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10/3/12

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

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‘SUPPORT’ FOR A CAUSE Strapping men strap on bras for calendar to raise money for ACS - pg. 18

DORNAN TO RETIRE City manager of 22 years stepping down; Wixom looks to fill void - pg. 3

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Patient Drives an Hour ONE WAY to end Her Chronic Back Problem! A patient has been driving over an hour one way to our office to receive therapy for her chronic back problem. This Patient was referred to our office from her chiropractor looking for treating with the ATM 2 (active therapeutic movements). This therapy improves the stability of spinal muscles and ended her chronic back problem. Remember, she had been through physical therapy, injections , spinal adjustments, massage .. you name and she tried it. Her problem started 20 years ago as a result of an automobile accident and she suffered with back pain for 20 years not knowing that a solution might be available. She began to feel results within a few sessions and continued to drive over 60 miles one way through traffic to continue her treatment. Well now she is better and so are many other that come to our office for our enhanced therapy and spinal decompression program. It’s a revolutionary new program that incorporates the cutting edge therapies to resolve some of the toughest cases. We attack the problem in multiple ways with advanced therapies. How It All Started In 2011, Dr. Tom Sladic DC. began using Decompression and combined it with ATM2( therapeutic movements), Laser therapy, Nerve rebuilder therapy along with specific nutritional formulas. For the patients that qualified the results were incredible. It has changed the way we think about managing chronic back and neck pain. You see, the average back pain patient either gets better in a few weeks or DOESN’T. Chiropractic helps many, many patients. So does Physical Therapy. Even just lying down and icing or over the counter pain pills helps many. For the rest, it can mean a life-time of day-in, day-out nagging, looking for the nearest place to sit kind of pain. For others, the inability to work, drive or take care of themselves. Pain pills, lots and lots of pain pills. Then commonly – surgery! If you’ve never been there, or haven’t talked to a patient like this, it’s an eye-opening experience! It Frustrates the Doctor Therapist and Patient. But now, patients are experiencing results like THIS:

Before I came here, I always had back pain. I could barely make it through the day! After my 4th treatment, I feel like a new person!-SK

surgery… Even after MULTIPLE failed surgeries! Our program has provided what many consider nothing short of miracles for back pain sufferers who had tried everything else... with little or no result. Many had lost all hope.

Special Offer If you would like to see if our program will be the answer to your back/neck, leg or nerve pain, you can – at a dramatically reduced cost – for a very limited time. Just call 248-912-2962 within the next 10 days and here’s what you will receive: • A consultation to discuss your problem and answer ALL your questions you may have about our enhanced therapy and decompression program. • Testing and qualification case history to help “The trip was well worth it - Thank-you” determine if you are a candidate. I had chronic back pain for years. • A thorough Neurological Evaluation and I tried everything to get rid of it and nothing review any testing results. worked. I accepted that I had to learn to deal with • A FREE follow-up consultation, IF you qualify it. After starting your program for our program and what your options are. I have no pain. It’s Amazing -RG *Excludes further testing or treatment. I couldn’t bend forward without severe pain. Since starting care I have seen amazing improvement. I was actually very skeptical about this, but after going through this program I am a believer- EH

What Conditions are Successfully Treated And Will It Help YOU?

Here’s what to do now: Just call 248-9122962 and tell whoever answers the phone you want to schedule a qualification evaluation.” If you call before Oct 13th, 2012, you will be eligible to receive all the above for only $45. The normal cost is $245. Due to the expected demand, it is suggested to call at once. Any delay could lead to being placed on a waiting list and paying fullprice.

The main conditions it has had great success Call anytime between the hours of 9:00 am with are: and 6:00 pm Monday through Saturday. Tell my • Back/Neck pain staff that you’d like to come in to see if you qualify. • Spinal Stenosis Call before October 13th, 2012! We have a busy • Sciatica/Leg pain • Herniated and/or bulging discs schedule so I am limiting the offer to the first • Degenerative discs 15 callers so CALL NOW! • A relapse or failure after surgery • Neuropathy/Nerve problems The number is 248-912-2962 . Our office is located in Walled Lake at A very important note: It has been successful 1881 N. Pontiac Trail just west of M5 with even the most severe cases… even when between Decker and Welch roads. NOTHING else has worked. Even after failed

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The Clothing Cover celebrates 25 years in Milford — page 22

‘Harvest’ event at Hess-Hathaway set for Oct. 6 By Leslie Shepard

New buyers intend to acquire most of Wixom Ford plant site — page 13 Windmill Market selling pumpkins to benefit O'Rourke family — page 21

That’s what HE said: "If I was Up North chasing bear and I saw that, I would call it bear scat." — Veterinarian Douglas Stacer of the Airport Veterinary Hospital in Waterford Township, commenting on a sample shown to him of what may be bear feces found in a Commerce Township yard near the Edgewood Country Club.

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With autumn’s return, families in the lakes area will be enjoying the hallmarks of the season at the 26th annual Harvest Happening event from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6 at HessHathaway Park, located at 825 S. Williams Lake Road in Waterford Township. In case of inclement weather, a rain date of Sunday, Oct. 7 has been scheduled. The highly-anticipated fall festival is hosted by Waterford Parks and Recreation. A full entertainment lineup is slated to enthrall attendees, including Flip Starz Gymnastics at 11:15 a.m.; Science Alive at 11:30 a.m.; the Farrell line dancers at 12:30 p.m.; a Ronald McDonald magic show at 1 p.m.; a local Latin band at 1:15 p.m.; and bluegrass

Wixom looking to replace Dornan after retirement By Leslie Shepard staff writer

After serving the city of Wixom for 22 years, City Manager Mike Dornan has decided it’s time to turn over the reins and make his exit from the city he’s helped to transform. Dornan tendered his notice of retirement to the Wixom City Council at its meeting held on Tuesday, Sept. 25. His retirement takes effect Nov. 18. “It’s been a wonderful run and now it’s time to think about (my) needs and it’s time for the community to think about giving back,” Dornan said. “All my associates here have given and given and helped make the community what it is. It’s time for the community to step up and vote yes for the millage. We don’t ask for much, or that often.” Mayor Kevin Hinkley said Dornan’s departure is no great surprise. “We’ve been discussing it for a number of weeks,” Hinkley said.

Facing painting for kids is among the cornucopia of attractions planned for the 26th annual Harvest Happening event on Saturday, Oct. 6 at HessHathaway in Waterford Township. (Photo submitted by Waterford Parks and Recreation)

music performed by Rednecks Whitewater & Bluegrass, featuring Brother Ray, at 3:45 p.m.

Kids always enjoy a great storyteller and one will be onsite this year. The

“Mike’s got every right to walk out with his head held high. I don’t think people have any conception of what he’s saved the city — hundreds of thousands, if not millions of dollars. (He has) creative ideas and he’s worked with sister cities and worked to reduce the budget. The guy has done a phenomenal job in representing us in Oakland County, the state and Washington, D.C. I know. I’ve seen it first-hand.” The financial duress the city has recently experienced was compounded after a proposed charter millage cap increase failed to earn enough support among voters during the Aug. 7 primary election. With an altogether new millage on the Nov. 6 general election ballot, Dornan said he is hopeful the community will act in the city’s best interests. “It’s my feeling that without a doubt the community understands the financial brunt Wixom has faced because of a poor national economy and the closure of the Ford Wixom plant,” Dornan said. “I am confident the ballot millage will pass and my hope is that my departure will help soften the

financial brunt in some small fashion.” Dornan shot back at the efforts of a grassroots group that has been vocal in opposing the millage. “There will be serious and devastating changes if the millage doesn’t pass,” he said. “Those who oppose it know better and want to create acrimony to reinstate themselves to a stature lost to individual actions and dismantle the organization plank by plank, and that’s wrong.” During his 37-year career in municipal government, Dornan was the acting assistant to the city manager in Farmington Hills for five years and the Walled Lake city manager for 11 years. While Dornan was with Wixom, the city realized growth and cost savings through efforts such as finalizing a Milford sewer extension and an intergovernmental agreement for wastewater treatment plant service. The agreement included a $1.25 million “signing bonus,” which was ultimately transferred to the city’s budget stabilization fund, allowing Wixom to continue providing service without increasing taxes.

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ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WEST

OAKLAND’S

Trumpeting OCC successes

NEWSWEEKLY

51st YEAR OF PUBLICATION Waterford • White Lake • Highland • Milford Commerce • Wolverine • Walled Lake • Wixom West Bloomfield • Orchard Lake • Union Lake PUBLISHER / PRESIDENT: Susan Fancy BUSINESS MANAGER: Dennis Boggs EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT: Carol Barr EDITOR: ASSISTANT EDITOR: Tim Dmoch Kirk Pinho Staff Writers: Kevin Elliott Leslie Shepard, Michael Shelton Contributing Writers: Mike Scott, Mark Stowers Staff Photographer: Amy K. Lockard Photography Intern: Damon Tang ADVERTISING SALES: Account Representatives: Cindie Audia, Mina Beaumont, Joe Leach, Cheryl Rak Sales Assistant/Proofing: Justina Vargas PHONE SALES MANAGER: Lori Snyder Account Representatives: Rhonda Libkuman, Cindy Stawick, Leslie Timko GRAPHICS: Denise Jungjohan, Marcia Reimer, Rob Robar IT MANAGER: Joel Stickney CIRCULATION: Dan Griffin ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE MANAGER: Carolyn Petherbridge Assistant: Mable McCullough PRESS RELEASES: Deadline 10 a.m. Thursday. Mail to P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387-0014. Fax 248.360.1220 or bring to office. After-hours drop box. NEWS TIPS: Post at our website MAIL SUBSCRIPTIONS: 52 issues - $45 per year.

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

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

Roberts helms PR side of state's largest community college

akland Community College (OCC) Executive Director of Marketing and Communications Janet Roberts helms the public relations ship for OCC’s five campuses, including the Highland Lakes campus in Waterford Township. In addition to promoting services and programs in the community, she and her team strategically plan and target economic and workforce development through recruitment, corporate training and mentoring services. Prior to her post with OCC, Roberts worked as the Huron Valley Schools Director of Communications and Fund Development for 12 years. She played a key role in promoting and advocating for the district and its staff members. Roberts is a member of the American Marketing Association and Oakland County School Public Relations Association. She has earned a host of awards for her work in public relations. What is your role as the executive director of marketing and communications? JR: Thank you for having me and I’m happy to talk to you about Oakland Community College and specifically my efforts to promote the college. Specifically what my job entails is simply that — promoting OCC ... as well as attracting students, and (making) the community aware of the services and all the programs, and all the opportunities we have for our community. What I do is basically capture that information and develop avenues to share that through a number of different vehicles and audiences. What are the main differences between your former role in Huron Valley Schools and your new position at OCC? JR: There’s a lot of similarities and a lot of differences. Certainly from the educational aspect, there’s a lot of similarities in terms of striving for academic achievement, student success, promoting the services that both organizations offer to support the community. From a K-12 environment to a higher education environment, there’s a lot of differences there in terms of the type of student that we have. Our average student age is 27-years-old — that’s a very different student profile from the K-12 environment. We have adult learners and we don’t have a lot of parent involvement, which is very different from K-12 environment. But I do find that the administrators, the instructors all have that passion for education and student achievement, so from that perspective

both are very similar. OCC instated a smoking ban on its campuses effective Sept. 1. Why now? JR: Actually we were a smoke-free environment in terms of our buildings, but we felt that it was important to take that next step, not only for the wellbeing of our students and our staff, but also from a more environmental perspective, as well. What we wanted to do is have a healthy environment and also a clean environment. We were finding that with cigarette smoking, people were not using receptacles. There were issues of cleanliness because of the smoking on campus. The next step was not only not to allow (smoking) in our

•

NE MINUTE

INTERVIEW

buildings, but not on our grounds at all. We felt that was in the best interest of our staff and students. We know there have been cases where some have defied the ban since it took effect. How difficult has enforcement been? JR: Again, it’s a transition. Do we have students that are still struggling to acclimate themselves to it? Yes. But have we found an overwhelming problem with trying to enforce it? No. We take it on a case-by-case basis. If we see a student who is on property smoking, we remind them of the policy. If it becomes an issue that we have to keep reminding that student, then there is disciplinary action we can take. Is enrollment up or down, and to what do you attribute the increase or decrease? JR: We’ve seen a pattern of increasing

enrollment, actually record enrollment, and that was tied to what we were seeing with the economy. Unfortunately, as the economy worsened, people were laid off, needed retraining, students were deciding to stay home and couldn’t afford necessarily to go away to college, so we saw a great uptick in the enrollment numbers — record enrollment. We saw those peak and then start to level off. Now we’re seeing a slight decrease. As the economy improves, we’re seeing people going back to work, the retraining programs have ended, people are able to send their children away, whereas before they would say the first couple years they can stay home because of the financial picture, and so (we’re) seeing those dips change. We’re seeing a recorded loss (of student enrollment at) about 6 percent over last year, but it’s something we anticipated. We expected that as the economy improves, we thought we’d see that dip. To maintain enrollment so we don’t see severe decreases, we’re stepping up our recruiting efforts and doing more in terms of new programs with our economic and workforce development training program by reaching out to companies. We have a whole sector of training we do for the business side and beefing up our efforts to kind of balance those losses. Tell us about some of the unique education programs people are perhaps unaware of. JR: Well I think there’s a combination of things. One that people may not be aware of (is that) we have the largest nursing program in Michigan. You wouldn’t think a community college would produce that number of nurses, but we do. Within the health care realm, we’ve expanded our offerings and (are) looking at a number of things with new technologies. We’re also looking at (things) from the manufacturing side, like mechatronics, biotechnology, nanotechnology, areas along those lines, too. Going back to health care side, there are new programs with, I don’t want to (say) radiology, but those types of sciences (with) the types of equipment used in operating rooms, laboratories, diagnostic equipment. There’s so many changes in the health care realm, and we’re focusing a lot of time and attention on those resources, as well. ❏

By Leslie Shepard

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

OCTOBER 3-9, 2012

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PAGE 7

LAKES AREA NEWS

Dornan retires ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 3

He also initiated the reorganization of every department in the city government. He also spearheaded the construction of a new Department of Public Works (DPW) and salt storage facility, and initiated city-wide safety paths and streetlight conversion to LED technology. “I’m most proud of bringing highquality water to Wixom, transforming the (Village Center Area), and seeing my associates grow up over the years,” Dornan said. “The city runs like a machine with half of the staff most communities our size have.” Another achievement Dornan is proud of is the recognition the city received four times as an entrepreneurial community. Dornan is a founding member of the Resource Recovery and Recycling Authority of Southwest Oakland County and is its current chairman. He is also the vice chairman of the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority. “We have 350 members and $389 million in assets, and provide liability insurance to agencies all over Michigan that the government couldn’t get anywhere else for the price,” he said. Dornan earned recognition twice (in 1990 and 2005) from the Michigan Association of Planning as Outstanding Community Administrator of the Year for his contribution in furthering comprehensive planning in Michigan. “I’ve had a lot of mentors along the way and learned a lot about economic development, planning and finance,” Dornan said. After his time helming the city, it will be difficult to find someone to fill Dornan’s shoes. “I consider Mike as one of the best city managers I’ve every dealt with, not just on council, but in all my dealings with cities,” said Councilman Rich Ziegler. “We certainly are interested in finding someone familiar with the city and able to step right in and take over. Mike is an excellent city manager and has done a great job for the city.” Dornan is prepared and excited to begin a new chapter in his life by relaxing a bit. “I want to do all the things I dreamed of doing. I’d like to golf, ski and travel,” he said. “While my health is still good, I want to do things we all want to do.” ❏

Pictured above is the 2012 Walled Lake Central High School Homecoming Court: freshmen Nicole Langin, Abby Sachs, Jackson Esterline, and Nick Wood; sophomores Nick Krumm, Natalie Nichols, Abby Claybough, and Wyatt Albin; juniors Gina Pizzo, Tyler Davis, Sammy Pulgini, and Carter Mayes; and seniors Sam Stevens, Bennett Hartley, Andi Kalis, Andrew Wood, Skylar Coe, Jeturi Brown, Taylor Krumm, and Phil Mitchell. The Walled Lake Central Vikings varsity football team lost to Huron Valley Lakeland, 21-12, on Friday, Sept. 28. A dance with the theme of “Superhero Smackdown” was held. (Photo submitted by Judy Evola/Walled Lake Consolidated School District)

Planners may vote on radio towers later this month By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Milford Township Planning Commission hopes to soon vote on whether to recommend approval of a proposal to build seven 199-foot radio broadcast towers on the border of Wixom and Milford Township. This comes after the commission at its Thursday, Sept. 27 meeting asked its consultant, Nicholas Lomarko, to summarize the township’s ordinance language in comparison to the project’s application materials, according to Milford Township Planning Commission Chairman David Kulp. “We want to see if this request is appropriate to designate this (proposed area) as a wireless overlay zone,” Kulp said. “This is about whether the facts presented to us

relate to what’s said in the ordinance. Now we have to decide if the materials are appropriate.” Sima Birach, the owner of Southfield-based Birach Broadcasting Corporation, asked for a rezoning, special use and site plan approval for the towers — proposed to be located off Maple Road, just west of the Wixom Department of Public Works facility on Charms Road — after he purchased two parcels totaling more than 61 acres so he could relocate the towers from Fenton to Milford Township. Kulp added that he hopes the commission will vote at its next meeting on Oct. 25 to recommend project approval to the township Board of Trustees. “We did ask the applicant to come back and also provide an analysis of what would happen if they lower the antenna heights 20 or 30 feet,” Kulp said. Several Wixom residents, as well as members of the Wixom City Council, have expressed concerns about the proposed project, including potential

effects on health, communication interference, property values, and the aesthetic appearance of the antennas. “The Milford Planning Commission is being very thoughtful and doing a nice job analyzing a complicated application,” said Wixom City Manager Mike Dornan. “Seven towers standing 199-feet-tall are dramatically different than an industrial building going in at 30 feet at the most. “When you look at the natural vista from the impacted residential areas, it’s definitely a change in the horizon,” he said. Dornan added that there’s rationale to deny Birach’s request on several grounds based on the township’s zoning ordinance, and the City Council is hoping that Milford Township officials will recognize that, as well. ❏ Staff writer Leslie Shepard contributed to this report.

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 11

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

By Leslie Shepard staff writer

SPECIAL REPORT

he autumn season ushers in throngs of people standing knee-deep in lines at apple orchards waiting to buy a bushel of the crisp fruit and sweet apple cider. This year, however, orchard and cider mill owners are seeing a sharp decline in the crop yields due to drought conditions this spring. Although prices have skyrocketed and have shell-shocked some customers, orchard owners more than ever need local support. “Customers really need to come out this year,” said Robert J. Long, who co-owns the Long Family Orchard, Farm and Cider Mill in Commerce Township along with his wife, Christine. “We’re apologetic for the price increase, but the apple shortage is the reason for it and we haven’t raised the prices proportionately. We are all open for business.” According to the Michigan Apple Committee, the Michigan apple industry sustained massive crop losses stemming from historic weather events that occurred in late winter and spring. An early heat wave followed by a cold and frosty spring resulted in the largest apple crop loss since the 1940s. Subsequently, industry experts from across the state predicted a crop size of about 3 million bushels, a significant decline compared to the average crop size of 20 million to 23 million bushels per season — equating to a loss of about 90 percent. “From the growers to the shippers, retailers, laborers and consumers, the effect of this year’s crop loss will be widespread,” said Diane Smith, interim executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “This March is identical to that in March 1945,” Long said. “The buds came up a month early and were vulnerable to cold temperatures when they came back to normal.” Some areas of the state were impacted more than others, and in some cases growers suffered greater losses than neighboring farms. “The impact of these rare weather conditions was ‘hit-or-miss’ in many cases,” Smith said. “We have heard reports of some growers with nearly a full crop of apples, and some who have nothing.” Long said Michigan was the hardest hit state in the Midwest. “We are only getting between 5 and 10 percent of a normal apple crop; the Midwest from Minnesota to New York is expecting 20 percent,” he said. Apple orchards and cider mills across the state have had to resort to

Orchards hit hard

Area owners hope for support in hard times

The Long Family Orchard, Farm and Cider Mill, situated on East Commerce Road west of Bogie Lake Road in Commerce Township, remains a west Oakland landmark and staple. The family-owned and family-operated business sells apples, cider, pumpkins and various locally-grown produce, and features a corn maze and other agritainment attractions. Call the hotline at 248-360-3774 for daily hours, or visit longsorchard.com. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

purchasing apples from other farms, and in some cases from other states. Long said it’s fortunate that he has been able to purchase loads from farms on the west side of the state. “We will have an array of varieties, so we’ve been pretty lucky,” he said. “We haven’t had to purchase any from out of state, but some cider mills have had to buy from West Virginia, Virginia, Pennsylvania, or Washington.” Long said he recently purchased bins of Empire apples from a farm in Sparta, Mich. “At least we’re able to buy locallygrown fruit,” he said. “Out of our orchard we have a few bins for cider, but it’s not significant and there won’t be enough for ‘you pick’ apples.” The apple crop loss has been passed onto customers, who now can expect to pay up to 30 to 50 percent more than the normal price. “Apple prices are way up,” Long said. “The wholesale price more than doubled, so the retail prices are up. We’ve absorbed some of the price and feel bad about it, but supply is low and demand is high.” Long’s is charging $9 for a half-peck of apples this year and has not offered the full peck due to shortages. Despite the rise in prices, Michigan residents love their apples, whether they are the classic McIntosh; fleshy

Cortland; sweet and tart Empire; tangy Idared; acidic Northern Spy; gingery smooth Golden Delicious; snappy Gala; or sweet and firm Honeycrisp. However, Honeycrisp lovers may be disappointed this year since costs may be out of reach at $4 a pound this season. The by-products of apples, of course, is apple cider, and little complements this better than freshly baked donuts, a cider mill staple. While donut prices have only risen slightly, cider prices have soared this year. “Donuts have not risen nearly as much as cider,” Long said. “Grain (costs) a little higher, but we’ve only raised our prices a little bit.” Cider is a different story altogether. Last year, Long’s charged $4 for a half-gallon or $6.75 for a gallon, whereas this year a half-gallon costs $5.50 and a gallon will set customers back $9.50. “We heard some mills are higher than that,” Long said. “We’re seeing more people buying a half-gallon. Still the cider is very good tasting this year — the fruit has produced more sugar.” Nearby orchards offer tractor rides, petting farms, corn mazes, and pumpkin picking — all of which are trademarks of Michigan orchards and cider mills that have embraced the agri-

tainment trend in the industry. The following represents a sampling of the signature orchards and cider mills in or around the lakes area, what they offer, and their times of operation. LONG FAMILY ORCHARD, FARM AND CIDER MILL The lakes area is home to the Long Family Orchard, Farm and Cider Mill, situated on East Commerce Road west of Bogie Lake Road in Commerce Township. The west Oakland County staple has been in operation since 1876. Today, the family-owned and familyoperated farm is run by fifth-year generation descendent Robert J. Long, and his wife, Christine. It was heralded in 2011 as featuring the best commercially-used barn, earning the Barn of the Year Award from the Michigan Barn Preservation Network. Inside the cider mill, patrons can purchase cider, apple cinnamon sugar (or by request) plain donuts, apples, honey, and sweet corn. Long’s makes its unpasteurized cider on site typically between two and three times a week. Making a cider batch takes 18 bushels of apples at a time. The apples are washed and scrubbed, and then sent assembly-line-style up an elevator into a grinding shaft before they’re pressed. The product is then sent via a tube into a filling station.

OCTOBER 3-9, 2012

operated by a third generation of Diehl’s — Mike and Christine, and their son, Nick. Diehl’s was originally acquired when Mike Diehl’s grandfather’s brother acquired the orchard in a poker game. The brother handed it off later to Paul Diehl, Mike’s grandfather, who added on the mill. “We truly love families and provide wholesome activities for them in a fast-paced world,” Christine Diehl said. “We’re just a humble type of

Diehl’s stopped harvesting apples a couple years ago, and instead gets fruit from farms around mid-Michigan. “Our prices have doubled, so we’re taking a hit. Some farms have insurance because they grow (their apples), but we buy our apples,” Christine Diehl said. “Our business is maybe a little down. People are buying less cider, but I don’t think people are staying home — they are still making that annual trip to the cider mill.”

In addition to apples, cider, and various locally-grown produce, the Long Family Orchard, Farm and Cider Mill offers hayrides to the U-pick pumpkin area. As a special attraction on Halloween, co-owner Robert J. Long loads his pumpkin cannon and sends an orange orb sailing every hour. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

farmers. There’s no bells or whistles. We just love serving people.” Right now a full line of fresh apples are in, including Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Gala, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Jonagold, Jonathon, and McIntosh. “Prices are up about a little less than 50 percent on apples and cider,” Christine Diehl said. One-quarter pecks are priced at $6, half-pecks are $10 and a full peck is $16. A gallon of cider is $11 and and a half-gallon is $6.50. “Our donut prices haven’t changed and prices on apples and cider will go back to normal next year, as long as the weather cooperates,” Christine Diehl said.

The mill operates a cider press purchased in the late 1960s and sells hot donuts in three varieties — plain, cinnamon, and powdered sugar. Diehl’s only sells unpasteurized cider. “We consciously choose not to pasteurize and feel strongly about serving raw, fresh juice from the apple,” Christine Diehl said. For those who want to pasteurize their cider, Diehl’s recommends taking cider home and cooking it on the stove for 10 seconds at 160 degrees. Diehl’s also sells jams and jellies; locally-produced honey; caramel apples; cider slushies; apple butter; a slew of pie varieties; and old-fashioned goodies and candies.

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The mill is now also home to 20 pheasants at the bird coop. On the weekends, Diehl’s offers hayrides that run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Costs are $3 per person, or patrons can combine the hayride with the corn maze for $7. The hayride travels over to the pumpkin patch, where patrons are encouraged to pick a pumpkin for $5 each. For a smaller cider mill, it provides a large venue for entertainment, and produce. To kick off the season, it holds an annual Ciderfest and Ciderfest Run, complete with a craft show, entertainment, free face painting, artist demos, and free samples at the end of September, along with an apple pie baking contest. A pair of craft shows are coming up in the first two weekends in October. New this year, from Saturday, Oct. 6 to Sunday, Oct. 7, the craft show will also feature antique hit-and-miss engines. After the Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14 craft show, Diehl’s will host a pig roast. Another unique feature is the dinner and a hayride evening offered from May through Oct. 31 where you choose from two menu options. It includes a tractorpulled hayride and a dinner served by campfire for $18 per person. Children are allowed to play on the playground, playscape, hay piles, or navigate through the kiddie maze or apple orchard free of charge every day. “We get people from anywhere from Sterling Heights to Schwartz Creek to Ann Arbor and Detroit,” Christine Diehl said. “There are generations of families that come here.” FRANKLIN CIDER MILL The Franklin Cider Mill, located at the corner of 14 Mile and Franklin roads, a mile west of Telegraph in Franklin, is steeped in history. The mill was completed in 1837 under the direction of Ed W. Matthews of New York. He purchased a large tract of land near the mill’s current location, but due to financial difficulties he had to abort the project. Another entrepreneur, Peter VanEvery, stepped in to wrap up construction and opened it as a gristmill, and became a miller for people far and wide. Over the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the mill changed hands a number of times. But in 1966, Jack Peltz purchased the mill and it has remained in the family for 52 years, currently under the ownership of his son, Barry Peltz. “At one time Franklin was made of nothing but wheat farmers, but the land got expensive and they went south to retire and sold it to apple farmers,” Barry Peltz said.

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SPECIAL REPORT

Last year the Longs installed a second donut machine and hooked up an automatic jugger, along with an electronic upgrade for efficiency. The Longs wanted to make some more enhancements this year, but due to the uncertainty of this year’s crops, they held off. “We weren’t even sure if could buy fruit with the crop yield so low, but we got lucky and although we were hoping to do some capital improvements, with such uncertainty we held off,” Rob Long said. Apart from the apples, Long’s also sells homegrown asparagus, which is picked in May; strawberries; sweet corn; tomatoes; zucchini; peppers; squash; pumpkins; and honey. The corn maze and farm yard opened on Sept. 22, accessible on weekends only. The red barn garage has been converted into a ticket booth to accommodate patrons. The play area — complete with a palace and wooden train playscapes to explore, a giant slide, inflatables, a pedal cart raceway and larger picnic area — has been a real crowd pleaser. Those 30-inches-tall and under are admitted into the play area free of charge. For those taller than that, an $8 day pass gives patrons unlimited hayrides to the U-pick pumpkin area for the day in October, unlimited time in the 5-acre corn maze for the day, and unlimited time in the play area for the day. Patrons can upgrade to a season pass for an additional $1. Play area hours are Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Patrons will also want to come and get lost in the Moonlight Maze, which is lit only by glow sticks. The 5-acre War of 1812 Moonlight Maze will open the last three weekends in October, limited to Friday and Saturday nights from 7 to 10 p.m. “This year the design is of a soldier and cannon to commemorate the anniversary of the War of 1812,” Rob Long said. Those 3-years-old and under are admitted to the Moonlight Maze free of charge; all others get in for $8. Glow sticks are included in the entry price. Pumpkins are ready to pick this month. As a special attraction on Halloween, Rob Long loads the pumpkin cannon and sends one sailing every hour. Call the hotline at 248-360-3774 for daily hours, or visit longsorchard.com. DIEHL’S ORCHARD AND CIDER MILL For over 50 years, Diehl’s Orchard and Cider Mill in Holly has been serving up fresh apple cider and warm cinnamon donuts to Michigan residents. Located at 1479 Ranch Road, the rustic cider mill is now open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day through Oct. 31. It closes for the season on Nov. 1. The mill and orchard is owned and

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Apple orchards ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 9

In a typical apple season, Franklin offers a large array of apples. This year they are offering Honeycrisp (No. 1 and No. 2 varieties); Jonathon; Jonagold; Golden Delicious; Red Delicious; Cortland; and Empire. “It’s hard to find as many varieties this year, but for years I’ve been buying about 95 percent of our apples from a farmer in Grand Rapids,” Barry Peltz said. “This year, apples cost 50 percent more if you buy from this state, which we have always done. We want to support Michigan.” But Peltz has turned away some varieties this year. “Some aren’t as hearty, like the Northern Spy or Rome, and because of the quality we wouldn’t accept them,” he said. At Franklin, the preferred apple for customers is the Honeycrisp. “The most favored apple is the Honeycrisp and we offer two varieties and grind a third variety into our cider,” Barry Peltz said. “Honeycrisps are graded on looks, but they taste the same. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” A half-peck of Honeycrisp No. 1 is $24.95; the No. 2 variety is $10.95 for a half-peck. Franklin sells only non-pasteurized cider. Costs are $12.95 a gallon; $7.95 a half-gallon; and $5.50 a quart. Cider can be frozen indefinitely for later consumption. “We don’t pasteurize. It’s pure, natural cider,” Barry Peltz said. “Those that do pasteurize the cider by boiling, it kills the flavor. We only add love to our cider because we are all about making it the right way for a highquality product and people from all over the state come to our cider mill for our cider and donuts.” Unlike some cider mills, Franklin banks on its one signature donut, a cinnamon-spice blend. “When Bob McKee bought the mill, he converted it to a cider mill and McKee’s wife’s family had an old German recipe for donuts that we still use today,” Barry Peltz said. “Our donuts are very different — cinnamon and spices, not sugar coated or with any toppings. Ours are beige, not yellow like at most cider mills, and it’s a night and day difference.” The Franklin mill also sells homemade apple pies and Dutch apple pies. “We have our own off-site bakery and make all-natural apple pie with no preservatives,” Barry Peltz said. “We make them once a week and they last 10 days. Again, you can freeze them

Christine Long co-owns the Long Family Orchard, Farm and Cider Mill with her husband, Robert J. Long. The business has been in operation since 1876. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

indefinitely.” For patrons who purchase the pies and freeze them, he recommends baking them in a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes. Franklin also offers a myriad of other pies such as pumpkin; pecan; key lime; four berry; cherry crumb; or strawberry rhubarb, just to name a few. “We also try to get anything we sell in sugar-free varieties,” Barry Peltz said. The mill also sells caramel and candy apples; scones; iced cinnamon bread; a large selection of homemade cakes; jams, spreads and butters; Hickory Farms meats and cheeses; nuts; honey; candies; and vegetables, including gigantic pumpkins. For autumn decorations, Franklin offers Indian corn, gourds, bales of hay, and corn on a stalk. On the weekends, grilled Kosher

hot dogs are sold, along with a new commodity, steamed corn in the husk. For nearly a decade, Franklin has been the only cider mill in the area that has offered horse-drawn carriage rides on the weekends, pulled by magnificent Percheron horses. Costs are $9 per adult and $6 per child; carry-on babies ride free of charge. The 20-minute ride takes patrons through the picturesque village of Franklin and its original streets. New this year, the cider mill holds pet adoptions every weekend. Hours of operation are weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Thanksgiving Day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Historically the Franklin Cider Mill has closed the first Sunday following Thanksgiving. This year it is tentatively set to close on Nov. 25.

Where to go for apples and cider Here’s a list of apple orchards and cider mills in and around Oakland County. Call for updated hours and product availability before visiting. • Long Family Orchard, Commerce Road, Commerce Township, 248-360-3774; • Parshallville Cider Mill, 8507 Parshallville, Fenton, 810-6299079; • Spicer Orchards, 10411 Clyde Road, Fenton, 810-632-7692; • Franklin Cider Mill, 7450 Franklin, Franklin, 248-626-2968; • Diehl’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 1478 Ranch Road, Holly, 248-6348981; • Oak Haven Farm, 7515 Grange Hall Road, Holly, 248-634-5437;

• Parmenter’s Cider Mill, 714 Baseline Road, Northville, 248-3493181; • Ashton Orchard & Cider Mill, 3825 Seymour Lake Road, Ortonville, 248-627-6671; • Goodison Cider Mill, 4295 Orion, Rochester, 248-652-8450; • Paint Creek Cider Mill, 4480 Orion, Rochester, 248-656-3400; • Rochester Cider Mill, 5125 Rochester, Rochester, 248-6514224; • Yates Cider Mill, 1990 E. Avon, Rochester, 248-651-8300; • Erwin Orchards U-Pick & Cider Mill, 61475 Silver Lake Road, South Lyon, 248-437-0150. — Source: oakgov.com

ERWIN ORCHARDS Erwin Orchards is a third-generation family farm located at 61475 Silver Lake Road in South Lyon. Now celebrating its 92nd anniversary, it boasts of 200 acres of fruit orchards. Owners Bill and Linda Erwin, along with partner Bill Emery, pride themselves on maintaining the environmentally-friendly orchard by practicing integrated pest management, using biological controls on insects instead of chemicals whenever possible. Erwin’s trademark has always been top-quality “Pick Your Own” apples, sweet cherries, raspberries and pumpkins. This year, however, The Erwin orchard, like others in the state, was compelled to purchase apples from a farm on the west side of the state. Currently it’s offering McIntosh, Gala and Ginger Gold apples. Erwin’s features its award-winning, fresh pressed unpasteurized apple cider produced from high-quality homegrown apples. Erwin’s took first-place from 1999 to 2002 during the annual Michigan Cider Contest. Another trademark of Erwin Orchards is its apple spice and pumpkin donuts. Again this year, the orchard is bringing back glazed pumpkin donuts topped with autumn sprinkles, a favorite among children, and cider slushies. Squash and cabbage will be harvested in late fall. Erwin Orchards sells honey; hot dogs; pies; maple syrup; apple butter; speciality breads; apple sundaes; and a large selection of gourds. Tractor-pulled wagons continue taking patrons out to the pumpkin patch. Wagon rides are available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily through Oct. 31, and cost $2 per person. Erwin Orchards offers a full array of family entertainment, including a corn maze, petting farm, the Mr. Bee’s Big 3-D Adventure attraction, and inflatables. To ring in the Halloween season, visit the Spooky Fun Barn for younger children, or the Barn Of Horrors and Terrifying Corn Maze for the braver at heart. The Barn of Horrors with the Mystery of the Black Hole features horrific creatures created with state-ofthe-art robotics, special effects, and illusions. Costs are between $10 and $14 per person, per attraction. The cider mill is open until Oct. 31 on weekdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and weekends from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. The haunted attractions run on Friday and Saturday nights through Oct. 27 from 7:30 to 11 p.m. ❏

OCTOBER 3-9, 2012

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Options outlined to deal with sewer fund’s shortfall By Kevin Elliott staff writer

Incoming members of the White Lake Township Board of Trustees will be faced with an estimated $1.5 million shortfall in the township’s Sewer Fund in 2013, Clerk Terry Lilley explained at a Tuesday, Sept. 25 special board meeting. Lilley said that while the fund has sufficient money to cover planned expenditures through 2012, cost overages of about $785,257 incurred in previous years were paid for through loans from the township’s Improvement Revolving Fund and the Sewer Debt Fund. “I didn’t see any evidence that the Improvement Revolving Fund has ever been reimbursed for the $400,000,” Lilley said. “The (additional) $385,257 from the Sewer Fund is an issue, as that was money collected to pay off the loan for the sewer construction. So not only did the project run over by $785,257, but $385,257 was taken away from the loan payment stream to cover a portion of the cost.” Additionally, about $161,858 that was borrowed from the township General Fund to pay interest and principal on a loan from Oakland County to help pay for the first phase of construction hasn’t been repaid, Lilley said. He recommended four options for the township board to consider during its upcoming term as ways to address issues involving the township Sewer Fund: • No. 1, unscramble the current accounting situation and put debt where debt belongs. In this case, Phase No. 1 sewers would receive the full benefit of their indirect fees. Residents living on Pontiac Lake would have to be assessed for any and all deficiencies related to its project funding. This would mean holding reassessment hearings for all 432 parcels within a Pontiac Lake sewer district at $1,900 each. • No. 2, allow the Pontiac Lake Sewer Fund to collect indirect fees to meet requirements for bond repayment. If there are any remaining funds after the debt is paid, those funds would be returned to Phase I, realizing the fact that the Phase I sewers will never benefit

Pictured above is the 2012 Walled Lake Western High School Senior Homecoming Court: Emily Ryan, Alec Hamilton, Leah Carroll, Michael Camilleri, Laura Barts, and Ben Ruby. Camilleri and Carroll were named Homecoming King and Queen. The Walled Lake Western Warriors varsity football team defeated Waterford Mott, 41-13, on Friday, Sept. 28. A dance was held at Walled Lake Western on Saturday, Sept. 29. The homecoming theme was “Adventure Land.” (Photo courtesy of FocalPoint Studio.)

from whatever indirect fees it was shorted and creating a shortfall in customers and cash flow prior to bonds being fully paid in 2018. • No. 3, “loan” the fund monies from the Improvement Revolving Fund to finance any potential shortfall that may occur to meet principal and interest demands on Phase I bonds each year through 2018. • No. 4, increase debt service charges and connection fees to make up some of the potential deficit to create at least some cash flow, along with any connections made during the year and then loaning the balance to meet its demands. Lilley said he wanted to give a presentation to dispel any rumors that the township “was going broke” because of a bad board decision. “This is the way it really is,” Lilley said. “You can blame whoever you want to blame ... now we are going to deal with the facts, and the facts are the facts.” ❏

Possible evidence of bear found in Commerce yard By Kevin Elliott staff writer

A peculiar mound of apparent animal droppings found by a Commerce Township couple may be evidence of a bear wandering around the lakes area, according to local animal experts. Derrick and Viola Freeman said they made the strange discovery around Tuesday, Sept. 25, behind some pine trees in their backyard in the 9000 block of Woods Edge Drive, near the Edgewood Country Club. “We have deer and coyotes come back there all the time,” Derrick Freeman said about the property. “About a week before, I cut the grass and then went camping. When I came back, I went back there and noticed a large pile ... with berries and nuts in it.” The discovery — an unformed mound about 1 foot across — imme-

diately raised concerns with the couple, who suspect it may have been left by bear. “I’ve lived in that house for 12 or 15 years, I’ve walked the Proud Lake Recreation Area and have seen other things, but never anything like this,” Derrick Freeman said. “Nothing this big.” Looking for assistance in identifying what might be lurking in the woods, the Freemans took a picture of the pile and asked for help from others. “They actually brought a sample in,” said veterinarian Douglas Stacer of the Airport Veterinary Hospital in Waterford Township. “If I was Up North chasing bear and I saw that, I would call it bear scat.” Stacer said bear scat would look different than droppings left by other wild animals that would likely be in the area. “It’s usually not a formation like you would see with a coyote or a

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Mystery scat ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 11

dog,” he said. “It’s more of a shapeless mass.” Freeman said he called the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, Oakland County Animal Control, and the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to see if they could provide any assistance in determining whether a bear is roaming the area. However, he said initial calls were met with skepticism and indifference. Frustrated, he said he set up his own “critter cam” to see if he could capture an image of whatever left the droppings. “If we have credible evidence that it might be a bear ... a picture or scat ... we will check it out,” said Wildlife Specialist Tim Payne of the DNR Field Office in Southfield. “Frankly, we don’t see a lot of bear in southern Michigan.” Payne said the last bear sighting in southeast Michigan was about a year ago near Dexter, just west of Ann Arbor. He said that bear ended up being a person’s pet that got loose. However, he said there have been black bear sightings in the Clarkston and Flint areas in the past. “Most of the bears we see in southern Michigan, we see in the spring,” Payne said. “The young male will typically come out of the den and the mother kicks it out of her territory. They will meander in and out of the area.” Payne said wildlife sightings in Oakland County can be reported to the DNR field offices in Southfield or Holly. ❏

Two developers, Menards close to buying Ford plant By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The city of Wixom is crossing its fingers that the former Ford Wixom Assembly Plant will soon be sold. Ford Motor Co. informed the city that it is inching closer to finalizing a deal with several companies interested in purchasing nearly all of the shuttered site. According to Wixom City Manager Mike Dornan, Barrow Development Corporation, a New York-based company, and Trident Capital Group, based in Columbus, Ohio, are partnering on a deal and have signed letters of intent to purchase about 240 acres of the site.

Pictured above is the 2012 Huron Valley Milford High School Homecoming Court. Standing in the back, from left to right, are seniors Shaun Richardson, Jess Allen, Hunter Ruch, Dana Morse, Logan Stanek, Lindsey Maisevich, Anthony Dawson, and Lane Andrews. Kneeling in front row, from left to right, are juniors Leslie Bullion and Courtland Kinte, sophomore Chloe Gerath, and freshmen Coleton Dawson and Paige Miller. Not pictured is sophomore Melvin Jackson. Ruch and Morse were named Homecoming King and Queen. The homecoming theme was “City Lights.” As part of the Spirit Week activities a powder puff football game was held on Wednesday, Sept. 26. A parade was held on Friday, Sept. 28, in downtown Milford before the Milford Mavericks varsity football team’s loss to Howell. A dance was held on Saturday, Sept. 29, at Milford High School. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Trident Capital Group acquires, manages, and redevelops industrial properties. “As far as I know it’s sold with the contingency upon finalizing final documents,” Dornan said. “These are young, smart guys who move quickly and have experience in development and demolition.” Ford Land officials, however, can’t comment on the potential sale quite yet. “We maintain confidentiality agreements with parties during negotiations,” said Ford Land Communications Manager Becky Sanch. “We are pleased with the progress we are making in contract negotiations.” Barrow Development’s co-founder Brian Wilson and Trident Capital representative David Pizotti have worked alongside Ford and the city to put a plan into action. “They love the (Wixom) location

and are looking at different models, but they plan to pretty much knock down the whole thing,” Dornan said. Another 45 acres is anticipated to be sold to the Menards chain of home improvement stores as a separate parcel, according to Dornan. The $8-billion-a-year company has stores across the Midwest. Ford has decided to retain ownership of the site’s 32.13-acre landfill to deal with environmental issues, given the potential for any future liability. Prior to inking a deal, the new potential buyers requested that the Wixom Planning Commission consider accepting a zoning ordinance amendment that revises the master land use plan that overlays the Ford plant site, located off Wixom Road just north of I-96. This plan, called the gateway planned unit development, would reclassify the site as mixed-use site to allow for research and development, manufacturing, and some commercial use.

After a public hearing held on Monday, Oct. 1, the Planning Commission recommended that the City Council consider the proposed master plan amendments. The council will take up the issue on Tuesday, Oct. 9. Menards is also expected to approach the Planning Commission for a rezoning request under a gateway planned unit development approach. “There’s a lot of good things happening and coming to a head, but it could take several years to redevelop the site,” Dornan said. “While it’s good news for Wixom, it doesn’t resolve the serious financial picture the city faces, and that’s why the millage is so important.” During the Nov. 6 general election, voters will be asked to authorize a new dedicated millage of 3.5 mills (which is equal to $3.50 on each $1,000 of taxable value) for four years PAGE 15 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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Where you serve yourself the best soft serve Frozen Yogurt

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Tubby’s

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OCTOBER 3-9, 2012

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Ford plant ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 13

to fund municipal operating expenses, including police and fire, public works and parks and recreation services, beginning in July 2013. Townsend Energy Solutions, headquartered in Baltimore, Md. expressed an interest in the Ford plant property last year. However, it still has not executed any purchase or lease agreements with Ford. “Townsend is still in the picture, but they need to decide what their start and finish lines are,” Dornan said. Ford has already begun demolition of a portion of the property’s structures. “We are in the process of demolishing and readying the site,” Sanch said. ❏

Bridge failure in village prompts creation of board The Wolverine Lake Village Council voted to form a Property Maintenance Board of Appeals after the Canal Drive Bridge failed and residents using the bridge were notified that they must facilitate its repair or otherwise it would be closed. According to the village’s Property Maintenance Code, “it is within the jurisdiction of the Code Official to make findings regarding unsafe structures and equipment; to determine when a structure is causing imminent danger and/or when emergency measure must be taken, including, but not limited to, ordering temporary safeguards and closing/streets/bridges; and to determine when demolition may be required. Whenever the Code Official finds a structure unsafe or determines that emergency measures are necessary, the owner or other responsible parties, shall be notified of the situation and allowed an opportunity to appeal any decision to a Board of Appeals. The appeal must be made to the board within 20 days of the final ruling by the Code Official.” “In order to appeal, you must form a Property Maintenance Board and we didn’t have one in place,” said Village Administrator Sharon Miller. At a meeting last month, the council appointed Council President Pro Tem Ed Sienkiewicz; Village Consulting Engineer Mike Powell; and resident Mike Stack as members of that board. Residents Jerry Nosal and Gene

Several children’s activities and attractions await those who attend the 26th annual Harvest Happening on Saturday, Oct. 6, including an activity involving kids eating donuts hanging from a string. (Photo submitted by Waterford Parks and Recreation)

Harvest Happening ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 3

children will also be amazed by a clown’s magic show and performance. Children’s activities include pony rides for $4 each. A $7 unlimited activity wrist band can be purchased for kids; otherwise each activity costs $1 each. Kids can choose from activities like inflatables, face painting, and kiddie rides including a swing or carousel.

Matkowski will serve as alternate members. The issue arose after the village notified residents on Canal Drive that the bridge had failed. Since the road is considered private property, the homeowners on the street must assume the liability. No funding will be granted from the village or the community at large. “The people on that street, (which) parallels the canal and goes up to the island, always wanted a private road and must accept the responsibility that comes with it,” Sienkiewicz said. The bridge is on the back side of Oak Island. The private roadway is owned and traversed by the residents of about 10 homes. “Canal Drive is an easement to

There will be games and contests for children to enjoy, like pumpkin rolling or eating a donut from a string. Families can relax on a hayride that costs $1 for children under 12 or $2 per adult; or watch rope making and rug weaving demonstrations. While on-site take a tour of the historical Lone Cedar Farmhouse and the antique tractor exhibition; or treat yourself to the homemade applesauce tasting. Kids always want to feed the

farm animals or visit the pumpkin patch to pick out the perfect orb for Halloween. Apart from the scores of activities and entertainment venues, there will a smorgasbord of American food fare like cider and donuts; hot dogs; hamburgers; chicken; and much more. The Waterford Golden Age Club will be holding a bake sale to top off the day. Proceeds benefit the HessHathaway Park and senior programs. ❏

these homes and serves as an egress and digress to these homes,” Miller said. “The bridge goes over a small area and that bridge failed. Because of that, I had to take action since it’s a dangerous situation.” Apparently the top board on the bridge caved through, according to Miller. “We put up barricades and delivered a large steel plate to put on the decking to temporarily convey people to their homes,” Miller said. Miller is meeting with Canal Drive residents to discuss alternatives to rectify the problem. The group must show Miller a plan within 30 days that states how the problems will be corrected. “A plan must show how they

intend to fix and pay for it, whether that be building a new bridge or repairing it. If not, the village must close that bridge,” Miller said. ❏

Library rainy day fund to pay for roof, materials The Waterford Township Board of Trustees approved several amendments to the Waterford Township Public Library’s operations budget on

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 18

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HAPPY HALLOWEEN

from Hungry Howies Find us on facebook www.hungryhowieswalledlake.com

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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TRIMS & TOGS

LAKES EQUIPMENT AND SERVICE 248-231-4083

MUFFLERS AND MORE

Southwest Oakland County Lodge #128 Wixom, MI 48393 Happy Halloween

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490 North Pontiac Trail Walled Lake, MI 48390

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Excavating, Grading Sand • Gravel • Topsoil

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WEST BLOOMFIELD PRESCHOOL ACADEMY

HIGHLAND AUTO REPAIR

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7421 Highland Road • White Lake

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1/4 mile East of Alpine Valley Ski Lodge

All new center based educational program Mention this ad for discount

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AUTO EXCELLENCE DETAIL SHOP 48875 West Road, Wixom, MI 48393

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MANN METALS 1011 Decker Road Walled Lake

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FITNESS 19

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3050 Union Lake Rd., Suite 5 Commerce

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Each entry must be done by the child only. Parent or guardian must sign that work was done without help. Families of Spinal Column Newsweekly employees are not eligible to enter. Judging will be done and winners announced October 24th. Use your best holiday colors and your imagination. Crayons, paints, pencils, pens or markers may be used. Good Luck!

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AAA QUALITY WATER CONDITIONING 7924 Cooley Lake Road Waterford, MI 48327

ALL ENTRIES MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN OCTOBER 17th. SEND YOUR ENTRY TO: Coloring Contest, Spinal Column Newsweekly P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387 Colored by: ______________________________________ Age ________ Address ______________________________________________________ City ________________________ Zip ____________ Phone____________ Parent or Guardian ______________________________________________

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ALEX’S PIZZERIA 49000 Pontiac Trail Wixom, MI 48393

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THOMASON HEATING AND COOLING Furnaces • Boilers • Air Conditioners, etc. Service and Replacements Free Estimates on Installation

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TASK KARATE ACADEMY Little Ninja’s class, ages 5-6, 5 p.m. Wednesdays

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Office: 248-360-2420 248-624-7520 Shop: 248-684-8646

BOB WYCKOFF WELL DRILLING

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Preschool, Headstart and Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP)

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AGAPE SALON and SPA

FIESTA FAJITAS

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248-674-0663 O’BRIEN SULLIVAN FUNERAL HOME 41555 Grand River, Novi

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

LAKES AREA NEWS

Library budget

WB posthumously promotes slain officer to sergeant

❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 15

Monday, Sept. 24, drawing over $364,000 from the library’s fund balance now that a renewal of the library’s millage passed during the Aug. 7 primary election. The library had held money in reserve in case of a different outcome during the election. “The $1.1 million in reserves has been accumulating since 2004,” said Library Director Joan Rogers. “Whatever hasn’t been spent from the previous year goes into the fund balance. We haven’t been drawing on it in case the millage didn’t pass to use it to operate the library and (meet) obligations to vendors. We didn’t want to touch it until the millage was renewed.” The millage is expected to generate $1.76 million in its first collection in January under the renewal, compared to the $1.80 million collected in February 2012. “It’s about $100,000 less than last year due to property values (declining),” Rogers said. “We will draw down on fund balance until the millage funds get the fund balance to 15 percent as recommended by our auditors, Plante Moran.” The millage funds will be collected and distributed effective Jan. 1, 2013. The library’s fund balance as of Jan. 1 was $1.174 million. In addition to the $364,400 taken from the fund balance, another $40,000 from the fund balance will be used, as already approved in the 2012 budget. The money will be used to replace the library’s roof, which is now 20years-old. “Our last construction project was in 2004,” Rogers said. “Now we have funds available to take care of capital improvements.” The new roof will cost approximately $300,000. Another $30,000 will be used to purchase library books and reference materials. “Since 2008, we have reduced spending on the collection by 68 percent,” Rogers said. “The dollars will be spent for such needs as children’s materials, audio (materials), and bestsellers.” About $12,400 will used for computer upgrades. “We have deferred upgrades (for) 2 to 3 years. We need to keep up on this for Internet public workstations,” Rogers said. Lastly, $27,000 will be spent for

By Michael Shelton staff writer

Gerry Pas is the featured model for March in his St. Patrick’s Day bra, as part of “The BRAve Men of Milford” 2013 calendar being sold as a fundraiser to support American Cancer Society cancer research and awareness programs. The calendars will be on sale at 15 Milford locations. (Photo submitted by Carlos Allison/The Digital Document Store)

'Support' for ACS Strapping men don bras for calendar By Michael Shelton staff writer

any would say that it takes a real man to wear a woman’s shoes, but some local Milford area businessmen are going one step further by posing in women’s bras to support cancer research. A kickoff party will be held tonight, Wednesday, Oct. 3, beginning at 6 p.m. at Bakers of Milford on South Milford Road for the launch of a 2013 calendar featuring “The BRAve Men of Milford.” Featured inside the all-male calendar are 12 area male business owners posing in bras decorated with various themes. Models include Joe Hibbert, owner of the Palate Restaurant, Aaron Goodnough of For Feet’s Sake, Jeff Howie of Master Auto Service, and Carlos Allison of The Digital Document Store. “Each picture has its own theme, with each bra worn being associated books and magazines, and office and operating supplies, along with a

with the person or a theme,” Allison said. “We’re hoping for a great turnout (at the launch party).” All of the proceeds from sales of the calendar will go to the American Cancer Society for cancer research and awareness. The next day, tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 4, the calendars will officially go on sale for $20 each at 15 different Milford locations: Intrigue Tanning; Master Auto; Palate; Coratti’s on Main; The Digital Document Store; Bakers of Milford; Powerhouse Gym; Huron Valley State Bank; Main Street Bar and Grill; Your Nesting Place; After the Rain; For Feet’s Sake; DeMarle at Home; Main Street Art; and Milford Feed. The kickoff party at Bakers will also feature free appetizers, a cash bar, and silent auctions of the specially designed bras featured in the calendar and other items to raise additional funding. ❏ reserve in case the library must use matching funds for grants. ❏

The outpouring of tributes and benefits for a fallen West Bloomfield Police Department officer and his surviving family continue to pour in. The West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees at its Monday, Oct. 1 meeting posthumously promoted Officer Patrick O’Rourke to the rank of sergeant effective Sept. 8, in addition to increasing the amount of his compensation and death benefits. Township Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste said that since O’Rourke’s Sept. 9 murder, she had been working with Clerk Cathy Shaughnessy and the township’s labor attorney on a full pension payout and enhanced benefits for the family. “This will improve the morale in the Police Department and leave the family in better financial shape,” Ureste said. O’Rourke, 39, was shot to death when he and other officers responded to a home on Forest Edge Lane, near Pontiac Trail and Halsted Road, around 11 p.m. on Sept. 9 after receiving reports of shots fired inside the home. Police said the arriving officers were met with gunfire by the 50-year-old homeowner, Ricky Coley, who then barricaded himself in the home for nearly 20 hours in a standoff with police before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. O’Rourke is survived by his wife, Amy, and four children, Eileen, Mary, Andrea, and Stephen. In addition to the township board’s actions, the private sector has stepped up, as well. A benefit concert was held at the Royal Oak Music Theater yesterday, Tuesday, Oct. 2, with performances by area musicians including Fifty Amp Fuse and Mitch Ryder, with proceeds going toward a family trust fund set up by Bank of America. Also today, Wednesday, Oct. 3, a group of restaurants across southeast Michigan will look to raise $100,000 for the O’Rourke Family Trust Fund through a benefit called “Tables For 4,” in which participating restaurants will look to donate 25 percent of their sales for the day. West Bloomfield restaurants partici-

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 19

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LAKES AREA NEWS

O’Rourke support ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 18

pating include Twist Custard and Yogurt, located at 631 Haggerty Road; and Yoz Yogurt at 4301 Orchard Lake Road and 33360 W. 14 Mile Road. For a complete list of participating restaurants, log onto mattprenticeculinaryexperience.com. ❏

Wixom’s Fall Fest and Panther Hunt slated for Oct. 13 As a gentle thrill for children and precursor to the Halloween season, Wixom Parks and Recreation will be hosting its annual Fall Fest, Panther Hunt and pumpkin patch event on Saturday, Oct. 13. The family-friendly event is geared toward children between the ages of 2 and 10 and runs from 5 to 8 p.m. Registration begins at 4:30 p.m. Space is limited to the first 400 children. The activities will take place at Gilbert Willis Park, at the north end of Wixom off Loon Lake Road between Wixom and Benstein roads. The evening is packed with activities for the family. From 5 to 7 p.m., children can choose to don their Halloween costumes and head out on the trick-or-treat trail. At the end of their journey, they will come face-toface with a friendly panther who has a special surprise in store for them. Kids will also be invited to partake in pumpkin decorating after selecting their own individual pumpkins. A DJ will be on hand to set the stage with some Halloween-themed music. Face painting, pony rides, and a haunted hay ride will also be part of the festivities. Each child will receive a complementary goodie bag. While the younger kids enjoy the fanfare of activities, adults are welcome to relax by a bonfire as complementary cider and donuts are served. The cost is $10 per child. Wixom has put on this event for the last 15 years. It dates back to the 1980s, when a black panther reportedly was sighted in Wixom. Since then, Parks and Recreation and the Department of Public Works have embellished the tale for kids during the Halloween season in conjunction with a trek along a trail in search of the panther. In addition to the Fall Fest event, the Wixom Fire Department will be hosting its annual open house from

Pictured above in the 2012 Waterford Kettering High School Homecoming Court. From left to right up front in blue are freshman Brenden Ewer and Hope Sparling. In the next row back from left to right in red shirts are sophomores Elliot Morgan, Maddie Wright, Elaina Bratton, and Kenny Overall. In the next row back from left to right in white shirts are juniors Katie Shirk, Noah Stinson, Chesaney Wyse, Aiden Hibbard, Mackenzie Decovich, and Stephen Bell. In the back row from left to right in black shirts are seniors Megan Weaver, Dixxon Darlington, Brianna Holland, Brandon Thompson, Christian Kettenbeil, Jenna Blankenship, Ben Boynton, Taylor Steinhelper, Jake Alfonso, and Maggie Morgan. were named Homecoming King and Queen at halftime of Kettering’s varsity football game against Walled Lake Northern. The school’s homecoming week events included a powder puff football game, a parade, and hall decorating. The homecoming dance was held on Saturday, Sept. 29, with the theme being “Motor City Madness.” (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station No. 1, located at 1345 N. Wixom Road. Fire equipment and vehicles will be on display, including a ladder truck, fire truck pumpers, and a specialty response trailer. There will be ongoing demonstrations such as vehicle extrication, proper use of fire extinguishers, and a water ball that assists in teaching hose maneuvering skills. Complimentary hamburgers, hot dogs, chips and beverages will be served during the open house event. ❏

Spots still open for Chili Cookoff in Milford on Oct. 11 By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Milford Farmers’ Market will host a Chili Cookoff event on Thursday, Oct. 11 beginning at 2:30 p.m. Registration will begin at 2 p.m. for a fee of $35, and the cooking and

prep work will take place from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at the market site, located on East Liberty between South Main and Union in Milford Village. The chili judging and tasting will occur between 5 and 6 p.m. and prizes will be awarded at 7 p.m. Applications for the event are still available at the Milford Farmers’ Market or online at milfordfarmersmarket.com. The deadline to apply is today, Wednesday, Oct. 3. “There still is room for the Chili Cookoff and customers can taste the chili by purchasing tasting tickets,” said Linda Lowe, the event’s organizer. “There will be three awards: One for the Best Chili chosen by area restaurant owners and chefs, one for Peoples’ Choice chosen by the public, and one for the Best Decorated Booth.” She added that the champions from last year’s “Judges Chili” will be returning to defend their first-place standing. Questions about the event can be addressed to Lowe through her e-mail address, sllowe5@comcast.net.

The cookoff follows other successful events that have taken place during the Milford Farmers’ Market 2012 season, including the Shop, Chop and Dine event and the preserving class that were both put on by local chef Brian Polcyn. ❏

St. Mary’s gears up for annual fall regatta on Oct. 6 By Leslie Shepard staff writer

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s will be hosting its fall regatta on Saturday, Oct. 6, when 10 co-ed rowing teams from around the Midwest will compete for the honorary title of “Head of the Orchard.” The event runs from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The last race begins at 1 p.m.

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 21

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OCTOBER 3-9, 2012

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LAKES AREA NEWS

St. Mary’s regatta ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 19

The Head of the Orchard is named after Orchard Lake’s Apple Island. Each team will race a 2.5 mile loop around the island — finishing on the beach off of Indian Trail. The tradition of “head” racing began in 1965 when members of the Cambridge Boat Club established a new class of longer regattas. “Head” races generally chart longer courses than the spring regattas, thereby challenging an oarsmen’s strength and endurance by racing up to 3 miles. Over the last few years, St. Mary’s revived the tradition of holding a fall and spring regatta annually. The team also travels all over the Midwest during the height of the season to compete. This year the St. Mary’s boys already competed at Cuyahoga, in Cleveland, Ohio; and Frogtown in Toledo, Ohio. On Oct. 13, they will race at the Speakman Memorial in Columbus, Ohio followed by the Rolling the Dotte Fall Classic in Wyandotte on Oct. 20. The school’s legendary rowing program commenced in 1976 when Jack LeBlanc and Judson Ross founded it. “Many boys train year-round at St. Mary’s,” said Varsity Coach Chris Moigis in a press release. “Rowing is a great sport that has propelled many of our graduates to new heights athletically and academically. We have St. Mary’s graduates rowing at Mercyhurst University, the Naval Academy, Princeton, Brown, the University of Pennsylvania, Northeastern University, and other top schools. St. Mary’s alum Ian Silvera (Class of 2008) recently took gold at the 2012 U-23 World Championships in Trakai, Lithuania.” Head and novice coach Chris Czarnecki leads 20 boys on the novice roster while Moigis trains 23 varsity rowers at St. Mary’s. “The team is preparing to host another great event and getting the beach ready for the race,” said Event Coordinator Dan Whalen. “We expect upwards of 400 athletes and 1,000 plus spectators to line Indian Trail once again for a great day of fall racing.” At the event, spirit apparel will be provided by Northwest Design. Jacques Taco, a mobile food truck, will also be serving up fresh fare at

Pictured above in the 50th Anniversary Homecoming Court for Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes School. In the back row from left to right are seniors Chris Donohue, Paige Bruno, Ross Nickels, Cassie Stoutenburg, Abbigayle Kline, Zachary Beans, Kyle Johns, and Rachel Rowden. In the front row from left to right are freshman McLane Burtrem, junior Paul Lee, freshman Allison Maiorana, junior Olivia Imbier, sophomore Eriel Negron, and sophomore Jack Safko. Beans and Kline were named Homecoming King and Queen. A bonfire was held on Friday, Sept. 28, with the homecoming dance being held on Saturday, Sept. 29, after Our Lady’s varsity football game against Bloomfield Hills-Cranbrook Kingswood. The dance theme was “Under the Sea.” (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

reasonable prices. Winning team members will earn individual medals, but no club will go home empty-handed. Each club will be given a bag of Michigan apples. During the event, the city of Orchard Lake will close Indian Trail from Commerce to Seminary; and Seminary to Orchard Lake to allow local through traffic only. Patrons are advised to enter the event site off of Commerce Road. Parking will cost $5. Parking attendants will be on site to direct traffic. ❏

Windmill Market sells pumpkins to help O’Rourkes By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

Need pumpkins? Want to support a worthy cause? Look no farther than the Windmill Market in West Bloomfield Township.

Located at 7275 Cooley Lake Road, the market is donating all proceeds from the sales of its $2.99 pumpkins this month to the family of fallen West Bloomfield Police Officer Patrick O’Rourke, who was shot and killed in the line of duty on Sept. 9 while responding with other officers to reports of a gunshot at a residence near Pontiac Trail and Halsted Road. “We’re always helping out the community that we are involved in,” said Mazen Shaba, owner of the Windmill Market. “We thought because of the situation that happened in West Bloomfield, with the O’Rourke family losing their father, this would be a good opportunity to help them out and do something good and show that we care — and not only that we care, but also that everybody in the community cares about our own people. He was always there helping us.” Shaba said the response from the community so far — the fundraiser started on Friday, Sept. 28

— has been positive, with 38 pumpkins sold, including a pair of larger ones that brought in donations of $45 and $60, respectively. “At the end of the month, we are going to add everything up, write a check and take it to the West Bloomfield Police Department,” Shaba said. The man who police say shot and killed O’Rourke, 50-year-old township resident Ricky Coley, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head at his home following a 20-hour standoff with law enforcement on Sept. 10. O’Rourke is survived by his wife, Amy, and his four children, Eileen, Mary, Andrea, and Stephen. Learn more about the Windmill Market at windmillmkt.com or call the Windmill Market at 248-3604441 for more information on the fund-raiser. Donations can also be made to the family through the Patrick O’Rourke Family Trust by visiting westbloomfieldhero.com. ❏

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LOCAL MATTERS business notes openings ❐ Essential Bodywear is holding a grand opening party in honor of its new world headquarters from 4 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11, at 3160 Dallavo Court in Commerce Township. Those attending the event will receive a complimentary fitting by one of their expert bra fit specialists, plus one lucky winner will win a fabulous Essential Bodywear bra and panty set of their choice at the end of the evening. So grab your girlfriends and let’s celebrate this grand opening and support breast cancer awareness. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and in honor of this, Essential Bodywear is donating $2 for every Jacqueline bra sold during the month of October to the Pink Daisy Project. This is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping women facing breast cancer manage treatment by providing care and comfort. RSVP to repsupport@essentialbodywear.com or call toll free at 1877-787-6631.

benefits ❐ The West Bloomfield Optimist Club is hosting a Wine Tasting Fundraiser for the youth of West Bloomfield from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 16, at the Uptown Grille at 3100 E. Maple Road, at the corner of Maple and Haggerty roads, in West Bloomfield. Tickets are $50 per person and include a tasting of a variety of wines, appetizers, dinner, and dessert. You may purchase any of the wines of the tasting at a discount price — a great opportunity to stock up for the holidays and to give as gifts. Purchased wines will be available for pickup at Uptown Grille anytime after Nov 2. A cash bar will be available. This event is for ages 21 and older. Purchase tickets by mailing a check to Optimist Club of West Bloomfield, 5636 Fox Hunt Lane, West Bloomfield, Mich., 48322; or online at https://www.paypal.com/cgi—bin/webscr?cmd=__s—xclick&hosted__button__id=H6EMR32Z83M66. Any questions, please call Barbara LaDuke at 248-539-1278 or e-mail her with the subject line “winetasting” at b79baps@gmail.com

weekly agenda ❐ The Oakland County One Stop Shop Business Center is offering the following business seminars. Unless

PAGE 23 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

Genise Horsley (left in blue dress with tiara), owner of The Clothing Cove in downtown Milford, draws names to award prizes during an invitation-only party on Tuesday, Sept. 25, celebrating the business’ 25th anniversary. The store awarded over $14,000 in prizes during the event as a way to thank loyal customers. The store’s celebration of its silver anniversary will continue through the year. (Photo submitted by Angel Pronger/The Clothing Cove)

A coveted 25th anniversary The Clothing Cove celebrates silver milestone in Milford By Michael Shelton staff writer

t a time when many businesses are struggling to survive in a down economy, The Clothing Cove at 414 N. Main Street in downtown Milford has just celebrated a quarter-century as a lakes area women’s fashion institution. On Tuesday, Sept. 25, an all-day party was held at the store to commemorate its 25th anniversary. The day began with door prizes, prize drawings, and refreshments for loyal customers and other visitors. When night fell, an invitation-only event was held with the store’s employees dressed in elegant clothing from the store. Over $14,000 in gifts were given away. The store’s celebration will continue for the rest of the year with parties on the 25th of each month, which will include 25-percent discounts on select items and a $250 gift certificate awarded each month to a lucky customer. The celebration has served as a

testimony to how far the store has come since its owners, Eric and Genise Horsley, first started their business at 332 N. Main Street back in September 1987 — not as a clothing boutique, but as an exercise studio and fitness wear store called California Toning. “As the business progressed, we just thought that people are a lot less interested in exercise than they are in clothing — and I can either talk myself to death trying to help them (get) healthy or we can play and have fun at this, as well, and go into clothing,” Genise Horsley said. Over time, the business expanded to the point where it needed to be moved in 2004 to its current location, in order to have more space for its selection of women’s clothing, jewelry and accessories. In 2009, The Clothing Cove set up an online store at its website, theclothingcove.com, and has built a loyal customer base that has expanded outside the state. “What separates us is that we

give one-on-one service and if there’s something specific that you’re looking for, we will do our best to find it,” said Rachel Horsley, the store’s manager and Eric and Genise’s daughter. The Clothing Cove doesn’t keep fashion confined to its store, as it has also hosted trunk shows, parties, and special events, in addition to fashion shows and accessory demonstrations to raise funds for local hospitals and charities. The Horsleys also travel to fashion shows outside of the state to keep their eyes on the newest fashion trends and help the store adapt to the newest styles. The Horsley family doesn’t just credit customers and a staff of more than 27 employees for the store’s longevity, but also the family’s faith. “We thank God for all of our business and all of our customers. We believe that He’s given us every increase that we could possibly have gotten and everything has come through Him,” Rachel Horsley said. ❏

OCTOBER 3-9, 2012

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PAGE 23

LOCAL MATTERS

Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 22

otherwise noted, all programs take place at the Oakland County Executive Office Building Conference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. For pre-registration and location, visit AdvantageOakland.com/expand or call 248-858-0783: • Business Research: Feasibility to Expansion. Thinking of starting a business and want to research your business idea? Are you a business owner who wants to benchmark your profit margin and other measures against similar size businesses? Do you want to identify market trends and opportunities to grow your sales? Are you looking for new customers or to diversify your market base? Business Research shows you ways to find your ideal customers, your competitors, perform competitive analysis, and more. Presented by Oakland County Market Research and an Oakland County Public Library business reference librarian. It will be held tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 4 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Oxford Public Library, 530 Pontiac Road, Oxford. This workshop is free, but preregistration is required. •Facebook for Business (Beginner) Introduction to Social Media Marketing and using Facebook for Business. Millions of people are using Facebook and social media for fun, but it is also a powerful business tool that can connect you with your customers, potential customers and the world. Social media is a two-way marketing channel — a conversation with your customers. With social media marketing and Facebook, you can leverage these conversations and relationships to increase brand visibility and reach; be established as a thought leader and expert in your field; give real time customer service; stay on top of industry trends and conduct competitive research; build brand advocates; and yes, you can see a measurable ROI — even sales! But before you jump in and start using social media, learn how to get these results with an introduction to social media marketing and Facebook for business. Wednesday, Oct. 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. The fee is $40 per person. No refunds. •Fundamentals of Starting a Business is a seminar for anyone thinking about going into business. Participants examine their entrepreneurial skills, learn how to implement their ideas and receive a list of pitfalls to avoid when starting a business. Thursday, Oct. 11 from 6 to 9 p.m. The fee is $30 person. No refunds. •Team SBA (Small Business

WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL

Support yourself and your community – shop locally! The choices that you make about where to shop are powerful statements to your community. By choosing locally owned & operated businesses, you support: Schools • Police and Fire • Libraries • Parks & Recreation • Roads Invest in our future – buy local, live local, and volunteer local too.

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

Administration) Financing Roundtable This session is best suited to those who have good credit, a solid business idea, and some money to invest. Before you apply for a business loan, we recommend that you first attend a Financing Roundtable. The roundtables are free loan orientations conducted by a business banker, a business consultant from the SBA’s network of Small Business Development Centers, and an SBA representative. During the roundtable, we’ll debunk the myths and demystify the process of small business financing. You’ll learn how the lending process works and what is expected of you, and you’ll understand how the SBA can assist with our SBA Guaranteed Loan Program. Because the SBA does not provide loan guarantees to real estate investment firms, including purchasing and rehabbing houses for sale, this type of financing is not discussed at the roundtables. Presented by the SBA Representative, Michigan Small Business & Technology Development Center Consultant, and Business Banker. Thursday, Oct. 11 from 9

a.m. to noon. This workshop is free, but pre-registration is required. •CEED Microloan Orientation. Many small business owners face obstacles when trying to get a business loan. The recognition of need for working capital for existing businesses, start-up or expansion, equipment purchases, and job creation is not the priority it was. If you need alternative financing, consider the MicroLoan Program. Learn the requirements and process needed to apply and get a microloan. Presented by the Center for Empowerment & Economic Development, Oct. 17, 9-11 a.m. Free workshop, but pre-registration is required. •Facebook for Business (Intermediate) - Create your Facebook Strategy. In this Intermediate session of Facebook for Business, you will establish your social media objectives and goals for Facebook, create your Facebook social media marketing strategy and schedule, and integrate Facebook into your marketing strategy. Prerequisite is Facebook for Business (Beginner). Oct. 17, 6 to 9 p.m. $40 per person. No refunds.

AAA Quality Water Conditioning, which has been in business in Waterford Township for 25 years, held a Tuesday, Sept. 25 ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of its new location at 7924 Cooley Lake Road. AAA Quality Water Conditioning, owned and operated by Mark Kitchen, carries the finest in water softeners, iron filters, and reverse osmosis equipment; and has become one of the top dealers in lower Michigan and the USA. Water filtration systems in private homes provide both a savings in your budget and safe drinking water, according to Kitchen. His business has test kits available for hard water, iron, Manganese and sulphur. For more information about the business, visit qualitywaterconditioning.synthasite.com, or call 248-673-8250. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

COMMUNITY LIFE

50 YEARS AGO Oct. 4, 1962 On Oct. 5, 1960, the birth of a new "baby" was announced. After careful thought the pink newborn was named Spinal Column. There were many bumps and bruises while learning creep, but finally — though the steps were faltering and sometimes the infant fell — at least baby walks. Thanks to all of you we celebrate our second birthday. 40 YEARS AGO Oct. 4, 1972 The cityhood requests of Commerce Township and Wolverine Lake Village may be decided this month. Boundary commission secretary James Hyde said the five-man commission will schedule a meeting sometime in October to discuss — and possibly reach a decision on — the cityhood requests. The meeting will mark the first action taken on those requests since ... months ago. Commerce has asked that its present township boundaries remain intact when it seeks cityhood. Wolverine Lake first petitioned to have just its present boundaries approved for its cityhood plans. It later submitted two annexation plans to the commission asking in each for some 3.5 acres of Commerce land. The situation was made even more confusing when neighboring communities Wixom and Walled Lake entered the hassle with annexation requests of their own. Both cities, like Wolverine Lake, asked for various parcels of land currently in Commerce. 30 YEARS AGO Oct. 6, 1982 Kent Lake in Milford Township has the lowest water quality among several western Oakland County lakes classified over the past three years by the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR). DNR experts analyzed 23 local lakes for their trophic status as part of a $100,000 federally-backed inland waters testing program. Nearly 200 Michigan lakes were checked by the DNR during 1980 and 1981 and the results have been compiled this year. An official classification of the test data released last week by the DNR ... shows that 17 Oakland County lakes are regarded as "mesotrophic," the moderate range of water

quality, while six lakes, including Kent, Oakland, Pontiac and Crescent Lake in west Oakland are pegged as "eutrophic." 20 YEARS AGO Sept. 30, 1992 Dr. Jack Kevorkian presided over his fifth assisted suicide in the past two years Saturday, Sept. 26, as he helped a 52-yearold Warren woman take her own life in a Waterford Township residence. Lois Frances Hawes, who was terminally ill with metastatic lung cancer, died after inhaling a mixture of carbon monoxide and nitrogen dispensed from a machine invented and provided by Kevorkian. According to a Waterford Township Police Department report, Hawes died in a house located in the 2100 block of Paulsen owned by Neil Victor Nicol, a long-time Kevorkian friend and associate. Hawe was found by police lying on a hide-a-bed with a plastic respirator mask over her face, according to the report. Police also found Kevorkian, Hawes' two sons, her two sisters, a niece, and Kevorkian's sister at the Nicol home. 10 YEARS AGO Oct. 2, 2002 To help install sanitary sewers around Pontiac Lake in White Lake Township, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) recently awarded the township several million dollars from the State Revolving Fund. White Lake Township's Pontiac Lake sewer project will receive a $4.1 million chunk ... White Lake Supervisor Bonnie Elliot said she was pleased to hear the news, which the township has been anticipating for several years. Elliot expects work to begin by the end of the year, and that the two phases of work should take about 18 months to complete.

Headlines of the Past

– A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly –

Kirk Pinho and Rebecca Pierzchala of Pontiac are delighted and proud to announce the birth of their daughter, Evelyn Clare, at 5:01 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 21, at St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Pontiac. She weighed 7 pounds, 8 ounces and was 20.5 inches long. Her grandparents are Tony Pinho of Waterford Township; Dawn and Rod Fergerson of Longwood, Fla.; Christine Pierzchala of Eastpointe; and Jon and Wendy van Woerden of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

academic honors ❐ Mengmeng Jie of Novi and Brian Edward Kulwick of Wolverine Lake have been named as two of the winners of the prestigious 1931 Engineering Scholarships at the University of Michigan for the 2012-2013 school year. These two were selected from over

150 applicants for this year’s award. They were chosen based on academic achievement and their community service as the most likely to bring honor not only to themselves but also to the 1931 Engineering Class on the 30th anniversary of the Engineering Scholarship Program at the University of Michigan.

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Lyon Township Public Library 27005 S. Milford Rd., Lyon Township Call 248-437-8800 to register Please call America’s IRA Centers to schedule your FREE Social Security Evaluation 248-685-2323

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Located at First Baptist Church of Walled Lake Overlooking pristine Walled Lake Available for your special day

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OCTOBER 3-9, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 25

PUBLIC SAFETY Bank robber faces up to 50 years in prison The suspect in the robbery of a Milford credit union, as well as banks elsewhere in Michigan and Illinois, was sentenced to 18 months to 50 years in prison in Oakland County Circuit Court on Thursday, Sept. 20. Carlos M. Vilanova, 48, was found guilty on Aug. 30 on one count of bank robbery for his theft of money from the Community Choice Credit Union on Milford Road on July 11. His trial was held in front of Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Nanci J. Grant. Vilanova was arrested after he passed a note to a Community Choice Credit Union employee saying that he was armed before leaving the bank with several hundred dollars. No weapon was discovered and no one at the credit union was injured. Vilanova is a Highland Township resident who was working in Ann Arbor. He is also facing charges of robbery in Green Oak Township, as well as several other bank robberies in Illinois. He is a former Chicago resident. Officers from the Milford Police Department and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department Fugitive Apprehension Team arrested Vilanova on July 30 shortly after obtaining a warrant from the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office earlier in the day. Vilanova was previously arraigned in 52-1 District Court in Novi and bound over to Circuit Court for trial. ❏

Layne pretrial delayed for prosecution request Sandra Maxine Layne, the West Bloomfield Township grandmother accused of murdering her 17-year-old grandson, has had her pretrial hearing moved to Nov. 15 by Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Denise LangfordMorris. Layne was originally in court for a pretrial hearing on Sept. 13, but according to staff in Langford-Morris’ chambers, the prosecution requested additional time to gather forensic evidence. Layne has already been bound over to stand trial for murder in Jonathan Archer Hoffman’s May 18 shooting death. Layne faces a charge of open murder, punishable by up to life in prison, and is also charged with possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony, which carries a maximum of two years in prison upon conviction. Hoffman was a Farmington Central

Sentence upheld Murderer still on hook for life in prison By Michael Shelton staff writer

he Michigan Court of Appeals has upheld West Bloomfield Township resident Ellery Bennett’s sentence of life in prison without parole for the 2010 stabbing death of his wife. The sentence was originally handed down by Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Nanci Grant on March 9, after a jury previously found Bennett guilty of the charge of first-degree murder. The body of Bennett’s 46-year-old wife, Lisa, was discovered in their home in the 7100 block of South Oak Court East on Aug. 18, 2010. West Bloomfield Township police were dispatched to the home after Ellery Bennett, 49, checked into Beaumont Hospital in Royal Oak with stab wounds and told hospital staff that a victim could be found in the family home. Sergeant Bob Spencer of the West Bloomfield Township Police Department said Ellery Bennett had left notes at the scene of the crime detailing the couple’s financial and marital problems, and that Lisa Bennett had filed for divorce. According to the unpublished report of the Court of Appeals’ opinion, dated Sept. 25, Bennett and his defense argued that the evidence provided was insufficient to support his conviction. However, the court stated that Bennett suggested that the jury’s verdict was against the great weight of the evidence, but he did not preserve the argument by asking for a new trial. The court also rejected claims by Bennett that his actions were in selfdefense because the evidence contradicted his claims and Bennett made conflicting statements when he originally told police that he struck Lisa when they were both standing by a bed and she fell onto it. When his statement was debunked by an evidence technician, Bennett then changed his story and said that he and Lisa were both on the bed when he stabbed her. The Court of Appeals also ruled that Bennett admittedly tried to commit suicide by cutting himself after he stabbed Lisa, which is further evidence of consciousness of guilt. The court additionally rejected Bennett’s claim that the prosecutor of his trial improperly appealed to the jury’s sympathy for the victim during the opening statement and closing argument. Bennett also argued that his right to a public trial was violated when some of his relatives were excluded from the courtroom during jury voir dire, a claim that was also rejected by the appeals court. ❏

High School senior who had attended North Farmington High School in the past. West Bloomfield Township police officers responded on May 18 to the shooting scene, the family’s condominium on Brookview Lane near Maple and Halsted roads. A handgun was found at the scene. Police reported that there was no one else in the residence at the time of the shooting. ❏

No suspects in pair of Wixom theft complaints Two breaking and entering reports were lodged with Wixom police over the last few weeks.

On Saturday, Sept. 22, tenants who reside in the 30000 block of Stoneridge in the Stoneridge apartment complex reported that they came home to find their door slightly ajar and their apartment ransacked. In one of the bedrooms, a mattress was overturned, and the flat screen television was stolen, along with a box of jewelry. Another flat screen television was stolen from the living area. There were no signs of forced entry, and both tenants said the door was locked when they left. The case is being investigated by the Wixom Police Department’s Detective Bureau. Then on Wednesday, Sept. 26, a

pair of tenants who live in the 31000 block of Woodland within The Village apartment complex reported that someone entered through a door wall and stole a pair of televisions; a pair of Gucci shoes and tennis shoes; a $300 money order; and Gatorade. Police inspected the door wall and found pry marks around the interior and exterior of the frame. Currently there are no suspects in either case. ❏

Woman’s wallet stolen at Salvation Army store Orchard Lake police are investigating a larceny that occurred at the local Salvation Army store on Wednesday, Sept. 26. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. at the store located at 3232 Orchard Lake Road. According to police reports, a woman approached the counter to pay for her merchandise when she noticed her wallet had been stolen. The wallet contained $80 in cash, credit cards, and several pieces of identification. Detectives are investigating. ❏

Police say minors were drinking in Central Park Milford police arrested three minors who were caught with alcohol in Central Park on Wednesday, Sept. 19. Officers were dispatched to Central Park at 7:45 p.m. on reports of people drinking in a green GMC Jimmy in the parking lot. An officer talked to a male at the scene who reportedly smelled like intoxicants and had glassy eyes and slurred speech. The five minors sitting in the car were asked to step out. Officers reportedly found a beer in the driver’s side cup holder as well as dozens of empty and full beer cans. Three of the minors, all male residents of Milford, were arrested and cited for being minors in possession of alcohol. One of the minors, 17, was also cited for possession of alcohol in a public park and having open intoxicants in a vehicle. He allegedly had a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.150 percent. A 19-year-old minor was cited for possession of alcohol in a public place and reportedly had a 0.123 percent BAC. The third suspect, also 19, had a 0.136 percent BAC, according to police. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

UPDATE

Things improving for area motorists

Audit: WBS total fund balance dipped by $7.5M By Michael Shelton staff writer

PONTIAC TRAIL (Walled Lake) • Notes: The Road Commission for Oakland County (RCOC) is continuing its reconstruction efforts on Pontiac Trail between West Maple Road and South Commerce Road. • Closures: During the project, Pontiac Trail will remain open, but will be reduced to one lane in each direction. West Maple is now open at the west side of Pontiac Trail, but is closed at the east side of Pontiac Trail. • Completion date: Nov. 15. • Cost: $2.6 million. ORCHARD LAKE ROAD (Farmington Hills/West Bloomfield Township border) • Notes: A resurfacing project on Orchard Lake Road between 13 Mile Road and 14 Mile Road. • Completion date: Expected to open today, Oct. 3. • Cost: $1.4 million. COMMERCE ROAD (Commerce Township) • Notes: The project involves reconstruction of the roadway, as well as traffic signal upgrades and drainage improvements. Motorists should expect delays. Commerce Road between Carroll Lake and Union Lake roads is now open to traffic. • Completion date: Monday, Oct. 15. • Cost: $2.6 million. COOLEY LAKE ROAD (Milford, Highland, White Lake, and Commerce townships) • Closure: Cooley Lake Road, east of Duck Lake to Mystic Valley. • Notes: A gravel road paving project is underway on Cooley Lake Road, east of Duck Lake to Mystic Valley, in Milford, Highland, White Lake, and Commerce townships. • Detour: Duck Lake Road to Commerce Road to Carey Road, and vice versa. • Completion date: Nov. 1. • Cost: $4.4 million. BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: I-96 EAST OF MILFORD ROAD, WEST OF KENT LAKE ROAD (Milford) • Notes: A series of bridge reconstruction projects is being carried out in phases. Crews are currently constructing the inside of the Milford Road bridge and continuing efforts on the Kent Lake bridge (I-96 over Kent Lake Road) as well as the Huron River Trail bridge (I-96 over Huron River Trail). The I-96 driving surfaces of these bridges on the eastbound side are completed. The westbound side will not be finished until mid-October. Crews must also remove all temporary measures in place to retain three traffic lanes, including restoring shoulders and building barrier walls. Therefore, lane restrictions will remain in place until mid- to late-October. Each bridge project is being reconstructed in phases so three lanes are maintained on I-96 at all times. • Completion date: The end of October. • Cost: $15.5 million.

The West Bloomfield Schools Board of Education accepted an audit report by Plante & Moran for the 2011-12 school year presented at the Monday, Sept. 24 board meeting. According to the report, the district’s combined fund balance at the end of the year was $12.5 million, a decrease of $7.5 million from the previous year. However, the general fund balance increased by $1.3 million to $1.8 million, which Plante & Moran reported was accomplished due to budget reductions and cost-cutting measures implemented by the board and administration for the 2011-12 school year. Those measures included negotiated changes in salaries, wages and benefits of all district employees. The firm added that other budget adjustments included staff reductions of 36 positions and the district’s implementation of a four-tier transportation system for students attending both elementary and secondary schools. Plante & Moran also stated that budgeted revenue in the district’s general fund increased by $1.07 million due to increases in local, state, federal and interdistrict sources of revenue. General fund expenditures were increased by $1.68 million to include changes in staffing, compensation, health insurance, mandatory retirement payments, and collective bargaining settlements. Plante & Moran also stated that the district’s final amended budget and actual amounts as of June 30 showed a net increase in revenue of $26,189 and a decrease in expenditures of $1.2 million, with the overall reduction in expenditures brought about by districtwide cost containment and collective bargaining agreement settlements, reduced energy consumption and a reduction in Michigan Tax Tribunal settlements. The report pegs the district’s general fund revenue as of June 30 at $66.67 million. The majority of the district’s general fund revenue consisted of $47.94 million coming from state sources, followed by $13.25 million from local sources. General fund expenditures totaled $66 million, with the majority of the

expenditures consisting of $52.2 million going toward instruction, followed by $10.6 million toward operations, maintenance, business and transportation. At the same meeting, the board also approved the closure of Ealy Elementary School in the fall of 2013, along with converting Doherty Elementary School into a facility for students in kindergarten through second-grade and Sheiko Elementary into a building for students in thirdthrough fifth-grade. Total potential savings for the district from those changes are expected to total $725,000. ❏

WLCS adds school liaison officer in OCSD partnership By Kevin Elliott staff writer

The Walled Lake Consolidated School District and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department are partnering again as the district announced the addition of a school liaison officer in the district. Lee Van Camp was recently assigned to support the district middle school and high school security initiatives, district spokeswoman Judy Evola stated in a news release. Van Camp will travel between buildings and has space at each of the middle school and high school main offices, she said. Van Camp is an 18-year veteran of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department. He worked for 14 years as a deputy and four years in the Detective Bureau. “Walled Lake Schools is fortunate to have wonderful relationships with law enforcement officials throughout the nine communities we serve,” Superintendent Kenneth Gutman stated in the release. “We appreciate working with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department and are happy to have reinstated a police liaison position for the 2012-13 school year.” The district previously utilized Sheriff’s Department deputies at each of its high schools. Evola said the positions were eliminated as a result of budget reductions over the past few years. Despite those cutbacks, she added that safety and security is a priority in the school district. Safety plans and meetings and conversations with law enforcement officials throughout the district have been ongoing. ❏

OCTOBER 3-9, 2012

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PAGE 27

ENVIRONMENT

Lawmaker floats ban on coal-tar sealants in state By Kevin Elliott staff writer

Increased exposure to certain cancer-causing chemicals found in air and lake waters across the nation could lead to a statewide ban on certain pavement sealing activities and products in Michigan. The proposed ban, introduced in the state House of Representatives as House Bill (HB) 5910, would make it illegal to sell or apply coal-tar-based pavement sealants in Michigan. The legislation follows similar regulatory actions by states and local governments taken in an effort to protect against possible human and aquatic life health hazards. Great Michigan, a consortium of environmental, conservation and public health groups across the state, in its support for the bill states that coal-tar sealants used for parking lots and driveways contain high levels of hazardous chemicals. Because coal-tar wears away over time, the chemicals are released in particle form and dis-

persed by runoff caused by rain and wind, resulting in water pollution and public health problems, the group states. The proposed ban, introduced by state Rep. Dian Slavens (D-Canton), would also impose a civil infraction for violators and fine of up to $1,000. Similar bans have been imposed in the state of Washington; District of Columbia; Austin, Texas; Minneapolis, Minn.; and other municipalities as a result of recent findings by researchers with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). Sealcoat is a black liquid or emulsion that is sprayed on asphalt after the pavement has been laid. Sealant manufacturers say coal-tar-based sealants provide more protection to pavements than asphalt oil-based products. However, the USGS states that coal-tarbased sealants contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are probable carcinogens and toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. According to USGS studies, coal-tarbased sealants are emitting PAHs into the air at rates that could be greater than annual emissions from vehicles in the country. A separate study by Baylor University and the USGS also found children living near coal-tar-sealed pavement are exposed to twice as

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

LEGAL LEVEL 929.22 934.00 906.80 928.60 1016.63 930.00 1.08 933.00 949.30 966.70 930.70 949.30 957.50 930.50 942.75 962.83 932.80 949.30 951.00 928.60 927.07 930.80 950.00 1019.10 965.42

9/14/12 +.18 +.38 +.22 +.39 Legal +.02 –.06 +.22 Legal +.20 –.58 Legal +.20 –.28 +.15 –.31 –.85 Legal –1.44 +.40 +.17 –.62 –.06 –.24 –.33

9/21/12 +.07 +.36 +.18 +.32 Legal +.03 –.06 +.20 +.07 +.22 –.56 +.10 +.21 –.38 +.12 –.37 –1.00 +.10 –1.47 +.40 +.14 –.70 –.04 –.31 –.32

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

9/28/12 –.04 +.34 +.14 +.13 –.08 +.03 –.08 +.19 +.16 +.14 –.76 +.25 +.19 –.45 +.05 –.39 –1.15 +.15 –1.77 +.20 +.10 –.78 –.06 –.45 –.34

many PAHs from ingestion of contaminated house dust than from food. Barbara Mahler, with the USGS National Water Quality Assessment Program, told the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in July that coal-tar-based sealcoats contain about 50,000 to 100,000 milligrams per kilogram of PAHs, while alternative asphalt-based sealcoats contains about 50 milligram per kilogram of PAHs. She said research indicates that watershed sediments exposed to runoff from parking lots treated with coal-tar-based sealants are far greater than runoff from non-treated and asphalt-base sealant treated parking lots. “You just go out and brush up some of the dust off a sealcoated parking lot and you will see little black bits, and those are the abraded bits of sealcoat,” Mahler said. Mike Houstina, of Jet Asphalt and Sealcoating in Waterford Township, recommends reapplying sealcoat every other year to extend the life of pavement. “It’s got to go somewhere,” he said of eroded sealant. “That’s why I recommend applying every two years.” Houstina said he doesn’t believe a ban would impact his business if an alternative asphalt-based sealant was easily available. Currently, he said, suppliers don’t always stock both products. “The rumor in the industry is that coal-tar sealants last longer, and that’s why they are likely the predominant product,” Houstina said. Surface Coatings Co. manufactures Seal-Pave asphalt sealants in Auburn Hills and offers both coal- and petroleum-based sealants, as well as a hybrid blend for “reduced odor.” The company addresses some environmental concerns on its website. “Air sampling studies showed

refined coal-tar-based sealers pose no inhalation risk to applicators, manufacturers or the general public,” the company states on its website, which adds that coal-tar-based sealants have superior strength and resistance to petroleum, ultraviolet bleaching, and road salts when compared to asphalt emulsions. The information is part of the opposing viewpoint given by the Pavement Coatings Technology Council, a national trade industry group in Alexandria, Va., that refutes the USGS findings with its own study. “The results indicate that sealants are not a primary source of PAHs in urban sediments,” according to the group. Surveys conducted by the USGS at 10 lakes nationally, including one in Oakland County, included samples of dust from sealcoated and unsealcoated pavements. The findings show PAH concentrations were highest in the central and eastern regions of the country, more so than in the west where coaltar-based sealant use isn’t as predominant. Composite samples collected at South Commerce Lake in Commerce Township tested the highest for PAHs of all those included in the report at 3,400 milligrams per kilogram at sealed lots, while unsealed lot samples were recorded at 47 milligrams per kilogram. However, examination of the PAHs by the USGS indicates more than 50 percent of the PAHs are likely from coal, with sealcoat accounting for about 20 percent of the PAHs. Houstina said he has heard the industry’s argument about coal-tar-based sealants, but still feels there are probably dangers associated with them. “For people applying it, it has risks, but I don’t think the customers are at risk,” Houstina said. “It’s troublesome to me because I do it for a living.” ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Obituaries

DEROCHE, KIRK MATTHEW - age 39, of Knoxville, passed away September 12, 2012 at Parkwest Medical Center. He was a Marine Corps Veteran and worked as a military contractor in Afghanistan. Kirk was a loving husband and father. He is survived by his loving wife, Kimberly "Kim" DeRoche; children, Ella, Wyatt and Erin DeRoche; parents, Paul and Anne DeRoche; brothers, Paul (Jill) and Craig (Stacey) DeRoche; father and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Nancy Bird; brothers-in-law, Kevin and David Bird; sister-in-law, Jennifer (Brian) Crawford; several nieces and nephews. A celebration of life service will be held 5:00 p.m. Saturday October 13th at the Novi Civic Center, 45175 W. 10 Mile Road (Adults only please). In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Sun Trust Bank, 8445 Walbrook Dr., Knoxville, TN 37923 in care of the DeRoche children fund. DROGMILLER, EDWARD; age 64, of Walled Lake died on Sept. 26, 2012 Rest in God's love. Love Ernie, Kathy, Theresa, Nikki, Nevin and Valerie. KLOS, HENRY A.; of Walled Lake was born August 29, 1925. He died September 23, 2012 at age 87. Beloved husband of 43 years to the late Verna. HUTTON, WILLIAM "BILL" G.; a resident of Milford since 1969, passed away surrounded by his loving family on September 23, 2012. He was 83 years old. LINCOLN, PHYLLIS P.; age 87, a longtime resident of Milford, passed away September 24, 2012. LOOKABAUGH, LINDA M.; of Waterford passed peacefully on September 24, 2012 at the age of 65. NALLEY, JOHN MICHAEL; age 72, a resident of Commerce Twp, passed away in the care of his family September 23, 2012. Survived by Margot, his beloved wife of nearly 30 years. ROBACK, FRANCIS JOHN; of Waterford, died September 15, 2012 at 83 years of age. Beloved husband of Almeda for 59 years. SMITH, STEVEN OTIS; born March 26, 1970 died Sept. 25, 2012 Survived by son James, Mother, Father and 8 siblings. Forever in our hearts. VANLANDUYT, PATRICIA A.; Age 69, born on April 15, 1943 and passed away on September 21, 2012 in Commerce. To place an obituary in the Spinal Column Newsweekly please call the Classified Department at 248-360-7355 or email: lorisnyder@thescngroup.com

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PAGE 29

COUNTY

The war on the airwaves At least $1M spent by outside groups on TV ads in CC race By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

dd at least another $850,000 to the ad buys on behalf of two state assistant attorneys general who many say are the beneficiaries of an out-of-state spending bonanza in an effort to unseat at least one of five sitting Oakland County Circuit Court judges up for re-election on Nov. 6. After the Spinal Column Newsweekly two weeks ago first reported more than $200,000 in outof-state cash propping up the campaigns of challengers Deborah Carley and William Rollstin, sources say two out-state groups are now on the hook to spend over $1 million on television air time for the Oakland County Circuit Court race in which incumbent judges Phyllis McMillen, Leo Bowman, Denise Langford-Morris, Wendy Potts, and Michael Warren are running for sixyear terms paying $139,919 annually. Americans for Job Security, which was running a negative ad against McMillen through at least Sunday, Sept. 30, has purchased at least $662,650 in air time on Comcast, the WOW cable network, WXYZ and WDIV, according to television ad contracts provided to the Spinal Column Newsweekly. The first ad Americans for Job Security ran, titled “Criminal Neglect” and costing nearly $150,000 to run, promptly drew criticism from McMillen’s campaign team, which said that claims made in it are patently false. What remains in store in terms of ad content from Americans for Job Security — an Arlington, Va.-based 501(c)6 tax-exempt organization which has at least another $555,000 in ad time in the hopper from Monday, Oct. 8 through the Nov. 6 general election — is a mystery. The campaign team for the Unity Slate — which consists of the five incumbent judges and features Republican Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson and former Democratic Gov. James Blanchard as honorary co-chairmen — is also “leaving open” the chance that it will pursue legal action against Americans for Job Security for the content of the “Criminal Neglect” ad, the Spinal Column Newsweekly has learned. “While the campaign is focused on reaching out to voters and talking

about the importance of an independent judiciary, we are leaving open the possibility of legal remedies with regard to the false ads,” said Jennifer Murray, a spokeswoman for the Unity Slate. And now the Judicial Crisis Network, which last week started running a positive ad for challengers Carley and Rollstin, is spending at least $327,000 on air time through four ad buys of $15,725, $70,800, $75,500 and $164,900, according to ad contracts forwarded to the Spinal Column Newsweekly. “Our Oakland County Circuit Court needs new leadership,” the narrator states in the ad by the Judicial Crisis Network, a Washington, D.C.-based operation helmed by Carrie Severino. “Prosecutors Bill Rollstin and Deb Carley have a plan for the Oakland County Circuit Court. Bill Rollstin took on public corruption in Oakland County, and he shut it down. Deb Carley protects our families by prosecuting criminals who would seek to harm our children. Prosecuting criminals and protecting our children. Bill Rollstin and Deb Carley. To learn about the Bill Rollstin and Deb Carley plan, go to www.therollstincarleyplan.com.” As of Tuesday, Oct. 2, there was no “plan” posted on the website the ad directs viewers to visit. As of press time, the site’s only content was the ad and a disclaimer saying that the ad was paid for by the Judicial Crisis Network and “was not authorized by any candidate’s committee.” The Judicial Crisis Network, which was named the Judicial Confirmation Network during the administration of former President George W. Bush and promoted the appointment of his

nominees to federal bench seats, has ad time purchased from Monday, Sept. 24 through the Nov. 6 general election, documents show. “We support legislative and legal efforts which oppose attempts to undermine the rule of law; unconstitutionally expand the power of government; politicize the enforcement of the law; threaten American sovereignty; supplant American law with foreign or international law; or bias the legal system on behalf of politically favored groups or individuals,” the Judicial Crisis Network’s mission statement reads, in part. McMillen, appointed to the Circuit Court bench by former Gov. Jennifer Granholm, is running on the Unity Slate with fellow incumbents Potts, Warren, Bowman, and LangfordMorris. The five judges are from different political backgrounds but have come together to run as a five-person slate in light of the challenges from Carley and Rollstin, both of whom sources say have been scarce on the campaign trail. Peter R. Robbio of CRC Public Relations, which does PR work for the Judicial Crisis Network, wrote in an email to the Spinal Column Newsweekly, in part, “the Judicial Crisis Network initiated an advertising campaign in the state of Michigan as a part of that mission [‘to educate and organize citizens to participate’ in furthering the ‘Founders’ vision of a nation of limited government; dedicated to the rule of law; with a fair and impartial judiciary]. The ad pretty much speaks for itself. The funding for the ad came from general revenues.” “When anonymous, out-of-state

donors pour a million dollars into supporting a race, you have to expect they want something in return,” Murray said. “In this case, they must believe Debbie Carley and William Rollstin are going to deliver.” Rumors have long circulated among many political insiders of both parties that a wealthy Michigan resident is spearheading the effort to oust McMillen because of a grievance with one of her rulings, but the Spinal Column Newsweekly has not been able to independently confirm that rumor. Carley’s and Rollstin’s campaign apparatus was essentially paid for by three out-of-state donors: Andrew McKenna of Virginia, John Bryan of Oregon, and John Templeton, Jr. of Pennsylvania, all three of whom contribute heavily to federal Republican candidates and influential GOP Super PACs. In the Circuit Court race, however, the out-of-state trio’s money went to the Citizen’s Action Fund, which is run by The Sterling Corporation, a Lansing-based Republican political consulting and communications firm. Those three men donated $120,000 to the Citizen’s Action Fund, about $67,000 of which went to fund the start-up costs — for things like petition signature collection, website design and hosting, and media photos and video — of Carley’s and Rollstin’s campaigns Both Carley and Rollstin originally listed Sterling’s Lansing address as that of their campaign committees, but have since changed their committees’ addresses to ones in Bloomfield and Troy, respectively. Murray again hit Carley and Rollstin on the out-of-state funding. “If Carley and Rollstin were to sit on the bench, whose interests would they serve — the people of Oakland County, or their anonymous backers?” Ellen Kletzka, who is listed as the designated treasurer and bookkeeper for the Citizen’s Action Fund, declined comment when reached by phone last week after several weeks of unreturned voicemails and e-mails. Neither Carley nor Rollstin have responded to calls or e-mails seeking comment. Likewise, Robert Macomber, who is listed as the campaign treasurer for both challengers, also did not return phone calls seeking comment. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

WE DO

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OCTOBER 3-9, 2012

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PAGE 31

IN OUR OPINION

Answers needed in CC race Asking for votes, but challengers dodging questioning A

few hundred thousand dollars here, a few hundred thousand dollars there, and pretty soon you start talking about real money. Deborah Carley and William Rollstin — and their deep-pocketed backers, both secret and not-so-secret — need to come clean to Oakland County voters after concerns have been raised about who exactly is funding their campaigns against five incumbent Oakland County Circuit Court judges. Whoever the true Svengalis are behind The two state assistant attorneys generals’ campaigns for the bench, the two challengers to the quintet of sitting Circuit Court jurists owe voters, directly or through the media, and their supporters an explanation of who exactly is ponying up over $1 million in support of them — and why. No one is saying any of the funding — which we know is coming from individual out-of-state GOP bankrollers and through groups with innocuous names like the Citizen’s Action Fund, Americans for Job Security, and the Judicial Crisis Network, the latter two of which, plain and simple, do not disclose the names of their contributors — for the Carley and Rollstin campaigns is being done illegally. That needs to be made clear. What sources are saying, however, is that it’s a notso thinly-veiled attempt to buy at least one Circuit Court seat, a tactic which is of grave concern in partisan races, but even more worrisome when the contest at hand is a non-partisan judicial race that will determine who earns almost $140,000 per year to make decisions on matters of law and order in Oakland County. To this point, neither Carley nor Rollstin have responded to repeated, and increasingly frustrated, requests for interviews, both made over the phone

and via e-mail by the Spinal Column Newsweekly over the last several weeks as we were first reporting this story. We, and apparently other media outlets, have given the two challengers vying for six-year terms on the Circuit Court bench ample opportunity to set the record straight on a host of questions being raised about their campaigns — which several sources have said are rooted in a strategy of “laying low” until the very end while others do the campaigns’ dirty attack work. We don’t know if that charge is true. What we do know is that the two challengers did not participate in a forum hosted by the Oakland County Bar Association last month and were incommunicado with the League of Women Voters Oakland Area when asked for responses to their questions, both of which raised red flags for political insiders. For the record, all five incumbents — Phyllis McMillen, Wendy Potts, Michael Warren, Leo Bowman, and Denise LangfordMorris — did. We don’t know if Carley or Rollstin are puppeteers or marionettes in what some are calling a campaign finance charade. We don’t know for sure (although rumors abound) who — or whom — specifically is spending over $1 million to fund the attack ad targeting McMillen by Americans for Job Security (AJS), or the positive ad on Carley and Rollstin paid for by the Judicial Crisis Network (JCN). AJS has or will spend at least $705,000 on ad time running through the Nov. 6 general election, while JCN has or will spend $327,000. We don’t know if Carley or Rollstin have any idea who specifically is paying for those ads, or why. We don’t know what the “plan for the Oakland County Circuit Court” is that’s trumpeted in the JCN ad , nor why the Circuit Court “needs new leadership,” as the

same ad espouses. A spokesman for the JCN dodged those questions. We don’t know why these two national organizations — presumably with much bigger fish to fry this election season — give a hoot about a Circuit Court race in suburban Detroit. We don’t know why three well-heeled donors from Virginia, Pennsylvania and Oregon decided to chip in a total of $120,000 to the Citizens Action Fund, the Lansing-based political action committee (PAC) that effectively paid for Carley’s and Rollstin’s campaign apparatus. And frankly, we don’t know if Andrew McKenna, John Templeton, Jr. or John Bryan, the trio of out-ofstate donors, have any idea who Carley or Rollstin, or any of the incumbents, are. We don’t know if AJS or the JCN can answer that question, either. But perhaps most importantly, we’ve not heard either of the two challengers themselves say why they are running. Still in this late stage of the game, that remains a mystery. We don’t know, we don’t know, we don’t know — that’s the common refrain, the one that is the most disturbing in the whole situation, especially for Oakland County voters who should demand more transparency from their candidates for elected office. It’s up to Carley and Rollstin to let Oakland County voters know the answers to all of those questions, and more — if they have the answers. We suspect they do, at least to some of them, and the electorate deserves and needs the two challengers to answer them. They know darn well how to get ahold of us. We’d love to hear from them to get their side of the story, as should Oakland County voters heading to the polls next month. ❏

Meager road funding option A

state lawmaker has proposed changes in Michigan law that could direct some of the royalty revenues from oil and gas production on state land toward road and transportation improvements. While Michigan clearly has more road repair and maintenance needs than existing revenue streams can possibly cover, we’re not convinced this novel approach will make much — if any — headway in narrowing the gap between the state’s road and transportation project needs and the funding available for road work. A pair of tie-barred Senate bills were recently introduced in Lansing to appropriate surplus dollars from the state’s Natural Resources Trust Fund (NRTF) toward transportation improvements. Senate Bills (SBs) 1273 and 1274 would amend Public Act 451 of 1994, under the “Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.” Under constitutional and statutory provisions, oil and gas royalty revenues generated by the state are

earmarked first for the NRTF, and then the State Parks Endowment Fund. Current provisions of the state Constitution and Michigan law state the amount annually accumulated in the NRTF is capped at $500 million, exclusive of interest, earnings, and amounts authorized for expenditure. Any funds accummulated annually beyond the trust fund cap are deposited in the Michigan State Parks Endowment Fund until it reaches an accumulated principal of $800 million. SBs 1273 and 1274 require any surplus dollars accumulated above the Michigan State Parks Endowment Fund cap to be earmarked for construction, maintenance and improvements of roads, streets and bridges by municipalities by depositing those surplus dollars into the Michigan Transportation Fund. We admit we’re not thrilled with the idea of surplus NRTF/State Park Endowment Fund dollars going toward road or transportation projects, despite the dire need to bolster the funding available for that.

Although the state Constitution contains a general authorization of funding distribution akin to that called for under SBs 1273 and 1274, such transfers fly in the face of the spirit of the NRTF program — which was created based on the notion of using state royalties earned on the exploitation of non-renewal resources solely for the acquisition and/or development of land for preservation or public recreation. However, we’d be willing to begrudgingly accept this proposal. Our chief concern is that there’s no guarantee in any given year that the NRTF and State Parks Endowment Fund caps will be exceeded, leading to an influx of revenue for road and transportation projects. As such, we’re left to wonder “What’s the point?” State lawmakers — either those currently serving in Lansing or those about to be elected to new terms beginning in January — need to come up with another way to boost funding for road and transportation needs. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

MAIL BAG

Romney ‘cold toast’ From Joe Hargrove, Commerce Township: After his “47 percent” comments, (Mitt) Romney is becoming cold toast. His “supporters” are beginning to distance themselves from him. His party is getting out of Mitt Town, boarding the same bus they would throw half of America under. If you do not pay federal income tax, you are part of the 47 percent that Romney considers moochers, takers, victims. Nevermind that you are

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not required to pay federal income tax because you can’t find a job, or you don’t earn enough, or you live on Social Security. Nevermind that you are poor, unemployed, or old; you are part of Romney’s 47 percent who are on the dole, taking handouts from the 1 percent. If you thought you were in the 99 percent group, and got moved to the 47 percent group, I’m not sure if you got demoted to “victim” status or promoted closer to the 1 percent group. I’m sure Romney will tell you whatever you want to hear. America loves a good party; the Republicans are not it. Mitt, your party is almost over. ❏

‘Equal justice for all’ From Tyler Zaremba, Sterling Heights: Mike Bishop running for Oakland County prosecutor may come as a surprise to some. However, after spending time in the state Legislature, it was confirmed to Mike that public service is a cause which is worthy and noble. Mike is a public servant with experience in law, and sees a drastic need for change. Both offices serve as leadership positions that must answer to their constituents, which has always

been a privilege in Mike’s opinion. As Oakland County prosecutor, Mike is going to fight for what is right. Accessibility and accountability to the constituents is a priority. Mike knows that leadership is both a privilege and a responsibility. With the support of Oakland County residents, the Prosecutor’s Office should be seen as a place where victims can be heard, where protocol and procedures are followed, and where leadership is committed to those they represent. What is difficult is that most people are not aware of exactly the impact of the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office on the community. Like all elected officials, the prosecutor must uphold the oath of office and maintain the public trust. The prosecutor must show fiscal responsibility when spending taxpayer money. And, the prosecutor must never forget that they are “the people’s attorney,” ensuring equal justice for all. Job No. 1 for the Oakland County prosecutor is to make sure that criminals face vigorous and fair prosecution in our county courts. As lawyers for the victims of crimes, one of the Prosecutor’s Office’s core duties is to ensure victims see justice served. Mike pledges to be the “victim’s attorney.” On Nov. 6, we must stand together

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Kudos on cover story From former Wixom City Council member and Oakland County commissioner Nancy Dingeldey: Kudos to Kirk Pinho on this spot-on cover story, “Money talks? Out-of-state sources spending big in challengers’ circuit court bid” (Sept. 19, Spinal Column Newsweekly). His was an outstanding job of journalistic reporting that certainly uncovered the undercurrent of the nasty side of political wheeling and dealing. Why all the money coming from out of state to unseat Oakland County Circuit Court judges? And of the (five) who are running for reelection, all of whom run their courts judiciously, why pick on Judge Phyllis McMillen? Her record on the bench is above reproach — far from (the way it’s portrayed in) the malicious ads being run that paint her so negatively. Where’s the “truth squad” when we, the people who vote, need them the most? Don’t fall prey to trash. Support those Circuit Court judges running for reelection — especially Phyllis McMillen! ❏

Mail Bag provides a forum to express your thoughts. Please limit to 275 words or less. Please type and double space. We reserve the right to edit or not publish any letter. Deadline Friday at 12 noon. Include name, address and phone number for verification, only your name and community will be published. Letters without names will not be considered. Mail to Spinal Column Newsweekly, P.O. Box 14, Union Lake, MI 48387 or fax 24/7 to Editor 248-360-1220.

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OCTOBER 3-9, 2012

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PAGE 33

COMMUNITY CALENDAR ■ Waterford Garden Club: Meetings, Thursday, Oct. 4 and Nov. 1, Waterford Parks and Recreation Building, 2303 Crescent Lake Road, Waterford. For more information, e-mail wjg530@yahoo.com. ■ Wixom Farmers Market: Open 3 to 7 p.m. every Thursday through tomorrow, Oct. 4, Sibley Park off Pontiac Trail, across from City Hall. wixomparksandrec.com. ■ Central United Methodist Church:Rummage Sale, 1 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5; and 9 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Oct. 6 (Bag Day), 3882 Highland Road, Waterford. 248-681-0040. ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Michigan 4 Artist Judy Munro’s “Michigan’s Four Seasons” opens with a gallery reception/light refreshments from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, 205 W. Livingston Road, Highland. The exhibition will held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Oct. 27. 248-889-8660. ■ Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene: Parking lot sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Oct. 6, 2840 Airport Road, Waterford. Proceeds raise money for children’s ministries. Call Jennifer at 248-673-5911, ext. 10. ■ White Lake Farmers Market: Open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday now through Saturday, Oct. 6, Huron Valley Lakeland High School, 1500 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake. whitelakefarmersmarket.weebly.com or 248-755-1195. ■ Walk for Melanoma: 7th annual KDB Melanoma 5K Run/Walk, Sunday, Oct. 7, east boat launch, Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration begins at 9 a.m. and the walk/run will begin at 11 a.m. Register online at aimatmelanoma.org, then click on “Participate in a Fund-raiser.” All proceeds go to the AIM at Melanoma. ■ Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene: Free sneak preview of new Vegie Tales Film, “The League of Incredible Vegtables” with all-you-caneat free popcorn, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, church gym, 2840 Airport Road, Waterford. Call Jennifer at 248-673-5911, ext. 10. ■ Milford Farmers’ Market: Open 3 to 8 p.m. every Thursday through Oct. 18, E. Liberty Street between S. Main and Union streets in Milford. milfordfarmersmarket.org. ■ Walled Lake Farmers Market: Open 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesdays now through Oct. 31, Walled Lake City Event Field on E. West Maple Road between Decker Road and Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake. 248-624-4847. ■ Oakland County Market: Open 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, May through Christmas, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. oakgov.com/cmarket. ■ Friends of Byers: Byers’ Antique Barn now open noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Volunteers are needed at 213 Commerce Road, Commerce. For more information, visit byershomestead.org or call 248-363-2592. ■ Grace Hospice: Volunteers with reliable trans-

portation needed to visit terminally-ill patients and family members in our communities. Free training and classes are now forming. 1-888937-4390. ■ Huron Valley Council for the Arts: Thoughts and Colors of Nature, a group exhibit by members of the Michigan Association of Calligraphers, now on display at 205 W. Livingston Road, Highland. ■ Lakes Area Optimist Club: Meeting, 7:30 a.m. Thursdays, Walled Lake Big Boy on Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake. Volunteer opportunity available. 248-520-4680. ■ Milford Police Department: Now taking back unwanted prescription drugs on a continuous basis at 1100 Atlantic Street in Milford. These unwanted prescription drugs may be placed into the secure drop box located in the Police Department lobby. All drugs turned in will ultimately be sent to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for destruction. The service is free and anonymous with no questions asked. For more information, visit milfordpolice.com or call 248-676-2089. ■ St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church: Mom’s Day Out, free child care for errand running moms, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fridays, 3795 Sashabaw Road, Waterford. 248-674-4322.

SUPPORT GROUPS ❐ Age with Grace: Caregiver support group meeting, 6 p.m. the first Monday of every month at 2230 E. Highland Road, Highland. Space is limited, please call to reserve your place. 248529-6431. ❐ AA Meetings: 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Four Towns United Methodist Church, 6451 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford. 248-682-0211. ❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addiction, for life’s hurts, habits or hangups, 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. ❐ Families Anonymous, West Bloomfield Chapter: Twelve-step support group for recovery for relatives and friends concerned about the use of drugs, alcohol or related behavioral problems, 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, West Bloomfield area. 1800-736-9805 or familiesanonymous.org. ❐ Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: Meeting, 9 a.m. Saturdays, Central United Methodist Church, 3882 Highland Road, Waterford. 248-623-7921 or 248-762-0633 or foodaddicts.org. ❐ TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly): 5:30 p.m. weigh-in, 6 p.m. meeting, Tuesdays, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Conference Room 1-C, 1 William Carls Drive, Commerce. 248-363-6369 or e-mail jr.h@att.net.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES ❐ Active Adult Program: Game Day at the J, noon to 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4; Jazz at the J with jazz singer Barbara Ware, 1:30 p.m. Oct. 24, Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit, 6600 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield. Admission is $5. 248-967-4030. ❐ Dublin Senior Center: Personal Action Toward Health (PATH) class, 1:30 p.m. Thursdays, 685 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Registration. 248698-2394. ❐ Highland Adult Activity Center: Health Fair, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, 209 N. John Street, Highland. Dance, $15 per person/$25 per couple. Public welcome. RSVP 248-887-1707. ❐ Richardson Community Senior Center: Soup, Sandwich and Movie Day, noon to 3 p.m. Thursdays, 1485 E. Oakley Park, Commerce. 248-926-0063. ❐ RSVP: Retired and Senior Volunteer Program needs volunteers, age 55 and up to work at hospitals, cultural institutions, food pantries, schools and more. For more information, contact Carol Heckman at 248-559-1147, ext. 3435. ❐ Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church: Senior Stretch and Tone, 11 a.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8:30 a.m. Fridays, 2399 Figa Avenue, West Bloomfield. 248-682-0770. ❐ Waterford Senior Center: Art Expression, 9 to 11:30 a.m. Thursdays, Room No. 2, 3621 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. Five-dollar donation toward class supplies; $1 per day to help offset Waterford Senior Center costs. 248-683-9450. ❐ West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Senior Programs: Line dancing, 11 a.m. Fridays at the Corners, 4640 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Registration. 248-451-1900. ❐ Wixom Senior Center: Blood pressure reading, 9 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10; Coffee Talk, 11 a.m. Thursdays, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. 248624-0870.

PARKS ❐ Independence Oaks County Park: Fall Color Car Classic, classic/antique cars, 50/50 drawing, goodie bags, prizes, food concessions, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, 9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston. Benefits go toward Order of Alhambra, which supports individuals with disabilities. DestinationOakland.com. ❐ Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center: “Tot Time: ‘Whoo’ Goes There?,” “Brownies: Bugs,” and “Scouts Space Night,” Saturday, Oct. 6, Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake. Registration. 248-625-6640. ❐ Kensington Farm Center: “Fall Festival,” noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6 and Sunday, Oct. 7; Horse-drawn hayrides, noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, Kensington Metropark, Milford. 248-684-8632 or 1-800-477-3178. ❐ Kensington Metropark: “Webelos: Outdoorsman,” 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6;

“Webelos: Forester,” 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct 7, Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration, 810-227-8917. ❐ Orion Oaks County Park :Fifth annual Pumpkin Launch with raffles, contests, limited bleacher seating, spectators may bring portable chairs and more, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 2301 Clarkston Road between Baldwin and Joslyn Road, Orion Township. Entry fee, $25 per team and food items available for purchase. 248-961-3362 or www.DestinationOakland.com

LIBRARY EVENTS ❐ Commerce Township Community Library: Food for Fines - Fine Amnesty now through Monday, Oct. 15, 2860 N. Pontiac Trail, Commerce. 248-669-8108 or commercelibrary.info. ❐ Highland Township Public Library: Get Your Geek On! Hobbyist Showcase, 11 a.m to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 444 Beach Farm Circle, Highland. Registration. 248-887-2218. ❐ Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit’s Henry & Delia Meyers Library and Media Center: Used book sale 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sunday, Oct. 14 to Oct. 24, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield. 248432-5546. ❐ Milford Public Library: Michigan and the Civil War: Author Visit and Book Signing with Jack Dempsey, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, 330 Family Drive, Milford. Registration and pajamas suggested. 248-684-0845. ❐ Walled Lake City Library: Evening Book Discussion Group, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 10, 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake. Registration. 248-624-3772. ❐ Waterford Township Public Library: Matinee Movie: Traveling Magical Bed with popcorn, 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 6, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. Registration. 248674-4831. ❐ West Bloomfield Library: “What’s Cooking Spices and Rubs,” adult program, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 4; Music @ Main - Al Parrish, Candian folk music and stories, 3 and 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. 248-682-2120. ❐ White Lake Township Library: Computer Club - “How to make free movies,” Thursday, Oct. 4, 7527 E. Highland Road, White Lake. Registration. 248-698-4942. ❐ Wixom Public Library: Friends of the Library silent auction now through Saturday, Oct. 6, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. 248-624-2512.

RELIGIOUS

❐ St. George’s Episcopal Church: St. Francis of Assisi Celebration, tented outdoor blessing (weather permitting), 10 a.m. or noon, Sunday, Oct. 7, 801 E. Commerce St., Milford. Pets must be leashed or in carrier. 248-6840495.

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JOIN US IN WELCOMING JOE LEACH SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY OAKLAND LAKEFRONT OAKLAND HOMES MONTHLYADVERTISER WEST OAKLAND DIRECTORY

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Joe invites you to call him to discuss your advertising needs at 248-360-7355, ext. 606.

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More news about our lakes in our sister publication www.oaklandlakefront.com

Joe is a resident of Commerce Township and resides with his wife, Carol, and his sons James (15) and Josiah (13). Carol is a psychologist and practices in Oakland County. Joe has served on the Lakeland Bronco Junior Football board of directors and Livingston County Junior Football League Board of Directors for 7 years and has been an assistant coach in Little League and Babe Ruth League Baseball. He also participates in various community volunteer activities throughout the year.

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Nolan Johnson (No. 24) and the Huron Valley Lakeland offense finished with 248 rushing yards in a 21-12 victory over Walled Lake Central on the road on Friday, Sept. 28. The Eagles can clinch the Kensington Lakes Activities Association North Division title and an automatic state playoff berth for the first time since 2008 with a win against rival Walled Lake Northern on Friday, Oct. 5. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Closing in on North crown Eagles one win away from title with victory over Central By Michael Shelton staff writer

In a crucial matchup between two Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division opponents fighting to secure a state playoff berth, Huron Valley Lakeland grinded out a 21-12 victory on the road at Walled Lake Central on Friday, Sept. 28. With the victory, the Eagles (5-1

overall, 3-1 in the KLAA North) are only one victory away from both winning the KLAA North Division title and returning to the state playoffs for the first time since their 2008 district championship season. On Friday, Oct. 5, Lakeland will be on its home field against the division’s leader, its Bogie Lake Road neighbor school Walled Lake Northern, making this year’s edition of the Battle of Bogie

Lake the most anticipated meeting so far between the two schools. Meanwhile, the Vikings (3-3, 2-2 in

View VIDEO CLIPS relative to this story at

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the KLAA North) now find themselves needing to win their final three games in order to reach the 6-win mark to assure

themselves of a fourth straight state playoff berth, starting with this week’s matchup at home against its biggest rival, Walled Lake Western, on Friday, Oct. 5. Central was in position to pull the upset against Lakeland early as it had a 6-0 lead at the end of the first quarter on two field goals by Bryan Maxwell from 39 yards and 38 yards PAGE 37 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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Internet Directory

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

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

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2012 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7:30 PM 1499 E. WEST MAPLE ROAD, WALLED LAKE, MICHIGAN

Please take note the City of Walled Lake Zoning Board of Appeals will meet as noticed above to consider the following appeal: Case# 2012-08 Appellant: Tony Zerilli Parcel ID# 17-26-404-002 Location: 1396 Decker, Walled Lake, MI 48390 Request: Non-Use Variance Applicant requests a seven and one half foot (7.5’) variance from the minimum ten foot (10’) side yard setback and a three foot (3’) variance from the twenty five foot (25’) combined total minimum side yard set back required under 17.00 “Schedule of Regulation”, Section 17.01 “Area, Height, Bulk and Placement Requirements” to construct a rear yard carport setback two and one half feet (2.5’) from the south side lot line on applicant’s above parcel located in a single family zoning district.

DOCKS & LIFTS American Marine www.americanmarinesc.com LAKE MANAGEMENT SERVICES Aqua Weed Control www.aquaweed.com REAL ESTATE Cyndi Robinson - Real Estate One www.cyndirobinson.com Tom Buchanan - Real Estate One www.lakesareahomesearch.com TRAILERS American Trailer Mart www.americantrailermart.com VISITING NURSES & THERAPISTS Affinity Home Care Agency, Inc. www.affinityhomecareagency.com

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

MONDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2012 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS 7:30 PM 1499 E. WEST MAPLE ROAD, WALLED LAKE, MICHIGAN

Please take note the City of Walled Lake Zoning Board of Appeals will meet as noticed above to consider the following appeal: Case# 2012-07 Appellant: Bashkim Zhuli Parcel ID# 17-34-376-012 Location: 480 & 480 1/2 Conway, Walled Lake, MI 48390 Request: Use Variance

All interested parties are invited to attend. Written comments will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. the day of the hearing.

Applicant requests a use variance from the single family use restrictions under Article 4.00 “R1-A and R1-B Single Family Residential Districts”, Section 4.02 “Permitted Principal Uses” to maintain two family residential occupancy upon applicant’s above lot located in a single family residential zoning district. Complete details of the proposal are available at City Hall for review. All interested parties are invited to attend. Written comments will be accepted until 4:00 p.m. the day of the hearing.

Vahn Vanerian City Attorney

Complete details of the proposal are available at City Hall for review.

SC: 10-3-12

FOOTBALL

Knights rack up 549 yards of ‘O’ in 52-14 drubbing By Michael Shelton staff writer

Most coaches would be happy with the 52-14 victory that Walled Lake Northern earned at Waterford Kettering on Friday, Sept. 28, to extend its winning streak to four games. But not Knights’ Head Coach Brett Moore. “We talked to the kids and told them that they didn’t show up to play the way we should have and I think we were looking past Kettering,” Moore said. “The score is not indicative of what it should be and I do think it was a trap game.” The Knights (4-2 overall, 4-0 in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association North Division) were coming off their first-ever victory over Walled Lake Central the previous week to clinch their very first Walled Lake City Cup. With the Battle of Bogie Lake looming on Friday, Oct. 5 at Huron Valley Lakeland with Northern’s first-ever division title at stake, temptations loomed for the Knights to drop their guard CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WHITE LAKE

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

against the winless Captains (0-6, 0-4 in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association North Division). “We had some defensive lapses and some offensive lapses in the first half. High school kids are high school kids,” Moore said. The Knights grabbed a 21-0 lead in the first quarter as Collin O’Donnell threw a 63-yard touchdown pass to Matt Kosmalski before P.J. Kern scored on a 1-yard touchdown run and Kosmalski scored a touchdown on an 8yard run. The Captains finally got on the scoreboard with a 48-yard touchdown pass to trail 21-7 at the end of the first quarter. O’Donnell struck again in the second quarter as he threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Josh Paul before scoring on a 29-yard touchdown run for a 35-7 lead. Kettering would score on a 6-yard touchdown pass with 38 seconds left in the second quarter to cut the Knights’ lead to 35-14 at halftime. Northern then scored 17 unanswered points in the second half, as the Knights finished strong against the Captains. Kosmalski scored on a 14-yard touchdown run in the third quarter before Andrew Fee added a field goal in the third and Kern scored on a 9-yard touchdown run in the fourth. PAGE 37 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

LEGAL NOTICE

Terry Lilley, Clerk White Lake Township S.C. 10/3/12

Lake Improvement Board for Scott Lake Waterford Township Oakland County, Michigan Notice of Confirmation of Special Assessment Roll Notice is hereby given at a Public Hearing conducted on September 25, 2012, the Lake Improvement Board for Scott Lake, by resolution, confirmed a three year special assessment roll for 2013, 2014 & 2015 in the annual amount of $24,000 for the purpose of implementing the approved lake water quality management program for Scott Lake. This Notice of Confirmation is published pursuant to the provisions of Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, as amended, Part 309. Lake Improvement Board for Scott Lake S.C. 10/3/12

LEGAL NOTICE Lake Improvement Board for White Lake Township of Highland and White Lake, County of Oakland, Michigan NOTICE OF CONFIRMATION OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL Notice is hereby given that the Lake Improvement Board for White Lake, Township of Highland and Township of White Lake, County of Oakland held a Public Hearing on September 24, 2012 and confirmed a 5-year Special Assessment Roll for the purposes of implementing a Lake management, Chemical Weed Control, Maintenance Dredging Program, Oakland County Marine Patrols and all associated costs for the year 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. This Notice of Confirmation of the Special Assessment Roll is published pursuant to the provisions of Part 309 of Act No. 451 of 1994, as amended. LAKE IMPROVEMENT BOARD FOR WHITE LAKE S.C. 10/3/12

Lake Improvement Board for Scott Lake Waterford Township Oakland County, Michigan Notice of Determination of Practicability Notice is hereby given at a Public Hearing conducted on September 25, 2012, the Lake Improvement Board for Scott Lake, by resolution, determined that the proposed three year renewal of lake water quality management programs consisting of aquatic weed control, augmentation well pump operations and fish restocking and associated costs for the years 2013, 2014, 2015, was practical and approved the program’s estimated annual cost of $24,000. This Notice of Determination is sent pursuant to the provisions of Act 451 of the Public Acts of 1994, as amended, Part 309. Lake Improvement Board for Scott Lake S.C. 10/3/12

Special Board Meeting – Synopsis – September 25, 2012 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Six board members present. Presentation: White Lake Sewer Presentation by Clerk Lilley Approved: Adjournment of meeting Meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

LEGAL NOTICE

OCTOBER 3-9, 2012

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FOOTBALL

Northern ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 36

O’Donnell completed 12-of-18 passes for 323 yards and 2 touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 100 yards and a touchdown on 11 carries. Kosmalski finished with 58 yards and 2 touchdowns on 5 carries, as well as 2 receptions for 97 yards and a touchdown. Kern also had 40 yards rushing and two touchdowns on 10 carries. On defense, Peer finished with 11 total tackles while Aaron Chretien and Jack Garrett each had seven total tackles. Kosmalski had 6 tackles and an interception. Jake Ginster also had an interception for the Knights, who finished with 549 yards of total offense compared to 334 for Kettering. Now Northern will prepare for its biggest game in recent memory as the KLAA North Division title will be at stake against Lakeland on Friday. Last season, the Knights defeated the Eagles, 28-21, to snap a five-game losing streak to Lakeland. The Eagles are now looking to clinch a state playoff berth and the division title. “We’re going to prepare for Lakeland the same way we did against Walled Lake Central and Western,” Moore said. Meanwhile, Kettering will prepare to host its biggest rival, Waterford Mott, on Saturday, Oct. 6, as it looks to snap a 17-game losing streak that dates back to 2010. The Captains were shut out, 21-0, in last year’s meeting with the Corsairs and their last victory before their losing streak began came in the 2010 matchup with Mott, 21-14.

Western shines on both sides of the ball in 41-13 win By Michael Shelton staff writer

Walled Lake Western held an 8-point lead over Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division foe Waterford Mott at halftime before scoring 20 unanswered points in the second half en route to a 41-13 victory at home on Friday, Sept. 28. The victory pulls the Warriors (4-2 overall, 3-1 in the KLAA North Division) within two wins of clinching a state playoff berth, with its annual rivalry game against Walled Lake Central next on the docket on Friday, Oct. 5. Meanwhile, Mott (1-5, 0-4 in the

Walled Lake Central’s Tim Ford (No. 13) and the rest of the Vikings’ offense had to fight for every inch against Eric Snoek (No. 4) and the Huron Valley Lakeland defense on Friday, Sept. 28. Central fell to the Eagles, 21-12, to fall to 3-3 on the season. The Vikings must now win their final three games to clinch an automatic state playoff berth. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Lakeland out, respectively. However, Dalton Christie would carry his momentum into the second quarter from his 4-touchdown performance against Waterford Mott the previous week. Christie first scored on a 1-yard touchdown run to cap an 8-play, 68yard drive by the Eagles to grab a 76 lead. Lakeland’s next drive would only need one play as Christie ran 66 yards for his second touchdown and a 14-6 Eagles lead. Vikings’ quarterback Nick Krumm would then score on a 43-yard touchdown run, but Central failed on the 2-point conversion attempt and went into the locker room at halftime trailing 14-12 instead of having the score tied. “We made a couple of tweaks to our defense and reverted back to accountability and responsibility,”

Lakeland Head Coach John Maltese said of his team’s halftime adjustments. The Eagles would increase their lead in the third quarter as Ross Heiman threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Bradley Govan for a 9-point lead, 21-12. That score was set up by an interception by Lakeland’s Beau Wilhelm. As it turned out, those would be the only points of the second half as the Lakeland defense shut down Central the rest of the way and allowed only 220 total yards of offense from Central on the night. Christie had a monster game as he finished with 204 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries, accounting for all but 44 of Lakeland’s rushing yards on the night. “Christie has done a remarkable job and he’s come on strong for us,” Maltese said. The other half of Lakeland’s rushing attack, Anthony Waite, did not play due to an ankle injury he suffered the previous week. He hopes to return for the

showdown with Northern. Zach Fedorko led the Lakeland defense with eight tackles, including two sacks, while the Eagles’ defense forced three Central fumbles. For Central, Zac Goor had 19 carries for 118 yards, while Krumm had 12 carries for 44 yards and also completed 6-of-11 passes for 61 yards. Matt Boulus had eight total tackles for the Vikings while Jeturi Brown and Austin Shamoun each had six tackles and Eric Rostek had five. Brown also had a fumble recovery while Nick Timmons also had an interception. “It was a great battle between the two teams and I am very proud of the effort put forth by my team,” Central Head Coach Robert Meyer said. “The defense made Lakeland earn every yard and Goor was a workhorse tonight. We just came up short.” Now, both Lakeland and Central will prepare to host their biggest rivals this week with so much at stake for both teams.

KLAA North) has now lost five games in a row and will next face its rival, Waterford Kettering, on Saturday, Oct. 6. Western had a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter after an 8-yard touchdown run by Josh Jones and a

Kyle Bambard 57-yard touchdown pass to Nik Heglin. Mott responded in the second quarter on a 1-yard touchdown run by Jalen Wade to cut Western’s lead to 8 after the extra point attempt was blocked. After the Warriors countered with a

4-yard touchdown run by Malik Green to take a 21-6 lead, Dakota Kupp threw a 28-yard touchdown pass to Justice Bolling and Mott trailed 21-13. The Warriors had a chance to increase their lead just before halftime,

❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 35

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CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

The West Bloomfield Township Wetland Review Board will hold a public hearing at the Township Board Room, 4550 Walnut Lake Road on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. to consider the following Wetland/Floodplain Permit Applications:

2009 TOWNSHIP DRIVE COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MI 48390

NOTICE is hereby given that the Township Board of the Charter Township of Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan, will meet on the 9th day of October, 2012, at 7:00 P.M., in the Township Hall, located at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, Michigan 48390, to determine whether to increase the amount of assessment for the Midwood/Lower Straits Lake Aquatic Weed Special Assessment District and to receive PUBLIC COMMENTS, if any, regarding the increased assessment. If approved, the Township Board shall pass a Resolution Approving Revised Roll Increasing Assessment of Properties Within the Special Assessment District Designated Midwood/Lower Straits Lake Aquatic Weed Control Special Assessment District. On June 12, 2012, the Township Board passed a Resolution Confirming Special Assessment Roll for the Special Assessment District Designated Midwood/Lower Straits Lake Aquatic Weed Control Special Assessment District (hereinafter “Existing SAD”). The Charter Township of Commerce has been informed that assessments established by the Existing SAD are insufficient to adequately control the aquatic weeds within the district and has been asked to increase the assessment to pay for additional weed control measures. The amount of increase proposed exceeds the estimated costs of the Existing SAD by more than 10% and, therefore, Public Act 188 of 1954 requires that a hearing be held on the proposal to increase the assessment of the Existing SAD. The proposed increase to the Existing SAD involves the following property located in the Charter Township of Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan: Parcel Nos.

The following map depicts the boundary of the SAD:

ITEM #1 Parcel: Location: Request: Applicant: ITEM #2 Parcel: Location: Request:

Applicant:

CASE #PWT12-1855 PITONE-LIPKIN Lot 13, Beardsley & Smiths Plat of Orchard Beach Sidwell #18-11-476-012 3172 Interlaken An after-the-fact request for upland beach sanding within the environmental features setback to Pine Lake. Kate Pitone-Lipkin CASE #PWT12-1857 KHEYNSON Lot 35, Whispering Pines Subdivision Sidwell #18-17-376-016 4475 Rolling Pine Drive An after-the-fact request for the removal of a permanent dock and reinstallation of a temporary dock (over 50 linear feet in length) within the wetland to Upper Straits Lake. Alex Kheynson

ITEM #3 CASE #PWT12-1858 ATISHA Parcel: Lot 84, Maplewoods North Subdivision Sidwell #18-27-326-008 Location: 6118 Dunmore Request: An after-the-fact request to undertake earthwork in wetland and environmental features setback areas and a before-the-fact request to restore the disturbed areas with native landscape treatments and fill removal. Applicant: Najahy Atisha ITEM #4 CASE #PWT12-1860 BAY POINTE GOLF CLUB Parcel: Acreage parcel Sidwell #18-18-101-005 Location: 4001 Haggerty Road Request: A request to remove 85 feet of existing seawall and install 285 feet of new seawall at or above the legal lake level to Middle Straits Lake. Applicant: E.A. Fuller Oak Management Corporation Detailed plans are available for inspection at the West Bloomfield Township Environmental Department, 4550 Walnut Lake Road, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. A staff report, as prepared for the Wetland Review Board, will be available for review the Friday prior to the meeting. If you have any questions on this matter, contact the Environmental Department at (248) 451-4818. Marshall Labadie, Development Services Director

S.C. 10-3-12 The Township will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at a public meeting upon two weeks notice in writing or by calling the Township Clerk or Environmental Director at (248) 451-4800. The Plans showing the improvement, the location, and the legal description are on file with the Township Clerk for public examination. The costs associated with this Special Assessment District are of such a nature that periodic redeterminations of the costs will be made from time to time without further notice to the record owners or parties with an interest in property located within this Special Assessment District. If the proposed Special Assessment District Revised Roll is approved by the Township Board, the assessment will be a lien on the affected properties as of the date of approval. In order to appeal the amount of any special assessment, affected owners or parties with an interest must protest the proposed assessment. This may be done orally by appearing in person at the hearing or having an agent appear at the hearing on behalf of an owner or party in interest, or in writing by filing a letter of protest before the hearing, addressed to the Township Clerk at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, Michigan 48390. An owner or party having an interest in the real property affected by the special assessment may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the confirmation of the special assessment revised roll if the special assessment is protested at the hearing held for the purpose of confirming the special assessment revised roll. Please direct any questions you may have to the Charter Township of Commerce Building Department at (248) 960-7060. Daniel Munro, Clerk Charter Township of Commerce SC: 9/26/12 & 10/3/12

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WHITE LAKE OAKLAND COUNTY, MICHIGAN

The White Lake Township Water Department will be conducting the Fall Fire Hydrant flushing during the hours of 9:00 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday from September 17 through November 9, 2012.

NOTICE OF CONSIDERATION ORDINANCE NO. 129 FEE ORDINANCE

Fire hydrant flushing signs will be posted one day in advance and the day of flushing at the entrance to each subdivision/development. Caution should be observed around any hydrant discharge. Minimizing water usage is recommended during the day of flushing in your area. Any questions should be directed to White Lake Township Water Department at 248-6983300 ext. 8. www.whitelaketwp.com S.C. 9-5,9-19,10-3,10-17 & 10-31-12

Notice is hereby given that at a regular board meeting on September 18, 2012 the Charter Township of White Lake introduced amendments to White Lake Township Ordinance No. 129 Fee Ordinance, with final consideration to be made at the October 16, 2012 regular board meeting. Amendments to Ordinance 129 have been posted in the White Lake Township Clerk’s Office at 7525 Highland Road, White Lake, MI and on the Township’s website at www.whitelaketwp.com.

Terry Lilley, CMC White Lake Township Clerk S.C. 10/3/12

OCTOBER 3-9, 2012

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Mavs’ playoff hopes in limbo Red zone errors costly for Milford in 17-0 shutout by Howell By Michael Shelton staff writer

Fresh off a huge victory on the road and playing in its homecoming game, Huron Valley Milford was shut out by Howell and is on the verge of being locked out of the state playoffs. The Mavericks fell to the Highlanders, 17-0, on Friday, Sept. 28 in a matchup of two Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) West Division teams with 2-3 records desperate to save their seasons. “Our kids played great on defense, but we made critical mistakes in the red zone,” Milford Head Coach Pat Fox said. “Howell played well and we’ll focus on next week.” Early on it appeared as if it would be Milford’s night as Anthony Dawson intercepted Howell quarterback Johnny Cheshire on the second play of the game, giving the Mavericks the ball at their own 47-yard line. Milford (2-4 overall, 1-3 in the KLAA West) would advance to the Howell 25-yard line before Kyle Monagle’s 30-yard field goal attempt was partially blocked by John Brennan as it sailed wide left. The Mavs then caught a break near the end of the first quarter when they punted the ball away in their own territory and it was mishandled by a Howell player. Milford recovered the ball at the Howell 41yard line. Milford then fought its way to the Howell 1-yard line, but quarterback Alex Larson fumbled the ball and Howell’s Brennan recovered it at his own 3-yard line, keeping the game scoreless in the second quarter. The Highlanders (3-3, 2-2 in the KLAA West) would finally break the ice as Cheshire threw a 14-yard touchdown strike to Tyler Johnson with 5:40 left in the first half to cap a 7-play, 97-yard drive. Milford would punt on its next two drives while its defense forced a Howell turnover on downs at the

FOOTBALL

Western Warriors ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 37

but turned the ball over on a fumble at the Mott 5-yard line on a receiver route. The Corsairs were able to take a knee

Huron Valley Milford quarterback Alex Larson had little room to run against Levi Pietila and the rest of the Howell defensive line on Friday, Sept. 28. Larson finished with only 42 yards rushing as the Mavericks were shut out by the Highlanders, 17-0, in their homecoming game and are now 2-4 on the season. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

Milford 34-yard line to keep the score 7-0 at halftime. The third quarter was scoreless as each team punted twice and Milford turned the ball over on downs at the Howell 44-yard line. It was then that Highlanders’ running back Vincent Patritto would take over as he started to get the majority of the carries and started to wear down the Milford defense. Patritto would eventually score on a 3-yard touchdown run with 11:05 left in the fourth to give Howell a 14-0 lead. He had eight carries on the 10-play, 56yard scoring drive. Darren Ford would later add a 27-

yard field goal for Howell as the Highlanders’ defense did its part by holding Milford to 138 yards of total offense on the night. Larson completed just 4-of-21 passes for 48 yards and an interception while rushing for 42 yards on 17 carries. Patritto finished with 105 yards on 24 carries for Howell, including 85 yards in the second half, while Cheshire completed 6-of-13 passes for 142 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Scott Wetzel also had two catches for 87 yards for Howell while Jordan Leyder had five total tackles on defense.

Darrion Spencer had eight total tackles for Milford while Daniel Wallace had seven tackles and Cameron Bell had six. Milford will now need to win its final three games and hope for a shot at qualifying for the state playoffs on playoff points. The Mavs will wrap up their division schedule on Friday, Oct. 5 with a trip to Pinckney to face the Pirates before hosting a KLAA crossover game against a North Division opponent on Friday, Oct. 12 and playing on the road in the annual rivalry game against Huron Valley Lakeland on Oct. 19 to finish the regular season.

and run out the clock to keep their deficit at 8. “Our defensive staff reviewed our base alignments and put ourselves in a better position,” Western Head Coach Mike Zdebski said. “Our kids executed well and did a great job.” Western would then come out of the

locker room with a vengeance as Jones scored on a 33-yard touchdown run, followed by a 3-yard touchdown run by Matt Carroll as the Warriors increased their lead to 21 at the end of the third quarter. Jones then capped his stellar night with a 45-yard touchdown run, as he

finished with 157 yards on seven carries along with a fumble recovery on defense. Bambard completed 4-of-8 passes for 135 yards while Heglin had three catches for 148 yards. Western’s defense was led by Zach PAGE 40 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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FOOTBALL

Western Warriors ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 39

Prokes with nine total tackles, while Josh Daniel had six tackles. Josh Daniel and Tomone Jones also each had a sack for the Warriors. “We have a wonderful defensive staff and a great group of players on the (defensive) side of the ball,” Zdebski said. “We’ve got two receivers who are as good as anyone in the conference and four halfbacks. It sure helps in the second half.” Alex Moorer led Mott with 112 yards rushing on 16 carries while Wade had 50 yards on seven carries. Mott’s defense was led by Brennan Schneider with 11 tackles, while Josh Payne and Chris Matthews each had three tackles and a sack. Maleek Green also had three tackles and an interception. Now the Warriors will look to make it two wins in a row against Central on Friday. “It will be the toughest game of the year and it’s the most meaningful in Walled Lake,” Zdebski said.

Eaglets top Div. 2 champs Brother Rice on the road Orchard Lake St. Mary’s had little time to celebrate a victory over last year’s Division 1 state champion the previous week, as it had to face the Division 2 state champion in its next game on the road. But the Eaglets were up to the challenge as they defeated Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice, 24-14, in a Catholic League Central Division matchup at Berkley High School on Saturday, Sept. 29. St. Mary’s (5-1 overall, 2-0 in the Catholic League Central) has now won five straight games after its opening week defeat at the hands of Muskegon and is now one win away from clinching a state playoff berth. The Eaglets were coming off defeating Detroit Cass Tech at home back on Sept. 21. “We’re very focused because we know that if we don’t focus on Brother Rice, we won’t do well,” St. Mary’s Head Coach George Porritt said. “We’ve got good, hard running backs and a good offensive line and we kept grinding.” Paul Graham kicked a 39-yard field goal in the first quarter for the Eaglets, who then recovered a fumble in Warriors’ territory before Grant Niemiec scored on a 1-yard touchdown run in the second quarter for a 10-0 lead. However, Brother Rice (4-2 overall,

On the rebound Lakers cruise, 49-6, after tough defeat By Michael Shelton staff writer

Needing to bounce back after a lackluster performance the previous week, Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes is now one victory away from punching its ticket back to the state playoffs. The Lakers trounced Bloomfield Hills-Cranbrook Kingswood in their homecoming game, 49-6, on Saturday, Sept. 29. It was a much-needed win for the Lakers (5-1 overall, 3-1 in the Detroit Catholic League Intersectional) after falling to Allen Park Cabrini, 14-10, the previous week for their first loss of the season. “To just win this game was very important because the Cabrini game was a devastating loss,” said Our Lady Head Coach Mike Boyd. “Our kids played well and we got some breaks. We played defense really well, but we also got some blocking and some good running from our backs.” Sal Mastromatteo threw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Richie Cross and Jake Doetsch scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to give Our Lady a 140 lead at the end of the first quarter. After Joseph Myrick scored on an 8-yard touchdown run in the second quarter for Cranbrook (1-5, 0-4 in the Intersectional), Our Lady would

2-1 in the Catholic League Central) would get on the scoreboard just before halftime as Navin Abro blocked a punt and returned it for a touchdown to cut Brother Rice’s deficit to 3 points. In the third quarter, Niemiec stepped up again as he scored on a 28-yard touchdown run for a 17-7 Eaglets’ lead. In the fourth quarter, sophomore Alex Malzone came in to replace Cheyne Lacanaria after he took a hard hit. Malzone threw a 48-yard touchdown pass to Brian Walker with just over 9 minutes remaining in his only play of the game. But St. Mary’s was then able to eat up the clock on its next drive, and when Niemiec scored his third touchdown of the night on a 1-yard run to cap an 80yard drive, there were less than 3 minutes remaining in the game. St. Mary’s held Brother Rice to only 208 yards of total offense on the night. “I think we play good team defense.

go on to score 35 unanswered points for the rest of the game. Doetsch would score his second touchdown in the second quarter on a 2-yard run, while Mastromatteo would throw his second touchdown on a 24-yard pass to Zack Zednik in the second quarter. Lucas Neme, Sean Thomas and Christian Heiss also each had a touchdown run on the day. Doetsch finished with 52 yards rushing on 10 carries, while Cross had 47 yards rushing on 6 carries and Zednik had 32 yards rushing on 4 carries. The Lakers were without Mitch Lasceski, who broke his collarbone in practice on Monday, Sept. 24 and is out for the rest of the regular season. Nevertheless, Our Lady will soldier on and is one victory away from returning to the state playoffs after a year’s absence. However, the Lakers will next face their toughest test of the season when they face undefeated Detroit Loyola (6-0, 5-0 in the Intersectional) on Saturday, Oct. 6 at University of Detroit Jesuit Field. Loyola has won two straight against Our Lady, including last season’s 37-0 shutout. “I told the kids we’ll prepare for Loyola like we would any other game,” Boyd said. We didn’t allow the big play except for (Malzone’s touchdown pass),” Porritt said. “We just keep getting better week to week.” Niemiec finished with 85 yards on 23 carries while Parker McInnis had 84 yards on 16 carries. The Eaglets will next take on Warren De La Salle (3-3, 0-2 in the Catholic League Central) at St. Clair Shores Lakeshore on Saturday, Oct. 6. “We’ve got a lot to stop against De La Salle and they’ll be jacked up to play,” Porritt said.

West Bloomfield remains winless in OAA Red with loss West Bloomfield suffered its fifth straight defeat in a 33-23 loss at Troy on Friday, Sept. 28.

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

The Lakers (1-5 overall, 0-5 in the Oakland Activities Association Red Division) trailed 6-3 at halftime and 1910 at the start of the fourth quarter before the Colts (4-2, 3-2 in the OAA Red) scored two touchdowns to go up 33-10. West Bloomfield scored two touchdowns late in the game to pull within 10 points with 18 seconds left in the fourth, but that’s as close as it would get. “The kids know that we have to keep fighting and we should hopefully get some breaks,” said Lakers Head Coach Ron Bellamy. “We’re losing to some pretty good teams, but we have yet to play great on offense, defense and special teams. We have to keep practicing and keep our focus and intensity. We had one of our best practices last week.” The Lakers will next travel to play Rochester Hills Stoney Creek on Friday, Oct. 5. “I’m hoping we can win these last three games to take some momentum into the off-season,” Bellamy said.

VOLLEYBALL

Central splits pair of games against Mott, Kettering By Michael Shelton staff writer

Walled Lake Central split two Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division matches last week and now trails Huron Valley Lakeland by two matches for first-place. The Vikings began their week with a three-game victory over Waterford Mott at home, 26-24, 25-22, 25-19, on Monday, Sept. 24. Brittany Guldan had 8 kills and 7 digs for Central (18-6-1, 5-2 in the KLAA North), while Catelyn Girard had 11 assists and 6 aces and Alex Picardal had 11 digs and an ace. “We played a nice consistent match against Mott despite coming off a very busy schedule as we played four days out of six,” said Central Head Coach Cathy Johnson. “It was just good, solid volleyball with everyone on the team contributing to the win.” Mott fell to 0-6 in the KLAA North. However, it would be a different outcome for Central as it traveled to Waterford Kettering on Thursday, Sept. 27. The Vikings lost the first two games against the Captains, 20-25 PAGE 41 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

OCTOBER 3-9, 2012

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VOLLEYBALL

Lakers ‘Volley for a Cure’

Central Vikings ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 40

and 18-25, before coming back to win the third game, 25-15. However, Kettering (2-4 in the KLAA North) would close out the match with a 25-20 victory in the fourth game. Guldan had 10 assists and 12 kills for Central in the loss. Sydney Dudley and Chesaney Wyse each had 10 kills for the Captains, while Gabrielle Hilliard had 33 assists. “Our results were very frustrating — no excuses at all for our performance,” Johnson said. “Kettering played volleyball, and we did not. Kettering deserved the win, we did not. Now we have to regroup after a poor performance and get ready for a tough upcoming week.” Central hosted Walled Lake Northern yesterday, Tuesday, Oct. 2 after press time and will travel to face rival Walled Lake Western tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 4 before playing in the Northville Invitational on Saturday, Oct. 6. “We have been working on various lineups trying to work on getting stronger rotations in all six rotations,” Johnson said. “I hope that we will be ready to play high-level volleyball because we will be playing some very tough schools for the rest of our season.”

Eagles hold strong lead in North after pair of victories By Michael Shelton staff writer

Huron Valley Lakeland is in command atop the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division after two victories last week in division play. The Eagles (17-6 overall, 7-0 in the KLAA North) began their week with a three-game victory at home over rival Walled Lake Northern, 25-15, 25-20, and 26-24 on Monday, Sept. 24. “It was a great team effort as the entire team played great on the night,” said Lakeland Head Coach Jean Dukic. Lakeland then traveled to Waterford Mott on Thursday, Sept. 27 and defeated the Corsairs in three games, 25-14, 25-16, and 25-14. Senior outside hitter Lindsey Tanner had eight kills while sophomore outside hitter Maddie Harris had six kills. Senior setter Kelly Merkle also had 21 assists and two aces for the Eagles, who are now two games ahead of sec-

PAGE 41

West Bloomfield falls to Harrison, but prevails for charity By Michael Shelton staff writer

West Bloomfield fell in four games to Farmington Hills Harrison at home on Thursday, Sept. 27, but also did its part in helping fight for a victory against cancer. Last Thursday’s game doubled as an event known as Volley for a Cure to promote breast cancer awareness and raise money for research. Fund-raising and educational awareness took place days prior to the game, with events including a bracelet sale, bake sale, and banners made by the West Bloomfield freshmen, junior varsity and varsity teams that included breast cancer facts and tips. Claire Reid, co-captain of the Lakers’ varsity team, said that a banner was also made where players and spectators could add the name of a breast cancer honoree or survivor to commemorate their struggle with the disease. She added that at the game, a blanket handmade by Kathy Ostrovsky, a mother of one of the junior varsity players, was raffled off, with the proceeds going to the American Cancer Society. All three Laker volleyball teams wore bright pink T-shirts with a Volley for a Cure logo. The shirts were were designed and donated by High Performance Sportswear, along with pink socks, shoe laces and hair ribbons, while the line judges waved pink flags during the match. Harrison also wore pink T-shirts to support the cause. The Hawks won the first game, 25-17, before the Lakers (7-14-1 overall, 1-2 in the Oakland Activities Association White Division) bounced back with a 25-22 victory in the second game, But, Harrison would take the match by winning the next two games, 25-21 and 25-17. Lakers’ setter Bri Benge had 20 assists and 4 kills, while attacker

Jordan White had 8 kills and Tara Heald had 9 kills. “We played tough all night. Harrison is very athletic and quick to the ball and we competed hard for every point,” said Lakers Head Coach Julian Wargo.

While the Lakers fell in their match, the West Bloomfield volleyball program raised over $200 for the American Cancer Society and Reid said that this inaugural event will be the first of many to come in the near future.

ond-place Walled Lake Central in the KLAA North. On Saturday, Sept. 22, the Eagles played at the Portage Central Volleyball Invitational, where they defeated South Lyon in their first match before falling to the eventual tournament champion, Gull Lake.

Lakeland then bounced back to defeat Hudsonville and Fruitport to advance to the Gold Bracket of the tournament. The Eagles would then face Bloomfield Hills Marian in bracket play and would win the first game, 25-22, before losing the next two, 15-25 and

11-15, to be eliminated from the tournament. Lakeland hosted Walled Lake Western yesterday, Tuesday, Oct. 2 after press time and will travel to Waterford Kettering tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 4 before playing its division finale at Walled Lake Central on Tuesday, Oct. 9.

Junior Bri Benge and West Bloomfield may have fallen at home to Farmington Hills Harrison on Thursday, Sept. 27, but the Lakers did score a victory for a good cause. The Lakers and the Hawks both wore pink uniforms to raise awareness for breast cancer. West Bloomfield’s volleyball program raised over $200 for the American Cancer Society as part of the annual “Volley For a Cure” festivities that took place days prior to the match. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

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VOLLEYBALL

Our Lady sweeps division leader Mooney, Shrine

Eagles draw, fall

staff writer

Huron Valley Lakeland fought back to tie Waterford Mott last week before falling to its biggest rival. The Eagles began their week at home against the Corsairs on Tuesday, Sept. 25. Mott led 1-0 at halftime before Nick Kemmenu tied the match at 11 for Lakeland. The Corsairs answered with a pair of goals to go ahead 3-1. But the Eagles responded once again as Taylor Janssen scored off a Joe Slenzak corner kick before Slenzak scored off an assist from Mario Koje to give Lakeland the draw. However, on Friday, Sept. 28, the Eagles were shut out by Walled Lake Northern, 7-0. The Eagles will wrap up their division schedule this week as they faced Walled Lake Central after

Knights split last week’s matches; Mavs win twice By Michael Shelton staff writer

Walled Lake Northern split two matches this past week and is now 3-3 in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division. The Knights’ lone victory came on Thursday, Sept. 27 at home against Walled Lake Western in three games, 27-25, 25-20 and 25-13. Peyton Lang had 16 kills for Northern (12-6-2), while Katie Simon had 16 assists, Natalie Giudici had 9 assists, and Gabrielle Bauer had 3 aces

SOCCER

Vikings, Knights St. Mary’s also goes 1-1-1 on the pitch blank foes in race for North crown press time and will play at By Michael Shelton

By Michael Shelton Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes moved to 5-1 in the Detroit Catholic League East Division with two wins last week. The Lakers (19-6-2) began with a three-game victory at home over firstplace Marine City Cardinal Mooney, 2522, 25-22, 25-14, on Monday, Sept. 24. Junior middle hitter Lindsay Ross had nine kills and a block for Our Lady. Senior libero Kelly Meehan had 10 digs and an ace, while freshman outside hitter Courtney Wightman had eight kills, two blocks and an ace to hand the Cardinals their first division loss. The Lakers then traveled to Royal Oak Shrine on Thursday, Sept. 27 and defeated the host Knights in three games, 25-15, 25-19, 25-18. Junior right side hitter Allison Samulon had eight kills and five aces. Junior outside hitter Kristina Krupiak had 10 digs, seven kills and three aces, and senior setter Haley Howell had 27 assists, seven digs, three kills and three aces. The Lakers wore pink shirts during their warm-ups to support Shrine’s “Pink-Out” breast cancer fund-raiser to support a Shrine teacher fighting the disease. Our Lady played a rematch against Cardinal Mooney on the road on Monday, Oct. 1 after press time, and will play at the West Bloomfield Frankel Jewish Academy today, Wednesday, Oct. 3 before hosting Detroit Cristo Rey tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 4.

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

and 5 blocks. Melissa Griffiths also had 19 digs. “Hanna Von Bernthal ended the second set and Haley Hoyt ended the third set and they both did it with decisive, well placed spikes,” said Northern Head Coach Gus Dumlao. “That is how we want to finish sets and matches. These players were congratulated by their teammates at the end of the match.” Western fell to 7-12-1 and 2-4 in the KLAA North. The Knights began their week with a loss on the road at rival Huron Valley Lakeland in three games, 15-25, 2025, 26-28 on Monday, Sept. 24. “Although the team did not win this match, these players continue to show real performance improvement and they are not done,” Dumlao said. Lang had 15 kills and 11 digs for Northern. Simon had 13 assists, Giudici had 9 assists, Bauer had 12 digs, and Coco Herrerias had 11 digs. Northern played at Walled Lake Central yesterday, Tuesday, Oct. 2 after press time and will host Waterford Mott tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 4. • Huron Valley Milford moved up into third-place in the KLAA West Division with two division wins last week. The Mavericks (10-10-3, 4-3 in the KLAA West) first played at Grand Blanc

Waterford Kettering tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 4. • Orchard Lake St. Mary’s had a win, loss and a draw this past week. On Tuesday, Sept. 25, the Eaglets hosted Macomb Lutheran North and had a strong performance in a 3-0 shutout victory. Then St. Mary’s traveled to Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard on Thursday, Sept. 27 and the match ended in a 2-2 tie. On Friday, Sept. 28, the Eaglets fell 3-2 to Detroit Cesar Chavez. The Eaglets are now 6-7-1 overall and 4-4-1 in Detroit Catholic League play. St. Mary’s played at Pontiac Notre Dame Prep yesterday, Tuesday, Oct. 2 after press time and will host Royal Oak Shrine on Friday, Oct. 5.

on Tuesday, Sept. 25 and defeated the Bobcats in four games. Milford won the first two games, 25-23 and 25-17, before Grand Blanc won the third game, 25-18. The Mavs then closed out the Bobcats with a 2523 victory in the fourth game. “I really liked what I saw out of the girls tonight. We were tough, we played physical and we executed,” said Milford Head Coach Jeffery Stark. Jillian Butsavich led Milford with 18 kills. Danielle Horvath had 6 aces, Whitney Mergens had 5 blocks, and Jonna Villemure had 35 assists and 18 digs. The Mavs then hosted Howell on Thursday, Sept. 27 and won the first two games, 25-16 and 25-18, before the Highlanders took the third game, 27-25. Milford then closed out the match with a 25-13 victory in the fourth game. Butsavich led Milford in kills with 13, while Anna Swanson had 12 and Mergens had 10 along with 5 blocks. Villemure had 40 assists. Maddie Carr and Horvath each had 16 digs. “This was our best match of the year. We produced in every facet of the game,” Stark said. Milford hosted Brighton yesterday, Tuesday, Oct. 2 after press time and will play at first-place Hartland tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 4.

This week marks the final week of division play in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division and it is officially a two-horse race. Entering into division games on Monday, Oct. 1, Walled Lake Central and defending division champion Walled Lake Northern were tied atop the division, both with 6-0-2 records in the North, good for 20 points each. Central (8-3-2) played on Monday, Oct. 1 after press time at Huron Valley Lakeland while Northern (8-5-2) traveled to Waterford Kettering yesterday, Tuesday, Oct. 2 after press time. The Vikings will wrap up their division schedule tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 4 at home against rival Walled Lake Western while the Knights will host Waterford Mott on Friday, Oct. 5. For both the Vikings and Knights, it was nothing but shutouts last week. Northern began its week with a 6-0 shutout of Walled Lake Western on the road on Monday, Sept. 24. The first half was scoreless before Ryan Dykstra, Devin Kimberlin and Nick Brown each scored for the Knights. Evan Lipsitz was credited with the clean sheet in net for Northern. The Knights then followed up with a 7-0 blitz of brother school Huron Valley Lakeland at home on Friday, Sept. 28. Meanwhile, Central began its week with a 4-0 shutout of Waterford Kettering at home on Sept. 24. Nick Marsh, Bryan Maxwell, Joey Miller and Danny Meltser each scored for the Vikings, while Danny Heyn was credited with the shutout. The Vikings then defeated Waterford Mott on the road, 4-0, on Thursday, Sept. 27 as Meltser, Miller, Marsh and Maxwell each scored a goal. Heyn picked up the shutout in net for Central. KLAA Lakes Conference crossover games will begin on Tuesday, Oct. 8. By then, either Northern will have wrapped up its fifth consecutive North division title or Central will be wearing the crown for the very first time. • West Bloomfield defeated Flushing, 3-1, on the road in a non-league game on Monday, Sept. 24. The Lakers looked to clinch the Oakland Activities Association Blue Division title this week when they hosted Ferndale on Monday, Oct. 1 and played at North Farmington on Tuesday, Oct. 2, both games that were played after press time.

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248-982-3281

Pontiac Lake 1 bdrm for $459 2 bdrm for $499 Includes all utilities except electric. Security Deposit. For more information & availability call

248-626-7857 MILFORD VILLAGE APARTMENTS 1 bedroom apartment. Heat and water paid. No pets. In Milford City. Call for specials.

(248)477-9192

General/ Help Wanted

YOUTHFUL, ENERGETIC,

EXPERIENCED, DOG GROOMER For consistently busy facility. Earn 60% / 1099 wages. Call

Laura at 248-683-1204 Razzle Dazzle Pet Grooming.

MERCHANDISER

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

Two bedroom apartment- walk in closets, high speed internet available, heat & water paid, Walled Lake Schools, no dogs. Leasing now.

SPACE GALORE!

WALLED LAKE

Houses/ Condos ALL SPORTS MAXFIELD LAKE! Spacious home w/1735 sq. ft., convenient kitchen, 19x13 living room. Family room with natural fireplace. 1 car detached garage. Nice setting, paved road, sandy beach & good fishing. $130,000.

Apartments

FALL IN LOVE!

CLEANERS / JANITORIAL PT Evening shifts in Hartland, Waterford, West Bloomfield & Surrounding areas, to clean office buildings & Banks

Call: 586-759-3700 CHILD CARE CENTER Seeking Child Care Provider. Early childhood or child related field degree preferred. 35-40 hours a week. Must be able to work until 6 p.m. Commerce Twp area. Call 10a.m.-3p.m.

248-669-6880 The Independence Village of White Lake Is now hiring a P/T Shuttle driver. Must have current CDL with passenger endorsement, experience with seniors a plus Apply in person at: 935 Union Lake Road or fax resume: 248-360-7626 Attn: Rita. EOE

The Independence Village of White Lake Is now hiring a P/T Hostess Apply in person at: 935 Union Lake Road or fax resume: 248-360-7626 EOE

House Cleaner Wanted to clean with 3 person team

Part time Call Dot 248-887-2898

4-5 days per week- distributor of specialty snacks. Vehicle provided for work.Training- no experience needed. Must live within 10 miles of Walled Lake. Position available immediately.

248-701-6455

Stylist Wanted Very busy Fantastic Sam's salon in Commerce. $10 per hour guaranteed, plus tips. Over 400 walk-in guests per week. Full or part time.

248-982-9292 or apply in person 2516 Union Lake Road

Medical/ Dental

RECEPTIONIST Wanted For a Chiropractic Office. Part Time. Minimum wage. For more information call:

248-698-9141 CNAs/ HHAs CNAs and HHAs needed with flexible availability needed for Oakland County. 6 months experience or CNA Certification required. Must have current CPR, TB Test, valid Michigan drivers license and proof of auto insurance. Fax resume to Lesli at 248-972-5529 or email to jobs@inspirehomecare.com

JOBS WANTED Housekeeper/ House Cleaning

WHITNEY'S HOUSECLEANING Over 15 years experience small to large homes. Weekly biweekly monthly. Excellent references.

For FREE Quote call 248-568-6444

OCTOBER 3-9, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE Used/Wanted

SCRAP METAL

Absolutely Free

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

Aluminum .30-.65¢/lb. Copper $2.10-$2.70/lb. Brass 1.00- 1.50/lb. Auto Rads. .90¢-1.20/lb. 1011 Decker, Walled Lk.

HIDE-A-BED Couch, steel entrance door & kitchen counter top. You pick up. Highland area. 248-887-6719

Mann Metals Corp. (248)960-1200

YOUNG CATS -Fixed. Need loving homes. Serious adopters only. 248-738-4901 or 248214-9898

FAX

YOUR CLASSIFIED AD

You can fax your ad 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to the Spinal Column Newsweekly

248-360-5308 • 248-360-5309

Garage Sales

103

Garage Sales

103

COMMERCE

HIGHLAND

HUGE SALE Tools, dishes, work out, equipment, antique Coke lamp, stereo, clothes. Something for everyone, to much to list. Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 10-4. 8924 Gittins. West of Union Lake Road, North of Wise.

LAST ROCKY Garage sale, 9a.m.-5p.m: October 4-7 & 11-14, 3679 North Milford Road. Rocks, minerals, jewelry, household items.

ANNUAL E-BAY SELLER LIQUIDATION Designer shoes, petite clothing, purses. Most $1 to $3. . Jewelry, Household & Holiday. 8720 Buffalo Drive, in Golf Manor sub, off Commerce & Union Lake Rds. October 4th & 5th, 9am-4pm. Rummage Sale & Bake Sale Thursday, 10/4: 9-4, Friday, 10/5: 9-4, Saturday, 10/6: 912. Bag day on Fri. $5.00, clothing only. Sat. bag day $5.

Commerce United Methodist Church 1155 N. Commerce Road 248-363-3935

WALLED LAKE ESTATE SALE. 1919 WEIR. Thursday, 8:30am-6pm. Friday, 9am-5pm. Saturday, 9am-3pm. Loveseat, curio cabinet, tables, lamps, dining table and chairs, Christmas decorations, household items. WATERFORD FALL RUMMAGE SALE

CENTRAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3882 Highland Rd.(M-59) Thursday, Oct. 4, 1pm-7pm Friday, Oct. 5,, 10am-4pm Saturday, Oct. 6 9am-Noon (Bag Day)

248-681-0040

RICK REID

D AN HL HIG

DUCK LAKE HOME $328,900

P. TW

Fabulous 3 bedroom, 2 bath lakefront Colonial with fantastic panoramic views of allsports Duck Lake. Completely remodeled inside and out including spacious 2 car garage, professionally landscaped. CALL RICK REID or email Rick@kwReid.com.

LEISURE TIME

103

WEST BLOOMFIELD

☺

Sports/Recreational146

HUGE SALE: 5925 Upper Straits Blvd, Saturday, Sunday. Miscellaneous, everything.

CAMO HUNTING Suit, 2 piece, extra large, 29LX44W, $25 248-520-4978

Clothing/Apparel

HARVARD FOOSE Ball Table, brown, working condition, $25. 248-877-3430

119

CARHARTT HOODED Coatbrown, frayed cuffs, XL, $24. 248-425-1004

Furniture/Rugs

125

QUEEN SIZE Sleep couch $85. Lazy boy tan chair, $65. Tan chair $50. Garrard turntable, Olson tape player, Televeyn 4 channel receiver with 4 speakers cabinet all for $125. 16 aluminum boat 25 hp marner electric start motor, with fish finder, storage box, trailer, extras $1,200. 248787-1977

Furniture/Rugs

125

OVER STUFFED loveseat light pattern, showcase coffee table $24 248-360-8485

248-981-8582 2900 Union Lake, Rd. Suite 210 Commerce Twp., MI 48382

Garage Sales

PAGE 45

E N V E L O P E

HELP WANTED

Bailer, Machine Set Up Person, and Machine Operator needed. No experience necessary, will train. Benefit package. Must be willing to work any shift. Physical and drug screen required. Apply in person 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Mon.-Fri.

HUSKY ENVELOPE PRODUCTS 1225 E. West Maple Rd. Walled Lake, MI 48390

Household Items

129

PROCTOR SILEX Food chopper. Brand new in box. $7.50 248-623-2661

Bargain Bin

153

BALDWIN ACRONSONIC Piano, with bench, good condition. $250 248-363-5321

Electronics

155

PACKER BUILT Computer, older model, monitor, mouse, keyboard, & tower. $50. 248623-2661

BOATS/ OUTDOOR Boats/Motors/Trailers 164 DAVE'S MOBILE MARINE •Pontoon Hauling •Winterizing •Shrink Wrapping "We Come To You" •Buy & Sell Motors

(248)666-9248

137

BOOM BOX, VCR, in great shape. $10 each. 248-9607285 SHADES OF GREY trilogy, paperbacks. $12 for set. 248698-9629

Odds N Ends

Pianos/Organs

138

PONTOON HAULING Local & Long Distance Winter Storage-$175.99 Snowmobiles, Trailers, RV's Fenced, Gated & Lighted Shrink Wrap & Winterization Let us sell your Pontoon.

Tom 248-681-4250

FERTILIZER SPREADER, 6 adjustment setting, works good, $25. 248-360-2911 "WESTINGHOUSE WHITE" automatic/ electric white can opener, brand new in box. $5. 248-623-2661 YARN, Caron One Pound, 12 skeins, black. $25 248-9318861

www.tomspontoonservice.com

TRAVEL- TECH

Shrink Wrap 248-980-3453 I / O Winterizing 248-698-3686 Certified Master Mechanic

COMPLETE AUTO REPAIR NOW OPEN! 3365 W. Highland Rd. (M-59) at Hickory Ridge Rd.

248-714-6125

CARS/TRUCKS MOTORCYCLES

Cars

Wanted Parts/ Salvage

FORD EXPLORER 1991 4x4 Sport, 104k, runs good. $1,700 248-245-3322.

181

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

(248)467-0396 Motorcycles

183

187

PONTIAC BONNEVILLE SSE, 1995. Great winter car. $750. 248-363-5994

Vans

194

DODGE GRAND Caravan SXT 2004, 90,000 miles, excellent condition, new tires, $5,600. 586-876-5757 PONTIAC MONTANA Minivan, 1999. Body in good shape, decent mileage, runs. Call for details. 248-698-9629

MOTORCYCLEGUARANTEE See First Want Ad Page Cars

187

FIREBIRD 1979 Make offer. Father & son project. 248613-9354

SALES GUARANTEE Autos, Vans, Trucks See First Want Ad Page BUICK LE SABRE LTD 2000, excellent condition, 140K, $3,900. 248-698-2238

Phone lines open 8:30-5:00 Monday through Friday

248360-SELL (248-360-7355)

PAGE 46

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

LAKES AREA SERVICES (248) 360-7355

www.SpinalColumnOnline.com IN PRINT and ON-LINE 24/7

Fax (248) 360-5308

Personal • Business • Maintenance • Improvements • Repair PERSONAL/ SERVICES Home/Office Cleaning 368 COLLEEN'S CLEANING SERVICE is coming to your neighborhood. Residential / Commercial 20 Years Experience • Insured • Local References upon request. Call for FREE Quote or questions 9am-5pm

248-974-5104

REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT Appliance Repair

502

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

(248)360-0213 (248)698-8819 Asphalt/Pavement 503

KEITH'S SEALCOATING • NO SPRAY • ASPHALT REPAIR & GRAVEL FILL

SINCE 1983

(248)-623-7282 Carpet Installation

513

BOB'S CARPET Mohawk Carpet Great buys! Remnants Living room & Bedroom sized $4 per yd. Low prices on restretching, repairs, pad, & installation.

35 years experience Bob (248)681-5771

Cabinetry

515

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

(248)363-3804 elegant-woodworking.com

Cement/Concrete

517

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 www.marcuccicement.com

248-486-5900 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

Drywall

526

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

Ron (248)673-7665 Electricians

528

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

(248)683-7985 Excavating

529

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

(248)624-6458 SMALL TRACTOR SERVICE •Back hoe •Loader •Tiller •Rake•Grade Insured

248-770-3140 Flooring

536

EDWARD'S

524

FLOOR COVERING

THE DOOR STOP

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

Doors

Since 1980 Garage door springs and door openers repaired and/or replaced.

Call Anytime 248-624-4042 (cell) 248-640-6298 CERTIFIED OVERHEAD DOOR SERVICE •Garage Doors •Repaired/ Services •New Doors/ Openers •Installed at Factory Pricing •Emergency Service Available

248-624-3161

(248)241-6913 Handy Person

545

D & S HOME REPAIRS REMODELING •Additions •Garages •Drywall •Painting •Plumbing •Electrical •Tile •Marble •Kitchens •Baths •Basements •Decks 33 Years ... Licensed

248-684-4175 810-714-3058

Handy Person

545

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

(248)891-7072 Licensed and Insured

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 SAVOIE CONSTRUCTION Additions, Garages, Decks, Kitchens, Remodeling, Trim, Painting, Repairs, Etc.

Local References Low Rates Lic. Builder25 Years exp.

Ph-Fax: 248-625-0319 Cell: 248-505-7715 Heating/Duct Work 546

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

FREE ESTIMATES ON INSTALLATION

248-363-1615

Home Improvement

547

Painting/ Decorating

D&D Construction Roofing• Siding•Windows • Insulation • Gutters • LeafGuards • Soffits •Trimwork• Decks

Doug Dible 248-431-6243 Lawn/Garden Services

553

A R T

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

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

248-634-7041 Painting/ Decorating

562

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

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

567

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

248-363-5864 Power Washing

569

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

562

FALL SPECIALS

Lakes Painting All types of Painting Drywall Repairs • Wallpaper Removal & Installation . References • Lakes Area Owner Operated Since 1980

248-762-1534 VS PAINTING FALL SPECIAL Save 20% this season on exterior/ interior painting, drywall repair, & wallpaper removal on small or big jobs. 25 years experience. licensed and insured. Same day free estimates.

248-894-3239

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

571

ROOF REPAIRS Missing shingles replaced, Chimney flashing resealed, Leaks stopped, Vent stack flashing replaced, Complete roof inspection service, Guaranteed work. 30 yrs exp.

Call Doug Miller 248-360-0344 Siding

577

I.D.C.

Tile

585

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

John Miller (248)505-8865 jmtileandmarble.com

Trash/Debris Removal

586

Progressive Transportation Specializing in: •Appliances •Furniture •Debris Removal •We haul cars too! Call anytime for estimates & great service 248-887-4892

Tree Service

587

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

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

587

STUMP GRINDING AFFORDABLE Free Estimates Prompt Service Fenced Yard Accessible

Insured. Call Todd

248-425-0155 Waterproofing

599

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

Wells

603

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

jromotreeservice@yahoo.com

Emergency Service

MAXON'S TREE SERVICE

7 days a week

•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 KODIAK AERIAL TREE SERVICE

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

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

idchomeservice.com

248-921-9097

Bob: 248-363-0589

Tree Service

248-

363-6464

aquawells.com All credit cards accepted

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

(248)310-0917

Emergency Service Visa & MasterCard

OCTOBER 3-9, 2012

ST WE

www.spinalcolumnonline.com P. TW CE R E MM CO

LD FIE OM O BL

$389,900

$495,000 UNION LAKEFRONT PRICES ARE RISING IT’S A GREAT TIME TO BUY! •75’ sandy shoreline, 200’ deep lot, seawall •Possible walkout site, existing 2 br, 2 ba home #212088077 • EXT. #205

LD FIE OM O BL

BIRKDALE BEAUTY LARGE, NICELY LANDSCAPED LOT! •3,627 sq ft, 4-5 bed, 2.5 ba, LR, DR, jet tub ba •2-story GR, ff laundry, w/o bsmt, 3 car #212073978 • EXT. #237

ITE WH

P. TW KE A L

•2 separate-buildable lots, newer 2 car gar. •Existing 3 bed, 2 ba, GR, fp, Florida rm, FR #212084822 • EXT. #279

CE EN ND E EP IND

P. TW

$199,900

$349,900 BEAUTIFULLY UPDATED HOME ON ALL-SPORTS DUCK LAKE! •2,962 sq ft, 4 bed, 2 ba, vaulted dining, library •Fp, granite kitchen, 1st flr laundry, bsmt #212093248 • EXT. #246

P. TW CE R E MM CO

$224,900

ITE WH

#212092228 • EXT. #259

P. TW WO

LVE

EV RIN

ILL

$385,000

P. TW CE R E MM

$378,800

$499,900

LAKEFRONT RANCH HOME GORGEOUS LAKEFRONT HOME ON ALL-SPORTS LONG LAKE ON WOLVERINE LAKE •3 bed, 1.5 ba, Florida rm, GR, new snackbar kitch •2,514 sq ft + fin walkout, 4 bed, 2.5 ba, GR, fp •New flooring, covered deck, dock, seawall, 2 car •Mstr-jet tub bath, dock/seawall, ff laundry, 2 car #212075900 • EXT. #241 #212089282 • EXT. #255

•Meeting Client’s Needs Since 1977 •Dedicated Listing & Buyer’s Agents •160+ Negotiated/Closed “Short Sales”

10+ ACRE HORSE/HERB FARM WITH CIRCA 1880 FARMHOUSE •2,200 sq ft 2 sty, 4 bed, 2 ba, full basement •14 stall barn, 10 fenced pastures, coop, 8 car #212090502 • EXT. #201

$224,900

We are full time professional Realtors...

. WP ET RC E MM CO

P. TW KE A L

PRIVACY - QUIET .9 ACRE CUL-DE-SAC LOT BACKS TO WOODS •Spacious 2,557 sq ft and fin. bsmt, 4 bed, 2.5 ba •Ff laundry, porch, side entry gar, pool, patio #212021371 • EXT. #270

E AG

$299,900

$249,900

$624,900 CHARMING HOME ON ALL-SPORTS UPPER STRAITS LAKE! •3 bed, 2 ba, walkout basement, jet tub bath •GR w/fp, kitch w/appl., decks, dock, 2 car #212100812 • EXT. #232

$79,900

#212094331 • EXT. #210

CE ER MM

E AK

$169,900

GORGEOUS RANCH HOME BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED ON ALL-SPORTS BRENDEL LAKE! CONDOMINIUM TOWNHOUSE •1,488 sq ft + fin. walkout, 3-4 bed, 2 ba •2 bed, 1.5 ba + fin. bsmt, granite kitchen •GR/DR - hdwd flr, 2 fp, deck, patio, dock, shed • Ceramic & hdwd. thru-out, LC terms, pool

127 FT. OF BULLARD WATERFRONT GORGEOUS TREED .43 ACRE LOT •2,116 sq. ft., walkout, 4 bed, 3.5 ba, wet bar •Part fin. w/o, ff laundry, elevated deck #212091684 • EXT. #234

DL AR CH R O

TER WA

P. TW KE A L

$319,900 INCREDIBLE RETREAT ON PRIVATE, WOODED 5 ACRES! •3,049 sq ft + fin w/o, 3 bed, 3 ba, granite kitch •2-sty rms, post/beam construction, patio, 3 car #212064550 • EXT. #211

P. TW

NEW CONSTRUCTION BEAUTIFUL HOME ON 2.6 ACRES- BACKS MOVE RIGHT IN! TO HEARTLAND GLEN GOLF COURSE! •1,650 sq ft, 3 bed, 2.5 ba, master jet tub bath • 2,172 sq ft, 3 bed, 2.5 ba, w/o bsmt, 9 ft. ceiling • 2 sty GR, fp, ff mstr suite & laundry, lg deck •Kitch & dining w/hdwd, doorwall, bsmt, 2 car #212075065 • EXT. #263 #212096727 • EXT. #290

ITE WH

. WP DT N A RTL HA

. WP DT N A HL HIG

MILLION DOLLAR VIEWS SANDY SHORELINE ON WALTERS LAKE! •3 bed, 2 ba, fin. walkout, fp, needs TLC • 3 story deck, 2 car detached gar, shed #212095693 • EXT. #266

P. TW KE A L

RD FO

$299,900

$514,000

ITE WH

SPACIOUS COLONIAL ON LARGE, FENCED LOT •2,080 sq ft & fin bsmt, 3 bed, 2.5 ba, GR-fp •FR, 1st flr laundry, 3 car, 2nd story storage #212079251 • EXT. #228

. WP DT N A RTL HA

BEAUTIFULLY LANDSCAPED LOT 327’ LAKE FRONTAGE •4 bed, 3.5 ba, DR, granite kitch, GR, FR •Fireplace, 2nd kitch, 3 car, beach, dock #212070498 • EXT. #287

$199,900

$539,900 80 FT. OF SANDY SHORELINE ON ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE!

. WP ET AK L ITE WH

PAGE 47

Our performance speaks for itself! Call today for a private consultation.

ALL-SPORTS UNION LAKEFRONT SPECIAL •2-3 bedroom brick ranch, fin w/o, brick fp •2 car attached gar, elevated deck, patio #212091757 • EXT. #215

P. TW CE

ER MM

$344,900 HURON HILLS SUB - WAY BACK IN SUB TREED PRIVATE LOT •2 story w/2,594 sq ft, 4 lg bed, 2.5 ba, fp •9 ft ff ceilings, ff laundry, 3+ car, part fin bsmt #212037708 • EXT. #224

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

There’s No Better Time To Sell! 800-396-5204 + Ext. # for recorded message 2900 Union Lake, Suite 210, Commerce, MI 48382

248-366-7200

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

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

janet@TheStocktonTeam.com

steve@TheStocktonTeam.com

www.TheStocktonTeam.com

PAGE 48

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Commerce Market Center David Botsford - Team Leader Call about our new agent and veteran’s scholarship programs. 248-360-2900

Christine Atkinson

Email: christineatkinsonrealtor@yahoo.com Visit my website

Office 248-406-2909 Cell 248-310-8572

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

Whether Buying or Selling a Home… I Specialize in Referrals and I Appreciate Your Help!

CHRISTINEATKINSON.COM KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY

UNION LAKE WHERE DREAMS NEVER END! Move right into this charing allsports Union Lake front home. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths. 2,410 sq. ft. All natural sandy beach, professional gardening, spacious kitchen, formal living and dining rooms with spectacular views! $499,900

BRENDEL LAKE - 380’ OF ALL-SPORTS LAKE FRONTAGE 3,126 sq. ft. with spectacular views of all-sports Brendel Lake from every room in the house! 4 private balconies with electric storm shutters, turret with breakfast room, large open floor plan with 3 bedrooms and 2.1 baths. Your own Shangri La! Come see today! $499,900

CEDAR ISLAND LAKE - LIFE IS BETTER HERE Come see this all-sports Cedar Island Lake waterfront home! 3 bedrooms, 2 baths and over 2,100 sq. ft. of living space. New stainless steel appliances, family room with wet bar, natural fireplace and huge deck and basement with doorwall and heated 2 car garage! $299,900

CEDAR ISLAND LAKE - OWN A PIECE OF PARADISE 2,831 sq. ft. complete with 20K whole house generator, heated ceramic floors, granite counter tops, upstairs laundry, 3 bedrooms - master with spa tub, 3 baths, outstanding views and outdoor hot tub overlooking allsports Cedar Island Lake! $449,900

Lorrie Bailey

lorriebailey@aol.com kw.com

Agent

lorriebailey.com

Cell

Keller Williams Realty

248-884-6723 Fax

248-406-2901

866.784.0917

2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce Township

WHITE LAKE Gorgeous home with open floor plan w/kitchen, hearth room and breakfast area. 5 bedrooms; 5 baths; finished walkout lower level; formal dining; great room; first floor master; 3 car garage; much more. Not a short sale. $325,000 2900 Union Lake Rd., Suite 210 Commerce Township, MI 48382

COMMERCE MARKET CENTER

Jennifer Wrobleski

Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated

(248) 854-3100 • OFFICE (248) 360-2900 FAX (248) 406-2901 EMAIL jwrobleski@kw.com www.MichiganHomeMarketPlace.com

CELL

REALTOR®

www.JenniferWrobleski.net

Keller Williams - Commerce “#1 Top Producing Agent” and “Lakes Area’s Specialist”

Historic Farm House on Almost 3.5 Acres In the Heart of Commerce! Gorgeous original hardwood floors in pristine condition. Open floor plan with island kitchen open to dining room, cozy family room with soaring ceilings and exposed beams, spacious living area, master bedroom with loft overlooking family room. Oversized barn with loft area, shed, and garage. Fabulous well maintained property. Horses allowed.

Beautiful Contemporary on 2.5 Acres. Walkout Finished Basement.

I NEED HOUSES! I KEEP SELLING MY INVENTORY.

CALL LORRIE IF YOU WANT IT SOLD

Inventory is low. It’s a great time to sell. Call today for a free market analysis.

OCTOBER 3-9, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 49

Last year we helped 18,010 Michiganders find their perfect home.

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $1,299,000 description,all caps OnUp/lowr all sportscase Upper Long Lake w/ 1.4 acre hard to read,symbolizes yelling 212063848 248-851-4100 MLS 248.851.4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WATERFORD $200,000 $899,000 Up/lowr case description,all caps Lake Oakland 182’ of frontage! hard to read,symbolizes yelling MLS 248.851.4100 212064757 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WEST BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $700,000 Up/lowrMagnificent case description,all home in caps hard wonderful to read,symbolizes yelling Bloom Pines! MLS 248.851.4100 212084960 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WEST BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $649,000 Up/lowr case description,all caps 5 bedroom home. Completely hard to read,symbolizes yelling remodeled & gorgeous! MLS 248.851.4100 212029488 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $550,000 Up/lowr1.39 caseacres description,all Beautiful on Chalmerscaps Lake! hard to read,symbolizes yelling MLS 248.851.4100 212056609 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WEST BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $485,000 Up/lowr case description,all caps Sophisticated ranch home with hard to read,symbolizes over 4,400 sq. ft. yelling MLS 248.851.4100 212090535 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WEST BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $449,900 Up/lowr case sq. description,all caps Custom 3,800 ft. lakefront home. hard to read,symbolizes yelling Great views. MLS 248.851.4100 210061488 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD FARMINGTON HILLS $200,000 $399,900 Up/lowrGreat casehistorical description,all home caps hard to on read,symbolizes almost 2 acres! yelling MLS 248.851.4100 212041014 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WEST BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $325,000 Up/lowr casesq. description,all 4,400+ ft. ranch home.caps hard to read,symbolizes Fully furnished! yelling MLS 248.851.4100 29147684 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WEST BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $300,000 Up/lowr case description,all Spacious 4 bedroom homecaps hard towith read,symbolizes open floor plan!yelling MLS 248.851.4100 212097719 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WEST BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $275,000 Up/lowr case 4description,all Desirable bedroom homecaps hard read,symbolizes withtospacious and privateyelling yard MLS 248.851.4100 212098880 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD FARMINGTON HILLS $200,000 $250,000 Up/lowr casehome description,all Beautiful with 2 story caps hard to and read,symbolizes yelling foyer finished lower level MLS 248.851.4100 212093238 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WEST BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $249,900 Up/lowr case description,all Totally updated, gorgeous caps hard to 3read,symbolizes bedroom home! yelling MLS 248.851.4100 212098531 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WEST BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $235,000 Up/lowr caseopportunity description,all Fantastic for thiscaps hard to read,symbolizes 4 bedroom home! yelling MLS 248.851.4100 212094631 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS WHITE LAKEBOLD $200,000 $209,900 Up/lowr1,885 case sq. description,all ft. end unit caps hard to read,symbolizes yelling PLUS unfinished walkout MLS 248.851.4100 212085364 248-851-4100

CITY WALLED IN ALL CAPS BOLD LAKE $200,000 $164,900 Up/lowr case 3description,all Adorable bedroom home caps hardwith to read,symbolizes yelling Hawk Lake privileges! MLS 248.851.4100 212094652 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WEST BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $149,900 Up/lowr2case description,all bedroom home on caps hard to read,symbolizes yelling treed lot with lake view! MLS 248.851.4100 212097467 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WEST BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $145,000 Up/lowrSprawling case description,all ranch with caps hard to read,symbolizes lots of windows! yelling MLS 248.851.4100 212071688 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WEST BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $129,900 Up/lowrSprawling case description,all brick ranch caps hard to read,symbolizes yelling with large private yard! MLS 248.851.4100 212084589 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WEST BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $125,000 Up/lowr case Great description,all starter home caps hard to yelling withread,symbolizes updates on large lot! MLS 248.851.4100 212096950 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WEST BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $2,400,000 Up/lowr case description,all Architectural masterpiece incaps hard to read,symbolizes gated community! yelling MLS 248.851.4100 212078176 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WEST BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $275,000 Up/lowr casehome description,all Gorgeous with finishedcaps hard to read,symbolizes yelling basement and fabulous yard! MLS 248.851.4100 212092218 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WEST BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $239,900 Up/lowr case description,all Outstanding 5 bedroom homecaps hard towith read,symbolizes newer kitchen! yelling MLS 248.851.4100 212097360 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPS BOLD WEST BLOOMFIELD $200,000 $219,996 Up/lowr case description,all Enjoy over 3,000 sq. ft. caps hard to yelling in read,symbolizes this spacious home. MLS 248.851.4100 212088174 248-851-4100

CITY IN ALL CAPSHILLS BOLD FARMINGTON $200,000 $175,000 Up/lowr case3description,all Beautiful bedroom condo,caps hard to read,symbolizes perfect condition yelling MLS 248.851.4100 212094598 248-851-4100

6960 ORCHARD LAKE ROAD | WEST BLOOMFIELD | 248.851.1900

RealEstateOne.com

MaxBroock.com

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

featured properties:

– HIGHLAND – 100 FT. OF MAIN LAKE WATERFRONT ALL-SPORTS WHITE LAKE TOTALLY REMODELED 1996. OPEN FLOOR PLAN 212095951 $449,000

– HIGHLAND – DESIRABLE SOUTH BAY SHORES PRIVILEGES ALLSPORTS DUCK LAKE. DECORATIVE CUSTOM MOLDINGS. 212098324 $350,000

– WATERFORD – INCREDIBLE UPDATED HOME, LAKE PRIVILEGES, FAMILY ROOM WITH FIREPLACE 212091003 $169,900

– PITTSFIELD – LOVELY COUNTRY SETTING, OPEN, SPACIOUS KITCHEN, HARDWOOD FLOORS 212075781 $159,900

OCTOBER 3-9, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

BECKY KATZMAN McCARTHY 248-790-9915

PAGE 51

SANDY JONES

AUDREY STOREY

Visit: sandyjoneshome.com for all available properties

audreystorey@yahoo.com

248-320-3531

Lakes Area Specialist

rmccarthy@RealEstateOne.com

DIN

N PE

NEW LISTING

Traditional colonial just minutes from Downtown Milford, perfect for the growing family! Two living areas, 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths, master suite with large walk-in closet, kitchen with view of the newer Trex deck and gorgeous inground pool and large lush grounds almost an acre, upbuilt nature beyond the yard gives the impression of more, 2 car attached garage! $225,000. Call Becky for details 248-790-9915.

CHERYL YEAGER

TOM BUCHANAN

cherylyeager.com cherylyeager@yahoo.com

TomsPalmBeachBiz@yahoo.com

248-310-8077 W

NEW LISTING

True Gem on huge corner lot! Pride in ownership and immaculate! Completely remodeled and beautifully decorated. Over 1,500 sq. ft. of living area, 3 bedrooms and 1.1 baths, newer carpet and paint, custom solid oak wood floors throughout, kitchen includes all appliances, separate dining area, spacious living room with cultured stone fireplace, finished basement/office area, 2.5 car attached garage, extensive landscaping with brick pavers, tiered deck, back yard perfect for entertaining some exclusions, Walled Lake Schools. $169,000. Call Becky for details.

248-326-4568

cell

Wonderful 4 bedroom 2-story home with lake privileges on Commerce Lake. Super energy efficient with low utility bills. Fireplace in the living room, large laundry room and separate walk-in closet. The up-stairs has 2 bedrooms, full bath and a great open room (22’x14’) for an additional TV/game room. Mechanic’s dream garage. If you are looking for a spacious home? You have found it!

A Great Place to Start! Lovely stone front ranch home with 3 bedrooms, great family room and living room, fenced yard, attached garage in a great neighborhood.

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

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT SELLING OR BUYING? Call for a Free Market Analysis? Underwater with your Mortgage and Want to Sell?

Call me today!

SUSI GOLLINGER Associate Broker - A.B.R.

(248) 310-9002 susigollinger@hotmail.com

ICE

ALL-SPORTS PONTIAC LAKEFRONT One of the best locations on the lake. Enjoy fabulous views from spacious deck. Move-in condition home offering 3 bedrooms, 3 full baths, jetted tub in master bath, basement and heated and cooled garage. Well landscaped yard with sprinkling system. Generator. $269,900 (8990 tac) Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour

A SHOWPLACE RARE FIND - 5 BEDROOMS Custom ranch style home, includes 3 1/2 baths, formal dining, 1st floor laundry, large kitchendinette, professionally finished walkout basement, huge deck overlooks natural area. 3 car garage. Near Henry Ford Hospital, West Bloomfield. Priced at $388,000. - 866-999-1106 (T.B. dr rd) Ask for Tom Buchanan, agent 248-326-4568.

MILFORD $99,000 - VACANT Must see this beautiful 1.63 acre private setting of mature pines and hardwood on a private road with cul-de-sac. Gorgeous serene nature setting with plenty of wildlife in your own backyard. Minutes from Downtown Milford’s fine dining and shopping!! Electric and gas at road, perked in ‘88, close to Oakpointe of Milford & to prestigious Heritage Hills Subdivision. Possible daylight/walkout basement. Huron Valley Schools. Don’t miss this opportunity to build your dream home. (SG00T)

WATERFORD - $169,900 Incredible updated home in move in condition. Walkway to Lake Pleasant just steps from home to canoe or kayak. Views of lake from deck and master bedroom. Nicely landscaped. Newer floors in foyer, living room, kitchen and powder room, family room with fireplace open to breakfast nook. Maple cabinets in kitchen with breakfast nook to doorwall and deck. Master bedroom with walk-in closet. Nice size bedrooms. New finished basement with family room, full bath and laundry room. New roof. (SG335CV)

CALL SUSI FOR DETAILS AND SHOWINGS

Lakes Area (248) 363-8300 • 8430 Richardson

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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