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WOMAN OF THE YEAR Kelley LaFontaine nets 2011 national award from leukemia society - pg. 15

A FRIENDLY FACEBOOK New rules dictate info on West Bloomfield website, social media outlet - pg. 8

CANDIDATES SQUARE OFF Hoffman, Venie answer our questions ahead of Aug. 2 election - pg. 27

pg. 4 The Cass Lake access site at Dodge Park No. 4 in Waterford Township. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Stefano Ferri)

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ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW

‘I found a niche, what I love’ White Lake resident Narozny at the helm of top art shows

atty Narozny is adept at identifying and booking top-notch artists to display their creations at her art shows, one of which is the Orchard Lake Fine Art Show, voted as one of the top 100 art shows in the country for the last five years. Narozny owns the rights to Hotworks.org, her private label that hosts several prestigious shows across the country. Narozny, a nomad of sorts, travels everywhere to recruit the cream of the crop for each high quality juried event. She also taps polished and experienced artists to preside over the event as judges. Narozny and her husband live in White Lake. What is so unique about the Orchard Lake show? PN: We focus on the visual arts and artistry and community enrichment. The artists are treated with respect. When they are walked up, they are greeted with a smile and a hello, probably a hug from my associates, Alyse and Colette, my show managers. We know many of these artists personally because we work with them so much. This is what we do professionally. They are also given respect in other ways. Amenities include water and fruit that are distributed, $2,500 in artist awards where we have three professional judges on-site. There’s an artists award breakfast. So there are certain things where the artists love to come and work with Hotworks. The event is going into its 11th year for me because it takes me 1-1.5 years in advance for art shows. Unfortunately, as I travel throughout the country, artists are not coming to Michigan or saying they’re not — and this has been going on for the last 10 years — because of the economy, unemployment, gas prices, various reasons. When I heard that, we did implement an art show in Estero, Fla. This is our third year for Boca Raton, Fla; our fourth year is coming up for North Carolina. As a result of those other events, I believe they’ve really helped the Orchard Lake Fine Art Show grow with artists not typically seen in the metro Detroit area. The focus is the visual arts and we try to recruit people based on technique, execution, quality , originality. We’re on the street constantly. We focus on having the artist at the event doing their true work. We run a tight ship. Our juried judges are professionals with an art background and art education

we have eight in Boca Raton. The other shows are newer and it takes time to get them established, but for some reason the Michigan show is the most difficult and time-consuming. What are the pros and cons of your job? PN: For the first five years of Hotworks, I did not pay myself, so that’s the big con. It’s a major investment. People have no idea the cost to produce an event like this. I have five big banners hanging in West Bloomfield, Keego (Harbor) and Commerce that cost probably $15,000 just for those banners. On the other hand, I found my niche as to what I love to do. Hopefully we’ll be able to pay people like myself who puts in 1014 hours a day, including Saturdays and Sundays, into this. I don’t have children and my husband travels for a living so I found a niche, know what I love to do and no one is going to fire me. What’s better than having work that you like to do? We have a $5 suggested donation for our Michigan event. We do charge for our Charlotte show and are considering charging for our other events because sponsorship is down and costs are increasing. People don’t understand the complexities involved with permits, the decorator, getting tents, making sure you’re getting the right security company. I had to get the street cleaned in West Bloomfield because we want a clean show. We leave our city cleaner than we got it. Given the economic situation, how has the art world been affected PN: The art show industry has been terribly effected by the economy, but I like to tell people art is your best investment. It’s not real estate and it’s not stocks. The artists are smart — they’ve changed their work. A lot of them have had to produce lower-end items. There are glass blowers out there now who don’t work on their $500-$2,000 work. They work on their $2,000-$10,000 work because there are collectors out there. West Bloomfield is one of the most art-collecting areas in the U.S. People really support the arts. People still buy art and artists have to work harder, too, and be more aggressive in their sales. It’s not the 1980s anymore. ❏

and have been in the art industry for 30 years. Tell us about the competitions and what you look for in judges. PN: I’ve been lucky. Ann Kuffler, the owner of Ariana Gallery, is the main person behind the event since its inception and why the quality has grown and why the focus is the visual arts. She put us in a great direction. I had another artist advocate and lost him to brain cancer. We have Les Sleznick flying in from Orlando. The judges have two roles: to judge before the event — we have over 600 applications for this show and many

•

NE MINUTE

INTERVIEW Q were turned down because they didn’t meet our qualifications, either (because) their work wasn’t compelling enough or it wasn’t original. Some even got turned down because their booth presentation wasn’t set up properly. Judges have a job that takes between 8-20 hours prior to the event. This happens in April. They review three images of most compelling work and one from booth presentation. At the show, we will have three judges: Kuffler and Slesnick and our third judge, Joe Marx, from the Alfred Berkowitz Gallery from the University of Michigan will be on site both days. Does each show have its own challenges, or is one more difficult to put on than another? PN: We can’t figure out why our Michigan show takes 50 people when

By Leslie Shepard

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

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By Michael Shelton staff writer

SPECIAL REPORT

he Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is looking to renovate the Cass Lake boating access site at Dodge Park No. 4 and is giving the public, including those owning property on or living on the lake, a chance to have their say. A special public meeting on the proposal has been scheduled by the DNR for 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4 inside Dodge Park No. 4 in Waterford Township at the boating access site. According to the concept plans presented by the DNR on the dodge4.com website, renovation of the boat launch site is needed to address the deteriorating pavement and to reduce congestion on the site during busy summer days. According to Kristen Bennett, the DNR’s Regional Manager, one of the proposed plans will keep the current number of access site parking spaces at 80 and eliminate one roadway typically used by non-boaters, or “day users,” and redirect them to a different route through the park. The other proposal would slightly decrease the number of parking spaces at the access site and would utilize a roundabout to separate boaters and day-users from having to drive through the same area once they enter the park. The DNR states that it has no plans to exceed the current number of parking spaces at the access site and that it will also introduce the best practices for storm water management where practical. Visitors to dodge4.com can also take an online survey in which they can give their input on what they like about the two proposals. Jim Cote, the Keego Harbor Police Department’s marine officer, said that the entrance to the park is a singlelane gravel access road that goes into a paved parking lot where the boat launch is located. When beach patrons use a portion of that road at the same time as those looking to launch their boat at the access site, it can get pretty congested, according to Cote. “The way you drive to the boat ramp, they let the road become a dirt road. It does need paving,” said Oakland County Commissioner John Scott (R-Waterford, West Bloomfield), whose district also includes Keego Harbor. “The parking is laid out very poorly. It’s very difficult to get your boat to launch and find a parking spot.” DNR states that it aims to not only improve the pavement conditions, but also improve parking and circulation at the boating access site,

Dodge No. 4 parking Aug. Aug. 44 meeting meeting to to address address two two new new plans plans

as well as improve barrier-free access and improve access between the boat launch and modern restroom. “We’re looking at a better way to address the access to the site and improve the flow of traffic, as well as the quality of pavement and accessibility,” said Jordan Byelich, a DNR Waterways Development Planner. “We’re trying to improve what’s there and comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act, because the cracks in the pavement affect people in wheelchairs.” The Dodge Park No. 4 boating access site has been in service for over 50 years. The park is popular among boaters, as well as those who visit for a picnic a day at the beach on Cass Lake (situated in Waterford and West Bloomfield townships, Keego Harbor and Orchard Lake Village). Waterford Township officials support an initiative to improve the park’s boating access site parking lot in some manner. “Anytime any property in Waterford seeks to improve an existing facility, it’s welcome,” said Waterford Township Community Planning and Development Director

Bob Vallina. “Everything has a life cycle and the lot needs to be repaved from time to time. “Additionally, new technology comes up that wasn’t available in the past, like roundabouts — they work in many situations throughout Oakland County and the Road Commission for Oakland County views them as valid traffic control devices.” Vallina noted that he has not yet viewed the access site redevelopment plans proposed by the DNR, but sees roundabouts as a viable option given that the parking lot doesn’t lend itself to high speeds and roundabouts are designed to improve traffic flow. “From a professional standpoint, a roundabout could work and is a very valid option for the DNR to evaluate and install at the park,” Vallina said. West Bloomfield Township Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste is asking township residents to visit the website featuring the access site renovation plans and view the designs. She said she will post a link to dodge4.com on the township’s website and Facebook page. “I encourage residents to read and study all of the available informa-

tion and to take the survey,” she said. “The survey will permit them to voice their opinions and concerns.” Keego Harbor City Manager Linda Voll said she hopes improvements to the site will bring in more families. “Having ADA accessibility is a wonderful change and making the traffic flow easier inside the park is also a plus,” she said. The two renovation designs were put together by Beckett & Raeder, a landscape architectural planning, engineering, and environmental services firm based out of Ann Arbor. According to the dodge4.com website, the first design concept would separate vehicular circulation of the boat launch users and the park day users, and will have boat launch parking in close proximity to the boat launch site and farther away from adjacent residential properties. The first design option would also provide an accessible pier to help disabled people access watercraft. It would connect the upper hillside with the lower day use area. Upper hillside parking would also be promoted for day use activities and shelter.

JULY 27, 2011

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SPECIAL REPORT

The DNR adds that Sheriff’s Department Marine the first design option Division having would result in 500 made cuts to its less lineal feet of roadpatrols because of way and more room its budget chalon the waterfront to lenges, Cote is a allow future pedestrian lone ranger connection to the patrolling Cass upper hillside without Lake. But he said the adjacent wetlands that things have being impacted. calmed down as “I like what I see in compared to the the future plans for past. Dodge Park,” said Sid “I think it’s getRubin, a Keego Harbor ting a little better. Councilman and an We were overowner of a residence whelmed in 2007,” on Cass Lake. “The he said. “Ninetyelements that are of eight percent of particular value to the The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will hold a public meeting on Thursday, Aug. 4 to give residents the people out enhancement plans are a chance to have their say about two proposed improvement plans for the Cass Lake boating access site at there are great the addition of accept- Dodge Park No. 4 in Waterford Township. Neither of the two options (pictured above) under consideration would people and they’re increase the amount of parking spaces at the access site. able piers to assist families and people with disabilities they’re just out to in accessing waterrelax and have a craft, the connection of the upper hillreal estate investors to purchase have to carry with them,” he said. good time. There aren’t as many side with the lower day use area, and Dodge Park No. 4 in the 1984-85 fisPlans for redeveloping the Dodge watercraft anchored on the sandbar the improvement between the boat cal year. Park No. 4 boating access site withas we used to have. We don’t have as launch and the modern restrooms.” “As desperate as the state was to out expanding the boat ramp’s parkmany problems, but we continuously The second design option would pro- raise money back in the 1980s, the ing area (which serves as a way to have medical problems and issues vide a single-lane roundabout and would foresight of committee members of limit public access to the lake at any where people are injured. maintain the current combined boat the Waterway Commission was to given time), or even reducing parking “Arrests for drunken boating are launch and day use traffic flow. maintain the property and not cave to spaces, will likely please riparian up,” he said. “I’ve made five arrests The DNR adds that the second developers. It turned out to be a property owners. But that may not this year for operating while intoxicatdesign option would provide a boat good investment for our state,” Rubin make much of a difference in boater ed and one for operating while launch prep lane and minimize boat said. “In recent years, the state has gatherings at an infamous Cass Lake impaired.” launch parking along the lakeshore. recognized the resurgence of the park natural feature, according to some He added that he has written sevIt would also provide better waterand began renovation plans that officials. eral tickets for loud stereos on boats craft access to the handicapped, make the park more interesting. Even One of the most populated areas and has reported a pair of watercraft improved access between parking areas the fishing pier was built in the area on the weekends in Keego Harbor is injuries. and the restroom, and storm water that fish like to play in.” its famous Cass Lake sandbar, which Mayor Fletcher commended Cote management practices. for what he called a “fabulous job,” Keego Harbor marine officer Cote is measured at a half-mile long and Keego Harbor Mayor John Fletcher, and added that rowdiness on the said that he applauds the DNR for 400 to 500 feet wide. another Cass Lake homeowner, said sandbar has decreased by 70 percent. taking the position of shutting down Cote said that the crowds on holithat he likes the idea of a roundabout Fletcher also said that most of the the boat access site when it’s parking days such as the Fourth of July and boating traffic on the sandbar doesn’t inside the park. lot is full and not just dumping more Labor Day can attract anywhere from come from the Cass Lake access site “I’m happy the state will invest in the boats into the lake because it 2,500 to 3,500 people at a time. park because it is heavily utilized,” he becomes overcrowded, making it Fletcher said that on a busy week- inside Dodge Park No. 4, but rather from the lake’s residents and also said. “The condition of the roadway is extremely hard to manage the boat end, about 600 to 800 boats congrewatercraft from two nearby marinas, deplorable. We were sending people in traffic on the lake. gate at the sandbar, off the lake’s including one next to Dodge Park No. 4 the back lot. They put gravel over the “I wouldn’t say traffic has eastern shore. asphalt. It will be a very welcome change increased, but it seems that we have In 2007, illicit activity at the sand- and another off of Cass Elizabeth Road. “Dodge Park has a minimal effect to get in and get out. A roundabout a lot of new people visiting the lake bar reached a boiling point with on the sandbar because, when you would be welcome and long overdue.” who are unfamiliar with the rules of many complaints among boaters and look at the concentration of boats, However, Keego Harbor Councilman operation of watercraft,” he said. riparians of foul language; loud that’s not a Dodge Park or public Joel Yoder said that he’s looked over “Some of the rules include going music; questionable behavior; alcohol access problem,” Fletcher said. the designs, and called the proposed counter-clockwise (around the lake), consumption; illegal drug use; intenRubin, who also heads the Vistas right of way, navigational rules and tional trespassing on riparian properrenovations “a waste of taxpayer of Cass Lake Association, said that slow-no wake violations. It’s like a ty; interference with the lake’s navimoney.” there was a period of time that motorcycle: You can buy it from the gable waters; public nudity; indecent “There is nothing wrong with the Dodge Park No. 4 was not as attracdealer, but you have an endorsement exposure; public urination; fights; existing facilities,” said Yoder, a Cass tive to residents and, for many, a and other disturbing acts by people Lake homeowner. “I’m not one to waste on your license for boater safety.” long, boring trip from Detroit. Cote said that he has written gathering on the sandbar. money, be it taxpayers’ money or my “I never wavered from my belief about 17 tickets to Cass Lake boaters The Keego Harbor City Council own money.” that one day Dodge Park would so far this year, including for people submitted a proposal to the DNR to However, Rubin said that his history become a destination haven for that don’t have with them their implement special rules to control with Dodge Park No. 4 dates back to Oakland County residents to enjoy the boater safety certificate for personal sandbar use and boat traffic, but the 1956 and that he was the chairperson serene surroundings that Dodge Park watercraft operation. DNR turned it down. of the state’s Waterway Commission and Cass Lake has to offer,” Rubin Now, with the Oakland County “It’s a little blue card that they when there was an effort by a group of said. ❏

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LAKES AREA NEWS

A bowling icon and family man, Norton dies at 83

Wixom officials to monitor success of tax abatements

By Leslie Shepard

staff writer

Whether it was at the helm of his Sea Ray or running one of his bowling alleys, Jack Norton let passion direct his course. Norton, owner of Waterford Lanes in Waterford Township and Albion Country Lanes, passed away Saturday, July 23. He was 83. An icon in the bowling industry throughout the Detroit area, Norton transformed Waterford’s Tru-Way Plaza from a ghost town into a flourishing strip center and renamed it Waterford Lakes Plaza. “After he opened and remodeled Waterford Lanes, he would go in every day,” said his youngest daughter, Lori Pawl. “Even in his 80s, he was still working strong.” Norton was in the bowling business for nearly 60 years. He formerly owned Redford Bowling and Trophy Sales, making it the first pro shop in the metro area back in the 1960s. He later purchased Milford Lanes, which he operated for nearly 20 years. “He had been involved in bowling since he was a young man and created opportunities for many people in his life,” said Elaine Sabady, his companion for eight years. “He was kind to his employees and promoted the bowling industry.” Apart from his notoriety in bowling circles, Norton reveled in charting his course on the open waters. He was an active member of the MacRay Yacht Club in Harrison Township, where he moored his 45-foot Sea Ray, the “Kid’s Money,” and cruised Lake St. Clair. “He loved to travel on his boat, like driving his Sea Ray to Mackinac Island or doing excursions with his yacht club,” Pawl said. But it’s in the love for his family that Norton’s legacy lives on. He is survived by four children, seven grandchildren and their spouses, and seven great-grandchildren. “No matter which one of us he was with, whether it was children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren, he would always make each of us feel like the most special person of all,” said his eldest daughter, Cathie Shiek. In the 1950s, Norton drove a Sanders Bakery delivery truck and parked it in his driveway every night. As an expression of affection, he would swing open the truck doors and invite his kids to choose any treat they wanted. “He always said, ‘Let’s go see

Crews installed a replacement guard rail along the curve of Old Orchard Trail in Orchard Lake on Thursday, July 21. The replacement came at the behest of a property owner who raised safety concerns about the roadway. The Orchard Lake City Council approved the installation of the $5,000 guard rail that extends between 70 and 90 feet on at its June 20 meeting. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Stefano Ferri)

Guard rail installed Safety measure on Old Orchard Trail

By Leslie Shepard staff writer

rchard Lake workers installed a guard rail replacement along Orchard Lake Trail between Pontiac Trail and Willow Lane last week. The purpose of the guard rail is to reduce the potential for, and the severity of, accidents involving vehicles that run off the road. At the behest of a property owner whose home is adjacent to the guard rail, Director of City Services Gerry McCallum took the issue up with the Orchard Lake City Council, which approved the replacement at its June 20 meeting. “The property owner mentioned

what’s for dessert,’” Shiek said. “It was very special.” This past summer Norton attended a number of graduations and weddings with his family. “It it was kind of a nice farewell,” Sabady said. “He adored his family.” The family will receive friends at the Riverside Chapel, Simpson-Modetz Funeral Home, located at 5630 Pontiac

the issue several time because his fence is behind the guard rail, and voiced concerns about how antiquated it is and his property is so close to the guard rail,” McCallum said. The guard rail replacement extends between 70 and 90 feet along the curve on Old Orchard Trail. “It’s being installed for safety purposes,” McCallum said. “It’s in sub-standard condition and didn’t meet (state) specifications for placement and height. The support posts were also deteriorating and won’t support a vehicle impact.” The $5,000 project is being paid for with funds left over from last year’s budget. ❏ Lake Road in Waterford tomorrow, Thursday, July 28, and Friday, July 29 from 3 to 8 p.m. Funeral services will be held at the White Chapel Cemetery, 621 W. Long Lake Road at Crooks Road in Troy at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 30. A luncheon will follow. Memorials may be made to the Karmanos Cancer Institute or the Elizabeth Lake Animal Rescue. ❏

Members of the Wixom city administration are launching a new initiative that serves a dual purpose aimed at businesses that have been awarded tax abatements. Given that the city doles out a significant number of tax abatements on an annual basis, Assistant City Manager Tony Nowicki and Assessing Clerk Debe Barker will begin making the rounds this summer to ensure that those companies are in compliance with their tax abatement agreements, and will offer city assistance to the businesses in some manner. “We want to make sure progression has been made in their investment as it relates to equipment or a facility in accordance with the agreement,” Nowicki said. “In essence, we have invested in these companies by approving their tax abatement, so we are making sure that investment is maintained.” Moreover, the initiative serves as an outreach program. “We’ll be offering our assistance or querying if they want to partner with us in civic projects, community events, the Wixom Foundation, or the schools,” Nowicki said. Barker acts as a liaison between the businesses and the city. “It’s a public relations initiative to see what we can do to help them, whether that’s by giving them contacts in the business community, assisting them in completing forms, or helping them to network,” she said. “We want to remind them of who we are and answer any questions.” Barker’s role includes handling all the phone calls, forms, and tax calculations. “I calculate how much the company will save with the abatement and how much the city stands to lose,” Barker said. Since 1990 the city has issued 16 tax abatements; 12 remain active. The top criteria for awarding tax abatements include the amount of the local investment by a company and the number of Wixom jobs created. Each company is obligated to submit annual status reports by Jan. 31 indicating the number of employees hired. If the number of jobs created falls short of what was agreed to when the

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

LAKES AREA NEWS For more information, contact Mueller at 248-318-9010 or visit www.skatemilford.com. The council’s action came at its Monday, July 18 meeting. ❏

Tax break meetings ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 7

company first received the tax abatement, the company is expected to pay the city an amount equal to the tax deferment; if hiring goals and milestones are not met, the city could revoke the tax abatement. ❏

W. Bloomfield OK’s policy for website, social media use

Barnyard BBQ to be held July 30 at the Lazy J Ranch

By Michael Shelton staff writer

By Angela Niemi staff writer

The Community Sharing Outreach Center is looking to loosen up their annual dinner dance event to a more casual barnyard barbecue benefit for Summerfest 2011, which will be held on Saturday, July 30 from 7-11 p.m. “This is the first year we changed the format to hopefully, we think, make it more appealing,” said Ron McComas, a member of Community Sharing’s board. “In the past it’s been a dinner dance with people dressing up in suits and dresses. It was more stuffy. So we thought about it and decided we could make it more fun, and attract a younger demographic.” The barnyard barbecue will be held at the Lazy J Ranch just south of M59 in Milford with a rib and chicken dinner catered by Billy’s Tip ‘n Inn While soft drinks, water, and coffee will be complimentary as part of the $50 ticket cost, guests will have the option of purchasing a bottomless souvenir glass of beer or wine for an additional $10. “We thought this would be a good alternative instead of a cash bar. You get a souvenir glass, and free refills throughout the night,” McComas said. The evening will also include a DJ, dancing, games, and a silent auction. McComas said that, in addition to the standard wine baskets found at the silent auction, they also have a few unusual prizes to present, one of which includes being a deputy for a day with Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard. “The winning bidder will go on patrol with the sheriff and tour various aspects of the job, such as going to the gun range, the jail, and meeting a canine team,” McComas said. However, McComas said the biggest draw may be a University of Michigan football helmet signed by Bo Schembechler, which was donated by a friend of Community Sharing. Another part of the event will be a

Chris Rottermond, a staff member of the Wixom Department of Public Works (DPW), is all smiles as he serves himself a bowl of chili prepared by Assistant City Manager Tony Nowicki on Thursday, July 21. The city’s administration puts on a luncheon every third Thursday of the month for city staff at the DPW building. (Photo courtesy of the City of Wixom)

“Dancing with the Stars” competition featuring local celebrities such as state Rep. Eileen Kowall (R-Highland, White Lake). Each participant has been partnered with a professional from a local dance studio. Tickets can be purchased by calling 248-318-5206 or at the door. ❏

Skate park locale could be near the Milford Rec. Trail By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Milford Village Council has asked Village Manager Arthur Shufflebarger to prepare a motion approving a proposed location for the planned Milford Skate Park. The location of the proposed park would be near the Milford Recreational Trail, west of Milford Road and south of General Motors Road, near the Pet Supplies Plus and CVS Pharmacy stores. The push to build a skateboarding facility is being headed by Friends of Milford Skate Park, a nonprofit, tax-exempt organization that raises money through fund-raisers and donations. The group is headed by Chairman Ric Mueller, who also serves on the

Milford Township Planning Commission. The approval of the motion would be conditional on certain factors, including the park’s long-term maintenance, liability and site plan approval. “We’re progressing well, but it’s yet to be seen what the Planning Commission will do regarding the site planning. I needed a definite commitment from the village to the site in order to move forward,” Mueller said. “We’re working on funding, the park’s design and a site plan.” Mueller estimated that the project’s cost would be around $650,000. In May, the Milford Township Board of Trustees approved a recommendation from the township’s Parks and Recreation Commission to have that panel work with the township attorney and the Friends of Milford Skate Park group to draft language for a millage proposal to fund construction of the park. Mueller said that the language is still being worked on and that he hopes the public can vote on the proposed millage in 2012. Friends of Milford Skate Park meets every second and fourth Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m.

The West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees has approved a content policy for the township’s website and various other sites. Under the new township policy, the township’s website and various media sites such as Facebook and Twitter would be used for providing emergency information as quickly as possible, information about basic township services, and upcoming events related to township government. The websites would also be used for providing information about West Bloomfield Township to the widest possible audience, engaging in politically neutral township-related conversation with the public, and acting as a historical repository of township government information. Responsibility for enforcing the policy will fall on the township supervisor, clerk and treasurer. Suggestions for information to be posted can be made to the Information Technology Department by the supervisor, clerk, treasurer, township trustees and authorized employees. The policy also prohibits articles and comments containing support of or opposition to political campaigns or ballot measures; personal attacks on elected officials, employees, residents or businesses; and content that promotes, fosters or perpetuates discrimination. Also prohibited are profane language or content, sexual content or links to it, solicitations of commerce, conduct or encouragement of illegal activity, and information that may compromise the safety or security of the public or public systems. The township website will not provide external links to political organizations or campaigns, commercial enterprises not approved by the board, or general links to media sites. The board’s action came at its Monday, July 18 meeting. ❏

JULY 27, 2011

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JULY 27, 2011

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Quake thrills thousands Hydroplane racing event sets attendance records

The 2011 Quake on the Lake event set a new attendance record on Saturday, July 16, on Pontiac Lake in Waterford and White Lake townships. The event draws thousands to Pontiac Lake every year. 01. Hope Drogmiller poses with Bloomfield Hills racer Becky Wilson, 18. 02. A hyrdoplane being transported on Pontiac Lake. 03. Spectators watch the thrills during a race. 04. Onlookers brave the heat to catch all the action. (Photos courtesy of Curtis Drogmiller)

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Wolverine Lake officials stall water SAD establishment By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Owners of property along Lakeview and Meadow Lane in Wolverine Lake have submitted petitions to hook up to Detroit city water, but the Village Council is holding off on setting up a Special Assessment District (SAD) until a greater majority of property owners is on board with the project. Logistically, 50 percent plus one of the impacted district’s homeowners signatures are required to create an SAD. Currently 40 of the 74 homeowners in the Lakeview/Meadow Lane district have signed petitions, or 54 percent. “We’ve asked administration to work with the petitioners to get more signatures,” said Village Council President John Magee. “We want a solid majority because usually some drop out during the formation of an SAD.” The water hook up to individual homes would be completely voluntary. An SAD would give residents the opportunity to pay the cost of installing water lines along the roadways over a 10-year period of time. Once more petition signatures are submitted, the council will set up a public hearing as part of the SAD creation process. “It’s a confusing process so council is willing to meet with homeowners in the meantime in case they have questions,” Magee said. If approved, the project will be the first in the village to tap into Detroit municipal water service since the Helmsford Well replacement project several years ago, when a group of 75 homes were compelled to convert to municipal water after arsenic was discovered in their three community wells. Commerce Township has already installed a water main down McCoy that accommodates Lakeview and Wolverine Drive. The proposed project calls for an 8-inch water main to follow Lakeview to the Wolverine Lake shoreline and proceed to Meadow Lane. It then would divert south and reattach to the water main already installed at McCoy, according to Village Engineer Mike Powell. “There’s two benefits to municipal water,” Powell said. “Creating a SAD to install a water main in the street allows residents to vacate their wells and bring in city water; and secondly,

Bikers, music fans, and others can enjoy the Detroit Bike Week at MultiLakes Conservation Association in Commerce Township beginning on Thursday, July 28, and running through Sunday, July 31. Featured at the area’s largest motorcycle festival will be bands, a custom bike show, a bike blessing, and demonstration rides and burnout pits. In addition, a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall will be at the event after being brought all the way from Texas up to the lakes area. For more information, visit www.detroitbikeweek.com or www.avtt.org. (Photo courtesy of Dana Forrester)

Commerce revs up Bike Week coming to Multi-Lakes

By Angela Niemi staff writer

Metro Detroit’s largest motorcycle festival will be coming to the Multi-Lakes Conservation Association in Commerce Township this weekend, starting Thursday, July 28 and running through Sunday, July 31. Bike Week will include a custom bike show, freestyle motocross, demonstration rides, burnout pits, Miss Detroit Bike Week Babe, a ZZ Top look-alike and tattoo contests, cage fights, a bikini bike wash, Red Stag Boothill Saloon, a bike blessing, church services, as well as a variety of vendors selling biker wares. Continuous live music will also be a part of the festivities. The legendary Detroit band The Rockets will be a part of the line up, as will tribute artists for Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, AC/DC, Bad Company, and the Allman Brothers, in addition to many local bands throughout Friday, July 29 and Saturday, July 30. On Sunday, 99.5 WYCD will host Country Day with live music by David Shelby, Alan Turner, Redhill, and Derringer, among others. A Red Stag Kid Rock guitar giveaway will also take place. Tickets are $10 a day or $15 for

the entire weekend from July 29 through Sunday, July 31. Also as part of Detroit Bike Week will be the American Veterans Traveling Tribute, which features a mobile replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall and other patriotic attractions honoring the nation’s veterans. The traveling wall is 80 percent the size of the memorial in Washington, D.C. Other exhibits and memorials will be a part of the tribute and will span the area of two football fields. The Cost of Freedom Memorial is a series of standing exhibits created in gold dog tags to record the names of those who gave their lives in Vietnam, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. A lighted Twin Towers exhibit, World War II and Korean War pictorial displays, and tributes to police officers and firefighters will also be there. The visit will start with a welcoming ceremony as the Wall is escorted by motorcycle to the MultiLakes Conservation Association this afternoon, Wednesday, July 27. Multi-Lakes is located at 3860 Newton Road in Commerce. For more information, visit detroitbikeweek.com or avtt.org. ❏

it provides water hydrants in case homes catch fire.” Powell also said that homeowner insurance premiums would more than likely be reduced due to the addition of fire hydrants. While groundwater in Wolverine Lake has a high iron content, next door in Commerce Township, residents are drinking and using award winning water. “Detroit city water has won awards for clarity and the iron is so low — it’s greatly improved from well water,” Powell said. Homeowners in the district interested in signing a petition can visit the Village Hall Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to sign a petition. For more information call 248-624-1710. ❏

Schneider, after 32 years on force, hangs up holster By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Walled Lake police officer Paul Schneider earned his stripes over the 32 years he served the community. He closed the door quietly behind him on June 30 when he retired from active duty, but Walled Lake residents will likely see him around the community, since he recently volunteered his services as an auxiliary police officer. Schneider joined the Walled Lake Police Department in March 1980. When he came on board, the department had a contingency of nine officers that grew to as many as 15 during his career in the city. By the time he retired, that number had tapered back to nine officers. “The officers are under new contract and times are hard right now,” he said. “I was maxed out at full retirement and the chief asked me if I could retire in June to help out the department because of staffing cuts and layoffs.” Schneider Schneider began his tenure as a patrol officer, served 10 years in the Detective Bureau and transferred to road patrol just before he took his leave. “Detective work is the hardest — it never ends,” he said. “You take it home with you and the cases take forever. Typically, you’re there between three to five years. I served two

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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JULY 27, 2011

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Schneider retiring ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 13

tours.” Walled Lake Police Chief Paul Shakinas, who worked with Schneider for a decade, said Schneider came to work everyday brimming with enthusiasm. “He was always a go-getter,” Shakinas said. “He was as excited about police work his last day as the first day I met him.” Schneider would always pitch in where needed; no task was below him regardless of his seniority on the force. “Any officer dreams of arresting a robber, murders or rapist. I feel I accomplished a lot and arrested a lot of people,” he said. For example, Schneider was partly responsible for apprehending the suspect who robbed Barrels of Wine twice during a five-year period. The second time, the suspect held the store owner at knife point. Police staked out the suspect’s home, where gunfire was exchanged and the suspect was ultimately shot and killed. “During his 30-plus years with department, he’s seen the good, the bad and the ugly,” Shakinas said. Schneider earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Michigan State University and served two years as a Green Beret in the U.S. Army. Plus, he’s a die-hard Walled Lake resident. “A lot of officers want to go to bigger departments, but our department is like a big family,” he said. “Bigger is not always better.” ❏

Pathways won’t be addressed during M-59 road work With the resurfacing of the M-59 corridor set to begin sometime in the next couple months, the White Lake Township Community Development Department was hoping to see the pathways along M-59 repaired, as well. However, township officials have learned from the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) that this would not be an option. “We were told that it’s not within the scope of the project, and there’s not funding available to repair or relocate the pathways,” said Sean O’Neil, the township’s planning director. According to O’Neil, the township has been concerned about the pathways along M-59 for some time. “They’re in rough shape,” O’Neil

LaFontaine nets leukemia society honor for efforts By Michael Shelton staff writer

elley LaFontaine of the LaFontaine Automotive Group was recently named National Woman of the Year by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society after raising over $150,000 for blood cancer research and patient services. She was also awarded the title of Michigan Woman of the Year. She was nominated by her brother, Ryan, who was the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s 2010 Man of the Year after he raised more than $225,000. Kelley LaFontaine said on the Clarkston Chamber of Commerce website that Ryan was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2008 and was spurred into action to raise the funds to create two grants for blood cancer research and to keep the research local at the University of Michigan. The name of Kelley LaFontaine’s campaign was “Driven to Dream,” to combine the passions for cars and making dreams come true. said. “There has been very little maintenance since they were built in the 1970s by MDOT. They still refer to them as shoulders, but more pedestrians and bicyclists use them than cars. We consider them pathways as they are used as pathways. And the pathways are now at a point in their “life cycle” that they need to be replaced. O’Neil said ideally it would be better to relocate or rebuild the pathways in another location some 10 feet or more back from the road. However, with limited funds for local communities that are fighting for road and pathway dollars, completely relocating the pathways may not be feasible. “There is a struggle between deciding to fix and prolong the life of the pathway or just removing and relocating (it). But that second option is way more expensive,” O’Neil said. “As far as I’m concerned, it’s the state’s responsibility to maintain the pathways (because) they built them, but that hasn’t happened,” he said. “Hopefully we can work with them to improve the quality of the pathways down M-59 so that people have access to a decent non-motorized pathway.” ❏

After helping to raise more than $150,000 for blood cancer research and patient services, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has honored Kelley LaFontaine (right) of the LaFontaine Automotive Group with its National Woman of the Year Award. She spearheaded the “Driven to Dream” campaign, which held events in May and June, including “A Night of Dreams” at the LaFontaine Manor in Highland on May 6. (Photo from the “Kelley LaFontaine Leukemia & Lymphoma Society 2011 Woman of the Year” Facebook page)

Kelley LaFontaine hosted three fund-raising events as part of her campaign, beginning with “A Night of Dreams” at the LaFontaine Manor in Highland on May 6, followed by “Drive FORE Dreams,” at the Mystic Creek Golf Course on June 5 and then the Leukemia Bash 2011 at the

Changes target ‘woefully lacking’ zoning ordinance By Michael Shelton staff writer

The West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees approved the introduction of an amendment to the township’s zoning ordinance regarding restaurants and associated districts at its Monday, July 18 meeting. “The definitions were woefully lacking and we want to bring them up to date with other communities. We want to tighten up the definitions,” said Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste. According to a memo to the township board from Senior Planner Sara Roediger, the amendment is necessary so that the ordinance applies more to modern-day restaurants in today’s economic climate, in which the township needs to attract businesses to vacant retail spaces and increase development. She added that the main issue with the current definition of “restaurant”

Westin Book Cadillac Hotel on June 10. LaFontaine Automotive has stores across southeast Michigan, including one in Highland. For more information on the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, visit www.lls.org. ❏ is that it only applies to establishments that serve food and drinks in non-disposable containers. “Under the current definition, Subway or any restaurant that serves food or drinks in disposable containers is not a restaurant,” Roediger wrote. The proposed changes to the ordinance include modernizing the definitions of restaurants, carry-out restaurants and drive-in/fast food restaurants. There would also be new definitions for a drive-through and standard restaurant and a clarification that standard and carry-out restaurants are permitted in the township overlay district. Roediger also states that the line item for coffee shops would be removed from the township overlay district and would fall under the new proposed definition of a restaurant. A coffee shop could no longer have drive-throughs in the township overlay district unless a new definition for coffee shops is approved. Drive-in and drive-through restaurants are only permitted in certain districts in the township. ❏

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COMMUNITY LIFE community honors ❐ The Huron Valley Council for the Arts has announced that the work of Pamela L. O’Neil of Milford will be displayed Friday, Aug. 5 through Aug. 27, at

205 W. Livingston Road in Highland. The exhibition, “A Kaleidoscope of Abstract Realism: Form, Texture & Emotion on Canvas,” expresses her love for color, form and texture. O’Neil has worked in many mediums over the years but chose these elements placed on canvas to express her profound visions for this exhibit. Larger pieces are her passion. An opening reception will be held from 7-9 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 5. For further information, call the gallery at 248-889-8660 ❐ Members and administrators of Jewish Senior Life of Metropolitan

Detroit recently donated rescue equipment to the West Bloomfield Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team. Two Bauman Screamer rescue suits were given to be used by firefighters to aid in the evacuation of people who may be trapped in elevated positions. These unique rescue devices allow two firefighters and an aerial ladder truck to be able to perform the work that would typically take six firefighters using ground ladders. Given the occurrence of the 2008 Hechtman Senior Citizen apartment fire on the same grounds as the Meer Apartments, where over 100 senior citizens were successfully rescued and/or evacuated by the West Bloomfield Fire Department without injury, these suits will help the fire department perform more work with less people in this difficult economy. A presentation ceremony was held yesterday, Tuesday, July 26 in the dining room of the Norma Jean and Edward Meer Apartments located at 6760 West Maple Road in West Bloomfield. AAA Michigan

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50 YEARS AGO July 27, 1961 All Long Lake area kids are invited to bring their dogs and parents to a wienie and watermelon feed Friday, July 30 at 3 p.m. to celebrate the opening of the first restored area of Long Lake. According to Jack Heiland, president of the Long Lake Council, the party will be held at the site of the dredging company’s operations, on the Cooley Lake Road side of Long Lake. The swim area at this point will be the prototype for the entire lake upon completion of the restoration project. 40 YEARS AGO July 28, 1971 White Lake Township may soon have another fire hall in the southeast portion of the township to supplement its present station adjacent to the township hall on M-59. At last week’s township board meeting, Township Supervisor James Reid was authorized to study feasibility plans and cost estimates for the proposed new station. The township owns property on Round Lake Road, south of Hutchins, which it could use for the fire station. 30 YEARS AGO July 29, 1981 The controversial stretch of Voorheis Road in Waterford Township between Telegraph and Huron roads will be closed to through commercial traffic starting this week, Oakland County road commissioners unanimously decided on Monday, July 27. During the past month, residents along the Voorheis corridor have posted white crosses and signs warning motorists to “Slow down and save lives,” “Save our kids, go slow,” and “Are you really saving time?”, in addition to picketing on the weekends carrying similar signs ... The demonstrations were triggered by the death last month of 11-year-old Bryan Spitzbarth, who died as a result of injuries he received when he walked into a car driving along a curve on Voorheis. Police said the driver was not exceeding the 35 mph speed limit and may have been unable to avoid the boy because her line of sight was limited by the sharp curve in the road there. 20 YEARS AGO July 24, 1991 A recent incident on Lower Straits

Lake in Commerce Township that caused an adult male swan and one of its offspring to be killed has promoted neighborhood residents to form a committee to protect the birds. According to Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Marine Division deputies, the two swans were killed just after 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, when they were accidentally run down by a boat driven by a neighborhood youth. Although they concede that this latest incident may have been an accident, some neighbors are convinced that certain lake residents intentionally harass swans and other waterfowl. Tonya Knudsen, one of the organizers of the Save Our Swans Committee, is still upset about the unnatural death of the swan she and neighbors named “Moe.” 10 YEARS AGO July 25, 2001 Some residents said, “Why not leave the park the way it is?” Others in attendance Monday, July 23 indicated that the changes were not only desired by West Bloomfield Township citizens, but were welcomed when announced two years ago. While the primary point of contention during the meeting of the Board of Trustees was whether to proceed with development projects at the township’s 35-acre Bloomer Park ... conflict among attending residents ... included deed restrictions, the autonomy of the township’s parks and recreation commission, and accusations of racism. Among the issues of concern involving the development of the park are the removal of trees near the park’s entrance to accommodate a wider driveway, construction of a basketball court and placement of a portable inline skating rink.

Headlines of the Past

– A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly –

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EDUCATION

GWBCCC, district in media center operations talks By Michael Shelton staff writer

The West Bloomfield School District and the Greater West Bloomfield Cable Communications Commission (GWBCCC) are currently negotiating a possible partnership in which the commission will take over the operations of the school district’s media center. The proposed partnership was approved by the West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees at its Monday, July 18 meeting. Under the agreement, the commission would be granted use of the media center, its broadcast and video equipment, and would assume all building operating costs. The district would still own the media center, which houses the school district’s cable channel WBTV, but would assume no costs for the center’s operations. “We’re in the middle of negotiations. Both parties are in complete good faith, but there’s still a lot of details to be worked out,” said Dave

Albery, GWBCCC’s executive director. “We hope to have a deal done by the school district’s next board meeting (Aug. 29).” Under the proposal, the commission would move its equipment and operations, including its cable channel Civic Center TV, from the second floor of West Bloomfield Township Hall to the media center, which is located on Walnut Lake Road near Green Elementary School. The commission would then operate Civic Center TV as well as WBTV from the media center. The commission would also be allowed to renovate the interior portions of the building with the district’s permission. The district would still be responsible for land maintenance and normal heating and air conditioning service, as well as annual roofing maintenance and repairs. The partnership would be finalized pending a lease agreement that would have to be signed by the district and officials from the communities represented by the cable commission, including West Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake and Sylvan Lake. ❏

Children between the ages of 6 and 12 enrolled in the Summer Experience program participate in esteem-building activities to learn leadership skills. It also provides a component where 13- to 15-year-olds can take part in a counselor-in-training program. (Photo courtesy of Huron Valley Parks and Recreation)

Milestone year

Summer program has activities for kids By Leslie Shepard staff writer

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uron Valley Parks and Recreation is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its Summer Experience program which, through the years, has ballooned its enrollment of roughly 20 students to over 120. “It’s a high-quality program that has proven itself by its increased enrollment,” said Early Childhood Coordinator Lynn McKim, who launched the play-based child care program as an on-site supervisor. Summer Experience provides an esteem-building environment where students between the ages of 6 and 12 learn leadership skills. Activities include academic adventures, weekly field trips, creating music videos, arts and crafts, group activities, games, sports and outdoor play. It also provides a component where 13- to 15-year-olds can take part in a counselor-in-training program. The nine-week program runs from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. It’s a mixed bag of fun that keeps kids entertained and coming back year after year.

“We have a high return rate of both staff and children,” McKim said. “Our very experienced and trained staff is the foundation.” McKim’s staff is comprised of nine certified teachers and counselors, many of whom have stayed on average seven years. The program was first held at Muir Middle School, where a skeleton staff tended to a small group of children. Once enrollment began to grow, the program was relocated to the Baker Center, formerly Baker Elementary. “The original concept is the same as it is now, but it’s been tweaked,” McKim said. “We still do arts and crafts and music videos, but they look a lot different.” McKim attributes the program’s transformation to advances in technology and better resources. “Now we film the videos at Lakeland High School’s video production studio vs. just using a video camera and tape player,” she said. “We have more available at our fingertips — especially with technology — to offer a high quality program.” ❏

JULY 27, 2011

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LOCAL MATTERS

transitions openings

❐ The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming weeks: Independence Village Lake Connectors (LABAT), 8:15-9:30 a.m. Wednesday,

❐ Bling Boutique recently held its Grand Re-opening Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Wednesday, July 20, at

VENDORS WANTED

361 N. Main Street in downtown Milford. New owner and local Milford resident, Jennifer O’Rourke, is excited about her new venture and will be offering an abundance of trendy and affordable clothing, purses, jewelry and other accessories. Bling Boutique is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and can be reached by calling 248 685-8449 or by visting their web site at www.downtownbling.com.

benefits

❐ Elton Black & Son Funeral Homes is sponsoring a Classic Car and Truck Show on Aug. 28 at 3295 Highland Road in Highland. There will be free food to participants, entertainment by DJ Tom Tucker and a 50/50 raffle (must be

1 Day Only! Sunday, September 18th 11am - 4pm Location:

Walled Lake’s Historic Lakefront District, Ferland Street at E. Walled Lake Drive

Contact:

WLDDA 248.926.9004 events@downtownwalledlake.org www.DowntownWalledLake.org

❐ Join the Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce for the next Perking Up Waterford event, 8-9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 2 at Flagstar Bank, 5105 Highland Road. www.waterfordchamber.org.

❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Coffee Club will meet 8 to 9 a.m. Friday, Aug. 19 at the Huron Valley State Bank, 130 S. Milford Road in Milford. Check out this friendly neighborhood bank and mingle with fellow chamber members at this free morning mixer. You can “bank” on a good time. 248-685-7129.

❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce is holding an Ambassador Meeting at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10

❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce will present and Off the Clock Connect event Thursday, Aug. 11 at the White Lake Inn, 3955 Ormond Road in White Lake Township. Come and enjoy a free evening of networking hosted by the Chamber Ambassadors. 248-6857129. ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce wants to remind the community about the Milford Memories Summer Festival in Downtown Milford, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Aug. 1214. Art in the Village also will be presented 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 12; 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13; and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14. Visit www.milfordmemories.com for a complete list of event activities.

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chamber notes

at the Milford Police Department conference room, 1100 Atlantic Street in Milford.

M-5

❐ Subway Sandwich Shops have sponsored a free community outreach program as part of a national goodwill publicity campaign. A volunteer doctor who specializes in nutrition and stress management will come on-site to your company and give a 30-minute presentation during a complimentary catered Subway breakfast or lunch. All you need to do is register at www.workhealthy2011.org and you will be contacted by an event coordinator. Also remember to ask about our free health screenings (blood pressure, self defense, yoga, massage etc.).

July 27 at Independence Village, 935 Union Lake Road in White Lake Township; Edgewood Biz Connectors (LABAT), 8:15-9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2 at Edgewood Country Club, 8399 Commerce Road in Commerce Township; Professional Networking Group (LABAT), 8:15-9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, Managing Change, 2655 Oakley Park Road (northwest corner of Oakley Park and Martin); Independence Village Lake Connectors (LABAT), 8:15-9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 10 at Independence Village, 935 Union Lake Road in White Lake Township; Spotlight Lunch at Backyard Coney, an informal networking lunch (bring your business cards), 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 10, 49378 Pontiac Trail in Wixom; and a Government Affairs Meeting, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, at the chamber office, 305 N. Pontiac Trail, Suite A, Walled Lake. 248-624-2826.

Welch

❐ Bumble, a 3-year-old cream colored Chow, won Caribou Coffee of Commerce’s Top Dog Best of Bou contest. Bumble, owned by R o n Conigliaro, received the most votes of the 54 dogs entered in the contest that was held only at this location. Photos were taken by baristas during a two-week period of customers’ furry friends and posted on the store bulletin board. An unprecedented 255 votes were cast in this first-ever competition. Customers received the chance to cast one vote with each drink purchased between July 1 and July 9. Caribou Coffee is located at 2220 Union Lake Road in Commerce and can be reached by calling 248-363-7589.

present to win). Entrance time is at 9 a.m. and the trophy presentation will be held at 2 p.m. There is a $10 donation and proceeds will go toward the Huron Valley Optimists Club and the Children’s Cancer Charity. For more information call Elton Black & Son Funeral Homes at 248-363-7135,

Decker Rd.

business notes

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PUBLIC SAFETY No suspects in three ‘bottle bomb’ incidents Culprits have been plaguing a neighborhood in Commerce Township with homemade “bottle bombs,” according to Oakland County Sheriff’s Department officials A homeowner in the 3000 block of Timberbrook Court heard a loud bang around 3 a.m. on July 6. The next morning he discovered that a plastic Kroger water bottle filled with a blue liquid and balls of tin foil had been placed in the front of his boat, which was on a trailer in his driveway. The bottle was melted and had caused slight damage to the boat’s seat cover, the side metal handrail, and the boat cover. A similar water bottle was found at a residence a half-mile away in the 3000 block of Forest Edge on the morning of July 11. The night before the homeowner had heard a loud boom, and in the morning she found a plastic Kroger water bottle containing blue liquid and tin foil in her backyard. A similar bottle was found June 26 on the sidewalk in front of her house. No damage was caused in either the June 26 or July 11 incident. There are currently no suspects. ❏

Trio of residences damaged in blaze A home in the 800 block of Manzano in Wolverine Lake fell victim to a fire on Saturday, July 16, also exposing to damage two homes flanking the burning structure. The family was at home when the fire ignited in the garage. Flames spread quickly to the roof and then engulfed the entire house. When mutual aid support from Commerce Township, Walled Lake and Wixom responded to the scene, the fire was fully involved. Firefighters extinguished the fire within 15 minutes. Commerce Township firefighters rescued the family cat during the incident. There were no injuries; however, the home sustained severe smoke and fire damage. There was also damage caused to homes on each side of the house where the blaze began. In both cases, the adjacent homes’ siding sustained fire damage. The fire is still under investigation. ❏

Woman hit in face with tire iron in altercation A pair of women reportedly sustained injuries during a fight that broke out between two groups of indi-

Escapee caught Man, 27, slipped out of patrol vehicle By Michael Shelton staff writer

est Bloomfield police recently arrested a 27-year-old suspect a second time about four hours after he escaped police custody while in handcuffs. The incident took place on the morning of Wednesday, July 20 when police received a call at 6:30 a.m. about an incident involving a man with a knife in the 7400 block of Locklin. According to West Bloomfield Police Lieutenant Dan Turner, one of the suspect’s roommates stated the man was disoriented and had picked up a kitchen knife. The suspect was arrested and put in the back of a police cruiser in handcuffs. However, while police were conducting interviews, the suspect managed to slip out of the car, leading to a manhunt. He was later found just after 11 a.m. in a swampy area near Playsted, according to Turner. The suspect has been arraigned on charges of heroin possession and felony obstruction of police, while a third charge is pending regarding possible possession of pills. ❏

viduals on Thursday, July 14 behind the Big Boy restaurant in Walled Lake. According to a Walled Lake Police Department report, officers were dispatched after a caller reported one of the women had been hit in the face with a wrench or tire iron. The suspect responsible fled in a brown Jeep Grand Cherokee. When police arrived on the scene, they reportedly observed a woman bleeding profusely from her face. Another woman and a man were standing around a vehicle with the driver window smashed and broken glass inside. The second woman also sustained injuries to her ear and arm and was bleeding. The trio said they were attacked by a Hispanic man wearing a white shirt. They identified the driver of the group’s vehicle, but didn’t know the other individuals involved. According to the police report, the woman with the facial injuries ended a friendship with one of the men in the opposing group. She began texting the man several weeks later and he became annoyed. His friends started texting the woman to leave him alone and subsequently she requested a meeting with the man to settle things. The opposing group arrived in the parking lot, but the victim’s group blocked their exit. The victim’s former friend remained in the car while the suspect proceeded to break the other group’s car window. The woman told police that her group gave chase and the suspect hit

her with a tire iron. However, witnesses at the scene submitted contradicting statements. The 19-year-old suspect stated that he only pushed the victim and broke the window. The male in the victim’s group stated not only did the suspect strike the victim, but that the suspect hit him twice in the face. The victim was conveyed to Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital where she was treated for a broken nose and sinus cavity, and facial fractures. The other female victim was treated for abrasions and lacerations. Police located the opposing group’s vehicle and took the suspect into custody. Police are seeking warrants for felonious assault; malicious destruction of property; minor in possession; and assault and battery. ❏

Adderall, metal pipe found in man’s vehicle Milford police arrested a 21-yearold man for driving under the influence of drugs on Friday, July 15. The incident took place around 11:10 p.m., when a police officer found a silver Saturn trying to get into the upper parking lot at Central Park, which was closed off. When the police officer stopped the car, he noticed the driver appeared disoriented with watery, dilated eyes. A search of the vehicle turned up a

metal pipe and a bottle of Adderall inside a container of workout supplements. Police also found a rifle in the vehicle trunk, which the driver said he used to shoot things in the woods. The driver said he was just killing time in the park, that a friend gave him the pills and that he took two that day. After sobriety tests were administered, the driver was arrested for operating under the influence of drugs and had blood drawn at Huron ValleySinai Hospital. ❏

FBI seeks help in ID’ing man who robbed bank West Bloomfield Township police are asking for the public’s help in tracking down a suspect alleged to have robbed a Fifth/Third Bank branch at 4747 Haggerty Road. The incident took place on Wednesday, July 20, when a man implied that he had a handgun and made off with over $700 from the bank. The suspect is described as around 40-years-old, white, tall and thin, and wearing a dark Adidas cap and blue jeans at the time of the incident. He was driving a 2006 or 2007 Ford Focus. The license plate was hidden behind a pink towel. Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) at 313965-2323. ❏

Heroin overdose sends 21-year-old to hospital A Walled Lake man was taken to a nearby hospital following a close call with death after he overdosed on heroin Saturday, July 16. Police officers, along with Walled Lake Fire and Community EMS, responded to a 911 call involving a city residence, where they found the 21-year-old man on a bathroom floor unconscious. Two friends who found the victim told police he had overdosed on heroin two weeks prior to this incident. They knew he had consumed alcohol, but were unaware he had taken any narcotics. They found the victim when they heard him fall down. Paramedics were able to awaken the victim, who said he had snorted heroin. He was taken to Huron ValleySinai Hospital for evaluation. ❏

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TRANSPORTATION

Milford/Dawson intersection work begins this week By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Milford Township, in conjunction with the Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC), is expected this week to begin a widening and improvement project at the intersection of Milford and Dawson roads using Tri-party funds. “(The project has) been on the books for nine years — that’s how long it’s taken to save up dollars for the project,” said Milford Supervisor Don Green. The project includes adding center left-turn lanes on Milford Road. “The project met criteria for Triparty funding, but it was Milford Township’s impetus that got us to do this,” said RCOC Spokesperson Craig Bryson. The township has long proposed improvements at the intersection, including storm drain improvements. According to Green, a center lane for left turns and acceleration/deceleration lanes on the east and west sides of the intersection were required by the county. “We wanted to pave it off Milford Road so there would be no gravel washout, but to improve the intersection they require left-turn and accel/decel lanes,” Green said. Project cost is estimated at $700,000. The township board previously approved the allocation of 2011 Tri-party funds toward the cost of the project. Tri-party funding is made up of equal annual contributions from the RCOC, the Oakland County general government and participating communities. Tri-party allocations are based on the miles of roadway in a participating community, and the number of accidents that occur on those roads on an annual basis. Most communities can accumulate Tri-party funds over a number of years for use on larger projects. Both Milford and Dawson roads will remain open in both directions at all times throughout the project, but there will be lane closures on Milford and, at times, the road will be reduced to one lane between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays with traffic directed by flaggers. The project is expected to be completed by Oct. 28. ❏

M-5/PONTIAC TRAIL/MARTIN PARKWAY ROUNDABOUT (Commerce Township) • Closure: Pontiac Trail between M-5 and Welch. • Detour: Welch Road to Maple Road to Haggerty Road and back to Pontiac Trail, and vice versa. • Notes: Pontiac Trail east of M-5 will remain open, and traffic will be permitted to travel from northbound M-5 to eastbound Pontiac Trail and from westbound Pontiac Trail to southbound M-5, but traffic will be reduced to one lane in each direction. • Completion date: Approximately Nov. 1. • Cost: $5 million. BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION/I-96 BETWEEN MILFORD ROAD AND KENT LAKE ROADS (Milford Area) • Completion date: Winter. • Cost: $15.5 million. • Closure: Single lane closure on I-96 in each direction between Milford and Kent Lake roads on weekends and weekdays during non-peak hours. • Notes: The first bridge reconstruction project to be undertaken will be the bridge over the Huron Valley Trail east of Milford Road.

PONTIAC TRAIL/MAPLE INTERSECTION MAINTENANCE (Walled Lake) • Completion date: Sometime before the end of August. Work is taking place as crews are available on weekdays between approximately 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. One lane in each direction on Pontiac Trail and Maple east of Pontiac Trail will remain open. SOUTHBOUND CRESCENT LAKE ROAD RIGHT-LANE WIDENING NORTH OF M-59 (Waterford Township) • Closure: None planned. • Completion date: October. • Cost: $153,000 split between Waterford Township, the Road Commission for Oakland County, and the county government. CSX RAILROAD CROSSING/BECK ROAD BETWEEN PONTIAC TRAIL AND WEST ROAD (Wixom) • Closure: Beck Road will be completely closed at the railroad tracks. Signage for alternate routes will be posted. • Completion date: Friday, July 29.

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DETROITBIKEWEEK.COM

PAGE 25

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

ENVIRONMENT

Proud Lake offers camper cabins for rental year-round Tents are usually an integral part of the camping experience. However, for the past year and a half, the Proud Lake Recreation Area has been able to offer an alternative arrangement for those not keen on sleeping on the ground or being without electricity for the night, since it was chosen as one of 15 state campgrounds to have

camper cabins. While most sites only have one, Proud Lake was fortunate enough to get two, according to Andrew Haapala, the park’s unit supervisor. These semi-modern cabins are equipped with electricity and heat in the winter time, and offer a compromise for those who wish to enjoy nature’s peace and beauty while still keeping some of the comforts of home. The three-room cabin can sleep six or seven people. Each bedroom has bunk beds, while a futon in the main living room offers additional sleeping

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space. The cabin also has a countertop complete with a microwave and refrigerator. However, the cabins are only semimodern due to the fact that they do not have running water. Instead, users have to use the public restrooms provided for campers. Haapala said the cabins have been gaining in popularity over the past year. “Many people still don’t know about them yet. We’re hoping to spread the knowledge. But for the summer, both have been rented out for most weekends,” he said. Proud Lake plans to continue adding nicer amenities to the cabins. “We just finished extending the outside decks. They’re now 18 feet long. And we plan to add some Adirondack furniture to them soon,” Haapala said. The decks offer a scenic view as the cabins are located on a bluff overlooking the Huron River. The two cabins are located about 40 yards apart, making it ideal for groups to rent out both of them. Each cabin has a fire ring for campfires and a grill, and each has room for parking. The cabins are open all year, and the rate for each is $80 per night in the summer and $60 per night in the winter. Reservations can be made by calling the recreation area at 1-800447-2757. ❏

JULY 27, 2011

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COUNTY

2nd County Board District Highland Township

ommissioner Robert Hoffman will be challenged by Democrat Mark Venie in an Aug. 2 special general election to fill former 2nd District Commissioner Bill Bullard, Jr.’s county board seat. Bullard’s seat was vacated when he was appointed to serve as the county’s clerk/register of deeds following Ruth Johnson’s election as Michigan secretary of state in November 2010. County commissioners typically serve two-year terms and earn $32,093 annually. The following are questions our staff recently posed to the candidates, and their responses to those questions. You can watch video recordings of this candidate interview session by clicking on the Videos link at spinalcolumnonline.com. BUDGET: The county executive has released budget proposals for the next three fiscal years. What changes in budgeting priorities, if any, would you like to see in the future? What revenue enhancements, if any, would you support? State why you believe the budget can be balanced by addressing one side of the ledger or the other, or why both spending cuts and increased revenues are necessary. ETHICS: The Board of Commissioners has created a panel to study the need for new ethics policies for county officials. Where do you believe revised or new ethics guidelines are necessary? DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM: County officials are considering whether to switch to a new prescription drug discount card program vendor. What, if any, changes to the program would you like to see, and why? TOP ISSUES: What are the three most important issues for the county, and how do you propose to address them? WHY YOU? Why should voters choose you over your opponent? ROBERT HOFFMAN BUDGET: First of all, you know the economy is still really tough. I don’t think this is the time to enhance our budget by raising taxes. I still don’t believe that properties are properly assessed at 50 percent of their true market value. If you want to spur the economy, I think that if you lower the assessments to reflect the true market value, you would create a housing

Robert Hoffman was appointed to the Board of Commissioners late last year to serve a portion of the term vacated by Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard Jr. He previously served as a county commissioner when filling in for Dennis Powers after Powers was appointed to the 52-2 District Court bench. Hoffman is also a former Waterford Township supervisor.

Mark Venie is a technical writer. He has been a Democratic candidate for county board seats several times over the past decade.

boom. It does make it a little tougher for government because then they would have to cut back a little more. We are fortunate in Oakland County that (County Executive L.) Brooks Patterson took the bull by the horn, per se, years ago. They’ve had this three-year rolling budget for the last few years, and not only did they have a three-year rolling budget, where they can anticipate things that are happening and then do budget amendments to solve those problems, but beyond that, Oakland County is actually looking two years beyond that to get a feel for what’s going to happen. As Brooks said recently when he presented the budget to the county Board of Commissioners, we are actually seeing light at the end of the tunnel. We budgeted quite a large fund balance over the years, so we have a good cushion. We still maintain our AAA bond rating, and that’s only through the efforts of Brooks Patterson and the county Board of Commissioners and the employees. We don’t levy all the taxes that we could levy, which is a good thing, and that’s one reason for our AAA bond rating. Every department has their task to cut their budget a certain percent. Not

only do they have this task to cut the budget, but they are also rewarded if they cut that budget sooner than they anticipate. So let’s say there’s a deadline three or four or five months out to cut your budget by this percentage. If you realize those cuts and you can do it in a faster period of time, you’re actually rewarded for it, not punished. So that’s another way a lot of departments have actually done that. There’s other ways to enhance revenues without raising taxes, and that’s to provide additional services to additional communities. I’ll use Pontiac for an example. We are going to start providing them with sheriff deputies and dispatchers for the police and fire (services in the city). It’s not a real money-maker, but it’s probably going to help us cover some of our existing overhead and, at the same time, save that municipality quite a bit of money. ETHICS: I’m not sure that much really needs to be changed. I think that Oakland County is pretty on top of it. I think their policies are pretty current. But another way to prevent the conflict of interest and nepotism is to continue with the transparency programs we have, where everything is open and above board, meetings are

open, and things are done by committees made up of both Democrats and Republicans. There’s a lot of stuff now being published on the Internet, as far as our budget and what goes on with the county. I think that, in itself, will resolve a lot of problems, the idea of continued and more transparency. DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM: From what we’ve been presented so far, I am in favor of switching programs. There’s two programs right now, and neither one of them is a cost to taxpayers. We are able to distribute these prescription drug cards to people that did not have prescription drug coverage in their health insurance, and they benefited by going to drug stores and getting a discount on their prescriptions. This other company was presented to us, and not only will the discount citizens receive be greater than what (it is) right now, but the county will actually receive a small commission on each prescription written. That, in itself, will help enhance the budget. It will be no cost to the taxpayers, no cost to the county government, and it will actually benefit those without prescription drug coverage. The county doesn’t negotiate the prescription prices. This other company does that. For whatever their size or relationships are, they have been able to negotiate a larger discount with these pharmacies and drug companies. TOP ISSUES: We’ve already discussed the main one, and that’s the budget. You have to have a job, and Oakland County is the leader in finding creative ways to expand our economy beyond manufacturing. We have Automation Alley, which Brooks started years ago and brings high-tech companies to Oakland County. There’s a lot of Fortune 500 companies with their headquarters here. Another one is the Emerging Sectors of our economy, which would be nanotechnology, maybe military research and development, maybe even manufacturing. And the latest one that the county has been supporting is the Medical Main Street initiative, where, in conjunction with the colleges and hospitals, there’s creative programs and instruction and classes and that type of thing that’s going to put us out on the forePAGE 28 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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In Memoriam

JACK NORTON (a.k.a. JACK JACK)

2/27/28 –7/23/11 “Dear sweet man with the smiling face. Caring, sensitive & strong. Your journey in life was an ongoing adventure & I am grateful I was a part of it.” –Elaine “Thanks for letting me be the light of your life. Until we meet again, I'll miss you forever and ever.” –Baby “Whenever I think of you, you are smiling–and then I notice I'm doing the same. You are family, and like Baby I'll miss you forever and ever.” –Stacie “Thanks for all the meals we've shared and the fun times we've had.” –Austin

~ You will be in our hearts forever ~

2nd district race ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 27

front. I think that’s a very important thing. That’s on the big scale. But I think, on the smaller scale, too, it goes back to the jobs. We need to make it easier or possible — and Oakland County does this now with the one-stop shopping in the Planning Department. You can go in there and get a lot of your questions answered, get a lot of the research done. I was just with Brooks this morning up in Holly, and I own property up there with my brother, and I’m a big promoter of Holly, which is also in our district. Seven new businesses opened there, so we had a ribbon-cutting for seven different businesses today. Just having those seven small businesses open created 45 or 50 jobs. Not only did that create jobs for those people that are going to go to work every day, but ... they spent thousands and thousands of dollars, so that put electricians and contractors to work. Then, after that, you’ve got all the support staff. You’ve got a beer distributor now who’s selling his products to another entity up there. You’ve got people selling the breads, and the cleaning people. It goes on and on.

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It’s like spending a dollar in the economy, and it probably recirculates seven or eight or nine times. I still believe that small businesses are the key to our success. But between all the programs that Oakland County is promoting and what individual communities are doing — and it’s not just Holly, but lately Holly has been on the forefront of a lot of development, and I think people are realizing the value of that little Norman Rockwell community — but you still have the Ferndales and the Birminghams and the Royal Oaks and the Milfords. And I think people are almost getting back to that, which is nice to see. The other one would be shared services. There’s nothing better than a bad economy to force governments to downsize and share services. Not only do we have the opportunity here, like the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, to share services with other communities who want us, but up in Holly, Holly has an excellent police department, and they are well-positioned to do shared services with the surrounding communities if the surrounding communities agree to it because, as Mark had mentioned, if the State Police post closes, there’s really PAGE 29 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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2nd district race ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 28

no police protection in Rose Township or Holly Township. But this would also, if they agree with the other communities and work out some kind of shared agreement, that would enhance the village of Holly’s police department because it would help share the costs and cut their overhead. WHY YOU? It’s an absolute honor and a privilege to be our Oakland County commissioner. I take the job seriously. I am experienced in business and government. I am not a “yes” vote for the administration. I represent the residents of my district first, and Oakland County second. Again, I take this job very seriously and I would appreciate the citizens electing me in August to continue on. I hope that, when it’s all said and done, after I’m gone, that I’ve helped make Oakland County a better place than when I got there. MARK VENIE BUDGET: Bob did touch on one thing, the shared services contract. I think we need to investigate that a lot further, especially in District 2. The problems that they are going to have in Holly, with the closing of the State Police station there on Dixie Highway — how are they going to have enough police protection for those communities, those townships? So a shared services contract would benefit both of those communities, and provide some revenue for the county, as well. The task force that was supposed to bring those three townships together with the village of Holly hasn’t been able to make a whole lot of headway, so they need to move this along a little bit and bring this to a conclusion so all of the essential services are covered, taken care of, and nobody misses out and nobody is left out there. The other thing is we don’t want to raise taxes if it’s avoidable. We have to find creative ways of increasing revenue by attracting new businesses. The only way you do that is by making sure we have a place where people want to live. When these businesses come in, we have to remember that they are bringing in their employees and families, as well. So we want to make sure we have a decent road system and good school systems to make this area attractive for businesses to come work. I’ve read studies over and over again, and one of the last things that businesses think about when looking at an area to move their business into is taxes, the business taxes. They look at a lot of other things. Are the road systems good to move their products,

Funding dispute CLEMIS fees hiked to address disparity By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

akland County officials are grappling with a funding disparity for the Courts and Law Enforcement Management Information System (CLEMIS), which is used by criminal justice and public safety agencies in the metro Detroit area to share information and provide communication capabilities between multiple branches of law enforcement. Net support from Oakland County taxpayers is expected to come in at $3.7 million for Fiscal Year (FY) 2011, compared to the $108,515 in total net support from non-Oakland County agencies, according to Deputy County Executive Bob Daddow. Communities are charged CLEMIS access fees based on the number of sworn officers that a police department has as of Jan. 1 of each year. In addition, non-Oakland County police agencies pay a 10-percent premium on access fees. The CLEMIS advisory board met last week and approved a four-year plan including a 5-percent increase on Oakland County communities’ access fees, and an 8-percent hike on non-Oakland County departments’ access fees. “That won’t close the gap, but it’s moving in the right direction,” move their employees? Is there a good school system for their employees? These are the factors that are considered much sooner than what the business tax is. If we can make the quality of life attractive in Oakland County, we can attract a lot more businesses. We’ve done this with Automation Alley, the other programs that we have here — and that’s what’s going to hopefully solve our budget problems, the increase in revenue. This idea of the Woodward light rail — the way they were talking about it was just in the city limits of Detroit, but I believe that thing should go the whole length of Woodward Avenue because we have to move people to and from work, so customers have the chance to go to businesses that they might not get to if they had to rely on driving. Once again, those

Daddow said. What had at one point been an Oakland County-only system through the mid-1990s was expanded to include other metro Detroit area communities with the receipt of a Community Oriented Policing Services Making Officer Redeployment Effective (COPS MORE) grant through the U.S. Department of Justice, Daddow said. There are now 5,000 sworn officers using the system in the region. Oakland County Commissioner Bill Dwyer (R-Farmington), who was the Farmington Hills police chief for more than two decades, said the Telephone Operating Surcharge Parity Task Force — which was created in the spring — has met several times since it was formed. “I think what we have to do is start with a phase-in program,” Dwyer said. “The problem that I have, personally, is if all of a sudden you tell all these agencies (outside of Oakland County) that they have to pay (more) dollars they may drop out. The negative effect is that all of the data Oakland County receives from these agencies would be lost.” “We are going to be looking at that during our budget negotiations,” he said. ❏ kind of enhancements are going to attract new businesses to settle here. That, I think, is the biggest way we are going to solve our budget problems now and in the future. ETHICS: Of course, there’s always the issue of nepotism and cronyism that we need to make sure isn’t part of the hiring policy. That doesn’t do anybody any good to bring in people who aren’t qualified, just because they are friends of somebody. And we want to also make sure there is no conflict of interest in decisions that board members have to make. So I think those are the areas of ethics we need to address. DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION DRUG PROGRAM: That sounds good. I don’t know all of the details of the prescription drug (program) and I would want to make sure that the county has the right to negotiate prices to make sure that it’s getting the best

deal possible. We also want to make absolutely sure there is no cost to the people. TOP ISSUES: Jobs is the main thing we have to focus on. We should have a micro-lending program to help entrepreneurs get started, like the seven just mentioned in Holly and the jobs that they provide. We can do a lot of good in helping these new businesses get off the ground here with judicious micro-lending. Also, I believe we ought to do things like Gratiot County is doing with things like wind farms. They just started a whole new program. They are setting up these wind farms. It provides electricity that they are selling to Detroit Edison and it provides income for the farmers, and that money is obviously going to circulate through the local economy. We can do the same thing in Oakland County. I think with a program like that — we can do not only wind, but solar — we can bring in new businesses and create new jobs. And the other is I think we missed the chance on the TARP money — but we still may be able to do it — to establish a land bank to rehabilitate foreclosed properties. Once those properties are back up to scale and we can collect taxes on them, now we are getting revenue and making the county more attractive for businesses to move in. So if we rehabilitate those foreclosed properties, one of the things I’ve heard they are doing out in Los Angeles is that they are requiring the lender to maintain the property, to bear the cost of maintaining the property so that they are less likely to want to foreclose so quickly, and the municipality doesn’t have to bear the cost of doing that. So everybody benefits that way — the foreclosure might be less likely to happen in the first place, and the property stays kept up. So I think we need to explore that possibility, of requiring that. WHY YOU? In my work, I’m a technical writer. I have to learn technical data very quickly and be able to work with it, use it to teach others about it. I would be able to handle the technical aspects of the job. I’ve been an elder in my church for 30 years, and we’ve done a lot of work counseling people, preparing budgets, and working with others to get things accomplished. And I’ve been a life-long Oakland County resident. My grandchildren are growing up here in Oakland County, and my main focus is to make Oakland County as good a place to grow up in for them as it was for me. ❏

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If you’ve ever received unwanted text messages from commercial vendors and didn’t know what sort of recourse you had — other than calling your cell phone service provider — some help may be on the way. State Sen. Mike Kowall (RCommerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Kowall Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield) and three other Republicans have signed on to a bipartisan measure with a host of Senate Democrats that would amend the state’s Unsolicited Commercial EMail Protection Act to prohibit certain commercial vendors from blasting out unsolicited text messages, as well. Kowall believes the bipartisan support for the legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 565, bodes well for its chances in the state’s upper chamber. “Any time you can find something where everybody gets together and agrees on it, it’s a good thing,” he said. The bill, which has been referred to

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the Senate Energy and Technology Committee, would define a commercial text message as one that promotes the sale, lease, or exchange of goods, services, real property, or any other thing of value. The bill would ban the sending of unsolicited commercial text messages to residents of Michigan. If enacted, the law would not apply to commercial text messages sent by individuals, or an affiliate of a business, with a preexisting business relationship with the resident if that resident has agreed to receive the messages. In addition, the legislation would establish that a person sending out unsolicited commercial text messages is required to establish a toll-free telephone number, a valid sender-operated return text message number, or another easy-to-use electronic method that the recipient of the text can call or text back to notify the sender to stop transmitting those unwanted text messages. “It seems to have gotten to be a bigger and bigger problem as time progresses,” Kowall said. “You get charged phone calls coming in and going out. These companies, they put it on that computerized speed dial and send out a million — and I’m not exaggerating — text messages, and you’re paying for it.” The measure is sponsored by state Sen. Glenn Anderson (D-Westland), who couldn’t be reached for comment prior to press time. ❏

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PAGE 31

IN OUR OPINION

Put a lid on unsolicited texts Lawmakers should enact limits on commercial messages F

irst it was the peace of our homes that was disturbed by an invasion of unwanted commercial telephone calls by companies marketing their products and services. The same kind of intrusion soon targeted our cellular telephones. Then there were those bothersome, unsolicited e-mails that started peppering our accounts. So it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that now, quick on the heels of the emergence and prominence of text messaging in our daily lives, that businesses are sending out unwanted texts to our cellular phones. This latest assault isn’t just an annoying distraction like the uninvited commercial messages previous listed: For many cell phone users, it’s one that comes with a direct cost tied to each message received. Thankfully, a group of state lawmakers from both sides of the political aisle has stepped up with legislation to prevent businesses from pestering those with text messaging service. We can only hope the bipartisan support for the legislative “Do Not Disturb” proposal will carry through to enactment. State Sen. Mike Kowall (R-Commerce, Highland, Milford, Walled Lake, Wixom, Wolverine Lake, White Lake, Orchard Lake, West Bloomfield) and three other Republicans have signed on to a bipartisan measure with a host of Senate Democrats to amend the state’s Unsolicited Commercial E-Mail Protection Act of 2003. The lawmakers are looking to prohibit certain commercial vendors from blasting out unsolicited text messages. Kowall said he believes the bipartisan support for the legislation, Senate Bill (SB) 565, bodes well for its chances in the state’s upper chamber. The bill, which has been referred to the Senate

Energy and Technology Committee, defines a commercial text message as one that promotes the sale, lease, or exchange of goods, services, real property, or any other thing of value. The bill would ban the sending of unsolicited commercial text messages to residents of Michigan. If enacted, the amended law would not apply to commercial text messages sent by individuals, or an affiliate of a business, with a pre-existing business relationship with the resident if that resident has agreed to receive the messages. In addition, the legislation would establish that a person sending out commercial text messages is required to establish a toll-free telephone number, a valid sender-operated return text message number, or another easy-to-use electronic method that the recipient of the text can call or text back to notify the sender to stop transmitting unwanted messages. Violators of the bill’s provisions, if enacted, would be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for not more than a year or a fine of not more than $10,000, or both. A person who violates the enacted provisions in the furtherance of another crime would be guilty of a felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than four years or a fine of not more than $25,000, or both. Under the bill’s current language, each commercial e-mail or text message sent in violation of the enacted provisions would be considered a separate violation. The bill states it’s prima facie evidence that the sender of a text message would be in violation of the amended law if the recipient is unable to contact the sender through the return number or text option provided by the sender.

According to Kowall, the unsolicited receipt of commercial text messages is a growing problem in Michigan. He notes that cellular telephone customers that don’t have unlimited texting service through their cell phone account get charged for each unsolicited commercial text received, just like they do with any other text message. Businesses make use of computerized speed dial systems to send out as many as a million commercial texts at a time, messages that are often charged to the recipient, according to Kowall. Michigan’s lawmakers should make quick work of enacting this common-sense and most appreciated amendment to the Unsolicited Commercial E-Mail Protection Act. The public certainly was justified in its disdain for unsolicited commercial robo-calls — and yes, those that were placed by a live person — trying to push this, that and the other product or service. The emailed version of these uninvited commercial messages were slightly more palatable since they didn’t interrupt dinner or family time, but were irritating, nonetheless. Hearing the public’s din of protest, laws were enacted to at least limit such disturbances. But at least the recipients of those didn’t have to pay an extra charge for each and every one of the unsolicited messages. That’s precisely what’s happening now to cellular phone users who haven’t opted for unlimited texting — they’re paying for every single text sent or received, including the unwanted commercial texts. SB 565 would put a lid on that kind of marketing, and needs to be expedited through the Legislature. ❏

No need for change on BOC V

oters in Highland Township and other communities in Oakland County will head to the polls next week to cast their votes for who should fill the balance of the Board of Commissioners term Bill Bullard Jr. vacated to become the Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds following Ruth Johnson’s 2010 election as Michigan Secretary of State. We haven’t heard a compelling or substantive reason why Commissioner ROBERT HOFFMAN (R-Highland) shouldn’t get the nod from 2nd District voters over his Democratic challenger. Hoffman, 60, was appointed late last year to fill the vacancy Bullard created when he took the job as the county’s top elections official, after Johnson was voted in as Michigan Secretary of State. Hoffman has also served as a county commissioner when filling in for Dennis Powers after Powers was appointed to the 52-2 District Court bench. In addition, Hoffman is a former Waterford Township supervisor.

County commissioners typically serve two-year terms — although this abbreviated term expires on Dec. 31, 2012 — and are paid $32,093 each year. In a staunchly conservative district, Hoffman comes to the table with conservative credentials many voters in the district — which also includes Springfield, Holly, and Rose townships, as well as the Village of Holly — are looking for. He doesn’t think tax increases are the answer to the fiscal challenges the county is facing, but supports bringing in additional revenues to the county’s coffers through expanding shared service agreements between the county and municipalities. But his Republican bona fides don’t mean that he is a partisan hack. He has commended Democrats for their service to their communities, and believes there are areas of agreement between the two parties — a refreshing perspective given the current political climate.

While the Democratic challenger raised some points with which we may generally agree — like the idea of attracting businesses to Oakland County by making it the best place to live, which will bring in higher tax revenues — we don’t believe that mass transit along the Woodward Avenue corridor, for example, is the silver bullet to the revenue issues the county faces. And beyond that, and perhaps most importantly, Hoffman has done the job before. He is doing the job now. And he should continue to do it. His Democratic challenger presented us with no real reason why Hoffman shouldn’t serve out the partial term, and we know of no reason why Hoffman shouldn’t get the district’s nod next week. The learning curve for commissioners is negligible, and we know Hoffman can and will do the people’s work without any on-the-job training. He’s the best choice on Aug. 2. ❏

PAGE 32

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Support E-Verify bills From Oakland County Commissioner Jim Runestad (R-Waterford, White Lake): On Monday, July 18, Wayne State University hosted “Immigration and Michigan’s Economic Future,” a conference billed as a gathering of policy and business leaders to discuss the impact of immigration on the state and regional economies. Since I had participated in several conferences on immigration in the last few years, I called and asked if this was a panel format with various views represented or a cheerleading session where all participants sing to the choir and applaud each other’s comments. I was assured that, yes, all the participants agreed on the positive effects of immigration and its corollary economic benefits. I have found that this lack of dissent and the failure to even attempt to seek diverse opinions on controversial public policy issues is common among the self-styled “elite” who cannot bring themselves to believe that someone who disagrees with them might actually have something useful to say. This “discourse” among the like-minded has replaced the debate that we should be having. If I had been allowed to address the conference, I would have mentioned that the U.S. unemployment rate is now 9.2 percent (14.1 million) and trending up; that 545,000 Americans have lost their jobs since March; that those involuntary working part-time now stands at 8.6 million; and that 2.7 million more have given up searching for jobs but still want to work. I would have enlightened the assembled to the fact that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in June the average U.S. work week and average hourly earnings both decreased. I would have told them that we are taking in over 1 million legal immigrants a year and illegal

Exchange students Host family thankful for area’s kindness By Greg and Rita Hawk Novi residents

very special thank you to friends in our extended lakes area community and the teachers, students and staff at Walled Lake Western High School for the many kindnesses extended to Klara van Eickels and the other exchange students over the past school year. As Klara’s host parents, we want to express what a rich experience this was for her and, in turn, for the many American friends and family she had during her stay. Youth For Understanding (YFU) is grateful for the many caring people who help build bridges between our country and others. Klara was one of a large group of kids from different countries who arrived last August and departed for home a couple weeks ago after a wonderful year of personal experiences in American daily life and culture. During the past 60 years, 250,000 students have been exchanged through YFU programs, and at this moment, many boys and girls are waiting to be selected by caring host families for the 20112012 school year. Over 40 volunteers in Oakland and Macomb counties assist

immigration continues even if its pace has decreased slightly. The average unemployed American was only earning $603 a week prior to becoming unemployed. So these distinguished panelists should understand that the majority of those who lost jobs were not wealthy Wall Street

exchange students and host families in making their exchange successful, and the district office can put families in touch with the local volunteers in our area. Host families provide a place to live, three meals a day, encouragement, guidance and love to their exchange son or daughter. It’s a typical family living experience — not a tourist/travel opportunity. Families come in all shapes and sizes, with and without children of all ages. The students come with their own spending money, health insurance, and the commitment to live according to the rules and values of your family and Youth for Understanding (www.yfu-usa.org). They can share a room with a host sibling. You don’t need to have a teen to host. Families can host for the school year or for a shorter time period. Would you like to consider opening your hearts and homes to a YFU exchange student this August? To see profiles of some available students and find out if this might be right for you, contact the YFU District Office at 866-493-8872 or call our local director, Barb Kilkka, at 248-932-0811. ❏ bankers or tenured professors but the people who did the jobs Americans have always done and want to continue to do. Unemployed Americans were the working and middle classes who are now suffering because the government and unscrupulous businesses are still bringing in foreign workers, and

AROUND THE LAKES AREA

want to bring in millions more, permanently destroying the hopes of many Americans of gaining employment. I would have made clear the distinction between an illegal alien who files an income tax return and one who actually pays income taxes. The audience would have heard that illegal aliens receive many taxpayer-funded benefits such as public education and health care, in addition to receiving payouts in the form of earned income tax credits. The Federation for American Immigration Reform (FAIR) estimated that last year illegal immigration cost Michigan taxpayers $929 million. However, I doubt these “policy and business leaders” would have been interested. Just as I believe most politicians don’t concern themselves with any of these facts. For if they did, they would be acting as true public servants by introducing or co-sponsoring legislation like E-Verify to end illegal labor. One stand out is state Rep. Dave Agema (R-Grandville), who has introduced (House Bill) HB 4024 and HB 4026 to prevent illegal workers from getting Michigan jobs paid for with Michigan taxpayer dollars. As sensible as these bills seem, they weren’t passed out of the House Commerce Committee last week. E-Verify has been effectively utilized by Oakland and Macomb counties, 15 states, and over 250,000 employers. With horrendous unemployment in Michigan, it is unconscionable that legislators stymied these jobs bills. The good news is we will get another say on Sept. 13, when HB 4024 is heard and then on Sept. 20 when 4026 is heard, both at 10:30 a.m. I sincerely hope the citizens of Michigan will rise up in righteous indignation to call, e-mail, and show up in-force on these dates to make their opinions known to the honorable members of the Commerce Committee. ❏

A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly

WE’RE ASKING… What are you doing to beat the heat? “Drinking an iced coffee with my girlfriend.”

“Keeping lights off, moving only as fast as you need too, opening front and back doors to create a cross wind, and using lots of fans.”

— Christina Keyes, Waterford

— Michele Reinert, White Lake

“Hanging out in his pool and keeping hydrated as much as possible.”

— Eric Stover, Clarkston

“Wearing lighter clothes and, if outside, staying out for short periods of time.”

— Hughston Thackam, Wixom

JULY 27, 2011

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Seeking new artist submissions for The Art Shop and HVCA wants additional artists in the following mediums: original hand-crafted furniture, woodworking, sculptural woodcarving, weaving, collage/mixed media, glass (kiln formed/warm glass or blown glass), ceramics, sculpture (metals), stone, found object and leather. Deadline for new artists is Monday, Aug. 1. Visit www.huronvalleyarts.org. ■ City of Wixom: Summer Wine Tasting, 7-9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, Sibley Square Park, Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Tickets. 248-624-2850. ■ Scott Lake Baptist Church: Garage sale fundraiser for new parking lot, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday & Friday and 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 4-6, 811 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. 248681-1681. ■ St. Mary, Our Lady of the Snows Parish: Summer Fair, family entertainment, Polish dinner Friday, pulled pork dinner Saturday, baked chicken dinner Sunday, 5 p.m. to midnight, Friday; noon to midnight, Saturday; 1-6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 5-7, 1955 E. Commerce Road, Milford. 248-685-1482. ■ Milford Memories Summer Festival: Art in the Village, food, entertainment, family-friendly activities, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Aug. 1214, downtown Milford. Visit www.milfordmemories.com for a complete list of event activities. ■ HVCA, Milford HSI Theater/Music Department: Animation Camp with award-winning cinematographer and media artist John Prusak, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday, Aug. 15-19, Little Theater, Milford High School, 2380 S. Milford Road, Highland. 248-889-8660 or huronvalleyarts.org. ■ MSU Extension: Oakland County Master Gardener Training Program, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, Aug. 23 through Nov. 15, Executive Office Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. Application deadline, Monday, Aug. 1. Call 248-858-0887 or e-mail smithlin@oakgov.com. ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Friday Night Live — Alan Smith and New Tattoo, including folk and blues, both instrumental and vocal, 7 p.m., Aug. 26, Milford’s downtown gazebo. 248-889-8660. ■ City of Wixom: Now collecting school supplies for Hospitality House. Donations may be made now through Aug. 31, at 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. 248-624-0870. ■ Cedar Crest Lutheran Church: Angel Food Ministries, food distribution orders taken on Sundays, 485 Farnsworth, White Lake. 248410-0946 or 248-421-9527, or angelfoodministries.com. ■ Rotary of West Bloomfield: Meeting, 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Henry Ford Medical Center, second floor, southwest corner of Farmington and Maple roads. 248-520-0095. ■ Waterford Rotary Club: Meeting, noon, Tuesdays, The Shark Club on M-59, Waterford. 248-625-4897.

■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Knitters circle, 10 a.m. Wednesdays, Highland Station House, Highland. 248-685-9015. ■ Williams Lake Church of The Nazarene: Angel Food Ministries, food distribution orders taken Wednesdays and Sundays, 2840 Airport Road, Waterford. 248-673-5911. ■ (Breakfast) Optimist Club of Waterford: Meeting, 7:15 a.m. Thursdays, Big Boy Restaurant, M-59 and Airport Road, Waterford. 248-673-3493. ■ Multi-Lakes Conservation Association: Allyou-can-eat fish fry, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Fridays, 3860 Newton Road, Commerce. 248-363-9109. ■ Grace Hospice: Volunteers with reliable transportation needed to visit terminally ill patients and family members in our communities. Free training and classes are now forming. 1-888937-4390. ■ Catholic Social Services of Oakland County: Senior Companion Volunteers needed to support adults with developmental disabilities, Alzheimer’s disease, chronic mental illness, as well as the physically frail and homebound. 248559-1147, ext. 3434.

support GROUPS groups SUPPORT ❐ Orchard Lake Community Church, Presbyterian: Sojourners, support group meeting for widows and widowers, 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1, 5171 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield. 248-681-4814. ❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addiction recovery meetings, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Life Point Christian Church, 501 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. 248-682-1747. ❐ Divorce Care: Support group meeting for adults and children, 6:30 p.m. Sundays, Brightmoor Christian Church, 40800 W. 13 Mile, Novi. 248-755-9533. ❐ Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous (FA): Meeting, 6 p.m. Fridays, Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 1445 Welch Road, Commerce. 248-807-8667 or foodaddicts.org. ❐ Over Eaters Anonymous: Recovery from compulsive eating — 12 step program, meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 5301 Hatchery Road, Waterford. w w w. o a . o r g / m e e t i n g s / f i n d - a - m e e t i n g online.php.

seniorACTIVITIES activities SENIOR

❐ Dublin Senior Center: Open swimming, 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays or Fridays, Lakeland High School, 1630 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake. 248-6982394. ❐ Highland Adult Activity Center: Wii Bowling, noon, Tuesdays, 209 N. John Street, Highland. 248-887-1707. ❐ Milford Senior Center: BBQ chicken, Chinese auction and bingo, Tuesday, Aug. 2, 1050 Atlantic Street, Milford. Registration. 248-6859008 or villageofmilford.org.

❐ Richardson Community Senior Center: Knit and crochet group, 9:30 a.m. Tuesdays, 1485 E. Oakley Park, Commerce. Registration. 248-9260063 or commercetwp.com. ❐ Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church: Senior Stretch and Tone, 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 8:30 a.m. Fridays, 2399 Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church, 2399 Figa Avenue, West Bloomfield. 248682-0770. ❐ Waterford Senior Center: Cards, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays; Detroit Tigers game, road trip, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 28, 3621 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. Registration. 248-6829450. ❐ West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation — Senior Programs: Line Dancing, 11 a.m. Fridays at the Corners; Eastern Market trip, Aug. 20, 4640 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248-451-1900. ❐ Wixom Senior Center: Pizza and movie day and open office with U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter, 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Registration. 248-624-0870 or wixomgov.org.

LIBRARY EVENTS ❐ Commerce Township Community Library: International Film Festival — animated Disney films, noon, Fridays, Aug. 5-26, 2869 N. Pontiac Trail, Commerce. Registration. 248669-8108 or commercelibrary.info. ❐ Highland Township Public Library: Blood Drive, noon-6 p.m. Thursday, July 28; Fairy Tale Cartooning, grades 2-4, 11 a.m. Mondays, Aug 1, 8, and 15, 444 Beach Farm Circle, Highland. Registration. 248-887-2218. ❐ Milford Public Library: Around the World in Eighty Minutes, stories, games, crafts, food, ages 6-8, 10:30 a.m. Monday, Aug. 1 and Saturday, Aug. 6; The World of the Ocean, stories, songs, crafts, ages 3-5, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, 330 Family Drive, Milford. Registration. 248-684-0845.

parks

❐ Walled Lake City Library: HUD Foreclosure session, 5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1; “Protect Your PC- Keep your computer bug free,” adult program, 7 pm. Tuesday, Aug. 2; Adult Evening Book Discussion Group, 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake. Registration. 248-624-3772.

❐ Dodge No. 4 State Park:Boating Safety 101, all ages, 3-5 p.m. Aug. 11; Fishing 101 — free fishing and fun, no gear required, all ages, 5-8 p.m. Aug. 12 and Aug. 23, 4250 Parkway Drive, Waterford. 248-682-7323

❐ Waterford Township Public Library: Movie Matinees, 1:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Aug. 1 and 2, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. Registration. 248-674-4831.

❐ Indian Springs Metropark Environmental Discovery Center: “Jewels of the Night Sky,” grades 1 and up, 9 p.m. Saturday, July 30; Nature Tech Day Camp, 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, Aug. 2-5, Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake. Registration. 1-800-4773192 or 248-625-7280.

❐ West Bloomfield Township Public Library: Animal Magic with Mark Rosenthal — live exotic animals, youth program 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. and “James Dean: Real Life Rebel,” adult lecture, 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2; Drop-in Open Gaming, 2 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248-682-2120.

PARKS

❐ Kensington Farm Center: Horse-drawn hayrides, noon-4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration. 248-684-8632. ❐ Kensington Nature Center: Gardening for Butterflies & Hummingbirds, 1 p.m Saturday, July 30; Firefly Frenzy, 9 p.m. Sunday, July 31, Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration. 248-684-1561 or 1-800-477-3178. ❐ Marshbank Park: Hot Nights, Hot Music — Planet D Nonet, free outdoor concert, refreshments for sale, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 3, 2805 Hiller Road, West Bloomfield. 248-451-1900 or visit www.WestBloomfieldParks.org. ❐ Orion Oaks Dog Park: Yappy Days Pet Expo, pet adoption, vendors, doggy treats, demonstrations and fun pet activities, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, July 31, 2301 W. Clarkston Road, Lake Orion. DestinationOakland.com or 248-858-4627. ❐ Waterford Oaks County Park: Walk Michigan, Family Walk, Saturday, July 30, and Sunday, Aug. 7; Free family summer concert — Earth Angels, child and teen dancers, 10 a.m., Aug. 12, 1702 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. Registration. 248858-0916 or DestinationOakland.com.

❐ White Lake Township Library: Summer Story Time — Eager Explorers, crafts, games, ages 7-11, 10:30 a.m. Thursday, July 28, 7527 E. Highland Road, White Lake. 248-6984942. ❐ Wixom Public Library: Altered Art — Do It Yourself program, 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 1; One-Day Fiction Book Sale, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Registration. 248-624-2512.

RELIGIOUS religious ❐ Walled Lake Church of Christ: “Big Jungle Adventure ... A Faith Journey with Jesus,” vacation Bible school, ages 3 through grade 5, Monday through Thursday, Aug. 1-4, 1403 North Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake. Registration. 248-624-4600. ❐ Commerce United Methodist Church: “Son Surf Beach Bash” Vacation Bible School, ages 4 through grade 6, 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m., Aug. 1-5, 1155 N. Commerce Road, Commerce. Registration. 248-363-3935 or www.commerceumc.org

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Walled Lake Northern’s Mackensy Lakian and Kari Knight along with their head coach Mark Grattan led the White Team to a victory over the Red Team, 7-2, in the 2011 Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association Division 1 All-Star Game at Michigan State on Wednesday, July 20. The Red Team also included Huron Valley Lakeland’s Kelsey Cleary and Kelsey Johnson.

‘Outstanding representatives’ Lakes area players make a mark at All-Star games By Michael Shelton staff writer

For five of the lakes area’s best softball players and a coaching great, last Wednesday marked for them one last shot at high school softball glory. The Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association held its 2011 AllStar Games on July 20 at Secchia Stadium on the campus of Michigan

State University. The day consisted of four games featuring players from all four softball divisions in the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) and featured Huron Valley Lakeland’s senior catcher Kelsey Johnson and senior outfielder Kelsey Cleary; Walled Lake Northern’s senior catcher Kari Knight and senior outfielder Mackensy Lakian;

and Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes’ senior infielder Sarah Nuss. At the helm of the Division 1 White Team was Northern’s Mark Grattan, who recently announced his resignation from the Knights after four seasons as their head coach. His career record includes 317 wins and 218 losses in 15 overall seasons as a head coach. “It was a good way to end my career

and to send all these girls on their way in life, and to play college softball. All the girls were outstanding representatives of this great sport,” Grattan said. The Division 1 game renewed a rivalry between Huron Valley Lakeland and Walled Lake Northern, as Johnson and Cleary suited up for the Red Team and Lakian and Knight represented the PAGE 35 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

JULY 27, 2011

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SOFTBALL

Softball all-stars ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 34

White Team. The Red Team jumped out to a 4-0 lead before the White Team tried to rally in the fifth inning by scoring two runs. But, with the bases loaded, the White Team lined into a double play to end the inning. Regina’s Chelsea DeLamiellelire hit a 2-run home run in the top of the seventh inning to seal the win for the Red Team, 7-2. Cleary hit 1-for-2 with a single, a walk and a run scored; while Johnson went 1for-2 with a single and a run scored. Lakian had a double for the White Team and saw time in the outfield, while Knight switched between catcher and third base. “The passion these girls showed for this sport over these two days, in all the divisions, was overwhelming at times. The love of the game was there on Wednesday for all to see,” Grattan said. Meanwhile, Our Lady’s Nuss suited up for the White Team in the Division 4 All-Star Game. Nuss finished 1-for-2 at the plate and scored a run as the Red Team was victorious over the White Team, 8-5. Nuss scored the White Team’s second run as she drove a hit off the pitcher’s leg and advanced from first base all the way to third on a bunt before scoring on a throwing error. Last Wednesday was a fitting conclusion to what was a memorable season for lakes area softball. Lakian earned Division 1 All-State honors and Knight earned a Division 1 All-State Honorable Mention in helping Northern to the Kensington Lakes Activities Association’s (KLAA) North Division title for the second straight year, along with its first KLAA Lakes Conference, KLAA Association and MHSAA district championships. Cleary and Johnson both earned Division 1 All-State honors as Lakeland shared the KLAA North title with the Knights. Nuss was a Division 4 All-State hon-

BINGO

St. William Church 531 Common St., Walled Lake

AY FRID

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

Non-smoking Bingo

Bingo at 6:30 p.m. Air Conditioning

Call before 5 PM

248-624-1421

Lic.# A00049

The Lakes Area Tigers captured the 2011 North East 8U PINTO State Championship with a 21-20 victory over Tri-Valley in the championship game in Garden City on July 17. The team, comprised of boys aged 7 to 8 from the Walled Lake Consolidated School District area, also beat teams from Northville, Southfield and Garden City. In the back row from left to right are: Assistant Coach Nick Locklear, Head Coach John Stepek and Assistant Coach Mark Nold. Not pictured is Assistant Coach Gary Sparks. In the second row from left to right are: Brendan Ladd, Sam Thombs, Joey Tetreault, Luke Peck, Dustin Cummins and Joshua Liike. In the third row from left to right are Skyler Locklear, Ty Stepek, Jason Nold and William Sjogren. Sitting in front is Bowen Sparks, and not shown is Justin Gabriel. (Photo courtesy of Annette Liike)

oree as the Lakers won a Catholic League Intersectional Division championship and a Catholic League C-D Division title before earning an MHSAA regional championship. Those players, along with Grattan, will now ride off into the sunset into their future endeavors, whether it involves softball or something outside the sport entirely. CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of Orchard Lake Village will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, August, 15, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. at the City Hall, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, Michigan. The purpose of the Public Hearing is to review and consider information to vacate a portion of Willow Lane, formerly Troy Street from the property located at 4890 Birchway. 4890 Birchway is a vacant lot that also incorporates lot 17 of the Cuthbertson Resort on Willow Lane. The applicant is requesting that the portion of the right of way in front of lot 17 be vacated. You are invited to attend the hearing, or you may submit your comments in writing to the City Clerk at City Hall. Rhonda R. McClellan CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com S.C. 7-27-11

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

DOCKS & LIFTS American Marine www.americanmarinesc.com GUITAR/PIANO LESSONS Music Advantage www.musicadvantage.info 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

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NOTICE OF DAY OF REVIEW OF APPORTIONMENTS MAYNARD DRAIN NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that special assessment amounts and the apportionment of costs of lands within the Maynard Drain Special Assessment District for maintenance of the Maynard Drain will be available for review on August 11, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office, One Public Works Drive, Waterford, MI 48328. This special assessment will be for properties located within the Maynard Drainage District, described as those properties located in Sections 1 and 12 of Commerce Township. Therefore, all unknown and non-resident persons, owners and persons interested in the above described lands, and the County Clerk of Oakland County, Board of Oakland County Road Commissioners and Charter Township of Commerce Supervisor are hereby notified that the time and place aforesaid and at such other time and place to which said day of review may be adjourned, the apportionment for benefits and the land comprised within the Maynard Drain Special Assessment District will be subject to review. The owner of any land in the special assessment district or any city, village, township, district or county who may disagree with the apportionment of benefits may appeal the apportionment within ten days after this day of review of apportionments by making an application to the Oakland County Probate Court for appointment of a Board of Review, as provided in Section 155 of the Michigan Drain Code (Act 40 of the Public Acts of Michigan, 1956, as amended). The County of Oakland will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the review should contact the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office at least one week in advance of the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. S.C. 7-27 & 8-3-11

NOTICE OF DAY OF REVIEW OF APPORTIONMENTS LEON DRAIN NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that special assessment amounts and the apportionment of costs of lands within the Leon Drain Special Assessment District for maintenance of the Leon Drain will be available for review on August 11, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office, One Public Works Drive, Waterford, MI 48328. This special assessment will be for properties located within the Leon Drainage District, described as those properties located in Sections 34 and 35 of the City of Walled Lake Therefore, all unknown and non-resident persons, owners and persons interested in the above described lands, and the County Clerk of Oakland County, Board of Oakland County Road Commissioners, City of Walled Lake Mayor are hereby notified that the time and place aforesaid and at such other time and place to which said day of review may be adjourned, the apportionment for benefits and the land comprised within the Leon Drain Special Assessment District will be subject to review. The owner of any land in the special assessment district or any city, village, township, district or county who may disagree with the apportionment of benefits may appeal the apportionment within ten days after this day of review of apportionments by making an application to the Oakland County Probate Court for appointment of a Board of Review, as provided in Section 155 of the Michigan Drain Code (Act 40 of the Public Acts of Michigan, 1956, as amended). The County of Oakland will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the review should contact the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office at least one week in advance of the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. S.C. 7-27 & 8-3-11

CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE

NOTICE OF ZONING BOARD PUBLIC HEARINGS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Michigan Public Act 110 of 2006, the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, as amended, the City of Orchard Lake Village Zoning Board of Appeals will consider the following appeals at their Regular Meeting on Monday, August 15, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Orchard Lake City Hall, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, Michigan: Oram Appeal – 3294 Wards Pointe (Lot Coverage for Addition) Karcho Appeal – 4129 Orchard Lake Road (Several Variances for Monument Sign) Karcho Appeal – 4105 Orchard Lake Road (Several Variances for Monument Sign) McPhail Appeal – 5600 & 5652 Pontiac Trail (Several Variances for Land Division Proposal) Hersh Appeal – 5221 North Bay (Lakeside Setback for Retaining Wall) Complete copies of the requests are available for review at the Office of the City Clerk in City Hall. Written Comments will be received in the City Clerk’s Office, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, MI between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or may be submitted electronically to CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com. You are invited to attend the hearing. Rhonda McClellan CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com

S.C. 7-27-11

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

COMMUNITY LEGAL NOTICES FOR SALE BY THE CITY OF WALLED LAKE

Sealed Bids are being accepted for the sale of the following item: 1999 Chevrolet Express Van 1500 VIN #: 1GBFG15R9X1085383 Color: Green/Tan/Beige Mileage: 137,222 2001 Volkswagon Beetle VIN # 3VWCB21CX1M451394 Color: Gray Mileage: 112,206 Km: 180,579 2006 Ford Crown Victoria VIN #: 2FAFP71W36X104676 Color: Black MILEAGE: 112,021 2007 Chevrolet Trailblazer SS VIN #: 1GNET13H572153337 Color: Black Mileage: 74,066 These vehicles are available for inspection at the Walled Lake Police Department located at 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake MI, from now until the bid opening, between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Vehicles are sold “as is”. Submit sealed bid to the City Clerk, 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake MI 48390 no later than Thursday, July 28, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at which time the bids will be opened and read. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids. CATHERINE BUCK, CITY CLERK CITY OF WALLED LAKE S.C. 7-20 & 7-27-11

Notice of Posting for

Charter Township of West Bloomfield Township Board 1. Synopsis of the meeting held on: Monday, July 18, 2011 2. Introduced: Ordinance No. CZ 11-01, Zoning Text Amendment, Consideration to Amend Restaurant Types 3. Adopted: Ordinance No. C-751, Acceptance of Water Supply and Sewer Disposal of Berman Theater at JCC, Project No. 09-004, Sec. 29 Ordinance No. C-752, Acceptance of Water Supply System of Key Bank at Old Orchard Shopping Center, Project No. 10-006, Sec. 35 The above ordinance and synopsis shall be posted (in their entirety) at the following locations: (1) Office of the Township Clerk 4550 Walnut Lake Road (2) Main Township Library 4600 Walnut Lake Road (3) Township’s website www.wbtwp.com Catherine Shaughnessy Township Clerk SC: 7-27-11

CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the July 18, 2011 Regular Meeting of the City of Orchard Lake Village Council the second reading and adoption was held on amendments to the City Building Official, Deparment of Public Works, Director of City Services and Code Enforcement Office Administrative Ordinance No. 2.09 to establish that the duties of these positions are carried out as established by the May 16, 2011 Resolution of the City Council.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the July 18, 2011 Regular Meeting of the City of Orchard Lake Village Council the second reading and adoption was held on the creation of the Director of City Services Ordinance No. 2.10 to establish the position of Director of City Services the duties of this position are carried out as established by the May 16, 2011 Resolution of the City Council. The ordinance provisions will take effect ten (10) days following publication of this notice. Complete copies of the full text of Ordinance No. 2.10 and all amendments thereto are available for inspection by and distribution to the public between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 Monday through Friday, except legal holidays, at City Hall. Rhonda McClellan CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com S.C. 7-27-11

The ordinance provisions will take effect ten (10) days following publication of this notice. Complete copies of the full text of Ordinance No. 2.09 and all amendments thereto are available for inspection by and distribution to the public between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 Monday through Friday, except legal holidays, at City Hall. Rhonda McClellan CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com S.C. 7-27-11

JULY 27, 2011

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

NOTICE OF DAY OF REVIEW OF APPORTIONMENTS GREENAWAY DRAIN NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that special assessment amounts and the apportionment of costs of lands within the Greenaway Drain Special Assessment District for maintenance of the Greenaway Drain will be available for review on July 21, 2011 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Oakland County Water Resources Commissionerís Office, One Public Works Drive, Waterford, MI 48328. This special assessment will be for properties located within the Greenaway Drainage District, described as those properties located in Section 35 of Commerce Township and Sections 26, 27, 34 and 35 of the City of Walled Lake. Therefore, all unknown and non-resident persons, owners and persons interested in the above described lands, and the County Clerk of Oakland County, Board of Oakland County Road Commissioners, City of Walled Lake Mayor and Charter Township of Commerce Supervisor are hereby notified that the time and place aforesaid and at such other time and place to which said day of review may be adjourned, the apportionment for benefits and the land comprised within the Greenaway Drain Special Assessment District will be subject to review. The owner of any land in the special assessment district or any city, village, township, district or county who may disagree with the apportionment of benefits may appeal the apportionment within ten days after this day of review of apportionments by making an application to the Oakland County Probate Court for appointment of a Board of Review, as provided in Section 155 of the Michigan Drain Code (Act 40 of the Public Acts of Michigan, 1956, as amended). The County of Oakland will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the review should contact the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office at least one week in advance of the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance.

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WHITE LAKE

Regular Board Meeting – Synopsis – July 19, 2011 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. All board members and attorneys present. Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Presentation: Approved: Tabled: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved: Approved:

S.C. 7-27 & 8-3-11

LEGAL NOTICE

Minutes of June 2, June 16, June 21 and June 28, 2011 List of Bills Revenue and Expense report Police Department report Fire Department report Treasurer’s report Community Development report Annual Maintenance Quote for GIS System Overtime Report Birchler-Arroyo Clear Zoning Second Reading; Rezoning File No. 11-003 MDOT Pathways Second Reading: Fire Prevention and Protection Ordinance Amendment Water Department Vehicle purchase request St. Patrick’s Annual Fair Application Request for Proposal to provide audit services for Township Szott M-59 Water Main Extension with conditions Lease Agreement - 7440 Highland Road First Reading: Ordinance No. 132, Cemetery Ordinance Executive Session – Attorney/Client Privilege Return to General Session Meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m. Greg Baroni, Supervisor Terry Lilley, Clerk White Lake Township S.C. 7/27/11

CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE

NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE

Lake Improvement Board for Watkins Lake Township of Waterford, Oakland County, Michigan HEARING OF ASSESSMENT

Notice is hereby given that the Lake Improvement Board for Watkins Lake in the Township of Waterford, County of Oakland, will meet in the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office, Lower Level Cafeteria, located at One Public Works Drive, Waterford, Michigan 48328 at 7:00 p.m. on Monday evening, August 15, 2011 to review, to hear any objections to, and to confirm a three-year special assessment roll for the purpose of implementing an Aquatic Weed Control Program for Watkins Lake for the years 2011, 2012 and 2013. The total 3-year annual assessment is estimated at $197,438 and the amount per property is $226.94 due annually and payable on the first day of the December Tax Bill for 2011, 2012 and 2013. The special assessment roll will be on file at the Waterford Township Offices for public examination. Any person may appeal and be heard at the said Hearing, which is called pursuant to the provisions of Section 30913 of Part 309 of Public Acts No. 59 of 1995. Act 186 of the Public Acts of Michigan, 1973, as amended, provides that the special assessment must be protested at the Hearing held for the purpose of confirming the Special Assessment Roll before the Michigan Tax Tribunal may acquire jurisdiction of any special assessment dispute. Appearance and protest of the special assessment at the time and place of review is required in order to appeal the amount of the special assessments to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. An owner of or party in interest in property to be assessed, or his or her agent, may appear in person to protest the special assessments, or may protest the special assessment by letter filed with Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office, Attention: Mr. Ron Fadoir, C/O Lake Improvement Board of Watkins Lake, One Public Works Drive, Building 95 West, Waterford, Michigan 48328-1907 at or prior to the time of review, in which case personal appearance is not required. If the special assessment is protested as provided above, the owner or any party having an interest in the real property may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the confirmation of the Special Assessment Roll has been published in a newspaper of general circulation. S.C. 7-27 & 8-3-11 Lake Improvement Board for Watkins Lake

VILLAGE OF WOLVERINE LAKE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that at the July 18, 2011 Regular Meeting of the City of Orchard Lake Village Council the second reading and adoption was held on amendments to the ordinance to confirm the establishment of a Planning Commission with Zoning Authority Ordinance No. 14.02 to provide that the Orchard Lake Village Council establish the appointments, terms, and membership of the commission; to identify the officers and the minimum number of meetings per year of the Planning Commission; and to prescribe the authority, powers and duties of the planning commission. The ordinance provisions will take effect ten (10) days following publication of this notice. Complete copies of the full text of Ordinance No. 14.02 and all amendments thereto are available for inspection by and distribution to the public between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, except legal holidays, at City Hall. Rhonda McClellan CityClerk@CityofOrchardLake.com

Notice of Posting

NOTICE OF ZONING BOARD PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to Michigan Public Act 110 of 2006, the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, as amended, the Village of Wolverine Lake Zoning Board of Appeals will consider the following appeals at their Regular Meeting on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 425 Glengary, Wolverine Lake, Michigan 48390. ZBA CASE #11-597 Joe & Amy Goudeseune, Location of Property: 2373 Ventura, Wolverine Lake, MI 48390 17-22-451-018 BASIS FOR APPEAL: 1250.06 Setback from property lines (a) R1-LF ordinance requires a 25 foot front setback from the street or the average of the adjoining parcels. The average is 37 feet and 21 feet is proposed. Lakefront setback requires 35 feet or the average of 4 adjoining parcels; 43.75 feet is the average and 40.25 feet is proposed to construct a new home. ZBA CASE #11-598 Neal Tonnemacher Location of Property: 920 Penny Lake Dr. Wolverine Lake, MI 48390 17-27-407-019 BASIS FOR APPEAL: 1250.07 Building Bulk limitations footnote #6 – attached garage cannot exceed 900 square feet. Proposed garage addition increases the size greater than 900 square feet. 1250.06 setback from property lines R1-A requires a ten foot side yard setback 2 feet is provided. R1-A also requires a 35 foot rear yard setback and 23.37 feet is provided. Sharon A. Miller Village Clerk

PAGE 37

SC: 7-27-11

for Charter Township of Commerce Township Board 1. Synopsis of the meeting held on: Tuesday, July 12, 2011 The above synopsis shall be posted (in its entirety) at the following locations: (1) Office of the Township Clerk 2009 Township Drive (2) Main Township Library 2869 North Pontiac Trail (3) Township’s website www.commercetwp.com Daniel P. Munro Township Clerk SC: 7-27-11

NOTICE INVITING SEALED BID The Charter Township of White Lake is soliciting sealed bids for the construction of 30’x 20’ Multi-Purpose Utility Building and Pavilion Repair. Bid Packages are available to be picked up in the Clerk's Office, 7525 Highland Road, White Lake MI, 48383. Builders must be registered with White Lake Township and provide Liability and Workman's Comp Certificate of Insurance. Bids must be received by the White Lake Township Clerk's Office, no later than August 3, 2011 at 1 p.m. Bids will be opened and read aloud on August 3, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the White Lake Township Offices, 7525 Highland Road, White Lake, MI 48383. IT IS UNDERSTOOD that White Lake Township reserves the right to reject any and/or all bids as it shall deem to be in the best interest of the Township. For any questions contact Jason Iacoangeli, at 248.698.3300 x 177 or or Terry Lilley Township Clerk. S.C. 7-27-11

LEGAL NOTICE Lake Improvement Board for Watkins Lake Township of Waterford, Oakland County, Michigan HEARING OF PRACTICABILITY

PAGE 38

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WEST OAKLAND SUPER WANT ADS

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

WANT ADS APPEAR ON www.spinalcolumnonline.com

NOTICES

ABSOLUTELY

FREE WANT ADS

01-08

REAL ESTATE 12-22

MOBILE HOMES 42-43

RENTALS 45-57

HELP WANTED 60-75

JOBS WANTED 77-86

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

MERCHANDISE 89-138

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

CONVENIENT CATAGORY LISTINGS Bulletin Board Happy Ads Lost & Found Reunions

REAL ESTATE

45 46 47 49 50 52 55 56 57

Banquet/Party Facilities Vacation Homes/Cottages/Time Shares Commercial/Industrial Shopping Center Units Office Space Storage Houses/Condos Apartments Rooms/Share Quarters

Lost and Found

Reunions

SERVICES

☺ ★

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. ST. MICHAEL School Pontiac "All School Reunion" Sunday, September 18th, 11am memorial mass at Shrine Chapel of St. Mary's Seminary, 3535 Indian Trail, Orchard Lake. Reunion gathering at Santia Banquet Center, Keego Harbor after 12 noon. Family-style dinner at 1:30pm. Reservations: Lance Butler 248-335-5243

• Word Ads • One-Column Ads • Display Ads • Free Ads • Cancellations/Corrections

DID YOU Go to CMU during the 70's or 80's? Then join the party at Bayside on August 6th, 7pm. RSVP at 2nd annual CMU in the 70's facebook event.

Houses For Sale

Hartland

HOME SWEET HOME! Clean & comfortable 3 bedroom ranch on hilltop 4.75 acres. Living room, enclosed porch, 1 car detached garage & natural gas heat. Good location. $114,000. 2600 Michelle Lane.

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

cherylyeager.com cherylyeager@yahoo.com

CHARGE IT

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

Keller Williams Realty

248-724-6960 (Retired Landlord)

LANDLORDS AND INVESTORS Everything you wanted to know about being a landlord but didn’t know who to ask

FREE FREE FREE Date: Sunday, July 17th and every other Sunday thereafter Time: 1pm to 3pm Where: Keller Williams 39500 Orchard Hill Place Novi MI 48375

O DC

Nancy Neville Realtor

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

248-310-8077

DEADLINES MONDAY AT 5

Lake Front Properties as well under $100,000.00 (Good Condition)

CHERYL YEAGER

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

FRIDAY AT 5

CARS, TRUCKS CYCLES

REPAIR IMPROVEMENT

Waterford, Wixom, Commerce Twp, Novi

Reunions

FOUND AMERICAN Staffordshire terrier, Teeple Lake, Highland Recreation area. 248-887-3765

SERVICES

Several are in move in condition!!!!!

And Lots of Others! Phone Rhonda, Leslie or Cindy for Affordable Rates - 248-360-7355

162-179

PERSONAL

Huge inventory or potential rental properties under $50,000.00

RENTALS

NOTICES

181-196

Legal Notices Pathways Obituary

Lakefront Homes/Property New Houses Open Houses Condos/Flats/Co-ops Vacation Homes/Cottages Commercial/Industrial Vacation Land/Acreage

142-159

BOATS

5 6 8

12 13 14 15 16 17 20

LEISURE TIME

RECREATION

LANDLORDS AND INVESTORS

NOTICES 1 2 3 4

GARAGE SALE KITS – With payment for your

IN PRINT and On-Line 24/7

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Please call to Register! Presented by:

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, sprinklers. $269,000 (cy1047T)

Nancy Neville, Realtor

248-724-6960 (Retired Landlord)

JULY 27, 2011 Houses For Sale

www.spinalcolumnonline.com 11

Hartland

PEACEFUL SETTING! Beautiful 1 1/2 story home on 2 treed acres. 2100 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, great room w/fireplace, partially finished basement and 3 car garage. $237,900. Land Contract Possible.

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

RARE OPPORTUNITY! Beautiful custom waterfront home on private all sports Long Lake plus 6 stall horse barn w/tack room, water & elec, hay barn & fencing. Peaceful 8.71 acres. Light bright kitchen w/granite counters, snack bar open to great room w/panoramic views. Large deck. Lakeside master suite. In-law quarters in finished walk out lower level w/ bath, sauna, kitchen & fireplace. 4 car garage. $725,000.

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

MOBILE HOMES Mobile Homes for Sale

Houses/ Condos

Apartments 55

COMMERCE 42

2 bedroom, 1 car detached garage, fenced yard. Lake privileges, Walled Lake schools.

$800 / month $1000 / Sec.Dep. Call Alice at 248-698-9651

Fawn Lake Pontiac Trail at Maple Pre-Owned Homes: $6,000 - $25,000 Rent: $385 - $400

Milford 2 bedroom, central air, fireplace, 2.5 car garage ,neat and clean on 2 fenced acres, 1 mile to village.

PLUS MOVE-IN DISCOUNTS On Select Homes

$1,100/ mo 1 year lease.

248-767-4954

(248) 624-0709

RENTALS

Apartments

☺ WALLED LAKE

Houses/ Condos

WALLED LAKE

1 Bedroom Apartments 2 bedroom, 1.5 bath Town Homes * $300 Moves You In*

3 Bedroom house, newly remodeled & freshly carpeted, Walled Lake view & access, fenced yard, petsok, $895 per month.

248-624-6606 EHO

olivermich@mac.com 248-755-5073

www.cormorantco.com * Call For Details *

WATERFORD

WALLED LAKE

Two bedroom, two bath condo, cathedral ceilings,1,176 sq. ft. newly updated, large master suite, patio with deck, no pets. Pontiac Lake Road area. $1,100 per month plus security deposit

2 bedroom, vertical blinds, great location. Close to everything. $625/month includes all utilities immediate occupancy.

248-613-9354

(248)477-9192 COME SEE US NOW WIXOM * MOVE IN SPECIAL* 2 BEDROOM ONLY, $595 Will Move You In !

•Playground/Pool •Free Heat & City Water

Town & Country Apartments •48200 W. Pontiac Trail

•Between Beck & Wixom Rd.

(248)624-3194

1st Month FREE

248-425-4853

BUSINESS WOMAN looking to share 2 bedroom apartment in Novi, with female. $400 plus utilities. Call for information. 248-787-2059 SHARE LARGE Lakefront Home on two acres in Highland Twp.Your own living room. Garage door opener, gas/ electric. $800/ month. 248-887-5152

Pre-Licensing Class September 19, 21, 22 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. September 26, 28, 29 9:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. 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.

General/ Help Wanted

Senior Home Care Solutions is now hiring P/T Resident Assistants at our White Lake location for all shifts. Experience with seniors a plus. Apply in person at the:

Independence Village 935 Union Lake Rd., or fax resume to 248-360-7626 att Donna EOE

Brick Layer/ Mason Experienced only Renovation/ New Commercial/ All areas of Southeast Michigan

810-360-7910 Let’s Grow Michigan.

CALL US TODAY !

Rooms/Share Quarters

HELP WANTED

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

PAGE 39

Are you looking for a new career? Would like to own your own business? We are the 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. Contact Mary Nicole 800-370-5816 or marynicole@ realestateone.com

OFFICE CLEANING EVENINGS Monday thru Friday 6:30pm-11:30pm Novi Area CORPORATE CLEANING GROUP

248-313-9880

EPIC HAIR STUDIO IN WHITE LAKE Is hiring 3-4 full & part time stylists. Must be honest and motivated. Great pay scale. Contact: 248-895-5177

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

1-985-646-1700 DEPT. MI-2319 CARPENTERS Needed for manufactured home community in White Lake. Duties will include refurbishing mobile homes.. Valid driver's license necessary. Tools a plus.

Fax resume to Keith

248-889-3533

General/ Help Wanted

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

office@ rollamaticinc.com

Circle Me Looking for 20 energetic people. Must money motivated, get along with the opposite sex, no exp. necessary, we train up to $500 a week to start. Brandy

General/ Help Wanted

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

248-674-5800 COMMERCIAL SEWING MACHINE OPERATOR Experienced only. Full time. Boat covers. Waterford area. Bev's Canvas Covers 248-674-4492

810-603-1751

Accounting/Financial 66

The Independence Village of White Lake

BOOKKEEPER Needed

Is now hiring for P/T housekeepers for all shifts Apply in person at: 935 Union Lake Road or fax resume to 248-360-7626 Attn: Annette

TAXI & AIRPORT DRIVERS WANTED Full or Part time Day or Night

DISPATCHER Any Day - Any Shift

248-666-2110

For wholesale building materials distributor in Walled Lake. Responsible for all books & records through trial balance: payroll & benefit processing. Experience required/proficiency in Word & Excel. Knowledge of Infor Distribution Software helpful. Immediate full time position open with medical/ dental package.

Fax resume to 248-669-1204 or email info@hansenmarketing.com

CATV TECH Experienced only. Immediate full time positions open. Need to pass criminal background check, have a valid driver's license & must pass a drug test.

Please call

248-698-8868

THE MEDICAL TEAM, a full service home health agency, is looking for experienced CNAs, PCTs and Home Health Aides with formal training, great work ethic and at least (1) year of similar experience to work in an independent living community in New Hudson, MI. Must be reliable and conscientious about meeting work commitments. Day, evening and night assignments available. We offer competitive pay rates and a great working environment. Please email resume to jobs@medteam.com, fax to 734-779-9799 attention: Human Resources

Looking for Success? We’ll Fill Your Cart.

At ALDI Foods, we offer an intensive training program, a solid team environment, superior benefits and compensation and exciting advancement opportunities. We are looking for highly motivated individuals to grow with us in our METRO DETROIT area stores

SHIFT MANAGERS $15.00/HR

MANAGER TRAINEES $20.45/HR

CASHIERS $10.50/HR Apply in person at this location: Monday, Aug. 1st 7am - 12pm 2pm - 6pm MET Hotel Troy 5500 Crooks Road Troy, MI 48098 Let us fill your cart with all the essentials needed to create a challenging and rewarding retail career. High School Diploma or GED required. We also require pre- employment drug screening and background checks. We are an equal opportunity employer. No telephone calls. Please apply in person.

PAGE 40

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY . WP ET AK L ITE WH

P. TW RD O F MIL

BEST ALL-SPORTS LAKEFRONT BUY SUDGEN LAKE •2,159 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 3 full bath, fireplace •Large master, hot tub, 2+ attached garage #211051976 (800) 396-5204 X215

STONE HOLLOW SUB – CUSTOM BUILT 2.62 ACRE LOT •5 bed, 3.5 bath, 3,671 sq. ft. + 1,627 walkout •Attached 3 car, 2.5 car carriage house garage #211019535 (800) 396-5204 X265 P. TW LD FIE M O BLO W.

. WP DT IEL F OM BLO W.

HIG

$204,900

$750,000

$759,900

CUSTOM BUILT - ALL-SPORTS MACEDAY LAKEFRONT!! •4 bed, 4 bath, all brick + fin. walkout •5,200+ sq. ft., 1st & 2nd flr. masters, 3 car #211017553 (800) 396-5204 X296

. WP

AN HL

2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce, MI 48382

P. TW LD FIE M O BLO W.

$729,900

INCREDIBLE HOME AND 197 FT. ON ALL-SPORTS DUCK LAKE •3,504 sq. ft. + fin walkout, 4 bed, 4.5 bath •2 fireplaces, 2 kitchens, 3 car garage, deck #211073896 (800) 396-5204 X226 GE LA VIL D R FO MIL

248-366-7200 $499,900

$649,900

STUNNING 90 FT. OF MAIN LAKEFRONT ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •2,778 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2.5 bath, 2 fireplaces •2+ car garage, 3 decks, dock, seawall, shed #211063900 (800) 396-5204 X231 P. TW CE ER M M CO

MILLION DOLLAR VIEWS ALL-SPORTS UNION LAKEFRONT •4 bedroom, 2 bath, incredible views •Fireplace, deck, 4 car, storage loft, dock #211058164 (800) 396-5204 X211

ITE WH

. WP ET RC E MM CO

$394,900

$339,900

LS HIL ON T G MIN FAR

ITE WH

P. TW KE LA

100 FT. OF ALL-SPORTS WOLVERINE LAKEFRONT - .54 ACRE LOT •2,093 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, fireplace •2 walk-in closets, deck,, circular drive #211057584 (800) 396-5204 X297

$159,900

Direct:

FULL LOG RANCH ON BEAUTIFUL & PRIVATE TREED 1.12 ACRE •4 bedroom, 3 bath, 1,863 sq. ft., fin walkout •2 story fireplace, Florida room, 3+ car attached #211035240 (800) 396-5204 X299

A HL

HIG

$149,900

WHITE LAKE WATERFRONT RANCH WITH WALKOUT •1,661 sq. ft., 3-4 bedroom, 2 bath, great rm •Family room w/fireplace, enclosed carport #211026322 (800) 396-5204 X260

P. TW RD O F TER WA

$139,900

$219,900

GORGEOUS HOME ON LARGE, GORGEOUS GERUNDEGUT BAY NICELY LANDSCAPED LOT ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE •2,551 sq. ft., 3 bed, 2.5 bath, granite kitchen •Remodeled ranch, stone fireplace, dining rm •Fireplace, mstr w/California closet, fin basement •Corian counter kitchen, tile, crown molding #211069940 (800) 396-5204 X220 #211027050 (800) 396-5204 X280 . WP ET RC E MM CO

. WP ET RC E MM CO

SHARP RANCH - TREED LOT OVERLOOKING CROSS LAKE •3 bedroom, 2 bath, 1,321 sq. ft., updates •Part finished basement, deck, 3 car garage #211064266 (800) 396-5204 X204

$299,900 GORGEOUS HOME ON ALL-SPORTS PLEASANT LAKE •1,704 sq. ft., 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, deck •Gazebo, fireplace, granite kitchen, 2 car #211078351 (800) 396-5204 X262

$234,900

$259,900

CHARMING HOME ON ALL-SPORTS WATKINS LAKE •1,170 sq. ft., 3 bed, deep treed lot, fireplace •Basement, 2 car garage, huge storage loft #211031579 (800) 396-5204 X251 P. TW LD E I F OM BLO W.

T ND

$299,900 ALL-SPORTS LOWER STRAITS LAKEFRONT SPECIAL •2 houses @ price of 1 •Remod 3 bed, 1 ba, garage •Lake house 1,768 sq. ft., 4 bd, 2 ba, needs TLC #211073682 (800) 396-5204 X232 . WP ET AK L ITE WH

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SHARP 2002 BUILT RANCH CONDO •2 bedroom, 3 bath, hardwood flrs, fireplace •Fin. basement, wet bar, bed 3, 2 car garage #210054085 (800) 396-5204 X259

steve@TheStocktonTeam.com

$274,900

$299,900

SPECTACULAR 1.23 TREED ACRE PRIVATE GOLF FRONT LOT •3,193 sq. ft. + 1,150 sq. ft. fin. walkout, 4 bed •1st and 2nd flr. masters, 3 car, hot tub, deck #211060253 (800) 396-5204 X230

Direct:

248-755-7600 248-755-7500

janet@TheStocktonTeam.com . WP ET RC E MM CO

P. TW KE A L

. WP ET RC E MM CO

PRIVATE WONDERLAND TREED 3.59 ACRE SPLITABLE ESTATE •Updates & hilltop views, 3 bed, 1.5 bath •Fin. basement, Florida rm, 2+ car attached #211054335 (800) 396-5204 X210

Janet Steve

$374,900 ALL-SPORTS WOODHULL/LAKE OAKLAND LAKEFRONT - STELLAR VIEWS •4 bedroom, 2 full/2 half bath, bonus room •3,500 sq. ft. with finished walkout, 3 decks #211078378 (800) 396-5204 X247 . WP DT OR F TER WA

. WP ET RC E MM CO

$324,900

ITE WH

$299,900 BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED GREEN VALLEY SUB SPECIAL •2,766 sq. ft. + fin. walkout, 4 bed, 3.5 bath •2 kitchens, fireplace, cul-de-sac lot, deck #211074305 (800) 396-5204 X234

$379,900

GORGEOUS / M. ROSE BUILT HIDDEN PARADISE SUB •2001 built, 3,168 sq. ft., hdwds., granite •Marble, stone, Viking appliances, 3 car #211041027 (800) 396-5204 X248

E AK

$399,900 CUSTOM QUALITY BUILT 1.14 PRIVATE ACRE ESTATE •4 bedroom, 4 full bath, 2,900+ sq. ft. •Fin. daylight basement, 3 car/workshop, patio #211023447 (800) 396-5204 X241 P. TW RD FO R TE WA

P. TW CE ER M M CO

ALL-SPORTS OXBOW LAKEFRONT 1.19 TREED ACRE LOT •3,271 sq. ft. + fin walkout, 4 bed, 3.5 bath •Windows galore, multi decks, 3+ garage, dock #211075518 (800) 396-5204 X271 L INE ER V L WO

DEEDED BOAT SLIP ON ALL-SPORTS COMMERCE LAKE •3,019 sq. ft., 4 bed, 3 bath, 2 fireplaces •Daylight basement, deck, courtyard garage #211073119 (800) 396-5204 X224

Zillow - Preferred Agent

P. TW KE A L

$399,900

INCREDIBLE SUNSETS - ALL-SPORTS COMMERCE LAKEFRONT •2 future build sites, 4 bedroom, 1.5 bath •Island living, circle drive, sandy shoreline #211031823 (800) 396-5204 X285

Lakes Area’s #1 Team!

$499,900 SPECTACULAR 2005 BUILT MAIN LAKEFRONT - GREEN LAKE •3 sty colonial, 3,230 sq. ft. + finished walkout •Florida rm, 2nd flr covered porch, 2 sty garage. #211078353 (800) 396-5204 X222

$89,900

AFFORDABLE BIG FAMILY HOME LARGE TREED LOT •4 bedroom, 1.5 bath, spacious 1,728 sq. ft. •2+ car attached garage, patio, fenced yard #211058161 (800) 396-5204 X254

$84,900

UPDATED RANCH - 100’ WIDE LOT + TREES & IMMEDIATE MOVE-IN •3 bedroom, new appliances, fenced yard •Deck, 2+ attached garage, new driveway #211074621 (800) 396-5204 X243

www.TheStocktonTeam.com

JULY 27, 2011

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 41

Visit us at 560 N. Milford Rd., Milford D TO WALK

TOWN OWN

ION! C AT O L T GREA

$165,000 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

RES AC 1.49

SU N 204 . 7/31 3 H , 1-3 OPK PM INS

LEG I VI PR E LAK

K DUC

LAKE

AR D EY G R LA

$64,900

LAKE

$289,900

$151,900 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

G AR 6+ C

GE A RA

$549,900

$200,000 LAKEFRONT ON CHARLICK LAKE! •1,765 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Great room with vaulted ceilings •Gorgeous kitchen and dining area •Lake with dock •211075267

G GOR

SPECTACULAR NEWER HOME! •4,100 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, basement, 6+ garage •Gourmet kitchen and baths •1st floor master with fireplace and jetted tub •211067550

ES I LEG RIV P LAKE

S EOU

$180,000

$217,000 BETTER THAN NEW! •1,660 sq. ft., 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Gorgeous hardwood floors in foyer, hall, kitchen •Master suite with trey ceilings •211054152

ALL-SPORTS DUCK LAKE! •1,832 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Large deck across back •Partially finished walkout basement with fireplace •211045678

$239,900 MOVE TO MAGICAL MILFORD! •1,865 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Eat in kitchen with granite tops, new appliances, hardwood entry •211023966

$140,000

$275,000 BEAUTIFUL PARK-LIKE SETTING! •On 1 acre lot •2,772 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Ideal floor plan with generous room sizes •211054233

K DUC

MOTIVATED SELLER •1,032 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, 1 car attached garage •New carpet in master and bedroom 2 •Hardwood floors throughout •Large yard •211057520

S 116 AT., 31 7/3O PIN , 1 E M -3 P OU M NTA IN

RD ILFO

AL ON I COL

BEAUTIFUL BRICK RANCH! •1,382 sq. ft., 2 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Spacious great room shares gas fireplace with dining room &kitchen •Dining room with doorwall to luscious yard •211075708

$99,900

$170,000 SPACIOUS AND CLEAN! •2,500 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Home on beautifully manicured 1/2 acre lot • Lake privileges on Dunham Lake •211051387

CH RAN

CK RLI CHA

ON MAIN DUCK LAKE! •1,600 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.1 baths, 2 car attached garage •Great room with vaulted ceilings •Great opportunity for investors •211072914

USE HO N E OP

CK BRI

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

$140,000 CHARMING WIXOM RANCH! •1,388 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 1.5 baths •Hardwood floors •Patio with private yard with lake privileges •210132913

GREAT LOCATION! •2,300 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Open floor plan •Master bedroom has 2 walk-in closets •Neutral decor throughout •211050122

$689,900

$270,000

E OUS NH E P O

S ACRE

LM ICA MAG

$224,900

$109,900 CUTE HOME AND GREAT LOCATION! •1,000 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, basement •Hardwood floors • Open kitchen and eating area •Large deck and fenced in yard •211067202

UL UTIF 41 BEA

CUSTOM BUILT QUALITY HOME! •2,820 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3 baths, basement, 3 car attached garage •1.49 wooded acres •Living room with beautiful oak mantle •Open floor plan •211032090

ION! OCAT N! L O I LOCAT

PRIVILEGES ON DUNHAM LAKE! •2,280 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, basement, 2 car attached garage •Spacious home on 1/2 acre lot •Living room with hardwood floors •Finished lower level •211069616

RY ORA MP E T CON

ES CR

$164,900 NOT A SHORT SALE! •1,946 sq. ft., 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 car attached garage •Private 2 acre treed lot •Horses allowed •Great room with gas fireplace, neutral decor •211051233

Serving Milford & Surrounding Areas - 248.684.1065

$175,000 2006 BUILT CONTEMPORARY •1,650 sq. ft., 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, 2 car attached garage •2 story great room •Hardwood floors •Oak kitchen •1st floor master bedroom •210118661 ©Real Estate One, Inc., 2011

PAGE 42

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

LD FIE OM O L B W.

RD FO TER WA

211070398 - $95,000

211069633 - $332,000

211073245 - $219,900

211069626 - $250,000

211060567 - $139,900

211068047 - $189,900

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

CUSTOM BUILT HOME 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, open great room, breakfast nook, hardwood floors, gas fireplace

PREMIUM COLONIAL 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, family room with fireplace, finished basement

STUNNING SUNSET EXPOSURE WHITE LAKE 2 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, amazing views and walkout, hardwood floors, large great room

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS RANCH! 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, updated kitchen, finished basement, lake privileges Middle Straits

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

S ILL DH IEL MF O BLO

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211043195 - $56,500

211072511 - $375,000

211075547 - $250,000

211060973 - $159,000

211014823 - $239,900

211062309 - $175,000

FOX HILLS CONDO 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, doorwall to deck, clubhouse, pool, tennis courts

BEAUTIFUL ROLLING 10 ACRE HOME 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, open floor plan, 2 fireplaces, near Kensington, 30x40 pole barn

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

MOVE-IN READY 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, open floor plan, pole barn, pond

UPDATED TUDOR 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, hardwood floors, brick fireplace, granite kitchen

LAKEFRONT 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, sprawling brick ranch, 2 fireplaces

RD FO MIL

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TURED HOME A FE OF THE WEEK

VI NO

RD FO TER WA

211056592 - $309,000

210042174 - $178,000

211053983 - $87,000

211046242 - $85,000

AMAZING CAPE COD 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, 2 lavs, finished walkout lower level, dream 2nd garage 46x40

OXBOW LAKEFRONT 3 bedrooms, 3 baths, fireplace, 2 garages, estate sized lot

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

HUGE KITCHEN 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, doorwall to deck, 2 car attached garage

. WP NT ISO R R HA

D AN STL WE

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CE ER MM O C

211030129 - $39,900

211043488 - $131,900

211065960 - $219,900

211047575 - $425,000

RANCH CONDO 2 bedrooms, 1.5 baths end unit, nice patio, move-in condition

MOVE-IN CONDITION 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, hardwood floors, sprinkler system

BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED HOME 3 bedrooms, 2.2 baths, backs to preserve, master suite, vaulted ceiling

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

LD FIE OM O L B W.

RD FO TER WA

211056180 - $129,900 L ITE WH

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211054757 - $299,900

211037134 - $249,000

211068744 - $890,000

211042316 - $57,500

211058061 - $129,900

211072484 - $68,900

SPECTACULAR COLONIAL 4 bedrooms, 2.2 baths, spiral staircase, 2 fireplaces, hardwood

VACATION HOME 4 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, Williams Lakefront walkout ranch

SPECTACULAR WHITE LAKEFRONT 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths, totally remodeled, master suite to deck, gorgeous views finished walkout

TOTALLY UPDATED 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, doorwall to deck, lake privileges

ENJOY RESORT AMENITIES 3rd floor condo, 2 bedrooms, 3 baths, pool, sandy beach

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

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211072889 - $120,00

211059311 - $79,000

211049438 - $79,000

211074688 - $110,000

211017692 - $57,500

211070308 - $170,000

GREAT BRICK RANCH 3 bedrooms, 2 baths, beautiful 1/2 acre lot, natural fireplace

AL-SPORTS LAKEFRONT 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, shed with electricity, natural fireplace

NICE BUNGALOW 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, spacious kitchen, open living space

CHARMING RANCH 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, hardwood floors, vaulted ceiling

A RARE GEM 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, open floor plan, expansive deck

LOVELY DETACHED CONDO 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, gas fireplace, snack bar, great room with soaring ceiling

Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour

Lakes Area (248) 363-8300

ÂŠReal Estate One, Inc., 2011

JULY 27, 2011

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 43

BECKY KATZMAN McCARTHY 248-790-9915

SUSI GOLLINGER

rmccarthy@RealEstateOne.com

susigollinger@hotmail.com

Associate Broker - A.B.R.

(248) 310-9002

Lakes Area Specialist

CE ER MM O C

$75,000 Private setting surrounds this 3 bedroom well maintained ranch home. All-sports lake privileges, updated roof, heating system, central air, backed up by a whole house generator system. Florida room. Great gardens in the front yard. 6 panel wood interior doors. This house is just waiting for a new owner. (S.G. 5864P)

$155,000

GREAT RANCH ON HALF ACRE LOT!

Great brick ranch nestled on beautiful half acre lot in desirable sub! Features, approximately 1,800 square feet, 3 bedrooms, 2 full baths, spacious kitchen with eat-in area, separate dining room, both living room and family room with natural fireplace, big master bedroom with doorwall and tons of closet space, huge screened in Florida room overlooking scenic, private, fenced yard, 2 car attached garage, close to shopping & freeways. $120,000. Call Becky for details.

LAKEFRONT - Clean, custom built, sprawling brick ranch on large lot on Private (Electric motors) Allen Lake. Canoe or kayak via Huron River to Oxbow and Pontiac Lake. Beautiful beach and park/beach launch end of street for resident. 3 bedrooms, (hardwood under carpets), 2.5 baths, 2 fireplaces, finished walkout basement for entertaining, wet bar, 1/2 bath. Large, very private, deck overlooking scenic nature. Freshly painted. Sprinklers and lovely landscaping. (S.G. 255H)

248-310-8077

MARY SHIELDS

cherylyeager.com

Cell 248-245-6090 realestateone.com/mshields

EN -4 OP AY 1 D R U AT

$890,000 LAKEFRONT BEAUTY!

CHERYL YEAGER

Diane & Mary strive to make your transaction seamless from start to finish. Let our TEAM guide you through the process. SELLING REAL ESTATE SINCE 1980

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

IT WH

FOR ALL SHOWINGS CALL SUSI

MEET THE POWER TEAM DIANE BUCHANAN

TOP PRODUCER

CT RA NT O C ND LA

cherylyeager@yahoo.com

E AK

100 ft. of frontage on all-sports lake. This home is amazing throughout.

$219,900 BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED

LIS

TIN

Finished basement. Private setting backs to nature preserve.

Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour

WHITE LAKE RANCH

Lakes Area (248) 363-8300 • 8430 Richardson

ALL-SPORT COOLEY LAKEFRONT

Stunning water views, nice sandy beach, get ready to enjoy the summer. Charming ranch cottage style home featuring 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, living room with natural fireplace, lakeside deck, water softener, newer hot water tank, 1 car detached garage. $84,000 (cy8797C)

PAGE 44 Medical/ Dental

www.spinalcolumnonline.com 67

Care Giver Needed part time, 3p.m. to 11p.m. White Lake. CPR/ First aid. Experience with Alzheimer's helpful

248-866-3984 248-887-0616

MEDICAL ASSISTANT Pontiac Trail Medical Center in Walled Lake needs part time help which could become full time position. Experience preferred. Please fax resume to:

248-624-4408 Part Time Afternoons and

SCRAP METAL

No phone calls West Hickory Haven 3310 West Commerce Rd.

Aluminum .30-.70¢/lb., Copper $2.20-$3.00/lb., Brass $1.10- 1.70¢/lb, Auto Rads. .90-1.25¢/lb. 1123 Decker, Walled Lk.

Great place to work! Full time and part time D.C.W. staff needed to assist challenged adults.Trained preferred or will train.Walled Lake, White Lake & Waterford areas.

248-335-3547 69

TEACHERS AIDE / OFFICE WORK School / Classroom experience needed. Part time or Full time. Walled Lake / W. Bloomfield area. Fax resume to: 248737-9517 or E-mail:

administrator@ MiMontessori.com 71

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

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

Absolutely Free

COMMERCE

THURSDAY THROUGH SATURDAY 9AM-4PM

HUGE SALE. Friday, Saturday, 9am-6pm. 4204 Kelly Circle, off Oakley park, near Newton. Aquariums, remote control helicopters, sporting goods, household, patio set. THURSDAY, FRIDAY, Saturday. 9am-5pm. 2526 Little Trail. Welch Rd. / Pontiac Trail. Collectibles, tools, baby, household, antiques, clothes.

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 27" Toshiba Television, works, top of screen cuts off occasionally. 248-761-8744 FREE 8X12 wolmanized deck or raft. you pick 248-3631024 PURE WHITE 3 month old cat named Jinx, very friend and playful. To a good home. 248773-6507 PURE WHITE male kitten, 810 weeks old. Found in the area of Midway & Cooley Lake Rds. To good home. 248-8914447 WOODEN EXTENSION Ladder, 14ft.You pick up. No calls after Thursday, 248-3900724

Auction/Estate Sales101 DECORATORS HOME Furnishing estate/ moving sale. Thursday, 9-5, Tuscan dining set and sofa, lots of art, must see! 2858 Honeywell Lake Road Milford. No early birds please.

Moving Sales

103

Furniture, kids clothing, toys, sports equipment, tools, baby items, etc.

WILL PICK-UP free lawn tractors, outboards, dirtbikes, snow blowers. 248-756-4300

DIRECT CARE WORKERS

Garage Sales

Oakview Estates Lyniss Drive

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

midnights Shift

Sales Positions

Used/Wanted

Mann Metals Corp. (248)960-1200

C.N.A.s

Office/ Clerical

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE

102

WHITE LAKE Moving sale 10150 Curtis Drive. Thursday, Friday 9-3, Saturday 9-12. Miscellaneous household items, lawn care, some furniture, books, art work.

THURSDAY THRU Saturday 9-4, 2040 Pauls Way, off Welch South of Pontiac Trail. Large and small kitchen appliances, assorted sporting goods and lots more. 7970 FLAGSTAFF ON Union Lake. Moving sale: Lots of furniture and miscellaneous. Thursday & Friday, July 28-29, 9a.m.-3p.m. WALLED LAKE

☺ JEWELRY, ESTATE Sale. 1149 N. Eddie St. (off S. Commerce). 12,000BTU new air conditioner. Thursday thru Sunday. 10am-dusk. WATERFORD

Lawn Tractors/ Mowers

ARIENS 911 SERIES Lawn mower - walk behind. 1991. Good condition. $80 248-6263912

Pets/Supplies

WEST BLOOMFIELD JULY 28TH & 29th, 8am3pm. Assor ted household items. 6930 Colony Drive, 48323 WHITE LAKE FREEZER, FURNITURE, Bikes, clothes, antiques: 9a.m.-4p.m. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 8922 Newpor t Drive, Union Lake & Hutchins, near St. Patrick's Church. WIXOM

115

TWO NEUTERED adult Labrador retrievers. Under $12 each. 248-825-1747

Clothing/Apparel

119

BLACK LEATHER Men's Pants, 32inch waist, $24.00. 248-534-7004 POODLE SKIRT For Dream Cruise- Size medium, aqua, $24.50. 248-494-1738

Furniture/Rugs

125

BOB'S CARPET

Has the best buys on all brand named carpet. Pad 1/2 8 lb $3 yd. Installation guaranteed. Also have heavy plush remnants $4- 6 per yard

Call Bob (248)681-5771 CHEST 29"x 34"x 15", drawer & 2 doors. $15. 248-5534967 NAVY BLUE leather couch with oversized chair & ottoman. Coffee table with end table. Excellent condition. Will separate. $500. 248-9603858 Leave message. QUEEN SIZE Wooden headboard, footboard $25 for the set. Girls wooden headboard bookcase twin size $25 OBO 248-624-8857 (Walled Lake area)

Art/Crafts

ENTERTAINMENT CENTER, Riding mower, name brand clothes, household, collectibles & toys: 10:30a.m.-4:30p.m. Thursday through Sunday, 7031 Lanore- Hospital near Cooley Lake Roads.

Odds N Ends 109

128

Crafters Wanted For 3rd annual Wixom Fund raiser on Aug. 6th. $50 10X10 booth fee 248-613-6234 Household Items

137

NEW CANVAS picnic table gazebo. Never been used. $24.99. 248-366-6658.

2097 TEANECK Circle by Loon Lake Elementary.Thursday Friday, Saturday TV's, pool table, bar, stools, designer purse, home decor, Harley motorcycle. 8:30-4:30.

Odds N Ends

Tools

HON 5 drawer file cabinets, 2 gray, 2 black, Sacrifice $ 40.00 ea. HP8000 30ppm laser printer $75.00 248-6857171 ask for Kerry

106

CRAFTSMAN METAL tool box with tray, $15.00 248787-2200

138

FULL SIZED personal, black umbrella with sleeve. Excellent condition $5. 248-623-2661

138

$20 PREPAID Phone card $12.50- I can give you a 1-800 number to verify, expires June 13, 2013. 248-623-2661.

Wanted Parts/ Salvage

181

ABC * UNWANTED *

BOATS/ OUTDOOR

AUTOS, CARS & TRUCKS

Wanted Boats/Jet Skis/ Parts 162

$200 AND UP 248-698-1062 Motorcycles

Boats/Motors/ Trailers

MOTORCYCLEGUARANTEE See First Want Ad Page

164

24FT. PONTOON, 30hp Honda 4 stroke. $2200. 18ft. AlumaCraft, walleye boat, 45 marine tiller steer. $5500. 248-666-9248

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

(248)666-9248 Boat & Pontoon Hauling Local & long distance Spring start up prompt service Summer Storage $59.99 RVs, trailers: fenced, gated, & lighted storage yard. Used pontoons & trailers for sale Tom 248-681-4250

seaway5@comcast.net Campers

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

TRAILER HITCH- Draw Tite heavy duty 2". $25 248-6984168

CARS/TRUCKS MOTORCYCLES 181

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

(248)467-0396

SEALCOATING • NO SPRAY • ASPHALT REPAIR + GRAVEL FILL SINCE 1983

(248)-623-7282

SMART CAR 2008 4/2. Passion yellow. Many extras. 13,400 miles. $12,800 OBO. 248-242-6346

Motor Homes

193

CHEVROLET CLASS C 1991, Very low miles, $10,000. 248-685-0289

Vans

194

FORD E150 van 1998, new engine only 68K on it, runs great, excellent work van. $2,500 OBO 248-960-4504

Auto Dealer Specials on Pages 46 - 48

•New Carpet & Pad Sales •Installation, Repairs, & Restretches •27 years experience •Free estimates WE WORK FOR YOU

248-561-5667 Cabinetry

515

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

(248)363-3804

PAGER (248)-452-3240

elegant-woodworking.com

We use healthier products than most cleaning companies to help those with allergies, children, and for a healthier home.

SALES GUARANTEE Autos, Vans, Trucks See First Want Ad Page

CHEVROLET CAPRICE 1986, Loaded, one owner- like new. $7,500. 248-685-0289

Asphalt/Pavement 503

KEITH'S

513

MB QUALITY FLOOR COVERING

502

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

187

CAMARO 1995 red, beige leather interior, V6, automatic, aluminum wheels, original owner $3,800 248-202-5681

Carpet Installation

REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT

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

176

1981 YELLOWSTONE, 32FT. Loaded, A/C, good condition. 248-891-4447

Wanted Parts/ Salvage

183

Cars

SERVICE DIRECTORY

Appliance Repair

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

129

ANCHOR HOCKING, microwave dishes w/lids. New never used. Freeze/heat/ serve. $8. 248-623-2661

Bargain Bin

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Buy a $50 Gift Card Get $10 Back 248-818-9416

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

JULY 27, 2011

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 45

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

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

(248)684-5928 MARCUCCI CONCRETE As Seen on ABC TV "Extreme Home Makeovers" Satisfying Customers for Over 30 Years •DRIVEWAY •PORCHES •FOUNDATIONS •BRICK •BLOCK •STAMPED/ COLORED Lic/Ins Visa/ MC Wixom

248-486-5900

Arrow Concrete

Driveway Specials Free Tearout All stamped concrete + all phases Fully Lic. & Ins. www.arrowcement.com 248-758-4346

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

Call Bob

248-579-3979 Doors

524

THE DOOR STOP Since 1980 Garage door springs and door openers newly installed, repaired and/or replaced.

Call 248-624-4042 (cell) 248-640-6298

Doors

524

CERTIFIED OVERHEAD DOOR SERVICE

Flooring

536

EDWARD'S

•Garage Doors •Repaired/ Services •New Doors/ Openers •Installed at Factory Pricing •Emergency Service Available

FLOOR COVERING

248-624-3161

(248)684-5983

Drywall

526

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

Ron (248)673-7665 Electricians

528

MASTER ELECTRICIAN

•Linoleum •Ceramic Tile •Hardwood Floors •Laminate Wood 27 Years Exp. Free Est.

Handy Person

545

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

(248)891-7072

Insured & State licensed, 25 years experience. Prompt, courteous service. Free estimates, All types of work. Competitive prices

Licensed and Insured

(248)683-7985

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

Electrical Specialist 20% OFF ALL LABOR Master, Lic. & Ins., 25 years Experience. 24 Hour service, Free estimates. Outside plug, service upgrades, generator hook-up, all electrical jobs .

248-343-4238 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

D & S HOME REPAIRS REMODELING

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

QUALITY HOME REPAIR •Carpentery & Painting •Plumbing •Kitchen & Bath remodelingCounter tops, Cabinets •Home Improvements

Lawn/Garden Services

Plumbing 553

A R T Outdoor Services, LLC Spring Clean-ups •

567

DAVID MAROHN • Licensed & Insured • Plumbing Repairs Bathroom Remodel Drain cleaning •40 Years Experience •Quality Service

Licensed & Insured

Mulch Landscaping • Lawn Service Weeding • Fully Insured Residential & Commercial

(248)363-4976

Heating/Duct Work 546

www.artoutdoorservices.com

Premier Plumbing

248-820-1286

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

FREE ESTIMATES ON INSTALLATION

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

(248)887-3666 Home Improvement 547 SHERMAN BLDG CO. •Additions •Garages •Decks •Rough & Trim Carpentry •Wood Siding •Basements •Kitchens •All outside wood repairs

248-682-1393 248-802-6554 Home Inspection

548

(248)625-5719 LADY LIBERTY ENTERPRISES Land Decorating & Maintenance, LLC. Flower bed weeding, Mulching, Brick Pavers/Repairs, Boulder Walls, Lawn Maintenance, Spring Clean-ups, Tree & Shrub Pruning. Insured.

248-634-7041

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

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

248-363-5864 Power Washing

569

FARR'S POWER WASHING •Deck Cleaning / Staining & Sealing •Brick Cleaning •Rust & Mold Removal •Housewashing. •Painting •Deck Repairs. farrshomeimprovements.com

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

571

D&D ROOFING 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

•Siding •Gutters & Leaf Guards •Soffits & Trimwork •Decks •Windows

Doug Dible 248-431-6243

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

248-926-6631 PRICE IS RIGHT ROOFING

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

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.

•Repairs •Re-Roofs •Chimney Repair •Metal Work •Flat Roofs •Complete Roof Packages. •Siding •Gutters

248-881-3478

248-894-3239

248-408-8795

VS PAINTING SUMMER SPECIAL

Siding

FREE Estimates 30 Years Experience

577

Tree Service

LOUIE'S TREE SERVICE

I.D.C.

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

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

Bob: 248-363-0589 idchomeservice.com Tile

585

•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

599

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

Wells

603

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

Emergency Service 7 days a week

Call anytime for estimates & great service

248-887-4892 Tree Service

Waterproofing

Dry Basements, LLC

J.M. TILE & MARBLE CUSTOM WORK

Trash/Debris Removal

587

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

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

2008 PONTIAC SOLSTICE • #C0003 $56,985

2006 DODGE VIPER SRT10 - #P3541 $59,985

2007 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER - #P3538 $25,985

View our full inventory online at Cauley.Net

WE BUY, SELL & SERVICE ALL MAKES & MODELS • Performance & Pre-Owned Automobile Sales • Performance Paint & Auto Body • Performance Detailing • Performance Tuning, Parts & Accessories - Edelbrock Dealer • Complete Auto Care

Looking for great service on your classic Corvette? Come see Herb Nichols, our Classic Car Specialist!

• Authorized FireBreather, Specter Werkes, & Callaway Dealer • Traxxas Dealer - The Fastest Name in Radio Control

248.855.9700 7020 Orchard Lake Road • West Bloomfield, MI 48322

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JULY 27, 2011

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 47

Union Lake Rd.

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

Commerce Rd.

www.morrismotorsmi.com R ich

Oakley Park

WALMART

One coupon per customer. Coupons may not be combined with any other offer. Expires 8/10/11. Excludes oil changes, brake promotion, tires and SRTA’S. Valid only in our service department. Must present coupon when order is written. SC

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

• Caster or camber and

+tax & dep. fee with coupon

rear adjustments are extra

FREE

10% OFF

Fuel filter Replacement

Plus tax. Most GM cars and trucks. All coupons must be presented at time of write up. Offers cannot be applied with any other offers. Expires 8/10/11.

95 +tax

Must present coupon when order is written. Most vehicles. Cannot be combined with other coupons or discounts. Expires 8/10/11.

GM PROTECTION PLAN

HELP IMPROVE YOUR GAS MILEAGE!

Fuel Injection Service •Pressurized cleaning of fuel injectors •Remove combustion chamber deposits •Clean air intake system •Three Part Fuel System

★

• Set toe-in on applicable vehicles

Our factory-trained technicians will perform the following:

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

Front End Alignment

• Check tire pressure

*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 8/10/11.

Any Make or Model

Must present coupon when order is written. Cannot be combined with any other offers. GM vehicles only. Plus tax and shop supplies. Expires 8/10/11.

95*

14 Mile Rd.

INCLUDES:

OIOTOR L

Any Service Over $90.00

★

~ COUPON ~

OIL CHANGE

Maple Rd. Haggerty Rd.

25 Off $ 15 Off

Any Service Over $175.00

Service Special

Trail tiac Pon Walnut Lake Rd.

Trail tiac Pon

M-5

Benstein Rd.

★ WILD CARD SPECIAL ★

ard son 248-624-4500

95 SAVE $30.00

Bring your GM Protection Plan Extended Service Contract to the dealer you know and trust! SERVICE CONTRACTS HONORED HERE

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 and Body Shop Hours: Monday & Thursday 7 a.m.-8 p.m. • Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 7 a.m.-6 p.m.

Celebrating

www.morrismotorsmi.com

Your Hometown Car & Truck Service and Maintenance Center for over 42 Years

YEARS 11 9-20 1 96

*Diagnosis extra, brake inspection extra.

FREE Estimates on Collision Repairs!

PAGE 48

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Celebrating

YEARS 11 9-20 1 96

We Offer the Best Value for Less! Low Monthly Payments • Highest Quality Vehicles Purchasing a new sub-compact car can easily cost you $18,000 or more, and for that price, you’re still likely to have to compromise on features that are important to you.

Get the most from your car buying dollars, with all the features you need and want with a previously owned vehicle!

2007 CHEVROLET UPLANDER LT Was 16,995 MINI VAN Now $16,500** #P2037 $

Chevrolet’s Uplander minivan, 3.9-liter V-6 engine and electronic stability system is standard. Chevrolet bills the Uplander as a crossover sport van. It has sport utility vehicle styling cues–with a sevenpassenger seating capacity which features three rows of seats, a low step-in height and sliding side doors. The Uplander also features a flexible rear cargo system that has three dividers. When the third-row bench seat is folded, the seat and storage system line up to create a level load floor. Dual zone air condition, front and rear entertainment center, rear seat, 3.9 V-6, 17” aluminum wheels, full power equipment. Very clean inside and outside, no rust, very low mileage 39,903, clean car fax report. EPA FUEL ECONOMY • City: 18 • Highway: 25

2001 JEEP CHEROKEE 4 DR. SPORT MANAGER’S SPECIAL $ ** 4WD Now 7,995 #P2041

2001 Jeep Cherokee 4x4 is the first modern compact sport utility vehicle having four-door styling and it is a far more popular option than the 2-door. Cherokee holds five people and has a 4.0 liter inline-six-cylinder with 190 horsepower. Featured equipment includes: rear bench seat, power steering, power door locks, power windows, tachometer, bucket seats, CD player, center console, rear window defroster, dual air bags, intermittent wipers, leather wrap steering wheel. Take advantage of this great buy! EPA FUEL ECONOMY • City: 17 • Highway: 22

2010 NISSAN ALTIMA Was 17,995 4DR SDN IV $ CVT 2.5 S Now 17,500** #P2015 $

This 2010 Altima has a restyled hood, grille and front bumper, as well as a standard electronic stability system. It offers great fuel economy and has the classic good looks and a comfortable luxury ride. Look for power mirrors, CD player in dash, deluxe wheel covers, dual exhaust (sedan), adjustable head rests, and seats five people. The rear seatback is split and can be folded down when long items need to be carried inside the car. Under the hood this peppy Altima has 175-horsepower, 2.5-liter four-cylinder with 180 pounds-feet of torque. This one won’t last long! EPA FUEL ECONOMY • City: 23 • Highway: 32

Complete Inventory

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

248-624-4500

At: www.morrismotorsmi.com 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 9/3/11. 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.

Sat.: 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.