2010 Moving Forward

A LOOK AT
TODAY’S
ESTABLISHED BUSINESS

NEW IN TOWN

THE ROAD AHEAD

TRENDS TO WATCH

PILLARS IN OUR COMMUNITY

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

TOMORROW’S LEADERS

GROWING BUSINESS

COMPETITIVE OUTLOOK

ON THE HORIZON

BUSINESSES
Special To The Citizen, Clarkston News, Lake Orion Review and Oxford Leader, Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Set your child up for success with Learning Link
For over 18 years, Gene and Kristi do to make school such a special place to ing, encouraging and educational. programs are praised by many Lake Orion
Spear have provided a progressive childcare learn and grow. You should be proud to be Each staff member is dedicated and kindergarten and first grade teachers, who
program for Lake Orion and the surround- such a positive influence on the lives of our committed to making a difference in the recognize Learning Link alumni in their
ing communities. precious children,” lives of the children and families they see classrooms.
The Spears strive said one parent. everyday. “Your positive approach to learning and
to provide a quality The team teaching “I could never begin to thank you enough your phonics program have enabled our
and unique learning approach, using the for all that you gave my daughter. Not only son to get a wonderful start. We are so
environment at their Montessori curricu- did you give her the foundation for aca- fortunate to have such an excellent pro-
Learning Link Cen- lum, named after the demic and social success through your gram so close to home. Thanks again for
ter. At Learning Link, Italian doctor who teaching, you gave her even greater life all our wonderful years with you, and
clients, teachers and developed a ‘work- gifts of love and confidence. I am forever mostly for your dedication and hard work,”
parents feel as if play’ method, is also grateful and appreciative of the self-confi- said a third parent.
they’re a part of the different from any- dence you instilled in my daughter,” said Students make use of the entire building
center’s family. The thing else found in another long-time parent. all day long and their learning experience is
center is small enough early childhood edu- Learning Link’s well-rounded, full cur- never limited to just one classroom. The
to provide personal- cation in this area. riculum is offered to every student, no playground is set amidst the natural beauty
ized care and instruc- Learning Link com- matter their schedule, and allows each of the surrounding area, especially during
tion, and large enough bines the best of both student to discover and learn at his or her summer camp when it becomes a water
to offer the variety of worlds: Montessori own pace. The Montessori materials, which wonderland.
programs and sched- and developmental are designed to provide a multitude of Learning Link welcomes visitors to their
ules that parents are practice, to create a experiences, are used throughout the class- classrooms and recommends parents look-
looking for. system that enables rooms. ing for preschool or childcare come see
“Many of our every teacher to get Every child also experiences art, music, what they’re all about.
families have been at to know each child computers, Spanish, gymnastics, science, This year, the center offers new hours.
Does your little one know US geography?
Learning Link more Using tools like this US puzzle, Learning and to bring out the show & tell and the weekly themes. They’re open Monday through Friday,
than 10 years and Link makes learning fun. best in him or her. “We’re famous for our special, extra- 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and now, children
they continue to rec- All their staff mem- curricular family activities such as our of all ages are housed together at one
ommend us to neighbors, family and bers are highly trained, experienced Halloween Extravaganza and our Mothers’ location, making it easier for parents.
friends,” said Spear. caregivers who work together full time to Tea,” added Spear For more information, call 248-391-
“Thank you for all the little things you provide surroundings that are safe, nurtur- The center’s phonics and mathematics 9030 or visit www.learninglinkcenter.com.

From parts to expertise, Auto Works has got it all

When it comes to fulfilling the mechani-
cal car needs of Oxford residents, Auto
Works has all the right parts.
Since it’s opening on Nov. 2, business at
Auto Works, which is located at 1045 S.
Lapeer Rd, has been very consistant accord-
ing to Owner Paul Dunn, who co-owns the
shop with Jason Sikora. “Business has been
great. We have been non stop. We have
very, very few slow days,” he said.
In addition to the increased sales, Dunn
has had to hire two full time mechanics. He
hired Wes Mayer to be the shops heavy
technnician and Jason Bannon, who is a mas-
ter certified ASE technician and will be doing
alot of the electrical and drivability or interior
accessories of a car.
“Mayer does all our engine and transmis-
sion work, heavy front end work and also
does DOT inspections for heavy trucks,” said
Dunn. “He is a master Michigan mechanic in
automobile and heavy truck.”
He added that starting this summer, the
shop will be doing some medium and heavy
truck repair. He noted that alot of the service
work that he has done is for heavy repair.
AutoWorks offers services in computer
programming, radio unlock, driveability, front
end, brakes, suspension, electrical, interior
work and fuel systems and air conditioning.
“We do everything top to bottom,” said
Dunn. “Imports, foreign, domestic, Asian and
(From left) Jason Bannon, Jason Sikora, Wes Bannon and Paul Dunn.
European imports; we have all the latest and
greatest software and we have dedicated a
lot of time to make sure we can offer every-
thing.”
The shop uses all state of the art equip-
ment when diagnosing and fixing mechani-
cal related issues that customers are having.
Most of the equipment is new, with some of
the used equipment being picked up at auc-
tions when GM closed dealerships in the area
said Dunn.
“It’s dealership quality equipment...we
spent quite a bit of time and money in
training...we can do pretty much any car built
as of right now,” said Dunn.
He added that the shop has recently be-
come a certified car care center, which is a
program with approximately 300 shops across
the nation according to Dunn. “We carry a
nationwide warrenty, 12-month, 12,000 miles.
All the shops that are involved in the pro-
gram have to have Automotive Service Ex-
cellence technicians,” noted Dunn. By the
end of February he hoped that everyone in
his shop was going to be master certified
ASE technicians.
He added that the certified care centers
were good nationwide, giving customers car
rental privelages, free towing, and any repair
they do is covered under the warrenty, un-
less it is a used part or customer supplied
part. “That was a big thing we brought in,”
said Dunn.
Another network that the shop recently
joined is the International Automotive’s
Technician’s network, a group of 70,659 au-
tomotive technicians from 157 countries
around the world.
“We all talk on the internet on this website
and we can ask each other for advise if we
have run into a problem that we haven’t seen
before,” Dunn said.
The shop has also been hiring kids out of
the automotive program at Oxford High School.
Currently they have one student, Corey
Woody, who works part time with the shop.
Dunn said that he is providing Woody
with some hands on experience that he would
need to pursue a career in the field of auto-
motive repair.
“Mostly right now were teaching him all
the safety technicques. We’re having him
do light clean-up, oil changes, and a little bit
of repair,” he said.
Dunn added to look in Advertiser, the
Oxford Leader and the Clarkston News for
coupons and miscellanious specials that his
shop will be running in the future.
Dunn and Sikora would like to say a big
thank you to the community of Oxford for
welcoming them with open armsand trusting
their car care needs with them.
For more information about the shop, call
(248) 572-6400 or email them at
autoworks.oxford@yahoo.com. Also visit
their website at oreillyauto.com by clicking
on the certified auto repair shop link and typ-
ing in Oxford’s zip code.
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248-693-6213 www.drbradgreenfield.com
The Milosch family: making it work in tough times
Back in 1963, the building that now
glimmers under the spring sun at Silverbell
and S. Lapeer Roads, was once Don’s
Used Cars near downtown Lake Orion.
Today, the family-owned Milosch’s
Palace car dealership offers Chrysler, Jeep
and Dodge models, all under one roof.
“We attribute much of our success to
long-standing relationships with our cus-
tomers in and around Lake Orion,” said
third-generation dealer Don Milosch, Jr.
“We’re proud and grateful to be part of the
growth that our local area has had over the
last 50 years.”
Milosch’s Palace Chrysler Jeep Dodge –
Palace CJD, for short – evolved over the
years, continuing to expand their quality
service and vehicle franchises to include
Chrysler, Plymouth, Dodge, Eagle and Jeep.
Last year, they officially merged Chrysler,
Jeep, Dodge and RAM trucks under one
roof, which is what they offer today.
“We’re able to service customers bet-
ter by being able to showcase all three
Chrysler brands,” Milosch said. “If you’re
looking for car, van or truck, we have it all
under one roof.”
In addition to new and pre-owned ve-
hicle sales, Palace CJD provides a full
range of parts and services to customers,
Patterson Pharmacy: Traditional look, modern service
Don’t let the historic downtown look fool
you, Patterson Prescription Pharmacy (1 S.
Washington St.) is as modern as can be when
it comes to handling all your medicinal needs.
“We’re all up-to-date on the inside, in
terms of service and technology, even though
we prefer to have the traditional look,” said
Pharmacist and owner Tim Davidson, who
acquired the 46-year-old business from his
father-in-law, the late Bill Patterson, in 1994.
“Our computer system helps us monitor al-
lergies, potential drug interactions and dos-
ages.”
Patterson’s even handles e-Scripts – pre-
scriptions sent electronically via computers
or wireless devices.
Although the service eliminates the age
old problem of reading a doctor’s handwrit-
ing, it opens the door other problems such
as prescriptions sent to the wrong store or
ones that have the wrong name or drug on
them.
Davidson said this can be avoided by ei-
ther using a single drug store for all your
medications or if you continue to use mul-
tiple stores, making sure your pharmacists
have a complete list of all the medications
you’re taking.
“Good communication is key,” he said.
Being an independent store, Davidson
said people often get the idea that his drug
prices are higher than the chains, but in fact,
just the opposite is true.
according to Milosch.
The dealership recently opened their
Express Lube service, specializing in
Chrysler Jeep and Dodge models. Cus-
tomers can now get a full oil change in 12
minutes flat, while munching on a bag of
freshly popped popcorn in Palace CJD’s
Family-
owned
Milosch’s
Palace
Chrysler
Jeep
Dodge
now
offers
express
oil
changes.
“There’s a lot of misconceptions about
pricing,” he said. “We actually feel our prices
are lower than most stores.”
Davidson indicated that he uses multiple
suppliers to keep his costs down and give
his customers a fair price.
“When we do head-to-head comparisons,
Meet the gang at
Patterson’s.
we find we’re in the ball game or a head of it
sometimes,” he said.
With the economy the way it is, Davidson
gets his share of customers who can’t afford
their medications.
In these instances, after consulting with
patients and physicians, he tries to find lower-
cost substitutes such as generics and similar
drugs that work the same way. There’s also
assistance available from some drug compa-
waiting area.
Milosch says he sometimes wagers
with customers on the oil change time.
“I’ll bet them that their car will be done
before they eat their bag of popcorn or I’ll
buy the oil change,” he said. “I’ve never
bought one yet.”
nies.
“We can help point people in the right
direction,” Davidson said.
And when it comes to insurance cover-
age, Patterson Prescription Pharmacy con-
tracts with all the Medicare and Medicaid
plans as well as most private providers.
In addition to fair pricing,
Patterson’s also offers those
hard-to-find medications through
its expert compounding abilities.
“In 2009, we were able to fill
the gap on several medication
shortages by compounding,”
Davidson said. “Manufacturers
could not supply enough
children’s Tamiflu to meet the
demand with the H1N1 flu. We
made a liquid suspension for
children’s doses from the adult
strength capsules.”
“This has been a valuable ser-
vice to our customers and a re-
warding experience for us,” he added.
Besides prescriptions drugs, Patterson’s
is pleased to offer a whole myriad of other
products and services, the newest being the
self-serve digital photo processing center.
Customers are welcome to bring in their
digital photos stored on assorted memory
devices and use the machine to make prints,
greeting cards, calendars or burn them on CDs.
“We’re happy to help people out and
The dealership also has an expanded line
of accessories, says Milosch, like lift kits,
gas and diesel engine upgrades, body and
suspension lifts, wheel and tire upgrades,
as well as common truck accessories like
chrome packages, tonneau covers and
trailer hitches. Palace CJD is a Banks
Diesel distributer.
And while Milosch’s Palace staff have
been wowing local customers for years,
the dealership is in the spotlight on the
national stage. They were recognized as
the number one dealership in the nation for
certified pre-owned vehicles and number
one in nation for Chrysler service contract
sales.
“We’re proud of that because it means
we provide more of our customers with
the security of knowing they have roadside
assistance, rental car coverage in the event
of a breakdown and a low deductible
extended warranty that is backed by the
factory,” Milosch said.
Palace CJD is also eighth in the nation
for new car sales.
Stop in to Milosch’s Palace Chrysler
Jeep Dodge, located at 3800 S. Lapeer
Road in Orion Township, or give them a
call at 248-393-2222. Visit them on the
Web at www.PalaceCJD.com.
show them how to use it,” Davidson said.
Given its central location in the heart of
downtown Oxford, Patterson’s offers its cus-
tomers a large selection of convenience items
such milk, bread, soda pop, snacks, half-off
greeting cards and gift items.
“A large part of our nonprescription cli-
entele are people who live right downtown
and walk to the store,” Davidson said. “We
stock these things so they don’t have to walk
to a grocery store.”
Last year, Patterson’s completed its major
remodeling project, which saw big changes
both inside and out, and Davidson indicated
the response has been favorable.
“The comments we’ve heard have been
all positive,” he said. “They like the look of
the store, it’s brighter, more user-friendly in-
side.”
As always, Patterson’s is more than will-
ing to advertise community happenings,
fund-raisers and sports teams by either put-
ting up posters in the windows or using the
programmable “ticker tape” that runs along
the bottom of its new in-store television that
shows medical information.
Patterson Prescription Pharmacy is open
from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thurs-
day; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday; from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. Saturday; and from 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Sunday. For more information, please call
(248) 628-2538 or please visit on-line at
www.pattersonpharmacy.com.
Prime Wireless: Lots of phones and so much more
If you think Prime Wireless is just another
cell phone store or that AT&T is just a phone
company, think again, then explore what
you’re missing at www.primeatt.com.
Both are specifically geared toward meet-
ing all of your communication and entertain-
ment needs including telephone (both wire-
less and landline), internet access and televi-
sion.
This is best exemplified by the increas-
ingly-popular AT&T U-verse product line
featuring high-speed internet, fiber optic tele-
vision and home phone service.
A year ago, U-verse products were only
available to about 25 percent of the homes in
Oxford and Orion townships.
Today, the availability has grown to al-
most 80 percent, according to Andrew Cruga,
store manager for Prime Wireless.
Anyone interested in making the switch
from cable or satellite dish can walk into Prime
Wireless at 1510 S. Lapeer Rd., get all the
information they need about U-verse and
sign up right there.
And while you’re there, why not check
out the vast array of wireless phones exclu-
sively made for AT&T by Nokia, BlackBerry,
LG, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Motorola, HTC
and Palm.
“We offer accessories, such as chargers
and cases, for every phone imaginable, even
competitors,” Cruga noted.
The courteous staff of experts at Prime Wireless stands ready to help you.
As society becomes increasingly con-
nected through the internet, more and more
people are choosing to buy Smart Phones
that give them Web-based applications.
These days people are using their wire-
less phones to do everything from checking
their e-mail to updating their Facebook page.
“BlackBerry sales have increased expo-
nentially because people want to check their
e-mail on the go,” Cruga said. “People want
phones with internet-based capabilities so
they can check local events, news, sports,
weather, you name it.”
This month AT&T is launching five new
Android phones, which use an operating
system created by Google as opposed to the
standard Windows system.
“We feel to stay competitive we need to
have an Android offering as well,” said Cruga,
noting the phones are made for AT&T by
Motorola, Dell and HTC.
Good news for those who like to stay in
touch 24/7, the cost of AT&T’s unlimited talk
plan was reduced by $30. Cell users can now
talk all they want for $69.99 per month.
Frequent text messagers can type until
their thumbs hurt because AT&T offers un-
limited texting plans – $20 per month for indi-
viduals and $30 for families.
Once a novelty among young people,
Cruga said text messaging has become a
must-have for people age 18-80.
“More and more want to do it,” he said.
Depending on the model of phone you
have, AT&T also offers unlimited internet
plans for between $20 and $30 per month.
These include unlimited e-mail and voice-
guided GPS navigation, the latter of which is
very popular, according to Cruga.
In addition to phones, Prime Wireless also
sells Netbooks, which are mini laptop com-
puters that offer portable internet access any-
where there’s AT&T coverage.
“When they first came out, they cost $300
to $400,” Cruga said. “Now, you can buy one
for less than $200.”
Prime Wireless is open from 10 a.m. to 7
p.m. Monday through Friday; 10 a.m. to 6
p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.
For more information call (248) 236-9000.

Save money, be more independent with Oxford Farm & Garden

Michigan’s struggling economy has re-
sulted in plenty of bad news from lost jobs to
foreclosed homes.
But like everything in life, from the bad
there comes some good. In this case, the
good is people rediscovering the time-hon-
ored value of growing their own food and
tending to their own lawns in an effort to
save a few bucks.
Fortunately, folks around here have a place
like the Oxford Farm & Garden Center to help
nurture their newly-green thumbs.
Located at 81 N. Washington St. (right
next to the Polly Ann Trail bridge), the store
has everything a person needs to get in
touch with their inner farmer, whether you
have a postage stamp yard or a spread mea-
sured in acres.
“Gardens have become big again,” said
manager Brian Logan. “Last year, garden seed
sales jumped almost 50 percent.”
Rather than selling those tiny, overpriced
seed packets, Oxford Farm & Garden sells
bulk seeds that can be purchased by the quar-
ter, half or full pound.
“We’re one of the only places in a 15-20
mile radius, if not farther, that still carries bulk
seeds,” Logan said. “You can save a lot of
money and get better seeds. We sell all vir-
gin seeds.”
Oxford Farm & Garden also sells every-
thing else a gardener needs from soils to
equipment like hand tools, shovels and rakes.
Those who wish to try their hand at rais-
ing chickens for fresh meat and eggs will find
everything they need at the store as well.
Bedding, poultry netting, feeders and feed,
waterers – it’s all there waiting for you.
“It doesn’t take a lot to raise your own
chickens,” Logan said.
An 8-pound broiler can be raised in eight
weeks at a cost of $10-12 and offer plenty of
meat for two people.
Or you can get a dozen laying chickens,
Visit Oxford Farm &
Garden Center at 81 N.
Washington St.
have fresh eggs for half-a-year and only
spend about $50.
“It’s not that expensive and you know
what’s in them as opposed to what you get
at the grocery store,” Logan said.
Every year, the week before Easter, Ox-
ford Farm & Garden holds “Chick Days,” in
which folks can come in and purchase some
newly-hatched baby chickens to raise.
If gardening and raising poultry really isn’t
your thing, you could at least save some
money by eliminating that expensive lawn
service and handling the grass yourself.
Oxford Farm & Garden offers a wide range
of lawn-related products including fertilizers,
grass seed, fungicides and Bonide products.
Not sure why your lawn (or garden) isn’t
growing properly? Find out what your soil’s
lacking in terms of nutrients or pH by having
it tested through the Michigan State Univer-
sity Extension program.
Bring your soil sample to Oxford Farm &
Garden and they’ll send it in for you. The
cost is $18 plus shipping, except during the
entire month of April when shipping is free.
Having a store like Oxford Farm & Garden
in the community is not only a great conve-
nience, it’s reminder of how things used to
be in a simpler time. “We’re kind of your old-
fashioned general store rather than your spe-
cialty store,” Logan said. “We specialize in a
multitude of products.”
Those products include pet supplies and
foods, supplies for farms and ranches,
equine-related items, Carhartt clothing, bird
feeders and seed and animal health products.
“Above and beyond what we have in store,
we will order anything at no extra cost,” Lo-
gan said.
Oxford Farm & Garden is open from 8:30
a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and
from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. The store is
closed on Sundays.
For more information call (248) 628-2174.
We Buy It offers a local alternative to selling on-line
There is always that one item in
every household that people want
to get rid of in a timely manner. They
could put it up on Craiglist’s or
Ebay, but that could weeks to sell.
Opened since June of 2009, We
Buy It, located at 650 S. Lapeer
Road in Oxford, offers residents of
Oxford and the surrounding com-
munities the opportunity to come
in and get cash for that unused item
the very same day.
According to store owner Kevin
Rowden, 26, We Buy It “purchase
second hand items, or items that
people don’t use anymore or want
to sell to clean out space, and we
resell them at discounted prices
from what you would buy them at
the store.”
Rowden gave the example that a
customer could pick up an item that
usually costs $100 brand new at
Meijer or Wal-Mart for $30-$75 dol-
lars, depending on its condition.
“We try to save people money
and give them back money all at the
same time,” he added.
Rowden, who is from Lapeer,
Don’t Scrap
Your Quality
Jewelry Items
We will pay you
PREMIUMS for
MARKETABLE ITEMS!
We
Buy & Sell Center
opened the shop with his brother
Greg Rowden, 21 after seeing there
was nothing quite like it in the Ox-
ford area, adding that Oxford was a
nice town with a heavy traffic pres-
ence.
Using their various background
knowledge in sales with different
antiques and jewelry, Kevin and his
partners thought it was the right
time to open shop in Oxford.
“It seemed kind of like the right
time,” Rowden said. “I think people
are tired of paying retail value for
stuff and the extra cash isn’t out
there.”
Some of the items they buy in-
clude:
• modern electronics
• jewelry
• scrap gold
• diamonds
• coins
• antiques
• power tools
They don’t buy anything that is
broken or out of date that isn’t us-
able. Before he buys a used item
from a customer, Rowden usually
650 S. Lapeer Rd. • Oxford • 248-236-0869
it
Look for the “We Buy Gold” Sign! Across from Al’s Auto Wash
does a quick Google search to de-
termine its value and takes into ac-
count how easy the item is going We Buy It
to be to sell. owner Kevin
Rowden said he has seen busi- Rowden.
ness improve over the last four
months “We’ve seen a big, defi-
nite improvement. The quality of
items were getting is better.”
The items that are on display
are some of the cleaner and nicer
items they purchase. Since they
first began, the have started to be-
come more selective in what they
buy.
“We don’t want it to be a junk
store where you come and get a item
that last you two days. We have
definitely taken a lot of steps in the
direction of only buying nicer,
cleaner items,” he added.
“If you have four or five items
of the same thing where every year
you were buying a new model be-
Rowden said. We buy it is open Monday
cause it was a new model, were here
He said that they usually buy through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and
and we can get rid of some of that
eight to 12 items a day. “That’s kind Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For
clutter and cash you out of some
of the exciting part about it, you just more info, contact Kevin or Greg at
items that you have excess of or
don’t know what is going to come (248) 236-0869 or email them at
don’t need at this moment,”
in.” wepayyou@att.net.
WE BUY
Gold & Silver Scrap Jewelry,
Gold & Silver Coins
and Bullion!!
Licensed To Purchase 9 Kt Thru 24 Kt Gold Jewelry...
Regardless Of Condition!
We are always looking for:
Quality Tools, Antiques, Modern Electronics Including HDTVs, GPS Units, Mp3s.
These Game Consoles:
Nintendo Wiis & DS, Sony PS3 & PSP, XBox 360. Musical Equipments of all kinds...
Didn’t see your item listed? Call or Stop in. If it has value, we are interested!
Just South of Downtown Oxford
OPEN: Mon. - Fri. 10-6
Sat. 10-3
Walton & Becker make it a trio with new doctor
Patients are noticing a new face at Walton
& Becker Eyecare, P.C.
Her name is Dr. Tracy Moran.
Originally from Port Huron, the 2005 Ferris
State University graduate practiced for three
years, then spent a year observing at an oph-
thalmology practice in Germany.
In January, she joined the successful lo-
cal practice of Drs. Theodore Walton and
Elizabeth Becker, located at 837 S. Lapeer Rd.
“I’m looking to reestablish myself and work
my way into the practice,” said the Roches-
ter Hills resident.
Moran’s interests are administering
children’s eye exams and working in orthop-
tics, also known as vision therapy or training.
Orthoptics involves working with every-
one from athletes having trouble with their
hand-eye coordination to folks having diffi-
culty reading because they can’t focus and
align their eyes at the same time. A lot of
stress can be created by eye muscles not
working well together.
But Dr. Moran isn’t the only thing new at
Walton & Becker Eyecare. For the past year,
the practice has offered SynergEyes, a type of
hybrid contact lens that affords the comfort of
a soft lens with the optics of a hard lens.
“These are for people where a standard-
type soft or rigid lens needs an enhance-
Drs Walton & Becker
Dr. Theodore B. Walton
Dr. Elizabeth M. Becker
Dr. Tracy Moran
Optometrists
837 S. Lapeer Road • Oxford • 1/4 mile North of Drahner Rd. • 248-628-3441
ment,” Dr. Walton noted. fering patients a more precisely-finished lens Drs. Walton, Becker and Moran continue
“It works very well for prescriptions where with less distortion and clearer vision. to thrive and grow as they offer comprehen-
a soft lens doesn’t provide the needed vision,” Digital Surfacing gives manufacturers the sive, professional eyecare that includes a full
Dr. Becker said. “Not a lot of people need them, amazing ability to remove or minimize the ab- range of services.
but when it’s appro- Using state-of-the-art equipment, they
priate, it’s a great provide complete eye examinations of the
problem-solver in whole visual system.
terms of being more By examining the eye and visual system,
comfortable and pro- Drs. Walton, Becker and Moran can diag-
viding better vision.” nose, treat and manage diseases and disor-
Walton & Becker ders of the eye such as infections, glaucoma,
Eyecare is also cataracts, amblyopia, astigmatism and many
proud to offer cus- others. An eye examination may also lead to
tom Polaroid sun the detection of systemic conditions such
clips from Chemistrie as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Clip Co. for any new Patients suffering from permanent vision
frame choice. These loss resulting in low vision can receive re-
clips are attached by habilitation services from Dr. Becker, a cer-
small magnets im- tified low vision specialist.
planted directly into Dr. Becker is also now a trustee on the
the lenses. The Dr. Tracy Moran (left) Dr. Theodore Walton & Dr. Elizabeth Becker. Michigan Optometric Association Board.
company’s slogan is She was elected in July 2009 and her divi-
“eyewear that clicks.” errations normally created in lenses via the sion is technology.
As always, Walton & Becker Eyecare is manufacturing process. “It’s really about enhancing optometry’s
continuing to offer experienced, expert Removing or minimizing these aberrations role in eyecare to the public and giving back
eyecare at affordable prices. The practice from the lens enables people who have al- to the profession,” Becker said.
serves patients of all income levels, from bud- ways had problems with eyeglasses – and For more information about Walton &
get to designer frames and lenses. refractive/laser surgery patients experienc- Becker Eyecare, P.C., please visit
According to Dr. Walton and Becker, the ing distortions as a side-effect – to finally www.waltonandbecker.com. To schedule an
digital lens market continues to expand, of- experience a higher quality of vision. appointment call (248) 628-3441.
Optometrists
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GLE offers excellence in gymnastic, cheer instruction
Oxford is home to one of the best kept gymnas-
tic secrets in Northern Oakland County, Great
Lakes Elite Gymnastics and Cheer (GLE).
GLE, which is located at 715 N. Lapeer Rd, just
north of Oxford across from the Meijer plaza, of-
fers a warm and friendly environment that pro-
vides excellent gymnastic and cheer instruction for
boys and girls ages 18 months to 18 years and up in
northern Oakland and Lapeer County.
Co-Owners Jan West and Beth Sumner opened
GLE in January 2008 after the previous owner
went out of business. “We were parents of gym-
nasts on the competitive team. When we were told
the previous gym was closing, it was devastating,
We made a heart decision to save the gym for the
team and the community” said Sumner.
Today, GLE features over 20,000 square foot,
contains a full set women’s and men’s Olympic
apparatus, a wonderful and safe preschool gym, a
Tot-Spot play area for the little ones, a 600 square
foot mirrored dance studio with hardwood floors
and a Pro-Shop for snacks and beverages.
A 40 foot in-ground trampoline and large loose
foam pit with climbing ropes also provide extra
safety for learning the most difficult gymnastic and
tumbling skills.
According to West, GLE offers a wide range of
gymnastics and cheer instructional training as well
as USAG Junior Olympic Gymnastic and All Star
Cheer Teams. “We also throw really fun birthday
parties!”
Friday and Saturday nights are special at GLE!
It opens to members of the community to enjoy
the All-Age Open Gym time from 7:30 to 9:30
p.m. The Saturday night session was just recently
added due to their overwhelming popularity. The
cost is $10.
The All-Age Open Gyms offer two hours of
extreme fun where parents can join their children
on the gym floor. The event features music and
sporadic group games throughout the evening with
trained staff onsite
available to help
the kids work on
gymnastics or
cheer skills, if de-
sired. Food and
beverages are also
available in GLE’s
Pro-Shop.
“Our Open
Gyms are very
popular. Kids of all
ages and their fami-
lies come in have
access to the entire
facility," said West. “No gymnastic or cheer expe-
rience is necessary to participate.”
GLE also offers Pre-School Open Gyms for
children up to 6-years-old. These take place every
Wednesday and Friday from noon until 1 p.m. Par-
ents are required to join their children on the gym
floor. “This is a special time for the little ones,”
said Sumner. “Their parents love being at their side
while they play and learn in an exciting and safe
environment. It costs only $5 for an hour of fun!”
“One of the really special things about GLE is
our remarkable 20 member coaching team. They
possess a combined 35 plus years coaching experi-
ence with USAG Compulsory and Optional Jun-
ior Olympic Girls (levels 2 through 10) as well as
fourteen plus years coaching cheer. All of our
coaches are safety certified, love to work with chil-
dren and have a passion for gymnastics and cheer,”
stated Sumner.
“They are
also a true team,
not just a group
of individuals.
They work to-
gether continu-
ously to learn,
improve and pro-
vide some of the
best training in
gymnastics &
cheer available in
the area.”
She added
that one of the
things that separates GLE from the other gymnas-
tic and cheer centers is the "open family atmo-
sphere. We have a 360 degree open viewing envi-
ronment that enables parents to observe their
children’s development up close with no doors or
windows . We welcome input from parents whether
it be positive or negative. Their input helps us to
grow and serve the community better.
This summer, GLE will be offering a series of
half day summer camps that will provide a combi-
nation of disciplined gymnastics training and struc-
tured fun time for girls & boys.
1) Bouncin’ Bears is a 3 day camp designed for
preschoolers, ages 3 to 5, with emphasis on fun
and learning beginning gymnastics skills.
2) Tough Tigers is a 3 day camp for boy’s, ages
5 years & up, with an emphasis on strength, flex-
ibility and fun.
3) Extreme Fun is a 3 day camp is for both
boys & girls, ages 5 & up, who love to have lots of
fun – along with light conditioning and beginning
gymnastics training. Camp activities will include
obstacle courses, contests, zip line & trampoline
time, bounce house, water balloon fights and more.
4) Rising Starz is a 5 day camp is for girls, ages
5 & up, that want to develop their gymnastics
skills. Training on all women’s gymnastics events
will be provided along with light conditioning.
Plenty of games, music and free time in our foam
pit, bounce house & trampoline will also be pro-
vided.
There is an annual registration fee of $35 dol-
lars. Class prices start at $60 per month. Camp
prices vary. GLE savings coupons are frequently
available on their website @
www.glegymnastics.org.
GLE is open Monday through Friday evenings
starting @ 05:00p.m.; Monday, Wednesday, Fri-
day & Saturday mornings from 09:30 a.m. to 01:00
p.m.; Birthday parties are available on Saturday &
Sunday afternoons. Pre-School Open Gyms take
place on Wednesdays & Fridays from 12:00 noon
to 01:00 p.m.; All Age Open Gyms take place on
Friday & Saturday nights from 07:30 to 09:30 p.m.
For more information, contact the GLE office at
(248) 236-9600 or visit GLE’s website.

Downtown Oxford has the perfect place to Soothe Your Soul

If it’s designed to inspire, uplift or empower, you’ll find
it at Soothe Your Soul in downtown Oxford.
“Everything here has to somehow fit in with that,” said
owner Hannah Cornell-Schroeder. “It’s all about learning
to take care of yourself.”
Located at 20 Hudson St., the store opened last year
with a mission of “inspiring people to live their best life by
looking within and trying or learning something new.”
To that end, Soothe Your Soul offers everything from
Reiki (pronounced Ray-key) energy-balancing treatments
and therapeutic massage to personal enrichment 101-type
classes and life-coaching.
“We’ve got something going on two or three nights a
week,” said Hannah, a Reiki Master practitioner and teacher.
“We’ve added a lot of new classes and most of them are
under $25.”
One of those new classes is called “The Relaxed Parent”
and it’s all about helping moms and dads be their best, so
they can give their best to their kids.
Soothe Your Soul also offers classes on meditation, nu-
trition, Reiki, fengshui and massage techniques, just to name
a few.
The store’s eclectic stock includes natural cleaning prod-
ucts, healing and decorative crystals and stones, candles,
aroma therapy, local jewelry and art, sympathy gifts, essen-
tial oils, inspirational books, meditation tapes and CDs.
Hannah said her merchandise line has really grown and
she’s proud to focus on offering items from Michigan com-
Soothe Your Soul owner Hannah Cornell-Schroeder (left) and Massage Therapist Pam Ziskie.
panies such handmade jewelry and soap from Oxford and
an organic skin care line from Macomb. Soothe Your Soul is open Tuesday, Wednesday and Fri- available by appointment.
“I’m really trying to give back to the local area,” she day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; For more information visit www.soothe-your-soul.com,
said. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Extended hours are call (248) 236-9855 or e-mail hannah@soothe-your-soul.com.
Forget burgers and subs – sink your teeth into a ‘Wich
As the world grows weary of eating the
same old bland subs from chain stores,
‘Wiches stands ready to fill the flavor gap.
Located at 40 N. Washington St., the sand-
wich shop opened in December 2009 and was
an immediate hit with the community.
“People have been raving about our food,”
said owner Patrick Hingst. “We get tons of
compliments. Friends are bringing friends.
Word-of-mouth’s been great.”
Served on fresh-baked bread made in-
store on a daily basis, the sandwiches fea-
ture the freshest ingredients possible melded
together in unique flavor combinations
One bite and you’re guaranteed to forget
all about places with pepper bars and freaky
fast delivery.
Want a real treat? Try the “Ham it Up,” which
features thick, juicy pieces of Black Forest ham
topped with cheddar and provolone cheeses,
tomato slices and honey mustard.
Looking for something a little more ad-
venturous? Try the “Bailando con Pollo,”
which consists of chicken, red onion,
monterrey jack cheese and salsa verde.
If you’re up to the challenge, maybe you’d
like to take on the Wicked ‘Wich. This $15
sandwich weighs 4.5 pounds and is piled high
with turkey, ham, bacon, cheese, lettuce, to-
mato and garlic aioli, all on a 12-inch bun.
Eat the sandwich in 30 minutes, 3 seconds
or less and you win a $25 ‘Wiches gift card
and souvenir T-shirt, plus your photo goes
up on the Wall of Fame.
“One guy did it in just over 22 minutes,”
Hingst said. “He’s the new record-holder.”
Fail and your photo stays on the Wall of
Shame until the day you’re man (or woman)
enough to defeat the Wicked ‘Wich.
“People come in overconfident,” said
Hingst, noting the sandwich isn’t available as
a carry-out item. “You put it in front of them
and they get this deer-in-the-headlights look.”
Besides sandwiches, ‘Wiches offers a
wide variety of fresh-baked bagels and break-
fast sandwiches, gourmet pizzas prepared in
a brick oven, homemade soups, salads and
desserts. Delivery is available.
Customers with food allergies will appre-
ciate the fact that ‘Wiches offers, upon re-
quest, gluten-free sandwich breads and pizza
dough along with gluten-free desserts and
at least one gluten-free soup every day.
It takes a special staff to make the terrific sandwiches at ‘Wiches in downtown Oxford.
“I’ve had a lot of gluten intolerance in my
family, so I want to make sure they can come size salads and pasta dishes such as five- As for community involvement, Hingst is
in here and have a dining option,” said cheese macaroni and cheese, mostacolli and going to have a team in Oxford’s Relay for
Hingst, noting since he opened, he’s seen lasagna. He can also cater breakfasts. Life and sponsor either a baseball or softball
his gluten-free business increase 25-30 per- In the spring, Hingst is planning to pro- team through the township parks and recre-
cent each week. vide some type of outdoor seating complete ation department.
If you’ve got a party coming up and don’t with live music such as an acoustic guitarist. ‘Wiches is open from 7 a..m. until 9 p.m.
feel like cooking, let ‘Wiches cater the affair. He’s also planning to be a sponsor of the Monday through Thursday; from 7 a.m. to
Hingst said he can provide party trays summer Concerts in Centennial Park series 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and from 8 a.m.
filled with sandwiches, party subs up to 3 and even offer free delivery to concert-goers to 9 p.m. on Sunday.
feet in length, bulk batches of soups, party- during the performances. For more information call (248) 572-4790.

‘wic hes
Super Spring
Specials
2 for Tuesday o Shame!”
Buy 1 Pizza “We Put The Chains T
To

Get 1 FREE • Fresh Baked Bagels Free

Wi-Fi
5 pm to Closing
• Fresh Baked Bread
‘wiches Wednesdays • Amazing Sandwiches
Buy 1 Sandwich
• Homemade Soups We
Get 1 for $1 Deliver
5 pm to Closing • Fresh Salads
• Gourmet Pizzas and
Bonus Pizza Cater!!
2 Large 2 Topping PIzzas and • Homemade Desserts
a Small Salad
• Gluten Free Options!
$
1999
Offers Valid til 4-30-10
Ask About Our Fundraising Opportunities

Hours: 40 N. Washington • Downtown Oxford

Mon.-Thurs 7 am-9 pm (On east side of M-24 - 1 block north of Burdick St.)
Fri.-Sat. 7 am- 11 pm
Sun. 8 am- 9 pm 248-572-4790 • www.wichesrestaurant.com
Oxford Academy of Dance: Talent, exercise and more
From dance lessons to exercise classes,
folks are always on the move at Oxford Acad-
emy of Dance & Performing Arts.
Located at 533 S. Lapeer Road, the studio
has been nurturing local talent and keeping
local bodies in shape for six years now.
“We try to do a little bit of everything,”
said Kati Clark, who co-owns the studio with
her mother, Kathy Leonard. “We are always
adding new classes. Our teachers go to work-
shops to learn all the new moves and styles
of dance.”
On the dance side, the academy offers tap,
jazz, ballet and pointe, hip hop and lyrical to
students from 18 months old to adults.
“For the younger kids, dance gets them
ready for school by teaching them listening
skills, how to share, how to follow rules, how
to work together. It socializes them,” said
Clark, who’s been dancing her entire life and
graduated from Oklahoma City University
with a degree in dance management.
For older kids, those age 6 and up, dance
teaches them discipline, aids in the develop-
ment of coordination and gives them an op-
portunity to exercise.
“We pride ourselves as being a family-
friendly studio,” Clark noted. “We have tables
in our lobby so students can study while
waiting for classes.”
Most of the academy’s dance programs
are geared toward recreational purposes,
however, the school does offer a program for
those students with the talent and drive to
compete.
The competitive program, which consists
of about 50 students, participates in three
regional competitions a year and beginning
next year, will add a national competition to
the roster.
“Every year we’re getting better,” said
Clark, who lives in Oxford.
Unlike some dance schools which con-
stantly enter students in a multitude of com-
petitions in a quest for trophies and free pub-
licity, Clark is focused on helping her stu-
dents maintain a balance in their lives.
“Those in the competitive groups learn
how to prioritize their schedule, so they have
time for school, friends, work and dance,”
she explained. “Kids are so much busier these
days. I think it can be overwhelming for them,
so I try to help them find a good balance.”
In addition to dance, the academy also Nuture your talent at the
offers private vocal and piano lessons as well Oxford Academy of
as a Music Theater class, which involves sing- Dance & Peforming Arts.
ing, acting and dancing together.
Those looking to get in shape or stay in
shape are also welcome at Oxford Academy
of Dance & Performing Arts. Oxford Academy of Dance & Performing emy of Dance & Performing Arts enjoys giv-
The academy offers classes in pilates and Arts understands that the economic times ing back to the community whether it’s par-
red cord, an excellent exercise for people look- are tough and people are watching their pen- ticipating in Oxford’s Relay for Life, perform-
ing to loosen and strengthen their tight nies. That’s why the school offers a multi- ing for free at Celebrate Oxford or marching
muscles. tude of deals at any given time. in the Christmas parade.
Zumba classes are also available. “We always have coupons in the paper,” The academy is open from 4-9 p.m. Mon-
“Zumba is our newest class. It’s only Clark said. “We have an on-going special day through Thursday and from 9 a.m. to 12
about a year old,” Clark said. “It’s an aero- where if you recommend a friend and bring noon on Saturday.
bics class that incorporates Salsa and Cumbia them to the studio, we’ll give you a month of For more information, please call (248) 628-
dancing, so it’s got a Latin feel to it. It’s much free dance classes.” 1798 or visit the school on-line at
more than your typical aerobics class.” Like most local businesses, Oxford Acad- www.oxfordacademyofdance.com.

Oxford Schools emerges as growing, global pioneer

Our waning economy has had an enormous impact on
school districts, and many have been forced to make signifi- Photo by Scott Huller
cant cuts to educational programs. Now more than ever, Photography.
parents are taking a hard look at where they choose to enroll
their children in school. While facing many of the same chal-
lenges, the past three years has seen Oxford Community
Schools increase enrollment, add student programs and staff,
and build on global initiatives. Incoming students can look
forward to equally balanced and unparalleled opportunities
in all three As: Academics, Arts, and Athletics.
Staying focused on its vision to prepare students to com-
pete in a global world that is changing 24/7, Oxford Schools
launched an innovative Fifth Core™ world language program
that assures students are fluent in Spanish or Chinese by 8th
grade. Other groundbreaking programs such as Music Mae-
stros™, 4D Assessment™, OxfordNET™, and The Oxford
Plan™ are more fully expressed in the district’s Project ReImagine
Proposal, featured in the curriculum section of its website.
The Michigan Department of Education selected Oxford’s
proposal and school system for its Project ReImagine initia-
tive that will lead education reform efforts in Michigan. In its
role as a model global school system, Oxford will continue to
design and direct curriculum and instruction that ensures
the global fluency of all students. The district is working
toward International Baccalaureate world accreditation for
all of its schools by the 2012-13 school year.
How does Oxford continue to grow and realize the out-
comes set forth in its Strategic Plan? The district monitors district is united in the belief that everything matters when it extremely active PTO’s, committed volunteers, and a caring
leading indicators of change and practices strategic intent. comes to shaping the 21st century’s selfless, global leaders. community. There are eight schools that comprise the dis-
There is a very clear, concise purpose at work that everyone Oxford Community Schools is pleased to welcome new trict, including five elementary schools, one middle school,
understands. As norms and expectations change nationwide, schools of choice students in grades kindergarten through one high school and Crossroads for Youth. Visit
Oxford adapts its core curriculum to close the global achieve- 11. When you contact the district, you’ll find knowledgeable oxfordschools.org for a complete overview of the district, or
ment gap. It is this forethought and flexibility that has kept staff that can help guide you through the enrollment pro- call (248) 969-5000 for additional information. Oxford Com-
Oxford Schools in the enviable position it enjoys today. The cess. There’s a cooperative spirit in Oxford made evident by munity Schools, where the globe is our campus!
Oxford Tap: No smoking, new menu, same great pub
Mike Phipps, owner of the Oxford Tap, is
excited about the fact that effective May 1
his downtown bar will be 100 percent smoke-
free, the result of a new state law.
“I’m looking forward to the smoking ban,”
he said. “I believe smoking’s scared a lot of
business off over the years.”
The ban will allow Phipps to focus on din-
ners and include more family-style offerings
at the 36 S. Washington St. establishment in
addition to traditional bar food.
After the ban takes effect, Phipps plans
to do some remodeling inside – add larger
tables for dining and new bigger televisions
– and give the place a thorough cleaning to
get rid of any lingering smoke odor. “We’re
going to shut her down for a couple of days
and give her a good scrubbing,” he said.
Despite the slow economy, things are
good at the Oxford Tap and Phipps has an
optimistic view of the future.
“Actually, 2009 was our best year and
2010 is looking pretty good so far too,” he
said. “The downtown thing is happening.
We’re really a downtown now. A lot more
folks are coming by. I see a lot more new
faces along with the core clientele.”
In addition to the smoking ban, Phipps is
looking forward to having a new menu in
place by May 1, featuring dishes like grilled
chicken, baked fish and pastas.
Over the last year, he’s already expanded
his menu by offering oysters, red snapper
and grouper.
‘Good things for kids’ at Pee Wee Patch
Extended hours, from 6
a.m.-11 p.m. Monday
through Saturday, are now
available as well, offering
more options for parents.
Pee Wee Patch has lots to celebrate
as spring approaches.
The center recently earned accredi-
tation from The National Association for
the Education of young Children, a long,
intensive process, said Rhonda Meyers,
president and owner of Pee Wee Patch,
but well worth the efforts.
“I’m really passionate about good
things for kids,” she said, noting very low
turn over of teachers was one important
factor in gaining the accreditation. “I see
each child as an individual with individual
gifts.”
At Pee Wee Patch, which opened in
2003, the teacher-child connection has al-
ways been the focus, and one of the
school’s most important elements.
“We know those relationships are
what counts,” Meyers said, noting Pee Wee
Patch teachers hold degrees in early child-
“I thought I couldn’t get people to eat any-
thing except hamburgers and chicken wings,
but I was wrong,” he said. “They’ll eat what-
ever you cook for them as long as you give
them a good deal and do a good job.”
The $1 oysters on a half-shell have been
extremely popular. The Tap starts serving
them at 3 p.m. on Thursdays and they’re avail-
able through Saturday or until they run out.
Served with horseradish, hot sauce, lemon,
Rhonda Meyers, president and owner of Pee Wee Patch, center, says the
child/teacher/home connection is vital.
hood education or elementary education.
Those same teacher, she said, are
also passionate about providing a safe, lov-
ing environment for their students. They’re
also dedicated to understanding every
child’s individual learning style and pro-
Oxford Tap
owners
Louie
Conley
(left) and
Mike
Phipps.
cocktail sauce and crackers, customers can’t
get enough of them.
But oysters aren’t the only special.
Seven days a week until 6 p.m., the Tap
features a extensive menu from which cus-
tomers can order a meal with a side dish and
beverage for $6-10.
On Monday nights from 9-11 p.m., the Tap
offers 10-cent chicken wings.
On Tuesdays, customers can enjoy a
viding a curriculum that is best suited to
helping each child develop all of his or her
amazing potential.
They are also CPR and first aid
trained and obtain a minimum of 36 hours
of continuing education a year.
burger, fries and beer for $5.95.
And on Sundays from 12 noon until 3 p.m.,
don’t miss the build-it-yourself Bloody Mary
bar, featuring 30-40 different hot sauces, vari-
ous mixes and sausage/cheese skewers.
Bring the whole family because kids eat
free on Sundays.
With the coming of the warmer weather,
Phipps is looking forward to remodeling the
rear facade of his bar and bringing in some
new, nicer patio furniture for his outdoor seat-
ing area, which can hold 30 customers.
He’s also looking forward to the return of “Bike
Night” every Thursday evening. Bring your mo-
torcycle to the Tap for drink and food specials,
raffles, prizes and the on-going chance to be
named bike of the week, month and season.
“Bike Night is the best thing I’ve done,”
Phipps said. “That just gets bigger and big-
ger every year. I get people from all over the
place from Lapeer to Macomb County.”
A few times a month the Tap hosts musi-
cal acts ranging from local acts to nationally-
known groups.
You can keep up with what’s going on at
the Tap by checking out the bar’s Facebook
page, visiting www.theoxfordtap.com or by
signing up to receive e-mail updates.
Becoming a regular at the Oxford Tap has
certain advantages such as the rewards card.
Sign up for one and for every $100 you spend
on food, get $10 back to spend on drinks,
food or bar merchandise. For more informa-
tion call the Oxford Tap at (248) 236-0380.
And parents are just as important in
theprocess, Meyers said, noting pictures
are emailed home several times each week
and parents also receive a daily summary
of the child’s classroom activities.
“We always encourage parent par-
ticipation,” Meyers said. “They are their
child’s first teacher. We truly value the
rapport we have with our families and the
community around us.”
Extended hours, from 6 a.m.-11 p.m.
Monday through Saturday, are now avail-
able as well, offering more options for
parents.
The school is community oriented,
also partnering with the library and taking
on projects like a food drive for Orion/
Oxford FISH around the holidays.
”It was a really powerful experience
for our families, the people at FISH and
us,” Meyers said. “That’s really an impor-
tant part of our mission, giving back to
the community. It teaches strong values
to our children.”
Pee Wee Patch is located at 1796 South
Lapeer Road.
Visit their website,
www.peeweepatch.com to find out more,
or call 248-814-1010 to schedule a per-
sonal tour of the school.
Community Insurance Center: A trusted friend since 1978
Community Insurance Center
Ltd (CIC) was established in 1978
and had its humble beginning in a
vacant Sinclair gas station located
at 90 S. Washington St in Oxford
with the merger of two successful
Oakland County insurance agen-
cies – Allen Insurance Agency
founded in 1952 and Hall Insurance
Agency formed in 1955.
Late in 1978, the new business
entity of Community Insurance
Center Ltd was formed.
In 2005, the Oxford branch of
Community Insurance Center Ltd,
relocated to its current location at
932 S Lapeer Rd in Oxford.
In 1986, the Tripp Insurance
Agency in Metamora was ac-
quired. Although business opera-
tions are managed through the
main office located in Oxford, the
Metamora branch, now known as
Community Insurance Center II,
adds convenience to those clients
north of Oakland County.
In 2005, the Metamora office re-
located to 3900 S Lapeer Rd in
Metamora (previously Hillside Cot-
tage/Perkins Flowers), at the cor-
ners of M-24 and Dryden Rd.
Community Insurance Center
isn’t just their name, they feel a
strong commitment and responsi-
bility to their “Community”.
Several of the employees and
both of the owners of the agency
grew up in the Oxford community.
They are involved in the commu-
nity, continue to live in Oxford and
have attended school in Oxford.
They shop in the community, at-
tend church and have lifelong
friends in the Oxford community.
Your community is our commu-
nity, and in these financially diffi-
cult times it’s when community is
most important.
Reflecting back to 1978 when
Community Insurance Center took
its name, the Oxford area has
changed dramatically and so has
Community Insurance Center.
Technology has increased effi-
ciency and has provided much im-
proved claim service. No longer do
customers wait several days to hear
back from a claims adjuster.
“After the claim is reported to
our office it is electronically sub-
(From left): Rick Laidler, Kim Kruger, Marion Muir, Sharon Bieser,
Mary Lou Jarski, Rebecca Mather, Don Harrison. Not pictured: Lynne
Weinmann, Doris Fuller, Sue Woolsey
mitted to the company and our cus-
tomer usually has heard from the
adjuster within 24 hours” Don
Harrison said.
“We send out a survey to see if
our customers are satisfied with the
claims experience and our surveys
show that they give us the highest
ratings 99 percent of the time” said
Harrison.
For that 1 percent of time when
something has gone wrong, it’s usu-
ally fixed by a phone call or a face to
face visit in our local office with
someone you are familiar with and
who represents you and not the in-
surance company.
Although customers can pur-
chase their insurance from an 800
number, or from an online insurance
company, we find that many of our
current customers have come to
Community Insurance from those
companies because of frustration
with the service they received, ac-
cording to Harrison.
“We represent some of the larg-
est and best insurance companies
and as a result are able to often get
the best price for our customers
without having to sacrifice service”
said Harrison.
Community Insurance Center
has long standing relationships
with companies such as Auto-Own-
ers Insurance, Frankenmuth Mutual
Insurance, Progressive Insurance,
and Pioneer State Mutual.
Community Insurance Center is
a full service agency that offers
commercial, homeowners, automo-
bile, health and life insurance and
they shop your coverage with up
to 10 different companies to get you
the best value.
The agency staff includes two
Certified Insurance Counselors, two
Licensed Insurance Counselors, as
well as several Licensed Agents who
are responsible for more than 5,000
policies in the local community.
Meet the staff of Community In-
surance Center in Oxford, Monday-
Friday from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Metamora
office. Evenings and weekends can
be made by appointment.
For more information, call or e-
mail Don Harrison at (248)628-2505,
dharrison@cicinsctr.com or visit
their website at
www.communityinsurancecenter.com.

Work out whenever it’s convenient for you at Anytime Fitness

In today’s world, filled with hectic sched-
ules and countless errands, it’s hard enough
to find time to eat a balanced meal. It’s even
harder to find time to exercise.
Anytime Fitness of Oxford is here to help.
Located in Oxford’s downtown area, in the
Oxford Marketplace, Anytime Fitness is open
24 hours a day, every day of the year, ensur-
ing that even the most time-crunched person
can find time to exercise.
One step inside the 6,000 square foot
building reveals state-of-the-art cardiovas-
cular equipment (treadmills, elliptical cross-
trainers, bikes, steppers and hydro-rowers)
that feature individual televisions. To fur-
ther keep its users entertained, the cardio
machines also feature iPod connections, al-
lowing its user to charge their device, listen
to their music or even watch videos from their
iPod.
Opening their doors in November 2008,
they have quickly become the “go to” place
in Oxford for a quality workout, much to the
delight of co-owner Christine Wierenga.
Wierenga, along with business partner
Barbara Duperron, said that they are doing
very well in Oxford despite the economic
struggles Michigan is facing. “People know
how important it is to workout. It should be
like brushing your teeth – You should get up
and know that you are going to the gym to
work out”, she said.
Because of different schedules, not ev-
eryone can workout first thing in the morn-
ing. “We have people that come in to work- volved. It’s a fantastic workout, which is ager.
out at midnight, others that visit the club at why it’s so popular now”. Once the weather turns warmer, Anytime
4am. Because we’re open 24 hours, our mem- So many members have been attending Fitness of Oxford will be celebrating its one-
ber usage is spread out over those 24 hours,” classes and requesting more in-depth train- year anniversary (which happened in Novem-
she said. ing; As a result, Wierenga is proud to an- ber).
Over the last year, Anytime Fitness of nounce the addition of their newest trainer, Wierenga chose to delay the festivities
Oxford has expanded its class offering for Carol Carpenter. Carol joins trainers Kelly until the spring, so that members can attend
members. The number of Cycling, Stability Rickabus and Nicole Lacasse in making sure an outdoor bar-b-que and celebration. A
and Bosu Ball classes have been high-intensity boot camp will also be offered
increased and Yoga and this spring, which will be available to mem-
Kettlebell classes have been bers and non-members.
added. Currently, Anytime Fitness is offering a
“Group exercise is a huge free month with any of their membership
draw for us. We have quite a plans. In addition, the new member also re-
good lineup of classes”, she ceives a gift bag and a complimentary fitness
said. Wierenga noted that ev- consultation.
ery class is free to members, de- To get even faster, better results, personal
spite having added additional training service are offered. As a bonus, club
classes. “We adapt to our membership is free with the purchase of se-
member’s needs. We’re always (From left): Carol Carpenter (trainer), Christine Wierenga lect personal training plans.
trying to come up with new (Co-Owner), Kelly Rickabus (trainer). New for 2010, members also receive a
things for them to experience,” membership to www.AnytimeHealth.com, a
she said. In addition to the traditional classes, that all new members receive an in-depth fit- comprehensive website that can be used to
members can also use Fitness on Request, a ness consultation (provided free of charge enhance their in-gym experience.
cutting-edge 24/7 virtual group exercise sys- to all new members), as well as personalized Whether logging on from home, or from
tem featuring classes such as kickboxing, training services. the computer kiosk located in the gym’s
sports drill & more. “We discuss their goals and set them up lobby, members are able to record and track
One of the huge successes for Anytime on an exercise program, so that we know their workouts and nutrition, watch video
Fitness of Oxford has been the addition of they’ll be able to start working out confi- demonstrations of exercises and connect with
the Russian Kettlebell class, where members dently,” says Carol, the club’s Personal Train- other gym members online.
work out with a unique piece of equipment – ing Manager. “We also follow up with each For more information, or for a free 7-day
“Think of a cannonball with a handle!” says member to make sure that they’ve gotten off trial, stop by the club at 186 S. Washington
Wierenga. “It’s used for very dynamic move- on the right foot with their fitness goals,” (N. of Drahner), call Christine or Kelly at 248-
ments, so that you get your whole body in- adds Kelly, who also serves as the Club Man- 969-3600 or visit www.anytimefitness.com.
Come home to Parkhurst
Sharon Crowe has big plans. This May,
she and her staff will commemorate the 55th
anniversary of Parkhurst Homes and Estates
with a “big celebration.”
With the housing crisis in Michigan and
the nation, a lot of homeowners are going
back to basics. Too many have found their
housing payments too much to handle and
are looking at manufactured housing in a land
lease community, such as Parkhurst Estates,
as an alternative.
Parkhurst Homes is a family owned com-
pany selling high-enda modular and manu-
factured housing, located at 1540 S. Lapeer
Rd. in Oxford.
According to Sharon Crowe of Parkhurst
Homes, many clients love the idea of a house
and site fee payment that ranges from $550-
$850 a month without feeling like they’re giv-
ing up anything.
“They still enjoy the joys of home own-
ership without the worry of big payments
and up-keep,” she said. “They enjoy their
own lot with flowers and trees and planned
activities in the community.”
Parkhurst Estate residents also enjoy a
private lake with a beach and great fishing, a
newly renovated community center great for
showers and birthday parties. Oxford Hills
Golf & Country Club is right across the street.
Parkhurst is also located within the Lake
Orion School District. Parkhurst Homes range
The Manufactured Home Community
Celebrating Our 55 Year
th
39,995
3 Bedroom, 2 Bath Home
Doublewide on Perime
ter Lot $
rry, Fed era l Tax Cre dits
Hu
Still Apply
T
Payments With LOT REN
Under
$
700 Per Mo.
Parkhurst Estates is in a lovely natural setting,
centrally located in Oxford Township in beautiful
north Oakland County. You will enjoy your new
home in a peaceful community, with many
advantages you are looking for.
Move Your Home Into Our Community For FREE
Our Base Lot Rent Starts at $32500 Per Month
OXFORD
Drahner
1540 S. Lapeer Road
Oxford
M-24
(M-24 Between Lake Orion and Oxford)
LAKE ORION
Clarkston Rd.
248.693.8812
The
Palace
N
Previously Owned & New Models Available For Immediate Occupancy
I-75
from 1,000-2,000 square-feet and can include
a garage, car port and up to four bedrooms.
One special option is the Suite Retreat, that
features the bathroom of your dreams, usu-
ally only be found in a $500,000 home.
You can own an oversized shower with
glass surroundings, enjoy the large his and
her vanity with brushed nickel fixtures, a fire-
place and even a LCD flat panel TV and DVD
player.
Whether you wish to build on your own
private lot you have purchased or in the
planned manufactured home development of
Parkhurst Estates, your Suite Retreat can be
a reality. Parkhurst has thousands of plans to
choose from.
The charming Cape Cod style homes of- Sharon Crowe, center, with Rose Chaiser, Steve Mervyn, Dave Yezbick and Lynn Osborn.
fer his and her closets and large master bath-
rooms while other options include a covered move into your dream home. Crowe said their living space. If you’ve found yourself
front porch and luxurious garden bath. Want homes take about eight weeks to order and in a modern day credit crunch you may be
something not on one of the floor plans? Be- then one-to-three months to build, depend- surprised to find that home ownership is still
cause Parkhurst custom-builds all of their ing on the sitework that has to be done. an option. Parkhurst welcomes you to sit
homes from the ground up, any feature avail- The first step to attaining your Parkhurst down and work with a housing consultant
able elsewhere can be added to a Parkhurst home is being pre-qualified for a construc- to see what they can do for you.
home. tion draw loan. The homeowner then meets Parkhurst Homes is open 10 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Modular homes have 30 percent more with a Parkhurst employee, who will work hard Monday and Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Tues-
lumber than other homes and drywall is in- to meet all their expectations and needs while day and Wednesday and Saturday from
stalled with screws, not nails. They’re also educating them about the building process. Noon-4 p.m. through April. Hours are ex-
built in a controlled factory environment and Parkhurst Homes caters to many differ- tended until 7 p.m., Monday and Thursday
meet or exceed Michigan building codes. ent kinds of customers. There are first-time from May to September. Call Parkhurst Homes
Parkhurst builds year-round, so you home buyers and also the move-up buyers at 248-693-8812, or visit www.parkhurst-
don’t have to wait for the warm weather to who typically wish to increase or decrease homes.com.
with More!
Used Home
s
From $
4,000
ESTATES
Oxford Township / Lake Orion Schools
• Garage and Carport Sites Available • No Credit Denied with
• Lake Orion Award-Winning Schools Approved Down Payment
• Exercise Facility • Lowest Site Rent
• Private Lake • Planned Activities
Up to $ 8,000
Federal Tax C
On Modular redit
or Manufactu
NEW OR USE red Homes
D! Trade Your Home In
On A New
Manufactured or
www.parkhurst-homes.com Modular Home
Oxford Overhead Door offers a way to save on taxes
If you’re thinking about getting a new
garage door and you’d like to shave a few
bucks off your federal income tax, now is the
perfect time to act.
The American Recovery and Reinvest-
ment Act of 2009 entitles homeowners to a
federal tax credit for qualified, energy-effi-
cient, home improvements made to their ex-
isting primary residence until Dec. 31, 2010.
Purchase an insulated garage door, have it
installed on an insulated garage or building,
and you can receive a tax credit worth 30 per-
cent of the door (excluding installation labor),
up to a maximum of $1,500 per homeowner.
“It’s a good deal. I don’t think a lot of
people know about it,” said Barb vonKnipper,
general manager for Oxford Overhead Door.
“They did it last year and they’re doing it
again this year. That could be $200 or $300,
depending on the door.”
“Why give that money to the government
when you can have it?” vonKnipper added.
And who better to install that new garage
door than the trusted professionals of Ox-
ford Overhead Door.
Experience, knowledge, longevity and a
helpful, can-do attitude work hand-in-hand
at the local company to give customers beau-
tiful garage doors they can depend on for
years to come.
“Our name’s on the product. It has to be
reliable,” vonKnipper said.
Oxford Overhead Door has been located
at 2118 Metamora Rd. in Oxford Township
for about 31 of its 42 years.
Unlike some companies, Oxford Overhead with polyurethane foam panels. so when they come down they can say
Door isn’t looking to charge a service call for Those who desire old-fashioned work- they’re offering big discounts.”
something a customer can easily repair them- manship should look into the Illinois-based Other than discounts for senior citizens,
selves with a little guidance. CHI Overhead Doors, which offers great vonKnipper said Oxford Overhead Door’s
VonKnipper said if a customer calls and styles and affordable prices. prices are already fair and reasonable, so
the repair is something one there’s no need to lower them.
of their representatives can “A lot of people are always shopping
walk them through over the around for the cheapest price, but the cheap-
phone, they’ll do it, free of est price doesn’t necessarily mean they’re
charge. going to get the service they should,”
“Money’s too hard to vonKnipper said. “It’s not really a savings if
come by these days.” the job is not done right and a customer has
Oxford Overhead door to spend more money later on.”
offers a wide selection of Depending on how busy they are,
garage doors to fit almost vonKnipper said Oxford Overhead Door can
every budget and taste in- typically service a customer the same or next
cluding Clopay doors day. The company has a staff with a cumula-
which now come in Golden tive total of experience of 118 years.
Oak and Dark Oak finishes. The company’s biggest source of pride is
For those looking for it’s staff, which includes Rob Barrett, John
something stylish, yet ex- Riley, Terry Kage, Brandie Barrett, David
tremely affordable, Jones and James Hodges.
vonKnipper recommended “Our guys are experienced, honest, and
customers check out their The friendly, knowledgable staff of Oxford Overhead Door. conscientious,” vonKnipper said. “They do
line of un-insulated coachman or carriage “It’s really a quality product,” vonKnipper quality work you can trust.”
house style doors. “If they want a different said. “We’ve been really happy. It started as In addition to top-notch service, Oxford
look, but don’t want to spend a lot of money, an Amish company and they still have a lot Overhead Door also supplies parts for your
this is a good option.” of Amish working there. Their concern is garage door or opener. The company sells
Customers seeking a long-lasting garage quality and you can tell with the product.” parts for all types of openers.
door with a completely natural look will be im- VonKnipper warns people not to be taken For doors, parts and service call Oxford
pressed with Hormann’s Golden Oak Timber in by competitors’ promises of discounts ga- Overhead Door at 248-628-4555.
design (www.hormann.com). lore or lowest prices. Hours are Monday through Friday 8 a.m.
On the surface, these doors have the au- “Most garage door dealers don’t offer until 5 p.m. and 9 am. until noon Saturday.
thentic appearance of a high quality, high gloss huge discounts because we can’t,” said Don’t forget to check out the company’s
wood grain pattern. But it’s really a steel door vonKnipper. “Others may inflate their prices website at www.oxfordoverheaddoor.com.

Allergy and asthma care is available close to home

Allergic disease is on the rise, especially among able to sleep well or concentrate, leading to cognitive
children. And it is increasing in severity. impairment,” Dr. Younes said, adding that in some
The good news, expert care is available right here in cases children with allergies may seem to have atten-
your community - Allergy & Asthma Treatment Center tion deficit.
is located at 292 S Broadway on M-24 in Lake Orion. “Many people tend to underestimate their allergy
The center opened in 2003 “And since then we’ve and asthma symptoms and how it affects the quality
been growing steadily, mostly from referrals from our of their lives,” he said.
own patients” Dr. Younes said. The doctor’s treatment philosophy is focused on
Dr. Younes comes highly qualified and is on staff at educating the patient and/or parents in order to em-
Crittenton and Beaumont-Troy Hospitals and an active power them and help them gain control over their al-
member in several medical societies. lergies.
He is a board certified pediatric and adult allergist- “Our goal is to ultimately minimize the amount of
immunologist with background training and board prescribed medications and lower the cost of treat-
certification in pediatrics. ment,” he said. And Dr. Younes will work with your
As a board certified allergist-immunologist, Dr. regular physician to ensure coordination and continu-
Younes is uniquely positioned to assess the immune ity of care.
system and treat all aspects of allergic diseases from His practice has been very successful in providing
hay fever, eye allergy and sinus problems to asthma, specific immunotherapy or allergy injections which
food allergy, insect sting allergy, drug allergy, hives desensitize the patients against their respective aller-
and eczema or atopic dermatitis. gies.
“Allergy is mainly a disease of the young,” Dr. “This is the closest thing we have to a cure,” the
Younes said, noting that most allergies, like food doctor said. “Many of our patients are able to reduce
allergy and eczema, begin early in life. Dr. Younes and his staff can be found at 292 S. Broadway medications or even eliminate them.”
At the center, the doctor and his staff focus on at the Atwater intersection. Dr. Younes and his staff deliver medical treatment
improving patients’ quality of life. in a friendly and caring environment. His allergy nurses
“Here, we do a careful evaluation that includes a Dr. Younes says his treatments help prevent absentee- are highly trained and experienced. Together, they are
detailed history and assessment of the patient’s home and ism from work or school, and improve presenteeism, a committed to the community and proud that patients’
work environment. We may also perform an allergy skin term used to describe decreased productivity at work or referrals have helped their practice grow so much.
test if needed. We then use that information to guide our school. Call 248-693-4444 for your appointment, or visit
treatment.” “Allergies can affect children and adults so they are not www.myallergytreatment.net for more information.
One-stop bridal boutique pairs quality and convenience
Brides-to-be have long found Canterbury
Castle the picture-perfect wedding setting, and
this spring it’ll get even better when a new
one-stop bridal boutique joins the Canterbury
community.
The shop will feature a collection of es-
tablished, independent vendors—one for ev-
ery wedding whim—allowing couples to find
a photographer, caterer, and a DJ, order invita-
tions, choose a cake and more, all in one place.
And couples can hire with confidence;
owner Keith Aldridge said he’s in the process
of interviewing a pool of potential vendors,
and will ultimately settle on 12-15.
“The most important is the vendor’s repu-
tation—it has to be absolutely sterling,” said
Aldridge, noting he and his selection team
would also consider business’ longevity and
other criteria. “Reputation is everything.”
Canterbury Castle is located on the his-
toric site of the one-time working farm of Wil-
liam E. Scripps. The bridal boutique will join
18 other unique specialty shops already open
in various locations around the property.
In addition to the new boutique, Aldridge
said, renovations to Canterbury’s bridal chapel
are nearly complete, and spring and summer
weddings are already booking.
The chapel features a dressing area with
ample space for the bride and her attendants,
seating for about 250, a grand piano, and an-
tique furnishings.
Its crowning glory, however, is a Tiffany
stained glass window purchased from a church
in Cincinnati, Ohio. There we four windows in
the original collection.
“Of the four auctioned off, only one was
signed by Tiffany,” Aldridge said. “That one
was sold to a gentleman from Japan for over a
million dollars.”
But signed or not, the window serves as
a stunning focal point, as well as a unique
backdrop for wedding vows and portraits.
Canterbury’s storybook-like wedding
options also include banquet facilities, an out-
door gazebo, multiple auxiliary buildings and
unlimited options for creative portrait back-
drops.
And if Canterbury’s already booked,
guests can choose the historic, classic coun-
try club at Indianwood Golf and Country Club.
Some 80,000 square feet of banquet fa-
cilities are available between the two locations,
Aldridge noted.
“Either way, you’ll have a fairytale wed-
ding at great pricing,” he said. “We’re very
aggressive with pricing—we can afford to be—
and you can be confident you’ll get great qual-
ity, as well.”
The Aldridge family has been a staple in
the Lake Orion community for some 40 years,
with the younger generation recently taking
over management of both Canterbury and
Indianwood.
“We’re coming in with new energy and
new ideas,” Aldridge said. “And we’ll con-
tinue to be part of the community, of course.”
Need a reason to stop by and check out
Canterbury for yourself?
“We’re really getting a nice following at
the Clansman Pub,” said Aldridge. The pub,
situated at the north end of Canterbury Vil-
lage behind King's Court Castle, a casual din-
ing atmosphere—including a cedar and stone
interior—and features homemade soups, sand-
wiches, pizza and a selection of fresh salads.
And don’t forget about Easter Sunday
brunch at Kings Court Castle. There are two
seatings: 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.. Adults $19.95
Children (4-12) $7.95 Children under 3 are
FREE. Great Food and Atmosphere come join
us.
Canterbury Village is located on Joslyn
Road in Orion Township, just north of Waldon.
For more information, call 248-391-1900.