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TRAIN CARGO NO ONE KNOWS WHAT IS TRAVELING THROUGH OUR NEIGHBORHOODS COUNTRY CLUBS: PRIVATE ENCLAVES IN BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD CAMPAIGN CASH: DONATIONS (PLENTY OF THEM) THAT FUEL ELECTIONS

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Set on over 2 acres, this 13,000 sq. foot Bloomfield estate flows effortlessly. Among the refined settings: an elevator, Judge’s library, & gourmet kitchen. The LL offers a resort recreational lifestyle. across the double lot is a 2,000 sq. ft. guest house & sparkling pool.

Handsome City of Bloomfield Hills estate commands attention from the moment you arrive. Custom built and master crafted with large formal gathering spaces. Splendid rooms adorned with high ceilings. Exquisite quality & attention to detail.

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beautifully located newer construction on private setting. experience quality construction and premium materials in this custom built 12,000 plus sq. ft. home. Panoramic view of multiple lakes. lower Long Lake access.

City of Bloomfield estate home on almost 3 acres with carriage house perched over natural stream. Expansive yet intimate owner’s wing. Bright chef’s kitchen adorned with marble and tile.

Walk to Cranbrook Educational Community.

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Staging high drama against the blue waters of Cass Lake, this unique contemporary estate blends modern and traditional elements. majestic rooms, high ceilings, Onyx & stone, finished w/gold Italian plaster.

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Standing proudly over two manicured acres is this classic symmetrical stone estate. Regal marble entrance hall with sweeping central staircase leads to spacious rooms that fuse classic and modern elements. Lower level entertainment highlights include theater, billiards area & New York style bar.

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Presiding over an acre of sprawling lawns on Orchard Lake, this 8,000+ square foot estate features exquisite entertainment settings. 2 story living room, fabulous lower level entertainment amenities.

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Premiere Birmingham location. steps away from dining, shops & everything downtown has to offer. Charming home w/white picket fence & unique floor plan.

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stately brick Bloomfield Village colonial completely rebuilt in 1998 features floor to ceiling windows, custom moldings & more.

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DOWNTOWN06.14

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27 37 Questions about train cargo No one knows what possible toxic or dangerous content is moving on local railroad tracks until there is a public safety emergency.

CRIME LOCATOR

15

93 SECRET

Craig Pearson

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NO ONE KNOWS WHAT IS TRAVELING THROUGH OUR NEIGHBORHOODS COUNTRY CLUBS: PRIVATE ENCLAVES IN BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD CAMPAIGN CASH: DONATIONS (PLENTY OF THEM) THAT FUEL ELECTIONS

MUNICIPAL

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THE COVER

Andres Duany revisits 2016 Plan; Sunday closings of Bloomfield Library; Baldwin Library defeat; waste hauling ballot issue; plus more

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DOWNTOWN • WESTEND • THE GUIDE 124 WEST MAPLE ROAD BIRMINGHAM MI 48009 P: 248.792.6464 downtownpublications.com facebook.com/downtownpublications • twitter.com/downtownpubs

Publisher: David Hohendorf Ad Manager: Jill Cesarz Ad Sales: Heather Marquis Graphics: G. Lynn Barnett News Editor: Lisa Brody

News Staff/Contributors: Allison Batdorff, Rachel Bechard, Hillary Brody, Kevin Elliott, Sally Gerak, Austen Hohendorf, Garrett Hohendorf, J. Marsh, Kathleen Meisner, Laurie Tennent

DOWNTOWN

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

ENDNOTE

The Bloomfield Hills City Hall on Long Lake Road as reflected in a neighboring building. Downtown photo: G. Lynn Barnett.

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Executive Chef Luis Garza returns to his roots with the Old World/New World menu at Rojo Mexican Bistro in Birmingham.

SOCIAL LIGHTS

TRAIN CARGO

Julie Pincus

For those not residing in the free mail distribution area, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual fee.

Phone 248.792.6464 and request the Distribution department or go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order on-line or scan the QR Code here.

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

Country clubs in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area are enclaves of exclusivity, privacy and good golf courses.

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

Craig Silverstein

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Local country clubs

Money is still the important ingredient in election campaigns as the 2014 political contests are starting up.

BUSINESS MATTERS

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Campaign funding

Polling city residents to determine their priorities; progress on 2016 Plan but more to be done, and quickly.

INCOMING: 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 traditional letters or electronic communication. Your opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com; or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI, 48009.

Letters must include your full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.

06.14

FROM THE PUBLISHER

nfortunately in Michigan we are seeing the creep of national political action groups into the realm of local elections as we enter the 2014 political season.

Until the last couple of years, national far-right and far-left political action money was generally relegated to national elections and some key races at the state level across the country, but a recent ballot election in Birmingham suggests that the thrust of outside money is about to change.

The most noted of the national conservative groups is the Americans For Prosperity (AFP) launched in 2004 by billionaire brothers Charles and David Koch. Their group, by some estimates, poured $100 million into federal races in the 2012 elections and perhaps another $400 million through related groups.

I say “estimates” because this group, like many others in the political netherworld, is structured in such a manner that it is not subject to transparency rules like other state and national political action groups.

Like on the far left of the political spectrum, there are numerous political action committees devoted to conservative issues, among them the Free Congress Foundation and its advocacy offshoot, Free Congress Action (FCA). The Free Congress Foundation was established by beer magnate Joseph Coors in 1977 as a public policy research and educational organization seeking “conservative solutions” to national policy issues. Among its first class of trainees, when he was running for the U.S. House, was Newt Gingrich. The Virginia-based affiliate FCA is basically a group lobbying for limited government and pushing a pro-growth agenda and weighs in as a defender of traditional family values.

This group jumped into Birmingham’s recent election on an expansion of the city library that was on the May ballot, using mass mailings of over-sized postcards opposing the ballot issue just days ahead of the election. The political action group may have also been responsible for robocalls against the library ballot issue the weekend before the election.

No one can say with certainty what impact was felt from a national group entering the local fray given the general momentum the opposition to an expensive library proposal, with a 20-year tax, generated on its own, but without doubt the FCA involvement had to have some influence on the results. I highly doubt advocacy efforts from outside the local community determined the final outcome when everywhere the general population is more attuned to controlling government spending.

It’s unknown what brought this national group into the local election battle. The Free Congress Foundation offshoot group

notified Citizens for Responsible Spending, the library ballot opposition group, a couple of weeks before the election that they were planning on getting involved, although as federal law requires, I am assured there was no coordination with the local group, merely a courtesy call alerting the Birmingham organization.

There has been increasing involvement by such groups in local elections across the country. Good information has it that the AFP approached the local library expansion tax opposition group a couple of months before the election but their offer of help was turned down.

It’s not the first time that Americans For Prosperity has involved itself in purely local election issues. Up until the last couple of years the group and its 35 state chapters in the country have focused on national and state candidates, including such issues as Obamacare, opposing policy relative to climate change and net neutrality.

The AFP was clearly involved this year in the defeat of the May ballot issue in Columbus, Ohio where voters were asked to approve a permanent tax of 1.25 mills for program expansion at the local zoo. The issue lost with a 70 percent vote against the tax. And the AFP near the end of May started lobbying in Lansing against state assistance to resolve the Detroit bankruptcy.

Since 2012, the AFP and its affiliates have been involved in local elections in Kansas, Texas and in Iowa where the group focused on the city council election.

The Iowa election should be a red flag here in Michigan now that we have seen unfettered money poured into a purely local election.

Our system of government provides the opportunity for local citizens to determine their own fate when it comes to candidates and local ballot issues. Yes, money has always played an important role in elections at all levels of government, and it probably will become even more important now that the federal courts have basically opened the flood gates with elimination of restrictions on spending for candidates and issues.

But it’s a frightening thought that outside groups, with unlimited and unreported resources, have started to enter local elections in Oakland County. Somehow that diminishes our right for selfdetermination when it comes to deciding who we think should govern at the local level or what the majority in a local community is willing to support in terms of local taxes.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

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06.14

INCOMING OYSTER PERPETUAL L ADY-DATEJUST

Boycott the MEAP The unmitigated legislative hubris of Michigan’s lawmakers is fully exposed as demands for the return of the much reviled MEAP ring loud in the capital’s chambers.

For those that are unaware, Michigan schools have, for many years, supported the framework offered by the Common Core Standards. In the Birmingham School District, we built our curriculum around the common core foundation because we, like other districts, choose to support stronger standards and higher student achievement. The standards are our baseline and we move higher from there.

The legislature’s zealous pursuit of a return to the MEAP is due to the federal government’s support of the Common Core initiative with funding.

Current federal funding includes monies further supporting the Michigan-based and funded implementation of the Common Core Standards and the new Smarter Balanced Assessment tests.

It is this new “federal support” that has our legislators agitating for a return to an outdated, non-aligned, and ineffective MEAP test.This agitation come from the misrepresentation that accepting federal monies lessens Michigan’s control over it’s schools curriculum and testing. It does not.

The Smarter Balanced Assessment is a superior tool designed to gauge understanding and help support student progress. This computerbased test adapts to the students level of understanding which allows districts and teachers to support, accelerate, or reinforce the learning that happens in the classroom. The results are returned quickly which makes the data relevant and

actionable. The MEAP, in contrast, simply tests to a flatline of knowledge; the results are returned so late in the year that districts and teachers can do nothing in the current year to help students. The MEAP is a backwards looking test; it tells you where you were and does little to help districts and students move forward. Relative to helping students today, the MEAP is a waste of time and money.

Lansing must listen to and support the work of parents, school boards, administrators and teachers who are working for a better educational future; this sudden shift backwards will hurt us all. I am calling for school boards, administrators, and parents to support a boycott of the MEAP should Lansing implement its return. It’s time to push back.

Robert Lawrence, Birmingham School Board Trustee

Impressed with article I am have spent some time researching the convoluted state of affairs for Michigan medicinal marijuana. I was really impressed with your article (Downtown/May 2014) and enjoyed reading about the different attitudes of various municipalities and police forces in southeast Michigan.

It will be interesting to see further developments with the passing of HB 4271. A conflicting fact though that was not addressed via your article: even with dispensaries being legal from this new potential law, would the dispensary still be limited to only 5 patients under existing law? Because by nature a legal dispensary would have more than 5 patients, one would assume so.

Great writing. Keep up the good work.

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SECRET TRAIN CARGO WHAT’S TRAVELING THROUGH OUR NEIGHBORHOODS?

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hirteen miles per hour may not seem fast enough to cause a fatal accident, but when dealing with a 4,791-ton freight train more than a mile long, 13 miles per hour can have catastrophic results. Thus was the case on Nov. 15, 2011, when two trains collided near Clarkston, killing two crew members of one train, injuring two others, and forcing the evacuation of dozens of businesses, two schools and hundreds of residents.

It was just before 6 a.m on that day in 2011 when the conductor of a southbound train pulled off the main track near Clarkston to allow another train to pass. However, operations went terribly wrong when the conductor of the diverted train fell asleep and reentered the track, colliding with an oncoming train on the main track, killing the two crew members on the northbound train and seriously injuring two crew members on the southbound train.

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The crash also led to a fire and derailment of some of the train cars.

Firefighters were able to rescue two crew members trapped inside a locomotive, but were unable to determine the contents of some of the breached tank cars. The fire and release of unknown materials caused emergency responders to evacuate all of the people within a half-mile radius of the crash site, as well as those up to a mile downwind of the train.

O

akland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard recalls the crash and trying to get a better view of the burning rail cars in order to determine what, if any, hazardous materials might have leaked or caught fire during the accident.

"We wanted to get a better eye on it, but didn't want to get our aviation unit over it because we didn't know what it was, and we didn't want them flying into any kind of toxic air plume," Bouchard said. "That helped me determine that we should have some unmanned capability for emergencies."

When the smoke cleared, more than 1,570 people, 38 businesses and two schools had been evacuated for nearly four hours. Costs for the damage from the crash was estimated at $1.4 million.

Bouchard said the county's response team has since expanded some of its capabilities, one of which was adding an unmanned drone. The unit is essentially a small quad-copter equipped with a camera. The small remote unit gives authorities a way to inspect incidents without putting officers in danger.

For many emergency responders, the first step in reacting to a train crash is trying to determine what, if any, hazardous cargo is on the train and has been released as a result of the crash. Each year, millions of gallons of toxic chemicals, radioactive material, commercial explosives, flammable liquids, corrosives and other hazardous materials are transported across the country by train. Yet, first responders have little to no information about the types or quantities of materials being transported along local railways, or the frequency of the shipments.

"They probably aren't real key on releasing that information," Bouchard said of the rail carriers. "It could be sensitive. We don't maintain records on what they are moving."

The lack of records isn't unique to the sheriff's office. Local and state officials across the country have raised concerns that they receive little to no information about when, or what kind of, hazardous materials are shipped through their communities or how railroads pick their routes.

Patrick Waldron, public affairs manager for CN Transportation, said the rail company shares some hazardous materials information, however such information isn't available to the general public.

"It's upon request," he stated. "CN shares hazardous materials information with some communities that we travel through. For instance, (with) first responders, to make sure that they have information that they need in the case of an emergency. The federal government considers it security information."

Rail lines operated by CN run through Oakland County. The line runs north/south between Ferndale and Pontiac, through Royal Oak, Birmingham, Bloomfield and other communities. The CN line also runs east/west from Pontiac to the west end of Oakland County through Waterford, White Lake, Springfield and Holly.

Waldron said sharing information with first responders is a longstanding voluntary practice. "We also provide training to communities," he said.

Royal Oak Fire Chief Chuck Thomas said most contact with the railroad company is made during the city's Arts, Beats and Eats event each summer.

"They might (share information) with the police, but I get nothing," Thomas said. "We do a lot with them during Arts, Beats and Eats. All the trains that come through then, they avoid all the hazardous stuff for that time period, but day-to-day information? No." Birmingham Fire Chief Michael Metz said the railroad does provide

training for HAZMAT personnel when requested, but there is no schedule for training with the rail companies, and no regular communications about the types of materials coming through the community.

"It might be helpful," Metz said about knowing specific materials that are coming through the area.

"We have our HAZMAT team that will train with them from time to time," he said. "They don't advise us in advance of what rail cars are carrying, but each train has to have shipping papers on board to say which cars have what in them, and MSDS sheets. We just have to assume there are hazardous materials on the train."

In addition to the CN rail line, CSX operates tracks that run north/south from the southwest end of Oakland County, north through Novi, Wixom, Highland Township and through the northern portion of the county near I-75. In total, CSX operates and maintains more than 1,200 miles of track in the state, including more than 3,160 public and private rail crossings. It also operates a bulk transfer terminal in Wixom.

"None of the trains are required to identify what's on the train, but all rail cars must be placarded. If there's a corrosive substance or something of that nature, there is identification on the car that identifies that," said Wixom Fire Chief Jeff Roberts. "We have a pretty good relationship with CSX. They provide information annually that is very general about the types of things they haul."

Roberts said rail carriers provide additional information to responders when it's requested. Further, he said, CSX provides training to local responders.

Among the types of materials that Roberts said come through the community are crude oil, liquid propane, coal, ammonia, chlorine and other materials. Other commonly transported materials include ethanol, polyethylene, potassium chloride and nitrogen fertilizer.

"Anything good that can be transported over the rail, we see it in Wixom," Roberts said. "We see a lot more crude oil tanks, liquid propane and hopper cars full of coal. As for the cargo cars, we don't have a clue what is in there." ationally, freight traffic is at an all-time high, particularly shipments of crude oil coming from the Bakken shale fields of North Dakota, according to the Federal Railroad Administration. Regulators have warned that crude oil has the potential for explosion, prompting the FRA on May 7, 2014 to issue an emergency order regarding the shipment of Bakken crude oil. Additionally, the department advised rail carriers to avoid specific types of tank cars for the shipment of crude oil.

The emergency order requires rail carriers operating trains containing more than 1 million gallons of Bakken crude oil, or about 35 cars, to provide each state's State Emergency Response Commission information about the operation of these trains through their state. Nationally, more than 750,000 barrels of crude oil are transported daily by rail each day, according to the Association of American Railroads.

Under the order, notification to state SERCs must include the estimated volumes of Bakken crude oil being transported, frequencies of anticipated train traffic and the route through which it will be transported. The order also requires railroads to provide the state with contact information for at least one responsible party and advises railroads to assist the SERC as necessary to share information with appropriate emergency responders.

"Upon information derived from recent railroad accidents and subsequent DOT investigations, the Secretary of Transportation has found that an unsafe condition or an unsafe practice is causing or otherwise constitutes an imminent hazard to the safe transportation of hazardous materials," the DOT said in issuing the emergency order.

"Specifically, a pattern of releases and fires involving petroleum crude oil shipments originating from the Bakken and being transported by rail constitute an imminent hazard."

In addition to the emergency order, the FRA and Pipeline and

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Hazardous Materials Safety Administration on May 7 issued a joint safety advisory to the rail industry regarding tank cars.

"The safety of our nation's railroad system, and the people who live along the rail corridors, is of paramount concern," U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in issuing the order and related advisory.

"All options are on the table when it comes to improving the safe transportation of crude oil, and today's actions, the latest in a series that make up an expansive strategy, will ensure that communities are more informed and that companies are using the strongest possible tank cars." he order comes on the heels of an April 30 train derailment in Lynchburg, Virginia that resulted in a massive crude oil fire and an unknown amount of oil being spilled into the James River. The 105-car train was stocked with Bakken oil when it derailed, sending more than a dozen tanker cars near the front of the train off of the track. Some of the derailed cars were DOT-111, a type of tanker car that has been fingered by federal transportation officials for years as a problematic rail car.

"Investigation determined that DOT-111 tank cars have poor performance in crashes," investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board stated in an accident report regarding an Oct. 7, 2011 crash in Tiskilwa, Illinois. "The poor performance of DOT-111 general specification tank cars in derailments suggests that DOT-111 tank cars are inadequately designed to prevent punctures and breaches and that catastrophic release of hazardous materials can be expected when derailments involve DOT-111."

The Tiskilwa derailment involved nine ethanol cars, three of which failed during the fire and erupted into massive fireballs and led to temperatures in excess of 1,000 degrees.

The NTSB also identified DOT-111 cars as being vulnerable to failure following a June 19, 2009 derailment that resulted in an ethanol fire. The fire, which occurred near a road crossing, caught several cars on fire that were stopped at the railway crossing gates, killing the occupant of one vehicle and injuring several others.

An accident investigation of the derailment indicated the fire had burned for more than a half hour before first responders evacuated some 600 residents from the surrounding area or were able to begin efforts to extinguish the blaze because officials were unable to determine the burning substance.

"Several vehicles were in the roadway near the derailed equipment, with one vehicle on fire. EMS was attending to several injured persons," the investigation report stated. "At this time, responders had not been able to identify the contents of the tank cars or to determine whether pressurized rail tank cars were involved."

The report states that first responders couldn't identify the placards on the tank cars because they weren't visible on the burning cars. It wasn't until the railroad operators informed the local emergency dispatch personnel that the cars contained ethanol that responders began using fire suppressing foam to extinguish the blaze.

The NTSB investigation identified the vulnerability of the DOT-111 tank cars, the effectiveness of CN's internal emergency communications system and accuracy of train contents as safety issues.

Waldron said that CN Transportation is a member of the Association of American Railroads and supports the rail industry's position, which calls for upgrades and phasing out of the DOT-111 cars.

"Freight railroads have for years worked with emergency responders and personnel to educate and inform them about the hazardous materials moving through their communities," the AAR stated in response to the May 7 emergency order. "These open and transparent communications will continue as railroads do all they can to comply with the Department of Transportation's Emergency Order."

In addition to the measures taken under the federal emergency order and advisory, the AAR and federal Department of Transportation in February came to a voluntary agreement regarding the transport of crude oil.

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Under the agreement, members of the AAR will make several commitments to improving safety issues, including: increasing track and mechanical inspection frequency beyond current regulations; conducting routing analysis; establishing new speed restrictions; and utilizing braking systems which will reduce piling up of railcars in the event of a derailment.

"We share the administration's vision for making a safe rail network even safer, and have worked together to swiftly pinpoint new operating practices that enhance the safety of moving crude oil by rail," AAR President Ed Hamberger said about the agreement. "Safety is a shared responsibility among all energy supply chain stakeholders. We will work with our safety partners – including regulators, our employees, our customers and the communities through which we operate – to find even more ways to reinforce public confidence in the rail industry's ability to safely meet the increased demand to move crude oil."

Specific steps to be taken under the agreement include: increased track inspections, which took effect on March 25; equipping, by April 1, enhanced braking systems on trains with 20 or more carloads of crude oil; the implementation of a Rail Corridor Risk Management System by July 1 to aid in the determination of the safest and most secure rail routes for trains with 20 or more cars of crude oil; restricting speeds to 40 mph in federally designated high-threat urban areas on trains that include at least one DOT-111 tank car. Speed restrictions include the Detroit area, Sterling Heights, Warren and a 10-mile buffer extending from the border of the combined area.

Additional steps to be taken by July 1 under the agreement include the use of increased safety technology regarding wheel bearing detectors along the track; increased emergency response training and tuition assistance; and emergency response capability planning. ocally, information about the types of hazardous materials traveling through each community appears to vary. At the county level, Oakland Sheriff Bouchard said his office doesn't receive any advanced notification regarding the shipment of hazardous materials. None of the law enforcement officials contacted had any information about the shipment of hazardous materials in their communities, and fire officials had limited information.

Essentially, it is up to each community to prepare for emergencies that could possibly occur from a train accident.

"They (CSX) have a self-certification program we do every two or three years," Roberts said of first responders in Wixom.

While local responders have the responsibility of preparing for train accidents, Roberts said CSX provides training, and ensures adequate resources in the event of an accident. The measures are key steps to working with the community, according to the AAR. Under the voluntary agreement with the AAR, railroads will provide $5 million to develop a specialized crude by rail training and tuition assistance program for local first responders. One part of the curriculum will be designed to be provided to local emergency responders in the field, as well as comprehensive training designed to be conducted at the Transportation Technology Center facility in Pueblo, Colorado. The funding will provide program development as well as tuition assistance for an estimated 1,500 first responders in 2014. The training facility is one that has already been utilized by local responders, Roberts said.

"All the railroads have to be able to provide (cargo information) if you call and ask," Roberts said in regard to information sharing with emergency officials. "They also have to be able to provide you with a certain level of training. They take care of us pretty well, as far as first responder training.

"If something happens, they are assuming they will provide someone to the command post. They would identify what assets they need from us, and we tell them what level of response we can provide. Anything beyond that, they can provide. They can literally turn a small city into a large city in a short time. If we need 15 fire engines and we only have two, they will make them appear. That's how deep CSX's pockets are."

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HERE'S TO OUR LOCAL GRADS...

AND TO OUR GREAT SCHOOLS. Whether you're welcoming home your favorite grad that left the nest, or cheering for our grads of tomorrow, your home needs might be changing. I can help no matter what stage of life you might be at. Because every moment is here to be cherished. And, the journey should be a great one, whether it's to the dorm, buying your first home, finding something a little bigger - or moving back to someplace a little smaller. Here's to Life's Journey, Our Teachers and Our Schools...And, Here's To Our Hard-Working Kids!

Lorraine Yalman Office: (248) 644-6300 Cell: (248) 425-7426 Email: lyalman@cbwm.com Web: cbwm.com/lyalman All Star

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Craig Silverstein

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creenwriter and Hollywood producer Craig Silverstein’s latest work can be seen in the new hit show “Turn” on AMC, but few people know his first work behind the camera was with a group of friends in sixth grade, years before attending Groves High School in Birmingham.

“We made little action movies,” Silverstein said. “We went all in on them and shot them around downtown Birmingham. We shot them over the summer and got permission to go to school and edit them.”

It was clear to him then, he said, that he wanted to write for a living. And if that could be for the television and screen, even better.

“I always knew I wanted to be a writer,” Silverstein said, who credits University of Michigan professor Jim Bernstein for helping to polish his craft.

“The script I wrote in his class became a calling card for getting work in Hollywood. It was a pretty direct path, looking back at it. It felt pretty random and chaotic when I got out to LA, and seemed long at the time.”

After graduating from U of M, Silverstein said he spent about a month at home in the Birmingham area before packing up a car with friend and fellow writer Dave Nadelberg and driving to California.

“We drove out and tried to hit the town,” Silverstein said. “We drove straight into unemployment.”

Looking at the Los Angeles basin, Silverstein picked up jobs where he could. Work as a production assistant, blocking off a street for filming, picking up lunch orders. Anything to keep himself afloat. The work eventually led to co-producing “The Invisible Man” television series.

“That was a really great show,” he said. “It was kind of spy-action, and

funny. I sort of started as a staff writer on that show. By the end of 44 episodes, I became a co-producer.”

In 2010, Silverstein went to work as executive producer on “Nikita” for the CW. The show followed a rogue assassin who hunts down the agency that trained her. In 2011, he started work on “Terra Nova,” a show he cocreated about a family from 2149 who are transported 85 million years into history and prehistoric earth.

Prior to that, Silverstein wrote the pilot of “Standoff,” a show about a pair of hostage negotiators fighting an attraction to each other.

“That made me realize I have to be careful with the things I pitch,” he said. “There are a bunch of scripts and pilots out there that nobody will ever see. You can’t do anything with them if you sell them. You can show your friends and family because you have a copy, but if you sell it and it doesn’t get made... I’ve seen 10 million pilots that nobody will ever see.”

The work eventually led to his work with FOX and the show “Bones.” It was about 2009 when Barry Josephson handed Silverstein a copy of the Alexander Rose’s book, “Washington Spies: The Story of America’s First Spy Ring,” which is the basis of the AMC show that debuted in April.

“Turn” follows New York farmer Abe Woodhull, who bands together with a group of childhood friends to form The Culper Ring, the nation’s first spy ring under George Washington. Based on real events, the group helped to win the Revolutionary War. Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Antony Platt

BY LISA BRODY The saying “money makes the world go round,” is especially true in politics.

Just as the rich guy may get the pretty girl, very often, it’s the person with the deepest pockets and biggest purse who gets the most votes. It’s not because they’re buying those votes, but because money purchases access to voters, helps acquire credibility and can signal to others that they’re a serious candidate.

As we enter another election season, the role money is playing in local elections is just as important as on a national level, and just as in flux. That is because of a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling, McKutcheon v. FEC (Federal Election Commission), that was issued in April 2014, which struck down a decades-old cap on the total amount any individual can contribute to federal candidates in a two-year campaign cycle. It is believed that the ruling will increase the role money already plays in American politics, and follows another Supreme Court ruling, from 2010, Citizens United v. FEC. In the Citizens United case, the court ruled that the First Amendment prohibits the

CAMPAIGN FUNDING MONEY DRIVES LOCAL ELECTIONS BUT RULES HAVE CHANGED THANKS TO THE COURTS government from restricting expenditures by corporations, associations, or labor unions to campaigns. In essence, it permits PACs – political action committees, to spend as much money as they choose, either for a candidate, or against one, without any limits. And contrary to some interpretations, it is not one-sided. PACs, representing differing electoral ideologies, pour money into candidates and issues on both sides of the aisle.

“We’ve had some Supreme Court decisions that have really relaxed the rules, and changed those rules, and it’s really a new game,” noted John Klemanski, a political science professor at Oakland University. “We’re going to see a lot more outside money because the Supreme Court basically said anyone who’s interested in a race can give as much as they want.”

Klemanski explained that in the Citizens United case, the court ruled that any source can spend unlimited amounts of money from any source, provided they were not actually coordinating with the campaign itself.

Jocelyn Benson, dean of the Wayne State University Law School, said this election cycle will realize the full effects of both Supreme Court rulings.

“We’re now seeing the influx of money coming into Oakland County. There are no requirements (from the rulings) to disclose all of the money coming in,” she said. “The only requirements is the money from the PACs cannot be spent directly on the candidates. If money that is spent says specifically ‘vote for’, ‘don’t vote for’, ‘reject’, or ‘elect’, then the ad has to disclose where the money has come from, otherwise they don’t have to. If the ad says they’re a bad person or a good person, they don’t have to disclose anything, like some of the (Mark) Schauer (for governor) ads – ‘The Schauer’s over.’ If they don’t mention an election exactly, under Michigan law, they don’t have to disclose their funding. It’s new this year – (Gov.) Snyder just signed this into law.”

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“The only limitation is that they cannot work directly with the candidate,” Klemanski pointed out. “They can say, ‘I like this candidate; I hate that one.’

Outside interests do a lot of negative advertising, and then the individual candidate will not have to do that actual negative advertising because the outside interests have done it for them.”

On December 27, 2013, Gov. Rick Snyder signed Michigan Public Act 252 of 2013 into law, originally Senate Bill 661, which allows for doubling campaign contribution limits and protects the secrecy of issue ad donors, a change to Michigan’s 40-year-old campaign laws. Under the new law, the maximum donation to a candidate seeking statewide office is now $6,800; to a candidate for state Senate, $2,000; and for a state House seat, $1,000.

Snyder asserted he sought these new limits and campaign donor protections in efforts for greater transparency, but it was actually in opposition to fellow Republican Secretary of State Ruth Johnson’s campaign transparency efforts. She had sought rule changes to require public disclosure of issue ad donors – so that those PAC ads would have to disclose their funding. Instead, Snyder backed a Senate committee amended bill that included wording to prohibit such a change, an effort that the full legislature late approved and he signed. enson said that Michigan’s law is now more lenient towards donors than federal law. “The federal law states that any race that mentions something that can influence a voter within 60 days of a general election or 30 days of a primary election is considered a campaign ad because it can influence an election,” she said. Federal rules apply to presidential, senate, and congressional races.

“The big picture is that as time goes on, more and more campaign spending will not be done by the candidates but by these big groups. One of the things that happens, at least on the federal level, is how much they are spending, and not from what sources. You don’t know who is spending the $10 million to get someone elected,” Klemanski said.

“The amount of money that can be spent in the aggregate, in a state House or Senate race, and what will be the impact, is unknown,” said Bill Ballenger of Inside Michigan Politics. “We still haven’t seen the full impact of Citizens United in 2010, and here it is 2014, and here’s this new Supreme Court decision. It’s just staggering to contemplate.”

Even more than the breadth of money and the financial impact is what Klemanski feels these decisions are doing to the electoral process itself. “To me, this does not move us forward in protecting democratic interests,” he said.

“There are too many wealthy interests influencing campaigns and elections, and ultimately, the results. I think the process is broken. Even if you try, you can’t ever discover who is donating to these (PACs) sources. That is not the way the political process is supposed to work. And it’s going to happen more and more as time goes on. Campaign spending is now protected under the First Amendment. Bottom line, money has become too important. The whole rationale for restrictions in the 1970s (for campaign spending limits) was because you didn’t want a wealthy person to have too much influence or corruption in the process. That’s all gone now.”

While money is a key factor in any political race, it is not the only defining characteristic. Oakland University Political Science Department Chairman David Dulio said that while money can be a huge factor and oftentimes we see the side with the most money winning, it’s not everything.

“Money allows a candidate to purchase election year services,” Dulio said.

“On the local level, that money usually buys you mailers and postcards to residents. More and more today it helps with online access, polling and social media services. Having money also allows you to raise more money. It allows the candidate to hold events and fundraisers for more money. It’s also a signal of viability, both to people in Lansing and to PACs, but to major donors as well, who may see a candidate’s financial filing report and realize that the candidate has a chance to make it. People always want to back someone with a strong chance of making it.”

Ballenger said that while money is critical, he can remember a U.S House race where too much money actually proved fatal for two candidates. “I can think of when too much money being spent impacted the voters in a bad way,” he recalled. “In 1992, you had (Republicans) David Honigman, a state Senator, and Alice Gilbert, a judge who left the bench, and they had mutually-inflicted destruction. They cancelled each other out. They actually bombed each other.

Voters were so repelled, and Joe Knollenberg, this insurance agent, snuck through and won the primary. No one was paying attention to Knollenberg

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and he squeaked through. And once he won the primary, and then the general in the Republican district, he was there for 16 years – eight terms – until (Gary) Peters beat him in 2009. That can happen.”

Ballenger also noted the efforts in 2012 by Manuel “Matty” Moroun, owner of the Ambassador Bridge in Detroit, to block the construction of a new bridge over the Detroit River International Crossing. Despite spending approximately $40 million to mount a statewide ballot proposal to fight the new bridge, it still went down in defeat. “You can spend an obscene amount of money, like Matty Moroun did for the bridge, but it backfired, and it dragged him down,” said Ballenger. “It also took down all of the other yes votes for the other proposals, too.”

On the other hand, he acknowledged, “What would you rather have, too much money or too little? You always want too much. Money always tilts the campaign towards you. It’s very seldom that you find a candidate spending less than their competitor and winning.”

In Oakland County, that doesn’t portend well for current U.S. Congressman Kerry Bentivolio of Milford in the 11th District (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Commerce Township, Walled Lake, Wolverine Lake, White Lake), who has raised $448,441, according to campaign finance reports, against debts of $90,602, and has spent almost $300,000, leaving his campaign with just $131,176 as of March 31, 2014. His primary challenger, Republican David Trott of Birmingham, had total contributions of almost $1.7 million. While his campaign spent $710,729 in the first quarter of 2014, that still has left him with over $1 million of cash on hand.

Trott, a successful attorney and businessman, has contributed $808,000 to his campaign, according to campaign financing reports for October 2013, February 2014, and April 2014. His reports also show a wide range of contributions from local supporters in all levels of denominations.

“Self funding can be a double-edge sword,” Dulio pointed out. “It can help the candidate by seeding themselves for the campaign. It can also look like you can’t garner support so you have to self-fund.”

Michigan Republican Party Communications Director Darren Littell said that self-funding can help, but it’s not a defining factor. “Financial resources are always helpful, but they’re not the only defining attributes. So many different candidates bring so many different resources to the table,” he said.

“Trott’s not just seen as self-funding. He has other attributes that make him a viable candidate.”

Bentivolio’s history, for those who may have forgotten, is a strange one.

He’s been called the “accidental congressman”, having won his congressional race by default when former Rep. Thaddeus McCotter imploded. McCotter, a Livonia resident and former state senator, had been the U.S. Representative for the district since 2003, and while from July 2 to September 21, 2011, he was a candidate for the Republican nomination for president in the 2012 election, his candidacy never gained traction, and he was never included by Republicans and others in any national debates. With a safe and securely redistricted seat that now spread from Livonia, Westland and Novi into Commerce Township, Walled Lake, White Lake, and Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills, it was a campaign no-brainer. He just had to get the required signatures filed for the August 7, 2012 primary, where only one other candidate had filed to run against him, a former U.S soldier, teacher, and reindeer farmer and Santa Claus, Kerry Bentivolio of Milford.

But strange events can happen in politics. McCotter is proof of that. In late May 2012, after the official filing deadline, it was discovered that an overwhelming majority –85 percent– of the signatures on his filing petition had been fraudulently signed, a fraud perpetuated by his staff, it was discovered, since 2006. he fallout led McCotter to resign from Congress on July 6, months shy of the end of his term, leaving his constituents high and dry, and forcing voters to not only choose a replacement for him in the August primary and November general election, but in a special September election, where Democrat David Curson prevailed to finish the six weeks left in McCotter’s term.

Besides being appalled by the fraud and scandal that McCotter left in his wake, state and local Republicans by and large weren’t thrilled with the only choice they had on the ballot: Bentivolio, who had previously only run once before for any elected office. In 2010, he was unsuccessful in his bid for the state Senate in the 15th District, against the more experienced Mike Kowall.

Party members sought a write-in candidate, approaching local businessman

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David Trott, amongst others, who declined. Former state Sen. Nancy Cassis (RNovi), who had been term-limited, bit the bullet for the team and launched a write-in campaign.

Bentivolio went on to win the general election in the Republican district, having raised only roughly $41,000 himself, and is the current representative, where he has been trying to pay off campaign debts of approximately $112,000, according to reports, while trying to raise money for the 2014 run.

An August 2013 fundraiser at The Townsend Hotel in Birmingham featuring Speaker of the House of Representatives John Boehner was largely avoided by local Republicans, and Bentivolio raised only $12,000 in local money – a pittance by fundraising standards. y and large, local Republicans have not been happy with Rep. Kerry Bentivolio. Littell, the communications director for the Michigan Republican Party, said that “Bentivolio hasn’t said or done anything bad, but he’s not seen as a strong candidate.”

Why don’t mainstream Republicans like Bentivolio? He is Libertarianleaning and an outspoken opponent of the Federal Reserve, and is primarily supported by various Tea Party groups. In August 2013, as a U.S. Congressman, he announced that he had consulted lawyers about potentially impeaching President Barak Obama, but discovered you had to have a reason and evidence in order to do that.

He said that he examined impeaching him after he met the president, which left him disgusted just by standing next to him.

That point of view may appeal to some GOP primary voters. And while local party establishment money may not flow to Bentivolio, PAC money from national groups, like Americans for Prosperity, ahs already started to pour into local elections around the country, as evidenced by the recent Baldwin Library bond election in Birmingham in which the national Free Congress Action advocacy group did mailings and robocalls to help defeat a local ballot proposal.

Americans For Prosperity-Michigan Executive Director Scott Hagerstrom wrote on their website that “The Kochs (the funding mechanism for Americans For Prosperity) worked with other anti-labor billionaires, corporations and activists to fund conservative candidates and groups across the country.”

Repeated calls to Hagerstrom were not returned.

“In the 11th and the 9th (Bloomfield Township) U.S. Senate races, we’re seeing multimillion dollar races,” commented Benson. “Look, Trott raised more than a $1 million just in the last quarter. It’s not just the candidates – it’s outside groups sending the money. And they’re willing to spend the money.

Close to the election, we could see spending of upwards of $10 million to influence the election, like with (Rep.) Gary Peters (D) in 2012. There will definitely be outside interests influencing these races.

“The voters will see a lot more misinformation, which is unfortunate,” she continued. “The more money spent, the less the facts will break through. The ads become much more personal, and more attacks, which is unfortunate for the voters.”

The 9th District congressional district, which includes Bloomfield Township, Franklin, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Royal Oak and Ferndale, has been represented by Rep. Sander Levin (D), who has been in congress since 1982. Levin received $977,906 during the last filing period, of which $229,637 he funded. His campaign currently has $377,277 cash on hand. His Republican challenger, George Brikho, received $18,539 in the first quarter of 2014, and spent more than he took in, with a $4,637 deficit at the end of the filing period and no cash on hand. He did not provide his campaign with any money.

The 11th District race is not the only one that could be a cat fight this primary season. On the state level, the 13th District state Senate race features Republicans who will hammer each other to see who will emerge the victor in August to face either Democrat Ryan Fishman, a 26-year-old Andover High School alum who has been actively campaigning and gaining support, particularly from the local Jewish community, for months, or Cindy Peltonen.

The 13th District represents Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Troy, Rochester and Rochester Hills, is currently represented by Sen. John Pappageorge (R), who is term-limited.

The Republicans battling over replacing Pappageorge are Ethan Baker, Al Gui, former state Rep. Marty Knollenberg, former state Rep. Chuck Moss, and former state Rep. Rocky Raczkowski. “It’s just a big dogfight,” noted Moss.

Moss’ campaign currently has the most money in its till, largely coming from the candidate himself. Of the $166,541 his campaign raised in the first

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quarter of 2014, Moss provided $152,191. Knollenberg, Raczkowski and Gui all waived reporting their financial statements. Baker reported that his campaign did not spend or receive in excess of $5,000, the filing threshold.

On the Democratic side, Fishman raised $98,492, of which he provided $33,481. Peltonen provided her campaign $525 of the $1,145 she raised in the first quarter.

“Moss is probably the most moderate of the Republicans running, but he has the skimpiest of geographical bases, and it will be difficult for him to win,” Inside Michigan Politics Ballenger said, not taking into account dollar figures.

“Raczkowski or Knollenberg have the greater ability to win because of their geographic bases. They’re not extreme Republicans. Knollenberg has that great name recognition, and Raczkowski has a big military background, with Pappageorge already endorsing him. It may make him more acceptable to Republican voters. It’s still a 56 percent Republican district. It will take a stretch and a reach for a Democrat to win, especially in this year, which will be very difficult for Democrats to win, which will not help Ryan Fishman.”

Ballenger said that newcomer Fishman is being taken seriously by the Republicans “because he has the ability to really raise money. And it will depend on who the Republicans nominate in the primary (to go against Fishman). If the independent (voters) or Jews don’t like him, Fishman could spring an upset.”

In the state Senate’s 15th District, covering Commerce Township, Walled Lake, White Lake, and Wolverine Lake, first-term Sen. Mike Kowall (R) is being challenged by two Tea Party Republicans, Matt Maddock and Ron Molnar. The winner of the August primary will face the victor of the Democratic primary, between Tom Crawford and Michael D. Smith.

Kowall raised $61,040 in the first quarter of 2014; almost $21,000 from his own pocket. Of the other $40,000, his donors primarily consisted of trade associations around the state and political PACs. Kowall’s two challengers, both with Tea Party-affiliations, do not appear to have raised much money so far. Molnar waived the filing and Maddock did not spend or receive in excess of $5,000. The two Democratic challengers in the district, Crawford and Smith, also did not spend or receive in excess of $5,000.

“That’s a more conservative area of the county,” Dulio acknowledged.

“There are some debates about how strong the Tea Party is and how strong the (traditional) Republican Party is.” ittell, who said the state party stands apart from the primary process, waiting to endorse until the general election, said, “Kowall’s record speaks for itself. He’s represented the district to the best of his ability, even if not everyone agrees with his position. The primary process makes the candidates stronger because it allows the candidates to speak about the position, and makes them stronger.”

Littell echoed that same sentiment for the open state House seat in the 44th District (White Lake), which term limited Rep. Eileen Kowall (R) is vacating for a county commission run. Republican challengers Dennis Garlick, Jim Runestad, Liz Fessler Smith and Russ Tierney are competing in the primary to see who will go against Democrat Mark Venie in November.

In the first quarter of 2014, Runestad self-funded his campaign $58,260 of the $68,120 his campaign raised. Tierney provided his campaign with the entire $50,000 donation his campaign had for the first quarter. Garlick and Fessler Smith did not expect to spend or receive in excess of $5,000. Democrat Venie waived his filing.

Similarly, current state Rep. Klint Kesto (R) in the 39th District (Commerce Township, West Bloomfield) is facing Republican challengers Deb O’Hagan and Alan Stephens. The victor will confront the winner of the Democratic primary, Sandy Colvin or Michael B. Saari. Kesto’s campaign has raised $51,000 so far, with his challengers waiving filing or not expecting to receive or spend in excess of $5,000 for the first quarter of 2014.

In each of the races, big or small, it will come down to money and how well the candidates get out their individual voters in the highly partisan primary election.

“To me, one of the greatest travesties is how money influences how a candidate acts. The more there is rhetoric on TV about a candidate, the more there is rhetoric from the candidate themselves,” said Wayne law school’s Benson. “At the end of the day, it deters good candidates from running, deters good government from functioning.

“In my opinion, the root of the problem is the money, and how it warps our political arena. Until we figure it out on the federal and state level, and how we rectify that, we’re not going to see changes that will help improve the rhetoric of our political arena. It will just continue to stagnate and devolve.”

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FACES

Milica Govich

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ilica Govich had never read John Green’s bestselling book, “The Fault in Our Stars,” when she auditioned for the part as one of the lead character’s mother.

“It’s just amazing to me,” Govich said about landing the role. “I didn’t even know what I was auditioning for. I couldn’t get the book from the library because it was all checked out. In this case, it might have helped me. It might have made me more nervous had I known more about it.”

Originally from the Cleveland area, Govich grew up taking roles in school plays or other venues where she could satisfy her performance bug. By the time she reached college, stage performance was in her blood. After returning to her hometown of Lorain, Ohio, for a short stint, Govich left home again and earned her master’s degree from Ohio State University.

“Then I moved to New York. Most people there didn’t do that,” she said, recalling the only other person from the area to move to the big apple to pursue a career on the stage was Don Novello, better known as Father Guido Sarducci.

In 1995, Govich landed a spot in “Hello Dolly” with Carol Channing, taking her to Broadway and a tour that brought her to Detroit, and eventually to a Serbian bowling event in Windsor where she met her husband. After a long distance relationship, Govich moved to Birmingham and took up teaching at Oakland University.

“When the film market hit (Detroit), I was thrilled,” Govich said. “Those were hard doors to open.”

Moving on to film, Govich got a role in “Super Sucker” with Jeff Daniels,

whom she had worked with at the Purple Rose Theater. In 2009, she started working on the HBO comedy “Hung.” After several other projects, Govich found herself auditioning for the part of Mrs. Waters in “The Fault in Our Stars,” which explores the funny and tragic business of two teenagers who meet and fall in love at a cancer support group. The movie, which premiers nationally on June 6, stars Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, Willem Dafoe and Ansel Elgort, and is expected by some critics to be one of the most successful films of the summer.

“Normally, with a first audition, you do it on tape and send it, but because I was in town, I went in. I had a callback about a week later with the director and producer,” Govich said. “She said she loved me, but that my hair looked fake, so I had my hair done in Birmingham. It’s funny that they don’t look past that. You kind of have to have everything. They don’t have an imagination. It’s very different than a theater audition.”

Govich this year also finished up work on the short film, “The Neverlands,” and is working on her role as Nurse Fletcher in “Eloise”. She also continues to teach and to seek out roles in film while living in Birmingham.

“Birmingham is a very nice place to live,” Govich said. “I do yoga every day. I love to walk to town. It took me about a year and a half to enjoy it, but I grew to appreciate it. I hang out at the library and learn my lines. The Townsend is another favorite.”

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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olling green hills that cascade amidst stands of trees, shimmering waterways, sandy traps, and clear blue skies. Little flags that wave in the wind atop tiny knolls. Exclusive clubhouses designed for dining, dancing, cocktails, and especially, conducting business, all in the rarified air that is known as belonging not just to a golf club, but to a country club.

Within the Bloomfield and Birmingham area, country clubs have long flourished as enclaves of the ultimate in exclusivity and entitlement, a place to belong amongst your own. Many of the area's country clubs are approaching the centennial of their origins, which also harkens back to metro Detroit's golden age – a time when auto titans designed and created new automobiles, parts, and services to accompany the burgeoning industry, and their wealth was funneled into creating a marvelous and majestic industrial city.

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In their recreational hours, these same titans often sought refuge in the pastoral privacy that Oakland County had to offer. "I do not believe a man can ever leave his business. He ought to think of it by day and dream of it by night," Henry Ford is quoted as saying. Many other chief executives and top brass at large automotive companies and other executives felt similarly, enjoying the cloistered confines of their private clubs as ways to conduct business in private, blow off steam on the golf course or over a game of cards, while allowing their families to lounge by pools, play tennis and golf, and socialize at swanky parties. long with country clubs in Oakland County, like Oakland Hills Country Club, Bloomfield Hills Country Club, and Franklin Hills Country Club, these newly wealthy patrons established magnificent cultural jewels that Detroiters continue to treasure – the Detroit Institute of Arts (1885); Detroit Symphony Orchestra (1914); Detroit Zoo (1883); and the Detroit Historical Museum (1921) – as testaments to not only their wealth, but to help develop a world class city. These were their public monuments. In their personal hours, however, they assembled north.

While some sought sanctuary at the lakes, such as along Lake St. Clair or further into Oakland County, with the creation of Orchard Lake Country Club, Pine Lake Country Club, and others, perched on lakefronts, the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, once stops along the stagecoach or railway lines, were easy to access for those who lived in Detroit or Grosse Pointe, as well as those who were building estates in the Birmingham and Bloomfields. This led to what has been referred to as the golden age of golf architecture, from the 1910s into the 1930s, when the Great Depression halted the innovative construction of golf courses and their companion clubhouses.

According to Michigan Golfer, 40 golf courses were added from 19111920 in Michigan, among them Detroit Golf Club, Red Run Golf Club, Birmingham Country Club, Lochmoor Country Club, Oakland Hills Country Club, and Orchard Lake Country Club.

In the last decade or so, many private clubs have renovated and expanded, restoring their courses to their historic legacy and creating clubhouses with amenities to satisfy and entice 21st century members. In the process, many have rediscovered their storied legacies. Some have even found treasure troves of documents and archives of their early years, allowing today's membership to learn how they came to be and how their prized courses were designed.

Many have sought to preserve those legacies by improving and conserving those hallowed courses, insuring another century of success.

Bloomfield Hills Country Club, still so exclusive today that membership can only be attained by invitation, was first begun in 1909 as an 18-hole golf course designed by Tom Bendelow.

Completed in 1912, it was redesigned in April 1913, and opened in June 1915, by renowned and revered English golf course architect H.S. Colt with the purchase of 50 additional acres. Located in the heart of Bloomfield Hills on Long Lake Road by Woodward, it is largely hidden from view, with its historic clubhouse set far back.

In 1922 and 1936, famed Scottish golfer and golf course designer Donald Ross was hired to redesign the club's course, but according to the Wall Street Journal, it does not appear his plans were ever implemented.

Ross, who died in 1948, was involved in designing or redesigning about 400 golf courses around the United States in his day, and is considered the individual who lay the foundation for America's golf industry. He did go on to design, or redesign, other Oakland County golf courses, including Oakland Hills Country Club.

Oakland Hills Country Club, located on W. Maple Road in Bloomfield Township, was founded in 1916, and is considered one of the most prestigious clubs in the country because it has two of the

A

most historic and renown championship golf courses in the country.

It was begun by two Ford Motor Company executives, advertising head Joseph Mack and chief accountant and first sales manager Norval Hawkins, after Hawkins had purchased a parcel of farmland on Maple Road, called the Miller Farm, about 15 miles northwest of Detroit in Bloomfield Township. They began construction in 1917 with Mack as the first president of the club.

The south course of Oakland Hills formally opened on July 13, 1918, with built in prestige the day it opened for two reasons besides its early membership – it had been designed by Donald Ross, and its first club golf pro was U.S. Open champion Walter Hagen. Hagen was the Tiger Woods of the first half of the 20th century, with 11 professional major titles, including five PGA Championship victories.

According to “Golf's Grind: A History of the PGA Tour” by Al Barkow, Hagen was a key figure in the development of professional golf. He came up in the sport in England when golf professionals were not allowed to enter the front door of the clubhouse, nor participate in a club's facilities. According to Barkow, Hagen changed the sport beginning at the 1920 U.S. Open in Toledo, when the players, encouraged by Hagen, donated a large grandfather clock to the host club, and in appreciation the club allowed the professionals access to the club. Hagen became Oakland Hills' first club professional in 1918, and toured professionally in the 1920s.

Oakland Hills' original clubhouse was a farmhouse on the north side of Maple Road, and an old chicken coop served as Hagen's pro shop. Despite these less than luxurious original digs, 140 memberships were sold at $250 each.

With that seed money, a new clubhouse was built and opened, at a cost of $650,000 unfinished, in August 1922. This original structure had accommodations for 48 overnight guests, which were necessary at that time as many members would travel up Woodward or Telegraph from Detroit, a not quick endeavor, and stay at the club with their children for the weekend. Eventually, the rooms were eliminated in a 1968 renovation.

A north course golf course was begun in 1923 and completed in late 1923, ready for members to play on in spring 1924, as the south course had more guest play than any other course in the midwest, according to the club's website. The north course was used for several years just as it is today, as a second course for members, until the Great Depression, when it was operated as North Hills, a semiprivate club open for play by daily green fees. It was later redesigned

by Robert Trent Jones in 1951, a modern day golf course designer who designed or redesigned over 500 golf courses, including Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs and Hilton Head in North Carolina, throughout the world. The north course was reopened at the beginning of the 1969 season, once again as a second private course for Oakland Hills members. The club had an aluminum pedestrian bridge installed to go over Maple Road, which traverses the club's two courses, in order to provide easy access for members by foot and golf cart, and to create the impression of one contiguous club. oday, Oakland Hills is widely known not only locally as a bastion of golf and executive exclusivity, but for those golf courses, which are consistently considered among the best in not only the United States, but the world, and are often chosen for top golf tournament play. The first major tournament the club hosted was the Western Open in 1922, won by their golf professional Mike Brady.

In 1924, Oakland Hills hosted the first of six United States Open Championships. The next U.S. Open they hosted was in 1937; then in 1951, when golfer Ben Hogan famously was quoted as saying upon winning, “I am glad I brought this course, this monster, to its knees.

The greatest test of golf I have ever played and the toughest course.”

They hosted the Open again in 1961, and then in 1985 and 1996.

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Oakland Hills has also been privileged to hold the PGA Championship in 1972 and 1979, and again in 2008; the U.S. Senior Open in 1981 and 1991; and the Ryder Cup in 2004.

Once primarily a golf and drinking establishment, Oakland Hills has undergone several facility renovations and has diversified its services and membership, taking into account the expanded role women now play in both the executive suite and the country club. Recognizing that the clubhouse, despite previous renovations, was looking long in the tooth, the membership in 1998 approved a $16.25 million project to completely rebuild the inside of the iconic Mt. Vernon-inspired clubhouse. The reconstruction began in January 1999 and reopened in May 2000.

In 1968, Oakland Hills had removed those sleeping rooms and built a new ladies locker room, as well as adding private party rooms and a Mixed Grill on the second floor, added a new pro shop, and expanded and refurbished their Men's Grill. In 1971, they constructed a new pool and pool house, as well as adding more tennis courts and paddle tennis courts to accommodate a new and popular sport. New tennis courts and a new pool/tennis building were added in 2004. But golf has remained their signature hallmark, and in 2004 they relocated their pool to increase the width of the golf driving range and completed an indoor teaching facility to allow for a full year of golf lessons and practice for members.

“With the completion of this set of renovations, along with the clubhouse renovations in in 1999, the club now has basically new facilities and infrastructure to start the 21st century,” they state on their website, adding they hope the history they provide “will give all members a sense of pride in the role this great club has played in the history of golf in America.” irmingham Country Club, located on Saxon Drive in Birmingham, tucked away from 14 Mile Road between Southfield and Cranbrook roads, was founded in 1916 by a group of six local businessmen who purchased the Case farm, which consisted of 161 acres of beautiful rolling land filled with trees, hills, valleys and a stream winding through it – perfect for a golf course. According to the club's website, “Their original intent was to create a real estate development, but the natural beauty of the site persuaded them to build a golf course instead.”

The original clubhouse was a white farmhouse built on Northlawn right across from the 18th fairway which was eventually replaced by a wood frame clubhouse built on the course grounds near what is now the putting green.

As the country club grew, by 1930 they were in a financial position to build a new clubhouse, and on March 30, 1930, just after the stock market crash, their current English-style clubhouse was opened.

While Donald Ross made suggestions for Birmingham's golf course in 1920, according to a letter postmarked in 1920, he did not ultimately design or redesign it; that honor went to Tom Bendlelow, who had designed it in 1911, according to golf historian Howard Johnson. Bendlelow laid out the first nine holes in 1916, and finished the final nine in 1920. The course was remodeled in 1928. It was again revamped in the 1930s, when golf course architect and five-time Indiana Amateur champion William Diddell redesigned it. Robert Trent Jones worked on it further prior to Birmingham Country Club having the opportunity to host the PGA in 1953; and noted course architects Bruce and Jerry Matthews worked on it again in 1963.

Birmingham currently also affords its members six tennis courts and a swimming pool, as well as a dining room led by Chef Louai Sharkas, formerly of The Townsend Hotel and Zinc restaurant.

In Bloomfield Township, tucked away by Lower Long Lake, in 1926, Forest Lake Country Club was created on 125 acres, also by golf course designer William Diddell. Diddell also renovated the course in 1959. Golf course architect Arthur Hills redesigned the course in 1981 and 1993, improving it and making it more challenging for golfers of all abilities.

“Known for its signature small, well-protected greens and naturally contoured fairways, golfers experience an ambiance of serenity and tranquility...while enjoying the essence of the sport the way it was meant to be played,” Forest Lake's website states.

In more recent years, the club renovated its clubhouse to add meeting and banquet facilities, staffed locker rooms, and make the club more family

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In 1925, a group of Jewish leaders in Detroit began looking for a rustic retreat to get away from the hustle and bustle in the city. They wanted to purchase land and create a golf and country club that they could belong to, because even though they were wealthy and prestigious, they were banned from joining other golf and country clubs due to their “ethnicity”. he men were already active in the Phoenix Golf and Country Club, or Redford Country Club, really more of a social club, which used a golf course in the city of Detroit, where Rogell Golf Course is today.

According to Wendy Rose Bice in Michigan Jewish History, “Their pleasant 113-acre parcel straddled the Rouge River, in an area known as Duboisville. It was built as a nine-hole course, but as the Roaring 20s got under way, Redford Country Club's leaders decided to upgrade to 18 holes.

They retained Donald Ross, the preeminent golf course architect of the time, to tackle the job. In 1921, the new course debuted, but club leaders soon realized the site wasn't suited to their tastes.”

It seems that Redford's greens and tees were too close together to accommodate competitive play, and the course flooded frequently, causing a lot of frustration amongst the members.

More significantly, though, was that the once serene town of Redford was undergoing development. Edgewater Amusement Park was constructed right across the street from the club. Members wanted to move out, to Oakland County.

The leaders of the club sought a parcel of land that was large enough to accommodate a sprawling clubhouse, two golf courses, riding stables, and bridle paths. Their search took them to what was then a remote corner of Farmington Hills, a horse farm on the corner of 13 Mile and Inkster roads.

They purchased 180 acres, enough to provide them and their burgeoning membership with what they were after.

Once again, Donald Ross was hired to design and build an 18 hole golf course. Albert Kahn, who was one of Detroit's most noted architects and a member of the Redford Country Club, designed the English Tudor-style clubhouse.

“Both men incorporated the land's natural terrain, large boulders, and fieldstones into their designs,” Bice wrote. “So numerous were the boulder that Judge Charles Simons, Redford's president during the construction period, almost dubbed the club 'Gray Boulders.' Instead, in deference to the nearby village of Franklin, the name Franklin Hills Country Club was chosen.”

Today, the club boasts more than 400 members, most of whom are still Jewish today. While the clubhouse has some interior updates, such as locker rooms and a fitness room, it has been modernized while maintaining its original Kahn design. In 2002, the golf course was fully restored to its original Donald Ross designs.

A log cabin in Bloomfield Hills became what is today known as Stonycroft Hills Club, a private nine hole golf course with limited memberships. The story is that in 1928, a local farmer named Theodore (Ted) McManus, who was also a golf enthusiast, decided he wanted to design and build his own golf course on his farmland. A few years later, he leased the layout to Ken Martin, who gave the course public access.

The course is lush and plush, with a plethora of wildlife living around and on its fairways and in its roughs. In the 1950s, Inez Geitz took over the lease of the golf course from Ted MacManus' son John, and she eventually bought the land for $75,000. She married Don D'Onofrio, who was an assistant professional at the Country Club of Detroit, and they ran the club together until 1958, when they made the decision to turn it into a private club.

In 1960, the D'Onofrios sold Stonycroft Hills to a group of members of the club who eventually became the shareholders of the club. The iconic log cabin was brought down in 1991, to be replaced by a clubhouse that was more functional for all of the membership. Today, Stonycroft Hills continues as a private, members-only nine hole golf club for men and women in the heart of Bloomfield Hills, north off of E. Long Lake Road, just east of Kensington.

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FACES Craig Pearson

W

hen Michigan State University looked for nine students to be featured in its most recent presidential report: “Inside Out – An In-Depth Look at the Student Experience,” it’s easy to see why they chose Bloomfield Hills native Craig Pearson to represent a segment of the student community.

The 26-minute documentary was shot by a team of student filmmakers who followed the chosen students around for the fall 2013 semester. The end product served as this year’s annual report about the university released by MSU President Lou Anna K Simon.

Pearson, a recent of the university, was a triple major in neuroscience, biochemistry and molecular biology, and English.

It’s an academic program he crafted himself that he said accommodated both his scientific and literary interests.

“It was really fun for me to share my day-to-day experiences with these student producers and watch them weave their editing magic,” Pearson said. “I was blown away by the way they captured everything.”

For Pearson, everything includes not only his academic studies, but his extracurricular activities as well. For instance, Pearson is the founder and editor-in-chief of Exceptions: The Art and Literary Journal for Students with Visual Disabilities, a member of the university’s Neuroscience Club and the Biochemistry Club; and undergraduate researcher; a Homecoming Court ambassador; and a creative fiction writer.

He is also the recipient of the Marshall and Goldwater scholarships, which he will use when he attends the University of Cambridge.

“I would like to be active in medical research,” he said. “I would like to be at (National Institutes of Health) or somewhere seeking treatment for blindness or vision loss. Anything that has an impact on human health.”

Pearson’s research at MSU has already played a role in investigating treatments for blindness and examining brain activity in people as they read literature.

“I’m always shocked at the way these fields come together,” he said about his fields of study. “I was taking classes in literature, and taking philosophy of science and learning about how the conscious mind develops, and at the same time reading James Joyce or Virginia Woolf, and you can see how they come together.

“We put people in an MRI scanner and measure their neural activity while reading Mansfield Park by Jane Austen. That, to me, is fascinating, to have people go in a brain scanner and read this 19th century text.”

For Pearson, his studies help to influence the way he sees the world, which in turn helps others see a bit differently. Take for instance his founding of Exceptions, which he said helps him bridge the research side of what he does with the creative side.

“I was talking with a mentor and thinking about how we perceive blindness. From a research point of view, you are trying to fix things. But there’s another side to that,” he said.

“People who are blind also see it as a gift, it’s their point of view and the way they see the world. There was no real forum for that. Exceptions is built to provide a showcase for people who are blind and are writers or filmmakers or (have) other creative outlets.”

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Kurt Stepnitz, MSU

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248-792-8833 | cbwm.com

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel: Locally Owned and Operated Since 1950.

WEIR MANUEL

Birmingham | $945,000 Charming 1930’s Connecticut Colonial situated on a beautifully landscaped .5 acre lot in one of Birmingham’s finest areas.

Presented by: Robert Dundon T: 248-733-5901 | rdundon@cbwm.com

Royal Oak | $774,900 Stunning newer construction home just steps from downtown Royal Oak. Quietly elegant home thoughtfully designed for everyday living.

Presented by: Jennifer Zachary T: 248-639-4832 | jzachary@cbwm.com

Troy | $649,327 Absolutely stunning and sophisticated East Oak River home. Award-winning Troy Schools!

Presented by: Megan Clark T: 248-372-9082 | mclark@cbwm.com

Beverly Hills | $680,000 Spectacular spacious custom Cape Cod home.

Completed renovation from top-to-bottom.

Presented by: Anne Hammond T: 248-731-4579 | ahammond@cbwm.com

Rochester Hills | $1,250,000 Breathtaking! Endless amenities, every element is well thought out and meticulously designed.

Presented by: Jeffery Alasina T: 248-639-4833 | jalasina@cbwm.com

Troy | $550,000 Remarkable home nestled deep in the Hills of Charnwood! Lovingly cared for and updated.

Presented by: Allen Liggett T: 248-565-3963 | aliggett@cbwm.com

Bloofmield Township | $310,000 Beautiful 4 bedroom. Solid and well-maintained, with natural light and neutral décor.

Presented by: Anne Hammond T: 248-731-4579 | ahammond@cbwm.com

Oakland Township | $489,000 Motivated Seller!! Don’t miss this beautifully landscaped spacious home with upgrades galore.

Presented by: Tricia Wilson T: 248-509-4802 | twilson@cbwm.com

Celebrating Home

248-792-8833 | cbwm.com

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel: Locally Owned and Operated Since 1950.

WEIR MANUEL

Birmingham | $1,499,000 Luxurious in-town Birmingham Condominium home. Quality built by Kojaian homes, this home has 2 bedrooms on the 2nd floor.

Presented by: Gwen Schultz T: 248-731-5144 | gschultz@cbwm.com

Birmingham | $637,500 Built 2004, looks like new. Immaculate & well decorated. It has good-sized rooms: living, dining, & family rooms directly connected to open kitchen.

Presented by: Margie Duncan T: 248-565-3563 | mduncan@cbwm.com

Franklin | $449,000 Classic 2844 sqft center entrance Colonial on 1.24 acre lot near Franklin Hills Country Club.

Presented by: Jack Bertoia T: 248-365-7118 | jbertoia@cbwm.com

Bloomfield Village | $609,000 Elegant custom Colonial with dramatic 2-story formal dining room on a beautiful treed lot.

Presented by: Rebecca Meisner T: 248-639-4814 | rmeisner@cbwm.com

Birmingham | $514,900 Beautiful home completely renovated in 2004.

Spacious granite kitchen with island.

Presented by: Lisa Masters T: 248-639-4845 | lmasters@cbwm.com

Bloomfield Township | $369,900 Move right in to this top-quality updated and perfectly maintained rambling tri-level.

Presented by: Rebecca Meisner T: 248-639-4814 | rmeisner@cbwm.com

Bingham Farms | $315,000 A very impressive, designer decorated condo, in a very private wooded cul-de-sac setting.

Presented by: Robert Holcomb T: 248-213-7869 | rholcomb@cbwm.com

Birmingham | $299,900 Move right in to this wonderful newer construction on quiet cul-de-sac, moments from downtown.

Presented by: Rebecca Meisner T: 248-639-4814 | rmeisner@cbwm.com

Celebrating Home

248-792-8833 | cbwm.com

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel: Locally Owned and Operated Since 1950.

WEIR MANUEL

West Bloomfield | $1,500,000 | All sports Pine Lakefront home. Beautiful sunsets and Bloomfield Hills Schools. Lots of versatility with 3 - 5 bedrooms, 5 full baths and one half bath, walkout lower level and a 5-car garage. Kitchen opens to family room with newly built entertainment area.

Finished walkout lower level with access from outside into bath area for quick clean-up after lake fun. Approximately 75 feet of water frontage.

Presented by: Gwen Schutlz T: 248-731-5144 | gschultz@cbwm.com

Novi | $1,295,000 | State-of-the-Art Colonial on 2 acres in private gated community! Gourmet kitchen with 13’ island and granite counters, limestone flooring, Euro style cabinets and stainless steel appliances. Two-story great room with new limestone floor, 2 way fireplace and wall of windows to view wooded lot. Radiant heat under most limestone floors, basement and garage. 600’ carriage house and (2) 3 1/2 car garages, green house efficient.

Presented by: John Goodman T: 248-639-4816 | jgoodman@cbwm.com

Celebrating Home

248-792-8833 | cbwm.com

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel: Locally Owned and Operated Since 1950.

WEIR MANUEL

Birmingham | $1,749,900 | Custom built by Brandywine, this exquisite home, offers quality & amenities beyond compare. This house is definitely within walking distance to downtown Birmingham. Hardwood floors & beautiful mill work adorn every room. Designer kitchen opens to great room for comfortable living. Each bedroom is a suite. Granite in kitchen, baths, & 2nd floor laundry room. This stunning home is like new & truly turn key!

Presented by: Barbara Draplin T: 248-639-7976 | bdraplin@cbwm.com

Birmingham | $1,480,000 | Gracious and private executive estate in the City of Birmingham. Spectacular park-like .94 acres of luscious landscaping with the river running through. Expansive stone terrace and patios - peaceful views galore. 4687 square feet including the 3rd floor in-law suite or artist’s studio. Lovely and large rooms throughout with much natural light. Mostly hardwood flooring. Phenomenal lower level.

Presented by: Dieidre “Didi” Etue T: 248-639-4818 | detue@cbwm.com

Celebrating Home

248-792-8833 | cbwm.com

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel: Locally Owned and Operated Since 1950.

WEIR MANUEL

Orchard Lake | $1,200,000 THE VALUE IS IN THE LAND. Wonderful 1.58 acre property on Orchard Lake is elevated and has views of Cass Lake, too. Wooded and sloped.

Presented by: Margie Duncan T: 248-565-3563 | mduncan@cbwm.com

Novi | $1,047,500 Move right into this impressive brand new Maybury Park Estates home that boasts brick & limestone curb appeal, flexible floor plan. and more!

Presented by: Tracy Wick T: 248-513-8439 | twick@cbwm.com

Bloomfield Village | $725,000 Handsome Georgian Colonial. Great floor plan with large rooms and wonderful flow.

Presented by: Rosalee Hill T: 248-639-4813 | rhill@cbwm.com

West Bloomfield | $639,900 Newer custom home on canal to private All Sports Upper Long Lake! 4,457 total square feet.

Presented by: John Darvis T: 248-639-7965 | jdarvis@cbwm.com

Waterford | $597,200 Elegant, sophisticated, contemporary with soaring ceilings and sunset views on Loon Lake.

Presented by: Cindy Hannah T: 248-639-7980 | channah@cbwm.com

Bloomfield Township | $399,900 Charming home on private .61 acre lot deep within Foxcroft. Living room with fireplace.

Presented by: Robert Dundon T: 248-733-5901 | rdundon@cbwm.com

Green Oak Township | $1,198,000 110’ of lakefront in spectacular two-story home with gorgeous views of all sports Hidden Lake.

Presented by: John Goodman T: 248-639-4816 | jgoodman@cbwm.com

Beverly Hills | $350,000 Looking for a new owner who loves me like my current owner... Updated kitchen and baths.

Presented by: Donna Bousson T: 248-817-4683 | dbousson@cbwm.com

Celebrating Home

248-792-8833 | cbwm.com

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel: Locally Owned and Operated Since 1950.

WEIR MANUEL

Orchard Lake | $1,199,000 | Panoramic views of Cass Lake! Sprawling ranch features beautifully updated kitchen, hardwood floors, 1st floor master bedroom, family room with fireplace and finished lower level walk-out. Energy efficient lighting and California closets through-out. Heated garage and generator. Newer updates include pool (‘12), multi-level deck (‘13), landscaping (‘12). Electronic boat lift for boat dock included.

Presented by: Teri Spiro T: 248-639-7967 | tspiro@cbwm.com

Hamburg Township | $1,550,000 | Totally custom ranch with 693’ of frontage on the point! Turn key with all furniture, docks, pontoon and jet skis. Four-car and two-car heated garages. Volume ceilings throughout. Totally renovated 2012/new kitchen with 42” solid cherry cabinets, Wolf & Sub-Zero refrigerator, granite throughout. $300K in landscaping, BMW speakers throughout, basketball court, hot tub, fire pit. Lookout loft with spiral staircase.

Presented by: John Goodman T: 248-639-4816 | jgoodman@cbwm.com

Celebrating Home

248-792-8833 | cbwm.com

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel: Locally Owned and Operated Since 1950.

WEIR MANUEL

Celebrating home

WEIR MANUEL

248-792-8833 | cbwm.com Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel: Locally Owned and Operated Since 1950.

West Bloomfield | $1,550,000 Put your boat in the water and enjoy lake living! Entertain 100 friends easily!

This beautiful 2001-built home has views of Pine Lake from each floor.

Presented by: Margie Duncan T: 248-565-3563 | mduncan@cbwm.com

Bloomfield Township | $625,900 Exceptional custom home on an estate sized lot of almost three acres with majestic trees.

Presented by: Bob Taylor & Jennifer Doctor T: 248-639-7948 | rtaylor@cbwm.com

Birmingham | $639,000 Enjoy walking to town from this sought after Holy Name area. Beautifully updated home.

Presented by: Diedre “Didi” Etue T: 248-639-4818 | detue@cbwm.com

OFF

Bloomfield Township | $129,900 Move right in! Desirable Foxcroft condo with great locale. Updated kitchen with all appliances.

Presented by: Janine Toundaian T: 248-639-7974 | jtoundaian@cbwm.com

Birmingham | $885,000 Character abounds in this stunningly updated stone faced 1930’s home - beautiful archways, moldings and hardwood floors make this home extra ordinary.

Presented by: Rebecca Meisner T: 248-639-4814 | rmeisner@cbwm.com

ER

D PEN

Bloomfield Township | $629,000 Your own resort! This lovely custom home sits on a fabulous estate size lot. Open layout.

Presented by: Kathy Parker T: 248-243-7625 | kparker@cbwm.com

ING

Bloomfield Hills | $520,000 Unique home sitting on a 1.03 acre lot that backs to stream. Designed by Saarinen.

Presented by: Gwen Schultz T: 248-731-5144 | gschultz@cbwm.com

Bloomfield Township | $499,900 Stunning court-yard entry with paver details.

Two-story foyer/entry. Hardwood floors.

Presented by: Teri Spiro T: 248-639-7967 | tspiro@cbwm.com

Celebrating Home

248-792-8833 | cbwm.com

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel: Locally Owned and Operated Since 1950.

WEIR MANUEL

Farmington Hills | $3,000,000 | A masterpiece on 5 acres nestled in woods frontage to Franklin Hills Country Club! In-law quarters, 1/2 court indoor basketball court, 4-car & 2-car garage with lifts, 40x20 in ground pool with cabana, all bedrooms are suites, 1,000 sq.ft. master suite with 10’ceilings, private balcony, Jacuzzi & shower with Euro heads, fireplace with sitting area. Elevator, finished lower level walkout with bedroom suite, 2 baths, more.

Presented by: John Goodman T: 248-639-4816 | jgoodman@cbwm.com

Birmingham | $2,900,000 | This Wallace Frost masterpiece has been exquisitely renovated & enhanced by it’s 3rd owner. Sits on an acre overlooking the scenic Rouge River, yet a short walk to town. Stunning gourmet kitchen with tumbled limestone back splash, exotic granite counters, 9 foot center island, Sub-Zero refrigerator, Wolf stove, wine refrigerator. Open floor plan & spectacular views to striking pool & outdoor living spaces. A true oasis.

Presented by: Jennifer Zachary T: 248-639-4832 | jzachary@cbwm.com

Celebrating Home

248-792-8833 | cbwm.com

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel: Locally Owned and Operated Since 1950.

WEIR MANUEL

We proudly welcome William Brundage William is an industry leading Realtor bringing years of experience successfully marketing and selling fine homes and estates. We are proud to welcome him onto our team!

“My dedication to my clients and to my community places me in the top 1% nationwide. I am excited to share with you that I have partnered with Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel. It is my priority to provide an outstanding real estate experience for my clients. My new partnership with CBWM brings even greater opportunities to my buyers, sellers, and investors.”

— William Brundage

Celebrating Home

248-980-2455 | cbwm.com

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel: Locally Owned and Operated Since 1950.

WEIR MANUEL

Bloomfield Township | $1,850,000 | This stunning, contemporary home on Wabeek Lake masterfully designed by DesRosier is truly something out of Architectural Digest. Floor to ceiling windows & walls of glass opens this home to the surrounding landscape, bringing in breathtaking, panoramic views of Wabeek Lake. Upon entering, you are welcomed by a three-story atrium, lush with huge live trees & plants, into an awesome open floor plan.

Presented by: Barbara Draplin T: 248-639-7976 | bdraplin@cbwm.com

Springfield Township | $1,590,000 | Indulge yourself! Gated acreage features custom built Town & Country Contemporary log home - the essence of warmth, comfort and efficiency. From the moment you enter the wooded seclusion you know this is a home and property beyond duplication.

Surround yourself in luxury while enjoying the “up north” tranquility. Two ponds on property. Acreage may be split-able.

Presented by: Donna Bousson T: 248-817-4683 | dbousson@cbwm.com

Celebrating Home

248-792-8833 | cbwm.com

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel: Locally Owned and Operated Since 1950.

WEIR MANUEL

Farmington Hills | $2,850,000 | Amazing custom home with grand entry! Spectacular 2-story great room,1st floor master with marble & granite glamour bath, 2 additional master suites, mahogany 8 foot solid doors, awesome 2-story study with Honduras mahogany judges paneling & art studio above, formal dining room with hand painted silk wallcovering, very open floor plan, private 2.36 acres. 5-car heated garage. Elevator.

Presented by: John Goodman T: 248-639-4816 | jgoodman@cbwm.com

Salem Township | $1,000,000 | Amazing architecture on this Salem Cape Cod with Northville mailing. Situated off the road with pond & wooded privacy. On 10 acres, very open floor plan with 2-story family room from lower level with view from above. 5 full bedrooms including in-law quarters, 5 full & 4 half baths. First floor master suite, extensive triple crown molding throughout, marble, hardwood flooring. Spacious gourmet kitchen with Viking appliances.

Presented by: John Goodman T: 248-639-4816 | jgoodman@cbwm.com

Celebrating Home

248-792-8833 | cbwm.com

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel: Locally Owned and Operated Since 1950.

WEIR MANUEL

Bloomfield Hills | $819,900 Designer perfect home on elevated cul-de-sac setting backing to woods.

Incredible kitchen boasts top-of-the-line Downsview cabinetry.

Presented by: Marty Barrett Londeck T: 248-213-9143 | mbarrett@cbwm.com

Bloomfield Township | $859,000 Nestled in a private, serene wooded setting is this spectacular open, light-filled oasis that is the essence of the modern contemporary life style.

Presented by: Rebecca Meisner T: 248-639-4814 | rmeisner@cbwm.com

Novi | $1,095,000 Here it is! Popular and exclusive Tuscany Reserve! Spectacular home. First floor master.

Presented by: Jim Willis T: 248-567-6940 | jwillis@cbwm.com

Northville | $1,085,000 Absolutely gorgeous home on Parkshore Lake (best lake in sub.) with beach. Docks allowed.

Presented by: John Goodman T: 248-639-4816 | jgoodman@cbwm.com

West Bloomfeild | $599,000 Modern lakefront home on Cass Lake. Surrounded by water on 3 sides, 2 sides are canals.

Presented by: Gwen Schutlz T: 248-731-5144 | gschultz@cbwm.com

Bloomfield Village | $499,900 Cape Cod style home with newer kitchen opens to family room with high ceiling plus fireplace.

Presented by: Gwen Schutlz T: 248-731-5144 | gschultz@cbwm.com

Bloomfield Hills | $159,900 Manor in the Hills condominium home. Great value for the money. Upper ranch unit.

Presented by: Gwen Schultz T: 248-731-5144 | gschultz@cbwm.com

Novi | $775,000 Incredible Greek Revival home on 2.03 acres!

Country porch to relax on, maintenance free exterior.

Presented by: John Goodman T: 248-639-4816 | jgoodman@cbwm.com

Celebrating Home

248-792-8833 | cbwm.com

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel: Locally Owned and Operated Since 1950.

WEIR MANUEL

Your home is everything — it’s who you are

Celebrating Home

248-792-8833 | cbwm.com

Coldwell Banker Weir Manuel: Locally Owned and Operated Since 1950.

WEIR MANUEL

FACES Julie Pincus

N

ot until after leaving her home in Birmingham and returning to the metro Detroit area did Julie Pincus really begin showing hundreds of pieces of artwork she had seen of buildings throughout the Motor City.

Pincus, an award winning graphic designer now living in New York City, said it was about five years ago while working on a book for the Kresge Foundation that she started to notice graphics on dozens of boarded up buildings. Exploring more areas of the city, she discovered more murals, sculptures, art installations and other pieces throughout the city. While some of the artwork has been dismantled or removed, it’s now available to view in a book by Pincus and writer Nichole Christian, “Canvas Detroit.”

“I was in Detroit and started noticing graphics on buildings that were boarded up,” Pincus said. “The Grand Army of the Republic Building on Grand River, someone put scarlet paint on the boards and stenciled pigeons with silver and gold metallic paint. It made the building less scary, and it was amazing. A friend took me all over to places that I had never been, and we went to the Wayne State Press with the idea for a book.”

The initial idea for the book was called “Signs of Life in Detroit,” which included various signs throughout the city.

The idea was good – in fact such a good idea that an editor at the Wayne State University Press told Pincus they had already published a similar book. However, the idea of creating a book detailing the art throughout the city was something new.

“The part about the art, that was interesting to the editor,” Pincus said. “It turns out that this was the beginning of a storm, and more and more was coming. It expanded, and one thing led to another.”

The book shows the city’s abandoned cityscape through a different lens by focusing on artists that used the city to build an art scene that has since gained national attention.

Pincus and Christian profile artists featured in the book, including Banksy, Matthew Barney, Tyree Guyton, Jerome Ferretti and others. The authors also worked with photographers and journalists who shared their work with them in order to help create the book.

“This book took a lot,” Pincus said, who worked on the design and layout of the book. “Basically, it was my idea developed with Wayne State Press. I had a say of who was in the book, then we had to find a writer. Nichole Christian is the writer we found to interview all the artists.

“Usually when a book is shopped to a press, the writer does it, and I’m not that great of a writer. She is great, and she is a Detroiter, and really smart and a really good writer.

The artists really responded to her. It was a really nice collaboration.”

While she lives in New York, Pincus still returns to the metro Detroit area on a regular basis. The University of Michigan and Yale graduate said she likes to visit family and still has several clients whom she works with in the area.

“We moved to New York about seven years ago,” she said. “I kind of miss Birmingham because my family is here.”

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

MUNICIPAL Duany revisits city, downtown plan

By Lisa Brody

He came, he saw, he praised.

Andres Duany, mastermind of Birmingham’s 2016 Master Plan, which created a 20-year forecast for downtown Birmingham, was in Birmingham May 19-21 to review downtown Birmingham and the 2016 Plan’s implementation, assess the city’s accomplishments, and made recommendations for future improvements at several public meetings.

Duany, of Duany Plater-Zyberk & Company, was hired in 1996 to create, with other urban planning firms, an innovative master plan for downtown Birmingham which would revitalize the city and capitalize on its assets. The 2016 plan identified Birmingham as a traditional, walkable downtown area surrounded by neighborhoods, and extensive public involvement at the time conveyed the message that the community was committed to maintaining a walkable urban experience. It found that downtown Birmingham had a range of building types of frontages, some of which did not work for a pedestrian-oriented urban downtown.

“The place was good 20 years ago –it’s better now,” Duany said at a Streetscape, Infrastructure and Civic Spaces roundtable following a walking tour of the downtown and a driving tour of the Triangle and Rail Districts. At a final presentation where he presented his overview/observations and recommendations for next steps, he complimented the city for holding firm to their ordinances and standards, and not caving in to developers.

He pointed out that within the urban planning field it was recognized that the building/development business typically follows a seven-eight year cycle, and the Detroit market is in the second year of the current upswing.

He urged the city to act quickly to capitalize on the timing of the market, particularly with a proposed parking structure for the Triangle District, which he said is imperative for the district’s success.

“Next great challenge” for the city is to develop the Triangle District, Duany emphasized. But he said it downtownpublications.com

Waste hauler proposal put on ballot

N

ovember ballot language asking Bloomfield Hills residents if they would permit the city commission to adopt an ordinance to competitively bid and hire a single waste hauler for the city was unanimously approved by Bloomfield Hills city commissioners at their meeting on Tuesday, May 13.

Currently, Bloomfield Hills residents hire their own solid waste and recyclable haulers, at their own cost. While residents would still pay for the removal of all waste and recyclables, and pay the waste hauler directly, having numerous different waste haulers with their large trucks on city roads every day has become a problem, causing significant wear and tear to the roads, whether they are main roads or side streets, city manager Jay Cravens has pointed out.

Residents in the past have voiced complaints to city hall and city commissioners about retaining their individual waste haulers, Cravens said, but deterioration of the roads has become a substantial issue. Rather than just passing the ordinance to change to a single waste hauler, the city commission wanted to get input from its citizens by putting the ballot question before voters in November.

Commissioners approved the ballot language by a vote of 4-0, with commissioner Michael Coakley not in attendance.

won’t happen without a parking deck, which he said “must happen quickly.”

He recommended that the city determine the site of a parking structure, lock in the land, and then announce it because potential developers will then jump into the district. Another hook could be to offer the first 200 spots of the possible 400 or 500 in the garage to the first developers to commit to the district to kickstart development. “Recruit cool restaurants or stores to go in there.

The big reward is parking.”

Duany emphasized that the Triangle District should have a different aesthetic from Birmingham’s downtown, utilizing metal, cement, and incorporating more “hip” design standards, as well as needing its own set of building ordinances. He also urged the city not to be bound to strict boundary definitions of the Triangle District because there may be some adjacent areas that should be added to the district as things develop. He labeled current boundary restrictions as “childish” and “not up to your standards of intelligence.”

He noted that the N. Old Woodward area was now “cooler” despite the hodge podge of businesses and professional firms, and suggested a traffic circle at Oak could slow down traffic coming down N. Old Woodward.

Duany criticized the design of Shain Park, noting there were sidewalks to nowhere and that it was inaccessible to the library, The Community House and the downtown

area, and emphasizing it needed a redesign. He felt it had become static, and as a suggestion to create vitality and bring office workers into the park, he recommended adding an assortment of affordable food trucks at lunch time to the adjacent parking lot behind the band shell.

He said that one area that he had changed his mind from 20 years ago was Baldwin Library, where he said he thought the Reading Room should stay as it is, rather than reorienting the entrance back to its original entrance on Martin Street. He acknowledged the library was in need of an update, and in light of the recent library bond defeat, he recommended the city take an incremental approach to refurbishing and expanding itself, beginning with a small tax request. Once the library (and city) had proved itself to the public, they could then request more funding.

He also urged the library to work in conjunction with neighboring The Community House. He strongly criticized the tent at The Community House on the Merrill Street side.

Despite the city’s efforts to activate its alleys, he cautioned against that. “I would not gentrify the alleys too much,” Duany said. “Keep them as alleys. Then you don’t spread the alley stuff around too much.”

As for the behemoth of the community, Woodward Avenue, he said he envisioned five pedestrian crossing areas between Oak and 14 Mile Road, each enhanced by

DOWNTOWN

different landscape designs to present different neighborhood personalities.

Duany said the 555 Building, which its owners are looking to update, should be viewed as a gateway to the downtown. He suggested the city work with the owners on ways to incorporate more current day glass, as well as to possibly add a glass wedge-like design to the southern end of the building “in order to make the gateway entrance glow at night.”

He also recommended the city look at permitting townhouses on the first floor of the 555 Building where retail has not been successful.

Duany focused his sights on the Willits parking lot, once the Jacobson’s Home Store parking lot, because it is a conduit between the downtown and the N. Old Woodward area, and has part of the Rouge River walking trail adjacent to it. He suggested that its perimeter be developed with retail stores, and the N. Old Woodward parking deck be extended into the lot, which would invigorate the area and help alleviate parking issues. Because the city charter prohibits the city selling land, he recommended the city ask voters to change the charter to say that only paved land can be sold, thereby alleviating concerns that parkland could ever be sold.

He acknowledged that affordable housing for younger people would be difficult because of Birmingham’s high land values. As for seniors, he suggested bedrooms be allowed on first floors because the population is aging but many will want to remain in Birmingham. He also thought it would be a good idea to allow for either in-law apartments to be added on backs of houses or in an outbuilding, like garages.

City approves new budget, higher tax

By Lisa Brody

Bloomfield Hills city commissioners on Tuesday, May 13, unanimously approved the adoption of the city’s 2014-2015 budget which will include a .75-mill increase to the millage rate for the next three years in order to pay for road reconstruction projects on Cranbrook and Vaughan roads.

Bloomfield Hills Finance Director Karen Ruddy presented the final budget at a public hearing at the 65

R E N E E L O S S I A A C H O SKBK’S TOP PRODUCER | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN AGENT AND AN EXPERT

2014 Mid Year Market Review Just released stats from Realcomp show continued strength in Oakland County Real Estate Market.

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• Area Ranked Top Producer 2005-2013 • Hour Magazine Real Estate All Star 2012-2014 • Wall Street Journal/Real Trends Top Agent 2012-2013 • GMAR Ethics Board Council Member • WCR Entrepreneur of the Year 2013 • Top 1% Realtors Nationwide

2013

12%

Number of Listings

7169

8147

39%

Average Days on Market

48.7

79.3

14%

Average Sale Price

• 25 Million Pending and Sold in 2014 YTD • 50 Million Sold in 2013

2014

209,739

$

183,743

$

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415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

MORTGAGES FROM CHARTER ONE meeting. She stated that both budgeted revenues and expenses for the fiscal year, which runs from July 1, 2014 through June 30, 2015, totaled just under $9 million.

In a Powerpoint presentation, she explained that budgeted expenses exceed budgeted revenues by $66,059, and in order to have a balanced budget, they will use a prior year’s fund balance, or savings, of that amount. Of that fund balance, $50,000 will go towards road maintenance, with the remaining $16,000 going towards the $35,000 purchase of a new salt truck, which will be financed over the next five years.

The city’s primary source of revenues comes from property taxes, $7.3 million of the almost $9 million budget. The other large revenue sources are $616,900 in licenses and permits, and $314,000 the city receives in fines and forfeits from the 48th District Court.

Public safety costs, at $4.4 million, are Bloomfield Hills’ largest expenditure. General administration costs, at $1.1 million, and public works costs at $842,938, are other significant planned expenses.

Maintaining and improving the city’s roads are a high priority, especially after such a difficult winter, Ruddy pointed out in her presentation. City commissioners had previously determined that rebuilding both Cranbrook Road, from Quarton to Lone Pine, as well as Vaughan Road, were priorities, as well as the smaller streets of Yarboro and Joyce.

Ruddy said that Yarboro and Joyce would be completed in 2014-2015 fiscal year, with preliminary work beginning on Cranbrook and Vaughan in the 2014-2015 fiscal year and completion occurring during the 2016-2017 fiscal year. Water mains will also be replaced and reconstructed below all of the road construction.

The road fund, at about $239,000, would not cover accomplishing all of the road work approved, so commissioners approved increasing the millage by .75 mills for three years, allocating all of the increase to road construction. The total levied mills will now be 10.99 mills, comprised of 9.50 mills for the general fund; 1.10 mills (up from .35) for road construction; and .39 mills for contract services for Baldwin Public Library. downtownpublications.com

YOUR PLANS. OUR TOOLS. LET’S BUILD.

Pot growing okayed for Rail District

By Lisa Brody

The Birmingham Planning Board on Wednesday, May 14, unanimously recommended sending a zoning amendment to the city commission which would permit medical marijuana growing operations in the city’s Rail District, a change to the city’s ordinance necessitated by a recent change to Michigan law.

At the planning board meeting, it was explained that city attorney Tim Currier has requested the board consider the zoning change to allow and control medical marijuana establishments as a permitted use in the city. Prior to this request, Birmingham has had an ordinance that has prohibited the facilities, as well as medical marijuana dispensaries, anywhere in the city on the grounds that marijuana is considered a controlled substance under federal law.

Medical marijuana was approved by 63 percent of Michigan voters in 2008, when it was placed as a ballot proposal. Since then, individual municipalities have grappled with how to handle individual rights of medical marijuana patients, the rights of state-approved caregivers, and municipalities which have chosen to give preference to federal law. A Michigan Supreme Court decision in 2013, however, ruled that all Michigan municipalities must follow the provisions relating to the state’s Medical Marijuana Act and allow for facilities in their communities.

“If it is allowable in the state, and if our ordinance does not permit it, what happens?” a planning board member asked.

Birmingham Planning Director Jana Ecker responded, “It would end up in litigation. They do not tell us where, but we have to allow it.”

Due to the mixed use permitted in the Rail District, that it’s eastern border is the railroad tracks, it has the Birmingham Police Department’s shooting range adjacent at Kenning Park, and there is no single family residential in the district, the planning department recommended the district as the preferred area for permitted growing operations.

The zoning amendment will now need to be approved by the city commission.

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MUNICIPAL Decisive loss for Baldwin Library

By Kevin Elliott

Birmingham voters on Tuesday, May 6, overwhelmingly rejected a $21.5 million bond issue to expand and renovate the Baldwin Public Library that would have been repaid over the next 20 years.

Twenty nine percent of 16,892 registered voters in Birmingham cast ballots, with voters in all nine of the city’s precincts and those casting absentee ballots voting down the proposal. In total, 3,775 people voted agains the bond proposal and 1,167 voted in favor of it, according to unofficial results from the Oakland County Clerk’s Office, representing a 69 percent vote against the library bond issue.

Because the library is located in Birmingham, only residents of the city were asked to pay for the expansion and renovation. The Baldwin Library, however, is used by residents in Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms and Bloomfield Hills, under

contract agreements.

Birmingham City Commissioners in February approved placing the issue on the May 6 ballot to pay for major renovations to the existing library, including removing two former additions and constructing a two-story building addition to the original library constructed in 1927.

Under the proposal, the average annual tax to retire the bond would be .77 mills, or 77 cents per $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, over 20 years.

One mill is equal to about $1 per every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value, which is about half of a property’s market value. Under the .77 mill-proposal, the owner of a home worth $300,000, with a taxable value of $150,000, would have paid about $155.50 each year for 20 years.

The special election proved a spirited battle between those in favor of the bond issue and those against it, marked by door-to-door campaigning by both supporters and opponents of the library plan.

Multiple presentations to community groups, direct mail, publication

advertising and robocalls were used throughout the campaign.

Brad Coulter, chair of Birmingham Citizens for Responsible Spending, which opposed the bond proposal, said he wasn’t surprised by Tuesday’s vote, noting that voters in Grosse Point recently rejected a technology bond in that community.

“This was a grass roots victory for common sense and financial responsibility,” Coulter said. “We look forward to collaborating with the library board and the city commission to come up with a better plan for investing in our library.”

City commissioners in late November approved a design plan for the proposed renovation that was developed by Quinn Evans Architects. That plan, which was selected by the joint library building committee that included mayor Scott Moore and commissioners Gordon Rinschler and Rackeline Hoff, called for taking down both the 1960 and 1980 additions, leaving only the original 1927 building, which would be enhanced. A new building would have been built in the shape of a

rectangle on Merrill Street, stretching from Chester to Bates.

Cemetery panel gives final report

By Lisa Brody

The Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Committee, formed last October after the Birmingham City Commission approved a service contract for the cemetery with Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit, provided the commission with a final report on Monday, May 19, and received unanimous approval from the commission to become a permanent board.

Chairperson George Stern informed the commission that the seven-member board had met 10 times since last October, and had prepared recommendations on reclaiming abandoned plots, whether or not to plan for the development of new burial spots, whether or not to expand the cemetery, and other pertinent issues.

Stern noted that there were two

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tional Association of Realtors Leadership Accademy Member class of 2014 ~ National Associatio altors, RPAC Major Investor Council representing Michigan ~ Federal Political Coordinator for Congressi Sara Lipnitz strict 11 ~ Michigan Association of Realtors Board of Directors, district 11 ~ Michigan Associatio PMN Past President for WCR Birmingham-Bloomfield ~ GMAR Professi Broker,~ SFR, Associate altors, RPAC Trustees Immediate in theRPAC Committee Member ~ 2014 RPAC President's Circle Member Nati been involved andardshas Committee ~ GMAR sociation of Realtors Leadership for over Accademy Member class of 2014 ~ National Association of Realt industry real-estate AC Major InvestorFirst Council in therepresenting Michigan ~ Federal Political Coordinator for Congressional Dis 23 years. ~ Michigan Association of Realtors Board of Directors, district 11 ~ Michigan Association of Realtors, RP commercial market and for stees ~ Immediate Past President for WCR Birmingham-Bloomfield ~ GMAR Professional Standa years inCommittee Member ~ 2012 Realtor of the Year ~ National Association of Rea 13 RPAC mmitteethe ~ past GMAR is Sara class sales. adershipresidential Accademy Member of 2014 ~ National Association of Realtors, RPAC Major Investor Cou Realtor Political Coordinator for Congressional District 11 ~ Michigan Associatio selling an active presenting Michigan ~ Federal altors Board of Directors, district 11 ~ 2012 Realtor of the Year ~ RPAC Trustees ~ Immediate P sales record. with a strong for WCR Birmingham-Bloomfield ~ GMAR Professional Standards Committee ~ GMAR RP esident Having on the local, served mmittee Member ~ 2014 RPAC President's Circle Member ~ National Association of Realtors Leader state and national level, she cademy Member class of 2014 ~ National Association of Realtors, RPAC Major Investor Cou the Political Coordinator for Congressional District 11 ~ Michigan Associatio a passion~forFederal hasMichigan presenting leader Sara is a true business. altors Board of Directors, district 11 ~ Michigan Association of Realtors, RPAC Trustees ~ Immediate P and has proven esident inforourWCR Birmingham-Bloomfield ~ GMAR Professional Standards Committee ~ GMAR RP industry mmitteesoMember 2014 RPAC President's Circle Member National Association of Realtors Leader years. over the ~ cademy Member class of 2014 ~ National Association of Realtors, RPAC Major Investor Cou presenting Michigan ~ Federal Political Coordinator for Congressional District 11 ~ Michigan Associatio altors Board of Directors, district 11 ~ Michigan Association of Realtors, RPA

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issues they dealt with: the cemetery has a shortage of space and an excess of income. “There is a great deal of money here. Cemeteries make a lot of money. We have converted the issues from a cost center to a profit center,” he said.

He said to accomplish the first recommendation, “we digitized the records. Once you do that, a lot of information flows from that. It bridges very quickly to maps, so you can see where there are vacant plots, people can find their loved ones. We also were able to merge the mail program.

From there it was easy to bridge to financial operations systems.

“We may have found 1,100 plots for you,” he continued. “There may have been 40 plots that are unsold.

We recommend you take those lots and sell them for about $120,000, and put that in the reserve fund. We recommend you reclaim the abandoned burial spots, those that were purchased but never used.

According Public Act 46 of 1931, any plot that was abandoned for 50 years can be reclaimed. There’s precedence. You notify the public with public notices.”

Stern also said there is something called the “second marriage problem”, where a family may have bought plots years ago, a spouse died, and the remaining spouse remarried and was buried with the second spouse in a different location, and the children are now scattered.

“We think there’s about 600 spots where a person has been buried at least 50 years and nothing has happened next to them,” he said.

By researching whether the plots have been used, city administration can manage the reclamation process and conduct legal proceedings, the committee recommended.

“Our hope is we have found enough graves to satisfy the demand,” Stern said.

The committee recommended that those on a list in the city clerk’s office receive preference for first sales according to the date they put their name on the list, and then plots would be offered to the general public.

Commissioner Gordon Rinschler asked, “Where is this list and when was it noticed? I was told there was no room on the list.”

Stern was also asked if some people were worried that someone could already be buried in some of the plots. He said that ground position radar can detect that at a downtownpublications.com

Township library cutting back on hours

By Lisa Brody

D

ue to a shortage of money, the Bloomfield Township Public Library will close its doors on Sundays this summer, beginning Sunday, June

22.

The library, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, first opened its doors in rented space on Long Lake Road in 1964, moved into its current building at Lone Pine and Telegraph roads in 1968 and went through a voter-approved major renovation and expansion in recent years.

In a news release, the library said it would be closed on Sundays during the summer from Sunday, June 22, through Sunday, August 31, due to ongoing budget constraints.

Since 2008, the library has lost approximately 23 percent of its revenue due to declining property tax revenues. The release stated that in the last six years the library has made many cuts, several of which are still in place behind the scenes in internal operations. The slow return of revenues has not been sufficient to continue the current level of operations, necessitating the closing of summer Sundays.

“The library has made the difficult decision to close on Sundays in the summer. Library use on Sundays in the summer is not as great as it is during other times of the year. Not only will closing on Sundays save funds in the form of staff wages, but it will save wear and tear on the building and equipment. The library will also save on utilities,” said Joan Luksik, president of the Bloomfield Township Public Library Board of Trustees.

In April 2011, the library board cancelled reciprocal borrowing privileges with all communities that have library service contracts. At the time, the board said it had identified 22 communities with library service contracts in The Library Network (TLN) Cooperative. Among them were Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Lathrup Village, Pleasant Ridge, Sylvan Lake, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake, Oakland Township, and the city of Rochester.

At the time, Karen Kotulis-Carter, former director of Bloomfield Township Public Library, said the decision was a fiscal one. “We’ve had $1.2 million cut from our budget since 2008; this year (2011) we had $500,000 cut, due to declining property taxes. We’ve had to make hard decisions. We want to prioritize access for our residents,” she said. She said that non-resident use had been up to 30 percent of total usage, rather than one to five percent, as most library’s do.

costs of about $8 a plot. “They can do about 200 plots in a day. It’s not a big expense.”

Stern told commissioners he recommended the city notify owners whose records reflect no burials within the last 50 years and tell them the city is willing to buy those plots back.

Stern said an issue of who should run the cemetery was an easy one for the commission to answer. “You have an ace in the hole on your staff.

Lauren Wood (director of public services) comes from a funeral home and cemetery background. Why are you putting this out to bid? There’s no need to pay 21 percent commission to a contractor.”

He also said Greenwood Cemetery could find another source of income in selling grave blankets and flowers in perpetuity, like Clover Hill

Cemetery in Birmingham does.

Commissioners noted that Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, which had been subcontracted by Elmwood Cemetery to provide burial and maintenance services for Greenwood, had resigned.

Elmwood is now handling both for the time being.

Stern also recommended that the Greenwood Cemetery Advisory Committee become a standing committee. Commissioners unanimously voted to accept the final report and to make the committee a permanent board.

Intersection project work approved

By Lisa Brody

Despite concerns from some neighboring residents, both the

DOWNTOWN

Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills city commissions approved resolutions to improve the intersection of Quarton and Chesterfield using a state grant, triparty funds from Oakland County and minimal contributions from each city.

Chesterfield, which runs northsouth into Quarton Road, is misaligned as it continues from Birmingham into Bloomfield Hills.

Additionally, traffic on Quarton Road often passes cars turning left in either direction, causing safety hazards. The state of Michigan has provided a grant of $430,000 towards the project, which would add a center left turn lane and eliminate the right turn area on each side by creating tapering.

Both Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills commissioners, and their residents, were concerned about the possibility of bids coming in higher for the project, or cost overruns.

Birmingham Interim City Manager Joe Valentine assured concerned residents at the city commission meeting on Monday, May 19, that “if the estimate comes in exceeding the amount, it has to come back to the communities for approvals.”

Bloomfield Hills residents in the neighborhood adjacent to the intersection were concerned about two stone pillars at the entrance to the neighborhood. Jamie Burton of Hubbell Roth & Clark assured them at their meeting Tuesday, May 13, that the pillars would be protected.

Bloomfield Hills commissioners unanimously approved the resolution, provided spending of their portion did not exceed $7,000.

A Birmingham resident requested that all left hand turns onto Chesterfield in Birmingham be eliminated to prevent people from using the street as a cut through and to block entrance into the neighborhood. Birmingham traffic consultant Mike Labadie explained that “You just move turns to other streets. You can’t prevent the usage of the streets.”

Birmingham city commissioner Mark Nickita stated that he did not like the project. “I do not believe it is being driven by need but by dollars.

For the design, the taper aspect is especially problematic to me. I think it is imposing and overdone.”

Birmingham commissioners approved the plan, 6-1, with Nickita voting against it.

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4 Bedrooms 2-story living room. 1st floor 4 Full, 1 Half Bath master. Finished LL with 3,354 Square Feet kitchen, bedroom, family MLS# 214046890 room with 106” screen.

FRANKLIN VILLAGE $1,099,999

High hilltop 2.3-acre wooded 6 Bedrooms site. Kitchen Studio kitchen 4 Full, 1 Half Baths with breakfast room and 4,034 Square Feet travertine floors. Walk-out MLS# 214036416 lower level. 3+ car garage.

Wooded acre backing to a 52-acre nature preserve.

1st floor master suite with private covered deck.

Waterfall with koi pond.

ROCHESTER $850,000

Hilltop setting on a 2.59 5 Bedrooms acre lot - one of the best in 4 Full, 2 Half Baths sub. Magnificent views from 4,515 Square Feet every room. Terrazzo floors.

MLS# 214030962 Finished walk out LL.

Former model home with 1st floor master. Gourmet kitchen with hearth room overlooks 2 ponds. Walkout LL. Raised stone deck.

Lynn and Deby’s listings at V iewLynnandDeby.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

anci Rands N associate broker 248.701.9000 nrands@hallandhunter.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS | $1,999,000 5 Bedrooms 4 Full, 3 Half Baths 5,515 Square Feet MLS# 214041134

Impeccable 1935 East Coast Colonial on a 1.16 exquisitely landscaped acre. Located on a private lane steps from Cranbrook. Meticulously maintained and updated with extraordinary detail, perfectly in keeping with the original charm. Walk-out Lower Level.

FRANKLIN VILLAGE | $1,595,000 5 Bedrooms 5 Full, 2 Half Baths 5,469 Square Feet MLS# 214021613

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Outstanding 2005 custom build on private landscaped site. Open, flowing floor plan. Stunning 2-story Family Room. Paneled library with fireplace. Gourmet island Kitchen. Elegant Master Suite with bayed Sitting area. Finished Lower Level.

T

BLOOMFIELD HILLS | $2,895,000 3 or 4 Bedrooms 5 Full, 2 Half Baths 6,065 Square Feet MLS# 213082198

Historic property overlooking Wing Lake, completely restored & expanded in 2001. Vintage elegance with contemporary additions. Tumbled travertine floors. 1st floor Master Suite. Cook’s Kitchen. Wine Cellar. Finished Lower Level.

BIRMINGHAM | $1,095,000 3 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 4,032 Square Feet MLS# 214010009

Sophisticated site condo nestled on spacious grounds featuring beautiful lawns and gardens.

Fabulous updates throughout. Large 2nd floor Master Suite. Gorgeous Island Kitchen. Four Seasons Sun Room. 1st Floor Laundry.

he real difference in Real Estate

RandsColburn.com

V

442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Edwards & Chris Kelly Small 248. 924.1375 cedwards@hallandhunter.com

248. 631.8750 ksmall@hallandhunter.com

BLOOMFIELD | $1,650,000 6 Bedrooms 4 Full, 3 Half Baths 7500 Square Feet MLS# 214014216

This Wallace Frost-designed mid-century estate is sited atop a hillside on 3.41 acres and includes 100’ lakefront parcel on Orange Lake Drive. Featuring many original architectural details throughout and long private driveway. Rebuild, remodel or reimagine an entirely brand-new estate on this rare and magnificent Bloomfield Hills lot. Adjacent 1 acre parcel also for sale to combine for 4.41 acres. Plenty of room for pool/tennis courts. Development potential!

Sellers: We will advertise your property in the next issue! Call for more information.

- NEW PRICE | LAKE FRONTAGE -

- CLEAR LAKE FRONTAGE -

- LAKE MICHIGAN FRONTAGE -

INDIAN RIVER | $9,999,000

WEST BRANCH | $699,000

CHARLEVOIX | $1,095,000

10 Bedrooms 10 Full, 5 Half Baths 14,497 Square Feet MLS# 214008556

Gated masterpiece with 4 Bedrooms 2390’ of shoreline. 36.9 3 Full, 1 Half Baths acres of pine-studded 3850 Total Sq. Ft. forest. Sweeping 131’ MLS# 213070714 veranda. 10-car garage.

Northern lakefront retreat 5 Bedrooms + Loft on 20 acres. 180’ of Clear 4 Full, 1 Half Baths Lake frontage. 80’ dock, 28’ 3930 Square Feet pontoon boat with trailer.

MLS# 213031109 Huge 3000 sq. ft. garage.

Newer year-round retreat on prestigious Michigan Avenue. 100’ of sandy beach frontage. Stroll to nearby dining and shopping.

Co-Listed with Pam Gray

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442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Sal Impastato realtor 248.763.2223 simpastato@hallandhunter.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS | $1,650,000 5 Bedrooms 5 Full, 2 Half Baths 5,228 Square Feet MLS# 214040316

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Spectacular 2.2 acre hilltop setting for this sophisticated estate. Five fireplaces. Updated island kitchen with large breakfast room features French doors to a stone terrace. Paneled library with French doors off foyer. Private master suite with two walk-in closets and marble bath. Large bedrooms plus a 3rd floor bonus room. For entertaining, a finished walkout lower level opens to a private pool area with water feature and stone retaining wall. Private, lovely gardens and garage space for five cars make this property complete.

iew sal’s listings at Vhallandhunter.com

V

442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500

Sandy Demetriou realtor

orothy Perrotta DMichael Perrotta 248.217.7222 dperrotta@hallandhunter.com

248. 875.3453

248.672.0494

sdemetriou@hallandhunter.com

mperrotta@hallandhunter.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS | $4,800,000 6 Bedrooms 7 Full, 3 Half Baths 8,394 Square Feet MLS# 213080863

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Country French inspired home designed for large scale entertaining or intimate gatherings.

Balcony overlooks beautiful views and tennis court. Grand staircase & elevator. Walk-out lower level with au pair apt. 6-car garage.

BINGHAM FARMS | $998,000 5 Bedrooms 7 Full, 1 Half Baths 6,796 Square Feet MLS# 214037844

Custom built home on 3.84 acres with lovely views of nature. Brazilian cherry floors. Chef ’s kitchen opens to family room. Master bedroom with dual bathrooms. 2 laundry rooms. 2-story walkout LL. Indoor pool. 4.5 attached garage.

and other listings at V iew these hallandhunter.com

442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500

Ginny Fisher realtor

Amy Zimmer and

Tiffany Glime 248.469.6430

azimmer@hallandhunter.com

248. 593.0518

248.930.5656

gfisher@hallandhunter.com

tglime@hallandhunter.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS | $1,699,000 4 Bedrooms 4 Full, 2 Half Baths 4,800 Square Feet MLS# 213006575

Private gated enclave on ravine setting. Total of 7000+ square feet. Renovated Millennium cherry kitchen opens to family room.

Finished walkout with possible 5th bedroom.

Lower paver terraces. 4-car garage.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS | $799,000 5 Bedrooms 5 Full, 2 Half Baths 5,800+ Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 214037186

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Light-filled & beautifully renovated.

Gorgeous family room and sun room. Chef ’s delight kitchen. Elegant granite master bath. Fully finished walkout lower level with billiards room. Expansive deck. 3-car garage.

- JUST LISTED BIRMINGHAM | $625,000 3 Bedrooms 3 Full, 1 Half Baths 2,674 Square Feet Finished Lower Level

Beautiful home located close to Pierce School and two parks. Gourmet maple kitchen.

Brazilian cherry floors. Master suite with fireplace and limestone bath. 1st and 2nd floor laundry. 2.5-car garage with bonus room.

- SOLD BIRMINGHAM | $595,000 3 Bedrooms 2 Full, 2 Half Baths 2,678 Square Feet MLS# 214022935

Fantastic updated home in great location.

2-story foyer. Sophisticated island kitchen.

Stylish family room with custom built-ins.

Outstanding master suite with brand new luxe bath. 2nd floor laundry. New patio and deck.

and other listings at V iew these hallandhunter.com

442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500

Vickie McAskin

Christine

Drinkwater

248. 821.7225

ASSOCIATE BROKER 248. 318.4745

vmcaskin@hallandhunter.com

cdrinkwater@hallandhunter.com

realtor

- NEW PRICE BIRMINGHAM | $2,998,000 4 Bedrooms 5 Full, 2 Half Baths 5,200 Square Feet MLS# 213108630

BLOOMFIELD | $1,260,000 4 Bedrooms 4 Full, 2 Half Baths 4,345 Square Feet MLS# 214032988

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Private cul-de-sac in newer development.

Large windows and arched thresholds.

Gourmet kitchen opens to breakfast room and 2-story great room. Oversized master suite. Private blue stone patio and walkways.

New construction opportunity on soughtafter Lake Park Drive. Alex Bogaertsdesigned East Coast classic traditional with exceptional craftsmanship and detailing.

2-car attached and 2-car detached garages.

BIRMINGHAM | $921,000 4 Bedrooms 3 Full, 1 Half Baths 3,368 Square Feet MLS# 214045571

Proposed new construction. Open floor plan with large kitchen overlooking great room.

Breakfast room & library. Exceptional custom details. 5th bedroom possible in finished lower level. 2nd floor laundry.

and other listings at V iew these hallandhunter.com

442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500

Kathleen

Jardine

realtor 248.755.4710 kjardine@hallandhunter.com

Gray Pamrealtor 248.842.4696 pgray@hallandhunter.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS | $1,500,000 5 Bedrooms 6 Full, 2 Half Baths 6,648 Square Feet MLS# 214046312

Rare opportunity for almost 3 acres of prime real estate near Cranbrook. Estate home with all the expected amenities.

Private guest quarters. Elevator. Tennis court. Walk-out terrace.

ROCHESTER | $679,000 5 Bedrooms 3 Full, 2 Half Baths 3,560 Square Feet MLS# 214038007

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Truly extraordinary octagon home on a secluded 1.5+ acre park-like setting along the banks of the Clinton River. 2 bedroom, 1 bath apartment above the garage. Multiple decks. Balcony off master suite.

- SALE PENDING BIRMINGHAM | $1,575,000 4 Bedrooms 3 Full, 2 Half Baths 4,066 Square Feet MLS# 214043268

Perched on the edge of a lush ravine and tucked away on a very private lane yet just steps from downtown. Exquisite views from every room. Granite island kitchen. Year-round sun room. Koi pond and terraced formal gardens.

and other listings at V iew these hallandhunter.com

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BUSINESS MATTERS New real estate company The nation’s fourth largest residential real estate company has moved into the Oakland County market with the opening of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, 800 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham. The office, which will operate as a hub for the firm’s agents in Oakland County, opened in late April.

Previously, the business’s closest office was in the Ann Arbor area.

Howard Hanna closed more than 48,000 transactions, generating more than $9 billion in sales volume last year, according to the company.

The family-owned business has more than 50 years of residential real estate expertise, and operates 144 offices in numerous locations, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, New York, West Virginia, North Carolina and Maryland. The business offers one-stop shopping for mortgages, insurance, title, escrow and real estate services. The company is known for its “100percent Money Back Guarantee,” which states that if a buyer of a guaranteed home listed by Howard Hanna isn’t satisfied, they will buy back the home for 100 percent of its purchase price. In October 2012, Howard Hanna Real Estate Services joined forces with Edward Surovell Realtors of Ann Arbor, bringing the company into Michigan for the first time. The company is now expanding into the Oakland County market. Howard Hanna was founded in 1957 by Howard and Ann Hanna with one office on the University of Pittsburgh campus.

Three generations of the family are involved with the company today.

Knit shop moves After 18 years at its downtown Birmingham location, Right Off The Sheep has moved across Woodward Avenue and into a new shop near Adams Square at 801 S. Adams.

Anne Brogren, owner of the knit shop, said she will be focusing on instruction as she settles into the new location. “Anything a person wants to knit, I can teach them,” she said. “You can learn anything you want. We also design patterns for people.” Right Off The Sheep, which had been located on S. Old downtownpublications.com

Woodward, offers instruction for all levels of experience, from beginning to expert knitters. Instruction is offered Wednesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Instruction is available in a group setting or individual private instruction. Custom patterns and finishing services are available.

Salon changes Maalouf Salon has been renamed Escova Salon at 387 S. Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham, while brothers Johnny, Elie, George and Joey Maalouf have moved into Beauty Salon, 235 Willits Alley, also in downtown Birmingham. Hairstylist Johnny Maalouf trained with industry icons Vidal Sassoon and John Sahag, and most recently has been training stylists around the country on new hair techniques. Elie Maalouf’s work as a makeup artist has been featured in several national magazines, including Harper’s Bazaar and Elle. George Maalouf has a background in business and beauty and has worked as an executive in the cosmetic industry.

Joey Maalouf has been seen on Bravo’s “The Rachel Zoe Project.”

Escova Salon will continue to offer cuts, styles, treatments and other services, similar to the services the location has offered for the past five years. The salon also offers makeup applications, eye brow and lash work, lips, and nail service.

Cafe and caterer closes Bonnie’s Kitchen and Cafe, 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, has closed its doors after nearly a decade at its location at Maple and Telegraph. Joan Melnick, who purchased the kitchen and cafe from original owner Bonnie Fishman in 2009, thanked her customers for supporting her business for years, but she said a lack of upkeep by her landlord following a snow disaster this winter, as well as an increase of vacancies at the strip mall, contributed to the closure. “It’s with great sadness and a heavy heart that I tell all of you of the permanent closure of Bonnie’s Kitchen and Catering,” she said in a Facebook post. “It has been a long

journey, but mostly I will miss our dedicated customers, many who I have known for the 20-plus years that I have been there. It is a sad loss, but it is time to move on to other things. Who knows where I will land, but the recipes that made Bonnie’s what it was are safe and sound in my back pocket. I want to thank you all for your support over the years. We couldn’t have done it without you.” Melnick studied at the Culinary Institute of America and began working for Bonnie Fishman in 1992 at Bonnie’s Patisserie in Southfield. In 2005, Fishman relocated to the Bloomfield Township location and changed the name to Bonnie’s Kitchen. When Fishman retired in 2009, Melnick purchased the 2,400 square-foot business. “Very sorry to hear this,” one customer wrote on the business’s Facebook page. “Your establishment could always be counted on for great food, friendly staff and a cozy atmosphere. Plus Diet Vernor’s in a can. You will be missed.”

New tea bar Elias Majid will be branching out his tea distribution business and opening his first tea bar location in July at the former Cold Stone Creamery location in downtown Birmingham with Eli Tea at 108. S. Old Woodward. The all-natural tea company is based in Detroit and features American-sourced herbals and teas from around the world. Eli Tea prides itself on using no artificial flavorings or syrups. The business will offer four unique collections, including American Herbals, Hand Blended Chai, International Classics and Homeopathic Tea Blends. “It started in Detroit and I currently supply 12 stores,” said Majid. “My vision has been to open a tea bar where people can learn about and experience tea.

I want it to be focused around the customer.” Majid, 25, said the tea bar will be his first retail business outside of the distribution he has been doing. “It’s funny that I’m in an old Cold Stone,” he said. “I think that speaks to the growing trend of people becoming more health conscious. Ten years ago, Cold

DOWNTOWN

Stone was super busy and now they are out of business. There is definitely a tea trend going around the country, but it has been sort of put on hold in Detroit, so it’s Birmingham’s time to get a tea shop.”

Urgent care closure St. Joseph Mercy Oakland closed their urgent care office at 2110 E. Maple Road in Birmingham on May 25, consolidating their outpatient urgent care services in White Lake, Waterford and Lake Orion.

Froyo time in township Frozen yogurt fans have a choice of 16 flavors and more than 30 different toppings for their treats at Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, 869 W. Long Lake Road in Bloomfield Township, which opened in midMay. Headquartered in Oklahoma City, Orange Leaf rotates several of its flavors each month, offering traditional and unique flavors, such as pink lemonade, root beer float, eggnog latte, taro and grapefruit.

Brittney Miller, the store’s general manager, said the location was opened by Troy doctors Fadel Jaweesh and Mahmoud Rayes as a way to get into something new and different. “Most (frozen yogurt stores) don’t have as many flavor varieties that we do,” Miller said.

“We have 16 different flavors and every month we change out two or three.

Longtime salon closes Bardha Salon, 911 Haynes Street, Birmingham, closed its doors last month for the last time after 50 years of service at its iconic location. Sheriban Bardha, who opened the salon in 1964, said she sold her salon location to the Fred Lavery Company, a full-service, luxury car dealership specializing in Audi, Porsche and Land Rover. “I’ve been here 50 years,” Bardha said. “I had a good offer, so it was time.

That’s why I decided to sell.”

Business Matters for the Birmingham Bloomfield area are reported by Kevin Elliott. Send items for consideration to KevinElliott@downtownpublications.com . Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

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THE RESERVE AT BIG ROCK CHOPHOUSE WELCOMES CLIFF LEDE WINERY Opening Act: Lee Abraham Eastern Sales Manager Summer Tasting Tourand Schedule Headliner: RemiWine Cohen Director of Viticulture Winemaking | Chef’s Selection of Hors d’oeuvres

June 10, 2014

5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

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5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The Birmingham/Bloomfield area is filled with discriminating diners and an array of dining establishments. Make sure the message for your restaurant reaches the right market in the right publication—Downtown.

August 5,Express 2014 Yourself 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Contact Jill Cesarz for advertising rate information.

O: 248.792.6464 Ext. 600 C: 248.860.8414

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Executive Chef Matthew Fitchett, C.E.C. Pastry Chef Eric Voigt.

Big Rock Chophouse is the proud recipient of the 2014 A.C.F. Achievement of Excellence Award.

245 South Eton, Birmingham bigrockchophouse.com 248.647.7774 • 248.647.7774 bigrockchophouse.com

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DOWNTOWN

06.14

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 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.

5th Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.481.9607.

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.865.9300.

Bagger Dave's Legendary Burger Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6608 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.792.3579 Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Township, 48304.

248.499.6867.

Bella Piatti: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110.

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 Eaton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774.

Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 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.

Alcohol. 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.

downtownpublications.com

Cosi: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 101 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.9200.

Deli Unique of Bloomfield Hills: Deli.

Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 39495 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7923.

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. Alcohol. Reservations. 37000 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.712.4095.

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 176 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.9888. Also 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 Grill: American. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9400.

Fuddrucker’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Beer & wine.

42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.333.2400.

Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek.

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

Griffin Claw Brewing Company: American.

Liquor. Dinner, Tuesday-Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday and Sunday. 575 S. Eton Street, Birmingham. 248.712.4050.

Hogan’s Restaurant: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6450 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.626.1800.

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.

Kerby’s Koney Island: American.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.333.1166.

La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 48302.

248.858.5800.

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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, 48301. 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.

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. 2079 S. Telegraph, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9581.

Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Also 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: Deli. 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.

Peabody’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.5222.

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

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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.

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. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123.

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

Reservations. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887.

Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830.

Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American.

Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.731.7066.

The 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 Gallery Restaurant: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 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.

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

06.14

AT THE TABLE Trying to blend Mexican old world and new world

By J. March

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Deciding to skip over the mundane American offerings, we instead went for the classics, starting with the guacamole, fresh avocado and assorted sides allowing you to create your own concoction made table-side. We opted for everything - onion, tomato, cilantro, Serrano peppers and fresh orange juice. The result was rich with green flavors and a great balance of heat to acid. Pretty much every-

exican restaurants have always been an entity to themselves in my opinion. Growing up in the Midwest, I feel like we are most often denied the true experience of Mexican cuisine and made to believe that nachos and tacos represent this culture.

Luckily that is not the case and anyone who has experienced the true dishes of Mexico can tell you that done right, the mélange of flavors is amazing.

The dining scene in metro Detroit is remiss of authentic Mexican restaurants and I think it is indicative of our misunderstanding of what it represents.

Though I’m not sure the general public is ready for Menudo (soup made with tripe) or Lengua (beef tongue), I do think that a blend of old world and new world is in demand. Rojo Mexican Tableside Guacamole and fresh chips; Shrimp Diabla; and Wet Burrito. Downtown photo: Jean Lannen Bistro in Birmingham is trying to do just that. thing guacamole should be. Unfortunately, it was With visions of stucco walls, earth tones and presented out of a fruit caddy marked with a liquor desert landscapes in my head, I entered Rojo and advertisement that took away from the desired checked my preconceived notions at the door. If ambience.

Enrique Iglesias were a space, Rojo would be him.

Next, stuffed Jalapenos with shrimp, bacon, Red dominates the space from a spectacular chancream cheese, roasted garlic and lobster cream. delier to high back booths, stools and the most Though I wasn’t too jazzed about this dish, the peramazing glass mirror covered beams that put some fectly cooked jalapenos allowed for the body and sparkle in the sexy and fluid dining room. heat needed to cut through the sweet fatty lobster Highlighting the back space is the tequila laden cream sauce, reminding me that sometimes being bar and the side walls are adorned with hand wrong can feel so right. Empanadas arrived next painted murals from Detroit native Andrzej Sikora, and entailed flour tortillas filled with cheese, all coming together to create the perfect blend of chicken and a roasted tomato sauce. Though not spicy and soft. unpleasant, they didn’t offer up much excitement, Executive Chef Luis Garza has spent over 20 making me wish I had opted for the flautas instead. years in Italian focused kitchens that include Uninspired by salad offerings, we ordered the Ristorante di Modesta and Andiamo. Here at Rojo soups.

A Chicken Tortilla soup that tasted similar he has returned to his roots and created a menu to Campbell’s tomato soup with the addition of that is true to his native culture, yet representative chicken and a Poblanos Soup that was creamy and of new classics. Not quite corporate, it’s clear that spicy – and flat out delicious. Had the kernels of this small chain is interested in pleasing the masscorn in it been fresh and crisp, it would have been es. Though I understand the business model, it’s what I like to call a “Destination Dish” - one of hard not to wish that they left the offerings of slidthose things you love so much that there is no disers, calamari and ribs to the bevy of other restautance too far or rain too heavy to brave in order to rants that can justify carrying them and stuck to satisfy your craving.

Chef Garzas roots.

Tacos were the natural progression and we chose the traditional Pastor and hard beef tacos along with the Mahi-Mahi. The Pastor, with cilantro, pineapple and chile salsa were bright and tender while the beef tacos were dry and flavorless, making me think they sat in a steam table for hours. The mahi was perfectly cooked but the pairings of citrus cabbage and cucumber relish were flat and one note.

Progressively we had the Chimichanga with chicken that was perfectly fried and rich with a house cheese blend, onions and peppers that leave you in that enjoyably uncomfortable food coma state.

Dessert was offered in the form of a tray that was out of place and odd in tired plastic covers, considering the overly casual menus. We chose a Key Lime cheesecake and Fried Ice Cream. Though pleasing in flavor, the cheesecake was light and airy like a mousse rather than dense like traditional cheesecake.

The cereal-like coating on the fried ice cream had bits of coconut and great flavor, but texturally was soft, unappealing and in much need of an extra thirty seconds of fry time.

For bar patrons there is an impressive and tasty craft cocktail list, over 100 tequila choices and well prepared margaritas. Beer and wine lovers are likely to be unimpressed with predictable offerings of house wines and imported beers. The lack of Michigan made libations is disappointing considering its home-based operations and lends to the corporate-like perception.

Though not quite the authentic experience I would of liked, Rojo did have some hits and is somewhere I would return to for cocktails, small plates and its seductive Latin feel.

Rojo Mexican Bistro, 250 Merril Street, downtown Birmingham 48009. 248.792.6200. Monday Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.; Thursday – Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. ; Sundays from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Prices vary from $7 to $20.

Specials are offered Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in the form of $1 tacos, $10 fajitas, $5 appetizers and various drink specials. Reservations.

Street and nearby municipal parking deck.

J. March has 25 years experience in the restaurant industry in southeast Michigan, including certification as a sommelier. If you have short restaurant items for our Quick Bites section, e-mail to QuickBites@downtownpublications.com.

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THE COMMUNITY HOUSE

TCH Hosts 90 Year Olds & Youth ParkArt Celebrating Nonagenarians – 90 & Beyond Luncheon, Thursday, June 12th: For the third year TCH invites all members of the community 90 years or older to a luncheon honoring them for their contribution to our society over the decades. As far as TCH is concerned, we could never honor and thank them enough for helping to build our beautiful community. TCH and our Presenting Sponsor, Magnolia by the Lakes – The Premier European Senior Village – are proud to host this high energy celebratory luncheon in our Wallace Grand Ballroom. And thanks to the Bank of Birmingham, those over 90 (our honorees) will enjoy the luncheon free (all others are $35.) Last year we had a capacity crowd of 220, with 105 of the attendees being over 90 years old – and four over 100! We had a waiting list – so register soon. The room is filled with a magical energy as we Camille Jayne introduce all the honorees, and thank them individually from the stage.

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Our honorees come with family, friends and neighbors. My soon to be 92-year-old mother has already reserved an entire table for her girlfriends (most of whom are not 90) who want to share in honoring her. Honorees will have their photos (with their family and/or friends) taken by professional photographer and sponsor Aly Darin of Aly Darin Photography. When they sign up for the event, we ask the honorees to send us a “then and a now� photo of themselves (one from their past and one current). We put these great photos on the big screen when we introduce them. While enjoying a delicious TCH lunch, volunteers will present our honorees with a keepsake gift.

Entertainment will be in the form of a fun presentation on “Foods, Fads and Fashions Through the Decades� – going down memory lane highlighting what was introduced each decade from 1910-2010.

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Complimentary valet parking.

Further event details will be provided after ticket purchase.

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We also thank our other generous sponsors for helping us with the celebration: Heartland, Managed Asset Portfolios, Vasileff Medical Group, Christine Lynn of Cranbrook Realtors and La Petite Pastry Shoppe who will be donating the traditional bumpy cake dessert!

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TCH Announces New Youth ParkArt in Shain Park: TCH will host ParkArt on Friday, June 27th from 5-9 p.m. in Shain Park. Sponsored by Huntington Bank, ParkArt is a youth-oriented artful evening that includes 10 hands-on youth art projects (calligraphy, fiber, henna, mural painting, origami and more); as well as pavilion stage performances by TCH Youth Theater Actors, TCH Ballet Ensemble and Birmingham Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra (BBSO) musicians. Admission to the event is free; with a $5 per art project fee. For those children who participated in National Lemonade Day on June 7th (also presented by Huntington Bank) the art projects will be FREE. Proceeds from ParkArt benefit TCH 21st Century Leaders and iCount Childhood Obesity Prevention outreach programs.

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TCH Welcomes Two Prestigious Board Members: We are so pleased to announce that Lisa Sampson, Managing Director and SVP of PNC Wealth Management, as well as David Beddow, CEO of Technology Equity Associates, have joined the TCH Board of Directors. Lisa has already immersed herself in TCH, participating as a panelist on both our 21st Century Leaders â&#x20AC;&#x153;loan committeeâ&#x20AC;? for 7th graders, as well as an expert investment advisor for our upcoming â&#x20AC;&#x153;Practice Your Pitch By Being Your Bestâ&#x20AC;? May 21st Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Partnering Luncheon. David Beddow has been our Annual Gala Educational Sponsor for the past three years and we couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be more appreciative.

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June 19th Professional Development Lecture & Networking: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Creating Innovative Ideasâ&#x20AC;?: In this lecture, I will teach business professionals some thought processes of how to design innovative ideas that are different, and will help them stand out in the marketplace to increase awareness and interest in whatever they are doing. The last 30 minutes are for networking with others. $25 (add $10 for lunch.)

Register for the above at: Register at www.tchserves.org or by calling 248.644.5832 Camille Jayne is President and CEO of TCH. downtownpublications.com

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Movie Nights in Birmingham!

E FRE SION! S I ADM

Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to BOOTH PARK to watch a movie under the stars!

7:30 p.m. Family Fun Activities â&#x20AC;˘ Movie begins at dusk

Friday, June 20: Frozen

Sing-A-Long Version!

Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs 2 Friday, August 8: Despicable Me 2

Friday, July 18:

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In it s not about... me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me.. me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me.. me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me.. me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me.. me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me.. me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me.. me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me.. me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me.. me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me. me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me. me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me. me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me. me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me. me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me. me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me. me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me...me.

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415 S. Old Woodward | Birmingham, MI 48009

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK ALSA of Michigan’s Legacy of Hope Gala

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1. Dr. Neal Little and his wife, honoree Dr. Eva Feldman of Ann Arbor, and honoree Al and Judy Taubman of Bloomfield 2.

Arthur Horowitz (left) of W. Bloomfield and Sally and Graham Orley of Bloomfield 3.

Abe Slaim (left), Patricia Mooradian and Sheri Mark of Bloomfield 4. Dorothy Gerson (left) of Franklin with Stephanie Peterson of Ann Arbor

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Academy of the Sacred Heart Benefit en Blanc

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Sacred Heart’s Benefit en Blanc The leadership of the annual Academy of the Sacred Heart benefit put a kicky spin on the 2014 version. Described as “a flash mob for the sophisticated set,” the live auction and dinner party brought 265 school boosters to the party room at Detroit Mercantile. Decorations chair Robin Riutti and her crew saluted the party’s white theme with enormous white paper globes and tissue paper poufs accenting the ceiling and white ceramic, student-made vases filled with baby’s breath on the long, white dressed dinner tables. “It’s all Maya’s vision,” said Riutti, referring to Maya Marsh, co-chair with her husband Ryan. Before sitting down for dinner, people, most of whom did wear white, bid on the student art and class baskets in the silent auction ($6,000) while savoring passed canapés from The Stand Gastro Bistro. As people sat down, singer Natalie Corchan and guitarist Augie Visocchi led a flash mob in singing “Forever Young” before Sr. Bridget Bearss thanked God “…for the white light of Your love.” Then auctioneer Rip Hayes did his thing while people ate and bid on nearly 30 items. A trip for two to the 2015 Masters golf tournament topped the bidding by garnering $12,000 of the live auction total ($100,950). Add the Dedicated Giving pledges ($57,000) and $95,000 from the benefit holiday party, Benefit en Blanc grossed nearly $390,000.

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ALS Legacy of Hope Awards Gala The inaugural ALSA Association of Michigan Gala brought 225 from all over the state, including more than 20 ALS patients who were guests of generous supporters, to The Townsend. They came to honor University of Michigan researcher Dr. Eva Feldman and A. Alfred Taubman, whose philanthropy established the Taubman Institute at the University of Michigan, of which Feldman is the director. Both honorees Sally Gerak arrived at the VIP reception in the Regency Room with their spouses and chatted cordially with the 90 dedicated advocates and sponsors before joining the hoi polloi around the silent auction in the Grand Lobby and dinner in the ballroom. The dinner program was notable for the expressions of awe and gratitude to Feldman, “…who makes hard look easy,’’ and Taubman, who received a standing ovation when he declared with authority that “…ALS is my number one target.” The awards presented to Feldman and Taubman were designed by artist Lorna Poulos, who also donated the “Marta” sculpture in the silent auction. “It’s named after my sister who lives with ALS,” said Poulos, adding that she thought the figure on Taubman’s award resembled Mrs. Taubman. “She’s beautiful,” opined the artist, adding, “Dr. Feldman is so approachable …such a warm human being. What she and Mr. Taubman contribute to conquer ALS is so appreciated by my family.” Counting the $10,000 raised in the silent auction, the event raised $100,000 to provide care, services, advocacy, cutting edge research and, more importantly, hope for the ALS community.

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1. Maya and Ryan Marsh of Bloomfield 2. Keenie Fieger (left), Michelle Jonna of Bloomfield and Denise Bull of Rochester 3. Robin Riutta (left) of Birmingham with Maria Armijo of Rochester Hills and Christine Lore of Bloomfield 4. Dan (left) and Kathy Carroll of Bloomfield, Rob Kurnick of Birmingham and Lisa Wilson of Bloomfield 5. Hilary Bradley (left) and HansWerner Kaas of Birmingham with Sr. Bridget Bearss of Bloomfield 6. Glen Seaman of Troy and Andrea Hofley-Yuhn of Bloomfield 7. Mary Lou (left) and Gary Cochran of W. Bloomfield, Natalie Cochran and Alex Leonowicz of Birmingham 8. Natalie Cochran of Birmingham

DOWNTOWN

Eisenhower Dance’s Annual Gala Invitations to the 23rd annual ED gala invited guests to “Step into the Spotlight” so planners placed a photographer at the end of the roped off red carpet to shoot the 112 guests as they arrived at The Community House Wallace Ballroom entry. After cocktails and before dinner they convened in theater seating to watch and applaud two mini dance excerpts interspersed with a live auction of six items that raised $12,450, pledging which raised $6,400, and the presentation of a heartfelt tribute to honorary gala chair Carol Halsted, an ED founder. After dinner, Alicia Cutaia and David Justice were named as the 52-card raffle winners of two baskets of fine wine, and everybody sang “Happy Birthday” to Sally Kott, who was celebrating her 06.14

95th birthday. The festivities, which raised $32,140, were a fine salute to the company of exceptional dancers which will be touring Europe in July. Check out the entire performance schedule at www.eisenhowerdance.org.

Manresa’s Leadership Banquet More than 175 supporters of the Manresa Jesuit Retreat House attended the Leadership Banquet at the Cranbrook Institute of Science. During the cocktail hour they socialized and viewed the exhibits. Following the sit down dinner they adjourned to the auditorium for the program that featured Manresa’s Hugh Buchanan’s introduction of Executive Director Fr. Gregory Hyde, SJ who presented the Leadership Award to Bill and Marie Molnar, stalwart and substantial Manresa supporters. Then Isaac Hanna introduced, via a video he had filmed during his recent trip to Nairobi, Kenya, Fr. Bernie Owens who presented the Lifetime Achievement Award to Mary McKeon. McKeon was honored for her groundbreaking role in increasing the participation of women at Manresa. She was totally surprised by the video presentation by Fr. Owens, who served at Manresa until his posting last year to Africa. Honorary event chairs in the crowd of well wishers included Carol Chisholm, Kathleen and Jack McInerney, Martha Condit, Tom and Dr. Patricia Cooney Hathaway, Isaac and Balsaam Hanna, Theresa Weber and Raymond and Jane Cracchiolo, event sponsors along with Seizert Capital Partners, LLC. The evening grossed $44,000.

Bar Foundation’s Signature Event A sold-out crowd of 400 Oakland County lawyers, judges, and their colleagues convened at Oakland Hills Country Club for the 15th annual fundraiser benefiting the Oakland County Bar Foundation’s programs that improve the accessibility and affordability of the legal system. In the early years, the event included a silent auction and a program that required all the legal beagles to hush up and pay attention. Those elements were dropped several years ago. Now the socializing and networking proceeds non-stop, except when folks are consuming the splendid fare served at the food stations. (Think lamb chops, sliders, pasta, shrimp quesadillas, Bananas Foster and such.)

This year, planners had also wrestled with the decision of whether or not to raise the ticket price. Guess what? They raised the price from $150 to $175 per person and it still sold out. “Sponsorships are now the big factor,” explained Diane Dietle, who served on the committee for many years. You can readily see who the generous sponsors are by the ribbons on their name tags. The brief and very social pause in courtroom wrangling will add the better part of the $302,000 gross to the $1.5 million the Signature Event has raised for the foundation’s community service projects.

Academy of Art’s STUDIO 2014 Cranbrook Art academy student supporters 300 strong ($450 and $250 tickets) attended STUDIO 2014 on April 26. They first cocktailed and bid on silent auction items in the museum where the works of the 75 graduate degree students was exhibited. During a program there, honorary chair Maggie Allesee thanked all for their support, which raises 10 percent of the annual scholarship funding, and CAAM director Reed Kroloff announced the 10 Mercedes-Benz Financial Services Emerging Artist Award Finalists. Following pledging for scholarship funds, folks adjourned to the 10 department studios where dinner and conversation with the artists-in-residence followed. Studio pass holders ($95-tickets) like Amy Zimmer joined the diners for drinks, dessert, studio touring and conversations with students like photographer Chen Shen who also shared some of his “amazing” images via his ipad. The following day nearly 300 people of all ages attended the OPEN STUDIO event and many purchased art the students were selling.

Spring Sophisticate – A Coastal Affair downtownpublications.com

Eisenhower Dance 23rd annual Gala

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9 1. Carol and Tom Halsted of Bloomfield 2. Maury Okun (center) of Novi with Maggie Allesee (left) and Debra Bernstein-Siegel of Bloomfield 3. Stephanie Pizzo (left) of Rochester and Cheryl McIlhon of Bloomfield 4. Brian and Nancy Kott of Bloomfield and Sally Kott of W. Bloomfield 5. Barbra Bloch (left) and Patti Prowse of Bloomfield 6. Amy Jidov (left) of Brighton, Lee Barthel of Farmington Hills and Betty Bright of Bloomfield 7. Kathy and Randy Schein of Bloomfield 8. Bridget and Michael Morin of Bloomfield 9. Alice Belfry (standing) of Troy and Bob Allesee (left) and Jim Prowse of Bloomfield 10. Kent Jodov (left) of Brighton, Sandi Reitelman of Birmingham and Floy Barthel of Farmington Hills

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Oakland County Bar Foundation Signature event

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Following on the heels of their 60th anniversary celebration at Oakland Hills Country Club a year ago, the Junior League of Birmingham staged another soiree there on April 26 and it attracted 120. During the cocktail hour, guests socialized, sipped champagne, bought raffle tickets and bid on 40 silent auction items. The sit down dinner was preceded by a compelling program that put the spotlight on the JLB’s four-year participation in Attorney General Bill Shuette’s human trafficking task force. The horrendous tragedy was spotlighted by JLB president Stephanie Smith, Sheriff Mike Bouchard, who noted that his mother was a JLB member, and WWJ’s Kathryn Larson and Marie Osborn. “Victims are hiding in plain sight,” noted Osborn, who did a 10-part feature on the situation. And when Larson pitched a plea to fund a billboard informing victims where to call for help, guests pledged $2,500 in 25 minutes. A benefactor party at Saks Fifth Avenue had preceded the main event by nine days and it attracted 75 guests ($75-tickets). Together the events raised $43,000 for the JLB programs that also support children’s health and wellness.

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Historical Friends Festive Tables Luncheon The third annual Birmingham Historical Friends Festive Tables Luncheon attracted 55 history buffs to the Big Rock Chophouse on April 26. They dined at eight elegant tables decorated on the theme Books - Check ‘Em Out – by Sandy Debicki, Catherine Tuczek, Pam DeWeese, Marty Logue, Diane Bert, Sheila Brice, Leslie Mio and Jenny Ezzo. In addition to lunch and a silent auction, Baldwin Library’s Connie Ilmer spoke about the library’s namesake, Martha Baldwin, as well as its services. The delightful event raised $1,825, which is earmarked for the Hill School Bell Plaza Structure at the museum park.

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BBSO Music, Wine & Roses The Birmingham Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra’s board vice chair Bill Close and his wife Rita hosted some 30 music lovers ($50 tickets) at their Rochester home for a cocktail buffet and splendid vocal concert by soprano Stacey Mason, a BBSO violinist and former Miss Michigan. (See her impressive resume at www.staceymason.net) The intimate setting was exceptionally appealing and all the ladies in the crowd took home a red rose souvenir. The funds raised will support the BBSO’s May 17 & 18 concerts. For information about all BBSO events and concerts, go to www.BBSO.org or call (248) 352-2276.

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1. Liz Luckenbach (center) of Birmingham, Dan Quick (left) and Eric Pelton of Bloomfield 2. Mike Schloff (center) of Birmingham with Connie and Jim Jordan of Bloomfield 3. Diane Dietle (left) of Milford and Lynn Sirich of Birmingham 4. Sue Ellen Eisenberg (left) of Bloomfield with Kerry Cahill of Royal Oak and Judge Denise Langford-Morris of W. Bloomfield 5. Joe Papellan (left) and Judy Cunningham of Bloomfield with Jake Cunningham of Ferndale 6. Judge Wendy Potts (left) of Birmingham, Jeff Hauswirth of Lake Orion and Megan McGowan of Southfield 7. Judge Joan Young and her husband Tom Schellenberg of Bloomfield 8. Nate Nordstrom (left) of Birmingham, Miyuki Oshima of Frasier and Meg Alli of Bloomfield 9. Terri Gilbert (left) of Ann Arbor, Patrick McCauley of Birmingham and Charlie Ash of Plymouth

Cranbrook Academy of Art’s STUDIO 2014

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1. Bob and Maggie Allesee with Matt Newport of Bloomfield 2. Reed Kroloff (left) with Alan and Joy Nachman and ceramic artist Marie Hermann of Bloomfield 3. Susie Sills (left) and Michael Levey of Bloomfield with ceramic students Elaine Ng and Lindsey Dezman

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Oakwood Foundation’s Red Tie Ball More than 425 supporters of Oakwood Helathcare Center for Exceptional Families and the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit converged on the Fox Theatre for the annual Red Tie Ball. They socialized and bid on silent auction items before the buffet dinner that featured a culinary Detroit theme. Following the live auction and the program honoring Dr. George Hnatiuk, a performance saluting Diana Ross and the Supremes entertained all. Thanks to sponsors like the Inge A. Rose trust, the ninth annual event set a new record, raising more than $415,000.

Women of Achievement The smiles were broad indeed at the Michigan Women’s Foundation 25th anniversary Southeast Michigan celebration chaired

by Lil Erdeljan and Vivian Pickard. It not only attracted a record crowd (800-plus) to the MGM Grand, it also honored three women who unarguably deserved to be called “Achievers” – GM’s Mary Barra, Comerica’s Lynn Forte, and Ford dealer Irma Elder. Arriving guests were greeted by a very happy foundation CEO Carolyn Cassin, who was standing beside the 2014 Car of the Year, a white Chevy Corvette convertible which guest Jessie Elliott said was her favorite. VIPs and sponsors, including a few good men like Gov. Rick Snyder, congregated at a special reception before joining the hoi pol06.14

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Junior League of Birmingham's Spring Sophisticate

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loi in the ballroom. There the co-chairs named and thanked the major sponsors before Snyder thanked the honorees for being such good role models for women. Highlights from the post dinner program include Barra’s understatement that “…GM is making progress in equality for women;” Forte’s salute to her 80-year-old mother in the audience and to Cassin for returning from Arizona to Detroit in 2008 to head up the foundation; and Edsel Ford’s warm introduction of Elder (who eight times won the company’s President’s Award) as “…a friend who is passionate about philanthropy and about Ford.”

The celebration raised a record $500,000 to benefit MWFs Angel Microloan Fund. It provides funds to start and grow businesses to women without access to traditional sources of capital.

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1. Linda Krause (left) and Lisa Krueger of Birmingham 2. Nikki Braddock (left) of Birmingham with Nettie Boivin of Bloomfield and Jessica Benz of Beverly Hills 3. Mike Ratliff (left) of Beverly Hills, John Lessway of Birmingham and Austin Marks of Bloomfield 4. Amy Zimmer of Bloomfield and Rob Belloni of Grosse Pointe 5. Brian (left) and Anna Paterson of Bloomfield and Scott and Ashley Picklo of Birmingham 6. Betsy Gould of Birmingham and Maureen Conway of Grosse Pointe 7. Abby Bonato (left) of Franklin, Bre Reddig of Bloomfield and Nicole Mulvaney of Royal Oak 8. Stephanie Smith (left) of Northville, Kristie Lohmeier of Royal Oak, Jenny Schroder of Birmingham and Kathryn Larson of Troy 9. Connie Hogan (left) of Bloomfield, Matt Lohmeier of Royal Oak and Gwen Thompson of Troy

Michigan Women’s Foundation’s Achievement & Courage

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1. Irma Elder (right) of Bloomfield with Cynthia and Edsel Ford of Grosse Pointe 2. Pam Good (left) of Birmingham and Mary Barra of Northville 3. Carolyn Cassin (left) of Grosse Pointe with Vivian Pickard of Bloomfield 4. Lil Erdeljan (left) of Bloomfield with Linda Forte of Detroit 5. Yousif Ghafari (left) of Bloomfield with Ken Barrett and Sam Fogelman of Birmingham 6. Jessie Elliott (left) of Bloomfield, Jocelyn Allen of Farmington Hills and Carolyn Normandline of W. Bloomfield 7. Beckie Sorensen (left) of Bloomfield with Pamela Martin Turner and Shauna Diggs of Grosse Pointe 8. Elyse Foltyn (left) of Birmingham and Lisa Payne of Bloomfield 9. Linda Orlans (left) of Birmingham, Sue Perlin of Novi, and Shari Burgess and Terry Barclay of Beverly Hills 10. Terry Merritt of Novi and Joan Budden of Bloomfield

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Variety’s Table Tops Luncheon As they do each year, the 35 designers who decorated the tables at Pine Lake Country Club for Variety’s annual benefit luncheon outdid themselves. “They never cease to amaze,” was the oft overheard appraisal as the 300-plus guests ($95 & up tickets) cruised the sundrenched dining room during the viewing hour.

The generous designers also donated something for the Chinese raffle, so guests also toured the tables to see where they wished to put their raffle tickets. And when the winners were pulled, squeals of delight filled the room.

And, as she has each year, Fox-2’s Monica Gayle, served as emcee. When she introduced celebrity designers Susan Hable Smith and Katharine Hable Sweeney with whom she had dined, she said “They are such fun I would like to be their girlfriend.” Indeed they were. Their saga of the founding and development of their textile design business– Hable Construction was intriguing and frank. (See their web site at www.Hableconstruction.com.) That the “Sister Act” has succeeded while they .cared for husbands and children makes them even more remarkable and a colorful addition to a vibrant event. Thanks also to generous sponsors Lincoln of Troy and Scott Shuptrine, the popular event netted $35,000 for Variety’s kids.

Humane Society Bow Wow Brunch The 25th annual Michigan Humane Society fundraiser attracted a sold out crowd of 600 ($200 and up) to the Dearborn Inn on Sunday, April 27. There were also 10 adoptable canines and felines who seemed to enjoy being shmoozed. They all found new, loving homes.

Some good sports like Maggie Allesee, Steve Kalczynski, K.C Crain, Bill Berman, Chuck Bennett and Mike Morse collected a total of $48,287 in donations to get out of a virtual dog house. Berman was named “Top Dog”, with his total of nearly $16,000. Counting generous sponsors like Mad Dog Technology, the silent auction ($41,000) and the spirited live auction ($29,250), the 25th anniversary Bow Wow 06.14

Brunch raised $365,000 (gross) for the humane society’s mission.

Band of Angels’ Starry Night Gala Band of Angels - the non-profit Cynthia Hutchison founded to spotlight the true potential of people with Down syndrome, autism and other disabilities - attracted 130 people to its 20th annual Starry Night Gala at the Townsend.

At the Roaring 20s-theme event they cocktailed, dined and bought art created by artists with cognitive challenges in the silent auction and great packages in the live auction. They also applauded the program speakers. These included Allie Hayes and her siblings Hannah and Patrick who shared their story on how Allie’s Down syndrome has brought them close together and impacted their career choices and life goals. ESPN SportsCenter sensation Owen Groesser also spoke briefly about his two threepoint basketball shots that helped his middle school basketball team win an important game.

The event raised $45,000.

An Evening for Starfish Starfish Family Services’ third annual benefit evening attracted 390 to The Henry for a night of socializing, dining and celebrating families.

From the winsome Starfish Head Start students who greeted arriving guests, to the smile-evoking centerpieces and the take-home bedtime cookies, the accent was on family life. Before and after dinner some guests worked on a mosaic artwork to be exhibited at the center to inspire children’s curiosity. But the highlight of the evening was the presentation of Starfish Great Heart awards to the Demmer family, whose patriarch Jack brought succeeding generations of his family to the cause; and the Citrin family, whose son Jonathan, immediate past board president, brought his parents to it.

His father Bob reads one morning each week to the Head Start children and his mother’s Susie’s hands-on creativity energizes the agency’s fundraisers. The actual awards, Hebrew alms / tzedakah boxes created by ceramic artist Toby Rosenberg, were especially appropriate for the Citrins who are also avid patrons of the visual arts.

Additionally, Starfish “Hero” Phillip Fisher presented an award to Senator John Dingell and his wife Debbie. The splendid evening raised $155,000 to strengthen families and brighten children’s futures.

Variety’s Table Tops Luncheon

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1. Caroline Groeneveld (left) of Bloomfield, Susan Hable Smith of Athens, GA and Katharine Hable Sweeny of NYC with Connie Beckett of Troy 2. Paul Feiten (left) of Bloomfield, Mark Johnson of Pleasant Ridge and Jeffrey King of Birmingham. 3. Lorraine Schultz (left), Maggie Allesee and Patricia Hill Burnett of Bloomfield 4. Joy Dicenso (left) and Frannie Greenebaum of Bloomfield 5. Judy McBride (left) of Bloomfield, Felicia Shaw of Birmingham and Birmingham native Leslie Pilling of Detroit 6. Maria Roberts (left), Jan Hoge and Joann Gordon of Bloomfield 7. Lucy Earl (left) of Bloomfield with Susan Hable Smith of Athens, GA and Katharine Hable Sweeny of NYC. 8. Kathy Monahan (left) of Royal Oak, Tom Verwest of Bloomfield and Whitney Kane of Royal Oak, with Jane Synnestvedt of Birmingham and Pam Stephanoff of Clinton Twp.

Michigan Humane Society’s Bow Wow Brunch

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1. Madge and Bill Berman of Franklin 2. MHS CEO David Williams with Mike Cotter of Bloomfield 3. Beth Correa (left) of Grosse Pointe and Judie Sherman of Bloomfield 4. Len Charla and Liz DuMouchelle of Bloomfield 5. Danielle Karmanos (left) of Orchard Lake with Tamara Hartman and her daughter, Khloe of Shelby Township

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ORT Drag Queen Wingo

Good Samaritans’ Theatre Benefit A capacity crowd (200 at $150) trekked to Cuisine restaurant for the Good Samaritans’ fundraiser for the Samaritan Center. Located in the huge, former eastside Detroit Mercy Hospital complex, SC is a multi-faceted community resource. In addition to serious socializing

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1. Forest Wolfe (left) of Bloomfield and Terri Stearn of Beverly Hills 2. Andi Wolfe (left) of Bloomfield, Nicole Miller of West Bloomfield, Jennifer Teper of Farmington Hills 3. Amy Shefman and Becky Melamed of West Bloomfield; Julie Tigay of Farmington Hills and Carrie Cohen of Bloomfield.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK and superb culinary fare, highlights of the evening included Sue Nine’s masterful tribute to late Good Samaritan founder Millie Pastor, whose husband and daughter were there to represent her, and the great Broadway and operatic music Rennie Kaufmann and his daughter Esther made. It was piped throughout both floors of Cuisine and got guests in the mood for the presentation of “Sister Act” at the Fisher Theatre which followed dinner. The second annual Good Samaritan benefit, which was chaired by Sue Nine, Mia Materka and GS president Lisa Wilson, raised $40,000 for the cause.

ORT’s Drag Queen Wingo Nearly 400 supporters of ORT’s worldwide educational programs gathered at Congregation Beth Ahm for a wacky bingo party. Drag queen Sabin, from Royal Oak’s FIVE15, was the BINGO caller, and her two assistants mingled with the crowd and helped pass out prizes. Terri Stearn and Forest Wolfe co-chaired the girls-only party where the room was awash in hot pink and black, boas and glitter. Their dedicated committee amassed lots of prizes which delighted all. The Suburban Collection and Infiniti of Troy and Novi sponsored the over-the-top event which grossed nearly $65,000 for ORT’s programs. ORT’s biggest fundraiser, Rub-A-Dub, is Wednesday, August 13 at Franklin Hills Country Club. Go to ORTmichigan.org/events/rub-a-dub/ for information.

JDRF Promise Ball - Superheroes Gala The 550 diabetes fighters ($400 & $300-tickets) who flocked to the MGM Grand for the annual Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Promise Ball had fun cavorting with costumed superheroes when they weren’t socializing, dining, pledging dollars to fund a cure, laughing at emcee Jean Jennings’ humor, bidding in the live auction or applauding when board chair Grant Beard presented the Promise Award to Marvin and Lauren Daitch. The evening raised a record $1.3 million. At evening’s end, guests were teased with the theme for next year: James Bond: License to Cure, which will take place May 1, 2015.

Karmanos Cancer Institute’s 32nd Annual The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute’s 32nd Annual Dinner, chaired by GM president Dan Ammann and his wife Pernilla Ammann, raised more than $2.7 million, making this year’s event the most successful Annual Dinner in Karmanos’ history. More than 500 guests attended the gala at the Fox Theatre where vintage GM cars were displayed in the grand lobby. The evening included a seated dinner, a brief program emceed by WDIV’s Hank Winchester, a spirited live auction conducted by Spanky Assiter, dancing, a raffle and a special performance by Korean tenor Rudy Park . It was the fourth consecutive year that a GM big wheel has chaired the event. Ammann also announced that Deb and senior vice president of Global Cadillac Bob Ferguson will continue GM’s commitment to cancer care and research by chairing next spring’s annual dinner.

DAC Foundation School Athletes True to its name, the Detroit Athletic Club’s foundation promotes athletic and academic achievements by honoring top high school and college athletes. Some 180 guests attended the 18th annual awards event May 12 at the club. Following a reception they gathered in the ballroom where DAC president Tom Fabbri presented the 2014 Michigan High School Athletes of the Year, Alexandria Najarian of Cranbrook Kingswood and Jason Alessi of Brother Rice High School and College Athletes of the Year Connor Jaeger of the University of Michigan and Kristen Kelsay of Michigan State University. The prep honorees received a $5,000 scholarship; the collegiates’ athletic departments received a financial donation. George Blaha emceed the program.

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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An Evening for Starfish

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1. Honorees Bob (left), Susie and Jonathan Citrin of Birmingham. 2. Marcy Feldman (standing right) with Doug (seated left) and Sandra Fisher of Ann Arbor and Phillip and Lauren Fisher of Bloomfield 3. Ann Kalass (left) of Northville, Ron Sollish of Huntington Woods and Ric and Donna DeVore of Bloomfield 4. Tim Mrock (left) and Nicole Antakli of Birmingham and Julie Cornillie of Royal Oak 5. Norm (left) and Cathy Smith, Patrick Janeway and Lil Klem of Bloomfield with Michelle Wooddell of Huntington Woods 6. Greg Prychodko (left) of Birmingham, Shannon Crone of Sterling Hgts., Ryan Harvey of Detroit and Kara Barilovich of Canton

Good Samaritans Theatre Benefit

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1. Br. Francis Boylan (center) of Clinton with Mia Materka (left) of W. Bloomfield and Lisa Wilson of Bloomfield 2. Br. Joseph Fox (left) of South Bend, IN with Sue Nine and Msgr. Tony Tocco of Bloomfield 3. Dave Wilson (center) with Karen and Bob Pastor of Bloomfield 4. Bob Wilson (left) with Skip and Lisa Lemon of Bloomfield 5. Carolyn (left) and Jerry Andree and Bob Pliska of Bloomfield 6. Katie Nienstedt (left) of Birmingham and Rosemary Fox of Bloomfield 7. Martha Condit (left), Kay Browne and Gerry Carroll of Birmingham 8. Colleen and Mike Monahan of Bloomfield

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ENDNOTE

Gauging public opinion on city issues he stunning defeat of the Baldwin Library $21.5 million expansion and renovation bond issue last month presents a perfect lesson, not just for the library board members, but for all city leaders.

In this space last January we first wrote of our misgivings about asking residents to pay for such grandiose improvements for the library, especially in light of numerous other potential needs with which Birmingham is confronted. We wrote then: “During the design process, the (joint library building) committee identified needs and wants.

Before the city commission authorizes a financial plan and ballot language for a dedicated library bond, we believe they should carefully and thoroughly look at the city’s needs, and wants, as well.”

We think that there were indications of concern about this proposal throughout the development process but they were never fully addressed. Finally, approval was given at the end of February to place the bond on the May election, despite misgivings., almost in a cavalier fashion by some city commissioners who expressed the view that supporting/opposing sides could just argue their positions and let the voters decide.

Now library board members are faced with the task of determining just what the vote on the Baldwin Library really meant and how to proceed for the future on a public facility that most everyone, include this publication, believes needs at least some refreshing and possibly minor expansion.

But like we said back at the start of this year, this is not the only issue facing the city.

Road reconstruction, even before this year’s endless and vicious winter, is a high priority for Birmingham, as it is for many municipalities.

Additionally, the city is faced with upgrading its

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aging infrastructure (sewer and water systems), which is at least 100 years old, and experiencing numerous water main breaks. It is imperative the city deal with these true needs before a catastrophic failure occurs. And the city does not have the money to deal with the all of the road and infrastructure concerns it is facing.

Parking in the downtown area is at a critical tipping point. Not only shoppers and diners are having a tough time finding some place to put their cars, but those who work in the city – sustaining the economic viability of Birmingham as a retail and commercial center – are running out of spots to place their vehicles. And despite the city’s label as a premier walkable community, a majority of those who work and play in Birmingham drive here before exiting their vehicles to enjoy the city. Finding realistic and economically feasible solutions to the parking situation are critical to Birmingham’s continued sustainability.

And then there is the question of senior services in a city with an aging population.

Special interest factions and at least a couple members of the city commission have suggested that Birmingham needs to address the issue of a new senior center, but who knows if the community at large considers this a priority.

We believe it’s time to really find out what a representative percentage of residents want in their community, and how they want their tax money spent by their elected leaders.

Commissioners cannot be informed only by the small minority of city residents who either have the time or who take the time to respond to web surveys or show up at meetings as part of the planning and discussion process on each individual issue. And considerable time, effort and expense could be saved if there was some periodic feedback gathered on a professional basis to

determine the priorities of the population at-large.

The city commission needs to underwrite a professional survey firm to gather by phone the views of city residents on a host of issues, from the library, senior center, road and other infrastructure needs, and perhaps a broad range of issues such as public safety, parks and recreation, local attitudes about shopping needs in Birmingham and the importance of multimodal and mass transit for local residents.

The survey should have a minimum requirement of at least 20 percent cell phone interviews to catch the growing percentage of residents who no longer have landlines in their homes. To help shape survey questions, a committee could over a couple of months hear from the various factions in the city who would be given a chance to briefly outline what they felt were their group’s individual needs, after which a professional firm could then fashion questions for residents that would include not only their desires, but on some issues the level of added tax they would be willing to support to see their desires achieved. The entire process could be completed over the summer months with a phone survey conducted this coming fall.

The survey cost, probably estimated at just over twice what was just spent on the special library election, could be partially shared by the library board and the Principal Shopping District (PSD).

Once completed, survey results could be another tool that city leaders could use in setting priorities. That’s not to say that all government decisions should be ruled by public opinion surveys because leadership sometimes requires unpopular decisions, but it would provide a framework as important issues are addressed in the short-term future.

Wise choice to bring Duany back n April, when Birmingham city commissioners approved bringing noted urban planner and creator of Birmingham’s 2016 Master Plan Andres Duany back for a three-day visit to see the results of his vision after almost 20 years, mayor Scott Moore said they were not looking for another master plan, “but where should we be in the future.

It’s an opportunity for one of the world’s master urban planners to come back. It’s a think session.

It’s a way to challenge all of us. It’s like a B-12 shot in the arm, and he can do it.”

Birmingham city commissioners and planners made a wise choice in inviting Duany back for a fascinating and reinvigorating look at the city.

Duany was extremely complimentary and impressed with the city which he had helped reinvent, and noted he rarely sees a city dealing with issues of so much success. But he also wisely pointed out areas that can use adjustments or improvements, most notably the Triangle District,

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which he said is the city’s net great challenge, but one that must be acted on quickly.

The metro area is in the second year of an approximate seven-year development upswing, and in order to insure that the Triangle District develops, he recommended the city determine the site of a parking structure, lock in the land, and then make an announcement because potential developers will then jump into the district. We absolutely agree. The city has been dithering about a structure in the district for years, and it’s time to jump off the fence with both feet and commit by purchasing the land now. The idea to relax the city’s tight ordinances in order to develop an area of Birmingham with a separate vibe and personality also strikes us as insightful, and an ideal way to invite younger residents who want to live in Birmingham.

While Duany checked himself on originally wanting to reorient Baldwin Library’s entrance

back to Martin Street, now acknowledging the beauty of the Grand Hall Reading Room, he did chastise those who would like to tear down the 1980 Birkerts addition. “That look is now cool,” he said. “He is one of the more important architects of the century, and if you got rid of that addition, you would be considered by most people barbaric.” He suggested creating a new glass encasement and entrance around the addition in order to treat the architecture as a piece of artwork.

He also recognized that the public has no appetite for large public expenditures, such as the $21.5 million bond proposal, and encouraged library improvements in incremental approaches.

We think that is a wiser technique, and one that allows for flexibility.

The city paid $20,500 for Duany’s visit, and is still owed a final written report. The opportunity to hire and receive input from a visionary of Duany’s stature, however, was truly priceless.

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