Madison National Bank passes $100 million in assets-with a little help from their friends. While many banks have grown through mergers and acquisitions, Tom Winn, President of Madison National Bank, likes to say his bank has grown "the old fashioned way—one customer at a time." It's a formula that has worked well for the bank and the communities they serve. In 1991, the bank added its first branch office outside Madison Heights, in Farmington Hills. And last fall, Madison Bank passed the $100 million mark in assets. The first thing they did was thank their customers. Norman Fill, Chairman of Madison's Board of Directors says: "We built our bank to meet the needs of our neighbors and local businesses—and they've responded by bringing their banking business to us. We owe our growth and success to them." The feeling is mutual. Customer after customer boasts about the personal treatment they receive from Madison Bank. Dave Stapels of Brothers Industries says: "My officer at Madison Bank has gotten to know us. She understands our financial needs and tends to them." Loren Quimet who, with his brother Richard own and operate Nova Computer says: "We've dealt with Madison Bank for over five years. They know how to take care of our problems and service our account." And owner of Mohawk Furniture, Akram Allos, stated: "They give you personal attention and call you by name... the receptionist knows my name as soon as I say `hello' on the telephone. Does that tell you anything about this bank?" The next time you hear someone claim that "old- fashioned, personal service died out years ago," suggest they visit an office of Madison National Bank. Pour a cup of coffee from the pot they keep brewing in the lobby. And watch the way the bank staff and officers treat their customers. It's proof that personal service is alive and well. It can be very successful. If you'd like this kind of treatment from your bank, call Madison National at (313) 548-2900. RELIABLE AND EXPERIENCED SINCE 1930 insurance estimates accepted expert color match, foreign & American TOWING & RENTAL CARS AVAILABLE La Salle Body Shop Inc. 28829 Orchard Lake Road, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 BETWEEN 12 & 13 Mi ld Rd. NIAX FLEISCHER, FOUNDER 553-7111 PRAYER page 15 School Principals. "It's been our observa- tion that those schools that have a homogeneous grouping of backgrounds tend to have more prob- lems with this ruling," he said. Some school districts — primarily from the west- ern side of the state — object to the ban, said Linda Bruin, legal coun- sel for the Michigan Association of School Boards. One student from Grosse Pointe North High School argues that stu- dents can lead prayers during graduation if the majority of the class approves. The American Center far Law and Justice (ACLJ), founded by television evangelist Pat Robertson, agrees. The school board and Ms. Bruin do not. "The Supreme Court was not focusing so much on who gave the prayer, but rather whether or not the activity was school sponsored," she said. The controversy over com- mencement prayer made national headlines when the Weisman family of Rhode Island sued their school district. The Jewish family objected to middle school-sponsored commencement speeches by clergy, including rab- bis. The school district countered that the cere- mony is a voluntary activ- ity that students needn't attend. In the U.S. Supreme Court decision that fol- lowed, justices deter- mined that prayer at graduation violates the separation of church and state. They concluded, however, that a moment of silence is permissible. "Many (school districts) are opting for a moment of silence, which is allowed under the Michi- gan code," Ms. Bruin said. The MASB has urged school districts to comply with the U.S. Supreme Court decision. Those that do not can be sued. ❑ Hatikvah Mission Shows Singles Israel LESLEY PEARL STAFF WRITER 411 ennifer Morse is a Jew- ish Federation success story of sorts. Two years ago she visited Israel for the first time through the Na- tional Hatikvah Singles Mis- sion. This year, she's acting as one of its Detroit co-chairs. "I didn't know anyone when I left, and I returned with the best friends and most won- derful experiences of my life," Ms. Morse said. "I saw where my dollars to United Jewish Appeal were going. I just had to become involved." A member of the Young Adult Division of Jewish Fed- eration, Ms. Morse is hoping to generate interest in the June 27-July 8 mission. Geared for individuals ages 25-40, the mission will stop at traditional sites like Masada and the Western Wall. Other opportunities include meet- ing with kibbutzniks, visiting Detroit's Project Renewal sis- ter city, Yavne, and tubing down the Jordan River. "Like the Miracle Mission, our goals are to educate young adults about Israel and services the Allied Jewish Campaign provides to Israel," said Eric Gould, mission co- chair from Detroit. "However, there will be a definite social aspect to the tour." Detroit participants will join individuals from Atlanta, Chicago, Boston, Houston and Los Angeles on the trip. Mr. Gould hopes to see about 30 participants from Detroit. "Right now we're playing off the success and excitement of the Miracle Mission. We want to give people the same type of experience," Mr. Gould said. Some 1,300 Detroiters on the Miracle Mission re- turned last week from a 10- day visit to Israel. "Israel is the magnet. Our identity and culture emanate from there," Mr. Gould said. "When people return, they of- ten want to become more in- volved." Applications for the mis- sion are available through Jewish Federation at 642- 4260. The deadline is May 13. ❑