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THURSDAYMarch 3, 2011

HOMETOWN WEEKLIES

NOVI NOWReport potholes toroad commissionAs spring pothole season

approaches in Michigan, theRoad Commission for OaklandCounty (RCOC) asks residentsand motorists to contact theagency directly to report pot-holes and other road safetyissues.If pothole complaints are

called or e-mailed directly tothe Road Commission, theyare addressed as expedientlyas possible. Residents cancontact RCOC’s Departmentof Customer Service directlyvia phone (toll free) at 877-858-4804 or through theRoad Commission’s Website,www.rcocweb.org (click onthe “contact us” button).The Department of

Customer Services is staffedweekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15p.m. The best way to report anon-emergency problem afterhours is to file a report at theRCOC Website. For emergenciesduring non-business hours,contact the RCOC dispatchoffice at (248) 858-4895.

Mother knows bestLocal woman and girls

are invited to send us (in 50words or less) the best adviceyou received from your mom.Include a photo of your momor, better yet, of you and yourmom. E-mail your best submis-sion and photo (jpg formatonly) to [email protected] your first and lastname, your hometown andidentify your mother (first andlast name, please). Includea daytime phone number orcell phone where you can bereached during business hours.The photos and advice will

appear in the Thursday, May5, Salute To Women editionof Hometown Life Woman.Deadline to submit advice andphoto is 5 p.m. Friday, April 15.

The Art Road benefitIn recognition of March is

Reading Month, 20 Michiganauthors will be signing theirbooks to share the joy ofreading with children andwith adults. Fifteen percentof the proceeds from booksales will benefit The ArtRoad, a non-profit that focus-es on bringing art class backinto schools (http://www.artroadnonprofit.org/).The signings will be held

from 1-7 p.m. Saturday, March5 at the Art is in Market storesin the 12 Oaks and Laurel ParkPlace malls. For more informa-tion, call (248) 380-4992 (Novi)or (734) 432-9177 (Livonia).

INDEXAPARTMENTS B8AUTOMOTIVE B10CAREER BUILDER B7

PUZZLES B10OBITUARIES A6OPINION A10

REAL ESTATE B8SPORTS B1BUSINESS B5

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Volume 55Number 41

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BY NATHAN MUELLERSTAFF WRITER

Sometimes it takes a littleluck.And that is exactly what

the city of Novi got whenofficials found out long-awaited repairs to GrandRiver Avenue were going tohappen a year earlier thanexpected.The initial plans called

for the road work to startin 2012, but after the cityof Rochester and RochesterHills withdrew theirlocal support for pavingWashington Road east ofTienken to Dequindre, itopened the door for Novi’sproject to be bumped up.The project received

approval from the FederalHighway Aid Committee lastweek for $1.7 million in fed-eral funding, and the expec-tation is the project will bestarted and completed thisfall.“It’s huge because it means

enhanced public safety a yearsooner, better access to busi-nesses a year sooner and easeof travel a year sooner,” saidRob Hayes, director of publicservices.City officials have

long been clamoring forimprovements to the roadthat is ridden with pot-holes, but since the roadis under the jurisdictionof Oakland County, thecity could not do anythingabout it until fundingbecame available.Hayes said he expects a

construction contract tobe awarded in late August

with work beginning inSeptember. Grand RiverAvenue between Novi andHaggerty roads will undergoextensive rehabilitation andrepaving, including improv-ing shoulders, select curband gutter improvements,construction of right turnlanes and tapes at drivewaysand intersections and theconstruction of ADA com-pliant pedestrian improve-ments.The Road Commission for

Oakland County and the cityof Novi will both contribute$515,000 each to the project.The city’s portion will comefrom the municipal streetfund.James Clear, general

manager at the Novi TownCenter, said it is “good news”the road will finally beupgraded.“It’s an arterial road that

services our property andwe love to see that it is goingto be overlayed,” he said. “Itdefinitely is going to be animprovement for the NoviTown Center.”The concern with start-

ing the project this fall isthat it will coincide withthe Novi Road Link project,which calls for the closureof Novi Road between TenMile Road and Grand RiverAvenue. There also is repav-ing and widening workscheduled on MeadowbrookRoad between Ten MileRoad and Cherry Hill.Hayes said it could cause

some “angst” for drivers, butthe end result is worth it.

[email protected]| (248)437-2011, ext. 255

Grand River projects comes a year earlier

Novi benefits fromother communities’lack of funding


The giant mounds of snow thatsit piled up on the side of the roadserve as a constant reminder ofhow bad the month of Februaryhas been in terms of winter weath-

er.And because of the storms —

including three that dropped near-ly 20 inches of snow on Novi — thedepartment of public services hashad its hands full.The problems only intensif ied

when trucks broke down and fewer

workers were available to helpclear the snow in a timely manner.A total of 278 complaints from

residents came in during the threemajor storms — Feb. 1-2, Feb. 5and Feb. 20-21 — mainly regardingissues with their subdivision notbeing plowed.Rob Hayes, director of public

services, said despite the challeng-es, he is pleased with his team’s

performance.“February is on track for being

the heaviest accumulations onrecord -- and that is on top of thevery heavy snows we have had allwinter,” he said. “It has put a lot ofstrain on us, and in many cases wehave met the challenge admirably.”The most recent snow storm on

February storms put strain on Novi DPSCouncil says improvements needed before next winter

PHOTOS BY JOHN HEIDER | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

South University President William Bradford shows off the new private university’s computer lab on Feb. 17. TheMeadowbrook and 12 Mile Road campus currently offers a variety of degree programs and will be adding more inthe near future.


Dorian Reed had been toy-ing with the idea of goingback to college for severalyears but only if she couldfind a school close to home.And when the Novi resident

saw a billboard about SouthUniversity coming to Novi inOctober, she jumped at theopportunity to be able to con-tinue her education and still

work full time.“One thing I was really

interested in was a schoolclose to home so I could getthere on time and get thefull benefit of the education,”she said. “I looked at onlineschools but I need personalinteraction and be able to, if Ihave a question, not feel likeI’m harassing my professor. Idefinitely have that at South.”South University is a pri-

vate institution with seven

campuses in South Carolina,Alabama, Virginia, Georgiaand Florida. The Novi cam-pus located at 12 Mile andMeadowbrook roads is thefirst in the Midwest.The school welcomed its

first class in October, andfeatures four bachelor’sdegree programs (psychology,criminal justice, health caremanagement and business

New university givesstudents local optionDegree programs to expand in near future

Novi’s newest private university, South University, sits on the corner of Meadowbrook and 12 Mile roads.

Please see STORMS, A2

Please see UNIVERSITY, A2

IB STUDENTS RAISE FUNDSFOR HUMANITARIAN GROUPLOCAL NEWS, A14

administration) and two mas-ter’s degree programs (profes-sional counseling and businessadministration).Reed is pursuing her mas-

ter’s in counseling and expectsto be finished by late 2012 orearly 2013.She outside of some expect-

ed glitches and communica-tion issues that are part ofbeing new, her experience hasbeen good. Especially in theclassroom.“The two professors I have

are absolutely excellent,” shesaid. “They did a bang-up jobselecting those individuals.”President William

Bradford said most of the fac-ulty and employees are localbecause it allows them tobetter relate to the students.Currently there are 16 facultymembers at the universityand 86 students.The school is expected to

serve nearly 1,000 at its peakand will be adding additionaldegree programs in the nearfuture. A physical therapyassistant program is comingthis fall, and other programsthat are offered at the otherSouth campuses that couldcome to Novi are nursing,pharmacy, legal and paralegalstudies and more.Keeping class sizes low also

is another important aspect ofthe school, Bradford said.“We know the students as

individuals and it helps usbetter cater to their needs,” hesaid.The 40,300-square-foot

campus features two computerlabs, seven classrooms and a

distance learning lab.The distance learning lab is

what Bradford said the uni-versity is best known for, andallows students at one campusto interact with a professorand students at another cam-pus via video conference.Bradford said “it’s just like a

regular classroom” and allowsstudents in a small class tobe part of a bigger class withmore interaction.“This is a vital part of what

South does,” he said.The current age of students

at South is 32 years old, withthe majority of them comingto get retrained or obtain ahigher degree.Bradford said high school

recruitment will not start foranother year and a half.For more information about

South University, visit www.SouthUniversity.edu.

[email protected] | (248) 437-2011, ext. 255

Hometown Weeklies | Thursday, March 3, 2011(NN) LOCAL NEWSA2 online at hometownlife.com

Feb. 20 dumped nine inchesof snow on the city, andHayes admitted they werenot as prepared as normalbecause forecasters wereonly calling for three-to-f ive inches.At one point during the

storm, five of the depart-ment’s 16 trucks brokedown, and they did not haveenough staff to man all ofthe equipment.The city is using a con-

tractor for the first timethis season, but that stillwas not enough to keep upwith the fast falling snow.Still, Hayes said they were

able to have all roads opento traff ic within 30.5 hoursof the end of the storm, just6.5 hours later than the goalfor a normal storm.Mayor Pro-tem Bob Gatt

said he lives in the south-east part of the city andthey were one of the lastsubdivisions plowed. Hesaid the city needs to lookat hiring more contractorsand make changes so cer-tain parts of the city don’thave to suffer.“The city has to take pre-

cautions so this doesn’t hap-pen again,” he said. “Ourresidents expect more andfrankly deserve more.”Hayes noted that the

city is down five full-timeemployees compared to theprevious two winters, andthey are unable to hire sea-sonal, temporary or part-time help because the lan-guage in the union contractsays if a department haspeople on layoff they cannotuse them.One recommendation

made by Hayes was torecruit some union staffthat are not in DPS to drivethe pickup trucks withplows. Another was to hiremore contracted help.“For a major storm we

would have an approxi-mately 10 people come in,”Hayes said. “That resourceis invaluable.”Council member Dave

Staudt took particular issuewith the Feb. 5 snow storm

that dropped 3.2 inches ofsnow on Novi. The snowfallwas not large enough to callfor using overtime to clearall the roads, but he arguedthat his area of town “eas-ily had four inches of snow”and plows should have beenout.“One of the things we are

going to have to look at is ifwe are going to take some-thing that literal — that it’sa number as opposed to adecision — then we proba-bly are going to have to lookat changing that policy to(add) other factors into thatdecision making process,”he said.Hayes also recommended

that the city purchase twoadditional trucks to replacesome that are over 25 yearsold. The age of the trucksled to many of the mainte-nance issues that hinderedclean-up efforts.“It sounds to me like we

have major issues when wehave 30 percent of our f leetgo down in a winter storm,”said council member JustinFischer. “We have trucks25 years old. And to expectthose to last forever or tosubsidize that with contracthelp, I don’t think that isthe end all and be all.”Staudt the council look at

these issues in the summerprior to the winter seasonso similar issues will notoccur.“We never should be in

a position where we don’thave an adequate number ofdrivers for trucks available,”he said.For the record, the aver-

age snowfall to date is 41.2inches and currently thearea has received 56.1 inch-es, putting on course to beone of the top 20 snowiestwinters in history.


STORMSFROM PAGE A1

A total of 278 complaintsfrom residents came induring the three majorstorms — Feb. 1-2, Feb. 5 andFeb. 20-21 — mainly regardingissues with their subdivisionnot being plowed.

UNIVERSITYFROM PAGE A1


Michele Fuher has assumed the duties of running South University’s library which will cater its collections to theinformation needed for its wide variety degree programs. Fuher was formerly at the Novi Public Library.

South University President WilliamBradford shows off one of hisbuilding’s “Distance Learning Labs”complete with audio and videohookup to other South Universitylocations. The labs allow studentsand teachers from multiple locationsto interact as they study.

THE NOVI NEWSPublished Each Thursday

By The Novi News101 Lafayette

South Lyon, Michigan 48178Periodical

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The Novi News is published by Federated Publications, Inc. a whollyowned subsidiary of Gannett Co. Inc. Postmaster, send address changes to:The Novi News, 41304 Concept Drive, Plymouth, MI 48170. POLICYSTATEMENT. All advertising published in The Novi News is subject to theconditions stated in the applicable rate card, copies of which are availablefrom the advertising department, The Novi News, 101 Lafayette, SouthLyon, Michigan 48178. The Novi News reserves the right not to accept anadvertiser’s order. The Novi News ad-takers have no authority to bind thisnewspaper and only publication of an advertisement shall constitute finalacceptance of the advertiser’s order.

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Behind the suit, smile andchief executive officer title,there’s a story about CooperStandard’s Jim McElya thatpeople are just starting tohear.It’s a story about overcom-

ing obstacles, perseveringthrough tough times andgiving back to others. It’sMcElya’s life story, and he isusing it to inspire others toshare theirs with the hopethat it may help someone else.“We all get so focused on

our day to day jobs we forgetwhat is going on in the restof the world,” he said. “Thething you have to overcomeis the mentality that ‘I’m justone person and I cannot makea difference.’ Everyone has atalent and not everyone hasmoney, so you can use one ofyour many gifts to help oth-ers.”McElya’s gift is his story

and his ability to reach aplethora of people in his roleas the CEO of a leading globalautomotive supplier with itsNorth American headquartersin Novi.His story started at just six

weeks old when he was left onthe doorstep of the SalvationArmy in West Chester, Pa.,with no place to call home.Over the next 18 years he

spent time in 11 differenthomes, wondering if each onemight be the last. He got freemedical care at clinics andworked tirelessly to get makeenough money to survive.“I could have used it as an

excuse, or a reason to try andpick myself up,” he said.He chose the latter.Fast forward to 2006 and

this is where McElya’s storybecomes important. Untilthen he told very few peopleabout his upbringing.

People saw his success andpassion, but didn’t know whatdrove him.Then on a flight home from

Japan that November, hepicked up the airplane maga-zine that is in the back ofevery seat and read an articleby journalist Mitch Albom.The article was about

how the city of Detroit wasthrowing a three-day SuperBowl party for the homelessto coincide with the actualgame that was taking placeat Ford Field. The party washeld because city officials didnot want them on the streets,but once the game ended thatis where they would likely

return.Albom’s charity S.A.Y.

Detroit, which stands forSuper All Year, focuses onhelping the homeless inDetroit, and the article wasraising awareness about theproblem.When he returned to work,

McElya made a phone call toAlbom to learn more. CooperStandard has a history ofdonating money to nonprofitorganizations, and McElyawanted to find out how hecould help.Little did he know, his story

was exactly what was needed.“At that point I had never

shared my story, but then I

told it to Mitch and off wewent,” he said.While getting to know

Albom and the organization,McElya heard about the press-ing need for a no questionsasked medical clinic for thehomeless children and theirmothers. It hit close to home.“When I was growing up I

didn’t have anything,” he said.“But there was a safety netfor me. What I decided I wasgoing to do was give back.”With McElya’s help and

the backing of his employ-ees at Cooper Standard andthroughout the automo-tive industry who he saidinspire him daily, more than$600,000 has been raisedfor the S.A.Y. Detroit FamilyHealth Clinic.The clinic, which is open

24 hours a day and 365 daysa year, opened in December2008. Within the first twoyears, there have been morethan 6,000 visits, and theneed is growing.The goal is to get to $1 mil-

lion to keep the clinic run-ning, and McElya is confidentthat will happen.“This is really in the DNA of

Cooper Standard employees,”he said. “This isn’t a top downinitiative, it’s bottom up andthat is what makes it so great.”That giving attitude also

is what keeps him and hisemployees grounded.“You can sit here in the

office in Novi and think youhave it tough then you got tothe homeless shelters and foodkitchens and you realize youdon’t have it so bad,” the Noviresident said.McElya’s story also should

change the perception about“hard-hearted” CEO’s andothers in the automotiveindustry.“The common theme is the

employees believe we get moreout of it than we give,” he said.“It shows there are an awfullot of people out there withgood hearts.”


Hometown Weeklies | Thursday, March 3, 2011 (NN)LOCAL NEWS A3online at hometownlife.com

Cooper Standard CEO inspires others with his storyCompany helpedform free medicalclinic in Detroit


Cooper Standard Automotive CEO Jim McElya points out some examples of the types of auto body trim that his company engineers.

Cooper Standard Automotive CEO Jim McElya used his story about beingabandoned as a baby to inspire others and help raise money to form theS.A.Y. Detroit Family Health Clinic in 2008.

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Chocolate talkA Valentine’s Day luncheon crowd (above) at the Novi Senior Center listen to Laurel Zoet’s presentation (right) on “The Nature ofChocolate.” Zoet talked about the sweet-stuff’s history, from it’s beginning in Mexico to its popular importation to Europe in the1600s. After the lecture, attendees got to sample a variety of chocolates with their new-found understanding of the dessert.


The lanes will be heating uponce again next Saturday whenthe annual Bowl-A-Thon tobenefit Novi Youth Assistanceheads to Novi Bowl.This will mark the 29th time

community members will cometogether for friendly competi-tion to benefit a good cause,and the usual highlights of theevent include the match-upsbetween the firefighters andpolice officers and the schooland city.There also will be plenty of

prizes for everyone.“It truly is a great com-

munity event with a lot ofcommunity spirit,” said JohnO’Brien, chairperson of NoviYouth Assistance. “It’s a lot offun, and the main reason tocome is all the money we raisegoes right back into the com-munity.”Novi Youth Assistance is a

non-profit organization thathas been around for more than50 years helping to preservefamilies in Novi. O’Brien saidtheir main focus is on preven-tion and diversion, but theorganization also provides sev-eral programs throughout theyear to help with any problems.Some of the programs orga-

nized by Novi Youth Assistanceare Mentors PLUS, camp,youth recognition, alcoholawareness, educational andrecreation scholarships and theJeanne Clarke Teen Center.The Bowl-A-Thon runs from

1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on March 12and bowlers can register theirteam by visiting www.cityof-novi.org or by calling (248)347-0410.People who sign up are asked

to receive pledges for bowling,and the goal is to raise $25,000this year. Sponsorship oppor-tunities also are available for$125.


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hometownlife comThursday, March 3, 2011

HAVE A STORY IDEA?Contact Editor, Cal StoneVoice Mail: (248) 437-2011, ext. 237E-mail: [email protected] online at hometownlife.com

JOHN HEIDER | STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Say cheese!Derek McDonald (above), with video camera, visits Novi’s Village Oaks Elementary on Feb. 23 with anassembly called “Lights, Camera, Action!” which gave the kids (below) a hands-on lesson on videoproduction. The assembly even allowed the students to participate in lessons on how backgrounds aresuperimposed on TV personalities.


The Novi Board ofEducation and the district’sincoming Supt. SteveMatthews took little time iron-ing out the details of his three-year contract that starts nextschool year.A three-member negotiating

team from the district madeup of Bruce Bagdady, JasonManar and Ann Glubzinskimet with Matthews recentlyto settle on a salary figure andwere able to do so with littlenegotiation.Bagdady, who serves as

president on the board, saidthe talks were “very brief” and“above board.”“The contract is probably the

shortest superintendent con-tract in Oakland County andthe simplest,” he said. “It is avery straightforward, very faircontract.”Matthews is slated to make

$185,000 in the first yearof his contract, which also

includes a clause that theboard cannot reduce his salaryover the course of the contract.The salary figure amounts

to roughly a $45,000 raise forMatthews, who was making$139,097 as the superinten-dent in Grand Ledge.It is a savings, however, for

Novi as current Supt. PeterDion earns $196,491.“It’s still competitive within

Oakland County, and if any-thing it’s on the low side,”Bagdady said.The start date for the con-

tract is July 1, but it appearsMatthews will start muchsooner. He said Monday hewas targeting a mid-May startdate in Novi to begin gettingacquainted with the staff, stu-dents and facilities.“It’s pretty important to me,”

he said about starting beforethe school year ends. “It givesme the opportunity to see howthe buildings run and get toknow the team before the stu-dents leave.”Matthews also will be

involved in the hiring processof the two assistant superin-tendents who will be broughtin to replace Bob Schram andGail Credit and the new prin-cipals the district will need.“It’s important for me to

know who is coming in andhave a role in picking thosepeople so I will feel comfort-able with the team when theystart,” he said.Bagdady echoed Matthews’

sentiments.“The more he can learn

about those positions and theselection of those folks the bet-ter,” he said.Matthews also is tying up

some loose ends in GrandLedge, including workingon the budget and finishingadministrative evaluations.“I’m trying to leave it in good

shape,” he said.He also has begun searching

for his new Novi home, andexpects to be moved in by thesummer.


School board comes to termswith new superintendent

Matthews expected to start new position in mid-May

Spring Arbor UniversityNovi’s Kenya Williams was granted a mas-

ter’s degree in organizational management dur-ing commencement exercises on Nov. 20, 2010.Emily Kirk, of Novi, a sophomore majoring in

art, is on the fall 2010 Academic Honors List,which recognizes full-time students who havereceived a grade point average of 3.7 or higherfor the semester. Part-time students mustreceive a 3.7 GPA for the semester and carry acumulative 3.7 GPA.

Central Michigan UniversityThe following local students were named to

the fall 2010 Honors List.Novi: Lizette D Baeza; Joseph Paul

Bartlett; Joseph Richard Betro; ElizabethAnn Bosco; Jeremy Church; Stephanie JoanClos; Kelsey Lauren Collins; Jordan ElizabethCrandell; Emily Ann Durnik; LaurenElizabeth Evasic; Ashley Elizabeth Gazdecki;Valerie Susan Gladd; Nicole Marie Grimes;Gabrielle Marie Hamilton; Haleigh MarieHoffman; Kimberly Sharleen Hornacek;Rebecca Helen Lis; Robert K Low; ConsueloFrances McAboy; Claudia Tamara Miculici;Maryann Y Mugerian; Kelsi E Olkowski;Steven M Pelts; Jack Francis Petroskey;Alexander Joseph Piper; Brent DouglasRau; Matthew Arnold Schaffer; AlexandraMarie Sisson; Tyler Allen Smith; Kaitlyn

Leigh Stanford; Annette Francesca Sturla;Elizabeth Szlaga; Scott A Vandenberg; KelseyRose Voss; Alexander William White; andRobert John Yusko.Walled Lake: Patricia Mary Ball; Anthony

Joseph Booms; Taylor Anne Coe; AngelaMichelle Morrill; Scott Ross; and KelseyAlexandra WhingWixom: Ryan J Anderson; Megan Lynn

Blaze; Kelsey K Guiliani; Kimberly A Ivey;Kyle Devin Janke; Jennifer M Lada; NicoleChantelle Lada; April Kristin Lucas; ShelbyLynn Malott; Allison A McCabe; Kelley DeniseSchulte; Anthony Michael Spagnuolo; Ryan JSpeelman; Marley Taylor Tisdall; Lauren AlyseTroxtel; and Rachael G Wessel.The following local students graduated in

December 2010.Novi: Kristi Anderson, BAA; Shannon

Barbour, BSED; Bradley Cullen, BSBA;Rebecca Goodearl, BSED; Kristen Marzonie,BS. Elizabeth Szlaga, BAA; and JessicaWestfall, BS.WalledLake: Nicole David, BSED; Christina

Flosdorf, BSBA; and Mark FralickBSBA.Wixom: Justin Haas, BSED; and Jacqueline

Rapach, BAA.

Virginia TechNovi’s Derek M. Richard, a sophomore

majoring in computer science in the College ofEngineering, was named to the Dean’s List.

NOVI ON CAMPUS

Deerfield Elementary andOrchard Hills ElementarySchool students completedin a state chess tournamentamongst hundreds of kids frommany different school districts.The event was the 2011

Michigan Chess AssociationElementary and Primary StateTeamChampionships whichtook place in East Lansing at theMichigan StateUnion on Feb. 5.Deerfield sent two teams

(four students each) to thecompetition. The students hadto play in five rounds of chess

starting at 9 a.m. and endingat around 7 p.m. Many of thestudents are in the chess classthrough Novi CommunityEducation, taught by ChessMaster Alla Tabak.The K-3 Championship

Team (Justin Liang, firstgrade; Aiden Song, kinder-garten; Anthony Zhong, first;and Ethan Kopel, third) endedup in a tie for 10th place outof 24 teams. They just missedgetting a trophy based on thetie-breaker rules. Justin andAiden both won three out of

their five games; Ethan won2.5 and Anthony won 1.5.They were one of the youngestteams in this division of thetournament.The K-5 Reserve Team

(Arnav Talukder, fourth; JasonRobson, fourth; Ryan Gessler;fourth; and Johnathan Hong,third) also played very well. Allfour students won their gamesin both the fourth and fifthrounds. Johnathan ended upwith 3.5 wins which earnedhim a bronze medal at theawards ceremony.

Novi elementary chess students make the right moves

100 and countingNoah Budd shows off his garb at Deerfield Elementary, wherekindergartners in Cindy Lyon and Heather Stewart’s classescelebrated the 100th day of school on Feb. 17.

Donations needed forSenior All Night PartyOrganizers for theNovi High

School Senior All Night Partyare hard at work planning for the2011 event and are requestingdonations from parents, busi-nesses and communitymemberstomake this year’s event the bestone yet. The annual Senior AllNight Party, scheduled for June 4at Novi High School, offers food,activities and prizes, allowinggraduating seniors to celebrate ina safe, supervised environment.Checksmay bemade payable toNHS Senior All Night Party andshould be sent to: NHS SeniorAll Night Party, C/ODanaNussio, 22041 ShadybrookDrive,Novi,MI 48375. Informationmay be obtained by contact-ingDanaNussio at [email protected] or Anne Lewis [email protected].

SCHOOL BRIEFS


PATRICIA ANN SAGEAge 81, February 22, 2011. Funeralwas Feb. 26. Donations: CharlevoixArea Humane Society, 614 BeardsleyStreet, Boyne City, Michigan 49712.Online condolences:www.obriensullivanfuneralhome.com

DOLORES KIMBLEOf Milford, passed away peacefullyon February 22, 2011. She was 87years old. Survived by her lovinghusband, Charles; daughter,Margaret “Peggy” (Don) Green; son,Charles (Cathy) Kimble Jr.; grand-children, Don (Kimberly) Green,Christina (Patrick) Hartsig, MelodyGreen, Alyssa Kimble; siblings,Helen (Bob) West, Anne (Jack)Spencer, June Spencer, CarlWilkinson, Irvin Wilkinson, SariWilkinson; many extended familymembers and dear friends. A FuneralService was held at Lynch & SonsFuneral Home, Milford, February26th, 2011. Rev. John Harris offici-ated. For further information pleasecall 248-684-6645 or visit:

www.LynchFuneralDirectors.com

MARCUS JOHNMENDE, SR.

A long time resident of the Milfordarea, died on February 28, 2011, atthe age of 65. He is survived by hiswife, Evelyn, daughters, Julia,Melissa, Elizabeth, and SerahGardner, sons, James, Marcus, andMichael, grandchildren, Tyler, Paytonand Logan. He was preceded in deathby his brother, Dave Mende. FuneralServices will be held at Lynch &Sons Funeral Home, Milford, withburial and Military Honors at GreatLakes National Cemetery, Holly.For further information please phone

248-684-6645 or visit:www.LynchFuneralDirectors.com

MARJORIE M. PORTERAge 83, died Feb. 27, 2011. Amemorial service was held March 2at St. Paul Lutheran Church inNorthville. Arrangements entrustedto Phillips Funeral Home, SouthLyon. Online guestbook:www.phillipsfuneral.com

DONALD M."BUMPA" YOUNG

of Milford and formerly ofRedford Township, diedTuesday, February 22,

2011. He was 84 years old. He waspreceded in death by his belovedwife of 59 years, Shirlee (d. 2009).Survived by his children Michael(Katherine), Lori (Gary) Sansocie;Christopher (Jeff), also preceded indeath by his sons, the late Patrick(Dorothy) and the late James (Lori).Grandfather of Aleana, Katie, Sarah,John, D.J., Becky, Elly, McKaila andSeth; Great-grandfather of Sanzeray,Katelin, Ashlynn. Also survived byhis extended family, grand-dogsRufus, Bartlett and Snoop as well asmany dear friends including all hiswonderful friends in the 'hood'. Mr.Young was a veteran of the US Navywho proudly served in WWII.Services will be held at Lynch & SonsFuneral Home, 404 E. Liberty,Milford, Tuesday, March 1st at 12PM.Burial & Military Honors will follow atMilford Memorial Cemetery. Familyand friends may gather at 11AM untiltime of service. Memorials may bemade to the Humane Society orCommunity Sharing appreciated.For further information contactLynch & Sons Funeral Directors,Milford at: 248-684-6645

OE08705791

1-800-579-7355 • fax 313-496-4968email: [email protected]

ETHEL PELCHATZACHARIAS

Age 96, of Mooresville, NC, previ-ously of Novi, passed away Feb. 23,2011. A funeral service was held3/1/2011 at Casterline Funeral Home,Inc. of Northville. She was laid torest at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in Detroit.

BERNICE B. DESKAFebruary 19, 2011. A celebration ofBernie’s 83 years took place Feb. 23.Donations: made in loving memoryof Bernice to Gateway HomecareLLC, 4160 England Beach Rd., WhiteLake, MI 48383. Online condolences:www.obriensullivanfuneralhome.com

THOMAS A. GRULEYAge 79, Feb. 20, 2011. Lover ofhousehold projects, golf, deer hunt-ing, cars, euchre, & the DetroitTigers. Service was 2/24 at St. AidanChurch. Donations: Benevolent Fundat Fox Run. Online condolences:www.obriensullivanfuneralhome.com

VINCENT F. BUTTIGIEGFeb.19, 2011, 85 years old. He was aloyal family man & WWII ArmyVeteran. Service was at St. SabinaChurch. Memorials: Parkinson'sFoundation or Seasons Hospice.Online condolences:www.obriensullivanfuneralhome.com

ANNA R. CHOPPAge 66 of Brighton, passed awaypeacefully Feb. 22, 2011. Serviceswere held Saturday,. 2/26/2011 atCasterline Funeral Home, Inc. ofSouth Lyon. Contributions appreci-ated to a charity of choice.

RUTH LEE GREADYDied at the age of 91. February 12,2001, in Alma, Michigan at theMasonic Pathways Nursing Center.Born in Plymouth, Michigan on July25, 1919 and raised in Saline,Michigan she attended the MercySchool of Nursing in Detroit, andwas a life time member of thePresbyterian Church of South Lyon.She was a 50 year register nurse,working at the St Joseph MercyHospital in Ann Arbor, and 25 yearsfor the Ford Motor Company at theLivonia, and Wixom plants and theMartin Lutheran Home in SouthLyon. Ruth was also a life timemember of the Eastern Star, EntreNous Chapter 298. She has beenpreceded in death by her husbandFrank N Gready and her parents PaulLee and Bina Eckles, her sistersThelma Jameison, and AliceAurther, sister in laws Lois Burger,Nora Zentner, Brother in laws BillZentner, and Kenneth Burger. She issurvived by her sons FrankGready(Sue) of Lake Suzy Florida,and Paul Gready (Anne) and grand-son Tom Gready all from Tucson,Arizona and Sister in law PatriciaSchlitters from Whitmore Lake.Grand children include SuzannhahBartos and David Milam, Niecesand Nephews include MichelSchlitters (Sandy), Nephew BillZentner and Great Nephew ErickZentner and Great Niece KatyHamlin and Great-Great nephewAustin. Niece Cathy (Zentner) Hahn,and Elizabeth Zentner. Mrs. Greadyis also survived by many great-greatnieces and nephews. Internment willtake place in the South LyonCemetery next to her beloved hus-band of 61 years Frank N Gready.Donations may be made to theMasonic Pathways, 1200 WrightAvenue, Alma, Michigan 48801. Amemorial and committal servicesare planned for the near future.Arrangements entrusted to PhillipsFuneral Home, South Lyon.

Online guestbookwww.phillipsfuneral.com

GORDON NESLERAge 79, passed away January 13,2011. He was a teacher at WalledLake Western, retiring in 1995. He issurvived by his wife, Judy; son,Greg (Marna) Nesler; sisters, EvelynNesler & Dorothy (Mac) MacDonald;granddaughters Katelyn Nesler andAlyssa MacDonald. He was precededin death by two sons. Memorialservice will be held on March 5, 12Noon, Oakpointe Church, 50200 W10 Mile Rd, Novi, 48374. Visitationbegins at 10am until start of service.

A memory of Gordon,or condolences may be shared at:www.vermeulenfuneralhome.com

ANITA M. HALLAMAge 87, a longtime resident ofNorthville, passed away peacefullyFebruary 21, 2011. Beloved wife ofBob. Cherished mother of RobertThomas (Linda) Hallam and Judi(Ed) Carter. Adored grandmother offive, dearest great grandmother ofthree and super fan of one Puddythe cat. As we reflect on the everconstant selfless love that Anitashared with her family and friends,she dances with her Savior in adress more exquisite than she couldever imagine. You are the love of mylife, Anita. God bless you. Memorialcontributions would be appreciatedto the American Cancer Society,20450 Civic Center Dr, Southfield,MI 48076.


John Stottele has beenadopting kittens and puppiessince he started The FamilyPuppy store in 1999.Since that time, the All-

American adoption programhas helped more than 10,000pets find new homes andavoid the possible fate of beingeuthanized.And while the Novi resident

is happy to help, he also askspet owners — especially catowners — to do their part aswell.“We haven’t done a good

enough job educating thepublic about the idea of let-ting cats go outside,” he said.“People think their cat needsto go outside, but they do justfine indoors. That is why wehave so many litters of kittensbecause people let their cats

out unaltered and a female catgets pregnant.”Stottele, who owns five

stores including one in Novi,said if people are going to lettheir cats go outside they needto have them spay or neutered.The more people who do that,the fewer kittens shelters willhave to take.According to the

American Society for thePrevention of Cruelty toAnimals, approximatelyfive to seven million ani-mals enter animal sheltersnationwide every year, andbetween three and four mil-lion are euthanized.It’s a statistic Stottele calls

“sad,” and also the reasonbehind his program.The All-American program

has a strict no kill policy, andwhen an animal is broughtto the store it undergoes anextensive examination to make

sure it is healthy.People who wish to adopt an

animal can do so for less than$200. Included in that costare two physicals, vaccinationsand worming and the spay orneutering.“People enjoy bringing their

animals to us rather than theshelters,” he said.The business also started a

new program last year wherethey will spay a mother catfor free. Stottele said thevast majority of the animalsin the program are kittens,but they do see some pup-pies.People who wish to adopt a

pet can start looking in Marchand April because cats do notbreed in the winter.For more information, or to

find a store, visit www.fami-lyofpets.net.


Adoption program helps save animals’ livesNovi business has found 10,000 pets new homes since 1999

Adam Zielke and The Family Puppy employee Stephanie Schulz check out a few of the Twelve Mile Crossing atFountain Walk’s little furry offerings. Family Puppy has an “All American Adoption Program” which allows people todrop off pets they can no longer care for, and they then strive to find those animals new homes.


The Family Puppy’s Stephanie Schulz says hello to one of her favorite breeds at their Fountain Walk shop.

CITY OF NOVINOTICE OF MEETING

OF BOARD OF REVIEW

Notice is hereby given that the Board of Review shall convene in its first session at 9:00 a.m. EST,Tuesday, March 8th, 2011 in the Novi Assessing Department at 45175 W. Ten Mile Road for thepurpose of reviewing and correcting the assessment roll.

Notice is further given that the second session of the Board of Review will meet for the purpose of hearingand considering assessment appeals in the Novi City Council Chambers at 45175 W. Ten Mile Road onMarch 14, 15, and 16, 2011. All appearances before the Board will be by appointment only. If you oryour representative want to appear in person, the appointment must be made on or before 5:00 p.m.EST, Friday, March 11, 2011. Appearances before the Board of Review are limited to five (5) minutes orless. Petitions are available at the Assessor’s Office or at www.cityofnovi.org NO APPOINTMENTSWILL BE GIVEN UNTIL A PETITION IS RECEIVED BY THE ASSESSING DEPARTMENT.

Letters of protest will be accepted on or before 5:00 p.m. EST, Tuesday, March 15, 2011. Postmarkswill not be considered. When submitting a letter of protest for the Board of Review consideration, youmust attach a completed petition along with any supporting information.

All agents protesting values on property, other than their own, MUST HAVE written authorization fromeach property owner they are representing.

Persons on fixed or limited income may be eligible for a reduction in property taxes due to poverty.Applications are available at the Assessing Department, or at www.cityofnovi.org

BOARD OF REVIEW SCHEDULE

Monday, March 14, 2011 - 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.Tuesday, March 15, 2011 - 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011 - 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Any questions should be directed to the Assessing Department at (248) 347-0485.

MARYANNE CORNELIUSCITY CLERK

Publish: February 24, March 3 & 10, 2011 OOEE0088773300992222 33xx55

Hometown Weeklies | Thursday, March 3, 2011 (NN)CHURCH EVENTS A7online at hometownlife.com

Submit: Send calendar submissions viae-mail to [email protected]; by faxto (248) 685-2892; or by mail to ChurchEvents/Northville-Novi, 101 N. Lafayette,South Lyon, MI 48178. Items must bereceived by noon on Monday to be includedin Thursday’s newspaper.

Church of the Holy CrossLocation: 40700 W 10 Mile Road, NoviContact: (248) 427-11755th Annual Pancake SupperTime/Date: 5-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 8Details: It’s time to put on you cowboyboots and hats and mosey on over to HolyCross for a chuck wagon pancake supper.All proceeds benefit the Holy Cross Choir.Take-out orders will be available. Cost is $6per person; $20 for a family of four.

Church of the Holy FamilyLocation: 24505 Meadowbrook RoadContact: (248) 349-8847 or visit holyfami-

lynovi.orgMass ScheduleTime/Day: 8:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 12:30p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. Monday, Wednesday,Thursday, Friday; 6:30 a.m. Tuesday,Wednesday Friday; 7 p.m. Tuesday; 4:30 p.m.(English), 6:30 p.m. (Spanish) SaturdayHoly Days: 9 a.m., 5:30 and 7:30 p.m.Reconciliation: beginning 9 a.m. Saturdaysor by appointmentPriests: Father Timothy Hogan, pastor andFather Michael Zuelch, associate pastor

Crosspointe Meadows ChurchLocation: 29000 Meadowbrook Road, southof 13 Mile RoadContact: (248) 669-9400, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.Monday-Thursday or visit www.crosspointe-meadows.org.Sunday Worship: 11:15 a.m.Bible study classes: 10 a.m. for all agesDetails: Nursery and older children pro-

grams available. Worship blends traditionaland contemporary elements resulting in amulti-sensory worship experience.

Destiny Worship CenterLocation: Ridge Wood Elementary School,49775 Six Mile Road, NorthvilleContact: [email protected] or visitwww.DW3C.org.

Detroit First Church of the NazareneLocation: 21260 Haggerty Road, north ofEight Mile RoadContact: (248) 348-7600 or visit dfcnaza-rene.orgSunday Schedule: 9:15 a.m. Worship ser-vice with Praise Band, children’s SundaySchool and Adult Bible Fellowship; 10:15a.m. Fellowship and refreshments; 11 a.m.Traditional worship service, Children’sChurch, Youth Sunday School and AdultBible Fellowship; 6 p.m. Evening Service,Children’s program, Youth Worship Service

Tuesday Schedule: Tuesday 9:25-11:15 a.m.Women of the Word Bible Study with child-care available for through age 5; 6:45 p.m.Ladies Evening Bible StudyWednesday Schedule: 5:30 p.m. FamilyMeal, $4 per person, $12 per family; 7 p.m.Children’s Caravan, Club 56, Bible Study,Quilting, Adult Classes, Youth BlastThursday Schedule: 6 a.m. Men of PurposePrayer Group; 7 p.m. Tae Kwon DoWomen of the WordTime/Date: 9:25-11:15 a.m.Details: The W.O.W. Tuesday Ladies BibleStudy welcomes you to their study of theEphesians. There is a $15 registration fee,which includes interdenominational studymaterials. Childcare will be available in themorning for children through age 5.

Emmanuel Lutheran ChurchLocation: 34567 Seven Mile Road, LivoniaContact: (248) 442-8822 or www.newhope-

center.

Episcopal Church of the Holy CrossLocation: 40700 W. 10 Mile RoadContact: (248) 427-1175 or churchofthe-holycross.comSunday Worship: 7:45 a.m., 10 a.m.Sunday School and Nursery Care: 10 a.m.Worship ServiceAlzheimer’s Support GroupTime/Date: 10 a.m. second Saturday ofmonth

Faith Community PresbyterianLocation: 44400 W. 10 Mile RoadContact: (248) 349-2345 or visit faithcom-munity-novi.orgSunday Worship: 10 a.m.

First Baptist Church of NorthvilleLocation: 217 N. WingContact: (248) 348-1020

Please see CHURCH, A8

Your Invitation toWorshipWorshipBrighton Novi

For Information regarding this Directory, please call Donna Hart at 248-437-2011, Ext. 247 or e-mail: [email protected]

Milford

New Hudson

Northville

OOEE0088772211776644

Livonia

Highland

South Lyon

Hartland Plymouth Wixom

Sunday Worship: 10:45 a.m. and5:45 p.m.Sunday School: 9:30 a.m.Ladies Bible Study: 9:30 a.m. and 7p.m. TuesdaysMen’s Bible Study: 9 a.m. firstSaturday of every monthThe RoyalHeirs Gospel SingersTime/Date: 6 p.m. Saturday,March 5

First Baptist Church ofNovi-Family Integrated ChurchLocation: 45301 W. 11 Mile RoadContact: (248) 349-3647 or first-baptistchurchofnovi.orgFamily Bible Hour: 9:45 a.m.Family Worship: 11 a.m.Bible Study: 6 p.m.Family Movie Night: 5:30 p.m.;fourth Sunday of every month

First PresbyterianChurch of NorthvilleLocation: 200 E. Main St.Contact: (248) 349-0911 or visitfirstpresnville.orgSunday WorshipTime: 9:30, 11 a.m.Single PlaceTime/Date: 7:30 p.m. everyThursdayLocation: First Presbyterian Churchof Northville, 200 E. Main, NorthvilleDetails: Single Place is a socialorganization for singles 40 and uphosted by the First PresbyterianChurch of Northville. Thursdaymeetings feature speakers, games,or entertainment followed with anice cream social.Contact: For a detailed scheduleof all events (dining out, weekendactivities, etc.) call (248) 349-0911or visit www.singleplace.org.Single PlaceContact: (248) 349-0911 or go towww.singleplace.org.Time/Date: 7:30 p.m. Thurs. Mar. 3Details: Single Place presents Ms.Stacy Rafalko from Organize toOptimize. She will be able to answerall your questions on everything

from how to get organized and con-solidate your “stuff” and how longyou should keep it. Ice Cream Socialwill follow. $5 donationTime/Date: 7:30 p.m. Thurs. March10Details: Single Place Once againis pleased to have as our featuredspeaker, Ms. Sadie Bolos. Sadie is apopular speaker at many corporateworld functions and is interest-ing and fun to listen to. Ice CreamSocial will follow. $5 donationTime/Date: 7 p.m. March 17Details: Single Place presents ourSt. Patrick’s Day traditional din-ner of corned beef and cabbage.This will be followed by gamesand a video of the Irish Dancers,Riverdance. Cost of dinner only is$7; for games only, $3; or a total of$10 for the entire evening.Time/Date: 7:30 p.m. March 24Details: Place presents our own“car guy”, Mr. Matt Lee who willlead a very informative discus-sion on “Everything you alwayswanted to know about your carbut were afraid to ask”. Comelearn what you should do to keepyour car operating at it’s best.Questions are welcome. $5 dona-tionTime/Date: 7:30 p.m. March 31Details: Single Place Cards & GamesNight. This is our popular monthlyinformal social evening of games,conversation, snacks, flavored teasor coffee, soft drinks, and ice creamwith various toppings. Now that theweather has hopefully gotten bet-ter, get out and join the world againin a safe and friendly environment.$5 donationTime/Date: 7:30 p.m. April 7Details: Single Place presentsMs. Jennifer Vogel, who is acertified personal trainer atFitness 19 in Livonia. She will bespeaking on Finding What Works,exercise and nutrition planning,for each individual person. (Oneplan does not fit all.) Bring yourquestions, she has the answersIce Cream Social will follow. $5donation.

First United MethodistChurch of NorthvilleA Stephen Ministry ChurchLocation: 777 W. 8 Mile Road atTaft Rd.Contact: (248) 349-1144 or www.fumcnorthville.orgSunday worship:Times: 8:30 and 10 a.m. (MemorialDay weekend through Labor Dayweekend); 8, 9:15 and 11 a.m. (Sept.-May)Pastors: Rev. Dr. Steven J. Buck,senior pastor and Rev. JeffSturgeon, associate pastorCoffee Hour: 9:30 a.m. Sunday((Memorial Day weekend throughLabor Day weekend); 10:15 a.m.Sundays (Sept.-May)Healing Service: 4 p.m. firstMonday of every monthLogo Youth Club: 5 p.m.Wednesdays for fourth-12th graders(Sept.-April)Men’s Club: 8 a.m. secondSaturdaysContact: Heather J. Wallas, com-munications director, (248) 349-1144, Ext. 26, or e-mail [email protected]

Good Shepherd Lutheran ChurchLocation: 41415 Nine Mile Road, cor-ner of Meadowbrook Road, NoviContact: (248) 349-0565SundaysTime: 8:45 a.m. Sunday School andBible Study; 10 am. Worship

Lakes Baptist ChurchLocation: 309 Decker Road, WalledLake

Livonia Church of ChristLocation: 15431 Merriman Road,LivoniaContact: 734-427-8743 or visitwww.livoniachurch.netSunday Worship: 11 a.m.Bible School: Sunday 10 a.m.;Wednesday 7 p.m.

Meadowbrook CongregationalLocation: 21355 MeadowbrookRoad, between Eight and Nine MileroadsContact: Rev. Arthur P. Ritter,Senior Minister (248) 348-7757,visit mbccc.org or e-mail to [email protected] Worship: 10 a.m.Sermon: Better Than YouChurch School: 10-11 a.m.

Fellowship Hour: 11 a.m.Merry Widows LuncheonTime/Date: 11:30 a.m. fourthThursday of each monthPilgrim FellowshipTime/Date: 6 p.m. SundaysAsking Questions adult educa-tion classTime/Date: 10 a.m. TuesdaysVespersTime/Date: 7:30 p.m.Details: This traditional-contem-porary service is led by ReverendRitter with musical accompanimentof guitar and piano.

Northville Christian AssemblyLocation: 41355 Six Mile RoadContact: (248) 348-9030Sundays 9-10 a.m.: Sunday Schoolfor Adults / Youth / Children9 a.m.: Contemporary service inmulti-purpose gymnasium10:15 a.m. Contemporary servicein worship center; children’ssuper church on the second level(208/210)Tuesday Morning Ladies BibleStudy8:45-10:30 a.m. (café)Wednesday Family Night7 p.m.: Adult elective classes; jr.and sr. high student ministries;children’s programs (M-Pact GirlsClub & Royal Rangers Boys Club)Nursery and Preschool Programon Sundays and Wednesdays Homeof Northville Christian School (daycare; preschool through eighthgrade) – contact (248) 348-9031

Novi - Northville Center forJewish LifeDetails: A Jewish center withevents, programs and activities forall ages throughout the year – chil-dren’s programs, Sunday school,adult Jewish classes, youth clubs,holiday services and programs,community social events.Contact: Rabbi Avrohhom & LeahSusskind at (248) 790-6075 [email protected]; www.novijewishcenter.com

Novi United MethodistLocation: 41671 W. 10 Mile RoadContact: (248) 349-2652 or visitumcnovi.comSunday WorshipTime: 9:45 a.m.Healing Service and HolyCommunion

Time/Date: 9:45 a.m. first Sundayof every monthPeace VigilTime/Date: Noon, first Sunday ofevery monthLocation: In front of the churchDetails: Members of the congrega-tion and the community will standunited in prayer for peace.Advent ServiceTime/Date: 9:45 a.m. Sunday

Oak Pointe ChurchLocation: 50200 W. 10 Mile Road,NoviContact: (248) 912-0043 or visitoakpointe.orgWorship Services: 5:15 p.m.Saturday; 9:15 and 11:15 a.m. SundayReNew Life Group MinistriesTime/Date: 7:15-9 p.m. everyMondayDetails: Ongoing Life Groups thatsupport and facilitate personalgrowth, healing, learning, changefrom a Christian perspective.Women’s Life Groups MinistriesTime/Date: 7 p.m. every Tuesday9:30 a.m. every WednesdayMen’s Life Groups MinistriesTime/Date: 6 a.m. every Fridaymorning at various locationsFor both Women’s and Men’s LifeGroups Ministries, please contactthe church office.

Orchard Hills Baptist ChurchLocation: 23455 Novi RoadContact: Pastor Jon Hix (248) 349-5665Preschool/Kids ChoirTime/Date: 7-8:15 p.m. everyWednesdayDetails: For ages three to six; ongo-ing event; no need to pre-register;all are welcome.

Our Lady of GoodCounsel Catholic ChurchLocation: 47650 N. Territorial Road,PlymouthContact: (734) 453-0326, Ext. 221

Our Lady of VictoryCatholic ChurchLocation: 770 Thayer, NorthvilleContact: (248) 349-2621 orolvnorthville.orgSaturday WorshipTime: 5 p.m.Sunday WorshipTime: 7:30, 9:30, 11:30 a.m.

Our ShepherdPresbyterian ChurchLocation: 1200 S. Sheldon Road,PlymouthContact: Pastor Bill Burke at (734)927-0891

Wednesday Bible Study: 7 p.m.Sunday Bible Study: 9:30 a.m.Sunday Worship: 10:30 a.m. withfellowship and food after service

Plymouth–St. John’s EpiscopalChurchLocation: 574 S. Sheldon Road inPlymouthContact: 734-453-0190, ext. 16, orvisit www.stjohnsplymouth.org

St. James CatholicLocation: 46325 10 Mile Road, NoviContact: (248) 347-7778Mass ScheduleTIME/DAY: 8, 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.Sunday; 9 a.m. Monday-Tuesday; 7p.m. Wednesday; 5 p.m. Saturday

St. John’s Episcopal ChurchLocation: 574 S. Sheldon Road,Plymouth

St. John LutheranLocation: 23225 Gill Road,Farmington HillsContact: (248) 474-0584 or visitstjohn-lutheran.comSaturday WorshipTime: 5:30 p.m.Sunday WorshipTime: 9, 11:15 a.m.Sunday SchoolTime: 10:15 a.m.

St. Paul’s Lutheran ChurchLocation: 201 Elm St., NorthvilleContact: (248) 349-3140

Unitarian UniversalistChurch of FarmingtonLocation: 25301 Halstead Road,Farmington HillsContact: www.uufarmington.orgYouth Interfaith JourneyTime/Date: 9:30 and 11 a.m.SundaysDetails: This religious educationprogram is open to the publicand currently enrolling newstudents. The UUCF InterfaithJourney curriculum encompass-es the Unitarian Universalismphilosophy of individual worthand the power of community witha study of the World Religionsthat are practiced around theglobe. This program complimentsthe mission of UUCF ReligiousEducation of teaching youthinclusion, compassion and peaceand provides the environmentto live and learn in a culturallydiverse community. Classes aregrouped into grades K-5, 6-8 and9-12 with age specific educationmaterials for all.Contact: Jennifer Teed at 248/478-7272 or [email protected]


CHURCHFROM PAGE A7

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OE08639058

Hometown Weeklies | Thursday, March 3, 2011 (NN)CALENDAR A9online at hometownlife.com

More: For a complete listing oflocal and regional events, see theNovi Calendar online at www.home-townlife.com.Submit: Send calendar submissionsvia e-mail to [email protected];by fax to (248) 349-9832; or bymail to Novi News, 101 N. Lafayette,South Lyon, MI 48178. Items must bereceived by noon on Monday to beincluded in Thursday’s newspaper.

LOCAL EVENTSKumon Math and Reading Centerof Novi CentralOpen houseTime/Date: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.Saturday, March 5Location: 25345 Taft Road, NoviDetails: For parents and childrenfrom pre-school to high school tolearn about Kumon’s enrichmentprogram.Contact: 1-877-586-6673.

Lecture – Cataracts, Glaucomaand Macular DegenerationTime/Date: 10:30-11:30 a.m.Tuesday, March 8Location: Providence Park Hospital,Novi, Conference Rooms A and BDetails: If you are over the ageof 60, you probably have one ofthese vision problems. What arethe symptoms of each and how arethey treated? Learn more aboutwhat you can do to improve yoursight. Presented by Dr. TobiasGeorge, ophthalmologist, onstaff at Providence Hospital andProvidence Park Hospital. There willbe free blood pressure screening atthis lecture.Contact: To reserve your seator for more information, pleasecontact St. John SeniorLink at 888-751-5465.

Northville & Novi Garden ClubMeetingTime/Date: 7 p.m. Monday, March14Location: Northville Art House, 215W. Cady StreetDetails: “Cuttings” by JudyCornellier from Telly’s Greenhouse;6:30 social hour.Contact: www.gardenersnorthville-novi.org or Fran Gunderson at (248)349-6457

Borders BooksLocation: Novi Town CenterContact: (248) 347 0780Children’s StorytimeTime: 2 p.m SaturdaysDetails: Gather round for a funstory suitable for children of 6years old and under.Read Across AmericaTime/Date: 2 p.m. March 5Details: For kids ages 6-10; a spe-cial event to celebrate reading andthe birthday of Dr. Seuss.Diary of a Wimpy Kid EventTime/Date: 2 p.m. March 19Details: For kids ages 8-12; cele-brate the release of the new movie,“Rodrick Rules”, in theaters March25. Enjoy a trivia contest, games,Wimpy activities, and more at thisspecial event.Kristi Yamaguchi “Dream Big,Little Pig” reading and signingTime/Date: 5 p.m. March 30Details: Kristi Yamaguchi is an iceskating Olympic gold medalist andworld champion who knows aboutdreaming big. The motto, AlwaysDream, serves as Kristi’s personalinspiration as well as the name of

her charitable foundation for chil-dren. This philosophy has contrib-uted to Kristi’s success on and offthe ice, and is one that she aspiresto instill in the hearts of children.Poppy the little pig achieves herdreams and will inspire readers tobelieve that they can too.

Sun, Water & Seeds 4-H ClubTime/Date: 6:30 p.m. WednesdaysLocation: Tollgate EducationCenter, 28115 Meadowbrook Road,NoviDetails: A 4-H youth garden andfarm stand where kids learn aboutplant science, nutrition and entre-preneurship by raising produce forsale.The Club is seeking new membersto join in the planting, planning andmore.Contact: [email protected] or (248) 956-0029

TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly)Time/Date: 11 a.m.-noon everyWednesdayLocation: The group has movedfrom the Senior Center to theBelmont Clubhouse at Fox Runon 13 Mile between M-5 andMeadowbrook.Contact: Deloris Roman at (248)668-8600 for additional informa-tion.

American Legion Post 19Monthly MeetingTime/Date: 7 p.m. third TuesdaysLocation: Rock FinancialShowplace, Grand River Avenuebetween Taft and Beck roadsDetails: Comrades and fellow vet-erans, please join these monthlymeetings; attendance is needed tomaintain and grow the Post.Contact: Commander Dennis

Strikulis (248) 378-7841 or [email protected] or Service OfficerPaul Erickson (248) 344-7193 [email protected].

Suburban Collections ShowplaceLocation: 46100 Grand RiverAvenue, NoviContact: (248) 348-5600 or www.suburbancollectionshowplace.com.

BUSINESSAmerican Business Women’sAssociation - Novi Oaks CharterChapterTime/Date: 6:15 p.m. (networking);6:45 (dinner); second Wednesday ofeach monthLocation: DoubleTree Hotel in NoviDetails: ABWA is an active businessgroup offering networking, profes-sional development and leadershipopportunities. Cost is $16 whichincludes dinner and presentation.Guests are welcome!Contact: For more information orto RSVP for dinner, please [email protected].

Novi Chamber of CommerceThe Novi Chamber of Commerce is anactive, progressive chamber offer-ing a variety of events, educationalprograms, an enhanced Web site, andinvolvement with local charities.Location: 41875 11 Mile Road. #201,NoviContact: For more information, call(248) 349-3743 or www.novicham-ber.com.Business to Business BreakfastTime/Date: 8-9 a.m. Tuesday,March 8Location: Caribou Coffee, 47490Grand River, NoviDetails: Networking and a lightbreakfast; $5 payable at door;non-members $10 at door. Please

pre-register.

Metro Novi BNITime/Date: 7-8 a.m. everyWednesdayLocation: On the BorderRestaurant, 21091 Haggerty Road(north of Eight Mile), NoviDetails: BNI is a structured net-working environment for profes-sionals. The Metro Novi BNI teammembers are committed to provid-ing bona fide referrals to eachother. Members learn how to createand refine an ‘elevator speech,’develop a broad network of otherbusiness professionals in the com-munity and receive training/educa-tion on networking more efficiently.Guests are invited to attend freeof charge. Continental breakfastprovided.Contact: For more information,contact Julie Paquette at 248-797-1665 or [email protected];www.metronovibni.com.

Novi Toastmasters ClubTime/Date: 7-9 p.m., every firstand third TuesdayLocation: Novi Civic Center,Activities Room, 45175 West 10 MileRoad, Novi, Michigan 48375Details: Novi Toastmasters is acommunity-based club which ispart of Toastmasters International.Our diverse group provides amutually supportive atmospherein which all can develop and refinetheir public speaking and leader-ship skills. Our members also havefun while building confidence inday-to-day communications andmentoring toward professional andpersonal excellence. Guests arewelcome – and bring a friend. Visitwww.novi.freetoasthost.us.Contact: Linda Kreuter at [email protected]

Novi Rotary ClubTime/Date: Noon every ThursdayLocation: Novi Methodist Church.41671 W. 10 Mile RoadDetails: Lunch is $10 at meeting.Visitors welcome. Check Web sitefor speaker information; novirotary.org.

NIGHTLIFEAndiamo Novi / Dirty MartiniLounge / Andiamo TheaterLocation: 42705 Grand RiverAvenue, NoviContact: (248) 348-3838Off-Broadway SeriesDetails: Space is limited to approxi-mately 200 guests per show.March 2-20: “The GodfaddaWorkout”March 23-April 10: “I Love You,You’re Perfect, Now Change”April 13-24: Robert Dubac’s – “MaleIntellect – An Oxymoron?”April 29-May 1: “CelebrityAutobiography”May 4-22: “Bad Dates”May 25-June indefinitely: “TheLast Five Years”Contact: www.ticketmaster.com orcall (248) 348-4448

LIBRARY LINESNovi Public LibraryLocation: 45255 W. Ten Mile RoadHours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 10-5 Friday-Saturday; 1-5SundayDetails: Unless noted below, allprograms take place at the Library.Register for programs at theLibrary or on the Library website.Contact: (248) 349-0720Website: www.novilibrary.orgStory Times: Please see the

Library website or story time bro-chure for details.Monday Evening Book DiscussionTime/Date: 7-8 p.m. Monday, March7Details: Join your neighbors fora lively discussion of The Year ofMagical Thinking by Joan Didion.English Conversation GroupTime/Date: 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, March8 and 15Details: Make friends while youpractice your English pronunciationand conversation skills. No need toregisterFriends Monthly Board MeetingTime/Date: 7-9 p.m. Wednesday,March 9Details: Board meetings are typi-cally held on the second Wednesdayof each month at the Library.Everyone is welcome at the meet-ings and we cordially invite you toattend.Story Time with Your LocalAuthors!Time/Date: 7-8 p.m. Thursday,March 10Details: Celebrate “March isReading Month” by listening tosome local authors read theirstories; s sponsored in part byCommunity Financial. All ageswelcome.AARP Tax DayTime/Date: 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.Monday, March 14Details: Registration is requiredprior to receiving assistance.Please register by calling or stopby the first floor Information Deskat the Library. AARP volunteerswill be available to assist with thepreparation of taxes for thosewith middle and low incomes, withspecial attention given to those

‘Tulip Signals’Novi artist Barbara Eko Murphy won her first Best of Show, from the Detroit Society of Women Painters and Sculptors and will be included in a show at the Flint Institute of Arts March 3-April 28. Areception will be held from 1-3 p.m. Sunday, March 6. The institute is located at 1120 E. Kearsley Street, Flint.

Please see CALENDAR, A11

Satisfied?While the lethargic Democrats stayed home,

the Republicans blindly voted for Snyder andcompany. I hope everyone’s pleased with theoutcome.We need an informed electorate that votes!

Wake up, America!!Nadine Nichols

Commerce Township

State pension planIf we do not take care of the infrastruc-

ture of our state, no one will want to locatehere. Certainly businesses are attracted to alower tax rate; however, I believe quality oflife issues are just as important. Good roads(ours are a mess) enhance a community’sattractiveness. Also, things like safe communi-ties, good schools, recreational opportunitiesare other considerations. One of our biggestassets, fresh water, needs to be protected.If local communities are continually forced

to cut services, cut road improvements, cutschool programs, close parks, close librar-ies, etc. we will not be as attractive to newbusiness as state’s able to maintain theseservices. It is a balancing act.As the recipient of a state pension, I am

willing to assume some responsibility for get-ting us out of the mess we are in. However,many state employees do not have largepensions. If you were a school secretary, aninstructional assistant, or a paraprofessionalyour pension may well be under $15,000. Not arich man’s pension. Therefore, I am suggestingwe either go to a graduated state income taxor we exempt people with low-paying pen-sions.

Karen B. ZyczynskiNovi

Clear the snow!The cities of Novi, Northville, Farmington

Hills and Livonia should be ashamed of them-selves for permitting the deplorable treat-ment of county roads in our communities.Each time we have had a major snowstormthis winter, Eight Mile and Haggerty remainedalmost completely impassable even days afterthe snow. The cities plead that these are coun-ty roads, and seem to throw up their hands inutter helplessness. The cities must demandthat Oakland and Wayne counties take careof the roads that fall under their jurisdiction,withholding tax revenue from the counties ifthat’s what it takes to get attention. If they

can’t do that, perhaps we need officeholdersand administrators who can fight for theircitizens.

Scott D. HorsburghNovi

Those who have should givemoreGov. Snyder is showing that he is a real

Republican in his budget proposal by taxingpensions and cutting school funding; he seeksto divide us and turn us on one another.Yes, seniors are a strong voting group but

not all receive pensions. And after the envy ofthose who don’t or won’t be getting a pensionkicks in, it leaves a smaller group. There arethose who think they don’t deserve it or didn’tearn it anyway.By cutting school funding you will have

those who have already put their kids throughschool or don’t have kids saying, “That’s OK,it’s not my problem,” or “It won’t hurt me, goahead.” This is similar to what former Gov.Engler did in taxing unemployment payments.After all, most unemployed people choose notto work anyway, right?.How about having all those who do have a

job pay a little more until things get better?That would be shared sacrifice. It’s been donebefore and it worked. Oh, wait, that was doneby Democrats. The Republican way is to divideand conquer. So let’s go ahead and take fromretirees, kids and those without a job. Lookto the least among us and take from them sothat WE may have more.

Chuck TindallNovi

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It is time for the state Legislature to produce a medicalmarijuana law. No more excuses, please.The chaos created by the Legislature’s inaction is unac-

ceptable, wasteful and unfair.Courts, prosecutors, police, local government and, yes,

users find themselves scrambling to accommodate the2008 voter initiative that unequivocally authorized theuse of marijuana to treat medical conditions.Growing facilities or dispensaries are unlisted uses in

the city of Novi’s ordinances, according to Barb McBeth,deputy community development director. The city doeshave an ordinance provision whereby a person can askthe planning department where such a facility could belocated, but then the request would have to be reviewed.In Northville Township, no requests have been brought

before the township board, according to Manager ChipSnyder. He said Jennifer Frey, director of communitydevelopment, is monitoring the situation and stands readyto advise the board on the best course of action.And both Milford and Highland officials have placed a

moratorium on related issues, waiting for attorneys andstate legislators to weigh in on the issue.In short, everybody is holding their breath and hoping

they don’t have to deal with it.Themedical marijuana language voters approved inten-

tionally was vague and ambiguous. The law was largelywritten by the Marijuana Policy Project, a Washington,D.C.-based nonprofit that wants to reduce or eliminatepenalties for marijuana use.This was no surprise, and considering the actions of

voters in other states, neither was approval of the measurein Michigan. Calls to the Legislature to pass a medicalmarijuana law ahead of the sloppy initiative were ignored.No longer is this acceptable.The Legislature serves to enact laws. When the people

of Michigan approved the use of medical marijuana, theyexpected the Legislature to help sort through the confu-sion rather than enable it. Instead, lawmakers, in anotherexample of term-limit-induced dysfunction, ignored theissue.Because medical marijuana was approved by a voter ini-

tiative, a comprehensive law will require a three-fourthsvote of approval from the Michigan House and Senate.It can be done, but it will take political courage by somelawmakers who disapprove of any marijuana use.One option for Michigan is to adapt or adopt medical

marijuana legislation passed in other states. Coloradopassed a constitutional amendment in 2000 allowingpatients with medical issues to treat their conditions withmarijuana; two comprehensive laws were passed andsigned in 2010.In the broadest sense, they regulate the marijuana busi-

ness and doctors who recommend the drug to patients.The laws impose meaningful limits on dispensaries:Local governments can ban them, they can’t be within1,000 feet of a school or church, and owners must beColorado residents.Physicians prescribing marijuana must be treating

patients, have done a physical exam and be available forfollow-up care. Diseases qualifying for medical marijuanainclude cancer, HIV/AIDS and glaucoma. There are limitson possession, rules for issuing identification cards andfees for licenses. The law even requires payment of salestax.Some may not like the law and what it allows. But cer-

tainly, they can understand it. This is what the people ofMichigan want and need from their legislators.

Cal Stone,Community EditorSusan Rosiek,Executive EditorGrace Perry,Director of AdvertisingTHURSDAY, March 3, 2011PAGE A10 (NN)

Great teachers matter.There has been quite a bit in

the news lately about what somerefer to as “teacher bashing.” Still

others claim to sup-port great teachersbut are fed up withthe unions represent-ing them which putadult needs ahead ofchildren’s.Regardless of the

intention, many greatteachers feel unap-preciated and unsup-ported during these

difficult times.Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker made

his desires clear that he plans totake on the teacher unions and hasenlisted a Republican-controlledLegislature in an effort to roll backthe bargaining rights of Wisconsin’spublic unions.Similar efforts are playing out

across the nation as states struggleto balance budgets while enhancingquality education.But at the end of the day, when all

the political rhetoric from the leftand right fades, it is quality teachers,those who know their subject mat-ter and have a passion for teachingand learning, who make a differencein our children’s and our collectivefuture.Political rhetoric from the state or

nation’s capitol has never educated asingle child.Perhaps the most effective reform

strategy today is investing in qualityteachers. The Bill and Melinda GatesFoundation has come to this conclu-sion and invested significant resourc-es to strengthen teacher quality.As Michigan’s state superin-

tendent of schools (2001-05), Iwrote a book, They Help Us PaintRainbows, generously underwrittenby a Michigan company, Strategic

Staffing Solutions, and distributed itfree to tens of thousands of Michiganteachers.No, it was not the raise the great

teachers deserved, but a token ofappreciation for the difference theymade in the lives of our kids.The book is a collection of quotes

fromMichigan’s school children,answering the question: “Whatmakes your teacher great?”I traveled the state visiting class-

rooms and always asked: “Do youhave great teachers? What makesthem great?” Sometimes, predictablyenough, the students’ initial respons-es were flip and funny. But aftersome reflection they would becomeserious, thoughtful, even profound.The title of the book comes from a

kindergarten girl who blurted out, inan excited tone, “They help us paintrainbows!”How wonderful, I thought. How

delightfully profound and deeply

philosophical. Then my eyes followedthe child’s pointing finger, and whenI turned, saw 25 hand-drawn rain-bows proudly displayed on the wall.So concrete, so literal. She was tell-

ing the truth that only cynical adultscould fail to see.I learned much during my tenure

leading Michigan’s public educationsystem serving nearly two millionchildren by listening to our teachers,support personnel, principals, andcertainly the kids.Clearly, we have significant chal-

lenges facing our county, state andschools. Tough budget choices needto be made. But we can never losesight of the value of great teachers.Everything we do in our schools

should measure up to the question:“How does this action help our teach-ers teach and children learn?”Our public schools system is the

true Statute of Liberty for our greatcountry: schools take our tired, hun-

gry, poor, children who speak Englishas a second language, and those withdisabilities, and give them hope andopportunity. Great teachers hold thetorch lighting the way for us all.The promise of our collective

futures is sitting in our classroomstoday. The quality of our lives, thestrength of our economy, the vibrancyof our democracy, and our place inthe world all depend on the quality ofour classroom teachers.Clearly we must manage our public

resources in a way that allows us toboth do good — efficiently, effectivelyand well.Remember, great teachers matter

— “They help us paint rainbows!”

Tom Watkins is a writer and internationaleducation business consultant. He wasMichigan’s superintendent of schools, 2001-05 and president/CEO of the economic coun-cil of Palm Beach County, Fla., 1996 to 2001.He can be reached at: [email protected].

Great teachers do so much — They Help Us Paint Rainbows!

Tom Watkins

GUEST COLUMN

“Not me. I wish.Work’s too busy rightnow, but that’s a goodthing.”

Mike RitchieNovi

“I don’t have anyvacation plans. Thesnow’s been so badrecently I don’t thinkit’s safe to travel.”

Neelima GoyalNovi

“I’m not goinganywhere thiswinter.”

Kimia ShaidiNovi

“I get to go north andI’ll go south, too. I’mgoing to Fort Myersthis winter becauseyou can’t play golf inMichigan in winter.”

Jack SchaeferNovi

Set someclarity

Legislature must addressmedical marijuana law


aged 60 and older. Appointmentsusually last for about one hour.Assistance is limited to simple taxreturns only; more complex returnswill be referred to a professionaltax preparer. This is a free servicesponsored by AARP and the NoviPublic Library.Snack TalesTime/Date: 7-7:45 p.m. Monday,March 14Details: Each time we meet youwill get a chance to listen to somegreat stories and cook up a tastysnack; for grades K-4. Registrationrequired.Healthy Eating Cooking NightTime/Date: 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday,March 15Details: Focus your mind on stay-ing healthy. We will talk about theAmerican Cancer Society’s guide-lines for fruits and vegetables,physical activity, and provide reci-pes that taste great. Communityguest speakers and a fitness expertwill be available to answer ques-tions. This program will providesound ideas and make it easy for allof us to sustain a healthy life style.Registration required.Booked for LunchTime/Date: noon-1 p.m. Wednesday,March 16Details: Join your neighbors andbring a lunch for this afternoonbook discussion of The SpaceBetween Us by Thrity N. Umrigar.Library Board MeetingTime/Date: 7-9 p.m. Wednesday,March 16Details: The duties of the LibraryBoard include planning for thefuture, making policy decisions,developing and approving theannual budget, and broad opera-tional oversight. The public isalways welcome to attend themonthly meetings.

Walled Lake LibraryLocation: 1499 East West MapleRoad, Walled LakeContact: (248) 624-3772

Introduction to ebayTime/Date: 7 p.m. Monday, March 7Details: The Walled Lake CityLibrary will host a two-part intro-duction to e-Bay; both sessions willlast about 90 minutes. This eventis free but advanced registration isrequired. Participants must have avalid e-mail address.Contact: Call the library to registerat (248) 624-3772 or e-mail [email protected] Delinquency,Foreclosure CounselingTime/Date: 5 p.m. March 28Details: For anyone having prob-lems making mortgage paymentsor facing possible foreclosure,Lighthouse of Oakland County is

offering free one-on-one mortgagedelinquency and foreclosure coun-seling with HUD-certified counsel-ors at the Walled Lake City Library.Please RSVP if you wish to attend.E-book seminarTime/Date: 2 p.m. March 16; 7 p.m.March 17; and 2 p.m. April 2Details: A free demonstrationof how to access and downloade-books from home using yourlibrary card. Bestselling titles canbe downloaded on to your e-readerand checked out for 14 or 21 days,just like a regular library book.

EDUCATIONNovi Community Education

Contact: (248) 449-1206Web: www.novicommunityed.org

SENIORSNovi Senior CenterLocation: 25075 MeadowbrookRoad, NoviContact: (248) 347-0414Blood Pressure ChecksTime/Date: 11-11:45 a.m.WednesdaysDetails: Every Wednesday bloodpressure checks are offered.Check yourself regularly andstay healthy. Your blood pressurerecord will be on file at the SeniorCenter so you can track yourhealth. No charge.

Panera BreadTime/Date: 8:15-9 a.m. TuesdaysDetails: With thanks to Panera fora great partnership, every Tuesdayis Panera Bread Day. Enjoy bagels,rolls, bread, sweets, coffee and con-versation. No charge.BingoTime/Date: 1-3 p.m. Tuesdays andFridaysDetails: Try your luck and getthose cards filled up. A great wayto socialize and meet new people.Price: $.50 per card at the door.

REGIONALSunrise Networking groupTime/Date: 7-9 a.m. first and

third TuesdaysLocation: Kerby’s Coney Island,21200 Haggerty Road, NorthvilleDetails: The SNG builds relation-ships through warm introductions,and encourages its members toattend twice monthly breakfastsalong with evening social events.The more familiar the membersbecome with each other, the morethe referrals naturally presentthemselves. The SNG uses theirWebsite to tie all of the memberstogether, creating a completegroup of people who are interestedin helping each other succeed.Contact: www.sunriseNET-WORKINGgroup.com!

CALENDARFROM PAGE A9


Iron ChefMonica Mistak (left), 18, prepares to judge some of the interesting dishesprepared by teams of teen cooks during the Novi Library’s “Iron Chef”competition on Feb. 18. Teens were given access to similar ingredients andthen given a half an hour to create different entrees and desserts. Eric Kwon(above), 15, adds a dash of candy crystals to a ornately constructed dessertconsisting of graham crackers, marshmallows and chocolate syrup.

®

OE08731174

March 8th 7:00 - 8:00 pmCome join us as we kick off our2011 Strong Kids Campaign,with an evening of food, funand entertainment.

Please RSVP to Jennifer [email protected] Family YMCA28100 Farmington Rd • Farmington Hills, MI 48334248-553-4020

RING OF FAME NIGHT

Farmington Family YMCA

We build strong kids,strong families,strong communities.

®

Hometown Weeklies | Thursday, March 3, 2011(NN) PUBLIC SAFETYA12 online at hometownlife.com

Woman steals gas from Mobil

1A woman in her mid-20s gotaway around 7:45 p.m. on Feb.

25 after pumping $40.01 worth ofgasoline into her car at the Mobilgas station on Grand River Avenue.According to the report, the

woman entered the store to getpre-approved to pump gas andwhen she was done got into her carand drove away. The woman pro-ceeded south on Novi Road, how-ever dispatch advised the vehiclewent north.The employee at the time said he

was unable to get a license platenumber because a truck was block-ing his view. He was able to get astill photo of the suspect inside thestore, and noted the woman wasdriving a light blue Mercury Milan.Officers checked the area for the

vehicle but were unable to locate it.

Drunk with high BAC stopped

2A 24-year-old man was stoppedat 1:39 a.m. on Feb. 27 for drunk

driving after a Novi police officerobserved the vehicle swerving in itslane while traveling east on GrandRiver Avenue near MeadowbrookRoad.According to the report, the car

crossed the center line and fog lineseveral times before the officer ini-tiated a traffic stop.When the officer approached the

car, he could smell a strong odor ofintoxicants and the man handedhim his credit card instead of hislicense twice before finally gettinghim the license.The driver failed field sobriety

tests and a preliminary breath testregistered a blood alcohol contentof .26 percent. The legal limit foradult drivers in Michigan is .08percent.He was transported to the Novi

Police Department where he wasissued a citation for operatingwhile intoxicated and releasedwhen sober and after posting bond.

Escalade found on blocks

3A 2008 Cadillac Escalade hadall four rims and tires stolen off

it while it was parked overnight onFeb. 28 in the driveway of a homeon Malott.The owner said he was up until

3 a.m. and did not hear or see any-thing suspicious. When he went outto his vehicle in the morning it wason landscaping blocks.Police had no evidence to pro-

cess.

Radio system stolen fromcar

4A Novi man had his vehiclebroken into overnight and his

radio system was stolen while itwas parked in the parking lot onPortside Drive.The victim said he noticed the

damage when he returned to thecar in the morning and saw thedriver’s side window was broken.The Pioneer radio was ripped out

of the dashboard and the ampli-fier and subwoofer also had beentaken.Police took a screwdriver that

was moved within the car and theplastic faceplates for the radios asevidence, but have no suspects.

Drunk gets car stuck in snow

5A 23-year-old woman wasarrested for drunk driving after

she drove her vehicle off the roadand got it stuck in the snow around12:38 a.m. on Feb. 28 on GrandRiver Avenue and MeadowbrookRoad.According to the report, police

were dispatched to the area for aroad runoff, and when the arrivedthe woman was sitting in the driv-er’s seat and the car was buried inthe snow.The woman said she attempted

to turn onto Meadowbrook butturned too quick and lost control.During the interview process,

the officer could smell a strongodor of intoxicants coming fromthe woman. She admitted todrinking and failed field sobrietytests.A preliminary breath test regis-

tered a blood alcohol content of .18percent. The legal limit for adultdrivers in Michigan is .08 percent.The woman was transported

to the Novi Police Departmentwhere she was issued a citation foroperating while intoxicated andreleased when sober.

— Compiled by staff writer Nathan Mueller

NOVI POLICE BRIEFS

11 Mile Rd.

12 Mile Rd.12 Mile Rd.

13 Mile Rd.

14 Mile Rd.

10 Mile Rd.

9 Mile Rd.

8 Mile Rd.8 Mile Rd.

Haggerty

Rd.

Haggerty

Rd.

Beck

Rd.

Beck

Rd.

Garfield

Rd.

NaiperRd.

Wixom

Rd.

Taft

Rd.

Novi

Rd.

Meadow

brook

Rd.

Grand River Ave.

Walled Lake

96

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Cityof Novi

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hometownlife comObserver & Eccentric

Check out our new redesigned website

Family Therapy

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Doctors, Your AdCould Be Here!

Call 248-437-2011,Ext. 229 or 241

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MEDICALSERVICE directory

Hometown Weeklies | Thursday, March 3, 2011 (NN)NEIGHBORS A13online at hometownlife.com

Squashing theCompetitionThe recent 12th Annual Motor CityOpen, hosted by and at the BirminghamAthletic Club (BAC), was a six-daysquash tournament that brought in20 world-ranked players. The MotorCity Open’s Title Sponsor was TheSuburban Collection and SuburbanChrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Troy. TheMotor City Open is one of the top threeProfessional Squash Tournaments (PSA)in the country. The event included asponsor party and charity auction thatbenefitted the Barbara Ann KarmanosCancer Institute as well as RacquetUp Detroit, a squash and educationinitiative. The BAC and the DeRoyTestamentary Foundation also fundeda junior squash tournament with thepros during the tournament weekend.Pictured (l to r) are Miki Saicic of Novi,Eric Machus of Birmingham and SilentAuction Co-Chairs Jill and Roger Hilbornof Troy.JULIE YOLLES

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Nick Atsalis, Katherine Hamilton, Melina Stathopoulos, Stamati Kaplantzes, Alexandra Atsalis, and Alyssa Meyers perform a traditional Greek dance.

Novi HighSchool’sInternationalBaccalaureateInternationalTalent Show heldFeb. 19 raised$2,485 for theinternationalorganization,Doctors WithoutBorders. Over300 peopleattended theevent, the firstever internation-al talent showin Novi HighSchool’s history.“In this time

of turmoil andunrest in theworld, this eventwas a celebrationof the diversityin Novi and thepride our stu-dents have intheir many cul-tures.”The show fea-

tured 20 actsrepresentingvarious coun-tries. The lineupincluded severaldances (Irish,Greek, Indian,Japanese,HipHop), songs(German,Italian, Hindi,French, South

Korean, Spanish), instrumental pieces (Denmark, Germany), as well as two Chinese YoYo performances.The production was organized by the 17 IB diploma candidates, the first group of

diploma candidates in Novi High School’s IB Diploma Program which was implementedthis school year. In order to qualify for the IB diploma next year, the students must com-plete several service projects, one of which benefits an international charity.

DoctorsWithoutBorders is aninternationalmedical human-itarian organi-zation createdby doctors andjournalistsin France in1971. Today itprovides aid innearly 60 coun-tries to peoplewhose survivalis threatenedby violence,neglect, orcatastrophe,primarily due toarmed conflicts,epidemics,malnutrition,exclusion fromhealth care, andnatural disas-ters. It providesindependentimpartial assis-tance to thosemost in needand receivedthe Nobel PeacePrize in 1999.In their first

meeting inSeptember, thegroup votedto organize aninternationaltalent show. Forthis show, thestudents adver-tised for the acts, made the program and tickets, chose the charity and much more underthe direction of the CAS service coordinator, Barbara Clift. Many of the 17 candidatesalso performed acts in the show.“I am so proud of what these students have done. The students have been planning this

since September. They came through and pulled off a fantastic show for a very worth-while charity,” said Clift after the show.

Talented IB students raise funds for humanitarian group

Shivani Thakore, Rubini Naidu, Megha Vashi and Shravya Musku do a Bollywood-style Indiandance. A Novi High IB student displays a Chinese Yo-Yo act at the fundraiser.

Senior Ashna Merchant performs a solo traditional Kathak Indian dance.

Gurisimran Singh, Sahil Mehta, Sunpreet Singh and Arun Singh from the Indian dance team called ‘Furteelay Shokeen’ present a bhangra fusion Indian dance.


RTOC information meetingRebuilding Together Oakland County

(RTOC), a non-profit affiliate of the nationalorganization Rebuilding Together, is having anorientation/information session at 9 a.m. onMarch 19 for anyone interested in volunteer-ing with RTOC in administrative, fund raising,skilled trades or operational areas. The meetingwill be held at the ROTC office, 31700 West 12Mile Road, Suite 201, Farmington Hills.RTOC completes home rebuilding projects

for low-income Oakland County residents whoare elderly, disabled, military veterans, familieswith children and unable to do the work them-selves. RTOC has rehabilitated over 450 homesand a number of non-profit facilities addingover $4 million dollars in market value to theneighborhoods and communities in OaklandCounty since its founding in 1992. The plan for2011 is to add an additional 45 homes, includ-ing a target block within the city of Pontiac.If interested in being involved, please RSVP

to (248) 889-5450 with name and personal con-tact information or contact us at [email protected].

29th Annual Bowl-A-ThonNovi Youth Assistance, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

organization, needs you. The 29th AnnualBowl-a-Thon is scheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday,March 12 at Novi Bowl, and t teams are neededto help raise money for the summer programs.Consider forming a team, sponsoring a lane

or donating a prize. All of the money raised isused to finance programs which benefit Novichildren and families. A new teen center isscheduled to open June 20.For more information and to register your

team, access http://www.cityofnovi.org/Services/YouthServices/BowlAThon.asp or call(248) 347-0410.

Bowling and jobsGoodwill Industries of Greater Detroit and

Blue Ribbon Bowling Centers invite MetroDetroiters to “Bowl for Jobs” and “Donate forJobs” at locations in nine area cities, includingNovi Bowl. Each location will accept monetarydonations and gently used clothing or otheritems through Sunday, March 6. The best donat-ed items will be among those sold at Goodwill’snew flagship upscale resale store in Canton.Every donorwill receive a coupon for one free

gameof bowlingwith the purchase of another game.Participating centers also will raise funds

for the campaign through 50/50 raffles duringleague bowling. Donation and raffle activi-ties supporting Goodwill are in conjunctionwith Blue Ribbon Bowling Centers league “St.Patrick’s Pot o’ Gold Tournament.”All donations support the employment

training and education programs of GoodwillIndustries of Greater Detroit, the only organi-zation in Southeast Michigan dedicated solelyto helping local people overcome employment

challenges and earn jobs.Novi Bowl is located at 21700 Novi Road.

Friends’ Ball benefits ProvidenceThe Providence Health Foundation 2011

Friends’ Ball will be held at 6 p.m. on April2 at the Garden Atrium, Southfield TownCenter. Sister Xavier Ballance, DC, will receivethe prestigious Order of Charity award, andChandrika M. Joshi, MD, and Robert K.Brateman, MD, will be the recipients of theCaduceus Society Physician of the Year award.Proceeds from the event will support a new

Women’s Health Initiative, a coordinated, creativestrategy to better meet the health needs of womenthroughout St. John ProvidenceHealth System’sWest Region. The area to be served includes thesurrounding communities of ProvidenceHospitalandMedical Center in Southfield and ProvidenceParkHospital in Novi.The evening will feature an art gallery, a chance

to have photos taken in a photo booth and danc-ing to the sounds of The Paul Keller Orchestra.Tickets are $250 per person; tables of 10 are

available for $2,000.To be a corporate sponsor, place an ad in the

program book or purchase a ticket, contactLorraine Owczarek at (313) 343-7582.

Business to host art showTheMenagerieRoom@CoReutter theSalon,

locatedat 116N.Lafayette inSouthLyon,will behostinganupcomingstudentart show.Studentsof allagesandmediumscanenterup to threepiecesof artwork for free.Theentrydeadline isSaturday,March12.Therewill bea receptionSaturday,April 2 from6-8p.m.The student showwill rununtil Saturday,May28.Formore information, call (248)446-0411.

See our online imagesYou can see staff photographer JohnHeider’s

photos in print in the Novi News andNorthvilleRecord, but don’t miss his videos of the SuperGardener, a youngmoth rancher and the Novigirls state soccer march. His photo galleries fea-ture the Farmers’ Market, BuyMichigan NowFestival, theMichigan Art Institute’s open house,Novi High’s Band Camp andmuch, muchmore.Visit hometownlife.com every day and see

what’s new!

Wanted: vacation photos!Take a copy of your Northville Record along

on your vacation and we’ll publish a photo of youand your travel companions in the paper with theheadline:Wish YouWereHere. Just be sure toinclude the newspaper in your photo. Send yourphoto in a .jpg format to [email protected] everyone in the photo (first and last

names) and tell us where they live. Tell us when thephotowas taken andwhere. Tell us what was spe-cial about your trip, if youwish. Include a daytimephone number sowe can contact you if necessary.Then look for your photo in the newspaper

and on our Facebook site under WISH YOUWERE HERE!

COMMUNITY BRIEFS

Jeffrey R. Sirabian, PT, MHS, OCS, CSCSBoard Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, Owner

Wednesday Runner’s & Walker’s Clinic4:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Have one of our board certified orthopedic clinical specialists perform aflexibility and strength screening, biomechanical assessment, and

evaluate your running shoes and orthotics.

1st Wednesday each month in Plymouth2nd Wednesday each month at Running Fit in Novi

4th Wednesday each month at New Balance inFarmington Hills

Call to schedule you screening:Plymouth: 734.416.3900 Running Fit: 248.347.4949

New Balance: 248.324.0506

OE08730574

Hometown Weeklies | Thursday, March 3, 2011(NN) LOCAL SPORTSB2 online at hometownlife.com

Reynolds finished with 15points, 11 rebounds and sixblocks, while senior pointguard C.J. Mwila added 14.Stevenson junior guard

Jonathan Campbell, whotorched Novi for 25 pointsin the previous meeting, waslimited to 10.“Brian Bush, Scott Kempa

and Brady Sheldon all didan unbelievable job on him(Campbell),’’ Heitsch said.“And Zac Dotinga gave ussome big-time minutesbecause we were able to playhim on C.J. (Mwila), which Iwas reluctant to do early, buthe did a heck of a job.’’In the third quarter, Novi

made 7-of-13 shots from thef loor to take a 47-41 advan-tage.The Wildcats then went

up by nine, 53-44, on a pairof free throws by 6-8 seniorSamer Ozeir, who finishedwith 14.But Stevenson refused

to fold and Novi made justtwo free throws during thefinal four minutes as theSpartans pulled to withintwo, 53-51, thanks to a bas-ket by Reynolds, a triple byCampbell and a basket byCharlie Swingle (with 1:16remaining).Brian Bush (nine points)

split a pair of free throwswith 49.66 seconds left to putthe Wildcats up by three.The Spartans had their

chances at the end as Novicommitted a turnover andmissed a pair of foul shots,but failed to convert on twostraight offensive trips duringthe final 14.37 seconds.“That’s not our style,’’

Heitsch said of the lategame clock management.“We haven’t handled end-of-the-game situations well.We think any open shot is agreat shot regardless of time.We tried to control that alittle more. It may have hurtus more than it helped usbecause we were doing some-thing we weren’t comfortablewith.’’Laney’s free throw with

exactly one second remainingended the suspense.“He makes everybody bet-

ter,’’ said Heitsch, whoseteam plays Thursday at

Pinckney for the overallKLAA Association crown.“And that’s not saying we’re avery good team without him— because I think we are.But when he’s out there youcan slot people out to theirmost successful places. And amajority of the time we’ll bemore successful.“He’s tough as nails. He

knows how to walk the fineline and not go over the edgewith his emotions. He kepthis composure, which keptother kids in line. As wiredor as tensed up as he is, he’scalm out there. That’s Ryan,that’s his role and nobody elsetries to be that.’’Stevenson shot 20-of-52

from the f loor (38.4 percent),while Novi hit 19-of-47 (40.4percent). Each team hadseven triples.“Credit Novi,’’ Allie said.

“They played an excellentgame. Generally in a gamelike this we’re going to haveto score in the 60s. We knewwe’d hold them into the 50ssomewhat. We just knew we’dhave to come out and playbetter on the offensive end,and I don’t think we executedvery well. We were frantic thewhole way.’’Reynolds, the Xavier

University signee, was 7-of-12 from the f loor, but did nothave a dunk after throwingdown seven in Wednesday’sconference semifinal winover Salem.“I loved how Samer was

aggressive against him,’’Heitsch said. “Sometimes ablocked shot is OK. And hegot into his chest a coupletimes and won against him,and Jalen won a couple.That’s what you expect froma couple of D-1 All-State kidsgoing after each other.’’For Stevenson, it’s on to

the KLAA consolation gameThursday at Brighton.“We didn’t get Jalen touch-

es in the paint,’’ Allie said.“When he did get touches inthe paint, he didn’t do a goodjob tonight.“So we’re going to bounce

back stronger than ever. Thisis good for us. It will humbleus for the state tournament. Ithink it will get our kids refo-cused before the state tourna-ment, which matters most.’’

[email protected](313) 222-6851

for the Wildcats. In addition tothe individual performancesfrom the relay team members,several others placed well amongconference competitors.Senior Glenn Gabe finished

11th in the 500 free in 5:06.69and 15th in the 200 free in1:53.59.Dennis Kim added a 16th-

place finish in the 200 free(1:55.35), while Reed was 16thin the 500 free (5:15.76) andBourque was 23rd in the 50 free(23.99).Bourque and Dennis Kim were

also among six Wildcats to finishin the conference’s top 23 in the100 butterfly. Tanner Vincent ledthe way in sixth (55.90), followedby Bourque (12th in 58.26),Dennis Kim (13th in 58.62),freshman Will Sohn (18th in1:01.21), freshman Kyle Kilponen(22nd in 1:02.84) and juniorAlex Raeon (23rd in 1:03.68).Wrapping up the point produc-

tion for the Wildcats were the100 backstroke performancesfrom Iyer (ninth in 58.84) andsophomore Kenta Onimura (18thin 1:01.84), as well as the div-ing efforts of junior Derek Kim(sixth with 341.95 points).

Chris Jackett is a freelance writer andformer Novi News staff writer.

final two minutes of the second.Howell scored on the power play with 1:58 on the clock,

again with 51.4 remaining and once more on a breakaway inthe final seconds for a 6-0 commanding grip on the game.“We played well, worked hard to do what we needed to

do to get to Wednesday,” said Novi coach Todd Krygier. “Ithought Pez made a couple of real nice saves to maintainthe shutout. We figured out a way to win and played well ingeneral.”The third period got chippy with the lopsided score, but

the goaltenders kept the score the same as Novi advancesto the pre-regional finals against CC. The game was playedyesterday with the winner advancing to the regional finalFriday at Compuware Arena.


BY CHRIS JACKETTCORRESPONDENT

Novi’s bowlers spent a lot oftime at Drakeshire Lanes inFarmington last week.The Wildcats competed

there three times in five days,with the first trip there fora Feb. 22 dual meet againstOAA boys champion NorthFarmington.Novi’s boys (6-10-2) defeat-

ed the OAA’s best 17-13. The‘Cats took a 6-4 baker gameslead, winning 192-126 andlosing 195-174, but fell behind11-8 after losing the firstgame 879-845. The guys cameback to win the second game

878-810. Senior Steve Cullen(188, 198) scored one pointand junior Andrew Thorwall(187, 183) scored two.The girls (3-15-0) lost a

close match 15.5-14.5. Noviwon all 10 baker points withscores of 149-120 and 105-100, but lost the games 682-681 and 735-719. JuniorsBridgett Porras (149), ShelbyLimpert (150), Callie Wright(188) and freshman SaraSchulz (193) each scored onepoint for Novi.“Two pins, a tie single point

and one pin loss was the dif-ference,” Novi coach JohnOsborne said.The Wildcat bowlers

returned to DrakeshireLanes last Friday for TeamRegionals. The boys finishedninth of 14 teams with 3,529pins, about 300 out of thirdplace for the final qualifyingspot. Cullen had a high gameof 219 for Novi.The girls landed in 13th

with 2,890 pins, about 400back from the final spot.Senior Tina Johnson had ahigh game of 168 got Novi.Although the teams didn’t

luck out, the bowlers wouldreturn the next day to attemptto qualify at IndividualRegionals. With 83 boys and80 girls competing, the top10 for each gender after six

games would advance to thestate meet.Senior Brandon Gillespie

and Cullen were ninth and10th after four games, butcouldn’t hold on.“Both had a great chance to

make the field for next weekgoing into the sixth and finalgame, but high games by play-ers behind them beat themout,” Osborne said.Gillespie finished 24 pins

shy of the final qualifyingspot with a total of 1,126.The girls struggled from

the start and never reallycontended. Freshman SaraSchulz led the Wildcats with a924 score.

Chris Jackett is a freelance writerand former Novi News staff writer.

Wildcats bowl past OAA champ North FarmingtonGillespie, Cullen fall shy of state meet cut

Novi pair in field hockey showcase

Lauren Pollard and Natalie Paul, juniorsfrom Novi High School, participated ina United States Field Hockey Showcaseevent Feb. 9-13 in Orlando, Fla., as mem-bers of the Pinnacle Field Hockey Club.Both are co-captains on their school’s fieldhockey team.Pinnacle is a field hockey club formed

by previous Pioneer and Michigan HeadField Hockey Coach Nancy Cox, to provideboth regional and national competitionopportunities for field hockey athletes inMichigan and northwestern Ohio. TheDisney competition is a recruiting show-case event hosted by U.S. Field Hockey onan annual basis in Orlando.The Pinnacle team practiced eight times

prior to the Disney competition and beatclub teams, from the east coast, mostnotably Lanco out of Lancaster, Penn.,who have competed together for years.Only one third of the starting field earnsa competitors slot on the last day of com-petition and Pinnacle was there compet-

ing against the eventual Gold Medalist,Washington Wolves on Sunday morninglosing that contest 1-2. The 3-2-2 Pinnaclefinish came in the Under 19 grouping withone-third of the Pinnacle team under 16years of age.

Register now for spring hockeyat the Novi Ice Arena

Do your kids have dreams of being aprofessional hockey player? All great play-ers start somewhere and in Novi it is at theNovi Ice Arena! Registration for the 2011Novi Showdown Spring House League isgoing on now for Mite, Squirt, Pee wee, orBantam players. Games begin the week ofApril 11.The league includes an 11-game guar-

antee, consistent schedule, discountedpractice rates, awards, and hockey schooldiscounts.Team registrations will be taken on

a first come, first served basis. A non-refundable $300 deposit is due with

the registration form. Balance is due onMonday, March 28. Registration forms areavailable at noviicearena.com.Mite, Squirt & Pee Wee Divisions: 11-

minute periods/50-minute games; $1,600.Bantam Division: 17-minute periods/80-

minute games; $2,400.Looking for a faster game? 3 on 3

leagues are also forming now for Mite,Squirt, Pee wee, or Bantam players.Games begin the week of April 11. Theleague includes a 14-game guarantee.Games are 20 minutes, two 10-minuterunning time periods, and each team playstwo games back-to-back for seven weeks.Team registrations will be taken on

a first come, first served basis. A non-refundable $100 deposit is due with theregistration form.Balance of $550 is due on Monday,

March 28. Registration forms are avail-able at noviicearena.com.For more information about the hockey

leagues, open skate, and birthday partiesat the Novi Ice Arena, visit noviicearena.com.

NOVI SPORTS BRIEFS

NOVIFROM PAGE B1

SWIMFROM PAGE B1

HOCKEYFROM PAGE B1

OE08731272

Community Newspaper Group:

Observer & EccentricNewspapers

Hometown Weekly Newspapers

[email protected]

OE08731411

CITY OF NOVIPUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission forthe City of Novi will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, March 23,2011 at 7:00 P.M. in the Novi Civic Center, 45175 W. Ten MileRoad, Novi, MI to consider ZONING ORDINANCE TEXTAMENDMENT 18.247 FOR A RECOMMENDATION TO CITYCOUNCIL FOR AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND ORDINANCENO. 97-18, AS AMENDED, THE CITY OF NOVI ZONINGORDINANCE AT ARTICLE 24, SCHEDULE OFREGULATIONS, SECTION 2400, SCHEDULE LIMITINGHEIGHT, BULK, DENSITY AND AREA BY ZONINGDISTRICT; IN ORDER TO INCLUDE PROVISIONS TOALLOW FOR ADDITIONAL HEIGHT ON PROPERTIESADJACENT TO LIMITED ACCESS FREEWAYS.

All interested persons are invited to attend. Verbal comments maybe heard at the hearing and any written comments must bereceived by the Community Development Department, 45175 W.Ten Mile Road, Novi, MI 48375 by 4:00 P.M., Wednesday, March 23,2011.

Novi Planning CommissionDavid Greco, Secretary

Publish: March 3, 2011 OE08731843 – 2x3.5

OE08723720

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Hometown Weeklies | Thursday, March 3, 2011 (NN)LOCAL SPORTS B3online at hometownlife.com

TheNovi Athletic Boostersclub has amillion reasons tocelebrate and is inviting thecommunity to cheer along as itrecognizes amilestone on behalfof Novi students through its “$1Million and Counting” cam-paign.“$1Million and Counting”

recognizes that the Boostersclub has surpassed the $1mil-lion fund-raising goal and hasreturned those funds in gifts tobenefit Novi’s athletic teams.More significantly, the Boostersreached that benchmark in justover 10 years, with club officialscalculating only gifts returnedthe Novi Athletic Departmentsince the 2000-01 school year.The Boosters club is planning

a “$1Million and Counting” cel-ebration at 7 p.m. onMarch 7 asNovi High School hosts Game1 of theMHSAABoys DistrictBasketball Tournament.“We want to call folks’ atten-

tion to the significant impactthat the Novi Athletic Boostersclub’s efforts have had on thestudents and student athletes ofthe city of Novi,” said Jay Dooley,Novi Athletic Boosters presi-dent.According to Novi Athletic

Director Curt Ellis, few publicschool boosters’ organizationssurpass the $1million fund-rais-ing goal, and that the Novi groupdid it in such a short amount oftimemakes the accomplishmenteven rarer. Themilestone alsoshows that the club has beenable to elevate its fund-raising

efforts to the next level, havinga broader vision than relying ontraditional fund-raising projectsalone.“It’s a very unusual accom-

plishment, and it’s really atestament to the people whohave been involved in the orga-nization through the years,”Ellis said. “We’ve known for along time that Novi is a specialcommunity, and this is a goodexample of why that is.”The Novi Athletic Boosters, a

non-profit organization original-ly organized in the early 1970s,has traditionally provided fundsfor the purchase of such items asuniforms and equipment for allNovi athletic teams. In recentyears, though, the organization’sscope has expanded to includehelping to fund capital proj-ects and investing in trainingprograms and scholarships forteams and individual athletes.More recent accomplishmentsrange from the purchase ofrestaurant-grade equipmentfor the district’s concessionstands and partial sponsorshipof the video display board in theNoviWildcats Stadium to fullfunding for the Strength andConditioning Program, whichprovides professional trainingservices to all student athletes.The “$1Million and Counting”

event is intended to recognize allof the club’s accomplishments,big and small, and the Boostersboard has invited past and pres-ent Boosters volunteers, spon-sors, Novi fans and community

officials to fill the stands andjoin in on the celebration.“It’s really been a collective

effort throughout the years tobe where we are right now,”Dooley said. “The Novi AthleticBoosters club has always drawnenthusiastic volunteers, and ourgoal is to continue that legacy.”The evening’s festivities will

include a “National Anthem”performance by the Novi Singersand a competitive game of bas-ketball as theWildcats take onPlymouthHigh School. Thenduring an extended halftime,Dooley and the other membersof the current Boosters boardwill join with past Boosterspresidents to offer a collectivethank you to Boosters volunteersand sponsors and to presentEllis with a commemorative $1million check.Although the “$1Million

and Counting” event is aboutcelebrating successes to date,Boosters boardmembers stressthat they want to build on thatmomentum and to strive formore significant accomplish-ments on behalf of Novi’s stu-dent athletes and the Novi com-munity in the future.“We view this million-dollar

mark as a significant milestone,”said Jack Kilger, Boosters trust-ee and Fund-raising Committeechair. “The challenge of reachingthe next million-dollar mark isgoing to be evenmore excitingfor our students and our athleticprograms.”Submitted by Dana Corbit Nussio

Boosters celebrate $1 million milestone

Event: “$1 Millionand Counting” cel-ebrationSponsor: NoviAthletic BoostersDate: March 7during Game 1of MHSAA BoysDistrict BasketballTournamentTime: Game beginsat 7 p.m.; presenta-tion during halftimeLocation: Novi HighSchool PerformanceGym

DETAILS

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY NOVI ATHLETIC BOOSTERS

Baseball fans will have a better seat this spring season on the new elevated bleachers purchased this fall by theNovi Athletic Boosters.

Novi fans have the opportunity to enjoy live-action replays and extensive graphicsthrough the state-of-the-art video display board at Novi Wildcats Stadium. The NoviAthletic Boosters partially sponsored and sought other corporate sponsors for thepurchase of the board.

Newhelmets protect the heads ofNovi lacrosseplayers as they challenge competitors on the field.Girls on the sideline cheer team are properly outfit-ted for their chilly fall seasonwith new uniforms.Members of both the boys and girls track teamsshare the benefit of the newLynx Timing System.These are just a few examples of the team

requests that theNovi Athletic Boosters club hasfunded in the past year. Since its creation in theearly 1970s, the organization has raised funds tosupport all Novi athletic programs. But as recentstate funding cuts and resulting district cuts haveaffected all school programs, including athletics,the Boosters club has taken on a larger role in fund-ing athletic teamneeds that could not be includedin the regular budget.“It’s a sign of the times and a sign of the commit-

ment from the Boosters that the club continues toprovide our athletes with the things they need to besuccessful,” saidNovi Athletic Director Curt Ellis.“Wewould not be able to provide the opportunitieswe do for our students without our Boosters club.”Ellis, who hasworked in theNovi district 10

years, said theGeneral Fund transfer, or theamount from theGeneral FundBudget directed tothe Athletic Department, is less than half of what itwaswhen he first came toNovi. The $506,150 fig-ure for the 2010-11 school year is only 64 percent ofthe Athletic Department’s total budget of $794,650.Pay-to-participate fees from the 950 high schoolstudents and the 550middle school studentsinvolved in student athletics, plus gate revenues,have been required to offset the budget shortfall.As school budgets have been facing cuts, Boosters

members have stepped up their fund-raising effortsto be able to provide formore requests from theathletic teams. From the year 2000 to 2011, theaverage amount the club has been able to returneach year to student athletic programs has grownfrom$50,000 to $150,000.Novi Athletic Boosters President JayDooley said

he is grateful to corporate and local business spon-sors and private donors who have supported theBoosters through the years. Their help ensures thatteams have the equipment they need to competesuccessfully.“They contribute becauseNoviNation is what it

is,” Dooley said, noting thatNovi is the type of com-munity where individuals and business are enthu-siastic in supporting youth programs. “People giveback towhat they believe in.”

The corporate sponsorship program, allowingsignage at the school’s sports facilities and on thevideo display board atWildcats Stadium, is justone of the initiatives that has increased the Boosterclub’s fund-raising revenues. JackKilger, Boosterstrustee and Fund-raising Committee chair, saidthat “thinking outside the box” when approachingfund-raising has helped improved results. Kilger,who became involvedwith the Boosters in 2005,offered examples of projects the club has undertak-en in the past few years:Wildcat Tastetfest, silentauctions,Millionaire’s Parties and raffles.Ellis said one project that had been particularly

successful has been the upgrade of the SportsProgram, one of Kilger’s special projects. That bookalone now raises $50,000 annually.Although the Boosters havemany fund-raising

successes to date, Kilger points tomore challengesahead.“Our fund-raising efforts are evenmore critical

going forward aswe continue to look for additionalrevenues in order to fully fund the athletic depart-ment,” Kilger said.Ellis agrees that those efforts will be critical in

the years ahead.“Anythingwe can do to become self-funded is

to our benefit and to the benefit of our studentathletes,” Ellis said. “This will help ensure thatstudents in the future have the samewide rangeof athletic opportunities that our students athletesenjoy today.”

Submitted by Dana Corbit Nussio

Fundraising meets changing needs* Partial sponsorship of video display board atWildcats Stadium* Boys swim and dive team warm-ups* Strength and Conditioning Program* Meadows Stadium scoreboard - soccer* Sideline cheer uniforms* Elevated bleachers in baseball stadium* Track pole vault and high jump pits* Hockey travel bags and gloves* Girls tennis skirts and warm-up tops* Football HD cameras and segment clock* Speakers for Performance Gym

RECENT GIFTS FROM NOVI ATHLETIC BOOSTERS

Hometown Weeklies | Thursday, March 3, 2011(NN) LOCAL SPORTSB4 online at hometownlife.com

BY CHRIS JACKETTCORRESPONDENT

After winning 16 of theirfirst 17 games, Novi’s girls bas-ketball squad finds themselvesin the midst of a three-gamelosing streak. With Districtsbeginning this week, onemore loss would end theirseason.With a pair of losses to

the KLAA North Division’stop two teams – White LakeLakeland (16-4, 8-2 North)and Waterford Kettering(19-1, 10-0 North) – lastweek, the Wildcats (16-4,9-1 Central) head into thestate playoffs on anythingbut the right note.“If you would have offered

me 16 wins before the sea-son, after graduating fourstarters, I probably wouldhave taken it, but it is dis-appointing to lose the lastthree, but hopefully it willhelp us next week,” Novicoach Bill Kelp said. “Ihope this last week doesn’tdiminish what this grouphas accomplished becauseI think they have achievedmore than anyone thoughtthey could.”The Wildcats look to get

back on track with theirwinning ways this week, butlast week ’s past two contestsindicated a slump, whichKelp contributed to strongercompetition.It wasn’t until the fourth

quarter when their Feb.22 game at Lakeland wasset for a loss. The Wildcatswere down 11-10 after thefirst quarter, but tied thegame 16-16 by half. TheEagles went on a 15-5third-quarter run, but Novibattled back with a 13-8fourth-quarter run of theirown. It wasn’t enough, how-ever, as Lakeland held onfor the 39-34 victory.“It’s a game of runs and

they made one,” Kelp said.“I like that we respondedwith one of our own. Weplayed hard, but Lakelandwas more eff icient.”The Eagles shot 50 per-

cent (14-for 28) from thefield, while Novi was held to34.4 percent shooting (11-for-32).Fifteen of Lakeland’s 28

shots came from StephanieLock, who made eight bas-kets while leading all play-ers with 26 points and 12rebounds. The Wildcatshad 13 rebound as a team,although no other Eagle hadmore than four points ortwo rebounds.“We didn’t communicate

as well as we could havedefensively, thus our helpdefensive struggled,” Kelpsaid. “Poor job of not help-ing on Stephanie Lock.”Freshman Kerri

McMahan led the Wildcatsin points (13), rebounds(f ive) and steals (four) whilemaking zero turnovers atthe point guard position.

“There is a reason why sheis an All-Conference player,”Kelp said.In addition to McMahan,

seniors Alyssa Armiak andJoanna Beaton also earnedAll-Conference honors forNovi, while sophomore JadeAntolec got honorable men-tion.Against Lakeland, Armiak

dropped in eight points togo with two steals, whileBeaton chipped in withfive points and Antolec hadtwo points to go with herfour rebounds. Junior AllyD’Annibale also added fivepoints as the Wildcats kepttheir turnovers down insingle digits with nine.The same wouldn’t be

said last Thursday whenNovi hosted Kettering. TheWildcats committed 20turnovers and fell behind31-14 heading into thefourth quarter before losing44-26. Kettering outscoredNovi 26-8 in the paint.“We struggled offensively

against their defensive pres-sure,” Kelp said. “We didn’tget them the ball.”Novi ’s forwards were held

at bay most of the night, asAntolec and Beaton com-

bined for f ive points.McMahan led the team

with eight points andfive rebound despite a0:5 assist/turnover ratio.Armiak added five points,f ive steals and two of herteam’s three assists, whilesenior Megan Henry hadfour points off the bench.“They went in with about

f ive minutes to go andplayed hard,” Kelp said ofhis reserves. “I was reallyhappy for senior MeganHenry because we ran aset play for her and she hita three. She doesn’t get toplay a lot, but she makes ahuge commitment to herteam.”Kettering’s Tina

Steinhelper had a game-high 14 points on 5-for-7shooting. The Captains shot45.5 percent (15-for-33)on the night while limitingthe Wildcats to an 8-for-31(25.8 percent) performance.“That we have to be stron-

ger with the ball and offen-sively play more together,”Kelp said.

Chris Jackett is a freelancewriter and former Novi News staffwriter.

Lakeland puts Lock on Novi’s offense

Novi’s girls basketball team (16-4, 9-1 Central) looks to snap a three-game losing streak with a trip to Northville for Districts. The Wildcatsplayed either Plymouth Salem (9-11, 5-5 Central) or Plymouth (8-12, 5-5South) last night and a win would put them in tomorrow’s 7 p.m. districtfinal. If the Wildcats win the district title, they could advance to a 7:30p.m. regional semifinal Tuesday and a regional final 7 p.m. Thursday,both at Canton.

Wildcat AlyssaArmiak fends off atKettering defenderas she starts a fastbreak on Feb. 24.

Meaghan Robinson gets some defensive pressure during Novi’s home gameon Feb. 24 against Kettering.

Wildcat guard Kerri McMahan is nearly driven out of bounds by her Kettering defender on Feb. 24.


Wildcat Madeline Sinkovich smiles as she’s introduced before the Feb. 24 game.

ON TAP

Lady cagers drop three heading into state tournament

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hometownlife comThursday, March 3, 2011

HAVE A STORY IDEA?Contact Editor, Kurt KubanVoice Mail: (248) 437-2011, ext. 245E-mail: [email protected] online at hometownlife.com

The tax man comethJim Lane, right, helps Caroline and George Giese file their 2010 federal taxes on Feb. 24 at the Novi Senior Center. AARP is providing assistance atthe center through March. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call the center at (248) 349-4140.

Most Michigan retailersexpect 2011 sales growthMore than three of every

four Michigan retailers (76percent) expect their 2011 salesto grow, with the largest groupprojecting gains of less than5 percent, according to thelatest Michigan Retail Indexsurvey conducted by MichiganRetailers Association (MRA)and the Federal Reserve Bankof Chicago.Forty percent of respondents

said they expect their sales torise less than 5 percent, while31 percent peg their gains at5 to 10 percent and 5 percentexpect double-digit growth.Fourteen percent predict flat

sales and 10 percent believetheir sales will decline.The forecasts follow a

January with positive sales,but at a lower level from aNovember and December thatmade up the best holiday shop-ping season in more than adecade.“Retailers continue to see

Michigan’s economy improv-ing, but their forecastsremain tempered by suchfactors as high unemploy-ment and the sluggish hous-ing market,” said James P.Hallan, MRA president andchief executive officer. “Atthis point, they believe 2011will be a good year, not nec-essarily a great year.”The Michigan Retail Index

for January found that 39 per-cent of retailers increased salesover the same month last year,while 38 percent recordeddeclines and 23 percent sawno change. The results createa seasonally adjusted perfor-mance index of 53.3, downfrom 61.9 in December. It wasthe best January since 2006.A year ago January, the salesperformance index was 49.9.

Index values above 50 gen-erally indicate an increase inoverall retail activity.Looking forward, 55 percent

of retailers expect sales duringFebruary – April to increaseover the same period lastyear, while 15 percent projecta decrease and 30 percent nochange.That puts the seasonally

adjusted outlook index at 72.3,down from 77.2 in December.It was the best January fig-ure since 2004. A year agoJanuary, the sales outlookindex stood at 61.8.

ITC supports ‘Go GreenYouth Challenge’

Michigan Arbor DayAlliance announced that ITCHoldings is stepping up to con-tribute $10,000 to support its“Go Green Youth Challenge”initiative.The “Go Green Youth

Challenge” will engageMichigan youth in environ-mental stewardship, com-munity development andservice-learning through astatewide effort to plant treesin Michigan. Children, pre-Kthrough 12th grade, are chal-lenged to collect coins, as anindividual, classroom or club,through April 1. The coins col-lected will directly fund com-munity tree plantings.The team that raises the

most for the “Go Green YouthChallenge,” will be awarded atree planting in their commu-nity and an invitation to theState Arbor Day Celebrationon April 29 at Potter Park Zooin Lansing.For more information or

to sign up for the “Go GreenYouth Challenge,” contactMichigan Arbor Day Allianceat [email protected].

In Michigan, non-competeagreements are valid andenforceable as long as they

are found to be reasonable.These agreements are increas-ingly being utilized by employ-ers to protect their businesses.The use of these agreements,and litigation involving them,is prevalent in both a “down”economy and a thriving one.For businesses in a downeconomy, they are often look-ing to either maintain currentrevenue streams or protectagainst further losses. Duringgood times, they want toincrease revenue and expandvaluable market share. Foremployees, these agreementscan be a significant hindrancewhen looking for a job or a bet-ter opportunity.The prevalence of these

agreements is evident by thefact that at least ten signifi-cant court decisions have comedown from the Michiganappellate courts within thelast two years. This is anarea where both businessesand employees would be wellserved to be very familiar with.Historically, for most

of the twentieth century,Michigan law prohibited theuse of non-competition agree-ments, except in very limitedcircumstances, as “againstpublic policy, illegal and void.”Effective as of March 29, 1985,Michigan’s Anti-Trust ReformAct (“MARA”) repealedthe earlier law prohibitingthese agreements. The stateLegislature then passed a lawspecifically enabling theseagreements, which provides asfollows:(1) An employer may obtain

from an employee an agree-ment or covenant which pro-tects an employer’s reasonablecompetitive business interestsand expressly prohibits an

employee fromengaging inemploymentor a line ofbusiness aftertermination ofemployment ifthe agreementor covenant isreasonable asto its duration,geographicalarea, and thetype of employ-

ment or line of business. Tothe extent any such agreementor covenant is found to beunreasonable in any respect,a court may limit the agree-ment to render it reasonable inlight of the circumstances inwhich it was made and specifi-cally enforce the agreement aslimited.Litigation in this area usu-

ally focuses on the reasonable-ness of the agreement. TheCourts have ruled that what isreasonable depends upon thespecific circumstances of thecase which often includes areview of the specific industryor line of business involved,the geographic scope of theemployer’s business andthe employee’s duties andresponsibilities for the formeremployer. For example, courtshave held that agreementsrestricting an employee’sright to work and competeagainst a former employerthroughout the entire nationare reasonable given the factthat the former employer didbusiness all over the country.Conversely, courts have struckdown agreements that com-pletely restricted an employeefrom working within a specificindustry, or even within a spe-cific geographic region, whereit found that the restrictionwas inappropriate consider-ing the specific work that

the employee was engaged inwhile employed with the for-mer employer.The courts are always try-

ing to balance protectingan employer’s reasonablecompetitive business inter-ests from unfair competi-tion, while not unreasonablyrestricting an employee’s abil-ity to work. The relief beingsought in these cases mostoften involves a request foran injunction in addition tomoney damages. An injunc-tion is a Court order that canput the former employee outof work for a specific period oftime. A request for damagesusually involves the formeremployer’s claims for lostrevenue and profits due tothe employee’s breach of theagreement.These cases can be very

contentious because theyinvolve very human (and veryAmerican) instincts of survivaland fairness. For employers, ifit is done right, a reasonablenon-compete agreement canbe an essential and neces-sary tool to protect a lifetimeof work and investment. Foremployees, these can be trickysituations that need to behandled carefully, particularlywhen protecting not only onesability to continue to receive apaycheck, but also protectinga career.

David F. Greco, Esq. is a partner inthe law firm of Gasiorek, Morgan &Greco, P.C., located in FarmingtonHills. He is a resident of Novi and amember of the City of Novi PlanningCommission. He concentrates hispractice in the area of personalinjury law, employment law (specifi-cally non-compete agreements) andmunicipal law where he currentlyserves as a prosecutor for the cityof Taylor. He can be reached at (248)865-0001 or [email protected].

Are non-compete agreementsenforceable in Michigan?

BusinessLaw

David Greco

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