Downtown newsmagazine | Birmingham/Bloomfield

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APRIL 2020

CORONAVIRUS: WHAT’S BEING DONE LOCALLY?

PREDICTIVE ANALYSIS: THE ROLE OF TECH IN THE COURT SYSTEM OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL GOSSIP AND NEWS SOCIETY NOTEBOOK • METRO INTELLIGENCER ECRWSS Postal Customer EDDM

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DOWNTOWN04.20

35

The coronavirus: what's being done locally Oakland County, along with the rest of the state, country and world community, are now in the grips of the coronavirus. The question remains: just how prepared are we on a local basis and what is being done behind the scenes to minimize the impact.

LONGFORM

44

Technology has invaded all aspects of our lives, including the criminal court system in which algorithms serve as the basis for determining the parole and sentences of defendants.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

16

The coronavirus pandemic is presenting challenges to all facets of the local communities but we can survive this latest storm if we adopt the attitude that we are like one large family that should worry about the survival of all its members.

CRIME LOCATOR

21

A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format.

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

22

No big rush of GOP 2020 candidates; more potential Bloomfield contenders; county prosecutor hopeful pulls out; judge sued over 2010 election; Bill Gage joins county commission race; plus more.

MUNICIPAL

57

Township lawsuit update; city road project pact okayed; Birmingham's new city clerk; annual liquor license review; Johnny Was store coming; Bloomfield compensation study; plus more.

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METRO INTELLIGENCER

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Writer/reporter Dana Casadei helps us provide quick takes on what is happening in the world of food and drink in the metro Detroit area.

SOCIETY NOTEBOOK

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Society Notebook reporter Gigi Nichols provides the latest news and snapshots from the society and non-profit circuit major fundraising events.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER y main concern this month – as well as the foremost topic on everyone's mind – is the coronavirus (COVID-19) that is rapidly attacking our state and country and the impact it is having in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area.

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But before I talk about how it affecting the local communities, let me dispense with the political side of this issue.

We have seen great leadership from Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Oakland County Executive David Coulter during this time of crisis. Plain and simple. In both cases, what we have witnessed is proactive planning and decision-making – the kind you would expect (and rightly deserve) from elected officials, or in the case of Coulter, an appointed county executive. In times of crisis, we need assurance from those in office that they, first and foremost, know what they are doing or have the correct team in place to get them the necessary information, and a willingness to listen to the experts so the problem can be averted or the impact minimized.

Wish we could say the same on a national level where the country's president wasted two to three months spewing out misinformation at political rallies and tweeting out conspiracy theories that the COVID-19 threat was a hoax. It took until March 15 before he woke to the fact the country was under siege. Enough said.

Now for the impact on our local communities and Downtown newsmagazine itself.

General local impact: Everyone in recent weeks has learned the new set of operating rules, all intended to help stave off possible infection from the coronavirus, be it ramped up hygiene practices, safe distancing from others, how to shelter at home and work/study on a mobile basis. The learning curve was a quick one, with government, educational and religious institutions shutting down. Hopefully most people have learned that their personal behavior relative to the COVID-19 crisis has an impact on others and vice versa.

Business community: If there ever was a reason to talk about supporting local businesses, this is it. Along Telegraph, Woodward and commercial corridors, and in downtown Birmingham, retail businesses took the lead and began voluntarily closing in mid-March. To a person, you heard the shared logic that to stay open only provided a possible gathering place where COVID-19 could be passed on to more people, along with the concern that remaining open could lead to virus exposure for employees. Better to suffer through a temporary closure if it means bringing the threat of this virus to a quicker end.

business community – retail, restaurant, professional – is an important ingredient that makes this area of Oakland County unique.

Skip the online purchase whenever possible and shop and eat out locally. Help these business right the ship, so to speak.

The non-profit world: I often tell people that the residents of this part of Oakland County are the major supporters of the non-profit groups in southeast Michigan, both in terms of financial support/giving and donations of volunteer time.

The non-profit groups have taken a real beating with COVID-19. Nearly all fund-raising events were cancelled starting in late February – events that are the lifeblood for community groups that serve as the unofficial safety net for worthy causes and those in need in the region. Let's not forget them in the months ahead. Ratchet up your donations of funding and, when the restrictions on group gatherings are lifted, your volunteer time.

Downtown newsmagazine: The coronavirus is already having an impact on this publication.

For starters, the cancellation of major society gatherings by those in the non-profit world and our concern for those who work with us in terms of virus exposure will mean that reporter Gigi Nichols’ coverage of such events will be curtailed. It is possible that our upcoming May issue will not have the Society Notebook multiple pages of non-profit events coverage. Rest assured this part of the magazine will return when things settle down.

Faithful readers will also note that our back of the book editorial page, Endnote, is not appearing in this issue. Local governments have basically cancelled meetings for the short-term future. Further, the May election that was to determine the fate of a bonding issue for the Bloomfield Hills school district was still up in the air as we went to press with this issue. State election officials were considering cancelling all May elections, and moving the ballot issues to the August primary election.

While we are inclined to support the school bonding issue, if state officials determine the election can move forward, we will lay out our logic for supporting this bond issue in our May issue and post it on an earlier date on our website.

Our Metro Intelligencer restaurant column starting next month will carry an extensive list of restaurants in the local area that are providing carryout/take-out service while the state has mandated that gathering places like that remain closed. You can also go now to our website – downtownpublications.com – to see the same list and connect directly with restaurants' websites, when available.

I give a special nod to the business community in downtown Birmingham where business owners are also facing the upcoming road construction on Maple Road, the second time in two years that a major downtown thoroughfare will be shut down for several months for road and underlying infrastructure replacement, starting at some point this month.

Lastly, if you have not signed up for our newsletter email blasts from our website, this would be a good time to do so. We have several thousands people who received our email newsletters during the course of each week, which allows you more immediate access to local news while waiting for our monthly publication.

So when the temporary closures end in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, and during the upcoming road construction, it's important that the residential community show its support for the local businesses. The

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

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H A B A T A T 4400 Fernlee Ave., Royal Oak, MI 48073 248.554. 0590 | i nf o@ ha ba t a t . c om

PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brody Anchill | Dana Casadei | Stacy Gittleman Austen Hohendorf | Gigi Nichols | Bill Seklar PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Esme McClear | Laurie Tennent | Chris Ward Laurie Tennent Studio ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Hohendorf ADVERTISING SALES Mark Grablowski GRAPHICS/IT MANAGER Chris Grammer OFFICE 124 W. Maple, Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to most homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills.

Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in Birmingham/Bloomfield.

For those not receiving a free mail copy, paid subscriptions are available for a $15 annual charge.

To secure a paid subscription, go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order online or scan the QR Code here.

INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community. The traditional “letters to the editor” in Downtown are published in our Incoming section and can include written letters or electronic communication. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009. If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes.

DOWNTOWN GOALS/MISSION The personnel at Downtown newsmagazine bring a special commitment to the publishing effort, reinvesting in the local communities and working to make sure the Birmingham/Bloomfield area reaches its highest potential.

Our mission dictates that we strive each month to provide a solid news and advertising product that local residents look forward to reading. Our goal is to build a community of informed citizens through the efforts of our passionate team. We are innovators producing products that go well beyond what others offer.

Downtown newsmagazine captures life in the local communities through coverage of major municipal and school issues, personality profiles, the latest news from the business community and the all important social non-profit circuit that makes these communities unique. We also devote considerable effort each month to address major issues facing local residents through our longform story-telling efforts, further setting us apart from others competing for readers' attention.

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Placement of codes is approximate.

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political gossip/news, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown newsmagazine. We welcome possible items for this column which can be emailed to: OaklndConfidential@DowntownPublications.com.

All sources are kept strictly confidential. The gossip column can be viewed at OaklandConfidential.com where you can sign up to receive updates via email.

ONE MORE RUN: Is former state Sen. Mike Kowall (R-White Lake) still looking for his final act? Word around both Oakland County and Lansing is that he’s getting his ducks lined up to run in the Republican primary for Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner.

If he does run, Kowall will face fellow Republicans Robert E. Buxbaum of Oak Park, who ran unsuccessfully against water resources commissioner Jim Nash (D) in 2016 (Nash prevailed, 54 percent to 46 percent) and Jim Stevens of Rochester Hills, who ran for mayor and lost to Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan Barnett in 2015. Nash, a former county commissioner for Farmington Hills, has a reputation as an KOWALL avowed environmentalist and has worked to prevent the spread of invasive species, stormwater pollution and oil drilling in the county during his time as water resources commissioner. Kowall, who most recently worked in economic development at the Oakland County executive complex for former exec L. Brooks Patterson, was also White Lake Supervisor for many years, and last sought elective office in 2018 when he ran – and lost – to be the Republican congressional candidate for the 11th District congressional seat now held by Democrat Haley Stevens (D), who flipped the long-held GOP seat. Would this be Kowall’s swan song, or the spot that floats his boat?

TOWNSHIP TUNES: Now that the general operating millage has passed in Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Township police officer Tom Smyly is considering his next job. Like becoming township clerk in 2020 after incumbent clerk Jan Roncelli calls it a career and retires after 16 years in November. Smyly, a Republican, has been a township police officer for over 12 years, lives in Bloomfield Township, and has three kids in Bloomfield Hills Schools. “I pay my own salary,” he joked.

He’s also a local realtor and president of his homeowner’s association. “I know the area very, very well, from my job, and as a realtor, I understand the community,” Smyly said. “I rub shoulders with people everyday.” He thinks he’ll do well as clerk because he’s a multi-tasker and good with customer service. “I treat everyone with respect,” he said. If he prevails SMYLY in an expected Republican primary in August, he would face Democrat Martin Brook, or the winner of that party’s primary. It’s still unknown if township supervisor Leo Savoie will run for re-election following months – make that years – of attacks by a small but vocal group of residents, many of whom are acolytes of disgraced former treasurer Dan Devine. Some in the township are urging former state Rep. Mike McCready (R-Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, western West Bloomfield) to leave his perch as Oakland County director of economic development and run for supervisor, where his legislative knowledge, business connections, as well as experience as a former Bloomfield Hills commissioner and mayor, would prove valuable. McCready, however, is still smarting from an exhausting loss for state Senate in 2018, and isn’t sure he’s ready for another election.

REPUBLICAN DESERT: Speaking of Oakland County, tight-lipped Republicans are whispering they’re having a helluva a lot of trouble finding candidates to run against Democrats on the ballot, from county executive on down. Other than Republican state Sen. Ruth Johnson (R-Holly), who is still toying with the idea of whether she’ll run for Patterson’s old spot against the victor in the marquee Democrat show involving incumbent Dave Coulter and county treasurer Andy Meisner. Although Johnson has seemingly held just about every other elected position, from local positions in Groveland Township, county commissioner and clerk to Michigan Secretary of State and now state senator, she’s not sure she wants to gun for the top spot… at least this year, before redistricting. So it goes down the line, where some races, such as the 41st District, which Rep. Padma Kuppa (D-Troy, Clawson) won in 2018, may have no Republican contender at all. Republicans are particularly worried about losing the 45th District, currently held by term-limited Rep. Michael Webber (R-Rochester, Rochester Hills), where Democrat Brendan Johnson is drawing attention from political observers in both parties. Just 26, he’s a graduate of both Michigan State and Georgetown, has a national security background, and worked for Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin on the hill. Some 22

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are drawing parallels to Michigan Rep. Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, western West Bloomfield), who flipped the 40th for the first time ever in 2018.

UH OH: The Michigan Democratic Party filed yet another Federal Election Commission (FEC) complaint on March 3 against a dark money group supporting Republican U.S. Senate candidate John James, Better Future Michigan, whose alleged illegal coordination may be worse than it first appeared. Run by Tori Sachs, who managed James’ 2018 loss to Senator Debbie Stabenow (D), the non-profit first got in trouble when the Michigan Democratic Party filed a FEC complaint that made allegations Sachs had failed to follow the 120-day cooling off period. In response to that allegation, Sachs stuck her foot in her mouth with a letter that admitted she was hired as the founding executive director for Better Future Michigan on June 1, 2019, after leaving James’ campaign in May 2019. Better Future Michigan wasn’t incorporated until June 12, 2019 though – with James filing his statement of candidacy for Senate only six days prior, on June 6. It seems Sachs just accidentally revealed she may have illegally established the group as an agent of James. The non-profit has spent about $300,000 on digital and television ads against current Senator Gary Peters – who is in the midst of his first sixyear term – according to the FEC complaint. Peters doesn’t seem any worse for wear, though. He was recently endorsed by the Congressional Black Caucus PAC, who pointed out his dedication to service and advocacy for working families.

COURTROOM SKIRMISH: If suing for breach of contract it would probably make sense to attach said contract in the complaint, right? It appears the political consulting firm, Winning Strategies – who is suing Oakland County Probate Judge Kathleen Ryan over allegations she failed to pay the political consulting firm $33,684 from her 2010 campaign – sure doesn’t think so. Not only were there zero alleged contracts attached, but Ryan’s lawyer, Daniel Schouman of Walled Lake, has alleged that Winning Strategies’ complaint failed to be filed within the statute of limitations, which expired in November 2016. The political consulting firm’s registration with the state Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) expired in February 2012 as well, Schouman said. Schouman RYAN made a motion to dismiss the case, stating Winning Strategies didn’t follow court rules. Owned by David Forsmark, who is not named a plaintiff, the Winning Strategies complaint alleges, in part, breach of contract, unjust enrichment, and promissory estoppel, and alleges Ryan made partial payments through February 2014, but didn’t pay for the full services, which included mailer/flyer design, printing, postage, purchase of voter lists, among other tasks.

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UPWARD TRAJECTORY: Democrat Barb Anness of Rochester Hills, who is running to replace state Rep. Michael Webber (R-Rochester, Rochester Hills, Oakland Township) and is a current Rochester Community Schools board member, reported the biggest financial haul of the four candidates – three Democrats and one Republican – hoping to succeed the term-limited legislator in Lansing. For the last quarter of 2019, Anness raised $25,058, while fellow Democratic challengers Brendan Johnson of Rochester raised $7,920, for a total of $18,262 so far for the cycle; while Eddie Hillery of Rochester Hills, who submitted his statement of organization February 26, did not submit any financials and dropped out March 9. Republican Mark Tisdel, a Rochester Hills city councilman, raised $7,392 for the last quarter, for a total of $18,909 for 2019. To get a further leg up on her competitors, Anness tapped political guru Lisa Kiefer to run her campaign. In 2018, Kiefer was campaign manager for state Sen. Rosemary Bayer’s (D-Bloomfield Township, Franklin, Beverly Hills, Clarkston, Lake Orion) successful effort to flip the state Senate 12th District over to the “D” column. Most impressive is the endorsement of Anness

by Emily’s List for the traditionally Republican district.

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24

WRITING ON THE WALL: Republican Michael Goetz of Lake Orion, a 20year veteran prosecutor who has served in the Oakland prosecutor’s office, the Michigan Attorney General’s office and as an investigator for the Supreme Court Attorney Grievance Commission, withdrew in early January as a candidate to once again seek the post held by incumbent Democrat county prosecutor Jessica Cooper. Goetz had filed in May of last year for a rematch in 2020, after only attracting 45 percent of the votes in a 2016 effort against

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NOW THERE ARE TWO: Birmingham resident Kelly Dillaha (D), who filed last fall to take on Bimingham Republican Chuck Moss for the 12th county commission seat now held by Shelley Goodman Taub (R-Bloomfield Township), has a primary opponent. William Gage of Bloomfield Township filed on February 11 with the county clerk’s office for this race. A retired attorney who made his name in medical malpractice litigation, Gage tells Oakland Confidential that he is hoping to take his concept of “citizen politicians” to the county complex, noting that “government generally has become too distant from the citizens it is meant to serve.” The Democrat also added that he believes “a good government and a good economy should work for most of the citizens most of the time. I am hopeful, if successful, to find opportunities to translate that philosophy into political action.”

RACE FOR SHERIFF: We missed this one in recent weeks when we noted that Democrat and law enforcement veteran Barnett Jones of Lake Orion had announced his run for county sheriff against Republican incumbent Mike Bouchard. Jones will be facing fellow Democrat Randy Maloney of Waterford in the August primary. We reached out to Maloney but no response prior to our deadline. The candidate has been noted as press-shy when he first filed in mid-January for the county contest.

LAW & ORDER: Speaking of Mike Bouchard, in late February the five-term Oakland County Sheriff was appointed to a new national working group on ‘Respect for Law Enforcement and the Rule of Law’ as part of the Presidential Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice. Ironic for a president who often criticizes and mocks law enforcement, it’s the first commission on law enforcement since President Lyndon Johnson’s administration. The commission is designed to study crime on two fronts, and Bouchard, who is an expert on numerous subject matters, will help perform final review for the report prior to publication in fall 2020. “I am honored to serve as a member of the workgroup,” Bouchard said. “Law enforcement cannot succeed without the public’s involvement, trust and respect. I have spent my life connecting law enforcement to the community it serves and look forward to sharing my ideas with the commission on how we can enhance faith in this noble profession.”

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Cooper. At this point, no other GOP contender has surfaced. But don’t think Cooper will have a free ride. She has a Democratic primary challenge from former circuit court Judge Karen McDonald, who is racking up both donations and a who’s who list of endorsements that includes Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, Wayne County Prosecutor Kim Worthy, Fems For Dems founder Lori Goldman, along with most Oakland Democrats now serving in the Michigan Senate and House, among them COOPER local Senators Mallory McMorrow and MCDONALD Rosemary Bayer, Representative Mari Manoogian, along with House Minority Leader Christine Greig from Farmington Hills.

PERISCOPE: In the never-ending game of forecasting the 2020 election, as the Democratic presidential candidates have narrowed, fallen out and coalesced between today’s two top contenders of former Vice President Joe Biden and Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, the fortunes down ballot for those running for Congress are becoming crystalized as well. According to Roll Call, a Washington D.C. legislative and political scribe, the Republican Party has Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin and Michigan’s 8th District of Rochester, Rochester Hills, northern Oakland County into Livingston and Ingham counties squarely in its sights. Slotkin, a Democrat, flipped the district blue in 2018, has amassed a war chest, and has received the kind of publicity and has the credibility her peers dream of, has no intention of giving up her seat – and as a former CIA officer who did three tours in Iraq before working at the Pentagon, she knows how to fight. At the same time, Roll Call also labeled Slotkin’s district and that of fellow Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Troy, Commerce, western Oakland and Wayne counties) as “likely Democratic” in their projections for November.

The 9th District of Andy Levin (D-Bloomfield Township, Royal Oak, Huntington Woods, Macomb County) and the 14th District of Democrat Brenda Lawrence (Detroit, Southfield, Farmington Hills, West Bloomfield) are considered “solid Democratic.”

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FACES Greg Schwartz hen a man like Dan Gilbert tells you not to move to the West Coast because he has a business idea for you, you listen.

"Dan approached me in the sort of 11th hour on a Friday evening of early 2015," said Greg Schwartz, who was about to sell his start-up UpTo, which Gilbert had been an investor in, and leave for California.

Schwartz said that the idea was to take stock market mechanics and create a marketplace based on that premise. Their first potential category was going to be sneakers.

"I was wearing brown loafers at the time, so I definitely wasn’t the sneakerhead of the group, but I was really excited about the bigger vision of applying that stock market model...to consumer goods," said Schwartz, who lives in Bloomfield Village. "So the next Monday morning, I showed up right outside his (Gilbert) office and started working on building StockX." Schwartz, the chief operating officer and co-founder of StockX, saw a lot of potential in the company, and rightfully so. Since their inception in 2016, StockX has gone from being a U.S.-focused platform with only one category, sneakers, to an international business worth over $1 billion that deals with much more than just footwear. Adidas recently launched a product directly on StockX, which Schwartz called a product IPO. "In the early days, the sneakers would arrive on the 10th floor of our office in downtown Detroit and we had two authenticators who would verify each product," he said.

Now, though, they have several authentication centers throughout the U.S., one in Europe, and are expanding to Asia this year.

StockX – which is the stock market of things where consumers can buy and sell authentic products with a live bid/ask marketplace – has expanded to streetwear, handbags, watches, and collectables as well.

Schwartz's role in the company has changed over the last few years, and he now finds himself in a more traditional COO role, one where he works closely with fellow leadership members and plays a role in everything from product development and innovation to recruiting and overseeing the international expansion.

His love for technology and building things goes all the way back to middle school, and played a role in his college studies at the University of Michigan, where he majored in computer engineering. He wanted to take things and bring them to market, which just so happens to be the role of an entrepreneur.

StockX is actually the fourth start-up venture the Seaholm High School alumnus has had the opportunity to start, all of which he said have been stepping stones to where he is now.

Being a fourth-generation Detroit entrepreneur also had a huge impact on his career choice.

"There’s definitely an entrepreneurial gene, but it was helpful to grow up in that environment that has been sort of a role model for me," he said.

Getting to do this job in Detroit, where his family has had success for generations, is an added bonus.

"Being able to do this from downtown Detroit, being able to hire people in Detroit and see the turnaround that’s happening in Detroit, and being a small part of it, is incredibly exciting," Schwartz said And he has no plans of leaving any time soon.

"I haven’t thought about anything beyond StockX," he said. "I think StockX is going to be a lasting company that I’m excited to be a part of."

W

Story: Dana Casadei

Photo: StockX

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SHOP BIRMINGHAM. BE ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL DRAWING! That’s right. During the April – June portion of the Birmingham downtown paving project, continue to frequent retailers and businesses in downtown Birmingham and look for the Dig This City logo on entranceways to participating merchants.

If you make a purchase at a participating merchant (nearly 30 of them), you will be asked fill out an entry blank to be entered into a drawing in early July. Participating merchants appear on the next two pages and throughout this issue of the newsmagazine.

We will be giving away four Delta airlines flight cards, two with a face value of $500 each and two with a face value of $250 each. Four shoppers will win one of four $100 gift cards to local restaurants. Plus there are special items from local merchants that will be in this drawing, like Shades Optical ($500 certificate); Lucido Fine Jewelery (five $100 gift certificates); Ceresnie & Offen Furs ($200 gift certificate); and Steele Angel ($100 gift certificate) Downtown newsmagazine has partnered with merchants in downtown Birmingham to demonstrate to shoppers that – excuse the mess – downtown Birmingham is open for business during the road reconstruction project and it is an especially good time to visit the shops in downtown Birmingham.

There are a number of activities planned and special shopping incentives are being offered by the downtown businesses, so watch for further updates as we move through the construction project this spring and into part of the summer.

Here's the list of merchants participating in the Dig This City promotion and drawing in early July: Adventures In Toys Barbara Boz Be Well Lifestyle Center Birmingham Tailor Castaldi's Formal Wear Ceresnie & Offen Furs Cincchini Custom Clothier DessiS Douglas Cleaners Fabrik

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During the months of April, May and June, if you make a purchase at one of our two dozen participating merchants, your name is entered into a special drawing taking place at the end of the three-month period.

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valued at $500 each; two Delta airline gift cards each valued at $250; along with four $100 value gift cards to downtown Bimingham restaurants. Plus there will be gift certificates from some local merchants, including a $500 gift card from Shades Optical; Lucido Fine Jewelery (five $100 gift certificates); and Ceresnie & Offen Furs ($200 gift certificate).

TER G I . EN V EOP H

Downtown newsmagazine is partnering with merchants in downtown Birmingham during the Maple Road road construction project that is now underway to help make the shopping experience in the city even more memorable than normal.

In addition to the Dig This City promotional contest, organized by Downtown newsmagazine, the downtown Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) will be hosting a number of activities during the construction period.

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In addition to the Dig This City promotional contest, organized by Downtown newsmagazine, the downtown Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) will be hosting a number of activities during the construction period.

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valued at $500 each; two Delta airline gift cards each valued at $250; along with four $100 value gift cards to downtown Bimingham restaurants. Plus there will be gift certificates from some local merchants, including a $500 gift card from Shades Optical; Lucido Fine Jewelery (five $100 gift certificates); and Ceresnie & Offen Furs ($200 gift certificate).

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During the months of April, May and June, if you make a purchase at one of our two dozen participating merchants, your name is entered into a special drawing taking place at the end of the three-month period.

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Downtown newsmagazine is partnering with merchants in downtown Birmingham during the Maple Road road construction project that is now underway to help make the shopping experience in the city even more memorable than normal.

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Winners will be selected for two Delta airline gift cards

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During the months of April, May and June, if you make a purchase at one of our two dozen participating merchants, your name is entered into a special drawing taking place at the end of the three-month period.

HAM. VISIT. G S IN

valued at $500 each; two Delta airline gift cards each valued at $250; along with four $100 value gift cards to downtown Bimingham restaurants. Plus there will be gift certificates from some local merchants, including a $500 gift card from Shades Optical; Lucido Fine Jewelery (five $100 gift certificates); and Ceresnie & Offen Furs ($200 gift certificate).

TER G I . EN V EOP H

Downtown newsmagazine is partnering with merchants in downtown Birmingham during the Maple Road road construction project that is now underway to help make the shopping experience in the city even more memorable than normal.

In addition to the Dig This City promotional contest, organized by Downtown newsmagazine, the downtown Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) will be hosting a number of activities during the construction period.

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he panic button has been hit. On it reads “coronavirus,” and we're all feeling its ramifications, if not its symptoms. Local and state governments have declared states of emergency, freeing funds to be used for those in need. All schools have been closed, modt businesses have employees working remotely, sporting events, concerts, fundraisers and even religious services have been canceled or are streaming online. Shelves at grocery stores, Costco and Sam's Club are stripped bare as soon as they are restocked.

The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, is a strain of virus that has only spread in human beings since December 2019. It began in Wuhan, China, and has taken off rapidly since then, infecting more than 215,000 people at this writing and killing more than 9,000 before spreading across the world, in particular to South Korea, Japan, Italy and Iran. While it may have peaked in China, it is believed to still be in its growth and transmission phase in

T

WHAT ARE WE DOING LOCALLY?

BY LISA BRODY

the United States, and as many as 100 other countries.

In Italy alone, well over 3,500 people have died from coronavirus, with over 35,000 infected, and by the time the pandemic is over and a final count is taken, the total may well reach into the millions.

Health professionals call it “novel” coronavirus, or its newest identification, COVID-19, because coronavirus itself is not a new virus or species of illness. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), coronaviruses are a large family of viruses which can cause illnesses in both animals and humans. In humans, several coronaviruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold – which is a coronavirus, known for it's “crown” or corona, around its cells – to more severe diseases, such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

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COVID-19 is simply the most recently discovered coronavirus. Because it is a new virus, humans have no immunities or defenses built up, so when exposed to the virus, the likelihood of our becoming ill is very high – much higher than if we're exposed to a virus we may have had before and therefore have natural antibodies in our system. If we are over 60, have respiratory or immune diseases, we are not only more susceptible to becoming seriously ill, but to dying from the virus. That is also why there is no vaccine that can yet be used to prevent the risk of developing COVID-19, although scientists are actively at work attempting to develop one. mily Toth Martin, co-director, Michigan Influenza Center, associate professor of epidemiology, University of Michigan School of Public Health, said, “I think we need to take this seriously until we know what we're dealing with. It's the same precautions we recommend for other illnesses.

Hopefully, people really pay attention to them this time.”

Those precautions include everyday preventive actions, such as staying home when sick, covering coughs and sneezes, and washing your hands properly and thoroughly.

What is known, to this point, is that COVID-19 appears to affect older people and those with underlying health issues more forcefully than children and young adults.

But they do get ill, just with often with less severe symptoms. And even those who are asymptomatic, or have not yet come down with the disease, are believed to be carriers of the virus.

“The data seems to be indicating that children are not getting particularly ill. But if you have respiratory symptoms, you have to be careful. People over 60, and those with underlying health concerns, their dial of concern should be higher for what kinds of group events they attend,” Martin said, emphasizing that people should stay about six feet away from one another, because they believe the area of transmission is about six feet and closer.

“We think most people who get infected will not become ill, not become seriously ill,” Martin said. “They won't be comfortable. You may be sick – but not critically ill.

In these times, with a limited number of tests, we're hearing in the news about the most critically ill.”

“These actions can help keep yourself and others from getting and spreading respiratory illnesses like the flu,” said a fact sheet from Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Other ways to limit the spread of the illness is community non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as cleaning with anti-bacterial wipes frequently touched surfaces and objects, including toys, refrigerator handles, desks, doorknobs, childcare facilities, schools, and offices, as well limiting social gatherings and social distancing, permitting telecommuting, school closures and dismissals, and not attending other events.. An example is in Italy, where they expanded travel restrictions to the entire country, putting 60 million people on effective lockdown. Previously, China closed their borders and locked down cities, schools and manufacturing in an effort to quarantine those with the virus and try to stop its further spread. Worldwide, over 300 million students are out of school.

On Thursday, March 12, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer closed all Michigan schools, public and private, effective from Monday, March 16 through Monday, April 6. However, because that week is spring break, districts including Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills do not expect students back until Monday, April 13.

Birmingham Public Schools started providing free breakfasts and lunches – to all children and families who need them, not just those in the Birmingham Public School district – beginning Monday, March 16, with drive-thru pickup at Groves High School, Monday through Friday, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., and school bus pick up style at Derby Middle School, West Maple Elementary and Huntley Square Apartments, Monday through Friday, from 10-11 a.m. Menu items include assorted deli sandwiches, salads, yogurt parfaits and hummous.

Bloomfield Hills Schools is also providing free breakfasts and lunches to all children 18 and under, or under 26 for those with disabilities in need, and like Birmingham, they do not need to be enrolled in the district. As of Tuesday, March 17, pick up was available at the main entrance of Bloomfield Hills High School from 10 a.m. to noon; and main entrance of East Hills Middle School, 10 a.m. to noon. Meals are packaged in grab-and-go containers to maintain a small number of individuals in the building at the same time. Each breakfast will contain grains and/or proteins, fruit and milk; each lunch will include protein, grains, fruit, vegetable and milk.

Adult meals are available for $4 each.

Just prior to Whitmer's announcement, Birmingham schools had sent out emails that read, “In preparation for a potential extended school closing, we are encouraging all of our students to use their own internet accessible devices available at home. (i.e. laptop, desktop, tablet). These devices likely have safeguards that are already in place. Additionally, your student is also familiar with that device.” For families without a device, there was a link to a device.

Bloomfield Hills Schools is also distributing district-owned devices for those families who need them.

Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills schools are to be thoroughly cleaned during the closure, with teachers providing Google Classroom or other online learning activities.

“The online tools we will provide will be designed to engage young minds in

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inquiry, exploration, and reflection. The learning experiences are designed to provide structure for students and families during these uncertain times,” said Bloomfield Hills Superintendent Pat Watson.

“Globally, about 3.4 percent of reported COVID-19 cases have died,” WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said at a press conference in Geneva on March 3. “By comparison, seasonal flu generally kills far fewer than one percent of those infected.”

With a population of about 10 million residents in Michigan, that is potentially 340,000 Michigan lives; in the United States, which has 329.2 million people as of 2020, that could potentially mean 11.2 million deaths.

Dr. Brian Monahan, attending physician of the U.S. Supreme Court and Congress, briefed Senate staff on March 10, telling staffers he expects anywhere between 70 million and 150 million people in the U.S. to get ill from coronavirus.

The influenza pandemic of 1918-1919, also known as the Spanish flu, infected about 500 million people, which at that time was 27 percent of the population. The death toll was between 17 million and 50 million, or 2.7 percent of the population, according to WHO and the American Journal of Epidemiology.

On March 11, Ghebreyesus and WHO declared coronavirus a pandemic. “"WHO has been assessing this outbreak around the clock and we are deeply concerned both by the alarming levels of spread and severity, and by the alarming levels of inaction,” he stated, saying it does not change what the WHO is doing, or what countries around the world should do.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between nine to 45 million Americans contract influenza each year, with 140,000 to 810,000 requiring hospitalization each year. Since 2010, there have been 12,000 to 61,000 deaths from the flu each year – notably in the 2017-2018 season, when 810,000 people were hospitalized and 61,000 died. There are currently no final figures for this year's flu outbreak as it is still ongoing, but the CDC estimates that so far there have been 34 million people hit by the seasonal flu and 20,000 deaths. Ghebreyesus said COVID-19 is more than three times as deadly as the seasonal flu.

Martin of the Michigan Influenza Center also believes coronavirus is more dangerous and deadly than influenza.

“We have vaccines and antiviral medications for the flu,” she said. “The medications do not have any effectiveness for the coronavirus.

“We have centuries of experience with the flu that tells us how to protect our health care workers, patients and ways to handle it,” Martin said. “We have no experience with coronavirus. We have good experience, but this is a virus we have never seen before. It's why we're seeing so much caution from public health workers.”

Yet, it's symptoms are very similar – fever, cough, difficulty breathing. Only a test approved by the CDC can confirm if it is COVID-19, the seasonal flu, another virus or the common cold. And testing kits remain in very short supply.

The first two cases COVID-19 in Michigan were verified on March 10, one in Oakland County and the other in Wayne County, followed by 10 more throughout the lower peninsula on March 12, when Whitmer declared her state of emergency and closed all schools. Local state, county and municipal officials have been taking the viral outbreak seriously, preparing the when, not the if, the number of cases increase in Michigan. The current number of cases are believed to be the tip of the iceberg by health professionals. ith those two confirmed cases, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency, which she said she did to assist local governments slow the spread of the disease. Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter followed suit, directing the Emergency Operations Center to partially activate as part of the county’s coronavirus preparedness efforts, which enabled the county to coordinate resources and responses with partners and stakeholders.

On March 13, Coulter declared a state of emergency for Oakland County, allowing him to shift resources quickly to assist residents, businesses and communities affected by the spread of the coronavirus.

John H. Horstman, deputy director of media affairs for the White House, announced on March 11, that the CDC was awarding millions of dollars to state and local partners to support the COVID-19 response, with Michigan to receive $14.6 million.

Coulter said the first positive case of COVID-19 in Oakland County was a middleaged woman who had traveled internationally.

“Based on the Oakland County Health Division’s investigation, there was low to no exposure in the general public from this person,” said spokesperson Jaime M. Fenner.

A second Oakland County confirmed case was an elementary school teacher at Hillel Day School in Farmington Hills who had traveled from New York.

In anticipation of the spread of coronavirus in Michigan, Coulter had established an internal and external staff team for coronavirus readiness efforts, and asked former Congressman Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak) to assist the team in its work. The team includes Kathleen Forzley, director, Oakland County Health and Human Services director and Leigh-Anne Stafford, health officer; Tom Hardesty, homeland

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Both Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills schools have started providing free breakfasts and lunches – to all children who need them, not just those registered for school in the districts.

security manager; David VanderVeen, central services director who oversees Oakland County International Airport; Mark Newman, public services director; Bill Mullan, media and communications officer; Mike McCready, senior business advisor, economic development and community affairs; Bret Rasegan, manager, planning and economic development; Chris Ward, chief of staff, board of commission; April Lynch, deputy county executive; captain Larry Perry, Sheriff's Office emergency response and preparedness, and Megan Noland, Sheriff's Office director of government affairs.

“I want to reassure our residents and our businesses that we are taking all precautionary steps at the local level as we learn more about the virus, the outbreak and the risks of transmission,” Coulter said.

“In these health matters, it is wise to exercise an abundance of caution and have in place the organization fully prepared if and as necessary,” Levin said.

Mullen said the health department is in the lead of the team. He said they've had two full team meetings, taking a comprehensive look at what the county should be doing.

“Each of us goes out with separate responsibilities to fulfill,” he said. “All of us are focused on preparedness so we are optimally prepared to combat coronavirus, no different than any emergency.”

He said former Rep. Levin, in Congress for 36 years, is actively involved with the internal task force. “He's here every day on the fifth floor, putting in entire work days, looking outward to make sure our work force is communicating with the right stakeholders,” Mullen said.

“He has a wide global view of what we're doing,” he continued. “He is taking it very seriously. The questions he's asking are very thoughtful, helping to build up that big picture to create prevention messaging. He has great experience with the federal government. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his years in Congress, so we don't miss any constituents or stakeholders. He is helping us fill the gaps here in Oakland County.” ullen said the county government is prepared economically for whatever they are faced with. Oakland County approves three-year budgets, “but there are already line items that address public emergencies,” he said.

“The health department is well-prepared, homeland secretary is wellprepared for the eventualities we could face, and they're making plans now, and they're tapping into those funds now. The board of commissioners are very engaged and willing to do whatever they have to from a policy or procedure point-of-view.

They're ready to assist in whatever way necessary.

“It's not something that is filling in our days – it is our days,” Mullen emphasized.

Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner closed his office to the public, offering phone services, and announced no one will lose their house due to foreclosure during this period.

“This is a new virus, so it is concerning. It is something we're learning about,” said Lynn Sutfin, spokesperson, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). “We have seen evidence of community spread across the country. It's contagious – it is person-to-person spread.”

She said MDHHS anticipates the possibility there could be cases in the thousands, “Just like in China and Iran and other countries.”

Other than pending criminal cases, all civil cases in Oakland County have been put on a temporary hold, as have federal cases and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Health professionals believe the incubation period for this novel coronavirus is two to 14 days, most commonly about five days according to WHO, meaning from the time an individual is exposed to the virus to the time they could show their first symptoms of getting ill. If someone believes they are exposed to the novel coronavirus, they are urged to self-quarantine, meaning stay home, don't go to work, school, stores, events – anywhere they could potentially expose themselves to other people.

Dr. Trini Mathew, MD, MPH, FACP, FIDSA, Medical Director of Hospital Epidemiology and Infection Control, Infectious Diseases and Internal Medicine, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak, said the hospital system of four hospitals have been following the novel coronavirus and preparing for it “since the first cluster of pneumonia at the end of December, and have been receiving routine monitoring, discussions and preparations from the CDC .”

Mathew said, “COVID-19 mimics a lot of the influenza routine, and there are other coronaviruses, including the common cold. But please do not confuse COVID-19 with the common cold.

“We have learned some things from the novel coronavirus deaths in China, especially about mortality,” she continued. “The number of deaths, it is higher than the seasonal influenza. Influenza is much more widespread in the United States, so the total numbers are higher, and there is a vaccine – and it is still not too late to get vaccinated. With COVID-19, it's spread by small droplets, by sneezes, coughs, just like the influenza. Inadvertently, we get exposed because we touch something and touch our face.”

That is why public and medical health advisors urge everyone to wash their hands as if their lives depended up on it. Because it does. That means

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washing with soap and hot water for a minimum of 20 seconds – imagine singing “Happy Birthday” twice – thoroughly and then not touching your face, especially your eyes, nose or mouth.

“It's all in our hands – literally and figuratively,” Mathew emphasized. “It's the way to present spreading diseases. It's in our hands – it's in our control if we remember to wash our hands, especially before we touch our face, especially our eyes, nose and mouth, because they're the easiest to transmit germs and infections. You're auto-inoculating yourself to germs. It's a good way to make a mindful decision when you're doing something, or on the computer, especially since we don't have vaccines.”

COVID-19 and influenza A and B, which is still currently going around, have many similarities, making it difficult for health professionals and laymen to diagnose the difference. Each are very contagious, with fever, cough and other respiratory issues, particularly shortness of breath, headache, sore throat and nasal congestion. The only accurate way to diagnose COVID-19 is through testing, which currently is only available through test kits provided by the CDC. “Right now, the MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories can do the test. We just received more test kits, and have the capacity to test about 300 people,” Sutfin said on March 5. As of March 15, MDHHS announced they were able to test about 100 people a day.

The state of Michigan has just under 10 million residents – which means testing is very, very limited.

No county health centers in Michigan have any test kits, nor the ability to test, Sutfin said, which was confirmed by Dr. Russel Faust, MD PhD, medical director of the Oakland County Health Department.

“We are currently surveying hospitals to see which ones could have the capacity to do testing,” Sutfin said. “We have heard that private labs are getting very close to being able to do testing – as in days, not weeks.”

“We are finding that several commercial laboratories will have tests available in the next week, and then we may have some more positives,” Dr. Faust said, including Quest Diagnostics.

“The test itself is incredibly sensitive. If you feed it accurately, it needs to pick up only part of the virus to read it,” said Dr. Nasir Husain, medical director of infectious diseases, Henry Ford Macomb Hospital.

Henry Ford Hospital has developed it’s own test, and can test up to 100 patients a day, with a goal of a 1,000 test per day.

Sutfin said an accurate test ideally needs two different swabs, one oral and one nasal, although a sputum (cough) sample can be used as well.

Faust provides the same advise for everyone in Oakland County in order to practice prevention: “frequently wash your hands with soap and water, and if you can't use a hand sanitizer with at least 60 to 70 percent alcohol.”.

As for your pets, it's okay to cuddle with them. Despite some rumors, humans cannot give dogs and other house pets COVID-19 – and they cannot become infected from their pets.

“We recently got a notice from the American Veterinary Association about a dog being quarantined in Hong Kong,” said Dr. Stephanie Goodman, a veterinarian at DePorre Veterinary Hospital in Bloomfield Township. “The dog was not showing any symptoms, and likely the human mom sneezed or coughed on her, and she had the inactive virus on her fur.

“We have not heard or gotten any warning that humans are getting COVID-19 from their pets, and we have not gotten any warnings about any concerns, either,” Goodman said.

Faust said, the best precautions people can do is to disinfect the items already in their house and place of business – the handrails, counters, toys, elevator buttons.

“It's a good practice not just for the coronavirus, but for the flu, the measles, for any communicable disease,” he said. usain said Henry Ford Health System, with four campuses, including one in West Bloomfield, has teams that have been meeting three times a day in preparation of coronavirus. A key component is making sure entry points have careful screening for who is permitted in, especially to the emergency rooms and outpatient testing. He said it is being done as close to the entry point as possible.

“They're specifically being asked about their symptoms and travel history,” he said. “It's the questions and answer that will matter. If there are any question as to where to put the patient, the director of each of the four campuses are available 24/7.”

He said Henry Ford Health System has assigned at least one bed on each campus to deal with the coronavirus, with the main Detroit campus designating more beds.

“Each ER has rooms that are more isolated and air that is especially filtered, so we have areas” that are prepared to deal with an influx of patients.

“We at Henry Ford Health System are particularly well-prepared to meet the needs of those infected, and we're prepared if more than one patient shows us at a time,” Husain said. “These things are so unpredictable. A lot of people might get

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Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter has directed the Emergency Operations Center to activate as part of the coronavirus preparedness efforts, enabling coordination of resources.

infected, but most will have it less severely than influenza. But about 20 percent will need medical care.

“The ones at the greatest risk are the ones at risk for other illnesses,” he pointed out.

Mathew from the Beaumont system said their hospitals are actively screening patients and visitors. As of Sunday, March 15, guests are limited to just one adult visitor; mothers in labor and delivery can have two adult visitors.

The Detroit Medical Center announced they are not allowing any visitors at their hospitals for the foreseeable future.

Beaumont has begun processing a limited amount in their labs.

“We are exploring lab testing capabilities like any other hospital,” she said. “The CDC is ramping up their testing capabilities. We have to also work on the testing capacity. We have the platform and we're looking at private laboratories who have the capabilities to test.”

On Friday, March 6, Michigan large health insurers, notably Blue Cross Blue Shield, agreed to join Medicare and Medicaid in waiving patient co-pays and other testing costs for people suspected of being infected with coronavirus.

Health insurance companies include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Blue Care Network of Michigan, Priority Health, CVS Health, McLaren Health Care and Meridian.

Once they become available, Medicaid and Medicare said they would pay for vaccines for COVID-19.

However, University of Michigan's Martin said a vaccine is not going to be available anytime in the near future.

“Unfortunately, no. The amount of time it takes to go through the safety protocols...we have to make sure they (vaccines) are safe and they work,” Martin emphasized.

Local municipalities and schools are following protocols and making preparations for eventualities with COVID-19.

“Internally, Bloomfield Township personnel have been meeting over the last few weeks to prepare for the emergence of the COVID-19 virus in southeast Michigan and in particular, Bloomfield Township,” said Bloomfield Township Supervisor Leo Savoie, noting Township Hall is now closed. “We have already begun training all personnel to protect them and the community when asking residents and when dealing with emergency situations. Our local dispatch center is asking appropriate questions regarding medical symptoms or any recent travel by individuals calling in...We are following recommendations of the CDC. They recommended that all emergency providers wear the proper personal protective equipment...Our fire department is one of only a few fire local fire departments that have an Electrostatic Decontamination Sprayer.”

Trucks can be completely decontaminated in 10 minutes.

He said Bloomfield Township has a paramedical program with St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, allowing them the resources to communicate directly with doctors at the hospital to assess a patient's condition if hospital beds fill up and there are no beds available.

“If you are sick, stay at home. And if you need us, call us,” Savoie said. irmingham City Manager Joe Valentine said fire chief Paul Wells is the city's emergency manager, and he is working with the Oakland County Health Department as well as state emergency management department, which is the state centralized source for preparation and information sharing.

“We're working in lockstep with the county and state and taking directions from them,” Valentine said. “We haven't expended funds yet, but if we have to provide special services or provide facilities, the county and the state emergency declarations will help us.”

He noted with schools closed, there is a local work force that is impacted, and they will work with them. Further, all city and committee meetings have been canceled for the next few weeks, as is Baldwin Public Library, Birmingham Ice Arena and Birmingham Museum. Access to municipal buildings is restricted to scheduled meetings only.

He said the city prepared an emergency work book years ago which covers all varieties of emergencies and disasters, “and it's good for this or any type of emergency.”

“The fire chief has been in discussion with senior living facilities, churches, schools, sharing information that they may already have so they can take precautionary preparations,” Valentine said.

“Our public safety department is prepared as necessary,” said Bloomfield Hills City Manager David Hendrickson. “We're in touch with Oakland County Health Department and CDC for recommendations and directions, and we've put the county health department and CDC information on our website and directed residents to speak to the county about concerns and updates.”

Local businesses have closed down to prevent the spread, like Birmingham's The Italian Dish and My House of Style, which closed after a son of a friend of owner Diane Harris tested positive. Many others along Maple Road, like Suhm-

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Thing and Stem & Stone, have also closed, with owner David Zawicki citing safety and prevention at this time. National retail chains including Lululemon, Anthropologie, Sarah Campbell and Allen Edmonds closed, and Starbucks currently is only open for visitors to grab their drinks and food and go – no sitting and working or visiting. SHE in Bloomfield Township is offering clients personal appointments and FaceTime consultations; Wachler Estate Collection in Birmingham is offering virtual appointments via FaceTime or calls and texts, and Astrein's Jewelry in Birmingham is open only by appointment, as is Shades Optical. Tender and Lori Karbal are staying open.

Papa Joe's and other local merchants have sent out emails assuring their customers they are taking all necessary health and safety precautions – and going above and beyond.

At Papa Joe's in Birmingham, hand sanitizers and wipes are available near carts and throughout the store. Checkout stands, touch screens, credit card terminals and register belts are cleaned and sanitized every 30 minutes, as well as other frequently touched surfaces, and all produce employees are now wearing gloves as they restock products.

On Monday, March 16, Whitmer closed all gyms and fitness facilities for at least two weeks. Many local fitness facilities had made that decision ahead of Whitmer's decree, including SLT in Bloomfield Township and The Daily Method in Birmingham.

As of Thursday, March 19, there were 336 confirmed cases in Michigan – with numbers expected to rise exponentially. Gov. Whitmer announced the signing of an executive order, closing all restaurants and bars to business other than takeout and deliver – changing the game for local restaurants and dining establishments, which had previously sent out emails assuring guests they were doing extra sanitizing and spreading out tables. teve Hurwitz, owner of Steve's Deli in Bloomfield Township, said they ramped up both their carry-out and delivery service to assist their patrons. Customers are encouraged to phone in their carry-out orders to the deli, and then enter through the carry-out entrance for pickup, or they can have deli personnel bring it out to their cars. Customers also have the option of ordering delivery service through the deli's website at stevesdeli.com.

All six restaurants in Roberts Restaurant Group, which includes Beverly Hills Grill, Streetside Seafood, Cafe ML, Bill's, Town Tavern and Roadside B&G, announced they would have their full menus available for carry-out and pickup.

“We love serving you in our restaurants. Today, however, we ask that you let us serve you in a different way – with carry-out only,” owner Bill Roberts said in an email. “We treat our carry-out orders with the same care and respect that we do when you dine in at one of our restaurants, and we're taking extra precautions right now.”

Likewise, Big Rock Chophouse in the Birmingham Rail District has devised a special take-out menu and is offering discounts for a limited time. Patrons can phone their orders to the restaurant and either pick them up inside or, with advance notice, orders can be brought out to patrons' vehicles.

Some establishments are more comfortable taking a temporary time-out. Chef Andrew Carmellini, co-owner of San Morello, Evening Bar, The Brakeman and Penny Red's in Detroit, announced they would be temporarily closing their establishments as “the highest priority is the health and safety of our team members, our guests and our neighbors.”

Per Whitmer's directive, numerous non-profit events and other events have been canceled as she ordered all events of over 250 to be postponed or canceled, and the CDC has recommended groups of no more than 50 get together. And don't plan to hit Detroit's casinos to blow off some steam. They've been shuttered for the time being.

Whitmer also signed an executive order on March 16 that expanded unemployment benefits to all workers affected by coronavirus, effective immediately.

Joe Bauman of the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber, postponed a Government Forecast Breakfast featuring Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills) for his members for March 17. Bauman said they are sharing information and updates from the CDC, state of Michigan and US Chamber of Commerce with their membership.

Ingrid Tighe, executive director of Birmingham Shopping District (BSD), said they are following all federal, state and local guidelines and communicating that information to downtown businesses.

“Additionally, we are researching federal, state, and local resources and initiatives that will be available to assist our small businesses during this trying time,” she said. “As we get more information, we will disseminate it to the business community.”

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The state of Michigan has just under 10 million residents – which means testing is very limited – no county health centers in Michigan have any test kits, nor the ability to conduct tests.

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FACES Alan Jaros n high school, Alan Jaros asked his guidance counselor about taking a class offered at Bloomfield Hills Schools' Charles L. Bowers Farm, but he was advised against it.

Now he's their director.

"I love the story," Jaros said about his full circle moment.

Unlike his former guidance counselor, Jaros thinks courses at the farm are for all kids. Jaros has also done well in the position – which was created for him in 2018. He was just named one of Oakland County's Elite 40 Under 40 for the class of 2020.

To fill in some of the details of how he got from A to B, the journey started when he was finally able to take the class during his senior year at Andover High School, when he would fall in love with agriculture.

After graduating with a degree in adult education from Oakland University, Jaros took a position with the Tollgate Farm and Education Center in Novi.

All those years, he continued as a field trip guide at Bowers.

He realized Tollgate had no educational programming, so he proposed they run a course, which became a huge success.

"My old principal in Bloomfield reached out and said they were going to do something different with Bowers," he said. "They basically said they really liked what Tollgate’s doing...and wondered how they could bring that to Bowers."

A partnership between Michigan State University – which owns Tollgate – and Bloomfield Hills Schools was formed. Jaros served as a liaison between the two and accepted a position at Bowers at the conclusion.

Since then, his main focuses as director have been how to open up the farm as a spot for casual visitation, expanding educational programming, and increasing cash flow.

"For me, my whole business is to add value to what it means to the community," Jaros said. "My hope is that the farm really forms and can become a place for the residents and they see it as theirs and they’re proud of it and they frequent it."

Jaros thinks the farm has meant something different to every generation since it opened in 1967. In the last decade, Jaros said a lot more people have become really interested in health and wellness, and want to know about where their food comes from.

Since that is so few and far between, especially in a tri-county area, Jaros has seen the farm become a place where people can become educated on those issues and learn about science in a real-life context.

When asked what his favorite part of his job is, Jaros' enthusiasm and excitement busted through.

"I love the 'a-ha moment' when a young person is out here having an experience and they’re enjoying it and then you connect it to the fact that they just learned something," he said.

"I think that goes into this building of life-long learning," Jaros continued.

"To think about change and it’s inevitability and having a growth mindset, that starts with understanding and being a learner and identifying with being a learner."

When it comes to the future of the farm, Jaros has big plans, including an expansion of the garden and livestock, and a children's discovery garden that would be made of all natural materials. There's no funds for it yet – but a dream and design.

As for his future at the farm? Well, that's easy.

"To answer your question, I have no interest in leaving," he said. "I love this place."

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Story: Dana Casadei

Photo: Laurie Tennent

PREDICTING PRISON TERMS AND PAROLE: EFFICACY AND DANGERS

BY DANA CASADEI

Imagine your future was determined by statistics inputted and spit out by a computer. That is just what is occurring to convicted criminal defendants and those scheduled to be released from prison, in algorithm data programs, called predictive analysis, being used by criminal justice professionals throughout the country.

Criminal justice algorithms – sometimes called risk assessment tools (RAT) – are used at every stage of the criminal justice process, ranging from pre-trial decisions to determine where a defendant should be sent.

At their heart, these sort of tools were created to help with taxing workloads, to cut government costs, and get rid of human bias.

Richard Berk, a professor of criminology and statistics at the University of Pennsylvania, designed various algorithms currently being used by the Pennsylvania criminal justice system. His programs are used by the probation and parole department to determine what level of supervision to provide someone once they are released.

An algorithm is a process or set of rules to be followed in calculations or other problem-solving operations, especially by a computer. Berk's algorithms were created using machine learning, an algorithm that searches for associations between inputs and outputs.

Factors like age, prior record and an individual's most recent crime, not including the one they are currently being arrested for, are included into the equation. Then the algorithm searches historically for similar people, crimes and whether or not they had trouble once they were released from prison.

"Once those associations are established, then subsequently when you don't know whether someone is going to get in trouble or not, you put their characteristics back into the algorithm, and it spits out whether they’re a risk or not," Berk said.

Berk acknowledged that algorithms that project risk will make mistakes sometimes and will appear to be biased, as well as to some they will be a black box. But he pointed out the human mind is a black box too, and decision makers often have biases that can be unconscious, known as unconscious bias.

In addition, algorithms can weigh hundreds of risk factors at once, while the human brain is much more limited. Then, it can be updated to adjust as circumstances change.

An example Berk gave was how in Pennsylvania, new laws have been established which distinguish between domestic violence and general assault, so that statutory difference effects sentencing.

"So an algorithm that’s say, trying to predict domestic violence, before that distinction was made, it’s going to get different results than an algorithm developed after that distinction was made," Berk said. "You have to start keeping an eye on things that are changing that might affect the credibility of your forecast and when things change you have to recalibrate your algorithm."

Making sure the algorithm is used correctly is vital to its success and accuracy.

When asked what sort of benefits using an algorithm could be attained, he said it's more accurate, more fair, and more transparent.

"They're just better," Berk said.

Not every expert agrees.

"I don’t think any individual person who comes before the criminal justice system should be identified as a risk or as someone who is likely to reoffend or someone who's a danger to be put on probation or parole based upon some statistical model," said Neil Rockind, criminal defense lawyer, Rockind Law in Bloomfield Hills.

In 2014, Attorney General Eric Holder submitted a statement to the United States Sentencing Commission stating, "As analytical

tools transform risk assessment instruments, there is great potential for their use, but also great dangers."

"It’s a nice theory in some ways because it’s a response to the idea in the past that we had parole boards that would consider who should get out early, and there was a concern it was just political things where people would get out if they were friends with so-andso, and this takes the politics out of it, the discrimination out of it, and bases it on math and empirical data," said Jim Felman, a criminal defense attorney in Tampa, Florida. "But the reality of it is there’s just a lot of questions about whether that’s really possible or whether it’s just masking the same sorts of discrimination and hiding it."

According to the Electronic Privacy Information Center, a nonprofit research center focused on emerging privacy and related human rights issues, the most commonly used are pre-trial risk assessment tools, which are utilized in nearly every state. According to a database recently released by the Media Mobilizing Project in Philadelphia and MediaJustice in Oakland, California, over 60 percent of the U.S. population lives in a jurisdiction that uses a risk assessment tool. Only four states do not – Arkansas, Massachusetts, Mississippi and Wyoming.

RATs can be both "sophisticated mathematical formulas, run by computers, as well as straightforward scoring guides for questions on checklists that are asked by a court officer before bail hearings," as defined by the Community Justice Exchange's recently released guide to confronting pre-trial risk assessment tools. The latter is meant to be a predictive tool, no different than its more mathematical counterpart.

These pre-trial tools are used to predict the likelihood of certain outcomes if a person accused of a crime is released from jail. Most pre-trial risk assessments measure the risks of failing to appear in court and engaging in new criminal activity.

The outcomes produced from the pre-trial risk assessment tool depend on what is being used. Five of the most commonly used in the U.S., according to the database by the Media Mobilizing Project and MediaJustice, are the Public Safety Assessment (PSA), Ohio Risk Assessment System-Pretrial Assessment Tool (ORAS-PAT), Virginia Pretrial Risk Assessment Instrument (VPRAI), Virginia Pretrial Risk Assessment Instrument-Revised (VPRAI-R), and Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions (COMPAS).

In Oakland County, Michigan PRAXIS – a risk-based tool – has been used since 2009, to provide guidance to pre-trial service investigators while making bail recommendations. It contains recommendations for items including release, release with conditions, release on recognizance not recommended, or bond denied.

Michigan PRAXIS was based on VPRAI, developed by Dr. Marie VanNostrand, who runs Luminosity, Inc. and the Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services. Oakland County contracted with Dr. VanNostrand, who developed the tool to be locally implemented in Oakland County.

The factors selected – which range from the type of charge to having a criminal history or history of drug abuse – are based on those used in VPRAI. Each of the eight factors are worth a point that is added to the risk score, except for history of failure to appear, which is worth two points. A defendant can be awarded as many as nine points, and their score is then calculated to determine if the risk

level is low, average, or high. The risk factor is designed to be only used internally.

The data set used to conduct the original research for VPRAI was from a sample of defendants arrested in one of seven localities in Virginia.

According to a 2009 VPRAI report, the database varied in community characteristics, based upon type of community, sex, race, percentage of people below the poverty level, and education level.

That final sample for the database included almost 2,000 adults and was finalized in 2001. While pre-trial outcome was the dependent variable, there were 50 independent variables, or risk factors.

Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were used to determine the statistically significant predictors of pre-trial outcome. According to the report, "The univariate analysis included descriptive statistics of the dependent variable, pretrial outcome – success or failure pending trial, and each independent variable, risk factor. The bivariate analysis included an examination of the relationship between each risk factor and pretrial outcome. The risk factors found to be statistically significantly related to pre-trial outcome were identified and used to conduct the multivariate analysis. The multivariate technique logistic regression was used to identify nine statistically significant predictors of pre-trial outcome."

Those nine predictors were then assigned weights and used to determine risk levels. Michigan PRAXIS eliminated the outstanding warrant(s) factor, which was also removed from VPRAI-revised. Michigan PRAXIS only uses high, medium, and low factors, compared to VPRAI's five suggested risk levels.

Eric Schmidt, chief of field operations, Oakland County Community Corrections, said they believe this tool is more beneficial compared to others, like PSA, used by Wayne County, because it is an interview-based tool.

"It allows the individual being scored to reflect additional critical information that might indicate aggravating or mitigating circumstances," he said.

Aggravating or mitigating circumstances are additional considerations put into the reports, which go in the court file. "Someone might score high but they could have those mitigating factors, so we inform the courts of those things," he said.

On the report, each of the eight factors are listed and then indicated in the written language – such as by saying the defendant is charged with a felony offense – which ones apply to that defendant. The report will also include if the recommendation they're making is to release, release with conditions, release on recognizance not recommended, or if bond is denied.

With PRAXIS, no individual is ever labeled as low, average, or high risk, except internally.

"We think that that brings in an emotional response to the judicial officer...if you say someone is high risk, what does that make somebody think? This person’s a problem," Schmidt said.

Before Oakland County began utilizing Michigan PRAXIS in 2009, Schmidt said they would make a completely subjective recommendation following the court ruling and other case law through interviews and verifying information, much like they do now. Prior to their current program, they recommended a money amount for bail because they felt that providing a dollar amount would help the court understand what the lowest amount was so the person could gain release and have the incentive to appear. They learned those practices didn't hold much weight in research.

“It’s important to know that although there may be risk assessments that

are conducted, you have to understand what they’re for, what they’re specifically designed for,” said Paul Walton, Chief Oakland County Deputy Prosecutor. “But in all cases, although they may be required to compute or calculate, they are not mandatory on the decision-maker to use.”

While Oakland County has worked with a more evidence-based approach and humanistic approach to pre-trial risk assessment, other counties in the state, like Wayne, and numerous jurisdictions across the country, use PSA, which was developed in 2013 by the Laura and John Arnold Foundation.

PSA primarily relies upon court and police data to assess an individual's risk, and is scored without speaking to a defendant. With this tool, three different areas are measured – risk of failure to appear; risk of new criminal activity; and risk of new violent criminal activity. The first two outcomes are used with a scale of 1 to 6, while the last one is simply given a "yes" or "no" flag.

The PSA tool was developed using over 750,000 cases from seven state court systems: Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Kentucky, Maine, Ohio, and Virginia, as well as the federal pre-trial system and Washington D.C. The initial algorithm was built on computers using those thousands of cases from various jurisdictions to determine risk factors. When used in courts, though, it's much simpler than that.

"It’s really just checking off boxes, adding up points, and arriving at a risk score," said Colin Doyle, a staff attorney at the Criminal Justice Policy Program at Harvard Law School, who works on bail and pre-trial reform across the country at the local and state level.

Unlike with Michigan PRAXIS, tools like PSA don't always allow for explanation or comments about the risk factors being used for the predictive outcome. That is where organizations like Silicon Valley De-Bug come in.

Located in San Jose, California – where during arraignment hearings an algorithm is used – the organization brings personal information to hearings that has been obtained from interviews with the family's of defendants. The information is then shared with defenders.

"The algorithms and the use of the tools sort of strip away people’s humanity and also the context," said Pilar Weiss, director, Community Justice Exchange.

The Community Justice Exchange, a national organization which provides support to community-based organizations, is one of many leading the way in the fight against algorithms being employed in the criminal justice system.

There's also the Media Mobilizing Project and MediaJustice, which recently released a database on risk assessment tools being used across the U.S. Media Mobilizing Project's Policy Director, Hannah Jane Sassaman, said their research started in 2016, and was harder to obtain than they originally thought it would be.

What started as a decision to look at 40 to 50 cities ended up delving into a database with information from over 300 jurisdictions covering 1,000 counties across the country.

Their study did full-length interviews with 38 jurisdictions, as well as producing the database. In those interviews, they found that most people they talked to did not have data regarding whether or not the analytic tools were making their jail population's smaller or changing the racial disparities.

"We really came to the conclusion that you can’t make overarching statements about how useful these tools are in decarceration because a, they’re not, and b, they aren’t tracking it," said Jenessa Irvine, a policy and research organizer at Media Mobilizing Project.

There also wasn't data found in regards to how often judges follow the recommendations and what the impact is.

While part of the intention to use risk assessment tools is to reduce racial bias, many would argue it does just the opposite.

"What happens with the AI (artificial intelligence) type of models depends heavily on what is the data set they are trained in...If you put

garbage in, you get garbage out," said Meir Shillor, a professor in Oakland University's Department of Math and Science. "If it’s biased, then their predictions are going to be biased."

Shillor said that happens all the time. In 2016, ProPublica released a bombshell report looking at the underlying bias with predictive algorithms.

"A lot of these tools don’t include race as a factor...but part of what the argument is that it doesn’t matter whether race is in there or not because it’s sort of baked into the system, even though you aren’t specifically defining somebody’s race," said Wendi Johnson, assistant professor of Criminal Justice, Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work and Criminal Justice at Oakland University.

Factors like criminal record are used as a proxy for race.

Johnson said part of the problem is relying on past criminal history, an important factor in many assessments, like the PSA tool, which concluded from its original algorithm data that criminal history was among one of the three strongest predictors of failure to appear, new criminal activity, and new violent criminal activity.

Irvine pointed out that while something as explicit as a zip code doesn't ask about things like residential stability, housing, employment stability, education, mental health, and substance abuse, all actually are baked into the system.

"If you go scratch under the surface, all of those variables have a lot to do with race and class," Irvine said.

The generalized outcomes themselves also pose an issue.

"Once we expand the category to being as general as how likely are you to be arrested again, you’re increasing the number of people who are viewed as risky, and in a way that’s going to increase the racial bias dramatically in the results," said Chelsea Barabas, PhD candidate at Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

"They just are using data points that reflect the facts that black and brown communities are criminalized by the legal system," said Weiss from the Community Justice Exchange.

Even Berk from University of Pennsylvania admitted that bias can happen in algorithms.

"The algorithm is innocent...If that information is biased in some way, everybody is going to be affected by it, including the algorithm," Berk said.

"It’s just using the same information everybody else uses."

How accurate are these risk assessment tools, especially pre-trial, anyway? It's the same as the flip of a coin, many experts contend.

"For around 65 percent of cases, risk assessment tools correctly identify whether someone on pre-trial release will be arrested," Criminal Justice Policy Program's Doyle said. "For around 35 percent of cases, they make an incorrect prediction."

Oakland University's Johnson said these sort of tools do a much more accurate job in predicting someone's recidivism rate if it's a low-risk case, compared to a high-risk offender.

"Nobody wants to be responsible for turning loose somebody who may go on to commit a violent offense," she said. "So people are really reluctant to make a mistake when you’re talking a high-risk offender."

The First Step Act, a federal bipartisan criminal justice reform bill, passed in 2018.

One of the aspects of the federal law was to mandate that the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP) create a risk and needs assessment tool to be used to release people from early imprisonment based on their risk scores, which fall into four categories – high, medium, low and minimal. The risk assessment tool mandated by the First Step Act is used only with regard to federal prisoners by the FBOP in every state with a federal facility.

Even though each state is free to enact its own criminal laws, Felman, an attorney in Tampa, said the federal system often serves as a model for

states. "If it is perceived that this is a good idea at the federal level, it is likely some states will follow suit," he said.

The tool was required to be disclosed and vetted last summer, and was then used to evaluated everyone by the end of January 2020.

Felman is chair of the American Bar Association Criminal Justice Section Task Force on the implementation of the First Step Act, and is also the chairman of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) Task Force for the implementation of the First Step Act. Each task force is trying to further understand the use of the tool. Right now, they just have a lot of questions.

"Still no one has seen the tool itself, no one has seen any of the data that underlies the creation of the tool so you could actually verify how they did it," he said.

The tool's data was taken from roughly 200,000 federal prisoners over the last five years, Felman said.

While Felman likes to believe the two PhDs who helped write the tool, Dr. Grant Duwe and Dr. Zachary Hamilton, took the data and did their best to make a tool that's mathematically-sound, he and others would still love to be able to see the choices and decisions that were made, especially the weight on some of the risk factors, like prior record. Felman said that the tool will put people into four different categories, but it doesn't say how that is to be done.

"Apparently, they considered more than a dozen different ways to arrive at these cut points," Felman said. "They have not disclosed what any of the other cut point methodology that they considered and rejected were."

Even though the federal government is providing more risk assessment tools to be used in practice, some states are fighting against the use of algorithms. This past February, the Ohio Supreme Court removed language from proposed criminal justice reforms that would have required all judges in the state be provided with pre-trial risk assessment tools.

In 2019, Idaho passed a law that required the methods and data used in bail algorithms to be made available to the public.

Not all algorithms are transparent, though.

"It’s one thing to just disclose these are the factors that are in the risk assessment, this is what weights they have, but also they haven’t shared underlying validation data with researchers so we can see for ourselves how they came up with the instrument," said law professor Brandon Garrett, Duke University.

Garrett mentioned that since most of these instruments are created by non-profits, developers, and the government, and not dominated by private companies, there's a real opportunity for adoption of a more transparent and fair processes.

There will still be the occasional risk assessment tool created by a private company, though.

A 2017 article from Harvard Law School, "Algorithms in the Criminal Justice System: Assessing the Use of Risk Assessments in Sentencing," stated that, "Because COMPAS is proprietary software, it is not subject to federal oversight and there is almost no transparency about its inner workings, including how it weighs certain variables."

COMPAS, standing for Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions, was originally intended for accessing a defendant's recidivism rate, but can also be used to assist judges in sentencing decisions, as it does in Michigan.

According to Holly Kramer, communications representative, Michigan Department of Corrections, COMPAS – which is validated annually based on Michigan data – provides information on validated risks and needs factors to help inform decisions around supervision, case management, and treatment. This information is used to determine programming and assist in other interventions that decrease the likelihood someone will reoffend and

will help ensure their long-term success in the community. Scales measure criminogenic and historical factors, such as a defendant's criminal justice system history, education, social environment and employment.

In Oakland County COMPAS, created by the company Northpointe, is used as well as Michigan PRAXIS.

Judge Michael Warren of Michigan's Sixth Judicial Circuit Court in Oakland County said he mostly sees information from COMPAS. By the time he receives a bond report, someone else has already set the conditions of bond – usually a district court judge or magistrate. The Michigan Department of Corrections creates a pre-sentence investigative report for every defendant who is being sentenced to a felony, which is where a COMPAS report is put and then given to a judge, like Warren.

What a judge or lawyer receives is a table with multiple columns. One includes a Core COMPAS Needs Scale, which will have factors ranging from the defendant's crime opportunities and criminal peers. Next to that is a score that rates the perceived likelihood. There's also a column included for supervisor recommendations, such as extending treatment to a defendant with a substance abuse problem. Then there's an overall recommendation.

When asked how much of a role the scores on these types of predictive tools play in a sentencing decision, he said it ranges on a case-to-case basis.

"For me, this is going to sound like a cop out, but I give it the weight I think it deserves," Warren said.

"If I have a criminal defendant who has repeatedly engaged in domestic violence, has violated probation in the past, and the guideline range is very high, and they come back with a recommendation of probation and no jail, and no domestic violence program, I’m going to think that’s a terrible recommendation and I’m going to do what I think is right," he continued.

“They’re given a recommendation basically,” said Walton from the prosecutor's office. “I think it’s going to be dependent on the individual member of the judiciary as to whether they're going to dive deep into exactly what it is.”

The same would go on the opposite side of the spectrum, though. If in a similar case he was given a recommendation with a firm jail sentence with domestic violence programming and a GPS tether, then he would say that’s spot-on.

While Warren can see the advantages to these sort of tools – he said it provides a hopefully objective measure that’s scientifically based that helps the judge craft a sentence that is most likely to rehabilitate the defendant – he can also see the disadvantages, such as a score not getting all of the factors of a defendant.

"You may have circumstances where a recommendation based on COMPAS is completely different than everything else in my heart and mind is telling me about a particular defendant," Warren said.

There are also causes when a COMPAS score indicates that a person isn't salvageable and shouldn't be given probation and sent to jail, but once in front of him they could give a compelling elocution about why they want to go to rehab or discuss many factors that aren't in the chart that could persuade him to go against the score.

Warren said a defendant and their lawyer are always welcome to challenge a pre-sentence investigative report.

Sometimes that sort of challenge gets taken to the Supreme Court, as in the 2016 Wisconsin Supreme Court case, State v Loomis. The defendant, Eric Loomis, became one of the first cases in the country to take on whether a judge's consideration of a software-generated program's risk assessment score during Loomis' sentencing violated due process. Loomis was determined high-risk by the risk score calculation, created by COMPAS.

While all three judges in the case hesitated at the bias potential from these sort of algorithms, they ultimately sided against Loomis.

"It’s very easy for a judge to say, 'oh, that’s just one piece of the puzzle, one factor I’m considering,' but sometimes as human beings it’s also very easy to be heavily influenced by a conclusion that someone’s high-risk," said Christopher Slobogin, director, Criminal Justice Program, Vanderbilt University. "I would be influenced by that."

"I, and a lot of other scholars, think it was an obvious and serious due process problem," said Duke's Garrett about State v Loomis. "I think one of the dangers of an algorithm, like in the Loomis case, is if it’s not welldesigned and you don’t even understand how it works, how it’s designed, then people aren’t going to be able to use that information in a sound way."

Garrett thinks that more cases like State v Loomis will come up in the future.

"I hope so and I hope lawmakers consider passing statutes that blanket require that quantitative information in criminal cases be fully disclosed to defense and researchers," he said.

A lot of the work Garrett has done has focused on risk assessment used in sentencing, with a look at how judges and lawyers use it in practice.

Even though Garrett sees similar cases coming up in the near future, he doesn't feel algorithms raise an issue one way or the other about their ethical use. The data being relied on is the same that would be presented to a judge without the use of an algorithm, like age, race and criminal history.

Garrett does say he thinks we may reach a natural limit as to how much can be predicted, though. So does Doyle.

"I think what we’re going to learn as we continue to study these tools is that there are just limits to how much we can know about violent crime in the future at an individual level," Doyle, a staff attorney at Harvard Law School, said.

No tool will ever be perfect either.

"You could run tons and tons of data and you’re always going to have a standard error. It’s one tool," Stephanie Hartwell, dean, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at Wayne State University, said. Hartwell is also a nationally-known sociologist and expert on corrections and recidivism.

Vanderbilt's Slobogin agrees that these predictive tools have all sorts of problems, including the ability to reinforce bias, but what is the alternative to not using them. Just tell a judge to go figure it out?

"A lot of people say they should just be one part of the judge's decision, but the judge gets to make the ultimate decision – but based on what?

Where’s he getting his calculations? It opens the door wide to an incredible amount of discretion, some of which will be used against defendants, some of which will be used in their favor," he said.

Slobogin said that if we ever have a algorithm that's well-done enough, we should probably require judges to abide by that, unless the reasons for not doing so, like if the person has found religion and is now completely different, are factors that the developer did not investigate in constructing the instrument.

There may be a limit to predicability and issues with bias, transparency, and fairness, but many agree these sort of predictive tools aren't going anywhere.

Berk, at University of Pennsylvania, thinks they'll take over and continue to be used more, but hopes users never reach a point where a judge or probation officer relies solely on a number produced from an algorithm score.

"To develop a decision solely based on the algorithm is to throw out information that might be useful," he said.

At the end of the day, though, how do people like Judge Warren feel about the future of their profession and the use of risk assessment tools?

"To use an appropriate pun – I think the jury is still out," Warren said.

®

FACES Marie Woo arie Woo is good at a lot of things, but retiring doesn't seem to be one of them.

"I’m trying to retire but it’s not successful – there’s always something that demands my attention," said the 91-year-old.

This year alone Woo not only has an upcoming October exhibition at the Scarab Club in Detroit, but was recently named the 2020 Kresge Eminent Artist, an annual metro Detroit recognition for lifetime achievement in art.

Woo is the first Kresge Eminent Artist to be honored for work in ceramics.

She's the second Cranbrook Academy of Art alumna to earn it.

"It was a big surprise," said Woo of the Kresge award. "I never dreamed of the honor."

Woo's work has appeared in galleries all over the world, from the Detroit Institute of Arts to museums in Greece and China, among many others.

For Woo, her long career spans nearly 70 years, but her love for art goes back even further.

Working with clay changed her life.

"When I touch clay, it just attracted me very much, and that’s how I started," Woo said.

After growing up in Seattle, Woo came to Michigan to study at Cranbrook with Maija Grotell, a Finnish American ceramicist who founded Cranbrook’s ceramics program, where she graduated with a Masters of Fine Arts degree in 1956. Woo said that time was two years of intense work, but that Grotell was a very knowledge teacher, and would become a role model for Woo. Woo went on to become a role model herself when she taught at the University of Michigan and College for Creative Studies. She also taught at Detroit's Pewabic Pottery, where she became an advocate when there was a push to eliminate classes, which thankfully still continue today.

When she first arrived to the University of Michigan, she was one of a very few women teachers at the university.

"In those days, they didn’t hire women," she said. "I was given a lot of committees and meetings and so forth, which I didn’t care, but I enjoyed the teaching very much."

That give and take with the students she said inspired her.

For those looking to follow her and become a ceramic artist, she has one tip.

"If they go through a ton of clay, they’ll learn something," Woo said.

But what inspires her art, which ranges from vessels to large sculptural wall pieces? That answer is more complex.

"It just came naturally. Each project would lead to another project, whether I was making functional work or abstract work or work for the wall, sculpture work," Woo said. "Clay doesn’t wait for you. It’s a big challenge from one project to another."

Woo just closed her studio in her West Bloomfield home – she'll be firing at a friend's kiln when needed – but already has plans to move more into Chinese folk ceramics works.

With all those projects created, one might think she has a personal favorite – she doesn't, though.

"I do a body of work and then I just accept what I make. But sometimes it’s difficult – they’re not all successful, they can be failures and experiments, lots of experiments," she reflected.

Woo said the art itself proves as a private challenge and exploration in search of an aesthetic concept.

While it has been decades, Woo never thought about a career in ceramics, and still seems shocked after all these decades of work.

"I just did it," she said.

Seems like she'll keep doing it, too.

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MUNICIPAL Township pay rates, staffing study update

By Dana Casadei

Blomfield Township Trustee Michael Schostak presented an update to the township board Monday, February 24, on the current township compensation and staffing study, with a mid-March draft expected.

The study, which has been contracted with Minneapolis-based Segal Waters Consulting, is looking at employee compensation and staffing levels at the township. In November, the board unanimously approved contracting with Segal Waters to conduct the study following board dissension over staff pay, benefits and staffing levels. A kick-off call was made in early December, followed by two on-site meetings in January with the consulting group.

Schostak said since then a lot has happened.

"We are diligently moving forward," he said. "We continue to have at least weekly phone calls with the team."

Schostak said there are three key components to the study: compensation, classification and staffing analysis. The compensation segment is currently 50 percent complete, while classification is at 25 percent, he said, and staffing, which they are starting to lay the background for, is only at five percent completion.

Schostak reported to the board they should expect a draft analysis by midMarch of the compensation portion, for which they selected 12 public sector employees, who were asked to fill out a compensation survey of 75 benchmark positions. The consulting company is currently waiting on the second section to be complete. Segal Waters will then compile and analyze the data and include private sector data as well.

From there, all township employees will complete a benefits opinion survey, where they will highlight their top four benefits in terms of importance to them. Schostak said surveys should be going out within the next few weeks.

For the classification portion of the study, all Bloomfield Township employees completed a job description questionnaire, which was submitted to Segal Waters.

"The next step is the Segal team will come to the township to hold focus groups with selected employees to learn more about specific jobs and workplace opinions," said Schostak, who noted the classification component of the project was expected to be in by the end of April.

Lastly is the study's staffing downtownpublications.com

Contract approved for Maple project

By Lisa Brody

irmingham City Commissioners unanimously approved a contract between the city of Birmingham and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to fund the reconstruction of Maple Road between Chester and Woodward roads, along with the planned improvements at the Southfield and Maple intersection, for a cost of $7.2 million, at their meeting on Monday, March 9.

The approval for the reconstruction of Maple Road is the second phase of the city's Downtown Improvement Initiative, with phase one, the reconstruction of Old Woodward Avenue, including the intersection at Maple, completed in 2018.

In addition to replacing the underlying concrete pavement and asphalt overlay, work will include the replacement of water and sewer lines, the replacement of traffic signals with mast arms at three intersections, new fiber optic conduit system, city-owned electrical system and new landscaping with irrigation. As it is an MDOT contract, assistant city engineer Austin Fletcher said it will begin approximately April 1 and continue until fall, depending upon the weather.

Fletcher said that since the project is in the city's downtown, and the city wants to minimize the disruption to area business and local residents, the engineering department was able to include certain unique terms in its contract, including extending work hours until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

The city awarded the construction contract to Iafrate Construction, which handled the 2018 Old Woodward project. Fletcher said the contractor “will receive a bonus or penalty based on the time it takes to complete the project. This bonus or penalty ranges between $4,500 to $6,000 per day, and depends on the status of the project, road closures and schedule.”

The city was successful in obtaining two federal grants for the project – from the Federal Surface Transportation Program for $439,792 for the road improvements, and from the Federal Highway Safety Improvement Program for $265,700 for the re-alignment of the Southfield/Maple roads intersection.

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component, where the same 12 public sector employees will receive a staffing study within the next couple of weeks. Segal will collect the information and prepare an analysis by early May with a board presentation to follow.

"If I leave you with nothing else but that last bullet is what I want you to know, and that all three of the components of the study are being done in parallel," Schostak said. "We are making good progress."

The proposed study will be the first of its kind in more than a decade, and is intended to address questions about employee recruitment and retention in light of budget reductions and upcoming contract negotiations. The study will look at staffing and workloads, position descriptions, compensation, benefits and job evaluations across the township's departments, including its elected officials. The study will also look for any instances or appearance of conflicts of interest, and provide

guidance and support for human resources and management staff.

The board in September approved issuing a request for proposals from vendors to conduct the study. An ad-hoc compensation study committee was also formed to develop specific components of the study and evaluate proposals. The committee, which recommended contracting with Segal Waters, consisted of Schostak; Bloomfield Township finance director Jason Theis; government consultant and financial advisor Bob Kittle; Bloomfield Township resident and former Oakland County Deputy Executive of Economic Development and Community Affairs Tim Meyer; and resident and retired auto industry executive and consultant Paula Butler.

Alexandria Bingham appointed city clerk

By Lisa Brody

Following an acceptance of a job offer and then a resignation by a West

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Bloomfield municipal clerk in December 2019, Birmingham City Commissioners unanimously accepted the recommendation of the city clerk selection sub-committee on Monday, March 9, to appoint Alexandria D. Bingham as city clerk designee, effective Monday, March 16.

Bingham, who is a graduate of Eastern Michigan University and an accredited election official for the state of Michigan, has worked as a deputy clerk in Rose Township and Holly Township in Oakland County since August 2019, and an election specialist in Commerce Township since February 2007. She came with high recommendations from Commerce Township supervisor David Scott and clerk Melissa Creech.

“Alexandria's work ethic is outstanding and she is an integral part of our team during election season. She takes pride in her.work and knowledge of elections and it shows with her enthusiasm and energy on a daily basis.

She is professional and understands the confidentiality of daily work in the clerk's office, not only with elections,” wrote Creech. “While I would be very sorry to see her leave as part of our team, I would highly recommend Alexandria for the position of clerk for the city of Birmingham.”

Bingham is a member of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks; Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks; Oakland County Clerks Association; and Michigan Townships Association.

Birmingham Human Resources Manager Ben Myers presented Bingham as the clerk designee to the commission, following a February 12 meeting of the city clerk selection subcommittee. He said it was a succession arrangement used in the past, which allows for training and development, transfer of institutional knowledge, and continuity of service.

“As acting city clerk (Cheryl) Arft will be staying through the end of the year, an opportunity has presented itself for this type of extra transition which will be especially critical during the presidential election season,” Myers said.

Arft has announced her retirement.

Upon Arft's retirement, Bingham will become the city clerk.

In December, James Allen, a clerk from the West Bloomfield clerk's office, who had been sworn in as the new city clerk in Birmingham at the city commission meeting on December 16, unexpectedly resigned Monday, December 30, prior to beginning the position.

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CHRIS

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4955 Stoneleigh - Bloomfield Hills - $1,499,900

111 Guilford - Bloomfield Hills - $1,049,900

1710 Webster - Birmingham - $999,900

3544 Burning Bush – Bloomfield Hills - $699,900

4145 E. Golf Ridge - Bloomfield Hills - $675,000

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1772 Brandywine – Bloomfield Hills - $489,900

Spacious well-maintained home in Shaker Heights sub. Large kitchen opens to family room with vaulted ceiling. 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths. First floor laundry.

2838 Aspen – Bloomfield Hills - $389,900

Four bedroom colonial wonderfully maintained over the years. Updated kitchen. Hard to find workshop attached to garage great for woodworking, art and more. Bloomfield schools.

275 S. Old Woodward Downtown Birmingham

Extensive renovation and expansion from top to bottom over the last 2 years just completed. 5 bedroom, 5.2 bath sprawling ranch on 1.5 acres. Fully finished lower level.

New construction 5 bedroom, 4.1 bath home on a 50 foot lot with attached garage and spacious backyard. Beautifully finished and expertly decorated throughout.

Five bedroom, 4.1 bath colonial overlooking Wabeek Country Club golf course. Move in ready condition. Three car garage. Finished basement. Bloomfield schools.

3641 Winding Brook - Rochester Hills - $449,900

Completely remodeled 3 bedroom, 3.1 bath condo in the Sanctuary in the Hills. Beautiful kitchen with center island opens to great room. Screened porch and patio. Finished basement.

2719 Alveston - Bloomfield Hills - $299,900

Four bedroom quad-level home in Hugo Hills sub. Newer roof, heating, HWH, electrical, plumbing and windows. New kitchen in 2009. Bloomfield schools.

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955 S Bates - Birmingham - $1,450,000

711 Kennebec - Bloomfield Hills - $1,050,000

Gorgeous 2018 built in-town 5 bedroom, 4.2 bath newer construction home. Beautiful white kitchen with large island. Amazing master suite. Finished basement. Walk to downtown.

Beautiful ranch home in desirable Rudgate sub. 3 bedrooms, 3.1 baths. Gorgeous remodeled kitchen, 4 fireplaces, 2 ½ car garage on a great corner lot. Bloomfield schools.

23028 Old Orchard Trail – Bingham Farms - $825,000

2637 Norwood – Bloomfield Hills - $749,900

Rare opportunity on a very private tucked away 1.34 acre lot. Extensively updated outdoor spaces to enjoy nature. 4 bedrooms, 2.1 baths. 3 car garage. Birmingham Schools.

1250 Miami Path – Lake Orion - $525,000

Five bedroom, 4.2 bath home with gorgeous 1st floor master suite. Spacious white kitchen and great room overlooking private lot. Finished walkout basement and 3 car garage.

5109 Corners – West Bloomfield - $499,900

One of the best locations on Indianwood Lake - .88 acres of property with approximately 255 feet of frontage. Renovate existing home or build your dream home. Lake Orion schools.

Four bedroom, 2.1 bath home in Birmingham school district on an amazing private half acre lot backing to a winding stream. Gorgeous updated kitchen, finished walkout basement.

2714 Long Meadow – Rochester Hills - $449,900

590 Riverside - Birmingham - $399,900

Spacious 4 bedroom, 3.1 bath colonial on a great lot within Cumberland Woods. Large master suite with vaulted ceilings. Finished basement with wet bar. 3 car garage.

4912 Georgetown – Oakland Twp - $287,500

Nice 3 bedroom, 2 bath ranch home in the Villages of Country Creek. High vaulted ceilings, skylights and open floor plan.

Last vacant site remaining in Riverside Place - exclusive development of 8 detached condos steps from downtown Birmingham.

0000 Woodview – West Bloomfield - $49,900

60 foot lot. Opportunity to build your dream home in Twin Beach Country Club subdivision.

Access to all sports Middle Straits Lake. Beach and swim association available.

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City holds annual liquor license review

By Lisa Brody

Two Birmingham establishments, Townhouse and Rojo Mexican Bistro, will be returning to the Birmingham City Commission for a public hearing regarding the renewal of their 2020 liquor license after commissioners saw violations to their 2019 liquor license investigative summary on Monday, March 9.

Acting clerk Cheryl Arft informed commissioners the city commission is required by Chapter 10, Alcoholic Liquors, of the Birmingham Code of Ordinances to review the licenses of establishments which sell intoxicating liquor for consumption on the premises in the city and to consider the renewal of those licenses. As part of that process, investigations of each licensed establishment were conducted by the building, planning, police, fire and finance departments to determine whether the licensees were in compliance with all applicable city and state codes.

While it was noted that Rojo owner Steve Simon had not paid city taxes or water bills, he has entered into a payment agreement with Oakland County, and a payment agreement with the city of Birmingham.

However, commissioners were disturbed about signage at adjacent Sidecar restaurant which does not comply with city ordinances, and improper storing of items on the patio, which Rojo had previously been warned about. Simon was not present at the commission meeting to answer questions, so commissioners set a public hearing for him to appear to discuss the renewal of the liquor license.

Townhouse had not paid their outdoor dining fees, and neither owner Jeremy Sasson nor any other representative from Heirloom Hospitality was in attendance at the commission meeting to answer questions.

Arft said the outdoor dining fees were paid to the city on Tuesday, March 10, but commissioners still set a public hearing for Monday, March 23, for Sasson to appear before the commission.

Other restaurants or bistros with questions from the past year were Hazel, Ravines and Downtown, which had delinquent water bills and not paid their July 2019 city taxes. downtownpublications.com

However, prior to the commission meeting, they came in and settled their outstanding accounts.

Bistro Joe's and Toast each were cited for too many seats. Per the city's bistro ordinance, there cannot be more than 65 seats, no more than 10 at a bar.

There were two incidents in the past year at 220 Merrill that were of concern from the Birmingham Police Department, one of which involved an assault, the other, cocaine, where the restaurant did not provide the requested surveillance video.

Commissioners expressed to owner Zaid Elia their displeasure, and Elia said he had not been notified by his staff in a timely fashion. He said 220 only keeps their surveillance video for 24 hours, so by the time he became aware of it, it was no longer available.

Elia said he has since provided his personal contact information to officers in order to reach him directly at any time.

Commissioners approved the renewal for 2020, of all Class B, Class C and microbrewery licenses, 7-0, other than Townhouse and Rojo.

Maple Road lighting agreement approved Birmingham city commissioners approved a street light agreement between the city of Birmingham and DTE Energy Company for the removal, manufacture and installation of new street lights for the Maple Road reconstruction plan at their meeting on Monday, February 24.

Austin Fletcher, assistant city engineer, explained in a memo that for the second phase of the Maple Road reconstruction project, scheduled to begin in March, a total of 48 existing street lights will be removed and in their place, 42 new street lights will be installed.

The project area includes all of Maple Road between Chester and Pierce streets, and Maple between Old Woodward and Woodward avenues. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The reduced number of lights is a function of the new sidewalk design as proposed by our planning consultant (MKSK), wherein the tree wells are elongated. This design reduces the number of tree wells, and the number of streetlights accordingly,â&#x20AC;? Fletcher said.

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MUNICIPAL Mark Nickita, the street lights will look the same as the new ones installed on Old Woodward in 2018.

The cost to the city for the installation of the new streetlights is $269,983, payable upon completion, with all work to be done by DTE. Commissioners voted to approve the proposal, 5-0, with commissioners Rackeline Hoff and Stuart Sherman not in attendance.

Library debuts new design, wayfinding

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Following a strategic plan process, a new roof, lobby floor, interior design plan which includes a new Commons area and wayfinding, the Bloomfield Township Public Library threw open its doors and celebrated with the community on Saturday, March 14, the completion of these projects.

Carol Mueller, library director, said the projects began in 2015, when the board of directors began a strategic planning process that included planners speaking to more than 400 residents as well as key stakeholders to find out what they needed to focus on.

Among other items, a rejuvenation of the roof began in August 2019 and was completed in November 2019, she said. “That was a priority as we had leaks in the center of the library, as it was original roof in that area, since 1987,” Mueller said.

Another issue the library had been dealing with for four years was the library's lobby floor, which had deteriorated down to the subfloor.

“There was no tile left in some places – it was just dust,” Mueller said.

The library board studied numerous surfaces and substances, and finally settled on natural limestone for its endurance. “The lobby can get over 1,000 visitors in a day,” Mueller said, noting the limestone flooring should last 30 to 40 years.

Patrons had pointed out to staff over the years that it was difficult to find restrooms in certain areas, so wayfinding was an issue they sought to solve, as well as adding and changing the seating in areas.

“At peak times, there were not enough seats – we had people sitting on the floor,” Mueller said.

A decision was made, following space and needs assessments, to relocate the media collection and reimagine the resulting space to

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meet a variety of needs, such as studying alone and in small groups, meeting with other community members, as well as reading in a comfortable spot.

The library board chose architect Jim Mumby from Quinn Evans and Geraldine Drake from AECOM to lead the board and staff through a repurposing of the space.

“One idea was to move the collections back to their original respective collections – the adult services and youth services – we did that last May of 2019,” Mueller said.

The resulting area became the new commons space.

In summer 2019, the space was used to test several different furniture pieces. “We brought in various furniture that patrons tried out and they voted on which they liked for which uses,” she said.

Drake led library staff and trustees through the design process to create a vision statement and, ultimately, a layout of the ideal warm and welcoming space. “It was important to library administration and trustees to include library users and the community in this process.

Together we developed ways to collect feedback and used it to select the types of furniture you see today,” Drake said. “We were very pleased with the way this feedback led to the current design.”

The commons space adds 73 new seats in various configurations, including booths, tables, pods, and a built-in bench. Dozens of easy-toaccess electrical outlets were also installed in the area.

Bloomfield Hills water system project

By Dana Casadei

A decision to approve the costs of construction for a pressure reducing valve (PRV) project for Long Lake and Woodward was postponed by the Bloomfield Hills City Commission at their meeting on Wednesday, March 11, in order for the city's engineer, Hubbell, Roth & Clark, and the Oakland County Water Resources Commission (OCWRC) to obtain and present more detailed information regarding the project and the need for it to proceed.

The Long Lake and Woodward PRV serves as the main feed between the upper and middle pressure district of Bloomfield Hills, servicing about 50 percent of the community. The city commission in 04.20

October 2018 approved having Hubbell, Roth & Clark do engineering work and create a proposal for rehabilitation work for a pressure reducing valve project in the intersection of Long Lake and Woodward.

City manager David Hendrickson explained at that time that there are five pressure relief valves in the city, which are part of the water system from OCWRC. “We've rehabilitated two in the last few years. Two are operating fine. One needs to be completely replaced.”

In Hubbell, Roth & Clark's condition assessment study, they said the existing underground PRV at this location was found to be in fair condition, but the piping, bolts and valves are “severely corroded and degrading at an accelerated rate. The severe corrosion issues are a concern for the proper and safe operation of the PRV and ancillary valves. This equipment has far exceeded their service life and are in need of replacement.”

They further stated that the existing vault it was housed in was too small to house recommended upgrades, and a new underground vault adjacent to the existing vault was recommended to be constructed.

A pressure reducing valve is part of the system where the water comes into the city from other communities, and acts as a way of controlling the amount of water pressure to residences and businesses.

The total project – in coordination with OCWRC and Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) – is estimated to cost $680,000, with a construction cost of $448,456.22. OCWRC will do the actual replacement work, with Trojan Development Company’s performing the construction..

Because of the PRV vault’s location by an existing MDOT strain pole, MDOT required that a temporary earth retention system (TERS) be designed to support the strain pole foundation, which anchors traffic signals, on Woodward Avenue and the adjacent property while work is being done. G2 Consulting Group designed the TERS. “One of the commissioners had some technical questions,” said Hendrickson of the commission's concern at the meeting. “We’re going to bring back for more technical reasons why this is needed and things of that nature.”

Commissioners unanimously downtownpublications.com

Johnny Was to open store in Birmingham

By Lisa Brody

oho chic women's fashion retailer Johnny Was will open its first Michigan boutique in downtown Birmingham at 115 S. Old Woodward, in the former Francesca's location.

Johnny Was, available in fine department stores and boutiques for over 30 years, features kimonos, dresses, blouses, pants, jackets, tops, tshirts and bathing suits that celebrate a bohemian elegance and artisan detailing. A signature feature on Johnny Was clothing is unrivaled embroideries, prints and trims.

For spring, the Johnny Was collection highlights include silk maxi dresses, light linens and their timeless tunics – all in a wide variety of prints and intricate embroideries. “From our hand-assembled silk kimono jackets to our popular swim collection and everything in between, our boutiques are about inviting guests into the Johnny Was universe,” said a press release.

“The historical Birmingham Shopping District (BSD) is the perfect location to debut Johnny Was in Michigan,” said Rob Trauber, CEO of Johnny Was. “It’s a great mix of upscale retail and dining, but also has beautiful tree-lined streets and architecture. When we search for a location for a boutique we always make sure it delivers a unique shopping experience. ” In keeping with the Johnny Was ethos of laid back luxe, the airy 1,400 square foot boutique will feature walls filled with nature inspired murals, as well as other natural elements and textures like marble tables and oak fixtures. Furnishing will be a mix of custom and antique for an effect that is relaxed, inspired and unique.

In addition to Johnny Was’ signature women’s ready-to-wear and accessories, the space will also be home to their recently added collection of Italian washed leather bags crafted in Florence, vibrant homeware including serving plates, frames and jewelry boxes, all which showcase Johnny Was print designs. The Johnny Was popular fragrance Talia,will also be available in eau de parfum, oil and candle.

“Our signature embroideries and effortless silhouettes are unparalleled. After more than 30 years of our artisan-inspired stitch work and luxe fabrications, the undying allure speaks for itself. For the woman looking to showcase her personal style, while appreciating the thoughtful details of timeless techniques. An aesthetic that embraces our California-based lifestyle but always with a global vision,” their website said.

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voted to table the resolution, and it will be brought back to them at their meeting on April 14.

Savoie responds to public criticism

By Dana Casadei

Supervisor Leo Savoie was met with applause after he finished his comments at the Monday, February 24, Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees meeting in response to public comments made at the last few meetings and in the community by an outspoken group in the township.

"I want to speak tonight about the truth and I want to speak about integrity," he said. "I want to speak about the facts and how a small

group of people in the township who are twisting reality to suit their own purposes."

During his comments, Savoie discussed how the group has claimed the board is using scare tactics to promote the upcoming operating millage as well as multiple flyers with inaccurate information the group has made and disbursed.

It was also brought up how the group has said the township hasn't made any cuts and have refused to acknowledge additional cuts that are coming. Savoie said personnel has been reduced by $2 million, there's been an insurance savings of $1.1 million, and road spending has been cut by $650,000 for the upcoming proposed budget.

Savoie said, among other things, the group wants them to change

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their compensation for department heads, get rid of employees' four-day work week, and have printed what Savoie called “absolute lies” about the township's water lawsuit.

Savoie addressed not only fabrications the group has made about the upcoming millage renewal on the March 10 ballot – which the group opposed – to budget cuts made by Bloomfield Township, but things they've said about Savoie himself.

"This group stood at the podium a couple of weeks ago and said, 'Leo, don't make it personal.' I gotta be honest with you, I'm the only one that hasn't made it personal," said Savoie, who mentioned multiple members of the group, not by name, who have lost their homes to foreclosures, who have wage garnishments against them, and one individual in the group who has declared bankruptcy.

"I've never mentioned a single name there and I have no intention of doing it but the attacks against me, the attacks against this board, they have no problem, as you heard tonight, making it personal," he said.

The group has even gone so far as to threaten the supervisor by saying they have facts they'll reveal about him.

The only names Savoie mentioned were former Bloomfield Township Treasurer Dan Devine and current trustee David Buckley, who Savoie said told him as soon as he was appointed supervisor in 2011, instead of Devine, they were going to destroy him.

Between the two they have accused Savoie of taking bribes, illegal campaign activity and filed a police report accusing him of kidnapping the former treasurer's daughter, according to Savoie.

"Their hatred for me rises above any affection they have for this community and they're willing to destroy our services and our quality of life with their lies," Savoie said.

"Believe the (police and fire) chiefs, if this fails, the changes are going to be drastic...I'm begging this community to keep the politics out of it," he said. "We as a community have too much to lose by keeping the politics in it."

67

Update on lawsuit against township

By Dana Casadei

Attorney Roger Young, at the February 24 Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees meeting, provided updates about the township's current legal challenge by the law firm Hanley Kickham, a class action lawsuit over potential excessive water and sewer fees.

A class action suit against Bloomfield Township was filed in April 2016 by the law firm Hanley Kickham, which has been largely successful suing municipalities for excessive water and sewer fees, asserting they have been part of an effort on the part of the municipalities to raise revenue in violation of the Headlee tax limitation amendment. Bloomfield Township residents who had paid the township for water and sewer services since March 31, 2010, had been included in the Oakland County Circuit County suit, Youmans v. Charter Township Bloomfield, which challenged Bloomfield Township's imposition of water and sewer charges as a tax in excess of rates imposed by Southeast Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA).

SOCWA resells water to Bloomfield Township from the city of Detroit, and Oakland County Water Resources Commission, which provides sewer services for the township.

The case was tried before Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Dan O'Brien for the full month of February 2018. There were seven issues under contention in the lawsuit. A previous portion of the class action lawsuit had been awarded to the plaintiffs, in the amount of $3.8 million, in September 2018, and has been appealed by Bloomfield Township.

O'Brien awarded $5.4 million in damages in two parts of a class action suit against Bloomfield Township last March, determining the township should not have been integrating water loss costs into operations, as well as deciding that the township had overcharged sewer customers, and township attorneys said they plan to appeal, which they did last April.

O'Brien also awarded the plaintiffs almost $2.2 million over the township's methodology of sewer and water chasrges, determining the township had overestimated sewer flow and therefore was collecting all 68

Effort to pave neighborhood streets fails public hearing was held at the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees meeting Monday, February 24, on an accepted petition to pave part of Brookdale Street and all of Dryden Lane in the Bloomfield Estates Subdivision, but a motion failed and the streets will remain unpaved, consistent with the rest of the subdivision.

The petition would provide for paving part of Brookdale Street between Strathmore Street and Dryden Lane, and all of Dryden Lane.

The proposed project would consist of .51 miles in the subdivision and put an asphalt surface over the gravel road base.

A question was raised during the meeting's public comments section asking how the board could let this happen, which supervisor Leo Savoie addressed during the public hearing.

"Once it's submitted, we're obligated to take certain steps and do certain things that protects everyone's rights," he said. "It (public hearing) doesn't mean that because we're here it's automatically going to be approved, but I will tell you we are here because statutorily, by law, we're required to be here."

In a memo to Savoie, the township assessor confirmed that 60 percent of the property owners signed the petition. The proposed project's preliminary estimated cost is $662,780, and would have property owners pay $44,185 per parcel.

During the public hearing, the majority who spoke on the issue opposed the project, with only one saying he thought it was a good idea.

The commenters' main issues were that the paved roads would ruin the aesthetic of the subdivision, which has been around for 100 years and is almost all dirt roads, except for the major access roads around it.

"Paving a portion of our roads is contrary to what the original developers envisioned and what our residents want versus what a handful of residents are now proposing," an email to the board of trustees from the board of directors of Bloomfield Estates Improvement Association stated.

That same email said the petition circulated without the knowledge or approval of the board. Many in the community didn't even know the petition was being circulated until a few weeks ago.

Some feared if the roads were paved that the community would suffer as the volume of traffic would increase and drivers would begin using it to cut through the subdivision.

Savoie asked township attorney Derk Beckerleg what the appropriate way to handle this would be if they didn't want to go forward.

"The appropriate action would be to simply not approve resolution number two and then the project would die," Beckerleg said.

The resolution failed a motion for approval, and the board voted unanimously to not approve the project.

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the revenue needed from water and sewer customers, and additional revenue from sewer customers was excess.

Young, of Young and Associates, said after they filed that claim of appeal on behalf of the township last spring the plaintiff filed a cross claim of appeal in May, which was followed by the township's counsel filing a brief of appeal in October 2019. The plaintiff then filed a brief on their cross appeal in late October and a brief in response to their appeal in December. From there, Young filed a reply to that as they are permitted to do under court rules in January 2020, and a brief in

response to the plaintiff's claim of appeal at the end of last month.

Young, who was retained by the township to represent it on the appeal of the adverse ruling that occurred in the Oakland County Circuit Court, said on Monday that the amount of that adverse ruling is now approaching $11 million.

Young noted in February there was a very important development that occurred. After approaching the Michigan Municipal League (MML) and the Michigan Township Association (MTA) about joining the case in support of their decision, he was pleased to report to the township board both organizations

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have now filed a very substantial brief in support of the township's position on this appeal.

"We have been busy and we are just as optimistic about prevailing in this case now as we were before all of these briefs were filed," Young said. "We believe that the law of the state of Michigan is on our side and we believe that there are sufficient facts that have been adduced that will support the application of that law to this case and ultimately unburden the township from this massive judgement."

Young said they believed all the briefing has been done in this case.

Trustee Neal Barnett asked if Young felt their position is even stronger now with the involvement of the MML and the MTA. "I think so," Young replied. "It's important they hear from a litigant who does not have a horse in the race and can actually talk about the fiscal ramifications that will be unleashed if this is permitted to stand."

Moving forward, Young said they are anticipating that oral arguments in the case will most likely occur towards the end of this year, possibly sooner. Currently, there were no dates set from the Michigan Court of Appeals.

Towards the end of the update, supervisor Leo Savoie mentioned how the board's former treasurer (Dan Devine) thought they should have taken the $2.5 million settlement offered. Savoie said one of the issues and problems is that municipalities weren't standing up to these particular lawsuits and everyone was being held hostage to the way those firms viewed it in relation to what the law actually says.

Over the last several years, Kickham Hanley PLLC of Royal Oak has filed water and sewer lawsuits against several other municipalities, in the name of a resident, as class action suits. They came to settlements with Royal Oak, for $2 million; Ferndale, for $4.2 million; Waterford for $1.4 million; and Birmingham, for $2.8 million, among other communities. A class action lawsuit against the city of Westland was dismissed.

"If I'm right, then we're going to put the $2.5 million exactly where it belongs, in the rear view mirror, along with the $11 million judgement," Young said.

04.20

Rezoning approved for new building Bloomfield Township trustees unanimously approved a rezoning request for a new office building at 1675 Telegraph Road at their meeting on Monday, February 24.

The request was to change the zoning from light manufacturing to general business, as well as to approve the site plan for a two-story office building.

Bloomfield Township Deputy Director of Planning, Building and Ordinance Andrea Bibby presented the plans for the site, which had received approvals from all of the necessary township departments, and a recommendation for approval from the township's planning commission.

While the board was pleased to see development of the site, clerk Jan Roncelli was disappointed at its setback, and that it would not be directly visible on Telegraph.

"I have to hand it to you, I wish you were going to be right on Telegraph," said Roncelli, noting the building's location will be set back more than 300 feet from Telegraph.

"Thank you very much for what you're doing for the community, utilizing this land."

Trustee Michael Schostak asked the property owner, Michael McGlothlin, who has owned the property since 2001, what about Bloomfield Township made him what to find a way to rezone the property and develop the site.

"Obviously, we think it's a very exciting area, obviously it's growing and I think the timing's probably about right to do this," McGlothlin said.

"Thank you for your commitment and investment in the community," Schostak said.

Three township roads to be repaved

By Dana Casadei

Bloomfield Township Director of Public Works Thomas Trice went before the board of trustees on Monday, February 24, to ask for approval on the tri-party program for Wing Lake, Wabeek, and Exeter roads and to give the supervisor the necessary authority to sign the agreements.

The tri-party agreement will have Bloomfield Township, Oakland County, and the Road Commission for downtownpublications.com

Oakland County (RCOC) all paying for one-third of the cost of the projects.

According to Trice, the project will cost $385,000 in total to repave all three of the roads. The township will pay an additional $28,277, with the township's total contribution of $147,185 for the project, while the other two parties will pay $118, 908 each. This additional funding has been budgeted in the road fund.

The work being done will include repairs to Exeter Road from Telegraph to Andover, in front of Township Hall; Wabeek Road south of Long Lake to the township's limit at Bent Tree Trail; and Wing Lake Road from Maple to 14 Mile Road.

On Wing Lake, the eight intersections will be extended into the neighborhood. Those additional costs will not be part of the tri-party project, and is estimated at $65,000.

It has been accounted for in the township's roads budget.

Before the vote, trustees Dani Walsh and David Buckley had questions. Walsh had questions from those who live on Wing Lake and wanted to know if this was going to be done after the work on the school administration building was completed.

Trice said no, it would be done in the summer.

"We'd fix the road and then move on," Trice said. "These roads are all built to county standards – they can handle the heavy trucks."

Buckley wanted to know if these roads are worse than others in need of repair.

"Some are worse than others, maybe some aren't, but this is going to be the only opportunity that we're going to have to do any paving," Trice said.

The paving program was eliminated from the township's roads budget, one of the cuts the department had to make after the August special assessment district was rejected by voters.

Supervisor Leo Savoie pointed out with this project they have the ability to get things done quickly and far less expense to the township.

The proposal was approved by all trustees except Walsh, who was allowed to abstain from the vote due to a personal conflict because her mother lives on Wing Lake Road.

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LOCAL 69

LOCAL MATTERS.

Voters approve all March ballot issues

By Lisa Brody and Dana Casadei

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Voters in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills turned out to cast ballots on or prior to Tuesday, March 10, in the presidential primary election, as well as to approve a 10-year, general fund operating millage in Bloomfield Township, a $195 million bond proposal for Birmingham Public Schools to provide funding to address facility needs and a renewal of the Oakland County Art Institute Authority Millage for the Detroit Institute of Arts.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP Voters in Bloomfield Township provided a decisive victory for renewal of a 10-year, general fund operating millage that generates about $5 million a year, by a margin of 65 percent support to 35 in opposition.

Of the 17,205 votes cast, 11,171 supported the millage renewal, with 6,034 voters voting against, the renewal which will “continue to be used to support and fund the operations of the Charter Township of Bloomfield, including but not limited to, Police, Fire, Emergency Medical Services, Department of Public Works and all other general operations of the Charter Township of Bloomfield.

Approval of this proposal would permit a tax levy of up to $1.2401 per $1,000 of taxable value on all taxable property in the Charter Township of Bloomfield as reduced by required millage rollbacks,” per the ballot language.

It is estimated it will generate $5.1 million in the first year of its levy and collection, which will be in December 2020.

“We were very pleased with the results,” said township supervisor Leo Savoie. “I'm just pleased with the voters, that they understood the issues and did not let a small group of voters, with a different agenda, hold the community hostage.”

All precincts in the township but one, precinct four, located at Bowers Farm on E. Square Lake Road between Squirrel and Adams roads, supported the millage renewal.

Services in the township for police, fire and EMS are expected to be maintained at their current level.

BIRMINGHAM PUBLIC SCHOOLS Voters in the Birmingham Public Schools district gave a thumbs up to

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DOWNTOWN

districtwide site and capital improvements, 76 percent, 16,390 votes, to 24 percent, 5115 votes, against.

Birmingham Public Schools includes voters in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Southfield, Southfield Township, Troy and West Bloomfield.

The bond proposal passed overwhelming in all communities and in all precincts.

Among the major features of the $195 million bond proposal are building and site enhancements and improvements to every school within the district; high school athletic field enhancements; Midvale preschool and senior center site improvements; purchase of school buses; security system and technology enhancements; and critical infrastructure improvements, including HVAC, roofing, plumbing and electrical. School officials have said they expect the annual debt millage to remain at or below the 3.8 mills levied in 2019.

DETROIT INSTITUTE OF ARTS Unofficial results listed by the Oakland County Clerk's Election Division showed Oakland County voters approved the Oakland County Art Institute Authority Millage for the Detroit Institute of Arts millage with 75.73 percent, or 268,337 votes, in support, and only 24.27 percent, or 85,986 votes, opposed.

In Bloomfield Township, 75.65 of those casting ballots supported the renewal compared to the 24.32 percent of voters in opposition. The percentage of voters in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills supporting the DIA tax were considerably higher, coming in at 84.15 percent and 80.88 percent for the renewal, respectively.

The proposal renewed a 10-year millage from 2012 to provide county residents with services from the DIA through the Oakland County Art Institute Authority. The DIA was permitted by law to seek a renewal of the millage, which wasn't set to expire until 2022, at a rate of no more than the current .2 mill.

Revenue from this millage will be disbursed to the Art Institute Authority and then transferred to the DIA as permitted by Public Act 296 of 2010. It is estimated that once approved and levied, this millage renewal will generate approximately $13.6 million in 2022 from Oakland County taxpayers.

04.20

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 listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown.

Birmingham/Bloomfield 220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.2220.

5th Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9607.

Adachi: Asian. Lunch & Dinner daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 325 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.540.5900.

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.

Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.626.2630.

Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110.

Beverly Hills Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355.

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 Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774.

Bill's: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Daily. Reservations, lunch only.

Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.646.9000.

Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880.

Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Liquor.

Reservations. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984.

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.

Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily.

Liquor. Call ahead. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000.

China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.758.1221.

Churchill's Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555.

Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer.

877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield

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Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220.

Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.9766.

Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.1135.

Eddie Merlot's: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095.

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 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: European. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009.

248.258.9400.

Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222.

Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American.

Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. No Reservations.

Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham.

248.712.4050.

Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American.

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.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.4369.

IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522.

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner daily; Sunday brunch.

Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.792.9609.

Kaku Sushi and Poke': Asian. Lunch & Dinner. Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. No Liquor. 869 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.480.4785, and 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.885.8631.

Kerby’s Koney Island: American.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.333.1166.

La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.858.5800.

La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar: Italian.

Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.480.0492.

DOWNTOWN

DINE-IN/CARRY-OUT/CATERING 6646 Telegraph Rd. (At Maple Road) Bloomfield Plaza 248.932.0800 • Fax: 248.932.1465

Three ways to get food from Steve's deli: Call your carry-out in with a credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover) and we will be happy to bring it right out to your car, or come in to our carry-out area to pick up.

Or place your order on our website (stevesdeli.com) and order delivery (Doordash) thru OPEN FOR our site.

BUSINESS

248.932.0800 71

SPRING BIRMINGHAM SPRING SHOPPING IS ALWAYS BETTER IN BIRMINGHAM!

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04.20

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, 48304.

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.

Mad Hatter Cafe: Tea Room. Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. No reservations. Liquor.

185 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.0000 Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 30100 Telegraph Rd., Suite 130, Bingham Farms, 48025. 248.723.7960.

Market North End: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.712.4953.

MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.723.0800.

Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2079 S. Telegraph, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581.

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: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.253.9877.

Pernoi: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.940.0000.

Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday; 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. Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304.

248.874.1876 Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270.

Rojo Mexican Bistro: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6200.

Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977.

Sidecar Slider Bar: Burgers. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

280 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham 48009. 248.220.4167.

Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5

downtownpublications.com

or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200.

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, Lunch only. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.9123.

Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 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 Franklin Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 32760 Franklin Rd, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600.

The Gallery Restaurant: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 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 Morrie: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009.

248.940.3260.

The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999.

Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Wednesday-Friday.

Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278.

Tomatoes Apizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner daily. Carryout. 34200 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009.

248.258.0500.

Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009.

248.593.7881.

Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.5241.

Triple Nickel Restaurant and Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 555 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.480.4951.

Vinotecca: European. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009.

248.203.6600.

Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.566.3566.

Zao Jun: Asian. Lunch Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.949.9999.

Royal Oak/Ferndale Ale Mary's: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 316 South Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917.

Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 22651 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680.

Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067.

Bistro 82: French. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.0082.

The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.547.6699.

Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.4749.

Cork Wine Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 48069.

248.544.2675.

Due Venti: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

220 S. Main St., Clawson, 48017.

248.288.0220.

The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220. 248.399.5150.

GreenSpace Cafe: Vegan. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. No reservations.

Liquor. 215. W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.206.7510.

Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 22949 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145.

Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220.

248.543.9500.

KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500.

Kruse & Muer on Woodward: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 28028 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.965.2101.

Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 410 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.591.5459.

Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.584.4227.

Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th St, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947.

One-Eyed Betty: American. Weekend Breakfast. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633.

Pronto!: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7900.

Public House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.850.7420.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak,

DOWNTOWN

48073. 248.549.0300.

Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 326 W. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.546.0888.

Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.1141.

Strada: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday Sunday. Liquor. No reservations. 376 N. Main Street. Royal Oak, 48067.

248.607.3127.

The Morrie: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112.

Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.398.0444.

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.541.1186.

Town Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.7300.

Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.4444.

Twisted Tavern: American. Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22901 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220.

248.545,6750.

Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072.

248.548.7711.

Troy/Rochester Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Rd., Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300.

Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831.

CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.853.6600.

O’Connor’s Irish Public House: Irish.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 324 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537.

Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48083.

248.619.9060.

Kruse & Muer on Main: American.

Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400.

Loccino Italian Grill and Bar: Italian.

Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily.

Liquor. Reservations. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy, 48098. 248.813.0700.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2850 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.637.6400.

The Meeting House: American. Weekend Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main St, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825.

Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.453.5371.

Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083.

73

METRO INTELLIGENCER Metro Intelligencer is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening on the restaurant scene in the metro Detroit area. Metro Intelligencer is reported/created each month by Dana Casadei who can be reached at DanaCasadei@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.

Keep coming as you are If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it, seems to be the motto for new C.A.Y.A. owners Damian and Dianna Knight and Jami and Brandon Blanchard. “We’re gonna keep it pretty much the same as what it is,” said Damian, the restaurant’s new general manager. “I want to take the core that it is, the smokehouse grill, and just expand it.” The restaurant – 1403 S. Commerce Road, Wolverine Lake – had been previously owned by Executive Chef Jeff Rose and his business partners Richard and Rachel Mandell since it opened in 2013. Damian said about 90 percent of the smokehouse menu stayed the same but they did make small changes, like the addition of french fries. In addition, burgers are now made in-house, and instead of the entire menu being a la carte, they are now offering entrees with two sides available for guests. They have also started to implement live music during the week, with plans for a Sunday jazz brunch.

Local deli offering After success with his deli in Okemos and a move to Birmingham, owner and manager Spencer Soka decided it was time to open a Stateside Deli on this side of the state. Located at 653 S. Adams Road, Birmingham, the new deli is in the former home of the Village Coney Island, with plans to open in March.

Soka said they refurbished the entire space with the addition of new walls, floor, and booths to give it an upgrade. As far as the menu goes, people can expect a similar one to their other location, with corned beer, pastrami, and breakfast sandwiches on the menu. There’s also plenty of vegetarian options and gluten-free bread, as well as classic matzo ball soup. The Birmingham location will have the addition of new two breakfast sandwiches. “I really love Birmingham,” Soka said. “I hope the service is excellent and that people enjoy the place and the quality.”

Royal Oak smokehouse How does it feel for Brown Iron Brewhouse co-owner Patti Eisenbraun to finally have their Royal Oak location open? “It’s such a weight off of us because we’re not a chain, we’re three individuals,” said Eisenbraun, who owns the restaurant with her husband, Tim, and partner Deni Smiljanovski.

“It’s a labor of love to do this because we love this.” The new location, 30955 Woodward Avenue Suite 510, Royal Oak, opened in March and has what Patti called a sister menu to their Washington Township location. With a 750pound smoker working overtime, guests will still find smoked salmon, bacon, pulled pork, and beer can chicken, along with more vegan and gluten-free options, and pasta dishes offerings that incorporate burnt end bolognese pasta, vegan mushroom gnocchi, and smoked chicken tortellini. Over 60 taps will rotate and they are currently in the licensing process to get Brown Iron brews – made at their brewery in Washington Township, which was just named Best Craft Beer bar in Michigan for the fifth year in a row by CraftBeer.com – to Royal Oak.

More Frita Batidos For those craving Frita Batidos, they’ll now have an outside option to enjoy the Cuban-inspired street food, out of an Airstream trailer in Cass Corridor by the Midtown Detroit Dog Park. A pop-up in February served as their literal cold opening and chef/owner Eve Aronoff said there are plans to be in the same spot come spring. “It’s not a very easy thing to move...it took us awhile to get parked,” laughed Aronoff, who was inspired to open the Airstream trailer by her college years working as a hot dog vendor outside Fenway Park.

“Now that we’re there, we’re ready to be there.” The menu will have items from their Ann Arbor and Detroit locations, and offer at least three different kinds of their famous fritas and batidos, leaving room for the occasional

248.689.2332.

Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845.

NM Café: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084.

248.816.3424.

Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Blvd, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.375.9200.

Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500.

Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.524.1944.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084.

248.816.8000.

Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

134 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48037. 248.659.8267. Also 2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084.

248.614.5390.

Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424.

Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Rd., Rochester, 48306.

248.652.4500.

Steelhouse Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1129 E. Long Lake Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.817.2980.

Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307.

248.453.5291.

West Bloomfield/Southfield Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600.

Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034.

The Bombay Grille: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 29200 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, 48334. 248.626.2982.

The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.851.8782.

Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine.

6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081.

Meriwether’s: Seafood. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, 48034. 248.358.1310.

Nonna Maria’s: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake

Road, West Bloomfield, 48323.

248.851.2500.

Pickles & Rye: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890.

Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.865.0500.

Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.626.8585.

Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.

538.8954.

Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.855.6622.

Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.737.8282.

West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean.

Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday, Dinner. Reservations. Liquor.

340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381.

248.684.4223.

It's A Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390.

248.360.4150.

The Root Restaurant & Bar: American.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday - Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake, 48390.

248.698.2400.

Volare Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393.

248.960.7771.

North Oakland Clarkston Union: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346.

248.620.6100.

Holly Hotel: American. Afternoon Tea, Monday – Saturday, Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 110 Battle Alley, Holly, 48442.

248.634.5208.

Kruse's Deer Lake Inn: Seafood. Lunch & dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7504 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346.

248.795.2077.

The Fed: American. Lunch and Dinner daily, Brunch, Saturday and Sunday.

Liquor. 15 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.297.5833 Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston. 48346. 248.620.8500.

Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday – Sunday.

No reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346. 248.625.5660

Detroit Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2684 E. Jefferson, Detroit, 48207.

313.965.3111.

Cliff Bell’s: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.961.2543.

Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit, 48202. 313.872.5110.

The Detroit Seafood Market: Seafood.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 1435 Randolph St., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.4180.

El Barzon: Mexican. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 3710 Junction St., Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070.

Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun. Breakfast, daily. Sunday Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Saturday.

Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226.

313.965.4600.

Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Blvd., Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122.

Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.5588.

Jefferson House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd., Detroit, 48226. 313.782.4318.

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday- Friday, Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.6837.

Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2601 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48216.

313.309.7946.

Mario’s: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616.

Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 4710 Cass Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.974.7669.

Motor City Brewing Works: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700.

1917 American Bistro: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 19416 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 48221.

313.863.1917.

Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette St, Detroit, 48226.

313.309.2499.

Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.962.2100.

Selden Standard: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.438.5055.

SheWolf Pastifico & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday through Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 438 Selden St, Detroit 48201.

313.315.3992.

Sinbad’s: Seafood. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

100 St Clair St., Detroit, 48214.

313.822.8000.

Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.9828.

St. CeCe’s Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1426 Bagley Ave., Detroit, 48216.

313.962.2121.

Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1234.

Taqueria Nuestra Familia: Mexican.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7620 Vernor Hwy., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.5668.

The Block: American. Sunday Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 3919 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892.

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 519 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.964.4010.

Traffic Jam & Snug: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

511 W. Canfield, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.9470.

24grille: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226.

313.964.3821.

Union Street: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4145 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.3965.

Vince’s: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1341 Springwells St., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.4857.

Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American.

Saturday Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market St., Detroit, 48207.

313.393.1711.

The Whitney: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & High Tea, Monday-Friday. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700.

Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1646.

Wolfgang Puck Steak: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226.

313.465.1411.

Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Ave Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711.

special. And since they’re right by the dog park – and all dog lovers – they will have food available for customers’ furrier friends. Once the weather is nicer, Aronoff said they plan to be open from at least Thursdays to Sundays. If they prove popular, she said they would be willing to extend their hours.

James Beard Award nominations For those who love to dine out in Detroit, Ann Arbor, and Birmingham (post coronavirus), they’ll see familiar names on the list for this year’s James Beard Award semi-finalists. Birmingham’s Sameer and Sami Eid, who own Phoenicia, Forest, and Leila, were nominated for Outstanding Restaurateur.

Detroit nominees cover categories from Sugar House’s Outstanding Bar Program to Best New Restaurant for Saffron De Twah. “Like, what are the odds of me ever getting nominated for a James Beard Award again in my lifetime? Slim to none,” said Omar Anani, owner of Saffron De Twah. “If we don’t win, we don’t win – but at least we’ve done everything we’re proud of that got us the recognition.” Multiple local chefs received nominations for Best Chef Great Lakes, including Ima’s Mike Ransom, Marrow’s Sarah Welch, and Andy Hollyday of Selden Standard. Winners are scheduled to be announced May 4.

Going to church The interior at 9321 Rosa Parks Boulevard, Detroit, still resembles the church it once was but there have been some additions, like a full-service coffee bar.

Appropriately called The Congregation, the new cafe and bar opened in early March and was created from the idea by a group of locals who wanted to bring something to the neighborhood and bring the church back to life.

“It’s kind of surreal,” said co-owner Betsy Murdoch about their recent opening. “It’s been one of those things we’ve talked about and planned for so long that now it’s just odd to me to actually be doing it.” The menu has coffee drinks and wine, beer, and cocktails. There’s food too, including fresh baked goods, and a small menu of sandwiches – such as a turkey pesto that’s already proven popular – salads, soups, and shareables. Coffee and food are served all day with The Congregation’s bar opening midday.

Mother/daughter bakery When Jodie Polk and Jessica Barris say the Culinary Combo Bakery is a family business they mean it. The mother-daughter duo are shooting to open their first brick-and-mortar – 29260 Franklin Road, Unit 126, in Southfield – in May. This has been a long time coming for Polk, who used to run the business with her husband, Jim, who unfortunately died in 2018 from pancreatic cancer. “It feels surreal to be picking paint chips and floor coloring and furniture,” Polk said. While the original concept focused on gift baskets, this new location will allow guests to come in and enjoy some sweet treats, coffee, and tea. Polk said the muffin and scone flavors will change daily, and their infamous brownies, lemon bars, and cookies will grace the menu. The duo plan to use real China dishware for dine-in customers, “So they feel like they’re having a cup of coffee in their own home type of atmosphere,” Polk said.

New Royal Oak coffee shop James and Jodie Courtney – co-owners of the recently opened Proving Grounds Coffee – know there are a lot of coffee shops in Royal Oak, but so far, so good for the new spot. Jodie said they aren’t trying to take market share away, they’re expanding it. With seven different milk varieties, which they don’t charge extra for, inventive lattes, and house-made roasted beans, Jodie said this location – 417 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak – feels a little more upscale and for a slightly younger crowd than their Milford location. On the food side of the menu, they have loads of fresh, made-to-order sandwiches, including multiple vegetarian options, breakfast sandwiches served all day, and ice cream. They’ll also have a second-floor playscape opening in May. “It’s a real joy to be in the Royal Oak community, finally,” she said.

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BUSINESS MATTERS Streetside’s 25th year Downtown Birmingham’s Streetside Seafood, 273 Pierce Street, celebrated its 25th anniversary of serving fresh oysters, shrimp cocktails, gorganzola-topped cole slaw, creative seafood specialties and fine wine on March 19. In honor of the celebration, Roberts Restaurant Group, owner of Streetside, presented special three-course meals for $25 for the month of March. They also entered every diner in a drawing to be the winner of one of four $250 gift certificates to one of the restaurant group’s establishments, which includes Beverly Hills Grill, Bill’s, Cafe ML, Town Tavern and Roadside B&G. The popular Streetside location was originally Richard & Reiss, a charming café that served muffins, croissants, espresso and cappuccino each morning and sandwiches and salads at lunchtime – well before the advent of Starbucks. Bill Roberts, proprietor of Roberts Restaurant Group, purchased Richard & Reiss in 1983, eventually acquiring one of the last of Birmingham’s Class C liquor licenses, and added dinner service. “For many years, we were a restaurant with two faces,” said Roberts. “Casual cafeteria-style food by day and then finer dining with wine and beer in the evening.” In 1995, he gutted the restaurant, added a small bar, and debuted Streetside Seafood, serving dinner daily and lunch weekdays, with daily specials on chalkboards. For the last 10 years, Streetside has been recognized by Wine Spectator with an Award of Excellence for its wine list.

Personal hair salon After doing hair for 23 years all over the Birmingham area, most recently at Beauty Collective in Birmingham, Deanna Salerno has finally realized her dream of having her own salon with Colore downtownpublications.com

Room, 588 N. Old Woodward, Suite 2. Located in a former tailer shop to the side of Birmingham’s Lot 6, where the Farmers Market takes place, the intimate space – all of 525 square feet, Salerno said – opened January 1. “I do everything to do with hair – color, haircuts, updos. I have someone come in by appointment who does makeup and eyebrows,” she said.

The smaller space allows for privacy and personal service, Salerno said. “I love making people feel beautiful.” Colore Room is open Tuesdays through Saturdays.

New financial option April will see a new financial opportunity with the opening of Chief Financial Credit Union at 189 Merrill Street in Birmingham.

Chief Financial Credit Union has been meeting the financial needs of its members in Pontiac since 1941, expanding to the greater Rochester area and Dearborn along the way. “The chief financial goal is to be more than money. We have placed corporate social responsibility at the core of our foundation and intend to tirelessly work toward making our world a better place,” the company states on its website.

Birmingham branch’s manager will be Lindsay Warf, who said she has been networking with business and non-profit leaders, including the Birmingham Chamber and The Community House.

Soccer Plus closing Soccer fans are going to have to find a new place to shop for cleats, jerseys and other soccer gear, with the closing of Soccer Plus, 2191 S. Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township Square north of Square Lake Road. Owner Kristin Calloway, who has run the store with her dad Pat Calloway, said they had decided not to renew the lease at the Bloomfield and Livonia store

locations, although Motor City Soccer in Novi, a companion location at Grand River just east of Wixom Road, will stay open.

Calloway said they will also continue to operate a factory in Livonia near Schoolcraft and Newburgh roads to provide jerseys and other gear for soccer clubs.

Vintage T’s Just in time for spring, ABC Vintage, located at 154 W. Maple in Birmingham, is opening for business in late March after a complete overhaul of the space.

The clean and contemporary store highlights specialty vintage goods from the retailers behind Revive, an upscale men’s boutique at 157 W. Maple, directly across the street, in what used to be a second Revive location.

Law firm expands To serve its growing client base and expanding attorney roster, Varnum law firm has opened its fourth Michigan office in Birmingham at 260 E. Brown Street. “Our new Birmingham office, together with our downtown Detroit, Novi and Ann Arbor locations, is strategically positioned to serve our growing client base in southeast Michigan,” said firm chair Ron DeWaard. “Our goal is to double the size of the office in the coming year. Moving attorneys from the Novi and Detroit locations also opens up space in those offices, which had been at capacity.”

Mike Romaya, a senior attorney in Varnum’s finance group, serves as the lead partner for the Birmingham office. Varnum is a business law firm with 175 attorneys in eight offices.

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David Williams s the neighborhood of one's upbringing a determining factor in a person's economic or social mobility? Does race impact social mobility, even among generations of families in the same socioeconomic class?

Former Detroiter David Williams thinks so, and he can back this up with lots and lots of data.

Williams is a former senior adviser to Mayor Mike Duggan and now the policy director at Harvard University's Opportunity Insights, a non-partisan, not-for-profit organization that seeks to translate gleanings from rigorous, scientific research to policy change by harnessing the power of "big data."

Williams believes that the exhaustive comprehensive data available for free in an online "opportunity atlas" on the organization's website can help impoverished families "rise out of poverty and reclaim the American Dream," as he recently wrote in a TIME magazine Ideas opinion piece.

"One central part of our research is the importance of neighborhoods and a better understanding of how and what local conditions impact children."

An alumnus of Cranbrook Kingswood High School, Harvard, and Harvard Law School, Williams started his career in examining how data shapes public policy in Duggan's office. At that time, Detroit was on the cusp of the largest municipal bankruptcy in the country's history. One in every three homes in Detroit was lost through tax foreclosure. He managed large-scale real estate and community revitalization projects, neighborhood planning initiatives, and policies related to economic mobility, land use, and equitable development.

Now, he gives a nod to economic comeback and upward mobility for the residents of Detroit neighborhoods like Grandmont, Rosedale, and Aviation, especially for the young black men and women who grow up there.

"I was proud of the work we did to bring government together with the corporate and philanthropic communities to create a comprehensive, affordable housing strategy and neighborhood revitalization plan that would

I

put us on the path back to rebuilding our city sustainably."

Much of the work he is doing now concentrates on examining mobility trends in Charlotte, North Carolina. Despite the banking boom in Charlotte, the city's inner core had some of the lowest rates of upward mobility in the country. Opportunity Insights is working with Charlotte's community leaders to extend and distribute opportunities to all growing up in Charlotte.

Williams believes studying economic trends in Charlotte can be applied to affect policy change for Detroit. Ultimately, he hopes the data will provide a pathway for opportunity for families in both cities as they undergo an economic renaissance.

"As Detroit begins to grow and receive new investment, we must make sure that opportunity is accessible for everyone," Williams said. "It's great to see that dedication to local Detroiters evident in the Mayor's plans with programs like Grow Detroit's Young Talent and Detroit at Work."

Personally, Williams attributes his success to growing up in an African American, middle-class neighborhood in Southfield and being nurtured not only by his parents but the mentorship and a strong sense of community he found in his black teachers and coaches.

"When I was young, my parents moved from out-of-state to Southfield because of its reputation for inclusivity and good schools," said Williams.

"My teachers and coaches were African American. Going to college was assumed. I believe those expectations shaped who I am today."

When Williams returns to metro Detroit for visits, he enjoys dining in the city's newest restaurants and admires that these establishments and other businesses are built by a new generation of young entrepreneurs, many who are his friends.

Story: Stacy Gittleman

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THE COMMUNITY HOUSE Are you self-employed?

The Coronavirus Pandemic “This is a generation-defining moment. And like every such moment that has gone before, it is not only the crisis itself but also how we respond that matters most.”

Amy Gutmann, UPENN President The Community House Family has responded heroically. Everyone has had truly difficult decisions to make. That we have done so together will contribute directly to the health, safety and lives of members of our community and countless others. We will continue to do this guided by the best understanding and evidence for what will protect and save lives.

With dozens of confirmed cases of coronavirus in Michigan and expectations for that number to grow as more people get tested, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer used her emergency powers as chief executive to curtail daily activities where Michiganians may be in close proximity of each other. Social distancing is now being practiced all over the world to stem the outbreak of this virus.

We have met the challenge. It will hurt, but we will be better for it. In the meantime, be kind to yourself, and to one another.

At Luxury Mortgage Corp®, we make it simple to get approved. ͻ >ŽĂŶ ĂŵŽƵŶƚ ƵƉ ƚŽ ΨϲD • No tax returns

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Gerald Brody

As we navigate through these unchartered waters together, I would like to personally thank the entire Community House family, our donors, supporters, volunteers, the communities in which we serve and our loyal staff – for their courage, strength and support during these unprecedented times. Tough decisions have been made; sacrifices met. It has been wrenching and difficult. But, “this too shall pass.” Be well. Stay well.

^ƌ͘ DŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ >ŽĂŶ KƌŝŐŝŶĂƚŽƌ ϮϵϮϬϬ EŽƌƚŚǁĞƐƚĞƌŶ ,ŝŐŚǁĂLJ͕ ^ƚĞ͘ ϯϬϬ ^ŽƵƚŚĮĞůĚ͕ D/ ϰϴϬϯϰ ͗ ϮϰϴͲϱϮϭͲϬϬϯϭ ͮ K͗ ϮϰϴͲϳϭϰͲϰϵϮϯ ED>^η ϯϵϳϲϰϮ͖ >ŝĐĞŶƐĞĚ ŝŶ D/

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Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines.

Equal Housing Lender. ©2019 Luxury Mortgage Corp. This is not a commitment to lend. Restrictions apply. Some products may not be available in all states. NMLS # 2745. www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Michigan 1st and 2nd Mortgage Broker/Lender/Servicer Registrant License# FR0021279/SR0021280. Luxury Mortgage Corp.®, luxurymortgage.com®, and Luxury Mortgage® are registered service marks of Luxury Mortgage Corp. All Rights Reserved.

As we look ahead, hopeful and reassured, many noble non-profit and charitable organizations will require more time, more talent, more treasure. After the recovery, whether short or long, volunteers will be needed.

If, after the crisis, you are looking to help out, meet friends, share ideas or be a part of something bigger – look no farther than the 10 highly respected non-profit and supported groups that also call the historic Community House “home.” These impactful groups making a true difference in our community include: Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of commerce: • Contact: Joe Bauman, President, 248.644.1700 x 6135, joeb@bbcc.com Birmingham Lions Club: • Contact: Bob McCready, President, bobmclassic@aol.com Birmingham Optimist Club: • Contact: Christine Lynn, President, Christinelynn@hallandhunter.com Birmingham Shopping District: • Contact: Ingrid Tighe, Executive Director, 248.530.1200, itighe@bhamgov.org Rotary Club: • Contact: John Schrot, President, jschrot@berrymoorman.com Birmingham Bloomfield Newcomers Club: • Contact: Monika Jacobs, President, 248.722.0454 birmingham teen council: • Contact: Sophie Roth, Chair, 248.310.0582, birminghamteencouncil@gmail.com Senior Men’s Club of birmingham: • Contact: Jerry Stribbell, President, 248.661.0627 gws0522@gmail.com StoryTellers Guild: • Contact: Council Co-Chairs; Pat Boland-Saoud, pat@thebolands.net; Sue Duda, spduda@yahoo.com The Women’s Club: • Contact: Marianne Morrow, President, 847.952.6640 morrowmp1@gmail.com

EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY

KEEP IT Downtown.

The only publication of its kind in Birmingham/Bloomfield.

Quality editorial environment.

Produced by local residents from offices in downtown Birmingham.

Join the local business leaders, almost 400 of whom use Downtown on a regular basis, in our May issue.

Ad deadline Friday, April 10.

Note: As of this printing, out of an abundance of safety and caution, The Community House is closed to the public. Some Community House and Community House Foundation staff will be available throughout the shutdown. For private tours or more information, please call our main number at 248.644.5832 and listen to the instructions. Postponed or rescheduled events, classes or initiatives are posted on our website at communityhouse.com. *No Spring Classes will be held at The Community House.

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House and The Community House Foundation in Birmingham.

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SOCIETY NOTEBOOK/GIGI NICHOLS

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Coalition on Temporary Shelter Soup City

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This year’s COTS Soup City was held at the Gem Theatre and themed “The Roaring Twenties Edition.”

Those attending were encouraged to dress in 1920s attire. The event offered music, art and soup galore from more than 30 metro Detroit restaurants. Guests also enjoyed the smooth sounds of Alexander Zonjic and Friends in the Jazz Café and danced to a host of other musicians and entertainers throughout the venue. The evening raised $150,000 for COTS – creating opportunities for families to collaborate, thrive, and succeed in building strong and stable households, neighborhoods, and communities.

1. Evelyn and Kenton Smith of Berkley and COTS CEO Cheryl P. Johnson of W. Bloomfield. 2. Eric Roach of Clinton Twp., Dave Vivio of Bloomfield and Tim O’Brien of Shelby Twp. 3. Sheila and Tom Carrey of Livonia and John and Jeanette Gulbernat of S. Lyon. 4. Emcees Jason Carr of WDIV and Taryn Asher of Fox2. 5. Rose and Carlos Reyes of Detroit. 6. Jerry Magnotte of St. Clair Shores, Pat Miller of Troy, Denise Warren and Carl Dean of Rochester Hills. 7. Margaret Fitzgerald, Anna Fleckenstein, Joan Reiber of Grosse Pointe Farms. 8. Anne Osmer of Huntington Woods and Joanne Candella of Shelby Twp.

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Variety Spuds and Soup(er) Bowl

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Dante Rosa and Aubrey Tobin chaired the Variety the Children's Charity “Slider, Spuds and Soup(er) Bowl” at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. The food-centric event offered a competition between local chefs for the best Soup, Spud and Slider. Three Cats in Clawson was the big winner, taking People’s Choice Awards for Sliders, Spuds and Soup and Critics’ Choice Awards for Slider and Spuds. Crispelli's Bakery & Pizzeria was awarded the Critics’ Choice for Soup. Proceeds of nearly $57,000 will benefit Variety – providing vital support and essential services to children with special needs in the community. 1. Ruthie and Marty Seltzer of Birmingham. 2. Variety Executive Director Michelle Murphy of Macomb, David King of Birmingham and Jennie Cascio of Bloomfield. 3. Lois Hamill of Rochester Hills, Susan Hall of Birmingham and Ellen Chase of Troy. 4. Co-chair Dante Rosa and Julie Ann Rosa of Macomb. 5. Jeffrey King of Birmingham and Merle and Chuck Wolfson of W. Bloomfield. 6. Kim and Paul Fortin of Birmingham and Susan Hall of Birmingham. 7. Emily Cetner of Bloomfield, Sarah Fontana and Laura Hentgen of Troy.

8. Sharon Karry, Tammy Jeskie, and Connie Palmer of Birmingham, Helen Godfrey of Bloomfield.

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Detroit Crime Commission Sound the Siren

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The Detroit Crime Commission hosted a high-energy event at Bleu Detroit, raising just over $40,000 to help extinguish human trafficking. Approximately 170 guests enjoyed music from Ben Sharkey and a strolling dinner provided by nine local restaurants. The evening was co-chaired by Stephani Yates and Amy Ben-Ezra. The Detroit Crime Commission’s mission is to act as a citizen ally to public and private organizations in southeast Michigan, by facilitating the prevention, investigation and prosecution of crime leading to a safer place to live, learn and work.

1. Lisa Speaks, Heather Erickson, Sue Brodsky and Cindy Foster of Bloomfield.

2. Stephanie Krause of Sylvan Lake and Lauren Eton of Bloomfield.

3. Burton and Sue Brodsky of Bloomfield. 4. Craig and Janna Snyder of Bloomfield.

5. Mike and Amy Kanarios of Bloomfield. 6. Angela and Francis Meram of Bloomfield. 7. Matt and Sherry Dobbie of Bloomfield. 8. Sherry Dobbie, Angela Meram, Karen Bierley of Bloomfield.

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Community House Bates Street Society Dinner

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Fox 2 News Anchor Huel Perkins served as Master of Ceremonies for the annual Bates Street Society Dinner. The event inducted seven donors who have made significant charitable contributions to support the work and mission of The Community House. This year’s dinner also recognized nine individuals as “Pillars of Vibrancy.” Pillar honorees included Dr. Brian Berman, Margaret Cooney Casey, Mary Kramer, Hannan Lis, Dr. Ora Hirsch Pescovitz, Keith Pomeroy, Christine and David Provost and Linda Solomon. Rose and Brian Bolyard received the President’s Community Leadership Award. 1. Faye and George Miller of Birmingham. 2. Nora and Brian Berman of Birmingham.

3. Doreen Hermelin of Birmingham, Keith Pomeroy of Birmingham and Lisa Lis of Farmington Hills.

4. Keith and Carole Deyer of Birmingham. 5. Mary Kramer of Detroit and Bill Volz of Bloomfield.

6. Richard Ericksen and Kimberly Williams of Birmingham. 7. Vickie Miska of Troy, Bill Dow of Birmingham, John and Debbie Schrot of Birmingham. 8. Chris and Judy Pochmara of Grosse Pointe Woods, honorees Rose and Brian Bolyard of Birmingham, Nancy and Jake Bolyard of Bloomfield.

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GigiNichols@downtownpublications.com 248.515.6105

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The Birmingham Educational Foundation Unabashed Bash

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The Birmingham Educational Foundation’s (BEF) Unabashed Bash was held at the Townsend Hotel in Birmingham. The celebration featured dinner, student entertainment, live and silent auctions, and games, all to benefit Birmingham Public Schools. This year’s event honored Geri Rinschler with the BEF Legacy Award. Rinschler was chosen in recognition of her years of dedicated service to BPS, including serving as a school board member, BEF trustee and member of the character education steering committee. Over $174,000 in proceeds will benefit the BEF. 1. BEF Executive Director Alison Hendry of Troy and Liz Rito of Beverly Hills. 2. Seth and Arielle Helfman of Birmingham and Paul Wills of Bloomfield. 3. Paul and Kristin Wills of Bloomfield and Yeimy and Scott Smith of Franklin. 4. Seth and Arielle Helfman of Birmingham.

5. David and Susan Priestley of Birmingham. 6. Diane and Scott Borovich of Bloomfield and Tom and Julie Aubrey of Bingham Farms. 7. Jennifer Green and Kim Rodriguez of Birmingham. 8. Geri Rinschler, Lori Soifer and Susan Hill of Birmingham.

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Cabaret 313 featuring Christine Andreas Joanne Danto and Arnold Weingarden sponsored Cabaret 313’s performance featuring Christine Andreas at the Detroit Institute of Arts Rivera Court. A sold-out crowd of 288 patrons attended two performances with a dinner option at the DIA’s Kresge Court. This marked Andreas’s third appearance with Cabaret 313. Her performance included romantic songs in French and English. As part of its mission, Cabaret 313 also fosters the growth of the art form through educational programming. The day following the performance, Andreas taught a master class for students of Mosaic Youth Theatre in Detroit. 1. Richard Miga and Susan Kehoe of Bloomfield.

2. Pamela Ayres and Julie McManus of Bloomfield. 3. Performer Christine Andreas of NYC and Hazel Karbel of Huntington Woods. 4. Howard and Brenda Rosenberg of Bloomfield. 5. Eliot Banks and Susan Silk of Bloomfield.

6. Ken and Kyle Hall of Farmington Hills, Candace Cleland of Gilford Lake, OH. 7. Linda Goodman of W.

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Bloomfield and Joel Seguine of Ann Arbor. 8. Molly and Paul Dorset of Birmingham.

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SOCIETY NOTEBOOK/GIGI NICHOLS

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Junior League of Birmingham School Days Trivia Night

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Approximately 130 members of the Junior League of Birmingham (JLB) and their guests gathered at the Lafayette Grand in Pontiac for “School Days Trivia Night.” Attendees were encouraged to dress in school-days themed costumes. Prizes were awarded for best dressed and best decorated table. Guests enjoyed food and drink and eight rounds of trivia, all to benefit the JLB. The Junior League teaches women to act as catalysts for lasting change while improving the community through partnerships with organizations focused on assisting women in crisis. 1. Marcia Skinner of Bloomfield, JLB President Sarah Todebush of Royal Oak and Noelle Schiffer of Bloomfield. 2. Brennan Willis of Saline, Christopher and Devon Cook of Bloomfield. 3. Jane O’Shea of Birmingham, Grayce Yeager of Auburn Hills and Kate Smith of Farmington Hills. 4. Elizabeth Kruppe of Bloomfield and Joe Calorio of Rochester. 5. Susie Sherman-Hall of Pleasant Ridge and Alyce Tassoni of Birmingham.

6. Dana Sorensen and Grant Juth of Bloomfield and Meredith Miller of Ann Arbor. 7. Angela Buccellato of Royal Oak, co-chairs Meghan Murray of Birmingham and Jenny Galey of Troy. 8. Erica Dovitz, Kari Silver and Jillian Levine of Royal Oak, Lindsey Schwartz of Boston and Blair Schwartz of Royal Oak.

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St. Regis Catholic School Masquerade Ball

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Bridget Sagmani served as chair for this year’s St. Regis Masquerade Ball at the DoubleTree Hilton in Bloomfield. Two hundred guests attended the festivities which included cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions, raffle, DJ and dancing. Dave Santia took the stage for three performance paintings of Sparty, Bo Schembechler and the Spirit of Detroit, which were later included in the live auction. Proceeds raised from the event will go to security enhancements, technology, curriculum experiences and building improvements/maintenance. 1. Bill Venner of Bloomfield, Jeremey and Katie Brydges of Canton and Pat Rivard of Bloomfield. 2. Ella and Jodie Kennedy of Bloomfield and Isabella Marougi of Bloomfield. 3. Mike and Marina Brock of Birmingham.

4. Jason and Kristine Vazzano of Bloomfield. 5. Heather and Bill Venner of Bloomfield.

6. Andrea and Bill Trapani of Bloomfield. 7. Bryan and Rachel Leith of Bloomfield.

8. chair Bridget Sagmani of W. Bloomfield and Janae Condit of Beverly Hills.

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GigiNichols@downtownpublications.com 248.515.6105

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Alzheimer’s Association Women’s Research Event

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The Greater Michigan Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association hosted a Women’s Research Luncheon at the Treasury in Pontiac. Dr. Rebecca Edelmayer, director of Scientific Engagement for the Alzheimer’s Association, delivered the keynote address to a group of 200 supporters. Lori Kontry was recognized with the Special Caregiver Award. The Alzheimer's Association leads the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. 1. Kyle Leonard of Bloomfield, Erin Lin of Dearborn and Kristin Rossi of Detroit. 2. Kristin Hughes of Troy, President and CEO Jennifer Lepard of Royal Oak, Chris Ward of Beverly Hills. 3. Danielle Petcoff and Maureen O’Reilly of Birmingham.

4. Julie Marx and Joan Stern of Bloomfield. 5. Gina Coleman of Beverly Hills and Chelsea Nakken of Bloomfield. 6. Randi LaFave of Berkley, Jamie Barwin of Wolverine Lake, Nicole Wirick of Bloomfield and Maureen McDonald of Clarkston. 7. Marianne Engstrom of Washington Twp., Wendy Jones of Rochester, Barbara Rodin of Bloomfield and Natalie Rosenfield of Walled Lakeb.

8. Emily Remington of Royal Oak and Sean Maher of Birmingham.

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Leader Dogs for the Blind, Dinner in the Dark

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Leader Dogs for the Blind held its annual “Dinner in the Dark,” at the MGM Grand, Detroit. Over 750 attending guests were treated to a black carpet entrance and an opportunity for pictures with a Canine Ambassador. A three-course dinner was served under blindfold while patrons were guided through their meals. The evening concluded with a Motown Revue featuring the legendary Contours, Miracles and Vandellas. Over 20 dogs and puppies, in various stages of their training, also attended the event which raised funding for programs and services for people who are blind, visually-impaired or deaf-blind.

1. Bob and Liz Smythe of Birmingham. 2. John Reed of Bloomfield, Mary Jo and Mike Sullivan of Bloomfield. 3. Alex Davidson of Clawson, Julie Reed and Anne Toal of Bloomfield.

4. Adam and Nicole Wirick of Bloomfield. 5. Barbara Poelman and “Dessi” of Royal Oak. 6. President and CEO Sue Daniels of Livonia and Steve Guarini of Washington Twp. 7. Marsha Kelliher, Jennifer and Ryan Lauhoff of Rochester. 8. Jackie and Frank Carmona of Troy.

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SOCIETY NOTEBOOK/GIGI NICHOLS

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St. Hugo Time to Shine Auction

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The 2020 St. Hugo Catholic School Auction was held at the DoubleTree Hilton in Bloomfield. The event, themed “Time to Shine,” was chaired by Sandy Orow and Tracey Jacob. Nearly 400 guests enjoyed cocktails, strolling dinner, musical entertainment and an auction. Event proceeds will go towards a long list of items including cafeteria and food enhancements, an integrated concession stand, restroom upgrades, installation of shatterproof windows, new drinking fountains, as well as many technology and academic upgrades. 1. Co-chairs Tracey Jacob of Bloomfield and Sandy Orow of Troy. 2. Megan Carter of Bloomfield, Marlia Budiongan of Bloomfield, Andrea Lovasco of Beverly Hills and Sara Drlik of Birmingham. 3. Holly and Achim Qundt of Birmingham. 4. Larry and Tracey Jacob of Bloomfield. 5. Elizabeth and Ernest Bedia of Bloomfield. 6. Zaina Elia of Bloomfield, Raquel Orow of Troy, and Nicole Orow of Rochester.

7. Erik and Helen Nordstrom of Bloomfield. 8. Ed and Sara Abrou of Bloomfield.

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Eton Academy Gala & Auction Eton Academy in Birmingham is a full-curriculum independent school for students who learn differently, serving over 220 students in grades 1 through 12. The Academy hosted its annual fundraiser “2020 Vision: Our Future Is Clear” to over 300 school supporters. The event included a silent and live auction, formal seated dinner and raffle. The evening netted nearly half a million dollars. Monies raised will be utilized for scholarships, assistive technology needs for classrooms, and essential specialized training for teachers. 1. Amy Margolis and Lori Barron of Birmingham.

2. Louise and Graham Sloan of Bloomfield. 3. Stephanie and Sterling Chapa of Bloomfield.

4. Caterfina DeFalco and Pierre Barthelemy of Birmingham. 5. Neena James and Dr. Donald

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James of Troy. 6. Brian and Sara Flynn of Birmingham. 7. Magnus and Annika Ostberg of Birmingham. 8. Christine Olde of Birmingham and Ann Zingas of Clinton Twp.

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Area Mortgage Lending Sales Manager NMLS No. 697437 P: (248) 689-9744 | C: 248.952.4914 Mlabie@ibcp.com Mortgagemadesimple.net

Maria Labie

Birmingham FootCare Specialists Physicians and Surgeons of the Foot Foot and ankle surgery • Heel pain • Plantar fasciitis • Nail problems • Neuromas • Fractures • Bunions and hammer toes • Diabetic foot care

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KATHY BROOCK & CO. SU PP ORT I NG M IC H IG A N ’ S #1 R E A LTOR ® L E A DI NG T H E STAT E FOR T E N C ONSEC U T I V E Y E A R S

OOVVEERR $$115522 ,, 00 00 0 , 0 0 0 SS O OLLD D IINN 22001199 ATK K ATHHYYBBRROOOOCCKK & & CCO OM M PA PA N Y, Y EED AT AT YO OU UW WIILLLL BBEE GGUA UARRAANNT T ED L UXXUURRYY RREEPPRREESSEEN NTTAT AT II O ON N AT LU AT EEVVEERRYY PPRRI ICCEE PPOOI N I NT T

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275 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, MI 48009