Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield by Downtown Publications Inc.

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248.644.3500 HallandHunter.com *2011 total dollar volumn Birmingham-Bloomfield Hills. Data provided by BrokerMetrix and Realcomp II MLS.

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

HALL & HUNTER. Melinda Allen Lynn Baker Gayle Barker Patty Blair Matt Blauvelt Carolyn Bowen-Keating Joan Brown Nancy Buck JoAnn Buesser Joanne Carter Lila Casenave Lois Casey Ron Clem Meredith Colburn Jean Colby Kevin Conway Lanie Hardy Cosgrove Emily Day Sandy Demetriou Christine Drinkwater Chris Edwards Ginny Fisher Frank Flynn Julie Flynn Gordon Fox Deby Gannes Holly Geyer Eva Goren Janet Graham Pam Gray Ester Greig Gail Grout Anna Guloyan Kristi Hamed Kim Minasian Hawes Tim Hertzler Susan Hill Sal Impastato Gillian Lazar Jo Lincoln Donyale Mahorn Vickie McAskin Alice McIntyre Bill Meade Kelly Moody Joy Morris John Newman Ellen Newville Gary Newville Karin Nihls Rita M. O’Brien Kristin Parent Amy Parker Mona Parlove Shondell Patterson Dorothy Perrotta Michael Perrotta Nanci Rands Nancy Reizen Cheryl Riback Jerry Schmidt Lynda Schrenk Dana Shagena Sue Simon Kelly Small Pam Stoler Heather VanHaaren Violet Vestevich Adam Waechter Chi-Chi Ward Madelon Ward Ted Widlund Diana Wolak Schmidt Brad Wolf Dennis Wolf Dee Wright Amy Suzanne Zimmer Elise Zimmermann Denise Zuckerman

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DOWNTOWN02.12

25 35

Revival of the Rail District The Eton Road Corridor, or Birmingham's Rail District, as Birmingham has renamed it, is in the midst of being born anew after floundering in quiet disuse for many years.

CRIME LOCATOR

CITY/TOWNSHIP

EDUCATION Birmingham district lowers budget deficit; Bloomfield Hills school board recall attempt fails to gain signatures; district schedules school consolidation town hall series.

Fred Astaire Dance Studio; Elements Therapeutic Massage; Total Tennis; Bella Introductions; Tim Horton’s; Studio Bridesmaids; Pure Hair; Platinum Imagery; and more.

SOCIAL LIGHTS

New bistros okayed; E. Maple road work hearing; ethics code considered; Maple Theater revamp; police alert system; tree ordinance opposition; Potts announces, plus more.

Forthosenotresidinginthefree mail distribution area, paid subscriptionsareavailablefora $12 annual fee. Phone 248.792.6464 and request the Distribution department or go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions”inthetopindexandplaceyour orderon-lineorscantheQRCodehere.

With a name derived from the Italian assaggiare meaning to taste, Assaggi Bistro in Ferndale offers a menu of Italian tastes crafted by French techniques.

BUSINESS MATTERS

71: Robert Sestok

DISTRIBUTION: Mailedmonthlyatnocharge tohomesinBirmingham,BloomfieldTownship andBloomfieldHills.Additionalfreecopiesare distributedathighfoot-trafficlocations.

Public schools are required to report annual crime statistics but their private school counterparts lack transparency on the issue.

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

33: Leonard Slatkin

School crime stats

AT THE TABLE

FACES

The local cable wars

Three companies are vying for cable customers whose tastes and demands are rapidly moving beyond mere television.

THE COVER “For Mother Teresa” by Mark Suvero, at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, Bloomfield Hills.

ENDNOTE

106

DOWNTOWN P U B L I C A T I O N S DOWNTOWNBIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD 124WESTMAPLEROADBIRMINGHAM48009 P:248.792.6464 downtownpublications.com facebook.com/downtownpublications twitter.com/downtownpubs

Publisher:DavidHohendorf AdManager:JillCesarz Graphics/ITManager:ChrisGrammer NewsEditor:LisaBrody

NewsStaff/Contributors:HillaryBrody, SallyGerak,Eleanor&RayHeald, AustenHohendorf,GarrettHohendorf, KathleenMeisner,LaurieTennent

DOWNTOWN

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

Why private and public schools should follow the same crime reporting rules; Birmingham bistro study long overdue.

INCOMING: Wewelcomefeedbackonboth ourpublicationandgeneralissuesofconcern intheBirmingham/Bloomfieldcommunity.The traditional Letters to the Editor in Downtown are published in our Incoming section, and can include traditional letters or electronic communication.Youropinionscanbesentvia e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com; or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI, 48009. Letters must include your full name, address anddaytimephonenumberforverification.

02.12

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FROM THE PUBLISHER ince the launch of Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield, I have spent part of my time exploring other publishing opportunities in Oakland County and adjacent areas, talking with business and community leaders about possible additional publications that could be produced from our offices in downtown Birmingham.

Over the past 18 months, I have been approached by a number of business leaders from the LGBT community who asked that we consider producing a quality monthly newsmagazine that celebrates the accomplishments in this special community while at the same time bringing our brand of journalism, including in-depth hard news features, to explore the issues facing the lesbian, gay, bi and transgender community in Oakland County and the region. During this same time frame I had a close friend â&#x20AC;&#x153;come outâ&#x20AC;?, which added some sense of urgency to my consideration of a new LGBT publication. As an old-style publisher, I understand the need to produce a profit to make a publication self-sustaining but at the same time I understand that publishing carries with it a responsibility to weigh-in on public policy issues and help shape the debate for the benefit of the general public. So the thought of being able to help shape the public agenda on behalf of the LGBT community with my over three decades experience in publishing and the political realm was intriguing. I have spent the last several months discussing this possible new publication, including hosting focus group dinners involving a variety of key members of the LGBT community to gauge their reaction to a new monthly newsmagazine and to gather their opinions on what type of publication might be of interest. Our publishing group is preceding ahead with the possible launch of Xpress magazine, which would be published monthly and have as its editorial focus the accomplishments of the LGBT community while at the same time looking each month at the hurdles still facing its members. The physical size of Xpress will be somewhat smaller than Downtown and on a higher quality stock but still in a full-color magazine format. If launched, we will be distributing 20,000 copies at high foot-traffic locations in Oakland, Wayne and Macomb counties, along with paid mail subscriptions. I stress possible launch of Xpress because we are a small publishing group that would need to raise funds for a successful introduction of a new publication. To that end we are turning to what is known as crowd-source funding whereby those who support our publishing concept are actually given the opportunity to donate to help us reach our funding goal for launching Xpress magazine. Beginning on February 7, at quickstarter.com, supporters will be able to search for Xpress magazine and learn the specifics of our publishing plan, view a video, and donate online to help us bring this new magazine to the market in early summer. As part of our introduction of both Xpress and our fund-raising effort, Downtown Publications will be hosting a dance party celebration on Saturday, February 25 at the Roostertail in Detroit, kicking off with a special VIP party at 7:30-9 p.m. in advance of the celebration starting at 9 p.m. Advance tickets are being sold at eventbrite.com/event/2781837551. Further details about the Xpress kick-off event can be found on page 74 in this issue and we will announce the start of our kickstarter.com donation effort on our website (downtownpublications.com) and in e-mail blasts to the community in the coming days. So make sure you monitor our website, Facebook page (facebook.com/downtownpublications) and Twitter (twitter.com/downtownpubs) for announcements in early February. As you can expect, we are excited about expansion opportunities and even more enthused about helping to bring our brand of journalism to the LGBT community in Oakland and adjacent areas through Xpress. David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

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INCOMING Enhance traffic flow This letter is a response to the article "Complete streets for E. Maple set" (Downtown/January 2012). The idea of Complete Streets is fine where street size and traffic conditions permit. East Maple from Eton to Woodward is not such a place. With the current four lanes, traffic often snarls between Adams and Woodward, causing terrible backups and significant delays. It can take up to three light changes at each intersection to reach and cross Woodward. How far would the backups be with only one lane in each direction? I challenge the experts from Parsons Brinkerhoff and the members of the Birmingham City Commission to drive west on E. Maple toward downtown at various times through the day so they can experience the situation in real time, not just study and discuss. The reality may change some minds. Motorists will indeed go to other roads as Parsons Brinkerhoff suggests. In doing so, they will bypass Birmingham businesses along E. Maple from Adams to Woodward and, perhaps skip downtown as well. Walkers, cyclists and bus riders do not stop for gas, their weekly groceries, to rent a car, and the like. As a resident on N. Eton, I can guarantee that I would avoid Birmingham along E. Maple into downtown and turn, instead, to Troy with its easier access should E. Maple from Eton to Woodward becomes a Complete Street. Traffic flow needs to be enhanced, not decreased. Michael Kowalski, Birmingham

Nanny education Thank you for the very well written article which included English Nanny & Governess School in Downtown (Downtown/Oct. 2011). We always appreciate the opportunity to have families hear about the level of education required to graduate from the school. Sheilagh Roth, Executive Director, English Nanny & Governess School Chagrin Falls, OH

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Say “no/no” in May Board members (for Bloomfield Hills Schools), having narrowly escaped recall, may be emboldened by relief they will not face a recall election. This board knows that a DOWNTOWN

November election ensures the highest turnout and delivers the only valid voice of district residents on such an important issue as a bond proposal. However, it appears likely that they will take two bond proposals to the voters in May or August: funds to build a new single high school and close Lahser; and funds to build a new field house (in addition to the new gym in the base high school bond and a bigger, better pool than the new pool in the base bond). Why May? Because they can and will bombard parents with get out the “yes/ yes” vote and by and large leave 80 percent of the district in the dark. So we need to say “no/no” again, this time in May or August. Why “no/no” again? The majority of district residents understand that renovating our two small high schools is best for district residents and for district students. They also understand this district can afford to maintain a comprehensive curriculum and assure academic excellence for all students through a renovation strategy. Thank you to all of the volunteers who collected thousands of recall signatures over the past 120 days. Board members are lucky that we were unable to squeeze enough signatures into the 90-day window required. Petition volunteers learned a lot of people were surprised the combined high school plan was still alive; they thought it was killed in the November 2010 election. Petition signers told volunteers they are angry with the board's obsession for combining high schools and are committed to reject any high school merger bond proposal. Petition signers were grateful we took the bold step to initiate a recall effort and expressed thanks to volunteers who hit the streets with petitions. This grass roots team was remarkably successful despite aggressive and often ugly tactics deployed by some board supporters. I implore you to pay close attention to what the board is saying and what they aren't saying. Their information/propaganda blitz has already begun, and behind the scenes, the architectural and construction management firms they have hired will support this bond campaign as well. A lot of people have a lot of money riding on bond passage and they don’t care one bit about our community. 02.12

I will continue to work tirelessly to provide you with facts, and continue to ask questions of the board and press for answers. Chris Fellin,Bloomfield Hills

Recall long shot The recall of the Bloomfield Hills School Board was a long shot. Bloomfield 20/20 did not necessarily expect to win that effort. We do not have thousands in tax dollars to spend on communications as the district does. We did get great results, and got to know a lot of people who feel as we do. The majority of taxpayers in Bloomfield are being disenfranchised. The large tax bonds proposed since 2003 have been turned down, not by B2020, but by the majority of voters in Bloomfield. The next huge tax bond will probably be on a May 2012 ballot. Most people here do not want to spend huge amounts on a "new" school with the latest fad in education installed--team teaching. What accountability would there be? What benefit to students? What is the real total cost after interest over 30 years. The board should give up trying to shove these huge plans down our throats. Accept the wishes of the majority and renovate our buildings-which are empty, or have declining enrollment. It is a practical, logical choice. Use the "sinking funds" to maintain and fix. All of our schools are about the same age - are you going to ask for $100 million for each of those also? Cara McAlister, Bloomfield Township

Education, not buildings I was raised in America….land of the free, where the word democracy means that we vote on things so that our voice is heard…period. However, when it came to the vote, or should I say the votes, it just did not work that way in our Bloomfield Hills School District. We were asked to vote on whether we wanted one new school on one campus or not. We voted several times that we did not. Then our school board decided to take our sinking fund that we put in place to keep our schools in good condition for our children, and just ignore what we the taxpayers said we wanted, and do whatever they wanted. No wonder we are angry. No wonder we wanted them removed. downtownpublications.com

SPEAK OUT

Don’t forget Valentine’s Day

We welcome your opinion on issues facing the Birmingham/Bloomfield communities. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009. While we don’t have a specific word limitation, we reserve the right to edit for length.

Unfortunately, we could not get enough signatures in the allotted time. However, we do have enough people to vote “no” when they come back once again for more money to finish their project. The key word here is “their” project. We do not need fancy buildings to educate our students. The sinking fund should have been spent over the years as they were set up for instead of held onto so that all of the problems would not have occurred like the board wanted them to, so they could point out the areas of disrepair as reasons for needing a new building. We have enough empty buildings in our school district. We need to use our sinking fund, and we need to find people who will be on the board that are willing to work with the taxpayers not against them. This has been a total nightmare for the majority of us who truly want what is best for the students, a great education, not a fancy building that has absolutely nothing to do with the education. Let’s ask anyone who went to school at Harvard, Yale, or for that matter, Cranbrook. How did any of those students ever learn anything in those old buildings? Suretta Must, Bloomfield Hills

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Great IB article Congratulations to Lisa Brody for an outstanding article on International Baccalaureate (IB) education (Downtown/January 2012). About twenty-five years ago, the International Academy (IA) in the Bloomfield Hills School District was the first school in the area to offer any IB programs or diplomas. The IA operates in a former elementary school that was closed DOWNTOWN

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decades ago. Despite the inadequate facilities, the IA is consistently rated as one of the best schools in the country. Sadly, only one in three Bloomfield Hills School District applicants to the International Academy in 2011 could be accepted, for lack of room. This is a totally disgraceful situation in a district that has several vacant school buildings. My suggestion is to combine all of our middle school students in the soon-to-be-vacated high school building, and have International Academies in all three middle school buildings. Richard Rosenbaum (former teacher), Bloomfield Hills

Medical marijuana article I just finished reading your December, 2011 article "Betrayal of Voters" and would like to compliment you on how well researched it was. This is my first exposure to your magazine and I am excited by the strong medical marijuana stance you take in your article, as well as the editorial on the last page. James Campbell, Huntington Woods

Opposes marijuana I’m opposed to marijuana (Downtown/2011) because of the devastating effect it is having on the planet and the direct and indirect negative impact it is having on human life. The massive amount of energy needed to grow marijuana indoors comes from coal fired power plants which pollute the air. The materials needed to equip the greenhouses are manufactured using petroleum and other toxic substances. The chemicals, trees and raw mineral products needed to make rolling papers, matches and other paraphernalia used to smoke pot damage the planet and hurt the environment. The run-off from fertilizers used to grow marijuana outside pollutes rivers and streams. Trucks and cars that transport the pot give off exhaust fumes which foul the air we breathe. So how many lives are lost worldwide due to the bad air, bad water, toxic soil, and a polluted environment because of all the poisons we create to get high? Normally, liberal publications attack industries that do this much damage to the planet but the pot business strangely gets a pass. downtownpublications.com

How many people world-wide die or are injured in vehicle accidents because they are under the influence of marijuana? How many get sick because they are breathing in the smoke, ash and other toxic compounds from burning plant matter. Those who are most harmed are the poor who become addict(ed) and spend their limited income on this substance instead of on essential living expenses. What if all the energy and resources that are used to grow marijuana were used instead to produce food to feed people in need? Fortunes are being spent to get high on pot while we have more poor and hungry people in the world than ever before. And I think it’s safe to assume that 99.99 percent use pot to get high and don’t even pretend that it’s for some mythical “medical” purpose. John Nowak, Birmingham

Dog park issues In reference to the article about the underutilization of the new dog park (Downtown/January 2012), while I appreciate the city (finally) responding to the outcry for some type of area for dog play and socialization, I can assure you, that a big part of the problem is the fact that the city is charging people to use the facility. On top of that, the park is only “open” until dusk (in the winter months that means 5 p.m.), and even during “open” hours there is no guarantee that when you get there it will be open due to weather and conditions. Seriously, could they make it any more difficult to participate in this? The park should be open 24/7 at the owners risk. And if it’s muddy, who cares – as a dog owner, we are pretty used to muddy animals. And guess what? If we don’t want our dog to get muddy, then we won’t go in. Trying to maintain the “landscape” and grass area is absurd. Half the reason owners are looking for an area for the dogs to play, because it ruins our own grass in our yards! As a dog owner in Birmingham, I was very interested in this opportunity when it first began, for both me and my dog. Unfortunately, the city has made it almost impossible to enjoy the experience, and I personally would never pay money to take my dog to a fenced-in area that charges me $50 a year. Christine Cowan, Birmingham DOWNTOWN

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CRIME LOCATOR

NORTH

Map key

Sexual assault

Assault

Murder

Robbery

Home invasion

Breaking/entering

Larceny

Burglary

Vehicle theft

Larceny from vehicle

Vandalism

Drug offenses

Arson

These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through January 20, 2012. Placement of codes is approximate.

LEAP INTO THE NEW YEAR

Excellent time to buy and sell! Mortgage rates are below 4% (lowest rate since 1951) Lynn Baker

Deby Gannes

248.379.3000

248.379.3003

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Associate Broker

Rich

Realtor

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Oakland Township $849,900

Bloomfield Hills $649,900

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Backing to serene ponds with wildlife to enjoy. Decorator’s delight with every upgrade, former Moceri model. 5,338 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and 2 lavs, master suite has separate sitting room with dual fireplaces and private exercise room, fully paneled library, multiple fireplaces, back hall with mud room and neutral décor. Finished walkout with theatre, kitchen/bar, bath, game area and 2nd family room. One of the best developments on the billion dollar mile. WHI211115629

Estate home in private gated community, The Hills of Lone Pine. Enjoy tranquil view of Minnow Lake from inside and deck across entire home’s lake side. Beautiful mature setting, sweeping lawn and exquisite landscaping. Custom cherry cabinets, granite and top of the line appliances in Chef’s kitchen. 3,441 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and 2 lavs has 1st floor master suite with fabulous closet and bath. Finished walk out and 3 car garage. WIC211121787

Original carriage house for the Chalmer’s Estate. Rich in history, renovated in 2007 with all of the details, charm & elegance to reflect the era. Oversize rooms, extensive limestone, hardwood, wainscoting and trim. First floor master plus 5 additional bedrooms, 4 1/2 baths, 3rd floor family room/game area, 7,611 sq. ft. Private, wooded 1.25 acre estate with perennial gardens and views/privileges on Chalmers Lake. CLA211114111

Birmingham $724,900

Waterford $195,000

Shelby Township $599,900

1936 gem located in Quarton Lake Estates on oversize lot (80 x 147.) Completely updated in 2010, 3,292 sq. ft. 4 bedrooms, restored original hardwood floors, 2 elegant baths and 2 powder rooms, kitchen with custom hand made cabinets, premium stainless steel appliances, granite and stone floor, rear mudroom with laundry and finished basement. Private fenced yard with amazing in-ground pool, paver pathways, perennial gardens and custom landscaping. Attached garage. Every upgrade. FAI212005213

Enjoy all sports Loon Lake in this quiet condo development. End unit with 3 levels featuring magnificent lake views. 2,226 sq. ft. with 3 bedrooms and 2-1/2 baths. Living room has fireplace and deck, library, ceramic floors in kitchen and dining room. Master with fireplace, huge bath, walk in closet and great lake views. Finished walk out, 2 car attached garage and a dock. Quick occupancy. BAY2111120470

Enjoy perfect sunset views on 100 acre Spring Lake with 202 feet of lake frontage. Ample yard to entertain with brick paver patio, composite seawall and deck. Home has all the best with 3974 sq.ft., 5 bedrooms and 4-1/2 baths. First floor in-law or au pair suite, cherry hardwood floors in foyer, dining room, library and ktichen. Master bath has separate sauna plus 18 x 13 walk in closet. 2500 sq.ft. walk out with total rear view of lake has complete bar, bath, game room, 2nd family room. SOU211127770

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Franklin $4,250,000

Birmingham $2,395,000

Bloomfield $3,200,000

Exceptional 2001 Tringali-designed English Tudor replica on 2.48 acres in Franklin Village. Gated drive opens to views of the slate roofed home with pond, fountain & arched walkways. Over 10,000 sq. ft. of luxury. Wine Cellar & Tasting Room. Two heated garages with capacity for 8 cars.

2004 built, in-town home with exceptional features and amenities. 6 Bedrooms, 6 full & 2 half Baths. Gourmet island Kitchen, banquet sized Dining Room. Spacious Family Room overlooks multi-terraced yard. Lower Level features Rec Room, Theatre, Bar & Bath. 3 car garage with apartment above.

This historic property overlooking Wing Lake was restored & expanded in 2001 to extraordinary elegance & functionality. Over 6,000 sq. ft. with an additional 4,000 sq. ft. in a beautifully finished Lower Level. Wine Cellar. 1st floor Master Suite with fieldstone fireplace and Sitting Room.

Fabulous Sites Just in Time for Spring Bloomfield Hills $3,250,000 to $6,800,000 Spectacular sites on the East shore of Turtle Lake from 1.6 acres to 4 acres, in the premier gated community of Turtle Lake.

Birmingham Lakefront $950,000 Last remaining buildable site directly on Quarton Lake. Walk-out site may accommodate up to a 9,000 sq. ft. residence on three levels.

Bloomfield $899,000 2011 updates in pristine Bloomfield Hills transitional. Gracious foyer, high-ceilinged Living Room plus large bays in Dining Room & Library. Gourmet island Kitchen opens to Breakfast & Sun Rooms. 1st floor Master. 3 Bedroom Suites upstairs. Walkout with Family Room, Exercise Room & more.

Sold

Bloomfield $849,000 Beautiful lakefront acre site on Gilbert Lake. May accommodate walkout. Bloomfield Village $698,000 Estate Area of Bloomfield Village. Site is 0.83 acres with 150' frontage. Just minutes from downtown Birmingham and surrounded by multi-million dollar properties.

Bloomfield $199,000 Nearly 1 acre in a beautiful established area of million-plus homes. Survey and engineering reports available. Birmingham schools.

Sold

Bloomfield $795,000 Beautifully maintained & updated soft contemporary, 4 Bedroom ranch. Over 4,000 sq. ft. of living space. Newer Kitchen. Luxurious Master Bath. Indoor pool converts to banquet sized room for entertaining. Center, open-air courtyard.

For Lease

Birmingham $1,350,000

Bloomfield $1,699,000

Bloomfield $185,000

Franklin Lease $3,250/mo.

Unbelievable price for the model residence at Woodland Villa, in-town Birminghamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exclusive residential enclave. Best value in development. Luxurious lifestyle & unparalleled location. Sophistication & elegance throughout 3 levels. 4 Bedroom Suites. Elevator. 3 car garage.

170' of frontage on Chalmers Lake. Unique limestone and cedar design. Superbly landscaped 1.5 acres. Garden and lake views from every room. Open island Kitchen/Family Room. First floor Master with dual baths. Screened Adirondack porch and large deck.

End unit condo in the gated community of Woodlands on Gilbert Lake. Spacious 1st floor Master plus 2nd Bedroom suite, Library, Living Room, Dining Room & first floor Laundry. Fully finished walk out with Family Room, 3rd Bedroom Suite, Office and abundant storage.

Charming 1920's estate home on incredible private 3.37 acres. Convenient to area freeways. 5 Bedrooms, 4 full and 2 half Baths. Over 4,000 sq. ft. with 2,076 sq. ft. in the partially finished Lower Level. Updated Kitchen. Spacious living areas. Immediate occupancy.

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REBUILDING BIRMINGHAM'S RAIL DISTRICT ETON CORRIDOR COMING TO LIFE BY LISA BRODY

he Eton Road Corridor, or Birmingham's Rail District, as Birmingham has renamed it, is in the midst of being born anew after floundering in quiet disuse for many years as Birmingham's forgotten area. Populated by a creative class, as well as those offering educational opportunities for youngsters, along with landscapers, a towing company and other industrial users, it's an amalgamation of new and old; repurposed spaces and original users. It's bordered on one side by railroad tracks, and on the other by Eton Road that traverses between Maple and 14 Mile Road. It's southern border is Lincoln; it's northern, Maple Road. What was once a strictly industrial area of Birmingham is now being reborn as a mixed use community of commercial businesses, retail, residential, with some restaurants being thrown in for good measure. In October 1999, Birmingham's City Commission and Planning Board, along with city staff, developed the Eton Road Corridor Plan, an addendum to the city's master plan and a document which examined the area and looked at how to best redevelop it. Ironically, over 12 years later, with economic hiccups hijacking development in between, the plan remains on target. With minor modifications to time and circumstances, it forecast the rejuvenation of the Rail District and it's vital role as a destination at the eastern edge of Birmingham. Birmingham city commissioner Scott Moore was mayor of Birmingham at the time the Eton Road Corridor Plan was created, and is elated the essential substance of the plan is being examined and enacted. “It's time has finally come, and I couldn't be happier,” he said. “It's an important, vital part of the community.”

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Current Birmingham mayor Mark Nickita was chairperson of Birmingham's Planning Board when the plan was created. “The plan is working—that's what's so awesome about it and what I'm so encouraged about,” Nickita said. “We had a pretty good idea about what we were hoping for conceptually. Everything there is unique. We didn't want to chase away long-term businesses, like the collision business, God bless them, they're still doing their thing, and we didn't want to clear out the area, but if zoning was going to be left as it was, we knew some housing developers would come in and just wipe the whole area out and put up generic subdivision houses. We didn't want that. We wanted to see the value of the area maintained with an eclectic mix of use. We had no intention of chasing anyone out, but to let it evolve into an eclectic mix of uses, and that's largely what has happened.” In 1929, the city's first master plan designated the area as the only location as suitable for industrial uses, and its proximity to the Canadian National Railroad perpetuated a number of railoriented and industrial uses over the years, including lumber yards, storage, and small scale manufacturing sites. As the 1999 plan noted, “Evolving market trends and changing community priorities have led to development pressures within this area of the city. Consolidation of one of the sub-area's largest locations, Erb Lumber, to a location outside the community has resulted in a redevelopment opportunity within the corridor.” et the potential to change and redesign this area into a district from an industrial corridor has presented a challenge to city leaders and planners who have sought to maximize the region's advantages while minimizing conflicts with the surrounding neighborhood, as at a January 2012, city commission meeting when Birmingham's Big Rock Chop House restaurateur Norm LePage sought approval for his new business, Griffin Claw Brewery and Restaurant on Eton against push-back from area residents. Ultimately, city commissioners approved Griffin Claw as an approved usage for the area, reassuring residents while noting provisions in the Eton Road Corridor Plan. LePage's attorney, Rick Rattner, said, “This is a design that fits in to the use of the corridor plan beautifully. We have built something that fits into this neighborhood like a jigsaw puzzle—it's a perfect fit.” Moore was excited members of the community were beginning to talk about essentials of the plan, which are the best ways to live and work together in a formerly all industrial area. “My advice to residents and the community, when there is a SLUP (special land use permit), generally speaking, is to make the project the best project it can be because somebody else might put in a permitted use you like even less,” said Birmingham City Manager Bob Bruner. The vision statement for the Eton Road Corridor Plan is that the corridor will be “a mixed use corridor with a range of commercial, service, light industrial and residential uses that serve the needs of the residents of Birmingham. Creative site planning will be encouraged to promote high quality, cohesive development that is compatible with the existing uses in the corridor and the adjacent single-family residential neighborhoods.” The corridor, which is often called the Rail District,

contains approximately 65 acres, or 2 percent of Birmingham's land area. For decades, the entire land area was utilized for industrial use, and most of the area was under the control of large landholders. In the more recent past, these larger landholders either stopped their operations or have downsized, creating opportunities for others to come in and purchase land for reuse or development, or to lease out buildings for repurposed uses. Several factors, including disjointed ownership patterns, the allowable uses permitted in the industrial zoning district, and piecemeal development over the years previously prevented the emergence of a cohesive identity as a separate district of Birmingham. But that has begun to change over the last decade or so. It began first with the rehabilitation of the old train station by restaurateurs Norm and Bonnie LePage into Big Rock Chop House, followed by the Crosswinds development, now known as the Birmingham Lofts at Eton Street Station, a live/work development by developer Bernie Glieberman. “In the late '90s, after the area was rezoned for mixed use, at a time when my son was taking the train to Chicago because he was going to school there, one day I looked at this vacant lot next to Big Rock, and I had this idea, and I called Norm LePage, and I said, 'What do you think about doing loft apartments in your parking lot?' He said, 'I love that idea,'” said J.C. Cataldo, co-partner with LePage of District Lofts on Eton. “Bernie Glieberman really validated residential demand with Crosswinds; I just added a bit of Chicago architecture to the area.” “We encouraged Crosswinds to be not just housing but to also have a mixed use of live/work with the potential of retail,” said Nickita. “There's even intended to be a linear park, with green space in front on Eton, that was never developed out, that was meant to be a park north of Whistle Stop, in addition to a linear park in front of the railroad tracks, that over time the master plan urged us to look for an opportunity to control land to connect with Kenning Park (at the corner of Eton and Lincoln roads).” Cataldo said initially the 24-unit residential units, begun in 2006, were for sale units, but when the economy crashed in 2008, despite strong presales, he and LePage realized it would be better to turn them into rental apartments. Since, they have always been 100 percent leased, with “a long waiting list,” Cataldo said. As for tenants, he noted, “It's like Noah's Ark, we've got one of everybody— young singles, middle-aged couples, doctors, lawyers.” The first floor has four units that are leased out as commercial, with an attorney's office, a CPA, Truth Day Spa, and Elite Fitness. “In a macro sense, District Lofts is evidence of today's lifestyles and people's desired mobility,” Cataldo said. “Young adults want an urban environment with greater vibrancy. They want to walk everywhere. They want connectivity, immediacy, and they want a sense of place. A lot of the district has become incubator space for businesses that can't afford downtown (Birmingham) space, but who don't want to be thrown into the nothingness of suburbia. The Rail District has proven to be very successful as incubator space.” The 1999 Eton Road Corridor Plan said, “The proposed mixed use designation for the sub-area

will allow for the preservation of the existing smallscale commercial and light industrial uses located in the southern portion of the sub-area that currently serve the needs of the community. Artsoriented facilities such as working studios where artists share facilities and distribute their work from their studios and small business incubators would be compatible uses that could create a unique and exciting environment within the subarea without displacing some of the existing uses.” A distinctly creative vibe has indeed taken hold in the Rail District, with photographers, artists, designers, an animation studio, and other innovative and creative end users setting up shop in this area of Birmingham. Armstrong White, a 3-D computer generated animation studio which does a lot of work for automotive companies, redid the vacant Lincoln Street Alternative School on Lincoln as their global headquarters in 2011. They joined Laurie Tennent Photography, Marlaina Stone Jewelry, Gerych's Graziella (party planners, florist, and giftware), Carnovale Associates Architects and Builders, Jones-Keena Interiors, Ingles and Associates (Interior Designers), Swanson Mead Architects, J. Yaw Framing, Art for a Cause, and others involved in imaginative and innovative businesses. Some decided this area was the ideal place to establish their business; others relocated here after being in other areas first. “We saw the Rail District as a little Soho of Birmingham, a little artsy, an artist colony,” said Tamara Gorham, manager of Gerych's Graziella, which moved to Cole Street in the district five years ago after being on Pierce Street in downtown Birmingham. “Parking was a big factor for our move. Even though I offered to pay for a patron's parking or their parking tickets, it seemed to be a big issue—'Oh, I have to go, my meter is up.' Most people do not want to park in the lots. Then we offered curb service; you placed an order on the phone, and I'd run it out to you. It was still tough. And the rent was outrageous. It kept going up. The rent is much lower here. And people can park right out front and walk right in our front door. Our bread and butter is (doing) parties, but we are a retail establishment.” oth an incentive to settling in the Rail District, and an obstacle to the area, depending on their point of view, is parking. The area offers free on-street parking, but in a hodge-podge, random way, and there is no city parking garage as there is in the downtown area. “We have to accommodate for as much infrastructure as we can on the street,” said Nickita. “Down the road, we may want to do a public/private parking structure, as the need arises. The best thing is shared parking in integrated uses.” The new Griffin Claw Brewery and Restaurant, which will have its own parking lot, will maximize its parking by sharing parking with The Robot Garage, a place for robotic and lego enthusiasts on Eton. The Robot Garage offers classes in the afternoons and after school, while Griffin Claw anticipates most usage in the evening. Griffin Claw has offered Robot Garage use of its parking lot during the day in exchange for its parking spots in the evening hours. “It's exactly the kind of strategy we want to encourage,” Nickita said. City staff and city commissioners have been

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eager to encourage bistros, smaller restaurants with outdoor seating and a small interior bar, to locate in the Rail District as a form of economic development for the area, but inclusive of the 2012 bistro review process in October, no potential restaurant was willing to base themselves there, preferring the downtown Birmingham area or North Old Woodward. Those areas are part of the Principal Shopping District (PSD), which is an economic development district, providing coordination and assistance to businesses. City manager Bruner explains that a Michigan statute, PA 501 of 2006, allowed for the change to the liquor control law to allow cities to permit development districts to change the way they distributed their Class C liquor licenses. In Birmingham's case, they created the bistro license, which permits up to two new bistros a year with up to 65 interior seats, 10 of which can be at a bar, with restaurant seats at floor-to-ceiling windows open to the street, and an outdoor patio, in order to create vitality, enhance walkability of the streets, and direct people to walk past them to other retail establishments. By all accounts, Birmingham's downtown area bistros have been a huge success. Now, there is a desire to spread the wealth by enticing bistro operators to less utilized parts of Birmingham, such as the Triangle District, Rail District, and southern part of S. Old Woodward. However, Bruner realized that the Rail District is actually not a district—at least not an economic development district, which can allow a bistro to purchase its liquor license for $20,000, rather than transferring it into Birmingham from another community for $50,000 or so. “We need to look at putting an economic development district in the Rail District, such as a PSD, a DDA, or a corridor improvement district,” Bruner said. He said the commission will look at that this year. “Some kind of economic district would really help,” said Gerych's Gorham. “I think in some way it creates a synergy and it allows us to become a cohesive group, and we have something to share.” “We need to create an economic development district in order to have bistros get state liquor licenses for $20,000. It's something that can be done quite easily,” said McDaniel. Nickita isn't so sure. “I don't know if we need an economic development district. Eventually bistros will come there. You need spaces available. I think you will eventually get synergy there with other restaurants once Griffin Claw opens, and two or three other places decide they want to be part of the mix.” runer does think the way the Rail District is currently configured is its greatest detriment. “The lack of parking, lack of viable structures, and its topography are bigger obstacles than liquor license issues in the Rail District,” he said. “We have to study it, and see if there is a role for public parking. My gut feel is probably not. The way the area is developing, private property owners will be able to provide enough parking in redevelopment, with the market sorting that out.” “It's claimed one of the biggest obstacles to bistros in the Rail District is the claim of lack of good parking and attractiveness of the area, with parking being their biggest claim, and I don't think that's valid,” said commissioner Stuart Sherman. “I think parking is there, it just needs to be managed. Parking is free. You're talking about a restaurant (a

bistro) that seats no more than 65, which is busy at times when other businesses in the district are closed. I think bistros will come. We're adding sidewalks. We're creating the environment. Right now, new creative businesses are coming into the area, so density is being added to the area.” “We need new facilities built to attract bistros. Right now, some of these landlords are being unreasonable, and many of the buildings do not lend themselves to bistros terribly well,” said commissioner McDaniel. “Parking is a problem. We need mixed use development to enter there to provide bistro locations.” Another key piece of the puzzle is integrating the neighborhood across Eton Road with the Rail District through traffic calming measures on Eton as well as crosswalks and more efficient parking. Long are the tales of people attempting to get to Whistle Stop, Robot Garage, or another business taking their life in their hands as they cross Eton. While the street was repaved and redone just a couple of years ago, no traffic or circulation implementing measures were enacted. “The traffic on Eton Road is exceptionally heavy, but it is usually regional people cutting through,” noted Cataldo. The Eton Road Corridor Plan sought to minimize the adverse effects of truck traffic on the adjacent residential neighborhood; continue to explore methods for improving access to and from the Maple and Eton intersection; improve access and circulation within the district; limit curb cuts and require shared access where appropriate to improve circulation on Eton; implement traffic calming techniques to reduce speeds and to discourage cut through traffic on the residential streets; provide adequate, well-located, and properly screened offstreet parking; install a continuous sidewalk on the east side of Eton; improve accommodations for bicycle traffic on Eton. Some of these recommendations have been done by Birmingham, including sidewalks on Eton; improving access and circulation within the interior of the district; and redoing the Maple and Eton intersection. Others have been woefully neglected. “One of the things that comes to mind (with traffic calming measures) is having head-in parking on the east side of the road. It would narrow the road and slow traffic down. People would be pulling in and backing up into spots, which slows traffic, like N. Old Woodward,” said Sherman. “As the Rail District develops, we'll need all of that parking. Also, it will narrow the driving lanes to make pedestrian crossing safer and easier. On the west side of the street, parking would depend on the width of the street and parking needs.” Sherman is not sure about having a pedestrian crossing across Eton from the residential neighborhood to the Rail District, because he's not a big fan of “stop signs for the sake of stop signs. I think drivers just speed up between signs. We have to use traffic control devices appropriately.” There are plans for possible new streets to be created within the district as properties turn over and redevelop. “An interconnection of walking and driving through sites is needed,” said Nickita. “The city maintains a continuous dialogue with property owners, to be more cooperative amongst themselves. Ideally, we'd like to realign sidewalks, driveways, and parking areas to design some of those large areas like a street with a sidewalk with parking in front. We're trying to fix holes as they

come up. It's an evolving area. We keep working on the details so they can be of benefit for the users of the area.” Sherman concurs. “I think those dirt paths or large unfinished parking lots will be finished as development occurs. Which comes first, though, development or public improvement? They really work in conjunction. In the Triangle District, however, we're looking to do some potential improvement to encourage private development.” hat fits into the original plan, which stated, “Pedestrian access is an important part of the neighborhood ambiance. All buildings have a primary pedestrian entry but each is articulated differently. Primary pedestrian entrances of commercial buildings should face the street or other public space and provide a strong sense of place. Pedestrian circulation should be insulated from vehicular flow. Walkways should be provided to allow people to move safely through the parking areas.” The plan also calls for lighting “to enhance site features and overall appearance of the site.” There is no call for any centralized lighting in the plan, which some businesses owners, especially newer retailers, would benefit from, especially when darkness falls early and visitors aren't sure where they're going in a district in flux. “The east side of Eton really needs lighting,” McDaniel noted. “We'd love streetlights and hanging baskets, just like downtown,” said Gorham of Gerych's Graziella. “We have to remember that it's a transition area between the railroad and residential, so we have to address so it doesn't disturb residents,” points out Sherman. Birmingham's planning department has been working for the past several months on uniform signage, which would provide not only indications of locations of places, but an elegant and eyecatching demarcation for the area. Longtime tenant Frank Carnovale designed the signs and signposts; they just need to be produced and installed, to rid the area of its unsightly and unprofessional clutter of A-frame signs. And the elephant in the room? The lack of a transit structure in the Rail District. Birmingham backed out of a proposed multimodal transit center with the city of Troy last spring, when Erb Lumber refused to sell its property at a reasonable, market price. The city and city commission determined costs and the project had become unwieldy, and would not be a successful project in which to participate. On January 17, 2012, Troy voted to proceed ahead with a version of a transit center, using allocated federal funds. The current design has the transit center on the Troy side, with a pedestrian walkway over the train tracks leading to access on the Birmingham side of the tracks. Amtrak mandates passenger access on the Birmingham side. “The whole result of the transit discussion has led us to try to figure out what it means now. What we have is clearly sub par. Train stations are classically iconic, prominent buildings, and we're not going to rebuild a train station. But having something more identifiable is needed,” said Nickita. What is clear is the vision of those who created the Eton Road Corridor Plan over a dozen years ago, which set up the Rail District for its current renewal and revitalization.

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CABLE WARS BY LISA BRODY estination TV has a different meaning today than it once did. Today, you might watch a favorite show on a large screen TV in one room, while your son views it streaming over the Internet on his laptop, and another son will watch it two days later off a DVR when he gets a chance. Once upon a time, the whole family would gather around the one black and white television set in the living room, jumping up to adjust the fickle rabbit ears, to catch Ed Sullivan or “I Love Lucy” at the precise moment the network honchos aired them. If you missed the show, you were out of luck. Today, via streaming, Netflix or the DVR, you can watch “Downton Abbey” whenever it's convenient for you, not the network's scheduling czars. If you're like me, you've howled with laughter over Lucy and Ethel's exploits, watching Lucy stomp grapes or stuff chocolates in her shirt over and over again. But you likely never saw the shows when they originally aired. Today, with the plethora of cable stations available, you can find a Lucy episode at any time of the day or night, in many a language. Or you can search the Internet and find an episode and watch on your computer whenever it's convenient. Television, and access to it, has changed, and continues to morph as technology develops. Where we once only had channels 2, 4, 7, 50, 56, and 9, from Canada, today the cable box accesses hundreds of choices, from premium channels with first-run movies to nostalgia laden ones filled with shows from previous decades. Getting cable today rarely means just receiving a cable box on one TV. It's an unusual household that only has one TV, and most providers offer a variety of bundled television programming offerings, Internet and phone service, either a la carte, or as part of a promotional package. Basic cable packages usually include local television channels and some popular nonpremium cable channels for a nominal amount over standard definition TV. Then there are the “premium” TV packages, that can include any medley of offerings, with premium channels, pay-per-view, music, foreign language, high-definition (HD), and 3-D channels for significantly higher monthly charges. Even though all of the cable providers claim HD is a premium, digital HD television is the current broadcast and cable norm, with standard definition signals shrinking, and eventually, in the near future, will cease to exist. For many customers, including their Internet and phone service can provide a lot of benefits, from saving money and consolidating your bills—until the service goes down. Cable, which entered our area in the early 1980's through Booth Communications, altered the landscape of television viewing by offering a plethora of viewing options. Those with long memories will recall that Booth's franchise was transferred to MediaOne in 1999, and then to Comcast in 2000, which remains the dominant cable franchise operator for Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, and Bloomfield Hills.

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Despite appearances, Comcast (and its predecessors) have never had an exclusive operations agreement for the area, but a cable franchise agreement. This franchise was always non-exclusive, meaning that any cable provider who wanted to do business in the area could apply to do business here. Despite entreaties from the municipalities, no other cable provider chose to compete and offer a multiplicity of services and competitive fees, and for years residents had no other choice for their cable services. “There is a misnomer that there is an exclusive contract with Comcast, and there never has been, and never will be,” said Leslie Helwig, Bloomfield Township community relations director and head of Bloomfield Community TV. The idea that cable television was a monopoly was put to an end by Michigan's legislature in 2007, when they passed Michigan PA 480, which states that any cable provider may deliver service to a community upon filing a form with a local community. No governmental agency monitors or sets rates, channel line-ups, programming, or service areas. Michigan PA 480 also provides specific penalties for failure to provide service. If there's only one cable provider in an area, the law makes clear that it's due to business considerations on the part of a cable company, not because of franchise limitations. Since the passage of Michigan PA 480, Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, and Bloomfield Hills residents have seen other entrants in the cable field. “PA 480 changed the competitive playing field to statewide franchising from local franchising for new cable entrants, because it's not just technically ‘cable’ anymore—it's cable and telecommunications,” said Elaine McClain, chairman of the Birmingham Area Cable Board, an all volunteer organization that handles cable affairs, including maintaining revenue streams to communities, handling residents' cable complaints, inviting competition from cable companies, and providing public, educational, and governmental (PEG) programming for Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, and Franklin. In 2007, AT&T applied for a state franchise to offer video services, and was approved for all three communities on the local level. “Technically, AT&T isn't cable. Their U-verse is IPTV, which is Internet Protocol TV, like where the Internet is controlling the TV. But their entry changed the playing field,” explained McLain. In April, 2006, Bloomfield Township adopted a resolution expressing support of local control of cable franchising and opposing Michigan Senate and House of Representatives bills that would eliminate local cable franchise agreements, for which AT&T and Verizon actively lobbied. However, the legislature, and presumably the telecommunication companies, prevailed, and statewide franchising was established, although individual communities continue to receive franchise fees for providing access to their community's right-of-way. The right-of-way can be above ground on traditional telephone poles or underground. Each cable company pays the local municipality 5 percent of their gross revenues in the form of franchise fees. “Under an inter-local agreement, the communities keep 60 percent of that revenue and 40 percent is sent to the local cable board,” said McLain. “Each cable company must pay 3 percent of their gross revenues for PEG fees (public, educational, and government programming), and those fees go directly to the cable board for PEG production and capital equipment that is involved in PEG usage.” “That franchise fee can be used by a municipality in any way a municipality wants to. It's unrestricted funds. I think it should be considered rent that a private corporation pays for the use of a public asset, which is the public right-of-way on the poles or under the ground. Every company should pay for what they use. It's the normal cost of doing business,” said Helwig. PEG fees, however, she explained, “are part of a social obligation contract with the community they are going into. It's commonly accepted in relationships with local governments, school districts, and libraries. That money is money that is used for programming, and people in the Bloomfield and Birmingham area are getting a lot for their money because there is a great deal of public TV programming.” While AT&T entered the Birmingham and Bloomfield markets in 2007, they did so in a very tightly controlled, edited fashion. “Only about 20 percent of homes can get AT&T, and they have announced

they will not build more,” said Bob Borgon, executive director of Birmingham Area Cable Board. “There are a lot of frustrated residents who want it but can't get it because they use a whole new wiring that only reaches a certain amount of houses. They're very limited in their reach, and they like to cherry pick the residents in the area they want to serve.” Borgon said the khaki and green-colored boxes “that look like fridges” in neighborhoods are AT&T boxes, housing their technology for the area. AT&T is known for their U-verse service. AT&T U-verse uses a fiber optic technology and computer networking which they assert brings better digital TV, faster Internet, and is ideal for smart phones. In 2010, WOW Cable, owned by Avista Capital Partners out of Denver, entered the marketplace, but currently has only been willing to enter the Birmingham and Beverly Hills communities. McLain said they were very clear that they would offer service only to those two communities, only to private residences, not to businesses, and while they would provide service to each and every private residence, they would not extend to private easements. “It was always very clear where they were going,” she said. WOW, like Comcast and AT&T, offers digital cable, HDTV, DVR, high speed Internet service, and local and long distance phone service. Unlike Comcast and AT&T, which are national companies, WOW only provides service in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, and Indiana. “Much to our frustration, and we've made several overtures to them, they have not yet come to Bloomfield,” said Helwig. She said Bloomfield is very interested in having them “because there would be more competition, and they have a very good customer service reputation.” None of the companies will divulge how much market penetration they have reached in any of the communities, claiming it's proprietary company information, but municipalities are able to fairly accurately determine how much penetration each company has in each community by the total amount of franchise fee dollars they receive from each company. In Bloomfield, where there are only Comcast and AT&T, “AT&T pays fewer than 20 percent of what Comcast does, so it's not an unreasonable assumption to assume they have slightly fewer than 20 percent of the Bloomfield Township households,” said Helwig. Birmingham has three choices, Comcast, AT&T, and WOW. Comcast has 75 percent of the market; AT&T 15 percent; and WOW, 10 percent. It's not known why residents choose one company over another. Some may choose a new company when they come into a community because of a promotional price; others are swayed by service or perceived quality differences. “We don't know why homeowners choose which companies they do,” said McClain. “Some stick with their previous company, some like the price point, customer service, or the responsiveness of the service personnel.” “All of the companies run promotional deals throughout the year to get new customers, but they're usually only good for new customers,” said Borgon. “I don't hear of too many people jumping from company to company, even for a good low price. Many people just find it too difficult. Initially, when WOW came in, there were deals for all three—TV, Internet, and phone at $60 for two years, but even then many people thought it was just too difficult to switch.” The companies all entice customers to switch with cut-rate price deals because, regardless of the company, Borgon said, “Once you're there for six months, everyone's paying the same comparable numbers, within a few cents.” Service is an area where there appears to be a difference between the three companies. Both the Birmingham Area Cable Board and Bloomfield Community TV hear complaints from

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02.12

residents, and one of the jobs Birmingham Area Cable Board does is to handle the complaints and advocate on residents' behalf. “One of the key responsibilities of the cable board is to deal with the responsiveness of the cable carriers and customer complaints,” McLain said. “As for quality differences, the incumbent provider, Comcast, continues to have service problems, like pixilation, service interruptions, and weather issues,” said Borgon. “With AT&T, there are different problems in delivery, because it's Internet protocol, so they have Internet issues. There are different problems with them. In the year or so that WOW has been up and providing service, I have not had very many calls at all after their initial roll out. They have been far and above in servicing people.” PEG, the public access, educational, and government access programming which is supported by telecommunication companies paying 3 percent of their gross revenues to local communities (until 2014 in Bloomfield Township and 2015 in Birmingham, when those communities will pay 2 percent of gross revenues), has become a huge part of the local television marketplace. Mandated in PA 480, it makes sure that cable companies provide the money to communities to offer shows on government affairs, such as televising local municipal meetings, school programs and other educational offerings, and provides opportunities for creative local fare. Birmingham televises all of their municipal meetings on local channel 15, and offers Birmingham Public Schools' programming on channel 17. Channel 18 offers a plethora of locally produced programming, in conjunction with Bloomfield Community Television, which has a full production studio on Telegraph Road. Bloomfield Hills also televises its municipal meetings, and Bloomfield Township began televising its board of trustee meetings January 23 on channel 15, with plans to televise its other municipal meetings in the near future. Bloomfield Hills Schools programming also is televised. Helwig noted there are 47 public access shows a week aired at a variety of different times in Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, and Birmingham, on everything from cooking, seniors, women's issues, religion, law, politics, information and kids. “Most are original programming produced in our studios or on location by community members, either individuals or non-profits or elected bodies that serve the community,” she said. She noted that popular host Jonathan Swift, who now hosts the Dining Out show, has anchored more than 1,000 shows for local programming. “He's very popular,” she said. Interfaith Odyssey, which features discussions with representatives from the world's religions, was also picked up by PBS; the cooking shows, 5 Star Cooking with Johnny Prep and Elizabeth's Kind Cafe, have great followings; Concert Prodigy; and Our Kids, a new show with Judge Diane D'Agostini, hit lots of ages and interests in the community. “One of the best things for this channel is that they reflect the people in these communities, which value music and the arts,” Helwig said. With a sizable population over the age of 55, there are a number of programs devoted to the interests of seniors. A very real threat to cable providers, and local programming, both here and everywhere, are changing viewing habits among younger viewers who are more inclined to watch whatever they want to watch wherever they are, whenever they want. Research shows they are as apt—or more so— to watch a movie or TV show on their smartphone as they are on a large screen TV. “Cutting the cord to your TV is a real issue because people are getting away from them, and as they do turn to wireless devices, tablets, and their smartphones, telecommunication companies will not provide the same revenue to municipalities,” noted McLain. “From the beginning, cable was a hard line connection that ran in the rights-of-way, and as the technology moves to wireless,, we anticipate that the 'cable' providers will be less interested in providing franchise fees for those rights-of-ways to municipalities.” Those fees are sizable to local municipalities, which individuals pay for in their monthly bills. Bloomfield Township received $708,690 in franchise fees from Comcast in fiscal year 2011, and $116,240 from AT&T. Birmingham received $450,000 in franchise fees from Comcast in fiscal year 2011; $67,500 from AT&T; and $45,000 from WOW. Bloomfield Township received $428,410 in PEG fees from Comcast, and $69,750 from AT&T, while Birmingham received $280,000 from the three companies in PEG fees. “There will still be a need for government programming because everyone wants transparency in government,” said Borgon. “But it's a whole new world out there. The younger generation streaming movies and TV shows, using social media, it will definitely affect franchise fees in the future. It's just hard to know how much. We will still have PEG programming. It just may be through totally different technology.” downtownpublications.com

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Leonard Slatkin eonard Slatkin, world-renowned conductor and music director of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, was immersed in music as a child and at just three-years-old, he picked up his first instrument. “My parents rehearsed every night right after dinner,” he said. Slatkin’s mother was a cellist and his father, a conductor and violinist. “We’d have a bite of supper and other members of the quartet would come over. I owe a great deal to them simply by having heard all this music and being influenced.” His first instrument was the violin; he moved on to the piano at eight. “I played the viola for a while as well,” he said. “I tried as many different instruments as possible.” Slatkin went on to study at the Juilliard School of Music in New York City and began his career as the assistant director of the Saint Louis Symphony. “I really thought for a long time I’d be a composer,” he said. “Conducting came to me after my father died. I found it was the one thing I could do the most successfully. I like to think he would have been proud of me.” Slatkin traveled the globe conducting for many years and has led virtually every major orchestra in the U.S. He earned several Grammy awards for his recordings and eventually came to Detroit to guest conduct for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. “I fell in love with the city and the orchestra,” he said. “I felt I could

make an impact here given all the experience I have.” He began his appointment as music director for the Detroit Symphony Orchestra in September 2008 and recently put down roots in Bloomfield Hills with his wife, Cindy McTee, who is a composer. “We just recently moved to Bloomfield Hills and we really feel a part of this community.” Slatkin considers his home to be a place where he can decompress from the demanding elements of his intense life as a musician. “Where I live, I am off a main thoroughfare, but then we are in a wooded area. It’s a great, private environment that is conveniently located near the very shops and markets that I love.” Slatkin earned the 2003 National Medal of Arts, a high honor given to artists by the United States government, but said he never feels as though he has reached the pinnacle of his career. “You want to be able to think that one day you’ll have mastered the Fifth Symphony of Beethoven, but for me everything could be better,” he said. “There must be room for improvement.” While Slatkin hopes to eventually take more leisure time from his highpaced career, music will forever be an element of his life. “Music is part of the soul. It is part of what makes us better,” Slatkin said. “It’s hard for me to imagine doing anything else. I’m very pleased and satisfied to have come as far as I have and I really do love what I do.” Story: Katey Meisner

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Birmingham/Bloomfield Hills schools 2010-2011 stats Birmingham Bloomfield Hills can be writing on bathroom walls, even if it The question the public is entitled to Student bullying 90 37 is not inflammatory. All schools compile a ask is why private and parochial schools Truancy 11 13 summary of criminal statistics, from minor aren't required to release any specific Physical assaults 3 31 offenses to full blown transgressions. information to the public. Every student Public schools in Michigan are required attending school in Michigan, whether Gang activity 0 0 to report to the state 23 different activities they attend a traditional public school, a Illegal Possession 7 17 each year, both by district and by individual charter school, parochial school, private Trespassers 0 0 school. They range from school disciplinary school, or is home schooled, is an integral Vandalism 3 6 problems like student bullying and truancy thread in Michigan's educational fabric, Property damage 201 7500 to physical assaults and gang related and the state is responsible for each child's activity to trespassers, vandalism, larceny, education, regardless of how the child Criminal sexual conduct 3 0 and robbery and extortion. Included in the achieves his or her education. Public Hostage 0 0 reports are also illegal drug use or overdose schools must report their district Weapons 2 2 and minor in possession of alcoholic liquor, submission summary report each year Homicide 0 0 as well as drive by shooting and bomb because they are supported by public tax Drive by shooting 0 0 threats. It covers any and all possible dollars, primarily via property taxes, of Bomb threat 2 2 activities, whether law enforcement has which private and parochial schools are been called in or not. not direct beneficiaries. Explosion 0 0 “The schools keep almost everything in“If you're not accepting public money, Arson 0 1 house. They're the ones who decide if the there's no need for the Michigan Robbery 0 0 police need to get involved, but they usually Association of School Boards to take a Unauthorized removal 0 0 keep everything internal,” said Birmingham position,” said Brad Banasik, staff attorney Suicide attempt 1 2 Police Cmdr. Terry Kiernan. for Michigan Association of School Boards, Larceny 6 29 Unlike public schools, there are no state an education lobbying association. “We requirements demanding that private and haven't taken a position on them (private Drug use 0 4 parochial schools report what happens on schools) because they don't get tax money. Alcohol possession 2 2 their school grounds. Presumably, all schools There hasn't been any effort to make them Victims 0 0 keep track of activities, both intolerable and report their crime stats. The state has been criminal, but because private and parochial hands off.” According to Michigan State Government Center for schools have no demands on them requiring Dave Stafford, lobbyist for Michigan Educational Performance and Information School Data them to release their data, it remains Education Association (MEA) said, “There and Reports. proprietary. was an effort to have accountability for all public schools, traditional public and “We do keep our own confidential reports corporate public (charter) schools in the last legislative session, but that on criminal statistics, for safety and liability, but it's a private institution, and accountability was defeated by a handful of Republicans and all of the there's absolutely nothing that requires us to report that,” said Tom Sias, Democrats. There was an assurance made by Speaker of the House Jase public safety director, Cranbrook Educational Community. “The only thing we Bolger (R-Marshall) that if they would approve the education bills as is, he do have is a boarding school report, because there is a state department that would appoint an education study session this January or February inspects boarding schools. We meet with the state representative regularly.” (2012).” Sias said Cranbrook has an outstanding relationship with Bloomfield Hills Ari Adler, chief of staff for Bolger, said a bicameral and bipartisan Public Safety, “and we call them anytime there is something that warrants it. committee in the state legislature has begun looking at educational But if there's something that happens, and an individual doesn't want to standards and accountability in all public schools. “We want to look at the report it, I can't force it.” quality of education for all students at all schools, traditional and charter. He did note, however, “if it's a serious crime, like a felony or significant Charter schools are public schools. They get state and federal funds, and personal injury, regardless if the person wants to, I'm going to contact the we have the most regulation over them, which we don't with private and police.” parochial schools.” Public safety is a priority on a campus that is both a private school, Stafford said that there is often a hands-off approach by legislators and public/private grounds, a science center, public art museum, and graduate lobbyists towards parochial schools “because of the First Amendment and art academy. “After hours, we're pretty tight about not having anyone on the separation between church and state. But for schools like Roeper, campus who doesn't belong,” Sias said. “Because our grounds are Detroit Country Day School, and Cranbrook, the First Amendment wouldn't private,we have the right to refuse admittance to anyone anytime. It's no apply to them, and what's good for the goose is good for the gander. I don't different than your own house.” know why no one has pushed them towards accountability.” He said he and his staff always have their eyes out for any and Rep. Chuck Moss (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield everything, “and I will err on the side of calling law enforcement so there Township), acknowledged that he does not know why there is no is a police record on the situation.” requirement for private and parochial schools which dot his district, He also said that for the Cranbrook Academy of Art, a graduate school, “mostly because I've never thought of it.” he has to report any kind of criminal activity not to the state, but to the The reality is that parochial and private schools in our midst do receive U.S. Department of Education each year. “Under the Cleary Act, any public funding, just not in traditional per-pupil funding which public college or university which gets federal money must report any crimes schools receive. Under Michigan law, the Superintendent of Public every single year. In the seven years I've been here, I've only had to make Instruction has supervisory power over all private, denominational, and out reports once or twice, for the theft of a computer.” parochial schools, from curriculum to teacher certification. Some other private schools, such as Detroit Country School, did not A detailed examination of Michigan Compiled Laws reveal that return calls for comment, but presumably keep track of activities on their nonpublic schools must satisfy the compulsory school attendance and campuses while also not being forced to release any data to the state. regular attendance statutes, relating to truancy figures. Private schools are Parochial schools referred Downtown to the Archdiocese of Detroit but prohibited from discriminating against an individual based on a handicap calls were not returned by press time.

that is unrelated to the individual's ability to utilize and benefit from the school or the individual's use of adaptive devices, meaning a student in need of hearing or visual aids must be provided them by the local public school for use in the private or parochial school. Special education is a keen area of discussion for parents, teachers, administrators, and legislators. Its funding levels have fluctuated over the years, sometimes receiving dedicated spending, and other times it is cut, with special education students ordered to “mainstream” in, meaning to try to blend into regular classrooms, often with an aid for assistance. Either way, private and parochial students are entitled to the same level of public aid as their public school brethren. The policy of the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and early Intervention Services stated in Michigan's Special Education State plan: “The Michigan Auxiliary Services Act and related rules require that all school districts provide students enrolled in nonpublic schools with a genuine opportunity for equitable participation in special education services in accordances with requirements established by the School Code of 1976 and the IDEA.R.340.293 of the Administrative Rules requires school districts to notify, in writing, no later than April 1 of each school year, all private or nonpublic schools within each district as to the available programs and services. Private and nonpublic schools are then to respond by indicating which of those services they anticipate will be needed.” Disabilities can take all kinds of forms, both easily recognizable and more difficult to ascertain. According to University of Michigan Health Systems, learning disabilities are neurobiological disorders, and people with them learn differently because of differences in brain structure or function. Learning disabilities can affect reading, speaking, writing, math, reasoning, memory, social behavior, organization, physical coordination, and metacognition, which is “thinking about thinking”, or the way the brain uses itself in figuring out ideas. UM estimates between 5 and 10 percent of all children between 6 and 17 years of age have some kind of learning disabilities, and that more than half of the kids in this country receiving special education do so for learning disabilities. That's a lot of students in either local district receiving assistance, many of which are in private or parochial schools. Even more advantageous for private and parochial school students and

parents is the state requirement that the public agency which provides a child with disabilities in a private school special education or other necessary services to have all of its meeting at the school and to have a representative of the private or parochial school in meetings. The state does caution, however, that “the agency, teacher, or other person cannot be held accountable if the child with disabilities does not achieve the growth projected in the annual goals and objectives.” While private and parochial schools attest they receive no state funding, the Michigan Compiled Laws also require that local school districts that “provide auxiliary services must provide the same services to nonpublic school students on an equal basis. Auxiliary services include: health and nursing services and examinations; street crossing guard services; speech and language services; school social work services; school psychological services; teacher consultant services for handicapped pupils and other ancillary services for the handicapped; remedial reading. Nonpublic schools are reimbursed, on an equal basis with public schools, for school bus safety education costs incurred for the benefit of school bus drivers.” Local parochial schools, such as Holy Name, an elementary Catholic school on Harmon Street in Birmingham, offers free busing for all of its students within the Birmingham Public School district. While not a direct payment from the government, services are a form of funding, and through its compiled laws, Michigan mandates a great deal of services in order to protect the children of all districts, and to provide them, despite where they are going to school, with all of the same benefits and access to special services, especially if they have special needs. Further, schools and educational institutions enjoy tax free municipal status, meaning they do not pay any property taxes, including Cranbrook, which sits on 319 acres in the heart of Bloomfield Hills. Religious institutions also benefit from tax free municipal relief. “The requirements for all school districts is that once a year, they must report all school related crimes from the previous year, under the Public Schools Act,” said Ari Adler, Rep. Bolger's Chief of Staff. “There's nothing current or proposed for private or parochial schools. I've never heard of anyone looking into that or lobbying to have private or parochial schools included.”

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Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

© MMVI Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. A Realogy Company. All Rights Reserved. Sotheby’s International Realty® is a registered trademark licensed to Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC. An Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated.

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Birmingham $1,495,000

Bloomfield $1,195,000

Elegant home and close to everything Birmingham has to offer! Featuring large open family room with built ins and custom trim throughout. Gorgeous white kitchen with stainless appliances opens to breakfast room. Gracious master suite with balcony and three large bedroom suites. Third floor features open loft space. 212002162.

Mini Estate with shared Lower Long Lake privileges. The 4,300 sq ft home boasts exquisite details including custom moldings, hardwood floors and Chef's kitchen with oversized island and breakfast room overlooking the patio and manicured grounds. The 2,000 sq ft lower level is complete with kitchen, bedroom, living area, bath and recreation room. Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212003436.

Birmingham $1,119,000

Birmingham $495,000

Stunning in town soft contemporary condo alternative home! Featuring custom finishes and hardwood floors, formal living and dining rooms, family room, marble kitchen with white cabinetry and breakfast area with curved floor to ceiling windows. Upper level features two gracious master suites.Â Fantastic walkout lower level with kitchen, two private bedrooms and additional laundry room. 212002136.

Elegant brick home features hardwood floors throughout, gracious foyer, study, powder room, granite and cherry kitchen with glass tile back splash that opens to dining area and spacious great room with fireplace. Third floor loft space, finished basement, private landscaped yard with patio. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212000368.

Renee Lossia Acho

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Northville Township $1,399,000 Gracious and beautiful Estate living on the third fairway of Meadowbrook Country Club! This custom built home offers it all from the stunning entrance to the incredible walk out. Open floor plan with incredible views, wonderful room sizes and custom touches everywhere. The expansive lot offers privacy with room to enjoy the outdoors. Six bedrooms with 5.2 baths. 212001663.

Cozy Fireplace

Dramatic Staircase

Gourmet Kitchen

Bill Tracy & Christine Johnson

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Oakland Township $1,995,000 Exquisite home in gated Orchard Ridge subdivision with the exceptional appointments you would expect! Superb kitchen entertainment area. Lovely formal dining room with butler pantry. Two story living and great rooms. Finished lower level with media room, sauna, spa, bar, bistro area, game room and guest suite. Beautiful articulated grounds. Five bedrooms with 6.2 baths. Also for Lease.Â 211075905. Presented by Paula Law

Walnut Lake Frontage $1,195,000 Magnificent all sports Walnut Lake property with 125' of lake frontage. Sandy beach with lovely landscaped yards both front and back. Beautiful backyard walks you right to the water. DesRosiers designed and rebuilt in '95. Great Cooks kitchen, beautiful cabinetry and lovely finishes throughout. Birmingham Schools. Four bedrooms with 3.1. 211127890. Presented by Candice Cuyler

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

East Jordon $2,995,000 Spectacular 140 acres Northern Michigan Equestrian Estate, inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Waters. Main residence consists of three levels 5000 ft of exquisite finishes featuring slate and wood floors, fireplaces, waterfall with wall to wall circulating stream, state of the art nine stall stable with indoor arena, 3000 ft high end stable residence, private lake, "upscale cabin in the woods" for guests, car collectors garage. Eight Bedrooms with 8.2 baths.Â 212002561. Presented by David Busch

Bloomfield $1,100,000 Custom archways on second floor lead to extensive master suite with fabulous dressing room, morning bar, sauna and exercise room. Two entry level bedrooms, perfect for Au Pair or In-law suite. Second floor laundry. Theater room. Partially finished lower level. Five bedrooms with 6.2 baths.Â 211101911. Presented by Renee Lossia Acho and Marcy Sucher

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Auburn Hills $360,000 A hidden secret in Auburn Hills with award winning Rochester Schools. This two story Tudor is situated on a private Cul-de-sac offers lots of charm and updates. Hardwood floors, formal dining room, office, living room and family room on first floor. Lower level walkout. Four bedrooms with 2.2 baths. 211110583.

Troy $288,000

Detroit $275,000

Spotless Colonial in a great location with Troy schools. This home offers all the updates. Granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Neutral colors, new master bath with double sinks. First floor laundry, formal dining room, living room, library and large great room off kitchen. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths.Â 211110508.

Historic Indian Village Williamsburg Colonial on 1/3 acre gated lot. Spacious foyer with beautiful hardwood flooring shows the quality and craftsmanship of this spectacular estate. Updated granite kitchen, formal dining room, sun room/fountain, wood paneled library, pewabic tile floors and walls. Seven bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 211109018.

Donna Barlow

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bloomfield $799,900 Maplewood Homes - Set upon a hill top in wonderful Lone Pine Hills with beautiful views and Walnut Lake privileges. First floor master with double walkin closets. Open floor plan with fabulous high ceilings in foyer and great room. Exceptional craftsmanship with extensive detail including hardwood floors, stunning woodwork and granite. Bonus room provides plenty of extra space. Four bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 211121778. Presented by Lisa Sturdevant

Hadley Township $424,900

Birmingham $339,000

Best view on Lake Lapeer with sunsets that are incredible! Located in a prime location with no obstructed view. This home is an entertainer's delight. New kitchen with granite, totally updated baths with granite, new tile in foyer, kitchen and baths. Finished lower level. Four bedrooms with two baths.Â 211127743. Presented by Susan Johnson

Adorable home in Poppleton Park, meticulously cared for. New granite kitchen, freshly painted with new gorgeous upstairs bath. Spacious living room and dining room. Family room leads to large, two tier deck and private backyard. Three bedrooms with 1.1 baths. 212005512. Presented by Kris Barich and Molly Henneghan

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Novi $549,950 Executive Colonial in Cheltenham Estates! Impressive extended length, two-story great room with windows overlooking premium lot. Gourmet kitchen, granite counters and island. Huge master bedroom with four walk-in-closets and a 13 x 11 library/nursery. Hardwood floors and dual staircases. Two tier deck , brick paver walkways and patio. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 211118029.

Birmingham $420,000

White Lake Township $379,000

Sophisticated in town living with a European flair. Formerly an architect's home. Totally renovated in 2004 with exquisite amenities. Mahogany and granite kitchen opens to family room and dining area. New Waterworks bath. Third floor loft with a full bath. French doors to wonderful deck and very private yard with incredible gardens! Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths 211124254.

Former model on premium lot and backs to protected wetlands with ponds. Over 4,500 sq ft of finished living space. Lot of upgrades; granite in kitchen, island, hardwood floors, unique crown moldings, exquisite window treatments. Finished walkout lower level with family room, entertainment area and kitchen. First floor master with luxurious bath. Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 211129668.

Beverly McCotter

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bloomfield $599,000 Prime location with extensive renovations in 2005 with upgraded features throughout. Gourmet kitchen with granite and premium stainless steel appliances opens to oversized breakfast room with natural fireplace. Spacious master suite with spa like bath and enormous walk in closet. Private, lush backyard oasis with pool and professionally landscaped. Four bedroom with 2.1 baths.Â 212002580. Presented by Ann Greenberg

West Bloomfield $449,000

Bingham Farms Village $575,000

Absolutely elegant unit with gorgeous views of Pine Lake. Fabulous master suite includes balcony overlooking the lake, fireplace, huge walk in closet, luxurious marble bath with steam shower. Beautiful Brazilian Cherry floors throughout. Elevator to all three floors. Two bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 211127042. Presented by Celeste Cole

This wonderful home is in a beautiful area and setting. A large Chef's kitchen connects to a great room and a wonderful deck. The back of the home is surrounded by windows and door wall facing a woods filled with numerous kinds and colors of wildflower and trees. Birmingham Schools. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths.Â 211127585. Presented by Candice Cuyler

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Franklin Village $2,100,000

Beverly Hills Village $499,900

This Outstanding Estate Home has the quality and amenities that could not be reproduced at this price. Grand cathedral foyer, with 22 ft ceilings. Main floor and lower level gourmet kitchens. Walkout to the pool area and gazebo. Manicured grounds with Koi ponds and waterfalls. Four bedrooms with 6.1 baths. 212000590.

Wait until you see the inside! This beautiful 4200 sq ft Nottingham Forest Colonial home is completely updated! Granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances overlooking the great room with cathedral ceiling, skylights, and large breakfast area. Jetted tub and large shower in master bath. Three car garage. Five bedrooms with three baths. A must see! 211126396.

Bloomfield $685,000

Birmingham $664,000

This is a builder's dream! This jewel of a property is located on exclusive Club Drive and is five minutes from Forest Lake Country Club. Spectacular views with 350' of frontage on Forest Lake with access to Lower and Upper Long Lakes. Build your dream home and live the lake front lifestyle and benefit from the Bloomfield Hills school district and community. 211098577.

A Custom builders own home! Walk into a cathedral foyer. Quad-level construction. This home is immaculate inside. Features of this home include all upgraded finishes, a grand Master Suite and bathroom with a jetted tub, custom granite kitchen, covered back deck with lots of big open windows and a brick paver driveway. Four bedrooms and 3.1 baths. 211117804.

Dan Gutfruend

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Orchard Lake Frontage $3,850,000 Orchard Lakefront Estate in private gated community of North Bay. Three levels with magnificent views of Orchard Lake. Granite kitchen with additional back kitchen, lower level kitchen, three story Atrium, wine cellar and sauna. Beautiful master bedroom wing with marble bath, his/her private water closets, steam shower and huge closet. 155 ft of lake frontage with a panoramic views. Pool, decks and beautiful landscaping. Five bedrooms with 6.3 baths. 211128254.

Orchard Lake Frontage $999,995 350 foot private driveway leads to Orchard Lake front on 1.4 acre prime site. 100 feet of lake frontage with steel seawall and boardwalk deck. Walkout lower level opens to expansive lakefront. Newer carpet, central air and stainless steel appliances. Lower level kitchen. Renovate or an awesome lot for a new build. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 211128270.

Michelle Yurich

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Berkley $280,000 Incredible home in beautiful St. John Woods. Gorgeous granite kitchen with top of the line stainless steel appliances, six burner Thermador stove, conveniently located on granite island for every chefs dream. Kitchen opens up to spacious vaulted great room with gas fireplace. French doors leading to private, fenced yard and brick patio. Beautifully decorated. Three bedrooms with 1.1 baths. 211128907. Presented by Kris Barich and Molly Henneghan

West Bloomfield $259,900

Royal Oak $214,900

Contemporary Colonial features spacious great room with 20 ft ceiling, fireplace, wall of windows and neutral decor. Large eat-in kitchen with island and door wall to deck. Spacious master bedroom complete with walk-in closet and Jacuzzi tub and standup shower. Large wood deck and even a carpeted tree house for the kids. West Bloomfield schools. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212002125. Presented by Avery Weisling

Outstanding Colonial close to downtown Royal Oak. Updated kitchen with new cabinet granite counter and stainless steel appliances. Wet bar with refrigerator. Metal roof, basement waterproof warranty, new plumbing, refinished hardwood floors, gas fireplace with built ins. Brick paver patio with hot tub. Wine cellar, security system. Three bedrooms with 2 baths. 211108305. Presented by Erin Keating-Dewald

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bloomfield $169,000 Bloomfield Heather's Ranch Condo, Pottery Barn perfect! First floor unit. Granite kitchen, large great room with wall of windows, corner fireplace, door wall to deck and open to the kitchen. Bloomfield Hills Schools. Price includes most furniture. Two bedrooms with 2 baths. 211118749. Presented by Bill Tracy and Christine Johnson

Royal Oak $165,000

Berkley $159,900

Beautiful home on an amazing double lot in the heart of Royal Oak. New premium maple eat-in kitchen with breakfast bar overlooking the enormous deck and landscaped yard. Super finished basement with large tiled bar, wood burning stove and plenty of room for entertaining or relaxing. Three bedrooms with one bath. 211087065. Presented by Maureen Francis

The perfect larger Bungalow! Newer white kitchen with granite counters, marble back splash, stainless steel appliances and decor lighting. Wonderful dormer master suite with walk in closet, new carpet, recessed lighting and 9 x 12 attached office. Large family room addition with French door to double level wrap around deck with benches. Three bedrooms with two baths. 211100086. Presented by Kathy Haack

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bloomfield $11,250,000 The Stables at Turtle Lake, perhaps the most prestigious trophy property available in Oakland County. Privately nestled with the gates of Turtle Lake are 12 acres of stately property. A pastoral setting on which sit pastures, stables, barn and corn crib as well as other out buildings. 211131486.

Bloomfield Hills $4,270,000 Exquisite custom designed home! First floor master suite with 2,000 sq ft, complete with laundry room, stone fireplace opening to office and paneled Library. Spectacular setting with piazza-styled patios and pillared logia. Walkout garden level with full kitchen, great room and theater. Five bedrooms with 5.2 baths. 211098639.

Ronni Keating

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Birmingham - Price available upon request. Quarton Lake Estates at its best. Situated on a wonderful corner site, manicured to perfection. Just six years old, this very custom three bedroom New England Cape has exceptional design sense and quality beyond expectation. All-in-all, a fabulous residence that will not disappoint.

Large Kitchen Designed for Entertaining

Magnificent Dining Room

Spacious Living Room with Fireplace

Mike Cotter & Paula Law

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Metamora $2,695,000 Magnificent Country Estate with 138 acres in the Heart of Hunt Country. Spectacular 10,000 sq. ft Country French Manor. Luxurious first floor master suite, Chef's kitchen, large keeping room with fireplace, dining room, library and living room. Walk out lower level. Exceptional landscaping, Pond and Caretakers Cottage. Five bedrooms with 7.1 baths. 211053323.

Metamora $1,250,000 Spectacular Country French Estate in the heart of "Metamora Hunt"! This exceptional home is situated on ten beautiful acres with rolling hills, professional landscaping, woods, tennis court and pond. Slate foyer, large designer kitchen with high end appliances and beautiful living room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace. Walk out lower level with bar and pool room. Seven bedrooms with 5.2 baths. 211107851.

David Busch

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Birmingham $3,275,000 Stunning custom in-town residence is the epitome of style and sophistication. Offering over 9,000 square footage of functional living space with details that exceed expectations. Sumptuous master suite, gourmet kitchen (as featured in a national publication as a "dream kitchen"), finished lower level, elevator and loft space. 212001452.

Gourmet Italian Designed Kitchen

Stunning Formal Living Room with Bar

Stylish Family Room with Custom Details

Sara Lipnitz

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Birmingham $999,999

Bloomfield Hills $599,900

Luxurious three story Maplewood Homes new construction with the finest finishes! Rare all suite bedrooms, Brazilian Cherry hardwood floors, butler's pantry and second floor laundry. Elegant ceilings, finished basement with bedroom, bath and entertaining area with wet bar. Full brick paver driveway. Four bedrooms with 5.2 baths. 211119533. Presented by Lisa Sturdevant

A beautiful brick two story, woody, country home in the city on a very private street. One acre. Lots of windows and open floor plan. Two story ceiling over living room and entrance. New bathrooms. Very nice architectural details. Two decks off sitting room. Family room has extensive glass areas. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. Â 211116427. Presented by Pam Budde

Bloomfield $589,900

Bloomfield Hills $475,000

Completely remodeled spacious Ranch style home offers design sophistication, floor to ceiling Andersen windows, cherry kitchen with Viking stainless appliances, Kallista sinks and steam shower in master bath. Copper gutters, two car heated attached garage, beautiful landscaping and patio spaces. Three bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 211089682. Presented by Linda Eriksen

Spacious Bloomfield Hills Quad on a beautiful, treed 2.3 acres. Lovely four season breakfast nook, den/library, family room, large dining room and finished recreation room. Beautiful decking and patio with in-ground tiled pool. Five bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 211090548. Presented by Pam Budde

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bloomfield $325,000 Very versatile open floor plan to accommodate dining room. Large great room with wall of windows provides beautiful ravine view. Nice functional kitchen adjoins breakfast room which shares a two way fireplace with the great room. Multi-tier decks with retractable awning to enjoy the outdoors. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212002667. Presented by Ann Greenberg

Beverly Hills Village $320,000

Birmingham $299,000

Stunning interior has much to offer including an open floor plan with oak hardwood floors throughout. Kitchen with cherry cabinets is contiguous with dining room, great room and hearth room. Powder room accented with sink by renowned ceramics artist John Glick. French doors lead to cozy library with floor to ceiling cherry bookcases. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 211090267. Presented by Darlene Jackson

Lovingly cared for Bungalow. Spacious kitchen with eating area. Formal dining and formal living room with fireplace. All season sun room with wood stove. First floor bedroom and two spacious bedrooms upstairs. Coved ceilings and hardwood floors. Partially finished basement with ample storage space. Patio, porch, large treed yard. Three bedrooms with 1.1 baths. 212002571. Presented by Mike Cotter and Paula Law

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Birmingham $895,000 This spectacular home sits in one of Birmingham's most desirable neighborhoods. Designed by Wallace Frost and built by Albert Kahn. Hardwood floors, pewabic tiles, large living room with oversized fireplace, elegant dining room, radiant in floor heat in the garden room. Master suite with balcony overlooking patio and private fenced yard with secret perennial garden! Five bedrooms with 3.2 baths.Â 211121509. Presented by Renee Lossia Acho

Bloomfield $650,000 Glorious Wing Lake frontage. Amazing opportunity to build new or renovate. Fabulous location served by the Bloomfield Hills school system. The value is profoundly in the land and the opportunities are many. Located on the west side of the lake affording privacy. Wing lake is not all-sports, has a sandy bottom and is superb for swimming.Â 210135779. Presented by Mike Cotter and Paula Law

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Birmingham $919,900 Fantastic in town home built on a deep lot. Nearly 5,000 sq ft of living space. Offering open living space with sun filled rooms. Gourmet kitchen with large eat-in area and deck. Sumptuous master suite with spa like bath and huge walk in closet. Finished lower level. Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212001077. Presented by Sara Lipnitz

Bloomfield $849,000

Bloomfield $719,000

Custom designed, one owner home in Chestnut Run. Private Street. Great family home! First floor master suite with spacious master bath and private room off master suite. Lovely landscaped back yard with pond. Bricked patio plus deck. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 211114274. Presented by Ronni Keating

Exception Bloomfield Village Colonial offers updates galore. Home underwent a seamless addition just over ten years ago. Granite kitchen with premium appliances, huge master, first floor laundry room. Neutral decor and generous bedrooms and open flexible living areas and is situated on a deep lot. Four bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 211102183. Presented by Sara Lipnitz

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Walnut Lake Frontage $3,499,000 Spectacular Updated Walnut Lakefront Estate! An Entertainers' Delight. Gourmet kitchen, top of the line appliances, great room offers high ceiling, fantastic views of the lake and fabulous bar. Floor to ceiling windows. Possible first floor master, formal dining room, billiards room, nanny suite and your own private Night Club!! Guest house and attached garage, large enough to house five cars.Â Six bedrooms with 8.3 baths. 211055364.

Bloomfield $1,099,000 Premier gated community, Heron Bay and Forest Lake Country Club at your doorstep! Spectacular custom built home. First floor master suite, radiant heated floors, steam shower, hot tub off master suite with private entrance. Cherry library, dual stairways, and kitchen with granite island. Fabulous lower level with work out room, full bath and 5th bedroom suite. Heated three car garage. Five bedrooms with 6.2 baths. 211122190.

Nancy Beachum

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bloomfield $695,000 A wonderful traditional Colonial on over two acres. Beautiful grounds, meticulously constructed and maintained. Hardwood floors throughout. Freshly painted interior, premium appliances; Jenn Air, sub zero, two ovens, four fireplaces, living room and library. Ideal home for antiques. Five car garage. A very special home! Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths 210104744. Presented by Mike Cotter

Bloomfield $439,000 Lovely soft Contemporary located on Forest Lake golf course. This unique home features soaring ceilings, first floor master with fireplace, kitchen with granite counters, finished lower level with fireplace and large front room with fireplace overlooking Forest Lake Golf Course. Located on a large lot in the Bloomfield Hills school district, this home has much to offer! Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 211127632. Presented by Cindy Kahn

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Cass Lake Frontage $2,199,000 Stunning Cass Lake home on sandy bottom of the lake! Amazing views from the entire back of home. Two story great room with entire wall of glass for views of lake complete with fireplace and wet bar. Granite kitchen with stainless steel appliances and heated floors. Adjacent dining room with sliding wall of glass that leads to deck. Master suite complete with private balcony, glass sliders, fireplace and views of lake. Finished lower level. Three bedrooms with four baths. 212001460.

Bloomfield Hills $1,149,000 Beautifully appointed City of Bloomfield Hills home. Light and bright granite kitchen with breakfast room adjacent to family room. Master suite complete with his and hers separate full baths with French doors leading to private office with view through two story window into the lush backyard with beautiful in-ground pool. Finished lower level with full bath. Immaculate five car attached garage. Gorgeous 1.6 acres! Four bedrooms with six baths. 211092585.

Kelly & Gerald Etue

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bloomfield $999,000 Magnificent home, with views of Oakland Hills Club House on the 16th hole of the South course. Spacious granite kitchen with top of the line appliances and drenched with sunlight. Finished basement with full bath and sauna. Master bedroom with work out area and small balcony. First floor laundry. Three season porch and private two tier deck with beautiful landscaping. Six bedrooms with 4.1 baths.Â 212003249. Presented by Kris Barich and Molly Henneghan

Bloomfield $929,000 Georgian center entrance Colonial tucked away on a gorgeous private lot in the Heart of the Village. This gem boasts over 5000 sq. ft. of living space with a finished walkout lower level. Great floor plan allows for easy everyday living and entertaining. First floor laundry. Five bedrooms with 3.2 baths. Also for Lease.Â 211077874. Presented by Jenny Turner

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Orion Township $599,000 Heather Lake lakefront home featuring more than 6,800 sq. ft. inclusive of large great room with expansive views of the lake, two way fireplace between dining and great room. A Chef's kitchen with granite counters. First floor master, finished walkout lower level. Spectacular private 1.5 acre lot. Four bedrooms with 3.2 baths.Â 211019199. Presented by David Busch

Independence Township $429,000 Rare, one of a kind, original, authentic log home with guest hour overlooking all sports Walter's Lake. Main house has soaring 16 ft. Fieldstone fireplace in two story vaulted great room. Open staircase and wooden plank floors. Four bedroom guest house with two separate entrances.Â 211122892. Presented by RW Watson

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Lake Angelus Frontage $1,794,900 Fabulous newer construction on all sports Lake Angelus. Breathtaking views from every room from this South facing transitional home. Over 9,800 sq ft of living space. Superb craftsmanship with hardwood floors, granite and marble. Cherry kitchen with high end appliances. First floor master suite with marble bath. Finished walk out lower level. Four bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 211086526.

Lake Angelus Frontage $1,198,000

Lake Angelus Frontage $975,000

Over 3,100 sq ft walkout Ranch on 6.26 acres with 140' of Lake Angelus frontage and an additional 1,400 sq. ft in finished lower level. Horse barn, Pole barn, Tack room, fences and corrals. Fabulous views with lots of potential for your own personal touch. Horses and Lake Angelus views, the best of both worlds.Â Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 211100505.

Fabulous Lake Angelus Shores Ranch home with sunsets and privacy. Six car oversize garage for all your toys. Over 3,000 sq. ft all on one floor with views of the lake from all rooms. Nicely updated with neutral colors. Granite kitchen opens to great room. Deck with beautiful mature landscaping on almost one acre. Four bedrooms with 2.5 baths. 211101618.

Lee Embrey

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Troy $929,900 Spectacular custom built home on premier 1.2 acre lot on private Cul-de -sac with Bloomfield Hills Schools! Open floor plan with hardwood floors throughout. Two story great room off a gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and large island. Updated master bath with heated Limestone floor, chromatherapy jacuzzi. Private backyard with brick paver patio and award winning landscape. Meticulously maintained! Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 211115058.

Great Room

Grand Foyer

Gourmet Kitchen

Erin Keating-Dewald

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bingham Farms Village $849,900 Nestled on over two acres on prestigious Bingham Road this lovely home offers it all! Extensively updated in 2001, 2005 featuring a beautiful open kitchen with premium stainless steel appliances and wet bar. Spacious first floor master suite with marble bath and large walk in closet. Living room with custom built-ins opens to bayed dining room. Natural light from the many large windows offer sweeping views of the beautiful surroundings. Three bedrooms with three baths. 211113150.

Bloomfield Hills $995,000

Birmingham $399,000

Stunning and fully updated in 2006. First floor master with huge custom closet and large bath. Hardwood floors throughout. Ten ft plus ceilings with crown moldings. Fabulous kitchen with Bosch and Sub Zero Appliances. Open floor plan. Lower level new wine cellar with copper and stone and exercise room. Four bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 211111026.

Extraordinary property, once part of 80 acre nursery that was sub divided into Coryell Park, with lovely home tucked back from street. Features include all white kitchen, cozy den, living room, dining room and spacious family room with fireplace. Florida room overlooks professionally landscaped gardens. Five bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 211129480.

Cindy Obron Kahn

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

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skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

FACES

Robert Sestok ocal artist Robert Sestok has been creating public art throughout the Detroit metropolitan area for decades, with his devotion to the arts beginning as a Seaholm High School student. “Margaret Nichols was the art teacher at Seaholm, and she kind of encouraged me to follow my dreams, so to speak,” he said. “She realized I had an interest in being creative. It just came naturally to me.” As a young man, Sestok was captivated by crafts, ceramics and glassblowing. Following high school, he went on to study at the College for Creative Studies in Detroit. “I was hypnotized by the potter’s wheel,” he said. “I thought that was very interesting, but I moved on from that and became involved with fine arts. I've pursued my career as an artist in mixed media, paintings and sculptures.” Sestok’s works have been commissioned and purchased by individual art collectors in Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and Birmingham, among others. His welded bronze sculpture in memorandum of Laura Sies stands at the Academy of the Sacred Heart in Bloomfield Hills and his sculpture entitled “Palisades” was recently installed at Pierce and Brown streets in Birmingham. “This work was commissioned by George Nyman.” Nyman, a local businessman, dared Sestok to construct the 14-foot freestanding sculpture created from welded stainless steel. “George had a rock solid vision for this space and he challenged me to do my best work in creating

this sculpture. The art in Birmingham is quite prestigious and I feel honored to be a part of it. I hope people enjoy it for many years to come.” Another Sestok piece, a bronze cast sculpture entitled “Man Overcoming Fate,” is currently on display in the “Gift of a Lifetime: The James Pearson Duffy Collection” at the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). The exhibition will continue through March 18. “Jim (Duffy) was a personal friend of mine and he collected my work,” he said. “He passed away and left much of his art to the DIA.” Growing up on Greenwood Street in Birmingham, Sestok said he drew from the support of his family in his journey to become a successful artist. “I was influenced by my parents and their sense of creativity,” he said. “My whole family has been very supportive of getting my career going to where it is today. Sometimes, you need to have people you can fall back on.” Sestok constructs his pieces in a barn located on the property of his Detroit home. While his hope is to simply continue his work as an artist, he is consistently growing and evolving in his craft. “I’m always looking for new ways to portray my ideas because I think as an artist you tend to grow and learn more about techniques and processes,” he said. “I’ve had a rich career as far as being able to show my work at different venues and I really feel quite fortunate.” Story: Katey Meisner

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Walgreens gets final site plan approval By Lisa Brody

The third time was the charm for Walgreens, seeking a special land use permit and final site plan approval from the Birmingham planning board to proceed with plans to move into the former Border's Book Store location on Woodward, which was approved on Wednesday, January 4. Following the planning board’s unanimous approval, the plans now proceed to the Birmingham city commission for final approval. Walgreens is looking to adapt the existing building to their needs, as

well as adding a drive through pharmacy at the east end of the building. They plan to utilize the entire building, putting an enhanced store on the first floor, and regional offices on the second floor. A key issue the planning board wrestled with was how to adapt the building, built before the creation of Triangle District Plan which requests five-story buildings, pedestrian walkways, a park, parking structures and other amenities. Walgreens is currently the largest drug store chain in the country, with almost 8,200 locations in all 50 states. They are headquartered in Deerfield, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. The Border's building has been owned by Related Real Estate of New York, but Lormax Stern, a West Bloomfield commercial development company, has an option to buy and redevelop the building. They have a long-term lease agreement with Walgreens. Although the planning board wanted Walgreens to reorient the front door of the drug store to Woodward, the store refused, citing safety and theft concerns for wanting to keep the doors in the same place as it had been when Borders had it. Planning board members understood their concerns and agreed to allow the store to keep the doors where they are. Walgreens amended their plan to have a fabric canopy over its drive through, and planners approved the drive through, which planning board chairperson Robin Boyle said was as discreet as it could be. Other issues dealt with spacial relations of the store to its location within the Triangle District, and city officials' desire to redesign the district to provide greater pedestrian access. A key issue was how to incorporate a vital component of the Triangle Plan, which is the development of Worth Park, “where people can congregate,” Boyle said. “It can only be achieved by moving Worth Street to a north/south alignment. We talked to the applicant about realigning Worth,” which has been a planning department and city commission priority for the last few years. Boyle said Lormax Stern agreed to sign an agreement with Birmingham to give a portion of its overly-large parking lot to the city at a later date to help realign Worth. Tony Curtis, owner of Papa Joe's and the adjacent Hunter Plaza, has also agreed to create a pedestrian walkway link between the north end of Hunter Plaza and Walgreens.

Maple Art Theater rendering.

Maple to close for renovations By Lisa Brody

he Maple Art Theater, on Maple Road just west of Telegraph in Bloomfield Township, was scheduled to close at the end of January but Bill Eisenberg, an owner and representative with Grand Sakwa, confirmed that it will reopen February 1 under new management and then undergo an extensive renovation. “It's going to remain a theater, and the new operator is going to completely renovate it,” Eisenberg told Downtown Publications. “It's going to remain an independent art theater, with some first run movies thrown in, as well as some matinees for kids.” While rumors were that Emagine Theaters were going to be taking over, he emphatically denied that. The new operator is actually Jonathon Goldstein of Bloomfield Township, who has worked with and invested with Emagine Theaters' owner Paul Glanz, and said he is bringing the “Emagine DNA to the Maple Theaters. What Paul has always said is that the customer comes first. If you invest in the customer experience, and you make that as good as it can be, then everything else will fall into place,” Goldstein said. “We will apply that principle here, just to a smaller project.” Emagine Theaters are generally at least 10 screens. Goldstein said The Maple Theater will remain three screens for the time being, although there is the possibility the adjacent bank could be turned into a fourth screen at a later date. Goldstein said that while he is partners with Glanz on several projects, Glanz is not involved with this one. “The theater really has an almost cult following. I think people are going to be very pleased,” Eisenberg said. “It's going to be wonderful.” Eisenberg said the theater would have a comprehensive renovation before reopening to the public. Goldstein said he plans to take the theater down to the studs. “First and foremost, everything I put in this theater will be manufactured in Michigan. We're expanding the lobby, adding a fireplace with Pewabic Tile from Detroit, leather seats in the theaters from Greystone Seating in Zeeland, adding larger screens, going all digital so everything will be picture perfect every time and not granular-looking, and I've applied for a liquor license with Bloomfield Township. I'm looking to offer micro-brewed beer from Michigan. We're keeping the popcorn machine that's been here since the place opened, and we'll also offer kettle corn and pop and olive, which is popcorn made with olive oil.” The Maple Art Theater is currently managed by Landmark Theaters, which also manages the Main Art Theater in Royal Oak. The Maple Theater has been a main stay in the area since opening in 1974. While it originally showed mainstream fare, it has shown independent and foreign language films consistently for the last 25 years. Landmark has operated the three-screen theater since 1988. “Everything is on a week-to-week basis right now,” assistant manager Clem Heckman said. While Landmark told The Maple's 13 employees they would be closing around the end of January, they were not given a specific date. Goldstein said he anticipates beginning construction sometime in April, and reopening sometime this summer with a party for Variety, the Children's Charity. He said the renovated theaters will be available for parties. “I'm doing this for the love of films and to keep this here in my neighborhood. I've always owned theaters that have been far from my home. If I do what I want to do, it will get the people who love the theater here, and get others to return because it will be even better,” Goldstein said.

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DOWNTOWN

02.12

City looking at ethics ordinance By Lisa Brody

The Bloomfield Hills City Commission announced in early January that they were beginning the process of writing an ethics code to govern all city officials, leaders and employees. “Our city charter has some broad ethics guidelines, but in today's day and age, some of us felt we needed some more specific criteria, so myself, city clerk Amy Burton, and city manager Jay Cravens are looking at some other communities' ethics codes, and will be developing a specific code for our city,” said commissioner Sarah McClure. McClure said they have begun looking at ethics codes from Troy, Bloomfield Township, West Bloomfield, and some municipalities from the western part of Michigan. After studying these other codes, they will then develop a draft for Bloomfield Hills, which will be reviewed by city attorney Bill Hampton. Once it's finalized, it will be presented to the city commission, planning commission and zoning board of appeals for approval and adoption. “We had looked at some other communities' codes a year ago, but the commission was not sure they were right for our community,” McClure said. “Last fall, the city adopted goals and objectives that will be reviewed after each city commission election so every new commission can be on the same page for timelines, performance plans, etc. We're trying to adopt best practices, and the ethics code has become an objective.”

Birmingham, police reach pact accord Birmingham's Police Officers Association and the Birmingham Commanders Union received an early Christmas present from city of Birmingham officials—they settled on terms of a new collective bargaining agreement for contracts that had expired June 30, 2008. The new contracts are for five years, retroactive to July 1, 2008, and expire June 30, 2013. The agreement is the result of state-appointed arbitration. Both unions have agreed to the same financial terms. “We have to go with what the Police Officers downtownpublications.com

Maple near Woodward.

Hearing for E. Maple Road project By Lisa Brody

n anticipation of spring's road construction season, the Birmingham City Commission will hold a public hearing on Monday, February 13, at 7:30 p.m. on the redesign and reconstruction of E. Maple Road between Eton Road and Woodward Avenue. On December 5, 2010, the city commission approved a resolution accepting a Complete Streets Study to redesign East Maple Road between Eton Road and Woodward Avenue to three lanes, with bike lanes on either side of the outer lanes, and the center lane as a left turn lane. Currently, East Maple is a four-lane road with two lanes of traffic in either direction. Complete Streets is a federal initiative that results in roadways which are designed and operated to enable safe and comfortable access and travel for all users of all ages and abilities. A goal of Complete Streets is that as roads and streets are repaired and redeveloped, they will be looked at, analyzed and redesigned with more than just cars in mind. The proposal for the East Maple corridor, submitted by Parsons Brinkerhoff/LSL Planning, would be one of the first to incorporate many of these properties in Birmingham, altering the roadway from four lanes, two in each direction, to three total lanes, with one lane in each direction and a center left turn lane, a right turn lane at Adams road, and a fivefoot bike lane between Woodward and Eton in both directions. There would be a five-foot sidewalk on either side of Maple Road. There would also be transit and pedestrian amenities, such as landing pads or benches, along the way. Commissioners were intrigued by the plan, but concerned that reducing the traffic from four to essentially two lanes of traffic in each direction would foster excessive spillover traffic into adjacent neighborhoods and even more congestion on Maple at Woodward. Experts from the Parsons Brinkerhoff acknowledged that could happen, but that some cars would also go to other mile roads.

Association does because we promote out of the Police Officers',” said Birmingham Police Cmdr. Terry Kiernan, who is vice president of the Birmingham Commanders Union. The Police Officers Association came to terms with the city early in December, while the Commanders Union and the city reached agreement on Monday, December 19. Union members have voted on both agreements. For both union agreements, in the first year of the contract, which will be paid out retroactively, union members will receive a 2.5 percent increase. In the second year, union members receive a one percent raise. There are no

increases scheduled for the final years of the contract. Employees will also pay more for their health care. For the last several years, Birmingham has incrementally increased the amount all employees have been required to pay for their health care costs. The other change was movement from a defined benefit retiree package for new hires to a defined contribution plan. In the commanders union contract, Kiernan said they requested and received a change in title for their sergeants. Sergeants will now have the title of lieutenant. “The position is the same but in other Oakland County police

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departments, what our sergeants do is referred to as lieutenant, and what our corporals do is what other departments call sergeants,” Kiernan said. “Because we're working so much with other police departments, and there is so much service sharing, we did it for consistency sake. There is no difference or change in pay, just in the title.” “I'm glad the city and the union were able to work together and get the matter settled,” said Birmingham City Manager Bob Bruner. He noted the arbitrator approved the deal without having to come up with a separate settlement agreement. The police officers association represents 27 officers in Birmingham which have the position of police officer, corporal, or dispatcher. There are five local members of the commanders union; Kiernan and four sergeants.

Board meetings now televised on cable Bloomfield Township residents are now able to watch their city government live in action on the local cable television access channel. Beginning January 23, the township's board of trustees meetings are televised live throughout Bloomfield Township on Comcast cable access television channel 15. Board of trustees meetings are held every second and fourth Monday of the month, and begin at 7 p.m. Televising the meetings was a long time in coming. There were requests from some residents for many years, which former Bloomfield Township Supervisor Dave Payne resisted. However, new township supervisor Leo Savoie, who was appointed to begin his position August 1, was more open to the possibility, and the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees unanimously agreed at its September 12 meeting to begin live broadcasting township board meetings. The township's Bloomfield Community Television studios, located right behind township hall, will provide the services. Three permanent overhead cameras were installed in the township auditorium. Leslie Helwig, community relations director, noted there will be no wear-and-tear on the equipment, graphics can be inserted, meetings can be televised live, and the equipment can be used for other shows or meetings. The trustees are considering the option of televising planning, zoning board of appeals,and other meetings. 75

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02.12

Two new bistros get final city approval By Lisa Brody

Birmingham's eclectic dining scene is going to grow in 2012 with the unanimous approval by the city commission in early January of two bistro concepts, Market and Social. Both bistros also received final site plan approvals and special land use permits, as well as resolutions allowing mayor Mark Nickita and city manager Bob Bruner to complete and execute the contracts for their operations and to allow them to obtain liquor licenses from the state. Each bistro was pre-approved by the city commission from a group of five applicants in September under a new format for bistro approvals. They were then each approved by the city's planning board, allowing them to come forward for final approval by the city commission. Market, owned and operated by Kristin and Joe Bongiovanni, who manage their family's Luxe restaurant, will expand the offerings in the N. Old Woodward area of Birmingham, in the former Arkitektura and Root and Sprout location at 474 N. Old Woodward at the corner of Ravine and N. Old Woodward. Their plans detail extensive renovations to the building, including new wood doors and rails, adding a wraparound deck with a canopy, new windows, and seats inside lining the windows on both N. Old Woodward and Ravine. At a preliminary presentation and at their planning board approval, the Bongiovanni's said they envision a casual, easygoing atmosphere with rustic, warm, unpretentious food enhanced by wine. The menu would have a Mediterranean flair, with a wood burning oven being the central focus. Robert Greenstone, owner of Greenstone Jewelry a few storefronts away from the new restaurant location, expressed concerns about employees parking at meters and in the neighborhood, and that he was worried the area would be overburdened. “As for the overall capacity, that is for the parking advisory committee to assess,” Bruner told Greenstone, assuring him the police monitor meter parking. The commissioners then voted in favor of the new bistro, 5-0, with downtownpublications.com

Artist renderings of interior and exterior of Social.

commissioners Moore and Sherman absent. Social Kitchen and Bar, a new bistro proposed for the Tokyo Sushi and former Subway locations at 223225 E. Maple Road, was designed by Ron and Roman of Birmingham. The bistro would have three dining areas; one inside, with 54 bistro seats and 10 seats situated at a bar towards the front of the bistro; 56 seats for outdoor dining in the adjacent pedestrian passageway; and a rooftop terrace for outdoor dining and private parties which would accommodate 24 diners. The bistro will be owned and operated by 26-year-old chef Zack Sklar, who also is the owner of Cutting Edge Cuisine Catering Company, which has two 4,000 square foot locations, one in Bloomfield Hills, the other in West Bloomfield. He initially started his catering company in New York, and has worked as an executive and sous chef in New York and Michigan, employed previously at Tribute, the Ritz Carlton and Emily's restaurants. He was trained at the Culinary Institute of America. He is proposing to serve an eclectic mix of uniquely presented tapas-style food which is designed to be shared amongst diners. Roman Bonaslowski of Ron and Roman presented the design plans for both the interior of the restaurant, and the outdoor area in the passageway, which would include a canopy over a majority of the tables, and an umbrella under the stairway egress to the rooftop dining area. He said they proposed moving some of the landscaping in the passageway to create more dining room, and adding five pear trees with English Ivy and

uplighting. The applicant would also pay to upgrade the cement in the passageway with a brush cement and brick pattern. Per requirement of the city's planning board, they would bear the responsibility for the entire cost of the improvements to the passageway. Sklar did not voice an objection to paying for the passageway's improvements, but commissioners Tom McDaniel and Gordon Rinschler spoke up, emphasizing that they felt it was unfair for Sklar and his partners to bear the full cost, as well as “via” signs which are as yet to be designed and will be placed at all passageways in the city as a sightline designation, and that the city and neighboring landlords should be equally assessed. “Tom and I feel we shouldn't require you to have to put any more money into the via space; if you want to, that's fine,” said Rinschler. “But is there a way to assess the expense to various property owners and the city?” Birmingham city engineer Paul O'Meara, saying that situation had never occurred before, could only guess as to what the costs would be, as well as assessments. “That's why with a special land use permit it's preferable to have the applicant do it,” said Bruner. Bonaslowski concurred. “We understand the requirements of a special land use permit. We understand the city will benefit from this tenant moving into this area of the city. We understood we would need to make improvements. It's not a deal-breaker. The project's too good.” What almost did crush

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commissioner approval was the word “bar” in the applicant's name—Social Kitchen and Bar. Commissioners Rackeline Hoff and George Dilgard both objected to including bar in the name, even though there are other establishments with it included in their name. “It's there to explain that it's a full service restaurant. It lets people know who are passing by or looking us up on the Internet that we are a full service establishment with a kitchen and a bar,” said Sklar. “This is just so silly,” said McDaniel. “We allow a bar inside the bistro. We would never approve an actual bar. No one is ever going to confuse this bistro with a bar.” But Hoff and Dilgard remained adamant. Sklar said, “This is a very important passion project for me, and if it means dropping the word bar, it's not a deal-breaker. I understand you want to maintain the integrity of the city. I would just call it Social.” Hoff then said she would approve the proposal, and the other commissioners joined her in approving the full application. “I feel this adds a lot of life into an area of town that doesn't have a whole lot of life. I'm very excited about the use and improvement to a passageway after talking about it for many, many years,” said Nickita.

February 14 filing deadline for election Bloomfield Hills residents interested in serving on the Bloomfield Hills City Commission have until Tuesday, February 14 to apply for one of the two upcoming open positions in the city's May 8 election. Commissioners Sarah McClure and Connie Salloum will both have terms ending in May, and both have filed to run for re-election. City commissioners serve two-year terms and are paid $5 a month for their efforts. The two candidates who win in May's election will serve until May 2014. McClure is finishing her first twoyear term, and Salloum is finishing out the term of Robert Toohey's term. Toohey resigned in May 2010, and Salloum was appointed to fill his seat and complete his term. According to city clerk Amy Burton, interested candidates must be a Bloomfield Hills resident for at least one year prior to the election in May, fill out the nominating petition, collect 25 signatures, and file it with her. 77

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Dissent over new tree ordinance A woodlands tree ordinance proposed for the city of Bloomfield Hills, and still at the planning commission level, is encountering some opposition from a noted landscape architect and former planning commission member, who says the ordinance is too restrictive and infringes upon property owners' rights. This is the third attempt by the city in the last decade to enact a tree ordinance, city clerk Amy Burton noted. Many local municipalities have tree ordinances, which provide suggestions and direction on how to integrate and manage trees and woodlands in a community. The goal of the ordinance is to preserve trees and green spaces in Bloomfield Hills, stating that “Urban growth, new development, redevelopment, and increased demand on natural resources can encroach upon, damage or even eliminate many of the trees and other forms of vegetation that distinguish our city. Healthy trees and woodlands constitute important physical, aesthetic, recreational, and economic assets to present and future residents of the city.” City commissioner Sarah McClure said, “We want the trees in our community to be protected. We're trying to find a balance with property owners' rights. Ultimately, we want to prevent clear cutting of trees on a property.” The ordinance is very detailed in its specifications for size, type of trees, and how many trees per year a homeowner can remove from his or her property, which is part of Mike Dul's concern, noting that it will cause undue hardship and costs to homeowners, as well as micromanaging their landscaping choices. “Any removals beyond those parameters will require a tree removal permit and mandatory replacements. Securing a tree removal permit will require an application and survey sketch. The resident or applicant must schedule an appointment with the building inspector and pay a fee, the amount yet to be determined. Owners’ selection of replacement trees will be limited to a list at the city’s discretion,” Dul said. Additionally, Dul complained in a downtownpublications.com

Potts announces candidacy for state rep By Lisa Brody

akland County Commissioner Dave Potts (RBirmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills) has announced he will be a candidate for state representative in the 40th district in the August 2012 Republican primary. The winner of the Republican primary will proceed to the general election in November. The 40th district, following redistricting which takes place in 2012, will consist of Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, and the eastern portion of West Bloomfield. Potts currently is the only candidate to announce he is running for the open seat. It is currently held by state Rep. Chuck Moss (R ), who is termlimited. Moss has said he anticipates running for state senator in 2014 when Sen. John Pappageorge's (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills) term is completed. Pappageorge will be term limited. Potts, a practicing attorney who lives and works in Birmingham, said his slogan will be, “Put government on a diet.” “My message is I believe the best kind of government is the kind of government Oakland County government represents. It's clean, it's fiscally prudent without being penurious or cheap, it's well-led, and people get real value for their tax dollars,” Potts said. He said he supports Gov. Rick Snyder's dashboards, which have been implemented to provide a quick assessment of the state's performance in key areas, such as economic strength; health and education; value for money government; quality of life; and public safety. “We must do something about the criminal conduct of our cities,” Potts said. “We have four of the top 10 crime cities (in the United States) here in Michigan.” Potts has long been a supporter of regional transit, tussling several years ago with county commission challenger David Wisz over Potts' support for an all-in requirement for Oakland County communities for SMART bus services and for the proposed Birmingham/Troy multimodal transit center. He is one of two Oakland County members on a regional transportation advocacy group. “I have an interest in municipal finance. I am an economist by education, and an attorney by training and practice,” he said. Potts began his civic career as a member of Birmingham's Planning Board before running for county commission. He is in the last year of his third term. He recently was part of a lawsuit, with Troy Mayor Janice Daniels, which challenged the Oakland County redistricting plan, alleging it was partisan and a product of gerrymandering. The lawsuit was lost on appeal, and attorney Mike Bishop, former state senate leader, filed paperwork late with the Michigan Supreme Court. However, the lawsuit was deemed unnecessary when the state legislature passed a bill giving the county commission authority to do its own county redistricting and reduce its number of commissioners to 21 from 25, which is now being challenged by Democrats.

memo to city officials, which was sent to Downtown Publications, about the lack of courtesy and proper due process in the public hearing at the planning commission. Michael J. Dul, owner of Michael J. Dul & Associates in Birmingham and a Bloomfield Hills resident, wrote, “As a 24-year resident and a practicing landscape architect for 39 years, the natural resources and character of our community concerns me deeply. In my profession, I focus

on these issues and 'walk the talk' on a daily basis.” Noting the subcommittee of the planning commission began working on a woodland tree ordinance several months ago, “while you conducted the study sessions and the public hearing required by law, I was summarily cut short during my attempts to substantively weigh in on several important matters. I also noted that study sessions did not run the full duration and some

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subcommittee members left sessions early. Residents depend upon public hearings as a venue for full participation and expression of concepts and concerns. No one should feel pressured to hurry through their presentation, as I did when it was my turn to speak.” Planning Commission chairperson Walt Cueter responded in writing to Dul's memo, noting that planning commission bylaws restrict public hearing speakers to a one-time, five minute turn at the lectern, and that Dul was permitted to speak twice to the committee, for a total of a half hour, even presenting a Powerpoint presentation of his ideas. The ordinance has yet to be voted on by the planning commission. Once it has been, it will move on to the city commission for final approval.

Resolving health contracts 2012 goal Bloomfield Hills ended 2011 quietly, having resolved many of the contentious budget issues confronting them a year ago, as well as having successfully agreed to a contract for library services for its residents with Birmingham's Baldwin Public Library, and looking ahead to 2012, the primary goal for the city is to resolve outstanding health insurance issues with the city's public safety officers' union, according to city manager Jay Cravens. “Contracts with the PSO and DPW (Department of Public Works) unions both expire the end of June, and with the new state Act 152 which passed, which requires a hard cap on insurance or an 80/20 formula, with companies paying the 80 percent and employees responsible for the 20 percent, we'll be looking at health insurance as soon as possible,” Cravens said. Cravens said the city has successfully placed all other city union and non-union employees into health savings accounts, considerably dropping the costs for both the city and employees. He said he believes public safety officers have largely come around, but that will still have to be seen. “Health care is very important to them,” he said. “In union bargaining, it has been repeatedly said, 'We have dangerous jobs, we're getting injured, we could leave behind spouses.' But now at least they're willing to negotiate.” 79

EDUCATION School board recall effort abandoned By Lisa Brody

Acknowledging they could not get the required amount of signatures in the mandated period of time, backers of a recall petition drive against all seven members of the Bloomfield Hills Schools Board of Education have dropped their recall effort while asserting it was a worthwhile effort. Bloomfield 20/20, a grassroots organization which has been opposed to the district's plans to combine Andover and Lahser High Schools into one school, filed the recall petitions against board president Ingrid Day, vice president Ed Ford, treasurer Cynthia von Oeyen, secretary Kate Pettersen, and board members Robert Herner, Mark Banks, and Jacqueline El Sayed last summer, angry over what they perceive as the board's repeated disregard for the public's desires for the school district, as well as a perceived brush off of voters who have repeatedly voted down millage and bond increases in the last decade. Pettersen moved out of state in October, rendering her recall moot, but petitioners persevered on the other board members' petitions until the end of December, when they recognized they would not be able to acquire the necessary amount of signatures per board member during a 90-day period which had to be contained 120 days from the time the petitions were approved by a clarity hearing. Each petition required 5,266 valid signatures by registered voters within the Bloomfield Hills district. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We're closing the books on it,â&#x20AC;? said Chris Fellin, one of the recall organizers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We could not get the signatures during the 90-day window.

School district looks for input ontinuing with plans to consolidate Andover and Lahser High Schools into one unified district high school , Bloomfield Hills Schools are looking for input from the public on the best ways they can implement their plan. The board and superintendent Rob Glass are holding a series of town hall meetings in order to explain how the consolidation will be carried out, what steps they are hoping to take, and are eager to hear what community members have to say. The meetings are open to the public, designed for both large and small group discussions. Shelley Yorke Rose, interim director, communications and community relations, for the district, said each meeting will end with an audience survey of goals and concerns that will give district leaders a good idea of how the community would like to proceed with the planned consolidation in September 2013. There will be a dozen meetings between mid-January and early February, all approximately two hours long. Some are to be held during the day, others at night. For specific date, times, and locations, go to bloomfield.org or the district website on the Unified High Schoolpage â&#x20AC;&#x201C; www.bloomfield.org/bhs-unified-high-school.

We got thousands of signatures, and petitions are still coming in.â&#x20AC;? There were just not enough qualified signatures received in the 90-day time frame. Bloomfield 20/20 has objected to the combination of the schools into one school, which superintendent Rob Glass and the board have said is imperative to save money and provide better educational services in an era of declining enrollment. Bloomfield Hills Schools note that one high school has been under discussion by the district since 2003, although voters have repeatedly voted it down. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Petition volunteers learned a lot of people were surprised the combined high school plan was still alive,â&#x20AC;? Fellin said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They thought the proposal had been rejected in November 2010. Petition signers told volunteers they are angry with the board obsession for combining high schools and are committed to reject any high school

merger bond proposal. We believe they (the board) will likely bring a bond vote forward in May 2012, rather than November's general election, so they can bombard parents and leave those of us without kids in school in the dark.â&#x20AC;? Fellin and others involved with Bloomfield 20/20 have said they plan to actively put up candidates for school board positions as current board members seats expire.

Deficit lowered for Birmingham Schools In a pleasant surprise, the Birmingham Board of Education noted at its meeting Tuesday, January 17 that the actual budget deficit is $4.5 million less than anticipated, and they voted to amend their adjusted fiscal year 20112012 general appropriations budget to reflect that.

CONTENT IS KING

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For your message to resonate in the market, you need to know that local residents are reading a product. The March issue deadline for Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield: Wednesday, February 15.

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The original budget reflected a $6.6 million deficit, while the current deficit is $2.1 million. Birmingham Public Schools had created its budget last winter and spring, determining it upon several factors, including a striking reduction in the state's appropriation to public schools; a decrease in property values and a subsequent loss in taxable value; salaries and benefits; and anticipated tuition from summer school programs. Birmingham Schools' spokesperson Marcia Wilkinson said there were several factors that contributed to the decrease in the budget deficit. A key one, she said, is that there has been an increase in the number of students attending Birmingham Schools this school year, by about 60 students, which increases the amount of revenue the district receives. There was also a significant adjustment in a Medicaid reimbursement from Oakland Schools, which altered the bottom line. The district has also realized a major decrease in utility costs so far this school year, â&#x20AC;&#x153;due not only to a milder winter, but to intentional energy management on the part of the administration,â&#x20AC;? said Wilkinson. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That has definitely made an impact.â&#x20AC;? She noted the district has also spent less as a whole than they had originally budgeted. Yet there are still unanticipated costs that have added to the deficit. The revenue stream from property taxes remains lower than hoped for, as property values remain below previous market values. Tuition for summer school was less than budgeted, and the district saw the reduction of revenue from the relocation to Novi of the Japanese School of Detroit which had been leasing space from the district.

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Contact Jill Cesarz. Office: 248.792.6464, ext. 600 Cell: 248.860.8414 JillCesarz@downtownpublications.com 02.12

Bringing Luxury Home BIRMINGHAM-BLOOMFIELD

REAL ESTATE TODAY The taxman cometh

referred to as True Cash Value. Assessed Values (AV) will rise and fall as home prices rise and fall. Essentially, if home prices go up, your Assessed Value will go up as well.

by Robert Taylor Â&#x201A; Â&#x2018; Â? Â Â Â&#x20AC; Â Â Â Â Â Â&#x192;

Notice of Assessment, Taxable Valuation, and Property Classification

THIS IS NOT A TAX BILL

Â&#x160; Â&#x2DC;

Â&#x2013; Â&#x2014; Â&#x2013;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2014;Â&#x201E;Â&#x201E; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x160; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2C6;Â&#x2013;Â&#x2014; Â&#x2DC; Â?Â&#x2014; Â&#x201E;Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2013; Â&#x2013; Â&#x2014;Â&#x2018; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2013; Â&#x201E;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201E;Â&#x201E; Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;Â? Â&#x2DC;

Sometime this month, your local municipality will be preparing and sending out your tax assessment notice. It is important to understand this notice because it will tell you whether or not your taxes will go up, down, or stay the same.

L-4400

Â? Â?Â Â Â&#x201C; Â&#x201D; Â Â&#x2022; Â? Â&#x201E; Â Â&#x201C;Â Â ÂÂ&#x201C;Â? Â&#x20AC; Â&#x192; Â Â? Â

Â? Â&#x2DC;Â?Â&#x2014; Â?Â&#x2122; Â&#x2018;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;Â? Â&#x160; Â&#x2020; Â? Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2013; Â&#x20AC;Â? Â&#x2020; Â&#x152; Â Â? Â&#x201A; ÂÂ&#x192;

THIS PROPERTY IS CLASSIFIED AS: PRIOR YEAR'S CLASSIFICATION IF DIFFERENT: Â? Â Â Â? Â&#x2026; Â Â&#x201E; Â&#x201A; Â Â&#x2026; Â? Â&#x2026; Â&#x161; Â&#x20AC; Â Â&#x192;Â Â&#x2039;Â&#x2020; Â&#x201A; Â&#x2039; Â&#x201A; Â? Â&#x2026; Â&#x161; Â&#x201A; Â&#x2026; Â Â&#x201A; Â? Â&#x2026; Â&#x161; Â

Capped Value: While the AV increases or decreases in lockstep with home prices, Capped Value (CV) can be driven up or down in accordance with the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The adjustments from year to year are capped at either 5% of the CPI, whichever is lower.

Â? Â Â&#x2026; Â&#x201E; Â&#x2014;Â&#x152; Â&#x203A; Â&#x161; Â&#x20AC; Â? Â&#x192;Â Â&#x201E; Â&#x2014;Â&#x152; Â&#x203A; Â&#x161; Â&#x20AC;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2014;Â&#x161;Â&#x192; Â&#x161; Â&#x2014;Â&#x152; Â&#x203A; Â&#x160; Â&#x20AC; Â? Â&#x192;Â Â&#x201E; Â&#x2014;Â&#x152; Â&#x203A; Â&#x161; Â&#x2026; Â&#x153; Â&#x2030; Â

Below we will explain the different sections of this document and provide definitions of terms. This will help you better understand values assigned to your home in the event you wish to appeal your assessment or clarify your exemptions.

IF THERE WAS A TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP Â&#x201C; Â Â&#x201C; Â Â Â? Â&#x2026; Â&#x161; Â&#x201C; Â Â Â&#x201E; Â&#x2014;Â&#x152; Â&#x203A; Â&#x161; Â Â? Â&#x201A; Â&#x201A; Â? Â&#x2DC; Â IF THERE WAS NOT A TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP Â&#x201C; Â Â&#x201C; Â Â Â? Â&#x2026; Â&#x161; Â&#x201A; Â&#x201C; Â Â? Â&#x2026; Â&#x161; Â&#x20AC; Â Â&#x192; Â Â Â Â&#x17E; Â&#x20AC; Â&#x192;Â Â? Â&#x201A;

Â? Â&#x2026; Â&#x161; Â Â&#x2122; Â&#x201C; Â Â Â? Â&#x2026; Â&#x161;

Â&#x201A; Â&#x201C; Â Â Â&#x201E; Â&#x2014;Â&#x152; Â&#x203A; Â&#x161; Â Â? Â&#x2DC; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2013;Â?

Â&#x2020;Â&#x2019; Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;Â? Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2013;Â?

Â&#x2122;Â&#x2014; 2010

Â Â Â? Â&#x; Â&#x2014; Â&#x161; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014; Â&#x20AC;Â&#x2020; Â&#x192;

Â Â? WAS/WAS NOT Â&#x201C; Â Â

2011

Â&#x2020;ÂŁ Â&#x2013;Â¤Â&#x2014;

162,450 166,700

+2,700 -8,800

175,500 WAS NOT

166,700

-8,800

Â?Â Â?Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;Â? Â? Â&#x161;Â&#x2014; Â&#x2014;ÂĄÂ&#x2019; Â˘ Â? Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2013; Â&#x160; Â&#x2020;Â?Â&#x2DC; Â?Â Â&#x201E;Â? Â?Â&#x2014; Â&#x2014;ÂĄÂ&#x2019; Â˘Â&#x2014;Â&#x2018; Â&#x161; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014; Â&#x20AC;Â&#x2020; Â&#x192;

Â&#x2122;Â&#x2014;

159,750 175,500

Â&#x201C;Â Â&#x201E;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201E;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2018; Â&#x161; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014;

Â Â? Â? Â? Â? Â Â?Â Â Â&#x20AC; Â Â? Â? Â&#x201A; Â&#x192;Â Â? Â&#x201E; Â? Â&#x2026; Â&#x2020; Â&#x20AC; Â Â? Â? Â&#x192; Â Â&#x201A; ÂÂ&#x201A; Â&#x2021; Â Â&#x2C6; Â&#x2030; Â&#x160; Â&#x20AC; Â&#x201A; Â&#x192; Â&#x2030; Property Tax Forms Â&#x2030; Property Tax - Board of ReviewÂ % Exempt As "Homeowner's Principal Residence": 100.00 % Exempt As "Qualified Agricultural Property": Exempt As "Qualified Forest Property":

Yes

0.00 No

Â? Â&#x2026; Â&#x201A; Â&#x2026; Â&#x2039;Â&#x152; Â&#x201A; Â&#x2039; Â Â? Â&#x2026; Â&#x201A; Â&#x2026; Â&#x2039; Â&#x17D; Â&#x2039; Â&#x201A; Â? Â&#x2026; Â? Â

Tentative Equalization Factor & State Equalized Value: If your municipal assessor has done his job correctly, this number should be 1.000 and the SEV will be the same as the AV. Also on the document, under the value table are the following sections:

In the middle of the document you will notice a table featuring taxable value information from 2011, what is proposed for 2012 and any changes in the value of your home. The changes in your taxable value will be noted to the left at the top of the table. The table contains all of the valuation data that the assessor calculated for your home.

Transfer of Ownership: If some or all of the ownership in a property was transferred from one owner to a new owner, this triggers a change in the capped value of the home such that it is to reflect the SEV of the home. This typically produces an increase in taxes on the property. % Exempt as Homeowners Principal Residence: If your Michigan residence is where you live and vote it is generally considered your principal residence and as such qualifies for a reduced rate of taxation for public school funding. Always check to see if it says 100% on that line. If it does not and this is your principal residence, you need to contact the Assessorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office immediately and ask for help. Changing it to 100% from 0% will lower your taxes significantly.

Taxable Value: Taxable Value (TV) is the lesser of State Equalized Value (SEV) or Capped Value (CV). The Taxable Value will rise or fall with the housing market. Assessed Value: The Michigan Constitution requires that a property be uniformly assessed and not exceed 50% of the usual selling price, often

IF THERE WAS NOT A TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP Â&#x201C; Â Â&#x201C; Â Â Â? Â&#x2026; Â&#x161; Â&#x201A; Â&#x201C; Â Â? Â&#x2026; Â&#x161; Â&#x20AC; Â Â&#x192; Â Â Â Â&#x17E; Â&#x20AC; Â&#x192;Â Â? Â&#x201A;

Â? Â&#x2026; Â&#x161; Â Â&#x2122; Â&#x201C; Â Â Â? Â&#x2026; Â&#x161;

Â&#x201A; Â&#x201C; Â Â Â&#x201E; Â&#x2014;Â&#x152; Â&#x203A; Â&#x161; Â Â? Â&#x2DC; Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2013;Â?

Â&#x2020;Â&#x2019; Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;Â? Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2019;Â&#x2013;Â?

Â&#x2122;Â&#x2014; 2010

Â Â Â? Â&#x; Â&#x2014; Â&#x161; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014; Â&#x20AC;Â&#x2020; Â&#x192; Â&#x201C;Â Â&#x201E;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2014;Â&#x201E;Â&#x201E;Â&#x2014;Â&#x2018; Â&#x161; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014; Â?Â Â?Â&#x2014;Â&#x2013;Â? Â? Â&#x161;Â&#x2014; Â&#x2014;ÂĄÂ&#x2019; Â˘ Â? Â&#x2DC;Â&#x2013; Â&#x160; Â&#x2020;Â?Â&#x2DC; Â?Â Â&#x201E;Â? Â?Â&#x2014; Â&#x2014;ÂĄÂ&#x2019; Â˘Â&#x2014;Â&#x2018; Â&#x161; Â&#x2019;Â&#x2014; Â&#x20AC;Â&#x2020; Â&#x192;

Â Â? WAS/WAS NOT Â&#x201C; Â Â

Â&#x2122;Â&#x2014;

2011

Â&#x2020;ÂŁ Â&#x2013;Â¤Â&#x2014;

159,750 175,500

162,450 166,700

+2,700 -8,800

175,500 WAS NOT

166,700

-8,800

0.00

The appeal process is not complex and can be done in person, through a representative with proper authorization or by written appeal sent through the mail. All are equally effective when presented logically and in compliance with the statutes dictating the process. Robert Taylor welcomes your comments: 877-580-4401 | rtaylor@cbweirmanuel.com

% Exempt As "Homeowner's Principal Residence": 100.00 % Exempt As "Qualified Agricultural Property":

Finally, located just below the value table is information regarding how to appeal your SEV.

cbwm.com | 877-826-2152

Bringing Luxury Home Getting the most from your home inspection

}

Pests: While the home inspection might turn up obvious rodent or boring insect damage, a high-risk home should have its own separate pest inspection by a specialist.

by Carol Clark

}

Property Lines: If you want to know the exact property lines, hire

Shopping for a new home can be

a surveyor. Ask your Realtor to explain the differences in various

exciting. But that excitement can turn

types of surveys.

into frustration if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have realistic expectations about the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s condition

}

Swimming pools and septic tanks: While some home inspectors

and any potential expenditure that will

are qualified to examine these items, most do not include it in

accompany the acquisition of a home.

their standard inspection.

A good inspector will check the

The inspection is a valuable opportunity

roof, foundation, structure, plumbing,

Some buyers may consider waiving an inspection**. This could be

windows, appliances, doors, electrical and

a costly decision in the long run. The home inspection is a valuable

mechanical equipment of a home. A great

element of any buyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s due diligence and is one of the best ways

inspector will also provide information

to avoid disputes and unpleasant surprises after the excitement of

about life expectancy of critical

moving to your dream home subsides.

components and identify areas needing periodic ongoing attention. *Radon is present in many pockets of Southeast Michigan. **Contingency provision as part of a strategy to win a competitive bidding situation due to our current shortage of inventory.

Additional tests to request: You can request these additional tests, not included in a standard home

Carol Clark welcomes your comments:

inspection:

877-370-9430 | cclark@cbweirmanuel.com

}

Radon Testing: The EPA recommends that all homes in the U.S. be tested for radon*. The test usually runs about $150. Your home inspector can bring the test kit along and set it up during the

}

Buy, renovate and resell by Penny Toth

inspection. Water Testing: Well water should always be tested. A sample is

Last month I discussed the pros

taken and then sent out to a lab for results. A basic water test

and cons of investing in real estate

measures bacteria levels for four common bacteria. It typically costs

for the long run via the â&#x20AC;&#x153;buy-hold-

about $110. A separate test for arsenic can also be done for $65.

leaseâ&#x20AC;? model. Because the return on investment under that model occurs

}

Sewer Scope: Due to the aging infrastructure and abundance of

over a holding period of many years,

mature trees in cities along the Woodward corridor, buyers should

there is a bit more margin for error in

strongly consider a sewer scope, regardless of the homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s age. This

terms of the acquisition price.

service (typically between $200 and $400) sends a camera beneath the home to inspect the sewer system, and will uncover problems

This month I will be discussing how

that could lead to costly (anywhere from $5,000 to upwards of

gains can be made by buying a

$20,000) repairs.

house and renovating it for immediate resale. The margin for error under

What wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t the home inspection cover?

this model is razor thin, as the acquisition cost, renovation costs

Be aware that these items are not typically included in a standard home

and holding costs must all be recouped over a very short holding

inspection and that there may be additional companies to hire and costs

period. This model may be more desirable for investors who are good

incured:

at managing short-term renovation costs, but who donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to manage properties for long periods of time.

}

Sprinkler System: This is typically not covered in a standard home inspection so you may want to ask your Realtor to recommend a

There are two key variables in generating positive returns under the

local sprinkler company.

renovation model, namely acquiring the right properties at the right price and then managing the renovation project. Cost containment is essential!

cbwm.com | 877-826-2152

Bringing Luxury Home Renovation investors must be able to identify properties that have been

In my experience, some people have a knack for renovation projects. But

rejected by the market because they have no emotional appeal. There

just like managing a rental property, house flipping is not for everyone.

could be a variety of reasons for this such as obsolete floor plans, poor

To make this model work, investors must have the patience to inspect

condition, outdated amenities, or the property is just plain ugly! A savvy

many homes until the right prospect is found. Then there must be a

investor will acquire properties such as this, which can be transformed

vision of how the property can be transformed from an “ugly duckling”

into “gems” with as little investment as possible.

into a “swan”. Finally, the investor must be diligent in getting the work done in a quality fashion at a competitive price.

To achieve the best bang for the buck, renovation dollars should be spent on elements that create buyer appeal, such as kitchens, baths, flooring

When all of these variables fall into place, it is time to consult with a

and wall coverings. Sometimes walls can be removed at very little cost,

trusted real estate professional to ensure that the property is sold quickly

transforming obsolete floor plans into attractive open spaces. The main

so that you can capitalize on your investment.

idea is to select a property with good existing mechanical elements and spend your money on things the buyer will “see” (vs. heating/cooling,

Penny Toth welcomes your comments:

plumbing, etc.).

877-370-9431 | ptoth@cbweirmanuel.com

Bloomfield Hills | $249,900 Sophisticated Manhattan-style condo w/elevator & underground parking, designed by noted contemporary architect Irv Toboccman. Features include hardwood floors, sleek gallery kitchen, and high ceiling in spacious living room.

REBECCA MEISNER 877-370-9433

cbwm.com | 877-826-2152

Bringing Luxury Home Arts and Crafts Style Masterpiece

Bloomfield Hills | $3,100,000 Premier estate in the City of Bloomfield Hills situated on 1.5 private acres of magnificently landscaped grounds which include a pool and tennis court. Completely renovated in the last 4 years with authentic Art Deco finishes and decor. An extraordinary residence.

ROBERT DUNDON 877-370-9434

The Historic Detroit Hunt and Fish Club

KATHY A. MANOOGIAN 877-370-9432 â&#x20AC;&#x153;When you have this much at stake, mediocrity is not an option.â&#x20AC;?

cbwm.com | 877-826-2152

Rare opportunity to acquire a magnificent 800 acre parcel of land in Northern Michigan, including private spring fed Guilford Lake. Offered at $2,800,000

wishing you peace of mind for the coming year. You spent the holidays with your aging parents...and saw changes that concerned you. Perhaps itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time to consider alternative living arrangements. At Canterbury-on-the-Lake, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve created a caring environment that offers a true sense of freedom, independence, and security for our residents. A place where your parents can thrive while receiving the support that both you and your family need. See for yourself. Call Tracy Jenish at 248.674.9292 today to schedule a visit.

5601 Hatchery Rd. Waterford, MI 48329 | 248-674-9292 | canterburyonthelake.com

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DOWNTOWN

utstanding Bloomfield Village Estate Exceptional craftsmanship fills this beautiful custom built Bloomfield Village Home Nestled on an expansive 1.7 acre lot this lovely home offers five well appointed bedroom suites including a Master suite with fireplace and gorgeous bath featuring dual entry walk-in shower. The first floor offers a sophisticated living room, generously proportioned formal dining room and private office/den with fireplace.

The gourmet kitchen opens to the family room and breakfast area creating a wonderful space for everyday family life. The family room is full of natural light from the abundant windows overlooking the well manicured private back yard. The professionally finished lower level of this home offers an additional 2,200 square feet of living space. $2,100,000

Cindy Obron Kahn

SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty cindykahn@skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.568.7309 Equal Housing Opportunity

PLACES TO EAT The Places To Eat for Downtown is a quick reference source to establishments offering a place for dining, either breakfast, lunch or dinner. The complete Places To Eat is available at downtownpublications.com and in an optimized format for your smart phone (downtownpublications.com/mobile), where you can actually map out locations and automatically dial a restaurant from our Places To Eat.

220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.2150. Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6676 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township, 48301. 248.865.9300. Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield township, 48304. 248.499.6867. Barrio Tacos & Tequila: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 203 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.6060. Beau Jacks: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. Bella Piatti: Italian. Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend, 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 Boy: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.642.0717. Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 245 South Eaton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774. Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880. 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. 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. Chen Chow Brasserie: Japanese. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 260 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.2469. China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221. 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

downtownpublications.com

FUN DINING

FINE DINING

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. Crust Pizza and Wine Bar: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6622 Telegraph, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.855.5855. Deli Unique of Bloomfield Hills: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 39495 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7923. Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135. 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.

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DOWNTOWN

AT THE TABLE Assaggi Bistro – a Ferndale oasis of true Italian tastes By Eleanor Heald ith a name derived from the Italian assaggiare meaning to taste, Assaggi Bistro in Ferndale offers a menu of Italian tastes crafted by French techniques. Creative spins on indigenous classics from Mediterranean countries round out delicious offerings. A decade ago, proprietors Josie Rotondo-Knapp and George Gize visioned the revival of a downtown along Nine Mile Road in Ferndale. They opened their restaurant Assaggi in a vacant storefront and can be credited with starting the resurgence of downtown Ferndale. When the business next door closed soon after Assaggi opened, the owners jumped at the chance to expand their restaurant to 90 seats. Even with added space, if you don't reserve well ahead on a Friday or Saturday, you'll only be able to get a table later in the evening. Assaggi's owners did it right, unlike a number of restaurants that have been opened by inexperienced proprietors, and failed in about a year. For over 30 years, Josie worked for other restaurants in the position of server, then manager. George was a waiter and cook, then owner of a Mediterranean specialty product store in Troy. "We understood the major mistakes to avoid," Josie says. "We knew exactly what we wanted when we designed our own restaurant. It's the food complemented by hospitality and service that bring people here." Assaggi is a culinary oasis that opens to grand surprises. An inviting atmosphere with open kitchen mirrors its owners who invested sweat equity as chief designers and remodelers. "I'm a simple person," says Josie. "I like clean lines and muted colors." Assaggi also functions as a local mini-gallery featuring works by local artists. All works are for sale.

wild mushroom ragout, wilted spinach, marsala demi-glace and white truffle oil. Pasta alla Norcina, $18, is new and housemade Butternut Squash Ravioli, $16, is a seasonal favorite. Menu “Innovations” has eight tempting main courses. Twice Cooked Moroccan Duck Legs, $14, for a half order or $25 for full has been a standard from day one. Sautéed Chicken Francese ($14/$24) is the most popular. Cioppino, $25, is new this winter. Nightly specials, such as Veal Cheeks or Dover Sole, $42, when available, are marvelous choices. Housemade desserts at $8 each: Crème Brulée, Chocolate Lava Cake, Profiteroles and Espresso Affogato, a traditional Italian treat with the full name fugato al café meaning drowned in coffee. It’s a scoop of ice cream with a shot of hot espresso poured over the top. A modified dinner menu is served at lunch. Portions are smaller with a price about half the evening menu. At $9 each, Prosciutto Panini and Assaggi Burger are favorites. A warm weather patio surrounded by an herb and kitchen garden in a rear courtyard seats 75. Sensibles Most wines are $50 and under by the bottle and $8 to $15 by the glass. Best sellers are Italian and from California. There are a substantial number of pinot noirs. Cabernet sauvignons are principally hot brands. Both Josie and George say that over the decade they’ve been in business, they’ve realized that staying on top is “learning as you go.” Learning is one element, yet putting it into action effectively has brought Assaggi ultimate success. Assaggi Mediterranean Bistro, 330 W. Nine Mile Road, Ferndale, 248.584.3499. Lunch Tuesday to Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Dinner Tuesday to Thursday 5-10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday until 11 p.m.; Sunday 4-9 p.m. Parking: immediately behind restaurant. Valet parking Friday and Saturday nights.

QUICK BITES Bistro Joe’s, an expansion/addition to Papa Joe’s Gourmet Crafting the menu George Gize and Josie Rotondo-Knapp of Assaggi Bistro. Market (34244 Woodward Ave., “Josie decides the seasonal Downtown photo: Esme McClear Birmingham) has changed names offerings on the menu,” says George. Forty-one year old Chef Steven Siekierzynski, a to Addie & Jack’s as it enters into a proposed agreement with Schoolcraft College culinary school graduate and late of La Mindy VanHellemont, proprietor of Tallulah and Bella Piatti, Dolce Vita in Detroit, works with both Josie and George. both in Birmingham. Under the proposal, VanHellemont will Because one or both owners are always on premise, they know petition to add her name to the existing license to operate the what regular diners like and communicate this to the kitchen. bistro. Plans for completion are underway and no opening Chef Steve considers himself “a spoke in the wheel of date has been projected at this time. Assaggi’s success.” He seeks immediate diner response to his menu preparations. “As the owners have, I too, have visibility Addie and Jack are VanHellemont’s grandparents. It is Jack who nicknamed her Tallulah, the name of her first restaurant. in the dining room.” Josie remarks emphatically, “We don’t do fads.” George According to VanHellemont, the bistro will serve American adds, “Good food is always in and we’re both particular about comfort foods at weekend brunch and daily dinner. An attraction for wine aficionados will be the installation of an our menu.” The well-edited menu has five sections beginning with Enomatic Wine Dispenser with prepaid cards that will be Amuse (starters $11-$15) where steak-cut Calamari Fritto is accepted at all three of VanHellemont’s eateries. • most ordered. The current winter menu includes a new Grilled Eggplant appetizer and a mainstay, Lentil Pancakes with sher- Don’t miss 2012 Birmingham Restaurant Weeks, January 30 to February 3 and February 6 to 10. For the 21 participating ried forest mushroom cream sauce. Pita and three pizzas ($11-$13) are baked to order in the restaurants, a three-course lunch (if served) is $15 and threeopen kitchen's brick oven. Pita (instead of bread) is served course dinner is $30. More information about specific menus with fresh herb pesto that can be mixed with olive oil for dip- can be obtained at birminghamrestaurantweek.org. ping. Salads include Heirloom Beet Salad, $12, a winter Eleanor Heald is a nationally published writer who also writes the favorite, and Poached Lobster and Shrimp Salad, $18. Focal points Potato Parmesan Gnocchi, $17, is a standout with creamy

wine column in a double byline with her husband Ray for Downtown. Suggestions for Quick Bites section can be e-mailed to QuickBites@downtownpublications.com.

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. Fox Grill: American. Lunch, Monday through Friday; Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304. 248.792.6109. 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. 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. House of India: Indian. Tuesday-Sunday; Lunch & Dinner. Reservations. 1615 Opdyke Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.451.0201. Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522. Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166. La Feast: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. 297 East Maple, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7768. Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707. Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568. Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.647.3400. Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051. Max & Erma’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.1188. 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. Northern Lakes Seafood Co.: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No

Birmingham Restaurant Week is partnering with Forgotten Harvest to raise money to feed those in need in Metro Detroit. Just $5 is enough to provide 25 nutritious meals. Look for official collection bins at all Birmingham Restaurant Week establishments, now through February 10.

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DOWNTOWN

The Birmingham-Bloomfield Symphony Orchestra Presents

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Daryl Roth presents

an intimate collection of stories by

Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron based on the book by Ilene Beckerman directed by BXi\e :Xig\ek\i starring

Emily Dorsch

Daisy Eagan

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(In the Next Room)

(The Secret Garden)

(“Sesame Street”)

Loretta Swit

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>\d K_\Xki\ =\Y% /ºDXiZ_ + Tickets: Gem Theatre and Fisher Theatre box offices, ticketmaster.com, 313-963-9800 or nää nÓ ÓÇnÇÊUÊ v \Ê À >`Ü>Þ iÌÀ Ì°V ÊUÊ i / i>ÌÀi°V Group sales (10+) call 313-463-4216 À >`Ü>ÞÊ Ê iÌÀ ÌÊxäÌ Ê ÛiÀÃ>ÀÞÊ-i>Ã ÊÃ« Ã Ài`ÊLÞÊ

DOWNTOWN

02.12

reservations. Liquor. 39495 North Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7900. Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 138 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2760. Also 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500. Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775. Panera Bread: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7966. Also 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.253.9877. Peabody’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.5222. Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, 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. Quiznos: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 185 N Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.7827. Sanders: American. Lunch, daily. No reservations. 167 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.3215 Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. South: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8133. Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300. Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887. Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830. Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. The Corner Bar: American. Dinner. Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2958. The Gallery Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.  248.851.0313. The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999. Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily;

downtownpublications.com

FOCUS ON WINE Delicious wines from an island rock By Eleanor and Ray Heald

ocated just west off the “toe” of Italy’s boot, Sicily is an enormous island-rock with astonishing topography. In times past, Italy was ruled by the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Arabs, each leaving a mark on this extraordinary island, its people and traditions. With five million inhabitants, Sicily is the size of Vermont. It’s renowned for inventing gelato, growing wheat for pasta and olives for oil. High quality wines are produced from indigenous white and red grapes that are sometimes blended with international varieties. Diverse soils, microclimates and indigenous grape varieties make Sicilian wines interesting. Imagine looking over the Sicilian countryside with its huge rock formations and the valleys and hillsides planted to grapes, olives and grain. Visualize a patchwork quilt of dark green vineyards, silver gray-green olive trees and ocher-colored grain. Wine production in Sicily has increased from three wineries 20 years ago to 300 today. We recently visited four family-owned wineries whose products meet our high standards and are available locally. If you select wine by grape name, you may be familiar with the major grape varieties in each of Italy’s 20 regions. The Piedmont makes red wines from nebbiolo and barbera; Tuscany’s major red variety is sangiovese. In Calabria it’s gaglioppo; Abruzzo’s is montepulciano. In Puglia the most planted red is negroamaro. Campania’s indigenous red is aglianico, but makes great white wines from falanghina, fiano and greco. So what does Sicily add to the mix? Let’s take a look winery by winery. Cusumano was founded in 2000 by Alberto and Diego Cusumano who farm 986 acres of vineyards planted in three regions of Sicily, each with different soils, elevations and climate. The principal red variety is nero d’avola which produces dark, blackfruit flavors and spice, similar to

Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. Tokyo Sushi & Grill: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 225 E. Maple Rd., Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6501. Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reserva-

syrah. The principal white is inzolia (also spelled insolia) supported by chardonnay, catarratto and grecanico. Grown at higher elevations, white varieties are able to retain refreshing acidity. Cusumano 2010 Insolia $12 is delightfully fresh apple and pear fruit in an unoaked rendition. Cusumano 2010 Nero d’Avola $12 boasts flavors of plum, cherry and spice with managed tannins. The Planeta family estate, locat-

ed in Sambuca di Sicilia, has been in existence since the 1600s. The current family consists of 15 cousins, half of whom are involved in running the winery, headed by Alessio, Francesca and Santi Planeta. The winery was founded in 1995 and farms 900 acres of vineyards in six locations throughout Sicily. Among the vineyards there is a diversified soil profile that includes stones, limestone, chalk, clay and sand. Chiara Planeta is very proud to explain that “each soil type is matched to the correct grape variety which in turn gives the wines a taste of place. We use indigenous red and white grapes, including grecanico, fiano, carricante, nero d’avola and frappato.” Among our favorites from the Planeta portfolio are: 2010 La Segreta $15 (grecanico, chardonnay, viognier and fiano). Cometa 2009, $40 is 100 percent fiano. Segreta Rosso 2010 $15 is a blend of nero d’avola, merlot, syrah and cabernet sauvignon. Cerasuolo Di Vittoria from 2009, $22 is a nero d’avola and frappato blend. Santa Cecilia 2007 at $40 is an outstanding oak-aged nero d’avola. Tasca d’Almerita maintains vineyards and production facilities in five Sicilian locations including Mount Etna, Monreale near Palermo and islands off the west and north coasts, as well as Regaleali. In 1837, the

tions. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241. Village Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams. Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7964 Whistle Stop Cafe: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street,

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Tasca family purchased the Regaleali Estate in the mountainous heart of Sicily and today, with the help of 140 workers, farms 1,200 acres of vineyards. Situated at 1,300 feet to 2,800 feet elevation, the grapes experience a 30 degree F diurnal temperature difference that helps to maintain bright, fresh acidity in the wines. In the early 1970’s, the Tasca family began an effort to elevate the quality of nero d’avola in Sicily. They selected the best-of-the-best estate fruit, aged the wine in French oak and created their flagship wine Rosso del Conte. Their use of progressive winemaking equipment and techniques literally began the era of modern Sicilian red wines. “My family has a long-term vision related to our vineyards,” says 39year-old CEO and eighth generation family winemaker Alberto Tasca. “We want our children to find the land in better condition than we found it.” Among our favorites from the Tasca d’Almerita portfolio are: Regaleali 2010 Bianco $14, a blend of inzolia, grecanico and catarratto. Regaleali 2009 Nozze D’Oro $30 contains inzolia and sauvignon blanc. Regaleali 2010 Rosso $12, nero d’avola fermented in stainless steel; 2009 Lamùri $18, nero d’avola aged in seasoned oak. 2007 Rosso Del Conti $70 is nero d’Avola aged in new French oak. Valle Dell’Acate is the passion of winemaker Gaetana Jacono who grows 250 acres of estate vineyards in Sicily’s southeast near the village of Acate in the hills of the Dirillo Valley. She produces an impressive collection of complex and foodfriendly wines from insolia, grillo, nero d’avola and frappato that can be counted among the best from Sicily. Valle Dell’Acate 2010 Il Frappato $20 is a delicious medium bodied red boasting spicy notes, dark cherries, sage and violets. A delightful accompaniment to Italian sausage, caciocavallo cheese, grilled fish, pasta or pizza. Eleanor & Ray Heald are contributing editors for the internationally respected Quarterly Review of Wines among other publications. Contact them by e-mail at focusonwine@aol.com.

Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.5588 Zazios: Italian. Dinner daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34977 Woodward Ave, Birmingham, 48009. Phone: 248.530.6400 Zumba Mexican Grille: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No Reservations. 163 W. Maple Rd., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.2775.

BUSINESS MATTERS New dance studio location

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Fred Astaire Dance Studio has waltzed its way to 2172 Franklin Road, just north of Square Lake Road in Bloomfield Hills, from its previous location at 2510 South Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Hills. “We moved over to a bigger studio,” said coowner Evan Mountain. “We basically tripled the size of our dance floor and we now have two separate ballrooms.” According to Mountain, the studio has experienced an increase in interest in their services over the past two years and required a larger space. “It’s amazing. Last year we had over 550 new people come in to learn how to dance. We have six full time teachers, but we actually need more teachers.” The studio offers instruction in ballroom and Latin dancing. “I tell people that it’s what you see on ‘Dancing with the Stars,’” Mountain said. “We don’t teach ballet or hip-hop. We mostly work with adults, but we do have some kid’s programs.” Mountain owns the studio with his wife, Lada Mountain, who grew up as a dancer in Russia.

Rusty Bucket opens

< Conventional Loans < Construction Loans < Jumbo Loans < FHA Loans

Adjustable and Fixed Rates

Lynn Wiand

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern has opened at 42874 Woodward Avenue in Bloomfield Hills, at Woodward Avenue and Square Lake Road, in the former Bennigan's location, moving from their previous space at 4299 West Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield. “This is a much better location for us,” said Steve Slack, dining room manager. “It’s a freestanding building. Our previous space was in a strip mall. We’re doing about three times as much sales in this space.” The American-style pub offers parmesan crusted tilapia, a roasted chicken dish, a variety of desserts and the usual American fare. “All of our hamburgers are handpattied daily,” Slack said. “It’s more like a backyard-style burger. We don’t really use frozen ingredients. Everything has a three day shelf-life.” The 6,500 square foot building offers two private dining rooms. “One seats eight people and the other seats 14 to 16 people,” Slack said. “We also have at least one television on every wall.” According to Slack, Rusty Bucket has received a warm reception at their new location. “We have done great business for lunch and dinner, and what’s great is that we’ve had a lot of repeat guests,” he said. “We really DOWNTOWN

just believe in doing it right. We will do anything in our power to make our guests comfortable.”

New massage business Elements Therapeutic Massage is slated to open in Birmingham on February 4 at 755 East Maple Road by the Woodward and Maple Kroger. “We will be open in time for Valentine’s Day,” said Adam Wilensky, owner. The 1,700 square foot space boasts seven therapy rooms, with massages customized to suit the needs of the client. “We have a variety of massage therapists to meet everyone’s needs and we will offer a customizable massage,” he said. “If you have left shoulder pain, we’ll work on that. If you want your feet rubbed for an hour, we will rub your feet for an hour.” Elements is the first business venture for Wilensky, a Michigan native. “I’m really happy about where I’m positioned in the market,” he said. “The demographics are amazing and the space was available.” Wilensky has hired nine therapists and anticipates hiring more. “We limit the amount of massages they can do so they can preserve their bodies and it will allow them to be fresh for our clients,” he said. “One of the things we believe in is helping people, but it’s important to us to take care of our therapists.” Elements will focus on a variety of deep tissue massages including prenatal, hot stone, and sports massages.

Buy This Balm Shayna Moon, 2009 Seaholm High School graduate and entrepreneur, has created Buy This Balm, a new lip balm available in the Birmingham community. Moon’s product is available at 11 stores across Michigan, including Complex boutique, located at 168 West Maple Road, and the Maple Tree store, located in Seaholm High School. “I think people in Michigan are really excited about selling local products,” Moon said. “It seems like it’s a new movement. People want to sell and buy local products.” Moon, who manufactures the balm in her Bloomfield Hills kitchen, offers a variety of flavors. “We have peppermint, lemon, lemonlime, tropical orange, black cherry, 02.12

cinnamon and orange,” she said. “The products don’t have anything superfluous like paraffin or preservatives. It all-natural and has only three ingredients.”

Total Tennis opening Total Tennis, located at 2519 West Maple Road on the corner of Maple and Cranbrook roads in Bloomfield Township, is swinging open for business on February 1. “We will be selling racquets, shoes, clothing and accessories. We’ll also be stringing racquets.” said Rachael Woods, coowner with her husband Phillip Woods. Woods is also the owner of Art Loft in Birmingham. “My husband is a teaching pro at Beverly Hills Racquet Club, and he’s a JV coach for the Groves (High School) girls,” she said. Phillip, who has been a tennis player for 32 years, said they will be acting as tennis advisors to their customers. “We want to provide professional service to help the tennis playing public to get the right equipment to improve their game,” he said. “What we intend to do is to actually talk to customers about their game and customize (equipment) to fit the individual needs of consumers.” The Bloomfield Township space is convenient for the Woods' to run their businesses, Rachael said. “Total Tennis is just about a mile from Art Loft, so it’ll be easy for us to manage them both and we live only 10 minutes from both businesses.” According to Rachael, the space allows for easy access to several community and country clubs. “The location is great and there is plenty of parking.” Woods said she and her husband are looking forward to opening another business in the community. “We all know times aren’t what they want them to be, but it has been my husband’s dream for the last 20 years,” she said.

Bella Introductions Looking for love? Bella Introductions, a high-end matchmaking service, has opened at 801 South Adams Road in Birmingham. “It’s a service for upscale, hard-to-find singles,” said owner Kerrie Schneider. Both clients and their potential matches go through a thorough vetting process, she said. “Between phone interviews and face time, we spend two-and-ahalf to three hours together. We cover everything from what their physical requirements are to what the person’s childhood was like. We leave downtownpublications.com

no stone unturned.” While Schneider matches a variety of clients, she specializes in sober singles (recovering addicts/alcoholics), singles over 60-years-old, and single parents. “I was a single mother for a long time and I quickly learned that dating and finding love was complicated,” she said. “In 2008, I met my husband and I became even more inspired to match others.”

New Tim Hortons A new Tim Hortons restaurant has moved into the space at 40 East Square Lake Road, just east of Woodward Avenue behind Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern, in Bloomfield Township. “This particular store is so special because it is very, very nice,” said Marylynn Legrand, assistant manager. “We have a fireplace, a TV and a lounging area for our guests. It’s a calming and nice place to be. It’s just lovely here.” Legrand said the restaurant has a “bake less, bake more often” philosophy. “We bake throughout the day so we make sure everything our customers are getting is fresh. “Our coffee is dumped every 20 minutes and we make a new pot.” Food spends a limited amount of time on the shelf before being discarded and replaced with freshly baked goods.

Studio Bridesmaids Owners Crystal Watkins and Colleen Galacz of Miss Kate’s Maids at 2121 Cole Street have revamped and re-branded the boutique as Studio Bridesmaids. “Colleen and I had purchased Miss Kate’s Maids a year ago and we knew we would change the name, but we wanted to get a feel and vibe for the store and who our client is,” said Watkins. “We painted the walls and got new carpet and fixtures. It’s now very sleek.” The color scheme is a dark charcoal with gold furnishings, she said. “The cabinets that we have the dresses hanging in are ivory. The end tables and coffee tables are an autumn gold. It’s very modern and very inviting.” The studio takes bridal parties by appointment. “We allow the bride and her bridesmaid to bring in some wine. They get an hour appointment and they are the only ones in the (boutique).” The store carries Coren

Moore, Lela Rose, Lynn Lugo, Dessy, After Six, 57 Grand and Liz Fields. “We’re the only ones in Michigan who carry Lynn Lugo.” Watkins and Galacz also own Affordable Elegance Chair Cover & Linens in Troy, specializing in rental items for weddings.

Pure Hair salon The Bloomfield Commons Shopping Center at West Maple and Lahser roads has welcomed Pure Hair to Bloomfield Township. The new hair salon, located at 3655 West Maple Road, is owned by Kate Cibor, who has been a hair stylist in the community of 19 years. “I was at Tarro Salon (in Bloomfield Hills) for 11 years and Emile Salon and Spa (in Beverly Hills) for eight years,” she said. “I’ve been thinking about opening my own salon for a while. I fell in love with this space and started investigating it. One thing led to another and my vision came to life. I decided that if I don’t do it now, I never will.” Cibor specializes in hair and scalp treatment and has a private treatment room for those services. “I wanted to have a room for treatments that would be more private and personal,” she said. “I do oils on the scalp and hair and deep conditioning treatments. Healthy hair is my main focus. It doesn’t matter how great the cut or color is if the hair isn’t healthy.” Cibor also offers cut and styles, color, highlights, lowlights and Keratin treatments. “Eventually I will offer manicures and pedicures.” Cibor is a Groves High School graduate and a Birmingham native. “I grew up on Henrietta (Street) in Birmingham,” she said. The salon, which has eight chairs for stylists, has been well received by Bloomfield Township, Cibor said. “I’m getting quite a response from my clients,” she said. “I’m most excited about creating my own environment. I’m a very earthy girl and I’ve used a lot of natural materials. It’s open, it’s bright, it’s earthy-chic.”

Psychotherapist practice Psychotherapist Megan Gunnell has opened a solo practice at 999 Haynes Street in Birmingham. “I always envisioned myself stepping into solo practice this way. I had an opportunity and I thought the new year would be a perfect time to make a transition,” Gunnell said. Prior to moving into Birmingham, Gunnell

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was the co-director of the Center for Creative Living in Royal Oak at 2011 Crooks Road. “I’ve been settled into Birmingham for a few weeks and I love the space,” she said. “I wanted a space that would rise to greet my clients. Everyone has followed me from my old location and (clients) are really pleased with it.” Gunnell offers treatment for women’s issues, depression, relationships and emotional difficulties. “We’re in a time period where women are playing a lot of roles,” she said. “It’s hard to manage it all and make it look easy and women need support.”

Platinum Imagery studio Platinum Imagery, a photography studio, has opened at 2129 Cole Street in Birmingham. Owner Melissa Tremblay opened the studio after working as an onsite photographer for several years. Tremblay said that having a Birmingham storefront lends accessibility to her business. “There are only a handful of Birmingham photographers with studios, and the studio is only a mile from my home. I can walk my yellow Lab, Scout, to the studio.” Platinum Imagery shoots family portraits, newborns, weddings, senior pictures, and boudoir photographs. “Boudoir is tasteful photography that allows women to feel glamorous,” she said. “Women will go get their hair and makeup professionally done and they leave with these beautiful images.” Tremblay said the studio has had a great response in the Rail District. “I’m really looking forward to growing the business and letting people know we’re here.”

Lori Sharp Massage Therapy Lori Sharp Massage Therapy has recently opened at 725 South Adams Road in Birmingham. The massage clinic offers therapeutic, sinus relief, TMJ (Temporomandibular joint disorder) and chair massages. Owner Lori Sharp had worked as a therapist in her home, but her client base became large enough that she needed more space. Sharp is an Irene’s Myomassology Institute alumnus and a nationally certified massage therapist. Business Matters for the Birmingham Bloomfield area are reported by Katey Meisner. Send items for consideration to KathleenMeisner@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.

CHRIS PERO

Associate Broker

275 S Old Woodward Ave Birmingham, MI 48009

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Sprawling Bloomfield Estates ranch on a beautiful 1.35 acre corner lot. Walkout basement. Inground Pool. Birmingham schools. $449,900 or $2,800/mo.

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To view more pictures of these homes or any of my other listings, please visit www.chrispero.com

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Over 100 Closed Transactions in 2011 including: 175 Abbey, Birmingham 1285 S. Bates, Birmingham 32320 Bellvine Trail, Beverly Hills 575 Berwyn, Birmingham 16981 Birwood, Beverly Hills 436 Bonnie Brier, Birmingham 2654 Bridle, Bloomfield Hills 3270 Chestnut Run, Bloomfield Hills 873 N. Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills 880 N. Cranbrook, Bloomfield Hills 791 Davis, Birmingham 2735 Dorchester, Birmingham 17117 Dunblaine, Beverly Hills 2286 Dunstable, Birmingham 337 Fairfax, Birmingham

1045 Fairfax, Birmingham 1939 Fairview, Birmingham 1281 Fox Chase, Bloomfield Hills 516 W. Frank, Birmingham 323 Greenwood, Birmingham 635 Half Moon, Bloomfield Hills 1809 Holland, Birmingham 1157 Lake Park, Birmingham 2152 Manchester, Birmingham 1665 Mansfield, Birmingham 1661 Maryland, Birmingham 1927 Maryland, Birmingham 1832 Melbourne, Birmingham 1841 Melbourne, Birmingham 1180 Norfolk, Birmingham

840 Pierce, Birmingham 229 Pilgrim, Birmingham 32300 Plumwood, Beverly Hills 4130 Pomona Colony, Bloomfield Hills 4599 Ranch, Bloomfield Hills 1168 Smith, Birmingham 1621 Torry, Birmingham 1301 Trowbridge, Bloomfield Hills 6796 Vachon, Bloomfield Hills 335 Waddington, Bloomfield Hills 443 Wellesley, Birmingham 185 Westwood, Bloomfield Hills 6659 Woodbank, Bloomfield Hills

THE COMMUNITY HOUSE Save the Date of March 24th: We are extremely excited that President Allan Gilmour of Wayne State University will be the esteemed keynote speaker at The Community House’s dinner dance gala, Saturday, March 24th. The evening’s theme is “Creating More Vibrant Lives,” which perfectly describes the evening’s honoree: family business owner David Trott, Chairman of Trott & Trott, P.C., noted industry leader, community volunteer, teacher and philanthropist. Opening the evening will be an ensemble from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, whose proceeds will benefit TCH’s healthy lifestyle, arts, music and dance programs for children who need exposure to, and education in, these areas. This will be the first time President Gilmour has spoken at TCH, and the coupling of David Trott and WSU’s President in one evening could not be more fitting. Entrepreneurial family business owners are a critical foundation of any community. This Camille Jayne certainly ties into Wayne State’s Tech Town. Both gentlemen are examples of helping people to create more vibrant lives through their generous give backs to the community. We are grateful that both are part of TCH’s “family,” helping our nonprofit mission keep the people in our communities vital through our educational, wellness and cultural programs. Table and ticket sales are available at: www.tchserves.org or call 248.644.5832. Sponsorships, underwriting and silent auction gifts to support this fabulous evening are welcome. Please call Kathie Ninneman at: 248.594.6403.

1 (800) 296-1423 1 (248) 646-2900 or email us at dan@danstallauctionteam.com Dan Stall Inc., The Auction Team 1000 South Old Woodward, Suite 107 Birmingham, Michigan 48009

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Camille Jayne is President & CEO of The Community House.

Do you want to be ordinary or extraordinary? You hope your event will be memorable with a large turnout of your organization’s supporters and their friends. You have booked the perfect venue, the most sought–after caterer, and fabulous musical entertainment. You are hosting an auction. You demand the best in all the other elements of the evening. Expect as much of your auction and auctioneer. A highly successful auction should bring in revenues that will be beyond your greatest expectations. What is the key to making this happen? Your auctioneer should be a professional. You want your guests to sit up and take notice. Dan Stall, a credentialed benefit auctioneer, knows how to engage your guests—keeps the pace lively, actively involving them in the bidding process and encouraging them to be generous on behalf of the organization.

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TCH’s Lectures, Programs, Classes and Travel This Month: Our March 24th gala is not the only exciting thing to experience at TCH…here are some great lectures, classes, concerts and travel excursion “must dos”: February 7th – sign up for TCH’s exclusive iCount Healthy Lifestyle Wellness program, based on 10 weekly lessons. iCount’s sophisticated web tracking platform translates any movement: yoga, walking, swimming, cycling, etc. into equivalent steps measured against what you eat. It tells you if you're consuming too many trans fats, etc., based on what you're eating and how many calories you're burning. It has fun contests, personal and family web pages. Come with your kids to get the best nutrition and wellness foundation for healthy living. February 8th Lunch Lecture: sign up for my monthly “Bulletproof Your Success™ business lectures. The first lecture: “Are You Building Your Business or Just Paying For A Lot of Free Lunches?” covers how to convert networking relationships into results. Sign up at: tchbulletproof.org. Bring Out Your Inner Chef: February will have some of TCH’s healthiest cooking classes in our beautiful new Carol’s Demonstration Kitchen: Healthy Movie Night Treats; The Veritable Versatile Vegetable; Dehydrating Basics (raw food); Kale chips and Kale Salad; Make Your Own Baby Food; Kids in the Kitchen – Healthy & Delicious Snacks. Sautéing Chicken/Pork; and Make Your Own Baby Food. Sign Up Early To Get A Chance To Get Away: TCH Travel offers day, night and overseas trips to the best places: April 15th take a day trip to Ann Arbor to see “Chicago”; the May 2nd -10th trip to the Amalfi Coast offers an amazing experience; June 1st -2nd enjoy a Frank Lloyd Wright preservation day trip to view the stunning homes in Oak Park Illinois. Departure to Cuba happens on September 23. Call the travel department for details: 248.554.6583. Classical Brunch: On Feb 19th, while enjoying a delicious brunch, come hear DSO’s principal cellist, and TCH’s Artistic Director, Robert deMaine perform with his Chroma Piano Trio; and on March 25th, Robert deMaine will perform again on cello, in a violin and viola quartet. Sign up for any of the above using our new website address: www.tchserves.org or call 248.644.5832. See you soon.

Why Hire a Professional Benefit Auctioneer?

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Here is the update on the recent social scene. Many more photos from each event appear online each week at downtownpublications.com where readers can sign up for an e-mail notice when the latest social scene column is posted. Past columns and photos are also archived at the website for Downtown.

Gobble Wobble

4 1. Event co-hosts Patrick Thornton and Anne Carney Strickland of Birmingham. 2. Event co-hosts Lauren Kerr (left) of Birmingham and Liz Vollman of Bloomfield. 3. Event co-hosts Julie Rankin of Birmingham and Parker Lynch of Bloomfield. 4. Event co-host Scott Strickland (left) of Birmingham with Courtney Quay and Zander Gardner of NYC. 5. Event co-host Greg DeMars (left) of Royal Oak with Danielle Thomas and Pierre Gard of Bloomfield. 6. Event co-hosts Kyle Desmond of Beverly Hills and Lauren Kerr of Birmingham. 7. Nick Freund (left) of Birmingham & his sister Julia Freund of Lansing with Meghan & Matt Heather of Bloomfield. 8. Tad Lippincott of Birmingham & his sister Totti Lippincott of Chicago. 9. Nick Seger (left), Jessica Vartanian and Elizabeth Morante of Novi with Matt Wilde of Birmingham.

Jump, Jive & Swing, The Flirty ‘40s The same night as the above-reported event, more than 200 Henry Ford Health System supporters danced the night away at the Josephine Ford Cancer Center’s Jump, Jive & Swing! The Flirty ‘40s at the Roostertail. The evening featured 1940s-inspired cocktails, dinner, décor and the big band music of local jazz great Johnny Trudell ‘s orchestra. It was led by event chairs Judie and WRCJ radio’s Roger Sherman, who was also the emcee, and host committee chairs Dr. Donald and Dale Austin. Honorees Bill and Happy Rands received the Spirit of Josephine Ford Award for their longstanding commitment to the Josephine Ford Cancer Center and Henry Ford Health System. The swinging retro soiree raised more than $170,000 for the JFCC and its newly-established endowment fund.

Jump, Jive & Swing, The Flirty ‘40s

1 1. The event committee: Donika Bardha (left) of Birmingham, Lidija Grahovac, Roger & Judie Sherman of Bloomfield, Dale & Dr. Don Austin of Grosse Pointe and Valerie Straith of Bloomfield. 2. Dave and Kathleen Devereaux of Birmingham. 3. Tom (left) & Lindsey Buhl with honorees Happy & Bill Rands of Grosse Pointe. 4. Drs. Gail White (left) & Robert Chapman, Eva and Dr. Jan Rival and Irma Elder of Bloomfield.

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Gobble Wobble The big news from the fifth annual Gobble Wobble is that the 20 and 30-something Bloominghamers who stage and attend the charity event represent a Sally Gerak “…generation…full of prideful, energized and extremely hopeful Detroiters who want to make a difference in the community,” according to Liz Vollman. She was addressing the sold-out-in-advance crowd of 400-plus at The Reserve the night after Thanksgiving. She announced the event organizing group’s formation of a new foundation – Born And Raised Detroit (BARD). In addition to supporting other non-profits in Metro Detroit, BARD also wants to set up committees in cities across the country with pockets of Detroiters. These committees will host events to bring together native Detroiters to network, share ideas about Detroit and raise money to bring back programs taking place on the ground in Detroit. The first BARD grant has been awarded to a relatively new Detroit non-profit called Racquet Up. It’s an after-school youth development program which uses the sport of squash, in combination with fitness development, academic tutoring, community service and mentoring, to make a difference in the lives of Detroit youth. BARD has donated $5,000 to Racquet Up to fly 10 hard working kids to New York City. For most of the kids, this will be their first plane flight and certainly their first time representing Detroit in a national tournament. It should be life-changing. It’s all part of Racquet Up Detroit’s mentoring efforts to help young people from Detroit reach their full potential and eventually contribute to Detroit as well-rounded citizens. Citizens like the Gobble Wobble guests who have donated more than $50,000 to the cause. They also had a good time, dancing until 2 a.m. to the music of Good Gravy. Go to www.facebook.com/BARDfoundation to keep up with BARD’s plans.

Parade Foundation’s Hob Nobble Gobble “This is my favorite party of the entire year…ever since the days it was at Cobo,” opined attorney David Folytn. He and his wife Elyse and Roz and Scott Jacobson and all their children were at 22nd Hob Nobble Gobble at Ford Field. Likewise parade queen Dana Sorensen and her parents and Lions’ mascot Roary, who happily posed for photos with anybody who wished. There were six other Lions around, as vinyl Fathead giveaways. Giveways, along with lots of amusement park rides like bumper cars and a Ferris wheel, the carnival games in which, halleluiah, there are no losers, and non-stop food and entertainment, are Hob Nobble Gobble staples. The cheapest tickets are for children 6 and under ($200) and general ($350). They go up to $1,000. Isn’t it swell that nearly 2,000 people were able to buy them, because the after expenses revenue helped make possible the fabulous 85th America’s Thanksgiving Parade, which was enjoyed free of charge by tens of thousands. Delta Gamma Make It, Bake It, Fake It Some women who were members of Delta Gamma sorority when they attended various colleges convene regularly as the Detroit North Suburban DGs. DOWNTOWN

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Once a year they stage a fundraiser for local vision-related agencies, chosen because the sorority supports such endeavors nationwide. For more than 10 years, Mary Counihan has hosted the party, a live auction of items the members either hand make or buy (i.e., the “fake its”). After some serious socializing and noshing, the 30 guests sat down to bid. Kathy Barnas was not only the chief auctioneer, she also baked her legendary pumpkin roll for the auction. Such is its popularity that Birmingham’s Chop Shop owner Jane Bonanata, who was unable to attend, phoned in her bidding for Staci Skoog to relay. Her high bid of $42 brought the auction total to $1,200. It will support such agencies as Ropard, Seedling’s Braille Books, Leader Dogs for the Blind and Penrickton Center for the Blind. Inaugural Brave Knight: Courage for Cures Nearly 275 people attended the first Team Julian Foundation cocktail benefit at The Townsend. It was held on the one-year anniversary weekend of the late Julian Boivin’s diagnosis of a deadly, inoperable brain stem glicoma. After a heroic battle involving treatments at St. Jude’s and University of Michigan hospitals, the cancer claimed his life seven months later. Brave Knight was inspired by the precocious four-year-old’s fascination with superheroes and stories in which good defeated evil. The evening was led by Team Julian Foundation co-founders Jeremy Fife and Steve Millman, friends of Julian’s parents Brad and Nettie. It was highlighted by a poignant speech by Brad, followed by an urging to further research by Dr. Jeffrey Taub, director of pediatric oncology at Children’s Hospital. Nettie, who coordinated the benefit party, was thrilled that it raised $40,000, twice what had been projected. All proceeds will go directly to critical research into the deadliest of childhood brain tumors being conducted by CureSearch for Childhood Cancer and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. To get involved with Team Julian, visit www.teamjulianfoundation.com or call Nettie Boivin at (248) 790-2350. BBAC Shop & Champagne The Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center’s holiday sales show got off to a rip roaring start at the annual Shop & Champagne preview party. The food is a big attraction at this party downtownpublications.com

Parade Foundation’s Hob Nobble Gobble

1. The Parade Company CEO Tony Michaels (left) of Rochester with Parade chair Sandy Pierce and her son Tommy of Milford. 2 Event presenter PVS Chemicals’ Jim Nicholson (left), his wife Ann and their daughter Alicia (holding her son Alexander Van Toll) and her in-laws Paul (center) and Cheryl Von Tol (right), of Grosse Pointe. 3. Brenda & sponsor Ford’s Jim Graham of Birmingham. 4. Sponsor Ford’s Brad Simmons (left) with William, Susan, Karl & Bill Krusel of Birmingham. 5. Mark Davis (left) and Jeff Sadowski of Birmingham. 6. Christa Hehs Moran (left), her son Colin Moran and her sister Judy Hehs of Bloomfield. 7. Sean Moran with his son Logan (left) and Graham Doman of Bloomfield.

Delta Gamma Make It, Bake It, Fake It

1. Event committee Jodie Colman (left) of Bloomfield, Blair Schwartz of W. Bloomfield, Mary Counihan of Birmingham and Kathy Barnas of Beverly Hills. 2. Cathie Freshwater of Birmingham. 3. Belle Brogan (left) of Bloomfield and Barb Wiese of Rochester.

Inaugural Brave Knight: Courage for Cures

1. Courtney & Pat Lowman of Birmingham. 2. Foundation founders former Birminghamers Jenny (left) & Jeremy Fife now of Dallas, TX., Nettie & Brad Boivin of Bloomfield and Katie & Steve Millman of Grand Rapids. 3. Meredith Morse & Heather Gillespie of Bloomfield. (Photos by Ryan Boughner).

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK BBAC Shop & Champagne

1. Event chair / sponsor Annie VanGelderen (left) of Commerce, with sponsor Seneca Partners’ Raj Kothari of Wolverine Village and board chair / sponsors Josh & Lisa Sherbin of Bloomfield. 2. Patron Bobbi Polk of Bloomfield (wearing silver necklace by Linda McKinley of Studio H Jewelry). 3. Patrons Elaine & Dan McMahon of Birmingham. 4. Patrons Doug (left) & Claudia Hall Stroud with Carolyn & Cap Hall of Bloomfield. 5. Brad (left) & Laura Host of Birmingham with Arlene Oakland of Farmington Hills. 6. Joy & sponsor Miller Canfield’s Greg DiCenso of Bloomfield. 7. Patron Betty Sylvester (left) of Beverly Hills and Rannette McManus of Bloomfield. 8. Dick (left) & Dawn Rassel of Birmingham with patron Eileen Harned of Bloomfield. 9. Peggy Kerr (left) of Birmingham and Nancy Duke of Novi. 10. Melinda Saylor (left) and Sherry Pifer of Rochester Hills with Schakolad’s Ellen & Doug Cale of Bloomfield. 11. Volunteers Lucille Schmitt (left) of Beverly Hills, Carol Marshall of Bloomfield and Patty Peacock, Cay Limperis and Dottie McDermott of Birmingham.

CCFA 34th Annual Movie Gala

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1. Committee members Skip & event founder Carol Roberts of Bloomfield. 2. Mark (left) & Lois Shaevsky with committee members Harriett & Shel Fuller of Bloomfield. 3. Emme Coleman (left) with board members Rob Higbee of Detroit and her mother Katie Coleman of Bloomfield.

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which attracted 350 art lovers to shop, sip and socialize. So is first dibs on the selection of giftables handmade by more than 100 artisans. Jewelry is always a hot seller, and this year many shoppers were also drawn to the felted wearables and pottery, including tableware by Birmingham artist Laura Host’s daughter Meredith Host. Complimentary gift wrapping and a 10 percent sales discount also encouraged shoppers. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the evening raised more than $40,000 for the non-profit art center. The winter schedule of classes at the BBAC gets underway on Jan. 9 and on the second Sunday of each month, a series of drop-in workshops is held from 1 – 4 p.m. There is also a free workshop for seniors sponsored by Home Instead at 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. With a resource like the BBAC in the community, there is no excuse for not exploring one’s artistic creativity. CCFA 34th Annual Movie Gala Most of the 270 supporters of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation who attended the annual movie fundraiser had not previously been to Paul Glantz’s Emagine Theatre in Royal Oak and they were really impressed with the facility and the management. ” They were a delight to work with,” noted Harriett Fuller. She and event founder Carol Roberts planned the delicious menu to pair with wines donated by Barefoot Wine. It was a swan song for Roberts, however, as she and Skip were moving the next day to San Diego. Before choosing between two movies, all the guests applauded the evening’s honoree Dr. Ellen Zimmerman, a gastroenterology researcher at U of M, who noted that “… research and research dollars matter.” Her introduction by Fox-2’s Raj Roop was especially meaningful because Roop could speak from the personal experience of his father’s struggle with IBD (inflammatory bowel disease) and the reluctance of people to talk about it because it’s embarrassing. The event raised $115,000 to help find a cure for IBD. Those wishing to get involved with CCFA of Michigan Chapter may call (248) 737-0900. Christ Child Society Home Tour More than 600 people went on the Christ Child Society’s tour of five splendid homes decorated for Christmas. Most tourists also stopped 02.12

at Birmingham Country Club to lunch and chat about the homes. They ranged from Jo Coleman’s sleek, new Birmingham penthouse whose two kitchens make it perfect for entertaining, to Susie and Bob Ufer’s 1920s stone colonial filled with exquisite antiques overlooking the Rouge River. Also outstanding were: the Christmaseverywhere approach, from the themed trees and tablescapes to the workout room in Valerie and Brad Ahlgren’s French-inspired home; the vintage elements, especially the staircase, in Lauri and Marty Lemire’s comfortable Bloomfield Village Tudor, and Christine and Dave Provost’s casually elegant colonial with its perfectly hand stenciled dining room walls. The club staff kept the buffet well stocked for self serve dining. Before or after lunching guests also crowded around the booths stocked with goodies by 20 vendors who reported good sales. Event co-chairs Mary Dakin and Christine Provost were thrilled with the success of the event that raised $30,000 for the society’s work with at-risk children. Much of that work occurs at the Christ Child House where members will begin the celebration of the society’s 100th year in Detroit at the annual Twelfth Night Reception. Project HOPE Holiday Luncheon & Boutique Some 100 supporters of Project HOPE convened at Forest Lake Country Club for the Women’s Division’s annual shopping and luncheon fundraiser chaired by Laurie Balian Aiello and Bettina Gregg. While Alice Haidostian played the piano, guests shopped for jewelry and accessories. They also perused the ‘pick-your-own-prize” raffle display Tina Prevas and Lidija Grahovac coordinated. Andover High School string musicians enhanced the lunch hour. Linda Juracek-Lipa is chairing the WD’s next fundraising social - the Midwinter Taste of Hope - Tuesday, Feb. 14 at Zazio’s. Plans include an educational, entertaining Chef’s Table demonstration followed by lunch. Call Lipa at (248) 909-4482 for a ticket ($65). Proceeds support global health care and humanitarian aid. DHS Dancing with the Stars We doubt Eastern Market‘s Shed number 3 was ever more glamorous than the night 500 supporters of the Detroit Historical Society trekked there for the DHS annual ball. Since 2008 it has featured a popular Dancing with downtownpublications.com

Christ Child Society Home Tour

1. Event co-chairs Christine Provost (left) & Mary Dakin of Birmingham. 2. Event docent co-chairs Veronica Isaacs (left) and Jo Lincoln of Bloomfield with penthouse owner Jo Coleman of Birmingham. 3. Elizabeth Dakin (left) of Birmingham and Mary Clare Pulte of Bloomfield (at the MCPulte Jewlery booth – jewelry based on the Rosary). 4. Janice Nichols (left), Lucia Zurkowski and Karen Clark of Bloomfield and Annette Murzin of Milford. 5. Chuck Dakin and Genny Downes of Birmingham. 6. Mary Ellen Tonis (left) and Lisa Arnold of Birmingham and Diana Johnson of Bloomfield (looking at jewelry from The Look for Less booth).

Project HOPE Holiday Luncheon & Boutique

1. Event co-chairs Laurie Balian Aiello (left) of Birmingham and Bettina Gregg with past president/pianist Alice Haidostian of Bloomfield. 2. Raffle co-chair Tina Prevas (left) with Christa Hintz and Sherry Saginaw of Bloomfield. 3. Ellie Tholen (left) of Birmingham with boutique co-chairs Mary Putinta and Serena Orsini of Bloomfield. 4. Linda Juracek-Lipa (left) of Birmingham and Anita Hedren of Bloomfield. 5. Jewelry vendor Innis Josurick of W. Bloomfield

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Detroit’s Stars competition. For the first time, thanks to dance advocate/philanthropist Maggie Allesee’s suggestion, in addition to a winner being decided by the number of dollars he/she raised in DHS donations, another winner was decided by a panel of judges. Their task was far from simple but decide they did and Sharon Madison Polk won their nod for Best Performance. Amateur dance competitor Charlene Proctor and Judie Goodman had enthusiastic fan clubs in attendance but the dancer who garnered the most dollars was Nedda Shayota. The voting raised nearly $50,000, up from $19,000 the first year when Nancy Smith was the winner. Under the chairmanship of Lauren Rakolta and Karla Hall the elegant party netted $225,000.

DHS Dancing with the Stars

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2011 Kidney Ball Some 700 guests attended the 2011 Annual Kidney Ball at the MGM Grand. The festive gala, with its Motown Magic theme, always attracts lots of people because, unfortunately, lots of people know someone who is affected by kidney disease. For example, the event co-chair Myra Moreland, who was the surprise recipient of the Cindy Hoglund Shannon award for her commitment to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan’s mission. Moreland was Shannon’s Birmingham neighbor when their children, Drew Shannon and Laynie Moreland, were young and they became fast friends. Drew’s kidney disease, and subsequent transplant, drew both moms into the NKFM community. “This really means a lot to me,” admitted Moreland when she accepted the award with her daughter at her side. Other highlights of the soiree included the video spotlighting the NKFM camp for kids with kidney disease, auctions and dancing to the Jerry Ross band. The party raised more than $500,000. This will help NKFM improve the quality of life for those living with kidney disease. The need for services is dramatized by this fact Michigan residents awaiting a kidney transplant number 2,379. This compares to the next largest category - 347 awaiting a liver transplant.

5 1. Event co-chairs Karla Hall (left) of Detroit and Lauren Rakolta of Birmingham. 2. Scott (left) & committee member Lynn Sirich of Birmingham with event co-chair Suzanne Germack Federickson and her husband Greg of Grosse Pointe. 3. Pam Good of Birmingham and Jack Krasula of Bloomfield. 4. Paul (left) & Mary Glantz of Lake Angelus with Tom & Charlene Proctor and their son Jason of Bloomfield. 5. Katie Proctor (left) of Bloomfield, Veronica Chelko of South Bend, IN, Kathy McWilliams of Birmingham and Kimberly McWilliams of Farmington Hills. 6. Frank & committee member Elyse Germack of Birmingham. 7. Brad (left) & Val Ahlgren with Maria and Bill Roberts of Bloomfield. 8. Dancer WXYZ’s Erin Nicole (center) with her parents Debbie & Mark Brolley of Beverly Hills. 9. Rev. Dr. Charlene Proctor of Bloomfield and her partner Blake Kish. 10. Nedda Shayota of Bloomfield and her partner Donald Westphal.

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Women of Tomorrow Holiday Party Since October, 2011 there’s been a new kid on the block – Women of Tomorrow, a mentoring and scholarship program for girls (www.womenoftomorrow.org). It was founded in south Florida by Emmy Award-winning tele02.12

vision journalist Jennifer Valoppi, who grew up in Allen Park. The Detroit startup was funded with a $5-million grant from the Knight Foundation, and already has 250 girls from 11 high schools (mentees) and 25 successful, professional women (mentors) participating. Before Christmas, they convened at the MAX Music Center for a social. It featured a DSO rehearsal, a boffo performance by Detroit School for the Performing Arts’ all male VISIONS chorus, a powerful video starring WoT Florida graduates who are now in college, and remarks by DSO CEO Ann Parsons and WDIV’s Carmen Harlan. Local residents in the crowd included Wendy Powers, Anne Damman, Sarah Winter, Laurie Cunnington, Mary Ann Greenawalt and program coordinator Kathy Wilson. WoT Founding Advisory Committee Member Florine Mark will be hosting a spring cocktail reception in preparation for a fall fundraiser. For more information, contact Kathy Wilson at (248) 430-4095 or k.wilson@womenoftomorrow.org.

2011 Kidney Ball

DSO Nutcracker Luncheon Nearly 200 attended the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Volunteer Council’s annual Nutcracker Luncheon at the Dearborn Inn where Barbra Bloch’s glistening white centerpieces gave the room a winter wonderland aura. Gloria Clark and Gloria Nycek chaired the event. Highlights included socializing, a dance performance by Taylor’s Ballet Americana, drawing for winners of Neiman downtownpublications.com

1. Lomas (left) & Wendy Brown of Waterford with event co-chair Myra Moreland of Birmingham and honorary co-chair Ford Fund’s Jim Vella of Canton. 2. Kidney Foundation board chair Mark Behm of Parma with event honorary co-chair GM’s Vivian Pickard of Bloomfield. 3. Decorations chair Cindi Weinert (left), Kari Ross, Maria Roberts and Cathy Maiorana of Bloomfield. 4. Bill Roberts (left), David Weinert, Dave Dombrowski and Joe Maiorana of Bloomfield. 5. Brian & Michele Schubot of Bloomfield (at Mars candy station). 6. Josh & Laynie Bryant of Birmingham.

4 Alternatives for Girls Tea For 25 years, interior designer Shirley Maddalena has hosted a High Tea at the Townsend to benefit young women at risk. In recent years the Riga Group at Morgan Stanley Smith Barney has joined as a sponsor and Alternatives for Girls (www.alternativeforgirls.org) has been the beneficiary. More than 60 supporters attended the event last month. In addition to socializing, sipping tea and devouring the savories and sweet treats, which, in our opinion, beat the legendary tea served at Vancouver Island’s Victoria Hotel, guests also shopped at the silent auction of donated treasures. The auction, noted for its bargains, has become such a draw that one loyal guest, Marjorie Schultz, said she looks for suitable donations throughout the year. Proceeds from the auction and ticket sales will help high-risk girls grow strong and make positive choices.

Alternatives for Girls Tea

1. Andrea Bonce (left) and Emma & her mother Jane Synnestvedt of Birmingham with Nancy De Angelis of Bloomfield. 2. Event sponsor the Riga Group’s Brodie Killian of Dearborn with event founder Shirley Maddalena of Bloomfield. 3. Event loyalist Marjorie Schultz of Bloomfield. 4. Rebecca Warchuck (left) and her mother Josie Sheppard of Birmingham. 5. Curtis Posuniak and Pat Hardy of Bloomfield.

1 DSO Nutcracker Luncheon

1. Debbie Logan (left) and Lynn Miller of Bloomfield. 2. Maggie Allesee (left), Millie Pastor and Alice Haidostian of Bloomfield and Linda Juracek-Lipa of Birmingham. 3. Mary Smart (left) of Northville and Lorraine Schultz of Bloomfield. 4. VC president Janet Ankers (left) of Beverly Hills; Marlene Bihlmeyer of Bloomfield, DSO Executive VP Paul Hogle of Grosse Pointe, Barbara Frankel of W. Bloomfield.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Marcus donations and shopping at the VC booth Shop @ The Max. DSO CD’s were popular purchases, of course, but one of the more clever items was the kitchen cutting board with the legend “If music be the food of love...get Chopin.”

Junior League Mistletoe Madness

1. Event chair Amy Somers (left) and past JLB president Katie Marinelli of Royal Oak with Lisa Shafran of Birmingham. 2. Past JLB president Susan Foley (left) of Birmingham with current development director Amy Stea of Beverly Hills. 3. Keri Boyd (left) of Birmingham with JLB president Michelle & Mark St. Andrew of Berkley. 4. Jennifer (left) & Jeff Raab of Bloomfield and Jason & Tiffany Glime of Birmingham. 5. Amy Zimmer (left), Dan Assenmacher & Jennifer Schneider of Bloomfield and Cathy Reed of Ferndale. 6. Becky Shires of Royal Oak (left), Shanna Gorga of Birmingham, Meredith and Dan Morse of Bloomfield and Emily Wojcik of Rochester Hills. 7. Ryan Kelly (center) of Northville with Jen Peters (left) and Katie Roberts of Birmingham.

Preservation Bloomfield’s Family Hour

1. Tom (left) and PB board chair Pat Hardy with event chair Carol and Suhail Shaya of Bloomfield. 2. Isabella (standing left) & Christina Sosa and their mother Bianca DiMaggio of Birmingham with their cousin Ariana (seated left) and her mother/committee member Julie Shaya Sosa of Bloomfield. 3. Committee members Tressa Mucci and Noelle Cassel of Bloomfield. 4. Lauren (standing left) and her mother Mary Wenzel and Olivia (front left) and Tina Sappington of Bloomfield. 5. Melissa Jackson (left) and Ally Zimmer with Jackson, committee member Molly and Brooke Pulte of Bloomfield. 6. Ella Downey (left) and her grandmother committee member Joan Cleland of Bloomfield. 7. OHCC’s Chef Daniel Vallone (center) of Royal oak with committee members Sue Nine (left) and Pam Budde of Bloomfield. 8. Cate Stonisch (left) of Birmingham and Rachelle Jackson and Lucy Kinna of Bloomfield. 9. Volunteers Helen Berger (left) of Huntington Woods, Maddie Odom of Bloomfield and Gillian Fent Baker of Birmingham. 10. Ken Pape (left) of Bloomfield with his grandchildren Madison & Kendall and their mother Heather Pape of Rochester Hills.

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Junior League Mistletoe Madness For the 26th annual holiday fundraiser, the Junior League of Birmingham went Home for the Holidays. Actually, members and their guests enjoyed the decidedly generous hospitality of Art Van Furniture as they sipped, supped and socialized throughout its Royal Oak showrooms. The honorary chairs were WDIV’s style reporter Jon Jordan and traffic reporter Ashlee Barclay. Barclay was a terrific model for one of Ferndale fashion designer Matt Richmond’s cocktail dresses which he constructs out of paper and other recyclables. The music was splendid. Matt Kysia entertained the 23 VIP guests during the hour-long Scott Shruptine patron party before the rest of the partiers (190 total) arrived and Violao (Sean Blackman and Wayne Gerard) took over for the rest of the evening. So were the Michigan beers and wines from the Cork Wine Pub and the Mistletoe Mojitos made of El Dorado DE MERARA Rum from Glenn Peacock and 2 Unique Caterer’s ’s fare, like roasted chicken breast with asparagus on vegetable risotto. Most also bid in a silent auction and bought raffle tickets. The event raised $17,000 for JLB’s efforts to improve and protect the quality of children’s lives. Family Hour & Gingerbread House Brunch “I’m blown away by these wonderful gingerbread houses,” exclaimed emcee Fox 2’s Monica Gayle. She was addressing the 200-plus guests at Friends of Preservation Bloomfield’s fourth annual Gingerbread House Brunch at Oakland Hills Country Club. She referred to the 22 expertly crafted, remarkable creations generously donated to help finance the restoration of the Barton Farmhouse. It awaits completion on the Bloomfield Public Schools Bowers Farm campus. One of the exhibits, by Manchester Bakery’s Melanie Weidmaye, even includes the three campus structures. Brunch chair Denni Dall’Olmo noted that hers “…was the easiest job I ever had (thanks to) the efficient, fun, wonderful group of women.” They not only secured, displayed and sold the hous02.12

es, they also secured and sold table top trees and wreaths and conducted a raffle and a mini live auction. For the second year, the brunch was preceded the previous evening by the Family Hour. Carol Shaya’s legendary design and coordinating talents and her committee of young mothers combined to pack the evening with engaging activities for the 110 guests of all ages. In addition to previewing the gingerbread house display, all of the youngsters decorated a real cookie house of their own. They had been preassembled by OHCC Chef Daniel Vallone’s crew which, he mentioned, spent 80 hours doing so. Craft stations, pictures and conversation with Santa and Mrs. Claus and an especially appealing buffet of family culinary favorites with Alice Haidostian’s piano music in the background comprised the three busy hours. The two-part event grossed $33,000, bringing to more than $84,000 the total raised by the PB Friends’ four holiday events. Henry Ford Hospital’s Grand Ball One could say that advocates of Henry Ford Hospital System’s flagship on West Grand Boulevard started practicing for its 100th anniversary celebration last year when they staged the inaugural Grand Ball. It celebrated the Grand Old Lady’s 95th year of being, as event co-chair Dick Brodie called it, “…a beacon of hope and caring in Detroit.” They’ll surely be challenged to top the sold out second celebration held last month. It produced, according to HFHS philanthropy VP Jon Fitzgerald, MGM Grand ballroom’s largest ever crowd (nearly 1,000), and the description by CEO Nancy Schlichting of her best birthday present ever. She referred to the call she had recently received on her birthday informing that HFHS had been named one of only four 2011 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipients. The award, established in 1987 by Congress, is America’s highest honor for innovation and performance excellence in manufacturing, service, small business, education, health care, and nonprofit sectors. She said that HFHS’s selection followed a rigorous on site visit and more than 1,200 interviews throughout the entire system. “We did it the hard way,” Schlichting noted. The soiree also featured HF Hospital CEO’ Dr. John Popovich’s presentation of awards to three honorees for their generosity - Fred Hessler, the downtownpublications.com

Preservation Bloomfield’s Gingerbread House Brunch

4 1. Event chair Denni Dall’Olmo and BP Friends’ president Lisa Yamin. 2. Sheila Konwinski (left) committee members Judy Anderson and Katie Kiyo of Bloomfield. 3. Rosemary Bannon (left) of Beverly Hills with Irma Elder and Colleen Burcar of Bloomfield. 4. Joanie Gaston & Carol Lee Markley of Bloomfield. 5. Marilyn Way (left) and committee member Shirley Maddalena of Bloomfield with Lu Anne Cellars of Ann Arbor. 6. Gingerbread House judges: food writer Kate Lawson (left) of Bloomfield, award winner Donna Rorabaugh of Rochester Hills and instructor Lois Hennessey of Sterling Hgts.

Henry Ford Hospital’s Grand Ball

1. Beth (left) & hospital CEO Dr. John Popovich of Birmingham with event chairs Joanne & Dick Brodie of Bloomfield. 2. Honoree Fred Hessler of NYC with HFHS CEO Nancy Schlicting of Bloomfield. 3. HF Foundation board members Michel Williams (left) & Wendy Powers with Bill Powers of Bloomfield. 4. HFHS’s Dr. Mark Kelley (left) with his wife Gail Kelley of Bloomfield and Diane & HFHS’s Jon Fitzgerald of Birmingham. 5. Eva & Dr. Jan Rival of Bloomfield. 6. Dr. Cathy Nordby & Dr. Gerard Martin of Grosse Pointe with Dr. Bill & Susan Conway of Birmingham. 7. Kevin (left) & Joyce Murphy of Bloomfield with Karen & Scott Mitchell of Birmingham. 8. Annette (left) & Dr. Tarek Abouljoud of Grosse Pointe with Dulce & Ted Fuller of Birmingham. 9. Band leader Simone Vitale (left) with Laurel & Dr. Steve Kalkanis of Bloomfield. 10. Dr. Doug Weaver (left) of Birmingham with Stephanie & Patrick Kerzic of Grosse Pointe.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Donor Reception for Roeper Lower School library

Carls Foundation, and the late Sophie Meinek, a 25-year employee of the housekeeping department, who bequeathed half her assets ($250,000) to the hospital. Guests then danced to Simone Vitale’s music. The evening raised nearly $400,000.

1. Alan (left) & Ann Frank of Franklin and Dan Share of Birmingham. 2. Tara & Steve Grekin of Bloomfield. 3. Dave (left) & Christine Lyon of Huntington Woods and Tom Huneke of Beverly Hills. 4. Librarian Carmen Plank of Birmingham.

Academy of the Sacred Heart Alumnae Benefit Ingathering

1. Benefit co-chairs Yvonne McCready (center left) and Sue Spangler of Bloomfield with their daughters Louise McCready (left) and Sarah Spangler (right). 2. Ann Oldani Kern of Bloomfield and her sister Julie Oldani of Birmingham. 3. Bonnie Brennan (left) & Virginia Antakli of Bloomfield. 4. Therese Mayer (left) and her sister Sally Grierson of Bloomfield. 5. Benefit coordinator Duffy Wineman (left) of Bloomfield & her sister Marna Wilson of Okemos with Elaine Potter of Cambridge MA & her mother Marian Costello of Bloomfield.

5 Brookside School Cranbrook’s Kaleidoscope Cocktails & Cupcakes

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1. Patty Cunningham and Kaleidoscope co-chair Kevin Cristbrook of Bloomfield. 2. Laurie Frankel and Kaleidoscope co-chair James Cristbrook of Bloomfield. 3. Kaleidoscope co-chairs Elle Elder (left) of Orchard Lake, Lipsa Sheth of Bloomfield and Elyse Foltyn of Birmingham, with Joann Kemp of Harrison Twp. 4. Erin Mayer (left) and Deborah Meyer of Birmingham with WXYZ’s Erin Nicole. 5. Chanel’s Sue Beydoun of Oakland and Mary Pat Rosen of Bloomfield. 6. Sharon & Rob Suess of Birmingham. 7. Trish McEvoy’s Debbie Graff (left) of Windsor with Anna Pavlou, Andra Murdock and Kari Coburn of Bloomfield.

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Roeper School library reception Nearly 70 generous supporters of Roeper School attended the VIP grand opening celebration of The Children’s Library in the lower school. The $1.1-million project was funded solely by Roeper families, alumni, alumni families, trustees, administrators and community friends. A ribbon-cutting ceremony followed a champagne reception and words of gratitude by Roeper administrators and board chair Steve Milbeck. The ceremony involved Milbeck and lead donors Alan and Ann Frank and Donna and, in absentia, Steven Silk. Then new librarian Carman Pianko’s enthusiasm made all wish they were kids again as she pointed out features of the spectacular, tricked out, 21st century, very green, tech space where “everything moves.” The 2,700 sq. ft library is double its former size and now includes a publishing center for students and a collection of printed and digital works by George and Annemarie Roeper, who founded the Pre-K-12 school for gifted children in 1941. School Ties Auctions are a popular source of private school fundraising. They also offer valuable opportunities for building school spirit and camaraderie, not only at the main event but also at preliminary gatherings. Such was the case at the Academy of the Sacred Heart Alumnae Reception to which Benefit 2012 co-chairs Yvonne McCready and Sue Spangler welcomed guests. The trademark ASH sense of family was evident as sisters, mothers, daughters and mothers of alumnae sipped, supped and socialized in the newly redecorated parlor. They all brought auction donations for the main 02.12

event, Vive le Congé, Saturday, March 31 at Bloomfield Hills Country Club. Before the holidays, Brookside School Cranbrook loyalists and their friends convened at Neiman Marcus for Cupcakes & Cocktails, a shopping benefit for the school’s 31st annual Kaleidoscope auction. All five event co-chairs were there but Kevin and James Cristbrook were chiefly greeting arrivals at the check in table while Elle Elder, Lipsa Sheth and Elyse Foltyn mingled with pals in the beauty aisles. The quintet has changed the traditional twopart event calendar this year. The main event - Cranbrook Digs Its Roots - is Saturday, March 10 with a strolling dinner at the school and the pricier Patron Party with fine dining will follow on April 14 at the Taubman Air Hangar. Also before the holidays, the Brother Rice High School Fifth Annual Christmas Party brought 240 parents, alumni, alumni parents and friends to Birmingham Country Club. The price of admission was a donation to the Mothers and Dads Clubs Irish Night Auction XXXV. It will be Friday, March 18 at the school. The evening was filled with good food, courtesy of Arlene Alessi’s party chairmanship, and good spirits, courtesy in part of the football team’s recent state championship title. Other private school auctions on the calendar include Marian High School’s Saturday, Feb. 4 at the school; Eton Academy’s Saturday, March 3 at the school; Roeper School’s Mosaic Auction April 14 at a private club in Detroit; and Detroit Country Day School’s Saturday, April 21 at the school. Birmingham Public Schools also benefit from the Birmingham Education Foundation’s auction event Feb. 11 at the Townsend. Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390. downtownpublications.com

Brother Rice High School Christmas Party

4 1. Party chair Arlene Alessi (left) with Jerry & Karen Kearnes of Bloomfield and Paul Ryder BR’84 of Birmingham. 2. Auction acquisition chair Elaina Ryder (left) of Birmingham with auction coordinators Susan Reid and Michelle Lievois of Bloomfield. 3. BRHS Moms’ Club president Cathy Weissenborn (right) of Bloomfield with John BR’72 (left) & Marianne Kure of W. Bloomfield and Terry & Dick King of Rochester Hills. 4. Creighton BR’80 (left) & Denise Foster of with David Glod of Bloomfield. 5. Pam (left) & Joe Hildebrand BR’75 of Birmingham with Judy Frasco Hildebrand of Bloomfield. 6. Chris Lievois BR’83 (left) of Bloomfield and Joe Schwegman of Birmingham. 7. Vera Ambrose (left) of W. Bloomfield, Marie Dowler of Beverly Hills, and Kim Salman of Bloomfield. 8. Tom BR’77 (left) & Carol Warner of Rochester Hills with Ran & Patti Jessup of Bloomfield.

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ENDNOTE

City needs to follow through with study irmingham's City Commission recently approved two new bistro applications for 2012, Social and Market, through a new process which required all applicants for 2012 to come before the city commission this past October and present their bistro concept. The commission then weeded out the two best applications to proceed to the finish line. The idea was to eliminate the former firstcome, first-serve application process which the city had used since bistros were first allowed in 2007, which meant that whoever applied first usually received approval first, and others might have to wait for years to have the opportunity to present their bistro concept to the city's planning board and city commission for approval, and the opportunity to have a restaurant in Birmingham. We are very glad the city commission moved ahead and implemented a superior process for approving the two new bistro licenses a year the bistro ordinance permits. However, a missing part of the equation is a study of the impact of bistros which was ordered last summer to help guide future city decisions on this issue. Last June, at a joint city commission and planning board meeting, there was dialogue and concern about the economic impact the

bistros were—or were not—making on the city. It was pointed out that there was no recent information to proceed forward to help determine where bistros would be most beneficial at this time. In 2006, before bistros were permitted, the Birmingham Principal Shopping District (PSD) commissioned a study by the Strategic Edge which analyzed where shoppers were coming to Birmingham from, the average age of the shoppers, the mix of stores, restaurants, and services, and other important information, in order to help determine what was needed in Birmingham and how to market to them. It also assisted the city's planning department in crafting the bistro ordinance. We do know a few things. In 2006, there were 16 establishments with liquor licenses; today there are 31. Leasing agents contend it is difficult for retailers to find spots for retailers, and some retailers assert that bistros have not brought more business to the city when they are open, during the day. Talk around town notes that those retailers who open their doors later and stay open into the evenings, though, are benefitting from the traffic bistros are bringing to downtown. Malls determine their makeup of soft goods v. entertainment based on a formula to

determine how many restaurants, how many shoe stores, children's stores, etc., there should be. The PSD, at a recent board meeting, discussed looking at data from comparable downtown communities in other areas of the country to see if they use a similar formula to control the mix of their downtown areas, but there has been no information reported back from them, either. At the June joint planning meeting, then mayor Gordon Rinschler directed staff to study and report back on the economic impact of Birmingham's bistros, and where they are drawing their business from. Questions were raised if two was the appropriate number of bistros per year for the city. Again, no one knows because eight months later, there is still no report, no information, no study for the planning department and city commissioners to utilize. Staff, through its inaction, is handicapping all parties—potential restaurateurs, retailers, other business owners, commissioners, planners, and visitors to Birmingham. It is essential to all who enjoy Birmingham that former Mayor Rinschler's directive be followed, and staff report back on the bistros' economic impact. The city's future development depends on it.

Access to all schools' crime reports n the state of Michigan, public schools are required to report to the state 23 different crime activities each year, both by district and by individual school. The reportable crimes range from murder and gang activity to skipping school and vandalism, and everything in between. It doesn't matter to the state whether or not law enforcement has been called in for an offense in order to be included in the crime report, just that it is part of the school's official record. Yet private and parochial schools, of which Birmingham and Bloomfield are fortunate to have a generous selection, have no similar requirement. The rationale on the part of state lobbyists is that private and parochial schools do not receive state funding dollars, so there is no reason to compel them to report what happens on their school grounds and within their classrooms and hallways. The reality is that parochial and private schools in our midst do receive public funding, just not in traditional per-pupil funding like their public school cohorts. Under Michigan law, the superintendent of public instruction has supervisory power over all private, denominational, and parochial schools, from curriculum to teacher certification. That translates to all sorts of services that are provided to students in nonpublic schools, from

busing for parochial students within school districts to providing hearing or visual aids for students with hearing or visual disabilities in all schools. The Michigan Auxiliary Services Act and related rules require that all school districts provide students enrolled in nonpublic schools with special education services equal to their public school counterparts. While private and parochial schools claim they don't receive state funding, the Michigan Compiled Laws require that local school districts that “provide auxiliary services must provide the same services to nonpublic school students on an equal basis. Auxiliary services include: health and nursing services and examinations; street crossing guard services; speech and language services; school social work services; school psychological services; teacher consultant services for handicapped pupils and other ancillary services for the handicapped; and remedial reading. Nonpublic schools are reimbursed, on an equal basis with public schools, for school bus safety education costs incurred for the benefit of school bus drivers.” The reality is there are many ways to receive a payment. Private and parochial schools in our area are complying with all local and state laws as they keep their schools' crime statistics private and proprietary but there is no question

that they are receiving funding from the state and from local public schools, which are funded by local property taxes. Assuming that a major crime would be reported through local law enforcement, every parent should have the same opportunity to review and assess criminal behavior, no matter how minor or trivial, at all local schools, and make informed decisions as to where to send their children to school. Michigan mandates a great deal of services in order to protect the children of all districts, and to provide them, regardless of where they are going to school, with all of the same benefits and access to special services, especially if they have special needs. Transparency in government has become a catch all phrase that should be acted upon by legislators interested in truly enacting transparency. State Rep. Chuck Moss (RBirmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township) told Downtown that he does not know why there is no requirement for private and parochial schools “mostly because I've never thought of it.” It's time to think of it, and act on it, introducing legislation which protects the most important constituents of all--the children attending the many strong nonpublic educational schools--rather than the institutions themselves.

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