Downtown Newsmagazine | Birmingham/Bloomfield

DOWNTOWN07.24

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CRIME MAP

A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format, plus a reminder about an online interactive map with story details on public safety incidents.

24 OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

Dani Walsh problems worsen; tax dollars promoting Congressional members; latest guesswork on 2026 gubernatorial hopefuls; Dixon challenged on gift to staffer; Manoogian gets on Biden campaign; dark days at Oakland GOP; plus more.

49 MUNICIPAL

Ownership application snag on The Morrie; security system cameras replaced; ownership rep for the Next project; beatdown at the Village Fair; design considerations a concern; senior center feasibility; noise ordinance support; new Shain Park townhouses; plus more.

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WATER FLUORIDATION CONTROVERSY RETURNS

Community Water Fluoridation is regarded by the Centers for Disease Control as one of the 10 greatest achievements in public health in the 20th Century. The practice has reduced tooth decay in the United States by up to 60 percent. However, fluoridation of public water supplies is now becoming a point of contention, raising an age-old controversy most had thought was laid to rest decades ago.

Photo by Laurie Tennent

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DOROTHEE SCHUMACHER

HENRY BEGUELIN

BIRMINGHAM | BLOOMFIELD

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David Hohendorf

NEWS EDITOR

Lisa Brody

NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS

Hillary Brody Anchill | Cris Braun | Dana Casadei | Tracy Donohue | Stacy Gittleman | Austen Hohendorf

Grace Lovins | Jeanine Matlow | Gigi Nichols | Susan Peck | Carla Schwartz | William Seklar | Mark H. Stowers

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Laurie Tennent | TJ Michael | Mackenzie O'Brien | Chris Ward

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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.

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For those not receiving a free mail copy, paid subscriptions are available. To secure a paid subscription, go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order 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. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, PO Box 1630 Birmingham MI 48012-1630. If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes.

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CRIME MAP

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INCOMING

Cognitive dissonance case

As you may have heard, Florida governor Ron DeSantis is not an environmentalist, as evidenced by recent legislation that forbids references to climate change in state policy. But, as evidenced by the recent floods that dumped up to 20 inches of rain over a large swath of the state, his approach to climate has not aged well.

What’s worse: shortly before those storms hit, he signed a bill cutting $205 million in stormwater, wastewater and sewer projects from the state’s budget, exacerbating the already apocalyptic situation.

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length of 175-200 words. We also reserve the right to edit letters for length if necessary. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, PO Box 1630 Birmingham MI 48012-1630

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The irony is that Florida is particularly vulnerable to rising seas due to its low elevation, as well as hurricanes and tropical storms made more severe by climate change. I believe DeSantis’ policy making on the situation is a classic case of cognitive dissonance.

Luke Daniels Rochester

Transparency needed at TCH

The Community House owes absolute transparency to the community and should answer some important questions that have been lingering for years.

voids in the community." How? Does the Early Childhood Education program offer scholarships? How many and to whom? How does its hospitality business, which competes with taxpaying private entities, fill critical gaps and contribute to the organization's mission any more than its for-profit competitors? Why were programs slashed after Mr. Seklar took over? How much compensation is taken by Mr. Seklar and his relatives, and how do the boards justify it and the apparent nepotism?

It should publish on the organization's website its bylaws, financial statements, tax returns and audit reports for both The Community House Association (the operating unit) and The Community House Foundation (the fundraising unit). In addition, it should be transparent about the use of funds donated for specific purposes. For example, in a recent column in this publication, CEO William Seklar appealed for donations to the organization's Restoration and Preservation Fund. Donors and the community have a right to know how that fund is legally established and that donations to it are properly segregated and used for the purposes intended.

While The Community House has a history of positive contributions, changes under Mr. Seklar’s nearly decade-long leadership have raised concerns that must be addressed. Transparency and the willingness to answer questions may quell concerns, for example, about the organization's tax-exempt status. By its own estimate, The Community House building is worth at least $8 million. The city, county and schools are foregoing significant tax revenue on that property. What are they getting in return? Mr. Seklar says the organization is "filling critical gaps and

The Community House should fulfill its charitable mission transparently and effectively. "Our founders called us to a higher standard, a higher calling," Mr. Seklar has written here. "We rise to that call every day." He and his handpicked boards –who in the grand scheme are only temporary occupants of a house that will always belong to the community –need to rise to the call for transparency.

I urge Mr. Seklar and the boards to engage in open dialogue with the community to address these concerns and restore confidence in the organization’s leadership. If they are unable or unwilling to do so, then a change in leadership is in order to insure that The Community House truly serves the best interests of the community.

Clinton Baller

Birmingham (Clinton Baller is a Birmingham City Commissioner. The views expressed here are his own.)

2024 PRIMARY VOTER GUIDE

On Friday, June 28, the Downtown Newsmagazine Voter Guide and endorsements for the August primary election will be available for viewing at our website: DowntownPublications.com

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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: OaklandConfidential@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.

TICKING OFF THE WRONG PEOPLE: There’s a saying from the Broadway show “Annie” – be careful who you step on as you climb up the ladder because you may have to see them again on the way down.

Bloomfield Township Supervisor Dani Walsh may rue the days she failed to listen to that advice. Walsh, who is running for re-election in November against Republican challenger Mike McCready, luckily doesn’t have any Democratic primary challengers, because she will not receive any love in the form of endorsements from Democratic leadership in Oakland County. Reliable sources have confirmed that Oakland County Commissioner Marcia Gershenson (DBloomfield Township, West Bloomfield) will definitely not be endorsing Walsh in her election fight, telling some that she feels Walsh is toxic and creates a toxic work environment. Word is that Walsh has alienated Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and County Commission Board Chair Dave Woodward (D-Birmingham, Royal Oak), and neither will speak to her – much less endorse her for a second term. “She asks with expectations and does it like a bull in a china shop,” said one who has witnessed her interactions. While McCready has been holding fundraisers and beginning to knock on doors, sources said they have heard Walsh has not been raising much money – at least yet. Her fundraising efforts may spiral after a controversial effort to lower requirements for Bloomfield Township police officers from four-years of college degree to two years is unrolled at an upcoming board of trustees meeting as a police recruitment tool. Those in the know assert it’s not the education requirement that’s an impediment to police staffing, but Walsh’s order to lower pay for officers (and department heads) as much as $20,000 less than other neighboring departments, including Birmingham, in an effort to “save taxpayers money,” rather than providing superior services. Penny wise but…

CROSSING THE LINE: While Michigan Democrats usually stick together, for Senator Gary Peters, the recent comments by Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-Dearborn, Southfield, Franklin, Bingham Farms, Southfield) celebrating the pro-terror group Hamas were a step too far. Tlaib spoke at The People’s Conference for Palestine, which sources said was organized by The People’s Forum, a far-left advocacy group largely funded by Neville Roy Singham, a businessman with ties to the Chinese Communist Party. Beyond her support for Palestinians, Tlaib accused President Joe Biden of being complicit in a genocide in Gaza and asking where his red line was, and of doing the bidding of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as “attacking the authority” of the International Criminal Court. Peters responded in a statement that he “understands how personal the issues around the war between Israel and Hamas are for Michiganders and believes that individuals have the right to gather and advocate for their personal beliefs. However, he believes that there is no place for violent rhetoric or advocacy of violence in these discussions.” The statement further said, “As Chairman of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, Senator Peters is also concerned that foreign adversaries, like the Chinese and Russian governments, have and will continue to try to exploit divisions within U.S. domestic politics to sow chaos, something our nation’s intelligence officials have warned about.”

YOUR TAXES AT WORK: At first blush you might think the billboards you encounter on I-75 or the broadcast (TV/radio) ads of late for U.S. House Democrat Shri Thanedar (D-Detroit) are no big deal. After all, he is a self-

GERSHENSON

COULTER

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made millionaire so who are we to question how he spends his money. But then we learned that the first-term House member is using taxpayer funds to promote himself through an ever expanding use of the congressional franking privilege that dates back to the mid-1700s. What started out as a way to communicate through the mail has evolved to include modern day communication methods, like television, radio, mass email, billboards and social media ads. Members of congress can determine each year how to spend a $1.9 million budget on office staff and communication. In the case of Thanedar, last year he spent 44 percent of his annual budget on promoting himself through a variety of methods, a much higher percentage than the average of House members, according to numbers tracked by Legistorm. In the month of May alone this year, he spent heavily to hype the services available from his office, which some have criticized as lacking in the past when it came to responding to constituents. Legistorm tells us that in the first quarter of this year, House members spent $2 million on such efforts but one third of that total was spent by six house members, with Thanedar among that group. Thanedar’s spending is the subject of a formal complaint to the Office of Congressional Ethics by Detroit Councilwoman Mary Waters, who is challenging him in the August primary. Thanedar’s response — everything he has put out for constituent communication was cleared by the Franking Commission, but to the layman, much of it seems borderline re-election material. Then there is first-term U.S. Rep. John James, a Republican in the district that includes a chunk of Macomb County, along with Rochester and Rochester Hills. The rumored future (seldom talked about) gubernatorial candidate wannabe is ranked 12th in spending of franking dollars. Hmmm.

Suns NBA team. “Mat’s not political but obviously as a businessman and man of means he relies on Tom to advise him.” The Republican who everyone is putting their money on to run is Bloomfield Township former auto dealer Kevin Rinke, who lost in the primary in 2022. “He’s the only obvious candidate. He’s buying tables at everything, showing up at Brighter Michigan PAC out of Macomb County,” said the GOP politico. “They’re all-Trump, all the time, and Rinke has gone to that level because he wants to win and he feels that’s what he needs to do to win the primary.”

QUESTIONABLE

SPIN THE WHEEL: We’re one month out from the August 2024 primary election, so what better time to start playing the new game: Who’s running for governor in 2026? Democratic eyes have been focused for some time on Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan – who hasn’t announced he’s running, but he hasn’t dissuaded anyone from further speculation as he did four and eight years ago. He also hasn’t announced that he was running for re-election as mayor. Those at the annual Mackinac Policy Conference in late May noted Duggan’s keynote speech had a “statewide” focus, a first for the mayor. Then there is Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, who while generally acting coy regarding her plans, confirmed she would be running at a Joint Action Pac for Political Affairs (JAC PAC) event in late November when co-host Lisa Mark Lis announced the secret. The timing with Benson’s new book, “The Purposeful Warrior: Standing Up for Yourself and Your Country,” which will be released in early 2025 by Maria Shriver’s imprint The Open Field at Penguin Random House, couldn’t be better. The publisher said Benson provides a “roadmap in these divisive, uncertain times to channel our fears and frustrations into standing for oneself and one’s community, drawing on the examples of paradigm-breakers throughout history and the author’s effort to ensure the integrity of the 2020 presidential election.” While Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrest’s name continues to be bandied about as a possible gubernatorial successor, it seems few people are actually talking about him.

GUESSING GAME: On the Republican side of the gubernatorial Magic 8 Ball, Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel, a Democrat, told The Detroit News he is leaning towards running for governor in 2026 – and that he is considering switching parties for the run. “I don’t think he’d pass the (Republican) primaries,” said one Republican elected official who has been active in party affairs. “Even if he is liked by Republicans in Macomb County, no one in the rest of the state knows him,” acknowledging Hackel would likely get tarred-andfeathered with unflattering monikers. He’s hearing state Sen. JimRunestad (R-White Lake) — who is a “darling of the right” — may be flirting with running (dream on), and a lot of the party – or the non-MAGA crowd, whoever is left, anyway, is hoping former state House Speaker TomLeonard (R-DeWitt), currently a partner at Bloomfield Hills’ law firm Plunkett Cooney after failing to become the state’s attorney general in 2020, runs. “Even though he says he likes what he’s doing, he’s very active in social media and he’s showing up at a lot of fundraisers,” said one local Republican. Leonard is also currently the political consultant for local billionaire Mat Ishbia, owner of United Wholesale Mortgage and the Phoenix

ETHICS: When Republican Tudor Dixon of Norton Shores unsuccessfully ran for governor in 2022, she was endorsed by and fully embraced former president Donald Trump. Among her policy positions were abortion bans, protesting the Covid-19 vaccine as well as other vaccine mandates for children, plans to found Education Savings Accounts which could be used by parents at any public or private school, as well as proposing legislation to ban teachers from talking about sexual orientation or gender identity. After getting trounced big time by Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Dixon returned to being a conservative commentator. However, no politician ever goes away for long. In late May, word bubbled out that she is being required by the state to provide more info on $502,518 from her former campaign funds to a “tax exempt charitable organization,” which is really Education Action Group, a tax exempt social welfare nonprofit run by one of her former staffers – but isn’t covered by a section of federal law for traditional charities because it is a 501(c)4 organization. Because of that action, “Please be advised that the Tudor Dixon for Government Inc. Committee is no longer dissolved,” a letter from the Secretary of State’s Office stated. One Republican politician was surprised she was donating her money, because he had heard that she was “thinking about coming back in two years, and she didn’t raise that much to begin with.” According to state filings, 20 days after the 2022 election, Dixon’s campaign account reported having $741,212 left.

DARK DAY INDEED: Not everyone was necessarily thrilled when R. Vance Patrick took charge of the Oakland GOP with the exit of Rocky Raczkowski from the county party organization. More traditional Republicans basically were concerned that the party would slide even further into the MAGA quicksand. And now their concerns are proving well founded. So on May 31 when the party chieftain sent out a missive with the opening of “Fellow patriot,” you knew what was coming next. Vance Patrick bemoaned the convictions of The DonFather in a New York court and assured the new party faithful that “we are working hand in hand with the Trump campaign every day to ensure our candidates can win up and down the ballot, regardless of this blatant interference and lawfare.” then there was the pitch for money, in the style of Trump himself. Said one of the remaining party regulars: “Our numbers are few….Those of us that are not completely disenchanted with the state of things try to recruit normal thinking precinct delegates, but the party is now very much the party of Trump….We are strangers in a strange land.”

COULD BE A MONEY GAME: Conventional thinking is that any election race victory requires a combination of factors – boots on the ground, funding and endorsements – and Democrat Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin, the presumed party victor in the primary for the U.S. Senate seat would seem to have most of the bases covered. In the important Detroit part of the state she has now picked up the backing of the faith leaders of the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity which represents 100 African-American churches. All well and good. On the money side, Slotkin has been a prodigious gatherer of campaign funds. But now comes the leading conservative group One Nation which has announced it will spend $70 million in U.S. Senate races to attack vulnerable Democrats, among them, Slotkin who in recent polling holds a minor lead (40-37 percent) over Republican hopeful Mike Rogers, with 23 percent of respondents still undecided. She is polling slightly better (41-34 percent) against Republican Justin Amash, with 25 percent undecided. But One Nation is setting aside over $9 million starting this August to take down Slotkin, which is why this race continues to be one of the top contests likely to draw even more outside interest and campaign money heading into the fall.

CAREER CHANGE: Former state Rep. Mari Manoogian (D-Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills) announced on Instagram that she is joining the Biden campaign as battleground political and coalitions director for the Midwest. She’s taking a leave of absence from her job as political director at The Next 50.

THANEDAR

DUGGAN

SLOTKIN

BENSON

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LEONARD

RINKE

WATERS

FACES

Lara and Maya Hammoud

Most of us made promises to our childhood best friend to remain loyal and dependable, but for Lara and Maya Hammoud, sophomores at Detroit Country Day School, the vow to their elementary school companion took it to the next level. The twin sisters made a pledge that when they grew up they would help find scientific answers regarding his neurodevelopmental disorder, autism.

The 16-year-olds from Franklin made good on that promise, and achieved the extraordinary accomplishment of winning First Place in Cellular and Molecular Biology at the Regeneron sponsored International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF) in Los Angeles, in May 2024, where they presented their groundbreaking research entitled “Decoding AXSL3: A Novel Biomarker for Neurodevelopmental Disorders.” This year’s ISEF competition featured global talent that included 1,327 research projects from 67 countries, and is the largest annual STEM (Science, Technology Engineering, Mathematics) competition of its kind for precollege students, owned and administered by the Society for Science, based in Washington, D.C.

Maya explained their cutting edge science entry was driven by the quest to know the “why” of disorders such as autism and Bainbridge-Roper Syndrome, affecting 75 million people globally, so they can help advance potential treatment options. They have focused their research on brain formation, DNA expression, and the mutation of specific genes affecting the brain, said the oldest twin – by twenty-eight minutes.

“Scientists have not really studied the AXSL3 gene and we were dedicated to seeing how this gene potentially correlated with these neurodevelopmental disorders, and figuring out a way to manipulate it,” said Lara, the younger twin. “The fair competition was the most exciting week of our lives because we were competing with the most incredibly advanced and highly technical research projects from all over the world. Even though it was encouraging to keep advancing from regional, state, and finally the international competition, we were most proud to be there with the other students working hard to make scientific advancements that will change people’s lives for the better.”

Their Detroit Country Day teacher and mentor, Lara McMillan, wasn’t surprised they took top honors at the international fair because they did the extraordinary, like making cold calls to University of Michigan professors to gain access to their labs to do their weekly research, and then developed a novel potential treatment for restoring neurotypical brain development, a breakthrough for those with autism spectrum disorder.

Working together has been a highlight for the pair, due to the fact that they have typical “twin telepathy,” making lab work more productive for them.

“I focused my research on brain development and Maya focused on the chemistry aspects, so we are a strong team together,” explained Lara. Along with their own dedication, both girls agree that support from their mother, a fertility researcher and their father, a fertility doctor, helped make their achievements possible.

Life outside of the lab is important to the girls too – both are on the school’s field hockey team and in the orchestra.

“We have a great group of friends who love to get coffee at our favorite places, Commonwealth and Toast, in Birmingham, and we like shopping and music,” said Maya.

The sisters have also co-founded a nonprofit, Perception Foundation, acquiring resources for sensory rooms and educational programs across Michigan, to spread awareness and provide those with any neurodiversity tools and opportunities to reach their full potential.

The twins want to continue their research in the area of neurodiversity after high school. ‘We don’t know what university we will go to yet but we know we will go together,” said Maya.

The dynamic duo clearly agree that as a team they are twice as likely to accomplish all they can to make a positive impact in the world.

Story: Susan Peck

Photo: Laurie Tennent

FLUORIDE

TRUE OR FALSE: FINDING THE FACTS IN AN AGE-OLD CONTROVERSY

BY STACY GITTLEMAN

On the shores of the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, just outside the JW Marriott Hotel, stands a five-ton, 33-foot-tall structure called Steel Water. It was commissioned by the city in 2007 to celebrate the 75th anniversary of an innovation that crowned Grand Rapids with the distinction of becoming the first city on the planet to fluoridate its public water supply in 1945.

At the time, the western Michigan city was seen as the ideal location to attempt fluoridation because of its large population of school-aged children, the fact that Lake Michigan had no sizable deposits of naturally occurring fluoride, and its location to Muskegon, which was the study’s control city. The striking results of improved dental health led the way to engineer optimal levels of fluoride in most of the nation’s public drinking water systems.

Community Water Fluoridation (CWF) is regarded by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as one of the 10 greatest achievements in public health in the 20th Century. The practice has reduced tooth decay in the United States by up to 60 percent, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). Globally, half the people on earth who benefit from this practice live in the United States.

After the success in Grand Rapids, the practice became a U.S. Public Health Service policy in 1951, and was widely implemented nationwide by 1960, resulting in further decreases in tooth decay. However, fluoridation of public water supplies is now becoming a point of contention, raising an age-old controversy most may had thought was laid to rest decades ago.

Margherita Fontana, DDS, PhD, is the Clifford Nelson Endowed Professor of Dentistry in the Department of Cariology, Restorative Sciences and Endodontics at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and director of the Global Initiatives Program in Oral and Craniofacial Health at the School of Dentistry. She spoke with Downtown while attending a cariology research conference in Italy. Incidentally, all waters there are naturally optimally fluoridated for dental health.

Fontana said most of us cannot remember when most of our water was not fluoridated. Putting it bluntly, she said our teeth were in terrible shape.

“Go back 75 years ago, cavities were rampant and we had no idea how to prevent them,” Fontana said. “Many people would have dentures by the time they reached their early 20s. Not having teeth was one of the main reasons people could not join the army.”

Fontana reminded us to think about how much we rely on our teeth throughout the day.

“Teeth allow us to eat and attain the nutrition we need,” Fontana said. “When you smile, healthy teeth give you that self-

day, or takes medication that makes one’s teeth prone to decay by interfering with saliva production, you can still get cavities –just not as many as if your water was not fluoridated.

“If you want to make sure that everyone benefits the same way, you don’t want disparities, community water fluoridation is the way to go,” Fontana emphasized.

A mineral deposit, fluoride occurs naturally in water. The Great Lakes have a consistent level of 0.3 to 0.5 parts per million (ppm) of fluoride. Ocean water is consistent at 1.2 to 1.4 ppm because fluoride has an ionic bond with sodium.

According to the CDC, the mineral helps to rebuild and strengthen the teeth from the bacteria from carbohydrates in our food which interact in our mouths and form enamel-eating acid.

When a public water utility fluoridates its water, that means it is treating it to reach an optimal level between 0.7 to milligrams of fluoride per liter (mg/L) of water, or seven ppm, to 1 mg/L. Drinking fluoridated water is most important during pregnancy, infancy and childhood through the teen years when human teeth are in their bud, baby and adult phases of development.

mg; children 4-8 years: 2.2 mg; all age nine years through adulthood: 10 mg, including pregnant and breastfeeding women: 10 mg. In a separate set of limits, as of now, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has set a maximum contaminant level goal (MCLG), and enforceable maximum contaminant level (MCL) for fluoride at 4.0 milligrams per liter (mg/L) or .4 ppm. The EPA’s secondary maximum contaminant level, a non-enforceable standard, is set at 2.0 mg/L. The MCL was developed to prevent skeletal fluorosis, a bone disease caused by too much fluoride leading to weakened bones, and the secondary MCL was set to mitigate dental fluorosis, faint white lines or streaks on teeth in young children caused by too much fluoride.

Under the Safe Drinking Water Act, the EPA is currently reviewing its National Primary Drinking Water Regulation. As a part of this review, the EPA will be considering the best available information, peer-reviewed science and data before deciding whether or not to update the fluoride drinking water regulations and will announce the outcome later this year.

That’s not to say that CWF cannot be, and isn’t, a controversial topic. Though

Drinking fluoridated water is most important during pregnancy, infancy and childhood through the teen years when human teeth are in their bud, baby and adult phases of development.

esteem to go out into the world to socialize, get a job or date. Without teeth, speech becomes garbled because of how your tongue hits your teeth to pronounce words. The presence of teeth affects how your jaw is positioned and how your bite develops, among many other benefits.”

Fontana added that tooth decay causes some of the most excruciating pain a person can endure, is expensive and sometimes impossible to effectively treat, and gives dentists no pleasure to have to treat it.

She continued: “Fixing teeth that are in decay is extremely difficult,” Fontana said. “Plus, the economic ramifications can be detrimental to the patient. The mouth is connected to the rest of the body, so it is clear that cavities have a big impact on our general health and wellbeing.”

With that said, Fontana and many dentists interviewed maintained that in 2024, there is still no better, cost-effective and equitable way to approach dental health and prevention of tooth decay than Community Water Fluoridation, or CWF.

Yet the practice is not completely foolproof. If one eats a lot of sugary treats, does not regularly brush their teeth twice a

In 2015, the CDC changed its optimal recommended level of fluoride concentration in water from 1.2 mg/L or 1.2 ppm to a range between 0.7 mg/L, or seven parts per million as an optimal balance between the prevention of dental caries – commonly known to non-dental professionals as cavities –and the risk of fluorosis, an overexposure to the mineral. Water operators closely monitor and adjust these levels daily. According to the CDC, over 214 million Americans, or 74.7 percent of the U.S. population, live in communities that supply fluoridated water.

Community Water Fluoridation (CWF) offers a lot of bang for the buck in terms of community health. Every dollar spent on CWF saves the average dental patient around $38 in treatment costs per year, not to mention debilitating pain and suffering. But there are very specific standards for all ages, as excessive fluoride can be harmful, as well.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), these are the daily recommendations of fluoride by age group: Birth to six months: .7 mg; infants seven to 12 months: .9 mg; children 1-3 years: 1.3

drinking fluoridated water in pregnancy, infancy and childhood carries lifelong benefits, it has little effect on developed adult teeth. Also, by the 1970s, the availability of fluoridated products, from toothpaste to mouthwashes and rinses became widespread, making the practice of fluoridating the water to some seem like overkill.

Just as the public has begun to question the need for another public health marvel –vaccines – so goes the debate about fluoride in water.

All researchers will tell you that one or two studies compared to a mountain of decades worth of studies should not quickly sway public policy. But in recent years, a few studies have raised the brows of the established dental profession and caught the eye of political contenders, conspiracy theorists and established researchers alike.

Fontana said most European countries fluoridate their water. If they don’t, they have much better access to dental care than those in the United States. Diet – like limiting sweets – is also a big aspect of life for many Europeans.

“There’s a wide way to prevent cavities.

Fluoride is not the only way. However, if one does not control their sugar intake and has a lot of sweets and soft drinks and you don’t have access to dental care, then much thought must be put into delivering preventative services in the U.S.,” Fontana said.

She also pointed to the mountain of data from decades of studies by respected institutions, from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to the American Dentistry Association (ADA). For example, in a 2022 NIH study, there was a rapid rise in tooth decay in Juneau, Alaska. That city stopped water fluoridation in 2007, and previous research found an increase in dental cariesrelated procedures and treatment costs for children from low-income families in Juneau between 2003 and 2012.

In comparison, the study collected data from the same period on the dental health of children in Anchorage, where water fluoridation remained consistent. Notably different from children in Juneau, between 2003 and 2012, children in Anchorage experienced a nonsignificant modest decrease in the number of cavities they had.

If we have nearly 80 years of evidence that show the rate of cavities in childhood

attention of the same population of antivaxxers and conspiracy theorists who objected to the Covid vaccines and other childhood vaccines. After a Harvard professor testified in court in January that fluoride may be a neurotoxin, he posted on social media in February 2024 that if he became president, he would do all in his power to “order the CDC to take every step necessary to remove neurotoxic fluoride from American drinking water.”

In April 2016, the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health published an article in its journal: “Is Fluoridated Water Safe?”

The article pointed to 2015 findings of the Cochrane Collaboration – a global independent network of researchers and healthcare professionals known for rigorous scientific reviews of public health policies –which published an analysis of 20 key studies on water fluoridation. They found that while water fluoridation is effective at reducing tooth decay among children, “no studies that aimed to determine the effectiveness of water fluoridation for preventing caries [cavities] in adults met the review’s inclusion criteria.”

The article graphed cavity rates in 12year-old children in countries around the

beneficial for dental development and protection against cavities, further research needs to be conducted regarding whether it should continue to be added to drinking water supplies if it is entering the bloodstream and then the brain.

The article was overwhelmingly slammed by many alumni of the Harvard Dental School, as well as leaders of the American Dental Association, the American Association for Dental Research, the American Dental Education Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and many other leaders in public health, pediatrics and oral health. They found the article so misleading regarding the safety of fluoride that they demanded a full retraction of the article.

It remains on the school’s website to this day.

In letters published with the article, critics said it was filled with misleading and incorrect statements. They wrote that the writers failed to reach out to any oral health experts, including those working next door at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine. They stated that it was false to state that the United States lowered its recommended levels of fluoride in drinking water without

We have nearly 80 years of evidence that show the rate of cavities in childhood drastically decreased with fluoridated drinking water then why the sudden cause for concern?

drastically decreased with the widespread practice of fluoridated drinking water – just look into the mouths of young ones today compared to those in their 40s and 50s for proof – then why the sudden cause for concern?

For starters, too much of a good thing can be harmful.

Excessive fluoride exposure in childhood or even in pregnancy can make one susceptible to a condition known as fluorosis. It mostly shows up with mottling of the teeth – white spots that are so tiny the only people who can detect them are dentists. Often this happens when people may have ingested fluoridated toothpaste when they were little. That’s why children are instructed by their dentists and hopefully their caregivers not to swallow, but rather spit out, toothpaste after brushing.

Though this condition is mostly cosmetic, researchers from the Middle and Far East, where fluoride is naturally found at high levels due to the natural mineralization of the water, have found evidence of skeletal fluorosis which can lead to fragile bones. However, a few studies have grabbed the

world from 1975 to 2012 and found that on average, cavity rates declined regardless of the fluorination of their water systems.

The article mentioned how in 2015, the United States for the first time in 53 years reduced its recommended levels of the mineral in drinking water because excessive fluoride “causes fluorosis – changes in tooth enamel that range from barely noticeable white spots to staining and pitting. Fluoride can also become concentrated in bone –stimulating bone cell growth, altering the tissue’s structure, and weakening the skeleton.”

It continued: “Perhaps most worrisome is preliminary research in laboratory animals suggesting that high levels of fluoride may be toxic to brain and nerve cells. And human epidemiological studies have identified possible links to learning, memory, and cognition deficits, though most of these studies have focused on populations with fluoride exposures higher than those typically provided by U.S. water supplies.”

Philippe Grandjean, then an adjunct professor of environmental health at Harvard, concluded that while fluoride is

clarifying that the guidance changed a 1962 Drinking Water Standard recommendation from a range of 0.7 ppm to 1.2 ppm to a point recommendation of 0.7 ppm.

The letter writers wrote: “The same guidance also reaffirmed that community water fluoridation remains an effective public health strategy for delivering fluoride to prevent tooth decay, and is the most feasible and cost-effective strategy for reaching entire communities.”

Though he was not familiar with the controversial article, Dr. Steven Spitz, DMD, an alumnus of the Harvard School of Dental Medicine who has also been a leader in the Boston dental community, has been a clinical professor of Prosthodontics in the Department of Post-Graduate Prosthodontics at Harvard University School of Dental Medicine, is a big believer in fluoride and CWF.

In Boston, the water is fluoridated at .7 ppm, but there are outlying communities such as Worcester and Springfield with no CWF, and that is where he sees a higher incidence of tooth decay in his patients. One of the biggest proponents of the merits of fluoride interviewed, Spitz said all his

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patients, many from a wealthier income bracket, receive fluoride varnish treatments as a routine part of their dental checkups. The varnish makes adult teeth less prone to cavities, minimizes the bacterial population around their gums and offers three months of protection. Spitz cautions that taking fluoride supplements – whether that be in a pill form or one’s water, is only effective for the younger population to help their growing and developing tooth buds.

“Ninety percent of our patients completely understand the value of fluoride,” Spitz said. “We know there is a huge positive effect on the dental health of children from a scientific and epidemiological standpoint. In Boston, we know that patients living in towns that do not fluoridate their water can be four times as susceptible to caries as those who put fluoride in the water. Why would a community not fluoridate their water when we have so much research? I am sure the reasons can be financial, and sometimes they are political. But if you have a water supply to a lower income, it does not make any sense not to fluoridate the water.”

When it comes to news of eliminating optimized fluoride in waters of European

prenatal fluoride exposure was associated with increased neurobehavioral problems. These findings suggest that there may be a need to establish recommendations for limiting fluoride exposure during the prenatal period.

In response, the American Dental Association (ADA) released a statement that disparaged the findings and unnecessary alarm bells about having fluoride in drinking water. The ADA stated: “The study is not nationally representative and has several limitations including a small sample size from one population group in one U.S. city. Also, the study did not measure the actual consumption of fluoridated water.”

The ADA said the JAMA study should be considered exploratory and decisions to change a public health precedent that has stood for decades should not be swayed by one single study. The ADA maintained that it has not seen any peer-reviewed research that would change its long-standing recommendation to the public to brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and drink optimally fluoridated water.

Gathering up consensus opinion against the study is Dr. Hector Chapa, MD, FACOG,

Chapa pointed out. “In utero, the amount of fluoride that passes from the mother to the fetus through the placenta and embeds in the child is about 0.01%.”

Like most researchers, Chapa said that this is just one study and rash decisions to cease CWF nationwide would do more harm than good. He concluded that the study did not consider “multifactorial” elements that could also be attributed to neurodevelopmental issues such as nutritional, environmental, infectious, family history, and epigenetic changes that would offer a full spectrum for a study.

“To say that issues in neurodevelopment are completely, absolutely, the fault of fluoride is false. Coming to a conclusion against fluoride based on this one study cannot be done,”

Chapa continued. “These findings merely suggest that more research needs to be conducted to establish recommendations for limiting fluoride exposure during the prenatal period. You can try to limit fluoride during pregnancy, but to say we should remove it from all drinking water would be a disaster.”

But toxicologist Linda Birnbaum, a retired scientist and former director of the

Why would a community not fluoridate the water when we have so much research? The reasons can be financial and sometimes political. It does not make any sense not to fluoridate the water.

countries, Spitz said this is something they will soon come to regret.

“I think they’re making a big mistake, and a lot of their kids are going to see a major epidemic of cavities,” he said.

In May 2024, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) released a study entitled Maternal Urinary Fluoride and Child Neurobehavior at Age 36 Months. It looked at whether prenatal fluoride exposure is associated with neurobehavior in children based on studying the prenatal urine sample records from 2017 to 2020 from 229 predominantly Hispanic women living in Los Angeles when they were pregnant and then observed around 32 of these children from birth through three years. Researchers concluded that prenatal fluoride exposure may increase the risk of neurobehavioral problems among children living in an optimally fluoridated area of the United States.

Written by public health, medical and dental researchers from the University of Florida, Gainesville, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and Indiana University, the study concluded that

clinical assistant professor at Texas A&M University and staff ob-gyn for Texas A&M University Student Health Services. In a recent episode on his Clinical Pearls podcast released on May 21, “Fluoride in Drinking Water Harmful in Pregnancy? Fake News of Real Foe?” Chapa unpacked the findings of the study and gathered opinions of research leaders as to why leaders from the American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, the CDC, the EPA and major independent think groups viewed this study as “much ado about nothing.”

He said a much wider 2023 study from Australia, where 90 percent of water is fluoridated, followed a much larger population of children (2,682) from birth to age five, and it showed no effect on neurocognitive development.

While there are lots of contaminants in our water supply, from forever chemicals to excessive pharmaceuticals, Chapa said naturally occurring and highly regulated added levels of fluoride is not one of them.

“High doses of fluoride can damage teeth and be associated with other negative health outcomes, but you would have to drink a ton of water for it to be dangerous,”

National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) and the National Toxicology Program, reviewed the study and said it is a valid one.

“I believe the study focused on a large enough sampling of the population of the United States, and it’s coming up with the same kind of results that have been seen in multiple other studies from Canada, Mexico, and China,” Birnbaum said. “The study indicates that fluoride can be hazardous to the developing brain. Fluoride can be applied topically at a dentist’s office, and that is how it works to prevent cavities. One should not have to ingest it (in water).”

Birnbaum continued: “Yes, putting fluoride in water does ensure that everyone in a population has fluoride exposure, but it also affects the developing fetus and an infant. And we are learning that this fluoride is not just going to our teeth, it is impacting brain development.”

Birnbaum believes that more research needs to be conducted in addition to the JAMA study, and public health and dental professionals should be promoting the use of fluoridated toothpaste, which has fluoride

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levels between 1000-1500 ppm, and fluoride rinses/swishes instead of relying on fluoridated drinking water, implement fluoride rinse/swish programs for children in daycares and schools instead of fluoridating all drinking water.

While the United States is largely guided by the pro-fluoride opinions of public health and dentistry experts, other places in the world, especially Europe, are trending away from the practice.

According to a 2002 report from the Fluoride Action Network, an anti-fluoride advocacy group, 98 percent of Western Europe had rejected engineered fluoridation. As of 2020, countries that do not add fluoride to their water include Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the majority of Switzerland (97 percent) and the majority of the United Kingdom (90 percent).

The reasons to opt out vary. The opinion in Germany and Belgium is that unnaturally fluoridating the water is akin to “compulsory medication.”

Some water systems in Europe are too antiquated and populations are spread too thinly to accommodate fluoridation

mandated to fluoridate all its water, but 90 percent of the state’s population is served by CWF. Each municipality considering the practice has cast it to a vote or it is the decision of the local government.

Areas that do not fluoridate their water supply include Cadillac, Gladwin, Three Rivers, Iron Mountain and Saugatuck.

According to information from the CDC’s Community Water Fluoridation website, most mobile home communities in Michigan do not fluoridate their water.

According to the MDHHS, those drawing water from private wells should test them annually with a partial water chemistry test they can obtain from the local health department to check for fluoride levels. Mineral tests cost between $18-124. The sample is mailed to a State of Michigan lab and results are sent back to the individual.

In Oakland County, Waterford Township’s population of about 6,500 receives nonfluoridated water from municipal wells. The township in its latest consumer confidence report has listed fluoride as a contaminant and stated:“Some people who drink water containing fluoride more than the maximum contaminant level over many years could get bone disease, including pain and

In 2020, “Varnish Michigan!” reported that from October 2019 - September 2020, in children ages 0-5, 6,015 children were screened with 5,326 requiring a varnish application; 196 children had been previously treated for tooth decay; 359 had active and untreated tooth decay; 397 had some white spotting which could be evidence of fluorosis; and 1,660 were referred for further dental care.

Compare those numbers to pre-pandemic 2019, when 12,983 were screened; 11,822 required a fluoride varnish treatment; 475 children had been previously treated for tooth decay; 782 had active and untreated tooth decay; 1,513 had some white spotting which could be evidence of fluorosis and 3,573 were referred for further dental care.

The report did not indicate the percentage of children who lived in areas with CWF.

For 25 years, April Stopczynski of the Michigan Dental Association (MDA) has advanced dental health access and knowledge for patients and providers in the state.

“Community water fluoridation is the most equitable way to distribute fluoride, as not everyone has dental coverage or access

While the United States is largely guided by the pro-fluoride opinions of public health and dentistry experts, other places in the world, especially Europe, are trending away from the practice.

mechanics, and some areas already have fluoride in their waters suitable for protecting teeth.

Some of these countries prescribe fluoride salt or special milk supplements to infants and children.

Still, countries continue to fluoridate their water including Britain, Spain and Ireland. And let’s not forget that for most Europeans, dental care is free and widely available. From a nutrition perspective, Europeans consume less processed sugary snacks and beverages than Americans.

U of M’s Fontana described, for example, approaches to pediatric dental care in northern Europe. “There are free, intensive programs where children are assigned to nurses and other medical professionals who closely care for them from birth through their childhood,” Fontana said. “They care not only for their general health but for their oral health as well.”

According to CDC statistics from 2020, Michigan ranks 16th in the nation in terms of the percentage of residents receiving optimally fluoridated water. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) states that Michigan is not

tenderness of the bones. Children may get mottled teeth. The Department of Public Works treatment process does not add fluoride to its finished water. However, fluoride occurs naturally in groundwater.”

Referring residents to its 2023 fluoride levels, the report said that the wells tested contain between .39 - .56 ppm of fluoride, which is below the optimal minimum of .7 ppm to protect teeth. Waterford water officials in their report advised residents to consult with their healthcare provider for fluoride supplement recommendations.

Downtown reached out to several Waterford dentists about how they advise their patients, but none responded to requests to comment.

MDHHS runs several programs to promote dental health. It provides fluoridation incentive programs to children and offers grants to municipalities to pay for fluoridation equipment. MDHHS runs “Varnish Michigan!” – a program intended to train more oral health providers and technicians who can work with underprivileged children to monitor their oral health with the intent of reducing caries in children ages 0-5.

to a dental office,” Stopczynski said. “Dentists in non-fluoridated communities will evaluate the circumstance of the patient’s exposure to other fluoride sources, and then make a recommendation about fluoride supplements, which can be beneficial for everyone from children and especially seniors.”

Stopczynski said other options would be topical applications during regular checkups or prescribing toothpaste or rinses with higher doses of fluoride.

Stopczynski said the following states mandate that all its public water systems are regulated to contain optimum levels of fluoride for tooth decay prevention: Illinois, California, Delaware, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, Ohio and South Dakota.

Stopczynski said the MDA works to dispel misconceptions about fluoride in communities, sharing data from recognized health organizations such as the World Health Organization, American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Dental Association.

“Sometimes, a decision to fluoridate

water comes down to a measure on a ballot,” Stopczynski said. “There is a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to fluoride, and we want to make sure the public has an educated voice when the time comes to vote on it. The MDA connects vulnerable populations to local dentists so they can have conversations with trusted professionals. They can tell people firsthand the difference they see in their patient’s dental health when they live in areas that are fluorinated versus nonfluoridated.”

For example, in 2014, the Boyne City Council de-fluorinated its water. A group of citizens and health professionals from the area mobilized to get the issue on the ballot and voters approved the re-instatement of fluoridation. Stopczynski said over the past 10 years, about six other municipalities in Michigan put fluoride on the ballot and voters supported fluoridating by over two-thirds or more.

The MDA as well as Lynn Sutfin, spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, state that contrary to the misconception, many Europeans are still drinking fluoridated water.

“Europe has not moved on from fluoridation,” Sutfin said. “Ireland, the UK, parts of Spain, Poland, Serbia and others use community water

the patients he had who did not have water at those levels, he observed a noticeable difference.

“Patients who came to me who lived on wells that had low or no naturally occurring fluoride visibly had a more significant decay issue than by other patients who were drinking municipal fluoridated water,” he noted.

For patients on well water, especially toddlers and children aged up to 18, Birnholtz followed ADA recommendations to prescribe fluoride supplements in droplet form for infants and chewable tablets in varying doses to children up to ages 16 or 18, depending on the extent of their vulnerability. Often, his patients would already have a prescription from their pediatricians.

On very rare occasions, he would give a fluoride treatment to an adult patient, but fluoride treatments were not a regular part of his practice.

“That fluoride (in water) is especially important in a child’s formative years, when the baby teeth and then eventually the adult teeth, from the crown to the roots, are forming,” explained Birnholtz. “There is no need to provide teens with fluoride treatments after age 16 or 18 because the real benefit of that fluoride is in the formation of the teeth. There is a

on fluoride would certainly have a negative effect, but there are a million things we do not know. As dental professionals, what we do know is that fluoride makes tooth enamel harder and more resistant to decay,” Darmon said. “For patients who are averse to fluoride or do not have fluoridated water, I just advise them that they are at higher risk for decay. Let’s also remember that some people are more genetically susceptible to tooth decay, have a diet of sugary or processed foods, or are taking medication which puts them more at risk.”

Darmon said that fluoridated water is not a catchall to preventing cavities. In some instances he has seen children patients who had a cavity developing, the tooth mineralized over the cavity, perhaps due to the fluoridated water, making the cavity more difficult to detect.

“In cases of hidden decay that are not even detected with an x-ray, we have developed advanced techniques such as infrared laser imaging and AI assistance to help us if we suspect hidden decay,” he said.

Darmon said fluoridated water is not completely foolproof if kids are not drinking tap water but opting for bottled water, sugary beverages or sports drinks. Moreover, Darmon said there is a trend across the country that is

Patients who lived on wells that had low or no naturally occurring fluoride visibly had a more significant decay issue than by other patients who were drinking municipal fluoridated water.

fluoridation reaching 13 million people. Many other countries such as Austria, France, Germany and other countries use fluoridated salt reaching over 70 million people. Bulgaria, England, Hungary, Russia and Scotland also use fluoridated milk. Many of these countries have wells and do not have the water system infrastructure that the United States has.”

Dr. Mark Birnholtz, DMD, served his patients in West Bloomfield for over 30 years. He places skepticism towards fluoride in the same bucket as conspiracy theorists who do not believe in vaccines. When it comes to widespread, accessible and preventative dental health practices, nothing holds a candle to fluoride, he affirmed.

“There is enough data that shows that when you compare two communities that have no (added) fluoride in their water to those that had high levels of fluoride in their water, the rate of tooth decay in the areas with no fluoride was incredibly high. And when people had high levels of fluoride, at four parts per million, fluorosis showed up cosmetically, as tiny white spots on teeth,” he said.

Birnholtz said that eventually, health experts found that levels between .7 and 1 parts per million were ideal levels of fluoridation. And for

frivolous notion that by drinking fluoridated water (as an adult) you are bathing your teeth in it, but that (one part per million) is not going to have any effect as far as the surface of their teeth is concerned. I believe that when a person gets that fluoride in their drinking water, from age zero to 16 years old, it benefits the person’s dental health for the remainder of their life.”

Dr. Paul Darmon, DDS, has been a dentist for 39 years and currently has a practice in Beverly Hills. His attitude towards extra fluoride treatments or supplements for his patients has been changing, as in the last decade or so he has seen evidence of fluorosis manifesting in tiny white spots on their teeth.

He is not sure of the reason for the increase in this mainly cosmetic condition. Darmon, who has decreased his practice of offering fluoride treatments or prescribing fluoride supplements, said it could be from ingesting too much toothpaste as a child or receiving high levels of fluoride in one’s drinking water, or a combination of both.

Still, the benefits of fluoride must be weighed against the risks, especially for patients with more advanced decay,he said.

“One must always weigh the risks versus benefits, and I would imagine that overdosing

looking to reverse fluoridation mandates and stop the practice of optimizing levels altogether.

For example, in March of 2024, the nonprofit nonpartisan newsroom Stateline reported that lawmakers in Georgia, Kentucky and Nebraska filed bills that would reverse their states’ mandates and leave the choice up to a local voter referendum or to the governing body of local water systems. Maine, New Hampshire and Utah each require a public vote for fluoridation by municipalities and their public water systems. Hawaii has banned the practice altogether. The report said health experts scoffed at the reversal, blaming it on increased skepticism toward science and public health measures – exacerbated by the mask and vaccine mandates during the pandemic.

“I think this may be a trend or an attitude that is coming on the horizon,” Darmon said “But I would think it would need to be backed up with the right amount of research that would prove that there are detrimental (health effects) happening because of fluoride. But then again, if we eliminate community fluoridation, down the road, we may be looking at rampant dental disease.”

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FACES

Alec Dorf

Recent Bloomfield Hills High School graduate, Alec Dorf, knows firsthand what it is like to lose a parent at an early age.

In late 2019, his mother, Lisa Dorf, became ill and was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor which necessitated emergency surgery. In February 2020, the cancer had progressed to her spine requiring additional surgery that would allow her to walk as she continued to fight this deadly disease.

The following month, the world locked down due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the Dorf family faced the overlapping challenge of isolation and end-of-life care.

“During COVID, there were no outlets or escape for me with online school and being home to see the progression and regression of my mom’s illness. I didn’t even have the distraction of being able to see my friends. None of my friends had been through this so they didn’t know what I was going through, and my dad was busy being my mom’s caretaker,” he explains. “It’s a gray spot to experience this in high school – it's not super common but not entirely uncommon either.”

Sadly, his mother’s health continued to decline, and she passed away in September of 2020.

Two years later, Dorf founded a nonprofit organization, The Lisa Project, to honor his mom and “pay it forward” by offering peer-to-peer mentoring and support for Bloomfield-area high school students who are actively experiencing losing a parent or have lost a parent due to serious illness. He acknowledges that the organization has helped his own grieving process.

“My mom, Lisa, was the kindest person ever. She was always thoughtful and there to help. Before I was born, she was a schoolteacher, so she believed in lifelong learning. She was always positive and smiled even during her illness. The nonprofit is a way to honor her spirit,” he says.

The organization recently partnered with The Lori Haber Buckfire Foundation to raise money for Planet Lori Art Camp – a camp for children who had or have a parent or close relative with cancer. Dorf’s younger brother, Zachary, attends the camp which is held at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center.

Following this shared experience, the teen said he has grown closer to his dad, Stuart Dorf. “My dad is honestly a huge inspiration to me. He works, takes care of me and my brother, and has such a positive attitude. He gets everything done and even does extras like taking us to Tigers games. I’m very thankful for him.”

The Bloomfield Hills resident plans to attend Michigan State University in the fall and major in social work. He said he would like to become a licensed therapist, build his own practice, and expand The Lisa Project so he can help more teens who are grieving a parent.

“I feel like I had to grow up faster than other kids my age. I learned a lot about myself – what I like and don’t like, what kind of person I am, how to be patient and listen, and that I want to help people. It also taught me to live in the moment and make the most of each day,” he explained.

For teenagers going through this difficult experience, Dorf offers this advice: “Take time out of your day to do something for yourself – even if it’s only five or ten or 15 minutes. Do something you enjoy, like going to the gym or for a walk, watching a YouTube video, listening to music, or spending time on a hobby. It’s hard to put yourself first but it’s so important to tend to your needs and mental health during this time.”

He adds, “Ultimately, I don’t want other kids to go through what I did. I didn’t have any peers to help me through my mom’s illness and losing her, so I want to help others in similar situations. I especially want other high school-aged kids who are going through this to know they’re not alone.”

Story: Tracy Donohue

Photo: Laurie Tennent

Village Fair fights among local teens

By Lisa Brody

There were significant incidents involving teens fighting at this year's Village Fair in downtown Birmingham on May 30 and June 1, including a major fight at Henrietta and W. Maple involving teens from local high schools Brother Rice and Seaholm.

Downtown Newsmagazine received a tip about a beatdown which occurred on Saturday, June 1, at Henrietta and W. Maple, between a large group of teens and on Tuesday, June 4, sent a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Birmingham Police for information, receiving a 70page, heavily packet of incidents reports this week. Although in some instances suspects and victims names were mentioned, in many cases they were not because they are minors. Because they may be minors, and they have not yet been charged, the policy of Downtown is to not name anyone involved.

At 10:13 p.m., according to the police report, dispatch received a call of disorderly conduct/simple assault and battery at Henrietta and W. Maple. At the same time, an officer on foot in the area was approached by a teen who told the officer that his friend was just beat up. The officer said the teen was receiving care from the Birmingham Fire Department for severe injuries.

The officer spoke with three males on scene who said there was first a verbal altercation before a fight broke out. The three told police they were unsure who the suspects were but said there had been a previous incident a few months ago with the suspects trying to fight them. At that time, the victims said, they were making fun of someone and the suspects thought they were making fun of a friend of theirs with the same name who had recently passed away. According to the police report, the officer was shown the video of what had just occurred, noting that the suspects approached the victims and “began to get confrontational. XXX (the individual receiving care for severe injuries) stood between both parties and attempted to diffuse the situation. You can then see XXX get sucker punched…, punched multiple times by… then punched and kicked while on the ground.”

Birmingham police simultaneously received multiple other videos of the same event and many tips of who the suspects were believed to be. Police

Township supports noise legislation

By Dana Casadei

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees unanimously gave their support for state House Bill 5696 at their meeting on Tuesday, May 28, to tamp down the level of noise from vehicles.

“It was a concerted effort along the Woodward corridor, from Ferndale to Pontiac, to try to curb some of this noise so residents can enjoy their own yard,” said Bloomfield Township Police Chief James Gallagher.

This bill was introduced by Natalie Price, state Representative District 5, which includes parts of Bloomfield Township and Birmingham. Gallagher has worked alongside police chiefs from Birmingham and Royal Oak, as well as others, to sponsor the bill regarding exhaust noise.

If passed in the Michigan legislative, House Bill 5696 would amend the current Michigan Motor Vehicle Code, making a few key changes that include eliminating legal ambiguities, increasing penalties and giving local law enforcement the authority and tools needed to protect the community.

Because local law enforcement would have more authority, they would be able to enforce these changes against modified muffler systems without having to use a decibel reader. Police could make traffic stops without having to get a decibel reading from the volume of the muffler –a real game-changer and something that will work wonders for the noise control on Woodward, according to officials.

Getting this bill to where it’s at now has been a battle though, with Price receiving some rough pushback.

“In the Motor City it’s hard to take on the automakers,” said Gallagher.

Despite that, multiple members on the board of trustees spoke highly of their support for this resolution, noting that the noise pollution along Woodward – an iconic roadway that is driven on by millions each year –has been misused by drivers who have illegally altered or modified their vehicles' exhaust systems, leading to excessive and unusual noise that can be heard throughout the neighborhoods.

Gallagher pointed out that while this noise pollution has been a problem for decades, it is one that has only gotten worse since the Covid19 pandemic. Noise pollution isn’t just a nuisance for the communities, but can be a major factor in decreasing a residential property’s value.

Officials say there’s also health concerns, like how the increased stress and lack of sleep can lead to a multitude of health issues, such as Type 2 diabetes, mental health disorders, exacerbate cardiovascular disease, and issues with memory, attention, and concentration. It’s also problematic for those suffering some from PTSD. It’s bad for pets, too.

subsequently followed up the following day by going to one of the suspect's home, where while knocking, one officer “observed (the suspect) get off the couch and go elsewhere in the house.” He subsequently spoke to the officer over the phone. While much of the report is redacted, he and his attorney came in to the police station to speak to the officer, stating he was at the other side of the fair at the time of the incident. The officer explained the incident had been captured on video.

The police report stated that “based on the above documented circumstances, that (the victim) was attacked by multiple assailants, and continued to be assaulted after falling to the ground, backing away from attackers, and being struck while

going on near the screamer ride involving a young man wearing a red hoodie. The officers approached the teen wearing the red hoodie who stated he was standing in line to get on the screamer with his friends when an individual walked up to him, grabbed him by his hoodie and wouldn't let go. He said the aggressor then began to hit him with his fist. Police asked the teen if he hit back, and he responded, “I had to defend myself.”

When asked if he knew his assailant, he identified him by name. Juveniles surrounding him said they were witnesses and saw what happened, and confirmed the fight. The victim had a red mark on the left side of his face above his cheek and small cut above his upper right lip.

Police approached the suspect who denied he was involved and initially refused to provide his driver's license. He later acknowledged he was involved but would not state why, and said he was sorry. Eventually, both teens “hugged it out” and agreed to leave the fair. Parents did not want charges pursued.

The Village Fair, which just concluded its 59th year May 30-June 2, is run by the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce in and around Birmingham's Shain Park. Joe Bauman, president of the Chamber, said besides the Village Fair being a major fundraiser for the chamber, local nonprofits also benefit, receiving about $20,000 in total from fair proceeds.

lying defenseless on the ground, a requested charge of aggravated assault will be sought for” suspect 1, suspect 2 and suspect 3.

According to unconfirmed sources, at least one of the suspects, who is a student of Brother Rice High School, may have been expelled from the school. Calls to Brother Rice President Tom Reedy were not returned; principal Edward Okuniewski is out of the country, and his assistant, who did not deny the expulsions, was not certain who could comment on the incidents.

There was another incident earlier that same weekend at the Village Fair, at about 9 p.m. Friday, May 31. While walking on patrol around Shain Park, two Birmingham police officers were approached and told there was a fight

Bauman said Birmingham's police and fire departments are consulted and “detemine what resources are needed to protect the community” and then bill the chamber in advance of the annual event. This year the chamber paid $12,460 for police protection, which includes drone surveillance of the event, and $6,500 for fire protection. He said that at any time there were eight to 14 officers on duty at the Village Fair, especially in the evenings.

Although an analysis meeting is held after each Village Fair involving the city DPW, police and fire departments and the chamber of commerce, the session for this year has yet to be scheduled. The sessions are held, Bauman said, to review any problems and suggestions for changes for the future because the chamber “wants to be great neighbors,” and is concerned about the wellbeing of the community.

Bauman also noted that their contract with North American Midway, the fair operators, expired with the 2024 fair, and the chamber will be negotiating a new five-year contract. Even prior to this year's

Master plan, public projects, Woodward

By Grace Lovins

Birmingham city commissioners and planning board members held a joint workshop on Monday, June 10, continuing discussions on prioritizing actions highlighted in the city's new master plan, the process for reviewing public projects and the hot topic of Woodward Avenue.

Planning board members have been preparing for the joint meeting for months by taking the key actions table included in the 2040 master plan, adopted last year, and condensing it down to separate tables for each of the city's boards and commissions to focus on.

The table was discussed at length as the city’s planning board posed the question if the actions were successfully prioritized and if the commission was willing to add an agenda item that would give the city’s other boards and commissions direction to start tackling the key actions.

Included in both boards’ tables are three major components: updating the zoning ordinance, addressing the issues pertaining to Woodward Avenue and neighborhood concerns. Planning director Nick Dupuis and planning board chair Scott Clein both explained that updates to the zoning code were of the utmost importance to them, stating that updates to the code can address some of the issues in all three categories.

Discussions between the master plan prioritization overlapped with the second topic on the agenda about addressing issues on Woodward Avenue, including pedestrian safety, noise and speed. Currently, the city is working with the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to investigate a road diet on Woodward, which is also included in the master plan.

Multiple commissioners said they feel that Woodward should remain a priority, but given that it will require significant time and collaboration with MDOT, they felt they should still focus on items that they can control.

“Maybe we keep other things as equal priority [to Woodward Avenue], knowing that where we have the opportunity, we should take it, and where we can make it a priority and we can do anything about it we should,” said mayor pro tem Katie Schafer.

To wrap up the workshop, board members and commissioners shifted gears to focus on the current review process for public projects. The planning board has mentioned in past meetings that they are uncomfortable with the current lack of expectations that public projects must meet.

“It can be frustrating for board members to receive a site plan submittal for a public project. Typically it’s done at the end of a project as opposed to earlier,” said Clein. “There are no standards in place for what the development must conform with from a zoning perspective.”

Clein offered that the city’s public projects, in the planning board’s eyes, should meet the same requirements and expectations that are given to private developments. On the other hand, he and city manager Jana Ecker both explained that the current ordinance does not require public projects to visit the planning board as private projects do.

Some of the commissioners agreed with Clein that the city should hold itself to the same standard that they hold private developers to.

Commissioner Clinton Baller said he agrees, but feels they need more help than that and the city’s problems are broader than what was discussed during the workshop.

Board member Bryan Williams commented that the planning board should review the process with city administration, the legal team and the rest of the board to start developing a better way to approach the city’s projects that don’t cause any ramifications.

Since the meeting was a workshop, no formal action was taken but the commission provided some direction and answered the questions of the planning board so the master plan can continue to be implemented. Planning board members Stuart Jeffares and Bert Kosek were absent from the workshop.

violent incidents, Bauman had been considering adjusting the Friday and Saturday hours to close the fair at 10 p.m., rather than at 11 p.m.

District. I don’t think we’re in any position to say, ‘No, you can’t bring this,’” Boyle said.

The Birmingham Village Fair is not the only fair in recent years to encounter disturbances. This year, Berkley Days cut short its Saturday night carnival hours for the second year in a row due to unruly behavior by groups of teenagers. This year, its 98th, the event closed at 7 p.m. Orchard Lake St. Mary's Polish Country Fair, which initially closed for the pandemic, has stayed closed due to violence and threats made on social media.

Commercial for All Seasons 2 a no go

By Grace Lovins

Proposed commercial use for the new All Seasons 2 building, located at 219 Elm Street in Birmingham, was shot down by the city’s planning board during the Wednesday, May 22, meeting, with one board member frankly calling the concept “a case of bad urban design.”

The decision comes in the midst of the board’s discussions on updating the mixed-use building requirements for the Triangle District, during which they have emphasized adding more commercial space to activate the street.

All Seasons 2, directly adjacent to the independent senior living facility All Seasons, built in 2015, is also an independent senior living facility. The developers, however, came back to the planning board proposing to convert one of the first floor, 1,500 square feet residential units to a commercial use.

Explained by architect Mark Abanatha of Alexander V. Bogaerts & Associates, P.C., the proposed commercial unit would sit in between two residential units on the ground floor of the building along Elm Street. He stated that he and the team working on the project felt that the additional use was more in line with the spirit and intent of what the Triangle District is trying to do.

Only one board member, Robin Boyle, agreed with Abanatha. Boyle stated that there was a bit of skepticism about whether a commercial use at that location would work, but he acknowledged that the board pushed hard for more mixed use buildings in the district.

“We’re being asked here to do what we’ve been wanting to do, and that’s bring mixed use to the Triangle

According to Sam Beznos of Beztak Companies, the owner and developer, he and his team talked with real estate brokers in the city and identified uses that would be ideal in this space. He named financial services and insurances, boutique retail or jewelry, boutique fitness studio, art gallery, and a tutoring business, among others.

Most board members said they weren’t skeptical like Boyle, but completely against the proposal, saying that this is not what they’ve been envisioning when discussing mixed use in the district.

“I don’t think this is the kind of mixed use this board has been trying to obtain,” said chair Scott Clein. “This is a donut hole being filled.”

Ultimately, the board voted 6-1 to recommend denial of the revised site plan and the special land use permit amendment to the city commission, with Boyle voting against denial. Jason Emerine voted in place of board member Daniel Share who was absent.

Bid set to replace rooftop unit at court

By Dana Casadei

Tech Mechanical was awarded the contract to replace a rooftop unit at the 48th District Court at the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees meeting on Monday, June 10.

In total, replacement of the roof unit will cost $119,938, and was the lowest of five bids that the township received, putting the project under budget. Bids were received on Bidnet direct (MITN), where a request for proposal (RFP) for this project was published.

The other four bids received ranged from $121,000 to $158,400.

Adam Roose, township public works manager, who spoke before the board about the project, mentioned that they have used Tech Mechanical before with other projects and services needed at the 48th District Court.

“We’re really comfortable with them as a contractor,” he said.

The money being spent to replace the 20-ton roof top unit – which is getting near the end of its useful life –was already scheduled for replacement as part of the board approved budget for the 2025 fiscal year.

The board of trustees voted in favor 6-0, with treasurer Michael Schostak not in attendance.

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Kraemer Design selected for project

By Grace Lovins

As part of a Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) grant application for Birmingham, the city commission on Monday, June 3, selected a Kraemer Design Group as its consultant to assist with a cultural resources survey of S. Eton Street.

According to the city’s planning director Nick Dupuis, the city had applied for the TAP grant back in September of 2023, requesting $1.2 million for the project, a few months after the city commission approved a new design for S. Eton. A condition of the commission’s approval of the new design was that the city would seek funding for the project through a TAP grant.

TAP grants, per the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) website, use federal transportation funds designated by Congress for specific activities that enhance the intermodal transportation system and provide safe alternative transportation options, and these

funds are administered through the MDOT.

Dupuis said MDOT is supportive of the project in concept, but they would like to see a historical survey of the area to ensure there are no issues between the new design and any potential historic buildings in the neighborhood.

The city released a request for proposals (RFP) for the historic surveying work and received two responses, from Kraemer Design Group and The Grassroots Historian. Due to the significant cost difference and the content of the proposal, Kraemer Design Group was selected to be brought before the commission.

Kraemer Design Group – not to be confused with Kramer Management Group which is also currently working with the city – is an architecture, interior design and consulting firm with offices in Detroit, Toledo, Ohio and Charleston, SC.

The group has worked on historic projects across the state, including a historic resource survey for the city of Kalamazoo, African American Housing in Inkster, and the Edison Historic Neighborhood Survey for the city of

Kalamazoo. They also helped the city develop the historic district guidelines that were completed in 2023.

The commission voted unanimously, 7-0, to approve the agreement with Kraemer Design Group for work not to exceed $19,880.

Ground electrical ordinances passed

By Dana Casadei

Two proposed zoning ordinance amendments regarding site standards for ground mounted mechanicals successfully passed on Tuesday, May 28 at the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees meeting.

“This is exciting, it’s an improvement,” said Andrea Bibby, township deputy director of Planning, Building & Ordinance about the amendments.

The two passed changes will primarily clear up some language and make some slight adjustments to the ordinance.

One change is that ground mounted equipment will now be required to be five feet from the

ground mounted mechanical unit instead of three feet, the current distance. This will allow for better air intake and accessibility for servicing the unit, and has been identified by contractors as the more common requirement from manufactures of such equipment.

After doing a review of the last five years, it was found that generally the zoning board of appeals (ZBA) has granted the approval of variance requests for this type of equipment when the unit complies with the setback and screening provisions, and is not planned to be immediately adjacent to the building, based on the manufacturer’s specifications. The screening provisions will not be changed with these proposed ordinance adjustments.

The second major change to the ordinance has to do with requests for placement of ground mounted equipment inside accessory structures, like pool houses and generators inside detached garages. With the proposed amendment it will now be allowed to do this type of installation upon demonstrating that the accessory structure complies with

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the necessary provisions for accessory structures, including height and location standards, instead of having to go before the ZBA.

Air conditioner units, generators, transformers, pool equipment or other related equipment are what are considered ground mounted mechanical equipment.

“I think this makes a lot of sense,” said trustee Valerie Murray. “This is going to take a little bit of the weight off of the zoning board of appeals.”

Much like it was in front of the board of trustees, the proposed changes received the full support from the ZBA prior to trustee's meeting, as well as the planning commission.

These further clarifications within the ordinance come after last April when the board of trustees approved amendments to the zoning ordinance, adding site conditions for ground or wall mechanical or electrical equipment that are not subject to accessary use provisions.

“This ordinance has been working out really well with the new language,” Bibby said.

The vote passed 5-0. Clerk Martin Brook and trustee Stephanie Fakih were both absent from the May 28 meeting.

Townhomes proposed across from park

By Grace Lovins

The Shain Park Apartments complex on the corner of Townsend and Bates streets in Birmingham is poised to be demolished and replaced by new townhomes after the city’s planning board gave the green light during a preliminary site plan and design review during the Wednesday, May 22, meeting.

Designed by architect Chris Longe of Christopher J. Longe AIA Architecture, who previously worked on the townhomes located on West Brown Street, this site will be home to four single-family residences, each with two-and-a-half stories, direct entry and a private stairway.

Longe told the board that the project is a kind of evolution from the Brown Street development in terms of aesthetic, stating that he aimed to

provide the same architectural backdrop for each of the townhomes but that each will have slight differentiations when it comes to the material and detailing.

Each of the units, all over roughly 3,000 square feet, will also have two different terraces separated from their neighboring units by a screen wall. A terrace will be found on the attic and second levels.

The board asked questions about the details of certain elements, including the height of the chimney stacks shown in the renderings and a masonry wall that separates the driveways of the townhomes from the existing residences on the southern side of the development.

Board member Stuart Jeffares said he was concerned over having a solid, concrete or brick structure required by the ordinance considering there is electrical wiring that only hangs about nine feet off the ground. The masonry screen wall is required to be six feet per the ordinance, but planner Brooks Cowan said staff could look at possible alternatives, such as a greenery screen wall, in the ordinance.

With no concerns stated aside from the driveway’s masonry screening, the board unanimously voted 7-0 to approve the preliminary site plan for the Parkview Townhomes. Jason Emerine voted in place of Daniel Share who was absent.

Police saw increase in calls and crimes

By Dana Casadei

During the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees meeting on Tuesday, May 28, the work completed throughout the previous year by the Bloomfield Township Police Department was showcased during their annual report presentation.

“I want to highlight the wonderful work that we do as an agency and an organization,” said James Gallagher, Bloomfield Township Police Chief. “We pride ourselves on the commitment to our community and the service to our community, and while we’re not perfect all the times, we’re willing to learn from our

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mistakes, and we’re willing to move past them and give opportunity.”

And he did just that, highlighting their work not only during the annual report – which was also presented by Nick Soley, community relations officer, who created the document – but throughout the evening’s near hour of promotions and retirements and departmental awards given out.

Two of the evening’s highest honors went to Officer Robert Zaremba, Officer of the Year; and Dispatcher Kristi Harms, Civilian of the Year. In 2023, dispatch took 16,824 911 calls, 470 texts to 911, and 55,005 non-emergency calls.

Each of those who received an acknowledgement or award went on to thank the packed room, especially their families.

“It makes our jobs a lot easier because of the support you give,” Gallagher said.

That support shined through in the work done throughout 2023, including 6,074 vacation checks, 323 vehicle lockouts, and over 200 school security checks. All of this, and much more, was completed even with the department down six officers.

Throughout 2023, the Bloomfield Township police department not only saw increases in the number of calls for service they took – just over 26,000, a 1.7 percent increase from 2022 – but also in Part A Crimes, which are considered the most serious types of crimes, like robbery, assaults and high-value larcenies.

This increase in Part A Crimes is a continuation from last year as well, where those crimes were up slightly, primarily because of fraud/ID thefts and robberies. In 2023, that increase was due to automobile thefts, of which there were over 50.

“This is a really high number for Bloomfield Township,” said Gallagher. “With the help of the Troy special investigations unit we’ve identified most of the perpetrators of those crimes and hopefully, they’ll be brought to justice soon.”

Solely did point out that Part B and C crimes were down in 2023, but believed that was because there was such an increase in high value crimes.

There were a lot of fun elements Soley discussed too, including the community work the department does, which every officer enjoys.

There was their work with the Special Olympics, a hunger drive, numerous parades and community events, and their first Youth Police

Academy, where graduates were introduced to aspects of policing, such as weapon safety, CPR and traffic stops. For the Youth Police Academy, Bloomfield Township police partnered with the Birmingham Police Department, Rochester Police Department and Auburn Hills Police Department.

This event was so popular that it’s coming back in June.

“We had a lot of fun,” Soley said. “We’re excited to bring it back.”

The police department is already looking ahead at completing goals for 2024, including a continued focus on hiring and developing leadership and roles for those who will go on to fill the shoes of retirees.

The Morrie ownership change problems

By Grace Lovins

Errors in the filed paperwork led Birmingham city commissioners to take no action to approve the ownership change of the The Morrie restaurant, located at 260 N. Old Woodward, during the Monday, June 3, commission meeting.

Planning director Nick Dupuis said the ownership change does not come with any physical changes to the site aside from minor remodeling on the inside and a name change. He said the outdoor dining, building facade and general interior layout will all remain the same.

The documentation that was submitted to the city listed the new name of the restaurant as Coterie, and the new owners as Old Woodward STA, LLC. Randy Foumia of Old Woodward STA, LLC, stated he would be the new owner of the restaurant if the special land use permit amendment was approved.

The discussion took a turn when Foumia told the commission that he, along with his branding team and identity team, had decided to change the new name of the restaurant from Coterie to Terra Kitchen & Cocktails. City attorney Mary Kucharek said she was perplexed considering all of the documentation and the public notice had been advertised with the name Coterie.

“Public hearings really need to adhere to the strict format of process. I think we’re going to have to reset the public hearing and redo this with the proper name and executing all the documents with the name as identified here tonight,” Kucharek said.

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Kucharek recommended that the commission take no action and the city restart the public hearing and public notice process once the applicant has submitted the correct paperwork with the proper name. She also stated that the applicant should be responsible for the cost of re-notifying the public.

Commission Clinton Baller also said he was skeptical of the fact that the applicant is not requesting any changes to the building. “What we don’t want is somebody who comes along and says for the sake of expediency, ‘Oh, I’m not making any changes,’” he said.

Baller encouraged Foumida to provide some more details about what the future plans are for the restaurant when he comes back for the approval of the special land use permit amendment.

The commission did not make a motion as none was needed.

Design standards now part of review process

By Grace Lovins

All city projects under consideration will now require staff to consider design standards and be included in memorandums with commission packets, and Birmingham's current review process for requests for proposals (RFPs) will be reviewed and reassessed after the city commission determined they were both necessary at their meeting on Monday, June 3.

Cultural Arts Awards nominations now open

Nominations are now open for the 2024 Birmingham Bloomfield Cultural Arts Awards which recognize an individual who has strongly impacted the arts in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area (Beverly Hills, Birmingham, Bingham Farms, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, and Franklin), or someone who has had an impact on any of the cultural arts beyond the communities at a state, national or even at an international level.

Now in its 29th year, the Cultural Arts Awards are sponsored by the Cultural Council of Birmingham/Bloomfield in conjunction with its cosponsors, the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, The Community House, Bloomfield Cablevision, and Downtown Newsmagazine.

Nomination forms are due by Monday, July 15. A jury of arts enthusiasts from the community will select the 2024 honoree(s) in August. The public is invited to an awards ceremony at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center, Friday, September 15, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

To see a list of former honorees and review nomination criteria, visit the organization’s website at culturalcouncilbirminghambloomfield.org.

Last year Stephanie Pizzo, the director of Eisenhower Dance, received the Cultural Arts Award. Nominators spoke of how she brought worldclass dance and fitness opportunities to the community, as well as educational collaborations with schools as diverse as the Detroit Public School Community District and Detroit Country Day, which expanded the company’s educational reach to impact children across all socioeconomic borders. The jury also awarded a Special Lifetime Achievement award to Kegham Tazian, honoring honoring his impact on his art students during his 40-year tenure at Oakland Community College, as well as for the ‘artistic expression of humanity’ seen in his tremendous body of work (including public art in Birmingham) as an internationally recognized sculptor and painter.

Commissioners voted unanimously, 7-0, to approve Baller’s proposal of adding the section to the agendas before moving on to a discussion about the city’s current RFP review process.

The issue of adding design considerations to the memorandums included in the commission’s meeting packets was brought up by commissioner Clinton Baller during the Monday, May 20, meeting. He recommended the board have a discussion on adding the section, similar to how there are current sections for legal review and fiscal impact.

“I believe that there are many agenda items that come up as illustrated tonight where we are not sufficiently respectful of the design process,” Baller said. He explained that the new section would force city staff to think about the design standards of a project before it comes to the commission for review.

Baller also initiated the discussion on the RFP review process, explaining to the board that being unfamiliar with the best practices regarding RFPs, the commission should be given some research or a presentation on what the best practices are.

“I suggest that whoever is responsible for writing the RFPs come back and tell us what their process is and discuss some options for improvement of the process so we avoid some of the issues we’ve seen lately,” Baller said.

The commission has raised several concerns relating to the RFP review process over the last few meetings where respondents to the RFPs were brought before the commission.

Commissioners Therese Longe and

use requirements in the city’s Triangle District in October of last year. Discussions were brought up over concerns that buildings were not adequately proportioned in terms of their uses, activated frontage was lacking and allowing developments bonus stories for receiving a LEED certification was not working well for the city.

Planning director Nick Dupuis kicked off the discussion by revisiting some of the items that were previously discussed by the board during the Wednesday, May 8, meeting, which included some of the recommendations in the city’s 2040 plan and the 2007 Triangle District Urban Design Plan.

Dupuis listed multiple recommendations in the meeting packet: public parking, sustainability, transit access, affordable housing, public amenities, such as parks and open space, urban design, mixed use, historic preservation and child care.

Focusing on the potential short term, chair Scott Clein said that he thinks the best option at the time was to work with the five considerations that are already laid out in the current ordinance and make slight changes as appropriate.

Anthony Long both stated they agreed with Baller’s points and think the commission is sometimes “hamstrung” by an RFP that is released and bid on.

“I think we can get better results if we have a diversity of opinions and perspectives on the RFP going in,” Longe said.

Commissioners voted unanimously, 7-0, to move the discussion to a formal agenda item.

Triangle District rules still under discussion

By Grace Lovins

Review of the mixed-use requirements in Birmingham’s Triangle District continued on Wednesday, May 22, as the city’s planning board discussed short-term and long-term components of the current ordinance they want to address.

The board began looking at mixed-

Other board members brought up additional items they felt should have more immediate attention. Board member Janelle Boyce said she would be more comfortable with removing the options for developers to gain two extra floors if they earn a LEED certification. She said the certification should just be the city’s standard and the current state is just a giveaway of two extra floors.

Board member Bryan Williams said they should really focus on the commercial uses in the district, saying the entire board is unhappy with the situation they are currently in. Clein suggested the board move forward with short term items next, and then move on to discuss other items like LEED and commercial uses that will require more study.

The board took no formal action but will continue discussions on short-term and long-term solutions in the future.

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FACES

Ron Moffitt

Throughout his career, Ron Moffitt, the pin stripe man, worked with car dealers in one form or another. After high school, the West Bloomfield resident, who grew up in southwest Detroit, was drafted during the Vietnam war, where he served for two years. Upon his return, Moffitt sold cars for a decade before starting his own automotive aftermarket business.

Somewhere along the way, he saw pin stripers working on cars and thought that was really cool.

“I’ve got all the employees and this guy has a paintbox,” thought Moffitt, who sold his company to his partner and learned how to pin stripe. “In a few months, I had it down. It’s very hard to learn, but I did it for 30 years.”

The technique remained popular for the first two decades, but when demand slowed in recent years, Moffitt was left with more time on his hands. “I thought if I had an opportunity to become a painter, I could do it, so at 70, I took my first class at the BBAC (Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center)” located in Birmingham, said Moffitt, who appreciated the fact that his instructors were professional artists. “I got to be really good because I worked really hard at it.”

He also had a great head start. “For 30 years, I’ve been dealing with paint and color and a brush, so when I took my first class, everything on the list of materials that you needed, I had because I knew I was going to do this,” said Moffitt.

The artist also has praise for the venue. “Just the quality and the visiting artists they bring in for exhibitions…I cannot say enough good about the BBAC,” he said. “They have absolutely excellent instructors.”

Since he first began taking classes, Moffitt has received many accolades. “It just became an absolute passion. I want to get as good as I can because I plan to be a working artist at 99. I absolutely love it,” he said. “My whole life I’ve been very good at anything that has to do with working with my hands and just as bad at everything else.”

Moffitt has also won awards for his impressive works, like best photorealism. “Pin striping has taught me extreme detail,” he said. “I have great brush control and hand-eye coordination.”

His urban landscapes incorporate intricate features like brick buildings and telephone poles. One piece he did that featured The Fly Trap restaurant on Woodward Avenue in Ferndale won a Best in Show award and became the first painting he sold.

For now, Moffitt continues to build his inventory and enter competitions. “I paint ordinary stuff, but I look for beauty in everything. I want the paintings to make you smile,” he said.

As an avid gardener, the artist also gets creative with nature. “My garden is the best art I’ve ever done,” said Moffitt. “Painting and gardening and creating is my specialty. I am a huge fan of every form of art.”

Whether he works on cars or canvas, his creations have a common denominator. “I made a career with a paintbrush. I have a passion for painting and I’m getting better and better,” said Moffitt. “I have such a good life and I try my best to make people around me happy. I have a good time, and if something bad happens, I put it in the rearview mirror.”

Story: Jeanine Matlow

Photo: Laurie Tennent

NEXT NOTEBOOK

“I hired someone over 55” was the title of a post on LinkedIn that recently caught my eye.

As you can imagine, I get a lot of articles about aging sent to my inbox. But this one resonated.

It turns out, it resonated with a lot of people. The post went viral with 75,000 likes and almost 5,000 comments.

The CEO that published the post, Tom Hunt from the international marketing firm Fame, was recently looking to fill a position. When an older candidate sent in a resume, the CEO ran through the myriad of thoughts that can lead to apprehension: he is overqualified, he’s not tech savvy enough, he won’t keep up, he won’t fit in, etc. But he hired the over-55 job seeker anyway, and what a difference it made to the company.

The lesson he shares: “If you want great talent, don’t ignore experience.” What matters when hiring is the skill set and most importantly, if their values align with your company’s.

He ends the post by writing, “Let’s end ageism. Who’s with me?”

I am. Next is.

According to a recent survey by the American Staffing Association, twothirds of the over 60 year old respondents feel their age puts them at a disadvantage when job hunting and have experienced age bias.

I am part of Birmingham’s Ad Hoc Committee for Aging in Place. Just this

week, we reviewed the results of the survey distributed through the city of Birmingham. Over 690 people filled out the survey and some of the results were surprising.

In one question, respondents were asked, if they are currently not employed, would you like to reenter the work force? A significant percentage, 15 percent replied yes.

Will they be given the chance?

As Tom Hunt points out, recruiters need to stop looking for 25 year olds with 20 years of experience. Older candidates bring a different set of skills that only years of experience can offer: temperament, versatility, expertise, critical thinking and time management.

These skills aren’t always tangible but they lead to measurable results.

At Next, our staff is most often over 50 years old and have often come to Next after a very successful career as a way to slow down a bit in a meaningful shift.

Next benefits greatly from that transition as these employees come with a highly developed set of skills that have become a real advantage. Whether it is experience in finance, marketing, healthcare or customer service, our staff not only aligns with the core values of Next, they have helped define them.

SEMCOG (South East Michigan Council of Governments) data indicates with our aging population, the labor shortage will pose a significant challenge in the near future. It’s time to let go of age bias and embrace the wealth of experience and expertise that comes with an age diverse work force. By letting go of outdated stereotypes, companies may be surprised at the many benefits there are to hiring an older employee, both tangible and intangible.

Cris Braun is Executive Director of Birmingham Next

Michigan Fine Arts Competition

Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center -

Cris Braun

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THE COMMUNITY HOUSE

“It’s not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.” – Mother Theresa

As a 101-year-old non-profit 501 (c) (3) charitable organization, we’re primarily relying on volunteers and donations to fund our cause, and one of the biggest challenges we face is prompting people to step up, either with their time or money. To help boost donations and inspire more people to take part in our organization - and other organizations we also help every single day - I am kicking-off a series to showcase and highlight other important, noble organizations “making a difference” in our community - that the Community House also helps and supports, financial and otherwise, helping them every single day. “Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” Albert Einstein

This month my team had the pleasure to sit down with Pamela Ayres, the current President of FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation (FAR). FAR is a non-profit organization that was founded in 1951 to assist individuals with disabilities of any age and any diagnosis using creative arts therapy. In 2023 alone, FAR proudly served 1,576 individuals from ages 3 to 75 across Oakland, Macomb and Wayne Counties. Like The Community House, FAR is also a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization.

Along with 20 other non-profit or charitable partner organizations, The Community House serves as a welcoming “base” for the FAR Social Connections group which brings together individuals 16 and over with a wide range of disabilities to go out into the community and learn social skills. Beyond education, the group encourages friendships and relationships that may not be possible otherwise. We still remember the look on their faces as they came to The Community House for the first time in 2022. They were so excited to explore and gather, and we were so honored to host them. Now, we get a monthly visit from the Social Connection group and are committed to growing our partnership with them in the future.

In our conversation with Pamela, one thing that stood out to us most about FAR is that you never age out of their programming. Many of the individuals supported by FAR create friendships and relationships that last a lifetime with each other and the exceptional staff at FAR.

FAR also proudly puts on many summer camps that are now open for registration. With camps for all ages and abilities, we encourage you to take a look at their offerings. Their musical theater camp “Sing Out” sounded particularly exciting. For ages 13+, it’s a fantastic opportunity for creative expression as well as some good old-fashioned fun!

FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation is an incredible organization that The Community House is proud to partner with. They also have many volunteer, employment and philanthropic opportunities available. To learn more about FAR, please contact our dear friend and partner, Ms. Pamela Ayres, President at 248.646.3347 or visit their website at far-therapy.org.

Congratulations FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation, Ms. Pamela Ayres and FAR’s incredibly compassionate, selfless and dedicated team, You make The Community House a better place. You make us all better.

THOUGHT

FOR THE DAY

“Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don’t judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet... Charity is refusing to take advantage of another’s weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us. Charity is expecting the best of each other.” Marvine J. Ashton

THE 9TH ANNUAL BATES STREET SOCIETY DINNER - SAVE THE “NEW” DATE

As a 501 c 3 nonprofit charitable organization, it is our duty and our obligation to remain ever mindful that good stewardship is an essential part of the fundraising cycle. It covers the entire relationship between donor and organization. Likewise, we must continually celebrate and honor the importance of selfless service and volunteerism. For without either, the work and missions of noble organizations such as The Community House (TCH) would not be possible.

Normally held in February, The Community House created the Bates Street Society Dinner - at which annual Pillars of Vibrancy; Education, Health & Wellness, Culture, Philanthropy and Business are celebrated and honored. The purpose is to publicly recognize extraordinary individuals who have demonstrated selfless service and philanthropy toward others while helping to “Create More Vibrant Lives” in the community - selfless service offered and provided out of a genuine and deep desire to help and be of service to others.

Over the last nine years, 90 pillars in our community have been recognized and inducted into The Community House’s Pillars of Vibrancy.

This November our annual signature event; The Bates Street Society Dinner & Awards Ceremony officially moves up from the winter month of February to the autumn month of November. So please save the new date, Reservations (ticketless event) are on sale now. Don’t delay, this is a sold out gathering each year.

At this time, TCHA & TCHF is also delighted to announce its AMAZING November 2, 2024 newest corps of Bates Street Society Dinner Pillars of Vibrancy Nominees. They include: Ms. Terry Barclay; Ms. Laurie Cunnington; Ms. Lisa Daniels-Goldman; Ms. Debra Ernst; Mr. Max Ernst; Ms. Shari Finsilver; Mr. Stanley Finsilver; Ms. Lisa Daniels-Goldman; Ms. Denise Ilitch; Ms. Anne Mervenne; Ms. Amy Nederlander; and Mr. Ben Wallace.

As many of you are already aware, the Bates Street Society was established in 2015 to publicly recognize and induct members who have made significant charitable contributions to support the work and mission of The Community House in Birmingham. New member-inductees are acknowledged annually at its Bates Street Society Dinner, a semi-formal event hosted by The Community House and The Community House Foundation’s Officers and Boards of Directors.

In an effort to recognize those that have given extraordinary treasure; $25,000 or more cumulatively, or donors who make an irrevocable legacy gift of $25,000 or more to The Community House, Community House Association and Foundation Leadership decided to combine and recognize key stakeholders; major donors, foundations and corporate partners - together - with the annual Pillars of Vibrancyat the annual Bates Street Society Dinner, under one philanthropic umbrella event.

As such, the ninth annual Bates Street Society Dinner & Awards Ceremony has been moved to Saturday, November 2, 2024. The three-course sit-down dinner is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. sharp in the Wallace Ballroom of The Community House. In addition to the extraordinary culinary creations and libations prepared and served throughout the evening by The Community House’s own award-winning culinary and hospitality teams, live entertainment and a recognition and inspirational awards ceremony will close out the evening.

To help lead this extraordinary evening of recognition, celebration and inspiration, Mr. Huel Perkins, award-winning news anchor, producer, writer, inspirational speaker, and past Bates Street Society Pillar Broadcast Journalist, and iconic American news anchor, will return in the role of master of ceremonies.

This important gathering/dinner will offer guests a wonderful opportunity to publicly show enthusiastic support for the 2024 TCH Pillars of Vibrancy inductees, and to the scores of individuals, foundations, and corporations whose contributions and kindness makes The Community House’s work and mission possible. Reservations (no tickets issued!) are $250pp for general admission, $350pp for patron admission, $550pp for benefactor admission and $3750 for a sponsorship table of 10 guests (which includes special benefits). Corporate sponsorship opportunities and program book ad placements are welcome and available as well.

Finally, we wish to thank returning “founding” sponsors; PNC Bank and Corewell Health (Beaumont) – for without these two community-oriented organizations, and their dedicated leadership and employees supporting us, this annual gathering would not be made possible. Thanks a million.

For reservations, sponsorships or more information about booking gathering and meeting space for 2024 and beyond - please go to communityhouse.org or call 248.644.5832.

The historic Community House (TCH) is a solely independent nonprofit 501 c 3 charitable organization. TCH is not and never has been supported by tax dollars or millages.

Bill Seklar

William D. Seklar is Officer, President & CEO of The Community House Association and Board Chair, President & CEO of The Community House Foundation in Birmingham.

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. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.2220. 220restaurant.com

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

Adachi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. Liquor. Reservations. 325 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.540.5900. adachirestaurant.com

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. andiamoitalia.com

Beau’s: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. beausbloomfield.com

Bella Piatti: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. bellapiattirestaurant.com

Beverly Hills Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 3147 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48205. 248.642.2355. beverlyhillsgrill.com

Beyond Juicery + Eatery: Contemporary. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 270 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009; 221 Cole Street, Birmingham, 48009; 3645 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301; 4065 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301; 1987 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. beyondjuiceryeatery.com

Bill’s: American. Breakfast, weekends, Lunch, Wednesday-Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000. billsbloomfieldhills.com

Birmingham Pub: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.885.8108. thebirminghampub.com

Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880. birminghamsushi.com

Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 34244 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984. bistrojoeskitchen.com

Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879. bloomfielddeli.com

Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690. thebrooklynpizza.com

Café Dax: American. Breakfast, daily, Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 298 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.283.4200. daxtonhotel.com

Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.642.4000. cafeml.com

Casa Pernoi: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.940.0000. casapernoi.com

Churchill’s Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555. churchillscigarbar.com

Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Beer. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220. cityscapedeli.com

Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9766. gocommonwealth.com

Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135. dickodowspub.com

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

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.258.9939. einsteinbros.com

Elie’s Mediterranean Grill/Bar: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. eliesgrill.com

EM: Mexican. Brunch, weekends. Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 470 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 947.234.0819. embirmingham.com

Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Tuesday-Sunday. Dinner, TuesdayFriday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033. embersdeli1.com

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. flemingssteakhouse.com

Forest: European. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400. forestbirmingham.com

Greek Islands Coney Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222. greekislandsconey.com

Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American. Lunch, Thursday-Sunday, Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No Reservations. Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham. 248.712.4050. griffinclawbrewingcompany.com

Hazel’s: Seafood. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1 Peabody Street, Birmingham. 248.671.1714. eatathazels.com

Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111. honeytreegrille.com

Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. hunterhousehamburgers.com

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4369. hydeparkrestaurants.com

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

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.792.9609. joemuer.com

Kaku Sushi and Poke’: Asian. Lunch, MondayFriday & Dinner daily. No reservations. 869 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.480.4785, and 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.885.8631. kakusushipoke.com

Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166. kerbyskoneyisland.com

La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.5800. lamarsacuisine.com

La Strada Italian Kitchen & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.0492. lastradaitaliankitchen.com

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. leosconeyisland.com

Lincoln Yard and Little Yard: American. Little Yard take-out hours: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Lincoln Yard hours: Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2159 E. Lincoln Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.653.5353. eatlincolnyard.com

Little Daddy’s: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.647.3400. littledaddys.com

Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051. luxebarandgrill.com

Madam: American. Brunch, weekends. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 298 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.283.4200. daxtonhotel.com

Mare Mediterranean: Seafood. Brunch, weekends. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham 48009. 248.940.5525. maremediterranean.com

Market North End: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.712.4953. marketnorthend.com

MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Brunch, weekends. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.723.0800. mexbloomfield.com

Middle Eats: Mediterranean. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield, 48093. 248.274.328. middleeats.com

Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2079 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581. nipponsushibar.com

Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500. olgas.com

Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775. oph-mi.com

Phoenicia: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, 48009. phoeniciabirmingham.com

Planthropie: Vegan. Dessert and Cheese. Tuesday-Sunday. 135 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.839.5640. planthropie.com

Roadside B & G: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1727 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48302. 248.858.7270. roadsidebandg.com

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

Shift Kitchen & Cocktails: Small plates. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2380. shiftbirmingham.com

Sidecar: American. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2380. sidecarsliderbar.com

Slice Pizza Kitchen: Pizza. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.3475. slicepizzakitchen.com

Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Brunch, Saturday & Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. socialkitchenandbar.com

Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Breakfast and Lunch, Sunday. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. stevesdeli.com

Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Thursday & Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123.

streetsideseafood.com

Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887. sushihanabloomfield.com

Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, Monday and Wednesday-Sunday. No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830. sythaibirmingham.com

Sylvan Table: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1819 Inverness Street, Sylvan Lake, 48320. 248.369.3360. sylvantable.com

Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. tallulahwine.com

Thai Street Kitchen: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.499.6867. thaistreetkitchen.com

The French Lady: French. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. 768 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.0571. zefrenchlady.com

The Gallery Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313. galleryrestaurant2.com

The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. moosepreserve.com

The Morrie: American. Dinner, Friday & Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.940.3260. themorrie.com

The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999. rugbygrille.com

Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. eatattoast.com

Tomatoes Apizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner daily. Carryout. 34200 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.0500. tomatoesapizza.com

Touch of India: Lunch, Tuesday-Thursday, Saturday & Sunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7881. thetouchofindia.com

Townhouse: American. Brunch, weekends. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241. eatattownhouse.com

Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Liquor. No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.566.3566. whistlestopdiners.com

ZANA: Modern American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.800.6568. zanabham.com

Zao Jun: Asian. Lunch, Tuesday-Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.949.9999. zaojunnewasian.com

Royal Oak/Ferndale

Ale Mary’s: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 316 South Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917. alemarysbeer.com

Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 22651 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680. anitaskitchen.com

Bandit Tavern & Hideaway: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 419 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.6250. bandittavern.com

Beppé: New American. Lunch, Saturday and Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 703 N. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.607.7030. eatbeppe.com

Bigalora: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street,

Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.2442 bigalora.com

Café de Olla: Mexican. Breakfast, Tuesday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.633.5311. cafedeollami.com

Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, Wednesday-Monday. Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749. cafemuseroyaloak.com

Coeur: New American Small Plates. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.466.3010. coeurferndale.com

Como’s: Pizza. Brunch, weekends. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 22812 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.677.4439. comosrestaurant.com

Crispelli’s Bakery and Pizzeria: Italian. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 28939 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, 48072. 248.591.3300. crispellis.com

The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale 48220. 248.399.5150. theflytrapferndale.com

Grand River Brewery: American. Brunch, Saturday & Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1 E. 14 Mile Road, Clawson, 48017. 248.607-3631. grandriverbrewer

Gus’ Snug: Irish. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 38 S. Main Street, Clawson, 48017. 248.607.3631. gussnug.com

HopCat: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 430 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.744.2544. HopCat.com

Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 22949 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. howesbayouferndale.net

Imperial: Mexican. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22848 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. imperialferndale.com

Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.543.9500. inyorestaurant.com

Kacha Thai Market: Thai. Lunch and Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. 205 S Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.942-4246. KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500. gokouzina.com

Kruse & Muer on Woodward: American. Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 28028 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.965.2101. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com

Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 410 S. Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.591.5459. lilysseafood.com

Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Brunch, Sunday, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227. lockhartsbbq.com

Masala: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 106 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.850.8284. food.orders.co/royaloakmasala

Mezcal: Mexican. Bruch, Sunday. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 201 E. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 248.268.3915. mezcalferndale.com

Pastaio: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 208 W. 5th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.565.8722. eatpastaio.com

Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947. oakcitygrille.com

Oak Parker: American. Lunch and Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 13621 W Eleven Mile Road, Oak Park, 48327 oakparkerbar.com. One-Eyed Betty’s: American. Breakfast, weekends, Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 175 W. Troy Street, Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633. oneeyedbettys.com

Pop’s for Italian: Italian. Brunch and Lunch, weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. 280 W. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale,48220. 248.268.4806. popsforitalian.com

Public House: American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.850.7420. publichouseferndale.com

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 31542 Woodward Avenue, Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300. redcoat-tavern.com

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

Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 215 E. 4th Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.1141. royaloakbrewery.com

Sozai: Japanese.Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. 449 West 14 Mile Road, Clawson,48017. 248.677-3232. sozairestaurant.com

The Morrie: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112. themorrie.com

Three Cats Café: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Tuesday-Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 116 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson. threecatscafe.com

Tigerlily: Japanese. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 231 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.733-4905. tigerlilyferndale.com

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

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.541.1186. tomsoysterbar.com

Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Avenue, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.4444. trattoriadaluigi.business.site.com

Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7799 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, 48072. 248.548.7711. vinsettagarage.com

Voyager: Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 600 Vester Street, Ferndale, 48220. 248.658.4999. voyagerferndale.com

Troy/Rochester

Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Road, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831. cafesushimi.com

Capital Grill: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2800 W. Big Beaver Road, Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300.

CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600. ckdiggs.com

Firebird Tavern: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 4845 Rochester Road, Troy, 48085. 248.289.9650. firebirdtaverntroy.com

Grand Castor: Latin American. Lunch, Thursday-Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2950 Rochester Road, Troy, 48083. 248.278.7777. grancastor.com

Kona Grille: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.619.9060. konagrill.com

Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com

Loccino Italian Grill and Bar: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 5600 Crooks Road, Troy, 48098. 248.813.0700. loccino.com

The Meeting House: American. Brunch,

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 Gigi Nichols who can be reached at GigiNichols@DowntownPublications.com with news items or tips, on or off the record.

James Beard winner

Chef Hajime Sato, chef/owner of Sozai in Clawson, has won the coveted James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes Region. Sato is the first sushi chef to ever win a regional best chef award at the James Beard Awards. This year, he was the only Michigan chef up for Best Chef: Great Lakes – a category that includes culinary professionals from Michigan, Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. Sato’s journey began when his sense of adventure led him to leave Japan for a year as an exchange student in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. He later relocated to Seattle, Washington, where he opened his award-winning restaurant Mashiko in 1994. In 2019, Sato moved to Metro Detroit where his wife was being treated for cancer, and at that time, he opened Sozai in Clawson. As Sato took the podium at the ceremony, which took place at the Lyric Opera of Chicago, he said that this was the second time that he had been nominated for a James Beard Award and after receiving the first nomination, something changed for him. “People started listening to me,” he said. “I’ve been doing ocean conservation and sustainable sushi for 15 years. Oceans are not in good shape. Earth is not in good shape, and a small restaurant like me cannot really do that much. But everyone here, nominees, winners, now you have a voice.” 449 W. 14 Mile Road, Clawson sozairestaurant.com

HUDSON’S PLACE opens in Bloomfield

Husband-and-wife team Amanda and Tom Quni have opened HUDSON’S PLACE, a pizza, gelato and coffee bar, at the southwest corner of Long Lake and Telegraph in Bloomfield Township. It’s the spot formerly occupied by Peter’s Palate Pleasers, which was owned by the Qunis since 2016. The new eatery, designed by Jeremiah Armstrong and Dustin Illes of Mexico Mexico Design in Detroit, features artisan pizzas, craft coffee drinks and fresh-daily “grab & go” offerings ranging from sandwiches and pastas to baked goods. HUDSON’S PLACE uses only the highest-quality ingredients, including the imported Italian flour brand, Caputo, which is utilized in the fermented sourdough for their pizzas and sandwiches. “From day one, we’ve been fanatical about the quality and lightness of the dough,” said Tom Quni, owner of HUDSON’S PLACE. “Our team has been meticulously sourcing the same ingredients favored by Italy’s best pizzerias, which allows us to deliver the same quality and experience to our guests here in Bloomfield Hills.” Their commitment to superior ingredients extends to the rest of their menu, with all sauces, salad dressings, pastas, and grab-and-go items made in-house daily. Specialty pizzas include The New Yorker (basil pomodoro, mozzarella, parmigiano, halal beef pepperoni); Spicy Soppressata (basil pomodoro, mozzarella, anduja sausage, onion, chili-infused EVOO); and the Fig (mozzarella, fig, charred radicchio, gorgonzola, sun-dried tomato, spicy honey). Pastries, cookies, and muffins (all seed-oil free) are also made inhouse, while croissants are sourced daily from Cannelle Patisserie in Birmingham. Gelato is made in-house with a selection of revolving flavors such as pistachio and raspberry. 1087 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township hudsonsplacepizzeria.com

African Street Food goes local

Waka, the East African food truck and sister brand of the award-winning Baobab Fare restaurant, is getting its own permanent home slated to open this summer. Waka by Baobab Fare will bring culture and community back to 2465 Russell Street, an iconic gathering place in Detroit’s historic Eastern Market that was home to Russell Street Deli for more than 30 years. Waka debuted as a food truck at Detroit’s Noel Night celebration in 2022 as a street food spinoff of the popular Baobab Fare restaurant, which Hamissi Mamba and his wife Nadia Nijimbere, both refugees from Burundi, opened in Detroit’s New Center neighborhood in February 2021. “We didn’t want to go anywhere else to start this,” says co-owner Mamba. “People here in Detroit take care of us, so this idea of bringing East African street food to America has to start here. This is home, and we are so thankful to be able to grow our business and build on our story right here in Eastern Market.” A native of Burundi, Mamba recalls how when he was a child his mother sold chapati and brochettes at the bustling markets of Bujumbura to feed her family. In that sense, Eastern Market is a fitting location for the first brick-and-mortar

weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825. themeetinghouserochester.com

Mon Jin Lau: Nu Asian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Road, Troy, 48083. 248.689.2332. monjinlau.com

Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845. mortons.com

NM Café: American. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.816.3424. neimanmarcus.com/restaurants

Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200. oceaniainnrochesterhills.com

Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Highway, Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500. ocean-prime.com

O’Connor’s Irish Public House: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 324 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537. oconnorsrochester.com

Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Road., Troy, 48085. 248.524.1944. orchid-cafe.com

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000. pfchangs.com

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. recipesinc.com

RH House: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch and Dinner, daily. 2630 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. No reservations. Liquor. 2630 Crooks Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.586.1000. rh.house.com

RH Social: Pizza/Sports Bar. Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6870 N. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, 48306.248.759.4858. rochesterhillssocial.com

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

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424. ruthschris.com

Saltwater Eatery: Seafood. Brunch, Sunday, Lunch, daily, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 3672 Rochester Road, Troy, 48083. 248.422.6151. saltwatereatery.info

Sedona Taphouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 198 Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.422.6167. sedonataphouse.co

Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306. 248.652.4500. silverspoonristorante.com

Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.453.5291. tooraloorochester.com

West Bloomfield/Southfield

Aurora Italiana: Italian. Dinner, WednesdayMonday. Reservations. Liquor. 6199 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.782.3000. auroraitaliana.com

Cornbread Restaurant & Bar: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, Thursday-Tuesday. Reservations. Liquor. 29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680. cornbreadsoulfood.com

Bigalora: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Saturday, Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034. 248.544.2442. bigalora.com

The Fiddler: Russian. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township,

48322. 248.851.8782. fiddlerrestaurant.com

Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081. menesususi.com

Nonna Maria’s: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323. 248.851.2500. nonamariasbistro.com

Pickles & Rye: Deli. Lunch, & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890. picklesandryedeli.com

Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463. prime29steakhouse.com

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.865.0500. redcoattavern.com

Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday-Monday. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.626.8585. dineshangrila.com

Stage Deli: Deli. Lunch, & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Liquor. 6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.855.6622. stagedeli.com

Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.8282. yotsuba-restaurant.com

West Oakland

Volare Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771. ristorantevolare.com

North Oakland

Clarkston Union: American. Breakfast, Sunday, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346 248.620.6100. clarkstonunion.com

Kruse's Deer Lake Inn: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7504 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346. 248.795.2077. kruseandmuerrestaurants.com

The Fed: American. Brunch, Sunday, Lunch, Saturday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 15 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.297.5833. thefedcommunity.com

Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346. 248.620.8500. joebologna.com

Union Woodshop: BBQ. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.625.5660. unionwoodshop.com

Detroit

Alpino: Alpine cuisine. Brunch, Sunday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1426 Bagley Street, Detroit, 48216. 313.524.0888 alpinodetroit.com

Ash-Bar: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1509 Broadway Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.277.4736. ash.world/hotels/the-siren.com

Bar Pigalle: French. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 John R Street, Detroit, 48201. 313.497.9200. barpigalle.com

Barda: Argentinian. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 4842 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, 48208. 313.952.5182. bardadetroit.com

Basan: Asian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2703 Park Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.481.2703. basandetroit.com

Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2684 E. Jefferson Avenue, Detroit, 48207. 313.965.3111. bucharestgrill.com

Cash Only Supper Club: American. Dinner, Friday & Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1145 Griswold Street, Detroit, 48226.

248.636.2300. cashonlydetroit.com

Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails: Seasonal American. Lunch, Thursday & Friday. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 5 E. Kirby Street, Detroit, 48202. 313.818.3915. chartreusekc.com

Cliff Bell’s: American. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 2030 Park Avenue, Detroit, 48226. 313.961.2543. cliffbells.com

Coriander Kitchen and Farm: Farm to table. Lunch and Dinner, Wednesday-Monday. Reservations. Liquor. 14601 Riverside Boulevard, Detroit, 48215. 313.338-9466. corianderkitchenandfarm.com

Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Road, Detroit, 48202. 313.872.5110. cuisinerestaurantdetroit.com

The Eagle: The Eagle: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 3461 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.334.4530. eaglerestaurant.com

El Barzon: Mexican. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 3710 Junction Street, Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070. elbarzonrestaurant.com

Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun. Lunch and Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.965.4600. fishbonesusa.com

Freya: Price fixed. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations, Liquor. 2929 E. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, 48202. 313.351.5544. freyadetroit.com

Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Boulevard, Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122. giovannisrestaurante.com

Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.5588. greendotstables.com

HIROKI-SAN: Japanese. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1265 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, 48226. 313.597.8344. hirokisandetroit.com

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, MondayFriday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.6837. joemuer.com

Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2601 W. Fort Street, Detroit, 48216. 313.309.7946. johnnynoodleking.com

Leila: Lebanese. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1245 Griswold Street, Detroit, 48226. 313. 816.8100. leiladetroit.com

Le Supreme: French. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1265 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, 48226. 313.597.7734. lesupremedetroit.com

Mad Nice: Coastal Italian/American. Lunch, Wednesday-Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4120 2nd Avenue, Detroit, 48201.313.558.8000. madnicedetroit.com

Mario’s: Italian. Lunch, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616. mariosdetroit.com

Mezcal: Mexican. Brunch, Weekends, Lunch and Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 51 W Forest Avenue, Detroit, 48202. 313.974.7441. mezcaldetroit.com

Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 4710 Cass Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.974.7669. midtownshangril-la.com

Motor City Brewing Works: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield Street, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700. motorcitybeer.com

Oak & Reel: Italian Seafood. Dinner, ThursdayMonday. Reservations. Liquor. 2921 E. Grand Boulevard, Detroit, 48202. 313.270.9600. oakandreel.com

PAO Detroit: Asian Fusion/Pan Asian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 114 W Adams Avenue, Suite 200, Detroit, 48226. 313.816.0000. paodetroit.com

Parc: New American. Brunch, Saturday & Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48226.

313.922.7272. parcdetroit.com

Prime + Proper: Steak House. Brunch, Weekends. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1145 Griswold St, Detroit, 48226. 313.636.3100. primeandproperdetroit.com

Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.309.2499. hollywoodgreektown.com

Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.2100.

Selden Standard: American. Dinner, Wednesday-Monday. Reservations. Liquor. 3921 2nd Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.438.5055. seldenstandard.com

SheWolf Pastifico & Bar: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 438 Selden Street, Detroit 48201. 313.315.3992. shewolfdetroit.com

Sinbad’s: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 St. Clair Street, Detroit, 48214. 313.822.8000. sindbads.com

Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.9828. slowsbarbq.com/locations/corktown

Sullivan’s Steakhouse: Steakhouse. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1128 Washington Boulevard, Detroit, MI 48226. 313.591.2495. sullivanssteakhouse.com

Supergeil: Berlin Doner. Lunch, Friday-Sunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 2442 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, 48216. 313.462.4133. supergeildetroit.com

Symposia: Mediterranean. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor.1000 Brush Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.9366. atheneumsuites.com/symposia

Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1234. mgmgranddetroit.com

The Apparatus Room: New American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 250 W. Larned Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.800.5600 detroitfoundationhotel.com

The Block: American. Brunch, Weekends, Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 3919 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892. theblockdet.com

The Dime Store: American. Breakfast & Lunch, Thursday-Tuesday. No reservations. Liquor. 719 Griswold Street #180, Detroit, 48226.313. 962.9106. eatdimestore.com

The Peterboro: Chinese American. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 420 Peterboro Street, Detroit, 48201. 313.462.8106. thepeterboro.com

The Statler: French. Brunch, Sunday. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 313 Park Avenue, Detroit, 48226. 313.463.7111. statlerdetroit.com

Townhouse Detroit: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 500 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 48226. 313.723.1000. townhousedetroit.com

Vertical Detroit: Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1538 Center Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.732.WINE. verticaldetroit.com

Vigilante Kitchen + Bar: Asian/French influenced cuisine. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 644 Selden St, Detroit, 48201. 313.638.1695. vigilantekitchen.com

Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market Street, Detroit, 48207. 313.393.1711. viviosdetroit.net

The Whitney: American. Brunch, Friday-Sunday, Tea Service, Saturday & Sunday, Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor.4421 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700. thewhitney.com

Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Avenue, Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711. wrightdetroit.com

Zuzu: Asian Fusion. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 511 Woodward Ave suite 100, Detroit, 48226. 313.464.7777. experiencezuzu.com

of the bright yellow Waka food truck, which can already be found parked outside Shed 5 once a month. When it opens later this summer, Waka will seat approximately 30 guests, offering fast-casual counter service for dine-in, as well as fresh prepared meals to go and a curated selection of coffee, chocolate, beverages, and other items from the couple’s retail line, Soko. 2465 Russell Street, Detroitbaobabfare.com/waka

A tribute to Mother Handsome

A new café – Mother Handsome – has opened in Oak Park, joining the city’s burgeoning restaurant/bar and brewery scene. Mother Handsome is named after a legendary local tavern keeper from the 1800’s who was known as a rough and boisterous character who was also kind and welcoming. The new café/bar aims to honor Mother Handsome’s legacy by creating a space for the community to gather and experience top-notch hospitality and welcomeness. The establishment is co-owned by Brooke Zadorsky and Aaron Tye, who also own Detroit Fleat in Ferndale. Mother Handsome will offer pastries and coffees by day and cocktails and pizzas in the evening. “We wanted to make our menu approachable,” said Zadorsky. “It’s a minimal menu – we wanted to do everything really well.” A full bar offers beer, wine and cocktails with a focus on martinis. “We want to be known as having the best espresso martini in the area,” said Zodorsky. Mother Handsome has seating for 115 guests which includes bar seating, high-tops and a lounge area. There’s also a private event space which accommodates up to 50 people for events such as corporate luncheons, birthdays, showers, rehearsal dinners and more. 14661 W. Eleven Mile Road, Suite 500, Oak Park motherhandsome.com

The Vinyl Society

The Vinyl Society, the latest project from Dennis Archer Jr., is a hip new bar inspired by Detroit’s rich French history and the early/mid-century hospitality that was developed in Detroit’s Paradise Valley. In its day, Paradise Valley was full of nightclubs, bars and theaters frequented by jazz and blues musicians known locally and around the world. From the 1920s through the 1950s, Hastings Street was a hub for Black musicians to perform, rivaling other places like Harlem and the Southside of Chicago. The Vinyl Society offers a diverse and creative drink menu featuring cocktail inspirations both from around the world and from many history books detailing the beverage preferences from the era. Small plates include fresh black caviar; jumbo tiger shrimp; sweet and sour veggie medley with toasted Italian bread; and charcuterie boards. A strict dress code at the establishment requires gentlemen to wear a jacket or blazer after 6 p.m. on weekends. “Our patient exploration of the intimate details of some of the most esteemed hospitality concepts around the world and the infusion of our finds into our vision for the Vinyl Society. Each experience, each encounter, has contributed to the unique essence of Vinyl,” said Archer in a press release. “Our goal is to create an unparalleled hospitality destination that pays homage to Detroit’s past while embracing the present and forecasting future trends.” 1427 Randolph Street, Detroit thevinylsociety.com

A new place for seafood

Penny White, a restauranteur for over 25 years, points out that seafood restaurants can either be super expensive or extremely cheap, leaving little for people who want something in the middle. That is why she opened Saltwater Eatery – a moderately-priced seafood option in Troy. The cozy beach house ambience is clean and crisp, featuring light blues with wood accents. There is seating for 80 customers inside and an outdoor patio that accommodates 20. The crowd-pleasing lobster rolls are prepared two ways –Maine-style on a grilled roll with warm drawn butter or Connecticut-style with house mayo, celery, and scallions. Other favorites on the menu include: Cajun shrimp & grits with creamy cheese curds, bacon and étouffée sauce, topped with Cajun blackened fresh shrimp; whole fresh flounder, battered and fried with apricot glaze over red beans and rice; and seafood pasta carbonara with shrimp, fish, lobster and crab, sauce of pancetta, garlic, pecorino cheese, eggs and cream over tagliatelle pasta. Options for non-seafood lovers include steak frites with hanger steak, zip sauce and hand cut fries; chicken andouille pappardelle with seared andouille sausage, light Cajun cream sauce over pappardelle pasta; and hand-pattied burger with Detroit Zip sauce. The restaurant is awaiting approval for its liquor license which should be in place soon. Upon approval, the restaurant will offer a full bar with wine, beer and cocktails. 3672 Rochester Road, Troy saltwatereatery.info

Respond firmly to beatdown at Village Fair

For 59 years residents of the Birmingham and Bloomfield area, and their children, as well as those from surrounding communities, have looked forward to the arrival each spring of the Birmingham Village Fair which promises four days of fun activities, as well as memories. Unfortunately, the most recent event held Thursday, May 30, through Sunday, June 2, will go down in memory as the year that violent behavior of teen attendees at the Village Fair have marred the event which officials must address now with a firm hand and increased proactive planning for next year.

The Birmingham Village Fair is hosted by the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber of Commerce (BBCC) each year in the Shain Park area of the city. The event is the major fundraiser for the business group which devotes considerable time and energy to provide the community with a fun and safe event that the entire family can enjoy. BBCC President Joe Bauman tells us that local non-profit groups each year get about $20,000 from the chamber’s fair proceeds. The BBCC spends about $20,000 each year for police and fire department presence at the event, with somewhere between eight-14 officers present at any time.

This year there were two reported physical confrontations at the Village Fair, starting with what appears, according the police reports, as a fight between two teens near one of the rides. Police records say that one male teen accosted another and blows were exchanged but, once police got involved, the two involved teens resolved their issues and the case was considered “closed’ by local police.

The most disturbing event was a beatdown that took place on Saturday evening at about 10 p.m. on Henrietta Street near W. Maple, involving male

Primary Voter Guide

Our Voter Guide for the August primary election, along with our endorsements of candidates in some contested races, will be available online beginning Friday, June 28, on our website at downtownpublications.com. The endorsements will also appear in the August issue of Downtown which comes out on July 23.

students from Brother Rice and Seaholm. Several males attacked a Seaholm student, who police described as someone trying to diffuse tension between two groups. The attackers continued to beat and kick him once he fell to the ground.

All of this violent encounter was captured on multiple videos that circulated on social media which helped police identify three main suspects, at least one of which tried to deny even being present at the beatdown until he and his attorney were told of the video evidence.

At press time, we were not sure how police were going to handle charges for the beatdown although police reports obtained by Downtown through a Freedom of Information Act request suggested that aggravated assault charges would be sought against the three attackers.

So here’s our thoughts, both as local residents and parents whose kids enjoyed past versions of the Village Fair, as well as a downtown Birmingham business.

We are not buying some of the excuses we have been offered in defense of the suspects involved in the Saturday beatdown. Yes, teenagers do dumb things, even those who some claim are model students with no past criminal record. But as our readers know, we call BS when we see it. The beatdown was a serious criminal act that requires a firm and equally serious response by law enforcement.

Aggravated assault is a crime that warrants formal charges which may well send an important message to those teens caught up in the culture of physical violence as a way to settle disputes.

There is not much difference between the Village Fair beatdown and an incident at a local gas station the same weekend where a physical attack took place, also involving teen suspects.

Further, a beatdown on the public streets can make all of us feel unsafe in the downtown area where teens often congregate now that summer is approaching. This is walkable community where we have a right to feel safe, without the worry that we might find ourselves somehow caught inadvertently in some dispute between teen groups. Residents and local businesses deserve this much.

Lastly, local or outside visitors need to know that the Village Fair will continue but for the next year we recommend an increased public safety presence to discourage what has happened in Orchard Lake where the St. Mary’s annual Polish Country Fair has been cancelled because of teen violence and threats on social media. Or in Berkley where for two consecutive years teen gangs have descended on the Berkley Days to settle their disputes.

Send a strong message that crimes of this nature will not be treated lightly in our downtown area – or anywhere else for that matter.

Move quicker on Triangle District ordinances

For a couple of decades now, the city of Birmingham has been frustrated in its attempts in making the area just east of Woodward, south of Maple and north of Adams, known as the Triangle District, into an active, vibrant part of the city. First enunciated and prioritized by the 2016 Master Plan, it initiated the area as a district which had the potential for businesses, residential and parks – a region within the city that would not duplicate the downtown business district but which could feed off it and extend the area with different uses.

Then the Great Recession hit, and literally nothing happened. The purchase and demolition of an old and vacant hotel at the southeast corner of Woodward and Maple, which was rezoned for a mixed use building of up to nine stories remains vacant. High-end auto dealers slowly purchased more and more parcels, extending their presence. With downtown Birmingham property increasingly less available and expensive,

developers have turned to properties in the Triangle District, finally meeting the goals and aspirations of planners and board members in Birmingham. Yet, as planning board members have faced final site plans and design reviews, they have found themselves stymied with a lack of zoning ordinances that would require first floor retail in the district, more stringent parking requirements, LEED certification to gain extra floors and other items that they feel would create better and more sustainable mixed-use buildings for the Triangle District, similar to the downtown area. Some buildings, including the apartment building under construction on Adams, was approved without some of these recommendations because they just do not exist in the current ordinances and the building met the requirements, even though planning board members were not satisfied with the plans.

Since they approved the building, they have been meeting regularly to review the mixed-use

requirements in Birmingham’s Triangle District, and have discussed it with the city commission at a recent joint meeting of the boards. Discussions continue – but action is paralyzed while development continues. By only concentrating on short-term decisions – the lowest hanging fruits –city staff and the planning board and commission are avoiding making concrete decisions which will guide the city and developers for years to come.

Planning board chairperson Scott Clein said at the recent joint planning/city commission workshop regarding reviews for public projects, “There are no standards in place for what the development must conform with from a zoning perspective.”

That is unacceptable. Whether for public projects or private ones, the navel gazing must stop and decisions on zoning ordinances for the Triangle District – and other areas – must be finalized without further delay.