PLACES TO EAT: 200 RESTAURANTS • GERAK: SOCIAL LIGHTS 81
B I R M I N G H A M
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B L O O M F I E L D
FEBRUARY 2018
URBAN FORESTRY: ADDING TO THE SENSE OF PLACE FIRE RETARDANTS: HUMAN HEALTH COMPLICATIONS OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL: POLITICAL NEWS/GOSSIP ECRWSS Postal Customer EDDM
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204 S. GLENGARRY | BLOOMFIELD TWP. $749,000
30484 OAKLEAF LANE | FRANKLIN $2,549,000
1885 WASHINGTON | BIRMINGHAM $539,900
1127 LAKESIDE DRIVE | BIRMINGHAM $2,499,000
533 WILCOX | ROCHESTER $1,049,000
580 W. FRANK STREET | BIRMINGHAM $1,999,000
839 RANDALL COURT | BIRMINGHAM $1,170,000
745 WALLACE | BIRMINGHAM $1,699,000
1807 SAMOSET | ROYAL OAK $499,000
2660 FAIRWAY COURT | OAKLAND TWP. $1,199,000
1481 W. LINCOLN | BIRMINGHAM $499,000 OR $3,450/MO.
8521 MOUNT McSAUBA | CHARLEVOIX $699,900
1660 LINCOLNSHIRE | ROCHESTER HILLS $1,215,000
1224 HIDDEN LAKE DRIVE | BLOOMFIELD HILLS $2,199,000
1250 VAUGHAN ROAD | BLOOMFIELD HILLS $2,199,000 PENDING
2426 VINSETTA BLVD. | ROYAL OAK $3,200/MO.
955 S. BATES | BIRMINGHAM $1,649,000
41676 CRANE WAY | NOVI $539,000
384 W. BROWN STREET | BIRMINGHAM
863 BATES | BIRMINGHAM $1,649,000
1027 SUFFIELD | BIRMINGHAM $1,800,000
PENDING
715 CATALPA | ROYAL OAK
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555 CHESTERFIELD | BIRMINGHAM $2,099,000
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8276 MAPLE VALLEY ROAD | GLADWIN $8,500,000
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Value of urban forestry Although they may approach it differently, almost all municipalities recognize the value of managing their urban forest or preserving the trees in order to maintain the beauty and character of their community.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
16
Michigan’s medical marijuana industry could find itself hitting another speed bump as the U.S. Attorney General decides to roll back protections, one more example of cannabis as the political whipping boy.
OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL
20
More challenges for Congressman Mike Bishop; 40th House field growing; more candidates for David Trott district; extra marital affairs email in Lansing; plus more.
CRIME LOCATOR
23
A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format.
MUNICIPAL
57
New assistant city manager; St. Croix Collections moves to Birmingham; Mitchell’s Fish Market closes; contract set for Old Woodward project in March; restaurant entertainment rules relaxed; plus more.
THE COVER A building on the campus of the Academy of the Sacred Heart on Kensington Road in Bloomfield Township. Established in Detroit in 1851 and moved to its current location in 1958, it is considered Michigan’s oldest independent school. Downtown photo: Jean Lannen.
CHRIS
PERO
A s s o c i a t e B r o k e r
248.797.0784 | cgpero@yahoo.com
over $44 million Sold in 2017
275 S. Old Woodward Downtown Birmingham
765 Vaughan Bloomfield Hills $2,350,000
Incredible 2 acre estate property perfectly situated in the heart of Bloomfield Hills and just blocks from Cranbrook. Expansive floor plan with spacious room sizes, wonderfully maintained. 6 bedrooms and 6.2 baths. Incredible master suite with fireplace and his/her baths. Finished rec room in basement. 3 car heated side entry garage.
495 Stoneridge Bloomfield Hills $1,100,000
Updated Chestnut Run Colonial at the end of the cul-de-sac on a beautiful .77 acre lot. Gorgeous newer kitchen. Master suite with remodeled bath and a large WIC. Finished walk out lower level. Pool. 4 car side entry garage. Second floor laundry. Newer roof, furnaces and windows. Bloomfield Hills schools.
2640 Bradway Bloomfield Village $799,900
Move in ready 4 bedroom colonial in Bloomfield Village on a beautiful lot of almost a 1/2 acre. Renovated eat-in kitchen with granite counters and center island, updated baths, finished basement. Two car attached garage. Newer roof, windows, driveway and central air. Professionally landscaped with a nice back patio and pergola.
CHRIS
PERO
A s s o c i a t e B r o k e r
248.797.0784 | cgpero@yahoo.com
275 S. Old Woodward Downtown Birmingham
ST
JU
over $44 million Sold in 2017
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So
ST
JU
ld
So
420 Dunston Bloomfield Hills $2,250,000
Gorgeous 5 bedroom estate size home on a beautiful 1 1/2 acre lot. Wonderful updates throughout including gourmet custom kitchen. First floor master suite. Three car side entrance garage. 6 full baths and 2 half baths. Finished lower level. Bloomfield schools.
694 Pilgrim Birmingham $999,900
Renovated Quarton Lake Estates colonial on a large 98 foot wide lot. Gorgeous eat-in kitchen with granite top center island. Library with vaulted ceilings. 4 bedrooms and 4 full baths including a great master suite. Finished basement. Porte cochere leads to three car garage.
2781 Turtle Shores Bloomfield Hills $899,900
Wonderful lot opportunity in prestigious Turtle Lake. Amazing value for 1.94 acres on Turtle Lake with approximately 162 feet of lake frontage. Private location surrounded by nature. 24 hour guard house and gated development.
6558 Bridgewater West Bloomfield $519,900
Spacious home in Bloomfield Pines subdivision. Vaulted ceilings, open floor plan. First floor master with jacuzzi tub and 2 wic's. Kitchen with granite counters, island and butlers pantry. Private backyard with pavers, backs to nature preserve. Finished walkout with 2nd kitchen.
590 Riverside Birmingham $449,900
Unique opportunity for land purchase in a secluded detached condo development. Tucked away site yet just blocks away from town. Lot price only.
7425 Pinehurst Bloomfield Hills $424,900
Two bedroom condo with a first floor master suite in Pinehurst - a complex of only 12 units. Nicely situated at the end of the cul-de-sac. Vaulted ceiling in great room with a fireplace. Two car attached garage. First floor laundry. Eat-in kitchen with granite counters. Finished basement.
1021 Brenthaven Bloomfield Hills $399,900
Move in ready renovated Bloomfield colonial in Adams Square Sub. 2005 expansion included a beautiful new kitchen with large granite top center island and vaulted ceilings opening to family room. First floor master suite and laundry. 5 bedrooms, 3.2 baths. Bloomfield schools.
217 Dourdan Bloomfield Hills $299,900
Last lot remaining in this development of eighteen estate home sites. .7 acre lot - partial walk-out. Exclusive development of million dollar plus homes. Bloomfield Hills schools.
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Jon Jordan
SOCIAL LIGHTS
81
Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and non-profit circuit as she covers recent major events.
ENDNOTE
90
Birmingham makes the right move in relaxing its entertainment rules for restaurants. Plus our thoughts on the efforts to keep bad cops from local police agencies.
FACES
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Lauren Mattison Jon Jordan William Meyer Danielle Lutz
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PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Hillary Brody | Dana Casadei | Kevin Elliott | Sally Gerak Austen Hohendorf | Lisa Rose Hook | Bill Seklar Judith Harris Solomon | Joyce Wiswell | Julie Yolles PHOTOGRAPHY/CONTRIBUTORS Jean Lannen | Laurie Tennent Laurie Tennent Studio VIDEO PRODUCTION/CONTRIBUTOR Garrett Hohendorf Giant Slayer ADVERTISING DIRECTOR David Hohendorf ADVERTISING SALES Mark Grablowski GRAPHICS/IT MANAGER Chris Grammer OFFICE 124 W. Maple Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to most homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in downtown Birmingham. For those not receiving a free mail copy, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual charge. To secure a paid subscription, go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order online or scan the QR Code here.
INCOMING/READER FEEDBACK We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community. The traditional “letters to the editor” in Downtown are published in our Incoming section and can include written letters or electronic communication. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 W. Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009. If you are using the mail option, you must include a phone number for verification purposes. WEBSITE downtownpublications.com
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Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Not all loan programs are available in all states for all loan amounts. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Visit usbank.com to learn more about U.S. Bank products and services. Mortgage and Home Equity Products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Deposit Products are offered through U.S. Bank National Association. Member FDIC. ©2017 U.S. Bank. 170165c 10/17
FROM THE PUBLISHER hanks to a turn in the national administration policy relative to enforcement of federal law as it applies to use and possession of marijuana, Michigan’s medical marijuana program could well suffer yet another setback, as if waiting a decade for state lawmakers to decide the rules of this program was not insult enough.
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Think about it – it has taken 10 years for state legislators to finally enact laws and regulations to govern the medical marijuana industry here, thanks to a less than thorough ballot initiative/supporting documentation and reluctance on the part of lawmakers and some law enforcement officials (including Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, the chief obstructionist) to follow the dictates of state voters because their personal views on the issued differed from the majority of state citizens. Nearly 63 percent of state voters in 2008 approved a medical marijuana proposal on the Michigan ballot. Just over 66 percent of Oakland County voters supported the initiative. So just when we think that the foot-dragging has finally come to an end, now we have to deal with U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions’ announcement in recent weeks that he is rolling back a 2013 Obama administration policy, commonly called the Cole Memo after its author, Assistant Attorney General James M. Cole. The Cole Memo was a directive telling federal prosecutors to stop making it a priority to enforce federal marijuana law in states where either medical marijuana or recreational marijuana use has been condoned by the government. Under the Cole Memo, enforcement was supposed to be directed at preventing distribution to minors; making sure that revenue from sales were not going to criminal enterprises, gangs or cartels; preventing the sale of marijuana across state lines from states where it was considered legal; and halting any production, possession and use of marijuana on federal lands. It’s difficult to ignore that Sessions, during his confirmation hearings, said he was not going to change the status quo of pot enforcement from what was established during Obama’s second term. But then it is also hard to ignore what we are told is his long-standing opposition to marijuana or the lemming-like march of this administration to roll back many of the executive orders or policies enacted by President Obama. The history of marijuana in this country is littered with examples of how this drug has been the subject of attacks for mostly political and social reasons by politicians who viewed marijuana users as a force that threatened those in power, most notably during the Richard Nixon administration in the late 1960s. Nixon was known as the president who, in 1971, officially declared the country’s “War on Drugs” – labeling marijuana “public enemy number one.” Two years later he created the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), which now has over 5,000 agents and a budget topping $2 billion. Prior to that time, the only real effort relative to marijuana was done at the local level in some cities and state, followed by a federal law passed in 1937 which imposed heavy taxes on the sale of cannabis. Although the new law did not criminalize pot possession, the heavy taxation had a similar effect in terms of slowing down use of the drug. Then in 1970, in response to skyrocketing recreational use of a variety of drugs, Washington passed what is known as the Controlled Substances Act, which
established the current laws under which we now operate and under which marijuana was and remains to this day part of Schedule I federally-outlawed drugs that includes heroin, MDMA (ecstasy), mescaline, peyote, psilocybin, GHB and other psychedelic and stimulant drugs. Ironically, as part of the new act, the Nixon administration was required to establish the National Commission on Marijuana and Drug Abuse which ultimately recommended that small amounts of marijuana be decriminalized. That’s right – decriminalized. In their own words: “The criminal law is too harsh to apply to personal possession even in the effort to discourage use. It implies an overwhelming indictment of the behavior which we believe is not appropriate. The actual and potential harm of the use of the drug is not great enough to justify intrusion by the criminal law into private behavior.” Suffice it to say that the Nixon crowd did nothing to promote the panel’s recommendation because it did not fit their personal narrative. Almost 20 years later, in an interview for a book being written by Dan Baum at the time, Nixon’s former key advisor and Watergate co-conspirator John Ehrlichman admitted that politics was the driving force behind the “War on Drugs” as recounted by Baum in a 2016 Harper’s magazine piece. In Ehrlichman’s own words: “The Nixon campaign in 1968, and the Nixon White House after that, had two enemies: the antiwar left and black people. You understand what I'm saying? We knew we couldn't make it illegal to be either against the war or black people, but by getting the public to associate the hippies with marijuana and blacks with heroin, and then criminalizing both heavily, we could disrupt those communities. We could arrest their leaders, raid their homes, break up their meetings, and vilify them night after night on the evening news. Did we know we were lying about the drugs? Of course we did.” President Gerald Ford in 1975 formed the Domestic Council Drug Abuse Task Force which also recommended federal efforts be focused on “those drugs which inherently pose greater risk to the individual and society.” Pot, according to the task force, should be a considered a “low priority drug.” But because Ford had his own set of challenges, nothing was ever done to resolve the issue. Then along comes President Jimmy Carter in 1977 who ran on a platform to decriminalize marijuana and a Senate committee voted to decriminalize up to one ounce of the drug but, once again, the efforts went nowhere. Here we are, in 2018, facing much the same blowback on this issue. There’s little chance the attorney general will move marijuana from the Schedule I of serious drugs, now that in 2016 the FDA and DEA ruled it was not a gateway drug but there was lack of scientific research to determine it’s medical value. Our only hope is that Congress takes some action to restrict enforcement of federal law on this drug, essentially blocking the nonsense put forth by Sessions, and that in Michigan we don’t see a repeat of the questionable law enforcement efforts that have dogged the start up of medical marijuana in this state. The public has reached its limit when it comes to cannabis being used as a political whipping boy. David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@DowntownPublications.com
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Impressive Island Lake Lakefront New Construction $2,499,000 or VL $1,225,000
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Luxurious Estate on over 2 Acres $999,000 or $6,000/MO
Beautifully Renovated Home on over Half an Acre $625,000
Bloomfield Hills with Orange Lake Privileges $599,000 or $3,999/MO
Desirable Contemporary Lakefront $549,900
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Upper Straits Lakefront $2,599,000
Upper Straits Lakefront $2,499,000
Desirable Wing Lake Lakefront $2,499,000
Upper Long Lake Lakefront in Heron Bay $2,400,000 or VL $949,000
Heron Bay New Construction $1,999,000
Custom Built Home in Heronwood $1,999,000
Custom Crafted Home in Bloomfield Hills $1,499,000
Spectacular Views of All Sports Walnut Lake $1,450,000
Contemporary Home with Golf and Lake Frontage $999,000
Cozy Colonial in Franklin on over 2 Acres $750,000
Franklin Vlg Custom Built Home on Over 2 Acres $750,000
Beautifully Updated Home in Farmington Hills $499,999
Gorgeous Condo in Troy $339,000
Downtown Birmingham $3,999/MO
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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political gossip/news, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown newsmagazine. We welcome possible items for this column which can be emailed to: OaklndConfidential@DowntownPublications.com. All sources are kept strictly confidential. The gossip column can be viewed at OaklandConfidential.com. SHOT ACROSS THE BOW: An email snaked its way through the state government in Lansing in recent weeks that purports to be a “partial list of indiscretions” by Republican office holders and candidates. The subject line of the anonymous email – “Extra marital affairs in Lansing.” The sender then proceeded to list members of the administration, Michigan Senate and House, and at least one member of Congress supposedly guilty of affairs; hiring of prostitutes (both male and female); gay dalliances; and other salacious rumors. At least one Lansing sleuth reportedly was able to track the IP address source of the email – the office of a GOP state lawmaker who has been the subject of rumors about his own affairs and was conspicuously absent from the “list of indiscretions” circulated in Lansing. THE GROWING FIELD: Open congressional seats are usually rare and coveted offerings. Not so for 2018, where 29 congressmen– so far – have announced their retirements. Former state legislator Ellen Cogan Lipton (D-Huntington Woods) has thrown her hat into the ring for the 9th District, which includes Bloomfield Township, following Democrat Rep. Sander Levin’s retirement, stating, “I’m kicking off my campaign to represent MI-9 in Congress! Michigan needs new leadership, and I’m running to fight for working people, stand up to Betsy DeVos, and ensure affordable health care for all Americans.” A Harvard lawyer by training and a patent attorney prior to running for office, Lipton LIPTON represented the 27th District (Huntington Woods, Royal Oak Township, Berkley, Ferndale, Hazel Park, Oak Park and Pleasant Ridge) for six years, when she was term-limited from office. She then ran unsuccessfully for state Senate in the 11th District against eventual winner Vincent Gregory. She’s joining energy executive Andy Levin, Sandy’s son, labor and employment attorney Martin Brook, state Sen. Steve Bieda (D-Warren) and Kevin Howley. Candius Stearns of Sterling Heights is the only Republican so far to have announced for the seat. FAMOUS FAMILY: Kristine Bonds understands the value of her name. “There’s a built-in legacy – there’s a brand. I inherited this name,” said the daughter of late TV news anchor Bill Bonds, a West Bloomfield Republican who is running for the open 11th District (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester Hills, Novi, western Oakland County and parts of Wayne County) congressional seat currently held by Republican David Trott. The current opioid crisis is one reason that motivated the political neophyte to run after she lost her BONDS stepson, Drew Swan, 24, to an overdose. “I feel we are at an important moment for the district and Michigan. There’s a lot of noise out there, and as an outsider with no agenda, it’s important to me to insure the district is well taken care,” Bonds said. Another famous relation running for the open MI-11 is Democrat Suneel Gupta of Birmingham. He and his brother, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, neurosurgeon and chief medical correspondent for CNN, grew up in Novi, where their parents both still live. The Guptas co-founded Rise, a mobile health company of which Suneel is CEO; he previously was a VP at Groupon in Chicago. Gupta and Bonds are joining an increasingly crowded GUPTA field – on the Democratic side, it includes former car czar Haley Stephens, businessman Dan Haberman and Rep. Tim Greimel. On the Republican side, Plymouth Township supervisor Kurt Heise, state Rep. Klint Kesto (West Bloomfield), oil heiress Lena Epstein of Bloomfield Hills and perennial candidate Rocky Raczkowski (Troy). Still no official word from rumored candidate state Sen. Mike Kowall (R-White Lake). PAC’ING IT IN: Two super Political Action Committees (PACs) are duking it out to win Michigan’s 8th Congressional District (Rochester, Rochester Hills, Clarkston, Oxford, Lake Orion, Brighton, E. Lansing, Howell) currently held by Republican Mike Bishop. The House Majority PAC, which is tied to House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) and is entering 2018 with some $11.4 million cash-on hand, recently funded a billboard attacking Bishop for his support of the GOP’s tax plan. The billboard, which was up in Orion Township for four weeks starting in mid-December, featured a shrugging child holding two presents labeled “tax hike,” and stated “Worst. Gift. Ever. Mike Bishop just voted to give you a new tax hike,” and directed constituents to GOPTaxScheme.com. On the 20
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flip side, the Congressional Leadership Fund Super PAC, a GOP PAC, announced it would open a new field office in the area to help defend Bishop’s seat. The new office is part of the PAC’s $100-million campaign to protect key seats in the Republican-held Congress, with resources aimed at those who have supported House Speaker Paul Ryan and President Trump’s legislative agenda.
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MAMA SAID: Meanwhile, Congressman Mike Bishop appears to have his hands full with Democrat Elissa Slotkin of Holly who hit the congressman as we were going to press for accepting thousands of dollars in campaign contributions from two pharmaceutical companies currently being sued jointly by Oakland and Wayne counties for their possible role in the opioid addiction problem and thousands of overdose deaths in Michigan. Bishop’s take – this year alone – $15,000 from these two. And that’s while he sits on a congressional Opioid Conference Committee addressing opioid abuse prevention. Slotkin is facing, so far, two other Democrats – Darlene Domanik of Brighton and MSU professor Christopher Smith of East Lansing. GOING 40: The state House’s 40th District, covering Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, and the eastern half of West Bloomfield, which has been represented by Republican Mike McCready for the last six years, is drawing more and more interest as the April 24 filing deadline gets closer. Joining announced Republican candidate newbies Malissa Bossardet and Mike Banerian are Joe Zane, an IT professional and Marine vet; Paul Taros, a tea party devotee; and Birmingham businessman, artist and designer Robert Dempster, who rumor has it is looking at getting into the race. One Republican, while ZANE acknowledging that Dempster “doesn’t know politics,” said he would add an interesting dynamic to the race. He’d be “an adult in the room,” since Bossardet “is a screwball. You need to know people in the community, and I’m not sure she knows anyone. Taros is hard/hard/hard right. I don’t see people embracing him. Banerian is a young kid – he’s 23 – and while he’s strong in the Armenian community, he thinks he knows everything. The 40th District is an educated, mature district,” the pol opined. “I’m not sure they’ll embrace someone like Banerian, Bossardet or Zane.” Another young Armenian, Democrat Mari Manoogian, announced her candidacy for the race, joining Nicole Bedi on the other side of the ticket. Manoogian said she is the great-grandchild of survivors of MANOOGIAN the Armenian genocide, a Seaholm and George Washington University graduate, as well as a graduate of their law school. She interned for former Rep. John Dingell (D) and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Powers while in college and law school. DO UNTO OTHERS: The Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office declined to file charges against former Oakland Township Supervisor Terry R. Gonser in December after he was arrested on December 14 in connection with a felonious aggravated assault. Gonser, a tea party Republican elected as the township’s supervisor in 2012, lost his re-election bid in 2016 to Michael Bailey. An Oakland County Sheriff’s official said Gonser was arrested on probable cause following a physical altercation with a female neighbor in the midst of a winter snowstorm. Deputies arrested Gosner after he allegedly struck his neighbor with a snow plow, damaging her snow blower – and her knee. He was then booked into the Oakland County Jail, but released after the GONSER prosecutor’s office determined the incident involved “mutual combatants.” It’s not their first “altercation.” In June of 2014, Gonser’s neighbor filed for a personal protection order against him in Oakland County Circuit Court, indicating the arrest was just the latest in a longstanding feud. Gonser has a history of less-than-neighborly behavior, having pushed to move the township to a strong supervisor structure by eliminating the township manager position while in office, rubbing loads of folks in the township the wrong way. In 2015, outgoing township manager Warren Brown called for Gonser’s resignation, claiming he created a divide among the township’s board of trustees.
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WHERE IN THE WORLD: Former state lawmaker, current regional transit rep and aspiring travel writer Chuck Moss has decided he “will not be a candidate against incumbent Shelley Goodman Taub for the County Commission in 2018” for the 12th District (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township) seat. “I’m going to step back, let Shelley have her declared last term, and look at 2020,” he announced on Facebook. Moss didn’t return a call for comment on what led to his decision to wait until 2020, but word is county GOP leadership told him they wouldn’t support a run against Republican Shelley now, and he’d be considered a pariah later. downtownpublications.com
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Drug offenses
Arson
These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through January 18, 2018. Placement of codes is approximate.
FACES
Lauren Mattison auren Mattison has a very vague recollection of her first time performing. You can’t fault her too much for that though – she was only three. “It was the preschool play,” she said. Mattison has been performing in some capacity most of her life, all 10 years of it. This year, the Roeper School fifth-grader got to add the Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus to her growing resume. After an open audition call – where she was one of 80 children chosen to represent Metro Detroit – Mattison was selected to appear in the MOTCC’s annual show, A Winter Fantasy, this December. Mattison said the group performed about 10 songs; her favorite is “Sing Creations Music On.” "It’s one that is very hard…but it sounds really nice and we got it together somehow,” she said. For her audition for the 10th anniversary concert she went in, sang a few scales and a song, and then waited to find out if she got it. Mattison said she was a mixed bag of emotions, ranging from anxious to excited. Needless to say, she was pretty thrilled when she found out she got it. “It was really exciting. Not only that I got in but that I got in the principal group, the older group,” she said. “That was very exciting that I had been good enough to find my way in there.” She will get to perform with the MOTCC for the rest of their 2017-2018 season, including this spring’s production of Gilbert and Sullivan's H.M.S. Pinafore. "I’m really excited because there’s going to be acting too and I really love acting,” giggled Mattison about the spring show. “I think it’s really great.” Mattison likes both singing and acting equally but said she’s definitely a bit better at singing right now. She has had quite a bit of practice, having had a two-year stint with the Detroit Children’s Choir. During her first year with the DCC she even got to sing at the governor’s mansion. Mattison said that year was the first year she started truly singing. While she does have a lot of experience under her belt, the Hamilton fan does still get some pre-show nerves. “I’m not super bad, but I get a little nervous…I always say, ‘You’re never ready until its over,’” she said. Mattison, who lives in Birmingham, would love to make singing into a professional career one day, even though she knows making it to Broadway’s Great White Way is unlikely. Luckily, she’s also passionate about becoming an architect instead, just not quite as much as music. “I love the way it sounds and I love what I can do with my voice.” said Mattison, who enjoys writing, math, and science as well. “I love what I can figure out with notes and rhythms and intervals and such. “I have a huge passion for music,” she said.
L
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As kids, many of us lay on our back on a bed of grass, staring up into a cluster of green leaves against a clear blue sky. As we get older, we appreciate the whole plethora of benefits that trees in our midst offer us, from shade on warm days to privacy from our neighbors to the beauty offered by tree-lined streets, and often seek to live in communities with lots of trees, parks and other natural amenities. Our love and appreciation of trees are reflected by the iconic 1913 poem, Trees, by American poet Joyce Kilmer, who wrote the now-cliched lines, “I think I shall never see/ A poem as lovely as a tree.” While the inspiration for Kilmer’s poem has been debated, for individuals and communities, trees are often the gold standard for a community. “Landscaping, especially trees, are part of what make cities the positive place they are. It’s an important thing that helps make an urban environment a place people want to live, work, play in,” said Mark Nickita, AIA, an architect, urban planner and president of Archive DS in Detroit and Toronto, as well as a Birmingham city commissioner. “Vegetation can have a huge impact – and lack of vegetation can have a huge impact – just like bad lighting in a cafe. People don’t always realize the importance of lighting, whether in a home, office or restaurant, and it can drive you away. Landscaping if very much the same thing. If you have the right mix, the right size, the right placement, it can make a city – and you know it when you see it. “It’s what keeps drawing people to cities like Birmingham, Royal Oak, Huntington Woods and Pleasant Ridge,” he said of the mature, canopied and desirable cities along the Woodward corridor. Many local communities have developed urban forest preservation plans, woodland ordinances, and tree preservation plans and ordinances as ways to either maintain the beauty and character of their municipalities, or to create and preserve that environment. Some municipalities determine tree policy for only a community’s public spaces, including public right-of-ways, and leave individual and neighborhood areas alone. Others manage policy for both private and public spaces, determining how many trees a developer or homeowner can remove and mandating tree replacement plans. “About 80 percent of urban forestry is in the private realm – in your backyard, your neighbor’s backyard. The public realm is only about 20 percent, including right-of-ways, public properties, public parks,” noted Kevin Sayers, program coordinator, Urban and Community Forestry, Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Forest Resource Division. He said the program he administers at the DNR involves providing assistance to local units of government to help in the management of public trees. “But urban forestry is broader than that – urban forestry is wherever it is. That’s one of the riddles of what we do – how do we work across that to incentivize and grow appreciation of trees and the urban forest.” Sayers said that municipal managers usually understand what is meant by “the urban forest,” which is considered a collection of trees that grow within city, town or suburb, and its care, but often don’t have all of the tools and resources to adequately maintain it in their community. Urban forestry experts emphasize that urban forests play an important role in the ecology of our human habitats, as they filter our air, water, sunlight and provide shelter to animals. Trees and urban forestry help to moderate local climates, slowing wind and stormwater, shading homes and businesses to conserve energy, and provide nesting sites and a home and food for birds and animals. It’s hard to find a lot of negatives to saving and maintaining trees. Some researchers believe it can increase home values, and even decrease crime. Lee Mueller, project developer/forest specialist, Davey Resource Group and chairman of the Michigan Urban and Community Forestry Council, concurs. “It’s hard to find a bad reason to have trees. We want to find reasons to incentivize ways to keep them,” he said. Mueller said that some municipalities began developing urban forestry ordinances as long ago as the early 1880s, and continue to the present day. “There was a lack of electricity and air conditioning, and there was a need for shade,” he explained. “Nationally, you’ll see the initial ordinances beginning in the late 1800s. In the northeastern states, there were tree warden ordinances, where you’d establish a tree warden to have some kind of determination. He would be established as an authority for the care of trees in a community.
The industry was floundering at this point – it was just beginning. It was about, essentially, ‘we care about trees, we need someone who cares about trees to take care of them.’” Mueller said the tree warden history in northeastern states “continues to this days, especially in Massachusetts – that’s one that comes to mind.” Throughout the United States, a more up-to-date version of the tree warden is the label of Tree City USA, which was established in the late 1960s by the Arbor Day Foundation to provide direction, assistance, and national recognition to communities that work on tree preservation and urban forestry preservation maintenance and commensurate ordinances. “It’s a framework for a healthy, sustainable urban forestry program in your town. And the benefits are substantial,” the Arbor Day Foundation said. “Many communities use the Tree City USA standards as a way to begin caring for city trees. Others regularly enhance urban forestry management through urban forest management through improved ordinances, innovative programs and increased emphasis on planting and care.” Tree USA designations are “ubiquitous in Chicagoland,” Mueller said, “and are very strict and enforced. In Grand Rapids, they are strict, but in their surrounding areas, which are older communities, they may not reflect the changes in best practices. In metro Detroit, it’s really hit or miss. Some communities have them, and they’re really strong. Others have them and they’re not well known. Others don’t reflect current best practices.” In Michigan, there are currently 111 communities that qualify for Tree City USA designation, including Auburn Hills, Berkley, Birmingham, Ferndale, Franklin, Huntington Woods, Milford, Novi, Oak Park, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Southfield, S. Lyon, and Troy in Oakland County; Detroit; the Grosse Pointe’s; Charlevoix; E. Lansing; Dearborn and Dearborn Heights; Grand
ABOUT 80 PERCENT OF URBAN FORESTRY IS IN THE PRIVATE REALM – IN YOUR BACKYARD, YOUR NEIGHBOR’S BACKYARD. THE PUBLIC REALM IS ONLY ABOUT 20 PERCENT, INCLUDING RIGHT-OF-WAYS, PUBLIC PROPERTIES, PUBLIC PARKS. BUT URBAN FORESTRY IS BROADER THAN THAT – URBAN FORESTRY IS WHEREVER IT IS. Rapids; Kalamazoo; and Marquette. Some cities have qualified with the requirements to receive the designation for decades; others are new participants. Birmingham, for example, has proudly been a Tree City USA for 39 years, Royal Oak for 40, and Rochester Hills for 27, while Rochester has participated for just four years and Franklin for 13. “There are multiple benefits to having a Tree City USA designation, starting with the publicity. It’s a well-recognized brand that says this community is proactive in taking care of trees, they’re a good manager of trees,” Sayers of the DNR said. “It says a lot about the community. It’s a way to promote the community as a place to live, a place for businesses to be.” “Trees are the green infrastructure of a community, and it is valued by the Birmingham community and provides for a positive impact with all aspects of living in the city,” noted Birmingham Director of Public Services Lauren Wood. The Arbor Day Foundation asserted that among the benefits of urban forestry and the Tree City USA program are that it reduces costs for energy, stormwater management and erosion costs, as trees yield three to five times their cost in overall benefits to a city, and helps cut energy consumption by up to 25 percent. “Studies indicate that as few as three additional trees planted around each building in the United States could save $2 billion annually in energy costs,” the foundation states at arborday.org. Energy.org agreed, stating that carefully positioned trees around a house and on a property can reduce a household’s energy consumption for heating and cooling by up to 25 percent. The European Environment Agency stated that in one year, a mature tree will absorb more than 48 pounds of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, and in return, will release oxygen into the environment in exchange. An acre of mature trees can absorb the amount of carbon dioxide in a year that is emitted by a car driven
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26,000 miles. A British research study at Lancaster University revealed that trees planted by local roadsides can reduce nearby indoor air pollution by more than 50 percent, which then improves air quality and human health. “In Chicago, trees remove more than 18,000 tons of air pollution each year,” the U.S. Forest Service said – with one large tree capable of providing a day’s supply of oxygen for up to four people. Further, properly placed trees can increase property values from 7 – 20 percent, as buildings in wooded areas sell and rent more quickly and tenants stay longer, the U.S. Forest Service stated. Nickita agrees. “We see there are increased values of homes in more mature neighborhoods, with mature canopies of trees. A street with no trees is very different than a street with large trees with canopies or small trees. A new subdivision just built on former farmland, with just a bunch of small saplings – in 30, 40 years it will have something, but now, it’s relatively unpleasant. It’s part of why more mature neighborhoods are so in demand. It’s not just because of the mature homes, but because of the tree conditions, which contribute to the quality of those neighborhoods.” Pete Auger, city manager for Novi, which became a city in only 1969, said their tree ordinance and forestry program, which evolved over time, helped to create a green canopy over the development that has grown with the city. “All of our subdivisions have tree-lined streets, and it softens the edges around the developments. If you look at an aerial of the city, at a satellite version of the city, we have a very nice canopy throughout the city,” Auger noted, “not just in the public spaces, but in private spaces as well, which helps draw people to the community. I think what it does is it provides a greater human scale. There’s green just about everywhere in the city, and it’s connected. And the track record speaks for itself, with home values not just maintaining themselves but increasing in value.” Trees and green spaces directly correlate to greater connections to neighbors, some asserted, as does the National Wildlife Federation, “Nature makes you nicer, enhancing social interactions, value for community and closer relationships.” Urban forestry, with large yard and street trees, can even help communities and neighborhoods reduce crime as well as increasing a home’s value, according to Dr. Geoffrey Donovan, a research forester with the U.S. Forest Service in Portland, Oregon. “In my urban forestry research, I have estimated the impact of trees on house prices, rental prices, crime, energy use and birth outcomes. Further studies will focus on the effect of urban trees on public health and stormwater management.” Studies Donovan has done show that “trees and other foliage can make a place look well cared for. It can project a sense of authority in that neighborhood,” he said. Large trees and street trees can provide the crime reduction benefits to residents on that street that people seek. In one study, Donovan looked at 431 crimes in Portland that were reported at 2,813 single family homes, and in general, found that trees in the public right-of-way were associated with lower crime rates, including burglary and vandalism. “Trees may also draw people into public spaces, increasing the probability of a criminal being observed... We distinguished between trees in a house’s yard and street trees in the parking strip between the sidewalk and the street...Street trees tend to be farther from the house than yard trees. Second, street trees typically do not block the view of a house from the sidewalk,” Donovan wrote in The Effect of Trees on Crime in Portland, Oregon. “Therefore, if trees help a neighborhood appear well maintained, they may deter crime. It also said that trees can affect a criminal’s state of mind because research shows that trees can reduce stress, and perhaps trees reduce crime “by reducing the stress of potential criminals. This could include stress lined to violent acts perpetrated by one member of a household against another.” In cases where yards contained many small trees, or were unkept, vegetation may actually facilitate crime. Smaller trees can obstruct views, making it easier for criminals to hide and carry out their activities. In another research paper, Donovan quantified the effect of front yard trees on the sales price of homes in Athens, Georgia, and found they added $422 – or 1.1 percent – to their sales price, and having a home with large trees on three sides of the home reduced the time the home would be on the market. Within communities, trees have the ability to tame stormwater systems, allowing rain to refresh the land and nourish and nurture green spaces. “As houses, stores, schools, roads and parking lots
spread and natural tree cover is lost, so is the absorbing effect of vegetation and soil. The welcoming rain becomes costly stormwater runoff,” according to arborday.org. “Without the benefit of trees and vegetated infrastructure, waterways are polluted as oils, heavy metal particles and other harmful substances are washed away. Fish and wildlife suffer, drinking water becomes expensive or impossible to reclaim, property values are reduced, and our living environment is degraded.” Urban forests have been shown to also be an economic motivator, according to americanforests.org, which said their studies have shown that people walking or driving down a street lined with trees are willing to pay up to 12 percent more for goods and services, “and the presence of trees encourages patrons to spend a longer time shopping.” A community with lots of well-maintained trees is generally considered beautiful and inviting. “People see trees from an aesthetic perspective. They’re pleasing to the eye. Where there are no trees, people are put off, especially in suburban areas,” said Robin Boyle, professor of urban planning at Wayne State University. “Tree cover has great importance, and is good in a variety of ways, especially in the central city and suburbs. It provides shade for walkability – and cities are not walkable when they do not have shade. They provide great benefit to everyone, but especially seniors, because it’s good for our health to get people out of doors. The most important correlation to elder health is how much seniors get out and walk, and tree cover offers shade to offer walkability. “The third thing is, today, it’s a justification for climate change,” Boyle continued. “They’re good for the environment. Trees offer a cooling element and great value to the environment.” Urban forestry plans, woodland ordinances and tree preservation plans – rather than being a hindrance to development
WITHOUT THE BENEFIT OF TREES...WATERWAYS ARE POLLUTED AS OILS, HEAVY METAL PARTICLES AND OTHER HARMFUL SUBSTANCES ARE WASHED AWAY. FISH AND WILDLIFE SUFFER, DRINKING WATER BECOMES EXPENSIVE OR IMPOSSIBLE TO RECLAIM, PROPERTY VALUES ARE REDUCED, AND OUR LIVING ENVIRONMENT IS DEGRADED. or personal property rights, are designed by most local communities as ways to offer cooperative management of individual trees, tree canopies, vegetation, and disease control. “The very fact a community is thinking about having an ordinance, enacting them and having the conversation about an ordinance at all is indicative a community is being proactive,” DNR’s Sayer said. “Why they’re having the conversation is another story – maybe there has been clear cutting over development, changes in the ecosystem – you don’t know where the conversation came from.” He noted that these kinds of ordinances shouldn’t be looked at as anti-development, which many communities agreed with, “because development is good for growth, but it’s important to protect landmark trees, and it’s a priority to protect ecosystems.” Mueller, the forestry specialist, said that “In the private realm, they’re usually for community beautification. They’re part wetlands preservation, part beautification, part stormwater and air quality preservation. Depending on which path they went down, and which consultants they use, it determines which way the ordinances are written. Every community is different, but it’s important to find the best tools for every community, and it’s important to have the conversation. Tree ordinances are almost exclusively private. Individual ordinance provisions should reflect the uniqueness of the community and absolutely reflect the goals of that community. It’s great for a community to have these ordinances – but it’s important for each community to look at their own tools and needs.” Birmingham is one municipality which focuses on public property, and not on private property. According to Lauren Wood, the city has two distinct documents, one, a tree preservation ordinance, which was enacted in 2003, and a tree management plan, prepared and implemented in 2012.
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“The Tree Preservation Ordinance assists the city in protecting its city-owned trees and privately-owned trees adjacent to construction sites, giving the city the ability to promote and preserve the urban forest through established standards and requirements as spelled out in the ordinance,” said Wood. “The Tree Management Plan is a tool used by the administration for short-term and long-term maintenance needs and tree planting initiatives,” she said. “This entailed a tree inventory conducted of public right-of-way street trees and the trees in the two municipal golf courses. A total of over 16,000 tree sites were recorded during this inventory. The software for this inventory is used and updated to manage and improve the city’s urban forest, and the data is used for continuing tree care in Birmingham. It aids in the preservation of the urban forest, improves public outreach and tree planting to mitigate removals and increase canopy cover.” Canopy continuity and preservation – maintaining the beauty of the tree-lined street with trees that come together to form a canopy over neighborhood streets – is a major priority of the management plan, which notes that effort “will reduce stormwater runoff, improve air quality, promote public health, and enhance the aesthetic value of this resource.” The management plan assessed the health of the city’s trees, noting which needed be removed (six percent); pruned (90 percent) and how many more needed to be planted (four percent). While several streets decades ago were planted with one species of tree, today, a variety are planted in order to avoid having them wiped out by disease or insects, such as Dutch Elm Disease or the Emerald Ash Borer. “Species diversity is the variety and abundance of trees in a specific population,” Birmingham’s tree management plan stated. “It affects the population’s ability to sustain threats from invasive pests and diseases. It also impacts maintenance needs and costs, planting goals, and canopy continuity.” Having a proactive approach is proving to be a beneficial one for Birmingham. Following the plan’s guidance, it states, “Proactive tree maintenance has many advantages over priority maintenance: the most significant advantage is reduced risk. When trees are assessed and pruned regularly in a proactive program, most defects will be found and eliminated before they escalate to a hazardous situation.” Different municipalities follow different pathways. West Bloomfield Township was one of the first communities in the 1980s to enact a woodlands ordinance, covering both public and private property – which was then challenged by a developer in court in favor of the developer. “Our journey started with a definition of pure forestry, and it ran into a bump in 1989. It led us to clarifying our woodlands ordinance, which is an overlay district,” said Marshall Labadie, director of development for West Bloomfield, who noted the township has a woodlands ordinance – not a tree preservation ordinance – because they prefer to look at “the woodland system in its entirety from the ground up. We look at preservation of mature trees as well as the understory for the future. Everything in the boundary of the limits of that woodland is protected. To us, three acres defines a woodland. “We’re suburban forestry in West Bloomfield,” Labadie continued. “We’re a bedroom community. We have tied all these subdivisions, platted lots and site condos together, their common areas, to create a suburban forest.” The ordinance states its purpose is to “Provide for the protection of woodlands, including trees and associated forms of vegetation, as natural resources that contain elements of natural beauty, wildlife habitat and geological, hydrological, ecological and historical characteristics significant to the citizens of the township... Protect the township’s woodlands for their current and future value, not only for residential areas and home sites, but also as settings for development in all zoning districts;...to maintain plant and tree diversity; to protect groundwater recharge areas; to maintain visual screening, windbreak, dust collection and noise barrier characteristics exhibited by woodlands.” Labadie said that the 1989 lawsuit forced them to clarify their definition of woodlands, which other municipalities have since gone to school on, following their lead. “It (the original ordinance) was a little bit arbitrary. It didn’t define it by forestry standards – we were a bit obtuse. We had to put in a lot of definitions and standards, and it works great now,” Labadie said. “It goes to our environmental protections in West Bloomfield. We protect our environmental assets. It’s a main pillar.
It’s very important to us, and we use it frequently.” Nik Banda, Rochester assistant city manager, is also the city’s professional forester, having gone to Michigan Technological University in the 1970s to learn urban forestry. Early in his career, he worked with the city of Southfield to create a woodland tree preservation ordinance. “It was the mid-’80s, and West Bloomfield wanted a tree ordinance, and they wrote a really bad ordinance and got sued. They said you couldn’t cut anything down,” Banda recalled. “By the time I got to Southfield, I worked with the city attorney and we wrote the area’s second woodland tree preservation ordinance. It was a city of Southfield zoning ordinance, and that became a model ordinance, and has stood up to the test of time.” Southfield’s current zoning ordinances and landscape requirements reflect Banda’s work from 30-some years ago. “For every six-inch (diameter) tree on either public or private property, you need a permit to remove it. You can’t just cut it down,” Banda said of Southfield’s ordinance. Banda came to the city of Rochester in 2009, and said he modeled Rochester’s ordinances on the ones he helped create in Southfield. “Southfield’s came after West Bloomfield. They learned from West Bloomfield how to do it right,” Banda said. “I have helped I don’t know how many communities write their ordinances.” “Every tree in Rochester over seven-inches is protected on private or public property,” he said. “To not get sued, in a calendar year, you can take down three trees on your property, with the caveat that it is not a landmark tree, as defined by its trunk, growth rate, crown development, structure, insects, and life expectancy,” Banda said, noting a property owner must come before the city council for a public hearing if they want to remove a living landmark tree. To date, all applicants have been denied.
DIFFERENT MUNICIPALITIES FOLLOW DIFFERENT PATHWAYS. WEST BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP WAS ONE OF THE FIRST COMMUNITIES IN THE 1980S TO ENACT A WOODLANDS ORDINANCE, COVERING BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY – WHICH WAS THEN CHALLENGED BY A DEVELOPER IN COURT IN FAVOR OF THE DEVELOPER. “Now in most communities, a dead or diseased tree is automatically exempt. If it’s dead, it’s not a landmark tree, and if it’s dead, a community wants it removed,” he explained, noting it can be a public safety hazard. Trees are protected from clearcutting – a forestry practice where most or all of the trees in an area are cut down – by another ordinance where if 80 percent or more of trees cannot be saved or a commensurate amount replanted, the developer has to pay into a tree fund, the purpose of which is to pay for more trees in the community. It’s a practice several other communities, such as Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield and Oakland Township, have adopted. Don Meade, planning coordinator for Oakland Township, said their tree preservation ordinance was adopted in 1990. “It was the 20th anniversary of Earth Day, which was created in 1970,” he said. “It was a big deal, so a lot of communities passed tree preservation ordinances around then to mark the anniversary. “Ours is pretty typical – whenever somebody is proposing a new subdivision or commercial development, they also have to include all of the trees on the site,” he said. “There has to be an inventory of all trees on the site six-inches or more in diameter, including the kinds of trees, condition, and where on the site they’re located. They’re required to preserve a minimum of 40 percent of those trees. If they can’t, they have to do a tree replacement on the site. If that isn’t feasible to do on site, whether because the topography doesn’t permit it, or for some other reason, they have the provision to pay into a tree fund to allow the township to plant trees elsewhere in the township.” In addition, Oakland Township has a provision that requires the preservation of landmark trees, which they define as trees 36inches or greater in diameter. “We want to identify and preserve those,” Meade said. “If
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they’re diseased, it’s a different story. We want those down because they’re unhealthy or damaged.” He said the 40 percent provision is a fairly common requirement for developers to comply with. “We don’t have a lot of development, but for the subdivisions we do have, those developers have exceeded it.” Another provision they have created, the open spaces ordinance, encourages developers to cluster home sites in one area and stands of trees in another. “That works out well,” Meade said. A similar ordinance was recently enacted in Bloomfield Township, where a new development adjacent to Academy of Sacred Heart utilized it to cluster site condos in one area while maintaining trees and wetlands in another to create and maintain a wooded environment. Bloomfield Township adopted its tree preservation ordinance in 2009 after it came out in community meetings in 2006 and 2007, as the township worked to update their master plan, that residents were interested in protecting and preserving natural features in the community, especially water features and woodlands, Patti Voelker, planning, building and ordinance director said. “That was taken very seriously by trustees. We looked at other municipalities, and what they had done, and we wanted to develop not just a preservation ordinance, but one for protection as well,” she said. Voelker said they worked to have not just tree removal plans for when a development occurs, “but we looked at how do you protect any trees that remain – and what type of replacement to do you put in.” The intent of the ordinance reads that the township “finds that trees and woodlands are an important asset to the natural ecosystem, beneficially contribute to the character of the community and positively influence the quality of life in the township.” Its goal is to “safeguard trees on private and public property from unnecessary removal and to regulate such removal for the preservation of important physical, recreational and economical assets for both present and future generations and to provide penalties for violations thereof.” It provides for the protection, preservation, replacement and proper maintenance of trees and woodlands. The township works to enforce the process not just through planning and building, but through engineering and environmental reviews and at the permitting process, for homeowners and developers, and for residential and commercial properties. “The ordinance is pretty well-written. If you remove a certain number of trees eight-inches or more, or remove a landmark tree, it determines how many replacements are issued to the property,” Voelker said, with arborists reviewing the plans. If the correct number cannot be replaced, money must be put in the Township Woodland Trust Fund “to repopulate areas of the township.” “The community still embraces the value of having the tree preservation ordinance,” she said, although some developers initially had a learning curve. Today, with many local communities having similar ordinances, it’s a more accepted practice, she said. “We’re very careful in having discussions with other communities in what has worked and their enforcement efforts,” Voelker noted. “It helps with enforcement for consistency as well. As a region then, we have better success.” In Rochester Hills, Ken Elwert, director for parks and natural resources, said they have been a Tree City USA for more than 27 years – “since the formation of the city.” They run a three-man operation to oversee the natural resources operations of the city, with three professional foresters managing more than 27,000 trees in public areas. They also have a tree planting program, for twoinch and larger caliper trees that are seven to eight feet tall on public land. “We also started a free program, at residents’ request, where we will plant trees on residents property in the public right-of-ways,” said Gerry Pink, the city’s lead arborist. “It’s funded by our tree fund, which was started about 30 years ago, to be used only for planting trees. It’s funded by developers who have to knock down trees during development. We have about $1 million now in the fund, and we’re trying to live off the interest.” Elwert said the genesis for their tree preservation program was “watching a lot of communities around Rochester Hills clearcutting back in ‘87-’88, without having anything to replace the trees with. We knew we had to have a plan in place once the homes are built so a lot of people would want to live there. “There are clear benefits to residents for having the trees –
there’s shade, water retention, better infrastructure. You can feel it driving into Rochester Hills – the feel of canopied trees,” Elwert said. “You have to have roads, sewer and water. You should have a green infrastructure plan in place for people’s mental health – and shame on us for not having a plan. Now we have a parks plan and a green conservation plan in place. What helps make the trails so beautiful is the trees – both what you see, and what is blocked. They’re great buffers.” “Thirty years ago, there were some great visions of what was potentially happening, of people being willing to step up and say we want this growth, but we want to protect what’s here,” Pink said. “It has made Rochester Hills one of the top places to live.” Bloomfield Hills has long been known as a stately community with mature trees. In 2011, the city commission realized it was a priority to maintain and preserve it. “For us, it was part of looking at restoring the canopy,” said Mayor Sarah McClure, who spearheaded an effort to plant trees in the Woodward Avenue median. “Initially, because of the Great Recession, we began with residents’ donations, initially planting 100 trees. Since then, we’ve planted more trees from budget allocations there, and on a lot of city property, including right-ofways, on Long Lake Road, on Kensington, even in front of some private property.” She said they varied the species so they wouldn’t be susceptible to any one disease. “In addition, a few years ago, the planning commission, with the approval of city commission, passed a woodland ordinance in order to preserve trees and prevent clearcutting of lots,” she said, noting that some private homeowners, especially some who were purchasing homes to knock them down and build new ones, were taking out a certain amount of trees on properties without city approval. “Diseased trees always must be removed. But someone
BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP ADOPTED ITS TREE PRESERVATION ORDINANCE IN 2009 AFTER IT CAME OUT IN COMMUNITY MEETINGS IN 2006 AND 2007, AS THE TOWNSHIP WORKED TO UPDATE THEIR MASTER PLAN, THAT RESIDENTS WERE INTERESTED IN PROTECTING AND PRESERVING NATURAL FEATURES IN THE COMMUNITY. building or doing a knockdown – now there is a replacement policy for tree removal.” On the converse, one Oakland County community has rejected any kind of tree preservation or protection policy. “We don’t have a tree protection policy. It was considered in 2014, but the community was against it, feeling it was too burdensome,” said Huntington Woods City Manager Amy Sullivan. Davey forestry expert Lee Mueller noted, “There was a kerfuffle over adopting stricter rules in Huntington Woods over what could be cut down. It actually motivated some residents to run for office, and ultimately, the ordinance was rescinded. “From my perspective, as someone who has written ordinances, it was a good ordinance process to have that public involvement and consensus,” Mueller observed “I don’t think that often happens. Every community is different. It’s important to find the best tools for every community. It’s important to have the conversation, and individual ordinance provisions should reflect the uniqueness of the community, and absolutely should reflect the goals of that community.” Sullivan said that residents felt that people valued the trees in the community and prized the tree canopy, and “they would continue to protect it on their own property.” Currently, the only ordinance is for orange fencing around a tree on the public right of way area. Sullivan agrees that Huntington Woods’ tree canopy and treed properties adds to the residential character of the community, and to its desirability. “It adds a certain sense of place,” she said. “When trees are mature enough, they canopy over whole streets. “When you have a new subdivision, you have new small trees,” she continued. “This adds more character. You know it’s been around awhile and well-maintained. It’s like the difference between a new house and an old, well-lived-in house.”
FACES
Jon Jordan his winter's blast of arctic weather may require additional layers of clothing, but the cold weather doesn't mean you have to be out of fashion. Just ask WDIV ClickOnDetroit’s fashion editor and Bloomfield Hills resident Jon Jordan. "It's about making wise choices in the cold," he said. "It's kind of cold anyway from Labor Day to Memorial Day, and I have a tendency to always feel cold. But there are definitely ways to stay warm. I yell at people when they don't dress warm. I yelled at a co-worker in the WDIV parking garage the other day, 'Where is your coat!'" Born in Royal Oak, Jordan attended the formerly named Roeper City and Country School before attending the University of Michigan to study art. Not sure what he wanted to do after college, Jordan was inspired by Vidal Sassoon to return to earn his cosmetology license. "I had some friends who studied at Vidal Sassoon in London, and I thought they were doing really cool things, and doing very well. "It was really just another medium. It doesn't matter whether it's watercolor, clay or hair, it's all an art medium," Jordan said. "I came home and told my parents – after they had invested substantially in my education, that I was going to beauty school." After working at a salon in West Bloomfield, Jordan moved to New York City and put together a makeup product and skin care line. He began doing editorial work for Detroit’s two daily newspapers. He also received an offer from WDIV to be the station's image consultant. "I had so many wonderful opportunities that fell into my lap out of the blue, but I guess the lesson is that I always said 'yes' to everything," he said. During his more than two decades in the makeup world, Jordan's list of clients included Cindy Crawford, Spike Lee, Tom Brokaw, the Duchess of York and dozens of others. Among the most memorable, he said, were President Bill Clinton, Washington Post publisher Katharine Graham, and model Paulina Porizkova. "She was unbelievably gracious," he said of Graham. "This is a woman who changed history as a publisher. She brought down the Nixon White House, and at a time when women didn't have a lot of opportunity." Today, there is a short list of non-celebrity friends and former clients that he will personally do makeup work. Most of his work is now with WDIV and Birmingham-based Bluestone Executive Communications as an executive stylist and image consultant. "One point I make is how well-armed you are when you walk out of the door to take on the world," he said. "Whether you're an executive, a teacher, an artist or whatever, you have a leg up if you walk out the door and feel good about yourself. It's nothing to take for granted. People who are polished get ahead faster than people who don't pay attention to things like that." So what are some fashions that Jordan said may have run their course? "We have been doing 'skinny' everything for about a decade, and it's time for a change. It's also a lot more comfortable," he said. As for workplace casual, Jordan said it's no excuse for a slovenly look. The best idea is to find a look that works, and stick with it each day. "It's really about being comfortable in the look or 'uniform,' and knowing you look really great in it, because that's the goal," he said.
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Story: Kevin Elliott
Photo: Laurie Tennent
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FIRE RETARDANTS HEALTH COMPLICATIONS FOR ADULTS/CHILDREN BY KEVIN ELLIOTT
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ccording to a 2009 study by scientists at the University of Michigan and Duke University, dust from the cushions of some couches and other furniture may be linked to decreased sperm counts and other health issues. The study, "House Dust Concentrations of Organophosphate Flame Retardants in Relation to Hormone Levels and Semen Quality Parameters," sounds as if it could be the setup to an article for the satirical news site, The Onion. It's not. In fact, scientists conducting the study analyzed house dust from the homes of 50 men recruited through an infertility clinic in Massachusetts and found significant relationships between the chemicals and reproductive and thyroid hormone levels, as well as semen quality. The findings? A decline of about 19 percent in sperm concentrations in homes where certain flame retardants were found in the dust.
"We found evidence that concentrations of OP (organophosphate) flame retardants in house dust may be associated with altered hormone levels and decreased sperm concentrations," the authors of the study concluded. "More research is needed to determine the extent and sources of human exposure to OP flame retardants and associated effects on human health." he research is one of dozens of studies into a laundry list of health complications in adults and children linked to flame retardants commonly added to furniture cushions, home electronics casings and other consumer products. The health problems include reproductive issues, as well as fetal/child development, metabolism, decreased intelligence and other issues. "Often the effects you would see are hard to see in an individual. You can't always prove that Johnny's thyroid cancer was caused by flame retardants, but you can see it in a shift in the population," said Linda Birnbaum, director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences and the National Toxicology Program. "It's going to be hard to say cancer or low testosterone is specifically due to a flame retardant, but you can look at a population. It's a hard concept." Similar studies have shown such strong connections that in September of 2017, the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission approved a petition to begin the process of banning some toxic flame retardants in household products.. "To protect consumers from the potential toxic effects of exposure to these chemicals, the commission recommends that manufacturers of children's products, upholstered furniture sold for use in residences, mattresses (and mattress pads), and plastic casings surrounding electronics refrain from intentionally adding nonpolymeric, organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs) to their products," the commission said. "Further, the commission recommends that, before purchasing such products for resale, importers, distributors and retailers obtain assurances from manufacturers that such products do not contain OFRs. Finally, the commission recommends that consumers, especially those who are pregnant or with young children, inquire and obtain assurances from retailers that such products do not contain OFRs." At the heart of the issue is a group of fire retardant chemicals added to foam furniture cushions and electronics intended to slow the spread of fire. As the cushions break down over time, the chemicals separate from the furniture and enter the air as dust. Once inhaled by humans, the chemicals bioaccumulate in our bodies and remain there for ages. And, because the chemicals travel in dust, they are commonly found in homes, as well as far reaches of the globe,
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with traces of the chemicals found everywhere from polar bears in the arctic to urban environments. OFRs, also referred to as halogenated flame retardants, typically are added to foams, textiles and polymers before, during or after production in theory to improve their resistance to fire. Yet, because the fire retardants aren't chemically bound to the substrate, they may be released and lead to potential human and environmental exposure. The commission's action was taken in response to a petition filed in 2015 by a coalition of consumer advocates and health professionals to declare four categories of consumer products containing OFRs to be "banned hazardous substances" under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. Included in the petition to the commission were important groups including the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Medical Association, Consumer Federation of America, Consumer's Union, Green Science Policy Institute, the International Association of Firefighters, Kids in Danger, Worksafe and others. In their petition, the groups claimed that due to the inherent physical-chemical properties, OFRS, among other things, are toxic, migrate widely out of products regardless of how the products are used, bioaccumulate and present a serious public health concern. The commission voted in September 2017 to grant the petition to initiate the rule making process. Under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act rule-making process, the commission must convene a Chronic Hazard Advisory Panel to study the effects of OFRs as a class of chemicals on consumers' health. "In the meantime, based on the overwhelming scientific evidence presented to the commission to date, the commission has serious concerns regarding the potential toxicity of OFRs and the risk of exposure, particularly to vulnerable populations, to OFRS, from the four categories of products listed in this petition," the commission stated. "Accordingly, the commission requests that manufacturers of children's products, furniture, mattresses and electronics casings eliminate the use of such chemicals in these products." "This is historical for government to do something like this," Arlene Blum, executive director of the Green Policy Institute, said about the commission's decision. "We use a 'class concept' to get people to think about whole families of chemicals, so we don't go from one chemical to a cousin chemical. It may be a different way of solving the problem." Blum first got involved in battling fire retardants in the 1970s, when she learned chlorinated tris, another fire retardant that was later used in furniture, was being used in children's pajamas. While she successfully battled to have that chemical removed from
children's clothing, it later showed up again in furniture. "This is the first example of the government doing something like that," Blum said of the Consumer Protection Safety Commission's decision. The chemical industry has pushed the use of flame retardant additives as a means to save lives. However, the author of a study used for decades to support their claim said his data has been grossly misrepresented by the chemical industry, and today says in practice, the flame retardants do little to nothing to actually slow the spread of fire. While some of the chemicals have been out of use by furniture manufacturers for more than a decade, alternative fire retardants from the same and similar classes of chemicals have been linked to the same health risks, resulting in a perpetual game of "whack-a-mole," with new hazards popping up as fast as the old ones can be stamped out. "These are chemicals that essentially are never going to go away," Birnbaum said. "If you bought a couch prior to 2000-something, you might have pentaBDE in it, and a lot of other flame retardants, too. When they stopped making that, they started making others." "I remember the head of Great Lakes Chemical Corporation saying when they recognized it was a problem that they wouldn't sell it when they had a substitute... it's the whole whack-a-mole game, where it goes from one commercial product that has problems to something else that has less evidence of problems... There are so many new ones (chemicals) that are made all the time, we can't keep up by doing detailed testing of everything. It's not possible. There are new ones all the time." hile used in different formulas and marketed under various names, the chemicals used in most furniture and electronics casings over the past decade fall under the class of nonpolymeric organohalogen flame retardants (OFRs). The chemicals were developed as an alternative to brominated diphenyl ehters (BDE) additives such as pentaBDE, DecaDBE, OctaDBE and others, many which ceased being manufactured in the mid-2000s due to health concerns. If chemistry and use of the products sound confusing, it's because they are. "I can remember buying a new mattress a few years ago, and I told the salesman I needed to know if there were BDEs in the mattress. He didn't know, but he would find out. He called later and was very happy to tell me there was none. But, he had no information on other flame retardants," Birnbaum said. "That's the problem we have as a society. We don't have full information when we go to buy something."
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Chemist Heather Stapleton at Duke University, who worked on the 2009 study, was one of the first scientists to discover human exposure to flame retardants can come from contaminated household dust, said she first became interested in the issue while researching PCBs and flame retardants in fish from Lake Michigan. She later created a standard reference for house dust. "There's been interest in exposure to lead paint in house dust," she said. "Basically, we look at dust from vacuum bags. We analyzed it for fire retardants and were shocked at how high the responses were – they were off my calibration curve." tapleton went on to look at other issues tied to dust, with some of her most recent work looking into exposure to children. Through her work at Duke University, Stapleton allows people to send in samples of furniture foam to be tested for flame retardants. The process, which began in 2014, allows consumers to have a better idea of the fire retardants in their home, and for the scientists to build a database of flame retardants being used. First required to be added to furniture in 1975 by the state of California, flame retardant chemicals were added to furniture for decades. However, it was later discovered that the chemicals were migrating out of the cushions and into indoor and outdoor environments, most commonly in the form of dust. Under the original California law, manufacturers were required to test for flammability by exposing uncovered furniture foam to a candle-like flame for 12 seconds without igniting. In order to pass the test, furniture manufacturers found it easiest to add flame retardants to the foam. With one of the largest furniture markets in the country, furniture manufacturers tailored all of their furniture to meet the California standard. Fire retardants first on the market were polybrominated diphenyl ethers, or PBDEs, which included decaBDE, OctaBDE and pentaBDEs and others, most of which are no longer in use due to health concerns. In 2004, Michigan passed two laws regarding PBDE's, which together prohibited the manufacture or distribution of products or materials containing more than one-tenth of one percent of octaBDE or pentaBDE, as of June 1, 2006. "We had worked on other legislation together – mercury and other things – and some scientists were building a case on the potential harm from PBDEs and how prevalent they were in homes, and because they were being found in people's blood, as well as the impacts on brain development, especially on young children," former Republican Michigan legislator Chris Kolb said of his work on the law, along with former state senator Patricia Birkholz. Knowing what flame retardants are
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present in a foam is challenging for multiple reasons. Most furniture doesn't include labels that inform consumers what fire retardants may be added to the foam. Further, even when product names are given, such as Firemaster 550 or Firemaster 600, the formulations of the fire retardants are kept hidden as trade secrets within the industry. That means despite regulations on some flame retardants, it's hard for consumers to know what they are actually purchasing. "From a consumer's point of view, it's frustrating that you can't look at a product and tell if a flame retardant is in there or not. And, you can't tell which one because a lot of it is considered trade secretes," she said. Kolb, who today serves as president of the Michigan Environmental Council, said the issue is similar to problems with PFOS, a type of flame suppression foam used at airports and military airbases in Michigan and throughout the country that has been linked to severe health issues. Despite a push for deregulation today, Kolb said there is still concern over compounds that bioaccumulate in the body and remain in the environment for a long time. "There is still a case to be made on certain compounds when you can show a direct impact on the citizens in Michigan," he said. "If you go back to PFOS, you're seeing potential health impacts. If you do it right and do the right education, you can still get stuff done." Today, at least a dozen states have laws regarding flame retardants added to furniture foam, including California, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington. In August of 2003, the European Union adopted a directive that bans the marketing and use of penta and octaBDE in all consumer products. Also in 2003, California enacted legislation prohibiting a person from manufacturing, processing or distributing in commerce a product or flame-retarded part of a product containing more than .1 percent pentaBDE or octaBDE, by mass, beginning January 1, 2008. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), studies worldwide have found pentaBDE to be widespread in the environment and in human tissues. As such, pentaBDE was voluntarily phased out of use by 2005. Since then, the most widely used flame retardant for furniture and other consumer products has been a formulation named Firemaster 550. While the new chemical was supposed to provide the added fire safety without the same threats as previously used chemicals, the ingredients were hidden for years due to its protected status as a trade secret. Working with another chemist in California, samples found there were matched with one provided by Chemtura for analysis. “There is no timeline or cap on how long
they can keep these (ingredients) confidential," Duke’s Stapleton said, who said consumers should have the right to know what chemicals they are being exposed to. "Particularly parents, they have the right to know if there are cancer-causing agents in the mattresses their children are sleeping on, and the law prevents that from being disclosed. It's unfortunate." In 2014, California's updated fire prevention law went into effect, altering the 12-second flame standard. Under the new legislation, ignition tests may use a smoldering source of heat, such as a cigarette, essentially eliminating the need for furniture manufacturers to use fire retardant additives in foam. Under the new law, furniture is tested for smoldering resistance of cover fabrics, barrier materials, filling materials and decking materials used in upholstered furniture in the state. Since the new law was enacted in California, Stapleton said the percent of residential furniture tested that has flame retardants in it has dropped from about 80 percent to about 20 percent. However, she said exposure to the chemicals could be higher in furniture produced for public use, such as schools, universities, libraries, theaters and other public areas, which must meet different fire codes. In November 2017, U.S. Congressman Morgan Griffith (R-VA) introduced "The Safer Occupancy Furniture Flammability Act," which would require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to adopt California's law as a federal flammability standard. "I was pleased to introduce this legislation creating a clear federal standard on furniture flammability," Griffith said in a statement. "If enacted, furniture manufacturers would continue to make safe products without worrying about a tangle of varying state regulations." he American Home Furnishings Alliance, a trade association representing more than 230 leading furniture manufacturers and distributors, backs the bill. The association in 2015 formally petitioned the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to adopt the performance standards and test methods used in California as national standards. The International Association of Firefighters has also urged the CPSC to ban products that contain organohalogens, which have been linked to heightened levels of cancer among firefighters. "Firefighters dying from occupationalrelated cancers now account for more than half of our members' line-of-duty deaths each year," Pat Morrison, the association's assistant to the general president for occupational health, safety and medicine said in testimony before the commission. "This is the largest health-related issue facing the firefighting profession."
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Morrison said setting standards and passing regulations must work in tandem as the chemical industry has a history of skirting chemical bans by making slight, inconsequential changes and renaming products. ryan Goodman, spokesman for the American Chemistry Council's North American Flame Retardant Alliance said while there has been a great deal of progress made over the last several decades, fire remains a major threat to life and property. In fact, according to the U.S. Fire Administration, based on data from 2014, Michigan had an annual average of 5.5 residential fire-related deaths per 1,000 people in the state. "The materials used in upholstered furniture can be a major fuel source during fires, which is why it is important that flame resistant materials are used in these products," he said in a statement to Downtown newsmagazine "Indeed, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates that there are, on average ever year, 4,700 fires, 390 deaths, 660 injuries, and $238 million in property losses attributed to incidents where upholstered furniture was the first item ignited. The commission also indicated that these numbers are likely an underestimate. "Flame retardants can play an important role in fire safety by stopping or slowing the spread of fire and providing people with valuable escape time when fires occur. And like most chemicals, flame retardants are subject to rigorous review by U.S. EPA and other regulatory agencies around the world. In 2016, the Frank Lautenberg Chemical Safety Act was enacted, which significantly strengthened EPA's chemical oversight. So Michiganders do not have to choose between chemical safety and fire safety. They can have both." In Oakland County, upholstered sofas, chairs and vehicle seats accounted for 10.74 percent of all the first items ignited in fires in 2016, according to records provided by Michigan's state fire marshal's office. Appliance housing and casings accounted for 23.14 percent of first items in 2016, while bedding was the first item that ignited in 13.22 percent of fires in the county. Those county numbers have held fairly steady over the past decade, with upholstered sofas, chairs and vehicle seats accounting for 10.14 percent of the first items ignited in 2010; and 14.81 percent of first items in 2005. Rochester Fire Chief John Cieslik said firefighters are typically concerned with how fast a fire spreads and how hot it burns, which he said typically relates to the materials that have been ignited. "We know that certain materials, typically synthetics, have a faster flame spread than a natural fiber. That does make a difference to firefighters, especially because of modern
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construction with pre-engineered trusses and floor systems that fail quicker in a fire than the old standard lumber," Cieslik said. "With newer materials, which can cause the fire to spread faster, they typically burn at a higher rate, and a higher BTU, which is heat. "Anytime furnishings can be made with safely with a fire retardant – I'm not a chemist, so we have to be cautious about materials people use for fire retardants, so they don't cause a carcinogenic issue for people in homes, which could outweigh risk of fire... asbestos, for instance, was good for fire insulation, but we found out that it causes lung cancer when it becomes airborne. We rely on chemists to test it so it doesn't have long-term medical effects." Rochester Hills Fire Department Safety Educator Nancy Butty also said modern synthetics give off more harmful gasses when they burn. From a firefighting standpoint, those products create an added danger to firefighters. "It's after the fire that the product is such a danger to firefighters who are there and the investigators after the fact," she said. Rather than looking at the first item ignited, Butty said the cause of fires remains the same over the years. "The number one reason we have fires is cooking, then smoking, electrical and candles. Those are all removed from the furniture itself," she said, saying that the use of fire retardants doesn't stop fires in itself. "It's a good idea in theory, but when looking at the whole picture, I don't think it's very effective. When you look at making fire safer, that retardant is after the fact – after the fire happened – so we need to look at what we can do to prevent that fire from happening. That's a change in behavior." Birgitte Messerschmidt, director of applied research for the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), said furniture continues to be a major part of the fire problem, again honing in on the synthetic materials they contain. "The cushions are mostly made of PUR foam and the coverings can be either natural or synthetic fabrics," she said. "Recognizing the ease of ignition and potential fast fire growth in modern furniture; flammability requirements have been introduced in among other places, California and the UK. California has since changed their test method for furniture, but still require that furniture has to withstand a smoldering cigarette. There is however, a concern that testing with an open flame is also needed and hence a standard for open flame testing of furniture is under development here at the NFPA. "In order to reduce further the role furniture plays in the fire problem, it is necessary to address how furniture reacts when exposed to ignition and how the fire can be controlled after it starts. The first can be addressed by changes in furniture design and materials and the latter by introducing
home sprinklers. This in addition to the use of the fire safe cigarette. As with all dimensions of the fire problem, no one fire safety strategy will solve the upholstered furniture fire safety problem. A combination of smoke alarms, sprinklers, fire safe furniture and fire safe cigarettes will have an impact." Birnbaum, with the National Institutes of Health, warned that some fire protection organizations pushing for a return to an older standard for flame testing furniture have been lobbied by the chemical industry in order to push the use of flame retardants. For instance, a series of stories into the issue by the Chicago Tribune found a now defunct organization, Citizens for Fire Safety Institute, was actually a front for the industry in order to push for the use of flame retardants. Further, the series revealed some of the science used to promote flame retardants as a way to slow the spread of fire were grossly misrepresented. ne of those studies was conducted by Vytenis Babrauskas, who had conducted testing of furniture with fire retardant additives in 1988 for the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Barbrauskas has since said his findings were misrepresented by the chemical industry for years without his knowledge. While Babrauskas said fire retardants may slow the spread of fires in theory, the use in residential consumer products does nothing to slow fires in reality. In his tests, Babrauskas said the flame retardant furniture used was all packed with extra flame retardants. For instance, cushions typically have a density of 16 to 29 kg per cubic meter, while the furniture tested was stuffed to about 64 kg per cubic meter, which he equated to NASA quality materials. Further, he said all furniture used in the study had flame retardant additives, while an actual home has a mix of furniture. In a real use setting, he said flame retardants do "absolutely nothing." Further, he said there is an attempt to rollback California's law to require the use of dangerous flame retardants, which includes an attack by the chemical industry on the NFPA, a volunteer organization. "It's the worst of both possible worlds," Babrauskas said. "It's not doing anything in real tests and fires, but it's also introducing a toxic substance into the environment. "You can make NASA type materials if you're building a space craft, and you can make a chair that basically can't burn, but that's usually a different grade of polymer and plastic that is 10 times as expensive than what you and I are going to buy at a furniture store. It's not a viable solution to the civilian sector."
O
TOTAL SALES VOLUME ALL RESIDENTIAL AND CONDO SALES
PRICE: $1,000,000+ 250
225
200
19.2%
175
150
$ in Millions
Mkt 13.8%
125
100 Mkt 9.0%
Mkt 8.7%
75
50
Mkt 4.8%
Mkt 2.9%
25 Mkt 2.1%
Mkt 1.9% Mkt 1.7%
Mkt 1.7%
Keller Williams Advantage
Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Northville
0 Signature Sotheby’s International Realty
Max Broock Realtors® Birmingham
Keller Williams Domain Birmingham
Hall & Hunter Birmingham
Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Birmingham
Max Broock Realtors® Bloomfield Hills
Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Hwwb
Shain Park Realtors®
This statistical information has been obtained from Realcomp II Ltd and actual sales. These statistics are derived from data believed to be reliable. This information is not to be reproduced, redistributed, or combined with data from other sources without expressed permission from Realcomp. Date: 1/17/18
signaturesothebys.com
248.644.7000
TOTAL SALES VOLUME ALL RESIDENTIAL AND CONDO SALES
PRICE: $2,000,000+ 150
140
130
120
38.4% 110
100
$ in Millions
90
80
70
60
50 Mkt 13.5%
40 Mkt 10.6%
30
20
Mkt 5.8%
10
Mkt 3.1% Mkt 2.3%
Mkt 2.2%
Mkt 1.8%
Mkt 1.7%
Mkt 1.5%
RE/MAX New Trend
Bailey Schmidt Inc
Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Hwwb
0 Signature Sotheby’s International Realty
Max Broock Realtors® Birmingham
Keller Williams Domain Birmingham
Hall & Hunter Birmingham
Max Broock Realtors® Bloomfield Hills
Shain Park Realtors®
Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel Birmingham
This statistical information has been obtained from Realcomp II Ltd and actual sales. These statistics are derived from data believed to be reliable. This information is not to be reproduced, redistributed, or combined with data from other sources without expressed permission from Realcomp. Date: 1/17/18
signaturesothebys.com
248.644.7000
TOTAL SALES VOLUME ALL RESIDENTIAL AND CONDO SALES
PRICE: $3,000,000+ 115 110 105 100 95 90
64.3%
85 80 75
$ in Millions
70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 Mkt 10.8%
15
Mkt 7.9%
10
Mkt 7.2% Mkt 5.1%
5
Mkt 2.5%
Mkt 2.3%
0 Signature Sotheby’s International Realty
Max Broock Realtors® Birmingham
Hall & Hunter Birmingham
Keller Williams Domain Birmingham
Shain Park Realtors®
RE/MAX New Trend
RE/MAX Classic
This statistical information has been obtained from Realcomp II Ltd and actual sales. These statistics are derived from data believed to be reliable. This information is not to be reproduced, redistributed, or combined with data from other sources without expressed permission from Realcomp. Date: 1/17/18
signaturesothebys.com
248.644.7000
TOTAL SALES VOLUME ALL RESIDENTIAL AND CONDO SALES
PRICE: $4,000,000+ 115 110 105 100 95 90
91.1%
85 80 75
$ in Millions
70 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 Mkt 4.5%
5
Mkt 4.4%
0 Signature Sotheby’s International Realty
Max Broock RealtorsÂŽ Birmingham
Hall & Hunter Birmingham
This statistical information has been obtained from Realcomp II Ltd and actual sales. These statistics are derived from data believed to be reliable. This information is not to be reproduced, redistributed, or combined with data from other sources without expressed permission from Realcomp. Date: 1/17/18
signaturesothebys.com
248.644.7000
Michigan's #1 Family of Real Estate John, Bridget & Jack Apap Cell 248.225.9858 | japap@signaturesothebys.com
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Michigan's #1 Family of Real Estate John, Bridget & Jack Apap Cell 248.225.9858 | japap@signaturesothebys.com
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FACES
William Meyer s author of the children's book series, "Horace j. Edwards and the Time Keepers," it's no surprise that history was William Meyer's favorite subject while attending Detroit Country Day School with a "host of amazing history teachers." The first book in the series, "The Secret of the Scarab Beetle," follows the time-traveling adventures of sixth-grader Horace Edwards from Niles, Michigan to ancient Egypt as he uncovers the mystery of his grandfather's death and his strange inheritance. The second book, "The Search for the Lost Prophecy," brings the adventure to 1920's Detroit and The Scarab Club in the city's cultural and historic center. Meyer, who works as a history teacher in New York state, said the inspiration for the books goes back to his own grandfather's passion for ancient Egypt and the history classes he had at Detroit Country Day. "I love teaching ancient Egypt," he said. "My passion for it goes back to my grandfather. He was an engineer at Cadillac, and he took a trip to Egypt when I was in first grade. He came back and presented his trip to my class with slides. I was hooked." When his mother dug up one of his third-grade projects on Egyptian hieroglyphics, the idea for the first book began to take shape. "I shared the idea with my wife. We were in this taxi cab, and when I got done telling her, she turned to me and said, 'Don't tell anyone else about that story. It's good.'" From there, Meyer started doing his own research and investigating the farm where his grandfather grew up. He also began finding strange connections between Detroit and ancient Egypt, such as the ceramic scarab logo embedded over the front entrance of the club designed by
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sculptor Horace Colby. In ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle was a symbol of immortality. "The last big piece that floored me was when I went to Woodlawn Cemetery. There is an Egyptian mausoleum that is the Dodge brothers' tomb," he said. "I thought Detroit was the perfect setting for a kid’s book." While Meyer said he had already begun writing the first book before he first visited The Scarab Club, he later incorporated a tree mural at the club into the book as the time portal at Horace's grandfather's farm. For Meyer, the connections are an added bonus to a subject he already loves. "The Egypt thing is an easy sell," he said, "but the Detroit thing is a surprise that comes at the end of the meal." The book series, which is published by Sleeping Bear Press in Ann Arbor, marks a sort of return to Michigan for Meyer, who left the state when he was about 25, after doing his doctoral work at the University of Michigan. He said he still returns regularly to the Detroit area to visit family. Those visits now include promoting his book series. "The reception has been great," he said. "I have gone to over 60 schools, and last year in March, the (Detroit Institute of Arts) for reading month had over 1,200 students attend a talk. I was able to do some work with the book and tie it into the museum. I'll be coming back this spring to do a bus tour in Detroit of sites in the second book. Those will be a lot of fun." Story: Kevin Elliott
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MUNICIPAL Entertainment at city restaurants changes
Old Woodward construction approved By Lisa Brody
By Lisa Brody
After two Birmingham restaurants, The Bird and The Bread and 220, had come before city commissioners for special land use permit amendments and final site plan approvals in December but found the existing liquor license ordinance too restrictive, the city attorney returned on Monday, January 8, with an ordinance change giving police more latitude in citing violations, which was unanimously approved, and then both dining establishments received unanimous approval for their special land use permit amendments and final site plans. At the December 11 Birmingham City Commission meeting, The Bird and The Bread, 210 S. Old Woodward, came before the commission to request a name and concept change, to Vinotecca, which would be a wine bar serving sophisticated European foods, in the form of small plates and tapas, similar to the owner’s restaurant in Ann Arbor, Vinology, and their former establishment Vinotecca in Royal Oak. The Elm Room, a banquet facility in the rear, will remain the same. Owner Kristen Jonna also said she would like to offer low-key entertainment, in the form of blues and jazz, with DJs and trios, on some nights, as well as having entertainment in the private banquet room. The ordinance had been changed several years ago after a couple of Birmingham establishments with music experienced violent criminal activity. On January 8, city attorney Tim Currier said that from previous
downtownpublications.com
fter a couple of years of planning, the Birmingham City Commission on Monday, January 8, unanimously approved the awarding of a $7 million contract to Angelo Iafrate Contrunction Co. for the reconstruction of Old Woodward between Willits and Brown for the 2018 construction season. Weather permitting, the project is expected to start in March with underground work. The approved contract with Iafrate calls for 125 days of work with a targeted completion date of July 27. The agreement includes significant financial incentives for early completion as well as substantial penalties if the work is not done on time. Other conditions in the approved contract include a six-day a week work schedule, with extended hours encouraged. Angelo Iafrate Construction of Warren was the lowest bidder of three bids for the Old Woodward reconstruction project, city officials confirmed. Iafrate did the Woodward reconstruction in Detroit for the Qline; the 2012 reconstruction of Rochester Road in Rochester; and concrete reconstruction on M-59 in Macomb County, among numerous projects. The planned road project will shut down the center of downtown Birmingham along Old Woodward from Willits to Brown, and Maple to just past the store Suhm-Thing and part of E. Maple. The road requires a complete reconstruction, similar to Pierce Street and Hamilton in previous years, in that these areas have some of the oldest water and sewer lines in Birmingham, as well as a streetscape that is on a different grade than the road. Much of this current infrastructure was installed in the 1940s and has exceeded its useful life – with some sewers dating to the 1890s. Besides improvements, a center median will be added to Old Woodward, but commissioners said it will be smaller than the medians on N. Old Woodward between Oak and Willits in order to allow larger trucks better access in the downtown area. One lane of traffic will remain open on Maple Road at all times, city officials have said, although Old Woodward will be closed to vehicle traffic. “Downtown will not be closed. The public will be able to get to their favorite locations,” Joe Valentine, Birmingham city manager said. “We thank all of our stakeholders for their patience as we take this necessary action to improve our downtown core for the long-term.” Valentine said the city has extensive plans to keep the project moving quickly as well as to keep the sidewalks, front doors of stores and parking accessible, as well as traffic and project updates available to the public on a regular basis. Birmingham had budgeted over $7 million for the extensive road reconstruction project, and Paul O’Meara, city engineer, said the bid from Iafrate is about $180,000 lower than what was budgeted.
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experience with prior liquor license holders, “We felt that having DJ only was probably lacking in trying to address the problems they’d had occasionally. We do have a very good number of operators in the city. The real issue is being able to act swiftly if an issue arises. We tried to address it where the city manager could rescind, in whole or part, a special land use permit (SLUP) if one of these operators violate it in or around these establishments. It could be based on a recommendation by the police chief or his designee, such as officers on the ground who would be witnessing this, coupled with immediately scheduling a public hearing at the next city commission meeting to see if action is needed to rescind the license or some other alternative by the city commission, in accordance with the code. “The reason we took this broader stroke,” Currier continued, “is to be in control a multitude of issues that may arise – not just DJs. We tried to provide a much broader net to give the commission much broader control to react. It would apply to ever liquor license in the city.” “This is good policy,” said mayor Andy Harris. “The intent is to get the commission to address it as soon as possible.” Commissioners voted 7-0 to approve the ordinance change. They then voted 7-0 to approve the name, design and menu change of The Bird and The Bread to Vinotecca, and in accordance with the new ordinance to not limit types of entertainment, but to limit behavior. The voted 5-0, with commissioners Mark Nickita and Stuart Sherman recusing themselves, to permit 220 Restaurant, at 220 E. Merrill, to add a lower level as an extension to their
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restaurant, in the former location of Edison’s, with food and beverage service with the same menu as the main restaurant, entertainment, and a separate entrance. At the December meeting, planning director Jana Ecker had presented an updated plan, pointing out, “Sometimes it will be open to the public, and sometimes it will be open for private events,” noting the main space has 170 seats, the lower level would offer 86 seats, although primarily lounge-style, with couches and just three tables. Access to the lower level would be through a separate side door entrance. Owner Zaid Elia said he would be bringing back what had existed previously, only better, with full food service. He said entertainment, whether with a DJ or live entertainment, was crucial to compete with downtown Detroit establishments, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Rochester and other destination restaurants. “If there are ongoing issues, the police department can suspend their
SLUP and they can have a public hearing before the city commission,” Ecker said of the new ordinance, before commissioners approved the changes to 220.
Birmingham hires assistant manager The city of Birmingham has hired Tiffany Gunter as its new assistant city manager, filling a vacancy that has been open since current city manager Joe Valentine was elevated to the position of city manager from assistant city manager in February 2014, after previous city manager Bob Bruner’s contract was not renewed. Gunter assumed the position on Tuesday, January 2, 2018. Since March 2017, she was interim CEO of the Regional Transit Authority of Southeast Michigan (RTA), and previously, she served the agency in a number of leadership roles, including preparing budgets, acting as its public spokesperson, CFO, IT director, project manager, and grant writer.
“We are excited to bring Tiffany’s leadership abilities, judgment and strong record of regional collaboration to our team,” Valentine said. “Whether leading projects or aligning stakeholders, Tiffany’s experience and skills are a valuable resource in the work we do on behalf of the residents and businesses that make Birmingham their home.” “Birmingham is a great community and I am looking forward to using my expertise, energy and creativity on behalf of the citizens, merchants and stakeholders of the city,” Gunter said. Prior to her work at RTA, Gunter served in 2014 as executive dean at Wayne County Community Collect District (WCCCD), and as deputy project manager of transportation from 2004 to 2014 for the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG). She also worked for Daimler-Chrysler and at Kmart Corp. Gunter recently obtained an Executive Leadership certificate from the University of Notre Dame and successfully completed the Kouzes
and Posner Leadership Challenge Training Certificate in 2017. Her BBA in General Management and Finance is from the University of MichiganDearborn.
Mitchell’s Fish Market closes in downtown As of the first of this year, Mitchell’s Fish Market, in downtown Birmingham has closed. The eatery, located at 117 Willits Street, closed December 31. The closure was confirmed by the manager of the Rochester Hills location of Mitchell’s, as well as the manager of adjacent establishment Cameron’s Steakhouse. The Birmingham location has been removed from the corporate website. “It was quite unexpected,” said Adam Mitchell, manager at Cameron’s, who emphasized that Cameron’s is remaining open for business. “We’re not going anywhere.” Landry’s, corporate owner of Mitchell’s Fish Market, headquartered
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in Houston, also owns Cameron’s Steakhouse, Morton’s The Steakhouse, McCormick & Schmidt, Rainforest Cafe and many others. Calls to corporate offices from Downtown newsmagazine were not returned. Located in the Willits Building, which opened in 2001, Mitchell’s and the adjacent restaurant Cameron’s Steakhouse, then owned by Cameron Mitchell of Columbus, Ohio, brought a new flavor of dining to Birmingham. Mitchell’s offered a variety of fresh and seasonal fish and seafood in an upscale and casual atmosphere. In 2008, Ruth’s Chris Steak House purchased both Mitchell’s Fish Market and Cameron’s Steakhouse; in 2014, the two were purchased by Landry’s, Inc. Currently, the Rochester Hills and Livonia Mitchell’s locations remain open for business. Mitchell, manager of Cameron’s, said that employees of the Birmingham Mitchell’s location were all offered other employment within the Landry corporate universe, with several coming next door to the luxurious steak restaurant. “Ninety-five percent of the staff have been relocated within Landry’s sphere,” he said.
St. Croix Collection moves to Birmingham
Let the
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Lic #: L-21897 60
St. Croix Collections, a luxury menswear boutique specializing in knitwear, is opening in Birmingham February 1, after 24 years at the Somerset Collection. General manager Victoria Knight confirmed the move to downtown Birmingham, first as a pop-up location in the former Beauty by RX location at 286 W. Maple Road, and then on April 1 in the J. McLaughlin location at 268 W. Maple Road, when J. McLaughlin moves to Somerset. “We’re very excited to come to Birmingham. There are only eight St. Croix boutiques in the U.S., and only one store in Michigan with the complete boutique line,” Knight said. “We didn’t want to leave the state of Michigan – we have a huge following. After 24 years, it’s time to branch out and be with everyone else who knows what old school boutiquing is all about. Men are coming here (to Birmingham) to shop. They are destination shoppers. We provide a service – we cater to them. We’re all about family, and that’s what Birmingham is all about. There’s a warmth to Birmingham, and you lose that in the mall.”
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She said her clients – who are primarily from Birmingham, Bloomfield, Franklin and West Bloomfield, are already shopping and dining in Birmingham. “Our clients are so excited we’re coming,” she said. St. Croix was begun 50 years ago when Bernhard Brenner came to the United States from Europe as a young knitting engineer determined to make “the finest sweater that can be made.” From humble beginnings, he created the luxury line. Knight said of the boutique, “We carry all of the knitwear, which is made in the United States in Winona, MN. The belts and scarves are made in the U.S., as well.” St. Croix is a full menswear boutique, carrying trousers, socks and sport shirts, which are made in Italy.
Housing okayed for former school site By Lisa Brody
Bloomfield Hills School District former elementary school Hickory Grove Elementary School, on Lahser Road north of Hickory Grove, received unanimous preliminary approval from the Bloomfield Township planning commission at its meeting on Monday, January 15, for a planned unit development (PUD) site plan review to be developed into a single family residential development, and it will now go to the township’s board of trustees for final approval. The development, which will be gated, is to be called Villas of Bloomfield. Robertson Brothers Homes of Bloomfield Hills presented a planned unit development site plan review for the 27.46 acre parcel which they are under contract to purchase from the Bloomfield Hills School District, for a high-end, age-targeted planned development of 41 detached condominium units with ranch and cape cod plans featuring first floor master suites. Tim Loughrin, manager of acquisitions for Robertson Brothers, wrote in a zoning board of appeals application that Robertson Brothers’ was “designed to work within the interior of the site, thereby significantly reducing the impact to the perimeter of the site from what would otherwise be developed as a traditional neighborhood development. In order to accomplish this, a clustered approach to the site plan was created. The site plan is proposed to provide 35.34 percent open space, well in excess of 02.18
248-421-2670 nancykarasrealty@gmail.com 4130 Telegraph Road / Bloomfield Hills / MI 48302 / www.nancykaras.maxbroock.com
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Presented by Nancy Karas and Rebecca Gulyas Pine Lakefront West Bloomfield w/ Bloomfield Hills Schools | $2,795,000
2010 REBUILD & RENOVATION! Panoramic sunset views, 100’ of sandy waterfront on ALL-SPORTS Lake with crystal clear water! Quiet, private cul-de-sac setting. 4-5 Bedrms. 5.1 Baths. 4,986 SF plus 1,746 in finished walkout, perfect for in-law suite with kitchenette. Architect Willoughby & Templeton Built with dramatic vaulted ceilings, stone and exotic hardwood floors, 3 terraces, Chef’s Kitchen, ADT Smart Home, custom features throughout. High-end everything. Extra tall and deep garage could accommodate a tandem-placed vehicle or hydraulic lifts. Bloomfield Hills schools.
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Lower Long Lakefront
Quarton Lake Estates
Bloomfield | $1,395,000
Birmingham | $1,399,000
Magnificent lake views and access to Forest Lake and All-Sports Upper Long Lake. 4 bedrooms including a huge master suite with exercise room. Built in 1953 and expanded and remodeled in 1991. Hardwood floors in great Room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace. Drive-under 2 car garage, plus tandem space for 3rd vehicle, boat or storage. Massive deck across the back and large dock. Cul-de-sac location for quiet and privacy. Bloomfield Hills Schools.
2 HOMES FOR PRICE OF 1 ON .8 ACRE! Charming with every modern convenience in this tastefully updated French Colonial & Carriage House, to enjoy income of $16,000+ and tax write offs from rental or use for in-laws. Privacy, lush landscaping, terraces, circular drives. High-end kitchen reno w/ 2 refrigerators, open to family room. Hardwood floors, French doors, Ann Sacks tile. Spacious master en suite + 4 more beds & updated baths. 4,134/SF + 1,175/SF carriage house with 2 beds, 1 bath, living rm, laundry (Total 5,309SF) + 162/SF 3 season rm. Birmingham schools.
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Forest Lakefront Bloomfield | $1,299,000 LAKEFRONT, gOLF FRONT, 2012 construction, Das designed, built by Livewell Custom Homes. Tranquil setting, wildlife, great boating, swimming & fishing! 3,135/SF Colonial with 1,000/SF finished in lower level. Open floor plan, quarried stone, 4 bed, 3.5 baths, 1.12 acres, 3 car garage. Economical geo-thermal heating system. Lower Long Lake and AllSports Upper Long Lake access too! Bloomfield Hills Schools!
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Clark / Carroll Island Lakefront
Commerce $529,900 for for 1.67 acre half island with home $239,000 for 1.25 acre vacant, buildable half island 3 ACRE ISLAND – SUNSET VIEWS 2 parcels, one with home, other buildable on ALL SPORTS LAKE! Over the bridge & down the winding road to your island lakefront! Does not get any better than this with breathtaking views and water wrapping all around this beautiful home with idyllic, private setting, sandy beach. Vaulted ceilings, large deck, screened gazebo. Walled Lake Schools. Entry level 5th bedroom.
MUNICIPAL Tactical Asset Allocation Strategies the 10 percent required in the PUD. Further, the condominium structure will provide for the ongoing maintenance and preservation of these open spaces.” Planning commission member Neal Barnett said the builders spent a lot of time with surrounding residents before submitting their site plan for review. “They were sensitive to their concerns, and modified their proposed plans based on some concerns.” He noted that the developers are carefully respecting trees on the property and the need to maintain and preserve nature. “The result is they have proposed a plan where the development is pushed to the middle of the development as much as possible,” Barnett said. “Many of the rear yard setbacks are deeper than the township requires in order to maintain as many as possible, especially on the north side of the development.” After meetings with residents from adjacent subdivisions, the condominiums will be clustered to the center of the development to allow for a large buffer for the surrounding neighborhoods and to limit the impact on existing wetlands. There will be a common 9.55-acre open space within the interior and periphery of the development for accessibility by the residents. In addition, there will be a two-acre roadside park in the front of the development, along the Lahser Road frontage. Wood chip trails will allow for continued access for residents. “I think it will be a great community development, a great addition to the township, as well as providing an option for residents who want to stay in Bloomfield Township,” Barnett said. Robertson Brothers next will have a wetlands hearing in the township on Monday, February 5, and then come before the board of trustees for final approval at a later date.
Single record keeper chosen for township Following the recommendation of Bloomfield Township’s financial sustainability committee, the board of trustees on Monday, January 8, unanimously approved consolidating the township’s pension and health savings accounts for employees under a single record keeper, Empower Retirement, to manage under the auspices of Gregory Schwartz & Co., for a savings of over $100,000. Township treasurer Brian Kepes
explained that the financial sustainability committee had asked Schwartz & Co., which the township had recently chosen as their investment company of record, to send out a request for proposal (RFP) in order to coordinate and streamline their process of managing and overseeing various employee pension and health savings accounts, including 401 and 457 plans. A 401 plan is an IRS-approved defined-contribution pension account where retirement savings are provided by an employer, deducted from an employee’s pre-tax paycheck, and limited to an annual contribution of $18,000, as of 2017. A 457 account is a deferred compensation retirement plan available to government employers which operates similarly to a 401K plan. Kepes said there is about $30 million in various accounts to be managed. Matthew Whitty, director of institutional services for Schwartz, informed trustees that since November, they have been going through RFPs in order to streamline the process, “to have a much better cost for the township.” He said all four of the providers who submitted proposals – Voya, Empower Retirement, Mass Mutual and American Funds – were capable of doing the work, however, American Funds does not provide 457 or HRA administrative services. “Empower and Voya were the two incumbents that separated themselves from the group,” Whitty said. “We then asked them to sharpen their pencils.” He said that Empower came back at a price of six basis points for the 401 and 457 accounts, and that currently 166 employees have accounts with Empower. “It’s a one-stop shop for participants for them to manage their retirement and health accounts,” he noted. “It was highly sought after to go to just one website to review their accounts. It’s very convenient. Not everyone could offer that. It’s very streamlined and less confusing.” Kepes and Whitty pointed out that currently, between various accounts and purveyors, the township has been charged between 40 and 60 basis points. “Now we’ll be charged six,” said Kepes. “The total savings from consolidating the four different companies is $109,590 that will be saved annually. It’s pretty confusing with four different vendors.”
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Lynn Baker, Associate Broker Deby Gannes, REALTOR® 248.379.3000 lbaker@hallandhunter.com
248.379.3003 dgannes@hallandhunter.com
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OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 2831 Cranbrook Ridge Ct. | $1,325,000 Luxurious custom home on almost an acre surrounded by lush gardens. Magnificent architectural details. Beautifully finished walkout LL. Rear and side terraces.
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BLOOMFIELD 1772 Heron Ridge | $1,599,000
ROCHESTER HILLS 1540 Mill Race | $1,490,000
Pristine executive retreat in private, gated enclave Magnificent estate on 3.56 acres backing to Stony Creek. on ravine setting with serene views. Finished walkout Renovated to perfection in 2016-2017 with reclaimed lower level with possible 5th bedroom. 4-car garage. fragments of historical estates. Unbelievable details!
8,643 Total SF | 4 BR | 3.3 Baths | MLS# 217083667
7,385 Total SF | 4 BR | 4.2 Baths | MLS# 218004256
8,729 SF | 4 BR | 4.2 Baths | MLS# 217098408
OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 5475 Jendean Lane | $628,900
FRANKLIN VILLAGE 30120 Pondsview Drive | $449,900
STERLING HEIGHTS 3877 Corkwood Drive | $539,900
“Up north” feeling on rare 10-acre lot with spring-fed pond minutes from downtown Rochester. Amazing interior & out-of-this-world walkout LL with indoor pool.
Breathtaking scenery on almost an acre with 2 ponds! Great floor plan offers spectacular views from floor-toceiling windows. Ready for updates & your touches.
Exceptional new construction in enclave of 17 homes boasts upgrades usually found in $800k+ homes. Vacant lot in sub also available for $159,900.
6,618 Total SF | 4 BR | 4.1 Baths | MLS# 217098149
2,852 SF | 4 BR | 3.1 Baths | MLS# 217107537
3,449 SF | 4 BR | 3.1 Baths | MLS# 217108031
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CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 32 Vaughan Ridge Road | $474,900
OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 1700 Schilling Lane | $1,095,000
ROCHESTER HILLS 3638 Nesting Ridge Drive | $679,900
City of Bloomfield Hills detached condo with open floor plan and walkout LL. Large kitchen. Master suite with oversized walk-in closet & spacious bath.
Custom-built gated retreat on 16.07 acres of breathtaking scenery. Carriage house, pond, stone waterfall and indoor pool. Extraordinary amenities! 6,136 Total SF | 4 BR | 4.2 Baths | MLS# 217098336
A true oasis backing to woods, the Clinton River and conservation area. Every upgrade imaginable! 1700 SF walkout LL. Glass awalled deck jettisons into woods. 5,801 Total SF | 6 BR | 4.1 Baths | MLS# 217093308
3,458 Total SF | 3 BR | 2.1 Baths | MLS# 217098008
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Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009
Susan Hill Associate Broker, ABR, CNE 248.225.1399 SHill@hallandhunter.com
Congratulations To My 2017 Buyers and Sellers!
Let me help YOU buy or sell in 2018! Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009
442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009
248.644.3500 Patty Blair
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REALTOR®
REALTOR®
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West view of the Rouge River from deck
BIRMINGHAM 680 Brookside Avenue | $499,000
BIRMINGHAM 887 Wimbleton | $699,000
A rare, spectacular opportunity to build in the sought-after “Little San Francisco” area. This incredible elevated property in a natural setting offers a unique bird’s eye west view of the Rouge River. A short walk to the restaurants, shopping and entertainment of downtown. So many possibilities for this special offering that’s been family owned for 55 years!
Elegantly updated landmark Tudor in charming Poppleton Park offers stylish and elegant details throughout. Highlighted features include a beautiful family room addition and formal living room with marble fireplace. Spacious master suite with renovated bath. Impeccable!
1,395 SF | 3 Bedrooms | 1 Full Bath | MLS# 217102511
2,984 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 218001029
For more information, visit HallandHunter.com Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009
442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009
248.644.3500
Kevin Conway ®
REALTOR
Amy Zimmer, Associate Broker Tiffany Glime, REALTOR ®
248.469.6430
248.330.3324
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CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 257 Pine Ridge Drive | $1,599,000 Grand custom-built residence offers expansive 1st floor master suite with fireplace, doorwalls to deck, dual walk-in closets, bath with secluded courtyard, and private staircase to finished LL with exercise room, sauna, full bath & cedar closet. Additional 4400 SF finished LL. Oversized heated 4-car garage. 6,677 SF | 6 Bedrooms | 6 Full, 3 Half Baths | MLS# 218004492
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2222 N. La Salle Gardens | Detroit | $310,000 www.2222LaSalle.epropertysites.com Opportunity awaits in La Salle Gardens! This extraordinary 2017 restored 3-story residence is move-in perfection. Thoughtfully restored to modern standards, while enhancing the historic essence. Renovated cook’s kitchen. 9’ ceilings. Original hardwood flooring & architectural details. Near La Salle Park & minutes from Midtown, the Q-line, downtown Detroit & dining/entertainment. 2,674 SF | 5 Bedrooms | 1 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 218002514
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CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 1825 Huntingwood Lane | $875,000
21 Kingsley Manor Ct. | Bloomfield Hills | $449,000 www.21Kingsley.epropertysites.com
Inviting home on 1.15 acres of privacy! Enjoy a generous kitchen with direct access to patio with fire pit and fenced yard. Den & family room share a double-sided fireplace and have direct access to the lovely, vast grounds. Extraordinary master suite with sitting area. 5-car garage.
Bring your design ideas & inspiration! Private end-unit ranch with landscaped courtyard ready for your finishing touches. First floor master suite. Expansive rear deck (2012) with views of tree-lined berm. Flowing floor plan with updates and lots of storage. Unit does not back Woodward Ave. Close to Cranbrook Educational Community and the amenities of Birmingham. 2,677 SF | 2 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217105665
4,038 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217108052
For more information, visit HallandHunter.com Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009
FACES Danielle Lutz ately, a lot of prom dresses have been appearing outside Danielle Lutz’s door. “Sometimes I don’t even know who they are from – dresses will just show up,” Lutz said. While who the dresses are from sometimes remains a mystery the reason Lutz received them isn’t. They are for her non-profit, reWEARable, which collects dresses and accessories for girls who wouldn’t be able to afford them for prom. ReWEARable – which launched last year – is partnering with Detroit Public Schools this spring and looking to collect at least 500 dresses. There will be an event held a few weeks before prom where girls will be able to come and select a dress to dance the night away in. “It’s (prom) a special day, it’s not like any other day,” said Lutz, a junior at Groves High School. “And I think that when I get to provide that happiness to those girls – it’s such a good feeling.” This won’t be the first time Lutz, of Birmingham, has been able to provide girls with prom dresses. During her freshman year of high school, she was told about the Princess Project, a Californiabased non-profit which provides free prom dresses to high school students. Lutz started collecting dresses, sending about 150 that first year. As amazing as it felt to know she was doing something for these girls, Lutz wanted to help those a little closer to home. “I wanted to actually see the change in my own community rather than all the way out in California,” she said. Last year she partnered with the National Council of Jewish Women and their resale shop in Berkley. They held a small event at the shop with girls coming to select dresses for their proms. Between her freshman and sophomore year, Lutz estimates she’s been able to donate at least 400 dresses. But still, Lutz wanted to do more. After discussing with her mom, Beth, about who she wanted to donate dresses to, and reach out to, DPS came up. Lutz said DPS was their number one choice since they are so close to home. “They needed our help and we wanted to give them help,” Lutz said. The non-profit will take everything related to prom; dresses, shoes, purses, and jewelry, as long as it’s in good shape. Lutz said they are currently at 200 dresses with plans to continue collecting donations until April. When Lutz started collecting dresses she never thought she would get as many as she has, but then her mom posted on Facebook about what her daughter was doing. “I was kind of worried at first,” Lutz said. “When I first started I was like, ‘Mom, we’re barely getting any dresses.’ She was like, ‘Just wait and see.’” After that Facebook post, the dresses started flooding in from all of her mom’s friends. Groves also started advertising what she was doing on morning announcements, and now donation boxes can be found at some Birmingham schools. When asked if she’s been surprised by the success so far she gets silent for a moment. “Actually, yes,” she said. “Honestly, when I started I did not see myself two-and-a-half years later with my own non-profit doing it myself, with all that responsibility. Now that it’s a reality, it’s really cool.”
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Story: Dana Casadei
Photo: Laurie Tennent
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EDUCATION No charges against boy for sex assault By Lisa Brody
Evidence from an October 28 house party hosted by two Cranbrook Kingswood High School students in Oakland Township where two girls alleged they were sexually assaulted by a fellow Cranbrook student has been presented to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s office by the Oakland County Sheriff, and the prosecutor’s office will not file charges against the male student, according to chief deputy prosecutor Paul Walton. Oakland County Undersheriff Michael McCabe said the victims, ages 16 and 17, both Cranbrook students, spoke with investigators in the two days following an alleged house party where it is believed about 100 youth gathered. The victims told investigators they were sexually assaulted at the home while attending the party. Unconfirmed reports indicated that one of the students eventually stopped cooperating with authorities and her complaint was withdrawn. According to a source, the boy accused of the sexual assault passed two lie detector tests. Walton said he had no idea about a polygraph, but he also would not – and could not – comment about a polygraph, or lie detector test, but under state statute, “someone accused of sexual assault can request a polygraph.” It is a misdemeanor for a prosecutor to reveal polygraph results. Aside from the two sexual assault investigations, detectives have been interested in learning more about who hosted the party, whether they supplied alcohol to minors and additional details. The father of one of the two girls who hosted the party is the owner of the home and was home at the time of the party, according to several sources. Oakland County Undersheriff Michael McCabe said, “We know for a fact that an adult was there. downtownpublications.com
If there was involvement and facilitation, there will be criminal charges.” Information could help in potential enforcement of local and state ordinances regarding alcohol-related laws, such as hosting and furnishing alcohol to minors or contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Cranbrook is said to have done their own internal investigation of the party, but has been tightlipped in relaying what, if any, repercussions there has been for students who may have been at the party, consumed alcohol, hosted, or possibly were involved in the alleged sexual assault. Clay Matthews, spokesperson for the school, said in a prepared statement, “The safety of our students is Cranbrook’s highest priority. While we do not, as a matter of policy, provide details on specific student matters, we can say that we have completed our investigation and will continue to take appropriate action.” In addition, Cranbrook Schools has a Parent Code of Conduct which holds students responsible for inappropriate actions by a parent, such as hosting a house party with alcohol, which parents must sign at the beginning of each school year, and if it is violated a student can be suspended or expelled. Matthews refused to comment regarding an out-of-state student who was expelled after returned to the dorm drunk after the party. There are also unconfirmed reports that the two female students who hosted the party had appeared before a student/faculty review panel and there was no recommendation for penalties for the two students. Walton said they are continuing to investigate the party, and the father is part of the investigation.
Groves investigating use of social media Groves High School administration has reprimanded and counseled students involved
with inappropriate social media messages, one of which included a derogatory and demeaning term, and another a racially insensitive photograph, Birmingham School District officials confirmed. Groves Principal Embekka Thomson, Ed.D., sent an email to parents on Friday, December 15, alerting them of the issue, and that it had been brought to the attention of Groves administration. “These social media posts are unacceptable and a full investigation is underway. At this point in our investigation, we have enough information to administer strenuous consequences consistent with the student code of conduct. However, the investigation is ongoing. Although these social media posts occurred outside of the school setting, when there is potential for disruption to the school environment, we feel compelled to conduct a school investigation,” Thompson wrote parents. “Since these posts happened outside of the school day on social media, please consider this issue another opportunity to talk with your children about their digital footprint. In addition to these social media posts not being able to be taken back, inappropriate posts are often damaging to their school reputation, and have far reaching consequences such as college admissions and employment. What is considered humorous to some, may be perceived as hurtful or threatening to others,” Thompson continued. Marcia Wilkinson, Birmingham district spokesperson, said that once the investigation was underway, the students’ stories kept changing. “It was kids using the internet to downgrade other kids,” she said of the three students involved. “It was not actually bullying, and there was nothing sexual, but it could be construed as inappropriate. The students were counseled and it is still be looked at.” This is the second incident at Groves in December. On December 1, Thompson reached out to
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parents regarding an incident in one of the locker rooms that alleged student misconduct within one of the locker rooms in what has been described as a combination of physical abuse and bullying. Wilkinson said the district is still looking into the incident, which involved a couple of students, so she could not comment specifically on it. However, she said the school’s athletic teams share the locker room with the physical education students. “Students at times may think because they meant no harm, an event is not problematic. They may assume that because others are laughing and having fun, the behaviors are acceptable,” Thompson wrote to parents. “However, it is important that we communicate clearly with our children that disrespectful, demeaning, or non-consensual behaviors of any kind are not acceptable. Students will be held responsible for their conduct, not on their subjective intent. When allegations of misconduct are brought to our attention, the district will promptly investigate and provide support to the individuals that were targeted, and provide support to the individuals who were affected, while following the disciplinary policy and procedures regarding other students who were found to have been involved.” Wilkinson emphasized that it is imperative for both parents and students to let teachers, staff and administration know if and when any incidents occur so they can immediately take appropriate action. “As these things come up, people have to let the administration know,” she said. “The only way we can take action is if parents and students keep an open line of communications with the schools.” 71
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Sam Kaplunov Associate Broker 248.933.0471
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BUSINESS MATTERS Healthy dining option Looking for a healthy meal option? Birmingham is getting another healthy choice with Grabbagreen, 167 N. Old Woodward, in the former Sanders Chocolates location. Grabbagreen, which has locations throughout the country, offers grain bowls, green bowls, soup, breakfast, smoothies, fresh pressed juices, elixirs, healthy snacks, and detoxes. “Grabbagreen only uses the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients in all our delicious, nutritious menus selections,” they said. “Our chicken and beef are hormone and antibiotic free and many of our locations offer organic ingredients. At Grabbagreen, there are only healthy options.” Breakfast choices include steak, chicken and veggie wraps in collard greens and hash or mango bowls. Grain and green bowls offer a variety of combinations to satisfy a variety of tastes and nutritional requirements. There is also a youth menu, as well as nutritious smoothies, fresh pressed juices, acai cups, cold brew and a variety of healthy snacks, from a black bean brownie to miso veggie salad and quinoa tabbouleh.
New nail salon In a land of skin care and nail salons, another has opened, at Square Lake and Telegraph in Bloomfield Township, next to Pasta Fagioli. Nailtopia 2, 2412 Square Lake Road, owned by Linda Hoang, opened this fall, with about six individual manicurists offering manicures and pedicures.
Mills closing in Detroit Don’t worry folks, Mills Pharmacy + Apothecary is staying in their same location, at 1744 W. Maple Road at Chesterfield in Birmingham, where they’ve been for over 70 years. As a matter of fact, they are now the only independent pharmacy in Birmingham, owner Pierre Boutros reported, after pharmacy behemoth CVS acquired Sav-On Drugs in Birmingham and Bloomfield Township. “I was able to hire Mike Mindell, the longtime, respected pharmacist at the Birmingham SavOn, as well as two much admired pharmacy technicians from the Birmingham and Bloomfield locations. They have already started working here at Mills,” Boutros announced. “Most people think that the independent, community pharmacy is a thing of the past….it isn’t. All of Sav-On’s customers have been transferring their prescriptions to us for our personalized style and genuine care.” However, despite enjoying being part of the Detroit downtownpublications.com
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renaissance for the past year, they have closed their midtown Detroit pop-up apothecary location, 4215 Cass Avenue. “Our love for Detroit is deeper than ever and we remain committed to finding a permanent home in the city, so this isn’t really goodbye, it’s just ‘see you later,’” said retail director Rita Sayegh.
Vegetarian, organic flair Downtown Birmingham continues to offer a variety of worldwide cuisines. Right by Grabbagreen, diners will get to enjoy Ethiopian fare, with the entry of Taste of Ethiopia at 183 N. Old Woodward, in the former New Bangkok Thai Bistro location. This will be Taste of Ethiopia’s second location, joining its Southfield one on Northwestern Highway. Owner Hiyah Gebreyohannes said the natural, organic and often vegetarian food is very healthy. “My earliest memories are forever linked to the contents of my childhood lunchbox – my mom’s aromatic home-cooked Ethiopian dishes. These lunchbox memories inspired my dream to bring the wonderful flavors of the Ethiopian culture to be enjoyed by everyone,” she said. “Handmade in small batches with all-natural ingredients and authentic spices, Taste of Ethiopia marries tradition with healthy eating.” Gebreyohannes offers antibiotic free and organic chicken, stews, spicy lentils, all hormone free and nonGMO.
Restaurant closures While Birmingham is enjoying the opening of two new unique establishments, two others have closed their doors. Polpetta, which opened at the end of January 2017 at 126 S. Old Woodward Avenue, serving a variety of meatballs, sauces, breads and salads, closed recently. It was the brainchild of Owner Sam Abdelfatah, who has long owned the successful Brooklyn Pizza in downtown Birmingham. Word is it just didn’t catch on with local diners. A quick open – and then close – took place with Ly Sushi at 768 N. Old Woodward, next to Carl Sterr By Design. The small eatery, which offered sushi, Thai, and Vietnamese pho food, had been opened in August by experienced sushi chef Lee Yang, who had owned sushi restaurants in California before coming to Michigan a year or so ago.
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02.18
PLACES TO EAT
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inning Award eWn Soup Chick The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown.
Birmingham/Bloomfield 220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.2220. 5th Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9607. Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. Bagger Dave's Legendary Burger Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.792.3579. Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.499.6867. Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110. Beverly Hills Grill: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. No reservations. 31471 Southfield Road, Beverly Hills, 48025. 248.642.2355. Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078. Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 245 South Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774. Bill's: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Daily. Reservations, lunch only. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000. Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880. Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Liquor. Reservations. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984. Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879. Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690. Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Call ahead. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township. 248.642.4000. Cafe Via: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 310 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8800. Cameron’s Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.1700. China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221. Churchill's Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham,
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48009. 248.647.4555. Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220. Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9766. Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135. Eddie Merlot's: Steak & seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095. Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.258.9939. Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033. Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. Forest: European. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400. Four Story Burger: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 290 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.385.0506. Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222. Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American. Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. No Reservations. Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham. 248.712.4050. Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111. Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4369. IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522. Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner daily; Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 39475 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.792.9609. Kaku Sushi and Poke': Asian. Lunch & Dinner. Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. No Liquor. 869 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.480.4785. Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166. Khao San: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, MondayFriday. Carry out only. 355 W. Maple, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.3525. La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.5800.
6646 Telegraph at Maple Bloomfield Plaza Open Daily 9am-8pm H HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH H H HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H Carry Out or Catering Orders Carry Out or Dine-In Orders H H H H H H of $69.95 or more of $34.95 or more H H H H Must present printed coupon when ordering. Not valid with other H H Must present printed coupon when ordering. Not valid with other offers. No digital coupons accepted. Exp. 3/15/18 offers. No digital coupons accepted. Exp. 3/15/18 H H H H HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH H H HHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
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The Birmingham/Bloomfield area is filled with discriminating diners and an array of dining establishments. Make sure the message for your restaurant reaches the right market in the right publication—Downtown. Contact Mark Grablowski for advertising rate information. O: 248.792.6464 Ext. 601 MarkGrablowski@downtownpublications.com
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La Strada Dolci e Caffe: Italian. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.0492. Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707. Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568. Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.647.3400. Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051. Mad Hatter Cafe: Tea Room. Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. No reservations. Liquor. 185 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.0000 Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30100 Telegraph Rd., Suite 130, Bingham Farms, 48025. 248.723.7960. Market North End: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.712.4953. MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.723.0800. Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2079 S. Telegraph, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581.º Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500. Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775. Panera Bread: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7966. Also 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.253.9877. Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122. Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.6999. Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941. Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.874.1876 Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270. Rojo Mexican Bistro: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6200. Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. Sidecar Slider Bar: Burgers. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 280 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham 48009. 248.220.4167. Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200.
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Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300. Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations, Lunch only. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887. Sweet Tree Family Restaurant: Middle Eastern/American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.7767. Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830. Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. The Bird & The Bread: Brasserie. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.6600. The Franklin Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 32760 Franklin Rd, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600. The Gallery Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313. The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999. The Stand: Euro-American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 34977 Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.220.4237. Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7881. Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241. Triple Nickel Restaurant and Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 555 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.480.4951. Village Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams. Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7964. Whistle Stop Diner: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.566.3566.
Royal Oak/Ferndale Ale Mary's: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 316 South Main St., Royal Oak,
48067. 248.268.1917. Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 22651 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680. Andiamo Restaurants: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 129 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.582.0999. Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499. Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067. Bistro 82: French. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.0082. The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.547.6699. Bspot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 310 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1621. Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749. Cork Wine Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 48069. 248.544.2675. D’Amato’s: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 222 Sherman Dr., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.7400. Due Venti: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 S. Main St., Clawson, 48017. 248.288.0220. The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220. 248.399.5150. GreenSpace Cafe: Vegan. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 215. W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.206.7510. Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22949 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145. Inn Season Cafe: Vegetarian. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. No reservations. 500 E. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.547.7916. Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.543.9500. KouZina: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 121 N. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.629.6500. Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 410 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.591.5459. Local Kitchen and Bar: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 344 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.291.5650. Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227. Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th St, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947. One-Eyed Betty: American. Weekend Breakfast. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale, 48220. 248.808.6633. Pronto!: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch
DOWNTOWN
& Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7900. Public House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.850.7420. Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073. 248.549.0300. Ronin: Japanese. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 326 W. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.546.0888. Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.1141. Strada: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday - Sunday. Liquor. No reservations. 376 N. Main Street. Royal Oak, 48067. 248.607.3127. Toast, A Breakfast and Lunch Joint: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 23144 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.398.0444. Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 318 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.541.1186. Town Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7300. The Morrie: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.216.1112. Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.4444. Twisted Tavern: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22901 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.545,6750. Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072. 248.548.7711.
Troy/Rochester Bspot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 176 N. Adams Rd, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.218.6001. Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Rd., Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300. Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831. Chapman House: French-American. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations recommended. Liquor. 311 Walnut Blvd., Rochester. 48307. 248.759.4406. CK Diggs: American & Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2010 W. Auburn Road, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.853.6600. O’Connor’s Irish Public House: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 324 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537. Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48083. 248.619.9060. Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400. Lakes: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 5500 Crooks Rd., Troy, 48098. 248.646.7900. McCormick & Schmick’s: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2850 Coolidge Hwy,
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Troy, 48084. 248.637.6400. The Meeting House: American. Weekend Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main St, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825. Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5371. Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083. 248.689.2332. Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845. NM Café: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.816.3424. Oceania Inn: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Village of Rochester Hills, 3176 Walton Blvd, Rochester Hills, 48309. 248.375.9200. Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500. Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Rd., Troy, 48085. 248.524.1944. P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000. Recipes: American/Brunch. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 134 W. University Drive, Rochester, 48037. 248.659.8267. Also 2919 Crooks Road, Troy, 48084. 248.614.5390. Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424. Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Rd., Rochester, 48306. 248.652.4500. Steelhouse Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1129 E. Long Lake Rd., Troy, 48085. 248.817.2980. Too Ra Loo: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 139 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.453.5291.
West Bloomfield/Southfield Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600. Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680. Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034. Maria’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323. 248.851.2500. The Bombay Grille: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 29200 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, 48334. 248.626.2982. The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.851.8782.
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Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081. Meriwether’s: Seafood. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, 48034. 248.358.1310. Pickles & Rye: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890. Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463. Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.865.0500. Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.626.8585. Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248. 538.8954. Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.855.6622. Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.8282.
West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday, Dinner. Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223. It's A Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390. 248.360.4150. The Root Restaurant & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday - Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake, 48390. 248.698.2400. Volare Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 48992 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, 48393. 248.960.7771.
North Oakland Clarkston Union: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346. 248.620.6100. Holly Hotel: American. Afternoon Tea, Monday – Saturday, Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 110 Battle Alley, Holly, 48442. 248.634.5208. Kruse's Deer Lake Inn: Seafood. Lunch & dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7504 Dixie Highway, Clarkston, 48346. 248.795.2077. Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston. 48346. 248.620.8500. Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday – Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346. 248.625.5660
Detroit Angelina Italian Bistro: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1565 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.1355. Antietam: French. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.
1428 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, 48207. 313.782.4378. Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2684 E. Jefferson, Detroit, 48207. 313.965.3111. Cliff Bell’s: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.961.2543. Coach Insignia: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.2622. Craft Work: American. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 8047 Agnes St., Detroit, 48214. 313.469.0976. Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit, 48202. 313.872.5110. The Detroit Seafood Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1435 Randolph St., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.4180. El Barzon: Mexican. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 3710 Junction St., Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070. Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun. Breakfast, daily. Sunday Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.965.4600. Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Blvd., Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122. Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.5588. Jefferson House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd., Detroit, 48226. 313.782.4318. Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday- Friday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.6837. Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2601 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48216. 313.309.7946. Maccabees at Midtown: Eurasian. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 5057 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 48202. 313.831.9311. Mario’s: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616. Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 4710 Cass Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.974.7669. Motor City Brewing Works: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700. 1917 American Bistro: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 19416 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 48221. 313.863.1917. Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette St, Detroit, 48226. 313.309.2499. Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.
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Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.2100. Russell Street Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 2465 Russell St, Detroit, 48207. 313.567.2900. Santorini Estiatorio: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 501 Monroe Ave, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.9366. Selden Standard: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.438.5055. Sinbad’s: Seafood. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 St Clair St., Detroit, 48214. 313.822.8000. Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 48216. 313.962.9828. Small Plates Detroit: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 1521 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226. 313.963.0702. St. CeCe’s Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1426 Bagley Ave., Detroit, 48216. 313.962.2121. Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1234. Taqueria Nuestra Familia: Mexican. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7620 Vernor Hwy., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.5668. The Block: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 3919 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892. Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 519 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.964.4010. Top of the Pontch: American. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservation. Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226. 313.782.4313. Traffic Jam & Snug: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 511 W. Canfield, Detroit, 48201. 313.831.9470. 24grille: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226. 313.964.3821. Union Street: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4145 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.831.3965. Vince’s: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1341 Springwells St., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.4857. Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American. Saturday Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market St., Detroit, 48207. 313.393.1711. The Whitney: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & High Tea, Monday-Friday. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700. Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1646. Wolfgang Puck Steak: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1411. Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Ave Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711.
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Beauty
(SALON) by J. Lyle Ltd. 235 Willits Alley Birmingham, MI
$
20 Blow Outs
tuesday through friday
248:: 540:: 0046
THE COMMUNITY HOUSE A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE On January 1, 2018, The Community House Board of Directors was delighted to announce the creation of a new and separate entity; The Community House FOUNDATION to act as a supporting organization to The Community House (ASSOCIATION). The mission of The Community House FOUNDATION is to secure philanthropic funds that are critical in our ability to keep that promise to our families, and to the community, who depend on us to deliver a variety of quality programs and services throughout the region. Robust philanthropy also helps support a wide range of programs, projects and services, today and in the future that benefit the community. The Community House FOUNDATION will also help raise funds and awareness for the preservation of The Community House and its historic building. Historic preservation is a critical movement in planning – designed to conserve old buildings and areas in an effort to tie a place’s history to its population and culture. Much of The Community House FOUNDATION’s work will be done by carefully pairing passionate donors with immediate and emerging needs throughout The Community House organization; operationally, for capital purposes and for a strong endowment. As a separate entity, The Community House FOUNDATION will be governed by a separate Board of Directors. The Community House wishes to thank the leadership, guidance and heavy lifting of the founding Board of Directors of the new FOUNDATION for bringing this new entity to fruition. These members include:
Focused knowledge and insightful service Wells Fargo Home Mortgage has an unparalleled selection of product choices for a sophisticated level of needs and preferences, and unsurpassed service that ensures the complete satisfaction you expect and deserve.
Contact me today! Michael Tomlanovich Home Mortgage Consultant Phone: 248-731-0542 Cell: 248-797-0001 michael.tomlanovich@wellsfargo.com NMLSR ID 406444
Bill Seklar
• Rob Farr, Chair • Kevin Browett, Vice Chair • William D. Seklar, President & CEO • David Leslie • Christopher Mann • Deric Righter, Treasurer • Jacob Taylor
Information is accurate as of date of printing and is subject to change without notice. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage is a division of Wells Fargo Bank, N. A. © 2014 Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. All rights reserved. NMLSR ID 399801. AS3422479 Expires 04/2018
As we launch this most important endeavor during this – our milestone 95th anniversary year – full of hope and optimism, we believe it important to pause from time to time to reflect back on all of the people, individuals, corporations, foundations – kindnesses large and small, which have made a true and lasting difference at The Community House. As part of that effort, The Community House created four Pillars of Vibrancy: Philanthropy, Education, Wellness and Culture. The purpose was to annually and publicly recognize extraordinary individuals in one or more of these categories who have demonstrated selfless service and philanthropy toward others while helping to “Create More Vibrant Lives” in the community – selfless service offered and provided out of a genuine and deep desire to help and be of service to others. Since its inception, 41 pillars in our community have been recognized and inducted into The Community House’s Pillars of Vibrancy. On February 3, 2018, seven new pillars joined this impressive body. Our 2018 honorees included: Pillars of Culture: Dr. David DiChiera, Robert Bury, Paul W. Smith. Pillars of Philanthropy: Geoffrey Hockman, Julie Rodecker, Katie Valenti Pillar of Wellness: Dr. Robert Folberg In addition, to also recognize individuals, corporations and foundations that have given extraordinary treasure, $25,000 or more cumulatively, or donors who make an irrevocable legacy gift of $25,000 or more to The Community House, TCH leadership gathered to recognize and induct into The Bates Street Society, key stakeholders, Pillars of Vibrancy and Major Donors, together, under one philanthropic umbrella: The Bates Street Society. To coincide with our 95th Anniversary year, guests in attendance heard an inspirational message from our special keynote speaker, musical artist, businessman and treasurer of the William Davidson Foundation, Ethan D. Davidson. It was a magical evening of inspiration, celebration and gratitude. Finally, the 2018 Bates Street Society Dinner would not have been made possible without our founding third–year presenting sponsor PNC Wealth Management – PNC Bank. In addition, special thanks to The Bates Street Society’s other corporate sponsors, The Valenti Foundation, DeRoy & Devereaux Private Investment Council, Inc., Beaumont Health – Oakland University School of Medicine, The Beaumont Foundation, Dickinson Wright, PLLC, Barbara & Tim Hertzler, dbusiness, and Parsonage Florist. “We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” –
Winston Churchill
To find out more about The Community House or The Community House FOUNDATION go to communityhouse.com or call 248.644.5832.
William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House in Birmingham. downtownpublications.com
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Spectacular Tobocman Masterpiece in Gated Community 4823 W. Wickford | $2,999,999
A
n architecturally exquisite Tobocman-designed residence in gated Hills of Lone Pine magnificently redesigned in 2017 for today’s living. Open, sophisticated, comfortable and perfect for entertaining. Abundant natural light from new floor-to-ceiling windows and architectural skylight. Serene views of Minnow Lake. Expansive wall space to showcase art. Welcoming grand foyer with center fireplace and seating leading to living room with with fireplace, bar with built-ins and high ceilings. Dining room with surprising walk-in pantry for entertaining accessories. Spacious family/flex room. New Millenium designed kitchen, luxurious 1st floor master suite with large glass shower and bath. Enormous closets with center island and built-in dressers. Travertine floors and 7” European white oak. New stone terraces. Walkout lower level with family room, a new full kitchen, salt water pool, separate changing room, exercise/ gym and spa/steam room. New mechanicals, Oversized 3-car heated garage with 15’ x 10’ storage or workshop.
11,151 Total Square Feet | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Full, 3 Half Baths MLS# 217100939
Selected Homes Listed and Sold
ORCHARD LAKE $950,000
BIRMINGHAM $710,000
BEVERLY HILLS VILLAGE $675,000
BLOOMFIELD $530,000
TROY $490,000
FARMINGTON HILLS $485,000
FARMINGTON HILLS $432,350
WEST BLOOMFIELD $425,000
WEST BLOOMFIELD $278,000
BERKLEY $123,350
To schedule a private showing:
Cheryl Riback Associate Broker, ABR, SRES 248.808.3112 criback@hallandhunter.com
Offering the highest
level of customer service and exceptional results for more than 25 years
442 S. Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, MI 48009
SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Here is the update on the recent social scene. Many more photos from each event appear online each week at downtownpublications.com where readers can sign up for an e-mail notice when the latest social scene column is posted. Past columns and photos are also archived at the website for Downtown. Sally Gerak Karmanos Cancer Institute Partners Night More than 300 Karmanos Cancer Institute supporters gathered at this year’s Partners Night at Brad Oleshansky’s M1 Concourse in Pontiac to drive out cancer, so to speak. (And some of them also took a ride around the track in one of the race cars parked in front of the large party tent. “I loved it,” Eleanor Gabrys said of the 116 mph ride, “...but then I have a heavy foot.”) Guests sipped, supped on the stroll, bid in a silent auction and bought raffle tickets for a pair of Shinola watches from Tapper’s Fine Jewelry. It was the 24th year the young professionals have raised funds to drive the future of cancer research. A highlight from the brief program was the video of stage 4 melanoma survivor David Long’s battle that included participation in two world-renowned Karmanos Phase I Clinical Trials funded with Partners support. Guests crowded the dance floor when DJ Captn20’s music started. The event generated nearly $500,000 to support the purchase of a Micro-PET/CT device. This brings the Partners fundraising total to more than $16 million since it was founded by Eunice Ring’s parents in memory of her sister Suzanne Korman who died of cancer at age 36.
The Community House SIP The energy at The Community House for the SIP event was palpable. Benefactors (75 @ $300) arrived early for a champagne reception and were joined a half hour later by 100 more ($225, $125 - YP). With the Dawn Giblin Quintet doing the background music, guests chose small plate selections created by some of the area’s best restaurants. Master Sommelier Madeline Triffon, who had paired the savory cuisine with wines, cocktails and beer, spoke briefly about her work, which she clearly loves. Some paused their supping to bid $10,000 for the foodie-focused 31 silent auction packages and more than 100 guests concluded the evening at the Zim’s Vodka After Hours party. Holocaust Memorial Center Anniversary Nearly 1,200 people ($250 to $1,250 & way up tickets) attended the dinner at Congregation Shaarey Zedek celebrating the 33rd anniversary of the Holocaust Memorial Center Zekelman Family Campus. It honored Sue and Nelson Hersh, who spoke passionately about the importance of Holocaust education. Each year Nelson volunteers in Poland where he hosts field trips to Auschwitz. Sue volunteers at her temple and provides support to children with disabilities. Award-winning journalist Ann Curry was the keynoter. She talked about her meetings with genocide survivors and the lasting impressions of their stories. Another highlight of the evening was a new, threeminute film about HMC’s critical work. It starred Holocaust survivor Paula Marks Bolton who was a prisoner at BergenBelsen when British soldiers liberated the concentration camp. Funds raised at the dinner will support HMC’s many public tours, programs and exhibitions, as well as educational outreach to schools and community groups. Ladies of Charity Luncheon Barb Celentino and Sandy Mackle chaired the Ladies of Charity luncheon that brought 170 ($55, $100-tickets) to the Somerset Inn for camaraderie, raffles and shopping for Mary Kay Cosmetics and Trends in Fashions. The latter also presented an informal fashion show during lunch. Many brought contributions downtownpublications.com
Karmanos Cancer Institute Partners Night
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1. Tom & Sanja Alongi of Troy. 2. Erik (left) & Andrea Morganroth and Alison & Brad Oleshansky of Birmingham. 3. Dr. Gerold Bepler (left) and Eleanor & Dick Gabrys of Bloomfield. 4. Mike (left) & Lori McInerney of Birmingham, Nancy & Bobby Schostak of Bloomfield. 5. Larry Wolfe (left) of Birmingham, Wally Schwartz of Sylvan Lake. 6. Joan & David Hefner of Birmingham. 7. Dr. Gerold Bepler (left) of Bloomfield, Dana & Bill Warg and Mona & Craig Schmatz of Birmingham. 8. Sue & Paul Nine of Bloomfield. 9. Rick & Debra Partrich of Bloomfield. 10. Katrina Studvent of Southfield and Dr. Gerold Bepler of Bloomfield.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK for the LoC Christmas Basket project chaired by Katie Nienstedt, Meg Conroy, Lauren Brown and Lisa Stanczak. It provides food and presents to 145 at-risk families identified by nine social service agencies. The LoC members collect the provisions and pack the boxes for delivery by social workers. President Kathi Tauscher also thanked the members of the totally volunteer organization for their sustained contributions to the Clothes Closet for needy people it maintains.
The Community House SIP
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1. Bill Seklar (left), Maggie Allesee and Ryan Polk of Bloomfield. 2. Madeline Triffon (center) of Southgate, Jean Jacques Fertel (left) and Mario Camaj of Rochester. 3. Dana Sorensen of Bloomfield and Grant Juth of Chicago, IL. 4. Weatherly Stroh (left) of Birmingham, Jim Adams and Sara & Rob Bordener of Bloomfield. 5. Susan Foley (left) and Noelle Schiffer of Birmingham, Katie Marinelli of Royal Oak. 6. Barbara Suhay (left) of Birmingham, Erin DiMarco of Bloomfield. 7. Dom DiMarco (left) and Robert Dempster of Bloomfield, Jim Suhay of Birmingham.
Ladies of Charity Luncheon
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SKY Foundation Annual Lunch Henry Ford Hospital oncology surgeon Dr. David Kwon and U-M Pancreatic Cancer Center researcher Howard Crawford, PhD, both had words of hope for the 300-plus people ($125 - $2,500 tickets) at the SKY Foundation ninth annual benefit lunch at the MGM Grand Hotel. Kwon suggested that evolving technologies could make pancreatic cancer a chronic disease. Crawford said, “(Sky Foundation grants) allow us to take risks...(and) high risk means high reward...I promise that you make a difference.” Following their presentations, Chris Anslanian conducted a live auction of 10 items that raised $55,000 and then 125 people made pledges that were matched. Combined with the silent auction ($8,500) that was a pre-lunch diversion, the event grossed nearly $300,000 for research grants to find an early pancreatic cancer detection marker. Foundation founder Sheila Sky Kasselman is a 10-year survivor of the deadly disease. JARC Fall Fundraiser The 37th annual entertainmentfocused benefit for an organization that serves people with developmental disabilities attracted more than 1,700 people ($100 - $5,000 tickets) to Orchestra Hall. The high energy British Rock Invasion show featured the DSO and singer Brody Dolyniuk. But the real reason most attended was revealed when “retired” Quicken Loans VP/interim JARC CEO/ board president David Carroll and chairs Dani Gillman and Ben Chutz spoke so convincingly about the high cost of fulfilling JARC’s mission to enrich lives and erase barriers. And in a video that showed gentle, loving caregivers and happy residents at home and on field trips. Before the concert, 275 big check writers and Young Professionals convened in the CUBE for a strolling supper and more than 300 concertgoers returned there for a first 02.18
time afterglow. Thanks to a gazillion sponsors, , the annual event raised $1.2-million. Beyond Basics Fall Event Paddy Lynch’s historic Detroit home was the setting for Beyond Basic’s annual champions of literacy celebration. One hundred supporters ($150 & $300 tickets) were on hand for board member Jack Krasula’s presentation of the 2017 Partner of the Year award to UHY LLP for its team members’ mentoring activities and for the CPA firm’s donations to BB’s Caring for Kids program. UHY principal Loni Winkler accepted the award on behalf of Gordon Follmer. “We are...thankful for the opportunity to help make a difference in so many children’s lives,” she said. Board president Jack Aronson presented the Volunteer of the Year award to Royal Oak resident Mary Dunn, She described the thrill that came when a student, whose first three sessions had ended in tears the previous year, ran down the hallway to announce that she was on the honor roll. BB founder Pam Good noted that the longtime volunteer recently became a full time BB tutor. “...(Mary’s) dedication to our students and our mission shines through every interaction,” said Good. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the evening raised $40,000 to help the non-profit literacy program change children’s lives by achieving grade level reading skills in six weeks. Oakland Literacy Council Ex Libris Dinner Speaking of literacy, the non-profit that teaches adults to read free of charge staged its 28th annual fundraising dinner at the Village Club. President Judy Lindstrom arrived late but in time to thank the 95 supporters ($125, $175 tickets) with a Voltaire quote: “Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” It certainly applied to OLC tutor George Zak, whose pupil Jose Arenas did not speak English when he arrived here in 2014. “I found a new life here...and a new family,” Arenas said, his voice filled with emotion as he described his friendship with his tutor and the development of a new career as “...the happiest, most underpaid chef.” Retired educator Russell Moore also conducted an interesting interview with author Sarah Miller, whose books bring history to life. Thanks to sponsors, the worthwhile evening raised $38,600 to help the council equip adults with skills and confidence. downtownpublications.com
SKY Foundation Annual Lunch
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1. Mary Beth Castorri (left) and foundation founder Sheila Kasselman of W. Bloomfield. 2. Scott (left) & Lauren Eaton, and Wendy Farner and Kelly Gurman of Bloomfield. 3. Suzi (left) & Bruce Gershenson of Franklin, Jean Dubin and Nancy & Mitch Kantor of Bloomfield. 4. Joan Stanton of Bloomfield. 5. Janice Steinhardt (left) of Birmingham, Cis Kellman of Southfield.
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JARC Fall Fundraiser
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1. Dani Gillman & Ben Chutz of Bloomfield. 2. Todd (left) & Lauren Horner of Bloomfield, Judy & Jack Horner of Rochester Hills. 3. Margaret Pehrson (left) of Rochester Hills, Beth Shobe of Bloomfield. 4. David, Lauren & Michelle Carroll of W. Bloomfield.
Oakland Literacy Council Ex Libris Dinner
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1. Julie Hoensheid (left) of Rochester Hills, Russell Moore of Rochester, Sarah Miller of Romeo. 2. Barbara Van Dusen of Birmingham, Robert Gaylor of Rochester Hills. 3. Lisa Machesky (left) of Birmingham, Jose Arenas and George Zak of Novi. 4. Judy Juneau (left) and Harry & Bonnie Manza of Bloomfield. 5. Don & Camille Breen of Bloomfield. 6. Tom & Ruby Weidner of Birmingham. 7. Mary Rosenbusch (left) of Rochester, Ralph Tenant of Royal Oak, Sharon Frost of Bloomfield. 8. Julie Sikorski (left), Jeri Doroshewitz, Dawn Danaoski and Toni McConnell of Rochester.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Women of Bloomfield Gala
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Women of Bloomfield Gala More than 100 WoB members and their friends ($80 tickets) gathered at Oakland Hills Country Club for the Moonlight and Magic party chaired by Sharon Ulmer and Jacqueline Kendall and sponsored by Bill and Dee Sidelko. They socialized, bought lots of silent auction items and copies of the WoB newly-published cookbook, and savored dinner at tables with centerpieces created by Patti Hughet, Linda Kisic and Beverly Schine. Representatives from CARE House and SCAMP briefly described their missions and thanked all for their yearlong support. The event raised $15,000. The organization has been providing friendship and philanthropy for 32 years.
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1. Sydrena & Irwin Epstein of Bloomfield. 2. Nahat & Tony Zakaria of Bloomfield. 3. Jeffrey Van Dorn of Birmingham, Sue Winowicki and Frede Baldin of Bloomfield. 4. Jim O’Connor and Carolyn Steffen of Birmingham. 5. Gary Familian (left) and Terry Stacy of W. Bloomfield, Christa & Gary Hintz of Bloomfield.
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Brave Knight Benefit The enthusiasm level was high at Pine Lake Country Club when 320 ($175 ticket) Courage for Cures Foundation supporters partied there to fundraise for pediatric brain tumor research. Life size display boards of six young people diagnosed with a form of the disease stood at the entrance to the party. Only one of them - Sam Kell - is still alive. “Sam is one of our success stories,” guest speaker Michigan Medicine’s Dr. Carl Koschmann said of the Rochester teen, one of his Precision Therapy patients. The death of another – 5year-old Julian Boivin – inspired his parents Brad and Nettie Boivin to establish the foundation “...to rally support and make change happen,” Nettie said after admitting, oh so understandingly, “We wanted revenge (on the deadly disease).” Memories of the evening that linger: Mitch Albom’s powerful video message of the unsuccessful, 23month long search for a brain tumor cure for the Haitian orphan he and his wife embraced; MSU loyalist Brad’s report of “an old man at the back of the room” who said he would match funds pledged at the party. (The old man was Michigan Regent Ron Weiser and the foundation sent $50,000 for matching to his pediatric brain cancer research initiative at the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.) Raffles ($11,795), auctions and generous sponsors enabled the 7th annual Brave Knight Benefit to raise $125,000 for pediatric brain tumor research.
Brave Knight Benefit
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1. Brad (left) & Nettie Boivin of Bloomfield, Dr. Carl Koschmann of Ann Arbor. 2. Dan Morse (left) and Pat Lowman of Bloomfield. 3. Mary Winter (left) of Birmingham, Kelly Griffin and Erica Kives of Bloomfield. 4. Jay & Wendy Farner of Bloomfield. 5. Menka Voss (left) of Beverly Hills, Adam & Kristen Croff of Bloomfield. 6. Ted Morgan (left) of Bloomfield, Jeff Kucab of Beverly Hills, Gary Gloria of Bloomfield, Andy Yakina of Birmingham. 7. Kristine (left) & John Garity of Rochester, Shannon Anderson of Birmingham. 8. Joe Cueter (left) and Jessica Snooks of Birmingham, Kyle C Smith of St. Clair Shores.
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Baldwin Library Books & Bites
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1. Janelle Boyce (left) and Jenny Wheeler of Birmingham. 2. Doug Koschik (left) of Ferndale, Missy Mark and Jim Suhay of Birmingham. 3. Carol Marshall of Bloomfield. 4. Linda Buchanan (left) and Pat Andrews of Birmingham. 5. Pat Olson (left), Jane McKee and Ann Steglish of Birmingham.
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Baldwin Library Books & Bites In honor of Baldwin Library’s 90th birthday its annual fundraiser had a speakeasy spin this year. In fact, 13 of the 218 guests aged 90 and over got in 02.18
free. Many, women especially, gussied up in Roaring Twenties accents to socialize, sip, sup, shop a chance raffle (16 winners) and play casino games with background jazz by musicians from the Michigan Philharmonic Orchestra. Janelle Boyce and Jennifer Wheeler chaired the festivities that raised $20,000 for the Youth Room expansion. Birmingham Panhellenic Alumnae Local sorority alumnae groups comprise an association that provides financial awards for high school girls’ extracurricular pursuits. This year, the luncheon that raises the funds for those awards was chaired by Anne Hammond and Cheryl Noonan. It attracted 100 sorority alums ($45, $60, $80 tickets) to the Birmingham Country Club where 19 national sororities answered the roll call. Guests paid $1,200 for gift baskets assembled by the 10 member sorority groups, applauded 50-plus-year members and paid rapt attention to a fun fashion show that depicted 10 decades of fashions and automobiles. It was presented with entertaining commentary by Lynn Anderson. Salvation Army Sing-A-Long The Salvation Army musicians and the solicitous door man that greeted arrivals at the London Chop House lent an anticipatory aura as more than 100 people ($250 & up donation) convened at the Congress Street restaurant one noon before the holidays. The Salvation Army fundraiser, which originated in the ‘80s, was revived by the Schoenith and Gatzaros families after the later bought it a few years ago. WJR’s Paul W. Smith emceed the festivities. Highlights included: impeccable service of luncheon cuisine; a toast to the late Dale Austin; the great singing of Birmingham surgeon Carl Pesta, who joined Nicole New on the stage; Tom Schoenith giving lottery tickets to all guests. (Only one was a winner and, of course, it was given over to the Salvation Army.) Tom also recalled that 50 years ago he gave Diane an engagement ring at the restaurant. More than $61,000 was raised for the Metro Detroit 2017 Red Kettle fundraising goal of $7.85 million. Rochester Garden Club Greens Market The Rochester Garden Club’s 71st annual Greens Market attracted hundreds of shoppers to the Rochester Schools Administration Center to buy arrangements, fresh greens, hand crafted gifts and homemade downtownpublications.com
Birmingham Panhellenic Alumnae
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1. Carolyn Plsek (left) of Bloomfield, Anne Hammond of Beverly Hills and Cheryl Noonan of Troy. 2. Mary Baumgarten (left) of Commerce, Sharon Moore of Bloomfield. 3. Staci Skoog (left) of Royal Oak, Kappa Alpha Thetas Lou Simpson and Jane Bowman of Birmingham.
Salvation Army Sing-A-Long
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1. Lidijia Grahovac (left) of Bloomfield, Tom & Diane Schoenith of Grosse Pointe. 2. Dick (left) & Jane Manoogian of Grosse Pointe, Kim & Paul W. Smith of Bloomfield. 3. Betty Bright (right) of Bloomfield, Dr. Lourdes Andaya of Grosse Pointe, Rosemary Bannon of Beverly Hills.
Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Celebration
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1. Iris & Sheldon Yellin of Bloomfield. 2. Jordan (left) & Lauren Yellin of Birmingham, Sissy & Brandon Yellin of Bloomfield. 3. Anibal (left) & Vilma Drelichman and Dr. Ernie & Elana Drelichman of Orchard Lake. 4. Carol Roberts (left) of Solana Beach, CA, Tracey Pierce of Ann Arbor. 5. Howard Young (center) of Farmington Hills and Shel (left) and Harriett Fuller of Bloomfield. 6. Jeannie Dubin (left) and Nanci Kantor of Bloomfield. 7. Dr. Manny Sklar, 92, of Franklin, Elayne Galin of Beverly Hills. 8. Jeff & Karen Schoenberg of Birmingham.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK delicacies. The three-day event, chaired by Pat Hambleton, Nancy Flasck, Jane Giblin, Colleen Dykstra and Sally Edwards, raised about $20,000 for the club’s service projects. These include the Van Hoosen Farms Children’s Garden, prekindergartener gardening lessons and spring plantings in public spaces around the community. The club always welcomes new members.
Mistletoe Marketplace
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1. Rosemary Dirksen, Kerri Vizena and Karen Rutherford of Rochester Hills. 2. Joanne Brown of Bloomfield. 3. Nancy Devore (left) of Shelby Twp., Cindy Cirar of Rochester and Sue Hannant of Caldonia. 4. Beverly Klein (left) of Bloomfield, Violet Cholakian of Troy. 5. Merle Turner (left) of Bloomfield and Karen Fleury of Rochester. 6. Katie Dirksen (left) of Bloomfield, Jennifer Dirksen and Laura Connelly of Rochester Hills. 7. Vincetta Nicosia (left) of Rochester Hills, Sandy Demery of Bloomfield. 8. Betty Zych (left) of Rochester Hills and Lorraine Taliercio with Sally Mangold of Rochester and Mary Jo Byrd of Shelby Twp.
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FAR Friends and Fa-La-La
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1. Ryan Husaynu (left) of W. Bloomfield, Ted Lindsay of Rochester, past board chair Mike Brennan (left) of Birmingham. 2. Scott Baumgartner (left) and Heather Dell of Rochester Hills and Rita Norkiewicz of Ferndale, Julie Elwart of Macomb. 3. Dan & Ronnie O’Hara of Bloomfield. 4. Catalina Mendoza (left) and Steve Acho of W. Bloomfield, Pamela Ayres and her son Christian Wohler of Bloomfield. 5. Kim (left) & Frank Campanal of Orchard Lake, Brandy Lee of Bloomfield. 6. Blake Lindsay (left) of Rochester, Lew LaPaugh of Rochester Hills, Mary & Dave Floore of Sterling Hgts.
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Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Celebration The images of two passionate “mama bears” and two compassionate physicians dominate this reporter’s memory of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation 50th anniversary celebration. Honoree Iris Yellen and Mission Moment speaker Carol Roberts are the protective mothers. Each had a child with the disease and each “...had to do something,” as Roberts said. (In 1973 she established the Michigan chapter, now one of more than 250, volunteer-led chapters nationwide.) In his remarks as keynote speaker, Yellen’s husband Sheldon described her tenacious fundraising for inflammatory bowel disease research. The physicians – 92year old Dr. Manny Sklar, the Michigan chapter physician founder, and Dr. Ernie Drelichman, the 2017 Lifetime Achievement awardee – both spoke earnestly about the privilege of caring for the whole person like they are family. “(Dr.D) is an extraordinary doctor...a mom’s best friend...who answers every question and understands a mom’s worry,” Iris said. All speakers got standing applause from the 550 supporters ($150 & up tickets) at the Royal Oak Emagine Theatre where they were also celebrating the Michigan Chapter’s 40th annual Evening at the Movies. Before the program emceed by Fox 2’s Lee Thomas, they socialized, sipped and made strolling dinner selections. After the program, many went to the movies. The annual fundraiser raised an all time high of more than $255,000. Mistletoe Marketplace Kerri Vizena chaired the 14th version of the Assistance League of Southeast Michigan’s major fundraiser which attracted 720 supporters ($85, $100 tickets) to a new venue – Troy’s San Marino Club. It provided convenient access and comfortable space for the preluncheon diversions. These included a silent auction of 50-plus items, displays by 23 boutique vendors who offered a wide variety of appealing merchandise, raffles and a mini 02.18
edition of the league’s own, up-scale, ReSale Connection Shop. Highlights of the luncheon program included president Rosemary Dirksen’s welcome, honorary chair Monica Gayle’s moving description of the league’s School Belle project and the league’s Make a Difference video. It captures the hands on activities of the 300-plus members of the all-volunteer organization that clothes, feeds, educates and comforts infants, children and adults in southeast Michigan. The popular event raised more than $115,000 for the Assistance League.
Preservation Bloomfield Luncheon
1 FAR Friends and Fa-La-La The annual show that stars participants in FAR Therapeutic Arts and Recreation kicked off with a PreGlow supper reception for 155 guests ($150 ticket). They sipped, socialized and savored cuisine by FAR advisory board member Annabel Cohen before joining 500 more fans ($75) for the Be Inspired show in the Seligman Performing Arts Center at Detroit Country Day School. Highlights included emcee Alan Lee’s banter; the FAR artists’ artwork enlarged as the stage backdrops; the performers and their bows to thunderous applause; and the presentation of three awards. The Ted Lindsay Foundation for Autism, singer Steve Acho and volunteer Dale Hollandsworth were honored for exceptional support of FAR’s programs. The high fives and lots of happy smiles dominated the dessert afterglow. The 17th annual production raised $115,000 for the non-profit that provides creative arts and recreation therapy to people with special needs. Preservation Bloomfield Luncheon More than 100 attended the Friends of Preservation Bloomfield’s British-accented luncheon at Pine Lake Country Club. Creators included Contessa and Rosemary Bannon; Ginny Bennett, Barbara Balow, Sueann Schellig and Barbara Suhay; Kathy Dalton; Klaren Gerhart; Pat Hardy and Molly Robinson; Patti Jessup; Joanne Cherney and Judy Kelliher; Joyce Koreman; Mavis Kuo; Sue Nine; Carol Shaya and Cynthia Von Oeyen. Culinary highlights included scones, cucumber salad, cottage pie and English trifle. Preservation Bloomfield president Michael Dul revealed that he is devoted to the organization because, as a landscape architect, the only time he usually sees the man client is for the first conference. After that the wives’ ideas rule. He also noted that downtownpublications.com
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1. Carol Shaya (left), Sue Nine and Mia Materka of Bloomfield. 2. Betty Bright of Bloomfield. 3. Mavis Kuo of Bloomfield. 4. Lidija Dorkin-Grahova (left) and Michael Dul of Bloomfield, Contessa Bannon of Beverly Hills. 5. Patti Jessup and Linda Holland of Bloomfield. 6. Joan Gaston (left) and Jan Roncelli of Bloomfield. 7. Cheryl Hall-Lindsay (left) of W. Bloomfield, Marie Brigstock of Bloomfield.
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SOS Dancing with Detroit Stars
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1. Tim (left) & Marcie Rice of W. Bloomfield and Jennie & Bill Cook of Birmingham. 2. Jeff & Dr. Joelle Abood of Bloomfield. 3. Elizabeth Cook (center) of Beverly Hills, Tony & Jennifer Cook of Bloomfield. 4. Ryan Hertz (left) of Huntington Woods, Mike Moran of Bloomfield, Bill Cook of Birmingham. 5. Monica DelSignore and John Akouri of Bloomfield. 6. Dan & Chris Klep of Rochester. 7. Kris Smith (left) and Ana Patel of Birmingham.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK five men volunteers recently shared a pioneer-style dinner by candlelight in the Craig Log Cabin and news that the organization has raised $1 million-plus in 10 years. Erin Schweibold was the lucky winner of the Queen for a Day package.
Walsh College Leadership Awards
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SOS Dancing with Detroit Stars The annual South Oakland Shelter benefit attracted 280 ($200, $250 ticket) to the Townsend Hotel for an evening of splendid small plate cuisine, cocktails, silent auction bidding ($15,683), Mission Appeal pledging ($23,425) and ballroom dancing. Although the evening’s basic plan has not changed since the event launched nine years ago, the latest rendition set new standards for its marvelous menu. It also included for the first time online dollar pledging in the name of one’s fav contestant from among the good sports who practiced for months at the Arthur Murray Dance studio. These included Chef Bobby Nahra, Marla Govan, Barbara Bloink, Brenda M Orlando and Dan Colombo, Catherine Badalamente and Eric Fadie. Together they raised $63,436 with Fadie topping all at $26,670. When the dance competition concluded, Badalamente and Jason Walters won the judges’ trophy. But local homeless families are the true winners because, thanks also to generous sponsors, the evening raised an event record of $172,594.
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Walsh College Leadership Awards More than 300 Walsh College boosters attended the Leadership Awards Dinner at the MGM Grand. WDIV’s Steve Garagiola emceed the program in which ITC Holdings’ Linda Apsey and Deloitte’s Mark Davidoff, retired McDonald VP Gerald Schafer and, posthumously, Thomas McNulty, were honored. Thanks to generous sponsors, the event raised $145,000 for scholarships at the 95-year-old college which offers 16 business and related technology bachelor and master degrees.
1. Marsha Kelliher (left) of Rochester Hills, Lou Schmidt of Birmingham. 2. Betty Chu (left) and Navot Shoresh of Bloomfield. 3. Susan Foley (left) and Karen Cresap of Birmingham. 4. Rick (left) & Sue DiBartolomeo and Audrey Olmstead of Troy, Barbara Mahone of Birmingham. 5. Michael & Courtney Plotzke of Bloomfield. 6. Chris (left) & John Stout of Royal Oak, Diane & Dick Aginian of Birmingham.
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Women’s Division Project HOPE Luncheon & Boutique
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3 Ronald McDonald House Tea The Ronald McDonald House of Detroit’s 10th Annual Winter Tea chaired by board member Charlene Mitchell-Rodgers attracted 85 supporters ($65- adults, $25-child ticket) to the Renaissance Marriott. The event featured a silent auction ($2,200), fashion show by Elite Couture and entertainment by jazz singer Kimmie Horne and her quartet. WDIV’s Tati Amare and WXYX’s Stephen Clark emceed the event and child with special medical needs. The event netted more than $7,000 for the House’s hospitality to families of sick children.
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1. Rosemary Bannon (center) of Beverly Hills, Julie Oldani (left) and Susan Willis–Reickert of Bloomfield. 2. Connie Hogan (left) and Sue Nine of Bloomfield. 3. Maggie Allesee (left) of Bloomfield, Wendy Kedzierski of Millwood, VA, Karen Sterzick of Saline. 4. Cheryl Hall Lindsay (left) of W. Bloomfield, Marie Brigstock, Anita Terry and Judie Sherman of Bloomfield. 5. Tina Prevas (left) and Carol Lowman of Bloomfield, Linda Juracek-Lipa of Birmingham. 6. Carrie Hall (left) of Shelby Twp., Lauren Bennett of Birmingham.
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Women’s Division Project HOPE Luncheon & Boutique Sue Nine and Maggie Allesee chaired the annual event that brought 110 Project HOPE supporters ($75, $100, $150 tickets) to Oakland Hills Country Club. Before lunch they socialized, shopped the wares of 19 vendors coordinated by Linda Juracek-Lipa, Bettina Gregg and Sherry Saginaw and bid $1,835 in a silent auction. The highlight of the luncheon program which president Susan Willis-Reickert emceed was Project HOPE’s Wendy Kedzierski’s expression of gratitude from the Virginia headquarters of the international health agency.
Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390.
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ENDNOTE
Keeping bad cops from getting hired new state law that went into effect on Monday, January 15, requiring law enforcement agencies to share a record of an officer's misconduct before being hired at another department could help stop bad cops from shuffling around the state, but it lacks enforcement aspects to ensure the law will actually be followed. The Law Enforcement Officer Separation of Service Record Act imposes new requirements on law enforcement agencies when hiring officers with previous experience. Key requirements include mandatory record keeping by departments regarding the circumstances and reasons for reprimands and why an officer leaves the agency, or separation of service record. The law also prohibits departments from hiring prospective officers without receiving a separation of service record from previous employing agencies. It also provides protection to agencies in sharing confidential employment information with other departments. The law, which was introduced by a former Eaton County sheriff and current state Senator, received strong support from law enforcement agency directors in the state, is intended to keep officers accused of misconduct from leaving a department and getting hired at a new agency without knowledge of his or her history – thereby becoming “gypsy cops,” taking their bad behavior with them. Prior to the law's passage, many law enforcement agencies sharing employment records could face lawsuits from former
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employees who didn't authorize such records to be shared. The new law requires officers to sign a waiver allowing prospective agencies to contact former employing agencies and seek a copy of the officer's separation of service record, and it gives immunity to departments sharing that information. The new law also eliminates an incentive for law enforcement agencies to allow problematic cops to quit when faced with misconduct that would otherwise end in their termination – a process that may avoid costly arbitration between the department and officers with strong union protections, and one that simply passes bad cops onto new communities, rather than ensuring their removal from the profession. Under the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) Act, which governs the licensure of law enforcement officers and the requirements for law enforcement agencies that employ them, an agency is already required to maintain employment records. Those records are also required to be shared with the MCOLES Commission. However, there is no requirement to share that information with law enforcement agencies in the state. Instead, it is only required to maintain records in relation to an officer's license, which may be revoked for certain criminal offenses or personal protection orders. While the new law requires the sharing of records amongst law enforcement agencies in the state, it lacks the teeth to ensure such requirements will be followed. Nor does the law require further disclosure by MCOLES, which in
itself isn't a law enforcement agency. Such measures would go a long way in ensuring that law enforcement agencies looking to hire experienced officers are getting the most accurate information available. Although we believe the majority of law enforcement officers and agencies that hire them have best intentions in mind, the occupation is no more immune to bad actors than any other field. However, police misconduct, unlike that in most other fields, can have a serious and harmful impact on the lives of ordinary citizens. Police misconduct can result in the loss of a person's property, liberty, reputation or life. In some cases, an officer who has repeatedly been accused of a violation, such as excessive force, can resign before being disciplined or terminated, and find work with another law enforcement agency while retaining his or her licensure. While the new law is designed to reduce such instances, providing a means to enforce the law will ensure the effectiveness of such measures. And we’re not sure there is a mechanism to accomplish that. Lastly, we implore local law enforcement agencies to keep accurate and thorough employment records and separation of service records and clear policy rules and regulations, as the new law may result in additional arbitration from officers accused of wrongdoing. Doing so will hopefully help keep down the cost of litigation, as well as ensure the law is targeting truly bad actors, and not punish employees who are simply a bad fit for specific agencies.
Wise move with liquor license changes he dining and entertainment scene in Birmingham has changed over the last few years, as it has in the local region overall. A decade ago, the bistro liquor license, which was enacted in 2007 to bring greater activity and walkability to the city’s downtown and retail area, was bringing new and unique dining establishments into the city, joining larger restaurants and nightclubs. At that time, Birmingham was also the prime dining destination in southeastern Michigan, with Royal Oak a secondary market, flooded with bars, and Detroit still a no-man’s land. But things got a little crazy in Birmingham – with restaurants like Chen Chow, City Cellar and nightclubs like Hamilton Room, Blue Martini and South having multiple violations and dangerous fights, brawls and even shootings and stabbings both inside their operations or spilling out onto city streets. Birmingham residents and city officials had enough, and the city commission changed the entertainment section of the liquor license ordinance to only allow disc jockeys until 7 p.m. for new and changed special land use permits –
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effectively ending entertainment and nightclubs in the city. Recently, two of Birmingham’s establishments – The Bird and The Bread and 220 – came before the city commission requesting a change in their special land use permit. The Bird and The Bread is becoming Vinotecca, a wine bar serving sophisticated European foods, in the form of small plates and tapas, and they want to have low-key entertainment in the form of blues and jazz, with DJ’s and trios, on some nights, as well as having entertainment in the private banquet room. 220 wanted to add a lower level as an extension to their restaurant, in the former location of Edison’s, with food and beverage service, entertainment and a separate entrance. Under the city’s ordinance, however, they couldn’t offer entertainment, although some existing Birmingham restaurants are permitted to, as they are grandfathered in. Further complicating the restaurateurs plight, they contended, was that the market has changed, and Birmingham is no longer the only game in town. Diners today are eagerly traveling to other locales, and entertainment is crucial to compete
with downtown Detroit establishments, Royal Oak, Ferndale, Rochester and other destination restaurants. The owner of 220, Zaid Elia, is also the co-owner of a Detroit destination restaurant, Parc, at Campus Martius, and emphasized to commissioners that Birmingham’s ordinance had to change to level out the playing field. In their wisdom, they did just that, while also enacting mechanisms to quickly bring an errant operator to the table. In early January, city attorney Tim Currier presented commissioners with an ordinance amendment that would permit restaurateurs to have entertainment with special land use permit approval. In response, city officials will be able to act swiftly if an issue arises. Law enforcement will have more ability to cite for violations and the city manager will have the authority to immediately schedule a public hearing at the next city commission meeting to see if action is needed to rescind the license or some other alternative, in accordance with the code. Allowing businesses the opportunity to flourish and compete, within the scope of the law, is in everyone’s best interest.
ONLY 7 LOTS RE M AIN!
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