CELEBRATING TEN YEARS OF SERVING OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES!
MARCH 2015
SERVING WASHTENAW, LIVINGSTON AND OAKLAND COUNTIES
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Brief
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Brighton
SHROUD OF TURIN EXHIBIT
The reputed burial shroud of Jesus
is going to be displayed in Turin, Italy this spring for the first time since
2010. New scientific research would
seem to date the Shroud to the time
of Christ and locate its origins in Palestine. Holy Spirit Church of Brighton
is hosting an exhibit on Holy Saturday, April 4 between noon and 6 pm.
Over 20 panels will describe the story
of the Shroud of Turin, along with
current videos as well as the full-size
photographic reproductions of the
Shroud. 9565 Musch Rd. at Winans
Lake. 810)231-9199. hsrcc.net.
Hamburg
ROMANS INVADE HAMBURG
MUSEUM TEA ROOM!
March brings more fun to the Hamburg Historical Museum as they present an “Ides of March” tea, Sunday,
March 15, 2015, 2:00 PM, 7225 Stone
St, Hamburg. Price for the tea is $10. A
reservation is required, so please call
810-231-9816. If plans change, and
you cannot attend a tea, please call
to cancel your reservation in order to
make room for others who may want
to attend. And remember: this month,
Togas Are Optional! The museum is
also seeking energetic volunteers to
help with events in their Tea Room.
This is a good opportunity to serve
your community, meet new people,
be creative and have fun at the same
time! If you have a positive attitude,
enjoy change and like learning new
things, please call: 810-986-0190.
SPAGHETTI DINNER BENEFIT
FOR MARK AVEY
WHERE
Whitmore Lake Rod n Gun Club
WHEN
Saturday March 28, 2015 at 6PM
Mark fought a tough battle against a
rare form of cancer. Mark and his family incurred large medical bills in the
process and his friends want to help by
throwing this fundraiser. Donations
from the spaghetti dinner will help the
family with funeral expenses in their
time of need. Tickets are $20.00 and
can be purchased at the following:
Sunoco on Main St. & East Shore Dr.
Whitmore Lanes & Coney
(734) 449-4405
Bill Fox (734) 368-0389
Butch Milliken (734) 845-7122
Sue Avey (734) 323-0652
Robert Roza (810) 360-8486
Silent auction and 50/50 raffle
Pinckney
FLEA MARKET
Downsizing? Lots of Outgrown Kids
Stuff? Collectibles collecting dust?
Consider renting a table at Pinckney
American Legion Auxiliary’s first annual flea market! The Legion is at
9807 Whitewood in Pinckney. It will
be Saturday, May 16 from 9 till 4. Cost
$25 For more info, please call Joan at
810-231-3911.
South Lyon
ELECTION INSPECTORS WANTED
The City of South Lyon is currently accepting applications for election inspectors (poll workers). You must be
a U.S. citizen, Michigan resident, registered voter, and cannot be a challenger, candidate, immediate member
of a candidate’s family or a convicted
felon. Poll workers must submit an
election inspector application and
complete training prior to working an
election. Poll workers are provided
breakfast and dinner, an hourly wage
and paid training. For more info go to
www.southlyonmi.org
Inside This Issue
Business Cards..................... 12
Calendar.....................................6
Classifieds................................ 12
Puzzle......................................... 12
Recipe....................................... 10
Travel.......................................... 9
The Courant • Volume XI Issue 6
FREE
2015 Michigan Pond Hockey
Classic a Huge Success
Mandy Grabowski
Contributing Writer
If you live in or near Whitmore Lake, there’s no doubt you were
somehow impacted by the 2015 Michigan Pond Hockey Classic (MPHC). Whether you were part of the event - as a hockey
player, volunteer, sponsor or spectator, or you were stuck in traffic
because of the gawker slowdown on US-23 during the spectacular fireworks display - you knew something was going on in our
little town.
The 2015 MPHC kicked off Friday, February 6th, as players
checked in and dressed to play hockey in its purest form. The
Opening Ceremonies began with Whitmore Lake Musical Theater Ensemble Chorus singing both the Canadian and US anthems. A 15 minute fireworks display followed, put on by Patriot
Fireworks of Whitmore Lake, and then the sounding of air horns
to signify the official start of the first games.
Over 900 players were there from all over the US and Canada, the tournament was off to a great start! Games were played
through the evening, and the main entertainment tent was filled
with the musical stylings of “Cast Iron Cornbread,” accompanied
by lots of dancing, eating and drinking. The main entertainment
tent fosters camaraderie between players and spectators alike,
and everybody seemed to share the enthusiasm and excitement
of the event as a whole.
Saturday morning drew in a fairly sluggish crowd as the morning games began. Sponsors were onsite, sampling different products, selling merchandise and giving away all kinds of swag to
event participants, which helped to wake everyone up. Adding to
the festival-like atmosphere of the weekend were the free horsedrawn carriage rides (sponsored by the Northfield Township
Community Center), and the Whitmore Lake Kiwanis Chilly
Dip, which drew in a massive crowd, raising over $2000 for college scholarships!
As evening fell, the temperatures did just the opposite, wreaking havoc on the ice rinks carved out on Whitmore Lake. Ultimately, it was decided that the ice conditions were no longer
safe for players and spectators alike. With forecasted overnight
temperatures remaining upwards of 40 degrees, the 8th annual
MPHC tournament was brought to an early end. Although a disappointing end to a spectacular event, reaction to the decision
by tournament players has been very positive, and everyone was
happy to have gotten to play a few games and be part of an event
that does so much for the community.
Photos by Frank Boyd
The event, even without the
activity that would have taken
place on Sunday, still saw an
increase of over 40%, raising
over $30,000! Funds have already been disbursed to different local youth athletic programs,
including the Whitmore Lake Touchdown Club, Whitmore Lake
Varsity Baseball, South Lyon Thunder, Chelsea Hockey Club
and the Harmony Ice Skating Club from Kensington Valley Ice
House, to name just a few.
For many of the businesses in the community, this event draws
in a significant increase in traffic and sales. Kristen Delaney from
Bobber Down, an event sponsor, said that the weekend of the
MPHC was their “best weekend of the year,” and that the event
itself blew away her expectations.
So, while there were no division champions declared for the
2015 MPHC, the ultimate champions of this year’s event were the
families and organizations that we are able to help because of the
participation, support and engagement of everyone involved.
If you would like more information about the MPHC or the
charity, please visit www.michiganpondhockey.com.
“Top of the Morning to ya’!” from the Village of Pinckney
Amy Salowitz
Contributing Writer
A morning full of St. Patrick’s Day activities will take place
this year on Saturday, March 14th. The Pinckney St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrates its 11th year this March with the
“wearing of the green” and many other activities.
At 8:30 am, registration for the 5th annual Run for the
Gold 5k and Kids Run, sponsored by the Light of the World
Academy PTO, will take place in Putnam Township square.
9:00 am brings a Catholic mass at St. Mary Catholic
Church located at 10601 Dexter Pinckney Rd in Putnam
Township. The celebration will include a Knights of Columbus color guard.
At 10:00 am, back at Putnam Township Square, the 5k
Run starts off on South Howell where an anticipated 300
runners will take to the course through the village and Putnam Township. The kid’s run around the square begins at
11:00 am.
This is followed by a bevy of events on Main Street and in
the Township square including awards, kids games, cutest
little leprechaun contest and
Irish dancers between 11:00
am and 11:45 am.
11:45 am brings the Annual
Bed Race down Main Street
followed by the parade at noon.
The parade, brainchild of
Patsy McGuire-Haggerty Dible,
has become a family tradition
for many in the area. “We have
a great parade tradition here in
Pinckney,” Dible said. “The streets are lined (for parades) with
happy children and smiling faces whether it’s sunny or cold.
We are expecting another great turnout this year.”
And of course, local businesses and vendors get you in the
spirit with their versions of Irish classic foods, as well as Irish
memorabilia and souvenirs.
Links to sign up for all events can be found on the village website at www.villageofpinckney.org/events/parades/
st-patricks-day-parade.
Crossing State Lines For Breast Cancer Research
Kayla Daugherty
Contributing Writer
Davina McNaney will
be completing an ultra
marathon not once, not
twice, but fourteen times
in a row to raise awareness and funds for breast
cancer. Leaving her house
in Pinckney, Michigan, she
will run the 470 miles to
her childhood hometown
of Sodus Point, New York.
McNaney, 42, was diagnosed with breast cancer at
the age of 40. After much
consideration and support
from her family and loved
ones, she successfully underwent a double mastectomy in February 2013. With the strength of a true fighter, she ran her first
post-surgery 5k a month later on Memorial Day. She does not
see herself as a victim, and is committed to give back to the doctors and researchers that aided her through her recovery.
“A breast cancer diagnosis is horrible, but thanks to the researchers and doctors committed to helping those diagnosed,
there is hope,” said McNaney.
Though not a lifetime runner and only having started running 12 years ago, McNaney considers running to be her
passion and her escape.
Her first running experience was when she signed up for and
completed a marathon to support the American Stroke Association. Her family has been touched by this disease. She fell
in love with running at that time, and realized that her passion
could help others. Previously, McNaney raised significant funds
for Gleaners by running 40 miles at Woodstock, an ultra marathon event.
“Running for eight to nine hours is awesome,” McNaney explained. “I don’t run for speed, but I run my hardest.”
Her decision to run the 470 miles to New York might seem
crazy, but McNaney is determined. Aided by Steve, her husband
of more than ten years, she can’t wait to venture out on this
challenge.
“I woke up one morning and knew I had to do it,” she said. “At
first my husband was concerned, but he is very supportive. He
has told me that he knew I could do this. He is my crew. He will
be the one driving or biking next to me to make sure I get fuel
and don’t get dehydrated. He saved up two weeks of his vacation
time to take this journey with me.”
On June 19, 2015, running an average of 33 miles per day,
Davina McNaney will embark on a run that will be sure to not
only raise awareness and funds for breast cancer but will also
show the resilience and strength of the human soul.
“My daughters are waiting for me in New York. They are my
motivation. They are where I am running to.”
For more information on Davina or to see her route check
out her website: runmi2ny.com
POSTAL
CUSTOMER
ECRWSS
SOUTH LYON MI
PERMIT NO. 15
PAID
PRSRT STD
U.S. POSTAGE
2 • The Courant • March 2015
This Month at the Brighton District Library
“Booked for the Evening” Gala To Feature Local History Collection
Margaret Vergith
Contributing Writer
On Friday, March 20, The Brighton
District Library will host an exciting
evening of celebration and fund raising,
highlighting the local history and genealogy collections in the Brighton Room at
the Library. This collection spans nearly
150 years of our community’s vibrant
culture and resources.
The fourth annual “Booked for the
Evening” will take place at the Oak Pointe
Country Club, 4500 Club Drive in Brighton. Hors d’ oeuvres and beverages begin
at 6:30pm with a seated dinner and program beginning at 7pm. Gala tickets are
$60 for individuals and $450 for a table
of eight.
Local 4 feature reporter and news anchor Steve Garagiola will serve as emcee
and auctioneer for this year’s event. Garagiola notes, “I love writing, love books,
and am a strong believer that our libraries need to thrive, not merely survive. Besides…where else would I get my books
on tape for my long commute every day?”
Mark Mullinax, the library’s local history librarian and genealogy specialist,
will give a brief presentation about the
Brighton Room Genealogy and Local
History Collection, which he supervises
incorporating his years of research experience. Mullinax will show how we can
understand ourselves better when we
know about our ancestors. His talk will
include little known facts about Brighton
places and people and describe how the
collection at the Library benefits a wide
variety of individuals, businesses and
community organizations.
The evening’s musical performance
will be a step through time with musical renditions from the ‘60s sung by the
incredibly talented Ladies First, which
is a select ensemble of the Livingston
County Women’s Chorus. Jazz piano will
be played on a baby grand throughout
the evening by the library’s own Assistant
Director, Ed Rutkowski.
Among the array of auction items featured are a week-long ocean-front condo
on Amelia Island, FL, Chateau Chantal VIP winery tour and gift box on the
Leelanau Peninsula, Staycation, Car Care
Package, art, jewelry, restaurants, gift baskets and more.
“We look forward to another wonderful evening! Celebrating our rich and
diverse local history is a treasure that we
feel fortunate to be able to share with our
community through the Brighton Room
at the Library,” said Patrick McDonald,
Library Board Trustees President.
To order tickets, go to http://brightonlibrary.info/booked. For information
about sponsorships, please contact Diana
Dart at 810-229-6751 ext. 211 or ddart@
brightonlibrary.info.
Brighton District Library
Board of Trustees Invites You To
A Gala Benefit
Booked
for the
Evening
Join Us For A Night Of
Live and Silent Auctions
Musical Entertainment
Seated Dinner
And Much More!
Friday, March 20, 2015
6:30 p.m.
Oak Pointe Country Club
Brighton, Michigan
$60 Per Person
$450 Table Of Eight
Cocktail Attire-Black And White
And Read All Over
For More Information
Call 810-229-6571, x 211
Or Make A Reservation Online
www.brightonlibrary.info/booked
Ad Printed Courtesy Of The Courant
www.courantonline.com • 3
Julian K’s Music Scene
Julian Konwinski
Contributing Writer
Recently I got a call from a friend
inviting me to a Saturday night happening at a club located in
the woods a few miles outside Flatrock. I was promised
that for $20 a ticket, I could
journey down to “The Kentuckians” and get a hearty
turkey dinner with all the
trimmings followed by four
hours of “real” country music. I love older authentic country so
I grabbed my friend Shirley and with
great anticipation headed to Flatrock.
The dinner was delicious as promised
and we can’t stop telling people about
the incredible music we heard and saw
that night.
The band guilty of the beautiful
country music goes by the name “Stone
Country”. This group of six highly seasoned players is led by Dan Cook of
Northville, who sings and plays rhythm
and lead guitar. Jay Haynes
of Whitmore Lake sings and
plays acoustic rhythm guitar.
Mark Joseph of Wayne sings
and plays drums and bassist
Johnny Elder of Pontiac also
sings. Lead guitarist Dick
Palmer sings too and comes
from Flint as does pedal steel
master Mike Kile. There is serious deep
talent across this band but the two men
from Flint are the stars. Playing off
each other like all true pros they ratchet “Stone Country” up several levels. In
fact, Mike Kile is in The National Pedal
Steel Hall of Fame. His solos can lift
and soar, then slide down to tug at the
heart strings, leaving listeners smiling
and wanting much more. His playing is
mesmerizing.
One of the neat things about “Stone
Country” is how they share lead vocals
among five of the six players. They play
the greats of country like George Jones,
Conway Twitty, Merle Haggard, Hank
Williams, George Strait, Johnny Cash,
Vince Gill, Charlie Pride, and more.
It was touching to hear Dick Palmer’s
wife Mary get featured. A stroke left her
blind but she is still singing beautifully,
especially when doing Patsy Cline.
Google “The Kentuckians” in Flatrock to check their schedule of upcoming events including “Stone Country”.
There is a large dance floor and some
very talented dancers to join or watch.
You will truly enjoy your evening.
Dan Cook. Photo by Julian Konwinski
Patriot's Place Everything Free For Everyone!
Susan Kotrys
Contributing Writer
Free food, free housing, free telephones, free cars, a chicken in every pot.
Sounds good doesn’t it?
Life would be perfect if everything was
free for everyone.
Right?
I think education was the first thing
that was offered for free in the new
world. Miss Beadle came to Laure Ingall’s Wilder’s Little House on the Prairie
to teach school. She was given a house
and food made by the local women. She
was looked after by the community and
given a small stipend for her work. How
did we get from there to giving everyone
everything they need to live?
Our charitable nature makes us want
to help people, and that is great. There
is nothing wrong with giving someone a
leg up. But when you give him a fish instead of teaching him to fish for himself,
does that really help him? Or does it hurt
him in the long run? Is it good for the
soul to be dependent on another human
being for everything they need to live if
they are capable of doing it themselves?
Don’t distort the topic. I’m not saying the sick, the old, the infirm and the
unwell that can’t fend for themselves
shouldn’t get our help. But when does
charity become harmful?
Robert Upton in his book Toxic Charity, draws on his 40 years’ experience as
an urban activist in Atlanta, and argues
that most charitable work is ineffective
or actually harmful to those it is supposed to help.
Studies have proven that people collecting unemployment put off looking for work until their unemployment
benefits are about to expire. We all love
something for free. But we’ve learned
there is no such thing as a free lunch.
Remember the poster hanging in your
classroom in 10th grade that showed the
tiny fish being eaten by the bigger fish
and so on and so on until all that was left
was the giant fish? We can’t all be the biggest fish. Someone has to pay the price.
I got a free trip to Orlando once. All I had
to do was sit through a three hour presentation on buying a condo in a new development. I suppose if my time wasn’t worth
anything, then the trip really was free.
And now illegal aliens are able to get
social security cards and file for the
Earned Income Tax Credit, file amended
returns and receive as much as $24,000
costing taxpayers over 90 billion dollars.
Besides all the other government programs that give us free stuff, our President wants to give everyone free tuition
to college. The professors salaries have to
come from somewhere though. Oh wait!
Is President Obama going to ask his pals
at Harvard to teach a few classes and not
charge the colleges? In that case, the education really would be free, at least free
for us taxpayers. Like that would ever
really happen. Who will pay for all this
free stuff? Who’s paying now? You and I,
the smaller fish, of course. How long will
it take for the trillions of dollars in national debt caused by a government that
gives away too much free stuff, swallows
all the little fishes and there are no more
taxpayers?
Thanks to Hamburg Pub for your support
at the Michigan Pond Hockey Classic!
Dial those uniform numbers on your phone to
find out about their nightly specials!
Whitmore Lake Rod and Gun Club was able to raise $5,800.00
through their Ten Guns and Ten Days fund raiser. Pictured from
left to right are Andrew Bishop, Jim Milky, Chris Goulet, Tammy
Pierson, and Ruth Bender-Miller.
4 • The Courant • March 2015
Social Security Column Batting A Thousand During Tax Season
Mike Laird
Contributing Writer
Spring training for major league baseball teams begins in March. As you prepare to meet the April 15 deadline to file your taxes, here are
some Social Security tax tips to
help you knock the ball out of
the park! Batter up!
FIRST BASE: If you changed
your name due to marriage or
divorce, or made another legal
name change, make sure you
change your name on your Social Security
records and with your employer. Changing your name on all of your records
will avoid a “mismatch” with our records
(which could delay your tax return) and
improper recording of your earnings. To
learn more about your Social Security
number and changing your name, go to
www.socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber.
SECOND BASE: You will need Social
Security numbers for your children if you want to claim them
as dependents on your tax return. In most cases, parents request a Social Security number
for their newborn child at the
hospital when applying for a
birth certificate. If you didn’t apply for a number for your child
then, you can apply at your local Social
Security office or by mail. Claiming your
dependents will maximize your tax refund
or minimize any amount you owe. To
learn more, read our online publication,
Social Security Numbers For Children,
available at www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs.
THIRD BASE (Bases loaded): If you
receive Social Security benefits, you need
to pay federal taxes on some of your benefits if your total income, including Social
Security and all of your other taxable income, is $25,000 or more, and you file federal taxes as an individual. Married couples filing joint returns need to pay federal
taxes on income of $32,000 or more. To
learn more about taxes and your Social
Security benefits, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/planners/taxes.htm.
CLEANUP HITTER: Now that you’re
working hard and earning Social Security
credits, you can check your Social Security
Statement online. Doing so will ensure that
you have all your bases covered for the years
you’ve worked. You can open or access your
personal my Social Security account at
www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.
A GRAND SLAM: If you own a small
business, Social Security has a free electronic filing option that allows you to prepare and submit W-2s for your employees
at www.socialsecurity.gov/employer. Registering online gives you freedom from
paper forms and it’s free, fast, and secure.
Follow these tips, and cover all your
bases. To learn more about Social Security,
visit www.socialsecurity.gov.
For more information about Social
Security, visit www.socialsecurity.gov. Mike
Laird is the Social Security District Manager in Ann Arbor. He can be contacted at
800-772-1213 or [email protected].
The Guild of InSightful Sounds
Alan Smith
Contributing Writer
Happy March to everyone! March
is the birthday month of Eric Clapton and myself; but not liking to brag
about myself, I celebrate Eric’s birthday
on the 30th. A few months ago I spoke
of the work that BT’s Guitar Shop in
S. Lyon and LivInAwe Productions of
Pinckney were doing to help aspiring
artists. I’m here today to tell you the
success of this endeavor.
In a two hour recording session at
the Well in Brighton, a performer can
get a sample recording of their work,
part of a complete media kit with DVD
that they can sell at their performances. For years the media kit has been an
essential, the format has changed and
continues to evolve, but the basics and
the need remains the same.
Also for years, it’s been
known that a performer
needs some kind of product to sell at their shows to
build a following (t-shirts,
stickers, cd’s or dvd’s). It’s in
the manner that Ken Peters
of LivInAwe and Bill Walsh
do the recordings that make
this program so different.
The performer comes away with a
complete media kit and in the format
they conduct the recording, a complete
video show for sale as well. Two necessities accomplished in one session, for
one low price!
A media kit itself can run
into hundreds of dollars, as
can a recorded product or
merchandise. For $500 a
performer gets a recording
that could be listened to,
viewed and listened to or
transformed into an E-file.
Along with business cards,
head shots and the DVD’s
the performer comes away
with the essential tools to market and
build their career.
Garden Spot March is Finally Here!
John Keast
Contributing Writer
Okay, we’ve made it through another
winter. I forgot to tell you to sharpen your
tools before you put them away last fall.
This year pay attention to how sharp your
tools are before you go out for the first time.
There are various ways to make your
digging easier. You can have your son or
daughter help you which is the easiest
way. Always sharpen your shovel and use
a little elbow grease to remove the rust
off the blade. As I write this, I am taking
my favorite shovel out of a snowbank.
The use of a bastard file is one of the best
ways to get an edge on your shovel. I use
a little wax to help the soil slide off the
blade. My shovel has a lip for your foot to
land on and a padded handle to cushion
your hand and wrist. Even if you buy a
new shovel, the edge is dull so, in shipping, it won’t penetrate the package. Pick
a shovel that fits your height.
When you carry a 5 gallon container,
try to have a cushioned handle on it.
Keep your wrist straight and don’t carry
it with weight on your wrist. If you have
to fill a bucket have the option of filling
it half full and carry two buckets, one in
each hand. I use a baby stroller to move
my tools and accessories around. It has
Catch
wheels and a padded handle.
There is a significant difference in using ergonomic tools. What makes them
different you may wonder? They are
designed to use the tool shape to lessen
the stress on your wrist. There are hand
weeders, pruners, and various other garden tools to save your wrist. The use of
an ergonomic hand pruner can make
your job a lot easier. The handle rotates
to help your wrist.
I kept saying last fall that I would prepare my garden for winter tomorrow,
but never did. With your sharpened
tools, March is a good time to trim back
your perennials but be careful not to
with Gary Wellings
Currently recordings are happening
at the Well in Brighton, Michigan on
Thursdays starting at 10 am. For more
information or to book a slot contact
Bill at BT’s Guitar Shop at 248-7981180. A fifty percent down payment
is required at the time of booking and
there’s a non-refundable portion if cancellations occur. So if you know someone who has been making “excuses”
about their stagnant career, why they
can’t get a gig, etc. have them contact
Bill right away, it’ll be the best thing
you ever did for them or they ever did
for themselves. Until next time, stay
tuned.
walk where your bulbs are planted. The
ground is just right to walk on and you
are excited to be out there.
The Four Seasons Garden Club of
South Lyon will meet on Tuesday, March
10 at the South Lyon High School in the
Active Adults Center at 7:00 p.m. Our
guest speaker will be Nick Zimmer,
owner of Willow Greenhouse. He will
discuss this season’s new annuals and
how to take care of them throughout the
season. Information: 248-437-8539.
John Keast is an Advanced Master Gardener. Q&A at Gardenspotkeast@aol.
com Copyright@2015, John Keast.
on
SATURDAY AFTERNOONS FROM 2 PM to 3PM
OR LIVE ONLINE AT WWW . WAAMRADIO . COM
Catch The Drift on podcast at www.thedailydrift.com
Call in line 734-822-1600 and email [email protected]
www.courantonline.com • 5
HLC Members Deserve to
Make their Own Decisions
“The property owners of the Horseshoe
Lake Corp. deserve to have the information necessary to make their own decision as to whether they want to contribute
to rebuild the bridge,” as stated by Joan
Steuer in her letter to the editor on “Who
will Pay for Schrum Subdivision Bridge?”.
While this is absolutely correct, the problem, Joan, is that you, and a group of other
individuals, are trying to convince these
same property owners, prior to any presentation to the membership.
Now, I’m going to add in here that I
no longer live in the area, but I did so
for 26 years, and 17 years of that time I
worked hard to rebuild Horseshoe Lake
Corporation. HLC exists because the
property owners CHOSE to incorporate
under Act 137 of 1929, the Summer Resort Owners legislation created to provide a quasi government to protect the
community when the homeowners went
back to the city. This allows, among other
things, for police protection, sewer and
water, rules and regulations for lake usage, and jurisdiction over the streets and
highways. And, it allows the Board of
Directors and the members to adopt bylaws, and address whatever needs to be
done to continue, improve, or take care
of its public and its community.
Choosing to divulge legal opinions
sought BY and FOR the Board of Trustees, in an open public forum, such as the
newspaper, may be considered malfeasance of office. It is the Board, as a whole,
not individually, that makes those decisions, unless the President of the Board,
acting for the public good, determines
such is necessary. As a wife of a current
trustee, it is troubling that you would
take such steps.
As to the financial aspect of the bridge
rebuild or replacement, let’s use simple
math based on 400 households, more
or less, in the HLC area, and a high
Courant
The
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
construction estimate of about $50,000,
which equals $125 per household. Again
in simplistic terms, financing 10 years
would cost each member about $12 a
year. Looking at this example, the annual
dues already paid by each member would
be able to sustain the financing terms,
and provide a bridge that needs to be replaced for the safety and welfare of each
household in Schrum Subdivision. And
this is a responsibility that the Board of
Trustees of Horseshoe Lake Corporation
must undertake, as would any government overseeing their jurisdiction and
the needs of its citizens.
Horseshoe Lake Corporation is not
just about the lake, nor is it one subdivision versus another. HLC is about all
the lands that surround and encompass
its boundaries, and ALL its members
whether they live in the community or
not, or next to the lake or across US 23 to
the west; or whether they border a public road or a private road. HLC members
deserve to make their OWN decisions.
Let them exercise it at their meeting.
Cynthia Given
Former HLC member, property owner,
and HLC board officer
Thank You!
We the Wesley United Methodist Men,
extend our THANKS to the Whitmore
Lake Community for their participantion in our 2nd Annual ICE GOLF
Tournment, with 15 teams celebrating our Whitmore Lake winter memories fun time weekend Feb. 7-8. Special
THANKS for Al Weidman & Dennis
Schairer & golf links pals for setting up
such a challenging course, Mike Stevens
for plowing it, Clay Bagly for advertisement, and the United Methodist Women
Sheryl Hunt, Faith Wheeler and Laurie
MARCH 2015 EDITION
Published Monthly by Marula
Management and Consulting LLC
Copyright © 2015
P.O. Box 440
Whitmore Lake, MI 48189
(734) 922-2502
[email protected]
www.courantonline.com
THE COURANT STAFF
CHIEF EDITOR
Gary Wellings
HAMBURG OPINION EDITOR
Joanna Hardesty
PRODUCTION MANAGER
& ADVERTISING DESIGNER
Kevin Serbus
AD SALES MANAGER
& DISTRIBUTION
Gary Wellings
(734) 629-6010
Thanks to All our Volunteer
Contributing Writers
Printed by Ann Arbor Offset
Clement for providing food and drink.
Darlene Ewald for help and mostly for
her encouragement!!!
Trophies awarded to: 1st Place: Pat
Keller, Gregg Keller, Lisa Barrix, Charles
(Chip) Barrix. 2nd Place: Bill Mausolf,
Dennis Schairer. 3rd Place: Glen Ewald,
Mark Usiltelo, Steven Ewald, Dale Buckner.
Looking forward to seeing you all
again next year! Keep practiceing your
swing!
Bob Ewald
UMM-President
6 • The Courant • March 2015
March 2015 Community Calendar
March 3
FAMILY STORY TIME. Tuesdays &
Wednesdays 11 a.m. Pinckney Community Public Library, 125 Putnam St.
Pinckney, MI 48169. FREE. Registration
Required: NO. Family story time is open
to children of all ages. Please join us for
stories, songs and craft every week at the
Pinckney Community Library. Call the
library at 734-878-3888 for more information about this or any upcoming events or
website www.pinckneylibrary.org or on
Facebook and Twitter.
DOWNTON ABBEY NIGHT- REVISITED. 5-8 pm. Pinckney Community
Public Library, 125 Putnam St. FREE. Registration Required: Yes. Downton Abbey
addicts or anyone wondering what the fuss
is about can enjoy an entertaining evening
revolving around this favorite TV obsession. The festivities include a discussion
about the drama, so you can share your
passion for the program with others. Due
to the popularity of the show, registration
is required. Call the library at 734-8783888 for more information about this or
any upcoming events or visit our website
www.pinckneylibrary.org or on Facebook,
& Twitter.
March 4
ECUMENICAL LENTEN BREAKFAST
SERVICE. Please join us on Wednesday
mornings in March from 10:00-11:00
a.m. at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church located at 10585 Hamburg Rd. in downtown
Hamburg. The program will include refreshments and a message from one of the
5 participating area churches. Everyone
welcome!
EUCHRE. Every Wednesday -- Begins at
7pm. For more information call 734-8789522. American Legion.
March 5
PINCKNEY PURLERS. Every Thursday of the month, Noon. Pinckney Community Public Library, 125 Putnam Street
Pinckney, MI 48169. FREE. Registration
Required: NO. Ongoing Knitters group.
Whatever your ability, come learn, share
and have a fun time with ladies (or men)
who share your love of knitting. Call the
library at 734-878-3888 for more information about this or any upcoming events or
website www.pinckneylibrary.org or on
Facebook, & Twitter.
THE KIWANIS CLUB OF WHITMORE
LAKE is looking forward to Spring. Our
Spring events will be a Rummage Sale
(April 30-May 2nd) and our annual Easter
Egg Hunt. Our meetings are the 1st and
3rd Thursdays at the Community Center on Main Street. Contact Margaret for
more information: 248-437-6318.
$1.50 CONEY DOG AND ROOT BEER
FLOAT NIGHT will be held from 5 pm
to 7:30 pm by the Pinckney Memorial Post
#419, American Legion, at the post hall
- 9807 Whitewood Road, Pinckney. For
more information call 734-878-9522 or
734-341-4249.
LIVINGSTON COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY MEETING. Newspaper
Research. SPEAKER: Sarah Hatter, Librarian at the Milford Michigan library. 7
PM. The First United Methodist Church,
1230 Bower Street, Howell, MI. 517-5462730 OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. FREE
OF CHARGE. FOR QUESTIONS CALL:
810-227-7745
March 6
YOGA FOR WELLNESS. Fridays in
March, 10:15 – 11:15 a.m. Pinckney Community Public Library, 125 Putnam St.
Pinckney, MI 48169. FREE. Registration
Required: YES. Presented by Denise N.
Johnson, RYT 200, YWT, Always Time
for Yoga, LLC. This class is open to all
individuals regardless of fitness level. No
prior yoga experience is necessary. The
class will focus on maintaining strength,
length and flexibility of the spinal column
also the maintenance of bone density,
maintenance of major muscle groups and
the health of internal organs. Bring a mat
& water bottle. Registration required. Free
however donations are accepted for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Call the library at
734-878-3888 for more information about
this or any upcoming events or website
www.pinckneylibrary.org or on Facebook,
& Twitter
ALL YOU CAN EAT FISH, CHICKEN AND RIBS. 5:00 - 8:00 P.M. Dinner Includes: BBQ Ribs, BBQ Chicken,
Oven Fried Chicken, Fish, Macaroni and
Cheese, French Fries, Vegetable, Cole
Slaw, Rolls and Butter. Homemade Desserts, Coffee, Lemonade and Ice Tea. Cash
Bar Available. Adults $10.00 Seniors $9.00
Ages 6-12 $5.00 5 & Under: Free Cash Bar
Available. The Livingston County Wildlife
and Conservation Club, 6060 E. M-36,
Hamburg, MI 48139, (810) 231-1811.
March 7
WHITE STEEPLE STAGE. Red Tail
Ring. 5:30 - 7:15 Free acoustic open mic.
7:30 The Main Performance. TICKETS:
$10, Students & Seniors (over 65) - $5,
Under 12 and over 85 - Free. White Steeple Stage, Community Congregational
Church, 125 E. Unadilla Street, Pinckney,
MI, 734.878.3419. [email protected]. For more about the performers
and a map www.WhiteSteepleStage.com
36TH ANNUAL LENTEN FISH FRY!
Join us 4:30-7:30 pm every Friday, Mar. 7
– Mar. 28. Fried Alaskan Pollack, choice
of potato or macaroni/cheese, salad bar
& beverage. Desserts offered. Beer & wine
available/donation. Additional fryer! Join
us! $9.00 (seniors, $8; children 5-11, $6.00;
children 4 & under, free). Old St. Patrick’s
Parish Hall, 5671 Whitmore Lake Rd.,
north side of Ann Arbor http://stpatricka2.org or 734-662-8141.
LEGION RIDERS MEAT LOAF DINNER from 5 PM to 7:30 PM sponsored
by the Pinckney American Legion Riders Chapter #419 - 9807 Whitewood Rd.
Pinckney. Dinner - $8.50. For more information contact Karl at 734-476-6534.
March 8
BREAKFAST. Come for breakfast, and
stay for worship service. Salem Bible
Church will be hosting breakfast at 9481
W. Six Mile Road, Salem, MI All are welcome. March 28, please join us for our
annual Chile Cook Off at Salem Bible
Church. Come join in on the good food,
great fellowship, and wonderful blessings.
For more information, 248-349-0674, sbc4christ.org
ALL YOU CAN EAT BREAKFAST
BUFFET. 8:00 - NOON Buffet includes:
scrambled eggs, eggs your way, pancakes,
french toast, bacon, sausage, Home-style
potatoes, sausage gravy and biscuits, toast,
cereal, pastries, Coffee, milk and juice. Egg
toppings: cheese, peppers, mushrooms
and onions. Adults $7.00 Seniors $6.00
Ages 6-12 $3.00 Under 5: Free Cash Bar
Available. The Livingston County Wildlife and Conservation Club, 6060 E. M-36,
Hamburg, MI 48139, (810) 231-1811.
March 9
BUILD MARKETING LISTS WITH
THE EXPERTS. 2:30pm - 3:30pm. Conference Room, Work Skills Corporation,
100 Summit Street, Brighton, MI 48116.
Attn: Entrepreneurs, business owners,
nonprofits, employers and employees! Are
you looking to find new customers? Make
lists of customers? What about your competition? Do you know who they are? Rick
White, trainer for Reference USA, a pre-
mier marketing software will be in town to
demonstrate how simple it is. Bring your
questions and examples. Contact Howell
Carnegie District Library, Brighton District Library, or Cromaine District Library
for more information.
WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN VETERANS. 2/42 Community Church, 7526
W Grand River Ave, Brighton, MI 48116
(810) 231-0190. Networking 6:30 – 7:00.
Topic: What is the new Veteran Justice
Outreach Court (VJO) here in Livingston
County? How does it help our veterans after returning home? Come and hear about
it and ask question from those who know.
Speakers 7:00 – 8:30 the Hon. Carol SueReader District Court Judge and Kevin A.
Nagle, attorney and VJO public defender.
There is no charge for this meeting, however reservations are required to ensure
sufficient seating. Call or email 810-5996014 or [email protected] to make a
reservation or with questions.
MOM & TOT TIME. 10:00a.m.-11:00a.m.
$2.00 suggested donation.Pre-registration is suggested. Call the Community
Center at 734-449-2295 to register or for
more information. Northfield Twp. Community Center, 9101 Main St., Whitmore
Lake. Moms (Dads, Grandparents & Caregivers, too) bring your little ones in for an
hour of fun! Crafts, games, stories – something different each visit!
March 10
FREE BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENINGS. 1:45p.m.-2:15p.m. FREE! Northfield
Township Community Center, 9101 Main
St., Whitmore Lake. Have your blood
pressure checked by an RN from Regency
of Whitmore Lake. For more information
contact the Community Center at 734449-2295.
March 12
March 20
SLOPPY JOE, PULLED PORK AND
$1.25 BOSTON COOLER NIGHT
will be held from 5pm to 7:30 pm by the
Pinckney American Legion Riders Chapter #419 at the post hall, 9807 Whitewood Road, Pinckney. Sloppy Joe Plates
are $2.00 with additional Sloppy Joes for
$2.00. Pulled Pork Plates are $3.00 with
additional Pulled Pork Sandwiches for
$3.00. Open-faced sandwiches for $1.00
extra. For more information call: 734-8789522 or 734-476-6534.
March 21
ANN ARBOR AGLOW COMMUNITY
LIGHTHOUSE. 9:30am - noon, WCC
Room LA340. The message will be “Walking in the Favor of God” presented by the
Ann Arbor Aglow Leadership. Aglow is a
trans-denominational Christian ministry;
both men & women are welcome. Free
event. Refreshments are served.
March 22
BREAKFAST is being hosted from 8 am
to 11:30 am by the Pinckney Memorial
Post #419, American Legion, at the post
hall - 9807 Whitewood Road, Pinckney.
Adults - $8.00, Seniors - $7.00, Children
(9 and under) - $3.00. For more information call 734-878-9522 or 734-341-4249.
For more information call 734-878-9522
or 734-341-4249.
AMAZING BRIDES BRIDAL SHOW
2015. FREE for all to attend. Ann Arbor
Sheraton, 3200 Boardwalk, Ann Arbor,
MI 48108. Newly engaged? Stop by and
meet the area’s best vendors for planning
your wedding day! Door prizes, cake tastings, music, dance instruction and the latest Bridal Fashions for 2015.
March 26
LIVING WATER MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS. 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
Hot Breakfast, Friendship, Discussion.
Whitmore Lake Middle School, 8877
Main Street. Free Child Care in Moppets
Program. Contact 248.231.0128
LIVING WATER MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS. 9:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.
Hot Breakfast, Friendship, Discussion.
Easter and “New Beginnings” Whitmore
Lake Middle School, 8877 Main Street.
Free Child Care in Moppets Program.
Contact 248.231.0128
March 13
March 27
SPAGHETTI DINNER is being hosted
from 5 pm to 7:30 pm by the Pinckney
Memorial Post #419, American Legion,
at the post hall - 9807 Whitewood Road,
Pinckney. Adults - $8.00, Seniors - $7.00,
Children (9 and under) - $3.00. For information call: 734-878-9522 or 734-3414249.
HEATH MCNEASE’S MARCH MADNESS TOUR. Great Evening of Music
in Whitmore Lake. FREE ALL AGES
EVENT. The concert will take place at
1077 Barker Road (Whitmore Lake Elementary School) on March 13th 7:00pm.
For more information Check out Elevate’s
Social Media pages: Facebook: @Elevate
Concert Series Twitter: @ElevateWL Instagram: @ElevateConcertSeries Questions? contact Alyse (734) 945-2532 or
Email [email protected]
March 14
EASTER FOR KIDS. Preschool through
6th grade. 10 am to noon. Lunch Provided.
Easter story, songs and crafts. Immanuel
Lutheran Church, 330 E. Liberty. S. Lyon.
Pastor Scott Miller - (248) 437-2289.
March 19
$1.50 CONEY DOG AND ROOT BEER
FLOAT NIGHT will be held from 5 pm
to 7:30 pm by the Pinckney Memorial Post
#419, American Legion, at the post hall
- 9807 Whitewood Road, Pinckney. For
more information call 734-878-9522 or
734-341-4249.
ALL YOU CAN EAT FISH FRY NIGHT.
5:00 - 8:00 P.M. Dinner Includes: Dinner
Includes: Fish (Fried, Baked), Smelt, Hush
Puppies, Macaroni and Cheese, French
Fries, Vegetable, Cole Slaw, Rolls and Butter. Homemade Desserts, Coffee, Lemonade and Ice Tea. Adults $10.00 Seniors
$9.00 Ages 6-12 $5.00 Under 5: Free Cash
Bar Available. The Livingston County
Wildlife and Conservation Club, 6060 E.
M-36, Hamburg, MI 48139, (810) 2311811.
March 28
SALEM AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY DINNER & AUCTION. 6 PM Annual Dinner/Auction at the Fox Hills Golf
and Banquet Center, North Territorial
Road, Salem Township. The venue for this
event will once again be at the Fox Hills
Classic Log Cabin Clubhouse. The SAHS
Annual Dinner/Auction will include the
2-meat buffet dinner with coffee, tea and
a cash bar. There will be a silent auction
prior to and during the dinner and a live
auction after the buffet dinner. As is the
custom, there will be numerous auction
items from restaurants, local service companies, sports memorabilia, historic items
and entertainment venues. All tickets must
be prepaid and are either $38 per person
or $33 per SAHS member. There is a ticket
request form at the SAHS website: www.
sahshistory.org. Everyone is welcome to
join us. Bring a group and encourage others to attend.
COMEDY & CAFFEINE. 8pm at the
Whitmore Lanes lounge the Zone. Admission $10.
Northfield Township News
Howard Fink
Contributing Writer
It feels as though Old Man Winter
has a firm hold on us, but Spring is just
around the corner bringing with it the
start of many new projects and events.
Below is just a short list of things coming up within the next couple of months.
Did you know…
• The Community Center will begin
administering congregate meals for the
Meals on Wheels program soon, and
is now collecting applications for the
Senior Nutrition Program Assistant
position. Contact Tami Averill at 734449-2295 or visit our web site www.twpnorthfield.org/job_postings for details.
• Assessment notices were mailed to
residents on Feb. 20, 2015. The Board of
Review will be holding public meetings
on Tuesday, March 10 from 1pm – 9pm,
and on Thursday, March 12 from 9am
– 5pm. Matters pertaining to the assessment of property may be brought before
the Board of Review on these dates. Appointments will be taken until 4:00 pm
on Thursday, March 12, 2015.
• The Horseshoe Lake sewer refund is
close to completion. The tail end of the
refunds is being entered, and we expect
to have the checks mailed to residents in
the beginning of March.
• The Catholic Social Services’ Senior
Tax Assistance Program will be at the
Community Center on Friday, Feb. 27;
Friday, March 13; and Tuesday, March
17 from 9am - Noon on each day to
prepare taxes for seniors with lower
incomes or with simple tax returns.
Contact Tami Averill at 734-449-2295
for more details or to schedule your appointment.
• Saturday, March 14, come to the
Community Center from 9am-10am to
share a cup of coffee and your thoughts /
suggestions / concerns with State Representative Gretchen Driskell.
• The Township will be auctioning off
various items that are no longer in use
at the Township Office. The auctions
will be held on Friday, March 13 at the
Public Safety Building starting at 4:00.
Items to be auctioned include: desks, file
cabinets, cubicle partitions, steel door
frames, office chairs, various used office
equipment, and more!
• The Pond Hockey Tournament was
a great success with 128 teams (over 950
players) coming out to compete! With
the money raised, over $20,000 has already been disbursed to area schools.
Thank you to all who came out and
supported this fantastic local event. We
hope to see you all next year!
• The Parks & Recreation Commission has been hard at work developing
their new Master Plan. We are still look-
ing for feedback from our residents. If
you haven’t yet, please help us by going
to our website and completing the online survey under the Parks & Recreation Board page on our web site.
• “Like” and/or “Follow” the
Northfield Twp Community Center on
Facebook and Twitter to keep up with
our many upcoming trips and events!
• Receive our on-line Newsletter directly in your inbox. Sign up on our
website, or at the Twp. office.
As the snow melts and the frozen
ground gives way, we will begin more
and more projects throughout the community. We’ll keep you updated as these
events occur. So as always, feel free to
contact us at the Township office for
additional information. The Board of
Trustees is working diligently to make
Northfield the best community in
Washtenaw County.
www.courantonline.com • 7
8 • The Courant • March 2015
GUEST EDITORIAL
Reasons why the Horseshoe Lake Corporation should vote in favor to repair the Schrum Bridge
Lisa Craft
Contributing Writer
I have resided in the Horseshoe Lake
community for over 22 years and have
spent well over half of those years as an active member in my community, representing it as a Board Member and President of
the Horseshoe Lake Corporation (HLC).
Over the years, this Corporation has spent
several thousands of dollars fighting lawsuits, repairing and upgrading various
subdivision amenities, or performing
community services. The Schrum Bridge
Committee assists the HLC and was
formed over a year ago to come up with
possible solutions for funding and methods to repair this bridge. Here is a list of
what this Committee has initiated in our
community, on behalf of all:
a. We engaged with Northfield Township
on the Over Assessment of Fees we paid
over 40 years ago into the Horseshoe Lake
Sewer District #3 account. We initially
wanted to investigate if HLC could borrow
from this very large fund (over $700,000)
to repair this bridge. We initiated contact
with the Township Manager in the fall of
2013 and began this dialogue with them.
Though we were not able to borrow from
this Sewer District Fund, we did succeed
alternatively in getting the Township to
agree to reimburse us 87% of that $700K
fund, which set the stage for others to
capitalize on our initiative at later dates to
help secure the remaining 13% reimbursement of this sewer fund, which was eventually granted by the Northfield Township
Board. As a result, the majority of the HLC
residents will benefit by receiving large unprecedented refund checks sent to them by
the Township later this month.
b. It was also this Bridge committee that
initiated the increase of the HLC annual
dues from $20 to $50 per year, which had
not seen an increase in 15 years. We canvassed door to door to acquire votes from
our members. This increase in funds was
in part, targeted to help finance the cost of
the bridge repair.
c. It’s Michigan Law, (455.211 Corporation Jurisdiction; liability for condition of
streets – M.S.A 21.761 Sec 11) that states
that: “the Corporation has jurisdiction
over all the lands owned including streets
and highways passing through or over such
lands.” Even though HLC, per its bylaws
approved the “Maintenance” (clearing of
snow, filling holes, adding gravel, grating,
etc.) of these roads to the four subdivisions
that make up the membership of the HLC,
this bridge is not a maintenance issue but
a capital expenditure that falls under the
jurisdiction of the HLC.
d. It is the best interest of ALL the home
owners’ real estate values to maintain the
infrastructure in our community. Having
such a deteriorated structure can and will
decrease overall home values in our community, as well as the possibility of raising
liability insurance of our homes.
e. It is a safety hazard that detrimentally
impacts the ability of the Fire Department
to expeditiously respond to emergency situations in the sub. This was directly communicated to the HLC by the Northfield
Township Director of Public Safety. Additionally, HLC will be sued if anyone gets
hurt at this dangerous site.
f. The HLC Board supports this action by
an overwhelming 2 to 1 majority decision.
At the June 2014 HLC Board meeting, the
Trustees voted 6-3 and 9-0 vote in favor of
the HLC to fund the repairs of the bridge
and boat launch upgrades. The Board acts
as the Membership’s representatives and
their votes are made with the best interests
of the Membership at heart. Their votes
are to be recommended to the Membership for their support in such instances of
capital expenditures in excess of $750. We
are asking our Horseshoe Lake Community to come together in the historic spirit
of Community. Similar in years past, when
Americans used to come together to help
“Raise the Neighbors’ Barns.” We are asking for the same kind of support of expenditures for the repairs of this very much
needed bridge, and integral component of
our community’s infrastructure.
This new positive direction that the current board is attempting, by unifying its
Membership instead of dividing it, promotes good will toward one another, toward our fellow residents, and neighbors
within our community. Some would instead choose to continue to pit one subdivision against another. We are all incorporated under one umbrella—the Horseshoe
Lake Corporation! We are all on the same
Team! We should all be working toward
the betterment of our community, rather
than toward its detriment. Some would
rather constantly cite excuses why nothing can be attempted, nothing can be improved, and nothing can be accomplished,
which sadly has been the philosophical
approach of the previous leadership. We
are the new leadership promoting positive
action, and we are asking you to join us in
rebuilding our community into all that it
can become!
g. A bank loan, assuming a realistic competitive bid of approximately $20,000 t to
repair the bridge, would equate to costing
each resident about $10 per household,
(principal and interest), over a five year
period, ($50). Of their $50 annual HLC
dues, the bridge repair would use $10 of the
amount per year over a five year period to
cover the cost of this capital improvement.
This would leave $40, each of those same
five years to be applied toward upgrading
the boat launch, beautification of the lake
easements, and other initiatives the board
would recommend embarking upon during those same years. This $40 is still double
the $20/year that the HLC has been used to
having these past 15 years to address all of
its needs. After the five year loan has been
repaid, then the HLC would return to having $50/year to use on its behalf.
This routine, common day approach to
financing this capital improvement seems
to be the most agreeable to the vast majority of residents that we have polled on this
issue. It allows their money to stay in their
pockets, does not require them to pay anything additional to what they already pay,
and accomplishes this critical repair in
one season. Rather than trying to stretch
it out over many years, which would only
increase our risk of injury, exposure to resulting law suits, and increased insurance
premiums.
These are the reasons for the membership to support this expenditure and financing plan for repair of the Schrum
Bridge. We believe that through our recent
accomplishments we have earned the support of the majority of our HLC members.
These accomplishments also include removing the safety hazard of the dangerously placed mailboxes off of Main Street
and relocating them to their respective
house fronts in the Shady Beach subdivision for their residents’ convenience and
improved quality of life.
We are striving to have our HLC membership come together in the true sense of
community to approve the expenditure
for this bridge repair. We believe this is the
right action to take, and our obligation toward one another as neighbors and fellow
residents of one united Horseshoe Lake
Community!
www.courantonline.com • 9
Expanding Horizons
Phyllis Stillman
Contributing Writer
Last month I started telling you about
Lake Titicaca, which borders on Peru and
Bolivia, and the floating Uros Islands. The
Uros are descended from people who were
in the area before the Incas.
They started living on floating
islands for defense -- if trouble
arose, they could move their
whole village. The islands themselves, as well as almost everything on them including their
boats, are constructed using
tortora reeds which grow naturally in Lake
Titicaca. The islands require quite a bit of
upkeep: They must be resurfaced 4 times
a year, as the reeds are tramped down into
the water and rot, and a totally new island
must be built about every 30 years. Some
of the islands are designated “toilet islands”
to which people row when they have to go,
providing fertilizer for the reeds.
The Uros have several sources of income. Nowadays, tourism is probably the
biggest, but they also sell reeds which contain iodine in the roots and a form of coffee in the flowers, and fish. As I indicated
last month, their culture is about to disappear as their children are educated and abandon the islands
and the island lifestyle.
After visiting the Uros Islands, we went to a natural island, Taquile. The people there
also live a traditional lifestyle,
wearing traditional clothing.
Most of their homes have no electricity or
indoor plumbing, although some families
who host tourists have modernized, mostly using solar panels to generate electricity. The island is really just a big hill, which
you must climb if you want to visit a village. About half way up, we stopped at a
restaurant to have a simple outdoor meal
of very fresh fish. After a hard climb to the
top, we came to one of the villages on the
island which houses a knitting/weaving
co-op. On Taquile, the women weave and
the men knit, and they are known for their
excellent textile work. After the long climb
back down the hill, we returned to Puno.
Since Puno is known as one of the folklore capitals of Peru, Denise and I decided
to go to a dinner show. It was a crowded
affair. People sit at communal tables, but
order off a menu. Denise and I were seated
next to the stage, so we had a great view
of the show. There were five musicians and
a number of dancers. It was quite a show,
with dances from many different regions
of Peru, all with extravagant costumes.
During an intermission, one of the musicians came around selling CDs. When we
said we didn’t want one, he pulled out a
small tray indicating we should give them
some money, not a pleasant experience. It’s
clear throughout Peru that a lot of people
Photo by Phyllis Stillman.
depend on tourists for their livelihood. I
understand, but I prefer my support to be
a bit more voluntary.
The next morning we flew back to Lima
to begin the final leg of our journey -- Paracas, my beach break.
©2015 Phyllis Kreger Stillman. Phyllis
may be contacted at [email protected].
10 • The Courant • March 2015
EDITORIAL
Love America?
Gary Wellings
Chief Editor
Rudy Giuliani has taken some flak for
his comments about Barack Hussein
Obama not loving America.
You can give me some flak too
if you wish because I whole
heartedly endorse those comments. When pressed on the
comments Rudy didn’t back
down but instead like a true
leader, he explained it.
The America most of us
grew up in is not the America Barack
grew up in. In fact Barack spent some
of his formative years out of the coun-
try as a youth. After his self-described
socialist mother divorced his Kenyan
father who also happened to be a Socialist, she married another Muslim
man from Indonesia. Lolo Soetoro, his
step father enrolled Barack at
schools in Indonesia. Barack
also had mentors like socialist Frank Marshall Davis and
America hater Reverend Jeremiah Wright. Not a typical
American life.
I believe Barack loves what
he wants America to be. That’s
a problem for many of us. Most Americans still basically love America as it
was founded and as it has grown and
what it stood for. It’s a place of freedom
where ideas, good and bad are welcomed. Where hard work and common
sense can get you ahead in life…sometimes, there are no guarantees here or
any other country on this planet.
When he was elected Barack Hussein Obama said that he would fundamentally transform America. That’s not
love. Have you tried to fundamentally
transform your wife/husband, girlfriend/boyfriend or other person you
supposedly love? If you have, I’m betting it didn’t turn out well.
As human beings you don’t really
love something if you want to fundamentally change it but Barack stated
those words with forceful pride. Barack
Hussein Obama doesn’t love America,
he loves the version of America that
he’s changing us into. That’s pretty selfish and that certainly isn’t love.
In the end actions speak louder than
words and by any measure the actions
of this President over the last six years
doesn’t show love for this country.
Rudy Giuliani prefaced his comments about the President with these
words. He said “This is a horrible thing
to say.” That’s very profound. You see,
it’s not horrible that Rudy said it; the
real horror is that we actually have to
say it.
Cooking With Carrie
Carrie Pachal
Contributing Writer
I am all about shortcuts in the
kitchen. During the busier work
weeks, I am thankful for
anything that helps me pull
together healthy meal ideas
quickly. On both Sundays
and Wednesdays, I usually
spend a couple hours prepping meats and veggies for
the next few days’ worth of
dining. I swear, the only time
I relax with a glass of wine to
cook a truly elaborate meal is a Friday
or Saturday night!
The following recipe is the base
that I use for breakfast as well as a
quick lunch or dinner. The hash reheats beautifully so you never feel like
you’re eating boring leftovers. Brownbaggers, rejoice!
See you again next month! In the
meantime, if you’re on Facebook and
interested, feel free to “like” my community page for more frequent ideas. Just search for
“Cooking with Carrie Too”.
I can be reached at carrie.
[email protected] as well.
SWEET POTATO HASH,
TWO WAYS
Servings: 6-8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: Approximately 45 minutes
Ingredients:
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, any kind, diced
• 1 large or 2 medium sweet potatoes,
cut into 1” pieces
• 4 large or 6 medium red potatoes, cut
into 1” pieces
• Salt and pepper, to taste
(for breakfast hash)
• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 dozen eggs
• Sprinkle of dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste
(for lunch/dinner hash)
• 1 pound smoked kielbasa
• 1 bunch fresh spinach, washed and
trimmed.
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• Sprinkle of crushed red pepper
Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 375. In a large mix-
ing bowl, coat onion and all potatoes with olive oil. Spread evenly
into a glass casserole dish and bake
for about 45 minutes (or until potatoes are fork-tender but not mushy).
2. For breakfast / brunch hash: brown
pork in a large skillet over medium
heat until cooked through; drain.
Return skillet to heat, crack in
the dozen eggs, and sprinkle with
thyme. Keep stirring until fluffy and
cooked through, about 10 minutes.
Serve over sweet potato hash.
3. For lunch / dinner hash: cut kielbasa
into 1” “coins” and place into large
skillet over medium heat, flipping
after 8 minutes. Add spinach, red
pepper, minced garlic, and crushed
red pepper, cooking about 8 minutes more. Serve over sweet potato
hash.
www.courantonline.com • 11
The Resolutionist
Amy Scholls
Contributing Writer
Dear Resolutionist,
My condo building has a strict noise
policy, but my neighbor’s dog barks all
day long and then abruptly stops when
the owner gets home from
work. Because the noise policy
prohibits excessive noise from
10pm-7am (mostly during the
night), the dog’s incessant barking is “technically” not prohibited. I work from home though,
so the barking is consistently
interfering with my productivity all day long. I’m not sure how
to handle this, since the conflict is technically due to my own work arrangement I
suppose. Suggestions?
-Sincerely, Distracted by Dog
Dear Distracted by Dog,
Whether it’s a person needing to
work from home or a mom trying to
get her baby to nap, noise ordinances
often fail to protect tenants during the
daytime! However, that doesn’t mean
you have to continue to agonize. I recommend that you immediately
draft a very polite (yet concise)
letter to the neighbor and explain the issue. Honestly, the
neighbor may be completely
unaware of how bad the dog’s
barking is during the daytime
(perhaps the pet has some
separation anxiety that the
owner has never witnessed). If
brought to his/her attention, the issue
may be something that the owner is
embarrassed by and willing to address
(perhaps via moving the dog’s crate
to a different room or even taking the
dog to a “doggy daycare” during the
day). Remember though, people’s pets
are often loved like children, so avoid
making the dog itself sound like the issue (rather, emphasize his/her barking
and perhaps even add-in a comment
or two about how sweet the dog is
otherwise).
You may also need to audio record
the issue in case the conflict escalates
and you need to prove how distracting
the barking is during your working
hours (you could use your phone to
record the barking for a few moments
during the day, several days in a row);
that way you’ll have some support in
case the neighbor fails to believe you
and/or in case you have to take the
issue to the condo-board. Regardless
of the hours of the noise policy, you
should be able to file a complaint of
some sort if the issue is unresolvable
Crazy Is As Crazy Does
Michael Goodell
Contributing Writer
In a surprising policy shift, the
White House spent last weekend
talking up terrorism. Department of
Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary
Jeh Johnson turned to CNN to warn
Americans that terrorists want to blow
up their malls. In terms eerily similar
to vice president Joe Biden’s Swine Flu
counsel, Johnson said, “If anyone is
planning to go to the Mall of America
today, they’ve got to be particularly
careful.”
Why this sudden pivot from “nothing to see here, folks” to “the sky is falling?” After all, this is the same administration which just last week thought a
progressive jobs program would eliminate “Violent Extremism.” This comes
from a president whose views of Islamic Terrorism have evolved to the
point where it has become known as
the hate that dare not speak its name.
Though one hopes this isn’t a cynical political ploy, this is the Obama administration. Does this bid to foment
panic have anything to do with the fact
that DHS funding is due to expire next
week if Congress can’t reach an agreement? Could they really be so despicable as to terrify an entire nation solely
to make Republicans look bad?
They say the definition of insanity
is to continually attribute a particular
definition of insanity to Albert Ein-
stein when nobody knows for sure
who said it first. Another definition of
insanity is the Cruz Caucus of the Republican Party. These are people who
will play the same procedural card -shutting down all or part of the government -- over and over, expecting a
different outcome.
Having grown bored with shutting
down the entire government, this time
the Cruz Caucus decided to just shut
down the Department of Homeland
Security. Within the realm of brilliance, this qualifies as a supernova.
Confronted by a president whose
foreign policy can most charitably be
described as feckless, whose tap dancing around Islam makes even those
not given to fever swamp speculation
wonder where his loyalties actually lie,
the Cruz Caucus has taken the only
action which makes the president look
strong on national security.
It is so unfathomable, one wonders
exactly who is the Manchurian Candidate here. Is it the president, whom
many still insist was born to alien creatures occupying an abandoned nuclear
power plant in Springfield, Oregon, or
is it Ted Cruz, who was born in Canada?
No matter, because any action which
gives aid and comfort to this president
is unconscionable. Now, you may wish
to argue that in fact it isn’t the Cruz
Caucus threatening to shut down
Homeland Security, but Senate Demo-
crats, who though a minority, have sufficient votes to prevent cloture. If you
were to argue thus, you would be correct, as far as the facts are concerned.
But when it comes to who gets
blamed for government shutdowns,
facts don’t matter. When Bill Clinton
vetoed two consecutive GOP budgets,
leading to the government shutdown
in 1995, who got the blame? Not the
president who with the stroke of his
pen actually shut down the government, but Newt Gingrich, the Republican Speaker of the House.
In 2013 Senate Democrats refused to
vote on continuing resolutions which
would fund the government in lieu
of an actual budget. Who got blamed
for this? The GOP. So too this time
around. Shortly after the 2014 wave
election, House Republicans agreed to
fund the Department of Homeland Security for just three months, reasoning
they would have more flexibility after
the new Senate was seated. They singled out DHS not because they wanted
to let the president pretend he actually
gave a damn about American security,
but because it houses US Citizenship
and Immigration Services (USCIS),
which has the brief to implement the
president’s legally questionable new
amnesty program.
Of course even a cursory glance at
Senate rules would have shown that
even after the wave election, Democrats still retained the power of the
via more congenial means. The condoboard is partially there to maintain the
property value, and excessive noise
(even during the day) may be something that they care about from that
standpoint. First things first, assume
the best of the neighbor and attempt to
resolve the issue with him/her first.
~The Resolutionist
Amy holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in psychology with a specialty in conflict
resolution and mediation. She is currently working on her doctorate in
psychology with a specialty in conflict
resolution and mediation. Amy is a
lifetime member of Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology
and a member of the American Psychological Association.
filibuster. They could block any bill
defunding USCIS. If the Cruz Caucus
stick to their guns, which they always
do, until just after it’s too late, then the
DHS will be defunded, and Jeh Johnson can release more terror videos and
point to the GOP saying “These people
want to see you die!”
Insane, you might suggest. Perhaps,
if facts had anything to do with it. But
again, when it comes to government
shutdowns, facts have nothing to do
with it. The dominant media’s narrative is that government shutdowns are
always the Republicans’ fault. Someone needs to tell the Cruz Caucus,
“You can’t win.”
Oh, sure, the base knows what you’re
doing, and why, and they support you
on this. The problem is, you already
have the base, and it’s not that big. It’s
the whole mass of Middle America,
who get their news in snippets between episodes of “The Bachelorette,”
who know who really shut down the
government: the Republicans.
It may not be true, but if the overwhelming majority believes it, it is the
truth. It is the truth, and it hurts your
cause and you are insane if you keep
doing the same thing over and over
and expect the Democrats to get the
blame.
Buy my new novel REBOUND, for
$17.99 from http://www.whitebirdpublications.com, or for just $5.99 on Kindle or Nook.
ADVERTISE WITH THE COURANT
SALESPEOPLE WANTED!
Gary Wellings 734.629.6010
Great Opportunity! 734.629.6010
Ask The Mechanic
FRONT END RUMBLING & GROWLING
Q. I have a 2002 Dodge Dakota 4X4. When driving
straight or turning right I hear a rumbling/growling
noise. The noise goes away when turning left. It
sounds like it is coming from the front end and more
on the right side, I think. What could this be?
“Sid”
S.M.A.R.T.
Auto Repair
10570 Hall Road
Whitmore Lake, MI
(810) 231-9655
A. This is most likely a bad wheel bearing causing
this noise. You will need to jack up the front wheels
and check for any movement in the wheel by trying
to move it in at the top and out at the bottom going
back and forth but sometimes we have to run the
vehicle on the hoist and listen with a stethoscope to
pinpoint the exact cause when there is no obvious
play in the wheel bearing. They can be tricky as far as
sounding like a right side when it is actually the left,
or vise versa. That is why we double check them with
the stethoscope.
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12 • The Courant • March 2015
GRIFFITH VETERINARY HOSPITAL
240 Jennings Rd., Whitmore Lake, MI 48189
(U.S. 23 at Barker Road)
(734) 449-PETS (7387)
DR. BARBARA J. GRIFFITH - WATKINS
M 8-6 T 8-6 W 8-6 Th 8-6 F 8-6 Sat 8-12
Classifieds
JOIN THE ORIGINAL
SOCIAL NETWORK!
SENIOR NUTRITION
PROGRAM ASSISTANT
Northfield Township Community
Center. Part-time, 12-17 hrs./wk.
$13.85/hr. No benefits. Resumes accepted until position filled. See our
web site for full details www.twpnorthfield.org. Send resume & cover
letter to [email protected]
Connect with the people in your
community & earn money doing it!
Become a part of the Courant ad sales team!
For more info call
734.629.6010
PATRONIZE OUR CUSTOMERS!
The Courant is a FREE community newspaper serving Washtenaw, Livingston, and
Oakland counties. One way you can support our publication is to patronize our
advertisers. So the next time you visit one
of the many local businesses, tell them you
saw their ad in The Courant.
Thanks for your continued support!
Travis Talk Vaccines, Liberty, Ignorance
Travis Flores
Contributing Writer
Presidential hopefuls Chris Christie
and Rand Paul decided recently to comment on vaccines. Christie saying that
parents deserve some balance of the
decision making for vaccinations, while
Paul commented that vaccines should be
voluntary. Both Christie and Paul point
to a principle of liberty, implying that we
should have the freedom to not vaccinate
our children.
I will also start by saying that they both
agree that vaccines are a good thing, but
I find their liberty arguments to be un-
justified. Their arguments seem to simply state that the world would be a better
place if all children were vaccinated, but
its not the governments place to make
the world a better place.
Political Philosopher John Stuart Mill
once wrote “The right to swing your fist
ends as the other person’s nose begins”
Freedoms are obviously an important
part of democracy, but it is not true liberty when your own freedoms begin to
impinge on the lives of others.
From the Unitarians, to christian scientist, to the unscientific “natural” health
views of the overly liberal, these people
with their enigmatic virtues create un-
Ask The Vet. . .
Nutritional Supplements
Barb Griffith-Watkins
Contributing Writer
Q. My dog got into an entire bottle of
500 tablets of Glucosamine supplement
for arthritis. I assumed that, since it was
just a supplement and not medicine, it
was okay. Bottom line: he almost died.
After an expensive emergency visit, and
lots of medication, he is okay now. I had
no idea there was a toxic level of that
type of thing.
ADVERTISE WITH
Gary Wellings
734.629.6010
A. Yes, that is probably a common misunderstanding. Most supplements are
safe at recommended dosages, but can
be toxic at high levels. Consult a veterinarian as soon as a mishap like that
occurs. In some cases, you may be encouraged to induce vomiting to avoid
toxicities, if caught early enough.
Ask the Vet is brought to you by Dr. Barbara Griffith-Watkins, Griffith Veterinary
Hospital, 240 Jennings Rd., Whitmore
Lake. (734) 449-PETS (7387).
necessary pain for society as a whole.
Whooping cough, almost an extinct disease has returned to levels not seen since
the presidency of Dwight D Eisenhower.
Let’s address the most common argument against vaccines, the chance that
your child will develop autism. This belief stems from a study in the UK performed by doctor Andrew Wakefield.
Popular science reports that not only has
Wakefield’s study been retracted for pure
fabrication of data, his medical license
has been rescinded, and he seems to have
tried to discredit vaccines for the purpose of creating his own, safer vaccine.
The effects of this fraudulent study
Travis Flores can be reached at tflores@
live.com
LEO's MAGIC GRID
by
Leo Tschirhart
X
X
X
Y
W
Each of the four
Here
is the
columns
haveanswer
letters
to
lasthave
month's
which
been
Puzzle.
assigned numerical
values. From what is
given find the ? sum.
SALESPEOPLE WANTED!
Connect with the people
in your community
& earn money doing it!
were that the British immunization rates
dropped from 92 percent to 73, and an
estimated 125,000 U.S. children from
the late nineties were not immunized.
In 2008 90 percent of measles cases were
found in children who had been unvaccinated.
There are no good reasons to not vaccinate, children. Diseases are reborn
from the scientific ignorance of the few,
and should not be spread by buzz words
and campaign slogans about liberty.
X
X
X
Z
X
W
Y
Z
X
X
X
X
X
Z
W
27 27
?
30
B
B
Look for the answer to
this puzzle next month.
734.629.6010
A
The average response time to 911 is 23 minutes.
Only $99 certifies you to get your CPL.
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1 8
2 7
2 5 3 6
Here is the answer to
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C
Be Prepared. CALL NOW!
A
A
B
8 5
2 7 4
1 6 3
1 3 4 2
4 8 5 1
B
2 4
1 3
4 1 7 8
3 2
6 8 1
5 7 4
C
8 5 6 7
7 6 2 3
www.courantonline.com • 13
From the Lyon's Den
Tedd Wallace
Contributing Writer
South Lyon junior baseball has seen a huge
comeback in recent years. They have approximately 1500 players! Recently, the city and
baseball board combined their
resources on a beautiful new field
and refurbished another field in
McHattie Park downtown. It’s a
beautiful complex geared towards
8 to 10 year-olds. The league sorely
needs more fields; they also need
more umpires, and have put out a
call to hire some. Information on this can be
found at the South Lyon Junior League website,
www.SLJL.com.
Even 50 years ago it was hard to find umpires. Dick Workman was trying to keep junior baseball afloat back then practically by
himself. He was so desperate, he asked me to
run the umpire division. I’ve always been up to
challenges involving my hometown, but why
would this look desperate, you ask? I was in
the eighth grade! It was up to me to find fourteen umpires, train them, schedule them, and
handle upset parents. I guess not much has
changed in my career.
I took it to heart, and went all out. Dick gave
me a chalk liner on wheels but the league had
no chalk lime, so I took buckets and walked
through the woods from my house on Orchard Ridge to the railroad tracks (Mud Lake
area) where I had seen piles of white sand that
had fallen off of the trains. I filled both buckets
and carried them back over fallen tree logs and
briars, and through mosquito-laden air. My
mom drove me to the fields where I lined the
foul lines. I also took our push reel mower and
mowed the infields – no easy task. My mom
loved sports and thought that my
effort was special.
One game I umpired had my
younger brother pitching. In a
six inning game he had 15 strikeouts, two groundouts to him and
a popup caught. It was a perfect
no hit game. The opposing coach
approached me and said “You called a good
game. It wasn’t your fault we were no hit”. I was
relieved he wasn’t approaching me with a ball
bat in hand!
Getting involved in youth sports has its
merits. I wish more people would set their social media aside, and get out there and help out.
Nothing beats the joyful noises of happy children playing. I’ll never forget how one player
lost a leg at four years old and six years later he
was still struggling to walk on his new leg, but
wanted to play. When he was at bat, he finally
hit the ball and both teams’ players started to
scream, “Run, run!” and he safely made it to
first base. Parents on both sides had tears in
their eyes. Come on folks, let’s get involved!
Tedd Wallace is the Mayor of South Lyon and
can be reached by email at [email protected].
Jack's Corner
Jack Belisle
Contributing Writer
According to the President, what the
Islamic terrorist groups ISIS and ISIL are
doing in the Middle East is no different
than what Christians did during the Medieval Crusades. Take that, all you smalltown people who “cling to your guns and
religion.”
The crucifixions, decapitations, burning people alive, kids killed for watching
soccer, mass slaughters in open graves are
no different than King Richard the Lionheart and his Knights being dispatched
by the Pope to the Holy Land to protect
Christians who were being crucified and
decapitated by Muslim Turks. Who could
possibly not see the similarities between
ISIS, ISIL and Richard the Lionheart.
After the recent oil tanker derailment,
explosions and oil spill in West Virginia
that followed a massive derailment/explosion in Casselton ND, do you suppose railroad magnate Warren Buffet will finally
give the green light for the President to approve the Keystone Pipeline in the interest
of public safety? Nah, didn’t think so!
If you’re a white American in 2040
you’ll officially be a minority if Census Bureau projections pan out. Just think of it.
If you’re offended by something or someone, you’ll be able to claim discrimination
or racism and rail against brown privilege.
The only difference is, nobody will be listening to you.
Now that Scott Walker is stirring up
talk about a Presidential bid, the liberal hit
squad has been unleashed. First up: Walker did not finish college. Apparently non
college grads can’t measure up to liberal
elites indoctrinated at schools like Columbia and Harvard. The exception of course
is liberal non-grads like Bill Gates, Warren
Buffett, Mark Zuckerberg, Harry Truman
and nine other Presidents.
If Walker continues trending positive,
we might even see a Marquette University
co-ed step forward hand-in-hand with attorney Gloria Aldred tearfully telling her
tale of sexual harassment at the hands of
Walker 25 years ago. That tactic stopped
Herman Cain cold when he was gaining
traction for a Presidential run in 2011.
They might even “discover” he’s a good
friend of Jeffrey Epstein, underage prostitute provider to the rich and famous. Epstein took the 5th during his trial for soliciting underage prostitutes when asked if
he was friends with Bill Clinton, protecting Clinton from having to testify.
Cartoon by William Barrel
Speaking of the Clintons, when Hillary was caught lying about dodging sniper
fire on an airfield in Bosnia in 1996, she
claimed she misspoke. When she was
caught telling a false narrative about a
video causing the death of four Americans
in Benghazi, she shot back indignantly “At
this point, what difference does it make?”
There’s a lot more where that came from.
“Hillary Clinton the Movie” is still up on
YouTube. It’ll probably disappear if she decides to run. Watch it while you still can.
Not to be outdone, Bill Clinton continued the family tradition by lying about having sex with White House intern Monica Lewinsky, when his DNA on her dress proved
otherwise. His law license was suspended for
lying under oath to Congress. Looking back,
he should have just claimed light-headedness impaired his memory when blood
rushed from his brain elsewhere.
Income inequality is not a problem in the
eyes of some. It’s a central tenet of the transformation Obama promised on the campaign trail in 2008. He’s engineering more
dependency on government redistribution
in an effort to establish the voting bloc of
“welfare recipients and working poor” he
envisioned in a 1998 speech at Loyola University. Creating more immigrant voters
through amnesty is a big part of it.
It mirrors the Marxist vision of the late
Frank Marshall Davis, a close friend of
Obama’s grandfather Stanley Dunham.
Davis mentored Obama, at Dunham’s request, during his formative middle and
high school years while living with his
grandfather in Hawaii. Davis was a member of the Communist Party USA under
FBI surveillance for 19 years. He wrote
for the Communist newspaper the Honolulu Record. Prior to that he worked at
the Chicago Star where he was a colleague
of Vernon Jarrett, father-in-law of current
Obama confidante Valerie Jarrett. Small
world, isn’t it?
When WWII ended, Europe imported
cheap labor from cultures hostile to Western values to help rebuild their countries.
They’re now paying the price as thousands
have turned into millions wanting to live
as parallel civilizations, with their own set
of rules.
The Brits and Germans have already acquiesced to incorporating parts of sharia
law into their legal systems. Canadian and
U. S. courts are being pressured as well.
For decades America has been vilified for
trying to impose its values on other parts
of the world, but it’s OK when other parts
of the world want to impose their values
on us.
Your comments are welcomed and could
be referenced in future columns. Email [email protected].
14 • The Courant • March 2015
www.courantonline.com • 15
16 • The Courant • March 2015