4TH GENERATION REALTOR
RECOGNIZED BY THE WALL STREET JOURNAL AS
City of Bloomfield Hills
City of Bloomfield Hills
Newer construction on almost 2 acres. This 6 bedroom, 7 bath estate home is complete with formal rooms, designed for entertaining, finished walk out lower level with bar and media room. $3,249,000
Masterpiece in the City of Bloomfield Hills meticulously orchestrated by the finest craftsman in Detroit. Nationally renowned gardens, pool and terraces make up the ambiance and lifestyle. $3,249,000
Bloomfield Hills
City of Bloomfield Hills
Wing Lake East Coast style lakefront. Designed with sophisticated elegance. “Fit and Finish” details. Outdoor entertainment patios, walkout lower level with media, billiards, aquatics room and more. $2,549,000
Tuscany in the City of Bloomfield Hills. Situated on 3.9 private acres, this luxurious home boasts 3 main floor living areas, 6 bedrooms, 7 baths, finished walk out lower level with full kitchen. $2,499,000
Birmingham
West Bloomfield
Quarton Lake Estates Country French newer home on corner lot with 3 car garage. Pristinely designed with authentic European elements including plaster style walls, wide plank wood floors. Finished Daylight lower level. $1,549,000
All Sports Pine Lake lakefront on almost 1 acre of rolling grounds leading to sandy beach and boat facility. This Cape Cod style home is complete with walkout lower level and 4 car garage amenity. Bloomfield Hills schools. $1,500,000
TGetting a home sold in today’s market takes teamwork. Kathy Broock Ballard of Max Broock Realtors and Real Estate One have forged a powerful partnership. Between them, they offer the latest in web exposure for your property, GPS-driven property search tools, online guides to the area, and the latest market updates. Need to find a home? Search from your mobile device using the Real Estate One app for iPhone, iPad, and Blackberry. Or sign up for e-mail and text alerts on Kathy’s website with “1st to Know”. New to the area? If so, visit the Concierge area of Kathy’s website. This connects you with local professionals and keeps you updated on what is happening around town. Wondering what the market is doing? Kathy passes all the latest information on in her blog. Visit www.kathybroock.com to learn more.
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City of Bloomfield Hills Sprawling Estate on Private Road
Updated Birmingham Tudor on Double Lot Walk to Quarton School
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City of Bloomfield Hills Walking Distance to Cranbrook
Quarton Lake Remodel 3 Car Garage Large Yard
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248.318.4504 KATHY@MAXBROOCKHOMES.COM
Updated Orchard Lake Bloomfield Hills Estate Lots Lakefront with Sunset View Bloomfield Hills Schools
MAX BROOCK REALTORS 275 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009
New Construction in Birmingham
Birmingham French Design Walk to Town
$895,000
$549,500 to $824,900
$750,000
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Bloomfield Classic Colonial with Charm on Spectacular Lot.
City of Birmingham Large Lot
City of Orchard Lake Buildable Walkout Site
City of Bloomfield Hills Detached Ranch Condo
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KATHYBROOCKHOMES.COM DOWNTOWN
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Technology in education There's a revolution occurring at warp speed in education: the rapid introduction and development of technology in the classroom, from pre-kindergarten through high school.
CRIME LOCATOR
17
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61: Elizabeth Kott
CITY/TOWNSHIP
The May bond vote on a combined high school in the Bloomfield Hills school district will be facing voters.
DISTRIBUTION: Mailedmonthlyatnocharge tohomesinBirmingham,BloomfieldTownship andBloomfieldHills.Additionalfreecopiesare distributedathighfoot-trafficlocations. Forthosenotresidinginthefree mail distribution area, paid subscriptionsareavailablefora $12 annual fee. Phone 248.792.6464 and request the Distribution department or go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions”inthetopindexandplaceyour orderon-lineorscantheQRCodehere.
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Forest Fitness; DePorre Veterinary Hospital; Birmingham Ballroom; LaVida Massage; The Skin Boutique; FiFi and CoCo's Galerie; and more
SOCIAL LIGHTS
84
Public safety dispatch partnership; parking fees may increase; municipal golf course losses; city ethics code adopted; liquor licenses renewed, despite challenge, plus more.
EDUCATION
Restaurateur Bill Roberts has woven each of his eateries into the fabric of the community, including his new Roadside B&G where he has converted the former Brandy’s steakhouse.
BUSINESS MATTERS
73: Kathy Kosins
71
Here's a look at the five candidates seeking to be a Bloomfield Hills city commissioner in the May 8 election.
79
FACES
41
Candidate interviews
AT THE TABLE
A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format.
27: KC Crain
Running local meetings
As with everything else in life, there is a right, and a wrong, way to run a government or school board meeting.
THE COVER Kingswood Girls’ Middle School, Bloomfield Hills.
ENDNOTE
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DOWNTOWN P U B L I C A T I O N S DOWNTOWNBIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD 124WESTMAPLEROADBIRMINGHAM48009 P:248.792.6464 downtownpublications.com facebook.com/downtownpublications twitter.com/downtownpubs
Publisher:DavidHohendorf AdManager:JillCesarz Graphics/ITManager:ChrisGrammer NewsEditor:LisaBrody
NewsStaff/Contributors:HillaryBrody, SallyGerak,Eleanor&RayHeald, AustenHohendorf,GarrettHohendorf, KathleenMeisner,LaurieTennent
DOWNTOWN
Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and non-profit circuit as she covers major events of the past month.
Our choices for the Bloomfield Hills city commission election and what we think voters should do on the bond vote for a combined high school.
INCOMING: Wewelcomefeedbackonboth ourpublicationandgeneralissuesofconcern intheBirmingham/Bloomfieldcommunity.The traditional Letters to the Editor in Downtown are published in our Incoming section, and can include traditional letters or electronic communication.Youropinionscanbesentvia e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com; or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI, 48009. Letters must include your full name, address anddaytimephonenumberforverification.
04.12
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FROM THE PUBLISHER
F
ollowers of Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield on Facebook or recent visitors to our website, downtownpublications.com, will notice a few changes have taken place in recent weeks.
First, on Facebook in mid-March we adopted the new Timeline design. If you go to Facebook.com/downtownpublications, you will note that we have used a photo of downtown Birmingham in the skyline position at the top of the page, along with the current issue cover photo in the smaller graphic position on the home page. We intend to rotate the skyline photo periodically to feature other scenes from the Birmingham/Bloomfield area at the top of our page. It's one more way for our publishing group to remind everyone that our focus is on the local area. The Downtown Facebook page is used to post alerts about current news articles from the Birmingham/Bloomfield area that we generate each week, reposting news articles of interest from other sources, and miscellaneous items. If you are a Facebook user, we would appreciate you taking the time to visit our page and “like� the new design. You can also post comments on the page. On our website, downtownpublications.com, if you have attempted to access news articles that were posted over two months ago, you will have discovered that we have started to charge a small fee for access to our archives of past news articles. While there is no charge for access to the downtownpublications.com, you will be asked to pay a minor fee if you want to read articles that have appeared over two months ago. It's a practice employed by many publications. As most local residents realize, we rely solely on advertising to bring you Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield each month at no charge. So we look for small revenue streams to strengthen our publishing group, and charging for access to news articles from past months or years is one such approach. It allows us to continue bringing you a strong print and digital product. The website for Downtown is probably one of the strongest digital news offerings in southeast Michigan. It has been designed well by Graphics/IT Manager Chris Grammer. The design is simple but strong and it is one of the easiest sites to navigate. We update our website at least twice each week, on Mondays with Sally Gerak's Social Lights column and photos, and on Fridays with hard news stories that have developed during that week. Depending on breaking news, we may update the website more frequently. Downtown's website also offers in Flipbook format the current monthly issue of our newsmagazine, along with the annual edition of the Black Book of Non-Profits and The Guide. In addition, visitors can access a number of links to the websites for local communities, schools, local libraries, plus garner information on state lawmakers. We also provide a calendar of events, a special calendar focused strictly on events benefitting the non-profit groups in the region and a guide to these same charity groups. Our website also allows you to sign up for weekly e-mail notifications. On the print side, we think we supply a unique publication each month and, to put it frankly, the publications put out by other news organizations pale in comparison in terms of the quality of journalism and the topics we tackle with each issue. That's not just our perception. Many of you have taken the time to call, write, e-mail and stop us on the street to tell us how much Downtown is appreciated and you often draw comparisons with other local news publications, which helps motivate us even more to continue our work here at Downtown Publications. David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com
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Short Sale Expert Answers your Questions What is a short sale? A short sale is simply selling your home for less than you owe on your mortgage.
How much does it cost? There is NEVER an upfront cost to do a short sale. Your lender pays all costs.
What is the HAFA Program? The HAFA Program pays sellers $3000 to short sale their primary residence.
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DOWNTOWN
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INCOMING
Long overlooked asset First of all let me congratulate you on filling a void and publishing your fine local paper for all of us townies. I have lived in the downtown Birmingham area for over 31 years and also maintained a business office here as well for almost that long. I took a brief hiatus to move to a corporate business tower but after a couple of years missed the vitality and energy that came with having an office in town and moved back last summer, signing a longterm a lease in the Birmingham Place Building. Simply put, I am a Birmingham boy. I read with pleasure your article on the alleyways of our fair city, a long overlooked asset. I recalled with satisfaction the many conversations I had with mayor Mike Woolley and then mayor Bob DeLaura about ways to revitalize our city back in the nineties and applauded the city’s foresight in developing the master plan you referenced in the article; it has given birth to so much of the resurgence of our downtown which serves as the heart beat of our community. As a fellow who has travelled much in his career, I have visited cities like Toronto and Chicago which have made much of their alleyways as so many big cities do; but I find it refreshing that we are making a similar effort which can only add to the “walkability” and uniqueness of our small metropolis. These simple tweaks and thoughtful measures go far in making us attractive to not only live here, but to visit, dine and shop. Ron Rea and his team are to be thanked for continuing to support this vision lest it be forgotten like so many other plans collecting dust on a shelf somewhere. I’d like to encourage the City Government not to lose sight of keeping it fresh, limiting rules and regulations that strangle creativity and allowing folks some measure of creativity as we go forward with this idea. Again, keep at it with your fine publication. Dennis Thrasher, Birmingham downtownpublications.com
SPEAK OUT We welcome your opinion on issues facing the Birmingham/Bloomfield communities. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009. While we don’t have a specific word limitation, we reserve the right to edit for length.
Correction of news articles The city of Bloomfield Hills is reviewing and updating selected zoning ordinances based on directives in its master plan and advice from consultants. The city's proposed tree protection ordinance is part of that process. In recent months, Downtown has published articles and statements regarding the proposed tree ordinance that contain information that is factually incorrect. Most of the errors are associated with quoted statements. This letter is intended to correct the misinformation. The March Downtown includes an article about candidates running for Bloomfield Hills City Commission. The interview comments by Mark Kapel are centered on the tree protection ordinance. He states that there is "no public involvement", that it "is being decided by a subcommittee of the planning commission", and that "the public has not been involved in six months of discussions". Kapel and others have made this and similar comments in past months. The comments are not correct, and were rebutted during planning commission meetings and by the city attorney in his response to inquiries by Kapel. It is unfortunate that these misstatements are now published in Downtown. We referred the matter of these continuing misstatements, including the Downtown article, to the city attorney for advice. The (attorney's response) summarizes the ordinance
development process, compliance with meeting notification requirements, and specific errors in Kapel's comments. The February Downtown newspaper included an online and published article about the proposed tree ordinance. The article focused on Michael Dul's criticisms of the ordinance and the process. There was relatively little content addressing the reason for the ordinance; that it is a high priority item in the city's master plan, and that more than 95 percent of residents polled in a master plan survey viewed the city's natural resources and greenbelts along its roadways as worth protecting. Dul's criticisms were many. He spoke of the requirements for homeowners to submit surveys and schedule appointments with the building inspector to obtain a permit. He also complained that during the planning commission public hearing he was not afforded proper due process; that he "was summarily cut short" and "pressured to hurry through his presentation." To the best of my knowledge these comments were not verified. I learned of the article about a week after it was published online and contacted the writer regarding the inaccuracies, some of which were addressed in an earlier letter to Dul. For example, the proposed ordinance has no requirement for homeowners to submit a surveyor schedule appointments or even meet with the building inspector for a routine application. With respect to the public hearing, Dul's presentation was allowed to continue uninterrupted for nearly 30 minutes, well in excess of the five minute allotment provided under the bylaws. He spoke for nearly as long as everyone else combined. These time limit rules were the same as those in effect when Dul served on the planning commission. The Bloomfield Hills Planning Commission makes every effort to fulfill the mandate provided by our residents and the city commission. Developing the tree ordinance has been a transparent and dynamic
DOWNTOWN
process. All of our meetings are announced and open to the public. We have held two well attended public hearings. There will be at least two more. There are differing opinions, and no individual has all the right answers. The final product will reflect the consensus of our residents. Downtown performs an important public service. Differences of opinion are healthy. Central to the process, however, is that information in news articles is accurate, balanced and unbiased. Please feel free to contact the city to verify statements and gather information on pending matters. Walter Cueter, Planning Commission Chairman, Bloomfield Hills
Write up helped business I just wanted to write to say thank you for the wonderful write up in the March publication (Downtown/March 2010). I have received business from the write up. It is wonderful that you are willing to help new businesses to get started in the area. Thank you again. Erica Miller, Your Personal Nanny Agency Director
Vote 'yes' on school Because of declining enrollment, reduced per- pupil funding, and old high school facilities, the Bloomfield Hills Board of Education has decided that we need to combine our two high school facilities. In order to maintain the incredible education and curriculum, this must be done, and there is no avoiding it. The question is, will the voters in the district agree to fund renovations and improvements to the current Andover High School allowing all students to be housed in one location, or will the voters turn down a May 8 proposal, requiring that the high school be divided by grade and housed in existing inadequate facilities? The May millage would raise needed funds for a new plan for our newly combined Bloomfield Hills High School, which would be located at Andover. This new plan would be a hybrid because the board of education has proposed that this 11
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new facility would get some renovated and some new classroom areas, but would additionally get a new pool, gym, field house and auditorium. Also, the playing fields would be renovated to accommodate not only the large number of students, but also to serve other community groups. This new facility would be able to house 1,650 students comfortably, but could house up to 1,800 students. The proposed millage would cost the owner of a $300,000 home $14.50 a month. The total millage rate for a homeowner would remain below the current rate as existing taxes drop off. If the bond were to pass in May, this new hybrid school would be ready in a quick two years and the students’ education would be minimally affected. If the bond does not pass, students will be housed at both high schools, but will still be considered one high school. As a result of this, students will have restricted parking, use shuttles to take kids between the buildings, and the facilities would stay old and outdated, while still requiring significant investment of money to maintain. Additionally, if the proposal does not pass, it will send a clear message to the faculty, students and administration that the voters of this district do not support our schools. As students, we do not vote, therefore it is extremely important for us to spread the word and inform the citizens of Bloomfield School District about how important it is to us to pass this bond. We want the best education possible for our younger siblings and future generations. We see that the only way to keep up our incredible level of education is to pass this bond and obtain our new hybrid high school. If this bond does not pass, it will really affect future generations and ultimately hurt the community. We urge citizens to vote “yes” on May 8, and to become as informed on these issues as possible. Libby Baxter and Emma Mucci, Lahser sophomores
Glass delivered Bloomfield Hills Schools Superintendent Rob Glass has downtownpublications.com
delivered what he has promised. He promised to spend time learning what the community wants and needs in a high school. He promised not to dive in until he and the board could set forth an entire plan that would have strong support at the polls. He promised that the community would have the opportunity to participate in the process. Well-attended town hall meetings have clearly laid out a reasonable and responsible high school plan and an air of enthusiasm and energy can be felt within our community. Please join me and vote 'yes' on May 8 to make this high school plan a reality for our kids and our community. Kelly Gould, Bloomfield Hills
Voting 'no' benefits all Voting 'no' on May 8 and defeating the proposed Bloomfield Hills Schools tax bond actually benefits students more. The BHSD superintendent has recently said that if taxpayers vote 'no' on May 8 to the proposed $58 million construction debt bond, the district has the pre-collected $35 million to renovate and update the current Lahser and Andover High School buildings. Both buildings did recently pass inspection and are not falling down; they do need some renovation and proper maintenance. Note that there is no default plan or plan B listed on the ballot; you have to vote no to get this result. Vote 'no' and taxpayers will retain lower tax rates, avoid the debt, and 1,650 teenagers will not be forced into one high school. Bloomfield Hills will continue to enjoy two smaller high schools. Who really thinks that 14 year-old freshman should be attending a huge high school with 15 to 18 year-olds? Research shows, a 9th grade academy-style school works and could better prepare young teens for the bigger school in 10th-12th grade. Voting 'no' will result in the 9th graders attending the Lahser building and the 10-12 grades attending the Andover building, permanently. They will both be Bloomfield Hills High School. They will share sports teams. Lahser has lots of room for athletics.
What will happen when the bond is defeated was not discussed at the recent town halls coordinated by superintendent Glass and staff. The public should know there is a positive choice. This is what the majority of taxpayers have wanted all along. Why can I say this? Because twice in less than eight years, the majority of taxpayers have voted against a large tax bond and, at the same time on the same ballots, the majority of taxpayers have voted for sinking funds to the tune of $80 million. Sinking funds were promised to be used to maintain and renovate our K12 buildings. The high schools were not maintained as promised. Assistant superintendent of instruction Ed Bretzlaff has said there is very little overlap between the 9th grade curriculum and the 10th-12th grade curriculum, so there should be no problem with separating 9th graders from the 10th-12th grades permanently. In a few cases, a teacher may need to teach morning classes at one site and afternoon classes at the other building. Students should not have to be bussed or driven between schools. Cara McAlister, Bloomfield Hills
Moved for schools My husband convinced me to move to this area five years ago, in part because of the great schools. Had I seen the high school buildings at the time, however, I would have had serious doubts. We can't afford to have more people choose Birmingham over Bloomfield Hills because their school facilities (which is all most people see of a district's schools) are better than ours. It hurts our schools and it hurts our property values. Even residents without children in the public schools should understand this and vote 'yes' in May. Leah Abel, West Bloomfield
Vote 'no' May 8 Bloomfield Hills School District residents should vote 'no' on the May 8 bond proposal supporting a $79 million new consolidated high school at the Andover site. This large commitment for very little return exposes our district to far too much
DOWNTOWN
financial risk in the near and longterm and will jeopardize the quality of our children’s education. My family moved to this district based on its reputation for excellent schools. Probably many of you did as well. What I realize now is that we chose BHSD not for the schools (bricks and mortar), but for the reputation BHSD had for delivering an outstanding public education. So this obsession on new versus renovation continues to perplex me. The district currently projects spending $34 million more than revenues between 2013 and 2016. Without significant actions, the deficit projection for 2016 of $10.1 million will continue into the foreseeable future. At the high end, the district claims the high school plan will save $2.4 million per year beginning somewhere between 2015 and 2016. Applying these figures provided by the district, it appears all reserves will be gone by 2018. This seems to me to be a classic short-term plan that has bankrupted many companies. Considering the majority of spending is on staffing, the current plan can only result in personnel cuts and fewer course offerings. I estimate a staff reduction of around 100 employees would be required. The new high school proposal does not solve this long-term problem and it significantly limits future alternatives. District voters should not support a plan that leaves an immediate and long-term structure of deficit spending in its wake. I support the default plan the district says it will implement if the bond fails. This calls for locating all 10-12th graders at Andover and housing 9th graders at Lahser. The district will invest $35M from funds on hand to bring both Lahser and Andover up to date, resulting in major budget savings. The current plan falls short on basic financial and planning principles and will result in a significant deterioration in the educational quality of this district. For these reasons, I encourage you to join me in voting 'no' to the bond proposal on May 8. Chris Fellin, West Bloomfield 13
Easter Worship Services Holy Name Parish Holy Week Schedule Mass in the Chapel Monday through Wednesday 8:00am Wednesday 12:00pm Sacrament of Penance Communal Services with Individual Reconciliation Tuesday, April 3rd 7:00pm Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Wednesday 12:30pm - 7:00pm Mass of the Lord's Supper Holy Thursday, April 5th 7:30pm Good Friday Prelude Music 12:30pm-1:00pm Liturgy of the Day, Veneration and Communion 1:00pm-2:30pm Stations of the Cross 2:30pm-3:00pm Holy Saturday Blessing of Food Baskets 1:30pm, Chapel Vigil Mass of the Resurrection 7:30pm Easter Sunday Masses 8:00am • 10:00am 12:00pm
Holy Name Parish 630 Harmon, Birmingham, Michigan 248.646.2244
Holy Week & Easter Sunday, April 1 - Palm Sunday 9:00 & 11:00 AM Sanctuary Service Dr. Norman Pritchard 10:00 AM Family Easter Celebration
Thursday, April 5 - Maundy Thursday 7:00 PM Communion in the Sanctuary Rev. Carol Tate
Friday, April 6 - Good Friday 1:00 PM Good Friday Service in the Sanctuary Dr. Norman Pritchard 7:30 PM A Choral Meditation on the Passion of Christ Glenn Miller and Chancel Choir
Sunday, April 8 - Easter Sunday 7:00, 9:00 & 11:00 AM Sanctuary Festival Service Dr. Norman Pritchard
Join Us! 1340 West Long Lake Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302 (248) 626-2515
kirkinthehills.org
Kirk in the Hills
Easter Worship Services Christ Church Cranbroo Cranbrook Holy Week and Easter Services
Monday –Thursday Morning Prayer at 8:30 AM Maundy Thursday, April 5 Choral Holy Eucharist at 7:00 PM Good Friday, April 6 Solemn Liturgy at 12:00 PM Choral Solemn Liturgy at 7:00 PM
Holy Saturday, April 7 Children’s Easter Service and Celebration at 2:00 PM Easter Egg Hunt following service Easter Vigil and Adult Holy Baptism at 8:00 PM
Easter Sunday, April 8 Holy Eucharist at 7:00 AM in Resurrection Chapel Festival Choral Holy Eucharist at 9:15 AM & 11:15 AM
470 CHURCH RD. • BLOOMFIELD HILLS, MI • 48304 248-644-5210 WWW.CHRISTCHURCHCRANBROOK.ORG
What will you remember about this Holy Week? COME worship with us at St. James Birmingham and we promise that you will remember how our words inspired you, how our music moved you and how warmly our church family welcomed you. LOCATED in the heart of downtown Birmingham at the corner of 355 West Maple and Chester, just steps away from free covered parking on Sunday and up to two hours Monday–Saturday. For more information please visit our new website: www.stjamesbirmingham.org…or call the church office at 248–644–0820. JOIN us during Holy Week and discover for yourself why The Heart of Birmingham is both where we are located and who we are.
MONDAY 7 p.m. Holy Eucharist TUESDAY 7 p.m. Holy Eucharist WEDNESDAY 7 a.m. Holy Eucharist 7 p.m. Holy Eucharist THURSDAY 7 p.m. Maundy Thursday Liturgy 8:30 p.m.–8:30 a.m. Friday: The Watch FRIDAY 8:30 a.m. Morning Prayer Noon: Good Friday Liturgy 7 p.m. Stations of the Cross SATURDAY 10 a.m. Holy Saturday Liturgy 7 p.m. Easter Vigil EASTER SUNDAY 8 a.m. Holy Eucharist 10:15 a.m. Holy Eucharist
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CRIME LOCATOR
NORTH
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Sexual assault
Assault
Murder
Robbery
Home invasion
Breaking/entering
Larceny
Burglary
Vehicle theft
Larceny from vehicle
Vandalism
Drug offenses
Arson
These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through March 22, 2012. Placement of codes is approximate.
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Birmingham | $395,000 Move right in to this significantly updated “Pottery Barn” style re-model, featuring gorgeous hardwood floors, awesome “cooks” granite kitchen, mudroom, family room w/doorwall to “trex” deck, knock-out master w/gorgeous granite bath, newer windows, roof, furnace. Very special.
Birmingham | $529,000
Birmingham | $649,900
Best location in Birmingham! Perched on a lovely lot siding the Rouge River w/gorgeous views of waterfall and walking distance to downtown. Mid-century modern open light-filled floor plan w/spectacular views, hardwood floors, floating staircases, volume ceilings and tons of charm. Could easily be converted to a 3 bedroom home. Very special gem. Must see!!
Amazing 1997 extensive re-build on original 1942 basement. Open flowing, light filled, floor plan. Fabulous double lot, awesome bright-white kitchen w/island; handy mud room, spacious family room w/doorwall. Tons of built-ins; 2nd floor laundry, double staircases, fenced yard, bedrooms w/walk-in closets. Three-car attatched garage. Hardwood on 1st floor, 6 panel doors, multi-level deck.
REBECCA MEISNER 877-370-9433
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Bringing Luxury Home
Bloomfield | $2,100,000
Bloomfield | $799,000
Enjoy sunsets from on of Heron Bay’s finest! Enjoy lakeside fires and making memories in the pool and Upper Long Lake year round. Large lot offers views from many rooms. Indoor pool/hot tub. High quality finishings. Privacy galore. Open floor plan. Impressive granite foyer.
Spacious Colonial on a great fenced 1/2 acre lot. Updated gourmet kitchen, breakfast room, family room w/walk-out to a brick paver patio. Formal dining room, living room w/fireplace. Library, 2 half baths, mud room, 4 bedrooms’s up and 3 full baths up. Elegant master suite.
For more information contact Steve Cole 248-914-0008
For more information contact Veronica Isaacs 248-561-6454
Birmingham | $499,000
Bloomfield | $386, 900
Dramatic, architecturally designed residence w/lovely .41 acre setting overlooking the Rouge River. 2 story wall of windows provides abundance of natural light & serene views of grounds. Living room w/brick fireplace, beamed ceiling. A unique, well-priced home w/a priceless setting.
Beautiful, well maintained ranch on large, lovely landscaped lot. Gorgeous custom granite kitchen w/eating area, stainless steel appliances & breakfast bar. Expansive master w/bay window & adjoining bath & walk-in closet. Family room offers raised hearth fireplace & doorwall to deck.
For more information contact Robert Dundon 248-224-6236
For more information contact Lisa Masters 248-212-4231
Beverly Hills | $350,000
West Bloomfield | $120,000
Opportunity awaits...charm, ambience and quality mesh together in this detached ranch condo nestled deep in a wooded enclave in Beverly Hills. 3 bedrooms, three baths, finished lower level, updated.
Pine Lake beach and boat privileges are just a short walk from a great .43 acre building site for your dream home. The property is located on Orchard Lake Road at the corner of Ladbrook.
For more information contact Donna Bousson 248-515-1843
For more information contact Robert Dundon 248-224-6236
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RULES OF ORDER HOW LOCAL GOVERNMENTS RUN MEETINGS
BY LISA BRODY s with everything else in life, there is a right, and a wrong, way to run a meeting. That is especially true when it comes to municipal meetings and school board meetings, where having the appropriate flow and order is not just a nicety but a matter of civic conduct. Organizations depend upon sequence, timeliness, uniformity, regularity, and respect for both the group being represented and the individuals on the dais, as well as the public coming before them. Rules and procedures for how everyone acts and responds allows for respectful meetings that hopefully come to productive conclusions in a timely manner. In Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township, the use of the historic Robert's Rules of Order sets the template for meetings in a parliamentary fashion. The first edition of Robert's Rules, originally called Pocket Manuel of Rules of Order for Deliberative Assemblies, was published by U.S. Army Colonel Henry Martyn Robert in 1876. The procedures he prescribed in his book were loosely modeled after those used in the U.S. House of Representatives, with adaptations made by Robert as he saw fit for use in everyday society.
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Legend has it that Robert first became interested in parliamentary procedure in 1863 when he was chosen to preside over a church meeting and felt he did not have the necessary knowledge of proper procedure. Embarrassed, he was determined to learn parliamentary law. As he continued as an active lay leader in organizations over the years, as well as in his position with the army, he traveled around the country, and he discovered that people from different areas of the country had divergent viewpoints of what proper parliamentary rules were, and these conflicting views often held up the ability of the organizations to function. He became convinced there was the need for a new manual to clarify one set of rules that would allow all organizations to adopt the same set of rules. Today, Robert's Rules of Order, now in its 11th edition, is the most commonly adopted parliamentary authority in the United States, estimated to be used by 85 percent of all organizations. Col. Robert would probably be astounded to discover some of the areas in which his manual has been updated in, such as the appropriateness of posting agendas on websites; that cellular phones and pagers should be turned off during meetings; and that public meetings not only are open to the media, but can be recorded for radio and TV. But that is evidence of both the flexibility of the document and its enduring relevancy. Some of the areas that remain pertinent and applicable to this day include how to open and close a meeting, close a debate, instructions on how to take a break during a meeting, take a matter off of the table, cancel a previous action, or to reconsider a motion after it has been proposed during a meeting. Rather than there being random actions, dependent upon whoever is appointed or voted to lead the organization or municipality, Robert's Rules of Order provides direction and continuity across boundaries and geography. Where elections can alter the course of a city or township, the rules provide consistency, as well as a trail, in meeting minutes, for future commissions to follow. esides Robert's Rules of Order, Robert Sedler, Wayne State University Law School professor and a constitutional law expert, said, “The city charter of any municipality is the governing body. If there are any questions, you look at the city charter for answers because it is going to set the rules about the way a city commission is going to act. Within that document are the rules the city must follow, to certain degrees, because anything local is a creature of the state. Municipalities and school boards actually have no power, except as given to them by the state legislature, as long as they don't do anything wrong. It's called the Home Rule Cities Act, which gives them a lot of power, just as long as they don't do anything wrong.” The Home Rule City Act, created by the Michigan legislature in 1909, is an act which provides for the incorporation of cities and for revising and amending their charters. It gives them certain powers and duties; allows cities to levy and collect taxes, borrow money, and issue bonds; to validate actions taken, bonds issued, and obligations incurred; allows them to prescribe penalties and provide remedies; as well as the powers —and the limits of power —of elected officials. Under the Home Rule City Act, a city can amend its city charter by a vote of the electors residing within the city. (It also includes counties, townships, and villages). An amendment can be proposed either by the governing body of the city, which in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills is known as the city commission, and in Bloomfield Township as the board of trustees, or by an initiative petition signed by a certain number of registered voters. A revision of a city charter is a more comprehensive process which replaces the existing charter with a new one. The decision to revise a city charter must be approved by the voters of the city and can be proposed by the city commission or by a petition. Usually, a special commission is elected to write a new charter and submit it to the voters for approval. The commission is not obligated to keep any provisions of the previous charter. Over the years, there have been many amendments to the act, including to permit an emergency financial manager, in 1988, which is now being called upon in several municipalities, including Hazel Park, Pontiac, Benton Harbor and likely Detroit. Whether a city is as large as Detroit, or as intimate as Bloomfield Hills, every municipality and organization must follow the Michigan Open Meetings Act 267 of 1976, which protects the public's right to know what is going on in government by opening to full public view the processes by which elected and non-elected officials make decisions on our behalf. The basic intent of the act is to strengthen the right of all Michigan citizens to know what goes on in government by requiring public bodies to conduct nearly all business at open meetings. Occasionally, members of the public get very concerned when they see city commissioners or township trustees out at a restaurant, bar or a social event, and assume they are violating the Open Meetings Act. The act is very clear, though, that it does not apply to a meeting of members which is social or where it is a chance meeting, and not designed to avoid the law. Especially in smaller communities like Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham and Bloomfield Township, where municipal business, community events and social gatherings often find people overlapping, when commissioners, trustees or committee members see one
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another it is not automatically a violation of the Open Meetings Act. Birmingham has written rules of procedures which are followed for both regular and special meetings of the Birmingham City Commission, designated to be held in the commission room of the city hall, that they will be open to the public in compliance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Regular meetings, in the rules, will be held every Monday at 7:30 p.m., unless canceled by vote of the commission or lack of a quorum. In actuality, the commission holds their regular meetings twice each month, traditionally the second and fourth Mondays of the month, and the calendar is published in December of the year prior. “It is the desire of the city commission to conclude all business not later than 11 p.m.” the rules state. Loyal Birmingham commission followers will note they do not always succeed in this task, at times running later than midnight. “The commission meeting agenda, including minutes, warrants, correspondence and reports shall be distributed to the city commission on or before the Friday prior to the meeting date. Agendas shall also be made available for public review in the city clerk's office and at the Baldwin Public Library. Minutes shall not normally be read as part of the meeting.” The agenda is also available via the city of Birmingham's website, and those who want it can request, through the city website, to have it emailed to them. It will arrive sometime Friday afternoon or Friday evening, and the full agenda packet is also available to the public, including correspondence, although city manager Bob Bruner and commissioners are discussing whether or not to include correspondence from residents if the letters or emails do not directly pertain to the week's agenda. Birmingham is a city manager-led government, meaning the city manager is the administrator of the city, responsible for the day-to-day management of the city, and the public votes in seven commissioners who choose a mayor to preside over meetings and help set the agenda, but who has an equal vote. It says in the Rules of Procedures: “The Mayor shall possess all rights and powers of any other commissioner; he or she shall not have the right of veto.” The city manager is hired by the commission, and is overseen by them, but the city manager is the leader of the staff, not the mayor. The rules state that all commission meetings are to be governed by the rules contained in the most recent edition of Robert's Rules of Order, as long as they are consistent with the statutes and ordinances of the United States, state of Michigan, and the city of Birmingham. Commissioners should always be recognized by the presiding officer, be it the mayor or mayor pro-tem, before speaking. Birmingham's City Charter states that four members of the city commission constitute a quorum; that the commission will act only by ordinance or resolution in the official form of a motion; and that a minimum of four votes, regardless of how many commissioners are in attendance, are required to adopt a motion. The city commission can take action by voice vote or by roll-call vote. These rules apply to all boards, commissions and committees in the city. A commissioner can abstain, or should abstain, from voting on a motion if he or she has a conflict of interest on the issue, or if they feel they lack sufficient information on the issue being decided. If a commissioner chooses to abstain from voting on a motion, they need to state their reason for the record at the beginning of the discussion. The commissioner is then prohibited from participating in further discussions or debates on the issue. Residents are welcome and even encouraged to participate at commission meetings. During city commission meetings, there are points during the discussion of any specific agenda item when the public is asked if there are any comments or questions, and they are requested to come to one of the microphones and state their name and address. They may be requested to limit their comments, especially if there are a lot of people in attendance seeking to speak on the topic. The public is also invited to make comments on any item not on the meeting agenda under the agenda item at every meeting, “Meeting open to the public for items not on the printed agenda.” The only requirements of the public is to be recognized and to act in a respectful manner. he Bloomfield Hills City Commission, which follows Robert's Rules of Order, adopted new rules of procedure on February 14, 2012, with a stated purpose to encourage public participation in an orderly manner, “which gives everyone a reasonable opportunity to present their point of view for consideration by the city commission.” Early on at city meetings, the commission recognizes citizens in the audience who wish to address the commission about an item or issue that is not on the agenda. “Usually a county commissioner takes the most advantage of it, or sometimes a high school student will announce they are there to fulfill a government class requirement at Andover,” said city clerk Amy Burton. “Occasionally we'll get a resident with a question or concern. Just recently, in December or January, a resident said she had a question about drainage that was always clogging or overflowing on one of our private streets.” A three-minute time limit was established for any time a resident speaks to the commission, after the mayor recognizes them. They are requested to give their name, address and the topic they are discussing. No one may speak a
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04.12
second time until all others wishing to speak on the subject have had an opportunity to do so. The rules of procedure note that commission members may question speakers, but are not obligated to answer questions or make statements or commitments in response to issues raised by the public. The issues may be referred to the city manager for investigation, study and recommendation, or may be designated as a future agenda item for consideration. “This city commission has typically let the public speak on any item,” Burton said. “If there is someone in the audience, they have allowed them to speak at the end of the formal discussion.” Bloomfield Hills is also a city manager-led government structure, where the city manager, who is hired and overseen by the five-member city commission, is the chief executive of the city. A mayor is chosen every year from one of the five commissioners, and is the titular head of the city, presiding over meetings, assisting in forming agendas and working with staff at critical times. loomfield Hills publishes its schedule of regular meetings, which are on the second Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., on its city website, as well as two special bulletin boards at city hall. All meeting agendas are posted on the city website on the Friday before the regularly scheduled meetings. “Anyone can get access to it, including minutes and full packets,” said Burton. She said in the last 12 months, the city has also added the planning commission and zoning board of appeals packets, as well, so that anyone in the public can access them. As for communication from the public to the commission and the city, “If I know of it, and it comes through city hall, we put it in the packet and include it in the consent agenda. We don't read it aloud, but it's available for anyone to read it. Nothing is held back,” she said. “Occasionally, a commissioner may get a letter at home, and that wouldn't get included.” Bloomfield Township does not have a formal, written rules of procedure, relying on Robert's Rules of Order and the Michigan Open Meeting Act, said Bloomfield Township Clerk Jan Roncelli. “Persons have the right to be heard on non-agenda items, and if it's on the agenda, they can speak on it, as long as they are polite and not rude. It's never been a problem in either Bloomfield Township or Bloomfield Hills. We don't need to have police attending our meetings to monitor the public,” said William Hampton, attorney for both Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. “People are respectful even when they are disagreeing.” Roncelli said the township has a strict policy of limiting public comments to three minutes, and she is known to watch the time, cutting people off when their time is up. “They can speak to each individual agenda item if they wish, but usually not a second time, each for three minutes,” she said. “In a public hearing situation, they can speak a second time, but only if everyone in line has already spoken once.” Bloomfield Township's Board of Trustees meet twice a month, usually the second and fourth Mondays of the month at 7 p.m., and the schedule is posted on their website, and at township hall. The complete meeting schedule is posted for the year, and agendas are posted after 3 p.m. the Thursday before the following Monday meeting. “We never meet with board members ahead of time, other than casual greetings,” Roncelli said. “If so, it's a study session, which is announced. If there are more than three of us, it's a violation of the Open Meetings Act.” By virtue of the rules in the Open Meetings Act, minutes to all board or commission meetings must be ready and available to the public in draft form within eight days of the meeting. “We don't put them out on our website until they are approved, but anybody can ask for them,” Roncelli said. After they're approved, the public can access them anytime on the website, and with a new software system the township has recently installed, searches going back 40 years are possible. “It's really great for attorneys or homeowners looking up zoning board of appeals decisions that were made a while ago,” she said. Birmingham and Bloomfield school boards both follow the same rigorous rules of procedures for their board meetings. “We have written rules, which can be found on our website, as well as Robert's Rules of Order, and we always adhere and religiously follow Michigan's Open Meetings Act,” said Birmingham Schools Board of Education President Susan Hill. “That's what drives us. That is law.” The Birmingham school board 's stated role is to oversee and set school policy, hire and work in partnership with the superintendent and oversee the district budget. The Birmingham Schools Board meets twice each month, September through June, as does the Bloomfield Hills School Board, although Hill noted that when school breaks occur, meetings are missed. Birmingham's Board of Education meets the first and third Tuesday of the month; the Bloomfield Hills School Board meets the first and third Thursday of the month. They each have occasional study sessions and board retreats, which are non-voting events. The Bloomfield Hills School Board notes that every agenda includes an opportunity for public comment, simply by attending the meeting and filling out a public request card or submitting questions or comments in writing to the board's attention. Birmingham also requires all comments in writing.
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KC Crain ublisher and automobile connoisseur, KC Crain, has carved out a niche in the family business, Crain Communications, and now he is taking his expertise of the automobile industry to the small screen with “AutoWeek's Vinsetta Garage.” “I’ve wanted to do a TV show like this for 10 years,” Crain said. “AutoWeek’s Vinsetta Garage,” airing on the Discovery Channel’s Velocity Network on Tuesdays at 8:30 p.m., is a program designed to appeal to automotive experts as well as viewers less well-versed in the industry. “It’s a brand extension of AutoWeek (publication), and it shows everyone what the auto industry is all about. We cover everything from the Woodward Dream Cruise to the Red Bull Soapbox Races in LA,” he said. Crain’s zeal for automobiles began when he was only a teenager. “I’ve been working on cars since I was 13-years-old. My father has always been an enthusiast and it was a passion of mine growing up,” Crain said. “Now, I work for the family business, and we run Automotive News and AutoWeek (publications).” At just 30-years-old, Crain was named vice president and group publisher at Crain Communications, and he manages half a dozen entities of the company. With a vested interest in Detroit and its surrounding communities, Crain will be adding the title of restaurateur to his vocational repertoire this year. Upon completion of revamping Vinsetta Garage, a 1920s Woodward Avenue landmark in Berkley, Crain will open Vinsetta Garage as a restaurant in the spring. “I drive by that garage twice a day,” he said. “I heard it was going up for
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sale and I didn’t want it to be torn down.” The eatery, slated to open in May, will offer American comfort food in an unconventional setting. “It’s the oldest garage in the country and we’re trying to keep it as traditional as possible.” Crain, a Bloomfield Hills resident, is working to help elevate the Detroit metropolitan region and create a desirable place for future generations to live and flourish. “Detroit has had a rough couple years, but we’re fighters and there’s a lot more to the auto industry than just old plants pumping out cars,” he said. “What I’m most concerned about are my daughters. They might not love cars as much as I do, and if we can’t fix this city, we’re going to have a hard time keeping them here. There is going to be a big draw to go to New York or Chicago.” Concurrent with an enterprising career brimming with innovative projects, Crain also makes time for philanthropic interests and is involved with the Karmanos Cancer Institute, the College for Creative Studies, and Cornerstone Schools in Detroit. “I feel very strongly about the education system in Detroit,” he said. In his leisure time, he flies airplanes, enjoys motorcycling and vacationing with his family at his parent’s home in Harbor Springs. He is also a devoted husband to his wife, Ashley, and father to his two young daughters, Hadley and Catherine. “We love Detroit and we love Bloomfield,” Crain said. “We couldn’t be happier.” Story: Katey Meisner
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Franklin $4,250,000
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Exceptional 2001 Tringali-designed English Tudor replica on 2.48 acres in Franklin Village. Gated drive opens to views of the slate roofed home with pond, fountain & arched walkways. Over 10,000 sq. ft. of luxury. Wine Cellar & Tasting Room. Two heated garages with capacity for 8 cars.
An incomparable Post Modern Masterpiece on 3.3 wooded acres. Sophisticated & functional living spaces. Upper Level is a private Master retreat & includes a three-room Office. Finished walk-out Lower Level. Four car garage. Pool & clay Tennis Court. A one-of-a-kind residence that is spectacular in daylight & when illuminated at night.
2004 built, In-town Home with exceptional features and amenities. 6 Bedrooms, 6 full & 2 half Baths. Gourmet island Kitchen, banquet sized Dining Room. Spacious Family Room overlooks multi-terraced yard. Daylight Lower Level features Rec Room, Theatre, Bar, Bedroom & Bath. 3 car garage with apartment above.
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FVACANT LANDG Bloomfield Lakefront ~ $3,250,000 to $6,800,000 Spectacular sites on the East shore of Turtle Lake from 1.6 acres to 4 acres, in the premier gated community of Turtle Lake.
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Bloomfield $899,000 2011 updates in pristine Bloomfield Hills Transitional. Gracious foyer, high-ceilinged Living Room plus large bays in Dining Room & Library. Gourmet island Kitchen opens to Breakfast & Sun Rooms. 1st floor Master. 3 Bedroom Suites upstairs. Walkout with Family Room, Exercise Room & more.
Last remaining buildable site directly on Quarton Lake. Walk-out site may accommodate up to a 9,000 sq. ft. residence on three levels.
Bloomfield Lakefront ~ $849,000 Beautiful lakefront acre site on Gilbert Lake. May accommodate walkout.
Bloomfield Village Estate Area ~ $698,000 Estate Area of Bloomfield Village. Site is 0.83 acres with 150' frontage. Just minutes from downtown Birmingham and surrounded by multi-million dollar properties.
Franklin Lease $3,250/mo. Charming 1920's Estate Home on incredible private 3.37 acres. Convenient to area freeways. 5 Bedrooms, 4 full and 2 half Baths. Over 4,000 sq. ft. with 2,076 sq. ft. in the partially finished Lower Level. Updated Kitchen. Spacious living areas. Immediate occupancy.
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West Bloomfield $989,000
Prominently gracing the North shore of Wing Lake, this outstanding 2000 built New England-style stone and cedar home is beyond compare. Over 10,000 sq. ft. of elegance and style in architecture and quality. Incredible walk-out Lower Level. 6 bedrooms including private apartment.
Beautifully maintained and updated Soft Contemporary, 4 Bedroom ranch. Over 4,000 sq. ft. of living space. Newer Kitchen. Luxurious Master Bath. Indoor pool converts to banquet sized room for entertaining. Center, open-air courtyard.
Outstanding home on All-Sports Pine Lake. Complete 1995 remodel. Entertainers dream inside & out. Gourmet kitchen opens to dining, living & family rooms. Lakefront master suite with 2-way fireplace, sitting area & spa-like marble bath. 2 garages with 6 car capacity. 2-story Boat house. Bloomfield Hills schools.
www.RandsColburn.com
CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE
HISTORIC HILLTOP PROPERTY OVERLOOKING WING LAKE
Bloomfield $2,995,000 On a private landscaped hilltop overlooking Wing Lake, this historic property was restored and expanded in 2001 to extraordinary elegance and functionality. With over 6,000 square feet of above grade living space plus over 4,000 square feet in the beautifully finished Lower Level, the home features three Bedroom Suites, five full and two half bath. A two-story exterior steel sculpture leads to the grand Foyer with domed rotunda. Exquisite detailing throughout the home includes molded plaster ceilings, carved beams and sculptures. An outstanding Cook’s Kitchen, paneled in butternut wood, is highlighted by a seven-foot honed octagonal granite island and an expansive reed glass fixture. The paneled Living Room is the historic center of the home and is one of two rooms that were preserved in the renovation. A mural depicting Edsel Ford’s first transcontinental Model T journey graces the Living Room’s perimeter and is accented by handcrafted butternut wood beams and whimsical carved figures. The spacious formal Dining Room offers lake views and is surrounded by five sets of French doors. A 38-foot Gallery leads to the first floor Master Suite complemented by a fieldstone fireplace constructed with materials reclaimed from the home’s original foundation. A separate Sitting Room, large walkin wardrobe closet and a serene Bath complete this Owner’s Retreat. Two fabulous second-story Bedroom Suites have private Baths and large walk-in closets. A dramatic Widow’s Walk offers panoramic lake views and circular bench seating. The extensive Lower Level boasts an impressive Wine Cellar and Tasting Room, Entertainment Room, Family Room, mirrored Exercise Facility and one and a half Baths. Original pegged wood floors in Living Room and heated tumbled travertine throughout the rest of the main level. State-of-the-art mechanical includes Lutron lighting and sound system, five zoned HVAC and Generator. Heated exposed aggregate. Home is completely accessible via paved roads. Three car garage. Deeded lake privileges and access to a sandy beach on Wing Lake.
Nanci J. Rands
Meredith Colburn
248.701.9000
248.762.5319
www.RandsColburn.com
CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE
442 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009
THE PERROTTA REAL ESTATE TEAM Two generations, 39 years combined experience and one goal: Educated Buyers & Sellers = Results! Dorothy Perrotta
Michael Perrotta
Associate Broker
Realtor
248.217.7222
248.672.0494
dperrotta@hallandhunter.com
mperrotta@hallandhunter.com
Rich
perrottarealestate.com The Perrotta Team is proud to say that we closed 32 transactions in 2011. Each buyer and seller is very important to us. We are proud of the integrity and quality of service we provide to all of our clients. Please call for a complimentary market opinion or for help in selecting a new residence.
Bloomfield $989,000
City of Bloomfield Hills $950,000
Lakefront living in one of the best locations in The Hills. This exceptional home embodies the best of contemporary and traditional with an open floor plan, high ceilings and walls of windows overlooking Minnow Lake. Chef’s kitchen with limestone counters, first floor master suite plus two additional bedroom suites. New cedar roof, decks, paver brick driveway and flagstone patios.
This mini estate is located on 1.3 acres reached via a private road offering a quiet, secluded oasis away from the hustle and bustle. The large windows provide abundant natural light plus views of the magnificent grounds. 4 bedrooms including a first floor master with new bath and adjacent library, 3 full baths. New boiler and air conditioning, mostly newer windows as well as a 4 car garage.
Burt Lake $1,150,000 Build your dream retreat in Northern Lower Michigan! Two adjoining lakefront lots on Burt Lake, a 27 square mile all sports lake which is part of Michigan’s inland waterway. Wooded lots with 340 ft. & 578 ft. of sandy bottom lake frontage. On a paved road with natural gas & electricity at property line.
Royal Oak $119,900 Charming 3 bedroom bungalow with loads of curb appeal on a quiet street close to downtown Royal Oak. 1 block away from Wagner Park. Refinished hardwood floors plus newer kitchen, bathroom and carpeting. Many updates throughout including windows, furnace and A/C. Finished basement and a large back yard.
CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE
442 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009
THE SPRING MARKET IS HEATING UP Prices are INCREASING. Inventory is at an all time LOW! Buyer demand is HIGH! NOW is the time to sell your home! Lynn Baker
Deby Gannes
248.379.3000
248.379.3003
lbaker@hallandhunter.com
dgannes@hallandhunter.com
Associate Broker
Rich
Realtor
“Your Hometown Realtors” Sale Pending
Sale Pending
Bloomfield Hills $749,900
Oakland Township $699,900
Bloomfield Hills $649,900
Original carriage house for the Chalmer’s Estate. Rich in history, renovated in 2007 with all of the details, charm & elegance to reflect the era. Oversize rooms, extensive limestone, hardwood, wainscoting and trim. First floor master plus 5 additional bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, 3rd floor family room/game area, 7,611 sq. ft. Private, wooded 1.25 acre estate with perennial gardens and views/privileges on Chalmers Lake. CLA211114111
Cul de sac location on private treed .62 acre lot. Popular Rose Terrace Model with grand 2 story foyer, sweeping staircase and 1st floor master suite with 2 walk in closets. Award winning kitchen with abundance of cabinets, hardwood floors and granite counters. Paneled library with fireplace, great room with wall of windows and fireplace. Finished walk out with family room, fireplace, bath and storage. New roof. 3 car garage. VIN212026964
Estate home in private gated community, The Hills of Lone Pine. Enjoy tranquil view of Minnow Lake from inside and deck across entire home’s lake side. Beautiful mature setting, sweeping lawn and exquisite landscaping. Custom cherry cabinets, granite and top of the line appliances in Chef’s kitchen. 3,441 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and 2 lavs has 1st floor master suite with fabulous closet and bath. Finished walk out and 3 car garage. WIC211121787
Sale Pending
Birmingham $699,900
Birmingham $700,000
Royal Oak $350,000 or lease $2,400/mo
1936 gem located in Quarton Lake Estates on oversize lot (80 x 147.) Completely updated in 2010, 3,292 sq. ft. 4 bedrooms, restored original hardwood floors, 2 elegant baths and 2 powder rooms, kitchen with custom hand made cabinets, premium stainless steel appliances, granite and stone floor, rear mudroom with laundry and finished basement. Private fenced yard with amazing in-ground pool, paver pathways, perennial gardens and custom landscaping. Attached garage. Every upgrade. FAI212005213
Custom built home in desirable Birmingham neighborhood. Built in 1992 with all the custom features and architectural details you could imagine. 4,680 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and 2 lavs. Unbelievable master suite with 14’ x 13’ lounging area, enormous closet plus jack and jill and private suite up. Finished lower level with kitchen, bath, 2nd family room, exercise room and game room. Oversized Trex deck with spacious yard and perennial gardens. Short Sale. WES2110961654
Upscale loft living in downtown Royal Oak featuring hardwood floors, kitchen with granite, cherry cabinets, large island and stainless steel appliances. Living room with door wall to private patio, master with oversize walk in California closet and attached bath, second bedroom/library plus 2nd full bath. Laundry/storage room has full size GE Profile washer/dryer. Gym on 5th floor. No pets with lease. Immediate occupancy. MAI212024481
CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE
442 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009
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INNOVATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY: METAMORPHOSIS IN EDUCATION
BY LISA BRODY here's currently a revolution occurring at warp speed in education: the rapid introduction and development of technology in the classroom, from pre-kindergarten through high school. From interactive whiteboards, laptops and tablets to creative computer games and social networking, teaching students is rapidly morphing so quickly in the 21st century that often students are guiding educators through the intricacies that make up the maze of today's education. Schools make different choices on which kinds of technology to pursue to achieve their educational goals, and theories abound of how students learn best. In general, though, when students use items of technology as a tool or a support, they are in an active learning role, rather than in the passive role of a recipient of information transmitted by a teacher, a textbook, or watching a broadcast, educational reform studies note. One government study said, “The student is actively making choices about how to generate, obtain, manipulate, or display information. Technology use allows many more students to be actively thinking about information, making choices, and executing skills than is typical in teacher-led lessons. Moreover, when technology is used as a tool to support students in performing authentic tasks, the students are in the position of defining their goals, making design decisions, and evaluating their progress.� Remember the days of the teacher standing at the blackboard teaching the day's lesson? Technology has not only changed the blackboard into an interactive whiteboard that integrates with students' and teachers' computers, but technology has changed the role of teachers themselves, from the central dispenser of
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information to the classroom facilitator, the one who sets educational goals and is able to provide guidelines and resources. Technology frees teachers to move from student to student, or group to group, aiding them individually, providing suggestions and support in their endeavors. Rather than acting as a lecturer, their interactivity provides a creative learning environment regardless of the subject matter of the lesson. Technology is a word that can be a catch-all phrase to mean a wide range of products and uses. There is a plethora of individual items, from personal computers in computer labs, laptop computers for both students and teachers, personal tablets, smart phones, interactive whiteboards, Smart boards, applications, software, and many other products. Schools and school districts make choices on which types of technology to purchase, utilize and train their staff, and their students, based on a host of different issues. Sometimes a grant has been given for a specific product, which dictates the educational development and use of that technology. Other times, staff researches and determines where they believe the school should go in a certain direction technologically, hoping that a new development will not arise to render it obsolete, at least not too soon. But the rapid evolution of educational technologies also makes it very challenging to determine which way to go. Long-term research that takes years to do risks being out-of-date by the time it is completed because of the developments in the technological landscapes. The iPad, for example, was embraced by several schools locally as soon as it was released as a creative and innovative learning tool, but well before any solid educational research could be conducted about its educational effectiveness.
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According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), 97 percent of schools across the country had Internet connectivity as of 2010. But few have been able to meet the need of higher speed access, the FCC said. Because of that, in March 2010, the FCC unveiled its National Broadband Plan for the nation's schools, which would be a federal program that would subsidize school purchases of Internet connectivity for dark fiber networks, so that schools could gain more bandwidth while at the same time driving down costs because increasing the speed of fiber networks generally involves a one-time upgrade rather than consistent, periodic expenditures to secure more bandwidth through other connections. Birmingham Public Schools introduced districtwide wireless infrastructure in the summer of 2011, completely renovating the wireless for all of the district's schools and putting in 998 wireless access points in all of the schools and learning spaces. “Learning does not just happen in classrooms,” said Dr. Joe Hoffman, executive director of technology for Birmingham Public Schools. “Students are in hallways, cafeterias, media centers, auditoriums. We covered the buildings from top to bottom because students find themselves in parts of the building where they need wireless. We made the wireless very robust with the speed of the connection and the number of devices it can support. Our system can support a very large number of users.” offman said that while some districts put in only enough wireless for their own district's devices, they added a guest network so students could bring in their own devices. “We call it BYOD—Bring Your Own Devices. We actually promote bringing in their own devices, like smart phones, iPads, net books and laptops. With our wireless system, they can turn off their packages and use the district WIFI and enjoy the speed it gives them.” Hoffman said encouraging students to utilize a variety of technological devices, including the latest available, ties in with the district's learner profiles which allows them to be future ready with 21st century skills. Roeper Schools recently went wireless throughout their campus, as has Detroit Country Day School. Many districts have purchased and installed interactive whiteboards, replacing traditional chalkboards in classrooms. Interactive whiteboards, also known by one of their brand names, Smart boards, are large interactive display boards that connect to a computer and projector. A projector projects the computer's desktop onto the board's surface, where the user is able to control the computer using a pen, finger, stylus, or other device. The board is typically mounted to the wall. They are quite a technological improvement from chalk and a chalk board. Computer software that is loaded onto the connected PC, such as web browsers or software that is pertinent to the classroom, can be shown onto the board to a whole classroom of students. A teacher or student can write, like on a blackboard, on the screen and have it projected onto the board, and the notes can be captured and saved to the connected PC, and then students can access it later as
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homework. The PC can be controlled from the whiteboard using a click and drag method, and a website can be marked up and explained by a teacher during a presentation, and then saved and accessed later by students. It can even capture feedback from the classroom to the whiteboard. Ed Bretzloff, assistant superintendent for Bloomfield Hills Schools, reported they have installed Smart boards in every instructional classroom in the district. “We did professional development with the people who make the boards for the teachers, and then followed up at the building level,” he said. He noted the students are helping one another learn the technology faster than the faculty. “That's pretty much true for all of the digital technology. It's created an interesting dynamic,” he said. Bretzloff said they have allowed students to bring in their own technological devices into the district's two high schools, such as laptops, smart phones, iPads, and e-readers, although there may be some restrictions on smartphone usage in classes, such as for texting. In Birmingham Public Schools, they have added two different kinds of interactive whiteboards; there are 80 traditional Promethean boards and 315 interactive Dell video projector boards with student clickers allowing student responses. “We installed them in the classrooms this past September through January,” Hoffman said. “It's not districtwide. Each teacher had to be willing to commit five to ten hours of professional development time. We thought we'd get 200 teachers, and we got 400. The board (of education) ended up approving it for all 400 classrooms, K – 12.” Detroit Country Day School's lower school has some classrooms equipped with interactive whiteboards, and in the junior school, which is grades 3-5, all classes have Promethean whiteboards, which “allows kids to be interactive and move things around,” said Cheri Dobbs, middle school librarian and preK-3 though grade 12 coordinator for library services and information technology at Detroit Country Day School. “At the lower school, we start with computer keyboarding and learning software programming but in that building it's all about introducing technology and allowing them to be comfortable with it. In the junior school, they get involved with online research via online research databases we subscribe to. They're learning traditional library research skills and online skills as well as still working on keyboarding skills.” By middle school and upper school, students at Detroit Country Day are working one-on-one with teachers on laptops which students are required to purchase. “The students having laptops really opens up educational opportunities in the classrooms or wherever students want to be,” Dobbs said, noting Country Day is wireless on all of their campuses. “Students are not jockeying for limited computer lab space. Anyone can be on their own computer finding their own research, their own graphics. It really opened up the educational opportunities for our students. It's amazing what the teachers are asking the students to do—they're making wikis, contributing to blogs, designing art, making movie trailers, anything you can imagine a computer being used for, our students are trying it.” Cranbrook Schools began utilizing Smart DOWNTOWN
boards and their technology in 1998. Clay Matthews, spokesperson for Cranbrook Schools, said that the schools have two trained Smart certified trainers on staff, and the school was recently named a 2012 Smart Showcase School of the Year. oeper's upper and middle schools are following a new initiative called flipping their classroom, which, according to middle school director Carolyn Borman means students doing their reading and research outside of the traditional classroom, and leaving all of the time inside the classroom for discussions of the material. “We're putting the lectures online, and the kids hear it at home at night and then discuss it during the day in class,” she said. “That way, the classroom time is utilized on the information processing instead of just listening to a lecture, and the questions on the core of the material. The students are thinking, analyzing, organizing together, productively.” Borman said the school's biology teacher is especially making excellent use of the technology, leaving much more time during the school day for labs. Several other teachers are beginning to pioneer the use of the technology, such as in the areas of math and language. A rapidly growing area for use of technology in several schools and districts is with the utilization of Apple's iPad tablet. Borman said that Roeper has begun piloting the use of iPads in the middle and upper schools in classes. “We bought 10 of them, one for each department, and teachers are passing them around and finding uses for them in all different areas. For example, the physical education teacher is using them to video a batter swinging a bat, and then splitting the screen, and placing the student swinging the bat against a professional baseball player swinging, and the teacher plots the swing and can show the areas where adjustments need to be made,” Borman said. She said the geometry teacher is investigating how she can use it to plot angles and arcs to assist students in understanding the math. Technology classes are using the iPad to work with digital video editing and photography. “Our middle school students are making 3-D photos, creating an interactive world and sending it to our lower school students, and the kids look at the world, and then the middle school students create the characters and the lower school students write a story,” Borman said. By the end of March, Birmingham's Hoffman said the district will have almost 1,000 iPads for both teachers and students. “We have iPad carts in schools that hold up to 48 iPads,” he said. “The apps are endless. They're great for creating movies, face time and Skype. The educational opportunities are endless.” He said the district chose to work with iPads after research and development, and seeing its use not only for art, but with K-12 education, science and math. “What teachers found were great apps, that they were great for teaching, and for working with small groups of students. Now they're putting the iPads in students hands for collaboration, iMovies, and researching. I feel we're at the beginning of what students can do with these iPads.” Dino Vandenheede, technology director at Academy of Sacred Heart, said they have
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embraced the one-on-one use of tablet PCs for the last ten years at their upper school. “Each student has their own tablet PC that is theirs. They purchase it. They take it home. It's an integral part of the curricular program,” he said. “It's a very powerful tool for learning.” andenheede said that the ability for a tablet to allow a student to put ink on screen, by writing equations, drawing, drawing geometry proofs, allows them to be able to integrate into all ten curricular areas they work with. “Initially we worked with laptops, but now we find these amazing tools in the last five years since we've been using tablets. It affords an interaction between teachers and students like no other tool,” he said. “We're getting closer to a paperless environment.” In the middle and lower schools at Academy of Sacred Heart, there are two carts of tablet PCs and two traditional computer labs. They are also launching iPads for primary students, aged pre-k, kindergarten and first grade. “Younger students really don't have as much keyboarding skills yet, but the iPad is touch interface, so it's very natural for even the youngest students. They can take advantage of all of the hundreds of apps available to them,” Vandenheede said. “And young kids work very collaboratively. You can put an iPad in between two kids much more than you can put them between a PC. It's lightweight, and they'll lay on the floor. We're very excited about the possibilities.” He noted that the school has continuous professional development for staff. “The school has technology coaches for the faculty. It's important to have training for faculty so they can utilize the technology well, as well as having the time to do it. Every Tuesday during the school year, before and after school, we have workshops so faculty and staff can stay up to date,” he said. “We're very proud to be on the cutting edge.” With the advent of technology can come the misuse of it. Detroit Country Day's Dobbs said they have a focus on digital citizenship, “which is how you behave online, how you are presenting yourself online, how are you using social networking, how are you using online resources. It's the citizenship in an online world.” She emphasized that they always remember that technology is just a tool to further learning; it is not the reason to do the lesson. “It should further the educational outcome of the lesson. We're trying to keep it relevant and use the tools that are relevant to the students. You have to be open to letting kids teach you some things,” she said. Bloomfield Hills' Bretzloff concurred. “We try to emphasize age appropriateness, especially with social networking,” he said. “We have some teachers utilizing Twitter and Facebook, to support classwork as appropriate, but it's not widespread. Technology is really driven by the early adopters, those who latch on to it early.” As to the possible misuse of technology, especially pertaining to social networking or with smart phones, such as inappropriate texting, sexting, and bullying via social networking, Bretzloff said, “It has to be a team effort. We work with our parents, both to educate our parents and our kids. We do media literacy. We just think it's very important to teach kids that it can be used in very dangerous ways. Kids are very young and naïve, and they think it won't happen to me—but we know it can.” Dobbs said, “I know there have been incidents outside of school where things have been posted on a social networking site or two, and then it comes to school, and the administration gets involved. There's a learning curve.” She also acknowledged that while the school is progressive in its use of technology, “There are always some teachers who do not embrace it as easily as others do. It's a tool. But we have some things that all teachers have had to embrace.” She noted that the school has gone completely online with all teacher information, class pages, and student information on the school's intranet, which is password secure. “Each class has a web page, and each section of each class has a web page,” she said. “Parents have access to this as well, and can see their student's homework and the calendar for each of their students.” All school mailings and grades have gone paperless as well, completely online on the intranet, which Dobbs said had 60,182 logins by students, parents and faculty between January 14 and February 14. The ultimate goal for each school and district, regardless of which technology they choose to use, is to educate today's students to successfully compete in the upcoming decades. As Birmingham Public Schools' Hoffman said, “One of our main goals with technology is to provide 21st century goals and tools. I believe with the combination of district wireless, interactive classrooms, and flexible learning tools, we're really setting the bar and providing the tools for students to utilize technology to leverage for their learning.”
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Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
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utstanding Franklin Village Estate Custom built home nestled on 2.4 wooded acres in Franklin Village Situated on a lovely 2.4 acre lot this exceptional home was extensively updated in 2003 by Jeffrey King. Special features include a beautifully appointed Master Suite with fireplace, sitting area, heated floors in the master bath and three additional bedroom suits. The state of the art gourmet kitchen includes large breakfast area and generous walk in pantry. Ideal for entertaining!
The first floor offers generous room sizes including beautifully paneled library. The 3,300 square feet of finished walk out lower level includes theater, kitchen/bar, bath, game area and second family room. This home features an elevator, full house generator and four car garage. Co-Listed with Susie Sillman. $1,499,000
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CITY/ TOWNSHIP Township approves 2012-2013 budget The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees unanimously approved on Monday, March 12, the 2012-2013 budget which covers the township's fiscal year, April 1 through March 31, 2013. Bloomfield Township Supervisor Leo Savoie, presenting his first budget for approval, said the township is expected to collect approximately $4.5 million less than in previous years, largely due to a 1.5 percent decrease in property taxes and 2 percent decrease in state revenue sharing. “Our investment earnings are still budgeted conservatively since interest rates are only about 1 percent or below,” he said. The township currently has 240 employees, down from 263 in 2008. Most township employees are in the fourth year of wage freezes, other than public safety, which is in the third year of a pay freeze. Savoie noted department heads have worked to cross train employees. The current budget anticipates $37.3 million in revenues, with $28.7 million coming from property taxes. Anticipated expenditures are $37.1 million, with $23.4 million going to the public safety fund to pay for police and fire services; $9 million to the general fund; and $3.5 million to the road fund to pay for improvements to the township's roads. Noting the over $1.1 million more in revenue than expenditures, Savoie said the township plans to take $1 million and place the money in a separate reserve account for retiree health care. “Today, we have about 220 retirees, and Bloomfield Township made a promise to them when years ago we went with a pay-as-you-go philosophy (in the 1970s). If we had a funded mandate, there would be an unfunded liability of $82 million; instead, we pay about $3.5 to $4 million.” He said that because the account becomes compounded towards the liability, he is hopeful it will be able to fund the reserve. Roads are seeing an increase in expenditures of between $275,000 to $350,000 more for road repair, which he noted is still a drop in the bucket. “We get calls all of the time from residents that our roads are a mess,” Savoie said. Residents pay a .7 mill annually for road work, adding $4 million to the
township's coffers. “It was 1 mill, but it was reduced by Headlee over time,” Savoie explained. Trustee Neal Barnett commented, “I have no questions, no concerns, I just want to commend everyone, all the department chairs, for an exemplary job.” “I believe we can meet the needs of all the residents with this budget,” Savoie said.
Bloomfield Hills passes ethics code The Bloomfield Hills City Commission passed their first ethics code resolution at their February meeting by a 4-1 vote, with commissioner Pat Hardy dissenting. The ethics code applies to all appointed and elected officials on the city's city commission, planning commission and zoning board of appeals. “There was no issue that prompted the board to institute the ethics code. In the last five to ten years, most communities have adopted one,” said Bloomfield Hills City Clerk Amy Burton. The code requires elected and appointed officials to respect the confidentiality of the city; to not use their official position to secure, request or grant unreasonably any special consideration, privilege, exemption, advantage, contract or preferential treatment for himself, herself, or others, beyond that which is available to every other citizen; to not engage in business transactions that in which they could benefit from their position; to not present their opinion outside the commission room as anything but their own personal opinion; to disclose any conflicts of interests; to act courteously and respectfully in their position and at public meetings; and commissioners and board members will respect the manager form of government and not interfere with it. Each official must sign it, but there is no penalty or ethics board for violations. “It's just a statement asserting they are agreeing to upholding the city's ethics codes,” said Burton. Hardy stated at the meeting she was voting against the resolution because she felt members of the planning commission and zoning board of appeals should have been able to see the code before the city commission adopted it.
Townhouse challengers rebuffed By Lisa Brody
n attorney representing residents of the 180 Pierce condominiums in Birmingham who oppose the Townhouse bistro came before the Birmingham City Commission in late February, requesting the restaurant not receive liquor license renewal but their request failed as the license for Townhouse was renewed with all other establishments in the city. Dennis Rogers and Joel Dorfman, residents at 180 Pierce Street, contend that owner Jeremy Sasson is encroaching on common elements of the 180 Pierce Street Association, which never sold or leased Sasson the space, and therefore the liquor license is invalid. “During the application process, it has them (Townhouse) showing that they own 1,221 square feet. Well, that is simply not true. Look at the legal descriptions of the property that they own. It's approximately 700 square feet. They've taken 350 square feet that belongs to the condominium association, and they have no conveyance from the condominium association. It was denied by the condominium association on June 10, 2010,” the attorney for Rogers and Dorfman told the commission. Dorfman told the commission he has had to move out of his penthouse unit. “It's so uncomfortable to have the kitchen on one side of our front door, and people passing food back and forth in front of our front door. The garage smells of meat cooking all of the time. The alley, there are plates being passed all of the time through two windows, and cars are parked there. You have changed this residential building,” he said. Birmingham city attorney Tim Currier said he has looked into the matter, noting that in March 2011, before owner Sasson had completed construction of Townhouse, counsel for the plaintiff had sought a temporary restraining order and injunction to stop the restaurant and bar from operating, and Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Rudy Nichols denied the motion. “No subsequent order has been sought to terminate the bar's operation in front of the court,” Currier said. “Recently, both parties filed motions for summary disposition, arguing that each of their cases are so strong there is no need for a trial and they should receive a decision favoring them. Judge Nichols denied them both and ordered them to trial for May. It would be the recommendation for the city commission that we take no action until the court makes a decision, and then we follow the decision of the court.” The commission concurred, unanimously renewing Townhouse's liquor license.
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Birmingham liquor licenses renewed ll of the existing Class C (restaurant) liquor licenses and the one Class B (hotel) liquor license, for the Townsend Hotel, were renewed by the Birmingham City Commission in late February. Every year the city commission must review and renew all of the city's Class B and Class C liquor licenses in order to send their recommendations to the state Liquor License Commission prior to the March 31 license expiration date. Birmingham's city staff is required to conduct annual inspections of establishments with liquor licenses. If the commission had voted to rescind any liquor license, city attorney Tim Currier said the state liquor control commission takes that as advisory. “There is great deference in almost all occasions to cities,” he said. In 2011, the city commission seriously reviewed the liquor licenses for Hamilton Room and South, citing excessive police incident reports for both establishments. Hamilton Room immediately hired new management, and there have been few problems there since. South had several significant police incidents in summer 2011 but since, “they've made significant improvements in their business, and there have been no problems since August,” said commissioner Stuart Sherman. “What more can you ask for?” The city commission's unanimous liquor license approval will now be sent on to the Michigan Liquor License Commission for final approval.
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Senior housing project planned
Wolkinson candidate for house district
By Lisa Brody
The former Hamilton Funeral Home at 820 E. Maple Road in Birmingham has been purchased in a joint venture between Etkin Equities LLC and Beztak Properties to become a 135-unit independent senior living community. Doug Etkin, principal of Etkin Equities, confirmed he development will have 135 independent living units with a development cost above $23 million. The development will be similar to the Beztak built and managed All Seasons of Rochester Hills senior living community, Etkin said. It is believed the sale price of the land and funeral home was just under $2 million. Etkin said permits have not yet been pulled with the city, and they have not gone before any city boards for approvals, but once all of the details have been worked out, he believes construction will take 18 months. “We're building Beztak's product,” he said. Etkin said he believes they will be building a fairly identical product to All Seasons of Rochester Hills, which is for seniors looking to enjoy life without the worries of homeownership and maintenance. The All Seasons development offers spacious one and two-bedroom apartment homes, prepared meals, on site staff 24-hours a day, social programs and outings, and transportation services, according to their website. Sam Beznos, principal of Beztak Properties, said they are looking forward to doing the project, but cautioned they are still in the preliminary stage. “We don't even have a design yet,” he said. He said he anticipates the development will be called All Seasons of Birmingham. His firm will be beginning a similar facility in late April in West Bloomfield on Drake Road to be called All Seasons of West Bloomfield with 125 units of independent senior living. The Birmingham facility will be high-end rental units, “with all of the amenities you expect, from recreation rooms, beauty salons, libraries, dining halls, and the like,” Beznos said. Beznos said he believes All Seasons will be welcomed in Birmingham because it will offer downtownpublications.com
Shared dispatch service considered By Lisa Brody
irmingham and Beverly Hills are in talks to consolidate their emergency police dispatch services, Birmingham City Manager Robert Bruner announced on Friday, March 16. A preliminary proposal came before the Birmingham City Commission for discussion on Monday, March 19, with commissioners generally supportive. A final decision will be made in April. Beverly Hills is in the midst of appointing a new public safety director, and talks hinge on the new director's approval prior to coming back to Birmingham's City Commission. A consolidation of dispatch services would allow the Birmingham Police Department to provide emergency dispatch services to the Beverly Hills Public Safety Department, potentially saving both communities a great deal of money. Currently, Birmingham spends $600,000 a year on dispatch services, which are manned at the city police station 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while Beverly Hills spends $400,000 a year. Bruner said the proposal, if adopted by both communities, has Beverly Hills paying Birmingham $264,000 for the first year of dispatch services. The contract would go into effect July 1, 2012, the beginning of Birmingham's fiscal year. Birmingham police department officials say they believe they can handle both communities' emergency 911 calls without any additional costs or staffing. Birmingham is in need of updating its dispatch equipment, which will cost $100,000. “We're at the point of fish or cut bait. We have to invest $100,000 in equipment right now, or go somewhere else for dispatch,” Bruner said. “The way the contract is structured is that in subsequent years, Beverly Hills would pay 40 percent of the city's actual dispatch costs, which we believe will be similar to the first year's numbers,” Bruner said. “As costs go up in the future, both communities will save equivalently to what they were spending in the past.” This is not the first time Birmingham has looked to consolidate their dispatch services. In 2007, the city commission directed then city manager Thomas Markus to study police and fire consolidation with Bloomfield Township. However, that consolidation hit snags over a desire by Birmingham to keep the police station in downtown Birmingham open all of the time. “The reason this partnership works better is because we don't want to close the police station. To keep it open 24/7 with civilian police service aides ate up most of the savings,” said Bruner. He noted that for the short term, the Bloomfield Township consolidation is off the table. “But in the long term, we will continue to explore further consolidations with Bloomfield Township and other neighbors.”
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different services than other independent and assisted living facilities. “We bring in high-end designers which will give the community a hotel quality facility, which we feel it deserves because of its proximity to the downtown area, with its restaurants, grocery store,
and retail stores within walking distance. We will also have a complementary shuttle for those who prefer that.” Since opening in Rochester Hills seven years ago, All Seasons has enjoyed a 96 percent occupancy rate, Beznos said.
DOWNTOWN
David Wolkinson has announced he will be running as a Republican for state representative in the 40th District which will include Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township, along with a portion of West Bloomfield following redistricting taking effect for 2012. Wolkinson joins fellow Republicans Oakland County Commissioner Dave Potts and Birmingham Public School Board of Education member Robert Lawrence in running for the open seat in the August 2012 primary. The winner of the primary will proceed to the general election in November. The position is currently held by state Rep. Chuck Moss (R ) of Birmingham, who is term limited from running for another term. “I am a principled, pragmatic conservative, and that's how I approach all issues,” Wolkinson said. “I look at how we can improve Michigan and make it the zone of entrepreneurship and innovation, the Shanghai of the Midwest.” Wolkinson said he is looking forward to introducing himself to voters and laying out his plan of action to help Governor Snyder reinvent Michigan. “I am excited to get to work on this campaign, but even more excited to go to Lansing to begin working on the fundamental transformations that our state needs. What attracted me to this governor is that he has a radically different vision of governing, and he wants to reinvent Michigan. I was really attracted to that message and very invigorated by that.” He said he is proposing a clean campaign pledge, asking his opponents to focus on positive issues without attacks, and to limit campaign expenses to $100,000. Wolkinson is a Southfield-based attorney who resides in West Bloomfield. He attended Southfield's Akiva Hebrew Day School, and graduated from University of Michigan with an undergraduate degree in economics before attending University of Michigan's Law School, graduating in 2005. Prior to announcing his candidacy in this race, Wolkinson ran unsuccessfully for office twice before; in 2008, he was a candidate for state representative in the 39th district but lost in the primary, and he was a candidate for state senate in 2002. 43
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In 2013, Andover and Lahser will combine to form a single high school. The decision to unify our high schools was made in response to decreasing enrollment, decreased funds from Lansing, aging school facilities and a desire to maintain our broad and rigorous curriculum. Our new superintendant, Rob Glass has spent the past 14 months listening to the concerns of the community. The result is a community driven plan which: • Saves $2.4 million dollars in operating funds annually. These dollars go directly to academics and will prevent cuts to programming.
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CITY/ TOWNSHIP Golf courses will serve beer, wine By a vote of 6-1, with commissioner Rackeline Hoff dissenting, the Birmingham City Commission in late February approved a resolution amending the rules and regulations to permit the sale of wine and beer at the city's two golf courses. According to the motion approved by the commission, only wine and beer purchased at the golf course clubhouses will be permitted at the courses, the clubhouses, parks and pavilions, and only by those who are golfing. Birmingham owns two municipal golf courses, Lincoln Hills Golf Course at 2666 W. 14 Mile Road, just west of Cranbrook Road, and Springdale Golf Course, located at 316 Strathmore Road. They are each nine-hole courses open seven days a week during the season, with availability for residents, non-residents and businesses via inexpensive leisure passes. The city decided to seek an application for a Class C liquor license with the intent to serve beer and wine at the city's golf courses as a way to increase revenue at the two courses, which have been losing money for the last several years. A couple of months ago, the city commission approved the city's application for the Class C liquor license. City Manager Bob Bruner told the commission that the city currently does not plan to apply for a dance permit. “We do not have a policy to rent out clubhouses for parties, and we don't anticipate starting that,” he said. He noted that the parks rules, which golf courses fall under, expressly prohibit alcohol, so a resolution was needed to amend and expand upon that.
Clubhouse manager hired for city courses etermined to improve both the management of the city's municipal golf courses and the courses' financial picture, Birmingham has hired a golf professional to be the clubhouse manager at both Lincoln Hills Golf Course and Springdale Golf Course.
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Hoff commented that she was very concerned about the expenditures being made, and alcohol being served not only at the clubhouse but at Springdale's park and pavilion during possible golf outings, and she voted against the resolution.
Bruner also told the commission that staff was in the selection process for a clubhouse manager who will have the experience to train staff in liquor sales and in monitoring its usage, and that they plan to install security cameras at both clubhouses to monitor liquor sales and consumption. “All drinks will be sold in clear plastic bags with ice so they can easily be seen by rangers on the course,” he said. “It was my understanding we were doing this to keep our golf operations competitive and to make money,” said Hoff. “If we have to install cameras, hire employees, and have constant supervision and training of employees, how are we making money on this?” “The security cameras are a onetime fixed cost, and the cost of training is marginal,” Bruner responded. “We had planned to hire a golf club manager anyway. We are changing the management model once again, so there are some costs involved with this, but we're very confident the sales will more than offset the costs of this.” Bruner said the city is in a period of experimentation right now with the golf courses, attempting to alter previous years' efforts, and is not certain what a clubhouse manager would be paid. He said the manager would do more than just operate the facility, ideally performing marketing duties and have responsibility for programming at the courses. He said he was not certain what the cost was for installing security cameras. Commissioner Gordon Rinschler asked Bruner, “You're planning on providing us with hours and the real nitty gritty details of operations, and we'll see that before anything is initiated?” Bruner said he can provide the commission with a report once rules are developed.
Birmingham's municipal golf courses showed significant losses over previous years despite efforts to increase rounds and stem the deficit, according to a 2011 golf report review and 2012 prospectus recently issued. “While our hopes for a more successful 2011 golf season were embedded in last year's report, we were unable to improve the financial status of either course,” public services director Lauren Wood wrote in the report she presented to the parks and recreation board on Tuesday, March 6 and later to the city commission. Birmingham owns two municipal golf courses, Lincoln Hills Golf Course at 2666 W. 14 Mile Road, just west of Cranbrook Road, and Springdale Golf Course, located at 316 Strathmore Road. They are both nine-hole courses open seven days a week during the season, with availability for residents, non-residents and businesses via inexpensive leisure passes. The golf report noted that while increased efforts were put forth to attempt to correct previous years' losses, “some were either too late in the season or did not yield the results we had hoped for. Despite our efforts, the main source of golf played, saw an overall drop of 11.72 percent,” the report said. The drop in rounds of golf played is on top of 2010's 12.2 percent loss from 2009's rounds. An extremely cold, wet and rainy
golf season was one of the reasons blamed for the poor golf turnout. Almost half of the entire golf year's round, 47.9 percent or 2,647 rounds of golf, were played in March and April of last year. In March 2011 there was still an 82.73 percent decrease in rounds from 2010, and in April there was a decrease of 44.2 percent. Only October saw an increase in rounds played over rounds played in 2010—a 6.89 percent increase, amounting to 210 rounds more of golf played. Lincoln Hills fared better overall than Springdale, with an overall decrease of 2.77 percent from the previous year, versus Springdale, which saw a decline of 23.71 percent. “Springdale shows a deficit of $61,566 for the 2011 season, net of depreciation, which is considerably worse than the small surplus of $3,756, net of depreciation, posted for the 2010 season,” the report read. “Lincoln Hills shows a deficit of $84,556 for the 2011 season, net of depreciation, which is only slightly better than the $84,227 deficit, net of depreciation, posted for the 2010 season.” The report does not place all of the blame for the poor outcome of overall operations at the golf courses on weather, and said the city is working to improve operations. Efforts include adding a liquor license, to serve beer and wine to golfers only, at both clubhouses; putting in place an online reservation system through ActiveGolf; and dropping the fee structure for leisure passes for non-residents. The city has also decided to split the golf operations manager into two positions, keeping the current manager, Mike Blasky, as a greenskeeping manager, and hiring clubhouse manager Jacqueline Brito. Wood has not stated what the city would do if losses were not halted and continue to mount in the upcoming 2012 golf season.
Jacqueline Brito, a PGA professional, will oversee the clubhouse operations at both municipal courses, according to Lauren Wood, director of public service. “This is going to be an exciting 2012 season, and we cannot wait to be in full swing,” Wood said. Mike Blasky, who has been with the Birmingham's Parks and Recreation department for several years as the golf courses' greenskeeper, had been elevated in recent years to golf operations
manager. City staff recently determined that was not working as well as they had desired, so they decided to split the position back into two, keeping Blasky as greenskeeper manager, and looking for a clubhouse manager. The clubhouse manager position is a seasonal position which was posted at $27 to $33 an hour. Brito was chosen over a field of other candidates. She has previously managed courses in Michigan and Florida. “Jacky's talent and passion for the game will be a great addition to our
talented team,” said Wood in announcing her hiring. Birmingham owns two municipal golf courses, Lincoln Hills Golf Course at 2666 W. 14 Mile Road, just west of Cranbrook Road, and Springdale Golf Course, located at 316 Strathmore Road. They are each nine-hole courses open seven days a week during the season, with availability for residents, non-residents and businesses via inexpensive leisure passes. Springdale has already opened so golfers could take advantage of the early spring weather.
Losses continue at city golf courses By Lisa Brody
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Bingham Farms Village $719,000
Captivating interior renovation! This reconfigured floor plan is absolutely perfect. Kitchen with fireplace features Bosch, Subzero, Miele and Thermador stainless steel appliances. Romantic master suite with spa bath and fireplace. French doors lead guests from interior living spaces to beautiful brick terrace and yard. Third floor bonus room with wet bar, skylights and storage area. Expansive finished lower level. Five bedrooms with 4.3 baths. 211118114. Presented by Darlene Jackson
Beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home built in 2007. Top of the line finishes and neutral colors through-out. Large windows face a wonderful yard part of which is a protected nature preserve. Finished lower level with media room and more.. Birmingham Schools. Six bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 212026199. Presented by Candice Cuyler
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Magnificent Home BLOOMFIELD Views of Oakland Hills Club House on the 16th hole of the South course. Spacious granite kitchen with top of the line appliances and drenched with sunlight. Finished basement with full bath & sauna. Master with work out area & small balcony. Six bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212003249. $899,000. Molly Henneghan & Kris Barich
Perfect for Entertaining LAKE ANGELUS FRONTAGE Beautiful Newer Construction on Pristine Lake Angelus with views from almost every room. Decks off all rooms lake side. Almost 5,000 sq ft including finished walkout lower level. Privacy and nature abounds. Three bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212025056. $795,000. Lee Embrey
Desirable Oak River East Sub TROY Custom Cherry kitchen with granite counters and high end stainless steel appliances. Large family room with custom window treatments and stunning Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors. Large yard with deck and gorgeous perennials. Four bedrooms 3.1 baths. 212026880. $580,000. Joanne McGuire
Completely Remodeled HUNTINGTON WOODS Beautiful wainscoting, hardwood and slate floors, custom paint, spectacular bathrooms. Great Chef's kitchen with breakfast bar in kitchen. Great room with fireplace. Zone heating and cooling Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212026450. $399,900. Kathy Lyons
Fabulous Contemporary WEST BLOOMFIELD
Sought after Chestnut Run BLOOMFIELD Stunning custom built hilltop Executive home with circular driveway. Impressive great room with 18 ft ceilings and fireplace. First floor master suite. Upstairs balcony overlooks heated indoor pool. Fantastic walkout lower level. Five bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212024820. $819,900. Maureen Francis & Dmitry Koublitsky
Immaculate Inside BIRMINGHAM A custom builder’s own home. Quadlevel construction. Features of this home include all upgraded finishes, a grand master suite and bathroom with a jetted tub. Covered back deck with lots of big open windows. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212028211. $664,000. Dan Gutfreund
Perfect Setting BLOOMFIELD Located on the golf course of Wabeek Country Club. Spotless soft Contemporary home with large open floor plan with large living, dining room and family room with fireplace. Family room has door wall to deck overlooking golf course. Five bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 212022630. $419,000. Donna Barlow
Fantastic Opportunity BEVERLY HILLS VILLAGE Meticulously maintained! Neutral, updated with granite kitchen, updated baths, hardwood floors, built-ins and an open floor plan. Finished lower level with recreation room. Gorgeous yard and newer paver patio. Three bedrooms with three baths. 212022969. $299,000. Sara Lipnitz
This Home is a 10 FARMINGTON HILLS
French Doors welcome you to the spacious living room with neutral decor and plenty of natural light. Large formal dining room walks out to upper deck that overlooks custom landscaped exterior entertainment area. Updated kitchen. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212025973. $275,000. Susan Kissick
Spacious, beautifully updated kitchen opens to family room with fireplace. Oak floors on both levels, crown moldings. Several newer windows. Living room with custom blinds. Three season sun porch. Four bedrooms with 2,1 baths. 212025271. $189,000. Kay Hartwell
Large Lot with Mature Trees
Charming Arts & Crafts Home
FARMINGTON HILLS Exceptional opportunity to purchase a wonderful home in a well established subdivision! Gorgeous custom stain glass windows and beautiful interior stain glass French doors. Open floor plan with family room off the kitchen. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212025557. $179,999. Cindy Obron Kahn
ROYAL OAK New kitchen with granite and new appliances. New roof, new electrical panel and new two car garage. Hardwood floors throughout, dining room with built-ins, fireplace in living room, bedroom in basement. Open front porch. Three bedrooms with 1.1 baths. 212025238. $179,000. Erin Keating Dewald
CITY/ TOWNSHIP
Parking fees for N. Old Woodward reviewed Fees for parking meters on N. Old Woodward in Birmingham are being examined by the city's advisory parking committee after an area retailer requested the review. There currently is a range of fees required at meters north of the downtown area. Some are two-hour meters, others go up to eight hours, and allow permit parkers from the N. Old Woodward parking structure to park at them for no extra charge. The advisory parking committee is examining the various parking meters, the fee structures throughout the city, and is developing a recommendation to bring before the city commission for final approval before a change is made. Robert Greenstone, owner of Greenstone Jewelry on N. Old Woodward in Birmingham, brought the issue to the attention of the parking committee. He had spoken out at previous city commission meetings, in particular during the public hearing for the bistro license for the upcoming Market bistro at 474 N. Old Woodward at the corner of Ravine and N. Old Woodward. Greenstone expressed concerns about employees parking at meters and in the neighborhood, and said he was worried the area would be overburdened. At that meeting, city manager Bob Bruner directed Greenstone to the advisory parking committee as the appropriate venue for meter rate changes, rather than attempting to stop a new business from establishing itself in the neighborhood. In the downtown area, referred to as the central business district, all meters are one hour, with 15 minutes costing 25 cents. At some two-hour meters on N. Old Woodward, 30 minutes are payable for 25 cents; others have different rates. The advisory parking committee is seeking to establish a more uniform and consistent rate for all meters in the area.
Looking back on life, wasn’t it always your parents who made the tough decisions? Now you are seeing signs that they may need a little extra care. Leaving you with the overwhelming responsibility
Chester parking garage to cost more
of deciding what’s next.
By Lisa Brody
The fee for monthly parking at the Chester parking garage in Birmingham is likely to rise come May 2012, following a steep rise in demand for the parking structure on the western edge of the downtown business district. Paul O'Meara, city engineer, confirmed that a rate increase has already passed the city's advisory parking committee, from $30 to $35, with the ultimate goal of raising the rate to $45 a month, in line with the other parking structures. The city's other parking structures charge $45 per month, other than the Pierce Street Garage, which charges a monthly rate of $55. The Birmingham City Commission has to approve any parking fee increase. The Principal Shopping District (PSD) board requested the advisory parking committee review the increase again before bringing it before the city commission, which was done on March 21, and the city commission will likely vote on any increase at an April meeting. “The PSD asked for more discussion from the advisory parking committee because they feel there should be one lot that is more price sensitive than the others,” said O'Meara. “The Chester lot is on the fringe of downtown, so it always made sense to have it the one that was less expensive.” For the last 12 to 18 months, however, the parking garage has seen a significant uptick, with a big demand for monthly passes. O'Meara said he believes it is primarily from employees of the McCann Erickson ad agency, which has experienced substantial growth. Many downtown retailers, businesses and their employees also park in the structure. “It's gotten out of whack now, and we have to cut off sales (of monthly passes) for the Chester lot,” O'Meara said. He said he is recommending to the advisory parking committee, and ultimately to the city commission, that monthly fees go up to $35 this May, “and then we wait a year and see if the demand is still there before we raise rates any further.” downtownpublications.com
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FACES
Elizabeth Kott lizabeth Kott has worked besides famed Hollywood stylist Rachel Zoe and she is boldly infiltrating the fashion industry via her innovative consignment company, Closet Rich, yet her career first began in a Birmingham clothing boutique. “My first official retail job was working at Caruso Caruso,” the 26-yearold entrepreneur recounted. “As a child, my mom and I would go shopping together every Sunday. I was an avid bargain hunter. I would give myself a budget and see what I could come up with.” After graduating from Seaholm High School, the Bloomfield Village native set out to turn her savvy fashion sense into a career. “I went to Columbia College in Chicago, transferred to MSU and studied abroad through MSU.” Kott studied throughout Europe and graduated with a bachelor’s degree. Days after graduation, she packed her bags and headed to Los Angeles. “There are a lot of Metro Detroiters in LA,” she said. “I came out here with a strong foundation and it made it very easy socially. I had an internship and it was full speed ahead.” Through the recommendation of a friend and colleague, Kott landed a coveted position with Zoe. “I was the manager of the content and marketing for her digital brand and I worked for her for over a year-and-a-half,” she said. “(Zoe) is a trailblazer in her field. I have always been drawn to people who can follow
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their passions and be able to do something they love. She is such a role model for my company and an influential figure in fashion.” Armed with inspiration and invaluable experience, Kott launched her online fashion consignment business, Closet Rich, in August 2011. “It was a joke that the only way I could pay my bills was to sell my clothes. The say necessity is the mother of invention.” Through Closet Rich, Kott infiltrates the wardrobes of Los Angeles’ elite, resells their garments on her website, and ships the items worldwide. “The majority of my clients work in the fashion and entertainment business,” she said. “They are well-known people who have a constant influx of items coming in. The items I put up for resale are things that I love and I know will sell. No one has to shuffle through any nonsense.” If an item is not suitable for Kott’s vision for Closet Rich, she donates those pieces to Los Angeles charities. “Fashion will always find a home, whether it’s in a new closet or donating to someone who needs it.” While the chic fashionista is thriving both personally and professionally, she said that her most avid supporters are still in Michigan. “LA is where my life is; Michigan is where my home is. My parents are my biggest inspiration,” she said. “This was a mere idea and they were cheering me on when it was nothing. To be able to make them proud is just really, really gratifying. I am combusting with happiness.” Story: Katey Meisner
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ELECTION 2012 Bloomfield Hills City Commission ive candidates are running for two open Bloomfield Hills City Commission seats in the Tuesday, May 8 election. Candidates include incumbents Sarah H. McClure and Connie Salloum, and challengers Michael Dul, Mark Kapel and John Monaghan. A slightly expanded version of the interview, along with an audio recording of the interviews, appears at downtownpublications.com.
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WOODLANDS ORDINANCE: Bloomfield Hills is in the process of developing a woodlands ordinance to preserve trees and green spaces. The ordinance is very detailed in its specifications for size, type of trees, and how many trees per year a homeowner can remove from his or her residence. Bloomfield Hills is a community well known for its lush vegetation, as well as for its protection of individual landowner rights. Should the city ordinance dictate how many trees an individual homeowner can cut down in a year, what type of trees they can replant, and what they can do on their own property? DUL: I am definitely for the tree ordinance. I think it's important to preserve the characteristics of the city. Being a landscape architect, I think I'm one of the people who can look and see the consequences of what will happen. I can just envision the knots and kinks that can come up as you implement this ordinance. The ordinance has been worked on for a long time, and that's good. It's evolving due to our public participation. There are some provisions in there that I don't agree with, such as they don't give you credit for putting in oversized trees. I don't think it works for the needs of the homeowner. There's a lot of emphasis on protection, which doesn't
The candidates Michael Dul Dul, 61, is a landscape architect who owns Michael J. Dul & Associates. Last year, the Michigan Society of Landscape Architects selected his company as Outstanding Firm of The Year. He was on the Bloomfield Hills Planning Commission from 2008 to 2010, is vice chairman of Preservation Bloomfield, a founding member of The Collaborative Group, works with the Advisory Council Mentor Connection, and has been a mentor with Mentor Connection through Jewish Family Services since 2008.
make sense, but not on construction, and after five years, that's when trees die. KAPEL: My objections are, I'm a landowner and this whole ordinance is way out of line. It all hinges on little peculiarities like this tree and that small tree. Everyone's against clear-cutting. But that's all we need, is legislation against clear-cutting. MCCLURE: One of the priorities in the master plan was to look at a woodlands ordinance. They're trying to find a balance between things like private rights and clear-cutting, and there have been some situations of clear-cutting. There has also been some misinformation about what is going on. We're one of the few communities without one, and our residents strongly want to protect things like clear-cutting. This is an ongoing process. The end result, I'm not sure what it will be because it hasn't come before the commission, but you can take down any diseased trees. It will not impact 90 percent of the current residents. MONAGHAN: I'm a current planning commissioner, so I've listened to all of the dialogue on the tree ordinance from the very beginning. As I said at the last planning commission meeting, the ordinance boils down to we want to prevent clear-cutting. But it takes 16 or 18 pages to define what you can't do as opposed to what we don't want you to do. You can't do a lot of things on your own property. The reason that I'm running is that we're imposing too many rules on our residents. The thing we haven't talked about is we have a lot of things in the city impacted by the tree ordinance, specifically the two golf courses, although I understand it's being modified, the golf courses are saying, hey, we protect trees, we plant trees, we take care of trees, so why are you telling us what we can and can't plant. The other thing, we keep saying this is being driven by the master plan. I think anyone who objectively reviews the master plan would say the questions the way they were worded were slanted to provide the answers desired. SALLOUM: As a member of the tree
ordinance task force, we have been very open. Back in June of last year, in the newsletter, I addressed that we were beginning a study of the woodlands protection ordinance. In addition, our task force meetings are open. It's been a slow process; we want it to be a slow process; we want to get it right. We're one of the few that do not have a tree ordinance. And one of the ones we studied and very much copied is Bloomfield Township. Ours is shorter, and may still become shorter. We are definitely listening to our public and their input. We have had many changes because of their input; this is their ordinance, we want them to stay involved. Jay Cravens, through his management reports every Friday, has reported on our meetings, so we are using that as our minutes. The people choose Bloomfield Hills because of our woods, because of our tree canopy, that they do want to protect. Our planning commission chairperson, Walt Cueter, and Jay Cravens have met personally with Bloomfield Hills Country Club and they have given them a 10 percent over three years removal, and they were comfortable with that. Cranbrook attended one of our meetings, and they were very comfortable with what we had drafted to this point.
Mark Kapel Kapel, 63, is a retired radio executive who attended Ohio State University and University of Vienna. He is currently a member of Bloomfield Hills Zoning Board of Appeals, is creator and editor of the City of Bloomfield Hills Blog, and is a member of the Adcraft Club of Detroit.
University of Michigan and is a former financial consultant. McClure also serves on the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy Board of Directors, Horizons Upward Bound board, New Horizons Rehabilitation Services Executive and Audit committees, and on the Preservation Bloomfield board.
Sarah McClure McClure, 56, is currently finishing her first term as a city commissioner and sits on the city's Zoning Board of Appeals. A graduate of Cornell University, she also has an MBA from
BUDGET: Two years ago Bloomfield Hills city hall discovered a $1 million deficit in its budget, due primarily to property value reductions. Since then, there has been extreme cost cutting measures, to the point that city manager Jay Cravens has said you've “cut to the bone�, as well as a millage increase. Today, you appear more financially sound, but property values remain low. Your electorate repeatedly has told you public safety is sacrosanct. Contracts with the PSO and DPW unions both expire the end of June. If elected, how would you help keep the budget in line and Bloomfield Hills' costs manageable? DUL: The property values are bringing in less money. We have cut to the bone.
John Monaghan Monaghan, 69, works with Lawrence Automotive as a Chrysler Account Manager. He has a master's degree and a mechanical engineering degree from University of Michigan, and is currently on the Bloomfield Hills Planning Commission.
We can see we are going to be faced with some tough decisions in the future, so we really need to brainstorm, and get everyone to the table, even the public. Then make the tough decisions. One tough decision might be cutting service. We have a survey coming out soon, and we'll all look at that and it will give us comfort. But we might have to raise the millage. It has to be on the table. We might not have any other options. We don't want to cut our public services, our police, our fire, but they're very costly. The public has to understand that if they want them, they have to pay for them. KAPEL: I'm fiscally conservative. I don't have a problem with how the commission has handled the budget in the last year; that's been one of their strong points. I do see some areas that could be done at no cost to improve communication. There's no reason why every commissioner doesn't have a blog. We'd help you set it up. It's free, courtesy of Google and the Oakland Press. Second, we have two consults for the tree service. We've used LSL for years. Why have two? We can eliminate one. If you look around, there are a lot of cost savings to be found. That would be my job as commissioner, and my job in communications isn't going to cost the city a dime. MCCLURE: Two years ago, the city was looking at a situation where they were forecasting a 4-mill increase over a three-year period. They were looking at expenditures being over $10 million. Our expenditures this year were about $8.5 million. Some of it was deferring some costs; but some of it was doing things differently. For example, a fulltime dispatcher left, we hired two parttime dispatchers. That lowered our costs $20,000, but also then we don't have the benefits. We've changed some of the health care to HSAs. We went out to bid. Our city did not have a purchasing policy that was any different from when the city was started in the 1930s. We did cut over $1 million. It's just doing things smarter and better.
Connie Salloum Salloum, 71, is a retired realtor who specialized in the Birmingham-Bloomfield area. She was appointed city commissioner in May, 2011, to finish out Robert Toohey's term. She has been on Bloomfield Hills Planning Commission since 2010, and was on the zoning board of appeals from 2007 to 2010. She is a former president of the Detroit Symphony League, sat on the board of directors of Detroit Symphony Orchestra, is a former president of the Women's Committee American Lung Association, and a former board member of The Village Club.
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Our residents are fiscally conservative, and they want us to cut to the bone, to do things smarter and better. There are a lot of things we can keep doing. There's a lot of changes in Lansing that we have to work with our employees, such as the health care law. Our employees pay approximately 1 to 2 percent for their health care. We want to work with our employees to find a solution to that. MONAGHAN: This is an extremely difficult period because of the decline in property values, which is our revenue. The public safety department, which everybody in Bloomfield Hills says they value, takes up a big chunk of the budget. If you look, previous administrations, I believe, have tried to kick the can down the road, and sooner or later, it's going to come back to haunt us. I'm an advocate of 10-year planning spectrums; usually we look at 2 or 3. But if we look at a 10-year planning spectrum, the tough decision is going to be to convince the residents that if they want to continue to have the level of services that they are used to today, somebody's going to have to pay for them. What we've done with the $1 million deficit is we've deferred spending, we haven't solved the problem. SALLOUM: It is true, we are working with a 25 percent loss of revenues this year. We have all been working really hard this year, we are working with best practices and efficiencies, and we've brought down spending by $1 million this year. We have a wonderful treasurer, Lisa Dolan. As far as the millage, I'm very conservative. One woman from across the street waved to me and said, “Don't raise our taxes.� So I listen to our taxpayers. We're entering into negotiations with our unions, and that's very important. We have to address the government mandate to the $15,000 or the 80/20 or opt out, and again through these negotiations will determine which way we go, so I feel that's very important to be involved in. As far as a millage, I am very conservative, I really don't want to dig into our rainy day fund, but I might be open to further study for a small millage increase and small dip into our rainy day fund. PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENTS (PUDS): PUDs, which are varied and compatible land uses for residential or commercial development, have been a controversial topic in the city over the last few years, first with The Plaza of Bloomfield Hills and with The Woodward, a nursing and assisted living facility on Woodward which has yet to break ground. Currently, there is a moratorium on PUDs in the city. While Bloomfield Hills is a primarily residential community, there is a small commercial area along Woodward, and the city benefits from its tax base. Can you see reinstating PUDS as a zoning and/or development tool? DUL: I think a PUD is a wonderful tool. I think it's very valuable, and that many downtownpublications.com
people do not know how to work with it. With a PUD, you could do something far greater than the ordinances currently provide. There can be synergies of development, and if you work with a developer, you can get some great trade offs. I think it's the only way to go for certain pockets of our commercial development. I'm a big proponent of PUDs, but they have to be done the proper way. KAPEL: There's a lot of interesting things you can do with a PUD. With the Woodward and the Jonna projects it has worked out very well because you've gotten two mayors, McCready and Zambricki, who have worked out all of the kinks. As long as you've got good people communicating, great. It has turned out well, and people seem pleased with them. The residents got what they wanted. If we communicate with the public, we get what we want. MCCLURE: A PUD development is usually where you're throwing out the ordinances and working with the developer to get something in exchange. I think they instituted the moratorium because with those two projects there were questions if they were appropriate to use PUDs because of what were we going to get. I think with the Woodward, which has yet to break ground, the current commission has worked with the developer and it's now a story lower, it's a brick facade, their entire design's been changed, and it's more in keeping with (Bloomfield Hills). The development as it is now conforms to all our zoning. We didn't really need to do a PUD. Our residents want us to be primarily residential, we have a great city here in Birmingham a mile away that we can use, we don't need our own city. Developments do not solve your tax problems. MONAGHAN: I sat through all of the PUD discussions for the two you mentioned. Getting back to revenues, businesses contribute something in the neighborhood of 17 or 20 percent of the revenue of the city. But I don't think we can consider ourselves a businessfriendly community. We ran the developer of the Plaza every which way but up in terms of getting the thing approved, and when it was finally approved, people jumped on the bandwagon and said, look at what we did, this is a great thing. We have two golf courses in the city that could conceivably become PUD developments if either of them went under. It's a tool that allows you to determine how you want it to be. I feel it's a positive thing. We should be more business-friendly. I'd like to see more development. SALLOUM: Our residents overwhelmingly want to keep our density low. I do favor PUDs. I was involved in them, and I like them, and it gives us some control. I believe you have to listen to your residents, and they want a community that is low density, so at this point, I'm not against future development but I want to keep it to a minimum.
APPOINTMENT PROCESS: In many municipalities, a seat on a commission or board, such as planning or zoning board of appeals, is voted on by the entire commission after candidates come before the city commission at an open meeting and present their qualifications. In Bloomfield Hills, the sitting mayor makes appointments at his or her discretion. Do you feel this is beneficial for the municipal process in Bloomfield Hills? DUL: I think the appointment process in Bloomfield Hills is flawed. I understand how the game is played. There's the mayor and the commission, and of course they're going to pick someone like-minded. But if there's a more diverse panel with just our decision making. I myself was appointed (to the planning commission) by Mayor Zambricki, and as time went on, as the Plaza went on, I supported it, and next time around, when my turn was up, Mr. Zambricki was silent. I understand how things happen here. KAPEL: Our system is somewhat flawed. I think there's more we could do to get people to be involved. We're starting in the middle. There's nowhere for people to start at the bottom. We need another level. I'd like to appoint a citizen's advisory council. The main benefit of that is when there is a vacancy, they already know who is active and how they mesh in. MCCLURE: It isn't quite as simple as some say because they submit a one or two page bio, and the mayor calls them up for review, and it's included in our packets. There has been a tradition that the candidate the mayor puts up for review is who the rest of the commission goes for. Like other traditions, that can be looked at a little more. It's important to get people from different geographic areas of our city; but I think the commission will always vote for candidates who share their philosophy of the city. MONAGHAN: No. The mayor, whoever he or she happens to be, picks their favorites. I don't think there's a lot of cross-pollination of discussion about who the next candidate should be. Michael is probably the most qualified applicant for the planning board. He is a registered landscape architect, yet when he came before the planning commission, he was not re-appointed. Connie was in his place. SALLOUM: The people who want to be on either planning or zoning fill out a bio, and all five of us (on the city commission) vote on who we think should be appointed, so if a favorite seems to appear, it just happened. I really feel it is a good process and everybody on the city commission has a say on who is going to be on those commissions. ROTATION OF MAYOR: Until last May, for over 30 years, whoever was mayor pro tem was automatically voted in as mayor in the following
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year. However, last year, mayor pro tem Pat Hardy was refused the honor of being named mayor of Bloomfield Hills for the current year in favor of Mike Zambricki. The reason the other four commissioners gave was that commissioner Hardy was not fiscally strong, and at this time the city needed a strong fiscal leader. Yet Bloomfield Hills is a city manager-led community, not a mayor-led one, and in most respects, mayor is a titular head. Do you think it is more important to respect tradition, or to find the commissioner best suited to the times to be mayor? DUL: I believe it is a figurehead. They work as a team. We have the best people working for us. Consultants, Lisa Dolan, Jay Cravens, he's very sharp, very capable, and we do lean on him. And just because Mike Zambricki may be the most qualified, doesn't mean he can't participate in the process. So he's making the agenda. So what. He'll put in his two cents. Everyone's equal. And to really boot Pat off, I thought it was very unprofessional. I didn't think it was even very ethical. She works so hard, why not give her the satisfaction of carrying on that title. I didn't think it added to the character of our city, and I didn't like it. KAPEL: There's a difference between tradition and law. We can change tradition. A law is a law. The charter gives people certain rights. Tradition is fine but we have to go by laws. Residents can change a law, but the city commission cannot go in and change the law. They went against the city charter this year. MCCLURE: Our charter says we elect who should be mayor and who should be the chief executive of the city, and I think your statement that it's a figurehead position is erroneous. Really the mayor sets the agenda, he works closely with the city manager. These are very difficult times, and I think Mike Zambricki was the right person for the city. He has an MBA, he has a law degree, he's head of HR at his company. This commission, and Mike Zambricki, were committed to finding cost savings, and four out of five of us were on board with that. We needed to elect the person who was most suited for the times. These are complicated times; we have complicated legal issues. MONAGHAN: I think what was done was totally wrong, and hiding behind the fact that 30 years ago the charter said X is not a good reason. The reality is, for 30 years we chose the mayor a certain way and it worked fine. I'm a firm believer you hire good people and you let them run the city. And that's what we are, a manager-led city. And nobody that gets paid $5 a month has the time to look over the shoulder of the city manager. The mayor runs the meeting; the city manager runs the city. SALLOUM: They did have the tradition for 30 years, but before that our city charter states that commissioners vote for who should be the next mayor, so it 65
hasn't always been that way. As far as traditions, sometimes different times call for different talents. Michael Zambricki really was the best one for the job, and that was a very valid point. Pat Hardy has a lot of wonderful talents too; she put on a wonderful anniversary party for us a few of years ago. She is great at social events. But because of the issues we had to face, and the strong decisions and difficult decisions we had to make, Mike Zambriki was the man for the job. WHY YOU: What are your plans and vision for Bloomfield Hills for the next two years? DUL: I have some skills that would add some diversity to the current commission. First of all, I'm a successful business owner for 32 years, and continue to be one. We've weathered the storms through many economic cycles. I'm also a creative entrepreneur, we formed a team of many good people, and that whole team is focused on the customer. I'm also an environmental steward, where being a landscape architect I have a background in woodlands and trees and preservation and topography, and our designs solve the problem in a creative manner, but it's always sustainable. One of the first things I'd like to do is deal with the employees. In any organization, the employees are the most important. We went to a meeting last night, and it was noted that a lot of the non-union
employees have not gotten a raise in quite a while. The finance director prepared a chart and showed all the positions with corresponding salaries, as well as with surrounding areas, and showed we're pretty low paying. That concerns me. When it comes time to give raises, what is in place to motivate people? It would be a shame if after all this hard work, the economy got better and we lost our employees. So that's what I'd like to work on. KAPEL: I'd like to see an open city where people would know what is going on. We could start that immediately by giving each commissioner his or her own blog where people could communicate with them every day. It wouldn't cost anything. I think people could fill out cards at the ends of each meeting and they could be read. I think one person can make a heck of a difference. We have a very good city. I think we can get a citizens advisory committee and get more people involved, so we have more of a pool to draw on. I think if we do all of the things I've outlined, other things like the budget and other problems our city will face, which are indeed complicated, will be solved. MCCLURE: I'd like to continue serving the residents of Bloomfield Hills. I bring a skill that's necessary because I have a strong finance background and that's 90 percent of what we discuss. When I ran three years ago, it was on financial stability, maintaining the character of
the city and communications, and I think we've accomplished a lot. With the character of the city, there's been everything from the donate a tree fund to working with PUD developers to making their developments better to maintaining the shift schedules with our public safety to make them better. Part of what makes us distinctive is our public safety department. As far as communications, our meetings are now televised, we're updating our web page, we adopted an ethics proposal, which I think is critical. As a commissioner I have accomplished quite a bit, but I'd like to keep working. Things keep changing with Lansing, there are union negotiations this spring, and I think with my background, I can be helpful. I'd like us to continue with our best practices. Now we are setting goals and reviewing our city manager. We're continuing more to gain long-term financial stability. MONAGHAN: I have a master's degree in engineering from the University of Michigan; I'm a retired executive from Chrysler. I've spent a lot of years in strategic planning in Chrysler plants. I have never run for public office. I'm only running because I'm disturbed about the state of our city. I believe that in our quest to maintain the character of our city, we've achieved stagnation. I'm going by a couple indicators. Property values. The original reason Bloomfield Hills was successful was we
had a vibrant automobile industry, high-level executives who wanted to move into the city, and that really doesn't exist any more. The people who are in the industry are younger, usually have children, and they're looking for a community that's friendlier. Things evolve. If we continue down our current path, we'll be obsolete. We've been deferring or not spending. Our roads are terrible. I think we need to make Bloomfield Hills a more desirable place to live. The status quo is a prescription for moving backwards. SALLOUM: I've been a resident of the city of Bloomfield Hills for 39 years, so I have a deep concern for it, a special love for it. I do believe in maintaining the special character of it. It's why people are moving here and why people are staying here for a long time. In order to do that we have to follow our Master Plan. It's why we have a Master Plan. I also agree that we need good communications. We are updating our web site. We have a newsletter that goes out twice a year. I believe you have to listen to your people, and be approachable. Fiscally, we have to protect our services, we have to be fiscally responsible. I'm a conservative, I also would like to maintain and support the road program. I agree they need a lot of work, and it's very, very expensive. I'm known as a hard worker, and I'll always be approachable and listen to what my people are telling me.
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EDUCATION High school bond issue facing voters By Lisa Brody
Bloomfield Hills Schools' voters, for the third time in the last decade, will be asked on May 8 to approve a bond millage to unify the district's two high schools into one school facility on the current site of Andover high school. The bond proposal is for $58.6 million which would be paid off over 26 years. If approved, bond proceeds would be supplemented from funding now on hand to complete the project. The current bond proposal represents a steep drop from previous millage requests. In 2007, the district sought $121 million for two new buildings at the Andover and Lahser sites, which voters rejected 54 percent to 46 percent . In 2010, voters nixed a $75 million bond proposal for a new unified high school on the Andover site, 55 percent to 45 percent. The bond proposal would represent 1.16 mills annually for taxpayers, so a homeowner with a $400,000 home would likely pay $232 a year. School district taxpayers currently pay just under 2.5 mills each year for retirement of bond debt, which is expiring in 2014, and the sinking fund. So if approved, the new bond debt would represent a decrease of current bond taxes paid each year, to just below 2 mills. If it is not approved, residents would pay 1.5 mills in 2014, and just under 1 mill in 2015. Superintendent Robert Glass, who was hired in 2010 right before the previous millage vote, said, “We tried to take a different approach in creating this plan and we spent 14 months listening to parents, staff and community members via town hall meetings, community committees, fireside chats and other open forums. As a result, we have arrived at what I believe is a community-driven, fiscally responsible plan.” After gathering community input, Glass said the district did the value engineering at the beginning of this process in order to determine actual costs and needs. “We really looked to repurpose what we've got to save money. Our square footage is smaller, with one-third of the building being renovated, and less is being spent per square foot. We also did not include the administration building or the model high school, neither of which we are doing at this time.” If the millage proposal passes, a unified Bloomfield Hills High School with approximately 1,650 students, would open in the fall of 2015. Beginning in June 2013, Andover downtownpublications.com
School board considers 6-year terms ollowing state approved legislation which recently went into effect mandating that all school elections must be held on even years, the Birmingham Schools Board of Education considered changing board terms to six years. If ultimately approved, the change would be effective immediately. Previously, board seats were elected every November for a term of four years. In November, 2012, two of the seven board seats will expire, those currently held by Geri Rinschler and Michael Fenberg. By switching to six year terms, versus remaining with four year terms, board seat openings will stay staggered, with two to three seats coming open every two years, rather than all of them coming up for re-election at the same time. Marcia Wilkinson, Birmingham Schools' spokesperson, said that this current election change impacts those members of the board whose terms currently end in odd years. “They will have to serve an extra year, and have five-year terms,” she said. She said the board is interested in hearing the public's perspective on this proposed change. Residents can either speak at future board meetings, or email board members. In November 2011, Gov. Rick Snyder signed Public Acts 232 and 233, which requires Michigan school districts to hold elections during November of even numbered years. For the last eight years, school districts in Michigan have had the option of holding school board elections in either May or in November during odd numbered years. With this new legislation, school board elections must be held at the same time as general elections, such as presidential elections. The reason given by the state legislature is to save money by consolidating the elections, which a press release from Gov. Snyder's office said could save some school districts up to $8 million in a two-year election cycle. School districts pay municipalities for the costs of separate school board elections. Birmingham School Board President Susan Hill polled the entire school board at their regular meeting to see their preference, and while there was some discussion about the negatives of six-year terms, ultimately all of the board members concurred.
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would be vacated for approximately 27 months for construction, and all high school students would be temporarily relocated, with 9th grade students relocated to Hickory Grove and 10 12th graders lodged at Lahser for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years. Model High School students would likely be housed at Hickory Grove as well. Unified high school athletic teams would begin in the fall of 2013, and both Andover and Lahser's athletic fields would be available during the construction period. Glass said traffic arrangements along Lahser Road would be worked out prior to the beginning of the 2013 school year. “Lahser would only be utilized during construction, and then it would be sold, torn down, or we would find a creative use for it,” Glass said, noting the district has three years to determine its ultimate future. He does anticipate maintaining Lahser's athletic fields in the future. Hickory Grove and Pine Lake, which has been mired in legal disputes, would also either be sold, torn down, or have the opportunity for other creative community uses in 2015. Demographics indicate that
upcoming classes of high school students will have less than the 1,650 students that would be in the new Bloomfield Hills High School. The cost of providing the highest quality classes is currently forcing the district to offer skeletal classes in many courses, or to bus students between Andover and Lahser, increasing costs to the district, which will be saved by having the one school on one campus. If approved by voters, the district projects annual operational savings of up to $2.5 million from having one high school on one campus, reducing administrative and transportation costs, modernizing technology while preserving normal class sizes and the high quality programs for which the district is known. Glass said in the last year, he and his staff have saved the district approximately $900,000 by consolidating all of the business offices, human resources, and special education in the central administration building. “It gets us all in one place, and allows us to get leaner and cross train,” he said. “We will be able to save a few position eventually.” The ballot language for the bond proposal reads:
DOWNTOWN
Shall Bloomfield Hills Schools, Oakland County, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Fifty-Eight Million Six Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($58,650,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds in one or more series therefor, for the purpose of: erecting, furnishing and equipping a high school, which will require utilizing, remodeling, refurnishing and re-equipping portions of the existing Andover High School; acquiring and installing educational technology; erecting, furnishing, equipping and improving performing arts facilities and athletic facilities and fields; and preparing, developing and improving sites? Yes or No. If the proposal is denied by voters, the district will still consolidate to one high school, with grades 10-12 remaining at a minimally updated Andover and grade 9 heading to either Lahser or Hickory Grove, and students may have to continue to be shuttled between buildings for certain classes. The district has approximately $20 million on hand, which would be added to a successful bond drive, or utilized to minimally update the two aged high schools if the bond is denied. Model high school students would be educated in the administration building. “We'd maintain most current offerings and programs for a few years, but as building needs mount, program choices would likely erode,” the district said. Glass said if this proposal does not pass, there will not be another millage request of voters.
Larson to exit from Birmingham Schools Dr. David Larson, Birmingham Public Schools Superintendent since January 2008, has announced he will be leaving his position effective July 1 for a position as superintendent for the Glenbard District 87 in Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The board of education began a search for a new district superintendent, starting with their choice of a search firm on March 27. The board chose School Exec Connect, a national search and consulting firm providing customized services to school boards and school districts out of Highland Park, Illinois. They were the firm the district utilized in finding Larson four years ago, and more recently, by Bloomfield Hills Schools in hiring superintendent Robert Glass. They estimated the search would cost approximately $20,000. 71
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FACES
Kathy Kosins azz songbird Kathy Kosins commands the stage of large venues all over the country. Her journey began as a free spirited 20-year-old getting by on little more than a dream. “I moved to Birmingham right out of high school,” she said. “It was a house on Townsend Street in the early 1970s and Birmingham was a completely different landscape. I had tin foil on my ceiling to hide the plaster that was coming out. The house was basically condemned. It was a crazy time.” Although Kosins had not always considered a career in music, she unlocked her unique gift through steadfast conviction and a touch of moxie. “When I was 20, I would go to this dive bar on the east side of Detroit called the Red Carpet Lounge,” she said. “I would sit in every Sunday. I was pretty bad, but they let me get up there and make a fool out of myself.” With tenacity and the guidance of fellow musicians, Kosins quickly gained confidence and a faithful fan base. “I didn’t have any formal training,” she said. “I just went and did it. Here I am 37 years later with my fifth album. I’m a composer, producer and songwriter.” Kosins latest album, “To the Ladies of Cool,” was inspired by four prominent singers from the 1940s and 1950s: June Christy, Chris Connor, Anita O'Day, and Julie London. “Their music just spoke to me,” Kosins said. “It celebrates the artistry of these women. I’ve got this brand new record that has already entered the jazz music chart.”
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Kosins has performed in jazz festivals all over the country, in-home concerts and even the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C. She is also an ASCAP (American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers) awardwinning songwriter and producer. Today, she totes decades of laudable experience to dozens of colleges and universities throughout the U.S., teaching aspiring artists how to find success in this competitive vocation. “As a business woman, I wondered what I could do that no one else is doing,” she said. “Nobody is teaching how to hustle a gig and have business skills as a musician. I put together these master classes. I teach (students) to think of themselves as a business person and not a starving artist.” Kosins spends more than 150 days every year on the road and each day of her life is infused with music. “I’m not married and I have no kids,” she said. “I’ve had some wonderful relationships and some not so wonderful relationships. I gave up four marriage proposals, but I live a huge life. Music is my life.” Despite a career of fulfillment, Kosins is never content to simply rest on her laurels. “I’m not where I want to be,” she said. “I’m constantly evolving. My goal is to perform all over Europe. I haven’t cracked that market on my own yet. That’s a huge goal of mine and to just keep doing what I’m doing.” Story: Katey Meisner
Photo: Laurie Tennent
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PLACES TO EAT The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The complete Places To Eat is available at downtownpublications.com and in an optimized format for your smart phone (downtownpublications.com/mobile), where you can actually map out locations and automatically dial a restaurant from our Places To Eat.
220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.2150. Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield township, 48304. 248.499.6867. Barrio Tacos & Tequila: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 203 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.6060. Beau Jacks: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. Bella Piatti: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078.
Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 245 South Eaton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774. Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880. Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879. Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690. Cafe Via: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 310 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8800 Cameron’s Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.1700. Chen Chow Brasserie: Japanese. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 260 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.2469. China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221. Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220. Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9766. Cosi: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner,
daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 101 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.9200. Crust Pizza and Wine Bar: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6622 Telegraph, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.855.5855. Deli Unique of Bloomfield Hills: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 39495 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7923. Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135. Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 176 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.9888. Also 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.258.9939. Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033. Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. Forest Grill: American. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9400.
“neighborhood favorite” - Zagat
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FOCUS ON WINE Napa Valley lure of Duckhorn Vineyard By Eleanor and Ray Heald
uckhorn Wine Company was founded in 1976 to specialize in growing and producing Bordeaux-style wines. In 1988, Dan Duckhorn purchased seven Napa Valley properties, establishing an estate vineyard program to guarantee a consistent source of high quality grapes. Having visited the Bordeaux regions of St. Emilion and Pomerol, Dan decided to focus on the production of merlot as a stand-alone varietal even though many Bordelaise and California wineries used it as a blend component. “I liked the softness, seductiveness and color,” he says. “The fact that it went with a lot of different foods, it wasn't so bold, didn't need to age so long, and it had this velvety texture made it very attractive. It seemed to be a wonderful wine to just enjoy. I became enchanted with merlot.” Currently, executive winemaker, Bill Nancarrow crafts merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and sauvignon blanc from vineyards in smaller sub-appellations within Napa Valley that include Howell Mountain, Carneros, Yountville, Rutherford and St. Helena.
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Dan began making terroir-inspired pinot noir in 1997, at his Goldeneye Estate. Current delicious release is 2009 Goldeneye Anderson Valley Pinot Noir $55. To create elegant and complex wines, winemaker Zach Rasmuson harvests grapes from four estate vineyards, planted to 19 clones of pinot noir.
Looking beyond Anderson Valley for sources of cool-climate pinot noir and chardonnay, Dan and winemaker Neil Bernardi, started the Migration label in 2001. This search resulted in a focus on California’s Russian River Valley where grapes sourced in that appellation resulted in the first Migration Russian River Valley Chardonnay released in the spring of 2010.
Creative itch As Duckhorn wines gained fame, Dan began to get the itch to produce creative, outside-the-box wine styles. In 1994, Paraduxx was founded to develop stylish Napa Valley blends. Paraduxx allows winemaker David Marchesi the freedom to explore innovative styles without detracting from Duckhorn's focus on Bordeaux varietals. Marchesi created a blend of zinfandel and cabernet sauvignon, simply called Napa Valley Red Wine, to celebrate the first Paraduxx vintage. Current release is the excellent 2008 at $48. "I've [been allowed] to follow my own path to explore my passion for wine and the art of the blend,” Marchesi explains. “I think this unique approach also echoes the stylistic ideals of Paraduxx. While there is a stylistic continuity that runs through our portfolio, each of our Napa Valley blends charts its own course, and sets its own benchmark." Selecting the cool climate of Anderson Valley in Mendocino County,
Decoy If you have not been introduced to the wines of Duckhorn, the Decoy label is a great place to start. Expanded in 2008, this line of appellation-designated wines is an excellent way to enjoy the quality of Duckhorn at a fraction of the price. The innovative structure of Duckhorn’s multiple vineyards and four wineries, each with its own winemaker, allows Decoy to benefit from the available fruit and expert winemaking team. The Decoy line-up includes the Napa Valley 2009 Merlot $25, Napa Valley 2009 Cabernet Sauvignon $25, Anderson Valley 2009 Pinot Noir $22, Sonoma County 2009 Zinfandel $22, Napa Valley 2010 Sauvignon Blanc $18, and Sonoma County 2010 Chardonnay $18. Bill Nancarrow, Duckhorn winemaker, oversees the crafting of Decoy’s Bordeaux-varietal wines, Paraduxx winemaker David Marchesi oversees Decoy Zinfandel, Goldeneye winemaker Zach Rasmuson works alongside Migration winemaker Neil Bernardi to produce Decoy Pinot Noir while Bernardi is responsible for the Decoy Chardonnay. We have evaluated the entire line of Decoy wines and recommend them to
Fox Grill: American. Lunch, Monday through Friday; Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304. 248.792.6109. Fuddrucker’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Beer & wine. 42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.333.2400.
Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222. Hogan’s Restaurant: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6450 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.1800. Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American.
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you for their quality and sensible price. Home run hits With the opening of the baseball season this month, we’re recommending some home run wines. Red teams 2008 Kendall Jackson Grand Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon $28 2007 Kenwood Artist Series $70 (93 percent cabernet sauvignon) 2010 Carmel Road Pinot Noir $20 2010 Manzoni Pinot Noir Home Vineyard $26 2009 Byron Pinot Noir $26 2009 Byron Nielson Vineyard Pinot Noir $34 2010 Davis Bynum Pinot Noir $35 2009 Archery Summit Premier Cuvée Pinot Noir $48 White team, aka chardonnay 2010 Bodega Elena de Mendoza $11 2010 Rodney Strong Sonoma County $13 2010 Wente Riva Ranch $20 2010 Ghost Pines Winemaker’s Blend $20 2010 Davis Bynum $25 2008 Ponzi Willamette Valley Reserve $30 2009 Oakville Ranch Napa Valley $45 2009 Williams Selyem Drake Estate Vineyard $60 Whites in the headlines 2010 Echelon Pinot Grigio $13 2010 Ponzi Willamette Valley Pinot Blanc $17 2010 WillaKenzie Pinot Gris $21 2010 WillaKenzie Estate Brown Pinot Blanc $21 Pinch hitters – you might not think of them first, but perhaps you should. 2011 Man Vintners Cuvee V Chenin Blanc $11 2010 The Whip $19 (white wine blend) Offshore challengers 2009 Alamos Mendoza Seleccion Malbec $20 2008 Castello di Volpaia Chianti Classico $24 2010 Ceretto Arneis $28 All stars 2009 Archery Summit Arcus Estate Pinot Noir $100 2009 Byron Monument Pinot Noir $60 Eleanor & Ray Heald have contributed to numerous international publications including the Quarterly Review of Wines. Contact them by e-mail at focusonwine@aol.com.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111. Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner,
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daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522. Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166. La Feast: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. 297 East Maple, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7768. Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707. Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568. Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.647.3400. Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051. Max & Erma’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.1188. Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.3663. Mountain King: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 469 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2913. New Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Breakfast, Monday-Thursday; Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. 183 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2181. Northern Lakes Seafood Co.: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 39495 North Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7900. Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500. Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775. Panera Bread: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7966. Also 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.253.9877. Peabody’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.5222. Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122. Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.6999. Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941. Quiznos: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 185 N Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.7827. Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270. Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977.
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Sanders: American. Lunch, daily. No reservations. 167 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.3215. South: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8133. Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300. Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887. Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830. Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. The Corner Bar: American. Dinner. Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2958. The Gallery Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313. The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999. Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. Tokyo Sushi & Grill: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 225 E. Maple Rd., Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6501. Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241. Village Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams. Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7964. What Crepe?: French. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Breakfast & Lunch, Sunday. No reservations. 172 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5634. Whistle Stop Cafe: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.5588. Zazios: Italian. Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34977 Woodward Ave, Birmingham, 48009. Phone: 248.530.6400. Zumba Mexican Grille: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No Reservations. 163 W. Maple Rd., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2775.
AT THE TABLE Roadside B&G tracks to success By Eleanor Heald
or slaw. You can taste the beef and actually bite into the burger because it’s not a tower. “To me,” says Roberts, “a burger is all about the meat.” His chefs put that into practice with a special house blend of ground chuck, short rib, flank steak and steak trimmings from premium cuts. For the health conscious, a Buffalo Burger with aged white cheddar, arugula, caramelized onion and Dijon mustard is $12. Steaks topped with Béarnaise Butter or house steak sauce, asparagus and steak fries range $24 to $38, depending on cut and size: 6-oz Petite Filet, 12-oz Aged New York Strip and 20-oz Porterhouse.
estaurants are woven into the very fabric of our lives. Over the years, restaurateur Bill Roberts has brilliantly crafted a stellar lineup of restaurants: Streetside Seafood in Birmingham, Beverly Hills Grill and Town Tavern in Royal Oak. Recently, he expanded not only his restaurant portfolio, but also location to Bloomfield Township. Roberts has woven each eatery into the fabric of the community. Roberts’ new Roadside B&G dramatically converted the former Brandy’s steakhouse into an appealing, window-walled bright neighborhood eatery with a front Plates Daily lunch specials include an omelette and a fresh fish patio that will seat 40 in warm weather. Indoors there are 76 at market price. Fish is the lunch deal. In nearly all cases, seats and another 10 at the bar. Wooden trusses supporting the roof and exposed during the fish portion is the same as at dinner, but the lunch price renovation were made part of the ambiance by the is lower. Heartier selections such as Panko Chicken Cutlet with Birmingham architectural design firm Ron & Roman. Cinder arugula and lemon-pepper vinaiblock walls and concrete floors grette, $17; Short Rib Bolognese add to the casual feel, but are with spaghetti and pecorino given warmth with wood cheese, $18; and Roasted accents. So many elements are Vegetable Enchilada, $15, are on tracking to success. the dinner menu. Roberts is leasing the property and cites distinct location advanAnd more… tages. “Roadside is located Several sweet endings $5-$6 between a lot of people who don’t feature locally produced Ray’s have many dining options. The ice cream. Rice Pudding, a market here is not saturated. D.A.C. tradition, is creamy with During the day, the County Court raisins and a hint of citrus and complex is underserved. Then, cinnamon. there’s Costco, Carl’s Golfland Corporate Executive Chef Patrick Roettele and Executive Chef Wine aficionados will find the and Best Buy which attract a lot Chris Johnson. Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent wine list, conveniently on the of people. Roadside is a good reverse side of the menu, well-edited in a range of prices lunch stop.” from a host of mostly well-known producers. Torres Vina Esmeralda 2010 (a blend of muscat of Alexandria and Roadside eats Corporate Executive Chef Patrick Roettele and Executive gewurztraminer) from Spain $7/$28, and Irony 2010 Pinot Chef Chris Johnson collaborated on the streamlined lunch Noir from Monterey $8/$32, are especially good values. U.S. and Imported Brews, plus nine Michigan Micro-Brews, and dinner menus. Apps, soups, side and entree salads, burgers and steaks round out the beverage list. Weekend Brunch always has four main items at $9 or $10 are the same at both lunch and dinner. This is in the book of good things. How many times have you eaten a lunch item that change weekly, according to the creative whims of Chef and then longed for it at dinner only to learn from the serv- Patrick. There will probably be a southwest-centered selection. Choose it. That’s Chef Patrick’s favorite. er, “that’s only available on our lunch menu”? Later in the evening, Roadside is an adult venue, but earA number of items are on the menu at other Roberts’ restaurants. This is also written in the same book. We begin lier and certainly at lunch or brunch, it’s family friendly with to associate specific dishes with certain restaurants. New a Kid’s Menu, all items $5, and Kid’s Beverages $2.50-$6. among apps is Warm Potato Chips with Gorgonzola and Bacon, $6. Chips are house made and the spin on something Roadside B&G 1727 South Telegraph Road, Bloomfield similar with tacos is not to be missed. Short Rib Tacos with Township, 248.858.7270. Monday-Thursday 11 a.m.-11 Salsa Fresca, Avocado and Sour Cream, $8 is on the Town p.m. Until midnight Friday and Saturday. Sunday until 10 p.m. Brunch Saturday and Sunday. Parking: on site. Tavern menu and now a Roadside favorite.
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New and better than an ordinary chef’s salad is Roasted Turkey Cobb with avocado, bacon, gorgonzola, egg and red wine vinaigrette, $12. Two smoked Whitefish Cakes, $9, with oven-dried tomatoes, caper relish and house-made remoulade, is a change-up from crab cakes. Reinventing the burger There’s an ongoing burger battle among some chefs. Calling themselves new tastemakers, these chefs are looking for the next ace up their sleeve in burger building. Why? What happened to the good old juicy burger with top grade beef, cooked to order and a cheeseburger with different cheese options such as bleu, cheddar, gruyere or muenster? It’s back at Roadside in an 8-oz version and absolutely delicious at $11, on a specialty artisan bun, served with fries
QUICK BITES Phoenicia Remodel: Sameer Eid, proprietor-chef of Phoenicia restaurant (588 S. Old Woodward Ave, Birmingham) closed his popular eatery at the end of March to re-open June 1. Birmingham design architect Victor Saroki will remodel the façade to include four French doors that will open to give a street scape appearance. The new interior will detail a Mediterranean flair that retains the polished elegance of white tablecloths. Once re-opened, the popular menu will remain with a few new additions. Eleanor Heald is a nationally published writer who also writes the wine column in a double byline with her husband Ray for Downtown. Suggestions for Quick Bites section can be e-mailed to QuickBites@downtownpublications.com.
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This Beautiful Nottingham Forest Colonial Home is completely updated! Granite kitchen with S/S appliances overlooking the great room w/cathedral ceiling, skylights, & large breakfast area. Extra room could be ideal for a study, Pool-table or exercise room. Possible 6th bedroom in bsmt. Jetted tub & large shower in master bath. 1 Bay in the 3 car garage could be converted to fit most RV's/boats. This home is a must see.
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This Outstanding Estate Home has the quality and amenities that could not be reproduced at this price. Walk into the grand cathedral foyer, with 22 ft ceilings as the Swarovski Chandeliers glisten. The first floor master suite is complete with vaulted ceilings and a fireplace. Executive room off the master bedroom makes for a great workout area. This 4 bedroom, 5 bathroom home comes complete with gourmet kitchens both on the main floor and lower level. LL-Walkout to your pool, gazebo and koi ponds with waterfalls within natures perfect setting.
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BUSINESS MATTERS Fitness facility Forest Fitness recently opened at 750 Forest Avenue in Birmingham. “We have personal trainers and we hold boot camp classes,” said coowner Joshua Pauley. “It’s by appointment only and right now we have four trainers.” Pauley, 31, has been training since he was 18-yearsold and previously offered in-home services in the Birmingham community. “Our niche is the general population but the facility can take care of hardcore athletes, from kids to professionals.” Pauley owns the space with business partner Eric Larson and said Forest Fitness has received a positive reception from the community.
New dance studio Birmingham Ballroom, located at 33680 Woodward Avenue, is slated to open by the end of March. “We will be teaching private (dance) lessons,” said owner Blake Kish. The studio will offer ballroom and Latin dancing. “I’ve been doing this for 27 years,” Kish said. “I’m not a basic dance instructor. I am one of the top dancers in the U.S.” The 3,600 square foot space will feature two ballrooms to accommodate a variety of dance styles. Previously occupied by BodyPure Studio, the build-out required very few changes, Kish said. “We’re painting, putting up new draperies for the windows and building a reception desk.”
Vet expansion DePorre Veterinary Hospital will have much more space for their fourlegged friends this spring with the significant expansion of their facilities. The offices, located at 4062 West Maple Road in Bloomfield Township, will be adding 8,000 square feet to their existing space at Maple and Telegraph roads by the end of April or beginning of May. “We were crowded and congested,” said Dr. Jules DePorre, co-owner. “It’s going to be very similar to what we currently have, but updated. There will be larger surgical suites, a larger dental area and larger exam and treatment rooms.” DePorre owns the veterinary hospital with his cousin, Dr. Pierre DePorre. They offer complete routine veterinary physical care, vaccinations, surgery, downtownpublications.com
ultrasound, x-ray, dentistry, boarding and grooming.
New LaVida Massage LaVida Massage has opened in the Bloomfield Commons at Maple and Lahser roads in Bloomfield Township. The franchise, located at 3617 West Maple Road, offers a variety of massages from Thai, Swedish and prenatal to deep tissue, relaxation and couples massages. “Every massage is customized,” said Dominic Hesano, owner. “We focus on the medical side of things and we really like to take a wellness approach. Everyone who works here believes in the power of massage. We are extremely particular in our hiring process at this location.” Hesano and his brother, Carlos Hesano, are Andover High School graduates who live in the community. “Massage therapy was once a luxury and has become an accessible necessity,” Dominic said. “It’s now affordable and available.”
D1 Sports Training D1 Sports Training & Therapy is slated to open mid-April at 799 Denison Court in Bloomfield Township. “We’ll be taking over the back portion of the Bloomfield Tennis and Fitness Center,” said Matt Toy, corporate public relations director. The Bloomfield Township facility, located at Franklin and Square Lake roads, will be the 14th location for D1. “In general, we look at cities that support athletes,” Toy said. “We train everyone from 7 years-old to 70 yearsold. Fifty percent of our clients are everyday adults looking to stay fit, but we’ve trained everyone from Peyton Manning to Tim Tebow.” Unlike a traditional exercise facility, D1 offers coaching to each client and features a turf football field with a weight room attached. “We do a lot of boot camps and classes for kids,” Toy said. “We teach clients to be faster, more agile and explosive. We are a unique option for the Detroit market.”
Skin care boutique The Skin Boutique has recently moved to 33226 Woodward Avenue in Birmingham from its previous location at 3327 Rochester Road in Royal Oak. According to Kara Laramie, who owns a business within The Skin Boutique, owner Rhonda Nesbitt had outgrown the Royal Oak space. The boutique, spanning 2,340 square feet, offers manicures and pedicures, medical
acupuncture, electrolysis, waxing, massage and styling services. Just Call Kara is a retail component within the store that offers jewelry, clothing and accessories. The new location offers five separate rooms for services and a grand opening celebration will be held April 19 from 4 to 8 p.m.
Architect award Robert Ziegelman of Luckenbach/ Ziegelman Architects in Bloomfield Hills recently received a 2012 AIA (American Institute of Architects) Michigan Design Award for a prefabricated home he designed for victims of the earthquake in Haiti. “I had developed a prefabricated building system several years ago,” Ziegelman said. “We built and paid for the unit and I felt that the building system that I developed was a perfect fit. It is earthquake and hurricane resistant and adaptable to any conditions in Haiti.” Luckenbach/Ziegelman Architects is located near Big Beaver Road at 36800 Woodward Avenue.
New bakery owners Breadsmith Artisan Bread Bakery at 3592 West Maple Road in Bloomfield Hills is slated to reopen under new management in April. “It was a good opportunity and I hate passing up a good opportunity,” said co-owner Kent Seggebruch. “Bloomfield Hills is a superb location and the price was right.” The fullservice retail bakery, situated at Maple and Lahser roads, will bake 100 different types of bread each week and offer a variety of cookies and other baked goods. Seggebruch, who has been a baker for 30 years, said this location has a particularly loyal following. “We’re going to offer an even bigger selection,” he said. “The people who shopped there before will be pleasantly surprised at the quality we’re going to offer.”
Local closings Tokyo Sushi on at 225 East Maple Road in Birmingham has closed. The eatery has a nearby location on 315 South Center Road in Royal Oak. The Birmingham location was not economical for the family-owned business, owner Chris Sayanthone said. iDesign, a printing company, has closed its doors on 160 Elm Street
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in Birmingham after just having opened in late 2011. In Bloomfield Township, the Big Boy restaurant on Telegraph has closed.
Consignment store Phyllis Whitehead is opening FiFi & CoCo's Galerie, a fine home furnishing consignment and women’s designer accessory shop, at 700 North Old Woodward Avenue in Birmingham. “We’ll have new and consigned fine home furnishings,” Whitehead said. “The key to this kind of store is the revolving inventory. There’s always going to be something new to see and that’s exciting to people.” Whitehead said she will carefully select consignment items by appointment, based on current levels of inventory and suitability to the concept of the store. Whitehead is opening the 1,700 square foot store with her sister, Karen Hollerbach. Fifi & Coco’s will also feature select local artists for gallery showings within the new store.
Hair salon opening Farida Salon, an eco-friendly hair salon, will soon be occupying the space at 975 East Maple Road in Birmingham. “I am taking new clients by appointment only and will be open to the public mid-to-late April,” said owner Diane Farida. The salon will offer haircuts, color, relaxers, extensions, foil highlighting and Balayage highlighting. “Probably the most popular and modern trend for highlighting is called Balayage, which means ‘swept on’ in French. It is a technique in which the highlights are brushed on the hair, giving it a sun-kissed, natural looking effect, but can also have a dramatic effect depending on the application.” Farida, who lives in the area, has worked as a stylist in Birmingham for several years. The salon sits in a freestanding building, offers free parking and is 90 percent ecofriendly. “When building the salon it was extremely important to me to be conscientious of the environment, using most entirely all green materials and salvaged items,” Farida said. “I planted a vertical living plant wall which helps remove the harmful toxins in the air. It is really something special.” Business Matters for the BirminghamBloomfield area are reported by Katey Meisner. Send items for consideration to KathleenMeisner@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.
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THE COMMUNITY HOUSE Appreciating those who built our community “90 and Beyond” Celebration– Join Us For A June 19th Luncheon: The Community House (TCH) is on the eve of turning 90 years old, and we thought what better way to be thankful for our past and look to our future than to celebrate all people, businesses, buildings and houses that are 90 years old or beyond in our area. This community would not be the community it is today without all the wonderful people, businesses and buildings that established its foundation. Help us honor them at a June 19th “90 and Beyond” luncheon at TCH. Let Us Know: If you have relatives or friends who are 90 years or older; or if you have or know of a business, building or house that is 90 years or beyond, please go to our website at: tchserves.org to submit their information so they can be part of this amazing community event. Feel free to include both a “then and now” picture of the person, business and/or building you want to celebrate. Come with family members and business colleagues to say “thank you” to all these wonderful people and entities.
THE CORNERSTONE OF NEW CONSTRUCTION – A WELL-BUILT MORTGAGE.
Camille Jayne
START WITH A CONSTRUCTION-TO-PERMANENT MORTGAGE LOAN FROM CHARTER ONE.
We will reach out to city officials so they can personally present each 90-year-old person and entity in attendance from their district a commemorative keepsake gift. Lunch tickets are $50 for one, or $45 for two or more. TCH Efforts Support Human Interaction: Many people may not realize that our senior outreach effort is only one of the many groups we subsidize so people can gather and learn under our roof. Our outreach costs close to $400,000 annually. We want to do this, since part of our mission as a community human services nonprofit is to increase human vitality and quality of life through education and relationship building. Statistics show that people live more vibrant and longer lives when they have continual learning and increased human interaction. Thus, our new tagline: Teach/Connect/Help. When people come through our doors to learn in our classes or business lectures; have children participate in our dance, leadership or summer programs; enjoy our community events; or hold their special occasion events here – the ongoing human interaction that happens under our roof is what truly helps the over 200,000 people who come through our doors each year and approach the world outside with renewed vitality. This is why your donations are so critical to helping us deliver on our mission.
At Charter One, we’re for homes. We’re for helping more people be successful homeowners. And a Charter One loan is a great way to start. Our Loan Officers can help you secure both the construction as well as the permanent financing all at once. Our experts can help you: • Obtain a fixed rate mortgage, a 5/1 or 7/1 adjustable-rate mortgage for the permanent loan up to $2 million. • Lock in your permanent loan rate at application.
April 11th Bulletproof Lecture - Getting What You Want In Business: We had another full house of 85 business professionals attend our second Bulletproof Your Success™ Lecture. The next lecture on Wednesday, April 11th 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. is titled: “Get Comfortable Making Others Uncomfortable – Getting What You Want in Business.” We all face uncomfortable situations and conversations in the workplace. This lecture will give you specific preparation tools to help get you more comfortable going into them, and give you a better chance of getting the best outcome – for everyone. You’ll get exact processes of how to stake your ground to move forward, and stand your ground if under attack. The ultimate goal here is to get others comfortable and in agreement with what you want. Register early to get your seat and lunch order in at: tchbulletproof.org.
• Take up to 12 months of interest-only financing during the construction period. • Renovate an existing home or tear it down and rebuild. • Include lot financing or build a home on your own lot.
MARILYN JOHNSON NMLS ID# 697433 810-441-1377 marilyn.s.johnson@charteronebank.com
April Classes That Will Energize You: iCount: A wellness program that teaches individuals and families how to maintain a healthier lifestyle. Web system tracks movement, calorie and nutrition intake. Ten weekly sessions begin April 10th; Zumba Gold Toning: adds lightweight training to improve performance. Ten weekly sessions begin April 12th; Whole Graining Your Life: Prepare favorite meals with whole grains - April 25th. Register at tchserves.org or call 248.644.5832. Camille Jayne is President & CEO of The Community House. downtownpublications.com
Mortgages are offered and originated by RBS Citizens, N.A. Charter One is a brand name of RBS Citizens, N.A. (NMLS ID# 433960). All loans are subject to approval. Equal Housing Lender. 1212
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Here is the update on the recent social scene. Many more photos from each event appear online each week at downtownpublications.com where readers can sign up for an e-mail notice when the latest social scene column is posted. Past columns and photos are also archived at the website for Downtown.
Education Foundation’s Unabashed Bash
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1. BPS superintendent David (left) & Shelayne Larson of Bloomfield, BEF & BPS trustee Geri Rinschler of Birmingham and volunteer auctioneer Jim Moll of Farmington Hills. 2. Julie Fream (left) & her husband BPS trustee Robert Lawrence of Birmingham and Kathy & Dave Barnas of Beverly Hills. 3. Tim Mercer (left) and BEF trustee Ben Dolan with BEF exec. director Laura Couger of Franklin and BPS dep. superintendent Paul DeAngelis of White Lake. 4. Staci Moosherr (left), event coordinator Wendy Christie, BEF trustee Becky Brady and Julie & Greg Erne of Beverly Hills. 5. BPS & BEF trustee Michael Fenberg & his wife Robin of Birmingham. 6. BPS trustee Chris & Katie Conti of Birmingham. 7. Michael & BEF trustee Renee Acho of Birmingham. 8. Sue & Yeong Tang of Bloomfield. 9. Lori (left) & John Polakowski with BEF trustee Stuart Jeffares and his wife Kim Coleman of Birmingham. 10. Geoff (left) & Shanda Aurini of Birmingham with Jackie & BEF trustee Paul Keller of Franklin.
Education Foundation’s Unabashed Bash “We are so fortunate to have the foundation…and the best parents in Michigan,” declared Birmingham Public Schools chief David Sally Gerak Larson. He was talking to the sold out crowd at the 11th annual Birmingham Eduction Foundation’s Unabashed Bash at the Townsend. They had already bid nearly $25,000 in the silent auction and enjoyed the music of the Seaholm Chamber String Ensemble during the cocktail hour. They would further enjoy Seaholm’s Jazz Band while they devoured a superb dinner and give a standing ovation to Groves Theatre students for songs from their spring “Bye Bye Birdie” musical. And even though Jim Moll has retired as the principal at Berkshire Middle School, he was on hand for yeoman service as the volunteer auctioneer in the post dinner live auction that raised nearly $25,000. This brought the event gross to more than $133,000 for enrichment programs in the schools. The importance of these programs had been highlighted before dinner when guests saw a video staring singer/songwriter/producer Mike Posner, a graduate of Groves HS, in which he noted how much he owed to Birmingham Public Schools. Children’s Charities Sing Out 4 Kids The third annual Children’s Charities Coaltion’sSing Out 4 Kids attracted more than 200 to The Community House to cheer on the good sports who took to the stage for spirited karaoke performances. These included Kathy Brook Ballard, ReMonda Palmer, Joe Knollenberg, Monica Gail and her husband Dean Greve, Nicki Hathaway, Hal Feder, April Tini, Taylor Segue, Meredith Deighton and Zavette Gibson. Sheriff Michael Bouchard and Henry Baskin shared the emcee duties and Ballard and Karla Sherry co-chaired the rousing event. Selections ranged from Knollenberg’s rendition of “Won’t You Come Home Bill Bailey” to Palmer’s version of Whitney Houston’s “I Believe in You.” The latter was especially poignant because Houston’s death occurred earlier in the day. The benefit for the four members of the CCC was presented by the Kroger Co., with additional support from Huntington Bank and Kathy Broock Ballard. The four coalition agencies are The Community House, Variety, CARE House and Orchards Children’s Services.
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Passover Tables Patron Prelude Temple Beth El’s exhibition of Passover Tables created by more than 25 notable talents has become a stellar event under the leadership of the three women who led it the first two years – Elyse Foltyn, Lil Erdeljan and Fair Radom. They are the honorary chairs of the third annual event which is being chaired by Carol Segal Ziecik and Jill Syme. They all welcomed dozens of Passover Tables patrons to the Patron Prelude Party hosted by Neiman Marcus in the Home store. Guests sipped, nibbled, socialized, and perused some Seder dinner table settings and bought some new objects because NM was giving 10 per cent of the sales to Temple Beth El.
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Salute to Frannie Greenebaum When Gale Colwell was the executive director of The Community House and Frannie Greenebaum worked for the Oakland County Parks Foundation, Colwell persuaded Greenebaum to become the development director at TCH. Colwell had seen Greenebaum’s leadership of the Junior League of Birmingham at a time when the JLB was perhaps the area’s biggest volunteer force and knew firsthand how well Greenebaum could relate to people. That was 21 years ago and during those years Greenebaum made lots of dollars and lots of friends for TCH. Some 100 of them came to a retirement celebration Colwell co-hosted with artist Julie Dawson at Dawson’s Birmingham home. The invitations called it a “Fabulous Frannie Party” and, because Greenebaum was retiring her TCH name badge, guests were instructed to create a name badge for themselves with a portrait of the honoree. The badges became party souvenirs for “Fabulous DOWNTOWN
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Frannie” and should evoke lots of memories in her retirement. It will provide much more time for trips with her husband Julian to NYC to visit with their daughter and grandchildren. Dealing with the Stars The scene at Barrio Tacos and Tequila was lively when Wish Upon a Teen staged its Dealing with the Stars fundraiser there. It attracted more than 150 supporters of the non-profit that identifies teens recovering from traumatic experiences and provides them with self-esteem-building opportunities. According to WUT founder Michelle Soto, one such recent outing for 15 teens was with Rick Mahorn to the Lifetime Fitness Center in Troy for basketball, rock climbing and an obstacle course competition. The champagne splashed benefit fiesta was notable for the yummy BT&T cuisine and the casino games. The gaming tables were manned by good guy celebrities. Emcee WDIV’s Rhonda Walker shared some memories of her high school days that illustrated the need for WUT. All guests got $500 in gaming chips and those with $100 left at the end of the play were entered in a lottery for five gift certificates generously donated by Birmingham restaurants. Soto and her crew of Lisa Mills, Johnny Maalouf, Alina Stevenson, Vanessa Cassidy-Portillo, Nancy Varbedian and Michelle Miletic were pleased that this first area fundraising event raised nearly $20,000 for the teen programs. To learn more about the organization and its founder go to www.wishuponateen.org. Medical Society Chinese New Year The traditional Chinese respect for their elders makes the Wayne County Medical Society Foundation’s celebration of the Chinese New Year an appropriate theme for its Elder Abuse Prevention Program fundraiser. Planners of the eighth annual event moved it from a Chinese restaurant to the Roostertail where the bright Sunday afternoon sun seemed to illuminate the pristine white globe lanterns that covered the ceiling. The 230 guests socialized and bid in a silent auction ($5,665) before costumed lion dancers saluted the Year of the Dragon and the program, which honored Children’s Hospital of Michigan’s 125th anniversary and Sue and Paul Nine and Lorraine Schultz for their legendary charity downtownpublications.com
Children’s Charities Sing Out 4 Kids
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1. Emcee Henry Baskin (center) and event co-chairs Karla Sherry (left) of Bloomfield and Kathy Broock Ballard of Orchard Lake. 2. Sponsor Huntington Bank’s Bruce Kridler & his wife Debbie of Bloomfield. 3. Sharon Deighton (left) of Bloomfield and her daughter Meredith who performed. 4. Peter Charney (left) with Nicola & Helen Reasoner of Bloomfield. 5. Sandie & performer Joe Knollenberg of Bloomfield. 6. Variety executive director Jennie Cascio (left) & CARE House interim director Cathy Weissenborn of Bloomfield.
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Passover Tables Patron Prelude
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2 1. Honorary co-chairs Lil Erdeljan (left) and Fair Radom of Bloomfield and Elyse Foltyn of Birmingham with event co-chairs Jill Syme and Carol Segal Ziecik of Bloomfield. 2. Temple Beth El executive director Tessa Goldberg (left) of Farmington with exhibitor Barbra Bloch of Bloomfield. 3. Patti Prowse (left), honorary cochair Lil Erdeljan, Jim Hall & George Leach of Bloomfield. 4. Honorary co-chair Fair Radom (left) with Kim Reuss, Patricia Mooradian and Kay Ponicall of Bloomfield. 5. Event co-chairs Jill Syme (left) & Carol Segal Ziecik with Mike Ziecik and Stuart Sherr of Bloomfield with Laura Segal of Franklin.
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Salute to Frannie Greenebaum
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1. Event hosts Gale Colwell (left) of Bloomfield & Julie Dawson of Birmingham with honoree Frannie Greenebaum and Sylvia Hagenlocker of Bloomfield. 2. Beth Holmquist (left) of Birmingham and Katy Proctor of Bloomfield. 3. Ann Davy (center) of Empire with Kathy Wolf (left) and Zelma Gottlieb of Birmingham.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK work. The Nine’s are also exceptional public speakers and they were both in top form. Event co-chairs Rosemary Bannon and Dr.Lourdes Andaya were delighted that the event netted more than $16,000 to combat neglect, abuse and exploitation of seniors.
Dealing with the Stars
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1. WUT founder Michelle Soto (left) of Bloomfield with event host Carrie Doelle of Birmingham. 2. Pam (left) & Joe Hildebrand with committee member Nancy Varbedian of Birmingham. 3. Committee member Lisa Mills (left) of Rochester Hills with Lezlie Solomon of Birmingham. 4. Black Jack dealer Ben Sharkey (left) of Birmingham, Linda Lanci of Beverly Hills and Diane Morgan of Bloomfield. 5. Alisa Locker (left) & Black Jack dealer Katrina Malota of Birmingham. 6. John Locker of Birmingham. 7. Volunteers Dorian Reid (left) of Bloomfield and Skyler Mills of Rochester Hills. 8. Jeanie Silberschein and Frank Caruso of Bloomfield. 9. Scott Eaton (left) of Bloomfield and Alyn Tippins of W. Bloomfield. 10. Lauren Eaton (left) of Bloomfield and Beth Southwick of Chicago.
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Medical Society Chinese New Year
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1. Honoree Children’s Hospital’s Luanne Ewald (center) of Royal Oak and Paul & Sue Nine of Bloomfield. 2. Honoree Lorraine Schultz (enter) of Bloomfield with event co-chair Rosemary Bannon (left) & committee member Contessa Bannon of Beverly Hills. 3. Lisa Masters (left) of Birmingham with foundation chair Dr. Joseph Beals and event co-chair Dr. Andaya Lourdes of Grosse Pointe. 4. John Booth (left) & Curtis Posuniak of Bloomfield with Ronald McDonald House’s Mike McCoy of Dearborn and Irma Hudson of Detroit. 5. Judge Denise Langford Morris of W. Bloomfield and Velva Clark of Bloomfield.
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Solanus Casey Wine & Auction Event The Capuchins are well known for their Detroit soup kitchen that feeds the needy but for 10 years they have also nourished souls at the adjacent Solanus Casey Center, a place of meditation and comfort. It is named for the late, humble religious personality, known among old time Detroiters for his healing powers. Solanus has been designated Venerable, the second in four steps to sainthood in the Roman Catholic Church. Eight years ago the Tom Lutfy family and its Cloverleaf companies spearheaded a CSS fundraiser inspired by the fine wines served at the biblical wedding feast at Cana. This year the event attracted 450 and 11 wine vendors, including the honorary winery Celani Family Vineyards, to St. John’s Armenian Church. In addition to tasting wines and dining on splendid buffet selections, they bid in a silent auction ($13,000) and a live auction ($14,000) coordinated by Craig Maass. Capuchin special events director Erin Dunn was happy to report that the event grossed nearly $105,000. Jerusalem Peace Dinner When event co-chair Laurie Cunnington welcomed the 225 guests to the benefit at The Henry Hotel, she revealed why she got involved with the fundraiser for Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Medical Center. “From my very youngest years, bedtime prayer (petitions) always included ‘Peace in Jerusalem’,” she said. And since the private, non-profit hospital, whose name means Gates of Righteousness in English, serves and employs people of all faiths, including Arabs, becoming involved was very natural for Cunnington, a faith-filled Christian. A silent auction attracted attention and raised $10,000 before the dinner program which featured award presentations. When former energy department secretary Spence Abraham received the International Humanitarian Award from honorees attorney Steven Cole and cardiologist Shukri David, he noted how metro Detroit’s Arabs and Jews share a common vision of peace. Then it was family hour. Cole’s and David’s children presented Jerusalem Peace Awards to 04.12
their fathers with warm and moving tributes. Dinner and continued socializing at the dessert buffet, which offered succulent chocolate covered strawberries and other treats capped off the evening. It raised $75,000 for the peace-promoting hospital in Jerusalem. DSO Trumpeting Spring Nearly 200 fashionable music lovers flocked to the Townsend March 1 for the DSO Volunteer Council luncheon and Saks Fifth Avenue fashion show. Among the guests was 95year-old Tina Scheiwe, who remembered attending fashion shows in the 1940s and ‘50s presented by the now defunct DSO Women’s Committee. In fact, event chair Maureen D’Avanzo did take a moment to salute past WC/VC presidents in attendance. This included Alice Haidostian, Mado Lie, Marianne Endicott and Marjorie Saulson. Also in the crowd was the new bride of DSO maestro Leonard Slatkin honorary event chair Cindy McTee Slatkin. During the reception hour, when lots of people were getting Dior beauty make-overs, she was very genial and chatted readily about their courtship and her move from Texas to Michigan. We sense that she will be a very welcome addition to the local social scene, plus her work (she is a composer) is also on the orchestra play list for upcoming concerts. Before the fashion show which SFA’s Cheryl Hall-Lindsay presented with her legendary good natured and informative commentary, DSO staffer Scott Harris conducted a brief live auction of generously donated items. The $2,495 he secured for them brought the event gross proceeds to $19,000. TCH Classical Brunch More than 185 attended the fifth concert in the Classical Brunch series of six concerts at The Community House. Guests included sponsor WRCJ 90.9FM’s Roger Sherman, who said TCH could be called the Community House of Music due to the success of the Classical Brunches. Artistic director Robert deMaine noted that it is becoming a premiere musical event. House CEO Camille Jayne also profusely thanked Cecilia Brenner for her sponsorship, Tim Travis for Goldner Walsh’s lush stage décor, TCH special events manager Kathie Ninneman for conceiving the series concept, chair Sandi Reitelman for her leadership, and the TCH culinary team for the splendid brunch fare. The Chroma Piano Trio, downtownpublications.com
Solanus Casey Wine & Auction Event
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1. Honorary vintner Vicki Celani (left) of Bloomfield and volunteer Patsey Hyslop of Canton. 2. Tony Lutfy (center front) of W. Bloomfield with Paul (standing left) & Nancy Lutfy of Bloomfield and Jim Lutfy of Grosse Pointe. 3. Craig Maass (standing) of Bloomfield and Donna Anusbigian of Birmingham, Jeff (seated left) & Carolyn Jensen and George & Karen March of W. Bloomfield. 4. Riley & her mother Carey Cornacchini of Bloomfield. 5. Laurie Maass (center) of Bloomfield with Colleen & Mike Carroll of Rochester Hills.
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Jerusalem Peace Dinner
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1. Honoree Steve Cole (left) of W. Bloomfield, honorary co-chair Laurie Cunnington of Birmingham and committee member Stuart Logan of Bloomfield. 2. Midwest Regional Director Alison Pure-Slovin (left) of Chicago with dinner co-chairs judge Kim Small, and Robert & Jodi Goodman of Bloomfield. 3. Dina Cunnington (left) and Pam McCarthy of Bloomfield with Nancy Thompson of Milford. 4. Dinner co-chairs Dennis (left) & Andria Bojrab of Bloomfield and Dana & Victor Ansara of Novi. 5. Honoree Dr. Shukri David with his wife Dunia and their children Mariam, Hannah, Manal and Wadie of W. Bloomfield. 6. Honoree Steve Cole with his wife Becki and children Jaclyn, Kevin and Daniel of W. Bloomfield. 7. Mike McCarthy (left) of Bloomfield, Ken Trevor of Milford, Clark Durrant of Grosse Pointe, honorary co-chair Tom Cunnington of Birmingham and Patrick Cunnington of Bloomfield.
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which has performed in chamber music festivals worldwide, then played works by Beethoven and Dvorak.
DSO Trumpeting Spring
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League of Women Voters Benefit Buffet Renate and Richard Soulen hosted a buffet dinner party for 25. Guests donated $795 for prizes in the League of Women Voters Oakland Area upcoming PSA contest for high school students to motivate voters to become informed before casting a vote. Contest categories are TV, radio, and essay. The PSA tag line is “Know Before You Go – Be An Informed Voter.” Contest entry information can be found on the LWVOA web site at www.LWVOA.org, or Facebook. Deadline for entries is April 20.
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2 1. Cindy Schiano (left) of Franklin and Tina Scheiwe of Bloomfield. 2. Honorary chair Cindy McTee Slatkin (left), VC president Janet Ankers of Beverly Hills, event chair Maureen D’Avanzo of Bloomfield and Dior’s Sanja Savic-Berhamovic of Warren. 3. Trish Saulnizer (left), Margo Karmann and VC board member Debbie Savoie of Bloomfield. 4. Patti Prowse (left), committee member Fair Radom and Diana Johnson of Bloomfield. 5. Samia Jallad (left) of Franklin, Stephanie Zekelman of Windsor and Adele Acheson of W. Bloomfield.
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TCH Classical Brunch
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1. Peggy Kerr (left) and Claude & committee chair Sandi Reitelman of Birmingham with Goldner Walsh’s Tim Travis of Waterford. 2. Beverly Baker (left), Harriet Siden and Joyce & Myron Laban of Bloomfield.
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JVS Trade Secrets
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1. Event chairs Diane Farber (left) of Bingham Farms, Beth Gotthelf of Birmingham and Gwen Weiner of Franklin. 2. Honorary chair Dr. Eva Feldman (left) formerly of Bloomfield, her former next door neighbor Lorraine Schultz and Florine Mark of Farmington Hills. 3. JVS CEO Barbara Nuremberg (left) of Bloomfield with Awardee Carol Shapiro Havis of Franklin and her daughters Lilly & Izzy. 4. Sally Marx (left) & honorary committee member Karen Davidson of Bloomfield. 5. Committee members Debra Ribitwer (left) of Bloomfield and Dana Cooper of Huntington Woods. 6. Lynn Crawford (left) Gretchen Davidson and Wendy Silverman of Bloomfield. 7. Committee members Leslie Murphy (left) recently moved from Bloomfield to Ann Arbor and Jackie Layne of Bloomfield. 8. Honorary committee member Amy Willens (left) of Farmington Hills, Gayle Burnstein of Bloomfield and Peggy Daitch of Birmingham.
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JVS Trade Secrets The energy level was palpable as 330 supporters of JVS’s Women to Work program socialized and bought raffle tickets during the social hour at the Townsend before the Trade Secrets dinner.The post dinner program began when Carol Shapiro Havis received the Women to Work Award from emcee Fox-2’s Robin Schwartz. Havis promised to “…pay it forward,” explaining JVS taught her computer skills when she suddenly needed to make a living and did not even know how to turn on a computer. She now owns and operates TheraGardens, which provides backyard farming systems. Florine Mark then introduced honorary chair Dr. Eva Feldman, a physician and neurologist whom Mark first met eight years ago when her late husband Bill Mark got ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease). “Eva’s going to cure it, I know. She is a very special, wonderful woman,” declared Mark. Dr. Feldman, who raised her three children in Bloomfield before moving to Ann Arbor where she is the first director of the A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute, shared the three principles of her life. Believe in yourself. Don’t be discouraged. Help other women. Anecdotes about the challenges of having three youngsters when she graduated from medical school (“This broad is nuts!”) accented each principal. Following an interesting Q & A, JVS CEO Barbara Nurenberg gave Feldman a dreidel created by artist Gary Rosenthal. The fourth annual Trade Secrets event raised more than $120,000. This included $11,700 raised by the raffle in which hard working JVS staffer Kim Graziosi’s one $50 ticket pur04.12
SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK chase won Tapper’s donation of a David Yurman blue topaz and diamond ring.
Uptown Film Festival VIP Gala
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Uptown Film Festival VIP Gala When the second Uptown Film Festival concluded March 10, some 5,000 movie-goers had viewed 59 selected films at the Uptown Palladium 12 and Birmingham 8 theatres. On Friday evening, 300 of them attended the UFF VIP Charity Gala at the Palladium. Proceeds benefited both Gleaners Community Food Bank and Defeat the Label, an anti-bullying organization. The latter was a good pairing with the short festival documentary “Bully,” which was screened on Saturday following an anti-bullying rally in Shain Park. The Gala event offered serious socializing, comestibles like crab cakes and upscale sliders, and a brief program before a screening of “Machine Gun Preacher”. UFF co-directors Jeff Spillman and Kirk Miller thanked L. Brooks Patterson, whose Oakland County Film and Digital Media agency was the presenting festival sponsor, and saluted Michigan Filmmaker of the Year Peter Nelson and Film Advocate of the Year senate majority leader Randy Richardville. Just before the lights dimmed, Beverly Hills actor Steve Blackwood, who had a part in “Machine Gun Preacher”, spoke about what fun he had making the movie. He also noted that the actors in it are anxious to come back to Michigan and make more films. The UFF concluded on Saturday with the Annual Michigan Film Awards. Top honors went To “Nain Rouge”, “Alleged” and “Brothers on the Line”. For the complete list of MFA winners go to www.uptownfilmfestival.com.
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1. Festival co-director Jeff Spillman (center) of Bloomfield with board members Kristie Everett Zamora of Flint and Laura Bayoff-Elkins of Beverly Hills. 2. Barry (left) & Patti Kahn of White Lake with festival board member Karla Murray of Bloomfield and co-director Kurt Miller of Commerce. 3. Yvan Silva (center) of Bloomfield with filmmakers Sue Marx (left) and Amy Webber of Birmingham. 4. Film producer Linden & Michelle Nelson of Bloomfield. 5. Lacey Jacobson (left) of Chicago with her parents Michael & Carol Segal Ziecik of Bloomfield. 6. Jim (left) and Lynn Alexander of Bloomfield with Julie & Randy Secontine of Rochester Hills. 7. Cassie Sobelton (left) of Royal Oak with festival board members Francine Wunder of W. Bloomfield and Ellen Rogers of Birmingham and her sister Beth Rogers Kennedy of Grand Marais, MN.
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1 1. Event co-chairs Julie Beaty (second from left) of Orchard Lake and Pat Steffes of W. Bloomfield with their husbands Brian (left) and Peter. 2. PATH executive director Tia Cobb (left) of Harper Woods with board member Sonja Lengnick & her husband Mark Chetkow of Bloomfield. 3. Alice (left) & Jeff Sage of Washington, Lighthouse PATH board president Robin Schirs of Lake Orion and PATH board member Jim & Spring Clarke of Bloomfield.
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Lighthouse of Oakland Beacon of Hope The 21st annual Beacon of Hope was a magical night at Orchard Lake Country Club for 110 supporters of the 40-year-old Lighthouse of Oakland County social service agency. During the cocktail hour there was the magical music of the Blue Effect Band, which originated four years ago when the members were Detroit Country Day School classmates. They played for free while guests socialized and bid on donated silent auction items. The dinner program was sparked by the magical enthusiasm of LOC volunteer/emcee Fox-2’s Raj Roop, development director Priscilla Perkins, and CEO John Ziraldo. The latter detailed the generosity of RGIS 04.12
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK DSO Volunteer Council Musical Feast
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1. Zan Nicolli (left) of Bloomfield with state supreme court justice Mary Beth Kelly. 2. Event host Linda Orlans (left) of Birmingham with Leonard Rancilio, Sr. of Clinton Twp. and Judy Jonna of Farmington Hills. 3. Mike & Ann Eagle-Dul of Bloomfield. 4. Linda Shrinkle Rodney (left) of Bloomfield with Marsha & David Stanislaw of Birmingham. 5. Patty Finnegan of Southfield and Steve Sharf of Bloomfield. 6. Eva Meharry (left) of Windsor, ONT, with Barbra Bloch and Jerry & Maureen D’Avanzo of Bloomfield.
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A Night of Trends with Friends
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1. Event co-chairs Nadine Farbman (left) of Bloomfield, Michelle Blau of W. Bloomfield and Susan Gordon of Franklin. 2. Sharon Eisenshtadt (left) of Bloomfield with jewelry designer Joan Hornig of NYC. 3. Committee members Nancy Richter (left) of Franklin and Robin Presser of W. Bloomfield with Melanie Lefkofsky of W. Bloomfield. 4. ORT regional director Nicole Miller (left) of W. Bloomfield with her mother Carole Miller and event cochair Nadine Farbman and her mother Tonia Victor Browne of Bloomfield. 5. Figo Salon crew: Coco Hinojosa (left), Tricia Ostrom, Symantha Duggan and Kara Vidakovich.
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employees when he presented the annual Lightkeepers award to David Gehrke. Ismaraldo Johnson also created a bit of magic when she thanked LOC for its Center for Working Families where, after she lost her factory job, she got help moving to selfsufficiency and is now an LOC volunteer. After dinner Baffling Bill, a bona fide magician with pretty assistants, a magic hat and a loveable white rabbit, mesmerized the crowd with his Houdini-like illusions. The evening celebrated LOC’s 40 years of providing hope and raised about $63,000. Four days later, Saks Fifth Avenue hosted a friend and fundraiser for LOC PATH co-chaired by Noelle Cassel, Tracy Nystrom and Vickie Venn. More than 110 gathered in the SFA designer salon for a wine reception and A Window to Spring Style fashion show. It featured everything from Escada’s spring 2012 collection to swimwear. Some spotted in the crowd of 100 PATH (Pontiac Area Transitional Housing) supporters were Patty Ghesquiere, Susan Foley, Teri Fenner, and Nicole Yatooma with her husband Norman in tow. DSO Volunteer Council Musical Feast The first in the 2012 series of Musical Feasts was hosted by Linda Orlans. Two dozen guests ($200-per person) attended the festive Mardi Gras celebration at Orlans’ Birmingham home which was festooned with traditional carnival symbols. After cocktails and a concert by cellist Robert Bergman and pianist Robert Conway, they devoured chef Bekim Pellumbi’s cuisine, which took its cue from New Orleans’ French Quarter. The menu included rock shrimp Po Boys, Creole crab cake gumbo, grouper and crawfish etoufffe, dirty rice and Bananas Foster. Musical Feast co-chairs Marlene Bihlmyer and Debra Partrich have scheduled a total of 23 events for this 25th anniversary year of the popular fundraising series. They range in size from Gretchen and Nathan Davidson’s Mother’s Day afternoon party for 30 in the gardens of their new Birmingham home to Denise and Michael Tobin’s Halloween Haunting for 10. Donation prices range from $60 to $250. They usually sell out quickly so call the VC office at (313) 576-5154 for information. DAR Piety Hill 77th Anniversary The Daughters of the American Revolution’s Piety Hill Chapter celebrated its 77th Anniversary at a 04.12
luncheon at the Townsend. The program included recognition of Bloomfield Hills City Commissioner Pat Hardy for her work with Preservation Bloomfield; Children of the American Revolution state president Nathan LeMarbe for spearheading an effort to provide winter coats to the volunteers who assist in the burials at Holly’s Great Lakes National Cemetary (for Veterans), and Mary Pineau for her Community Service work as an POW/MIA advocate. The program also included recognition of past regents in attendance, induction of new members, and a speech detailing programs for returning veterans by Chief of Voluntary Services for the John Dingall Veterans Medical Center, William R. Browning. A celebratory cake cutting lightened the festivities. Heart Association’s Go Red for Women The American Heart Association’s ninth annual Go Red For Women luncheon co-chaired by Toyota’s Deborah Arlin and Quicken Loans’ Paula Silver attracted 580 to the MGM Grand. Before lunch, many participated in health screenings and seminars. Lots bid $23,000 in a silent auction of personalized handbags and Horsman dolls dressed by International Academy of Design & Technology students. The featured speaker was Chris Powell, fitness trainer for ABC’S Extreme Makeover Weight Loss Edition, who educated the audience about heart health. The luncheon concluded with a VIP Afterglow, where people celebrated its success. Thanks to many generous sponsors, it netted $500,000 for cardiovascular research. A Night of Trends with Friends “I feel as though I’m home,” jewelry designer NYC Joan Hornig told the 150 supporters of ORT at the education agency’s fundraiser hosted by Neiman Marcus. She went on to explain that scholarships and the support of the Jewish community enabled her education and giving back is her passion because “...Philanthropy is beautiful.” Indeed, 100 percent of the proceeds from her sales at the Night of Trends were returned to ORT. Hornig’s remarks followed the warm welcome by ORT director Nicole Miller, who, when she thanked co-chairs Michelle Blau, Susan Gordon and Nadine Farbman, marveled that the latter had just had a baby the previous week. NM’s Ken Dewey then gave the audience a heads up about what would be in the runway show. As promised, there was lots of pink and yellow, which was also the happy color scheme throughout the store. Desserts and shopping followed the show. The event grossed nearly $20,000, not counting the shopping percentage proceeds returned to ORT by NM and Hornig. Variety’s A Star Is Born Kick Off Kathy Broock Ballard and Len Dillon are chairing Variety, The Children’s Charity’s A Star Is Born Friday, April 27 at Emagine Theatre in Royal Oak. They recently welcomed their committee and 75 Variety loyalists to a cocktail hour gathering at the Fox Grill to kick off this second annual event. Last year’s was the charity grand opening of the Royal Oak Emagine Theatre, Star Lanes and the Variety Michigan Celebrity Hall of Fame therein. The event salutes celebrities dedicated to making a difference in the community like WXYZ’s Diana Lewis who will be inducted this year. Guests will also enjoy gourmet cuisine, drinks, music, dancing, dueling pianos, and viewing of feature films. Proceeds benefit Variety’s programs that improve the lives of children. For tickets ($150, $250, $350) contact Variety (248) 258.5511 or visit www.variety-detroit.com. SHE’s Designer Benefit for Cranbrook Schools About 80 fashion conscious supporters of Cranbrook Schools recently flocked to Jennifer Gilbert’s Franklin home for warm hospitality, small bites (catered by Cutting Edge Cuisine Chef Zack Sklar), light sips and strolling fashions. Designer Yigal Azrouël came from NYC for the event which showcased both his spring and fall 2012 collections. Guests bought lots of pieces because Sharon Eisenshtadt, who co-hosted the event with Gilbert and Elyse Foltyn, owns the sponsoring SHE boutique. It returned 10 percent of the proceeds to Cranbrook Schools. Adele Acheson, Karen Borenstein, Kari Coburn, Meg Ferron, Susan Gordon, Jodi Gross, Mia Harb, Stacy Klein, Mitzi Martin, Heather Piceu, Lipsa Sheth and Kathy Broock Ballard, who said she has worn Yigal’s designs for years, comprised the chic host committee. Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390. downtownpublications.com
Variety’s A Star Is Born Kick Off
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1. Main event co-chairs Kathy Broock Ballard (left) of Orchard Lake & Len Dillon with Variety president Kelly Shuert of Bloomfield and David Tull of Birmingham. 2. Deanna Lites (left) and Jon Goldstein of Bloomfield with Felicia Shaw of Birmingham. 3. Diana Johnson (left) & Patty Ghesquiere of Bloomfield and Renee Tull of Birmingham. 4. Penny & Rick Persiani of Birmingham. 5. Henry Baskin of Bloomfield and Ellen Rogers of Birmingham.
SHE’s Designer Benefit for Cranbrook Schools
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1. Visiting designer Yigal Azrouel (second from right) of NYC with event co-hosts Jennifer Gilbert (left) of Franklin, Elyse Foltyn of Birmingham and Sharon Eisenshtadt of Bloomfield. 2. Chrissie Smith (left) of Birmingham and Fair Radom and Kim Reuss of Bloomfield and Elyse Foltyn of Birmingham. 3. Mia Harb of Bloomfield and Cutting Edge Cuisine Chef Zack Sklar of Birmingham. 4. Deborah Rosenthal (left) of Franklin and Stacy Klein of Birmingham. 5. Sonia Gonte (left) and Leslie Ruby of Bloomfield. 6. Kathy Broock Ballard of Orchard Lake & designer Yigal Azrouel of NYC. 7. Emily Camiener (left) of Birmingham and Susan Gordon of Franklin
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ENDNOTE
Consider diverse opinions for commission n May 8, Bloomfield Hills residents will be asked to go to the polls to choose two of their five city commissioners. The two commissioners whose seats are expiring, Sarah McClure and Connie Salloum, are both running for re-election, challenged by Michael Dul and John Monaghan, both of whom have experience on the city's planning commission, and Mark Kapel, who is a member of the city's zoning board of appeals. Downtown has interviewed all five contenders on a range of issues pertinent to the city's interests. You can read complete transcripts of the interview on our website, downtownpublications.com, and read an abbreviated version of our interview in this issue. We are offering our recommendations now as absentee ballots go out in the mail. Connie Salloum, who ran unsuccessfully for a seat in last year's city commission election, was appointed to fill the remainder of former commissioner Robert Toohey's seat when he resigned. A former Birmingham-Bloomfield area realtor, she has a knowledge of the area, and is a conscientious worker, carefully and diligently working on the city's woodlands ordinance. As a commissioner, she tends to parrot her fellow commissioners, and has not distinguished herself as a someone who can stimulate thoughtful discussion. From our viewpoint, JOHN MONAGHAN, a retired Chrysler executive, is just as knowledgeable on the issues as Salloum, but would instigate invigorating discussions and be a catalyst, not afraid to challenge the status quo of the majority of the commissioners. As Monaghan said during our
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interview, “The status quo is a prescription for moving backwards.” We absolutely agree. Bloomfield Hills is a beautiful, elegant community, but like any community, it needs to grow in order to thrive, and Monaghan understands this, saying, “Things evolve. If we continue down our current path, we'll be obsolete.” He will likely shake things up in discussions from the budget to future development. We think that's a good prescription for the city. There is no debating that incumbent SARAH MCCLURE understands the financial issues which have plagued Bloomfield Hills. Her background as a financial consultant has been extremely valuable as a commissioner since she was elected to her first term in 2010, and she has successfully helped the commission and staff trim approximately $1 million from the city's budget. She has also instituted a long needed citywide ethics policy, and personally raised all of the necessary donated funds for the Woodward Avenue beautification project trees. But McClure has a very forceful personality, which some find antagonistic, and she bristles when others do not immediately follow her lead. We also found her insensitive in not honoring the traditional rotation that would have given fellow commissioner Pat Hardy the title of mayor for the year, insisting the city needed the financial expertise of Mike Zambricki as mayor, a titular position in the city-manager form of government. Would Zambricki have not been any less devoted as a commissioner with his financial expertise? We think not.
We also have concerns that McClure is confused over her role as a commissioner, which she believes necessitates her being in the city offices on an almost daily basis, helping to run the city. It is important for city commissioners to remember that it is the job of commissioners to set policy, and for city staff to carry it out. If staff and the city manager cannot handle their assignments, which we do not believe is the case, then start replacing them instead of warping the role of city commissioners. If you are pleased with McClure's efforts, reelect her. If you, as we do (and did in 2010), have concerns, consider MICHAEL DUL. A landscape architect with excellent preservation instincts, we did not hear anything to indicate he is a one-issue candidate. If anything, he impressed us with his broad knowledge of development, his planning background which includes two years on the city planning commission, his financial and economic expertise as a business owner, his sensitivity regarding treatment of the city's staff, and his willingness to speak his mind. He understands that while residents value and demand the high level of public safety Bloomfield Hills enjoys, it has to be paid for. He would proffer a diversity of viewpoints that would be a very valuable alternative on the commission. Neither Dul, nor Monaghan, would be rubber stamps when it comes to commission discussions. Both would offer a wider ranger of thoughts and opinions on all city matters, which we believe is desperately needed at this time in the city.
Support the Bloomfield Hills Schools millage esidents living within the Bloomfield Hills School District will have the opportunity on May 8 to vote for educational progress within the district by approving a bond millage to unify the district's two high schools into one school facility on the current site of Andover high school. The bond proposal is for $58.6 million which would be paid off over 26 years. If approved, bond proceeds would be supplemented from funding now on hand to complete the project, which administration estimates at approximately $20 million, which would give the district $78 million to recreate Andover into Bloomfield Hills High School, a facility able to accommodate 1,650 students in an innovative educational space designed for 21st technological learning. This is the third time in recent years the district has attempted to re-organize its high schools through bonding proposals to meet not only the current educational needs of its students but projected future needs as well. The current bond proposal represents a steep drop from previous millage requests. In 2007, the district sought $121 million for two new buildings at the Andover and
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Lahser sites, which voters rejected 54 percent to 46 percent. In 2010, voters nixed a $75 million bond proposal for a new unified high school on the Andover site, 55 percent to 45 percent. This proposal strikes us as a more practical, considered one, devised after numerous town hall meetings, community committees, fireside chats and other open forums with parents, students, faculty, administrators and community members. After gathering community input, Bloomfield Hills Superintendent Robert Glass, who inherited the second millage proposal, said the district did the value engineering at the beginning of this process to determine actual costs and needs so they know what it will actually take to create Bloomfield Hills High School, which will be an amalgam of twothirds new construction and one-third renovated space at the former Andover space. He has already saved the district about $900,000 by consolidating administrative, special education, and business offices and eliminating them from the millage proposal. Creating the combined high school will save operational costs of up to $2.5 million annually, while maintaining small classes of
demanding courses for which the district is known. If the bond is defeated, both Andover and Lahser will be utilized as a single high school on two campuses, but neither will be updated or maintained to quality or 21st century technological standards. There just won't be the money for that. There has been a great deal of emotional rhetoric on both sides of this bond proposal, which Glass emphasizes will be the final one put forth to district voters. Voters need to understand that they will save money even if they vote for this proposal because a previous debt bond expires in 2014. The bond proposal would represent 1.16 mills annually for taxpayers, so a homeowner with a $400,000 home would likely pay only $232 a year, less than the current levy. The reality is that Bloomfield Hills is now a small school district, and its schools and educational programming must reflect that to remain one of the top districts in the state. District leaders recognize this fact. It is time for residents to realize it as well, and provide the financial support with a YES vote to help create the infrastructure for educating the area's students today and tomorrow.
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