Birmingham/Bloomfield

2018. B ING IR M PR

NTER GI VE P. E HO

SHOP CITY / WIN PRIZES

AM. VISIT GH .S IN

SEE PAGE 11 FOR DETAILS

DRAWING AY .S AW

B I R M I N G H A M

•

B L O O M F I E L D

MAY 2018

PLUS

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP

VAPOR INTRUSION: MONITORING INDOOR AIR QUALITY ORGANIZED CRIME: METRO AREA PAST AND PRESENT PROTEST DIARIES: THOUGHTS FROM DC MARCHERS ECRWSS Postal Customer EDDM

DOWNTOWNPUBLICATIONS.COM

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROYAL OAK, MI 48068 PERMIT #792

A Touch of Lace 4036 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan 48302 (Located at the Southwest Corner of Long Lake Road & Telegraph Road) Phone: 248-645-5223 | Fax: 248-645-5227 Email: Sales@atouchoflace.net | www.atouchoflace.com Monday - Friday 10:00am to 5:00pm Evenings and Weekends available upon request

248.318.4504 | KATHY@MAXBROOCKHOMES.COM

ng

i nd

Pe

$2,850,000 | Orchard Lake

$2,790,000 | Orchard Lake

$2,699,000 | Orchard Lake

$2,479,000 | Orchard Lake

$1,549,000 | Bloomfield Twp

$1,349,000 | Bloomfield Hills

$1,095,000 | Bloomfield Twp

$999,000 | West Bloomfield Twp

$999,000 | Bloomfield Twp

$790,000 | Bloomfield Hills

$769,000 | Bloomfield Twp

$499,000 | Bloomfield Twp

Visit The Kathy Broock Ballard Collection at www.KATHYBROOCK.com for property details.

® ®

J L

NE

KATHERINE SCHUERMAN Client Relations Manager

DAN GUTFREUND Top Producer

CANDICE RICH Real Estate Specialist

DAVID MEISNER Real Estate Specialist

HOMES THAT INSPIRE. A TEAM THAT DELIVERS. DAN GUTFREUND REALTY GROUP is setting a

new standard for luxury homes and real estate in the state of Michigan. With record-breaking sales, we have shown our unique ability to pair the right buyer with the right seller.

We pride ourselves on our ability to navigate a complex market, and our broad expertise ensures the best possible value for all of our clients. We welcome you to put your trust in an industry leader and contact Dan Gutfreund Realty Group for your next real estate transaction.

SOLD

SOLD

264 CATALPA | BIRMINGHAM $1,205,000

31800 NOTTINGHAM | FRANKLIN $1,549,000 WATER FRONT

JUST LISTED

937 MITCHELL COURT | BLOOMFIELD HILLS $1,299,000

3184 MIDDLEBELT | WEST BLOOMFIELD $1,995,000

411 S. OLD WOODWARD UNIT 1001 | BIRMINGHAM $349,000 NEW PRICE

1660 LINCOLNSHIRE | ROCHESTER HILLS $1,195,000 COMING SOON

NEW PRICE

1381 BUCKINGHAM | BIRMINGHAM $938,500

710 KENNEBEC | BLOOMFIELD HILLS $1,000,000 JUST LISTED

76776 THORNHOUSE | SOUTH HAVEN $4,999,000

3147 CHESTNUT RUN DRIVE | BLOOMFIELD HILLS $859,000

1055 LARCHLEA DRIVE | BIRMINGHAM $1,799,000 SOLD

767 PURDY | BIRMINGHAM $1,499,000

JUST LISTED

SOLD

4400 CHAMBERLAIN | BLOOMFIELD HILLS $489,000

VISIT US AT

iSellMichigan.com

1875 STANLEY | BIRMINGHAM $699,000

DAN@SIGNATURESOTHEBYS.COM 248.497.4646 415 S. OLD WOODWARD BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009

1127 LAKESIDE | BIRMINGHAM $2,499,000

YOUR DREAM HOME AWAITS.

123 HILTON WAY | BIRMINGHAM $1,500,000

DAN GUTFREUND REALTY GROUP has represented more than

J L

300 of Michigan’s premier properties. Backed by the Signature Sotheby’s global network, our team has access to thousands of the most sought-after residences in Michigan and around the world. Let us help you discover your dream home today by visiting iSellMichigan.com.

204 S GLENGARRY | BLOOMFIELD TWP. $749,000

NEW PRICE

SOLD

204 S. GLENGARRY | BLOOMFIELD TWP. $719,000

2560 DORCHESTER | BIRMINGHAM $505,000

NEW PRICE

1885 WASHINGTON | BIRMINGHAM $509,000 SOLD

1515 LONE PINE | BLOOMFIELD HILLS $2,799,000

533 WILCOX | ROCHESTER $997,000

1807 SAMOSET | ROYAL OAK $499,000

SOLD

839 RANDALL COURT | BIRMINGHAM $1,170,000

555 CHESTERFIELD | BIRMINGHAM $2,000,000

P

580 W. FRANK STREET | BIRMINGHAM $1,999,000

2660 FAIRWAY COURT | OAKLAND TWP. $1,199,000

1481 W. LINCOLN | BIRMINGHAM $499,000 OR $3,450/MO.

JUST LISTED

8521 MOUNT McSAUBA | CHARLEVOIX $699,900 SOLD

1919 LATHAM | BIRMINGHAM $1,088,000

1224 HIDDEN LAKE DRIVE | BLOOMFIELD HILLS $2,199,000

17387 BRIAR RIDGE LANE | NORTHVILLE $899,900 JUST LISTED

SOLD

2563 DORCHESTER | BIRMINGHAM $299,000

955 S. BATES | BIRMINGHAM $1,599,000

654 SHEPARDBUSH | BIRMINGHAM $1,599,000 JUST LISTED

384 W. BROWN STREET | BIRMINGHAM $599,000

2426 VINSETTA BLVD. | ROYAL OAK $2,995/MO.

PENDING

215 WOODSBORO | ROYAL OAK $419,000 SOLD

715 CATALPA | ROYAL OAK $449,000

VISIT US AT

iSellMichigan.com

30484 OAKLEAF LANE | FRANKLIN $2,549,000

DAN@SIGNATURESOTHEBYS.COM 248.497.4646 415 S. OLD WOODWARD BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009

350 N. MAIN UNIT 809 | ROYAL OAK $450,000

NTER GI VE P. E HO

2018. B ING IR R M P

AM. VISIT GH .S N I

DRAWI N G AY .S AW

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

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

We will be giving away four Delta airlines flight cards, two with a face value of $500 each and two with a face value of $250 each. Four shoppers will win one of four $100 gift cards to local restaurants. Plus there are special drawing items from some merchants, like Shades Optical ($500 certificate); Astrein’s Creative Jewelers (three $100-certificates); Tender ($300 certificate); Lucido Fine Jewelry (five $100-certificates); Ceresnie & Offen Furs ($200 certificate); Nina McLemore ($200 certificate); and Sundance Shoes (three $50-certificates).

Downtown newsmagazine has partnered with merchants in downtown Birmingham to demonstrate to shoppers that – excuse the mess – downtown Birmingham is open for business during the road reconstruction project and it is an especially good time to visit the shops in downtown Birmingham.

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

Here’s the list of merchants participating in the Dig This City drawing at the end of June: Adventures In Toys Astrein’s Creative Jewelers Back Country North Barbara Boz Boutique Be Well Lifestyle Center Birmingham Design Studio Carol Lewis Day Spa Caruso Caruso Ceresnie & Offen Furs Cicchini’s Custom Clothiers

Don Thomas Sporthaus Fleming’s Prime Steak House Found Objects Gazelle Sports Grinstein’s Jewelry & Design Harp’s Lingerie Lucido Fine Jewelry Nina McLemore Rivage Day Spa Sara Campbell Ltd.

Shades Optical Sundance Shoes Supernatural Tender The Birmingham Tailor Try It Raw SEE DessiS EGG by Susan Lazar

Dress Sharp. Look Sharp. Be Sharp.

Cicchini Custom Clothier Custom Suits From

$1295 Custom Sport Jacket From

$995 248-640-5000 494 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009

www.CicchiniCustomClothier.com

Whether you’re a mom pushing your little ones in a stroller or your little ones are in college, this group is for you!

on the

New series of bee and honeycomb jewelry, with a share of the proceeds donated to support the Bees on Belle Isle Project.

Join us weekly for a run/ walk. All paces and strollers are welcome!

Every Wednesday | 9:30 AM Gazelle Sports Birmingham

162 South Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham MI. 248-647-4414 www.grinsteinjewelry.com

Join us at the corner of Maple & Pierce | 248.282.4874

0 NG 2 18. BIR I M PR

Winners will be selected for two Delta airline gift cards

DRAWI N G AY .S AW

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

HAM. VISIT. G S IN

valued at $500 each; two Delta airline gift cards each valued at $250; along with four $100 value gift cards to downtown Bimingham restaurants. Plus there will be gift certificates from some local merchants, including a $500 gift card from Shades Optical; Astrein’s, three $100-gift cards; Tender, $300 gift card; Lucido, five $100-gift cards.

NTER GI V P. E E HO

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

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

250 W. Maple 248-646-5550 A UNIQUE SELECTION OF BABY TOYS GAMES • DOLLS • CRAFTS • BOOKS SCIENCE KITS • OUTDOOR TOYS AND MORE

EASY BACK DOOR PICKUP IS AVAILABLE! – CALL AHEAD – CHARGE YOUR GIFT OVER THE PHONE – WE WILL HAVE IT WRAPPED AND READY FOR PICKUP AT OUR BACK DOOR!

Hours:

Monday - Saturday 10am-6pm Sunday 11:30am-5pm

323 N. Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, MI 48009 248-723-0134

VALET PARKING AVAILABLE www.flemingssteakhouse.com

Award Winning Spa "Best Brows" InStyle Magazine

MicroBlading Brows Birmingham 248-642-1570

SUNDANCE SHOES CONSTRUCTION //////////SALE////////// ENJOY 15% OFF YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE AT BOTH STORES WE WILL LET YOU IN OUR BACK DOOR, JUST RING THE BELL.

STARTING MAY 5TH EVERY SATURDAY WILL BE SIDEWALK SALES ON OUR BACK PATIO

168 S Old Woodward, Birmingham

248.220.4999 FASHIONS FEATURING Frank & Eileen, L'Agence, Rag & Bone, Monrow, LNA, Splendid and more MENTION THIS AD

FOR 20%

OFF ONE ITEM

NEW LOCATION! Next to Italian Dish Opening May 1 6 #56'(7.

^

6+ /'.

'55 ^

/#&' + 0 75#

235 S Old Woodward Birmingham

The Old Woodward Avenue construction projects will be taking place from Willits to Brown streets.

Free valet parking will be available at strategic points in the downtown area, along with

HAM. VISIT. G S IN

9'56 /#2.'

4&

$+ 4/+ 0)*#/

enhanced lighting in the shopping district.

NTER GI V P. E E HO

All stores will be open during the Old Woodward construction project as the city replaces underground infrastructure and above ground will create an enhanced streetscape with wider sidewalks and mid-block crosswalks that will add to the downtown area’s walkability.

DRAWI N G AY .S AW

248.385.5960

0 NG 2 18. BIR I M PR

artisanal casual-luxe jewelry & accessories 205 E. Maple Road | BarbaraBozBoutique.com

The BSD is already organizing a gathering of artists who will use temporary sidewalk partitions as their canvas as part of the activity.

The BSD has also announced that they will be providing shoppers with added incentives such as its Birmingham Bucks program that provides credit toward future purchases for anyone spending $100 or more in a Birmingham store during the construction period.

248-792-6570 We accept insurance! www.BeWellLifeStyleCenters.com

GET ENERGIZED LOSE WEIGHT WITH THE POWER OF RAW PLANTS

TRY IT RAW CAFE since 2012 690 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, MI 48009

248-220-1999 DonThomasSporthaus.com

248.593.6994 www.tircafe.com Hours: M-F 7am - 6pm, Sat 9am - 6pm, Sun 11am - 3pm.

Celebrating a woman's beauty for 70 years 265 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, MI 48009

248.642.2555

www.harps-lingerie.com Monday thru Saturday: 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

(No appointment necessary)

DOWNTOWN05.18

55

Metro Detroit Organized Crime: Then and Now The history of organized crime in Detroit has evolved and morphed as additional crime entities have developed, which still remain as powerful entities today, just in different manifestations, representing a variety of different ethnicities and cultures.

LONGFORM

33 51

Michigan’s DEQ has an ongoing effort to investigate vapor intrusion and indoor air quality when gases from volatile chemicals in contaminated soil and/or groundwater move through the soil and into buildings.

We asked two local high school students who were attending the March for Our Lives in Washington D.C. to share with us their thoughts and impressions from the gun control protest event.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

22

There are two legislative efforts in Lansing which will further diminish the role of the Department of Environmental Quality when it comes to its mission to protect the quality of life in Michigan.

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

24

The latest on congressional campaign donations; which district might shift Democratic; the GOP attorney general primary race; a new commercial low for accidental congressman; plus more.

CRIME LOCATOR

29

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

THE COVER Birmingham’s Farmers Market, now marking its 16th year, will officially open for the 2018 season on Sunday, May 6, and run through the end of October.

Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent.

GOLDEN GOOSE

MARNI

PETER PILOTTO

H E N RY B E G U E L I N

FASHION IS THE COURAGE TO MAKE YOUR OWN STATEMENT

271 West Maple • Birmingham • 248.258.0212 • tenderbirmingham.com

94

Jennifer Christiansen

MUNICIPAL

77

The Morrie gets nod from planners; new master plan for Birmingham; changes on tap for city bistro scene; township water/sewer rates increase; parent revolt over new math program; plus more.

SOCIAL LIGHTS

119

Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and non-profit circuit as she covers recent major events.

ENDNOTE

126

State must increase dump site tipping fees to bolster funding for DEQ inspection efforts. Our take on the school sinking fund on the May ballot.

FACES

30 45 94 103 107 110

David Barrett Emily Milan Jennifer Christiansen Marlene Rosenberg Lori Blaker Michael Whitty

WOODWARD CONSTRUCTION SALE

UP TO

70

% OFF

Genuine Oriental Rugs In-Store & Online May 1-14

SHOP WHERE THE DESIGNERS SHOP

808 S. Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, MI | 248.723.8888 BirminghamDesignStudio.com

Celebrating 28 Years of Quality, Style & Value

PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brody Anchill | Dana Casadei | Kevin Elliott Sally Gerak | Austen Hohendorf | Bill Seklar Judith Harris Solomon | Joyce Wiswell | Julie Yolles PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Jean Lannen | Laurie Tennent | Chris Ward Laurie Tennent Studio VIDEO PRODUCTION/CONTRIBUTOR Garrett Hohendorf Giant Slayer ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Hohendorf ADVERTISING SALES Mark Grablowski GRAPHICS/IT MANAGER Chris Grammer OFFICE 124 W. Maple Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to most homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in downtown Birmingham.

For those not receiving a free mail copy, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual charge. To secure a paid subscription, go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order online or scan the QR Code here.

INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community. The traditional “letters to the editor” in Downtown are published in our Incoming section and can include written letters or electronic communication.

Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009.

If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes.

WEBSITE downtownpublications.com

FACEBOOK facebook.com/downtownpublications TWITTER twitter.com/downtownpubs OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL oaklandconfidential.com Member of Downtown Publications DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS

O= J= H9NAF? L@= O9Q LG 9 EGJ= :=9MLA>MD <GOFLGOF& Businesses are OPEN during construction!

ND

KLA

OA

WILLITS ST

HAMILTON

FREE Two-Hour Valet Parking for Customers!

ROW

RD DWA

Y BOD

PEA

D

AR DW

PIERCE ST

HENRIETTA ST

OO DW

OL

WOO

W. MAPLE RD

N OW

R E. B

ST

Learn more at bhamgov.org/downtowninfrastructure Birmingham Shopping District

@BhamShopping

9dkg ]fbgq Y hmZda[ Yjl [gfl]kl$ :ajeaf_`Ye :gfmk :m[ck Yf\ egj]

FROM THE PUBLISHER ichigan has a storied history when it comes to protecting the environment, dating back to the late 1800’s, but in recent years the mission of the state agencies charged with this task appears to have become obscured.

M

Our place in the annals of environmental programs and laws has generally been driven by our citizens, starting with the Michigan Sportsman’s Association’s push for over a decade for creation of state game wardens back in 1875. Then in the early 1900’s there was the push to preserve forestry from decimation by the lumber industry that lead to the creation of the first forest reserve, and the work of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs (MUCC) in 1948 to strengthen pollution laws.

The late 1960’s and into the 1970’s were marked by voter approval of clean water bonds, and another push by MUCC and citizens for the bottle return regulations. And then there was creation, during Gov. William Milliken’s administration, of the historical Michigan Environmental Protection Act, along with wetlands protection and restrictions on phosphorous pollution.

But the tide seems to have turned in the last decade where the state appears more concerned with the growth of the business sector, oftentimes at the expense of the environment. Part of the blame for this shift in emphasis falls to the current administration of Gov. Rick Snyder, who came into office in 2010 and announced that the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) would be would be “working in partnership” with the business community. That sent a message for DEQ personnel and served as a green light for anti-environmental forces in the state legislature to push ahead with some legislation that frankly would have been vetoed by past governors. Add to that mix the message sent from Washington D.C. with our current administration to roll back any protective orders from the past administration and that serves as more red meat for the Republicans in Lansing to think they are on the right track.

The shift in emphasis helps explain two pieces of legislation that are currently moving in Lansing that illustrate my point.

The first is a package of Senate bills sponsored by Republican Sen. Tom Casperson from the 38th District that encompasses most of the Upper Peninsula. Casperson would be best described as a Tea Party member who has gone over the edge. His clarity of thought was best displayed when he attempted a congressional run years ago and was part of the birther movement that claimed President Obama was not born in this country.

Casperson’s legislation (S.B. 652, 653, 654) would create an Environmental Rules Committee that would oversee all rule-making by the DEQ. I know, it is a long-standing complaint of some conservatives that all government environmental regulators are guilty of overreach when it comes to generating rules to implement legislation passed by state lawmakers, but the devil is in the details when you look at the Casperson proposal.

The 12-member committee comprises the directors of the DEQ, Department of Health and Human Services and the chief executive officer of the Economic Development Corporation. These three persons or their designees would be non-voting members. Each would be able to select a qualified science advisor to work with the committee.

Also created would be a permit appeal panel and an advisory board off scientific experts.

This legislation was passed at the end of January by the Senate on a party-line vote of 33 yeas, 26 nays. In case you are wondering, local Senators Marty Knollenberg (R-Birmingham, Bloomfild Hills, Rochester Hills and Rochester) and Jim Marleau (R-Bloomfield Township) voted in favor of the bills which have now moved to the Michigan House and could face a vote before lawmakers go on summer recess.

I won’t belabor the issue, but I think the current system of rule-making and legislative override works relatively well. The proposed new system is clearly designed to allow business to have an inordinate say over what rules will be written, which I don’t think serves the public well. Macomb County Senator Stever Bieda (D) probably said it best when he compared the new system to “putting the fox in charge of the hen house” while tipping “the scales of justice in favor of biased special interests.”

As an interesting side note, the Environmental Justice Work Group – created by Gov. Snyder to make policy recommendations to “further increase the quality of life for all Michiganders” – has recommended that he veto these bills if they reach his desk.

The second example of legislative intent to ease restrictions on business is House Bill 5638 sponsored by Representative Aaron Miller (R-Sturgis) that would basically make it easier for business to withdraw water of 100,000 gallons or more daily by bypassing the current DEQ modeling tool as part of the permit process. Applicants would be allowed to provide their own report from their own experts to attest that streams and aquatic life would not be impacted.

Currently those hoping for a permit have to submit information for an interactive online evaluation by using a Withdrawal Assessment Tool developed in 2008 by scientists at Michigan State University, University of Michigan, U.S. Geological Survey and the state of Michigan.

Under the Miller proposal, applicants can find their own expert and if they determine there is minimal or no impact, then a permit is automatically granted.

The DEQ can, within two years, contest a withdrawal at which time results of five pump test would be submitted so the department can determine the impact. Just the opposite of what should be happening when any permit is issued that could have environmental impact.

Oh, I almost forgot. In the case of permits for withdrawals for agricultural operations – the largest user of water in the state – all information as part of the permit approval process and operating records would be exempt from the Michigan Freedom of Information Act. So the application process would be secret, in essence cutting out the public for being involved in the approval process or any method of monitoring ongoing withdrawals and related impact problems. Framers of this bill claim that the secrecy is necessary for homeland security due to possible “terrorist” threats.

I am not convinced that communicating with local lawmakers in Lansing will do much good, but I provide the email addresses regardless to the senators and representatives for our area: Sen. Marty Knollenberg (R), senmknollenberg@senate.michigan.gov; Sen. Jim Marleau (R), senjmarleau@senate.michigan.gov; Rep. Mike McCready (R), mikemccready@house.mi.gov; Rep. Tim Greimel (D), timgreimel@house.mi.gov.

The remaining members would include representatives from the following industries: solid waste management, small business organization, public utilities (electric), oil and gas industry, medical profession, and a statewide agricultural group. The last spots would be filled by a rep from a statewide environmental group, local government and then a rep from the general public. No more than six members appointed by the governor could be from the same political party.

Personally, I plan on writing directly to Gov. Rick Snyder (governersoffice@michigan.gov) to ask that both of these legislative efforts get his veto if they reach his office.

Rules generated by the DEQ for enactment of legislation that have a potential impact on business would have to be approved by a majority of the nine voting members of the committee.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

Hopefully, some of you, as you have done in the past, will take the time to do the same.

LI NE ST W IN G

LI NE ST W IN G

1001 W. Glengarry Circle | BLOOMFIELD VILLAGE $1,599,000 | 6 Bedrooms | 6.1 Baths | 3-Car Garage

Enjoy peaceful surroundings in this newer-build, brick colonial with beautiful appointments thoughout. Spacious areas for entertaining and gourmet kitchen. Finished lower level with optional 5th bedroom, kitchen and great room. 6000+ SF incl. fin. lower level. Birmingham schools.

LI NE ST W IN G

LI NE ST W IN G

Loaded with curb appeal, this beauty sits on a desirable street.

First floor master suite and nearby ensuite bedroom suitable as nursery or study. Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen opens to fabulous living areas.

Perfect for a large family! 8200 SF on 3 levels incl. fin. lower level.

30250 Forest Drive | FRANKLIN $899,000 | 5 Bedrooms | 4.1 Baths | 3-Car Garage

30305 Woodhaven Lane | BEVERLY HILLS $850,000 | 5 Bedrooms | 3.1 Baths | 3-Car Garage Tastefully designed, this charming custom colonial sits on a one acre lot with fabulous paver patio & built in firepit. 2-story family room opens to breakfast room with wine/drinks area and kitchen boasting Thermador appliances. First floor master suite. Birmingham schools.

6639 Minnow Pond Drive | WEST BLOOMFIELD $799,000 | 4 Bedrooms | 4.1 Baths | 3-Car Garage Well-maintained colonial offers quality craftsmanship with wall of windows in great room overlooking the wooded lot. Dream kitchen with stone 2-sided fireplace & breakfast room opens to deck. Luxurious first floor master suite. 6300+ SF includes fabulous walkout lower level.

For details on any listing, go to PAMSTOLER.COM 442 SOUTH OLD WOODWARD AVENUE IN BIRMINGHAM

WHEN YOU KNOW IT’S TIME...

PRNE IC W E!

SU IN RP SI R D IS E! E

pamstoler@hallandhunter.com

35 Hidden Ridge | BLOOMFIELD HILLS $3,750,000 | 4 Bedrooms | 7.3 Baths | 4-Car Garage Impeccably designed and remodeled private estate with stunning architectural details & finishes, custom woodwork and breathtaking lighting. Professionally appointed kitchen with expansive quartz island and cabinetry by Millennium. 11,000+ SF on main & finished lower level. Serene, park-like lot with freshwater pool.

222 Arlington Road | BIRMINGHAM $2,850,000 | 5 Bedrooms | 5.3 Baths | 4-Car Garage Designed with distinction, this very special property offers the main home at 5,000 SF (+2200 add’l SF in the finished lower level), PLUS a second private, attached 2100 SF, ranch home.

Perfect for multi-generational living or those wanting a 1st and 2nd floor master suite. So much to love at just one address!

THE BROKER OF CHOICE FOR THOSE IN THE KNOW • Top 1% Michigan Producer • Hall & Hunter Top Producer • Over 30 Years of Experience

• CRS & GRI Distinctions • HOUR All-Star Top 5% • HOUR Face of Birmingham Real Estate

pamstoler@hallandhunter.com • 248-840-0044

PAMSTOLER.COM 442 SOUTH OLD WOODWARD AVENUE IN BIRMINGHAM

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

Egg by Susan Lazar 244 East Maple Road Birmingham, Michigan 48009 248-645-0400

Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political gossip/news, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown newsmagazine.

We welcome possible items for this column which can be emailed to: OaklndConfidential@DowntownPublications.com. All sources are kept strictly confidential. The gossip column can be viewed at OaklandConfidential.com.

HILLARY-LITE: Following the Democratic convention in April, Michigan Democrats have their endorsed slate of candidates, and it’s an all white woman slate, beginning with Gretchen Whitmer for governor, Jocelyn Benson for secretary of state and, after a bit of an inter-party skirmish, Dana Nessel for attorney general. Nessel, the attorney who helped win the battle for same sex marriage, is considered a progressive Democrat, and will be the first LGBT attorney general if she’s elected. She battled more traditional Democratic candidate Pat Miles, a former U.S. attorney for the Western District, for the party endorsement, an African American former Harvard classmate of President Obama who had UAW and other union support. Miles dropped out of the race, but Whitmer will still see primary challengers – entrepreneur Shri Thanedar, Abdul El-Sayed, formerly with Detroit Department of Health and Wellness, and businessman Bill Cobbs. Some are concerned that in their efforts to reach out to progressives, Dems are forgetting about African Americans, a traditional Democratic base. Oakland University political science professor Dave Dulio said Democrats should be careful about who they choose. “If more progressive Democrats come out of the primary process, it will make it more difficult in the general election for a centrist Democrat to win,” he cautioned. “The more ideological extreme candidates that are endorsed, the harder it is for them to pick up votes from the center in the general.”

ALL ICING, NO CAKE: Michigan Attorney General candidate and state Senator Tonya Schuitmaker’s (R-Mattawan) attack on House Speaker Tom Leonard (R-DeWitt) for apparently not doing enough to oppose Common Core in Michigan, appears to be a case of the pot calling the kettle black. In a campaign video paid for by Schuitmaker, she questions whether Leonard – who also is running for attorney general – is “all SCHUITMAKER hat and no cattle” because he hasn’t sponsored a bill to repeal Common Core and allowed a voice vote on its LEONARD passage in the House in 2013. The southern phrase is curious considering it was Schuitmaker who gaveled in a voice vote on the bill in the Senate while giving her support to the bill. The ad, while great sizzle for the campaign trail, has no steak.

For sophisticated people with attitudes beyond the mainstream. Understatement is our achievement.

222 East Maple Road, Birmingham, Mi 48009 248-635-4621

24

CHASING DOLLARS: The race for congressional seats is in part a question of money, not to mention field operations. So here’s the lowdown (Cliff’s Notes style) on who raised the most in the first quarter of 2018 (and total to date) based on reports filed with the Federal Elections Commission. 11th District Democrats: Suneel Gupta, $407,110 ($934,511); Tim Greimel, $225,856 ($554,879); Haley Stevens, $185,058 ($842,537); Fayrouz Saad, $138,400 ($515,262); Dan Haberman, $58,894 ($259,367, including a $100,000 personal loan). 11th District Republicans: Lena Epstein, $145,094 ($1,486,035, including personal loan of $990,100); Klint Kesto, $110,781 ($255,616); Rocky Raczkowski, $99,620 ($199,620, including $100,000 personal loan); Mike Kowall, from February 2-March 31, $75,619 ($157,619, including $82,000 personal loan). 8th District Democrats: Elissa Slotkin, $801,000 ($1.7 million); Christopher Smith, $19,612 ($77,185). 8th District Republican: Mike Bishop, $456,777 ($1.55 million, including $86,399 personal loan and roughly $1 million in PAC donations). 9th District Democrats: Ellen Cogan Lipton, December 15-March 31, $501,102 ($501,102); Andy Levin, $386,358 ($510,927); Steve Bieda, $128,802 ($128,802); Martin Brook, $16,000 ($23,767). 9th District Republican: Candius Stearns, $20,264 ($129,000, including a $94,500 personal loan).

STREET TALK: Some politicos have looked at state Sen. Mike Kowall’s financial report for his congressional run for MI-11, and are saying that he is having a tough time raising money. “To be competitive against (Lena) Epstein, he’ll need much more money. She’s the 800-pound gorilla in the race DOWNTOWN

05.18

Back Door* Storage & Cleaning Special *Enter through our back door entrance during Old Woodward construction!

Gift Certificates Available for Mother’s Day

pre-payment when you SAVE $10 with store and clean your fur.

SAVE $3 on pre-paid storage.

MAPLE RD

• Free reserved parking • Call for free storage pick-up in neighboring communities.

No deliveries in fall. Storage vaults on premises.

Back door entrance, Enter parking deck off Peabody Street

181 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009 Phone: (248) 642-1690 CeresnieandOffenfurs.com Hours: Monday–Friday 10–6 Saturday 10–5

NEW LOCATION! Next to Italian Dish Opening May 1

• Free covered parking • Couples services • Infrared sauna • Free wi-fi • Online gift certificates • Private parties Facials | Waxing | Body Treatments | Massage Cupping | Mani Pedi | Men’s Services www.beachhouse-dayspa.com 34645 Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009

248.220.4485

artisanal casual-luxe jewelry & accessories 205 E. Maple Road | BarbaraBozBoutique.com downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

25

– she’s the person to beat in this and will have all the resources,” Lansing political consultant Joe DiSano said. The big unknown about Epstein is what kind of an organization she’ll have, and what kind of ground game. An insider said that Kowall, who has run many a campaign, has already assembled an experienced finance team, campaign manager, an experienced overall manager who has been running a PAC over multiple states for Paul Ryan, has a ground plan, and the dollars he raised in the first quarter after getting in the race KOWALL in early February were all before his first fundraiser.

Observers also note that Kowall’s current Senate district covers nearly half of the llth District, so he is much better known than other hopefuls. The one insiders say should be worried is Rocky EPSTEIN Raczkowski – “who is kinda like the proto-Trump. He will not be able to compete because Epstein will just grind him up.” Others agree, with one saying Raczkowski would never drop out “because his ego won’t let him.”

SNAKE EYES: Once you see it, it’s hard to unsee it. We’re talking about an ad tea party Republican Kerry Bentivolio has created in an effort to retake the 11th Congressional District – the one he “accidentally” became congressman of from 2013 to 2015, after former Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Plymouth) somehow forgot to get enough qualified signatures to run, leaving Bentivolio the only one in the race in the then-firmly Republican district. David Trott quickly made mincemeat of him in 2014, and Bentivolio, a veteran and part-time reindeer farmer, has been trying to regain his 15-minutes of fame ever since. The ad calls Bentivolio the “Washington snake hunter,” has him reaching into a bucket by a BENTIVOLIO pond and pulling out two real snakes and then superimposing Rachel Maddow and Nancy Pelosi’s heads on them, saying, “You drain the swamp, I’ll hunt the snakes.” He has approved the ad. Unfortunately. See it for yourself – youtube.com/watch?v=Jev5SRFkNMs. GOING 40: The race to fill the local 40th District state House seat, currently occupied by Rep. Mike McCready, who is term-limited, is currently a picture of two different parties. On the Republican side, there’s limited buzz, with four confirmed candidates before the filing deadline when Downtown went to press, Mike Banerian, Malissa Bossardet, Paul Taros and Joe Zane, and David Wolkinson is also a likely candidate. Word is that Bloomfield Township trustee Michael Schostak is not going to run. Taros, an accountant, was waiting until after tax season to get out on the campaign trail, although he has received almost $50,000 so far in contributions – in loans from himself. Bossardet has raised MCCREADY $26,715 as of January 31, having loaned herself $25,000, and given the campaign a total of $33,000 in in-kind donations. Word is she is sending out postcards and going door-to-door. Zane ended the year with almost $14,000, $10,000 of which is a loan from him. Banerian looks like the only one actually raising some dough – $33,315. The two Democrats, Nicole Bedi and Mari Manoogian, aren’t letting grass grow under their feet in this typically Republican district, actively raising money and pressing the flesh. Bedi, who ran – and lost – to McCready in 2016, has been seen out at events, and raised $21,000 as of endof-year 2017. Manoogian had an even more successful 2017, taking in about $42,700.

SAY MY NAME: As state Rep. Mike McCready (R-Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Birmingham, West Bloomfield) turns his sights to his next challenge, running for state Senate in the 12th District, he is facing a fourperson primary for the district that runs from Bloomfield Township, Franklin and Beverly Hills to Clarkston, Oxford, Independence Township and Lake Orion. “We did a survey, and my name is well-known south of M-59,” McCready, a former Bloomfield Hills commissioner said. “North, I have my work cut out for me. I’m focusing on those districts.” Who he thinks is his main competitor, state Rep. Jim Tedder (R-Clarkston, Waterford, Independence Township, Lake Angelus), has no name recognition outside of Clarkston, insiders say, with Tedder focusing his attention currently on his home base and Lake Orion. Also running in the Republican primary are Terry Whitney and Michael Molnar. The winner will face whoever prevails among the Democrats – Rosemary Bayer, Jeremy Ross Haines and Kate Logan.

26

DOWNTOWN

05.18

SHE SPRING 2018

STOCK SHOW FOR IMMEDIATE PURCHASE

SHE JEWELS CURATED FINE & ARTISAN JEWELRY

STARTS MAY 9

MAPLE & TELEGRAPH BLOOMFIELD HILLS 4076 W MAPLE RD NEXT TO LEE’S SPECIALTY

248.594.8181 shestores.com

JEF F & M ATT B A RK ER

846 Redding Rd, Birmingham

2551 Ginger Ct, Bloomfield Twp

33 Boulder Ln, City of Bloomfield Hills

1978 Sherwood Glenn, Bloomfield Twp

1971 Pine St, Birmingham

SO LD

SO LD

SO LD

PE

N

D

IN

G

111 Willits St, Unit #501, Birmingham

SO LD

SO LD

IN D N PE

SO LD

G

Record 1st Quarter - 22 Homes Sold!

3908 Shellmarr Ln, Bloomfield Twp

1188 Ruffner Ave, Birmingham

Featured Properties:

1248 Cedarholm Ln, New Construction Forest Lake Golf Course Frontage $1,995,000

1346 Ardmoor Dr, Completely Remodeled Ranch Bloomfield Twp $899,900

1151 Greensted Way, Detached Ranch Condo Hills of Lone Pine $624,900

Associate Brokers Top 1% of Realtors Nationally

248.425.6000

je!@je!barkerhomes.com www.je!barkerhomes.com

3110 Middlebury Ln, Built in 2015 Birmingham Schools $849,900

4241 Sedgemoor Ln, Wabeek Golf Community Bloomfield Hills Schools $424,900

CRIME LOCATOR

NORTH

Map key

Sexual assault

Assault

Murder

Robbery

Breaking/entering

Larceny

Larceny from vehicle

Vehicle theft

Vandalism

Drug offenses

Arson

These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through April 19, 2018.

Placement of codes is approximate.

FACES

David Barrett very year since 1987, as the winning team of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship begins to celebrate, a familiar tune starts to play, David Barrett’s “One Shining Moment.”

The song – which Barrett wrote in about 20 minutes – has become linked to the basketball tournament since it first played on the airwaves all those years ago.

“I knew I had something special,” said Barrett, who graduated from Andover High School in Bloomfield Hills. “But I had no idea that it would play for over 30 years on primetime TV.” Barrett knew a little bit about basketball from playing at Andover, but there was one chance meeting that inspired the idea. He had been talking to a waitress about the poetry of basketball and jotted down on a napkin the title. The next day he wrote it and then tucked it in his sock drawer for a few months before playing it for a friend who insisted he record it.

From there, he contacted his friend, Armen Keteyian, who graduated from Lahser High School in Bloomfield Hills and was at the time working for Sports Illustrated. Then, unbeknownst to Barrett, Keteyian took it over to CBS. “And here we are talking 33 years later,” Barrett laughed.

That one song opened up many opportunities for Barrett, who has been writing music his entire life. Fortunately, Barrett had a whole desk full of songs and compositions at the ready when all those doors opened.

Since “One Shining Moment,” he’s composed pieces for the Olympics, U.S. Open Tennis Championship, won an Emmy for scoring a PBS documentary on the writer C.S. Lewis, won a silver medal at the New York Film Festival for a hip-hop song in “Don’t Cross that Line,” and toured with Art Garfunkel. Oh, and he just co-wrote a song with the man who wrote, “Wind Beneath My Wings.”

“I have sort of this musical water faucet that just goes,” he said.

“For one reason or another that faucet seems to run pretty strong and true. It still does."

Right now, he’s working on pieces for the NCAA, a piece for CBS, scoring a film on the state of Michigan, and writing songs. He also hopes to score some indie films in the near future.

Luckily, Barrett said he never really gets writer’s block, and he has more ideas than time to write them.

“I would say there’s a lot out there worth talking about, and for one reason or another, part of my job description is to keep my eyes open,” Barrett said.

He also loves it all – composing, songwriting, and performing. He doesn’t prefer one over the other – he’s just grateful people ask him to do it.

Barrett is also asked to speak at master classes and workshops all over the country. His advice for those hoping to break into the music business?

“The one thing I try to encourage people is to find your own voice in this grand enterprise called music,” he said.

And to write a song that you would want to hear again. For example, he just rediscovered a song he wrote 25 years ago, and it still sounded good. Plus, there’s “One Shining Moment,” which he still enjoys.

“So, write songs that you would like to hear again,” he laughed.

“It’s that simple and very difficult.”

When asked why he decided to pursue music professionally Barrett started to laugh.

“I never thought of doing otherwise,” Barrett said.

Sometimes, it’s just that simple.

E

Story: Dana Casadei

WE ARE CHANGING THE GAME. WE ARE DEDICATED TO CREATING THE BEST POSSIBLE EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE. WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON COMMUNICATION. WE ARE FANATICAL ABOUT SERVICE. WE BELIEVE IN HONESTY. WE HAVE PASSION FOR WHAT WE DO. WE ARE HERE TO MAKE BIG, EXCITING WAVES IN THE WORLD OF REAL ESTATE. WE ARE DOBI.

SUMMER 2018 • 2211 COLE ST, BIRMINGHAM, MI • 248.385.3350 • WHOISDOBI.COM

VAPOR CONTAMINATION DEQ ONGOING EFFORT TO MONITOR INDOOR AIR

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT tate health officials on March 1, 2018, notified the Oakland County Health Division that vapor from solvents associated with the dry cleaning and automotive industries was discovered in Franklin Cleaners and other businesses located at the Franklin Village Plaza, on Franklin Road in Franklin. As a result, several of the businesses were encouraged to temporarily and voluntarily close or be forced to be evacuated.

S

"We are notifying the public out of our duty to inform of potential health risks," Oakland County Medical Director for the Oakland County Health Division Pamela Hackert said at the time of the business closures. "Not everyone gets sick from breathing these vapors. Health risks vary dependent on the level and length of exposure in addition to the health of the individual. If you have health concerns, talk to your doctor."

Further investigation revealed the vapor contamination was coming from a storage tank found in a crawl space of the building that contained at least 45 gallons of an unknown volatile organic compound (VOC). The discovery led to the mandatory temporary closing of five shops at the plaza. ir quality testing indicated the solvents included tetrachloroethylene, a chemical used in the dry cleaning and automotive industries, both as a stain remover and metal degreaser. Also called tetrachloroethene and perchloroethylene, the chemical is commonly referred to as PCE. Investigators also discovered the presence of trichloroethylene, or TCE, another chemical associated with dry cleaning and degreasing, as well as petroleum byproducts from a former gas station at the location.

The chemicals may contaminate soil and groundwater. Vapor from the contaminated soil may then enter the air inside of a building and cause harm to the inhabitants breathing the air. Long term exposure to the chemicals may lead to various health issues, including color vision loss; changes in mood, memory, attention and reaction time; birth defects; and some types of cancer.

While the chemicals are commonly used in the dry cleaning industry, health officials said neither PCE or TCE are used at the Franklin Village Plaza location, as the store sends items to another location for actual dry cleaning. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) has stated Franklin Cleaners is not responsible for the vapor intrusion as they conduct dry cleaning or store chemicals on site. Rather, officials with the DEQ said the contamination was linked to businesses that had operated at the location more than 30 years earlier.

The discovery was a result of the DEQ's ongoing statewide efforts to investigate vapor intrusion and indoor air quality resulting from known contamination sites.

Vapor intrusion occurs when gases from volatile chemicals in contaminated soil and/or groundwater move through the soil and into buildings through cracks in the floor, walls, and gaps around service pipes. In outdoor air, these vapors are often diluted to harmless levels.

When trapped in an enclosed space like a home or building, these vapors can collect and impact the indoor air quality and pose a risk to health.

"We knew there was an old gas station there and a former dry cleaner," said Paul Owens, district supervisor with the DEQ's Remediation and Redevelopment Division. "We found some contamination and these chlorinated solvents associated with an old dry cleaner."

The DEQ began taking indoor air samples at the Franklin Village Plaza site in February, but the department's investigation into contaminants at the site started more than a year earlier.

Investigators with the state's environmental department had been looking into potential contamination at the plaza since July 2016. The DEQ at that time collected and analyzed 35 private drinking water supply samples. While none of the samples exceeded state thresholds for drinking water contaminants, environmental regulators continued to suspect contamination at the site due to past business uses at the location in or around the 1930s through 1970s.

In May of 2017, the DEQ requested and received permission from property owners to access the site to conduct further sampling, including soil borings, water-monitoring wells and air pins to measure contamination vapor in the air. In October, the DEQ finished surveying the subsurface or contaminants. In late 2017, the DEQ collected about 80 soil samples, 27 groundwater samples and 23 vapor samples. In January 2018, the DEQ collected water samples from the Rouge River, and evaluated additional soil and groundwater samples near the plaza.

"Beyond the soil and groundwater, we did soil gas samples underneath and around the building," Owens said. "That had high levels. The next step was to do indoor air quality samples, and those showed problems."

In February 2018, the DEQ collected indoor air samples from four of

A

the five businesses in the Franklin Village Plaza that were later forced in March to evacuate.

Despite the discovery, business owners, staff and customers were unaware they had been exposed to potentially harmful vapors. Instead, the work was the direct result of a push by the DEQ to investigate more than 4,000 sites throughout the state where there is a potential for vapor intrusion, including more than 400 in Oakland County.

Despite the health risks associated with vapor intrusion sites, the vast majority of potential sites are unable to be tested due to a lack of funding.

"It's a workload issue," Owens said. "In Oakland County, we have about 530 sites that could have potential for vapor intrusion risk. We don't have resources to investigate or look into all of those.

"There are about a dozen we are working on where the risk may be higher, and we are working on those."

While health and environment regulators have known for decades about the dangers of vapor intrusion, toxicologists have just gained a new understanding about PCE and TCE in recent years, spurring a push for locating and mitigating sites contaminated with those solvents.

"Part of it has to do with what we know about vapor intrusion that we didn't understand before," Owens said. "The levels of TCE and PCE are lower now than 10 or 20 years ago."

Michigan's threshold criteria for vapor intrusion of PCE and TCE has been lowered in recent years, with the state's official vapor intrusion guidance document currently being updated. The update to the state's vapor intrusion criteria comes at the same time as a push to investigate potential sites.

"That push came from 2016, as our knowledge of toxicology of solvents and the way it transports through the ground increased, and our realization that current science says there is lower levels that can be an inhalation risk," said Josh Mosher, assistant division director for the DEQ's Remediation and Redevelopment Division. "It's a much more difficult pathway to find than say, drinking water, where you can put someone on bottled water until you figure it out. It's hard to tell someone not to breath.

"You have to do these quickly, and if vapor is found at certain levels, you have to evacuate people from homes or businesses."

The DEQ officially recognized the vapor intrusion pathway in 1998, and formally promulgated generic criteria for vapor intrusion under Part 201 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act in 2002, which governs the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties in Michigan. Part 201 addresses liabilities associated with owning and operating contaminated properties in Michigan while simultaneously encouraging their redevelopment and reuse. roundwater and/or soil concentrations of volatile organic compounds, such as TCE and PCE, are currently used to determine whether the risk of contaminants in indoor air is acceptable. Exceeding the criteria in one or more samples at a location is sufficient to require remedial measures under Part 201 of Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. In 2010, the Michigan Legislature amended Part 201 to, among other things, require the DEQ to update the cleanup criteria rules to take into account recent scientific information. In 2014, a Criteria Stakeholder Advisory Group was created to make recommendations.

Additionally, four Technical Advisory Groups were formed to address specific technical elements of the revised cleanup criteria.

In November of 2016, the DEQ identified more than 4,000 sites where potential vapor intrusion may be occurring. Of those some 4,000 sites, the DEQ identified about 402 in Oakland County. Of those 402 potential sites, there are 13 in Birmingham; 12 in Bloomfield Township; two in Bloomfield Hills; eight in Rochester; and 16 in Rochester Hills.

Officials with the DEQ said potential vapor intrusion sites listed in 2016 don't necessarily have a vapor intrusion pathway. Instead, those locations on the list may have had current or past uses that are typically associated with vapor intrusion, or may have known

G

Working together for a brighter Birmingham

As Birmingham builds on its bicentennial with citywide renovations, Wells Fargo Advisors is committed to making a positive impact in Birmingham, now and in the future.

Our Great Lakes Market team is honored to serve the local community . . . from bringing the Wells Fargo Stagecoach to the Hometown Parade, to helping fight hunger with local food banks, filling backpacks with school supplies, collecting toys for needy children and much more.

Wells Fargo Advisors: Here to serve the Birmingham community.

Marc Beshany Managing Director â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Market Manager Wells Fargo Advisors Great Lakes Market 255 East Brown Street, Suite 400 Birmingham, MI 48009 248-433-8580 Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. Š2018 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. 0418-02410

contamination that could be associated with vapor intrusion.

Meanwhile, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in December 2016 included PCE and TCE to its list of 10 chemicals that are undergoing risk evaluations under the Toxic Substances Control Act. The evaluations are intended to determine whether a chemical presents an unreasonable risk to health or the environment under conditions of use. As part of the process, the EPA must evaluate both hazard and exposure, excluding consideration of costs or other non-risk factors.

Both PCE and TCE are already subject to various state and federal regulations and reporting requirements. For instance, PCE falls under the federal Toxics Release Inventory as a reportable chemical under the Emergency Planning and Community Right to Know Act, meaning that certain quantities at a location must be reported to the county's emergency management and preparedness department, which then shares that information with the state. Both chemicals are also regulated under the Clean Air Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act. In January 2017 and December 2016, the EPA published two proposed rules under the Toxic Substances Control Act, including one to ban commercial use of TCE in vapor degreasing, and the other to ban use of TCE in commercial and consumer aerosol degreasing and as a spot cleaner in dry cleaning. The actions means the EPA is proposing to prohibit commercial use of TCE for those purposes.

The EPA plans to issue one final rule addressing the TCE uses in both proposed rules. Meanwhile, the EPA is still in the processes of conducting risk evaluations on both TCE and PCE. Considered a human carcinogen, the U.S. accounted for 24 percent of the global demand for TCE in 2014, second only to China, which accounted for about 52 percent of the global demand. About 83 percent of TCE is used as an intermediate in the production of certain refrigerants. About 14.7 percent of TCE is used as a degreaser for metal parts, with only about 1.7 percent used as a spot remover in dry cleaning, as well as aerosol products, according to an EPA report published in 2017.

The use of TCE as a dry cleaning solvent lasted from the 1930s to the 1950s, when it was found to attack cellulose acetate dye in clothing. However, it's still used as a textile spot remover, including in dry cleaning products to remove water and oil-based stains.

TCE has various other uses, including use in the decaffeination of coffee. While a ban on using TCE in food processing was proposed in 1977, it wasn't enacted. Among TCE's varied uses, it was also used as a solvent for the extraction of natural fats and oils such as palm, coconut, soybean, olive, corn and other foods until 1952. xposure to TCE is most common by breathing vapors in homes and buildings from contaminated soil or groundwater beneath them. TCE vapors found underneath or near a building can enter the air of a building and reach harmful levels, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services.

Women who are or might be pregnant are particularly advised to avoid exposure to TCE, which may cause serious health problems for the fetus.

While health experts say it only takes a few days for an average person to get rid of TCE in their body, chronic or short-term exposure may be problematic.

A risk assessment of TCE by the EPA published in 2014 identified cancer risk concerns and short-term and long-term non-cancer risks for worker and occupational bystanders at small commercial degreasing facilities and dry cleaning facilities that use TCE-based solvents. In all cases, the main route of exposure is inhalation of the chemical.

However, the EPA found TCE to be carcinogenic to humans by all routes of exposure.

The findings, the EPA states, were based on strong cancer epidemiological data that reported an association between TCE exposure and the onset of various cancers, primarily kidney, liver and immune system, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Additional studies, including rodent cancer studies, support TCE's classification as carcinogenic.

E

Non-cancerous health effects indicate adverse health effects to the kidneys and liver, as well as the nervous system, immune system and reproductive system.

PCE, also commonly called Perc, is a colorless, nonflammable organic solvent used in dry cleaning, degreasing and a process solvent for desulfurizing coal. It was also used extensively as an intermediate in the manufacture of chloroflurocarbon (CFC) refrigerants until most CFCs were banned in 1995. PCE's primary use is not as a chemical intermediate, specifically as the raw material for hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), and produced as a co-product, along with other chlorinated hydrocarbons. he EPA considers PCE to be a likely human carcinogen, based on experimental animal studies.

Rats and mice dosed with PCE orally or via inhalation exposure had increased incidences of kidney, liver and lymphoid tumors. Human studies also have suggested an association between PCE exposure from drinking water and cancer. Short-term exposure can result in irritation to the skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract. Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, ataxia and mood changes have been reported from acute inhalation to PCE. Higher levels of PCE exposure may result in coma and seizures.

The EPA states that dry cleaning workers exposed to PCE had deficits in short-term memory tests for visual designs, reaction times, perceptual function, attention and intellectual function.

While the two chemicals aren't the only ones associated with vapor intrusion pathways, they are two of the most commonly linked to the issue, Owens said. And, despite the risks posed by vapor intrusion sites, Michigan currently lacks a dedicated funding source to address the problem.

"We do have something called Refined Petroleum Funds, which goes toward old gas stations or petroleum Leaking Underground Storage Tank (LUST) sites," Owens said. "Those do cause some vapor intrusion problems, but unfortunately, a lot of vapor intrusion problems come from these chlorinated compounds, and we can't use that funding unless (the contamination) is co-mingled."

About one cent per gallon of gasoline sold in Michigan is used to fund investigating and mitigating leaking underground storage tanks that involve petroleum products. The state estimates about 7,200 such sites across the state. Rules to address petroleum contaminated sites is found under Part 213 of the Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act. However, funds from the Michigan's Refined Petroleum Fund can't be used for Part 201 sites unless petroleum-based products are also suspected at a location.

"If it's just a chlorinated compound release alone, we have to use a different funding pot," Owens said.

Owens said the investigation into vapor intrusion at the Franklin Village Plaza originated from a former gas station at the site, which allowed the department to use money from the state's refined petroleum fund.

"We did an investigation there to see if there were threats because we knew there were drinking water wells in Franklin," he said. "Then we found this issue with chlorinated compounds when we were out there investigating."

In February 2017, Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder proposed providing about $4.9 million for the state's Vapor Intrusion Program to replace exhausted funding formerly provided by the state's Clean Michigan Initiative (CMI) bond, which provided funding for the state's Part 201 sites.

The legislature provided about $1.3 million to fiscal year 2016-17 for the program, which supported about four full-time positions and contractual work to address some 4,000 potential vapor intrusion sites.

For fiscal year 2017-18, the legislature authorized $1.7 million for the program, including a testing lab and one additional full-time position, said Sylvia Renteria, an assistant budget officer for the DEQ. "The new full-time position is a lab scientist that was added to do more air quality sampling," she said.

In 1998, Michigan voters approved a $675 million general obligation

T

CHRIS

PERO

A s s o c i a t e B r o k e r

248.797.0784 | cgpero@yahoo.com

over $25 million closed & pending yTd in 2018

372 Barden - Bloomfield Hills - $2,975,000

Magnificent 2001 built estate home on 1.4 acres. Expertly constructed with gorgeous finishes and quality throughout. 5 bedrooms, 5.2 baths.

483 Aspen - Birmingham - $1,399,900

Completely renovated Wallace Frost Tudor. 4 bedrooms, 5.2 baths. Incredible blend of 20s character mixed with todays modern amenities.

873 N Cranbrook - Bloomfield Village - $859,900

Spacious village home on a large .58 acre corner lot. First floor master plus 3 additional bedrooms. Great outdoor patio and fireplace.

2532 Covington Place - Bloomfield Village - $699,900

Handsome colonial centrally located in Bloomfield Village on a lovely lot. 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths on the second floor. Inground pool.

16175 Reedmere - Beverly Hills - $379,900

Fully renovated 3 bdrm, 3 bath ranch. New kitchen and fully remodeled bathrooms. Finished basement. Great turnkey home.

275 S. Old Woodward Downtown Birmingham

4920 Dryden - Bloomfield Hills - $2,975,000

Stunning 2016 home built by LaMarco Homes and decorated to perfection. 5 bedrooms, 4.2 baths. Almost 1.5 acres with Birmingham Schools.

30 Cabot Place - Bloomfield Hills - $1,199,900

Spacious 5 bedroom, 3.2 bath home with first floor master suite. Large 1.2 acre lot. Beautiful in-ground pool, decks and landscaping. Birmingham schools.

3500 W Bradford - Bloomfield Hills - $875,000

2004 built sprawling ranch in Westchester Village. Spacious open floor plan with large kitchen.

Bonus loft area. Full finished basement.

883 Emmons - Birmingham - $579,000

Wonderfully expanded home with open spaces and high ceilings. Great architectural detail.

Right by Howarth Park and a short walk to St. James Park.

217 Dourdan - Bloomfield Hills - $299,900

Last lot remaining in this development of eighteen estate home sites. .7 acre lot – partial walkout. Exclusive development of million dollar plus homes.

CHRIS

PERO

A s s o c i a t e B r o k e r

248.797.0784 | cgpero@yahoo.com

275 S. Old Woodward Downtown Birmingham

over $25 million closed & pending yTd in 2018

765 Vaughan - Bloomfield Hills - $2,250,000

Incredible 2 acre property just blocks from Cranbrook. Expansive floor plan with spacious room sizes. 6 bedrooms, 6.2 baths.

495 Stoneridge - Bloomfield Hills - $1,100,000

Updated Chestnut Run colonial at the end of the cul-de-sac on a beautiful .77 acre lot.

Finished walkout lower level. Pool.

623 Bloomfield Court - Birmingham - $749,900

Tucked away on a quiet street just blocks from downtown Birmingham. 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths. Private lot, 2 car garage.

590 Riverside - Birmingham - $449,900

Unique opportunity for land purchase in a secluded detached condo development. Tucked away site yet just blocks away from town.

444 Chester, Unit #425 - Birmingham - $199,900

Great opportunity to live right in the heart of downtown Birmingham. Cute one bedroom condo in Townsend Place complex.

1222 Fairfax - Birmingham - $1,599,900

2000 custom built Quarton Lake Estates colonial. Excellent floor plan and lavishly upgraded throughout. 4 bedrooms, 4.2 baths.

2781 Turtle Shores - Bloomfield Hills - $899,900

Wonderful lot opportunity in prestigious Turtle Lake. Amazing value for 1.94 acres on Turtle Lake with approximately 162 feet of lake frontage.

30795 Bruce Lane - Franklin Village - $725,000

2000 built home on a large double lot, 1.4 acres. Beautiful kitchen with granite & center island.

4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths. Fully finished walkout.

7425 Pinehurst - Bloomfield Hills - $399,900

Ranch condo at the end of the cul-de-sac. Large great room with vaulted ceilings, eat-in kitchen. Fully finished basement. Birmingham Schools.

1563 S Hill - Bloomfield Hills - $169,900

Two-story 2 bedroom condo. Association includes club house, swimming pool, tennis courts.

One car attached garage. Avondale Schools.

Talk to us about our 30-year fixed-rate construction loan. usbank.com/mortgage

Ted Edginton Mortgage Loan Originator 26400 Lahser Road ste 444 Southfield, MI 48033 248.866.9460 ted.edginton@usbank.com NMLS#: 502442

Let’s build it together.

We are committed with our passion and experience in the construction business to serve you with the highest levels of care. With the stability of more than 154 years in banking, we strive to meet your expectations and needs with competitive products and service.

Our 30-year fixed-rate construction loan offers: – Down payment as low as 10% Mark Webberly Mortgage Loan Originator 26400 Lahser Road ste 444 Southfield, MI 48033 248.882.2535 mark.webberly@usbank.com NMLS#: 139326

– Options to renovate your existing home – One closing with one set of fees Put our knowledge and strength to work for you.

Call today to learn more.

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products and services. Mortgage, Home Equity and Credit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit products are offered by U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC.©2018 U.S. Bank 180145c 2/18 “World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC.

bond, the Clean Michigan Initiative (CMI), to fund environmental, health and natural resources protection programs. Of the $675 million approved for the CMI, $570 million is earmarked for environmental protection and clean-up programs overseen by the DEQ. About $100 million of the funding is dedicated for Natural Resources Protection programs overseen by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The remaining $5 million is earmarked for health protection programs under the Department of Health and Human Services.

By law, CMI bond spending by the DEQ must include $335 million for response activities at facilities; $50 million for waterfront improvements; $25 million for remediation of contaminated lake and river sediments; $50 million for non-point source pollution prevention and control projects or wellhead protection projects; $90 million for water quality monitoring, water resources protection and pollution control activities; and $20 million on pollution prevention programs. Of those activities, all $335 million dedicated for cleanup and redevelopment, which includes vapor intrusion pathways, has been spent or earmarked for projects, according to the House Fiscal Agency. nyder, in January, announced a proposal to invest $79 million annually to clean up contaminated sites in the state. The proposal would tap the state's landfill dumping fund, raising the fee from 36 cents per ton to $4.75 per ton. The funds would fund environmental protection efforts, essentially replacing the state's Clean Michigan Initiative Bond, which has been virtually exhausted.

"Michiganders deserve a smart and safe plan to ensure the protection of our environment and public health â&#x20AC;&#x201C; today, tomorrow and for generations to come," Snyder said in January when rolling out the proposal. "This proposal implements a comprehensive approach to cleaning up contaminated sites while addressing best practices for managing waste and recycling efforts, taking us another step forward in our work to build a stronger environmental foundation for Michigan's future."

The governor's office said the proposal would mean an average increase of $4.75 per household annually. Of the estimated $79 million the increased dumping fees would generate, about $5 million would be used to remediate and redevelop existing and future contaminated sites. That would equate to about 300 sites each year across all 83 counties, including those with vapor intrusion issues and other contamination.

About $9 million of the proposed funds would be used to enhance solid waste planning for local governments; $15 million to increasing recycling; $5 million for water quality grants, including beach monitoring, reducing phosphorus in Lake Erie and removing contamination from rivers, lakes and streams; and about $5 million for Michigan's park infrastructure.

The proposal, dubbed the Clean Environment Initiative, would generate about $73.9 million more annually over the current $5.1 million generated through solid waste disposal fees, commonly referred to as tipping fees. The proposal would add about 20 new full-time employees for environmental cleanup and brownfield redevelopment.

The DEQ's Renteria said the state's current tipping fee of 36 cents per ton is the lowest in the region. Raising that amount to the proposed $4.75 per ton would bring Michigan to a comparable rate in the Great Lakes region.

"Funds that the legislature provides is one piece of the puzzle," she said. "Cleanups are also supported by the state's bottle bill funding through the cleanup and redevelopment fund. That is the largest piece of 201 funding in terms of operation."

Sean Hammond, deputy policy director for the Michigan Environmental Council, said the governor's proposal is the first permanent solution proposed to address vapor intrusion.

"Vapor intrusion isn't a new issue, but it's a new focus for Michigan," Hammond said. "Franklin is one site, but there have been others in the west side of the state, including an apartment building. The focus at these cleanup sites has always been making sure the public doesn't access soils and to stop contamination from getting into the groundwater, but we are seeing that these chemicals are migrating

S

into the ground and coming back as vapors. That has also happened at sites where cleanup has happened, so that number of 4,000 sites is probably accurate, if not low. We've always said the site numbers need to be looked at again and reworked. Vapor intrusion was something we didn't really consider until recently. The thought of how they are getting there is sort of a new problem to tackle."

In terms of money, Hammond said there's not adequate funding to address the potential vapor intrusion sites identified by the DEQ. Since spending all of the available CMI funds, Hammond said the state has no money left to address the problem. That's where he said the governor's proposal offers a long-term solution.

"We think it's a solution and it's a positive solution," he said. "It's the first time in a long time a real solution-orientated proposal was put out there that is stable. We see this as a truly sustainable funding source going in, opposed to relying on bonding."

Both TCE and PCE are commonly associated with dry cleaner operations, which also are a common location for vapor intrusion.

However, many municipalities are pushing to restrict dry cleaning operations to industrial areas, rather than commercial areas.

"Nobody wants (dry cleaning) processing plants anymore unless they are in the right spot. Most businesses have a plant in an industrial area, then have outlets," said Rochester Deputy City Manager and Director of Planning and Economic Development Nik Banda. "Not many dry cleaners have processing on site."

A revision of zoning ordinances underway in Rochester restricts dry cleaners from operating processing plants around areas surrounding the downtown area. Banda said the zoning restrictions are intended to keep processing plants to industrial areas.

"I would think most communities would want to push processing into industrial areas, not commercial," he said.

While Banda said there are some dry cleaning and other locations where known contamination are located, it's typically not a vapor intrusion issue unless the soil is disturbed. Such cases are different than the vapor discovered in Franklin, which wasn't coming from beneath a building's foundation.

Rochester Hills Planning Director Sara Roediger said that city also has ordinances restricting the location of processing plants. Such uses, she said, require conditional use permission from city council, which would also require approval from the city's planning commission and a public hearing.

"Anytime there's a use that may have some impacts, we have a series of performance standards they have to meet," Roediger said. "For example, gas, noise, light and anything of that nature, like our sound regulations. That would apply to odors or other things our performance standards would regulate."

Officials in Bloomfield Hills said there aren't zoning restrictions or special use requirements for dry cleaning processing in the city. irmingham city spokesman Kevin Byrnes said dry cleaning processing is permitted in all of the city's business districts, including the downtown area.

However, processing locations would require a special use permit in the city's recently created TZ-3 zone, which serves as a transitional district between some residential and commercial areas. Additionally, Byrnes said there are specific city codes in place to prevent contamination from occurring at processing locations.

"With the codes and new technology, we have some provisions in place to stop that from happening," he said.

Bloomfield Township Planning Director Patti Voelker said the township doesn't restrict where processing plants may locate or require special use permits, but did say the township has a rigorous site plan review process that involves engineering, police and fire, as well as consultants, if needed. As a result, she said any such concerns about processing locations would be addressed during the approval process.

Owens with the DEQ said of the more than 400 sites with potential vapor intrusion issues in Oakland County, there are probably about a dozen that are considered "high priority." Of those

B

”

You brought to the table knowledge, professionalism and a certain graciousness that made you so easy to work with.

You went above and beyond to ensure our agreement was solid and that no detail was overlooked.

– Buyer, Birmingham

”

Nanci J. Rands

Meredith Colburn

Associate Broker

Associate Broker

248.701.9000

248.762.5319

A Luxury Experience PR NE W

JU

ST

LI

ST

IC

E

ED

at all prices

BLOOMFIELD VILLAGE | 3380 Morningview Terrace | $1,125,000

Beautifully updated Colonial with tremendous curb appeal and exquisitely landscaped grounds.

Open-concept kitchen adjacent to family room & 3-seasons sun porch. Exceptional master suite addition. 2nd floor laundry. 3-car garage.

Classic Colonial with updated façade & superb “down to the studs” 2005 renovation & additions.

Spacious L-shaped family room overlooking lawn & gardens. Well-appointed island kitchen.

Luxurious master suite. Finished egress lower level.

W NE

JU S

T

LI

ST

PR IC E

ED

BLOOMFIELD HILLS | 3781 Shellmarr Lane | $745,000

SYLVAN LAKE | 2714 Island Court | $1,395,000

Absolutely fabulous Hidden Woods townhome renovation! New gourmet kitchen with breakfast area. Open floor plan. Richly finished hardwood floors. Expansive deck offers privacy & gorgeous wooded views. Finished walkout lower level.

Exquisite lakefront contemporary. Highly sought-after site with 209’ of both lake and canal frontage. Expansive open floor plan. Panoramic water views through walls of glass. Owner’s suite has 2 full baths. Sleek entertainer’s kitchen.

NE

W

PR

IC E

BLOOMFIELD HILLS | 4057 Hidden Woods Drive | $464,500

BLOOMFIELD HILLS | 5330 Woodlands Estates Dr. S | $1,698,000

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS | 151 Manorwood Drive | $889,000

Tobocman gem in gated setting! Fabulous living room & dining room. 1st floor has luxurious master suite plus 2 large bedrooms. Walkout lower level with theatre, family room, fitness, bedroom & 2 baths. Gilbert Lake privileges.

Outstanding California contemporary on landscaped, private acre site. An entertainer’s dream!

First floor master with Travertine bath. Fully finished walkout lower level with theater, bar & rec area. Tons of storage. 3-car garage.

Potential vapor intrusion sites in the greater Rochester or Birmingham/Bloomfield area, he said two are considered high priority.

One of those sites is located at the Rochester Hills Plaza, in the 1300 block of Walton Boulevard, associated with dry cleaning operations at the location.

"On-site, there is a risk of vapor intrusion, and further evaluation is needed to determine the nature of that risk," he said. "Off-site, the vapor intrusion risks are unknown and further characterization and evaluation is needed."

The other location is the former ITT Automotive site in Rochester, at or about 400 Water Street, along the Paint Creek. About $2 million in environmental cleanup and mitigation is underway at the site, which will house a 45,000 square-foot office building and be home to developer Frank Rewold & Son. That project includes about $1 million in CMI funds for cleanup, which includes TCE and other contaminants stemming from historic industrial uses at the site. wens said the former industrial property has contaminated soil and groundwater present, and will need to be managed to support the future development of the property. Total cleanup costs at the site are expected to be more than $2 million, which is being funded through a brownfield redevelopment plan, that allows the cost to be shared by the city and the developer.

A new focus on vapor intrusion sites means additional costs for the state, as well as potential property owners. As the state formulates new criteria for vapor intrusion pathways, those looking to conduct property acquisitions may need to take extra precautions, said environmental attorney Todd Fracassi, a partner with Southfield-based Pepper Hamilton LLP. "There are certain things you want to make sure you do to ensure you're not in that liability chain," Fracassi said. "It can get costly in the remediation, as well as the mitigation measures, such as vapor barriers or capture systems. Those may not be horribly expensive, but it can interrupt and change operations and have business impacts."

From a buyer's perspective, having an environmental site assessment conducted provides a history of the property's use and can help determine if there is a potential for contamination. Having such assessments done serves to protect the property owner from liability later if contamination is found.

Phase I environmental assessments and additional baseline environmental assessments are also used by the DEQ to find potential contamination.

"Those look at past uses, and they send the reports to us, which gives them liability protection," Mosher with the DEQ said. "They may also identify new releases or conditions that the department didn't know about.”

When contamination is found, the DEQ works to mitigate the risk as quickly as possible with their current funding. Mosher said the department looks to locate any responsible parties, but focuses on alleviating the problem first.

"The remedies aren't that expensive," he said, "it's the upfront costs that are expensive. Finding a path is the more expensive part."

At the Franklin Village Plaza, the DEQ worked to remedy the situation by installing high-tech air monitors and air scrubbers, as well as removing the source of the contamination. The DEQ said no liable party has been located for the cleanup, meaning the process was funded by the state.

By late March, two of the five businesses at the plaza were reopened, including Franklin Nail and Spa and Franklin Cleaners. All businesses in the plaza were required to use temporary air filtration devices 24 hours a day, pending the installation of a permanent system. By April 11, four of the five businesses closed had been reopened, including Tailoring and More. Fritz and Friends chose to close for good.

O

The following is a partial list of sites that were identified in November 2016 as potential vapor intrusion sites. Inclusion in the list means the DEQ believes there is potential for vapor intrusion to occur at the site based on environmental assessments and/or former or current activity at the site.

Vapor intrusion hasn't necessarily been identified at the sites.

BIRMINGHAM • 2400 East Lincoln Road, (future site of The Sheridan Retirement Community), construction site; • Birmingham Cleaners, 2531 West Maple, dry cleaner; • Birmingham Cleaners, 1253 S. Woodward, dry cleaner; • Douglas Cleaners, 1794 W. Maple, dry cleaner; • Douglas Cleaners, 900 N. Old Woodward, dry cleaner; • Grant Street Cleaners, 1190 Grant Street, dry cleaner; • LaFontaine Cleaners, 152 W. 14 Mile Road, dry cleaner; • North Eton Cleaners, 217 N. Eton, dry cleaner; • One Hour Martinizing of Birmingham, 33989 S. Woodward, dry cleaner; • Rosman Cleaners, 651 S. Adams, dry cleaner; • Weisman Cleaners of Birmingham, 875 S. Worth, dry cleaner; • Wesch Cleaners, 33633 Woodward, dry cleaner; • Woodward Brown Assoc. (Balmoral building), 34901 Woodward, site inventory.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS • Pearl Cleaners, 65 W. Long Lake Road, dry cleaner; • Janet Davis Cleaners, 3645 W. Maple, dry cleaner.

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP • • • • • • • • • • • •

BH Town and Country Cleaners, 1607 S. Opdyke Road, dry cleaner; Birmingham Cleaners, 2503-2531 W. Maple, dry cleaner; Bob White Cleaners, 970 Long Lake Road, dry cleaner; Costco Wholesale, 2343 S. Telegraph, site inventory; Dryclean Depot, 2527 Telegraph Road, dry cleaner; George E. Mitchell Cleaners, 1085 W. Long Lake, dry cleaner; J Cleaners, 3260 South Blvd., dry cleaner; Lois Gross Cleaners, 6570 Telegraph Road, dry cleaner; Miraclean Dry Cleaners, 42646 N. Woodward Ave., dry cleaner; One Hour Martinizing, 4262 Orchard Lake Road, dry cleaner; One Hour Martinizing, 43227 Woodward Ave., dry cleaner; Townsend Cleaners, 2531 Maple, dry cleaner.

• • • • • • • •

Sunrise of Rochester, 500 E. University Dr., site inventory; Collins & Orion roads residential wells, 4429 Orion Road, site inventory; Colony Cleaners, 1020 N. Main Street, dry cleaner; ICM Plastics, 6875 Rochester Road, site inventory; ITT Automotive, 301 E. Third, site inventory; Norgetown of Rochester, 111 S. Main Gateway C., dry cleaner; Rochester Elevator, 303 E. University, site inventory; Village Cleaners, 134 Main Street, dry cleaner.

ROCHESTER

ROCHESTER HILLS • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Adams Cleaners, 3164 Walton Blvd., dry cleaner; Cici Cleaners, 829 E. Auburn Road, dry cleaner; Gino's Dry Cleaners, 2044 Auburn Road, dry cleaner; Great Oaks Laundry & Dry Cleaning, 1436 Walton Blvd., dry cleaner; Hamlin Cleaners, 1978 Rochester Road, dry cleaner; Hampton Cleaners, 2968 Rochester Road, dry cleaner; Kingston Development, 1805 Hamlin Road, site inventory; Lee Sunrise Cleaners, 290 W. Tienken Road dry cleaner; MGM Cleaners, 2995 Crooks Road, dry cleaner; North Hill Cleaners, 1463 Rochester Road, dry cleaner; One Hour Martinizing, 2063 S. Rochester Road, dry cleaner; One Hour Martinizing, 1444 Walton Blvd., dry cleaner; Rochester Hills Plaza, 1400 Walton Blvd., (1436 & 1444 Walton included), site inventory; • Spring Hill Cleaners, 2945 Walton Blvd., dry cleaner; • Town & Country Cleaners, 321 S. Livernois, dry cleaner; • Village Cleaners West, 2244 Crooks Road, dry cleaner.

•Source: Michigan Department of Environmental Quality

MENTION THIS AD FOR A SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION

250 NORTH OLD WOODWARD AVENUE BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009 248.723.7880

Visit us online at LucidoJewelry.com

FACES

Emily Milan or Birmingham nanny Emily Milan, becoming a Jeopardy! champion fulfilled one of her lifelong dreams, but getting a shout out from one of her favorite actors may have been the best prize.

"They put the test online and you can take it once a year, which I've done since I was in college," Milan, 30, said about her efforts to get onto the game show. "My boyfriend and I are into game shows. We take the test every year. If you get a high enough score, you do an in-person audition that they hold around the country."

Originally from Plymouth, Milan attended Eastern Michigan University and earned a degree in elementary education before starting her work as a nanny in the Ann Arbor area. She later moved to Nashville for a stint, before moving to Birmingham last summer.

While Milan qualified for the game show in 2015, she didn't get a second call for the in-person audition that year. After qualifying a second time, she got a call in May of 2017 to audition for the show. In January of this year, she flew to Culver City, California for a taping of the show.

"I didn't think they would call," Milan said, explaining that she had already started a new nanny position in Birmingham when the show requested she go to California. "They depend on me to be there, but they were excited for me. The kids were over the moon to the fact that I was going to be on TV." Taped over the course of three days in January, Milan was a three-day champion, earning a total of $46,001 by the end of her fourth appearance, which aired in late March and early April.

"I told my parents right away that I was going to be on the show. My mom isn't a fan of flying. Only my boyfriend came with me. He's great

F

keeping a secret," she said. "We didn't tell anyone about the results. You can't spoil it before it airs. You have to sign papers. The kids pestered me every day, but I was steadfast. Nobody knew until it aired."

Milan was defeated on her fourth appearance by a newspaper reporter from Indiana. But her final episode resulted in a fantastic consolation prize, after sweeping a category dedicated to Reese Witherspoon movies.

"I went to that one right away," she said. "I love Reese Witherspoon, and I knew all those answers. I thought she might see it."

Indeed Witherspoon did catch the show, reposting the clip to her Facebook page with the caption, "You gotta be quicker than that Daniel," referring to another contestant. "Way to go Emily. Jeopardy! this made my day."

Witherspoon also posted a direct shout out to Milan on her Insta Story, with a photo of herself and the caption, "You're the best, Emily!"

"I'm kind of glad it happened on the last episode," Milan said about the brush with Witherspoon. "I lost, but they just remember the Reese Witherspoon thing."

While Milan's time on Jeopardy! is done, trivia remains part of her life.

Competing in several pub trivia teams in recent years, she and her boyfriend of 10 years, Sean, meet with other trivia whiz's each week in Berkley.

"I believe there's another team that has had someone on Jeopardy!, but I haven't talked to him," she said. "We do place most weeks. It's a thing I'm good at. I have a pretty strong memory."

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

g

tiN

w

Ne

Custom Designed New Construction $3,599,000

LiS

All Sports Upper Long Lake Lakefront in Gated Community $2,999,000

European Inspired Estate Near Cranbrook $2,995,000

LD

SO

Simpson Lake Lakefront $1,999,000

Georgian Estate on over 2 Acres in Bloomfield Hills $1,899,000

Architectural Masterpiece

by Lou DesRosiers $1,899,000

Gorgeous Custom Built Home on Private Treed Lot $1,199,000

Bloomfield Hills $1,099,000

Elegant Colonial in West Bloomfield $999,000

210 S. Old Woodward | Suite 200 | Birmingham, MI | 48009 | 248.928.4224

g

tiN

w

Ne

LiS

Magnificent Estate in Bloomfield Hills $2,495,000

AZD Lakefront in Bloomfield Hills $2,449,000

Upper Straits Lakefront $2,299,000

Cass Lake Lakefront $1,899,000

Contemporary Wabeek Lake Lakefront $1,499,000

Magnificent Estate on 1.5 Acres $1,399,000

Lake and Golf Course Views in Bloomfield Hills $750,000

Up North Dream on Over 2 Acres in Franklin Village $735,000

West Bloomfield $385,000

210 S. Old Woodward | Suite 200 | Birmingham, MI | 48009 | 248.928.4224

3075 CHESTNUT RUN DRIVE | BLOOMFIELD TWP

2972 HERON PL | BLOOMFIELD TWP

4 Beds | 4.1 Bathrooms | 4,534 Sq. Ft. | $950,000

5 Beds | 6.2 Bathrooms | 5,178 Sq. Ft. | $1,100,000

Over 7000 SF of contemporary executive living space designed by DesRosiers Architects and quality built by TSA. Enter the foyer and be wowed by the openness, natural light and stunning wall to wall views of the professionally landscaped lot and Orange Lake in the distance.

Magnificent Luxury Residence, custom built by David Lubin Assocs in Heron Bay– one of Bloomfield’s most exclusive gated communities with 24 hour security. Main Floor Luxury Master Retreat/Great Room floor plan with high ceilings, excellent natural light and custom mill work though out.

Kate Hayman | 248.330.0534 | kate@thehaymans.net 248.330.0534 | kate@thehaymans.net

K

Kate Hayman | 248.330.0534 | kate@thehaymans.net 248.330.0534 | kate@thehaymans.net

1530 NORTHLAWN BLVD | BIRMINGHAM

2010 W VALLEY RD | BLOOMFIELD HILLS

3 Beds | 2.2 Bathrooms | 3,256 Sq. Ft. | $924,900 This finely appointed cape cod, overlooking the 9th fairway and 10th green of the Birmingham C.C., was updated in a major renovation in 2014 and the current owner added nearly $100K in upgrades since that renovation. The home boasts a 1st floor master suite with marble bath and large walk-in closet.

Anthony Scaccia | 248.814.8000 | anthony@scacciarealtiy.com A | 248.814.8000 | a y a

LD

In

5 Beds | 5.2 Bathrooms | 8,509 Sq. Ft. | $2,690,000 Private estate located on private road in city of Bloomfield Hills. Spectacular landscaping featuring pool and pool house and surrounding brick walkways. Many large living areas with wonderful woodwork and trim.

Ronni Keating | 248.330.9750 | rkeating@kw.com R | 248.330.9750 | rkeating@kw.com

1d

SO

1807 HAZEL ST | BIRMINGHAM

2179 COACH WAY CT | BLOOMFIELD TWP

4 Beds | 4.1 Bathrooms | 3,975 Sq. Ft. | $899,900

5 Beds | 4.1 Bathrooms | 4,235 Sq. Ft. | $1,125,000

Remarkable newer custom built home perfect for entertaining with a well thought out open floor plan! Entry level offers hardwood floors throughout and a large kitchen with granite counter tops, stainless steel appliances and a door wall leading to the brick paver patio.

This hidden gem in Bloomfield Hills will amaze even the most discerning buyer. Chef’s kitchen opens up to your very own private backyard oasis. Complete with saltwater pool, hot tub, and patio that rival your favorite resort/spa.

Logan Wert | 248.320.1142 | logan@logansells.com

Logan Wert | 248.320.1142 | logan@logansells.com

248.320.1142 | logan@logansells.com

3682 ELDER RD S | WEST BLOOMFIELD

325 ARGYLE | BIRMINGHAM

5 Beds | 3.2 Bathrooms | 3,678 Sq. Ft. | $524,900

3 Beds | 2 Bathrooms | 1,788 Sq. Ft. | $475,000

Rare Find! Function, form and style abound in this recently renovated executive retreat nestled in award winning Whispering Woods Sub with deep woods and tranquil setting on over half acre. Hardwood flooring thought first floor (2018) Two story foyer leads to private study w/ built-in bookshelves & glass french doors. Formal Liv Rm & Din Rm w French glass doors.

This charming home is an easy stroll to downtown Birmingham to enjoy the variety of restaurants, theatres, parks & library and just down the block from Seaholm High School. Marvel at the dining room that opens to the spacious living room w/ gas fireplace & huge picture window.

Beth Borson | 248.535.7888 | bethborson@gmail.com

3

| $475,000 Beth Borson | 248.535.7888 | bethborson@gmail.com B

210 S. Old Woodward | Suite 200 | Birmingham, MI | 48009 | 248.310.1414 Each office is independently owned & operated.

Birmingham, MI | 48009 | 248.310.1414 E

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AGENT AND AN EXPERT ReneeAcho.com | Renee@ReneeAcho.com

1895 W Tahquamenon BLOOMFIELD HILLS 6,022 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 3.2 Baths 1 Acre property | $2,495,000

ing

ist

L ew

N

Magnificent newly constructed estate nestled on a private cul de sac is everything you are looking for in luxury living. Customization of design goes far beyond the detailed leaded glass 2 story floor to ceiling windows, exquisite wood and metalwork, hand scraped wood floors, soaring ceilings, and dual sweeping staircases. Perfect function and flow through-out this home creating the ultimate setting for large gatherings or normal day to day living. State of the art kitchen of your dreams by John Morgan includes 12' island, top of the line appliances, heated limestone floors open to large breakfast nook and beautiful family room.

Exceptional master suite boasts luxurious bath and fabulous dual closets.

5,758 Sq. Ft. | $

g

tin

is wL

Ne

480 YaRmouTh | BLOOMFIELD HILLS

670 oak | BIRMINGHAM

4,121 Sq.Acre Ft. || $1,345,000 $ 4528 SF | 4 Beds | 3.2 Baths | Over Half

$ Lower Level $1,495,000 5580 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 5.1 Baths | 1800 SF Finished

PClassic colonial residence beautifully situated on an over half acre corner lot in

Spectacular newer construction just steps from downtown in Holy Name neighborhood. Functional floor plan includes 3rd floor bonus space and beautifully finished lower level with 5th bedroom, work out facility, full bath, & recreation area.

prestigious Bloomfield Village. Large center island kitchen opens fully to breakfast room and expansive family room with fireplace focal point.

ing

C

w

Ne

n

tio

t Lis

p eO

as

Le

770 BRookWood Walke | BLOOMFIELD HILLS

uniT #825 | 411 S old WoodWaRd ave | BIRMINGHAM

4,150| Walk Sq. Ft. $ 6577 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 3.1 Baths out| Lower Level | $999,900

2 Beds | 2 Baths | 1,428 SF | 2 parking spaces | $665,000

Colonial masterpiece nestled on beautiful hilltop setting. Walk out lower level features 4 season saltwater pool w/ retractable ceiling, fitness rm, wine cellar, full bath & heated floors. Generator, heating/smart thermostat, new HE furnaces & AC units.

Two units combined to create this extraordinary condo in sought after Birmingham Place. Beautiful renovation includes all new modern kitchen open to family room, new baths and courtyard views.

g

g

tin

tin

is wL

is wL

Ne

Ne

5158 Woodland TRail | BLOOMFIELD HILLS

1033 Redding | TROY

3246 Total SF | 3 Bedrooms | 2.1 Baths | $425,000

2853 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 3.2 Baths | $619,000

Rarely offered opportunity for this elegant mid century condo with first floor master situated in the exclusive Woodlands community. Functional floor plan, family room with cathedral ceilings, & 2000 SF finished walk out lower level. All in this gated enclave with 24 hour guard includes community center, tennis court & pool.

Turnkey colonial on over a half an acre featuring well appointed design, open floor plan and 2018 updated kitchen, all new carpet and freshly painted throughout. Finished daylight lower level, brick paver patio boasts kitchen/bbq, fire pit, expansive deck overlooking private landscape.

210 S. Old Woodward | Suite 200 | Birmingham, MI | 48009 | 248.310.1414 Each office is independently owned & operated.

1583 HERONWOOD CT | BLOOMFIELD HILLS | GATED COMMUNITY | $997,750 4 BEDROOMS | 4.2 BATHROOMS | 4,587 SQ FT 1583 Heronwood Ct in Bloomfield Hills is a showpiece for meticulous maintenance, elegance and sophistication. Residing in one of the most exclusive gated communities in Southeast Michigan, the owners spared no expense in building a world-class wine cellar which reflects their passion for wine, world travel, and entertaining. Constructed from over 10,000 reclaimed bricks sourced from the city of Detroit, the cellar boasts handcrafted ironwork by Diseños Ornamental Iron, the same artists who created the beautiful handrails at the entrance to the home. Famed artisan Maitland-Smith created the custom sconces, and many of the other fixtures in the home, including those in the dining room, foyer, and office. The ceiling of the cellar features an authentic fresco, hand-painted by artist Pjeter Koleci, who traveled from Italy and spent weeks creating this stunning piece of art. Exceptional details continue throughthrough out the home, including an exquisite black walnut island countertop and a hammered copper sink in the kitchen, both of which are absolutely stunning.

SEARCH PROPERTY ADDRESS ON YOUTUBE FOR A TOUR OF THE HOME SEARCH PROPERTY ADDRESSINTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE FOR A TOUR OF THE HOME AND A PERSONAL WITH THE SELLER! AND A PERSONAL INTERVIEW WITH THE SELLER!

JAMES DANLEY JAMES DANLEY realtor®

realtor® mobile 248.671.3092 mobile office 248.671.3092 248.590.0500 office 248.590.0500 james@jdaluxury.com james@jdaluxury.com www.jdaluxury.com www.jdaluxury.com

Photo: Debra Moraitis

n Saturday, March 24, over 800,000 protesters turned out to demonstrate against gun violence in the mall in Washington D.C. for the March for Our Lives protest, with approximately 800 similar rallies across the country.

Believed to be the largest single-day protest in Washington's history, what further marks March for Our Lives as a historical and unique event is that it was primarily organized and populated by high school students who are frightened, angry and motivated to demand change in our nation's gun laws following the massacre at Margory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida on February 14, 2018.

Contrary to some information, student demonstrators and their adult supporters are not seeking to repeal the Second Amendment, nor prevent legal gun ownership, but to provide safe gun ownership, some gun control and protection, including universal background checks, to ban bump stocks, to add red flag laws, and increase mental health funding.

O

D.C. MARCH DIARIES HOW TWO LOCAL STUDENTS SAW THE PROTEST

Civil disobedience has a long history in this country, going back to our nation's very beginning with the Revolutionary War and our Declaration of Independence, as does leadership from youth seeking change. Many of the Founding Fathers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; writers and signers of the Declaration of Independence â&#x20AC;&#x201C; were under 40, and a majority younger than 35 at the time. Alexander Hamilton was 20 when he became George Washington's senior aide, and just 32 when he created our monetary system. Closer to our time, college students fought against racial injustice in the civil rights era, including some Freedom Fighters, and college students throughout the United States helped to galvanize momentum to turn the tide against the Vietnam War. Downtown newsmagazine asked two local high school students who attended March for Our Lives in Washington D.C., Debra Moraitis, a junior at Bloomfield Hills High School, and Isabella Said of Birmingham, a senior at Seaholm High School, to take us with them on their journey to provide a firsthand look at the experience.

Isabella Said When I first heard about the official March For Our Lives rally, I was all too familiar with the uproar by the students of Parkland. I was in New York on vacation at the time, definitely not the time to ask my dad to go on yet another trip in less than a month. When he told me that if I paid my way he would agree to it, I knew I was set on going to D.C. to participate in the rally.

In the airport at the terminal it was a little hard to tell who was going to the march. In the airport I was starting to get a little nervous, I didn’t know what to expect at all. I knew that it was history in the making but the only history I had been a part of was the Women’s March the past two years. I felt great to be surrounded by all those people, empowered by the movement. It was a new feeling – to be surrounded by people that wanted to same positive change as me, and I greatly enjoyed being a part of it. I hoped that this would be similar to what I felt in the rally the next day.

They predicted about 500,000 people to come to the rally the next day, so I knew it would be more amazing than I hoped. I was excited to be in a rally where I would be standing with my fellow students, fighting for our rights to be safe in our school. While I always had faith in my generation, seeing what progress these Parkland students have made, and then seeing adults behind us and supporting us, makes me even more proud of my generation. I’m filled with pride knowing that we’ve already come so far.

The first day in D.C. was the day before the march, so once my dad and I arrived to Baltimore we were able to take the train to D.C. and explore for the day. We ate lunch at Union Station and then went to the museum that houses all the presidential portraits (National Portrait Gallery).

We both wanted to stop by the March For Our Lives pop-up shop and get some merchandise to wear to the rally the next day. The pop-up shop was very cool – there was a lot to choose from and it was nice to see a store supporting the cause in a way that is directing money into the movement.

I got a March For Our Lives sweatshirt, two shirts, and a hat that said “resist” on it for my dad.

The next morning we woke up at 8 a.m. and got ready to leave for the train station by 8:30.

Once we got to the station I started seeing a lot of other people with shirts and signs getting ready to go to the march. My dad and I decided we’d forgo the coffee and breakfast and just eat bars that we packed with us. We took the train and once we ended up in Union Station, we headed straight for the Metro. Thankfully we got ahead of some of the line since we had already used the Metro the day

before and had cards. We also luckily were in the same place the day before so we were familiar with the area. We got to the Metro and took the correct train to get to Gallery-Place. Once we got to Gallery-Place it was clear this was not any normal Saturday. As soon as we took the extra long escalator up to the street, we were bombarded with people from every side, those trying to sell souvenirs such as pins, shirts, sweatshirts, etc.

While trying to bypass those selling things, and with our cameras in hand, we proceeded straight ahead for the next three blocks. As we continued and snapped shots as we went the crowd seemed to condense and soon enough, we were packed like sardines. I’m pretty sure that we were like that for about an hour or so, just filtering into the blocked off area at a snail's pace. Once we came to a full stop my dad suggested that this was as good as it was going to get. We rushed off to the side and got away from the main block. We continued going up and up until we found the closest we could reach on the left side of the stage. We couldn’t see the stage but we could make out the Jumbotron video screens they used to show everyone’s speeches, and waited for two hours for the speeches to start. During that time we spoke with a couple MSD alumni, took many pictures, and tried to stay warm. At 12:15 pm, after hours of waiting, it finally began.

First there was a singer and since I was pretty far away, I couldn’t tell who it was. Then, suddenly a space opened up and my dad told me to go. I walked until I magically found the gate.

There was a tiny sliver of space next to a woman.

She noticed me, and moved over and let me in. I was so thankful because although the paparazzi section blocked the sight of the stage, through the trees we could make out the screens showcasing the speeches. Artist after artist, speech after speech, there was a common theme. Each and every speaker was a young adult who had had gun violence reach them personally in life.

Students from Parkland, Newtown, D.C., Baltimore, and Chicago spoke. An 11-year-old who had organized a march at her elementary school spoke as well as Jaclyn Corin, who brought out Martin Luther King’s granddaughter. I was in awe.

As one student said, “When I look out I see brothers and sisters.” Those couple of hours, we were all connected, all united under one cause.

Before that day, I don’t believe I had seen people more concentrated in one space before.

Finally it was Emma’s (Gonzalez) turn to speak.

The portion of her speech where she spoke was probably one minute and 30 seconds. Then, she was silent. At first, probably the first 30 seconds, it was completely silent. I was shocked that this 18year-old girl yielded so much power. She managed to bring over half a million people to silence.

I was wondering how long it was going to last.

Seven minutes for each life lost? Then I realized; six minutes and 22 seconds. The time it took the shooter to take 17 lives. That was something that shook everyone to their core. Before we could even process it, the speech was over and the rally was done. I was so proud to be there with everyone else, united.

I went home that night, and was so exhausted from standing for seven hours straight that I slept until mid-afternoon the next day. I am still in

shock of the fact that we managed to bring out 800,000 people for a rally and show everyone that we mean business. I do hope this reflects in the polls this coming elections, and while I won’t be 18 yet to vote, I hope this brings in a new age where young voters are excited to get out and fight for their lives and what they believe in.

Debra Moraitis I remember having a lot of questions throughout my childhood that only adults could answer for me. Like many others, growing up, I’d become accustomed to the light-hearted response, “Aw, honey. It’s a grown-up thing. I’ll tell you about it when you’re older.” So, silent and passive, my curiosity grew, until I realized that if there’s something I’m eager to learn or accomplish, my age should not be a limiting factor. The knowledge I seek isn’t unattainable just because I don’t have a 401k or a mortgage. At 17-years-old, I never imagined that I would be capable of planning, financing and leading a group of over 50 people halfway across the country to fight for a cause we believe in, or that I would personally gain the support of my district congressman, the Oakland County treasurer, local businesses, or news outlets along the way. However, I’ve come to learn that you are as capable as you let yourself become, and that your age shouldn’t discredit your ability to change the world.

I became involved in the March For Our Lives movement through taking on a leadership role in the national school walkout on March 14th, only ten days earlier, where students across the nation were encouraged to get up and leave their classrooms in order to protest against gunviolence in schools. With the consensus of our student-activist-planning group at Bloomfield Hills High School, I was chosen to be a speaker for our walkout, leading chants and explaining our purpose of gathering in the courtyard that day.

“When I walk into a classroom, I should be worried about my homework, not my life.” I concluded my speech.

During the planning process of the walkout, though, something in me was stirring, and I couldn’t get rid of this overwhelming feeling that I could do more. “What’s next? What happens after the walkout?” I kept asking myself, and that was when I found the official website for the March For Our Lives – a national demonstration for gun control in Washington D.C. led by the student survivors from Parkland in collaboration with the non-profit organization Everytown for Gun Safety.

It was scheduled for noon on March 24th on Pennsylvania Avenue between 3rd and 12th street

and the more I read about it, the more I thought like, Debra….you HAVE to go. This is going to be HUGE. The journey began at 10:30 p.m. on March 23rd where all of the participants – 55 total – and their parents met at Bloomfield Hills High School for a meeting run by my co-leaders Ava Singer, Sophie Sherbin and I, as well as our advisor and teacher, Karen Twomey.

Though supportive, I could tell some parents were kind of on edge about sending their kids halfway across the country to get involved in such a heavy political movement. In a crowd estimated to be anywhere from 200,000 to one million people, possible violence at this event was a concern across the nation, and rightfully so. Even my mother was hesitant to let me take on this project. I explained the itinerary very clearly, answering questions along the way. Of course they were nervous that this was planned by students and not the school board. That’s why it was important for me to explain that this wasn’t a field trip. It’s a movement, and with that, there are certain inherent risks. And while it may be scary for parents, this is something we, students, feel called to do, to protect ourselves and the generations after us. This was the ultimate opportunity to present our maturity, responsibility, passion, and knowledge about something that impacts us all – regardless of our race, political ideology, sexual orientation, religion, creed, The bus ride was about 10 hours long, and we made two stops during the night on the way there. At 2:50 a.m., I was in the peak of my sleep as the bus screeched to a halt in the seemingly middle of nowhere. I sent out a text to the group to be back on the bus in 15 minutes sharp. Let me just say, you never know how truly hungry you are until you smell french fries at three in the morning.

Though uncomfortable and exhausting at times, our journey continued with a positive, high energy – everybody too inspired to complain – even when I woke them up at the crack of dawn for our second stop by shouting into my megaphone, “Good morning krusty crew!”

We arrived in Washington and packed our lunches for the day into our drawstring bags. All the chips, cookies, fruit, water bottles, and other snacks were donated by people at home and students’ families.

We took some quick group photos, and began our stride. As we passed the White House, we noticed the dozens and dozens of rally signs just sprawled over the walkway and green-area before it – each one crafted with passion and research and pain. The one that stuck out to me the most was painted, “Today I march for the 50 people killed in June 2016. We still hear your Pulse, Orlando #MarchForTHEIRLives" because it was a reminder that even though the national spotlight is on the Marjory Stoneman Douglas high school community, this movement is not just about Parkland, Florida. It’s about the hate crimes, accidents, and perpetuated violence that guns contribute to in our culture. But, don’t get me wrong. This movement is NOT anti-gun. It’s pro gun-control and regulation.

The group and I agreed that we were marching for B.A.B.Y. Steps: Ban bump stocks; Age minimum 21; Background checks universally; and

Yes to funding mental health, counselors, social workers and smaller class sizes. Marching with us for these regulations was our district’s congressman, Sander Levin (D-Royal Oak, Bloomfield Township). Meeting him was such an honor. Once we arrived to D.C. around 10 a.m., he had a light breakfast spread made out for us in his office, and as we ate he introduced himself. He expressed how proud he was of, us, the students from his district, as well as those across the nation for “taking charge.” He shared some stories about his family and told us about a speech he gave, himself, advocating for gun-control, back when Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. From there, he walked and chanted with us, two miles down, to the March For Our Lives rally on Pennsylvania Avenue and 7th Street.

Marching behind Rep. Sander Levin sent this overwhelming confidence through the group. We weren’t just “a bunch of kids” anymore – we were supported by our congressional representative. At a rest stop earlier in the morning, everyone was given a neon poster board and assigned a letter.

Together, the 55 of us held up our signs to create the message: Stop Choosing Sides, Start Choosing Solutions. Random passersby on the street paused to take photos of our group with Levin – we were being cheered on by strangers everywhere we went, meeting people from all around the country.

The entire city was filled with passion that day; the atmosphere was so positive and uplifting, despite the tragedies that gathered us together. I’d never experienced such an intense feeling of unity.

For the full two miles down Pennsylvania Avenue, we were chanting, even with the wind freezing our throats. By the end of the day, our voices were cracking and the cold sweat from the morning clung to our skin. We were warriors. Our group arrived at the march around noon and stopped dead in our tracks at the sight of the neverending sea of protestors. I was expecting there to be a large turnout, but I was absolutely stunned at the set-up of the march. It was unlike anything I’d ever been apart of.

I’d never been to a public demonstration before and didn’t really know what to expect. My only experience with my right to peacefully assemble was in my school courtyard, which, compared to the rally in Washington, was miniscule. The bass drum in the music playing made my whole body perk up; I didn’t want to miss a beat. I wanted to see and absorb every inch of the scene because this was history.

There were march officials on every corner trying to register people to vote and there were giant screens and speakers set up all along the roads where people gathered to watch what was happening on the main stage. There were breathtaking performances by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, Demi Lovato, Andra Day, and more – even Malala Yousafzai sent a video message to show her support. It was so reassuring to have these artists and major public figures showing their support through performing and making a presence at the march.

I found myself breaking down into hot tears during 11-year-old Naomi Wadler’s speech, where she stated that, “this is for all the African American girls who’ve fallen victim to gun violence, whose stories don’t make the front page

of every national newspaper.” I thought about the missing white girls like Amelia Earhart, Jonbenet Ramsey, and Natalee Holloway who are still getting media coverage and follow-up reports, when there are hundreds of women of color who go missing and don’t garner as much national attention, if any at all. It made me wonder how long people would look for me if I went missing. It created such a salient moment of reflection for myself and my classmates to acknowledge our privileges and how we can use them to create positive change. I stood hugging my friend, Ava Singer, as we both wiped each others’ tears and continued listening to our brave peers from across the nation.

The hairs on my body stood upright as students like Jaclyn Corin, Alex Wind, Cameron Kasky, and David Hogg spoke, but the most impactful speech, for me, was Emma González’s.

As she listed the things her dead classmates would never be able to do again, it was reiterated that these kids had lives as complex and intricate as my own, not be remembered as a number: "Six minutes and 20 seconds with an AR-15,” Emma explained, “and my friend Carmen would never complain to me about piano practice. Aaron Feis would never call Kira, 'Miss Sunshine.' Alex Schachter would never walk into school with his brother Ryan. Scott Beigel would never joke around with Cameron at camp…” The way she was able to silence the crowd made me audibly gasp. Never in my life did I ever think one person could silence 800,000 others with just one solemn expression. Now, that is power. We were motionless as the only sound on the loudspeakers was her muffled cries and steady breathing.

People around us were sobbing with bowed heads, strangers were holding hands in solitude, and my group had our elbows linked with our eyes fixed on the stage – absolutely mesmerized by the intensity of her voice and confidence in her stance. The whole time I kept thinking about how we’re all the same age. Only a couple short years separate kids like me and these nationally acclaimed activists. You don’t need a law degree to fight for changing laws.

As the march died down, we began walking to our dinner reservation at the Old Ebbitt Grill, which was kind enough to give a us a “student activism” discount and the bus picked us up outside the restaurant. At the start of the ride home, we were buzzing with stories of excitement from the day. But, soon everyone let the exhaustion sink in, our adrenaline cooled down, and mostly everyone took a well-needed nap.

However, I couldn’t sleep. I was restless with success because we’d actually done it!

It’s ethereal, especially when you know that your words and actions are contributing to the empowerment and improvement of your country. I am confident that if we keep this up, it will result in real legal change. While traveling to the march by myself would have been an experience of its own, what touches my heart is the fact that I was able to share this opportunity with 54 other people from my county. Overall, the March For Our Lives was a stunningly beautiful experience. I am so proud to have been one of the thousands there in D.C., and even though I wore my voice out, I’m honored to have used it for such an important cause.

Office Space for Lease in Metro Detroit

a

Since 1976, Beachum & Roeser has built and managed elegant, class “A” office space for lease in the metroDetroit area. Our properties are located in the most prestigious suburbs, with easy access and wonderful amenities.

a

With Properties in: V

• Ann Arbor • Auburn Hills • Bingham Farms • Birmingham

• Bloomfield Hills • Plymouth • Southfield • Troy • West Bloomfield

Visit Our Website To View Our Available Office Space

www.BeachumRoeser.com

248-647-7500

Bill Beachum, President

2.62 Private Scenic Acres | Bingham Farms $824,900

• 4400+ sq ft home on exclusive Bingham Road.

• 4 bedrooms / 2.5 baths / fenced, in-ground pool.

• Sunlight glistens the two-story great room and library with custom woodwork and built-ins.

• Birmingham School District, near Detroit Country Day and Cranbrook School campuses.

• Close to main roads and freeway access.

248.214.5790

Debbie Spencer 415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009 54

DOWNTOWN

dspencer@signaturesothebys.com 05.18

ORGANIZED CRIME IN DETROIT THEN AND NOW

BY LISA BRODY

ement shoes. Swimming with the fishes. Code of silence. Going to the mattresses. Shakedown. Rat, mobster, soldier, made man, don.

Garbage business, waste management business. Hit. Whack.

Golden Age. Rico.

Whether we learned these terms from numerous viewings of “The Godfather” or bingewatching “The Sopranos,” we all think we're experts on the mob, the Mafia, or organized crime. Yet, despite the prevalence of popular culture, the reality of organized crime in America is much more nuanced than a Mario Puza novel or an HBO series, with a rich and distinct history.

That history has evolved and morphed as additional crime entities have developed, leaving organized crime to remain as powerful entities

C

today, just in different manifestations, representing a variety of different ethnicities and cultures.

Since its beginnings in this country, Detroit has been a major hub of organized crime activity, which is defined as transnational, national, or local groupings of highly centralized enterprises run by criminals who engage in illegal activity for money or profit. While the Mafia falls into the category of organized crime, they are not the only group, and are not synonymous with organized crime, as the Mafia are Italian organized crime families. There are others. Situated on the border of Canada, between New York City and Chicago, the Mafia, coupled with a group of Jewish thugs who became known as the Purple Gang, helped Detroit become one of the strongholds of organized crime in this country.

In the 1920s, when Prohibition was the law of the land, Detroit was the fourth largest city in the country, with a population of over 1.5 million people. Prohibition, which lasted from 1920 until 1933, was a nationwide constitutional ban, via the Eighteenth Amendment, on the production, importation, transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages. However, in Michigan, liquor became illegal three years earlier than the rest of the country – in 1917. The reason? Henry Ford, who owned the River Rouge plant in Dearborn, wanted a sober workforce and backed the 1916 Damon Act, which prohibited the use of alcohol beginning in 1917. By 1919, the Damon Act was declared unconstitutional, mostly because judges wouldn't support it, taking a lenient view of offenders – just in time for the Eighteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution to take effect, which, along with the separate Volstead Act – which provided the methods for enforcement of the Eighteenth Amendment and defined which “intoxicating liquors” were prohibited – and which were excluded, such as for medicinal or religious purposes. or bootleggers, the Damon Act and the Eighteenth Amendment were heaven sent, and the prohibition of alcohol, combined with a large and prosperous workforce in Detroit from a growing automobile industry, helped create the rise of the Mafia and other organized crime groups. After all, just because liquor was forbidden didn't mean people didn't want it just as much – or even more. Speakeasies, blind pigs and gin joints burgeoned, with those who could afford to flocking to them. They became glamorous and exciting places to be seen at, and as the Gilda Lehrman Institute of American History noted, while pre-Prohibition saloons rarely were welcome places for women, “the new world of nightclubs invited both the bob-haired 'flapper' and her 'sheik' to drink cocktails, smoke, and dance to jazz.”

In 1918, with Michigan having enacted the Damon Act, Detroit was the first city in the country with a population over 250,000 to go dry.

At the time, there were approximately 1,800 licensed saloons. By 1925, in the depths of Prohibition, it's estimated there were about 25,000 blind pigs in the city.

“Ultimately, only a small percentage of liquor distributors found themselves arrested. But even this limited number of accused – there were approximately 65,000 federal criminal actions in the first two years of Prohibition – was enough to cripple the justice system. Prisons grew crowded, and judges tried to incentivize quick 'guilty' pleas by promising very small fines. And if a liquor seller did wind up on trial, juries filled with liquor drinkers were often reluctant to find the defendants guilty; only about 60 percent of cases ended with a conviction,” reported the Gilda Lehrman Institute of American History.

The exception included those who were “connected.”

“During this period both the Chicago and New York underworlds often grabbed the headlines of major newspapers with their own beer wars and gangster escapades, yet the Detroit underworld in many ways was worse,” said Detroit organized crime expert Scott Burnstein. “Detroit's proximity

F

to Ontario, Canada, made it an opportune place for rumrunners and smugglers. By the midtwenties, an estimated 500,000 cases of Canadian whiskey were coming across the Detroit River every month.”

The Canadian government, which had temporarily banned the use of alcoholic beverages, had still approved and licensed distilleries and breweries to manufacture and export alcohol. The port of Windsor, directly across the Detroit River from Detroit, was an easy boat ride for smugglers going back and forth, evading authorities. According to Shannon Saksewski, author of “Awesome Mitten,” “By some accounts, around 75 percent of the alcohol distributed in the United States during Prohibition came through Detroit. Detroit was nicknamed 'Whiskeytown.'”

In addition, beginning in 1917 with the Damon Act, with Detroit's closeness to Ohio, bootleggers imported whiskey from – and to – Toledo, which then found itself traveling south.

Mark Gribben noted that part of what allowed the rise of many bootleggers is that like other major cities at the beginning of the 20th century, Detroit's immigrant neighborhoods were impoverished, leading some to become breeding grounds for crime and violence. The most notorious organized crime members of the early 20th century started off not as high end smugglers, but as petty thieves and shakedown artists, whether in the Hastings Street neighborhood known as Paradise Valley in Detroit's lower east side, where most of the Purple Gang's central members arose from as the children of Jewish immigrants, or in the Eastern Market neighborhood and Wyandotte area, where the first Sicilian Italian criminals moved to and gained their foothold.

“During the great wave of immigration between 1880 and 1920, many Italian and Sicilian people left their homelands for U.S. shores,” Burnstein said. “Along with many hardworking and law-abiding new Americans came Old World criminals. These Italian and Sicilian gangsters were either looking for greener pastures or were forced to leave their homeland because they were wanted by the authorities.”

He said that prior to Prohibition, these criminals caught police attention due to an extortion racket which was very popular among small time criminals as well as members of the Mafia and the Camorra, a similar gang out of Naples. Their scheme was to write an anonymous letter to a prosperous member of the community threatening to murder him or his wife, kidnap their children, or to destroy their place of business if certain extortion demands were not met. Since most of these local targets not only didn't trust local police, they were superstitious – there were lots of examples in the Italian community of what happened to people who ignored these letters, and it wasn't pretty. Burnstein noted that the extortion racket become so widespread in most large U.S. cities that they had special squads in their police departments to deal with these crimes in their Italian communities.

This racket was sometimes used, Burnstein noted, by Salvatore and Vito Adamo, Sicilian immigrant brothers who arrived in Detroit around 1900.

“Starting around 1905, the Adamo brothers

were leaders of a Mafia gang on Detroit's lower east side that preyed on the Italian community, and that most likely constituted the first semblance of modern day organized crime in the Motor City,” Burnstein said. “The Adamo mob was involved in the typical ethnic underworld rackets of the time, which included making beer and wine, extorting protection money from local citizens, and the Italian lottery.”

Vito lived in Wyandotte, while Salvatore, who was known as Sam, headquartered his operations out of Eastern Market.

The first threat to their authority came around 1910 with the arrival of three other Sicilian brothers, Antonino, Salvatore and Gaetano Gianolla. Burnstein said there was a brief shaky peace between the two Mafia factions, but the Gianolla brothers, who he said became known in local underworld circles as the Triumvirate of Terror, began chafing under the Adamos' rule. The Gianollas' controlled all the rackets downriver from their produce business, the Wyandotte Fruit Company, and by 1911, expanded their empire into the Eastern Market empire and other east side neighborhoods the Adamos' had been controlling.

“It was not long before open warfare broke out,” Burnstein said. “The gang war lasted approximately two-and-a-half years, from 1911 to 1913, and left dozens of bodies in its wake from both sides of the conflict. The Gianollas eventually claimed victory in the vicious street battle by murdering both Adamo brothers as they walked together at the corner of Mullett and Russell streets in Eastern Market in November 1913.”

Peace, such as it was, lasted amongst the mafiosos, until 1917, when there was another allout street war for supremacy between the Gianollas and one of their enforcers, Giovanni “Bloody John” Vitale.

“The war was jumpstarted when Antonino ‘Tony’ Gionolla ordered the murder of Sam Bosco, a close friend and trusted associate of Vitale's, over a dispute,” Burnstein said. “When the Vitale faction attempted to hijack a load of liquor belonging to the Giannola brothers, the Giannola/Vitale gang war officially began.” ver the next four years, Burnstein said, over 100 men were killed in the turf war. By October 1920, when it was over, all of the major leaders of both gangs had been killed.

A peace conference called after Thanksgiving that year led to a division of territory that appears to continue to this day – and is believed to have led to the name “La Costa Nostra” in the community, meaning, “this thing of ours,” based on the secret Mafia Sicilian organization.

“Salvatore 'Singing Sam' Cattalanotte, a respected Giannola advisor, presided over a meeting of the minds and helped forge a peace agreement,” Burnstein said. “Territory was divided among what would become known as the Eastside and Westside Mobs, with former Gianolla lieutenants Joe Zerilli and William 'Black Bill' Tocco leading the Eastsiders and Chester 'Big Chet' La Mara, a long time counsel to Cattalanotte, heading the Westsiders.”

Cattalanotte was the head of Detroit's

O

Sicilian Mafia during Prohibition, and he organized the remaining Mafia factions in Detroit, along with friends and relatives from St. Louis, under a liquor combine that became known as the “Pascuzzi Combine,” according to records kept by Joe “Misery” Moceri.

At this same time, a bunch of Jewish street thugs grew to become one of the most notorious and vicious organized crime groups in the country before flaming out. Originally known as the Oakland Sugar House Gang, they became known as the Purple Gang, although the origins of the name are subject to debate. urnstein said that around 1917, the original group of 18 to 20 predominantly Jewish boys who were from the old Hastings Street section of Detroit's lower east side had become neighborhood nuisances. “They rolled drunks, beat up other youngsters, and extorted money from local merchants. This teenage street gang would eventually evolve into one of the most notorious underworld groups of the Prohibition era.”

“Perhaps the most ruthless bootleggers of their time, they may have killed over 500 members of rival bootlegging gangs during Detroit's bootleg wars,” said historian and author Kathy Weiser. “Bootlegging netted the Purple Gang millions of dollars, but the mob was also involved in extortion, hijacking and jewelry thefts. The Purple Gang also attempted to run gambling rings in Detroit, especially among the African American population.”

As for the name, legend has it that one Hasting Street shopkeeper complained to another, “These boys are not like other youngsters, they're tainted. They're like the color of bad meat, purple.”

“Yes,” said the other shopkeeper, “they're a purple gang.”

Burnstein, though, said the name most likely evolved during a period of labor strife known as the Cleaners and Dyers War, where one of the Purple Gang's terror tactics was to throw purple dye on clothing, in order to force tailor shops to join the union.

But they made their real reputation in Detroit's underworld of organized crime as hijackers who would steal whiskey from other mobs and kill everyone who was hauling the load, along with cutting themselves in on the profits that other gangsters made from gambling, prostitution and drug dealing.

“Their signature move was to hijack vehicles that were moving liquor over frozen Lake St. Clair, kill the drivers,and steal their cargo. As their business became increasingly lucrative and their violence became known, the Purple Gang approached untouchable status. No one would testify against them for fear of their wrath. At the same time, since they stole from rival outlaws, the police often turned a blind eye,” Saksewski said.

While mentored early by Charles Leiter and Henry Shorr, the leaders of the original Purple Gang were Abe, Joe, Ray and Isadore Burnstein, four brothers who played different roles – Abe as underworld diplomat and Joe and Ray enforcers. Scott Burnstein said he learned growing up they were his grandfather's

B

uncles. “But it wasn't until I was in law school, doing an internship with the Illinois Attorney General's office looking into Chicago mob cases, that I began to wonder about the Detroit mob,” he said.

Purple gang members and their sycophants hung out at a bathhouse in northeast Detroit, the Oakland Avenue Bath House, which has always been known as The Shvitz, where they'd get a massage, eat a steak and meet to conduct business. “The Shvitz was an ideal place to meet and discuss schemes without having to worry about the people you were doing business with wearing a wire, since everyone was in towels and the humidity prevented the government from bugging the place,” Burnstein noted.

By 1925, flush with cash and egos having grown from their success in bootlegging, the Purple Gang had expanded into other illegal endeavors. They began to be hired out as hitmen, and took part in the Cleaners and Dyers War, where Abe Burnstein joined up with the president of the Detroit Federation of Labor, Francis X. Martel, to form the racketeercontrolled Wholesale Cleaners and Dyers Association, Burnstein said. Their argument was that this union would stabilize prices in the cleaning and dying industry. “Armed Purple Gangsters would attend the monthly association meetings and collect the dues.” If the dues were paid on a regular basis, no problem. However, if a plant owner refused to join, there would be big problems, such as chemicals put into clothing that would cause garments to burst into flames when pressed, truckloads of laundry hijacked, and drivers even beaten to death.

“Between 1925 and 1928, hundreds of thousands of dollars were extorted from the Detroit area cleaning industry,” Burnstein said,with at least two union business agents taken for rides and shot in the back of the head, their bodies tossed into the street.

In March 1927, a mob war blew up between Italian, Irish and Jewish bootleggers over territory, with the Purples fighting a vicious turf war with the Licavoli brothers, who led the River Gang, and were part of the Eastside Mafia gang.

“The Purple Gang was exceptionally violent, constantly at war with other gangs and each other,” said Saksewski. “Newspapers would often carry stories of gang murders on both sides of their conflicts. Too many openly violent crimes caused a string of convictions of Purple Gang members, while the intra-gang violence between different members damaged the gang's organization and its abilities to control its turf.

“The Purples ruled the Detroit underworld for approximately five years, from 1927 to 1932, and had almost complete immunity from police interference as witnesses to crimes were terrified to testify against any criminal identified as a Purple Gangster,” she continued.

“However, jealousies, egos and intra-gang quarrels would cause the Purple Gang to selfdestruct.”

In 1931, an intra-gang dispute ended in the murder of three Purple Gang members by other members of their own gang at the Collingwood

Manor in Detroit, in what was a set-up. The three were shot to death by Harry Fleisher, Irving Milberg and Harry Keywell, who were later tried, convicted and sentenced to life terms for first degree murder.

“By 1935, most of the significant leadership of the Purple Gang was either dead or in prison after committing what police say were over 500 murders in a decade span,” Burnstein said. “A meeting was called between the Detroit area Mafia bosses and the Burnstein brothers. It was agreed at this conference that the Italian mob would take over the former Purple Gang's rackets.”

Burnstein noted it was a peaceful transition of power, with little ethnic rivalry in Detroit's underworld. Abe Burnstein remained a powerful player until his death of a heart attack in 1968, running bookmaking and loansharking operations, and often considered a de factor consigliere to mob bosses Joe Zerilli and Black Jack Tocco.

“Hotel receipts from the era that the Detroit Police recovered after his passing indicate that Zerilli and Tocco had been fitting the bill for him to reside in a penthouse suite at the Book Cadillac (hotel) since the 1940s,” said Burnstein.

The Italian mob, the Mafia, now known as the Detroit Partnership, has kept its head low and operations quiet since that period of time, but have been no less busy. The Detroit Partnership remains one of the original 24 crime families in the United States, but its organization and impact is greatly reduced.

“The mob definitely still exists. The last time the Italian Mafia made a lot of headlines was the end of Prohibition, with the crosstown mob wars of 1930-31,” Burnstein noted. “Par for the course, it's in the shadows. It operates with the mantra of, 'Make money, not headlines,' which it has for the last 80 years or so.” ince the division of the Mafia between Joe Zerilli and William 'Black Bill' Tocco, the Italians, the “family,” “have been the picture of success, stability, functionality and diversification,” Burnstein said.

A huge way they have achieved that is through a creed, put down by Zerilli and Tocco and followed by those who have taken over for them, today allegedly Jack Giacolloni and Anthony La Piana, to always marry within the family, according to Burnstein.

“Zerilli and Tocco put down an edict when they took over in 1931 – everyone had to intermarry,” Burnstein said. “So if you turned, you're turning on your brother, your uncle, your nephew. Violence brings headlines – which they don't want. But intermarriage, within blood family as well as the crime family, is more difficult to resort to violence.”

Burnstein said in 2018, the Italian mob in Detroit makes their bread and butter in gambling and loan sharking, “and throw in some extortion and narcotics trafficking.”

But the key thing the Italians have done to differentiate themselves from their predecessors, as well as other crime families and gangs, is they have immersed themselves in the white collar business world. Besides the

S

edict to intermarry, the other decree set down is that every one (male) in the next generation had to have a college degree so they could infiltrate the world of white collar businesses.

“All of the guys have gone on and have college and business degrees – business and accounting degrees,” Burnstein said. “They're above the fray, more educated, more polished.”

It's also provided for greater business diversification for the Mafia into a variety of different big businesses, Burnstein noted, either owning, backing, or being involved in restaurants, food wholesale, produce companies, meat packing, construction industry and sanitation.

It also allows for opportunities to launder illegal profits through legal entities.

“It's incredibly rare in organized crime circles around the country, versus other cities, many mobsters here are corporate rich, not just mobster rich,” Burnstein said. “They have gotten rich in legitimate businesses, and are wealthy way beyond mobsters.”

He noted that when Jack Tocco died in 2014, “he was worth tens of millions of dollars – that's not normal in the day and age of mobsters.”

In metro Detroit today, besides the Mafia, the key underworld players are Chaldeans, Russians/Albanians, and bikers.

“There hasn't been a Jewish mob since the Purple Gang,” Burnstein said, although “there are individual Jews who are still around, bookmakers, narcotic traffickers, labor consultants.” owever, Paul Walton, chief deputy prosecutor with the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office, said “Organized crime has become more decentralized – it's less defined by ethnicities and more by common goals. Social media has allowed them to be more decentralized. The advent of the internet has really changed things. Originally, organized crime used to be defined by geography, ethnicity. Now, with the internet, they really cross lines and boundaries.”

He did note that the Rizzo investigation, where waste management boss Chuck Rizzo has been investigated and charged with corruption, “falls into a classic organized crime situation. But that's Macomb County.”

That does not mean that there are not certain groups, or gangs, that are more prevalent in southeastern Michigan. Burnstein noted that in 2018, “The Chaldeans are the big players. The Albanians and Russians act as hired muscles, and then do their own thing in their communities. And then there are the bikers.”

“The Chaldean mob was created in Detroit

by Iraqi refugees,” Burnstein said, with the 1970s a big era for them. A key player has been Lou Akrawi, who was involved with a political coup in Iraq against Saddam Hussein and his Ba'ath party, and fled to Detroit. He is currently locked up and fighting deportation as part of a large scale sweep by immigration authorities in May 2017 that netted more than 100 Chaldeans with criminal records who are in the U.S. illegally.

H

“He's a force of nature of a human being,” said Burnstein, who is in touch with Akrawi.

“He was in Battle Creek. They've pushed him around, and he started a hunger strike, and he's now in Florida.”

Akrawi started his organization in the 1970s along Norman Dabash, called “King Hulk,” as he was the owner of the Powerhouse Gyms.

“Lou mentored Norman,” Burnstein said.

“Hand-in-hand, they lorded over the Chaldean mob, until Lou got locked up in 1996 and convicted of manslaughter.” He was released in 2016.

In the late 1980s, Lou's nephew and surrogate son, Ray Akrawi, split off from Lou along with some other relatives, and there was a street war within the Chaldean community that lasted from 1988 to 1993, with a number of dead bodies in its wake, including Chaldean mob prince Harry Kalasho, Ray's first cousin and closest companion, in February 1989. He was also Lou's nephew and surrogate son.

His killing was considered a turning point in the Chaldean mob war, leading to more murders – and targeted investigations by the feds.

Ray Jihad, owner of Target Sports, was ultimately charged in Kalasho's murder, but was acquitted. Shortly after he got off, his father, Adnan Jihad, was shot in the back of the head outside his diner. Kalasho's cousin, “Baby Ray” Akrawi, was charged, but was released before he could be brought to trial.

Today, 30 years later, they all allegedly work together, and Ray Akrawi is a revered figure in the Chaldean underworld, according to Burnstein.

“All the young kids look at the 1980s as the era they had all the power, all the money and they were notorious,” Burnstein said.

The Chaldeans are allegedly involved with gambling, loan sharking, extortion and drug trafficking in the form of legal and illegal marijuana.

The Russian mob is believed to consist of as many as 6,000 different groups, according to “Russian Organized Crime.” Stephen Mallory, an organized crime expert, said, “Criminals of these various groups are either former prison members, corrupt officials and business leaders, people with ethnic ties, or people from the same region with shared criminal experiences and leaders.” By 2009, Russian mafia groups were said to have been located in over 50 countries, and in 2010, had up to 50,000 members. In the United States, their base is said to be in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn.

“The contacts we have had in Oakland County (with the Russian Mafia) have been out of state, and/or out of the country,” said Walton from the prosecutor's office.

He noted that while there may well be Russian groups locally, the FBI handles those cases. The FBI did not return numerous requests for comment.

“Our organized crime abilities are limited, because of Title 3 – we in Michigan cannot conduct phone surveillance, like wiretaps, like in other states, so we can't listen in to help build a construct,” Walton said. “It's only federal law enforcement (the FBI) under federal laws that can do that, and they're not going to do state investigations.”

On June 17, 2017, the FBI, U.S. Customs and

Border Protection and New York Police Department arrested and charged 33 Russian mafia members and affiliates with extortion, racketeering, illegal gambling, firearm offenses, narcotics trafficking, wire fraud, credit card fraud, identity theft, fraud on casino slot machines using electronic hacking devices, murder for hire conspiracy and cigarette trafficking. In other words, they're involved in everything. ccording to reports from law enforcement, it was one of the first federal arrest against a Russian mob boss and his underboss. But their specific connections in the Detroit market are unknown, or unreported.

Another big group in Detroit which acts like a mob are biker gangs.

“Detroit has always been a hub for underworld biker activity,” Burnstein said, noting the two very prominent gangs, who are rivals, are the Highwaymen and the Outlaws.

The Highwaymen, he said, are a homegrown gang, founded in the late 1950s, by “Big” Max Barnes. The Outlaws were founded in the l970s and 1980s in Chicago, and developed a significant presence in Detroit by its leader Harry “Taco” Bowman.

“He's arguably the biggest biker boss in America, so Detroit gained a lot of caché in the biker world,” Burnstein said, when he located here.

Burnstein said Bowman had a vicious reign, “But he was beloved by his loyalists and feared by his enemies.” He prevailed in racketeering and murder. He was indicted for those crimes in 1997, and was on the run for two years before being found in Sterling Heights. He has been locked up since 1999.

“Bikers traffic in drugs – cocaine, heroin, crystal meth and pills,” Burnstein said. “A big new racket for all the gangs today is to extort legal pot grows. They find people who have legal licenses to grow pot and demand a cut.”

Walton said the prosecutor's office occasionally sees cases dealing with bikers.

“They're often defined as geographically where the clubs are located,” he said, noting some were located in Pontiac. “Some (bikers gangs) are defined by the kinds of bikes they ride.

Some are white supremacists. Some are running narcotics.

“We have prosecuted them – often systemic from a shooting or murder, and then get involved from there,” he said. “We and the sheriff have a Violent Crime Task Force, headed by the FBI, where we investigate gangs.

Sometimes it's systemic gang activities, more of the national gangs like MS13, which I would call them involved in organized crime, as they deal in human trafficking and narcotics on a national scale. But we only get involved if there's a specific crime.”

Walton, like Burnstein, noted the significant change in organized crime activity overall is the effort to move their illegal trafficking and other activities into legitimate businesses.

“They're trying to all be shelled under very legitimate businesses,” Walton noted, “even trafficking opioids under medical licenses.

They're working to become legitimate.”

A

MARKET OFFERINGS MAY 2018

Vetheuil by Claude Monet

sir.com

Birmingham | Bloomfield Hills | Northville | Grosse Pointe

248.644.7000

7

8.1

6900

BEDS

BATHS

SQ. FT.

Lake Michigan Frontage - South Haven $4,999,000 Magical waterfront setting on nearly 5 acres! One of a kind & indescribably spectacular, designed by a renowned Michigan architect/builder. 218008212 Presented by Dan Gutfreund

5

6.2

7400

BEDS

BATHS

SQ. FT.

Bloomfield Hills - $4,950,000 Custom Estate nestled on 4 acres of lush landscaping with rolling terrain and breathtaking scenery. 218023307 Presented by Alex Chapman

sir.com

Birmingham | Bloomfield Hills | Northville | Grosse Pointe

248.644.7000

7

11.4

17,092

BEDS

BATHS

SQ. FT.

Orchard Lake Frontage - Orchard Lake - $4,900,000 Exquisite Orchard Lake Front Estate on 1.9 acres of professionally landscaped lawns nestled in exclusive setting offering privacy and tranquility. 218029106 Presented by Elena Drelichman

5

6.2

6464

BEDS

BATHS

SQ. FT.

Birmingham - $3,399,000 Featured in Detroit Home, this Quarton Lake property boasts the finest attributes of modern living with an open and inviting floor plan. 218025890 Presented by Mike Heiwig

sir.com

Birmingham | Bloomfield Hills | Northville | Grosse Pointe

248.644.7000

4

4.2

3919

BEDS

BATHS

SQ. FT.

Green Lake Frontage - West Bloomfield - $2,200,000 Fabulous private Green Lake Estate on two lush acres, Nantucket style architecture accentuates the 2005 built Estate. 218031233 Presented by Lee Embrey

5

5.1

5645

BEDS

BATHS

SQ. FT.

Birmingham - $2,125,000 Spectacular new construction in the well coveted Quarton Lake Estates built by Hunter Robert Homes. 218028372 Presented by John & Bridget Apap

sir.com

Birmingham | Bloomfield Hills | Northville | Grosse Pointe

248.644.7000

4

4.1

3866

BEDS

BATHS

SQ. FT.

Hidden Lake Frontage - South Lyon $1,590,000 Located in the exquisite gated community of Hidden Lakes Estates this fully custom 2015 built home has it all. 218017827 Presented by Tory Sheffer

5

5.3

5025

BEDS

BATHS

SQ. FT.

Bloomfield Hills - $1,549,000 Stunning Custom Contemporary Designed by Alexander Bogaerts sitting on almost 2 acres. 217034585 Presented by Pam Budde

sir.com

Birmingham | Bloomfield Hills | Northville | Grosse Pointe

248.644.7000

When a home is represented by Signature Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty, :KHQ D KRPH LV UHSUHVHQWHG E\ 6LJQDWXUH 6RWKHE\¶V ,QHUQDWLRQDO 5HDOW\ it is presented to a highly qualified global clientele through exclusive LW LV SUHVHQWHG WR D KLJKO\ TXDOLILHG JOREDO FOLHQWHOH WURXJK H[FOXVLYH channels and relationships. Our proprietary network of residential FKDQQHOV DQG UHODWLRQVKLSV 2XU SURSULHWDU\ QHWZRUN RI UHVLGHQWLDO brokerage companies is located in 70 countries worldwide, making EURNHUDJH FRPSDQLHV LV ORFDWHG LQ FRXQWULHV ZRUOGZLGH PDNLQJ Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty a truly global real estate brand.

6RWKHE\¶V ,QWHUQDWLRQDO 5HDOW\ D WUXO\ JOREDO UHDO HVWDWH EUDQG

248.644.7000 | sir.com _ VLJQDWXUHVLU FRP

6

5.2

6405

BEDS

BATHS

SQ. FT.

Sugden Lake Frontage - White Lake $1,500,000 This luxury custom home sits on 4 acres of peaceful beautiful grounds with lake living at its finest! 218009906 Presented by Tania Marougi

4

3.1

4055

BEDS

BATHS

SQ. FT.

Troy - $1,400,000 Elegance and sophistication abound in this stunning two story custom built residence. 218024618 Presented by Shawn Arnaout

sir.com

Birmingham | Bloomfield Hills | Northville | Grosse Pointe

248.644.7000

5

3.3

4770

BEDS

BATHS

SQ. FT.

Bloomfield Hills - $1,239,900 Meticulously maintained Colonial sitting on an enviable estate sized two acres. 218005966 Presented by Sue Lozano

5

4.1

5944

BEDS

BATHS

SQ. FT.

Rainbow Lake - Fulton - $1,200,000 This one-of-a-kind home is the epitome of sophistication with unparalleled architectural detail and design. 218014194 Presented by Rita Dubois

sir.com

Birmingham | Bloomfield Hills | Northville | Grosse Pointe

248.644.7000

3

3.1

5488

BEDS

BATHS

SQ. FT.

Metamora Township -$1,099,000 Located in the heart of Metamora's Hunt Country this 24 acre equestrian estate leaves nothing to be desired. 218025948 Presented by Dylan Tent

4

3.2

4907

BEDS

BATHS

SQ. FT.

Lake Shannon Frontage - Tyrone Township - $1,050,000 This Contemporary work of art is on 1.5 acres offering views of the calmly flowing Ore Creek & Lake Shannon. 218022389w Presented by Tory Sheffer

sir.com

Birmingham | Bloomfield Hills | Northville | Grosse Pointe

248.644.7000

5

3.1

3845

BEDS

BATHS

SQ. FT.

Birmingham - $938,500 Meticulously maintained, exuding a country-style feel with many modern amenities; perfect for family living & entertaining. 218014567 Presented by Candice Rich & Dan Gutfreund

5

4.2

4310

BEDS

BATHS

SQ. FT.

Bloomfield Hills - $859,000 Magnificence is reflected and enjoyed in every detail of this stunning Colonial nestled on gorgeous grounds and backing to Orange Lake. 218027830 Presented by Dan Gutfreund

sir.com

Birmingham | Bloomfield Hills | Northville | Grosse Pointe

248.644.7000

TOTAL SALES VOLUME ALL RESIDENTIAL AND CONDO SALES

PRICE: $2,000,000+ 150

140

130

120

38.4% 110

100

$ in Millions

90

80

70

60

50 Mkt 13.5%

40 Mkt 10.6%

30

20

Mkt 5.8%

10

Mkt 3.1% Mkt 2.3%

Mkt 2.2%

Mkt 1.8%

Mkt 1.7%

Mkt 1.5%

RE/MAX New Trend

Bailey Schmidt Inc

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Hwwb

0 Signature Sotheby’s International Realty

Max Broock Realtors® Birmingham

Keller Williams Domain Birmingham

Hall & Hunter Birmingham

Max Broock Realtors® Bloomfield Hills

Shain Park Realtors®

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Birmingham

This statistical information has been obtained from Realcomp II Ltd and actual sales. These statistics are derived from data believed to be reliable. This information is not to be reproduced, redistributed, or combined with data from other sources without expressed permission from Realcomp. Date: 1/17/18

sir.com

Birmingham | Bloomfield Hills | Northville | Grosse Pointe

248.644.7000

Exceptional Service...Outstanding Results

1146 Henrietta Street - Birmingham $549,000 Beautiful brick colonial in the heart of Birmingham! Wonderful master suite & finished basement.

2827 Gardner Avenue - Berkley $179,900 Charming updated Berkley ranch!

Hardwood floor and granite countertops.

Call me for a complimentary marketing analysis.

Lisa Masters

248-212-4231 415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

lmasters@signaturesothebys.com

Michigan's #1 Family of Real Estate John, Bridget & Jack Apap Cell 248.225.9858 | japap@signaturesothebys.com

www. johnapap.com 415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

Top Producing Agent

1080 Pleasant Street

550 Watkins Street

Birmingham - $1,635,000

Birmingham - $1,495,000

4525 Lakeview Court

7106 Old Mill Road

Bloomfield Hills - $1,425,000

Bloomfield Hills - $1,348,000

695 Shepardbush Street

275 Barden Road

Birmingham - $1,299,000

Bloomfield Hills - $1,197,500

Lynn Wiand

Chemical Bank, Mortgage Division

Vice President | Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS # 394920

Lynn.Wiand@ChemicalBank.com

248-228-4805 2301 W. Big Beaver Rd. Suite 525 Troy, MI 48084

Michigan's #1 Family of Real Estate John, Bridget & Jack Apap Cell 248.225.9858 | japap@signaturesothebys.com

www. johnapap.com 415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

Top Producing Agent

1580 Tottenham Road

450 Westwood Drive

Bloomfield Village - $999,900

Bloomfield Village

825 N Valley Chase Road

625 Wimbleton Drive

Bloomfield Hills - $849,900

Birmingham - $725,000 - co-list Maryclare Pulte on

on

ng

So

So

i

i

m

ng

m

Co

Co

1011 Westwood Drive

140 Hamilton Road

Birmingham

Bloomfield Village

248-644-1200 248-644-1201 (f) 36400 Woodward Ave, Suite 122 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

Ken Mascia NMLS #135323

kmascia@primecapitalmortgage.com

Michigan's #1 Family of Real Estate John, Bridget & Jack Apap Cell 248.225.9858 | japap@signaturesothebys.com

www. johnapap.com 415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

Top Producing Agent

2327 Tilbury Place

521 N Kenwood Avenue

Bloomfield Village

Royal Oak - $649,900

419 Westwood Drive

957 Bloomfield Woods

4076 Willow Place

Bloomfield Village - $549,000

Bloomfield Hills - $534,900

Bloomfield Hills - $389,500

n

io

t va

r de

on

on

o en

g

So

g

in

in

R

m Co

m Co

Un

So

760 Kennebec Court

932 N Glengarry Road

1033 N Glengarry Road

Bloomfield Hills

Bloomfield Village

Bloomfield Village - $1,299,000

Lara J. Forte Senior Loan Officer NMLS # 1169665

Lara.Forte@ChemicalBank.com

Chemical Bank, Mortgage Division

248-284-5178 2301 W. Big Beaver Rd. Suite 525 Troy, MI 48084

Michigan's #1 Family of Real Estate John, Bridget & Jack Apap Cell 248.225.9858 | japap@signaturesothebys.com

www. johnapap.com 415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

Top Producing Agent

1170 Chesterfield Avenue

895 Harsdale Road

Birmingham - $2,195,000

Bloomfield Hills - $1,699,900

Extraordinary Homes

1080 Pilgrim Avenue

1186 Westwood Drive

Birmingham - $2,795,000

Birmingham - $2,395,000

1298 Brookwood Street

885 Redding Road

887 Redding Road

Birmingham - $2,395,000

Birmingham - $1,249,000 - Price reflects one Townhome

Birmingham - $1,249,000 - Price reflects one Townhome

248-228-4805 2301 W. Big Beaver Rd. Suite 525 Troy, MI 48084

Chemical Bank, Mortgage Division

Lynn Wiand

Vice President | Mortgage Loan Officer NMLS # 394920

Lynn.Wiand@ChemicalBank.com

BELIEVE

IT OR NOT

SPRING

HAS

ARRIVED!

26900 Crestwood Drive - Franklin Village - $629,000 1.4 Acres completely surrounded by trees and Pines in the Estate Section of Franklin.

Walk out site fully graded and ready to go with tested and working artesian well!

Use our Builder and move into the estate section easily for 1.2 million or bring your own.

31400 Kennoway Court - Beverly Hills Village - $819,900 Truly a very special and finely crafted Cape Cod with the ultimate in Character!

• 4 BR, 4 BA - 5460 Square Feet • Magical Heated Solarium • In-ground Pool • Beautifully decorated and appointed • Incredible Chef’s Kitchen

692 Brockmoor Lane - Bloomfield Hills - $399,900

7002 Woodbank Drive - Bloomfield Hills - $349,999

Luxury living in The Heathers!

3 BR, 2.1 BA - 2023 SQ FT • 1st Floor Master • Soaring ceilings & large windows • Full Basement with lots of storage

Meticulously maintained-Move in condition!

4 BR, 3 BA - 2497 SQ FT • Great layout Beautiful in-ground pool • Western facing exposure

Eva Morrow Associate Broker 248-320-9100

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

eva@signaturesothebys.com | www.MichiganHomes.net

DRINKING WATER SUPPLY QUALITY CONCERNS • SECRET TRAIN CARGOS • COUNTRY CLUBS OF BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD • CAMPAIGN DONATIONS • JEWISH MIGRATION HISTORY • CULTIVATING NEXT GENERATION OF DONORS • THE STATE OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA • THE LITMUS TEST FOR MASS TRANSIT • RISING ASSESSMENTS

LOCAL

IN LOCAL COMMUNITIES • NEW THOUGHTS ON ZERO TOLERANCE IN SCHOOLS • CONCIERGE DOCTORS • WHO'S MONITORING YOU? • PLAN B REALITY AT PHARMACIES • LOCAL FACE OF HUNGER • SEX TRAFFICKING OF MINORS • REGIONAL

Downtown.

The leading publication WATER/SEWER DEBATE • PAY-TO-PLAY SCHOOL SPORTS • PREDICTIVE CRIME for Birmingham/Bloomfield.

Produced by local residents FIGHTING • GOVERNMENT ONLINE • NEW LAKE ACCESS CHALLENGE • THE COMMON from offices in downtown Birmingham.

CORE DEBATE • HEROIN INCREASE IN OAKLAND • OCC AT THE CROSSROAD • Quality editorial product.

FRACKING IN THE CROSSHAIRS • THE GANGS OF OAKLAND • CHOOSING A Leadership on issues important toINTERVIEW residents. • THE CYBER GENERATION • NON-PROFIT • L. BROOKS PATTERSON

Track record of supporting local business as part of our SHARED MUNICIPAL SERVICES • TEEN DATING VIOLENCE • THE ROLE OF HOSPICE effort to help maintain FEDERAL BUDGET CUTS: FACT/FICTION • POLICING THE POLICE • WIRELESS strong communities.

•

OAKLAND • ADHD DRUG ABUSE • REPORT ON SCHOOL SECURITY • FIGHT Join local businessCARD leaders, 400 of whom use Downtown FOR SENIOR HOUSING • BLOOMFIELD PARK PLANS • REAL ESTATE SALES REBOUND •

PSD AS DRIVING CITY FORCE •

on a regular basis, in our June issue. AND FEDERAL REGULATIONS SCHOOL LUNCHES Ad deadline Friday, May 11.

• THE

POLICE TASER CONTROVERSY • TESTING THE NOISE LEVELS • CONTROLLING SCHOOL Contact Mark Grablowski.

BULLIES • LOCAL RECYLCING Office: EFFORTS • CHANGING ROLE OF LIBRARIES • COLLAPSE 248.792.6464 ext. 601 MarkGrablowski@DowntownPublications.com

OF OAKLAND STUDIO • TRIANGLE DISTRICT NEW FRONTIER • BIRMINGHAM NIGHTLIFE PROBLEMS • TROY TRANSIT CENTER • GOVERNMENT MEETING RULES •

MATTERS

NEW LIFE FOR CITY ALLEYS • RAIL DISTRICT REVIVAL • CABLE TV WARS • PUBLIC/PRIVATE SCHOOL CRIME • WHO IS WATCHING THE CHILDREN? • CONCERNS OVER STYRENE • COMPLETE STREETS PROGRAM • STUDENT ATHLETE CONCUSSIONS • WHO OWNS DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM • HOMELESS IN OAKLAND COUNTY • MUNICIPAL, SCHOOL LEGAL FEES • FUTURE OF CITY GOLF COURSES • OPENING UP GOVERNMENT FILES • MUNICIPAL ETHICS GUIDELINES

MUNICIPAL Board okays bistro regulation changes

By Lisa Brody

Birmingham's planning board unanimously recommended changes to the city's bistro ordinance at their meeting on Wednesday, April 11, which will now go to the city commission for final approval.

In 2007, the city created a bistro liquor ordinance with the goal of invigorating Birmingham's streets and creating greater walkability. The current ordinance permits unique restaurants to obtain a liquor license if they have no more than 65 seats, including 10 at the bar, and low key entertainment only.

The bistro regulations adopted also included requirements for storefront glazing, seating along the storefront windows, and a requirement for outdoor dining. The city commission approves the concept for each bistro license to be given out, with no more than two bistro licenses approved each year.

In a memo to the board, senior planner Matt Baka wrote that the issues that have evolved over the last 10 years

are “new applicants have sought creative ways to make the establishments distinctive from other restaurants and bistros in the city, and to increase the number of seats through the use of all season outdoor dining.”

Several have used Eisenglass, a plastic enclosure that extends the outdoor dining area for year-round use, which increases the number of seats for the restaurant as a whole for a majority of the year. It also increases the parking demand in the downtown area, which is already taxed. The planning board determined that will no longer be permitted at any establishments.

Another issue the board worked on was district requirements, and that different areas of Birmingham could merit different bistro requirements.

Planning director Jana Ecker said they recommended creating two types of bistros – one for the downtown area, with the same number of interior seats and number of seats at a bar, and creating another section in the ordinance for bistros in the city's Rail and Triangle districts, where parking issues are different.

“There's an opportunity to have a slightly larger bistro in that area,” with 85 seats maximum interior and 15 seats at a bar, Ecker said.

The board also recommended a maximum height at outdoor dining decks at 42-inches for railings or planters.

The issue of adapting bistro ordinance regulations first came up at the city commission/planning board workshop in June 2017.

City parks and rec master plan okayed After being sent back for minor changes and an update to disability accessibility ratings for the city's parks, at their meeting on Monday, March 26, Birmingham city commissioners approved the 2018 parks and recreation master plan, 5-0, with mayor Andy Harris and mayor pro tem Patty Bordman not in attendance.

Lauren Wood, director of public services, explained that minor changes for ADA-capabilities were now included in the master plan, with

accessibility ratings from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Sarah Traxler, from McKenna, who provided design and planning for the master plan, as well as revisions, said she did field observations over three days at all of Birmingham's parks in order to ascertain the proper ratings and accessibility.

“I did find that your prior rankings were too high,” she said. “It's important to remember that different parks have different purposes.”

Once approved, Wood explained that a copy of the adopted plan would be submitted to the Michigan DNR, Oakland County and SEMCOG. “Once the city commission adopts the 2018 Parks and Recreation Master Plan, final plan documents will be distributed to the city commission, Parks and Recreation board members and placed on the city’s website,” Wood stated in a memo to city manager Joe Valentine.

“The plan came together quite well,” commissioner Mark Nickita said.

“We know it's conceptual.”

Mother's Day - Sunday, May 13 This Mother’s Day, give the gift of relaxation by treating Mom to a well-deserved, rejuvenating day at the spa. A perfect way to thank Mom for everything she’s done. Make it extra special for Mom by adding a plush Rivage robe to any gift package purchase for $65.

Loved - Marine Body Scrub, Swedish Massage 50min, MoroccanOil Manicure $165 Adored - Couples Swedish Massage 50min, Classic Manicures, Champagne Lunch $250 Cherished -

Luxe Hydrating Wrap, Aroma Massage 50min, Rivage Classic Facial, Classic Pedicure $385

rivagedayspa.com 210 S. Old Woodward, Ste. 250 Birmingham, Mi 48009 | 248.839.2021 downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

79

The Morrie venue proposal approved

By Lisa Brody

The Morrie, a dining and entertainment venue for the former Au Cochon and Arthur Avenue locations in the Palladium Building on Old Woodward in Birmingham, received unanimous final site plan and special land use permit recommendation approvals from the Birmingham Planning Board on Wednesday, March 28.

Planner Matt Baka informed board members that the applicant, Aaron Belen of AFB Hospitality Group, is planning to combine both sites, located at 260 N. Old Woodward, for a restaurant that will be almost 8,000 square feet, have 214 indoor seats and 16 outdoor seats on a raised platform.

The two front doors would be maintained, Baka said, as will the nanowall windows, which allow for open air dining during nicer months.

Inside, 33 of the proposed seats will surround a large central bar, with a raised performance stage behind, which will showcase live bands and other live entertainment, similar to Belen's Royal Oak restaurant, The Morrie. In both locations, The Morrie is a casual restaurant serving eclectic neighborhood and roadhouse-style cuisine.

Planning director Jana Ecker explained that a change in an ordinance by the Birmingham City Commission this past winter, for anything serving alcohol requiring a special land use permit, makes monitoring easier for police and the city.

“It stops bad behavior sooner,” she said.

“For you, you don't have to be as concerned with the type of entertainment, because they now have a mechanism to control it.”

The music is designed to “span the generations,” Baka said, noting the applicant said the entertainment hours “are an integral part of The Morrie experience.

Kevin Biddison, of Biddison Architecture, said, “We feel we are simplifying a bit of a cluttered exterior.

The Morrie, in general, is going to be a really fun place to go. It'll be good food and a little bit of fun and family.”

Keith Schofield, director of operations for AFB Hospitality, concurred. “It's affordable. It's familyoriented. It's not a nightclub – it's more mature. It's date night.”

Board member Bert Kosceck asked, downtownpublications.com

“How can you do it up the street? Isn't it competing with one another?”

“We have made some changes to the menu in Birmingham. We are tweaking the concept to be successful,” Schofield replied. “We are offering something that is not available. Our current market is Royal Oak, Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge.

We believe we're going to skew a little higher in Birmingham.”

He noted they serve food late on Fridays and Saturdays, with live entertainment starting at 10:30 p.m.

“Then it turns into the after-dinner crowd,” he said. “Once we hit 10:30, we feel it's a place for 21 and over.”

He said they have on-staff a director of security. “We have been a really good steward of business for the city of Royal Oak.” “In order to make an 8,000 square foot restaurant work, I think you need to have something other than food. I like this. It's fun. I think it can succeed,” said board member Janelle WhippleBoyce.

Fellow board member Stuart Jeffares agreed. “We've had a dire need for this kind of operation and entertainment.”

The Morrie will now go before the city commission for final approvals on Monday, May 12.

The Stand bistro in Birmingham closes The Stand Gastro Bistro, which was located in the Greenleaf Trust building at Woodward and Maple in downtown Birmingham, has closed.

Sources at Greenleaf Trust confirmed the closure. The Stand Gastro Bistro, 34977 Woodward Avenue, Suite 100, was opened in October 2013 by chef Paul Grosz, who also owns the French restaurant Cuisine in Detroit, and John Kelly, who previously managed the Capital Grille steak house.

Greenleaf Trust officials are talking with a couple noted operators to bring into either part or all of the restaurant space to create a new dynamic.

The concept for the approximately 200-seat restaurant The Stand, Grosz said at the time, was to offer a seasonal menu with high quality meats, fresh fruits and vegetables from local farms that were prepared in both popular and unique ways. He said he wanted The Stand to be a link between fine dining and casual fare.

Grosz is said to be refocusing his attention on Cuisine, 670 Lothrop, Detroit. Kelly is the general manager at Eddie Merlot's, 37000 Woodward, Bloomfield Township.

CREATING CHEMISTRY ONE HOME AT A TIME. Whether you’re planning to buy or build a new home, or refinance your current mortgage, let experienced professional Lynn Wiand and Chemical Bank help you find the right loan option to meet your needs.

Contact Lynn today to get started!

Lynn Wiand NMLS #394920 Lynn.Wiand@ChemicalBank.com 248.228.4805 Apply Online: ChemicalBank.com/LynnWiand

DOWNTOWN

81

Your home is one of your greatest assets...

Your Realtor should be too.

Mia Bardy and Kathy Manoogian have more than 25 years of proven success, offering clients a broad range of services to facilitate their needs. Joining forces with the oldest and most well established residential real estate firm, Coldwell Banker has a presence in 47 countries, nearly 3000 offices, and the most powerful network of real estate professionals worldwide. Call Mia and Kathy today for a complimentary in-home staging consultation and market analysis.

REAL ESTATE Š 2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. 294 E Brown Street, Birmingham, MI 48009. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated. Coldwell Banker and the Coldwell Banker Logo are service marks registered or pending registration owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

Kathy Manoogian 248.515.8013 kmanoogian@cbwm.com

Mia Bardy 313.909.6340 mbardy@cbwm.com

&RORUIXO 6LONV %ULJKW &RWWRQV 6LPSOH 6HSDUDWHV

Road construction 15 percent complete After dealing with the return of winter in the form of snow, wind and ice, contractors with the Old Woodward reconstruction project report that 15 percent of the project is completed after four weeks of work.

Recent work saw fiber optic installation and sewer work.

Spring weather is on the horizon, with favorable weather upcoming. The intersection of Maple and Old Woodward was to be closed the weekend of April 21 and 22 for underground utility work.

Traffic signals have been removed at the intersections of Old Woodward and Maple and Old Woodward and Brown.

Signs are in place urging drivers to watch for pedestrians at each intersection. Pedestrians are reminded to exercise caution when using crosswalks in or near the construction zone.

To provide easier access to stores and restaurants, there is free parking at all city parking structures on weekends, as well as valets at four different locations throughout the downtown, where the first two hours are free.

In updates, the city of Birmingham is keeping residents, merchants and businesses updated about the comprehensive road reconstruction project, with regular updates available at www.bhamgov.org/downtowninfrastructure.

The reconstruction of Old Woodward is designed to transform the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s downtown core with improvements to its aging underground infrastructure and significant enhancements to the above ground streetscape. The planned road project has shut down the center of downtown Birmingham along Old Woodward from Willits to Brown, and Maple to just past the store Allen Edmonds and part of E. Maple â&#x20AC;&#x201C; but it is extremely necessary.

The road requires a complete reconstruction, similar to Pierce Street and Hamilton in previous years, in that these areas have some of the oldest water and sewer lines in Birmingham, as well as a streetscape that is on a different grade than the road. Much of this current infrastructure was installed in the 1940s and has exceeded its useful life â&#x20AC;&#x201C; with some sewers dating to the late 1800s. The underground improvements include installation of a new water main, replacing the still functioning system that dates back to downtownpublications.com

1889. In addition, new sewer lines are being installed, as several are near the end of their service life. Other underground infrastructure improvements include installation of a city-owned electrical system that will allow for greater lighting options downtown as well as provide for charging stations for mobile devices and other fiber optics..

The above ground improvements will provide for an enhanced streetscape with wider sidewalks and handicap accessible curbs along with mid-block crosswalks, adding to the walkability of the downtown core. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We believe the necessary improvements to the underground infrastructure and above ground streetscape will create a new, up-to-date shopping and business environment that our residents, merchants and stakeholders will enjoy for years to come,â&#x20AC;? said Joe Valentine, Birmingham city manager.

Township water, sewer rates increase Bloomfield Township trustees unanimously approved raising water and sewer rates for residents for fiscal year 2018-2019, at their meeting on Monday, March 26, with rate increases becoming effective to customers July 1, 2018.

Olivia Olsztyn-Budry, township engineering and environmental director, explained in a memo, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The township owns, operates and maintains the water system that delivers the water to the customers and the sewer system that collects the wastewater from each customer. The water and sewer system consists of over 500 miles of buried pipe throughout the township that is operated and maintained by the township. In order to determine the township's charges for water and sewer to the customer, the water and sewer systems' estimated expenses are added to the estimated water and sewer purchases from Southeast Oakland County Water Authority (SOCWA) and the Oakland County Water Resource Commissioner's Office (WRC). These costs are then divided by the estimated volume of water to be sold to the township's customers.â&#x20AC;?

She said the rates are based on estimated 1,000 cubic feet of water, and right now, volume, which has decreased, is the primary issue. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In Bloomfield Township, there has been a downward trend in water purchases,â&#x20AC;? Olsztyn-Budry said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The

+LZPNULK I` 5PUH 4J3LTVYL

4HKL PU 5L^ @VYR :PaLZ

1LQD 0F/HPRUH %RXWLTXH : 6SK >VVK^HYK )PYTPUNOHT

ULHY )PYTPUNOHT ;OLH[LY 4VU Âś -YP Âś c :H[ Âś

+\YPUN JVUZ[Y\J[PVU WHYR -9,, PU 7LHIVK` :[Y\J[\YL Ă&#x201E;YZ[ OYZ HUK LU[LY [OYV\NO IHJR LU[YHUJL VM Z[VYL 69 =(3,; 7(92 VU : 6SK >VVK^HYK (]L ULHY )YV^U :[ 1HZ <RUN $VSHQ $WODQWD &KHY\ &KDVH 0' +RXVWRQ 3DOP 'HVHUW 6DQ )UDQFLVFR 6FRWWVGDOH 6HDWWOH 9DLO &OHYHODQG &KHVWHUWRZQ 0'

ZZZ QLQDPFOHPRUH FRP

WHEN YOU JUST DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T, WONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T, OR CANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T DO IT ON YOUR OWN.

BUY BUY BUY

12 24 36

GET GET GET ONE TWO THREE FREE FREE FREE New clients only.

With coupon. Expires 5/31/18

Personal Training Perfected.

Personal Training | Nutrition Counseling | Fitness Assessment Healthy Lifestyle Coaching | Family Group Training

248-646-4766 2125 Cole Street, Birmingham | www.coachmefit.com | birmingham@coachmefit.com

DOWNTOWN

83

CINDY OBRON KAHN An Extraordinary Agent Providing Extraordinary Results 2017 TOP PRODUCER at Hall & Hunter Realtors 248.568.7309 | Cindy@CindyKahn.com | CindyKahn.com BLOOMFIELD 3950 Franklin Road $6,975,000 This magnificent stone French manor sits beautifully on 2.5 acres with immaculate gardens & grounds as well as spectacular views of Lower Long Lake. Designed by celebrated architect Wallace Frost, the exquisite craftsmanship and intricate details can be seen throughout; from the floating curved limestone staircase to the walls of French doors, high ceilings and beautiful fireplaces to the stunning floorings, you will see a truly special estate. Other features include 5 bedrooms – all with lake views– and a master suite with dual bathrooms and a cathedral beamed ceiling study. The 1st floor library with lacquered paneled walls. Enjoy the serenity of the lake from two screened lakeside pavilions.

BLOOMFIELD 5735 Forman Drive $3,900,000 Resort-style luxury abounds in this sleek, contemporary residence with Wing Lake views from almost every room.

Masterfully designed to make the most of its location and double lot, the 11000+ SF home boasts warm wood, stone and glass accents throughout. The exceptional outdoor living spaces are highlighted by an infinity edge pool.

Sophisticated kitchen features state-of-the-art appliances.

Fabulous private master wing with exceptional details.

Lower level area showcases a pool lounge, kitchen, changing room, wet bar with mini kitchen, wine cellar and exercise room. Elevator to three floors and extensive security system.

5-car garage and dock with pontoon boat.

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 62 Pine Gate Drive $2,995,000 A dramatic 2-story marble entry with dual sweeping staircase welcomes you into this spectacular home comprised of sumptuous living spaces. A distinctive European flair can be found in the grand living room, elegant dining room, master bedroom suite with luxurious bath, office and an inviting kitchen – perfect for entertaining – that opens to the family room. The lower level boasts a gourmet kitchen, rec room, living room & wine cellar. The exterior features a portecochere, 6+ car garage and 1+ wooded acres of professionally landscaped grounds. Throughout the almost 13,000 SF of living space, walls of floor-to-ceiling windows provide exceptional views and bathe the home in natural light.

442 S. Old Woodward Avenue| Birmingham, MI 48009

CINDY OBRON KAHN 2017 TOP PRODUCER at Hall & Hunter Realtors 248.568.7309 | Cindy@CindyKahn.com | CindyKahn.com CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 860 Vaughan Road $5,999,000 Exquisite 11,000 sq. ft. Mediterranean 2+ acre estate on a hilltop in the heart of Bloomfield Hills. Quality finishes including natural stone, Jerusalem stone, white oak hardwoods, flamed granite, imported marble & extensive millwork. Outstanding chef’s kitchen opens to gorgeous family room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Stunning glass surrounded rotunda, 9’ mahogany doors, radiant heated floors throughout, Lutron system, 2nd prep kitchen, 36 imported European marble columns, guest suites with sitting area, 4-car heated garage and magnificent grounds with rolling hills and beautiful gardens. Designed by awardwinning architect Don Paul Young of Young & Young.

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 362 Keswick Road $3,499,000 Set on almost 2 acres, this European inspired manor home takes full advantage of its peaceful, private setting in the highly sought-after Cranbrook Community neighborhood.

Bathed in natural light and rich in character, the interior features a floor plan that connects to an array of outdoor living spaces. Enjoy gleaming marble floors, leaded glass windows, crystal light fixtures and intricate moldings.

Gourmet kitchen opens to large family room. Luxurious master suite and bath. Ample family accommodations include four additional bedrooms and 3 full baths on the upper level that overlook the spectacular gardens and lush landscape. A very special home!

BIRMINGHAM 388 Greenwood Street $2,500,000 Spectacular home located in the desirable Holy Name area offers a “city chic” interior spanning more than 5700 SF of impeccable details and craftsmanship. The modern kitchen is perfect for even the most discerning chef, while a formal dining room boasts beautiful built-ins & opens to living room with herringbone red oak floors. Master suite features floorto-ceiling windows and large balcony. Additional 2647 SF of living space in the lower level with great room, 2 full baths & music room. Numerous relaxing & entertaining outside areas are surrounded by beautiful landscape. 2+ car garage with separate entrance, finished loft space & 1/2 bath. This extraordinary home is the perfect blend of luxury & elegance!

TOP AGENT 2012-2017

AREA TOP PRODUCER 2008-2017

TOP 1% OF REALTORS® NATIONALLY

Birmingham FootCare Specialists Physicians and Surgeons of the Foot Laser treatment for nail fungus

offered by

www.cynosure.com

Improvement in Clear Nails In As Little As 1 Treatment

Foot and ankle surgery | Cracked heels and fingers Fractures | Orthotics | Ingrown nails | Warts birminghamfootcarespecialists.com

CALL

248-594-3338

estimates rarely match the actual usages.”

She said SOCWA charges the township a 10 percent flat rate a month, regardless of water purchases.

For sewer charges, the county charges the township a 100 percent flat rate for sewer services, with the WRC's expenses remaining the same regardless of flow.

“There are about 2,000 more water customers than sewer customers,” Olsztyn-Budry said. “Sewer volume billings average about 70 percent less than water billings by volume, over a five-year average.”

She recommended, and trustees voted unanimously to approve, an increase of 66 cents a quarter in water usage rate, from $5.20 to $5.86 per 1,000 gallons; water debt service rate to increase 15 cents, from $10.75 a quarter per 1,000 gallons to $10.90; with the water ready to serve charge remaining at $34 a quarter.

Sewer ready to serve and sewer debt charges were approved to remain the same, with the sewer ready to serve charge at $38 a quarter, and the sewer

debt charge at $16.25 per 1,000 gallons.

However, the sewer usage fee was approved to be increased by $1.06 a quarter per 1,000 gallons, from $6.93 to $7.99.

For those paying a flat rate for quarterly sewer services, there will be an increase of $36.65 a quarter, from $243 to $279.65.

Trustees voted 7-0 to approve all the rates

Meadowlake Hills development okayed A final site plan for a planned unit development (PUD) by TRG Holdings and Nosan Signature Homes, to redevelop the former Meadow Lake Elementary School into 17 detached homes, was unanimously approved by the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees at their meeting on Monday, March 26.

Patti Voelker, director of planning, building and ordinance, explained the 12-acre site, located at 7100 Lindenmere Drive, near Inkster and Maple roads, would be developed as a

leted Recently Comp lf Course o G te a v ri P n O ls Schools Bloomfield Hil

planned single family residential development to be called Meadowlake Hills. Of the 12 acres, one parcel, on two acres, would be a single family home.

The balance of the property, which is currently owned by the Birmingham Public School district, about 10-acres, would be developed as a planned unit development with 17 detached residential units.

“They would have frontage off of Inkster road, and all of the lots would be on one contiguous cul-de-sac,” Voelker said.

She explained about two acres were required to be dedicated for open space on the property, to provide access to residents, pedestrians, as a pathway to Meadow Lake Drive and to act as a buffer. There will also be a retention basin along Inkster that will be incorporated into the landscape plan.

“The integration of natural features along Lindenmere will provide no impact to residents,” she said.

John Ackerman, the developer with TRG Holdings, said that 3.76 acres of open space would provide a perimeter of greenbelt around the property.

1248 Cedarholm Lane

Sidewalks and walking trails would connect to existing walking paths.

“There's also a nice natural greenbelt along Lindenmere,” he said.

He assured trustees they would not build “cookie-cutter little houses. They will predominantly be ranch-style homes, between 2,000 and 3,000 square feet.” Prices will range between $500,000 and $800,000, and some homes will have lower level walkouts.

“Demolition of the school, I understand, is being handled by Birmingham Public Schools,” said supervisor Leo Savoie, to assurances from the developer and builder.

Nosan said they had done other infill projects, including two in the township.

As for a timeline, Nosan said, “The plan is for the school district to be out of the site by late summer and turn it over to us, and for us to get in the roads and underground utilities by late fall and begin construction of the homes. We anticipate about three years to construct all of the homes.”

“It's a creative way of developing this land, and it's an improvement,” said clerk Jan Roncelli.

Bloomfield Hills, MI 48302

5,022 square feet | 4 bedroom suites | 4 full, 2 half baths

This beautiful, move-in ready home showcases ultra-premium luxury finishes, professional-grade appliances, an expansive first floor master suite with spa-style bath, library and three spacious suites on second floor. Two suites feature private lofts with industrial-style ladders.

Nestled on a tranquil half acre, this home boasts exquisite landscape design, screened porch with fireplace, custom deck, sprinkler system, 3-car garage and circular drive with paver details.

FOREST LAKE COUNTRY CLUB

LAHSER RD

TELEGRAPH RD

LOWER LONG LAKE

FRANKLIN RD

1248 CEDARHOLM LANE

For more than a half century, Frankel Homes has been recognized as the most respected homebuilder in the renowned Bloomfield area.

W HICKORY GROVE RD

W LONG LAKE RD

downtownpublications.com

CUSTOM FLOOR PLANS WE BUILD ON YOUR LOT

Enjoy Unparalleled Views of Forest Lake Country Club National Blue Ribbon Bloomfield Hills School District DOWNTOWN

3261 Orchard Lake Road Keego Harbor, Michigan 48320 248-227-6460 FrankelHomes.com

87

MUNICIPAL Tactical Asset Allocation Strategies Birmingham to issue new master plan RFP

By Lisa Brody

Birmingham city commissioners unanimously approved issuing a request for proposal (RFP) for a new comprehensive master plan at their meeting on Monday, April 9.

The RFP was to have been issued for a new master plan process for the city on Wednesday, April 11, with responses due back June 1 at 3 p.m.

An internal committee will then review the submissions in June, with interviews of firms in July and August, planning director Jana Ecker said, with the awarding of the contract in August. The full process to research, report and complete a new master plan, the first for the entire city since 1980, is expected to take about two years, with a final report completed in August 2020.

“Over the last several years the city commission and planning board have been actively discussing the potential scope of an RFP for a new comprehensive master plan. The updating and implementation of master plans and subarea plans are important aspects of maintaining and improving the standard of excellence that is expected in Birmingham,” senior planner Matt Baka wrote in a memo. “There are several components of the plan that included demographic data and projections that were based on a 20-year time frame (1980-2000). In addition, many of the land use policies and system analysis may be considered outdated now considering the advancements in technology and changes in lifestyle habits. Accordingly, much of the information provided in the plan was intended to project up to the year 2000, and is in need of updating.”

Priorities for a new master plan include community visioning and planning objectives; a population update, including demographics and future projections; an update of regional and surrounding development, including residential, retail, office, mix of land uses, and analysis of the region, regional and downtown development trends and regional collaboration efforts; a residential housing section, including changes in neighborhoods, development trends, residential patterns; review and update of transportation; update and review of existing land use, updated downtownpublications.com

recommendations for future land uses and an updated future land use map including the area of Woodward between 14 Mile Road and Lincoln, known as the S. Woodward gateway; parking analysis; and looking at the city's policies and its goals for its best implementation.

“This is a huge improvement over the one before. I am still concerned there is a greater emphasis on transportation and parking and not on neighborhoods and residential,” said mayor pro tem Patty Bordman, stating she wanted to change language to emphasize the residential community.

“The whole point in a master plan is envisioning for a whole city,” countered Ecker.

“The master plan gets into land use issues,” said city manager Joe Valentine.

“I'm hesitant to do that because there is a hierarchy to this. The first thing is residential,” said commissioner Mark Nickita. “We need a community vision, and we need a large scale plan, and we need something that addresses everything in the city. In my opinion, this is appropriate. I don't want to disrupt the recognition, our place in metro Detroit. I think it confuses the issue if we move it around.”

“I think it's way too long. I'd like to see it done in January 2020,” Bordman said.

“We will encourage a shorter timeline,” Ecker said.

“It's a long time, but there's a lot of work to do,” Nickita said. “Rather than pushing so we do not get what we need, request that the consultants give us a timeline. They're the experts.”

“Isn't that risky – asking for an aggressive timeline? We want quality.

We don't want someone to rush it,” said commissioner Rackeline Hoff.

“I agree. We're talking six months of time. We can't take things lightly.

We have to get quality,” said commissioner Pierre Boutros.

We use a series of technical and rules-based indicators that assist in putting offensive and defensive playbooks together for our 6 tactical strategies. What is your game-plan when it comes to managing your money?

Chris C. DeWolfe Managing Partner | PIM Portfolio Manager | Senior Financial Advisor cdewolfe@theicg.com | www.theicg.com

500 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009

248.273.8200 Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. The Investment Consulting Group is a separate entity from WFAFN.

Commissioners give planners action list Birmingham city commissioners unanimously approved the planning board's 2018-2019 action list, which lists the top priorities the commission wants them to address, at their meeting on Monday, April 9.

Birmingham Planning Director DOWNTOWN

Let the

Gentlem

Take Ca en Movers re of Yo ur Move !

248-674-3937

www.changingplacesmovers.com

Lic #: L-21897 89

248.258.7000 Ray Bazzi – Owner r.bazzi@sbcglobal.net

• All Automotive Repairs Certified Mechanics • Towing Available

(M-Sat 8am-8pm)

• Emergency Towing Available WE SELL GOOD USED CARS WITH WARRANTY

DOWNTOWN

15 Mile Rd. Cole St. Lincoln Ave.

rd

downtownpublications.com

With this ad.

Spend over $250 and get a FREE Oil Change and still qualify for discount!

a Woodw

After Birmingham Public Schools changed its high school mathematics program this school year, with the intent to replace Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra 2 with an integrated math program that is designed to present the concepts in different sequences, parents revolted, many

ANY REPAIRS 15% OFF LABOR

14 Mile Rd.

Eton

Schools responds to math concerns

students did poorly, and two parent forums were held, which has led to the ability for students to retake their final exams and middle school students to have tutoring.

The new courses, called Integrated Math 1, 2 and 3, present the same content as the traditional sequence, but in a different order, and with additional concepts not typically found in algebra and geometry. According to the district, integrated math refers simply to the organization of the mathematics students learn. “Instead of having separate courses for algebra and geometry, integrated programs present mathematical topics sequenced in ways that help students see the connections between ideas and the coherence of mathematics as a discipline. Our decision to shift to an integrated mathematics curriculum reflects our commitment to offering our students the highest quality mathematics program we can envision. An integrated mathematics program affords students opportunities to focus on developing conceptual understanding and to see how the disciplines of mathematics are intertwined,” the district website stated.

Birmingham Schools is on a trimester system, so students take math two of three trimester each year. According to their website, this program better prepares students for college courses like precalculus and statistics.

Freshman were the first to try the integrated math program in the 20172018 school year, to the consternation of many parents that students were having difficulty with the new curriculum, with many failing final exams. Two parent forums were held, with superintendent Daniel Nerad sending out an email to parents stating, “Recently, we held two forums to listen to concerns and receive input on our Integrated Math curriculum. Following these forums, we presented details about additional support we would provide to students. When these additional supports were communicated, we indicated we would need time to engage with our middle and high school teachers to identify modifications in classroom instruction. The specific communication included the following statements: We will also provide additional direct instruction as students require, and provide more

Adams

Jana Ecker said the action list, which prioritizes new bistro parameters as the primary issue, includes renovation of commercial spaces; a long term study of retail; commercial projections onto public property and architectural allowances; shared parking; the definition of church and religious institutions; amending the cost of parking space for payment-inlieu to allow for additional building height in the city's Triangle District; principal versus flexible uses in each district; potential residential zoning changes; green urbanism; additional items to be considered during the master plan process; the review process for public projects; window tinting; transitional zoning; short term study of retail; economic development license boundary review; and Rail District boundary review.

“It's almost exactly what it was and in the same order as last year, with some checked off, along with some added from the city manager,” Ecker said. She said the planning board added to the list a review of public projects.

To questions from commissioners, some of whom wanted to switch the priority of a few items, Ecker said new bistro parameters were almost completed, so it should stay at number one, and that it would come before them in a month or so. She said renovations of existing commercial buildings was almost done, as well.

To a question from commissioner Rackeline Hoff, Ecker said that shared parking would not be applicable to the downtown area and would not help alleviate the parking problem “because it's not in the areas of the city where there are parking shortages.”

“This document helps guide the master plan process study and come to conclusions so we get what we need,” commissioner Mark Nickita said.

2330 Cole Street Birmingham www.bnrcars.com

WE BUY AND SELL USED CARS! 91

SAL & MARK Selling Birmingham

JU

ST

LI

ST ED

CLASSICS

Birmingham | 1712 Winthrop Lane | $749,000

JU

ST

LI

ST

ED

Updated Quarton Lake Cape Cod close to Quarton Elementary. Open kitchen and family room has access to patio and private fenced yard. Amazing vaulted master retreat complete with 25’ x 19’ bedroom, sitting area, slate bath and walk-in closet. Finished lower level.

3,014 Square Feet | 4-5 Bedrooms | 3 Full Baths | MLS# 218031270

Sal Impastato REALTOR®

248.763.2223 simpastato@hallandhunter.com Birmingham | 951 Twin Oaks Lane | $625,000

Mark L. Bess REALTOR®

Spectacular Rouge River ravine views from this hidden gem filled with charming details.

First-floor library with private full bath (could be bedroom). Kitchen adjacent to family room with glass doors to bluestone terrace. Huge vaulted master suite. Don’t miss this one!

2,879 Square Feet | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Full Baths | MLS# 218027040

248.425.3778 mbess@hallandhunter.com

salandmark.com

Birmingham | 644 Kennesaw Street | $699,000

442 S. Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, MI 48009

Updated New England shingle style charmer just steps from Poppleton Park. New island kitchen with breakfast area opens to fabulous family room. Spectacular master suite boasts door wall to outside sitting area. Quaint patio with pergola. 3-car garage.

2,900 Square Feet | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 218004740

opportunities to develop mastery over time. We are in the process of examining options for this additional direct instruction and when this work is completed we will provide an additional communication. Also, as Teaching and Learning staff works with our teachers, supported by our department heads, additional strategies will be implemented. In addition, grading practices during this implementation will be examined.”

Nerad later came back with updated modifications for students, including final exam retakes for those students who had already taken them. Students also have the option of participating in a district-paid summer school for integrated math 1A, 1B, and/or 1C recovery course, with the summer school grade replacing the original grade.

“Retakes will take place in each high school, both before and after school, between April 16 and May 18. Retakes during the day are available upon request. Actual dates and times will be determined by each building. Schedules will be

downtownpublications.com

announced after spring break,” Nerad wrote parents.

To help students currently taking the math courses, Nerad said that teacher modification has occurred, and there will be 50 to 70 percent more teacher-led direct instruction every week, including teacherdirected whole class instruction on key lesson points. “These will additionally occur when the teacher determines the class as a whole requires explicit directions and support,” he said.

Group grades will be removed from trimester grades, and students will have greater opportunities to work individually, in pairs, or in groups, depending on the activity. There will also be opportunities for students in all integrated math classes to relearn concepts.

Contractor hired for township safety paths Bloomfield Township trustees unanimously approved adopting the 2015 estimated contract from Italia

Construction for the 2018 safety path contract at their meeting on Monday, April 9.

Italia has been awarded the contract to perform the construction and maintenance work for 13 of the 16 seasons there has been safety path construction.

Olivia Olsztyn-Budry, township director of engineering and environmental services, explained that at the October 23, 2017 trustees' board meeting, trustees had approved the 2018 routes and authorized the final designs for safety paths for the south side of Lincoln Road from Telegraph to Lahser Road; the east side of Telegraph from Maple to Quarton; and maintenance work at miscellaneous locations.

At that time a preliminary cost estimated for engineering and construction was $1.65 million.

She said they were contacted by Italia Construction that they would honor their 2015 bid price for the 2018 work, or the township could publicly bid out the work, and it would be awarded in May or June.

DOWNTOWN

“If we go with Italia, the estimated cost for construction and contingencies for the 2018 program, based on their 2015 bid is $1,179,072.74,” Olsztyn-Budry said.

“From Hubbell, Roth & Clark (HRC, the township's engineering consultant), in the current bidding climate, the 2018 estimate for the work is $1,637,483.07.”

She said the township's budget for the project is $1.65 million.

With engineering costs included, Italia’s contract would come to approximately $1.4 million, and if it were bid out it would likely cost about $1.85 million, she said.

“Why is Italia willing to do that?” asked supervisor Leo Savoie.

A consultant from HRC responded that Italia wants to keep working with the township, and they received Birmingham's sidewalk contract in 2017. He said Italia's work has been very good.

“Why have an additional 40 percent? Let's continue Italia's pricing,” said trustee Neal Barnett.

93

FACES

Jennifer Christiansen orn in Ohio and moving to Birmingham by way of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, singer/songwriter Jennifer Christiansen has lived and performed in the metro Detroit area for more than two decades.

"It's sort of a weird story," Christiansen said about her move to the Motor City. "I got a job working on a dinner theater ship called 'The Spirit of Washington,' which went up the Potomac. I was traveling to New York for auditions, and then I auditioned for a cruise ship."

The ship, which was based out of Ft. Lauderdale, led Christiansen to land a gig in Japan with a band from Michigan. After hearing her perform, the band recruited her to play with them. Soon she was performing with Mel Ball and Colours, the Simone Vitale Band and the Royce and Jenn Band, in which she still performs with while launching new solo work.

Throughout her singing career, Christensen has performed as a background singer with The Four Tops, Peabo Bryson, Tony Bennett, Liza Minnelli, Barbara Mandrell, Brian McKnight, Rick James, Jessica Simpson, Chubby Checker and others. She sang at the inaugural ball for former president George W. Bush. She also has performed the national anthem at just about every sports team in Detroit, often substituting for Karen Newman at Red Wings games.

"I worked for the Pistons and did it a lot then," she said. "I also worked for the women's basketball team and the Vipers â&#x20AC;&#x201C; do you remember them? I was a judge for the Pistons when they wanted to branch out with more singers. The only arena in Detroit I haven't done is the new Little Caesars Arena."

Prior to singing professionally, Christiansen got her start while traveling with her father, who also worked as a musician.

"I was a little kid the first time I sang. It was at a county fair but I can't remember all of it," she said. "I do remember the first song. It was 'Delta Dawn.' My dad was a musician and he was touring in Wisconsin. He had me come up and sing. We still have a reel-to-reel tape of it.

"My family was in music and theater when I was young. Both of my parents died when I was young, and I started professionally when I was 18-years-old."

Today, Christiansen sings throughout Birmingham and the metro Detroit area, at stadiums and local restaurants and clubs. More recently, she has taken to helping seniors through her musical talents as a certified specialized movement professional at senior homes throughout the area, including All Seasons in Birmingham.

"With the senior homes, they take a lot of time. I usually do about 15 to 20 each month," she said. "It brings me a lot of joy. When a person in a wheelchair who hasn't really spoken in months is smiling and singing because I do a song that rings a bell â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it's just a joy."

As a child of the '70s, Christiansen said she likes older music, particularly R&B, best.

"I really dig the old school music more than the current. I like music more on the R&B side, but most of my mentors are local, like Royce Javan, Karen Newman, Bridgett Grace, Jeff Scott, Gwen Foxx and so many that I learned from."

B

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

Tired of looking at junk? Frustrated and wondering what to do?

We are ready to help! SERVICES Full service removal, NEW CUSTOMER DISCOUNT REMOVING & HAULING Eco-Friendly Disposal Through Donations, Recycling or Responsible Disposal

4 EASY STEPS: 1.

2.

3.

4.

Call for appointment Get a FREE ESTIMATE We pick up your items We dispose of them responsibly

CALL TODAY

residential/commercial moving & transport, labor only assistance. Our services include responsible removal & disposal of items listed below:

HOUSEHOLD ITEMS: • APPLIANCES • CLOTHES • REFRIGERATORS • GRILLS • PIANOS • FIXTURES

OFFICE ITEMS: • FURNITURE • COMPUTERS • MONITORS • PRINTERS • SHELVING

UNCOMMON ITEMS: • TIRES • SCRAP METAL • BICYCLES

10% OFF YOUR PICK-UP

DTP

Expires 5.31.18

or make an appointment online

248.622.5845

SERVING OAKLAND & MACOMB COUNTIES

greenawayremoval.com

96

DOWNTOWN

05.18

Bloomfield Hills | 4950 Stoneleigh Road | $1,699,000 Elegant and spacious estate sitting high on 1.29 acres offers manicured gardens, lovely secluded outdoor entertaining area, lavish in-ground pool, stone patio, gazebo and in-house spa and sauna. Open plan updated gourmet kitchen and family room overlooking pool area.

First floor wing well suited for in-law suite or au pair. Additional 1st floor suite features private entrance. Magnificent master suite with luxurious bath. Lower level with full bar.

6,215 Square Feet | 6 Bedrooms | 6 Full, 3 Half Baths | MLS# 218023344

Metamora | 4565 Diehl Road | $745,000 Stunning custom-built Barna cedar log home on a 21-acre estate complete with private pond, shade garden, stone pathways, privacy berm with boulders, winding asphalt driveway, perennial gardens and magnificent forest area. Rough hewn beams throughout and new fireplace with remarkable stone hearth. Gourmet kitchen of your dreams, including sprawling counters of distinctive Marinace Brazilian granite. Truly a natural paradise!

2,909 Square Feet | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 218022066

CHRISTINE LYNN Real Estate Professional SRES, PPS ] Christine puts her 20+ years of business experience to work for you, marketing and negotiating real estate transactions ] She employs sound business strategies with strong ethics to help clients through the process of buying and selling homes

248.761.6696 christinelynn@hallandhunter.com

Birmingham | 549 Lakeview Avenue | $650,000 Turn-key charmer in highly sought-after Greenwood sub on a quiet street. Stunning grand master bedroom with vaulted ceilings. Open floor plan kitchen with great natural lighting and gourmet features.Two updated full bathrooms. Architectural details throughout the home, as well as botanical gardens on the large lot. Charming cedar shake exterior. Sprinkler system, and newer mechanicals. Full semi-finished basement. Luxury living at a great price!

2,036 Square Feet | 5 Bedrooms | 2 Full Baths | MLS# 218012838

442 S. Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, MI 48009

G IN D EN P LE A S

BIRMINGHAM | 1231 Buckingham Avenue | $869,900 Outstanding Dutch Colonial promises the best of all things when circa 1924 meets 2018. Architectural integrity, structural upgrades and beautiful finishes throughout. Three fireplaces, some vaulted ceilings and hardwood floors A bright galley style kitchen opens to family room and outdoor access to pergola, blue stone patio & grand backyard. Incredible master bedroom suite. 3-season screened sun room. Easy walk to all that vibrant Birmingham has to offer.

2,771 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 218023978

D L SO 6

,5 s BR

S! H T BA

BIRMINGHAM | 680 Brookside Avenue | $499,000

BIRMINGHAM | 307 Westchester Way | $819,000

A rare opportunity to build in sought-after “Little San Francisco” area. This incredible elevated property in a natural setting offers a unique bird’s eye west view of the Rouge River. A short walk to the amenities of downtown.

Fabulous location and value! Flexible floor plan includes SIX bedrooms, potential office/den and 1st floor master or in-law suite with full bath.

Finished basement with full bath. Mature landscaping and fenced back yard.

1,395 SF | 3 Bedrooms | 1 Full Bath | MLS# 217102511

4,166 SF | 6 Bedrooms | 5 Full Baths | MLS# 218010645

Patty Blair REALTOR® ABR, SRES

248.613.0465 pblair@hallandhunter.com

442 S. Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, MI 48009

Newer Home Close to Downtown Birmingham | 808 Bird Avenue | $749,000 Move-in ready 2014 home built with custom upgrades throughout. Feautures include quartz kitchen countertops, wide-plank hardwood floors, cultured marble and granite bathrooms, wool berber carpet, top-of-the-line appliances and two-toned kitchen cabinetry. Open floor plan with fireplace, high ceilings and abundant sunlight. Private office with built-ins and fireplace, 2nd floor laundry, mudroom and beautifully finished basement with full bath. Relax on the wide front porch or on the patio in the private fenced yard.

2,593 Square Feet | 4 Full, 1 Half Bath | MLS# 218024816

Susan Hill Associate Broker ABR, CNE 442 S. Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.225.1399 SHill@HallandHunter.com

R

eady for your next Move?

Call the real estate team of

Lynn Baker & Deby Gannes (248) 379-3000 | (248) 379-3003 LynnAndDeby.com |

Lynn and Deby - Hall & Hunter Realtors

Specializing in all the needs of clients 55+ years.

We have all the resources for an effortless move: Jean Sander

W NE

Lynn Baker Associate Broker

Deby Gannes

Donna Rousseau

Realtor

REALTORS | ESTATE SALE EXPERTS MOVERS AND PACKERS DECORATORS | CONTRACTORS

CE I PR

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 5381 Orion Road | $1,170,000

ROCHESTER HILLS 1540 Mill Race | $1,399,000

Spectacular custom French Country home on 1.87 acres of hilly terrain and towering trees overlooking the scenic Paint Creek Valley. 1st floor master suite.

Magnificent estate on 3.56 acres backing to Stony Creek. Renovated to perfection in 2016-17 with reclaimed fragments of historical estates. Unbelievable details!

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 1772 Heron Ridge | $1,599,000

STERLING HEIGHTS 3877 Corkwood Drive | $539,900

Pristine executive retreat in private, gated enclave on ravine setting with serene views. Finished walkout lower level with possible 5th bedroom. 4-car garage.

Exceptional new construction in enclave of 17 homes boasts upgrades usually found in $800k+ homes. Vacant lot in sub also available for $159,900.

442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500 Amy Zimmer, Associate Broker Tiffany Glime, REALTOR

Kevin Conway

®

®

REALTOR

248.469.6430

248.330.3324

azimmer@hallandhunter.com

kconway@hallandhunter.com

248.930.5656 tglime@hallandhunter.com

W NE

BINGHAM FARMS VILLAGE 31010 Bingham Road | $1,950,000 Custom home set on almost two picturesque acres with rear home views overlooking the Franklin River. Amazing features using quality materials and attention to detail. Chef’s island kitchen with warm hand-finished mahogany floors opens to expansive great room. Extraordinary walkout lower level!

5,522 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 218011140

E IC R P

BIRMINGHAM 1119 Southfield Road | $700,000 www.1119southfield.epropertysites.com One-of-a-kind gem featuring the hallmark of farmhouse homes: a wide covered wrap-around porch. Beautifully renovated and filled with charm!

No detail was overlooked in the updating and restoration of this historic 19th century home. Redesign by Jeffrey King Interiors. In the heart of Birmingham and close to amenities of town, on a beautiful corner lot. Finished lower level is a true retreat. Professionally landscaped yard with expansive deck, stone paths and perennials. Two car detached garage with large walk-up attic. Paver driveway with electronic gate. Generator.

2,735 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 218011210

BIRMINGHAM 307 N. Eton, Unit A | $1250/month www.307eton.epropertysites.com CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 257 Pine Ridge Drive | $1,495,000 Grand custom-built residence offers expansive 1st floor master suite with fireplace, doorwalls to deck, dual walk-in closets, bath with secluded courtyard, and private staircase to finished LL with exercise room, sauna, full bath and cedar closet. Additional 4400 SF finished LL. Oversized heated 4-car garage.

6,677 SF | 6 Bedrooms | 6 Full, 3 Half Baths | MLS# 218031388

Chic updated first floor end unit nestled in the back of the small North Eton Square complex; close to private community pool and parking. Premier location for work and relaxation.

660 SF | 1 Bedrooms | 1 Full Bath MLS# 218024832

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009

Business Internet Special:

1 GIG

+

4G LTE

BroadBeam Fiber Hurry!

Offer Ends Soon!

Failover Service

ONLY

*

FREE Business Phone System Included • Unlimited Calling included • 30 Polycom Desk Phones included • Answer calls anywhere with free Mobile App • Send/Receive Texts from your business phone numbers • Auto-Attendant, Voicemail & Unified Communications included

clearrate.com

877.899.0799

*Subject to availability. Some restrictions may apply. Contact us for details.

FACES

Marlene Rosenberg estled on the second floor of the Henry Ford Medical Center Columbus in Novi, Marlene Rosenberg can be found in her “salon,” where she works her magic.

In just 30 minutes she can make someone feel beautiful again.

“All my life I loved makeovers,” said Rosenberg, founder of Marlene’s Wigs with Love. “To me, when a woman comes in, I get to make her over, and that’s the greatest gift I can do. To make them feel beautiful even though they're going through something as hideous as cancer. I feel honored.”

For nearly 10 years, the Bloomfield Hills resident has helped women with cancer by providing, and styling, wigs to help them cope with the hair loss that comes from chemotherapy and radiation.

It all started after her best girlfriend – whose hair Rosenberg had done for years – was diagnosed with cancer and asked Rosenberg to go to the wig shop with her. Rosenberg had been a hair colorist and hairdresser for over 20 years before tendonitis caused her to retire. She had been doing hair long before that though, starting when she was 11 at a country club. Needless to say, Rosenberg knows hair.

After that trip to the wig shop, a neighbor got cancer and asked Rosenberg, as a hairdresser, to accompany her to the wig store. Then her sister-in-law’s best friend got cancer, and before she knew it she could envision this becoming something bigger.

“I just saw a calling,” Rosenberg said. “I saw that people needed one-on-one personal attention and they needed to feel good about themselves.”

And Marlene’s Wigs with Love program was born. Her father donated money to the Henry Ford Medical Center in West Bloomfield, which

N

helped kickstart her program in 2008. She was given a room and funded it herself for a year-and-a-half before becoming a fund at Henry Ford. Now it’s fully-funded by donations from patients, family, friends, and community members.

Each woman leaves Rosenberg’s room with new found selfconfidence and a free wig. They also get a turban, headstand, hair brush, shampoo, and an eyebrow kit, if needed. All cancer patients are welcome to be fitted for a wig regardless of their ability to pay. All that’s asked is they pass it forward by giving back to the fund.

So far, Rosenberg has helped thousands of women – she estimates over 2,000 – each with a story as unique as the wig they select.

There was even one woman who came from out-of-state with her husband and two daughters.

“I remember getting her this wig and putting it on her, and her husband started crying, and he said, ‘My wife is back,’” Rosenberg said. “The daughters were bawling, I started crying. It was one of the most beautiful moments. It was a really great day.”

Getting days like that makes Rosenberg feel like a million dollars.

When asked about the future for Marlene’s Wigs with Love, Rosenberg mentions that they might expand, with a second location possibly being added to the brand new cancer center that the Henry Ford Health System is building in Detroit.

As amazing, and rewarding, as it all is, Rosenberg hopes one day her services won’t be needed any more.

“Let’s hope that they find a cure (for cancer) but if not, I’ll be continuing until I can’t do it anymore,” she said.

Story: Dana Casadei

Photo: Laurie Tennent

The right REALTORS. The right publications.

When you need to market property or prospect for listings in affluent Oakland County, make sure you turn to the magazines produced by Downtown Publications, where our over 40 years experience in real estate publishing adds up to increased market share for you â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the real estate professional.

Birmingham-Bloomfield Market: Downtown newsmagazine Our monthly direct mail newsmagazine, Downtown, serving the communities of Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township, is considered the dominant news source for this unique area of Oakland County. A strong editorial product and a focus on the local matters affecting residents, from the government to the society circuit, personality profiles to long-form journalism on topics of critical importance. And the largest collection of real estate marketing each month directed at this special audience. No one else compares on the news and advertising front.

Rochester/Rochester Hills Market: Downtown newsmagazine A second, separate edition of our monthly direct mail newsmagazine, Downtown, this one focused on the communities of Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township. Quickly becoming the favorite of local residents thanks to a superior editorial product focused once again on local matters affecting local residents, from features on local personalities, longform journalism and everything else a resident needs to know in this part of the county. And we are quickly becoming the go-to publication for real estate marketing for this important area of Oakland County. ___________________________ Want to know more about these real estate marketing opportunities and how you can join with leaders in the field of real estate? Call us at 248.792.6464.

SUMMER CAMPS 2018

DANCE • FENCING • COOKING • FASHION DESIGN • BAND • STRING ORCHESTRA • LEGO® MUSIC DISCOVERY • THEATRE • MAD SCIENCE FLIGHT ACADEMY • SEWING • BAKEOLOGY ZOMBIE RESPONSE TEAM TRAINING • PHOTOGRAPHY • KINDERMUSIK • SELF DEFENSE AMAZING ATHLETES • ALL-DAY CAMP • DIGGING FOR DINOS • AND MORE!

REGISTER TODAY! www.communityhouse.com / 248.644.5832 380 South Bates, Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Beauty

(SALON)

by J. Lyle Ltd. 235 Willits Alley Birmingham, MI

$

20 Blow Outs

tuesday through friday

248:: 540:: 0046

FACES Lori Blaker ori Blaker has traveled all over the world for work, but this May she’ll be heading to Norway for a very different reason: to accept the 2018 Oslo Business for Peace Award.

Blaker, CEO of TTi Global, is one of three recipients receiving the award this year. She’s the only woman honoree and is joining a very small list of honorees from the U.S. So how did it feel to find out she was getting what’s considered the Nobel Prize for business?

“To me, it was just validation that we’re on the right track and we’ve been on the right track all along,” Blaker said.

TTi Global was founded by Blaker’s parents in 1976. After being hired as the company’s first full-time employee, Blaker worked her way through a number of different positions before taking over the company’s training division in 1990.

Then, her father died suddenly in 1992. Soon after, Blaker took over management of the entire organization.

After becoming CEO, she decided to take the company global, opening the first of their international expansions in China in 1994. Now, the staffing, recruiting, and consulting firm operates in more than 24 countries on five continents, including their headquarters in Bloomfield Hills. The company recently moved there after spending nearly 40 years in Rochester Hills.

“My mom, a handful of years back, looked at me and said, ‘You know, your dad could have never done all of this,’” Blaker said. “So that was a really nice pat on the back to hear.”

Blaker has opened every single one of their international offices, including the retail Automotive Service Center and Training Center in Kabul, Afghanistan. They have also developed a few programs in India that teach women projects that they can build and sell from home, like solar lanterns.

“I always say, ‘If you can educate a woman, you educate a nation,’” Blaker said. “Because an educated woman is going to make sure that her children are educated. That’s how we stop this whole vicious circle.”

She also thinks that more organizations and companies should get involved, and she’s not suggesting everyone do something overseas. They can do it in their own backyard, and it doesn’t have to be financially draining or time consuming.

“It’s important to me as a business leader…if I don’t lead by example then who is going to follow?” she said. “I just think it’s important for all of us to make an impact somewhere.”

The reactions Blaker gets from women when she goes places shows she’s making some pretty big impacts around the world.

What often happens with her schedule will be to go to say a school, speak a few words, and then leave. But she very rarely leaves right away, often finding herself mobbed by girls who want to talk to her.

Blaker shares her story with them, how she was a single mom of four boys and struggled. She’s the first to admit there were times when it was hard to get food on the table and shoes on their feet.

“To tell your story, it gives them hope. Sometimes, that’s all they need because they give up,” she said. “They think, ‘How am I ever going to be able to achieve those dreams?’

When they see someone that’s actually done it and it hasn’t been an easy path, I think it, hopefully, gives them the strength to persevere and do what they are meant to do.”

L

Story: Dana Casadei

Photo: Laurie Tennent

W H E R E E XC E L L E NC E L I V E S

BIRMINGHAM | $2,725,000 Exquisite farmhouse w/modern aesthetic completed in 2015, located in the heart of Quarton Lake Estates.

Enjoy 7500 sqft of living space. The open floor plan lends itself to practical daily living, or entertaining a crowd. At the heart of the home is a spectacular culinary kitchen, with all the appointments a chef could want. Enjoy your morning coffee in the sun-room, read your favorite book in the library, or host a formal dinner in the elegant dining room. The master suite is an oasis with spa-like bath and a fireplace. T

BLOOMFIELD VILLAGE | $1,445,000 Spectacular renovation in the heart of Bloomfield Village. This classic family home has been exquisitely recreated to the most exacting standard. Breathtaking gourmet kitchen with a stunning black walnut island, premium appliances, stone counters and custom cabinetry opens to a family room with vaulted ceilings, an inviting fireplace and French doors that overlook the private backyard. The 1st floor offers a fabulous floor plan that lends itself well to elegant entertaining and comfortable family living.

BLOOMFIELD VILLAGE | $1,290,000 Breathtakingly elegant Bloomfield Village home with meticulous updates throughout. This home features a beautiful gourmet kitchen, stunning family room with vaulted ceiling and stone fireplace that both open to an expansive and very private backyard. The home also offers a formal library, living room, dining room, first floor laundry/mudroom, and an oversized 3-car garage. The 2nd floor offers 4 bedrooms, 3 full bathrooms and a spectacular master suite with a spa-like bath and generous walk-in closet.

BLOOMFIELD VILLAGE | $735,000 Fabulous Bloomfield Village home in a premier location with beautiful updates throughout. This home offers a true chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen with premium appliances, stone counter-tops, custom cabinets, a generous island and a breakfast nook flooded with natural light. The kitchen opens to an inviting family room. The home also features a 1st floor laundry and mudroom, formal dining and living rooms as well as a library and an attached 2-car garage. The 2nd floor offers 4 bedrooms and 2 full baths.

JENNIFER Z A C H ARY Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel 248-212-4416 | jzachary@cbwm.com 294 E Brown Street, Birmingham, MI 48009 Š 2018 Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office is Independently Owned and Operated.

Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker Logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo are service marks registered or pending registration owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

COLDWELLBANKERLUXURY.COM

BUSINESS MATTERS 10 years of brides When Amy Pohlod first opened Bridal Couture of Birmingham, 912 S. Old Woodward, ten years ago, she had a vision of offering brides and their bridal parties an experience that is warm, informal, relaxed and enjoyable. Along with sister store, Bridal Couture of Plymouth, Pohlod offers, “captivating, exclusive designer gowns to compliment the bride on her wedding day. Most of our designers are exclusive to our store areas, so you won’t see our gowns in every store. We feel shopping for your wedding gown should be an enjoyable and relaxing experience.” In Birmingham, bridal designers include Lazaro, Pronovias Bridal, Barbara Kavshok Signature Collection, Matthew Christopher, Hayley Paige Couture and Blush by Hayley Paige, and Eddy K. In addition to American and European bridal gowns, Bridal Couture offers bridal accessories, bridesmaid gowns, and full alterations and fittings.

Outdoor store closing The Birmingham location of BackCountry North, 284 W. Maple Road, at the corner of Willits, is holding a liquidation sale after announcing they are closing this location.

According to sales personnel at the store, the closing is precipitated by a substantial increase in the rent by their landlord, which was unsustainable.

BackCountry North has another location, at 227 E. Front Street, in Traverse City, which will remain open.

The Birmingham store is scheduled to close by the end of May.

T-shirt spot closes The retro-oriented T-shirt shop Homage, 175 W. Maple Road, Birmingham, has closed. The store, founded in 2007 in Columbus, Ohio, was known to “turn back the clock” with shout-outs to eclectic moments and personalities in sports, music and popular culture. “From Billie Jean King to Larry Bird, our clothing tells stories of triumph, individualism and hustle, preserving the old school and creating new legacies. Pay Homage,” they explained on their website. They also offered vintage-inspired T-shirts for Michigan universities and sports teams.

Custom menswear closes Two different custom men’s shops in Birmingham have closed recently. One, Executive Custom Shirtmakers, 261 E. Maple, above Jos. A Banks, was established in 2012, by owner Stuart Silbert after purchasing the store from its previous owners. Executive Custom Shirtmakers offered bespoke, custom, downtownpublications.com

made-to-measure clothing and shirts, along with accessories and fine furnishings for men. The other menswear location, 1701 Bespoke, 139 W. Maple Road, describes itself as a“Menswear boutique specializing in custom suits, shirts overcoats & tuxedos for Detroit’s discerning man.”

It has relocated to midtown Detroit, at 4160 Woodward Avenue, third floor.

Reading help moves Lindamood-Bell, which has pioneered programs to develop the sensorycognitive processes that underlie reading and comprehension, has moved from 148 Pierce Street in downtown Birmingham to 31600 Telegraph Rd suite 110, Bingham Farms.. Nanci Bell, co-founder of Lindamood-Bell, said, “Our experience, our quality of instruction, our commitment to ongoing research and development, and our passion to constantly expand the implementation and success of our instructional programs are at the root of our success.” She noted that “We identify strengths and weaknesses that may be affecting school performance. Our instruction is based on an individual’s learning needs. Some students come to us with previous diagnoses such as dyslexia, autism spectrum disorders, or general learning challenges – and we make a difference for each of them.”

Local dental chief Great Expressions Dental Centers of Southfield, which provides comprehensive, affordable dental services through its network of over 300 affiliated practices, announced that Dan Hirschfeld of Birmingham has joined the company as chief executive officer. ““I am truly excited to join the leading brand in the dental industry,” Hirschfield said. “Day in and day out, Great Expressions delivers outstanding patient care, one smile at a time. I could not be prouder to join this dedicated, committed and passionate team. Without all of them, our success would not be possible. I look forward to continuing its commitment to operational excellence and patient experience, and bringing a GEDC smile to even more happy faces.” Hirschfeld has over 30 years of experience in healthcare services, most recently as president of Genesis Rehabilitation Services and International Operations.

Business Matters for the Birmingham Bloomfield area are reported by Lisa Brody. Send items for consideration to LisaBrody@downtownpublications.com.

Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

DOWNTOWN

SUNDAYS 9 AM - 2 PM

MAY 6 THROUGH OCTOBER 28 660 NORTH OLD WOODWARD MICHIGAN-GROWN PRODUCE CERTIFIED ORGANIC PRODUCE KIDS ZONE / FRESH PREPARED FOODS GARDEN PLANTS & FLOWERS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

SPECIAL EVENTS OPENING DAY MAY 6 CHEF CLASH SUNDAY JUNE 24 CORN FESTIVAL AUGUST 12 HARVEST FESTIVAL SEPTEMBER 16 END OF SEASON CELEBRATION OCTOBER 28

SOCIAL MEDIA

BIRMINGHAMFARMERSMARKET.ORG BIRMINGHAM FARMERS MARKET BHAMFARMMKT

2018 SPONSORS

DOWNTOWN P

U

B

L

I

C

A

T

I

O

N

S

109

FACES

Mike Whitty nown locally as "Dr. Detroit," retired University of Detroit Mercy business professor and longtime Birmingham resident Mike Whitty is a man who can't be summed up in one sentence.

"I'm trying to flunk retirement by continuing to try to be a prophet in my own time," Whitty said a few days after undergoing surgery. "Sure, in my 20s to my own students, some might say I was memorable."

Take for instance, the time that Whitty, then a senior faculty member at the university, started class by laying out candles and a prayer rug in front of a television before kneeling in mock worship, bringing philosophy and religion into his teachings.

"The media is the new church, and it's a false god," he said, recalling the class. "I was trying to tell the students, 'don't just sit in front of the box and believe everything they tell you. You're talking to the Wizard of Oz." While the story may give the impression of a real-life Howard Beale, Whitty considers himself less a prophetic madman than a "futurist." The approach led General Motors, Chrysler and the United Auto Workers to hire him to do human resource training.

"Futurism caught my eye, or 'market research' in business school, which is forecasting trends," he said. "I really got interested in that during the civil rights movement. It's really market research and applying it to economic, market and cultural trends. It's not just philosophy, it includes big data and other aspects as a professional practice."

From marching with Walter Reuther and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., in Detroit and Selma, to talks at local libraries and bookstores today, Whitty speaks about spirituality, ethics and values, and where they intersect with everyday life for a new optimism. The topics lend themselves to a wide range of interests, such as responsible drug policy

K

reform â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a topic he will speak about in May at the Baldwin Public Library and a class he taught at as a lecturer at the University of Michigan â&#x20AC;&#x201C; to the continued dosing of the public's thoughts through new media channels.

In addition to his time at the University of Detroit and as a lecturer at the University of Michigan, Whitty has been a visiting professor at Santa Clara University of Business; Acting Director of Labor and Urban Affairs at the University of Minnesota; a part time professor at Central Michigan University; San Francisco State University; the University of San Francisco; Wayne State University; and Oaksterdam University, which is recognized as the United States' first cannabis college.

"It was created to develop some professionalism in the cannabis industry," he said. "It was being accepted and established in California, so the university was created to give it a curriculum and professionalism, and to take the stereotypes away."

Teaching a course in advocacy, Whitty discussed issues that small businesses faced when dealing with local municipalities, residents and law enforcement. He has also worked with former Detroit police chief Ike McKinnon in efforts to decriminalize marijuana. Other research and writings look at the impact of AIDS in the workplace.

Today, Whitty continues to be an activist for social issues, writing and lecturing throughout metro Detroit on a regular basis, while still discussing and taking a personal journey of optimism for Birmingham, Detroit and life in general.

"I still give public talks and am active," he said. "I really identify with Dick Gregory and MLK. They were sharing their values with the world.

It's about walking the walk.â&#x20AC;?

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

248-421-2670 nancykarasrealty@gmail.com 4130 Telegraph Road / Bloomfield Hills / MI 48302 / www.nancykaras.maxbroock.com

Selling at all price points | Lakefront & Luxury Estates | Executive Relocation

Results with First Class Service

ld

ui

eb 0r

d ce

ed uc d e -r 6

1

20

ch an r

f 6s

u ed -r

3,7

Pine Lakefront

Lower Long Lakefront

West Bloomfield w/ Bloomfield Hills Schools

Bloomfield

2010 REBUILD & RENOVATION! Panoramic sunset views, 100’ of sandy waterfront on ALL-SPORTS Lake with crystal clear water! Quiet, private cul-de-sac setting. 4-5 Bedrms. 5.1 Baths. 4,986 SF plus 1,746 in finished walkout, perfect for in-law suite with kitchenette. Architect Willoughby & Templeton Built with dramatic vaulted ceilings, stone and exotic hardwood floors, 3 terraces, Chef’s Kitchen, ADT Smart Home, custom features throughout. High-end everything. Extra tall and deep garage could accommodate a tandem-placed vehicle or hydraulic lifts. Bloomfield Hills schools.

Magnificent lake views and access to Forest Lake and All-Sports Upper Long Lake.

4 bedrooms including a huge master suite with exercise room. Built in 1953 and expanded and remodeled in 1991. Hardwood floors in Great Room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace. Drive-under 2 car garage, plus tandem space for 3rd vehicle, boat or storage. Massive deck across the back and large dock. Cul-de-sac location for quiet and privacy. Bloomfield Hills Schools.

e us

ed at d p

m ho

e&

o eh g ia rr ca

om

d an isl

u

Quarton Lake Estates Birmingham 2 HOMES FOR PRICE OF 1 ON .8 ACRE! Charming with every modern convenience in this tastefully updated French Colonial & Carriage House, to enjoy income of $16,000+ and tax write offs from rental or use for in-laws. Privacy, lush landscaping, terraces, circular drives. High-end kitchen reno w/ 2 refrigerators, open to family room. Hardwood floors, French doors, Ann Sacks tile. Spacious master en suite + 4 more beds & updated baths. 4,134/SF + 1,175/SF carriage house with 2 beds, 1 bath, living rm, laundry (Total 5,309SF) + 162/SF 3 season rm. Birmingham schools.

e&

t lo

h nt o r f ke la

Clark / Carroll Island Lakefront Commerce 1.67 acre half island with home 1.25 acre vacant, buildable half island 3 ACRE ISLAND – SUNSET VIEWS 2 parcels, one with home, other buildable on ALL SPORTS LAKE! Over the bridge & down the winding road to your island lakefront! Does not get any better than this with breathtaking views and water wrapping all around this beautiful home with idyllic, private setting, sandy beach. Vaulted ceilings, large deck, screened gazebo. Walled Lake Schools. Entry level 5th bedroom.

results at every price point with first class service! %

95 t

a e ld pric o s t st lis Ju

7%ys 9 t da

a 5 ld in o e s ic st r Ju st p li

Forest Lakefront - Bloomfield

Brick Tri-Level - Bloomfield Township

LAKEFRONT, GOLF FRONT, 2012 construction, Das designed, built by Livewell Custom Homes. Tranquil setting, wildlife, great boating, swimming & fishing! 3,135/SF Colonial with 1,000/SF finished in lower level. Open floor plan, quarried stone, 4 bed, 3.5 baths, 1.12 acres, 3 car garage. Economical geo-thermal heating system. Lower Long Lake and AllSports Upper Long Lake access too! Bloomfield Hills Schools!

This brick home has .52 AC, 2,159SF with lower level, 4 beds, 2.1 baths. Needs updating but has curb appeal, good bones, vaulted great room with natural fireplace. Great opportunity to make this your dream home and finish to your liking in a great neighborhood. Bloomfield Hills schools!

ELYSIA BOROWY-REEDER 'LUHFWRU 0XVHXP RI &RQWHPSRUDU\ $UW 'HWURLW Wednesday, June 6, 6:30PM

DAN CARMODY 3UHVLGHQW (DVWHUQ 0DUNHW &RUSRUDWLRQ Wednesday, June 13, 6:30PM

STEVE MCBRIDE ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU 3HZDELF 3RWWHU\ Wednesday, June 20, 6:30PM

RICHARD ROGERS 3UHVLGHQW &ROOHJH IRU &UHDWLYH 6WXGLHV Wednesday, June 27, 6:30PM

SHU OHFWXUH RU IRU WKH VHULHV 7LFNHWV DUH Ã&#x20AC;UVW FRPH Ã&#x20AC;UVW VHUYHG 5HVHUYH \RXU WLFNHWV HDUO\ VHDWLQJ LV H[WUHPHO\ OLPLWHG

www.communityhouse.com or 248.644.5832 6RXWK %DWHV 6WUHHW %LUPLQJKDP 0LFKLJDQ

PLACES TO EAT The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown.

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

248.646.2220.

5th Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302.

248.481.9607.

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.865.9300.

Bagger Dave's Legendary Burger Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.792.3579.

Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Township, 48304.

248.499.6867.

Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630.

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

167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110.

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

Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078.

Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 245 South Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774.

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

39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000.

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

248.593.8880.

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

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

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

248.645.6879.

Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690.

Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily.

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

Cameron’s Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.723.1700.

China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221.

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

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

877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220.

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

248.792.9766.

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

Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple

downtownpublications.com

Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.1135.

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

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

248.258.9939.

Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.647.2420.

Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033.

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134.

Forest: European. Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400.

Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek.

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

Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American.

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

Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham.

248.712.4050.

Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111.

Hunter House Hamburgers: American.

Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.7121.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American.

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

248.594.4369.

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

248.333.7522.

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

Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.792.9609.

Kaku Sushi and Poke': Asian. Lunch & Dinner. Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations.

No Liquor. 869 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302.

248.480.4785.

Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166.

Khao San: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, MondayFriday. Carry out only. 355 W. Maple, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.3525.

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

248.858.5800.

La Strada Dolci e Caffe: Italian. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.0492.

Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707. Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568.

Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.647.3400.

Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6051.

Mad Hatter Cafe: Tea Room. Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. No reservations. Liquor. 185 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.540.0000 Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch,

DOWNTOWN

113

Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily. Reservations.

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

Market North End: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations.

Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.712.4953.

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

248.723.0800.

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

2079 S. Telegraph, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581.º Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.451.0500.

Original Pancake House: American.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.5775.

Panera Bread: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7966. Also 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.253.9877.

Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122.

Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.6999.

Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941. Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.874.1876 Red Olive: Middle Eastern/American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302.

248.481.7767.

Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.858.7270.

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

248.792.6200.

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

Sidecar Slider Bar: Burgers. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 280 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham 48009.

248.220.4167.

Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200.

Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300.

Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301.

248.932.0800.

Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

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

248.645.9123.

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

Reservations. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887.

Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830.

Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American.

Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch.

Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066.

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

114

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

The Gallery Restaurant: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.851.0313.

The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688.

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

100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999.

Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

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

Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7881.

Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241.

Triple Nickel Restaurant and Bar: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations.

555 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.480.4951.

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

248.203.6600.

Village Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

653 S. Adams. Birmingham, 48009.

248.593.7964.

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

248.566.3566.

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

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

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

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

Andiamo Restaurants: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 129 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.582.0999.

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

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

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

Bistro 82: French. Dinner, daily.

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

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

248.547.6699.

Bspot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 310 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1621.

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

Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749.

Cork Wine Pub: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 48069. 248.544.2675.

D’Amato’s: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

222 Sherman Dr., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.584.7400.

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

220 S. Main St., Clawson, 48017.

248.288.0220.

The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily.

Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220. 248.399.5150.

GreenSpace Cafe: Vegan. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 215. W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.206.7510.

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

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

Inn Season Cafe: Vegetarian. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

No reservations. 500 E. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.547.7916.

Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.543.9500.

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

Kruse & Muer on Woodward: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

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

Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 410 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.591.5459.

Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227.

Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, daily.

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

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

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

248.808.6633.

Pronto!: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

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

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

248.850.7420.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073.

248.549.0300.

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

Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.1141.

Strada: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday - Sunday.

Liquor. No reservations. 376 N. Main Street. Royal Oak, 48067.

248.607.3127.

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

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

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

248.544.7300.

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

Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.542.4444.

Twisted Tavern: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22901 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.545,6750.

Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072.

248.548.7711.

Troy/Rochester Bspot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 176 N. Adams Rd, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.218.6001.

DOWNTOWN

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

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

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

Chapman House: French-American. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations recommended. Liquor. 311 Walnut Blvd., Rochester. 48307. 248.759.4406.

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

Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600.

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

248.608.2537.

Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48083. 248.619.9060.

Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

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

Lakes: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 5500 Crooks Rd., Troy, 48098. 248.646.7900.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Steak & Seafood.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

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

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

Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

870 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5371.

Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083. 248.689.2332.

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

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

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

248.816.3424.

Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Blvd, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200.

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

Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084.

248.458.0500.

Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

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

248.524.1944.

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

Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000.

Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 134 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48037.

248.659.8267. Also 2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084. 248.614.5390.

Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood.

Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266.

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

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

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

248.652.4500.

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

248.817.2980.

Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.453.5291.

West Bloomfield/Southfield 05.18

• Mother’s Day Celebration • Graduation Parties • Memorial Day Weekend • Father’s Day Celebration Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

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

Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034.

248.208.1680.

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

Maria’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323.

248.851.2500.

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

248.626.2982.

The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations.

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

248.851.8782.

Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081.

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

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

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

Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood.

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

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor.

6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.865.0500.

Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.626.8585.

Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248. 538.8954.

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

Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

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

248.737.8282.

Detroit Angelina Italian Bistro: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

1565 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226.

313.962.1355.

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

2684 E. Jefferson, Detroit, 48207.

313.965.3111.

Craft Work: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 8047 Agnes St., Detroit, 48214.

313.469.0976.

Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

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

The Detroit Seafood Market: Seafood.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

1435 Randolph St., Detroit, 48226.

313.962.4180.

El Barzon: Mexican. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 3710 Junction St., Detroit, 48210.

313.894.2070.

Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun.

Breakfast, daily. Sunday Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 400 Monroe Street,

downtownpublications.com

Detroit, 48226. 313.965.4600.

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

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

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

2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.5588.

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

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

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

2601 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48216.

313.309.7946.

Mario’s: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

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

313.832.1616.

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

Liquor. 4710 Cass Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.974.7669.

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

1917 American Bistro: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 19416 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 48221. 313.863.1917.

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

313.309.2499.

Russell Street Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 2465 Russell St, Detroit, 48207.

313.567.2900.

Santorini Estiatorio: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 501 Monroe Ave, Detroit, 48226.

313.962.9366.

Selden Standard: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.438.5055.

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

313.962.9828.

Small Plates Detroit: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1521 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226. 313.963.0702.

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

Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226.

313.465.1234.

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 519 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.964.4010.

Traffic Jam & Snug: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 W. Canfield, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.9470.

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

313.964.3821.

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

313.831.3965.

Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American. Saturday Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market St., Detroit, 48207. 313.393.1711.

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

Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201.

313.832.5700.

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

Outside Seating Available

Graduation Party Trays Our Specialty

HelPinG You Celebrate

DOWNTOWN

$5 OFF

$10 OFF

Your order of $34.95 or more

Your order of $69.95 or more

Carry-out or Dine In Order

Party Trays or Carry-Out Order

No digital coupons accepted. Excludes all other offers. With this coupon. Present coupon when ordering. Exp. 6/15/18.

No digital coupons accepted. Excludes all other offers. With this coupon. Present coupon when ordering. Exp. 6/15/18.

DT

DT

$9.99 Steve’s

$4.99 Wyatts

Dinner Special

Kids’ Menu

No Coupon Needed

No Coupon Needed

Dine in only • Ribs & salmon excluded Excludes all other specials and offers.

Dine in only Excludes all other specials and offers.

6646 Telegraph at Maple Bloomfield Plaza 248.932.0800 | www.stevesdeli.com

The Birmingham/Bloomfield area is filled with discriminating diners and an array of dining establishments. Make sure the message for your restaurant reaches the right market in the right publication—Downtown.

Contact Mark Grablowski for advertising rate information.

O: 248.792.6464 Ext. 601 MarkGrablowski@downtownpublications.com

115

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE A description...

SPRING into 2018 at The Community House No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow ~ Proverb As we look out our treasured windows at The Community House – trees are budding, crocuses are blooming and birds are singing. A sure sign of new beginnings! Inside too, staff is putting on the final touches for an extraordinary array of TCH classes, community events and programs that kick-off in the spring and take place throughout the spring, summer and fall.

TICKETS ON SALE NOW Birmingham Downs 2018 Saturday, May 5, 2018 5-9 P.M. • The Community House Hosted by The Community House’s President’s Advisory Council, this fun and festive Kentucky Derby event will take place in the main ballroom at The Community House and will include strolling dinner stations, beer, wine and cocktails, the running of the 144th Kentucky Derby featured on the big screen, a silent auction and a charitable contribution to the mission of our 95-year old non-profit serving the community.

Grab your biggest derby hat and join us for Birmingham Downs. $50 per person in advance. For more information, please contact Jackie McIntosh, VP Philanthropy at jmcintosh@communityfoundation.org.

CREATING CHEMISTRY WITH A TOP PERFORMER.

Chemical Bank is proud to announce that Tim Smith was named our #1 Mortgage Loan Officer in Michigan for production volume in 2017. Tim and his team had an outstanding year closing 321 homes for over $140 million in volume!

Bill Seklar

CultureTalks Series 2018 Wednesdays, June 6, 13, 20 & 27 • The Community House BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND The Community House is delighted to announce the series return of CultureTalks 2018.

This year, The Community House will play host to legendary leaders from the Museum of Contemporary Art - Detroit, The Eastern Market Corporation, Pewabic Pottery and the College for Creative Studies.

June 6th – 6:30 P.M. Elysia Borowy-Reeder – Director, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit Currently, Elysia Borowy-Reeder serves as the Executive Director of MOCAD. Her past experiences in contemporary art are wide ranging from expertise in art history, art and design education, and museum management. Recently, she served as the founding executive director of the CAM Raleigh (Contemporary Art Museum) in Raleigh, North Carolina. Throughout her career, Borowy-Reeder had served on professional panels and advisory committees. She has held senior leadership positions at the North Carolina University State College of Design, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and the Milwaukee Art Museum. Most recently, she was invited to serve on the Detroit Advisory Panel for the US Pavillion in the 2016 Venice Architecture Pavilion, curated by Cynthia Davidson and Monica Ponce de Leon. In a curatorial capacity, she has organized exhibitions at institutions as prominent and wide ranging as the Kolnischer Kunstverein in Cologne, General Store in Milwaukee, White Columns in New York, Locust Projects in Miami, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago.

Join the many homeowners who have relied on Tim’s committed service to his customers. Contact Tim today!

Tim Smith Mortgage Lender | NMLS #533266 Tim.Smith@ChemicalBank.com | 248.770.3717 Apply Online: ChemicalBank.com/TimSmith

June 13th – 6:30 P.M. Dan Carmody – President, Eastern Market Corporation Carmody has 22 years of economic development and urban planning experience, the last two of which were spent as president of the Downtown Improvement District of Fort Wayne, Indiana.

He earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana and undertook graduate studies at the University of Iowa in Iowa City.

June 20th – 6:30 P.M. Steve McBride – Executive Director, Pewabic Pottery Before his time with Pewabic, Steve McBride worked as Interlochen Center for the Arts' annual giving director. At Interlochen, McBride served as director of annual giving for four-and-a-half years, leading the annual fundraising efforts for both Interlochen and Interlochen Public Radio.

Prior to that, he was regional marketing manager for the Northern Michigan Arts Center Interlochen for seven years and executive director at Beverly Arts Center in Chicago.

June 27th – 6:30 P.M. Richard Rogers – President, College for Creative Studies During his tenure as president of the College for Creative Studies (CCS), the college has more than doubled its enrollment and physical space, established seven new undergraduate departments, launched its first graduate programs, expanded to two campuses, and developed community outreach programs reaching 4,000 inner-city youth annually. Rogers is chairman and president of Creative Urban Education Inc., the governing board of Henry Ford Academy: School for Creative Studies, a charter school of art and design founded in 2009 and operated jointly by CCS and the Henry Ford Learning Institute. To purchase tickets ($15/pp) or for more information, please contact Meredith Maringo, Director of Programs and Enrichment at The Community House, at mmaringo@communityhouse.com or call the Programs & Enrichment department at 248-594-6416. Sponsorship opportunities still available.

SAVE THE DATE - Birmingham House Tour 2018 - Thursday, September 13 • 9:30 A.M.-3:30 P.M. This year’s 31st annual Birmingham House Tour presented by Hall & Hunter Realtors will feature a selection of spectacular private residential homes throughout Birmingham, showcasing a diversity of extraordinary architecture and interior design styles. Advance tickets are $40 per person and are $45 per person the day of.

Advance reservations are recommended; tickets are limited, and the event will sell out.

Sponsorship and volunteer opportunities available. For more information, please contact Kathie Ninneman, Senior Director, 248.594.6404.

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House in Birmingham. downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

117

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Here is the update on the recent social scene. Many more photos from each event appear online each week at downtownpublications.com where readers can sign up for an e-mail notice when the latest social scene column is posted. Past columns and photos are also archived at the website for Downtown.

Sally Gerak Eton Academy Auction “(Before our two sons came to Eton) my life was dismal,” auction chair Nicolena Inniss-Stubbs told the 345 people gathered at the Birmingham school for its annual fundraiser. She went on to describe the “insane” struggle students who learn differently and their families face at traditional schools. “Now at night, we can play games at home,” she said happily, adding that the tuition is “no joke” and that she could not afford Eton if scholarships were not available. Students Daphne Dougherty, Jaidyn Elam, Cole Kuchman, Isabella Drysdale, Anthony Pattenaude, Zoe Zinchook and Tyler Cook also testified about their success at Eton. Senior Madison Crippen said she changed schools three times before Eton. Now she’s in the National Honor Society and headed to college at Saginaw Valley State to become an RN. Other highlights included NFL Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz’s remarks that inspired dedicated giving pledges in excess of $75,000 for the scholarship fund; a silent auction that included great student art and raised some $50,000; auctioneer Wade Leist garnering $99,250 for 13 live auction packages; the red carpet welcome and walkway of student stars in keeping with the party theme . Thanks also to record sponsorships ($285,000), the Lights, Camera, Auction! Gala raised an estimated $450,000.

The St. Hugo Auction A Night with the Stars chaired by Kristen Bujoll attracted 400 St. Hugo of the Hills grade school loyalists ($100 & $145 tickets) to Orchard Lake Country Club. The sold-out evening saluted the Oscars and celebrated the real stars of the school – the children.

A strolling supper and silent auction bidding preceded the live auction and a Paddle Raise to sell 500 gold stars with funds earmarked for security improvements. Emcee/auctioneer Channel 95.5 Mojo in the Morning’s Joey Namou generated good natured competition among the bidders. Post-auction diversions included dancing to the music of DJ Jonathan Napper and burgers and bubbly at the Afterglow Party. Thanks also to generous sponsors the annual event raised approximately $200,000.

Erin Go Bra(gh) More than 100 of Kathy Broock Ballard’s girlfriends gathered at the Village Club for her fifth annual St. Patrick’s Day themed happy hour charity event. Their donations – new bras for the clients of Grace Centers of Hope and CARE House – and the abundance of emerald-colored party favors provided entertaining décor at the very proper Bloomfield Hills club. The venue is special to the hostess whose grandmother was one of the club founders. The merriment was interrupted only briefly for Kathy to thank all for their generous (giggle giggle) support.

Sing Out 4 Kids What started 13 years ago as a karaoke night to benefit a coalition including FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation, has been exclusively FAR’s event for five years. They have tweaked the format and found a great home – the Townsend Hotel. Two hundred supporters ($125, $150 tickets) gathered there for a casual, toe-tapping Friday night that included super food stations, drinks and a small silent auction ($6,000) before folks settled in for the program emceed by Fox-2’s Roop Raj. It downtownpublications.com

Eton Academy Auction

1

2

4

3

5

1. Larry Bluth of Bloomfield, Nicolena Inniss-Stubbs of Detroit. 2. Arlyce Seibert (left) of Bloomfield, Pete & Paula Pullen of Royal Oak. 3. Amy & Dan Loepp of Birmingham. 4. Gen Dirksen Durda (left) of Rochester, Tom & Karen Hartle of Birmingham. 5. Anthony Muñoz of Mason, OH, Sonia Ajluni Pastore of Bloomfield.

Erin Go Bra(gh)

2

1

3

4

5

1. Kathy Broock Ballard (center) of Orchard Lake, Jennifer Margherio (left) and Alex English of Bloomfield.

2. Renee Godin (left) of Farmington Hills, Patti Prowse of Bloomfield, Elyse Foltyn of Birmingham, Roz Jacobson of Bloomfield. 3. Janet Boitos (left) and Cheryl Bournias of Bloomfield. 4. Leslie Luciani (center) of Birmingham, Suanne Patek (left) and Julie Hines of Bloomfield. 5. Kay Ponicall (left), Dana Brophy and Helen Reasoner of Bloomfield.

DOWNTOWN

119

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK featured a concert of wonderful music

by Steve Acho, Greg Stryker, FAR clients Angelina and Laura, Mark Richardson, and opera singers John and Gillian Riesen; a mini live auction conducted by Gregory Bator; and giving dedicated to scholarships that began with $5,000 from Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation. Counting the $25,250 for scholarships, the event chaired by Karla Sherry and Anna Giammarco raised more than $50,000 to enrich the lives of FAR’s special needs participants.

Sing Out 4 Kids

1

2

ORT WINGO Since 1995, ORT has been raising funds for its education mission at a women’s bingo party. It’s now dubbed WINGO at the Club to salute its new home (for the second year Knollwood Country Club) where the strolling dinner and service were splendid. In addition to sipping, supping and socializing before the bingo started, the 360 ladies (tickets $54 - $116) had to decide which of the 30 raffle prizes worth at least $50 they preferred to win. The bingo program was emceed by event chairs Joy Levran, Carly Sanfield and Jennifer Teper and ORT regional director Nicole Miller. Ten bingo rounds with prizes valued at $100 or more generated lots of happy squeals. An added highlight was the talk by a 15-year-old boarding student from the school in Israel that Detroit ORT has renovated. The popular ladies-only event raised more than $60,000.

3

1. Karla Sherry (left) of Bloomfield and Anna Giammarco of Northville. 2. Lew & Lynn Lindsay LaPaugh of Rochester Hills. 3. Denise (left) & Bob Moore of Birmingham, Paul and Diane Widlak of Bloomfield. 4. Mike Brennan (left) of Birmingham, Bob Kaiser of Grosse Pointe. 5. Abe Larde (left) of Birmingham, Jim Weissenborn of Bloomfield.

4

5

ORT WINGO

2

1

3

5

4

1. Carly Sanfield (left) of Birmingham, Jennifer Teper and Joy Levran of Farmington Hills. 2. Jody Astrein (left) and Laurie Weinberger of Birmingham, Jodi Dunsky of Bloomfield. 3. Caryn Zeitlin (left) of Bloomfield, Sylvia Wolf of W. Bloomfield. 4. Sara Lipson (left) and Emily Pomish of Bloomfield, Jackie Issen of Birmingham. 5. Julie Nelson-Klein (left) of Bloomfield, Marcie Canvasser of Franklin.

120

DOWNTOWN

Beyond Basics Annual Event Here’s betting that the 200 literacy supporters ($150 - $500 tickets) at the Detroit Athletic Club were bowled over by new Detroit Public Schools superintendent Dr. Nickolai Vitti.

“Literacy is a civil right,” he declared when accepting the “Literacy Chair” for him and his wife at Beyond Basics’ annual fundraising dinner. His own dyslexia and that of their two sons inspires his understanding of the problem and his determination that “...DPS is going to be obsessed with literacy.” BB Partner of the Year UHY Advisors Michigan CEO Tom Callan spoke for many when he said that he loves Dr. Vitti’s passion. Other highlights of the program emceed by PNC’s Gina Coleman were a Keith Famie film about BB and remarks by BB alum Elijah Craft (“If you are going to be president you have to know how to read”), board chair Jack Aronson and board member Jack Krasula, who led pledging that 05.18

totaled $71,000. Pam Good also made it a point to acknowledge the family of the late Dr. Joanne Wagerson with whom she co-founded BB 16 years ago. The event raised $200,000 to turn struggling students into readers.

Brother Rice Irish Nite XLI Most of the 41 Brother Rice High School fundraising auctions have been held in the school gym. But this year school loyalists, 400 strong, gathered on St. Patrick’s Day at Birmingham Country Club to bid, banter and imbibe. Among the guests were retired football coach Al Fracassa and retired principal John Birney. Both were greeting alums who now have sons of their own at the school. Lively fellowship reigned throughout the club where multiple rooms provided separate venues for multiple activities – raffles ($13,500), wine pull ($3,000), silent auction ($81,000), buffet with carving station.

But partygoers crowded into the main dining room for the live auction conducted with good humor by school president Tom Reidy and principal Ed Okuniewski. The top dollar item ($10,000 for the private plane round trip Fly Away for nine people for a two-three night trip) brought the auction total to $60,000. Combined with the $10,000 Paddle Raise income and generous sponsors, Irish Nite XLI grossed more than $300,000.

Sharin’ O’ the Green Detroit’s historic (since 1834) Most Holy Trinity Parish St. Patrick’s Day Celebration traditionally attracts people from all over the metropolitan area.

They know whatever they drop in the collection basket will benefit the parish medical clinic, legal clinic, food pantry and clothing closet that serve the neighborhood needy. And for more than 50 years, a luncheon held at the nearby Corktown IBEW Hall has added “green” to the charity kitty. This year approximately 1,000 people attended the Mass and 450 of them had tickets ($40) for the sold-out lunch. Familyfriendly diversions included a band, Irish dancers and a magician. And three Good Samaritans – John Lenihan, Mary Ellen King, and Alfred Mirabitur – were honored for extraordinary volunteer dedication to the outreach ministries. For the first time, a late afternoon Mass was followed by the Young Adult Happy Hour. It drew another 75 revelers who lingered well past the advertised 7p.m. close. The two socials, chaired by Maureen Miller Brosnan, grossed about $120,000 for the parish’s charities. downtownpublications.com

Beyond Basics Annual Event

1

3

2

5

4

1. Pam Good (standing) and Jack Krasula of Bloomfield, Rachel (seated) and Dr. Nickolai Vitti of Detroit. 2. Jack (left) & Annette Aronson of Bloomfield, Billy & Melanie Mena of Sterling Hgts. 3. Tom & Pam Callan of Bloomfield. 4. Janice Tessier & Bob Gregory of Rochester Hills.

5. Kathy Raglan (left) of Rochester, Denise Ulrich of S. Lyon, Tim Wagerson of Birmingham.

Brother Rice Irish Nite XLI

1

2

1. Alyson (left) & Mike Brown and Megan Maderosian of Birmingham. 2. Karen (left) & Roger Denha of Beverly Hills, Michelle Lievois of Bloomfield. 3. Diane (standing) & Paul Widlak of Bloomfield, Julie (seated) & Richard Penington of Beverly Hills. 4. Cathie Weissenborn and Chuck Taunt of Bloomfield. 5. Jim Weissenborn (left) of Bloomfield, Al Fracassa of Warren, Charlie Dillon of Birmingham, Phyllis Fracassa of Warren.

3

4 DOWNTOWN

5 121

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Sharin’ O’ the Green

1

2

3

4 1. Msgr. Chuck Kosanke (left) of Detroit, Mary Ellen King of Northville and John Lenihan of Bloomfield, Maureen Miller Brosnan of Livonia and Alfred Mirabitur of Novi. 2. Liz Siver (center) of Birmingham, Brian & Sara Bell of Beverly Hills. 3. Kevin (left) and Maureen Gill and Heather and Thea Venner of Bloomfield. 4. George Hanzel (left) and Colleen Coyne of Bloomfield, Amy and Mia Carroll (in front) of Birmingham, Christi and Sydney Hanzel of Bloomfield. 5. Chris Moore and Dean Askounis of Bloomfield.

5

West Point Founders Day Dinner

1

2

3

4

5

1. Pat Locke (left) of Springfield, VA, Charles Phipps of Gibraltar, Jim Suhay of Birmingham. 2. Tom & Kate Lynch of Bloomfield. 3. Michelle Chemiecki of Waterford, Walter & Francie Oehrlein of Bloomfield, Barbara Suhay of Birmingham. 4. Martha (left) & Nick Demiro of Bloomfield, Jon & Sue Tellier of Grand Rapids, Kim Sokol and Ken McHenry of W. Bloomfield. 5. Pam Good and Jack Krasula of Bloomfield.

122

DOWNTOWN

West Point Founders Day Dinner The West Point Society of Michigan (WPSMI), which conducts a leadership, ethics and STEM skills program for Detroit area youth, saluted the Military Academy’s 216th anniversary at the Founders Day Dinner chaired by Jim Suhay ’66. It attracted 190 ($75 ticket) to the Auburn Hills Marriott and featured Pat Locke ’80 as guest speaker. She recalled how the impressive appearance and demeanor of the soldiers camped near her very humble home during the 1967 Detroit riots inspired her decision to apply to West Point. As the first African American woman to graduate from West Point, she has dedicated her retirement to improving life skills of underserved youth. The evening was accented with traditions and toasts. Among those applauding were 20 future cadets who were cheered when they were introduced. Len Dixon ’73 was awarded the WPSMI Distinguished Member of the Year award and emcee/WPSMI president Tom Lynch ’82 shared some Irish humor because it was St. Patrick’s Day. However, in typical military style, the dinner ended on schedule.

Women’s Fund of Rochester Representatives of the Women’s Fund of Rochester recently presented a $7,500 grant to Career Dress at the non-profit’s Pontiac boutique where low and moderate income women who are actively seeking employment can select professional attire. Career Dress has 10 dedicated volunteers.

Last year they dressed 320 women.

The Women’s Fund grant will go towards bus passes and gas cards to get the women to the boutique, to their job interviews and, hopefully, to economic independence.

Women of Tomorrow Dinner “We would be nothing without you,” Women of Tomorrow Executive Director Jill Harris said to the mentors among the 200 guests ($175 tickets) assembled at the Detroit Athletic Club for the organization’s second annual fundraising dinner chaired by Florine Mark and Anne Parsons. Paula Tutman emceed the program that featured inspirational remarks by board chair Ellen Hill Zeringue plus a WoT participant and a graduate, the first in her family to go to college. A candlelight procession of the current high school graduates earned them a standing ovation before the presentation of five extraordinary people: Leader 05.18

Awardees Marla Drutz, Gina Coleman and Nick Gnau and Mentors of the Year Judith Trepeck and Joanne Faycurry. Thanks also to generous sponsors, a cocktail hour silent auction, a two-item live auction and pledging for scholarships ($22,500), the event grossed more than $172,500. Proceeds will support the mentoring and scholarship program that pairs 130 highly accomplished women with more than 1,000 at-risk girls in 49 Metro Detroit public high schools for inspiration, motivation and guidance.

Figure Skating in Detroit Reception “I can do anything...falling down is not the end of the world...I’m a master at setting goals...(I will be in) the 2026 Olympics,” eight-year-old Layla Wagner confidently told the 155 guests ($50 - $10,000 tickets) gathered in The CUBE at the Max & Marjorie Fisher Music Center. They assembled to celebrate the organization for girls of color that combines the power of education and leadership with the discipline of figure skating to build champions in life. It is completing its first year in Detroit after being singularly selected for expansion by its 20-year old “sister” Figure Skating in Harlem. The reception program emceed by WDIV’s Kimberly Gill was packed with highlights. The Michigan Women’s Foundation and Liz (Punsalan) and Jerod Swallow’s Detroit Skating Club were honored for critical support. Amway’s Candice Matthews was thanked for adding three years of FSD support ($75,000) to her 15 years of support for FSH. Detroit Director Dr. Geneva Williams and Champions Committee co-chairs Meryl Davis and Alissandra Aronow cited how FSD is transforming lives.

But the icing on the cake was special guest/Supremes original Mary Wilson, a 20-year supporter of the Harlem program. She reminisced briefly (“Detroiters are the greatest people in the world”) before singing three Supremes hits with audience members joyously joining her on stage as back-up singers. The event generated more than $50,000 to help get girls off the waiting list for FSD’s after school program.

Women’s Division Project HOPE Tea As harpist Onita Sanders made beautiful music and Dior artists applied touch-ups, 68 ladies ($65, $75, $100 tickets) sipped and socialized during the Hats Off to New members Tea Lidija Grahovac chaired at the Townsend. Sue Nine, honorary chair downtownpublications.com

Women’s Fund of Rochester

1 1. Sue Upton (left) and Kathy McCarter of Rochester, Toni McConnell and Karen Lockman of Rochester Hills, Erika Kruse of Oakland Twp and Kathy Bogdziewicz of Rochester.

Women of Tomorrow Dinner

1

3

2

5

4

1. Anne Parsons (standing) of Detroit, Gina & Derrick Coleman of Beverly Hills. 2. Florine Mark (left) of Farmington Hills, Brooks Patterson of Clarkston, Marla Drutz of Bloomfield. 3. Judy Trepeck (left) of W. Bloomfield and Joanne Faycurry of Bloomfield. 4. Emily, Tom & Laurie Cunnington of Birmingham. 5. Richard Greer & Lori Blaker of Metamora, Nick & Stephanie Gnau of Northville.

DOWNTOWN

123

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Figure Skating in Detroit Reception

with Maggie Allesee, spoke about Tea and Project HOPE traditions.

Spring fashions from Nina McLemore were modeled to great approval.

Guests also shopped at displays by Artloft and international hat designer Luke Song. The latter sold 14 creations and donated one to the raffle.

2

1

3

5

4

1. Alissandra Aronow of Ann Arbor and Meryl Davis of Birmingham. 2. Liz (left) & Jerod Swallow of Birmingham, Sharon Cohen of NYC, Sandra & Chuck Jacobowitz of W. Bloomfield. 3. Patricia Rodzik (left) of Bloomfield, Carolyn Cassin of Grosse Pointe and Peg Tallet of Pleasant Ridge.

4. David & Carrie Aronow of Bloomfield. 5. Maggie Allesse (left) of Bloomfield, Kailee and Lakyla Buchanan and Kyla Bevelle of Detroit.

Women’s Division Project HOPE Tea

1

3

2 1. Lidija Grahovic (left) of Bloomfield, Contessa Bannon of Beverly Hills. 2. Rosemary Bannon (left) of Beverly Hills and Bettina Gregg of Bloomfield. 3. Carol Lee Markley (left), Joan Gaston and Carol Shaya of Bloomfield.

4. Bonnie Jobe (left) of Bloomfield, Cynthia Ohanian of Beverly Hills.

5. Lidija Grahovic (left) of Bloomfield, her daughters Dr. Marija Grahovic of Franklin and Ivana Grahovac of Santa Monica, CA.

4 124

5 DOWNTOWN

Habitat for Humanity Women Build To ring in its fifth year, Habitat Oakland’s Women Build Team hosted a Welcome Home luncheon at The Community House. Led by WB founder/entrepreneur Johnna Struck, 177 Habitat for Humanity advocates heard Laura Miehls talk about traveling the globe to build with Habitat Global Village and moving testimonials from four partner homeowners detailing the improvement in their lives created by homeownership. The WB team is committed to a world where everyone has a decent place to live. New team members are welcomed with open arms. Each contributes $500 annually, and, from August through December, participates in the actual construction alongside the future owner. To make homeownership possible for an area family the 2018 fundraising goal is $100,000.

McCann Worldgroup Gala McCann Worldgroup Global President Diversified Agencies Bill Kolb welcomed about 175 guests to the lobby of his Birmingham offices for food, fun and to raise some cash for the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan (NKFM). A silent auction offered tempting packages (raising $24,000) and a Giving Tree offered ornaments for purchase. Folks paused their cocktail hour chatter to hear kidney transplant recipient Shannon Brink’s expression of gratitude “...for my new chance at life.” Participants from Shannon’s five-person kidney transplant chain attending the gala included her donor Todd Ramsdell from Kalamazoo and her friend SarahRae Andreski. The host, who is chairing the Kidney Walk on Sunday, May 20, also invited all to walk with him at the Detroit Zoo. Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390.

05.18

(248) 681-8500 (248) 553-5050 All Star

NEW TREND EQUAL HOUSING

OPPORTUNITY

Each Office Independently Owned and Operated

visit www.TheMichaelTeam.com

RE/MAX NEW TREND SODON LAKE - $1,199,000 amazing lake Views!. one-of-a-Kind ranch home w/ Fin walkout on Serene 1.25 acre.

CALL

LOWER STRAITS LAKE - $1,850,000

ORANGE LAKE - $1,260,000

WEST BLOOMFIELD - $2,490,000

BLOOMFIELD HILLS ESTATE - $1,890,000

m agniFicent l aKeFront eState . 9500 SF oF luxuriouS l iVing !

107 F t. Frontage . FaBulouS m ain l aKe V iewS & SanDy B each !

Stunning c ontemporary l aKeFront in c heStnut r un . o n 2.2 acreS w/ 7600+ SF oF l iVing S pace incl F iniSheD walKout.

c uStom new c onStruction luxury eState home in D eSiraBle B loomFielD p ineS S uB. 8400 SF oF luxury. with walKout ll.

7,000+ S F oF o lD worlD c harm & moDern Day a menitieS .

6 B eDroomS , BonuS r oom , FiniSheD ll. o n o ne acre lot.

CALL

CALL

CALL

CALL

PINE LAKE - $3,990,000

UNION LAKE - $699,000

CASS LAKE - $1,190,000

WEST BLOOMFIELD - $845,000

p ine l aKe at itS m oSt g loriouS ! luxury eStateS w ith B eautiFul l aKe V iew S unSetS !

D ouBle lot on a ll S portS u nion l aKe . g reat For new B uilD with approx . 100 F t. F rontage . S urrounDeD By h igh e nD h omeS .

75 F t F rontage . amazing S unSet & S unriSe V iewS .

B razilian m aple F loorS & g ourmet K itchen .

impeccaBle eState home in p reStigiouS B loomFielD p ineS S uB. 6182 Sq. F t. oF l iVing S pace , 5 BeDroomS , & cuStom D etailS t/o.

CALL

CALL

CALL

CALL

MACEDAY/LOTUS LAKE – $699,000

DUCK LAKE - $1,050,000

CASS LAKE - $439,000

DUCK LAKE - $749,000

S pectacular c uStom B uilt l aKeFront home w/ FiniSheD walKout on a ll S portS l aKe .

111 Ft Frontage on a ll S portS l aKe with a mazing l aKe V iewS .

g orgeouS a ll S portS walKout, l aKe F ront lot.

84 F t water F ront lot. BuilD your D ream home .

Stunning a ll-S portS l aKeFront home w/90 F t.

F rontage in D eSiraBle S outh B ay S horeS S uB !

CALL

CALL

CALL

CALL

ENDNOTE

Governments role in vapor contamination long-buried chemical tank discovered in April beneath a Franklin Village dry cleaner, suspected of leaking harmful vapors into nearby businesses that had gone undetected for decades, illustrates the need for the state to step up measures to protect residents from thousands of sites with the potential for similar pollution.

The chemicals, known commonly as TCE and PCE, often associated with some dry cleaning and certain degreasers, are some of the latest chemicals to come under the scrutiny of state and federal health and environment regulators, and are considered a human carcinogen associated with several types of cancer and other health problems.

Officials with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) say there's more than 4,000 sites in the state that have the potential to be contaminated with the chemicals, including more than 400 in Oakland County. While they don't expect to find contamination at each of those potential sites, many thousands more people may be unwittingly exposed to the chemicals from the vapors they produce that can permeate into air inside of buildings.

The DEQ is now taking steps to tackle the backlog of inspections needed at potentially contaminated sites in the state. However, current funding allows for only a fraction of those sites to be inspected. Funded in part by the state's bottle deposit law and former Clean Michigan Initiative bond funds passed by voters in 1998, the bond has since run its course, and little money is left for investigation into these contaminated sites.

While lawmakers have appropriated about $3 million over the past two years to begin tackling

A

the problem of contaminated sites, there remains a lack of dedicated funding for the problem.

Outgoing Gov. Rick Snyder – perhaps learning a lesson about contamination from the Flint water crisis – is now proposing a fix that would address environmental cleanup and other remediation and redevelopment issues in the state.

Dubbed the Renewing Michigan's Environment initiative, the proposal would provide $45 million annually to the DEQ for environmental cleanup, brownfield redevelopment and the addition of 20 full-time employees to support the program. Funds would be generated by raising the fee amount the state collects for the disposal of solid waste, commonly known as "tipping fees." The proposal, which in late April was still in a state Senate appropriations subcommittee, would raise the fees from about 36 cents to $4.75 per ton.

The increase is one we believe lawmakers should support.

The proposed increase would be on-par with other states in the region. The current average is about $5.30 per ton, with surrounding states all higher than Michigan’s. Michigan's low fees make it a dumping ground for others' trash, with about 25.5 percent of the state's solid waste coming from other states or countries.

The proposed fees would equate to an increase of about $4.75 per household annually. That's a fair price to pay for what is proposed in return. In addition to addressing thousands of potential vapor intrusion sites, the funds would be used to address other contamination, including more than a dozen confirmed sites contaminated with PFAS, a chemical used in some firefighting foams that have

led to a bevy of health issues in the state.

The state proposal would be key in addressing the issue of vapor contamination. However, local municipalities should also consider taking steps to limit contamination in the future. That can be done without state approval through zoning ordinances and requirements, a step that many municipalities are already taking by either restricting or requiring special use permits for dry cleaning processing centers and other industrial uses that involve potentially harmful chemicals.

We are pleased that new commercial districts in Rochester have specifically restricted dry clean processing centers around the downtown area; and Rochester Hills requires special use permissions from the planning commission and city council for such industrial uses. While Birmingham allows such uses in all its business districts, the city placed restrictions in its latest transitional district zones that fall between residential and commercial areas.

Such zoning restrictions or special requirements ensure that businesses have less potential to affect surrounding businesses or residents. It also allows a municipality to make sure that any business using potentially harmful chemicals is taking the necessary precautions.

While the state, nor this publication, intend such precautions to be an indictment of the dry cleaning businesses or others using TCE, PCE and other such solvents, we do believe in the old adage that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Not only will such prevention help to ensure human health, it may help to reduce clean-up costs in the future.

Reluctant 'yes' on sinking fund tax issue e ran the following editorial opinion in our April issue to capture absentee voters who might have been casting ballot before the Tuesday, May 8, election to decide the fate of a six-year, $2.5-million a year sinking fund millage, to replace their current one, at the same rate, .7165 mills, because of new state legislation passed in 2017 that permits new sinking fund millage dollars to be used for safety, security and technology upgrades, which Bloomfield Hills Schools need.

They have been using general fund dollars to make safety and technology improvements in the district, and are eager to have another source to help fund those reforms, especially in light of recent school shootings and threats. The new state law only applies to new sinking fund millage proposals and cannot be retroactively applied to the current millage which could still be collected this summer and next winter if this issue does not pass.

We don't have an issue with the district having a sinking fund millage – although not all districts do, including Birmingham, Troy, Rochester and Farmington, among others – which is designed to

W

pay for school building improvements and real estate purchases, along with emergencies that can come up during the year, like a boiler blowing or an air conditioning unit not lasting as long as expected. In the 2016-2017 school year, for example, out of the $2 million raised in the current sinking fund millage, over a half million dollars was spent on HVAC repairs. But there was $750,000 spent to upgrade lockers, an elevator, and other compliance improvements to make East Hills Middle School similar to West Hills Middle School and accessible and appropriate for fourth graders.

We are disappointed that district officials could not tell us what planned building upgrades will be addressed in the next six years. Instead, when we asked, we were told a couple of items and that a list would be drawn up once the district knew that the millage was approved by voters. Since our April edition editorial appeared, the school district now says that they have created a partial list of projects to which they would direct this millage money. But our position has not changed.

The entire process for this millage has been ass backwards from how millages should be conducted. Voters should be able to see a specific

list of planned improvements before anyone votes to put this on the ballot, with some allowance out of the annual $2 million for unexpected emergency needs.

Years ago, districts could simply put out their hands and say, “Give us the money just in case we need it. ” But those days are over. Voters need more specific information in the future or such requests should be turned down.

We still reluctantly support this millage, only because the district tells us that student safety issues will be addressed with sinking fund dollars, and we think safety is a key issue now at all schools. However, we also point out to voters that if this sinking fund millage is not approved, the current sinking fund millage can still be collected in the summer and winter tax bills and the district could still bring this back in the regularly scheduled August election this year.

We will state once again our position on such millages in the future, both for this school district and any other taxing authorities: This is the last time we will endorse a tax proposal without a specific game plan shared with the public before a millage is put on the ballot.

ONLY 7 LOTS RE M AIN!

B L O O M F I E L D H U N T C L U B E S T A T E S . C O M

It’s time to seize the best in life by embracing a home, a declaration that you have arrived. Before it’s too late – make the move, take the jump and surprise yourself – don’t accept compromise.

✓

CURRENT CONSTRUCTION

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

9 1.25 Acres $995,000

✓

7 1.07 Acres $895,000

CHASE LANE

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

✓

23 1.09 Acres $995,000

✓ 26 1.05 Acres $895,000

✓

CHASE LANE

✓

5 1.09 Acres $995,000 4 1.09 Acres $795,000

✓ ✓ 1 1.22 Acres $695,000

✓ Lot Sold • • • •

FEATURES AND AMENITIES Only 7 lots remain Gated community Bloomfield Hills schools Customize a plan and start today

• •

Work directly with your own architect, designer or builder Included: Bloomfield Open Hunt Club membership

For a personal tour of available property or for more information regarding Bloomfield Hunt Club Estates, contact us at 248.644.7600 or visit our website www.bloomfieldhuntclubestates.com.

248.318.4504 | KATHY@MAXBROOCKHOMES.COM

$9,900,000 | Bloomfield Twp

$5,999,000 | Bloomfield Hills

$5,900,000 | Bloomfield Twp

$4,990,000 | Bloomfield Hills

$4,490,000 | West Bloomfield

Price Upon Request | West Bloomfield

$3,999,999 | Bloomfield Hills

$3,995,000 | Birmingham

$3,900,000 | Bloomfield Hills

$3,599,000 | Franklin

Price Upon Request | Bloomfield Hills

$2,799,000 | Bloomfield Twp

Visit The Kathy Broock Ballard Collection at www.KATHYBROOCK.com for property details.

® ®