Birmingham/Bloomfield

DESKA: FRONT/BACK 114 • GERAK: SOCIAL LIGHTS 122

OCTOBER 2016

PLUS

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL POLITICAL NEWS AND GOSSIP

COAL TAR SEALANT: THREAT TO HUMAN, AQUATIC LIFE LIVING ON THE EDGE: POVERTY IN OAKLAND COUNTY DYING WITH DIGNITY: THE RIGHT TO DIE MOVEMENT ENDNOTE: OUR CHOICES FOR NOVEMBER BALLOT

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38

Coal tar sealant: local health threat A hidden health risk could be lurking in your driveway or a nearby parking lot that could be harming you, your children, and the environment – coal tar blacktop sealant that is used by many today although there is growing opposition.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

20

The media did not fare so well in a recent Gallup survey on the issue of trust but Downtown newsmagazine is still holding with the traditional role of journalism as we produce a monthly product for our readers in Oakland County.

OAKLAND CONFIDENTIAL

28

Our political gossip column details the latest, including an election complaint file against a county candidate; tacky political polling on the 9/11 anniversary; the return of the “Accidential Congressman;”and more.

CRIME LOCATOR

33

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

MUNICIPAL

103

Soundproofing requests along I-75 project area; Joe Muer's Seafood coming; Kingsley set for major overhaul and new affiliation; plans for Village of Bloomfield; Carl Sterr closing location; ballot request unlikely to happen; plus more.

FRONT/BACK

114

Katie Deska gives us the the latest on what’s happening in the front and the back of the house in metro Detroit area restaurants with a series of short takes on the latest news and gossip for the industry.

THE COVER The Village Club, now celebrating 60 years in the community, located on East Long Lake Road in Bloomfield Hills. Downtown photo.

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

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mpressive new construction encompasses almost 6000 square feet of beautiful details and quality craftsmanship that has been tastefully designed for easy flow. Hardwood floors and gracious moldings and other ceiling details are just some of the aesthetics throughout. Open kitchen designed by Designs Unlimited with premium Wolf and Sub Zero appliance package flows to breakfast nook and family room. Butler’s pantry boasts wine fridge and sink. Spacious mudroom with custom cabinetry and lockers, formal dining room and library on entry level. Sumptuous master suite features lavish master bath, free standing soaking tub, oversized shower, customized large master closet with island. Three additional ensuite bedrooms and 11’ x 10’ loft complete the upper level.

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onderful Mark Richard Homes new construction offers outstanding craftsmanship and timeless finishes throughout. A grand 2-story foyer opens to stately library with fireplace and exquisite dining room. Stunning chef’s kitchen features custom cabinetry, rich stone counters, premium Thermador stainless appliances, oversized island, walk-in pantry, butler’s pantry and light-filled breakfast nook. Spacious kitchen opens to spectacular family room with custom fireplace and wall of French doors leading to lovely patio. Enjoy private treed lot and beautiful park-like setting.

Remarkable master retreat with spa bath & dual closets. Three additional bedrooms & two full baths, laundry center and loft space complete the upper level. Lower level features 9’ ceilings, preplumbed full bath, waterproofing & personalized custom framing/drywall. Energy efficient features, landscaping package and 3-car garage.

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Stately Quarton Lake Estates colonial boasts light-filled grand foyer, open & flowing floor plan and wonderful upgrades throughout.

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Exceptionally designed custom home close to town featuring 5 bedrooms and 4.2 baths. Impeccable detail, craftsmanship and graceful features offer easy flow. A wellappointed chef’s kitchen – with custom cabinetry, granite countertops, stoneBIRMINGHAM accent backsplash & butler’s pantry – opens to great room with built-in shelves, exposed 1045 Westchester | $1,599,000 wood beams & fireplace withWay stone surround.

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4,938 SF | 4 BR | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths

Surrounded by natural beauty on a park-like setting, this welcoming bright and open colonial boasts a warm family room with fireplace and built-ins, as well as an inviting living room and dining room. The well-designed kitchen surrounded by custom cherry cabinetry flows to breakfast BLOOMFIELD VILLAGE room overlooking salt water pool and patio. Master suite 235 Westwood $1,399,000 with luxurious oversized marble|bath, steam shower and Wonderful new construction in great location dual walk-in closets. Finished lower level with full bath, with timeless finishes throughout.

Stunning gym, au pair/in-law suite (currently used as yoga studio) chef’s kitchen. garage. and pool cabana with full bath3-car and wet bar. Style and 4,192 SF | 4 BR | 3 Full, 1 Half Baths sophistication abounds throughout this lovely home!

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Bright and open colonial in superb location. The interior boasts beautiful hardwood floors, moldings, built-ins and exquisite attention to details. Gourmet granite kitchen with professional appliances (Wolf oven), custom cabinetry and center islandTROY flows to windowed breakfast 5052 | $680,000 nook and opensChristy to expansiveCourt great room with French doors Luxurious contemporary with leading out to patio and spa tub. condominium Spacious master suite beautifully designed interior private wooded features renovated bath, dual closets,inexercise room, tons setting byAtowering pine trees of storage andsurrounded cathedral ceiling. charming covered porch off dining room overlooks pristine, private backyard with 3,664 SF | 3 BR | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths lush, professional landscaping.

51

Death With Dignity movement The Death With Dignity movement to provide for the right to determine one's own end of life is still active and new legislation has been introduced

83 Poverty in Oakland County The number of people considered to be living below the federal poverty level is growing in Oakland County, including in local communities.

101

Scott Strickland

FACES SOCIAL LIGHTS

122

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

ENDNOTE

130

Absentee ballots for the November general election will be coming out soon, so we offer our opinions on candidates seeking public office and local election issues.

34 47 58 89 101 111

Elin Betanzo Rich Homberg Jon Dekar Judi Schram Scott Strickland Jeffrey Paulsen

IN CELEBRATION OF OUR 52ND ANNIVERSARY Donna Yost, Lifechest CEO and Philanthropist In partnership with Darakjian Jewelers

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

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

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

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

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

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FROM THE PUBLISHER he media – including newspapers – are proving to be their own worst enemy. Public trust is at an all time low; the economies of the business are making it more challenging to produce solid products, be it print or broadcast; and the standard way of delivering news is being challenged by a number of online platforms.

T

On the trust issue, the media in general is at its lowest level since Gallup first polled this question in 1972, according to information released by the firm in recent weeks. In its 2016 poll, 32 percent of the public had a “fair amount” or “great deal” of trust in those who disseminate the news.

Interestingly, the most recent poll represented an eight percent drop from 2015 and the decline cut across all age groups, another first. Of those polled nationally, only 14 percent of Republicans expressed trust in the media, while 51 percent of Democrats polled had trust in the news media, leading pollsters to speculate that the constant criticism of the media by GOP candidates – most notably Donald Trump – was helping push down the confidence level.

Media scored the highest trust level in 1976 – 72 percent – and those who follow these issues are saying that public confidence in the Fourth Estate was buoyed by detailed coverage and investigative journalism focused on the war in Vietnam and the scandals surrounding Watergate.

Since then, it has been downhill with the exception of the 2002 annual survey in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks when the public registered a great deal of trust.

In a separate poll performed in 2015, Gallup found that newspapers had a 62 percent trust factor among the public with either “great” or “some” trust.

I share this with our readers because I think the media in general – and some newspapers in particular – have hastened their own demise.

Let's take the Oakland County market. For generations voters have relied on newspapers to sort through the candidates running for public office, providing information on candidates' positions on the issues and making recommendations to readers on how to vote. But fast forward to the 2016 election and we find that Downtown newsmagazine might be the last to carry on this tradition among non-daily publications in the county. On the daily newspaper front, with the Oakland Press getting out of the endorsement business, that leaves the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News still in the game, although their frequency and distribution reach has declined considerably and one would have to assume their sphere of influence with the electorate has also.

To some extent the decline in solid election coverage and endorsements backs up to the declining profit centers that newspapers were at one time. In tough times, it becomes easiest to eliminate positions that produce no identifiable revenue stream – i.e., the newsroom. Then there is the continuing trend of combining newspapers under larger corporate ownership where it becomes even more tempting to cut costs to reach certain profit levels, and there goes the newsroom head count once again.

Add to this the trend – and it is taking place in Oakland County – where print products have taken the position that they will only produce news that draws higher levels of “clicks” (readers) on their websites. So sensational stories win out over the more tedious but still important local government coverage.

Longform journalism loses out to shorter pieces that can be read quicker.

At Downtown newsmagazine, we still adhere to a more traditional definition of our role as journalists.

We know we have an educated readership, both for our edition serving the Birmingham/Bloomfield area as well as our edition serving Rochester/Rochester Hills. We also know that our followers appreciate the longform features that we do each month on issues that should be considered critical to local residents. We mix those longer pieces with coverage of municipal meetings, personality profiles, restaurant news and social scene news/photos.

We define our role as a provider of hard news or serious information and we know that approach hits a responsive chord that has allowed us to develop a strong following in the communities we serve. Yes, like everyone else, we do check each week the website stats to see what type of traffic we generate, and we know that locally and well beyond this area we have strong readership, both on the hard news and the longform features we post to our website, which regularly draws 70,000 to over 80,000 visitors each month. But we don't focus our news coverage based on “click” statistics.

Downtown newsmagazine also still adheres to the traditional role of providing coverage of candidates and our opinions on who we think is best suited to represent the public, as evidenced by this issue in which we give our endorsements of November general election candidates on our Endnote opinion page.

Candidates answers to questions appear on our website and if past elections are any indication, our readers will take the time to familiarize themselves with the options appearing on the ballot.

Over the years I have taken a number of approaches to election coverage.

Some election cycles we have interviewed in person all the candidates running in an election and sometimes we have interviewed candidates, recorded the sessions and posted those online. One election cycle we broadcast through our website live interviews, then archived recordings of those online, along with written transcripts of the interviews. Sometimes I have relied just on questionnaires for candidates.

This year we did a combination of things. All candidates received questionnaires, the answers to which will be posted at downtownpublications.com as absentee ballots go in the mail. News editor Lisa Brody and I also spent time doing one-on-one individual sessions with a good number of those running for office so we could have a better feel for candidates as part of our endorsement process.

All of this is done to provide our readers with a solid monthly news product on which they have come to rely.

Perhaps the current state of print media was captured best in an interview I recently read with the David Remnick, editor-in-chief of The New Yorker since 1998: “The media is a many-headed beast. I can’t speak for people’s trust in Fox News or the Wall Street Journal or L.A. Times. All I can do is speak for us.

All we can do is gain the readers’ trust for what we do.”

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

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INCOMING Rethinking mass transit Again, you have helped me with voting issues.

Of course, I am in agreement with a regional transportation system which over decades will bring our state into the 21st Century. However, as you pointed out, there are issues (September/Downtown). Has it been thought out thoroughly?

I was inclined to vote for it, but after reading your analysis and editorial I am reconsidering my original inclination.

You guys do a great job with investigative reporting. Thanks.

Timothy Kozak Birmingham

Leftist war on suburbs Lisa Brody's recent piece (September/Downtown) on the bureaucratic push behind mass transit, as well as regional transit's purported goals, was – unfortunately – quite naive.

The constant agitation from paid AstroTurf groups (i.e., Motor City Freedom Riders), working ceaselessly for increased suburban taxation, originate within the milieu of the leftist war on the suburbs.

The goal for these agitators is regionalism, i.e., regional boards of unelected bureaucrats (like the RTA) redistributing Oakland County's tax dollars into the city of Detroit and elsewhere.

I recommend Brody, and all those interested, read "Spreading the Wealth: How Obama is Robbing the Suburbs to Pay for the Cities," an informative book by scholar Stanley Kurtz describing this veritable Trojan Horse.

Vote NO on Nov. 8's regional transit millage, and refuse to fund further assaults on beleaguered suburban homeowners and taxpayers.

E.M. Gilkey Birmingham

Governor with diplomacy I so enjoyed reading the September “From The Publisher” about Gov. William Milliken.

I had the opportunity to meet Governor Milliken in 1976, while working for then-Michigan State Representative Rick Fessler.

More than several times a month, I had the pleasure of leaving the Capitol in the company of Bill Milliken. His car downtownpublications.com

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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.

was parked directly outside the trailer (adjacent to the building) in which I worked. Always smiling, polite and such a gentleman, he would say, “Have a good evening, Pat.” I would reply, “Thank you, Governor. You enjoy your evening, too.”

Bill Milliken was a governor who worked both sides of the aisle with diplomacy. Thank you for capturing the Bill Milliken that I knew.

Pat Jacobs Executive Vice President North Oakland County Board of Relators

Current state of GOP I always enjoy reading David Hohendorf's editorials in Downtown, but in particular I enjoyed the editorial that he wrote in the most recent publication concerning former Governor Bill Milliken and the current state of the Republican party. I am in total agreement with the contents of his editorial.

I was the Republican floor leader in the Michigan House of Representatives during the period of time in which Bill Milliken was both Lieutenant Governor and then Governor after Governor Romney resigned. I have always considered myself a “Milliken Republican” and have in my career always tried to emulate the things that I learned working with Bill. In fact, some of the legislation mentioned in Hohendorf's editorial was adopted during several of those years.

Upon learning what the Grand Traverse Republicans did, I immediately picked up the telephone and called Bill.

As Bill stated, Bill Milliken did not leave the Republican party. The DOWNTOWN

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Republican party left Bill Milliken and others like him in their wake.

Throughout my career I have tried to emulate the things that I learned from Governor Milliken in the over 30 years in which I have provided legal advice to Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and West Bloomfield Township.

The important thing to remember is there is nothing wrong with compromise. When I was the Republican floor leader, I worked with members of the opposition party in moving both the Romney and Milliken administration programs through the legislature. Unfortunately, today that is virtually impossible.

William Hampton Secrest Wardle

Milliken achievement David Hohendorf had a great column in the September issue of Downtown.

It’s good to know there are still many among us who remember and respect Gov. William Milliken’s record of achievement on a number of key issues as well as the example he set for what true public service can look like.

Bob Berg Co-founder, of counsel, Van Dyke ● Horn Public Relations (Publisher’s note: Bob Berg, after a successfull career in journalism with United Press International and as Michigan Capitol Bureau Chief for Panax newspapers, served 1977-1982 as Executive Assistant for Public Affairs under Gov. Milliken)

Capturing essentials Thank you for the lovely (Faces) article Kevin Elliott wrote about me and the Cranbrook Envisions A Cure (September/Downtown).

Kevin captured so much of our conversation – the essentials – in the piece he composed. I’ve heard so many positive comments.

Cec Strine Rochester Hills

Support Donald Trump I know who you are. You compliment my lapel button or yard sign. I meet you in stores and at parties and we have a lot to talk about that we agree on even though we’ve never met.

I know you agree this election could change our country forever. I know you downtownpublications.com

contribute money over the internet.

Then why won’t you be public in your support?

Come out for Trump. As I do, wear your political buttons, T-shirts, display your yard sign and bumper stickers. I have been wearing Trump for two months and I still have not had one negative comment.

I have had a lot of compliments and (questions of) “Where can I get one?”

Don’t believe the talking heads on TV. Most people feel as we do. I’ve tested the waters for you. I’ve canvassed door to door and survived. Don’t let the media censor your beliefs.

Stand up and be proud to support Donald Trump. The one who is not owned by lobbyists, who will lower your taxes and actually secure the border. You know you are good people and that he is too. Be proud and support your candidate and tell others why.

Cara McAlister Bloomfield Township

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DOWNTOWN

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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.

CAMPAIGN NO-NO: Candidates for public office know – or they should – that it’s a criminal offense to represent themselves as an incumbent when they aren’t. Certainly John McCulloch should be aware as a longtime Republican office holder who lost his job in 2012 as Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner, and was fired, under murky circumstances, in 2014 as Huron-Clinton Metroparks director. McCulloch is currently running for county treasurer but one would think he actually is the incumbent – rather than Democrat Andy Meisner MCCULLOCH – based on a huge “McCulloch County Treasurer” sign he had hoisted on a medical building on Woodward during the Dream Cruise. For a time, his website home page said the same thing, touting “30 years experience,” as if he has been the treasurer for all that time. It now says “For County Treasurer” and the Woodward sign is down, after prosecutor Jessica Cooper sent a letter on September 14, following a written citizen’s complaint, informing McCulloch that he was violating Michigan campaign law, and failure to take immediate action would result in the complaint being referred to the police for investigation and prosecution. Her letter noted that the sign and website were separate violations of the statute.

IN POOR TASTE: Both the Oakland County Republican Party and campaign reps for county executive L. Brooks Patterson deny they ran a push poll that, after asking basic demographic information, queried about the presidential election, and then moved onto Oakland County offices, specifically the executive and treasurer races. The recorded call asked, “Brooks Patterson opposes allowing Syrian refugees into Pontiac because hundreds of rapes and murders have been committed by them in Europe. Are you more or less likely to vote for a candidate who supports allowing Syrian refugees into Oakland County?”

The tackiest part? The calls were made on Sunday, September 11 – which was the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks. Party Democrats said they were disgusted beyond words. “Unequivocally, it was not the Oakland County Republican Party that issued that poll, and I was in communications with the Patterson campaign, and they deny any involvement,” said county party chair Theresa Mungioli. She noted that so many people have given up their home phones, “It’s no longer an effective way to conduct polls. Instead, we have people calling face-to-face and knocking on doors.”

TALKIN’ MONEY: Campaign finance reports filed with the Michigan Secretary of State on September 1 show candidates running to hold onto their seats in the state House of Representatives are leading fundraising efforts in Oakland County. At the head of the pack is West Bloomfield Rep. Klint Kesto (R), 39th District, who received a total of $176,310 in contributions during the election cycle, including $13,150 (the most of all Oakland County KESTO representatives) between July 18 and August 22, ending out the post-primary period with a balance of $101,101. Because the West Bloomfield/Commerce district has the potential to skew toward a Democratic candidate due to this year’s presidential election, some political analysts believe Kesto could have a tough battle in November. If money spent has any correlation to votes cast, Democratic challenger Mike Stack, who serves on the Wolverine 28

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Lake Village Council, has a lot of ground to make up in little time, with a balance of $13,271 and just less than $6,000 raised during the election cycle. Other Oakland County legislators leading in contributions this cycle include House Minority Leader Tim Greimel (D-Auburn Hills) with $90,621; Rep. Mike McCready (RBirmingham/Bloomfield/Bloomfield Hills) with $80,905; Clarkston Republican Jim Tedder ($80,200); and Rep. Martin Howrylak (RTroy), who holds now state Senator Marty Knollenberg’s former House seat, with $76,801. Rochester/Rochester Hills Republican Michael Webber received $67,730 in contributions this election cycle, with $9,350 of that coming in July and August.

‘ACCIDENTAL’ RETURNS: Kerry Bentivolio, known to some as the “Accidental Congressman” and to others as one hell of a lucky guy, became a congressman after former Rep. Thaddeus McCotter failed to qualify for the 2012 Republican primary in Michigan’s 11th District after a majority of petition signatures were found to be invalid, leaving only Bentivolio on the ballot. He served one term, but lost in a landslide in the primary BENTIVOLIO to current congressman David Trott (R) in 2014. Rather than devote his time to volunteer efforts, such as veteran’s causes (having served in both Vietnam and Iraq), Bentivolio is back for more, filing in July for his former seat as an Independent against Trott and Democrat Anil Kumar. Bentivolio must love the taste of power and politics – in May, he first sought the Libertarian Party’s vice presidential nomination, before changing his mind to seek his old seat. An avowed Tea Party conservative, it may be a tough go: he had just over $20,000 in contributions as of July 2016’s filing statements, versus Trott, who raised over $950,000, and still had $676,000 on hand. Kumar had $487,000 on hand.

Music for the JOY OF IT!

SUNDAY

TSL: The elusive (I don’t return Downtown phone calls) Michigan Senator Marty Knollenberg (R) has made the list this month for a vacuous four-page newsletter mailed in early September to households in his district which includes Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Rochester, Rochester Hills and Troy. Two of the four pages – the front and back of the mailer – were basically filled with the senator’s picture(s) and not much else. The inside two pages contained short recaps on six legislative issues and one item alerting constituents KNOLLENBERG to the availability of new license plates recognizing veterans. What was titled the Legislative Update was one of two mailings that month charged to Knollenberg’s office account. Total costs in the month: $7,878 for printing and $3,186 for postage....Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson garners a spot on the list for his recent threat in a radio interview to sue the state (ahem...later changed by his spokesperson to the federal government) if Syrian refugees continued to be resettled in Oakland County because of his concern over whether they are vetted and given health screenings. Patterson made headlines with his PATTERSON Trump-like position late last year when he told the mayor of Pontiac that he opposed the so-called “Syrian Refugee Village” – as he named it – that was supposedly being planned as part of an affordable housing project in the city. Patterson said the project “constitutes an immediate threat of imminent danger.” Two things to consider: Just under 1,400 Syrian refugees have been moved into Michigan, because of its established Arabic and Syrian communities, between May of 2011 and May of this year, 505 of which have been resettled in Troy. The national Libertarian-leaning Cato Institute estimates that the chance of an American being killed by a refugee in a terrorist attack is one in 3.64 billion. downtownpublications.com

October 2 • 5pm Birmingham First Baptist A FREE Benefit Concert & after glow for FREEDOM HOUSE DETROIT Helping Survivors of Persecution in a Place for New Beginnings Freedom House is always in need of shampoo, shower gels / bar soap, deodorant, laundry detergent, toilet paper, flip-flops and Baskets will be available to receive any donations.

DOWNTOWN

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710 Willits | BIRMINGHAM $599,000

31010 N. Park | FARMINGTON HILLS SOLD

111 Willits #202 | BIRMINGHAM SOLD

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CRIME LOCATOR

NORTH

Map key

Sexual assault

Assault

Murder

Robbery

Breaking/entering

Larceny

Larceny from vehicle

Vehicle theft

Vandalism

Drug offenses

Arson

These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through September 16, 2016.

Placement of codes is approximate.

FACES Elin Betanzo hen water quality engineer Elin Betanzo left her position in Washington D.C. with the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 2012 to be closer to family and raise her children in the Birmingham School District, she had no idea dinner with an old friend would lead to revealing lead poisoning in Flint.

"I worked in the EPA headquarters office during the Washington D.C. lead crisis that came to light in 2004," said Betanzo, who is a senior policy analyst at the Northeast-Midwest Institute and specializes in water quality and water infrastructure issues. "The Washington D.C. treatment plant made a change that increased lead in drinking water from 2001 to 2004, until it was reported on by the Washington Post. They did a lot of covering up."

Ten years later, Betanzo returned to Michigan and learned at a workshop of Flint's plan to change its source for drinking water.

"Right off the bat, it seemed really strange for them to change," she said.

In 2015, after seeing headlines about concerns over lead in Flint's drinking water, she immediately suspected a similar problem that she had witnessed in Washington D.C. When the issue came up during a dinner conversation with her old friend, Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, Betanzo urged Attisha to investigate the levels of lead in the blood of children in Flint. Her findings eventually helped to reveal the crisis in Flint.

Today, Betanzo is working in conjunction with the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (DWSD) to identify homes in Detroit that are likely to have lead plumbing or connections. A task, she said, that is often difficult due to a lack of accurate records.

"It's not just Flint â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it's everywhere," she said of the potential for lead in water problems.

The work is part of her efforts with the non-profit NortheastMidwest Institute, which allows her greater freedom and a chance to have a greater impact on environmental issues.

"When I worked for the EPA, everything we did had very strict boundaries. We had to do what was allowed in the Safe Drinking Water Act. It was always operating in the confines of what we could do there," she said. "Working for a non-profit, if I can think of an issue that can be covered in a new way, and I can find a funder to fund it, I can do it. We have a congressional coalition we created for Congress to help the region. When I learn information that is important for decision makers in our region, I can let staff in (Washington) DC know the work I am doing, and how they can help in Congress. That's something I can't do in the EPA." While the Institute is based in Washington D.C., Betanzo is able to work from her home in Michigan, which also allows her to be close to longtime friends and family. She said she became interested in environmental issues at a fairly young age. She attended Carnegie Mellon University for her undergraduate studies, where she created her own environmental science program. She also holds a masters in environmental engineering from Virginia Tech.

"I grew up in Royal Oak, and we had an active environmental club in high school. Environmental issues were always big in my mind. There wasn't one instance that crystalized it for me," Betanzo said. "Mona (Hanna-Attisha) was in the environmental club. We went to protests together and did a lot of environmental activism."

W

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Jean Lannen

FeAtured home

708 shirley

Birmingham

$1,999,900

Located on a premier street, this 1926 classic Birmingham home sits on almost one acre. 5 bedrooms, 5.2 baths. Three car attached garage. Finished basement. Just a couple blocks from Linden park and walkable to town.

3089 heron Pointe

Bloomfield hills

$1,999,900

255 Lakewood

Bloomfield hills

$1,688,000

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.

Spectacular setting and home on Endicott Lake. New kitchen with stained walnut cabinets, large island, breakfast bar & quartz counters. All 4 BRs are suites with updated baths. Finished walk-out lower level includes 2nd kitchen. Three car garage, inground pool and picturesque views. Birmingham schools.

455 Aspen

2811 Bradway Blvd.

Birmingham

$1,499,900

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.

Bloomfield hills

$899,900

Renovated Bloomfield Village Colonial, beautifully updated and maintained. Gorgeous kitchen with granite counters, large wood top center island, and SS appls - opens to large family room with hardwood floors and stone fireplace. 5 bedrooms and 3.1 baths. Second floor laundry. Finished basement. Professionally landscaped yard with patio areas on tiered levels.

Chris Pero Associate Broker

248.797.0784 cgpero@yahoo.com

275 S. Old Woodward Downtown Birmingham

Over $30 MilliOn ClOsed YTd in 2016

3755 Brookside Bloomfeld hills $725,000

245 Chestnut Circle Bloomfield hills $689,900

Renovated Colonial situated on a beautiful .76 acre lot. 5 bdrms, 3 baths. Updated kitchen with SS appls, center island and granite counters. Spacious master suite includes remodeled bath and walk-in closet. Second floor laundry. Two car attached garage.

Great yard and grounds.

Chestnut Hills Colonial located in the city of Bloomfield Hills on a 3/4 acre lot. Large eat-in kitchen with pantry and center island. Huge great room with cathedral ceiling, fireplace with stone surrounded. Three large bedrooms upstairs, three full baths. 3 car attached side entry garage. New dimensional shingle roof in 2011.

1418 Washington Birmingham $674,900

2235 Quarton rd Bloomfield hills $649,900

Completely remodeled and expanded 4 bedroom home on a beautiful Birmingham street.

Open floor plan includes kitchen with granite counters, nook and breakfast bar opening to large family room with fireplace. Great master suite has a nice bath and WIC. Finished basement. Spacious paver patio.

Two car garage. Walk to town location.

Stately red brick Colonial, built in the 20's, sitting on nearly one acre of beautiful grounds in Bloomfield Village. Newer kitchen with Wolf stove and Sub Zero fridge. Four bdrms, 2.2 baths. Two car side entry garage. Tremendous character and charm throughout.

Birmingham schools. Also for lease - $4250/mo.

75 manor Bloomfield hills $599,900

755 N Glenhurst Birmingham $524,900

Spacious ranch tucked away on almost a half acre lot, just minutes from downtown Birmingham. Home has large main floor master bedroom addition, a first floor laundry and a two car attached garage.

Patio and decking on a beautiful yard. Birmingham schools.

Move in ready Colonial around the corner from Quarton Elementary. Updated kitchen with granite counters, SS appls and a slate floor. Master with a renovated bath. Finished rec areas in basement. Florida room leads to newer paver patio and a spacious yard. Two car garage.

723 Ann Birmingham $499,900

590 riverside Birmingham $499,900

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.

Unique opportunity for land purchase in a secluded detached condo develpoment. Tucked away site yet just blocks away from town. Lot price only.

201 dourdan Bloomfield hills $349,900

1138 hillpointe Bloomfield hills $299,900

An executive development of million dollar plus homes.

Bloomfield Hills schools. Only 3 lots remain. Build your dream home. Lot price only.

Ranch in popular Adams Woods, which includes a clubhouse, pool and tennis courts. Updated eat-in kitchen with maple cabinets and hwf. Spacious family room with fireplace. Large master suite with direct access to private deck. First floor laundry. Two car attached garage. Beautiful atrium courtyard.

Partially finished basement. Newer roof. Bloomfield Hills schools.

Chris Pero Associate Broker

275 S. Old Woodward Downtown Birmingham

248.797.0784 cgpero@yahoo.com

Over $30 MilliOn ClOsed YTd in 2016

COAL TAR SEALCOAT HEALTH RISK LURKING IN YOUR DRIVEWAY OR A PARKING LOT

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT

ust imagine a hidden health risk lurking in your driveway or a nearby parking lot that could be harming you, your children, and the nearby environment. A growing number of scientists, community leaders and environmentalists think there is, and many are taking action to do something about it. The problem, they say, rests in the coal tar-based sealcoat that is often applied to asphalt driveways and parking lots to protect the pavement from oils, tire wear and other factors that lessen the life of the surface.

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Coal tar sealcoat typically contains 20 to 35 percent coal tar pitch, which is considered by the National Toxicology Program to be a known human carcinogen. Coal tar, a byproduct of the steel manufacturing industry, is made up of about 50 percent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by weight. Many of those PAHs, which includes hundreds of chemical compounds, are believed to cause cancer and promote cancer by altering human DNA. Exposure to PAHs have also been linked to cardiovascular disease and poor fetal development.

Studies by the United States Geological Service (USGS), some academic institutions, and some state and local agencies have identified coal tar sealcoat as a major source of PAH contamination in urban and suburban areas, with a potential concern for human health and aquatic life.

While coal tar-based sealcoat does a good job of protecting pavement, researchers say that it wears into small particles as it ages. Those particles contain high levels of PAHs, which can be tracked into homes and incorporated into house dust. For people who live next to seal-coated pavements, ingestion of PAHcontaminated house dust and soil can result in an elevated risk of cancer, particularly for young children. Exposure to PAHs, especially early in childhood, has been linked by health professionals to an increased risk of lung, skin, bladder and respiratory cancers.

The USGS also says that runoff from coal tar sealcoated pavement is toxic to certain aquatic life, particularly fathead minnows and water fleas, which are commonly used to assess toxicity. Exposure to even diluted runoff from coal tar sealcoated pavement can cause DNA damage and impair DNA repair for aquatic life.

Last month, representatives from the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) met with researchers from the USGS to discuss research on coal tar sealants and PAHs as they relate to stormwater pollution. The Michigan Department of Transportation has agreed to phase out the use of coal tar-based sealcoat.

The use of coal tar sealcoat has been restricted in several communities in Michigan, and has been banned for use or sale completely in Ann Arbor, Van Buren Township and Spring Lake Township. The state of Minnesota and Washington D.C. have also banned the application of coal tar sealants, and proposals to ban the use of the product across Michigan have already been proposed in the state legislature.

Much of the research on PAHs and coal tar-based sealcoat began in 2003 when staff with the city of Austin, Texas found elevated PAH concentrations in some sediment samples collected from small tributaries and drainage in largely residential areas.

Such concentrations, researchers with the USGS said, were typically found near manufactured gas plant

Superfund sites. The city staff in Austin hypothesized the source came from particles eroded from parking lots that were coated with coal tar-based sealcoat.

Subsequent studies by the USGS determined the source to be coal tar-based sealcoat that flake and cling to sediments when washed away by stormwater.

The research resulted in Austin passing a ban on the use and application of coal tar sealants – the first such ordinance in the country.

Judy Crane, a research scientist with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, said a study of stormwater ponds and lakes in the state showed about 67 percent of PAHs in those sediments come from coal tar sealants.

"The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency requires municipalities to measure PAH compounds and metals in sediments before they dredge them. They were finding some (sediments) with really high levels, and because of that, they had to dispose of that sediment in a lime-lined landfill. Some were getting estimates of about $250,000 to dispose of it," she said.

"At that point, we weren't sure what the source was, but I was familiar with some of the USGS work, and suspected coal tar sealants. And the study confirmed that."

As a result, the use of coal tar based sealants in Minnesota has been banned across the state.

However, not everyone agrees with the research.

Anne LeHuray, executive director of the Pavement Coatings Technology Council, which represents dozens of sealcoat manufacturers across the country, said she believes research by the USGS and others that are blaming sealcoat as a source of PAHs is based on faulty science that is skewed to find the results those agencies sought.

"They are basing it all on – not just flawed science – but bad science," she asserted. "I went to Van Buren Township and asked them if it was their goal to ban PAHs, and if they are going to ban other sources – the employees in these communities aren't experts – and they said no.

"Clearly, this is an opportunity to get rid of something to say they did something. There's no scientific, valid reason for these bans to pass. They do no environmental good, and they do economic harm."

LeHuray points to dozens of other sources of PAHs in the environment, and their widespread finding of the compounds across the globe as evidence.

"The thing about PAHs in general – they are the single most studied suite of chemicals in the environment, and they are found absolutely everywhere. They have been found in remote alpine lakes and in the Arctic. They are ubiquitous," she said. "They are found in your food supply – by grilling meat, vegetables and fish, but also in coffee and tea and hot chocolate. They are in anything you heat up.

If you roast coffee, you're making PAHs."

http://www.legalnews.com/oakland/1341521 (Pontiac) The National Association of Counties recognized Oakland County Clerk Bill Bullard with an unprecedented 6 National Awards for improving service to the public. These included making county UHFRUGV VHDUFKDEOH HOHFWURQLF QRWLÂżFDWLRQV DQG UHFRUGLQJ SURJUDPV WKDW FRPEDW PRUWJDJH IUDXG DQG WDNLQJ &OHUN 5HJLVWHU RI 'HHGV VHUYLFHV LQWR SXEOLF HYHQWV OLNH )DUPHUV 0DUNHWV 7KH ÂżUVW DZDUG ZDV IRU Open Oakland, which makes county records open to the public and digitally searchableâ&#x20AC;Ś more>>> BULLARDâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NEW OPEN OAKLAND MAKES COUNTY RECORDS SEARCHABLE http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2011/10/17/oakland-county-e-services-center-opens/

3RQWLDF :RQGHU ZKDW \RXU FRXQW\ JRYHUQPHQW LV XS WR" 1RZ \RX FDQ ÂżQG RXW ZLWKRXW KDYLQJ WR VHDUFK WKURXJK PXVW\ ROG ER[HV &RXQW\ &OHUN 5HJLVWHU RI Deeds Bill Bullard announced today that all county records, including County Commission Minutes will be searchable from the comfort of your home, at no cost to the public. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is part of our Online-not In Line program,â&#x20AC;? Bullard saidâ&#x20AC;Ś more>>>

BULLARD INVESTIGATION UNCOVERS MORTGAGE FRAUD IN MAJOR BANK FORECLOSURES

https://mirsnews.com/pdfs/pdfs/Press_Releases/1311263240_OCC1.pdf /DQVLQJ 2DNODQG &RXQW\ &OHUN 5HJLVWHU RI 'HHGV %LOO %XOODUG WHVWLÂżHG LQ /DQVLQJ WRGD\ EHIRUH D 6HQDWH &RPPLWWHH LQYHVWLJDWLQJ EDQNLQJ SUDFWLFHV %XOODUG detailed how his investigation had uncovered a practice called robo-signing, which denied homeowners due process in trying to save their homesâ&#x20AC;Ś more>>>

BULLARD MORTGAGE FRAUD INVESTIGATION LEADS TO SETTLEMENT FROM BANKS TO CONSUMERS

http://www.michigan.gov/ag/0,4534,7-164-46849-286980--,00.html (Lansing) Attorney General Bill Schuette announced today that major banks would be paying a $27 Million settlement to homeowners who were denied due process in their foreclosures. A major part of the evidence against the banks was provided by Oakland County Clerk Bill Bullardâ&#x20AC;Ś more>>>

Searches related to Oakland County Clerk Bill Bullard, accomplishments NEXT 10 RESULTS>>>

ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8TH, OR ON YOUR ABSENTEE BALLOT,

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There are, indeed, hundreds, if not thousands, of sources of PAHs in the environment and in our homes. In short, PAHs are compounds made from a mix of carbon and hydrogen formed most often by the incomplete burning of animals or plant matter, coal or petroleum and other organic materials. Cigarette smoke is one of the main contributors of PAHs in an indoor environment, but panfrying food and fireplaces also produce PAHs. That black soot that builds up in chimneys is chock-full of carcinogenic PAH compounds. Outside, they are produced by BBQ grills, fires, car exhaust, asphalt pavements, asphalt sealcoat and many other sources. They are even found in mothballs, some special-purpose skin creams, and some anti-dandruff shampoos. They exist in the air by clinging to tiny particulate matter, in aquatic sediments and soil.

Of all the PAHs that exist, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classified seven as probable human carcinogens, and 16 as priority pollutants. The environmental and human effects of PAHs depend on which are present and their concentrations. hile LeHuray doesn't dispute that coal tar-based sealcoat contains PAHs, she said she doesn't believe that sealcoat is a major source of PAH contamination in homes or the environment. Instead, she said, she believes studies by the USGS and others that are blaming sealcoat as a source of contamination are simply looking for a way to justify their jobs.

"There is a phrase called 'emerging contaminants of concern,'" she said. "That typically means we are looking for other contaminants to keep our funding stream going."

The Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a federally-funded effort focusing mostly on stopping invasive species, improving wetlands and removing outdated dams, also supports research into issues of emerging concern. In March, the USGS released a study about contaminants in Great Lakes tributaries, which included the Clinton and Rouge rivers.

The study found one or more chemical compounds in 92.5 percent of all 709 samples taken, with mixtures of 10 or more compounds in 34 percent of samples. The Clinton River, at Auburn Hills, tested positive for 53 different compounds in a single sample. Among the compounds the USGS tested for were six PAHs. Findings showed 56 percent to 85 percent of samples were PAHs. Steve Corsi, a research hydrologist with the USGSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Wisconsin Water Science Center who contributed to the study, said researchers at the time didn't focus on sources of contamination, but what contamination exists.

"There are all sorts of (PAHs) in sealcoat. The question is probably how are PAHs distributed. There are many that are in sealcoat, and many other sources in the environment," he said. "The distribution of concentrations for different PAHs is what changes from source to source."

The study cast a wide net on the collection of contaminants. Those results have now helped to determine future areas of study. For instance, Corsi said he and others are working on a study focusing on pesticides in Great Lakes tributaries. Next year, studies will focus on PAH levels and sources, with pharmaceuticals and personal care products the focus of study the following year.

The most recent study released, Corsi said, looked at only six PAHs. "From those six, we can't do source apportionment. That just tells us if there could be problems from PAHs," he said. "The next sample we will do 40-plus, and we will have enough to do some sort of source apportionment, or fingerprinting, of PAHs." The study of Great Lakes tributaries will be independent of USGS researchers in Texas, who determined that coal tar sealants were a main source of PAH contamination in stormwater sediments there.

Researchers in 2008 expanded their findings to test parking lots and adjacent ponds or lakes that may be effected by runoff from coal

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tar sealants. Those tests included nine cities in the United States, including lots in Commerce Township and sediments in South Commerce Lake, in western Oakland County.

Of the nine cities tested, PAH samples taken in Commerce Township showed the highest level of PAHs in the country, followed by samples in Chicago; Washington D.C.; Austin, Texas; New Haven, Connecticut; Minneapolis, Minnesota; Seattle, Washington; Salt Lake City, Utah; and Portland; Oregon. Cites west of the Rocky Mountains and the Continental Divide, where asphalt or petroleum-based sealcoat is primarily used, had drastically lower levels of PAH. Overall, dust swept from parking lots in six cities east of the Continental Divide had a median PAH concentration of 2200 parts per million, with unsealed parking lot dust registering a median of 27 parts per million. In western states, the parking lot dust of asphaltbased sealcoat was 2.1 parts per million, and .8 parts per million for unsealed parking lots. Dust samples taken in Commerce Township had a cumulative average of 3,400 parts per million from coal tar sealed parking lots, and 47 parts per million on non-sealcoated parking lots.

"The other sources of PAHs, such as fallout of industrial emissions, exhaust particles, tire-wear residue or leaking motor oil, because PAHs from such sources are equally likely to occur on both unsealcoated and sealcoated lots," the researchers said in the report.

The study also stated that lakes sampled east of the Continental Divide had higher levels of PAH concentrations.

"Lakes in the central and eastern cities where pavement was sampled have bottom sediments with higher PAH concentrations than do those in western cities relative to degree of urbanization," the study states. "Bottom-sediment PAH assemblages are similar to those of sealcoated pavement dust regionally, impacting coal tar-based sealcoat as a PAH source to the central and eastern lakes."

AH in dust poses a greater risk to humans than PAHs that settle in water. That is because PAHs tend to bind to particulates in the air, or in the soil or sediments, rather than is found independent in the air or water table. PAHs in raw water tends to absorb particulate matter and are removed by filtration before reaching the tap, according to the EPA. Nicholas Schroeck, director of the Transnational Environmental Law Clinic at Wayne State University, said he receives calls from the community about whether coal tar sealants are harmful.

"Certainly, with the coal tar sealant, the answer is 'yes,'" he said.

"They contain enough PAHs that it is something that you should be concerned with. There are more PAHs in the sealant than in asphalt or oil."

Schroeck said he expects more communities in Michigan will consider restricting or banning the use of coal tar sealants.

"The potential threat to the rivers, lakes and streams in the Great Lakes state is what I would be concerned about. It runs off the pavement and into waterbodies, and the concentrations in those waterbodies pose a health risk to aquatic life.

"In Oakland County, with so many inland lakes, it's something that people should be aware of and look for an alternative. It's definitely providing a pollution load every time it washes off."

Eric Diesing, with the Clinton River Watershed Council, said while the group itself hasn't conducted any studies regarding coal tar sealants, it is considering what direction to take on the issue next year and in the future, as the issue is expected to expand into the watershed.

Rebeca Esselman, a watershed planner with the Huron River Watershed Council, said the council began looking at the issue about two years ago, after coal tar sealants were banned in Minnesota. The group has since become the most active in the state, reaching out to communities to talk about potential dangers.

"We started reaching out to the communities in the watershed and providing materials on the issue, and asking to get in front of city

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councils and township boards to present about coal tar sealants and ask them to take action," Esselman said.

In Michigan, the municipalities of Byron Township, Charlevoix, Clark Township, Erie Township, Fruitland Township, Laketon Township, Scio Township, the Village of Shepherd, Powell Township, Whitehall, Whitehall Township and White River Township have restricted government or public use of coal tar sealants. Ann Arbor, Spring Lake Township and Van Buren Township have banned the use or sale of coal tar based sealcoat. Additionally, the University of Michigan, Lake Superior State University and Kalamazoo College have ended the use of coal tar based sealants on their campuses.

Nationally, more than 45 cities have banned or restricted the use of coal tar based sealants, including Austin, Texas and San Antonio, Texas; as well as the states of Minnesota and Washington. Several counties, including Montgomery and Prince George counties, in Maryland; Suffolk County, in New York; and Dane County, in Wisconsin, have banned the use of coal tar sealants. The San Diego Unified School District; the University of Illinois, Springfield; Lake Forest College, in Illinois, and others have also banned or restricted its use.

Federal legislation to limit the use of coal tar sealant was last introduced in 2013 by Rep. Lloyd Doggett (D-Texas). The Austin congressman's bill (HR 1625) would have created the Coal Tar Sealants Reduction Act of 2013, which would have amended the Toxic Substances Control Act to phase out the sale, transport and production of coal tar sealants. That bill died in the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

In addition, some national home improvement chains have discontinued the sale of coal tar sealants, including Ace Hardware, Lowe's and The Home Depot.

"We haven't sold products with coal tar sealants for several years, about 10 years, I believe," said Stephen Holmes, director of corporate communications for The Home Depot.

Proposals to ban the use of coal tar sealants in Michigan were first introduced in 2009 by former state Rep. Rebekah Warren (D-Ann Arbor). That legislation, and three subsequent bills based on it, have all died in committees, where the proposals failed to gain a hearing.

The most current legislation was proposed on December 17, 2015,

by Rep. Kristy Pagan (D-Canton), as HB 5174. That bill was referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources, where it has yet to be taken up.

Pagan, who also represents Van Buren Township, said the bill came up just after the city passed its ban on coal tar sealants.

"Coal tar driveway sealcoats present a real health and safety risk for Michigan residents, and are damaging to our air and waterways," she said. "I am proud to represent Van Buren Township, which just passed Michigan's first municipal ban on coal tar sealant, and am excited to lead the charge for a statewide ban on the sale and application of this toxic and all-too common product."

Rep. Andrea Lafontaine (R), who represents parts of Macomb and St. Clair counties, chairs the House Committee on Natural Resources.

A spokesman from her office said she has been in communication with Pagan; however, the bill has not yet been scheduled to be picked up this fall. tate Sen. Rebekah Warren, of Ann Arbor, said she and Pagan have been working on an updated version of the bill that she expects to be introduced into the Senate in September or October. She said the issue first came up when a constituent brought it to her attention.

"There are a lot of concerns in terms of the potential carcinogenic properties," she said about coal tar sealants. "We introduced a ban in 2008 at the end of the session, just to get it on record. We have a new version that Kristy Pagan and I have been working on for a while. Both of our individual communities have taken action on it."

In 2015, a team of researchers with the Huron River Watershed

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Council set out to look for effects of coal tar sealants in the environment. The group identified detention ponds in Ann Arbor that capture high amounts of runoff from parking lots and driveways.

Sampling from three detention ponds found highly toxic levels of PAH, which the researchers believe is coming from coal tar sealants. The research spurred the city's subsequent ban on certain sealcoat with high levels of PAHs. Ann Arbor's ban on coal tar sealants also includes any pavement sealant that has a PAH content of higher than .1 percent, which essentially restricts the use of sealants to petroleum-based sealing products. The city's ordinance prohibits any person from selling or applying coal tar or other PAH content sealant within the city; nor may a person allow such sealants to be applied on their property.

Under the ordinance, all commercial applicators must register with the city prior to applying pavement sealant in the city. Applicators that register must pay a registration fee and provide the sealant product name, type of use and PAH content. Those who violate the ordinance are subject to a civil infraction, punishable by a fine of not more than $10,000.

While the city's ban went into effect on July 3, Matt Naud, environmental coordinator for the city, said enforcement and a registration process will begin after the first of the year.

"Registration won't start until January 1," he said. "The tough part was to get word out. People have jobs booked, and we didn't want to slow any of that work." aud said the city mailed notices to all sealcoat applicators within a 30-mile radius of the city, as well as reaching out to the three main Michigan manufacturers of sealcoat. He said applicators who aren't aware of the ban aren't likely to be fined immediately. "If I talk to a contractor once and they do it again, then we will have a problem," he said.

Naud said the issue came to light when the city was notified of contamination on city property. Specifically, he said there was a detention pond on Plymouth Road that was adjacent to a parking lot that had been treated with coal tar-based sealcoat. Sediments in the detention pond had high levels of PAH. "Now, you have contamination that is leaving a private property and entering a detention pond that might have to be dealt with as hazardous material," Naud said.

The city in previous years had to deal with a massive clean up at a former MichCon gas treatment site on the Huron River. About $4 million at the time was spent on cleanup, which was primarily funded

by DTE Energy.

"This wasn't on our radar," Naud said of the contamination believed to be associated with coal tar sealants. "When it came up and we saw the USGS data, we wanted to get ahead of it."

Naud said there haven't been any legal challenges to the city's ordinance. If there were, he said, he believes the city has a right and responsibility to control contaminants that enter the stormwater system, which it must do under federal clean water laws.

"We own the stormwater system and are required to manage it in a way that protects health and the environment," he said. "We banned phosphorus fertilizer in 2006, and we got a lot of pushback then. But the market changed, and there are other products out there, even if its not as effective. That's secondary to the environmental burden that is placed on us."

Christie Alwin, an environmental quality specialist with the Michigan DEQ, said the department is coordinating with the USGS to look at coal tar sealants.

"From our perspective, there is a potential for there to be runoff on parking lots that have been resurfaced and sealed, and that could make its way to a stormwater pond or detention basin," she said.

"Over time, we want to understand the quality of those sediments and the requirements of those. Looking at it from a stormwater

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program perspective, 'How do we make sure those sediments are properly disposed, and what do we know about the impacts of PAHs?'" Additionally, the federal EPA, as part of a recent court settlement with several environmental groups, has agreed to consider comments restricting the use of coal tar sealants in certain industrial stormwater permits issued by the agency.

Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Jim Nash said he is not aware of any testing of stormwater basins for PAH in Oakland County, but said he would be in favor of such testing and investigating the issue further.

"In Oakland County, we depend on our lakes for our economy," he said. "Anything we can do to make our lakes more pure would be a great thing in our mind. I think, maybe, we should do some testing. I think it's a very good idea."

The use of coal tar sealants at the county and local level isn't always known.

Whether local school districts are using coal tar sealants on parking lots or playgrounds isn't entirely clear. Officials at Birmingham Public Schools said the district uses a "polymer-based sealant." However, experts in the sealant industry said sealant bases are either made from coal tar or asphalt emulsion, which is a petroleum-based product.

However, some asphalt-based products do have a polymer additive, which is used to increase durability. Officials in the Rochester Community Schools district said the district doesn't use sealants.

Likewise, the use of asphalt sealants in the Bloomfield Hills Schools district is very limited.

"Typically, we only use sealants to black out old traffic markings to make changes," said Brian Goby, director of physical plant services for the Bloomfield Hills district. "This is rare, usually a very small area, and that hasn't been done in quite a few years." ocal municipalities also have similar practices regarding parking lot maintenance. For instance, the city of Birmingham doesn't treat parking lots, with the exception of patching pot holes or full replacement. "We patch them, but we don't refresh or seal them," said Lauren Wood, director of public services for Birmingham. "Parking lots, as a general rule, we just keep them safe and patch them."

Bloomfield Township Director of Public Works Tom Trice said the township doesn't sealcoat parking lots because he doesn't believe there is any added benefit to do so.

"We would never do that. There's no real reason to do it," he said. "It creates a maintenance headache because once you do it, you have to continue doing it. The sealcoat people will claim it extends the life of the asphalt by keeping the oil out, but the asphalt industry hasn't found that to be true."

In terms of alternative sealcoats, the industry standard in Michigan is coal tar based sealcoat, which manufacturers and applicators say is the most durable product available. Petroleum-based, or asphalt-based sealcoat, applicators say, doesn't have the same durability or shine that coal tar sealcoat offers, even though both are about the same price.

Arguments based on what works best, Ann Arbor's Naud said, aren't considering health and environmental factors.

"DDT worked really well," he said "Lead paint worked really well, but they had some environmental issues that we didn't know about for a long time."

Because of the wide availability of coal tar-based products in the middle and eastern regions of the United States, and because of its superior durability and look, the industry standard for sealcoat has been coal tar sealcoat, said Nick Whitehurst, president of True North Asphalt, in Rochester Hills.

However, due to the increasing number of bans and restrictions on coal tar-based sealcoat, the manufacturers have started producing an alternative, which is a petroleum-derivative sealcoat that Whitehurst

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said holds up better than traditional asphalt, or petroleum-based, sealcoat. old under the name Black Diamond, manufacturers and suppliers of the product, such as Surface Coating Co., in Auburn Hills, say the product holds up well, and has a significantly lower PAH content, with suppliers saying the sealcoat is about two percent PAHs. Asphalt-based sealcoat, by comparison, has about .005 percent PAH. The Black Diamond sealcoat is now approved for application in several locations where coal tar sealants are prohibited for use, such as Austin and San Antonio, Texas. However, the new alternative isn't permitted for use in Ann Arbor or Van Buren Township, which limit PAH content to .1 percent and one percent, respectively.

Whitehurst said his company started offering the Black Diamond product a year ago, with about 90 percent of his business consisting of coal tar sealant and 10 percent the new alternative. He said business quickly turned to about 50/50 use. Now, he said about 90 percent of his customers have Black Diamond sealant applied, with about 10 percent requesting coal tar based sealant.

"People have said they like the look of the Black Diamond," he said.

"Coal tar has a bit of a blue hue, and darkens up over a week or so. Black Diamond is jet black the day you put it down. It also doesn't have the same smell as coal tar. It has very little odor."

In terms of asphalt emulsion for petroleum-based sealcoat, he said the price is expensive for what he believes is a subpar product.

Whitehurst said the company will still apply asphalt-based sealcoat, but will only do it on larger speculative projects. Likewise, he said some customers specifically request coal tar-based products even though others are available.

"We are doing the federal reserve bank in Detroit in a couple of weeks.

They specifically asked us to use coal tar," he said.

Whitehurst said the decision to switch to the petroleum-based alternative for most projects was based on the quality of the product, the look and lack of odor. Further, he said, the product doesn't have a benzene additive that coal tar sealants have, which causes a irritating rash, similar to a sunburn.

"We started applying it last year," he said. "After we saw how it lasted through the winter, we were confident we could sell it and get similar results to coal tar."

Steve Erdodi, owner of Tuff Coat Sealcoating, in Waterford, said his company has switched to an asphalt emulsion, or petroleum-based sealcoat, rather than using the new alternative or traditional coal tar sealants.

In order to add to the durability of the petroleum-based sealcoat, he said the product he uses has polymer additives, which increase the durability. The switch, he said, required a new storage facility at his business, which resulted in an investment of about $30,000.

"It's not easily available locally, so we ordered a new storage tank and have a delivery that is made for us," Erdodi said. "It's a real commitment."

Erdodi said the product is different than Black Diamond, in that it has a lower PAH level, and believes it would be available to use in communities like Ann Arbor or Van Buren. He said his main reason for switching products was out of concern for health and the environment.

"It gets on your shoes and in the waterways, and once it's on your shoes, it gets into your own world," he said about coal tar sealants. "The danger isn't just the day its applied. There are airborne concerns. The best we can do is to stop using this product."

As a side benefit to quitting the use of coal tar sealants, Erdodi said it has been easier to recruit employees.

"I was amazed with how many potential employees were knowledgable about it," he said. "They know on their own. They are picking up on this. Coal tar burns your skin. You get 'pitch burn,' and I don't know anyone who the pitch didn't burn. The guys don't have that element anymore. And the odor is reduced, as well."

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Rich Homberg ack in the mid-1990s, an enthusiastic Rich Homberg moved to Detroit with his wife and two-year old son to manage operations at WWJ Newsradio 950. A decade later, he took over as president of Detroit Public Television (DPTV), where he’s remained since, each day expanding his understanding and appreciation of the Motor City and its people.

“We live in the most important city in America – Detroit and the Detroit region. It’s a critically important city to understand the future of cities in America, and how you help those cities,” he said.

Homberg and the staff at DPTV start each day asking, “‘Where’s the need?’ In what we call Detroit outward.”

With an audience of four to five million in southeast Michigan, earning the trust of the public is key to the locally-owned media outlet.

“We cover things that other media organizations don’t get to, and we go deeper. If there’s something going on, we can raise our hand and say, ‘Can we learn more about that?’ And that puts you in a position to meet people who could cry when they talk about the Great Lakes, or cry when they talk about (other issues).”

Homberg admits to being a “news and public affairs nerd.” NewsHour, Frontline and Charlie Rose’s The Week, are among his favorite shows, while his wife, he said is a Downton Abbey die-hard.

Looking towards the 2017 spring season, for the first time Detroit will be featured on ten episodes of This Old House.

“It’s amazing what’s going on with construction. Maybe the economy is better, or it’s the age of the housing stock,” said Homberg, noting that

B

his own Bloomfield Township neighborhood is teeming with renovations.

“Young people are moving to Detroit to build their restaurants and their businesses, and it has its challenges. You better be in it for the long haul.” Like many living in Oakland County, he enjoys going to downtown Detroit to eat, and finds plenty of choices with the myriad of new chef-driven restaurants.

“Having lived in Philadelphia and New York, I see how easy it is to get around Detroit. We do complain about traffic, and I know, I used to run the traffic and weather station, but Detroit is so accessible. You can go to a concert and a half-hour later you’re tucking yourself into bed. It’s one of the great things about this town. And, we have all these great sports teams,” said Homberg, who launched sports coverage on WXYT AM 1270 before joining DPTV. Having worked in broadcasting his entire career, after graduating from Temple University in 1978, he pointed to one major difference –“In radio, it’s easier to do things. You can do things with one person in radio that in TV would take five.”

But Homberg gravitated towards the challenge, and the passion in his voice makes it clear that he enjoys his behind-the-scenes role in the dialogue of this city.

“Don’t tell the board,” he joked, “I don’t want them to know how much fun I’m having. I think I’m going out of this town, and out of this job, toes up.”

Story: Katie Deska

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DEATH WITH DIGNITY RIGHT TO DIE MOVEMENT

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ince the late pathologist Dr. Jack Kevorkian became famous, or infamous, depending on the point of view, in the 1990s for helping ill patients with doctor-assisted suicide, the issue of whether a terminally ill person has the right to determine when and how to end their life has been debated in public arenas and private living rooms. Is it an individual's right to die, or is it euthanasia? For most of us, there's no simple or easy answer. “(My aunt’s) greatest fear was not dying, but that they were not going to let her,” said Linda Van Zandt, the niece of a California woman who, in the midst of suffering with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis – ALS, or Lou Gehrig's Disease – chose to terminate her life, selfadministering a bitter cocktail of physician-prescribed medication – an option provided by California's End of Life Option Act, which went into effect this June.

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Colloquially called the Death With Dignity Act, qualified terminally ill patients in California, Oregon, Washington, and Vermont are offered the option to consume a lethal dose of doctor-prescribed medication, yet the person’s death isn’t reported as suicide, assisted suicide, homicide or drug overdose.

The hitch is that, at the time of consumption, the patient is required to physically ingest the drugs without help. In return, the death certificate lists the cause of death as the patient’s terminal illness.

This August, Michigan Representatives Sam Singh (D-East Lansing) and Tom Cochran (D-Mason) introduced House Bill 5802, legislation to establish a similar law in Michigan, which would provide mentally stable, terminally ill adults with the legal means to access a hefty dose of life-ending medication.

“Now that the conversation is happening across the country, we thought it was a good time to start it in Michigan,” Singh said in mid-September. “There are about 20 days of the session, so there’s not many committee meetings at all. My thought is this (bill) won’t be taken up in this session. It will be an opportunity for different organizations to review the bills and give their thoughts, and,

continued. “I want them to have the same options that they have in other states here in Michigan. This is just one of a number of things that people with a terminal illness would have at their disposal.”

In the U.S., the battle over the right to die dates back to at least 1828, when New York passed the county’s first law explicitly criminalizing assisted suicide. On the other side of the debate, as early as 1906, Ohio legislators failed to pass a bill intended to legalize euthanasia.

Michigan entered the fray in 1990, with Pontiac-born Jack Kevorkian thrusting Oakland County into the firestorm. Doctor Death, as he became known, first hooked up his infamous “suicide machine” to Janet Adkins, a 54-year-old with Alzheimer’s Disease. After flipping the switch to start the infusion, Adkins died in the back of Kevorkian’s Volkswagen van in Holly’s Groveland Oaks County Park. Judge Gerald McNally, of Clarkston’s district court, dismissed the case under the condition that Michigan did not have a ban on assisted suicide.

Kevorkian went on to assist in the deaths of over 130 people, including two women whose deaths occurred a week prior to

medical license revoked, but showed little regard for the strong arm of the law. In November of 1998, he provided CBS with video footage that showed Kevorkian, himself, administering the lethal injection that killed Thomas Youk, who had been diagnosed with ALS. It was the week of Thanksgiving when the footage aired on 60 Minutes. Within days, Kevorkian was charged with murder, after it was broadcast to an audience of several million witnesses.

“I don’t think (former prosecutor David) Gorcyca would have brought charges if that wasn’t on television,” said Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper, who, as Oakland County Circuit Court judge presided over Kevorkian’s murder trial following the death of Youk.

“The word is zealot. Because he was a zealot he believed that was the way he was going to change the law, or change the philosophy, and he was found not guilty in three previous trials, but he pushed the envelope too far because he actually took a life,” said Cooper. “What he wanted was to convince the jury to go outside the law – he was looking for jury nullification, and that is not what he got. He got a conviction.”

In April of 1998, the jury found him guilty

MICHIGAN REPRESENTATIVES SAM SINGH (D-EAST LANSING) AND TOM COCHRAN (D-MASON) INTRODUCED HOUSE BILL 5802, WHICH WOULD PROVIDE MENTALLY STABLE, TERMINALLY ILL ADULTS THE MEANS TO ACCESS LIFE-ENDING MEDICATION. we will reintroduce this in January 2017, in the new session.”

Also sponsored by Singh and Cochran, is House Bill 5803, which would establish as a felony punishment, with a maximum 20-year prison sentence, for coercing a person to utilize Michigan’s would-be Death with Dignity Act. The bill would also criminalize falsifying a patient’s request or destroying the written request.

“What I see happening is that there are people with a terminal illness, in a lot of pain and they don’t have all the options available to them,” Singh said. “The bills are very specific. You have to have a terminal illness.

You have to have independent doctors acknowledge you’re a competent individual, and that you have a terminal illness with less than six months to live. Then you can make the decision to use medication to end your life.

“I understand that issues like this are sensitive, especially within religious communities, but to me this is an issue that an individual needs to grapple with, within their own faith and own family, and that’s who I’m focusing on – the individual facing months and months of pain,” Singh

Halloween in 1991. Again, the case was dismissed, this time by Oakland County Circuit Judge David Breck, a ruling that was appealed by then-county prosecutor Richard Thompson. Kevorkian stood trial three times for assisted suicide without a single conviction, each time due to the lack of clarity on the legal ramifications for aiding in another’s suicide. By December of 1992, Governor John Engler signed into law Public Act 270, which outlawed assisted suicide, and faced a challenge from the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), which declined to comment for this article. Eventually, the Michigan Court of Appeals took up the fight in May of 1994 and ruled that the ban was unconstitutional on technical grounds – entitled “Assistance to Suicide,” the name of the act violated the grammatical subjectobject rule. The legislative battle over the existence or absence of an assisted-suicide ban in Michigan continued until the passage of Public Act 296 in 1998 which made it a felony to assist an “individual who intends to kill himself or herself,” by providing the means to do so or by aiding in the plans for suicide.

By this time, Kevorkian had gotten his

of murder in the second degree, and was sentenced to 10 to 20 years in prison, of which he served seven, until he was paroled by former Governor Jennifer Granholm in 2007.

“It was the only time in my life I got some serious death threats,” said Cooper, of the trial. “He had lots of supporters, he had people who absolutely adored him. You had an issue that was debatable, and there were individuals that supported what he did… and there were people who opposed it… He brought the issue to light, but it’s a different issue, a different time.”

Although his notoriety rivals most, Kevorkian was far from the sole advocate of Michigan’s right to die movement.

Other notable attempts to reverse the ban on assisted suicide included U.S. Senator Gary Peters', then a Michigan state senator, introduction of Senate Bill 653 in 1997 which proposed the Terminally Ill Patient’s Right to End Unbearable Pain or Suffering Act, conditional upon the approval by the voters in November of 1998. It failed to get beyond the Senate Judiciary Committee. Merian’s Friends, on the other hand, were successful in getting the issue on the ballot. The Michigan

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Legalization of Lethal Medication to Terminally Ill, known as Proposal B, was defeated by voters, 71 to 29 percent.

Almost two decades later, public sentiment has had time to change.

The results of a current Gallup Poll illustrate a dramatic shift in public opinion since 1950, when only 36 percent were in favor of allowing a doctor to “end a patient’s life by painless means,” provided the patient has a terminal illness and requests aid in dying. In May of this year, Gallup reported that 69 percent of the U.S. is in favor of the practice. Interestingly though, only “about half of Americans say doctor-assisted suicide is morally acceptable,” and only 51 percent admit they “would consider ending their lives if faced with terminal illness.”

But it’s hard to say how a person would lean until they’ve received a terminal diagnosis.

“I call it the Dick Cheney Effect,” said Van Zandt, the woman who helped her aunt access lethal medication through California’s Death With Dignity Act, referring to the former vice president’s waffling on his opposition to gay marriage when wrestling with his daughter’s love of a woman.

“My aunt voted against (the law) because

On the part of the patient seeking lifeending medication, they are required to make an initial oral request, and then wait at least 15 days to do so again. Later, after having various meetings with physicians, the patient signs a written request, declaring awareness that the medication will kill them, in a matter of minutes or up to a few hours. Signing on the dotted line also indicates the patient takes take full moral responsibility for their actions. The attending physician can write the fatal prescription no sooner than 48 hours from receipt of the written request, provided the doctor deems the patient qualified.

To get to that point, the attending physician, or primary care doctor, starts their end of the process by making the initial determination of whether the individual has a terminal illness – a medical judgment that implies the person has an incurable, irreversible, or progressively pathological disease – and has six months or less to live.

Per the bill, the physician is required to explain alternatives to the fatal dose, including “comfort care, hospice care, and pain control;” confirm the patient is capable of making an informed decision and that they are doing so voluntarily; inform the patient of the right to rescind their request at any time;

least one of the two witnesses “must not be a relative,” nor “entitled to any portion of the individual’s estate upon death, and must not own, operate, or be employed where the individual is a patient or resident.” Among other declarations, the witnesses are charged with confirming that the patient “appears to be of sound mind and not under duress, fraud or undue influence.”

Although HB 5802, like other death with dignity acts in the country, takes caution by requiring multiple parties to be involved, such safeguards are only employed during the process leading up to the time of prescription.

One of the final steps on behalf of the doctor is that, “immediately before writing the prescription for the medication,” he or she must “verify that the patient is making an informed decision.” Once the script is written and filled by the pharmacy, though, it is up to the patient as to when they will take it – if at all.

Statistics show that approximately twothirds of patients who receive the drugs do ingest them, while “the other one-third have the relief of having the medication,” said Matt Whitaker, multi-state implementation manager with Compassion and Choices, a death with dignity advocacy group. “Having

UNLIKE THE ASSISTED SUICIDE PRACTICED BY KEVORKIAN, THE BILL DEFINITIVELY STATES IT “DOES NOT AUTHORIZE A PHYSICIAN OR ANY OTHER PERSON TO END A PATIENT’S LIFE BY LETHAL INJECTION, MERCY KILLING, OR ACTIVE EUTHANASIA. it went against her religion… and then she became horrified she did that to families.

There’s nothing like being confronted with it to change your mind.”

Modeled after the nation’s first Death With Dignity Act, passed in Oregon in 1997, Singh and Cochran’s bill outlines a step-by-step procedure designed to give terminally ill adults access to the life-ending medication, while still maintaining safeguards to prevent abuse and providing heath care providers the right to abstain from partaking in the procedure.

Unlike the assisted suicide practiced by Kevorkian, the bill definitively states it “does not authorize a physician or any other person to end a patient’s life by lethal injection, mercy killing, or active euthanasia. Actions taken in accordance with this act do not for any purpose, constitute suicide, assisted suicide, mercy killing or homicide under the law.” Rather, the terminally ill individual must self-administer the medication, without physical assistance from others at the time the medication is ingested. At the same time, the bill makes it unlawful for any life, health or accident insurance or annuity policy to be affected by the use of life-ending medication.

require proof of residency and identification; encourage the patient to inform their next of kin; and urge the patient not to take the drugs alone nor in a public place. Then, a second, consulting physician must meet with the patient and verify the conclusions drawn by the attending physician. If there is not consensus among physicians, the process cannot move forward. Additionally, if any provider is unable or unwilling to heed the patient’s request for life-ending medication, the patient may transfer to a new provider.

The bill aims to protect against abuse by individuals seeking death as a result of a mental health condition, such as depression.

To that end, if either physician concludes that the patient is exhibiting a psychiatric or psychological condition that impairs decision making, including depression, the physician must refer the patient to counseling from a licensed provider. If and when the patient has been cleared as capable of making an informed decision, the multi-week or multimonth process may continue.

When the patient signs the written request for life-ending medication, two witnesses must be present, neither of whom may be the patient’s attending physician. Furthermore, at

the option is power and control for them, and allows them to live without the terror.

“A lot of people make this decision because, when they’re told with clarity what the dying process could look like for their specific disease process, it’s horrific. Brittney Maynard is an example,” said Whitaker, referring to the 29-year-old who, before the law was passed in her home state of California, moved to Oregon to utilize the end of life option, which she died fighting for in 2014.

“She had a brain tumor that was causing symptoms that were more aggressive and severe, they would leave her unable to speak or to recognize people, and eventually, leave her in a state of paralysis until her body shut down, from dehydration or her brain running amuck.”

According to the 2015 annual report required by the Oregon Death With Dignity Act, 218 people utilized their right to assisted dying. That’s up from 1997, the first year it was implemented, when 23 people used it.

The Washington State Department of Health also publishes an annual report explaining use of the Death With Dignity Act. In 2015, 213 people received the medication,

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compared to 87 recipients in 2010, the first full year that the state’s law took effect. The proposed Michigan bill would require an annual report as well.

However crude Kevorkian’s actions were, his passion for a person’s right to end their own suffering caused the health care system to take a second look at end of life care.

“Sometimes people would be afraid to use morphine because it would hasten the death, but you could see, privately it went on all the time,” said Jessica Cooper. “(Health care providers) would say, here is a bottle of pills, only take one because the whole bottle will kill you. And they would leave the pills and walk away.”

As a result of the increased discussion on assisted suicide and death itself, the medical community stepped up by making improvements to pain management, also known as palliative care.

“Hospice wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for Dr. Kevorkian,” said attorney Geoffrey Fieger, who became a household name upon theatrically defending Kevorkian in numerous courtrooms. “Hospice owes it’s existence to Dr. Kevorkian, and maybe a little to myself….You can get as much morphine as you want and pump it into yourself and kill

including the American Medical Association, which refers to the procedure outlined in death with dignity laws as “physicianassisted suicide.”

“It is understandable, though tragic, that some patients in extreme cases – such as those suffering from a terminal, painful, debilitating illness – may come to decide that death is preferable to life,” stated the formal opinion of the association. “However, permitting physicians to engage in assisted suicide would ultimately cause more harm that good. Physician-assisted suicide is fundamentally incompatible with the physician’s role as healer, would be difficult or impossible to control, and would pose serious societal risks.”

Today's debate will eventually become history that future generations mistake for being the way it always was. Similarly, prior to the passage of any state law protecting the right to kill oneself, the nation had other health-related concerns to grapple with.

Nearly 50 years ago, faced with improving medical technology that provided the mechanical means to keep a person alive beyond what science could previously do, the American Hospital Association penned the Patient’s Bill of Rights in 1970, which

act in ways that are aligned with the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services,” said Michael Miller, regional chief mission officer of Saint Joseph Mercy Health System, referring to the directives published by the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, which does not support the prescription of life-ending medication.

“If I do something to kill myself or the physician does something to kill me, the intention is still killing, which is problematic from a Catholic Christian perspective,” said Miller. “So whether you change the name, the important thing is the intention. Killing is the intention, the ending of a life – it’s not an accidental death. It’s an intended death and that’s problematic.”

Also on the opposing side of the death with dignity movement is a constituency of disability advocacy groups, including the Michigan Disability Rights Coalition (MDRC), which are concerned that the laws target people with disabilities and reinforce the stigma that a life which lacks some physical ability is inferior to an able-bodied person.

“The biggest problem with assisted suicide to me,” said MDRC’s Norm DeLisle, project consultant and the organization’s former executive director, “is that it raises the ethical

TO SOME, IT MAY BE CONCEIVED THAT THE OPTION PROVIDED BY DEATH WITH DIGNITY LAWS IS JUST ANOTHER HUE ON THE SPECTRUM OF END OF LIFE CARE, BUT MANY ARE STAUNCHLY OPPOSED, INCLUDING THE AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION. yourself, they just don’t talk about it.”

Fieger was vaguely referring to the medical procedure known as palliative sedation, in which a person slips into a coma as a result of drug overdose, and then eventually stops breathing and dies. The death certificate, as in death with dignity cases, is listed as the terminal illness for which the patient went into hospice. The same is true of cases when patients voluntarily stop eating or drinking, when dehydration triggers death.

Still, “hospice and palliative care is not designed to hasten death,” said Barry Cargill, executive director of the Michigan Home Care and Hospice Association, which does not take a position on medical-aid-in-dying initiatives.

“Occasionally, if pain-relieving drugs (are) used, you’re always going to have other symptoms that come up. There may be a point at which it could be interpreted that the doctor is hastening the death. That is certainly not the intention of hospice. That’s not the intention of the doctor prescribing the medication,” To some, it may be conceived that the option provided by death with dignity laws is just another hue on the spectrum of end of life care, but many are staunchly opposed,

indicated that a patient can refuse treatment at will. It took another twenty years for right to demand or refuse treatment to be codified in federal law, under the Patient SelfDetermination Act. It mandated that providers at federally-funded hospitals must inform patients of their right to demand or refuse treatment, and brings into play the advance directive.

Intended to express an ill patient’s wishes in the face of an emergency, an advance directive is “a written document in which a competent individual gives instructions about his or her health care, that will be implemented at some future time should that person lack the ability to make decisions for himself or herself,” states a booklet prepared by the Michigan Legislature. The living will, one of three types of advance directives, is considered legally binding in 47 states, but not Michigan. Do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders are legally binding in all health care facilities, except in hospitals. The third advance directive is a patient advocate designation, in which a person designates someone to make decisions on their behalf in the event they become unable to.

"As a Catholic health care organization, we

implications of having assistance killing yourself – it doesn’t matter if it’s medical (personnel) or a family member. In every other area of law, you’d question the interest of the other party in a situation where the outcome was a loss of life.”

While any effort towards political change must go through a series of trial and error, some people close to those who’ve gone through death with dignity lethal medication hope to see improvements in the future in the execution of the right to die movement.

“I feel that there are ways they could make it more compassionate for sure,” said Van Zandt, who mixed the lethal drink her aunt sipped before she slipped away. “I do think the law needs to be made available and still have the safety mechanisms in place, where it’s a private interview with the patients. One of the worries (opponents) have is that people will be coerced into ending their life because they don’t want to be a burden, and you can’t legislate away that, because that’s a moral issue. I think it’s a very difficult thing to write laws that control morality, because people will do what they’re going to do, regardless.”

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Prototyped in his dorm room at the University of Dayton, Dekar designed Obi, the table-top robotic arm that dishes up a spoonful of food upon the user’s command, providing people with physical challenges greater independence. Designed to enhance the user’s everyday experience, Dekar said his goal is “not really about the functional problem, this is about the emotional experience that we can improve in someone’s life –lots of peoples' lives.”

Dekar saw the effects of a disability snowball in his grandfather’s life, as he witnessed his health change as a result of having a degenerative neuromuscular disease.

“I saw how that led to his inability to feed himself, and that led to him not liking my grandmother feeding him, especially in front of our family, and that led to malnutrition. With ALS or Parkinson’s, it’s very important to get adequate nutrition and keep weight on,” said Dekar, who was a hospital volunteer.

Designed to interface with dozens of different off-the-shelf accessibility switches, Obi can respond to even the slightest movement, like blinking an eye, wrinkling the forehead, or moving the foot, making it helpful to people with a variety of conditions. “(The user) has the ability to select between four compartments of food, and also command when the food is captured and delivered to the

I

mouth. You just momentarily activate the switch, much like a touchscreen on your phone. Then the device carries out a sequence of actions.”

A curious innovator at heart, Dekar grew up bonding with his father, Tom, through building and creating together. Today the two co-own Desin, the company behind Obi. Founded in 2010 and based in Bloomfield Hills, his home town, the company maintains operations in Ohio, where Obi was first brought to life.

“It’s a fundamental freedom, and it’s an intimate experience, eating,” he said. “I started doing all this market research for how many people need this, and I became appalled that in the 21st century, there’s no machine that addressed this need. You have hearing aids, glasses, exoskeleton robots that help paraplegics walk, but dining, one of the most basic needs,” which has mainly been at the whim of a caregiver.

With the creation of Obi, Dekar is working to change that reality, and provide people the ability to dine on their own accord.

“One of our users told us her favorite activity was not lunch or dinner, but to fill three bowls with popcorn and fill the last bowl with a martini, and casually snack while watching shows in the evening.”

Primarily catering to the homecare setting, Dekar hopes to expand the reach of Obi, and the impact of the Desin’s research. While he didn’t reveal any of his future inventions, that’s not to say there won’t be any.

“What the world can become is so much more than what the world is.”

Story: Katie Deska

Photo: Jean Lannen

MARKET OFFERINGS OCTOBER 2016

A Farm in Brittany by Paul Gauguin

signaturesothebys.com

248.644.7000

5

6.2

7400

BEDS

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Bloomfield Hills $7,000,000 Custom Estate with special design amenities set on 3.61 acres in the City of Bloomfield Hills. Spectacular private backyard with pool and sports court. 216085002

8

8.4

12,120

5

4.2

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Bloomfield Hills $8,500,000

Birmingham $1,349,000

Private Custom Gated Estate with unique detailing on 2.67 acres in the City of Bloomfield Hills.

Theater room and indoor pool/spa room. 216079834

Located on one of Birmingham's desired streets. Spectacular property can be site for new home or renovate existing. 216089083

Ronni Keating

signaturesothebys.com

248.644.7000

5

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3950

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Birmingham $1,499,000 Nantucket inspired cedar shake home in Poppleton Park, built in 2010 and meticulously designed for luxury living. 216079616

7

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5

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4269

BEDS

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Royal Oak $899,000

Royal Oak $899,000

This grand 1923 Colonial brick home exemplifies the exquisite character of its era with stunning details, yet was meticulously renovated in 2008 with modern comforts. 216052545

Iconic 1915 landmark home on a large 104x159' lot, professional architect owned and restored to perfection maintaining exquisite design integrity! 216058436

Dan Gutfreund

signaturesothebys.com

248.644.7000

5

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Metamora $1,249,900 Majestic Metamora Estate on 24+acres with all the amenities you would expect. Fabulous views overlooking stocked 1 acre pond and landscaped property. 216081376

4

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Walters Lake Frontage - Independence Township $1,450,000

Lake Angelus Frontage $774,900

Fabulous 10 year old hilltop Colonial Estate on 2.6 acres with stunning views of all sports Walters Lake. Beautiful in-ground pool. Clarkston schools. 216073498

Fabulous lot with 120' of lake frontage with beautiful views from cottage with tennis court. 216054211

Lee Embrey

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248.644.7000

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Wing Lake Frontage - Bloomfield Hills $1,329,000 Renowned architect, Sanford Rossen, designed this home to soak in the beauty of the lake in all of its splendor, in this stunning Mid-Century modern home. 216081050 co-listor Mathias McGuire

5

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Birmingham $1,074,000

Bloomfield Hills $699,000

This magnificent new construction presented by DM Homes of Metro Detroit boast the highest finishes and quality one could imagine. Professionally landscape yard and short walk to Downtown. 216075428

Magnificent brick Colonial is located in the well coveted Pine Tree Estates Subdivision.

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Birmingham $2,999,000 This extraordinary custom home in sought after Quarton Lake is near completion! Distinctive and exquisite residence boasts unparalleled craftsmanship, attention to detail and luxury. 216054619

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Rochester Hills $1,595,000

Commerce Township $409,000

This artistic gem perched on stunning wooded ravine brings luxury living to Rochester Hills.

Frank Lloyd Wright inspired masterpiece designed by Young & Young & meticulously crafted & constructed by Joseph P. Craig seamlessly incorporates inside & out. 216013902

Fabulous Colonial nestled deep within Cranberry Estates with loads of windows overlooking large wooded lot with breathtaking views. 216075634

Christine Drinkwater

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13 Expansive Acres - Bloomfield Hills $5,000,000 This alluring private sanctuary overlooking 1200 feet of lakefront shoreline on Vhay Lake with ample room for renovations or new construction. 216091032

Alex Chapman

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248.644.7000

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Orchard Lake Frontage -$6,400,000 Exquisite Orchard Lakefront Estate on 1.9 acres of professionally landscaped nestled in exclusive, private setting offering privacy and tranquility. Presented by Elena Drelichman

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Oakland Township $4,700,000 Magnificent Estate in exclusive gated community on 4 acres. Beautiful resort-like in-ground pool and hot tub. 216058227 Presented by Maria Constante

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Birmingham $1,390,000 A Hunter Roberts masterpiece designed by architect Richard Zischke. Elegance and high-end finishes throughout. Updated to perfection in 2015/16. 216054319 Presented by Diane Cancro

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Bloomfield Hills $1,200,000 Located on a secluded oasis. This unique property sits on over 1.3 acres of land overlooking your own private stream. 216091218 Presented by Brandon Curry

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Canton Township $1,370,000 Just Reduced! Incredible 5.34 acres with gorgeous home for your private Estate get-away. 216045049 Presented by Michelle Yurich

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Bloomfield Hills $1,199,000

Birmingham $997,000

Outstanding dream home built and designed with the utmost quality is located at the end of a quiet and private court. 216081087 Presented by Mia Bardy, Kathy Manoogian & Silvia Stan

Beautifully designed newer built home with 2 car attached garage situated on one of the most premier streets in-town Birmingham. 216061805 Presented by Felicia Scappaticci

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Farmington Hills $599,000 Spanish European inspired masterpiece with an amazing one of a kind shell shaped indoor pool complete with waterfall. 216087354 Presented by Marty Brown

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Birmingham $924,900

Washington Township $599,000

Completely re-imagined from top to bottom in 2016 and looking directly upon Pembroke Park. 216035204 Presented by Maggie Moglia

Understated from the street, yet exhibiting absolute attention to detail, this property exudes craftsmanship throughout. 216086656 Presented by Wendi Miller

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Hamburg Township - Ore Lake Frontage $579,900 Livingston County's most enchanting vacation lake property. Newly updated Ranch with stunning lake views 54 feet of lake frontage and 52 feet of canal frontage. 216084522 Presented by Dylan Tent

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Birmingham $575,000

Birmingham $525,000

Fantastic in-town opportunity! This charming home sits on an extra large lot 70 x 150 and on one of Birmingham's most desirable streets. 216078090 Presented by Candice Cuyler

Outstanding floor plan, impeccable condition with quality custom features.

Charming throughout. 216087163 Presented by Sue Lozano

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Dearborn $499,900 Pristine Cape Cod located on a fabulous corner lot in the heart of the Golden Triangle. 216089022 Presented by Evan Treharne

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Birmingham $494,900

Troy $379,900

Beautifully updated! Old World charm and modern updates seamlessly marry the beloved character of the old with the convenience of the new. 216031540 Presented by Lucine Tarman

Beautiful Colonial in the most sought after Crescent Ridge Subdivision. Cul-de-sac with a private backyard and a large lot. 216047502 Presented by Vineeta Rastogi

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St. Clair Shores $339,900 Lovely Ranch located on the best canal in St Clair Shores. Covered boat hoist included. 216086984 Presented by Donna Barlow

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Troy $358,777

Birmingham $299,000

Start your family or down size to perfection! Fantastic home located between Somerset and Downtown Birmingham. 216084388 Presented by Mike Heiwig

Fabulous opportunity to renovate or build on one of Birmingham's finest streets.

Wonderful character throughout home. 216084589 Presented by Lisa Masters

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A Full Service Relocation Department with Distinguished Connections Helping our clients navigate the world of real estate is what sets us apart.

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EXPERIENCE A WORLD OF CONNECTIONS With 825 offices in 61 countries, we are all encompassing. From the enchanting beauty of France to the age-old country that is Thailand.

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Susan Bailey susan.bailey@sothebysrealty.com f nf s@s bsc800.458.7356 m m m24 . 2.44 . 740.

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1064 Westwood - Birmingham $650,000

86 Renaud - Grosse Pointe Shores Village $699,000

“YOUR REALTOR FOR LIFE”

ALEX CHAPMAN 313.475.0275 achapman@signaturesothebys.com

415 S. Old Woodward Avenue - Birmingham, Michigan 48009

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Lara J. Forte Loan Officer NMLS # 1169665 T: 248-912-9031 C: 248-284-5178

John & Bridget Apap Fine Homes Specialists - Top 1% Nationally

Cell 248.225.9858 japap@signaturesothebys.com

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415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

Featured Homes

345 Woodridge Road

270 Martell Drive

1099 N Cranbrook Road

Bloomfield Hills | $2,195,000

Bloomfield Hills | $1,950,000

Bloomfield Village | $1,399,000

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32859 Bingham Lane

Bloomfield Village | $1,399,000

Bloomfield Village | $1,299,000

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Birmingham | $999,000

Birmingham | $989,000

Bloomfield Hills | $724,900

John & Bridget Apap Fine Homes Specialists - Top 1% Nationally Ken Mascia

Cell 248.225.9858 japap@signaturesothebys.com

NMLS #135323 Prime Capital Mortgage Corp.

36400 Woodward Ave, Suite 122 Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304 kmascia@primecapitalmortgage.com

248-644-1200 248-644-1201 (f)

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

1587 Bennaville Avenue

182 N Glengarry Road

1313 Indian Mound Trail

Birmingham | $875,000

Bloomfield Village | $774,900

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1141 Trowbridge Road

1258 Ruffner Avenue

6595 Crest Top Drive

Bloomfield Hills | $739,900

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2425 Bradway Boulevard

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Bloomfield Village | $624,900

Bloomfield Village | $599,000

Birmingham | $549,000

5335 Echo Road Bloomfield Hills | $465,000

1945 Pine Ridge Court 846 Humphrey Avenue Bloomfield Hills | $449,900

Birmingham | $434,900

877 Tartan Trail Bloomfield Hills | $374,900

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415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

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Quarton Lake - $2,950,000 - 5600 sf, 5 bedrooms, 6.2 baths, 3 car garage, finished lower level, oversized lot

Birmingham - $2,395,000 - 5400 sf, 5 bedrooms, 6.1 baths 3 car garage, finished lower level

2609 Covington Place 1025 N. Glenhurst Drive New Construction Quarton Lake - $2,495,000 - 5,400 sf, 5 bedrooms, 6.5 baths, 4 car garage, finished lower level

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Bloomfield Village - $1,699,000 - 4,300 sf, 4 bedrooms, 5.5 baths, 3 car garage, finished lower level

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Birmingham $2,999,000 This extraordinary custom home in sought after Quarton Lake is near completion! Loads of character, integrity and timeless appeal. 5800 Sq Ft, 5 BR, 5.2 BA, 3 Car Attached Garage ct

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Commerce Township $409,000

Birmingham $299,900

Nestled deep in Cranberry Estates 4 BR, 2.2 BA, 3500 Sq Ft, 3 Car Attached Garage

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Tremendous New Construction from Great Lakes Custom Builder 5 BR, 5.2 BA, 4400 Sq Ft, 3 Car Attached Garage

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Marketing a home requires unique skills, knowledge and resources that Signature Sotheby's International Realty offers its clients. I would welcome the opportunity to offer you a confidential marketing analysis.

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Troy $294,900

248-318-4745

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

cdrinkwater@signaturesothebys.com

Luxurious Pine Lake Townhome  $535,000 - Bring Offers Priced to sell fast this impeccable Pine Lake Front Townhouse is exquisitely designed and decorated with two custom bars, upper and lower level fireplaces, 3 main and upper level balconies, high end kitchen with bluish grey granite and breakfast area overlooking the lake, spacious dining room with balcony and retractable awning, oversize great room with luxurious newly built stone patio and 2nd retractable awning all overlooking the lake. Spacious master suite with his and hers bath areas, jetted tub, large shower, all with marble surround and mood lighting plus a 13 x 12 WIC with island and a balcony overlooking the lake! Finished LL with smoky granite floors, plush carpeting and suspended gas FP. Custom wainscoting and woodwork throughout! 3 car heated attached garage and your own  Boat Slip! Luxurious Pine Lake Condominium Living!

248-320-9100

Eva Morrow Associate Broker

415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

eva@signaturesothebys.com www.MichiganHomes.net

Amazing Pine Lake Frontage $1,397,000 If you have been searching for the perfect lot to build your Pine Lake Front home, your search is over because this is by far the best Pine Lake View you can ever imagine having! The Western exposure allows for expansive sunset views over the entire lake. This location is also ideal in the sub on a dead end street so traffic is low. This lot is perfect for a walk out one or two story home complimented by tiered landscaping and decking overlooking the water. We encourage you to walk into the back yard of the existing home to experience this view for yourself. Take a look at the neighbors home directly to the right as you are looking at the water for just one example of the spectacular home you could build on this site. Bloomfield Hills schools.

Custom Build To Suit Along Rouge River In Franklin $1,590,000 Or Lot Can Be Sold Separately at $550,000 Custom build the home of your dreams on this 3 acre walk-out site on a wonderful street in Franklin right across from two multi million dollar properties. This masterfully designed new construction estate by Hemphill Custom Builders offers luxurious living in a country setting yet only one mile away from downtown Franklin. Every detail of this 5000 sq ft residence will be expertly designed and crafted using the highest quality materials of your choice. The home featured here is just one of many you can choose from and of course any feature can be customized to your taste. Drive by and walk this property at your leisure and contact the listing agent for more information including the extensive list of items offered with this new construction. Amazing opportunity and an optimal time to build! Topographical survey available too!

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A JOSEPH PHILIP CRAIG COMMUNITY - TROY

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NEAR COMPLETION

3808 POPPLETON - $1,175,000 – 4199 Sq Ft, 4 BR, 3.1 BA, 3 Car Attached Garage

TO BE BUILT 3824 POPPLETON - $890,000 3500 Sq Ft, 4 BR 3.2 BA, 3 Car Attached Garage

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Sandra Arnaout 810-210-0340 sandra@signaturesothebys.com

Shawn Arnaout 415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

734-673-6401 sarnaout@signaturesothebys.com

he image of people who are poor and suffering from poverty are often of homeless men sleeping on the streets, of a destitute individual living out of their car, or someone holed up at a shelter. There's a school of thought that it's their fault â&#x20AC;&#x201C; if they would only get a job, and perhaps give up their addictions, they would be able to pull themselves out of poverty, get a nice home in the suburbs, and live well.

That fallacy is multifold, from who is poor today, and the reality that poverty has reached its long tentacles well into America's suburbs, including into the suburbs of wealthy Oakland County.

T

OAKLAND POVERTY LIVING ON THE EDGE, SURVIVING IN THE SUBURBS

BY LISA BRODY

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“While the common perception is that poverty is concentrated in cities, the truth is that many more families with incomes below the federal poverty line now live in suburban communities outside of Detroit,” stated a report by Lighthouse of Oakland County, a non-profit provider located in Pontiac and Clarkston that offers emergency housing and food to low-income families in Oakland County, as well as providing programs to motivate and teach self-sufficiency and develop financial independence.

T

he Great Recession of the last decade has left a deep handprint upon Oakland County, as well as many suburban areas around the country, that is proving difficult to erase. Elizabeth Kneebone of The Brookings Institute, in a 2013 report Confronting Suburban Poverty, wrote, “Almost every major metro area saw the number of suburban poor living in high-poverty or distressed neighborhoods grow during the 2000s. Between 2000 and 2011, the number of poor residents in the suburbs of the nation's largest metropolitan areas grew by 64 percent – more than twice the growth rate in cities. For the first time, suburbs became home to more poor residents than America's big cities. Today, one in three poor Americans – about 16.4 million people – lives in the suburbs.”

Kneebone further said, “low-income populations in suburbs surrounding the country's largest metropolitan areas grew 66 percent from 2000 to 2013, while urban cores saw only 30 percent growth. The cause of this can be traced back to the early and mid-2000s when suburban housing was made affordable through housing vouchers and subprime mortgages, which gave millions of low-income Americans access to the suburbs.”

Then, in 2007 and 2008, the housing bubble burst. Prices plummeted, foreclosure rates escalated, and millions of new suburban homeowners were thrust into poverty. Adding to new suburbanites problems was an inadequacy in the public safety net, which had previously been focused on urban centers which had traditionally dealt with impoverished citizens.

In a county such as Oakland, once the fourth wealthiest county in America, according the U.S. Census bureau, in 2012 had fallen to the 24th wealthiest county out of 3,144 counties in the United States – down from seventh in 2010. According to statistical data from Data Driven Detroit, while the majority of poverty is still primarily clustered in typically poorer areas of the county like Pontiac, Oak Park and Hazel Park, there has also been a doubling, or greater, of pockets of poverty in affluent areas of the county, including Bloomfield Township, Farmington Hills, Rochester Hills, Troy, Commerce Township, White Lake and West Bloomfield.

“The fact is that Michigan has not had this full rebound,” said Gilda Jacobs, president and CEO of Michigan League for Public Policy. “There are pockets where you don't expect to find poverty. A lot of people lost homes, have had their incomes slashed, lost their jobs and don't have them again, have taken part-time jobs, or are often working two part-time jobs and it's still not enough to support their families. They're living in, or from, affluent areas. The downturn in the economy was very far-reaching, and we're still feeling the effects of it.”

The U.S. Census released a report on September 13 of this year indicating that incomes of typical Americans rose in 2015 by 5.2 percent, which is the first significant boost to middle class pay not only since the end of the Great Recession, but since 1967, and along with that, the poverty rate fell by 1.2 percentage points nationally – which they termed a statistically significant amount. Yet, the poverty rate continued to remain roughly eight percent nationally. The census bureau suggested the “recovery from the recession is finally

beginning to lift the fortunes of large swaths of American workers and families.” Yet, there were still 43.1 Americans in poverty across the nation, although that number indicated 3.5 million fewer than in 2015.

Locally, out of a current population of just over 1.2 million residents in Oakland County, 121,857 residents were considered below the poverty level in 2014, almost double the number in 1999, when there were 65,478. Of those numbers, 14 percent, or 11,516, were younger than six years of age; 12.4 percent, or 11,228, were between six and 11 years old; 11 percent, or 10,830, were between 12 and 17 years; 9.7 percent of those in poverty, or 74,675 individuals, were between 18 and 64 years old; 7.2 percent, 7,666 people, were between 65 and 74; and 5,942 people, or 7.8 percent were 75 and older.

“Oakland County is still one of the wealthiest counties, and although it has fallen down, it still has poverty below 10 percent,” said Kurt Metzger, director emeritus of Data Driven Detroit. “But that does not make up for that fact that the number of people that have fallen below the poverty level has more than doubled in the last 10 to 12 years. Poverty is certainly (more) concentrated in certain communities.

But, in the last decade, when the recession hit, a lot of homes were lost by people who were under water. People lost jobs, and they couldn't afford their homes. The number of vacant homes then became rentals, which then allowed a number of lower economic folk, people who are right at the poverty level, to move in. If they could get out of Detroit and rent, they did. We saw this mostly in southern Oakland County and Macomb County.”

M

etzger said that while Oakland County has seen a significant spike in the poverty level, “Macomb County has seen larger spikes in poverty levels. A lot of that was Detroiters moving in, along with people losing their jobs.”

The unemployment rate has fallen significantly since its height, with Oakland County releasing numbers in January 2016 that compare December 2011 to December 2015. For Oakland County as a whole, December 2011 had an unemployment number of 7.9 percent, compared to 2015, when it hit a low of 4.2 percent, where it remains.

Pontiac had a high of 17.5 percent in 2011, versus 2015, at 9.8 percent, still quite high. Southfield had unemployment of 11.1 percent in 2011; in 2015, six percent, while neighboring Oak Park had an unemployment level of 12.8 percent in 2011, and seven percent in 2015.

In Bloomfield Township, December 2011 saw an unemployment high of 5.5 percent; today, it is at 2.9 percent. Yet there is a current poverty level of six percent – more than double 2000's 2.5 percent.

Rochester Hills experienced an unemployment level of 6.6 percent in December 2011, while it dropped to 3.5 percent in December 2015. The poverty level in Rochester Hills is 6.1 percent, up from 3.4 percent in 2000; and in Rochester, the poverty level is 5.4 percent, double 2000's 2.7 percent. West Bloomfield had 6.8 employment in 2011; and 3.6 percent in 2015, with a poverty level of 6.4 percent; while nearby Farmington Hills had 5.1 percent unemployment in 2011, and 2.7 percent in 2015. Its poverty level in 2014 was 7.9 percent; in 2000, it was 4.1 percent. The city of Farmington had a poverty level of 6.1 percent in 2014, versus 3.3 percent in 2000.

Rick David, executive officer of Lighthouse, said those numbers can be deceiving because they belie the number of working poor in each community, those who are gainfully employed, but many are employed below their previous employment levels and earn less than they did before.

The working poor in the United States are those who work, but their

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incomes tend to fall below a specific poverty line, and they are not counted as either unemployed or within poverty levels. They could be underemployed, working part-time, or earning less than they need to meet their needs. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, for a family of four, the 2016 federal poverty level in the 48 contiguous states is $24,300; for a family of three, it is $20,160.

At the same time, the Michigan League for Public Policy estimates in Oakland County, a family of three needs an annual income of $46,944 to meet their basic needs – an income level that is 240 percent of the federal poverty level.

The poverty level amounts are used to determine eligibility of people applying for reduced cost healthcare coverage, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Programs (SNAP) – previously known as food stamps, senior care services, community service block grants, Head Start, free and reduced school lunch programs, and other services.

“The working poor fall just above the poverty threshold, but are often just one paycheck away from spiraling out of control, which would put them into poverty if they couldn't pull it together,” said Liz McLachlan, chief development director of Lighthouse. “Many are one medical bill, one car repair, one bump in the road from spiraling down.

The concept is before people become stable or self-sufficient, they have to have their needs met. Families have to make tough choices – they may have to decide not to pay their gas bill in the summer months because they don't need heat. Instead, they need to buy their kids clothes for school, or a backpack. That is why our goal here at Lighthouse is help them have their basic needs met.”

Increasingly, Lighthouse is seeing the working poor, in addition to those living at the poverty level, coming from throughout Oakland County, including from more affluent communities, who are accessing their food pantries “because they've elected to purchase school supplies, because they know Lighthouse will be able to close the gap with their discretionary income.”

McLachlan noted that there are items that are very expensive that cannot be purchased at the store with food stamps, such as personal items and diapers.

B

etween 2009 and 2013, the number of clients Lighthouse served from various communities in both south and western Oakland County grew by 200 or more each year, with new clients coming from Farmington, Farmington Hills, Novi, Clawson, Ferndale, Berkley, Hazel Park, Royal Oak, Southfield, Madison Heights, Franklin, Wixom and Walled Lake among the fastest growing populations of clients in need. As a matter of fact, despite Pontiac's continued center for low income and poverty, the growth of poverty in other areas of Oakland County dramatically outpaced the rate of the growth of poverty in Pontiac between 2005 and 2012.

In Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills, churches are quietly opening their doors to offer food and other services to residents in need.

Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church on N. Adams, Ladies of Charity on Opdyke, and St. Elizabeth Briarbank Home on Woodward, all in Bloomfield Hills, provide services in coordination with Gleaners.

“Food banks are giving away more and more food every year,” said Gilda Jacobs. “There is still a huge need for basics.”

Even with the September 2016 census bureau report of the increase in household income and the decline in poverty levels, a greater signifier of economic wellbeing is the measure of economic need that comes from comparing family income and the real cost of living. An accurate indicator is the number of school children needing free or reduced school lunches in a community.

The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and non-profit private schools and residential child care institutions. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to children each school day. The program was established under the National School Lunch Act, signed by President Harry Truman in 1946.

To apply and qualify for free or reduced lunches, parents multiply the federal income poverty guidelines by family size by 1.3 and 1.85, respectively, based on monthly income.

“School lunches have increased in Michigan. In our state, over half the kinds are on free or reduced lunches,” said Jacobs of the Michigan League for Public Policy. “That is proof we have more work to be done.”

For the 2015-2016 school year, Birmingham Public Schools, which covers areas of Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, Franklin, Southfield, West Bloomfield, and Troy, out of a total enrollment of 8,093 students, there were 490 students, or 5.32 percent, receiving free lunches, and 83, or .9 percent, who received reduced school lunches.

In Bloomfield Hills, out of a total student population of 5,154, they had 377 students receive free lunches, and 68 receive reduced school lunches, according to Shira Good, director of communications and community relations for Bloomfield Hills Schools. The district serves Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, portions of Pontiac and West Bloomfield.

R

ochester Community Schools, which serves students in Rochester, the majority of Rochester Hills and Oakland Township, and portions of Orion Township, Auburn Hills, Shelby Township and Washington Township, had 1,440 students in the 2015-2016 school year qualify for free lunches, and 297 students qualify for reduced lunches, out of a total student population of 14,764 students.

“The United States has the second highest child poverty rate among 35 industrialized countries despite having the largest economy in the world. A child in the United States has a 1 in 5 chance of being poor and the younger she is the poorer she is likely to be,” noted the Children's Defense Fund. “Growing up poor has lifelong negative consequences, decreasing the likelihood of graduating from high school and increasing the likelihood of becoming a poor adult, suffering from poor health, and becoming involved in the criminal justice system.”

The Children's Defense Fund asserted that the best anti-poverty strategy is to make sure that parents and caregivers who are fit to work are able to find jobs that pay them enough to support a family. “A job does not necessarily guarantee a livable income; nearly one in three poor children lives in a family with an adult who works full-time year round. No family with a parent working full-time should live in poverty,” is one of the tenets of the fund, first by increasing the value of the minimum wage. The second is by improving the country's safety net programs and refundable tax credits, which could lift 8.2 million children from poverty.

“Housing subsidies only reach one in four needy families with children,” they state. “While the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) reaches a large percent of poor families, millions of children are hungry because benefits are not enough to ensure adequate nutrition.”

Feeding America, which said it provides food assistance to an estimated 46.5 million people annually, which includes 12 million children and seven million seniors, said that 61 percent of foodinsecure households participated in at least one of the three major

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federal food assistance programs, whether the National School Lunch Program, SNAP, or supplemental nutritional program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) in the previous month. Of their client households, 72 percent live at or bellow the federal poverty level.

For as many individuals who were in poverty, Feeding America pointed out that in 2014, another 48.1 million lived in food insecure households, which included 15.3 million children. “Food insecurity exists in every county in the U.S.,” with the lowest at 4 percent in North Dakota, and the highest at 33 percent in Mississippi. Michigan ranked 46th, with Mississippi and Nevada tied at 49.

Michigan League for Public Policy's Jacobs asserted that part of the problem is “It has not been a huge priority of the legislature to improve the lives of the people. We have harsher, more punitive measures, so it is important for people to talk to the legislature about things like food assistance. It is important to have a safety net so people can get on their feet. We have to have decent salaries so people don't have to rely on public assistance. It's important that we don't put up more barriers, so people can be more productive citizens – and taxpayers,” she emphasized.

“We think all kids count – no matter where they live, their racial or ethnic background, or their family income – but do the elected officials charged with supporting their wellbeing share that priority?” asked Alicia Guevara Warren, project director of Kids Count in Michigan. “If legislators are truly concerned with child wellbeing, they have to address income and racial disparities, and invest in proven two-generation strategies that help kids by helping their parents.”

K

ids Count recommends policymakers support parents and their children by investing in communities to create safe neighborhoods, clean air and water, quality schools, and adequate police and fire services; strengthen policies that support work, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit, earned paid sick leave, and other workforce opportunities; creating access to affordable child care; helping to prevent child abuse and neglect, and improving mental help and substance abuse for parents; and adequately funding public schools, particularly in high-need areas.

The need for improved and better targeted education is a particular issue to Data Driven Detroit's Metzger. “In Pontiac, Auburn Hills, and pockets of other communities, people don't have the education and the skills to weather the job losses,” he said. “In Oakland County, the good news is that job loss has turned around, but you need certain skills, and those without those skills are stuck in low-income, low-skill jobs, working part-time, or working retail, with no benefits, no paid time off. There's a large population that is stuck. You see the numbers going up also in Southfield and Madison Heights, where there is a large refugee population.”

He pointed out that Hazel Park, with a 2014 poverty level at 28.7 percent, double its 2000 number of 12.4 percent; or Oak Park, where 18.6 percent is at the poverty level, also double its 2000 level of 9.4 percent; Ferndale, with 17 percent at the poverty level, versus 8.2 percent in 2000; or the 15.2 percent level in Southfield, which had a 7.4 poverty level in 2000, “had large African American populations moving into them during the last several years. It tends to be a much poorer, less educated population,” Metzger said, noting that many sought the opportunity to flee Detroit with its poor educational system, bringing with them endemic problems.

“Educationally, many of them are graduating, but with much lower test scores. Obviously, that's a sign they're going to have future problems,” he said. “You have a lot of issues, a lot of gaps, a lot of students who are economically disadvantaged by race and other issues. To give them the opportunities, you have to help them to go back to school, to educate them, but also to give them the tools so they can move on to college and not need remedial courses, or to move on to careers where they can succeed, like plumbers or other needed professions. Who doesn't need a plumber?”

Poverty in Oakland County Community

Addison Auburn Hills

Total Population Population in Poverty 2000 1999

Percent in Poverty 1999

356

5.7%

6,282 18,156

1,144

6.3%

Chg in Poverty Population 1999-2014

Total Population Population in Poverty 2014 2014

Percent in Poverty 2014

585

9.1%

229

6,402 20,235

2,576

12.7%

1,432

7.3%

554

Berkley

15,462

552

3.6%

15,112

1,106

Birmingham

19,364

555

2.9%

20,326

654

3.2%

99

Bloomfield

42,783

1,078

2.5%

41,445

2,497

6.0%

1,419

3,787

144

3.8%

3,711

123

3.3%

-21

Brandon

14,689

650

4.4%

15,278

1,910

12.5%

1,260

Clawson

12,576

435

3.5%

11,814

950

8.0%

515

Commerce

34,894

1,172

3.4%

40,936

2,596

6.3%

1,424

Farmington

10,413

342

3.3%

10,392

633

6.1%

291

Farmington Hills

81,352

3,299

4.1%

80,281

6,343

7.9%

3,044

Ferndale city

22,023

1,811

8.2%

20,074

3,417

17.0%

1,606

Groveland

6,074

506

8.3%

5,532

405

7.3%

-101

Hazel Park

18,884

2,333

12.4%

16,474

4,731

28.7%

2,398

Highland

19,081

1,116

5.8%

19,344

1,596

8.3%

480

Holly

9,963

760

7.6%

11,375

1,094

9.6%

334

Huntington Woods

6,151

158

2.6%

6,310

114

1.8%

-44

Bloomfield Hills

Independence

32,384

820

2.5%

35,168

2,551

7.3%

1,731

666

22.2%

525

Keego Harbor

2,769

141

5.1%

3,003

Lake Angelus

326

4

1.2%

264

0

0.0%

-4

Lathrup Village

4,236

115

2.7%

4,051

238

5.9%

123

Lyon

11,005

460

4.2%

15,736

685

4.4%

225

Madison Heights

30,779

2,738

8.9%

29,782

5,945

20.0%

3,207

Milford

15,043

799

5.3%

15,966

939

5.9%

140

3,311

25

0.8%

3,267

98

3.0%

73

Northville Novi (city)

47,164

1,054

2.2%

56,421

3,637

6.4%

2,583

0

0.0%

0

186

0

0.0%

157

Oakland

13,071

338

2.6%

17,681

495

2.8%

157

Oak Park

29,713

2,789

9.4%

29,587

5,503

18.6%

2,714

2,215

12

0.5%

2,325

81

3.5%

69

Orion

33,187

1,073

3.2%

35,810

2,689

7.5%

1,616

Oxford

15,967

683

4.3%

20,791

1,581

7.6%

898

Pleasant Ridge

2,594

53

2.0%

2,538

87

3.4%

34

Novi (township)

Orchard Lake Village

Pontiac

65,179

14,375

22.1%

58,182

21,997

37.8%

7,622

698

5.4%

420

Rochester

10,467

278

2.7%

12,872

Rochester Hills

68,226

2,346

3.4%

71,168

4,338

6.1%

1,992

6,199

284

4.6%

6,310

379

6.0%

95

59,669

2,550

4.3%

58,102

4,421

7.6%

1,871

5,292

1,245

23.5%

2,686

971

36.2%

-274

Southfield (city)

77,102

5,721

7.4%

71,282

10,844

15.2%

5,123

Southfield (township)

14,308

278

1.9%

14,569

445

3.1%

167

South Lyon

10,017

524

5.2%

11,457

625

5.5%

101

Springfield

13,197

776

5.9%

14,139

673

4.8%

-103

Sylvan Lake

1,705

34

2.0%

1,591

53

3.3%

19

80,864

2,220

2.7%

81,941

5,732

7.0%

3,512

Village of Clarkston

1,000

37

3.7%

852

41

4.8%

4

Walled Lake

6,472

322

5.0%

7,058

990

14.0%

668

Waterford

71,272

3,658

5.1%

71,858

8,860

12.3%

5,202

West Bloomfield

64,162

1,743

2.7%

64,819

4,132

6.4%

2,389 1,430 1,356

Rose Royal Oak (city) Royal Oak (township)

Troy

White Lake

27,955

855

3.1%

30,386

2,285

7.5%

Wixom

13,195

717

5.4%

13,624

2,073

15.2%

– Data Driven Detroit

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FACES Judi Schram loomfield Hills snowbird and empty nester Judi Schram embraces the reality of aging and uses it as the springboard for humor in poetry and performance art.

“My friends and I compare notes of what we’re going through, and they’ve been lodging in my brain,” said Schram, now 66. “My credo is ‘We’re all aging, and the best way to do it is together.’”

Described by Schram as “Shel Silverstein for Boomers,” she named her first book of poetry, Lights Out in the Attic, in reference to Shel Silverstein’s famous children’s book. Created spontaneously while on a flight from Florida to Michigan, Schram’s collection of relatable, and sometimes selfdeprecating, poetry laid the groundwork for her play, What Am I Doing Here?

First performed as part of a fundraiser for Hadassah, she took it further and hired a professional producer and amateur actresses to bring the “theatrical reading piece,” as she called it, to life for a wider audience. Staged in the style of The Vagina Monologues, a handful of women seated on stools read Schram’s work from music stands, illuminated by screen-size line drawings, courtesy of Ellen Rontal, Schram’s friend who illustrated Lights Out. “(The drawings) perfectly channel my poems,” said Schram, who writes about aching body parts, a “no rules senior living home,” a sometimes-unreliable memory, and the bumps of everyday life.

“My kids do love to tease me, I find (technology) very challenging,” she jokes. “I have an iPhone and a laptop and I’m constantly asking for help.”

With humor to carry the reader through, Schram doesn’t shy away from serious and poignant topics. “One (poem) called Parting, is about having the experience of divorce or widowhood, and I haven’t experienced that luckily.” Schram takes artistic liberties when writing from the perspective of a grandparent, but Waiting more accurately reflects her life, said Schram, a mother of three who is waiting for grandchildren.

First read aloud to her 95-year-old father, Schram came to realize that women of the Boomer Generation are her target audience.

“I started reading him some of my poems, and he sat there, and he said ‘I like them, but I don’t relate to all of them,’ and when I walked out of the room, two nurses were cracking up, and said ‘I couldn’t help but hear you.’”

Recently staged at Ann Arbor’s Yellow Barn, What Am I Doing Here? has been performed as a pop-up performance throughout Michigan, and at theaters in Florida and Colorado.

“I hope to expand,” said Schram, encouraged by the positive reception of her work. “I have a meeting in Washington, D.C. with a professional production company.”

A retired speech pathologist, Schram and her childhood sweetheart-turned-husband Brad have seized the opportunity to travel as much as possible. Without grandchildren to look after, she said, “We see it as a window to travel the world.

We’ve been to China, Thailand, Galapagos Islands, India – we visited our son there. An insane amount of travel.”

With each trip, Schram is sure to keep a journal. Otherwise, she said, “If I don’t write down what happened, I’ll never remember.”

B

Story: Katie Deska

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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2818 Hylane | Troy Priced at $338,000

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Adam Waechter, Associate Broker 313.801.8018 akwhallandhunter@gmail.com adamwaechter.com

Hall & Hunter Realtors 442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500 | HallandHunter.com

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2385 Heronwood | Bloomfield | Priced at $1,095,000 Executive living in private gated community. Open the door into the elegant foyer with exquisite marble floors and curved staircase. This home is wonderful for entertaining with updated chef’s kitchen opening to the bright great room with vaulted ceilings. Beautiful hardwood floors throughout. All baths have been updated in the last two years. New roof and whole house generator. Magnificent outdoor patio with built-in kitchen by Creative Patio. 3-car garage.

4,914 SF | 4 BR | 3 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 216086047

4800 Mill Creek Court | Oakland Township Priced at $1,700,000

3048 Newport Court | Troy Priced at $379,900

Exquisite executive home reminiscent of Meadowbrook Hall. Grand foyer with inlaid Wonderful colonial on quiet cul-de-sac. Great entrance with 2-story foyer. travertine marble. Library features “secret passageway” to all levels. Living room Kitchen opens to great room with wall of French doors. 1st floor laundry. with panoramic views of Paint Creek. Master suite with private veranda. Amazing LL. Master bath has just been updated! 1st floor library could be 5th bedroom.

8,916 Total SF | 4 BR | 5 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 216044911

2,615 SF | 4 BR | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 216092458

For more information, call:

Kathleen Jardine, REALTOR® 248.755.4710 KJardine@HallandHunter.com

Hall & Hunter Realtors 442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500 | HallandHunter.com

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19834 Riverside | Beverly Hills Village

4482 Pine Tree Trail | Bloomfield

Priced at $799,000

Priced at $549,000 NEW PRICE

Exceptional West Beverly location on the river! New kitchen opens to great room with direct access to yard offerring panoramic views of river and nature preserve. Master suite with commanding views. Birmingham schools.

Spacious 3000+ sq. ft. colonial on spectacular setting. Extensive updates, including roof, AC, tankless water heater, kitchen appliances, countertops & backsplash. Patio with hot tub leads to new composite deck & patio with fire pit.

2,902 SF | 4 BR | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 216072473

3,336 SF | 4 BR | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 216092894

3118 Bloomfield Park | West Bloomfield

1103 Ivyglen Circle | Bloomfield

Priced at $447,500

Priced at $317,500

Excellent value in desirable Bloomfield on the Lake sub. Low maintenance grounds with natural landscaping. Spacious den with its own entrance could be home office on entry level. Bloomfield Hills schools. Move-in ready!

Most desirable location in Adams Woods on The Preserve. Light-filled condo with finished walkout lower level with fieldstone fireplace. Master suite with fireplace, vaulted ceiling and deck. Clubhouse with pool and tennis court.

3,952 SF | 4 BR | 3 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 216083783

2,183 Total SF | 3 BR | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 216061095

For more information, call:

Kevin Conway, REALTORÂŽ 248.330.3324 KConway@HallandHunter.com

Hall & Hunter Realtors 442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500 | HallandHunter.com

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1772 Heron Ridge | Bloomfield Hills

887 Wimbleton | Birmingham

Priced at $1,599,000

Priced at $849,000 NEW PRICE

Pristine executive retreat in private gated enclave on ravine setting Renovated Millennium cherry kitchen opens to family room. Beautifully finished walkout LL with poss. 5th bedroom. Lower paver terraces and expansive decks. 4-car garage.

Elegantly updated landmark Tudor in charming Poppleton Park offers stylish details throughout. Beautiful family room addition and formal living room with marble fireplace. Spacious master suite with renovated bath. Impeccable!

7,385 Total SF | 4 BR | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 216023366

2,984 SF | 4 BR | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 216090928

1970 Northlawn Boulevard Birmingham

5928 Naneva Court

West Bloomfield

850 N. Adams Road, #25 Birmingham JUST LISTED

Sale Pending

Priced at $387,500

Priced at $119,500

Beautifully renovated home with panoramic views of Birmingham CC golf course! Updated chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen & master suite with heated marble floors in bath. Finished LL. Newer deck.

Spacious and open 5 bedroom home on private cul-de-sac setting. Eat-in island kitchen. Great family room opens to paver patio. Lower level with 2 bedrooms. Birmingham schools.

Move-in ready on 1st floor of popular complex with pool! In-unit washer/dryer. Spacious kitchen.

Crown molding, newer carpet & blinds. Unit overlooks courtyard Water included.

3,071 SF | 5 BR | 3.1 Baths | MLS# 216062770

3,071 SF | 5 BR | 3.1 Baths | MLS# 216062770

898 SF | 2 BR | 1.1 Baths | MLS# 216092401

For more information, call:

Ginny Fisher, REALTORÂŽ 248.593.0518 GFisher@HallandHunter.com ginnyfisherhomes.com

Hall & Hunter Realtors 442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

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2929 Bradway Blvd. | Bloomfield Village | Priced at $795,000

236 Chesterfield Avenue | Birmingham | Priced at $789,900

Stately Village colonial on large lot features designer finishes throughout! Classic layout is ideal for formal entertaining and casual gatherings. Large den with custom built-ins opens to living/family rooms. Island kitchen and spacious master.

3,275 SF | 4 BR | 3.1 Baths | MLS# 216089320

Renovated masterpiece in desirable Quarton Lake Estates. Gourmet kitchen opens to formal/casual dining spaces & family room with access to private yard & paver patio. Master suite with spa-like bath. Walk to Quarton School and downtown.

3,114 SF | 5 BR | 3.1 Half Baths | MLS# 216088052

Hall and Hunter Realtors is pleased to welcome

DAN TEAHAN Quarton Lake Resident/ Real Estate Specialist 180 Pilgrim Avenue Birmingham | Priced at $674,900 Gorgeous Quarton Lake Cape Cod features hotel-style master suite and large bonus loft.

3,222 SF | 3 BR | 4 Baths | MLS# 216088064

For over 18 years, Dan has successfully represented Buyers and Sellers in the Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Beverly Hills market areas.

380 Kimberly Street Birmingham | Priced at $524,900 Quarton Lake townhouse-style colonial with charming details. Huge master with fireplace.

2,663 SF | 3 BR | 2.1 Baths | MLS# 216088051

955 Wakefield Street Birmingham | Priced at $524,900

32816 Robinhood Beverly Hills | Priced at $524,000

1149 Hill Line Trail Bloomfield | Priced at $514,900

NEW PRICE! Renovated colonial in great location.

Cookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen & spacious family room. LL rec room.

2,423 SF | 4 BR | 2.1 Baths | MLS# 216088062

Five bedrooms in peaceful Nottingham Forest.

Updated kitchen. Great layout with light-filled rooms.

2,757 SF | 5 BR | 2.1 Baths | MLS# 216088063

Updated colonial with Birmingham schools.

Master with designer bath. Finished lower level.

2,640 SF | 4 BR | 2.2 Baths | MLS# 216088059

For more information, call:

Dan Teahan, REALTORÂŽ 248.514.6046 DTeahan@HallandHunter.com

Hall & Hunter Realtors 442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500 | HallandHunter.com

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1414 Wellesley | Detroit | Priced at $540,000

2312 Pond Vallee | Oakland Twp. | Priced at $1,595,000

Elegant, stately colonial in the premier Palmer Woods neighborhood. Updated kitchen and all-seasons room. Finished lower level. Attached 3-car heated garage.

4,389 SF | 6 BR | 3.2 Baths | MLS# 216070997

2.41 acre estate in luxurious gated community. Georgian Colonial offers elegant master suite and finished daylight lower level. Garages with room for 6-7 cars.

7,442 SF | 5 BR | 4 Full, 2 Half Baths | MLS# 216023510

4860 Wye Oak | Bloomfield | Priced at $474,999

1700 Lincolnshire | Detroit | Priced at $789,000

Picture-perfect home on 1.05 acre lot with incredible views of nature. Versatile floor plan offers spacious rooms throughout. Too many improvements and updates to list!

2,611 SF | 3 BR | 3 Full Baths | MLS# 216090865

First home built in Palmer Woods on close to an acre with formal/informal gardens plus a sunken pond. One-of-a-kind 3-story mansion with extraordinary details!

5,685 SF | 6 BR | 4 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 216078923

32 Vaughan Ridge | Bloomfield Hills | Priced at $509,000

17138 Kirkshire Avenue | Beverly Hills | Priced at $379,900

City of Bloomfield Hills condo with walkout lower level. Transitional style ranch has an open floor plan. Master suite with oversized walk-in closet and spacious bath.

3,458 Total SF | 3 BR | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 216090463

Updated bungalow on great lot! New Italian porcelain kitchen floor. Spacious 2nd floor master suite. Finished basement. Oversized 2-car garage & fenced yard.

1,729 SF | 3 BR | 2 Full Baths | MLS# 216082769

Lynn Baker, REALTORÂŽ 248.379.3000 | LBaker@HallandHunter.com Deby Gannes, REALTORÂŽ 248.379.3003 | DGannes@HallandHunter.com LynnandDeby.com Facebook: Lynn and Deby - Hall & Hunter Realtors

Hall & Hunter Realtors 442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500 | HallandHunter.com

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472 Bennaville Avenue Birmingham | Priced at $319,000 JUST LISTED 472Bennaville.epropertysites.com Opportunity abounds in this fantastic bungalow walkable to downtown and right by YMCA. A great location to move right in, renovate or rebuild.

Spacious remodeled master suite offers additional square footage not reflected in listing ticket. 2-car garage with separate 240 volt meter.

1,260 SF | 3 BR | 2 Full Baths | MLS# 216091972

30077 Fox Run Drive Beverly Hills | Priced at $479,000

366 W. Brown Street, Unit #2 Birmingham | Priced at $869,000

30077FoxRun.epropertysites.com Stylishly updated Georgetown Green hilltop colonial in wooded setting.

Stunning octagonal 4-season solarium. Renovated kitchen and informal dining area (2014) with granite peninsula. Master with remodeled/ expanded limestone bath. 1st floor laundry.

Completely renovated downtown condo offers an open floor plan with sophisticated urban flair. Gourmet granite kitchen with Thermador stainless appliances. New library with wood cabinetry. Espresso wood floors, sound system, new carpet & paint. Master bath with Carrera marble. Finished basement with wine room. New courtyard patio. 2-car garage.

2,750 SF | 4 BR | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 216071672

2,033 SF | 3 BR | 2 Full, 1 Half Baths | MLS# 216067008

For more information, call:

For more information, call:

Amy Zimmer, Associate Broker 248.469.6430

Lynda Schrenk, REALTORÂŽ 248.555.1212 LSchrenk@HallandHunter.com

AZimmer@HallandHunter.com

Tiffany Glime, REALTORÂŽ 248.930.5656 TGlime@HallandHunter.com

Hall & Hunter Realtors | 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009 | 248.644.3500 | HallandHunter.com

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FACES Scott Strickland veryone falls down in life, but how you get back up often determines your level of success in the future.

That has been true for amateur golfer and Birmingham resident Scott Strickland this summer, who made it to the US Golf Association's Mid Amateur Championship in Everson, Pennsylvania.

"I certainly exceeded my expectations going into the week. It was a really special week," Strickland said of the September championship . "I wish you could find a way to bottle up whatever calm or emotion I had going into it. It's easy to get nervous for an event like that, but I was laid back... It was just relaxing and (I was) playing golf the way I know I can play."

Strickland, who was raised in Bloomfield Hills and was an all-state golf, hockey and lacrosse player for Cranbrook Kingswood, had been frustrated earlier this year when he missed qualifying by just two strokes for the US Amateur championship at his home course at Oakland Hills Country Club. In 2015, Strickland missed the cut in his first USGA Mid Amateur competition.

This year, Strickland said he took some pressure off himself and set a goal of making it to the first round of 64 match players. Instead, he made it to the fourperson semifinals, eliminating the 2015 Mid Amateur champ, the 2001 US Amateur runner-up, and two former professional golfers along the way.

"The priority was to make it into match play. Once I achieved that, each match was a treat," he said. "My perspective was good. I missed my wife and kids, so when going home to them is the worst thing that can happen if you lose, it doesn't seem so intimidating."

The USGA's mid amateur is open to amateur golfers at least 25 years old, with a USGA handicap index of 3.4 or lower. The event is intended to be a championship for post-college golfers who aren't pursuing a professional golf career. While Strickland said he had once hoped to enter the professional golf circuit, he said his priority changed after his sophomore year at Miami (Ohio) University.

"I grew up always thinking about and dreaming of playing professional golf," he said. "When going to Miami to play golf, my dad said that if I ever get to the point where I get burnt out and don't want to play, they would support me and be behind me. I thought I wouldn't get to that point, but after playing for a bit, I did get a little burnt out."

Used to having lacrosse and hockey to break up the golf season, Strickland said the constant grind started to wear on him. He decided instead to focus on his education and his major in finance. Today he works as a wealth advisor in Birmingham.

"I don't question or regret my decision," he said.

After college, Strickland worked in New York City and Chicago as a financial planner. The move back to Michigan, he said, helped to facilitate a return to competitive golf. And, as promised, his father is there to support him, even working as his caddy during one tournament.

"He was no doubt the main driver to my success, but my introduction to golf was driven by my grandfathers," Strickland said. "My father was a driving force in my success in golf, and he has been unbelievably supportive."

E

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: USGA

MUNICIPAL Discussions on I-75 noise abatement

No change to ballot despite complaint

By Lisa Brody

By Lisa Brody

Bloomfield Township residents impacted by increased noise from the I75 reconstruction learned at the township board of trustees meeting on Monday, August 22, that the township is working with county, state and federal officials to deal with Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) in order to have them construct noise barriers.

In July, a long planned reconstruction and widening of a threemile stretch of I-75 freeway in Bloomfield Township, Auburn Hills and Troy began.

"The project, between South Boulevard and Coolidge Road, will fix the poor pavement condition and is the first segment of an overall plan to rebuild more than 17 miles of I-75 between South Boulevard and M-102 (8 Mile Road) in Oakland County," according to a news release from the Michigan Department of Transportation. The project, to cost $1 billion, is planned to be done in eight phases over 14 years, and will not be completed until 2030.

At issue is increased noise over the years for adjacent neighborhoods and condominium developments in the I-75 corridor that have increased since MDOT recently cleared acres of mature trees – a project MDOT referred to as “vegetation clearing” – which residents contend provided a noise buffer to traffic. The Adams Woods condominium community submitted a resolution to the board for approval requesting a noise abatement wall to be built by MDOT, noting their “quality of life has been impacted.”

Supervisor Leo Savoie said the board was not going to take up the resolution, nor one later submitted from The Heathers condominiums, “because this is actually a little more than just Adams Woods. There are actually seven separate neighborhoods impacted by the I-75 construction, totally 1,040 homes. There are also nine different condominium associations impacted, with 1,600 residential units, for a total of 2,638 residential units. The total residents impacted is roughly greater than 6,500 residents. Instead, I thought it would be best to look at it in its totality and its impact.”

State house Rep. Mike McCready (R-Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield downtownpublications.com

espite an election complaint to the Michigan Secretary of State's office by a group from Bloomfield Township asking to have the results of the townhip August primary election nullified and to have the state put the Republican primary candidates back on the general election ballot, state officials said the November ballot was certified on Friday, September 9, and they are not empowered to have it changed.

Township resident Bill McMaster, volunteer chairman of Taxpayers United Michigan Foundation, sent a letter to Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson and Director of Election Chris Thomas, dated September 9, stating that he was filing a complaint and requesting action against Bloomfield Township supervisor Leo Savoie, clerk Jan Roncelli and trustee Brian Kepes, after Savoie submitted a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to the clerk for all email addresses used in the distribution of a periodic township newsletter so that Savoie could use the list to send out campaign-related emails.

In his complaint to the secretary of state's office, McMaster wrote, “Savoie said he had gotten approval of the township attorney, Bill Hampton, to use the list. That same attorney subsequently issued the opposite opinion saying that the email list could not be given to the citizen who submitted a FOIA. This flip flop on the legality issue supports the case for abuse of office through both the special access granted to Savoie and his use of the township attorney to evaluate his personal campaign actions.”

While Savoie noted an in-kind expense of $40 for the FOIA, McMaster is claiming Savoie violated campaign finance law, and that the supervisor candidate he backed, David Thomas, only lost because of Savoie's use of the email.

“Mr. Savoie won the election by 452 votes. He received 4,244 while his challenger received 3,792. If only 3 percent of the voters shifted, the outcome would have been different. It is reasonable to assume that a deceptive endorsement sent to 3,500 citizens was the deciding factor in Savoie’s narrow margin of victory,” McMaster wrote in his complaint.

Because no Democrats had filed for any of the township offices, the Republicans selected by voters in the August primary vote automatically are elected to the positions following the November general election.

Fred Woodhams, spokesperson for the Michigan Secretary of State office, said, “We did receive this, and are reviewing this as a campaign finance complaint. That is a very specific process.

“However,” he emphasized, “We’re past the point of changing the ballot. The ballot was certified on Friday, September 9, and can no longer be changed. The secretary of state and director of elections have no authority to add or remove anyone to the ballot. They (ballots) have to be ready for local clerks by Saturday, September 24, when they have to go out for military and overseas voters, as well as available for absentee voters.”

Woodhams said the campaign finance complaint would be investigated “in due course.”

D

Hills, Birmingham) reported that he had been not only studying the issue, but had met with MDOT. “We've received a lot of complaints regarding the noise since the foliage was removed along I-75. It has taken me a while to find out why.”

He reported on three separate noise studies with traffic noise measurements. “In 2014, we registered at 65 decibels (prior to the removal of the foliage). At 66 decibels, we could

go to the federal government (for funds), and I find that unusual,” he said, noting he had discussed the situation with congressman David Trott (R-Birmingham), who is interested in taking it up federally. He said he is also working with the state house and senate transportation committee chairs. “They don't consider the foliage a noise reducer, so they take it out, which is 30 to 40 years worth of foliate, which is Mother Nature's way of

DOWNTOWN

helping reduce noise, and they take it out because they don't want it to affect the computer model they have created.

To my opinion, this lends bias to the decibel level. Forty years of Mother Nature creating a barrier, and when you take it out to meet your numbers for your model, and you have to take them out and you create this burden upon your residents.”

Township engineer Wayne Domine explained that MDOT says it is the residents' problem to deal with noise from the highway because I-75 was initially built in the 1960s, and the neighborhoods were built after, most in the 1970s and 1980s. “It was built for a different kind of use,” he said. “MDOT said that is why it doesn't qualify for any noise barrier. We believe it is justified because it is a new freeway. They are moving the freeway – they are elevating the freeway in some areas.”

The township will bring back resolutions at a future board meeting.

Bloomfield Hills receives road funds The city of Bloomfield Hills received a matching grant of $10,520 from the Oakland County Board of Commissioners for local road projects, and mayor Stuart Sherr said they will put it to good use towards the city's annual cracksealing, patching and minor road repair projects.

On Wednesday, August 31, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a series of resolutions by board members to secure funds for local road projects for municipalities in Oakland County through the county's new Local Road Improvement Pilot Program. The program provides limited assistance to cities and villages in Oakland County for repairs and improvements on local roadways, and the municipalities must match the funding from the county.

The county said a contingent for receiving the funding is that project should supplement, but not replace, existing road repair efforts.

The board of commissioners allocated $1 million in matching funds to launch the program in 2016. The program supplements the tri-party road improvement program, which provides one-third share of of matching funds for repair of roads, along with the municipalities and the Road Commission of Oakland County (RCOC).

Sherr said that the county 103

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5350 BREWSTER ROCHESTER HILLS $6,950,000

Custom built Tuscan stone castle high on a hill overlooking a private 4.5 acre estate with built-in swimming pool and waterfall to large stocked pond.

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A Rare find! Gated Private 12 Acre French Country Manor Estate featuring over 12,000 sq. ft. of finely appointed living area in the heart of Oakland Township. Featuring expansive terraced patios leading to parterre gardens adjoining built-in swimming pool, Helipad provides convenience to land helicopter in your backyard and store it in a stateof-the-art hangar. This is the ultimate in luxury living and privacy!!

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Almost 132 acre private estate with approximately 5,000' of frontage on the all sports Lakeville Lake. RED TAIL LODGE is a privately owned 8,600 sq. ft. custom built log home with 4,000 sq. ft. finished walkout on a peninsula of Lakeville Lake, this could be an incredible family compound or just continue to utilize as a private estate, home sits over 1/2 mile off road through the woods.

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Absolute mint condition 1 1/2 story with fully finished walkout lower level to beautiful Lake Araho in the exclusive Paint Creek Country Club Estates Golf Community, featuring fantastic water views from walls of windows overlooking Lake, all high end finishes throughout, large island kitchen, granite counter tops, great fishing in lake, fantastic sunsets daily, extra deep finished walkout lower level to lake and large owners suite with whirlpool tub, deck and large lower level brick patio overlooking lake.

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approached the city to see if there was interest and if the city saw a need.

Commissioner Shelley Goodman Taub, he said, then made it happen.

Oakland County will provide $10,520 of the total $21,040 for the annual city local road improvement program. “We're going to use it for crack sealing, patching, and minor road repairs that we do every year,” Sherr said. “We spend about $1 million a year on roads, and we spend about $50,000 a year on crack sealing and patching. It's an annual expense. We greatly appreciate any and all assistance, and thank the county.

“I am thrilled to be able to secure county funding to assist the city of Bloomfield Hills with local road repairs,” Taub said. “Improving local roads will have a positive impact for residents and businesses in the beautiful Bloomfield Hills community.”

Kingsley Inn to get major renovation

By Lisa Brody and Katie Deska

Bloomfield Hills' iconic Kingsley Inn hotel will undergo an over $10 million renovation that will include planting a corporate flag, becoming a Doubletree

by Hilton in late 2017, according to a representative of its ownership group.

As Downtown recently reported, part of its renovation plan will feature including a suburban outpost of noted Detroit seafood restaurant Joe Muer Seafood in the former Northern Lakes Seafood location. Joe Muer Seafood, owned by the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group, has a 15-year lease for the 250seat space, and anticipates opening in February 2017 as a smaller replica of the Detroit riverfront location.

There was no word as to the status of another restaurant at the hotel, Nosh & Rye, a casual deli, and if it will be redone, closed, or kept as is.

The Kingsley Inn, at 39495 Woodward, is owned by the Elia Group, a Birmingham real estate group, and Alden Development Group. Zaid Elia of Elia Group and Matthew Shiffman of Alden Development are in the midst of redeveloping the former Fountain Bistro in Campus Martius, and tested the market last October by putting the Kingsley up for sale. The property was listed on auction.com from November 16 to 18, with starting bids at $1.95 million. It has been reported that Elia had interest from buyers around the country, but he and Shiffman had a downtownpublications.com

Carl Sterr closing physical store

By Lisa Brody

arl Sterr on the Hill, a menswear store that has been located at 742 N. Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham since 2002, announced it is closing its store, holding an inventory liquidation sale, while transitioning to a new concept based on custom and bespoke tailoring, which will be located in the former store.

“I'm in my 35th year,” of owning the store, Carl Sterr said, noting “it's an absolute cataclysmic time for brick and mortar ready to wear menswear with the internet. It's the number one way men are purchasing their clothes.”

Currently, he is holding a sale of over $1 million worth of brand new inventory that is at the Birmingham store. “I will run a series of aggressive and high profile sales in order to give back to my clients,” Sterr, 62, said. “It's luxe goods at unbelievable prices. It's a great way for me to transition.”

His transition will be into the made-to-measure, custom-order bespoke menswear business, in the same storefront he has been in for almost 15 years. “I own the building, and I will stay here,” he said. “In 2017, I'm rebranding.”

He said his bespoke business will feature suits and other fine tailored garments, as well as “a certain amount of cool sportswear and outerwear.” He intends to also develop a boutique e-commerce site.

The store currently is showcasing goods, from suits to sportswear, which he designed and had created for his clientele for the 2016-2017 season. “I source from Italy, Great Britain, Ireland, Canada, and the U.S. Most of what I do is my own brand,” he said. I don't buy any designer brands because I feel I can give my clients a better product/value by designing myself.”

As for the closing and transition to his new venture, “I love my clients, and I love my community,” Sterr said. “It's an exciting time.”

C

change of heart and hired Neumann/Smith Architects in Southfield to design the renovation.

The hotel has 150 rooms and multiple banquet rooms in its lower level. It was first built in 1958, and renovated in 1997, and sits on almost eight acres of land in Bloomfield Hills, just north of the Cranbrook Educational Community. A complete, top-to-bottom overhaul of the hotel is expected, from hotel rooms and meeting spaces, to the swimming pool and lobby, with high speed WiFi added throughout. The exterior, as well as the interior, will be brought up to Hilton standards.

Renderings show a contemporary interior and modern exterior.

Elia and Shiffman bought the hotel in 2014. At the time, it was being operated as a Radisson hotel property, but that affiliation ended around the beginning of 2015, Bloomfield Hills City Manager Jay Cravens said, and it is once again known by its original moniker.

Doubletree by Hilton is a full-service Hilton brand. The benefit for a hotel operator to having a well-known hotel

flag, sources said, is the ability to have guests access its worldwide reservations. It is expected that the Kingsley Inn name will go away when the Doubletree name takes over.

Plans have not yet been presented to the Bloomfield Hills Planning Commission.

Joe Muer's coming to Kingsley Inn

By Lisa Brody

Joe Muer's Seafood, the iconic Detroit seafood restaurant that was resurrected in 2012 by the Joe Vicari Restaurant Group, has signed a deal to go into the long-closed Northern Lakes Seafood Restaurant location at the Kingsley Inn in Bloomfield Hills, according to Joe Vicari Restaurant president and CEO Joe Vicari.

The restaurant, which will be similar in look and feel to the Detroit riverfront location, has a target opening date of February 2017.

The original Joe Muer's Seafood was located at 2000 Gratiot Avenue

DOWNTOWN

near Eastern Market in Detroit. It opened as a live oyster bar on October 28, 1929, four days after the stock market crashed. It grew to be one of the Detroit destinations for corporate titans, politicians, socialites and families. Yet, the decline of Detroit took its toll on the establishment, and it closed on May 15, 1998. Still a family-run restaurant, it was run by the original Joe Muer's grandson, Joe Muer III. Muer and Vicari shared a bottle of wine and memories of the former restaurant in 2005, with the two musing on what could be if they joined together to reopen the restaurant. Muer III came back as a consultant when Vicari acquired the naming rights and all of the original recipes in 2011, and a new Joe Muer's Seafood was born in Detroit's Renaissance Center, a 250-seat expanse with windows overlooking the Detroit River, separate designer sushi and raw bars centering the space, and private rooms for meetings and special occasions. Specialties like the crab stuffed flounder were joined by new and creative seafood fare. A piano bar was included, and while it is still uncertain if there will be a piano bar at the Bloomfield Hills location, the rest of the old and new Joe Muer menu favorites will be brought up Woodward Avenue.

“It will look and feel like Joe Muer's. The menu, including the sushi, will be the same,” said Justin Near of Near Perfect Media, spokesperson for Joe Vicari Restaurant Group. Near said that drawings for the space are still being worked on, but it will have a similar look to the downtown restaurant, although the Bloomfield Hills Kingsley Inn location is not as large.

Northern Lakes Seafood restaurant, the previous tenant in that location, closed on November 23, 2013, after 17 years. The restaurant served upscale fish and seafood, and a new version of the restaurant re-opened in 2014 in the former Charley's Crab location at I75 and Crooks in Troy, in the Allure Hotel.

Birmingham boards seeking volunteers Municipal leadership in Birmingham depends on volunteer participation, and right now, numerous boards and committees have openings, creating the opportunity for residents 105

Experience…Extraordinary…Marketing Mike Cotter and Paula Law, Associate Real Estate Brokers representing Michigan families for over 45 years.

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This home displays the highest quality throughout, impeccable décor and is extremely detailed from the "Art Deco" library in Maples to the glorious handpainted foyer with circular staircase. One of the most spectacular, private and artfully designed lots in all of Birmingham.

5 BEDS | 4.2 BATHS | 4900 SQ FT

877 Lone Pine Road Bloomfield Hills | $795,000 Classic colonial situated on 1.61 acre lot with mature trees and backyard privacy. Spacious modern kitchen with a large island, granite countertops, informal eating space with vaulted ceiling and skylights. Sought after first floor master bedroom suite with walk-in-closet, marble bath with vaulted ceiling and skylights, jetted tub, separate glass shower, and his and hers sinks. Three large bedrooms on second floor. Fireplaces and wet bars in living and family rooms. Hardwood floors.

4 BEDS | 3.2 BATHS | 4,483 SQ FT

4635 Gallagher Road Oakland Township | $2,150,000 Privacy surrounds this spectacular shingle-style home on almost 18 acres of natural beauty. This incredible home boasts a 2-story great room with floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace and expansive windows with gorgeous views.

Built with exceptional quality and attention to detail, it has high-end finishes throughout including Limestone and Hickory hardwood flooring and a spacious chef’s kitchen with premium appliances and all the expected amenities. The luxurious first floor master suite walks out to the back terrace and has an adjacent pine paneled library with fireplace. Three additional upper bedrooms are all suites and there is a bonus space with ½ bath. 10’ ceilings in daylight lower level.

4 BEDS | 7 BATHS | 5,904 SQ FT

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City employees get two percent raises Resolutions to implement across the board raises of two percent for full- and part-time administrative and management employees in Birmingham, along with merit increases, were unanimously approved by the Birmingham city commission on Monday, August 22.

Commissioners approved a resolution that had been recommended to them by the human resources department, to implement a twopercent salary adjustment based upon performance for full- time and part time employees, including department heads, who are in the administrative and management classification, retroactive to July 1, 2016.

The same class of city employees received a two-percent raise July 1, 2015 and July 1, 2014, after taking a two-percent salary reduction in 2010, during the height of the recession.

Wages were restored in 2012.

In addition, commissioners unanimously approved another resolution recommended by human resourses, to allow the city to implement a 1.5 percent merit pay increase, based on individual eligibility, downtownpublications.com

through June 30, 2017. According to city employee Yvonne Taylor, the last time Birmingham had individual merit pay increases was in 2007.

Coqueta, a high end fashion boutique located at 142 S. Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham, featuring women's wear from Milan and Paris, will be closing its doors.

The store, which opened in April 2014, was the vision of owner Lama Tayeb, who did not return calls. In 2014, she said she had a dream of offering beautiful and unique European women's clothing, attire that couldn't be found anywhere else locally. "I want to provide items for people so they can say, now I don't have to travel for them," she said at the time.

Coqueta offered everyday sportschic clothing to evening attire, including cocktail and formal wear that is perfect for weddings, prom, and bar and bat mitzvahs, for "the sophisticated lady and her teen daughter," Tayeb said. She traveled every few months to Milan and Paris to discover shoes, purses, evening bags and other accessories to round out the store from special designers that are not commonly found in Michigan.

There were no updates on the store's pending closing on the store's Facebook page, which was last updated on May 23.

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to get involved with the city's government.

Birmingham's city commission, along with the library board, are elected positions. Other board and committee positions are appointed by the city commission to serve in areas of parking, art, history, business and transportation.

Currently, there are two openings on the ad hoc Birmingham brand development committee; two on the advisory parking committee; two openings on the Design Review board; two on the Historic District commission; one opening on the Birmingham Shopping District board; one on the cablecasting board; three openings on the Historic District study committee; an opening on the Museum board; two openings on the multimodal transportation board; and three openings on the Public Arts board.

Some of the city's boards meet once a month, some twice a month, and others meet only as needed.

To apply, or to find out the requirements for each board, contact the Birmingham clerk's office at 248.530.1880, or go to the city's website at bhamgov.org.

Villages of Bloomfield master plan unveiled

By Lisa Brody

A preliminary master plan of the Village of Bloomfield, formerly Bloomfield Park, on Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township, was presented to the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees at their meeting on Monday, September 12.

In explaining the cursory review, planning, building and ordinance director Patti Voelker explained that the property is now under the ownership of Redico, a Southfieldbased real estate company that handles development, investment, construction and property management on a national scale.

“They have been communicating with the Joint Development Committee,” she said, of the oversight committee comprised of mayor Deirdre Waterman representing Pontiac, Bloomfield DOWNTOWN

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End of Season Celebration

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Township Supervisor Leo Savoie, and Judge Dennis Cowan, as a neutral party.

Voelker explained the development is operating under a 425 agreement that was established in 2002, which allowed for the Joint Development Committee. The purpose of Act 425 is to provide a way for two local units of government to share tax revenues when there is new or expanded development in their communities, especially when one has annexed adjacent territory, and the development that takes place outside of the city limits could deprive that municipality of any added revenue benefit. The agreement creates a temporary transfer of jurisdiction for the affected land rather than an outright annexation.

Voelker said that about 78 to 79 acres of Village of Bloomfield are in the joint development agreement, ruled by the 425 agreement, and 5 acres are under the jurisdiction of Bloomfield Township. “Most of it falls within the confines of the 425 joint development agreement and the city of Pontiac town center district ordinance,” Voelker told trustees. “The

master plan is intended to provide an overview of the proposed commercial and multifamily developments, and points out the intention and uses of buildings. It allows for the developer to lay out their general concept – what is the overall idea of the developer, what buildings have been identified for adaptive reuse by the developer, what leasing commitments do they have underway.”

She said that there is 500,000 square feet of proposed commercial, retail, restaurants, theaters, and other uses, and about 432 residential units.

“We're looking at the parking and traffic circulation uses, as well as the signage concepts, the entrances, relative to the buildings. What are the uses, so what is intended?” she asked.

“The 425 agreement calls out for certain terms; if they are not met, amendments must be sought.”

As the 425 agreement previously established, the Village of Bloomfield will have Bloomfield Township addresses, but will be in Pontiac schools.

For example, she said, Redico is looking to have a second hotel allowed for the site, including one that perhaps

would not have a restaurant, and some buildings that may be no higher than 30 feet in height.

“We're going to be taking down all of the buildings except for building D – a parking deck and building for offices, and we'll use it for retail,” said Tim McCaffrey, a representative for Redico.

“We will be keeping the entrances (to the development) the same, so there will be no work on Telegraph.

“In the future, there will be a home retailer, and we see the potential for a theater, hotel, grocer, auto dealer, midbig box retailer and in-line retail,” he continued. “We need to see who has the most interest. The other parking decks are coming down. There will be senior living outside the 425 area.”

He also said they were working with a multifamily developer who is interested in building “400 to 500 oneand two-bedroom units, down from the original 1,100. The norm is to go even smaller and do studios, but they're not going to do that.”

In response to questions, he said they would all be rentals, and it would not be a low-income housing development, and there would be no deviation from the 425 agreement.

“They would be market-rate,” McCaffrey said.

“I received a notice of a brownfield meeting, which would get rid of Pontiac's mills for 32 years. Do you know if there would be any changes to Bloomfield Township's three mills?” treasurer Dan Devine asked McCaffrey.

“Because, if so, I am registering my objection right now.”

McCaffrey said he was not aware of any.

Township attorney Bill Hampton said, “We believe if there would be a brownfield, it would only apply to Pontiac, and our mills would be preserved. And we would fight to preserve those three mills.”

Savoie emphasized after public comment that there have been no proposed changes to the 425 agreement by the developer, which can only happen by unanimous approval by the Joint Development Committee, “and there won't be any changes until it is brought before the full board and we will all consider it.

There has only been discussions and proposals, and nothing else. This is just an overview of what is being proposed.”

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Lower Long Lake - Architect Lou DesRosier - $3,099,000 2014 - 2016 CONSTRUCTION - DesRosiers Designed - Bosco Built. Direct access to all sports Upper Long Lake, 5,358 sq ft plus 1,899 sq ft lower level, 5 beds, 5.2 baths, 1.3 acres, 171 ft of waterfront, 3 car garage. No expense was spared in this beautiful home in a breathtaking, private setting. Landscaping and bonus room being completed now. Geothermal heating. Bloomfield Hills schools.

Lower Long Lake - Architect Don Paul Young - $2,990,000 Incredible home & lakefront with sunrise & sunset views. 6,975 total finished sq ft, 4 en suite bedrooms with private terraces, 4.3 baths, 1.71 acres, 1300 ft of lake frontage, sandy beach/boat launch. One-of-a-kind Don Paul Young designed & updated home on a one-ofa-kind peninsula lot! Entry level master and laundry. Generator, 4 car garage with heat & AC, new roof, and HE furnaces Bloomfield Hills schools.

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Jeffrey Paulsen riting a novel wasn't something that Bloomfield Hills author Jeffrey Paulsen had any long term plans on doing, until the idea for a book struck him during a weekend trip to his wife's family cottage on Lake Huron.

"I hadn't done any writing in the past. I wrote some legal things, being a lawyer for 30 years, but it was the first time writing for a novel," Paulsen said about his entry into the writing field. "My mother-in-law has a place in Lexington, on Lake Huron. I was reading some novel. I had been reading a few, and I thought, 'They are OK, but I could write my own book.'â&#x20AC;?

Drawing on his experience as an international business lawyer, his wife's family's Armenian heritage and his own father's stories from World War II, Paulsen started outlining the idea for a historical fiction novel set on the shores of the Great Lakes.

"My wife is Armenian, and I was thinking about the atrocities faced by the Armenians over 100 yeas ago, and what the Jewish people went through," he said. "I was sitting on the beach and spent the weekend sketching out the book, not knowing how it would end. I wanted it to take place in Michigan, and I wanted to educate people."

"Blueprint for Genocide" was finished and released for sale on Amazon in 2011. The book follows the story of two brothers who discover a mysterious box on the beach, leading them to search for truths about the Jewish holocaust, the escape of former Nazis to America, and the United State's government's motives for failing to label as genocide the systemic massacre of the Armenian people in the early 20th century.

Paulsen spent three years writing his debut book, finding what hours he

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could to write. "My daughter would practice soccer in Rochester for two hours, and sometimes I would sit in the car and write. That's how I got started," he said. "As I got into it, I started developing the characters and story.

"Being a first time author, you have to learn how to write. I had to learn how not to write like a lawyer."

Paulsen, who continues to operate his law firm, is working on a followup book to "Blueprint for Genocide." This one, he said, will again feature some of the same characters, but with a new plot.

"Our last child is out of college now, and so I have been working on it this summer," he said of his second book. "It's a take off of the characters. I've taken part of the first story and led it into another story."

A native of the Birmingham/Bloomfield area and a graduate of Brother Rice High School, Paulsen has spent the majority of his life in Michigan.

The son of a World War II fighter pilot, he said his father's stories and his wife's Armenian culture played a large part in the novel. Whether in her professional endeavors or family relations, he said the genocide more than 100 years ago plays a significant part to Armenians, as do the politics involved with modern day Turkey and the United States in failing to categorize the killings of 1.5 million Armenians as genocide.

"It's important to understand it, otherwise it becomes ancient history," he said, referring to the recent decision to teach the history of both holocausts in public schools.

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Jean Lannen

e s u o H y t i n u m At The Com Opening Night Party Thursday, October 13, 2016 6 – 9 p.m.

• Cocktails, strolling supper and desserts • All media show – all Michigan artists • 3UHYLHZ DQG ¿UVW FKDQFH WR SXUFKDVH WKH DUWZRUN • Complimentary valet parking • Tickets: $75 per person

Reservations: 248.644.5832 • tchserves.org

380 South Bates Street, Birmingham

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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.

Arthur Avenue: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009.

248.480.0768.

Au Cochon: French. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 260 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009.

248.792.7795.

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.

downtownpublications.com

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, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham 48009. 248.258.9400 Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 221 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.1222.

Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American.

Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. No Reservations.

Liquor. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham.

248.712.4050.

Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111.

Hunter House Hamburgers: American.

Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.7121.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.4369.

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

Ironwood Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, 6 or more. Liquor.

290 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009.

248.385.0506.

Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield

Dine In • Carry Out • Catering

Steve’s Deli Hosts Flatout Weekend to Promote Healthier Eating!

1/2 OFF

FREE

Select Sandwiches when ordered on a

PACK OF

Flatout Wrap

Flatout Wrap Fri., Oct 21 thru Sun., Oct 23

Fri., Oct 21 thru Sun., Oct 23 with Min. Purchase of $29.95

No digital coupons accepted.

Valid 10/21-23/16 DT

While supplies last.

Valid 10/21-23/16 DT

Flatout Flatbread is the perfect “canvas” to create inspired, healthier meals.

This month, Steve’s Deli is partnering with Flatout Bread to host a “Flatout Weekend” where select sandwiches will be offered at a discounted rate of 50% off when ordered on a Flatout Wrap with coupon.

In an attempt to provide customers with healthier options and versatile meals, Steve’s Deli is accommodating health-conscious customers with select offers included in “Flatout Weekend” from Friday, October 21 Sunday, October 23.

Steve’s Deli carries a wide variety of healthy options for customers.

However, this weekend, Steve’s is taking it the extra mile.

The weekend will include serving all sandwiches on Flatout, upon request.

These wrapped sandwiches will be available for half the price for dine-in and carryout customers. Carryout customers who spend $29.95 or more will receive a complimentary pack of Flatout while supplies last with this ad. Offers cannot be combined together. Must present printed ad only. For more information on Steve’s Deli and to check out the menu, visit StevesDeli.com.

Flatout Flatbreads are available in Michigan at Steve’s Deli and a variety of retailers including Kroger, Nino Salvaggio, Papa Joe’s, Meijer, Target, Walmart and more. Look for them in the deli aisle. For recipes, tips and healthy inspiration, visit FlatoutBread.com.

$

10 OFF

5 OFF

$

Carry Out Orders or Party Trays

Carry Out Orders or Party Trays

Carry Out or Catering Orders of $59.95 or more Must present printed coupon when ordering. Not valid with other offers or on holidays. No digital coupons accepted. Exp. 11/6/16 DT

Carry Out or Dine-In Orders of $29.95 or more Must present printed coupon when ordering. Not valid with other offers or on holidays. No digital coupons accepted. Exp. 11/6/16 DT

50% OFF DINNER Sit Down or Carry Out Buy One Dinner and 2 Drinks at Full Price, Get 2nd Dinner of equal or lesser value half off.

Must present printed coupon when ordering. Not valid with other offers or on holidays. No digital coupons accepted. Exp. 11/6/16 DT

6646 Telegraph at Maple • Bloomfield Plaza Open Daily 9am-8pm

DOWNTOWN

248.932.0800 www.stevesdeli.com 113

FRONT/BACK Front/Back is a monthly column devoted to news stories, tidbits and gossip items about what's happening in both the front of the house and back of the house in the restaurants in the metro Detroit area.

Unique food and smokes Expected to open the first of the month, Ambassador Cigar is a anticipated to be an upscale cigar bar and lounge which will also offer specialty small plates and a private membership club. Owned by Jeff DeSandre, who has been in the local cigar industry for 15 years, there will be a 300-square foot walk-in humidor on site. “We’re planning to offer gourmet small plates, and Cuban sandwiches will be a big focus,” DeSandre said. “We’ll also offer artisan-style pizzas and general charcuterie, and we’ll have a full bar and lounge.” Ambassador Cigar will be located at 3614 Rochester Road, north of Big Beaver in Troy. Offering monthly and yearly memberships, “there’s nothing like it in metro Detroit,” said co-owner Dr. Claude Reitelman. “It’s for people who smoke cigars and enjoy the camaraderie of cigar smoking.” DeSandre said what will separate Ambassador Cigar from other cigar lounges is “we have four certified tobacconists working for us – they’re like sommeliers. We want to take the cigar business to the next level.”

Flatout weekend at Steve’s Steve’s Deli, located at the Bloomfield Plaza at Maple Road and Telegraph in Bloomfield Township, offers lots of healthy options along with its corned beef and chopped liver. In an effort to provide customers with more healthy and versatile meal options, Steve’s is partnering with Flatout Bread, a Saline, Michigan company that creates, produces and markets premium flatbreads, to have a “Flatout Weekend” Friday, October 21-Sunday, October 23. That weekend, all of Steve’s sandwiches will be available on Flatout upon request, for half-price, whether diners are eating in or carrying out, and carryout orders over $30 will include a complimentary pack of the specialty wrap bread.

Setting up shop The much-anticipated multi-vendor Detroit Shipping Company, led by Royal Oak natives James Therkalsen and Jon Hartzell, revealed four of the five food purveyors who will permanently set up shop in re-imagined shipping containers at the indoor/outdoor venue to be built at 474 Peteroboro. Monty’s Beef Co., spearheaded by Rachel Leemis, will sling Piedmontese burgers, meat-on-a-stick and signature Detroit Fries, topped with a ladle of chili and shredded cheese.

Chef Catrina Vlisides will bring Detroit Dog Co. to serve gourmet comfort food like hot dogs, brats and veggie dogs. For a taste of Mexican street food, Brujo will be on scene with tacos by chef Petro Drakopoulos of Republica in Berkley.

“In addition to a few traditional favorites, “He’ll have some stuff that will push your adventurous side,” said Therkalsen. “There’s halal tacos – Muslim-friendly tacos, and he talked about a cricket-based taco.” Detroit native chef Max Hardy, who Therkalsen said “worked as a professional chef in Miami for years cooking for NBA stars and rappers,” will host Coop, specializing in chicken grilled with Caribbean and Asian-fusion flavors. Additionally, there will be two bars, retail and entertainment. Therkalsen hopes to open in December or January, though he noted that’s probably optimistic.

New restaurant unveiled With renovations completed, the former Maccabees restaurant in Detroit has been renamed and reimagined as 5057 Viale, an Italian grille at 5057 Woodward Avenue. Catering to the Midtown university and museum crowd, Kathy Krstich, business and marketing manager for the new locale, said “our lunch is a triple 10 concept – 10 meals daily, for under $10, in less than 10 minutes.” Executive chef Leonardo Vulagi dishes up a variety of pastas and healthy options. On Sundays, chef Jamawn Woods, a winner on NBC’s former “America’s Next Great Restaurant,” mixes it up with a soul food-style brunch, complete with omelet and waffle stations. Bottomless mimosas and bloody Mary’s are included.

BBQ splendor With the recent opening of Shark’s BBQ, 4845 Rochester Road in Troy, owner and lead pitmaster Louai Sharkas, former executive chef at the Birmingham Country Club, is back in the pit, smoking beef, pork and poultry over a wood fire.

Emphasizing high quality meat, Sharkas uses his signature rub, and offers just two sauces, including “a Texas-style sweet molasses barbeque sauce, and a North Carolina chili vinegar sauce, mainly used for pulled pork.” Purchased from Beeler’s Pure Pork in Iowa, Sharkas said, “it’s like the pork we used to eat in the

Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166.

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.

New Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Breakfast, Monday-Thursday; Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. No reservations.

183 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2181.

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, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.3122.

Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.6999.

Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941.

Also 42967 Woodward Avenue,

Bloomfield Township, 48304.

248.874.1876 Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270.

Rojo Mexican Bistro: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6200.

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

Sanders: American. Lunch, daily. No reservations. 167 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.3215.

Sidecar Slider Bar: Burgers. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

280 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham 48009. 248.220.4167.

Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200.

Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300.

Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301.

248.932.0800.

Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

Reservations, Lunch only. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.9123.

Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.333.3887.

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 Corner Bar: American. Dinner.

Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2958.

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.

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.

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.

Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.542.4444.

Twisted Tavern: American. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 22901 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.545,6750.

Vinsetta Garage: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072.

248.548.7711.

Troy/Rochester Bspot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 176 N. Adams Rd, Rochester Hills, 48309.

248.218.6001.

Capital Grille: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2800 West Big Beaver Rd., Somerset Collection, Troy, 48084. 248.649.5300.

Cafe Sushi: Pan-Asian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1933 W. Maple Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.280.1831.

Chapman House: French-American. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations recommended. Liquor. 311 Walnut Blvd., Rochester. 48307. 248.759.4406.

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.

‘70s. At one time, one point in our history, we raised meat all naturally, in their own pens, and that practice got away with the industrialization of the nation.

Now it’s about fast, fast – feed ‘em and raise ‘em hard. This pork is not that way.” Plates come with a half-pound smoked meat, two sides, bread, pickles, and onions.

Italian closes shop After struggling to gain a following since its opening late last year, Birmingham’s laid back Italian eatery, Arthur Avenue, 260 N. Old Woodward, has thrown in the towel and tacked up a closed-for-good sign. Former plans revealed this summer to revamp the restaurant as a pizza-centered hot spot never got off the ground and at this point, owner Zack Sklar said he has “no idea” what will replace it. This appears to be the first stunted concept for Peas & Carrots restaurant group, owned by Sklar and partners Josh Humphrey and Jim Bellinson. The neighboring Au Cochon, a French-inspired brasserie also unveiled by the company last year, is not affected. “Everything is great there,” said Sklar.

Chef returns home Executive chef Anthony Lombardo returned to Luciano Del Signore’s Bacco Ristorante, 2941 Northwestern Highway in Southfield, after taking a six-year hiatus to helm two high-end restaurants in Washington, D.C., including the Hamilton, a 39,000-square-foot American restaurant and music venue. A native of Detroit, Lombardo cooked at Bacco from 2005 to 2010, and is glad to be back with DelSignore, who he sees eye to eye with in the kitchen. “The menu will change, and be fresh, but Luciano and I have the same style of cooking, and concept of food. We’re very similar in that aspect. We’re like the same chef almost – I’m just the younger, better looking version,” Lombardo chided. The two haven’t revealed any future plans but, Lombardo said, “We’re keeping our eyes and ears to the street.”

Chef changes MotorCity Casino Hotel, 2901 Grand River Avenue in Detroit, named Raymond Bertschy executive chef to manage the site’s culinary portfolio, including, Iridescence, the Lodge Diner, Grand River Deli, Sweet Ride coffee shop, and banquet and buffet services. With over 25 years of experience, Bertschy has a few changes in mind for the buffet, including skillets, fresh artisan pizzas, and pasta sautéed to order. He oversees the culinary staff, including Daniel Rutkowski, who was promoted to chef de cuisine at Iridescence last month, and given the freedom to create innovative recipes for the award-winning menu. The public can also expect a funky item to appear at the Lodge. “Mr. (Bruce) Dall, our president, came up with the idea for a gimmick, like a BLT with a pound of bacon – that’s like 22 slices of bacon – or a giant cupcake, or a chicken in a pot.” Bertschy arrived at MotorCity after years spent cooking in the Bahamas, Atlantic City, and Saipan, the largest of the Northern Mariana Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

Manager honors Vera Day Rizer, general manager of Big Rock Chophouse and The Reserve in Birmingham’s Triangle District, was named Restaurant Manager of the Year by the Michigan Restaurant Association. Rizer, who has been in the industry since she was in high school, started working with owners Norman and Bonnie LePage in the 1980s. Over the years, Rizer witnessed changing trends in the public’s culinary tastes. “Diners are definitely more sophisticated. They enjoy food, ask about food, and they have knowledge about it,” she said. “It’s nice to hear from guests who are as excited about food as we are.” Big Rock, located at 245 S. Eton Street, is situated near The Reserve, a banquet and event space at 325 S. Eton Street.

Pop-up Intel Yemans Street, 2995 Yemans Street in Hamtramck: Erin Sabo of Les Deux Dachshunds, brunch, October 15. Ben Schroeder, formerly of NOMA Restaurant, October 27. To focus on other endeavors, the restaurant discontinued their weekly “Sunday Funch,” the brunch formerly hosted by Yemans co-owner, chef Matt Tinker.

Front/Back is reported each month by Katie Deska. KatieDeska@DowntownPublications.com. We welcome news items or tips, on or off the record, about what's happening in the front or back of the house at metro area restaurants.

ember’s deli DELI-FRESH, DELI-DELICIOUS

BREAKFAST LUNCH

Nearly 45 years in business Recently remodeled ember’s deli

DINNER CATERING PARTY TRAYS TAKE-OUT

OCTOBER PARTY TRAY SPECIAL

Take 10% off trays for over 15 people

M-F: 7am – 8 pm Saturday – Sunday 7 am – 4 pm

3598 W. Maple Road Bloomfield Hills 48301 Maple and Lahser in the Village Knoll shopping center

248.645.1033 • www.embersdeli1.com

Lakes: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 5500 Crooks Rd., Troy, 48098. 248.646.7900.

McCormick & Schmick’s: Steak & Seafood.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2850 Coolidge Hwy, Troy, 48084.

248.637.6400.

The Meeting House: American. Weekend Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main St, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825.

Miguel’s Cantina: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 870 S. Rochester Rd, Rochester Hills, 48307.

248.453.5371.

Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, MondayFriday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083.

248.689.2332.

Morton’s, The Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 888 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084. 248.404.9845.

NM Café: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 2705 W. Big Beaver Rd, Troy, 48084.

248.816.3424.

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

Ocean Prime: Steak & Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2915 Coolidge Hwy., Troy, 48084. 248.458.0500.

Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. 3303 Rochester Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.524.1944.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084.

248.816.8000.

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

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 755 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.269.8424.

Silver Spoon: Italian. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6830 N. Rochester Rd., Rochester, 48306.

248.652.4500.

Steelhouse Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1129 E. Long Lake Rd., Troy, 48085.

248.817.2980.

Tre Monti Ristorante: Italian. Lunch, Thursdays. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1695 E. Big Beaver Road, Troy, 48083. 248.680.1100.

The Lark: American. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 6430 Farmington Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.661.4466.

Mene Sushi: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 6239 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.538.7081.

Meriwether’s: Seafood. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield, 48034. 248.358.1310.

Pickles & Rye: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6724 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.737.3890.

Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6545 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield, 48322. 248.737.7463.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor.

6745 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.865.0500.

Shangri-La: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. Orchard Mall Shopping Center, 6407 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.626.8585.

Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 33210 W. Fourteen Mile Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248. 538.8954.

Stage Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

6873 Orchard Lake Rd., West Bloomfield Township, 48322. 248.855.6622.

Sweet Lorraine’s Café & 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 – 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.

West Bloomfield/Southfield

North Oakland

Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 29410 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.356.6600.

Beans and Cornbread: Southern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29508 Northwestern Highway, Southfield, 48034. 248.208.1680.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 29110 Franklin Road, Southfield, 48034.

Maria’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 2080 Walnut Lake Road, West Bloomfield, 48323.

248.851.2500.

The Bombay Grille: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 29200 Orchard Lake Rd, Farmington Hills, 48334.

248.626.2982.

The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 6676 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, 48322.

248.851.8782.

Clarkston Union: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 54 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346.

248.620.6100.

Holly Hotel: American. Afternoon Tea, Monday – Saturday, Brunch, Sunday, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 110 Battle Alley, Holly, 48442.

248.634.5208.

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

248.795.2077.

Via Bologna: Italian. Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor. 7071 Dixie Highway, Clarkston. 48346. 248.620.8500.

Union Woodshop: BBQ. Dinner, Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday – Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 18 S. Main St., Clarkston, 48346.

248.625.5660

Detroit Angelina Italian Bistro: Italian. Dinner,

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Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

1565 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226.

313.962.1355.

Antietam: French. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

1428 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, 48207.

313.782.4378.

Bucharest Grill: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2684 E. Jefferson, Detroit, 48207.

313.965.3111.

Cliff Bell’s: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.961.2543.

Coach Insignia: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

100 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243.

313.567.2622.

Craft Work: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 8047 Agnes St., Detroit, 48214.

313.469.0976.

Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 670 Lothrop Rd., Detroit, 48202. 313.872.5110.

The Detroit Seafood Market: Seafood.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 1435 Randolph St., Detroit, 48226. 313.962.4180.

El Barzon: Mexican. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 3710 Junction St., Detroit, 48210. 313.894.2070.

Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun.

Breakfast, daily. Sunday Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 400 Monroe Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.965.4600.

Giovanni’s Ristorante: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 330 S. Oakwood Blvd., Detroit, 48217. 313.841.0122.

Green Dot Stables: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.5588.

Jefferson House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd., Detroit, 48226. 313.782.4318.

Joe Muer Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday- Friday, Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 400 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243. 313.567.6837.

Johnny Noodle King: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

2601 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48216.

313.309.7946.

Maccabees at Midtown: American.

Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

5057 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 48202.

313.831.9311.

Mario’s: Italian. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 4222 2nd Ave., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.1616.

Midtown Shangri-la: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 4710 Cass Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.974.7669.

Motor City Brewing Works: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Beer & Wine. 470 W. Canfield St., Detroit, 48201. 313.832.2700.

1917 American Bistro: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, 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 &

downtownpublications.com

Lunch, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 2465 Russell St, Detroit, 48207. 313.567.2900.

Santorini Estiatorio: Greek. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 501 Monroe Ave, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.9366.

Selden Standard: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Liquor. Reservations. 3921 Second Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.438.5055.

Sinbad’s: Seafood. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

100 St Clair St., Detroit, 48214.

313.822.8000.

Slows Bar BQ: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2138 Michigan Ave, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.9828.

Small Plates Detroit: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1521 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226. 313.963.0702.

St. CeCe’s Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. 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, MondaySaturday. 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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What makes this city so great?

L O C AT I O N • H I S T O R Y • C O M M U N I T Y

MAX BROOCK REALTORS 275 S. OLD WOODWARD AVE BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE READY, GET SET, SIGN UP NOW! The 31st annual OUR TOWN Art Show and Sale takes place October 14-16 at The Community House. The juried, all media art show provides a forum for Michigan artists to show and sell their work. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission to OUR TOWN is free.

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

The “Art in Vogue” Our Town Opening Night Preview Party kicks off Thursday, October 13. The evening includes cocktails, strolling hors d’oeuvres, music and first opportunity to preview and purchase artwork. Tickets for the Opening Night Party are $75 per person.

1st Annual Casino Royale – All in for the Cause! – is presented by the Children’s Charities Coalition; Care House of Oakland County; The Community House; Variety, the Children’s Charity on Friday, November 18 at The Community House. Casino gaming with grand prizes, strolling small plates stations, beer, wine and cocktails, raffle prizes and live entertainment provided by local jazz sensation, Ben Sharkey. Complimentary valet parking.

Friend tickets $125 per person; Patron tickets $200 per person and Benefactor tickets $1000 (includes four tickets).

Other Fall TCH Happenings The 22nd Annual 21st Century Leaders Entrepreneurship Program for seventh graders generously sponsored by The Nissan Foundation and the Tuktawa Foundation. The 21st Century Leaders Program educates and graduates annually a diverse class of 40-45 seventh graders representing 15 public and private schools throughout the Woodward Corridor Communities of Detroit, Ferndale, Berkley, Royal Oak, Birmingham and Pontiac. This contemporary program leads students to the discovery of their own leadership potential and skills.

Chris C. DeWolfe

Bill Seklar

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

500 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009

NEW! Italian Conversation and Cooking: Come find out what is myth and fact about Italian history, language and cuisine. Sample various regional Italian foods while learning about the history and language of the land of Dante, Michelangelo, Count Cavour, Maria Montessori, Enzo Ferrari, Luciano Pavarotti, Gianni Versace, Sophia Loren, Massimo Bottura and many other notable Italians.

NEW! Wildtree Workshops: Rediscover Dinner the Wildtree Way. Join us for a fun Wildtree Workshop and go home with 10 dinners too. Wildtree offers you quick, easy, healthy and affordable mealtime solutions that even the fussiest eater will love and bring your family back around the dinner table. Wildtree is USDA certified organic and all products are all natural, no preservatives, additives, chemicals, dyes, MSG, high fructose corn syrup or nuts. Food should be natural, nutritious, delicious, and easy to prepare - all at the same time.

NEW! TCH Wine Club: Join The Community House Wednesday evenings for our NEW monthly wine tasting series. Try over seven different wines per month and light hors d’oeuvres to complement each pairing. Monthly giveaways are included in the three-month membership.

Harvest & Hard Cider – October 26th The weather is changing. Our thoughts have shifted to red wine and cider. Let’s learn more about the alcoholic beverage made from apples.

Bubbly & Bows – November 30th Who doesn’t love bubbles? ‘Tis the season. This night will be full of our best sparkling and California cabs. It will be a perfect opportunity to purchase holiday gifts for your loved ones.

NEW! Argentine Tango: Have you always wanted to learn how to perform the tango?

This intro crash course will give you the confidence. James Valentino will break down the Argentine Tango into easy to understand concepts that will have anyone enjoying this beautiful dance. If you can walk, you can dance. Join us to learn some of the basic elements of tango that will help you start your dance journey.

NEW! Elementary Drawing: Experience the colorful magic of fall in the Young Rembrandts classroom. We will kick off the fall season with a drawing of a cute Bear dressed and ready for school. Drawings of a video game favorite Pixel Block Character and the architecturally famous Notre Dame Cathedral are also in the line-up. YR unique drawing methods improves creative and critical thinking skills needed by today’s students in order to be competitive. All this and more awaits our fall drawing students.

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

Work with a top performer in Michigan – and America.

Talmer Bank and Trust is proud to announce that Senior Mortgage Lender Tim Smith has been named Michigan’s No. 1 Mortgage Originator for total purchase volume in 2015 by national publication Scotsman Guide.

He placed in America’s top 100 originators in other categories, and has been ranked in the nation’s top 60 originators for 2015 by National Mortgage News.

Tim Smith Senior Mortgage Lender NMLS ID 533266 248.770.3717 tsmith@talmerbank.com

Join the many homeowners who have relied on Tim’s committed service to his customers— contact him today to get started.

For reservations, tickets or more information about TCH Fall classes and events, please go to www.tchserves.org or call 248.644.5832.

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House in Birmingham. downtownpublications.com

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800.456.1500 | talmerbank.com

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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.

Lois Zussman Kadima Golf Classic

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Lois Zussman Kadima Golf Classic This annual event was newly renamed in memory of Lois Zussman, who passed away in December, 2015. Her husband of 52 years, Milt, Sally Gerak was obviously tickled to have three generations of the family in the crowd of 200 gathered for cocktails and dinner following golf at Franklin Hills Country Club. He also smiled broadly when it was announced that David and Mark Zussman’s teams finished in first and second place among the 124 golfers. But the raison d’être for the event, to fundraise for Kadima’s Lois and Milton Y. Zussman Activity Center that serves those with mental health needs, was most evident during the dinner program. Highlights included compelling remarks about philanthropy by Gail Danto, representing the event honoree - her family’s foundation – and emcee Alan “Big Al” Muskovitz‘s revelation. “Like one out of five people, I suffer from a mental illness,” he said, noting that he had OCD. “Thank God I’m not incapacitated,” he added, before conducting the live auction. Auctions and a raffle raised more than $25,000, bringing the total event proceeds to more than $100,000.

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4 1. Milt Zussman (left) of Bloomfield, Dave Tull of Birmingham. 2. Art Roffey & Gail Danto of Bloomfield Hills. 3. Rob & Deb Steingold of Bloomfield. 4. Johanna Zussman-Dobbins (left) of Ithaca, NY, Zoe Lefkowitz of Berkley, Jenny Zussman of Bloomfield. 5. Don Epstein (left) and Lena Epstein Medwed & Eric Medwed and Stuart Sherr of Bloomfield.

6. Shane Russell (left) of Bloomfield, David Lustig of Bloomfield, Paige Lustig of Birmingham.

Birmingham Bloomfield Charity Golf Classic Here’s a logical partnership – the Birmingham Bloomfield Chamber and The (non-profit) Community House. This year, the chamber’s annual golf fundraiser benefited TCH and more than 100 golfers ($400) participated at Orchard Lake Country Club. Their early finish permitted happy hour dining and award presentations. The men’s winners were the team of Joe Finn, Tim Mann, Scott Allen and Scott Silverthorn. The camaraderie-rich event raised $33,000. The next charity event on the chamber calendar was the annual Vine & Dine to benefit Gleaners Community Food Banks, Wednesday, Sept. 21 at Cranbrook Institute of Science.

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Birmingham Bloomfield Charity Golf Classic

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Angels Place Golf & Tennis Classic Nearly 250 AP supporters convened at Pine Lake Country Club for the cocktail hour and dinner party that followed the swinging day for 208 golfers and 30 tennis players. A silent auction and socializing preceded the succulent dinner and program. The latter featured Frank Jonna as volunteer auctioneer and a surprise announcement by co-chair Duke Scrafano – that Webster House, one of AP’s 20 lifetime residences for people with developmental disabilities, was being renamed in memory of Annemarie Lopez. The soft spoken AP cofounder passed away earlier this year. “Without Annemarie, there would be no Angels Place, “ he declared. Scrafano also assured the gathered, “We take good care of your dollars…and we take good care of our (residents) for life.” The 24th annual event raised $225,000.

Paul W. Smith Golf Classic The 13th annual PAL fundraiser surely lived up to its mission. More than 225 golfers teed it up at the Detroit Golf Club before rendezvousing on the 19th hole, i.e. the terrace. There, the cocktail hour entertainment was provided by Simone Vitale and the Dazzlers, the young PAL cheerleading team. The program also featured Donte Powell, a former PAL participant who is now a Detroit PAL intern. Event chair WJR’s Paul W. Smith was profuse in his praise of the golfers, volunteers, Paul’s PALS, whose donations were matched by DADA and Farm Bureau Insurance to equal $80,000, and the generous sponsors. Combined with a last minute donation by the Snethkamp crew to round out the total, the event netted $500,000 for the Detroit Police Athletic League’s mentoring, athletic, academic and leadership programs that serve roughly 13,000 children.

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1. Eric Schwab (left) of Bloomfield, Linda Hatfield of Farmington Hills, Rob Farr of Beverly Hills.

2. Steve Skinja (left) of Birmingham and Gerry Brody of Bloomfield, Bob Pliska of Bloomfield.

3. Jack Bruce (left) of Birmingham, Parker, Chase and Bill Seklar of Bloomfield. 4. Bonnie Miles (center) of Waterford, Ed Fisher (left) and John Westerheide of Birmingham. 5. Joe Bauman (left) of Livonia, Kelly Lewis of Birmingham. 6. Bryan Frank (left) of Beverly Hills, Mark Anderson of Rochester Hills. 7. Andrea Foglietta (left) of Birmingham, Ryan Hoover of Bloomfield.

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Founders Junior Council FASH BASH Amazingly, this annual soiree just seems to get better every year. The predicted rain that prompted the move inside did not materialize, but the stifling heat made everybody grateful for the museum’s air conditioning. Fashionable party goers sipped, snacked and schmoozed before the sold out crowd of 540 show ticket holders ($750, $375, $250) retreated to the Great Hall for Ken

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Dewey’s Neiman Marcus runway show. Preceding it, DIA director Salvador Salort-Pons praised Neiman Marcus’ “moving exhibition” and announced that the Egyptian Galleries would be renamed in honor of the Founders Junior Council’s $1million pledge. FJC president Amy Zimmer noted its mission – to give, connect and inspire a lifelong love of the DIA. Co-chair Carol Ziecik saluted the honorary chairs and cochair Calvin Ford thanked the sponsors. The eclectic show of 54 different men’s and women’s designer looks was captivating. Then more than 400 Lincoln After Party ticket holders ($120, $150-non-members) joined the party in the Kresge Court, Loggia Courtyard, Prentis Court, DIA Café and Romanesque. All savored Forte Belanger’s late night bites. Fash Bash 2016 netted over $225,000.

GiveYoung Sip reception Know Advertising hosted a wine tasting on the tented front terrace at Bill’s and a capacity crowd (40) attended. Guests, young professionals who have indicated interest in the Van House Foundation’s GiveYoung organization and its mission to educate the next generation of philanthropists, were greeted by foundation co-founders Rick and Nicole Van House. Most began the cocktail hour event with a glass of bubbly and conversation. A savory buffet offered choices to pair with the California reds, whites and a dry French rosé poured by manager Lea Schoenfield and her crew. The low key al fresco event raised about $5,000 and whetted appetites for the fall event. Go to GiveYoung.org to get on the invitation list.

A Night for Sight/Alliance The 15th annual Alliance for Vision Research benefit wine auction attracted 180 people to the Townsend Hotel. Before dinner they savored a variety of wines and bid $30,000 in the silent auction of 30 lots. Then Alliance board chair Dr. Luisa DiLorenza honored event co-founder Dr. Paul Fecko with the Champion of Vision award and a Shinola watch. The dinner featured wines from the Honorary Vintner, the highly acclaimed Amuse Bouche Napa Valley winery and cuisine by Chef Bruno Cingolani from Ristorante Dulcis Vitis in Alba, Italy. Among other dishes he prepared a risotto with spring vegetables and pistils of saffron flown in from Alba especially for the occasion. Gary Mach garnered $100,000 for 25 live auction items, downtownpublications.com

Angels Place Golf & Tennis Classic

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1. Pete (left) & Cathy Treboldi of Troy, Mary & Dule Scarfano of Birmingham. 2. Kathy Frasco (left) of Birmingham, Val Conway of Bingham Farms, Mary Letscher of Bloomfield, Julie Rownd of Beverly Hills. 3. Keith (left) & Mary Beth MacGuidwin of Bloomfield, Sally & Wade Mezey of Birmingham. 4. Ray Lopez of Birmingham, Cheryl Loveday of Pontiac. 5. Betty & Terry Desmond of Bloomfield.

Founders Junior Council FASH BASH

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1. Calvin (left) & Sarah Ford of Birmingham, Amy Zimmer of Bloomfield.

2. Piper Salort-Pons and Alex May of Detroit, Mike & Carol Ziecik of Bloomfield. 3. Dr. Dan & Janet Haddad of Bloomfield. 4. Tony (left) & Tiffany Saunders of Detroit, Linda & John Lessway of Birmingham.

5. Courtney Gasper (left) and Denise Victor of Bloomfield, Heather Victor of Birmingham. 6. Sarah & Calvin Ford of Birmingham. 7. Annie (left) & Bruce Margulis, Sr. of Bloomfield, Bruce Margulis, Jr. and Jill Horning of Royal Oak.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK including $9,500 for a luxury Napa trip. The following night, 40 high level ANFS donors relished a wine dinner

by Chef Paul Grosz at The Stand featuring wines from the cellars of several past honorary vintners.

GiveYoung Sip reception

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2 1. Jim Hattar (left) of Birmingham, Scott Hankins of Royal Oak. 2. Katke Klow (left) and Emily Fitch of Birmingham, Kristine Howe of Rochester.

3. Maria Roberts (left) and GiveYoung co-founder Nicole Van House of Bloomfield.

4. Loni Wildern (left) and Katie Leibhan of Birmingham.

5. GiveYoung co-founder Rick Van House (left) of Bloomfield, Sarah and Nancy Farnam of Rochester Hills.

ORT’s Rub-a-Dub The academic theme for the 41st annual Rub-A-Dub fundraiser at Franklin Hills Country Club was not only appropriate for ORT’s educational mission, but seeing the high school yearbook photos of committee members was fun as well.

Newly installed World ORT president Dr. Conrad Giles’ remarks to the 100 gathered at the VIP reception also had the tone of a passionate professor of philanthropy. “Everybody who works with ORT stands on the shoulders of (the late) David Hermelin...Here in Detroit we do (philanthropy) better than any other city in the US...Tonight we have impacted something truly important,” he said. Another 350 ORT supporters arrived and bid $61,650 in the silent auction and spent $42,000 on raffle tickets before convening on the tented terrace. ORT students from Israel talked briefly about their lives there before Brian Hermelin persuaded bids of $70,000 on live auction items. This included the $15,000 Linden Nelson paid to help judge the 2017 Robb Report Car of the Year in Napa Valley. Brian also garnered $55,000 in donations for computer labs at an ORT youth village in Israel. Thanks also to ad book sales and generous sponsors, the popular summer soiree raised more than $495,600.

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A Night for Sight/Alliance

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3 1 1. Dr. Luisa DiLorenzo (left) of Birmingham, Dr. Paul Fecko of Bloomfield. 2. Dr. Les (left) & Ellen Siegel and Leigh & Jeffrey Moss of Bloomfield. 3. Dan Glisky (left), Michael Berger of W. Bloomfield, Larry McLaughlin of Bloomfield. 4. Nickole Black (left) of Troy, Lena Simon of W. Bloomfield, Dr. Dianne Schlachter of Birmingham, Dr. Evan Black of Troy.

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ALS Red and White Luncheon Thirty people, many of them caregivers, attended the second annual summer luncheon hosted by the Red & White Auxiliary Club of the ALS Association Michigan Chapter at the Troy Community Center. Chapter CEO Paula Morning introduced new Care Services director Randy Berd, who shared his six-year journey through Lou Gehrig’s disease with his older brother, and spoke determinedly about the need to find a cure. Kristen Munyan related a similar saga.

Peggy Fenwick, a marketing executive (MarkitStrategies and PR), told of her journey with her best friend Terri since Terri’s ALS diagnosis.

Peggy is using social media to raise money for her friend’s care and to promote ALS events like the Detroit Walk. The ALS Association Michigan Chapter provides service, care and comfort to ALS patients and their families.

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Impressive 10,000 sq. ft. residence designed for entertaining & enjoyment of Upper Straits sunset views & sandy beach. Gourmet kitchen features large granite island & breakfast room. Elegant entry level master suite w/his & hers marble bathrooms & dual dressing areas. Lower level features lap pool, exercise room & multiple sitting areas.

Exceptional brick colonial with a grand 2-story entry w/marble foyer, chefs kitchen w/new granite, large island, premium appliances and open eat-in area.

Impressive 2-story living room w/fireplace. Luxurious master suite w/dual walk-in closets, a sitting room and spacious master bath. Finished basement & attached 3 car garage.

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The Fifth’s doorman, privacy/security, and location of this building truly set it apart from the rest. This 17th floor penthouse has a modern, open floor plan which features a chefs kitchen, hardwood floors throughout and floor to ceiling windows. You will love the amazing sunset views from high above!

This unit features floor to ceiling windows and an inset balcony for privacy and views of downtown Royal Oak. This open, sunlit condo has many upgrades including hand scraped hardwood floors throughout, a stacked stone fireplace & gourmet kitchen with stainless appliances, custom cabinets & beautiful granite counters.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK ORT’s Rub-a-Dub

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Angels Place Friends & Family Fun Day The annual activity-packed day attracted 300 ($20 tickets) to the Marian High School campus on Aug. 29. For the first time, a Walk, Run & Roll kicked off the action. Also new was Joey and Tammy Jonna’s Challenge Zone that offered basketball, football and radar pitch baseball. Other members of cochairs Rhonda Adams and Tom MacLean’s leadership crew included Amy and Mark Carroll, Marta Hoerger and Julia Furtaw and Gabe and Rene Zawaideh. Thanks to sponsors like Mary and Jay Joliat, the day raised more than $41,500 funds for Angels’ Place’s lifetime service to people with developmental disabilities.

5 1. Drs. Conrad & Lynda Giles of Bloomfield. 2. Doreen Hermelin (left) of Bingham Farms, Joel Jacob of W. Bloomfield, Andi Wolfe of Bloomfield. 3. Dorothy & Hershel Sandberg of Bloomfield. 4. Robbie & Scott Sherman of Bloomfield.

5. Rabbi Harold & Susan Loss, Matt Ran and Rhonda Ran of Bloomfield. 6. Carole & Dr. Larry Miller of Bloomfield.

7. Allie Sherman (left), Anna Rogers and Christine Colman of Birmingham.

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Cruisin’ to Drive Out Hunger

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1. Mark & Donna Anusbigian of Birmingham. 2. Michele & Michael Buscaino of Birmingham. 3. George (left), Anthony, Annrae and Gabriella Anusbigian of Grosse Pointe.

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Cruisin’ to Drive Out Hunger The 14th annual Dream Cruise preview party hosted by Westborn Market’s Anusbigian family at their Berkley market attracted nearly 700 supporters ($150 ticket) of Forgotten Harvest’s emergency food programs.

Music by Charles and Gwen Scales accompanied the unexcelled view of the cars cruising Woodward, a silent auction and the endless supply of comestibles. It featured Westborn’s own bountiful appetizer display. Valet parking and comfortable seating at lounges in the tent and at tables on the market terrace added considerable appeal to this event.

Thanks also to generous sponsors, the happening event raised nearly $200,000.

DOWNTOWN

Trends for Teens Recognition Cranbrook Kingswood’s Emily Prokop and Marian High School’s Eliana Margherio received another award to go with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award they got last year. On Aug. 30 they were recognized as Youth Volunteers of the Year by Governor Rick Snyder and the Michigan Community Service Foundation at a special ceremony which attracted hundreds to the historic Temple Theatre in Saginaw. They were recognized for starting and growing Trends for Teens.

The teen-led and teen-run organization created and stocks “stores” at which students can shop with “Bonus Bucks” they earn when they achieve goals they have set with the help of counselors. By setting goals and working hard to achieve them, teens build selfesteem and learn skills that will last them a lifetime. Since its inception, Trends for Teens has helped more than 500 teenagers achieve more than 1,000 goals. During the past year alone, Eliana and Emily have redistributed more than $20,000 worth of clothing. In all, 30, statewide awards were presented at the ceremony.

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Art in the Garden A summer highlight for many of the 200 people ($50 ticket) who attended Lori haber Buckfire Foundation Art in the Garden was surely this late afternoon party graciously hosted by Yiannis and Pat Karimalis at their Novi home. It was a benefit for the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center’s Planet Lori Art Camp, an experience designed for children with loved ones touched by cancer. In addition to the hosts’ generous hospitality, guests relished wine and appetizers, strolling the splendid, extensive gardens that include a chicken coop and, most especially, viewing Yiannis’ art. The legendary “hairdresser to the stars,” Yiannis is a self-taught artist with an appealing sense of emotion and color and a reputation as a Renaissance Man. Guests, including many loyal Yiannis salon clients, gathered inside the artfilled, eclectic great room for a friendly program emceed

by Lila Lazarus, also a Yiannis customer. It featured a mini live art auction and upbeat appeals by HG TV star Hilary Farr, a long time friend of Lila’s (by way of Art Van Furniture events), and the late Lori Haber Buckfire’s husband and mother. They spoke of Lori’s love of children and art and the foundation they formed to memorialize those passions following her five-year ovarian cancer battle. At day’s end a sudden, brief rain storm dampened no spirits as the garden party raised more than $11,000 for Planet Lori Art Camp.

Arts du Jour A week before the 19th annual Ford Arts, Beats & Eats festival brought hordes to Royal Oak, 850 people ($75, $125-VIP ticket holders plus sponsors) attended the preview party dubbed Arts du Jour. Here’s betting event pioneer, the late John Bloom of Fanclub Foundation for the Arts, was smiling broadly to see such a large crowd.

They ambled all around the Barbara A. Hallmann Memorial Plaza, sampled fare from 38 food purveyors and viewed the work of four artists as four different musicians alternated on the stages. Their nearly $50,000 also benefited Rose Hill Center, Habitat for Humanity Oakland, Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland and Macomb Counties, and Duschenne muscular dystrophy research via Team Joseph.

Circumnavigator’s Summer Safari Since its founding in 1902 to promote global fellowship and understanding, the Circumnavigator club is open to all who have traveled around the world. For several years, Lee and Floy Barthel have hosted a Summer Safari for members and their guests at their 160-acre spread in Farmington Hills. This year’s Hawaiian Luau theme prompted colorful leis, shirts and Hawaiian music. But it took a back seat to the 100th anniversary of the property, which Floy’s father bought from Ralph Polk for $1,000 per acre in 1945. The horse stalls in the centennial barn now house Barthel’s vintage car collection. A display of historical photos and Barthel’s extensive collection of outdoor art also intrigued guests. Safari proceeds benefit the Circumnavigator foundation which funds travel study for college students.

Camp Casey’s Gold Rush Gala To recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness month, many of the 200 guests ($75 ticket) attending the Camp Casey benefit at the Roostertail followed the invitation suggestion to “wear gold.” The scene was indeed sparkling and Abby Hubbard’s committee had planned lots of diversions. These included an hors d’oeuvres buffet, silent auction ($6,250), a raffle, a wine pull ($626), downtownpublications.com

Art in the Garden

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6 1. Hayden (left) and Dan Buckfire of Bloomfield, Yiannis & Pat Karimalis of Novi. 2. Arlene Haber (left) and Diane Morgan of Bloomfield. 3. Liana Karadionus (left) of Livonia, Christina Hopipis of Bloomfield. 4. Michael Hermanoff of Bingham Farms, Judy Comer of Bloomfield. 5. Norm & Harriet Rotter of Bingham Farms.

6. Gayle Bittega of Berkley, Beth Groesbeck of Birmingham.

7. Rick (left) & Linda Weinerman of W. Bloomfield, Patti FinneganSharf of Bloomfield.

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Arts du Jour

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1. William Glenn (left) & Merideth Williams of Farmington Hills, Rosemary Kelly of Bloomfield. 2. Sheila Hess (left) of Flushing, Jan Eccles of Troy, Ned MacDonald of Grand Blanc, Ben Robinson of Rochester Hills. 3. Mary St. Clair (left) of Troy, Angela Links of Birmingham and Dailey, future Leader Dog. 4. Dan Kelly (left) of Bloomfield, Janeen Moskal of Holly, Peggy Pentecost of Royal Oak. 5. Gayle Flannigan (left) of Rochester, David Wiegmann and Erin Lloyd of Royal Oak. 6. Susie (standing left) & Fred Phillips of Bloomfield, Betty Biallas (seated left) of Cape Coral, FL, Darlene Jacobs of Wyandotte, Jim Hanna of Madison Heights.

DOWNTOWN

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Camp Casey’s Gold Rush Gala

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1. Judie Sherman (left) of Bloomfield, Nick and Molly Melamed Reeser of Ferndale. 2. Andrea Karlik of Rochester. 3. Drew Machak of Bloomfield, Caroline Krieger-Cohen and Jason Cohen of Farmington Hills. 4. Nancy Hodari of Bloomfield, Tom Schoenith of Grosse Pointe. 5. Katie & Michael Patterson of Birmingham. 6. Bonnie Jobe (left) and Larry Walsh of Bloomfield, Diane Schoenith of Grosse Pointe.

Preservation Bloomfield Corn Roast The seventh annual harvest time social chaired by Patti Jessup attracted 120 Preservation Bloomfield supporters ($25-adult, $5-children under 12, free-under 2) to the Bowers Farm grounds around the historic Barton Farmhouse and Craig Log Cabin. They could choose from many activities like tractor and pony rides, face and rock painting, a cakewalk, a silent auction with a Guessing Jar, a vegetable farm stand and tours of the Craig Log Cabin and Barton Farmhouse. As Celtic music

by Tartanius Flynn and The Survivors wafted down from the gazebo, people also visited and relished picnic fare like roasted corn, burgers and hot dogs by Hoops, ice cream and cookies baked by the BHS kitchens. The old fashioned event raised more than $6,000. Cynthia VonOeyen is the president of the Friends of Preservation Bloomfield which welcomes new members interested in community, history, antiques and arts. Their signature event, the Gingerbread Brunch, is planned for Friday, Nov. 18 at the Townsend Hotel.

Preservation Bloomfield Corn Roast

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1. Jan Roncelli (left), Michael Dul and Patti Jessup of Bloomfield. 2. Meredith (left), Nora and Thomas Blezak of Bloomfield. 3. Ava Kalaj (left) of Birmingham, Serena Seneker and Kathryn Torok of Bloomfield. 4. Elizabeth and Joshua Rauth of Bloomfield. 5. Christina Blackwell (left) and John Marshall of Bloomfield, Gene Meadows of Royal Oak.

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1. Andy Stevens of Waterford, Carol Marshall of Bloomfield.

2. Michelle & Glenn Williamson of Rochester Hills. 3. Dan Quick (left) and Patricia Mooradian of Bloomfield, DeAngello Espree of Birmingham. 4. Steve Flagg of Rochester. 5. Andy Roisman (left) of Beverly Hills, Michele Rhodes of Dearborn Heights, Jeff Imerman of Birmingham, Jane Imerman of Bloomfield.

a Sweet Rush dessert sale ($700) and a cash vote ($540) for one’s favorite musician from the evening’s line up.

This included Drew Machak, Trevor Thomas and Jimmy Atto. Emcee 93.9 FM The River’s Greg Gnyp introduced the program that was notable for the video showing scenes from Camp Casey’s horseback riding and camp programs for children with cancer and their families and for remarks by Northwestern Mutual’s Drew Besonson, Camp Casey founder/executive director Molly Reeser and Nathan Foote. It was Nathan’s young daughter Casey’s cancer battle which inspired Molly to found the program in 2004 when she was at MSU. “Camp Casey has now been around one year longer than Casey lived,” noted her father. He added how campers were guarded when they arrived at camp, but when they left they were skipping. You have changed their lives. I believe God is in this,” he concluded. Golden Horseshoe Awards were presented to event presenting sponsor Northwestern Mutual, Julie Lanivich and her horse Blaithin, Andrea Karlik, Mac’s Tire & Auto Repair, Washington Township Pet Supplies Plus, the Robert F. Beard Charitable Foundation and Green Sky Creative, which donated the crowd funding video that helped raise $70,000 for a new truck and trailer. The golden evening raised $25,000 for Camp Casey’s healing equestrienne programs.

Bates Street Block Party The predicted rain prompted some ticket holders ($25/$30; $5-children under 5; free-under 3) to bring umbrellas to the annual street fair on Sept. 10, but the sprinkles impacted the scene only slightly. All the kids activities (music by award-winning Kindermusik teacher Margaret Matthes, face painting, balloon sculpture and trail mix making) had audiences. Singer Steve Flagg was making mellow music on the Van Dusen Terrace and a steady flow of fans visited the 30 vendors offering everything Michigan from A (Achatz Handmade Pie Company) to Z (Zim’s vodka). The latter was mixing up their own version of a Moscow Mule, which they call a Polish Eagle, using a splash of Vernor’s Ginger Ale for the ginger. Proceeds from the al fresco strolling food fest will fund children’s outreach programs at The Community House.

Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390.

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ENDNOTE

Our endorsements for November election T

uesday, November 8, voters are being asked to decide who will represent them in a number of elective offices.

Birmingham school voters are also being asked to approve an operating millage renewal. All voters will be asked to decide the fate of a regional mass transit millage.

We have posted all of the candidate questions and responses on our website, downtowpublications.com.

Representative in Congress 9th District – Two-year term Bloomfield Township This congressional district is represented by Sander Levin (D), after it was significantly redistricted in 2010, with its boundaries spread from Roseville, Eastpointe and Royal Oak to Bloomfield Township, which appears to be the forgotten stepchild. Despite repeated requests, we heard from neither Levin nor challenger Christopher Morse (R), so we cannot endorse in this contest.

11th District – Two-year term Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills We hear good things about how incumbent Republican congressman David Trott is running a responsive office in Washington D.C., which he no doubt models after long-term congressman Bill Broomfield, who represented most of this district decades ago, and for whom Trott worked as a staffer. We supported Trott in the 2014 primary election when he ran against a renegade fringe GOP one-term incumbent, but we did not support him in the general election.

Our thoughts then, and now, are that his views are simply not representative of the majority of district residents.

We said then that his conservative position on many issues bordered on the far right, and we can only assume those views have not changed, since we were not afforded time in his schedule to discuss our concerns, and his questionnaire consisted of GOP talking points, without detail.

We are throwing our support behind Democrat ANIL KUMAR, a physician and immigrant success story who seems well grounded on the issues confronting Congress today. We believe he is well versed on policy issues, and understands the financial and social issues of this multicultural district, with practical responses to immigration reform, gun control, job growth, and a stimulus program focused on infrastructure improvements and tax incentives. We are well aware he is running against someone who can pour millions into this race, but Kumar can keep up.

State Legislature – Michigan House 40th District – Two-year term Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills This district has been well-represented by two-term Rep. MIKE MCCREADY (R), who has been an effective leader, and he has built strong relationships in the legislature.

McCready has been very focused on education, working with local superintendents and not lobbyists, and has worked hard on the Detroit Public Schools crisis. On most issues, we find he is in sync with his communities, whether on regional transit, medical marijuana guidelines and ordinances, mandatory water testing in schools, and other issues. We’ve also been pleased to see him break ranks with the Republican party when necessary to better represent the people of the community. Independence is a good sign of leadership.

OAKLAND COUNTY County Executive/Four-year term In another year, Democrat Vicki Barnett, former Farmington Hills mayor and state representative, would have been the logical, and progressive, choice to lead Oakland County in the 21st century. But it is hard to quibble with the 24 years of unprecedented success and economic growth the county has enjoyed under the leadership of Republican L. BROOKS PATTERSON and the team he has assembled. While we do not always agree with the decisions he makes, and definitely wish he were more filtered in his commentary, it is impossible to dispute the excellent work he has done for Oakland County, and encourage voters to allow him to complete his vision. As he has announced this is his last run, both parties would be wise to be preparing for the 2020

election, and developing qualified candidates. We’d put Barnett up there. Just not yet.

County Prosecutor/Four-year term Current prosecutor JESSICA COOPER (D) likens the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office to one of the largest law firms in Oakland County, with her as the CEO. We agree with her take on the position, which is a supervisory management position, not an active prosecutor. Cooper’s breadth of experience, which includes her eight years as county prosecutor, coupled with decades on the bench, first as district court judge, then circuit court judge, and Michigan Court of Appeals judge, provides her with the ability, as well as the jurisprudence, to oversee the prosecution of 20,000 cases a year. Two issues that were raised by her opponent, a skilled prosecutor, include questions about training of young prosecutors, which may or may not be valid, and that she does not personally prosecute cases. We agree with Cooper that the job is about overall management, and not showboating in the courtroom.

County Sheriff/Four-year term Since MICHAEL BOUCHARD (R) was first appointed Oakland County sheriff in 1999, he has done a very professional job of both managing a department of 1,300 members with 11 community substations, and numerous patrol units and law enforcement teams, as well as staying ahead of the curve in recognizing what is needed for county sheriffs. He operates on the national stage in law enforcement – as a member of the National Sheriff’s Association, vice president of government affairs of Major County Sheriff’s Association of America, a member of the FBI Joint Terrorism Task Force – which leaves all of us better protected and equipped with Homeland Security. However, we do disagree with some of his efforts, including his zeal in targeting medical marijuana dispensaries. His opponent is unqualified in any respect to be running a police department.

Clerk/Register of Deeds/Four-year term This was probably our toughest endorsement, one we spent countless hours debating, because both candidates are qualified to do the job – and have; Democrat Lisa Brown, for 3.5 years, 2012-present, and Republican Bill Bullard for two years, from 2010-2012 when he lost to Brown. Both bring a background of government service in other elected offices.

Both have made electronic improvements to the office as far as managing and retaining records. Both have proven they can run elections. All things considered, however, we are throwing our support in this race to Democrat LISA BROWN, who now holds the position. Local municipal clerks tell us she does a good job on elections, and on the register of deeds portion of the job, we trust Brown will continue to push for further electronic improvements in her next term.

No need for a change in this office.

County Treasurer/Four-year term We are impressed with how well Democratic incumbent ANDY MEISNER is doing with the position, where he is proving to be a strong treasurer. Besides being a financial manager, he has been an innovator in the position, creating the Foreclosure Prevention Initiative to fight all foreclosure in Oakland County, helping thousands to save their homes – and generate $78 million in revenue. His investment philosophy is conservative but transparent, following the county’s dictum of safety, liquidity and return in order of importance. Focusing on safety first, he expanded the county’s investment policy to include county credit unions and community banks, which lent to families and small businesses during the Great Recession while bigger banks didn’t. Nice move, and just one more reason to not make a change in this position.

Water Resources Commissioner/Four-year term We recommend JIM NASH (D), an avowed environmentalist, in order to allow him to continue his department’s work to prevent the spread of invasive species, stormwater pollution, and oil drilling near our local waters and around water well aquifers. He is spending valuable time working with communities across the county and the state to develop best practices.

County Commission/Two-year term District 12 Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township SHELLEY GOODMAN TAUB (R) has a long history as a strong voice for the community, as a county commissioner from 1993-2002, a state representative from 2002-2006, and since 2009, once again an Oakland County commissioner. She is a committed leader who understands the issues confronting residents, and because of her legislative experience, knows how to get things done. She works across the aisle in her efforts to put her constituents first, a much-admired trait. Her influence now extends statewide as chair of the Michigan Association of Counties, the first from Oakland County.

District 13 Bloomfield Township Democrat MARCIA GERSHENSON has been the county commissioner for this district since 2004, and she is a positive and passionate voice for the district and its residents. Gershenson consistently works across the aisle to accomplish her agenda of improving seniors’ lives; job retraining programs for the local workforce; and water testing for safer drinking water in the county, among other issues. She understands what confronts all of Oakland County, and has consistently been proactive as a commissioner.

Birmingham Schools Board of Education Four seasoned Board of Education members have chosen to not run for re-election this year, which out of a board of seven, will mean a major turnover. The two highest vote totals will get a six-year term and then two four-year terms will be awarded in this election. We were looking for the four candidates who would be best prepared additions to the school board, and were most impressed with AUDRA BARTHOLOMEW and ADRIENNE YOUNG, who were both knowledgable and informed on the issues, including school funding. Both are former teachers with masters in education. COREY JACOBY and BRIAN JENNINGS are also strong choices.

Bloomfield Hills Schools Board of Education Bloomfield Hills Schools has three incumbent board members, MARK BANK, JACQUELINE EL-SAYED, and CYNTHIA VON OEYEN, that are extremely knowledgable about the fiscal side of the school district, worked collaboratively with each other, the administration, schools, and the community to successfully merge the two high schools into one new one while rebuilding the new Bloomfield Hills High School. We did not hear any reason to not return these board members for new four-year terms.

Birmingham Schools Millage Residents living in the Birmingham Public Schools district are being asked to support an operating millage renewal to allow the district to continue levying up to 10.9236 mills for general operating purposes (a reduction from the previously approved 11.3111 mills) on all taxable property, to allow the district to receive the full revenue per pupil foundation allowance permitted by the state. Currently, Birmingham Schools is only levying 8.5642 mills of these mills on personal residences. Vote YES. Regional Mass Transit Tax Voters in Oakland, as well as Macomb, Wayne and Washtenaw counties, will be asked to decide the fate of a regional mass transit tax of 1.2 mills for 20 years to develop bus rapid transit and commuter rail to be developed over the life of the millage. If three of the four counties approve the tax, then it will be binding on all counties. This tax will be in addition to the current SMART(Suburban Mobile Authority for Regional Transportation) tax paid in some communities.

While we support the concept of mass transit, we can’t support this proposal as now presented. As we have said before, this is really a plan for a plan – one that has too many details to be worked out Vote NO and let officials bring the plan back once all details have been finalized. That is how good government should work.

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