A year and two months and $158,000 later, Rockford’s Judge Servaas has had his day before the Michigan Supreme Court.

Although a ruling could still be months away, Servaas is pleased with the hearing, which dragged to an hour long. It consisted – in part – of a grilling of Paul Fischer, the Judicial Tenure Commission director who ambushed Servaas in his Rockford office on January 16, 2008 with a hidden recording device, demanding his immediate resignation on threat of public humiliation.

Several times Fischer asked that Servaas be immediately removed from office for a variety of alleged offenses and was refused each time. Now the case has gone all the way to the state’s highest court.

During the hearing, the seven-judge panel did tell Servaas that it is never appropriate to comment on a co-worker’s breast size, an allegation he admits happened as a joke at a holiday party and which he says he regrets. Much of the rest of the time judges directed their comments to Fischer and his methods. “He took a beating,” Servaas stated.

Servaas said the hearing was supposed to be a half-hour long, but went on an hour. “We were each supposed to have five minutes to state our case. Fischer didn’t even get up to the podium before they started on him,” Servaas said.

“The justices did an excellent job. I’m really happy that they ” he said. “I have nothing but faith and will be happy to abide by their decision.”

Servaas said the case has been a long and expensive endeavor and believes this may prompt changes in how court judges are investigated. He said it is wasteful and pointless for the body accusing a judge – in this case the Judicial Tenure Commission – to also be the first body to make a ruling on the case.

The case has cost Servaas over $55,000 out of his own pocket, with a tab of $158,000 and a lawsuit insurance limit of $100,000.

A grievance has been filed against Fischer to the Michigan Bar Association. It was brought by 20 judges who are also former bar association presidents and blasts Fischer’s actions during the Servaas case. It is extensive, critical and harsh.

The grievance asks for restitution for the attorney fees and costs with the exception of costs relating to the legal issue of residency. It states that findings “against Fischer should be significant, reflecting the systematic abuse of the trust that his office reposes in him.” A copy of the grievance against Fischer – over 1,000 pages long – was loaned to the Squire. Watch future issues for details of the contents of that document.

According to Michigan’s Volunteer of the Year Linda Crone, who is a loyal member of the team who logged in over 500 volunteer hours on the force in 2008, the job is rewarding.

“It’s pretty flexible, you can volunteer for many different duties, such as the Rockford Youth Night Out this Friday. We check on people’s homes when they are out of town and visit shut-ins. I’m pretty nosy so it all looks interesting to me,” Crone said. Crone enjoys riding around Rockford in the police jeep in the winter and in the golf cart in the summer. Volunteers can hit the White Pine Trail to watch for mischief or a chance to offer help or enjoy a day at the Welcome Center at 12 Squires Street. There visitors ask for everything from advice on where to go to eat to directions. “Husband and wife teams are allowed, so you can be on patrol together. It’s good for retirees. I’m a very friendly person, so I love it because you get to meet so many people and talk.”

Crone points out that the Police Department is careful their volunteers aren’t put in dangerous situations that the more trained officers sometimes face. They will never be expected to make an arrest, take part in a chase or confront obnoxious individuals. The police do the hard work and let the volunteers enjoy the “lighter side” of police work.

“There’s nothing rocket science about it,” said Crone. “Anyone can do it.” Applications are available at the Welcome Center and training is provided by the Rockford Police. Crone said her training consisted of a few drive-alongs with the police and advice on how to handle different situations. The volunteer force consists of 15 members currently and members are only required to put in 16 hours a month. “It’s a lot of fun. I love the summer when we get to ride up and down the White Pine Trail in the golf cart.”

Mr. Duiven and his crew are working hard to make this the ”s history. There is a cast of 83 not including countless stage crew, pit band members, and numerous volunteers. Leads include Dani McDonald as the beautiful Belle, Brett Johnson as the proud Beast, Brett Wiesenauer plays Belle’s Father, Maurice, the handsome, but not too bright, Gaston, is played by Jordon Bornand, and of course, his faithful companion, LeFou, played by Josiah Grimm. This production is the perfect place to bring your family to escape from the cold, late winter air into a place where magic and dreams come true.

Tickets for the musical are $10 per person for reserved seats. Ticket sales began March 2, 2009. Weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the RHS box office. For more information please call 863-6031, ext. 7087 or www.rockfordchoirs.com. Escape with your family to an enchanted place where luminaries dance and tea pots sing!

Last year’s Expo drew over 11,000 visitors and this year promises to be even better. See some participating businesses on page 5 of this week’s Squire and watch for next week’s Expo article for more information.

When the old Algoma Baptist Church was torn down in 2004, some may have thought it would be forever forgotten. But the township, in conjunction with the Algoma Township Historical Society, has made sure that won’t happen. On Memorial Day, the township will dedicate a new Memorial Park on the site of the old church on Grange Ave., south of 13 Mile. The park, just under a half-acre, will commemorate veterans with a special monument, and the old church with the bell from the original building.

“We didn’t want to lose the history of the church,” noted Julie Sjogren, president of the Algoma Historical Society.

The Swedish Baptist church was organized in 1903 and first met in a house in Sparta. In 1910, it moved to Algoma Township on Grange, and held services in the church building owned by the United Brethren church. The name was later changed to Algoma Baptist.

In 1968, they purchased 20 acres across the street and built the existing building. In 1999, the old church building and property was donated to Algoma Township with hopes it could be restored.

“We hoped to get a historical designation through the state but couldn’t because it had been added on to so many times,” explained Devin Bigney, with Algoma Township. She said it would have cost $100,000 to bring it back to its original state, and the township didn’t have the funds. So in 2004, with the building unsafe to inhabit, they demolished it. But the current church saved the bell and gave it to the township.

“We came up with the idea to memorialize both the veterans and the church at the same time,’ said Julie.

The street side of the seven-foot monument will memorialize the church with the bell, and veteran brick courtyard side of the monument will memorialize veterans, living or deceased.

They have been selling engraved bricks to help raise money ‘for the project since 2003. Theyve sold about 110 of them at $50 a piece, and there is room for more. The veterans do not have to be from this area. The monument itself costs about $23,000. As of this writing, they are about $8,000 short of meeting their goal. They will take monetary donations in addition to the brick sales. “We hope to start construction soon,” said Devin.

Plans are to have the dedication ceremony at 1 p.m. on Memorial Day, after the ceremonies at area cemeteries are complete. Algoma prisoner of war veterans Harold Teesdale and Russell Powell will be there for the dedication.

If you would like to buy a brick or make a donation, please call Julie Sjogren at 866-1583, or send to Algoma Township Historical Society, 10531 Algoma Ave., Rockford, MI 49341.

The kids had a good time looking at papers over 100 years old and guessing what has stayed the same in the newspaper industry as well as what has changed over the years. The kids were from Cub Scout Pack 3283 from Assumption school and Belmont Elementary. They are (back, left to right) Steven Pakiela, Kevin Pakiela, Edward Frey, Ryan Karwowski, (front) Brady Karwowski, Scott Ungrey and John Bina. Thanks for visiting, kids and parents!

The first thing visitors notice about Jupiter Medical Aesthetics is the relaxing, friendly atmosphere. A facial is a soothing yet rejuvenating experience that gives a wonderful healthy feel to skin. Deep cleansing with products chosen for your own skin type includes warming with a hot towel while enjoying a shoulder, neck and scalp massage. The delicate sounds of a water fountain add to the pleasant experience.

During the facial your licensed aesthetician explains the process and describes which products will help your skin, as well as ask questions and offer advice about your own skin care routine. It is an hour in an oasis that takes you from the busy routine of everyday life for moments that pamper as well as offer a lasting effect.

Clients who enjoy a facial or microdermabrasion will feel a difference in their skin immediately and will enjoy improved tone and smoothness. As dead skin cells are removed, the face feels and looks younger and fresher. Pigmentation, spots and acne are treated with facials and microdermabrasion, which also reduces wrinkles and other effects of aging.

“We believe that beautiful skin starts with a healthy lifestyle. A good diet, regular exercise, not smoking and a customized skin care program can

help you look and feel your best,” said Dr. Rose Ramirez.

Jupiter Medical Aesthetics offers many options to help people feel and look their best, including facial peels, cosmetic fillers, laser hair removal, botox treatments, spider vein treatment and physician-exclusive products.

Doctors Rose Ramirez and Lisa Hoekstra are board-certified family physicians who both had a strong interest in cosmetic dermatology. Their shared devotion to the field led them to leave Advantage Health in 2004 to open their own practice so they could work more in the specialty. Both underwent additional training in their field to offer patients the best procedures and most knowledgeable care.

Denise Gritter and Rachel Six are licensed aestheticians who are ready to evaluate your skin and tailor a skincare regimen designed to best treat each person’s indivdual skin type.

Monthly specials are seasonal or to introduce new products or services. The physicians at Jupiter Medical Aesthetics keep up on the technology of their business, so they know which skin care products or treatments are most effective. Having physicians on site allows the office to work as a team to provide the best, most efficient service to the client.

To find out more about Jupiter Medical Aesthetics, visit online at www.jupitermedicalaesthetics.com, call for an appointment at (616) 301-2503, or stop by the convenient Belmont location at 6290 Jupiter Ave., Suite D.

“We are so fortunate to have many loyal clients,” said Dr. Lisa Hoekstra. “We enjoy building relationships and, after awhile, it feels like we are visiting with our friends all day long. We truly appreciate the opportunity to work in such an uplifting environment and to love the work we do.”

Visit Jupiter Medical Aesthetics at the Women’s Expo at the DeVos Place this weekend March 13, 14, and 15, booth number 221 and 222. They will be doing botox and complimentary make up color matching.

Tickets are $10.00 per child for the first two siblings and $5.00 for each one after the first two. Accompanying adult is free. For tickets visit www.rockfordchoirs.com. Print the form and mail as directed. Tickets to the “Tea” do not include or guarantee tickets to the musical. Tickets must be ordered by March 17, 2009. Escape with your family into a world of music, magic, and dreams!

To provide a better understanding of the diverse cultures in and around our community, the committee has invited Rick Wilson from WTKG’s Radio in Black and White to facilitate fascinating interactive activities for guests of all ages. Visitors will be able to choose from several workshops that Rick has found to be highly successful in the Word-Up/Word-Out program which has helped thousands of students be more aware of hurtful stereotypes not only among races, but social cliques as well.

The talented Rev. David May has also accepted the invitation to be this year’s keynote speaker. Rev. May was instrumental in launching the faith-based Institutes for Healing Racism through GRACE (the Grand Rapids Area Center for Ecumenism).

As always, everyone is encouraged to bring a dish reflecting their own heritage to share at the potluck dinner which takes place between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. Beverages, utensils and tableware will be provided. For those uncomfortable cooking for a crowd, bring a store-bought item or come without and enjoy the wide array of different food.

The members of the Rockford Diversity Committee believe that it is difficult to find opportunities for families in the Rockford area to interact with people from other cultures. That is why they are hoping everyone will take advantage of this free and fun family event.

For more details call Diane Karasiewicz at (616) 863-6556 or visit www.rockfordschools.com/diversity.

“We opened the doors last February, wanting to share our love of beer and wine with downtown Rockford,” said co-owner Sue Ten Broeke, “In the year since, we have strived to expand our selection, and our regulars are happy we’ve done so.”

And they are not done expanding their inventory. “We are currently looking at expanding our business to include beer-making supplies,” said Sue’s husband and co-owner Bill Ten Broeke. “There are few places on this end of town where brewers are able to buy supplies.” Bill knows the ins and outs of home brewing as he has long brewed his own beer at home.

Their selection of hundreds of wines and beers come from the immediate area as well as the other side of the globe.

“We are happy to be selling what we can from Michigan breweries and wineries and are even starting to carry vodka, gin, whiskey, and rum from local distilleries like New Holland and Divine,” said Bill.

The store also has a full selection of spirits, mixers, and a wide selection of gourmet groceries. “We’re especially excited to carry the entire line of Brownwood Farms mustards, jellies, and salsas,” said Sue, “They’re out of Traverse City, and many of their sauces are award winning.” Bill and Sue strive to carry local, organic, and fair trade goods whenever possible. Custom gift baskets are also available.

The store, located at 126 Courtland in downtown Rockford, was previously home to the American Legion – which was remodeled and is now home to several new stores.

More information can be found at their website, www.RockfordDryDock.com, or by calling the store at 616.884.0700.