BIZ

January 2010 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion 1

What’s the Happy New Year!

Orion Style
Jan. 2010 Vol. 3 #11

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Local business takes time to help community

Customers at the Orion Culver’s had a chance to pose with Santa last month when the big guy stopped by to help Culver’s
owner Joe Zimmer and his crew collect food to help support the Lake Orion Lions’ 2009 Christmas Basket Program. And, as a
‘thank-you,’ everyone who brought in food items received a free Culver’s ButterBurger. Yum!
2 What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion -- January 2010
Healthy? Get coverage now
As we continue our discussion of
supplemental voluntary benefits, this
month we are going to look at two types
of benefits that may
be implemented indi-
vidually and through
employers. These
two types of benefits
relate to cancer and
accidents.
As we discussed
last month, all major
medical plans have
gaps.
Yes, these plans Anita Gates
cover many of your Delventhal is owner
direct costs (thank of AG Consulting
goodness) however, Services in Orion
did you ever think Township.
about the indirect
costs they don’t cover like your
deductibles and coinsurance, loss of
wages, travel to and from treatment cen-
ters, lodging and meals, child care and the
list goes on.
These indirect costs are about 62 per-
cent of the cost you will pay out of pocket
where your major medical only covers
about 38 percent of direct costs.
Your QuickBooks, Tax &
Benefits Center
3 Divisions To Provide You
The Best Services In Our Areas Of Expertise
1. Your Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor
2. Your Tax Planning & Preparation Advisor
3. Your Benefits Counselor
AGCS
is Answers with Guidance while
Committed to providing winning Solutions
We will always return your call
248-393-0403
Tax & Financial Resource Center
248-393-0403
www.agconsultingservices.com
Here are two difficult questions which
you need to ask yourself, “What would
my family do if I was diagnosed with can-
cer yesterday?” And “How would my fam-
ily survive financially?”
Truly, I know these are really hard
questions but I have seen the emotional
and financial devastation this disease puts
on families.
Last month alone, I know 5 people
who died from cancer ranging in ages from
5 to 80.
Many were diagnosed with this dis-
ease less than 18 months ago.
Putting a cancer policy in place for
you and your family should be at the top
of your list and have the following ben-
efits: cancer screening, hospital confine-
ment, ambulance trips, treatment as an In
or outpatient, transportation and lodging
including companion, surgical procedure
benefits and extended care.
Sometimes you can get additional rid-
ers of additional coverage also.
Another benefit that should be in place
for you and your family is an accident
policy.
We all have kids that play sports, some
of you have kids that drive to school, many
Your QuickBooks,
of you are self-employed and/or play
sports yourself. Orion Area Chamber of Commerce
Did you ever think, “What would
happen to my family financially if I was 2009 Chamber Leadership
injured while playing sports or driving
around while I’m off the job (and on the
job for those who are self-employed)?” President
When you are looking at an accident Elizabeth Meyer
policy you should look for these benefits: Genisys Credit Union
surgical care, transportation and lodging,
accident hospital care, follow-up care, Vice President
catastrophic loss, accidental death and dis- Norm McKee
memberment benefits. McKee & Company
These policies also have riders for
additional coverage not included in the base Treasurer
policy. Alice Young, CPA
When people are healthy, they need to
put these tools in place to take care of their Secretary
families. We all have a financial responsi- Loretta Spatafore
bility to our families. uSellOnline
You can’t tell me, “It will never hap-
pen to me” or “I’m already covered” un- Directors
less you have one of these policies in place.
Martha Bergquist
Most people don’t have enough sav-
ings to pay for the indirect costs that come Coffee News
with these devastating events. Carl Cyrowski
A few things we need to remember
Michigan Global Solutions LLC
is, cancer and accidents don’t care how
old we are, who we are, or anything else Theresa Fiorani
about us. Both can strike anyone at any- Canoe Circle Graphics
time.
Make sure this holiday season you give Bill Kokoenos
your family extra hugs and kisses. I know
I will.
_________________________________________
Orion Senior Center
James Porritt
Anita Gates Delventhal is President
& CEO of A.G. Consulting Services Inc.
Attorney at Law
She has more than 25 years in the account- Neal Porter
Vette Products
ing and tax industries. She has recently
received an award from Biltmore Who’s
Who as an Honored VIP Member for 2009- Rosemary Rangi
2010 because of her outstanding leader- Crittenton Medical Equipment
ship and achievement in her profession and
industry. Do not hesitate to contact Anita
Bill Reiss
at 248-393-0403, by email at Lake Orion Community Schools
anita@agconsultingservices.com or visit Linda Sickles
her website and resource center at
www.agconsultingservices.com. Orion Township Public Library
Monica Squarcia
National City Bank /PNC
Have some Lake Orion Craig Zmijewski
business news to share AAA Michigan
with the community?
Send information and Orion Area Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 484
photos to Lake Orion, MI 48361
248-693-6300
lakeorionreview@sbcglobal.net info@lakeorionchamber.com
www.lakeorionchamber.com

Briefly
Welcome new
members
The Orion area Chamber of
Commerce extends a warm welcome
to American House Village and John
P. Blake, DDS, both approved at our
last board meeting.
Cell phones for
soldiers
National Storage Center on
Waldon Road and Brown Road are
teaming up to help our soldiers receive
cell phones.
They have joined with Cell Phones
For Soldiers to help provide a drop
off location for our community to help
our soldiers call home. Bring your un-
wanted cell phones to National Stor-
age Center to contribute to the effort.
Call National Storage Center at
248-393-1307 for info.
Charity low on
essential items
Love In the Name of Christ of
North Oakland County (Love INC)
is in great need of household goods,
especially dishes, pots, pans, tow-
els, sheets (twin size white or cream
preferred), and small appliances for
its household goods ministry.
Donations accepted Tuesday
and Thursday mornings from 9 un-
til noon at Christ the King Church at
1550 W. Drahner Rd. in Oxford.
The Little Luxuries Ministry (also
located at Christ the King Church)
provides everyday necessities such
as soap, cologne and perfume and
personal items.
The Clothing Closet provides
clothing for adults and children.
It is located at St. Mary’s in the
Hills Episcopal Church at 2512
Joslyn Rd. – Lake Orion, next to
Canterbury Village.
Donations accepted Tuesday
and Thursday mornings from 9 un-
til noon.
January 2010 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion 3
Orion Area Chamber of Commerce
What’s happening at the Chamber?
A message from Elizabeth Meyers, president
Seasons Greetings from the Orion drop off location for our community to the Orion Township, UAW Local 5960,
Area Chamber. We have had a good help our soldiers call home. Bring your Fox2 News and Hired on the Spot.
year and look forward to an even better unused cell phones to National Storage The event will take place Jan. 27, 2010
one in 2010. Center to contribute to this worthwhile at the UAW Local 5960 Hall on Silverbell
This year has been effort. Call National Storage Center at and Lapeer, from 12-5 p.m.
challenging for many 248-393-1307 for info. Hired on the Spot is working with em-
of our members and
the community as a
It is hard for us to stop, take a deep
breath and realized how blessed we are.
ployers looking for employees.
Look for more details in the near fu-
whole. ture.
Cell Phones for Sol-
diers
During this season take a moment to
be thankful.
The Monday Morning Motivator is a
great way to stay up to date on Chamber
National Storage This is my last president’s letter. In events.
Center on Waldon January we will have new officers of the The emailed newsletter goes out ev-
Road and Brown Road board. The last two years we have ery other week and contains all the lat-
are teaming up to help Elizabeth Meyer, worked as a team to help our member- est information. If you’re not currently
our soldiers receive President ship grow. We are in a transition now receiving the Monday Morning Motiva-
cell phones. They Orion Area Chamber and will soon be even better. tor, just send us your e-mail and we will
Genisys Credit Union
have joined with Cell We have an exciting event coming up. add you to our list.
Phones For Soldiers to help provide a We are coordinating a job fair along with Have a safe and Happy Holiday!
Chamber Awards 2009 Businessperson of the Year
The Orion Area Chamber of Com-
merce awarded General Manager John
Cooper of Golling Buick its “Business
Person of the Year” award Dec. 3 at their
monthly membership luncheon.
Cooper was selected by a Chamber
committee as the member who, during
the past year, best demonstrated the true
commitment to the mission of the Cham-
ber and who has made a significant con-
tribution to both the business and local
community.
Cooper arrived at Golling two and a
half years ago from Ohio.
Since that time, he has been an ac-
tive and avid promoter of Orion area
events, with the support and insistence
of Mr. Golling himself.
Mr. Cooper has worked with the
Orion Area Parade Group and hosts their Orion area Chamber President Elizabeth Meyer shares a smile alongside John
annual Holly Jolly Folly fundraising event, Cooper, General Manager of Golling Buick and William Golling, owner.
works with the Senior Center and spon-
sors their Classic Car Show, supports the year’s recipient to attain. The Chamber The Orion Area Chamber of Com-
Lake Orion Boys Youth Baseball League congratulates Mr. Cooper and thanks him merce is a local organization dedicated
and the Lake Orion Girls Softball League, for his dedication and service to the Lake to supporting the business community in
as well as other community events and Orion community. the Orion Area. For more information
activities. Nominations for the 2010 Business about the OACC, please visit their
Mr. Cooper received a plaque from Person of the Year award will be ac- website at www.lakeorionchamber.com
the Chamber and sets a high bar for next cepted in late 2010. or call 248-693-6300.
4 What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion -- January 2010

Cook-to-own: Revere’s in new hands

By Don Rush
Sometimes life is circular in motion -- just ask
Tiffany Turnbull.
For 30 years, Revere’s Mexican Restaurant was
a favorite destination for residents of Oxford and
Orion.
It was started, owned, operated, closed and then
reborn in Lake Orion (behind the Taco Bell on the
west side of M-24, south of Heights Road) under
the direction of Larry Laidler. When Turnbull was
15 she started cooking in Revere’s kitchen.
Today, she has found her niche in the world. Her
life has come full circle.
While she still cooks, she’s no longer just the cook
of Revere’s. You can now call her, “owner.”
“I love it,” she says. “I love cooking. I love it
when people come in and say, ‘it smells really good
in here.’ I love working with the public. I love jok-
ing with the employees. I love it.”
With the backing of her parents, Brad and Debbie
Bertram, Turnbull took over ownership of Revere’s
a year ago.
“Business has been good. It’s been a good ex-
perience. We see new customers all the time
and people -- customers from the old Revere’s
-- come in from all over once they hear we’re
back in business,” she said.
And, while ownership has changed, the reci-
pes and customer favorites for the carry out
restaurant are still the same (nachos, titanicos
and the burrito supremes).
During the past year, Turnbull and her staff
of five have made cleanliness a priority, and
she is proud to say, Revere’s has received per-
fect scores from county health inspectors.
Future plans for Revere’s are to expand for
dining-in “Everybody is requesting it,” she said.
Revere’s is open Monday through Friday,
11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and on Sunday, from noon
to 9 p.m.
Delivery in the Orion-Oxford area is free
for orders over $30. Turnbull also can cater a
party of event with two or three days notice.
For more information, or to order you own
nacho, call 248-693-9051 Tiffany Turnbull, left and Ally Minch with Revere’s num-
ber one seller -- a large nacho. Photo by Don Rush

Building self-esteem, strength and dreams at Stars and Stripes

At Stars and Stripes, our mission has
always been to build self-esteem, strength
and dreams. We provide a safe and kind
environment where the “child” comes
first.
The amazing, talented instructors at
Stars & Stripes will do just that. We do
not measure our success by the number
of trophies on our shelves, but by the
smiling faces that walk through our
doors.
We hope that some of the life les-
sons learned from gymnastics will be
such things as: confidence, leadership,
self-motivation, lifelong fitness knowl-
edge and team work.
Not all facilities are created equal.
Do they have . . . Educated, Certi-
fied, and Loving Instructors? Our staff
training regiment exceeds all industry
standards. We have an extensive num-
ber of staff members that are Board Cer-
tified Teachers through the Michigan De-
partment of Education.
Our gymnastics and tumbling
instructors are certified thru USA
Gymnastics,Our cheerleading staff com-
pletes the United States All Star Federa-
tion Coaches Credentialing. USASF has
developed a safety and education pro-
gram that will be in concert with the rules
governing its skill levels, so as to pro-
vide logical and safe progressions, as well
as a credentialing program to credential
The Stars and Stripes cheer team poses after a recent parade.
participants, coaches, and safety judges.
Is the Facility . . . Clean, Safe, Bright,
and Inviting? Yes, our facility is cleaned
and disinfected daily by trained commer-
cial cleaning companies. In our increas-
ingly health-conscious culture
we believe our customers deserve the
cleanest facility possible. We care about
your family’s well being. Our facility is
also equipped with a state-of-the-art Air
Quality System which changes out the air
in the facility countless times per hour,
keeping fresh quality air continuously cir-
culating. We pride ourselves on offering
sanitary solutions for ourfacility that go
well beyond traditional janitorial service.
Does the facility have ...a parent view-
ing area? We have spacious viewing ar-
eas, equipped with padded chairs, for par-
ents to sit comfortably and watch their
children. We also have free coffee and
wireless internet.
Do they use . . . A Sound Curriculum
Based on Education, Experience, and
Safety? Our lesson plans and curriculum
are custom designed by college educated
experts with industry expertise which al-
ways incorporate logical safe progression
and FUN.
What is the . . . Length of Time in
Business? Stars & Stripes has been going
strong for nearly a decade.
What is the . . . Reputation? Did you
ask around? Ask your neighbors, friends
and family and see what they have to say.
How about their . . . Office Hours and
Customer Service? How about 7 days a
week morning until night!
What is the . . . Philosophy of the Busi-
ness? Do they have one? Our mission has
always been to build self-esteem, strength
and dreams.
Stars & Stripes is located at 4630
White Lake Road in Clarkston. Visit
www.StarsandStripesKids.com or call
248-625-3547.
Stars & Stripes was our Decem-
ber luncheon winner for this free fea-
ture in the Orion Review’s What’s the
Biz. If you’re a Chamber member, be
sure to enter our monthly drawing at
the next luncheon meeting so you can
tell the community about your business.

Culver’s cares!
Employees at the Orion Culver’s had
a chance to pose with Santa last week
when the big guy stopped by to help
Culver’s owner Joe Zimmer and his
Culver’s FROZEN CUSTARD & BUTTERBURGERSTM
Holiday Greetings From
Culver’s FROZEN CUSTARD & BUTTERBURGERSTM
Don’t Forget To Order Your
Holiday
CUSTARD
CAKES
Brown Rd.
Lapeer Rd. /M-24
Palace of
Auburn Hills
Please accept this customer appreciation coupon as our gift to you
25% Off Your Next Meal
Based on purchase at regular menu price. Please no substitutions. Not valid with any other offer. Limit one coupon per person per visit. Valid only at Lake Orion Culvers. Expires 1-31-10
January 2010 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion 5
January Business Workshops
Offered By Oakland County
Business owners and entre-
preneurs who need assistance
are invited to attend seminars in
January, 2010 offered by the
Oakland County Business Cen-
ter. Business Basics workshops
are now offered in the evenings
on alternating months.
Pre-Business Research - Are
you thinking of starting your own busi-
ness and want to research your busi-
ness idea? Are you a business owner
who wants to understand which re-
search sources to use for your busi-
ness plan and where to find the infor-
mation you need? The class is held on
Tuesday, January 7, from 9:00 a.m. -
12:30 p.m. at the Oakland County Ex-
ecutive Office Building Conference
crew collect food to help support the
Lake Orion Lions’ 2009 Christmas
Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west
Basket Program.
of Telegraph, Waterford. For location
specifics and pre-registration, visit our
And, as a ‘thank-you,’ everyone who
website at oakgov.com/peds/calendar,
brought in food items received a free
Culver’s ButterBurger. Yum! or call (248) 858-0783. Presented by
The Entrepreneur’s Source, Oakland
County’s Business Center, Market Re-
search Department, and Research Li-
brarian. This workshop is free, but pre-
registration is required.
Culver’s FROZEN CUSTARD & BUTTERBURGERSTM
Fundamentals of Starting a
Business is a seminar for anyone
thinking about going into business. Par-
ticipants examine their entrepreneurial
skills, learn how to implement their
Of Lake Orion ideas and receive a list of pitfalls to
avoid when starting a business. The
class runs from 9:00 a.m. - noon on
Buy $20 in Gift Cards, Thursday, January 14, at the Oakland
Get a FREE County Executive Office Building Con-
Double Butter Burger ference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake
Cheese Value Basket Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford.
For location and pre-registration, visit
Wednesday is Kids Night our website at oakgov.com/peds/calen-
dar, or call (248) 858-0783. The fee is
$1.99 Kid’s Meals
10% OFF Your Entire Bill $30. No refunds.
H Corner of M-24 & Dutton Rd. , 1/2 mile N. of the Palace Fundamentals of Writing a
Dutton Rd.
Lake Orion • 248-276-2222 Business Plan is a workshop for small
business owners who are developing a
Drive-thru Available Open 10 am-11 pm 7 Days A Week
plan to serve as their road map to suc-
N Visit CULVERS.COM to view our entire menu & flavors of the day
cess. The class is held on Thursday,
January 21, from 9:00 a.m. - noon at
the Oakland County Executive Office
Building Conference Center, 2100
Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph,
Waterford. For location specifics and
pre-registration, visit our website at
oakgov.com/peds/calendar, or call (248)
858-0783. The fee is $40, which in-
cludes all materials. No refunds.
Legal & Financial Basics for
Small Business -- This workshop cov-
ers many of the key legal and financial
issues faced by both new and existing
small businesses in Michigan. The pro-
gram initially focuses on the many man-
agement and liability concerns faced
by entrepreneurs, as well as today’s tax
consequences. The program also pro-
vides solutions and techniques for busi-
ness concession and individual invest-
ment and retirement planning. Pre-
sented by Carter & Affiliates, P.C.
Tuesday, January 26, from 9:00 a.m. to
noon at the Oakland County Executive
Office Building Conference Center,
2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Tele-
graph, Waterford. For location specif-
ics and pre-registration, visit our
website website at oakgov.com/peds/
calendar, or call (248) 858-0783. This
workshop is free, but pre-registration
is required.
Fundamentals of Marketing
Your Business -- Marketing is an es-
sential of business success. All prod-
ucts/services must be sold to well-tar-
geted audiences with a wide-ranging
marketing mix. Our staff/SCORE coun-
selors can guide you through success-
ful techniques and marketing principles
helping you to promote your products
and services to the most promising cus-
tomers-your target audience. Presented
by The Michigan Small Business &
Technology Development Center (MI-
SBTDC). Thursday, January 28 from
9:00 a.m. to noon at the Oakland
County Executive Office Building Con-
ference Center, 2100 Pontiac Lake
Road, west of Telegraph, Waterford.
For location specifics and pre-registra-
tion, visit our website at oakgov.com/
peds/calendar, or call (248) 858-0783.
The fee is $40 (make check payable to
E.M.U.), which includes all materials.
No refunds.
The Web site address for Oakland
County Planning & Economic Devel-
opment Services Workshops is
www.oakgov.com/peds/calendar.
6 What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion -- January 2010
6 What’s The Biz -- January 2010

ENVIRONMENTAL
WOOD SOLUTIONS
RECYCLING:
• Stumps / Brush / Logs
• Tree Debris / Yard Waste
• Pallets / Crates
• Wood Construction Debris
Screened Topsoil • Planting Mix
Hardwood Mulch • Colored Mulch
Aggregate Materials - Sand & Stone
Call For Rates 248-391-9446
3500 Giddings Rd. (N of Silverbell)
Hours: Mon-Fri. 8-5 • Sat. 8-1
www.ewsmullins.com

EYE HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

& FASHION OPTICAL
“Modern Eye Care, Old Fashioned Caring”

Robert E. Deck III, O.D.

Doctor of Optometry
81 Indianwood Road., Ste 1
Lake Orion, MI 48362
248-693-2321 Fax: 248-693-2703
Email: eyehealth@dnsci.com

2375 Stanton Road • Lake Orion

248-693-4695
www.paintcreekgolf.com

MUFFLER
MAN OF
MICHIGAN
RAINBOW MUFFLER NATIONWIDE
89 N. Lapeer (M-24) • Lake Orion • 248-814-9292
www.mufflermanservice.com • Mon.-Sat. 8-6 p.m.

ASSISTED LIVING
“Make Our House Your Home”
Janet K. Mazzetti
Executive Director • Lake Orion
Pineview ManorSilverbell Manor Orion Manor
2888 Baldwin Rd.
1241 E. Silverbell Rd. 1814 S. Lapeer Rd.
248-814-6714 • Fax 248-814-6725
www.oaklandcommunityalternatives.com

This space
only $2900
Call For Details

accounting services, inc.

• Prepare Business & Personal Tax Returns
• Assist New Business in Federal & State Registration
• Payroll Processing • Bank Reconciliation
• Financial Statements • Periodic Tax Planning
• Personalized & Confidential Service
January 2010 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion 7
January 2010 -- What’s The Biz 7

Associated Foot Clinic

Jeffrey C. Noroyan, D.P.M. • Tim Snyder, D.P.M.
Gloria Christian, D.P.M.
Physicians and Surgeons of the Foot
191 North Park Blvd • Lake Orion
248-693-8400
Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Surgery

LAKE ORION
WINDOW TREATMENTS
Custom Draperies • Blinds • Carpet
Upholstery • Hospital Bed Curtains
Commercial • Residential
47 S. Broadway • Lake Orion
248-693-0124 • Fax 248-693-0031

Business
Owners
...Did You
Know That
Not Only Does
Sherman
Publications, Inc.
Publish
Award-Winning
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we also offer
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• Flyers • Brochures • Menus
• Envelopes
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• Business Cards and More
Call or Stop In
The Oxford Leader
666 S. Lapeer Rd. • Oxford • 248-628-4801
8 What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion -- January 2010

Federal Relief Program

may help with mortgage
For those having difficulties If that is not sufficient to get
with their home mortgages federal the payment to the cap, the sec-
programs afford ond stage is to reduce the annual
relief to those interest rate to as low as 2 per-
meeting a tight cent.
set of threshold Finally, if that is still not
requirements. enough, the principal balance of
They are de- the loan may be reduced.
signed to reduce The re-finance program is
monthly pay- similarly designed to meet the
ments to a maxi- borrowers income limitations and
mum of 31 per- is limited by the appraised value
cent of the of the property 105 percent (al-
borrower’s though there is talk of increasing
monthly income. Attorney James R. this limit).
This is ac- Porritt, Jr. Details of eligibility can be
complished by found at Ruth Forman, owner of Ruth Faux Finishing and Designs, says she’s got unique
either a modification of an exist- makinghomeafordable.gov holiday gift ideas. Photo by Megan Collier
ing loan or through a refinance. Also check out the following
On a modification, the first av- sites for locating free counseling:
enue is through an extension of
the term of the existing mortgage
www.mshda.info/counseling;
www.hopenow.com; www.nw.org
Nothing ‘faux’ about new business
to as long as 40 years. www.mighigan.gov/dhs There’s nothing “faux” about it. Lake Forman. “I try to do a lot with recyclables
Orion’s newest business, Ruth Faux Fin- and old things, fix them and reuse them.”
ishing and Designs, is an authentic one- The owner says her unique products
of-a-kind, and so is everything inside the are what make Ruth Faux Finishing and
James R. Porritt, Jr. store.
Owner Ruth Forman, of Oxford, hand-
Designs a good place to shop for the holi-
days. In addition to decorative pieces, she
ATTORNEY paints or crafts each product, like glass also sells hand-made Italian glass bead jew-
30 Years Real Estate Experience beads and old travel trunks. But, she says elry and do-it-yourself kits.
her main service is offering lessons in deco- “I have gifts and unique things you’re
Licensed Broker • Chairperson of County Bar R.E. Comm
rative painting. not going to find it in other stores,” she
Member American & State Bar R.E. Sections
“We work on different techniques – said, noting her products are more about
248-693-6245 faux finishing techniques,” Forman said
of her classes. “You can paint on any sur-
learning and creating than being commer-
cial.
face – wood, metal, class, fabric, anything. The Oxford resident says she’s always
SIMPLE WILLS e Fr [Customers]learn a lot of different things: had a studio in her home and has offered
• Self directed disposition of assets Con e Init composition, color, design. And we have classes to the Orion/Oxford community
sul ia
• Your choice of administrator tati l fun, of course.” for over 10 years. When she decided to
• Your choice of Guardian for minors on Classes, offered morning and evening open a store, she picked a Lake Orion lo-
• Your choice of Trust for minors to be set up after your passing. year-round, teach technique. cation “because Lake Orion is growing a
“Avoiding Probate” does not justify the cost or inconvenience of setting up a Living Trust and maintaining it for the “In a class, I teach a certain stroke, but lot.”
rest of your life. Michigan’s unsupervised probate procedure is inexpensive, uses preprinted forms, avoids formal not everybody creates the same thing, nec- “Of course I wanted something close
accountings, court appearances, or approval of asset disposition. essarily,” said Forman. “Everyone does to my home and it’s a really nice town,”
something different on different surfaces she said. “It’s a good place to go shop-
and different designs.” ping and have lunch or a cup of coffee.”
For Sale By Owner The business owner says what she Originally from Costa Rica, Forman
TRANSACTION Short Sales teaches is not tracing or color-by-num- moved to the US exactly 13 years ago Nov.
ber, but design and composition. She adds 25 to be with her husband, who is from
• Advice, preparation of Purchase Agreement, Procedures & Negotiations that nearly any surface is good for deco- Michigan.
Mandatory Disclosures & related documents. If You Must Sell Your Home rative painting, including wood, metal, “I’m happy here – people help a lot,”
• Coordination of financing, inspections, surveys, And Cannot Without A glass and fabric. she said of the Orion/Oxford area.
appraisals, title work & closing Reduction In Your Mortgage For those not interested in painting, To see what Ruth Faux Finishing and
Cash To New Mortgage Transaction 1/2of 1% Forman also offers products she’s painted Designs has to offer, head downtown to
Balance, Call For An herself, and can take specialty and cus- 42. W. Flint Street.
Seller Financed Sales 1% Appointment. tom orders. Forman’s business is open seven days
(Land contracts, private mortgages, lease with option)
“I offer a wide line of gifts and unusual through the holidays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.,
things –one-of-a-kind products,” said and open late Wednesdays until 7 p.m.
436 S. Broadway (M-24) , Suite C • Lake Orion

Some things you might want to consider before 2009 ends
Fall is the time to consider some
year-end financial moves – little and not-
so-little things you might do to plan to
improve your financial position.
You could put more in your 401(k)
before they play “Auld Lang Syne”.
As you only get
one chance to
save for retire-
ment and an an-
nual deadline to
make retire-
ment plan con-
tributions, you
could increase
your final re-
tirement plan
deferrals of
2009 to the Loran S. Coffman
maximum al- WPS Investments
lowed by your
plan, assuming your finances permit you
to do so.
Contributions to traditional IRAs and
401(k)s are usually made with pre-tax
dollars and thereby could help you re-
duce your tax bill.1
If you haven’t contributed to your
IRA or Roth IRA for 2009, you have until
April 15, 2010 to make that move.
You can contribute up to $5,000 to
an IRA (or spread up to $5,000 of con-
tributions across multiple IRAs) for tax
year 2009; those over age 50 may con-
tribute up to $6,000 to their IRAs for
2009.2
If your modified adjusted gross in-
come (MAGI) is into six figures, this
may reduce or even prohibit Roth IRA
contributions depending on your filing
status.
You could try to harvest some
losses. You might want to sell some los-
ers to offset some winners (not every
security was a winner this year) and
counterbalance capital gains.
Keep in mind that if you are in the
10 percent or 15 percent federal income
tax bracket for 2009, you won’t have to
pay capital gains tax – that break ex-
tends into the 2010 tax year as well.
If you want to sell, sell carefully –
you don’t want to generate so much in-
come that you creep into a higher tax
bracket. 3
You could try to pick up some tax
credits. Are you thinking about buying
a home? The up-to-$8,000 first-time
homebuyer credit has been extended to
the end of April and complemented by
Presented by Loran S. Coffman CPhD, RFC
its new variant, the up-to-$6,500 credit
for move-up buyers.
Remember, the phase-out limits on
that credit just rose – they are now
$125,000 for single filers, and $225,000
for joint filers. The home has to have a
price tag of $800,000 or less and it must
be your primary residence.
A first-time homebuyer is defined as
someone who hasn’t owned a home
within the past three years; a move-up
buyer is defined as a buyer who has lived
in the same primary residence for a
stretch of five consecutive years or
longer.4
How about some energy credits? If
you make your principal residence more
energy-efficient or purchase solar hot
water heaters, geothermal heat pumps,
wind turbines or other qualifying alter-
native energy equipment to heat or cool
your home, you can qualify for a tax
credit for up to 30 percentof the cost of
the improvements.
There is a maximum tax credit limit
to $1,500 for improvements put in ser-
vice in 2009.5
Do you have sons or daughters in
college? The Hope Credit has become
the American Opportunity Tax Credit, a
credit of up to $2,500 toward qualifying
college expenses.
Phase-outs kick in at $80,000 MAGI
for single filers, $160,000 MAGI for joint
filers.6 Additionally, you could contrib-
ute a little more to a 529 plan before the
year ends.
Prepay some deductible expenses.
If you are pretty sure you will be in the
same tax bracket or a lower one in 2010,
think about making a thirteenth payment
on your home loan in 2009 to boost your
mortgage interest deduction, or prepay-
ing your property taxes if your financial
situation lets you do so.
Spend that FSA money. Do you
have a Flexible Savings Account for your
healthcare expenses?
Think about getting some new
glasses or braces, or find some way to
use that money – money you might lose
after December 31, unless your employer
allows you the extended-access option
to your 2009 FSA funds (in which case
you’ll still have to use them by March
15 of next year).7
Sit down with your financial ad-
visor for a portfolio review. See how
(well) you’ve done this year.
Think about next year, and what you
January 2010 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion 9
might do as the economic recovery
progresses.
Discuss some of the different as-
pects of your financial situation. If you
want a better understanding of where
you are at financially, this is the chance
to gain it.
Loran S. Coffman is the founder of
Wealth Preservation Strategies, LLC and
may be reached on the web at
www.WPSinvestments.com, by phone
(248) 693-5599, or by email
advisor@WPSinvestments.com. See
“The Science of Financial Health”,
Coffman’s exclusive weekly financial
column on the web every Wednesday
at www.LakeOrionReview.com.
These views are those of the author
and should not be construed as invest-
ment, tax or legal advice. Past perfor-
mance is no guarantee of future results.
All information is believed to be from
reliable sources; however we make no
representation as to its completeness or
accuracy. Please consult your Invest-
ment, Tax and/or Legal Advisor for fur-
ther information and advice about ap-
plication to your specific circumstances.
Presented and authored by Loran S.
Coffman & Peter Montoya, Incorpo-
rated.
Securities offered through H. Beck,
Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment
advisory services offered through
M.R.Spencer Advisory Services, LLC.
WPS-Investments, Inc., M.R. Spencer
Advisory Services, LLC and Peter
Montoya, Incorporated are unaffiliated
with H. Beck, Inc. Branch address of
WPS is 189 W. Clarkston Rd., Bldg. A,
Lake Orion, MI 48362.
1
Citations.
foxbusiness.com/story/personal-finance/retirement-
advice-ages/ [12/26/08]
2
irs.gov/retirement/article/0,,id=202510,00.html [11/10/
09]
3
usatoday.com/money/perfi/taxes/2007-06-15-mym-
capital-gains_N.htm [6/15/07]
4
money.cnn.com/2009/11/05/news/economy/
Extending_unemployment_benefits/
index.htm?postversion=2009110612 [11/5/09]
5
irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=206875,00.html [11/13/
09]
6
irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205674,00.html [11/6/
09]
7
bankrate.com/finance/money-guides/use-fsa-money-so-
you-don-t-lose-it-1.aspx [2008]
Loran S. Coffman, CPhD, RFC
WPS-Investments Inc.
Stone Pine Complex
189 W. Clarkston Rd.
Lake Orion, MI 48362
248-693-5599
www.WPSinvestments.com
10 What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion -- January 2010
What Would You Do With
100,000 VISA® Bonus Points?
If you don’t have a Michigan Catho-
lic Credit Union VISA, you are missing
out on one of the best credit cards on the
market today! An MCCU VISA has:
Low Fixed Rates - No Annual, Bal-
ance Transfer or Cash Advance Fees
A Generous 10 Day Grace Period - A
Great Bonus Point Program.
Now through February 28, 2010,
when you transfer a credit card balance
to a new or current MCCU VISA, you’ll
receive Double ScoreCard Bonus Points
and a 1 percent Cash Back Rebate on the
transfer amount!*
Plus, use your MCCU VISA for at
least five transactions before February 28th
and be automatically entered into a ter-
rific drawing.
Two lucky winners will get 100,000
Bonus Points** added to their card!
Our members redeem points for items
like: airline tickets to Hawaii, a Wii gam-
ing system, IPods, digital cameras, cruises,
electric guitars, car rentals, golf clubs, gift
cards, a fountain, a portable piano, and
even a tree house.
Just think what you could do with
100,000 bonus points. You can choose
from a wide variety of items from name
brand manufacturers or redeem those
100,000 points for as many as five (5)
round trip airline tickets.
If you don’t already have one, get a
MCCU VISA and reward yourself in
2010.
Call Diane Leier, Lake Orion Branch
Manager, at 248.693.3400, ext. 1500 to
transfer a balance or to apply for your
MCCU VISA today!
VISA® DOUBLE ScoreCard Bonus Points – Until Feb-
ruary 28, 2010 earn 2 points, (instead of 1 point) for every
dollar transferred and 1 percent cash back to your MCCU VISA.
Minimum transfer amount is $500 and transfer limit is
$10,000. ScoreCard Bonus Points are not applicable on Cash
Advances. Member must qualify for transfer and/or credit line
increase. **Rules for VISA ScoreCard Bonus Points Drawing
- How to enter the drawing: You will be automatically entered
into the drawing when you use your MCCU VISA Credit Card Alliance staff takes part in a recent ribbon-cutting at their Bloomfield center.
to make purchases, transfers or cash advances between January
1, 2010 and February 28, 2010.
Cardholder(s) must have made at least five transactions
with their MCCU Credit Card during this period under one
VISA credit card Account Number. The transactions may be a
combination of purchases and cash advances. MCCU employ-
Alliance Senior Care
ees, Board of Directors, and relatives are unable to participate
in the drawing. Must be at least 18 years old to qualify for the
drawing. Prize: The two winners receive 100,000 VISA
ScoreCard Bonus Points issued to their VISA Credit Card.No
‘Home is where the heart is’
cash redemptions, substitutions, transfers of prize allowed.
Limit one prize per MCCU Member Number. Winners may Alliance Senior Care knows that Service can range from a few
appear in future Michigan Catholic Credit Union’s market-
ing. Offer can be withdrawn at anytime. Other restrictions may home is where the heart is. hours a week to 24 hours a day or
apply. If you are looking for in-home live-in care.
care for an elderly loved one, Alli- Alliance Senior Care provides a
ance Senior Care can help enhance cost effective alternative for seniors
the quality of their life and indepen- and others who aren’t ready to leave
dence through their myriad services. their homes for an institutional set-
Alliance Senior Care, with loca- ting or live with relatives, but be-
tions in Oxford, Bloomfield Hills and cause of illness or chronic conditions
Madison Heights, provides meal need support to remain at home.
preparation, personal care, light Check their website at
housekeeping and transportation to www.allianceSRcare.com to learn
home-bound individuals in the mar- about the many ways Alliance Se-
kets they serve. nior Care can offer peace of mind
Their staff also offers compan- and relief for families struggling with
ionship and can assist clients with the tough decisions of eldercare.
bill paying and medication remind- Call Brian or Dina Hurnevich at
ers. 248-274-2170 for more information.
From Shadow
Dancers to
HanderPants,
Bristlebots
and LOL, Little
Monsters in
downtown
Lake Orion
has something
that’s sure to
please the kid
in everyone.
The store is
located at 16
W. Flint
Street. Call
248-814-8697
for hours and
information.

Can you help others during
the holiday season?
December brings many celebra-
tions to our lives! Christmas, Hanuk-
kah, Kwanza – no matter what your
religious belief, it is a
time to share the joys
and meaning of the
season with friends
and family!
It’s also a time of
reflection. A new
year is quickly ap-
proaching – what
was your 2009 year
like? How can you Carolyn Chevrier
is president of
make 2010 even bet- Lakes Community
ter?
Credit Union.
Many people
faced tough challenges during 2009 as
the problems in the economy continued
to create job losses and home foreclo-
sures. Unfortunately, many economists
predict that the outlook for Michigan’s
2010 economy isn’t going to be much
better.
Lakes Community Credit Union is
reaching out to help those in need by
Brenda Rogers of Clo-Bear
Unique Pet Store shows off her
line of custom-made pet beds.
Pet lover on your list?
About 70 percent of the items Brenda and
Jay Rogers carry in Clo-Bear Unique Pet Store
are handmade, and the all-wood pet beds are
no exception.
“They’re very well made and durable,
Brenda said. “They’ll never fall apart.”
The beds start at about $55 and are avail-
able off the shelf, or custom made to order.
One customer, she added, recently re-
January 2010 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion 11
Happy Holidays
from
supporting local food banks at our
Waterford and Mt. Clemens locations,
and our Lake Orion branch is sponsoring
a holiday fundraiser for two Lake Orion
families that are in need of assistance.
Can you help? Please feel free to
stop in to one of our locations and donate
– big or small, every donation counts!
Lakes Community Credit Union’s
philosophy is “people helping people”. Not
Holiday Specials
only do our financial products help people
reach their financial goals, Lakes also
helps to sponsor local events, offers
New Car Loans
grants to schools, scholarships to High
School seniors and participates in
fundraising events.
as low as 4.5%*
Come in and see how Lakes can of- All Year We Offer
fer you the financial products you desire, Fixed Rate 18 Month CD Special
without the “attitude” of the “big finan-
cial institutions”. We have many specials
(see our ad) and offer fixed rate, no an-
No Gimmick 1.5% APY*
nual fee, no gimmick credit cards to mem- VISA Cards! *Some restrictions apply. Stop in for details
bers that qualify.
If you live, work or worship in Oak- 350 N. Park Blvd. (Lapeer Rd.) Lake Orion • 248-814-4000
land County you can join! Call us or stop
in to one of our three locations! www.LakesCommunityCU.org
Mark Your
Your
4 Calendars
3 Great Special Sections
That Will Be Sure To
Increase Your Business
4 January Space Chase
In The Ad-Vertiser During January
4 White Horse Inn
Anniversary Section
January 20th
Direct Mailing & The Oxford Leader
quested a bed large enough for a Great Dane.
The store also carries homemade treats,
bowl sets, jewelry, blankets and a wide variety
4 Health & Wellness
February 2010
of pet clothing, like dresses and coats, both off The Lake Orion Review & Oxford Leader
the rack or custom made.
The store is open Monday-Saturday, 10 Call Your Ad Representative Today
a.m.-6 p.m., and Sundays by appointment. For More Details
Clo-Bear Unique Pet Store is located at 18
N. Broadway. Call 248-693-5922. 248-628-4801
12 What’s The Biz -- Lake Orion -- January 2010

Holiday Loan
Money to Lend
for any purpose!
as low as 7.75% APR

Orion Branch
248-370-0530
22 Southeast Michigan locations,
find more at www.genisyscu.org

Where you come first.