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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP

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A Touch of Lace

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

Summer Sale 50% Off

271 West Maple

Downtown Birmingham

248.258.0212

DOWNTOWN07.17

Problem pesticide will still be used on Michigan crops A pesticide used on thousands of acres of specialty crops in Michigan that was expected to be banned by the EPA due to potential developmental issues in children will remain in use under a decision by the federal department's new administrator, Scott Pruitt.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

With the withdrawal of the U.S. from the Paris Accord, Oakland County should show leadership to fulfill the pledges of the agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote a clean energy economy.

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

Oakland state senator moves closer to SOS campaign; candidates jockeying to fill Kowall legislative seat; back surgery for L. Brooks Patterson; Bouchard may stay as sheriff; the race for U.S. Senate, plus more.

CRIME LOCATOR

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

MUNICIPAL

New police and fire chiefs taking over; ongoing city debate on rules governing first floor occupants; former treasurer loses court appeal; five-story building for The Varsity Shop site; plus more

THE COVER The Woodward Building, owned by Sam and Max Surnow, at the corner of Maple and Old Woodward in Birmingham. The 107-year-old structure was completely redone over an 18month period. Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent.

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FRANKLIN VILLAGE

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS

32860 Whatley Road | $1,250,000

730 Falmouth Drive | $1,395,000

151 Manorwood Drive | $997,000

Mid-century modern paragon of style on 1.68 gorgeous acres. Open concept living area with spacious dimension includes banquet-sized dining room, fireplaced living room and library. Grand master suite, multiple decks and elevator.

Exceptional, sophisticated & majestically set on an elevated, landscaped property. Quality materials and craftsmanship throughout. Tiered, stone terraces. Tremendous 1st floor master. Walkout lower level with professional bar, mahogany wine cellar, tasting room. 4 stone fireplaces. 4-car garage

Outstanding California contemporary on private, beautifully landscaped acre site. An entertainer’s dream! 1st floor master suite with Travertine bath. Fully finished walkout lower level with theater, bar and rec area. Tremendous storage. 3-car garage.

6,215 Total SF | 3 Bedrooms | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths

7,807 Total SF | 5 Bedrooms | 5 Full, 1 Half Baths

7,372 Total SF | 5 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths

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BLOOMFIELD

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS

520 Tall Tree Lane | $849,000

4044 Willoway Place Drive | $424,500

612 Bennington Drive | $750,000

Quality built and designed with sophistication and functionality. Fabulous formal and informal spaces with detailed moldings and trim work. Private setting on 3/4 acre site. Bluestone terrace. 3-car garage. 4,042 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths

Designer’s flair in dramatic condo. High ceilinged living room Timeless Rudgate ranch a block from Cranbrook great for entertaining with open dining room & private Campus. Beamed cathedral ceilinged living room, dining library. Charming island kitchen with deck access. Large room and library all with access to brick walled terrace. master suite with 2 walk-in closets. First-floor laundry. Custom shelved family room and large master suite. 2,600 SF | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths

4,081 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Full Baths

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558 W. Lincoln Street | $885,000

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Stunning 2001 built, in-town home. Open floor plan. Fabulous cookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen opens to family room with fireplace. Spa-like master bath. Finished lower level.

Tobocman gem in park-like setting! Travertine floors & sky lights. Fabulous LR & DR. 1st floor master suite. Walkout LL with theatre room. Gilbert Lake privileges.

3,129 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 1 Half Baths

8,338 Total SF | 5 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths

VILLAGE OF BINGHAM FARMS | 31500 Bingham Road | Price Upon Request This 1939 grand estate has been enhanced by innovative additions making contemporary living and entertaining a dream. A gated drive winds above the Franklin River to the magnificent residence sited on 15.5 park-like acres. The stately foyer opens to the large bayed living room, secluded lounge, pristine library and expansive great room. Adjacent to the commercial kitchen, a spacious family room leads to an incredible indoor pool, spa and fitness complex. The elegant master suite includes two baths, dressing areas, and custom closets. Outdoor pool & pavilion. Two tennis courts. 17,558 Square Feet | 8 Bedrooms | 9 Full, 4 Half Baths

BLOOMFIELD | 1390 Kirkway Road | $3,865,000 Luxury abounds throughout this stunning 2005 Tobocman contemporary on nearly 2 acres overlooking Lower Long Lake. A generous foyer opens to the expansive great room accented by rich hardwood flooring, wall-inset gas fireplace, domed skylights and floor-to-ceiling picture windows with breathtaking views. The gourmet granite kitchen, with access to outdoor sweeping terrace, opens to the family room. Luxurious first floor master suite, with pond and lake views, has lavish Travertine bath. A glass enclosed indoor pool highlights the walkout lower level with large rec area and kitchen/bar. 230 feet of lake frontage. 9,544 Total SF | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 1 Half Baths

Nanci J. Rands & Meredith Colburn Top Producers 442 S. Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, MI 48009 442 S. Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, MI 48009

Joanne Purtan

SOCIAL LIGHTS

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

ENDNOTE

102

Our thoughts on the debate over first floor retail requirements and parking demands in Birmingham, and the need for increased sex education to help fight the increase in sexually transmitted diseases.

FACES

28 38 61 77

Jennifer Laura Thompson Joanne Purtan Meg Lieder Teresa Kline

PUBLISHER David Hohendorf NEWS EDITOR Lisa Brody NEWS STAFF/CONTRIBUTORS Rachel Bechard | Hillary Brody | Kevin Elliott Sally Gerak | Austen Hohendorf | Lisa Rose Hook Kathleen Meisner | Bill Seklar | 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 Carol Barr GRAPHICS/IT MANAGER Chris Grammer OFFICE 124 W. Maple Birmingham MI 48009 248.792.6464 DISTRIBUTION/SUBSCRIPTIONS Mailed monthly at no charge to most homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Additional free copies distributed at high foot-traffic locations in downtown Birmingham. For those not receiving a free mail copy, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual charge. To secure a paid subscription, go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order online or scan the QR Code here.

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

FACEBOOK facebook.com/downtownpublications TWITTER twitter.com/downtownpubs

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FROM THE PUBLISHER ince arriving in Oakland in the early 1970’s, I have had the good fortune of observing first hand as this county took its rightful place as the economic engine that helped drive the state of Michigan.

When I arrived the county was just switching to the county executive form of government in 1974, with election of long-time chairman of the county board of auditors, Dan Murphy, considered by many as one of the founding fathers of Oakland as we know it today. Murphy was a steady and seasoned mechanic as I like to call it, having basically run Oakland for the past 10 years. He fought the necessary legal battles with the county board of commissioners as the first elected county executive in the state to help define the form of government we have now. When Murphy suffered from a stroke in 1992, L. Brooks Paterson took over as county executive. He continued much of the work of Murphy, like expanding the county park systems and establishing the 911 emergency system. But he also brought a certain talent, no doubt honed during his 16 years as county prosecutor, which allowed for a certain bravado which helped propel Oakland County onto a much larger stage as the center of growth in the state, which was lacking in previous years. Over the years I have been a strong supporter of Patterson, with a few exceptions on some issues, like his support of the death penalty, raiding a movie house showing ‘Last Tango In Paris’ or his opposition to the Pontiac school bussing – the issue on which he originally built his name – and more recently his almost blind allegiance to the far right GOP stand on the immigration issue. And, yes, like many others, I cringe at some of this less-than-politically correct statements in recent years. But overall he, along with the team he has assembled, still remains the reason we enjoy a solidly managed county, in good and challenging times. It goes without saying that he has done the county well with his development of such programs as Automation Alley, making Oakland the center of the medical industry, just to name a couple of his efforts that have bolstered the county now and for the future. I also have great respect for Patterson’s willingness to break with party platform on select issues or point out party failings when necessary. I particularly appreciate the fact that Patterson pushed Oakland to the forefront where we can influence public policy far beyond the county borders, be it in Lansing or Washington. Which bring us back on this circuitous route to the point of my message this month – my hope that Patterson will lend his voice and provide leadership on one of the more important issues facing us and the country – global warming. Ever more critical since our current president has decided to withdraw the United States from the Paris Accord. Never mind the agreement was signed by 190 nations that

were willing to cut greenhouse gas emissions and work to create a clean energy economy in the years ahead. Global warming is one of those topics that has all the makings of a litmus test issue for certain factions in the Republican Party. You can believe or lean more toward the position that we can improve and extend the life of our planet. Or you write it off as junk science, at least questionable at best. You might argue that any attempt to reduce the rising temperatures threatens our economy as we know it. The division on this and other environmental issues is nothing new. I can almost hear the debate and occasional derisive comment as a kid about the neighbors across the street who were early supporters of Rachael Carson, marine biologist and environmentalist whose studies on insecticides developed, as an outgrowth of World War II military funding of sciences, have been credited with the the banning of DDT. Also credit her as the author of The Silent Spring, the first longform piece (NewYorker) relative to chemical threats to our health, often viewed as helping fuel the environmental movement in the 1960s that eventually led Richard Nixon to create in 1970 the Environmental Protection Agency. You know, the federal agency the current administration and congressional lapdogs are trying to hamstring and neutralize, if not eliminate. The two camps in those days either insisted, on conclusive evidence, that spraying DDT was a health threat or those who were sufficiently convinced and sought other ways of controlling nature. Much like the debate nowadays. As of June 16, there were 311 mayors in this country, a couple of states and some leading national/international companies who have publicly pledged to honor the Paris Accord’s climate goals. Fifteen Michigan mayors – including those in Pleasant Ridge, Royal Oak and Ferndale – have signed on to promise their communities will ignore the shortsighted move of withdrawing from the agreement. Which is where Patterson comes in. Oakland needs to take a leadership role. Show a united front county-wide. Bring the various local community leaders together and find a path for Oakland County to be at the forefront on this critical issue. Who knows – we might find a new business category – clean energy – for potential development in the county. We might even develop a partnership of tri-county leaders willing to address this issue. Without a doubt this would be a fitting part of the legacy for L. Brooks Patterson. But we need action now. David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

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C H R I S

PERO

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

248.797.0784 | cgPero@yahoo.com | over $42 million Sold in 2016 ng

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275 S. Old Woodward Downtown Birmingham

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3089 Heron Pointe Bloomfield Hills $1,899,900

Custom built home with over 250 feet of lake frontage on Forest Lake. New roof, mechanicals and windows. Huge finished walkout lower level. 3 car attached garage. Gated community. Bloomfield schools. Gorgeous lake views throughout this amazing home.

60 Quarton Lane Bloomfield Hills $1,499,900

Sprawling ranch with an open floor plan, extensively renovated. Beautiful new kitchen includes center island and Viking appliances. 4 bedrooms, 5.1 updated baths. Finished walk out lower level. 3 car side entry garage. Over one acre of property. Birmingham schools.

201 Dourdan Bloomfield Hills $999,900

To be built home by Cranbrook Custom Homes in desirable Dourdan Place Sub, a neighborhood of 18 custom homes. Stone and brick elevation. Standard features will include granite counters throughout, custom cabinets, nook and great room with wide plank wood flooring. 4 bedrooms upstairs plus an additional loft/play room.

1040 Woodlea Birmingham $950,000

2005 build on a nice 80 foot wide lot in Birmingham. 4 bedrooms, 3.2 baths. 3 car attached garage. Finished basement with bar. Second floor laundry. Great outdoor space including a new covered porch with fireplace.

4156 Orchard Hill Bloomfield Hills $515,000

Spacious 3 bedroom, 2.1 bath ranch on approximately one acre of property. Huge open kitchen with granite top center island. Great master suite with an updated bath. First floor laundry. 3 car side entry garage. Birmingham schools.

3045 S. Westview Ct Bloomfield Hills $470,000

Spacious home on a beautiful cul-de-sac lot of almost one acre in Bloomfield. Remodeled kitchen with granite counters, hardwood floors and SS appls. Heated Florida room overlooking backyard. Four bedrooms upstairs. Lower level includes laundry, office or 5th bedroom, huge family room and a patio right outside. 2 car attached side entrance garage. New driveway 2016.

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.

6865 Halyard Bloomfield Hills $379,900

Wonderfully remodeled ranch on over a 1/2 acre lot with Birmingham Schools. White kitchen with granite counters. 3 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths - both remodeled. New carpet, freshly painted. Dimensional shingle roof. Central air. First floor laundry. 2 car side entry garage w/ direct access. Association playground, pavilion, and sandy beach on Meadow Lake.

C H R I S

PERO

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

275 S. Old Woodward Downtown Birmingham

248.797.0784 | cgPero@yahoo.com | over $42 million Sold in 2016

455 Aspen Birmingham $1,399,900

Wonderful newer build home designed by Ron Rea, with a spacious open floor plan and soaring two story living room with fireplace. Gorgeous eat-in kitchen includes large island, premium appls, and custom cabinetry. Spectacular master suite. Finished basement. 4 car garage.

495 Stoneridge Bloomfield Hills $1,250,000

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 garage.

4307 Creedmore Commerce Twp $797,000

Gorgeous lakefront home on all sports Commerce Lake. Three bedroom, three full bath colonial built in 2006. Lake views throughout the home. First floor laundry. 3 car side entry garage. Trex deck and paver patio. Western exposure with sunset views.

216 Chewton Bloomfield Hills $619,900

Bloomfield Village 4 bedroom colonial on a nice lot. Updated kitchen includes granite counters and a built-in bench nook. Living Room with natural fireplace and hardwood floors. 3 season room overlooks yard and patio. Finished basement.

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723 Ann Birmingham $449,900

Wonderfully updated in-town Colonial on a nice 50x120 lot just blocks from downtown. Beautiful new kitchen in 2014 includes granite counters, SS appls & hwf’s. Formal dr and spacious lr. 3 bdrm’s, 2 full baths up - master with bath and sitting area. New Andersen Windows and doorwall. New paver patio and separate fire pit area. Two car detached garage.

927 Worthington Birmingham $459,900

Wonderfully expanded Colonial on a nice lot in Birmingham. Remodeled kitchen with SS appls and Corian Counters opens to back nook and family room addition. Huge master bedroom suite, large WIC and nice bath. Two other spacious bedrooms up with a second full bath. Finished rec room in basement. Two car detached garage. Paver patio.

Move in ready ranch home in Bloomfield Village south. 3 bedroom, 2.1 baths including master with bath. Updated kitchen. Finished basement. 2 car detached garage. Birmingham schools.

235 Barden Bloomfield Hills $235,000

3 bedroom condo located in a great neighborhood in the city of Bloomfield Hills. Spacious second floor unit. Newer kitchen with granite counters. 2 car garage. Laundry in unit. Updated baths.

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355 S. Williamsbury Bloomfield Hills $379,900

INCOMING LOOKING TO PURCHASE, REFINANCE, RENOVATE, OR BUILD NEW?

Changing requirements I understand Birmingham is considering requiring retail along many of the downtown streets. Although the 2016 Master Plan recommended some required retail storefronts 20 years ago, this has proven impractical and is no longer included in our downtown master plans. Instead, we require the first level buildings be constructed to allow for retail: high ceilings, large glass areas, sign bands, operating doors, etc. But we allow all commercial, office and even residential, on the first level. Eventually retail will likely occupy the first floor if the buildings are designed properly. Robert J. Gibbs Gibbs Planning Group Birmingham (Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note: Robert J. Gibbs, along with Andres Duany and McKenna Associates, was a co-author of the Birmingham 2016 Master Plan.)

Street level retail I would like this to be shared with all who make decisions about the Birmingham downtown shopping district. As a lifelong resident of Birmingham, what has kept me here are three things: our schools, our safe neighborhoods, and our beautiful downtown shopping area. I am a true believer in supporting local businesses, and I shop here as much as I can. When I have visitors from out of state, they are amazed that a city like this exists, with shops and restaurants and has been voted numerous times as a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;most walkable city.â&#x20AC;&#x2122; It has come to my attention that there are those who are trying to promote more office space on the first floor of buildings, rather than continuing to attract new businesses like Gazelle Sports, Backcountry North, West Elm and Sundance Shoes, as well as encouraging business owners to adapt to changing interests and opening stores like Stem and Stone. You only have to visit major cities like Chicago to see what happens to areas that are primarily business office space in the evening and on weekends: even major retailers don't open in those parts of the city, and they lose the safety of a vibrant downtown area. The people who have been invested in Birmingham forever, while agreeing that change is necessary, do not want to lose our downtown shopping area. What is attracting businesses to open downtownpublications.com

SPEAK OUT We welcome your opinion on issues facing the Birmingham/Bloomfield communities. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009.

â&#x20AC;&#x153; I would welcome the opportunity to sit down and discuss all your choices.â&#x20AC;?

Maria Labie Residential Lending Sales Manager 201 West Big Beaver Road, Ste 201, Troy, MI 48084 P: 248.689.9744 | C: 248.952.4914 F: 248.689.0148 | NMLS ID: 697437 mlabie@ibcp.com

offices are the shops, retail and the restaurants. Offices need to be relegated to the second floor of buildings, or the perimeter of the central shopping district. Barb Ritsema Birmingham

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Negative school behavior (From Facebook and our website) Perhaps we will get to a point where all negative remarks about a person or groups are eliminated. I think not. Perhaps we will get to a point where self confidence guides how we feel about ourselves and not what others say about us â&#x20AC;&#x201C; real or imagined. I never got too riled when subjected to the worst insult of all: "Your mother wears army boots." Astro Henry Bloomfield Hills

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Part-time legislature (State Representative Mike) McReady's proposal (for a part-time legislature) works for me. But why not go all the way and have a part-time unicameral legislature which has worked well for Nebraska for a long time? Ralph Deeds Bloomfield Hills

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First floor retail "... limit the use of first floor retail space in the downtown area from office and other commercial uses, including personal services,..." This would be an illegal taking of private property and the city would open itself to lawsuits. There is already too much turnover in the district storefronts. Further censoring the content of those storefronts will make matters worse, not better. Charlie Smith

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OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL Oakland Confidential is a periodic column of political/government news and gossip, gathered both on and off-the-record by staff members at Downtown newsmagazine. We welcome possible items for this column (all sources are kept strictly confidential) which can be emailed to: OaklandConfidential@DowntownPublications.com. GET WELL SOON: We know others will join us in wishing Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson a speedy recovery after back surgery on June 1 in the green mountain state of North Carolina. Word is he had a pretty aggressive surgery to help him get out of the wheelchair he was finding himself bound to more and more, and one Republican said that he is already feeling better. Patterson was seriously injured in an automobile accident on August 10, 2012, at the intersection of Walton and Opdyke in Auburn Hills when another car turned left into Patterson’s car. Patterson was in a coma for several weeks, and was left with debilitating injuries. Following surgery, we hear he is receiving physical therapy treatment regularly, and hoping to be back at work at the Executive Office Building for Oakland County later this summer. Looking forward to seeing Patterson out and about in the near future.

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HEIR TO THE THRONE: Which leads us to wonder, who might follow the the great and mighty Patterson? Following seven terms in office as Oakland County Executive, he claimed his 2016 race would be his last one. While still early for conjecture about a 2020 race, one thing we know for sure – Republicans will want to keep it all in the family. Sheriff Michael Bouchard said that he would definitely consider running for the position – only if L. Brooks Patterson definitely doesn’t run for an incredible eighth wonder term. Otherwise, he’ll stay pat at the sheriff’s position, where he has a national reputation and sits on several national sheriff and law enforcement boards. As for BARNETT whispers that Rochester Hills Mayor Bryan K. Barnett may be being groomed for an appointment or run for the executive, Barnett said he’s currently focused on his job as mayor. Barnett often works with Brooks, who co-chairs Barnett’s Mayor’s Business Council. “Brooks is a good friend, and I appreciate his guidance and friendship in my role as mayor,” Barnett said. As for his interest in the job, Barnett said he, of course, would be interested, but “I’m sure lots of people would be interested.” That includes Oakland County Commissioner Mike Gingell, of Clarkston, who said he has also been in conversations GINGELL with people about the position, including discussions with Brooks himself. Gingell, who will have a dozen years under his belt on the commission next year, including eight as board chairman, praised the county exec and his team. “I think it’s still really early, but it’s pretty humbling to have people mention my name for it.” KISING THE RING: Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel made news of his own at the annual Mackinac Policy Conference in the beginning of June, when he told reporters “there was a better than 50-50 chance that he would run for governor in 2018,” telling The Detroit News, “If I get in, I’m pretty sure I can win the Democratic primary.” That sentiment is not shared by other politicians, however, be they fellow Democrats or Republicans across the aisle. “I don’t know if he will (run), but I’m not hearing positives,” said one Republican. “I don’t HACKEL think that’s happening,” said an Oakland County Democrat, laughing off the speculation. “Hackel likes to hear his name. He just wanted to have the proverbial ring kissed (at Mackinac).” The Democrat also doesn’t believe Hackel would have a lot of traction in the primaries, and lacks statewide name recognition. “I don’t think he’d have a prayer of getting out of the Democratic primary. He’s not a viable candidate outside of Macomb County.” He’s putting his money on attorney Mark Bernstein, who has yet to announce, but has said he is considering it. “Their family (Bernstein Law) runs ads all the time, statewide, on Tiger Baseball. They have crazy name recognition.” No word back by press time from Hackel.

DOWNTOWN

07.17

TAKING A STAB: Michigan Republicans struggling to regain a hold on the state’s United States Senate seat have successfully courted former Michigan Supreme Court Justice Robert P. Young Jr. to run for the seat held by incumbent Senator Debbie Stabenow (D). Young – a Detroit Country Day School graduate now residing in the Lansing area – was appointed to the state’s top court in 1999 and was last elected in 2010, retired from the court this April, well before his term was set to expire in 2019. Young confirmed in April there was interest from some YOUNG in the GOP in him running for the Senate. Young confirmed at a Republican Party breakfast on June 20 that he was indeed planning to run for the seat. Some party members believe the GOP will now have a viable candidate to challenge Stabenow, who is considered a formidable opponent with more than $4.2 million campaign cash on hand, according to the Federal Election Commission. Republican newcomer Lena Epstein, who co-chaired Donald Trump’s presidential campaign in Michigan, will also be running for the GOP nomination in August 2018. Epstein, a Bloomfield Hills resident who works as the general manager in her family’s business, Vesco Oil – and who has never run for political office – spoke at the annual Oakland County Republican EPSTEIN Lincoln Day Dinner on June 19. One person described the audience’s response as “dismal” and another GOP insider as “a polite audience,” some of who questioned whether Epstein had any chance of winning, and whether voters believe the expectant mother could handle the challenges of a new child and a new Senate seat. “I don’t see her beating Debbie Stabenow,” one said. “Can you see one thing that Debbie has done wrong that people will jump on her for? I think our voting public is smart.” SOS SMOKE SIGNALS: White Lake Republican and term-limited, 15th District State Senator Mike Kowall has formed a committee to run for the Secretary of State position held by fellow Oakland County GOP member Ruth Johnson, who is term-limited as SOS. Kowall sent out the signal that he was running when he formed a committee in mid-May. “It was a sort of soft announcement,” Kowall said. “I am going to run. But I have to get the party nomination. If you’re fortunate enough to get past that, then you can run in the general election. I’ll know in August next year (2018) if I have the nomination, then I only have the balance of August, September and October to campaign. It’s really quick.” Secretary of State candidates don’t file for ballots like traditional candidates – rather they are nominated at party conventions. Kowall has served two terms in the state House of Republicans and is in the midst of his second term in the KOWALL Senate, where he serves as the Senate Majority Floor Leader, a leadership post he got with unanimous support from his caucus. Meanwhile, Johnson, of Holly, has formed her own committee for the 14th District Senate Seat, which covers parts of Oakland and Genesee counties. MUSICAL CHAIRS: Consider Oakland County political couples Crawford and Kowall in Novi and White Lake, respectively, where Republican Hugh Crawford is running for Mike Kowall’s 15th District Senate seat. Crawford was elected in 2014 to the 9th District Oakland County Commission District after being term limited out of his 38th District House seat, which is now held by his wife, Kathy Crawford. Kowall, who is now running for Secretary of State, said his wife, Eileen – who had previously held his House seat (the 44th) and was also elected to the county board of commissioners after being term limited – won’t be running for his seat in the Senate. She’s currently a Lansing lobbyist in addition to being a county commissioner. But there are some other Republicans who have their eye on Kowall’s seat, now that they’re term-limited in the state House, including current White Lake Rep. Jim Runestad (44th District) and West Bloomfield Rep. Klint Kesto (39th District). Meanwhile Tea Party candidate Matt Maddock is expected to run for Runestad’s seat. Former Oakland County assistant prosecutor Marsha Kosmowska is looking at Kesto’s seat. downtownpublications.com

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FACES Jennifer Laura Thompson he week before the Tony Awards, Jennifer Laura Thompson’s husband was in Tokyo on business. “I was a single Mom doing eight shows plus press interviews, Tony Awards rehearsals, meetings, luncheons, galas, fittings, recordings and parenting,” said Thompson. The Broadway star originated the role of, and currently stars as, Connor Murphy’s mother, Cynthia, in the Tony Award-winning Best Musical, “Dear Evan Hansen.” She enlisted extra help from sitters and her in-laws for Thompson’s and her husband, John Kain’s, 13-year-old son, Tommy. “My brain was in overdrive and I had to remain hyperfocused,” recalled Thompson, who was born in Southfield and moved to Bloomfield Hills when she was eight. “That also meant that if I wasn't on camera, I was showing up in pajamas.” This wasn’t the first time the Tony-nominated actress and 1991 University of Michigan (UM) Musical Theatre graduate had to successfully juggle parenting and work. In 2004, Thompson took on the coveted role of Glinda in “Wicked” after Kristin Chenoweth left the show. Tommy was only six-months-old at the time. “That was the hardest work I ever had to do. I took the job because I knew the role was incredible, but as a nursing mom with sleepless nights and a severely restricted diet, it left me little energy to do my show. I don't regret it though because it is one of the roles that defines my career,” said Thompson. It was Susan “Lady” LaBatt, Jenny Thompson’s drama teacher at Birmingham Groves High School, who Thompson credits for recognizing her musical theater spark. So much so that LaBatt cast her as the lead in “Guys and Dolls” sophomore year, a role that would normally go to a senior. And the accolades continued to mount. “Jen’s a very versatile actor and wonderful singer. She has the fantastic ability to be very open-hearted and intensely emotional but also understands comedy,” said Dear Evan Hansen Tony-Award winning composer Benj Pasek who, along with his writing partner, Justin Paul, are fellow UM alums. “We thought of her immediately for the role of Cynthia, and we’re really, really lucky she’s been with the show ever since.” Pasek, Paul, Thompson and the entire Dear Evan Hansen creative team celebrated their six Tony Awards at the DEH afterparty which started at midnight. By that time, Thompson had changed out of her Matthew Christopher custom-designed gown to a short, fun dress. She left the party “early” at 3:30 a.m. “If I were still in my ‘20s and I didn’t have a child at home, I would have gone to the after-after party ‘til the sun came up,” laughed the disciplined actress, who exists on protein shakes and gluten-free meals. With sold-out shows well into January 2018, Thompson says she won’t be coming home any time soon. “I miss the Franklin Cider Mill and wandering around Birmingham,” said Thompson, whose entire immediate family still lives in the area. “We spent many, many weekends shopping there and hanging out at ‘the Wall.’” The Wall, she described, is only four-feet high and enclosed the tiny parking lot, just north of Shain Park and directly behind the former Harmony House, now Roots. “Music was our thing – punk rock, alternative music and new wave,” she reminisced. “And it wasn’t just us ‘Grove-ites,’ hanging out there, it was just kids who had a common interest in music.”

Story: Julie Yolles

Photo: Matthew Murphy

SPECIALTY CROPS

PESTICIDE NEW EPA ADMINISTRATION BLOCKS EXPECTED BAN

A pesticide used on thousands of acres of specialty crops in Michigan that was expected to be banned by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) due to potential developmental issues in children will remain in use under a decision by the federal department's new administrator, Scott Pruitt, but continued debate over the chemical's use has both sides claiming their positions are backed by science. Sold under more than 50 different product names, chlorpyrifos is one of the most widely used insecticides in the world, targeting insects, arachnids and other pests that destroy hundreds of different crops, including apples, cherries and other fruit, corn, onions, nuts and specialty crops. The pesticide is also used to control mosquitos at some golf courses, as well as ants, cockroaches and other pests. Chlorpyrifos was also used for residential pesticide control prior to heavy restrictions imposed by the EPA in 2001 due to concerns about health risks. Additional research since the EPA's 2001 ban on residential use of chlorpyrifos has indicated the pesticide is linked to developmental delays in children, including autism, attention deficit disorders and decreased or delayed cognitive ability. While federal law requires the EPA to consider a pesticide's risk to children when reauthorizing the use of each pesticide registered with the agency on a 15-year basis, health and environmental advocates say the EPA ignored such evidence when its new administrator reversed the agency's previous decision in 2015 to ban the use of chlorpyrifos for agricultural use.

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Praised by those in the farming and pesticide industry who are in favor of more relaxed regulations, the move has been dubbed a return to "sound science" by the new EPA under the Trump administration, and serves as an example of how science has become a politicized issue in the country's regulation system that pits those helping to feed the population against those in the public health realm who are trying to protect it. In Michigan, pesticide applicators purchased about 3,387 pounds of chlorpyrifos in 2013, 2014 and 2015 across the state, according to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development. "Its a widely used organophosphate that is in many farmers' toolboxes," said Kevin Robson, horticultural specialist with the Michigan Farm Bureau, who focuses on specialty crops in the state, such as apples, cherries, onions, cranberries and others. Specialty crops, which also include foods such as turnips, carrots, cabbage, asparagus, and brassica crops, such as broccoli and cauliflower, account for about 159,000 acres of farmland in Michigan. Robson said chlorpyrifos is used as a one-time treatment application for many of those crops. Without the use of the pesticide, he said, growers estimate they could lose 50 to 95 percent of their crops to pests. For instance, onion growers, who use the chemical for protection against a specific onion maggot, say the effect on the industry would be particularly severe, starting at the transplant and seed production stage. Likewise, many asparagus growers use chlorpyrifos as a one-time application prior to harvest to control the invasive cutworm, which the Farm Bureau said would ruin at least 20 percent of their crop if the pesticide was banned from use. "There are some other options, but we in American agriculture like to see the right treatment at the right place and time," Robson said of alternatives to chlorpyrifos. "There are older technologies that are less efficient, and you have to use more to be as effective. At the end of the day, there are some (crops) that don't have alternatives, like onions." Further, the Michigan Farm Bureau and other industry organizations say limitations on the use of chlorpyrifos imposed by the EPA throughout its use, as well as longstanding scientific data have shown chlorpyrifos is safe when used properly. "This has been around since the 1960s and has been tried and tested based on science. All chemicals go through the EPA's review process," Robson said. "For our growers that don't have another option, if the EPA would have revoked all tolerances (banned chlorpyrifos), basically, you wouldn't have onion growers growing onions anymore because it's the only thing that basically works. "Apples growers are utilizing it, but people think they are putting this on the food that our children eat, and that's not true." Apple growers may use chlorpyrifos as a pre-emergent pest control product that is applied just as trees start to bloom. When compared to other pesticides that were used for many years before the EPA banned their uses due to health and environment concerns â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as DDT â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Robson points to other chemicals that pose potential risks if used improperly. "Bleach is in every household, and if it's not used correctly it can kill you â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and it's in every home with every child," he said. "Any chemical can be harmful or fatal if swallowed... when people compare it to DDT, I compare it to bleach or anything that is within reach of a child." Chlorpyrifos belongs to a class of pesticides called organophosphates, which operate by blocking an enzyme that controls what travels between nerve cells. When the enzyme is blocked, the nervous system fails to operate properly and kills the pest. The pesticide is considered a distant cousin to some other organophosphates that have been used as nerve agents, such as sarin and other chemical weapons, albeit far less toxic. For instance, a lethal dose of chlorpyrifos is considered to be between 92 and 276 milligrams per kilogram of body weight, while sarin is toxic at .071 to .285 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Despite the longstanding use of chlorpyrifos, health and environment concerns about the risks of exposure to the pesticide began rising in the late 1990s, and have continued in more recent years. Human health incidents led the EPA in 2001 to ban the use of chlorpyrifos in residential settings. Researchers in the 2000s also started to find an increasing amount of evidence that linked the chemical to severe developmental

issues in children, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and other issues. Researchers at the University of California Davis' Department of Public Heath Sciences and the university's Medical Investigations of Neurodevelopmental Disorders Institute, in Sacramento, found that mothers who lived less than a mile from agricultural organophosphate pesticide application, particularly chlorpyrifos, during pregnancy had a 60 percent increased risk of having children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. A series of studies by researchers at Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health with Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health were influential in the EPA's 2015 decision to ban all uses of chlorpyrifos, which has recently been overturned by the agency's new administration. A 2010 study examined the association between chlorpyrifos exposures and mental and physical impairments in children in low-income areas of New York City neighborhoods in the South Bronx and Northern Manhattan. Chlorpyrifos was commonly used in the neighborhoods until it was banned for household use in 2001. Researchers said their findings indicate high chlorpyrifos exposure, as illustrated in umbilical cord blood at birth, was associated with a 6.5-point decrease in the Psychomotor Development Index score and a 3.3-point decrease in the Mental Development Score in three-year-olds. "Although this pesticide has been banned for residential use in the United States, chloryprifos and other organophosphorus insecticides are still commonly used for a variety of agricultural purposes," said the deputy director for the center, Virginia Rauh, who co-authored the study. Rauh said researchers hoped the study would show the neurotoxicity of the pesticide "under a range of community conditions" and "inform public health professionals and policy-makers about the potential hazards of exposure to this chemical of pregnant women and young children." The EPA in 2011 estimated people consume about .009 micrograms of chlorpyrifos per kilogram of their body weight per day from food residues, while children typically consume more residues, with toddlers taking in about .025 micrograms per kilogram of their body weight per day. Additional ingestions may also occur from drinking water and residue in food handling establishments. The EPA's acceptable daily dose is .3 micrograms per kilogram of body weight per day.

The Pesticide Action Network's "What's On My Food" database estimates the percent of crops with specific pesticides on them, and typical amounts. While the database doesn't break down figures by locations or region of the country, it does give some data on domestic versus imported foods, and organic versus traditionally farmed foods. For instance, the database found chlorpyrifos is found in about 35.7 percent of almonds, with a maximum level 4.8 micrograms per 100 grams of the food. The pesticide was found in about 12.4 percent of apples tested in 1999, with an average of 1.1 micrograms per 100 grams of apples and a high level of 54 micrograms. In addition to health risks posed by chlorpyrifos, the pesticide can disrupt aquatic life and other insects, such as bees. Environmental studies indicate the threat to aquatic wildlife is greatest from misapplication of chlorpyrifos. A 2014 study found that exposures from surface water concentrations in the United States decreased after the pesticide's use was restricted in the early 2000s, which included changes in the concentrations and uses of the chemicals during application, as well as the prohibition of domestic sales of the pesticide. The Washington State Department of Agriculture has said the application of chlorpyrifos is highly toxic to honey bees and have a residual hazard for an estimated four to six days. In general, the department advises against applying chlorpyrifos to blooming fruit trees or allowing pesticide drift onto blooming trees or blooming broadleaf weeds in order to prevent bee kills. John Stone, program coordinator for Michigan State University's Pesticide Safety Education Program, said chlorpyrifos residue resides on the skin of most fruit, rather than contaminating the entire food. "Most fruit with a skin, like an apple or cherry, the molecule doesn't

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make it through there," he said "It's a contact insecticide, opposed to a systemic one that is absorbed through the plant. And part of the Food Quality Protection Act is how much pesticide can actually be on those fruits." The amount of the pesticide and when it may be applied is spelled out by the type of use or crop receiving the treatment, with restrictions ranging from less than 24 hours for Christmas trees to 365 days prior to harvest for ginseng. Non-food uses include golf courses, industrial sites, greenhouses, nursery production, sod farms and wood products. Additionally, Stone said the university's pesticide safety program works with farmers on overall pest management programs. "We also educate about timing applications for when pest levels reach losses that would be greater than the cost of application," he said. "They don't spray just because a good integrated pest management system is monitoring the system to see if there are pests building up or if you have to take action because you're going to have losses." The Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD) is responsible for registering about 15,500 pesticide products in the state, which includes about 600 that are classified as "restricted use" pesticides. Of those 600, about 59 insecticides registered in Michigan contain chlorpyrifos as an active ingredient. An additional three products containing chlorpyrifos aren't considered to be registered use products, but are products that are used in the industry as an ingredient in other products and wouldn't be used directly by consumers, said Brian Verhougstraete, pesticide registration program specialist with the Michigan Department of Agriculture. The restricted use designation requires those working with the product to attain a special certification. Certification is required for the sale, use or purchase of all restricted use pesticides. Stone, with Michigan State University's pesticide program, said the EPA in 1996 made chlorpyrifos a restricted use pesticide. The MDARD said about 3,387 pounds of chlorpyrifos were sold in 2013 through 2015 throughout the state, with 90 pounds sold in Macomb County. There were no sales of chlorpyrifos in Oakland, Livingston or Wayne counties during the same three year period. Data for 2016 and 2017 was not available. Verhougstraete said the amount sold in each county doesn't necessarily mean that amount is being applied in each county. In fact, he said Oakland County has the highest number of commercial pesticide applicators per capita in the state, along with Macomb and Livingston counties. However, the majority of applications are typically made in more rural counties. "That data is for 'sales' of chlorpyrifos and doesn't necessarily equate to use â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it's possible that some people bought the product and either didn't use it or used it over the course of several years," he said. "The data also only tells us what county the chlorpyrifos was purchased in, not where it was ultimately used. In other words, it's possible that chlropyrifos that was purchased in Macomb could have been used in another county or that chlorpyrifos purchased in another county was used in Macomb." Pesticide regulations are prescribed by the EPA under the federal Federal Insecticide, Fungicide and Rodenticide Act, commonly referred to as FIFRA. Under the law, the EPA must re-evaluate each pesticide registered with the department on a 15-year basis. Chlorpyrifos was first registered for use in 1965, with its last reauthorization by the EPA under FIFRA completed in 2006.

For public health advocates, the 2006 reauthorization has become an area of contention. The issue, they say, stems from a change in 1996 to the Food Quality Protection Act, which is a part of the FIFRA, and which requires the EPA to consider special protections for infants and youngsters when assessing a pesticide for re-authorization. In 2007, the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Pesticide Action Network of North America (PANNA) filed a petition with the EPA asking it to re-evaluate the pesticide's impact in the context of food consumption and request the agency to remove all tolerance levels for the pesticide and effectively ban all uses of chlorpyrifos. Miriam Rotkin-Ellman, senior scientist with the Natural Resources Defense Council, said the EPA's own restrictions and the addition of new research shows the EPA didn't follow the rules properly. "That act said that

the EPA needed to take a closer look at pesticides and how they relate to children," Rotkin-Ellman said. It was about 2001 when the EPA banned chlorpyrifos for use in residential settings, such as sprays and granular products used by exterminators in cracks and crevices, as well as foggers and pest control products. The chemical is, however, permitted to be used in child resistant bait traps for ants and roaches. "Because the literature and the EPA's own studies at the time suggested there's a mismatch, and at very low levels kids are at risk of learning disabilities, the EPA didn't consider that," Rotkin-Ellman said. "That was the main part to our 2007 petition. They left out what the science is pointing to." The petition eventually ended up landing in the federal Ninth Circuit Court, which in 2015 ordered the EPA to respond to the groups' petition, meaning it must either accept or deny the petition's request. The EPA subsequently announced in October it would remove all tolerances of the pesticide.

The decision drew tens of thousands of comments to the EPA, both lauding the decision and rebuking the agency's method used in its revised health assessment, which led to the decision and relied heavily on epidemiological studies that linked chlorpyrifos to health concerns in children. "We support a withdrawal of all uses of chlorpyrifos because the EPA determined over 10 years ago that chlorpyrifos was too dangerous to be used around kids and cancelled all homeowner uses; chlorpyrifos remains one of the most widely used agricultural insecticides in the United States, at over five million pounds applied annually; across the country, rural families, farmworkers and families of farmworkers are regularly exposed to chlorpyrifos, resulting in poisoning incidents each year and medical problems from acute and chronic exposure to this hazardous insecticide; chlorpyrifos is linked to brain and neurodevelopmental damage in children in extensive peer-reviewed studies; and the EPA continues to leave rural children and the children of farmworkers in harmâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way because they are exposed to chlorpyrifos through drift, volatilization and take-home exposure from farmworker family members," stated a group of doctors and health professionals in a letter to the EPA. The group included representatives from Physicians for Social Responsibility, Wake Forest University's department of community medicine, the Institute for Health and the Environment at the University of Albany, Clinica Sierra Vista, the University of California, and several others. The decision also drew praise from environmental groups. "We like to give credit where credit is due and the EPA and the services deserve credit for finally putting together a robust process to analyze harms to endangered and threatened species due to pesticide use," the Center for Biological Diversity said in its comments to the EPA. "Endangered species are extremely sensitive to environmental stressors. In fact, exposures that may not have much of an effect on the population of a heathy species could profoundly impact the population of endangered or threatened species. The Endangered Species Act represents the institutionalization of caution â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it was enacted to keep species from going extinct, and it has been so successful at this because it unambiguously mandates a precautionary approach." Those opposing the decision, including Dow AgroSciences; CropLife America; the American Farm Bureau Federation; and others, said the decision was based on faulty science that relied on unproven epidemiological studies. Central to the opposition was the inclusion of those studies in the EPA's revised health assessment, which wasn't fully published until after the 2015 announcement. The EPA's health assessment's inclusion of epidemiological studies, rather than its previous use of neurotransmission disruption, was a specific objection. The review, published on November 3, 2016, explained that previous health tolerances for chlorpyrifos relied on risk assessments that measured the estimated amount of chemical exposure to inhibit blood and the body's ability to function correctly. However, the revised health study, which the EPA used to base its planned ban on the pesticide, also relied on evidence from the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health Study on pregnant women, which reported an association between fetal cord blood levels of chlorpyrifos and neurodevelopmental outcomes. Based on the total risks, the EPA published a proposed rule on

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November 6, 2015 for revoking all tolerances for chlorpyrifos. While the EPA at that time didn't yet have data for exposure from drinking water, the agency found overall exposure from food was high enough to proceed with the decision.

Exposure from food alone, the EPA's assessment found, is a concern at the 99.9 percentile of exposure to all populations, with the highest risk to children who are one to two years of age. Essentially, the health assessment found the limit of chlorpyrifos in drinking water should be set at zero, after considering the average amount of total exposure to chlorpyrifos from other sources. While indoor residential uses are prohibited, outdoor exposure from chlorpyrifos is still possible. The EPA's assessment stated that exposure to golf courses treated with chlorpyrifos can occur, particularly within the first 24 hours of treatment. "This assessment indicates that all residential post-application exposures are of concern on the day of application; further, all exposure scenarios assessed following aerial and ground mosquitocide applications result in risks of concern," the EPA stated in its review. "Because dietary risk from food exposure alone and from residential exposure along are of concern, it's not possible to calculate DWLOC (Drinking Water Levels Of Comparison)," the EPA assessment stated. "The steady state aggregate of DWLOC is zero after accounting for food and residential exposures." While the EPA's revised health assessment still weighed the risk of chlorpyrifos on the chemical's inhibition of AChE, which is a primary neurotransmitter in the body, the new assessment method also relied heavily on the Columbia University study and others. "In summary, the EPA's assessment is that the Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health study, with supporting results from the other two U.S. cohort studies and the seven additional epidemiological studies reviewed in 2015, provides sufficient evidence that there are neurodevelopmental effects occurring at chlorpyrifos exposures below that required for AChE inhibition." Despite the heath assessment, incoming EPA administrator Pruitt in March of this year reversed the agency's decision and rejected the petition from the Natural Resources Defense Council and the Pesticide Action Network. While Pruitt said the EPA would conduct its own analyses with the potential to take further action, no additional considerations are expected to occur prior to the pesticide's next re-evaluation, which is required under FIFRA in 2022. The EPA, in announcing its reversal, said the 2015 ban "relied on certain epidemiological outcomes, whose application is novel and uncertain, to reach its conclusion. Pruitt's decision also signaled that the agency would be moving in a new direction when considering regulations. "We need to provide regulatory certainty to the thousands of American farms that rely on chlorpyrifos, while still protecting human health and the environment," Pruitt said. “By reversing the previous administration's steps to ban one of the most widely used pesticides in the world, we are returning to using sound science in decision-making – rather than predetermined results." Administrator Pruitt in his decision to deny the petition said the public record lays out "serious scientific concerns and substantive process gaps" in the proposal to ban the pesticide. And, that "reliable data, overwhelming in both quantity and quality, contradicts the reliance on – and misapplication of – studies established to end points and conclusions used to rationalize the proposal." The two groups that filed the petition have since appealed the EPA's decision in federal court. Meanwhile, while no states have gone beyond the EPA's regulations and banned chlorpyrifos on their own, seven have submitted legal objections to the EPA's March 29 decision, requesting immediate action to vacate the order and take final action on the EPA's proposed rule to revoke tolerances on the pesticide. Those states include New York, Washington, California, Massachusetts, Maine, Maryland and Vermont. With both sides of the issue clinging to scientific evidence to back up their claims, the general public may be left wondering who to believe. "The rhetoric that you're hearing now, what the EPA released and Scott Pruitt said in his letter denying our petition offering no new science

contradicting the EPA's own findings, is that this is 'a return to sound science,’” Rotkin-Ellman said. "What Pruitt said – who I might add, is not a scientist – is that there is uncertainty. And based on that, he said the EPA shouldn't act on a ban approved by the previous administration. In doing so, he didn't cite any specific science." By playing on the uncertainties that are inherent in epidemiological studies, such as those used in the EPA's health assessment of chlorpyrifos, as well as other environmental issues, opponents of tighter regulations and restrictions claim faulty science is at play. However, proponents of stronger regulation say that view ignores strong evidence from studies. “Where we are on pesticides and many other environmental issues is looking at patterns of disease, so that if you understand those patterns you might be able to do something about it," Rotkin-Ellman said. "We don’t intentionally expose disease to people anymore because that's unethical, so we look at diseases and we better understand them and (their) risk factors, and can hopefully show positive results. That has happened with lead in water. That's epidemiology. "For pesticides, you look at animal (testing) literature, which is mostly on rats, and sometimes you don't see it. And there are two different places you can go with that: the public health community says that if we have evidence of effects on animals and humans and it's not lining up, maybe that's because animals and rats aren't the same. That could be why human studies show a connection and animals not as much... The industry argument is that there is something wrong with the epidemiology and that we should basically ignore it."

Raising doubts to discredit epidemiological studies has proven to be one of the most effective ways for industry to avoid regulations, as former Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) David Michaels pointed out in his 2008 book, "Doubt is Their Product: How industry's assault on science threatens your health." The book documents the tobacco industry's tactics to create doubt and controversy over the hazards of smoking, and explains how scientific uncertainty has been used to keep the public confused about asbestos, lead, plastics and other toxic materials in order to disrupt the country's regulatory system by politicizing science. "The question about what kind of science is the backstory argument that is happening," Rotkin-Ellman said. "If you stop anyone on the street and give them evidence of something toxic to their food based on studies, but those studies don't show it in rats, most people are going to be worried about the thing that effects humans. And on that side of the argument, you have doctors and pediatricians and people that worry the most about kids," she said. "The people that oppose that literature are people that represent the industry, by and large. From a parent's perspective, if there's something showing up in children, then we should be doing something about it." Still, the impact of banning one of the most widely used pesticides in the country remains unknown. In addition to the monetary impact it could have on the pesticide and agricultural industries, heavily restricting pesticides such as chlorpyrifos could have on the food supply as more invasive species continue to find their way into the country is a mystery. "Some of the announcements that Pruitt has put out is a flagship and a breath of fresh air for American agriculture and Michigan agriculture," said Robeson with the Michigan Farm Bureau. "In terms of the Pesticide Action Network of North America and the Natural Resources Defense Council, they are petitioning and they are an equal-opportunity petitioner. They want all pesticides gone... You can't feed the world with organic practices alone. There's just no other way."

FACES

JoAnne Purtan fter living in Albany, JoAnne Purtan’s first day at WXYZ 19 years ago was a homecoming of sorts. “It was a real honor to return to a building with such history and where my dreams of going into broadcasting started,” she said. “I grew up in Bloomfield Township and went to Andover High School, so this was returning home.” Purtan and her five sisters sometimes accompanied their famous father, radio personality Dick Purtan, to work on Saturdays. As the popular DJ took to the airwaves, his daughters roamed the building, and JoAnne especially loved visiting the Action News studio. “I would sit where Bill Bonds and Diana Lewis sat and pretend I was doing the news,” said the four-time Emmy winner. She joined the station in 1998 on the same day as fellow anchor Carolyn Clifford. “On June 8 we both walked in,” Purtan said, “and between us we have worked every shift in the building.” Purtan, 48, has seen massive changes in the news business over the past few decades. “When I started here there was no social media or website. Your job was to go out and report, and that was it,” she said. “Today, every story I do on the air I have to also write a web version. I do my best to put something out on social media at least once a day, if not more. We are now multimedia journalists. It’s an exciting thing but it can be tough; there are more demands on our time.” Time is always at a premium for Purtan. She and her husband Eric are raising two teens. She’s on the advisory board of Midnight Golf and the board of directors for New Day Foundation for Families. In addition to anchoring at noon, Purtan co-anchors the 4 p.m. newscast, does consumer pieces for “Don’t Waste Your Money” and features “mompreneurs” in “Mom’s a Genius.” “I love profiling these women because they take such a chance and risk to follow their passion and dreams to put something out there,” she said. Purtan has talked with thousands of people over the years and puts Warren Buffett on the top of her interview wish list. “Not only is he a brilliant investor, he’s humble,” she said. “He still lives in the very modest house he raised his kids in, and most importantly, he’s pledged to give away 99 percent of his wealth … and has encouraged other billionaires to give similarly.” As a journalist, Purtan is careful to keep her political views to herself. “The media has a huge responsibility to cover things fairly and to get it right. Our job is to be fair, accurate and objective.” One topic she’s happy to share her feelings about is Detroit’s renaissance. “I get to see it each day when I anchor the news at noon overlooking Campus Martius. The activity I see and the energy going on is just invigorating. It is exciting to have a window to all of that and to bring it to our viewers. I recognize that people in the neighborhoods say, ‘don’t forget about us,’ and more needs to be done, but a strong central downtown will expand out to the neighborhoods.” She also enjoys visiting her youthful stomping grounds. “I remember growing up and shopping in downtown Birmingham,” Purtan said. “I love Birmingham – it is just a fun, happening city.”

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Photo: Laurie Tennent

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STDS

an exPLoSIVe rISe naTIonaLLy anD In STaTe By LISa BroDy

It’s a dirty little secret – one no one really wants to talk about, but one that is putting our nation’s teens and young adults at risk of chronic pain, infertility, lifelong health issues – and even death. It’s the scourge of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), which have reached such record heights that experts believe that fully half of the population of those aged 15 to 24, which numbers about 110 million men and women in the United States, are afflicted with chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papilloma virus (HPV), HIV, and other sexually transmitted infections, with up to 20 million new infections each year.

And in the last couple of years, health officials have seen a jarring jump in infection rates. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in August 2016, they had their highest numbers in recorded history of chlamydia and gonorrhea. It’s very troubling,” said Mary Anne Mosack, executive director of Ascend in Washington D.C. According to the CDC, in 2016, 70 percent of those aged 15-24 who were sexually active had been infected with gonorrhea; 63 percent had been infected with chlamydia; 49 percent with HPV; 45 percent with genital herpes; 26 percent between 13 and 24 had been infected with HIV; and 20 percent had syphilis. It was the second consecutive year where the CDC reported what they termed “alarming” and “troubling” increases in STDs in America. The CDC reports reflect numbers reported from the year prior. The 2015 report noted that chlamydia hit a record high in 2014 of 1,441,789 cases, or five out of every 1,000 people. It was also a 2.8 percent increase over 2013. Reported gonorrhea cases in 2014 rose to 350,062, which was an increase of 5.1 percent from 2013. But the biggest shock was that primary and secondary syphilis cases had increased 15 percent from the year before, and congenital syphilis increased a full 27.5 percent. In Michigan, syphilis increased by four percent from 2015 to 2016, with a nine percent increase in males diagnosed. More disturbing is that there was an 18 percent increase in males diagnosed with syphilis aged 15 – 24, and a 23 percent increase in men who have sex with men aged 15 – 24, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The CDC explained that syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection that is divided into stages, primary, secondary, latent, and tertiary, with different signs and symptoms associated with each stage. It can cause very serious health complications when left untreated, but is simple to cure with the right treatment. Many, both young and older, straight and gay, were under the misguided – and false – assumption that these STDs were something that had been left in the past. But the past has reared its ugly head, whether because many STDs and STIs (sexually transmitted infections) have little to no symptoms; the pervasiveness of the “hook up” and Tinder culture; to the misguided belief that a condom can always protect them. “Lots of people don’t have symptoms, so they don’t know they have one, and they pass it on,” said Evelyn Van Sloten with Sexual Health and Relationship Education (SHARE) organization, part of Crossroads Care Center, which has educators going into local school districts to augment their health and sex education programs. “Many (infections) are carried on the skin, so just by any kind of touch or stimulation, they pass it (herpes, HPV, some syphilis) on. Plus, many condoms just don’t cover enough area.”

2016 was the second consecutive year of ‘alarming’ increases in STDs. The National Coalition of STD Directors (NCSD) warns that women and girls are biologically more susceptible to contracting an STD, but often experience few or no symptoms when they do get one, where the consequences of leaving it untreated can include infertility, pregnancy complications, cervical cancer, pelvic inflammatory disease, and an increased risk of HIV transmission. Pregnant women who contract an STD are at higher risk of miscarriage and premature delivery, and can transmit the infection to their baby during pregnancy and birth. Among young adults aged 15-24 and homosexual and bisexual men, who are at greatest risk of STDs, there tends to be a great ignorance of the diseases themselves, and how they can contract them. Couple that with an age group that is more willing to take risks, and there are the ingredients for skyrocketing STD rates. NCSD said that is often because of the emphasis on “abstinence-only-until-marriage education in schools, coupled with a lack of communication on STDs with health providers and parents often leaves young people with little accurate information on STDs and how to protect themselves.” Many have no idea what they have even if they do have a symptom or a sore, signs of an infection. Syphilis is caught via direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex. “A person with primary syphilis generally has a sore or sores at the original site of infection. These sores usually occur on or around the genitals, around the anus, or in or around the mouth,” a CDC fact sheet stated. “These sores are usually (but not always) firm, round, and painless. Symptoms of secondary syphilis include skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, and fever. The signs and symptoms can be mild, and they might not be noticed. During the latent stage, there are no signs or symptoms. Tertiary syphilis is associated with severe medical problems and is usually diagnosed by a doctor with the help of multiple medical tests. It can affect the heart, brain and other organs.” Gonorrhea can affect both men and women, and can cause infections in the genitals, rectum and throat. “It is a very common

infection, especially among young people ages 15-24 years,” said the CDC. In Michigan, DHHS showed a 21 percent increase in gonorrhea from 2015 to 2016, with a 12 increase of males diagnosed in gonorrhea between the ages of 15 and 24, and 12 increase of males as a whole. Some men and most women have no symptoms, while others have burning when urinating. Some men will have a white, yellow or green discharge, and/or painful or swollen testicles. For women, it can often be confused as a bladder or vaginal infection as symptoms, if they have any, can include a painful or burning sensation when urinating, increased vaginal discharge, and vaginal bleeding between periods. It can be easily treated with medication, although drug-resistant strains of gonorrhea are increasing, the CDC said. But if gonorrhea is left untreated, it can cause serious and permanent health problems for both sexes, such as pelvic inflammatory disease in women, ectopic pregnancies, infertility, and long-term pelvic and abdominal pain. In men, gonorrhea can cause a painful condition in the tubes attached to the testes, which in rare cases can cause a man to be sterile. Chlamydia is the most frequently reported infectious disease in the United States, the CDC reported in 2015, affecting both men and women, with serious ramifications including permanent damage to a woman’s reproductive system. Both sexes often experience a lack of symptoms, and need to be tested in order to determine if they have the infection. “We have seen no significant change in chlamydia (from the national figures),” said Jennifer Eisner, public information officer for Michigan DHHS, indicating the rise is similar here in Michigan. “I see a lot of chlamydia and gonorrhea in young women, and chlamydia much more,” said Dr. Renee Horowitz, a Bloomfield Township obstetrician/gynecologist with Michigan Women’s Health in Farmington Hills. “We know there is a rise in syphilis as well, but that is much more among men, both gay and bisexual. All of these diseases, as well as HPV, can have significant consequences to female health, like infertility. “Chlamydia and gonorrhea can infect the fallopian tubes and ovaries, and can become septic from a pelvic abscess,” Horowitz continued. “Often a woman doesn’t know she has (an STD) until something bad happens. It can present with pelvic pain and fever, and leads to pelvic inflammatory disease.” Terry Ryan, director of MAC Health program, Matrix Human Services (formerly Michigan AIDS coalition), said that two years ago they added integrated testing for syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis C, which is more AIDs specific. “We have been testing for HIV since 1988, going into bars, clubs and bathhouses,” Ryan said. “Two years ago, we received funding from three foundations to test for sexually

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transmitted infection testing in these kinds of venues where those engaging in risky behaviors congregate, and it’s proved successful. “We’re seeing frequent positive testing for gonorrhea and chlamydia – increases in those numbers – but also for syphilis, in the last few years,” Ryan said. “Syphilis is increasing in major urban areas I think, for a combination of reasons. It’s often a co-infection with HIV or chlamydia or gonorrhea. HIV isn’t in the news anymore. We’ve gotten good drugs, but if you’re not using condoms or having multiple sexual partners, you’re still at risk. Younger people don’t have the perspective or fear of HIV today. We still get about 50,000 new HIV cases a year.” Horowitz said she concurs with the recommendations of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, along with the CDC, to screen all women for chlamydia and gonorrhea from the time of sexual activity to age 25, “and of course anyone who may be involved in high risk behavior at any age.” Ryan agrees, noting they offer free and confidential testing services at numerous sites and times, including working with Affirmations in Ferndale. Oakland County Health Department has testing services five days a week at two sites. “The CDC’s STD surveillance provides us with a snapshot of what’s happening with chlamydia, gonorrhea and syphilis in the U.S.; but it doesn’t tell us why certain trends are occurring,” said Donnica Smalls from the CDC. She said the data tells them, “We know this is the second year in a row that all three reportable STDs have increased substantially; we also know increased rates in recent years have been largely driven by men; and youth aged 15-24, as well as gay, bisexual, or other men who have sex with men (or MSM) continue to be at the greatest risk for STDs.” “We have been seeing increases mirroring the statewide trend,” said Dr. Pamela Hackert, M.D. MPH, chief of medical services, Oakland County Health Department, with gonorrhea and chlamydia rates increasing, with a slight dip in syphilis cases. “We saw a significant increase (in syphilis) in 2015 for Oakland County and Michigan, but the preliminary data is looking good for 2016 for Oakland County.” Hackert said the STD rates are highest among young adults in the 15-24 age range because “It’s easy to meet people over social media via dating apps, but also people at that age are going through rapid changes, and that means meeting different people. It’s the availability of dating apps and social media that the rates are so high.” In return, Hackert said that Oakland County Health Department reaches out through social media to educate them of the dangers of STDs. “We also use social media sometimes to discretely contact people, to let them know they should get tested,” she said. “We think that with the advent of social media and access to the internet that young

people would have all of the knowledge and information to make informed decisions,” noted Evelyn Van Sloten of SHARE. Instead, she said, “there’s a void. Kids are still getting pregnant, and kids are at risk for STDs. With the increase in social media, they believe that risky behavior and its consequences won’t happen to them. Further, in any age demographic, a lot of people are naïve to the risks of sexual behavior.” Sharing – and oversharing – on social media, sexting, casual sexual encounters, hooking up, the use of Tinder – all are a part of a culture that de-emphasizes relationships and highlights the carefree sexuality often seen on TV and movies. Imagine watching the bedhopping on “Sex in the City,” and hearing Carrie and Samantha talking about their chlamydia infections, or the guys on “Entourage” discussing having caught syphilis – wouldn’t have been quite as entertaining. But teens often can’t distinguish the difference between television and real life. “In real life, there are consequences, so we talk about consequences. We’re about having all the information. Real life is consequences, and STDs are part of that information,” Van Sloten said. “In this country, 79 million people are infected (with STDs). It translates to 27,397 (infections) every day, and 1,142 every hour. Teens contract a STD every day. It’s important (for teens) to understand the risks of sexual activity. You can’t act on feelings. We’re about teaching to avoid poor judgement calls and to make wise choices.” What is the best way to educate teens and young adults about the risks of sexually transmitted diseases and infections? All educators and advocacy agencies agree that parents and trusted adults are the first line of communications, but in a world with rapidly changing information, they are usually not the only destination. Local school districts provide information through sex education classes, to varying degrees depending upon the district. According to the Michigan Department of Education, by Michigan law, school districts are required to teach about dangerous communicable diseases, including, but not limited to HIV/AIDS, at least once a year at every building level (elementary, middle, high school), but school districts can choose to

teach sex education. If they choose to include that as part of their curriculum, they must have a sex education supervisor and an advisory board, and at least half its members must be parents. In Michigan, instruction in HIV/AIDS and sex education must stress that abstinence from sex is a responsible and effect method of preventing unplanned pregnancies, and is the only way to 100 percent protect from sexually transmitted disease and HIV/AIDS. “The health and well-being of our students is always our top priority. Our health education curriculum, like our general education curriculum, is designed to give students the knowledge and skills to succeed, now and in the future,” said Carrie Lawler, executive director for secondary education at Rochester Community Schools. Rochester Schools bases their school health curriculum on the Michigan Model for Health, Lawler said, which “enables us to address behaviors which may affect a student’s health and well-being with age-appropriate instructional activities.” The first time students are introduced to the subject is in fifth grade, with HIV instruction, with discussion over the definition of HIV and AIDS, and how to protect themselves and others, what it is and how it is transmitted, and the importance of compassion for those who are ill. Then, in twelfth grade, during their reproductive health/human sexuality and HIV/AIDS section, besides learning fertilization, fetal development and birth, students discuss the short-term and long-term consequences of safe, risky and harmful behaviors; “analyze how sexual abstinence is the best, safest, and healthiest choice to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections and protect one’s emotional health; and understand that condoms and other contraceptives may reduce the risk of pregnancy and some, but not all, sexually transmitted infections,” said Lori Grein, community relations director for the district. They also learn techniques for refusal, negotiation, and collaboration skills to avoid potentially harmful situations, such as dating violence. Grein said the sexually transmitted infection lessons are taught by the SHARE organization. Birmingham Public Schools also utilize instructors from the SHARE organization, but only for middle school instruction, Van Sloten said. According to Brian Hafner, health and physical education teacher for the Birmingham district, information about STDs are taught in high school to juniors and seniors. Bloomfield Hills Schools high school students have a three-day unit as part of their health curriculum, which is an “abstinencebased unit, emphasizing healthy relationships while identifying the consequences of a teenage pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. (It includes) lifetime learning of birth control methods and the development of a healthy pregnancy, labor, and delivery,” said

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Shira Good, director, communications and community relations, Bloomfield Hills Schools. As for information regarding STDs, “They are taught the symptoms, and how STIs are diagnosed and treated by a doctor. Students are taught that oral sex is sex, and can cause STIs in the oral area, including cancer from the STIs.” According to Mary Anne Mosack of Ascend, which provides resources and educates policymakers and community stakeholders of the advantages of sexual risk avoidance approach in sex education, “Most people think it’s a ‘Just say no’ program – absolutely not,” she said. “Who thinks standing up in front of kids and saying ‘Just saying no’ is successful? We look at the totality of sexuality, and how it impacts relationships, and healthy and unhealthy relationships, dating violence, sexual assault, pregnancy, STDs, and the emotional consequences.” To educate youth to look at sex and sexuality as a whole in an effort to avoid risky behavior, which can lead to not only unwanted pregnancies but sexually transmitted diseases, is one that is shared across the educational and political spectrum, from Ascend to Planned Parenthood of Michigan to the SHARE organization. “STDs are up – but among sexually active teens. Students are actually having having less sex than they did 25 years ago. We’re making great strides,” said Ascend’s Mosack. “We’re trying to meet these sexually active teens and trying to educate these teens for more than just pregnancy prevention. We want to guide those students into risk-free status.” Noting there is also an uptick in HIV, she said, “It’s very fortunate that we’ve made so many advances, but they think they can just take a pill and they’ll be OK. When AIDS was first presented, it was life-and-death. The commentary is that the threat level of it being life threatening has been diminished, so perhaps they feel less threatened. They then are more willing to participate in risky behavior.” Mosack said that epidemiologists call it risk disinhibition – “’I use a condom almost every time, so I can be risky once in a while.’ Well, we know it only takes one time,” she said. “We’re all susceptible to it when we want to do what we want to do, and it’s part of the natural development for an adolescent – part of how they break away is to be risk takers; but some of them do it to greater degrees than others.” As is required in Michigan, Planned Parenthood of Michigan teaches comprehensive abstinence-based sexuality training, said Ashley Coker, youth programs manager for Planned Parenthood of Michigan. She said they run a peer education program, where high school students go through about 40 hours of training before being tested to prove they understand medically-accurate information. The teens then help educate other teens, in schools or community

repetitive education is lacking in this subject, with lifealtering implications. presentations, and can serve as resources for their peers, Coker said, “providing that education, referrals to testing locations, and other services.” “We are abstinence-based, and provide comprehensive sexuality education that includes abstinence. Then we educate young adults about the importance of STDs information and prevention, and we also encourage testing,” she said. “What we’re seeing as health educators is the number one contraceptive access is to condoms, but the female condom and dental dams are not sold in stores,” she said, both of which can help prevent STDs. “There are levels of difficulty to access, so even where teens are choosing to be responsible, there is difficulty in accessibility.” By law in Michigan, schools are not permitted to provide contraceptives of any kind on any site. She said she believes another reason for the increase in STDs among young adults is that “youth in Michigan are often only receiving sexuality education one time in high school, for a limited time, and in Michigan, the law is we are abstinence-plus,” meaning the individual school district can choose what they can cover, as long as it includes abstinence information. “Some are abstinence only; some are abstinence-plus, meaning there is limited information about condoms and birth control; and some are comprehensive, and include information about consent, LBGTQ issues, etc.” But the lack of repetitive education, which is effective in math, language, science, and every other subject, is lacking in this subject, with its potentially life-altering implications, Coker said. “There is a stigma regarding sexuality education and STDs,” she noted, about testing, education, and behaviors. “As an educator, I try to focus on behaviors, and not on labels.” SHARE’s Van Sloten agrees. “We can provide the information, but we can’t control behavior,” she said. “We provide the information so they can make healthy choices and avoid risk.” Beginning with middle schools, SHARE talks about the rise of poor choices in social

media, the advent of sexting, and invasions of privacy. “Our young people are making poor choices. We talk to middle schoolers to think of themselves as more than just body parts, and to respect themselves,” she said. She said the rise in pornography, and its widespread accessibility on the internet, adds to students’ “disembodied” approach to sex and sexuality, along with a hook-up culture, “that you don’t need to have a relationship today to have sex. We tell them that it’s important to remember that feelings are natural, but acting on it is not.” Coker agreed. “We are hearing more and more about the accessibility of pornography,” she said. “You no longer have to see it on cable, or get it in the mail. It’s right there in the palm of your hand. And pornography tends to portray unrealistic representations of what we believe young people see in sexual situations and that lack conversations about consent, and focuses on dominance, and lacks any focus on relationships.” Both in middle school and high school, SHARE and Planned Parenthood discuss relationships and communication. “We don’t know what relationships are any more. A big part of the SHARE program is talking with other people, about how to share and communicate and how to trust someone worthy of your time,” Van Sloten said. “Relationships are not modeled successfully on TV. I tell kids people on TV sleep around, and you can’t – in real life there are consequences. STDs are part of that.” She recalled the former U.S. Surgeon General C. Everett Koop’s warning in the 1980’s that when you slept with someone, you weren’t exposed to just your partner, but to anyone they’d been with in the past. “That’s really it. I tell them, because everything today is instantaneous gratification, you can’t wipe things out like errors on a computer. Our bodies aren’t computers. Some (diseases) are for a lifetime,” Van Sloten said. “If they’re bacterial, yes, they can be cured. But only if you go to a doctor. Some are with you for a lifetime.” All of the educators agree with the CDC and all medical professionals on the importance of being tested regularly for STDs if young adults are sexually active. “There is so much focus on the act, and not on the connection – that’s the sad part, and that’s what they’re acting out, especially in this generation that’s all about texting,” Coker noted. “We have to help teach them to communicate, and in that way, negotiate their safety, and to care about themselves and to protect themselves and then to care about another person and respect the other person. “We need to do a better job of modeling healthy relationships. This is really tough stuff, but it does take everyone to get involved – all the institutions, their peers, and all the adults in their lives, to change these statistics.”

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Meg Lieder rmed with an enchanting voice, steadfast ambition and movie-star good looks, singer-songwriter Meg Lieder has released three singles and is steadily embarking on a promising musical career. “I feel like every kid wanted to sing,” Lieder said. “I heard my older sister singing and I wanted to sing, too.” The rising star, slated to release an EP (extended play) record this summer, is a Groves High School graduate. She took advantage of the ample opportunities to hone her talent in a community that embraces the arts. "I performed at the Birmingham Community House and in high school musicals," she said. "I played piano growing up. I played the oboe. In the past few years, I started playing guitar. I also performed at local venues like The Crofoot and Andiamo’s." Lieder was influenced and encouraged by her uncle, Rick Lieder, of the Detroit-based Rick Lieder Band. “The Rick Lieder Band was voted number one band in The Metropolitan (a Detroit-based magazine).” Lieder auditioned for the popular TV singing competitions “X Factor” and “The Voice.” She made it to the third round of “The Voice,” and although getting cut was a disappointment, Lieder maintains a positive attitude toward the experience. “To be honest, I feel like being told ‘no’ makes me want to make it to the top. Instead of bumming about it, I wanted to improve.” Although her music career was beginning to take off and she was earning money for her performances, Lieder felt compelled to seek a higher education in music.

"I auditioned to Berklee (College of Music) and got a scholarship," she said. "There’s no way I would've been able to (attend Berklee) without the scholarship. That was a cool surprise. A lot of people (from Berklee) are really successful. I think it was a really good choice.” Lieder filmed her first music video in Beverly Hills, California in 2016. “I was definitely really overwhelmed,” she said. “I’ve been in front of a camera and an audience, but I had this whole pamper crew. It was really hard for me to do it. I was supposed to be sassy and I’m more silly.” Concurrent with a full class schedule at Berklee, Lieder continues to develop her music career and performs at various local venues in Boston. “I write songs. I do covers. I’m featured in other musicians (songs),” she said. “I also have a summer job performing at Mastro’s Steakhouse (in Boston).” Lieder’s upcoming EP, slated for release in summer 2017, will be available on iTunes, Apple Music, and Spotify, Google Play and SoundCloud. Her singles “Hit Me Up,” “Don’t Look Back” and “Think Twice,” are available on Spotify, iTunes, Apple Music, and YouTube. Since the release of her first single “Think Twice” she has grown and changed as an artist, she said. “I’ve found out more about my artistry,” she said. “I want to get my sound out. It is my dream to have my songs being sung by other people and my lyrics relating to their life.” Story: Katey Meisner

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MUNICIPAL Commission gives direction to planners

Five-story building for Varsity Shop site By Lisa Brody

By Lisa Brody

Birmingham city commissioners clarified that they are only seeking the definition of personal service businesses in terms of what it means for a retail business from the city’s planning board, and not a revision of the city’s ordinance at a joint meeting of the city commission and planning board on Monday, June 19, contrary to efforts by a city planner and planning board on June 14. The joint meeting is an annual workshop between the two boards, where important city topics are discussed, and then the commission determines if they want the planning board to study them further, and if the issue is a priority item. The definition of retail in first floor space has been deemed a high priority item by the city commission after several locations have been leased as “quasi-commercial,” planning director Jana Ecker said, referring to ad agencies, marketing firms, real estate companies, and web design firms, among others, that say they “could” do work for individuals, but are really commercial companies. “The type of uses permitted on first floor of buildings in the redline district – that’s basically Old Woodward, Maple, Pierce, Willits, and Hamilton – according to the ordinance must have retail in the first 20-feet of depth,” Ecker told the two boards, noting that mandate came from the city’s 2016 Master Plan, which has been in effect since 1996. “We don’t vary from the 2016 plan because the author of the 2016 Plan doesn’t require it. But uses change, and definitions of retail have changed. The city commission has asked us to remove personal services from not being permitted, and to discuss commercial uses. The planning board set July 12 for a public hearing, with personal services described as any type of service for a person that they can walk in and get. The most common definition refers to tailors, beauty salons, barbers, facials, shoe repairs – for a person or their clothing. Do we want to examine the 2016 Plan and determine the intent of some of these other businesses that were not available then?” Mayor Mark Nickita noted that there had been misinformation downtownpublications.com

he iconic site of the Varsity Shop at the corner of Pierce and Merrill streets in downtown Birmingham, vacant for the last few years after a pipe burst and the long-time sporting goods store relocated to Adams Square, would be replaced by a 27,000 square foot, five-story building that would feature retail on the first and second floors, office space, and a penthouse apartment under preliminary plans unanimously approved by the city’s planning board on Wednesday, May 24. According to Matt Baka, Birmingham planner, owner and developer Kojaian Management Company and architect Victor Saroki have designed a building located in the city’s central business district which conforms to zoning ordinance requirements for a mixed-use, five-story structure offering retail, commercial and residential uses. Baka said that there may be some environmental risks associated with demolition of the building due to the age of the building, noting there may be asbestos and lead paint in it, which will need to be contained. Further, while the building is located in the city’s historic district, the building was determined to not be historic and can be torn down. A community impact study prepared for the property received the recommendation of the city’s transportation expert, Mike Labadie, who said the building’s impact on the city would be negligible, and the board unanimously accepted it. Because the building is located in the city’s parking assessment district, parking is only required for the residential unit, which will be a for-sale unit. A two-car garage for residents is designed into the rear of the first floor, off of the alley. A minor ordinance issue was pointed out when the preliminary site plan was presented to the planning board. In the schematics, the lower level is designed to house residential storage and mechanicals for the building, as well as have the potential for amenities for the residential unit, which could conflict with the ordinance which does not permit office space above residential space, Baka said. “There’s about 5,000 square feet (in the basement),” Saroki said. “What we are intending to do is finish the lower level like you might do in a very nice home – with a fitness room, and we discussed the novelty of a two-lane bowling alley for the residential use. Quite frankly, it seemed pretty natural for us and we didn’t think there would be a conflict in the ordinance. I understand if it was above ground, but not since it is in the basement... We want to make an amenity for the residential unit, to create more value and more space.” Saroki said they will go before the city’s zoning board of appeals to see if they can get it waived, and if it isn’t, it will not be in the final site plan. In addition, Saroki said Kojaian is looking to obtain a high-end retailer that may want to take two floors of retail space. The planning board unanimously approved the preliminary site plan with conditions that must be met prior to final site plan.

between the commission and the planning board, with the commission not seeking a public hearing to change the city’s zoning ordinance to mandate that first floor space must be a retail, restaurant, or salontype business, but not commercial. “This ordinance has been on the books for about 20 years,” Nickita said. He noted the problem is that too many projects are squeezing through zoning loopholes, with people interpreting personal services

differently. He said that building official Bruce Johnson had come to the commission with problems, and “he has been having issues addressing approvals. There are too many gray areas for clarifying that have come to us for discussions.” “A study session was what was intended for personal services – it’s an important first step. We’ve given a priority list to prioritize it for you, so you know what we expect in what order,” commissioner Stuart Sherman

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said. “We need to know what the term actually meant.” “It’s to study the personal service clarification and put off the public hearing,” for July 12 on the ordinance change, Nickita said. “It’s very specific to this issue, and not a broad discussion of the downtown. Andres Duany (urban designer and creator of the 2016 Plan), when he was here a few years ago, said that of all of his projects, and he has worked on over 300, this has been implemented the truest.” At both this meeting, and the planning board meeting on June 14, several Birmingham landlords spoke about the changes in the national and local retail market, noting current vacancies downtown, and broke news of retailers and commercial businesses possibly leaving Birmingham in upcoming months, including J. McLaughlin, Old World Olive Oil, Ligne Roset, Fratelli Leather, Roots, Fidelity Investments, Lucy and Sweet Earth. One said that at the recent International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) conference in Las Vegas, the term “retailgeddon” was repeatedly used. “Landlords need more flexibility to deal with 21st century retail. Thirty percent of tenants are (currently) non-conforming in the redline district. Can Birmingham support 30 to 40 percent more vacancies?” asked Richard Huddleston, who owns Birmingham Place. “The mix we have now is ideal. There are no retailers being turned away. There are vacancies,” said Paul Choukouian of Colliers International. “The city of Grosse Pointe had this ordinance, and they had lots and lots of vacancies. They changed the rules, and let offices in, and now it’s vibrant and thriving. They went the opposite way.” While planning board members had been very sympathetic to the landlords at their meeting, stating they would not be able to support a proposed amendment to the ordinance, and the planning board did not have data to support it. At the joint meeting, however, city commissioners were more skeptical, and firm about the vision of the city and its walkability. “Situations change,” Nickita said. “Maybe taking the redline retail area and taking a look at it with the current market conditions, with making it a walkable situation in 63

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another conversation, and not one to discuss when we’re looking at the definition of personal services. So we can look at it in the near term, but not right now.”

Priorities outlined by city commission At the annual Birmingham city commission/planning board joint workshop session held Monday, June 19, the two boards reviewed current issues facing the city, with the commission directing the planning board as to which are priorities to deal with right away, and which can be put on the back burner. The most pressing issues determined by the city commission were for the planning board to immediately determine what the definition of personal services are for businesses, relative to the type of uses permitted on first floor retail spaces in the city’s downtown. Per the city’s ordinance, established with the city’s 2016 Master Plan, which has been in effect since 1996, there must be retail in the first 20-feet of depth. However, commissioners want to have the definition clarified as several locations have been leased as “quasi-commercial,” noted city planner Jana Ecker, referring to ad agencies, marketing firms, real estate companies, and web design firms, among others, that say they “could” do work for individuals, but are really commercial companies. Mayor Mark Nickita requested the planning board provide the commission with a definition that clarifies the meaning on or before July 24. Another high priority to commissioners is to review the city’s bistro ordinance and its allowances and restrictions. The bistro ordinance was first created in 2007 with a goal of enlivening the city’s downtown area for its retail establishments and creating greater walkability. “There have been concerns about bistros getting too big. The biggest issue is how much outdoor dining is too much,” said Ecker, noting several bistros, designed to be small, intimate establishments, have enclosed their outdoor spaces with heating and air conditioning. “Some use several parking spaces and use a lot of public space on the sidewalks. They run into building code issues as well – when you enclose them with

Eisenglass, you run into other issues, such as how many toilets you need, handicap access, and parking requirements. Do we want to put more clarity into what it encompasses?” “It’s time to review the bistro ordinance. It’s been around 10 years, and it’s developed differently than we thought. We thought of small places, yet even downtown, we have Social, Cafe Via, Townhouse, that have much more seating,” said commissioner Rackeline Hoff. “This is one of the ordinances that is working very well, but like anything...it has some growing pains,” said Nickita. The commission also said the planning board should look into areas of the city that economic development licenses, a liquor license that a developer can apply to transfer into the city if there has been at least a 500 percent increase in assessed value of the property, could be utilized as a further economic catalyst. “We see areas as needing some incentive, some benefit from development,” Nickita noted. The commission also said that looking at the city’s rental ordinance so that it includes the practice of short-term rentals, such as on daily or weekly basis, as in AirBNB uses, should be done. “There are three or four in the city listed as vacation homes. It could be a potential problem, with complaints of people coming and going,” noted city building official Bruce Johnson. Also to be reviewed by the planning board is renovations of commercial properties, versus when it should be considered new construction, noting the recent extensive renovations of the former Wachler Building at Maple and Old Woodward, the Audi building on Woodward, and the McCann building where Jacobson’s used to be. “There’s solid support for reviewing this further and having a further review process,” Nickita said. A public concern – the city’s parking problem – was one commissioners felt the planning board should not prioritize, especially parking requirements for new large buildings that are coming up. “I think it’s important, but there are things that are more important,” said commissioner Patty Bordman. Planning board member Scott Clein agreed. “I don’t think you want

he Michigan Court of Appeals affirmed a lower court ruling on Tuesday, May 30, that former Bloomfield Township Treasurer Dan Devine had no standing under the Whistleblowers’ Protection Act as he was not an employee of the township but an elected official. The original suit was filed September 10, 2015, by then-treasurer Devine against the municipality of Bloomfield Township and co-worker and township supervisor Leo Savoie, alleging they had subjected him to retaliation because he reported suspected violations of law to public authorities. The suit alleged that Savoie “has engaged in an ongoing campaign to retaliate against Devine” and requested an unspecified money judgement in his favor for “loss of career opportunities, diminishment of business and personal reputation, emotional distress, and attorney fees and costs.” Devine sought monetary damages, the minimum of which are $25,000 under the Whistleblowers' Protection Act (WPA). A key contention Devine made was that he was an employee of the township, rather than an elected official, and in a legal response, he cited a former health care benefit contract from 2011, since cancelled, which called him an “employee.” However, Devine had been the treasurer since being appointed to the position in 1999, for over 17 years, until he lost in the primary in August 2016 to Brian Kepes, who currently holds the position. On December 16, 2015, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Leo Bowman read in a prepared statement that Devine had no standing to bring a case against Bloomfield Township or Savoie under the Whistleblowers’ Protection Act as he was an elected official, and not an employee. “Plaintiff is not an employee as defined by the WPA,” Bowman wrote in his ruling. He continued, “This court finds that plaintiff's claim is so clearly unenforceable as a matter of law that no factual development could possibly justify recovery.” Devine appealed in January 2016. On May 30, the Michigan Court of Appeals unanimously affirmed the lower court’s dismissal, with Judges Michael J. Kelly, Jane M. Beckering and Douglas B. Shapiro writing that “Plaintiff’s definition of ‘employee’ is broad enough to encompass public officials. We disagree... The board (of trustees) could not discharge, or even credibly threaten to discharge, plaintiff from his position as treasurer...or decrease his compensation during his term in office. The choice of treasurer belonged not to the board, but to the electorate. Therefore, even if one could consider plaintiff an employee as well as an elected official of Bloomfield Township, nothing in the contract at issue establishes an employment relationship casting plaintiff in the role of employee who, but for the protections afforded employees under the WPA, would be deterred from reporting violations or suspected violations of the law.” “Hopefully we’re done spending taxpayer dollars on frivolous lawsuits,” Savoie said, noting that the costs to taxpayers to fight Devine’s lawsuits in both circuit and appeals courts, “when it’s all over, it’ll be $150,000 to $200,000 in legal fees.” Bill Hampton, Bloomfield Township attorney, stated he felt the Appeals Court ruling was, “a well-thought out opinion. The opinion did not really turn on if an elected official is subject to WPA, but on a little know contract that Dan had signed that he argued that determined he was a contract employee which allowed him to bring a whistleblower lawsuit, and the court did not agree with that argument.” Hampton said Devine has a period of time to ask for reconsideration by the Appeals Court, but said he believes it is unlikely. He can also ask for consideration by the Michigan Supreme Court, but “it is not an automatic right to appeal, like the Appeals Court. They only take cases that are important to the jurisprudence to the state of Michigan, and in my opinion, it’s unlikely they will take Dan’s case.” He said his opinion is bolstered by the unanimity of the court’s decision, and that the case will not be published. “It will not be published, so it cannot be cited as precedence,” Hampton explained.

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us to zip through this. It’s a big deal.” Commissioner Stuart Sherman pointed out that it will be considered during the city’s upcoming master plan review. “How many number ones can there be? This will take time to do well.” Reviewing canopies, arch overhangs and other projections from commercial buildings onto public property was also viewed as a low priority for the planning board to tackle, as was looking at further expansion of the city’s Rail District boundary.

Study, plans for new boutique hotel okayed By Lisa Brody

After a previous postponement, a community impact study and preliminary site plan for a new boutique hotel to be built at 298 S. Old Woodward in Birmingham were both approved by the city’s planning board on Wednesday, May 24, following lengthy discussions over potential circulation and traffic issues. The hotel, to be located on the site of the former Weir Manuel Snyder and Ranke realtor location at the corner of S. Old Woodward and Brown, which became Drs. House Call, is currently vacant, as is another building. There is also a surface parking lot. Birmingham Planner Jana Ecker said the applicants, Lorient Capital, the Aperium Group, TynanGroup, and Booth Hansen architects, propose a five-story building covering 25,000 square feet, with first floor retail, a hotel on the second, third and fourth floors, and residential on the fifth floor. The building complies with the area’s zoning, Ecker said, with the master plan in effect from the 2016 Plan. Any building over 25,000 square feet, she said, requires a community impact study. Since the previous planning board meeting presentation in April, the applicants added a second floor of underground parking, for a total of 56 onsite parking spots, for 140 guest rooms and the fifth floor residential units. Ecker explained that because the site is in the parking assessment district, the parking requirement of 22 spaces for the residential units meets the city’s ordinance. Other minor requests by the board from the previous meeting were downtownpublications.com

City working to coordinate road projects By Lisa Brody

irmingham officials are attempting to coordinate with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) officials over planned major 2018 road construction projects in an effort to avoid gridlock and major headaches for motorists. In an effort to be proactive, city officials held a preliminary meeting on Tuesday, June 6, with MDOT officials to try to avoid a conflict over a planned resurfacing of Woodward Avenue from 14 Mile to Quarton sometime in 2018, with Birmingham’s planned reconstruction of Old Woodward from Willits to Brown starting next spring. At the current time, the Old Woodward reconstruction project, which also includes complete sewer, water and streetscaping reworking, is schedule for March 2018, after being postponed from the 2017 construction season after design plan revisions took longer than expected and bids came in at triple the budgeted cost. “We had the first meeting to coordinate between MDOT and the city,” city manager Joe Valentine said. “They (MDOT) want to avoid conflict with I-75 construction that is planned between Coolidge and Wattles in 2018. They don’t want to conflict with that section and do the Woodward construction at the same time.” Valentine said that MDOT shared their plans, and Birmingham shared theirs. “We requested they delay (work on Woodward) until fall of 2018 or until 2019, and we’re waiting to hear back,” Valentine said. “I assume we’ll have more meetings. Valentine said MDOT said they would do their work on Woodward only at night, but Valentine noted that once work on Old Woodward begins, which is likely to take about five months, the street will be completely closed down and be impassible, with sewer, water and other infrastructure needed before the street can be redone and paved. “Old Woodward will be closed for the duration of the project,” he confirmed. “I’m sure they’re dealing with other communities and their projects. We’re seeing if we can work together,” he said, noting he expects there to be more meetings before a decision is given.

addressed by the applicant, Ecker said, including providing a new draining plan; adding utility lines underground; providing hook ups for new water and sewer lines; adding close circuit camera surveillance plans, among other details. “The only concerns are regarding traffic circulation, the only concern not met. They do meet the parking requirement, per the city’s ordinance,” she said. To aid circulation, the hotel changed their ingress and egress, with ingress on Brown Street and egress on S. Old Woodward. All parking will be via valet service, which concerned some members of the planning board regarding stacking of cars on S. Old Woodward, where the entrance will be, as well as where the hotel will park all the cars. Attorney Rick Rattner, representing the Aperium Group, said, “Traffic and parking are an operational issue, and (Aperium

Group) have a lot of experience here. We have done this before in much less space, in much more dense areas. Birmingham, Michigan is a premium space.” Michael Kitchen of Aperium Group reiterated that. “Our hotels are in very dense urban environments, almost all of which have no on site parking. We do our own parking studies, and we know driving rates are 25 percent and going down. It’s a hotel, not an office building.” He noted that their peak usage is nights and weekends, when the city’s parking structures are much less busy. In addition, besides hired valet operators, all staff in their hotels are trained to park cars, and can jump in to help if needed. “A hotel is the highest and best use for the site,” Kitchen continued. “It benefits the health, safety and welfare of the community, providing economic benefit to the city. The only other use is a parking garage – which

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doesn’t add to the economy of Birmingham.” Robin Boyle, acting chairman of the planning board, asked Kitchen how many people would their proposed 5,000 square foot banquet facility accommodate. Kitchen said comfortably 300. “We know when these events are happening, and we staff them appropriately,” he replied, noting they will have approximately 100 to 150 full-time equivalent employees. Mike Labadie, Birmingham’s traffic engineer, has disagreed with Aparium’s parking study, and was irked that Aparium did not provide requested studies to compare. “The bottom line with it is you can do a project that fits with the traditional practices, or you can present studies and compare them,” Labadie said. “The parking is the issue. But I know there is a lack of parking at peak times. I wanted a comparison, and that wasn’t done. It’s a little frustrating.” “Michael’s our guy, so I have to listen to him,” said board member Bryan Williams. “The developer has to understand, Michael works for the city, and if you’re asking the city to approve something, you have to understand this. I don’t like the attitude. I’m concerned about congestion.” Board member Dan Share noted, “I was in Toronto a few weeks ago, in a much more urban area, and somehow I got my bags and my car got parked. How can we make this work? I have to believe they did their due diligence.” It was noted that 17 building and business owners in Birmingham had sent letters to the board supporting the development. Jeff Mansour, who owns the Peabody-Ford mansion across the street, said, “What better way to activate this intersection than by putting a luxury five-star hotel? It’s not often cities have the opportunity to welcome something like this.” Resident David Foster, however, opposed the proposal. “I am vehemently opposed. How many cars are too many cars? How much congestion is too much congestion? I am not against development at this corner. This is too much. It is too big for this site, this city.” Board member Janelle Boyce disagreed. “I think each party thinks they’re giving the other what they need. Stacking (at the valet stand) 67

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Bloomfield Hills Joe Muer’s now open By Lisa Brody

isn’t the problem – it’s parking, and parking isn’t our problem because it’s in the parking assessment district, and they’ve met the requirement.” Board members approved the community impact study, 5-2, and the preliminary site plan, 7-0. The applicant will need to proceed to a final site plan in order to move forward.

Morin named new township fire chief Following a recommendation by retiring Bloomfield Township Fire Chief Dave Piche’, Bloomfield Township trustees unanimously voted to promote Assistant Fire Chief Mike Morin to fire chief, effective Thursday, June 29, at the trustees meeting on Monday, June 12. Piche’ is retiring as of Thursday, June 22. Piche’ came before the board to nominate Morin as his replacement, noting that Morin has successfully risen through the department’s rank since first being hired in 1986 as a firefighter/paramedic. “He has had an exemplary career with the Bloomfield Township Fire Department, having ascended up through our officer ranks and performing successfully at each and every level,” Piche’ said. Morin was promoted to shift lieutenant in 2008; lieutenant EMS coordinator in 2009; captain EMS coordinator in 2011; and assistant fire chief in 2012. “He has gained the opportunity to have excellent experiences both inside and outside the fire department, which has helped groom him to be the excellent leader we all know him to be. A successful department is how well they train an officer to meet any situation. Assistant Fire Chief Morin meets all of those requirements,” Piche’ said. “As you know, it’s a team spirit. It’s how we make a success out of difficult situations,” Morin said after the trustees’ vote. “It’s truly an honor to serve you. Thank you for your continued support of the fire department.”

Clason takes over as public safety head Noel Clason, who has been with the Bloomfield Hills Department of Public Safety since 1998, was appointed and

sworn in as the new director of the department at the Bloomfield Hills city commission meeting on Tuesday, June 13, replacing director David Hendrickson, who became city manager in March. Clason had been detective lieutenant with the department, having been promoted through the ranks. There are 26 members of the public safety department, who handle both police and fire responsibilities for the city. “Over the last several years, Noel has shown commitment to the positive direction the department has taken,” Hendrickson wrote in a memo to commissioners. “He has worked to gain the trust and respect of his officers and the city staff. Noel has also shown the ability to make decisions in the best interest of the city while at the same time considering the impact those decisions have on the department’s personnel.” Clason first found himself in Bloomfield Hills with his first job – caddying at 13-years-old at Bloomfield Hills Country Club. A native of Rochester Hills, he graduated from Avondale High School in 1991 and began his law enforcement career in 1993 as a U.S. Navy Master-at-Arms specializing in corrections and investigations. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Clason attended the Oakland Police Academy in 1995, then served as a part-time police officer for both the Clarkston Police Department and Lapeer County Sheriff’s Department, before accepting a position with Centerline’s Public Safety Department, and attending Macomb Fire Academy. He is a former member of Centerline’s SWAT team. He accepted a position with Bloomfield Hills Department of Public Safety in 1998, and has been promoted through the ranks of sergeant, lieutenant and detective lieutenant in charge of investigations, as well as being a member of the Major Case Assistance Team (MCAT), a multijurisdictional team of local communities focusing on high profile cases. He also graduated in 2012 from Michigan State University School of Staff and Command, specializing in police administration, and holds a degree in criminal justice. At 44, he proud to be the youngest chief in Bloomfield Hills department history. “He’s been a part of the transition of the last four years; he’s bought into the

he new Joe Muer Seafood location in Bloomfield Hills, in the former Northern Lakes Seafood locale, opened on Monday, June 12. Joe Vicari, CEO of Joe Vicari Restaurant Group, said there are many similarities to the main Joe Muer Seafood restaurant, which is located at GM Renaissance Center, and which Vicari opened in 2012 after having acquired the recipe’s from the original Joe Muer’s, a Detroit staple that first opened its doors to diners in 1929. The new Bloomfield Hills location has a more intimate feel than the expansive Detroit location, which takes in views of the Detroit River. “We’re trying to keep the theme similar,” Vicari said of the new Bloomfield Hills location, at 39475 Woodward Avenue just south of Long Lake Road, which seats about 250. “It will be a very active bar, including a sushi bar and a raw bar.” He said the only difference is that the downtown sushi bar is at a lower, more traditional sushi bar height, “and in Bloomfield we made it bar height. We think it will be very active.” In

addition, they will have a piano bar seven days a week, with jazzier music during their 4-6 p.m. Happy Hour, and more traditional music during dining hours. The restaurant underwent a complete gut and remodel from Northern Lakes Seafood, which left the spot, adjacent to the Kingsley Inn, in November 2013. The Kingsley Inn is about to undergo a top-to-bottom renovation, and will be rebranded a Doubletree Hilton. The Joe Vicari Restaurant Group, which also owns the Andiamo restaurants and 2941 Mediterranean Street Food, spent approximately $2.5 million renovating the 9,000 square feet location. At this point, Vicari said they will not be planning to work on the banquet facilities in the hotel, but that could change over time. Vicari said they will be going before the Bloomfield Hills City Commission in mid-June to request a variance to permit outdoor dining. He said he is hoping to add 60 outdoor seats for patrons, which he said is part of the total 250 seating number. The menu, at least for the first 60 days, mirrors the menu at Joe Muer’s Detroit location, and then Vicari said he expects Chef Matt Firchett will redo the menu to reflect his passions. Joe Muer Seafood traditional specialties, such as Dover Sole a la Meuniere and Crab Stuffed Atlantic Flounder share menu space with newer creations of Mediterranean Branzino, Spice Crusted Ahi Tuna and Indian Brook Rainbow Trout, along with a full contingent of appetizers, sushi, raw bar items, steaks and chops. “It’s traditional reshaped into contemporary seafood,” Vicari said. At lunch, he said he expects to see more salads and sandwiches added to the menu, to provide more of a casual dining spot than the corporate dining location downtown. Any concerns about siphoning off business from nearby Andiamo Bloomfield, at 6676 Telegraph Road at Maple, will be short-lived, Vicari said. “Obviously, the fare is different at Andiamo’s. One’s Italian, but we have fish and steak. I’m sure at the beginning there will be a lot of curiosity, and then things will settle down,” he said. “What I see here more than anything is the anticipation of it opening.”

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solution,” Hendrickson said. “Being there since 1998, he has a great rapport with the guys.” “I started with the department 20 years ago, got promoted, and before you know it – I just jumped at the chance,” Clason said. “I want to carry on this tradition of phenomenal service to the residents of Bloomfield Hills. It’s a great group of guys who respect the residents, and in return the residents respect the members of the department. They’re all capable and great guys.”

Adult services area reopens at library Following a $2.2 million renovation of the adult services area of the Baldwin Public Library begun in October 2016, the library reopened on Thursday, June 1. The library renovation opened up the architecturally classic 1927 building and provides successful integration with the 1981 addition by architect Gunnar Birkerts, offering collaborative work spaces, study areas and reading spots in a light and airy space. The renovation was the first phase of three planned renovations the Baldwin Library board of trustees anticipates to update and modernize the library for

the 21st century, for a total cost of approximately $6 million, funded through an annual increased millage rate of approximately 1.41 mills to Birmingham residents. The library is a wholly-owned entity of the city of Birmingham. “For many years, libraries were warehouses. Now, that rationale has changed,” said Baldwin Library director Doug Koschik, who has been with the library for 26 years, and director for the last seven. He said that in recent years, libraries see themselves as providing access to intellectual content, rather than access to everything. “We have taken some space (that had had books and materials) for stacks, and repurposed it for study space and collaborative space.” The computer lab, once relegated to the lower level, is now front and center on the main floor, across from the circulation desk, surrounded by glass walls and doors. Further opening it up are the original building’s exterior windows, which had been drywalled for 35 years. “It’s much more open. People can see all the way through, which is delightful. We’ve also reduced the number of computers, here and in other areas, because more people bring in their own devices,” Koschik noted. Instead, throughout the renovated spaces

Nino Salvaggio coming to Maple, Telegraph location he long-vacant Kroger store at Bloomfield Plaza at Maple and Telegraph roads will finally be filled, with fresh gourmet market Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace announcing they will open their fourth store in that location. Kirk Taylor, president of Nino Salvaggio, and Mark Kogan, managing member of the Bloomfield Plaza Shopping Center, announced they had signed a long-term lease for a new store in Bloomfield Plaza, at the southwest corner of Maple and Telegraph roads in Bloomfield Township, for a 42,000 square foot store which will feature an extensive fresh produce department, premier meat selection with a butcher shop experience, fresh artisan bakery featuring homemade breads, a vast assortment of wines and beer, a floral department, expanded prepared foods-to-go, kosher sections and more. The store also will have a café and coffee bar. “We’re excited to be back in the area,” Taylor said, noting they closed a Farmington Hills location at 14 Mile and Middlebelt in 2008 when

there are outlets to plug in devices. In addition, architects Robert Ziegelman and John Gardner of Luckenbach Ziegelman Gardner Architects in Birmingham recognized the beauty of the 1927 building, and wanted to restore the exterior, which had long been encased by drywall and encircled by the 1981 addition. The result is a stunning juxtaposition of classic and modern, with light from an opened up wall of windows in the adult services area. Instead of narrow book stacks, shelves are set perpendicular, fanning out in bleached maple, with bleached maple furnishings and bright color cushions and accents in carpeting, designed by Karen Swanson. “I couldn’t be prouder of the result. It’s even better than I envisioned,” Koschik said, noting the project also came in $100,000 under budget. “To have the windows have the natural light coming in, and to have us visible to the community” helps integrate the library into the city, a longtime goal of urban planner Andres Duany, who did the city’s 2016 Plan. Koschik is now looking ahead to phase two with renovation of the youth room, which he said he hopes the city commission will approve for fiscal year 2019, continuing the lines of lightness, openness and

their lease expired. “It’s been a while. It’s a fabulous location – it’s Main Street and Main Street. It gives you an opportunity to pull from Birmingham and West Bloomfield as well as Bloomfield Township, along with a lot of communities to the south. It’s smack dab in the middle of a lot of rooftops.” “We are thrilled to welcome Nino Salvaggio to our Bloomfield Plaza center,” said Kogan. “The addition of this popular specialty grocer will definitely be an asset to our center and the community.” Taylor said they would have preferred to own their location, as they do with their other locations in Clinton Township, St. Clair Shores and Troy, “but this was the way to go.” A complete reconstruction of the site is expected, he said, to transform the site from one that has been vacant for years to a top-of-the-line experience for shoppers. Birmingham-based Ron & Roman, the design firm that has worked with the Salvaggio company for years, is actively working on the design. “We’re taking the inside down to dirt. Ron & Roman will start from scratch. We’ll have a new face on the front (facing Telegraph) and in the

connectiveness begun in adult services area. The library is beginning to save for the project, and the $100,000 cost savings goes into that pot. A potential third phase, down the line, “if we’re lucky enough,” he said, would be to redo the library’s entranceway, lowering it to street level, and connecting Baldwin to Shain Park and The Community House.

Barbara’s Paper Bag owner ready to retire After a 32-year run as owner and operator of Birmingham stationery and invitation store Barbara’s Paper Bag, Susan Sivak has announced she is retiring in September and closing the store, with a huge sale underway. Since September 2014, Barbara’s Paper Bag has been located at 33866 Woodward Avenue in Birmingham at Adams, inside the Blossoms building. Prior to that relocation, the store was located on Pierce Street for decades where Woolly & Co. is now established. Barbara’s Paper Bag has specialized in custom invitations, stationery and specialized gift items for over 40 years. Sivak worked at the store for the original owner, Barbara, who sold her the store 32 years ago.

back. It will really be noticeable and beautiful – a real nice entrance from the back (of the shopping plaza) as well as a showstopper off of Telegraph,” Taylor said, so that drivers on Telegraph won’t be able to miss the store. Construction is anticipated to begin this summer, with a likely opening in April 2018. Taylor, along with his partners, Leo Salvaggio and Andrea and Frank Nicolella, the children of late founder Nino Salvaggio, said they will continue the company’s commitment to value and quality, excellent customer service and community support and involvement. All of the departments in their other stores will have prominence in the Bloomfield Township store, “although at 42,000 square feet, it’s a little smaller than our other stores, which are 50,000 and 53,000 square feet,” Taylor said. He said in particular, the gourmet to go will be expanded, and the kosher food lineup will be increased. They will also bring in their own breads from their artisan bakery line. Bloomfield Plaza also is home to Trader Joe’s, Steve’s Deli, Sav-On Drugs, Relax-the-Back, Maple Theater, Gallery Restaurant, Pet People, Rear Ends, and other retailers.

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“I bought the business in 1985, and have been the proprietor – along with a knowledgeable staff – since then. These days, we are helping the children of our early customers celebrate their weddings and the births of their children,” Sivak said. “I feel extremely fortunate to have spent 32 years doing something that I truly enjoy every day.” She announced her upcoming retirement “with tears in my eyes and excitement in my heart. I cannot express how wonderful my 32-year career as a shop owner has been. I’m so fortunate to have had the greatest customers and devoted employees.” Sivak said she will continue doing custom stationery and invitations out of her home in Huntington Woods.

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Birmingham city commissioners unanimously approved the 2017-2018 fiscal year budget at their meeting on Monday, May 22, where they also approved lowering the city’s millage rate to 14.6739 mills from 14.7614 mills, as required under the Headlee Tax Limitation Amendment which restricts the growth of government revenues as taxable property values continue to rise. Mark Gerber, city finance director, had presented the preliminary budget to commissioners at a previous budget workshop, and the final budget indicated changes to the budget for the Old Woodward reconstruction project and the impact that project will have on the city’s financial health for the current and subsequent years, Gerber stated in a memo. The Old Woodward reconstruction project was slated for the 2016-2017 fiscal year, but high bids prompted commissioners to postpone the project until spring 2018. The city’s fiscal year runs from July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. The city’s budget has a recommended budget of $34.3 million, with estimated revenues of $23.6 million from property taxes; $3.1 million from licenses and permits; and $2.9 million anticipated from charges for services. Taxes raised for the Baldwin library, a separate millage, is expected to raise $3.1 million for the city’s library. Anticipated expenses for Birmingham in the upcoming year DOWNTOWN

are $12.5 million for public safety; $6.1 million for engineering and public services; and $5.5 million for general government expenses. Separate road funds, for major and minor road repair projects, are projected at almost $8.3 million for 2017-2018. The commission approved a general millage rate of 11.2481 mills for general purposes on the taxable valuation of all real and personal property subject to taxation in the city; 1.41 mills for library operations; 1.1906 mills to service the city’s debt; and .8252 mills for garbage collection, for a total of 14.6739 mills. “Have we set aside more money (in the budget) for the big project on Old Woodward, because it will likely cost more than originally budgeted,” asked commissioner Rackeline Hoff. “I used the bids that came in for this budget,” responded Gerber. “We’re letting the reserves grow so there would be enough in those accounts,” said city manager Joe Valentine. Commissioners voted 7-0 to approve the budget and the millage rate.

Bloomfield Hills hires planning consultant After determining its planning needs since last fall, Bloomfield Hills City Commission hired a planning consultant from Giffels Webster to be used on an as-needed basis at their meeting on Tuesday, June 13. City manager David Hendrickson said the city had been analyzing since last fall the best way to provide planning services to its residents, businesses and city administration. They looked at whether they should hire a full-time in-house planner, or go with a planning consultant. “To start this analysis, I created a job description for a planning position and completed a work flow model that shows in detail how our building and review system works. We then documented all the benefits and inefficiencies of utilizing an in-house planner as compared to a contracted consultant,” he wrote in a memo to commissioners. A planning sub-committee studied the issue over the last several months, determining the best path would be to go with a consultant. On May 5, he reported that he, mayor Mike Coakley, commissioner Stuart 07.17

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Sherr and planning commission chair Walt Cueter met with four planning firm candidates, and while all four were well-qualified, they chose Giffels Webster. After that, he said he and clerk Amy Burton met with representatives of the company, along with planner Jill Bahm and associate planner Joe Tangari, who will work with the city, to familiarize them with the city’s practices. Commissioners voted 5-0 to approve the planning consultants, who Hendrickson said will primarily work with residents and businesses to help them with their projects.

Nina McLemore store moving to new site Women’s apparel retailer Nina McLemore is moving to 227 S. Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham in July, after three years at 550 W. Merrill Street. Nina McLemore is a designer women's clothing company known for dressing professional women seeking to look polished without looking too trendy and high fashion, with other boutiques in New York City, Aspen, Vail, Palm Desert, Nantucket, Sarasota, Charleston, San Francisco, and Chevy Chase, Maryland, among other locations around the country. The 550 W. Merrill Street location has been more of a studio space, noted store manager Kathy Zanolli, and the move to S. Old Woodward, where the former retailer Back In Time used to be, will allow shoppers greater accessibility. Zanolli said the new location will be open regular retail hours, rather than by appointment only. Nina McLemore clothes are semi-custom, she said, where women can try on samples, and “then choose a certain silhouette in various selection of fabrics, sizes and colors.” Clothing is then special ordered and delivered to shoppers’ homes. Items can be special ordered in sizes 00 to 18. “Her clients appreciate her use of natural fine fabrics from Europe and the fact that her collection is tailored by hand in New York where the company is based,” Zanolli said. “The special order collection is also known for its bright colors and excellent fit. Her styling is elegant and includes styles for business, casual and evening.” downtownpublications.com

Financing options to fit your needs.

New parking meters and widget coming The city of Birmingham is looking out for those looking to make parking in the downtown area easier, installing over 1,200 new credit card enabled smart parking meters and a new parking widget on the city’s website which tells drivers the number of available spaces at each parking structure. New technology installed at four of the five parking structures in downtown Birmingham has enabled the city of Birmingham to help drivers easily find an available parking spot. Visitors can go to the city website at bhamgov.org or use the mobile-enabled feature on their smart phones to click on the green and white parking logo at the top right corner of the screen, and in seconds, drivers gain easy access to current parking space availability throughout the city’s parking structures. Just clear your browser history to see the parking widget, and with one click, users can see not only how many spaces are available at each location, but can then review maps of the parking locations and get directions where to park. “This new technology at the structures allows us to provide better service offerings for parking in the city,” stated Birmingham City Manager Joe Valentine. Along the city’s streets, the installation of 1,262 “smart” parking meters that are credit card enabled began on Tuesday, May 30, and be completed by June 30, Birmingham Police Chief Mark Clemence announced. While the existing parking meter housing and poles will remain intact, there will be new mechanisms installed that will allow users to pay with either credit cards, coins or the Parkmobile app on smart phones, with Parkmobile payments now showing up on the meter as well as phones. The new smart meters will also have vehicle detection sensors. Clemence said parking rates will be the same regardless if using coins or credit cards, and the new meters will accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover. “The new vehicle detection sensors will allow parking patrons to utilize mobile phones, computers or vehicle apps to locate convenient parking close to Birmingham destinations for business, shopping, dining or recreation,” Clemence said.

At Citizens Bank, we’re ready to help you find the financing that’s right for you. We offer competitive rates, lock-and-shop prequalifications, and a wide range of mortgage products such as: • Doctors and dentists:* Up to 95% financing with no mortgage insurance for loan amounts up to $850,000 • Jumbo loans: Home financing for up to $2,000,000 • New construction: A single loan program for both construction and permanent financing with a one-time close • Major home renovations: Construction-to-permanent financing for those considering a major home makeover It’s never too early to explore your options. Contact me today.

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Teresa Kline amily trips to the Grand Canyon and other national parks throughout the country as a child would prove to be an influential force on Birmingham resident Teresa Kline, who was recently named as a board member this year to the Grand Canyon Association. As the official charitable partner of the park, the association provides private funding to enable Grand Canyon National Park educational and preservation programs that aren't funded by federal dollars. "Most parks have a public-private partnership where private entities help them raise funds that the National Parks Service can't squeeze into the budget," said Kline, who moved to Birmingham in late 2016 when she accepted a position as the head of Health Alliance Plan (HAP). "We work with fundraising in multiple ways." Fundraising includes retail sales within the park and multiple campaigns, which have helped to fund trail restoration, educational programs and other improvements, such as the Dark Skies initiative, which serves to purchase light fixtures that point down as to allow for better viewing of stars at night. "It's a fun thing for me," Kline said. "It's very different than what I do in my day job, but it's also part of the health and wellness of getting people out and moving. We had over 6 million visitors last year." Spending much of her childhood near Kalamazoo, Kline left the state to begin a career in the health care field after finishing her graduate degree in epidemiology at the University of Michigan. Prior to her position at HAP, Kline's work included owning her own consulting firm in Atlanta, and serving as a senior vice president of Health Care Service Corporation, the fourth largest insurer in the country. The recent return to Michigan is the second homecoming for Kline, who

first left Michigan at about nine-years-old when her father started a company to develop luncheon meats. It was during that move that Kline got her first glimpse of the Grand Canyon. "It was pretty awesome. To look across the edge and into the canyon, it was pretty amazing," she said. "We stopped when moving to California, and stopped on the way out, and when we moved back to Michigan a few years later." By high school, she had returned to Michigan, but had taken up an interest in hiking, even taking on part of the Appalachian National Trail with her youth group. Her continued activity in hiking may also play into part of her objectives in her professional life, as encouraging participation in outdoor activity amongst the population in southeast Michigan can help to lower health care costs to both the insurer and person insured. "Health patterns and cost patterns are different from state to state. When looking at care in Michigan, there is a higher use of emergency rooms than any place I've every worked, and the cost is higher because of that usage," she said. "That's reflective of a population being not quite as healthy, when compared to somewhere like California with higher health status, they have a lower cost." For Kline, raising heath status among customers in her home state is a win for the population and her company. That includes finding ways to promote health and fitness. "Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m definitely still a hiker. I also play tennis and walk on the treadmill every day," she said. "You can always find places to walk everywhere. I've gotten to know Birmingham, and it's a very walkable city." Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

Sal Impastato & Mark L. Bess

JU ST LIS TE D

248.763.2223 | simpastato@hallandhunter.com 248.425.3778 | mbess@hallandhunter.com

Troy | 6643 Forest Park Drive | $449,000 Pristine updated Troy colonial well located in center of Forest Creek sub with eastern exposure. Amazing new island kitchen with bright breakfast area opening to family room with access to expansive multi-level deck. Finished lower level with 2nd kitchen.

4,832 Total SF | 4 BR | 3 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 217052542

3,605 SF | 4 BR | 2 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 217048169

SIT E

Bloomfield | 7201 Bingham Road | $699,000 Spectacular mid-century modern walkout ranch renovated to perfection. Spacious rooms, walls of glass and vaulted ceilings. Great room opens to all-new kitchen with access to new 1300 SF deck overlooking private Incredible walkout lower level.

BU ILD

ATTENTION BUILDERS & INVESTORS!

Birmingham | 271-273 Euclid Avenue | $799,000

Birmingham | 1465 Fairfax Street | $894,900

Rare opportunity in Birmingham’s desirable “Little San Francisco” area. 100’ X 100’ lot with two tax ID’s zoned R-4 multi-family eligible for two attached residences. One of the last large IN-TOWN parcel! Duplex includes two, 3-bed townhomes.

Fabulous opportunity to purchase one of the finest remaining undeveloped lots in Quarton Lake Estates. A rare, oversized lot – approximately 0.39 acres – located on an elevated section. Ideal build site for a true multimillion dollar showpiece!

2,561 Total SF | 6 BR | 2 Full | MLS# 217042031

Lot Dimensions: 124’ x 140’ x 124’ x 140’ | MLS# 217044923

AVAILABLE FOR LEASE

BLOOMFIELD 5600 Crabtree Road | $2,250/month Mid-century modern ranch with basement well located in sought-after Foxcroft subdivision 1,614 SF | 3 BR | 2.1 Baths | MLS# 217049588

442 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

BIRMINGHAM Henrietta Street $1,850/month Charming vintage firstfloor flat. Great rental opportunity in downtown Birmingham with restaurants, shops and services only steps away. 1,054 SF | 2 BR | 1 Baths

Profit from Our Experience

Lynn Baker, Associate Broker Deby Gannes, REALTOR® 248.379.3000 LBaker@HallandHunter.com 248.379.3003 DGannes@HallandHunter.com NEW LISTING

SALE PENDING

NEW PRICE

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 5760 Murfield | $748,900

BIRMINGHAM 815 Puritan Avenue | $650,000

PALMER WOODS 1700 Lincolnshire | $675,000

Impeccably maintained Moceri-built Hills of Oakland former Homerama show house backing to common area. Every upgrade imaginable! Finished walkout LL.

Classic home in desirable Quarton Lake Estates on an 80’ x 150’ lot. Updated master with fireplace and bath. Private yard complete with perennial gardens.

A jewel in the city! One-of-a-kind 3-story mansion on close to an acre with formal/informal gardens and sunken pond. Located in unique, involved neighborhood.

6,347 SF | 4 BR | 4.2 Baths | MLS #217042639

3,324 SF | 4 BR | 3.1 Baths | MLS# 217044395

5,685 SF | 6 BR | 4.1 Baths | MLS# 217002225

NEW PRICE

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 4675 Goodison Place | $769,900

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 2820 Plum Creek Drive | $739,900

Updated & upgraded home in Goodison Place sub (close Custom-built home maintained to perfection with the to Paint Creek) with walking trails & sidewalks. Gourmet finest custom details & craftsmanship. Finished daylight kitchen & spacious master suite. Finished walkout LL. LL. Fabulous yard with small pond & built-in gas grill. 6,717 Total SF | 4 BR | 4.2 Baths | MLS# 217005546 3,923 SF | 5 BR | 4.2 Baths | MLS# 217037726

NEW PRICE

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 3185 Saint James Court | $1,199,999

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 4649 The Heights Blvd. | $1,850,000 Gorgeous manor home with 270° views of Westwynd golf course from patios and decks with custom pergolas. Expansive chef’s kitchen. 1st floor master & walkout LL. 7,736 Total SF | 5 BR | 5.3 Baths | MLS# 217019924

NEW PRICE

OAKLAND TOWNSHIP 5142 Stonehenge Drive | $544,900

BEVERLY HILLS VILLAGE 32635 Old Post Road | $394,900

Lovely colonial on larger treed lot in beautiful, mature Spectacular updated home on private ½ acre wooded Superbly appointed Moceri-built & Tringali-designed neighborhood within walking distance to Lincoln Hills. home on premium wooded, .64 acre cul-de-sac lot lot backing to conservation area. Finished walkout backing to conservation area. Finished LL. Impeccable! lower level with family room & 4th BR. Move right in! Incredible “bones” ready for updates. Birmingham schools. 5,486 SF | 4 BR | 4.2 Baths | MLS# 217031065 2,341 SF | 4 BR | 2.1 Baths | MLS# 217045894 5,188 Total SF | 4 BR | 3.1 Baths | MLS# 217035441

LynnAndDeby.com |

Lynn and Deby - Hall & Hunter Realtors

Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009

Holly Geyer REALTOR® 248.506.7345 hgeyer@hallandhunter.com

Birmingham | 790 Lakeside Drive | $2,650,000 asterfully crafted, custom built executive residence with sweeping views of Quarton Lake, just a short stroll to Birmingham shops and bistros. Features include gourmet Bella Cucina Kitchen with 48” Wolf range, Miele dishwasher and Sub Zero refrigerators. 5”plank walnut floors and Alder wood trim throughout. Family room with custom book cases. 5 fireplaces including Master Bedroom, Library, Family Room and a two-way limestone masterpiece between the 2 story Great Room and Solarium. Master retreat features marble bath and private balcony. Solarium and Master Bath have heated floors. All bedrooms feature ensuite baths. The lower level features expansive daylight windows, theatre room with new projection equipment, bar, craft room and wine room. Generator and new tankless hot water system. 4,454 SF | 4 BR | 5 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 217041960

City of Bloomfield Hills | 1125 Kensington Road | $649,900 his beautiful home is nestled on the private, park-like setting of 2.4 acres in the heart of Bloomfield Hills. Brick paver walkways with koi pond welcome you to this multi-level home that has been meticulously maintained. Foyer with slate floor and stained glass panels. The spacious light-filled living room features a brick fireplace, skylights, wall of windows & wood floors. An open & bright kitchen is highlighted by the bar with seating, built-in bookcase, skylights and double door walls to deck. Large family room with brick fireplace, parquet floor, built-in bookcases & door wall to screened porch (16x11). Library/office/4th bedroom with built-in desk. Master bedroom suite with office, large walk-in closet & luxurious master bath. Wine cellar. Recent updates include: exterior paint 2016, gutters and leaf guards 2016, deck rebuilt 2015 deck sealed 2016. 3 Car garage. Close to Bloomfield Open Hunt and Sacred Heart. Bloomfield Hills schools. 3,177 SF | 3 BR | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217039507

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009

Ginny Fisher REALTORÂŽ 248.593.0518 gfisher@hallandhunter.com

Birmingham | 682 Wallace Street | $1,250,000 esigned for gracious family living and elegant entertaining, this gorgeous Tringali-designed/Derocher-built home is situated in the heart of Birmingham. Showcasing great style and impeccable attention to detail, the home boasts 9â&#x20AC;&#x2122; ceilings, hardwood through main floor, beautiful extensive crown and base moldings and a dramatic staircase. The elegant island kitchen/gathering room has custom Downsview cabinets, spacious walk-in pantry and premium appliaces. Convenient 1st floor laundry and home office, as well as an oversized closet. The beautiful spacious master suite is highlighted by an expansive tray ceiling, wonderful window detailing, spa-like bath with jetted tub and oversized shower, and an amazing walk-in closet! The lower level is finished to the quality of upper floors and features a full bath and great storage. Attached garage and lovely rear garden area plus much more. True move-in perfection! 3,457 SF | 3 BR | 3 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 217025988

Bloomfield Hills | 1772 Heron Ridge | $1,599,000

Birmingham | 887 Wimbleton | $799,000

Pristine executive retreat in private gated enclave on gorgeous ravine setting. Renovated Millennium cherry kitchen opens to family room for ease in entertaining. Beautifully finished walkout lower level with possible 5th bedroom. Entertain or relax on lower paver terraces and expansive decks. 4-car garage.

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!

7,385 Total SF | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 217043547

2,984 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217032772

For more information, visit GinnyFisherHomes.com Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009

442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500

Mona Parlove

Pam Gray

Associate Broker 248.514.0685

REALTOR® 248.842.4696

mparlove@hallandhunter.com

pgray@hallandhunter.com

783’ frontage on Big Glen Lake

Ideal space for construction

BINGHAM FARMS VILLAGE 23575 Shagwood Drive | $1,299,000

GLEN ARBOR 6850 S. Dunns Farm Road | $6,750,000

Custom built and graciously designed by David Lubin to fit many lifestyles. An everyday villa for the daily family dynamic which easily transitions to an ideal sophisticated domicile for those times when many guests have gathered together. Quiet acre+ with opportunity for first floor master suite. 7,676 TOTAL SF | 4 BR | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 217041210

Stunning, rarely offered parcel on highly desirable Big Glen Lake. 783’ of frontage and 10+ acres offer unlimited possibilities for a family compound or private estate. This slightly elevated property includes incredible views of Alligator Hill and its renowned sunsets. Includes property ID# 006-136-10-00 | MLS# 217038382

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009

Frank Flynn, ASSOCIATE BROKER Julie Flynn, REALTORÂ® 248.835.4150 fflynn@hallandhunter.com 248.835.4222 jflynn@hallandhunter.com

ED T S LI T S JU

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS

BIRMINGHAM

1780 Hammond Court | $5,500,000

820 Puritan Avenue, | $1,795,000

Modern masterpiece on 2 private acres sits graciously on the shore of Vhay lake. Guest house offers 1500 sq. feet of additional living space.

Exceptional curved English colonial restored and expanded in 2016. Set on premier half-acre parcel in Quarton Lake Estates.

12,953 Total SF | 5 BR | 6.3 Baths | MLS# 216097494

6,042 Total SF | 4 BR | 4.1 Baths | MLS# 217037871

ST U J

ED T LIS

W NE

ICE R P

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS

BLOOMFIELD

292 Chestnut Circle | $899,900

2774 Eastways Road | $450,000

Gracious Chestnut Hills colonial on 3/4-acre setting offers beautiful nature views. Walkout LL with daylight windows.

Classic Colonial with outstanding great room addition overlooking wooded, lush landscape & peaceful nature views.

5,624 Total SF | 4 BR | 3.2 Baths | MLS# 217045738

3,037 SF | 4 BR | 2.1 Baths | MLS# 217045910

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009

Amy Zimmer

Tiffany Glime

Associate Broker

248.469.6430

REALTOR® 248.930.5656

azimmer@ hallandhunter.com

tglime@ hallandhunter.com

1119 Southfield Road | Birmingham | $799,000 1119southfield.epropertysites.com

Extensively updated and modernized landmark farmhouse in the heart of town 2,735 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217007071

OPHISTICATED SPLENDOR

PENDING IN 6 DAYS!

2707 Endsleigh Drive | Bloomfield Village | $1,375,000 2707endsleigh.epropertysites.com 608 N. Vermont Avenue | Royal Oak | $589,000 608vermont.epropertysites.com Perfection in this newly-built residence with custom finishes and chic style

Sophisticated, chic and renovated to perfection! This stately residence blending stylish beauty and comfort is truly not your typical Village home. Dream kitchen filled specialty features, is an entertainer’s delight! 10’ ceilings throughout. Extensive molding and architectural detailing. Wonderful corner lot. Turn-key property! 4,329 SF | 5 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 1 Half Baths | | MLS# 217037778

2,754 SF | 4 BR | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217045167

For more information, visit ZimmerGlimeRealEstate.com Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009

Lynda Schrenk REALTORÂŽ 248.760.6026 lschrenk@hallandhunter.com

264 George Street | Birmingham | $1,100,000 Sophisticated townhouse gem on Barnum Park within walking distance to downtown. Interiors by Jeffrey King. Open floor plan includes a gourmet kitchen with center island opening to family room. Baths with custom tile work, cabinetry and sinks. Other features include crown moldings, custom-designed iron hand railings throughout. Intimate custom design patio with Pergola. Belgium block driveway, professionally landscaped, iron gate and outdoor lighting. Turn-key!

S O LD

2,416 SF | 4 Bedrooms | 4 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217022446

Birmingham | 1046 Waterfall Court | $1,450,000

366 W. Brown Street, Unit #2 | Birmingham | $799,000

Quarton Lake and Waterfall frontage on the park within walking distance to town. Spectacular setting with sweeping views and an open floor plan. 1st floor master suite. Gourmet kitchen opens to great room and deck. Intimate private garden patio. Attached 2-car garage. Walkout lower level with wine cellar and bar. Abundant storage & spacious closets. Impeccable wood floors under carpet. 2,177 SF | 2 BR | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217033595

Completely renovated downtown condo boasts an open floor plan filled with sophisticated urban flair and attention to detail. Gourmet kitchen with Thermador stainless appliances. New library with wood cabinetry. Espresso wood floors & recessed lighting. Master bath with Carrera marble. Finished basement with wine room. New courtyard patio. 2-car garage. 2,033 SF | 3 Bedrooms | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 217018762

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009

PLACES TO EAT The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The listings include nearly all dining establishments with seating in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, and then some select restaurants outside the immediate area served by Downtown. The complete Places To Eat is available at downtownpublications.com and in an optimized format for your smart phone (downtownpublications.com/mobile), where you can actually map out locations and automatically dial a restaurant from our Places To Eat.

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. Lunch & Dinner, daily. 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, 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, MondaySaturday. 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. Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166. Khao San: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, MondayFriday. Carry out only. 355 W. Maple, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.3525. La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.5800. La Strada Dolci e Caffe: Italian. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 243 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.480.0492. Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707. Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568. Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.647.3400. Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051. Mad Hatter Cafe: Tea Room. Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. No reservations. Liquor. 185 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.0000 Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch, 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. Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.3663. Mountain King: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 469 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2913. Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2079 S. Telegraph, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581. Nosh & Rye: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 39495 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7923. 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. Polpetta Meatball Cafe: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 126 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9007. 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 &

DOWNTOWN

Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 280 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham 48009. 248.220.4167. Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300. Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations, Lunch only. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887. 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, Monday-Saturday. 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.

07.17

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, TuesdaySaturday. 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 & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

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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.

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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. Ganbei Chinese Restaurant and Bar: Chinese. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 227 S. Main St, Rochester, 48307. 248.266.6687. O’Connor’s Irish Public House: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 324 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.608.2537. Kona Grille: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 30 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48083. 248.619.9060. Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400. Lakes: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 5500 Crooks Rd., Troy, 48098. 248.646.7900. McCormick & Schmick’s: Steak & Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2850 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, 48084. 248.637.6400. The Meeting House: American. Weekend

DOWNTOWN

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

Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main St, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825. Miguelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, 48307. 248.453.5371. Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083. 248.689.2332. Mortonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845. NM CafĂŠ: 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 CafĂŠ: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Rd., Troy, 48085. 248.524.1944. P.F. Changâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000. Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266. Ruthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. Tre Monti Ristorante: Italian. Lunch, Thursdays. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor. 1695 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.680.1100.

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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. Mariaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. The Lark: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6430 Farmington Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.661.4466. Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner,

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daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081. Meriwetherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. Spositaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;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. Sweet Lorraineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s CafĂŠ & Bar: American. Weekend Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29101 Greenfield Rd., Southfield, 48076. 248.559.5985. Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.8282.

West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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.

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B 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, TuesdaySaturday. 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, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 19416 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 48221. 313.863.1917. Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette St, Detroit, 48226. 313.309.2499. Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.2100. Roma Café: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 3401 Riopelle St., Detroit, 48207. 313.831.5940. Russell Street Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 2465 Russell St, Detroit,

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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, Monday-Friday. 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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THE COMMUNITY HOUSE “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth” ~ Muhammad Ali It is often difficult to measure the “economic value that non-profits add to our society, simply because the end product of our organizational processes are not tangible products or services, but rather intangible outcomes such as behavioral changes, reduced rates, or improved results of some sort. However, there is true economic value that we add to our society, and, to mankind.” In addition to our own mission, The Community House is also “home” to 14 other non-profit and supported groups in our area, noble organizations that are generously subsidized by The Community House. In 2016 alone, The Community House subsidized and provided critical support to these fine organizations at a cost of over $700,000. Funds that The Community House covered via its revenue generating opportunities, and supplemented by generous donors via our annual fundraising initiatives. It is right. It is what our founders called on us to do. All utilized free space, while others used free or discounted food or services. All are extraordinary organizations raising awareness and bringing much needed support, visibility and funding, time, talent and treasure to worthwhile causes operating within our community, our region, across the state, and around the world. Should you be interested in supporting or volunteering for any or all of these great causes, lending your time, talent or treasure to them or to The Community House – know that you are needed, wanted and welcome. And remember for every dollar that you gift to The Community House – we split it 15 ways – talk about making a difference with your time, talent and treasure. Those groups who also call The Community House home include: BIRMINGHAM BLOOMFIELD NEWCOMERS CLUB: For 70 years, the BBNC (Birmingham Bloomfield Newcomers Club) has been an organization that has made it possible for women who are new to the area to meet, make wonderful friendships and to participate in countless activities and events throughout the year. Our members represent over 30 countries and they currently live in or around Oakland County. FRIENDS OF THE GARDENS: The mission of The Community House Friends of the Gardens is to join in fellowship to keep the gardens and grounds of The Community House beautifully planted and maintained and to provide continuing education on gardening to local and all metropolitan residents. (Help Wanted) INTERNATIONAL CULTURE AND CUISINE: The ICC offers a warm and friendly environment where members gather to learn more about the cultures of the world by exploring the many experiences the metro Detroit area has to offer and by sharing information about their own backgrounds, both from within and outside the United States. Cuisine is emphasized and members often meet at ethnically diverse restaurants or for cooking demonstrations. PRESIDENT’S ADVISORY COUNCIL (PAC): The mission of The Community House’s President’s Advisory Council (PAC) is to advise and give counsel to the TCH President on a wide range of issues with special emphasis on “fostering philanthropy in the next generations; generating funds and support for TCH youth programs and services; and helping to inspire and promote modern leadership and community opportunities.” RACE RELATIONS & DIVERSITY TASK FORCE: To actively promote and embrace an appreciation for diversity and to advocate for inclusivity, equality, and justice in the region. We come together to develop and maintain an open, intentional community that works to overcome racism, prejudice, and discrimination through education, advocacy and response. SENIOR MEN’S CLUB: An organization of active senior men (of sophistication) devoted to the downtownpublications.com

promotion of fellowship, cultural interests and the rendering of community service. STORYTELLERS GUILD: To enrich the lives of children through the art and love of storytelling. TCH WOMEN’S CLUB: The purpose of The Community House Women’s Club shall be to provide fellowship, programs, and activities for the membership. BIRMINGHAM BLOOMFIELD CHAMBER: To serve our six communities as their leading resource for advancing business interests and building relationships.

Bill Seklar

BIRMINGHAM LIONS CLUB: Service to others – Lions Clubs are recognized for their service to the blind and visually impaired. This service began when Helen Keller challenged Lions to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness” during the 1925 Lions Clubs International Convention. BIRMINGHAM OPTIMIST CLUB: To develop optimism as a philosophy of life; to promote an active interest in good government and civic affairs; to inspire respect for the law; to promote patriotism and work for international accord and friendship among all people; and to aid and encourage the development of youth, in the belief that the giving of one’s self in service to others will advance the well-being of man, his community and world. BIRMINGHAM SHOPPING DISTRICT: Strives to provide leadership in marketing, advertising and promotion of the Birmingham Shopping District. We actively work to promote a district that is exciting, clean, safe and pedestrian-friendly and ensure that the district continues to serve as a center for business, service, social and community activities. ROTARY CLUB: To encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster the development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service, high ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying of each rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society, the application of the ideal of service in each rotarian’s personal, business, and community life and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional persons united in the ideal of service. In Other News… The Community House is delighted to announce that the Junior League of Birmingham, (JLB) a longtime friend and former supporter of The Community House, will return to TCH for the 2017-2018 calendar years, beginning in September 2017, to host their regularly scheduled business meetings. While not an official member of the 14 non-profit organizations or supported groups who currently call The Community House “home” (or second home), The Community House holds the Junior League of Birmingham, its members, mission and work in the highest regard – and in that spirit wanted to make our beautiful venue (meeting space) staff and services available to them over their next calendar business year. Welcome back dear friends! THE JUNIOR LEAGUE OF BIRMINGHAM: Established in 1952, the Junior League of Birmingham, Michigan, Inc., (JLB) is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving the community through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. For more information about these extraordinary organizations or about The Community House, please contact us at communityhouse.com or at 248.644.5832. William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House in Birmingham.

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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.

Older Persons Commission Charity Gala

Older Persons Commission Charity Gala The 15th annual fundraiser for Rochester’s Older Persons Commission’s Meals on Wheels program attracted 375 ($150 ticket) to the Royal Sally Gerak Park Hotel to party in a Monte Carlo mode. WXYZ’s Dave LewAllen emceed the dinner program in which 96-year old Erv Bauer, a Meals on Wheels recipient since his wife died three years ago, admitted, “I can’t even boil water.” He called the program “a real treasure” because ....” the drivers (greet you) with a smile...and are someone to talk to every day...we really appreciate you sponsors...thank you kindly.” Presenting sponsor Bellbrook’s Becky Lund saluted the honorary chair of the event – the 61-year old Rochester Junior Women’s Club, many of whose members were in the audience. Thanks to generous sponsors, A Night in Monte Carol raised more than $100,000 for the program that delivered 117,959 meals to homebound seniors in 2016. Catholic Charities Mercy in Action Gala A sold-out crowd of more than 400 ($150 ticket) gathered at the Somerset Inn to support the charity that was formed in 2013 when six county social service agencies combined into Catholic Charities of Southeast Michigan (CCSEM). Many guests had attended Mass celebrated by Detroit Archbishop Vigneron before arriving for the social hour. The star of the dinner program was Marge Huggard, former longtime CEO/President of the Oakland County agency. The Distinguished Service Award she received is named after the nonagenarian Msgr. Robert Monticello who first hired her 37 years ago and was there to applaud her sage remarks about charity. Another highlight was CCSEM program director Kristie Hardin’s poignant description of the agency’s foster care program. It served as powerful motivation for people to make Fund-AMission pledges ($43,150) to the Adoption and Foster Care programs. Thanks also to the silent auction ($14, 275) and the short live auction ($10,000) conducted by Chris Aslanian, the event netted an all time high $129,310, to the great satisfaction of the chairs Larry and Linda Luchi. Beyond Basics’ Storybook Soiree Four costumed storybook characters greeted guests (100+ @ $250 & $500) at the Chapman House in Rochester to support the literacy programs run by Beyond Basics. The restored, Italian Renaissance-style mansion turned restaurant was a perfect setting for the storybook theme, which was also present in table décor and at least one of the passed hors d’oeuvres – “Green Eggs and Ham”. (Actually egg salad.) Before the program, which was presented on the terrace behind the house, people socialized, sipped, snacked and marveled at the 1917 structure. Program highlights included BB founder Pam Good presenting the 2017 Literacy Chair to Jack and Annette Aronson. The BB chair, a traditional gift to special donors, is a lot more fun than academic chairs which bestow professorial titles. BB’s new star pupil Elijah Craft also earnestly thanked the supporters for “...changing my life.” (The Detroit Central H.S. senior could not read until he got a BB tutor last fall.) Jack Krasula then persuaded people to ante up $49,000 for six live auction items. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the soiree raised $105,000. French American Chamber Charity Gala Francophiles convened 215 strong at the Townsend Hotel for the FACCMichigan annual Gala & Awards Ceremony. During the pre-dinner reception they sipped champagne, socialized and bid on silent auction items including the weekend lease of the red Infiniti Coupe in display by the front door. Highlights of the dinner program included the presentation of a college scholarship; Tim Hudson’s description of the Forgotten Harvest mission when he accepted the $10,000 gift from FACC-Michigan president Cedric Ballerini; a greeting by the French Consul General Vincent Floreani; and the keynote speaker José Muñoz, Chairman of Nissan North America. With a vintage 1925 Renault on display beside the stage, he spoke about the success of Nissan, the Nissan-Renault Alliance in North America and the global automotive market. downtownpublications.com

9 1. Kelly Dean (left) and Alicia Chendalls of Rochester Hills. 2. Erv Bauer (left) of Rochester, Renee Cortright of Troy, Judy Bauer of Admonton, AL, CAN. 3. Russ (left) & Kathy Shelton of Rochester, Dave LewAllen of Rochester Hills. 4. Sandra Rellinger of Rochester Hills. 5. Lynn Oates (left) and Toni Wiley of Rochester and Nancy Gorges of Rochester Hills. 6. Mike Bailey (left) and Stuart Bikson of Rochester. 7. Lisa Beisle (center) of Shelby Twp., Kathy Warriner (left) and Carol Anne Kettlsen of Rochester Hills. 8. Lori & Marty Knollenberg of Troy, CJ & Patty Ghesquiere of Bloomfield. 9. Corrin (left) & Bryan Barnett of Rochester Hills, Judy Barnett of Auburn Hills. 10. Gerry (left) & John Birg of Rochester, Carole Fraga of Rochester Hills

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Catholic Charities Mercy in Action Gala

Oakland County Bar Signature Event The 18th annual charity gathering for the Oakland County legal community brought more than 400 to Oakland Hills Country Club to mingle and munch. Led by foundation president Kaveh Kashe, most of the board members arrived early for a group photo on the veranda. Guests included some representatives of programs that the foundation’s grants support. With $220,000 from sponsorship activity and an additional $61,650 in ticket sales and donations, the event raised $281,650. Since 2002, the Bar Foundation has contributed more than $2-million to legal aid and education programs such as the CARE House special advocate program, the RESTORE Foundation, JARC and the Michigan Center for Civic Education.

1. Msgr. Bob Monticello of Livonia, Marge Huggard of Rochester Hills. 2. Larry (left) & Linda Luchi of Commerce, Detroit Archbishop Allen Vigneron. 3. Msgr. Chuck Kosanke (left) of Detroit, Sue Bixler of Bloomfield. 4. Donna Delacourt & Bill Sheehan of Bloomfield. 5. Mike & Patty Moran of Bloomfield. 6. Camille Nelson (left) of Royal Oak, Sue Schneider of Birmingham. 7. Kevin Doster (left) of Troy, Paul Raab of Beverly Hills, Alex Danish of Bloomfield.

Beyond Basics’ Storybook Soiree

1. Annette & Jack Aronson of Bloomfield. 2. John Cunningham (left), Pam Dittrich and Jack Krasula of Bloomfield. 3. Dorie Shwedel of Bloomfield. 4. Mary & Patrick Lynch of Bloomfield. 5. Dick & Eleanor Gabrys of Bloomfield. 6. Dena (left) & Bill Soule of Rochester Hills, Vicki Latella of Clinton Twp.

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MHS Bow Wow Brunch More than 550 animal lovers convened at the MGM Grand ballroom for the 28th annual Sunday fundraiser for the Michigan Humane Society. As at past events, they were in the company of four-legged adoptables, 14 to be exact, with 13 finding new forever homes. A large silent auction provided more prebrunch diversion and raised more than $43,000. The program featured tributes to Humane Heroes by board president Paul Huxley, MHS President/CEO Matthew Pepper and guest speaker Jeff Corwin of television fame, as well as a spirited live auction which raised $52,200. That was followed by a video depicting the rescue and happy ending saga of the dog Clifford, which inspired SAV-A-LIFE donations of $35,000. Additionally, solicitations by six “Doghouse” dwellers topped by Donna Krall’s total of $5,800, and generous sponsor donations brought the event total to more than $360,000 for MHS. It now has a 100-percent placement rate for healthy, treatable animals. Cranbrook Academy of Art 2017 STUDIO For several years now, the end of the year fundraiser for Cranbrook Academy of Art scholarships is held where those fund holders are mentored – in the studios of the 10 Artists-in-Residence at the graduate school. And maybe because this year the honorary chair was the popular Director Emeritus Gerhardt Knodel, more people than ever (380 @ $300 & $500) turned out. Gretchen Davidson and Cathy Schwartz chaired the event which began with a reception in the museum. A brief program there 07.17

included remarks emphasizing the importance of financial aid. Dinner and conversation in the studios and an afterSTUDIO dance party back in the museum followed. Thanks to generous sponsors like MercedesBenz Financial Services, the soiree raised $300,000. Angels’ Place Sip, Savor, Share The Angles’ Place women support group – WINGS – convened members and potential members in a classic, Victor Saroki-designed home. Never mind that the hostess Connie Hudas had just zipped back from her Time, Inc office in NYC. “I didn’t have to do anything but open the door,” she said self-effacingly, adding, “the ladies did everything.” Everything included the spread of savory comestibles, the handsome raffle display of 10 gift baskets, and deciding where the six vendors would set up their displays. The mild weather permitted the 120 women to socialize and sip al fresco on the terrace of the hilltop home overlooking the swimming pool and Upper Straits Lake. In a brief program, AP Executive Director Cheryl Loveday thanked the chairs (Judy Jonna, Julie Beals, Sally Mezey, Diane Widlak and Martha Kistler) and shared a video that spotlighted the family-like nature of life in the 20 homes for people with developmental disabilities. She invited guests to embrace AP’s care-for-life mission. Her sincerity inspired 20 new members to join Women Involved in Nurturing and Giving Service.

French American Chamber Charity Gala

1. José Muñoz (left) of Franklin, TN, Cédric Ballarin of Bloomfield. 2. Anne Marie Vercruysse Welch (left) of Birmingham, Robert Vercruysse of Plymouth, Stéphanie Salvadero of Ferndale. 3. Caroline Cunnington of Bloomfield, Sophie Frieh of Beverly Hills. 4. Norm Scherb of Birmingham.

MHS Bow Wow Brunch

Angels Place Spring Tailgate The week following the abovereported Angels Place fundraiser for women, Joey and Tammy Jonna chaired another AP benefit with appeal for MSU football fans regardless of gender. More than 200 of them ($100, $250 ticket) gathered at the Troy Marriott for what was more like a pep rally, what with the alumni pep band, cheerleaders, Jake the Wonder Dog and mascot Sparty in fine form. But the big draw was football coach Mark Dantonio. In his talk he paralleled the AP mission with that of a college football team. He also spontaneously donated for auction the opportunity for three fans to watch a game on the sidelines with him. This sold for $2,000. Thanks also to a raffle and generous donors, the total proceeds for the evening, which WXYZ’s Brad Galli emceed, was $50,000.

Cranbrook Academy of Art 2017 STUDIO

JLB’s A Night at the Races The Junior League of Birmingham’s

1. Carol Ilitch (left) of Birmingham, Kelle Ilitch of Bloomfield, Gretchen Davidson and Lara Schwartzberg of Birmingham. 2. Photography students: Samantha Meyers (left), Colton Clifford, Anna Young, Naomi Moser, Jarvi Kononen, Erica Williams, Sebastian Duncan-Portuondo, Senia Litynskyj. Photos by Brian Widdis.

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2 1. Cindy Ciura (left), & Alex and Dennis Hafley of W. Bloomfield. 2. Cindy Pasky & Paul Huxley of Detroit, MHS Connie Hogan of Bloomfield. 3. Matthew Pepper of W. Bloomfield, Bruce Thal of Birmingham. 4. Charlene Handleman (left) of Bloomfield, Ellen Kahn of Franklin, Linda Katzman of Bingham Farms. 5. John & Marta Schaefer of Birmingham.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK annual spring event, this year presented with an equestrian spin, attracted 111 ($60 ticket) to the Bloomfield Open Hunt. The night included heavy appetizers and desserts, a champagne toast, unlimited non-alcoholic beverages, cash bar, raffle and games. Highlights included a silent auction of 31 items, a cigar bar, DJ music and a photo booth.

Angels’ Place Sip, Savor, Share

HAVEN’s 2017 Hero Gala The MOSAIC Youth Theatre singers’ rendition of “Somebody to Lean On” was a perfect opening for the program at HAVEN’s annual fundraiser. It attracted 350 to the Troy Marriott ($150 & $200), ninety of whom came early for the benefactor ($500) reception. Some were meeting the new president/CEO Amna Osman for the first time. Most were familiar with emcee WXYZ’’s Glenda Lewis. “I was raised at the HAVEN gala,” she quipped, referring to her mother Diana’s longtime emcee gig at the event. But domestic abuse survivor Dr. Tracey Thompson’s story of how her Prince Charming – a Michigan grad making $600,000 – beat her and locked her in a closet was unforgettable. Her hero was definitely the HAVEN volunteer who “...validated me in the hospital...(and) gave me respect and dignity.” Heart of HAVEN Awards were presented to HAVEN’s Capital Campaign co-chairs Sarah McClelland and Brad Simmons. Their efforts resulted in the new 36,000 sq. ft. facility that opened in Jan. 2016. They both praised HAVEN’s advocates. “...the heroes here tonight.” Those supporters bid $21,400 in the silent auction, $16,400 in the brief live auction, dropped another $11,170 on the raffles and still pledged over $29,000 in the Paddle Raise. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the event netted more than $260,000.

1. Connie Hudas (left) of Orchard Lake, Diane Widlak of Bloomfield. 2. Sally Mezey (left) of Birmingham, Judy Jonna of Bloomfield and Martha Kistler of Troy. 3. Nancy Smith (left) and Julie Beals of Bloomfield. 4. Joann Schofding (left) of Beverly Hills, Susan Norton and Becky Gersonde of Birmingham. 5. Karen Kearnes (left) and Gwen North of Bloomfield. 6. Katie Robison (left) of Birmingham, Kendra Cassidy of Bloomfield, Tina Ienne of Troy. 7. Renee Zawaideh (left) of Bloomfield, Tamar Hesano of Farmington Hills. 8. Maryclare Pulte (left) of Bloomfield, Khalida Jarbou of Sylvan Lake, Connie Hudas of Orchard Lake. 9. Connie Yasso (left) and Kim Salman of Bloomfield. 10. Susan Hall (left) and Lauren G. Fisher of Bloomfield.

HAVEN’s 2017 Hero Gala

1. Sarah McClelland (left) of Bloomfield and Brad Simmons of Birmingham, Amna Osman of Grand Blanc. 2. Tracy Thompson (left) of Southfield, Carole Winnard Brumm of Bloomfield. 3. Teresa (left) & Greg Mulawa of Rochester, Dave & Marleen Prater of Grosse Pointe. 4. Gordon Cox & Laurie Tennent of Bloomfield. 5. Tom DeCorte (left) & Lynda Ronie of Bloomfield, Jim & Trish Moritz of Grosse Pointe. 6. Mohammed Gazi (left) of W. Bloomfield, Gregg Brumm of Bloomfield.

DOWNTOWN

Christ Child Society’s pour les enfants The Christ Child Society is doing something right. The 500-plus member organization which succors needy children enjoys support across generations and provisional classes that cross the decades. Its 29th annual spring boutique and luncheon, chaired by Paula Garrity and twin sisters Connie LaPointe Quarrier and Patti LaPointe Chionis, attracted an oversold crowd (320 at $75) to Pine Lake Country Club. Before settling in for lunch, the ladies shopped, socialized, bought raffle tickets and selected prizes. The Luncheon for Literacy program had highlights. 07.17

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Christ Child Society’s pour les enfants

Alzheimer’s Spring Soiree The former Ladies Night Out-type event added men to the committee this year and more than 150 ($75 and up) supporters of Alzheimer’s programs and services convened at Neiman Marcus. They socialized, snacked, sipped and shopped, mostly around the 25 brands in the beauty aisles, but some were also spotted checking out the Maria Canale jewelry. Likewise, photo artist Laurie Tennent’s merchandise featuring her botanical images in a “pop up” space in the main aisle. Thanks to generous sponsors and NM’s percent of sales payback ($4,500), the soiree raised more than $60,000 for AA programs and services.

1. Connie LaPointe Quarrier (left), Patti LaPointe Chionis and Paula Garrity of Birmingham. 2. Laura Keziah (left) of Bloomfield, Rhonda Gowler Green of W. Bloomfield. 3. Dagnya Iyla (left) of Bloomfield, Elaina and Zoe Ryder of Birmingham. 4. Kelly Winkler (left) of Birmingham, Sally Smith of Bloomfield. 5. Kathy Abrash (left) and Chris Schwartz of Bloomfield, Mari MacKenzie of Birmingham. 6. Sarah Kepic (left) and Jenny McQuistan of Birmingham, Megan Shea, Shannan Gorga and Carrie Becharas of Bloomfield. 7. Laura Jerneycic (left) of Birmingham, Kristy Tyler of Kalamazoo. 8. Diana LaPointe (standing left) of Birmingham, Linda Chinonis of Fenton, Pat Ambrose (seated left) and Meredith Quarrier of Bloomfield. 9. Julia Wolf (left) of Birmingham, committee member Tara Nittis and Haley Lockwood of Bloomfield.

Alzheimer’s Spring Soiree

1. Tara Grekin (left) and Laurie Tennent of Bloomfield. 2. Lori and Larry Rapp of Bloomfield. 3. Steven Grekin (left) of Bloomfield, Terry Oster of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Dr. Mike Whitworth of Birmingham. 4. Lori (left) & Larry Rapp of Bloomfield, Maria Canale of NYC, Bruce Smith of Royal Oak. 5. Cindy Kahn (left) and Renee Handelsman of Bloomfield, Meryl Sakwa of Birmingham. 6. Sarah Deson (left) of Birmingham, Hillary Shaw of Bloomfield and Amie & Daniel Stern of Birmingham. 7. Julie Marx (left) of Bloomfield, Lori Kontry (left) and Jane Mezza of Rochester Hills. 8. Dr. Claude Oster of Palm Beach Gardens, Lisa Brody of Bloomfield.

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Prolific children’s author Rhonda Gowler Green spoke about the magic of books for children and the need to plant reading seeds in every child, especially those who live in poverty. CCS member Jody Jennings pitched participation in the CCS monthly literacy program for a Pontiac grade school. But the two-part high point was Lanie Hardy Cosgrove’s introduction of the CCS Woman of the Year – Elaina Ryder – and her acceptance remarks. Both were notable for their good humor and affection. Event proceeds, more than $35,000, help support the society’s programs.

8 DOWNTOWN

Variety, The Children’s Charity Hearts Stars The Detroit chapter of Variety International celebrated its 85th anniversary at a sold out soiree which attracted 300 supporters ($250 & $500 tickets) to the Townsend. The evening also celebrated the big heart and long time generous leadership of Bruce Rosen and three of the stars of Variety Detroit’s many programs which enhance the lives of children with special needs. Lois Shaevsky and Michael Coyne chaired the event that began with a very sociable cocktail hour. The dinner program, emceed by Paul W. Smith, had highlights – not the least of which was Smith’s interviewing of Annabelle, Henry and Kinsley. The youngsters were winsome spokespersons for Variety. Sandy Klein’s introduction of the honoree and Bruce’s acceptance evoked resounding applause from the crowd that included Rosen relatives and friend, many from afar. Dancing to music by Fifty Amp Fuse and savoring desserts, including samples of Variety’s tiered birthday cake, rounded out the splendid evening. Thanks to presenting sponsor Lincoln 07.17

of Troy and other generous donors, the evening raised $225,000 for Variety’s life changing programs. Eisenhower Dance Masquerade Gala The 26th annual Gala enticed 125 fans of the premiere contemporary dance company to the Village Club. The masquerade theme brought out creativity but, as board chair elect and event co-chair Kathy Ryan noted the next day on her Facebook page, it did not mask the mutual affection the group enjoys. In addition to cocktails, dinner and dance presentations by the company and the Youth Ensemble, the evening included a tribute to founding board chair the late Carol Halsted, Laurie Eisenhower’s passing of ED leadership to Stephanie Pizzo, and the presentation of a basket of goodies to Kathy for encouragement and comfort during the battle with breast cancer she has since launched. The annual event also raised $55,000 for Eisenhower Dance . TCH PAC Birmingham Downs A Kentucky Derby-watching party attracted 200, many in Derby attire, to The Community House. Dana Sorensen chaired the event for the President’s Advisory Council. Led by Jeff Bagalis and Jeff Imerman, PAC focuses on fostering philanthropy and leadership in the next generation. For their $50 or $75 admission ticket guests savored appetizers like Bourbon Meatballs, sipped Mint Juleps, and watched Always Dreaming win the 143rd run for the roses. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation The 10th annual luncheon benefiting research and care for people affected by Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis attracted a sold-out crowd (350 - $175 & up tickets) to the Townsend Hotel. During the reception guests socialized, sipped Barefoot bubbly and got DIOR and Sisley Paris make-up touch ups. They also bid $9,132 for the 21 silent auction items and spent $8,200 on tickets for the 16 Ultimate Raffle prizes coordinated by Julie Sosa and her committee. But the luncheon program emceed by WXYZ’s Erin Nicole was the sine qua non of the event because it spotlighted two strong women who live with Crohn’s disease – honoree Harriett Fuller and speaker Dr. Arielle Hodari Gupta. Their dentist, Dr. Robert DiPilla, the benefit chair, presented the inaugural Uniting to Care and Cure Award to Harriett. She founded the luncheon event (it has raised $700,000) and has been a dedicated CCF supporter since it was founded 50 years ago. Dr. Gupta spoke about the onset of her disease when she was in medical school and its positive downtownpublications.com

Variety, The Children’s Charity Hearts Stars

1. Bruce Rosen of Bloomfield. 2. Rhonda & Paul Sabatini of Bloomfield. 3. Lyle Shuert (left) of Birmingham, Kelly & Matt Shuert of Bloomfield, Sergio Rosa, Felicia Shaw and Jeffery King of Birmingham, Jennie Cascio of Bloomfield. 4. Rosalie Rosen of Bloomfield, Jeffery Roberts from Florida. 5. Kim (left) & Paul W. Smith of Bloomfield, Susan Keller of Farmington Hills, Henry Baskin of Bloomfield. 6. Rosalie Rosen (3rd from left) of Bloomfield, Dr. Michael & Mary Jo Rosen of W. Bloomfield, Lois & Mark Shaevsky of Bloomfield. 7. Jeffery King of Birmingham, Bill Seklar of Bloomfield.

Eisenhower Dance Masquerade Gala

1. Laurie Eisenhower (left) of Rochester, Nannette Mazich of Birmingham. 2. Kathy Ryan (left) of Troy and Debi Bernstein-Siegel of Bloomfield. 3. Brett Csernits (left) of Bloomfield, Jocelyn Chen of Birmingham, Marina Csernits of Bloomfield. 4. Barbara Rom of Beverly Hills, Ron Davis of Bloomfield. 5. Sandi Reitelman (left) of Birmingham, Brett and Marty Tremain of Bloomfield.

TCH PAC Birmingham Downs

1 Dana Sorensen (left) of Ferndale, Grant Juth of Chicago, Dustin Hennigar of Royal Oak. 2. Michael Melfi (left), Kristin Rockwell and Tessa & Jeff Bagalis of Birmingham. 3 Pat Wasson (left), Ali Restaino and Julie Lundberg of Birmingham. 4. Andrea Kassab (left), Sarah Nicholson and Callie Jean of Birmingham.

DOWNTOWN

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK impact on both her everyday life and her career as a surgeon. The event concluded, as have all 10 of them, with a Cheryl Hall Lindsay-produced runway fashion show. That the honoree was herself a model before she owned a modeling agency (and would still shine on any runway), confirms the point Dr. Gupta made to all with inflammatory bowel diseases: “Remember... you are not defined by your illness.” The event raised a record $148,000 to fund research and care.

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

1. Karen Stefani (left) of Grosse Pointe and Toni Sova of Birmingham, Dr. Robert DiPilla of Troy, Harriett Fuller of Bloomfield, Anabelle DiPilla of Troy, Nancy Hodari of Birmingham. 2. Katie Coleman (left) and Angela Spencer of Bloomfield, Martha Quay of Birmingham. 3. Kelly Briggs (left) of Ferndale, Ali Restaino of Birmingham, Dana Sorensen of Ferndale. 4. Rebecca Sorensen of Bloomfield. 5. Harriett Fuller of Bloomfield, Cheryl Hall Lindsay of W. Bloomfield.

Michigan Design Center Celebration Gala

1. Jim Danto of Bloomfield, Susan Rodebush of Royal Oak. 2. Michael Coyne and Gail Brethen of Bloomfield. 3. Ian & Connie McEwan of Birmingham. 4. Marty & Ruthie Szeltzer of Birmingham. 5. Chris (left) & Karen Gaudette and Ed & Felicia Shaw of Birmingham.

TCH 90-Plus Luncheon

1. Al & Joyce Roberts of Bloomfield. 2. Marion Wyatt and Margo Strickland of Bloomfield. 3. Shelley Taub (left) and Patti Jessup, Bloomfield. 4. Bill Seklar (left) of Bloomfield, Richard Astrein Huntington Woods

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DOWNTOWN

Michigan Design Center Celebration Gala The Michigan Design Center celebrated its 40th anniversary with a charity evening benefiting the ArtAccess programs at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center. Some 250 people paid $100 to stroll around the world by way of the designer-created vignettes displayed throughout MDC showrooms. (Some, like Michael Coyne, incorporated art by BBAC students.) They also socialized, sipped and supped, pausing to gather in the main lobby for welcoming remarks by MDC president Jim Danto and general manager Susan Rodebush. Both referred to plans for a redesign of the center to better accommodate designers and clients. TCH 90-Plus Luncheon There must be something good in the local water supply. Of the 222 guests at The Community House’s 90-Plus Luncheon, 120 are in their 90s and two, Millie Charmer and Richard Rewere, are centurions. The “treasured” citizens were honored with a proclamation from the Oakland County Commission. They viewed “then” and “now” photos. They sang along with Kerry Price (songs like “Sentimental Journey” and “Zip-A-DeeDoo-Dah”) and went home with goodie bags, thanks to generous sponsors. JARC’s SpringElation The annual spring fundraiser for JARC’s services to people with disabilities moved from its traditional venue (the zoo) to Emagine Royal Oak, dubbed itself JARCaplozza, and was a smashing success. More than 1,200 guests ($25 ticket) turned out. They dined, bowled, took in a movie, danced to Star Trax music, stopped at the photo booth, got faces painted and balloon sculptures and created take homes with Arts & Scraps. Most rubbed elbows with Spiderman and Disney’s Belle and Elsa. Event chair Joshua Jacob was very pleased with the decision to hold the 19th annual event at a new venue. Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390. 07.17

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ENDNOTE

Birmingham focus must remain on retail rgent city meetings are occurring in Birmingham to clarify the definition of personal services for the purpose of determining whether some commercial businesses that have rented first floor space in downtown Birmingham are stretching the ordinance regulating the type of occupancy by stating that ad agencies, marketing firms, real estate offices, web development offices and others, “could” be for personal use because a person hypothetically “could” walk in off the street and request their services. The ordinance, which has been in place since at least 1996, when the city’s 2016 Master Plan was put into effect, states that a first floor space must have retail in the first 20 feet of depth. The 2016 Master Plan was created after years of public meetings by noted Miami urban planner Andres Duany, following the demise of noted department stores Jacobson’s and Crowley’s and as Somerset Collection was expanding to the north with a second mall. Duany and city leaders then sought to recreate Birmingham as a vibrant walkable destination that offers retail, restaurants and entertainment. The 2016 Plan has largely been implemented, and with it, Birmingham has indeed become a shopping, entertainment and dining destination. The 2007 bistro ordinance was specifically developed in order to activate the streets to drive diners to stores, and to create vitality and walkability.

Currently, the first floor retail landscape is dotted with more vacancies than there has been in a decade or so, creating a panic among some building owners who want to turn more of the space into offices. Some are asking rents significantly northward of what Birmingham currently charges per square foot – the highest in the metro area, we’re told. Economics 101 would say it’s a law of supply and demand, that they may be able to fill their spaces if they lower their asking prices. Owners also can point out – as can we all – some of the violations where nonconforming businesses have been put into retail space, such as Shift Digital on E. Maple Road, and say, “why not me, too?” It’s an easy fill for them. But not the right one for the city. Some landlords rightly point out the recent demise of several national retailers, such as The Limited, which used to have a large store on W. Maple before heading to Somerset, Michael Kors, bebe; and those in trouble, like Macy’s, Abercrombie & Fitch, J. Crew, Sears, Kmart, Ralph Lauren, J. Jill, and others. There is legitimate concern about the future of retail in the long term. Projections show there will be a 30 percent decline nationally in retail over the next 10 years, and that is a real conundrum that Birmingham leaders have to recognize. How much retail space will be needed in coming decades and does the retail area need to be tightened are questions city

officials will have to address in their ongoing discussions with planning experts in the years ahead. But for now one thing that is certain – having storefront after storefront of offices in the downtown area, instead of shops or restaurants or salons, or other inviting, consumer-friendly businesses, will stop all that carefully-curated walkability in its tracks. Just ask any retail business on the east side of Shift Digital or the Christian Science Reading Room on East Maple Road. Walkability east on those blocks, unless heading towards Woodward, is non-existent. The 2016 Plan has been carefully curated and managed by city staff and commissioners. In addition to having Duany back to the city three years ago for a “tune up,” they speak to him regularly in consultation on changes in market forces, such as the current retail earthquake the country is undergoing. Duany, a visionary urbanist who Birmingham entrusted with their downtown once, should be relied upon again. He has told the city to hold the line on retail, for as soon as office is allowed into first floor, which has already happened, “You’ve kissed your downtown goodbye. Birmingham is a specific destination.” So we cast our lot with city leaders who recognize the importance of staying the course when it comes to the types of business that should be allowed in first floor space in Birmingham.

Education needed to combat rising STDs he startling and alarming rise in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) among young people aged 15 to 24 and gay males in this country, and learning that fully half of the population of those aged 15 to 24, which numbers about 110 million men and women in the United States, are afflicted with chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, human papilloma virus (HPV), HIV and other sexually transmitted infections – should be a wake up call for everyone. Local and state figures mirror the national figures from the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), where up to 70 percent of sexually active young adults had been infected with gonorrhea. Many young people, both straight and gay, are under the misguided – and false – assumption that these STDs are something that have been left in the past. The problem is that many of these infections, while potentially treatable, have few if any symptoms, so sexually active individuals pass them on and on and on, and can eventually have serious health complications when left untreated.

“Fooling around” is fun, and part of youth – impulsively reacting to emotions, risky behavior, and the feeling of invincibility – can lead to not only pain and infections, but to long-term damage to both female and male reproductive organs, infertility, cancer and even death. Sexually active individuals must be tested on a regular basis, and we were pleased to learn that testing is available and affordable throughout Oakland County, both through the Oakland County Health Department, at their Pontiac and Southfield offices, as well as MAC Health program, part of Matrix Human Services, which since 1988 has been testing for HIV/AIDS at bars, clubs and bathhouses. Two years ago, due to the rise of STDs, they received funding from three foundations to test for STDs as well at these sites. But the single greatest issue that struck us over and over again in researching the article on STDs in this month’s issue was the lack of knowledge most young adults have about STDs, their symptoms, or lack of, and their implications. We fault the state legislature for mandating an abstinence-only sex education for students in

Michigan schools, where students receive limited information on sexually transmitted diseases. Local school districts provide information through sex education classes, to varying degrees depending upon the district. According to the Michigan Department of Education, by Michigan law, school districts are required to teach about dangerous communicable diseases, including, but not limited to HIV/AIDS, at least once a year at every building level (elementary, middle, high school), but school districts can choose to teach sex education. From those districts we contacted, the conversation regarding sexually transmitted disease was something only included in sex education classes once in high school, for one to three days. As one health care educator noted, the lack of repetitive education, which is effective in math, language, science, and every other subject, is lacking in this subject, with its potentially lifealtering implications. We are experiencing the skyrocketing numbers from the lack of adequate education as a result. Our young people deserve better.

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