lake orion biz jan 2010

8/14/2019 Lake Orion Biz Jan 2010

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January 2010 -- What’s The Biz -- Lake Orio

Happy New Year!Happy New Year!

BIZBIZBIZBIZBIZJan. 2010 Vol. 3 #11

What’s the What’s the What’s the What’s the What’s the What’s the What’s the What’s the

A monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce. A monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce. A monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce. A monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce. A monthly collaborative with the Orion Area Chamber of Commerce.

Orion Style Orion Style Orion Style Orion Style Orion Style

Customers at the Orion Culver’s had a chance to pose with Santa last month when the big guy stopped by to help Culver’sowner 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!

Local business takes time to help community



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

Healthy? Get coverage now

Anita GatesDelventhal is owner

of AG ConsultingServices in OrionTownship.

Have some Lake Orion

business news to share

with the community?

Send information and

photos to

[email protected]

Orion Area Chamber of Commerc

2009 Chamber Leadershi

PresidentElizabeth Meyer

Genisys Credit Union

Vice PresidentNorm McKee

McKee & Company

TreasurerAlice Young, CPA

SecretaryLoretta Spatafore

uSellOnline

DirectorsMartha Bergquist

Coffee News

Carl CyrowskiMichigan Global Solutions LLC

Theresa FioraniCanoe Circle Graphics

Bill KokoenosOrion Senior Center

James Porritt Attorney at Law

Neal PorterVette Products

Rosemary RangiCrittenton Medical Equipment

Bill ReissLake Orion Community Schools

Linda SicklesOrion Township Public Library

Monica SquarciaNational City Bank /PNC

Craig Zmijewski AAA Michigan

Orion Area Chamber of CommercP.O. Box 484

Lake Orion, MI 48361248-693-6300

[email protected]

As we continue our discussion of supplemental voluntary benefits, this

month we are going to look at two typesof benefits that maybe implemented indi-vidually and throughemployers. Thesetwo types of benefitsrelate to cancer andaccidents.

As we discussedlast month, all major medical plans havegaps.

Yes, these planscover many of your direct costs (thank goodness) however,did you ever think

about the indirectcosts 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 thelist goes on.

These indirect costs are about 62 per-cent of the cost you will pay out of pocketwhere your major medical only coversabout 38 percent of direct costs.

Here are two difficult questions whichyou 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 hardquestions but I have seen the emotionaland financial devastation this disease putson families.

Last month alone, I know 5 peoplewho died from cancer ranging in ages from5 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 topof your list and have the following ben-efits: cancer screening, hospital confine-ment, ambulance trips, treatment as an In

or outpatient, transportation and lodgingincluding companion, surgical procedure benefits and extended care.

Sometimes you can get additional rid-ers of additional coverage also.

Another benefit that should be in placefor 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

of you are self-employed and/or playsports yourself.

Did you ever think, “What wouldhappen to my family financially if I wasinjured while playing sports or drivingaround while I’m off the job (and on the

job for those who are self-employed)?”When you are looking at an accident

policy you should look for these benefits:surgical care, transportation and lodging,accident hospital care, follow-up care,catastrophic loss, accidental death and dis-memberment benefits.

These policies also have riders for additional coverage not included in the base

policy.When people are healthy, they need to

put these tools in place to take care of their families. We all have a financial responsi-

bility to our families.You can’t tell me, “It will never hap- pen to me” or “I’m already covered” un-less you have one of these policies in place.

Most people don’t have enough sav-ings to pay for the indirect costs that comewith these devastating events.

A few things we need to remember is, cancer and accidents don’t care howold we are, who we are, or anything elseabout us. Both can strike anyone at any-time.

Make sure this holiday season you giveyour family extra hugs and kisses. I knowI will.

_________________________________________ Anita Gates Delventhal is President

& CEO of A.G. Consulting Services Inc.She has more than 25 years in the account-ing and tax industries. She has recentlyreceived an award from Biltmore Who’sWho as an Honored VIP Member for 2009-2010 because of her outstanding leader-

ship and achievement in her profession and industry. Do not hesitate to contact Anitaat 248-393-0403, by email at [email protected] or visit her website and resource center at www.agconsultingservices.com.

248-393-0403 www.agconsultingservices.com

Your QuickBooks,Tax & Financial Resource Center

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

AGCSis Answers with Guidance while

Committed to providing winning Solutions

We will always return your call

248-393-0403




Orion Area Chamber of Commerce

What’s happening at the Chamber? A message from Elizabeth Meyers, president

Welcome newmembers

Seasons Greetings from the OrionArea Chamber. We have had a goodyear and look forward to an even better one in 2010.

This year has beenchallenging for manyof our members andthe community as awhole.

Cell Phones for Sol-diers

National StorageCenter on WaldonRoad and Brown Roadare teaming up to helpour soldiers receivecell phones. Theyhave joined with CellPhones For Soldiers to help provide a

drop off location for our community tohelp our soldiers call home. Bring your unused cell phones to National StorageCenter to contribute to this worthwhileeffort. Call National Storage Center at248-393-1307 for info.

It is hard for us to stop, take a deep breath and realized how blessed we are.

During this season take a moment to be thankful.

This is my last president’s letter. InJanuary we will have new officers of the

board. The last two years we haveworked as a team to help our member-ship grow. We are in a transition nowand will soon be even better.

We have an exciting event coming up.We are coordinating a job fair along with

The Orion Area Chamber of Com-merce awarded General Manager JohnCooper 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, duringthe past year, best demonstrated the truecommitment to the mission of the Cham-

ber and who has made a significant con-tribution to both the business and localcommunity.

Cooper arrived at Golling two and ahalf years ago from Ohio.

Since that time, he has been an ac-tive and avid promoter of Orion areaevents, with the support and insistenceof Mr. Golling himself.

Mr. Cooper has worked with the

Orion Area Parade Group and hosts their annual Holly Jolly Folly fundraising event,works with the Senior Center and spon-sors their Classic Car Show, supports theLake Orion Boys Youth Baseball Leagueand the Lake Orion Girls Softball League,as well as other community events andactivities.

Mr. Cooper received a plaque fromthe Chamber and sets a high bar for next

the Orion Township, UAW Local 5Fox2 News and Hired on the Spot.

The event will take place Jan. 27, 2at the UAW Local 5960 Hall on Silverand Lapeer, from 12-5 p.m.

Hired on the Spot is working with ployers looking for employees.

Look for more details in the neature.

The Monday Morning Motivatorgreat way to stay up to date on Cham

events.The emailed newsletter goes out

ery other week and contains all theest information. If you’re not currereceiving the Monday Morning Mottor, just send us your e-mail and weadd you to our list.

Have a safe and Happy Holid

Chamber Awards 2009 Businessperson of the Yea

year’s recipient to attain. The Chamber congratulates Mr. Cooper and thanks himfor his dedication and service to the LakeOrion community.

Nominations for the 2010 BusinessPerson of the Year award will be ac-cepted in late 2010.

The Orion Area Chamber of Cmerce is a local organization dedicto supporting the business communithe Orion Area. For more informaabout the OACC, please visit twebsite at www.lakeorionchamber.or call 248-693-6300.

Orion area Chamber President Elizabeth Meyer shares a smile alongside JCooper, General Manager of Golling Buick and William Golling, owner.

The Orion area Chamber of Commerce extends a warm welcometo American House Village and JohnP. Blake, DDS, both approved at our last board meeting.

National Storage Center onWaldon Road and Brown Road areteaming up to help our soldiers receivecell phones.

They have joined with Cell PhonesFor Soldiers to help provide a dropoff location for our community to helpour soldiers call home. Bring your un-wanted cell phones to National Stor-age Center to contribute to the effort.

Call National Storage Center at248-393-1307 for info.

Briefly

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 Tuesdayand Thursday mornings from 9 un-til noon at Christ the King Church at1550 W. Drahner Rd. in Oxford.

The Little Luxuries Ministry (alsolocated at Christ the King Church)

provides everyday necessities suchas 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 2512Joslyn Rd. – Lake Orion, next toCanterbury Village.

Donations accepted Tuesdayand Thursday mornings from 9 un-til noon.

Charity low on

essential items

Cell phones forsoldiers

Elizabeth Meyer,

President

Orion Area Chamber

Genisys Credit Union




Tiffany Turnbull, left and Ally Minch with Revere’s nuber one seller -- a large nacho. Photo by Don Rush

Cook-to-own: Revere’s in new handsBy 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 andOrion.

It was started, owned, operated, closed and thenreborn in Lake Orion (behind the Taco Bell on thewest side of M-24, south of Heights Road) under the direction of Larry Laidler. When Turnbull was15 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 itwhen people come in and say, ‘it smells really goodin 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 DebbieBertram, Turnbull took over ownership of Revere’sa year ago.

“Business has been good. It’s been a good ex-

perience. We see new customers all the timeand 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 outrestaurant are still the same (nachos, titanicosand the burrito supremes).

During the past year, Turnbull and her staff of five have made cleanliness a priority, andshe 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 noonto 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

At Stars and Stripes, our mission hasalways been to build self-esteem, strengthand dreams. We provide a safe and kindenvironment where the “child” comesfirst.

The amazing, talented instructors atStars & Stripes will do just that. We donot measure our success by the number of trophies on our shelves, but by thesmiling faces that walk through our doors.

We hope that some of the life les-sons learned from gymnastics will besuch 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 industrystandards. 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 tumblinginstructors are certified thru USAGymnastics,Our cheerleading staff com-

pletes the United States All Star Federa-tion Coaches Credentialing. USASF hasdeveloped a safety and education pro-gram that will be in concert with the rulesgoverning its skill levels, so as to pro-vide logical and safe progressions, as wellas a credentialing program to credential

The Stars and Stripes cheer team poses after a recent parade.

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

participants, coaches, and safety judges.Is the Facility . . . Clean, Safe, Bright,

and Inviting? Yes, our facility is cleanedand disinfected daily by trained commer-cial cleaning companies. In our increas-ingly health-conscious culturewe believe our customers deserve thecleanest facility possible. We care aboutyour family’s well being. Our facility isalso 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 offeringsanitary solutions for ourfacility that gowell 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 wireless internet.

Do they use . . . A Sound CurricuBased on Education, Experience, Safety? Our lesson plans and curricuare custom designed by college educexperts with industry expertise whichways incorporate logical safe progresand FUN.

What is the . . . Length of TimBusiness? Stars & Stripes has been gstrong for nearly a decade.

What is the . . . Reputation? Didask around? Ask your neighbors, friand family and see what they have to

How about their . . . Office HoursCustomer Service? How about 7 daweek morning until night!

What is the . . . Philosophy of the Bness? Do they have one? Our missionalways been to build self-esteem, streand dreams.

Stars & Stripes is located at 4White Lake Road in Clarkston. V

www.StarsandStripesKids.com or 248-625-3547.

Stars & Stripes was our Decber luncheon winner for this free fture in the Orion Review’s What’s Biz. If you’re a Chamber member sure to enter our monthly drawinthe next luncheon meeting so you tell the community about your busin




Culver’s cares!

Business owners and entrepreneurs who need assistanceare invited to attend seminars in

January, 2010 offered by theOakland County Business Cen-ter. Business Basics workshopsare now offered in the eveningson alternating months.

Pre-Business Research - Areyou 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 onTuesday, January 7, from 9:00 a.m. -12:30 p.m. at the Oakland County Ex-ecutive Office Building ConferenceCenter, 2100 Pontiac Lake Road, westof Telegraph, Waterford. For locationspecifics and pre-registration, visit our website at oakgov.com/peds/calendar,or call (248) 858-0783. Presented byThe Entrepreneur’s Source, OaklandCounty’s Business Center, Market Re-search Department, and Research Li-

brarian. This workshop is free, but pre-registration is required.

Fundamentals of Starting aBusiness is a seminar for anyonethinking about going into business. Par-ticipants examine their entrepreneurialskills, learn how to implement their ideas and receive a list of pitfalls toavoid when starting a business. Theclass runs from 9:00 a.m. - noon onThursday, January 14, at the OaklandCounty Executive Office Building Con-ference Center, 2100 Pontiac LakeRoad, west of Telegraph, Waterford.For location and pre-registration, visitour website at oakgov.com/peds/calen-dar, or call (248) 858-0783. The fee is$30. No refunds.

Fundamentals of Writing aBusiness Plan is a workshop for small

business owners who are developing a plan to serve as their road map to suc-cess. The class is held on Thursday,January 21, from 9:00 a.m. - noon atthe Oakland County Executive OfficeBuilding Conference Center, 2100Pontiac Lake Road, west of Telegraph,

January Business Workshop

Offered By Oakland CountyWaterford. For location specifics

pre-registration, visit our websitoakgov.com/peds/calendar, or call (2858-0783. The fee is $40, whichcludes all materials. No refunds.

Legal & Financial Basics Small Business -- This workshop cers many of the key legal and finanissues faced by both new and exissmall businesses in Michigan. The gram initially focuses on the many magement and liability concerns fa

by entrepreneurs, as well as today’sconsequences.The program also vides solutions and techniques for b

ness concession and individual invment and retirement planning. Psented by Carter & Affiliates, PTuesday, January 26, from 9:00 a.mnoon at the Oakland County ExecuOffice Building Conference Cen2100 Pontiac Lake Road, west of Tgraph, Waterford. For location speics and pre-registration, visit website website at oakgov.com/pcalendar, or call (248) 858-0783. Tworkshop is free, but pre-registrais required.

Fundamentals of MarketYour Business -- Marketing is an

sential of business success. All pructs/services must be sold to well-geted audiences with a wide-rangmarketing mix. Our staff/SCORE coselors can guide you through succful techniques and marketing princihelping you to promote your prodand services to the most promising tomers-your target audience. Prese

by The Michigan Small BusinesTechnology Development Center (SBTDC). Thursday, January 28 f9:00 a.m. to noon at the OaklCounty Executive Office Building Cference Center, 2100 Pontiac LRoad, west of Telegraph, WaterfFor location specifics and pre-regis

tion, visit our website at oakgov.c peds/calendar, or call (248) 858-07The fee is $40 (make check payablE.M.U.), which includes all mater

No refunds.

The Web site address for OaklCounty Planning & Economic Deopment Services Workshopswww.oakgov.com/peds/calendar.

Employees at the Orion Culver’s hada chance to pose with Santa last weekwhen the big guy stopped by to helpCulver’s owner Joe Zimmer and his

crew collect food to help support theLake Orion Lions’ 2009 ChristmasBasket Program.And, as a ‘thank-you,’ everyone whobrought in food items received a freeCulver’s ButterBurger. Yum!

Corner of M-24 & Dutton Rd. , 1/2 mile N. of the Palace

Lake Orion • 248-276-2222Drive-thru Available Open 10 am-11 pm 7 Days A Week

Visit CULVERS.COM to view our entire menu & flavors of the day

Brown Rd.

Dutton Rd.

L a p e e r R d . / M - 2

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Culver’s Culver’s Culver’s Culver’s Culver’s FROZEN CUSTARD & BUTTERBURGERSTM

Of Lake Orion

Wednesday is Kids Night$1.99 Kid’s Meals

10% OFF Your Entire Bill

Basedonpurchaseatregularmenuprice.Pleasenosubstitutions. Notvalidwithany otheroffer.Limitonecouponperpersonpervisit. ValidonlyatLake OrionCulvers.Expires1-31-10

25% Off Your Next Meal

Don’t Forget To Order Your

Holiday

CUSTARDCAKES

Buy $20 in Gift Cards,Get a FREE

Double Butter BurgerCheese Value Basket

Please accept this customer appreciation coupon as our gift to you




ASSISTED LIVING“Make Our House Your Home”

Janet K. MazzettiExecutive Director • Lake Orion

248-814-6714 • Fax 248-814-6725www.oaklandcommunityalternatives.com

Silverbell Manor1241 E. Silverbell Rd.

Pineview Manor2888 Baldwin Rd.

Orion Manor1814 S. Lapeer Rd.

6 What’s The Biz -- January 2010

2375 Stanton Road • Lake Orion248-693-4695

www.paintcreekgolf.com

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

81 Indianwood Road., Ste 1Lake Orion, MI 48362

248-693-2321 Fax: 248-693-2703Email: [email protected]

Robert E. Deck III, O.D.Doctor of Optometry

ENVIRONMENTAL WOOD SOLUTIONS

Call For Rates 248-391-94463500 Giddings Rd. (N of Silverbell)

Hours: Mon-Fri. 8-5 • Sat. 8-1

www.ewsmullins.com

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

MUFFLERMAN OF

MICHIGAN89 N. Lapeer (M-24) • Lake Orion • 248-814-9292

www.mufflermanservice.com • Mon.-Sat. 8-6 p.m.

RAINBOW MUFFLER NATIONWIDE

• Prepare Business & Personal Tax Returns

• Assist New Business in Federal & State Registration

• Payroll Processing • Bank Reconciliation

• Financial Statements • Periodic Tax Planning

• Personalized & Confidential Service

accounting services, inc.

This space

only $2900

Call For Details




Associated Foot Cl Jeffrey C. Noroyan, D.P.M. • Tim Snyder, D

Gloria Christian, D.P.M.Physicians and Surgeons of the Fo

191 North Park Blvd • Lake Orion

248-693-8400Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Su

LAKE ORION

WINDOW TREATME

47 S. Broadway • Lake Orion

248-693-0124 • Fax 248-693

Custom Draperies • Blinds • Carp

Upholstery • Hospital Bed Curta

Commercial • Residential

Busines

Owner...Did YouKnow That

Not Only DoSherman

Publications, I

Publish Award-Winn

Newspaper we also off

QUALIT

PRINTIN

SERVICE

Call or Stop In

666 S. Lapeer Rd. • Oxford • 248-62

• Flyers • Brochures • Men• Envelopes• Business Forms• Business Cards and Mo

The Oxford Leade

January 2010 -- What’s The




436 S. Broadway (M-24) , Suite C • Lake Orion

Licensed Broker • Chairperson of County Bar R.E. CommMember American & State Bar R.E. Sections

James R. Porritt, Jr.

248-693-6245

30 Years Real Estate Experience

ATTORNEY

For Sale By Owner

TRANSACTION• Advice, preparation of Purchase Agreement,

Mandatory Disclosures & related documents.• Coordination of financing, inspections, surveys,

appraisals, title work & closing

Cash To New Mortgage Transaction 1/2of 1%

Seller Financed Sales 1%

SIMPLE WILLS F r e e I n i t i a l C o n s u l t a t i o n

• Self directed disposition of assets• Your choice of administrator• Your choice of Guardian for minors• Your choice of Trust for minors to be set up after your passing.

“Avoiding Probate”does not justify the cost or inconvenience of setting up a Living Trust and maintaining it for therest of your l ife.Michigan’s unsupervised probate procedure is inexpensive, uses preprinted forms, avoids formalaccountings, court appearances, or approval of asset disposition.

Short SalesProcedures & Negotiations

If You Must Sell Your Home

And Cannot Without A

Reduction In Your Mortgage

Balance, Call For An

Appointment.(Land contracts, private mortgages, lease with option)

Federal Relief Program

may help with mortgage

Attorney James R.Porritt, Jr.

For those having difficultieswith their home mortgages federalprograms affordrelief to thosemeeting a tightset of thresholdrequirements.

They are de-signed to reducemonthly pay-ments to a maxi-mum of 31 per-cent of theb o r r o w e r ’ s

monthly income.This is ac-complished byeither a modification of an exist-ing loan or through a refinance.

On a modification, the first av-enue is through an extension of the term of the existing mortgageto as long as 40 years.

If that is not sufficient to getthe payment to the cap, the sec-ond stage is to reduce the annualinterest rate to as low as 2 per-cent.

Finally, if that is still notenough, the principal balance of the loan may be reduced.

The re-finance program issimilarly designed to meet theborrowers income limitations andis limited by the appraised valueof the property 105 percent (al-though there is talk of increasing

this limit).Details of eligibility can befound atmakinghomeafordable.gov

Also check out the followingsites for locating free counseling:www.mshda.info/counseling;www.hopenow.com; www.nw.orgwww.mighigan.gov/dhs There’s nothing “faux” about it. Lake

Orion’s newest business, Ruth Faux Fin-ishing and Designs, is an authentic one-of-a-kind, and so is everything inside thestore.

Owner Ruth Forman, of Oxford, hand- paints or crafts each product, like glass beads and old travel trunks. But, she saysher main service is offering lessons in deco-

rative painting.“We work on different techniques –

faux finishing techniques,” Forman saidof her classes. “You can paint on any sur-face – wood, metal, class, fabric, anything.[Customers]learn a lot of different things:composition, color, design. And we havefun, of course.”

Classes, offered morning and eveningyear-round, teach technique.

“In a class, I teach a certain stroke, butnot everybody creates the same thing, nec-essarily,” said Forman. “Everyone doessomething different on different surfacesand different designs.”

The business owner says what sheteaches is not tracing or color-by-num-

ber, but design and composition. She addsthat nearly any surface is good for deco-rative painting, including wood, metal,glass and fabric.

For those not interested in painting,Forman also offers products she’s paintedherself, and can take specialty and cus-tom orders.

“I offer a wide line of gifts and unusualthings –one-of-a-kind products,” said

Forman. “I try to do a lot with recyclaand old things, fix them and reuse the

The owner says her unique prodare what make Ruth Faux FinishingDesigns a good place to shop for the hdays. In addition to decorative piecesalso sells hand-made Italian glass bead jelry and do-it-yourself kits.

“I have gifts and unique things yo

not going to find it in other stores,”said, noting her products are more alearning and creating than being commcial.

The Oxford resident says she’s alwhad a studio in her home and has offclasses to the Orion/Oxford commufor over 10 years. When she decideopen a store, she picked a Lake Orioncation “because Lake Orion is growilot.”

“Of course I wanted something cto my home and it’s a really nice towshe said. “It’s a good place to go s

ping and have lunch or a cup of coffOriginally from Costa Rica, For

moved to the US exactly 13 years ago N

25 to be with her husband, who is fMichigan.

“I’m happy here – people help a she said of the Orion/Oxford area.

To see what Ruth Faux FinishingDesigns has to offer, head downtow42. W. Flint Street.

Forman’s business is open seven dthrough the holidays, 10 a.m. to 5 pand open late Wednesdays until 7 p.m

Nothing ‘faux’ about new busines

Ruth Forman, owner of Ruth Faux Finishing and Designs, says she’s got uniholiday gift ideas. Photo by Megan Collier




Loran S. CoffmanWPS Investments

Fall is the time to consider someyear-end financial moves – little and not-so-little things you might do to plan toimprove your financial position.

You could put more in your 401(k)before they play “Auld Lang Syne”.As you only getone chance tosave for retire-ment and an an-nual deadline tomake retire-ment plan con-tributions, youcould increaseyour final re-tirement plandeferrals of 2009 to themaximum al-lowed by your plan, assuming your finances permit youto do so.

Contributions to traditional IRAs and401(k)s are usually made with pre-taxdollars 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 untilApril 15, 2010 to make that move.

You can contribute up to $5,000 toan 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, thismay reduce or even prohibit Roth IRAcontributions depending on your filingstatus.

You could try to harvest somelosses. You might want to sell some los-ers to offset some winners (not everysecurity was a winner this year) andcounterbalance capital gains.

Keep in mind that if you are in the10 percent or 15 percent federal incometax bracket for 2009, you won’t have topay 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 taxbracket.3

You could try to pick up some taxcredits. Are you thinking about buyinga home? The up-to-$8,000 first-timehomebuyer credit has been extended tothe end of April and complemented by

its new variant, the up-to-$6,500 creditfor move-up buyers.

Remember, the phase-out limits onthat credit just rose – they are now$125,000 for single filers, and $225,000for 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 assomeone who hasn’t owned a homewithin the past three years; a move-up

buyer is defined as a buyer who has livedin the same primary residence for astretch of five consecutive years or longer.4

How about some energy credits? If you make your principal residence moreenergy-efficient or purchase solar hotwater heaters, geothermal heat pumps,wind turbines or other qualifying alter-native energy equipment to heat or coolyour home, you can qualify for a taxcredit for up to 30 percentof the cost of the improvements.

There is a maximum tax credit limitto $1,500 for improvements put in ser-vice in 2009.5

Do you have sons or daughters incollege? The Hope Credit has becomethe American Opportunity Tax Credit, acredit of up to $2,500 toward qualifyingcollege expenses.

Phase-outs kick in at $80,000 MAGI

for single filers, $160,000 MAGI for jointfilers.6 Additionally, you could contrib-ute a little more to a 529 plan before theyear ends.

Prepay some deductible expenses.If you are pretty sure you will be in thesame tax bracket or a lower one in 2010,think about making a thirteenth paymenton your home loan in 2009 to boost your mortgage interest deduction, or prepay-ing your property taxes if your f inancialsituation lets you do so.

Spend that FSA money. Do youhave a Flexible Savings Account for your healthcare expenses?

Think about getting some newglasses or braces, or find some way to

use that money – money you might loseafter December 31, unless your employer allows you the extended-access optionto your 2009 FSA funds (in which caseyou’ll still have to use them by March15 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

might do as the economic recovery progresses.

Discuss some of the different as- pects of your financial situation. If youwant a better understanding of whereyou are at financially, this is the chanceto gain it.

Loran S. Coffman is the founder of Wealth Preservation Strategies, LLC andmay be reached on the web atwww.WPSinvestments.com, by phone(248) 693-5599, or by [email protected]. See“The Science of Financial Health”,Coffman’s exclusive weekly financialcolumn on the web every Wednesdayat 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 fromreliable sources; however we make norepresentation as to its completeness or accuracy. Please consult your Invest-ment, Tax and/or Legal Advisor for fur-

ther information and advice about plication to your specific circumstan Presented and authored by LoraCoffman & Peter Montoya, Incorated.

Securities offered through H. B Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investmadvisory services offered throM.R.Spencer Advisory Services, LWPS-Investments, Inc., M.R. Spen

Advisory Services, LLC and PMontoya, Incorporated are unaffiliwith H. Beck, Inc. Branch addresWPS is 189 W. Clarkston Rd., Bldg

Lake Orion, MI 48362.Citations.

1 foxbusiness.com/story/personal-finance/retirement-advice-ages/ [12/26/08]2 irs.gov/retirement/article/0,,id=202510,00.html [109]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 [109]6 irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=205674,00.html [109]7 bankrate.com/finance/money-guides/use-fsa-money-syou-don-t-lose-it-1.aspx [2008]

Some things you might want to consider before 2009 endPresented by Loran S. Coffman CPhD, RFC

Loran S. Coffman, CPhD, RF

WPS-Investments Inc.Stone Pine Complex

189 W. Clarkston Rd.

Lake Orion, MI 48362

248-693-5599www.WPSinvestments.com




If you don’t have a Michigan Catho-lic Credit Union VISA, you are missingout on one of the best credit cards on themarket today! An MCCU VISA has:

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A Generous 10 Day Grace Period - AGreat Bonus Point Program.

Now through February 28, 2010,when you transfer a credit card balanceto a new or current MCCU VISA, you’llreceive Double ScoreCard Bonus Pointsand a 1 percent Cash Back Rebate on thetransfer amount!*

Plus, use your MCCU VISA for atleast five transactions before February 28th

and be automatically entered into a ter-rific drawing.

Two lucky winners will get 100,000Bonus Points** added to their card!

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Call Diane Leier, Lake Orion BranchManager, at 248.693.3400, ext. 1500 totransfer 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 everydollar 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 CashAdvances. Member must qualify for transfer and/or credit lineincrease. **Rules for VISA ScoreCard Bonus Points Drawing- How to enter the drawing: You will be automatically enteredinto the drawing when you use your MCCU VISA Credit Cardto 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 oneVISA credit card Account Number. The transactions may be acombination of purchases and cash advances. MCCU employ-ees, Board of Directors, and relatives are unable to participatein the drawing. Must be at least 18 years old to qualify for thedrawing. Prize: The two winners receive 100,000 VISAScoreCard Bonus Points issued to their VISA Credit Card.Nocash redemptions, substitutions, transfers of prize allowed.Limit one prize per MCCU Member Number. Winners mayappear in future Michigan Catholic Credit Union’s market-ing. Offer can be withdrawn at anytime. Other restrictions mayapply.

Alliance Senior Care knows thathome is where the heart is.

If you are looking for in-homecare for an elderly loved one, Alli-ance Senior Care can help enhancethe quality of their life and indepen-dence through their myriad services.

Alliance Senior Care, with loca-tions in Oxford, Bloomfield Hills andMadison Heights, provides meal

preparation, personal care, lighthousekeeping and transportation tohome-bound individuals in the mar-kets they serve.

Their staff also offers compan-ionship and can assist clients with

bill paying and medication remind-ers.

Service can range from a fehours a week to 24 hours a day live-in care.

Alliance Senior Care providescost effective alternative for senioand others who aren’t ready to leavtheir homes for an institutional seting or live with relatives, but bcause of illness or chronic conditioneed support to remain at home.

Check their website www.allianceSRcare.com to leaabout the many ways Alliance Snior Care can offer peace of minand relief for families struggling withe tough decisions of eldercare.

Call Brian or Dina Hurnevich248-274-2170 for more informatio

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Alliance staff takes part in a recent ribbon-cutting at their Bloomfield cent

From ShadowDancers toHanderPants,Brist lebotsand LOL, LittleMonsters ind o w n t o w nLake Orion

has somethingthat’s sure toplease the kidin everyone.The store islocated at 16W. FlintStreet. Call248-814-8697for hours andinformation.



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

Carolyn Chevrieris president ofLakes Community

Credit Union.

Can you help others during

the holiday season?

4Mark YMark YMark YMark YMark Yourourourourour

CalendarsCalendarsCalendarsCalendarsCalendars

3 Great Special Section

4

Call Your Ad Representative TodaFor More Details

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White Horse Inn

That Will Be Sure To

Increase Your Business

January 20thDirect Mailing & The Oxford Leader

February 2010The Lake Orion Review & Oxford Leader

January Space ChaseIn The Ad-Vertiser During January

Anniversary Section

Health & Wellnes

December brings many celebra-tions to our lives! Christmas, Hanuk-kah, Kwanza – no matter what your religious belief, it is atime to share the joysand meaning of theseason with friendsand family!

It’s also a time of reflection. A newyear is quickly ap-

proaching – whatwas your 2009 year like? How can youmake 2010 even bet-

ter?Many peoplefaced tough challenges during 2009 asthe problems in the economy continuedto create job losses and home foreclo-sures. Unfortunately, many economists

predict that the outlook for Michigan’s2010 economy isn’t going to be much

better.Lakes Community Credit Union is

reaching out to help those in need by

supporting local food banks at our Waterford and Mt. Clemens locations,and our Lake Orion branch is sponsoringa holiday fundraiser for two Lake Orionfamilies that are in need of assistance.

Can you help? Please feel free tostop in to one of our locations and donate

– big or small, every donation counts!Lakes Community Credit Union’s

philosophy is “people helping people”. Notonly do our financial products help peoplereach their financial goals, Lakes alsohelps to sponsor local events, offersgrants to schools, scholarships to HighSchool seniors and participates in

fundraising events.Come in and see how Lakes can of-fer you the financial products you desire,without the “attitude” of the “big finan-cial institutions”. We have many specials(see our ad) and offer fixed rate, no an-nual fee, no gimmick credit cards to mem-

bers that qualify.If you live, work or worship in Oak-

land County you can join! Call us or stopin to one of our three locations!

About 70 percent of the items Brenda andJay Rogers carry in Clo-Bear Unique Pet Storeare handmade, and the all-wood pet beds areno 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-

quested a bed large enough for a Great Dane.The store also carries homemade treats,

bowl sets, jewelry, blankets and a wide va rietyof pet clothing, like dresses and co ats, both offthe rack or custom made.

The store is open Monday-Saturday, 10a.m.-6 p.m., and Sundays by appointment.

Clo-Bear Unique Pet Store is located at 18N. Broadway. Call 248-693-5922.

Brenda Rogers of Clo-Bear Unique Pet Store shows off her line of custom-made pet beds.

Pet lover on your list?

350 N. Park Blvd. (Lapeer Rd.) Lake Orion • 248-814-400www.LakesCommunityCU.org

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