https://julianne677.journoportfolio.comRSS Feed for Julie FreerenThu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1588724From a young age, Maggie Simons had an interest in science, which she followed with curiosity throughout her primary and secondary educations. Simons, 22, grew up in East Detroit (now known as Eastpointe) and was raised by a single mom who put her education above everything else. “She chose to enroll me in a school of choice that was far from both home and her work for the sole purpose of me receiving a good education,” said Simons. “She provided me with the groundwork to work hard for the things that matter in life.”Thu, 18 Sep 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://www.legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1588724https://legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1583862Leon Boykins was happy with his life as a musician in New York City, but one thing he's learned along the way is to listen when opportunity knocks — you just may want to open that door. Boykins, a native of Pittsburgh and accomplished bassist, is a 3L student at the University of Michigan Law School, with an interest in education law. His journey to law school has been filled with amazing experiences that have helped him grow and kept him motivated to find ways to use his creative talents and passions to impact change. Boykins has been making music since his elementary school days in Pittsburgh, and learned the bass in middle school.Wed, 23 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1583862https://legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1583644Mention divorce and most people envision an acrimonious, painful process. Divorce may not be easy, but it can be a respectful and compassionate new start. That's the concept behind the “Divorce With Respect” initiative, which was started in 2021 by Collaborative Practice California (CPCAL) This year, Divorce With Respect Week was held March 3-9. Divorce attorney Alisa Peskin-Shepherd was one of hundreds of attorneys and professionals across the country who offered free, 30-minute divorce consultations to help promote alternative options to court-based litigative divorce.Thu, 10 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0100https://legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1583644https://legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1560495Growing up in a family of storytellers, it wasn't much of a leap for Alison Furtaw to pursue a career in the law. "My father was a World War II veteran and I was raised on stories of bravery and sacrifice," said Furtaw, a first-generation lawyer who grew up in Detroit. While in high school, Furtaw won an award for a speech on JFK, whom her mother loved. "I think the die was cast from that point on," said Furtaw, of her legal aspirations. "Between my Italian father and my Irish/Scottish mother, there was no shortage of storytellers in the family, and I was no exception. Litigation just seemed like a natural fit."Mon, 20 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000https://legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1560495http://legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1559730As a kid, there was never any question for Dana Freers what she wanted to be when she grew up. The oldest of Steven and Christine Freers' four children, Dana grew up in Warren, and attended Cousino High School, followed by James Madison College at Michigan State University, then MSU Law School. "I always knew I'd be an attorney like my dad," said Freers, who came to work at her father's law firm in Fraser in after passing the Bar in 2004. "I never really thought about doing anything else. My dad has taught me everything I know."Thu, 05 Dec 2024 00:00:00 +0000http://legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1559730https://www.legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1559069When Jennifer Stocker became a managing partner of Barnes & Thornburg's Michigan offices in November of 2023, she knew continuing the firm's commitment to community service would be a top goal. Stocker, who has 30 years of experience as a labor and employment attorney, joined the firm in 2010 and is familiar with its commitment to diversity and community initiatives. “At Barnes & Thornburg, we live and work by the values that have guided the firm for nearly 100 years,” said Stocker.Wed, 06 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0000https://www.legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1559069http://legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1544841Holding down a full-time job while enrolled in an accelerated, full-time course of pre-law college study is not for the faint of heart, but for Yassmina Salloum, 20, the silver lining is developing a keen sense of focus and discipline.Fri, 07 Jun 2024 00:00:00 +0100http://legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1544841http://legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1544112Cooley Law School Professor Florise Neville-Ewell has a long history of helping educate people about real estate law, within and outside the law school classroom.Tue, 14 May 2024 00:00:00 +0100http://legalnews.com/Home/Articles?DataId=1544112https://www.publicnoticeweekly.com/articles/featured-stories/senior-center-board-calls-out-milford-township-for-funding/The Milford Senior Center has a dedicated board of nine residents who work hard to fundraise and plan programs for area seniors. In the past few months though, several board members came to the realization that Milford Township should be funneling more money to the center for programs and activities, as outlined in the 2016 Senior Center millage renewal approved by voters. Sue Koivula has been president of the Milford Senior Center board for the past year. The nine-member board is a separate entWed, 07 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0100https://www.publicnoticeweekly.com/articles/featured-stories/senior-center-board-calls-out-milford-township-for-funding/https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/10216/images/c9359086-9b96-4fbe-bab7-9edabb2e5868.jpgWith earthmovers working in the back- drop, an estimated 300 people attended the grand opening of the Kensington Ridge development by Del Webb on Friday, June 2. Visitors got to tour four model homes of what eventually will be a 611-unit, resort-style community of townhomes for ages 55 and up. The development also includes 219 single family homes by Pulte that are not part of the age-restricted Del Webb community. The Pulte homes will be built on the southern end of the 335-acre parcel, off MilTue, 06 Jun 2023 00:00:00 +0100https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/10216/images/c9359086-9b96-4fbe-bab7-9edabb2e5868.jpghttps://media.journoportfolio.com/users/10216/images/d16aa184-21db-4b3f-94d5-0efdef895543.jpgThere will be no non-motorized pathway along Milford Road, between Kensington Metropark and W. Maple Road after dozens of residents voiced opposition to the proposed project during the Board of Trustees’ regular meeting on January 18. Opposition was so strong that the board considered removing proposed pathways from the township’s Parks & Recreation Master Plan altogether, which has recently undergone a five-year revision, with input from community stakeholders. No pathways wanted in Milford’sWed, 25 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/10216/images/d16aa184-21db-4b3f-94d5-0efdef895543.jpghttps://novi.macaronikid.com/articles/5825d76bdafd905530a05696It was back-to-school time about five years ago when Sandra Reid-Smith and her husband Thomas knew they needed to line up a reliable, trustworthy nanny for their children, Thomas, and Sydney, then ages 9 and 8. The Smith family, of Plymouth, had seen a flyer from College Nannies + Tutors, and decided to give the company a try. That’s when they met Sharon Ragland-Keys, owner and managing director of two CNT locations – Ann Arbor/Canton and Novi/Northville/South Lyon. “We sat down with Sharon iFri, 14 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0100https://novi.macaronikid.com/articles/5825d76bdafd905530a05696https://novi.macaronikid.com/guides/5b40f4ba2a9d307f022ea4b7/playground-guideSummer is a great time to explore and Macaroni Kid has just the thing to help guide you on your adventures! We’ve compiled a handy list of playgrounds throughout the Novi area – Novi, Northville, Wixom and Walled Lake. Mix up the routine, pick a new place to play and get out and have fun! Happy Summer! • Sheldon Road Park, on the east side of Sheldon Road, between Five and Six Mile Roads, Northville • Play Structure at Mercer Beach, E. Walled Lake Drive, east of Pontiac Trail, on Walled Lake KnFri, 14 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0100https://novi.macaronikid.com/guides/5b40f4ba2a9d307f022ea4b7/playground-guidehttps://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/1-minute-interview-with-colleen-laclair-owner-of-sweet-retreats-chocolate-shoppe/Sweet Retreats Chocolate Shoppe has been a Milford tradition for nearly 30 years, satisfying visitors’ sweet cravings with delectable handmade chocolates and other goodies. For the past 24 years, owner Colleen LaClair, of Howell, has run the tiny shop and enjoyed getting to know her customers and bringing a smile to their faces with her delicious, handmade treats. How long have you owned Sweet Retreats Chocolate Shoppe and how did the opportunity arise? It’s a great story actually. I’m actuallWed, 09 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/1-minute-interview-with-colleen-laclair-owner-of-sweet-retreats-chocolate-shoppe/https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/1-minute-interview-with-colleen-laclair-owner-of-sweet-retreats-chocolate-shoppe/Sweet Retreats Chocolate Shoppe has been a Milford tradition for nearly 30 years, satisfying visitors’ sweet cravings with delectable handmade chocolates and other goodies. For the past 24 years, owner Colleen LaClair, of Howell, has run the tiny shop and enjoyed getting to know her customers and bringing a smile to their faces with her delicious, handmade treats. How long have you owned Sweet Retreats Chocolate Shoppe and how did the opportunity arise? It’s a great story actually. I’m actuallWed, 09 Feb 2022 00:00:00 +0000https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/1-minute-interview-with-colleen-laclair-owner-of-sweet-retreats-chocolate-shoppe/https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/10216/images/0d83a63c-bc71-4299-8f5f-9db78b5da63b.jpgBill McHenry was riding his bike on a back road in Milford Township about two years ago when an unusual tree caught his eye. The “crooked” tree has a sharp bend with an upright branch shooting up at a 90-degree angle about seven feet off the ground. McHenry, of Farmington Hills, has studied Native American history and knew this tree had to be more than an oddity of nature. “I saw it from a distance and thought – ‘no way, we have to stop,’” said McHenry. He and friend Chris LeVasseur photographWed, 12 Jan 2022 00:00:00 +0000https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/10216/images/0d83a63c-bc71-4299-8f5f-9db78b5da63b.jpghttps://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/be-the-good-community-reaches-outward-during-stressful-times/Like many parents last week, Milford resident Kim Gutierrez initially wasn’t sure how her family was going to deal with the unexpected cancellation of school on Dec. 2 and 3. Huron Valley Schools was one of many districts in Oakland County and beyond that cancelled classes to allow law enforcement to investigate copycat threats of violence in the wake of the deadly Oxford High School shooting on Nov. 30. The day felt heavy and anxious, so Gutierrez, a second-grade teacher in South Lyon, foundWed, 08 Dec 2021 00:00:00 +0000https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/be-the-good-community-reaches-outward-during-stressful-times/https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/1-minute-interview-with-photographer-jennifer-thrift/Chances are, you have seen Jennifer Thrift’s photography. The Milford resident’s images appear on the Milford Township website, in the Town Planner calendar, and in posts she shares to the Milford Matters Facebook page. Photography is a passion for the retired special education teacher, who is assisted by her husband Charles as the two adventure throughout the community and the entire state to find beauty and share it. Tell me about your background. How long have you lived in the area and whenWed, 10 Mar 2021 00:00:00 +0000https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/1-minute-interview-with-photographer-jennifer-thrift/https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/balloonist-family-members-share-their-love-of-ballooning/Your chance to go “up, up and away” in a “beautiful balloon” could be just around the corner. Balloonist Ted Gauthier, a graduate of Walled Lake Central, grew up in the Union Lake area (now considered Commerce). The retired firefighter, who served with the West Bloomfield Fire Department for 30 years was Deputy Fire Chief for Bloomfield Village Fire Department for 12 years, is a paramedic, registered nurse, instrument rated airline pilot, and Designated Airworthiness Inspector for the Federal AWed, 30 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0100https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/balloonist-family-members-share-their-love-of-ballooning/https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/highland-based-alpaca-farm-is-open-to-the-public-2/Fowler and her husband of 17 years, Derek, a diesel mechanic, own the place, which is located on Duck Lake Road between Cooley Lake Road and M-59. They started the farm in 2011. “I break it, he fixes it,” she laughed. “He’s really good at fixing things,” which, she added, came in handy when fixing up the foreclosure property they purchased. Since June, it’s been open to the public. “We are primarily an alpaca breeder,” she explained. In 2015, Shetland sheep were added, followed by chickens andThu, 13 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0100https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/highland-based-alpaca-farm-is-open-to-the-public-2/https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/springfield-urgent-care-opens-in-highland/From broken bones to lacerations and all the bumps and bruises of life, Springfield Urgent Care is ready to serve the community. The new facility, located at 2116 S. Milford Road in Highland, next to the Twist & Shake, opened May 5 and offers a variety of services in addition to urgent care. The center is co-owned by Dr. Tressa Gardner, a specialist in emergency medicine, and James Harrill, a certified physician’s assistant with a trauma and emergency medicine background. “We have the facilitThu, 11 Jun 2020 00:00:00 +0100https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/springfield-urgent-care-opens-in-highland/https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/students-videos-keep-kurtz-kids-connected/On March 12, knowing it was likely the coronavirus crisis might close Huron Valley Schools, Kurtz Elementary fifth grader Dean Baker had a question for Principal Steve Chisik. “He approached me on the last day we were at school and asked me if he could continue doing our video morning announcements until we get back,” said Chisik. Baker gathered the tools he needed to keep producing the video announcements at home and has been faithfully uploading the videos to Kurtz’s YouTube channel, which aThu, 09 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0100https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/students-videos-keep-kurtz-kids-connected/https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/10216/images/ffcba13b-4ec8-4987-b739-d4dcea6b93d0.jpgAs Wendi Skolnik turned out the lights and locked up her shop on March 23, the intensity of the moment suddenly hit her. “I didn’t expect to have those emotions,” said Skolnik, owner of Nana’s Niche & Corner in downtown Milford. Trying to make the best out of a tough situation, she says “I was thinking – well, this will be a break. But the store was dark and it hit me that people will not be in here for maybe six or seven weeks.” It’s one of many emotions local business owners have had to grapThu, 09 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0100https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/10216/images/ffcba13b-4ec8-4987-b739-d4dcea6b93d0.jpghttps://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/making-memories-at-ginas-bridal/There are many aspects to running a bridal boutique, but for Gina Salaski, working with the brides is undoubtedly the best part. “My most favorite moments are when I get a bride in something that she didn’t think she could wear and she feels fabulous in it,” said Salaski. “It’s wonderful to be able to be a part of those moments.” Salaski, along with her business partner parents – Tony and Judi Licavoli – have been helping couples make special memories since 2005, when the family opened Gina’sThu, 13 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/making-memories-at-ginas-bridal/https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/business-briefs-60/For those not familiar with Pilates, at first glance, the equipment might look intimidating. In reality, the equipment makes it possible for people of all abilities to get stronger. Tisha Ortiz, certified Pilates instructor, has six springboards, six TRX suspension trainers, and three reformers in her new 1,400 square foot studio in the Liberty building on Main Street – Milford Pilates Club, which opened last September. And that’s just a fraction of the equipment available during classes. “ThThu, 09 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/business-briefs-60/https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/after-the-rain-celebrates-10-years-of-fresh-fun-gifts/Cindy Landry’s store, After the Rain, is filled to the brim with delightful finds, some of them a little on the edgy side. “One of my favorite things is – I could just be doing work here at the desk and all of the sudden I’ll hear a group of ladies just doubled over laughing,” said Landry. “I just love that people can come in here and say, ‘this place makes me so happy.’” It has been 10 years since Landry took the leap and opened her eclectic boutique in downtown Milford featuring Detroit/ MicThu, 12 Dec 2019 00:00:00 +0000https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/after-the-rain-celebrates-10-years-of-fresh-fun-gifts/https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/find-a-perfect-fit-at-for-feets-sake/In Traci Goodnough’s experience, being a shoe saleswoman is a little like being a bartender. “I get to talk to people all the time,” said Goodnough, owner of the Milford shoe store For Feet’s Sake. “I have customers come in and I know them by name. You get to know their families and hear a lot about their lives and what’s going on with them and their aches and pains.” The people connection, she says, is the best part of running the shop, which she and husband Aaron opened in 2005. Prior to movThu, 14 Nov 2019 00:00:00 +0000https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/find-a-perfect-fit-at-for-feets-sake/https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/devmar-developments-proceed-in-milford/Two developments changing the face of downtown Milford are proceeding, albeit one slower than the other. On the southern end of town, the Marquette, billed as luxury lofts, could have one building move-in ready as soon as Nov. 1, according to Shelby Fulkerson, vice president of development for DevMar. The Birmingham-based developer is heading up both Milford projects, and completed a similar loft-style apartment building in Plymouth in 2017. The Marquette, a $27 million project near the railroThu, 12 Sep 2019 00:00:00 +0100https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/devmar-developments-proceed-in-milford/https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/milford-man-turns-105/For a man who was told he might not live past the age of 40, Tony Celano has defied the odds and then some. Celano turned 105 on May 16 and celebrated with family and friends at American House Senior Living in Milford, his residence for the past seven years. “He is truly an amazing person in so many ways,” said his niece, Vikki Adams, who travelled from her home in San Francisco to help her uncle celebrate. “He is 105 but still lives life instead of simply existing.” A World War II veteran, CThu, 13 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0100https://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/articles/milford-man-turns-105/https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/10216/images/546c6102-3b9a-4b91-b908-146168a90173.jpgSince Charlie and Tracie Berry signed the lease on their restaurant space last September, creating Charlie’s Still on Main has been a labor of love. Nine months later, a new offering on the Milford restaurant scene is about to be born. Charlie’s Still on Main, serving American food with a southern flare, plans to open this month. It’s located in the old Village Bar & Kitchen space at 525 N. Main in the Mill Valley Center on Main Street. “I’ve worked in Milford for six years now and it’s an amThu, 13 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0100https://media.journoportfolio.com/users/10216/images/546c6102-3b9a-4b91-b908-146168a90173.jpg