Phil in the Blank A column by Phil Custodio

This edition marks our second color Clarkston News, with twice as many color pages as last month. Valentine’s Day theme this month, with flowers aplenty on the front and a mushy feature on the Garavaglias (the middle ‘G? is silent) inside. I love the colors ? red, green, pink, purples of the flowers, snowboarders? green […]

Lasting love

After 25 years of marriage, Mike and Renee Garavaglia of Independence Township know the importance of family. They learned how much last Fourth of July. Doing some yard work, Mike suffered a massive heart attack. ‘A widow maker,? he said. ‘They got me to the hospital, they saved my life ? it’s phenomenal.? Doctors put […]

Always dog days for volunteers

Volunteers with Canine Companions Rescue Center found homes for almost 700 dogs last year, but more are always needed. “The ongoing need is pretty intense,” said Connie Fleck of Independence Township, who founded the group with her husband in 2004. “All rescue groups do what they can to spay and neuter stray dogs, but there […]

Family continues legacy of mission work

Michael Sutherland’s final wish was for his family’s mission work to continue. That wish will be fulfilled, said his daughter Jennifer Sutherland of Independence Township. ‘He spent his whole life taking care of me ? the least I can do is help his legacy to live on,? Jennifer said. Michael and his wife, Emily, co-founded […]

Opposing viewpoints under one roof

A Sashabaw Road abortion clinic has a new neighbor downstairs ? the pro-life Birth Choice Pregnancy Resource Center. ‘We want to be near the women we want to help,? said Brenda Savage, executive director, at a Feb. 11 open house. ‘This facility is perfect. It has the perfect layout, Lighthouse is next door, and the […]

Building services are back

After more than three years absence, building department services are set to return to Springfield Township. The Township Board voted 7-0, Feb. 10, to relocate building services to township hall. “I think it’s better for residents and staff,” said Supervisor Mike Trout. “This allows us to expand availability. Now they’re in Independence Township near the […]

Make heart healthy in February

For Mary LoVasco of Clarkston, what’s tragic about heart disease is it’s so easily preventable. ‘I lost a loved one to heart disease,? said LoVasco, a personal fitness trainer. ‘It’s so senseless to lose your life to something that could have been prevented.? February is Heart Month, a time to reconsider a heart healthy lifestyle. […]

Family continues legacy of mission work

Michael Sutherland’s final wish was for his family’s mission work to continue. That wish will be fulfilled, said his daughter Jennifer Sutherland of Independence Township. ‘He spent his whole life taking care of me ? the least I can do is help his legacy to live on,? Jennifer said. Michael and his wife, Emily, co-founded […]

Funds repaid

When Sashabaw Middle School Parent Teacher Association officers found discrepancies in their financial records in 2008, volunteers spent more than a thousand hours unraveling an elaborate, multi-year embezzlement scheme. It took awhile, but the money is now repaid to Clarkston students and parents. ‘It’s been nearly three years since this started and we’re all excited […]

Speaking out for the dogs

With a business degree and 10 years with General Motors, Pam Sordyl of Independence Township had no experience with activism before 2007. ‘I wanted to go on one of those vacations where you go work on a farm ? that sounded cool,? said Sordyl, 40. ‘I found one in Michigan.? The farm was also an […]

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