 3

With Coupon • Expires 4/18/12

Short Loin

lb.

With Coupon • Expires 4/18/12

Sliced & Trimmed FREE

Whole

Reg. and Chicken, Sweet Italian, Hot Italian, Polish Brats

3 $ 49 4 $ 99 4

$ 99 New York lb. Strip Steak

Our Own Fresh

Whole Boneless

PRICES SUBJECT TO MARKET AVAILABILITY. PRICES GOOD THRU 4/18/12

10 10 10 10 10 10

lb. lb. lb. lb. lb. lb.

New York Steak Sirloin Steak Chuck Roast Beef Stew Cube Steak Ground Chuck

FREE Dearborn All Beef

249

90 $

HOT DOGS

PAGE 12

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 13

LAKES AREA NEWS

Tri-party funds ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 10

to five lanes, but funding has not been available so temporary changes must be conducted in the interim,” Nowicki said. The Tri-party program has been in effect since 1989. It is a threepronged method of funding road construction projects between local communities, Oakland County, and the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), with the costs divided equally between the three entities. According to RCOC Spokesperson Craig Bryson, total project costs are estimated at $37,000, or $12,333 each contributed by the city, the county, and the RCOC. The project is slated to begin after July 1 and is expected to be completed sometime this summer. ❏

Milford Road work scope, timeline remains unknown The Milford Village Council at its Monday, April 2 meeting unanimously approved the repaving of North Milford Road as the village’s 2012 Triparty Program project, but when and if the project will begin remains in doubt. “We’re not sure we’ll be able to use the funding,” said Village Manager Arthur Shufflebarger. “Right now, we have no money accumulated.” According to the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), the village’s total Tri-party Program allotment for this fiscal year is $417, with the village’s share at $139. Tri-party funding is made up of equal annual contributions from the RCOC, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners and participating communities. The county uses a formula to determine annual Tri-party allocations based on the miles of road in a participating community, and the number of accidents that occur on those roads on an annual basis. “Right now, we don’t have enough Tri-party money for a project on its own,” Shufflebarger said. “A few years ago, we did do a Tri-party project and we did acquire some funds and it allowed us to use the funds that were accumulated. It allowed us to use advance funds into future years, but all that was spent and it is gone.” The village has until May to submit a potential project location to the

A variety of “environmental learning stations” will be at the sixth annual Earth Family Friendly Fun Festival sponsored by the Green Team of Huron Valley on Sunday, April 22 from noon to 4 p.m. Green Team co-founder Linda Crawford said the event has grown every year since its inception and that, in addition to the learning stations, visitors are invited to donate used items for recycling at the festival that will be held at the Carls Family YMCA. (Photo submitted by Linda Crawford/Green Team of Huron Valley)

For a cleaner environment

Earth Day event by Green Team promotes learning, fun By Michael Shelton staff writer

he Green Team of Huron Valley will be hosting its sixth annual Earth Family Friendly Fun Festival on Sunday, April 22 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Carls Family YMCA, 300 Family Drive in Milford. The event is free and no YMCA membership is required. Linda Crawford, co-founder of the Green Team, said there will be over 50 environmental learning stations on hand during the event. “The festival will give the community a grassroots look at simple things they can do to improve the environment,” she said. “Our festival is a learning festival with environmental learning stations, not ven-

RCOC Programming Division for review, and a June deadline to submit local council resolutions and project commitments submitted for projects. Right now, the Village Council is

dors, and it’s targeted for families and children. It’s free and has grown each year.” She added that patrons are invited to donate used items such as hearing aids, eyeglasses, gently-worn shoes and cellular phones for recycling at the festival and at the Salvation Army. There will also be numerous activities for children, as well as a vocal performance by Laurie Horn and musical performances by Tim Twist and Marianne Murphy of Milford Music. There will also be “environmental” dance and drumming, according to Crawford, as well as the Hybrid Highway and an appearance by “Mother Nature.” In addition there will be give-

concentrating on possibly securing a new road millage after voting on April 2 to direct the village attorney to put together Aug. 7 primary election ballot language seeking voter authoriza-

aways at the festival in exchange for a green pledge to better serve the environment, with the top prize being a child’s bike and helmet. Students from the the International Academy will also be putting on a green fashion show in conjunction with the Salvation Army and Freedom Treasures. The festival will have on-site paper shredding available, as well as distribution of 1,000 white pine seedlings for planting. Crawford added that this year marks the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day, which was first held in 1970 with 20 million people worldwide marking the occasion. She said she is expecting between 1,500 and 2,000 attendants at this year’s festival. ❏

tion of a new road millage. The proposal calls for a 20-year collection period, with 3.5 mills collected during the first 10 years and 1 mill collected during the last 10 years. ❏

PAGE 14

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PROBATE & ESTATE PLANNING ATTORNEYS

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

MY MOM ROCKS! MOTHER’S DAY CONTEST Enter now for a chance to WIN A FEATURE 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, free hair cut from Elle Studio in Novi 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. STORY ABOUT YOUR MOM

OPEN HOUSE

April 16, 9-12 Come visit our office.

Kathryn Wayne-Spindler

Nicole Nausieda

The plans you make for the future of your estate and your family really make a difference at the end of your life. Probate issues are complex and they happen at the worst time. When you are grieving a loved one, the last thing you want to do is handle legal affairs. Save your family this heartache and avoid complex probate and trust litigation by creating a complete and thorough estate plan. If you have recently gone through a divorce, or if your family has changed in a significant way, it is time to consider your estate planning needs.

• Wills and trusts • Power of attorney • Advance health care • Probate avoidance directives, living wills • Guardian and • Estate administration Conservatorship – FREE TELEPHONE CONSULTATIONS – Contact an Experienced Lawyer Today At Spindler, Nausieda & Associates, you won’t get a onesize-fits-all solution to your legal problem. We have been handling probate matters for many years and know how to navigate the system to protect your family’s interests. By working together, we work to obtain solutions that meet reasonable expectations and your long-range objectives.

SPINDLER, NAUSIEDA & ASSOCIATES

Employees of the SCN group and their families are ineligible.

Deadline April 20, 2012 Your Name Your Mother’s Name Your Phone

Mother’s Phone

Your Email Address Home Address City

State WEST

OAKLAND’S

Zip NEWSWEEKLY

425 West Huron Street, Ste. 120 Milford, Michigan 48381

Family owned and local for over 52 years

248-676-1000 Office

248.360.SELL (7355) • 7196 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48327-4113 • 248.360.NEWS (6397) Member of the SCN Communications Group

www.kssattorney.com

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY • OAKLAND LAKEFRONT OAKLAND HOMES • MONTHLYADVERTISER • WEST OAKLAND DIRECTORY FAX: 248.360.5308/248.360.5309

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 15

PUBLIC SAFETY Fire destroys horse barn, no animals hurt

Police believe a tool was used to pry open the window and then unlock the doors. There are no suspects in either incident, according to Wixom police. ❏

By Michael Shelton staff writer

A weekend fire destroyed a Milford Township horse barn, but didn’t result in any direct harm or fatalities among dozens of horses housed in the structure. The Milford Fire Department responded to a barn fire on Labadie Road during the late evening hours of Saturday, April 7. According to Milford Fire Chief Larry Waligora, the call for the fire came in at 10:23 p.m. It was a fully-involved fire by the time firefighters arrived on the scene, he said. He added that all the horses in the barn were evacuated before Milford fire crews arrived, and that his department received mutual aid from Lyon Township, the city of Wixom, Commerce Township and Highland Township firefighters. According to Waligora, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department is conducting an investigation into the cause of the fire, which burnt the barn to the ground. ❏

Three teens arrested for spray-painting spree Two Waterford Township teenagers have been charged and a third teen is the target of a Probate Court petition following a string of malicious destruction of property incidents that occurred during the overnight hours of Tuesday, April 3 and Wednesday, April 4. Collin Jordan Fler, 19, and a 17year-old township girl have been arraigned on three felony counts each of malicious destruction of property. A petition has been submitted to the Oakland County Probate Court for a 15-year-old Waterford boy. What allegedly started out as an revenge spree by the suspects apparently spread to other homes after the trio, police said, spray-painted vehicles, homes, garages, mail boxes, and a tree. A Ford Taurus was spray-painted with a swastika. In addition, a Ford E250 was spray-painted with “How’s my driving?” while a Ford Escape appeared to have lime green spraypaint running along its quarter-panel. An incident of vandalism was reported to police by a resident of Clinton River Drive, who noticed the spray-painted graffiti on his garage door. Around 4:45 a.m., he heard noises outside his home and noticed a light near the garage. When he went

Police: Man had fake law enforcement ID

The driver of an Oldsmobile that struck a Dodge Ram pickup truck while traveling westbound on Pontiac Trail was pronounced dead at the scene of the Tuesday, April 3 afternoon traffic accident. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Laurie Wasker)

Fatal accident

Woman dies in crash at cities’ border By Tim Dmoch editor

34-year-old Novi woman died Tuesday, April 3 in a traffic accident at the Walled Lake/Novi border. According to a Novi Police Department report, the accident occurred at about 1:20 p.m. on Pontiac Trail near West Park Drive. Novi and Walled Lake public safety personnel responded to the scene. A preliminary investigation revealed the woman was traveling westbound on Pontiac Trail in an Oldsmobile, which struck an eastbound Dodge Ram pickup driven by a 44-year-old Waterford Township man. The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The Waterford man sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Botsford Hospital, according to Novi police. Novi police didn’t return calls for updated information on the identity of the victim and status of the accident investigation prior to press time Tuesday, April 10. ❏

outside to investigate, he saw a white male near his vehicle in the driveway. The subject ran away, but the man caught up with him and tackled him to the grass before calling police. After taking the 19-year-old Waterford man into custody, police officers noticed a 17-year-old Waterford girl and a 15-year-old Waterford boy in a nearby vehicle. They were taken into custody. Damage has been reported on Embarcadero Street, Lockwood Drive, Birchwood, Clinton River Drive and Juneberry, as well as at the Heritage Park Apartments, according to police. The older two suspects were initially lodged in the Oakland County Jail pending a case review by the county Prosecutor’s Office, while the 15-yearold was released to a parent, also pending review, according to police. ❏

Man’s bike, tools stolen in separate incidents A resident of the Village Apartments in Wixom has lodged two larceny complaints over the span of several weeks. On March 23, the tenant, who resides in the 47900 block of Thornwood, told police that someone broke into the building’s storage units, including his own. Each unit sustained damage to the locks and brackets. During the incident, the complainant’s DeWalt drill and a tool box full of equipment was stolen, estimated at $450. Then on Sunday, April 1, an unknown perpetrator broke into the complainant’s 1997 Chevrolet van and stole items that included an $800 mountain bike. The victim observed the van’s sliding passenger door and window ajar.

West Bloomfield police have arrested a 48-year-old Detroit resident for allegedly carrying around a fake law enforcement officer ID and badge. Officers were called to a reported domestic dispute at a residence on Winchester in the early morning hours of Friday, April 6. When they arrived, they interviewed the man in question and, when asked for his ID, he reportedly presented his wallet which included a badge and an ID identifying him as a Michigan Court of Appeals enforcement officer. But, one of the officers on the scene previously had contact with the man and remembered his ID. The officer did some checking and determined the reported Court of Appeals enforcement officer ID was probably forged. Based on the prior knowledge and after making phone calls, it was determined that it was a false ID and badge and the man was arrested for illegally possessing/displaying a law enforcement badge and ID. The man was arraigned and his bond was set at $25,000 cash surety. His next court date is scheduled for Monday, April 23. ❏

Suspect took alcohol, other items from Meijer Wixom police arrested a suspect who allegedly stole merchandise from the Meijer store located at 44900 Grand River on Wednesday, April 4. According to police reports, Meijer loss prevention officers observed a black male wearing dark clothing take two bottles of liquor from a shelf and conceal them in a bag before taking some items from the toiletries aisle. He then reportedly left the store without paying for the merchandise. Loss prevention officers stopped the man and, although he dropped the bag of stolen items once confronted, he refused to be escorted to the loss prevention office and instead fled the store. Wixom police were told to be on the lookout for the suspect and observed him walking along Grand Oaks next to Meijer. He was lodged and later released after being issued a citation for thirddegree retail fraud. ❏

PAGE 16

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

WEST OAKLAND’S

N E W S W E E K LY

Multi-Lakes Conservation Club Announces:

Veterans Memorial Project

IS NOW ON

Multi-Lakes invites the community to participate in an exciting new project…a new Veterans Memorial. By purchasing a brick paver you can honor our veterans…past, present and future…and at the same time leave a lasting memory that you will cherish for many years. Honor a Veteran, write a patriotic message, or honor your family and country by contributing. Located adjacent to the Multi-Lakes clubhouse in the flagpole area, the Veterans Memorial will be a five-sided obelisk bearing the five bronze service plaques honoring those who served in the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines, and Navy. This black granite base will support a life-sized bronze Fallen Soldier statue. Your pavers, incorporated into a pleasing patio, will surround the memorial. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to help preserve our freedom. You may pick up order forms at our clubhouse at 3860 Newton Rd., Commerce Twp. or visit our web page at www.multilakes.com

Bronze Sponsor Silver Sponsor Gold Sponsor

The Spinal Column Newsweekly is proud to announce our new Facebook page! There, you can receive breaking news directly from staff writers, discuss matters important to fellow lakes area residents and stay at the forefront of western Oakland County news. Simply search for “Spinal Column Newsweekly” on Facebook and add our page to participate.

AND

$60 $250 $500

4 x 8 paver (not available for businesses) 8 x 8 paver 12 x 12 paver

For more information call 248-210-3623

We’ve joined Twitter too! Stay connected to the Spinal Column Newsweekly, the premiere lakes area news source for over 50 years, at home or on the go. Follow @scnewsweekly to get breaking news from western Oakland County, as well as updates about stories you’ve read in the Spinal Column Newsweekly.

HAVERHILL FARM 2986 McKeachie Rd. White Lake

248-887-2027

Don’t get left with empty chairs! To advertise your camps, preschools or summer activities reserve your ad space today by calling 248-360-7355.

Have fun in our summer camp program. Ride for two hours a day and learn all about horse and stable management. Camp runs Monday - Friday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and we offer 5 two weeks sessions starting in June and going through August. Call today to request a registration form 248-887-2027 or visit our website for further information at www.Haverhillfarms.com LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU!

SPACES INTERIORS/EXTERIORS HOME IMPROVEMENT

Making the Difference for 37 Years

• UPSCALE editorial and advertising approach to home improvement and landscaping

Winner of the Governor’s Quality Care Award

• ADDED IMPACT on-line for 5 months on our website www.spinalcolumnonline.com

Part & Full day programs infant thru 6th grade SCIENCE CAMP

♦ 2 1/2 Years to 10 Years ♦ Experiments, Inventions, Field Trips ♦ Fine Arts Camp, Murals, Sculptures

• FULL-COLOR ads at no extra charge Promote your business by reaching homeowners in the affluent west Oakland County area with your advertisement in this informative issue.

COMING APRIL 25TH

INFANT & TODDLER

♦ 3 Months - 2 1/2 Years ♦ Nature Discovery Camp ♦ “Hands on” Art & Waterplay

All Teachers are Montessori Trained and Certified

Contact your advertising Sales Representative at 248.360.7355 to reserve your “SPACE” today! Space reservation deadline April 16, Copy deadline April 18. WEST

OAKLAND’S

NEWSWEEKLY

248-685-7600

www.milfordmontessorischool.com Open House April 22, 1 - 3pm

Family owned and local for over 52 years

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 17

STATE

Strong, Zrinyi file; 39th House race has six hopefuls By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

With just over a month left before the May 15 filing deadline, the race for the new 39th state House District seat is shaping up to be the largest in the area as a total of six candidates so far are seeking the Republican and Democratic parties’ nominations, with two more hopefuls making their intentions of running for the seat known. Regina Strong, a West Bloomfield Township Democrat, and Republican Kristine Zrinyi of Commerce Township both filed paperwork with the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Strong Deeds Elections Division late last month. Strong most recently sought office in 2010, when she challenged state Rep. Gail Haines (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield). Haines took 63 percent of the vote to Strong’s 33 percent. “It has a lot to do with what’s happening in our state,” Strong said of her decision to run again. “I’ve been really dismayed with all the money that’s been pulled away from the School Aid Fund, and I’m concerned about the way we’re trying to bring our state back, on the backs of the most vulnerable citizens of our state.” She is also concerned about declining revenues to communities. “I know we’re all cutting back, but it’s really starting to have a strong impact on our communities,” Strong said, noting that a campaign kick-off event was held recently. “I don’t want us to be concerned about (cutting) police, fire, and teachers.” On the Republican side, Klint Kesto of West Bloomfield, Nicholas Kennedy of Wixom, and Bubba Urdan of West Bloomfield have announced campaigns or filed to run for the seat. Democrat Pam Jackson, who ran for the state Senate in 2010, is also seeking her party’s nomination. The new 39th state House District includes Commerce, Wolverine Lake, Wixom, and western West Bloomfield. State representatives serve twoyear terms and are currently paid $71,685 annually. A message left with Zrinyi was not returned prior to press time. ❏

In light of reports that some employers, both in the public and private sector, are requiring employees or potential employees to provide them with their personal social media account log-in information for websites like Facebook and Twitter, some Republicans in the state Legislature are calling for a ban on the practice that some are deeming an invasion of personal privacy. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Keeping private info private GOP to employers: Stop asking for social media log-ins

By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

ser name and password, please. That’s what many Facebook members, and members of other social networking sites, are reportedly hearing these days from employers, potential employers, and even institutions of higher education — and a trio of state lawmakers want them to stop the practice that has caused consternation on a national level. State Rep. Aric Nesbitt (RLawton) is one of them. His House Bill (HB) 5523 — which would ban employers and educational institutions from requesting access information associated with a person’s social networking account — was introduced last month and now sits in the state House Energy and Technology Committee, where it awaits a hearing. “While our technological advances are beneficial, we must ensure that our laws protecting pri-

vate information advance, as well. Social networking sites allow individuals to distinguish between public and private information. Employers and educational institutions should respect that distinction,” he said. “People have the right to share certain parts of their lives with the public, while sharing other parts with only friends and family. Why should privacy barriers be eliminated due to technological advancements? They shouldn’t.” Nesbitt said earlier this week that he’s trying to push for a hearing in the House Energy and Technology Committee and that he “hasn’t seen any opposition” to the bill yet. The proposal would also prohibit employers from firing or failing to hire someone, or educational institutions from discharging, disciplining, failing to admit, or otherwise discriminating against a student or prospective student for refusal to provide their log-in information to their personal accounts on sites

such as Facebook and Twitter. State Rep. Eileen Kowall (R-White Lake, Highland) serves on the House Energy and Technology Committee. She agreed that Nesbitt’s proposal, which is co-sponsored by state Rep. Kenneth Horn (R-Byron Center), chair of that committee, has merit. Kowall said she put in a request to the Legislative Services Bureau for a similar bill. “I completely agree (with the legislation),” she said. “I don’t think employers have (the right to that information). You have your privacy and employers have no right to that.” However, she also said there needs to be “some kind of repercussions” for someone posting information that could be considered “libel” on Facebook or Twitter about their employer. A representative for the Michigan Chamber of Commerce could not be reached for comment on the legislation prior to press time. ❏

PAGE 18

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

EDUCATION

‘The Music Man’ to entertain crowds later this month By Angela Niemi staff writer

Walled Lake Central High School’s production of “The Music Man” will be coming to town for the last two weekends in April. Walled Lake Central students will be performing at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 20 and Saturdays, April 21 and 27. Performances beginning at 2 p.m. will take place on April 21, Sunday, April 22, and Sunday, April 28. The musical is about a man, Harold Hill, who poses as a boys’ band organizer and leader. He cons naive townsfolk into buying band instruments and uniforms and then leaves town with all the cash. However, that changes in River City, Iowa, when he meets librarian and piano teacher Marian Paroo. Although Marian sees Hill for the con man he is, her feelings change for him after he helps her younger brother. This is the impetus for Hill and Marian falling in love, which leads to further complications as Hill risks being caught for his cons. The musical was written by Meredith Wilson and Franklin Lacey, with Wilson also doing the music and lyrics. It also inspired the 1962 film “The Music Man.” The musical features popular songs such as “Seventy-six Trombones,” “Iowa Stubborn,” and “Till There Was You.” Tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for students and senior citizens. They can be purchased at www.wlctickets.com or by calling the Ticket Hot Line at 248-956-4980. ❏

Western joins elite group offering IB diploma By Angela Niemi staff writer

Walled Lake Western High School has joined the ranks of more than 760 high schools in the U.S. offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme — a feat district officials met with fanfare considering that there are over 18,000 high schools in the nation. Western received its official authorization to be an IB World School on Thursday, March 29.

As part of National Reading Month, state Sen. Mike Kowall (R-Commerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield) read to first-grade students at Gretchko Elementary School in West Bloomfield Township last month. Other lawmakers from across west Oakland County also took part in National Reading Month by visiting area schools. (Photo from Kowall’s Facebook page)

“We are elated and proud of Mr. Joseph Bell, Western High School principal; Dr. Ami Friedman, IB coordinator; and the entire staff and Western High School community for their commitment and dedication to offering the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program to our students beginning in the fall of 2012,” said Superintendent Kenneth Gutman. The IB Diploma Programme is geared toward students between 16- and 19-years-old. It is a twoyear educational program that provides internationally-accepted qualification for entry into higher education. It is a diploma that is recognized world-wide by universities. The program requires students to study six courses at higher or standard level. Five of the subjects that are chosen incorporate languages, social studies, experimental sciences, and mathematics. The sixth subject may be in the area of the arts or an additional subject from those categories previously listed. Three core requirements of the program — the extended essay; a theory of knowledge course; and creativity, action, and service activities in an environment beyond the

classroom — are also included to “broaden the educational experience and challenge students to apply their knowledge and understanding,” according to the IB Diploma Program website. “I am very appreciative of Dr. Ami Friedman for her hard work and perseverance which has gone into meeting every milestone along the way of this two-year journey, keeping staff motivated and informed and getting families and students involved in this significant curricular improvement at Western High School,” Bell said. In order to be eligible for the IB Diploma Programme, the student must have the correct prequisites and be a registered student at Western. Currently, 126 current 10thgraders are signed up for the full IB Diploma Programme, while 103 current juniors are signed up for IB courses. Openings are limited by building capacity. For more information click on the IB Diploma Programme under the Academic tab on the district’s website at www.wlcsd.org. ❏

WB district may privatize two kinds of services By Michael Shelton staff writer

A decision by the West Bloomfield Schools Board of Education to investigate possibly turning the district’s custodial and transportation services over to the private sector has some district employees and parents concerned. This comes after the board at its Feb. 27 meeting unanimously approved a resolution to seek proposals for custodial and transportation services. “It’s entirely a financial issue. We have to continue to explore ways of saving money and we want to stay as far away from the classroom as possible,” said School Board President Bruce Tobin. “Many districts have found that privatization has been more economical than staffing by the district. There are some concerns, but those will be weighed against cost savings and hopefully these issues can PAGE 19 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 19

EDUCATION

Privatization ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 18

be addressed and resolved.” According to the minutes of the Feb. 27 school board meeting, board members indicated their chagrin at potential privatization, but that they consider it their duty to look into it. “The school board has not come to any decisions, it’s just investigating,” said board Treasurer Dr. Nelson Hersh. Trustee Matt Chase added that the district has made the “easy cuts” up until this point and that it has to look

at difficult decisions. School district employees and parents spoke out against privatization at the Feb. 27 meeting. The board was also presented with photos, letters, as well as a petition against privatization on Feb. 27. Comments against privatization continued at the board’s March 26 meeting, including those from Troy Beasley, president of the Waterford Schools teachers union. ““You get what you pay for — it may be cheap, but it’s an inferior service,” he said. ❏

Does your bathroom leave you out in the cold? The clear choice is Newmyer

44 years of a rock solid reputation For all your remodeling desires

248-669-3500

3081 Haggerty, Suite 1, Walled Lake, MI 48390

www.newmyer.com

A+ Rating with BBB www.bbb.org

PAGE 20

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

SCN

We Look At The Big Picture When It Comes To

PRESERVING YOUR JOINTS

Joint Commission Certificates of Distinction for Joint Replacement of the Knee & Hip

ASK A DMC PHYSICIAN ABOUT TREATMENT OPTIONS FOR JOINTS OF ALL AGES

Doing Nothing

Braces & Soft Goods

Rehabilitation Prevention & Lifestyle Changes

Medications/ Injections

Arthroscopic Surgery

Bone Resurfacing Surgery

When you are living with pain, you need to know that surgery is not always the best solution. At DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, our orthopedic specialists have the knowledge, resources and experience to help you make a confident decision about treatment alternatives designed to ease your pain. Through DMC's Joint Preservation Program, we provide comprehensive evaluations and targeted treatments for your specific needs. Individual plans for continuing care are developed in connection with DMC's state-of-the-art Sports Medicine Program to support and preserve your joints for years to come. Schedule Your Medical Evaluation Today - Call 1-888-DMC-2500 or Visit www.hvsh.org

Total Joint Replacement

always there. 1 William Carls Dr. Commerce, MI 48382

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 21

LOCAL MATTERS business notes awards ❐ The Michigan Barn Preservation Network (MBPN) awarded the Kensington Metropark Farm Center in Milford its Barn of the Year Award, in the category of non-profit agricultural or adaptive use, for its preservation of a 156-year-old barn used to house the farm’s Percheron draft horses. Three other barns located throughout the state were also recognized by the network in various categories. Built in 1856 on a private farm and dismantled and rebuilt at Kensington in 2001, the barn is recognized by the MBPN for its excellence in preservation and use as an educational tool. Serving the public through a variety of interpretive programs, the barn is used to demonstrate the importance of farms in today’s world, and highlight the deep agricultural history of the state.

benefits ❐ The American Business Women’s Association (ABWA) and the Vietnam Veterans of America invite you to an afternoon at the races. Join them for their Derby Dinner from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, May 6, at the Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club at 4770 Waterford Road in Clarkston. This is a fund-raiser with proceeds to benefit education funds. The afternoon will include a fabulous buffet dinner, beverages, cash bar, video horse race, music, race day prices, 50/50 raffle, silent auction and prize for the best Derby hat. A donation of $35 will cover admission for the buffet. Both the Tipacon and Great Oakland Chapters of the ABWA and Oakland County Chapter No. 133 of the Vietnam Veterans are sponsoring the event. The ABWA is asking for your support by donating a door prize or by donating financially to this worthy cause. Some donations already received include gifts from the Detroit Book Cadillac Hotel, The Henry Ford Hospital, Walgreen’s, Farmington Hills Liquor, Motor City Casino, Better Made Potato Chips, Brass Point Restaurant, Up Town Parthenon Restaurant, Computer Works, and numerous other businesses in Oakland County, including several jewelry stores. Those interested in attending should send a check for $35 for the dinner to Tammy Murray, 31895 Merton Drive in Farmington Hills, MI, 483334. For more information, call 248-417-7197. ❐ Skybox Sports Grill in Highland

Children enjoy the outdoors on Saturday, March 31 at Duck Lake Pines Park in Highland Township as part of the 10th annual Huron Valley Easter Egg Hunt, which is put on by Highland Township and the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce. Sponsors of the event included Genisys Credit Union and Hines Park Ford, and Garden Path Landscaping and Peter’s True Value also helped the event go off without a hitch, according to chamber representatives. (Photo by Peter Barnes)

chamber notes

is sponsoring a cancer benefit for Patricia Holland, who was diagnosed with Stage 3 throat cancer and does not have insurance. The event will be held on Saturday, April 21, at 2825 E. Highland Road. For more information, call the Skybox at 248-889-7591

weekly agenda ❐ The Inn at Cass Lake, an independendent retirement living community located at 900 N. Cass Lake Road in Waterford, will be offering the following events to area nurses and social workers: Jazzy Pancakes — pancakes and a full brunch buffet accompanied by a professional jazz duo will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 15; McLaren Homecare Group seminar — “End of Life: Communication In-Service” discussing the importance of communication at the end of life, noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 18; and Omelets & Waffles — join them for a Saturday buffet with chef-prepared specialties, 12:30 p.m. Saturday, April 28. Please R.S.V.P. by calling 248-6818229.

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.

❐ 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: • Off the Clock Connect, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Thursday, April 12, Duke’s of Highland, 1200 S. Milford Road, Highland. • The Coffee Club, 8 to 9 a.m., April 20, Holiday Inn Express Wixom, 48953 Alpha Drive, Wixom. • Chamber Challenge Networking Mixer, 5:30 p.m., April 24, Billy’s Tip ‘N’ Inn, 6707 Highland Road, White Lake. Appetizers provided, cash bar. Join us for this multi-chamber mixer. It’s the Huron Valley Chamber vs. the Lakes Area Chamber. Let’s see which chamber has the most enthusiastic members. Reservations required. 248685-7129. • Administrative Professionals Luncheon, noon to 2 p.m., April 25, at Cinco Lagos, 424 N. Main Street, Milford. Fashion Show by The Clothing Cove & Up Town Threads. Cost: PAGE 23 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

PAGE 22

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

OUR SALE PRICES ARE GOOD APRIL 9 - 22, 2012

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

DOUBLE COUPONS UP TO 50¢ - SEE STORE FOR DETAILS www.hillers.com

GRILLING WEATHER IS BACK!

Michigan Owned & Operated

Emeril’s All Natural Pasta Sauce

Hiller’s Quality Guaranteed

$ 99

25-Oz Jar Assorted Varieties

PER POUND

Fresh Boneless/ Skinless Chicken Breast Hormone and Gluten Free - In Our Fresh Meat Case 59-Oz Tropicana

ASSORTED VARIETIES

Pure Premium Orange Juice

10 10

ALL VARIETIES INCLUDING ORGANIC

Washington Extra Fancy Apples Mix Or Match Your Favorites

POUND

FOR

10.4 TO 17.4-OZ CEREALS 6.7 TO 9-OZ CRACKERS/BARS

FOR

2 6 FOR

12 To 16-Oz Box Select Varieties

2 5 10 10 $

Dannon Oikos, Activia Selects Parfait Or Greek Yogurt 5.3 To 6-Oz

Prince Pasta Sale

Save $2.00 When You Buy Four REGULAR RETAIL 4/$12

YOUR FINAL COST...

4 10 $

FOR

SELECT VARIETIES, SEE STORE FOR DETAILS - MUST BUY 4 TO GET $2.00 SAVINGS

Healthy Seafood - Healthy Living

Atlantic Salmon Fillets

FARM RAISED TRUE NORTH

$ 99

FARM RAISED

Norwegian Salmon Fillets

$ 99

PER POUND

GREAT FOR

PER POUND

Rich in omega3 fatty acids & antioxidants, low in saturated fat & high in GRILLING protein.

LOCATED AT 3010 UNION LAKE ROAD - IN COMMERCE TOWNSHIP

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 23

LOCAL MATTERS

Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 21

$20/person. Reservations required. Contact the HVCC at 248-685-7129. Menu: chips and salsa; Cuban black bean soup; green chicken enchiladas; rice and beans; and tres leches cake with fresh raspberries. • Business 2 Business Expo. Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce and LaFontaine Automotive invite you to participate in the “Business 2 Business Expo” that will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, May 10, at LaFontaine Automotive, 4000 W. Highland Road, Highland. Designed to help you reach out to more of your potential clients and customers, the cost is only $50 for Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce members and Highland-White Lake Business Association (HWLBA) members to participate; $75 for non-chamber members. WDIV-Channel 4 will be doing a live broadcast during the event to promote it, on-site free bone marrow testing, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced that the following businesses have joined its membership ranks:

• Raven Loon Communications (Marketing/Public Relations), Joan Witte, P.O. Box 994, Walled Lake, Mich. 48390. joanwitte@theravenloon.com, ravenloon.com. Phone, 734-646-0038. • McDonald’s, Milford (Restaurant), Mark Phau, 120 S. Milford Road, Milford, Mich. 48381. mark.pfau@partners.mcd.com, mcstate.com/5084. Phone, 248-676-2450, 248-842-6716. Fax, 248-366-7623. • South Town Market (Retail/ Grocery), Lisa Detkowski, 211 S. Main Street, Milford, Mich. 48381. lisad@theplumdoorstore.com, southtownmarket.com. Phone, 248-7145503. ❐ 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: • Spotlight Lunch, 11:30 a.m. April 19, Ronnie’s Jewelers, 7716 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford. Join us for an informal networking lunch. • Ambassadors Meeting, 9:15 a.m. April 27, chamber offices, 305 N. Pontiac Trail, Suite A, Walled Lake. • The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce’s Spring Golf Scramble will be

Hire a local company with 20 years experience, that provides the Best Warranties in the Industry.

“We will be Your Best BottomLine Value Guaranteed!”

“We Make Your Dreams Come True!” www.squealslandscaping.com

4184 Pioneer Drive Commerce Township, MI NOT A LAWN SERVICE

Free landscape consultation by experienced landscape designers.

248.360.7000 248.360.7000

BRICK DRIVEWAYS, PATIOS & WALKWAYS Starting at $8.99 per sq. ft. • Done in 1-2 Days We Specialize In: Residential, New Landscapes & Re-Landscaping with Designs, Construction & Installation • Brick Pavers • Retaining Walls • Trees, Bushes, Shrubs, Sod • Boulders • Trucking & Excavating • Dirt & Mulch

300 Off $300 Off $200 Off

Any Landscape Project over $3,500

Any Brick Driveway (1,200 sq. ft. Minimum)* - Submit Coupon After Written Estimate for True Discount

- Submit Coupon After Written Estimate for True Discount

*Not valid with other offers. Coupon cannot be combined

Expires 5/15/12

Any Brick Paver Patio or Walkway (600 sq. ft. Minimum)*

Expires 5/15/12

Doling out honors Chamber awards dinner on April 24

By Michael Shelton staff writer

he Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce will be holding its sixth annual Awards Dinner on Tuesday, April 24 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Planterra Conservatory, located at 7315 Drake Road in the township. Reservations are still being accepted, with tickets priced at $125 each or $1,000 for a table of eight. The registration deadline is Monday, April 16. The Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce consists of more than 200 members throughout the region and serves businesses in West Bloomfield, Sylvan Lake, Keego Harbor and Orchard Lake Village. Among the honorees at this year’s dinner will be outgoing West Bloomfield Schools Superintendent Dr. JoAnn Andrees, who will be presented with the Community Excellence Award for Education. She announced in January that she will retire from her post at the end of the current school year, on June 30. Also being honored are Martin Manna, executive director of the held on May 14 at Edgewood Country Club, located at 8399 Commerce Road in Commerce Township. Sponsorship reservations ranging in price from $100 to $1,000 for this event are now being taken. For more information, call the chamber at 248-624-2826 or e-mail info@lakesareachamber.com. The deadline is May 11. ❐ 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: • Business After Hours Mixer, 5 p.m. April 19, Irish Tavern, 4703 Elizabeth Lake Road, Waterford. Join us for appetizers, cash bar, and lots of networking. Ten-dollar advanced member reservations; $15 at the door and for nonmembers. Register at waterfordchamber.org or call 248-666-8600. • CA$H MOB. The next Cash Mob event will be held on April 24 at 9 a.m. at Imperial Car Wash. The car wash is located at 521 Elizabeth Lake Road. Show your support and meet at the Macy’s Parking lot across the street. This only takes a few minutes of your time and a CAR WASH is a simple

Chaldean-American Chamber of Commerce, with the Businessperson of the Year award; and Jason Miller of Access Computer Technology with the Young Entrepreneur of the Year award. Businesses and organizations being honored include the Beaumont Health System with the Community Excellence Award for Health and Fitness; and The Berman Center for the Performing Arts at the Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit with the Community Excellence Award for Arts and Culture. To register for the dinner, call the chamber office at 248-626-3636 or register online by visiting westbloomfieldchamber.com. The president of the West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce is Steve Tapper. In addition to working with businesses, the chamber puts on a wide range of events in the township, including Art in Bloom, a Grub Crawl, the Chamber Business Network, a Lunch ‘N Speaker series, Business Card Exchange Mixers, and the chamber’s annual awards dinner. ❏ necessity. • Luncheon at Outback, 11:30 a.m. April 26, 6435 Dixie, Clarkston. Katrina Campau with Dynamsis will present “Top 10 Things To Do In ‘12.” Register at waterfordchamber.org or call 248666-8600. • Perking Up Networking, 8 a.m. May 1, Poor Boy Choppers, 4763 Dixie Highway in Waterford. Networking and continental breakfast. Ten-dollar advance registration for members; $15 at the door and for non-members. Register at http://bit.ly/dDg0p0 • Business Person of the Year, last call for nominations. Submit your nomination today. The award will be presented at the Waterford Recognition Breakfast on Thursday, May 10, at Oakland Community College (OCC). The Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Waterford Township is proud to recognize our members who have demonstrated excellence in their business or profession and commitment to the business community. Email, info@waterfordchamber.org; mail, Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce, 2309 Airport Road, Waterford, Mich. 48327; Fax, 248-666-3325.

PAGE 24

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

WEEKENDS AND HOLIDAYS 18 9 Before 12 Noon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$59 . . .$37 After 12 Noon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$44 . . .$27 WEEKDAYS 18 9 All Day. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $44 . . .$27

Bay Pointe Golf Club 4001 Haggerty Road West Bloomfield, MI 48323

248-360-0603

SENIOR/JUNIOR 18 9 Weekend & Holiday . . . . . . . . . . .$37 . . .$20 After 12 Noon Weekdays Before 12 Noon . . . . . .$30 . . .$20

Visit us at www.baypointegolfcourse.com for specials

*Prices include Range Balls to warm up prior to golf and usage of golf cart. *Prices are noted using golf cart or walking. *90 degree usage off cart path applies unless restrictions apply, check with Pro Shop for daily restrictions.

Faulkwood Shores Golf Club 300 S. Hughes Rd., Howell www.faulkwoodshoresgolf.com

Call for tee times

517-546-4180

Must have coupon Exp. 5/31/12

Weekends: 18 holes with cart $22.00 Weekdays: 18 holes with cart $15.00 Sat./Sun. Twilight: After 2 p.m. $15.00 incl. cart Weekday Twilight: After 6 p.m. $10.00 incl. cart

EXCITING NEW MENU! Hunters Ridge Golf Course 8101 Byron Road Howell, MI 48855

517-545-GOLF (4653)

Weekday Rates $25 per person Weekend Rates $35 per person Seniors, Ages 50+ Mon.-Fri., $20 per person 18 holes with cart • 4 1/2 STAR rated by Golf Digest

Ironwood Golf Club 6902 Highland Road Howell, MI 48843

517-546-3211 DRIVING RANGE GROUP & PRIVATE LESSONS Start a Golf League - 8 or more - 18 weeks ONLY $250.00 Monday - Friday

9 holes, par 35 (3 extra complimentary holes) 8295 Wise Road #10 - 120 yds • #11 - 320 yds. • #12 - 138 yds. Commerce Twp. MIX AND MATCH Corner of Wise Rd. & Union Lk. Rd. Different 9 every week

Union Lake Golf Course

248-363-4666

Centrally located • SAVE on Gas! www.unionlakegolfcourse.com

FULL BAR AND RESTAURANT Call from the 8th hole for a hot & ready lunch at the turn Located 2 miles west of US-23 on M-59 www.golfironwood.com

Promote your golf course in the monthly

Golf Guide Page

Appearing the second Wednesday of each month in the Spinal Column Newsweekly. Your message will reach 125,000 readers during June in a reasonably priced four-color promotion.

Phone 248.360.7355 for further information.

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 25

TRANSPORTATION

Commerce Road rehab work starts Monday, April 16 By Leslie Shepard staff writer

A new road construction project in Commerce Township is expected to cause traffic delays for west Oakland County motorists. The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) will begin a reconstruction project involving 1.74 miles of Commerce Road between Carroll Lake and Union Lake roads on Monday, April 16. In addition to reconstructing that stretch of roadway, the project includes traffic signal upgrades and drainage improvements. “They will be pouring mixed asphalt, along with milling down and completely removing the pavement where the base is bad,” said RCOC Spokesperson Craig Bryson. “They will also be putting in concrete curbs, gutters, pedestrian cross ramps complaint with ADA (Americans with Disability Act) guidelines, and guard rail upgrades.”

The road will be closed temporarily during the project, but closure dates have not yet been identified. Once the project starts, motorists should expect traffic delays. The project is expected to cost $2.6 million, of which $1.7 million will be paid for with federal dollars. The remainder will be shared between the RCOC and Commerce Township. The project is expected to be completed by Sept. 1. In addition, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) is continuing work on a series of bridge reconstruction projects located in the general vicinity of I-96 east of Milford Road, just west of Kent Lake Road. Each project impacts the bridge on I-96 over Milford Road and is a continuation of one that began last July. By carrying out the project in phases, motorists will not be required to seek an alternative route. Currently half of the bridge over Milford Road has been demolished and an I-96 traffic shift at both Milford and Kent Lake roads is in place. One lane in each direction of Milford Road will be open to traffic during the project. ❏

(Cruise departs from Barcelona to France, Italy and Spain)

50 YEARS AGO April 12, 1962 Both school and district competition for the annual Spring Forensics Contest has been completed in Waterford, Waterford Kettering, and Walled Lake high schools. School contests produced these winners at Waterford Kettering: Gloria Griffith and Dick Sies, declamation; Brad Carrier and Judy Gould, interpretation; Sue Jackson and Gail Ellsworth, humorous reading; Jeff Blain and Pam Botoff, oratory; and Cynthia Kruchko and Jerry John, extempore. At Waterford Township High School, winners were Deborah Burns, declamation; John Odneal, oratory; Barbara Carrick and Sherry Vannoth, humorous; Mary Bormingham and Andrea Hayden, interpretation; and Frank Guiles and Barbara Nacowsky, extempore. From these were two district winners — Deborah Burns took first-place in declamation ... and Andrea Hayden took second-place in interpretive. School winners from Walled Lake Senior High School were Gale Murray and Kathy Cosgrove, interpretive; Pat Lysinger and Gayle Lahti, humorous reading; Tom Tucker, oratory; Linda Board and Jim Wright, declamation; and Sandra Dunckley and Paula Podwys, extempore. In district competition, Gale Murray won first-place in interpretive ... and Pat Lysinger took second-place in the humorous reading division. 40 YEARS AGO April 12, 1972 Gary and Oril Ann Perkins and their two children ... recently lost everything they owned in a fire, but found a whole community of friends as a result. Their home, at 1479 Bathgate, Union Lake, was destroyed Thursday, Feb. 3. White Lake Supervisor James Reid was on the scene before the smoke cleared away with an emergency check from the White Lake Township United Fund. The Union Lake Jaycees were quick to respond with a check, while the Waterford Jaycees came through with clothing and household items. Their neighbors had seen Mrs. Perkins' purse burned beyond salvage and brought her a new one with a sizable check in it. The neighborhood children enclosed a $10 check for the

Perkins children to help replace their toys. 30 YEARS AGO April 14, 1982 Although school officials and police are refusing to discuss the alleged embezzlement of thousands of dollars in public funds by former Walled Lake Schools food service director Wayne E. Daniels, an investigation by the Spinal Column Newsweekly shows the embezzlement involved the purchase and return of equipment to a school vendor, who then made financial reimbursements directly to Daniels. Walled Lake School District sources and official school records indicate the pending case against Daniels will allege an intricate "shell and pea game" involving the former administrator ordering electronic cash registers ..., having the district pay for the equipment, and then eventually returning some of the machines for a refund ... 20 YEARS AGO April 15, 1992 A West Bloomfield man was shot in the arm after a traffic argument on Pontiac Trail in Orchard Lake Village Saturday night. The victim, after sustaining a glazing wound to his arm, drove himself to Huron Valley Hospital ... according to Orchard Lake Village Police Chief David King. The victim passed a couple of men on Pontiac Trail west of Old Orchard Trail just past midnight Sunday, April 12, according to King. The offender driving an older model burgundy van sped up, passed the victim and slowed down. The victim passed again and the offender pulled up along the left side of the victim's car, shooting through the back window. The victim was not able to ID the two men, King said.

Headlines of the Past

– A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly –

PAGE 26

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY RESOURCE RECOVERY AND RECYCLING AUTHORITY OF SOUTHWEST OAKLAND COUNTY (RRRASOC) NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Resource Recovery and Recycling Authority of Southwest Oakland County (RRRASOC), a public authority and body corporate, shall hold a public hearing on its proposed budget for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2012 on Thursday, April 26th, 2012, at 9:30 a.m. at the Authority, 20000 W. Eight Mile Road, Southfield, Michigan, 48075. A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection during regular business hours at the office of the Authority, 20000 W. 8 Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075. This notice is given on behalf of the Board of Trustees of the Authority pursuant to the provisions of Act 43, Public Acts of Michigan, 1963 (Second Extra Session).

S.C. 4-11-12

MICHAEL J. CSAPO General Manager

We’ve Gone

DIGITAL! If you’d like to receive our full edition in your email box, send your request to: signmeup@thescngroup.com

WHAT LURKS IN YOUR SWIMMING AREA? www.oaklandlakefront.com

VFW Post 4156 321 Union Lake Rd. White Lake, MI 48326 248-698-8302

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC ALL YOU CAN EAT

FISH FRY

Fridays 5 – 8 p.m.

$8 Adults • Senior Discount

BINGO

Thursday & Sunday • 6:15 p.m.

HALL RENTAL AVAILABLE

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 27

ENVIRONMENT

DNR trying to resolve trespass, encroachment By Angela Niemi staff writer

The state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has unveiled a new Encroachment Resolution Initiative (ERI) as a way for the department to work with property owners who are trespassing or encroaching on DNRheld public land. The DNR manages more than 4.5 million acres of public land available for recreational purposes, such as hunting, fishing, and camping. There are three state recreation areas in west Oakland County. The Highland Recreation Area in Highland and White Lake townships boasts of approximately 5,900 acres, while the Proud Lake Recreation area in Milford and Commerce townships has about 4,700 acres. In Waterford and White Lake townships, the Pontiac Lake Recreation Area covers 3,745 acres. According to the DNR, there have been encroachments on public land across the state for decades which

have impeded the DNR’s ability to properly manage, protect, and maintain the land. The ERI will be a way for the DNR to deal with the issue and help restore public land to its rightful owners in “a real, workable solution,” according to DNR Director Rodney Stokes. “I asked our staff to come up with a creative, customer-focused way of resolving some of our most difficult encroachment situations,” he said. “It will help us appropriately document public land ownership and resolve those trespass cases that tie up substantial staff time and resources and make land-management issues more challenging for the state.” Under the ERI, the DNR will notify owners of all known encroachments of the process to obtain the land being encroached upon between May 1 and Dec. 31. Encroachments range from structural trespasses (entire barns, garages, or homes or portions of structures built on public land) to non-structural trespasses (signs, gardens, fencing), and historic trespasses (pre-1973). If a property owner can show that his or her encroachment was in place

lake levels LAKE LEVELS Following are the lake level readings for lakes and rivers across the western Oakland lakes area, as compiled by Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John P. McCulloch’s office. Legal levels are denoted by elevation in feet from sea level; current levels are denoted as plus or minus the legal in hundredths of feet. River depths are measures from the river bottom, at point of measurement. WATERWAYS Cass Cedar Island Commerce Dawson Mill Pond Duck Fox Huron River Long Loon* Maceday-Lotus Middle & Lower Straits Mohawk Oakland-Woodhull Orchard Oxbow Pontiac Shawood-Walled Lake Schoolhouse Scott Sylvan-Otter Union Upper Straits Watkins White Williams

LEGAL LEVEL 927.87 933.50 906.30 927.25 1016.13 929.50 1.08 932.50 948.80 966.20 930.40 948.80 957.00 930.20 942.00 962.83 932.10 948.80 951.00 927.25 926.66 930.80 949.50 1018.60 964.92

3/23/12 +.89 +.30 +.85 +.65 –.03 +.89 +.64 +.22 +.48 +.20 –.02 +.85 +.46 +.22 +.66 –.05 +1.00 +.83 –1.00 +.75 +.32 +.38 +.05 +.50 +.09

3/30/12 +.86 +.24 +.82 +.95 +.37 +.73 +.42 +.20 +.67 +.20 Legal +.55 +.47 +.17 +.48 +.01 +1.05 +.55 –1.00 +.98 +.27 +.32 +.02 +.40 +.09

*Reading for Loon Lake, in Waterford Township, also applies to Mohawk–Wormer Schoolhouse, Silver and Upper Silver Lakes.

4/6/12 +1.16 +.48 +.82 +.97 –.07 +.22 +.36 +.23 +.14 –.20 –.19 +.25 –.05 +.13 –.16 +.22 +.30 +.20 –1.05 +1.03 –.24 +.37 –.49 –.08 –.43

prior to March 1, 1973, the DNR property will be transferred to the property owner after a new property survey is completed and new boundaries are established. Structural encroachments that have occurred after March 1, 1973 will be resolved through land sales. Meanwhile, individuals with nonstructural encroachments, such as fences, gardens, sheds or other nonpermanent structures, will need to remove the items if these structures were placed on public land after March 1, 1973. From May to December, no penalties will be given to the owner of the historical or structural encroachments; however, after the application period closes on Dec. 31, 2012, any existing or new cases of encroachment that were not brought forward will be dealt with through DNR encroachment and enforcement procedures. “We sincerely hope that anyone currently encroaching on public land will take advantage of this opportunity to resolve trespass situations,” Stokes said. “Public land is intended to be just that — land available for the use and enjoyment of the public. Such encroachments reduce everyone’s ability to enjoy the state’s natural resources that should be freely accessible to residents and visitors alike.” Throughout the ERI time period, property owners who believe that they are encroaching on state-owned land, but were not notified by the DNR may make application to the DNR to resolve their trespass. Others with property adjacent to public land who are unsure whether they are encroaching on public land can go on the DNR website at www.michigan.gov/dnrencroachment to determine if they are trespassing. ❏

Not just oil, Pennzoil.™

1679 E. West Maple Rd. Walled Lake, MI 48390 West of Decker Road

OUR FULL SERVICE OIL CHANGE INCLUDES: •Change oil & filter •Check all fluid levels •Check all gear boxes •Grease fittings & spray hinges •Check air filter, PCV valve & belts •Set tire pressure & wash windshield •Provide Complete Service Review

Serving You Since 1982

248-669-6980 Monday-Friday 8:30-6:00• Saturday 8:30-5:00

ACCEPTING NEW FLEET ACCOUNTS

HRWC, FOTR will hold volunteer events April 21 By Angela Niemi staff writer

The Huron River Watershed Council (HRWC) is looking for volunteers for its annual River Roundup on Saturday, April 21. The event allows volunteers to see a wide variety of aquatic insects, crayfish, and snails that make up the bottom of the Huron River food chain. The presence or absence of these aquatic invertebrates reflects the quality of both the water and habitat of the river. Trained volunteer collectors supervise the hunts at two stream sites. Volunteers help search for bugs by searching through stones, leaves, and sediment. Pre-registration for the event closes on Monday, April 16. Volunteers will meet in Ann Arbor before car pooling to streams in Livingston, Oakland, Wayne, and Washtenaw counties. Two times are available to volunteer: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. More information can be found at www.hrwc.org. The Friends of the Rouge (FOTR) will also be holding its annual Spring Bug Hunt on April 21. The FOTR uses all the data collected to track changes in river quality over time. The event begins at 9 a.m. at the University of Michigan-Dearborn’s Environmental Interpretive Center. Volunteers will be divided into teams of four to eight people and will travel to two sites to search for aquatic invertebrates. Volunteers were asked to pre-register for the event, with registration closing on Friday, April 6. ❏

Full Service Oil Change

Full Service

Gold Oil Change

Shell Conventional for $19.99

Pennzoil Synthetic Blend for $29.99

OFF

Regularly $28.99

• No Appointment Necessary

• Warranty Approved • Up to 5 Quarts of Oil • Not to be combined with any other offer • With coupon - Expires 5/11/12

SC-9-041112

Regularly $38.99

• No Appointment Necessary • Warranty Approved • Up to 5 Quarts of Oil • Not to be combined with any other offer • With coupon - Expires 5/11/12

SC-7-041112

PAGE 28

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 29

COUNTY

Dems assail GOP’s district map as ‘gerrymandered’ By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

The waters are far from calm in the Oakland County redistricting process now that Republicans and Democrats have each unveiled their proposed district maps for the county Board of Commissioners. Approval of new district boundaries is expected at the Board of Commissioners meeting on Friday, April 13, now that the 25-member board’s Oversight Committee has recommended approval of the GOP’s proposed district lines. Serving on the Oversight Committee are Board of Commissioners Chairman Mike Gingell (R-Lake Orion) and Commissioners Shelley Taub (ROrchard Lake), Jeff Matis (RRochester), and Dave Woodward (DRoyal Oak). Democrats were quick to fire back at the proposed lines Republicans drew, calling them “gerrymandered and illegal” — much as Republicans did when Democrats on the five-member Oakland County Reapportionment Commission approved in a 3-2 vote their proposed district lines last May. “Oakland County Republicans seem intent on adopting a gerrymandered and illegal plan for one reason — ensure another decade of Republican dominance in Oakland County,” said Woodward, who proposed the Democrats’ district lines this time around. “My Republican colleagues are recommending approval of a redistricting plan that is clearly in violation of state law, which directs us to choose the strongest plan.” Democrats said their plan has fewer cases of dividing communities into multiple district, features a lower population deviation, and more closely follows the federal Voting Rights Act. “I think the map that has been adopted (by the Oversight Committee) is compact, it has the appropriate amount of minority-majority districts, and it is within the deviation allowed in the guidelines of drawing a map,” Gingell said. “Outside of that, the comments that are coming out seem to be very politically-motivated.” The new effort to redraw the county board’s district lines is prompted by the state Supreme Court’s upholding the constitutionality of Public Act (PA) 280 of 2011, which gave the county Board of Commissioners, which is controlled by Republicans, authority over

Burns challenging Bullard

Clerk also says he’s seeking full term as OC elections chief By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

im Burns has his sights set on Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard, Jr.’s job. The Democrat from Clawson, who served on the county Board of Commissioners from 2007 to 2011, announced that he is looking for his party’s nomination in the Aug. 7 primary election to serve as the county’s top elections official. He said he had been considering another run for the county board when “all the Burns schenanigans happened with the redistricting,” prompting some to approach him about running for county clerk. “Some of the reasons people were

that process. A five-member panel controlled by Democrats — county Treasurer Andy Meisner, county Prosecutor Jessica Cooper, and county Democratic Party Chairman Frank Houston — approved new district lines in May 2011, much to the chagrin of county Republicans, who had up until then held a majority of seats on that state-mandated panel. After a series of court challenges — including one on the constitutionality of the Democrats’ approved district lines, and Democrats’ lawsuit over the legality of PA 280 — the end result is that county commissioners are drawing the districts. Democrats have not decided whether they will file a federal suit over PA 280, which was approved by the state Legislature late last year following objections from Houston and other Democrats that the law is merely an effort to keep Oakland County in Republican control, rather than a genuine effort to save the county $250,000 a year in commissioner salaries and benefits by reducing the county board from 25 to no more than 21 commissioners, as Republicans have argued since the enacting legislation was introduced. The Republicans’ new district map proposal divides up west Oakland County into the following districts: • District 2: Highland Township;

reaching out to me was because they were concerned that no strong (Democratic) candidate had really stepped up to take charge of the race,” he said. “In the past, the Democratic Party has not really run a strong candidate for county clerk, so I thought I’d be the first.” Burns said he has a reputation Bullard as being someone “who puts people before politics” Bullard, a former chairman of the Board of Commissioners and state lawmaker, was appointed to the job after the election of Ruth Johnson as Michigan Secretary of State in 2010. He announced his intentions to seek a full term as the county’s clerk/register of deeds on Monday, April 9. • District 4: A portion of Waterford Township; • District 5: Orchard Lake, and portions of West Bloomfield and Waterford townships; • District 6: White Lake and a portion of Waterford; • District 7: Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake, and portions of Commerce and West Bloomfield; • District 8: Milford, Wixom, and a portion of Commerce; • District 13: A portion of West Bloomfield; The Democrats’ map would divvy the lakes area into the following county board districts: • District 2: Highland and a portion

In his campaign announcement, Bullard highlighted what he’s done since he was appointed to the job. He said he has improved customer service, expanded innovation and ensured the integrity of the election process through a variety of initiatives he put into place in the last 15 months. “I look forward to a campaign on these and other issues. I think our record is a very strong one.” Burns is the first publicly to acknowledge that he is looking to replace Bullard, but Democratic sources have said several others — including state Reps. Lisa Brown (DWest Bloomfield, Commerce, Wolverine Lake) and Vicki Barnett (DFarmington Hills), as well as Commissioners Craig Covey (DFerndale) and Helaine Zack (DHuntington Woods) — are all possible candidates for the job that pays $138,999 per year. The county clerk/register of deeds serves a four-year term. ❏ of White Lake; • District 5: A portion of Waterford; • District 6: Walled Lake; • District 11: Portions of White Lake and Waterford; • District 12: A portion of West Bloomfield; • District 13: Milford, Wolverine Lake, and a portion of Commerce Township; • District 14: Wixom; and • District 15: Orchard Lake, a portion of West Bloomfield. The county board is expected to vote on the proposed map on Friday, at a meeting that begins at 9 a.m. in the Board of Commissioners Auditorium at 1200 N. Telegraph Road in Pontiac. ❏

Unforgettable Europe STARTS HERE Connect with the world’s most powerful travel search engine!

WE’LL SAVE YOU TIME & MONEY!

Double On Board Savings Books & Bottle of Wine Some restrictions apply. New bookings only. Expires 4/30/12

8101 Commerce Road, Commerce Twp. • 248.360.4940

Serving all your travel needs since 1973 • www.TravelLeaders.com/TravelPlus

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

BLACK

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

CEDAR

HARDWOOD

GOLD

NEED MULCH?

Outreach Center

Annual Meeting Wednesday, April 18, 6:30 pm

All of us at Open Door Outreach Center thank our generous donors for helping us help those in need in 2011.

1/2 OFF DELIVERY

Area’s Newest Flower Supplier

Within 12 Mile Radius (Minimum 5 Yards) Some restrictions apply. Cannot be combined w/ other coupons. Expires 5/11/12.

SC 4/11/12

SAME DAY DELIVERY

248-684-0332

We invite you to our Annual Meeting on Wednesday, April 18, 2012 at 6:30 pm.

M-59

2586 South Milford Road, Highland

OneStopLandscapeSupply.com

•Water Features •Large Variety of Fish •Pond & Garden Statuary •Installation & Service

7170 Cooley Lake Rd. • Waterford 48327

248-889-8400

PondPlace.com 3505 W. Highland Rd. (M-59), Milford, MI

1407 SKIPPER DRIVE • WATERFORD, MI 48327

248-618-0777

Lockwood of Waterford is located south of M-59, just west of Crescent Lake Rd. Near shopping, restaurants, entertainment and healthcare centers.

Mon.-Fri. 9 a.m.-5:00 p.m. • Sat. by appointment only

Enjoy the lifestyle that you deserve! Lockwood features: ✵ Professional & Caring Staff ✵ Professional Housekeeping Service ✵ Personal Laundry Service ✵ Award-Winning Activities Program ✵ Personal Linen Service ✵ 24-Hour On-Site Home Health Care Provider ✵ Lunch & Dinner Prepared by Certified Chef ✵ Transportation Provided

▲ N

1 mile S. of M-59

COME TOUR OVER 40 WATER FEATURE DISPLAYS

For info call: Sharon at 248-360-2930 or email: at opendoor4328@sbcglobal.net All proceeds benefit local families.

REDWOOD

S. Milford Rd.

PAGE 30

10% OFF ONE ITEM Some restrictions apply. Cannot be combined w/ other offers. Exp. 5/11/12

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

MAIL BAG

Thanks for support From Joell Beether, Laura Bolyard, Jennifer Barrett and Toni Hochstein, Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce: Kids of all ages enjoyed the 10th Annual Huron Valley Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 31 at Duck Lake Pines Park in Highland. Children filled the park, in spite of the windy weather, and enjoyed face painting, a visit with the Easter Bunny and the elusive quest for the most Easter eggs in their basket. Thanks to Mary McDonell and the Charter Township of Highland for partnering again with the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce and making this a terrific collaboration between the two community organizations in bringing a family-friendly event to the Huron Valley area. Presenting sponsors, Genisys Credit Union and Hines Park Ford, helped ensure a great time was had by all and we certainly appreciate their support of this great community event. Our thanks to White Lake Branch Manager, Linda Hanneman, and her credit union team for their help with the event. Steve Erdman and Janet Kramb of Hines Park Ford were also on site to lend a helping hand. Our special thanks goes out to John Parks of Garden Path Landscaping for creating a picturesque place for kids to visit with the rabbit and for parents to take some great looking photos. It was a bit windy and the tent provided by Peter’s True Value and the help of Peter Grebeck made it much more comfortable for everyone. The event continues to grow thanks to the generous support of the following businesses: Advance Concrete Products Co., The Bradley Company & Jo Ann Brandon, Buffalo Wild Wings, Colasanti’s, Discover Preschool, Friends Preschool — Kindergarten, Garden Path Landscaping, Genisys Credit Union, Great Lakes Renovations, Highland Station Orthodontics and Dr. Stephen Hershey, Hines Park Ford, Hi-

PAGE 31

You Could Win 4 FREE Tickets

Tech Heating & Cooling, The Kemp Law Firm, Kids in Motion Pediatric Therapy Service, LaFontaine Automotive, Milford Farmers’ Market, Milford Township Clerk Holly Brandt, Oak Pointe Church — Milford, Peter’s True Value, Pomodoro Fresh Italian, Renewal by Andersen, Rodnick Chiropractic Life Center, Suburban Dental Care and Veterinary Care Specialists. And of course, the volunteers who make it all happen! We thank you for joining us on this blustery day to make sure the kids had a great time. Our sincere thanks to: Pat and Doyle Carter, Rachel Barrett, Hannah McKolay, Gayle Olsen, Don Green, Bob Husic, Anna Husic, Judy Cooper, Pam Terry, Pegi Eddy, Heather Marquis, Hunter Barnes, Peter Barnes, Garrett Steele, and the helpers from Huron Valley Youth Baseball/Softball League — Ed Langkford, Steve Doyle, Colin Doyle, and Jen Doyle. Congratulations to Nat Spurr, who attended the Egg Hunt with his boys and was the winner of the Hines Park Ford raffle taking home a remote control car and a Works Package. Thanks to the businesses, organizations and individuals who help support this event. We hope everyone had a great time and we wish you a happy spring! ❏

Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi

Send in your information with this form by April 27th and you could be a winner! Employees of the SCN group and their families are ineligible.

Your Name

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.

Your Phone Your Email Address Address City

State WEST

Zip

OAKLAND’S

NEWSWEEKLY

Family owned and local for over 52 years www.spinalcolumnonline.com

248.360.SELL (7355) • 7196 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford, MI 48327-4113 • 248.360.NEWS (6397) Member of the SCN Communications Group SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY • OAKLAND LAKEFRONT OAKLAND HOMES • MONTHLYADVERTISER • WEST OAKLAND DIRECTORY FAX: 248.360.5308/248.360.5309

AROUND THE LAKES AREA WE’RE ASKING… What movie do you always stop and watch when it comes on TV?

A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly

"'The Devil Wears Prada.' I never turn that one off."

— Rhonda Brown, Lake Orion

"'White Christmas.' It's a tradition."

— Debbie Hughes, Milford

"'A Christmas Story.' It's on for 24 hours on TNT. My kids roll their eyes whenever I say it will be on."

— Wendi Skolnik, Highland

"'Ratatoullie' because I love cooking."

— Marvin Azzopardi, Hartland

PAGE 32

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

St. Matthew Lutheran Church 2040 S. Commerce Rd., Walled Lake, MI 48390 EXPO 2012 Being Prepared… …For Health and Life Decisions What does your plan look like?

re you prepared for the decisions that need to be made with a sudden illness, accident or crisis? Do you have a will and power of attorney? Does your family know your wishes concerning advanced life support? If you have to choose medical care outside of a hospital, do you know what some of the options are? Will yours or your loved one's estate end up in court? Are you prepared if long term care is needed? It is never too late to start planning whether you are retired or in your 30’s and 40’s. Preplanning will make decisions easier for you and your family. St. Matthew is hosting an educational seminar/expo on various topics related to health and aging decisions emphasizing the importance of pre-planning.

RSVP Requested by April 16th: •Linda at 248-360-0642 or Linda228@sbcglobal.net •www.st-matthew.org

Saturday, April 21st 10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Expo with vendor* stations (free lunch) Presentations 10:30 a.m. – Heart to Heart: As Your Parent’s Age by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans and Carmen Haag – this is designed to help adult children of aging parents gain: an understanding of their parents’ vision for the future; information to make decisions on their parents’ behalf; tips for starting heart-to-heart conversations. 11:30 a.m. – Estate Planning is a Process, Not an Event by Huron Valley Law Center and Michael Hickox – Michael is an attorney specializing in Estate Planning, Elder Law and Medicaid Planning. He uses a unique, holistic approach that considers his clients’ goals, values and dreams, as well as their hard-earned assets, in the development of a personalized plan. 12:30 p.m. – Long Term Care by John Hancock Insurance and Elizabeth Blackburn - Elizabeth specializes in long-term care insurance and is CLTC (Certified in Long-Term Care) and RHU (Registered Health Underwriter). Whether they realize it or not, one of the largest expenses facing seniors today is the cost of senior care. This can be in the form of in-home assistance, adult ‘day care’, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home stay. Elizabeth Blackburn of John Hancock Company, will be discussing the issues surrounding senior care and the various options that exist to cover the cost of this need. 1:30 p.m. – Levels of Care by Comfort Keepers and Al Jones - Al Jones is the owner of the local Comfort Keepers Home Care franchise. Al has been helping families dealing with care issues for over 11 years. Al has an MBA and is a Certified Senior Advisor and a Certified Dementia Practitioner. Al will discuss the top 10 tips for family care givers and defining the levels of care and the choices that go along with them.

Participating Exhibitors: Glen Eden Memorial Park Lutheran Homes of Michigan Elton Black Funeral Home Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Lynch & Sons Funeral Home Michigan Financial Companies Fox Run/Renaissance Gardens Walled Lake Fire Department DMC Huron Valley Sinai Hospital Home Instead Milford Medi-Lodge Huron Valley Law Center Westlake Health Campus Rodnick Chiropractic Senior Helpers Church Extension Fund Michigan Area Agency on Aging Lebowski & Associates Comfort Keepers

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Obituaries BOKA, ROSE MARY; of Walled Lake, White Lake and Highland was born on April 29, 1920. She died March 24, 2012 at the age of 91. COTE, ROLAND “ROGER”; of Walled Lake was born in on November 23, 1936. He entered into his eternal home on March 25, 2012 at age 75. DEVROY, VAL M.; age 60 of Milford, formerly of Farmington Hills, passed away on Sunday, March 25, 2012. HUNTER, WAYNE W.; of Walled Lake was born June 10, 1922 and died March 24, 2012 at the age of 89. Wayne has been married over 70 years to his wife Ernestine. INGLIS, HAZEL L.; of Waterford; March 26, 2012; age 65. Beloved wife of Roy C. Inglis for over 48 years. LARKIN, ROSEMARY BRINKER; was a spry, little 92 year old, 5 foot wonder, who proudly raised 12 children, 32 grandchildren and 34 great grandchildren. Born in Lima, Ohio, her family moved to Detroit in the mid 1930’s. In 1938, she married the love of her life, Ed Brinker. They moved with their 5 children to Bass Lake in 1948, where they raised another 7 children and it was still the place she called “home”. For 64 years, she was a member of St. Williams Church, an officer of the Altar Society as well as worked on most fundraisers and church events. She was a regular blood donor and volunteer for the Red Cross and active in many civic events, including organizing the first ‘All Night” graduation party at Walled Lake High School. For the past 15 years, she wintered in Ft. Myers, Florida, where she made many friends and quickly became known as that “cute little redhead”. She was a member of the Power Squadron, a participant in most activities and a sought-after partner for any type of card game. Rosemary was blessed with incredibly good health and a wonderful sense of humor. Through the devastating loss of her husband Ed and their children, Ed, Doug, Sue and Karen, she never wavered in her faith or her resolve to always look forward. She was not only always smiling, but she brought a smile to the face of everyone she met. On her last evening, she was decked out in a green formal dress and her million dollar smile and was the belle of the ball at the St. Patrick’s Day dance in Florida, clearly happy and having a good time right to the end. And so it was fitting that on Sunday morning, March 18, she left quietly and on her own terms; no drama, no trouble to anyone, just slipping away in her sleep. Her wit and wisdom will be missed by her children Pat, Barb, Joann, Gene, Jim, Paul, Rose and Patrick, their spouses and hundreds of extended family. For all her years of loving, caring and giving to her family, her friends and her community, we will celebrate the life of this beautiful woman on Saturday, April 14, 2012 with a 10:00A.M. Memorial mass at St. William’s church in Walled Lake. Rosemary’s last gift was to donate her body to Med Cure for medical research. At her request, in lieu of flowers, please help a family member or friend in need. LORENZ, FRIEDA G.; of Waterford; March 26, 2012; age 95. LEROY R. LOUCH; of Milford; age 81. November 20, 1930 - April 3, 2012. 222.obriensullivanfuneralhome.com TESTER, PALMALEE “PAM”; of Walled Lake, was born on December 3, 1938. She died March 23, 2012 in Bedford, Texas. To place an obituary in the Spinal Column Newsweekly please call the Classified Department at 248-360-7355 or email: lorisnyder@thescngroup.com

www.spinalcolumnonline.com FAX: 248.360.5308/248.360.5309

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 33

IN OUR OPINION

New realm of privacy issues A

Prohibit requests for access to social media accounts

reported trend of employers, prospective employers, and educational institutions asking people for their user IDs and passwords for social media accounts such as Facebook and Twitter has sparked a backlash that’s reached Lansing, as at least some state lawmakers — including one representing the lakes area of west Oakland County — want employers and schools to stop the practice. While one might argue that the bill is a bit over-reaching, and that lawmakers need only prohibit employers or schools from taking action against an employee, student, faculty or staff members for failing to disclose account access information, we don’t have a problem with enacting a law that bans even requests for access information. However, lawmakers would be wise to consider the need for legislation that makes it abundantly clear that a person opens his or herself up to civil action if they maliciously post false information on a social media site that besmirches an employer or educational institution. State Rep. Aric Nesbitt’s (R-Lawton) House Bill (HB) 5523 — which would ban employers and educational institutions from requesting access information associated with a person’s social networking accounts — was introduced last month and forwarded to the House Energy and Technology Committee, where it awaits a hearing. Nesbitt says he’s pushing for a hearing in the committee and that he thus far “hasn’t seen any opposition” to the bill. The proposal would also prohibit employers from firing, failing to hire, or otherwise discriminating against someone; or educational institutions from discharging, disciplining, failing to admit, or otherwise

discriminating against a student or prospective student for refusal to provide their log-in information to their personal accounts on sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Violations would be considered misdemeanor offenses punishable by imprisonment of up to 93 days and/or a fine of up to $1,000. The bill includes a provision allowing the subject of a violation to file a civil action in circuit court and recover actual damages or $1,000, whichever is greater, and reasonable attorney fees and court costs. For his part, Nesbitt has said the state needs to advance laws protecting private information; and since social networking sites allow people to determine for themselves what they share as public information and what they protect as private, or semi-private information, employers and education institutions should respect that distinction. He adds that one has “the right to share certain parts of their lives with the public, while sharing other parts with only friends and family.” State Rep. Eileen Kowall (R-White Lake, Highland), a member of the House Energy and Technology Committee, said she support’s Nesbitt’s proposal, which is co-sponsored by state Rep. Kenneth Horn (RByron Center), chairman of the committee. In fact, Kowall said she had already submitted a request to the Legislative Services Bureau to draft a similar bill. Yet, Kowall said there needs to be “some kind of repercussions” for someone posting information on social media networks that could be considered “libel” against an employer. We can understand why employers and schools

would seek access to a person’s social media accounts, which could yield a bounty of enlightening information about a person’s behavior, opinions, interests and affiliations. Yet imagine a world in which employers and schools are allowed to consider a person’s associations, ideological world view, thoughts on current affairs, or anything else when it comes to making decisions about hiring, firing, discipline, etc. Letting that scenario stand is an invitation to discrimination based on any number of different things that can be culled from a quick peek at a person’s Facebook account, for example. People have a right to their own thoughts and opinions, and to support groups and causes; and to share such things with any one or more persons they want — and, conversely, to withhold such things from whomever they want. HB 5523 would help preserve such liberty. We also agree with Kowall that a social media account shouldn’t serve as a shield against civil action following the malicious posting of false information about an employer, supervisor, teacher, dean, or any other person, for that matter. Purposely posting bogus information about your boss or academic advisor on Facebook is no different than printing and distributing a pamphlet rife with lies about a superior, or consciously making false statements about a person merely to harm them or their reputation. So while lawmakers are considering the merits of HB 5523, they would be wise to mull whether it makes sense to spell out in statute that a person is not protected against a lawsuit if they post knowingly false information on a social media account as a means to hurt another person. ❏

Waterford dispatch proposal

ome on the Waterford Township Board of Trustees are actively investigating the possibility of the township contracting with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department for police and fire dispatching services in an effort to save at least $600,000 a year, according to one source. Even though it may be an uphill political battle for those looking to contract for those services, all stakeholders — police and fire representatives, the township board, the Sheriff’s Department, and organized labor — should come to the table and have a frank and forthright dialogue about the feasibility of such a move, including an airing of the pros and cons of the issue. Township Trustee Anthony Bartolotta said he began looking into the issue at the beginning of the year and received an official response from the Sheriff’s Department last month on the costs of a three-year public safety dispatching contract. Based

on the figures he received — $487,278 for the first year, $497,020 in the second, and $506,950 in the third — there could be substantial cost savings for the township government given the $1 million-plus the township currently pays annually to process approximately 8,200 calls per year. Bartolotta said there are “10 or 12” dispatchers currently employed by the township, and if the move is given the go-ahead, the county would hire in seven of those employees. Two are expected to retire this year, Bartolotta said, meaning that three would lose their jobs. Township Supervisor Carl Solden said a proposed three-year contract — which included some modifications in employees’ sick time benefits — with the local dispatcher’s union was shot down last month by the Board of Trustees because of some issues board members had with the time-frame of the pact. He

declined to comment further on Bartolotta’s efforts to get the Sheriff’s Department to do police and fire dispatching for the township. Bartolotta said 13 out of 28 fire departments in Oakland County, and five police departments utilize the county Sheriff’s Department for dispatch services. In these economic times, officials of all stripes need to explore every possible way to save money while still protecting the public safety and welfare of their constituents, and if contracting with the Sheriff’s Department for public safety dispatching could save hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for Waterford, it merits a thoughtful discussion. Township residents deserve that from their elected and appointed officials, and we hope all come to the table to determine whether such a possibility should be implemented. ❏

PAGE 34

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ■ Lakeland Players: “High Spirits,” comedy, 8 p.m. Friday, Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday, April 13-22, Lakeland High School Center for Performing Arts, 1630 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake. Tickets. www.lakelandplayers.net or www.ticketderby.com. ■ Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene: Mom to Mom Sale, gentlyused children’s clothing, toys, furniture, accessories, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturday, April 14, 2840 Airport Road, Waterford. For more information, call Diane at 248-886-0685. ■ Friends of Byers: Spaghetti dinner fundraiser with music, raffles, cash bar, 3 to 8 p.m., April 14, Walled Lake Eagles Lodge No. 3492, 1721 Glengary, east of Benstein, Walled Lake. Admission $10 adults, $4 for ages 5 to 10, free for ages 4 and under. 248363-4354 or 248-884-3144. ■ Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority: Dare to Dream: The Best of Person Centered Planning, 1-3 p.m. Monday, April 16, Our House Clubhouse, 2045 E. West Maple, Walled Lake. R.S.V.P. 248-858-0929. ■ Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority: Take Your Job and Love It, 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 17, Easter Seals Michigan Collaborative Solutions, 269 Summit, Waterford. R.S.V.P. 248-858-0929. ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Got Talent? Showcase, 7 p.m. Saturday, April 14, Milford High School Center for Performing Arts, 2380 Milford Road, Highland. Tickets are on sale now for $10; they can be purchased at HVCA, 205 W. Livingston Road in Highland; Huron Valley Recreation and Community Education’s main building on Duck Lake Road; Milford Music (on M-59 in Highland) and Main Street Art (on Main in downtown Milford). huronvalleyarts.org. ■ Democrats of West Oakland County: Speaker Mark Brewer, Chairman of the Michigan Democratic Party, participants may register to be precinct delegates, candidate training at 6 p.m., meeting at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, Comfort Suites Inn at Wixom Road and the south side of I-96 at Exit No. 59. Snacks provided, pizza may be pur-

chased. For more information, visit www.mydems.info. ■ Delta Kappa Gamma Michigan: Flavors of Michigan, Michigan wines and food tasting party, Beta Chi Chapter’s scholarship fundraiser and silent auction for Walled Lake and Novi students entering the field of education, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, Uptown Grille Restaurant, 3100 E. West Maple, Commerce. Advance purchase tickets $35; $40 at the door. 248-960-3344 or info@uptowngrille.com. ■ Waterford Genealogical Society: Speaker Amy Slagle, “1940 Census,” 13 p.m. Sunday, April 18, Waterford Township Public Library, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. Registration. 248-625-7731. ■ Community Sharing: Spring Garage Sale, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 19-21, Apollo Center Gym, 2029 N. Milford Road, Highland (one mile north of M-59). communitysharing.org or 248-889-0347 ■ Oakland County Bar Association: Free Legal Aid Clinic, 4:30-7 p.m. Thursday, April 19, Waterford Township Public Library, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. R.S.V.P. appreciated but not required. 248-3343400. ■ Four Towns United Methodist Church: All you can eat spaghetti dinner with salad bar, 4-7 p.m. Friday, April 20, 6451 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford. 248-682-0211 or 248-6826868. ■ Animal Care Network: Low-cost vaccine clinic for dogs and cats, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, April 21, Centerstage Rental Hall and QTMC, 536 N. Perry at corner of Glenwood, Pontiac. 248-6782756. ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Fiber artists Lynn Krawcyzk and Lacqueline Lams of Plymouth, “Ragged Layers: Mixed Media Fiber Art,” displayed Friday, Saturday and Sunday now through April 28, 206 W. Livingston, Highland. huronvalleyarts.org or 248-889-8660. ■ Waterford Genealogical Society: 9th

annual “Lock-in,” 6 p.m.-midnight, Saturday, April 28, Waterford Township Public Library, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. Registration. 248-625-7731 or wgsgenealogylockin.com. ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Cantare String Quartet in concert, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, April 28, Highland Station, Steeple Hall Performance Center, 205 W. Livingston Road, Highland. Tickets. huronvalleyarts.org or 248-889-8660. ■ Michigan Veterans Support Group: Comedy Night with Kevin Kramis and Norm Stulz with cash bar and 50/50 raffle, 8 p.m. Saturday, April 28, VFW Oxbow Post 4156, 321 Union Lake Road, White Lake. $15 tickets in advance; $20 at the door. 248-8944994. ■ Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene: Looking for vendors for Parking Lot Sale, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. with 8 a.m. set up, Saturday, May 5, 2840 Airport Road, Waterford. $15 parking lot space. 248-673-5911 ext. 18. ■ White Lake Farmers Market: Looking for vendors every Saturday, May 5-Oct. 6, 1500 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake. whitelakefarmersmarket.weebly.com or 248-755-1195. ■ Sparks in the Park: Looking for vendors for Sparks Market Avenue, 4-11 p.m. Saturday, June 30, Milford High School, 2380 S. Milford Road, Highland. 248-755-1195 or email alaw4196@aol.com. ■ HotWorks.org: Chadwick Group Youth Art Competition call for young artists, grades K-8 or ages 5-12, FridaySunday, July 27-29, West Bloomfield Plaza, 668 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Deadline Sunday, July 1. For application visit HotWorks.org or 248684-2613. ■ (Breakfast) Optimist Club of Waterford: Meeting, 7:15 a.m. Thursdays, Big Boy Restaurant, M-59 and Airport Road, Waterford. 248-6733493. ■ Catholic Social Services of Oakland County: Senior companion volunteers needed to support adults with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease,

chronic mental illness, as well as the physically frail and homebound. 248559-1147, ext. 3434. ■ Dads of Foreign Service: Bingo, 5:30 p.m. Sundays, VFW Post No. 4156, 321 Union Lake Road, White Lake. www.vfw4156.org or 248-6988302. ■ 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. ■ Grace Hospice: Volunteers with reliable transportation needed to visit terminally-ill patients and family members in our communities. Free training and classes are now forming. 1-888-937-4390. ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Knitters circle, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Highland Station House, Highland. 248-685-9015. ■ 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 M-59, 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. 248-682-0211. ❐ 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 Church, 501 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. 248-682-1747. ❐

C.A.S.A.:

Cleptomaniacs

and

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 35

COMMUNITY CALENDAR Shoplifters Anonymous, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Wesley Room, Commerce United Methodist Church, 1155 N. Commerce Road, Commerce. 248-3588508 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. ❐ 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. ❐ 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. ❐ 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. 248-363-6369 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 248625-3288. ❐ Dublin Senior Center: Drums Alive! 10:30 a.m. and Zumba Gold, 2 p.m. Tuesdays, 685 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Registration. 248-698-2394. ❐ Foster Grandparent Program of Oakland County: Volunteers needed age 55 and older to provide tutoring, mentoring and nurturing 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: Armchair Travels with Guenter, “France Festivals Des Theatres de Marionetes,” Eagles steak dinner, car pool, 5:30 p.m. Friday, April 13, 209 N. John Street, Highland. 248-887-1707. ❐ Richardson Community Senior Center: Knitting and crochet group, 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, 1485 E. Oakley Park, Commerce. Registration. 248926-0063 or commercetwp.com. ❐ Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church: Senior Stretch and Tone, 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. Fridays, 2399 Figa Ave., West Bloomfield. 248-6820770. ❐ West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Senior Programs: Line dancing, 11 a.m. Fridays at the Corners, 4640 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248-4511900. ❐ WestLake Health Campus: “A Caregiver’s Travel Guide: the Alzheimer’s Journey, Part 1, The Mystery Trip, Understanding Dementia of the Alzheimer’s type and The stages of Alzheimer’s, 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, 10735 Bogie Lake Road, Commerce. R.S.V.P. 248-363-9400.

PARKS ❐ Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center: Orienteering, GPS Scavenger Hunt, and Tot Time, Turtles are Terrific, Saturday, April 14; Keep it Clean for Earth Day, volunteer park clean up for ages 4 and up, 2-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, April 21-22, Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake. Registration. 810-494-6026. ❐ Kensington Farm Center: Farmer for a Day, ages 7-15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturdays, April 14-21, Kensington Metropark, Milford. 248-684-8632 or 1-800-477-3178. ❐ Kensington Nature Center: Heron Watch, 2-4 p.m. Sunday, April 15; “Keep Kensington Clean,” volunteer park clean up with free lunch, 9 a.m.-noon, Saturday, April 21, Kensington

Metropark, Milford. Register Saturday, April 14. 248-685-1561.

❐ Oakland County Parks and Recreation: Volunteers needed to work a weekly shift on our golf courses, campgrounds or as gatekeepers at our three dog parks. If a weekly shift doesn’t work for them, volunteers can choose general programs and special events where there are specific dates to assist. Current volunteers will receive discounts and free passes from many local organizations, including the Detroit Science Center, Detroit Zoo, and The Henry Ford and Cranbrook Institute of Science, that are recognizing the value and contributions of volunteerism. For details, visit the volunteer page at DestinationOakland.com or contact Boyd via e-mail boydr@oakgov.com.

LIBRARY EVENTS

❐ Commerce Township Community Library: 100th Anniversary of the Sinking of the Titanic, life-size board game, grades 6 and up, 2 p.m. Saturday, April 14; Used Book Sale, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday (fill a bag for $5 on Saturday only), and 1-3 p.m. Sunday, May 3-6, 2860 N. Pontiac Trail, Commerce. Registration required for teen program. Sunday book sale, everything must go — all remaining items free on a first-come first-served basis. 248-669-8108 or commercelibrary.info. ❐ Highland Township Public Library: Big Book Sale, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, April 21; “Why Does the Civil War Matter Today?” adult program, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 24, 444 Beach Farm Circle, Highland. Registration. 248-8872218.

❐ Milford Public Library: “Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse,” teen program for ages 13-17, 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 18, 330 Family Drive, Milford. Registration. 248-684-0845. ❐ Walled Lake City Library: Afternoon book discussion group, 12:30 p.m. and Basic Word Processing, 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 17, 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake. Registration. 248-624-3772. ❐ Waterford Township Public Library: Saturday Special, Spring Tea for ages 68 with sample teas, finger foods, and making bracelets, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 14, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. Dolls and stuffed animals invited. Registration. 248-674-4831. ❐ West Bloomfield Township Public Library: Music @ Main, Klezmer Fusion Band, two shows, 3 and 5 p.m. Sunday, April 15, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248-6822120 or www.wblib.org. ❐ White Lake Township Library: “Titanic ... A Night To Remember,” ages 7-11, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12, 7527 E. Highland Road, White Lake. Registration. 248-698-4942. ❐ Wixom Public Library: Spring Used Book Sale, Wednesday through Saturday, April 18-21, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Book donations welcome. 248-624-2512.

RELIGIOUS ❐ St. Matthew Lutheran Church: Bob Dutko of WMUZ speak on “Evidence the Bible is True,” 7-9 p.m. Sunday, April 22, 2040 S. Commerce, Walled Lake. The event is free but a freewill offering will be taken. 248-624-7676.

Come in & experience great service in a relaxing environment

FREE

Haircut & Blow Dry

With any Color Service over $40 New Clients Only (Includes High or Low Lights) Offer good at Salon Matisse. With coupon. Cannot be combined with other offers SC *Expires 4/25/12

1/2 OFF 1/2 OFF Jessica Tama Haircut & All Facial Welcomes Blow Dry Waxing You! Regular price 40 New Clients Only New Clients Only

Offering Customized Hair Extensions

Jessica Only

Offer good at Salon Matisse. With coupon. Cannot be combined with other offers SC *Expires 4/25/12

Ask for Jessica 248.669.1910

Jessica Only

Offer good at Salon Matisse. With coupon. Cannot be combined with other offers SC *Expires 4/25/12

Brazilian ir Keratin Haing Straighten t Treatmen Call for on Consultati

Walk-ins always welcome!

All Men’s Haircuts $ 1000 FOR 1ST TIME CLIENTS WITH AD

At Bloomfield Avenue Shoppes on Haggerty Rd. 6171 HAGGERTY RD., WEST BLOOMFIELD, MI 48322 (Across from Meijer Gas Station)

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Ross

Malone

Daniel

Taylor

Wallace

All-area boys basketball team Spinal Column Newsweekly honors best players in 2011-12

By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Spinal Column Newsweekly is proud to present its 2012 All-area Boys Basketball Team, made up of the best lakes area varsity basketball players during the 2011-12 season. Selections were not only based upon players’ statistics, but also nominations from area coaches; other honors a player received, such as conference awards; and overall contributions to their team throughout the season. Waterford Mott made its first season under first-year Head Coach Jeff Jayson a memorable one by winning their third Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division title in four seasons before taking home its first district title in 30 years, thanks to its two All-area First Team members. While Walled Lake Central finished as the runner-up to the Corsairs in the KLAA North, the Vikings bounced back by advancing to the KLAA Lakes

Conference title game before winning its first district title since 2006 with the help of its All-area First Team member. Also included on the All-area First Team is Huron Valley Milford’s most valuable player, who helped lead the Mavericks to the KLAA West Division title; along with a Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes standout junior who helped the Lakers contend in the Detroit Catholic League this season. The All-area Second Team includes a member of Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, which won its second straight Class A regional championship this season, as well as members of Walled Lake Northern, whose high-powered offense made the Knights a KLAA North contender. FIRST TEAM Garrett Ross Junior Guard/Forward Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes An All-Catholic honoree by the Detroit Catholic League, as well as a Class D All-State Honorable Mention by

the Michigan High School Basketball Coaches Association, Ross averaged 18.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.8 blocks, 1.5 steals and 1.8 assists per game in helping the Lakers to a runner-up finish in the Catholic League C-D Division. “He is an excellent all-around player and can play both inside as well as outside,” said Our Lady Head Coach Sean Wightman. Ross scored 40 points against Detroit Loyola in the Catholic League Tournament semi-finals and notched a season high 16 rebounds against Everest Collegiate Academy in the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) district finals. Khalil Malone Junior Point Guard Waterford Mott Averaging 14 points, 5 rebounds and 3 assists a game this season, Malone earned All-KLAA Lakes Conference honors and team Co-MVP honors after helping the Corsairs reach their first-ever regional final.

“Khalil was very vital to our success this year,” Jayson said. “He controlled the flow of the game and was an extension of the coach on the floor. He was the best guard in the KLAA this year.” DaVonte Daniel Senior Forward Waterford Mott This 6-foot-6 senior made his final season his best one yet as he garnered numerous awards, including a Class A All-state selection by the Basketball Coaches Association of Michigan, as well as All-KLAA Lakes Conference honors and being named Co-MVP of his team. Daniel averaged 15 points, 10.7 rebounds and 3.3 blocks per game and shot 63 percent from the floor this season. He is regarded by his coach as arguably the best player in the KLAA North. “DaVonte really matured this year and became a force in the paint for PAGE 37 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

APRIL 11-17, 2012

BOYS BASKETBALL

All-area boys hoops ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 36

us,” Jayson said. “He allowed us to press and trap because of his ability to protect the rim and initiated our fastbreak many times with a blocked shot or with a defensive rebound.” Chuck Taylor Senior Forward Walled Lake Central A transfer student from The Howe School in Indiana, Taylor made sure the move to the Vikings was worth it as he averaged 13 points and 7 rebounds per game, and earned All-KLAA Lakes Conference honors in helping the Vikings win their first district crown in six years. “Chuck has been tremendous for us on the inside,” Central Head Coach Dennis Butcher said. “He is an excellent offensive rebounder with a knack for the ball.” Brandon Wallace Senior Point Guard Huron Valley Milford An All-KLAA Lakes Conference selection and Milford’s field general, Wallace averaged 8 points and 4 rebounds per game while shooting 42 percent from the field in leading the Mavericks from out of nowhere to a KLAA West title. “While he may not be the best statistical player, Brandon was asked to do more for his team than any other player was asked to do for their team,” Milford Head Coach Chip Lutz said. “Brandon played approximately 743 of the 756 possible minutes that we played this year in our 23 games and only had 52 turnovers in 23 games. Brandon was always asked to guard the best perimeter player on the opposing team and was never able to take a play off.” As a result, Milford gave up an average of only 32 points a game this season. SECOND TEAM • Chibunna Ukandu, guard/forward, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s; • Jared Sheena, guard, Walled Lake Northern; • Gage Throgmorton, guard, Walled Lake Northern; • Tai Aibiola, center, Walled Lake Central; and • Steven Sloboda, forward/center, Huron Valley Milford. HONORABLE MENTION Nick Troxell, Huron Valley Lakeland; Casey Palanca, Huron Valley Lakeland; Jacob Lee, Huron Valley Milford; Chris Orr, Huron Valley Milford; Sam McClendon, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s; Daniel Furlong, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s; Ethan Woelke, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s; Justin Barrows, Orchard Lake

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

St. Mary’s; Zac Leimbach, Walled Lake Central; T.J. Warren, Walled Lake Central; Ryan Soulet, Walled Lake Northern; Miroslav Jaksic, Walled Lake Western; Korey Wade, Walled Lake Western; William Gibson, Walled Lake Western; Justin Santana, Waterford Kettering; Maurice Scott, Waterford Kettering; Andrew Hovsepian, Waterford Mott; Brody Losh, Waterford Mott; Jake Doetsch, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes; Vincent Puma, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes; Jake Weir, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes; Josh Birnberg, West Bloomfield; Daryn Byrd, West Bloomfield.

BASEBALL

Eaglets pounded in opening game of doubleheader Orchard Lake St. Mary’s opened its season with a doubleheader against Novi Detroit Catholic Central on the road on Wednesday, April 4, which resulted in a loss and a postponement for the Eaglets. St. Mary’s fell in the opening game, 15-7, after having a 7-2 lead in the fifth inning. The Shamrocks then scored 13 unanswered runs over the fifth, sixth and seventh innings. In the second game, the Eaglets had a 4-2 lead in the third inning before the Shamrocks took a 5-4 lead after scoring three runs in the bottom of the third. St. Mary’s responded with two runs in the fourth inning before the Shamrocks responded to tie the game at 6-6. Darkness then started to creep in and the game was officially postponed. The game will resume on Saturday, April 28 when Catholic Central visits St. Mary’s. The 2012 season will test the Eaglets, who will need their up-andcoming talent to fill the holes left by 2011 graduating seniors such as catcher Blaise Salter, who was a Michigan High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star last season, as well as infielder Steven Morse. Salter is currently in his freshman year at Michigan State University, where he is on the Spartans’ baseball roster. But, St. Mary’s will have sophomore Devin Rose, senior Luke Rodgers and senior Kevin Teklinski returning, while senior Brandon Willard will look to be the ace on the mound for the Eaglets. Last season, St. Mary’s saw its string of six consecutive district championships come to a halt, and the Eaglets are looking to start up a new streak this season. St. Mary’s resumed its season yesterday, Tuesday, April 10 when it played at

PAGE 37

Plymouth Canton after press time. The Eaglets will next play at East Grand Rapids today, Wednesday, April 11 before traveling to Dearborn Divine Child on Saturday, April 14. St. Mary’s home opener is on Wednesday, April 18 against Detroit Jesuit.

Spring break over, North teams back to the diamond With west Oakland County schools now getting back from spring break, lakes area baseball fans will have plenty to look forward to once the baseball regular season resumes, and action in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division is no exception. Walled Lake Central is the two-time defending division champion after being the only team to finish above .500 in division play last season at 10-6. K.J. Schultz will be back in the outfield for the Vikings after batting .435 last season with 30 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. Also returning for Central are senior Zac Leimbach and senior pitcher Brandon Cichocki, as well as infielders James Sullivan and Kyle Russ and catcher Zach Percha.

Central will open its season at Oxford on Saturday, April 14. But the Vikings will face stiff competition this spring, including from their rival, Walled Lake Western. The Warriors return seven starters from last season, including pitcher Jason Gamble, pitcher and utility player Cam Vieaux, and junior outfielder Niklas Heglin. Not to be outdone, Walled Lake Northern looks to be much improved early on this season under first-year Head Coach Kevin LaPlante. The Knights’ key players will include senior Cole Lubin and junior Hunter VanMaele, who will both split time between the mound and the infield. Senior utility player Ted Lilley also hit 2-for-2 with an RBI and also had 4 stolen bases in Northern’s season opening win over West Bloomfield, which could be a sign of things to come later this year. Huron Valley Lakeland will also welcome back senior shortstop Brynn Hamilton, who batted .370 with 34 runs scored, 14 stolen bases and a .509 onbase percentage last season, along with senior pitcher Cole McGinn. Lakeland opened its season on Tuesday, April 10 against Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice after press time, and will play at South Lyon tomorrow, Thursday, April 12 and at home against Ypsilanti on Saturday, April 16.

Internet Directory

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

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

PAGE 38

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

COMMUNITY LEGAL NOTICES

VILLAGE OF WOLVERINE LAKE 2012 LAKEVIEW PAVING VILLAGE OF WOLVERINE LAKE, OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN P.E. Job No. 11-228

Sealed proposals will be received by the Village of Wolverine Lake, Oakland County, Michigan for the 2012 Lakeview Paving, at the Village Office, 425 Glengary, Wolverine Lake, Michigan 48390, until 2:00 p.m. local prevailing time, April 30th, 2012, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. The work cannot begin until after such a time that the engineer deems the ground suitable for pavement. Principal items of work and approximate quantities include: ESTIMATED LOCAL ROAD QUANTITIES: LAKEVIEW DRIVE - 2950 LF, MAPLEDALE -225 LF, LOOKOUT - 385 LF, KILLARNEY - 595 LF, WILKSHIRE - 610 LF, LAUDER LANE - 740LF, LONE PINE - 630 LF, MEADOW LANE - 585LF X 21' WIDE, 1 1/2” THICK (one lift) OVERLAY AFTER EXISTING PAVEMENT REPAIRS 13 A Modified Asphalt

1900 Ton

22-A gravel shoulder – 1’ wide

13,440 L.F

Bond Coat

Incidental

12” Wide milled Butt Joints

25 Ea.

1 1/2” Milling

2,500 Sq.Yd.

Manhole/CB Adjustment

5 Ea.

Plans, Specifications and other Contract Documents may be examined and obtained at the office of the Engineer on and after April 11th, 2012, for a non-refundable fee of $15.00. Documents will be mailed to prospective bidders upon request accompanied by an additional payment of $5.00 per set, also non-refundable. Proposals shall be delivered to the office of the Village Clerk. Proposals which have been submitted shall not be withdrawn after the time set for opening of bids and shall remain firm for a period of 90 days after opening of bids. The Village of Wolverine Lake reserves the right to not award all roadways listed above, reject all Proposals, and to waive any informality or irregularity in any Proposal, in the interest of the Village.

POWELL ENGINEERING & ASSOCIATES LLC Contact: Mike Powell 4700 Cornerstone Drive White Lake, Michigan 48383 Phone: (248) 714-9895 Fax: (248) 694-9222

VILLAGE OF WOLVERINE LAKE Sharon A. Miller, Administrator 425 Glengary Road Wolverine Lake, MI 48390 Phone: 248-624-1710

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Commerce Township Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing in the Township Hall Board Room, located at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township Michigan, for the purpose of hearing the following appeal, on THURSDAY, APRIL 26, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. A12-05 Dawn Williams of Commerce, MI is requesting a variance from Article 6 & 33 of the Commerce Township Zoning Ordinance to allow the deck to remain that is encroaching into the required rear yard setback located at 4658 Darlene. Sidwell No.: 17-09-478-026

SC: 4-11-12

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

2012 LAKES AREA SANITARY SEWER VILLAGE OF WOLVERINE LAKE, OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN Sealed Proposals for the construction of the 2012 Lakes Area Sanitary Sewer will be received at the Village of Wolverine Lake, 425 Glengary Road, Wolverine Lake, Michigan 48390 until 3:00 p.m., local time, May 1st, 2012. The project includes the following components: DESCRIPTION QUANTITY 4” Terminal Flushing Connection (TFC) 7 4” TFC with Air Release Valve (ARV) 3 4” Intermediate Flushing Connection (IFC) 1 4” IFC/ARV 5 4” Branch Flushing Connection (BFC) 1 4” BFC/ARV 4 2” HDPE SDR 11 Directionally Drilled 7375 3” HDPE SDR 11 Directionally Drilled 1640 14” X 4” BFC on Existing 14” Sanitary Forcemain 1 Each Proposal must be accompanied by a certified check or bid bond for five (5%) percent of the total bid price. The check should be payable to the Village of Wolverine Lake. Each bidder agrees to waive any claim it has or may have against the Owner, the Engineer, and their respective employees, arising out of or in connection with the administration, evaluation or recommendation of any bid. Plans and Specifications may be examined at the Village of Wolverine Lake, 425 Glengary Road, Wolverine Lake, Michigan 48390 and may be obtained at the office of Powell Engineering & Associates LLC on Wednesday, April 11th after 1:00 p.m. A non-refundable fee of $35.00 will be required for each complete set of plans and specifications (mailing $10.00 extra). The Village reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and the right to waive any informalities in the Proposal. Bids shall remain firm for a period of 120 days POWELL ENGINEERING & ASSOCIATES LLC Contact: Mike Powell 4700 Cornerstone Drive White Lake, Michigan 48383 Phone: (248) 714-9895 Fax: (248) 694-9222

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

VILLAGE OF WOLVERINE LAKE Sharon A. Miller, Administrator 425 Glengary Road Wolverine Lake, MI 48390 Phone: 248-624-1710 SC: 4-11-12

The proposed application and site plan, along with the Commerce Township Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map are available for public inspection in the Clerk’s office during regular business hours. Public comment will be taken in writing at the Clerk’s office until the close of business on the date of the hearing, or in person at the public hearing. For further information please contact the Planning Department, Commerce Township Hall, (248) 960-7050. Kathleen C. Jackson Commerce Township Planner SC: 4-11-12

NOTICE OF DAY OF REVIEW OF APPORTIONMENTS LOCHAVEN DRAIN NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that special assessment amounts and the apportionment of costs of lands within the Lochaven Special Assessment District for maintenance of the Lochaven Drain will be available for review on April 25, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office, One Public Works Drive, Waterford, MI 48328. This special assessment will be for properties located within the Lochaven Drainage District, described as those properties located in Sections 19 and 28 through 33 in Waterford Township and Sections 25 and 36 in White Lake Township. Therefore, all unknown and non-resident persons, owners and persons interested in the above described lands, and the County Clerk of Oakland County, Board of Oakland County Road Commissioners, Charter Township of Waterford Supervisor and Charter Township of White Lake Supervisor are hereby notified that the time and place aforesaid and at such other time and place to which said day of review may be adjourned, the apportionment for benefits and the land comprised within the Lochaven Special Assessment District will be subject to review. The owner of any land in the special assessment district or any city, village, township, district or county who may disagree with the apportionment of benefits may appeal the apportionment within ten days after this day of review of apportionments by making an application to the Oakland County Probate Court for appointment of a Board of Review, as provided in Section 155 of the Michigan Drain Code (Act 40 of the Public Acts of Michigan, 1956, as amended). The County of Oakland will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the review should contact the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office at least one week in advance of the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. S.C. 4-11 & 4-18-12

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

COMMUNITY LEGAL NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICE

WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP WEST BLOOMFIELD WATER AND SEWER DEPARTMENT

2012 SPRING FIRE HYDRANT FLUSHING Monday thru Friday April 16, 2012 – May 11, 2012 This work will be performed between The hours of 8:00 am – 3:00 pm Customers May Experience Some Discolored Water. Please Run Cold Water to Assist in Clearing Your Lines And Avoid Doing Laundry until Water is Clear We Apologize for any Inconvenience and Thank You for your Cooperation A Sectioned area map with flushing time frames will be available at the Water & Sewer Department. Office hours 7:30 am – 3:30 pm M-F For additional information please contact the West Bloomfield Water Department at 248.451.4784 S.C.: 4-11-12

PUBLIC NOTICE

TO WATERFORD TOWNSHIP WATER CUSTOMERS FROM WATERFORD DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS

SPRING HYDRANT FLUSHING Every Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday, Starting April 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th, 2012 and ending Wednesday, May 18th, 2012 THIS WORK WILL BE PERFORMED BETWEEN THE HOURS OF 7:30 P.M. - 11:30 P.M. and flushing will occur for 6 weeks Customers may experience some discolored water.Please run cold water to clear your lines and avoid doing laundry until the water is clear. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation. For Further Information Contact: Waterford Township Department of Public Works at 248-674-2278 or Gerald Ward, (Water Treatment Foreman) at 248.618.7483 or email at Gward@twp.waterford.mi.us S.C. 4-11, 4-18, 4-25, 5-2, 5-9 & 5-16-12

CITY OF WALLED LAKE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. C-298-12 An Ordinance to adopt by reference the Michigan Vehicle Code, as amended, as an ordinance to the City of Walled Lake for the purpose of regulating traffic, motor vehicles, streets and highways, and the operation of motor vehicles within the City of Walled Lake, to require insurance and proof of financial responsibility for motor vehicles, and to provide penalties and sanctions for violation of this ordinance. A copy of this ordinance in its entirety, printed copies of the Michigan Vehicle Code, as amended, the adopted provisions of the Michigan Insurance Code, and the 2002 Uniform Traffic Code, as amended, are available for public use and inspection at the office of the City Clerk, 1499 E.W. Maple Road, Walled Lake, MI, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday. SC: 4-11-12

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WHITE LAKE

WATER DEPARTMENT

NOTICE

The White Lake Township Water Department will be conducting the Spring Fire Hydrant flushing during daytime hours Monday through Friday from April 1, 2012 through May 15, 2012. Fire hydrant flushing signs will be posted one day in advance and the day of flushing at the entrance to each subdivision/development. Caution should be observed around any hydrant discharge. Minimizing water usage is recommended during the day of flushing in your area. Customers may experience some discolored water. Please run cold water to clear your lines and avoid doing laundry until the water is clear. We apologize for any inconvenience and thank you for your cooperation. Any questions should be directed to White Lake Township Water Department at 248-698-3300 ext. 8 or www.whitelaketwp.com.

PAGE 39

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2012

CITY OF WALLED LAKE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7:30 PM 1499 E. WEST MAPLE ROAD, WALLED LAKE, MICHIGAN

Please take note the City of Walled Lake Zoning Board of Appeals will meet as noticed above to consider the following appeal: Case# 2012-03 Appellant: Ronny Davis Parcel ID# 17-26-405-004 Location: 1382 Nolta, Walled Lake, MI 48390 Request: Non-Use Variance Applicant requests a non-use variance from the four and one half foot (4.5’) maximum height limitation on side yard fences pursuant to Article 21.00, Section 21.13(a) “Fence and Wall Requirements” to install a six foot (6’) high privacy fenced in the side yard extending along the southerly side lot line of applicant’s single family residential lot. Complete details of the proposal are available at City Hall for review. All interested parties are invited to attend. Written comments will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. the day of the hearing.

Please take note the City of Walled Lake Zoning Board of Appeals will meet as noticed above to consider the following appeal: Case# 2012-02 Appellant: Henry James Madsen Parcel ID# 17-34-328-105 Location: 206 Rosebud, Walled Lake, MI 48390 Request: Non-Use Variance Applicant requests a non-use variance from the 36 inch (36”) maximum height limitation on front yard decorative fenced pursuant to Article 21.00 Section 21.13(a) “Fence and Wall Requirements” to install a forty eight inch (48”) high decorative fenced enclosing front yard area of applicant’s single family residential lot. Complete details of the proposal are available at City Hall for review. All interested parties are invited to attend. Written comments will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. the day of the hearing.

Vahn Vanerian City Attorney

SC: 4-11-12

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF WALLED LAKE ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS

MONDAY, APRIL 30, 2012

IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7:30 PM 1499 E. WEST MAPLE ROAD, WALLED LAKE, MICHIGAN

Please take note the City of Walled Lake Zoning Board of Appeals will meet as noticed above to consider the following appeal: Case# 2012-04 Appellant: Pastor Ken Williams Parcel ID# 17-26-152-001 Location: 1850 (1816) S. Commerce, Walled Lake, MI 48390 Request: Non-Use Variance Applicant requests a non-use variance from the residential district sign restrictions under section 20.07 of the City of Walled Lake Zoning Ordinance, “Residential District Signs”, electronic changeable copy sign not permitted, to add an electronic chargeable copy sign display to the existing freestanding sign structure. Complete details of the proposal are available at City Hall for review. All interested parties are invited to attend. Written comments will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. the day of the hearing. Vahn Vanerian City Attorney

SC: 4-11-12

ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS April 26, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. White Lake Township 7525 Highland Road White Lake, MI 48383

AGENDA 1. Call to Order/Roll Call 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Approval of Agenda 4. Approval of Minutes: a. Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting of March 29, 2012 5. Continuing Business 6. New Business a. File No. 12-005 Applicant: Todd Schneider 918 Farnsworth White Lake, MI 48383 Location: 918 Farnsworth, identified as 12-35-202-054 Request: Variance to Articles 6 for front and rear yard setbacks, lot size. Lot coverage. b. File No. 12-006 Applicant: James Ritz 980 Round Lake Rd. White Lake, MI 48383 Location: 980 Round Lake, identified as 12-35-255-002 Request: Variance to Articles 6 for side yard setback, distance to neighbors, lot size, lot width, and lot coverage. 7. Other Business 8. Next Meeting Date: a. May 24, 2012 9. Adjournment SC: 4-11-12

PAGE 40

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

WEST OAKLAND SUPER WANT ADS

SUPER RATES! SUPER REACH! PHONE 248.360.7355 • Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5 FAX 24/7• 248.360.5308

WANT ADS APPEAR ON www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

NOTICES Bulletin Board

SUPPORT WOMEN POLICE Paid for by Gerald Plas

Reunions

NOTICES

ABSOLUTELY

FREE WANT ADS

01-08

REAL ESTATE 12-22

MOBILE HOMES 42-43

RENTALS

45-57

HELP WANTED 60-75

JOBS WANTED 77-86

HIGHLIGHT YOUR AD For further emphasis add an icon or shade your ad for only $5.

MERCHANDISE 89-138

• Absolutely Free (#90): An item must be offered FREE to appear in this category. The want ad is FREE to you. One item per ad, one ad per family on any given week. Column is for non-commercial ads only. • Items under $25: Advertise an item for $25 or less and a 10-word want ad is FREE. Special rates for items over $25. • Used Vehicle: Five weeks FREE for private party vehicles. Charge your first week and we schedule it for 5 more weeks. Call to cancel when sold. • Found: Found a lost item? We will run an ad for FREE (#3/Found) to help you find the owner. • Reunions (#4): Published FREE for 4 weeks.

LEISURE TIME 142-159

RECREATION

BOATS 162-179

CARS, TRUCKS CYCLES 181-196

West Oakland area school reunions. FREE for 4 weeks within a 13 week period (27 word limit). Other Reunions Published 4 weeks for a total cost of $20 for 15 words; each additional 4 words $2.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Houses For Sale

NOW is the time to: •PURCHASE A NEW HOME •SELL YOUR CURRENT ONE. Contact Arlene at Keller WIlliams for more details

SERVICES

REPAIR IMPROVEMENT

SERVICES

"☺"#$★%

mihome4u.com Hartland

ALL SPORTS LAKE! Beautiful custom built 1 1/ 2 story on Lake Tyrone. 3 bedrooms. sharp kitchen to deck.Walkout lower lever with bedroom. walk-in closet & full bath. 4 car garage w/ finished loft area. Paved road.

$254,500. England Real Estate 248-887-9736

FRIDAY AT 5

• Display Ads • Free Ads • Cancellations/Corrections

England Real Estate 248-887-9736

Fawn Lake

call Arlene Keller Williams Realty mihome4u.com 248-912-4628

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

(248) 624-0709

Apartments

1 bdrm for $459 (newly renovated).

RELOCATE TODAY!!

PEACEFUL SETTING! Wonderful home on 2.4 acres. 2,600 sq. ft, 3 bedrooms, 2 1/ 2 baths, kitchen/ dining area w/ snack bar & wood floors. formal dining, living room, great room with stone fireplace, 1st floor office, walk-out basement. Finished 3 car garage.

Includes all utilities except electric. Security Deposit. For more information & availability call

248-335-7368

248-698-1120

BEAUTIFUL 55+ COMMUNITY Brand NEW homes for rent. Appliances. Lake access. MOVE IN SPECIALS!! 15 month lease for $600/mo Cranberry Lake- White Lake 248-698-1120 888-306-2483

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!

Looking to rent a house or condo?

Mobile Homes for Rent

Vacant Land/ Acreage

Houses/ Condos

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

OAK TREE APARTMENTS Condo Style 2 Bedroom Apartments

Country Setting in the Commerce Area

HARTLAND Dunham Rd. E. of Bullard Road. Partially wooded 3.2 acre parcel with pole barn. Nat. gas at road. Great location.

$60,000

England Real Estate 248-887-9736

•Private Entry •Patio •Carport •Washer/Dryer •Cathedral Ceilings •Cable •Large Dogs Welcome •Senior Friendly Including Shuttle Services Ask r t Ou Abou ING SPR LS IA SPEC

Professionally Managed By Senior Village Management

(248) 360-7235

Award Winning Agent

248.672.4800 6611 Commerce Road West Bloomfield, MI

DEADLINES MONDAY AT 5

BE DELIGHTED! Custom built 3,480 sq. ft. colonial with hilltop setting in San Marino Glen. 5 bedrooms, 1st floor den w/ walk-in closet & 3 full baths. Huge kitchen with island & 3 pantries, formal dining, bonus room, living room w/ fireplace, large deck, walkout lower level, 3 car garage. paved drive & are large parking area. $298,500

RENTALS

Jim Mandeville

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

• Word Ads • One-Column Ads

Mobile Homes for Sale

England Real Estate 248-887-9736

GARAGE SALE KITS – With payment for your

IN PRINT and On-Line 24/7

$320,000

248-912-4628

PERSONAL

MOBILE HOMES

Hartland

CHARGE IT

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE Advertising published is subject to rate card or contract conditions, copies of which are available from the publishing group. Ads are subject to approval before publication, only publication constitutes acceptance. We reserve the right to edit, reject, cancel or reclassify any ad. If an error by the newspaper should occur, the newspaper’s responsibility for that portion of the advertisement in error is limited to cancellation of the charge or publication in the following issue. The publishing group shall not be liable for any loss or expense that results from publication or omission of an advertisement.

JimMandeville.com

Serving the “Lakes Area” Since 1989 MAIN LAKEFRONT Over 6,000 sq. ft. on all-sports lake. 5 bedrooms and 4.5 baths. Finished walkout lower level. $689,000

IMMACULATE RANCH CONDO End unit complete with basement and attached garage. This unit is loaded with updates. $59,900

Call for Free Market Analysis

APRIL 11-17, 2012

HELP WANTED General/ Help Wanted

WAIT STAFF

www.spinalcolumnonline.com General/ Help Wanted

Now hiring full/ part time, positions. Family restaurant seeking enthusiastic, experienced individuals who are customer service focused, reliable and attentive. Must have minimum 4 years experience in restaurant industry. Only serious applicant please. Contact (248)880-1900

ELECTRICIAN Experienced service electrician needed for our growing company. Excellent benefits package included: health insurance, vacation/ holiday pay, vehicle with gas card, bonuses, continuing education, and room for advancement.

248-363-8508

9a.m. - 7p.m.

CNC SET-UP OPERATOR

MAC Valves, Inc., a leading worldwide manufacturer of pneumatic solenoid valves, is searching for experienced CNC set-up operators. Applicants must be reliable and self motivated, able to demonstrate detailed CNC set-up and part metrology skills and be willing to work in customer oriented groups. We are a people oriented technology based company and operate in a group system environment where people are given responsibility and opportunity to learn and advance. Apply to:

MAC Valves, Inc P.O. Box 111, Wixom, MI 48393 Attn: John Haar

General/ Help Wanted

DRY CLEANER

NOW HIRING:

Looking for Counter Help

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

and Presser. Full or Part Time. 248-694-4933 OFFICE CLEANING EVENING HOURS MONDAY- FRIDAY

NOVI AREA/ WEST BLOOMFIELD CORPORATE CLEANING GROUP

248-313-9880 SOLO DRIVERS needed for a round trip dedicated runs. $1,500 SIGN-ON BONUS! ·Great Home Time ·Health Benefits Available Recent Driving Experience & A CDL-A License is Required.

Call Now: (866) 380-6820

FALCON TRANSPORT

EXPERIENCED PIZZA MAKER Needed plus delivery person, kitchen helper, and servers. Apply in person --

Alex's Pizzeria 49000 Pontiac Trail Wixom, MI 48393

IN HOME Care- part time home health care provider for elderly female, 8 a.m-8 p.m. Wednesdays only, $10.41 per hour, experienced preferred. 248-935-5195.

1-985-646-1700 DEPT. MI-2319

Medical/ Dental

DIRECT CARE Both full time and part time. Up to $9.03 per hour to start, with Benefits. Small group home setting. Must be Patient & Reliable.

Holly Area

248-486-5368 Part Time/ Temporary

PART TIME landscaping helpUp to 5 hours per day in the afternoon. 5 to 6 days per week. No experience necessary. West Bloomfield. 248326-1898

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE Used/Wanted

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

Mann Metals Corp. (248)960-1200

Used/Wanted

PAGE 41 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

Absolutely Free

Items must be FREE to respondents, ad free to you. Restricted to residential. The publishing group accepts no responsibility for actions between individuals. Sorry, we do not accept ads for free dogs. FREE COFFEE Table, walnut. 248-363-0210

Auction/Estate Sales101

PUBLIC AUCTION "Mini Storage Depot will sell at public auction, contents of Units Numbered (O1314, Myra Finney- Household goods, Furniture, Boxes, Trunks, Toys, Sporting Goods, Tools, Equipment), (O1317, Myra FinneyHousehold goods, Furniture, Boxes, Suitcases, Toys, Sporting Goods, Tools), (L1066, Dawn Grzesik- Household goods, Trunks, Suitcases, Sporting Goods, Tools), (B19, Lindsay Carrier- Household goods, Boxes, Toys), (O1308, Joyce Stevenson- Household goods, Furniture, Boxes, Suitcases), (F452, Kelsie MillerHousehold goods, Furniture, Boxes, Toys, Tools) on Monday, April 30th, 2012 at 2:00p.m. 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."

Garage Sales

103

COMMERCE

Pre-Licensing Class April Classes Available $ Class only

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

Join us as we grow Michigan.

TWO FAMILIES: 9a.m.-3p.m. Friday, Saturday, 2030 Waldor, Pontiac Trail/ Welch

Lawn/Garden/Sod 110 PRE FORMED Pond, 5ftx6ftx 20inches deep, two levels, $25. 248-634-6913

Furniture/Rugs

125

WHITE ENTERTAINMENT Center, new, ready to assemble, 38 1/8 inch wide x 20 1/4 inch high x 14 7/8 inch deep. $20. 248-623-2661 SHELF WITH two shelves, white, 30 3/4inch wide X 11.5inch deep X 11.5inch high. New- $5. 248-623-2661

Odds N Ends

138

WESTINGHOUSE AUTOMATIC extra tall can opener, brand new in box. $7.50 248-623-2661

Odds N Ends

138

$20 PREPAID Phone card for only $10- I can give you a 1800 number to verify, expires June 13, 2013. 248-6232661.

BOATS/ OUTDOOR Wanted Boats/ Jet Skis/ Parts

Cars

187

FORD ESCAPE XLT 2002, 124k, original owner, $5,800 248-698-2219 FORD MUSTANG LX 1993, auto, V8, convertible, runs great. Only $3,500 Call Jim 248-877-3309

Cars

187

JEEP COMPASS 2007 49k, loaded, must sell $12,900 248-505-8827 HONDA ELEMENT EX 2005 4wd., bright red, 122K, 248881-0900 Private. MAZDA 626 LX 2001, 136K, gold, clean- must sell. 248884-7200

162

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

WANTED 50's Alumacraft FD 14' boat 248-363-3770

ROOFING, SIDING, WINDOWS COMPLETE HOME REMODELING Licensed & Insured • Free Estimate

877-361-7705

www.ljhomerepair.com Financing Available • Senior Discount

FREE GUTTERS

(100 ft. max)

with Roof Replacement over 10 sq.

Boats/Motors/Trailers 164

DAVE'S MOBILE MARINE •Pontoon Hauling •Inboard & Outboard Repair "We Come To You" •Buy & Sell Motors

(248)666-9248

CARS/TRUCKS MOTORCYCLES Wanted Parts/ Salvage

181

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

(248)467-0396 CAMPBELL'S TOWING AUTOS, CARS & TRUCKS

$200 AND UP

248-698-1062 Tires/ Parts

182

TRAILER AXLE From mobile home with wheels, $24. 248360-8485

a H g o me ? n i y u B Let us

Look Before You Leap!

Affordab le Home Inspections

Up to 170 components inspected in a typical three bedroom home. Computer-generated, comprehensive, easy-to-understand 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

PAGE 42

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

. WP ET RC E MM CO

RD FO MIL

$378,800 ALL-SPORTS UNION LAKEFRONT SPECIAL •2-3 bedroom brick ranch, fin w/o, brick fp •2 car attached gar, elevated deck, patio #212034479 EXT. #215•KEY #276273 P. TW CE R E MM CO

2900 Union Lake, Suite 210, Commerce, MI 48382

248-366-7200

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

$574,900

UPPER STRAITS LAKEFRONT INVESTMENT SPECIAL •4 bed, 3.5 ba, 2,746 sq ft + f-bmt, 1st fl mstr •Wet bar, deck, 2nd buildable lot + 4 other lots #212032232 EXT. #245 •KEY #260513 . WP ET RC E MM CO

$139,900

$99,900 PRIVATE BEACH AND PARK ON ALL-SPORTS SYLVAN LAKE •1,446 sq ft, fin bsmt, 3 bed, 1.5 ba, fp •DR, kitch w/appl., Flor. rm, 2 car, deck #212031794 EXT. #208 •KEY #278040

$495,000

$139,000

janet@TheStocktonTeam.com

steve@TheStocktonTeam.com

800-396-5204 + Ext. # for recorded message Text Key # to 90210 for text message Call today for a private consultation.

. WP ET AK L ITE WH

RARE BUILDING OPPORTUNITY ALL-SPORTS UNION LAKEFRONT •75’ sandy shoreline, 200’ deep lot, seawall •Possible walkout site, existing 2br, 2ba home #212017000 EXT. #205 •KEY #248367

L ITE WH

SHARP RANCH - LARGE BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED LOT •1,408 sq ft, 3 bed, 2 ba, oversized 2 car gar •1st flr laundry, lg shed, patio, Walled Lk schools #212011148 EXT. #285 •KEY #fm256j

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

P. TW RD FO R TE WA

$219,000 GORGEOUS GERUNDEGUT BAY ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •Remodeled ranch, stone fp, dining rm •Corian counter kitch, tile, crown molding #211103417 EXT. #280•KEY #24373

LD FIE OM LO B ST WE

CUSTOM BUILT ALL SPORTS MACEDAY LAKEFRONT •4 bed, 4 ba, all brick, fin w/o, 5,200 sq ft •1st & 2nd flr master, volume rooms, 3 car #211017553 EXT. #296 •KEY #248341

GORGEOUS, MOVE-IN 2-STORY WITH FENCED YARD •1,849 sq ft, 4 bed, 2.5 ba, LR, DR & FR •Big mstr., fp, vaulted rms, huge deck, 2 car #212034288 EXT. #289•KEY #266255

$199,900 $219,900 WALKOUT RANCH ON ALL-SPORTS BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED HOME CLARK & CARROLL LAKES PRIVATE, FENCED YARD! •1,353 sq ft + 950 sq ft in fin. w/o, 3 bed, 2 ba •1,836 sq ft, 4 bed, 2.5 ba, fin bsmt, LR/DR •Florida rm, 2 fireplaces, mstr w/ba, shed •Cath mstr w/ba, granite kitchen, FR w/fp #21207022 EXT. #243•KEY #264094 #212033201 EXT. #298 •KEY #261788 P. TW RD FO R TE WA

P. TW RD FO R E T WA

VI NO

. WP ET RC E MM CO

$294,900

CLIFFS OF LOON LAKE SUB – SUB BEACH AND PARK •2 sty, 2,515 sq ft, 4 bed, 2.5 ba, granite hdwd •SS appl., 3 car, part f-bsmt, in-ground pool #212034421 EXT. #214 •KEY #268871

$759,900

STUNNING 90 FT. OF MAIN LAKEFRONT ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •2,778 sq ft, 3 bed, 2.5 ba, 2 fp, jet tub mstr. •2+ gar, 3 decks, dock, shed, W. B. schools #212009502 EXT. #231 • KEY #248358 P. TW RD FO R E T WA

D IEL MF LOO B ST WE

HILLS OF BOGIE LAKE SUB CLUBHOUSE & POOL!! •3,303 sq ft + fin daylight bsmt, ff laundry •5 bed, 4.5 ba, 3 car gar, lg. raised deck #211116381 EXT. #255•KEY #267493

$499,900

$334,900

M XO WI

$399,900

$487,500

1+ ACRE BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED LOT AND INGROUND POOL •3,828 sq ft, fin w/o, 4/5 bed, 3.5 ba, library •Consortium, fps, master jet tub bath #212018825 EXT. #204•KEY #248379 D IEL MF LOO B ST WE

HILLS OF BOGIE LAKE SUB CLUBHOUSE, POOL, PLAYGROUND •2,463 sq ft + fin daylight bsmt, 4 bed, 3.5 ba •Fp, Grt rm, DR, granite kitchen, ff laundry #212031690 EXT. #294•KEY #268869

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

. WP ET AK

$164,900 SPACIOUS COLONIAL WITH LARGE DECK ON NICELY TREED LOT •1,933 sq ft, 3 bed, 1.5 ba, basement •1st flr laundry, gorgeous granite kitchen, brick fp #212026605 EXT. #279 •KEY #256965 . WP ET AK L ITE WH

$224,900 $299,900 BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED PRIVACY - QUIET .9 ACRE CEDAR ISLAND LAKEFRONT CUL-DE-SAC LOT BACKS TO WOODS •2,557 sq ft + fin. bsmt, 4 bed, 2.5 ba. ff laundry •2,302 sq ft, 4 bed, 3 ba, LC terms, GR w/fp •Side entry gar, in-ground pool, patio, workshop •New paint/carpet, ceramic thru-out, 2 car #212021371 EXT. #270•KEY #263460 #212011157 EXT. #246 •KEY #257017 P. TW CE ER M M CO

P. TW CE ER M M CO

$79,900 LEASE $995/MO. BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED AFFORDABLE RENTAL ON CONDOMINIUM TOWNHOUSE QUIET DEAD-END STREET •2 bed, 1.5 ba + fin-bsmt, granite kitch •1,300 sq ft ranch with 3 bed, 1.5 ba, fp •Ceramic/hdwd, LC terms, clubhouse, pool •2 car , patio, fenced, immed occup., 1 yr min. #212009441 EXT. #259 •KEY #262565 #212008860 EXT. #275•KEY #268870

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

There’s No Better Time To Sell!

We are full time professionals... •Meeting Client’s Needs Since 1977 •Dedicated Listing & Buyer’s Agents •150+ Negotiated/Closed “Short Sales”

Our performance speaks for itself!

www.TheStocktonTeam.com

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 43

Whether you are buying or selling you need a professional!

Call one of these Lakes Area Real Estate Pros! www.TheStocktonTeam.com

Kendra McConnell Hurd

“MICKIE” 248-891-8667 Office

248-494-1562 Office 248-644-6300

kmhurd@cbweirmanuel.com Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel

Lakes Area’s #1 Team! Zillow Preferred Agent

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

janet@TheStocktonTeam.com

steve@TheStocktonTeam.com

REALTOR® Commerce Market Center Cell

Cell

248-360-2900

mklump@kw.com

248-366-7200

Jill Hurley

REALTOR®, ABR e-PRO, TRC

Cell

2900 Union Lake, Suite 21 Commerce, MI 48382

To advertise call 248.360.7355

2900 Union Lake Rd., Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382

www.LinkedIn.com/in/KendraMcConnellHurd

www.jhurleyhomes.com E-mail jillsjems3@yahoo.com

Keller Williams Realty 2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce Township

Robert Hittinger

Jennifer Wrobleski

REALTOR®

Residential • Commercial • Investment

Cell

810-602-4128 Office 248-406-2942 Cell

www.MichiganHomeMarketPlace.com www.JenniferWrobleski.net

jwrobleski@kw.com

Keller Williams Realty

2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce Township

WILCOX REALTY GROUP

Lorrie Bailey Agent

Fax

248-884-6723 248-406-2901

Randy Wilcox

Associate Broker

248-224-7653 Direct 248-685-9661 Office

lorriebailey@aol.com kw.com

lorriebailey.com

248-438-5523 Fax

Keller Williams Realty

Randy@RandyWilcox.com

2900 Union Lake, Suite 210

Individually owned & operated

WilcoxRealtyGroup.com

348 E. MAPLE ROAD • BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009 Commerce Township 248-644-7000 • WWW.SKBK.COM

Jim Mandeville

Willie Ray III, SFR, AHWD Changingstreets.com 810-733-3374 Genesee 248-812-0125 Oakland 248-778-6275 Direct www.mihomesales.com

DAVID RIDLEY

TEAM STAWIZKY

ASSOC. BROKER www.RidleyRealty.com

When Hard Work Matters

248-760-4222

COVERING

2900 UNION LK. RD. COMMERCE TWP., MI 48382

ALL OF OAKLAND COUNTY

Independently Owned & Operated

2900 Union Lake Rd., Suite 210 Commerce Twp., MI 48382

www.teamstawizky.com

MIKE STAWIZKY, REALTOR Cell 2 4 8 - 9 8 0 - 4 4 0 6 Office 2 4 8 - 3 6 0 - 2 9 0 0 teamstawizky@kw.com

2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce Township, MI 48382

“Your Trusted Professional”

REALTOR®

2900 Union Lake Rd., #210 • Commerce, MI 48382

248-854-3100 248-360-2900

Office

http://RobertHittinger.yourKWagent.com Email RAHittinger@comcast.net

Cell

248-747-2708 248-406-2926

Office

Rob Sprader

Cell 248.672.4800 Business 248.360.9100

JM@Century21.com

TODAY

JimMandeville.com

REALTOR®

Cell

248-640-2680 248-360-2900

Office

E-mail Robsprader@hotmail.com Website Robsprader.com

Susan Kissick

Fine Homes and Lakes Specialist

248.283.8345 248.535.5343

direct cell

248.283.8788 fax

skissick@skbk.com • susankissick.skbk.com

348 E. MAPLE ROAD • BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009 248-644-7000 • WWW.SKBK.COM

PAGE 44

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

L ITE WH

E AK

RD FO TER WA

HLA

HIG

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

L ITE WH

E AK

N RIO MA

211131493 - $149,900

212027739 - $97,500

211101478 - $149,900

212021785 - $154,900

2120292200 - $197,000

SPACIOUS, UPDATED HOME 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, lake privileges, finished basement

NATURAL FIREPLACE 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, partially finished lower level, cathedral ceiling

OLD WORLD CHARM TUDOR 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, coved ceilings, lake privileges

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

LLY

RD FO TER WA

212034537 - $119,900

21200049 - $124,900

212035052 - $189,900

211120853 - $152,900

211091695 - $124,500

WELCOME HOME-SPLIT RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, open floor plan, master suite, beautifully finished

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

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

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

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

EL RIN LVE WO

E AK

L ITE WH

FEATURED HOME

AKE

LD FIE OM O L B ST WE

RD FO TER WA

OF THE WEEK

212014288 - $160,000

212027510 - $128,600

BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED CONDO 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, hardwood floors, granite counter tops, spacious floor plan, finished basement

PONTIAC LAKEFRONT CONDO 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, great room with fireplace, gourmet kitchen

VI NO

ST WE

LD FIE OM BLO

212010105 - $89,999

BRICK RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, large lot, central air LD FIE OM O L B ST WE

211125980 - $189,900

ALL SPORTS WILLIAMS LAKE 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, summer get away, possible walkout, nicely landscaped, brick pavers

L ITE WH

MIL

212030979 - $719,500

SPECTACULAR MIDDLE STRAITS WATERFRONT 4 bedrooms, 3.2 baths, kitchen newly remodeled, master suite, theatre room

MIL

212010376 - $95,000 MILFORD VILLAGE HIDDEN GEM 4 bedrooms, 1.1 bath, lots of cabinets, hardwood floors, natural fp, part. fin. basement CE ER MM O C

212022464 - $264,900 CE ER MM O C

AKE

212028681 - $166,000

212021370 - $162,000

COME ON OUT TO THE COUNTRY!! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors, woodstove, almost 2 acres, 3 car garage

NEW ENGLAND CHARM 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, 1.5 acres with pond, walk out finished basement

L ITE WH

R BO AR OH G E KE

E AK

211112421 - $170,0000

212034531 - $307,660

212020077 - $277,900

212025628 - $104,900

211048408 - $100,000

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

CRANBERRY LAKE COLONIAL 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, gourmet kitchen, master suite fireplace, beautiful lot

BOATING/SWIMMING/LAKE SHERWOOD 3 bedroom, 3.1 bath, contemporary, vault ceilings, wood and ceramic, gazebo w/hot tub

MANDON LAKEFRONT 2 bedrooms, 1 bath remodeled in 2009, large deck, shed

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

D IEL MF LOO B ST WE

L ITE WH

AKE

D FOR TER WA

E AK

EL RIN LVE O W

E AK

212022600 - $159,900

212030086 - $59,000

211099179 - $222,000

211128969 - $180,000

211124998 - $235,000

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

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

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

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

Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour

Lakes Area (248) 363-8300 • www.RealEstateOne.com

APRIL 11-17, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

Marie & Associates Hadley, Tessa, Thad, Quinn, Stella & Zoe 248-470-6196

EN OP

PAGE 45

SANDY JONES

AUDREY STOREY

Visit: sandyjoneshome.com for all available properties

audreystorey@yahoo.com

248-320-3531

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

Current economic reports indicate there is a shortage of saleable homes on the market.

-4 Y1 DA N SU

SPECTACULAR PRIVATE GREEN LAKEFRONT!

BECKY KATZMAN McCARTHY 248-790-9915 Lakes Area Specialist

rmccarthy@RealEstateOne.com

CAROL WAGNER

586-612-5995

“Dedicated to Servicing all your Home Buying and Selling Needs” cwagner@realestateone.com

DIANE BUCHANAN

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

MARY SHIELDS

Cell 248-245-6090 realestateone.com/mshields

LEASE - WHITE LAKE - $1,050/mo. Updated ranch, beautiful kitchen, great lot and location.

If the possibility of a move is in your near future… Call me. Let’s get together, we will review the market activity and sales. LISTED We will determine the best price to position your house in the market. AND SOLD We will also discuss some tips to IN 1 DAY!!! help make your house stand out from the competition, bettering the Meticulously maintained 4 bedroom home with full possibility of the buyer choosing basement and attached garage. Great subdivision with sidewalks. Walk to downtown Holly. Kitchen features your house over others.

Together we will make that possibility into a reality!

Residential & Waterfront Specialists SELLING REAL ESTATE SINCE 1980

VACANT - LAKE ACCESS - $37,900 Build your dream in Waterford’s prestigious gated community with lake access and deeded dock/Cass Lake.

MAKING IT A PRIME TIME TO GET YOUR HOUSE ON THE MARKET. Million dollar views from most rooms. Living room, family room and in-law suite fireplaces. Quality throughout: ceiling detail, French doors, bow windows, 6 panel wood doors. Formal and informal dining, island kitchen, heated Mackinac style porch, 4 bedrooms, 6 baths, finished walkout, 3 car garage. ENJOY! $660,000 MLS#212033998 2855 Warner Drive, West Bloomfield

THE POWER TEAM

center island, hardwood floors, breakfast area with doorwall. Great room with lots of windows. Formal dining room. Generous room sizes. All for $154,900 AS842C

SUSI GOLLINGER Associate Broker - A.B.R.

(248) 310-9002

susigollinger@hotmail.com

WATERFORD BEAUTY - $724,900 All-sports lake, gorgeous home and views, totally renovated 2 master suites. PRIVATE SETTING - $149,900 Beautiful private setting!!! Large updated kitchen, 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths. CONDO LIVING - $152,900 2 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, vaulted ceilings, finished basement, 2 car attached garage. Low maintenance fees. CONDO LIVING - $189,900 Beautifully updated condo, 2 bedrooms, 3 full baths, walkout basement, 2 car attached garage.

CHERYL YEAGER

248-310-8077 cherylyeager.com cherylyeager@yahoo.com

ICE

NG I D N PE

ALL-SPORTS LAKEFRONT WITH GORGEOUS VIEWS! Approx. 1,900 sq. ft. 4 br, 2.1 ba, newer roof, dock. $259,000. For all showings call Becky.

D L O S ALL-SPORTS LAKEFRONT! Approx. 1,700 sq. ft., of living area, 2 br. 2 full ba, spacious kitchen with island,living room with gorgeous views of the lake, 2 car detached garage, new well and hot water heater in 2011. $169,000. Call Becky for details. Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour

Thinking about selling? Buyers are ready to Spring into action. Call me for your free market analysis.

- WHITE LAKE -

GORGEOUS CONDO Built in 2002. 1,730 sq. ft., 1 1/2 story with 1,440 sq. ft. in finished lower level. ONLY $159,900 - PRICED TO SELL! Backing to lovely common area. Private entrance, end unit. Elegant 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, all appliances. Pets allowed. Call Susi for all showings. (S.G. 8010 S)

For All Showings Call Susi

Lakes Area (248) 363-8300 • 8430 Richardson

LEASE - NOVI CONDO $1,050 - INCLUDES GAS & WATER 2 bedrooms, 1 bath - Beautiful upper unit, fresh paint, carpet 2011, updated fixtures and bath. Balcony from eating area. 1 car garage. Located near pool and tennis courts. Convenient location to freeways, dining and shopping. CY23578NR ©Real Estate One, Inc., 2012

PAGE 46

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

– MILFORD VILLAGE – CHARMING AND WELL UPDATED HISTORIC HOME JUST 2 BLOCKS FROM DOWNTOWN! 210111484 $249,900

– WIXOM – BRIGHT AND CHARMING RANCH WITH LAKE PRIVILEGES! 210132913 $125,000

– NORTHVILLE – SHORT DISTANCE TO QUAINT DOWNTOWN NORTHVILLE! 211114550 $238,000

– HIGHLAND – WATERFRONT HOME ON ALL-SPORTS, PRIVATE HIGHLAND LAKE! 212020231 $195,000

– HIGHLAND – PREMIUM, DOWNEY LAKE FRONT SITE. $329,900

– TROY – QUALITY BUILT, SPRAWLING RANCH WITH OPEN FLOOR PLAN. 212023460 $205,000

– MILFORD – SPACIOUS HOME, CLOSE TO THE VILLAGE OF MILFORD! 212025808 $239,000

– HIGHLAND – STUNNING HOME ON 540 ACRE ALL-SPORTS WHITE LAKE! 212026900 $299,900

– YPSILANTI – CLEAN, WELL KEPT RANCH. PARTIALLY FINISHED LOWER LEVEL. ALSO FOR LEASE. 212027316 $60,000

– HIGHLAND – ADORABLE & CHARMING 3 BEDROOM CAPE COD. NEW KITCHEN WITH ALL APPLIANCES. 212028986 $109,900

– HIGHLAND – BENCHMARK HOMES PRESENTS 4 BEDROOM, 2.1 BATH, COLONIAL ON +/- ACRE. 212029431 $274,000

– HARTLAND – SPACIOUS & SUPERBLY MAINTAINED LAKE PRIVILEGES ON DUNHAM LAKE! 212026900 $299,900

– COMMERCE TOWNSHIP – BUILDERS OWN HOME ON ALL-SPORTS LAKE SHERWOOD. PENINSULA LOT. 212031905 $649,000

– HARTLAND – UPDATED CUSTOM BRICK HOME ON DUNHAM LAKE GREENBELT. 212032427 $293,000

– HIGHLAND – UPDATED HISTORIC FARMHOUSE JUST A BLOCK FROM DOWNTOWN! 212032612 $105,000

– HIGHLAND – .41 ACRE FENCED DOUBLE LOT. DOCK PRIVILEGES ON ALL-SPORTS WHITE LAKE. 212032747 $124,900

– HIGHLAND – WELL PLANNED DESIGN, ATTENTION TO DETAIL. MAPLE & GRANITE KITCHEN. 212032857 $304,900

– WATERFORD – NICE MASTER WITH WALK-IN CLOSETS. FIRST FLOOR LAUNDRY. 212033380 $69,900

– MILFORD – MOVE IN CONDITION CONDO, WALK FROM DOWNTOWN. OPEN FLOOR PLAN. 212033415 $69,900

– MILFORD – CUSTOM BUILT BEAUTY WITH MODERN CONVENIENCES. 1 1/2 ACRE PRIVATE LOT. 212033490 $329,000

212022371

560 N. Milford Rd., Milford • 248.684.1065 ~ Serving Milford & Surrounding Areas

APRIL 11-17, 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 Home/Office Cleaning 368

A & M Home Cleaning Service We clean like its ours. Weekly, biweekly, monthly available. Call Maureen 248-520-8374 Anna 248-881-3389

REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT Appliance Repair

502

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

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

513

BOB'S CARPET 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 Cabinetry

515

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

(248)363-3804

elegant-woodworking.com

Cement/Concrete

517

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

(248)684-5928 ARROW CONCRETE •Driveway Specials •Free Removal •Regular & Stamped •Home Owner Friendly •Residential - Commerical Fully Lic. & Ins. - 20 Yr. Exp.

248-758-4346

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

248-486-5900 AFFORDABLE

CONCRETE SERVICES Driveways, Patios, Sidewalks, Tear-outs, Replacements, Footings, Block work. Over 30 years experience.

Call Bob

248-579-3979 523

Deck Cleaning Powerwashing Stain & Sealing Light Carpentry Repair Call Treadway Painting

248-787-1174

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

ARROWCONCRETE.NET

Decks/Patios

Doors

526

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

Ron (248)673-7665 Electricians

528

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

(248)683-7985 Excavating

529

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

(248)624-6458

Flooring

536

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

(248)684-5983

Handy Person

545

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

(248)891-7072

Licensed and Insured

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

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 Lawn Service •Spring clean up •Gutter cleaning •Landscape •Brick pavers •Mulch & weeding •Insured •Res. & Com. www.artoutdoorservices.com (248)625-5719

College Student Looking for Lawn care, mulch/ stone & odd jobs Shawn Larkins 248-931-0295 Painting/ Decorating

562

VS PAINTING SPRING 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

Painting/ Decorating

562

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

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

Plumbing

567

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

248-363-5864 Roofing

571

! 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

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

Siding

577

Tree Service

I.D.C.

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

Bob: 248-363-0589 idchomeservice.com

Tile

J ROMO TREE SERVICE •Tree Trimming •Lot Clearing •Tree Removal •Experienced •Quality Work •Affordable •Free Estimates •Insured

(248)939-7420 (248)978-1096

585

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

John Miller (248)505-8865

jmtileandmarble.com

Trash/Debris Removal

586

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

Call anytime for estimates & great service

248-887-4892 Tree Service

587

jromotreeservice@yahoo.com

Waterproofing

248-921-9097 MAXON'S TREE SERVICE •Trimming •Tree Removal •Stump Grinding •Lot Clearing •Firewood & Woodchips "We now have wood fencing & deliver sand, gravel, top soil."

Licensed & Insured Free Estimates

(248)887-2190

599

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

Wells

603

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

Emergency Service 7 days a week

BONE CUTTERS Tree Trim Removal and Stumps •Free estimates •Insured 30 years experience

587

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

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

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

All certified Auto Technicians

Service Special

OIL CHANGE

• Rotate tires

• FREE brake inspection • Computer balance 4 wheels

95 +tax

• Set toe-in on applicable vehicles

• Caster or camber adjustments are extra Must present coupon when order is written. Most GM vehicles. Cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts. Expires 4/25/12.

Fully Equipped Collision Shop with FREE Estimates!

Fuel Injection Service

★ WILD CARD SPECIAL ★

25 Off $ 15 Off

HELP IMPROVE YOUR GAS MILEAGE!

Our factory-trained technicians will perform the following: •Pressurized cleaning of fuel injectors •Remove combustion chamber deposits •Clean air intake system •Three Part Fuel System

10% OFF SC

+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 4/25/12. SC

Balance and Rotate Tires

• Check tire pressure

95*

Hole Special ★ ★ Pot Front End Alignment INCLUDES:

248-624-4500

~ COUPON ~

O I OTOR L

ou Y e c i v r The Se ices r P t a Expect se! n e S e ak That M

2199 Haggerty Road @ Pontiac Trail Walled Lake • www.morrismotorsmi.com

Fuel filter Replacement

95 SAVE $30.00

Plus tax. Most GM cars and trucks. All coupons must be presented at time of write up. Offers cannot be applied with any other offers. Expires 4/25/12.

Any Service Over $175.00 Any Service Over $90.00

Any Make or Model

One coupon per customer. Coupons may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 4/25/12. Excludes oil changes, brake promotion, tires and SRTA’S. Valid only in our service department. Must present coupon when order is written. 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 4/11 thru 4/18/12 2008 SCION XB

S13,880 OLD

2008 PONTIAC G6 #P2042

12,995**

2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE #P1940A

2,995**

#P2038

2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO CONVERSION #P2051

12,995**

8,997**

2007 MAZDA CX7 #P1951

14,995**

Find us on Facebook

2008 GMC SIERRA 1500 SLE1 #P2070

21,990**

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 4/18/12.

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~