Downtown Newsmagazine | Birmingham/Bloomfield

DOWNTOWN11.22

FROM THE PUBLISHER

David Hohendorf offers readers some background on how Downtown Newsmagazine arrives at endorsements of candidates running for office, including those competing in the November 8 general election, his political leanings and those of news editor Lisa Brody.

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CRIME LOCATOR

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

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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

FOIA election onslaught in Oakland fails; fox in the henhouse in Macomb County; Peters meets the Murdochs; Downtown punching above its weight class; partisan school board candidates ; the Haley Stevens divorce; gubernatorial insider polling; plus more.

LGBTQ+ RIGHTS NEXT BATTLEGROUND

Members of the LGBTQ+ community are concerned that the fight over discussion in schools about sexual orientation and gender identity could herald a larger threat to progress that has been made in recent years on the civil rights of those who are identified as gay.

Photo by Barbara Helgason Dreamstime

THE MOVEMENT TO BAN USE OF NATURAL GAS

Natural gas is considered one of the major contributors to global warming and a number of cities in the country are now pushing for a ban in commercial and residential structures but critics warn of severe consequences on affordability, reliability and consumer choice.

MUNICIPAL

As this issue of Downtown Newsmagazine arrives in your home, we enter the final days prior to the election where a number of political contests and state and local issues will be decided by those who have yet to turn in their absentee ballots and those who will trudge to the polls in person on Tuesday, November 8.

Much to the chagrin, I am sure, of our detractors, you will find at the back of this issue a repeat of the endorsements we offered in our October issue for the benefit of those who planned to vote early this year.

I mention our detractors because our candidate endorsements have always drawn a reaction, and increasingly so as the nation and the state reach a crescendo of opinions from those in the minority who have mastered amplifying their voices to seem to speak for the majority.

When our general election choices on candidates and issues reached the homes in our October issue, we got feedback, some professional and courteous, and some not so much. We also had an effort by one Birmingham resident who attempted to bully our advertisers to stop appearing in Downtown Newsmagazine because we are a “manipulative leftist publication.” We reject that characterization, and any attempt to dictate to local businesses where they can advertise, as did some two dozen accounts I contacted. To them, I say thank you.

But let's look at my personal political leanings and that of our monthly newsmagazine.

Prior to launching Downtown Newsmagazine, I ran a publishing group in the western Oakland County lakes area – West Bloomfield, Commerce, Wixom, Walled Lake, Waterford through the M-59 line of White Lake, Highland and Milford. With the exception of Waterford Township, it was a solid Republican area at the time.

My mentors in the government sector were local township supervisors in West Bloomfield, Commerce and White Lake – all Republicans. From these community leaders, all of whom have since passed away, I learned the intricacies of local government. When it came to election endorsements, we generally supported GOP candidates for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, that party put forth the strongest and most knowledgeable candidates, more representative of the overall population residing in the area during those times.

There were exceptions to this, most notably in Waterford Township where the Democratic party had the more experienced candidates who, once again, represented more broadly the leanings of the community. Likewise there were Democrats in the eight communities we covered who got our endorsements, based on comparative considerations. Beyond the local communities, our election endorsements included candidates from both parties when it came to the county, state House and Senate and Congress.

Fast forward to 2010 with the start of Downtown Newsmagazine. News editor Lisa Brody and I lean more conservative on fiscal issues and liberal on social issues. We have endorsed both Republicans and Democrats when it comes to partisan offices at the township, county and state level.

Our overriding consideration when we approach the task of determining who we will recommend for office is who has a better understanding of the issues and who can best represent the general outlook of local residents. Against the backdrop that there are no perfect candidates, in theory we send elected officials off to the county complex on Telegraph Road, the state legislature in Lansing or

Congress in D.C. to represent our views, not just their own. At best it's an imperfect system.

We also take into consideration who can work across the political aisle to get something accomplished once they take office – a quality sorely lacking nowadays.

In past elections, Downtown Newsmagazine has endorsed – without hesitation – Republicans. But when we finished our endorsements this year, we noticed that after weeks of daily discussions of candidate responses to our questionnaires, we ended up not endorsing any Republican candidates.

Part of this outcome had to do with a half dozen GOP candidates who failed to respond to the questionnaires we sent out to all candidates. If you don't respond then you simply cannot be considered for an endorsement. It's that simple.

There were also a number of Republican candidates who, based on their responses, were considered 2020 election deniers who automatically disqualified themselves for consideration. We publicly announced in our July issue prior to the August primary election that we would not promote to office – any position of power – those who live in an alternate reality that includes a belief that the 2020 election was somehow stolen. Sorry, but a Michigan Senate report issued by Republicans found no evidence of a 'stolen' election, and 64 failed court challenges to the 2020 results was proof enough for us.

We noticed in recent weeks that a number of respected national publications (and locally the Detroit Free Press) have now adopted a similar position. We will say it again – our democracy as we have known it is at stake in this election. So if you buy into the 'stolen' election conspiracy theory, don't look to us for support.

Our endorsements for this election are the result of considerable debate on candidate positions on issues, some Zoom sessions, online research and our personal knowledge of candidates as the only local media outlet that regularly covers local government. In more complicated races, like the school board contests this year, we openly display our logic for arriving at our decisions so readers can follow our thought process.

The endorsements themselves are sometimes glib, cutting and frank assessments of those running for office. They are designed to make an impression on readers and prompt them to think. Some seeking office may feel uncomfortable with what we write but that has been and will remain our style, like it or not.

As to the general content of what we provide in Downtown Newsmagazine, we work hard to provide a legitimate news product. Over our 12-year history, readers have been given over 1,700 stories covering local municipal and school district decisions; over 300 longform stories dealing with major issues that could be facing our local communities; and over 700 personality profiles in our popular Faces features, plus special sections during the course of each year.

We do all of this for the benefit of our readers and are quite proud of our efforts which have been recognized far beyond the borders of the Birmingham-Bloomfield area. No hidden agenda; no loyalty to any one party. Just a desire to keep local residents informed and to weigh-in on the public agenda for the benefit of those now living here and those who will come behind us.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com

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DOWNTOWN NEWSMAGAZINE GOALS/MISSION

The personnel at Downtown Newsmagazine bring a special commitment to the publishing effort, reinvesting in the local communities and working to make sure the Birmingham/Bloomfield area reaches its highest potential. Our mission dictates that we strive each month to provide a solid news and advertising product that local residents look forward to reading. Our goal is to build a community of informed citizens through the efforts of our passionate team. We are innovators producing products that go well beyond what others offer.

DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS

Mailed monthly at no charge to most homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in Birmingham/Bloomfield.

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

INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK

We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009. If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes.

BIRMINGHAM | BLOOMFIELD

Cranbrook Academy of Art and Triton Pools, as seen from Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills.

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OAKLAND

Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political gossip/news, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown Newsmagazine. We welcome possible items for this column which can be emailed to: OaklndConfidential@DowntownPublications.com. All sources are kept strictly confidential. The gossip column can be viewed at OaklandConfidential.com where you can sign up to receive updates via email.

FOIA ONSLAUGHT FAILS: National effort by 2020 election deniers to try to disrupt the 2022 primary and general election by swamping election officials around the country with Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests have landed in Oakland County – largely to no avail, noted Oakland County Clerk Lisa Brown. Brown confirmed that Oakland County and many local clerks have received numerous public records requests, “but some of it is for information we do not have, such as for information on Dominion voting machines –well, Oakland County does not have Dominion voting machines,” she noted, clerks having chosen Hart voting equipment for all of Oakland County several years ago. “They also want information that is held by local clerks, like images of ballots.” Brown explained that Michigan is different than 46 other states in that we have a decentralized election system, run by local municipalities. “Hypothetically, let’s say it’s coming from a national group that’s instructing individuals on how to send FOIAs. Clearly, some of them were just copy and paste. It wasn’t an individual asking for specific information, especially since they didn’t know we didn’t use Dominion.” Brown said the deluge of FOIAs came before the August primary, “when we were all getting ready for the primary. Some people (other clerks) thought perhaps it was to disrupt the primary. My take was that the federal retention period from the 2020 election (which is 22 months from certification) was coming to a close and they wanted to get information before it was destroyed.” She offered that a year ago, her office had zero FOIA requests like the ones they are receiving looking for this information. “They’re all identical.” According to the Michigan Advance, there has been a national coordinated effort to target election officials, with Michigan top of the list. “We see the same people pop up again and again and again and some of the same groups,” said Rebecca Parks, research director, Defend Democracy Project, who said they are seeing the same effort as Brown noted all across the country.

DON’T ASK, DON’T TELL: Even as Macomb County continues to favor the ultimate election denier himself, former President Donald Trump, it’s still pretty remarkable that Genevieve Peters is now anemployee in the Macomb County Clerk’s office, training election officials for the 2022 general election. Who’s Genevieve Peters, you ask? She worked hard in 2020 promoting the now-proven false claims that President Joe Biden stole the election from Trump, and even live-streamed a protest outside of Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s home when Benson said she was home with her young son. Peters was also at the January 6, 2021, rally in Washington D.C., which led to the Capitol insurrection. Republican Macomb Clerk Anthony Forlini seems not to care that others are bothered by Peters hire, stating she has election experience and “has been an excellent employee.”

IN FOR A PENNY UPDATE: Last month, Oakland Confidential noted that Dem donors were all over Democratic members of the House for not ponying up their dues to the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC), which works to elect Democrats to the House. At that time, none of the Michigan delegation was paid in full, and several had paid nothing for the year – but in an update, we can report that Rep. Haley Stevens (D-Birmingham) has paid her full $175,000 membership dues. In a posting by Punchbowl News, the DCCC Members Dues Report showed at the time that of leadership, Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn) had increased her contribution to $180,000 from $130,000 – still off from her $450,000 dues goal. But retiring Rep. Brenda Lawrence (D-Southfield), with $962,130 cash on hand, had donated $10,000 to DCCC, three percent of her goal of $400,000; outgoing Rep. Andy Levin (D-

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Bloomfield Township) had given nada out of a $175,000 goal, despite having $1.1 million in the bank – and no campaign to run right now; and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (R-Detroit) had also given nothing towards her goal of $250,000, with over $1.15 million in the bank. “Frontline” members battling in the toughest races, which include Rep. Elissa Slotkin (D-Lansing) and Rep. Dan Kildee (D-Flint), are exempt from donating – for now. If they win their races, we would assume they’ll need to pony up.

CONSCIOUS UNCOUPLING: Speaking of Rep. Haley Stevens (DBirmingham), the 11th District Democrat appears to have a strong lead in her race to return to Congress for a third term, but sadly, word has broken that the newlywed is newly-split. Stevens married for the first time on September 3, 2021, to Robert Gulley, a former Birmingham Seaholm classmate which she had reconnected with. While the proposal on an Oakland County lake and wedding in Shelby Township appeared to be fairy tale-like, it seems the magical mirror cracked with recent word coming out that the two are getting divorced. Filings from Oakland County Circuit Court show Gulley actually filed for divorce on May 11 – a scant eight months after their wedding, where he cited that the marriage has broken down and it is unlikely that it can be restored. The pair had been living in Waterford, but since the quiet split, Stevens has purchased a house in Birmingham. In a statement in August, Stevens said, “After careful thought and consideration, my husband Rob and I have decided to end our marriage. This is a mutual decision we came to at the end of the summer and we wish nothing but the best for each other.” Stevens said recently, “Sometimes things do not work out. I’m grateful for my faith, amazing friends and family, and my new home in Birmingham.”

NEXT YEAR, BIRMINGHAM: As we look forward to the waning days of the 2022 campaign (wait, don’t you?), we’re already hearing rumblings of who may be in, and who may be out, in the Birmingham City Commission race for 2023, which has its elections in oddyears. Current commissioner Brad Host, in year three of his first four-year term, recently held a fundraiser at his new home on Ferndale for a commission re-election campaign in 2023 at which about 20-25 residents attended. There was no set dollar figure required for entry to the event. We’re also still picking up unconfirmed gossip that commission member Pierre Boutros will not be seeking another term. He reportedly has told a few people and we hear that he has asked attorney Anthony Long to run if he doesn’t. Long, who ran for the commission in 2021, reportedly told Boutros he would throw his hat in the ring.

PETERS MEETS THE MURDOCHS: When Michigan Democrat U.S. Senator Gary Peters was named in January of 2021 by Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer as chair of the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee the assignment was to help get at least two more Senate seats filled with Democrats, giving that party firm control of that chamber. The campaign committee’s role is to work with local grassroots groups to meet this goal, which also entails bringing in cash for the 2022 election. So Peters, who turns 62 this December, seems to be showing up everywhere, speaking to a local Birmingham group in early October after rubbing shoulders with former President Barack Obama at a September 8 fundraiser in New York, and appearing more frequently on national TV. Peters was back in NYC in early October, along with President Joe Biden and Schumer at the home of Kathryn and James Murdoch – the son of billionaire media titan Rupert Murdoch (think Fox News and the New York Post, et al). The Murdoch couple have broken free of the hard-right politics of the family and are now rated by the Center for Responsive Politics as near the top of the list of the 100 most prolific contributors to political parties, be it Republican or Democrat.

PUNCHING ABOVE WEIGHT CLASS: We were pleased and a bit surprised to see Oakland Confidential appearing as a reference in a recent piece in FiveThirtyEight (538), a polling aggregation website launched years ago by

noted polling analyst Nate Silver. In 2010 538 became a licensed feature of The New York Times and was then acquired in 2013 by ESPN. The Oakland Confidential cameo was as a credited source in a piece detailing by state the names of election deniers running for office in the November 8 general election, including in Oakland County races.

MOVING ON UP: The latest quarterly rankings of potential 2024 presidential contenders has just been issued by Aaron Blake at The Fix, part of The Washington Post. Although she has rebuffed past and current suggestions that she has any interest in running for the nation’s top political spot, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has moved up to the fourth position on the list from the eighth position last quarter. Blake says Whitmer is a “strong favorite to win reelection” and attributes that in part to Republican Tudor Dixon “not being a great candidate.” The number one spot on the list is President Biden, while the number two spot is held by Michigander Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation. In descending order, the remainder of the list includes Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom,Amy Klobuchar, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In a separate aside, The Fix mentions New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy and Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo

POLLING CHANGES: The accuracy of political polling has been a hot topic since the 2016 presidential election and remains so to this day. So while most recent polls have incumbent Gov. Gretchen Whitmer still ahead (albeit by a declining margin) over Republican contender Tudor Dixon, unpublished polls circulating among the GOP chattering class show a much tighter race with three weeks to go before final ballots are cast. An October 13 poll commissioned by the Detroit Free Press and conducted by EPIC-MRA of Lansing had Whitmer 11 points ahead (it was 16 points a few weeks earlier) with a plus or minus a margin of error of four percent and nine percent undecided. One Republican insider says that he has seen two polls, most likely internal in nature, that put Dixon within shooting range for a victory. One poll showed only four points separating the two contenders while the second one had the pair tied. The GOP polling fits with what national pollsters are finding – a resurgence by the Republican party most recently, much of it tied to the issues of the economy and inflation, or as one involved party member phrased it, a “coming home” by those who had drifted away in the past. Other Republican party honchos dismiss the Dixon polls as urban myths designed to keep the party faithful energized the last couple of weeks before November 8.

SCHOOL RACE POLITICS: Like others, we bemoan the increasing injection of partisan politics in the contests for local school boards but it is now a fact of life in 2022. As much as anyone might want to write off the couple of candidates who are entangled in this web as they make runs for the Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills school boards, the two candidates appear to gaining some traction. In the Birmingham race is Colleen Zammit, who has done two mailings of oversized postcards, one of which was put out by the The Great Lakes Education Project, heavily funded by the DeVos family, GOP royalty in Michigan who continue to push for siphoning public tax dollars off for private and religious schools. Both Zammit and Lauren Wilson in the Bloomfield Hills district are endorsed by the right-leaning Get Kids Back To School PAC, which was launched by Matthew Wilk, at one point the president of the Northville Board of Education until the board removed him from that position after he posted on social media some anti-COVID preparedness messages. His group has now entered the debate over supposed “woke’ issues in schools. Both Zammitt and Wilson were recently featured at a fundraiser in Birmingham which we are told had a good turnout. It was described to us by an attendee who said the crowd included a number of “big last names,” including the likes of GOP congressional hopeful John James, who lives in the local area even though the district he seeks is really centered in Macomb County.

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Judge Jacob James Cunningham

Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Jacob James Cunningham didn’t expect he would have a “traditional” legal career. The Bloomfield Hills native, Cranbrook Kingswood alum, and current Ferndale resident is the son of two lawyers, so “law school was always on my radar.” However, during his first few semesters, he had doubts as to whether or not this was the right career path for him.

“Something clicked midway through. It does fascinate me,” Cunningham recalls. When he obtained an internship with Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Wendy Potts, Cunningham was able to learn about what goes on behind the scenes of the courtroom. “Being involved in trials lit up my brain. I loved being here. I loved solving problems, the research. It totally excited me, and I knew I wanted to keep doing this.”

Upon graduation, he became Judge Potts’ law clerk, followed by a staff attorney for Judge Mary Ellen Brennan. In 2018, he was elected to the same court where he had spent his entire legal career, becoming one of the youngest judges ever elected to the Oakland County Circuit Court at the age of 33. He began his tenure in January 2019, where he was assigned to the family division. In May 2022, he officially became part of the civil/criminal division. He continues to preside over the juvenile drug treatment court in a volunteer capacity, where he “gets to work with citizens and families in a different capacity and with different tools than are available in a traditional juvenile case.”

Mere months into his new role on the general bench, Cunningham saw himself thrust into the national spotlight when he was assigned as the judge presiding over Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s challenge to abortion rights legislation. He upheld the injunction blocking Michigan’s 1931 anti-abortion laws, which now heads to a statewide vote this November. Cunningham could not comment on pending litigation.

Regardless of the case in front of him, Cunningham’s work is firmly entrenched in his home state. “It’s such an honor to have grown up in a place with so many great people and then make my way as a career path helping our citizens and serving our citizens,” reflects Cunningham.

This epitomizes his approach to the job. “Whenever I drive to the courthouse, I drive past Lady Justice, and I’m reminded that this is a really important space that means so much to the citizens who have their cases here and need to have their literal day in court. Especially with the pandemic, they’ve waited a long time. There’s an awesome responsibility for the 20 judges who are responsible for the almost 1.3 million citizens of Oakland County.

“The last few years, a lot has changed on our bench,” he describes. The judges “look a lot like what the community is comprised of. It’s very diverse in terms of ages, race, gender.”

As the first openly LGBTQ judge on the court, Cunningham recognizes his own part in representing the community.

“A lot of times people in the gay community flock to other parts of the country,” he notes, having thought he would have done the same. Instead, when he was sworn in, his “then long-term partner, now husband,” held the Constitution at his investiture.

Story: Hillary Brody Anchill

Photo: Mackenzie O'Brien

nce upon a time, in what seems like another era, “gay” was a term meaning “cheerful,” “carefree,” or “bright and showy.” By the 1960s, the word “gay” was being adopted by homosexual men to describe their sexual orientation, and by the end of the 20th century, according to the GLAAD Media Reference Guide, the word was recommended by major LGBT groups and style guides to describe people attracted to members of the same sex.

In 2022, for most members of the LGBTQ+ community, they would likely tell you there is nothing cheerful or carefree about the term “gay,” nor about the assaults, both literally and critically, on those in their community. From increased attacks and killings of transgender women to “Don't Say Gay” laws being introduced and signed into law across the country, beginning in Florida, those questioning and identifying as part of the LGBTQ+ are finding their place in society less sure and secure. And the most vulnerable, adolescents and those who teach them, are discovering that schools are not the safe haven they had envisioned it to be, precipitating a greater mental health crisis.

DON'T SAY GAY THE IMPACT ON TODAY'S LGBTQ+ YOUTH

BY LISA BRODY

“If people tell you enough times you need to fix yourself, you're either going to believe you can, or that you are the only one who can't and that you are uniquely extra broken,” said Blake Bonkowski, coordinator, Oakland University's Gender and Sexuality Center. “The reality is that LGBTQ+ people have always existed.

“We're fighting this coalition of hate with a coalition of knowledge.”

akland University's Gender and Sexuality Center is a haven on the OU campus. “We are still often the first affirming place a student has,” Bonkowski said, who originally discovered the center as a questioning student several years ago, ultimately becoming its coordinator. “I am often the first adult who has affirmed their identity, and in the case of trans or non-binary students, where they can use their authentic name and pronoun.

“A huge part of what we do is offer the place to meet others that share their identities,” he said. “The importance of that is when you see others who identify as your community, when things are challenging, you can get advice from people who have experienced it and you can see from others that your identity is real and valid, and that our community is one of the only ones where people tell us that our identity is not real or we could change it – so where you have a community you can share and see it with others – when you experience it, it makes it harder to internalize the negativity that you hear outside the community and harder for people to gaslight you.”

“That's part of the struggle of being gay – that push and pull of being who I am because I don't know if society will accept me,” said Noah Arbit, a Democratic candidate for the 20th state House seat, to represent West Bloomfield, Bloomfield Township and Commerce Township, who came out publicly as gay in his mid-20s. “When you talk to people, is it safe to come out – is it safe to be me – and you have the Republican Party telling them it's not. I cannot think of anything more destructive to a young person's psyche than that.

“This is a road map to trauma, that would institutionalize trauma for gay teens,” Arbit said, expanding, “It's hypocritical to talk about mental health and mental health services when this (Don't Say Gay bills) would create more mental health challenges for young gay kids and teens. It's very scary. We are definitely moving backwards.”

According to a 2017 National School Climate Survey done by the Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network (GLSEN), almost 90 percent of LGBTQ students experienced harassment or assault based on “personal characteristics, including sexual orientation, gender expression, gender, religion, actual or perceived race and ethnicity, and actual or perceived disability. Nearly two-thirds reported experiencing LGBTQ-related discriminatory policies or practices at school.”

The report notes that while every student's experience is different, “queer students face a number of challenges when interacting with their peers, teachers, administrators, parents of their peers, and overall community. Even seemingly small actions like hearing the word 'gay' used in a negative way can build up. More than 90 percent of LGBTQ students said they felt distressed because of this language.

“These kinds of challenges pull focus away from learning, which should be the number one priority of every student when they enter school.”

For many students, the conversation has changed as gay students – or those who are questioning their sexuality and gender – have had the laser of the nation's culture wars turned on them after a decade or so of progress, including with the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in June 2015, making gay marriage a Constitutional right nationwide. While the 5-4 decision in Obergefell v Hodges was a fountain of jubilation for those in the gay community and their friends, families and colleagues, for those in religious or right wing groups, it appeared as a betrayal of all they stood for and believed in.

“I think it's partly about people who are intolerant about society and values that are not ordered consistent with their values and beliefs, so they demand change,” Noah Arbit hypothesized. “People are just asking for tolerance.”

In 2021, Gallup noted that a record high of 70 percent of all people in the United States support same-sex marriage – including 55 percent of Republicans. Eighty-three percent of Democrats support same-sex marriage, with Independents at 73 percent supporting.

A movement has been underfoot to undermine the legitimacy of those affiliated – no matter if they are a son, a daughter, a parent, a nephew or niece, a friend or acquaintance. Its culmination was The Parental Rights in Education Act enacted by the Florida legislature, and signed into law on March 28, 2022, by Governor Ron DeSantis. A part of the act reads: “It is the natural, fundamental right of parents and legal guardians to determine and direct the care, teaching, and education of their children.”

Republican gubernatorial candidate Tudor Dixon has proposed her own version of the “Don't Say Gay” bill for Michigan which she said she would bar discussion of sexual orientation and gender identity, and has said she would support a statewide ban on “pornographic” books in schools.

“This movement to ban books is deeply undemocratic, in that it often seeks to impose restrictions on all students and families based on the preferences of those calling for the bans,” Pen America said in a recent report.

But Dixon defines it as leadership. “Leadership is being unafraid to say that if an adult is caught showing pornographic materials to children and talking to them about sex in school without their parents’ consent, that adult will be prosecuted just as they would be if they did it at the school bus,” Dixon said. When asked by other publications what “pornographic” books were in school, she declined to name any specific titles.

“A lot of this is a political calculation by certain politicians that they think will be beneficial for their base, even if it will harm a very vulnerable group of people,” said Jay Kaplan, ACLU staff attorney for the LGBT Project. “They don't care if it will hurt if it will solidify their support at the expense of these students.”

F lorida is the first state to codify new statutes into legislation for primary education, notably “for prohibiting classroom instruction on sexual orientation or gender identity from kindergarten to grade 3 in Florida's public school districts, or instruction or sexual orientation or gender identity in a manner that is not 'age appropriate or developmentally appropriate for students' in any grade, and prohibiting schools from restricting parental access to their student's education and health records,” according to Florida House Bill 1557.

While some who are challenging the legislation cite First Amendment right violations, others support it, calling it the “antigrooming bill,” although there is no documentation that gay teachers “groom” or encourage students to become gay. According to an online poll conducted by Ipsos, more than six in 10 Americans oppose laws like the Florida Parental Rights in Education Act.

But Florida is not the only state with this proposed legislation. Indiana, Utah, Texas, and other states have enacted similar legislation, including Texas' Parents Bill of Rights; Utah's bill which centers on “sensitive material in schools;” In alliance with Dixon, Michigan already has similar proposed legislation, by state Sen. Lana Theis (R-Plymouth), chair of the Senate's education committee. Governor Gretchen Whitmer has repeatedly stated she would veto the bill if it came to her desk. Legislators or governors in Illinois, Pennsylvania, Colorado, Iowa, Wyoming and South Dakota have killed or vetoed similar bills.

Other Republican candidates in Michigan have said if elected in 2022 they would introduce similar legislation, including Jon Rocha of Hastings, running in the 78th District, who said his proposal would ban “discussion, or dissemination of materials that involves

sexual orientation, gender identity, or any sexually explicit content, in kindergarten through fourth grade. Elementary kids should be learning math, science, history and how to read and write.”

“Some of the politicians are cynics, and don't even believe in it,” Kaplan said. “We're very fortunate we live in a state where our governor has said she will veto all these kinds of bills.”

Educators are mobilizing against these kinds of bills, which have been filed or introduced in at least 35 states in the past year. Teachers and teacher unions say the legislation would place an undue burden on educators who have been overextended during the coronavirus pandemic, yet parents infiltrating school boards, such as Tiffany Justice, co-founder of Moms for Liberty, which supports curriculum oversight bills and are supporting several local school board candidates, said “that the weakening of legislation like Utah’s HB 234, which would require a local educational agency to include parents who are reflective of a school's community when determining whether instructional material is sensitive material, stems from lawmakers compromising away parental rights in education.”

Kaplan said Theis first introduced a bill regarding transgender youth not playing sports, which so far has only had one hearing in 2021. “It was not based on experts, but on misinformation and fear,” he said.

Now, he said, “Some right wing activists have turned their focus to school boards, which is why we're seeing school boards taking stances in things they didn't even agree with, or wouldn't have before.”

Richard Friedman, professor at University of Michigan Law School, said these laws are open-ended, and leaves it open to doubt and for parents to sue, “so it would leave it to teachers to be very nervous about any discussion. It would chill activity because teachers would have reasonable fear that this would be within the statute and they could be found liable – and everyone want to avoid being sued.”

Kaplan pointed out that individuals are coming before boards of education “and they may not even be from the local community, and so school boards may decide to go along with things for political reasons, fear, or because it's easier – even if school district attorneys tell them not to.

“Kids get harmed by this… There are certain parents who want to control what values or what is taught in schools.”

Justice said, “Parental rights bills make it clear that the boundary between home and school should be respected and that families should be part of all discussions regarding the mental and physical health of their children.”

Justice's, and Moms for Liberty's, stance is different, educators note, than advocating by a parent for an individual child, but making determinations for an entire community or school district by their personal values.

Catherine Archibald, law professor at University of Detroit Mercy Law School, said just having the legislation introduced is harmful, even if it has not been passed and signed into law in Michigan.

“They're very harmful, even if they're just proposed, because it shows a lack of acceptance of LGBTQ individuals, and them as a group,” Archibald said. “We know schools that have a lack of acceptance of individuals have more bullying, have greater harassment as well as bullying towards other groups, like disabled individuals. Whereas, when there is a welcoming environment, whether rainbow flags or a show of acceptance, the whole school is more accepting to all differences, not just to the LGBTQ community. It's a more welcoming environment.”

Archibald pointed out that gay teens have a higher rate of depression, mental health issues and suicide.

“They don't have a choice – they have to go to school,” she noted. “And they spend so much time there. This is their peer group and the adults they are with.”

Some schools have gay/straight alliances, usually an after school club, that is a student-led organization in high schools, middle schools and universities.

Local schools contacted did not want to weigh in on pending legislation, but noted they were open and welcoming to their student population.

“At Birmingham Public Schools, we are committed to providing a safe, healthy and welcoming environment for all our students and staff so they can succeed. We work hard to promote a culture of compassion, respect and understanding,” said Dr. Embekka Roberson, superintendent, Birmingham Public Schools. “As a National District of Character, we embrace all students and we are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion as a foundational element of our recently approved strategic plan. The mental health of our students is paramount to their success, and ensuring they feel safe and supported is crucial to this end. We do not tolerate discrimination, harassment, bullying or inappropriate behavior in words, actions or on social media.”

Bloomfield Hills Schools Superintendent Pat Watson said, “Bloomfield Hills Schools is proud to support all of our students. Currently, we have Gender and Sexuality Alliances at the middle school and high school level. We continue to work in partnership with our families. We always encourage any parents who have concerns to reach out to their building principals.”

At Cranbrook Schools in Bloomfield Hills, Director of Cranbrook Schools Jeff Suzik, PhD, stated, “Cranbrook's founders envisioned our community as a center of learning that welcomed the world and embraced people from all backgrounds. That commitment is as applicable as ever today and we strive, in all that we do, to ensure that all members of our community feel welcomed, included, and valued.”

According to the Williams Institute of UCLA, there are about 61,000 teens aged 13 to 17 in Michigan that are lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender as of 2020. Many are looking for a place to go, for camaraderie and friendship, a balm after the isolation of the pandemic. Some are out to friends, others to family as well – but as the U.S. Department of Education says, revealing a students' transgender status to classmates, teachers or parents without their permission is a violation of federal education privacy law, known as FERPA, despite conservatives' demands for parents to be informed as soon as a trusted teacher knows.

“Schools must make every effort to keep that information private unless the student has given them permission to share it,” reads a June 2021 fact sheet from the Department of Education's police letter on transgender students.

A school which has a gay/straight alliance must permit it to meet, if members want it, regardless of what parents or administrators desire, noted Sarah Kiperman, assistant professor of education, Wayne State University, who noted there is a law that says schools cannot deny school groups forming or meeting, “so denying it is illegal.”

he said it falls under the Equal Access Act, which prohibits discrimination against students who want to form and participate in extracurricular groups. To deny the school group means all school groups, including after school athletics, must also be canceled. A recent example is Yeshiva University, a Modern Orthodox Jewish institution in New York City, which in September placed all of its undergraduate club activities on hold after the U.S. Supreme Court ordered the university to recognize and reinstate an LGBTQ student group it had halted.

“Schools’ best approach is to talk to the students about how they best feel safe and comfortable,” Kiperman said. “Knowing that students are protected by rights – what does that mean? And to them? If schools, meaning teachers and administrators, can have transparent communication about specifics and remove assumptions so both sides can appreciate the limits with the intent of accessing and gaining rights while recognizing the political limits and working around it, or at least working towards affirmation for the student and the family.

“Support from others acts as a buffer, as a shield against

adversity,” she noted. “But without this shield, we expose our youth to the full brunt of the disaffirmed, practices, discrimination which, for LGBT youth, it's not not being part of the community that cause them the challenges, it's the stressors from discrimination that cause mental health challenges. We're just causing greater divisions and greater stressors,” when they are isolated and castigated.

“Gay/straight alliances provide support for young people to improve socially, physically and emotionally in the LGBTQ+ community,” said Truman Hudson, EdD, Instructor of Multiculturalism in the college of education at Wayne State University. “They're vital for students to thrive academically and socially. They build a bridge with straight students. They also help build a safety net for all students. It creates a greater sense of belonging for all students.”

Affirmations, the LGBTQ+ community center for southeast Michigan for the last 30 years, located in Ferndale, is seeing the impact of the proposed “Don't Say Gay” laws on more and more teens dropping in, said executive director Dave Garcia.

“We have virtual programming, so we're seeing a lot of youths dropping into our youth groups from all over the state,” Garcia said, noting both the proposed bills and “Tudor Dixon, who has repeatedly been tremendously homophobic and transphobic – she has gone after the trans community and it's going to get a lot worse for the trans community – it sends the message to our youth that they're 'other,' that they're second class citizens.”

Garcia noted that suicide rates are higher among the LGBTQ community than the straight community. Affirmations has embarked on a new coalition with Equality MI and ACLU with a campaign stating, “Hate Won't Win.”

“It's a very complex issue. We know mental health is skyrocketing, and among gay teens, mental health is in a dangerous arena,” said Grace Huizinga, RN, MSN, EDD, Grand Rapids LGBTQ+ Health Consortium. “The suicide rates are increasing among LGBTQ+, both in attempts and succeeding.”

he said while there are higher number of kids in high school who identify as heterosexual, there are more and more who are gender fluid, “and more and more are saying I am not going to identify as binary (choosing male or female). I am not going to buy into that. I think that is healthy for all of us. The youth are our predictor of our future, and many of our youth aren't buying into female and male stereotypes.

“We have to embrace how we look at health care, housing and education, and we're not going to go to an institution where we do not feel safe,” Huizinga said. “If you're a politician –Republican or Democrat – who understands that, they will have the pulse of the youth, and politicians of the future must understand that adolescents will not be in this binary constraint. Policies and laws will have to start reflecting that. They care about health care, the environment, discrimination – it's huge, and if politicians aren't listening, they're going to miss what's important about the future.”

“We have a responsibility to help educate people,” Garcia said. “Just as George W. Bush and Karl Rove did against same-sex marriage with their base, attacking the trans community is the new conservative way to get their base out to vote. But they're attacking some of the most marginalized and vulnerable individuals. And when someone commits suicide, they say, 'It wasn't us, it wasn't our fault.'”

There is another side to “Don't Say Gay” legislation that many, including conservative lawmakers, do not always consider, and that is how it can affect teachers, both in how they can approach educating their charges, as well as those who may be gay and want to display family photos, which can include legal same-sex partners and children.

Roland Sintos-Coloma, professor of education at Wayne State University, noted “this is an ongoing issue for us in teacher education programs, but one that has become more pronounced with proposed legislation.

“For those in the LGBTQ community that want to be teachers –can they even be out, in their classrooms, in their schools, with parents, with colleagues and with students?”

Sintos-Coloma said that often they're not considered “real” teachers “because they're not considered role models, because students might be encouraged to explore 'alternative lifestyles' and 'identities' rather than those students seeking a safe haven. I have been asked those questions by those in our teacher programs as well as teachers who are not completely out.”

He noted there are teachers who choose the profession because “they want to create a safe and inclusive space in their classrooms and schools for students. This could be in the form of gay/straight alliances or groups, or integrating reading assignments and discussions about gender identity as well as sexual orientation, even making sure that parents and guardians who are in same-sex relationships – creating those welcoming and safe environments. These are just some of the many layers to be considered, not just for the students but for their families. If a child has two moms or two dads – will the schools welcome and accept the families and create a safe and inviting space?”

ruman Hudson at Wayne State University, said, “The issues of politics, policies, class, gender, race, faith and gender identification are all things we're trying to balance. They're all important because they all must be taken into account as what we're training our students for as they go forward.”

Sintos-Coloma said that teachers are not scared by the need to grapple with what they can and cannot do, noting the uncertainty is what is the most unsettling.

“It continues the perception that teachers are not professionals that can create curriculums and classrooms that are really laboratories for democracy,” he pointed out. “Don't we want classrooms that are a reflection of society at large?

“We prepare teachers so they welcome students and their families to the fullest extent, wherever they are.”

Hudson said there is a “big time fear on the part of educators, especially on social studies curriculums. If you look at social studies based on current civic discourse – censorship limits the discourse, and you can't have public discourse of decision making through a narrow lens of fear,” noting that in June of this year, there were more than 111 bills introduced across the country “that wanted to limit discussions around race and gender in our classrooms. They also want to limit our discussions about what is history and what is discussed in our classrooms.

“Our teachers want to ensure students have the ability to hear the information at the PK-12 grade level at appropriate age levels,” he continued. “We're a diverse country. Whether it's race or gender identity – one conversation does not negate the other. What I'm hearing from teachers is they're trying to balance standards in general with the cultural wars and censorship, because there are state standards of what can be taught and what should be taught – and that's a tough place to be in.

“For the educator who wants to lift up the voice for diverse standards and identities, they're saying their academic freedom is being stripped away,” Hudson said. “For those teachers under stress, they're fearful they're going to lose their jobs, and do not feel they can teach what is necessary for students to learn.”

Hudson made a significant point. “For LGBTQ students, if you follow the research, they feel their voices are not being heard or represented. For cisgender (heterosexual) students – that some parents feel that their child learning about LGBTQ will make them gay – as if my learning about a woman will make me a woman, or learning about a White male will make me a White male – that's how farfetched it is –and I'm a cisgender Black male.

“If students are told the hero is always a White cisgender male, there's no room for anyone else to participate in not just the conversation, but in the American experience.”

FACES

Brooke Thompson

L

earning to swim is an important skill for most people but, according to Brooke Thompson, it was particularly essential for her. The Bloomfield Hills resident was born deaf and received her first cochlear implant around the time of her first birthday.

“I have always loved water. My parents tell me that I learned how to walk trying to get to the fountains that shoot out of the ground at a water park. They felt that it was important for me to learn how to swim well, since I am deaf. I took some lessons when I was little but didn't really learn how to swim until I was eight years old. I was fascinated by the swimming in the Olympics that year and really took off after that.” She started competitive swimming at age nine.

Since that time, swimming has become a significant part of Thompson’s life. As a senior at International Academy, she swims on the Bloomfield Hills High School and Motor City Aquatics swim teams. In May, she competed in the 2022 Deaflympics in Caxias do Sul, Brazil, with the USA Deaf Swimming (USADS) team. USADS membership is for athletes who are deaf or hard of hearing as defined by the organization’s regulations.

At this year’s Deaflympics, the talented swimmer earned an impressive five gold medals and three bronze medals.

“I was so happy. Standing on the podium while the national anthem is played and signed is truly amazing.”

She adds, “It was a great experience. The swimming part was eight days long with morning prelims and evening finals. It is pretty intense. I had events seven of the eight days. One of my favorite things is meeting the swimmers from other countries. We have an immediate bond as we are all deaf/hard of

hearing and we all love swimming. We have fun trading pins and caps from our home countries.”

The 2022 Deaflympics was Thompson’s second trip to Brazil. Her first international competition was in Sao Paolo at the World Deaf Swimming Championship in 2019. She plans to compete in Buenos Aires, Argentina next summer.

“My parents are very supportive. My mom uses a lot of her vacation time to take me to meets. My dad gets so excited and analyzes times and techniques. I couldn't do it all if I didn't have my family to support me.

“Swimming takes up a lot of time, especially this year as I am one of the captains,” Thompson says. “I swim about nine times a week for 90 minutes to two hours or more. It can make me sore. You are always staring at the bottom of the pool. And it can be hard to balance the rest of my life with my schedule.”

Besides her challenging swim schedule, Thompson is involved with several other school-related activities, including National Honor Society and Peers Corps, as well as working as an editor on the school yearbook. Like any teen, she also likes hanging out with her friends.

Despite the hard work and time commitment, Thompson’s love of the sport outweighs the adversities. She has given her verbal commitment to Rutgers University, where she plans to study biomedical engineering – and continue her swim career on the Rutgers swim team.

She explains, “I really enjoy the water and working hard and seeing what I can do. It calms me down when I feel stressed.”

Story: Tracy Donohue

Photo: Mackenzie O'Brien

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FACES

Cecelia 'Cece' Calhoun

Cecelia 'Cece' Calhoun, MD, MPHS, MBA, wears many hats at Yale School of Medicine as an Assistant Professor of Medicine (Hematology) and an Assistant Professor of Pediatrics (Hematology/Oncology). She cares for adolescents and young adults with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) as part of the Smilow Cancer Hospital Pediatric and Adult Hematology Programs and is medical director of the Sickle Cell Program.

Born in Detroit, Calhoun attended Detroit Public Schools until high school, when she switched to Cranbrook Schools.

“The Senior May Project was one of the most early formative moments in my career,” she said. “Instead of formal class, you could do an internship or a mentorship experience.”

That is how she met Dr. Laurence Ulrey, an orthopedic surgeon at Beaumont Hospital who has been a huge supporter. “For me, that experience was incredible. First, I wanted to work with athletes, but it was really empowering to watch surgeries.” Ulrey also taught her the importance of providing the best care for people who trust you with their health.

“There is learning in the classroom, as an athlete where you learn discipline and camaraderie, and there is experiential learning that can really change the course of a person’s life, like me,” said Calhoun, who also credits her family for her success. “One of the best things my parents gave my sister and myself was the spirit of curiosity.”

The lifelong learner also felt a sense of social responsibility. “I wanted to work with people who are underserved,” she said. After earning a BA in AfroAmerican Studies from the University of Michigan, she received her MD from Wayne State University. She continued her training at Michigan State University as a pediatric resident, then a fellowship at Washington University School of Medicine, where she also completed a Master of Population Health Sciences. Calhoun received her MBA as one of three, inaugural Pozen-

Commonwealth Fund Fellows in Minority Health Leadership at Yale University.

She seemed destined to find her specialty. “I knew I wanted to be a physician and I really wanted to work with my community. I got to do a clinical rotation; a pediatric rotation. I loved hematology, and the first time I saw an eight-year-old Sickle Cell patient who had a stroke, it was a light bulb moment. I thought: ‘Let me understand more about this disease.’ There was a synergy because I love the red blood cell and it gave me the ability to serve Black people. I know how far we need to go as a scientific community.”

In addition to her research, she enjoys conversations with patients. Much of her work centers around adolescents with Sickle Cell, an inherited disease with a life expectancy of 43. “I want to know how to make life better for them because that is when mortality starts to rise,” she said. “The majority of them live in socioeconomic despair and they are affected by systemic racism. It’s hard.”

She wants to have an impact. “What are the tools we can use and how can we engage and learn from our patients and support them so they can live longer? That is the nucleus of research I do.”

One possible cure for the disorder is gene therapy. For any treatment, communication is key. “They can feel so unheard with this rare disease. I am deeply saddened by the lack of progress made as a scientific community when we have so much potential. Still, I am inspired by the doctors and patients working to bring about change.”

The most rewarding aspects of her career include engaging with her colleagues and her patients. “I do the work for them,” said Calhoun. “They inspire me to stay vigilant and be resilient to keep moving forward. When they are successful, I feel the same.”

Story: Jeanine Matlow

ENERGY CHANGE

THE NATIONAL MOVEMENT TO ABANDON NATURAL GAS

BY GRACE LOVINS

On July 23, 2019, Berkeley, California, passed a first-of-its kind policy restricting the installation of natural gas hookups in new construction, in an attempt to begin phasing out natural gas infrastructure in buildings. The new ordinance, which took effect in January of 2020, requires developers, builders and building owners to find alternatives to natural gas for appliances like space heaters, water heaters, cooking appliances and dryer units.

Not surprisingly, the public reaction in Berkeley – a liberal northern California city with a world-class university and progressive, free-spirited locals – with the exception of gas lobbyists and gas advocacy groups, was one of strong support for the movement away from fossil fuels. California has been making headlines when it comes to its energy policies and transition to electric within all sectors including transportation, most recently establishing a phase out of gas-powered cars, along with leaf blowers and lawnmowers.

While Berkeley was the first city in the

nation to pass a restriction on natural gas, several other cities followed suit inside and outside of California. Currently, there are 77 other municipalities in California, including the bay area of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, that have passed some type of restriction on natural gas hookups, mostly focusing on new construction.

In 2021, Denver, Colorado, passed a restriction on natural gas in buildings leaning more on the ‘phase out’ end of the spectrum. The Denver City Council adopted an ordinance that requires building owners to replace gaspowered space and water heaters with an electric heating system at the end of the heater’s life, making Denver the first city to adopt this type of strategy. The electric movement has traveled from the west, in California, Washington and Colorado, to the east coast, reaching New York City. In December of 2021, New York City became the largest city in the country, and the first large cold-weather city, to begin phasing out natural gas in new construction.

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It’s no secret that the United States has long relied heavily on natural gas for numerous uses, and its dependability has led to the creation of an infrastructure that the entire country runs on. In 2019, the U.S. accounted for 23 percent of the world’s natural gas production, making it the world’s largest producer of natural gas. These new citywide natural gas ‘bans’ come as a shock to gas-fuel advocates, who argue that these restrictions are going to have severe consequences on affordability, reliability and consumer choice. “Natural gas has certain qualities that consumers prefer based on usability,” writes Paige Lambermont of the Institute for Energy Research, “and natural gas bans ignore the importance of these consumer preferences.” With that, the big question of this movement away from natural gas and towards electrification is ‘why.’

Natural gas, one of three main types of fossil fuels, contributes to more than 10 percent of the total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, and studies have shown that natural gas use in homes and buildings significantly reduces indoor air quality, raising concern over public health. While concerns over health and safety with persistent natural gas use in residential and commercial buildings are a factor, the key component that seems to be driving this movement towards electrification in most cities is climate change.

Many cities and states across the country have established some type of plan to achieve the goal of reaching carbon neutrality; in most places the proposed ‘deadline’ being 2050. Seattle, Washington, for instance – one of the many cities with a restriction on natural gas – has the goal of reducing total core greenhouse gas emissions by 58 percent by 2030 and becoming carbon neutral by 2050. California recently adopted a plan that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050.

Even some cities in Michigan, such as the progressive municipality of Ann Arbor, have come to establish goals for achieving carbon neutrality. In April 2020, the city of Ann Arbor released their Living Carbon Neutrality Plan, also known as A2Zero Action Plan, which sets the goal of achieving a “community-wide transition to carbon neutrality by 2030.” The A2Zero plan anticipates powering the electrical grid with 100 percent renewable energy, significant improvements in energy efficiency, and electrification of appliances and vehicles by 2030.

Natural gas is predominantly composed of methane, a compound with approximately 20 to 80 times the climate warming potential than carbon dioxide. Not only is natural gas itself a factor in greenhouse gas emissions, but the way natural gas is extracted and produced only adds to the problem and requires significant amounts of energy. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reports that in 2020, methane accounted for 11 percent of all U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, and, per the American Association for the Advancement of Science, natural gas leaks from oil and gas production facilities release enough methane to match the climate impact of coal-fired power plants for 20 years.

Placing restrictions or bans on natural gas allows for the elimination of tens of thousands of individually gas-powered appliances in homes and businesses across the country, in a sense creating a way for pollution to be centralized in order to be controlled. Nick Shroeck, J.D. and professor of environmental law at the University of Detroit Mercy, states that it’s easier to control it from one main source rather than several thousand individual sources like with natural gas appliances or gas-powered vehicles. However, that doesn’t overshadow the need to transition the electric grid to be powered by renewable energy sources, including wind or solar, instead of by fossil fuels like coal.

Not only does a restriction help to control the amount of pollution and where it comes from, but the advantages to public

health and safety are enough for some to justify the switch, says Ruth Sawyer, Beyond Coal Organizer for Sierra Club, Washington State. Natural gas used in buildings, whether residential or commercial, emits fumes and toxins that drastically decrease the quality of indoor air. For example, cooking appliances, like stovetops and ovens, release carbon monoxide, formaldehyde and nitrogen dioxide, which can be linked to respiratory illnesses and other chronic diseases.

NPR reported in 2021 that the most common pollutants from gas stoves are carbon monoxide, formaldehyde, and nitrogen dioxide, and the EPA points out that, even at low level exposure, nitrogen dioxide could cause increased risk of respiratory infections and trigger breathing issues for individuals with asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Not only can this exposure cause reactions for people already living with these illnesses, but exposure can also increase the likelihood of developing heart problems, diabetes and cancer.

Brett Little, program director of the GreenHome Institute – a non-profit organization based in Grand Rapids aimed at educating and empowering people on the choices they have to advance sustainability – said that, even in coal-dependent states, the organization’s energy models show a direct carbon saving through electrification.

Despite the disadvantages that come from natural gas usage, it’s hard to ignore the convenience and reliability that natural gas appliances offer, mostly because they’ve been a part of the infrastructure for so long, users have grown incredibly comfortable with what natural gas can provide. While limiting the use of fossil fuels has an evident positive impact to the environment, many people and advocates for the fossil fuel industry around the country have argued against restrictions on natural gas. A study conducted by Energy in Depth, a project of the Independent Petroleum Association of America, shows that natural gas is still the favored choice over electricity when it comes to cooking appliances. Nearly 73 percent of respondents, who prefer to keep their gas appliances, stated they’ve used both electric and gas, and electric ‘did not work as well as gas alternatives.’ Roughly 30 percent of respondents said they simply just prefer gas.

While to some it continues to make sense to favor gas over electric due to the convenience and access that is already established for gas, certain electric kitchen appliances have been shown to be superior to gas when it comes to energy efficiency and health. Natural gas cooking appliances emit gasses and fumes while in use, and the World Economic Forum states this can lead to serious health concerns, including lower indoor air quality and increased asthma rates if they are not properly vented. Findings published in Environmental Science and Technology show that gas ovens and stove-top burners running in a space with poor ventilation resulted in emissions that surpassed the EPA’s safety standards for outdoor air concentrations of nitrogen dioxide within minutes. Keith Kinch, cofounder and general manager of Bloc Power, writes that children living in homes with gas stoves have an increased risk of approximately 42 percent of developing asthma.

Alternatives to gas-fired appliances like stoves and ovens have been available to consumers since the 1900’s, with the first induction cooktop introduced in 1933. Since then, alternative appliances have come a long way in terms of speed, safety and affordability according to Wirecutter, a consumer review service offered by the New York Times. Stoves can come powered by either gas, electricity, or induction heating. A gas-powered stove has the advantage of being able to control the flame and easily find the desired cooking temperature, whereas electric or induction cooking is known to heat up quicker and have a learning curve for some when it comes to

mastering temperature and timing. However, induction cooking, where an electric current travels through a wire under the burner creating a magnetic current through the cooking pan to produce heat, is three times more energy efficient than a gas stove, according to Consumer Reports. Induction is also safer to use than gas, both because it reduces the number of fumes and toxins released into the air and the loss of an open flame. The heat in an induction stove comes from the pot or pan itself, and the removal of the pot or pan from the ‘burner’ will stop the heating. Not to mention, induction is the speediest option for cooking over traditional gas and electric stoves, as noted by both LeafScore and THOR Kitchen.

Additionally, because natural gas infrastructure has powered the country for so long, some states, notably Michigan, are much more dependent on fossil fuels than other states. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported that nearly one in 10 homes in Michigan use petroleum products for heating – 90 percent of which use propane. This makes Michigan the largest residential consumer of propane in the country. With Michigan’s heavy reliance on natural gas, a restriction or ban on natural gas doesn’t seem to be in the cards right now, says Charlotte Jameson, chief policy officer of the Michigan Environmental Council – but that doesn’t mean the state isn’t ready to begin its first steps in electrifying buildings. She notes that the transition to electrification needs to happen, and happen now, even if the state is not necessarily in a place to eliminate gas from whole communities.

The Michigan Public Service Commission reports that more than 75 percent of Michigan households rely on natural gas as a primary heating source, and roughly 320,000 homes still rely on propane as a primary heating source. The EIA said that nearly one-third of the state’s energy needs come from reliance on petroleum products. Given this dependence, is eliminating natural gas really the best option for Michigan, and other states with a similar reliance, to focus on reducing emissions?

Chris Kobus, director of Engineering and Energy Education and founder of the Clean Energy Research Institute at Oakland University, believes the restrictions on natural gas aren’t effective in addressing the real issue with energy consumption: supply and demand.

“The entire planet runs primarily on fossil fuels, and natural gas, out of the three [coal, oil and natural gas], is by far the cleanest. … Restricting natural gas, what that’s going to do is put more pressure on the electric grid because you have to replace it with something,” Kobus said. “These restrictions, what they do is they’re limiting the supply of something, not limiting demand, but people are going to get their energy somewhere. If it’s not natural gas, which is the cleanest of the three fossil fuels, it’s going to come from somewhere else, and I guarantee you that the majority of it is going to come from coal.”

Kobus also noted that, while natural gas does release methane, which contributes to the country’s greenhouse gas emissions, the methane from natural gas is a tiny trace gas of what makes up what’s in the atmosphere. According to the American Gas Association, methane emissions from natural gas systems, like heating systems, accounts for 2.7 percent of the total greenhouse gas emissions from the U.S.

Opponents of this movement have also called into question the reliability of this transition, especially since the dependence on electric energy is going to place a heavier burden on the grid. In areas like California, the reliability of the electric grid is tested almost daily and increasingly is facing challenges through extensive demand and weather conditions. The state is experiencing frequent blackouts and the growing intensity of wildfires have caused concerns over power lines and general

access to electricity, as reported by Bloomberg.

Not only is the reliability of electric infrastructure a major concern to some advocates, many question this transition’s ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, especially given the electric grid primarily operates off the burning of fossil fuels –such as coal. That’s where the transition to electric infrastructure needs to be paired with a major shift to renewable energy sources like wind, hydropower, solar or nuclear, says Todd Allen, Glenn F. and Gladys H. Knoll Department Chair of Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences at the University of Michigan.

Allen, a member of the University of Michigan’s Fastest Path to Zero team, explained that the path to zero emissions or net neutrality will look different for every community based on local energy resources and community values. However, a drive to zero carbon systems will most likely require a combination of all renewable energy sources, considering not all renewable resources are applicable to every part of the country.

Although the grid is still powered by fossil fuels, studies show that electrification actually contributes less to overall greenhouse gas emissions than consistently using natural gas, says Resources for the Future. Further, Jessica Tristch, building electrification campaign director at Sierra Club, noted that electric energy isn’t necessarily less affordable than natural gas, which many opposed to this transition have argued.

“Across the country, it’s nearly always less expensive, right now, to build homes with all-electric construction than with new fossil fuels,” said Tristch. According to a study conducted by RMI, in residential areas in Columbus, Ohio, Boston, Mississippi, Austin, Texas, and Minneapolis, building electrification can save between $1,000 to $6,000 in net present costs, and roughly 15 to 50 tons of carbon dioxide emissions over a 15-year period.

Local governments and environmental groups aren’t the only bodies aiming to make this transition happen, nor hoping to make it easier for the public. The Inflation Reduction Act, signed by President Joe Biden this August, will invest $370 billion in the form of spending and tax credits for “low-emission forms of energy” to fight climate change – one of the country’s biggest investments to fight climate change. The bill itself is aimed at helping the United States cut greenhouse gas emissions by roughly 40 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. Given the incentives, rebates and other forms of assistance that are going to be provided through the Inflation Reduction Act, states will potentially have an easier time transitioning away from natural gas to meet their established climate goals.

Michigan is also on par with these states when it comes to setting a climate emissions goal and devising a plan of action. In 2020, Governor Gretchen Whitmer directed the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) to develop an action plan, to be known as the MI Healthy Climate Plan, for the state “to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition toward economy-wide carbon neutrality.” The MI Healthy Climate Plan was finalized in April of this year and lays out Michigan’s emission reduction goals as a 52 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, ultimately achieving economy-wide carbon neutrality by 2050.

Although Michigan has established a plan to reach net neutrality, as a state it may not be in the best position to completely eliminate natural gas just yet, but with new technology available, Michigan is ready and able to begin electrifying buildings, according to University of Michigan's Todd Allen.

There has been a push by certain lawmakers to pass legislation aimed at prohibiting local governments from adopting policies banning natural gas usage as well as installing natural gas infrastructure. This type of proposal is not unique to

Monigold

Michigan. In fact, this preemptive legislation, otherwise known as “fuel choice” legislation per the National Council of State Legislatures, has been passed in 20 states, including Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee and Alabama. The S&P Global reported in June 2022 that these 20 states account for 31 percent of the country’s residential and commercial gas use.

When it comes to how this movement will hit home, Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus said that a code or an ordinance passed by the city commission to restrict natural gas is unlikely at the current moment, and the guidelines in Birmingham for construction are based on the Michigan Building Code. However, he said, if the Michigan Building Code is updated to include requirements such as methods of increasing energy efficiency and elements of weatherization practices, it’s assumed the city will follow what the code suggests.

The Michigan Building Code, created by the Michigan Bureau of Construction Codes and reviewed by a bipartisan panel in Lansing, is in the process of being updated from their previous code, put in place in 2015. Michigan has the choice to adopt the “gold standard for building codes,” the 2021 International Energy Conservation Code which, as reported by the National Association of Home Builders, includes energy efficiency and weatherization practices like an adoptable Residential Zero Energy Appendix, increased prescriptive attic, wall and slab insulation, and dimmers or occupation sensor controls for light fixtures.

Birmingham Assistant City Manager Jana Ecker said that the city is looking at other ways to potentially reduce the city’s carbon footprint, such as converting parts of the city’s vehicle fleet to electric vehicles as well as adding electric vehicle charging stations throughout Birmingham. At a recent city commission workshop meeting to discuss the potential of bringing a sustainability board to the city, Birmingham Planning Director Nick Dupuis, along with city planner Leah Blizinski noted that neighboring communities – including Royal Oak, Ferndale, Oak Park, Huntington Woods and Southfield – currently have boards in place to address environmental issues and sustainability, and Birmingham could look to these areas for guidance in the process of establishing its own board.

On top of creating a sustainability board, the city commission also looked at gas-powered leaf blowers and the issues that come with them. Dupuis pointed out that gas-powered leaf blowers pose environmental and health risks given the oil and gas mixture it uses for fuel. The mixture creates exhaust that releases into the air, and not all the mixture is burned, causing the oil and gas to get into the ground and the water table, creating a threat to water quality.

Bloomfield Township Supervisor Dani Walsh and the township’s Director of Engineering and Environmental Services Olivia Olsztyn-Budry stated that Bloomfield Township hasn’t seen a push from builders or residents to remove natural gas from their plans, and like Birmingham, the township won’t be pushing for a ban or restriction of natural gas hookups or appliances since the state allows natural gas-fired infrastructure.

When the time comes to replace an old gas appliance with an electric alternative, or for complete building electrification, the key to maximizing energy and cost efficiency during the building electrification process is weatherization. Weatherization – which includes insulation in attics and floors, tightly sealing houses, especially at doors and windows, and addressing air infiltration –provides increased energy efficiency and further ensures the health and safety of consumers. Weatherized homes have been proven to improve sleep, reduce hospitalizations and emergency visits from ailments like asthma conditions and carbon monoxide poisoning, helps increase property value, and save money on

utility bills, as reported by the National Association for State Community Service Programs.

While environmentalists and environmental groups around the country call for increased weatherization of buildings, they recognize that cost is an issue, and weatherization may be difficult to afford depending on if the existing building can be easily weatherized or if it may require more work than others.

“Weatherization is an important piece of building electrification because making a home more efficient means you use less energy, no matter what kind of energy it is,” said Ruth Sawyer of Washington State's Sierra Club. “But one thing we found here in Washington is a lot of homes that really need funding for weatherization don’t qualify. One of the reasons they don’t qualify is because the weatherization funding right now, it has to be [for] only weatherization, so you can’t mitigate asbestos or lead or fix a leaky roof. You have to use it for weatherization.”

Several groups in Michigan are working to make the weatherization and building electrification process more coherent and accessible to people all across the state. The Michigan Public Service Commission has a work group for energy efficiency, waste reduction and low-income housing which has sparked a strong discussion on the use of heat pumps. The Michigan Energy Efficiency Contractors Association, or MEECA, puts out training on consumer and contractor education, and the Michigan Geothermal Energy Association puts out similar training that is more relative to the geothermal side of the energy conversation. Michigan Saves, a non-profit Green Bank, has an electrification badge that contractors can receive when they go through training in electrification and heat pump installation.

Progress on building electrification and reducing greenhouse gas emissions is being made across the country – necessary progress given that, on a global level, scientists estimate that emissions need to be reduced at least 45 percent by 2030, and net neutral by 2050, otherwise the effects of climate change may become irreversible. Despite the country’s dependence on gas, various organizations and utility companies are joining the movement and taking steps to transition their power supply to renewable energy. Denise Keele, director of the Michigan Climate Action Network, notes that utility companies are establishing integrated resource plans, which are approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission, to meet the electricity needs of consumers into the future and decrease their carbon footprint.

For instance, DTE Energy formed the DTE Gas Net Zero plan that aims to reduce carbon emissions by six million metric tons per year by 2050, and DTE Electric is taking steps to increase the company’s investments in renewable energy and cut carbon emissions in half. Consumers Energy established the Clean Energy Plan, approved by the MPSC this year, which includes the company’s goal to end coal use by 2025, and aim for just over 60 percent of electricity capacity to come from renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

Although natural gas has worked in the past, new technology and affordable electric appliances are the future. Tim Minotas, legislative and political coordinator of the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter, makes it clear that this transition can happen here – not just on both coasts.

“Obviously we are in a climate crisis, and we need to both be looking at energy efficiency and electrification, and speaking from a Michigan perspective, things are rapidly changing here,” he said. “A lot of states are taking a look at this and by building out more renewable energy over fossil fuels, we are not only creating a cleaner grid but a more reliable one. Continuing to invest in wind, solar, battery storage and electrification will result in more flexibility, predictability, more health and climate benefits which also does contribute to a better energy grid.”

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FACES

Masamichi Udagawa

Growing up in Tokyo, Masamichi Udagawa never intended to pursue industrial design as a career or further his education in Michigan – but he ended up doing both.

“The entrance exam process in Japan is different and it’s difficult. I was originally interested in architectural school, but my score showed that industrial design was more attainable,” Udagawa explains.

While a student in Japan, Udagawa attended a lecture by industrial designer and educator Michael McCoy who, at the time, was an artist-inresidence and co-chair of the graduate design program at Cranbrook Academy of Art with his wife, Katherine McCoy. The couple pioneered semantic approaches to design which greatly intrigued Udagawa.

By the 1980s, product semantics had expanded the vision of industrial design to include ways in which form, fashion, decoration, color and other visual product features could communicate additional meaning to consumers and end-users. This new concept of “product as text” with levels of meaning, inspired a new generation of designers, including Udagawa.

“Industrial design had been about ‘form follows function,’ so I was shocked by their product semantics experiment. I was actually shocked. I had never heard anything like it before and couldn’t stop thinking about it –that’s what eventually led me to Cranbrook.”

After earning a B.E. degree in industrial design from Chiba University in Japan, Udagawa worked in Japan for Yamaha, but eventually applied to Cranbrook’s graduate arts program. He was accepted and graduated with a MFA degree in 1991.

Udagawa had some “funny discoveries” when he first arrived in Michigan. “I never realized how wide and open the sky was since I grew up in Tokyo and had no point of reference. I was impressed by Cranbrook’s campus – it’s so idyllic. But there are no sidewalks in Bloomfield Hills for walking – I was actually stopped by the police for walking in the street,” Udagawa recalls. “I enjoyed going to Birmingham and Royal Oak and to Hamtramck for music and blues bars. I have many good memories from my

years at Cranbrook…I come back every five years or so.”

Since leaving Michigan, Udagawa has lived in New York and California and worked for several companies, including Apple as a senior designer. While living in California, he met his future business and domestic partner, Sigi Moeslinger. In 1997, they co-founded their award-winning New Yorkbased company, Antenna Design, with the focus of making the experience of objects and environments more exciting and meaningful.

Over the past 25 years, their public space designs have affected the experiences of millions of people and have included subway cars for New York City and Washington, D.C., as well as ticket vending machines and information and check-in kiosks. Antenna also works with commercial clients, such as Knoll furniture, to identify and design people-focused products and services. Udagawa notes that both transportation and commercial office industries have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has changed the way people work and creates new challenges in the design world.

Udagawa and Moeslinger also share their talents as visiting faculty members and critics at Yale University School of Art and School of Visual Arts in New York.

“Cranbrook has had an important influence on my career. Mid-century Modernism came out of Cranbrook and Michigan. In the '40s and '50s, there was a tremendous amount of optimism in the United States. The influence of their approach to new materials, trend, imagining – it was economic and cultural.”

Udagawa adds, “Being optimistic, patient, and persistent are important when making things. In industrial design, many things are out of my hands. Fine artists have higher control in what they create. Whatever we make has a social purpose and many things must align to make a design happen. Optimism is a guiding light.”

Story: Tracy Donohue

Photo: Courtesy of Knoll Inc.

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Parking ordinance variance discussed

By Grace Lovins

Birmingham planners revisited a parking ordinance amendment request, filed by the property owner of 479 S. Old Woodward, at their meeting on Wednesday, September 28, that would allow D4 zoned properties outside of the former parking assessment district to apply for a parking variance from the city commission.

The amendment proposal came at the request of Doraid Markus, whose property at 479 S. Old Woodward is the only D4 zoned property not included in the former parking assessment district. Markus’ proposal would enable properties zoned as D4 in the downtown overlay zone to request a waiver of the zoning ordinance from the city commission.

Markus has had plans in motion for over two years for a new development on the property, but has consistently run into issues with the parking requirements.

Planners previously met on Wednesday, July 27, to review the initial ordinance amendment proposal and Wednesday, August 24, to conduct a study session on the amendment. At both meetings, planners were weary of approving a change that would allow Markus’ property to reap the same benefits as properties who paid into the parking assessment district while it was open. Concerned over the legality of the change, the board hoped to hear an opinion on the proposal from the city attorney, Mary Kucharek.

Despite changes to the amendment from the board’s previous suggestions, senior planner Brooks Cowan noted that the planning division still recommends denial of the amendment. The language as-is appears to bypass the board of zoning appeals, there has been a lack of approval standards for the city commission, and the Article 4 parking requirements would not be typically subject to a special land use permit, which Markus is proposing.

Markus’ counsel, Stephen Estey of Dykema Gossett, told the board that the ordinance amendment is the only avenue for Markus to go at this point, considering the board denied the final site plan and design review of the proposed development earlier in the meeting due to the lack of over 70 parking spaces.

“This is the only avenue at this point now to achieve this development. As was pointed out, an

appeal to the [board of zoning appeals] on the denial of a site plan isn’t the same thing as asking for a variance. If this development is going to be built, or any fashion of it, it will be done through this process,” Estey said.

Board member Bryan Williams stated that an exception to the ordinance may be the wrong way to go about solving the issue, and instead the parking needs of the city should be reviewed. “I am concerned about picking out one parcel for ‘special treatment.’ They’re the only D4 not in the parking assessment district – to me that makes no sense. So we’re going to create an exception which may in fact encourage other people to run for exceptions. I don’t think it’s the proper process to go through.”

Board member Stuart Jeffares disagreed, emphasizing the city is at fault for this particular issue. He noted that the last parking deck was built 42 years ago, and with all of the development that has been added in the city over the last 42 years, the city hasn’t added any parking, and it doesn’t make sense to have this property essentially jump through hoops to be able to build the development the city wants.

Jeffares moved to recommend the city commission adopt the new ordinance language with support from Daniel Share. The motion passed in a 4-2 vote, with Williams and chairperson Scott Clein voting against the recommendation.

Township, county set for animal services

Bloomfield Township will continue to offer animal shelter services, despite approving a contract on Wednesday, September 28, with Oakland County for animal welfare services.

“They provide supplemental services if we need it, which is a very rare occurrence,” said Bloomfield Township Chief of Police James Gallagher. “If a resident takes an animal there and we don’t get to it quickly, or the resident prefers the county service, we are billed for it. It’s very rare we get a bill from them. There has probably been a couple of years since we were charged for a resident using their service over ours.”

The Bloomfield Township Animal Shelter is staffed Monday through Thursday, from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Requests for service made when

Rules for estate sales altered

By Kevin Elliott

Bloomfield Hills City Commissioners on Tuesday, September 13, approved an ordinance amendments that would extend the length of estate sales to a maximum of three days and permit for advertising on social media.

City commissioner Lauren Fisher said the issue had been discussed at several commission meetings, prior to coming before the commission on September 13 for formal action. She said extending estate sales from two to three days would help the sales be more effective.

“I think the companies that are most respected, and most respectful toward police and neighbors, are also people that aren’t willing to do it in Bloomfield Hills for two days,” she said. “They can’t get what they think residents deserve in terms of revenue.”

Robin Cohen, with AOM Estate Sales in Bloomfield Hills, said many of the homes where estate sales are conducted include fully furnished homes and large collections that take more than two days to sell.

“I happen to be doing an estate sale in the city this week. It’s a 10,000 square-foot house, and the owners have homes in other states, so they are taking almost nothing,” Cohen said. “I have 98 percent of the house still furnished, and it’s going to be impossible to sell that in two days.”

Cohen said the two-day restriction doesn’t allow her to serve Bloomfield Hills clients as well as she could if the number of days were extended. She was one of several estate sale providers and residents who spoke during the meeting who were in favor of the ordinance changes.

Kris Bower, president of the Trowbridge Farms Homeowners Association, also said she was pleased with the proposed changes, and recommended allowing garages or storage areas to be used during estate sales when appropriate items are being offered for sale.

“In my neighborhood, the sales have garages open because there are lawn tools and things like that, and to relocate those things in the house isn’t reasonable,” Bower said.

Bloomfield Hills Mayor Susan McCarthy agreed, but said items shouldn’t be visible from the street, nor displayed on the drive or lawn.

“We don’t want things spewing out of the garage and ending up on the driveway and things like that,” she said. “If it’s a garage item, then it’s a garage item.”

City commissioner Alice Buckley said estate sales often upset neighborhoods due to the amount of traffic and parking they attract.

“There was an estate sale near me and it was very distressing,” she said. “I’m sure it was done in accordance with the law, but we have very narrow streets, and if you’re extending it to a third day, you’re cutting into a weekday where people are trying to go to work in the morning and come home at night.”

Buckley said when an estate sale was held on her block, she was unable to drive down her street and park at her home.

“I think we need to look at the purpose of this ordinance,” she said. “It’s really to protect the residents, and to protect everyone’s rights, not just the people who are conducting the sale.”

City commissioner Brad Baxter said while he recognizes large estate sales may be disruptive to neighbors, he said processes recently put in place by the police department to control parking and traffic disruptions will be helpful. Further, he said “good neighbors” typically coalesce during hardships.

“My neighbor recently had a death in the family, and as a good neighbor, I think I would be willing to put up with a little inconvenience so they could do what they need to do to liquidate the estate,” Baxter said. “Us worrying about inconvenience because someone parked on my grass or is blocking something – as a good neighbor, it’s not a problem for me.”

Commissioners voted 3-1 in favor of approving ordinance language to extend estate sales from two to three days; to allow advertising through social media; and permit the use of garages and outbuildings, granted the items aren’t visible from the street. McCarthy, Baxter and Fisher voted in favor, with Buckley opposing and commissioner Sarah McClure not in attendance.

services aren’t available can be supplemented by Oakland County’s Animal Welfare service. The county’s animal shelter provides boarding of stray animals, euthanasia and disposal for owner relinquished animals, as well as rabies specimen preparation and transport.

The cost of service for disposal and care of animals increased slightly at the county level from 2020, with the county paying nearly $500,000 in additional costs for janitorial services at the shelter due to Covid restrictions, said Robert Gatt, Oakland County Animal Shelter Division manager.

Bloomfield Township trustees unanimously approved the contract.

“It’s also good to have a backup if we are short staffed,” said supervisor Dani Walsh. “It’s nice to know that when it happens, someone is going to be there to help.”

Township approves winter tax levies

The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees on Wednesday, September 28, approved just over 12 mills in taxes to

be levied on the winter tax roll on December 1, 2022 – the maximum allowable under currently approved millages.

Bloomfield Township Director of Assessing Darrin Kraatz said the township files the tax request with Oakland County each year, but it was recently brought to his attention that the board of trustees had not voted on the actual form; albeit the tax rolls were still approved and on file through the budget process.

“I did some research and determined it should come to the board every year, and it will be presented annually for winter tax season millage levies,” Kraatz said.

The form includes 15 different millages, including two general fund millages; four public safety millages; a safety path millage; one road millage; a senior services millage; three library millages; a library debt millage; capital improvement millage and drain millage. The total of all millages for the winter tax roll is 12.0149 mills. That total reflects only taxes levied by the township, and doesn’t include school, county or other millages by taxing authorities.

Mills are used to calculate property taxes, with one mill equal to one dollar per every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value. Therefore a home with a taxable value of $200,000 would pay just over $2,400 in winter taxes levied by the township this winter.

“The reason why this is being presented is that it allows us to request up to ‘x’ number of mills, and this is what we are saying what we are going to do,” Bloomfield Township Treasurer Brian Kepes said. “This is if we want to go less than or up to the amount permitted. This is just the board authorizing them to do that. This is just saying that we have the authority to levy up to this amount, and this is how much we will levy.”

Markus to conduct recruitment search

By Grace Lovins

Birmingham City Manager Tom Markus will begin the search for a new city manager after receiving direction from the Birmingham City Commission to conduct a formal recruitment for the position during

their meeting on Monday, October 3.

As part of the preparation for beginning formal recruitment, a recruitment profile, including an introduction to the community and candidate criteria, was created for the anticipated external listing of the position on Tuesday, October 25. The application review process is slated to start at the beginning of December, with a public meet and greet with the finalists in January of 2023, and the appointment of the new city manager anticipated in February or March. Markus’ contract is set to expire at the end of June 2023

Markus told the commission that the profile will be sent to the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), Michigan Municipal League (MML), Michigan City Managers Association, and other online jobseeking platforms to advertise the position. He also explained the selection process, stating that he, along with city staff, will conduct reviews of the application and present five to seven finalists to the commission. The commission will

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select from the finalists following public engagement periods and interviews.

Commissioner Brad Host noted his apprehension regarding Markus leading the search for his replacement, stating that he believes a third-party hiring firm would be a better option for the city to move forward.

“The sole responsibility this commission has is to hire and fire a city manager. To defer and make Tom our agent only adds potentially lots of layers to not being transparent, and I think to ensure the transparency of this whole endeavor we need to have a disinterested third party executive search firm … with the notion that if it’s money out of our pocket to have such an independent group, Tom could be the administrator or the facilitator, he’s already shown that, but I would much prefer not to have an in-house agent,” Host said.

In response to Host’s comments, mayor Therese Longe noted that the commission already had the opportunity to decide if they wanted to go the route of working with a third-party firm before directing

Markus to head the search, and there are only eight months left before Markus’ term expires.

Commissioner Elaine McLain, while agreeing with Host’s push for transparency and legitimacy in the hiring process, noted that third-party firms may not be working with the city’s best interest. “The national firm is working on behalf of other candidates and not necessarily working from our side,” McLain pointed out.

The commission voted 5-1 to approve the resolution to direct Markus to conduct a formal recruitment, with commissioner Host voting against the resolution.

Commissioner Clinton Baller was absent from the meeting.

Refocus on movies for Maple Theater

By Kevin Elliott

As struggling movie theaters look for new ways to expand their offerings in the battle for postpandemic entertainment dollars, the long-running Maple Theater, 4135

W. Maple, in Bloomfield Township, is returning to what it does best.

“We had a difficult two years,” said Jon Goldstein, who purchased the Maple Theater in 2012. “Clientele at this theater is a bit older and bit slower to return to the theater. But we know the first floor plan was probably the most magical The Maple has ever been. It was a wonderful place. People would come before and after a movie, and they would stay and listen to music or go to the theater, and they would stay and have a cup of coffee or wine. People would work there during the day and have coffee. It really was a nice atmosphere, and we are trying to get back to that original plan that seemed to work very well for us.”

Billed as an upscale, neighborhood theater, the Maple Theater focuses on independent and vintage films, featuring a stylish bar and event space, often hosting preshow music and post-movie discussions. In early 2019, the interior of the building was renovated to expand kitchen and restaurant operations. However, Goldstein said the food service side

of the business has been difficult, and near impossible post-COVID.

“A lot of people asked for food, so we thought we would get into the restaurant business,” Goldstein said. “We tried that for a while and realized that we’re popcorn salesmen, not restauranteurs.”

In 2021, the theater partnered with Peas & Carrots Hospitality, which opened a Como’s Restaurant pop-up location, modeled after its popular Ferndale location. Despite the efforts, Goldstein said the location isn’t ideal for a restaurant. The theater will now reduce the size of its kitchen area and reduce the number of seats in the restaurant to free up space in the lobby. The changes – which were approved on Monday, October 11, by the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees – will be a return to operations as set out in 2012.

While kitchen space is being reduced, the theater will continue to offer food at the concession stand, bar area and VIP Club seats in the theater. The menu includes appetizers, sandwiches, burgers and pizza. Goldstein said he hopes to

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begin work as soon as possible.

“The most important season starts in a few weeks, and we would like to announce The Maple is back to what it was, and get our clientele back for the holiday-Oscar movie season,” Goldstein said. “It’s been a labor of love for my wife and I. We are in the theater business and have multiple locations, and this one is our favorite because it’s our neighborhood theater. It’s what reflects the most on us. We could have closed this theater many times over the last two years, but I’m a glutton for punishment, and keep wanting to get it right.”

In addition to cinematic offerings, The Maple Theater is available for use as an event and banquet space for private parties and gatherings. The theater’s Maple Club offers luxury seating, free popcorn, special discounts and offers. The theater’s Secret Cinema program plays surprise “old Hollywood” (before 1967) every first Thursday of the month, and “new Hollywood” films every third Thursday of the month. Secret Cinema titles are announced at showtime.

As the movie theater industry

was particularly hard hit by the pandemic, some are changing hands or falling to the wayside. The historic Birmingham 8 movie theater was sold last year to Emagine Entertainment and renamed the Birmingham 8, Powered by Emagine. Royal Oak’s Main Art Theater was closed in June and demolished in July of 2022.

“I am glad you stayed,” Bloomfield Township Supervisor Dani Walsh said. “That’s the theater I grew up with, and I live about a half mile away.”

Trustee Neal Barnett agreed.

“I’m glad you didn’t close the theater. It’s really a gem for the entire community,” Barnett said. “It’s the fabric of the community. There aren’t too many businesses like yours. Going back to the opening, what you and your wife have done over the years is certainly appreciated by the community.”

Trustees voted 6-0 to approve an amendment to the theater’s liquor license, which operates under Cloud Nine Theater Partners, with trustee Valerie Murray absent.

“It really is a landmark, not just

for Bloomfield, but I think for greater southeastern Michigan,” Bloomfield Township Treasurer Brian Kepes said. “I commend you and your team for everything you’ve done in the past, and for really being diligent to do whatever you can to keep it open … I commend you for trying different things, and when they didn’t work, I commend you for recognizing that – but you do make good popcorn.”

Master plan public distribution begins

By Grace Lovins

The Birmingham City Commission on Monday, October 3, authorized a 63-day public distribution period for the city’s final draft of the 2040 master plan, formally called the Birmingham Plan 2040.

A work in progress for over two years, the 2040 master plan includes recommendations for future land use, supporting mixed-use districts, advancing sustainability practices, embracing managed growth and retaining neighborhood quality. The

city is required by the Michigan Planning Enabling Act to provide at minimum a 63-day distribution period where the public can have the opportunity to review the final draft and submit comments. The draft will be sent to surrounding municipalities, Oakland County, the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), CN North America, Public Utilities and SMART for review as well.

Birmingham Planning Director Nick Dupuis presented an action plan table to the commission that includes target dates for the anticipated review and public hearing on the final draft and the eventual adoption of the final master plan. After the required 63-day public notice period concludes, the city’s planning board will review the draft and discuss comments received during the distribution period. A public hearing is slated for January 11, 2023, with the planning board, and a presentation of the final plan and a public hearing with the city commission is anticipated to happen in February, on a date still to be determined.

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Commissioner Andrew Haig questioned if the commission was confident that the methods the city is planning to use to distribute the draft of the master plan are getting to the maximum number of people possible. City manager Tom Markus stated that while the city is making a strong effort, there’s always the possibility of someone not noticing.

“The one thing that I am confident of is that you will have people that will say that they did not get communications,” Markus said. “I do think that we are making a strong effort to make those communications, but I assure you that you will still have people that will indicate that they weren’t aware of it.”

Dupuis added that the draft will be kept in the city manager reports and newsletters and will be shared on social media for distribution. Commissioners voted 6-0, with commissioner Clinton Baller absent, to authorize the 63-day distribution period for the final draft of the master plan.

Assessment program with Sylvan okayed

Bloomfield Township will again provide assessing services to the city of Sylvan Lake for the next three years, under a contract approved Wednesday, September 28, by the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees.

The township board unanimously approved the 3.5-year contract to provide assessing services for Sylvan Lake at the amount of $27,500 annually. The contract includes annual increases for service matching inflation or cost of living increases, which more than cover the expense to the township, said Darrin Kraatz, Bloomfield Township Director of Assessing.

“We have had a contract with Sylvan Lake for several years,” Kraatz said. “We do their assessing services, and always have given of an overview of how things are going.”

Kraatz said the township has assigned one person to handle all of Sylvan Lake’s assessing work, which doesn’t equate to a full-time position. He said the assessor assigned to Sylvan Lake also performs other activities on behalf of the township.

The contract was approved by Sylvan Lake’s governing board on September 14.

New townhomes on Elm move forward

By Grace Lovins

The final site plan and design review of six new attached residential units, to be constructed at 295 Elm Street, was recommended for approval to the city commission by the Birmingham Planning Board at their meeting on Wednesday, September 28.

Forest Townhomes, the new development, is a proposed multistory residential use development on the corner of Elm Street and Forest Avenue consisting of six attached, single-family units at three stories height. The proposed units will also feature attached two-car garages with tandem parking.

When the board met on Wednesday, August 24, to discuss the preliminary site plan and design review for the site, planners took issue with the lack of details provided in the roof plan and massing of the neighboring structures. Ultimately, the board approved the preliminary plan on the condition the details were provided at the final site plan and design review.

On September 28, John Marusich of Marusich Architecture met the conditions placed by the planning board to include the necessary renderings, and also explained some minor changes to the site plan after the preliminary site plan review and a meeting with the neighbors. Marusich noted that the drive aisle was widened to 20 feet, and the addition of Hetz-Midget arborvitae along the south side of the property as an alternative to a brick screenwall.

Multiple neighbors on Forest Avenue attended the meeting to express their concern over the potential for parking related issues if the development is approved as is. Some offered suggestions and asked the board to encourage the developers to go above the minimum requirements of the ordinance. While most comments focused on the potential parking issue for other residents on Forest Avenue, the board was inclined to make a decision based on the applicant's ability to meet ordinance requirements.

“I completely understand where [the neighbors] are coming from. Having said that, we are living in a world where we have an ordinance and our requirement, legally, is to

approve projects that meet ordinance minimum [requirements] or not,” chairperson Scott Clein said. “We cannot enforce or hold up site plans to try and get them to go above and beyond, or else the city’s going to be sued.”

Board member Janelle Boyce, having recently worked on another project with an extremely similar layout to the proposed townhomes, tried to offer peace of mind to the neighbors, saying that in her experience residents wouldn’t use the street parking over their driveways out of convenience so parking may not be as bad as they believe it’s going to be.

Board member Bryan Williams backed Boyce’s comments, having lived in a unit with tandem parking before, noting that he and his neighbors would primarily use the garage and driveway. In a unanimous vote, planners recommended approval of the final site plan and design review to the city commission on the condition that a photometric plan be submitted to ensure light density doesn’t exceed the permitted levels.

Bloomfield Township receives clean audit

By Kevin Elliott

Auditors looking into Bloomfield Township’s accounting practices and financial transactions found no problems with operations in issuing the results to the board of trustees Monday, September 28, of the township’s annual audit.

“We issued an unmodified opinion, which is the highest level of opinion we can issue,” said Michael Santicchia, partner at UHY LLP Certified Public Accountants, which presented the audit findings.

The audit looks into financial statements of the fiscal year ending March 31, 2022, which is required to be done by an independent professional auditor. Santicchia said the audit represents the overall governmental activities and businesstype activities of the township, including each of the township's major funds, including the township's general fund, road fund, public safety fund, special assessment fund, pension obligation bond debt fund

and water and sewer fund. Additional funds, such as the senior services fund, drug law enforcement fund, federal forfeitures fund and other funds also are addressed in the report.

Auditors said they found no adjustments during the audit, meaning that all purchases were made within or under the original budgeted amounts. Further, there were no disagreements or issues with the township’s management over the course of the audit. Nor where any instances of fraud reported or discovered.

“Management was prepared and cooperative during the audit and allocated sufficient time to the audit process,” said Marlene Beach, principal at UHY.

Beach said the township has an overall net deficit of about $104 million, due mostly to pension liabilities and other post-employment benefits (OPEB). In 2022, the unrestricted net deficit in the governmental activities included net OPEB liability of $81,111,803 and net pension liability of $24,457,849. In 2021, the net OPEB liability was

$79,201.695 and the net pension liability was $15,734,208. Overall, OPEB is about 22 percent funded, which auditors said is considerably higher compared to many other municipalities.

Township supervisor Dani Walsh thanked the auditors for the report, noting that residents should be aware that the township would be required to have a single audit done in the future related to currently unspent American Rescue Plan Act funds the township recently received.

Board members unanimously approved accepting the audit.

City workshop reviews sustainability issues

By Grace Lovins

The city of Birmingham is looking to establish a sustainability board to address the greater issue of sustainability within the city following a workshop meeting held by the city commission on Monday, October 3, which coincides with the city’s plans to advance sustainability in the 2040 master

plan and the growing national conversation around increasing sustainability.

City planner Leah Blizinski began the workshop with a presentation of Michigan’s climate goals, as well as local efforts by neighboring cities with types of environmental advisory boards to increase sustainability practices. Royal Oak, Huntington Woods, Southfield and Oak Park currently have boards intended to address environmental issues and sustainability, along with Ferndale, which has been globally recognized at the United Nations Climate Change Conference.

According to city manager Tom Markus, the board would have both a proactive and reactive charge when it comes to driving the establishment of a sustainability plan and review what the commission sends to them. The board will receive direction from the commission and will also have a written list of activities the body should work to accomplish.

Markus also noted that he feels the board would be better off with a general application, with the

commission deciding in the interview process if candidates have a background or education that makes sense for the commission to consider.

Commissioner Katie Schafer, who brought up the idea of a sustainability board a few months ago, said she hopes the board will serve to bring engaged people together to develop ideas and push initiatives. She also stated that a potential task of the board could be to create opportunities for young people to be involved. Mayor

Therese Longe agreed, recommending working with students to get school credit for community clean up or providing opportunities for Eagle Scout projects.

In addition to discussing the formation of a sustainability board, the commission contemplated ways to address gas-powered leaf blowers in the city, hinting at a potential phase-out at some point in the future. Dupuis noted that the issue was raised originally by commissioner Clinton Baller around three to four months ago.

After looking further into gaspowered leaf blowers, Dupuis presented the commission with concerns they raise with noise pollution as well as the environment. Several communities around the country have been restricting or banning gas-powered leaf blowers – the most notable ban being enacted in the state of California last year, which applied to gas-powered leaf blowers and lawnmowers. Some of the main problems with gas-powered leaf blowers, according to Dupuis, come from the emissions, noise and environmental impact of the equipment.

“The main problem is it’s an oil and gas mixture, and not all of that oil and gas mixture gets burned as the leaf blower operates so out of the exhaust you get oil and gas mixture not only into the air but into the ground. Over time that tends to build up … and then eventually it gets into the water table and starts to affect water quality,” Dupuis said.

Gas-powered leaf blowers also create an issue of noise. Dupuis said the decibel levels have been

described as high as an airplane taking off, and the low frequency sound waves essentially meaning the noise can get through building materials and into homes slightly easier than high frequency sound waves.

Mary Kucharek, city attorney, noted that other communities in the state are prohibiting leaf-blowers in certain areas, on certain days of the week, and hours of the day to reduce the noise level. Ann Arbor currently prohibits leaf-blowers in certain areas in the downtown district instead of throughout the entire city. Longe recommended planners look at the language from the Ann Arbor prohibitions for guidance on what the city could potentially do about the noise issue.

Dupuis told the commission he would begin to work on an education campaign, as suggested by Longe, to bring in more resources for city staff to discuss. He will also return to the commission with a recommended resolution to establish a sustainability board within the city.

Physicians and Surgeons of the Foot

Denise Lutz

The saying “Jack of all trades, master of none,” applies to many individuals but not to former Detroiter Denise Lutz. Lutz excels at everything. Friends describe her as a Renaissance woman for she is a photographer, equestrian, philanthropist, pilot, animal advocate and car aficionado. And wait. . .there’s more. She just added published author to this lofty list. Lutz recently returned to her hometown to celebrate her first novel, Thumbs. She debuted the novel along with a landscape photography exhibit at the Robert Kidd Gallery in downtown Birmingham. Lutz’s “Heaven on Earth” exhibit featured 20 signed limited-edition photographs shot in Michigan, Kentucky and Switzerland. Always charity minded, she donated the proceeds of the art sale to local photojournalist Linda Solomon’s nonprofit, Pictures of Hope, helping children express their thoughts with a camera.

According to Lutz, Birmingham was the perfect venue for this celebration. “Detroit is my roots, and I used to work around the corner from the gallery,” she said.

Although she currently lives in Kentucky on historic Glen Lake Farm, Motown is part of her soul. Lutz grew up on the tree-lined streets of Lathrup Village with extended family nearby. Her idyllic childhood included summers Up North in a log cabin on a lake enjoying all sorts of outdoor activities, including horseback riding. Her interest in aviation began at an early age as her dad would fly the family to the cabin. After graduating from the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York, she entered the advertising world, working local stalwarts W.B. Doner and J.Walter Thompson, becoming the first female art director in Detroit. Then, when she married auto executive Bob Lutz, of GM and Ford fame, she became the quintessential corporate wife wearing ballgowns, meeting dignitaries and fundraising for nonprofits.

After her divorce from Lutz, she wanted a different locale and decided to move to Kentucky to be closer to family, create her horse farm and begin a new life chapter.

“I decided I have a lot to say and share, and I knew how to write a bit, having been in advertising,” she said.

She began writing nonfiction with a partner and decided to break out on her own with a novel. A book agent questioned her fiction writing skills. Never shying away from a challenge, Lutz attended writing seminars in New York and programs at the Carnegie Center for Literacy in Lexington.

“I knew I loved outrageous, quirky characters,” she said. Thumbs, a comic thriller, tells the story of sweet Catharine, married to the inventor of sexting, who blackmails personnel. All goes awry with laugh-aloud antics when Catherine becomes an assassin’s bait.

“Denise Lutz has the lightning-fast mind, razor-sharp wit and fabulously dark sense of humor that would make masters of the craft from Hitchcock to Hiaasen giggle admirably,” said Erin Chandler, of Rabbit House Press, the book’s publisher.

This is certainly a debut novel as Lutz has many plot lines from her professional and personal life and looks forward to more publications. She describes herself as independent, appreciative and someone who listens to her own voice.

“I am curious and grateful for the blessings and strengths that I have, and for the beauty in life, the good friends, family and faith that sustain us through those events we cannot control.”

Story: Carla Schwartz

Photo: Laurie Tennent

Lee’s Specialty closes

After 46 years of providing specialty invitations for weddings, b’nai mitzvahs and other lifecycle events, along with personalized and corporate stationary and giftware, Solange Messelian, owner of Lee’s Specialty, 4076 W. Maple Road in Bloomfield Township, is calling it a career. Messelian announced on Facebook in early October, “Please join us in celebrating 46 incredible years of Lee’s Specialty as we bid farewell, close our doors and begin a new chapter. We thank you for all the wonderful friendships made and memories formed along the way.” The doors are closing for the last beautifully-scented and calligraphed time on Friday, October 28. Until then, Lee’s Specialty is offering 50 percent off all in-store merchandise.

Over 60 years

Famiglia Wealth Management, 40900 Woodward Ave., Suite 302 in Bloomfield Hills, is especially proud of its upcoming November 12th anniversary – “Our senior partner, Bob Alati,has been serving families for over 61 years, and I have been serving families for 22 years,” notes Jason Geisz, CEO, of the esteemed wealth management firm. Famiglia Wealth Management, which has a combined 150 years of experience on their team of professionals, is focused on helping successful individuals and families simplify and improve the financial decisions that affect their future, legacy, and well-being. “Famiglia Wealth works with many clients who are successful, strategic, big picture thinkers who put their trust in our people, process, and expertise. We have a wealth of resources and a large network to help our clients achieve their goals,” Geisz says.

Chocolates on the move

Long located in Birmingham, first in the downtown and more recently at W. Maple next to Mills Pharmacy + Apothecary, head

chocolatier Doug Cale has moved BirminghamChocolate to 1260 Woodward Heights Boulevard in Ferndale. Now branded as “an eCommerce chocolate shop that hand-crafts fine chocolates in small batches,” Birmingham Chocolates is known for artisan chocolates that are hand made fresh on site without using preservatives, and include vegan and sugar-free selections. They also are certified kosher dairy and most have no gluten and use all natural ingredients.

Options for seniors

Two new living and care services options for seniors have opened recently in our communities. The Avalon of Bloomfield Township, 100 W. Square Lake Road, under Grace Management, offers assisted living and memory care services at a place where their residents can enjoy restaurantquality dining and weekly social gatherings, and feel empowered to explore personal interests. For more than three decades, Grace Management has developed, managed and marketed residential communities for seniors. Grace embraces a philosophy of “living gracefully.” Their goal is to ensure residents live and age gracefully, experiencing an environment that supports and inspires residents as they continue creating life’s moments with them. American House, offering resort-style independent living for a maintenance-free lifestyle, is opening at 1957 S. Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township, in the Village at Bloomfield. This American House has 150-unit private apartments with services which include culinary-inspired, chef-prepared meals, weekly housekeeping and transportation in a community nestled in a wooded area behind local shopping overlooking a scenic wetland adjacent to the Links at Crystal Lake, a private golf community. The property is conveniently accessible to Telegraph Road and I-75, just south of Square Lake.

Healthy food option

The calendar might read fall, but wouldn’t you like it to feel like summer again? Playa Bowls, 4087 W. Maple Road at Telegraph, by Leo’s Coney Island, can make you feel like going to the beach all year round. Playa Bowls came about when founders Robert Giuliani and Abby Taylor – both natives of New Jersey who are long time surfers, were “inspired by chasing summer on surf trips to Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, California and Hawaii. Almost every exotic town they visited offered their own unique version of an acai or pitaya bowl. They decided to recreate their favorite recipes with their own twist at home at the Jersey Shore.” As word spread, Rob and Abby realized it was time to take their vision, and playa bowls, nationwide, and they now have over 150 stores. The new Bloomfield Township locale is owned in partnership with Matthew and Cheryl Caplan. So what is a playa bowl? Choose from an extensive menu of bases with superfoods including pure acai berry, pitaya fruit, chia seeds, coconuts, bananas, kale, and then layer it with loads of toppings like fresh fruit, seeds, nuts, granola, dried berries and nut butters.

Playa Bowls also offers a selection of oatmeal bowls, fresh juices and smoothies, and can be made vegan, gluten free and adapted to a wide range of diets.

Birmingham changes

Supernatural, a designer luxury lingerie store inspired by the transformational power of lingerie, has moved around the corner in downtown Birmingham, from E. Maple Road to 215 N. Old Woodward. Supernatural works exclusively with independent designers who “share our values and create beautiful, high quality items for everyday luxury,” said Carlie Quezada, Supernatural owner. “Our customer feels sexy and confident, knowing they are rooted in deep values… After 35 years, Red The Salon, 470 N. Old Woodward, has closed this

location. Owner Scott Fortner announced on Facebook that while he was closing his longtime second floor salon, he will be opening four new locations: one in Birmingham, down the block; one in Grosse Pointe; another in Oxford; and a fourth at the Somerset Collection. “Many thanks to all of you for your patronage over the years,” Fortner said. He did not provide opening dates for the new salons.

Legal, foreclosure aid

A new Legal Aid Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention program to help renters and property owners is being offered by Oakland Mediation Center (OMC) of Bloomfield Hills, a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization working to help those who may have fallen behind on their payments due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The services are free for people who qualify. “The pandemic has created so many challenges for people who live in Michigan,” said Charity Burke, executive director of OMC. “Our goal is to keep people in their homes and provide support and resources to residents who would normally not receive them –people whose lives have been affected because of COVID-19’s impact.” Burke said OMC has partnered with 51st Waterford District Court, 52-4th Troy District Court, 52-3rd Rochester Hills District Court, 48th Bloomfield Hills District Court, and Oakland County to execute the Legal Aid Eviction and Foreclosure Prevention program. The program is part of a larger program at OMC offering low-cost legal services. For those who do not qualify for free services, rates range from $60 to $145 per hour depending on income, household size, and the complexity of the case.

Business Matters for the BirminghamBloomfield area are reported by Lisa Brody. Send items for consideration to LisaBrody@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

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FACES

Bob Redner

A s a business owner, Bob Redner may be mostly retired, but his passion as a pilot lives on. Redner was introduced to the art of flying when he was a young child. “My dad was a pilot. As a baby, I would go for rides with him. He had a Republic Seabee that could land on land and water.”

That sparked his interest early on in life. “I got my license in my teens,” said Redner, who lives in the Bloomfield area and divides the time he spends on his aircraft, a Grumman Goose seaplane built in 1944 that can land on land or water. “I split it 50/50. With half, I fly all around the midwest and the country. The other part is maintenance and restoration,” he explained. “I like older airplanes.”

He just finished a seven-year restoration on his plane, doing most of the work himself at Oakland County International Airport in Waterford. “I learned most of that from my dad,” he said. “He was super handson.”

Redner is married with two grown children, a son and a daughter. Neither are pilots, but they are both skilled at repairing and building things, like their father.

This year, Redner received one of the highest honors in the recreational aviation community when his aircraft was awarded a prestigious Lindy award at the Experimental Aircraft Association’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2022 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin.

These awards for high achievements in aircraft construction and/or restoration are considered the highest award available in the world in these areas. Recognition is given for Grand Champion (Gold), Reserve Grand Champion (Silver) and Champion (Bronze) aircraft in 11 separate categories, ranging from homebuilt aircraft and vintage airplanes to warbirds and ultralights. Redner received a Gold Lindy in the Seaplane category for his McKinnon G21G Goose.

He had won Bronze before, but this was his first Gold. “It was a bit of a surprise and quite an honor to get that award,” he said.

The history behind the McKinnon Turbine Goose is that back in the late ‘60s, early ‘70s, McKinnon Enterprises modified about 12 of the 345 Grumman Goose G-21A planes that were built in the 1940s. Originally, they were said to be built for wealthy hunters and fisherman who wanted their own planes to go fishing and hunting.

During WWII, some were put into military service. Later, many went to Alaska and other areas without airports to transport people and goods until they started to fade away around 1970. Out of the 12 McKinnon Turbine Goose planes that were modified, four remain, and Redner has one of the four. All four owners got together for the first time in August, when they flew their planes to Montana.

Redner’s plane originally came with nine seats. “It’s on the bigger side,” he said. It currently has six – and all were filled with people who brought just as many bikes for a recent trip to Mackinac Island.

His unique hobby has also taken him to places like Texas and Florida. His plane can go from Michigan to Florida on one tank of fuel because it has a long-range fuel tank. “I like to share this cool airplane with other people who would not normally see it,” he said. “I take it to different flying events and sometimes take people for a ride.”

In season, Redner flies at least once a week. From December to March, he performs annual maintenance. His recognition for its restoration meant a great deal to his family.

“My wife helped me a lot, and the kids, too,” he said. “They enjoy the mechanical side of things and my wife is game to go wherever we want to go. It’s a great time of year in Michigan to be flying around when the colors are starting to pop.”

Story: Jeanine Matlow

Photo: Laurie Tennent

DOLLARS– LET US HELP YOU SLEEP BETTER AT NIGHT.

THE SEASON OF GRATITUDE Happy Thanksgiving

Over the years, I have written about gratitude as a virtue every man should cultivate. Yet gratitude means nothing if you haven’t mastered the art of expressing it. “A man should use every opportunity to express to those around him how much he appreciates their love, support, and generosity.”

As our “community” heads into the sacred season of counting our blessings and giving back to others, so too are all of us at The Community House; our leadership, staff and TCH beneficiaries – counting our blessings. For it is without all of our cherished supporters – our donors, corporate sponsors, class takers, child-care families, event guests, community partners, dancers, seniors and our dedicated corps of volunteers – that our work would not be possible. Saying “thank you” never seems to be enough, but it is a place to start.

As a 99-year-old non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization, The Community House relies solely on the kindness and generosity of others – to deliver on our mission –and to provide the community critical programs and services, programs and experiences which benefit and enrich the lives of others in our great community – some without the ability to pay.

It is during this time of thanksgiving and continued uncertainty that The Community House pauses to humbly acknowledge and remember the many kindnesses and extraordinary generosity from those that have been entrusted with much...and to offer all of you, from all of us - a big “Thank You.” Be safe, stay well. Happy Holidays.

END OF THE YEAR GIVING – THE COMMUNITY HOUSE ANNUAL FUND

The end of the year is almost here and the last chance to support our critical 2023 Annual Fund Drive is upon us. Given COVID, it is hard to overestimate how important this year’s end of the year Annual Fund appeal is to the historic Community House. For the last 2 1/2 years (and counting) we have found ourselves, like so many, continuing to navigate through a perfect storm –COVID, supply chain issues, inflation, wage pressures, the economy.

By making an end of the year tax-deductible gift to The Community House, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit charitable organization now, your gift will ensure that we continue to navigate through these challenges so that we remain the important educational, philanthropic and community resource that thousands of individuals have relied upon for nearly a century. To make an end of the year gift now, you can send your donation in by mail at: TCH, 380 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, Michigan 48009, give online at communityhouse.com/donate or by calling The Community House Foundation at 248.594.6417.

SAVE THE DATE

STORYTIME WITH SANTA IS BACK

Saturday, December 10, delight in the magic of the season at Storytime with Santa 2022. Enjoy holiday cheer while listening to a story read by Santa, crafting a holiday memory, and exploring the extravagant hot chocolate stations.Sit with Santa to share your wish list and snap a picture to help make these memories last a lifetime. Already have your list written? Santa will have his mailbox ready to bring your letter back to the North Pole. Three sessions: session one: 8:30 – 9:30 a.m.; session two: 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.; and session three: 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.. For reservations or for more information about Storytime with Santa - please go to communityhouse.org or call 248.644.5832.

HOLIDAY CONCERT SERIES 2022 IS BACK

Holiday Concert Series, December 8, 14 and 21st 2022. Bask in the beautiful sound of the symphony this season. Experience a rare opportunity to sit up close and personal with internationally renowned musicians performing seasonal selections for you and your friends in the historic Community House Wallace Ballroom. Enjoy outstanding desserts and cash bar throughout the evening.

After the performance, musicians will join the audience for the remainder of the evening. Please bring a toy to donate to the Toys for Tots toy drive as you enter this extraordinary experience. Reservations required – seating is limited, and tickets are first come, first serve.

Series of three sessions:

• Session one: December 8 from 6 – 9 p.m. featuring The Christa Grix Jazz Harp Trio.

• Session two: December 14 from 6 – 9 p.m. featuring The Baldwin Ensemble.

• Session three: December 21 from 6 – 9 p.m. featuring The Joshua Chorale.

$40 per concert session; $100 for entire series – includes admission to musical performance, coffee and tea stations, homemade holiday cookies, desserts, and access to cash bar. For reservations or for more information about the Holiday Concert Series 2022 - please go tocommunityhouse.org or call 248.644.5832.

THE 2023 BATES STREET SOCIETY DINNER

The Bates Street Society was created to help recognize donors who make significant charitable contributions to support the work and mission of The Community House. New members are acknowledged annually at The Bates Street Society Dinner, an extraordinary evening hosted by The Community House Association and Foundation Board of Directors. In 2023, the Bates Street Society and the Bates Street Society Dinner will be moved to Saturday, February 11, 2023. To help lead this extraordinary gathering, Ms. Lila Lazarus will assume the role of Master of Ceremonies. The Bates Street Society Dinner will also recognize TCH/TCHF’s annual Pillars of Vibrancy in Business, Education, Culture, Wellness and Philanthropy.

2023 Pillars of Vibrancy Honorees include:

•Jim Berline — Business & Philanthropy

•Dr. Linda Gillum — Health & Wellness and Education

•Nancy Susick, RN — Health & Wellness and Business

•Priscilla & Huel Perkins — Culture & Philanthropy

•Matthew Rizik — Business & Philanthropy

•Greg Schwartz — Business

•Nada & Sam Simon — Business & Philanthropy

•Gary Van Elslander — Business & Philanthropy

Save-the-Date: Saturday, February 11, 2023. Seating is limited. Tickets (reservations) on sale now.

Our gratitude and special thanks to founding sponsor, PNC Wealth Management, Beaumont Health, Cranbrook, Oakland University, Metalbuilt and The Agency Hall & Hunter Realtors for their lead sponsorships of the 2023 Bates Street Society Dinner as well. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, contact Christopher Smude, Senior Vice President, CMO, The Community House Foundation at csmude@communityhousefoundation.org.

CALLING ALL VOLUNTEERS

Volunteers have been involved in the every-day life of The Community House for over 99 years. They give the “House” a face, a voice, helping hands, and a heart.

Much work continues behind the scenes. The Community House invites you to consider joining our esteemed volunteer team - and by doing so, you can be assured that your precious donation of time and talent will be greatly appreciated and will positively impact the lives of those we serve.

For more information about volunteering at The Community House, please visit our website at communityhouse.com to download a Volunteer Application or call Kathie Ninneman at 248.594.6403.

For reservations, sponsorships or more information about booking gathering and meeting space for the holidays 2022 and beyond,please go to communityhouse.org or call 248.644.5832.

Bill Seklar

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House and The Community House Foundation in Birmingham.

The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown.

Birmingham/Bloomfield

220: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.2220. 220restaurant.com

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

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

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

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

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

Beverly Hills Grill: American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355. beverlyhillsgrill.com

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

Bill’s: American. Breakfast, weekends, Lunch, Thursday & Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000. billsbloomfieldhills.com

Birmingham Pub: American. Lunch, TuesdayFriday, Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham. thebirminghampub.com

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

Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Liquor. Reservations. 34244 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984. bistrojoeskitchen.com

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

Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690. thebrooklynpizza.com Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000. cafeml.com

Casa Pernoi: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 310 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.940.0000. casapernoi.com Churchill’s Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555. churchillscigarbar.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. flemingssteakhouse.com Forest: European. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400. forestbirmingham.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

kerbyskoneyisland.com

La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily.

METRO INTELLIGENCER

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

Birmingham welcomes ZANA

The Tallulah Group, which owns Birmingham’s Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro and BESA in Detroit, has added a third restaurant to their portfolio. ZANA will make its debut at the end of October in the space formerly occupied by Bird & the Bread and Vinotecca in downtown Birmingham. Partners Mario Camaj and Johnny Prenci plan to establish their restaurant and bar as ‘the’ neighborhood gathering spot by offering something for everyone. “Our priority at Zana is to become a staple in the community. We want people to come and visit us two to three times a week,” said Prenci. They describe their menu as “modern American with a European flair.” Specifically, the dishes will be influenced by Italy and the Adriatic coast. The menu, which will be overseen by Chef JasonBamford, will feature an array of seafood, pasta, steaks and caviar service, but diners can also expect to see burgers on the menu as well. On the interior space, designer Sabrina Buchanan of BASE Designs has mixed a palette of light and neutral textures and materials including mosaic tiles, gold trim and contemporary lighting accented with florals, plants and mossy green velvet cushions. The partners point out that as guests walk into the main dining room, they will notice three distinct gathering areas: situated at the front of the restaurant is a four-seasons enclosed patio with floor-toceiling windows offering street views; an elegantly appointed bar is stationed along the left interior wall; and at center stage is the main dining and lounge area, anchored from above by a massive hand-blown glass chandelier from the Czech Republic. There’s seating for 15 guests at the bar and the main dining room seats about 125. In addition, a large event space has also been remodeled into a light and bright area that features marble tones highlighted by gold sunburst pendant lights. The event space is perfect for weddings, showers, reunions and business gatherings for up to 150 guests. 210 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham zanabham.com

New spot for Indian cuisine

Royal Oak has a new Indian restaurant located on Main Street in the former location of Bean & Leaf Coffee. Samuel Islam, owner of Royal Oak Masala, has served authentic Indian cuisine for over 26 years and is also the former owner of Main Street Kitchen in Clawson. On Royal Oak Masala’s extensive menu, diners will find classic Indian favorites featuring chicken, fish and lamb as well as different varieties of biryani, tandoori, Indo-Chinese and vegetarian dishes. Popular entrees include lamb biryani with tender pieces of lamb cooked with basmati rice, yogurt, spices, herbs and flavored with saffron, which is gluten free; tandoori mix grill which is tandoori chicken, chicken shish kabab, lamb shish kabab, chicken tikka, shrimp-gluten free; and the chef mix platter with samosa, mix vegetable pakora, onion pakora, chicken tikka and chicken shish kabab, served with green sauce. Islam claims that Royal Oak Masala is very focused on accommodating food allergies. “I am certified and have been specially trained in food allergies. All items on the menu can be customized to gluten-free, vegan or vegetarian,” he said. The restaurant’s name “Masala” comes from the dried spice of curry and, appropriately, the walls of this simple and clean space are painted in a curry tone with ample seating for 60 guests. 106 S. Main Street, Royal Oak royaloakmasala.com

Fine dining opens in Greektown

The Papas family, who is known for making its mark on Greektown, owning and operating the Atheneum Suite Hotel and Conference Center, A Bar, PegasusTaverna, Mosaic and Santorini Estiatorio, has added a new destination to their roster: Symposia, a Mediterranean-inspired fine dining restaurant located within the Atheneum Suite Hotel. Featuring a menu created by Executive Chef Elliot Patti, Symposia highlights the Mediterranean region inspired by Greece, Italy, Spain and more. Signature dishes will include roasted beet with whipped feta, pickled strawberry, and green harissa; Spanish octopus with Romesco, Yukon potato, and chorizo iberico; prawn bucatini with Greek olive oil, garlic, blistered tomato, confit lemon, Kalamata olives, fried parsley; Australian lamb chop; Amish half bird, with harissa, crème fraiche and an olive oil cake with pistachio, orange and honey-whipped Greek yogurt.

Reservations. 43259 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.5800. lamarsacuisine.com

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

Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707. Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568. leosconeyisland.com

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

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

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

Mare Mediterranean: Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham 48009. 248.940.5525. maremediterranean.com

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

MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.723.0800. mex-restaurants.com

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

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

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

Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122. phoeniciabirmingham.com

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

Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.874.1876. qdoba.com

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

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

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

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

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

slicepizzakitchen.com

Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Brunch, Saturday & Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. socialkitchenandbar.com

Stateside Deli & Restaurant Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.550.0455. statesidedeli.com

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

Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Dinner, daily. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123.

streetsideseafood.com

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

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

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

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

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

The Franklin Grill: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 32760 Franklin Road, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600. thefranklingrill.com

The French Lady: French. Lunch, TuesdaySunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. 768 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480. 0571. zefrenchlady.com

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

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

The Morrie: American. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Thursday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.940.3260. themorrie.com

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

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

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

Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7881. thetouchofindia.com

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

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

Zao Jun: Asian. Dinner and Lunch, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph

Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.949.9999. zaojunnewasian.com

Royal Oak/Ferndale

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

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

Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Dinner, WednesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Road., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499. assaggibistro.com

Bigalora: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.2442 bigalora.com

The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, ThursdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.547.6699. bluenileferndale.com

Bohemia: Mediterranean. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 100 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.2883. eatatbohemia.com

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

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

Cork Wine Pub: American. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 23810 Woodward Avenue, Pleasant Ridge, 48069. 248.544.2675. corkwinepub.org

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

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

Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 22949 Woodward Avenue, Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. howesbayouferndale.net

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

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

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

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

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

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

lockhartsbbq.com

Mezcal: Brunch, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 201 East 9 Mile Road Ferndale, 48220. 248.268.3915. mezcalferndale.com

Pearl’s Deep Dive: Seafood. Dinner, Tuesday-

Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.100 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.2875. pearlsdeepdive.com

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

One-Eyed Betty’s: American. Breakfast, weekends, Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 175 W. Troy Street, Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633. oneeyedbettys.com

Otus Supply: American. Breakfast, FridaySunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 345 E. 9 Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.291.6160. otussupply.com

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

Public House: American. Lunch & Brunch, weekends, Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 48220. 248.850.7420. publichouseferndale.com

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

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

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

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

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

Three Cats Cafe: American. Brunch, weekends, Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 116 W 14 Mile Road, Clawson, 48017. 248.900.2287. threecatscafe.com

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

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

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

Vinsetta Garage: American. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Liquor. 27799 Woodward Avenue, Berkley, 48072. 248.548.7711. vinsettagarage.com

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

Troy/Rochester

Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Road, Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300. thecapitalgrille.com

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

CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch &

“Since we opened Mosaic and Santorini Estiatorio, we’ve been eager to introduce another restaurant concept in the Greektown district,” said Athina Papas, executive at the Atheneum Suite Hotel. “Symposia will build on our commitment to preserving the cultural aspects of the area, as well as enhancing the community moving forward.” With a seating capacity of 65, Symposia will be open for dinner Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations are recommended, but not required. Complimentary valet parking is available. 1000 Brush Street, Detroitsymposiadetroit.com

New seasonal menu at Hazel’s

Hazel’s co-owners Beth Hussey and Executive Chef Emmele Herrold have revealed a new menu of dishes inspired by the Pacific Northwest. “The Pacific Northwest menu was always the hardest to do,” Herrold said. “There aren’t as many foods we specifically identify with that region as we do other areas we highlight – like Maine lobster during the summer.” Therefore, she and Hussey jetted off to research what will be an expanded menu that reflects the Pacific Coast, top-to-bottom. Some of the dishes Hazel’s regulars have come to love – like fresh-caught Alaskan king crab legs and spicy mussels and sausage are back in the mix. And there are many new dishes to explore. On the raw bar, Herrold has added tinned fish options. Each day a fresh Pacific Coast fish will be available to order as either a taco or torta –accompanied by complementary ingredients, of course. “It will depend on what’s fresh – snapper, halibut or cod,” said Hussey. And for those who can’t get enough, Hazel’s hot or cold lobster rolls, token burger and Hazel’s fried chicken are always available. Hazel’s Pacific Coast seasonal menu runs throughout the fall and holiday season until December 31, 2022. 1 Peabody Street, Birmingham EatatHazels.com

Mai Tiki opens in Ferndale

Hometown Restaurant Group, owner of Tigerlily and others, has officially opened MaiTiki bar in Ferndale. The island getaway themed establishment is nestled behind a semi-concealed door on the side of the Tigerlily dining room. Part speakeasy and full-on tiki themed, all who pass through the entrance are carried away by the scent of tropical fruits and rum-based cocktails to a seaside paradise adorned with island relics and coastal views in every direction. Focusing on craft quality, the tiki team has resurrected historic island cocktails of the 20th century and updated them with modern, high-quality ingredients for refreshing iterations of the drinks of old. Classics like the Run Rummer, the Zombie, Painkiller and Mai Tai are heavily garnished with fresh fruits and served in decorative tiki vessels, which also are available for purchase. Small plates, such as crab rangoon, robata-grilled pineapple, pork belly bao and fish tacos were created by Tigerlily Chef Chris Vasquez, who designed the menu to offer guests fine dining flavors at affordable appetizer prices. Outside of food and drink, Mai Tiki maintains its breezy atmosphere with a handcrafted beach mural wrapping around narrow room, giving the 900-square-foot space a more expansive feel. Mai Tiki is open from 4-midnight Sunday to Thursday and 4 p.m.1 a.m. Friday and Saturday. 231 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale tigerlilyferndale.com

Brunch with a Mexican flair

Back in June, Metro Intelligencer covered the opening of Mezcal Mexican Bar & Kitchen in Ferndale. The establishment is owned and operated by brother and sister team Jose Granados & Sandra Haro, who have been dedicated to providing customers with a full cultural experience of Mexican art, flavors, culture and of course mezcal. Business has been good, and the eatery has already expanded into the space next door, creating seating for an additional 36 guests, which will service private events as well. In addition, they have added a tasty Mexican brunch on Sundays. Popular brunch menu items include Huevos Rancheros: two eggs over medium on top of a fried tortilla with refried beans, garnished with salsa ranchera, queso fresco and cilantro; Desayuno Mexican: scrambled eggs with salsa verde, rice, refried beans and a side of tortillas; and the Curenito Sandwich, featuring buttered Mexican bread, ham, queso fresco, avocado, jalapeño and tomatoes. Classic brunch libations are also offered, such as Mimosas with fresh squeezed juice and Bloody Marias with a choice of tomato or clamato juice mixed with Tito’s Vodka. And brunch at this place wouldn’t be complete without a large offering of Mezcal drinks, such as Naranjada Mezcal, orange juice, agave and tajin rim and Limonada Electrica, mezcal, lime juice, agave and Blue Quraçao. 201 E. 9 Mile Road, Fernadale mezcalferndale.com

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600. ckdiggs.com

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

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

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

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

The Meeting House: American. Brunch, weekends, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main Street, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825. themeetinghouserochester.com

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

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

Naked Burger: American. Lunch, TuesdaySunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6870 N Rochester Road, Rochester, 48306. 248.759.4858.

nakedburgerdetroit.com

NM Café: American. Lunch, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48084. 248.816.3424.

neimanmarcus.com/restaurants

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

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

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

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

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

Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 134 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48037. 248.659.8267. Also 2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084. 248.614.5390. recipesinc.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

West Bloomfield/Southfield

Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday, Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600. baccoristorante.com

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

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

The Fiddler: Russian. Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.851.8782. fiddlerrestaurant.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Road, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.8954. spositas-restorante.com

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

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

West Oakland

Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Lunch, Monday – Friday, Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223. gravityrestaurant.com

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

North Oakland

Clarkston Union: American. Breakfast, Sunday, Lunch, Wednesday-Saturday, Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.620.6100. clarkstonunion.com

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

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

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

Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. No reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main Street, Clarkston, 48346. 248.625.5660. unionwoodshop.com

Detroit

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

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

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

Cash Only Supper Club: American. Dinner, Friday & Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1145 Griswold Street, Detroit, 48226. 248.636.2300. cashonlydetroit.com

Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails: Seasonal American. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 15 E Kirby Street, Detroit, 48202. 313. 818-3915. chartreusekc.com

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Karl’s: Retro-diner. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1509 Broadway Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.855-2757. karlsdetroit.com

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

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

313.974.7669. midtownshangril-la.com

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

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

Parc: New American. Brunch, Saturday & Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48226. 313.922.7272. parcdetroit.com

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

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

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

Selden Standard: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 3921 Second Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.438.5055. seldenstandard.com

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

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

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

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

Taqueria Nuestra Familia: Mexican. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7620 Vernor Highway, Detroit, 48209. 313.842.5668.

taquerianuestrafamilia.wordpress.com

The Block: American. Brunch, Weekends, Lunch & Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 3919 Woodward Avenue, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892. theblockdet.com

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

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

Smith & Co: American. Dinner, WednesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 644 Selden Street, Detroit, 313.638.1695. smithandcodetroit.com

Supergeil: Berlin Doner. Lunch, Friday-Sunday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 2442 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, 48216. 313.462.4133. supergeildetroit.com

Vertical Detroit: Small Plates & Wine Bar. Dinner, Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1538 Centre Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.732.WINE. verticaldetroit.com

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

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

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

NeW TreNd

Our endorsements for November election

Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township voters will be deciding in the November 8 general election a variety of congressional, state and political offices, along with local school boards candidates, plus determining the fate of several state, county and local ballot issues.

Downtown Newsmagazine sent questionnaires to candidates in all of the races, the answers to which can be found in the Voter Guide at downtownpublications.com. Not all candidates responded, a requirement to get an endorsement.

We considered a number of factors based on answers from candidates and our institutional knowledge of candidates and issues. In determining who we thought could best represent voters, we looked at both views of the candidates and how well they sync with the views of those they would represent. In addition, we took into account whether or not they accepted the results of the 2020 presidential election – an absolute defining litmus test for us.

With the newly redrawn districts, it can be confusing but your ballot will have the appropriate persons/districts for where you reside.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

11th District / Two-year term Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills Since we first got to know Democrat HALEY STEVENS in 2016, when she set her sights on flipping this formerly-Republican district, our admiration of her drive, knowledge and tenacity has continued to grow. While Stevens advocates classic Democratic ideals and issues, she stakes out a more moderate stance which we think aligns best with this district. She has been focused on strengthening business manufacturing in the district, worked with women in business and led efforts to engage younger women in technology and engineering, while doing outreach to minority communities. Her strong advocacy for women's health issues put her firmly in alignment with the district. Her Republican challenger, Mark Ambrose, is a qualified and strong Republican – for another time and in another district. That said, Stevens' experience in the House and her values make her the stronger choice for this race.

MICHIGAN SENATE

7th District / Four-year term Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills Incumbent Democrat state Senator JEREMY MOSS has nimbly navigated the role as a statesman in Southfield, where he resides. Moss has spent his adulthood representing the city – first as the youngest Southfield city councilman, serving as the chair of the council's legislative and urban affairs committee, a member of the neighborhood services committee, and the economic development committee he helped create. He was elected in 2014 to the state House, becoming the second openly gay member to ever be elected to that chamber, and was re-elected in 2016. In 2018, he won a state Senate seat, championing ethics and judicial reform, voting rights, closing the education gap, infrastructure, the revitalization of low-income housing stock, and passionately, the expansion of Michigan's civil rights protection.

Those in this newly-shaped district will benefit from Moss' collective knowledge. As for his Republican challenger, she is a former (and was not an impressive) Bloomfield Township trustee. Now she panders to the far right party base.

8th District / Four-year term Birmingham Incumbent Democrat state Senator MALLORY MCMORROW, who has already served Birmingham in her current district, was elected as part of the “pink wave” of women flipping many traditionally Republican districts in 2018, dethroning an incumbent with a legacy Republican name. Her first term in the Senate has been a productive one in terms of proposed new legislation, although often stymied by Republicans in getting them out of committee. McMorrow has shown considerable moxie in Lansing when it comes to challenging the old boys network, be it on sexism and other issues, and the fringe far right powers that populate the Capitol – even though many might shrink from the fight. Not McMorrow. In fact, her most recent foray against the homophobic and hateful forces in the legislature has made her a rock start of sorts in Michigan and on the national scene. We have no doubt she will continue to shake up the traditional power structure, all to benefit the residents of this district. Her opponent ghosted us – and seemingly everyone else.

MICHIGAN HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

5th District / Two-year term Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township

The choice in this election is between a current Berkley city council member and former educator who supports reproductive rights, strengthening democracy through expanded voters' rights, believes in expanding per pupil spending, protecting the environment and addressing gun violence – and a fervid 2020 election denier. Voters will be best served by voting for Democrat NATALIE PRICE

19th District / Two-year term Birmingham, Bloomfield Township

Some candidates believe if you obfuscate the issues in a wordy response, no one will realize what you're really saying. But the Republican candidate in this race is following the boilerplate script from the far right GOP. State House Rep. SAMANTHA STECKLOFF (D-Farmington Hills) is clear in her stance as a forward-looking candidate embracing liberties for all residents of the district. Her goals of economic stability, universal Pre-K, strengthening the environment and energy independence, improved health care and reproductive rights address the needs of those living in this new district. A former Farmington Hills council member finishing her first term in Lansing, serving on the House's Appropriations and Transportation committees, she has a front row seat to help make changes..

20th State House District / Two-year term Bloomfield Township

The Democratic candidate, NOAH ARBIT, is a gogetter and ball of energy which we suspect is due

to more than just his youth, but a true commitment to tackling the issues of hate crimes, expanding mental health care services, safeguarding democracy, defending reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights, and combating gun violence. We can't even remember the Republican challenger's name as he was absent in both the primary and general election.

54th State House District / Two-year term

Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills Republican Donni Steele, who has spent time in office in the northern hinterlands of the district, is just not in sync with this area. SHADIA MARTINI of Bloomfield Township reflects the values and interests of our communities, firmly standing for reproductive choice and voters rights and against legislative bans on educative topics, and represents the stronger choice for voters.

56th State House District / Two-year term Birmingham, Bloomfield Township Democrat SHARON MACDONELL has a history of activism in the community of Troy, helping to restore services that had been cut back and pushing for ethical standards on local elected and appointed boards, and vows to fight for proper education funding, voting rights, improved access to healthcare and the economy, and against discrimination. Her GOP challenger gave us the proverbial middle finger despite our repeated outreach.

OAKLAND COUNTY COMMISSION

1st District / Two-year term Birmingham

Former state House member DAVID WOODWARD, Democrat of Royal Oak, has been an Oakland County Commission member since 2005 and chairman of the board since 2019. We have always respected his devotion to the county and his forward thinking when it comes to helping Oakland government evolve to address issues important for current and future residents. Definitely voters best bet in this race.

9th District / Two-year term

Bloomfield Township

Incumbent Democrat incumbent ANGELA POWELL of Pontiac is our choice in this contest. First elected in 2018, she has a good grasp of the issues and her experience will best serve the district.

11th District / Two-year term

Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills

First elected to the Oakland County board in 2004, Democrat MARCIA GERSHENSON of Bloomfield Township has built a reputation as a hard working, devoted member of the commission. Currently the vice chairwoman of the board, she brings detailed knowledge of county government along with her past involvement with the regional SEMCOG organization. Another two-year term is in order.

19th District Birmingham

In this new county district, we are looking forward to working with Democrat CHARLIE CAVELL, a social worker from Ferndale. Now in his first term

as a county commissioner, we like what we have seen so far.

BIRMINGHAM SCHOOLS BOARD

Six-year terms / Non-partisan / Vote for two We looked at a number of issues in the Birmingham Schools race, not just the budget shortfall elephant in the room. First, in good or challenging times, we expect transparency on the part of the board, including during all, not just some, of the budget sessions. We started by eliminating those seeking office who felt that it was okay sometimes to take budget talks into closed session when we see no reason to block local residents from seeing how the “sausage is made.” The process of planning how to fund education – as well as all other decisionmaking – must be done in a public setting, allowing everyone to see the give-and-take of setting priorities, except as allowed by law. Second, we expect that a board member understands the fine line between encouraging involvement by parents in their child's education and allowing individual parents to set for all other students the content of what is taught in the schools. On that basis, we eliminated one female candidate who either is associated with or has backing of one (if not two) ultra-conservative parental rights groups. Another candidate we eliminated because we are familiar with his involvement in a city committee and his errant behavior which drew a recent admonishment from the Birmingham Ethics Board – a clear indication that a position of authority with the schools would be a crap shoot the district can ill afford. That leaves us with only two choices – NICOLE SPENCER and incumbent board member KIMBERLY WHITMAN as the best qualified to fill the two open spots. We don't buy into the blowback logic of blaming Whitman for the financial challenges that faced the district earlier this year –which have now been resolved. Her skill set and views are needed on the board now more than ever.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOLS BOARD

Four-year terms / Non-partisan / Vote for four For four seats on the Bloomfield Hills Schools Board of Education, we used a process of elimination to whittle down a 10-person field. We made an easy elimination of one female candidate who is linked to a fringe right group that has evolved from being an anti-school closure group during the height of the pandemic to now treading into the mine field of dictating what is taught in the classrooms. A second similar group has also given her an endorsement. We then reviewed the slate of candidates running with the only incumbent in this race – who happens to have been voted out as board president by his fellow board members in his current term for turning over to the local police a list of anti-mask parents during the pandemic. To this day he still defends his authoritarian action, obviously not learning his lesson. Add to that the allegations that he does not fully understand the role of a board member, according to current and past employees of the district who say he meddles where he does not belong, and the common description by others that he is generally irascible. Unfortunately for them, three other candidates have hitched their wagon to

the incumbent, the lot of which got an endorsement from one of the fringe right groups that are helping to politicize school elections. From the remaining field, we recommend JIM BAKER, TAREQ FALAH, NICHOLAS HAUGEN and CAROLYN NOBLE. All well grounded in the history and what the district is facing, and their proper role in serving as board members.

STATE PROPOSAL 1

Term Limits/Financial Disclosures Amendment

It makes sense to expand the time legislators can serve in their respective bodies, which allows for greater institutional wisdom and less lobbyist power. This amendment to the Constitution also requires financial disclosure (albeit weak) for state lawmakers and members of the administration. Although we recommend a YES vote, voters may need to come back in time if our worst fears prove true that state lawmakers can't be trusted to do an honest job of implementing this.

STATE PROPOSAL 2

Voting Rights Constitutional Amendment

Voters rightly – and overwhelmingly – approved a Constitutional amendment in 2018 to allow noreason absentee ballot voting, among many other voting rights. This second Constitutional amendment fills in the gaps, providing greater election security, recognizing the fundamental right to vote without harassment; permitting nine days of early voting; requiring ballot drop boxes for every 15,000 voters; establishing post-election audits only by election officials; publicly subsidizing and tracking absentee ballots; among other common sense things, which state legislators could not take away. Vote YES

STATE PROPOSAL 3

Reproductive Freedom Amendment

This constitutional amendment would enshrine in the state Constitution the right to reproductive freedom, including the right to make decisions about pregnancy, prenatal care, childbirth, contraception, abortion, miscarriage management and infertility. This proposal is about permitting privacy, dignity, respect and personal autonomy for half the population of Michigan. Vote YES

OAKLAND COUNTY MASS TRANSIT MILLAGE

This public transit millage would be levied at a maximum rate of .95 mills for 10 years beginning in 2022, and end the opt-out provision currently permitted by SMART. This tax would replace the current one-mill levy by SMART which expires at the end of 2022. If approved, the tax will support current public transportation services in Oakland County, create and extend new routes to connect local communities and increase transportation service for seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. We recommend a YES vote.

BIRMINGHAM CHARTER AMENDMENT

The Birmingham City Commission is seeking a $75,000 minimum threshold to bid out contracts, up from an outdated $6,000. Above $75,000, the contract must go through the request for approval process (RFP), be subject to bidding and approval by the city commission.Vote YES

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP SAFETY PATH TAX

Since first approved in 1998, Bloomfield Township has been transformed by a 70-mile safety path network connecting it to neighboring communities, providing residents walkable access to destinations within the township and outdoor fitness. This renewal, of .4511 mills for a period of five years, is a must. Vote YES

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP SENIOR SERVICES TAX

This proposal renews a senior services millage of .2273 mills and increases the millage by .1027 mills, for a total millage rate of .3300 mills for 10 years. The senior center is open to all residents over the age of 50 – and more than 50 percent of Bloomfield Township residents are over 50. COVID, maintenance and demands on service necessitate a millage increase to this important township asset. Vote YES

POCKET VOTER GUIDE

Here's a recap of Downtown Newsmagazine endorsements. It's a cheat sheet to use when casting a ballot at home or to take to the polls. Your ballot will tell you what districts apply to you.

U.S. HOUSE

11th District: Haley Stevens (D)

MICHIGAN SENATE

7th District: Jeremy Moss (D) 8th District: Mallory McMorrow (D)

MICHIGAN HOUSE

5th District: Natalie Price (D) 19th District: Samantha Steckloff (D) 54th District: Shadia Martini (D) 56th District: Sharon MacDonell (D)

OAKLAND COUNTY COMMISSION

1st District: David Woodward (D)

9th District: Angela Powell (D) 11th District: Marcia Gershenson (D) 19th District: Charlie Cavell (D)

BIRMINGHAM SCHOOL BOARD Nicole Spencer / Kimberly Whitman

BLOOMFIELD HILLS SCHOOL BOARD

Jim Baker / Tareq Falah / Nicholas Haugen Carolyn Noble

STATE PROP. 1: Yes | STATE PROP. 2: Yes STATE PROP. 3: Yes

OAKLAND COUNTY MASS TRANSIT: Yes

BIRMINGHAM CHARTER CHANGE: Yes

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP SAFETY PATHS: Yes

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP SENIOR SERVICES: Yes

From Our Kitchen to

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