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11/16/11
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CHRIS BAKER HONORED Area businessman knows the importance of helping the community - pg. 27
WATERFORD TRASH TALK Trustee working on plan to ditch free-for-fall waste collection system - pg. 3
TOP DOGS IN THE STATE Central’s marching band claims back-to-back state titles in Detroit - pg. 19
pg. 8 Horses trot through downtown Milford during a past Huron Valley Annual Christmas Parade. (Photo submitted by Jennifer Barrett)
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NOVEMBER 16, 2011
SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL
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: • Chamber Member Orientation, noon-1 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, Waterford Township Library, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. • Perking-Up, 8-9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 6, Greek Jalapeno Restaurant, 6636 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford. $10 for members; $15 for non members. • Business After Hours Mixer, 5-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, The Fountain Golf Course, 6060 Maybee Road, Clarkston. $10 for members; $15 for non members.
That’s what SHE said: "They (the state Senate) just approached it different and, frankly, quite disappointingly," she said. — State Rep. Gail Haines (RWaterford, West Bloomfield), commenting on the upper chamber's passage of a bill that some argued would allow for bullying of students based on religious or moral grounds. The state House passed a bill last week that didn't include such a provision.
Non-profit honors Wixom for its work at downtown area By Leslie Shepard staff writer
Wixom is the proud recipient of the 2011 Keep Michigan Beautiful President’s Award. City Manager Mike Dornan accepted the honor at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids on Tuesday, Nov. 1. “Wixom is very proud and honored to receive the Keep Michigan Beautiful President’s Award,” said Mayor Kevin Hinkley, who attributed Wixom receiving the award to the dedication, hard work, vision and creativity of city volunteers, staff and residents. The President’s Award was presented to Wixom for the vast improvements at the Village Center Area (VCA). What was once an underdeveloped and blighted block of acreage has been transformed into a family-oriented downtown complete with shopping, dining, a performance gazebo, and public park. The VCA is also home to the Wixom municipal complex and library. Wedged
Waterford trustee mulls collection of trash by districts By Leslie Shepard
INSIDE Special Report . . . . . . . . .8-9 County . . . . . . . . . . . .32-33 Public Safety . . . . . . . .24-25 Environment . . . . . . . . . .21 State . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34-35 Lakes Area News . . . . . .7-15 Editorials . . . . . . . . . . . . .37 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . .29 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . .40-43
248.360.6397
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staff writer
Waterford Township Trustee David Kramer was expected to broach trash collection issues at the Board of Trustees’ Monday, Nov. 14 meeting, but just prior to the meeting, asked to remove the discussion item from the agenda. “We need to do more research before it’s brought back,” he said. Kramer initially intended to present a preliminary proposal to address trash collection, but one that steers clear of the single-hauler concept scrapped in 1998 when two-thirds of the township’s electorate voted against that approach to waste collection. “It’s just ideas at this point,”
Wixom’s Village Center Area (above), which was once underdeveloped and blighted, has in past years been transformed into a family-oriented downtown complete with places for shopping and dining. The downtown area, located along Pontiac Trail, was the reason the city of Wixom received the 2011 Keep Michigan Beautiful Presidents Award, which City Manager Mike Dornan said the city is “very proud and honored” to earn. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
between the two municipal buildings is a reflecting pond featuring a waterfall. Dotting the streetscape are wrought iron furniture and decorative street lighting. “The VCA is a work in progress,” Dornan said. “There was a lot of
momentum at the start and a number of people worked on it.” Community members, the Planning Commission, the Downtown Development Authority, and the Zoning Board of Appeals all had a hand in
Kramer said. “It’s not a single-waste hauler, but creating districts within the township based on traffic patterns and density of housing populations.” Kramer’s draft proposal asserts that there is a preponderance of waste collectors in any given neighborhood that poses a potential danger to pedestrians, children and pets. Moreover, the exhaust from the vehicles adds to the township’s collective carbon footprint, and having multiple haulers operating in the township nearly every day adds excessive wear and tear on roadways. There is also a concern over garbage on the sides of township roads each day. “The goal is less wear and tear, traffic, carbon footprint and blight — that’s what it’s all about,” Kramer said. “No one is trying to put anyone out of business.” Kramer’s draft proposal would create township standards, by ordinance, for waste collectors. The standards would
first be discussed with board members, operators, other municipalities, and the township’s Department of Public Works. “Districts would be created on the advice of personnel in township departments (who) travel the township a lot,” Kramer said. “There indeed would be multiple operators, but only one in each district to reduce truck traffic.” No other operators would be allowed in another’s assigned district. “We would discuss it with operators first to find out their thoughts,” Kramer said. “They would save money, as well, since they would not be driving as long because the districts would be condensed.” Waterford Township would seek competitive bids for service in residential districts, meaning the township would decide what districts would get which operator, not the residents.
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WEST
OAKLAND’S
Jim Hiller: Man on a mission
NEWSWEEKLY
51st YEAR OF PUBLICATION Waterford • White Lake • Highland • Milford Commerce • Wolverine • Walled Lake • Wixom West Bloomfield • Orchard Lake • Union Lake PUBLISHER / PRESIDENT: Susan Fancy BUSINESS MANAGER: Dennis Boggs EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Carol Barr EDITOR: Tim Dmoch
ASSISTANT EDITOR: Kirk Pinho
Staff Writers: Angela Niemi, Leslie Shepard, Michael Shelton Contributing Writers: Mike Scott, Mark Stowers Staff Photographer: Amy K. Lockard ADVERTISING SALES: Account Representatives: Cindie Audia, Denise Engelberts, Debra Grubb Linda Stickney, Laurie Wasker Sales Assistant/Proofing: Karen Whikehart PHONE SALES MANAGER: Lori Snyder Account Representatives: Rhonda Libkuman, Cindy Stawick, Leslie Timko GRAPHICS: Denise Jungjohan, Marcia Reimer, Stacie Sabady IT MANAGER: Joel Stickney CIRCULATION: Dan Griffin ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE MANAGER: Carolyn Petherbridge Assistant: Mable McCullough PRESS RELEASES: Deadline 10 a.m. Thursday. Mail to P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387-0014. Fax 248.360.1220 or bring to office. After-hours drop box. NEWS TIPS: Post at our website MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS: 52 issues - $45 per year.
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Hiller’s Markets CEO advocates community reponsibility Q
J
im Hiller, chief executive officer of Hiller’s Markets, believes in helping his customers through hard economic times without compromising on quality and is widely respected for his charitable giving. He is a mover and a shaker who has strong convictions of responsibility. His “Buy Michigan” campaign has endeared him to the communities he serves. The company’s philosophy encompasses tailoring its business around customer’s needs. Hiller’s is the place for those whose “must haves” range from the conventional to the most obscure. They have rows of items for any lifestyle, including gluten-free, diabetic, vegan, Kosher, and even British and Asian foods, along with speciality fare. Apart from his immersion in business and charitable causes, Hiller has two avid past times. He has been a passionate sailor since 1973 and an amateur astronomer all his life. “I have a house full of telescopes,” he said. “I love the stars and have been an amateur astronomer since I was a little boy.” Hiller owns and harbors a classic Contessa 32 British sailboat. “It was hand-built — it’s lovely and still seaworthy,” he said. How long have you owned Hiller’s Markets? JH: My family has owned Hiller’s Markets since before they were Hiller’s Markets, when they were Shopping Center Markets. We began the company in 1941. I took the company over in 1990 and I’m proud to say I now have a son in the business, so we’re in our third generation of Hillers. How do you keep your prices down? JH: Of course that’s very challenging and the answer to that is you need to have sufficient volume so that when you buy you can buy in enough quantity and negotiate good prices. But with Hiller’s, while price is important, the primary focus is the very finest quality. Quality doesn’t come necessarily at the cheapest price, but what we offer is impeccable quality in every part of our store and in those items that we compare with other super markets, I think we compare very nicely, but you come to Hiller’s because Hiller’s has everything. What makes Hiller’s a unique place to shop? JH: I’ll give you an example — most super markets, even really good ones, will have about 12,000 items in the store. In our store at Haggerty Road
Q
Q
Q
and 14 Mile, we have 75,000 items. Likewise, in August, you launched the new Hometown Showcase program. What does this entail? JH: This is an age of entrepreneurship. So many people have lost their jobs and have decided to become entrepreneurial. What we are doing is offering a place for new ideas, for a product they have invented, a book they’ve written, a service they’re providing. In our Hometown Showcase we’re giving them an opportunity, at no cost, to bring that product into Hiller’s and have contact with our customers. I’m proud to say that we’ve launched quite a number of books. We recently had an electric
Q
•
NE MINUTE
INTERVIEW scooter, and we’ve got new types of bicycles — just a veritable palette of products and services, and this is the name of this initiative. Another way you give back to Michigan includes the Hunger Free Summer Campaign benefiting Gleaners Community Food Bank and Forgotten Harvest. Was that a success, and how so? JH: It was a success, but not as much as I had hoped. My plan is that we’re going to be partnering with Gleaners again for a full court press. I am very involved personally with Gleaners and very committed to Gleaners. When I learned that three-quarters of a million children in Michigan go to bed hungry I decided to do everything possible and to involve Hiller’s in every way in helping to reduce that dreadful and frightening statistic.
Q
Apart from local food pantries, you also help out non-profits and personal causes. Please share some of them and why being charitable is so important to you. JH: It’s an interesting thing how in life a small thing can turn into a very profound part of your life. Many years ago, and I wasn’t always in this business, I was a lawyer and was with a prominent, old law firm in Detroit and I traveled to New York on a case. I was sitting in a courtroom of a federal judge and there on his desk was a sign that said, “We started out to do good and we’re doing very well.” That stuck with me. As time went on and as my business began to do a bit better, I came to see that part of the responsibility of being in the community and being a successful part of the community is to invest yourself every way you can. We began some years ago establishing a research fund at the University of Michigan to study Lou Gehrig’s disease. We created the ALS Center at Wayne State University. We’re involved constantly with different organizations and different groups because I think that is the responsibility we have to the people who support us. Your gutsy move to pull cigarettes from your stores was rewarded in 2009 when you were named a Hometown Health Hero. What was the impetus for doing that and did you receive some backlash from the community? JH: Yes, I did receive some backlash, but in a span of eight months I lost a number of friends to lung cancer, and all of them were smokers. One of them on his deathbed said, “Jimmy, if cigarettes weren’t available, people wouldn’t die from it.” I decided that day that whatever the financial impact, Hiller’s would stop buying cigarettes. We don’t sell any tobacco products. I understand people have the right to them, but I have the right to not sell them. It is the same thing that has driven me to require that every person who buys an alcoholic beverage (in my stores) to provide a picture ID. The person can be 90-years-old, but I demand to see ID so I know who I’m selling to and so they are accountable to make sure people don’t buy for young people who shouldn’t have alcohol. ❏
Q
By Leslie Shepard
Read more of this interview at www.spinalcolumnonline.com.
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PAGE 7
LAKES AREA NEWS
Trash pick-up ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 3
“What does it matter who the hauler is if all are abiding by the same standards?” Kramer asked. Operators’ ledgers are expected to also benefit from a concentrated or captured customer base, through less wear and tear on the trucks; less employee costs resulting from more efficient collection services; the freedom to concentrate in other areas of the township or county on other days and to choose the day of operation in each district. Residents would be expected to benefit, as well, through reduced costs, dangers, and vehicle exhaust. All forms of waste would be collected, including garbage, recyclables, and yard waste. Some board members are opposed to discussions on trash collection given the previously expressed voter consensus. “It’s a hot topic item and as far as I’m concerned, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” said Township Supervisor Carl Solden. ❏
Milford residents can get free DIA tickets on Nov. 20 By Michael Shelton staff writer
Art lovers residing in Milford are invited to the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) on Sunday, Nov. 20, when free admission into its museum will be granted to Milford residents. The Milford Downtown Development Authority (DDA) will be holding a “Community Day” at the DIA and any resident who presents identification that shows an address in Milford will receive four free tickets at the museum’s entrance. This event is part of the DIA’s Inside-Out program, which brings reproductions of the museum’s best works to hang in areas across metro Detroit for the public to view. Various displays of two-dimensional artwork are now on display at buildings and other locations throughout Milford. They will remain there until the end of the month, after they were installed on Sept. 14. The works that are on display include Thomas Moran’s “The Fisherman’s Wedding Party,” which is displayed at The Mill Pond on North Milford Road, and Pierre Auguste Renoir’s “Woman in an Armchair” at
Wixom City Manager Mike Dornan accepted the 2011 Keep Michigan Beautiful President’s Award in Grand Rapids on behalf of the city on Nov. 1. The President’s Award was presented to Wixom for the vast improvements at the Village Center Area, which features a performance gazebo and public park (above) for people to enjoy. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
President’s award ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 3
developing the VCA, along with the city administration. “We had to buy the property and package the property through the Land Acquisition Fund,” Dornan noted. “Once we did that, we asked the community what it should look like and then started the design the Heritage Wheel Garden at the Flat Iron Building, with both works on free-standing displays. The works are made out of vinyl frames that will protect them from the elements. ❏
Commerce DDA’s budget approved at $4.54 million By Angela Niemi staff writer
The Commerce Township Board of Trustees approved the budget for Commerce’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) at board’s meeting earlier this month. The total revenue for the DDA in
work.” The majority of the community voted for a traditional look, according to Dornan. Incorporating Sibley Park in the blueprint was a key reason why the award was bestowed on Wixom. “The VCA is a multi-use public place to enjoy yourself and includes an un-isolated park,” Dornan said. “All subdivision parks designed at 2012 is projected to be approximately $4.54 million. Tax revenue collect from property in the DDA district is the primary source of revenue, while delinquent taxes, interest income, and three rental buildings also contribute to the DDA’s total revenue. The DDA’s expenditures are expected to be approximately the same as its total revenue. The top expenditure is paying the principal and interest on bonds. According to Township Supervisor Tom Zoner, the two together equal close to $4 million. Bonds were issued to help cover the cost of constructing the Martin Parkway project, which included purchasing property and constructing roundabouts along the roadway, which is an extension of Martin Road south to Pontiac Trail.
the time were a drive away, while Sibley Park is close in proximity — placing it within the VCA reduces the possibility for vandalism.” Keep Michigan Beautiful, Inc. is a non-profit educational organization. Its mission is to “to promote, to provide education, and to recognize beautification and restoration projects throughout the state of Michigan.” ❏ Other expenditures include township administrative fees and road projects. “(There’s) the same amount (of revenue) coming in and the same amount going out (for expenditures),” Zoner said. “There’s a $0 balance.” However, this doesn’t mean that everything about the budget is positive. “It’s a good and bad thing,” Zoner said. “A balanced budget is good. It’s bad because this means that in order to pay the bond (debt), the township has to supply (the difference of) $1.12 million in 2012.” ❏
FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 10
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
A lakes area tradition Christmas parade in Milford set for Nov. 26
Students of the Milford Dance Academy have been participating in the Huron Valley Annual Christmas Parade for 15 years, according to owner Kristen Knight, and this year will be no different. Younger dancers from the academy will be riding in a flatbed while the older students will be dancing down Main Street during the Saturday, Nov. 26 event going through downtown Milford, and will also be presenting one of the parade’s much-anticipated guests: Santa Claus. (Photo submitted by Jennifer Barrett)
By Angela Niemi staff writer
T
hanksgiving has long been the kickoff to the holiday season. Of course, some people may start celebrating a bit earlier than others, but overall the holiday season is generally considered to begin with the holiday approaching on Thursday, Nov. 24 — at least that’s when you can safely begin listening to Christmas music without fear of ridicule. And what better way to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season than with a parade? While many will either attend or tune into America’s 85th Thanksgiving Parade held in downtown Detroit on Thanksgiving morning, Nov. 24, there is another holiday parade that is much closer to home for those in the lakes area to attend and enjoy. Better yet, the Huron Valley Annual Christmas Parade held in downtown Milford doesn’t take place on Thanksgiving but on the following Saturday, Nov. 26, giving people plenty of time to recuperate
from their Thursday tryptophaninduced haze. “It is the only local (parade) in the area,” said Jennifer Barrett, membership and sponsorship manager for the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce. “We have people coming in from Commerce Township and Highland Township to be in the parade — anybody can be in the parade.” The chamber organizes the parade each year and is responsible for shutting down the village streets, lining everybody up, and coordinating the floats and groups in line. Community Choice Credit Union and Americus Coney and Grill sponsor the annual Christmas parade, which has been a yearly event for so long that the chamber is not sure when it became an annual fixture, according to Barrett. “It’s been many, many, many years,” she said. “There’s actually no documentation (about) when it began.” The chamber has been busy organizing the event over the last eight weeks or so, with the deadline for parade entries due by the first of
November. According to Barrett, the chamber received between 80 and 100 parade entry applications ranging from school bands to Girl Scouts to floats. A variety of local businesses take part in the parade, along with schools, churches, dance studios, and other members of the community. Barrett says that she believes 30 floats will be a part of the lineup that will make its way down Main Street in downtown Milford on Nov. 26. The parade will start at Commerce and Main Street and will end at Main and Huron for a total distance of approximately one-half mile. The first entry will kick off the parade at 10 a.m. Floats, bands, and dance troupes will traverse down Main Street for about an hour and 15 minutes before the jolliest of all gift-givers himself — Santa Claus — will bring the parade to a close. This year, he will be riding with the younger students of the Milford Dance Academy, whose dancers have been participating in the parade for the past 15 years. “Our little ones will be riding in a flatbed, while our older dancers will be
NOVEMBER 16-22, 2011
PAGE 9
SPECIAL REPORT
dancing down Main Street in our red and green dresses,” said Milford Dance Academy owner Kristen Knight. “We’ll be presenting Santa this year and will be part of the grand finale.” According to Barrett, those entering floats in the parade make them themselves. “Some will have music with their floats,” Barrett said. “We get all different themes. Sometimes they are Christmas-related with candy canes and presents. This year, we have ones with elves, some with snowmen, and some with reindeer. One has some Christmas chipmunks, and another features Frosty. Some floats have been coming for years. We also have Ronald McDonald coming this year.” While applicants will give a general idea of what they are including on their float in their entry forms, for the most part, the final product remains a bit of a surprise. “They give some idea on their applications, but we don’t know for sure,” Barrett explained. However, there are guidelines that must be followed to ensure certain things won’t be seen in the parade. For example, while many floats will embrace a Christmas theme, there is to be nobody dressed as Jolly St. Nick except for the authorized parade Santa. Another no-no is to have live fires — including those in wood stoves — on the floats. Also, while the themes of the floats will be varied, they will not be based on controversial, social, or political issues, pursuant to parade guidelines. Consumption or possession of alcoholic or illegal substances are also prohibited by anyone throughout the parade, floats, or vehicles. Music, however, is allowed and encouraged. “There will be lots of music and dancers,” Barrett said. “We have a few marching bands from local area middle schools and high schools. And even a lot of floats will have music playing.” There will also be horses and bikers as part of this year’s parade line-up. It’s sure to be a festive atmosphere for the thousands of people who attend every year — many of whom begin lining Main Street armed with chairs and blankets at around 7 a.m. “The festive atmosphere is a nice way to usher in the holiday season,” Barrett said. “It’s nice to get out and about after a holiday meal.” Added Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Joell Beether, “It’s a great opportunity to kick off the holiday season. The community all comes out to enjoy the parade with Santa. It’s a very festive, great time of year.”
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Santa Claus will bring the Huron Valley Annual Christmas Parade to a close on Saturday, Nov. 26. The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce organizes the parade — which will travel down Main Street in downtown Milford beginning at 10 a.m. — each year. Community Choice Credit Union and Americus Coney and Grill sponsor the annual Christmas parade, which has been a yearly event for so long that the chamber is not sure when it became an annual fixture, according to Jennifer Barrett, membership and sponsorship manager for the chamber. (Photo submitted by Jennifer Barrett)
And with all the holiday good cheer with the parade, there’s an added sense of community throughout downtown Milford. “I feel (the parade) brings a togetherness to the community,” Knight said. Beether agrees. “It brings a lot of people downtown. And I think people like living in a community with small-town events. There’s a sense of community and small-town pride,” she said. And while the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce volunteers don’t generally get to see much of the parade because they are often too busy working the event, they still enjoy it. “I used to come see it and liked
it,” Barrett said. “Now, I work it. My favorite part is just watching all the people enjoying it as the parade goes down Main Street.” “To be honest, I don’t get to watch (the parade),” Beether added. “We work on the street corner so we don’t get to see all the entries. But one of the best things is seeing the looks on the kids’ faces who are participating, such as the Girl Scouts and Brownie troops. They are so excited to be a part of the parade and to see people cheering and smiling at them. It’s a great thing to see.” Knight said her students like being a part of the parade. “The best part of the parade is being a part of it, being there with everyone to celebrate the holiday,”
she said. “My students enjoy being there and participating in the parade and getting into the holiday season.” Parking will be scattered downtown with a lot of free parking within a few blocks of the parade route. “Everybody just parks on the streets in downtown off of Main Street,” Barrett explained. That means there won’t be any shuttle service, but a brisk walk in the fresh air never hurt anyone, especially those hoping to throw off the remaining effects of turkey comas. “We just hope that everybody comes out to enjoy the day and celebrate the holiday season,” Beether said. ❏
PAGE 10
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
LAKES AREA NEWS
E-mail crash in WB yields moratorium on tech upgrades By Michael Shelton staff writer
The West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees on Monday, Nov. 14 approved a moratorium on any future purchases or upgrades to the township’s computer software pending a full evaluation of the Information Technology (IT) Department following recent computer server issues. The township’s e-mail system crashed on Sept. 29 and after being requested by the board last month, Township Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste presented a summary report put together by township IT Director Mark Osinski, as well as Waterford Township IT Director Jared Black. Ureste said a virtual network was installed in the township’s server when the previous township board was in power, but that the technology has since become obsolete. “I purchased this system because HP (Hewlett-Packard) guaranteed me a consolidated software/hardware product,” Osinski said. “If I had an issue, I would have one phone call to make. “On Sept. 29, it took HP about 37 hours to bring us back from hardware failure to fully operational,” he said. “On Oct. 26, it took HP over 33 hours to be in our system to bring it back to fully operational.” Osinski said he was the one who suggested the purchase of this virtual system, but admitted that neither he nor his staff had any experience with virtualization beforehand. “We’re in a spot where we don’t know who to call to get support because my staff does not have the technology knowledge to handle virtualization in-house,” Osinski said. Ureste said the township was made aware of one of the server’s controllers failing four months before the Sept. 29 crash, but that HP didn’t allow it to purchase Navigate software to determine if there was a malfunction with the hardware or components. Township Clerk Cathy Shaughnessy said she was extremely nervous about recent technology purchases the township has made and that an evaluation of the township’s IT Department is needed. “What I got from this (report) is I still don’t know what’s going on in the IT Department,” she said. “There
The Oakland Theatre Arts Guild is presenting the musical “The Sound of Music” at the Starlight Theater, 7370 Highland Road in Waterford Township, on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 18-20. The Friday and Saturday performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for seniors, and $12 for students and children. Tickets are available online at starlighttheater.net, or by calling 248-8868880. Pictured above are Maria (center), played by Elaine Reidle of Rochester, surrounded by the von Trapp children (from left) Kurt (Tyler Harding of Beverly Hills), Leisl (Olivia Von Opel of West Bloomfield), Gretyl (Julia Heilman of Bloomfield), Brigitta (Hannah Wikle of Waterford), Louisa (Lily Ochs of Bloomfield Hills) and Marta (Kylie Oneal of Waterford). (Photo submitted by the Oakland Theatre Arts Guild)
are just so many issues and I’m becoming increasingly more and more perplexed with what we’re doing.” Trustee Howard Rosenberg then made the motion for the moratorium. ❏
Orchard Lake to receive $2K from ITC to plant trees By Leslie Shepard staff writer
The city of Orchard Lake is the recipient of a monetary gift from a power company so trees and shrubs can be planted in city rights-of-way, parks and residential areas. ITC Transmission is a subsidiary of ITC Holdings Corporation, which owns, operates and maintains the overhead
transmission lines that border the city by the West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation bike path, specifically those that back up to the Windstream Subdivision and Orchard Lake Woodlands I subdivision on the south side of the city. As part of federal guidelines, ITC Transmission has proactively removed trees within their rights-of-way where power lines are located to prevent power outages. “They have an obligation to remove, cut down, or trim back vegetation to meet federal requirements,” said Director of City Services Gerry McCallum. “The two subdivisions have been the most affected and ITC still isn’t done.” As part of its “commitment to good corporate citizenship,” ITC Transmission plans to present the city with a check for $2,000 to plant trees
within common areas. “ITC knows it’s a sensitive issue to remove vegetation and trees, so to ease the vegetation removed, they wanted to give the city a gift,” McCallum said. McCallum is recommending the dollars be transferred to the Green Vision Program fund for future planting or supplemental plantings of trees along streets within the two subdivisions. The Green Vision Program has been suspended since 2009 due to budget constraints. “The dollars can be used to either build up the fund or order trees for planting, but they must also cover the labor costs of the DPW (Department of Public Works) to perform the work,” McCallum said.
FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 13
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NOVEMBER 16-22, 2011
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PAGE 11
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
NOVEMBER 16-22, 2011
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PAGE 13
LAKES AREA NEWS
Orchard Lake trees ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 10
The Orchard Lake City Council is expected to accept the donation at its next meeting on Monday, Nov. 21. ❏
Residents looking to tie in to village sanitary sewers Now that the village of Wolverine Lake has a working sanitary sewer along South Commerce Road, the possibility of tapping into the main is appealing to more residents in the village’s eastern district. Over 51 percent of residents living on Ethel Drive, Ethel Court, Payne Court, and Canal Street, and half of those on Tampa Street have signed petitions ask for the village to establish a special assessment district (SAD) to pay for connecting to the sewer main. At its meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 9, the Wolverine Lake Village Council accepted the petitions, but postponed any action for 30 days, now that residents of other streets are pulling petitions, as well. “We have been told that the second half of Tampa Street, as well as Oak Island, Oakview and possibly Delmonte may pass petitions, so council is putting off action for 30 days,” said village engineering consultant Mike Powell. An informational meeting on sewer hookups will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. Powell will be present to discuss the issue in detail. “We expect other petitions to be submitted and would rather do the SAD as a single unit — the economy of scale works out much better this way,” said Village Council President John Magee. About five years ago, Oak Island and Oakview residents petitioned for sanitary sewers, but the process would have been invasive and expensive. “Before we would have had to bore underneath the lake, but now they can tie into Canal Street and Tampa Shores and follow the roadway, so it’s not as costly,” Powell said. “Now these residents have another option.” Tampa Street residents would hook up to the Glengary Road main while Canal Street and Oak Island residents would piggyback onto Tampa Street’s connection. Homes on all the other streets would hook up to the South Commerce Road sewer. Costs are loosely estimated at under $2,500 per home and spread over 10 years, according to Powell. “We won’t know the actual costs
Helping the needy is the aim of White Lake Township’s Helping Hands food donation program, which is being held in conjunction with White Lake Goodfellows helping with distribution. Non-perishable food items like the ones shown with Supervisor Greg Baroni (above) will be accepted through the end of the month at locations throughout White Lake, including township offices at 7525 Highland Road; the police station behind township offices; the Dublin Senior Center at 685 Union Lake Road; and the Fire Department headquarters at 7420 Highland Road. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
Lending a ‘Helping Hand’ Township, Goodfellows team up to collect food for needy By Angela Niemi staff writer
W
hite Lake Township is collecting food for its Helping Hands food donation program, to assist low-income people facing hunger in the area. “We just felt we needed to give back to the community,” said Dena Potter, White Lake Township Supervisor Greg Baroni’s administrative assistant and the township’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) fund director. “So many people are doing OK, and so many people aren’t. We felt the need to give back.” In order to feed White Lake’s hun-
until the project is bid,” Magee said. “We try and give a cost estimate that is pretty conservative.”
gry, in conjunction with distribution from the White Lake Goodfellows, the township is asking people to donate non-perishable food items such as canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter and jelly, and cereals. Collection containers will be at the township offices, the Dublin Senior Center, and the police and fire stations. “The reason we have drop-off containers at the police and fire stations is that if it’s after hours, you can still have a place to drop off the food,” Potter explained. “So if you can’t get to the township offices during working hours, you can go The council is expected to accept the petitions and set a hearing for the SAD at its meeting on Dec. 14. ❏
there.” The township offices are located at 7525 Highland Road. The police station is located in the back of the municipal complex. The Dublin Senior Center is located at 685 Union Lake Road. The Fire Department headquarters is situated at 7420 Highland Road. The food started being collected on Nov. 1 and will continue through the end of the month. According to Potter, White Lake Goodfellows starts compiling the baskets to present to low-income residents on Dec. 1 in order to have everything ready for the Christmas holiday. ❏
FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 15
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PAGE 14
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
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NOVEMBER 16-22, 2011
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LAKES AREA NEWS
Highland board adopts ‘tight’ budget for 2012 By Angela Niemi staff writer
The Highland Township Board of Trustees approved the township’s budget for 2012 at its last meeting. While total revenue projected at approximately $2.14 million is down slightly from this year’s total revenue of $2.26 million, the township was able to balance the budget while having a bit left over. “We had a slight revenue amount higher than we had anticipated. We’ve taken the additional funding and placed it in capital improvements,” said Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski. A motion was also made to make an off-schedule payment to township staff — not including the elected officials or trustees. The off-schedule payment will consist of 1 percent of each employee’s pay, according to Pilchowski. “It’s a small amount of money, and the board felt it was a way of showing the staff that we are grateful to them,” she said. The top three sources of revenue for the township are the state shared revenue, property taxes, and franchise fee funding from Comcast. The top three expenditures are the paving of North John Street, health care benefits, and township maintenance. “We were very fortunate in seeing only a 0.2 percent increase in heath care costs. This is the reason why we were able to have a bit of revenue left over as we were anticipating doubledigit increases,” Pilchowski said. Also included in the budget was contract for 2012 Oakland County Sheriff’s Department police services. One major change is that there will no longer be a lieutenant manning the Highland Substation. There will also be one less deputy working out of the substation. “We’re obviously not spending as much as last year,” Pilchowski said. “We are carving back on the budget. One thing is that we are very conservative in putting the budget together. I feel comfortable that we will be able to continue to roll over funds that we didn’t spend into our healthy fund balance.” Highland’s fund balance currently stands at $1.28 million as of Sept. 30. “It is reflective of the continued effort on the part of the township board and staff for bringing in a tight budget. We don’t spend more than we need to but continue to fulfill our
responsibilities to the community,” Pilchowski said. ❏
Trustees reject rezoning for senior campus The Highland Township Board of Trustees voted unanimously on Wednesday, Nov. 9 to deny a rezoning application that has been on the table since 2007. The application, submitted by Thomas King, concerned rezoning a piece of property from single-family residential to multi-family residential in order to build a senior care facility. According to Highland Township Clerk Mary McDonell, the Continuum of Care project is a proposed multi-use senior campus with both independent and assisted living facilities. The proposed project site is located on North Hickory Ridge Road south of Wardlow Road. The project called for 725 total living units over 180 acres. In the conceptual site plan, there were to be 244 single-family units, 180 senior apartments, 150 assisted living units, 76 attached condominiums, and 75 nursing home units. After several amendments over several years, the rezoning application came before the Highland Township Planning Commission in September 2010, at which point commissioners recommended to the township board that the application to rezone the land be denied. In February, when the issue came before the township board, the owner of the property and applicant asked for the board’s decision to be tabled indefinitely. The board complied. However, in November 2010, the township adopted a new zoning ordinance, which means the application can no longer be tabled “indefinitely.” “We can’t set aside indefinitely an application that came in under the old zoning ordinance,” said Highland Township Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski. “The township is now operating under a new ordinance.” The township held the application for a year to allow changes to be made with a deadline of Nov. 18, 2011. The applicant requested that a rezoning decision be made before then. On Nov. 9, the township board voted down the rezoning request. “The motion was based on the recommendation provided to the township board by the Planning Commission, as well as a consent judgment that was placed on a portion of the property that was being considered,” Pilchowski said. ❏
PAGE 15
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
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PAGE 17
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ALL ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN DECEMBER 7TH. SEND YOUR ENTRY TO: Coloring Contest, Spinal Column Newsweekly P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387 Colored by:_____________________________ Age_________ Address____________________________________________ City ______________________________ Zip_____________ Phone ____________________________________________ Parent or Guardian ____________________________________
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PAGE 18
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
EDUCATION
‘Reaching Higher’ continues to help inspire teenagers By Leslie Shepard staff writer
The generosity of two community members has allowed Huron Valley Milford High School to roll out the Reaching Higher program as another way to build self esteem and nurture positive life choices among teens. “In alignment with our mission statement, ‘Inspiring and building futures, one student at a time,’ Reaching Higher provides a support system for a group of students to build self esteem, make wise choices and reach their personal best,” said Deputy Superintendent Nancy Coratti. Reaching Higher is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to providing teens with the tools to reach their individual potential. “It emphasizes the power of hope and the skills to cope,” said Reaching Higher co-founder and director Sue Dahlmann. The program has been integrated into 29 schools and has reached over
3,000 teens, according to Dahlmann. Each session allows for about 25 students. “It gives kids the tool belt for life by bringing morals, ethics, and values back to kids to make positive choices,” Dahlmann said. The nine-week program was piloted last year. Based on an analysis of the first round of program participants, students improved how they viewed themselves and others. They also were more motivated, assertive, and better able to self-regulate than before they enrolled in the program. “The feedback last year from students, parents and staff validated the program and it made a positive difference,” Coratti said. This year the program was in danger of being cut until Lyle Tyler and Kennedy Industries doled out funds to bring it to fruition. The cost for the program is $200 per student or $5,000 for all. The Tyler family donated $1,000. Jeff Nachtweih, president and owner of Kennedy Industries, contributed $3,000, leaving the district to pick up the remaining $1,000 tab. Nachtweih was so impressed with the results of the program that he
now volunteers his time as a mentor for this year’s program, which launched in October. “I attended the graduation ceremony where kids give their testimonials and it was so touching, the transformation of these kids,” Nachtweih said. “It’s a worthwhile program.” The course focuses primarily around public speaking and confidence building. “Basically we talk about goals, stressors and things of that nature,” Nachtweih said. “It’s a benefit to help kids facing challenging issues. Teenagers have all sorts of pressures, from peer pressure to grades, to sports, to taking on too many things.” The program includes lessons on self confidence, managing stress, the purpose of life-setting goals, changing limiting beliefs, positive life choices, happiness through giving and loving, and conquering fears. Each session ends with a graduation ceremony. “Kids give testimony on how it changes their lives and how they will be more responsible for their futures,” Dahlmann said. This year’s program will wrap up on Dec. 12. ❏
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New thermostats in WB schools help with conservation By Michael Shelton staff writer
The West Bloomfield School District has been awarded a check for $36,004 by Consumers Power Energy, and another check could be on the way. District Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator Pamela Zajac said the check that was presented at the Oct. 24 West Bloomfield Schools Board of Education meeting for implementing energy optimization measures that will help reduce future energy demands in the state. “We installed three new boilers in the district at Abbott (Middle School), Doherty (Elementary School) and Scotch (Elementary School),” Zajac said. “We believe the money will go into the general fund.” Zajac added that the district sent an application for another incentive with Consumers Energy and was approved.
PAGE 19 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
NOVEMBER 16-22, 2011
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PAGE 19
EDUCATION
W. Bloomfield schools ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 18
She said that the district installed 231 wireless pneumatic thermostats in all of the district’s buildings. “For energy management systems, all of the thermostats are set for certain temperatures,” Zajac said. “We will not heat classrooms in large spaces until the temperature is below 68 degrees and we won’t cool a room until it exceeds 74 degrees. She said the district has an excellent chance of receiving more financial incentives, which are measured by a set dollar amount per square foot, totaling up to about $47,000. According to Zajac, the official word regarding those incentives could come in about a week. ❏
Waterford police, schools awarded security grant By Michael Shelton staff writer
The Waterford Police Department and Waterford School District are the recipients of a $188,512 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice COPS Secure Our Schools Program. The funds will go towards improving security measures in the district through implementations such as building surveillance cameras, installing surveillance cameras and GPS tracking systems on buses, and using amplification systems to increase radio signal coverage. The district will also utilize Knox boxes that provide building access for first responders, as well as upgrade the district’s alarm systems. The COPS Office is a federal agency responsible for advancing community policing nationwide. Waterford police and Waterford Schools received a $267,410 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) back in 2008, as well as a $176,693 grant in 2010. The DOJ awarded 93 grants in 32 states, with Waterford’s being the only award in Michigan. Waterford Schools was also previously awarded $299,255 by the Department of Justice for the “Mentoring for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Initiative” to help provide mentors to students between the ages of 12 and 17 who have been involved with the juvenile justice system or are at risk of court involvement. ❏
The 161-member Walled Lake Central High School Marching Band (above), under the direction of David Rogers and assistant director Nick Pourcho, notched its second straight Flight I state championship at Ford Field in Detroit during the Michigan Competing Band Association State Championship. “I am so proud of the students, my teaching staff, and the parent volunteers. The students’ performance brought tears to my eyes,” Rogers said. The band also placed 21st out of 46 bands at the Grand Nationals at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis last weekend. (Photo by Dave Mexicotte)
Back-to-back state champs Central band takes first in Flight I marching competition By Angela Niemi staff writer
T
he Walled Lake Central High School Marching Band has been once again crowned Flight I State Champions. The Vikings claimed the title the weekend of Nov. 5 at Ford Field in Detroit, at the annual Michigan Competing Band Association State Championship. This marks the second time Central has won the Flight I state title. The Vikings won the title last year in their first year competing at the Flight I level, which includes schools with a student enrollment of 1,687 or higher. Also competing at the Flight I
level were the Huron Valley Lakeland and West Bloomfield high school marching bands. Lakeland finished eighth out of 11 bands, while West Bloomfield took fourth-place. Meanwhile, Central’s marching band also won Best Marching and Best General Effect honors. The Vikings, under the direction of David Rogers and assistant director Nick Pourcho, presented their 2011 show entitled “Through the Master’s Eyes,” which featured the music of Beethoven along with additional music by Pourcho. “We we’re thrilled and humbled to win our second State Championship,” Rogers said. “I am so proud of the students, my
teaching staff, and the parent volunteers. The students’ performance brought tears to my eyes. I feel so fortunate to teach at a school and in a school district where the community, staff, and administrators are so supportive of the band program. I would also like to thank the middle school band teachers who give the students such a great start and get them enthusiastic about music. We could not have achieved this without them.” Central’s 161-member band traveled to Indianapolis this past weekend to compete in the Grand Nationals at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Vikings placed 21st out of 46 bands in Flight I. ❏
PAGE 20
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
COMMUNITY LIFE 1st Platoon in Echo Company. Pvt. Smith previously attended Walled Lake Central High School; earned a four-year lacrosse varsity letter, wrestled at the state tournament as a sophomore, and has trained with Navy Seals. He is looking forward to the challenges of being a United States Marine, but misses his family, friends, and girlfriend.
births
50 YEARS AGO Nov. 16, 1961 St. William's Warriors, Walled Lake, finished their football season with a 38 to 6 win over St. Joseph's, Lake Orion, on Sunday afternoon at the Walled Lake Jr. High field. Pat Flannery and Lonnie Snook scored two touchdowns apiece and Chet Ryan and Danny Oslin added one each. The extra points were made by Lonnie Snook and Dave Cook. The Warriors of St. William's had a record this year of 3 victories, 3 losses and 1 tie. St. William's overall record for its three years of football competition is 16 wins, 6 losses, and 1 tie. The team was coached this year by Mr. William Snook and Mr. Victor Green. 40 YEARS AGO Nov. 17, 1971 Officials in three lakes area townships have asked the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to close eight lakes to hunting. The requests were made following complaints of stray bullets in residential areas. Commerce Township Supervisor Robert Long said a hunting ban will be requested for Union, Long, Lower Straits, Carroll and Fox lakes. The DNR met with White Lake and Highland township officials last week to consider banning hunting on White Lake, located in both townships, and on Duck Lake in Highland. White Lake officials have also requested a public hearing to close Bogie Lake to hunting. 30 YEARS AGO Nov. 18, 1981 Waterford Township Supervisor James Seeterlin said he does not trust state and county officials to adequately monitor the Waterford Sanitary Landfill to prevent contamination of the local groundwater supply, but the township has exhausted all its avenues to prevent the dump from opening. The controversial landfill on Gale Road, previously a gravel mining operating, will begin accepting garbage before the end of the year, owner Gene Hirs has vowed. The township's last hope was extinguished last month, when the county solid waste consultants reversed their earlier recommendation to exclude the landfill from the county's 20-year solid waste plan. 20 YEARS AGO
Nov. 13, 1991 Milford Village Clerk Barbara Tressler will resign her post effective Jan. 3 because of a situation that "got out of hand" at the village offices. Tressler said she resigned because of a "situation that came up and got out of hand, and I didn't want to deal with the controversy." Milford Village Deputy Clerk Janet Pierson gave notice at the same time as Tressler. Pierson said her leave taking is for "personal reasons" and refused to comment when asked if it had anything to do with Tressler leaving. Councilman Christopher Smith said he didn't want to speculate on the situation but did say, "It concerns me that the assistant clerk is leaving also because there will be no experienced people in that office." Pierson will work her last day with the village on Dec. 13. 10 YEARS AGO Nov. 14, 2001 An additional representation of history in the Waterford Historical Society and township's antique village area traveled from a backyard in Holly Township on Wednesday, Nov. 7, to settle into its new home in Waterford's Hatchery Park. According to Waterford Historical Society Chairwoman Joy Smith, the 40-by-15-foot train depot that was relocated to the park was constructed by Rich Welsh — a depot enthusiast who used to reside in the park's Fish Hatchery House as manager of the state facility that once operated at that location. The depot, one of the buildings planned in the antique village, is a replica of the last train depot found in Waterford Township, according to Smith.
Headlines of the Past
– A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly –
❐ Born to Tony and Julie Stokes of Fairfax, Va., a d a u g h t e r, Sydney Jane, on Oct. 26. Birth weight of 7 pounds and 19.5 inches. Her grandparents are Ken and Michele Stokes of White Lake Township.
academic honors ❐ Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, Mich. has announced that senior Devon Joseph Bleibtrey of Wixom has been named to the Academic Honors List for Aug. 2011 and that the following students have recently graduated: Commerce: Erica McLean, Ashley Reed, Nicole Smith, and Hillary Vandenberg. Milford: Kathryn Heer and Andrew Uranis. Novi: Brandi Fordham-Johns, Brian Putvin, Jessica Ralko, and Joseph Schneider. Orchard Lake: Leslie Donovan and Matthew Hoffman. Waterford: Kellen Rhodes. West Bloomfield: Garett Parker. White Lake: Brie-Anna Falzon and Brandon Sizemore.
military honors ❐ Pvt. Jacob Smith of Walled Lake graduated from Marine Boot Camp, Parris Island, S.C., on Oct. 14, as part of Platoon 2086, Golf Company, 2nd Battalion. He is continuing his education to be an Infantryman as part of the
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ENVIRONMENT
Infrastructure will be focus of green SEMCOG group By Angela Niemi staff writer
The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG) has appointed over 50 representatives from various local, state, and federal government agencies, non-profit groups and universities and utility companies to serve on a green infrastructure task force. “SEMCOG has formed a Green Infrastructure Vision Task Force that is charged with providing guidance in development of the Green Infrastructure Vision for southeast Michigan,” said Amy Mangus, manager of SEMCOG’s Plan Implementation. “Resource teams have been formed that will allow for additional discussions connecting green infrastructure and water resources, land use, air quality, and the economy.” Southeast Michigan was recently awarded a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Sustainable Communities Regional Planning grant effective between February 2011 and February 2014. Developing a Regional Green Infrastructure Vision is a key component of the grant program. Green infrastructure can take a variety of forms, such as trees, plants, forested areas, and riparian areas to manage land, air, and water quality. It can also include the community usage of these types of areas with public beaches, trails, parks, wildlife habitats, and water trails. The mission of the task force is to incorporate green infrastructure into the fabric of the region in support of economic prosperity; desirable communities; reliable, quality infrastructure; fiscally sustainable public services; healthy and attractive environmental assets; and access to services, jobs, markets, and amenities. “SEMCOG will benchmark the amount of green infrastructure in the region, develop metrics and targets of opportunity for increasing green infrastructure, and develop recommendations on how we can collectively accomplish the vision,” Mangus said. Of the 25 representatives of local agencies from southeast Michigan, one from the lakes area, Wixom Assistant City Manager Tony Nowicki, will serve on the task force. Anne Vaara, the executive director of the Clinton River Watershed Council, is also a member of the task force. “It’s an honor,” she said. “It’s a great group of people, a great visioning session. I’m very appreciative to be invited
to sit on this working group.” ❏
House bill restricts burning of some household waste Michigan is one of the few states to still allow the burning of household waste, but the state Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has been looking to change that. Earlier this year, the DEQ proposed amendments to Michigan’s Air Pollution Control Rules and Solid Waste Management Rules to phase out historic exemptions that have allowed households to burn trash, which could include items such as plastics, rubber, furniture, electronics, chemicals, and other materials that release harmful emissions when burned. This prompted state Rep. Kenneth Kurtz (R-Coldwater) to introduce House Bill (HB) 4207 — which according to a legislative analysis prohibits “the DEQ from promulgating rules to prohibit the open burning of household waste from a one-family or two-family dwelling at the location of the dwelling.” “Representative Kurtz’s district is very rural,” said Kurtz policy advisor Jared Burkhart. “For lots of households, trash pick-up is not able to happen or not financially affordable. A large amount of his constituents use burning as a form of waste disposal so that’s why he introduced the bill.” Kurtz’s office has been working on the bill since it was first introduced back in early February of this year. It recently passed out of the House Natural Resources, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Committee with a recommendation that a substitute be adopted and then the bill passed. According to Randy Gross, the DEQ’s Director of Policy and Legislative of Affairs, the substitution made the bill turn a “180.” “The bill that passed out of committee actually prohibits the burning of a laundry list of non-biodegradable type of materials,” he said. Among the listed items are plastics, foams, rubbers, and chemicals. However, the bill still allows people to continue to burn wood or paper products, biodegradables, and waste food. As substituted, the DEQ now supports the bill, as does Kurtz. “I believe we came to an agreement that everybody agreed helped those people looking for more affordable waste disposal in rural areas,” Burkhart said. HB 4207 has been referred to a second reading on the House floor. ❏
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
TRANSPORTATION
Senators team up to revise rules for city speed limits By Leslie Shepard staff writer
Michigan lawmakers are mulling where they should change the process of how speed limits are set on city streets to ensure postings are scientific and safe.
Senate Bill (SB) 795 was introduced on Wednesday, Nov. 3 and is co-sponsored by state Sens. Rick Jones (R-Grand Ledge) and Mike Nofs (R-Battle Creek). Under the bill, prima facie speed limits can be changed by local officials if an engineering study is conducted by either a private company or the Michigan State Police (MSP). “There has been an ongoing problem with some jurisdictions
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traffic. The new speed limits must be accepted by the MSP and the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT). “According to studies, if we do speed zones in this manner there are less accidents, but if speed limits are under-posted, there are more accidents,” Jones said. Jones added that determining the safest speed limit scientifically
having speed traps — they are under-posting what the true speed limit should be,” Jones said. The proposal states that an established speed limit on state highways shall be posted within 5 miles-per-hour (mph) of how fast the 85th percentile of motorists are traveling in free-flowing traffic. Speeds must not go below the 75th percentile once scientific standards determine the average speed of
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PAGE 23
TRANSPORTATION
City speed limits ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 22
is the method used across the country. “It’s a scientific method that is done nationwide, but some cities found loopholes,” said Jones, who cited a segment of Grand River Avenue in East Lansing where police were writing a groundswell of tickets and collecting the fines. “As a former police officer in Eaton County with 31 years of experience, an officer can write plenty of tickets that are appropriate with proper and posted speed limits,” Jones said. “If they underpost and issue a ticket for the speed the person should be traveling, not only does the person get a huge fine, but three years of higher auto insurance (premiums). This is abuse.” Nofs, too, comes from a law enforcement background as a former MSP commander. “The purpose of my bill written with Nofs and a former sheriff was to team up to stop speed traps,” Jones said. Should a highway segment be determined to have a design speed lower than the 85th percentile speed of free-flowing traffic, the road authority in the jurisdiction may post advisory speed signs. The maximum speed limit on all freeways would be 70 mph unless an engineering and traffic investigation determines otherwise, but can not be less than 55 miles per hour. “Studies have shown since 1941 that when speed limits are underposted, more traffic crashes occur,” said Nofs. “This bill will ensure that the proper safe speeds are posted.” Moreover, the bill currently calls for the elimination of school speed zones around public and private high schools. However, an engineering study would determine the need for an established school zone, and the prima facie speed limit shall be in force no more than 30 minutes before but no more than 1 hour before school starts and after it’s dismissed. “Bills are works in progress and as they go through committee, some areas would be exempt from the studies such as schools, parks, and subdivisions,” Jones said. The bill is currently in the hands of the Senate Transportation Committee. ❏
BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION/I-96 BETWEEN MILFORD ROAD AND KENT LAKE ROADS (Milford Area) • Closure: Single lane closure on I-96 in each direction between Milford and Kent Lake roads on weekends and weekdays during non-peak hours. Ramps from Kent Lake Road to westbound I-96 will remain closed until end of November. • Completion date: By Dec. 1 • Cost: $15.5 million. • Notes: The first bridge reconstruction project to be undertaken will be the bridge over the Huron Valley Trail east of Milford Road. M-59 MAINTENANCE PROJECT (Highland and White Lake townships) • Completion date: Paving was completed on Tuesday, Nov. 15, but punch-list items are set to be fin-
ished by the Thanksgiving holiday. • Cost: $4 million. • Notes: No lane closures are expected from this point on, but if necessary they will be done during nonpeak traffic hours. MILFORD/DAWSON INTERSECTION WORK (Milford Township) • Closure: None planned. • Completion date: The end of November • Cost: $700,000, split between Milford Township, the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), and the county government. • Notes: Both Milford and Dawson roads will remain open in both directions at all times throughout the project. The RCOC just needs to complete striping and ancillary work.
PAGE 24
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PUBLIC SAFETY
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Dog excrement used in apartment vandalism
being responsible for the destruction in the victim’s apartment. ❏
Walled Lake police are investigating a malicious destruction of property incident that occurred at 42280 14 Mile Road in the Light House Landings apartment complex on Monday, Nov. 7. According to a Walled Lake Police Department report, the victim said she fell asleep at a neighbor’s home and when she returned to her apartment, it was in shambles. Officers observed two bent window screens on the ground in front of the apartment. Dog feces was spread throughout the apartment and broken items and furniture were strewn all over. In addition, the air conditioning unit had been pushed out of the window. In the bedroom, there were obscenities written on the wall in dog feces; in the bathroom, the curtains were burned. The victim stated that sometime earlier,she had a verbal altercation with another couple. Police questioned the couple and the woman stated she heard her son yelling, but did not get involved because the victim and her son, who were in a relationship, often quarreled. That woman later told police her son called her and allegedly admitted to
Youth arrested for marijuana possession Milford police recently arrested a teenager for the alleged sale of marijuana after being caught with 64 grams of the drug inside a vehicle. The arrest took place in the late evening hours of Friday, Nov. 4, when an Oakland County Sheriff’s Department dispatcher issued an alert for a silver Toyota passenger vehicle that was driving erratically, cutting off drivers, and a driver possibly smoking marijuana in the vehicle. The person who called dispatchers reported seeing people inside the vehicle display a vulgar hand gesture, the driver slam on the brakes, and a lit object being passed inside and smoke coming from the car. An officer caught up with and stopped the vehicle at Old Plank Road north of Pontiac Trail. The car had a driver and four passengers, all male. Officers searched the car and found a mason jar, a package containing numerous plastic baggies, one baggie contain-
PAGE 25 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
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PUBLIC SAFETY
Marijuana ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 24
ing a green substance and one baggie with a brown substance consistent with mushrooms. Also found was a canister of incense, a Triton T2 Digital Scale, rolling papers and an AXE deodorant stick. One of the passengers said the items were his and he was arrested for possession with intent to deliver marijuana and hallucinogens, as well as possessing narcotic paraphernalia. When measured, the marijuana collected weighed 64.6 grams, and 5 grams of mushrooms were collected. The suspect said he sold marijuana to people around 14-years-old to college-aged freshmen. The suspect’s cell phone and $32 were also confiscated by police, and the suspect was released to his parents pending warrants. ❏
Deer put down after hitting patrol vehicle An Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Commerce Township substation deputy was traveling westbound on Maple Road near Sycamore Court in his patrol vehicle a little after midnight on Sunday, Nov. 13 when the passenger-side door was struck by a deer. While the deputy was unhurt and the vehicle only sustained minor damage to the passenger door, rear quarter-panel and bumper, the deputy had to put the deer down by discharging a firearm. ❏
Bay Pointe golf course damaged in vandalism The Bay Pointe Golf Course at Union Lake and Richardson roads in Commerce Township was the target of
Man flees police Suspect has misdemeanor warrants By Michael Shelton staff writer
M
ilford police are searching for a male suspect who fled the scene after a recent traffic stop. The incident occurred on Saturday, Nov. 5 around 11:15 p.m., as a Ford passenger vehicle was stopped for speeding between at 35 to 40 mph in a 15 mph zone. Police stopped the vehicle at North Sheeran Drive and United Drive and found the car contained a female driver and a male and female passenger. When the officer went back to his vehicle, the male passenger got out of the car and ran south towards South Sheeran Drive. The driver said the fleeing man was named in outstanding arrest warrants and that he just moved into a residence on North Sheeran Drive approximately a month ago. A Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) check showed the suspect was named in two warrants; one out of the 36th District Court for a misdemeanor narcotic paraphernalia offense and a two-count misdemeanor out of the 52-1 District Court for operating with a suspended license and operating with the presence of a controlled substance. Police went to the man’s residence, where his mother answered the door. A search did not turn up the suspect, but his mother said she would contact him. A police dog also assisted in the search, which proved fruitless. A warrant for the man was requested by Milford police for resisting and obstructing a police officer. ❏
vandalism on the night of Thursday, Nov. 3. According to an Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Commerce Township substation incident report, a golf tee sign was torn from its post, resulting in approximately $1,200 in damage. Tee markers were also pulled up and several trash cans turned up missing. It’s unknown whether they were completely removed from the property or thrown into the water hazards on the property. Meanwhile, a wooden post that had a live electrical switch box mounted to it did not escape the water. It was
Law Enforcement Information Network (LEIN) check. The male was wanted on charges ranging from speeding to domestic violence. The driver was cited and posted a $100 cash bond while the man was turned over to Pittsfield Township police without incident. ❏
Man to be sentenced for Waterford shooting
One of the three suspects reportedly involved in an armed robbery that resulted in one man being shot at the River’s Edge apartment complex in Waterford Township on March 26 has negotiated a plea agreement and will be sentenced later this month. Waterford resident Aaron Padilla, 19, is accused of shooting a 20-yearold man in the arm outside the complex located at Airport and Pontiac Lake roads. According to police, Waterford officers arrived on the scene at around 1:45 a.m. They discovered the victim was reportedly trying to drive away from the robbery scene when he was shot. He was treated for non life-threatening injuries. Padilla was charged with several felonies, including assault with intent found in water on the property. to murder, but that is expected to be However, it was e retrieved, and the dismissed in exchange for his plea to switch was able to be made functional armed robbery-assault with intent to again. ❏ commit great bodily harm. He also pleaded no contest to conspiracy to commit armed robbery and felony Man arrested on charges. warrants at traffic stop firearms He is scheduled for sentencing on A traffic stop by Milford police last Tuesday, Nov. 29. week turned up a suspect that was One of the other defendants, 19wanted on 11 separate warrants. year-old Brittany Pelton of Waterford, The stop occurred on Thursday, Nov. pleaded guilty to assault with intent to 10 at 2:21 a.m. on Huron Street near rob while armed and conspiracy to Peters Road. commit armed robbery. The third The female driver had a suspended defendant, 19-year-old Marc Melvin of license while the male passenger was Pontiac, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to named in 11 warrants, according to a commit a larceny on a person. ❏
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PAGE 27
LOCAL MATTERS
‘Huge honor’ for Bakers owner Service to community at heart of chamber’s 2011 awards By Leslie Shepard staff writer
T
he Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce recently handed out several community service awards to deserving recipients in recognition of their charitable efforts in the Huron Valley communities. Chris Baker — who owns Bakers of Milford, the Comeback Inn, and the South Lyon Hotel — earned the 2011 Citizen of the Year Award for his exemplary community outreach. “You would be hard-pressed to find anyone in the community who wouldn’t agree what a giving person Chris is on a daily basis,” said Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Joell Beether. “It’s a huge honor,” Baker said of the award. “I’ve served on the selection committee in the past and know the process, and the quality of people nominated. It’s a hard decision given the great people in our community, so it’s incredible to be added to that list.” Baker currently serves on the chamber’s Board of Directors and the Carl’s Family YMCA Board of Directors. He is co-founder and chairman of the committee for Brewed in Michigan, an annual event where 30 different breweries around the state showcase their craft beers along with local restaurants that offer food samplings. “We had over 800 people attend it this October,” Baker said. “We choose a different charity (that benefits) every year. This year we chose the Huron Valley Promise.” Baker is also the co-founder of the Joey Kocur Celebrity Softball Fundraiser event, during which he helped raise over $150,000 to go toward local charities. As if he isn’t busy enough, he also serves as a Crazy Putt-Putt event committee member, and hosts numerous events at his restaurants, including car cruises. He is known for giving away gift certificates and making donations, and continues to sponsor numerous local athletic teams and events. “I try to help out wherever I can,” Baker said. “Bakers has a banquet center, so we can help other organizations and causes.” Baker and his late father, Paul
Chris Baker — who owns Bakers of Milford, the Comeback Inn, and the South Lyon Hotel — earned the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 Citizen of the Year Award for his community outreach, which includes service on the chamber’s Board of Directors and the Carl’s Family YMCA Board of Directors. “It’s a huge honor,” Baker said of the award, which will be formally presented to him on Dec. 3. “I’ve served on the selection committee in the past and know the process, and the quality of people nominated. It’s a hard decision given the great people in our community, so it’s incredible to be added to that list.” (Photo submitted by Jennifer Barrett)
Baker, partnered together to buy Bakers and the South Lyon Hotel in the late 1990s; the Comeback Inn was bought in 2005. After his father’s passing, Chris took over the reins and has continued to be successful as both a business owner and man of integrity and humility. “I have a great wife and three young kids who are supportive of my community and charitable endeavors — I couldn’t do it without their support,” he said. The recipient of the chamber’s Citizen of the Year Award is determined by a committee comprised of
community members not affiliated with the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce. “An outside committee, apart from the chamber and non-biased, reviews the nominations that are based on a certain criteria,” Beether explained. “It’s a long process.” Baker was chosen for this year’s award based on his personal effort and the results realized; the extent of his personal sacrifice; the degree of his selflessness and sincerity of his motivation; and the uniqueness and originality of his service. “I’ve always been active in the community and community events,”
Baker said. “My father won Citizen of the Year Awards in South Lyon and Novi. I learned a lot from him, both in business and community involvement. I had a great teacher.” The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce also presented Veterinary Care Specialists of Milford, a 24-hour emergency and full-service pet hospital, with the 2011 Business of the Year Award. “The business is very involved with Community Sharing and has provided free animal services like spaying and neutering,” Beether said. Owners Peter Barnes and Dr. Julie PAGE 28 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
LOCAL MATTERS
HV Chamber awards ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 27
Hass, a husband-and-wife duo, have actively served the Huron Valley community since 1997. Some of their involvement includes participating in Community Sharing’s pet pantry, which supplies local families with necessities to maintain their pet’s health. One recent initiative the pair created was a pet calendar for the pet pantry and pictures with Santa. They also spearheaded the Dogs Playing
Poker fund-raiser, in addition to the Pet-a-PALooza event in Highland as part of the Highland Heydays celebration. The business also donated oxygen masks to several Oakland County fire departments for cases in which pets have sustained an accident or smoke inhalation. Barnes serves on the Huron Valley Chamber Board of Directors. Both he and Hass volunteer their time to the Rotary Club of Milford and the Huron Valley Optimist Club.
“We are very honored to receive this award,” Hass said. “We feel this is an extraordinary community with such compassionate, considerate and kind people who devote their time to causes, and one that is not easily replicated. We are fortunate our business and home is in a supportive community.” The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Award was established to give perpetual recognition to a member business that contributes extraordinary
effort to the betterment of the community. The recipient is selected from community nominations by the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors for community involvement. This year’s Volunteer of the Year Award was given to Kim Galbraith, creator of the Huron Valley Referral Network, the Early Bird program for renewals, and the Off-the-Clock Happy Hour program. “These are great opportunities to PAGE 29 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
NOVEMBER 16-22, 2011
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LOCAL MATTERS
HV Chamber awards ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 28
develop relationships and put the businesses in the spotlight,” Galbraith said. She also volunteers for such events as the Milford parades, Crazy Putt-Putt, Brewed in Michigan, and Milford Memories events. “There are so many people that contribute to the chamber and I am both thrilled and humbled to receive this award,” Galbraith said. “I believe we have a great chamber that’s full of energy.” Apart from her membership with the chamber, Galbraith is a member advocate, owner of 2 Moms & A Mop, and an active parent in the Huron Valley School District, serving on the district’s Grassroots Legislative Committee. The volunteer award is meant for individuals who have provided a service for the chamber by choice, without financial reimbursement, for the benefit of the community and the services the chamber provides. “I believe the chamber, and all the people I’ve met through it, has given me 10 times more than I have given them,” Galbraith said. “We have amazing community members and business owners and it’s been a privilege to work with them.” This year’s Ambassador of the Year Award was presented to Richard Harrison for his role in moving the chamber forward. According to Beether, the Ambassador of the Year Award is bestowed on an individual who goes that extra mile to work with and mentor more business people and community members to promote the chamber. Harrison participates in a number other outside activities and regularly attends chamber functions and events. As a leader of the chamber’s Ambassador Group, he is well respected by members, as well as the community, according to Beether. “He’s always willing to assist, whatever the call might be,” Beether said. The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce also handed out the 2011 Milford Memories Volunteer of the Year Award to Bill Hermann in recognition of his community service at the annual event. Hermann met the criteria, which is similar to the criteria set for the Citizen of the Year Award. Hermann had been the Milford Memories Beer Tent chairperson since 1997. Additionally, he helped with all the planning for his area by doing things including recruiting many volunteers, setting up the entire beer tent, and supervising and running the area efficiently.
PAGE 29
Obituaries BARRETT, LORRAINE A., of Waterford, November 7, 2011, at 83 years of age. Wife of the late Victor. BAUGHEY, CHARLES F., of Clarkston, November 6, 2011, age 71. CALME, DEANA LYNN (nee. Van Horn), of Waterford, died November 8, 2011, at 37 years of age. FISCHEL, WALTER, a resident of Farmington Hills, Michigan, died on November 6th, 2011 at the age of 96. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel. JOHNSON, VELMA M., of Brighton, formerly of West Bloomfield was born on June 10, 1915 in Farmington, Michigan. She died November 4, 2011 at the age of 96. KATZENSTEIN, WILLIAM, a resident of West Bloomfield, Michigan, died on November 1st, 2011 at the age of 84. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel. MASON, ALICE L., a resident of West Bloomfield, Michigan, died on November 2nd, 2011 at the age of 93. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel. MORRISON, RHODA, a resident of Clarkston, Michigan, died on November 7th, 2011 at the age of 74. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel. SELVAN, PHILLIP, a resident of West Bloomfield, died on November 5th, 2011 at the age of 88. Funeral services arranged by The Dorfman Chapel. SICH, ARDIS MARIE, age 81 of White Lake, formerly of Milford & Highland passed away in the care of her family, November 5, 2011.
Bill Hermann (top) has won the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce’s 2011 Milford Memories Volunteer of the Year Award, while Richard Harrison (middle) has been honored with the 2011 Ambassador of the Year Award for his role in moving the chamber forward. In addition, Peter Barnes and Dr. Julie Hass, owners of Veterinary Care Specialists of Milford, received the 2011 Business of the Year Award from the Huron Valley chamber, which cited the husband-andwife duo’s service to the community since 1997 as grounds for the honor. The awards will be formally doled out to all of the chamber’s awards recipients at a Dec. 3 gathering at Dunham Hills in Hartland. (Photos submitted by Jennifer Barrett)
Each of the award recipients will be formally recognized at the chamber’s Holiday Gala on Dec. 3 at Dunham Hills, located at 13561 Dunham Road in Hartland. The event will be held at 6
p.m. and includes dinner, dancing and an auction. Tickets cost $60 per person. Call the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce at 248-685-7129 for reservations. ❏
STENCEL, JOHN DONALD, a recent resident of Livonia and a longtime resident of Highland passed away November 5, 2011. He was 23 years old.
To place an obituary in the Spinal Column Newsweekly please call the Classified Department at 248-360-7355 or email: lorisnyder@thescngroup.com
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❐ The Flower Factory of Highland has announced that they have invited Frieda Beaty-Ruiz to head up the floral design team of their new business addition, “The Florist.” Beaty-Ruiz is a fourth generation floral designer from the Beaty family with a lifetime of experience in the floral and greenhouse industry. The Florist is located next to the Flower Factory in Stubbs Corner at 2225 Highland Road in Highland Township. For more information, call 248-529-3783 or 1-800-360-BE ROMANTIC
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honors/awards ❐ Lotus Bank of Novi is proud to be recognized as a superior 5-Star rated bank by BauerFinancial, Inc. of Coral Gables, Fla., the nation’s leading bank rating and research firm. To earn this rating, this bank had to not only report impressive capital levels, but also an enviable loan portfolio with negligible levels of delinquent loans. The 5-Star Superior rating on Lotus Bank denotes the highest level of strength and performance that a bank can receive. Lotus Bank is a community bank owned and operated by people living and working in southeast Michigan. Among the most well capitalized banks in Michigan, Lotus Bank offers a full range of financial products and services to businesses and consumers. They are located at 44350 W. 12 Mile Road and can be reached by calling 248-735-1000 or by visiting www.lotusbank.net.
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NOVEMBER 16-22, 2011
LOCAL MATTERS
Continued â?Ż â?Ż â?Ż â?Ż PAGE 30
openings store, The Plum Door decided to close down the retail end of the business to expand the loose leaf tea side of the company. At the same time the retail store opened their doors, The Plum Door Tea Company was being launched. They noticed the success in tea sales right away and decided to start a wholesale division for the company to grow. Along with The Plum Door Wholesale division, consumers can purchase tea and tea accessories online at www.theplumdoorstore.com. A list of local retailers is also available at ThePlumDoorStore.com. The Plum Door Tea Company will also host Tea Party events at your venue or theirs at Studio 210 S. Main, where they will utilize the space for private events for up to 30 people. This latest venture will also host a weekly “Made in Michigan Market� featuring 8-10 vendors, selling food items, hand-made goods and more. The Made in Michigan Market will be held from 3-8 p.m. on Thursdays beginning Nov. 17 and will continue throughout the winter months. Customers will be able to enjoy freshly baked goods, hot coffee and tea. Artist Gallery Openings will also be hosted on a monthly basis. For more information, call 248-714-5503 or email the owner, Lisa Detkowski at lisad@theplumdoorstore.com.
benefits â?? Fresco Pizza Cafe is hosting a fundraiser for Kurtz Elementary School in Milford. The event will be held from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 19, at 145 Milford Road in Milford. The restaurant is donating $5 for every 12inch pizza purchase and 20 percent of all gift card purchases to the school. For more information, call 248-7145916. â?? Prudential Great Lakes Realty has announced that they will be participating in this year’s Hospitality House Food Pantry Santa Shop. New unwrapped toys and gifts for kids, ages 0-18, may be dropped off now through Friday, Dec. 2, at 2000 Oakley Park Road, Suite 201, in Commerce. There is a special need for hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, and toys for all ages and the Santa Shop itself will be held Saturday, Dec. 10, at St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Walled Lake. For more information, call Prudential Great Lakes Realty at 248360-6800.
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chamber notes â?? The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of Chamber events, visit www.huronvcc.com: • The Coffee Club, 8 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at Veterinary Care Specialists, located at 205 Rowe Road in Milford. Join us for this free morning mixer. • Annual Christmas Parade sponsored by Community Choice Credit Union and Americus Coney Island, 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, downtown Milford. • Off the Clock Connect, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, Sparkies Bar & Grill, 2868 E. Highland Road, Highland. This is an evening networking opportunity hosted by the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors. â?? The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced the membership of the following businesses: • A New Day Home Staging Enhancement, Home Improvement/Real Estate, Mechele Ryska, 1958 Scenic Drive, Milford, MI 48390, email anewdayhome@aol.com or www.anewdayhome.com. Phone 248-534-8214 • Milford Spice Company, gourmet foods, Laura Stearnes, 125 S. Main Street, Ste. 100, Milford MI 48381, email-info@milfordspice.com or www.milfordspice.com. Phone 248880-0599. â?? The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of Chamber events, call 248-624-2826 or visit www.lakesareachamber.com: • Fashbash, Thursday, Nov. 17, at LaFontaine Automotive located at 4000 W. Highland Road in Highland Township. The event will begin at 6:30 p.m. with a “Casinoâ€? followed at 7:30 p.m. by a Fashion Runway. Admission is $20 per person and includes hors d’oeuvres and spirits. Proceeds from this year’s Fashbash will go toward Imerman Angels one on one Cancer support. • Oakland Chamber Network (OCN) Business Card Exchange, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 30, at Tre Monti Ristorante located at 1695 E. Big Beaver Road in Troy. Hosted by the Troy Chamber of Commerce, admission is $10 for members with advance registrations or $15 at the door. Non-chamber member admission fee is $25. To register, call 248.641.8151 or email theteam@troychamber.com.
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Brad, a veteran from Oakland County who recently took part in the Dog Tags program that the Board of Commissioners is expected to consider funding with up to $20,000 in seed money, sits with Ronald, a dog he worked with during the program that is intended to help servicemen and servicewomen reintegrate back into civilian society after returning home from combat. Amy Johnson, who oversees the program and is a certified dog trainer, said Ronald is available for adoption. (Photo submitted by Amy Johnson)
a week and we assign them a dog (to work with). We are expanding that for veterans returning from the wars.” Johnson, a certified dog trainer and overseer of Oakland University’s online Animal Assisted Therapy Certificate
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Dog tags program ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 32
program, said a test group of four participants was finishing the program last week. “Our idea is just to help with the reintegration process,” Johnson said. “A lot of issues that veterans deal with (involve feeling) different when they return. They just feel very isolated. There’s this feeling of not being able to connect, or not being able to connect with the people that they connected with in the past.” The program, she said, is a twofold process. It involves working with veterans in a support capacity to address feelings of isolation, while at the same time helping dogs in need. “Sometimes it’s easier to connect or share with a dog that’s not going to judge.” Johnson said the two-hour meetings are held once a week over the course of about seven weeks. “We don’t want it to feel like therapy,” Johnson said. “A lot of times, there’s that stigma associated with it, but it’s just to help reintegrate (them), so we’ll talk about any of those issues.” Obrecht stressed that the up-to $20,000 price tag is if the program operates at 100-percent capacity with seven different clients; currently, he said, there are six. “We will pay as we go based on the cost,” he said. “We have clients lined up. We want to begin as soon as the approvals are done, which should be (this) week.” A resolution approved by the county Board of Commissioners Finance Committee on Thursday, Nov. 10 states that the Oakland County Animal Shelter would sponsor a dog training program to assist returning servicemen and servicewomen by providing dogs the veterans would train and foster, with the opportunity to eventually adopt the dogs. The Oakland County Veterans Division — as well as the 52-1 District Court in Novi and the U.S. Veterans Administration — has agreed to participate by providing referrals to the Dog Tags program, which would receive enough funds for one year and provide a year-end report. Those interested in participating in the Dog Tags program — which will next be held in January — can contact Johnson at 248-930-2909. ❏
Oakland County Commissioners Jim Nash (D-Farmington Hills), left, and John Scott (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield), right, presented a Veterans Day proclamation on Wednesday, Nov. 2. The only two veterans currently elected to the Board of Commissioners, Nash served in the U.S. Army as a medical specialist and Scott served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War as a cryptotech second class petty officer. The proclamation, which was signed by the full board, was displayed at the first-ever Veterans Fair on Saturday, Nov. 12. (Photo submitted by Julia Ruffin)
WRC’s Israel trip to bring back new water technology Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner John P. McCulloch is now in Tel Aviv, Israel, as part of an international conference on water technology. McCulloch, who has been to the conference twice in the past — once with then-Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC), and again with then-Lt. Gov. John Cherry and the MEDC — said that participation in the conference helps bring back not only new and emerging water-related technologies, but also economic development ties with businesses looking to relocate or expand in Michigan. “The primary focus was to identify water technologies that we could bring back here and not only use to improve efficiencies and reduce costs, but there’s also an economic development component to it with Israeli companies that would locate their operations in Michigan,” McCulloch said. “We’ve been very successful in vetting those technologies.”
One such example is MIYA, which McCulloch said is armed with technology geared toward identifying, prioritizing and eliminating water losses in drinking water distribution systems. MIYA has been successfully field-tested in Farmington Hills, and a demonstration of the technology is now taking place in Grand Rapids. “Rather than sinkholes created and things collapsing because McCulloch of water leaks that have gotten out of hand, this technology will typically identify and narrow in as to where there are potential problems underground,” said the third-term Republican the day before his overseas trip. In addition, the scope of the conference goes beyond drinking water and into the realms of wastewater and stormwater, according to McCulloch. He said he expects to share with the conference attendees some of the challenges facing North America in the environmental, health, and infrastructure arenas. “Because of the relationships that
we’ve developed, in addition to the water conference, we’ve also set up meetings with companies, funding sources, and (Israeli) government officials because they have put water technology as a high priority,” he said. “Our plate is pretty full in terms of our meetings.” “I anticipate we’ll be bringing back formal agreements or identifying additional technologies that we may want to vet or validate.” ❏
CLOSED DOORS The Walled Lake City Council met in an executive session on Nov. 1. Upon returning to public session, the council voted to authorize Oakland County Circuit Court injunctive relief while seeking the demolition of an uninhabitable structure at 329 Leon Road due to nuisance conditions, and to replace all costs on the tax rolls. ❏
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STATE
Controversial passage nixed Anti-bullying bill without religious, moral exemptions OK’d By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
A
fter intense national criticism from sources ranging from Stephen Colbert to Time magazine, the GOP-controlled state House of Representatives has passed its version of Matt’s Safe Schools Law — which doesn’t contain controversial language that many argue would open the floodgates to consequence-free bullying of gay Michigan students based on religious and moral beliefs. House Bill (HB) 4163 — which was sponsored by a slew of Democrats and Republicans, including state Rep. Hugh Crawford (R-Walled Lake, Wixom) — received support from 88 House members. Crawford and fellow state Reps. Gail Haines (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield), Eileen Kowall (RHighland, White Lake), Lisa Brown
(D-West Bloomfield, Commerce, Wolverine Lake) and Chuck Moss (ROrchard Lake) voted for HB 4163. State Rep. Bill Rogers (R-Milford) was among the 18 members of the lower chamber who voted against it. The bill, which passed the House on Thursday, Nov. 10 after House GOP leadership indicated in published reports a tepid response to Senate Bill (SB) 137, didn’t contain the following language that drew scorn from Senate Democrats and many others across the country: “This section does not prohibit a statement of a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction of a school employee, school volunteer, pupil, or pupil’s parent or guardian.” Kevin Epling, the father of a teenager who took his own life in 2002 after being bullied, has worked on getting anti-bullying measures
codified into state law for years. “After being offended by last week’s legislation (SB 137), I am confident we are now moving in the right direction. We have moved away from the language of division and worked to find common ground,” he said. “As with any legislation, there are pluses and minuses and not every person everywhere will be happy. But I am glad to see that people from both sides of the aisle have finally come together to help those who do not have a voice in Haines this struggle: the students themselves. Once we can put this part of the process behind us, the real work can start: imple-
Dems, GOP have new candidates in 11th House District The Spinal Column Newsweekly is looking for west Oakland's longest married couples for recognition in our Seniors Today special section, which will be published on Jan. 18, 2012. Send us a copy of your wedding or engagement photo, along with information about the wedding, by Wed., Jan. 4, 2012. We will feature the area's longest married couple in an article and photo layout that tells their story. Send your photos and information to Editor Tim Dmoch, P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387-0014; or via e-mail to timdmoch@thescngroup.com.
The field of candidates running for the newly-drawn 11th U.S. Congressional District has its first known Democrat running in what is shaping up to be one of the more closely watched races of Michigan’s 2012 election cycle. In addition, a familiar Republican face has also thrown his hat into the GOP primary to challenge a pair of heavy-hitters expected to duke it out for the party’s nomination. Dr. Syed Taj, a Democratic member of the Canton Township Board of Trustees who came to the United States from India in the 1970s to pursue a medical career, officially Taj announced his campaign for the Democratic nomination last week. His campaign manager, Natalie Mosher, who herself ran an unsuccessful bid for the seat in 2010, said Taj has filed the paperwork with the Federal Elections Commission to run in the Democratic primary.
menting the change in our schools.” “Quite honestly, I would rather have parents do their job and teach children right from wrong, but when Michigan is only one of three states without an anti-bullying law, it would appear perhaps a little unrealistic to feel that way,” Haines said. “Every child deserves a safe Rogers environment.” “They (the state Senate) just approached it different and, frankly, quite disappointingly,” Haines said. Rogers said he voted against the House measure “purely because I thought it was redundant” after speaking with two superintendents in his district. ❏ Taj highlighted the protection of Social Security and Medicare as top priorities, as well as international relations. “The cost of health care has been rising and we definitely need to have a control on that,” Taj said last week. “Being a physician, I understand what it is for my citizens and my people to have Medicare. I want to fix Medicare, but I don’t want to turn it into a voucher system.” On the international front, Taj called diplomacy his “first, second and third” choice before committing U.S. ground troops to the battlefield. “We’ve been through two wars that were very unfunded,” he said. “I respect our men and women who gave their lives to protect us and to go to war from the order of our chief executive.” Taj said that, if he became the Democratic Party’s nominee during the Aug. 8, 2012 primary election, he would be a formidable challenger to whatever Republican candidate he faced. He was elected to the Canton Township Board of Trustees in 2008. He also serves on the board of directors of the Canton Community Foundation and the Wayne County Senior Alliance, according to a news release.
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11th congressional ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 34
Kerry Bentivolio, a Vietnam and Iraq war veteran who also has 15 years of public and private school teaching experience, has announced his candidacy for the Republican primary race. He faces a pair lakes area elected officials in U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (RWaterford, White Lake, Highland, Milford, Commerce, Wolverine Lake, Walled Lake, Wixom) and state Sen. Mike Bentivolio Kowall (RCommerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield) In a release announcing his candidacy, Bentivolio said what distinguishes himself from the current crop of Republican candidates is that he is a non-career politician. “I am a statesman first and never wanted to be a politician, but someone needs to stand up for the average folks out there ... and career politicians aren’t doing that.” He went on to say that the economy and jobs are key issues facing the electorate and that the private sector is the key to the American economy rebounding. “Henry Ford would have never been able to start up a company in this environment,” Bentivolio stated in the news release. “The steamship and railroad lobbies would have purchased government influence, received tax subsidies, and lobbied Ford Motor (Co.) to death. Big bureaucracy and the wrong type of regulation hurt American innovation and waste taxpayer dollars on products and services where there might be zero demand.” The new 11th U.S. House District includes Milford Township and Milford Village, Commerce Township, Wolverine Lake, Waterford Township, West Bloomfield Township, White Lake Township, and Highland Township. ❏
Bill allows CIAs of two or more units of government Two state lawmakers — one Republican and one Democrat — are asking their colleagues to enact legislation that would allow multiple governmental agencies to create joint cor-
Gearing up for run Wixom’s Kennedy eyes state House By Kirk Pinho assistant editor
N
ick Kennedy, the chairman of the Wixom Community Foundation Board of Directors and a past president of Passing Along the Heritage, has announced his bid for the Republican nomination for the newly-created 39th state House District. Kennedy said his long-time residency in the area, as well as his activity in the community “for many years,” prompted his decision Kennedy to vie for the seat, which would represent Commerce Township, Wolverine Lake, Wixom, and the western half of West Bloomfield Township. The 39th District is currently served by state Rep. Lisa Brown (DWest Bloomfield, Commerce, Wolverine Lake). “Being a long-time citizen of my community, I’m all for helping out with what’s going on. We need to
ridor improvement authorities (CIAs). State Reps. Mark Ouimet (R-Scio Township) and Jeff Irwin (D-Ann Arbor) introduced House Bill (HB) 5142 on Nov. 1. The legislation, which has been referred to the House Local, Intergovernmental, and Regional Affairs Committee, would allow two or more cities, villages or townships to create a CIA. In order to do so, the governing bodies of the two or more communities would have to approve resolutions and declare their intent to enter into a joint CIA, which would be overseen by three members appointed by the city or village council or township boards. Those three members would serve two-year, three-year, and fouryear terms. “The benefit is to facilitate coordination amongst communities that may be located along a key corridor for economic development when that corridor might travel through several jurisdictions,” Irwin said, adding that the issue was spurred by communities in Washtenaw County, where Irwin
start creating more skilled-labor jobs” so people can get back to investing in and purchasing new homes, Kennedy said, adding that he expected to file his paperwork for his candidacy with the Michigan Secretary of State within a day or two. “As a property owner, I’m really aware of the situation facing Michigan homeowners,” he said. “In order to correct that situation, we must educate our people not only in college, but also for careers. The skilled workforce demands are not being met.” Kennedy said he is also a volunteer for Rebuilding Together Oakland County and is a “strong supporter of our military,” taking part in such efforts as sending care packages overseas “all the time.” “When I heard about them creating a new district that would not have any incumbent, I started talking with people ... and they said I should go ahead and run,” he said. State representatives serve twoyear terms and are currently paid about $79,000 annually. The filing deadline for candidates is in mid-May. ❏ previously served as a county commissioner. A CIA is similar to a downtown development authority (DDA). While both are funded in part through tax increment financing (TIF) dollars, the corridor improvement authority is required to be established along a main artery in a community, whereas a DDA has a district which doesn’t have to be located along a specific corridor in a community. TIF helps pay for redevelopment and community improvement projects by allowing a corridor improvement authority to capture tax revenues within a defined district from local and county taxing authorities. This secures tax revenues from property improvements and assessment increases above a base taxable value for use on projects in the authority district. No school taxes are captured via TIF. When asked if a CIA can be viable in an economic climate that features falling property values across the
state, Irwin said he believes so. “Hopefully we’ll get a chance to find out along Washtenaw Avenue,” he said referring to the corridor in Washtenaw County that initially prompted the legislation. He said that during a hearing last week before the Local, Intergovernmental, and Regional Affairs Committee, which Ouimet chairs, there appeared to be “a pretty broad consensus” among committee members that it seemed like a sound proposal. “No questions (from committee members) were indicative of a lack of support,” he said. ❏
CAPITOL NOTES Legislation that would require school board elections to be held in November of even-numbered years has cleared the state Senate in a largely party-line vote, 24-14, and now heads to a conference committee where differences between the House-passed and Senate-passed versions of House Bill (HB) 4005 will be ironed out. State Sens. Mike Kowall (RCommerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield) and David Robertson (R-Waterford) both voted in favor of HB 4005, which previously cleared the state House of Representatives in August. In the House vote, state Reps. Gail Haines (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield), Hugh Crawford (R-Walled Lake, Wixom), Eileen Kowall (RHighland, White Lake), Bill Rogers (RMilford) and Chuck Moss (R-Orchard Lake) cast their votes in the affirmative. State Rep. Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield, Commerce, Wolverine Lake) voted against HB 4005. • Legislation that would expand the variety of fireworks currently available for sale in the state of Michigan has passed the state Senate, 33-1, and now heads to conference committee after the upper chamber amended the House-passed version of House Bills (HBs) 4293 and 4294. Sens. Kowall and Robertson both voted in favor of HB 4293. Brown, Haines, Kowall, Rogers, Moss, and Crawford all voted in favor of the bills when they passed the House. ❏
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Thanks for support From Jeffrey Long, trustee-elect, Huron Valley Schools Board of Education: To all the members of the community of Huron Valley Schools: I would like say thank you to everyone for the support and effort to make my election to the Huron Valley Schools Board of Education possible. I look forward to working closely with all the people involved in making Huron Valley Schools an exceptional district. I have a lot to learn about being an effective
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trustee and I want you to know that I will begin that process as soon as possible. I will be someone who is approachable and open to ideas and debate. I want open and honest communication to be a fixture of my term. Look for my Facebook page for open dialogue by searching “Jeffrey Long Elected Member of the Huron Valley Schools Board of Education.” I have also created an e-mail address for my new position (JeffLongHVSBOE@gmail.com). Feel free to share these with anyone involved in Huron Valley Schools, such as educators, administrators, other employees, parents, students, residents, or anyone who has an idea or wants to have input or questions answered. I by no means have all the answers, but I would like to find them. Thank you all again. ❏
3 cheers for board From Marge Sawruk, White Lake Township: Kudos to the White Lake Township Board (of Trustees). “Wow” is all I could say when I saw the old town hall (now White Lake Community Hall) freshly painted a few weeks ago. It is unique and holds a very special place in the history of White Lake Township. Over the years it has undergone many changes and if only the walls could talk. I am sure it saw everything from early political wranglings to weddings and other social gatherings. And don’t forget it served as our first library in 1981. It even survived a floor collapse in 1931, prompting the basement addition. And they say that today’s population is overweight! I, for one, am very thankful that the board had the foresight to take care of one of its own. It certainly improved what was becoming quite an eyesore along our business corridor and a personal embarrassment as I often will recommend to people that
they rent it when looking for a location to have an event. Hopefully the facade improvement will increase its revenue. As funds or grants become available, I would suggest refinishing the floor, adding historic lighting and perhaps some window shades as you definitely get blinded by the sun setting at evening events. Again, three cheers to the board for stepping up to the plate choosing to refresh and reuse over letting it decay and seeing its demise. ❏
Socialism in the U.S. From Paul Kane, White Lake Township: I think we most can agree that our country is in tough shape. Can we also agree that much of that revolves around each person’s ability to make a living and thus the problem is “the economy?” I hear President Obama on the campaign trail and I watch the Republican presidential debates. Almost nothing is said about the real issue destroying our economy: socialism has permeated America. History proves that socialism cannot work because there’s not enough money to do all of the nice things that everyone can think of. And dare any politician suggest that we cut back on doing nice things; thus we must discuss the issue ourselves. To emphasize the importance of having this discussion, the next sentence is designed to make folks think. Socialism is cannibalism. How can I claim this? Because a human equates to at least a composite of his own physical self, the way he acts and all that he is able to earn/achieve utilizing the talents he develops. Those achievements belong to him, are a part of him, his private property. If he is eaten away by others (because they demand/hunger for something “nice”), if his private
AROUND THE LAKES AREA
property is confiscated by cultures in power, then cannibalism is occurring. How can one recognize socialism? Laws or regulations written that benefit one constituency over another, infringes on those who act responsibly, or sounds nice to busy-body dogooders; every time government takes something from someone who has earned it and gives it to someone who has not earned it; every government job that could be performed in the private sector by a charity; every time new “money” is printed out of thin air; any time a person thinks, “How can I get someone else to pay for what I want,” etc. Of course we want to help those who are not able-bodied and there are basic chores the government should do, but are we going to continue to feed cannibals or will we reduce the forced socialism so that our economy can repair? ❏
Green light pipeline From Eric Nagler, Commerce Township: John C. Stilley writes a very nice letter (“Let’s work together,” Nov. 9, 2011) when he calls upon all of us to work together. As for “increased opportunities,” I would like him to call upon our president to approve the Keystone XL oil pipeline project now so that 20,000 “shovel-ready” jobs can be created immediately. Of course, his call will be ignored because Mr. Obama has caved in to the greenies, who oppose the project (already approved by the State Department and deemed environmentally-safe) because he needs their votes in November 2012. And as for Mr. Stilley’s allegiance with the Occupy Wall Street crowd, I suggest that he demonstrates his sincerity by choosing one of them and paying off his or her multithousand dollar college loan debt with money out of his pocket instead of mine. ❏ A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly
WE’RE ASKING… What's your favorite Thanksgiving food? "I love three-times over macaroni and cheese, and nothing else can replace it. As long as someone is making it and it's there, then it's Thanksgiving. If not, I'm not there. I'm skipping it." — Candice LeGrand, Wixom
"Turducken ... that's a chicken stuffed into a duck, and then the duck stuffed into a turkey." — Kevin Heimbaugh, Commerce
"Turkey and cranberries. Actually, I like it better the second day, when it's even better." — Joe Jereckos, White Lake
"Turkey. It's just a tradition."
— Cheryl Riker, Wolverine Lake
NOVEMBER 16-22, 2011
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IN OUR OPINION
House shows backbone Senate needs to support different anti-bullying legislation R
epublicans serving in the state House of Representatives deserve praise for breaking with their GOP colleagues in the state Senate and passing an anti-bullying bill that lacks language that last week made Michigan a laughingstock on the late-night TV talk show circuit and provided fodder for national media outlets. Republican state senators with a bona fide interest in minimizing bullying in Michigan schools have been offered an invitation to redeem themselves, and we hope they make the most of it. The GOP-controlled state House has passed its own version of anti-bullying legislation without controversial language that some argue would open the floodgates to consequence-free bullying of Michigan students based on religious and moral beliefs. House Bill (HB) 4163 — sponsored by a slew of Democrats and Republicans, including state Rep. Hugh Crawford (R-Walled Lake, Wixom) — received support from 88 House members last week, Republicans and Democrats alike. Crawford and state Reps. Gail Haines (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield), Eileen Kowall (R-Highland, White Lake), Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield, Commerce, Wolverine Lake) and Chuck Moss (R-Orchard Lake) voted in favor of HB 4163. State Rep. Bill Rogers (R-Milford) was among the 18 House members who voted against HB 4163. He said he did so because he believes it’s redundant after speaking with two school district superintendents from his district who said “at least 80 percent-plus” of school districts already have some sort of anti-bullying policies in place. The bill, which passed the House on Thursday, Nov. 10 after House GOP leadership indicated a tepid response to Senate Bill (SB) 137, didn’t contain the
following language from that bill: “This section does not prohibit a statement of a sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction of a school employee, school volunteer, pupil, or pupil’s parent or guardian.” That’s the language that drew attention — and criticism — from around the state and nationally, from comedian Stephen Colbert to Time magazine. And with good reason. That provision of SB 137 not only opens the door to bullying based on religious belief or moral conviction, but serves as a big neon sign that shouts to students, “Here’s a way to harrass those who don’t think like, look like, or live like you, and get away with it.” Even worse, it would allow school personnel and parents to bully other peoples’ kids without penalty. That’s a different take than the one held by the American Family Association of Michigan, which we suspect is the firm hand on the other end of Senate Republicans’ leash when it comes to the anti-bullying debate. The association, and many Republicans, have bristled against Democrats’ preference for anti-bullying legislation with “enumeration” — provisions listing protected groups based on sexual orientation and gender identity. Their argument is that enumeration creates classes of citizens with “special” rights and protections, which they say is part and parcel of the “homosexual agenda.” Yet, rather than eliminating any such enumeration and endorsing legislation that seeks to prohibit ALL bullying of ALL children, the Senate GOP came up with the “sincerely held religious belief or moral conviction” exemption for bullies — as if that, itself, didn’t create a class of citizens with a very special right or protection.
We understand why Republicans often heed the whims of their Religious Right masters — because it’s an effective means of self preservation. The Religious Right ponies up big money and puts lots of feet on the street in support of those who pledge to do their bidding. Folks like the American Family Association members don’t stay away from the polls when it’s rainy, snowy, cold, dark or otherwise inconvenient to vote. They donate money, volunteer to knock on doors and stuff envelopes, get to the polls, and make sure their family and friends do the same. Maybe more importantly, the Religious Right will use that money and those foot soldiers to destroy any Republican that doesn’t faithfully walk and talk their party line. That’s how we end up debating an anti-bullying bill that allows some people to bully. What’s sad, and infuriating, is that all Republican senators really had to do to scuttle any kind of antibullying legislation with “enumeration” is ... nothing. With majorities in both the House and Senate, Republicans also have a majority on and chair all legislative committees. They can tube any bill they don’t like by never taking it up for debate or a vote in committee, and just letting it sit and expire at the end of the legislative session. It’s not difficult. Yet, they went out of their way to introduce substitute legislation that would authorize the kind of bullying that’s the American Family Association’s specialty. We’re thankful that — for whatever reason — the House GOP didn’t follow the Senate’s lead. They supported a bill lacking both enumeration and exemptions for bigots. Senators now have another chance to indicate whether they’re more interested in helping prevent all bullying of all children, or serving their deeppocketed, unyielding masters. ❏
Joint CIAs bill worth adopting S
ome communities in Washtenaw County are the impetus for a House bill that would allow two or more municipalities to enter into a corridor improvement authority (CIA) together, but some areas of west Oakland County — when the economic conditions are more favorable — could also stand to benefit if the proposal is enacted. Lawmakers in Lansing should greet this bipartisan effort with a warm reception and give it their blessing. House Bill (HB) 5142, which has been referred to the House Local, Intergovernmental, and Regional Affairs Committee, was introduced on Nov. 1 to allow two or more cities, villages or townships to create a CIA. The governing bodies of the two or more communities would have to approve resolutions to declare their intent to enter into such an agreement. The joint CIA would be overseen by three members appointed by the city or village council or township board. Those members of a joint CIA’s governing body would serve
two-year, three-year, and four-year terms. A CIA is similar to a downtown development authority (DDA). While can be funded in part through tax increment financing (TIF), the corridor improvement authority is required to be established along a main traffic artery, whereas a DDA has a district which doesn’t have to be located along a specific corridor. TIF helps pay for redevelopment and community improvement projects through the capture of tax revenues within a defined district from consenting local and county taxing authorities. This secures tax revenues from property improvements and assessment increases above a base taxable value for use on projects in the authority district. While current economic conditions would likely limit any TIF dollars a joint CIA would receive, allowing two or more communities, if they so choose, to enter into a collaborative effort to improve a corridor that runs through multiple jurisdictions is a sound
idea. We don’t suspect many would be willing to take such a gamble at this point, but it doesn’t hurt to give communities the option to do so — now or in the future, when property values rebound. White Lake Township considered implementing a CIA a few years back, and Waterford Township currently has a CIA that isn’t doing much of anything due to depressed property values. But with the major arteries running through multiple jurisdictions in west Oakland County — Haggerty Road in West Bloomfield and Commerce townships; Cooley Lake Road running through West Bloomfield, Waterford, Commerce and White Lake townships; and M-59 through Waterford and White Lake come to mind — we can see how allowing those communities to team up could be beneficial when the economy turns around and TIF again becomes a viable source of funding for a CIA. Giving the communities the option to enter into a joint CIA is worthwhile, if not now, then in the future. ❏
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR ■ Oakland County Sheriff’s Office: In conjunction with the village of Wolverine Lake, “Coats for the Cold,” donations accepted 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday now through Nov. 30 at Village Offices on Glengary in Wolverine Lake. 248-624-2826. ■ White Lake Township: Helping Hands Food Donation Program for low-income people held now through Wednesday, Nov. 30. Containers for non-perishable food items located at Township Offices, Police Department, Fire Department, and Dublin Senior Center. For additional information, 248-698-3300, ext. 6. ■ Village Fine Arts Association: “Views & Visions” art show and sale 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday now through Nov. 26, 205 Livingston Road off North Milford Road, Highland. 248-797-3060 or 248-889-8660. ■ Four Towns United Methodist Church: Spaghetti dinner, carry outs available, 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, 6451 Cooley Lake road, Waterford. 248682-0211 or 248-682-6868. ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Sixth annual Arts & Greens Holiday Artist Market with music, children’s activities, book signings and unique concurrent events, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 18-20, Bogie Lake Green House, 1525 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake. Empty Bowls soup fundraiser for Community Sharing takes place during the opening Friday, Nov. 18. $10 donation. 248-889-8660. ■ Bethany North Oakland Singles Dance: “Dear” Hunters Ball, 8 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Nov. 19, VFW Post 1008, 1690 Airport Road, Waterford. $12 admission/$2 veteran discount. 248-891-8938. ■ Waterford Riverside Seventh Day Adventist Church: Donation dinner and free concert with musician composer, Buddy Houghteling, 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 5725 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. 248-681-0258. ■ Scott Lake Baptist Church: Holiday Cookie Exchange Party, bring two dozen of your favorite cookies to mix and match with new friends; refreshments will be served; all are welcome; 6:15
p.m. Sunday, Nov. 27, 811 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. 248-681-1681. ■ Waterford Baptist Cathedral: Crafter wanted for annual Holiday Craft Show, Friday and Saturday, Dec. 2-3, 2640 Airport Road, Waterford. 248-599-7306 or 248-673-5022. ■ Lakeland High School Athletic Boosters Fundraiser: Practice ACT Test for high school freshmen, sophomores and juniors, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 4, 1630 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake. Registration, $25 for the test by email, $35 at the door (limited walk-in). 248-360-1252 or email kimlech@comcast.net. ■ Oakland County Sportsmen’s Club: Desert Angel Miracle Box Packing Party, 4-7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 8, 4770 Waterford Road, Clarkston. 248 6230444 or ocsclub.org.
■ Multi-Lakes Conservation Association: All-you-can-eat fish fry, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Fridays, 3860 Newton Road Commerce. 248-363-9109.
❐ Dublin Senior Center: Lunch, Bingo and cards, 11:30 a.m. Mondays and Fridays, 685 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Registration. 248-698-2394.
■ 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.
❐ 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. 248-559-1147, ext. 3424.
■ Catholic Social Services of Oakland County: Senior companion volunteers needed to support adults with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic mental illness, as well as the physically frail and homebound. 248559-1147, ext. 3434.
SUPPORT GROUPS
❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addition recovery meetings, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Life Point Christian Church, 501 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. 248-682-1747.
■ Holy Spirit Lutheran Church: Free community Christmas caroling with light refreshments, 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9, 4800 Orchard Lake Road located across from West Bloomfield High School.
❐ 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.
■ Lakes Area Rotary Club: Meeting, noon, Tuesdays, Bayside Grill, 142 E. Walled Lake Drive, Walled Lake. 248770-2707.
❐ Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: Meeting, 6 p.m. Fridays, Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 1445 Welch Road, Commerce. 248-807-8667 or foodaddicts.org.
■ Dad’s of Foreign Service: Bingo, 5:30 p.m. Sundays, VFW Post 4156, 321 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Light dinner, snacks available for purchase. www.vfw4156.org or 248-698-8302.
❐ Over-Eaters Anonymous: Recovery from compulsive eating, 12-step program, meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 5301 Hatchery Road, Waterford.
■ Rotary of West Bloomfield: Meeting, 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Henry Ford Medical Center, second floor, southwest corner of Farmington and Maple roads. 248520-0095.
❐ 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.
■ Waterford Rotary Club: Meeting, noon, Tuesdays, The Shark Club on M59, Waterford. 248-625-4897.
❐ Postpartum Depression Support Group: Meeting, 6:45 p.m. Thursdays, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Commerce. 248-937-5220.
■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Knitters circle, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Highland Station House, Highland. 248685-9015. ■ (Breakfast) Optimist Club of Waterford: Meeting, 7:15 a.m. Thursdays, Big Boy Restaurant, M-59 and Airport Road, Waterford. 248-6733493.
SENIOR ACTIVITIES
❐ Calvary Lutheran Church: In conjunction with St. Joseph Mercy Oakland, “Senior Fit,” free exercise program for ages 55 and up, 11 a.m. to noon, Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, 9101 Highland Road, White Lake. Registration. 1-800-372-6094 or 248-625-3288.
❐ Highland Adult Activity Center: Bingo, noon Mondays and Wednesdays; Sit’N’Stitch, 10 a.m., and movie with popcorn, noon, Fridays, 209 N. John Street, Highland. 248887-1707. ❐ 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 and 8:30 a.m. Fridays, 2399 Figa Avenue, West Bloomfield. 248-682-0770. ❐ Waterford Senior Center: Art Expression, 9 a.m. Thursdays, 3621 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. Registration. 248-682-9450. ❐ West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Senior Programs: Line Dancing, 11 a.m. Fridays at the Corners, 4640 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248451-1900. ❐ Wixom Senior Center: Exercise, Mondays and Wednesdays, Coffee Talk, Thursdays, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Registration. 248-624-0870 or wixomgov.org.
PARKS ❐ Crossroads Group of the Sierra Club: Annual Winter Ducks Outing, 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration. 248248-685-2411. ❐ Huron-Clinton Metroparks: Will waive vehicle entry fees and boat launch fees on Thanksgiving Day,
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Continued
Registration. 248-887-2218. ❐ Milford Public Library: Read aloud to a library dog, grades 1-5, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, 330 Family Drive, Milford. Registration. 248-684-0845.
❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 38
PARKS Thursday, Nov. 24 and Friday, Nov. 25 for its “Appreciation Days” Program. For more information, call the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority at 1-800-4772757 or visit metroparks.com. ❐ Indian Springs Metropark Environmental Discovery Center: “It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s a Squirrel?” ages 7 and up, 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19; “Brownies: Eco Explorer,” 1 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20; “Tracking the Wild Turkey,” ages 6 and up, 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26, Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake. Registration. 1-800-477-3192 or 248625-7280. ❐ Kensington Farm Center: Farmer for a Day, ages 7-15, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration. 248-684-8632. ❐ Kensington Nature Center: Animals Preparing for Winter, ages 6 and up, 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19; Ducks on the Move, ages 10 and up, 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration. 248-685-1561 or 1-800477-3178.
LIBRARY EVENTS ❐ Commerce Township Community Library: Monthly Morning Book Discussion, Emma Donoghue’s “Room,” adult program, 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18, 2860 N. Pontiac Trail, Commerce. 248-669-8108 or commercelibrary.info. ❐ Highland Township Public Library: Monster Trucks, ages 3-5, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17; Thanksgiving Craft, grades 3-6, 2 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 444 Beach Farm Circle, Highland. OPEN November 19th
❐ Walled Lake City Library: Magic Tree House miniature Tree House Contest, grad school students, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 23; Learn how to work with your lender to avoid foreclosure with HUD certified counselors, 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 1, 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake. Registration. 248-624-3772. ❐ Waterford Township Public Library: Saturday Special, Game Day, ages 9-12, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. Registration. 248-672-4831. ❐ West Bloomfield Public Library:Music @ Main- Trees, intricately woven vocal harmonies of Jesse Fitzpatrick and Lindsay Tomasic with mulit-instrumentalist Dave Pearlman, adult program, 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248-8510463 or www.wblib.org/friends. ❐ White Lake Township Library: Family Movie with popcorn, all ages with caregiver, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, 7527 E. Highland Road, White Lake. Registration. 248-698-4942. ❐ Wixom Public Library:Fall Book Club, pizza/book discussion, grades 3-5, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Registration. 248-624-2512.
RELIGIOUS ❐ Waterford Community Church:”Walk Through Bethlehem,” 7-9 p.m. Friday, 48 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 9-18, 3900 Airport Road, Waterford. Free admission. 248-623-1340 or www.waterfordwired.org.
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Coming November 23rd
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CHANCE TO WIN $100 OF HOLIDAY CASH! On November 23rd count how many times the words “local” or “locally” appear only in the advertisements of this special pull out section
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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
BOUTIQUE Meticulosity A Unique Boutique www.meticulousmaids.com
BEACH RESTORATION TT&C Beaches www.ttcbeaches.com
DOCKS & LIFTS American Marine www.americanmarinesc.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
LAKE MANAGEMENT SERVICES Aqua Weed Control www.aquaweed.com REAL ESTATE Cyndi Robinson - Real Estate One www.cyndirobinson.com VISITING NURSES & THERAPISTS Affinity Home Care Agency, Inc. www.affinityhomecareagency.com
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
Walled Lake Western quarterback Kyle Bambard fights off a defender in the Warriors’ Division 2 regional final game at Port Huron on Friday, Nov. 11. Bambard and the Warriors would outlast the Big Reds, 21-20, in double-overtime to advance to their first state semi-finals since 2001. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
Next up for Western: Lowell Double-overtime win, 21-20, sends Warriors to state semis By Michael Shelton staff writer
Walled Lake Western made the long trip to Port Huron last week to face the challenge of an upstart Big Reds team in a hostile environment, but the Warriors can now prepare for a trip to the state semi-finals. Western defeated Port Huron, 2120, in double-overtime on Friday, Nov. 11 in a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 2
regional final. The Warriors’ win was sealed when Port Huron botched the snap on an extra-point attempt that would have tied the game in the second overtime. The flub led to Western’s ensuing celebration on the field. “That’s a first for me, as far as having the snap go bad,” said Western Head Coach Mike Zdebski. “We’ve been in overtime games before, but this one had the most significance.”
The win marked both Western’s (111) first regional title and its first state semi-final berth since 2001. Next for the Warriors is a trip up to
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Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant on Saturday, Nov. 19, where
they will face Lowell (11-1) with a shot at the Division 2 state final on the line. The winner will face either Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice or Detroit Martin Luther King at Ford Field in Detroit on Friday, Nov. 25. The last time Western and Lowell met was in the 2010 season opener, in which the Red Arrows won in convincing fashion, 30-7. PAGE 41 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
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FOOTBALL
Western Warriors ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 40
The Warriors last appeared in a state final in 1999, the year they won the Division 1 state championship, while Lowell won the 2009 Division 2 state crown, but was the runner-up in last year’s Division 2 final to Farmington Hills Harrison. Against Port Huron (10-2), the first quarter was scoreless before Brent Zdebski scored for Western on a 1-yard touchdown run on the first play of the second quarter to cap a 12-play, 69-yard drive. Both teams then turned the ball over on downs on the next two drives before Western punted the ball away and downed it at the Port Huron 9yard line. But on the next play, the Big Reds’ Mark Chapman took the ball and ran 91 yards into the end zone to help tie the game at 7-7. The third quarter saw three consecutive turnovers as Brent Zdebski, Port Huron’s Winslow Chapman and Western quarterback Kyle Bambard each fumbled the ball. Bambard also missed a 44-yard field goal to the left just before the end of the quarter. The fourth quarter saw six drives end with a punt and overtime would be needed, in which both teams get a possession starting at their opponent’s 10-yard line. In the first overtime, Port Huron started first and Winslow Chapman threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Alex Zmolik on the first play to set up the Reds’ their first lead of the night, 14-7. Western responded on its first play of overtime, as Brent Zdebski scored on a 10-yard touchdown run
Eagles outgun the Vikings, 38-21, to advance to semis By Michael Shelton staff writer
Fresh off a pair of victories over Lake Orion and Clarkston, Walled Lake Central was looking to advance to the state semi-finals for the second straight season, but then ran into the buzzsaw known as Utica Eisenhower. The Vikings were eliminated by the Eagles, 38-21, in a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA)
Walled Lake Western’s Connor Ruby (No. 8) rushes for the end zone in the second quarter of the Warriors’ Division 2 regional final at Port Huron on Friday, Nov. 11. Ruby would be stopped on the play, but he would score the gamewinning touchdown in the second overtime for Western, who will face Lowell in the state semi-finals on Saturday, Nov. 19. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
to help tie the game at 14-14. The Warriors got the ball to start the second overtime and Connor Ruby ran 10 yards for a touchdown on the first play, setting up Western for a 21-14 lead. Then, on the Big Reds’ first play of their possession, Winslow Chapman connected with Tyler Rowbotham on a 10-yard touchdown pass. Port Huron then contemplated going for 2 points and the win, but Western called time-out when it saw the Reds’ formation.
The Big Reds then decided to settle for an extra-point attempt and a possible third overtime, but a botched snap sealed their fate. Ruby led the Warriors with 121 yards rushing and a touchdown on 10 carries, while Alex Buchanan had 80 yards rushing on 9 carries. Mark Chapman led the Big Reds with 139 yards rushing on 7 carries. On defense, Ty Sickler led the Warriors with 7 solo tackles, while Michael Condon had 4 solo tackles. Western also had 12 first downs
compared to 4 for Port Huron. The Warriors had 320 total yards compared to 182 for the Big Reds. The Warriors led in possession time at 39:52, while Port Huron had 20:08. Port Huron finished its season with the school’s first district championship, but the Warriors will now look to further add to their expanding trophy case with Lowell now standing in their way. “This is a good time for the school,” Coach Zdebski said.
Division 1 regional final on Friday, Nov. 11 at Utica’s Swinehart Field. Eisenhower (11-1) advanced to the Division 1 state semi-finals that are set for Saturday, Nov. 19, when the Eagles will face Detroit Cass Tech. The winner will face either Rockford or Novi Detroit Catholic Central in the Division 1 state final at Ford Field in Detroit the following weekend. Having come into last Friday’s game shutting out its last four opponents, the Eagles struck on the first drive of the game, which took 12 plays and 73 yards. It was capped by Joe Zerafa’s 6yard touchdown pass to Daniel Venditti.
Central (8-4) was then forced to punt on its first drive, and Zerafa then threw a 44-yard missile to Alfonso Vultaggio over two defenders to put Eisenhower up 14-0. The Vikings then started at their own 19 and drove down to the Eagles’ 39-yard line before turning the ball over on downs. Both teams then punted on their next two drives before Zerafa scored with a 24-yard rushing touchdown to end a 73-yard drive and put Eisenhower up 21-0. Central had a chance to get on the board before halftime as the Vikings drove to the Eagles’ 6-yard line, but
Zac Leimbach’s short pass across the right hash mark to Curtis Booth fell incomplete. The Vikings went 3-and-out on their first drive of the second half and the Eagles made them pay, as Zerafa threw a 33-yard touchdown pass to Yousseff Bujaidar. After another Central punt, Zerafa then threw a shovel pass to Bujaidar, who took the ball 29 yards to the end zone for a 35-0 Eisenhower lead at the end of the third quarter. Central finally got on the board in the fourth quarter as Matt Boulus took an interception and returned it 35 PAGE 42 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
FOOTBALL
Vikings felled ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 41
yards for a touchdown, ending Eisenhower’s streak of consecutive shutouts at four games. Leimbach then found K.J. Schultz for a 10-yard touchdown pass for the Vikings. After Daniel Gojcaj kicked a 24-yard field goal for the Eagles, Leimbach capped his Central football career with a 1-yard touchdown run. Zerafa completed 14-of-23 passes for 231 yards and four touchdowns, in addition to his touchdown run. Bujaidar caught 8 passes for 137 yards. Eisenhower’s Shane King also had 82 yards rushing on 12 carries. While the Vikings failed to make the state semi-finals for the second straight season, they proved themselves worthy of being in Division 1 after moving up from Division 2, as they defeated two of the toughest teams in the state to reach the regional final.
Eaglets roll over Linden, 49-7, in regional final Orchard Lake St. Mary’s is one win away from returning to the state finals after a 49-7 victory over Linden in a Division 3 regional final on Saturday, Nov. 12. The win marked the Eaglets’ third consecutive regional championship and fourth in five seasons. Standing in the way of St. Mary’s (10-2) and its third straight visit to the state finals is undefeated Battle Creek Harper Creek (12-0) in a Division 3 state semi-final matchup in Jackson on Saturday, Nov. 19. The winner will face either Mt. Pleasant or five-time defending Division 3 state champion East Grand Rapids in the Division 3 final on Saturday, Nov. 26. The Eaglets wasted little time in pouncing on Linden, as Spencer McInnis scored on two touchdown runs from 47 and 6 yards out in the first quarter to give St. Mary’s a 14-0 lead. Linden responded, as Shaye Brown threw a 33yard touchdown pass to Taylor Anderson to help cut the Eaglets’ lead to 7 at the end of the first. Grant Niemiec scored on a 2-yard run in the second quarter to give the Eaglets a 21-7 halftime advantage. On the first play of the second half, McInnis stunned Linden with a 74-yard touchdown run to put the Eaglets up by 21. Niemiec then scored his second TD PAGE 43 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯
Sophomore Devon Valent (No. 8) of Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes goes for a dig while fellow sophomore Kristina Krupiak (No. 12) looks on in the Lakers’ Class D regional final match against Allen Park Inter-City Baptist on Thursday, Nov. 10. The Lakers fell in four sets, ending a season in which they won a district championship. Krupiak finished the match with 10 kills. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)
Lakers fall in regional final Disappointing loss to Allen Park ends Our Lady’s season
Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes saw its season come to an end with a loss in four sets to Allen Park InterCity Baptist, 13-25, 25-19, 13-25, 22-25, in a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Class D regional final at Westland Huron Valley Lutheran on Thursday, Nov. 10. “Everyone was pretty disappointed with the loss,” said Our Lady Head Coach Stephanie Swearingen. “I think that we had a chance to beat Allen Park, but they were led by a very strong senior hitter who was not ready for her season to be over.” “I am very proud of my team for making it so far in the tournament,” Swearingen said. Our Lady (20-9-6) was coming off a district championship the previous week. After dropping the first set against Allen Park, the Lakers rebounded to take the second set. “I think the girls felt shocked yet motivated to step it up in game No.
2,” Swearingen said. “We served aggressively, had better ball control, and were able to reduce our errors.” However, the third game was filled with errors by the Lakers, including serving and receiving, which led to a two-sets-to-one deficit. The Lakers trailed 22-19 in the fourth set and got to within 24-22, but would fall short. Kristina Krupiak had 10 kills for the match while Haley Howell had 6 aces. Allen Park advanced to face View VIDEO CLIPS relative to this story at
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Deckerville in a Class D quarter-final held yesterday, Tuesday, Nov. 15. Our Lady advanced to the regional final with a four-set victory over Birmingham Roeper, 25-13, 25-17, 2527, 30-28 in a regional semi-final on Tuesday, Nov. 8. Howell had 40 assists, 10 digs, 8
kills and 4 aces, while Kelly Meehan had 33 digs. Allison Samulon had 10 kills, 7 digs, 3 aces and 2 blocks. Lexie Robak added 16 kills, 16 digs and an ace. “We came out strong in the first two games serving tough and playing very well all-around,” Swearingen said. “I warned the girls to not get too comfortable with our lead in game No. 3, but I think we did come out too relaxed and gave Roeper an opening to step up their intensity. “Game No. 4 also went into extra points, going point-for-point up to 28-28,” she said. “We were able to capitalize on Roeper’s serving error and win the game with a block by Devon Valent.” Swearingen said that while the season is over, she is looking forward to next year. “A district championship is nice to get, and I look forward to next year as all of my starters will be returning in 2012,” she said.
NOVEMBER 16-22, 2011
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Lakeland falls in straight-set loss to Canton in playoffs Huron Valley Lakeland was eliminated from the state tournament in a straightset loss to Canton, 22-25, 20-25, 2426, in a Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Class A regional semi-final on Tuesday, Nov. 8. “The match against Canton was a game of almosts for us,” said Eagles Head Coach Jen Cottrill. “We were up 20-14 in game No. 1 and let Canton go on an 8-0 run to take the lead 22-20.
Five gymnasts from Oakland Gymnastics who are in their senior year of high school signed their national letters of intent on Thursday, Nov. 10 to continue their gymnastics careers and education at the college and university level. Pictured from left to right are Kathryn Kluz of Walled Lake Northern High School, who signed with Auburn University; Alexandra Chretien of Walled Lake Northern High School, who committed to Brown University; Miya Dotson of Northville High School, who signed with Western Michigan University; Amy Roemmele of Walled Lake Northern High School, who signed with the University of Kentucky; and Lindsay Offutt of Huron Valley Lakeland High School, who signed with the University of Pittsburgh. The girls train at Oakland Gymnastics in Walled Lake under the direction of Head Coach and Owner, Ruth Miller along with coaches Renee Henry, Mel Foster and Stefanie Schmaltz. (Photo submitted by Renee Roemmele)
of the day on a 12-yard run, before Dan Clements threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to James Ross, giving St. Mary’s a 42-7 lead at the end of the third.
Charles Croone then capped St. Mary’s scoring with a 3-yard touchdown run in the fourth. McInnis finished with 164 yards and three touchdowns on 13 carries. Niemiec had 122 yards on 19 carries. The Eaglets will be tested by a Harper Creek team that has averaged 41 points a game during the season and 41 points a game during the playoffs.
CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WHITE LAKE
CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE
FOOTBALL
St. Mary’s cruises ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 42
Special Board Meeting Synopsis - November 9, 2011 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Six board members and attorney present. Approved: Open for Public Hearing, Lake Neva Standpipe Repair B Approved: Close Public Hearing, Lake Neva Standpipe Repair B Approved: Resolution #11-028, Lake Neva Standpipe Repair B Approved: Water Tower Cleaning Approved: Tree Cutting Big Recommendation Approved: Fleet Tracking Proposal Approved: Landscape Bid Approved: Adjourn into Executive Session Approved: Return to Regular Session Approved: Authorize Supervisor to Proceed Approved: Adjournment Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m. Terry Lilley, Clerk White Lake Township S.C.: 11/16/11
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Orchard Lake Village Planning Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, December 6, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Orchard Lake City Hall, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, MI. The purpose of the Hearing is to receive comments on proposed amendments to the City Zoning Ordinance No. 14.01 for lot coverage with respect to accessory buildings and structures within the City. A complete copy of the amendments are available from the office of the City Clerk, 2955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, MI between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding legal holidays. Written comments will be received in the office of the City Clerk and may be submitted electronically to CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com. You are invited to attend the hearing. Rhonda McClellan CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com S.C. 11-16-11
PAGE 43
We could not regroup and eventually lost that game. After that, we just weren’t ourselves and had a hard time getting back into our system.” Madison Harris had 9 kills and 8 digs, while Ciara Schultz had 29 assists, 6 kills and 10 digs. The Nov. 8 contest marked Lakeland’s second straight loss in a regional semifinal after advancing to the regional final in 2009. However, the Eagles did claim their third straight district championship this year, as well as their fourth straight Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division and Lakes Conference championships.
Notice of Public Hearing on Increasing Property Taxes To implement the approval by the voters on November 8, 2011, the Board of Trustees of the Charter Township of West Bloomfield will hold a public hearing on an increase of 2.85 mills in the operating tax millage rate to be levied in 2011 as a public safety millage. The hearing will be held on Monday, November 28, 2011, at 7:00 p.m., at the Township Hall located at 4550 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, Michigan for the purpose of receiving testimony and discussing the levy of the additional millage in 2011 for the 2012 fiscal year and to announce that after the hearing and at the same location as part of the same meeting, the Board of Trustees will take action on a Resolution to levy the proposed additional millage. The proposed additional millage will increase your total property taxes for 2012 by approximately 7%. The proposed additional millage will increase operating revenues from ad valorem property taxes 42.91% over such revenues generated by levies permitted without holding a hearing. Without the proposed additional millage rate, operating revenue will not increase over the preceding year’s operating revenue. The taxing unit publishing this notice, and identified below, has complete authority to establish the number of mills to be levied from within its authorized millage rate. This notice is published by: Catherine Shaughnessy West Bloomfield Township Clerk S.C. 11-16-11
PAGE 44
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WEST OAKLAND SUPER WANT ADS
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• 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
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
NOTICES Reunions
REDFORD UNION High School Class of 1962, looking for classmates for 50th Reunion on October 13, 2012. contact Madeline (Rice) Smith: paddoinmadeline@gmail.com or Linda (Horning) Tracy: Lindatracy100@gmail.com
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
RECREATION
BOATS 162-179
CARS, TRUCKS CYCLES 181-196
4
11
Looking to purchase or sell your home?
Contact Arlene at Keller Williams 248-912-4628 mihome4u.com Commerce
PERSONAL
SERVICES
REPAIR IMPROVEMENT
SERVICES
☺ ★
GARAGE SALE KITS – With payment for your
WALLED LAKE SCHOOLS Charming 3 bedroom ranch w/ privileges to Carroll Lake. Many updates. Partial basement & 24x24 garage. Reduced! $74,900. 5686 Carroll Lake Road.
England Real Estate (248)887-9736 Highland
advertisement you get a FREE Garage Sale Kit with street signs, balloons, price stickers and tips on having a successful garage sale.
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Well maintained like new 1.5 story home w/2500 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms & 3 1/2 baths. Many fine details, fireplace in great room & dining room with lots of windows, library, formal dining, finished walk-out lower level with family/game room. Private 4.14 acre setting. $375,000.
England Real Estate (248)887-9736
MOBILE HOMES Mobile Homes for Sale
Houses/ Condos
Condominium For Rent 42
Union Lake, 2 bed, 1.5 baths, basement, 1 car garage.
$850 per month
Fawn Lake Pontiac Trail at Maple Pre-Owned Homes: $6,000 - $25,000 Rent: $385 - $400 PLUS MOVE-IN DISCOUNTS On Select Homes
(248) 624-0709 Mobile Homes for Rent
55
43
BEAUTIFUL 55+ COMMUNITY
1 month free rent Security deposit & references needed
248-821-7476 WOLVERINE LAKE 2 Bedroom house with shed, 1 bath, freshly painted, new carpet, new floor in kitchen, stove & refrigerator, washer/dryer hook up. No pets. Lake privileges.
$760 per month
248-624-2503 WHITE LAKE
Brand NEW homes for rent. Includes appliances, lake access. Call today and ask about our MOVE IN SPECIALS!! Cranberry Lake- White Lake
Charming waterfront on Cedar Island Lake. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, with finished basement and large deck for entertaining. All appliances included. $1,500 per month plus utilities.
888-306-2483
248-318-2752 WHITE LAKE DUPLEX
RELOCATE TODAY!! Beautiful 55+ community! We'll pay up to $4,000.00 to relocate your manufactured home to beautiful Cranberry Lake. Rent from $516/month!
Call today!! 888-306-2483
47
Waterford Industrial space with offices, loading dock, 14' overhead doors, 3 phase electric, brokers welcome
248-496-7652 248-496-7648 Houses/ Condos
55
SYLVAN LAKE
(cell) 248-802-4748
55
LOVELY COMMERCE TWP. 3 bedroom, 2 bath, basement, lake privileges, fenced yard, appliances, wood floors. New windows. $955 per month lease.Walk to shopping. Near Union Lake & Commerce Rds.
248-568-6119
3 Bedroom colonial, 1.5 baths, basement, gas heat, stove & refrigerator only, small pets negotiable. Sylvan Lake access for park & boating. $875 plus deposit
248-559-8120
248-640-7960 Houses/ Condos
RENTALS Commercial/ Industrial
Across from Cedar Island Lake Clean, 2 bedroom. $695 per month. Walled Lake Schools.
WEST BLOOMFIELD 1 bedroom, with loft. Neat, very clean, no pets, all appliances. $800 per month. 248-343-5300
NOVEMBER 16-22, 2011
www.spinalcolumnonline.com Houses/ Condos
Whether you are buying or selling you need a professional!
To advertise call 248.360.7355
DAVID RIDLEY Jim Mandeville
248-760-4222
“Your Trusted Professional”
Cell 248.672.4800
COVERING
ALL OF OAKLAND COUNTY
2900 UNION LK. RD. COMMERCE TWP., MI 48382
Independently Owned & Operated
Jennifer Wrobleski REALTOR®
248-854-3100 Office 248-360-2900 Cell
www.MichiganHomeMarketPlace.com www.JenniferWrobleski.net
jwrobleski@kw.com
Keller Williams Realty 2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce Township
Janet Stockton
Business 248.360.9100
JM@Century21.com JimMandeville.com
TODAY
Kendra McConnell Hurd REALTOR®, ABR e-PRO, TRC
248-494-1562 Office 248-644-6300 Cell
kmhurd@cbweirmanuel.com Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel www.LinkedIn.com/in/KendraMcConnellHurd
Steve Stockton
Sales Associate
Associate Broker
248-366-7200 Direct 248-505-5600
248-366-7200 Direct 248-755-7500
www.thestocktonteam.com janet@janetstockton.com
www.thestocktonteam.com stevestockton@thestocktonteam.com
Keller Williams Realty
Keller Williams Realty
2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382
2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382
Jill Hurley
Robert Hittinger
REALTOR® Commerce Market Center
Residential • Commercial • Investment
Cell
248-747-2708 248-406-2926
Office
www.jhurleyhomes.com E-mail jillsjems3@yahoo.com
Cell
810-602-4128 248-406-2942
Office
http://RobertHittinger.yourKWagent.com Email RAHittinger@comcast.net
Keller Williams Realty
2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce Township
2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce Township
Lorrie Bailey
248-884-6723 248-406-2901
lorriebailey@aol.com kw.com
lorriebailey.com
Keller Williams Realty 2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce Township
248-912-4628 for more details mihome4u.com Looking to rent a house or condo? Call Arlene Keller Williams Realty mihome4u.com 248-912-4628
WALLED LAKE HILLSIDE MANOR APTS 360 ROSEBUD Special Half off Security Dep. 2 Bedrooms- $650 per month plus electric 1 Bedroom- $500 per month
(248)335-8988
☺ WALLED LAKE 1 Bedroom Apartments 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath Town Homes * $400 Moves You In* 1st Month FREE on 1 bdr 1/2 month FREE on 2 Bdr
3 Bedrm house, tri level, 1.5 baths, a/c, appliances, 24 x 32 garage, private fenced -in yard, near high school. Pets negotiable, lawn & snow included. Price negotiable.
www.cormorantco.com * Call For Details *
COME SEE US NOW WIXOM * MOVE IN SPECIAL* 2 BEDROOM ONLY, $595 Will Move You In !
•Playground/Pool •Free Heat & City Water
WATERFORD Duplex
Town & Country Apartments
3 bedrooms, unfurnished, all appliances. $800 a month plus security.
•48200 W. Pontiac Trail
248-343-1666
Apartments For Rent SPECIAL 1 or 2 bedroom apartments. Heat and water paid. No pets. In City of Milford.
•Between Beck & Wixom Rd.
CALL US TODAY !
(248)624-3194
General/ Help Wanted
65
Seeking Landscaping Professional Must have valid drivers license, 2 year plus experience with grounds maintenance, full tie employment thru winter
(248)477-9192
Call for interview
MODERN LAKEFRONT COMMERCE LIVING Beautiful private Lake Stuart, 300 acres. recently updated, ac, pets, heat. $ $550-595/ month (all inclusive)
248-830-7690
One bedroom apts.
248-624-6606 EHO
56
olivermich@mac.com 248-755-5073
WIXOM
Call Bob 248-701-6932
Apartments
Rooms/Share Quarters
57
FURNISHED SLEEPING room for rent. Waterford area, $100 /week. 810-355-8097 BUSINESS WOMAN looking to share 2 bedroom apartment in Novi, with female. $400 plus utilities. Call for information. 248-787-2059
1-985-646-1700 DEPT. MI-2319
NOW HIRING Lead infant teacher
Email resume to risingstars1 @comcast.net 248-529-6325
PART TIME
COMPUTER/ SCANNER
HELP WANTED General/ Help Wanted
NOW HIRING: Companies desperately need employees to assemble products at home. No selling, any hours. $500 weekly potential. Info:
Call Debbie 65
Experienced Snowplow Drivers Shovelers, Salting Also Sidewalk shovelers. Possible full time employment in spring. Highland Township.
Mark's Landscaping 248-887-5296
248-624-4511 TAXI & AIRPORT DRIVERS WANTED Full or Part time Day or Night
DISPATCHER Any Day - Any Shift
248-666-2110
Pre-Licensing Class November Classes Available $ Class only
99
With a prepaid voucher
Agent
Fax
2 Bedroom, 2.5 baths, all appliances, nice deck, basement, 1 car garage, no smokers, pets negotiable. $1300.00/mo, 1/2 month security deposit, $100.00 cleaning fee.
56
REALTOR®
Keller Williams Realty
Cell
Apartments 55
Waterford Condo - close to OCC
Call one of these Lakes Area Real Estate Pros! ASSOC. BROKER www.RidleyRealty.com
PAGE 45
COMMERCE MARKET CENTER 2900 Union Lake Rd., Suite 210 Commerce Township, MI 48382
Mike Hines
REALTOR® Cell (248) 605-1005 Office (248) 406-2951 MikeHines@kw.com www.SoldByMikeH.com Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated
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.
PAGE 46
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LD FIE OM O L B ST WE
. WP ET AK L ITE WH
. WP ET RC E MM CO
$598,000 UPPER STRAITS LAKEFRONT INVESTMENT SPECIAL •4 bed, 3.5 bath, 2,746 sq. ft. + fin. walkout •1st flr. mstr., 2nd buildable lakefront lot #211104723 EXT. #245 •KEY #260513 P. TW RD O F TER WA
$399,900
HILLS OF BOGIE LAKE SUB CLUBHOUSE & POOL!! •3,308 sq. ft. + finished daylight basement •5 bed, 4.5 bath, ff laundry, 3 car garage, deck #211116381 EXT. #255 •KEY #267493 EL RIN LVE O W
P. TW RD FO R TE WA
P. TW LD E I F OM BLO W.
Lakes Area’s #1 Team! Zillow - Preferred Agent
$249,900
$149,900
LS HIL ON T G MIN FAR
P. TW RD FO R TE WA
$99,900
2000 BUILT HOME BACKS TO RIVER AND TREES •2,046 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2.5 bath, master suite •12’ family rm, fireplace, 2 car, shed, 2 decks #211118696 EXT. #297 •KEY #268870 . WP ET RC E MM CO
CROSS LAKE VIEWS AND ASSOCIATION BEACH •1,640 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2 bath, fireplace •Ceramic baths, fenced, 2 car, deck, patio #211118856 EXT. #275 •KEY #267987
ALL-SPORTS OXBOW LAKEFRONT 1.19 TREED ACRE LOT •3.271 sq. ft. + fin. walkout, contemporary •4 bed, 3.5 bath, multi-decks, 3+ car #211075518 EXT. #271 •KEY #248363
$224,900 CUSTOM BRICK RANCH WOODED ACRE BACKS TO CREEK •1,963 sq. ft. + fin, walkout, 4 bed, 4 bath •3 fireplaces, lower lvl. w/kitchen, family rm, bed #211113498 EXT. #273 •KEY #266254
. WP ET AK
$189,900
170 FEET OF FRONTAGE TO ALL-SPORTS WILLIAMS LAKE! •3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, fin. daylight basement •Huge mtr., jet tub, deck, garage, shed, dock #211109029 EXT. #214 •KEY #263461
2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382
WOLVERINE LAKEFRONT RANCH WITH FINISHED WALKOUT •3 bed, 2.5 bath, 85 ft. of sandy shoreline •Family rm w/fireplace, deck, dock, 2 car, shed #211105596 EXT. #267 •KEY #261788
L ITE WH
L ITE WH
$129,900/ LEASE $1,450/MO.
GOLF MANOR SUB SPECIAL – SALE OR LEASE •1,800+ sq. ft., 4 bed, 2 full bath, appliances •Great & family rm, 2+ attached garage, deck #211115585 EXT. #236 •KEY #267496
With property inventory down, mortgage rates remain low and home pricing on the rise...
Janet Direct: Steve Direct: 248-755-7600 248-755-7500
janet@TheStocktonTeam.com
steve@TheStocktonTeam.com
800-396-5204 + Ext. # for recorded message Text Key # to 90210 for text message
We are full time professionals... •Meeting Client’s Needs Since 1977
There’s No Better Time To Sell!
•4 Dedicated Listing & Buyer’s Agents
Call Us and Ask About Our
•121 Closed Sales, January-October 2011 Including 28 Waterfront Properties
FALL LISTING INCENTIVE!
E AK
$329,900
$364,900
248-366-7200
E AK
$289,900/ LEASE $1,995/MO.
GORGEOUS HILLSIDE HOME ON ALL-SPORTS SILVER LAKE •1,718 sq. ft., 3 bed, 3 bath + fin. walkout •2 story great room, loft, family room, patio #211112589 EXT. #266 • KEY #266253
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
•150+ Negotiated/Closed “Short Sales”
Our performance speaks for itself!
$99,900 PLEASANT LAKE BEACH PRIVILEGES •1,870 sq. ft., sq. ft., 3 bed, 1.5 bath, fireplace •Walkout, fenced yard, attached garage, patio #211118494 EXT. #250 •KEY #268869 . WP DT OR F TER WA
BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED CEDAR ISLAND LAKEFRONT •2,302 sq. ft., 4 bed, 3 bath, land contract •Great room with fireplace, 2 car garage #211089671 EXT. #246 •KEY #257017 RD FO TER A W
$209,900/ LEASE $1,495/MO.
219 FT. FRONTAGE TO ALL-SPORTS WILLIAMS LAKE •3 bedroom, 2 bath, Florida rm, deck •Great rm w/fireplace, deck/dock, shed #211089314 EXT. #248•KEY #256951 P. TW RD FO R TE WA
$79,900 NEWER CONDO WITH WALKOUT AND ATTACHED GARAGE •2 bedroom, 2.5 bath, hardwood flr., fireplace •Mstr. w/bath, guest suite w/bath, deck, patio #211118856 EXT. #201•KEY #268871 . WP ET RC E MM CO
$119,900 $64,900 55 FT. OF FRONTAGE DESIRABLE ADDINGTON CORNERS TO ALL-SPORTS CRESCENT LAKE RANCH CONDO •1,572 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2.5 bath, new kitchen •1,242 sq. ft., 2 bed 2 bath, cathedral master •Ceramic, hardwood, 2 car, seawall, deck, porch •Great rm, fireplace, deck, 1st flr laundry, pool #211114249 EXT. #210 •KEY #266255 #211042201 EXT. #289 •KEY #257047
Our Marketing Plan for all listings includes: • Virtual Tour • Home Features Brochure • 24 Hour Recorded Information Hotline • 24 Hour Text Information Hotline • 30+ Real Estate Websites Advertising • All Area Printed Publications • Weekly Email Updates
www.TheStocktonTeam.com
NOVEMBER 16-22, 2011
www.spinalcolumnonline.com
PAGE 47
Visit us at 560 N. Milford Rd., Milford RE 1 AC
LOT
ER WAT
NT FRO
K ND ISLA
$699,000 AL-SPORTS TAGGETT LAKE! •4,114 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 5.1 baths, basement, 5 car attached garages •Generous 1 acre lot on cul-de-sac •First floor master with office •211115821
B 5.1
$749,999
FRO
NT
Real Estate One 248.684.1065 T RO N ERF T A W
T E LO
$239,500
$395,000
EGES I VIL R P
PRIVATE 2 ACRE LOT! •2,168 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.2 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Family room with natural fireplace and oak mantle •Andersen windows •Finished lower level •211098339
E LAC EP R I F
S IEW EV LAK
N LA U LR. 1ST F
$139,900 WHITE LAKE LAKEVIEW! •2,100 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 3 baths, basement, 4 car garage •Hardwood floors on entry level •Large open kitchen with granite and eating area •211091388
DRY
$79,000
$350,000
$674,900 PRIVACY BY NATURE! •3,683 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, basement, 3 car attached garage •41 beautiful acres •Horse barn with 5 stalls •Wrap around decking •211075949
LAR
GE
LOT
$129,900
$214,900 BEAUTIFUL HOME ON 1/4 ACRE! •2,566 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Island kitchen opens to family room with cathedral ceiling •Finished basement with wet bar •211091132
AL CAN AKE L K DUC
ALL-SPORTS WHITE LAKE! •1,702 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car detached garage •2nd floor master suite with jet tub •1st floor laundry •211064566
NT F RO
$448,500 ALL-SPORTS LAKE SHERWOOD! •2,478 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, basement, 3 car attached garage •Finished walkout •First floor master •Large island kitchen •211110654
$159,999 GREAT FAMILY SUB! •1,800 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.2 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Open floor plan •Great room with natural fireplace •Walk to downtown •211043331
ER WAT
S CR E 41 A
E AC R 1/4
$132,000 CHARMING WIXOM RANCH! •1,388 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths •Hardwood floors •Patio with private yard with lake privileges •210132913
$1,500,000 ON PRIVATE DOWNEY LAKE! •5,552 sq. ft., 5 bedrooms, 4.1 baths, basement, 5 car garage •13 beautiful acres •Mahogany kitchen •Generator, elevator •211088932
CONTEMPORARY WATERFRONT HOME! •2,780 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2 car garage •Remodeled and updated •Granite kitchen and all baths •2nd floor laundry •211001443
560 N. Milford Rd. • Milford
CR 2A
ON WHITE LAKE! •2,215 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 4 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Drive in boat house •Beautiful hardwood entry •Formal dining room •211111348
LAKE
BEAUTIFUL QUIET NEIGHBORHOOD! •1,680 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement •1 car attached garage •Kitchen with island •Finished lower level •211114550
FOR THE COLD Please drop off COATS Nov 1st thru 30th
SPECTACULAR CUSTOM BUILT! •3,300 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 5.1 baths, basement, 3 car attached garage •Gourmet Brazilian cherry kitchen •Granite countertops •211022713
RES
$248,300
$555,000 ALL-SPORTS LAKE SHERWOOD! •3,845 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, 2 car attached garage •Open floor plan •Huge foyer open to great room •1st floor master suite •211116287
C 13 A
C O AT S
S ATH
ER WAT
H EN ITC
MOVE IN READY! •1,700 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Colonial on large lot •Open kitchen and eating area •All appliances stay •211076905
ET QUI
$125,000 DUCK LAKE CANAL FRONTAGE! •856 sq. ft., 2 bedrooms, 1 bath •Spacious great room with cathedral beamed ceilings •Gas fireplace •Gorgeous maple kitchen •211091508
Serving Milford & Surrounding Areas - 248.684.1065
BAY
$309,900 WONDERFUL WHITE LAKE VIEWS! •1,700 sq, ft., 2 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •On quiet bay to main lake •Maple and granite kitchen •211028656 ©Real Estate One, Inc., 2011
PAGE 48
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CE ER MM CO
RD FO MIL
OR RB HA O EG KE
L ITE WH
E AK
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
LD FIE OM O L B W.
CE ER MM O C
211079746 - $259,900
211070398 - $68,000
211092231 - $41,000
211113805 - $185,000
211104416 - $415,000
211108317 - $124,900
SUPERB COMMERCE HOME 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, first floor master with bath, close to M-5
UP NORTH LIVING 1.45 ACRES 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, oak cabinets, newer roof, 3 car detached garage
FIRST FLOOR CONDO 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, new hardwood floors, lake privileges
CEDAR ISLAND LAKEFRONT 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 100 ft. of frontage, 2 fireplaces
PRIVATE, CUL-DE-SAC, WOODS 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, spacious, 2-way fireplace, large master suite, walkout basement
GROUND LEVEL UNIT 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, large kitchen and master suite. Private wooded views.
LD FIE OM LO B W.
L ITE WH
E AK
RD FO TER WA
LLY
HO
RD FO TER A W
RD FO TER A W
211104716 - $389,000
211108753 - $168,900
211113169 - $85,000
211056180 - $124,900
211068047 - $189,900
211113658 - $159,900
FABULOUS GREEN LAKEFRONT HOME 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, Pella windows, hardwood flooring, lower level walkout, 2 fireplaces
NEW CONSTRUCTION 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, kitchen, recess lighting, 1st floor laundry, daylight basement
STOP THE CAR! 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, gorgeous kitchen, finished basement
GORGEOUS SETTING 2.2 ACRES 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, family room with fireplace, master 2 closets, barn/shed
FAIRWAY ESTATES STUNNING 2 bedrooms, 3 bath, granite, new carpet, tile overlooking 16th hole
GOLF FRONTAGE Corner unit condo, 2 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, finished basement, fireplace
ND
LA
H HIG
LD FIE OM O L B W.
C O AT S
RD FO TER WA
K OA YAL RO
FOR THE COLD 211089418 - $130,000
211095071 - $245,000
LOVELY HOME 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, bright kitchen with pantry, finished basement
A PIECE OF PARADISE 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, open floor plan, quality decking
LD FIE OM O L B W.
211114594 - $724,900
MIDDLE STRAITS WATERFRONT Spectacular 4 bedrooms, 3.2 baths, kitchen newly remodeled, master suite D AN STL WE
Please drop off COATS Nov 1st thru 30th
VI NO
211103967 - $154,500
ARTS & CRAFTS BUNGALOW 4 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, updated, cove ceilings, new roof/furnace/central air
RD FO MIL
Real Estate One
211053983 - $87,000
8430 Richardson • Commerce
BRICK RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths, large lot, central air CE ER MM CO
211105361 - $80,000
CANAL FRONTAGE ON CRESCENT LAKE 2 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, solid stone home, 2 garages, large living room, jetted tub
248.363.8300 LD FIE OM LO B W.
D AN RTL HA
CE ER MM O C
211092618 - $234,900
211047575 - $400,000
VACATION AT HOME 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, pool, hot tub, acreage cathedral ceilings
COMMERCE LAKEFRONT 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, almost 3/4 acre, finished walkout
R BO AR OH G E KE
CE ER MM O C
211112861 - $135,000
211078139 - $74,800
211112421 - $180,000
211101276 - $250,000
211048408 - $100,000
211078342 - $199,900
MOVE IN TOTALLY REMODELED 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, ceramic floors, maple cabinets, 2 car garage, finished basement
WELL MAINTAINED RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, .80 acre double lot, fireplace, 2 car garage
WELL MAINTAINED RANCH 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, kitchen and dining open to family room deck, patio and large yard.
IMPECCABLY MAINTAINED HOME 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, great room, island kitchen, finished walkout basement
ADDITIONAL LOT 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, brick, vinyl ranch, 2 car garage
LAKE SHERWOOD CANAL FRONT 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, open floor plan, sun room, newer windows, carpet
RD FO OX
D AN STL WE
M XO WI
D IEL MF LOO B W.
VI NO
ALE ND FER
211106237 - $149,900
211104235 - $110,000
211110029 - $69,900
211099179 - $233,000
211074688 - $110,000
211108984 - $165,000
LOTS OF UPGRADES 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, hardwood floors, premium carpet, full basement, den with bay window
PICTURE PERFECT 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open floor plan, cathedral ceilings
POPULAR BLOOMFIELD VILLAGE 2 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, kitchen with doorwall to balcony, large living room
TRANQUIL SETTING ON CROSS LAKE 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, up north feeling, beautiful clean interior
CHARMING RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, hardwood floors, vaulted ceiling
CLASSIC TUDOR 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, new windows, hardwood floors, third floor, finished attic
Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour
Lakes Area (248) 363-8300
©Real Estate One, Inc., 2011
NOVEMBER 16-22, 2011
www.spinalcolumnonline.com
Marie & Associates
CHERYL YEAGER
Hadley, Tessa, Thad, Quinn, Stella & Zoe 248-470-6196
cherylyeager.com cherylyeager@yahoo.com
Home for the Holidays OP EN SU N. 1-3
248-310-8077 NE
T AC NTR BLE O D C IL A L AN AVA
W
PR
ICE
PAGE 49
JOY DIMAGGIO realestateone.com/joydimaggio
248.790.6356 Lakes Area Specialist
2011 – “Put some JOY into buying & selling YOUR home” L
E AK
FR
ON
T
WHITE LAKE RANCH
Desirable Whispering Meadows Sub, cul-de-sac setting, 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, hardwood floors, first floor laundry, maple kitchen, vaulted great room with natural fireplace, skylights, Andersen windows, 4 door walls, vaulted master suite, spa tub, awesome finished walkout lower level, huge wet bar, well landscaped, sprinkling system. $259,000 (cy1047T)
NE
W
PR
ICE
ROYAL OAK • ARTS & CRAFTS Design updated to maintain the character & charm. Cove - hardwood - angles - nooks - built-ins…granite and ceramic tile. White kitchen, 4 bedrooms, garage, basement. Enjoy. $149,500 MLS 211103967
SANDY JONES
248-320-3531 Visit: sandyjoneshome.com for all available properties
We are entering into the season where many reflect on the things we are Thankful for. I thought I would take this opportunity to express to my Family, Friends, Clients and customers my deepest appreciation for the way you have impacted my life. Family & Friends ~ Your love and support has exceeded my wishes. Clients & Customers ~ Your loyalty and confidence in me continues to keep me motivated to keep my commitment to represent you with the greatest level of integrity.
Thank You!
May God Bless You & Your Family!!! Have you or someone you know has thoughts of selling a home? Call me, we will discuss pricing and my marketing plan that continues to get results. If you have given thought to buying a home, the “Good” news is there are new homes coming on the market every day and interest rates are low, making it a superior time to SELL and or BUY Sincerely,
Sandy
Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour
NEW PRICE
BUILT IN 2011. Relocation. Don’t miss an opportunity to live in the Bluffs at Williams Lake Crossing. This 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch features a large great room with vaulted ceilings and recess lighting. The 2 car garage has additional 6 ft. of space. The daylight basement features 10 ft. ceilings and is plumbed for an additional bathroom. $168,900
CAROL WAGNER
586-612-5995
“Dedicated to Servicing all your Home Buying and Selling Needs” cwagner@realestateone.com
GORGEOUS - $259,900 COMMERCE HOME Over 2,500 sq. ft. 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, master suite, spacious kitchen with island.
COMMERCE - $400,000 Gorgeous lot almost .75 acre Finished walkout. 4 bedrooms. All-sports Commerce Lake. Sandy beach.
DOUG HARMALA
BECKY KATZMAN McCARTHY 248-790-9915
248-345-3492
Lakes Area Specialist
rmccarthy@RealEstateOne.com
douglasharmala@sbcglobal.net 00 1,1 E$ S LEA
D AY S 9 1 N I SOLD
100 FT. OF LAKE FRONTAGE!!
Lakefront on all-sports Cedar Island Lake!! Cozy ranch on almost half acre, features spacious kitchen and family room, 3 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, 2 fireplaces, located in family room and living room, built-ins and plenty of storage, lakeside brick patio, sandy beach area for swimming, sprinklers, neighborhood park nearby, great opportunity to update all of this space to fit your needs. 40 ft. of dock included. $185,000. Call Becky for details!
Curb appeal plus. This home sits on almost a half acre, is move in ready. New paint throughout, hardwood floors in dining room and living room, porcelain tile, new carpet, finished basement with outside access. Enjoy sitting on the covered patio in the private back yard. A 2 car garage with heat and a workshop. In addition to the garage, there is a shed for those added items.
G
TIN
SOLD Don’t miss out on this beautiful 4 bedroom, 2 bath colonial. This home features an open floor plan, hardwood floors, recessed lighting, skylights, huge master suite, first floor marble bath, first floor laundry. Lake privileges on Elizabeth Lake and Cass Lake.
WEST BLOOMFIELD WITH WALLED LAKE SCHOOLS Well maintained 3 bedroom ranch has newer Pella windows and a full basement, family room with natural fireplace and skylight, large master suite has lots of closets, master bath has jetted tub and separate shower, private deck and patio leading to a fenced pool with additional deck area. PRICE REDUCED $180,000 #211112421
Lakes Area (248) 363-8300 • 8430 Richardson
EW
LIS
N
PICTURE PERFECT HOUSE NESTLED ON 1 ACRE LOT!!
House features, approx. 1,800 sq. ft., open floor plan, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, oak hardwood floors throughout, eat-in kitchen includes all appliances, cozy fireplace in living room, master bed with private bath and jacuzzi tub, 2.5 car garage, pole barn, sprinkler system, fenced backyard, privileges to Stony/Squaw Lakes. $110,000. Call Becky for details! ©Real Estate One, Inc., 2011
PAGE 50 General/ Help Wanted
www.spinalcolumnonline.com 65
MACHINE SHOP HAND / TRAINEE Part to full time. Lathe, milling, grinding. Please contact us via E-mail :
office@ rollamaticinc.com General/ Help Wanted
65
Must be available 24/7 Good pay for hard workers.
248-310-8678 HAIR STYLIST & NAIL TECH NEEDED Robin's Hair Stylists
248-363-8339 HAIR STYLISTS New Great Clips salon now open in White Lake needs both part time & full time hair stylists. No clientele needed, hourly wage plus commission. Fun team environment.
Ask for Bridgette
67
Dental Assistant Part time Includes Wednesdays Evenings and Saturday
248-360-3700 PART TIME MEDICAL ASSITANT Cer tified, experienced with EKG, V/S injections & immunizations. 3 days per week. Call Barb @
Receptionist Wanted For a Chiropractic Office Part Time 248-698-9141
ASS'T CONTROLLER For southwest Oakland County manufacturer- full time position with benefits & 401K, experience required through General Ledger including payroll function. Computer skills a must. Email resume to:
permacct@gmail.com Sales Positions
71
We're doubling our staff! •Do you like working with new people and new situations? •Do you have good problem solving skills? •Do you have a "Sky is the limit mentality"? If you said, "Yes", call me. Kathy Solan 248-363-8300 248-348-6430 Real Estate One
Part Time/ Temporary
74
COMPUTER PERSON Experienced in teaching an older person to use computer but very patient. West Bloomfield 248-326-1898
MERCHANDISE FOR SALE Used/Wanted
89
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
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
90
90
(2) FREE male cats. 3 years old. Shots & declawed. Try to keep them together/ brothers. 248-366-0801 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 FIREWOOD You pick up. 248-684-0923 FREE TO good home 2 kittens, born July 9th. 248-860-2085
Clothing/Apparel
119
KNOTTY PINE Kitchen table with bench & three chairs.You pick up, Milford area. 248563-4590
MEN'S CANVAS Hunting Vest with pockets & pouches, size medium, $5.00. 248-6232661
LOVING CAT need forever home 248-738-4901
Furniture/Rugs
Collectibles
93
LIONEL "O" Gauge Christmas train set up/ layout, free standing/ 6ftx10ft, animated toy gadgets- ferris wheel, antique trains, etc. $3,500 OBO. 248-366-7044
Auction/Estate Sales101
PUBLIC AUCTION "Mini Storage Depot will sell at public auction, contents of Units Numbered (C151, Patricia Grenier: household goods, furniture, boxes, toys, sporting goods, tools, equipment), (D215, Anthony Schwerin: household goods, furniture, boxes, trunks, toys, sporting goods, tools, suitcases), (M1104, Rober t Bassie: household goods, furniture, boxes, suitcases, tools), on Wednesday, November 30th, 2011 at 2pm, for back storage fees owed. The auction will take place at Mini Storage Depot - 46550 Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, Michigan 48390. We reserve the right to reject any and all bids."
Auction/Estate Sales101
SCRAP METAL
248-330-6402
248-926-6610
Absolutely Free 69
Real Estate Career
SNOW PLOW DRIVERS & SHOVELERS
Medical/ Dental
Office/ Clerical
PRIVATE ESTATE Sale: 9a.m.-5p.m. Nov. 17-20, 2476 Ourland Acres, Duck Lake/ Wixom Roads, Milford. Furnishings, catering equipment, sports memoriabilia, collectibles, etc. SECOND ROUND Estate Sale: New stuff, 9a.m.-4p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 729 Laguna, Wolverine Lake
WATERFORD
1809 Manse Thurs. Nov. 17 9am-6pm Fri. Nov. 18 9am-6pm Sat. Nov. 19 8am-2pm www.legacyestate services.biz Building Materials 105 STEEL TANK- 15 gallon, 12" diameter, 1/2" taps, $25. 248698-4168
Pets/Supplies
115
MICHIGAN WILD Bird seed. (No Filler.) 25 lbs. $15. 248736-0254
Clothing/Apparel
RETRO 2 tier coffee table. $25. 248-666-9444
Art/Crafts
119
(3) PAIR gently used jeans, size 14 petite. $25 248-6669444
128
CRAFTERS WANTED Dublin Elementary Craft Show 425 Farnsworth December 3, 2011 9am to 5pm $35 per table Contact Chris Bartel 248-376-6354 Home Care Equipment 130 NEBUAIZER BY Heath dyne model 323 compressor driven $24.50 248-425-1004
Stuff/Kids
133
KIDS CHRISTMAS PARTY 14 and younger DECEMBER 17th 1pm-3pm VFW POST #4156 321 UNION LAKE ROAD Please R.S.V.P. by DECEMBER 12th 248-303-9157 A canned good or nonperishable item, appreciated. Odds N Ends
90 YEAR COLLECTION
125
138
$20 PREPAID Phone card for only $12.50- I can give you a 1-800 number to verify, expires June 13, 2013. 248-6232661. CHARCOAL GRILL- Weber kettle style with wheels, 24inches, $24. 248-360-8485 JANE FONDA New aerobic step master, adjustable height $15. 248-363-0693
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
BOATS/ OUTDOOR Wanted Boats/Jet Skis/ Parts 162 SEA-DOO JET SKIS WANTED DEAD OR DYING. 1995 on ups. $200$1400. Top $ for XP's & 947/951 or larger motors. Call Steve 231-943-4152 Boats/Motors/Trailers 164 Boat & Pontoon Hauling Local & long distance Shrink wrap- Winterization
Winter storage $149.99* Tom 248-681-4250
seaway5@comcast.net *with mention of this ad
Motor Homes
177
1999 DUTCH Star diesel pusher, model #3884, single slide out, 300hp caterpillar on freight liner chassis, 6686 miles, Tracstar satellite, option to numerous to list $60,000 OBO 248-425-6071
Snowmobiles
179
SKI-DOO 2001 Legend, SkiDoo 2004 Machz 2 place trailer Snowpro. $5,000 OBO 248-363-1210 Snowmobile Parts & Repairing Discount Prices * Quality Service * PWC Shrink Wrapping & Boat Storage
Lakes MotorSports 4713 Dixie Highway, Waterford, MI 48329
248-674-0663 www.lakesmotorsports.com
CARS/TRUCKS MOTORCYCLES Wanted Parts/ Salvage
181
UNWANTED AUTOS LLC TOP $ Paid For Any: • Junk • Non Running • Wrecked Cars. FREE TOWING. SAME DAY PICK UP
LEISURE TIME
(248)467-0396
Fitness Equipment 149
AUTOS, CARS & TRUCKS
PRO-FORM Cross Walk Treadmill also Cardioglide.Two for one. Call after 6 p.m. 248681-9237
CAMPBELL'S TOWING
$200 AND UP
248-698-1062
Wanted Parts/ Salvage
181
Unwanted Autos any year $200 to $2,000
RC Towing 248-770-3333 Motorcycles
183
2004 YAMAHA R1- 1000 motorcycle. Many extras, must see. $4,500. (248)9789246
MOTORCYCLEGUARANTEE See First Want Ad Page Cars
187
SALES GUARANTEE Autos, Vans, Trucks See First Want Ad Page FORD FUSION 2008, V6, 24,500 miles. Wixom, $16,500. (586) 206-3222 GREAT TRANSPORTATION car 2004 Chevy Malibu Max. All mechanical issues in good working order, 162k. $3,800 firm, call Jenny at 248-8891785 MERCURY GRAND Marquis LS, 2004. Loaded, leather, silver, 36,500K, clean. $11,500. OBO 248-669-8171 SATURN SC-2 Hatchback 2001, good condition, 5 speed, one owner, 240,000 miles. $2,900. 248-363-5133
Vans
194
2000 DODGE GRAND Caravan Ramp Van. Low mileage, mint condition. Price negotiable. CalL: 248-624-7835
SERVICE DIRECTORY PERSONAL/ SERVICES Disc Jockeys/ Music
332
LMS PRODUCTIONS "Music For The Holidays" •Holiday Favorites •Oldies/ Classic Rock Perfect for small to medium gatherings- Hire radio personality for your next event!
LARRY MATTHEWS 248-505-8792
REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT Appliance Repair
502
TONY'S APPLIANCE SERVICE Servicing all Major Appliances. •Hot water tank
(248)360-0213 (248)698-8819 Carpet Installation
Cabinetry
Elegant Woodworking •Mantels •Fireplace Surrounds •Furniture •Entertainment Center •Custom Cabinets •Crown Molding •Kitchen Cabinets •Custom Bars Harold Canfield
(248)363-3804 elegant-woodworking.com
Carpentry
516
YAM CONTRACTING •Carpentry •Deck Repair •Int. & Ext. Painting •Custom Woodwork •Powerwashing •To Do Lists •Unfinished Projects
(248)709-6631 anthyam@att.net
513
515
Cement/Concrete
517
C & G CEMENT
BOB'S CARPET
Quality Workmanship Residential-Commercial Over 30 years Experience STAMPED CONCRETE DRIVEWAYS FOOTINGS GARAGE FLOORS BLOCK WORK FREE ESTIMATES Michael (248)363-4783 MILFORD LOCATION
Has the best buys on all brand named carpet. Pad 1/2 8 lb $3 yd. Installation guaranteed. Lots of remnants $4 per yard
Call Bob (248)681-5771
(248)684-5928
Buying a Home? Let us
Look Before You Leap!
Afford
able Home Inspections
Up to 170 components inspected in a typical three bedroom home. Computer-generated, comprehensive, easy-tounderstand report summary. High resolution, color pictures provide a visual reference of problem areas. Reports are emailed to you and your Real Estate Agent. After inspection questions are always answered, even after you move into your home.
248-881-3478 Licensed Insured
4075 Echo Drive West Bloomfield
NOVEMBER 16-22, 2011
www.spinalcolumnonline.com
PAGE 51
LAKES AREA SERVICES (248) 360-7355
www.SpinalColumnOnline.com
Fax (248) 360-5308
IN PRINT and ON-LINE 24/7
Personal • Business • Maintenance • Improvements • Repair Cement/Concrete
517
MARCUCCI
CONCRETE As Seen on ABC TV "Extreme Home Makeovers" Satisfying Customers for Over 30 Years •DRIVEWAY •PORCHES •FOUNDATIONS •BRICK •BLOCK •STAMPED/ COLORED Lic/Ins Visa/ MC Wixom
248-486-5900 Doors
524
THE DOOR STOP
Excavating
529
J.J.M BACKHOE SERVICE LLC Backhoe service & landscaping. 38 Years Experience. Small or Large Jobs. Fully insured. Free estimates.
(248)624-6458 AFFORDABLE DEMOLITION & SERVICES "Division of Rae Excavating" • BUILDING REMOVAL• • Sewer and Water • Storm Sewers • Trucking & Grading Licensed & Insured
248-624-4473 Flooring
536
Since 1980
EDWARD'S
Garage door springs and door openers repaired and/or replaced.
FLOOR COVERING
Call Anytime 248-624-4042 (cell) 248-640-6298 CERTIFIED OVERHEAD DOOR SERVICE •Garage Doors •Repaired/ Services •New Doors/ Openers •Installed at Factory Pricing •Emergency Service Available
248-624-3161 Drywall
526
R & D DRYWALL •Hang & Finished •Small Repair •Texture Repair •Plaster Repair •Wet Sand
Ron (248)673-7665 Electricians
528
MASTER ELECTRICIAN Insured & State Licensed, 25 years experience. Prompt, courteous service. FREE ESTIMATES. ALL TYPES OF WORK. Competitive Prices
(248)683-7985
•Linoleum •Ceramic Tile •Hardwood Floors •Laminate Wood 27 Years Exp. Free Est.
(248)684-5983 Handy Person
545
D & S HOME REPAIRS REMODELING •Additions •Garages •Drywall •Painting •Plumbing •Electrical •Tile •Marble •Kitchens •Baths •Basements •Decks 33 Years ... Licensed
248-684-4175 810-714-3058
TOTAL HOME SERVICE
35 Years Licensed PLUMBING • HEATING CARPENTRY • DRYWALL ELECTRICAL NEW SERVICE KITCHENS BATHS CERAMIC TILE
"The job your husband will do tomorrow." (248)887-2366
Handy Person
545
DU-IT-ALL HOME CARE IMPROVEMENTS Specials:
Home Inspection
548
Licensed and Insured
Buying A Home? Let Us Look Before You Leap! AFFORDABLE HOME INSPECTIONS Licensed Insured STERLING HOME SERVICES
Heating/Duct Work 546
248-881-3478
•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
THOMASON HEATING & COOLING • Furnaces • Boilers • Air Cleaners •Air Conditioners •Humidifiers Service & Replacements
Lawn/Garden Services
553
A R T Outdoor Services, LLC
FREE ESTIMATES ON INSTALLATION
Fall Clean-ups • Snow Plowing • Landscaping • Lawn Service • Gutter Cleaning • Insured Residential & Commercial
248-363-1615
www.artoutdoorservices.com
HURON VALLEY HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING •Repair •Replace •Inspections •Humidifiers •Water Heaters •Night service available
Remodeling/ Finish bathrooms, kitchens, basements. All your interior/ exterior home improvements need. 30 years experiences fully insured
248-987-6512
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 Family business, honest and reliable. Interior, exterior, residential, commercial painting and renovations. Mention this ad to receive per winter special rates. 10+ years experience.
Jack 586-945-4906 Plumbing
567
Premier Plumbing
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
•Repairs •Re-Roofs •Chimney Repair •Metal Work •Flat Roofs •Complete Roof Packages. •Siding •Gutters
FREE Estimates 30 Years Experience
248-459-7894 Roofing
571
571
D&D GUTTERS * Snow Plowing*
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
I.D.C. Home Service Siding, Trim & Soffitt Guaranteed Professional Installation. Lic./ Ins. References available.
Bob: 248-363-0589 idchomeservice.com 579
COLLEGE STUDENTS
• Roofing • Leaf Guards • Soffits • Trim Work • Siding • Windows We Accept Credit Cards Doug Dible
SNOW PLOWING * Drives *Sidewalks
248-431-6243
248-931-0295
ROOF LEAKS &
SJ Maintenance
WATER DAMAGE REPAIRS MAHER RESTORATION www.goMaher.com "Maher Makes It Happen"
248-926-6631
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
586
Progressive Transportation Specializing in: •Appliances •Furniture •Debris Removal
* Insured * Shawn Larkins
Commerical Residental
Snow removal Fully insuured
Fall cleanup Gutter clean outs.
248-634-0878
248-887-4892 Tree Service
Tree Service
587
LOUIE'S TREE SERVICE Tree Removal •Stump Grinding • Firewood • Free Estimates 20 Yrs. Exp. • Fully Insured "Will Beat All Competitors" Residential • Commercial
248-240-6143 248-240-6142 248-366-1325
MAXON'S TREE SERVICE •Trimming •Tree Removal •Stump Grinding •Lot Clearing •Firewood & Woodchips "We now have wood fencing & deliver sand, gravel, top soil."
Licensed & Insured Free Estimates
(248)887-2190
587
KODIAK TREE SERVICE 25 years experience •Tree trimming •Tree & stump removal •70ft bucket lift •Free estimates •Insured •Firewood
248-921-9097 Waterproofing
599
Dry Basements, LLC We Repair: •Poured Walls/ Concrete Block •Waterproofing •Cracked or Bowed Walls •Foundation Repaired Replaced •Underpinning •Crawl Space and Encapsulation •Licensed & Insured •Ron Heck, Builder (248)420-0116
Wells
Call anytime for estimates & great service 577
Snow Removal
Tile
Trash/Debris Removal
ROOF REPAIRS
Siding
248-363-5864 Roofing
571
PRICE IS RIGHT ROOFING
Compass Painting
New Construction & Remodel Commercial & Residential
248-926-9993
Michigan Toolbox
FALL SPECIAL
GRASS GROOMERS INC
Home Improvement 547
248-682-1393 248-802-6554
VS PAINTING
Licensed & Insured Complete Plumbing Service
(248)887-3666
•Additions •Garages •Decks •Rough & Trim Carpentry •Wood Siding •Basements •Kitchens •All outside wood repairs
Roofing 562
(248)625-5719
Your Outdoor Maintenance Company Residential/ Commercial CALL TODAY FOR YOUR FALL CLEAN UP Insured/ free estimates
SHERMAN BLDG CO.
Painting/ Decorating
603
McPherson WELL SERVICE PUMPS •TANKS WELL REPAIR 2, 4, & 5 INCH
Emergency Service 7 days a week 248-
363-6464
aquawells.com All credit cards accepted
BOB WYCKOFF WELL DRILLING "If you have questions, we have answers!" •PUMPS •TANKS • WELL REPAIR
(248)310-0917
Emergency Service EASY PAYMENT PLANS No Credit Check Visa & MasterCard
PAGE 52
www.spinalcolumnonline.com
SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY
Union Lake Rd.
2199 HAGGERTY RD. At Pontiac Trail across from Lakes Professional Building
Commerce Rd.
.
morrismotorsmi.com Ric d hard son R
Oakley Park
248-624-4500
WALMART
morrismotorsmi.com 15,500
14,888
#P2024
13,997**
$
2009 DODGE CHARGER
**
#P1886
2011 CHEVROLET HHR #P1980
17,450
$
Now
Was $18,500
2002 CHEVROLET ASTRO CONVERSION
16,799**
$
#P2051
9,699**
$
2006 BUICK TERRAZA CX
2001 CHEVROLET VENTURE
What we like: brash looks, comfortable sport seats, and power side mirrors. While the Charger name is a throwback to the 1970’s coupe, the underpinnings and design are modern. Dodge says the Charger combines modern coupe styling with four-door functionality. The Charger has a bold crossbar front end and a short deck. There are minimal wheel flares, and a long bodyside crease meets another at the rear doors. The Charger’s five-occupant interior features front bucket seats and a rear bench.
5,700
EPA FUEL ECONOMY • City: 17 • Highway: 25
#P2039
14,995
$
12,995**
$
#P194A
$
4,985**
$
10,600
$
15,950**
$
14,595
$
FEATURING
$
$
14 Mile Rd.
2008 CHEVROLET IMPALA
2008 PONTIAC G6 #P2042
Haggerty Rd.
11 9-20
Maple Rd. M-5
1 96
Benstein Rd.
RIGHT HERE Where You Need Us!
Celebrating
42 YEARS
Trail tiac Pon
Find us on Facebook
2007 CHEVROLET COBALT #P2029
10,995
$
9,962**
$
2007 CHRYSLER SEBRING #P2031
11,800
$
10,937**
$
Morris Complete Inventory At: www.morrismotorsmi.com Motors Michigan For Peace of Mind: most of our vehicles have warranty or service contracts available.
**For purchase with qualified credit approval. Prices are plus tax, title, license & doc fee. Call dealer for more details. Offer good thru 11/23/11. Subject to prior sale.
SALES HOURS: Mon. & Thurs.: 8:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m. Tues., Wed., Fri.: 8:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Check Engine Light Special or any Service Special BG’s Cooling System Flush WILD CARD SPECIAL Warning Light (ABS/Airbag) ~ COUPON ~ ~ COUPON ~
*
95
M
19
$
25 Off 95 $ 15 Off
OUR FACTORY-TRAINED TECHNICIANS WILL PERFORM THE FOLLOWING:
O I OTOR L
OIL CHANGE
•Pressurized system leak test •Check belts and hoses •Check heater output $ Was99 129 •Flush cooling system
+tax & dep. fee with coupon
*Includes up to 5 quarts of oil and oil filter. Excludes synthetic oil and diesel engines. Most vehicles–see service advisor for exceptions. With this coupon. Coupon cannot be combined with any other offer. Expires 11/30/11. SC
99
$
Plus tax and disposal. Most GM cars and trucks. All coupons must be presented at time of write up. Offers cannot be applied with any other offers. Chemical cleaning extra. Expires 11/30/11.
$
Any Service Over $175.00 Any Service Over $90.00
Any Make or Model SC
One coupon per customer. Coupons may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 11/30/11. Excludes oil changes, brake promotion, tires and SRTA’S. Valid only in our service department. Must present coupon when order is written. SC
248-624-4500
morrismotorsmi.com
Your Hometown Car & Truck Service and Maintenance Center for over 42 Years *Diagnosis extra, brake inspection extra
We will perform a complete ACT NOW computer scan BEFORE OFFER and external EXPIRES diagnosis. If your vehicle displays a “Check Engine” or “Service Soon” bring this coupon in for diagnosis.
LIMITED TIME ONLY
FREE
Must present coupon when order is written. Cannot be combined with any other offers. GM vehicles only. Plus tax and shop supplies. Expires 11/30/11.
SC
We Service All Makes and Models of GM Vehicles and most Domestic and Import models as well
WE OFFER: NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY Most Repairs Completed Same Day
Enjoy your complimentary coffee while you wait • Work With Most Insurance Companies • Expert Mechanics and Technicians • Full Paint or Touch-Ups • Expert Color Matching • We Handle Large or Small Jobs
SERVICE, PARTS & BODY SHOP HOURS:
Mon. & Thurs.: 7 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tues., Wed. & Fri.: 7 a.m.-6 p.m.
FREE Estimates on Collision Repairs!