HIGHLY RATED Coming Home APY 12-MONTH CD David Hermelin, ambassador to Norway, resigns his post after two years of exemplary service. DIANA LIEBERMAN StaffWriter A ro APY MONEY MARKET Paramount Bank, we always look out for your best interest. Our CD's and Money Market accounts offer the highest returns in the area. That is because we believe our customers are our greatest asset. Paramount Bank is your hometown bank. From our convenient hours to our wide range of products, we work hard to meet all your financial needs. Of course, all accounts are FDIC-insured. . i: "I always kidded him that he should join the PMA Club. That stands for Positive Mental Attitude." Visit today or call 1-800-421-BANK and discover the bank where personal service is Paramount. BRANCH 1732 West Maple Road • Birmingham, M1 48009 (248) 723-4800 • FAN (248) 723-4848 HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY 9-6 • SATURDAY 9-12 PARAMOUNT BANK Your Hometown Bank INTRODUCING OUR NEW HEADQUARTERS 31000 Northwestern Highway, Suite 200, Farmington Hills, MI 48334 (248) 538-8600 • FAX (248) 538-8410 FDIC for balance,: ol $500 minimum. Annual Peri:et -nitre Annual Percentage Yield or balances of :4;2.500 minimum INSURED STEVEN TARNOW, C.R. PREFERRED I LENDER 1 Since 1986 BUILDING CO. (248) 626-5603 Fax 248-932-0950 Residential & Commercial Remodeling Building Quality Into Every Project With Unmatched Person& Service. frr 12/10 1999 12 Featuring - Andersen Windows NARI Licensed & insured resident Bill Clinton this week accepted the resigna- tion of David Hermelin, ambassador to Norway. Hermelin, who became ambassador in January 1998, leaves his post a year ahead of schedule for reasons of health. The resignation is effective Jan. 6. He and his wife, Doreen, live in Bingham Farms. "It has been an honor and privilege to serve President Clinton and the American people-as their ambassador to Norway, and to help nurture and culti- vate the excellent relations between our two countries,'' Hermelin said in a state- ment. "President Clinton's recent historic visit to Norway was perhaps the best example of those close ties, providing memories I will always cherish." On Nov. 2, Ambassador Hermelin received Norway's high- est award for non- nationals, the Royal Order of Merit. Equivalent to the U.S. Medal of Freedom, the award is reserved for those who have made the very highest contri- butions to Norway and its citizens. Time and time again during my two years as ambassador, I have been moved by Norwegian acts of generosity and compassion, at both the individual and national level," Hermelin said. "Having lived and worked in Oslo, a city that symbolizes peace, I now leave with only the deepest admiration for the Norwegian people. I look forward to continuing to promote our countries' shared vision for a just, peaceful and prosperous world for our children and grandchildren." Among Hermelin's first priorities upon returning to the Detroit area Nov. 20 was to attend Shabbat services at Congregation Shaarey Zedek. Before accepting the ambassadorship, he had served for many years as an officer of the congregation, including president. He seems vigorous and focused," said Rabbi Irwin Groner. "His spirits and his will are not diminished. He is a living demonstration that nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm." According to the statement, Hermelin will resume his business and other activities in the Detroit area after Jan. 6. However, the medical treat- ments, frequent monitoring and regular follow-up that assure his continued well-being can best be provided in the Detroit area. Hermelin was diagnosed with brain cancer about a year ago, and has been under the treatment of Dr. Mark Rosenblum, chair of Henry Ford Health System's Department of Neurosurgery. — Max Fisher The decision to return to Detroit was Hermelin's, Dr. Rosenblum said, but it certainly will facilitate his contin- uing medical care. "He wants to focus on Detroit, his family, his health," Dr. Rosenblum said. "We need to make sure this incredible man continues to function as he has." Hermelin has become a role model in whatever he's done, and that includes his attitude in fighting cancer, his physi- cian continued. "He has been an exam- ple and an inspiration to others, not only in the positive way he has handled his illness, but also through the contri- butions he and his friends have made to establish the Hermelin Brain Tumor Center," Dr. Rosenblum said. Totaling more than $10 million, the gift is the largest single contribution ever given to brain cancer research. Hermelin, 62, a major philan- thropist, is active in real estate develop- ment, ownership and management. He co-owns Palace Sports and COMING HOME on page 16