Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield

J. MARCH: ANTIETAM • GERAK: SOCIAL SCENE • FRONT/BACK: PAGE 144

TAX FREE PROPERTY HOW MUCH OF BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD LAND GENERATES NO REVENUE ANNUALLY HOME SCHOOLING: A DIFFERENT SCHOOL OF CHOICE ALTERNATIVE FIVE YEARS LATER: HOW THOSE WHO CAME BACK HAVE FARED THE BLOOMFIELD MESS: TIME FOR TREASURER TO RESIGN

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DOWNTOWN08.15

25

Staying home after relocating in Michigan We touched base with a group of Millennials who we interviewed five years ago after they had each moved back to Michigan from other locations around the country and world.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

18

David Hohendorf shares some parting thoughts about an iconic figure, his Wheaton Terrier Sasha, who was part of the founding group of Downtown Publications, and recollects some memories on her recent passing.

CRIME LOCATOR

21

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

MUNICIPAL

109

Board censure of township treasurer; review of Bloomfield investments; New Rear Ends store on Telegraph; city commissioners decide not to run again; Forest Grill changes; Moceri groundbreaking; West Maple petitions; plus more.

BUSINESS MATTERS

139

Women’s Excellence; Capsule Detroit; Counseling of Mind Center; G2 Consulting Group; Bio Dentistry; Hubbell, Roth & Clark; Bianchi’s Salon and Spa; Commonwealth.

FRONT/BACK

144

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

AT THE TABLE

147

The restaurant scene in Detroit is ‘booming heavy’ with a number of new spots, including the much talked about Antietam restaurant where J. March visited for our August issue.

THE COVER Get ready, the roar of the engines and the spectacle of the Woodward Dream Cruise will be here on Saturday, August 15. Downtown photo.

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61 Local tax free land Every community has its parcels of property that don’t generate any revenue for the government, so here’s a look at what is tax free in Birmingham/Bloomfield.

95 Homeschooling Among the many options for schools of choice, homeschooling your children is the path chosen by about three percent of the general population.

22

Tom Celani

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE

114

Wiliam Seklar, President and CEO of The Community House, writes about the Farm to Table Block Party Food Fest that is scheduled for September and expected to draw around 1,000 attendants.

SOCIAL LIGHTS

153

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

ENDNOTE

162

It is time to end the circus in Bloomfield by calling for the resignation of township treasurer Dan Devine.

FACES

22 70 93 105 135 137 141

Tom Celani Kelly Doyle/Patrick Scharinger Gregory Bator Dineh Mohajer Terry McDermott Sara Celina Linda Shinkle/Theodore Shinkle

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

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

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

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

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

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

y column this month is more of a personal note – a departure from the normal political/ government topics I focus on in this space, which means that I do not have to wade through the monthly emails and letters from my critics (some of whom have yet to learn to turn off their all-CAPS key when venting). I welcome you to “bring it on” next month.

M

This month's narrative was prompted

by John Percival, a Birmingham resident who stopped by our offices in mid-May of this year to discuss a hot local issue (the possible narrowing of West Maple Road) that was on everyone's radar. It was not the first time he had been to the offices of Downtown Publications.

On this visit, however, John also inquired about the cost of advertising for a tribute to his 15-yearold dog, Katie, a Jack Russell Terrier who had just passed – certainly a loving gesture.

Just prior to this issue going to press, John contacted me by email. He had also lost his 12-year-old Cocker Spaniel, Macey, and wanted to run another ad marking the passing of this friend, which you will find on page 117 of this issue. John gave me permission to share his loss with our readers, responding that “they both LOVED to be involved in anything. Everything. Including some things they shouldn't have! So, for them to participate would/will delight them.”

I can identify with John's situation because we suffered the loss of our Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier, Sasha, just before the Fourth of July holiday this summer, which is why this will be the last issue you will see her in the picture with me that runs each month with this column.

In some respects, I considered Sasha one of the founding members of this publishing group, which maintains a dog-friendly office. Up until the most recent Christmas holiday period, when her personal health started to decline and I could no longer carry her up the two dozen steps into our second floor offices above Astrein's Jewelry in downtown Birmingham, Sasha came to work with me each day, something she had done at a previous publishing group for a couple of years before I launched Downtown Publications.

Technically, as many dog owners can relate, Sasha was the pet/best friend of our two sons, starting about 15 years ago when we agreed to buy her from a breeder in Port Huron on the condition

the boys would assume all duties related to house training her when she was a puppy – an agreement I reminded myself of each morning at 1-2 a.m. during the first winter when I – alone – would take their dog out when nature called while everyone else slept.

Sasha was an iconic figure of sorts in the Birmingham area. If there was a month I failed to run a picture of her with me at some familiar local spot, or I did not bring her to the office on a given day, I would receive e-mails or be stopped on the streets of Birmingham by inquiring local residents or business people who assumed something had happened to my best friend.

She was certainly known in the downtown area, where she mastered which retail businesses had a steady supply of treats, her favorites being at Suhm-thing, thanks to Jackie Kreger Assaf; or Shades Optical where Dr. Bill's right-hand person, Marcia Polselli, always made time to satisfy Sasha's cravings.

We had our favorite routines in Birmingham – early Sunday morning or late night walks through Booth Park (no, the groups of teenagers in the park did not bother her; she actually relished their attention); movie nights at the park; our one-mile walking route through the neighborhoods and downtown area during the evening hours after the stores had closed; or our occasional lunch at the Brooklyn Pizza outdoor tables (wood-fired crust was her favorite).

And, as Cranbrook Kingswood graduate George Post recently noted on my youngest son's Facebook page, Sasha was the “biggest CK (lacrosse) cheerleader and always ready to give out kisses.”

But Sasha was not always a “city” dog, so to speak. Until a few years ago we maintained a home on White Lake in the west Oakland lakes area, so she was a country dog who loved the water, so much in fact that she would charge through and take the hit from the electric fence on the hillside and race down the winding 30-step staircase to the lake and wade or jump in. She was also known to jump off our anchored boat in the middle of the lake and swim to shore if she recognized a visitor on our beach area. Just one of the many humorous memories we all shared when our boys came home from Manhattan to visit her just prior to her passing.

So this is a notation of our loss of Sasha and a celebration of the years during which she led a good life and brought so much joy, love and loyal attention to the members of our family.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

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DOWNTOWN

08.15

CRIME LOCATOR

NORTH

Map key

Sexual assault

Assault

Murder

Robbery

Breaking/entering

Larceny

Larceny from vehicle

Vehicle theft

Vandalism

Drug offenses

Arson

These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through July 17, 2015.

Placement of codes is approximate.

FACES Tom Celani rom his start in the Detroit beer distribution business to the recent re-opening of the Freedom Hill Amphitheatre, Tom Celani found the key to success has always been in customer service.

It's a philosophy that Celani said he learned early on, after inheriting his late father's beer distribution business at the age of 26. With little business experience, Celani was able to grow Action Distributing Company into the largest Miller distributor in the country.

"Whatever you promise, you better deliver on," Celani said.

"Whether it's a phone call or a delivery to a store. All you have is your word, and you better deliver on it."

In 1996, Celani delivered casino gaming to Detroit by funding and running a statewide voter referendum. Celani had already founded Sodak Gaming in 1988, which he grew from a small company distributing gaming devices into a business with $150 million in annual sales. He was also selected as one of three companies to receive a casino license, building Motor City Casino, which he later sold to Marian Ilitch and Ilitch Holdings.

"You had to meet with everybody, those that support you â&#x20AC;&#x201C; those are easy meetings â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and those that don't because you have to listen to them and try to convince them. You need to address their concerns," Celani said about the two years he spent pushing for the statewide referendum for casino gaming.

Celani now owns several casinos throughout the United States.

Additionally, his capital venture company, Luna Entertainment, is a partner with MJR Theatres. He also owns two Harley Davidson dealerships, Motor City Power Sports, an auto dealership, a California vineyard, and a restaurant in Connecticut. Most recently, Celani partnered with Joe Vicari, of Andiamo Restaurant Group, to purchase Freedom Hill Amphitheatre in Sterling Heights.

Saddled with debt and shuttered since 2009, Freedom Hill underwent $2 million in upgrades after being purchased, including technology, cosmetic improvements and other upgrades.

In 2013, the 7,500 seat venue reopened as a top entertainment venue in the area, drawing artists such as Lady Antebellum, Willie Nelson and other national and global acts.

"We have a very good relationship with Macomb County and executive Mark Hackel. They wanted to see this open," Celani said. "We put $1 million in on day one. It's a state-of-the-art theater, and our food and beverage numbers are higher than any other. We are all about customer service."

In July, Celani announced two major sponsors for the venue: Ford Motor Company, who will have branding rights on the concourse, and MGM Grand Detroit as the exclusive sponsor of the VIP club.

In his leisure time, Celani is an avid motorcycle rider and automobile enthusiast. He can often be found relaxing with a cigar and a bottle of wine. As for future investments, Celani said he currently has his hands full with all the businesses he's currently engaged in. However, he said he sees future potential in the medical marijuana business.

"The next thing on our radar screen is medical marijuana," Celani said. "I think the federal government is just getting engaged in what this product can do in helping seizures and cancer patients. We want more testing done to see what can be done with this plant."

F

Story: Kevin Elliott

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ive years ago, Downtown Publications convened a roundtable of eight local members of the high school graduating class of 2003. All of the participants, who graduated college in 2007, had lived away from Michigan at various times, yet each of the eight had returned to the Birmingham/Bloomfield area of their own volition, with the intent of reclaiming metro Detroit as their home.

The wide-ranging conversation covered why they came home, if they had had pressure to return, what the reaction had been from their friends in other cities, what it was like in 2010 to be back, what there was to do in metro Detroit, what they perceived their future to be, and how they intended to create that future.

Featured in that thought-provoking roundtable were Ryan Brittain, who graduated from Brother Rice High School, then attended the University of Miami, Ohio; Jamie Dean, who graduated from Birmingham's Seaholm High School and University of Miami, Ohio; Meredith Gannes, a Cranbrook Kingswood graduate and Michigan State University graduate; Emily Korotkin,

N E TH 10 20 W O N 15 20

STAYING

HOME FIVE YEARS ON, LOOKING BACK AT MILLENNIALS WHO RETURNED

BY LISA BRODY Clockwise from top right: Anne Carney Strickland; Lauren Maiman; Ryan Brittain; Emily Korotkin; Meredith Gannes; Jeremy Sasson; Christina Sabatini; and Jamie Dean, 2010.

Selfies on interior pages, supplied.

who attended Seaholm, began college at Michigan State but eventually transferred to Columbia College Chicago; Lauren Maiman, who went to Birmingham Groves High School and Boston University; Christina Sabatini, an Academy of Sacred Heart and University of Michigan grad; Jeremy Sasson, a Detroit Country Day School alum who attended University of Miami, Florida; and Anne Carney Strickland, who went to Cranbrook Kingswood High School and Michigan State University.

They were the mavericks, originals returning to the area to counter the “Brain Drain,” the phenomenon of the best and brightest leaving one region for another, and therefore bringing their talents and creativity with them to their new home.

They had each lived away, sampling the experience another city has to offer, a common expectation in families in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, where children, once they have graduated from college often go off to the big city to experience their young adult life somewhere other than Michigan. Yet each, in 2010, recognized either opportunity or family pulling them back. They had plans, enthusiasm, dreams.

Then, they were 25; today they are 30.

Seven of the eight have remained in metro Detroit, part of the Millennial generation reclaiming Detroit as their own.

Some have married; one has divorced; another has a child. Each remain excited and hopeful about the destiny they are carving out and creating in their hometowns.

Downtown spoke with seven of the eight – Sabatini, who was teaching yoga when we met five years ago, has been living in India for the last two and a half years – to see whether the dreams have met reality.

“I am both thrilled and grateful with my decision to return to (and stay in) metro Detroit,” said Jamie Dean Dusina, now married to Frank. “For the first few years, I really struggled with the idea of making Michigan my permanent residence so soon after coming home from Europe, where I toured as a professional figure skater with Holiday on Ice. I gave myself a really hard time about coming back 'too soon', and not exploring other areas, like some of the big cities or different coasts before 'settling' down, back in my hometown. Meeting my now husband, Frank, made my decision far more complex, exciting and scary. We met about two years after the article, right when I started to have confusions about my career path and I was craving a major

SEVEN OF THE EIGHT HAVE REMAINED IN METRO DETROIT, PART OF THE MILLENNIAL GENERATION RECLAIMING DETROIT AS THEIR OWN.

change. Until I met Frank, the best way I could describe moving home was that I felt like the oldest kid at summer camp. I felt like I was just trying to resuscitate my high school life and teenage self, rather than growing into a new and wonderful adult life.

“It's funny,” Dean Dusina continued. “But there is a huge shift that happens when you allow it to. I'm so grateful that I am still very close with most of my childhood friends and we've allowed each other to grow up, which has made our friendships that much sweeter.

Also, having my wonderful husband, an exciting and fulfilling career and learning about my new community, I am looking at metro Detroit with a fresh perspective, a renewed sense of gratitude and I can honestly say I've never loved this state more than I do now.”

Lauren Maiman, who recently divorced, loves it here as well, “and continue to love it more every year. When I first moved back, it was primarily for convenience and personal relationships. But once I returned, I slowly became so invested in the community and Detroit's 'rebirth' that I can't imagine leaving regardless of circumstances changing or opportunities arising in other states. I didn't expect to fall in love with Detroit, at all, but I have.”

“I can't say I have any regrets (moving back) as the life I have made for myself is pretty wonderful. I realized very quickly that Detroit is the type of community where a little effort yields substantial results,” Anne Carney Strickland said, now mother to Corinne, 15 months. “By engaging in a

variety of cultural opportunities in metro Detroit, I was I introduced to the many facets that make up a well-rounded and fulfilling lifestyle. With research and a commitment to carving out my own niche, I found I naturally started to build my own community. I made new friends, reconnected with old, and as time passed, many of my long-time friends have returned home to start building the next chapter of their lives. After seven years, I feel very confident and secure in the life I am building for myself and my family.”

Carney Strickland, an interior designer, was fortunate to find a job in 2008 with a local firm and, in 2011, she started her own company, PORT mfg. & design, in Birmingham.

Ryan Brittain has explored a lot of the metro area, moving home in October 2010; headed to Midtown Detroit at the end of 2011; bought his first house in Royal Oak in January of 2013; and “my soon-to-be-wife and I are now in Birmingham,” he said, of his fiancee, who he married on Saturday, July 25. She grew up in the area as well, “left for a few years, returned around the same time I did. We met through mutual friends a few years back. We both love the area and at this point in time plan to stay indefinitely as both our family and friends reside here.”

Brittain, who is in commercial real estate, said he's 100 percent satisfied with his decision to return to the area. “My timing turned out to be ideal, and I've been able to ride the economic wave up since my return in 2010. There's been a ton of new development, restaurants and a lot of excitement around things happening in the metro Detroit region. With a healthier auto industry, an increasingly diversified economy and renewed interest in Detroit, I believe there to be more opportunities now for motivated, adaptable professionals.”

Emily Korotkin returned to Birmingham/Bloomfield because of family, as well as her career, becoming the fifth generation to work at Korotkin Insurance Group in Southfield, where her father Ken is president.

“It is hard to believe that 25-year-old me was just barely beginning in business,” she recalled. “I am still at Korotkin Insurance Group. I am a fifth generation in the business, but it now feels like it truly was

my destiny to be here. I find more and more that people equate me and my name with the work I do. I have begun to grow my business and prepare myself for more management roles in the near future.”

She also found love and stability, purchasing a home in Bloomfield Hills and is getting married in June 2016 to her fiancee, Stacy Meitzner, with close friend Jamie Dean Dusina officiating.

“Moving back was the best decision I have made because I have begun to start my own family, and where better to do it than on the streets that raised me all while surrounded by both of our families,” Korotkin said.

She did acknowledge to having some initial challenges being part of the LGBT community, not having many friends when she moved back who were also part of that community. Being close to her two sisters was the impetus to her move back, and “when I first moved back I found it hard to meet people in the dating scene, because a lot of that is through friends or friends of friends. (I) had to force myself out there to meet people. Luckily, I met the one that truly counted.”

Meredith Gannes has also found it great to be back, reconnecting with high school and college friends, completing an MBA at Wayne State, pursuing a challenging career, and buying a home in West Bloomfield.

“I feel like I have a great network here. I completed my MBA and started a new job since moving back, which has been both challenging and rewarding,” she said of her job at Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) as a colors and materials designer. “I am still working in the automobile industry but in a different capacity where I am able to be creative and follow my dream of being in design. I bought a house. I love the independence of living on my own while remaining close enough to my parents to enjoy spending time with them and seeing them on a regular basis.”

Jeremy Sasson remains happy to be here, also. “I'm completely committed to being here, and I'm invested to this city in just about every which way you can be – business, career, my home is here, personal life, family, friends. I'm all in Michigan,” he said.

When the roundtable first gathered, Sasson had an idea, on paper, of opening a

EACH REMAINS EXCITED AND HOPEFUL ABOUT THE DESTINY THEY ARE CARVING OUT AND CREATING IN THEIR HOMETOWNS.

bistro in Birmingham. Five years later, Townhouse Birmingham at 180 Pierce Street is a hot dining and cocktail destination, and by the end of July, Townhouse Detroit was slated to open at 500 Woodward Avenue at Congress with 300 seats and a retractable roof.

“In November 2010, I had just applied to the city of Birmingham for a bistro license to open Townhouse Birmingham. It was merely a concept on paper. Today, it's evolved into a pretty healthy restaurant brand with the flagship brand set to open in downtown Detroit,” Sasson said. “At the time, I had zero employees. Today, I have 250.”

Maiman has also taken the opportunity to become a business owner. In 2010, she was working for a public relations company after being a reporter for a now-defunct local magazine.

“In 2012, I started my own marketing/PR agency, the midnight oil group, which has cemented my roots in metro Detroit,” she said. “Having an office in Troy, clients throughout the metro area, and three employees that I adore, I can't imagine a scenario where I would leave Detroit permanently. This time and place specifically has offered me the circumstances and opportunity to start a company and launch a career that I love. I am so thankful to Detroit for that.”

She, like all of the others, venture into the resurgent and evolving city of Detroit as much as they can.

“It was been really exciting downtown over the past few years,” Gannes said. “I am downtown on a regular basis and especially love being able to spend time outside,

check out new restaurants, go to Tigers games, bike ride or walk around exploring.”

Maiman concurs. “I am in Detroit as much as possible – weekdays for meetings, weeknights for events, and weekends for exploring new haunts and watching the Tigers.”

For Korotkin, spending time in Detroit has become so important to her and fiancee Stacy that they felt it was important to get married in the city, rather than the suburbs.

“We love to explore the new restaurants, go to sports games, and hang out with our friends who live downtown,” she said.

“At the time the article (2010/Coming Home/Downtown) was published, I had just come from a life where I was, essentially, a professional 'tourist' – so how could my hometown possibly keep my interest?” asked Dean Dusina. “What else was there to learn about metro Detroit, that I hadn't been exposed to? Well, as it turns out, is a TON that I still haven't done yet and I'm just getting started! I love what's happening with the resurgence of downtown/Midtown Detroit.

I'll go into the city with my husband and/or my friends every few months, and have been hoping to increase the frequency of my visits. It's been pretty interesting to get acquainted with a new community and I am loving everything that lake life (they have purchased and are renovating a lake home) has to offer. I don't think I will ever fool myself again into thinking that I could get bored with Michigan or metro Detroit!”

Carney Strickland recognizes a key factor in Millennials attraction for the vitality being created in downtown and Midtown Detroit comes from the sophistication and knowledge the group has gained from having lived away in other cosmopolitan regions.

“I think in metro Detroit many young professionals are focused on supporting downtown businesses because they enjoy or are coming from more urban-centric lifestyles,” Carney Strickland noted. “Even in the last five years, there has been a notable uptick in restaurant/bar openings.

It's fun to be a part of the conversation by trying the new restaurants, walking the neighborhoods and navigating the new development. It might be planning a night out with dinner centered around an event, or an afternoon meeting, but I feel like I am downtown weekly partaking in some sort of activity.”

“I have a very favorable impression of the area – especially since I lived there in The Ellington above Starbucks at Mack and Woodward, and I believe it will continue to progress at a rapid pace over the next few years,” Brittain said. “There is an astounding amount of private and public interest and dollars at work. Commercial and residential occupancy levels are at the

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highest they've been in my lifetime and rents continue to appreciate to the point they are eclipsing most suburban markets. There are so many restaurants and bars and entertainment options are abundant. I spend as much time there as my schedule will permit, and have a long list of places I recommend to friends. In addition to Midtown and downtown, I've noticed some exciting things in Corktown, southwest Detroit, Hamtramck, and the New Center area as well. As access and transportation options continue to improve (meaning the M-1 Rail), I anticipate we will see momentum continue to build, and at this pace, the entire downtown will hopefully reach 'critical mass' within the next decade or two.”

As a restaurateur and businessman who has put down roots in Detroit, Sasson is pleased to hear everyone's excitement, but also recognizes the challenges.

“I've had my eye on Detroit since 2012, right after opening Townhouse in Birmingham, when we won the Burger Brawl,” he recalled. “We're trying to build the framework of the puzzle going in here. One part of the motivational factor is we see ourselves as a brand here. It only makes send to be here, and with al fresco dining being a big part of who we are, that was a big drive in finding the right location.”

He, like Brittain, recognizes the area for its growth and opportunity.

“There are a lot of educated people here. The cost of doing business here is marginal compared to doing business in any other market,” Sasson noted. “I think today there are a lot of people, private equity people, hedge funds, they're here looking to grow their businesses and client profile.”

Five years ago, many of the group bemoaned the lack of mass transit in the metro Detroit marketplace, having utilized and depended upon it in other communities they lived in. Now, in 2015, with M-1 Rail under construction, none see it as a factor in their own lives, and utilize Uber when the need arises.

“I think it would still do wonders for our communities to not rely on our forms of transportation, but I enjoy driving so I don't find a need for it,” Korotkin said. “I do think mass transit would be a plus for sports games and concerts. I don't drink much so Uber isn't something I frequently use. I doubt the M-1 Rail will affect my transit.”

“I drive everywhere,” Gannes said. “I like driving, but if we had a metro/subway system, I would be thrilled. I'm excited about the M-1Rail but believe that we will need multiple lines connecting more cities for it to really be useful. I use Uber when I am downtown and trying to get around downtown, but never around West Bloomfield.”

“For me, Uber has been a huge help getting around town,” Maiman said.

“If available, I'm sure that I would get in the routine of using mass transit,” Carney Strickland said. “Uber has become a very efficient and mostly reasonable tool to ensure easy and safe transportation.”

For Brittain, it's not the “hot button” issue it was five years ago, “but I do think a substantial investment in mass transit would be a boon for the region if done well. Light rail connecting downtown to metro airport seems like a no brainer with a line up the Woodward Corridor, to the east side, and the west side with well-thought out stops, would drive development along these lines and would create quite a bit of infill and connectivity,” he said. “I do think M-1 will make a difference for me as it alleviates the congestion issues and allows safe, rapid access to the bars, museums, restaurants, and the new arena district up and down Woodward.”

As the high school class of 2003 enters their 30s, these seven have not only returned home to family and friends, they have down put their roots in the Detroit area, opened businesses, are thriving in vibrant careers, spreading their wings.

“There's so much opportunity here that the only obstacles are the ones you put in front of yourself,” Sasson said. “There's talent here that wants to be part of something.”

DOWNTOWN

08.15

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Bloomfield $1,495,000 Wonderful Private Estate on 1.44 acres featuring pool, cabana, full kitchen, bath and dressing room. Extensive brick patios. Lush landscaping. Home has Contemporary feel but can be Transitional. Floor to ceiling windows and door walls. Four bedroom suites, six full baths, two half baths, seven fireplaces, three kitchens, generator, sun room, exercise room, large game room. Lower level family room, kitchen and fireplace.

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Sherwood Lake Frontage $899,000

Troy $725,000

Fabulous lake living in Bloomfield Hills! Wonderful home with many recent updates including windows and doors. Enjoy the lake view from this 950 square foot deck across the back of home with French doors. Enclosed screen porch. First floor master suite opens to terrace. Wide planked pine floors.

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Ronni Keating

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Bloomfield Hills $2,599,000 This show stopping four bedroom, 4.2 bath Colonial sits on idyllic grounds that back to the prestigious Bloomfield Hills Golf and Country Club. You simply can’t find more luxurious than this stately brick and stone estate with exquisite interiors and peaceful, private outdoor spaces. Upon entering the dramatic marble foyer you are awed by a sweeping spiral staircase and overflowing elegance throughout the home. Entertain in style in voluminous rooms that include a soaring 2-story family room with a wall of windows and stone floor to ceiling fireplace, regal formal dining room, and jaw-dropping vaulted ceiling kitchen with a butler’s pantry, pass-through service closet, built-in workstation, huge granite prep and dining islands, exquisite cabinetry and premium stainless appliances to entice the discerning chef. Other glamorous features include a first floor owner’s wing with executive office, all en-suite bedrooms, a large laundry room, walk-out lower level, spa-style swimming pool and meticulous terraced landscaping. 215073670

Franklin Village $2,100,000

Birmingham $1,999,000

This indescribable four bedroom 6.5 bath custom estate on a sprawling 2.58 lush private acres, is beautified by tall trees, manicured grounds and an in-ground swimming pool. A dramatic 22’ high grand cathedral foyer with a sweeping staircase; soaring window-lined 2-story great room with a fireplace; custom gourmet granite kitchen with premium chef’s features; large sun drenched breakfast area; 1st floor master suite with a fireplace, sitting room and spa-like bath retreat with jetted tub; and fabulous walkout lower level with a second gourmet kitchen, Viking appliances, dining area, game and media rooms. Extend gatherings to the outdoor covered dining area with custom lighting, secluded swimming pool with a cabana and kitchen with a pizza oven, and huge wood deck where you can savor stunning scenery. 215072092

Stunning six bedroom 6.2 bathroom Colonial will enchant you with its beautiful brick and stone façade, lovely lush grounds, private outdoor spaces, and impeccable details inside and out. Grand foyer and three expansive light-filled stories, which can be accessed by a sweeping wood staircase or the convenient elevator. High ceilings, Michigan walnut hardwood floors, architectural columns, custom finishes plus four fireplaces. A premier chef’s kitchen will inspire the discerning chef. A huge master suite, three additional spacious en-suite bedrooms with massive closets, a comfortable third-floor au pair/in-law suite with a living room, bedroom and full bath, full-size laundry room, large lower level with a bedroom and full bath, and heated three-car garage. 215066881

Dan Gutfreund

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Lake Angelus Frontage $2,850,000 Fabulous Lake Angelus Estate property on 8+ acres! Custom built with over 10,000 square feet of living. Spectacular views of Pristine Lake Angelus from every room. Eleven foot ceilings, hardwood floors and custom cabinetry and custom granite throughout. Mature trees, orchard and gardens. One of four vintage boathouses with full plumbing and electrical (1 bedroom apartment). A truly unique property reminiscent of the older Estates on the East Coast. Only 13 miles from Downtown Birmingham. Five bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 215053383

Lake Angelus Frontage $1,249,900

Dryden $949,900

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Stunning Newer Construction designed after "English Manor Home" in the heart of "Metamora Hunt Area" surrounded by 5.35 acres of tranquil forest. Custom built in 2002 masterpiece; mural painted walls by Gretchen Gill, 150 year old hardwood floors, marble, granite, limestone, copper, brass, Chef's kitchen with Viking appliances. Stone and architectural landscaping and Anderson windows, natural gas heat. Walk through the front door and feel like you are home.

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Lee Embrey

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Bingham Farms Village $2,495,000 Magnificent custom built Colonial sits on two acres of pristine and meticulously manicured grounds which includes three separate areas of bluestone patio, limestone and wrought iron railings. Exquisite professionally decorated estate features a gourmet kitchen with premium glazed cabinets, granite counters, high end stainless appliances, large center island, hand finished mahogany floors and hand glazed carved moldings. Grand foyer leads into an open floor plan with large windows providing great natural lighting. Luxurious master suite and bath, his/her walk-in and large sitting area. A spectacular professionally finished lower level includes custom paneling, plaster walls, limestone heated floors, a 400 bottle wine cellar with glass and wrought iron custom doors, wine fridge and hand carved alder wood cabinets, custom bar with granite countertops, full bath, workout room, grand theater room. Control 4 Smart system and historic 50 foot two story barn with two car stalls. Four bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 215072204

Birmingham $1,550,000

Birmingham $1,450,000

Spectacular newer construction home is located in the highly coveted Quarton Lake Estates Subdivision.

Exquisite brick Colonial features four bedrooms suites, three half baths and boast a magnificent gourmet kitchen with premium cabinets, granite counters, large center island, high end stainless steel appliances including a Wolf range, thermador oven and sub zero refrigerator. Kitchen opens to a large family room with a granite surround fireplace, Brazilian Cherry wood floors, grand foyer, paneled library, coffered ceiling and granite surround fireplace. Master suite, luxurious bath and two walk-in closet.

Finished lower level with half bath, great room and exercise room. Interior is professionally decorated and built with the most exquisite architectural details and unparalleled finishes. 215071892

Magnificent newer construction in the Heart of Downtown Birmingham. Exquisite stone colonial featuring four bedrooms, three full and one half baths. This spectacular home boast a gourmet kitchen with premium custom cabinets, granite counters, high end stainless steel appliances, large center island and hearth room. Hardwood floors, crown moldings, stone fireplace, and covered rear porch. The master suite features a luxurious bath, large walk-in closet with built-ins. Second floor laundry, large bedrooms, nice size mud room off garage, professionally decorated interior, professionally landscaped fence yard with an attached garage. 215073248

John & Bridget Apap

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Birmingham $4,995,000 Imagine owning your very own private, new construction, luxury resort, nestled on the only remaining lot in Quarton Lake with views of the waterfall, lake, park and river. Beyond the electric gated entrance with camera/alarm system and heated driveway, sits this exceptional private estate. Generous open floor plan. Stunning great room perfect for entertaining shares dual sided fireplace with elegant study. Cooks kitchen with top of the line stainless steel appliances, rich exotic wood cabinetry, walk-in pantry and command center. Master suite features a fireplace and its own private patio, spacious spa like master bath with freestanding tub, walk-in shower and beautiful custom closet/dressing areas. Approximately 8000 square feet of finished living space, walkout lower level with climate controlled wine room, full bar area and spa/sauna. Handcrafted mill work, impeccable materials and gorgeous architectural details throughout. Four bedrooms with 5.3 baths. 215012288

Birmingham $3,599,000

Troy $1,045,000

Great Lakes Custom Builder presents a spectacular East Coast Traditional Custom Luxury Home designed by Alex Bogaerts features four bedrooms, 5.3 baths with stunning panoramic views of Quarton Lake. This exceptional home features a warm and inviting cooks kitchen with gorgeous custom cabinetry, top of the line appliances marble/quartz surfaces throughout. Impressive two story grand foyer with barrel ceiling and magnificent staircase, warm hardwood flooring throughout, handcrafted mill work, paneled library, generous rooms and fabulous floor plan for entertaining and living. Large master suite with fireplace, custom closets, spacious and luxurious master bath with exquisite finishes. Finished lower level with climate controlled wine room, full bar, powder room plus additional fifth bedroom with full bath. Ready September 2015. 215026686

Elegant and sophisticated home on premium lot with its grand marble foyer and stunning staircase.

Kitchen with island boasts plenty of cabinetry, walk-in pantry, newer appliances, granite, butlers pantry and views of the gorgeous pool and patio. The dramatic great room with fireplace and high ceiling, warm and inviting library with built-ins, crown and wainscoting, plus formal living and dining spaces create a functional and cozy atmosphere. Smart technology, extensive crown/trim, elegant and sophisticated finishes, dual staircase. Finished lower level with private entrance access via three car garage offers a possibility for a nanny/in-law suite with a full bathroom plus powder room. Circular bar, gathering room, home theatre, fitness center plus additional office space. Four bedrooms with 4.3 baths. 215076638

Christine Drinkwater

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Birmingham $999,999 A rare find in Birmingham! Tastefully appointed Contemporary home with first floor master suite sits on a private cul-de-sac in Quarton Lake Estates. The luxury of an elevator servicing all floors makes this home handicap accessible as well. From the minute you walk into this open foyer to walls of windows overlooking the private rear yard with patios, the light and open floor plan engulf you. Bamboo flooring, his/her California Closets, newly redone master bath suite with heated floors, kitchen with cherry cabinets, granite, premium appliances, first floor laundry, second and third bedroom suites with an additional large open office space on the second floor which could easily be converted to a fourth bedroom. Lower level features a private gym, wine storage, workshop room and half bath. Heated garage. Central vacuum and full house generator. 215044016

Rochester Hills $799,000

Birmingham $625,000

Previous custom built model home. Come see this beautiful home with many extra details to enhance the beauty of this spectacular home. The two story foyer welcomes you in with a presence of warmth along with a two sided fireplace, hardwood flooring, an entertainment/hosting area off of the great room with granite counter top and refrigerator to welcome guests. Chefs kitchen with custom cabinets, granite, center island and large breakfast area for private mornings with coffee. Front foyer and rear stairs to second floor. Master bedroom suite with large baths and walk-in closets, second floor laundry. Three car garage, sidewalks and private rear yard. Four bedrooms with 3.2 baths.

215060369

A great opportunity to live in Quarton Lake! This center entrance colonial has curb appeal with a traditional living room with fireplace, formal dining room, previously updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite counters, hardwood floors. There is a family room addition with cathedral ceiling, window seat and wall of bookshelves, plus a study on the first floor with powder room. Three bedrooms up with bath in master and main bath. Laundry in partially finished basement. Two car attached garage. Priced to sell. Come take a look! Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 215059075

Donna Barlow

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Oxford $725,000 Stately and awe-inspiring custom estate located in the highly respected Lakes of Indianwood. Property boasts a strong architectural exterior with unique pond/fountain in the front yard. Inside you will find a lightfilled well-appointed deluxe home featuring five bedroom, four full baths, two half baths, a five car garage. Stacked with upgrades of granite, cherry hardwood flooring, mahogany fireplaces, gourmet kitchen, heated tile flooring, wrought-iron spindles, massive bonus room, sleek finished lower level with walk-out to private Duck Lake. This exclusive setting is matched with fishing, kayaking, canoeing, paddle-boating. Close to Indianwood and Paint Creek golf courses. The notorious Polly Ann Trail runs through the neighborhood. 215072325

Rochester Hills $740,000

Rochester Hills $650,000

Impeccable! Custom well-appointed colonial situated within prestigious North Oaks. Step inside a very light-filled luxurious home while the exterior is filled with breathtaking natural and wooded scenery.

Kitchen with breakfast nook and cozy hearth fireplace features stainless steel Wolf cooktop and thermador double convection ovens. Two-story foyer with winding staircase leads to the four bedrooms. Master suite has a fireplace with bay area for relaxation, luxurious master bath with jetted tub, His and hers walk in closets. Custom lower level is an entertainer' delight, walkout, granite bar with sink, media area, full bath, custom book shelves, cedar closets. Very private backyard with waterfall and pond provide an escape to nature! This home provides a unique feeling of tranquility. Four bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 215056732

Distinguished and Punctiliously maintained with an eye on perfection located in the illustrious North Oaks subdivision. Enter into an open floor plan with 2-story great room with architecturally angled fireplace. Updated kitchen is state-of-the-art with granite backsplash and white cabinetry overlooking the breakfast nook with decorative tray ceilings and a view of the sweeping backyard. Dining room has bay window, custom crown mouldings with butlers' pantry and stained glass cabinets. First floor master suite with fireplace, sitting area, two walk-in closets, Jacuzzi tub, powder room area and vaulted ceiling. Lower level finished walkout with recreation room, full kitchen, full bath, fifth bedroom suite with walk-in closet, media area, hobby room, second laundry room. Five bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 215066895

Susan Johnson

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248.644.7000

Bloomfield $2,189,900 Set on tranquil Dryden Lane in Bloomfield Estates, but only five minutes from Downtown Birmingham, will lie a 5,800 square foot luxury home on a secluded 1.5 acre lot. The property boasts a strong architectural exterior, while inside lies a light-filled, luxurious home with unrivaled architecture and designs. Layout includes a spectacular two-story open plan kitchen, dining and living area, a stunning first floor master suite, formal dining room, hearth room, private study, second floor guest suite, a further three bedrooms, laundry room, large mudroom and four car garage. Bloomfield Estates is an exclusive, tranquil area and has become one of the most desirable locations for luxury estate properties. Five bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 215044934

Birmingham $1,679,000

Troy $925,000

Currently under construction is a 4,715 square foot luxurious property with groundbreaking architecture and stunning interior design. Stanley Boulevard is just a short walk from Downtown. High quality, innovative architecture and a floor plan which is perfectly designed for contemporary living are the hallmarks of this property. The kitchen, dining and living space provides the togetherness of open plan living within clearly defined zones. Besides the impressive open living area the property features a three car attached garage, three further bedrooms, a designer Downsview kitchen including a Wolf range, double fridge freezers and a prep kitchen, homework center, outdoor loggia, mud room and Marvin windows. Four bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 215044920

Exquisite new custom home in Troy with Bloomfield Hills Schools! True custom craftsmanship by Casadei shows throughout this gorgeous home. Large open family entertaining areas. Warm hardwood flooring throughout the main floor. The light filled, white and gray kitchen by Waypoint has two prep islands and high end stainless steel appliances. The master retreat is truly spacious, with beautiful pan ceilings, a large walk in closet, and island dresser. The tranquil master bath has double vanities, vanity seating, laundry basket inserts, and luxurious free standing tub. Three additional bedrooms all have large walk in closets. This home also includes library, dining room, second floor laundry, two main floor half baths, and thoughtfully laid out mudroom with lockers and a side entry 3-car garage! Available Late Summer 2015. 215053777

Courtney Monigold

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248.644.7000

Birmingham $619,900 Magnificent European style newer home radiates premium construction and architectural details from the all brick and stone exterior to the elegant wrought iron and wood staircase entrance. Modern open floor plan with high ceilings and hardwood floors. Library, living room, open dining room for casual/fine dining. Custom chef's kitchen, stainless steel appliances, granite, huge island overlooking great room and three way fireplace. Breakfast nook with door wall to private fenced yard for summer BBQ. Large master suite and spa bathroom. Spacious bedrooms have walk-in closets. Second floor laundry room. Recently finished lower level perfect for grand scale entertaining, family room, media/game room, bedroom/office, designer marble bathroom, bar area is plumbed for wet bar. Close to everything Birmingham has to offer.

Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 215069945

Felicia Scappaticci

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248.644.7000

Bloomfield $1,450,000 In our youth, we eagerly awaited the day we could own that home everyone loved to visit. This posh manor on an exclusive court caters to that desire as it artfully balances 7600 square foot of stately finishes with all the engaging elements that make â&#x20AC;&#x153;itâ&#x20AC;? the place to be. The art begins on the exterior as this grand retreat exudes a holiday warmth. Upon entry, the Schonbek chandeliers, detailed trim work, Italian marble, and carved limestone stun and impress. The heated bath flooring steam shower, sensor lighting, five gas fireplaces, chandelier lifts, two laundry rooms, and heated four car garage are only some of the features that expose the years of consideration in this exquisite design. Most impressive are the attributes that keep people coming back, such as the sparkling low maintenance salt water pool, trek balconies overlooking the expansive fully fenced private lot, and walkout lower level to include kitchen and theater room. Come experience how luxury and comfort delicately collide to make this house a heartwarming home.

Five bedrooms with 5.2 baths. 215051949

Beth Watson

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248.644.7000

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YOUR HOME IS YOUR MOST VALUABLE ASSET FOR MORE REASONS THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE. Historically, real estate has provided homeowners with their greatest return on investments, an appreciation in value that has been at times both short and long term. It is difficult to put a price on something of such significance, whether it is primary, secondary or vacation home. At the Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International RealtyÂŽ brand, we firmly believe in the inherent value of home and helping our clients realize their investment goals by offering unrivalled accesss to qualified people and distinctive properties around the world.

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Walnut Lake Frontage $4,300,000 Panoramic easterly views of all sports Walnut Lake. Presents over 12,000 square feet of luxury living on 1.76 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Private gate, grand entrance with marble foyer, soaring ceilings, cherry floating staircase. Finest craftsmanship, exquisite plastered and wood trim through-out. Gold plated plumbing fixtures in master bath. Schonback chandeliers in foyer and dining room. Premier electrical fixtures. Gourmet granite kitchen with every amenity. Beautiful views overlooking waterfront. Cherry library with built-ins and wood floors. Master suite has his and hers walk-in closets and a bath fit for his majesty.

All bedrooms are suites with trayed ceilings. Walk-out lower level with marble floors, recreation room, full glass spa room, full kitchen, bar, exercise room, billiard room and 5th bedroom, six fireplaces, audio video system and drop down movie screen. Four car heated garage. Birmingham schools. Five bedrooms with 5.3 baths. 215054013 Presented by Dawn Williams and Maria Constante

Cass Lake Frontage $2,100,000 Significant price reduction for this gorgeous home on all-sports Cass Lake's prestigious Wards Point. This is a dream home for lake lovers wanting style and elegance yet extremely comfortable. Five bedroom home with two master suites including one on the first floor. Custom finishes including built-in cabinetry, limestone and marble make this home stand out from the rest. Rosewood hardwood flooring creates warmth throughout. The two story Living room with floor to ceiling windows brings in the lake view. The Kitchen shines with stainless appliances and soap stone counters, large center island, wonderful breakfast nook overlooking lake. House equipped with state of the art Control4 Home Automation system. Three car heated garage. Brick paver lighted driveway leads to custom Mahogany Garage doors and front entrance doors.

Temp controlled wine room in walk out lower level. Wonderful setting back off lake for privacy. Award winning West Bloomfield schools. Spectacular sunrise and sunset views. 21505753 Presented by Michell Yurich

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248.644.7000

Lake St. Clair Frontage $1,995,000 Magnificent new construction home with breathtaking views of Lake Saint Clair. Chris Blake of the Blake Company, one of Michigan's premier award winning custom home builders, has teamed up with Jamie Mertz, of Mertzdesign, one of Grosse Pointe's rising design stars, to bring you a special home on Lake Shore Drive near Provencal in Grosse Pointe Farms. Exquisite materials to be utilized including an extensive use of marble, wood flooring, and custom mill work throughout. Additional features include an expansive 2-story great room with lake views that is open to a gourmet kitchen with center island and Sub-zero, Wolf and Asko appliances. Also featured is a first floor master suite with lake views, luxurious marble bath and spacious walk-in closet. Five bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 215075363 Presented by Mia Bardy

Lake Huron Frontage $1,900,000 Log Home Living Magazine said..."This is one of the most impressive lodges on the Great Lakes." Nestled on 368 feet of the finest sugar sand beach in Northeast Michigan, this is truly a magnificent one of a kind home. This soaring Spirit Lodge sits on an estate size property just under five private acres of groomed manicured grounds. The lodge is nearly 7500 square feet with five bedrooms and 4.5 baths and is being offered completely furnished. Many furniture pieces have been hand made specifically for this home. It is truly custom in every sense of the word with crafted three story spiral stairway (London staircase of Canada), imported Italian Granite, all custom cabinetry, solid "stallion" oak doors and trim. Other features include a theater room, indoor and outdoor hot tub, steam sauna and an endless pool (year round) off the master bedroom wing.

There is also a guest cottage and a barn/garage 49'x18'. The materials used have made this home very energy efficient home. 215046037 Presented by Candice Cuyler

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248.644.7000

Brighton Lake Frontage $1,199,999 Beautiful Pine Creek Ridge Custom Lakefront home. This home boasts just over 5000 square feet with 109 feet of sandy frontage on Brighton Lake. Huge first floor master suite complete with large walk-in closet, marble bath with two granite sinks, fireplace and private balcony. Large mother-in-law suite on upper level that has fireplace/sitting area and private balcony as well. This home is simply beautiful with the most desirable lakefront lot on the main part of the lake. Large granite kitchen with center island, hearth room and breakfast area all that overlook lakeside of home. Huge first floor laundry room, butlers pantry, walk-in storage pantry. Nearly 3000 additional square feet in partially finished walk-out basement that just needs your finishing touches. Enjoy the lakefront lifestyle while still having the amazing features and amenities of living in Pine Creek sub with the pool, tennis courts, beaches, walking/hiking trails and club house. Four bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 214115939 Presented by Renee Kerr

Rochester Hills $1,199,000 Impeccable, high end luxury home located in upscale, private and gated community. Chef's kitchen with granite, commercial stove, warming drawer, dish washer and refrigerator with custom panels. Custom cabinetry, detailed wood work throughout home. Anderson vinyl clad windows, limestone sills, 10' ceilings on 1st floor with 8' solid wood doors, custom deck off kitchen, gorgeous covered porch in front and two amazing balconies with a patio off of the lower level and full house generator. Four car garage and finished walkout lower level with stunning kitchen with all commercial grade appliances. Exceptional craftsmanship and detail throughout this sophisticated estate. 6638 square feet with an additional finished 2466 in the lower level. This magnificent home is professionally landscape with fabulous mud room, first floor laundry and 24 hour gated private entry. Just a few of the amenities. Four bedrooms with 5.2 baths. 215058382 Presented by Sandra Treboldi

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Bloomfield $975,000 Acquired in 2011. Renovation in 2012. Transformation in 2013. Attractive Colonial in the Heart of the Village. Light filled living room with natural fireplace adjoins a cozy porch. Elegant dining room, an enviable state of the art kitchen with Bosch stainless steel appliances, granite and more hardwood. Kitchen contiguous with large family room with gas fireplace. First floor laundry, mud room and back staircase. Master bedroom with enormous walk-in closet, three additional bedrooms and two full baths complete the upper level. Finished basement with natural fireplace. A surround deck with fireplace accessed thru porch, family room and dining room. A masterful makeover! Four bedrooms 3.2 baths. 215054823 Presented by Betty Pince

Walnut Lake Frontage $950,000 FABULOUS!! Colonial on private, wooded 1.01 acre lot; The grand entrance patio overlooks exclusive all-sports Walnut Lake with Birmingham schools. This home features six bedrooms, six full bathrooms, whole house generator, new windows throughout, master suite is a beautiful second floor oasis with large walk-in closet and his/hers bathrooms. Other features of this home include an open loft area that overlooks the family room which is open to the country French kitchen, a beautiful sunroom overlooking the lake, full bar room on the entry level is perfect for entertaining. The fully finished lower level has a large recreation room, bedroom full bath and a garden room, stunning six car garage. Hardwood floors throughout areas on the main level, large family, living and dining room, main floor office/study is completed with its own gas fireplace. 215019935 Presented by Greg Johnston

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Birmingham $684,900 Absolutely gorgeous Cape Cod in a fabulous location in Quarton Lake Estates Subdivision. Walking distance to town, parks, and school. Newer white kitchen with gourmet island open to family room. Updated bathrooms, newer roof, windows and garage with loft above are among the many features. Beautifully landscaped front and backyards. One year home warranty. Five bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 215076076 Presented by Maria Van Dyke

Bloomfield $599,000

Lake Michigan Frontage $599,000

Custom built ranch home with basement. Wing Lake private beach and non powered boating privileges. Granite kitchen with maple cabinets and upgraded appliances. Master suite has separate dressing area and two walk-in closets. Bathrooms have customer tile work. Open floor plan with cathedral ceilings and walls of windows with views of private backyard, perennials and patio. Two fireplaces. Quiet, friendly neighborhood and close to Bloomfield Hills Middle School and Conant Elementary Blue Ribbon Schools. Also close to world-class private schools and nearby shopping and dining. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 215070112 Presented by Bill Tracy

Great opportunity to build your dream home or getaway on this magnificent Lake Michigan frontage.

Over three acres filled with red pines. Breathtaking views of the lake with 150 feet of frontage.

Beautiful soft sandy beach with a gentle slope to the water. Close to golf and shopping. 214099036 Presented by Audrey Faust

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Kern Lake Frontage $590,000 Wonderful private treed lake front opportunity on Bloomfield's spring fed Kern Lake! Incredibly charming tri level home, move in ready. Stunning lake views, massive, park like grounds, acreage .87. Features include an updated (2012) large country kitchen with breakfast nook and planked pine floors, dining room, family room and den, laundry room and beautiful hardwood floors in most rooms. The living room and dining room open through French doors to a deck showcasing the lake. The large family room opens to a patio of lake views where fishing, swimming, boating, ice skating and hockey happen. New furnace and air conditioning (2014). Kitchen has lots of cabinets, storage, granite countertops, large workspaces, and a wood-burning stove. The master suite has been expanded and updated to include a lovely tiled bathroom with tub, large glass shower and large walk-in closet. Permanent dock is included. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 215058748 Presented by Pam Budde

Farmington $598,892

Bloomfield $535,000

Classic old world elements embrace todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s living in this magnificently appointed farm house constructed c1860. A rare opportunity to purchase in Farmingtonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s highly sought after Historic District.

In 2002 the owners began renovations, designed by architect Kevin D. Hart, to bring this home back to its original grandeur with updated systems and modern amenities. 2,000 square foot addition consisting of an all new master suite with pan ceiling, morning room and walk-in closet as well as the addition of a three car garage. Gourmet kitchen with double oven, five burner gas range in granite island, huge walk-in pantry, stainless steel appliances, summer porch off kitchen with slate floor overlooking the professional landscape. Four bedrooms with three baths. 215047990 Presented by Brian Dimmer

Beautiful newer Bloomfield Hills traditional Colonial, four bedroom 2.5 bath with two car garage.

Features include formal living room and dining room, office with built-ins, Spacious updated kitchen with granite and breakfast nook overlooking the great room with warm natural fireplace opening to professionally landscaped back yard wonderful for summer time entertaining. Enjoy walking to historic downtown Franklin. 215067723 Presented by Wendi Miller

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Bloomfield $499,900 Beautiful home with award winning Bloomfield Hills Schools plus homeowner association membership the absolute best and largest private beach park on Wing Lake just two blocks away. Bring the paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, fishing rods, and beach toys and join all the fun down at the lake before the summer ends. Home features renovated custom kitchen and a major addition/renovation that makes a bright, open floor plan. Hardwood floors, finished basement, private lot, gas fireplace, security system, sprinkler system. Located in a very desirable area of multi-million dollar homes. Close to shopping, restaurants, gyms, golf and swim clubs. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 215072486 Presented by David Clegg

Royal Oak $459,900

Bloomfield Village $449,000

This rare corner unit has an amazing outdoor brick patio of almost 700 square feet unlike any other unit in this building. Enjoy marvelous outdoor entertaining at it's best, along with your own private hot tub included. Located in the heart of Downtown Royal Oak! Bamboo floors, updated granite kitchen with brand new stainless appliances, open great room with gas fireplace. Recently updated baths with marble floors and granite tops along with an in-unit laundry. Plus two premium assigned parking spots directly next to the elevator and fitness room. Two bedrooms with two baths. 215072754 Presented by Mike Sbrocca

Your opportunity to live in Bloomfield Village in this beautifully updated home. Situated on just under half acre, this home has been updated from top to bottom. New slate entryway. Glistening hardwood floors throughout. Gorgeous, inviting natural fireplace updated with new stone and tile from mantel to hearth. Additional updates: iron stair railings, interior 3-panel solid core doors, crown, shoe and toe moldings, all new hardware, recessed lighting and window treatments. Sparkling kitchen with stainless appliances including a new refrigerator. No detail spared. All of this, plus â&#x20AC;&#x153;Village Livingâ&#x20AC;? within the coveted Quarton Elementary, Derby Middle and Seaholm High School trifecta.

Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 215052784 Presented by Lorraine Yalman

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Rochester Hills $445,000 Beautiful two story brick colonial which lives like a ranch. Residence has three bedrooms and 3.1 baths. Huge first floor master suite with large bath and closets. Extra large updated gourmet kitchen with eating area.

Spacious dining area directly off kitchen for easy entertaining. The family room is quite large with a fireplace and a door wall access to back yard. Perfect first floor office immediately off the entry hall. House has convenient first floor laundry and a side entry, extra large, two car garage. This house has been well maintained and is in pristine condition. Residence also has an exterior, emergency whole-house generator.

215072162 Presented by T. Gerald Etue

West Bloomfield $400,000

Birmingham $384,900

Beautifully updated colonial on a quiet cul-de-sac street in the award winning Birmingham School district. Spacious rooms and lovely open floor plan throughout. Newer granite island kitchen features large breakfast room. Wonderful stone fireplace in family room with exposed beams on the vaulted ceiling. Bay window and gleaming hardwood floors in the formal living room. First floor laundry. All baths are updated. Master suite is an oasis with a large walk-in closet and a sitting room. New laminate flooring and hardwood on the upper level. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 215040629 Presented by Maureen Francis and Dmitry Koublitsky

A rare updated Pembroke Park Tudor gem. The charm and character of an older home will all modern amenities. New kitchen (2014) with granite and Brazilian Cherry floors. New bath (2014). New central air conditioning (2014). Hardwood floors throughout, wet plaster walls and arches. Two natural fireplaces. Quiet sun room off back of house overlooking private and beautiful and extra deep backyard (129') combined with extra wide lot (75'). All mechanicals are updated including HWH, electrical and boiler. 2-car plus garage. Award winning Birmingham Schools. Three bedrooms with 1.1 baths.

215069091 Presented by Bill Tracy

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248.644.7000

Grand Blanc $349,900 A sense of peace and serenity wash over you as you arrive at this magnificent four bedroom 3.5 bath home in the prestigious Gemstone Valley subdivision in Grand Blanc. Nestled into an oversized cul-de-sac lot and backing to beautiful woods and creek, this home features formal living room, dining room, and expansive family room. Spacious kitchen with prep island. Retreat to your spacious master bedroom and ensuite bath.

Host gatherings with family and friends or just relax in the high-end finished basement, with bonus/possible fifth bedroom, and enjoy your favorite music over the whole-home, professionally installed speaker system. Surround sound is featured in both the family room and basement. Gemstone Valley exudes a warm, neighborhood feel, and features a community pool that is just a short walk from this wonderful home.

215022257 Presented by Tony Ray

Beverly Hills Village $330,000

Royal Oak $274,900

The very best Beverly Hills has to offer! Absolutely perfect move-in condition. Every detail has been considered. New kitchen and bath, refinished hardwood floors throughout-also new hardwood in lower level family room and bedroom. Fabulous bath in lower level. All freshly painted and professionally decorated. Year round sun room opens to very private yard. Stunning home, will not last. Village tax included in summer tax. Four bedrooms with two baths. 215065775 Presented by Kim Fortin and Maggie Moglia

Charming Victorian close to Downtown Royal Oak! From the front picket fence to the relaxing strawberry and flower garden in the back yard this historically relevant home has been meticulously and faithfully maintained and restored! Offering outstanding curb appeal on the exterior the interior features ten foot ceilings, gorgeous hardwood flooring, gorgeous living room with beautiful bay window and charming fireplace, classic white kitchen and large formal dining room. Two bedrooms are located on the first floor and offer surprising closet space. The second story has a third bedroom with period correct built-inâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, a gorgeous full bath with period correct tile and fixtures, the spacious owners bedroom with custom period correct built in cabinets and a walk in closet. Four bedrooms with two baths. 215071570 Presented by Chris Johnson

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TAX FREE PROPERTY VARIETY OF EXEMPTIONS ALLOW FOR LAND NOT GENERATING REVENUE

BY KEVIN ELLIOTT

About four percent of land mass in Birmingham/Bloomfield area not subject to local and state property levies

TH

OMMUNITY HOU C S E

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FARM TABLE to

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FOOD FEST

Michigan Made

Celebrate Michigan by sampling tastings from local chefs, breweries and wineries.

Strolling block party food fest with family fun activities, Michigan food vendors and farm products.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2015, 4:00-8:00PM Local restaurants, beer and wine tastings Michigan farmers selling their farm fresh agricultural products Vendors selling craftmade baked goods, cheese, jams, coffee, etc.

Fun kids’ activities

Adults: $25 (pre-sale) or $30 (at the door) Includes chef’s tastings & one drink ticket Kids-12 years & under: $5 (pre-sale) or $10 (at the door) Includes chef’s tastings & one drink ticket Kids-3 years & under: Free

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380 South Bates Street Birmingham, MI 48009 Farm to Table Block Party Food Fest Supports TCH Outreach Programs

It has been said that nothing is certain in this world except death and taxes, but for some property owners in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, there is no requirement to pay property taxes. While the vast majority of property owners in the nearly 23,000-acre area that makes up Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills must pay property taxes, about four percent of property in the area is exempt from taxes.

“Take a suburban community, such as Birmingham, and there is an expectation that the city will be fundamentally supported by primarily residential property taxes along with some commercial tax, but in that mix will be a range of buildings that won’t be tax generating,” said Birmingham Planning Board member Robin Boyle, who also works as a professor in urban studies and planning at Wayne State University.

Of the some 3,074 acres of land that make up the city of Birmingham, about 10 percent is exempt from property taxes. That land includes small parcels of land that don’t have much value on their own, such as right-of-way road easements, as well as highly-coveted downtown property, such as churches or government-owned buildings, like the Baldwin Library or the Birmingham City Hall.

Religious institutions, schools and government facilities are often considered the cornerstones of a suburban community, and as such the owners of such properties qualify for various tax exemptions.

In total, there are more than three dozen real property tax exemptions available in the Michigan General Property Tax Act, which offer partial or full tax exemptions to religious entities, various nonprofit organizations, governmental entities, educational facilities, parks, disabled veterans and others.

“It’s sort of a cost of creating community,” Boyle said. “Parks, high schools, elementary schools and more facilities that would be seen as the precursor of today’s not-for-profits, like community-based elderly facilities. That was very much the calculus of a suburban community, but that is shifting because we are seeing far more non-profits and an expansion of the religious base.”

For communities with a large number of nonprofits, educational facilities and government buildings, the expansion of tax-exempt lands can pose problems with revenue. A national report on tax-exempt lands published in 2012 by Governing magazine found about 30 percent of Baltimore’s entire assessed value – about $15.1 billion – is made up of property owned by governments, nonprofits and other tax-exempt organizations. Taxexempt lands may also pose a problem for university towns and some state capitals that have a higher percent of government-owned property.

The Oakland County Equalization office, which conducts property assessments for Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills, said it doesn’t provide assessments on tax-exempt properties.

Despite impacting revenue in some communities, the amount of tax-exempt land in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area isn’t an immediate concern, said Dan Hunter, with the Oakland County Economic Development Office.

“The north end of the county has some concern because they have a whole lot of state or local parkland as a percentage of their land, so they try

to generate as much revenue as possible with their land.”

In Commerce Township, which consists of thousands of acres of local and state parkland and inland lakes in the west Oakland area, the township’s Downtown Development Authority (DDA) has prohibited non-profit organizations from purchasing land in the DDA’s tax increment financing area where the township is developing a new downtown. The measure, which was created through a deed restriction on land currently owned by the DDA, is one way that some communities have addressed the issue of potential losses of revenue due to tax exemptions.

Hunter said the restriction on tax-exempt organizations in Commerce makes sense,” however, he said there isn’t a major concern about tax-free land at the county level.

“From an economic development perspective, we don’t really see it as an issue,” he said. “We encourage redevelopment projects and others on a

RELIGIOUS INSTITUTIONS, SCHOOLS AND GOVERNMENT FACILITIES ARE OFTEN CONSIDERED THE CORNERSTONES OF A SUBURBAN COMMUNITY, AND AS SUCH THE OWNERS OF SUCH PROPERTIES QUALIFY FOR VARIOUS TAX EXEMPTIONS.

case-by-case basis. We advocate case-by-case for tax incentives.”

Other communities across the nation are stepping up efforts to collect voluntary payments in lieu of taxes (PILT). However, such payments are voluntary and, in the case of many Michigan communities, have historically gone underfunded.

“Payment in lieu of taxes is a mechanism that is being reviewed and considered in many areas, but they tend to be used in bigger communities where there are large communities that take up a lot of space, particularly large, not-for-profit hospitals and universities,” Boyle said.

Birmingham Treasurer Mark Gerber said the city receives about $20,000 per year in PILT funds, which come solely from The Baldwin House, which is one of nine private entities that receives a property tax exemption in the city. Additional private exemptions include: • Junior League of Birmingham, 460 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, .13 acres.

• Baldwin House, 200 Chester St., Birmingham, 1.54 acres.

• Ameritech, 155 Henrietta St., Birmingham, .31 acres.

• Village Players, 34660 Woodward, Birmingham, .53 acres.

• YMCA, 400 E. Lincoln, Birmingham, 7.97 acres.

• AT&T, 2203 Holland, Birmingham, .89 acres.

• Clover Hill Park Cemetery, 2420 E. Lincoln, Birmingham, 2.69 acres.

• Clover Hill Park Cemetery, 2425 E. Fourteen Mile, Birmingham, 53.98 acres.

• Grand Trunk Western Railroad, unspecified address, Birmingham, .1 acres.

Real property tax exemptions may be granted under the law to private corporations for various reasons. Under state tax law, tracks, right-of-way, depot grounds and buildings, machine shops, rolling stock and all other property necessarily used in operating any railroad shall be exempt from taxation for any purposes. The law also offers multiple tax exemptions for special housing, such as those owned by non-profit organizations, economic development groups, or those designated for elderly or disabled families.

Housing owned and operated by a non-profit corporation or association, the state or subdivision of the state, which is used solely for elderly or disabled families is exempt from collection of taxes, under the law. The owner of the property must apply for an exemption with the state’s department of treasury, with the state having the authority to approve or disapprove the exemption. If granted, the exemption is active until the property is no longer used for occupancy by elderly or disabled families.

Non-profit organizations make up a small portion of tax-exempt lands. Records obtained by Downtown Publications from the Oakland County equalization office and the Bloomfield Township assessor’s office indicate there have been only six non-profit tax exemptions granted in the three communities. Those include: • The Community House, 380 S. Bates, Birmingham, .85 acres.

• St. Elizabeth Briarbank Assisted Living, 39315 Woodward, Bloomfield Hills, 13.9 acres.

• Metropolitan Real Estate, 2666 W. Hickory Grove, Bloomfield Township, .66 acres.

• Sherman Program, 1050 E. Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Township, 7.985 acres.

• Angel’s Place, 4765 Tullamore Dr., Bloomfield Township, .634 acres.

• Angel’s House, 3123 Middlebury Ln., Bloomfield Township, .425 acres.

Bloomfield Township Treasurer Dan Devine said while the township has many properties that are exempt from property tax payment, the township doesn’t have any special districts that would provide exemptions, such as brownfield developments, renaissance districts or other special districts.

“We have had a philosophy over many years — probably 50 years — that we really don’t have TIFAs or PILTs or DDA or Brownfields,” he said.

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for residential. The only exemptions would be like religious and local government for things like a well site, schools and those sorts of things.

“When developers or other people come in, we say we really don’t do that. I think what happens, to be honest, in some of our neighboring municipalities, once you open the door, it’s hard to close.”

Of the more than 40 different exemptions available to property owners under the state tax law, only eight are subject to state approval, which include the Industrial Facilities Exemption; the Water Pollution Control Exemption; the Neighborhood Enterprise Zone Act; the Air Pollution Control Exemption; the Obsolete Property Rehabilitation Act; Commercial Rehabilitation Act; the New Personal Property Exemption; and the Commercial Facilities Exemption. The majority of tax exemptions are initiated and approved at the local level, with final approval from the Michigan State Tax Commission required for some.

Michigan State Treasurer spokesman Terry Stanton said religious, non-profit and disabled veteran’s exemptions are all approved at the local level, only.

Both Birmingham Treasurer Mark Gerber and Bloomfield Hills Treasurer Karen Ruddy said their communities don’t have any special zones or districts that offer tax exemptions or reductions.

The majority of exemptions fall under religious exemptions, educational exemptions and local government exemptions. However, one particular exemptions that was introduced in recent years has been increasing.

“There are veterans exemptions, it’s about the second or third year for those,” Ruddy said.

The exemption, which falls under the category of local government exemptions, is available for homestead property owned by a disabled veteran who has been honorably discharged from the armed forces. To qualify for the exemption, applicants must be determined by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to be permanently disabled as a result of military service and entitled to benefits at a 100-percent rate. The exemption must be approved by the county treasurer’s office each year.

A total of 21 people received the veteran’s exemption in Bloomfield Township, according to the latest tax records from the township. Records provided by the Oakland County Equalization office didn’t specifically list veteran’s exemptions, which are included in government exemptions.

EDUCATIONAL EXEMPTIONS In total, about five percent of Bloomfield Township’s total acreage (16,710 acres) is designated as tax-exempt land. The largest portion of that land (550 acres) is used for educational purposes. About 33 acres of land in Birmingham has received educational exemptions, while Bloomfield Hills has about 60 acres, according to Oakland County which does not specify all of the acreage for Cranbrook Schools, estimated to be about 350 acres in total.

Under state tax law, property which is leased, loaned or otherwise made available to a school district, community college or other state supported educational institution or non profit

educational institution, is exempt from taxation while used by the institution. The exemption also applies to preschool education programs. Real estate owned and occupied by a non-profit theater, library, educational or scientific institution is also exempt from taxation, under the law.

Birmingham (32.87 acres) • Roeper School, 1051 Oakland Ave., 2.03 acres.

• Boruch Cohen, 1578 Lakeside Drive, .61 acres.

• Birmingham Schools, 550 Merrill, .43 acres.

• Birmingham Schools, 771 Chesterfield Ave., 7 acres.

• Birmingham Schools, Seaholm and Midvale Schools, 2436 W. Lincoln, 9.46 acres.

• Birmingham Schools, Pierce School, 1829 Pierce, unlisted acres.

• Birmingham Schools, Derby Middle School,

COMMUNITIES ACROSS THE NATION ARE STEPPING UP EFFORTS TO COLLECT VOLUNTARY PAYMENTS IN LIEU OF TAXES. HOWEVER, SUCH PAYMENTS, IN THE CASE OF MANY MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES, HAVE HISTORICALLY GONE UNDERFUNDED.

1300 Derby, unlisted acres.

• Birmingham Schools, unlisted address, 6.11 acres.

• Birmingham Board of Education, 2305 Cole, .95 acres.

• Eton Academy, 1775 E. Melton, 1.85 acres and 4.43 acres.

Bloomfield Hills ( 380 acres) • Oakland Community College, 2480 Opdyke Road, 3.4 acres.

• Cranbrook Schools, 39221 Woodward 15.47 acres.

• Cranbrook Schools, 55 Kingsbrook Ln., 1.87 acres, 1.75 acres, 1.67 acres, 1.69 acres.

• Lawrence Institute of Technology, 40925 Woodward Ave., 2.23 acres.

• Cranbrook Schools, unlisted address, 6.25 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, unlisted address, .37 acres.

• Cranbrook Schools, unlisted address, 7.2 acres.

• Cranbrook Schools, 945 Cranbrook, 3.91 acres.

• Cranbrook Schools, 700 Cranbrook, 4.34 acres.

• Childrens School Trust, unlisted address, 4.73 acres.

• Cranbrook Schools, 500 Lone Pine Road, 1.3 acres, 2.39 acres, .91 acres.

Bloomfield Township (550 acres) • Bloomfield Hills Schools, 1219 E. Square Lake Road, 44.658 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, 1383 E. Square Lake Road, 34.248 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, no address, 6.63 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, 1661 Hunter’s Ridge Dr., 1.223 acres; 14.169 acres; 4.548 acres, 6.752 acres.

• Muslim Unity Center, 1830 W. Square Lake Rd., 5.164 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, 2800 Lahser Road, .855 acres; 26.552 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, 3325 Franklin Road, 30.158 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills, unlisted address, 4.405 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, 3456 Lahser, 7.91 acres; 35.887 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, 2800 Kensington Road, 31.059 acres.

• Community College District, 2480 Opdyke Road, 4.53 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, 1020 E. Square Lake Road, 20.272 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, 1101 Westview Road, 17.391 acres.

• Christian Leadership Academy, 3570 Telegraph, 5.593 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, 4200 Andover, .882 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, 4175 Andover, 4.291 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, 765 W. Long Lake Road, 19.67 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, 4200 Andover Road, 38.255 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, unlisted address, 18.092 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, 4200 Quarton Road, 24.924 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, 4100 Quarton Road, 16.694 acres.

• The Towbes Foundation, 5045 Ponvalley Road, 2.86 acres.

• Birmingham Schools, 3595 N. Adams, 9.96 acres.

• Birmingham Schools, 1525 Covington Road, 17.426 acres, 2.322 acres.

• Detroit Country Day, 3600 S. Bradway Blvd., 3.371 acres.

• Birmingham Schools, 6275 Inkster Road, 18.319 acres.

• Birmingham Schools, 7100 Lindenmere Drive, 1.607 acres; .162 acres; 9.5 acres; .1380 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Schools, 7273 Wing Lake Road, 7.47 acres, 10.5 acres.

• Congregation Beth El, 7400 Telegraph, 25.852 acres.

• Detroit County Day School, 3003 W. Maple, .23 acres.

• Detroit County Day School, 3003 W. Maple, 9.37 acres.

• IHM St. Mary’s Academy, 7225 Lahser, 11.586

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acres.

• IMH St. Mary’s Academy, 7275 Lahser, 1.69 acres.

• IHM St. Mary’s Academy, 7225 Lahser, 1.658 acres.

• Archdiocese of Detroit, 7101 Lahser, 15.531 acres.

RELIGIOUS EXEMPTIONS Religious exemptions are one of the most common exemptions in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area. Under state law, houses of public worship are specifically addressed as tax-exempt real estate. In addition to houses of workshop, Michigan tax law allows for exemptions of memorial homes or posts, young men’s or women’s Christian associations, burial grounds and other similar uses. Religious exemptions remain in effect until the property is used for a different, unqualified purpose.

Birmingham (55.25 acres) • Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 1113 N. Old Woodward, .08 acres.

• Archdiocese of Detroit, 656 Greenwood Street, .2 acres.

• Holy Name, 645 Woodland Street, .22 acres.

• Archdiocese of Detroit, 647 Vinewood Ave., .16 acres.

• Holy Name Parish, 608 Harmon, 3.34 acres.

• Chester Street Partners, 191 N. Chester Street, .4 acres.

• First Baptist, 300 Willits Street, .56 acres.

• Christian Science Reading Room, 355 E. Maple Road, .1 acres.

• First United Methodist, 1589 W. Maple, .34 acres.

• Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1800 W. Maple, .24 acres, 6.04 acres.

• First Presbyterian, 1669 w. Maple, .45 acres.

• First Baptist, 300 Willits, .3 acres.

• First Presbyterian, 1669 W. Maple, .15 acres and 6.76 acres.

• First United Methodist, 1669 W. Maple, .15 and 6.76 acres.

• First United Methodist, 1589 W. Maple, 9.42 acres.

• St. James, 355 W. Maple, .57 acres.

• Grace Baptist, 1171 Cedar Drive, .38 acres.

• Grace Baptist, 280 E. Lincoln, 1.19 acres • Our Shepherd Lutheran, 1658 E. Lincoln 8.91 acres, 8.53 acres.

Bloomfield Township (151.19 acres) • St. Paul Methodist, 165 E. Square Lake Road, 3.302 acres.

• St. George Hellenic, 43816 Woodward, 6.773 acres.

• The Church in Bloomfield, unknown address, 1.149 acres.

• The Church in Bloomfield, 1442 W. Square Lake Road, 1.099 acres.

• Hughes St. Church of Christ, 1400 Franklin, 1.6 acres.

• The Franklin Rd Church, unknown address, 0.596 acres.

• Muslim Unity Center, 1771 Maplewood Ave., .918 acres, .123 acres, .7440 acres.

• Beautiful Savior, 1260 Whitmore Road, .834 acres.

• Beautiful Savior, 5631 N. Adams Road, 5.574 acres.

• Convent of Sacred Heart, 1250 Kensington Road, 39.958 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills Baptist, 3600 Telegraph Road, 1.801 acres.

• Kirk In The Hills, 1340 W. Long Lake Road, 10.849 acres, 1.31 acres, .239 acres.

• Kirk In the Hills, 1420 W. Long Lake Road, 30.843 acres, 3.228 acres.

• Shalom Fellowship International, 1752 Alexander Drive, 1 acre.

• Cross of Christ, 1100 Lone Pine Road, 5.864 acres.

• Assumption of Virgin Mary, 4839 Mayflower Ct., .729 acres.

• Manresa Jesuit Retreat House, 1.245 acres.

• Pilgrim Congregational, 3061 N. Adams Road, 3.965 acres.

• JARC, 5920 Indianwood Trail, 1.486 acres.

• Chaldean Catholic, 2.070 acres.

• St. Owens, 6869 Franklin Road, 13.117 acres.

RELIGIOUS TAX EXEMPTIONS ARE ONE OF THE MOST COMMON EXEMPTIONS IN THE BIRMINGHAM AND BLOOMFIELD AREA. UNDER STATE LAW, HOUSES OF PUBLIC WORSHIP ARE SPECIFICALLY ADDRESSED AS TAX-EXEMPT REAL ESTATE.

• Christian Brothers Institute, 7350 Parkstone Lane, 1.327 acres.

• First United Methodist, 154 S. Cranbrook Crossing.2510 acres.

• Archdiocese of Detroit, 7315 Lahser Road, 1.66 acres, 1.67 acres.

• Adam Maida, 1640 Orchard Lane, 1.59 acres.

• Nativity Episcopal Church, 21220 W. 14 Mile, 4.933 acres.

Bloomfield Hills (79.79 acres) • St. Hugo of the Hills, 2401 Opdyke Road, 4.74 acres.

• George A Roeper, 41190 Woodward, 0 acres.

• St. Hugo of the Hills, 2401 Opdyke Road, unlisted acres.

• Archdiocese of Detroit, 2151 Opdyke Road, 1.2 acres.

• The Legion of Christ, 2460 Opdyke Road, 2.41 acres.

• Congregational Church, 1000 Cranbrook Road, 8.99 acres.

• The Academy of the Sacred Heart, 1.04 acres.

• The Academy of the Sacred Heart, 1.04 acres.

• The Academy of the Sacred Heart, 1.91 acres.

• Birmingham Unitarian 38651 Woodward, .96 acres.

• Birmingham Unitarian, 38651 Woodward, 2.82 acres.

• Christ Church of Cranbrook, 355 Cranbrook Road, 1.39 acres.

• Christ Church of Cranbrook, 355 Cranbrook Road, 1.68 acres.

• Christ Church of Cranbrook, 355 Cranbrook Road, 4.79 acres • Christ Church of Cranbrook, 355 Cranbrook Road, 1.25 acres.

• Greater Grace Temple of the Apostolic Faith, 45 Orchard Lane, 1.94 acres.

• Latter Day Saints, 37425 Woodward, 2.15 acres.

• Latter Day Saints, 37425 Woodward, 5.3 acres.

• Manreas Jesuit Retreat House, 1390 Quarton Road, 36.18 acres.

GOVERNMENT EXEMPTIONS One of the most common exemptions in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area comes in the form of government exemptions. The state tax code allows for tax exemptions on land owned by the federal, state, county and local governments.

Such exemptions include road easements, monitoring wells, government owned buildings, parks and other land.

Birmingham (92.63 acres) • Springdale Golf Course, 300 Strathmore, unspecified acreage.

• Birmingham, unspecified park, .9 acres.

• Birmingham, Greenwood Cemetery, 9.26 acres.

• Birmingham, 151 Martin Road, .15 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified park, 7.26 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified park, .73 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .27 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .84 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .19 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .09 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, 2.06 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified park, .7 acres.

• Birmingham, Allen Houses, 556 W. Maple, 2.79 acres.

• Birmingham, 475 N. Old Woodward, 4.37 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, 1 acre.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .08 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .12 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .7 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .05 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .01 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .06 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .07 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .03 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, 1.46 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .51 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .38 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .34 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, 1.03 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .06 acres.

• Birmingham, Chesterfield Fire Station, 1600 W. Maple, 1.37 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, 1.48 acres.

• Lincoln Hills Golf Course, 2666 W. 14 Mile Road.

• Detroit SMSA LTD., 1004 S. Cranbrook Rd., unspecified acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .06 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, 2.11 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .29 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified vacant park, .73 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, 2.24 acres.

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Birmingham, 1790 Norfolk, .2 acres.

Birmingham, unspecified address, .47 acres.

Birmingham, unspecified address, .17 acres.

Birmingham, unspecified address, .55 acres.

Birmingham, unspecified address, 2.89 acres.

Birmingham, Baldwin Park, .63 acres.

Birmingham, Chester Street Parking Structure, 180 S. Chester, 2 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, 3.4 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, 1.14 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, 1.97 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .11 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .59 acres.

• Birmingham, Adams Fire Station, 572 S. Adams, 1.05 acres.

• Birmingham, 746 Purdy Street, 8.93 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .26 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, 3.58 acres.

• Christine Bakalis, 1424 Henrietta, Douglas Blackburn, .14 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .11 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, 2.33 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, 2.23 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .49 acres.

• Douglas McDonald, 2534 Manchester, .17 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, 5.5 acres.

• United States Postal Service, 1221 Bowers, .71 acres.

• United States Postal Service, 1225 Bowers Street, 2.22 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .12 acres.

• Birmingham, 851 S. Eton, 4.09 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .33 acres.

• Herman Fleischer, 1208 Bird Ave., .11 acres.

• Oakland County Treasurer, 1223 E. 14 Mile Road, .11 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .6 acres.

• Birmingham, unspecified address, .29 acres.

• Birmingham, 2300 E. Lincoln, unspecified acres.

• Oakland County, unspecified address, 1.35 acres.

Bloomfield Township (106.48 acres) • City of Detroit, 6201 N. Adams, 17.438 acres.

• United States Postal Service, 2050 South Boulevard, 5.106 acres.

• Bloomfield, unspecified address, .192 acres.

• Bloomfield, unspecified address, 4.101 acres.

• Bloomfield, Fire Station No. 4, 2389 Franklin Road, .779 acres.

• Bloomfield, unspecified address, 2.7 acres.

• Bloomfield, 935 Golf Drive, 3.127 acres.

• Bloomfield, unspecified address, 1.943 acres.

• Bloomfield, unspecified address, 1.917 acres.

• Bloomfield, unspecified address, 1.409 acres.

• Bloomfield, unspecified address, .685 acres.

• Oakland County, unspecified address, .118 acres.

• Oakland County, unspecified address, .117 acres.

• Oakland County, unspecified address, .133 acres.

• Daly Drain Drainage District, unspecified address, .206 acres.

• Daly Drain Drainage District, unspecified address, .191 acres.

• Oakland County, unspecified address, .221 acres.

• Bloomfield, unspecified address, .137 acres.

• Bloomfield, unspecified address, .1590 acres.

• Bloomfield, unspecified address, .544 acres.

• Bloomfield, unspecified address, .1 acres.

• State Highway Department, unspecified address, .11 acres.

• State Highway Department, unspecified address, .036 acres.

• Michigan Department of Transportation, unspecified address, .78 acres.

• Oakland Road Commission, unspecified address, .78 acres.

• Bloomfield, unspecified address, .779 acres.

• Bloomfield Fire Station 2, 1063 Westview, .514 acres.

• Bloomfield, unspecified address, 1.16 acres.

• Oakland Road Commission, unspecified address, .208 acres.

• Bloomfield, unspecified address, .647 acres.

• Bloomfield, 4200 Telegraph, .694 acres.

• Bloomfield, 4190 Dublin Dr., .818 acres.

• Township Hall, 4200 Telegraph, 6.473 acres.

• Bloomfield, 4280 Telegraph, 6.85 acres.

• Oakland County, unspecified address, .021 acres.

• Oakland Road Commission, unspecified address, .1820 acres.

• Michigan Department of Transportation, unspecified address, .416 acres.

• Michigan Department of Transportation, .207 acres.

• State Highway Department, 5380 Telegraph,

ONE OF THE MORE ROUTINE EXEMPTIONS IN THE BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD AREA COMES IN THE FORM OF GOVERNMENT EXEMPTIONS. TAX CODE ALLOWS FOR TAX EXEMPTIONS ON LAND OWNED BY FEDERAL, STATE, COUNTY, LOCAL GOVERNMENTS.

1.12 acres.

• Bloomfield Library, 1099 Lone Pine Road, 7.72 acres.

• State Highway Department, unspecified address, .75 acres.

• Bloomfield, unspecified address, .289 acres.

• Industrial Land Co., unspecified address, 1.56 acres.

• Industrial Land Co., unspecified address, 1.57 acres.

• SEMTA, unspecified address, 1.82 acres.

• Industrial Land Co., unspecified address, 1.59 acres.

• Industrial Land Co., unspecified address, 2.856 acres.

• Industrial land Co., 291 Strathmore, 2.066 acres.

• Oakland Road Commission, unspecified address, .241 acres.

• Bloomfield, unspecified address, .143 acres.

• R/W, GTRR, unspecified address, .315 acres.

• Bloomfield Village Protective Association, unspecified address, .129 acres.

• Bloomfield, unspecified address, .309 acres.

• Bloomfield, 3595 S. Bradway Boulevard, .351 acres.

• Bloomfield Water Corp., unspecified address,

.423 acres.

• Bloomfield Village Protective Association, unspecified address, .973 acres.

• Wing Lake, 6490 Wing Lake Road, 0.633 acres, 0.684 acres, 3.126 acres.

• Franklin Sub-watershed Drain, unspecified address, 8.488 acres.

• Bloomfield Well Site, 489 Westbourne Dr., 3.2 acres.

Bloomfield Hills (79.79 acres) • Bloomfield Hills, municipal building, 45 E. Long Lake Road., 1.35 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills, unspecified address, 1.6 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills, Department of Public Works, 1805 Kensington, .6 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills, Department of Public Works, 1805 Kensington,1.67 acres • Bloomfield Hills, Department of Public Works, 1805 Kensington, .19 acres.

• Frank Messana, 1500 Surria Ct., 1.05 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills, unspecified address, 1.17 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills, unspecified address, 4.5 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills, unspecified address, .2 acres.

• Terrence Adderly Trust, unspecified address, .2 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills, unspecified address, Old GTRR, .67 acres.

• Bloomfield Hills, unspecified address, .91 acres.

• Consulate General of Japan, 310 Cranbrook Road, 2 acres.

A review of tax-exempt properties in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area supports the notion that the majority of tax-exempt land is simply the cost of building a community, as Birmingham’s Robin Boyle stated. However, as more communities struggle with revenue sources, it may be wise for municipalities to review their tax policies on a regular basis, according to Wayne State University Law Professor John Mogk.

“That is something to take a look at,” he said. “They might conclude that tax-exempt status is in the best interest and not change anything, but it’s a good idea for municipalities to examine their tax policies from time to time.”

Mogk, who serves as the chair of the Michigan Council on Labor and Economic Growth, recently stated in a column in the Detroit News that the city of Detroit may want to look at tax-exempt properties as a way of bolstering revenue.

“That was in the context of eliminating real property tax in Detroit because residents have such a low median income that they can’t afford to pay for all the general life expenses, such as home maintenance and property tax,” Mogk said. “If you eliminate residential real property tax, you have to find new revenue.”

Mogk said such a plan may help to reduce foreclosures and associated blight in Detroit.

However, doing so may require looking at reducing current tax-exempt properties.

“I would say that if there weren’t the amount of tax foreclosures that are going on in Detroit, there’s most likely not a need to reassess tax exempt properties. The reason they receive an exemption is that there is a public service to be served.”

FACES Kelly Doyle and Patrick Scharinger f I had a crazy idea,” says Kelly Doyle, “my family would say go ahead and try it.”

Growing up in Bloomfield Township with a supportive family, “led me to having so many opportunities” said Doyle, a 2005 graduate of Lahser High School. One of her ideas that came to fruition is Daybreak Dreamfarm, a 16-acre farmstead in East Jordan, Michigan, founded by Doyle and her boyfriend Patrick Scharinger.

In her senior year at the University of Michigan, Doyle found herself shopping at a nearby farmer’s market, and points to this time when her interest in food and farming grew. In 2010, she traveled to Spain to work on a couple farms via World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms, a network which connects farms with volunteers eager to work the land. When she returned to the states, Doyle joined AmeriCorps in 2011, taking a position with the Maine Conservation Corps. It was then, while working on trails and “living in tents in the wilderness,” that Doyle met Scharinger.

When Doyle and Scharinger moved back to Michigan after their second stint with the AmeriCorps, they interned at Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs. Within three years, Doyle had transitioned from intern to assistant field manager and greenhouse manager. She learned farming firsthand and strengthened her business sensibility. Doyle says, “Pond Hill wanted us to succeed. They knew we were looking for our own farm.”

Doyle recalls the first time she and Scharinger visited the 16acre plot that would become Daybreak Dreamfarm, “Patrick and I had big smiles on our faces. We finally found it. This was to be our home.” In September of 2014, they bought the property, which has two ponds, a pole barn and a house. Doyle spent the winter months preparing for their first growing season, planning the garden beds and continuing to read about farming.

This spring, Doyle and Scharinger built two hoop houses, extending their growing season to March through November. They currently have about a half-acre devoted to growing vegetables, which are herbicide, pesticide and chemical free. They grow a variety of crops, and are currently focusing on greens such as lettuce, spinach, and arugula. Doyle says, “We’re seeing what works and what doesn’t work in our soil. Next year we’ll expand on what works.”

They also have 21 chickens, each producing an egg a day; seven ducks; and beautiful flowers.

Asked about a typical week on the farm, Doyle explains, “Our days vary, depending on the season, depending on the weather.”

Wednesdays and Saturdays are market days, Doyle says, so “Tuesdays and Fridays are mainly devoted to harvesting. I’ll wake up, feed the chickens, then we’ll be picking lettuces, whatever’s growing at the time.” The rest of the week, they’re busy preparing beds, working the compost, transplanting, seeding, weeding and pruning. “We basically put out the hottest fire first. There are only so many hours in the day and only so much energy we each have.”

Despite the seven-day workweek, and occasional 50 m.p.h. winds, Doyle says, “We’re doing it because we love it. When we would tell people about our plan to buy a farm, they’d say ‘Don’t quit your day job,’” but that didn’t deter Doyle.

Her motto is “Don’t quit your daydream.”

I

Story: Katie Deska

Photo: Ryan Doyle, Video Vision 360

Nanci J. Rands

Meredith Colburn

Associate Broker

Associate Broker

248.701.9000

248.762.5319

NRands@ HallandHunter.com

MColburn@ HallandHunter.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 5635 Wing Lake Road | $2,700,000 4 Bedrooms 5 Full, 2 Half Baths 6,065 Square Feet MLS# 215033670

Historic property overlooking Wing Lake, completely restored and expanded in 2001 to extraordinary elegance and sophistication. Tumbled travertine floors. 1st floor master suite. Fabulous cookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen. Outstanding lower level. 3-car garage.

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 675 Hillcrest Drive | $2,495,000 6 Bedrooms 7 Full, 1 Half Baths 6,758 Square Feet MLS# 215054762

BIRMINGHAM 1295 Smith Avenue | $424,500 3 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 1,740 Square Feet MLS# 215061535

Spacious home in popular neighborhood. Freshly painted inside and out. Newer cabinetry and granite in kitchen & baths. Main floor is open and bright with vaulted ceilings & skylights. Stainless steel appliances. Large master suite. Extra large deck.

Spectacular estate property on 3.73 private acres just off Vaughn Road. Refined living spaces made complete by large pool, tennis and all-sports courts.

Newer 1,500 sq. ft. guest house with expansive observation deck. 3-car garage. Walk to Cranbrook.

BLOOMFIELD 1624 Apple Lane | $675,000 3 Bedrooms 2 Full, 2 Half Baths 2,851 Square Feet MLS# 215061279

Outstanding condo alternative. Beautifully remodeled ranch home on picturesque, private lot with pool. New granite kitchen, wood floors, plantation shutters, 2 gas fireplaces and four-seasons sunroom. 3-car garage.

Spacious master suite. Generator.

For more information, visit RandsColburn.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Nanci J. Rands Associate Broker

248.701.9000 NRands@HallandHunter.com

METAMORA TOWNSHIP 3211 Wilder Road | $1,850,000 3 Bedrooms 3 Full, 3 Half Baths 4,275 Square Feet MLS# 215053788

This magnificent 55 acre estate in the Heart of Metamora Hunt Country features a 1994 home designed by Frank Lloyd Wright disciple John Vinci. Light and nature are seamlessly incorporated throughout. A 2.5 acre pond is set amongst native prairie grasses. The interior features hickory and oak hardwoods and a lofty cupula-crowned light well. The entrance foyer opens to the multi-windowed living room and dining room. The kitchen includes an informal dining area. The master suite has a Pewabic tile fireplace and large walk-in closet.

Full basement. Hunt, ride or hike and enjoy the tranquility & charm of Metamora. It is within easy reach of metropolitan Detroit!

For more information, visit RandsColburn.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Meredith Colburn Associate Broker

248.762.5319

BIRMINGHAM - JUST LISTED 911 Brookwood Street | $2,075,000 This is it! Tremendous, 2000-built Kojaian home on one of Birminghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most beautiful streets. Designed by architect Christopher Longe, its stately and timeless elevation is complemented by highly functional and inviting spaces throughout. Custom millwork and exquisite materials make formal and informal areas equally stunning. Handsome library with custom built-in cabinetry and French doors to bluestone terrace. Cooks kitchen with island, Jerusalem stone countertops & top-of-the-line appliances. Great room has 2-way fireplace to 4-season sunroom. Luxurious master suite with fireplace and two walk-in closets. Spa-like bath with heated floors. 2nd floor laundry. 3-car garage.

For more information, visit RandsColburn.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

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4 Bedrooms 4 Full, 2 Half Baths 5,638 Square Feet MLS# 215064051

Meredith Colburn Associate Broker

248.762.5319 MColburn@HallandHunter.com

BIRMINGHAM - NEW PRICE 698 Southfield Road | $779,000 3 Bedrooms 3 Full, 1 Half Baths 2,791 Square Feet MLS# 215045638

BIRMINGHAM - JUST LISTED 627 Stanley Boulevard | $529,000

Walk-to-town condo alternative with 1st floor master.

Two-story great room with fireplace. Gourmet kitchen.

Fully furnished LL has full bath, entertainment area, exercise room and wine cellar. Private perennial Zen garden with patio and fountain. Attached garage.

4 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 1,886 Square Feet MLS# 215076046

Walk to town! Charming with white picket fence and wraparound porch. Beautiful hardwood flooring. Cookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen with new appliances. Master suite with huge, custom walk-in closet. Updated baths. 4th bedroom or office/library on entry level. 1st floor laundry.

BLOOMFIELD 4710 Ardmore Drive | $1,950,000 Tremendous value! Extraordinary 2000-built soft contemporary on nearly 2 private acres. Michael Willoughby architectural design with Jerusalem limestone and stucco exterior. Brazilian cherry wood floors. Elegant living room with panoramic views of lush grounds.

Formal dining room has cathedral ceiling and custom buffet. Sophisticated 1st floor master suite with private sitting room and Italian glass tiled bath. State-of-the-art Poggenpohl kitchen opens to family room. Fabulous fully finished walkout lower level has 6th bedroom, bath, office, rec areas and French doors leading to Tennessee flagstone patio. 4-car heated garage. Outdoor spa. Generator.

The Real Difference in Real Estate -

6 Bedrooms 5 Full, 2 Half Baths 9,446 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 215050292

Meredith Colburn Associate Broker

248.762.5319 MColburn@HallandHunter.com

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 1390 Kirkway Road | $4,500,000 4 Bedrooms 4 Full, 1 Half Baths 9,544 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 215051925

Luxury abounds throughout this stunning 2005 Tobocman contemporary on nearly 2 acres overlooking Lower Long Lake. The foyer opens to an expansive great room accented by wall-inset gas fireplace, domed sky lights and floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking views.

Gourmet kitchen leads to the family room with handsome built-in cabinetry and fireplace. Luxurious first-floor master suite has travertine master bath and two custom walk-in closets. A glass tile-enclosed indoor pool highlights the walkout lower level with large rec area and full kitchen. Entry and lower level laundry. 230 feet of lake frontage. Co-listed with Cindy Obron Kahn

BIRMINGHAM 1016 Lake Park Drive | $2,600,000 5 Bedrooms 4 Full, 2 Half Baths 6,208 Square Feet MLS# 215043961

Exquisite French Normandy home in Quarton Lake Estates. Remodeled in 2010, with luxurious custom finishes. Spectacular master suite with spa-like bath.

Fully finished lower level. Elevator. Beautifully landscaped with aggregate patios, outdoor fireplace & fountain.

FRANKLIN VILLAGE 31600 Briarcliff Road | $895,000 Build Site 3.37 Acres MLS# 215054758

Rare opportunity to build the home of your dreams on an incredible 3.37 acre site in the heart of Franklin Village.

Seller has construction drawings for a Michael Willoughby designed New England style cedar shake home. Proposed landscape design by Michael Dul.

For more information, visit RandsColburn.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Ginny Fisher Realtor

248.593.0518 GFisher@HallandHunter.com

UNDER CONTRACT

BIRMINGHAM 734 S. Bates Street | $1,999,900 5 Bedrooms 6 Full, 1 Half Baths 4,913 Square Feet MLS# 215001343

French Manor home with dramatic elliptical staircase.

1st floor master. Beautifully detailed lower level. Lovely gated yard & paver patio.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 1772 Heron Ridge Drive | $1,699,000 4 Bedrooms 4 Full, 2 Half Baths 7,385 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 215005629

Private, gated enclave on gorgeous ravine setting with serene views. Finished walkout LL with possible 5th bedroom. 4-car garage.

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 253 Marblehead Drive | $980,000 5 Bedrooms 3 Full, 1 Half Baths 4,694 Square Feet MLS# 215022328

Acre+ setting in prestigious Rudgate sub minutes from Cranbrook. Oversized kitchen.

Screened Florida room. Finished walkout LL. Also for lease.

UNDER CONTRACT

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 1000 Bretton Lane | $739,000 4 Bedrooms 4 Full Baths 5,994 Total Sq Ft. MLS# 215057021

Almost 2 private, wooded acres! Vaulted great room has expansive windows for gorgeous views. Walkout LL with kitchen & poss. 5th BR.

NEW LISTING

3 Bedrooms 3 Full, 1 Half Baths 3,489 Square Feet MLS# 215065925

Impeccably renovated by designer owner! Private wooded setting. Stunning gourmet island kitchen & sophisticated master suite. Walkout LL leads to patio.

CANAL FRONTAGE

BLOOMFIELD 5700 Kingsmill Drive | $366,900 4 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 2,780 Square Feet MLS# 215075935

BLOOMFIELD 24138 Bingham Point Drive | $419,000

Classic Colonial on private lot with Birmingham schools.

Hardwood floors & light-filled living spaces. Partially finished basement. Great neighborhood!

3 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 2,490 Square Feet MLS# 215061881

Parklike setting! Spacious eat-in kitchen. 1st floor master suite opens to sun room with sauna.

2-story great room. Oak-paneled library. Great storage space.

SALE PENDING

SOUTH COMMERCE LAKE Vollmers Road | $299,000 3 parcels total 120’ x 190’ .51 Acres MLS# 215028056

BLOOMFIELD 4410 Charing Way | $410,000

Oversized lot with Elizabeth canal frontage out to allsports South Commerce Lake.

3 parcels sold as one for a total of 120’ on the water.

BIRMINGHAM 662 Purdy Street, Unit #322 | $245,000 2 Bedrooms 2 Full Baths 793 Square Feet MLS# 215070870

Move-in ready 3rd floor corner unit in heart of downtown! All-white kitchen, in-unit washer & dryer and expansive balcony area. Secure building with elevator.

For more information, visit GinnyFisherHomes.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Lynn Baker and Deby Gannes

$4,100,000 | MLS# 215028534

$4,125,000 | MLS# 215055394

$849,000 | MLS# 215042333

Everyone has a dream home

$479,900 | MLS# 215072212

$1,100,000 | MLS# 215021446

Let us help you find YOURS!

$999,900 | MLS# 215045285

$819,900 | MLS# 215047646

$469,900 | MLS# 215072176

For more information, visit LynnandDeby.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Deby Gannes

Lynn Baker

Realtor

Realtor

248.379.3003

248.379.3000

DGannes@HallandHunter.com

LBaker@HallandHunter.com

$1,799,999 | MLS# 214109665 215055349 $3,250,000

$1,799,900 | MLS# 215066205

$1,195,000 | MLS# 214093656

$949,000 ||MLS# $1,100,000 MLS#215024130 215049972

$899,900 | MLS# 215049972

$849,000 | MLS# 215059718

$759,000 | MLS# 215024114

$599,900 | MLS# 215068008

$569,900 | MLS# 215063197

$449,999 | MLS# 214072366

$349,900 | MLS# 215066214

$224,900 | MLS# 215058986

F

rom Cottage to Castles

Holly Geyer Realtor

248.506.7345 HGeyer@HallandHunter.com

NEW PRICE

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 571 Edgemere Court | $1,895,000 5 Bedrooms 6 Full, 2 Half Baths 7,000 Square Feet MLS# 215017360

Gracious estate on 1.5 acres of private, beautiful grounds backing to Cranbrook. Luxurious details and moldings. Gourmet island kitchen opens to family room for easy and comfortable entertaining. Beautiful in-ground pool surrounded by lush landscaping.

Enjoy gorgeous Kern Lake views in this spectacular home on 1+ acres. Honed granite chef’s kitchen with 2 of every high-end appliance and Pewabic backsplash. Huge master suite with dual baths. Brazilian hardwood floors throughout 1st floor. Walkout lower level with full kitchen. Oversized 3-car garage.

6 Bedrooms 7 Full, 3 Half Baths 8,972 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 215054469

NEW LISTING

SOLD

BIRMINGHAM 2215 Avon Lane | $599,000 4 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 2,734 Square Feet MLS# 215018755

BLOOMFIELD TOWNSHIP 3270 Kernway Court | $1,399,000

Classic Colonial on a large, private fenced corner lot in great neighborhood. Kitchen with spacious breakfast room opens to family room. Hardwood floors throughout. Master with updated bath. 16’ x 12’ sun room and brick paver patio. Finished lower level.

BLOOMFIELD 5662 S. Adams Way | $310,000 3 Bedrooms 3 Full Baths 3,271 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 215071576

Serene, private end-unit ranch condo backing to woods.

Beautiful views from every room. Spacious 1st floor master suite & laundry. Updated granite kitchen & dining room open to gracious private patio. Finished walkout LL features a large family room, 3rd bedroom and bath.

For more information, visit HollyGeyer.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Erin Keating DeWald Realtor 248.259.3544 Erin@ErinKDeWald.com

NEW PRICE

BIRMINGHAM 625 Ridgedale Avenue| $549,900 3 Bedrooms 2 Full, 2 Half Baths 2,522 Square Feet MLS# 215040404

A significant price reduction on this completely updated Poppleton Park gem! Enjoy the charm and character of an older home with all modern amenities. Updated kitchen with top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances opens to a large, bright family room with access to a brick paver patio. Fabulous master suite with tray ceilings, a walk-in closet and spacious master bath with dual sinks. The hardwood floors have all been refinished. Zoned heating and cooling. Added insulation in master and family room addition. New 2-car garage. Everything has been updated, and you are just steps away from downtown Birmingham!

NEW LISTING

BLOOMFIELD HILLS 3795 Quarton Road | $439,900 4 Bedrooms 2 Full. 1 Half Baths 2,384 Square Feet MLS# 215042310

Move-in ready Colonial with fabulous updates: new kitchen, all-new bathrooms & newly remodeled family room with stone gas fireplace and custom built-ins.

Other improvements include a new furnace, 70-gallon hot water heater, all new windows and new sump pump.

BLOOMFIELD 6700 Mark Court | $499,900 4 Bedrooms 2 Full, 1 Half Baths 2,941 Square Feet MLS# 215073132

Completely updated home on private 1+ acre cul-desac setting with Meadow Lake privileges. New Brazilian teak hardwood floors. Spacious master with new bath & balcony overlooking spacious yard. Great room with walkout. Bonus room/BR in lower level. City sewer/water.

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Supporting our

Communities Hall & Hunter Realtors is committed to doing all we can to help improve the communities in which we work and live. For more than a decade, we have been fortunate to host and sponsor two special events to benefit worthwhile organizations in our area: Habitat for Humanity of Oakland County and The Community House of Birmingham.

We invite you to join us for these two exciting events in September.

Together, we can make our communities as strong as they can be.

248.644.3500 | HallandHunter.com 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, Michigan

Hall & Hunter Realtors is proud to be the presenting sponsor of the

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2015 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Tour seven amazing homes 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Delicious lunch buffet (additional cost) $40 for tour in advance | $45 day of tour $55 for tour/lunch in advance | $60 day of tour

For more information or to purchase tickets, call 248.644.5832 or email housetour@tchserves.org

All proceeds will benefit The Community Houseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Outreach Impact Programs for children and families in need.

Susan Hill, ABR Realtor

248.225.1399 SHill@HallandHunter.com

Build new or renovate in desirable Quarton Lake Estates

路

BIRMINGHAM 339 Chesterfield Avenue | $439,000 Great opportunity in the heart of Quarton Lake Estates! Walk to Quarton School, corner businesses or downtown Birmingham. The deep lot (125 ft.) has 63 feet frontage. Buyer responsible for removing or renovating existing 3 bedroom, 3 bat/1,680 sq. ft. home. Also listed as residential MLS# 215064243.

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Mark L. Bess

Sal Impastato

Realtor

Realtor

248.425.3778

248.763.2223

MBess@ HallandHunter.com

SImpastato@ HallandHunter.com

ALL-SPORTS LOON LAKE 3834 Newport Way Road | $724,900 4 Bedrooms 4 Full, 1 Half Baths 5,038 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 215071170

Amazing lake views from every room of this custombuilt home with 101â&#x20AC;&#x2122; of frontage. Maple & granite island kitchen with octagon breakfast room capturing lake views. Incredible walkout LL offers full kitchen & 4th bedroom/bath. Oversized 3-car heated garage.

ALL-SPORTS SCOTT LAKE 2021 Scott Lake Road | $685,000 4 Bedrooms 3 Full Baths 2,503 Square Feet MLS# 215071507

Authentically renovated Arts & Crafts Bungalow on 1.2 acres with wraparound porch offering spectacular lake views. All-new custom kitchen with breakfast room leading to patio. All baths have been updated with slate & period fixtures. Wonderful gardens & extra large garage.

Enjoy a Lakefront Lifestyle!

SALE PENDING

MORRIS LAKE 4778 Hidden Lane, Unit #51 | $675,000 4 Bedrooms 4 Full, 1 Half Baths 4,632 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 215070267

Stunning detached 1st floor master condo on cul-de-sac features 2-story great room with expansive lake views.

Center island granite kitchen. Finished walkout LL with kitchenette, great room, billiard area, custom home office, full bath and options for 2 additional bedrooms.

CLEAR SPRING LAKE 51370 Clear Spring Lane | $649,000 5 Bedrooms 3 Full, 1 Half Baths 5,170 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 215069990

Pristine 5 bedroom ranch with fully finished walkout lower level. Vaulted great room offers beautiful lake views. Grand granite/cherry island kitchen. Master retreat with limestone bath. Amazing LL with family room open to 2nd full island kitchen. 3-car garage.

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Cheryl Riback Associate Broker, ABR, SRES

248.808.3112 CRiback@HallandHunter.com

NEW LISTING

BLOOMFIELD 1430 Inwoods Circle | $5,900,000 5 Bedrooms 5 Full, 3 Half Baths 13,884 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 215075349

Prestigious Kirk in the Hills with panoramic views of lower Long Lake from all rooms. This stunning custom home is on the highest point of land on the lake. 1st floor master with incredible marble bath. Spectacular finished walkout lower level. Too many details to list!

BIRMINGHAM 200 Aspen Road | $2,499,000 4 Bedrooms 5 Full, 2 Half Baths 7,102 Square Feet MLS# 215046538

NEW LISTING

BIRMINGHAM 657 Greenwood Street | $1,249,000 4 Bedrooms 5 Full, 1 Half Baths 4,375 Square Feet MLS# 215056887

Gorgeous in-town home with spacious master, luxurious bath and sitting area by fireplace. Beautifully finished LL. Heated attached garage.

NEW LISTING

BLOOMFIELD VILLAGE 2640 Endsleigh Drive | $899,000 4 Bedrooms 3 Full, 2 Half Baths 3,453 Square Feet MLS# 215075134

Exceptional architecture in a desired location within walking distance to town. Symmetrically designed oval foyer and sweeping stairway.Commercial kitchen.

Luxurious master suite. Fully equipped fitness room.

Adjoining lot is available for an estate-sized property.

BIRMINGHAM 1150 Puritan Avenue | $899,000

Beautifully appointed Colonial 5 Bedrooms in sought-after area. Cookâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 3 Full, 2 Half Baths kitchen. Designer stone 3,536 Square Feet fireplace. Updated baths, MLS# 215075162 including gorgeous master.

Prestigious Quarton Lake Estates on deep lot. Family room overlooks large deck, yard & patio. Grand formal dining room. Part. finished LL.

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

Lynda Schrenk Realtor

248.760.6026 LSchrenk@HallandHunter.com

NEW PRICE

CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS 3755 Lahser Road | $3,200,000 5 Bedrooms 6 Full, 2 Half Baths 7,806 Square Feet MLS# 214101406

Exquisite country estate offers sweeping views of Bloomfield Hills Country Club. Gated private yard includes pool, sport court & fire pit. Chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen opens to family room & pool. Master suite retreat.

Stunning LL features gym, steam bath and bar.

SALE PENDING

4 Bedrooms 3 Full, 3 Half Baths 4,039 Square Feet MLS# 215036281

NEW LISTING

BIRMINGHAM 820 Hazelwood Street | $899,000 4 Bedrooms 3 Full, 2 Half Baths 3,400 Square Feet MLS# 215044739

BIRMINGHAM 1480 Suffield Avenue | $1,150,000

Completely renovated vintage home. Gourmet DeGuilio kitchen. Master with fireplace.

New studio garage apartment with kitchenette and full bath.

SOLD

BIRMINGHAM 639 Bloomfield Court | $569,000 3 Bedrooms 2 Full Baths 1,884 Square Feet MLS# 215066972

Quarton Lake Estates 2014 renovation, including kitchen with Carrara marble counters & stainless appliances opening to 2-story great room and blue stone patio. Finished basement with fireplace, daylight window, kitchen & half bath. Extra large private yard.

BIRMINGHAM 862 S. Glenhurst Drive | $419,000

Completely renovated Arts 4 Bedrooms & Crafts-style home just 3 2 Full, 1 Half Baths blocks to town & Booth Park.

2,745 Square Feet Open floor plan. 1st floor MLS# 215059110 master suite and laundry.

Open, spacious floor plan with St. Charles kitchen & stainless appliances. Lovely private backyard and beautifully maintained in-ground pool.

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500 Lanie Hardy Cosgrove

Joan Hardy Brown Realtor

Realtor

248.709.3916 JBrown@HallandHunter.com

NEW LISTING

248.703.1105 LCosgrove@HallandHunter.com

NEW PRICE

BLOOMFIELD VILLAGE 885 Westwood Avenue | $845,000 6 Bedrooms 3 Full, 3 Half Baths 3,745 Square Feet MLS# 215075161

New England Colonial in highly desirable Quarton Lake Estates. Wide planked hardwood floors.

Charming screened porch. Granite center island kitchen. Master with fireplace & balcony. Huge bedrooms. Finished rec room in LL. 3-car garage.

3+ ACRE BUILD SITE

BLOOMFIELD 785 Hickory Heights Drive | $449,000 4 Bedrooms 4 Full, 1 Half Baths 3,347 Total Sq. Ft. MLS# 215069835

Private custom home with an open floor plan filled with European flair. It’s like living in a treehouse with tons of natural light & some 10-15’ ceilings. 14’ x 14’ sunroom. Two balconies and 3 decks. Granite kitchen.

Finished lower level with game room and sauna.

BLOOMFIELD 200 W. Big Beaver Road | $649,000 3 Bedrooms 2 Full Baths 1,557 Square Feet MLS# 215073664

Spectacular opportunity to build your dream house on this 3.1 acre lot that sides to Brookdale and fronts to Manor Road and the Rouge River. Buildable lot with city water and city sewer available. Lot could possibly be split. Birmingham schools.

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500

Realtor, SRES, SFR

Amy Zimmer & Tiffany Glime

248.219.6547

AZimmer@HallandHunter.com

Karin Nihls

248.469.6430

KNihls@HallandHunter.com

248.930.5656 TGlime@HallandHunter.com

NEW PRICE

NEW LISTING

BIRMINGHAM | $325,000 1744 Maryland Blvd. | 1744Maryland.ePropertySites.com 3 Bedrooms 1 Full Bath 1,186 Square Feet MLS# 215065940

A stylish updated brick ranch, walkable to downtown, with a chic modern vibe complemented by original charm. Move-in ready. Open-concept living with flowing common spaces. Fenced yard with deck. 2-car garage. Finished LL. A must see!

SALE PENDING

HUNTINGTON WOODS 26015 Allor Avenue | $299,900 3 Bedrooms 1 Full, 1 Half Baths 1,758 Square Feet MLS# 215052443

Absolute turn-key Colonial in the Woods! Spotless with updates throughout: stainless appliances, hardwood floors, gas and natural fireplaces, copper piping, new deck, new carpet in basement and ceramic flooring in kitchen and baths.

BIRMINGHAM | $749,000 1331 Cedar Drive | 1331Cedar.epropertysites.com 4 Bedrooms 3 Full, 2 Half Baths 2,818 Square Feet MLS# 215049379

Turn-key newer construction with sophisticated modern influences blocks from downtown Birmingham. Great indoor and outdoor living spaces.

Custom Berloni kitchen with large island. Finished lower level. Attached 3-car garage and gated drive.

For more information, visit HallandHunter.com 442 South Old Woodward Avenue | Birmingham, Michigan 48009

442 South Old Woodward Avenue Birmingham, Michigan 48009

248.644.3500

Realtor

Julie & Frank Flynn

248.631.8750

JFlynn@HallandHunter.com

Kelly Small

248.835.4222

KSmall@HallandHunter.com

248.835.4150 FFlynn@HallandHunter.com

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Prime location in Woods of Lone Pine. Spacious 1st floor master, spectacular wooded/water views and walls of glass. Large granite kitchen with breakfast room overlooks Brazilian walnut deck. Walkout LL. Heated 3-car garage. Also available for lease.

BLOOMFIELD 592 Woodway Court | $599,000 4 Bedrooms 2 Full, 2 Half Baths 2,893 Square Feet MLS# 215067602

Stillmeadow Colonial on premium wooded .59 acre parcel. Gracious room sizes. Convenient 1st floor laundry and mud room. Lovely kitchen overlooks tiered deck & private fenced yard featuring gorgeous pool, patio & lush landscape. Finished lower level.

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FACES

Gregory Bator raceful aging is something many aspire to, and Gregory Bator is doing what he can to help. A Wayne State University grad with a 30year legal practice based in downtown Birmingham, Bator is the host of Graceful Aging, a community television show broadcast on over 380 stations, reaching more than 15 million households nationwide.

As a lawyer, Bator represents senior living communities and group homes for developmentally or mentally disabled adults, so he’s familiar with issues of health, safety and dignity that face elder adults and adults living with disabilities. After having been invited on multiple occasions to speak on his area of expertise, in 2009, Bator launched Graceful Aging.

He interviews guests who have a practical and innovative approach to concerns such as nutrition, driving, money management, and deciding if, and when, a caregiver is needed. The show also addresses less-talked about topics, such as sexuality, addiction, and stress. Bator notes that, “seeking help is a strength, and not a weakness.”

Bator and his wife provide oversight care for his mother-in-law and a friend who live in a senior living community. They ensure that the living quarters are suitable and that proper safety precautions are in place.

Bator’s parents, in their eighties, are still active driving, golfing and shopping.

Bator notes that “families can be forced into crisis mode,” therefore, the show is designed to provide information that helps prepare aging adults, family members and caregivers for what’s happening, or what might be on the horizon.

Bator acknowledges, “Everyone wants to stay in their own home; it’s less expensive than a senior living community. To do so, you need to be smart.” This can involve simple changes like removing throw rugs to

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prevent tripping, installing brighter light bulbs to assist with vision, or adding handrails to aide stability.

“The ability to improve life as we age is important,” Bator says, “because for all of us, it’s cheaper, and for all of us, it’s more social. The more people are able to participate in community life, we have a richer community for it.” He adds, “We have a duty to meet our neighbors. Say hello and smile at older adults more frequently, it brightens their lives.”

Bator’s sense of altruism has impact elsewhere in his life; he’s a charity auctioneer who “enjoys building camaraderie around the (organization’s) mission.” He’s worked on behalf of groups such as Focus Hope, Forgotten Harvest, and Rainbow Connection.

As a lawyer, television host, and entertaining charity auctioneer, Bator uses his public speaking skills in all his endeavors. He says, “public speaking is something I enjoy. It’s a lot of fun. Every audience is different.” Bator will speak on senior care and housing decisions at Birmingham's The Community House on September 22.

Looking back, he cites his involvement with the debate team at Southfield-Lathrup High School and later, with the moot court team at WSU’s Law School, as excellent training. “It forced you to be prepared, to think on your feet, to develop word choice and articulation.”

Preparation is key to graceful aging as well. Bator suggests a key to maintaining independence is to “develop lifestyles in your 60s and 70s to keep safe later.” He adds, “I’m hoping I’ll be smart enough to take my own advice, hoping that I’ll be amenable to taking advice and not be stubborn against change.”

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One day in the near future, all four of Bethann Bayne's children will be of school age, and ready to take their place at her kitchen table, where she currently teaches the older two, 9 and 7, a full curriculum of English literature, science, Bible, American history, geography, and math. In September, Bayne's five year old will join his older siblings, and a couple of years later, the three year old will pull her chair up to the table as well.

This all occurs because Bayne homeschools her children, one of a growing number of parents who are both parent and educator to their children.

Around the United States, it is estimated that over 2.04 million students are now learning at home, which is a 75 percent increase from 1999.

Homeschooling is an alternative form of education where parents or guardians bypass the public school system to teach their children at home.

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The only requirements – a bachelor's degree or teacher's certificate, or you can claim a religious exemption.

Some frequently cited reasons for homeschooling include opposition to the public school curriculum, a desire to add a religious perspective to their child's curriculum, wanting to increase the amount of individual attention given to a particular child, that their child is a student athlete and needs a great deal of time away from traditional school to train, parents who travel a lot for work and want their children to travel with them, and children who are ill and need to be educated at home.

Homeschooling was determined to be a legitimate and legal form of education in 1972, when the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Wisconsin v. Yoder that Amish children could not be placed in compulsory education past the eighth grade, and parents' fundamental right to freedom of religion outweighed the state's interest in educating its children.

“Initially, when our oldest son was approaching kindergarten, a lot of the districts, including ours, in Southfield, didn't have parttime kindergarten. They were all full day kindergarten, and personally, my feeling was, for my child, at age 5, to be gone from 8:30 to 4, to me, that was too extreme, too much time away from parental supervision,” Bayne said. “For us, for our budget, we couldn't consider private school education. That was the original reason we considered homeschooling.

“As time went on – our kids are all two years apart – the schools in our area are not that great, and we would have chosen schools of choice. But I would have been responsible for getting them back and forth with younger children, and homeschooling was going well. As they've continued homeschooling, they've continued to learn and grow.”

Bayne utilizes an online curriculum called My Father's World, recommended by her sister who had homeschooled her niece, which provides a structured and organized 34-week curriculum in English literature, science, Bible, American history, and geography.

“We supplement with a math program, and an art program and music. You can do as much or as little outside of that.”

She said going forward, “they do much more independent work, on their own. So my son could be in the kitchen working on math, while I'm in the dining room working on reading with my daughter or the younger kids. I basically schedule our day based on our needs.”

Bayne said her only preparation was speaking with other homeschooling parents, reading online curriculums, and “checking the state regulations, which were nothing. I don't need to be certified to be a homeschool teacher. The only requirements are a bachelor's degree or a teacher's certificate, or if you don't have either, you can claim a religious exemption. I have a bachelor's degree (in business management from Wayne State University), so that's good enough for me.”

According to the National Center for Educational Statistics, part of the U.S. Department of Education, there were approximately 885,000 homeschooled students in the U.S. in 1999, the first year the center collected data on homeschooled students, representing about 1.7 percent of the school age population. By 2001, the National Household Educational Surveys Program (NHES) saw an increase to 1.1 million in 2003, and a further leap to 1.5 million students by their 2007 survey. By the end of the 2014 school year, estimates place it at over 2.04 million students ages 5 to 17, who are being homeschooled, or approximately 3 percent of the population of school age children in the country. All numbers are estimates, because many states do not require notification.

Like anything, there are pros and cons to homeschooling. From

an instructional point of view, Educational Commission of the States (ECS) notes that homeschooling allows for the adjustment of an educational curriculum to meet the individual needs of each student. Parents also have the freedom to incorporate their religious beliefs into their homeschool curriculum. And, according to some research, students who are homeschooled have higher SAT and ACT scores than those who have attended public schools.

According to collegeathome.com, homeschooled students test in the 84th to 89th percentile on reading, language, math, science, social studies, and combination of all subtests when it comes to test taking, consistently out-performing public schools on a national basis, who test at the 50th percentile in all areas. Brian Ray, PhD, of the National Home Education Research Institute, described a nationwide cross-sectional study where almost 12,000 homeschooled students and their families were studied, and they scored, on average, at the 84th to 89th percentile in all subtests.

Michigan, with no requirements for homeschooled students, does not have any statistics or studies to corroborate or negate this information, and local school districts see little evidence of the homeschool movement.

JoAnne Messina, student services manager at Bloomfield Hills Schools, said that homeschooling is an uncommon occurrence in the district, with only one to three homeschool students a year enrolling to participate in MEAP/M-STEP testing.

In the Birmingham district, Paul DeAngelis, deputy superintendent, notes, "We haven't had anybody request to register to take the MEAP or M-STEP in the last several years. In order to register, they have to enroll with the district and be taking at least one non-academic course."

“There is no relationship between the degree of state regulation of homeschooling and student achieving,” Ray said.

Once they reach college, according to the website, homeschooled students continue to succeed, on average attaining a 3.41 GPA as freshman compared to 3.12 for other students, and 3.46 GPA as seniors versus 3.16 GPA for all other students.

Collegeathome.com also asserts that homeschooled students graduate from college at a higher rate than their peers, with 67 percent of homeschooled students graduating, while only 58 percent of the general student population graduates.

So why aren't there more than 3 percent of students nationwide that are homeschooled?

There can be negatives to homeschooling, according to ECS, noting that since each homeschool is different, and each state has individual requirements for homeschooling, there isn't a consistent method to assess or ensure the quality of a student's homeschool education. Many parents worry about socialization of their children amongst their fellow peers if they are educated at home, although Ray refutes that.

“It assumes the essential aspects of social development happen in school, and not in home-based education,” Ray said.

“Historically, for thousands of years, people were educated in homebased education. Maybe they had tutors, mentorships, apprenticeships. It was just like homeschooling. The key difference is that children who attend schools clearly tend to be peer-oriented while children who are home educated tend to be adult-oriented.”

While a majority of states – 39 – regulate in some way the homeschooling curriculum, individual instruction, or parent qualifications, Michigan is one of only 11 states that does not monitor its homeschooled students, nor does it have any requirements or guidelines for parents who homeschool their

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Michigan is one of 11 states that does not monitor its homeschooled students, nor does it have any requirements.

children. The state views homeschool education as the responsibility of the parent or guardian, and if the child continues to be homeschooled through 12th grade, it is the parent who can issue the diploma to their child by merely printing one off of a computer.

“We rely on self-reporting. It's voluntary,” said Bill DiSessa, spokesman for the Michigan Department of Education. Because it's voluntary, the number of Michigan parents homeschooling their offspring are unknown, with just 646 students reported in 2014, compared to 1,266 in 2009. It is considered very likely there are thousands more, but statistically indeterminate after the Michigan Legislature amended the Compulsory School Attendance Law in July 1996 to read: “A child shall not be required to attend the public schools in the follow cases: (f) The child is being educated at the child's home by his or her parent or legal guardian in an organized educational program in the subject areas of reading, spelling, mathematics, science, history, civics, literature, writing, and English grammar.”

“Michigan does have certain requirements that are in the school code, speaking to homeschooling,” DiSessa said. “Parents have the right to homeschool their children for any reason. It's totally voluntary. For ages 6 – 16, it's up to the parent or guardian as to who may be homeschooled, who assigns the assignments, what they learn. It's based on their own internal standards. Nor is the parent required to inform their home district if they've decided to homeschool. It's suggested they do that, but it's not required.”

Special needs students, who may require assistance from their local school district, are required to register with their district to access programming and assistance. “There are guidelines if special education is involved,” DiSessa said.

For some students, depending on the curriculum their parents have designed or accessed, some homeschoolers have less opportunity to interact with a diverse population. And educational advocates note that the rising number of homeschoolers detract from the amount of per-pupil funding that school districts receive from the state.

“Michigan is a local control state. Michigan is required to provide a public education,” DiSessa said, but not every parent or student has to access it. He said Michigan does not have any specific homeschool curriculum or requirements. “These families are allowed to do whatever they want. There are some parameters of what we want, math, English, reading, science, social studies, Constitution, Michigan Constitution, history, in each grade.”

But by Michigan law, parents are not required to teach a set curriculum in any specific order or way, nor do they have to offer any required tests to their children. If they do, DiSessa said, they must administer the MSTEP and MME tests themselves, or make their children available to take them at their local school. If so, the family must register the student with their local school district.

ECS notes that 20 states require testing and evaluation requirements of its homeschooled students, including Colorado, Iowa, Georgia, Maine, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, North Dakota, Tennessee and Washington.

Michigan state Rep. Stephanie Chang (D-Detroit) is concerned about Michigan's lack of monitoring and oversight of its homeschooled students, especially in light of the discovery of Detroiters Stoni Blair and Stephen Berry's remains in the freezer of their mother Mitchelle Blair, who had told neighbors she had been homeschooling her children for the last two years. In April, in an effort to forestall other tragedies, Chang and a group of legislators

introduced House Bill 4498 to require notification of homeschooling to a student's local school district at the beginning of the school year, as well as documentation, twice a year, that the student had seen a physician, counselor,

social worker or clergy.

“It's pretty minimal requirements. For most people who homeschool, they shouldn't feel this is intrusive,” Chang said. “It's all pretty basic stuff – name, age, grade, address.

“Back in April, we introduced this bill as a response to the tragedy (in Detroit). How can it be that no one followed up on these kids? I researched this and realized that Michigan had nothing in place how other states do. We can do much better,” she noted.

Chang said that when the bill was initially introduced, there were many misconceptions, including that home inspections would be required, as many other states demand, along with test scores.

“To me, this is very basic accountability. It's not about any kind of judgement about homeschooling. There are many who do an excellent job. It's for those who are hiding behind the homeschool shield,” Chang said.

The bill is currently in the house education committee, and it is unknown if it will have a hearing before the committee, much less come before the full Michigan House.

In a letter to members of the Michigan State Board of Education in April 2015, Mike Winter, executive director of the Information Network for Christian Homes, wrote, “Home schooling does not need greater regulation. Home schooling is a proven educational success for producing healthy, productive, contributing members of society who provide benefit to the state and society as a whole.

Home schooling is successful because it is supported by committed parents who believe it their responsibility to train their children intellectually and morally. Regrettably, the issues regarding education in the public schools are not a result of bad teachers but of broken families...Seeking to regulate home schooling will not address the issues being faced in the public schools, nor of poor parenting, broken families, and the immorality rampant in our society.”

Ray, of the National Home Education Research Institute, headquartered in Salem, Oregon, said regarding state oversight of homeschooling, “That's a philosophical question. If a person believes that children are first and foremost under the authority of parents, the answer will be one way. On the other hand, if they think children are under the care of the state, the answer will be the other way. When children are in state-run schools, their education is accountable to the state and the taxpayers. When children are in private schools, such as Catholic schools and home schools, they're accountable to the parents and the chosen school.

It's that simple.”

Ray and National Home Education Research Institute have done a lot of research into homeschooling and its rise nationally, and he said the reasons have changed in the last 30 years of what he calls “the modern homeschool movement.”

Today, Ray said, “The reasons for homeschooling are for customization and individualization of a child's dream, to make the curriculum fit the individual student. Some want to create more family time. Others want flexibility or safety. For others, we want to be the one to teach values, beliefs and world views to our children.

That is all different religions. Twenty years ago, that was right wing Bible-believing fundamentalists or left wing Libertarians moving to the country raising goats. People have always tried to stereotype homeschoolers. Stereotypes were never great, but now they're even

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Homeschooled students also are entitled to auxiliary services such as speech or special education at local public schools.

less so. Homeschool parents are just mom and pops. Dad is a middle income guy with a year of college; mom is a stay-at-home parent who home educates. You may also have a single parent with a high school degree. Or there may be two parents with doctorates.”

Ray emphasized that while there are strong Bible believing people, there are also “New Agers, atheists, Jews, Muslims, and people with no religion” homeschooling their kids.

“There's this huge variety of parents homeschooling,” Ray said.

“It's a little bit of everything.”

He believes it continues to grow because parents are increasingly unhappy with centralized testing in education, with Common Core, and with the number of male students medicated with ADHD medications.

While school shootings receive a great deal of publicity, he said, “thankfully, they are rare. It's the everyday bullying and violence that grinds on parents, as well as sexual abuse by teachers and staff in online news articles all the time.”

All of this is combining to turn parents towards homeschooling, experts contend, along with greater available of better resource materials.

Oakland Schools, the intermediate school district for Oakland County schools, provides educational programs and services to students, as well. Danelle Gittus, spokesperson for Oakland Schools, said, “We have our online Virtual Learning Academy Consortium that's accessed by many homeschooled students. It's blended learning for homeschooled students.”

Gittus explained that families seeking access to Virtual Learning Academy Consortium enroll in their local home district, and then enroll in the Virtual Learning Academy, at no cost to families in Oakland County with students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

The Virtual Learning Academy Consortium provides a homebased virtual learning option where students can receive their primary instruction in math, reading, writing, history, science, geography, technology, and the arts, based on the Calvert curriculum. According to the Oakland Schools website, “The curriculum is rigorous and highly engaging and is aligned to Michigan content expectations and the Common Core state standards.”

“An interesting sea change is happening. Local districts are looking at how students learning at home can still be engaged with a vigorous curriculum and still be engaged with their peers at school,” said Dr. Carol Klenow, Virtual Learning Academy Consortium and Graduation Alliance, Oakland Schools. “As the state keeps raising the standards as to what the rigors and educational standards are to meet the needs of the changing work place, how do we, as public schools, meet the needs of students being educated at home?”

Klenow said in setting up the Virtual Learning Academy, they were working to help families homeschool some elite athletes and dancers; some parents where travel is involved, “so they can travel with mom and dad;” parents whose schedules require a great deal of flexibility; and where there are student health issues.

Klenow said there are currently 60 schools in the consortium from several area counties, with Oakland Schools managing them and providing individual teachers as mentors to homeschooled students. Annually, they reach a target number of about 325 students from all of the counties they work with.

They just completed the third year as a pilot program. “The state will now permit more counties. We have shown this works in the

age group with parent involvement,” she said. “We have shown this model works for families and students. It is a big commitment. We have a start of the school year and an end of the school year. You need a touchstone. It gives pacing. But the individual day (for homeschool families) has flexibility. We're available online all of the time. The teachers are available Monday through Fridays, and some are on Saturday. We try to be as accommodating as possible. The program is so well done, that especially in younger grades, teachers do not need to be available all of the time.

“It's the best of both worlds. A fair number of families have enrolled. We have the curriculum from Calvert, the provider, and provide supplemental resources. We are able to provide a good home school experience while being in line with the state standards,” Klenow said. “The parent provides the day-to-day education, while the teacher provides the oversight, can help the parent with any roadblocks, and help keep the student motivated. It works out very well.”

She said the virtual academy provides the rigor many homeschool families are seeking, meets the state educational standards, as well as providing support to parents in a changing educational world, so that homeschooled students are not at an educational disadvantage. “The teacher provides the oversight once or twice a week – it's like having a an outside quality assurance person,” Klenow said.

Families and students can access certain non-core enrichment classes from their local district, such as art and music, but only if they are enrolled in the district.

“Homeschool students wanting to participate in any academic programs are required to complete the same enrollment process as a fully enrolled student,” said Bloomfield Hills' Messina.

“Homeschool students may enroll in 'non-core' classes. In broad strokes, they may not take English, math, science or social studies, but can take art, music, physical education and foreign language.

There is little room at the elementary and middle school level. At the high school level, there is a little more flexibility.”

Homeschooled students also are entitled to auxiliary services such as speech or special education at local public schools.

For student athletes, however, it's not as flexible. While the supervision and control of interscholastic athletics are the responsibility of each local board of education, DiSessa of the Michigan Department of Education notes that most local boards have adopted the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) policies, which state that “Students must have received credit for at least the equivalent of 66 percent of full credit load potential for a full student in the previous semester/trimester of enrollment, and must be currently receiving credit toward graduation or a certificate of completion.”

All local Oakland County districts seem to follow this MHSAA dictum of requiring a student to take 66 percent of his or her classes at a school to be eligible to participate in sports for that school, precluding involvement of homeschooled students.

Bayne, currently homeschooling her young children, said she doesn't know if she'll educate her children through high school. “I'm of the mindset, I take every year as they come,” she said. “I am doing it for now.”

Klenow recognizes that homeschooling does not work for everyone.

“Families who take this on have to decide if they have the time to take this on. Every family is different,” she noted. “Students have to have an internal motivation. Families have to set up a set routine, or it can get away from you quickly.”

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Dineh Mohajer eenage girls of the ‘90s are apt to remember Cher and Dee from “Clueless”, the hit song “Wannabe” by Spice Girls, and Hard Candy, the nail polish that came in funky colors with a plastic ring on top. Bloomfield Hills native Dineh Mohajer, 41, is the mastermind behind Hard Candy Cosmetics, Inc., the company that started in her apartment and generated upwards of $10 million in its first three years.

Mohajer, of Iranian descent, attended Detroit Country Day School and Interlochen Arts Academy. She says she learned a great deal of her work ethic from her father, who had a gynecology practice on Big Beaver Road. Mohajer says, “I was trouble for my parents. I had a problem with shopping.” Recalling her favorite stores, she names Linda Dresner, Caruso Caruso, and Cinderella’s Attic.

It was 1995, and Mohajer was getting dressed for another day of shopping, this time in Los Angeles. A 22-year-old pre-med student at the University of Southern California, Mohajer was studying to be a plastic surgeon, and was looking forward to summer break. She remembers, “I had these sandals that I was trying to match like a stupid '90s girl,” so she creatively mixed a cheap blue polish with creamy white.

After receiving compliments on her hip baby blue polish, Mohajer made a casual business proposal to the high-fashion store Fred Segal. They agreed to carry her mixed-by-hand polish, and Mohajer watched in awe as her cubeshaped bottles flew off the shelf for $18 a pop. Responding to the success, Mohajer contacted beauty magazines, and soon found herself in amazement, saying of the time, “How is this happening? Courtney Love is calling my house.

T

I was up for the challenge. I knew it wasn’t a run-of-the-mill, common opportunity.”

With the help of her mother, sister, boyfriend and friends, the next few months were spent frantically mixing colors, tracking orders, packaging and shipping product. By the end of the summer, Hard Candy was being sold in high-end department stores, and Mohajer was distracted from her studies. The exponential rate of growth was exhausting, and in 1999 Mohajer sold her brainchild to LVMH, who then sold it to Walmart. Reflecting on her novice business decisions, Mohajer says, “In retrospect, I made mistake after mistake after mistake.” But, she says, “I invented glitter eyeliner pencil, which was a totally new thing that I pioneered.”

Mohajer moved on to other endeavors, partnering with friend Jeanne Chavez. The two created Goldie, a line of makeup that was sold at Bath and Body works, and then Goldie for Disney. In 2014, Mohajer and Chavez launched Smith & Cult, a cosmetics company that sells nail lacquer and lip lacquer. Like Hard Candy, Smith & Cult products have off-the-wall names, including Dirty Baby, Cut the Mullet and Porn-a-thon. As creative director of Smith & Cult, Mohajer works out of her home in the Hollywood Hills, designing all the visual aspects from the polish formulation to the Instagram page.

She admits, “I’m very particular about the DNA of the brand. I control and shape the life of the brand.”

Reflecting on the detour to where her journey has gone, Mohajer says, “I got sidetracked by trying to do something fun. It’s kind of that simple.”

Story: Katie Deska

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Treasurer Devine censured by board

By Lisa Brody

loomfield Township Treasurer Dan Devine was censured by his fellow trustees at the Bloomfield Township board of trustees meeting on Monday, July 13, after making unfounded allegations in early May that supervisor Leo Savoie had possibly “kidnapped his daughter and thrown her in the trunk of his car,” when she was actually at a substitute teaching job.

The vote was 5-2 to approve a resolution to censure Devine, for making a false police report against Savoie; accusing Savoie at the state level with accepting a bribe from a longtime vendor; for falsely claiming Savoie paid a former employee $30,000 after his retirement; and for lack of proper financial disclosure over fees paid to township pension financial advisors.

Devine and trustee David Buckley voted against the censure.

A censure is a formal, public reprimand of a public official for inappropriate conduct.

As Devine was publicly elected the township treasurer, he can only be removed from office by a citizen-sponsored recall petition, or by trustees requesting his removal by Gov. Rick Snyder.

The formal censure by the board is the latest development in what many consider escalating tension involving the supervisor and treasurer since Savoie was first appointed to his position, rather than Devine, in August of 2011 when the previous supervisor retired. The ongoing incidents and problems involving the treasurer have spilled over into the public realm and have become the concern of the board of trustees in the past two years.

As an added agenda item requested at the beginning of the night's meeting, trustee Corinne Khederian brought up a discussion of the conduct of the treasurer, noting that “it was not something that has been conspired amongst us. It's an allegation against someone that is false. It's a sad day for Bloomfield Township. It's incumbent upon us because we serve you, get a feeling from you and are responsible to you.”

Devine immediately placed an objection on the record, even alleging an Open Meetings Act violation. “There has been some discussions among trustees without me. It shouldn't have been placed on the agenda without people's knowledge,” he said.

Khederian asked Bloomfield Township Police Chief Geof Gaudard about Devine's claims that the township violated his rules of confidentiality. Gaudard responded that “On May 1, Mr. Devine walked into our police department and spoke to two of our command officers and said his daughter was missing, and then he made some accusations against the township supervisor. It was at that point that my supervisors asked him how credible he felt they were, and he said very. After a short investigation, the daughter was found safe and sound at her other job.

“As far as police confidentiality, they are required to report that by law and by police policy, by the chain of command, and that was done,” Gaudard stated.

Gaudard said that, per protocol, he briefed Savoie and then met with Devine on May 6.

Khederian asked if “he could have said, 'I overreacted.' I get that, I'm a parent.”

“We met five days later, and that is not what happened,” Gaudard said. “He went into more details, that through supervisor Savoie or his known associates, this could have happened. He went on about their political differences. He didn't apologize. It was just the opposite – he justified his actions the Friday before.”

Khederian noted she had the township's workplace code of conduct and that employees have to follow that. Gaudard said if a sworn officer or non-sworn employee acted as Devine had, “they would not be allowed back to work until a fitness of duty was assessed in a session or sessions with a psychologist or therapist.”

He was also asked about workplace safety. “A sworn officer must ensure workplace safety. I also have a duty and responsibility to investigate situations. If someone makes an allegation they don't believe, I have to investigate a false police report,” he said. “If they believe it, they work with that person, it is my responsibility to

B Devine names Savoie in police report

By Lisa Brody

In what can be viewed as an outgrowth of continued and possibly escalating political tension between two of the fulltime leaders in Bloomfield Township, treasurer Dan Devine in May of this year filed a police report accusing supervisor Leo Savoie of possibly kidnapping his daughter when Devine was unable to locate or communicate with her, a claim that ultimately proved to not only be untrue but also one that has raised other concerns on the part of township employees about the treasurer, his mental state and its possible impact on his role as treasurer, along with workplace safety.

On Friday, May 1, according to a Bloomfield Township police report obtained by Downtown Publications through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), Devine told officers his adult daughter, in her twenties and living in his home, was supposed to be at work as a nanny at noon, and he and his wife received a call from the family who employed her that she had not arrived for work. He said he had spoken to his daughter that morning around 7 a.m. through her bedroom door, and went outside later that morning and noticed her car was gone. He said he attempted to call and text her on her cell phone and was concerned that “foul play was the reason she was not at her nanny job or answering her phone,” according to the incident report.

The daughter also works as a substitute teacher for local school districts while working on her master's degree. After Devine made the incident report, officers were able to quickly track the daughter to a substitute teaching assignment at an elementary school in Royal Oak, where it was confirmed she was teaching until noon that day, the police report indicates.

Captain Phil Langmeyer

reported that around 1 p.m., “Devine walked into the police lunch room and said, 'I think I have an emergency,' and appeared to have a scared/wild look to his glassy watery eyes...After some questioning Dan leaned forward and said, 'I'm going to be blunt with you guys. I don't know if you guys are aware of the problems between the township supervisor and me. He (Leo) is trying to run me out. He has come into my office recently and appears to be losing it. He has done this several times and I'm starting to fear for my life and my family's life. He (Leo) has people on his side that will do anything!' Then he added, 'I think Leo or one of his associates could be behind this because there is no explanation for her disappearance...I think they grabbed her from her car.'”

Langmeyer told Devine these were very serious accusations he was making against Savoie, and asked Devine how credible he thought they were. Devine responded, “I believe it is very credible.”

After his daughter was found, Devine asked the officers, “Let's keep all this stuff between us.”

On May 6, Bloomfield Township Police Chief Geoff Gaudard, after being briefed by Langmeyer, performed a follow up interview with Devine, who was shocked that Gaudard and Savoie had been informed of the police report, and felt the confidentiality of his report had been violated. Gaudard said that he told Devine, “If supervisors had not forwarded this information up the chain of command, they would be in violation of rules and regulation...I explained Leo is my boss and that I report to him and further that it involved employees of the township.”

Rather than recant his allegations against Savoie, he began by discussing at length the political disputes he has had with Savoie and the township, including allegations, never substantiated, about former finance director Ray Perkins receiving payments from the township after he retired,

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Savoie ordering a secret investigation on him over pension funds and, Gaudard said, “he recounted an event where he blew the lid off the Longpointe sewer project where a 'bunch of rich folks' were not required to pay for a new sewer system.”

After the sewer project, Devine filed an illegal campaign donation claim with the state of Michigan alleging election law violations by Savoie and the contractor, Hubbell, Roth & Clark, over a donation to a golf outing. Savoie and Hubbell, Roth & Clark have been cleared by the state of any allegations of wrongdoing.

Gaudard asked Devine about his allegations against Savoie, and why he thought Savoie would be capable of such an act, and he said because “Leo is a bully and he is intimidating.” Gaudard, according to the police report, then focused on Devine's mind set when he made the police report.

Devine said, “I'm not saying Leo would do it directly, but a friend may do it as a favor or thinking he was doing it as a favor...Dan even went so far as envisioning this incident. He stated, 'Maybe they may not kill her, they may just drive her around with a mask over her head and put a gun or knife to her head. They might indoctrinate her on how her dad has to quit or step down'” from his position as treasurer.

During the conversation, Devine recounted to Gaudard how on Thursday, April 30, Savoie had entered his township treasurer office and confronted him “in a threatening manner.” Devine, when questioned by Gaudard, acknowledged that Savoie has never physically threatened him in the past. He stated that he doesn't trust anyone anymore, and did not regret making the police report, and did not feel he overreacted, according to the police report.

In a follow up with the officers who took the incident report, both officers expressed to Gaudard that they were concerned about future potential safety issues in the workplace, according to the documents obtained by Downtown Publications. In Gaudard's report,

“They also expressed concerns about Devine's current condition as it relates to his capacity as the elected official for the township who handles financial matters.”

In response on Wednesday, July 1, Devine, reached on vacation, said, “I had a confidential discussion with police personnel. A family matter should not be used for political reasons.”

Gaudard responded, “Any time you receive a report like this with allegations against another employee, you are going to take this very seriously. This is why officers reported this up the chain of command.”

As to officers' concerns regarding potential safety issues in the township, he said, “There's always a concern about safety in the workplace, but no more than usual. As for Mr. Devine's capacity as treasurer, it wouldn't be appropriate for me to comment. It would be up to your readers to make their decision.”

According to multiple sources, at least two township board members attempted to speak to Devine about the allegations and Devine's possible mental state, but he brushed it off, asserting he was fine and nothing was wrong.

Savoie said he is as perplexed as anyone else regarding the allegations. “I don't know how you can arrive at that kind of conclusion,” he said, while acknowledging personal and political strife between the two since August 2011, when Savoie was appointed township supervisor over Devine as previous supervisor Dave Payne resigned.

“I spent two and a half years trying to make him feel part of the team, making sure everyone in the township knew he was an integral part of the team, and there was no bad blood, but it didn't work, and I don't know why,” Savoie said. “He has just gone about doing what he has wanted against me, for whatever reason, and it's a step-by-step character assassination, and I can't find a logical reason to understand why we're at where we are today. It doesn't make sense to me.”

investigate if there is a potential for workplace safety.”

“At the end, if someone says, 'Gee, I want to keep this confidential,' do you still report and investigate it?” she asked.

Gaudard said, “I'm bound by law to report and investigate it.”

She also asked fire Chief Dave Piche' how the allegations have impacted the workings of the fire department.

Piche' said, “I would like to echo Chief Gaudard. It has not been positive in any way in Dan's behavior. There's great concern and fracturing for the last 12 months. It's a pretty big hit. It's very bizarre, very strange for us to answer.”

When Devine contested it was a “kangaroo court,” township attorney Bill Hampton countered that “only the governor can take away your job or fiduciary duties,” and allowed the proceedings to continue.

Trustee Neal Barnett and clerk Jan Roncelli revealed that they had been extremely concerned for Devine's mental health and wellbeing, went into his office to talk to him about getting counseling or therapy, but he just said he “felt great.”

“It's really tarnished Bloomfield Township. It's made Bloomfield Township a laughingstock, only because Dan has not taken back what he said,” Barnett said. “We as a board have a fiduciary responsibility to take action. We've been very patient. It's beyond acceptability.”

Trustee Brian Kepes asked Gaudard if Devine's allegations regarding violating the Open Meetings Act were true. Gaudard said he had never met with more than one or two trustees at a time. A meeting of four or more trustees at a time would constitute a violation of the law.

“Did your officers have any concerns about Dan's ability with financial concerns?” Kepes asked.

“My officers said they had concerns about Mr. Devine's conduct and his ability to handle finances in the township,” Gaudard responded. “His thought processes were not normal. They thought it would impact his ability to perform as treasurer.”

“I think the most perplexing issue is the report is so serious, and the people who took the report thought so,” said Roncelli. “The allegations were about the supervisor, who is the head of human resources, and Dan wouldn't retract it. There was no kidnapping.

There was no issue. It's about the person we've elected as our supervisor, who runs the entire township. It disappoints me for the township, the residents and Leo, who did absolutely nothing wrong.”

“I'm as embarrassed as anyone else,” Savoie said. “We have to go forward and do things for the residents. We have to put things behind us, but there has to be trust, and trust for the department heads that they can trust their elected officials.”

Devine said he had done some soul searching, and was going to tender a public apology, but further emphasized his fear as a concerned parent and never apologized to Savoie or the township.

When asked by Khederian “about apologizing to a coworker of kidnapping your daughter,” he sat silent.

Savoie then asked, “how about the bribery charges against myself and the vendor you've known for 15-plus years?”, Devine also remained silent.

Barnett then said, “It's difficult to do this, but I have prepared a resolution of censure of Dan Devine, our treasurer.”

“I am not prepared. It seems like I am being accused of a crime. I would like to postpone so I can prepare,” Devine said.

Barnett noted that when former township clerk Wilma Cotton was censured, she was not given time to postpone to prepare.

“Clearly there's a lack of disclosure of financial information.

Every time I ask him financial questions, he says thank you, and then sits there mute, like he did just now,” Kepes said. “The flagrant disregard for decency deserves censure, but for the financial responsibility that is delegated to him, and that is his mindset, then I certainly support the censure.”

Khederian, Barnett, Savoie and Roncelli joined Kepes in supporting the resolution.

After, Kepes said, “I also want to (review) the authority we gave the treasurer on December 12, 2011, whereby we delegated the treasurer with certain authority. I'd like us to look at that and consider that (at a future date).”

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Commissioners step down; 13 file to run The four Birmingham city commissioners whose terms will expire in November have each decided to not run for re-election, setting the stage for a newlycomposed city commission for the first time in eight years after the November 3 election, with 13 candidates filing to run to fill those four seats.

Commissioners Gordon Rinschler, Tom McDaniel, Scott Moore and George Dilgard have all announced they will step down from the seven-member Birmingham City Commission in November after completing their current four-year term. The remaining commissioners are Stuart Sherman, Rackeline Hoff and Mark Nickita, whose terms expire in 2017.

City commissioners serve fouryear terms, meet at least twice a month, serve on other city committees, and are paid $5 per commission meeting.

Candidates who have filed for a commission seat include parks and recreation board member Patty Bordman; planning board members Carroll DeWeese, Stuart Jeffares, and Daniel M. Share; Greenwood cemetery committee member Linda Peterson; and former Oakland County commissioner and former planning board member David W Potts.

Also running are residents Pierre Boutros, De Angelo Espree, Nancy J. Fowler, Corey Jacoby and Barry R. Powers.

Moore, in announcing his retirement from current public service, stated “In 1995, I first ran for, and was elected to, a seat on the Birmingham City Commission.

Over the next 20 years, almost a third of my life, I have been in the city of Birmingham public life, three times as a mayor, as an elected city commissioner for four terms, and always, as an advocate and as an ardent supporter. I have been committed to good government, open government, solid fiscal management, fair policies, and the use of best practices.”

McDaniel, who started the drive to establish the Birmingham Historical Museum and sat on the Birmingham Historic District and

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Design Review Board prior to 12 years on the city commission, said he was not going to run for reelection either.

“After 12 years, it's time to turn over the reigns to new qualified candidates,” he said. “We've accomplished a lot as a commission.”

Rinschler, completing his second four-year term, was previously on the Birmingham Historic District Commission and the Design Review Board, the Shain Park Steering Committee, and the Employees Retirement Board. He said he has decided to not run for another term, either.

“I think it's time,” he said. “I feel good about my service to the city. In my eight years on the city commission, I think I've helped change Birmingham for the better, and left it in good financial shape.

It's time to let others step up.”

Dilgard announced earlier he would not seek a third term.

Nine running in Bloomfield Hills Following a charter amendment change in 2013, all five Bloomfield Hills City Commission seats will be up for election for a two-year term this November, and nine residents have filed to fill those seats.

Current commissioners Sarah McClure, Mike Coakley, Michael Dul and Stuart Sherr have filed to run in this election, as have planning board member Susan McCarthy and residents Henry Baskin, Edith Carter, Mark Kapel and Ronni Keating.

Long-time city commissioner Pat Hardy has announced she will retire from the commission. She has been on the commission since 2003 and was Bloomfield Hills mayor in 2007 and 2013.

Bloomfield Hills city commissioners serve for two years, and are paid $5 a month with one regular commission meeting a month. They also serve on various committees within the commission.

Previously, commissioners had been elected in May for two-year terms, but their terms were staggered, with elections being held every single May. This will be the first election where the entire commission will have all five seats up for election at the same time.

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WEIR MANUEL 117

MUNICIPAL Bistro applicants move to planning

By Lisa Brody

Birmingham 2015 bistro applicants R&D Kitchen and La Strada Caffe have submitted plans to the city's planning department, moved through the city's historic district and design review committee in recent weeks, and both are scheduled to appear before the Birmingham Planning Board.

La Strada Caffe, located at 243 Merrill Street, is owned by Zharko Palushaj, who also owns Tre Monti restaurant in Troy. Palushaj told the historic district and design review he will share the space with his wife, who is opening Adore Nail Salon.

In its application, the caffe said it is seeking to install one window in a previously existing opening, a new set of out-swinging French doors, and wants to establish an outdoor dining area on the sidewalk in front of those doors, with three two-top tables and a four-top table. Inside, at the front of the restaurant, there will be a bistro bar with no chairs for the service of specialty coffee and teas. In the rear, there will be seating “for people who want to sit quietly and discuss business.”

There was no mention in the application how the caffe would integrate service of alcohol, which is part of the intent of the bistro license.

Bistros have been allowed in Birmingham since 2007 under a special land use permit, which is a zoning ordinance. It permits up to two bistro liquor licenses to new businesses in the Central Business District (the downtown area), the Triangle area, or the Rail District, and two licenses to existing businesses in the same areas each year. A bistro must conform to very specific criteria. There may be no more than 65 seats in the establishment, including no more than 10 seats at a bar. They must have a full service kitchen, and they can offer lowkey entertainment. There must be outdoor seating, either on the sidewalk or on a raised platform in a parking spot, which is purchased through the city. The bistro must also have windows lining the street.

La Strada was unanimously approved by the historic district and design review committee and, according to Birmingham Planner Matt Baka, they are scheduled to appear before the planning board on Wednesday, July 22.

118

Townhouses break ground in Rail District ronGate on Eton, a unique infill residential community of 11 brownstone-style rental townhouses, broke ground Monday, June 29, in Birmingham's Rail District, after three years of design and approvals by Birmingham boards and commissions.

IronGate is being built by the Moceri Companies as ultra luxury live/work lofts on Eton between Villa and Hazel streets, right next to the Whistle Stop restaurant. It is part of the former Crosswinds development, which was originally approved by the city of Birmingham planning department, but which ceased development in 2005 after building 120 units and later filed for bankruptcy protection. Moceri Companies is building 11 units, “each with between two and four bedrooms, which can be converted to offices or media rooms,” said Dominic Moceri said in 2012, when they first proposed the project.

Moceri is a third generation builder. The Auburn Hills-based Moceri Companies are known for custom home building, development, property management, and financing in the metro Detroit area.

Moceri said the 11 units are a unique hybrid style, combining the best elements of townhouses, lofts and live/work residences, “and integrating them into something unique for the Rail District.”

In 2012, Moceri told the city commission that Irongate was designed to enhance the area, with a roof designed with reverence to railroad spikes, and a depot arch and depot cupola highlighting the nearby depot station, now Big Rock Chop House. “It's all about the industrial edge of the area,” Moceri said then. “We're paying homage to the industrial background and the rail area. We're excited to blend the historic reverence of the Rail District with the future.”

The units will vary in size from 1,550 square feet to 3,000 square feet.

While they will be customized dwellings, Moceri said, each will be for lease. Leasing prices and specification information will be available in September, with reservations beginning October 5. Completion is anticipated in late summer 2016.

“We're excited that we're able to fulfill the vision for the Rail District.

Most of the commission and planning board members were part of the visioning process,” Moceri said. “We're proud they installed the trust in us to fulfill our vision in the highest quality development.”

I

The second bistro applicant, R&D Kitchen, 189 Merrill Street at the corner of Henrietta, is part of the Hillstone Restaurant Group, with numerous restaurants around the country, including R&D Kitchen locations in Dallas, Denver, Napa Valley, and Beverly Hills. In their application, they are seeking to renovate the exterior of the one-story building which currently houses Ken Kojaian Homes and The Townsend Bakery, with a limestone facade.

The new restaurant would be built out to its lot lines along both its Merrill and Henrietta frontages, and overhangs would be constructed where patios could be tucked underneath. Outdoor dining is proposed for both Merrill and Henrietta streets, with five four-top tables in the public right-of-way on the sidewalk on Merrill; on Henrietta, three four-top tables and three booths are designed to be recessed into the

building on private property.

According to R&D Kitchen's website, their cuisine is “inspired by California's indoor/outdoor culture.”

Notable features include their madedaily in-house R&D Cheeseburger, Greek style rotisserie chicken, spinach and chicken Newporter salad, and R&D's spinach and cheese omelet.

Baka said R&D Kitchen is schedule to come before the Birmingham Planning Board on Wednesday, August 12.

Citizen circulating W. Maple petition

By Lisa Brody

Birmingham resident Jim Mirro, upset over Birmingham city commissioners voting to restripe W. Maple Road between Southfield and Cranbrook roads for a trial as a three-

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lane road with a center left turn lane, has had an attorney create a petition to change the city charter to keep Maple Road a four-lane road forever.

Mirro, acting as a representative of The Neighborhood Organization, said in an e-mail that the petition has been reviewed by the elections division at both the state and county level. He dropped it off with Birmingham clerk Laura Broski on Tuesday, June 30, who logged it into the city's records.

Mirro said he was told by Broski that petitioners need signatures from 5 percent of registered voters, or 839 signatures, in order to get the petition on the ballot under the Home Rule Cities Act. “It is our goal to have Birmingham residents vote on this issue at the March 2016 presidential primary election,” Mirro said. “Based on the city's plan to begin a three-lane test in August/September of 2015, this will give voters approximately six months to evaluate a three-lane alternative prior to being asked to vote on this issue at the March election, which is also prior to repaving of this road, planned for the summer of 2016.”

Mirro said he is very excited to begin circulating the petition this weekend, the Fourth of July weekend.

“How fitting!” he wrote in an e-mail.

Charter amendments must be made by a vote of the electorate, and can only be changed again by a vote of the public.

The petition reads: To the City Clerk of Birmingham: We, the undersigned qualified and registered electors, residents in the city of Birmingham, in the county of Oakland, in the state of Michigan, respectively petition that the Charter of the City of Birmingham be amended by adding a new Section 10 to Chapter XI entitled “Maple Road,” to read “The configuration of Maple Road shall not be less than four (4) through traffic lanes, dedicated for motor vehicle use, between Cranbrook Road and Southfield Road and between Woodward Avenue and Eton Street.”

The proposed amendment shall constitute one ballot question at the next regular election and, as a ballot question, shall read as follows: Shall the Charter of the City of Birmingham, Michigan, be amended by adding a new Section 10 to Chapter XI entitled “Maple Road” to state that “The configuration of Maple Road shall not be less than four (4) through traffic lanes, dedicated for motor vehicle use, between Cranbrook Road and Southfield Road and between Woodward Avenue and Eton Street.”

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MUNICIPAL Township reviews investments, fees

By Lisa Brody

Investment advisors Gregory J. Schwartz & Co. presented a fiduciary review of its various Bloomfield Township pension and equity plans at a study session for the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees on Tuesday, July 14, and after reassurances by treasurer Dan Devine that there were no further fees or concessions to the township for maintaining the plans, trustees unanimously approved the plan.

Devine explained that the investments made from a $80 million pension obligation bond issue “was set up in case we needed to smooth out the retiree health care.”

Bloomfield Township has had a defined benefit pension plan for retirees, closed to new hires in 2005, managed by Prudential Insurance, which has been underperforming for the township, forcing the township to make significant capital investments to make up the shortfalls and posing a challenge for the township budget.

Last year, $20 million was pulled from the equity account managed by Schwartz to cover shortfalls in the Prudential account for retiree pensions.

Ed Schwartz, Walter Schwartz, Matt Whitty and Rob Higgins from Schwartz & Co. presented the fiduciary review and answered questions from trustees and members of the public in attendance. It was pointed out by Schwartz & Co. that the portfolio had consistently performed very well, especially in light of $20 million in unexpected redemptions.

A concern of trustee Brian Kepes was whether some of the funds Schwartz had invested in for the township had any costs that were not clear and stated. Ed Schwartz said there were not.

In 2014, it was revealed to the township board of trustees that, while they had thought they had approved fees to be paid on the pension obligation bond issue that were suggested to be about $160,000, actual fees were over $490,000, based on the nature of investments that were recommended to the board by the township treasurer and Schwartz.

The difference in fees was in large part due to a clause in the contract with the investment advisory firm downtownpublications.com

Rear Ends store opening in Bloomfield enim and women's casual wear store Rear Ends is opening their second store in the Bloomfield Plaza at Maple and Telegraph roads around September 1, while still maintaining their original store on Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield.

Ariana Carps, daughter of owners Mark and Elaine Blumenfeld, who began the store 37 years ago, and is now a partner and buyer for the store, said, “We are so excited to be expanding. We're excited to be in Bloomfield Hills' and Birmingham's traffic pattern. For people who live in West Bloomfield and the lakes area, we'll still be on Orchard Lake Road.

But for those east of Telegraph, we'll be in their driving zone.”

Carps said the store will be slightly smaller than the West Bloomfield store, at just under 2,000 square feet, located in the former Pink Pump shoe store, at 6606 Telegraph Road, next to Bagger Dave's.

“We'll be carrying a very similar mix of merchandise of jeans and Tshirts,” Carps said. “We're definitely known for denim, and we'll be bringing premium denim with us, as well as some of our top lines of basic tops for daytime and dressier tops for going out.”

The store will also feature sweaters, new lines of pants called Getting Back to Square One which Carps said “have a timeless feel,” and athleisure lines like Hard Tail, Split 59 and Cotton Citizen.

“We're working at how to incorporate it in with our denim,” she said.

“Women really want to step out of athletic wear sometimes and get back into their jeans. They also want a nice pair of dressy black pants. We'll have all of that.”

D

that allowed commissions, or concessions, and not fully explained at the time by either the investment firm or the township treasurer.

“Are any of these funds paying Schwartz & Co. directly?” Kepes asked. “Are these or any other funds concessionary?”

“No,” Ed Schwartz said. “They were concessionary before, but none are now. The sole way we are compensated are 12b-1 fees, which enables a much more competitive cost structure. It is provided for the person of record on a quarterly basis.”

12b-1 fees are annual marketing or distribution fees on a mutual fund.

Later, Kepes again asked, “With regards to reallocation, do any of these have any fees or concessions?”

Wally Schwartz answered, “There are no concessions.”

During public comment, Katherine Ghannam, a West Bloomfield resident who works for Asset Strategies Portfolio Services, an Auburn Hills investment firm, asked them how they were compensated on defined benefit plans, and Ed Schwartz responded based on individual municipal fund prospectuses, either 12b-1, or dealer concessions. She asked him why they wouldn't benchmark against other Michigan firms.

“We're open to other

benchmarking. We've usually presented multiple benchmarking,” he said. “If all of the funds were institutional, we would receive no compensation and would have to charge for our fees.”

“That's what I was looking for,” she responded. “In the spirit of transparency, I think the institutional approach is more transparent.”

“We don't want to go more heavily into passive investing just to keep our costs down. We believe we have earned every penny so far,” Schwartz said. “That doesn't mean we shouldn't be competitive going forward, or we know we won't have the privilege of representing the township.”

It was determined that there are still 188 active employees in the defined benefit plan, with 50 to 60 who could retire in the next few years.

Trustee Corinne Khederian asked finance director Jason Theis how many could walk into the offices “today and say, 'I'd like to retire.'”

“A couple dozen,” Theis said.

Supervisor Leo Savoie asked Schwartz & Co., “If we decide to do anything today, and decide to go forward in three or six months, are there costs that will hamstring us?”

Both Ed Schwartz and Whitty assured him there were no fees and no concession fees, although there

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may be some seven-day market restrictions on some funds.

“The thing I'm impressed with is the reduction of fees, although I would like us to keep decreasing our fees and making more money,” clerk Jan Roncelli said.

“Dan, I'm asking this to you specifically, because before you said you couldn't read our minds,” Kepes said. “I want to be clear. Are you aware of any fees that Schwartz or anyone else is receiving?”

“In the current portfolio there are no fees,” Devine said.

“If these were all done in institutional (funds), what would the costs be?” Savoie asked.

Ed Schwartz told him if they were to shift to a completely institutional model, of about 50 basis points, with the company being compensated as registered investment advisors (RIA), “If we're not getting paid anything from the mutual fund companies, then add a Schwartz RIA of 25 basis points, then you're at 75 basis points, which is comparable to where you're at.”

Schwartz added, “We believe that would be unwise from a strategic point of view.”

Trustees voted 7-0 to accept Schwartz & Co. fiduciary review.

RFP readied for financial planners Bloomfield Township's Financial Sustainability Committee met on Tuesday, July 14, and reviewed a draft for a Request for Proposal (RFP) for new financial planners for the township's defined benefit pension plan and equities portfolio, which will now come before the board of trustees for approval at their meeting on Monday, July 27, in order to be posted July 31.

At their January 12, 2015 meeting, Bloomfield Township trustees approved the formation of a financial sustainability committee comprised of the township supervisor, treasurer, finance director, a trustee and three members of the community with financial knowledge in order to provide advisement to the board of trustees on the township’s defined benefit pension plan as well as other financial issues.

Supervisor Leo Savoie first broached the topic of a strictly advisory board at a September 2014 study session, after concerns arose 123

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Market Square pulls out of leasing land

By Lisa Brody

among trustees over fees paid to Gregory J. Schwartz & Company, the investment advisor the township used on an $80-million bond issue in 2013. The issue of the fees, and whether township treasurer Dan Devine and the investment advisory firm took the time to make sure township board members understood the nuances of the fees for the recommended investments, was then followed up in December 2014 with the startling information that the township's defined benefit pension plan, held and monitored by Prudential Retirement since 1961, had not only been underperforming and consistently not meeting its benchmarks, but was in fact forcing the township to raid the equity account held by Schwartz to fund its benefits.

The first order of business of the financial sustainability committee, designed to assist the treasurer and trustees in making better informed financial decisions in an advisory capacity, was determined to be the hiring of an outside firm to conduct a comprehensive sustainability study of the township's defined benefit pension plan, currently managed by Prudential Insurance, and the equities portfolio, currently managed

by Gregory J. Schwartz & Co. Initial questions arose in the meeting if the RFP was to be just for the Prudential portion of the township's investments. “My understanding is this is just for the defined benefit pension plan, and it would be a model for the other plans,” Devine said.

Trustee Brian Kepes said, “If we're looking at an entity to be an umbrella, then we can hire someone to be an umbrella.”

Requested services to be performed in the RFP include a review of the defined benefit pension plan contract with Prudential and a review of the most recent actuarial report from Prudential; a review of sections of the police and fire union contracts pertaining to retirement; reviewing investment vehicles Prudential is managing; reviewing the investment vehicles Schwartz is managing; reviewing township projections of how many retirements will occur over the next 20 years; reviewing correspondence and minutes from meetings with Prudential; provide expert advice and guidance regarding any financial, actuarial and policy issues

which may affect the sustainability of the defined benefit pension plan; provide recommendations and best practices relative to all aspects of defined benefit pension plans; explore issues of costs, compensation and performance.

Resident committee members Don Katz, Ken Hudson and chair David Petoskey all said that a deadline to receive back the RFP by August 31, 2015 was reasonable.

Savoie and Kepes both requested open posting of the RFP rather than by invitation only. It was determined that the RFP would be posted on the township website after trustees approved it, and there would be a links to professional organizations that keep appropriate firms up to date on pensions.

Forest Grill closes, ownership changes The bistro Forest Grill, at 735 Forest in Birmingham, closed Saturday, June 27, for renovations and an ownership/management change, it was revealed at the Birmingham City Commission meeting on Monday, June 29, during a request to transfer the liquor license.

City commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to transfer the Class C liquor license from a member group of the building's owners.

Attorney Kelly Allen explained to commissioners that Elm Restaurant Group will remain with the four building owners. “We're putting some space between these owners and a new owner, SSE, which would be Samy (Eid), which I will be bringing to you for another liquor license transfer. We will be coming back to you in the future.”

“We've had a nice run with (Chef) Brian Polcyn (the previous owner/ operator). He's moving on. We said we'd like to take it back, and we have a sizable investment,” owner Victor Saroki explained to the commission.

“We started looking at who would be the right operator for this space, who would create modern cuisine in an upscale, white tablecloth restaurant, and we landed on Samy from Phoenicia. We are keeping the same chef, who is excellent.”

While subsequently there was word that Eid had chosen to back out, Saroki said that talks with him were back on.

Commissioners approved the liquor license transfer among the ownership group, 5-0.

ith a vote of 4-1 on Monday, June 29, Birmingham Commissioners approved a resolution of a ground lease between the city of Birmingham and Market Square at Southfield and 14 Mile Road to expand into the green space next to their store by building a terrace area, pavilion, adding trees, a sidewalk, and six parking spaces.

However, in a memo read to the commission at the next city commission meeting on Monday, July 13, it was announced the petitioner had decided not to go forward with the proposed plan due to neighborhood opposition.

Birmingham Planning Director Jana Ecker explained that Johnny Karmo, who has owned Market Square for almost 30 years, wants to expand the building. “When they went before the planning board, it was recommended they expand to offer outdoor seating, and it would be great to activate the field next door to the building and provide some seating.

They are proposing a lease with the city for an outdoor patio/pavilion area under cover with six four-top tables, a fountain, trees, and a sidewalk leading to six parking spots. The planning board asked them to add seasonal displays, with roll down mesh windows that would go down only when they are closed. It's a pavilion with wood and steel and a copper roof.

They are requesting those six parking spots for employee parking.”

Ecker explained the land next to Market Square is owned by the city, from the alley all the way to the right-of-way in the middle of the street.

Birmingham architect Victor Saroki, representing Karmo, said, “The store is currently 10,000 square feet. The project started as an expansion to make it 13,000 square feet. It's really an expansion of a neighborhood store.

The ground lease is meant to activate that space into a more vibrant, dynamic space, to make it into an open air market. To have color and product to make it an open market. They own the market a mile south. For flowers in the spring, pumpkins in the fall, and terraces for everyone to use, customers and people in the neighborhood.”

He said there would be no waitress service and no alcohol could be served outside.

Commissioner Tom McDaniel, who said he walks to the store regularly, said, “This is a nice amenity.”

The Birmingham Farm Neighborhood Association, however, stated that while they are not against an expansion of the market, adjacent street Wakefield “cannot accommodate cut through traffic. We do not support leasing Birmingham parkland to support private businesses. We do not support building parking spots on public parkland for private businesses.”

Other residents spoke out during the public hearing, one stating, “I have concerns about what sounds like a park when it's private enterprise. It belongs to them – it no longer belongs to me, my friends, the citizens of Birmingham.”

Another resident said, “I'm very opposed to the precedent of leasing public land to private enterprise.”

Several commissioners noted that they did not recognize the green space as park land, and they saw Market Square as improving the land.

“There are several parcels around town the city is leasing. This isn't precedent,” noted commissioner George Dilgard.

City attorney Tim Currier concurred. “The city has a history of leasing property and a history of leasing parking spots. The history is that leasing has been a very common practice.”

In response to a question from mayor Stuart Sherman as to whether the property was green space or a park, Currier researched it and said that in 1941, it, along with other properties, was designated a well site, and in 1954, one was leased to an individual. In 2011, the parks and recreation master plan recognized the sites as mini parks.

“The city charter permits the lease of any property,” Currier said.

Karmo was asked if he would if he would do his expansion without the pavilion or parking spaces.

“I would not be interested in this without the six parking spaces,” he said. Noting that the planning board requested the outdoor area, “This is quite costly for me. There's no market for it. It creates ambiance. It doesn't support the investment I'm making. The parking spaces are critical for my business. I need them to do the project.”

Commissioners voted 4-1 to approve the ground lease, with commissioner Rackeline Hoff voting against, and commissioners Scott Moore and Mark Nickita not in attendance.

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MUNICIPAL DTE returning to traditional trimming After a disastrous campaign to clear cut a wide swath of trees in Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills last fall and winter in an effort to prevent power outages, DTE Energy has agreed to abandon its â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ground to Skyâ&#x20AC;? program, and is returning to its traditional management program of tree trimming.

Bloomfield Township Supervisor Leo Savoie said he met recently with a representative of DTE Energy regarding future tree maintenance around DTE Energy power lines, and said they have agreed to retire the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ground to Skyâ&#x20AC;? vernacular. DTE will return to its traditional tree trimming program this summer, returning to several areas of Bloomfield Township at various times in the coming months.

Savoie said he has been assured that they will mail a letter to all involved homeowners well in advance of work being done.

When a tree has to be trimmed or removed from a homeowner's property,

DTE will meet with the homeowner first, he said. If no one is home, a card will be hung from the residence's door with appropriate contact information.

Unlike the work done in the Kensington area last December, all tree trimming work will be done, Savoie was assured, by contractors working at DTE Energy's direction, and will be only trimming branches that would interfere with power lines and have the potential to cause outages in the area.

The exception, he was told, would be the removal of trees that may be deemed necessary due to their size and location near power lines.

Identification by DTE Energy will be clear, he said, with trees that will have branches trimmed marked with a white dot. Trees that are slated to be removed will have a red ribbon tied around them, alerting homeowners. They will then be contacted by DTE and an arborist to discuss the issue prior to removal.

Areas in Bloomfield Township slated for tree trimming work by DTE Energy this summer are approximately Kensington Road east to Eastways,

from E. Long Lake north to E. Square Lake Road; S. Opdyke to Weybridge Drive, and I-75 north to S. Blvd. at the east side; Lone Pine west of Lahser, including the Stoneleigh neighborhood, and Lahser and Vaughan roads, to W. Long Lake and Tiverton on the north; and along the Woodward corridor north of Long Lake to Square Lake, including Hickory Grove, along Kensington Road on the east, around Bloomfield Hills Country Club, and along Lahser to the west.

For more specific information, homeowners can contact DTE directly at 313.235.4131, or Charles Markus, township environmental program coordinator, 248.594.2800.

The township has also posted a map of the DTE work areas on the township website at bloomfieldtwp.org.

DTE tree trimming starts in Birmingham The city of Birmingham announced they were notified by DTE Energy that the power company

will perform tree maintenance work along 14 Mile Road from July through September in order to prevent power outages.

In the last couple of months, after a disastrous campaign to clear cut a wide swath of trees along Kensington Road and adjacent streets in Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills last fall and winter in an effort to prevent power outages, DTE Energy abandoned its â&#x20AC;&#x153;Ground to Skyâ&#x20AC;? program, and is returning to its traditional management program of tree trimming.

Birmingham said that DTE crews, not subcontractors, will be working on trees along 14 Mile Road that are growing too close to power lines.

In a letter from DTE that was mailed to affected residents, DTE explained that the work is being done because trees and branches often bring down wires and poles, which create potential safety risks as well as cause severe damage and power outages.

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Residents are cautioned that they may see arborists in their yard or neighborhood, and they will be wearing yellow DTE Energy vests and carrying ID badges. DTE said that the majority of the work should be performed on trees in the public right-of-way, and if they need to work on private property, DTE crews and the arborist will knock on the door and leave an information tag describing the work to be performed.

Trees that are slated for trimming will be marked with a white dot, while trees slated for removal will be marked with a red ribbon.

Trees on private property will only be removed with the owner's consent. DTE crews will remove all branches, tree limbs and other debris caused by the tree trimming unless informed by residents that they would like it to remain on their property.

Residents interested in more information from DTE can call 313.235.4141.

programming services, consistent with previous agreements. The original contract was renewed in 2007, 2009, and 2011. BCTV will provide the necessary employees.

Greg Kowalski, Bloomfield Township community relations director, told trustees, “This is a threeyear extension of our agreement with an option for a fourth. It's been reviewed by our attorneys, and does include an increase each year. It's a good contract.”

Birmingham Area Cable Board will compensate BCTV $194,950 for July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016 and July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017; and $200,800 for the year July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. If the fourth year is exercised, that amount will be paid in year four as well.

With no discussion, trustees voted 7-0 to approve the agreement.

Three new shops coming to E. Maple

By Lisa Brody

Township renews TV contract with city Bloomfield Township trustees on Monday, June 22, unanimously approved a restated agreement for cable access management between Bloomfield Community TV and Birmingham Area Cable Board, which took effect this past July 1.

Bloomfield Community TV, known as BCTV, provides community access programming on Comcast channel 15 to Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills residents, and through this contract with Birmingham Area Cable Board, which first began July 1, 2007, also provides municipal access and government access programming to Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms and Franklin.

In addition, BCTV has a state-ofthe-art television production studio in the township off of Telegraph Road, where more than 600 programs a year are produced and shown on community television stations not only in these communities, but around the country.

With this restated agreement between the two cable boards, BCTV agrees to continue furnishing government and public access downtownpublications.com

New boutiques, along with a new beauty salon, are expected to open in late July on E. Maple in downtown Birmingham.

Bedros Avedian, owner of Avedian Real Estate in Birmingham, which owns the buildings that formerly housed the Upstairs Downstairs furniture store, Artspace II and the Joseph A. Banks store, said he is bringing in two unique boutiques, one which will be in the western half of the Upstairs Downstairs location.

An Australian women's clothing store called Jaust is scheduled to open in August. Avedian said Fratelli Leather, owned by Richard Kowal of Grand Blanc, will spotlight “all types of leather, from clothing, coats and purses. It will feature the highest end Italian leather that is then stitched in Poland.”

Fratelli Leather was hoping to open Saturday, July 25.

In addition, Legato Salon and Spa, an Aveda Lifestyle Salon and Spa offering hair design, coloring services, hair removal, makeup and facials, is scheduled to open at 335 E. Maple this summer.

Avedian said he is hoping the addition of the stores and salon will create more activity on the east side of Maple and eastern edge of downtown Birmingham.

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Township discusses liquor license criteria The Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees unanimously supported a resolution establishing criteria for issuing future liquor licenses in the community at their meeting on Monday, July 13.

Clerk Jan Roncelli said there are currently two Class C liquor licenses left in the township. Township attorney Bill Hampton had been asked by the board to prepare a report on how best to disburse the remaining licenses in the future.

Hampton developed 11 different criteria categories for trustees to look for when evaluating future applicants. He noted that with the former Bloomfield Park, now known as Villages of Bloomfield, there would likely be requests for licenses, and the township could send the report to any pending or future applicants to see if they qualify.

Criteria included and approved in the report include that the use of a

•

“liquor license shall encourage the rehabilitation, restoration or development of property within the township.” The amount for rehabilitation or restoration of the restaurant building would need to be $250,000 over five years, “which must be expended before the issuance of the license.”

Restaurant capacity must be for at least 60 patrons, and open to the general public, and must create new jobs in the township. No gambling can be permitted at any facility.

All applicants and businesses can have no more than two previous Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) violations and no regulatory violations within the last five years.

Bloomfield Township police must provide a favorable review.

All applicants must show their establishment is supported by the township's master plan; that the applicant does not have any outstanding code violations; nor any outstanding township tax or fees.

In other classifications, where the township is looking at large scale

developments or potential Downtown Development Authorities (DDA), it was written, “For Class C or Tavern Quota Liquor License applications stating the intent for the requested license to facilitate a new proposed economic development or redevelopment, the minimum preferred capital investment for the new development or redevelopment by the applicant will be $1.5 million in addition to the creation of new jobs in the township.”

“A DDA would be a discussion for a later date,” Roncelli said.

“Of course, there's always the possibility of an applicant acquiring a license from another community, and we have no control over that,” Hampton said.

A restaurant owner with a Class C liquor license in another municipality can sell it to an establishment in another municipality, and it is not counted as part of that municipality's quota licenses.

Regarding the MLCC violations, Bloomfield Township Police Chief Geof Gaudard said, “We don't want to

see any violations from the liquor license commission, but it depends on the kind of violations. I'm more concerned about the kind of violation and what they've done to correct that, versus the strict number. Such as, pouring a beer in a non-complying glass, versus serving alcohol to a minor.”

Board members concurred.

Supervisor Leo Savoie said he liked that future licenses would only go to restaurants that had at least 60 persons. “Anything less than that opens it up to a little place,” he said.

“We're looking at a place that would be adding money to their establishment, refurbishing it. We want to know how many jobs are they bringing in, what kind of experience do they have in doing this, what is their economic viability, how many other operations do they have,” Roncelli said.

She said there are currently no applications on file. “We always have inquiries.”

Trustees voted 7-0 to approve the criteria.

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Terry McDermott he United States was in the midst of the Cold War and the Soviet Union had dominated the Winter Olympics for years when a Michigan barber named Terry McDermott entered the 500m speed skating event in Innsbruck, Austria.

"I had qualified as the number one American for the 1964 Olympics, so I guess the expectations were that we hoped to win a medal," said McDermott, who now lives in Bloomfield Township. "I thought I had a chance to win."

Despite being the fastest qualifying American in the games that year, the odds-on favorite were veteran speed skater Yevgeny Grishin, who had taken gold medals in the 500m and 1500m events in 1956 and 1960.

McDermott, who finished seventh at Squaw Valley in 1960, said there was definitely pressure to win.

"There was pressure because of the Cold War," he said. "We all thought (the Soviets) were kind of professional people, and the rest of us were amateur athletes. It was an uphill battle. During those periods, in 1960 and '64, they weren't talking to the Americans or socializing at all. They kept apart, so it wasn't a very friendly atmosphere at all."

When the races were done in 1964, McDermott ended up beating Grishin by a half second and winning the only Olympic gold medal for the United States that year. In 1968, McDermott tied for second place and took home a silver medal, knocking Grishin off the podium in their last race.

McDermott returned home in 1964 a national hero. Still working as a barber at his uncle's shop in the Bay City area, McDermott made an appearance on the Ed Sullivan show with a band named The Beatles. In

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1967, he moved to the Detroit area and started work as a manufacturing representative. In 1977, McDermott was inducted into the National Speedskating Hall of Fame.

While he gave up competitive skating years ago, McDermott remained active in the sport for 35 years, giving the oath at the 1980 Olympic ceremonies in Lake Placid, and managing the U.S. Speed Skating team in the 1992 Olympics. He also served on the board of directors for US. Speed Skating, and has provided television and radio commentary for the games.

"The technique has changed somewhat," he said. "The skating is different â&#x20AC;&#x201C; they get more push on each stroke. And they are skating indoors instead of outdoors, so there's no wind, snow or rain. The uniforms are better, and the athletes are better conditioned. Everything has changed."

The last time he skated, he said, was about two years ago with his grandchildren.

McDermott retired from his business, Champion Plastics, about nine years ago. His sons now run the business. Now, at age 74, he spends most of his time with his wife, Virginia, in Florida in the winter and Bloomfield Township during the rest of the year.

"I play a lot of golf, belong to the Birmingham Country Club, and some others in Florida," he said. "I haven't skated in a couple years. I have skated with the grandchildren a little. I spend most of my time on the golf course."

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Sara Celina tarting out as a solo artist, Sara Celina, now 36, opened for acts such as, Tegan and Sara, Josh Kelley, and Ben Folds, and in 2004, recorded her first EP, Wanting Something Better. As the desire to play with a band increased, she and three others formed US vs HER, with Celina producing their 2007 rock ‘n’ roll album, Everybody La La Lah. Faced with the realities of adulthood, such as family responsibilities and financial obligations, Celina, had a tough decision to make – continue touring with her band which brought her tons of joy, or channel her energy toward her burgeoning career as a hair stylist at Red Salon in Birmingham. Of her choice to stop touring, Celina says, “I regret being fearful and turning away from an opportunity that I think the universe gave me.”

Nonetheless, Celina continues to write music and sing; she’s a collaborative songwriter and is working on a solo album composed of songs from her stream-of-consciousness.

Since she was a kid growing up in southwest Detroit, and later Lincoln Park and Irish Hills, Celina loved performing. “I used my neighbor’s porch as a stage, my youngest sister and her friends were my groupies and fans, my cousin was my back-up dancer, and anything from Milli Vanilli to New Kids on the Block, George Michael – I was performing.” Celina had been journaling since a young age, and when her songwriting father gifted her a guitar at age 20, the emotional diary she kept came alive as she used the material for her lyrics.

In October 2012, Celina suffered a traumatic brain injury from a car

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accident and had to undergo speech and occupational therapy. She describes it as the “most humbling experience of my life. My mind would want to play guitar. But the muscle memory just was not there.”

Overcoming adversity, in 2014 Celina released a full-length album called So Much Good, So Much Evil.

In addition to playing her own music, Celina collaborates with Patrick Guadalajara, a writer-musician she met through his wife, a client at Red. Celina and Guadalajara compile songs and sell them to music labels or up-and-coming artists. Celina says the audience she’s writing for is 13 to 30-year-olds. “It’s your urban girl cruising in the car to your girl sitting in a room in Nebraska. There’s no limit. That’s what’s so interesting about popular music.”

Celina says “surround yourself with people you want to be like in life.”

She currently lives in Ferndale with her fiancée, Danielle Taylor, and her stepson. She and her fiancée recently launched an all-natural, mostly organic skin care line, Dauphine Beauté, with three products formulated

by Taylor.

During the day, Celina uses the voice memo app on her phone to record snippets of ideas for songs while she’s on the go. Into the wee hours of the morning, she can be found in her basement studio playing and developing songs for her future solo album, which she hopes to complete by 2016.

Story: Katie Deska

Photo: Laurie Tennent

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BUSINESS MATTERS

New women’s health office Women’s Excellence, an obstetrics and gynecology office, has opened at 511 Pierce Street in Birmingham.

According to the website, Women’s Excellence specializes in “minimally invasive surgical procedures, treatment of endometriosis, menopausal care with bioidentical hormone therapy, treatment of urinary incontinence, as well as minimally invasive vaginal and pelvic organ prolapse treatments.”

Women’s Excellence also offers guidance for natural family planning and treatment for conditions that cause infertility. For pregnant women interested in holistic care, Women’s Excellence has a midwifery program. As part of their wellness program, Women’s Excellence offers assistance with weight control. In Birmingham, nurse Erin Simmerman hosts the nutrition program, which is designed to meet the needs of men and women. Site supervisor Laura Schafer said, “We set up a diet plan for each person based on their health needs and an exercise program. Maybe a medication and B-12 injections depending on their needs.” The Birmingham office is one of four locations, all within Michigan. Dr. Jonathan Zaidan, MD, is a fellow of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and owns the statewide Women’s Excellence practice.

New dental office opens Dr. Sue Shoha, D.D.S., who has been practicing family and cosmetic dentistry for over 25 years, has opened Bio Dentistry in Bloomfield Hills. Located at 50 W. Big Beaver Road, suite 120. Bio Dentistry offers patients an alternative approach to oral care, in which the whole body’s health is taken into account. When treating disease, infection or pain in the oral cavity, other potential health risks such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes or cancer, are considered. With gingivitis, for instance, Dr. Shoha says, “I look at the texture of the tissue. Where is it bleeding, why? Is there hormonal imbalance, extra stress, vitamin C deficiency?” Bio Dentistry offers general, restorative and cosmetic dental services, including mercuryfree/mercury-safe fillings, crowns, downtownpublications.com

dentures, whitening, tooth shaping, extraction and more. Bio Dentistry treats TMJ disorders with laser therapy, trigger point massage, and/or apparatuses. To ease anxiety and increase comfort during an office visit, patients may request headphones, eye pillows and massage. Dr. Shoha, who graduated from the University of Michigan’s School of Dentistry in 1988, said, “We look at what could be causing symptoms (in the mouth), and what those symptoms could imply for the rest of the body.” Bio Dentistry accepts children and adult patients.

Counseling of Mind Center Counseling of Mind Center has opened in Bloomfield Hills at 10 W. Square Lake Road, Suite 302.

Owners Judy Shredneski, MA, LLPC, and Terry Wisniewski, MA, LLPC specialize in the treatment of depression, anxiety, and grief and loss. They also offer counseling for other concerns, including anger management, career transition, selfharming, eating disorders, and caregiver or pregnancy support.

Children, teen, adult and elder patients are welcome at Counseling of Mind Center.

Consulting lab acquisition Schleede-Hampton Associates, an eight-person consulting firm with a lab located at 2254 Cole Street in Birmingham, has been acquired by Troy-based G2 Consulting Group, which specializes in geotechnical, geoenvironmental and construction engineering projects. G2 Partner Mark Smolinski said, “The clients that Schleede-Hampton had are clients that fit exactly with our expertise.” Smolinski is “looking forward to a few more good years of growth,” and said, “I feel the acquisition allows us to further expand our market within southeast Michigan.” G2 has a contract with the city of Birmingham to provide municipal needs. Recently they built a middle lane on Quarton Road at Chesterfield, and are working on the Oak Street rebuilding project in Birmingham.

Financial advisors move Northern Financial Advisors, Inc. have recently moved their office from the village of Franklin to Bloomfield

Hills, and are now located at 74 E. Long Lake Road. The business was established in 2002 and is owned by partners Christine Isham, president, and David Lentz, CEO. Northern Financial Advisors assist clients with investment planning and tracking, tax preparation, wealth management, and retirement, estate and business planning. Business manager Diane Seacor explained that what sets Northern Financial Advisors apart from other firms providing similar services is that “we’re a fee-only financial planning firm. We don’t sell products to our clients. We look at that as a conflict of interest. It’s more about helping our clients learn how to save money on taxes and plan for the future.”

Northern Financial Advisors has eight employees and serves 300 clients.

100 year anniversary Consulting engineer firm Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. (HRC) of Bloomfield Township celebrates a century of business this year. HRC is known for work in wastewater treatment, sewerage and drainage projects, as well as traffic engineering, subdivision design and watershed management. In 1915, the business opened as Clarence W. Hubbell Engineers, and operated out of the Penobscot Building in Detroit, and in 1937 was reincorporated as HRC. As business expanded beyond the city of Detroit, the headquarters moved to their current location, 555 Hulet Drive in Bloomfield Township. Today they maintain an office in Detroit ,with others in Grand Rapids, Howell and Delhi Township.

Commonwealth expanding Commonwealth, at 300 Hamilton Row in Birmingham, is expanding its dining room and kitchen into the space next door. Construction is in progress; there is no opening date set at this time.

Fashion yoga store opens Capsule Detroit owners Megan Bonanni and Jennifer McManus are mothers, civil rights attorneys and fitness enthusiasts. Located above House of Style at 574 N. Old Woodward, suite 200, Capsule Detroit carries over 10 niche brands

DOWNTOWN

of edgy fitness and leisure apparel, including Michi, Chill by Will, and Beyond Yoga. Bonanni and McManus had been doing pop-up shops for the last nine months when someone mentioned the brick and mortar space as a possibility.

Bonanni says, “Jennifer and I are very close friends. We exercise together and we were looking for a joint business venture. We love fashion. We love yoga. Why not do it?” In comparison to the coasts, “We wondered, why is Detroit so overlooked for active wear?”

Bonanni added, “We have to work very hard to find time to exercise, and we wanted clothes that fit that lifestyle and reflect our modern spirit. The beautiful thing I love is that we’re trying to cater to all shapes and sizes. For some lines, like Rogiani, we can custom order certain leggings, so no matter what your size you can have leggings that look great.” Bonanni says Capsule’s clientele ranges from 18 to 80, and they carry kids leggings as well.

The store is open Wednesday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Salon expands to city Bianchi’s Salon and Spa is opening a fourth location in downtown Birmingham this fall, located on Old Woodward, between Maple and Willits streets, in the Palladium Building. Bianchi’s offers haircuts, highlights and styles for women and men, using hair care products by Kérastase and L’Oreal, among other brands. The salon/spa offers many additional services, including waxing; manicures, pedicures and paraffin treatments; make-up application, airbrush make-up service, and hour-long make-up lessons. They also offer skin conditioning treatments, facials, full body wraps and day-at-the-spa packages. For those seeking relief from pain or simply to relax, Bianchi’s trained staff is available to do reflexology and various types of massage. There are currently locations in Royal Oak, Troy and Clinton Township.

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

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FACES

Linda and Theodore Shinkle ooking through some old photographs that his mother, Linda, had taken, Theodore "Teddy" Shinkle decided to edit some and offer them for sale at an art fair. Five years later, the mother and son artistic team are gaining national attention for their mixed media projects.

"That led us to get a little more serious, so we did travel to different shows for about a year or so," Theodore said of the initial collaboration between him and his mother.

"We had been photographing together, but not printing," Linda said.

"Once we got the printer and Teddy figured it out, we discovered we could do much more with the process."

Using Linda's photos and Theodore's printing techniques, the motherson duo invented their own art, which they have trademarked as Metalagram. Each piece is a full-color photo that is printed on metal.

Each piece of metal is engraved, etched, distressed and treated prior to printing. The combination of the distressed metal and ink gives an effect that appears to dance and move in different light, adding another dimension to the work. In some displays, Theodore also includes lighting and music into the art.

"It's all about layering and the way the metal reflects the light," Theodore said. "Certain things are found out, and by layering the process in various ways, we have a whole lot more information and combine different aspects."

"We feel our artwork delivers our message," Linda said. "It's multilayered and connected.â&#x20AC;?

A trained artist, Linda studied drawing, painting and photo at the University of Michigan before attending law school and practicing law for several years. Around 2000, Linda decided to focus again on her art and went at it full time. Meanwhile, Theodore studied cinema and economics at Denison University, as well as additional studies at Film and TV School

L

of the Performing Arts, Charles University Prague, followed by industry experience in Los Angeles, Dallas, Atlanta and Detroit.

In 2010, mother and son started working together, and have been building on their success each year. In 2013, Linda and Theodore were awarded the Lincoln Award Best of Show Innovation, Technology & Design in Beverly Hills, California; named as an "Art Business News" Top 50 Emerging Artist in 2012; received a Best of Show and Outstanding Achievement award in the Amdur Production Chicago area Show in 2013; and several other national awards.

In 2014, Linda and Theodore created a permanent installation at the Cranbrook Institute of Science, which featured a permitter created with Kids Kicking Cancer survivors. Most recently, they were commissioned by Detroit Country Day Schools to construct a permanent installation at the school.

"We started in February," Linda said of the months-long project. "There are 115 pieces and 180 art students participated. They actually gave us their robotics room to work."

In addition to their artistic success, both mother and son said they find it rewarding to work with each other. And while they both said their initial collaboration wasn't planned, the work is now dependent on both of their input.

"I needed Teddy," Linda said. "I needed someone to help explore and create our niche."

"Throughout my life, my mom has always done a good job of having me experience various things â&#x20AC;&#x201C; going to lots of performance art and theater," Theodore said. "I have a lot of influence from her, a lot from theatrical experiences. The art combined with the lighting and music is now a part of the work."

Story: Kevin Elliott

Photo: Laurie Tennent

Not to b bee explained. exp explained . To b bee exp experienced.

PLACES TO EAT

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

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Birmingham/Bloomfield 220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 E. Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.2220.

Chef Stand Summer/Harvest Series Chef Paul will source local Ingredients and present 4 courses with two wine paired courses for $50.00. Chef Paul will take this welcomed opportunity to display local ingredients with his classic methods for a wonderful experience. Each week will feature a new menu.

6:00pm & 8:00pm seatings Friday & Saturday evenings.

Please call 248-220-4237 for your reservation.

34977 Woodward Ave, Birmingham

248.220.4237 thestandbistro.com th hestandbistro.com m

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5th Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 2262 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.481.9607.

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

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

248.865.9300.

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

248.792.3579.

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

248.499.6867.

Beau's: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630.

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

167 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.494.7110.

Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078.

Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 245 South Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774.

Bill's: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Daily. Reservations, lunch only. Liquor.

39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.9000.

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

248.593.8880.

Bistro Joe’s Kitchen: Global. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Liquor.

Reservations. 34244 Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.0984.

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

248.645.6879.

Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690.

Café ML: New American. Dinner, daily.

Liquor. Call ahead. 3607 W. Maple Road, Bloomfield Township.

248.642.4000.

Cafe Via: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 310 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.8800.

Cameron’s Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.723.1700.

DOWNTOWN

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.

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

Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.1135.

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

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 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.

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

Liquor. 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,

08.15

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

Restaurateur expands Aaron F. Belen, owner of popular Bistro 82 and Sabrage in Royal Oak, has purchased the building at 511 Main Street in Royal Oak and is creating an approachable, unique restaurant featuring American fare, tentatively to be called 511. The 6,500 square foot space will have about 250 seats, as well as outdoor seating, and offer live entertainment Thursday through Sundays, from rock and country to pop. “Royal Oak has proven to be a fantastic location for Bistro 82 and Sabrage, and we are excited to create another unique and dynamic restaurant experience here in Michigan,” Belen, principal of AFB Hospitality Group, said. Bistro 82’s Executive Chef Derik Watson is designing the menu, with sous chef Brandon James expected to helm the kitchen. An added amenity to the new location is the property has its own private parking lot next door; 511 also plans to have valet parking. Belen is currently projecting an early second quarter 2016 opening.

Café Via sports changes Café Via, 310 E. Maple Road in Birmingham, has undergone management, chef and menu changes. Carole Cahalan, previous manager, has left, while Nick Lekas and Pete Walkowiak from Oak Management have come aboard. Connor Walling, of The Rugby Grille and Marais, is now executive chef, and Marko Armour, of Ronin and The Lark, has joined as sous chef. Café Via has new salads, appetizers and small plates, as well as a larger selection of fish, including salmon, halibut and trout.

Food truck gets permanent Followers of Katoi, a Detroit-based food truck, can make their way to Ann Arbor for a Thai-inspired meal at “Katoi in Exile,” being held this summer at 307 S. 5th Avenue. The restaurant is open Thursday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Partners Brad Greenhill, Courtney Henriette and Philip Kafka plan to open a permanent location in Detroit late this summer or early fall, at 2520 Michigan Avenue. Henriette says, “Buildings like people – and art projects – don’t like to be bossed around. We’re waiting for the space to tell us when it’s ready.”

Chef Welch expands Executive Chef Sarah Welch, of Republic, is now sharing her time and skill at a second restaurant in Detroit’s G.A.R. Building, Parks and Rec Diner, which opened at the end of July. Located at 1942 Grand River Avenue, Welch says Parks and Rec Diner focuses on “a simple breakfast menu,” with specialties like the Dutch Boy Pancake, a giant crepe baked in a cast iron skillet, and the Liege Waffle. Welch says, “I’m looking for breakfasts that I used to eat growing up that nobody’s doing down here, like the corn pancakes my Dad used to make.” Breakfast sausages and bacon will be made in house.

Chef moves on Partner Eli Boyer, of Gold Cash Gold, 2100 Michigan Avenue in Detroit, has left the business, seeking to open another restaurant. No locations have been revealed at this time.

Vegan café opens Co-owned by Daniel Kahn and his father, Dr. Joel Khan, a

cardiologist, GreenSpace Café is slated to open in September at 215 W. Nine Mile Road. This Ferndale vegan café will offer entrees, salads and wraps. Chef George Vutetakis, former chef and proprietor of Inn Season Café, said “Green Space will serve dishes under the dietary recommendations of Dr. Joel Kahn,” and source “locallycrafted ingredients.” Indoor and outdoor seating will be available, along with alcoholic beverages.

BBQ Shack opening This August, Scott Maloney, owner of Treat Dreams, and partner Zac Idzikowski, will be opening Woodpile BBQ Shack in Clawson at 303 S. Main Street. The general manager is Pitmaster Steve Coddington, who earned BBQ Person of the Year in 2013 by the National Barbeque Association.

Unique Detroit locale Standby, a restaurant/cocktail lounge, and the Skip, an outdoor alley bar, are set to open in Detroit by the first of September as part of the Belt Project, a venture to transform the Belt Alley into pedestrian-friendly artsshopping-entertainment destination. Standby and the Skip are a collaboration between Anthony Curis, vice president of Curis Enterprises and a partner in the Library Street Gallery; Executive Chef Brendon Edwards; Hospitality and Beverage Director Joe Robinson; David Goldman and Bedrock Real Estate Services. Standby, which has been under construction, is on the corner of Belt Alley and Gratiot. Chef Edwards will be focusing on “progressive American food,” Curis says, and the beverage menu will host an array of cocktails. The Skip will be a 1,500-foot space indented into the back of the Z Parking Garage, leaving the front of the bar open. For now, Curis says, the Skip will be a three-season operation serving beverages only, at least through 2015, until the group brings in food carts.

Banquet space opens C.A.Y.A. Smokehouse Grill, located at 1403 S. Commerce Road in Wolverine Lake, now offers a banquet room for occasions hosting 20 to 140 people, and recently planted a vegetable garden to add a hyper-local element to their farm-to-table approach. C.A.Y.A., which stands for Come As You Are, is co-owned by Executive Chef Jeff Rose and Rachel Mandell.

Italian brunch offerings Due Venti, a Northern Italian restaurant located at 220 S. Main Street in Clawson, has unveiled their Sunday Brunch Series. Served from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., patrons can try items like the Shrimp Polenta and Eva’s Benedict with cauliflower fritters in place of an English muffin. Upcoming brunch dates are August 9, September 13, October 11, November 8 and December 13. The seasonal menu is curated by husband and wife chef duo David and Nicole Seals. Dinner is offered Tuesday through Saturday beginning at 5 p.m.

Restaurant changes Forest Grill, located at 735 Forest Street in Birmingham, is undergoing a change of ownership and moderate remodeling. Founding owner Chef Brian Polcyn has left the restaurant to pursue other endeavors. Nick Janutol, now executive chef, will remain with the restaurant.

During the time of closure, they’re constructing a wine cellar, adding folding glass walls to create an al fresco feel and making changes to the kitchen.

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.

Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707.

Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568.

Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.647.3400.

Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.6051.

Mad Hatter Cafe: Tea Room. Brunch, Lunch & Dinner. No reservations. Liquor.

185 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.0000 Mandaloun Bistro: Lebanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, Daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 30100 Telegraph Rd., Suite 130, Bingham Farms, 48025.

248.723.7960.

Market North End: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations.

Liquor. 474 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.712.4953.

MEX Mexican Bistro & Tequila Bar: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday, Dinner, daily. Liquor. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301.

248.723.0800.

Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.646.3663.

Mountain King: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 469 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.2913.

New Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Breakfast, Monday-Thursday; Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. 183 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2181.

Nippon Sushi Bar: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner daily. No reservations. Liquor.

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

Nosh & Rye: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily.

No reservations. 39495 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.646.7923.

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

248.451.0500.

Original Pancake House: American.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.5775.

Panera Bread: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7966.

Also 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.253.9877.

Peabody’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.5222.

Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122.

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

248.645.6999.

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

Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304.

248.874.1876

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

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

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

248.792.6200.

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

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

248.645.9123.

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

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

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

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

Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American.

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

248.731.7066.

The Corner Bar: American. Dinner.

Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations.

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

The Bird & The Bread: Brasserie. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodard, Birmingham, 48009.

248.203.6600.

The Franklin Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 32760 Franklin Rd, Franklin, 48025. 248.865.6600.

The Gallery Restaurant: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.851.0313.

The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688.

The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999.

The Stand: Euro-American. Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

34977 Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.220.4237.

Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278.

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

248.593.7881.

Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241.

Triple Nickel Restaurant and Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 555 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 48009. 248.480.4951.

Village Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

653 S. Adams. Birmingham, 48009.

248.593.7964.

Eve to reopen

Townhouse 2.0 opening

Ann Arbor’s eve, which closed in 2011, will re-open in September in the Bell Tower Hotel, 200 S. Thayer Street.

Chef Eve Aronoff, owner of Frita Batidos and a 2009 Top Chef contestant, said, “The food at eve is really my own personal style, which has a foundation of French philosophy and technique but many influences from West African to North African to Cuban to Vietnamese.” Aronoff is also incorporating a new dining style, “a very convivial, ‘feasting’ style of dining – I have so many memories of eating and visiting this way and (it) has been very influential in developing my personal philosophy with food.”

Townhouse Detroit, located at One Detroit Center, 500 Woodward Avenue, is scheduled to open late July. Lunch and dinner is served 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. Monday through Friday. Brunch is offered Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Detroit location is an outreach by Jeremy Sasson, owner of the successful Birmingham Townhouse.

Menu changes at Stand In response to the bounty of seasonal produce from Michigan farms, The Stand Gastro Bistro, 34977 Woodward Avenue, Suite 100, in Birmingham, has added new items to the menu. For example, The Stand now serves Lavender Corn, fresh sweet corn prepared with candied almonds. The bistro is also rolling out a new dinner program, held on Fridays and Saturdays with seatings at 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. For $50, a patron will be one of 10 seated at the Chef’s Stand, a table amongst the bustle of the kitchen, and will be served two drinks to go with an experimental three-course meal prepared

by Chef Paul Grosz.

New restaurant at Royal Park Brookshire Restaurant, within the Royal Park Hotel at 600 E. University Drive in Rochester, is closing and being replaced by Park 600 Bar + Restaurant, set to open in early September. The reimagined restaurant space will have a modern ambiance; demolition and remodeling are in progress.

Root expansion with Mabel Gray Chef James Rigato and partner Ed Mamou, who co-own the Root Restaurant and Bar in White Lake, are opening Mabel Gray at 23825 John R. Road in Hazel Park. The team is aiming to open in September. Rigato describes Mabel Gray’s offerings as “thoughtful and adventurous food and beverage that we create on a daily basis.” He says it will not have a fixed menu, and diners can expect the food to be “fun and fresh, more aggressive and a little louder with flavors, and hyper-rotating.”

Townsend cooking classes Rugby Grille, at the Townsend Hotel, 100 Townsend Street in Birmingham, now offers “Cooking with Style,” culinary classes held in the kitchen of the hotel. Each session includes a cooking demonstration, hosted by Executive Chef Drew Sayes, and a multi-course dinner of what was prepared. Jared Chorney, food and beverage director for the Townsend Hotel, says students will also learn “decorating and setting a proper table so guests can throw their own dinner party.” Classes are scheduled for August 10, September 28 and November 18, with plans to continue into 2016, said Chorney. The cost for the class and dinner is $125.

New Royal Oak taco spot Mesa Tacos and Tequila has joined the Royal Oak restaurant scene, taking over the space that was once Monterrey Cantina, 312 S. Main Street. In addition to tacos and infused tequila, Mesa serves a variety of entrees, salads and soups.

Andiamo expansions Andiamo has recently expanded with a restaurant in the McNamara Terminal of the Detroit Metro Airport, and a new rolling food truck. Midfield Concession Enterprises, which operates a number of airport restaurants, is the franchisee of Andiamo at the airport. The food truck has select restaurant dishes, and new recipes with Italian street food charm, like the meatball sub and eggplant rollatini.

Find the truck at events, or call for catering.

Gastropub and games Bobcat Bonnie’s, a new gastropub equipped with arcade games, is opening this August at 1800 Michigan Avenue in Detroit. Owner Matt Buskard, the opening general manager at Gold Cash Gold, ‘re going for a fun, hip atmosphere that’s also relaxed and laid back.” The menu, brainchild of Buskard and chefs Michael Lloyd and Beren Ekine-Hewitt, both of Gold Cash Gold, is seasonal and suitable for lunch or a night out. With fresh ground burgers, salads and a variety of small plates, such as the fondue-style Rare Bit, Buskard says Bobcat Bonnie’s aims to “keep food quality high, but keep it so people can really access it.”

Pop-Up Intel Yemans Street, 2995 Yemans Street in Hamtramck: Matt Tulpa of Salt & Saffron, August 1. Vera Devera and Peter Jackson, Mexican and Mezcal meal, August 7.

Dorothy Hernandez and Jake Williams of Sarap, Filipinoinspired cuisine, August 8. Sean Force of Ocean Prime and Roberts Restaurant Group, August 14. Joseph Van Wagner, executive sous chef at Bacco Ristorante, August 23. Mike and Matt Romine of Mulefoot Gastropub, date TBD. yemansstreet.com Revolver, 9737 Joseph Campau Avenue in Hamtramck: James Rigato, of The Root Restaurant and Bar, presents Mabel Gray August 1. revolverhamtramck.com The Menagerie, 31 N. Saginaw Street in Pontiac: As its name suggests, The Menagerie is home to an assortment of activities. Co-owners April and James Forbes host pop-up dinners, serve Sunday brunch, teach cooking classes, and offer an incubator kitchen for chefs without a brick and mortar space.

Pop-up dinners start at 6 p.m. and require advance tickets; call 248.648.1505 to purchase. Select pop-up dinners are followed by a 9 p.m. Bonus Mixer, in which cocktails and ala-cart small plates are available. Jared Bobkin of Local Kitchen & Bar and 220 Merrill, August 7. Jeremy Kalmus, previous Executive Chef at Local Kitchen & Bar and Novi Chophouse, August 15. Erin Lee, August 27, and a-la-cart brunch August 30. menageriekitchen.com Front/Back is reported each month by Katie Deska.

KatieDeska@DowntownPublications.com. We welcome news items or tips, on or off the record, about what's happening in the front or back of the house at metro area restaurants.

SOUTH AFRICAN WINEMAKERS DINNER Friday, August 14, 2015 • 6:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Join us for an exciting fun-filled reception and four course dinner with three of South Africa's premier winemakers.

Bertus Fourie Val du Charron Winery

Karl Lambour Grande Provence

James McKenzie Nabygelegen Private Cellars

Price fixed $95 inclusive of tax, tip and valet.

Executive Chef Matthew Fitchett, C.E.C. Executive Pastry Chef Eric Voigt For more information or reservations, call 248.647.7774 or vist bigrockchophouse.com

248.647.7774 •

245 South Eton Street, Birmingham

Present this ad for

30% off your second entrée Not valid with any other offer

LIVE JAZZ WEEKENDS HAPPY HOUR x 3-6 1/2 OFF BOTTLES OF WINE x MON-WED

PEABODY’S Dining & Spirits Est. 1975

34965 Woodward Ave Birmingham 248 644 5222 peabodysrestaurant.com 146

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

248.566.3566.

Royal Oak/Ferndale Ale Mary's: American. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 316 South Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.268.1917 Anita’s Kitchen: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 22651 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.548.0680.

Andiamo Restaurants: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 129 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.582.0999.

Assaggi Bistro: Italian. Lunch, TuesdayFriday. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 330 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220. 248.584.3499.

Bigalora: Italian. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. No Reservations. Liquor. 711 S. Main Street, Royal Oak, 48067.

Bistro 82: French. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 401 S. Lafayette Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.542.0082.

The Blue Nile: Ethiopian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 545 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.547.6699.

Bspot Burgers: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 310 S. Main St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.268.1621.

Cafe Muse: French. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 418 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.4749.

Cork Wine Pub: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 23810 Woodward Ave., Pleasant Ridge, 48069. 248.544.2675.

D’Amato’s: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

222 Sherman Dr., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.584.7400.

Due Venti: Italian. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

220 S. Main St., Clawson, 48017.

248.288.0220.

The Fly Trap: Diner. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 22950 Woodward Ave., 48220. 248.399.5150.

Howe’s Bayou: Cajun. Lunch, MondaySaturday. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 22949 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.691.7145.

Inn Season Cafe: Vegetarian. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. No reservations. 500 E. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.547.7916.

Inyo Restaurant Lounge: Asian Fusion.

Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. Liquor. 22871 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, 48220. 248.543.9500.

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

Lily’s Seafood: Seafood. Weekend Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 410 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.591.5459.

Local Kitchen and Bar: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 344 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.291.5650.

Lockhart’s BBQ: Barbeque. Sunday Brunch.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 202 E. Third St., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.584.4227.

DOWNTOWN

Oak City Grille: American. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 212 W. 6th St, Royal Oak, 48067. 248.556.0947.

One-Eyed Betty: American. Weekend Breakfast. Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 175 W. Troy St., Ferndale, 48220.

248.808.6633.

Pronto!: American. Weekend Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

608 S. Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067. 248.544.7900.

Public House: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 241 W. Nine Mile Rd., Ferndale, 48220.

248.850.7420.

Redcoat Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 31542 Woodward Ave., Royal Oak, 48073.

248.549.0300.

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

Royal Oak Brewery: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 215 E. 4th St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.1141.

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

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

248.541.1186.

Town Tavern: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 W. Fourth St., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.544.7300/ Trattoria Da Luigi: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySunday. Reservations. Liquor. 415 S, Washington Ave., Royal Oak, 48067.

248.542.4444.

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

27799 Woodward Ave., Berkley, 48072.

248.548.7711.

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

248.218.6001.

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

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

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

Ganbei Chinese Restaurant and Bar: Chinese. Lunch, Monday-Saturday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 227 S. Main St, Rochester, 48307.

248.266.6687.

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

248.608.2537.

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

Kruse & Muer on Main: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 327 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.652.9400.

Lakes: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

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

McCormick & Schmick’s: Steak & Seafood.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

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

248.637.6400.

The Meeting House: American. Weekend

08.15

AT THE TABLE Much-talked about Antietam deserves second visit

By J. March

he restaurant scene in Detroit has been what you call "boomin’ heavy" for the last three years, if not more. Though I'm not sure what came first, the foodies or those who feed, dining out has become an event rather then something that is simply about sustenance. Thankfully, or my audience would consist of Facebook and the few friends I have left who are willing to suffer through three-hour long dinners that entail Archie Bunkerlike diatribes on how much I despise molecular gastronomy and the term mixologist.

The buzz about a new restaurant starts months before its actual opening – sometimes even before construction. Food blogs like Eater and Hungry Dudes regularly talk about ventures from local chefs who are leaving large restaurant groups or established places in light of a making a name for themselves. Antietam in Detroit was one of the first.

The combination of Brendan Edwards from Michael Minna’s Roast, Joe Robinson from The Sugar House and artist/photographer Greg Holm from New York (originally from Michigan) had the Geek Eaters all abuzz about the art deco space next to the long popular Eastern Market.

Sadly, 11 days after opening, Edwards and Robinson packed up their tongs and muddler and walked out the door. Holm put on his best Gloria Gaynor face and re-opened with Kate Williams and Johnathan Kung as stand-in chefs in late November of 2014. What's most noteworthy about this is the way in which Edwards, Robinson and Holm handled it. Though I'm familiar with the workings of the industry and the Daytime Emmy potential, most of what was published regarding the split was respectful, thoughtful and mature.

Yes, I said mature. Holm even went so far as to say that the experience gave him the chance to "reflect and consider the mistakes that were made." The only way I can put this into perspective is to liken it to your child/significant other/boss stopping midbattle, apologizing and then thanking you for reminding them how much they have to learn. Yup, it's that huge. Eventually Holm called on beverage director Albert Depompeis who signed up and brought along fellow New Yorkers Brion Wong and Justin Jones Feggan (Mt. Clemens native) to nicely round out front and back of the house responsibilities at Antietam.

Located on Gratiot, Antietam is now what used to be a confectioner's showroom. I can't speak as to what it looked like before, but the space is glorious now. Holm has used local artists, leftovers (the ladies room sign is from the beloved J.L Hudson's) and historical pieces to create what I can only explain as what would be the love child of a speakeasy and a french bistro. Comfortable, eclectic, interesting and tight. Very, very tight. No space is wasted, including at the elbow to elbow bar, which is, of course, where I started.

Obviously, beverage is a large part of Antietam with draft cocktails, a thoughtful wine list and the obligatory house made/crafted/mixed/stirred drink list. Feeling like I had to, I skipped the usual and

T

Antietam desserts, including lemon custard with mint. Downtown photo.

asked for bartender's choice that included pink grapefruit, Aperol and Yucca. It was bitter and refreshing which ironically are qualities I find most bartenders lean towards. Happily this one was three parts refreshing, and bitter free. Happy Hour offerings were pointed out ($6 cocktails, wine and small plates that give you zero excuse to not check out the place at least from 5-7 p.m. or 10-12 p.m.), sincere conversation was initiated and not a mention of Sommelier, Master Mixology or Cicerone status.

My guest arrived and we were seated at a table so close to another that I felt like we needed to be on a first name basis with those next to us. We asked to be moved and were happily obliged.

Though we were not rubbing elbows with our neighbors, I was pretty sure that at some point all four legs on my chair were going to collapse if I loaded my fork with anything other than...well, anything. However the Marcona Almonds in Duck Fat that I brought from the bar were whispering to me to go for it and happily the chair held and even had it not, the almonds were totally worth it.

At the suggestion of our server, we started with Burrata, Sweetbreads and the wildly popular Oxtail Terrine. This page has seen the mention of burrata more than once as it seems to be the progression of the caprese obsession. I'm not sure what the truest version should taste like, but in my opinion Antietam's version should be the only version emulated. The firm exterior and creamy center were unbelievably fresh and accompanied by the best tomatoes this year. Though the balsamic that came on the plate was good, it was the grapefruit segments that put this dish in a category of its own. If you're lucky enough to go and this is still on the ever-changing menu, order two. Unfortunately, the sweetbreads could have easily been comprised of almost anything underneath heavy breading and overly salty green beans. The oxtail terrine that the waiter insisted we try was nicely plated and had a beautifully caramelized exterior. We were more than disappointed at the the slightly dry inside with little flavor or seasoning that induced a flashback to my youth and the awful dread when "What's for dinner?" was answered with “Pot Roast.”

The crabapple jelly had no acid or crab-apply bitterness that may have just saved the bland oxtail.

Still open to the lamb that retrained my brain

from my recent visit to Revolver, I ordered the chops and my guest ordered the scallops. Both were what I like to call Lindsey Lohan dishes – full of such potential yet doomed by those who prepare them.

The lamb had great flavor, but was woefully overcooked, and the scallops were big and beautiful, but overly seared on one side and virtually raw on the other. The accompanying white bean puree was grainy and the pea puree was hopelessly bland.

Sad really because the components were all of great quality and the flavor combinations were simple but interesting.

Poor execution killed any chance of a completely favorable review, however, I stand by my prior claims of off nights being forgivable and will likely return in hopes that it was a fluke. What is not forgivable, however, is listing morels and serving chanterelles. Inexcusable. Even if the menus are printed and they ran out seconds before, it's an oversight that is as unforgivable as serving liverwurst for foie gras.

Our server was personable and engaging. In doing some homework I heard/read several complaints about service and poor front of the house management and in observing the dining room, ticket times and the overlooked glass of wine I ordered, I can see where there may be some legitimacy to it. However, good things take time. If you patronize a place with intricate cocktails, expect to wait. If you are a fan of quaint spaces, know the kitchen is probably a tenth of the size of that space.

Antietam is something to take in slowly. The intricate decor lends to lengthy observation of the nuances and classic art deco designs scattered about. And if worse comes to worse, there are bound to be one or two juicy conversations within earshot, just don't lean back in your chair to get a closer listen.

Antietam, 1428 Gratiot, Detroit 48207.

323.782.4378. Reservations accepted. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 5 – 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 5 p.m. – midnight; Sundays, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. Handicap access. Street parking available.

Dress is casual.

J. March has 25 years experience in the restaurant industry in southeast Michigan, including certification as a sommelier.

come as you are

JOIN US FOR DINNER ON OUR OUTDOOR PATIO! Enjoy a casual dining experience focusing on quality food made with local ingredients.

House-smoked beef and pork along with fresh seafood, steaks, chops and bistro entrées on our relaxing outdoor patio.

Happy Hour Daily • Carry Out • Catering Special Events • Weekend Brunch HOURS: Tue – Sun for Dinner starting at 4:30 p.m.

Brunch: Saturdays and Sundays starting at 10 a.m.

248.438.6741 • www.cayagrill.com 1403 S. Commerce Rd., Wolverine Lake

Brunch. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. No reservations. Liquor. 301 S. Main St, Rochester, 48307. 248.759.4825.

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

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

248.453.5371.

Mon Jin Lau: Asian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1515 E. Maple Rd, Troy, 48083.

248.689.2332.

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

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

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

248.816.3424.

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

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

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

Orchid Café: Thai. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

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

248.524.1944.

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Somerset Collection, 2801 W. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, 48084. 248.816.8000.

Rochester Chop House: Steak & Seafood.

Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 306 S. Main St., Rochester, 48307. 248.651.2266.

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

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

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

248.652.4500.

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

248.817.2980.

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

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

West Bloomfield/Southfield

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

Contact James Bishop for advertising rate information.

O: 248.792.6464 Ext. 600 C: 248.709.0442 JamesBishop@downtownpublications.com

148

Bacco: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

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

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

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

Maria’s Restaurant: Italian. Dinner, daily.

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

248.851.2500.

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

248.626.2982.

The Fiddler: Russian. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Thursday-Sunday. Reservations.

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

248.851.8782.

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

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

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

Liquor. 25485 Telegraph Rd, Southfield,

DOWNTOWN

48034. 248.358.1310.

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

Prime29 Steakhouse: Steak & Seafood.

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

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

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

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

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

248.626.8585.

Sposita’s Ristorante: Italian. Friday Lunch.

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

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

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

Sweet Lorraine’s Café & Bar: American.

Weekend Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 29101 Greenfield Rd., Southfield, 48076.

248.559.5985.

Yotsuba: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7365 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield, 48322.

248.737.8282.

West Oakland Gravity Bar & Grill: Mediterranean. Monday – Friday, Lunch & Dinner, Saturday, Dinner.

Reservations. Liquor. 340 N. Main Street, Milford, 48381. 248.684.4223.

It's A Matter of Taste: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 2323 Union Lake Road, Commerce, 48390.

248.360.4150.

Pepino's Restaurant & Lounge: Italian.

Dinner, Tuesday - Sunday. No reservations.

Liquor. 118 W. Walled Lake Drive, Walled Lake, 48390. 248.624.1033.

The Root Restaurant & Bar: American.

Lunch & Dinner, Monday - Saturday.

Reservations. Liquor. 340 Town Center Blvd., White Lake, 48390.

248.698.2400.

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

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

248.620.6100.

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

248.634.5208.

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

248.795.2077.

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

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

248.625.5660

Detroit Angelina Italian Bistro: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations. Liquor.

1565 Broadway St., Detroit, 48226.

313.962.1355.

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

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1428 Gratiot Ave., Detroit, 48207.

313.782.4378.

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

2040 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.965.3111.

Cliff Bell’s: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 2030 Park Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.961.2543.

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

100 Renaissance Center, Detroit, 48243.

313.567.2622.

Craft Work: American. Sunday Brunch.

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor. 8047 Agnes St., Detroit, 48214.

313.469.0976.

Cuisine: French. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday.

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

The Detroit Seafood Market: Seafood.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations.

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

El Barzon: Mexican. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

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

Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café: Cajun.

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

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

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

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

2200 W. Lafayette, Detroit, 48216.

313.962.5588.

The Grille Midtown: Steak & Seafood.

Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 3919 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.0892.

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

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

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

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

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

2601 W. Fort St., Detroit, 48216.

313.309.7946.

Maccabees at Midtown: American.

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

5057 Woodward Ave., Detroit, 48202.

313.831.9311.

Mario’s: Italian. Dinner, daily.

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

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

Liquor. 4710 Cass Ave., Detroit, 48201.

313.974.7669.

Motor City Brewing Works: American.

Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

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

1917 American Bistro: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 19416 Livernois Ave., Detroit, 48221.

313.863.1917.

Prism: Steak & Seafood. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 555 E. Lafayette St, Detroit, 48226.

313.309.2499.

Red Smoke Barbeque: Barbeque. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

Trappers Alley Shopping Center, 573 Monroe Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.962.2100.

Roma Café: Italian. Lunch & Dinner,

downtownpublications.com

Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor.

3401 Riopelle St., Detroit, 48207.

313.831.5940.

Russell Street Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 2465 Russell St, Detroit, 48207. 313.567.2900.

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

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

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

313.438.5055.

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

100 St Clair St., Detroit, 48214.

313.822.8000.

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

313.962.9828.

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

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

St. CeCe’s Pub: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1426 Bagley Ave., Detroit, 48216.

313.962.2121.

Tap at MGM Grand: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 1777 Third Street, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1234.

Taqueria Nuestra Familia: Mexican.

Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 7620 Vernor Hwy., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.5668.

Tom’s Oyster Bar: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday. Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 519 East Jefferson Ave., Detroit, 48226.

313.964.4010.

Top of the Pontch: American. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservation. Liquor. 2 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226.

313.782.4313.

Traffic Jam & Snug: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

511 W. Canfield, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.9470.

24grille: American. Sunday Brunch. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, 1114 Washington Blvd, Detroit, 48226.

313.964.3821.

Union Street: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 4145 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201.

313.831.3965.

Vince’s: Italian. Lunch, Tuesday-Friday.

Dinner, Tuesday-Sunday. Reservations.

Liquor. 1341 Springwells St., Detroit, 48209. 313.842.4857.

Vivio’s Food & Spirits: American.

Saturday Breakfast. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2460 Market St., Detroit, 48207.

313.393.1711.

The Whitney: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & High Tea, Monday-Friday. Sunday Brunch. Dinner, daily. Liquor.

Reservations. 4421 Woodward Ave, Detroit, 48201. 313.832.5700.

Wolfgang Puck Pizzeria and Cucina: Italian. Dinner, Wednesday-Sunday.

Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226. 313.465.1646.

Wolfgang Puck Steak: Steak & Seafood.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1777 Third St, Detroit, 48226.

313.465.1411.

Wright & Co.: American. Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 1500 Woodward Ave Second Floor, Detroit, 48226. 313.962.7711.

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THE COMMUNITY HOUSE Third Annual TCH Farm to Table Block Party Food Fest; a Pure Michigan Sponsored Event The Community House (TCH), along with Presenting Sponsor Huntington Bank and Event Chairs, Kate and Robb Harper of edibleWOW Magazine, are pleased to bring back our third annual Farm to Table Block Party Food Fest on Saturday, September 12th (4-8 pm.) The Community House will block off the streets surrounding TCH so that attendees can stroll around the event enjoying local chefs’ delicious tastings, farmers’ produce, food vendors; and wine, beer and area distilleries whose ingredients are all grown and made in Michigan. Our younger attendees will also participate in fun youth activities as well. Join us to celebrate and help sustain everything Michigan!

Jumbo Loans.

Great Chefs & Vendors at Food Fest: Attendees will savor fabulous chefs’ delights from up to 25 restaurants such as The Townsend Hotel Rugby Grille, Forest Grill, Detroit Seafood Partners, Toasted Oak, Peabody’s, Bill Seklar Clean Plate, Dorsey Culinary Academy, Pontiac Campus and Lafayette Market & Café, who will explain how they’ve used local ingredients which attendees can also purchase directly from the farmers participating, like Upland Hills Organic Farm who will be selling their harvests alongside the Farm to Table culinary experts. Don’t go away hungry; help sustain local Michigan vendors by purchasing delicious Michigan made treats from vendors such as Zingerman’s Creamery, Guernsey Dairy, Whole Foods Market, Chez Chloe, Maria’s Homemade Salsa, Birdie’s LLC, B Free (Gluten Free Baked Goods), Cacao Tree, Brownie Gourmet, Dave’s Sweet Tooth, Imerman Cake Co., Monty’s Beef, Eli’s Tea Bar, and many more. Attendees can also sample Michigan made brews – as well as the delicious wines from Verterra Winery, and libations from Journeyman Distillery.

Jumbo Service.

The Top Choice for Your Luxury Home Mortgage Needs

• Loan Amounts to $1,500,000 • Competitive rates • In-house underwriting with excellent turnaround times

Thank You to Our Contributing Sponsors: Special thanks to the Birmingham Principal Shopping District, our exclusive 2015 Community Sponsor; and our 2015 Gold Sponsor, Whole Foods Market; along with our media sponsors WXYZ Channel 7, Downtown Publications and Cumulus Detroit.

• Portfolio Lending available

Sustaining Children & Families in Need: “Farm to Table” is an important TCH fund raising event for our 21st Century Leadership Youth Outreach Program as well as TCH’s iCount™ Children’s Obesity Prevention Program. Now in its fourth year, the iCount summer program has grown to help over 500 teens in Detroit and Pontiac via the Detroit Public and Charter School systems, Matrix Human Services, Horizons Upward Bound and the Boys and Girls Club. We are very grateful to The Philip and Elizabeth Filmer Memorial Trust; The Trott Foundation; and Tuktawa Foundation as our major 21st Century Leadership Youth Outreach Program sponsors. We are equally grateful to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Bitcentral as our major iCount sponsors.

• A Private Banking atmosphere for your customers

Join in the Fun/Meet Your Neighbors: Bring your family to our “Farm to Table Block Party Food Fest” and be part of sustaining our community. Tickets are $25 in advance for adults and $5 for children 12 & under. At the door tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for children 12 & under. Children 3 & under are free. Tickets include very generous chef’s tastings and one drink ticket. Register at: www.tchserves.org or call 248.644.5832. Get your tickets early as we are expecting to have 1,000 plus people in attendance! Farm to Table Block Party Food Fest takes place rain or shine.

Other TCH Happenings: Grand Get Away to Tuscany, Italy! Two seats left! October 26-November 3 and Overnight Experience to ArtPrize in Grand Rapids! Limited availability! October 7-8, If you haven’t experienced a TCH Travel Department trip, you haven’t been pampered enough! Contact Zelma Gottlieb at zelmag@tchserves.org or 248.644.5832.

TCH Dance Academy Season Starts its 51st Year: Register for children’s classes in Ballet, Creative Dance, Tap, and Jazz – all classes are taught using the nationally recognized Leap n’ Learn curriculum! Contact Renee Wood at reneew@tchserves.org or 248.594.6415.

Lynn Wiand Senior Mortgage Lender NMLS #394920 244-6828 (248) 228-4805

(248)

lwiand@talmerbank.com

www.talmerbank.com

MORTGAGE ORIGINATORS in America 2014

800.456.1500 | www.talmerbank.com

William D. Seklar is President & CEO of The Community House in Birmingham. downtownpublications.com

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Cindy Obron Kahn 248.568.7309 Cindy@CindyKahn.com CindyKahn.com

442 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009

FRANKLIN VILLAGE | $1,295,000

BLOOMFIELD | $900,000

Situated on a beautiful private acre lot Four levels of superior living & entertaining spaces Exquisite kitchen features custom cabinetry & granite

Contemporary with 6600+ sq. ft. of total living space Marble foyer leads to open living/dinning room Light-filled library with custom built-ins & hardwood floors

TROY | $700,000

WEST BLOOMFIELD | $695,000

Luxury condominium in private, wooded setting Well-appointed cherry, granite & stainless kitchen Superior quality & design in wonderful location

Pine Lake views plus docking/boating privileges Abundance of natural light & access to outdoor decks Bright & open master suite with dual baths

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Here is the update on the recent social scene.

Many more photos from each event appear online each week at downtownpublications.com where readers can sign up for an e-mail notice when the latest social scene column is posted. Past columns and photos are also archived at the website for Downtown.

Christ Child Society pour les enfants

Christ Child Society pour les enfants Lyn Connelly, Laurie Farr and Carol Lalka chaired Christ Child Society’s annual spring fundraiser at Oakland Hills Country Club and it Sally Gerak attracted a record crowd of 326 ($75 & up ticket), including nine past presidents. After guests eagerly shopped the wares of 17 vendors and settled into their seats for lunch, current president Pam Hildebrand saluted the event theme by greeting them and thanking presenting sponsor Bank of Birmingham in French. Then Valerie George made a glowing introduction of Christ Child’s Woman of the Year Laura Keziah who moved to Birmingham 11 years ago from the South. In her acceptance, Keziah mentioned the inspiration of society members like Molly Robinson and Nancy Barnett who …”keep charity in their daily lives…their families know if the house is clean there must be a Christ Child meeting.” She also advised, “If you want to raise a lot of money, get the guys involved,” and concluded with a very sincere “Merci beaucoup.” Before Cheryl Hall-Lindsay commentated the nifty show of spring trend fashions from LK Bennett, Max Mara and Lily Pulitzer, she revealed that Hildebrand’s and her friendship dated back to high school and college days. The fashionable, fun event raised $30,000 for the 103-year-old society’s service to disadvantaged children. Mark your calendars for the annual fall fundraiser on Oct. 14. Sarah Dodge is chairing Night of Angels Octoberfest at the Royal Oak Farmers Market.

Night for Sight Wine Auction Event co-founders Dr. Frank Nesi and Dr. Paul Fecko welcomed 160 guests ($500 & up tickets) to the 14th annual charity wine auction benefiting the Alliance for Vision Research at the Townsend. The elegant evening began with a reception during which people socialized, sipped wine and bid nearly $30,000 on items in the silent auction. The dinner featured beef tenderloin and all four courses were paired with superb wine from honorary winery Orin Swift Cellars.

The winery’s Jared Clevenger was on hand to make a pitch for the Napa trip his vineyard donated to the live auction. (It sold for $9,500.) In fact, auctioneer Gary Mach got a total of $103,925 for the 18 items in the live auction. And after Henry Ford Hospital’s Dr. Paul Edwards made a pitch for vision rehab, guests pledged nearly $25,000 for that cause. A jeweled David Yurman bracelet donated by Edmund T. Ahee Jewelers was the prize for a raffle, and all applauded when event pioneer Rich Brown’s name was drawn as the winner.

Forty supporters anteed up another $250 to attend dinner with Clevenger the following night at The Stand. The sophisticated benefit grossed more than $220,000, setting the stage for the milestone 15th anniversary next year.

Hickory Stick Open To the great relief of retailers like Carl’s Golf Land, most golfers want their “weapons” to have the latest technology. And then there is the band of Hickory Stick Open warriors founded by Ted Pearse. They use vintage, wood-shafted clubs and wear, as another nod to the game’s heritage, plus four knickers or kilts.

Their second annual meeting occurred at Oakland University’s two, highly regarded golf courses. There were 180 participants, including HSO’s 38 founding members. They were playing for three charities – Angels Place, the Evans Scholars caddy scholarship program and Feherty’s Troops First Foundation which assists military wounded in Iraq and Afghanistan. They were also playing for the right to display the large, stained glass HSO trophy. After play ended and the Celtic Fife & Drum Corps played during the cocktail hour, guests viewed videos of the charities’ work before Pearse presented each of the three charities a portion of the total $55,000 proceeds. Before guests savored splendid cuisine they applauded the winning teams.

One of the HSO participants, Marty Gillespie, offers another chance to be charitable with hickory stick equipment. The 18th annual Hickory Stick Invitational Monday, Sept. 14, at Edgewood Country Club benefits the Evans Scholars caddy scholarship program. Contact him at (248) 669-2323 x 3307 or mgillespie@hansenmarketing.com. Gillespie has hickory sticks available for use. downtownpublications.com

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1. Lyn Connelly (left) of Bloomfield, Laurie Farr of Beverly Hills, Carol Lalka of Birmingham.

2. Laura Keziah (left) and Pam Hildebrand of Birmingham. 3. Ann Huston (left) of Bingham Farms, Mitzi Phillips, Lynn Quigley and Kathy Milford of Bloomfield. 4. Barry Connelly (left) and Jim Gnerokowski of Bloomfield. 5. Sally Westerheide (left) of Beverly Hills, Carol Roney, Nicola Hendry and Betsy Heid of Bloomfield. 6. Meredith Lovell (left), Kelly Baudhwar and Julia Wolf of Birmingham. 7. Christina Milford (left) and Sue Fritz of Bloomfield. 8. Maryclare Pulte (left) of Bloomfield, Elizabeth Dakin of Birmingham, Kate Ansley of Bloomfield. 9. Pat Hildebrand (left) and Elana Ryder of Birmingham.

Night for Sight Wine Auction

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DOWNTOWN

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1. Drs. Joe Skoney & Luisa DiLorenzo of Birmingham with Nick DiLorenzo of Toronto, Ont. 2. Rich Brown (left) of Pinckney, Dr. Frank Nesi of Grosse Pointe, Gary Mach of Beverly Hills. 3. Dr. Paul & Ann Fecko of Bloomfield, Dr. Alice & Rob Hawthorne of Pleasant Ridge. 4. Michael (left), Jan and Molly Faultersack of Bloomfield, Michael & Deborah Berger of W. Bloomfield. 5. Dr. Tony Capone of Birmingham, Dr. Kim Dresner of Bloomfield. 6. Mark Hagmann and Kim Williams of Bloomfield. 7. Colleen (left) & Kevin Everett and Drs. Mia Woodward & Jeremy Wolfe of Birmingham.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Hickory Stick Open

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Frame Your Face Art of Giving More than 300 people turned out for Thomas Maniaci’s Frame Your Face’s 6th annual Art of Giving at Niki Serra’s Scavoli By Cucina Moda. They socialized, sipped Zim’s vodka, nibbled The Stand cuisine, completed a paint-bynumber canvas of Charlie Chaplin and viewed models in Camilo & Co. fashions, Link Wachler jewelry and Salon H202 hair and makeup – all to music by dj Alex Maniaci for Dirty 313 Productions. Event sponsor 1-800-HANSONS’ Brian Elias was the emcee for a live auction and raffle – all to benefit “Detroit 1-8-7” actress Erin Cummings’ Mittens for Detroit. She started the project when she worked here and has not abandoned it. The evening, which continued for patrons at The Stand, raised about $30,000.

3 1. Ted Pierce (left) of Bloomfield, Chuck Plein of W. Bloomfield and Marty Gillespie of Bloomfield.

2. David Fisher (left) and Doug North and Greg Fisher of Bloomfield. 3. Jeff Abrash (left) of Bloomfield, Kirk Taylor, Charlie Fritz and Mark Anusbigian of Birmingham, Glenn Diegel of Brighton. 4. Mike Dietz (left), Patrick Timlin, Bob Reason and Bob Pulte of Bloomfield. 5. Zan Nicolli (left) and Patricia Mooradian of Bloomfield, Turkia Mullin of Birmingham, Cheryl Wasilewski of Brighton.

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Motor City Lyric Opera’s La Dolce Vita Two hundred supporters ($100 ticket) of the Motor City Lyric Opera and fans of philanthropist Maggie Allesee gathered at the Detroit Athletic Club for spirits and sustenance, both for body and soul. The club’s wine, hors d’oeuvres and desserts provided the former. Musicians, singers and Maggie provided the latter. Violinist Sonia Lee and pianist John Bogdon paid tribute to the late Mike Fezzy, whose brother, Greybear Productions’ Drew Fezzy, produced a video tribute to Allesee. Dr. David DiChiera, last year’s recipient of the Metropolitan Detroit Virtuoso Award, made the presentation, noting “…Maggie makes life better for other people.” In her acceptance, Allesee recalled learning that “…helping other people is a thrill” when she was two-years-old and her mother co-founded the Junior League in St. Petersburg, Florida. The program that followed spotlighted dancers, MCLO singers doing a song from the company’s anti-bullying opera “The Billy Goats Gruff”, baritone Aaron Caruso and, earning a standing ovation, soprano Caitlin Lynch singing Sempre Libera from “La Traviata” as her mother MCLO founder and artistic director Mary Callaghan Lynch beamed with pride. Then emcee Paula Tutman helped Callaghan Lynch draw the raffle winners and folks regrouped for dessert and coffee. The sweet evening raised about $15,000 to help MCLO’s Opera on Wheels outreach program which takes music, including the anti-bullying opera, to students at Detroit school.

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Motor City Lyric Opera’s La Dolce Vita

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Junior League of Birmingham The night following the event reported above the Junior League of Birmingham honored Maggie Allesee for her extraordinary “…devotion of time, talent and treasure to the community.” At the same meeting where outgoing president Julie Gheen passed her gavel to Shiela Jones, sustainer director Noelle Schiffer gave 65-year member and legend Allesee a special Honorary Past President gavel.

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1. Felicia Shaw (right) of Birmingham with Sarah & Steve Jackson of Bloomfield.

2. David DiChiera (left) of Detroit, Maggie Allesee of Bloomfield. 3. Pam Good of Birmingham, Jack Krasula of Bloomfield.

4. Taylor (left) & Steve Jackson of Royal Oak, Jennifer and Skylar Jackson of Birmingham. 5. Dorothy & Augie Perrotta of Bloomfield. 6. Lidija & Jura Grahovac of Bloomfield. 7. Mollie Proctor of Bloomfield and Jud Street of Birmingham. 8. Pete (left) & Gerri Linder of Birmingham, Patrick Lynch of Bloomfield. 9. Dr. Ed Callaghan of Royal Oak, Madeline Rourke of Birmingham. 10. Lil Dullinger (left) of Plymouth, Ellen Brown of Bloomfield, Mary Kate Gariepy of Birmingham.

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KIDSGala – White Party David C. McKnight owns the award winning Emerald City Designs and does lots of parties for individuals, nonprofits and corporations. So it’s no surprise that the event he did for his own non-profit foundation was splendid. It was the second annual KIDSGala created in memory of Nicole Marie Burton, whose mother Shelly was a school days friend of McKnight. “She (befriended) me when I was being bullied,” he revealed. Sharing the final days of Nicole’s battle with leukemia inspired McKnight to create unique celebrations for other children who have a life-altering diagnosis. Nearly 175 people attended the second KIDSGala White Party at the Townsend. Almost everybody wore white.

They matched the huge balloons, the lounge gazebo in the center of the ballroom, the tables & chairs and the feather centerpieces. Some sipped a white cosmo martini with an edible orchid or a white hummer and nibbled mac & white 08.15

cheese, sliders wrapped in white parchment, and beef wrapped in white asparagus. They bid $11,000 in a silent auction and more than $6,000 in the live auction conducted

by Erik Bauss. They watched the “Celebration of Life” video and applauded Norman Yatooma and Sandra O’Brien who received awards from the foundation. The enchanting evening raised more than $60,000 for the KIDSGala foundation. It will also benefit from a golf classic Aug. 3. Get more information at kidsgala.org.

KIDSGala – White Party

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3 1. David C. McKnight (left) and Carrie Stominski of Northville, Kris & Andy Appleby of Bloomfield. 2. Dana Brophy (left), Kay Ponicall and Jane Heffner of Bloomfield. 3. Lucy Earl (left) of Bloomfield, Kathy Reid of Pontiac and Kate Greane of Northville. 4. Cheryl Hall (left) & David Lindsay of W. Bloomfield, Scott Ferguson and Renee Godin of Farmington Hills. 5. Carol Friend & Mark Kilbourn of Troy.

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Motor City Wine & Food Festival

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1. Chef Adam Demanaco (left) of Birmingham, Judy Lindstrom of Bloomfield, Greg Haynes of Huntington Woods.

2. Debbie (left) & Ralph Castelli of Pleasant Ridge, Josie Knapp & George Gize of Warren. 3. Jane (left) & Tony Rudder of Clarkston, Mary Rosenbusch of Rochester Hills. 4. Robert Gaylor (left) of Rochester Hills, Nancy & Jack Auffenberg of Dearborn. 5. Roger (left) and Betsy Pearce, Dennis & Judy Bryce of Farmington Hills.

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Women’s Division Project HOPE

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1. Serena Orsini (left) and Mary Putinta of Bloomfield. 2. Susan Willis Reickert (left) of Bloomfield and Alexandra Demery Cosson of Royal Oak. 3. Don & Bettina Gregg of Bloomfield. 4. Jeanne Bouche (left) and Sherry Saginaw of Bloomfield.

5. Tina Prevas (left) of Bloomfield, Jackie Bagley of Commerce.

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DOWNTOWN

Motor City Wine & Food Festival The first of the three-part Motor City Wine and Food Festival events brought a capacity crowd (28 at $200 each) to Birmingham’s Simply Good, Shanny and Bill Apodaca’s kitchen and market. Guests learned how to prepare their dinner (menu highlights included perfect beef tenderloin and chocolate bump cake) with wine pairings explained by Greg Haynes. They took home written recipes and counted themselves fortunate because Shanny and Bill are taking a sabbatical from teaching cooking classes. The second festival event attracted 45 ($150 ticket) to Assaggi Bistro in Ferndale.

Chef Adam Demanaco’s four courses, that included duck breast salad and rock shrimp risotto, were accompanied by a wine tour of Italy. The special pour was Collosi Neri d’Avola. Haynes said each bottle contained 56million bubbles. The final event was a family party that attracted young and old (about 100) to the historic Van Hoosen Farm in Rochester Hills for old fashion games. Think kite flying, three-legged races, cake walks, old fashion baseball and stilt walking. The festival was conceived by adult literacy advocates Bob Gaylor and Mary Rosenbusch to raise funds for the Oakland Literacy Council. The 2015 festival raised nearly $20,000.

Assistance League of Southeast Michigan 20th Anniversary Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan’s Casino Royale attracted nearly 150 to the Troy Marriott to celebrate the organization’s’ 20th anniversary. During the cocktail hour guests perused the gallery presentation of the league’s philanthropic programs. Comedian Keith Fields entertained during the dinner program. Casino games engaged all after dinner. Last year, the non-profit, all-member volunteer organization helped nearly 20,000 people. Its big fundraiser, Mistletoe Marketplace, is slated for Thursday, Nov. 19 at the Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township. For information go to semich.assistanceleague.org.

FJC 50th Anniversary Celebration Meeting Elanah Nachman Hunger and Katherine Huber chaired the celebration and meeting that attracted nearly 100 current and past Founders Junior Council members to the DIA’s open-air Loggia Courtyard. When it started to rain on the chic, pop-up style lounge setting, party-goers became true FJC volunteers and schlepped everything inside the museum. Cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and crooner Bob Mervak preceded remarks by the Honorable Chief Judge Gerald E. Rosen. The chief federal mediator in Detroit’s bankruptcy shared highlights of the “Grand Bargain.” His original, self-described “scribble,” or brainstorming notes were framed and displayed at the event. Additionally, FJC president Blake Ellis and board member Dave Pontes were both recognized for their six years of service on the board and FJC alum Kathy Rines received special kudos for the wealth of FJC historical info she had collected. It included material on the evolution of Fash Bash, which will again take over the front steps and the Grand Hall of the DIA at 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 13. For tickets, which sell out fast, go to dia.org/fjc or call (313) 833-5646.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Women’s Division Project HOPE The annual luncheon meeting for the Women’s Division Project HOPE attracted 70 to Forest Lake Country Club. It was chaired by Serena Orsini and Mary Putina and featured two very interesting presentations. The first, by WD life member Beck Demery’s granddaughter Alexandra Crossen, touched on her internship and fellowship work empowering women in Africa. “Nothing is impossible…all you need is hope and patience,” she concluded. The second,

by WD member and global humanitarian Lady Susan Willis Reickert, focused on her recent trip to China. She spoke candidly about the depressing government suppression there but that was offset by the rich cultural heritage and her visit to the Shanghai Children’s Medical Center. The latter, a top rated, 1000-bed facility, operates jointly with Project HOPE and serves 1.5 million children each year. Both women received appreciative applause before lunch and the election of the new WD officers. Though not a fundraiser, thanks to benefactor support the gathering did add more than $3,000 to the treasury of the 53-year old WD which funds Health Opportunities for People Everywhere. For membership inquiries, contact Orsini at (248) 646-0289 or sebbieo@aol.com.

Beaumont’s Drive to Beat Breast Cancer For the 20th anniversary celebration of the fundraiser cofounded by the late Dr. John Ingold and Susan Cooper, the event was renamed the Dr. John A. Ingold Invitational. It attracted more than 150 golfers, nearly 250 bridge & canasta players, and 250 for dinner to Orchard Lake Country Club.

Cooper was the Chair Emeritus and the card tournaments were co-chaired by Martha Quay and Michelle Kleiman.

Barry Brink, Ryan Marsh and Scott Strickland chaired the golf committee. The golfers all got to brag that they “played with Rick Smith.” Indeed, the top rated instructor to the PGA stars not only gave a short game clinic before play, he also hit a tee shot with each foursome, gave tips to golfers throughout the day, signed a souvenir flag for every golfer and spoke during the program. ”This game enables me to make a difference…golf’s frustrations are easy compared to cancer,” Smith declared. Beaumont patient Kelly Rothe confirmed Smith’s statement. Describing her care when she chose to have a preventative double mastectomy at the age of 20 as “phenomenal,” she named her doctors and said “…you guys have given me back my life.’

Over 40 volunteers, many of them breast cancer survivors, helped make the huge event go like clockwork.

Except for the fire alarm that went off when the 20 candles on the anniversary cake were lighted. Thanks to generous and loyal sponsors, the 20th anniversary netted $150,000 to add to the more than $3.1 million it has raised for innovative technology and the Sharing and Caring patient support program Ingold founded at Beaumont’s Walter & Marilyn Wolpin Comprehensive Breast Care Center.

SKY Foundation’s Women’s Event When Doreen Hermelin agrees to host a non-profit’s event, which she does frequently, people know the hospitality will be splendid and the art-filled home and grounds will provide spiritual and mental nourishment.

Such was again the case when 110 women gathered there ($100 & way up donations) for Sheila Kasselman’s SKY Foundation’s second annual Women’s Event. Following the cocktail hour and fine strolling dinner Kasselman, who is an eight-year pancreatic cancer survivor, introduced three researchers the foundation supports. With good natured conviviality, they all shared encouraging updates in pancreatic cancer research. Some details of that research is available online at www.skyfoundationinc.org. Also, there is 156

Beaumont’s Drive to Beat Breast Cancer

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1. Rick Smith (center) of Gaylord, Barry Brink of Beverly Hills and Scott Strickland of Birmingham. 2. Ryan Marsh of Bloomfield. 3. John & Martha Quay of Bloomfield. 4. Michelle and Bobby Kleiman of Bloomfield. 5. Gayla & Bob Emde of Bloomfield and Jan & Ed Mann of Birmingham. 6. Dr. Karen McAllister (left) of Clarkston, Sally Ingold of Bloomfield. 7. Laurie Tennent (left) of Bloomfield and Kelly Rothe of Sylvan Lake. 8. Dr. Nayana Dekhne (left) of W. Bloomfield, Paige & Dr. Keith Curtis of Bloomfield. 9. Bobbi & Stephen Polk of Bloomfield.

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SKY Foundation’s Women’s Event

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6 1. Doreen Hermelin (left) of Bingham Farms, Sheila Kasselman of W. Bloomfield. 2. Janice Steinhardt (left) of Birmingham, committee member Sherry Singer of Birmingham. 3. Wendy Powers (left) and Linda Ebert of Bloomfield, Kathy Wilson of Birmingham. 4. Julie Herman (left), Judy McClelland and Barbara Mazer of Birmingham.

5. Julie Dawson (left) of Birmingham, Bev Newmann of Franklin. 6. Gayle Burstein (left) and Penny Blumenstein of Bloomfield, Susu Sosnick and Linda Weissman of Birmingham. 7. Marilyn Schechter (left) of W. Bloomfield, Marcia and Sherry Gershenson and Bluma Schechter of Bloomfield.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK the foundation’s award-winning video Kasselman announced that the fall luncheon is Sunday, Nov. 8 at the MGM Grand. The Women’s Event added $40,000 to the $900,000 the foundation has raised for research since its founding.

Child Safe Detroit Legends Ball

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1. Susu Sosnick (left), Christine Tobias Colman and David Colman of Birmingham. 2. Keith Pomeroy (left) of Birmingham, Char Terry of Bloomfield, Cam Hosner of Shelby Twp. 3. Linda Marshall (left) of Northville, Elizabeth Brazilian of Birmingham. 4. John Parent of Bloomfield, Jennifer Hammond of Troy. 5. Ashley Hudson (left) of Birmingham, Wendy Silverman of Bloomfield. 6. Gene Applebaum (center front) of Bloomfield, Thomas Hearns (left) of Southfield, Katie Valenti, Marcia Applebaum, Maddie & Sid Forbes of Bloomfield. 7. Tom Kuslits & Betsy Reich of Birmingham. 8. Paul (left) & Emily Tobias with Robert & Anne Greenstone of Bloomfield. 9. Frances & Kenneth Eisenberg of Bloomfield. 10. Sonia Pomeroy and Brian Manoogian of Birmingham.

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AHA Detroit Heart Ball

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1. Event co-chairs Bob & Sandy Riney of Grosse Pointe. 2. Piper Caldwell (left) & Jennifer Dulchavsky of Birmingham. 3. Jaime & Curtis Burstein of Birmingham. 4. Bob Mervak (left) and Ben Sharkey of Birmingham. 5. John (left) & Lisa Ross of Beverly Hills and Carol & Ross Bentley of Brownstown.

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The Community House 90 & Beyond

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1. James & Nancy Nordlie of Birmingham. 2. Presenting Sponsor Talmer Bank’s David Provost of Birmingham. 3. Dolores Urquhart (left) of Farmington, Rose Ricelli of Bloomfield. 4. Kathy Wolf (left) and Barbara Hulbert of Birmingham.

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Child Safe Detroit Legends Ball There was electricity in the air at the Townsend as 330 Child Safe supporters ($300 & $500-tickets) hobnobbed with Detroit legends like Isiah Thomas, Dave Bing, Thomas Hearns, Denise Ilitch, Chuck Bennett and Jackie Kallen.

It’s a good thing Susu Sosnick, Christine Tobias, David Colman and their committee eschewed a silent auction for the cocktail hour because guests were too busy schmoozing to bid. They did spend $10,000 on raffle tickets to win a pair of diamond earrings donated by Greenstone’s Jewelry before settling in for dinner and the program emceed by Jennifer Harmon. It featured Child Safe development director Elizabeth Brazilian praising the sponsors, staff, volunteers, Townsend staff and board chair Keith Pomeroy.

The latter then praised and explained the organization’s new partnership with Judson Center. Another highlight was the presentation of two awards – the Hero Award to Char Terry for great support and the Compassionate Leadership award for Linda Marshall. In the live auction, Steve Gross generated bids totaling $65,800, including the two people who each paid $10,000 for VIP trips to the 2016 Masters golf tournament. Dedicated giving pledges totaled another $30,350 before a Motown Performance by Horizon that really got the crowd up and dancing to DJ Thom’s music. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the Detroit Legends Ball raised $380,000 for the child welfare programs of Child Safe at Judson Center.

AHA Detroit Heart Ball Eastern Market’s sheds are popular venues for charity events and for the second year in a row the American Heart Association made that choice for the Heart Ball. Bob and Sandy Riney chaired the 28th annual event which attracted 550 people. They cocktailed in Shed 2 where Ben Sharkey and his group were making great music. They also bid $30,000 in the silent auction displayed therein before sauntering to Shed 3 for the Farm to Table plated dinner catered by Andiamo. The program featured a live auction with Wade Leist doing the honors and raising $87,500; a moving video with remarks by its patient star Gena Rivera and her young son; and pledging, which added $44,000 to the $69,000 pre-committed before the party. The Pulse Party hosted by the AHA’s new young professionals group followed the main event. About 250 trekked back to Shed 2 where a DJ played for dancing that whipped up appetites for

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Ronald McDonald House Grand Opening Gala Nearly 200 supporters of the RMH of Detroit gathered at the Max Fisher Music Center to celebrate the new House in Detroit’s Midtown. Dinner in the Music Box featured lavish food stations and classical music by Sasha. During the program, executive director Jennifer Litomisky tributed “The Heroes behind the House,” noting especially the construction oversight by Gary Granader, whose father Harry built the first RMH of Detroit in 1979 next to Children’s Hospital. McDonald’s owners and operators and La-Z-Boy, which furnishes all the new Houses worldwide, also got kudos as did campaign donors of $10,000 or more.

Families who had stayed at the House told how much the kindness of the staff and the comfortable House meant to them during a very trying time in their lives. The black tie event raised $37,000 to provide comfort and kindness when one’s child is receiving hospital treatment.

the food truck fare. Thanks to generous sponsors the annual event raised a hearty $1.2 million.

Music Hall’s Cars & Stars in Da Moonlight

The Community House 90 & Beyond More than 200 people attended the fourth annual 90 & Beyond luncheon presented by Talmer Bank at The Community House. In addition to the three centurions, Edward Zimcosky, Ruth Hamburger and Evelyn Morrell ,who received certificates guests included 107 nonagenarians. Thanks to All Seasons of Birmingham, guests 90 and older attended free of charge. They also brought “then & now” photos for display and got a souvenir shot by Aly Darin Photography. Another program highlight was the very entertaining “Technology through the Ages” presentation by Dan Patterson and Emily Cavanaugh.

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Habitat for Humanity Tea & Torte Cheryl Henderson and Susie Mansoor convened Habitat for Humanity supporters for Tea at the Townsend to make plans for Habitat Oakland’s 2015 Fall Extravaganza which they are co-chairing. Because they are adding a live auction this year, auctioneer Dan Stall attended to lead a brainstorming session. It resulted in packages featuring, among other items, experiences with the Red Wings, Detroit Lions and a California wine tour. The fundraiser on Thursday, Nov. 19 at the Townsend will also feature Alexander Zonjic and classic Motowners Serieux doing a Tribute to the Temptations. To get involved, contact Joyce Russell at (248) 338-1843, ext.226 or by email joycer@habitatoakland.org.

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1. Vince (left) & Meg Paul of Grosse Pointe, Sandy Cameron of Bloomfield. 2. James Schwyn & Francoise Colpron of Birmingham. 3. Erica Peresman & David Jaffe of Birmingham. 4. Kappy (left) & Topper Pennington and Denise Kurowski of Birmingham. 5. Leslie Pilling (left) of Detroit, Jim Dunn of Northville, Jim & Patti Prowse of Bloomfield. 6. Maggie Allesee (center) of Bloomfield and Carol Friend & Mark Kilbourn of Troy. 7. Helen & Saul Forman of Bloomfield. 8. Laura Raisch of Royal Oak and Tom Schoenith of Grosse Pointe. 9. Bob Allesee (left) of Bloomfield, Tina & Leland Bassett of Farmington Hills. 10. Jeff Daniels.

downtownpublications.com

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Music Hall’s Cars & Stars in Da Moonlight It wasn’t easy doing a black tie version of a Michigan deer camp like the one Jeff Daniels made famous in his play “Escanaba in da Moonlight,” but the Music Hall crew did it. The front porch of the cabin that dominated the stage was the backdrop during the cocktail hour as 200 VIPs ($600 ticket) shopped the silent auction, socialized and dined at tables set on a floor built over the seats. And the creative Roostertail caterers saluted the rustic spirit appropriately with a Michigan salad served in little Mason jars, the entrée presented in individual hot skillets, and Traverse City cherry pie and S’mores for dessert. Music Hall director Vince Paul conducted a brief live auction that brought the auction totals to $49,000 before 200 more people arrived for the concert. It starred Daniels and his son’s band. Father and son wore tuxedos, but the folk nature of the songs, all written by Jeff, justified the baseball caps they sporadically donned. The concert was as much fun as those this reporter enjoys in taverns Up North. They did Daniels originals like “The Lifetime Tiger Fan Blues’ and “My Baby’s Got Sharp Toenails.” The father/son interplay was especially resonant in “Matter of Timin”. A rousing ovation preceded the afterglow during which 250 revelers danced on the Music Hall rooftop.

Thanks to generous sponsors like Ford and Lear, Cars & Stars in Da Moonlight was the most successful since the 2008 economic dip, grossing $322,000 for diverse performing arts programming and education throughout southeast Michigan.

Sunset at the Zoo The same night as the event reported above, more than 2,100 ($175 tickets) attended the Detroit Zoological Society’s Sunset at the Zoo party. Nearly 500 of them were at the VIP pre-party for Benefactors ($700) and Patrons ($300) held at the Polk Penguin Conservation Center construction site. The Summer Chill theme party presented

by Strategic Staffing Solutions featured a strolling supper 159

SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK from 45 of the area’s finest restaurants, live entertainment by The Jerry Ross and The Tom Butwin bands, complimentary tram tours, and access to many of the award-winning animal habitats. The silent auction raised $28,465 and nearly 300 people registered for the GiveSmart mobile bidding process. The live auction raised a cool $104,000. Sunset Keys added $27,425, bringing the event total to nearly $500,000.

Good Samaritans’ Theatre Party

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Good Samaritans’ Theatre Party The Good Samaritans, a volunteer group that supports the comprehensive programs at Holy Cross Children’s Services’ Samaritan Center on Detroit’s east side, hosted a dinner at Cuisine followed by a performance of “Pippin” at the Fisher Theatre. The evening was co-chaired by GS president Mia Materka, Mariann Bolton, Carolyn Andre and Sue Nine. It attracted 180 ($200 ticket), and, according to Nine, was “..a very easy way to raise money ($10,000).” That’s because Cuisine owner, Chef Paul Grosz and his staff, were so adroit, with both the food and the service, and HCCS executive director Brother Francis Boylan got his crew to bring over more chairs to accommodate the crowd.

During a brief pre-dinner pause, Boylan presented a tribute to Lisa Wilson, who served for two years as the original Good Samaritan president preceding Materka. Also in attendance was John Lynch, who would be installed two weeks later as the ninth president of HCCS. The Tony Award winning musical “Pippin” evoked rave reviews, especially for the acrobatics (think Cirque du Soleil).

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1. Mia Materka (left) of W. Bloomfield, Mariann Bolton of Grosse Pointe and Sue Nine of Bloomfield. 2. Mike (left) & Karen Brown of Troy, Carolyn & Gerard Andre of Bloomfield. 3. Lisa Wilson (right) with her fan club David (left), Dave, Joe and Michael Wilson of Bloomfield. 4. John Lynch (right) with Lila of Grosse Pointe and Dawn Lynch Rassel of Bloomfield. 5. Bill & Sandie Slowey of Bloomfield. 6. Geri & Bill Carroll of Birmingham, Br. Francis Boylan of Clinton. 7. Dick Rassel (left) and Rick Rassel and Lissie Rassel Wright of Bloomfield and Brian Rassel of Ann Arbor. 8. Bob Baker (left), Jan Forgione and Diane Roelant of Bloomfield. 9. Lou (left) & Liz Mahoney of Bloomfield, Paul Farrar of Beverly Hills, Joan Farrar of Troy. 10. Gerard & Carolyn Andree of Bloomfield.

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DSO 2015 Heroes Gala More than 1,500 people in Orchestra Hall for the Heroes Gala applauded when DSO Board Chairman Phillip Fisher, President and CEO Anne Parsons, and two Civic Youth Orchestra students presented the 2015 Heroes award to the Davidson/Gerson Family – Karen Davidson, Ethan Davidson, Dorothy Gerson and Ralph Gerson. They endorsed, to the tune of a $3.75 million donation by the family foundation, the late William Davidson’s belief that the DSO should perform outside Orchestra Hall. And this season, the William Davidson Neighborhood Concert Series has served thousands of metro Detroit families. The celebration concert following the presentation featuring singer/songwriter Randy Newman, a Los Angeles schoolmate of DSO Music Director Leonard Slatkin, and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra doing some of Newman’s unforgettable scores for hit movies like “The Natural” and “Toy Story.” The Fifth Annual Heroes Gala, which also included post concert dining and dancing, was the highest grossing fundraising event in the institution’s history.

The event raised more than $1.4 million in support of the DSO’s commitment to transforming the lives of youth across the region through music education.

Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390.

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ENDNOTE

Bloomfield treasurer Devine must resign e want readers to know in advance that what you are about to read has been under discussion for months in the offices of Downtown Publications. The editorial opinion presented below is made after much consideration as the only publication that has provided consistent, detailed coverage the past couple of years of ongoing problems in Bloomfield Township government, our review of state law and countless conversations with a variety of municipal officials, locally and beyond the immediate Birmingham/Bloomfield area.

As we went to press with the August issue, the municipal offices of Bloomfield Township are an uncomfortable place in which to work, and eventually this state of turmoil could spread to affect those hoping to do business with the township.

The cause of that disruption can be laid at the feet of township treasurer Dan Devine, and chronologically dates back to August 2011 when the supervisor at the time retired and Leo Savoie was appointed to take over as the head of the township, much to the chagrin of Devine. The treasurer's attitude was, and still is, that somehow he had a birthright for the top job in the township, given that the two prior supervisors had been elevated to that position from the treasurer's office.

It has been downhill since then, to put it mildly.

Anything that has been proposed by the current supervisor for the sake of bettering the functionality of the township government that perhaps didn't follow past practices has been twisted to look like Savoie was somehow out to “get” Devine, at least in his mind and the minds of his supporters.

It goes without saying that the township has some financial challenges when it comes to retirement pension liabilities in Bloomfield. The community did attempt to deal with the problem by issuing pension obligation bonds in the last two years to wipe out long-term liability and reduce the annual outgo of taxpayer funds.

But then there arose the issue of what many consider the murky situation surrounding fees paid out to an investment firm handling the many millions from the bond issue. Devine, on more than one occasion, led the board to believe that there was a set amount of fees involved in making these investments but in reality the costs turned out to be many times more than publicly represented. In fact, it wasn't Devine who alerted the board but several residents who are in the financial management field who brought it to light to the full-time officials that $160,000 in projected fees turned into $490,000, based on changes in investments and fee payouts outlined in the current contract with the investment firm. We won't say that Devine or the investment firm lied

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to the township board, but certainly obfuscatory answers were raised to the level of an art form when anyone tried to get the straight skinny on what had gone wrong.

When the township supervisor hired an outside firm to review the fees paid on investments, Devine labeled it part of a vendetta by Savoie.

Likewise, Devine objected to the formation of a strictly advisory financial panel being formed to help sort through the mess on the pensions, and had been less than receptive to suggestions that future contracted services, like on investments, should be bid out. Thankfully the board is moving ahead on these issues.

Because of Devine's poor performance in office, coupled with a paranoid world view and what some say is a questionable mental state, he has become a negative force in the township. For the benefit of the community, Devine must step down, before anything worse can happen.

But then there was the realization that another retirement fund not covered by the bond issue was failing to perform, to the tune of at least $5 million annually, and last year, $20 million in shortfalls, which is basically sucking away gains from other investments. While technically state law provides that the township board directs the investment of public funds, it is customary for the municipal treasurer to keep the board informed and make recommendations on investments, so Devine – in office for 16 years – has to take the bulk of the criticism for the township investment issues. Plain and simple.

Add to the list the completely unfounded claim Devine made to state elections officials that the supervisor had accepted an illegal campaign contribution – or bribe, if you will – from one of the township's long-time contractor firms – which the state found not to be supported by the facts.

Another weak attempt by Devine to sully the reputation of Savoie.

The latest development involving Devine is his unfounded allegations in a police report in early May, asserting that the supervisor or friends of his had possibly “kidnapped his daughter and thrown her in the trunk of his car,” when she was actually at a substitute teaching job, which led the township board to publicly censure Devine.

So what are the options in terms of the Devine situation?

There is the possibility of asking the governor to remove him from office, which is a long shot.

There is also the option of recalling Devine, but it would have to be pulled off by this November because state law protects an official from being recalled in either the first or last year of a current term of office.

So we call on Dan Devine to immediately resign from office so the township can move ahead from the negative situation he has created.

As for the township board, trustees should immediately take up the March proposal by Savoie to reduce the treasurer's job to a lesser status, with a severely reduced salary that more accurately reflects the role of this office, effective with the 2016 election or should the office become vacant prior to that time.

The township has long had a hired financial director, who actually performs most of the financial duties of the treasurer. And, as outlined by law, the township has an appointed deputy treasurer. So electing a local resident just because it is required by state law, no matter their qualifications, to be the manager of township tax collections and investments is an archaic approach to good government, at least in developed urban townships like Bloomfield. Better that this office be officially changed to a part-time position, while still a voting member of the board, and go about the business of hiring trained professionals for staff positions to handle the important tasks at hand. After all, that is really how Devine has handled his current position, parttime and not always being part of the ratings calls with the ratings agencies, including the critical one several years ago under a previous supervisor when the township was granted its AAA rating.

We understand there are some diehard Republicans in the township who are Devine fans, primarily because he shows up at Oakland County GOP meetings, as we are often told. But, figuratively speaking, turning chickens on the grill at the GOP picnics does not qualify someone for holding the office of treasurer.

Because of Devine's poor performance in office, coupled with a paranoid world view and what some say is a questionable mental state, he has become a negative force in the township. For the benefit of the community, Devine must step down, before anything worse can happen.

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Frank Flynn Associate Broker

Hour Detroit Real Estate All-Stars 2011, 2012, 2013 & 2014

jflynn@hallandhunter.com | 248.644.3500 | fflynn@hallandhunter.com 442 S. Old Woodward Ave. | Birmingham, MI 48009 Photography by Tom Drew