SCN-10.17.12 by Kingsett

WEST OAKLAND’S NEWSWEEKLY www.spinalcolumnonline.com

10/17/12

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

50¢

LOVING THY NEIGHBOR Lutheran church takes in Episcopalian congregation that lost its home - pg. 11

LONG TIME, NO SEE! Nowicki gets manager position in Wixom shortly after retirement - pg. 3

WENDROWS SUE DEAN Family says 51st District Court candidate defamed them in forum - pg. 32 Boneless Skinless

Chicken Breast Sold in 10 lb. bags

$ 59 lb.

With coupon • Expires 10/24/12 Lesser quantities $2.29

pg. 8 Scotch Elementary Fourth-Grade Teacher Cynthia Rigoni’s class last week. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

HIGHLAND COIN CHALLENGE

free for all!!!

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

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

*Current

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

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

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

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

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

$32.00 Silver Spot 10¢ . . . . . . . . . . $2.00 each 25¢ . . . . . . . . . . $5.00 each 50¢ . . . . . . . . . $10.00 each $1.00 . $20.00 each & up

US US US US

$33.00 Silver Spot 10¢ . . . . . . . . . . $2.10 each 25¢ . . . . . . . . . . $5.25 each 50¢ . . . . . . . . . $10.50 each $1.00 . $21.00 each & up

US US US US

$34.00 Silver Spot 10¢ . . . . . . . . . . $2.20 each 25¢ . . . . . . . . . . $5.50 each 50¢ . . . . . . . . . $11.00 each $1.00 . $22.00 each & up

US Silver Eagles $1.00 over Silver Spot Price

Sterling Silver $25.00 oz. or $.75 gr. Based on $33.50 spot

If you need spare cash, or have gold, silver or coins to sell, you owe it to yourself to stop by HIGHLAND COIN and receive an offer for your items before you sell your items to anyone else.

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

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

*Prices subject to change due to market fluctuations

248-714-9780

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WEST OAKLAND COUNTY

IN OUR 52ND YEAR

YOUR LOCAL NEWS SOURCE FOR:

SHOP LOCAL • THINK LOCAL • LIVE LOCAL

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

Local dentist collecting Halloween candy for soldiers — page 23

WLCSD hosts more events in support of cancer battle By Kevin Elliott

Commerce Clerk urges voters to elect his ‘opponent’ — page 7 Our advice for voters on five local ballot questions — pgs. 35-36

That’s what HE said: "Who would want to do something as crazy as that?" — Sid Rubin, mayor pro tem of Keego Harbor, on an alleged scheme to confuse voters by placing two people named John Scott — one, the current Republican county commissioner, and another, an independent challenger now facing election fraud charges — on the Nov. 6 general election ballot. Rubin signed a nominating petition for the independent John Scott thinking he was signing it for Commissioner Scott, the candidate he supports.

staff writer

Athletes in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District are helping with the battle against cancer as the Walled Lake Central High School football team and the Walled Lake Braves flag football organization hold special events this weekend. Walled Lake Central will conclude its Pink Viking Week schedule of events on Friday, Oct. 19 at its Pink Week football game. The school will honor those affected by cancer by sharing a moment of silence during the halftime show. Players will wear pink socks on the field. All teams at the school have added pink to their uniforms to support the fight against cancer. The game will start at 7 p.m. at Walled Lake Central. Last month, the Walled Lake Western High School football team raised thousands for the fight against cancer during the Warriors’ annual Pink Out game on Sept. 21. The game featured Commerce Elementary School student Jacob Pesta, 8, as the

Nowicki named replacement for retiring Dornan By Leslie Shepard

INSIDE Lakes Area News . . . . . .7-19 Special Report . . . . . . . . .8-9 Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Education . . . . . . . . . .20-22 Local Matters . . . . . . .23-25 Mail Bag . . . . . . . . . . .33-34 Editorials . . . . . . . . . .35-36 Community Calendar . .37-39 Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . .40-45

248.360.6397

staff writer

In the wake of Wixom City Manager Mike Dornan’s pending departure, residents will soon see a familiar face back at City Hall. The City Council negotiated a contract with former Assistant City Manager Tony Nowicki on Thursday, Oct. 11 to take over as the new city manager once Dornan formally retires on Nov. 18. “The main reason we offered the position to Tony is because Council made a unanimous decision after the Wage and Salary Committee developed an agreement for him to act as city manager,” said Mayor Kevin Hinkley. “He’s familiar with the employees,

From left to right, Jacob Pesta; his mother, Shelly Pesta; and his sister, Kaitlyn Pesta show their support for the battle against cancer at the Walled Lake Western Warrior’s annual “Warriors for Warriors Pink Out” game on Sept. 21. Jacob was Western’s honorary captain for the game. (Photo submitted by Judy Evola/Walled Lake Consolidated School District)

Warriors’ honorary captain. Pesta, a second-grader at Commerce Elementary, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor when he was 5-years-old. He has since overcome the diagnosis following three years of treatment. “Jake will never be able to participate in full-contact sports due to the brain

tumor trauma he’s endured,” his mother, Shelly, said following the Warriors game. “This experience by the football team left him with a neverbefore feeling of being part of a team. He was overjoyed and really absorbed feeling like he was one of the football

current projects and with vendors and agreements vs. going through a search that takes a significantly longer time. We’re excited to get him back.” Dornan said is proud to hand over the torch to a man he’s worked with for 10 years. “I’m very pleased that City Council acknowledged that Tony is knowledgeable about the city and that he possesses the ability to provide a smooth transition,” Dornan said. “The ideal situation is always to promote from within.” Nowicki’s four-year contract becomes effective Nov. 19. He said that although there are challenges ahead, he is ready to roll up his sleeves and dive in. “I’m excited,” Nowicki said. “There’s a lot of great people in the city, and who better to advance the city when I know it and the operations, and can come into the job with my eyes wide open. I know what the challenges and assets are. This is a tremendous community and a great

place to work. I look forward to getting back and involved.” By reorganizing the city manager’s office, the cost savings is expected to exceed $230,000. “That’s a good deal for the city,” said Mayor Pro Tem Jim Cutright. “Personally I felt we couldn’t find anyone who knows what’s going on better in Wixom than Tony. He can jump right in and take off running.” Nowicki will earn $106,000 in annual salary, less than a 15 percent increase from his old salary as assistant city manager. He will also be allowed to participate in a defined contribution retirement benefit plan, with the city contributing up to 5 percent of his base pay. He will also have a $500 car allowance and a $50 per month stipend for cell phone usage. His contract also affords him 21 days of vacation, 12 sick days, and three personal days each year. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

ONE MINUTE INTERVIEW WEST

OAKLAND’S

She wrote the book on love

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.

OU's Orbuch on starting, maintaining healthy relationships

r. Terri L. Orbuch may go by “Professor Orbuch” when she’s teaching sociology at Oakland University, but many others know her as “The Love Doctor.” With radio and TV shows, magazine columns, advice CDs, national speaking engagements and workshops, and five books, Orbuch is an emerging national authority on relationship advice for couples, families and friends. A nationally funded research scientist in addition to being a marriage and family therapist, Orbuch spoke with the Spinal Column Newsweekly about how to maintain healthy and productive relationships — and start new ones. What do you find is the best way to strengthen a relationship or marriage? TO: First, you want to “sweat the small stuff” in relationships... What I have found in my studies is that it’s really important to address those small, annoying things in your relationships. Don’t let them go. What happens is what starts out as really small ... whatever it may be that really annoys you that seems small and rather insignificant, if you don’t address it, it accumulates over time. What starts out as small and can be addressed, becomes bigger and bigger and bigger over time. And when it goes over time, small things accumulate over time, then it’s really hard to unpack and get at the issues after some period of time. Second, you want to do or say small things often to make your partner happy. I call that affirmation. You want to say things every single day — and it only takes one phrase. Or do something every single day — and it only takes one thing. Make sure that your partner feels special, cared for, valued and that you don’t take him or her for granted. So you can say, “I love you” or “You’re the best partner” or “Thank you for putting the dishes in the dishwasher.” ... Or, you could do something small, like turn the coffee pot on in the morning because you know your partner needs caffeine when they wake up, or bring in the newspaper or make him a favorite dessert or meal. Those are things that your partner will really pick up on, and those are things that your partner is looking for to make sure you care and don’t take them for granted. And third, every single day, practice what I call the 10-minute rule. Most couples think they are talking to each other every single day, but what they are really talking about is, who is going to pick up the kids, or call mom, pay

the bills, or get the groceries. That’s not communications. That’s what I call maintaining the household. Practice the 10-minute rule every day for at least 10 minutes by talking to your partner or spouse about something other than these four topics: Work, family or children, who is going to do what around the house, or your relationship. What part does the economy and money play on marriages, and what are some of the other common mistakes, pit falls or obstacles people often face in marriage? TO: I should say all relationships and marriages have conflict disagreements. There are four couples in my study that said, “We have no conflicts.” None of

•

NE MINUTE

INTERVIEW

those four couples were still married in (three years) because when you think about it, conflicts, fights, are inevitable. You come from two different households, families, backgrounds, sometimes religions. You’re bound to disagree about something. In fact if you’re not, you’re probably not talking about the important things with one another. Money turns out to be the No. 1 source of conflict in all marriages. Money is what people have much difficulty discussing because they aren’t used to talking openly about money. Usually, when couples talk about money, it’s only those times when they need to pay the bills, or pay taxes, or when they are in debt. So it’s very important for couples to find a neutral time to talk about money, and to talk money often. I encourage couples to talk about money every three months. They sit

down and talk about their short- and long-term money goals, they ask questions about what are we spending, what are we saving. Next, it’s very important to understand that when couples are having conflict around money, it’s usually not about the money itself. It’s that money is a tangible topic to have conflict over and it’s more likely that two partners are disagreeing about the meaning of money — and money means different things to different people. Sometimes it means control, security, esteem or even love, but then again, money is a tangible part of a relationship, so it’s easy to project those emotional meanings into concrete money matters. Have there been studies on where to meet people — online, in church groups, or things like that? TO: Yes, in my new book, “Finding Love Again: Six Simple Steps to a New and Happy Relationship,” I actually talk about the three best ways to find that someone special, or to find love. First, and people don’t like this answer, you want to ask your friends or family members to fix you up. And I know that everyone goes, “Ahhhh!” and they shrug when I say that strategy, but what we find and what research shows is that your friends know you and this other person and think that you would have something in common, a similar underlying value with this person. It’s a great way to meet someone who has similar key life values and interests... Second, you want to do group activity that meets regularly... What you have is what you call the mere-exposure effect. What that says is, mere exposure, or repeated exposure, or contact with someone increases liking. We know that’s what happens with two individuals. So, simply seeing the same person — you don’t even have to say anything — increases liking from you to this other person, and them to you. Then you happen to have a similar interest in common, (and) it’s much more likely that you are going to feel comfortable to go ask this person a question or have something to say, whatever it may be. The third best way is online dating. We know that online dating is successful, it is safe and that people are meeting others to have relationships. And, one out of six people who get married meet online. ❏

By Kevin Elliott

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

OCTOBER 17-23, 2012

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PAGE 5

Which Neuropathy Symptoms Do You Suffer From? If You Suffer From A Single One Of These Agonizing Symptoms: Numbness, Tingling, or Sharp Nerve Pain Then Read Below… A New Breakthrough Treatment Could Change Your Life! Neuropathy can affect every part of your life -- walking, sitting, and even sleeping. If you have tried “everything” (Anodyne therapy, physical therapy, Lyrica®, Neurotin®, or other medications) without getting the results you want then you may benefit from our breakthrough treatment program.

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I asked myself that very question along with… What makes a nerve healthy? What causes nerve damage? How can I naturally tip the balance toward healing the nerves while also removing what was damaging them? The Single Most Important Solution to Your Neuropathy… I have been researching, reading, attending classes, consulting with experts in the scientific community- all to create my Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Program. This program is a combination of different therapy techniques and protocols: We utilize Rebuilder® Therapy (see www.RebuilderMedical.com), Active Therapeutic Movement , Nutritional Therapy, Cold Laser Therapy, Foot bath Detox, Spinal Decompression Therapy, Vibration therapy and traditional Chiropractic Therapy. With this layered approach we can “Wake Up” the nerves so they can function normally again and re-educate nerve paths that have gone hay-wire. While we “wake up” your nerves we will support their need for fuel and activation.

❑ A review of your most recent blood tests. ❑ DVD explaining current neuropathy solutions. ❑ Toronto Qualification Exam- this test scores how bad your neuropathy is and what type it is (large or small nerve fiber disease). ❑ A thorough analysis of your exam, Metabolic Assessment Form to find out if you are a candidate for this breakthrough treatment protocol. If you are a candidate for my program I will review the reasons why and give you an individualized Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Plan developed uniquely for you. You will also receive my latest Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment Program DVD detailing every aspect of this breakthrough, clinically proven treatment program.

This offer is only good until October 27, 2012. Call today 248-912-2962 and we can get you scheduled for your consultation and exam.

Our office is located at 1881 N. Pontiac Trail. in Walled Lake between Decker and Welch Rds. When you call, tell the scheduler you’d like to come in for the Neuropathy Evaluation so she can get you on the schedule and make sure you receive proper credit for this special offer. Sincerely, Dr. Tom Sladic, D.C. Why suffer with years of misery? That’s no way to live, not when there could be a solution to your problem Don't live in pain when we may have the solution you've been looking for all along.

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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PAGE 7

LAKES AREA NEWS

Clerk Munro urges Commerce voters to elect Bushey By Kevin Elliott staff writer

Commerce Township Clerk Dan Munro will be one of two candidates on the Nov. 6 general election ballot, but the incumbent Republican is urging voters to elect Janet Bushey instead. Munro, who was appointed to the clerk’s position last year, failed to withdraw from the race by the deadline to remove his name from the ballot. “I made a decision, unfortunately past the deadline, to return to the private sector as chief information officer for Community Choice Credit Union. Even though my name is on the ballot, I would resign if elected,” Munro said. Bushey, the township’s human resources and finance director, was recruited to run for the clerk position as an independent candidate. Munro said Bushey is well-qualified for the clerk job because she is wellversed in Commerce Township issues. Further, he said Deputy Clerk Vanessa Magner is planning to stay in her current position and would provide exceptional support to the new clerk. Despite months of supporting Bushey, there remains a strong possibility that voters casting straight Republican ballots could elect Munro. If that happens, Munro said he would resign effective Jan. 1, 2013 and recommend that the township Board of Trustees appoint Bushey to the job. He said an appointment by the board could end up saving the township between $60,000 and $70,000 since Bushey could fill the clerk’s position, as well as maintain her current duties as human resources and finance director. However, it isn’t certain that the board would select Bushey. “With the slate of candidates selected for the township board going into next year, it’s not certain what they would choose to do,” Munro said. “There’s no guarantee. “I encourage fully for people to vote directly for Janet Bushey. That puts the decision directly in the voters’ hands, instead of the township board’s.”❏

Commerce Elementary School student Jacob Pesta (center) participated in the coin-toss ceremony as an honorary Walled Lake Western captain at the Warriors’ Friday, Sept. 21 varsity football “Warriors for Warriors Pink Out” game against the Captains of Waterford Kettering. Western won the game, 41-2. (Photo submitted by Judy Evola/Walled Lake Consolidated School District)

Warriors’ Pink Out ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 3

players. We thank everyone involved for providing such a memorable experience for Jake and supporting the pediatric cancer world, too.” Jacob’s Fight Foundation, which

Wixom’s 3.5-mill ballot proposal would raise $8.8M By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The city of Wixom is turning to its voters in an effort to help sustain city services by putting before them a millage proposal during the Nov. 6 general election. Voters will be asked to approve a four-year, 3.5-mill levy beginning July 2013 to help pay for city operating expenses for such services as police and fire, public works, and parks and recreation services. The millage would generate over $2.2 million per year, or about $8.85 million over a four year period.

his family formed to help survivors and spread awareness of pediatric cancer, raised about $40,000 in September at the organization’s first fund-raiser, Rockin the D on the Runway, held at the Edgewood Country Club in Commerce Township. On Sunday, Oct. 21, Pesta is

A ballot question that would have raised the city’s charter millage cap failed during the Aug. 7 primary election. This time around, the city administration is working to fully inform voters. “The first time around, they didn’t understand the aspect of the proposal, but this time we’ve had better response and put a time limit on it. People appreciate that,” said city Finance Director Kevin Brady. “The four-year plan is so expenses and revenues break even. After four years, we would evaluate what’s going on. Some people voiced (concerns that) they wanted a time limit on the millage.” The city is facing a deficit of over $1.7 million in the 2013 fiscal year, and expected shortfalls of $2.1 million in 2014, $2.5 million in 2015, and $2.6 million in 2016, for a total deficit

expected to be the honorary captain for the Walled Lake Braves flag football organization in its final regular season game at Walled Lake Northern High School. The Braves also invited Jacob’s sister, Kaitlyn, to join cheerleaders at the game. That game will be at 4 p.m. on Sunday. ❏ over four years of $8.98 million. Former Mayor Michael McDonald opposes the ballot proposal and is challenging the city to first exhaust alternatives before asking the taxpayers for more money. “They have to renegotiate contracts, mothball the Community Center, cut leaf collection, and cut the budget to the point where revenues coming in will cover the budget and address it now,” McDonald said. “There’s not a will on (the Wixom City) Council to do things that are necessary.” City officials pointed to reports by Oakland County stating that Wixom was one of the communities in the

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 10

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

By Michael Shelton staff writer

SPECIAL REPORT

he latest student head count figures in the four lakes area public school districts remain unofficial, but the preliminary figures indicate a drop in enrollment in the Huron Valley, Waterford, West Bloomfield, and Walled Lake Consolidated school districts. The student enrollment figures are a crucial component of the state’s perpupil public school funding system: A drop in enrollment can mean less state funding for a district, while enrollment growth can result in additional state financial support. Student count days are used by the state to determine how much money each school district receives through a perpupil allowance. The official student count days, as established by the state’s School Aid Act, are the Wednesday in the fourth full week of school in a new academic year and the second Wednesday in February. The totals from the fall and previous winter counts are blended and the fall count is weighted more heavily. This is known as the blended count system. The blended count total involves weighting the fall count at 90 percent and the winter count at 10 percent to reach a blended count total. The proportions of the blended county system have changed over the years, and were previously 80/20 and 75/25, for example. After the fall count each year, school districts have five weeks to get a final enrollment number to their respective intermediate school district to be verified and audited. The audited student head count figures typically become effective in mid-November. This reportedly helps the school districts get their state aid for students that enroll after the fourth-Wednesday head counts. If a student is absent on a count day, there are a certain number of grace days that will allow the student to be counted as long as a procedure if followed. Here’s a look at how the lakes area’s school districts fared during the recent fourth-Wednesday student head counts, which this year were held on Wednesday, Oct. 3. WALLED LAKE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS The Walled Lake Consolidated School District tallied 15,205 students during the Wednesday, Oct. 3 fall head count, down 313 students from the fall 2011 count and 284 from the district’s count in February,

Enrollments down

Count day figures show dip in all districts Beaumont Elementary School (Waterford Public Schools) Elementary Music Teacher Jessica Blitchok conducts a session with students in her music classroom. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

according to district spokeswoman Judy Evola. Evola said the district follows the count process outlined by the Michigan Department of Education — having the teachers perform a count of the students at a designated time, while recording who is there and who isn’t. If a student is absent on count day, they must return to school within 30 days for the district to be able to count him or her. The district tallied 15,518 students in the 2011 fall count; 15,463 students in the fall 2010 county; and 15,649 students in the 2009 fall count. Based on the two student counts conducted this calendar year — tallies which make up the blended student count, which also includes students from Franklin Christian and the district’s Early Intervention program and Adult Education program — the district’s blended county enrollment is expected to be 15,289 students. While student counts have gone down since last school year, the district’s state foundation grant allowance is expected to remain the same at $8,165 per student. That figure is down from the 2010-2011 school year by about $470, when it

was $8,635 per student. Unofficial counts are sent to the state, where an audit is performed. Official results are typically received in February or March. Evola said that while the district has experienced a decline in enrollment, the budget process has already accounted for a portion of the decline.

“We don’t anticipate having to cut back on spending during the current fiscal year (due to the results of the student counts).”

“We don’t anticipate having to cut back on spending during the current fiscal year (due to the results of the student counts),” she said. HURON VALLEY SCHOOLS In Huron Valley Schools, the blend-

ed count (a combination of the Oct. 3 county and last February’s count) was reported at 9,857 full-time equivalent (FTE) students, 93 fewer than the district’s blended count at this time last year. FTE counts are what is reported to the state for purposes of per-pupil foundation allowance funding. Full-time equivalency refers to the actual time that a child is in the district. There are instances when special education students, for example, are only in the district for a portion of the day, which can equate to a fraction in numbers. The district verifies the enrollment of students who were absent on the count day, including tracking students who were attending an event off-site or attending a program such as vocational or college courses. Preliminary weekly counts started on Sept. 14 in preparation for the final fall count on Oct. 3. Counts are collected at the building level, which collects the counts per classroom. The student count figure as of Oct. 3 was 9,944 FTE students. Last year at this time it was reported at 9,947. There has been a trend of declining enrollment in the district over the last six years. In 2007-08, the student count was

OCTOBER 17-23, 2012

District officials added that Waterford’s perpupil foundation grant allowance for the current school year is currently $7,175 per pupil. The blended student count for the 2011-12 school year was 11,055 FTE students, while the blended count in 2010-11 was 11,287 FTE students. The district had a blended count of 11,381 FTE students in 2009-10 and the blended count in 2008-09 was 11,403 FTE students. The blended count in 2007-08 was 11,433.26 FTE students. District officials added that Waterford’s per-pupil foundation grant allowance for the current school year is currently $7,175 per pupil.

Wiseman and Holbrook added that the latest figures and current perpupil foundation grant allowance would not require the district to whittle back spending for the current school year.

down from February’s count of 6,596.57 FTE students. The district counted 6,603 students at this time last year. Zajac said that the student count is tabulated by teachers taking atten-

Scotch Elementary School (West Bloomfield Schools) Second-Grade Teacher Michelle Berman supervises students in her classroom. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

The Waterford Schools Board of Education at its June 7 meeting approved the district’s budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year. General Fund revenue for the year was projected at $103.51 million. With $6.23 million projected to be in the fund balance on July 1, the district was projected to have just shy of $109.75 million available to appropriate for the 2012-13 academic year. Meanwhile, expenditures for the this school year were projected to be $104.48 million. WEST BLOOMFIELD SCHOOLS According to West Bloomfield Schools Public Relations and Marketing Coordinator Pamela Zajac, the district had an unofficial fall count of 6,328 students on Oct. 3, which is

dance during the day and reporting the count to their school’s office, which then reports those figures to pupil accounting. “All principals obtain the information equally. Our pupil accounting office processes all of the information,” Zajac said. If a registered student is absent due to illness, there is a grace period so that when they return they can be added to the count. Zajac added that the district’s perpupil foundation grant allowance for the current school year is $8,646, which is the same as last year’s figure. West Bloomfield’s head count for 2011 was 6,744.42 FTE students in February and 6,604 in October, while

PAGE 9

the head count for 2010 was 6,880.84 FTE students in February and 6,788.64 in September. The district’s head count for 2009 was 6,851.17 FTE students in February and 6,928.82 in September, while the 2008 head count was 6,693.7 FTE students in February and 6,846.71 in September. West Bloomfield’s head count for September 2007 was 6,643.63 FTE students. “We budgeted conservatively enough so that it would only have an impact on the end-of-year final budget, but this is premature to project. Other items may impact the final budget,” Zajac said. The West Bloomfield Schools Board of Education approved the district’s budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year, which began on July 1, at its June 25 meeting. General Fund revenue for 2012-13 was projected at $64.63 million, while expenditures were projected at $63.45 million, leaving a surplus of $1.17 million. The district’s General Fund balance as of June 30 was projected at $419,154 and is expected to increase to $1.59 million by June 30, 2013, the end of the 2012-13 fiscal year. Then, the board at its Sept. 24 meeting voted to approve the closure of Ealy Elementary School in the fall of 2013, as recommended after a school enrollment and facilities use study by Shannon Bingham of Western Demographics. In addition, the school board also unanimously approved the recommendation to convert Doherty Elementary School into a facility for students in kindergarten through second-grade and Sheiko Elementary into a building for students in third- through fifthgrade, with one set of attendance boundaries for both schools, beginning in the fall of 2013. The board also decided in favor of the recommendation to consider studying the potential closure of Roosevelt Elementary School in a two- to five-year period, in addition to the possible future conversion of Abbott and Orchard Lake middle schools into buildings for students in fifth- through eighth-grade. Total potential savings for the district under the consultants’ recommendations could total $725,000 a year. The consultant’s preliminary report indicated that enrollment in the district has been declining in recent years and is projected to continue to do so. ❏ Staff writers Kevin Elliott and Leslie Shepard contributed to this report.

SPECIAL REPORT

10,512.33 FTE students. The following academic year, 2008-09, that figure shrunk to 10,359.9 FTE students. In 2009-10, it again dipped to 10,284.87 FTE students. In 2010-11, it fell again to 10,121.10 FTE students, and last school year, 2011-12, the district reported 9,950.49 FTE students. Per-pupil funding is based in part on student attendance on count days. The per-pupil foundation allowance is $6,966 this year compared to $6,948 per-pupil last year. “We are cautious in terms of what (the student count day figure) means from a revenue standpoint because of the uncertainty of whether the retirement rate will be adjusted,” said Assistant Superintendent of Administrative Services Donna Welch. While enrollment is still down in Huron Valley, the district budgeted accordingly. “The loss is less than we projected and equates to approximately $641,000 in additional state aid,” Welch said. WATERFORD SCHOOLS According to Waterford Schools Assistant Superintendent of Business and Operations Tom Wiseman and Director of Finance and Budget William Holbrook, the district’s fall student count figure on Oct. 3 was 10,855 students. That number is down from the February 2012 count of 11,147 students, giving the district a blended count this year of 10,884 FTE students.

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Obituaries CHATTERSON, JOHN W.; age 69 of White Lake passed away October 9, 2012. Beloved husband of Nancy "Kay". DERTINGER, ROBERT R.; age 71 of Walled Lake died October 9, 2012. Beloved husband of 33 years to Shirley. Loving father of Roger Dertinger. Dear son of Ruth and the late Raymond Dertinger. Brother of Daniel (Barbara) Dertinger, Barbara (Dennis) Goodwin, the late Thomas (the late Barbara) and the late Michael (Dolores) Dertinger. Brother in law of Sandy (Paul) Bruckner. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral mass was held at St. William Catholic Church on Friday, October 12th. Memorials to St. John Hospice appreciated. Arrangements by Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, Walled Lake. Condolences at www.LynchFAMILYFuneralDirectors.com GILBERT, TOLA; a resident of West Bloomfield, died on October 6th, 2012 at the age of 92. JENKINS, RAYMOND D.; of Waterford was born on June 1, 1937 and died October 5, 2012 at the age of 75. Beloved husband of 52 years to Barbara. KADYKOWSKI, JEANETTE; was born December 31, 1937 and died October 6, 2012 at age 74. Survived by her husband of 56 years Ron. HANSON, MILLICENT "MILLIE" MAE; of Waterford formerly of Indianapolis, IN, died October 5, 2012 at 97 years of age. MARCUS, LAST; a resident of West Bloomfield, Michigan, died on October 6th, 2012 at the age of 89. MARQUIS, MARGARET "MAGGIE" KATHLEEN; darling infant daughter of Heather & Brian Marquis, October 6, 2012. REPPUHN, LYDIA; of White Lake, October 7, 2012 at age 83. Beloved wife of the late Herman Repphun. WILSON, JEAN MAXINE; born August 12, 1927 and died October 8, 2012 at age 85. WOOD, ROY ATKISSON; of Hickory Corners, Michigan, formerly of Waterford died on October 7, 2012 at age 72. Beloved husband of Beverly. 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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Wixom millage ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 7

county hardest-hit during the economic downturn. Between 2007 and 2012, Wixom sustained a loss in taxable value of nearly 32 percent, compared to 24 percent for the county as a whole. “We’re in the top seven communities that has seen (the largest) decrease in property values, and then take into account the loss of stateshared revenue that the state has reduced significantly,” said Wixom City Manager Mike Dornan. Officials said that if the millage passes, Wixom property taxes would be 16th lowest of 32 Oakland County cities. A mill is equal to $1 for each $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which is generally equal to half the property’s market value. The owner of a city property with a $100,000 taxable value ($200,000 market value) would pay $350 in new property taxes in 2013 if the 3.5-mill tax is approved. But city officials said the average cost per residential property owner would be roughly $271 per year, or $22 per month. “That’s still less than the taxes residents paid on average in 2004,”

Dornan said. In the wake of the Ford Motor Co.’s Wixom assembly plant closing, the city adopted a five-year fiscal plan and instituted a budget stabilization fund in 2006. The assembly plant’s closure continues to hamper the city’s budget. In 2002, the city raked in $1.5 million in property taxes from the Ford property, compared to just $141,836 this year. “The basic assumption with Ford leaving was that we’d lose 12 to 15 percent, but not the taxable value we’ve seen statewide due to the fiscal catastrophe of 2008,” Brady said. “Thirty-nine communities in Oakland County since 2009 have asked for millage increases and Wixom is one of the last communities to ask its taxpayers for a replacement of revenue because we’ve been able to manage our budget longer than most in anticipation of the Ford plant closing through budget stabilization and multi-year budgeting,” Dornan said. “Wixom served as a model for other communities.” While the budget stabilization plan kept the city afloat for several years, city officials knew it would peter out eventually. “We knew it would end, so we cut back subtly for the last several years

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and sought new revenue sources, but in the big picture it was not enough to offset the dramatic loss in revenue,” Dornan said. The city has consolidated and privatized a number of city services, saving over $700,000 since 2001, according to officials. “We were the first in the region (to start) privatizing operations like our water and sewer in 1994. We’re recognized experts in privatizing worldwide,” Dornan said. The city cut staffing 25 percent, from 65 employees a decade ago to 49 today. “This was not done in a Draconian fashion, but over time as part of our fiscal action plan,” Brady said. The city has saved $513,000 over the last three years due to wage freezes and benefit changes, not including the $1 million saved in health care costs since 2007 due to moving onethird of its employees to a health reimbursement account program. “We can’t sustain defined benefit programs anymore,” said McDonald, the former mayor. “We need to negotiate contracts that are right now loaded with benefit packages.” Union contracts don’t expire until June 30, 2014. “(The employee unions) are very receptive across the board for a new fringe benefit package for new hires,” Dornan said. Also in the last two years, the city put a moratorium on contributions to retiree health insurance. “We can’t postpone it forever — the liability increases and it has. A lot of communities haven’t funded postemployment benefits, but we have since 1993,” Brady said. Retiree insurance cost the city $624,625 as of June 2011. The city carved out $895,000 from the 2011 budget to fund pensions, a problematic budget item all municipalities are facing. “Last year, we were 45-percent funded and all communities recognize they should fund it, but this is an issue to resolve on a long-term basis,” Brady said. City administration is analyzing other cost control measures, such as outsourcing payroll at a savings of about $50,000, and eliminating capital outlay and capital improvements. The city has also held off on filling three police sergeant positions. More possible cuts amount to $1.7 million. “To offset the declines in revenue,

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 11

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PAGE 11

LAKES AREA NEWS

Wixom millage ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 10

the city has continued to diligently make decisions to contain costs to the extent possible,” said Plante & Moran auditor Joe Heffernan. If the millage fails to pass, discussions have recently cropped up to consider contracting for police services with Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, possibly saving between $250,000 to $850,000. However, skeptics say response time would be longer. Other cuts — such as privatizing or closing the Community Center and parks and recreation services, eliminating senior services and non-emergency overtime for events, park cleanup, leaf collection and snow/ice control — may be necessary if the millage doesn’t pass, officials said. ❏

Waterford looks to voters for parks funding on Nov. 6 By Leslie Shepard

Pastor Manisha Dostert of Advent Episcopal Church (left), and Pastor Mary Duerksen of Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church have formed a partnership that involves sharing the Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church building in West Bloomfield Township. Advent Episcopal Church began holding its services inside the Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church in September, after losing its church building due to an out-of-state Ponzi scheme. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

staff writer

Voters in Waterford Township will determine whether to authorize a new millage for the Parks and Recreation Department at 0.5 mills for a period of 20 years beginning with the December 2012 tax bills. The millage before voters in the Nov. 6 general election is intended to fund the operating costs of department programs, activities and facilities. The currently department has no dedicated millage, but is instead subsidized primarily by the township’s general fund. “Parks and Recreation is not selfsustaining, whereas the library and police, for example, have dedicated millages,” said Supervisor Carl Solden. “A lot of people go through their doors, from seniors to kids. There’s always multiple things going on and great programming for the community.” As township revenues have plummeted, so have those for the Parks and Recreation budget. The township has experienced a loss of $7.9 million in property tax and state shared revenues between 2008 and 2012. Subsequently, the township’s general fund support for Parks and Recreation has declined from 66 percent of the department’s budget in

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 12

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Loving thy neighbor Two churches, two sects, one building: Helping hand leant By Michael Shelton staff writer

hen a local Episcopalian church lost its home after it was victimized in a Ponzi scheme, another congregation welcomed it with open arms. The Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church at 2399 Figa Avenue in West Bloomfield Township is sharing its space with the Advent Episcopal Church, with Lutheran services being held on Sundays at 9 a.m. followed by the Episcopalian service at 11 a.m. “The people are extraordinary,” said Advent Episcopal Church Pastor Manisha Dostert. “It was like losing your home and they understood that. They said, ‘We don’t have much, but we’d love to share.’” Pastor Mary Duerksen of Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church said the partnership has been great for both churches in making good use of their resources and reach out to different segments of the community. Advent’s previous home was at

3325 Middlebelt Road in West Bloomfield, where its congregation had been worshiping for over 50 years. However, after an expansion of the building in 2004, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission found in 2005 that the owners of Alanar, which provided the bonds and loans to Advent for the expansion, had been running a Ponzi scheme out of Sullivan, Ind., taking $6 million from churches. Vaughn Reeves, Sr. was eventually found guilty on nine counts of securities fraud and was sentenced to 54 years in prison in December 2010; his three sons later agreed to plea deals. But the revelation created a disruption in the Advent Episcopal Church’s bond payments and the combination of the economic recession and the struggles of Chrysler and General Motors also served as a blow to the health of the church. Advent Episcopal Church previously issued around $900,000 in bonds and borrowed another

$600,000 for the expansion project. Knowing that it could not pay off the debt after being served a notice in October 2010, the church started searching for a new home. Duerksen joined Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church in November 2011, while Dostert joined Advent Episcopal Church in February. A partnership eventually started to form. “It’s a long process. We decided we’re just going to trust God with this and I think that’s the best thing we did,” Dostert said. After holding its final service at its building on Sept. 23, Advent Episcopal Church then made the move to Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church’s building. Advent’s building is now close to being sold to a Hindu temple, according to Dostert, who said that while her congregation was thrown a curveball, it managed to hit it. “We know deep down as humans and as Christians that spaces are not as important as people,” Dostert said. ❏

PAGE 12

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Parks/rec. levy

Halloween fun

❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 11

2007 to 58 percent in 2012. “The fees (charged for Parks and Recreation programs and services) don’t cover operations — that comes from the township’s general fund,” said Waterford Budget Director Derek Diederich. “Between the fees and an operating millage, it would supplement the department and it would pretty much break even.” This year the township allocated roughly $1 million in general fund money for the Parks and Recreation Department, but the township is facing a $1.7 million budget deficit for 2013, and Parks and Recreation funding could be whittled back. “Police and fire (services) take priority and other functions must seriously be looked at, so Parks and Recreation could possibly be trimmed,” said Assistant Budget Director Barb Miller. If the new millage is approved, it would generate $965,183 in the first year. A mill is equal to $1 for each $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which is generally equal to half the property’s market value. The owner of a township property with a $100,000 taxable value ($200,000 market value) would pay $50 in new property taxes in 2013 if the 0.5-mill tax is approved. “It’s such a small amount of money per household — I don’t know anyone against it,” said township Trustee Anthony Bartolotta. “Now they won’t have to pull from the general fund and will be self-sustaining, which is a good thing.” The Parks and Recreation Department oversees 17 parks in addition to six buildings. Moreover, the department maintains 13 baseball/softball fields, eight soccer fields, and eight playgrounds. It also puts on special events and leisure programs, and offers rental facilities to people of all ages. The millage revenue would not be used to restore any of the 11 full-time Parks and Recreation staff positions eliminated since 2003. “We had 17 full-time employees in 2006 (and are down) to six full-time today, but the millage is just to keep us operating,” said Parks and Recreation Director Tom Newcombe. “I have a talented and wonderful staff who don’t want the programs to go away and continue to take more and more responsibility.” Newcombe added that the department continues to rely heavily on parttime and seasonal help, along with volunteers.

Trick or Treat Trail, Boo Bash upcoming

oth West Bloomfield Township and downtown Milford will be holding Halloween early with special events for children. The West Bloomfield Parks and Recreation Department will host a Trick or Treat Trail at Marshbank Park on Friday, Oct. 19 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Costumed characters and local businesses and organizations will be handing out candy to children as they walk the trail with their families. A registration fee of $6 per child must be paid in advance, or the fee will be $10 on-site. Registration can be made by calling 248-451-1900 or online at westbloomfieldparks.org. Milford Village will then host its Boo Bash downtown at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, where children can walk in their costumes and area businesses will be giving out candy as Main Street is closed down to traffic for about an hour. Retailers will give out candy and other merchants from Milford will also come in for the event. Prizes for costumes will be given out, with categories ranging from Best Costume to Cutest Costume and Best Family Costume. Prizes will include goodie bags and gift certificates to area establishments and shops. ❏

“The millage is just to keep the status quo until the economy improves. Then, hopefully we can add staff back later, but if (the millage) doesn’t pass, there are bound to be more cuts to programs,” Newcombe said. Apart from staffing cuts, the department initiated some cost efficiencies like closing the Community Activities (CAI) Building Friday evenings and farmed out events like the Daddy/Daughter Dance. It has also collaborated with the Waterford School District and the township library on brochures; offered day camps with Independence Township; and instituted a number of other collaborations with groups and other communities. “We’re pretty creative,” Newcombe said. The millage would not eliminate or reduce employee contributions to

Milford Village will host Boo Bash (above) downtown at 5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 27, where children can walk in their costumes and area businesses will be giving out candy as Main Street is closed down to traffic for about an hour. Prizes for costumes will be given out, with categories ranging from Best Costume to Cutest Costume and Best Family Costume. (Photo submitted by Ann Barnette/Milford Downtown Development Authority)

health insurance costs now required by state law. Furthermore, it would not reverse the limited hours in place at township parks and facilities. “While we need good police and fire departments, we also need a good library and Parks and Recreation Department to ensure a decent quality of life and make the area desirable for young families,” Newcombe said. ❏

Voters to decide fate of levy for Milford skate park Milford residents will be asked in the Nov. 6 general election to vote on a millage to fund a proposed skateboard park and community garden. The Milford Parks and Recreation Department is asking for a maximum

of 0.25 mills for four years, from 2012 through 2015, before that levy would be reduced to 0.025 mills for an additional 16 years, from 2016 through 2031. A 0.25-mill levy would cost the owner of a village property with a taxable value of $100,000 ($200,000 market value) $25 a year, while a 0.025 levy would cost the same property owner $2.50 in each of the last 16 years of the levy. The levy of 0.25 mills is expected to raise an estimated $190,521 in the first year of the millage collection if approved. The Milford Village Council previously approved the concept of a proposed location for what supporters are calling the Skate Garden on a 12-acre site on the north side of General Motors Road at its intersection with Martindale Road. A final design for the Skate Garden has not yet been determined, but Steve Wolfe, chairman of the Milford Township Parks and Recreation Commission, said the park will allow skateboarders, in-line skaters and BMX bikers to legally practice and develop their skills. There would be separate areas of the park sectioned off for different skill levels, from beginners to experts, as well as picnic areas and other amenities for families to eat and watch their children while enjoying the atmosphere of a 3-acre garden. Wolfe added that the Skate Garden would not only attract people from outside the township and could possibly host competitions, but also give Milford’s young people a place to do something they love without being ostracized, considering skateboarding is prohibited in many places in Milford. He also said that the first four years of the millage collection would go toward the construction of the Skate Garden, while the next 16 years of the collection would go toward its maintenance. The Friends of Milford Skate Park group, a non-profit, tax-exempt organization that raises money through fund-raisers and donations, has been pushing for the construction of a skate park in Milford since the group formed nearly eight years ago. The group is headed by Chairman Ric Mueller, also a member of the township’s Planning Commission, who said that the millage could only be used for the construction and maintenance of the Skate Garden. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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OCTOBER 17-23, 2012

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PAGE 15

LAKES AREA NEWS

Board expected to OK cemetery cleanup work By Kevin Elliott staff writer

Measures to clean up an area of White Lake Township and protect the environment were expected to be approved last night, Tuesday, Oct. 16 by the township Board of Trustees after press time. Among the items to be considered at the board’s Oct. 16 meeting were a recommendation to approve $4,000 for cleaning up of the White Lake Cemetery. The agreement would allocate $2,800 per day for three men, a chipper, bucket truck, and crane to dispose of debris. Specifically, the clean up would involve the removal of four pine trees on the south side of the property; the removal of two other dead trees; trimming about 50 additional trees; rounding off and grooming all bushes; removing bushes and debris that interfere with headstones; and other clean up of debris and vegetation. The board yesterday was also expected to consider a resolution supporting increased legislative and regulatory action on oil and gas development using hydraulic fracturing, a controversial process commonly known as “fracking.” Fracking is a process used by gas producers to stimulate wells and recover natural gas from sources such as coal beds and shale gas formations. The process involves the use of chemicals and potentially hazardous materials at the surface for injection and through gas production wells into geological formations. The process has also raised concerns regarding adverse health effects and environmental impacts. The resolution supports the passage of federal legislation to add administrative rule changes governing the permitting of oil and gas production in regards to fracking. “The Fracking Responsibility and Awareness of Chemicals Act would repeal the fracking exemption to the Safe Drinking Water Act and require disclosure of chemicals used in fracking,” the resolution reads. “Protection of White Lake Township’s water supplies and resources is better accomplished by prevention of contamination and environmental degradation, rather than attempting to clean-up contamination and restoring degrading environments after the fact.” ❏

Pictured above is the 2012 West Bloomfield High School Homecoming court. From left to right are seniors Janelle Hasenauer, Bjorn Kempf, Maddi Kreiger, Ari Zucker, Natasha Kamat and Danny Lipski; juniors Daphne Cantuba and Eric Litman; sophomores Brooke Bain and Jacob Rashty; and freshmen Jenna Kesh and Robbie Reid. This year’s homecoming theme was the West Bloomfield Music Awards. On Oct. 10 there was a powder puff game held. On Oct. 12 there was a parade held on Green Street before the Lakers’ homecoming football game. The homecoming dance was held on Oct. 13. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

chapters regarding general proHost of revisions to nance visions; administration; fire prevention and protection; garbage and rubbish; Highland codes parks and recreation; streets, sidewalks and other public places; vegetarecommended tion; and waterways;

By Kevin Elliott staff writer

A measure to update Highland Township’s Code of Ordinances will go before the Board of Trustees next month following a list of recently proposed changes. The board introduced a list of 33 proposed amendments to existing township ordnances that range from “minor technical amendments” to incorporating the township’s zoning ordinance into the Code of Ordinances. Highland Township Supervisor Triscia Pilchowski said the changes are primarily housekeeping measures. “It’s been a goal of the board for some time,” she said. Among the proposed updates are: • Minor technical changes to ordi-

• Rescinding or removing language to have the Code of Ordinances match current state law or regulations already covered under other local ordinances in the general code; • Incorporating regulations from the “Buildings and Building Regulations” chapter and “Land Use Fee Schedule” chapter into a new chapter regarding fees and deposits, which would also include a new fee schedule; • Establishing a process for approval of condominium subdivisions; revising the list of required design standards and improvements for new subdivisions; and bringing the entire process into compliance with state law. • Incorporating noise ordinances into the chapter of the general code

regarding noise, blight and other nuisances. The chapter would also include a temporary “exception” permit for activities otherwise classified as a nuisance; • Significant revisions regarding offenses to bring the code into compliance with state law, including adding new or revised provisions regarding loitering; resisting and obstructing; fleeing and eluding; and tampering with entry points to buildings; • Eliminating regulations regarding housing discrimination, which is to be handled by county, state and federal agencies; and • Rescinding the township’s soil erosion and sedimentation control provisions, as Highland isn’t an enforcing agent and jurisdiction falls to Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office. Pilchowski said the changes will

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 17

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Code revisions ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 15

also include rescinding some permits that are currently required. “Some permits we require won’t be required anymore, and I think that will sit well with businesses,” she said. In addition to the proposed amendments, the board has approved a resolution to retain a minimum fund balance equal to 40 percent of expenditures beginning in 2013. The resolution came at the recommendation of the Michigan Township Association. “Trying to maintain 40 to 60 percent of our unrestricted fund balance is something we felt comfortable with and something we have been doing all along,” Pilchowski said. ❏

City Council nixes $60 quarterly fee for sewer debt By Leslie Shepard staff writer

The Orchard Lake City Council voted Monday, Oct. 15 to approve a resolution to eliminate the capital water and sewer charge paid by each resident once the water and sewer system project debt is satisfied on Dec. 31, 2012. As part of financing the 1995 water and sewer project, each residential homeowner is charged a quarterly fee of $60 ($240 annually) to pay off the debt. As of Jan. 1, 2013 the yearly $240 will no longer be collected, except from those who took out 20-year loans at the onset of the project and have not yet satisfied their debt. This collection will be earmarked into a maintenance fund held by Oakland County, which handles maintenance repairs for the city. “In the sense of fairness, anyone who owes money should repay their debt so those dollars will go into the ongoing water and sewer maintenance fund,” said Joe Majcher, the city’s mayor pro tem and a member of its Water and Sewer Committee. Currently there is about $300,000 in the maintenance account. The Water and Sewer Committee — comprised of Majcher and City Council Members Jackie Beach and Mark Hoffman — had considered whether to continue the capital fee collection to build up the reserve for

The annual Bullseye Business Conference typically draws over 100 area business owners, professionals, employees, and entrepreneurs looking for information and inspiration in the areas of marketing, business development, and the economy. This year’s scheduled speakers include Deputy Oakland County Executive Matthew Gibb, who will deliver a welcome address; Mike McFall, the president of Biggby Coffee; Murray Feldman, FOX 2-TV reporter, money editor, and host of the Feldman Report; and the Radio Disney Road Crew. (Photo submitted by Marie E. Hauswirth/Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce)

Information and inspiration Waterford chamber a co-sponsor of business conference By Leslie Shepard staff writer

he Waterford, Auburn Hills, Clarkston Area, Orion Area, and Pontiac Regional Area chambers of commerce are collaboratively hosting the 6th annual Bullseye Business Conference on Thursday, Oct. 25 at Oakland Schools, located at 2111 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford Township. The conference draws more than 100 area business owners, professionals, employees, and entrepreneurs looking for information and inspiration in the areas of marketing, business development, and the economy. “The Bullseye Business Conference provides an affordable training opportunity for members and guests in the north Oakland

capital improvements, or to eliminate the capital charge altogether. The committee forwarded its recommendation to the City Council that the charge be eliminated and, if necessary, adjust the water and

County region,” said Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Marie Hauswirth, who also chairs the Bullseye Business Conference. “Our attendance grows each year as word spreads about this innovative program offering.” The half-day conference begins at 8:15 a.m. for registration and networking, and ends at noon. The conference is sponsored by HAP, dbusiness, and many other area businesses and includes speakers, networking, and a continental breakfast. Sponsorship opportunities start at $250 and include an expo table. For information and tickets, contact any participating chamber. Tickets sold prior to Saturday, Oct. 20 cost $40; after Saturday, each ticket costs $79. Students

sewer rate schedule maintenance fee to bolster the reserve. “We decided it was not appropriate or right to allocate money to the ongoing fund so we made the decision that once the debt is paid

pay just $20. Scheduled speakers include Deputy Oakland County Executive Matthew Gibb, who will deliver a welcome address; and Mike McFall, the president of Biggby Coffee who will share the success story of Biggby, the largest U.S. operatorowner retail coffee franchise. Murray Feldman, FOX 2-TV reporter, money editor, and host of the Feldman Report, will then present information about business sector growth, consumer confidence, and the local economy. Lastly, the Radio Disney Road Crew will present “Marketing Magic: The Disney Experience,” with creative insights on how to build a stronger brand presence with Disney’s proven strategies. ❏

off, we will discontinue collecting it except for those who still owe their

FOR MORE LAKES AREA NEWS SEE PAGE 19

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Lakes Area Youth Assistance Thanks to the community and to all the generous contributors for making this a RECORD BREAKING YEAR!!!!!!

2012

“Taste of the Lakes” Because of your commitment, our mission to strengthen youth and families through volunteer involvement will continue to grow to meet our community’s needs. Thank You! Save the Date… 13th Annual Taste of the Lakes September 26, 2013

Our Gracious Host Edgewood Country Club

Gold Sponsors ($1,000.00) DTE Energy Foundation • Commerce Chargers

Silver Sponsors ($500.00) Flood Zone Specialists, LLC • Giffels-Webster Engineers, Inc. • Dr. Jamie Hafke, DDS • Lakes Area Rotary Club • Republic Services Dr. Joseph C. Lepak, DDS, P.C. Family Dentistry • Shuman Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram • Team Ashley • Walled Lake Education Association

Bronze Sponsors ($250.00) Adkison, Need & Allen, PLLC • Commerce Twp. Fire Department • Commerce Ridge • Dennis & Christine Dewitt • DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital Dwyer & Sons Volvo Subaru • FiberClass/FireClass • Groth Elowsky Kelley Pawlak & Seglund, PLC • Integrated Health Care Associates Jacobson Dental Group • Kemp Klein Law Firm • Leo’s Coney Island West Bloomfield • Lynch & Sons Funeral Home • Michigan Vision Institute Mortgage 1 Inc. • Mufflers and More • Pontiac Trial Pharmacy • Powell Engineering • Michael J Rygiel Agency • Shelving + Rack Systems Spencer Construction Inc. • Spinal Column Newsweekly • Mark Steinberg, UBS Financial • H. J. Umbaugh & Associates Valenti Trobec Chandler • Walled Lake School Employees Federal Credit Union

~ Distinguished Participating Restaurants ~ Alex’s Pizzeria & Bar • Applebee’s Neighborhood Grille • Big Boy Restaurant • Carvel Ice Cream•* Cold Stone Creamery Daniel’s Pizza Bistro • Edgewood Country Club • Edible Arrangements • Fiesta Fajita & Margarita’s • Happy’s Pizza Great Harvest Bread Co. • Nino’s Italian Bakery • On the Waterfront aka Cooley Lake Inn • The Breakfast Club • The Melting Pot The Pastry Palace • Tim Horton’s • Tokyo Sushi & Fine Thai Cuisine • Uptown Grille • Volare Ristorante • Willson’s Pub n’ Grill

~ Generous Contributors ~ ACO Hardware ACE Hardware - Commerce All Tire & Service Center And Spire LLC Annie Fo-Fannie Annie’s Party Shoppe Aspirant Massage Dwight Baker Balance Fitness of Walled Lake Sarah Banks Middle School PTSA Barrels of Wine Bay Pointe Tanning Bayside Sports Grill Beacon Hill/Brentwood Golf Course Berkman + Shapiro Orthodontics Dr. Andrew Berry, D.O. Body Language Buttercream Bakeshop Buzz Click Photography Camp Bow Wow Carinos Italian Grill Carls Family YMCA - Milford Channel 95.5 - MoJo in the Morning CJ’s Brewery

Cleveland Cavaliers Clifford Smart Middle School PTSA Commerce Elementary PTA Commerce Township Fire Department Compuware Arena Dairy Twist Café Davis Iron Works, Inc. Allen Dante Detroit Lions, Inc. Detroit Pistons Detroit Princess Riverboat Detroit Red Wings Detroit Tigers, Inc. Detroit Zoological Society DQ of Walled Lake Dublin Elementary PTA Dunkin Donuts Edgewood Country Club Einstein Bros Bagel Elton Black & Son Funeral Home of White Lake Fathead Fitness 19

Beverly Fitzpatrick Forster’s Auto Wash G.E.B. Collision, Inc. James R. Geisler Middle School PTSA Brenda Gile Glengary Elementary PTA Granby Mold Great Clips Dr. Samuel A. Gray, D.C. Mary Helen Guest Elementary PTA Haggerty Auto Wash Hair Trendz Hands-On Museum Hands on Stress Management Haverhill Farms Heavner Canoe Rental The Henry Ford Herbalife - Kathy Ferguson Holiday Inn Express - Howell Home Depot - Commerce Homedics Jackson Associates Inc. Jasmine Nails

Jennifer’s Café Jet’s Pizza Keith Elementary PTA Kerr Engineering, Inc. Kumon - Wixom Dr. Annette C. LaCasse, D.O., P.C. Lakeside Towing Lakeview Super Market LaVida Massage Leo’s Coney Island - West Bloomfield Leo’s Coney Island - White Lake Library Sports Pub Li’l Nells Pet Salon Beverly List Loon Lake Elementary PTA Lowe’s Magical Nails & Spa Magpie Oil Change Marathon of Walled Lake Market Place Mainstreet Matheson Heating & Air Conditioning Clarence & Joan Mills Modern Floors/Carpet One

Mufflers and More Nelson Graphics Northside Deli Oakland County Sheriff’s Office O’Dell Chiropractic Center, PC Office Furniture Solutions The Old Ball Park O’Reilly Auto Parts Pampered Chef - Heather Barta Paramount Signs & Graphix Panera Bread Park West Gallery PartyLite, Inc. - Angie Klebba-Pesta Paul’s Automotive Penguin Toilets Pizza Hut - Walled Lake Real Green Systems Red Robin Rusty’s Resale SAM T’ANG Studios Shark Club Specs eyewear studio Speedway Gas - Commerce Steinway Piano Gallery

Suburban Exchange, Inc. Super Car Wash Systems Thirty-One Bag Total Sports Complex Tuffy Auto Service Center - Walled Lake Ultimate Hollywood Tan Union Lake Liquor Shoppe United Artist Unitex Nancy vanLeuwen Ron Wade Walled Lake Central PTSA Walled Lake Elementary PTA Walled Lake Fire Department Walled Lake Northern PTSA Walnut Creek Middle School PTSA Watkins Flowers Wixom Elementary PTA Wolverine Lake Party Store Wolverine Lake Police Department Wonderland Lanes

OCTOBER 17-23, 2012

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LAKES AREA NEWS

Water/sewer debt ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 17

debt payment,” Majcher said. Residents will continue to pay a fee of roughly 50 cents per 1,000 cubic feet of usage that will be held in reserve for maintenance repairs. ❏

New WB trash collector; service to stay the same By Michael Shelton staff writer

The West Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees voted Monday, Oct. 15 to approve the reassignment of the township’s waste hauling contract with Rizzo Environmental Services, a move prompted by news that Rizzo bought out the assets of the township’s current waste hauler, Richfield Equities, after it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Under the reassignment, all of the terms and conditions of the original contract between Richfield and the township will be honored through its expiration in 2014. “Under our contract, if Richfield had been bought out, the township could have rescinded (it),” Township Trustee Steve Kaplan said. “But we allowed Rizzo to take over. Rizzo is a larger company with more trucks and employees.” Kaplan added that there will be no changes in the township’s current waste collection schedule, fees, or household hazardous waste days; and that the transition to Rizzo would take place around the second week in November. The vote was 5-0 as township Supervisor Michele Economou Ureste was absent from the meeting. Trustee Larry Brown said that he was present at the meeting, but not during the vote as he was tending to a private matter. Clerk Cathy Shaughnessy was in charge at Monday’s meeting. The board previously voted on Nov. 16, 2009 to select Richfield, based out of Flint, to be the township’s mandatory single waste hauler. The township had previously offered a voluntary, preferred hauler system to residents, giving them a chance to select their own hauler, but township officials cited deficiencies in the system, including high truck traffic and multiple haulers impacting neighborhood quality.

Public safety SADs Hearing scheduled for 2013 rates By Kevin Elliott staff writer

he Commerce Township Board of Trustees will hold a public hearing during a Tuesday, Oct. 30 special meeting to hear comments about proposed 2013 special assessment district (SAD) rates for the township’s police and fire funds. The township’s proposed budget for 2013 includes hikes in the amount collected under the township’s two public safety SADs. However, two existing millages set to expire this year would reduce overall collections for the police fund, while raising the revenues to the fire fund. The proposed budget includes raising SAD fees from 1.45 mills to 2.11 mills in 2013 for the township’s police fund. However, the overall rate levied for the fund would decrease by 0.1133 mills, as a 0.3794-mill and a 0.3939-mill voterapproved millage are set to expire this fiscal year. SAD fees for fire services would increase from 0.9559 mills to 1.8045 mills, while overall rate gen-

erating revenue for the fund would increase 0.1856 mills, as a 0.6639mill voter-approved levy is due to expire. The township levied 1.143 mills under the police SAD in 2011 and 0.8 mills under the fire SAD in 2011. Those rates were increased 0.307 mills for police and 0.155 mills for fire from 2011 to 2012. The maximum millage rate allowed to be collected under the SADs is 2.7 mills for police and 2 mills for fire. Supervisor Tom Zoner said the township’s taxable property values plummeted from 2008 to 2009, forcing the township board to cut two law enforcement officers and two firefighters for a year. Commerce voters in 2010 approved the 10-year SADs for police and fire operations that allow the departments to run at pre-2008 levels. “We looked at the SAD in order to stabilize police and fire (services),” Zoner said. “Every year we can re-establish the millage rate.” The public hearing will be held at 7 p.m. on Oct. 30 at Township Hall. ❏

The Walled Lake Central Marching Band, 2010 and 2011 Flight I State Champions and led by Director David Rogers, performed its new 2012 show “Valhalla,” featuring the music of Led Zeppelin, on Saturday Oct. 6, during the 2012 Bands of America Regional at the Pontiac Silverdome. The band finished third in the overall competition and shared the Outstanding Music Performance caption with Lake Orion High School. This was the highest finals placement in the band’s national competition history (high score of 75.60). Earlier in the day the band finished second during preliminary competition in Class AAA, taking the Outstanding Visual Performance caption. (Photo submitted by Joy Frost)

Rizzo is based out of Sterling Heights and has been in business since 1965 serving the metro Detroit area, including Bloomfield Township. ❏

Commerce Twp. church supporting Faith in Action Commerce United Methodist Church will be hosting the first Faith in Action of Oakland County multi-congregation meeting to inform all faiths about this national charity that is now beginning in Oakland County. The meeting will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. and is open to the public. Representatives from all faiths, as well as leaders from the business community are invited. Faith in Action is a new non-profit group formed in 2012 to match community volunteers with seniors and the homebound who need help with everyday activities. It’s a partnership of community faith groups, human service agencies, local businesses, and volunteers dedicated to delivering free services to help seniors stay in their homes. This initiative is an outgrowth of the study done by the Oakland County Senior Planning Coalition in 2010, entitled “Preparing for the Silver Tsunami,” that identified the growing social service needs of the rapidly aging population in the county. The report stated that millions of public dollars could be saved if services were delivered in-home rather than through nursing homes and similar facilities. The services are provided by matching seniors in need with screened, trained, and insured volunteers from the community. The hope is that long-lasting friendships will be built by connecting volunteers with seniors. It’s not just the seniors who benefit, but also the volunteers whose lives are enriched and whose faith is demonstrated by helping others. Commerce United Methodist Church, located at 1155 N. Commerce Road, offered to be the first congregation to launch Faith in Action by providing an all-inclusive informational session about the charity. Various other religions are requesting to follow the model set by the church. Faith in Action is asking for an RSVP from those interested in attending the Oct. 23 meeting, as space is limited. Call 248-820-3767 or visit faithinactionoakland.org for more information. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

EDUCATION

WLCSD renewal of 0.5-mill sinking fund faces voters By Kevin Elliott staff writer

The Walled Lake Consolidated School District is asking voters on Nov. 6 to renew its building and site sinking fund millage for the next 10 years. The building and site sinking fund levy — a 0.5-mill, 10-year millage that can only be used for district capital improvements — was first approved by voters in 2004. The renewal request is for the same amount, which equals about $50 a year for the owner of a $200,000 home with a taxable value of $100,000. “We decided not to seek an increase in any way,” Superintendent Kenneth Gutman said. “We aren’t asking for more money.” Currently, the 0.5-mill levy generates about $2 million a year for the repair of school buildings. That money is used to address the greatest facility needs in the district. Under state law, the money the building and site sinking fund levy generates can’t be used for salaries or benefits, buses, furnishings, equipment, technology, or routine maintenance. Since it was approved in 2004, the fund has been used to resurface or repair more than 1 million square feet of parking lots and replace about 200 parking lot light fixtures; repair dozens of boilers, chillers and ventilation systems; replace more than 200 damaged doors; replace 500,000 square feet of carpet; install more than 200,000 square feet of sidewalks; and other projects. District officials say the fund has made it possible to keep the district’s schools and facilities in good repair. About $16 million in capital improvement projects have been conducted since 2004, with another $2.4 million in projects identified for the 20122013 school year. Gutman said the millage, if approved, would help continue to keep facilities in good repair, but likely wouldn’t cover all projects that might be needed over the next 10 years. However, he said he doesn’t believe it’s appropriate to ask taxpayers for a tax increase at this time. “I think it would be irresponsible to ask for more when people are struggling,” Gutman said. “I don’t think it’s the right time to ask people for more money.” The current millage is set to expire

The cast of “Radium Girls” (above) on Nov. 1 will begin performing D.W. Gregory’s dramatic comedy based on the real-life events that took place in the 1920s involving the U.S. Radium Corporation. Those events led to significant changes in the American labor movement. Tickets to “Radium Girls” are $10. (Photo submitted by Catherine Hug)

‘Radium Girls’ begins Nov. 1 Play tells story of real labor movement events of the 1920s By Michael Shelton staff writer

he West Bloomfield High School Theatre Arts program will be putting on its fall production of the play “Radium Girls” beginning on Nov. 1 in the West Bloomfield High School Auditorium. The musical will be performed beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 1, Nov. 2, and Nov. 3. According to the school’s theatre arts website, “Radium Girls” is a dramatic comedy that tells the story of a during the 2013-14 fiscal year, meaning a funding gap would be created if the district waited until the 2014 election to request a renewal. The ballot language reads as follows: “Shall the Walled Lake Consolidated School District be authorized to levy

woman’s pursuit of social justice in the face of ruthless industrialists who opt to protect company profits over the health of their workers. The play was written by D.W. Gregory, who based the story on real events that took place in the 1920s involving the U.S. Radium Corporation and its facilities that led to break-throughs for the American labor movement. The role of Grace Fryer will be played by Bailey Kadian, while Kathryn will be played by Lauren one-half (0.50) mill ($0.50 per $1,000 of taxable value), for a period of ten (10) years, from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2023 to create a building and site sinking fund for the purpose of the construction or repair of school buildings or any other purpose allowed under Michigan law?

Sallen. Irene will be played by Erin BenMoche, while Mrs. Alma Macneil will be played by Catherine Hug. Brian Baylor will play the role of U.S. Radium Corporation President Arthur Roeder, and Max Vinogradov will play Von Sochocky, the company’s founder. All tickets are $10. For more information on purchasing tickets, call Karen Brody at 248-865-6720; or to purchase tickets online, visit wbhstheatre.com. ❏ This millage is a request for the renewal of the voter approved building and site sinking fund tax levy which will expire in 2013. This millage would provide estimated revenues to the Walled Lake Consolidated School District of approximately Two Million

PAGE 21 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

OCTOBER 17-23, 2012

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EDUCATION

Ballot proposal

Healing and uplifting

❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 20

One Hundred Thousand ($2,100,000) Dollars during the 2013 calendar year, if approved and levied.” The fund is called a “sinking fund” because unlike a bond issue, the money “sinks” or is used each year. “Sinking fund” is the accounting terminology required by the Michigan Department of Treasury. For more information about the building and site sinking fund and a full list of projects completed with the fund since 2004, visit the district’s website at www.wlcsd.org. ❏

WLCS, HVCA enter pact to put on holiday concert By Kevin Elliott staff writer

The holiday season hasn’t quite yet arrived, but an agreement between the Walled Lake Consolidated School District and the Huron Valley Council for the Arts will help bring about a holiday extravaganza in December. The arts council on Dec. 7 will be hosting a holiday concert at Walled Lake Northern High School featuring professional musicians and the district’s award-winning youth choirs. To help facilitate the event, the Walled Lake Schools Board of Education on Thursday, Oct. 11 agreed to waive the auditorium fees for the event. “Home for the Holidays: A Holiday Extravaganza” will be held at 7:30 p.m. on Dec. 7 at Walled Lake Northern. The show is presented by the Huron Valley Council for the Arts and will feature the Michigan Philharmonic with music director Nan Washburn. The show will include special appearances by the district’s award-winning youth choirs. Tickets for the holiday concert start at $15 and can be purchased online at huronvalleyarts.org or in person at the arts council’s offices at 205 W. Livingston Road in Highland Township. Ye Olde Boar’s Head Feaste In addition to the holiday concert, the Walled Lake Central High School choirs will present “Ye Olde Boar’s Head Feaste” on Wednesday, Oct. 24 and Thursday, Oct. 25 at Bay Pointe Golf Club, located at 4001 Haggerty Road in West Bloomfield Township.

MHS grad, senior have photographs at Huron Valley-Sinai By Leslie Shepard staff writer

n alumnus of and one senior at Huron Valley Milford High School earned a prestigious honor on Wednesday, Oct. 3 when they were two of just five students in the area selected to display their art at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township. “The art is part of a healing process and an uplifting factor to family members who have loved ones at the hospital,” said Tara Johnson, an art teacher at Huron Valley Milford High School. Justen Hamilton, a 2012 Huron Valley Milford graduate, and senior Lindsay Livermore were honored for their digital photography at a reception hosted by DMC Huron ValleySinai. “They never added photography, so this is new this year for the hospital and new at Milford High School,” Johnson said. “They were blown away by both Justen’s and Lindsay’s pieces.” Livermore’s photograph zooms in on a leaf floating in a creek. “I was with a friend at her cabin The show will feature singing and dancing for all ages, with entertainment by the choirs and a special guest performance from the Walnut Creek Middle School choir. Next week’s event will include a five-course meal that will be served as part of the evening’s activities. Tickets for the event are $35 per person. Ticket order forms are available through the Walled Lake Central choir website at wlcchoirs.org, or tickets may be purchased directly at www.wlcstickets.com. ❏

Pontiac students can continue in Waterford schools By Michael Shelton staff writer

The Waterford Schools Board of Education voted 6-1 on Oct. 4 to approve a memorandum of under-

Justen Hamilton, a 2012 Huron Valley Milford graduate, snapped over 200 shots at Highland Township’s Sparks in the Park event, including this image chosen for display at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital. (Image submitted by Tara Johnson/Milford High School)

standing with the Pontiac School District regarding a number of students from the Pontiac district who are currently enrolled in the Waterford district. Under the memorandum, students who are currently residing in the Pontiac School District but have been enrolled at Waterford schools since the 2011-12 school year, will be permitted to continue their enrollment in Waterford. The memorandum also states that both parties recognize that beginning with the current school year, former Waterford district resident students who move to a residence within the Pontiac School District may only remain enrolled in Waterford with a written waiver from Pontiac — which has apparently been an issue of concern for both districts. Otherwise, if Waterford knowingly fails to disclose any impacted students yearly to Pontiac, it will have to pay Pontiac 100 percent of of the per-pupil foundation grant

and searching for something to photograph,” Livermore said. “It was the first week of class and I was just learning to use the camera, but thought it was a really cool picture. “I was surprised when I got selected, but they said it was a relaxing kind of picture and that’s what they were looking for,” she said. Hamilton chose to submit a vibrant fireworks photograph after he snapped over 200 shots at Highland Township’s Sparks in the Park event. “I was inspired by photography overall like time-lapse pictures,” Hamilton said. “To be selected was an unexpected surprise and very much an honor.” A hospital committee met in May to begin touring the greater Walled Lake and Huron Valley School District art shows to select pieces to display in the lower level cafeteria. The entire process takes all summer to complete. The students’ reward is having his or her art annexed into an inte-

PAGE 22 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

allowance for such students, including any other money generated from those impacted students until they graduate, leave the district, or drop out. The memorandum will also allow Waterford to receive 75 percent of its foundation grant allowance for impacted students, while Pontiac will receive 25 percent of the total foundation grant allowance, including any other funds generated from the enrollment of impacted students. The memorandum states that over several years, Waterford Schools has permitted certain students who moved from a residence within the geographical boundaries of the Waterford district to continue their enrollment in it, including those who had relocated to a residence within the geographical boundaries of the Pontiac School District. Trustee Bob Piggott cast the lone vote against the memorandum. ❏

PAGE 22

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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Huron Valley Milford senior Lindsay Livermore’s photograph of a leaf floating in a creek, an image she shot while visiting a friend’s cabin, has been selected for display at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital. (Image submitted by Tara Johnson/Milford High School)

Students honored ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 21

grated art collection. “It’s a high honor for the kids to have their art selected as part of an ongoing collection,” Johnson said. Each student also received a $10 gift certificate to Main Street Art in Milford. Johnson, who has worked in the district for 18 years, started a photog-

raphy class at Milford High School last fall. “It’s my hottest class. We have a waiting list and it’s just for juniors and seniors,” Johnson said. “The students do an amazing job with creative angles, good lighting, and are even doing PhotoShop.” Huron Valley Milford High School currently displays 72 large posters in its lobby courtesy of the photography class. ❏

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PAGE 23

LOCAL MATTERS business notes benefits ❐ Orchard Maple Family Dental PLLC, under the direction of Dr. Warren Woodruff and in partnership with Operation Gratitude, is collecting Halloween candy from the community to share with soldiers. Candy drop-off hours with a 5-pound maximum per person will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Nov. 1; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 2; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 3 at 6280 Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield Township. According to Dr. Woodruff, “Most people have fond memories of Halloween with their parents, but many children, including those in our very own neighborhood, will be thinking of their parents serving overseas. Some of them are even living abroad with their parents as they protect our country. We want to make sure they knew that they are not forgotten. Partnering with Operation Gratitude is the perfect way for us to extend our appreciation. Not only will the soldiers receive candy from Orchard Maple Family Dental in West Bloomfield, they will also be surprised with a complete care package containing other necessities and comforts from home.” Those who donate candy and visitors to the newly-renovated, family-operated practice will receive healthy snacks, new toothbrushes, oral health tips, a prize from the toy box and $1 for each pound of donated unopened candy. Trick-ortreaters are welcome to bring greeting cards of their own for the soldiers or create personalized cards at Orchard Maple Family Dental. In addition, one lucky winner will receive a one-year Quality Dental Plan Membership, which includes a free dental exam, complimentary X-rays, semi-annual cleanings, whitening ,and other discounted services valued at $299. For more information, visit www.omfdental.com, call 248-851-2876, or follow on Facebook at www.facebook.com/omfdental and Twitter at www.twitter.com/omdental.

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.

❐ Lollipop Co-op Preschool in Walled Lake is hosting a Ladies Shopping Night Out from 6 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 15 at the Richardson Community Center located across from Walled Lake Central High School at 1485 Oakley Park Road in Commerce Township. Come shop from local crafters and vendors and sample items at the bake sale. Admission is free and babysitting is available for $2 per child. Tables are still available. For more information, contact Lollipopfundraising@gmail.com.

chamber notes ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce has announced that the following businesses have joined its membership ranks: • Salon Del Sol (Hair Salon), Lisa Fowler, 359 N. Main, Milford, fwlrps@comcast.net, salondelsolonmain.com. Phone: 248-714-5567. • Palate (Restaurant), Bristol Arnold, 449 N. Main Street, Milford, palateofmilford@gmail.com, palateofmilford@yahoo.com. Phone:

1-800-685-0909. • ING Financial Partners (Financial Planner/Investment/Consultant), Rodger Burskey, 4921 Fairgrove Lane, Commerce, Rodger.burskeyingfp.com. Phone: 586-438-7413, Fax: 248-3631098. • Rainbow Child Care Center (Child Care), Nicole Parr, 9125 Highland Road, White Lake, whitelake@rainbowccc.com, rainbowccc.com. Phone: 248-569-2500. • Senechal Family Chiropractic, PC (Chiropractor), Alisha Senechal, PC, CACCP, 30802 Lyon Center Dr. E., New Hudson, dralishasenechal@gmail.com. senechalfamilychiropractic.com. Phone: 248-486-4000, Fax: 248-4864004. ❐ The Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, visit huronvcc.com: PAGE 25 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

weekly agenda ❐ DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Befitting You Medical Supply and the ISHA Foundation is hosting a complimentary Meditation & Health Class at 6:45 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 29 in the Charach Cancer Center Lobby at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township. Seating is limited, so please contact Befitting You at 248-937-3895 to RSVP.

MTU Hypnosis hosted the Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Coffee Club mixer event on Friday, Sept. 7. Located at 8585 PGA Drive in Commerce Township, MTU Hypnosis is owned and operated by Nicol Merline M.A., Cht., a professional board certified hypnotherapist and mental training coach. Removing habits, and melting fears and phobias remains the general focus of hypnotherapy. Relief from a variety of concerns through the use of hypnotherapy and mental coaching have been well documented, which is why medical professionals have sent patients to MTU Hypnosis. Private and group sessions are available. MTU Hypnosis assists numerous physicians, support groups, organizations, clubs and corporations by way of hypnosis sessions and seminars. For more information, call MTU Hypnosis at 248-568-0831, or visit mtuhypnosis.com. (Photo submitted by Huron Valley Chamber of Commerce)

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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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

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OCTOBER 17-23, 2012

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PAGE 25

LOCAL MATTERS

Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 23

• Tequilaritas ribbon-cutting and grand opening, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, 525 N. Main Street in the Mill Valley Center in Milford. • Coffee Club, 8 a.m. Friday, Oct. 19, Huron Valley Recreation, Huron Valley Milford High School, 2380 S. Milford Road, Highland. • Membership Appreciation Mixer, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, Highland House, 2630 Highland Road, Highland. Join us as we celebrate the opening with owners Kris and Perry Sinacola. ❐ The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that the following businesses have joined its membership ranks: • AFL Computer Consulting, Jeff Lipshaw, 248-425-0009, 2872 West Bloomfield Oaks Drive, Ste. 110, West Bloomfield. aflcc.com. • Accelerated Rehab, Kathy Pepper, 248-363-8267, 3050 Union Lake Road, 3C, Commerce. • CleanFUEL USA, Crystelle Markley, 512-864-0300, 29387 Lorie Lane, Wixom, cleanfuelusa.com. • Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Peggy Anicka, 248-360-4055, 4825 Carroll Lake Road, Commerce. dickeys.com. • Fifth Third Bank, Bryan Reedy, 248-624-8999, 4747 Haggerty Road, West Bloomfield. www.53.com. • Hungry Howies Pizza, Jesse Peck, 248-624-8006, 954 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake. • Metlife, Carolyn Brown, 248680-0490, 55 W. Big Beaver, Ste. 600, Troy. metlife.com. • Neighborhood Dump Trailer Rentals, Richard Bash, 248-7145803, 2210 N. Duck Lake Road, Highland. ndtrlic.com. • Woodbrook Painting and Powerwashing, Keith Hesano, 248624-8888, Commerce. woodbookpainting.com • Your General Counsel, PLLC, Angila Davison, 248-854-6204, 2100 East 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak. Yourgclaw.com. ❐ The Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-624-2826 or visit lakesareacham-

ber.com. • Spotlight Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, Volare Ristorante, 49115 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. Informal networking, no registration required, free soft drinks with your meal purchase. • Expo, Taste & Fun Fest, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Nov. 3, Walled Lake Central High School. Exhibitor registration is now! Expand your customer base. For an information kit, including “Smart Tips that Help Turn Lookers into Buyers,” call 248-624-2826 or e-mail info@lakesareachamber.com. ❐ The Waterford Area Chamber of Commerce is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248-666-8600 or visit waterfordchamber.org.

• Business After Hours Mixer, 5 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, Cooley Lake Inn, 8635 Cooley Lake Road. Join us for appetizers, cash bar and lots of networking. Ten-dollar advanced member reservations; $15 at the door and for non-members. Register at waterfordchamber.org or call 248666-8600. • Bullseye Conference, 8 a.m. to noon, Oct. 25, Oakland Schools, 2111 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. This year’s business conference will host another dynamic and diverse line up of speakers who will impact your future growth as business owners, employers and professionals. There is no doubt you will walk away inspired with fresh, new ideas to rejuvenate your business spirit! Early Bird cost, $40 before Saturday, Oct. 20; $79 after Oct. 20. Student rate, $20.

Table rate, eight tickets for $225. Register online at waterfordchamber.org. ❐ The Greater West Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce has announced that it is holding the following events in the coming days. For a complete calender of chamber events, call 248626-3636 or visit westbloomfieldchamber.com. • Wine tasting, Nov. 4, Plum Market, 6565 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield. Businesses, community members and the public are welcome to network. Space is limited. Admission is $10 for chamber members and $15 for non-members. RSVP at westbloomfieldchamber.com or call 248-626-3636. • December Holiday Party, to be determined.

Sr. Maureen Comer, OP, chief executive officer of Lourdes Senior Community in Waterford Township, presents a plaque to Dan Callan in recognition of his 11 years as chair of the golf outing that has raised more than $500,000 during that span. His wife, Shelly, looks on at the ceremony, part of a Sept. 27 wine hors d’oeuvres party thanking supporters of the annual event, held June 28 at The Majestic at Lake Waldon Golf Course. Mr. Callen, whose late mother was a resident at Lourdes, also serves on the board of directors and is chair of the philanthropy committee. (Photo submitted by Bill Jamieson/Lourdes Senior Community)

PAGE 26

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248.887.3700 outrunhunger.org twitter.com/outrunhunger facebook.com/outrunhunger

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

PAM JACKSON for Michigan State Representative District 39 City of Wixom, Commerce Twp., West Bloomfield Twp.(part), Village of Wolverine Lake PAM JACKSON • Professor of Mathematics, Construction Management, and Concrete Construction Management at Oakland Community College • Former small business owner - construction company • Immediate Past President of Lakes Area Rotary Club • Long-standing member of the community • Mother of two children who graduated from Walled Lake Schools

IN LANSING PAM WILL: • Repeal the homestead and child tax increases • Improve government accountability • Repeal the tax on pensions

5K FUN RUN/WALK 1 MILE KID RUN/WALK SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2012 COMMERCE COMMONS PATHWAY

Outreach Center

(Located at Commerce Township Hall)

Grace Church - Commerce is partnering with Hospitality House Food Pantry of Walled Lake and Open Door Outreach Center of Waterford to feed 500 Lakes Region families this season.

Expo, Taste & Fun Fest

• Protect the environment • Protect small business • Invest in public education

ENDORSEMENTS (partial list): Detroit Free Press, Michigan Association of Realtors®, Michigan Professional Firefighters, Michigan Nurses Association, Sierra Club, Michigan Education Association and many more. I would be honored to be your next Michigan State Representative of the 39th District and would like your vote on November 6, 2012 so that I may take your voice to Lansing For more information: www.PamJackson4StateHouse.com Paid for by Pam Jackson 4 State House, 5736 Lancaster Lane, Commerce, MI 48382

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PUBLIC NOTICE 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. Fire hydrant flushing signs will be posted one day in advance and the day of flushing at the entrance to each subdivision/development.

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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

OCTOBER 17-23, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 27

PUBLIC SAFETY

Man, 19, stabbed by brother Police: Suspect barricaded himself in WB home with gun

By Tim Dmoch editor

West Bloomfield Township man has been charged in the Thursday, Oct. 11 stabbing of his 19-year-old brother at a home in the 7100 block of Crestmore. Brian Jayson-Lee Aponte, 20, is facing charges of assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder; being a felon in possession of a firearm; and possession of a firearm in the commission of a felony. He was arraigned on the charges in front of 48th District Court Judge Diane D’Agostini on Friday, Oct. 12 and is currently being lodged in the Oakland County Jail on a bond of $1 million. According to West Bloomfield Police Lieutenant Tim Diamond, police received a call at about 10:48 a.m. on Thursday and were dispatched to the neighborhood located south of Richardson Road and west of Green Lake Road, where they found the victim and his mother in the front yard of a home on Crestdale Street, which intersects with Crestmore. Diamond said the 19-year-old victim was transported to a Pontiac

Firefighters find man dead at scene of blaze A Waterford Township man is dead after a fire started in his home on Panama Drive on Friday, Oct. 12. Waterford firefighters responded to the house fire around 11:30 p.m. after receiving a 911 call. Arriving firefighters found the home engulfed in flames and thick black smoke coming from it. Firefighters entered the home for search and rescue operations and to extinguish the fire. Firefighters found the man in the area where the fire originated. The department has declined to identify the victim while the blaze remains under investigation. The blaze had engulfed the home and roof as firefighters worked to extinguish it. They were able to bring the fire under control in about 30 minutes. No firefighters were injured in the fire. The fire damage is extensive throughout the house and estimated

Brian Jayson-Lee Aponte, 20, surrendered peacefully from this West Bloomfield Township home in the 7100 block of Crestmore after barricading himself inside following his alleged stabbing of his 19-year-old brother on Thursday, Oct. 11, police said. The victim sustained a stab wound to the chest/abdomen and has since been released from the hospital. Aponte faces three felony charges and was arraigned on Friday, Oct. 12. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

hospital with a single stab wound to the chest/abdomen; he has since been released. Aponte was taken to a hospital for observation, according to Diamond. Diamond stated the stabbing allegedly occurred inside the Crestmore residence after the brothat $250,000. Fire Department investigators are in the process of determining a cause of the blaze. ❏

Lakers player charged; assistant coach fired A West Bloomfield High School football player has been charged with assault and battery as a juvenile after he allegedly hit a Rochester Hills Stoney Creek coach at the end of a game on Friday, Oct. 5. Captain Mike Johnson of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department said that the police report on the incident was turned over to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office. A juvenile petition on charges of assault and battery was then authorized on Thursday, Oct. 11, but no date has been set yet for the case in Probate Court, according to Johnson. The incident occurred after tensions built up between both teams near the game’s conclusion, as Stoney

ers became involved in an argument. The victim and his mother apparently fled the home after the stabbing, while Aponte allegedly barricaded himself in a bedroom with a shotgun. Upon arriving at the scene, police set up a parameter around the house and treated the incident as a barricaded gunmen situation, accordCreek won, 50-28. The charged player’s identity has not been released, but Johnson said he is a 16-year-old male. West Bloomfield Schools Superintendent Dr. Gerald Hill said in a statement that the student in question has been suspended pending further investigation by the district, and will face disciplinary action in accordance with the district Code of Conduct. “This incident involved the actions of one student only and not the team. The remainder of the West Bloomfield Lakers football team behaved appropriately,” Dr. Hill said in the prepared statement. Also shortly after the incident, an assistant coach with the team, Phil Sacha, posted on Facebook that Head Coach Ron Bellamy had relieved him of his duties. When asked about the Stoney Creek incident and the matter with Sacha, Bellamy said that he had no comment, but said, “My kids know we try to keep everything internal.” ❏

ing to Diamond. He said Aponte surrendered peacefully and without incident after speaking to his father and a friend several times on a telephone. Last week’s incident follows a barricaded gunmen situation in the township on Sept. 9 in which 12year veteran Officer Patrick O’Rourke was fatally wounded while responding to reports of shots fired at a township home. O’Rourke, a 39-year-old Fenton resident, was shot by 50-year-old Ricky Coley, police say, after officers responded to Coley’s home in the 4000 block of Forest Edge Lane, near Pontiac Trail and Halstead Road. What followed throughout the night of Sept. 9 and well into Sept. 10 was a 20-hour standoff with Coley, who barricaded himself in the home. Police eventually found Coley inside the home dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. O’Rourke, who was the first West Bloomfield police officer killed in the line of duty, is survived by his wife, Amy, and his four children, Eileen, Mary, Andrea, and Stephen. ❏ Staff writer Michael Shelton contributed to this report.

Suspected burglar arrested in Waterford Waterford Township police arrested a man believed to be responsible for a series of break-ins. Police officers responded to the 4100 block of Highview Court on Tuesday, Oct. 9 when a citizen observed a white male in his late 30s or early 40s wearing a Carhartt jacket and canvassing houses. Shortly before police arrived on the scene, a burglar alarm was activated in the area where several homes had been broken into. Homeowners reported seeing a man matching the subject’s description, according to police. Another citizen reported seeing him enter a swamp area near the homes. Officers established a perimeter around the location, and a K-9 tracking unit was used. The suspect was taken into custody without incident. Several items were found on the suspect reportedly connected to the burglarized homes. ❏

PAGE 28

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MURRAY’S PARTS CITY AUTO PARTS 707 N. Pontiac Trail • Walled Lake Maple at Pontiac Trail

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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. West Maple is closed at the east side of Pontiac Trail. • Completion date: Nov. 15. • Cost: $2.6 million.

BRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION PROJECTS: I-96 EAST OF MILFORD ROAD, WEST OF KENT LAKE ROAD (Milford) • Notes: 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). Work on the Huron River Trail bridge (I-96 over Huron River Trail) has been completed, although traffic shifts remain in place due to the proximity to Milford Road. The I-96 driving surfaces of the remaining two bridges on the eastbound side are complete. The westbound side on Kent Lake Road was expected to be finished by mid-October, but extra repairs are now needed on the median side and it therefore will not open until early- to mid-November. Work on the Milford Road bridge is expected to be completed by Wednesday, Oct. 31. At that time, Kent Lake will also open. • Cost: $15.5 million.

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COOLEY LAKE ROAD (Milford, Highland, White Lake, and Commerce townships) • 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. • Closure: Cooley Lake Road, east of Duck Lake to Mystic Valley. • Detour: Duck Lake Road to Commerce Road to Carey Road, and vice versa. • Completion date: Nov. 1. • Cost: $4.4 million.

October 18, 19, 20 and 25, 26, 27

S. Commer ce

COMMERCE ROAD (Commerce Township) • Notes: This 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. • Detour: Union Lake Road to Wise Road to Carroll Lake Road, and vice versa. • Completion date: By Wednesday, Oct. 31. • Cost: $2.6 million.

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PAGE 30

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

ENVIRONMENT

Dam removal, maintenance gets $2.3M from state By Kevin Elliott staff writer

A grant program to address the state’s failing dam infrastructure could help pay for work on some of the 150 dams operating in Oakland County. The Dam Management Grant Program will provide $2.35 million in the 2013 fiscal year to fund dam removal and critical maintenance. “This program begins to address a growing issue for our state as more than 90 percent of Michigan’s dams will reach or exceed their design life by 2020,” Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Director Keith Creagh said. “Many dams are abandoned, no longer serve any useful purpose, degrade our aquatic resources and pose safety hazards to downstream residents.” Eight dams located in Oakland County are categorized as “high hazard potential dams,” meaning serious damage to buildings, utilities, roads and loss of life could occur if any one of them had a major failure, according to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Fifteen dams in the county are considered “significant hazard potential” dams, while the remaining 127 are “low hazard potential” dams. “Hazard potential depicts the downstream flooding hazard if the dam should fail, and doesn’t indicate the

condition of the dam or its likelihood of failure,” said the DEQ’s Luke Trumble. Trumble said the DEQ doesn’t like to release specific locations of highhazard dams because that could make them a target for people wishing to put public safety at risk. The DEQ identified 11 county dams in either poor or unsatisfactory condition, including four in the lakes area. While the DEQ maintains a database of more than 2,500 dams in the state, it regulates only those that meet certain size requirements, or are used to regulate lake levels under state law. Nearly 75 percent of the state’s dams are privately owned, with many of the facilities, as well as those in public ownership, falling apart. Steve Korth of the Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner’s Office said the office is responsible for 36 dams in the county, all of which are used to regulate lake levels. “We do have about half a dozen dams rated high or significant hazard that we look at most closely,” Korth said. “Because we have regular inspections... we don’t have dams that are on the verge of failure.” Maintenance costs for all the dams overseen by the Water Resources Commissioner’s Office are funded by local special assessment districts (SADs), Korth said. However, repair projects can be costly, particularly on large dams. The Pontiac Lake dam, which has a “significant” hazard rating, is nearly 20-feet high and part of a 615-acre impoundment. Repairs there ordered by the DNR totaled $443,000, which

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was paid for by property owners through an SAD. About 35 percent of that amount was paid for by the DNR, which was part of the SAD. Korth said a program recently announced by the DNR may help fund some maintenance or repair projects at the local level and across the state. “Certainly, we will take a look at what work needs to be done on our dams and how they might fit into the parameters of the grant program,” Korth said. “We’ll review what work we have identified and needs to be done.” DAM CONDITIONS The following Oakland County dams are listed in poor or unsatisfactory condition, according to the DEQ: • Erity Dam, Erity Mill Pond, Beverly Hills (poor); • Holly Dam (Stiff’s Millpond Dam), Holly Mill Pond, Holly, (poor); • Indian Lake Dam, Indian Lake, Addison Township (poor); • Pettibone Creek Dam No. 1, Lower Mill Pond, Milford (poor); • Pettibone Pond Dam (Winegar Lake Dam), Pettibone Pond, Milford (poor); • Haven Hill Lake Dam, Haven Hill Lake, Highland Township (poor); • Susin Lake Dam, Susin Lake, Clarkston (poor);

• Walled Lake Shawood Lake Dam, Walled Lake and Shawood Lake, Walled Lake (poor); • Endicott Lake Dam, Endicott Lake, Birmingham, (unsatisfactory); • Fenton Dam No. 1 (Upper Fenton Dam), Fenton (unsatisfactory); and • Fenton Dam No. 2, Fenton, (unsatisfactory). In addition, dams on the following lakes are rated as being in “fair” condition by the DEQ: Oakland-Woodhull Lakes; Commerce Lake; Davisburg Mill Pond; Loon Mowhawk Lakes; Ford Dam No. 3, Hubbell Pond; Pungs Dam, Pungs Lake; Waterford Multi-Lakes Level Control, Van Norman Lake, Lester Lake; Phipps Lake Dam, Phipps Lake; Big Seven Lake Dam, Big Seven Lake; Seven Lakes Addition Dam, Little Seven Lake; Lower Trout Lake Dam, Lower Trout Lake; Moore Lake Dam, Moore Lake; Heron Dam, Heron Lake; Davisburg Trout Pond Dam; Braemar Lake Dam, Lake Braemar; Duck Lake Dam; Walter Moore Dam, Crystal Lake; Union Lake; Bevins Lake Dam; Cass Lake No. 1 and No. 2; Waumegah Lake; McGinnis Lake; Northfield Hills; Middle and Lower Straigts Lake; Upper Straits Lake; Meadowbrook Lake; Waterfowler’s Impundment Dam; Orchard Lake Dam. ❏

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

LEGAL LEVEL 927.87 934.00 906.80 928.60 1016.63 930.00 1.08 933.00 949.30 966.70 930.70 949.30 957.50 930.20 942.75 962.83 932.80 949.30 951.00 928.60 927.07 930.80 950.00 1019.10 965.42

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

10/5/12 +1.33 +.37 +.17 +.11 –.06 +.02 –.08 +.21 +.29 +.03 –.86 +.19 +.15 –.17 +.02 –.53 –1.17 +.19 –1.84 +.11 +.05 –.81 –.06 –.50 –.36

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

10/12/12 +1.33 +.38 +.18 +.01 –.15 +.08 –.08 +.10 +.20 +.02 –.96 +.20 +.13 –.30 +.13 –.55 –1.20 +.22 –1.99 +.10 +.03 –.90 –.06 –.58 –.37

OCTOBER 17-23, 2012

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PAGE 31

COUNTY

Charged with election fraud In case of two John Scotts, BOC hopeful faces jail time By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

22-year-old West Bloomfield Township college student is facing up to 93 days in jail for an alleged case of election fraud involving the race for the new Oakland County Board of Commissioners 5th District, which represents Orchard Lake and portions of Waterford and West Bloomfield townships. The Oakland County Sheriff’s Department investigated the candidacy of John C. Scott, an independent candidate challenging incumbent county Commissioner John Scott (RWaterford, West Bloomfield), who is seeking a sixth two-year term on the county board. Also on the ballot in that race is Democrat Alexandria T. Riley of Sylvan Lake. John Scott, the challenger, was arraigned in 51st District Court on Thursday, Oct. 11. He is next due back in court at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23 in front of 51st District Court Judge Richard D. Kuhn, Jr. His personal bond was set at $10,000 and his attorney is H. Wallace Parker, according to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department. Commissioner Scott said the effort is a ploy to confuse the electorate by placing two people named John Scott on the ballot, hoping to split votes and thereby give the electoral edge to Riley, 26. “We must have zero tolerance against those who would commit election fraud in Oakland County,” said Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard, Jr. in a press release. “Clearly lessons weren’t learned from the Fake Tea Party scandal and election administrators and law enforcement must be on guard against those who try abuse the process.” Bullard was referring to the 2010 scandal in which so-called “Tea Party” candidates were put up for election — sometimes without their knowledge — in close races as an effort to siphon votes from Republican candidates to the benefit of Democrats. The fiasco resulted in charges against former Oakland County Democratic Party Chairman Michael McGuinness and Jason Bauer, the county party’s former political operative.

Both received probation and were fined after they entered “no contest” pleas in Oakland County Circuit Court. In the case of the independent John Scott, several people — who submitted written statements to Commissioner Scott, which he then forwarded to the Sheriff’s Department — contacted the five-term Republican saying they had signed petitions to get him on the ballot in July. But Commissioner Scott did not have active candidate petitions in circulation at that time; he had been placed on the Nov. 6 general election ballot months before, as did Riley. The separate but related incidents in question are as follows: • Kathleen Boyea of Waterford wrote in a letter that she had signed a petition on July 16 circulated by a “20-something woman” in July, but the petition with Boyea’s signature lists Scott, the independent challenger, as the petition circulator, not a “20something woman.” • Brett Chudler, an Oakland County assistant prosecutor, wrote in a letter that he felt “bamboozled” on July 12 when a petition circulator — who he described in the letter as a “black male, medium height, build and complexion” — solicited signatures from him, his wife, Neisha John C. Scott Chudler, and his (suspect) mother-in-law, Myrna A. Baytarian. He asked the petition circulator — who is identified on the petition they signed as being John Scott, the independent challenger — if he was being paid to collect signatures; the collector said he was, Chudler wrote in the letter. Commissioner Scott says that raises the question of why someone would be getting paid to collect petition signatures for his or her own candidacy. Chudler wrote in the letter that the “monkey business” amounts to his family’s signatures being “obtained fraudulently.” • Terrence and Linda Di Dio of Waterford wrote in a letter that they had signed a petition circulated on July 18 by “2 young Afro-American

gentlemen.” The petition bearing Linda Di Dio’s signature (No. 37) lists Dominiqua Bearden of Pontiac as the petition circulator, while the one baring Terrence Di Dio’s signature lists John Scott, the independent candidate, as the circulator. Terrence Di Dio, owner of U.S.A. Auto Brokers, noticed a “late model black Jaguar sedan with dark tinted windows that was waiting in the road for the petitioners.” He took down the license plate number, and Commissioner Scott says he later learned that car allegedly is registered in the name of Riley, his Democratic opponent. Riley on Oct. 9 called the accusation that her vehicle, which she confirmed is a Jaguar, was used to drive around petition signature collectors a “bogus allegation.” She confirmed that she spoke with Sheriff’s Department investigators on the matter, but also said she has never spoken with John Scott, the independent candidate; and has never met Commissioner Scott in person. The petition signators detailed above, who Commissioner Scott said are all supporters of his, are “furious” about the alleged incident of election fraud, according to Commissioner Scott. “I’m insulted by this,” Commissioner Scott said last week. “(Top Democrats) all got the same dirty tricks. They don’t want to compete in the arena of ideas. They like to compete in the world of dirty tricks, confusion, and fooling people because they know they can’t win if we were to actually discuss ideas and how things are done.” Commissioner Nominating John Scott petitions include the following language in the bottomleft corner: “A circulator knowingly making a false statement in the above certificate, a person not a circulator who signs as a circulator, or a person who signs a name other than his or her own as a circulator is guilty of a misdemeanor,” which is punishable by up to 93 days in jail. “There’s not much to tell you, to tell you the truth,” said Wallace, the independent Scott’s attorney. “The young man wanted to run for office.

He filed all of his paperwork, went to get the signatures on the petitions to be able to qualify for that office, and then finds out that someone’s got a problem with it. Unfortunately, his opposition is a man of power (Commissioner Scott).” Commissioner Scott said on Thursday, Oct. 4 that the case appears to be similar to two other cases that have gained attention: The petition signature fraud scandal that resulted in charges against four staffers of former U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter; and the scandal involving Speaker of the House Jase Bolger (R-Marshall) and state Rep. Roy Schmidt, a Democratic lawmaker who switched parties and allegedly tried to put up a false Democratic candidate to run against him in the 76th state House District on the west side of the state. Regardless of what happens in the legal case, John Scott, the independent candidate, will remain on the ballot; absentee and military personnel ballots have already been sent out. But Commissioner Scott does have one thing working for him — a clarifying designation he received for the Nov. 6 general election ballot which lists him as a Republican Oakland County commissioner. Sid Rubin, mayor pro tem of Keego Harbor, was one of the people who said he mistakenly signed the nominating petitions for the independent John Scott. “One can only feel violated by being fraudulently approached and fooled into signing something as important as an election nominating petition,” Rubin wrote in a letter. “The integrity of our election process is once again being attacked by what I believe to be unscrupulous individuals trying to win or disrupt an election by using deception while gathering signatures.” “I felt very comfortable signing the petition for the John Scott that I knew (the incumbent), never really suspecting there would be another John Scott running against him with the same name,” Rubin said on Monday, Oct. 8. “I thought that would be highly unusual and suspect, and who would want to do something as crazy as that?” A message left with John Scott, the independent candidate, on Oct. 9 was not returned prior to press time. ❏

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

COUNTY

51st District Court hopeful sued for Wendrow remarks By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

A candidate for the 51st District Court in Waterford Township is being sued for defamation following public remarks she allegedly made insinuating that a man many consider falsely accused of raping his then 14-year-old autistic daughter was guilty of the crime — over four years after the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office dropped the charges against him due to lack of evidence. Andrea Dean, who is challenging 51st District Court Judge Jodi Debbrecht in the Nov. 6 general election, allegedly made the comments at a public forum last month that “has since been rebroadcast,” the lawsuit filed yesterday, Tuesday, Oct. 16, states. A former assistant Oakland County prosecutor, Dean was asked by a reporter about her current sentiments on how she approached the case of Julian Wendrow, who spent three months in jail on the charges that he sexually assaulted his disabled daughter and that his wife, Thal, allowed the abuse to happen. The lawsuit, which is now before Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Rudy J. Nichols, states that a reporter asked her the following question: “I was startled to read in sworn testimony you gave during the civil lawsuit years after the [criminal] case had been dropped the following statement (and I quote) ‘I would do this case again in a heartbeat, and I think the allegations are true.’ Is that an accurate summary of your sentiments today, and if it is, on the basis of what conceivable evidence would you prosecute the Wendrows for assaulting their daughter?” According to the complaint, Dean responded by saying, “It is a true

statement absolutely. I would do that case again in a heartbeat.” Calling that statement “malicious and false,” the lawsuit states that Dean defamed the Wendrows last month by claiming “that the Wendrows are guilty of child abuse and/or that there exists or did exist sufficient evidence to prosecute them for abusing their children.” Other statements Dean allegedly made at the forum on an expert witness in the case — who the reporter said “debunked the only evidence in the case,” according to the lawsuit — are also called “malicious and false” attempts to defame the Wendrows. The case arose in 2007 after a controversial practice known as “facilitated communication” produced what prosecutors believed at the time was evidence that the girl had been sexually assaulted by her father since she was 7-years-old. But the case — which drew subDean stantial local and national media attention — unraveled after her testimony in court when, using the same facilitated communication technique that the lawsuit says is “controversial and scientifically ridiculed,” she was unable to answer a series of simple questions. In facilitated communication, a “facilitator” supports an otherwise incommunicative person’s hand or arm, helping the individual point to keyboard characters and therefore communicate. Many argue the facilitator influences the person’s communication. David Gorcyca, who was the elected Oakland County prosecutor when the case was in court, decided to drop the charges against Julian and Thal Wendrow in March 2008. Both Wendrows had been jailed, their chil-

dren were placed in foster care, and Thal Wendrow lost her job with Oakland County, in addition to the family being “devastated in every conceivable way,” the lawsuit states. “It has taken so much effort to try to rebuild our lives, to try to provide as much support and security as we can to our children to allow them to move forward in a positive way — to hear Andrea Dean, once again, publicly stating that we are guilty of the most heinous act any parent can commit, when she knows this to be untrue, is devastating to us,” Julian and Thal Wendrow said in a statement provided by Deborah Gordon, their attorney. “It reopens old wounds.” The Wendrows, who Gordon is representing in both the defamation lawsuit and a separate but related civil case that is now in the U.S. District Court of Appeals in Cincinnati, Ohio, are seeking more than $25,000 in damages. It wasn’t just the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office that bore criticism for its handling of the Wendrow case. The West Bloomfield Township Police Department paid the Wendrow family a $1.8 million settlement for what the lawsuit says was its “contemptible handling of the matter,” and officials or former officials with the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department, Walled Lake Consolidated School District, West Bloomfield Township, and the Michigan Department of Human Services were all named as defendants in the lawsuit that is currently in the hands of the appellate court in Cincinnati. District court judges serve six-year terms and are currently paid $138,272 annually. Messages left with Dean yesterday went unreturned prior to press time. ❏

Dems: Bouchard broke campaign finance laws By Kirk Pinho assistant editor

Republican Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard is facing allegations that he broke Michigan campaign finance laws when money was allegedly funneled from his three political action committees (PACs) to his candidate committees for sheriff and the 2010 race for governor. Bouchard’s campaign committees — Mike Bouchard for Governor and Friends of Michael Bouchard — allegedly accepted the maximum $34,000 single contributions from three PACs controlled by his election committee treasurer, Robert F. Kennedy, according to Oakland County

Democrats. Those donations — which came from Bouchard Victory PAC, Invest in Michigan, and Capital Affairs PAC — were from M.J. Moroun, Matthew Moroun, A.A. Moroun, and Mara Letica-Saad, who all had contributed the maximum contributions of $3,400 to Bouchard’s campaign committees, according to Democrats. They say that sometimes within days, Bouchard’s candidate committees accepted maximum $34,000 donations from the three PACs “while ignoring the Bouchard $3,400 limit the Morouns and Letica-Saad could have given directly to Sheriff Bouchard’s campaign otherwise.” “It appears that Mike Bouchard, and the treasurer for his campaigns for sheriff and governor, have engaged in potentially illegal behavior,” said Frank Houston, chairman of the Oakland County Democratic Party, in a press release. “There is a significant paper-trail showing that at the very least, Sheriff Bouchard and his campaign treasurer, Robert F. Kennedy, have broken longstanding campaign finance laws.” But Bouchard advisers say that the timing and source of the accusations are suspect in an election year. “Based on who filed the complaint and the timing being just weeks before the election, we believe this is nothing but a politically driven attack,” said Ted Prill, a consultant to Bouchard who served as his gubernatorial campaign manager in 2010. In an e-mail to the Spinal Column Newsweekly, Prill stated that “the Bouchard campaign not only met the disclosure requirements in 2010, but also already went through a mandatory and intensive audit after it concluded.” Prill said the Bouchard team has asked the Secretary of State’s Office to “take another look” in what he called “an effort to remain extra vigilant.” Earlier this month, the Michigan Democratic Party filed a complain against Bouchard for alleged violation of the Michigan Campaign Finance Act with the Michigan Secretary of State’s Office during his unsuccessful 2010 gubernatorial campaign and this year’s campaign for a fourth full term as Oakland County sheriff. Bouchard faces West Bloomfield Township resident Jane Felice Boudreau, his 2008 Democratic opponent, in the Nov. 6 general election. ❏

OCTOBER 17-23, 2012

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MAIL BAG

Jackson right choice From Flo Smith, Wolverine Lake: Hello, voters in the 39th (state House of Representatives) District: Commerce Township, Wixom, Wolverine Lake and the western half of West Bloomfield Township. We are fortunate to have Pam Jackson as our candidate for the Michigan House of Representatives. She has lived in the lakes area all her life and is firmly committed to building a robust economy and improving the quality of life for Michigan citizens. Pam teaches math, construction management and concrete construction management at OCC, and has owned a construction company. She is determined to strengthen public education by increasing funding for K-12 schools and ensuring that affordable post-secondary training, or college, is available for Michigan students. Diversifying the state’s economy by attracting alternative energy research, development, and manufacturing to our state is a top priority. Pam would also put an end to tax breaks for companies that outsource jobs, leaving Michigan workers unemployed. Pam is vehemently opposed to wasteful government spending and recommends auditing government programs and eliminating those that are ineffective and unnecessary. The current Legislature passed laws taxing pensions and ending property tax credits. Pam will fight to repeal these unjust laws. Pam is passionate about preserving our irreplaceable natural environment and protecting our lakes, rivers and groundwater from industrial pollution. Energetic, creative, a person of unquestioned integrity, fiscally conservative, and knowledgeable about state government issues — what more could you want in a candidate? This: Pam has a unique ability to list when people talk. She is adept at finding common ground for agreement. This skill will be a valuable tool for building a more effective legislative process in Lansing. Vote for Pam Jackson on Nov. 6! ❏

Elect Debbrecht From Robert E. Kostin: I am writing this letter to endorse Judge Jodi Debbrecht’s (election) as 51st District Court judge. As a practicing attorney, I have had the pleasure to appear before her and have found her to be a fair but tough

No on Props. 2-6 Keep EFM law in tact, Hoffman says From Robert Hoffman Oakland County commissioner (R-Highland)

I cannot sit back and let this election just take its course. Proposal No. 1 should be passed. Public Act 4 of 2011 allows the appointment of an emergency financial manager. This appointment is only necessitated by years of financial corruption and mismanagement. The only ones who should be upset are the unfortunate taxpayers who have been taken advantage of by this corruption and mismanagement. Proposals No. 2 through No. 6 must be defeated. It is a tragic mistake to add special interest proposals to the state constitution. We live in a republic; we elect citizens to represent us, and represent us they must. With Proposal No. 2, workers already have the right to collective bargain. Proposal No. 3 requires utilities to get 25 percent of their energy from renewable sources. This is not realistic; we are struggling to get the already mandated 10 percent. The marketplace works. Let it do what it has done for the last 200-plus years. Proposal No. 4 allows in-home care workers to collective bargain. This is a function for our Legislature; it does not belong in our constitution. Proposal No. 5 is a requirement for a super-majority to raise taxes. There is no one more opposed to increasing taxes than I am, but this is another job for the Legislature. Proposal No. 6 is a requirement that voters approve of new construction of any international bridge or tunnel crossing to Canada. This proposal is absurd. What right or what incredible knowledge must we posses that would give us the knowledge to decide what should be constructed to create jobs and improve international trade? This is a national trade issue, not a state issue. Gov. (Rick) Snyder and the Michigan Legislature over the last couple of years have instituted reforms that have made structural changes to improve all of our lives. These proposals, if enacted, will be a step backward for the state of Michigan. Vote no on Proposal No. 2 through No. 6. ❏ judge. Since becoming a resident of Waterford (Township), she has embraced the community and truly made it her home. This is evident in her participation and membership in many local organizations. I am also impressed with her abilities as a judge. She does not back down from difficult issues that she faces on the bench, but her temperament has allowed her to continue to remain impartial, and she is clearly dedicated to give every person who appears in front of her the justice that they deserve. Her prior administrative experience has helped to keep the (51st) District Court (in Waterford) running smoothly and efficiently for all of those who must appear there. In summary, Waterford is lucky to have a judge who has worked so hard toward the betterment of her community and its citizens. Judge Jodi Debbrecht deserves to be (elected). ❏

Backing Bill Bullard From G. William “Doc” Caddell, former Oakland County clerk/register of deeds: Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Bill Bullard has earned our support to stay on the job. During my service, we were very successful in pioneering many of the technological advances that have allowed citizens to access our services online. Service was our motto. This, of course, saved taxpayers and our customers valuable time and money. Since taking office, Bill Bullard has made remarkable strides in building on those early successes with his “Online, Not In Line” program. A new e-recording portal will open the availability of filing online land documents to anyone in an easy-to-use format. The award-winning E-filing Center he launched has helped thousands of Oakland County citizens access and file

legal papers in a convenient way. His expanded Mobile Office has brought county services to every corner of the county, even on nights and weekends. I had the honor of working with Lynn Allen, who for decades served as county clerk/register (of deeds), whose care for the office and the people it served is legendary. His legacy is one of caring about the people we serve and being a wise steward for the taxpayers. When I became county clerk/register (of deeds), those were the values I tried to honor. Bill Bullard carries that legacy on very well and Oakland County voters would be wise to keep him on the job as our county clerk/register (of deeds). ❏

Auto industry thrives From Jill Farber-Bramson, West Bloomfield Township: President Obama rescued the auto industry and saved 1 million jobs in the process. There are now 2.5 million people employed in the U.S. automobile industry, up from 2.3 million in August 2009. In the past 12 months, (the) 3.3 million cars and light trucks sold by General Motors (GM) and Chrysler are up from the 2.9 million sold the previous year. General Motors reported record profits in 2011. GM is currently the world’s biggest auto manufacturer and expects to add 167,000 jobs by 2015. There is more good news on the horizon. General Motors will soon add 2,000 jobs in Michigan. Information technology jobs will account for 1,500 of these positions. It appears that recent graduates of southeastern Michigan’s college and universities will likely become the beneficiaries of 30 percent of these jobs. If Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney had his way, he would have “let Detroit go bankrupt.” ❏

Scuttle Wixom levy From Wayne Glessner, Sr., former Wixom mayor and councilman: On Nov. 6, Wixom voters are urged to vote no on an... increase (to) the present millage by 3.5 mills to 15.7459 mills because (the) city administration and (City) Council have refused to bring expenditures in line with the revenues available. Contracts and legacy costs have not been addressed. Without a complete analysis of cost-cutting measures PAGE 34 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

PAGE 34

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Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 33

that eliminate wastes, restructure departments for efficiencies, and cut programs that are not supported by revenues for the services provided, a... 3.5-mill increase is without merit. The threat of terminating police officers and closing down city services is not a responsible answer to the issues. Police and fire services can be maintained; departments require restructuring and reorganizing of staffing. A threat of this nature demon-

White Lake Township Library NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The White Lake Township Library Board of Trustees will hold a Public Hearing at 6:00, Wednesday, October 24, 2012 in the White Lake Township Library, 7527 E. Highland Road, White Lake, Michigan to consider the approval and adoption of the operating budget for the fiscal year 2013.

The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing.

strates unequivocally the inability of the (City) Council and the city manager to manage municipal financial affairs. Residents and businesses cannot afford to pay more taxes under these terrible economic conditions. A defined budget stabilization plan using the revenues available has not been developed showing a deliverable level of services for the community. A “no” vote is advisable. We can do better. Do the math: Reorganize, restructure, and revitalize as required — specifically the Police Department. ❏ CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF WHITE LAKE

PUBLIC NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Accuracy Test of the M-100 Optical Scan Equipment used for the General Election to be held on Tuesday, November, 6, 2012, will be conducted on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at the White Lake Township Hall, 7525 Highland Road, White Lake, MI 48383. The public Accuracy Test is conducted to determine that the program and the computer being used to tabulate the results of the election count the votes in the manner as prescribed by law.

Copies of the proposed budget are on file at the Library for review, during regular library hours, prior to the budget hearing. SC: 10/17/12

Terry Lilley, Clerk White Lake Township S.C. 10/17/12

Expect the best… … expect

44 years of a rock solid reputation Baths • Kitchens • Windows • Additions

248-669-3500 A+ Rating with BBB www.bbb.org

3081 Haggerty, suite 1, WALLED LAKE, MI 48390

www.newmyer.com

OCTOBER 17-23, 2012

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IN OUR OPINION

Local funding questions Our advice to voters on new levies, renewals on Nov. 6

est Oakland voters will not only select candidates for various federal, state, county, and local elected positions, and determine the outcome of several statewide ballot proposals during the Nov. 6 general election, but in some communities will also weigh in on various local ballot proposals. With so many contested races and state and local proposals on lakes area ballots, we’re publishing our endorsements over the course of the next several weeks. Readers who are looking for advice on contested races and ballot questions will find additional endorsements in the Spinal Column Newsweekly in each weekly edition published through Wednesday, Oct. 31. This week we turn our attention to five local ballot issues facing lakes area voters — one in Waterford Township, one in Milford, one in Wixom, and two building and site sinking fund proposals before voters in the Walled Lake Consolidated School District and the West Bloomfield School District. A mill is equal to $1 for each $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which is generally equal to half the property’s market value. The owner of properties with a $100,000 taxable value typically have a $200,000 market value. WATERFORD TOWNSHIP Parks and Recreation Millage At 0.5 mills over 20 years, the Waterford Township Parks and Recreation Department — which has faced declines in support from the township’s general fund since the economic collapse — is asking voters to approve a new levy that would allow the department’s budget to come almost entirely from the millage and the fees it charges to those who use its programs and services. Voters should support the department with a YES vote. Currently, the Waterford Parks and Recreation Department has no dedicated millage; and the township’s general fund support for Parks and Recreation has declined from 66 percent of the department’s budget in 2007 to 58 percent in 2012. The department has also lost nearly two-thirds of its full-time staff, operating with six full-time employees compared to the 17 it had in 2003. Simply put, the fees charged for park programs don’t cover operating expenses. Township officials estimate that a nearly $8-million hit in the revenue stream could further siphon money from Parks and Recreation activities and programs, jeopardizing those things that Waterford residents enjoy and need. Also of note is that many surrounding communities — West Bloomfield Township comes to mind — have not one, but several millages supporting their parks and recreation programs. For a relatively modest cost, township voters can help wean the Parks and Recreation Department off of the township’s

general fund — which helps Waterford fund other core services like police and fire — and maintain the existing programs that they currently enjoy. MILFORD TOWNSHIP Skate Park and Garden Millage While we admit we were skeptical about the Milford Parks and Recreation Department proposal for a 20-year levy — 0.25 mills for the first four years for construction of a skate park and community garden, and 0.025 mills for the remaining 16 years for maintenance of that project — voters in Milford shouldn’t hesitate back the proposal with a resounding YES vote. The project that would be situated off of General Motors Road and adjacent to the Milford Recreational Trail would help solidify the community’s perception of uniqueness. Backers of the proposed levy that would raise just over $190,000 the first year it’s collected say that the design and features of the proposed skate garden are unlike anything in the state, and perhaps the nation. But the skate garden wouldn’t just be for skateboarders and rollerbladers. Backers have made a conscious effort to conceptualize it in such a way that people of all ages — regardless of whether they skateboard or rollerblade — could enjoy the park from viewing and picnic areas, a definite selling point for the community. In addition, because of its unique design, we foresee it as not only a local attraction, but one that would quite feasibly draw people from around the state and country. Skateboarding competitions at the state, regional and national level are very real possibilities in Milford with the building of the skate garden — which would only help the community as attendees flock to Milford and stay in local hotels, eat in local restaurants, buy gas from local gas stations, and take in all that the area’s business community has to offer. As the skate garden’s backers point out, skateboarders do need a safe place to skate. Too often they are shoved to the fringes of the community because of restrictive ordinances, effectively making it so that they have to violate local laws in order to skateboard. This would give them a place to do what they love — all the while getting exercise and being outdoors, something that virtually everyone agrees is best for kids. And more than that, supporters say that passage of the millage wouldn’t curb their fund-raising efforts in the private sector, meaning that even if passed at its humble initial rate of 0.25 mills, a smaller amount very well could be levied contingent upon how much they are able to cobble together from private donors. That demonstrates concern for the taxpayers who would support the effort — the same ones we are urging to vote YES on the levy.

WIXOM Operating Millage With the city looking down the barrel of expected budget deficits ranging from $1.7 million in the 2013 fiscal year to $2.6 million in the 2016 fiscal year, Wixom voters will be asked on Nov. 6 to approve a new 3.5-mill, four-year operating millage to support city operating expenses for services such as police and fire, public works, and parks and recreation services. Fully understanding that this is a tough pill to swallow for some in the community, voters should cast a YES ballot in favor of the new millage that would raise $8.85 million over its fouryear duration. Wixom voters scuttled an Aug. 7 primary election ballot question that would have raised the city’s charter millage cap by nearly 5 mills in perpetuity. This time around, city officials have come back with a funding proposal that has a defined start and end date — one that is remarkably and admirably short — and a more clearly defined levy. Those are both examples of the city scaling back what it’s asking of its voters, a point often lost among the naysayers who call for slashing the budget instead of raising additional revenues. That’s all well and good. But there comes a point when premiums must be placed on core city services and the city’s ability to adequately do what it needs to do — provide for the safety and welfare of its residents. This proposal will help the city do that, and other things, without expanding services. And the city knows full well that the stomach isn’t there for a large tax increase for an extended period of time. That’s why officials are only asking for a fouryear millage when the vast majority of millages are levied for 10 years or longer. Presuming the economic conditions turn around — and the city is able to finally reap a more substantial property tax haul from a redeveloped Ford assembly plant site — we easily see a situation where officials don’t go back to the voters for a renewal of the millage, instead opting to let it die because it’s no longer needed. What is really at stake here is what kind of Wixom residents want to come home to at night. Do you want to continue enjoying the level of police and fire service you currently enjoy, or would you leave it to chance that those services would be held harmless in yet another round of budget cuts? Do you want public works, albeit somewhat less important than public safety, services to continue at current levels? How about the modest parks and recreation offerings? It’s almost assured that those would be marched to the gallows with a failure to pass the millage. Almost immediately after the millage cap increase proposal went down in flames, members of the City PAGE 36 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 35

Council got to work and whacked $1 million out of the budget. That shows a legitimate desire to cut the budget when it’s needed, and as it has been exhibited in other cost-cutting moves the city has made in recent years. Vote YES on Wixom’s proposed tax increase. WEST BLOOMFIELD SCHOOLS Building and Site Sinking Fund Millage We’d like to see voters in the West Bloomfield School District continue to show support for their community schools with a YES vote on the district’s first-ever request for a building and site sinking fund millage, something several other districts in the county and dozens more across the state have been authorized to collect for more than a decade. The district seeks voter approval to collect a 1.5-mill levy for 10 years, from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2023, to pay for construction or repair of school buildings and facilities.

NextCat

Obviously, all school buildings and facilities deteriorate over time and need constant attention in one way or another. As it is now in the West Bloomfield district, paying for capital improvements — such as replacing a roof, repaving a parking lot, and replacing doors and windows, for example — diverts money away from purely educational programs. The building and site sinking fund millage, which would generate revenue that can only be used to build, renovate or replace buildings and facilities, is the means to avoid that scenario. The West Bloomfield district can’t remain among the top districts in the state if it has to eliminate programs or operate with shoddy infrastructure. This millage would give the district enough funding to whittle away at building and facility needs without taking dollars out of classrooms. Don’t forget, the district has made numerous cuts in recent years to keep its budget in balance, including wage and salary cuts and the planned closing and/or consolidation of buildings. We believe it’s earned a YES vote on this

proposal. WALLED LAKE CONSOLIDATED SCHOOLS Building and Site Sinking Fund Millage Renewal The Walled Lake Consolidated School District is seeking a renewal of its building and site sinking fund levy of 0.5 mills for a period of 10 years. Frankly, this request from the district is about as close to a no-brainer as voters are going to face. Residents of the district need to vote YES on the renewal. First approved by district voters in 2004, the district is not seeking an increase in the amount levied. In fact, district officials could easily have asked for an increase in the tax that generates about $2 million per year for the repair of school buildings and other capital improvement projects. However, Superintendent Kenneth Gutman said he thought it would be “irresponsible to ask for more when people are struggling” in the current economic situation. That demonstrates a level of restraint on the part of district offi-

cials, particularly when considering that the levy, if approved, likely wouldn’t cover all the projects that might be needed over the next decade. The current millage is set to expire during the 2013-14 fiscal year, meaning a funding gap would be created if the district waited until the 2014 election to request a renewal. Not approving the building and site sinking fund levy — again, it needs to be stressed, at the rate district voters are already paying — would force Walled Lake Schools to cut into core educational funding that gets into the classrooms. No school district in Michigan can afford to divert more money from funding its educational programs. Approval of the building and site sinking fund renewal helps ensure that won’t have to happen. State law prohibits the use of such millage levies on employee salaries and benefits, and the state audits the millage revenue use annually, so voters can be assured all of the revenue will go toward needed building and facility repair, replacement or rehabilitation. We think that’s well worth a YES vote. ❏

By Colin Bartlett

Re-elect Chip as the leader of NextCat!

Who do you think you are? Imposter!

Ch... Chip! Ahem, I mean, you’re the imposter!

OK, if you’re Chip, what was the first NextCat comic about?

HA! Caught Eh?! First comic strip? What was it?

you! It was about doing

Nice try!

away with the penny!

Chip, you rock!

Gasp! Two Chips!

You’re the best!

A test of wits!

Gasper!

Gasp! It was me all along?! Pennies are useful, by the way!

AROUND THE LAKES AREA

A special feature of the Spinal Column Newsweekly

WE’RE ASKING… What was your favorite Halloween costume? "Last year I was Ace Frehley from Kiss."

— Katie Boyd, Novi

"Jem. I sprayed my hair pink and borrowed my sister's white flats. It's my fondest costume from childhood." — Amy Ezel, Waterford

"Fraggle Rock."

— Tom Pittman, Waterford

"Cheech"

— Jonny Vanderpool, Clarkston

OCTOBER 17-23, 2012

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR ■ Bloomfield Republican Women’s Club: U.S. Representative Mike Rogers, national security policy, Thursday, Oct. 18, Heather’s Club, Bloomfield Hills. Reservations required, no walk ins. 248-922-9205. ■ 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. ■ Four Towns United Methodist Church: Lasagna dinner with garlic toast and salad bar, 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 19, 6451 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford. Admission $7.50 for adults, $4 for ages 5-12, and free for children under 5. Carry-outs available. 248682-0211. ■ St. Anne’s Catholic Church:Youth group’s 9th annual “Haunted Forest,” 7-11 p.m. Saturday, Sunday, Oct. 1927, Wojo’s Greenhouse, 2570 Oakwood Road, Ortonville. Admission $10 adults, $6 for ages under 13. 248627-3965 ext. 132. ■ Orchard Grove Community Church: Trunk or Treat with candy, pumpkins, and more, 4-6:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, 850 Ladd Road, Walled Lake. Costumes and treat bags suggested, hot dog and chili dinner available for purchase. 248-926-6584. ■ Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene: “Unique Expressions,” vendor/craft show, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, 2840 Airport Road, Waterford. 248-673-5911. ■ Huron Valley Recreation and Community Education, in conjunction with White Lake Township and Stone Cold Statuary, is looking for vendors to participate in the inaugural Fall Market Season, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 20, Nov. 3, and Nov. 17, Huron Valley Lakeland High School inside the pool entrance, 1500 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake. whitelakefarmersmarket.weebly.com, 248-676-8390, or 248-755-1195. ■ Water Warriors Mackinaw Ride: Bowl-a-thon fund-raiser for Special Olympics, 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, 300 Bowl, 100 S. Cass Lake Road, Waterford. 248-462-3564.

■ Knights of Columbus Fr. John Howard Council 8500: 8th annual charity fund-raiser, Food & Wine Festival, great food and drink from popular establishments, fabulous “Live and Silent” auction items, our famous “Gift Baskets” Raffle, 2-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21, 59-West Banquet Center, 786 W. Highland Road, Highland. Admission, $40 per person. KofCcouncil8500.org. ■ Sons of the American Legion, Squadron 224 of Wixom: Captain Ron’s annual walleye fry dinner with karaoke, 5:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 26, Walled Lake Eagles on Glengary, Wolverine Lake. Dinner $9, all proceeds go to charity. mitcheldo@aol.com ■ St. Matthew Lutheran Church: “Ghosts, UFOs and the Paranormal” with Bob Dutko of WMUZ, 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28, 2040 S. Commerce Road, Walled Lake. Free admission. freewill offering will be appreciated. 248-624-7676. ■ North Oakland County Storytellers: Fright Night at Fisk Farm, an evening of Halloween storytelling, children’s stories at 7 p.m., adult stories at 8:30 p.m., Friday, Oct. 26, 9180 Highland Road, White Lake. Admission $2 per person or $5 per family. 248-698-9279. ■ VFW Post 4156: Halloween Party for ages 1-14, Saturday, Oct. 27, 321 Union Lake Road, White Lake. R.S.V.P. by Thursday, Oct. 25. 248-303-9157 or email poolekmm@yahoo.com. ■ Oakland County Market:Family Fall Festival, games/ activities for kids, fresh grilled food, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road, Waterford. Free admission. DestinationOakland.com. ■ 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.

Crafters wanted for 5th annual craft show, Nov. 10, 2399 Figa Avenue, West Bloomfield. Table rental, $25. Apply online at lutheransonline/sllc or call 248-682-0770. ■ Milford United Methodist Church: Crafters wanted for Holiday Marketplace, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 10, 1200 Atlantic Street, Milford. 6-foot-by6-foot booth is $25 or $30 with electricity. 248-684-2798. ■ St. William Parish: Rosary Altar Society Turkey Bingo, turkey dinner, door prizes, raffle, gifts, home made luncheon, noon, Sunday, Nov. 11, St. William Parish Walled Lake off Pontiac Trail. Walled Lake. 248-685-2025.

Waterford: Meeting, 7:15 a.m. Thursdays, Big Boy Restaurant, M-59 and Airport Road, Waterford. 248673-3493. ■ Friends of Byers: Byers’ Antique Barn now open noon to 5 p.m. Sundays. Volunteers are needed at 213 Commerce Road, Commerce. For more information, visit byershomestead.org or call 248-363-2592. ■ Grace Hospice: Volunteers with reliable transportation needed to visit terminally-ill patients and family members in our communities. Free training and classes are now forming. 1-888-937-4390.

■ St. Mary Our Lady of the Snows: Crafters and vendors wanted for craft show, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, 1955 E. Commerce Road, Milford. 248366-5394 or email ccathys@comcast.net.

■ 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.

■ Faith Community Church: Crafters wanted for Holiday Happiness Craft Show, Nov. 24, 2274 Crescent Lake Road, Waterford. Booth rentals, $30. 248-249-0204.

■ 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.

■ Waterford Garden Club: Waterford Greens Market, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, Nov. 29-30, Waterford Parks and Recreation Building, Crescent Lake Road, Waterford. wjg530@yahoo.com.

■ 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.

■ Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit: Shalom Street Museum, new exhibit, “Be Kind to Our World: Shomrei Adamah,” with butterfly garden, a display about wind energy, and a hydroponic garden, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays; and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays, now through the end of November, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield. 248-661-1000. ■ Waterford Baptist Cathedral: Crafters wanted for annual Holiday Craft Show, Dec. 7 and 8, 2640 Airport Road, Waterford. 248-673-5022.

■ Sierra Club: Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, Birmingham Unitarian Church, 38651 Woodward, Bloomfield Hills. www.facebook.com/clubSEMG.

■ 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.

■ Sylvan Lake Lutheran Church:

■

(Breakfast)

Optimist

Club

■ Rotary of West Bloomfield: Meeting, 7:30 a.m. Tuesdays, Henry Ford Medical Center, second floor, southwest corner of Farmington and Maple roads. 248-520-0095. ■ 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. ■ Williams Lake Church of the Nazarene: Airport Road Childhood PAGE 38 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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50 YEARS AGO Oct. 18, 1962 The Citizen's Committee for Progressive Government met at Edgewood Country Club Oct. 10 to discuss and settle the boundaries on the new petition for (Union Lake) incorporation. Residents from numerous subdivisions, including Green Lake, Carroll Heights, and Tripp were present. Tripp subdivision had a large group of residents at the meeting to protest the inclusion of their subdivision in the boundaries. The meeting was thrown into disorder by the refusal of many Tripp area residents to recognize the chair and allow the meeting to proceed in an orderly manner. On advice from his committee, Chairman John Clark adjourned the business meeting and opened the floor for general discussion and questions. 40 YEARS AGO Oct. 18, 1972 The Waterford School District's newest high school named in honor of industrialist Charles S. Mott will be officially dedicated on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 3 p.m. in the school gymnasium. The dedication program will include band and choral presentations, a history of the building's planning and development by Assistant Superintendent Roy J. Alexander, and the official presentation of the school by Board of Education President M. Virginia Ross. Superintendent of Schools Dr. John Pagen will accept the school. Students will be represented in the program by Student Council President Greg Zamenski. 30 YEARS AGO Oct. 20, 1982 To hear parents and teachers of Waterford Township, Mott and Kettering high schools tell it, one would think they each had the finest school in the country, instead of among the area's most fiscally troubled. Altogether, more than 1,500 people attended the special public hearings on Wednesday, Oct. 14, concerning which of the three schools would close next year, listening to impassioned defenses of each school in prepared and extemporaneous statements. Placards and people jammed the auditoriums of each of the schools to plead their cases.

20 YEARS AGO Oct. 21, 1992 West Bloomfield Township officials are attempting to sneak a full-fledged governmental change past voters, according to some local residents who attended the township board's regular meeting Monday, Oct. 19. The board has been seriously discussing the possibility of hiring a township superintendent for some time and publicly discussed voting on salaries for the incoming new supervisor and a possible superintendent of the township at the meeting. The board agreed to discuss the matter further at a special meeting Oct. 28, which will not be televised. In order to pay for a possible superintendent, the board has discussed reducing the supervisor's position, and pay, to part-time. Many of the day-today duties of the supervisor would then become the duties of the superintendent, who would act like a city manager. 10 YEARS AGO Oct. 16, 2002 Lakes area officials joined dozens of Commerce Township residents at a legislative committee hearing held in Dodge Park No. 5 on Commerce Road Friday, Oct. 11. The setting for the session was appropriate, as the park is the subject of legislation designed to require the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to transfer ownership of the property to the township. Currently, much of the park is owned by MDOT, which acquired positions of the park from the state Department of Natural Resources (DNR) when plans were made for extending the Haggerty Connector (M5) project north of Pontiac Trail, plans which have since been rejected over environmental concerns.

Headlines of the Past

Learning Center is now enrolling for its new Young Fives pre-kindergarten programs for fall at 2840 Airport Road, Waterford. 248-673-6161. ■ Waterford Rotary Club: Meeting, noon, Tuesdays, The Shark Club on M59, Waterford. 248-625-4897.

SUPPORT GROUPS ❐ Orchard Lake Community Church Presbyterian: Free eight-week seminar and support group for people who are grieving, 7 p.m. Mondays now through Nov. 12, 5171 Commerce Road, West Bloomfield. Registration, walk-ins are welcome. 248-682-0730. ❐ Age with Grace: Caregiver support CITY OF WALLED LAKE NOTICE OF PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST FOR GENERAL ELECTION TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Public Accuracy Test for the November 6, 2012 General Election has been scheduled for Monday, October 22, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at the Walled Lake City Hall, 1499 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake, Michigan 48390. The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to determine that the program and the computer being used to tabulate the results of the election are counting the votes in the manner prescribed by law. Tamara Williams, Deputy Clerk City of Walled Lake 1499 E. West Maple Road Walled Lake, MI 48390 (248) 624-4847

SC 10-17-12

THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE 2009 TOWNSHIP DR., COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MI 48390

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM YEAR 2013 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Charter Township of Commerce will hold a public hearing on the use of Community Development Block Grant Funds. The Hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 30, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. at the Township Hall located at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, MI 48390 for the purpose of hearing public comments on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Year 2013 application in the approximated amount of $61,143.00 to fund eligible projects. All interested citizens are requested to attend the Hearing. Comments will also be received in writing or in person at the Township Hall until 5:00 p.m. October 30, 2012. The Township Board Room is handicap accessible. Arrangements to reasonably accommodate special needs, including handicap accessibility or interpreter, will be made upon receiving 72 hour advance notice. Contact Daniel Munro, Township Clerk at 248-960-7020 for special services. Janet Bushey, CDBG Coordinator SC: 10/17/12

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. 248-5296431. ❐ AA Meetings: 8 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Saturdays, Four Towns United Methodist Church, 6451 Cooley Lake Road, Waterford. 248-6820211. ❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addiction, for life’s hurts, habits or hang-ups, meetings, 7 p.m. Thursdays, Woodside Bible Church, 9000 Highland Road, White Lake. 248-698-1300. ❐ Celebrate Recovery: Alcohol, drugs, gambling, sexual addiction, for life’s hurts, habits or hang-ups, meetings, 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Life Point Christian 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. 248-7559533. ❐ 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 PAGE 39 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

ADVERTISEMENT FOR REQUEST FOR BIDS

CITY OF WIXOM WIXOM, MI 48393 The City of Wixom will receive bids at the Office of the Wixom City Clerk; 49045 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI 48393, until 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 1, 2012 at which time bid proposals will be opened and read for the following:

LED Streetlight Retrofits Request for Bid packages may be obtained from the Office of the Wixom City Clerk, Monday through Thursday, 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held 10:00 a.m. at the Wixom City Hall on Wednesday, October 24, 2012. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bid proposals it may deem to be in the best interest of the City. If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at 248-624-0141. S.C. 10-17-12

OCTOBER 17-23, 2012

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Continued ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 38

problems, 2:30 p.m. Saturdays, West Bloomfield area. 1-800-736-9805 or familiesanonymous.org. ❐ Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: Meeting, 6 p.m. Fridays, Crossroads Presbyterian Church, 1445 Welch Road, Commerce. 866-9143663 or foodaddicts.org. ❐ Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous: Meeting, 9 a.m. Saturdays, Central United Methodist Church, 3882 Highland Road, Waterford. 248-623-7921 or 248-7620633 or foodaddicts.org. ❐ MOMS Club of Waterford South: Support group for mothers at home, weekly activities, monthly meetings, third Friday of the month, Waterford area. momswaterfordsouth.webs.com. ❐ Over-Eaters Anonymous: Recovery from compulsive eating, 12-step program, meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesdays, St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 5301 Hatchery Road, Waterford. 248-3389666. ❐ Postpartum Depression Support Group: Meeting, 6:45 p.m. Thursdays, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Commerce. 248-937-5220. ❐ 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. 248363-6369 or e-mail jr.h@att.net.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES ❐ Active Adult Program: Jazz at the J with jazz singer Barbara Ware, 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24; Master Class in Song Interpretation, 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 1, Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit, 6600 West Maple Road, West Bloomfield. Admission is $5. 248-967-4030. ❐ Dublin Senior Center: Senior Book Group, Emma Donoghue’s “Room,” 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, 685 Union Lake Road, White Lake. Registration. 248-698-2394.

❐ Highland Adult Activity Center: Halloween Party, Friday, Oct. 26, 209 N. John Street, Highland. 248-887-1707. ❐ Richardson Community Senior Center: Soup, Sandwich and Movie Day, noon to 3 p.m. Thursdays, 1485 E. Oakley Park, Commerce. 248-9260063. ❐ 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. 248-4511900. ❐ Wixom Senior Center: Blood pressure reading, 9 a.m. today, Wednesday, Oct. 10; Coffee Talk, 11 a.m. Thursdays, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. 248-624-0870.

PARKS ❐ Indian Springs Environmental Discovery Center: “Make a Halloween ‘Boo’minary” craft program for grades 3 and up, 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 21; Creatures of the Night and Owl Prowl, Saturday, Oct. 27, Indian Springs Metropark, White Lake. Registration. 248-625-6640. ❐ Kensington Farm Center: “Fun on the Farm Halloween Party” with stories, trick-or-treat, hayride, animal parade, costumes encouraged, 10 a.m.

to noon, Oct. 25; Tractor-drawn Pick Your Pumpkin hayrides, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays now through end of October, Kensington Metropark, Milford. 248684-8632 or 1-800-477-3178. ❐ Kensington Farm Center: Chartered horse-drawn hayrides are now available, Kensington Metropark, Milford. For price and reservations, call 810-2278910. ❐ Kensington Metropark: “Rosco and the Raptors,” noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, October 20 and 21, Kensington Metropark, Milford. Registration, 810227-8917. ❐ Lyon Oaks County Park: “Howl-oween” Halloween event for dogs and their owners, costume contests, pet demonstrations, dog training workshops; vendors, keepsake photos, and Doggie Dash DeLure course, noon-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, 52221 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. DestinationOakland.com. ❐ Orion Oaks County Park:Free mulch or landscaping wood chips, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, park’s parking lot on Clarkston Road between Baldwin and Joslyn roads, Orion Township. DestinationOakland.com ❐ Waterford Oaks County Park: Platform Tennis Open Houses, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 and Wednesday, Oct. 24, 1702 Scott Lake Road, Waterford. Free admission. DestinationOakland.com.

LIBRARY EVENTS ❐ Commerce Township Community Library: “Great Lake Ghosts” with folk singer/storyteller Lee Murdock, 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, 2860 N. Pontiac Trail, Commerce. 248-669-8108 or commercelibrary.info. ❐ Highland Township Public Library: Halloween Party for ages 3-11, 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, 444 Beach Farm Circle, Highland. Registration and costumes suggested. 248-887-2218. ❐ JCC’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 now through Oct. 24, 6600 W. Maple Road, West Bloomfield. 248-432-5546. ❐ Milford Public Library: Evening Storytime, silly scary stories for ages 2-5, 7 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, 330 Family Drive, Milford. Registration and Halloween costume or pajamas suggested. 248-684-0845. ❐ Walled Lake City Library: Classical Music with “Fabs” Kaldobsky, 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 6, 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake. Registration. 248-6243772. ❐ Waterford Township Public Library: Ghostly Tales from the Great Lakes State, adult/teen program, 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22, 5168 Civic Center Drive, Waterford. Registration. 248-674-4831. ❐ West Bloomfield Library: Fall Used Book Sale, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Oct. 19-21, 4600 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield. 248-682-2120. ❐ White Lake Township Library: Family movie with popcorn, 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 20 7527 E. Highland Road, White Lake. 248-698-4942. ❐ Wixom Public Library: Friends of the Wixom Library Fall Used Book Sale, thousands of items, books for all ages, DVDs, CDs, VHS, talking books, records, books for all ages, all proceeds benefit the library and book donations are welcome, 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday (Fill a Bag for $5), Oct. 18-20; Ghost Hunting adult program, 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 22; “Digging Up The Past,” beginning genealogy research, 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 24, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom. 248624-2512.

RELIGIOUS ❐ Shephard of the Lakes Lutheran Church: Veteran’s Day Salute, service, luncheon, WWII memorabilia, USO show, 10:30 a.m. Nov. 11, 2905 S. Commerce, Walled Lake. RSVP for lunch, Nov. 7; freewill donations. 248-624-4238 or www.shepherdlakes.org.

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Richie Cross had 89 yards rushing, 81 yards receiving and four total touchdowns in helping Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes defeat Madison Heights Bishop Foley, 39-36, in overtime on Saturday, Oct. 13. With the victory, the Lakers earned a return to the state playoffs this season after a year’s absence. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Our Lady prevails in overtime Lakers bound for playoffs after 39-36 win over Bishop Foley By Michael Shelton staff writer

It didn’t come easy, but Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes has earned its way back into the state playoffs. The Lakers pulled off a 39-36 victory in overtime at home over Madison Heights Bishop Foley on Saturday, Oct. 13 for their sixth victory of the year, ensuring them a berth in the state

tournament after missing out last season with a 4-5 record. “I expected this game would be hard and tough, but not with all these points,” said Our Lady Head Coach Mike Boyd. “We’ve had a bunch of those games before. This is another one in the books.” The Lakers (6-2 overall, 4-2 in the Catholic League Intersectional) drew first blood in the first quarter when they

blocked a Ventures’ punt, which was recovered by Charlie Campbell in the end

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zone for a 7-0 Our Lady lead. Bishop Foley (4-4, 3-3) responded as Nate Grys threw a 71-yard touchdown

pass to Nick Gwisdalla and Garrett Schilling kicked a 47-yard field goal for a 10-7 Foley lead. Richie Cross then started to heat up as he caught a 30-yard touchdown pass from Sal Mastromatteo, who also scored on a 2-point conversion, for a 15-10 Our Lady lead at the end of the first quarter. PAGE 41 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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Knights conquer undefeated foe, earn playoff berth By Michael Shelton staff writer

The wait is finally over for Walled Lake Northern: The Knights clinched their first state playoff berth in their 10-year history thanks to their sixth straight win in a 55-52 victory over previously undefeated Hartland on Friday, Oct. 12 in an instant classic. Northern (6-2) also clinched the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) Lakes Conference championship on the road in the matchup pitting the champions of the KLAA North (Knights) and West (Eagles), and what resulted was equivalent to a classic slugfest reminiscent of the “Rocky” movies. When the game was all said and done, over 1,000 total yards of offense had been gained by the teams, with Northern accounting for 607 compared to 507 for Hartland (7-1). “I don’t know if I can take anymore of those types of games,” said Northern Head Coach Brett Moore. “I knew it would be a tight, close game. It was special, it was a great feeling.” The Knights had a 28-21 lead at halftime before Hartland’s Alec Bain kicked a 31-yard field goal to start the third quarter. Northern responded when O’Donnell pitched the ball to Matt Kosmalski for a 3-yard touchdown on a play that was set up on a roughing the kicker penalty on Hartland when Andrew Fee kicked a field goal, giving the Knights a first down instead. On Hartland’s next drive, quarterback Stephen Milarch tried to throw a pass just before he was tackled, but the pass was deflected by the Knights and then intercepted by Mike Peer, who returned the pick 70 yards for a touchdown. Milarch would redeem himself as he threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Bryan Ridley on the following drive. The Knights appeared to have the game in hand early in the fourth quarter with a 48-30 lead after Kosmalski scored on a 28-yard touchdown run, followed by Northern recovering a Hartland fumble on the ensuing kickoff with just over 11 minutes remaining. However, on the first play of the following drive, Kosmalski fumbled near the sideline and Hartland recovered at its own 26-yard line and had new life. Four plays later, Milarch threw a 48yard touchdown to Austin Pierce and a two-point conversion pass to Brandon

Sal Mastromatteo (No. 12) completed 11-of-17 passes for 146 yards for Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes on Saturday, Oct. 13. After its victory over Bishop Foley, Our Lady will finish the regular season at Capac on Friday, Oct. 19 before awaiting the announcement of their opponent for the pre-district round of the state playoffs on Sunday, Oct. 21. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Amy K. Lockard)

Our Lady Lakers ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 40

Cross then scored on 2 touchdown runs from 1 yard and 5 yards out for a 28-10 lead in the second quarter. However, Grys scored on a 3-yard touchdown run to trim Our Lady’s lead to 11 at halftime. In the third quarter, Grys would throw an 8-yard touchdown pass to Brendan McMahon, and Gabe O’Neil scored on a 20-yard touchdown run to give the Ventures a 29-28 lead after two failed two-point conversion

Gigliotti to cut the Knights’ lead to 10. Then on its next drive, Hartland’s Trevor Sudbay punched the ball into the end zone on a 1-yard run to cut the Eagles’ deficit to 3 and send their fans into a frenzy. With his team on the ropes, O’Donnell remained cool under pressure and answered with a 51-yard touchdown pass to an open Matt Finn, and the Knights pushed their lead back up to 10. “We’ve done it all year. We were once 0-2, but this team is resilient,” Moore said. However, the advantage would be

attempts. Our Lady retook the lead, 36-29, in the fourth quarter when Cross scored his fourth touchdown of the day on a 1-yard run before catching a 2-point conversion pass from Mastromatteo. But on the ensuing kickoff, Gwisdalla stunned the Lakers by returning the kick 95 yards for a touchdown to tie the score at 36 and force overtime. Bishop Foley had the first possession of the extra session, but on the first play, it tried a backward lateral that was fumbled and recovered by

Our Lady. The Lakers wasted little time, as on the very next play, Spencer Howell kicked a 27-yard field goal to send the Lakers to the state playoffs for the 15th time in 16 seasons. Cross finished with 170 total yards while Mastromatteo had 146 yards passing. Our Lady will wrap up the regular season with a trip to Capac on Friday, Oct. 19 and then wait for Selection Sunday on Oct. 21 to find out who they will play in the pre-district round of the state playoffs.

short-lived, as Milarch threw a 52-yard touchdown strike to Austin Pierce on the first play of Hartland’s ensuing drive and Northern’s lead was once again cut to 3 points with 4:30 left. But Northern would not wilt under the pressure, as the Knights started their next drive at their own 40-yard line and advanced into Hartland territory while eating up the clock. Then on fourth-and-one with a minute and a half remaining, the Knights picked up a key first down, allowing them to then run out the clock. What resulted was a jubilant cele-

bration by the Knights and their fans under a post-game fireworks display at Hartland for what continues to be a dream season for the young program. “I think honestly we can rely on our offense, and we know our offensive line can grind it out,” Moore said. “This offensive line has been the best unit that I’ve coached.” O’Donnell completed 8-of-13 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns, while also rushing for 113 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. Kosmalski also had 127 yards rushing and 2 touchdowns on 18 carries

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s could do little to contain Anthony Darkangelo (with ball) of Novi Detroit Catholic Central on Friday, Oct. 12. Darkangelo finished with 150 yards rushing and four touchdowns as the Shamrocks stunned the Eaglets, 33-14, to halt St. Mary’s 6-game winning streak and earn a share of the Catholic League title with the Eaglets and Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

Catholic Central tops Eaglets St. Mary’s defeat results in shared Central Division title By Michael Shelton staff writer

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s tasted defeat for the first time on its new red turf on Friday, Oct. 12, falling at the hands of one of its most bitter rivals. The Eaglets lost to Novi Detroit Catholic Central, 33-14, on Friday, forcing a three-way tie for the Detroit Catholic League Central Division title, with St. Mary’s, Catholic Central and Bloomfield Hills Brother Rice each

sporting a 3-1 division record. But, it will be St. Mary’s (6-2) and Catholic Central (5-3) that will square off for the Catholic League A-B Division title for the second straight year at the Prep Bowl at Ford Field on Saturday, Oct. 20. Last season, St. Mary’s defeated Catholic Central on the road, 14-13, to clinch the Central Division title outright before the Shamrocks exacted revenge a week later at the Prep Bowl with a

21-7 victory. This season marks St. Mary’s third consecutive division title. Last Friday, the Eaglets entered with a 6-game winning streak and a chance to clinch the division outright with a 40 division record for the second straight year, while the Shamrocks entered with a 4-3 record and needing a win to keep its state playoff hopes alive. Anthony Darkangelo struck first for

Catholic Central in the first quarter on a 6-yard touchdown run. Parker McInnis then scored for St. Mary’s on a 19-yard touchdown run, but the Eaglets trailed 7-6 after a failed extra-point attempt. Darkangelo then burned the Eaglets again, this time with his arm, as he took a pitch and threw a pass to Jon Malone, who took the ball 80 yards for a touchdown and a 14-6 Shamrocks’ lead at PAGE 43 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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Northern Knights ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 41

while also catching three passes for 63 yards. Linebacker Peer led the Knights with 10 tackles to go along with his interception and touchdown, while Aaron Chretien had 7 total tackles. Matt Finn also had a forced fumble, and Logan Hall had a fumble recovery. Milarch completed 10-of-15 passes for 289 yards, 5 touchdowns and an interception for the Eagles, while Ridley had 7 receptions for 171 yards and 3 touchdowns and Pierce had 2 catches for 100 yards and 2 touchdowns. Northern had its first 5-win season in 2005, its third year, but would finish with only four wins the following three seasons. In 2009 and 2010, the Knights were at the 4-win mark just before the end of both seasons, before losing streaks ended their playoff chances. And last season, Northern was one victory away from a state-playoff berth, but fell at home in a heartbreaker to Northville, 56-49, in the regular season finale. When Northern returns home to host South Lyon on Friday, Oct. 19 to conclude the regular season, it will be playing to celebrate the school’s homecoming, the team’s milestones thus far this season, and its senior class that helped make them possible. With a win against the Lions, the Knights can also improve their chances of a home game to start the state playoffs. “We haven’t been home in three weeks,” Moore said. Against Hartland last week, it appeared as if it would be Northern’s night early on, when O’Donnell threw a 63-yard touchdown pass to Josh Paul on the first play from scrimmage. After the Eagles fumbled the ball away on their second drive, the Knights would convert, as Andrew Fee kicked a 22-yard field goal for a 10-0 advantage. Hartland would score on its next drive when Milarch pitched the ball to Anthony Villar, who then threw a 53yard touchdown pass to Ridley. On Northern’s first drive of the second quarter, the Knights gambled on fourth down and it paid off when O’Donnell threw a screen pass to Jon Dade, who then took the ball 28-yards for a touchdown. Hartland responded on the first play of it next drive when Milarch threw a 62-yard touchdown strike to Ridley to cut Northern’s lead to three. After Fee kicked a 39-yard field goal for Northern, Hartland struck back when Milarch threw a 20-yard touch-

Orchard Lake St. Mary’s quarterback Matt Linehan tried to get the ball to running back Parker McInnis (No. 33) early and often in the Eaglets’ 33-14 loss to Novi Detroit Catholic Central on Friday, Oct. 12. The good news for the Eaglets is that they will not have to wait long for a rematch as they will meet the Shamrocks on Saturday, Oct. 20 at the Prep Bowl at Ford Field for the Detroit Catholic League title. (Spinal Column Newsweekly photo/Damon Tang)

St. Mary’s Eaglets ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 42

the end of the first quarter. Catholic Central’s lead was increased to 21-6 at halftime thanks to a 50-yard touchdown run by Darkangelo. In the third quarter, Darkangelo struck again on a 60 yard touchdown down pass to Gigliotti and the Eagles had their first lead of the night, 21-20. But, O’Donnell would score on a 2yard touchdown run for Northern with 2 seconds left, followed by a 2-point conversion by Jake Ginster, to send the Knights into the locker room up 7 points. That finish to the first half would set the stage for a second half that will be remembered for quite some time.

Western earns playoff berth by beating Bobcats By Michael Shelton staff writer

Walled Lake Western punched its ticket to the state playoffs with a 40-29 victory at Grand Blanc on Friday, Oct. 12. The Warriors (6-3) will be making their third straight appearance in the state tournament and 14th appearance in 17 seasons.

run for a 28-6 lead for the Shamrocks. After Grant Niemiec scored on a 2yard touchdown run for St. Mary’s in the fourth quarter, Connor Holton scored for Catholic Central on a 5-yard touchdown run to cap off a stunning victory for the desperate Shamrocks. Darkangelo finished with 150 yards rushing and 4 touchdowns on “We’ve been fortunate. Our kids and coaches work hard in the offseason and that allows us to be competitive,” said Western Head Coach Mike Zdebski. The Warriors trailed the Bobcats 70 in the first quarter before Kyle Bambard threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Nik Heglin before the extrapoint attempt was blocked, leaving Western trailing by a point. After the Bobcats (4-4) scored in the second quarter to go up 14-6, Bambard threw a 20-yard touchdown to Josh Jones to pull Western within a point once again, 14-13. Jones then scored again on a 1-yard touchdown run to give Western its first lead of the night, 20-14. After the Bobcats missed a field goal just before the half, Western maintained its six point lead heading into the locker room. Out of the gate in the third quarter, Grand Blanc scored to cut Western’s lead to 21-20. But, Jones would strike back for the Warriors as he scored on a 7-yard

14 carries, while McInnis had 108 yards rushing for the Eaglets. Now, St. Mary’s will look to win its first Catholic League title since 2005 this Saturday at Ford Field and also snap a five-game losing streak at the Prep Bowl and possibly deny Catholic Central a state playoff berth in the process. touchdown run and Western led 26-21 at the end of the third quarter, after a second extra-point attempt was blocked. The Bobcats then took a 29-26 lead in the fourth quarter on a touchdown and 2-point conversion. In the fourth, Jones would step up again when he caught a 35-yard touchdown pass from Bambard before scoring on a 5-yard touchdown run. Western’s defense held firm for the rest of the quarter and delivered a potential blow to the Bobcats’ playoff hopes. Jones finished with 40 yards rushing, 95 yards receiving, 5 touchdowns, 11 total tackles, 3 sacks, an interception, 45 punt return yards and 44 kickoff return yards in one of the most memorable individual performances for Western in recent memory. “Jones plays like a Division I athlete. He’s easy to pick out,” Zdebski said. Bambard also completed 10-of-25 passes for 227 yards, 3 touchdowns PAGE 44 ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯

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Western Warriors ❯ ❯ ❯ ❯ PAGE 43

and an interception to go along with 40 yards rushing. Heglin also had 57 yards receiving on 3 catches, while Jake Neracher had 57 yards receiving on three catches. Zach Prokes made 13 total tackles and had a sack on defense for Western, while Kyle Ford had 10 tackles and John Witkowski had 9. Bart Williams completed 24-of-40 passes for 231 yards and three touch-

downs for Grand Blanc while also rushing for 55 yards and a touchdown. Western will conclude the regular season at home on Friday, Oct. 19 against the co-champion of the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) Central Division, Northville. The Mustangs are coming off a 37-0 shutout loss at the hands of Livonia Churchill in the KLAA Lakes Conference title game on Friday, Oct. 12. “We’re going to prepare just like any other game. We’re going to see what they do best and try to defend them and get lined up right,” Zdebski said.

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Lakeland’s playoff hopes on hold after loss to Howell By Michael Shelton staff writer

Two weeks ago, a return to the state playoffs seemed inevitable for Huron Valley Lakeland. But, after a 31-12 loss at Howell on Friday, Oct. 14, the Eagles now find themselves on a two-game losing streak and stuck at five wins with one game remaining in the regular season. Lakeland (5-3) now finds itself in a must-win situation when it hosts rival Huron Valley Milford on Friday, Oct. 19 in order to clinch their first state playoff berth in four years. Otherwise, the Eagles would have to wait until Selection Sunday on Oct. 21 to see whether they can qualify for the postseason tournament on playoff points. “I just think we didn’t execute the way we needed to. We weren’t firing on all cylinders,” said Lakeland Head Coach John Maltese of the loss to Howell. “It seemed early on there were plays on third or fourth down on both sides of the ball where we didn’t make a key block or a key stop.” The Highlanders (5-3) led 17-0 at halftime after quarterback Johnny Cheshire scored two touchdowns, a 5yard run in the first quarter and a 1-yard run in the second quarter, before the Howell added a field goal just before the half concluded. Cheshire then threw a 38-yard touchdown pass to John Brennan, who then scored on a 2-yard touchdown run to give Howell a 31-0 lead at the end of the third quarter. Lakeland scored 14 points in the fourth quarter, as Kyle Jakubowski threw touchdown passes to Beau Whilhelm (37 yards) and Charles

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

Sanders (40 yards), but that was all it could manage as it suffered its second straight blowout loss following a 51-6 defeat at the hands of Walled Lake Northern the previous week. “Our opponents and matchups have a lot to do with this, but we didn’t play our best,” Maltese said. Ross Heiman completed 3-of-10 passes for 20 yards for Lakeland before Jakubowski relieved him and completed 4-of-9 passes for 110 yards. Lakeland’s rushing game was held in check as Dalton Christie had 39 yards and Anthony Waite had 17. William Schroeder made 13 tackles, while Jon Yeatman had 11 for an Eagles defense that surrendered 322 total yards. Cheshire completed 9-of-11 passes for 137 yards and a touchdown while also rushing for two touchdowns for Howell. Damien Minoch had 94 yards rushing on 25 carries, while Joe Olszewski and Cody Wiggins each had an interception, as the Highlanders moved to within one victory of clinching a state playoff berth. Now Lakeland will prepare for its annual meeting with Milford, and for the third straight year, a playoff berth will be at stake for at least one of the two teams. In 2010, the Eagles defeated the Mavericks 32-31 at home in overtime, denying Milford a sixth victory as both teams finished 5-4 and missed the playoffs. Last season, Milford returned the favor by winning at home, 33-14, to reach six wins and clinch a playoff berth while the Eagles finished 4-5. Now Lakeland will be facing a Milford team fresh off a 49-7 victory over Waterford Kettering last Friday, and one that would love nothing more than to play a spoiler. “Because it’s a rivalry, it’s an emotional and important game and we’ll treat it like that,” Maltese said.

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FOOTBALL

Milford thumps Kettering in final home contest By Michael Shelton staff writer

Huron Valley Milford closed out the home portion of its 2012 season with a 49-7 victory over Waterford Kettering on Friday, Oct. 12 in a Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) crossover game. It was a memorable final home game for the Mavericks’ seniors, especially quarterback Alex Larson, who completed 6-of-10 passes for 132 yards and 2 touchdowns while also rushing for 141 yards and 2 touchdowns. Robert Ritchie also rushed for 130 yards and a touchdown for Milford (35), which had a 35-0 lead in the third quarter before Alex Spurlock scored the Captains’ only touchdown on a 69yard run. Milford will close out the regular season on Friday, Oct. 19 on the road with its annual rivalry game against Huron Valley Lakeland. The Mavs defeated the Eagles in last year’s meeting to clinch a state playoff berth and will now look to deny Lakeland its sixth win and potentially send it home for the year. Meanwhile, Kettering (1-7) will conclude its first season under head coach Kyle Schultz at home against Dearborn Edsel Ford on Friday, Oct. 19. • West Bloomfield snapped a sixgame losing streak with an emotional 31-17 victory in its homecoming game against Pontiac on Friday, Oct. 12. “It was huge. I’ve never been a part of this in my football career. A win should start the healing process,” said Lakers’ Head Coach Ron Bellamy. The win was an antidote after a turbulent week for the program following a 50-28 loss at Rochester Hills Stoney Creek back on Oct. 5, in which a West Bloomfield player allegedly hit an assistant coach from Stoney Creek after the game was called with six seconds left due to rising tensions between the teams. Last week also saw the departure of assistant coach Phil Sacha following the controversy. The Lakers (2-6 overall, 1-6 in the Oakland Activities Association Red Division) led 17-0 at halftime and did not let up in the second half. Balen Fields had 2 touchdown runs for the Lakers, while Trishton Jackson threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to

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East champions Lakers finish division play at 10-0 By Michael Shelton staff writer

Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes not only completed a perfect division record last week, but also claimed another tournament championship. The Lakers defeated Clarkston Everest Collegiate in three games, 25-9, 25-14, 25-10, on Tuesday, Oct. 9 to finish with a perfect 10-0 record in Catholic League East Division play after clinching the division title the previous week. Courtney Wightman had 13 kills, 1 block, and 1 ace for Our Lady (31-7-4), while Abbigayle Kline had 7 kills, 3 aces, 3 blocks; Haley Howell had 27 assists, 1 ace and 2 kills; and Kristina Krupiak had 4 aces and 6 kills. The Lakers then traveled to the Mt. Morris Tournament on Saturday, Oct. 13 and went 3-1 in pool play with victories over Bentley (25-15, 25-14), Southfield (25-13, 25-22) and Almont (25-12, 25-23), before falling to Mt. Pleasant Sacred Heart (23-25, 24-26) In Gold Bracket play, the Lakers knocked off Yale in the semi-finals, 2518, 25-19, before overcoming Unionville-Sebewaing in the finals, 2521, 25-23 to clinch the tournament title. Wightman finished the day with 42 kills, 21 digs, and 2 aces. Allison Samulon had 27 kills, 21 aces, and 5 blocks. Howell also had 116 assists, 12 aces, and 7 kills, while Krupiak had 30 kills, 18 digs, and 11 aces. The Lakers will next take on either Brighton Unaegbu and Caleb McCurtis scored a touchdown following a blocked punt by the Lakers. Pontiac fell to 1-6 and 1-7 in the OAA Red. The Lakers will conclude their season at Farmington Hills Harrison on Friday, Oct. 19 in a game that Bellamy said his team will treat like a playoff game. Bellamy declined to comment on the incident at Stoney Creek or Sacha’s departure. • Walled Lake Central fell at Pinckney, 21-7, on Friday, Oct. 12 in a KLAA crossover game, ending the Vikings’ string of consecutive playoff appearances at three seasons. Central (3-5) will host a yet-to-benamed opponent on Friday, Oct. 19 to conclude the regular season.

Royal Oak Shrine or Allen Park Cabrini at home in a Detroit Catholic League semifinal match at home tomorrow, Thursday, Oct. 18, with the winner advancing to the Catholic League C-D Division final at Madonna University on Monday, Oct. 22. • Huron Valley Lakeland defeated Walled Lake Central on the road in three games, 25-18, 25-14 and 25-22 to finish play in the Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division with a perfect 10-0 record. The Eagles are now 20-6 on the season and have won five straight division titles. Central fell to 22-10-3 and finished division play with a 6-4 record. Lakeland looked to win its fifth straight KLAA Lakes Conference title when it played at KLAA West champion Hartland on Tuesday, Oct. 16 after press time while Central played at Milford. The Eagles and Vikings will then both play in the KLAA Tournament at Novi on Saturday, Oct. 20. • Walled Lake Northern closed out KLAA North Division play with a victory at Waterford Kettering on Tuesday, Oct. 9 (25-17, 25-19, 25-16) and a threegame victory at Waterford Mott on Thursday, Oct. 11 to finish in secondplace in the North with a 7-3 record. • Huron Valley Milford fell in five games to Pinckney on Tuesday, Oct. 9 to finish KLAA West Division play in third-place at 5-5. • Waterford Mott suffered its seventh straight loss in a 38-12 defeat at Brighton on Friday, Oct. 12 in a KLAA crossover game. The Corsairs (1-7) will play at Redford Union on Friday, Oct. 19 to conclude its first season under head coach Chris Fahr.

SOCCER

Local teams begin state playoff tourney The Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) soccer tourna-

ment will begin this week, with the majority of lakes area teams playing in the West Bloomfield district. Fresh off winning the Oakland Activities Association (OAA) Blue Division title, host West Bloomfield played Huron Valley Lakeland on Monday, Oct. 15 after press time, with the winner facing Kensington Lakes Activities Association (KLAA) North Division co-champion Walled Lake Northern today, Wednesday, Oct. 17. Meanwhile, rivals Waterford Mott and Waterford Kettering played on Monday, Oct. 15, after press time, with the winner facing KLAA North cochampion Walled Lake Central today, Wednesday, Oct. 17. The district final is Friday, Oct. 19.

ROWING

St. Mary’s claims three bronze medals at regatta Fall was ablaze at the Griggs reservoir for the Speakmon Memorial Regatta, and although event coordinators couldn’t have ordered better weather, the teams weren’t apprised of their times until hours after the event. However, Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Head/Novice Coach Chris Czarnecki wasn’t surprised that two of his novice boats had placed in the top four, for their fourth consecutive regatta. The Orchard Lake Novice 8+ finished strong once again with a time of (20:18.59) and took home a bronze medal in a field of 12 after their firstplace finish last week on home turf. The Men’s HS Novice 4+ also proved tenacious competition, beating out 23 other entries to bring home the novice’s second bronze medal with a time of (21:20.08). “Our novice team is consistently proving they are top-notch competition in every event they enter. We’re building the foundation for a strong team in the spring,” Czarnecki said. The Men’s Varsity 8+ (A) was also quick off the mark and brought home the team’s third bronze medal for the day with a time of (17:44.96), followed directly by St. Mary’s HS 8+ (B) entry taking fourth place in a field of 11. It was a great day of racing at a beautiful venue. The team will wrap up the fall season at Head of the Dotte Fall Classic on the Detroit River’s Trenton Channel on Saturday, Oct. 20.

PAGE 46

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CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT “COMMERCE TOWNE PLACE” Notice is hereby given that the Commerce Township Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing on Monday, NOVEMBER 5, 2012 at 7:00 p.m. in the Township Hall Board Room, located at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township Michigan, for the purpose of receiving and considering comments to the proposed Planned Unit Development (“PUD”) to be known as Commerce Towne Place PU12-24-01 (described below). The proposed PUD includes the development of commercial, retail, office, residential, mixed uses, storm water and drainage management facilities, public park, recreational open space, pathways, wetland preservation, flood plain conservation, public utilities, landscaping, sidewalks, street lighting and signage all on approximately 350 acres as described herein. If the proposed development is approved, the current zoning classification being SP Special Purpose, OR Office Research, B-2 Community Business, RM Multiple Family and R-1B One Family Residential, will remain but will include the approved PUD Planned Unit Development overlay.

The Charter Township of Commerce Board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting or public hearing upon 10 days notice to the Commerce Township Board.

S.C. 10-17-12

WALLED LAKE POLICE DEPARTMENT AUTO AUCTION 1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake, MI 48390

Sealed Bid Addressed to Deputy Clerk Tamara Williams NO later than 10 am on October 30th, 2012 Bids to be opened in City Council Chambers at 10:30 am on October 20th, 2012 Vehicles Open to Inspection 8 am – 5 pm Monday thru Friday at Police Dept. All Winning Bids Subject to City Council Approval on November 5th, 2012 ALL Vehicles Sold As Is YEAR: 2008 MAKE: Ford MODEL Expedition XLT 4X4 VIN#: 1FMFU16508LA804012 COLOR: Black MILEAGE: 26,793 YEAR: 2000 MAKE: Chevy MODEL: Silverado Pick Up VIN #: 1GCFC29UXYZ101377 COLOR: Tan MILEAGE: 143,103 YEAR: 2004 MAKE: Ford MODEL: Escape 3.0L V6 VIN #: 1FMCU94144KA19360 COLOR: Black MILEAGE: 143,216 YEAR: 1976 MODEL Badger 300 MODEL: Hydroscopic Hop-To VIN #: 121265 COLOR: White MILEAGE: 10,296 YEAR: 1983 MAKE: GMC 300 Vactor Truck VIN #: 1GDJ7D1B3DV510788 COLOR: Yellow/White MILEAGE: 49,313 BOX TRAILER - No vehicle Information YEAR: 2002 MAKE: Contrail Trailer MODEL: C-12HD Hydraulic Lift Dump VIN: 4KNUC122L161723 COLOR: Black

SC 10-17-12 & 10-24-12

Emergency Ballots ONLY may be cast on the date of the Election – November 6, 2012. CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE Rhonda R. McClellan City Clerk

CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE

PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST NOTICE NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Public Accuracy tests for the November 6, 2012 Election will be conducted on Tuesday, October 23, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. in the City Hall located at 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, Michigan. The Public Accuracy test is conducted to demonstrate that the program and computer that will be used to tabulate the results of the election have been prepared in accordance with law. Rhonda R. McClellan City Clerk

SC: 10-17-12

This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (open meetings act), MCLA 41.72a(2)(3) and the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).

Kathleen C. Jackson Commerce Township Planner

TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE: Absentee Ballots for the November 6, 2012 Election may be obtained from the City Clerk at the City Hall, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, Michigan from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday, November 3, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

PUBLIC NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING A Budget Hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 30th, 2012 at 7:00 P.M. for all interested citizens of the Charter Township of Commerce. The Meeting will be held at the Township Hall, 2009 Township Drive for the purpose of discussion of the proposed 2013 Budget. The proposed Budget may be examined on weekdays at 2009 Township Drive between 7:15 A.M. and 5:30 P.M., Monday through Thursday.

DANIEL P. MUNRO CLERK, CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE

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

ABSENTEE BALLOTS NOTICE

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE 2009 TOWNSHIP DRIVE, COMMERCE TWP., MI 48390 (248) 624-0110

The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing.

Tax Identification numbers: 17-24-176-003/004, 17-24-200-044/046, 17-24-300-003/006/044/059/ 060/061/062/063/064/066/067/068, 17-24-401-022/029/030/032/033/035/046/048/049/050/051, 17-25-101-034, 17-25-126-001/010/115

CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

SC: 10-17-12

Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Commerce Township Board by writing or calling the Commerce Township Supervisor at (248) 624-0110.

CITY OF WIXOM

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Wixom Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing at their next meeting scheduled for Wednesday, November 7, 2012 for the following topics: PUBLIC HEARING FOR SPECIAL USE #12-010: IRICK GARDNER, 144 WITACOMA, CLAWSON, MI 48017: The applicant is seeking special use approval to use a 6,500 sq. ft. suite with in an existing building as a volleyball training facility. The Municipal Code, Section 18.09.040 (J) requires approval from the Planning Commission for this request. The property is located at 48893 West Road and zoned M-1, Light Industrial. The parcel number is 22-08-100-005. PUBLIC HEARING FOR SPECIAL USE #12-011: DARRYL FINK, 3160 HAGGERTY, SUITE E, W. BLOOMFIELD, MI 48323: The applicant is seeking special use approval for outside storage of trucks. The Wixom Municipal Code, Section 18.09.040 (F) requires approval from the Planning Commission. The property is located at 49145 Wixom Tech Drive zoned M-1, Light Industrial. The parcel number is 22-05-351-002. The regular meeting of the Planning Commission begins at 7:30 p.m. and will be held in the City Council Chambers in the Wixom City Hall; 49045 Pontiac Trail. Persons having any questions on this matter are urged to attend this meeting. Please contact the Building Department at (248) 624-0880 for further information. Catherine Buck, City Clerk City of Wixom (248) 624-4557

SC: 10-17-12

Notice of Posting

for Charter Township of Commerce Township Board 1. Adoption: An Ordinance to Amend the Code of Ordinances to be known as Amendment Ordinance No. 1.020 - Commercial Fireworks. The above Ordinances shall be posted (in its entirety) at the following locations: (1) Office of the Township Clerk 2009 Township Drive (2) Main Township Library 2869 North Pontiac Trail (3) Township’s website www.commercetwp.com

SC: 10-17-12

Daniel P. Munro Township Clerk

VILLAGE OF WOLVERINE LAKE

ORDINANCE NO. 139 A-2 AN ORDINANCE TO APPROVE THE EDITING AND INCLUSION OF CERTAIN ORDINANCES AS PARTS OF THE CODIFIED ORDINANCES. Said Ordinance was adopted by the Village Council at their Regular Meeting held on Wednesday, October 10, 2012 to be effective immediately. A full copy of the Ordinance in its entirety is available for public use and inspection at the office of the Village Clerk, 425 Glengary Road, Wolverine Lake, Michigan between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Sharon A. Miller, Village Clerk SC 10-17-12

OCTOBER 17-23, 2012

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PAGE 47

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE 2009 TOWNSHIP DRIVE COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MI 48390

NOTICE OF GENERAL ELECTION

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

CITY OF ORCHARD LAKE VILLAGE

TOWNSHIP FIRE PROTECTION SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT

NOVEMBER 6, 2012 To the Qualified Electors: NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a General Election will be held in:

Notice is hereby given that the Township Board of the Charter Township of Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan, will meet at a Special Board meeting on the 30th day of October, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., at the Township Hall, located at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, Michigan 48390, to review the Special Assessment ROLL for the Township Fire Protection Special Assessment District for the year 2013. This Special Assessment District includes all real property in the Charter Township of Commerce and the Village of Wolverine Lake not exempt from the collection of taxes by the General Property Tax Act, Public Act 206 of 1893, as amended. The Township Board will receive comments from affected property owners regarding the accuracy of their assessment and the total project cost. The Special Assessment Roll can be inspected at the office of the Township Clerk at the address listed above. If the proposed Special Assessment District Roll is approved by the Township Board, the assessment will be a lien on the affected property 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 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 roll if the special assessment is protested at the hearing held for the purpose of confirming the special assessment roll. Please direct any questions you may have to Thomas K. Zoner, Supervisor, (248) 960-7070. Daniel P. Munro, Clerk Charter Township of Commerce

City of Orchard Lake Village County of Oakland, State of Michigan

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2012 THE POLLS will be open 7 o’clock a.m. until 8 o’clock p.m. THE POLLING PLACE IS HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE BRAILLE AND AUDIO VERSIONS OF VOTING INSTRUCTIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT THE POLLING PLACES LISTED BELOW: PCT 1 – Orchard Lake City Hall, 3955 Orchard Lake Road, Orchard Lake, MI 48323 FOR THE PURPOSE OF ELECTING PRESIDENTIAL

President & Vice President

CONGRESSIONAL LEGISLATIVE STATE BOARDS

United State Senator, Representative in Congress – 14th District Representative in State Legislature – 29th District Members of the State Board of Education, Regent of the University of Michigan, Trustee of Michigan State University & Governor of Wayne State University County Executive, Prosecuting Attorney, Sheriff, Clerk/Register of Deeds, Treasurer, Water Resources Commissioner & County Commissioner – 5th District

COUNTY

JUDICIAL

SC: 10/17/12; 10/24/12

CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF COMMERCE 2009 TOWNSHIP DRIVE COMMERCE TOWNSHIP, MI 48390

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TOWNSHIP POLICE PROTECTION SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT Notice is hereby given that the Township Board of the Charter Township of Commerce, Oakland County, Michigan, will meet at a Special Board meeting on the 30th day of October, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., at the Township Hall, located at 2009 Township Drive, Commerce Township, Michigan 48390, to review the Special Assessment ROLL for the Township Police Protection Special Assessment District for the year 2013. This Special Assessment District includes all real property in the Charter Township of Commerce and outside of the Village of Wolverine Lake not exempt from the collection of taxes by the General Property Tax Act, Public Act 206 of 1893, as amended. The Township Board will receive comments from affected property owners regarding the accuracy of their assessment and the total project cost.

COMMUNITY COLLEGE Board of Trustees Member Oakland Community College CITY LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

SC: 10/17/12; 10/24/12

Board Members – West Bloomfield School District, Board Members – Walled Lake Consolidated Schools, Board Members – Bloomfield Hills Schools & Board Members – Bloomfield Hills Schools – Partial Term Ending 12/31/2014

STATE

Proposal 12-1 – A Referendum on Public Act 4 of 2011 – The Emergency Manager Law, Proposal 12-2 – A Proposal to Amend the State Constitution Regarding Collective Bargaining, Proposal 12-3 – A Proposal to Amend the State Constitution to Establish a Standard for Renewable Energy, Proposal 12-4 – A Proposal to Amend the State Constitution to Establish the Michigan Quality Home Care Council and Provide Collective Bargaining for In-Home Care Workers, Proposal 12-5 – A Proposal to Amend the State Constitution to Limit the Enactment of New Taxes by State Government, Proposal 12-6 – A Proposal to Amend the State Constitution Regarding Construction of International Bridges and Tunnels

LOCAL

West Bloomfield School District – Building and Site Sinking Fund Tax Proposition & Walled Lake Consolidated Schools – Building and Site Sinking Fund Millage Renewal Proposal

If the proposed Special Assessment District Roll is approved by the Township Board, the assessment will be a lien on the affected property as of the date of approval.

Daniel P. Munro, Clerk Charter Township of Commerce

Council Members

AND FOR THE PURPOSE OF VOTING ON THE FOLLOWING PROPOSALS:

The Special Assessment Roll can be inspected at the office of the Township Clerk at the address listed above.

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 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 roll if the special assessment is protested at the hearing held for the purpose of confirming the special assessment roll. Please direct any questions you may have to Thomas K. Zoner, Supervisor, (248) 960-7070.

Justice of Supreme Court, Justice of Supreme Court – Incumbent Position, Judge of Court of Appeals – 2nd District – Incumbent Position, Judge of Circuit Court – 6th Circuit – Incumbent Position, Judge of Circuit Court – 6th Circuit – Non-Incumbent Position, Judge of Probate Court – Incumbent Position, Judge of District Court – 48th District – Incumbent Position

Full text of the proposal may be obtained from: Rhonda R. McClellan, City Clerk City of Orchard Lake Village 3955 Orchard Lake Road Orchard Lake, MI 48323 248 682-2400 S.C. 10-17-12 & 10-24-12

WEST OAKLAND SUPER WANT ADS SUPER RATES! SUPER REACH! IN PRINT and On-Line 24/7 WANT ADS APPEAR ON www.spinalcolumnonline.com

NOTICES 01-08

REAL ESTATE 12-22

MOBILE HOMES 42-43

RENTALS 45-57

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

MERCHANDISE 89-138

LEISURE TIME 142-159

RECREATION

BOATS 162-179

CARS, TRUCKS CYCLES 181-196

• Reunions (#4): Published FREE for 4 weeks.

HELP WANTED 60-75

JOBS WANTED 77-86

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

☺ ★

GARAGE SALE KITS – With payment for your advertisement you get a FREE Garage Sale Kit with street signs, balloons, price stickers and tips on having a successful garage sale.

PERSONAL

SERVICES

REPAIR IMPROVEMENT

SERVICES

DEADLINES PHONE 248.360.7355 Mon.-Fri. 8:30-5 FAX 24/7

MONDAY AT 5 • Word Ads • One-Column Ads

FRIDAY AT 5 • Display Ads • Free Ads • Cancellations/Corrections

CHARGE IT

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

OCTOBER 17-23, 2012

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

DUCK LAKE HOME $328,900

. WP DT AN L H HIG

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.

NOTICES

START PACKING!

West Oakland area school reunions. FREE for 4 weeks within a 13 week period (27 word limit). Other Reunions Published 4 weeks for a total cost of $20 for 15 words; each additional 4 words $2. FARMINGTON HILLS Harrison High School Class of 1982 30th Reunion. Sat., November 24th, 2012, 7pm–1:00 am Uptown Grille, Commerce MI Details: www.hhs1982alumni.info

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE Houses For Sale 1.5 ACRES OVER 2,000 SQ. FT. COLONIAL WHITE LAKE TOWNSHIP First floor master with fireplace, wood floors throughout, granite in kitchen, another master bedroom on upper level, 3 and 1/2 baths. Four bedrooms, many updates - windows, roof, siding, furnace, kitchen, baths, great tile work, etc. Seller will consider allowances for a garage and for some minor repairs in home. $189,900 Call Doyle Ross at E&M Properties • 248-887-4514

WHITE LAKE 3 beautiful secluded 1.5 acre lots, all wooded walk-out sites. Have survey elevations, road constructions, etc. all completed and built. Land contract terms. $33,900 & $34,900.

E&M Properties • 248-887-4514

AVAILABLE FOR LEASE - Great condition. Conference area, kitchen, individual offices. Only $1,650 per month includes all utilities - gas, electric as well as central air and private security system. Great location in Highland Township. Call Doyle Ross at E&M Properties • 248-887-4514

LARGE GARAGE - Great storage unit or area for hobbiest. Only $400 per month includes utilities and private security system. Great location in Highland Township. Call Doyle Ross at E&M Properties • 248-887-4514

RENTALS

Hartland

Reunions

1 bedroom ranch on double lot w/canal frontage on all sports Handy Lake. Gated beach access. $69,900.

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.

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

MOBILE HOMES

DUNHAM LAKE PRIVILEGES! 2776 sq. ft. home with 4 bedrooms and 4 baths. Well planned home, nice kitchen & breakfast area with doorwall to deck, formal dining, living room, family room w/fireplace, 1st floor den, finished walk-out lower level leads to extensive decking with 2nd kitchen, recreation room and 2 additional bedrooms. 2 car garage. Must sell! $225,000.

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

Mobile Homes for Sale

WATERFORD

Houses/ Condos

HARTLAND Spacious home w/4 bdrms, full bsmt. & garage. Dunham Lake privileges. $1,700.00 monthly plus 1 1/2 months security.

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

Apartments

WATERFORD FOUNTAINBLEAU Condo complex 1 Bedroom Heat, Water, Sewer Parking under awning ground floor, A/C & pool COMMERCE TWP LAKE STUART Modern lakefront living, 800 sq.ft. updated 1 bedroom apartment, utilities included, 300 wooded acres, ac, small pets-ok, $645/month

olivermich@mac.com 248-755-5073 MILFORD VILLAGE APARTMENTS 1 bedroom apartment. Heat and water paid. No pets. In Milford City. Call for specials.

(248)477-9192

Looking to rent a house or condo? 42

CRANBERRY LAKE ESTATES Is offering NO RENT until Jan. 1, 2013 for those who wish to relocate their manufactured home to our 55 Plus community in White Lake. We will pay $5,500 towards move on singles and $8,500 on doubles. Customer must sign seven year lease with no increases during the length of the lease. For more details, please call 248-698-1120

PART-TIME RECEPTIONIST - Weekends Retirement community seeks experienced receptionist to answer calls, interact with internal and external customers and provide clerical support. A professional, courteous demeanor, excellent communication skills, computer proficiency, and ability to multi-task are musts. Sat/Sun, 11am-4pm, also includes some holidays. Please email or fax resume to: Canterbury on-the-Lake 5601 Hatchery Rd. Waterford, MI 48329 Fax 248-674-5344 karens@cotl.net EOE

248-496-7652 or 248-496-7648

ALL SPORTS MAXFIELD LAKE!

Hartland

Commercial/ Industrial

Warehouse or Industrial space with office for lease. Loading dock, 3 phase. 14 X 14 overhead door. 1,800 sq. ft & 7,000 sq.ft. Immediate occupancy

England Real Estate (248)887-9736

PAGE 49

Call Arlene Keller Williams Realty mihome4u.com

248-912-4628 Sales/Purchase/ Leasing and Relocation

Highland 950 sq. ft. 2 bedroom home. New renovations, new appliances, cupboard, floors, carpeting. Lake privileges on White Lake.

$750 month 248-807-0104

ONE CALL DOES IT ALL! PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD Monday through Friday open 8:30-5:00

248360-SELL (248-360-7355)

HELP WANTED General/ Help Wanted

General/ Help Wanted

TAXI & AIRPORT 65

Administrative Assistant (back up) Position Overview: Under the direct supervision of the Branch Manager, this position provides administrative and secretarial support for the branch and branch staff for a local Real Estate office. In addition to typing, filing, and scheduling, this position may perform duties such as financial record keeping coordination of meetings, obtaining supplies and working on special projects. Also, answer non-routine correspondence and assembles highly confidential and sensitive information. Deals with a diverse group of external callers and visitors as well as internal contacts at all levels of the organization. Independent judgment is required to plan, prioritize and organiz workload. Minimum of 2 years relevant work experience. Salary to be negotiated depending of experience

Please send resume to jwade@cbwm.com DIESEL MECHANIC Needed in Rochester, MI Great Pay / Benefits APPLY ONLINE www. durhamschoolservices.com

DRIVERS WANTED Full or Part time Day or Night

248-666-2110 CLEANERS / JANITORIAL PT Evening shifts in Hartland, Waterford, West Bloomfield & Surrounding areas, to clean office buildings & Banks

Call: 586-759-3700 CHILD CARE Lead and or assistant child care givers needed, Commerce area. Full or part time. Experience preferred. Flexible, paid holidays. Call Becky or Amy Z

248-360-7743 www.rlckids.com

TOW TRUCK DRIVER Needed full or par t time, would prefer live in Waterford area. Must be reliable.

248-623-1010 WANT ADS CONTINUED PAGE 54

PAGE 50

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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

Lorrie Bailey

lorriebailey@aol.com kw.com

Agent

lorriebailey.com

Cell

Keller Williams Realty

248-884-6723 Fax

248-406-2901

2900 Union Lake, Suite 210 Commerce Township

866.784.0917

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 Whether Buying or Selling a Home…

Christine Atkinson I Specialize in Referrals and I Appreciate Your Help!

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

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

Email: christineatkinsonrealtor@yahoo.com Visit my website

CHRISTINEATKINSON.COM KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY 2900 Union Lake Rd. Ste. 210, Commerce, MI 48382

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-SPORT LAKE FRONTAGE 3,126 sq. ft., 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! $484,900

GREEN LAKE - HIGHLY PRIZED SETTING New England style home featuring huge heated Florida room overlooking 93’ of sandy beach front. 2 master suites, 4 full baths, 3,744 sq. ft. Wet bar, 3 fireplaces, finished walkout basement and 3 plus car garage with workshop. A must see! $599,900

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

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

OCTOBER 17-23, 2012

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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

ITE WH

. WP ET AK L ITE WH

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

P. TW RD O F

P. TW KE A L

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$349,900

#212105889 • EXT. #210 . WP DT N A RTL HA

$104,900 END UNIT CONDO BACKS TO WOODED AREA •1,060 sq ft, 2 bed, 2 ba, GR, ff mstr w/ba access •Kitch w/appl., 2nd flr mstr, bsmt, att. garage #212105253 • EXT. #226

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$79,900

$359,900

$199,900

$624,900

P. TW CE R E MM

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$299,900

$249,900

P. TW CE R E MM

$374,000

$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”

ALL-SPORTS UNION LAKEFRONT BUILDING LOT •210 ft. deep, 45 ft. sandy shoreline, walk-out site •Utility, city wtr, sewer at street, Walled Lk sch. #212055074 • EXT. #264

$539,900

CHARMING HOME ON BEAUTIFULLY REMODELED MILLION DOLLAR VIEWS ALL-SPORTS UPPER STRAITS LAKE! CONDOMINIUM TOWNHOUSE SANDY SHORELINE ON WALTERS LAKE! •3 bed, 2 ba, walkout basement, jet tub bath •2 bed, 1.5 ba + fin. bsmt, granite kitchen •3 bed, 2 ba, fin. walkout, fp, needs TLC •GR w/fp, kitch w/appl., decks, dock, 2 car • 3 story deck, 2 car detached gar, shed • Ceramic & hardwood thru-out, pool #212100812 • EXT. #232 #212092228 • EXT. #259 #212095693 • EXT. #266

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

We are full time professional Realtors...

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$104,900

DL AR CH R O

$214,900

#212104263 • EXT. #245 LA

P. TW CE R E

GORGEOUS RANCH HOME ON ALL-SPORTS BRENDEL LAKE! •1,488 sq ft + fin. walkout, 3-4 bed, 2 ba •GR/DR - hdwd flr, 2 fp, deck, patio, dock, shed

L WA

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 KE A L

BEACH PRIVILEGES ON ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE! •1,600+ sq ft, 3 bed, 2 ceramic ba, 2 car •GR, FR w/fp, newer kitchen, deck, fenced yard

D LLE

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$299,900

$399,900

$129,900

$199,900 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

ALL-SPORTS BRENDEL LAKEFRONT 80 FT. OF SANDY SHORELINE ON UPDATED RANCH HOME BEAUTIFUL HOME ON 2.6 ACRES- BACKS 1.4 ACRE LOT ALL-SPORTS CASS LAKE! ON FENCED LOT TO HEARTLAND GLEN GOLF COURSE! •4,000+ sq ft, 5 bed, 3.2 ba, hdwd flr., newer kitch • 2,172 sq ft, 3 bed, 2.5 ba, w/o bsmt, 9 ft. ceiling •3 bed, 2 ba, LR, FR, jet tub bath, appliances •2 separate-buildable lots, newer 2 car gar. •Mstr suite, fp, sauna, 2 car + 1 car garage • 2 sty GR, fp, ff mstr suite & laundry, lg deck •Newer kitch, ff laundry, bsmt, deck, attach 2 car •Existing 3 bed, 2 ba, GR, fp, Florida rm, FR #212103989 • EXT. #224 #212103190 • EXT. #216 #212084822 • EXT. #279 #212096727 • EXT. #290

ITE WH

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

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 #212105137 • EXT. #201

LVE

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$89,900 BUILD YOUR DREAM HOME ON ALL-SPORTS WOLVERINE LAKE •.39 acres - 76 ft. sandy shoreline •Adjacent lot available, sewer at street #212060387 • EXT. #291

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 52

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

featured properties:

– COMMERCE – ALL-SPORTS & MILES OF HURON RIVER! STRIKING PROUD LAKE 212080718 $364,900

– HARTLAND – CATHEDRAL MSTR BED W/FULL BATH, LANDSCAPED YARD WITH BEAUTIFUL STAMPED CONCRETE PATIO 212084495 $165,000

– GARDEN CITY – BRICK RANCH - REFINISHED HARDWOOD FLOORS REMODELED OAK KITCHEN 212097054 $83,500

– COMMERCE – METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED BRICK HOME HARDWOOD FLOORS - BRICK FIREPLACE 212089330 $350,000

OCTOBER 17-23, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

DEBI ISAAC

DEBORAH FALZON

248-563-9217

cell

deborah@realestateone.com

PAGE 53

248-505-6911 disaac21@comcast.net

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

FAIRWAYS AT PINE KNOB - NEW CONSTRUCTION 2 bedroom, 2 bath, full walkout basement with bath rough. $299,900

Residential & Waterfront Specialists SELLING REAL ESTATE SINCE 1980

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

E AK

Call for a Free Market Analysis? Underwater with your Mortgage and Want to Sell?

Call me today!

MARY SHIELDS

Cell 248-245-6090 realestateone.com/mshields

THINKING ABOUT SELLING?

Buyers are ready to Spring into Action. Call me for you Free Market Analysis

This beautiful 3 bedroom contemporary home is located in Caribou Creek. The home features an open floor plan, hardwood floors, great room, formal dining room, a first floor master suite with jetted tub, spacious kitchen with oak cabinets, a large 33’ x 12’ bonus room, a walkout lower level that leads to a stamped concrete patio, perfect for summer gatherings. Plenty of room for outdoor activities as the home is situated on almost an acre of land.

248-790-9915

Tessa, Stella, Zoe, Hadley & Thad

Lakes Area Specialist rmccarthy@RealEstateOne.com

248-470-6196

Room for Everyone!

DIN

N PE

BECKY KATZMAN McCARTHY

(left to right) Quinn,

ING

D EN

Middle Straits waterfront stunner! totally renovated! 2 master suites! Finished lower level, theatre room! $675,000! G Large updated N I ND kitchen, 4 PE bedrooms, 3 full baths, private setting. $129,000 LD SO

CLARKSTON - NEW CONSTRUCTION 4 bedroom, 3 1/2 bath, full walkout basement $375,000

MARIE’S TEAM

THE POWER TEAM

DIANE BUCHANAN

FAIRWAYS AT PINE KNOB - NEW CONSTRUCTION 2 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath, full walkout basement with bath rough. $319,900

586-612-5995

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

audreystorey@yahoo.com

ARE YOU THINKING ABOUT SELLING OR BUYING? CLARKSTON - NEW CONSTRUCTION 4 bedroom, 3 bath, 3 car garage, full daylight basement $350,000

CAROL WAGNER

AUDREY STOREY

3,867 sq. ft. Move right in! Not bank or short sale! Finished lower level plus 4 season and bonus room. $399,000 Denotes a Real Estate One Virtual Tour

NEW LISTING

LAKEWOOD ESTATES WALKOUT RANCH West Bloomfield parklike setting. Updates and benefits begin with lovely views. Cathedral ceilings great room, family room and kitchen. Island kitchen seating entry and lower level walkout. Family room + lower level fireplace. 4 bedrooms, 3.5 baths, master suite, in-law suite. Finished walkout, doorwall and daylight windows. Middle Straits Lake Sub Park. trails to library, parks, lakes, schools, shops....Enjoy $265,000. 212103054/MC

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.

Lakes Area (248) 363-8300 • 8430 Richardson

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. ©Real Estate One, Inc., 2012

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General/ Help Wanted

MODELS NEEDED NOW! Good looking, dependable, outgoing girls & guys, all ages & sizes for fashion shows & modeling career.Will train. Also reps wanted. Call Denise Hewitt @ "Denise's Touch of Class"

248-624-7526 CLEANERS Emerging commercial cleaning company is seeking full time & part time. Must be experienced. Needed for all shifts. Lakes area, Wixom, Novi and Brighton. Immediate positions available. Call Mr. Curtis @ 248-778-7237

PART TIME

SECRETARY Must have good typing skills, Knowledge of Microsoft word and Excel, along with basic accounting.

General/ Help Wanted

FULL TIME MAINTENANCE / CARPENTER PEOPLE NEEDED for manufactured home communities in Wixom & Novi. Transportation and valid drivers license needed. Fax resume to attn: Tom,

248-684-0953 Medical/ Dental

DIRECT CARE Up to $9.03 per hour to start, with Benefits. Small group home setting. Must be

Fax resume to: 248-857-8878

Patient & Reliable. Part and Full time in South Lyon and Highland.

or e-mail: gwen@amhi.com

248-486-5368

CHILD CARE CENTER

RECEPTIONIST

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.

Wanted For a Chiropractic Office. Part Time. $8 per hour. For more information call:

248-669-6880

248-698-9141

HELP WANTED

Are you Retired and your Bills don’t realize it? Are you looking for Part time employment? Are you familiar with ID Grinding Machines or Handy with a Wrench We could use you knowledge. Wixom or Farmington Area Location. Apply in person & ask for JJ Monday-Friday 9:00 am-4:00 pm 4527 Old Plank Rd., Milford, MI 48381

(248) 685-0961 ext. 233

Office/ Clerical

Absolutely Free 69

PART TIME SECRETARY 20 hrs/ wk. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Access, Excel, knowledge of Quicken. Send resume by Nov. 1st to Waterford Youth Assistance 5640 Williams Lake Rd Waterford MI 48329 LET US LET YOU FIND that perfect employee to fill that spot on your staff. Give us a call at 248-360-7355 or fax to 248360-5308 or 219-360-5309.

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE Used/Wanted

SCRAP METAL 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

Mann Metals Corp. (248)960-1200 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. 1950s WALNUT Console phonograph & radio with record storage. Phono needs some repair. 248-363-3845 CAT NEEDS Loving home, fixed female, small white with black spots or fixed large male. Both very friendly. 248-7384901 or 248-214-9898 FREE KITTENS. 10 weeks old. 2 males, 2 females, call or text. 248-602-6813

FULL SIZE Trampoline, as is. You pick up. West Bloomfield. 248-737-1832

Auction/Estate Sales101

PUBLIC AUCTION "Mini Storage Depot will sell at public auction, contents of Units Numbered (H632, Geraldine Gardner: household goods, furniture, boxes), (L1024, Jake Mangum: suitcases), (G517, Brent Taylor: equipment), (O1314, Myra Finney: household goods, furniture, boxes, trunks, toys, sporting goods, tools, equipment), on Wednesday, October 31st, 2012 at 2:00p.m. for back storage fees owed. The auction will take place at Mini Storage Depot - 46550 Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, Michigan 48390. We reserve the right to reject any and all bids."

Auction/ EstateSales

101

ESTATE SALE. Friday, October 19th. 9am-4pm. 5866 Majestic Oaks Drive, Commerce, 48382

Garage Sales

103

COMMERCE MAINTENANCE PACK Rat surrenders. Tools, more. 9a.m.-6p.m. Saturday, 9a.m.4p.m. Sunday, 9204 Garden Terrace west of Union Lake Road 8964 WOODS EDGE Dr. Thursday & Friday, 9am-4pm. Dirt Bike. MILFORD

KURTZ ELEMENTARY PTA GARAGE & BAKE SALE Oct. 18th - 20th 8am-4pm 635 Atlantic Street To donate items call 734-476-5082 No price tags, generous donations requested.

Lawn Tractors/ Mowers

SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY Odds N Ends 109

WOODS TRACTOR, 52" cut. works great, 20 years. $850 248-887-1816

Pets/Supplies

115

WELL TRAINED Golden Retriever/yellow lab, 6 years old, $15. 248-821-4097

Clothing/Apparel

119

138

HALLOWEEN DECORATIONS- Talking Frankenstein & crashing witch into tree with broom. Both great shape. $7 each. 248-623-2661

BOATS/ OUTDOOR

LADIES OVERALLS, (2) blue denim. Size medium. Gently used. $6 ea. 248-623-2661

Boats/Motors/Trailers 164

DETROIT LIONS Jersey (C. Rogers) size medium $20 248887-6079 ELMO CUSTOM 3T - 4T furry and warm $10 248-4201528

DAVE'S MOBILE MARINE •Pontoon Hauling •Winterizing •Shrink Wrapping "We Come To You" •Buy & Sell Motors

Appliances

122

KENMORE STOVE 30" radiant, self cleaning, electric, $300. Kenmore refrigerator top freezer, ice maker capabilities. $500. (remodeled) 248408-3157

Appliances

122

WASHER/ ELECTRIC Dryer, $200 OBO; Dinning room set, $75. 248-981-7742

125

ENTERTAINMENT UNIT, 25" TV, 2 oak file cabinets, white ceiling fan. You pick up. 248625-3558

129

PROCTOR SILEX Food chopper. Brand new in box. $7 248623-2661 BAKING PANS, eight assorted. Calphalon, Mirro. $24.99 for all. 248-425-1004

Stuff/Infants

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

Tom 248-681-4250 www.tomspontoonservice.com

TRAVEL- TECH

BED FRAME, steel, king size on coasters. $25. 248-8773430

Household Items

Boats/Motors/Trailers 164 Local & Long Distance

MICROWAVE OVEN, clean, "Emerson", 12x12, 2007, $20. 248-360-8485

Furniture/Rugs

(248)666-9248

132

LIKE NEW Baby gate, baby seat $5 each 248-960-7285

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

166

DOCK & BOAT LIFT REMOVAL & INSTALLATION Full Dock & Boat Lift Repair Aluminum Welding Available Senior Discounts

248-835-7276

Commercial Snow Plow Contractor is Looking for Snow Season Operators to run: – Truck with Snow Plow – Loader/Backhoe – Sidewalk Crew – Truck with Salt Spreader – Dump Truck Starting Rates at $15.00 to $25.00 per hour

Looking for Subcontractors with own Truck or Loader. Starting Rates at $65.00 to $125.00 per hour Servicing Areas: Oakland, Macomb, Genesee and Livingston Counties.

Please contact 248-798-1801 or hrproland@ymail.com

TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU!

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

248-714-6125

woodwardauto.com

Boat Storage

170

PWC & BOAT WINTERIZING Shrink Wrapping & Storage Motorcycle, ATV, Snowmobile Parts & Service

Lakes MotorSports 4713 Dixie Highway, Waterford, MI 48329

248-674-0663 www.lakesmotorsports.com

Snowmobiles

179

1985 PHAZER, parts only, $200. 1982 Bravo, $500 248840-1035

CARS/TRUCKS MOTORCYCLES Wanted Parts/ Salvage

181

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

(248)467-0396

Trucks/Trailers

185

FORD F150 1985: Black 4X4, 302EFI, A/C, auto, very clean, 113K, $7,000 OBO. 248-6848741.

Cars

187

FIREBIRD 1979 Make offer. Father & son project. 248613-9354 2008 JEEP LIBERTY Sport, 27,000 miles, mint condition, $15,000. 248-926-6165

SALES GUARANTEE Autos, Vans, Trucks See First Want Ad Page BUICK LE SABRE LTD 2000, excellent condition, 140K, $3,900. 248-698-2238 FORD ESCORT 1999 4door, 4 cylinder, auto, 97k, $2,000 248-891-7678 FORD EXPLORER 1991 4x4 Sport, 104k, runs good. $1,700 248-245-3322. SUBARU IMPREZA Outback, 1999. 25K miles, good tires, $2,200. 248-363-1947

Vans

194

DODGE GRAND Caravan SXT 2004, 90,000 miles, excellent condition, new tires, $5,400. 586-876-5757

OCTOBER 17-23, 2012

www.spinalcolumnonline.com

PAGE 55

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

Cabinetry

Elegant Woodworking

248-881-3389

REPAIR/ IMPROVEMENT Appliance Repair

502

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

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

CERTIFIED OVERHEAD DOOR SERVICE

(248)363-3804

248-624-3161

elegant-woodworking.com

Cement/Concrete

517

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

(248)684-5928 MARCUCCI 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 513

524

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

CONCRETE

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

Doors

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

248-974-5104 HOME CLEANING SERVICE BY ANNA •Weekly •Biweekly •Monthly & ONE TIME CLEANING Call for appointment & free quote

515

Doors

524

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

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

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 Flooring

536

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

(248)241-6913

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

Lawn/Garden Services

Plumbing 553

A R T

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

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

LADY LIBERTY ENTERPRISES

TOTAL HOME SERVICE 35 Years Licensed PLUMBING • HEATING CARPENTRY • DRYWALL ELECTRICAL NEW SERVICE KITCHENS BATHS CERAMIC TILE

"The job your husband will do tomorrow." (248)887-2366 Heating/Duct Work 546

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

FREE ESTIMATES ON INSTALLATION

248-363-1615

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

Premier Plumbing Licensed & Insured Complete Plumbing Service

D & S HOME REPAIRS REMODELING

248-684-4175 810-714-3058

567

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 VS PAINTING FALL SPECIAL

New Construction & Remodel Commercial & Residential

248-363-5864 Power Washing

569

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

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

571

D&D Construction * Fall Roofing Specials * $200 per square/30 year Siding • Windows LeafGuards • Gutters

Doug Dible 248-431-6243 ROOF REPAIRS Missing shingles replaced, Chimney flashing resealed, Leaks stopped, Vent stack flashing replaced, Complete roof inspection service, Guaranteed work. 30 yrs exp.

Call Doug Miller 248-360-0344 Siding

577

I.D.C. Home Service

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.

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

248-894-3239

idchomeservice.com

Bob: 248-363-0589

Tile

585

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

John Miller (248)505-8865

Tree Service

587

STUMP GRINDING AFFORDABLE Free Estimates Prompt Service Fenced Yard Accessible

Insured. Call Todd

248-425-0155

jmtileandmarble.com

Trash/Debris Removal

Waterproofing 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 jromotreeservice@yahoo.com

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

Licensed & Insured Free Estimates

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SPINAL COLUMN NEWSWEEKLY

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