GERAK: SOCIAL SCENE • HEALD: THE (ITALIAN) SILVER SPOON
THE E GUID 2013your
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MARKET STUDY FOR BIRMINGHAM
WHAT NEWEST SURVEY SAYS ABOUT THE DOWNTOWN AREA
ADHD DRUGS
STUDENTS' LITTLE HELPER; ABUSE AND POPULARITY
REPORT CARD ON SECURITY
HEIGHTENED CONCERNS OVER SAFETY IN THE LOCAL SCHOOLS
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Oliver Peoples Pop-up Boutique at Shades Optical | February 16th through 23rd Come see the entire Oliver Peoples collection at Shades for one week only.
OLIVER PEOPLES 25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AT SHADES
Thursday February 21st | 3pm to 8pm.
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ADHD drug use grows among students High school and college students are a set that is increasingly using as study aids the drugs prescribed for those with ADHD.
CRIME LOCATOR
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Serge Hochar, owner-winemaker at Chateau Musar, maintains his vineyards in the high altitude Bekaa Valley of eastern Lebanon.
AT THE TABLE
47: Eve Ashcraft
103: Karen Newman
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87: John Arnold
107: Emily Hay
CITY/TOWNSHIP
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For those not residing in the free mail distribution area, paid subscriptions are available for a $12 annual fee. Phone 248.792.6464 and request the Distribution department or go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions” in the top index and place your order on-line or scan the QR Code here.
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A view of the golf course, Birmingham Country Club, Birmingham. Downtown photo/Hayley Beitman.
DOWNTOWN P
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DOWNTOWN • BLACK BOOK • THE GUIDE 124 WEST MAPLE ROAD BIRMINGHAM MI 48009 P: 248.792.6464 downtownpublications.com facebook.com/downtownpublications • twitter.com/downtownpubs
Publisher: David Hohendorf Ad Manager: Jill Cesarz Graphics/IT Manager: Chris Grammer News Editor: Lisa Brody
News Staff/Contributors: Hayley Beitman, Hillary Brody, Sally Gerak, Eleanor & Ray Heald, Austen Hohendorf, Garrett Hohendorf, Kathleen Meisner, Laurie Tennent
DOWNTOWN
Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and non-profit circuit as she covers recent major events.
ENDNOTE
THE COVER
Cannelle; David Wachler and Sons Jewelers; Added Oomph!; The Dailey Method; Birmingham Tea Spa; Seeger People.
DISTRIBUTION: Mailed monthly at no charge to homes in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. Additional free copies are distributed at high foot-traffic locations.
If you’ve been to Italy and liked both the authentic food and ambiance, you’ll like The Silver Spoon in Rochester Hills.
SOCIAL LIGHTS
Birmingham's long-range planning session; Hardy named may pro tem; downtown hotel plans on hold; restaurant closings, openings; bistro ownership rules changed; plus more.
BUSINESS MATTERS
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Here's a look at what the most recent market survey has to say about public perception of downtown Birmingham.
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FACES
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New market study
Local private and public schools are increasing security measures in the wake of the recent national school shootings.
FOCUS ON WINE
A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format.
31: Jon Jordan
School security change
How schools are handling the increased concern about student safety; opportunity to weigh-in on future transportation.
INCOMING: We welcome feedback on both our publication and general issues of concern in the Birmingham/Bloomfield community. The traditional Letters to the Editor in Downtown are published in our Incoming section, and can include traditional letters or electronic communication. Your opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com; or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI, 48009. Letters must include your full name, address and daytime phone number for verification.
02.13
SPRING 2013
MONDAY - FRIDAY 10 - 6
SATURDAY 10 - 5
FROM THE PUBLISHER
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ast March I used this space to explain to readers of Downtown about our efforts, aside from our monthly print product, to bring news in a digital or online format on a more frequent basis to our followers.
I return to this topic because we continue to produce solid site visitor numbers at downtownpublications.com, and we would like to push these numbers even higher. Over the last couple of years, depending on the month, we have an average of 25,000 visitors to our website each month. There are a few months each year where we traditionally generate even stronger traffic, like this past October when we had nearly 32,000 visitors to our site in one month. As I have explained to people on numerous occasions, the website for Downtown is probably one of the strongest digital news offerings in southeast Michigan. The design is simple but strong and it is one of the easiest sites to navigate, thanks to Graphics/IT Manager Chris Grammer. Our website is updated at least twice each week, on Mondays with Sally Gerak's Social Lights column and photos, and on Fridays with hard news stories – like police or public safety news, government meeting highlights from the current week, and the latest from the business and general community. Depending on breaking news, we may update the website more frequently. There is much more offered at downtownpublications.com, which I will leave for readers to discover on their own. The website for Downtown is an integral part of our ongoing effort to be the main source of news about the communities of Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills by building a community of followers. We produce the monthly print newsmagazine but in the interim we work to keep you informed on a weekly or more frequent basis about current news developing in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area. And keep in mind that a large portion of what appears on our website does not make it into the print edition. Downtown is fortunate in that our local service area has one of the highest educational levels and one of the highest numbers of homes with high speed Internet access in Oakland County. I would suspect that in terms of mobile devices for accessing the Internet, this same strong representation holds true, which is why our site is optimized for smart phones and tablets. So we are hoping over the course of 2013 to build an even stronger following on our website. Our operating philosophy is that an informed readership is an empowered readership - old fashion in concept but our driving force nonetheless. Our goal of growing our online following is one more extension of the driving philosophy behind Downtown Publications. We think we supply a unique publication as we mail Downtown to local homes each month, which is why we have become the dominant print news an advertising product in this area. Our website offerings are equally as strong which is why competitors' attempting to offer locally-focused online news will often times crib, with or without credit, what we have generated on downtownpublications.com. Take the time to visit our website – downtownpublications.com – where you can sign up for weekly e-mail notifications when we update our site and become part of our growing online community. David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com
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INCOMING Outstanding Baldwin feature What an outstanding feature Lisa Brody wrote on Baldwin House (January 2013) – balanced in breadth and comprehensive in content. Birmingham is blessed to have such a special residential facility for those from a range of economic means who wish to share the benefits of an unusual community. Everyone should commend the involved churches, their pastoral staffs and lay leaders, who had the faith and fortitude – and continue to express it – in advancing the belief that an apartment "home" can be uniquely harmonious regardless of one's financial status. Laurence A. Price, Bloomfield Hills
Answers from prosecutor Jessica Cooper, the Oakland County Prosecutor, is obligated to confer with crime victims as provided in Article 1, Section 24 of the Michigan Constitution. My eleven year old son, Tim, was abducted, abused and murdered in 1977. In 2009, the investigating officers advised my family that there was sufficient circumstantial evidence to charge Christopher Busch if he was alive. Ms. Cooper concluded otherwise. Ms. Cooper has refused to tell me why she reached her decision, claiming
SPEAK OUT We welcome your opinion on issues facing the Birmingham/Bloomfield communities. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009. While we don’t have a specific word limitation, we reserve the right to edit for length.
“I’m prohibited by the code of ethics”. There are no ethical, personal or professional obligations which have priority over her constitutional obligations. If any prosecutor refused to take further action after the police identified the person who assaulted you or burglarized your house, you are entitled to an explanation. Otherwise the criminal justice system is subject to checkbook justice, dictatorial decisions or honest mistakes. My child meant more to me than any TV and jewelry taken from my home. Barry King, Birmingham
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CRIME LOCATOR
NORTH
Map key
Sexual assault
Assault
Murder
Robbery
Breaking/entering
Larceny
Larceny from vehicle
Vehicle theft
Vandalism
Drug offenses
Arson
These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through January 25, 2013. Placement of codes is approximate.
KEEPING OUR CHILDREN SAFE
SCHOOL SAFETY MEASURES POST-NEWTOWN
BY LISA BRODY
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or many in this country, the shooting massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut in December was the most traumatic experience we as a nation have been confronted with since September 11, 2001. The slaughter of 20 innocent children, only six and seven years old, just beginning their elementary school education, devastated us, catching us seemingly unaware. How, we all ask, could a young man from a community not much different from our own, gun down his own mother, and then annihilate a classroom of first graders and their teachers, children and teachers in other classrooms, even the principal and counselor who tried to stop him and talk to him. It's unfathomable. And yet, in other situations, with other children, we've seen it before. Jonesboro, Arkansas, 2008. Columbine, 1999. Montreal, 2006. Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, 2006. Virginia Tech, 2007. Aurora, Colorado, 2012. In recent days, at a community college in Houston.
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02.13
Since 1996, the startling fact is that there have been at least 68 shootings worldwide involving school children, committed both by fellow students and by outsiders entering school buildings, most of the time by individuals known to school officials and fellow students. arents throughout the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, just like parents throughout the United States, are wondering how to keep their children safe as they let their children walk out the door each morning. It's an issue local schools, public, private, and parochial, have been hard at work on, as well. To help provide further assistance, Oakland County Homeland Security has been offering active shooter situation training, free of charge, to all Oakland County schools. The two-and-a-half hour course, a result of collaboration among Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, and Oakland Schools Superintendent Vickie Markavitch - is recommended for teams of principals, secretaries, all grade level teachers, and custodians, as well as central office staff that oversees safety and security of school buildings. The course features experts from Oakland County Homeland Security Division and the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office on how to react during an active shooter situation. “An active shooter is an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area; in most cases, active shooters use firearm(s) and there is no pattern or method to their selection of victims. Active shooter situations are unpredictable and evolve quickly, which requires people on the scene to be prepared both mentally and physically while waiting for law enforcement to arrive,” the training memo explains. Representatives from several local schools, such as Bloomfield Hills Schools and Birmingham Public Schools, said they intended to send teams to the course. Some area schools declined to comment, citing security concerns. “School districts are now tasked with extra safety concerns, but we still have all of the other usual business of running a district properly,” noted Shira Good, director, communications and community relations for Bloomfield Hills Schools. “But safety is number one. We know the importance of safety. We recognize we're the experts in education, but not in safety, so we're turning to the experts, similar to how we have developed previous plans, to create the best possible safety plan for our district and buildings.” Marcia Wilkinson, spokesperson for Birmingham Public Schools, said that in light of the Newtown killings, “We've started a complete review of all security and safety policies and procedures for the district. We will have a complete report with recommendations ready to give to the board at their board meeting on February 5.” “This is all done in memory of the victims and the heroes of Sandy Hook and it’s created an opportunity to reflect on our practices as well we should be as a public institution,” Superintendent Daniel Nerad said. “We’re looking at a wide range of ideas.” In the interim, she said the district has decided to employ a security company for all eight of the elementary schools and three middle schools, and for the first time, will keep all of the schools' front doors locked. Security personnel will be unarmed. “And, during this interim period, we will employ the security company to staff the doors all day long during the school day,” Wilkinson said. “We will also have a recommendation for the long term plan for a technology component, such as buzzers and cameras, that can be used for the doors of the buildings. There are different systems out there, and we're looking at different systems for these.” Wilkinson said that for the two high schools, Seaholm and Groves, the district will be adding extra staff to monitor the buildings. “We currently have adult hall monitors,” she said. “We are determining whether to add more staff hall monitors or to use people from the security company.” The school district had added surveillance cameras to the schools in 2011, following a series of racial threats in April and May of that year. Seaholm has 48 cameras installed throughout its building, in public spaces (non-restroom and locker room spaces) and its parking lot, and Groves has 64 cameras in similar locations. “They will strictly be put in common areas and hallways,” Wilkinson said at the time they were installed. “They will be installed in the lobby,
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cafeteria, gym lobby, media center, and larger areas where people tend to congregate. They will not be in private areas, such as locker rooms or bathrooms, nor was that part of the discussion. But by having them in the hallways, we can identify who is going in and out of the restrooms and locker rooms, and what times they are going in and out. It's not a panacea, but it is another tool to keep students and staff safe.” The cameras are not live monitored, but reviewed on tape if there is an incident. “They're live monitored as needed, but typically they're reviewed at a later date. But that could change, and we could live monitor the cameras,” Wilkinson said. The freedom of some students may take a hit, however, in this new, safer, post-Newtown world. “We have an open lunch (where students can leave the school campus and go out for lunch), and one of the things we're looking at is if we'll have to monitor the student doors,” Wilkinson said. “We'll also have many more doors that will be secured and monitored because of the larger student populations we have at the high schools.” There are 1,287 students at Groves, and 1,385 students at Seaholm. Currently, the policy is that all visitors are required to sign in at a school office and get a visitor's pass to enter the school. “But that's not followed,” Wilkinson acknowledged. “Because our schools have always had a welcoming environment, some parents who may be just dropping off a lunch or homework, may have been bypassing the school office, and that's one of the things we're going to have to change culture of the school environment. We want to keep a welcoming environment, but in today's world, it's just not possible to have an open school.” “We do not want to do anything that can create a false sense of security,” Nerad said. “I believe more than anything that our staff members, our community, and our students, expect us to do all that we reasonably can.” loomfield Hills' Good said the district has always relied on local safety experts to create and implement the most top notch security plans possible for any and all situations. In order to accomplish this, Superintendent Rob Glass recently announced a unique partnership between the district and Bloomfield Township Police to employ a Bloomfield Township police officer as an armed school security officer. Good said the officer hired would be at the detective level, and the district would pick up a portion of the officer's salary, for the nine months of the school year, with the police covering the remainder. “The Bloomfield Township Police Department feels we have an excellent security plan in place already, but we realized (after Newtown) that we need a more thorough review and some expert help,” Good said. “There are a lot of decisions to make.” “While we have been reassured that our procedures are among the very best, we also believe that there is room for improvement. The pathway to a higher level of safety and security rests in higher levels of consistent training for staff, students and the parents who frequent our schools. The best plans in the world are dependent upon faithful execution in order to provide the protection intended,” Glass said. Glass noted that among other responsibilities, the school security officer will assist the district at all of its buildings by conducting an immediate review of their existing procedures, identifying areas for improvement, and then helping to make those improvements. Other duties the officer will provide on an ongoing basis will be training and drills for staff, students and parents at each building, and he or she will monitor security on a rotating basis across the district, making sure all of the buildings are secure and that prescribed procedures are being followed as intended. The officer will also provide a visible security presence within the district. He or she will also communicate with the two existing police liaison officers and other area law enforcement to stay apprised of any potential threats that could arise. An example which Good used, and several other schools also did as well, was holding the door open for someone coming into the school after them, which is now under discussion at Bloomfield Hills Schools. At many other local public, private, and parochial schools, it's a prohibited situation, whether the individual is known to the person or not. “It's considered polite (to hold the door for someone),” Good said.
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“Parents have taught their kids to hold the door for someone. Yet, in this situation, you're not supposed to let anyone else in. Everyone is supposed to be individually buzzed in.” She noted it's become a controversial issue among the district's parents, which is all the more reason it's a security decision which the school security officer will ultimately determine. “At the last PTO meeting, there were divided comments in the audience on this topic,” Good noted. “Half of the parents felt that was ridiculous. If their student knew who was coming in behind them, why shouldn't they hold the door open for them? On the other hand, the other half said no—I don't care if it's not police. They're telling their kids not to hold the door open for anyone. If these parents can't agree, we need an expert to tell us what to do.” ther schools have a firm “no entry” policy which they impose on students and staff for anyone coming in behind them. Detroit Country Day School has a buzzer system at every building entrance to monitor the flow of people coming in and out, and all of the buildings are locked, with all of the doorways monitored for movement in and out, according to Sue Murphy, director of external affairs for the school. Further, a camera system, which is live-monitored, is utilized in tandem with the buzzer system. “Our students and our parents are very accustomed to our buzzer system,” she said. “You want to be polite and helpful, but we have reinforced to our staff and students that they cannot let in people, even if they know them. So our students and parents are used to waiting to be buzzed in, to being seen on camera, and not being annoyed by it. It's just part of the process.” She recounted a recent situation at the lower school when headmaster Glen Shilling was waiting at the door of the school, having just buzzed the door, when a young student walked past, recognized him, and waved, but did not let him in. Once Shilling had been buzzed in, he praised the child for doing the right thing, and not letting him in, despite being recognized as the headmaster. Murphy said the school employs a team of security professionals, and all of their practices were in place prior to the December shooting. Additionally, they regularly work with their local police departments, whose “response for even false alarms or someone smelling smoke is so rapid. It's so reassuring,” she said. “I have to reiterate how important safety is for us, the students, parents and teachers,” Murphy emphasized. “The priority stays at the forefront of our processes and practices.” Roeper Schools communication director Carrie Hammers said that, in the aftermath of the Newtown massacre, “We did not change anything because we already had excellent security measures in place, but anytime things like this take place, it forces us to review our security plans.” She said that all of the Roeper buildings on both campuses (upper and middle school is located on Adams Road in Birmingham; the lower school is on Woodward in Bloomfield Hills) are locked during the school day and “not open to just anyone.” “There is a door bell people must ring if they are not a community member,” she said. “We have codes on each building for community members to enter their code to access into (the building). Other people, visitors, ring the bell, and the office lets them in.” She acknowledged that each office is unique and different, with the main Birmingham campus covered by a video camera which is monitored during the school day. A receptionist who has seen them via camera, and can talk to them, will either buzz them in, or have someone go and let them in. “During off hours, surveillance is done at discreet parts of the building,” she said. “In addition, we have an alarm system, so outside of school hours, if a window is broken, or a door is broken into, an alarm is set off and the police are notified.” Hammers said that all visitors must wear a pass in the form of a badge, similar to the style that many corporations have adopted, the entire time they are on campus. Parents, she emphasized, are not considered visitors at Roeper. “Parents are able to come into our buildings,” Hammers said. “They have their own access codes so they can use their discretion to come and go into the buildings.”
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However, she noted, “for best educational purposes, we do encourage them to not interrupt the school day too often” by coming and going into the buildings too frequently. Roeper does not employ any security guards. “There definitely have been times when there have been strangers on campus who we don't know who they are,” she said. “They haven't had any weapons, and when we have approached them, they have left. We have not had an incident where anyone has felt threatened.” ranbrook Schools, with its beautiful, open grounds over 319 acres, can pose an unusual school security challenge. The Cranbrook Education Community employs its own security staff, who roam the campus constantly and investigate questionable situations. Clay Matthews, director of communications for Cranbrook Schools, declined to specify what security measures Cranbrook is utilizing to protect students and staff. “Although our security systems and procedures are always a top priority and under continuing review, in light of recent tragedies there will be enhanced and ongoing initiatives. There is no higher priority for any school than the safety of its students. For obvious reasons, Cranbrook Schools cannot comment on specific details of its campus security program,” Matthews' statement read. Brother Michael Segvich, principal of Brother Rice High School, said he had begun to implement a safety and security plan for the school following his hiring in July 2011, after discovering there wasn't one in place for the school. “We were already in the process of creating and executing a security plan when the Newtown tragedy occurred,” Segvich said. “We have activated a committee this year that meets monthly. We've installed security cameras throughout the school and outside in the parking lot. Two months ago, we removed all of the locks from the doors of the building, and created card access for all of the outside doors, which every teacher and staff member has and uses as an ID card.” Additionally, Segvich said that every Brother Rice student now wears an ID badge around their neck on a lanyard throughout the entire time they are on the school campus “to let us know who belongs here.” Unlike in previous years, a visitor who comes to Brother Rice, for any reason, “now must be buzzed in,” Segvich said. “There's a camera, and a receptionist has a laptop with a visual screen in an office who sees them and asks who it is. They're then buzzed in, and they must come to the office and sign in and get a temporary visitor's badge to wear on a lanyard while they're in the building.” For a school that previously had little to no safety or security measures, these efforts are a big change for the school. “I've asked people to be careful about letting other people in to the building,” Segvich said. “I've told them to buzz in an individual, and emphasized that, explaining that it's a safety issue for them.” The building is open for students, parents and staff to easily access each day from 7 to 9 a.m., and then automatically locked by a computer system. The building is then unlocked again at the end of the school day, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. “We have an exchange of classes with Marian (High School) for the first four periods of the day, so there is some (building) access for students,” Segvich said. Marian High School and St. Regis elementary school did not return calls on their security measures, nor did St. Hugo of the Hills. Segvich said his safeguard measures extend beyond just the front door of the building. “I am insisting that all classroom doors be shut and locked during class time,” he said. “Honestly, students could care less. But teachers are so used to having the doors propped open and forget to close them, so I walk around and remind them.” Segvich points out that the building is “so spread out. We're like a city block. Someone could be working in the back of the building, and not hear or know what was going on in the front of the building.” Currently, three former police officers rotate roaming the Brother Rice halls for security purposes, as well as stationing themselves in the parking lot, especially during the beginning and end of the school day. Lockdown drills, as well as evacuation drills and fire drills and tornado drills, are conducted, although Segvich said the plans are old and need to be reviewed and updated.
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“The whole idea of having the safety and security plans instituted is that it's one less thing that people can worry about,” he said. “It's horrible the things that have happened.” “We have had a safety and security system in place, and we regularly update and review it,” said Sister Bridget Bearss, head of schools at Academy of the Sacred Heart. “In light of the Newtown tragedy, we are once again reviewing it and looking at what should be done. We want to be the institution that does safe, not fear. We want to remind our students and parents that this is a safe place.” As a proactive measure, Sacred Heart invited Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard to visit the school and speak with teachers and staff of the 475-student infant/toddler-12 school. “He came the first day after Christmas break, and spoke about the importance of adults thinking through their actions, the issue of guns and bullets, how to keep yourself and kids safe, the things we are most concerned about right now,” Bearss said. “He stayed with us until every single question was asked and answered. It was a profound gift he gave to us.” In particular, Bearss said Bouchard instructed Sacred Heart faculty how to seek safe harbor for students and themselves in the rare event a gunman were to come into the school. “He spoke about moving away from the door, and where are the places in our building a bullet would not penetrate,” Bearss said. “We have a secure old building with concrete walls.” Bearss said certain security measures that are already in place are wellfounded. “It's not an accident that our students are as far away as possible as they can be from our entrance points,” she said. “It's intentional that our classrooms are so far away from the doors. We want our children to experience places where they are safe.” earss said that during the school day, they currently keep two entrances open, but they have a person at the entrances at all time. “If the person is not there, the door is locked,” she said. “We prefer to have a live person rather than have a buzzer, because then you need a camera, and then they would need to call the office, and someone would have to come, or not come, to let them in.” She said the school chose to invest in staffing rather than in cameras and software. Sacred Heart does not experience a problem with parents coming in uninvited during the school day, Bearss said. “It's not an issue for us,” she said. “It's the kind of community we are. It's not a problem to have had to crack down on for us because we've developed these policies together with parents.” Upper school students cannot leave the campus for lunch – nor to even get something out of their parked cars. Theirs is the definition of a closed campus. “Students can't leave the campus building without a note, not even to go to their car to get something out of it,” noted Judy Hehs, head of the Upper and Middle School. Bloomfield Township police have worked with them on all of their security plans and protocols, and both the township police and fire department have their building plans just in case there were to be any kind of emergency. The school also has its own security guard. “We are doing assessments about what other changes we may need to make,” Bearss said. A concern administrators and faculty have is regarding field trips and athletic contests. “We're looking at our athletic policies and our field trip policies,” Bearss noted. “We're looking at when students leave our building in light of safety and security so in all cases we'll have a plan. We want to think through our policies and procedures. We're feeling very confident about keeping them safe when they're on our own athletic fields. But we're assessing when our student athletes go to other schools for athletic contests, and how to keep our students safe and secure.” Bearss turns reflective. “We have to remind ourselves that there are times we can't control the situation, but we want to maintain a safe and welcoming environment. That's part of our mission statement,” she said. “For every human being, the tragedy of Sandy Hook hits home.”
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Beautiful views of Vernor lake... DQG KLJK HQG ¿QLVKHV VKRZFDVH WKLV H[FHSWLRQDO %ORRP¿HOG +LOOV SURSHUW\ )HDWXUHV FXVWRP NLWFKHQ FDELQHWU\ with large granite center island and professional grade DSSOLDQFHV *HQHURXV OLYLQJ VSDFHV LQFOXGH D IRUPDO OLYLQJ URRP DQG GLQLQJ URRP IDPLO\ URRP ZLWK MXGJHV SDQHOLQJ DQG VSHFWDFXODU VXQ URRP )LUVW ÀRRU ODXQGU\ FHGDU FORVHW VDXQD ORZHU OHYHO ZLWK VHFRQG NLWFKHQ $729,000 (212109965)
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Prestigious Indian Mound... DUHD RI %ORRP¿HOG 9LOODJH 6WDWHO\ FHQWHU HQWUDQFH &RORQLDO KRPH ZLWK RYHU VTXDUH IHHW EHGURRPV IXOO EDWKV XSVWDLUV DQG KDOI EDWKV RQ ¿UVW ÀRRU *UHDW ÀRRU SODQ ZLWK ODUJH NLWFKHQ DQG QRRN DUHD /LEUDU\ IRUPDO GLQLQJ URRP OLYLQJ URRP ZLWK ¿UHSODFH DQG ¿UVW ÀRRU ODXQGU\ .LWFKHQ KDV FHQWHU LVODQG DQG JUDQLWH FRXQWHUV +DUGZRRG ÀRRUV ERWK XS DQG GRZQ /DUJH GHFN JD]HER LQ ODUJH \DUG $699,900
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FACES Jon Jordan
L
ocal 4 Style Editor and makeup artist Jon Jordan first expressed his artistic ability at a young age by drawing portraits. Later, he saw makeup application as an offshoot of portraiture, and transformed his natural ability into a career. “I was always a creative kid,” he said. “I can remember being very particular about the outfit that I was going to wear on my kindergarten field trip to the Detroit Zoo. I had a vision of what that outfit was going to look like and I believe there was some insistence on my part on how that went so that probably was an indicator of things to come.” Attending The Roeper School was a pivotal point in Jordan's life. “It was a place where a kid like me who always sort of marched to the beat of a different drummer just couldn't wait to go to school. Everyday at Roeper was an adventure for me. I can't imagine I would be the same person had I not had that amazing opportunity.” Upon high school graduation, the style icon set out to pursue an art degree from the University of Michigan. Along the way, Studio 54 in New York City became another important stepping stone in Jordan's career. “Andy Warhol, Halston, Bianca Jagger, and Liza Minelli were all mingling with art students and upcoming designers who didn't know where their next meal was coming from. It was a lot more than just the hedonistic shallow vision of what people have of it,” he said. Not one to be limited, he followed the educational vision he had for himself and attended beauty school. “I'm not the kind of person who sees myself teaching art,” he said. “I thought, how am I going to expand this and make this into something commercial.” A few months after getting his cosmetology license and working in a salon, he began doing editorial work for the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News. “All of a sudden, I was in the world of editorial makeup and fashion and that whole end of the business.” Jordan worked as an image consultant with WDIVChannel 4 for about a decade before his news director Deborah Collura surprised him with news of his own. “She just looked at me very matter-of-factly and said I want to put you on the other side of the camera. I would like to think that she appreciated my sense of style. In all honesty, she always knows a big ham when she sees one and thought this guy is going to be very comfortable in front of a camera. Indeed that was the case.” As Local 4's Style Editor, Jordan has attended the Golden Globes, traveled to London for royal events, and worked with many notable celebrities and politicians. He stays grounded by making “cameo appearances” at Luigi Bruni Salon in Birmingham and managing his own makeup line JonJordanToGo Cosmetics. “Your voice is that much more credible as a result,” he said about keeping his hand in the makeup business. The 18-year long Bloomfield Hills resident enjoys running in the area and staying active. His future plans include continuing to dispense great advice in a reliable and discerning way. “I don't see any barriers. I like the thrill of not knowing what's around the corner because what's been around the corner for me in the past has always been a surprise and exciting.” Story: Hayley Beitman
Photo: Laurie Tennent
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A FINE BALANCE MARKET RESEARCH STUDY OF BIRMINGHAM
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BY LISA BRODY
et's take a short trip down memory lane, Birminghamstyle. Not that long ago, in just 2002, there were three Jacobson's anchor stores in downtown Birmingham, and a smattering of local boutiques, as well as some national chain stores. Jacobson's, a regional department store chain out of Jackson, Michigan, was a major magnet for shoppers coming to Birmingham for decades. Then, they went bankrupt, many shoppers fled with them, and the shopping landscape in Birmingham was forever altered.
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Eleven years later, the buildings Jacobson's once occupied have been re-imagined as a creative advertising agency in McCann Erickson Worldwide; the Ethan Allen furniture store; and a newlyconstructed building which houses Fleming's, UBS, Google, and luxury condominiums. In 2002, The Gap resided at Old Woodward in Maple where today Cosi holds court. Once, Express and then Ann Taylor Loft held sway kiddy corner across the street; after almost a year of vacancy, the retail behemoth lululemon moved into the coveted spot, reinvigorating the retail atmosphere. In the intervening years, downtown Birmingham has seen its share of vacancies and new tenants, economic downturns and revivals. Not only is it still standing, but by all measures it's thriving. While the turn of the calendar year saw a handful of Birmingham retailers and restaurants shuttering their doors, in each case it appears there are new tenants waiting to sign leases, a sure sign of a healthy and vibrant downtown. Joan Primo of The Strategic Edge, a Sylvan Lake consulting firm serving the spatial analysis needs of the retail, real estate and telecommunications industries, specializes in providing complete and comprehensive retail assessment and developing a positioning and tenant mix strategy for central business districts. Primo provided market research studies for downtown Birmingham via the Principal Shopping District (PSD) in 2002, 2006, and most recently, this past fall, with the results just recently becoming public and analyzed. The study which they offered the PSD was designed each time to estimate the trade area of the downtown area, to evaluate the current mix of businesses, to project Birmingham's market potential, and to recommend it's future positioning. “Overall, it's good information for us and will help us to know who our customer is,” said PSD Executive Director John Heiney. “It's good for us to know where we want to expand our trade area, and where we need, through advertising and marketing, to get our message out. The 2007 market study was getting dated, especially for business recruitment.”
H
einey and Primo said Strategic Edge used the same methodology each of the three times. “It gives us some comparatives, and we're able to see some trending,” Heiney noted, although this time (2012) they included a larger sample size, over two different periods: in August, when 300 people were surveyed in downtown Birmingham on what they liked and disliked about downtown Birmingham; and another 250 people in September, when Heiney said “people were back in town.” Primo said that 53 percent of the respondents were women, 46 percent were men, “and some refused to answer that question.” The consensus, she determined, is that “people are pretty happy with downtown Birmingham, and it's a very nice customer base, a very affluent, very nice customer. Many other downtowns or malls would be very happy to have a core customer base like this with its median income like Birmingham's. I think it's a good day for Birmingham. I think their future is bright.” Overall, the market study found that 22 percent of those surveyed said they wouldn't want to change anything about downtown Birmingham, with almost 26 percent of patrons liking the restaurant variety in Birmingham, and nearly 24 percent of shoppers happy with the retail store variety. “I viewed this survey (2012) as very positive because of how many people, unsolicited, said they like the atmosphere, the charm, the feel, of downtown Birmingham. Nearly 44 percent said they liked the atmosphere of downtown Birmingham. That's astounding,” Primo said. In 2006, 30 percent of respondents cited the city's atmosphere as positive, and in 2002, less than 21 percent found downtown Birmingham's atmosphere appealing. Primo said it was the number one attribute that visitors, whether
they were shoppers, diners, people working in Birmingham, visiting from out-of-town, or people just strolling the downtown streets, had to say about Birmingham. “It's very telling. It's saying you feel comfortable here, in this charming atmosphere. You want to be here,” she said.
B
irmingham's overall atmosphere, from the retail stores, the tenant mix, the restaurants,the outdoor dining, coffee shops, parks, streetscape, cleanliness of the city, lighting, floral displays, windows in the stores—the whole kit and caboodle— have been the result of a long-term effort to create a warm, inviting, more sophisticated yet wholesome downtown that you want to visit frequently, one in which you feel at home in, whether you live in Birmingham, or a close neighboring community. Over the last decade, the PSD board of directors set up several committees with various objectives, from beautifying the downtown area by creating stunning floral displays in signature planters and hanging plants, to hiring a leasing agent to act as a business recruitment tool to entice and sign national and regional specialty retailers to come into downtown Birmingham. A special events committee capitalizes on the environment to create niche events to highlight the charm and delights of downtown Birmingham while inviting visitors to town, and thus subtly encourages them to sample all that Birmingham has to offer, from Restaurant Week in late January and early February, when traffic at area dining spots—and neighboring retailers, is light; Day on the Town, a daylong sidewalk sale in July that allows merchants to party with patrons while clearing their shelves of older merchandise before fall and winter stock is ready to be put out; the holiday tree lighting, Santa House, Winter Markt, and the Magic of Birmingham, festive events which welcome shoppers to Birmingham during November and December, reminding patrons that shopping amidst snow, carolers, an old-fashioned holiday market, horse-drawn carriages, and festive lights is what the holiday should feel like. Scattered throughout the year are art fairs, weekly farmer's markets from May through October, and a variety of other special events. Another PSD committee works to market and advertise all of the work of the other committees. If the results of the Strategic Edge's 2012 market study are to be believed (and there's no reason not to believe it), the PSD's efforts, along with the city of Birmingham and the city commission, are working. The Strategic Edge compared Birmingham to a broader cross-section of markets nationwide, selecting markets largely based on close-in population density and demographics, and included neighboring Royal Oak because of its proximity to Birmingham. They selected Greenwich, CT, Hinsdale, IL, Minneapolis (France Ave.), MN, Naperville, IL, Royal Oak, MI, and Winnetka-Hubbard Woods, IL, in which to compare Birmingham to. In its executive summary, The Strategic Edge stated that downtown Birmingham scored very favorably on its “walkability score.” In fact, in a change from past years, nearly 15 percent of patrons told The Strategic Edge that they walk to downtown. “The majority (59 percent) of its tenants are categorized as upscale or exclusive. This compares positively to the selected markets (48 percent).” Its core shopper is a 39-year-old white female with a household income of nearly $104,000. Compared to previous Birmingham studies, Birmingham shoppers often are now more likely to be female, a bit younger, and racially more diverse than in past years. The Strategic Edge analyzed where Birmingham's shoppers and diners are coming from. In 2012, 51.9 percent of visitors came from what is termed as the “primary trade area”, defined as downtown Birmingham's core trade area with the highest patron penetration level, which includes five zip codes. Those zip codes are Birmingham, 48009; Bloomfield Hills, 48301 and 48304; Franklin, 48025; and Troy, 48084.
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According to the 2010 population estimate for the downtown Birmingham primary trade area, there are 78,549 people in this area, with a median household income estimated to be at $102,995, which is slightly higher than the city of Birmingham, which is at $93,301. Demographic characteristics show that the primary trade area is 85 percent white with a median age of 45.4 years of age; 90 percent of the employed population is in white-collar occupations, and owneroccupied housing units represent 72.1 percent of all housing. Another 18 percent of shoppers, diners and visitors come from what is defined as the “secondary trade area”, representing six other zip codes. They are Bloomfield Hills, 48302; Troy, 48098; Royal Oak, 48073; and West Bloomfield, 48322, 48323 and 48323. The 2012 secondary trade area was considerably smaller than the two previous market studies. In 2006, the secondary trade area made up 22.6 percent of visitors to downtown Birmingham, and included 19 zip codes, including Huntington Woods, Clawson, Pleasant Ridge, Berkley, Southfield, Waterford, Farmington, Pontiac, Walled Lake and Oak Park. The decline in the number of zip codes reported was seen as a threat to Birmingham by The Strategic Edge, as does the fact that shopping continues to decline as the primary trip purpose for coming to the city, as the city is depending on a smaller number and area of shoppers.
T
he combined trade areas (the primary and secondary trade areas) in 2012 made up 70 percent of all visitors to downtown Birmingham, vs. 71 percent of all visitors in 2006, despite the decrease in the secondary trade market in 2012. “It's interesting. One of the things that stood out is that our trade area has shrunk, but that our core area is stronger, so our surrounding areas have done better, which concurs with my own observations,” said retailer and PSD board member Richard Astrein, owner, with his brother Gary, of Astrein's Creative Jewelry. “2007 was a pretty big melt down. People have been less likely to take day trips. They're not shopping as often. They're not shopping for recreation. There's less impulse. But the people who are shopping are very loyal, and they're shopping local. Those are the people from the neighborhoods. The people from Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills, West Bloomfield, close areas of Troy, segments of Royal Oak. I have found Huntington Woods has always been very strong. It's why I came to the realization that why should I advertise 30 miles away when my customers are local.” However, one aspect Birmingham did not score as strongly on in the market study vs. the other downtown areas they were measured against is that Birmingham now has more non-retail business than average, with a higher overall percentage of restaurants and personal services. In 2007, there was a perceived weakness in the restaurant category in Birmingham, which was a major factor leading to the bistro license ordinance created by the city in 2007, to invigorate the streets, enhance the walkability in downtown by encouraging residents and visitors to come and walk by the stores before or after they ate in town, and to utilize some of the vacant first-floor retail space in downtown. “Compared to 2007, the overall percentage of retail declined slightly (5 percent) and the overall percentage of food services increased (5 percent), while personal services remained fairly constant,” the executive summary determined. “We may have more non-retail in general, especially with restaurants and personal services, but it's not out of the ballpark,” Heiney said. Yet, when respondents were questioned this summer and fall for suggested additions to downtown Birmingham, “restaurants” was the most frequently recommended addition to the downtown area. A full quarter of respondents, 25.2 percent, requested more, or different, restaurants. “I think you have concerns by some of the merchants that
(restaurants and bistros) are being overdone, but not by the customers,” noted Primo. “Fully 25 percent wanted more restaurants or specified a type of restaurant or a restaurant by name.” “I think that point was read wrong,” countered retailer Cheryl Daskas, co-owner of Tender with her sister Karen and a PSD board member. “That whole restaurant thing – there isn't a balance in town right now. Two or three have closed, and there are retailers who want to come to town, and they're filled with restaurants, so there's no place for new retail to go into. There are a lot of young people who want more restaurants, but I think we need a moratorium on bistro licenses.” “I think the interesting thing from the study is that more people were coming in (since 2006) to dine, which is good,” noted retail leasing consultant Julie Fielder, who has a contract with the PSD. “Of the top four things people like, the atmosphere, the convenience, restaurant variety and store variety, the survey says that people are happy with the direction the city has gone in.” Heiney plays it neutral. “The conclusion of PSD board members and city commissioners I have talked with is that we walked away from this market study feeling that there is no conclusive response one way or the other, as to do we or do we not need more or less restaurants,” he said. “We do believe we need more retail, and that's why we're recruiting more retailers. We're continuing what we've been doing for the last three years, recruiting retailers like lululemon, The Paper Source, J. McLaughlin, and (the upcoming) Francesca's. Our retail consultant (Julie Fielder) is focused on national retailers. We're not looking for the typical mall retailer, although lululemon doesn't fit that. We're focused primarily on specialty retailers with 50 or less stores across the country. And we're continuing those efforts. We feel we're on the right track with the mix of retail.” He noted that the other comparative cities focus on upscale exclusive boutiques, “and we compare very favorably to those cities. We do have a mix that compares favorably to those other upscale retail cities.” “(More restaurants) are a trend for a lot of local downtowns because restaurants are an attractive option for landlords,” noted Birmingham marketing consultant Ed Nakfoor. “For town to remain vibrant, it needs to grow its retail mix and it needs a good mix of local stores and national stores. That contributes to a good mix on the streets.” He compared downtown Birmingham to Royal Oak. “It's pretty thin and reedy during the day” in Royal Oak right now, he said, with a dearth of retail and an overabundance of restaurants and clubs. Astrein is not concerned about the restaurant/retail mix. Having been in business in Birmingham for 40 years, he is confident it will pan out and the market will take care of itself. “It's survival of the fittest. It always takes care of itself. Right now, there's a shakeout, with some restaurants and bistros closing. Some others will open, some others will close,” Astrein noted. “When things got really hard (for retail) in the last five or six years, restaurants were great. Now, things are on the upbeat. You're seeing stores rent easily again. It's the natural evolution. If we do not take an economic position, it will all shake out.”
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strein said he was surprised that survey respondents were asking for more restaurants. “It's interesting. Perhaps it was the age of the shopper. I thought they would be asking for more retail, and specific stores, at that. I really thought they would ask for more chain stores, as well as more mature women's stores, but other than lululemon, they really didn't ask for any.” After requesting restaurants, 20 percent of survey respondents said they would like more retail, requesting lululemon (which opened in late November 2012, after the survey was conducted), Talbot's, Apple, Ann Sacks, Chico's, Duxiana, GapKids, Papyrus, and Sur La Table. The Strategic Edge noted that Talbots, Apple, Chico's, GapKids, Papyrus,
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and Sur La Table are all located at Somerset Collection. Chico's and Talbots used to be located in downtown Birmingham. Ann Sacks is at the Michigan Design Center; Duxiana, which produces top hotel beds, does not have a Michigan presence. A small percentage, 4 percent, said that there were not enough stores in Birmingham, while 3 percent said there were too many stores in downtown. A greater negative factor about the retailers, the study noted, is that nearly 8 percent of patrons are dissatisfied with the store hours in downtown Birmingham.
W
ith the Somerset Collection, one of the nation's premier shopping centers, only 1.8 miles away as the crow flies, as Primo noted, it limits the ability of downtown Birmingham to secure key national tenants. Some of the tenants Birmingham would like – and has sought – for the downtown area, are already at Somerset, or have relocated their stores from Birmingham in the past. Anthropologie and lululemon are current exceptions, with stores at both locations. “The customer does not see Somerset as a threat,” Primo said. “But from my perspective, it's only 1.8 miles away as the crow flies, so it creates some tenant restrictions. It's the reality of the business. It does not mean they (Birmingham and Somerset) can't co-exist. Because, after all, neither one is going away. Unless you're living in Manhattan, you're not going to do all of your shopping at storefronts. There is a role for malls and storefronts in addition to downtown areas.” “Birmingham has always had a strong retail core, and it still does, it's just that it could be that much more,” Nakfoor emphasized. “My wish list would have Birmingham with less service businesses, more apparel and more traditional retail. There's no shortage of interesting national retailers that look to locate in street locations in towns and neighborhoods, rather than malls.” When asked, the number one weakness, or negative, is a dislike of parking in Birmingham. Of the respondents, 27 percent said they disliked parking in Birmingham and 17 percent disliked traffic in Birmingham. Over 11 percent cite parking as the key issue they would like changed in Birmingham, and nearly 15 percent mentioned parking as the one most important change Birmingham should do. However, Primo said the percentage of dislikes regarding parking has actually declined since the previous market studies. “While parking keeps coming up as a dislike, the percentage has decreased, and it's important to see that trend,” said Heiney. “The reality is when you do not have a sea of asphalt, like at a strip mall, if you don't have people complaining about parking, you don't have any customers,” Primo pointed out. In the last several years, Birmingham has instituted a two-hour free parking policy in all five of the city-owned parking garages, and has worked hard to get the message out that parking is free and safe in the lots, and only $1 an hour for each subsequent hour in an effort to encourage visitors to choose parking garages over the metered parking on the streets. The market study showed that it appears to have been working. In 2006, 39 percent of visitors said they parked in the parking lots, while 55 percent reported they used the street meters; in the 2012 market study, the results were almost the opposite. In the recent study, 51 percent of those asked said they were parking in the city's parking garages, while 30 percent said they parked on the street at parking meters. “That's a result which is almost flipped, which is great in almost five years,” said Primo. “The summary of this market study, from the PSD's point of view, is that we're really going to dig into this with our board and our committees to analyze what it's telling us. It will give us directions going forward with advertising and marketing,” Heiney said. “We also intend to share this information with our merchants for their businesses.” Heiney noted that tracking the measurements, whether the demographics, core trade areas, and what it helps to determine for the retail, restaurant and entertainment mix, is fascinating, as the downtown area continues to grow and morph. “I have not seen town to be and look as vibrant as it has been this year,” Nakfoor said. “It's great there are restaurants for people to go to at night. I'm partial to more retail. I'm optimistic about Birmingham. A healthy downtown means healthy neighborhoods. “Downtown Birmingham is such a special place,” he continued. “It's very sophisticated. There are cities around the country who would be drooling to have even of modicum of what downtown Birmingham has.” downtownpublications.com
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39
NANCI J. RANDS & MEREDITH COLBURN
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Meredith Colburn
248.701.9000
248.762.5319
Associate Broker
Associate Broker
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NANCI J. RANDS & MEREDITH COLBURN
Birmingham $1,150,000
Bloomfield $3,450,000
Quality abounds throughout this impeccable 2003 built custom home in the Poppleton Park area. An expansive marble entry reveals a spacious, flowing layout. Over 5,000 sq. ft of living space. Four bedroom suites. Gourmet Kitchen with large island opens to a Family Room and stone fireplace. Handsome two-story cherry paneled Library. Formal Dining Room and large Living Room with marble fireplace and doors to covered patio. Butler’s Pantry. First floor Laundry. Outstanding balconied Master Suite filled with amenities including a marble fireplace, skylight dressing area, luxe master bathroom with 2 separate W/C, huge closet and private office. Attention to detail and function. Wide crown moldings and rich cherry floors. Elevator to all 3 levels. 3 car garage. Property backs to a twelve acre Nature Preserve.
An incomparable Post Modern masterpiece located on a 3.3 wooded acre setting. Over 10,000 sq. ft. of sophisticated, functional and inviting spaces. Meticulous attention to textures and detail. Long, wide gallery halls designed to accommodate art collections. Stylish Living Room with a curved wall of 2-story windows overlooks the sculpted Pool and clay Tennis Court. Spacious Island Kitchen and eating area. A sky-lit walkway leads to the first floor Bedroom wing. The Upper Level is a private master retreat and includes a Library and three-room Office with private exterior entry. The finished walk-out Lower Level with 9' ceilings has a Family Room with fireplace, Guest Room with full Bath, Fitness Area and Kitchenette/Bar. Four car heated garage. This property is spectacular in daylight and when illuminated at night.
Nanci J. Rands
Meredith Colburn
Associate Broker
Associate Broker
248.701.9000
248.762.5319
www.RandsColburn.com CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE
442 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009
THE INTEGRITY OF HALL & HUNTER, THE POWER OF CHRISTIE’S
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Realtor
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The ultimate in detail! Custom interior and trim work throughout this 4 bedroom condo. Grand two story foyer and great room. Tuscan influenced kitchen features handcrafted cherry cabinets with leaded glass, terra cotta tile, plus arched brick masonry for character and ambience. 4 full and 2 half baths. First floor master suite with balcony, marble bath and private deck. Lower lever walkout with full kitchen, wine cellar, exercise, jacuzzi, sauna and steam rooms.
CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE
442 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009
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Quality home with outstanding open floor plan, large windows and natural light. Premium southern exposure offers views of nature center. 4 bedrooms, 4.1 baths plus a finished walkout lower level which includes a second kitchen area and the 4th bedroom. Newer hardwood in great room. 3 car garage. Gated entry.
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FACES Eve Ashcraft
C
olor consultant Eve Ashcraft grew up in Birmingham with bold colors and a bright yellow living room. Shortly after graduating from college, she found herself in New York creating colors for Martha Stewart's paint line and eventually working with clients like Banana Republic and Armani. “My mom was a painter, so that had a big impact on what life at home was like. We lived with a lot of color in our house, unlike our neighbors,” Ashcraft said. “I loved painting things. It's just something I was good at. Even when I was a little kid, I could look at a color in a bucket and mix paint and match it.” Ashcraft knew she would attend art school years before graduating from high school at Interlochen Arts Academy. “When I was 14, I actually marched into my grandparents' kitchen and told them I was going to go to RISD (Rhode Island School of Design), and I was going to New York and I was going to do these things as soon as I could,” she said. “My grandpa said 'if that's what you want to do, we'll make sure you do it'.” At the Rhode Island School of Design, Ashcraft's paintings won her a trip to Italy. “I went and worked in Rome for a little over six months and had my own painting studio and traveled all over the city. It was fantastic.” Upon her return, her grandfather wrote her a check for $2,000 to begin her life. “I took that and two duffle bags and got on the Amtrak train and moved to New York,” where she earned a grant from the National Endowment for Arts. Ashcraft did freelance work creating sets for photographers, mixing formulas, painting and assisting stylists on photography. “I did whatever came my way,” she said. One job included painting furniture for Martha Stewart Living magazine and eventually designing her first paint line. “Talk about being in the right place at the right time.” With the combined efforts of Ashcraft and Martha Stewart, the Araucana Colors was born through Fine Paints of Europe. “It was very successful and that allowed Martha to approach a larger paint manufacturer – Sherman Williams – and work out a deal for a much larger paint line.” Stewart's next paint line, Everyday Colors, was also designed by Ashcraft. She has since published a book, “The Right Color”, created her own 28-color paint line “Eve Ashcraft Color: The Essential Palette,” and built her business Brilliant Surface, which has been around on a smaller scale since the late 1980s, renting surfaces to photographers and companies. She juggles her many ventures with the help of Eve Ashcraft Studio's manager, Ivy Menderson. Her work has been featured in the New York Times, House and Garden, and Elle Décor. “It's nice to be recognized in a professional capacity for being good at what I do. I enjoy hard work, and getting recognition for it is a pleasure and it's an honor.” The Birmingham native and New York resident enjoys traveling and remains appreciative of her supportive family, especially her mother, grandmother and grandfather. “He was the guy who said I'll make sure you can do what you want to do,” she said. “It was the single most amazing thing anyone's ever done for me.” Story: Hayley Beitman
Photo: Trevor Tondro www.trevortondro.com
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48
DOWNTOWN
02.13
STUDENTS'
LITTLE HELPER ADHD DRUGS GAIN IN POPULARITY, ABUSE
BY HAYLEY BEITMAN
F
or many, it's the equivalent of an extra can of Red Bull or cup of black coffee in the morning, with side effects more potent than caffeine. To some, it's an evil little pill leading to a brief addiction. To others, it's a lifesaver and sometimes, it's the only way they passed through school. They're psychostimulant drugs approved for the treatment of ADHD-attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. They are a powerful, and successful, treatment for the disorder, for those who cannot sit still or concentrate through a class or a school assignment.
“It got me through junior and most of senior year (of high school), but then I stopped caring about my grades as a senior, so I stopped taking it,” said Melanie, a Troy High School graduate. “It makes me want to focus for long periods of time, which is awesome. I asked my dad, who is a doctor, to prescribe them for me and he said no. It's a bummer because it's so much easier to study with it.” tudents in high schools and colleges all over the area recognize it as a tiny orange or blue pill that often ends up in a fine powder ready to be snorted by the test taker or valedictorian sitting next to you – and they're willing to do anything to get it. It's the latest prescription drug epidemic that's turning some teens and young adults into pill poppers, zombies and drug dealers. These pills aren't OxyContin and they aren't Percocet, but they are listed as Schedule II Controlled Substances and are equally as addictive. They are known as the study drug, proliferating on high school and college campuses across the country, as well as in the Birmingham and Bloomfield area. These chemical tutors and study buddies are easier to find than one might expect, and becoming easier with each prescription handed out. Students could be found at every local public, private and parochial school who said either they, or someone they knew, used ADHD drugs without a prescription for study assistance. Alison is typical of many students who don't see a problem with taking prescription medication without a prescription. After graduating from Seaholm High School, taking Adderall became part of her daily routine at Michigan State University. “Honestly, the reason I first ever took Adderall was because my boyfriend at the time was prescribed it and I would spend a lot of time studying with him and was curious to see how it would affect me. Once I discovered how much it can help you to study, of course I was going to continue to take it. If some kids get to have an advantage like this, why wouldn't I?” Alison asked. “When taking Adderall, you are able to sit in a library and study for 10-plus hours at a time. At least, personally for me, without taking it, I can only stay motivated for four or five hours of good studying at the most,” she said. “If I was ever feeling sick or tired, Adderall would give me the extra motivation I needed to get out of bed and study instead of sleeping. Other positives would be that it suppresses appetite to help lose weight, which makes you feel better about your appearance and happier.” Alison feels it's a relatively small price to pay to lose five pounds or earn an A on a big
S
50
exam. “The cost depends on what type (of pill). I think one friend of mine would get sixty 10 mg pills and thirty 20 mg XR per month for around $50 total through her insurance. She could sell the 10 mg for $2 to $3 each. The 20 mg extended she could sell for $5 (each). My friends would sell me the pills for extremely cheap because I'm their friend, but if they were selling to people they weren't very close with, they would always ask for more money. Before finals week was always when Adderall was in higher demand.” Monitoring the Future, an annual survey conducted at the University of Michigan under a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that after marijuana, prescription medication was the second most abused drug by high school seniors in the past year. In the 2012 survey of 45,449 students from 395 public and private schools, 7.6 percent have abused Adderall. Between 2009 and 2012, 64.2 percent of students were given the medication for free by a friend or relative; 46.1 percent of students bought the medication from a friend of relative; 19.9 acquired the drug from a drug dealer or stranger; 16.6 got it from their own prescription; 13.3 found the drug a different way; 12.8 percent took it from a friend or relative without asking; and 6.3 bought it off the Internet. “If you know who has them, then it is as easy to get as a gallon of milk,” Lasher High School grad and Oakland University student John said. John, who has bought and taken prescription ADHD medication from friends and strangers, said it is not difficult to find at either campus. Alison typically snorted 10 mg of regular Adderall that she got for free from her friends who had prescriptions, and quickly built up a tolerance. “You can tell because you'll find yourself having to take the pills more frequently in order to still feel their effects.” Marijuana would help with withdrawal symptoms. “Smoking marijuana after taking Adderall was very common among people I knew. The calming effects of marijuana would help to decrease the side effects of Adderall to help me fall asleep after studying,” she said. “It's easy to learn how to prevent feeling horrible after taking Adderall. You need to stay hydrated, drink lots of Gatorade, force yourself to eat healthy foods even if you aren't hungry, and never try to stay awake for days at a time.” Groves High School student Michelle said she has smoked marijuana but prefers Xanax to help her fall asleep after taking Adderall. “Sleep problems are a very common side effect among children who take stimulants,” said Susanna Visser, M.S., lead epidemiologist at the Center for Disease
DOWNTOWN
Control and Prevention. Visser said clinicians will often prescribe a sleep aid along with a stimulant to help with interrupted sleep and sleeplessness. However, they should not be prescribed with the initial prescription, but rather after the child has expressed trouble sleeping, she said. Adderall and other ADHD stimulant abuse by teens and young adults is a widespread epidemic; students claim it's fueled by pressures and stress placed on them to perform at a high level, ace standardized exams, and get accepted by top-notch colleges. The use of drugs without a prescription is present in both public and private schools, from middle school through high school and college. Many students are also using the drugs on a non-medical and occasional basis in order to get a leg up on the competition for finals, and ACT and SAT exams. Yet, awareness of the prescription drug abuse problem by local school officials is mixed. Many local school administrators appear unaware of the prevalence of the use, and abuse, happening on their school campuses, or by their students. Others, such as Ed Shaffer, director of marketing and communications at Brother Rice High School, and Rachel Smith, communications coordinator at Marian High School, said their schools chose not to participate in discussions for this story. Kristi Wysocki, an account executive with Identity PR in Bingham Farms, which represents Detroit Country Day School, said the school does not comment on broader issues outside of their community, and was surprised at reports of the widespread use of the drugs. Detroit Country Day School External Affairs Director Sue Murphy said the school would not discuss issues relating to students' medical information. cademy of the Sacred Heart's Head of School Sister Bridget Bearss said that while she did not have any information that Adderall and other ADHD drug abuse was happening among their students, she would never presume a problem didn't exist. “Nobody's told me it's happening with a student or another student,” Bearss said. “If you read national statistics, it would indicate it's a problem.” Judy Hehs, associate head of school at Academy of Sacred Heart, who sees students on a regular basis, said she is aware the pill usage is happening on a national basis, but has also not heard of it happening within the school “The kids don't talk about doing it, if they're doing it,” she said. “I'm not saying they don't do it, but kids are not walking around with their bottles of Adderall, at least that we know of.” Continued on page 83
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02.13
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Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Grosse Pointe Farms $1,950,000 Exquisite Grosse Pointe Farms Estate. Commanding views of Lake St. Clair and convenience to the majestic Grosse Pointe Yacht Club are here in this amazing one and half story brick Country French home. First floor master suite, gourmet kitchen with sitting area and fireplace, two story foyer, great room and paneled library with coffered ceiling. Very nicely finished lower level with theater room, bar and second kitchen and wine cellar. Fabulous views. Four bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 211086975
Hotham Island, Ontario $980,000
Bloomfield $449,000
In the midst of unspoilt nature, lies your new paradise, Hotham Island! This unique island is the McBean/North Channels protected by neighboring Fox and Frechette Islands, near McBean Harbor, the stop to the mainland. Surrounded by crystal clear water, lightly forested with pine and oak trees, three natural harbors, rocky and sandy beaches. One of the few islands in the North Channel which is not subject to the Canadian government and therefore offers owners different possibilities to use. 213002719
Exceptional price for this Woods of Lone Pine home. Bright, expansive open floor plan with 18' ceilings, two story glass, combo great room and dining room. "Palm Beach" library. Open family room to stainless and granite kitchen. First floor master site, granite baths and hardwood floors. Triple crown molding. Luxury, comfort and quality personalized! 212096626
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
Birmingham $1,699,000 Fantastic opportunity to own this spectacular 5,200 square foot new construction home in Quarton Lake Estates. Custom designed and detailed through out including Chef 's kitchen, "command center" and mud room, gracious floor plan and formal living and dining rooms. Upstairs features four beautifully designed bedrooms suites. Finished lower level including fifth bedroom and full bath with work out room and recreation. Corner lot with attached side entry three car garage. Completed Spring of 2013. Floor plan and specification sheet available upon request. 213001685
Birmingham $1,399,000 Fantastic opportunity to own this spectacular 4,500 square foot new construction home with three car attached garage and wonderful private yard! This home has been custom designed and detailed throughout including a gracious open floor plan featuring beautiful sun lit morning room open to kitchen family room area. Large mud room and "command center" office in addition to formal study and dining room. Second story boasts four bedroom suites, large walk in closets and laundry. Completed Spring 2013. 212117410
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
Birmingham $1,195,000 Spectacular Condo at Birmingham’s Waterfall Hill. This sophisticated home features an open floor plan with hardwood floors throughout, large floor to ceiling windows, tons of natural light. Architecture is conducive to either contemporary or traditional lifestyles. First floor master with spa bath, two walk in closets , great room with large fireplace, study, granite kitchen with top of line appliances. Finished with the highest quality materials. Three bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 213002494
Bloomfield Hills $699,000 Beautiful Ranch in the Heart of Bloomfield Hills. Open floor plan with large gracious rooms. Fabulously updated chef ’s kitchen opens to family room with large fireplace. Walkout lower level has fourth bedroom, updated full bath, second family room and bar. Great home in great neighborhood. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 213007375
Cindy Obron Kahn
SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Lake Huron Frontage $999,000 Port Sanilac Lighthouse, Michigan's last privately owned and still operating Light House offered for sale for the first time in 85 years. Constructed in 1886, first lit in 1886 and continues today to guide vessels on Lake Huron. Fifty-nine foot double brick construction tower attached to a three bedroom with 1.1 bath and family room. Light Keeper house is in mint condition. 212032183
Metamora $849,900 Historic Country House remodeled with the finest materials from the mechanicals to the structural inclusive of windows, insulation, air conditioning to the cosmetics. State of the art kitchen with high end appliances and granite. Call for complete list of improvements. Exceptional home on 20 beautiful landscaped acres. 40 x 60 historic barn, 42 x 75 pole barn, 48 x 26 four car detached garage, 48 x 26 heated workshop, 12 x 18 toy barn. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212099026
David Busch
SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Lake Angelus Frontage $1,899,900 Beautiful views from every room from this beautiful hidden gem on the South Shore. One plus acres with 100 feet lake frontage with almost 7,000 square feet of living space. Finished walkout lower level with 13 foot ceilings. Full deck and patio across the lake side of home. Sandy frontage with permanent dock to park all of your toys. Cedar and stone with custom cedar roof. Six bedrooms with 5.2 baths. 212116429
Lake Angelus Frontage $974,900 Fabulous Lake Angelus Shores Ranch home with sunsets and privacy. Move-in condition home with four bedrooms, 2.5 baths, six car oversize garage for all your toys. Over 3,000 square feet 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. Everything you are looking for in a lake home. 212110702
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
Birmingham $1,039,000 Great in town location close to everything Birmingham has to offer. Welcome to this 3,700 square foot reclaimed Brick Colonial home. Grand cathedral foyer with domed LED lit ceiling. Accented by a curving stairway. Hardwood floors throughout. Many upgrades to this Contemporary home include a new kitchen with culinary grade appliances. Fully finished basement with full kitchen, home theater room both upper and lower levels. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212127233
Birmingham $1,499,000
Bloomfield Hills $499,000
Magnificent downtown Colonial home. Not a single detail has been missed. Mahogany entry door, ten foot ceilings, neutral decor, 12' crown molding and oak wood floors throughout. Spectacular cantilevered staircase with ebony-finish oak handrail and custom wrought-iron balusters. Premium gourmet custom kitchen with cherry wood cabinetry and granite countertops. Three bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212123161
Beautiful Tri-Level Contemporary home. Natural elements of cultured stone drape the interior walls from floor to ceiling. Modern designed custom kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Natural bamboo flooring throughout, 3000 square foot fully renovated in 2012. Large treed lot with multi-level deck makes for a perfect entertainers space. Four bedrooms with three baths. 213007585
Dan Gutfreund
SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Lake Oakland Frontage $1,599,000 1.64 acre, very private Waterfront Estate on Lake Oakland. 187 feet of lake frontage, two story great room, granite counters in large open custom kitchen and all baths. Two master bedroom suites, three fireplaces, finished lower level with family room and fully appointed ten stool wet bar and exercise room. Wrap around porch leading to in-ground pool, professionally landscaped with lake front waterfall loaded with limestone ledge rock and paver. Six car 37 x 57 heated garage. Five bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212104460
Walters Lake Frontage $429,000 Rare, One of a Kind, Original, Authentic log home with guest house over looking all sports Walter's Lake. Main house has soaring 16 foot fieldstone fireplace in two story vaulted great room. Open staircase, wooden plank floors. Four bedroom guest house with separate entrances. Eight bedrooms with four baths. 212098475
RW Watson
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 $1,340,000 Magnificent Country Estate! Majestic entrance with views of pond, nature trails surrounding property, pool and outstanding landscaping with fruit trees. Wrap around porch with sunrise and sunset views. Pool house with kitchen, bed and bath. Lower level is complete with kitchen, game room and bedroom suite. Heated floors and heated exterior pavers. Accepted offer includes 1995 Corvette, ZR1, 8,000 miles, black with tan interior. Seven bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 212121446.
Spacious Great Room
Grand Foyer
Gourmet Kitchen
Susan Johnson
SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Fenton $975,000 Beautiful custom built log lodge home on 13.44 wooded acres. Two story great room with custom stone fireplace, large country kitchen with granite. Finished lower level with recreation room with stone fireplace and exercise room. Stunning indoor pool with vaulted ceiling and door walls to 3,000 square foot deck that overlooks a large stocked pond. Three car garage, 40 x 60 Pole Barn and separate three car garage. Possible au pair or in-law suite on second floor. Four bedrooms with 4.3 baths. 212110689.
Two Story Great Room
Stunning Indoor Pool
Large Country Kitchen
Jim Casey
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 Hills $1,550,000 Captivating interior renovation! This reconfigured floor plan is absolutely perfect. Kitchen with fireplace features Bosch, Subzero, Miele and Thermador stainless steel appliances. Romantic master suite with spa bath, dressing table and fireplace. French doors lead guests from interior living spaces to beautiful brick terrace and yard. Third floor bonus room (30X20) with wet bar, skylights and storage area. Expansive finished lower level. Five bedrooms with 4.3 baths. 213006317.
Great Room with French Doors
Stunning Kitchen
Master Suite with Fireplace
Darlene Jackson
SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Orchard Lake Frontage $3,495,000 Private Gated Community of North Bay! 155 feet of all sports Orchard Lake frontage with panoramic views. Custom designed spectacular home and setting on three levels with magnificent views of the lake. Granite kitchen with additional prep kitchen, lower level kitchen, three story atrium, wine cellar, sauna and relaxing pool. Beautiful master bedroom wing with marble bath, steam shower. Expansive ceilings, Pella Window and decks. Five bedrooms with 6.3 baths. 213000192
Great Room with Panoramic Views
155 Feet of Lake Frontage
Chef â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen
Michelle Yurich
SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000
EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE MARKETING
SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000
EXCLUSIVE WORLDWIDE MARKETING
SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000
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248.644.7000
SKBK.com
SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Bloomfield Hills $1,783,000 To Be Built: Build your Dream Home on this beautiful 1.5 acre lot. Design your home with top of the line amenities and exceptional quality. Private street close to Cranbrook. Home to be built by Oakwood Custom Homes. www.Oakwoodch.com. Five bedrooms with 3.2 baths. Vacant Lot for Sale. $489,000. 212110604
Troy $369,900 Weston Downs original model featuring all the builders upgrades. Private courtyard to a beautiful entry. Hardwood floors, 9 ft ceilings, custom upgraded cabinets in kitchen and bathrooms. Granite and stainless appliances. First floor master suite. First floor laundry. Great room with cathedral ceilings, fireplace with slate hearth and mantel. Two car attached garage. Sprinklers, outdoor lighting and ground maintenance. This home has it all with the finest appointments. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 213006896
Erin Keating DeWald
SKBK Sothebyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s International Realty skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
SOUTHERN MICHIGAN’S MOST UNIQUE PROPERTY! Approximately 2,000 Contiguous Acres - Including a 100 acre lake Additional adjoining 595 acres also available for close to 2600 acres
Manchester Township & Norvell Township • 1 1/2 hours from Detroit • 45 minutes from downtown Ann Arbor • 200 Miles east of Chicago Opportunities exist to create a private recreational retreat or to create a conservation development design or a preserve for future generations. Civil War Italianate home ready for restoration (once a station in Michigan’s Underground Railroad Systems.) RECREATIONAL RETREAT Consider this distinctive property located in Washtenaw & Jackson counties for your personal estate, corporate getaway, hunt club or recreational retreat. The topography is diverse, including a high hill overlooking the 100 acre Watkins Lake.
PRESERVE What legacy will you leave? Permanently preserving and protecting property (homes & land) can have significant federal, state and local tax and / or additional monetary advantages for you and your family.
CONSERVATION DESIGN DEVELOPMENT Conservation design development can simultaneously accomplish three often mutually exclusive goals. Higher net profits realized by a developer, improved privacy of building sites while maintaining or increasing home density, and permanently conserving over 80% of the total property acreage and natural resources. #210086302
$13,950,000
Beverly McCotter
SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
South Rockwood Village $3,995,000 Wesburn Golf and Country Club. 100 years strong! 250 acre 18 hole Golf Course with beautiful quaint Club House/Living Quarters. Second Caretakers home on property. Property could be developed as sub-division or develop your own family estate and compound. Endless possibilities! Near I-75. 212073459 Presented by Kathy Haack
Walnut Lake Frontage $3,399,900 Spectacular Updated West Bloomfield 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. Six bedrooms with 8.3 baths. 212092152 Presented by Nancy Beachum
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
T N RO F KE A L
Island Lake Frontage $799,900 Exception peninsula lot on Island Lake. Almost 1 acre with super views of the lake and Kirk in the Hills Church. Build you dream home on the best lake lot in Bloomfield Hills. Surrounded by multi-million dollar homes. Utilities, sewer and water available at site. Preliminary approval to build over a 7,000 square foot home, proposed plans/topographic survey included. Walk out plus 3 car garage, with approximately 30 feet of sandy beach on private paved street. 213000184 Presented by Michael Sbrocca
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Upper Long Lake Frontage $675,000 Fantastic opportunity to live on Upper Long Lake in Bloomfield Hills. All sports lake with 107 feet of lake front! Build the home of you dreams on an absolutely beautiful setting. 213001338 Presented by T. Gerald Etue & Kelly Etue
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Rochester Hills $699,000 Spacious, stately and affording exceptional privacy in this prestigious gated community, just a two mile bike ride on the trail to downtown. Natural beauty backing up to Paint Creek with private association access to the trail. Wooded 1.2 acre lot. The open floor plan and finished walkout are perfect for entertaining; walkout includes a billiard area, theater room, kitchen, bar, recreation area, bedroom andfull bath. Intercom, phone and sound system. Five bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212116331 Presented by Paula Law
Metamora $595,000 Tremendous opportunity, best value in "Hunt Country". Brick country home with Carriage House. Twenty acres, large eleven stall horse barn all on a spectacular elevated rolling and wooded site. Beautiful entrance, spacious living and dining room, comfortable Chef 's kitchen and large master suite. Full finished lower level, attractive Carriage House perfect for guests or in-laws. Gorgeous views, privacy, at the end of a country lane. Additional twenty acres available. Four bedrooms with 2.l baths. 212075834 Presented by David Busch
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Bloomfield $1,199,000 Custom Crafted Masterpiece built in 2006! Flowing floor plan adorned with custom carved wood walls, coffered ceiling and high end finishes. Gorgeous kitchen with gathering area, dramatic foyer and theater room. Two entry level bedroom for au pair or guests. Custom archways on second floor leads to extensive master suite with fabulous dressing room, morning bar, sauna and exercise room. Two spacious additional bedroom suites and second floor laundry. 212117120 Presented by Renee Lossia Acho & Marcy Sucher
Metamora $995,000 Just Reduced, Tremendous Opportunity! Spectacular Country French Estate in the Heart of the "Metamora Hunt" This exceptional home is situated on ten beautiful acres with rolling hills, professional landscaping, woods, tennis court and pond. The decorator perfect interior features a welcoming slate foyer, large designer kitchen and high end appliances. Keeping room with fireplace, beautiful living room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace, study and master suite. Finished walk out lower level, bar and in-law suite. Seven bedrooms with 5.2 baths. 212102990 Presented by David Busch
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Lake Michigan Frontage $799,900 Whole ownership with magnificent Lake Michigan views, sandy beaches right from your doorstep and sunsets will take your breath away! Lower level end unit with spacious open floor plan with living and dining room and kitchen, wet bar in both upper and lower level. Freshly painted, newer carpet with all neutral colors. Exterior maintenance and grounds maintenance are included. Furnishings are negotiable. Four bedrooms with two baths. 212068518 Presented by Candice Cuyler
West Bloomfield $449,000 Absolutely elegant unit with gorgeous views of Pine Lake. Fabulous master suite includes balcony overlooking lake. Fireplace, huge walk-in closet, luxurious marble bath and steam shower. Beautiful Brazilian Cherry floors throughout. Elevator to all three levels. Three fireplaces, exercise room, sauna. Boat slip and house. Two bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 211127042 Presented by Celeste Cole
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Vhay Lake Frontage $1,249,000 Magnificent Bloomfield Hills Ranch! Peacefully situated on 3.6 manicured acres on private Vhay Lake featuring incredible woodwork and magnificent finishes throughout. Updated gourmet kitchen offers a prep island, indoor grill and opens to the airy family room which features a cathedral ceiling with exposed beam construction and wall of windows overlooking lake. Well appointed master suite with luxurious private marble bath and en-suite library. Extraordinary views from every room, a truly wonderful home. Five bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 212120080 Presented by Cindy Obron Kahn
Metamora $939,900 Beautiful English Country home on 27 acres with Flint River frontage. Charming keeping room with fireplace, magnificent living room with fireplace and bay window. Spacious Chef 's kitchen with granite and wood counters, breakfast room with bay window. Huge master suite with fireplace, second master suite and in-law suite with kitchen. Spectacular Florida room with lap pool, English gardens, pond and pole building. Five bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 212072343 Presented by David Busch
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Franklin Village $350,000 Franklin Historical District Home. Charm of historical home yet updates for today's comforts. Hardwood floors, newer kitchen with appliances, beautiful den with fireplace, intricate wood ceiling and gorgeous built-ins. Spacious family and dining rooms with built-ins. Two new furnaces, cedar shake roof, new plumbing and newly wired. Large screened in back porch looks on to private yard. Three bedrooms with three baths. 212068185 Presented by Molly Henneghan & Kris Barich
Bloomfield Hills $339,000 Sprawling Ranch sitting on nearly 3/4 acre corner lot with privileges on all sports Upper Long Lake! Completely updated kitchen with spacious breakfast area, all seasons Florida Room open to kitchen, formal living and dining rooms. First floor laundry and partially finished basement. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 213001816 Presented by Renee Lossia Acho
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Bloomfield Hills $995,000 Stunning unit and fully updated in 2006! First floor master with huge custom closet and large bath. Hardwood floors throughout. Ten foot plus ceilings with crown moldings. Fabulous kitchen with Bosch and Sub Zero Appliances. Three bedrooms upstairs with hardwood floors and three baths with marble. Open floor plan. Lower level new wine cellar with copper and stone, exercise room. Heated garage. Four bedrooms 5.1 baths. 212033390 Presented by Cindy Obron Kahn
West Bloomfield $979,000
Bloomfield $387,000
Updated Contemporary home perfect for entertaining! Kitchen with the best appliances, granite, extra cooking/prep area and built-in sitting area. Master includes bar area, sun room and two closets. Beautiful landscaping with waterfall, koi pond, saltwater pool and pavilion with ovens. Access to Pine Lake. Bloomfield Hills Schools. Four bedrooms and 4.1 baths. 212113481 Presented by Dawn Williams
Lovely soft Contemporary located on Forest Lake Golf Course. Soaring ceilings, first floor master with fireplace, kitchen with granite counters, finished lower level with fireplace and large front room with fireplace. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212107379 Presented by Cindy Obron Kahn
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Sylvan Lake Frontage $729,000 Beautiful custom built home on all sports Sylvan Lake. Gorgeous granite gourmet kitchen, formal dining area, great room, two story fireplace, wet bar, sun room and office all enjoy panoramic views. Luxury master suite with balcony. In-law suite has sitting room, balcony, granite bath and second laundry. Elevator, hot tub gazebo, epoxy floor in three car garage. Professionally landscaped and West Bloomfield schools. Rare location with 85 ft of lake front sandy beach, 35 feet allows permanent dockage. Four bedrooms with three baths. 212126892 Presented by Susan Kissick
Rochester Hills $699,900
Birmingham $499,999
Nature lover's dream! Abundance of deer in your own backyard. Wooded on half acre with large deck overlooking stoney waterfall and perennial gardens. Over 8,000 sq ft of living space. First floor master suite. New roof, garage doors, interior/exterior paint and stained deck (2012) Wine cellar and dry sauna, exercise and bar/billiard room. Five bedrooms and 4.2 baths. 212122594 Presented by Maria Constante & Dawn Williams
Lovely Cape Cod on pristine lot across from Birmingham Golf Course. Foyer opens to spacious, open family room with built-ins. Living room with fireplace, dining room and eat in kitchen. Kitchen features Ivory cabinets, granite counters, stainless steel appliances, large breakfast room and sliding doors leading to the patio. Ample first floor bedroom and bath. Three bedrooms with two baths. 212124483 Presented by Renee Lossia Acho
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Brandon $689,000 Enjoy your own private fishing and golf on this 42 acre retreat. Brick two level Ranch with 5,500 square feet of living space including a private guest wing. Twelve acre private lake (great fishing), two par three golf holes. Two master suites and two great rooms with full wall fireplaces. Walkout lower level, terraced gardens and 30' x 50' Pole Barn. 212065181 Presented by Beverly McCotter
Farmington Hills $339,000
Highland $299,900
Fabulous home in Country Ridge on large corner lot features nearly 3200 square feet with large formal entry, spacious kitchen with granite and stainless open to great room with fireplace, formal living and dining rooms, library with built ins. Spacious master suite with walk in closets and jacuzzi tub. Large finished basement has room for entertaining, workout and storage. The home is wonderfully maintained. 212125666 Presented by Laurie Glass
Updated Colonial on a premium lot in a desired high end sub of Timber Ridge. Bring your fussy buyers to see the beautiful home ready to move into. Half acre property with the privacy of wooded yard. Large Master Bedroom and Bath with an attached room for a nursery or library. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 213007734 Presented by Dee Brooks
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Rochester Hills $490,000 Former model deluxe with many custom features. Study and family room have traditionally timeless architectural paneling. Family room with wet bar and custom bookcases. Kitchen with granite, Jenn-Air 4-6 burner cook top, double ovens, wine fridge and trash compactor. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 213007554 Presented by Susan Lozano
Farmington Hills $244,900
Bloomfield $189,900
Private setting, free standing executive Condo in sought after Essex Club. Beautifully maintained with granite kitchen, newer stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors, vaulted ceilings and full basement ready to finish. Master bedroom suite with jetted tub and separate shower. New 2011 hot water heater and roof. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212124661 Presented by Michelle Yurich
Freshly painted desirable end unit Condo. Large first floor open layout with door wall leading to patio. Hardwood floors, eating space in kitchen, first floor powder room. Two bedrooms upstairs and master bath. Private courtyard with brick paver patio. Attached 2 car garage. 213002429 Presented by Donna Barlow
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Charles Shaw, Head of Cranbrook Kingswood Upper School, takes a very preventative approach to any substance abuse in school, including prescription medication. “They are doing this in order to get smart. These are smart pills. What I'm also hearing out in the community-actually from highly respected physicians, casually-that there is use of these kinds of attention enhancing drugs just to have a good day or to have a good meeting by adults – really, really, responsible adults,” Shaw said. “I believe that it is ethically problematic and I think that it is a poor solution to a learning problem. For an educator, those kinds of short term cognitive advantages are outside of the realm of what we would consider learning or mastering.” A substance abuse policy, which includes the use of Adderall without a prescription in school, is common among all schools. arcia Wilkinson, director of community relations for Birmingham Public Schools, stated that she does not have any data on Adderall use in Birmingham schools, but outlined the ramifications of a potential illegal situation. “The consequences for that type of action – having someone else's type of prescription anything – could range from suspension to expulsion, depending on the type and amount of the medication and the student's previous disciplinary history,” Wilkinson said. Both Wilkinson and Shira Good, director of communications and community relations for Bloomfield Hills Schools, referred further questions to Carol Mastroianni at the Birmingham Bloomfield Community Coalition (BBCC), citing lack of further information on the illegal use and abuse of these drugs. The BBCC, a nonprofit organization which serves the Birmingham and Bloomfield School districts, conducts a bi-annual teen substance use survey to monitor substance use among teens in the community. In 2011, 5,000 students from five public high schools and seven middle schools in Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills were surveyed. The survey found 6.6 percent of students used prescription stimulants without a prescription during the past year, and 4.1 percent of students used prescription stimulants without a prescription during the past 30 days. “Prescription drug abuse among teens, including the use of stimulants such as Adderall, is a national problem which our community is susceptible to. This is why BBCC continues to highlight the dangers and keep the community informed,” BBCC's Executive Director Carol Mastroianni said. The survey also found that during the past 30 days, 4.2 percent of students
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acknowledged using prescription drugs to relieve stress, 3.9 percent used prescription drugs to improve academic performance, and 2.4 percent used prescription drugs to get high. Kendall Hitch is co-president of the BBCC's Youth Action Board (YAB), a volunteer high school group representing the public and private high schools in the Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills School Districts. “I do believe it's more prevalent than one would expect. A lot of substance abuse is under the radar,” he said. “Drug abuse has escalated. This is seen in our surveys that we take every four years in the Birmingham and Bloomfield area.” Federally, as outlined in the Michigan Public Health Code, a person possessing a prescription medication without a valid prescription is guilty of a felony punishable “by imprisonment for not more than seven years or a fine of not more than $10,0000, or both. Child adolescent psychiatrist Dr. Jeffrey London, M.D. at the Birmingham Maple Clinic, who specializes in ADD and ADHD issues for children, describes attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as a very common neurobehavioral disorder that is often hard to diagnose. “Especially in girls, it's very hard to pick up on early signs because they tend to be more inattentive because you can't tell when someone is not paying attention,” he said. After ADHD is diagnosed as one of three types – the inattentive type, hyperactive-impulsive type, or a combined type – doctors will conduct a careful medical history evaluation before prescribing a pill or series of pills to help the patient focus. The pills, including Ritalin, Concerta, Vyvanse, Focalin, Dexedrine, and most commonly, Adderall, work by stimulating the brain's central nervous system to alter chemicals that control hyperactivity. “Adderall is an amphetamine-based drug. It's a combination of short and long acting amphetamines in one pill. It was originally developed as a diet pill, but it didn't work very well and was approved for use for ADHD in the '90s,” London said. It was first approved as an instant release drug by Shire Pharmaceuticals and Adderall extended release (XR) was approved shortly after. Though it is approved for use at age four, Dr. London tends to wait until children are five or six. “Adderall works by waking up a part of the brain that helps you focus on one thing at a time. By zeroing in on one thing, you tend to be less all over the place. Kids with ADHD can't focus on one thing. They are focusing on everything. It's kind of like a symphony orchestra playing without a conductor,” he said. “It doesn't work for every ADHD kid; 80 percent of the time it will work. Many people who take Adderall, it
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may help them focus better but some people will feel anxious and not like it at all.” For these reasons, Dr. London carefully monitors his patients once a month, and eventually every three months, to find an optimal dose and ensure the patient has not outgrown the ADHD. Dr. Jay Eastman, M.D., a pediatrician in Birmingham, also likes to see his patients every three months. “If I have 100 kids who started out on medication at seven or eight years of age, by the time they are out of high school, fewer than 50 will continue to need it. As time goes by, they will find they can be attentive and will find they can do the work without medication. It doesn't necessarily cure itself as time goes by, but there are fewer kids who need it by college age,” Dr. Eastman said. Megan began taking Amphetamine Salts and 30mg Adderall XR for Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) at age 12. “It's because my mom wanted me to focus in school. She took me to the doctor for ADD testing,” she said. Three years later, Megan got off of her prescription. “I continued to occasionally take them recreationally with friends on the weekends or on club nights to stay awake. I was later prescribed Concerta at age 17, which made me angry and mean. I was then switched to Ritalin and told I had ADHD at age 18.” Megan is now 22 years old and only prescribed to Xanax. “I think that it is a direct result of the Ritalin I took from age 18 to 20. It made me terribly paranoid and I developed horrible insomnia,” which led her to take other pain killers and sleep aids. “It's not hard to find when literally everyone in school has sold or taken it. Adderall is the easiest to get because it's given out like candy. Literally anyone and everyone can walk into a doctor's office, fake symptoms, and walk out with a bottle of pills. If you can't get them from your doctor, you can most likely get them from the person sitting next to you in class,” Megan noted. rom time to time, Dr. Eastman said teenage patients will visit his office during exam time to be tested for ADHD. “The attention problems that children get really are more lifelong, and if you go back in the history, it started at a very young age and is pervasive in nature. It doesn't appear all of a sudden in 11th grade when it's time to take the SAT. There are people who that's the purpose of them coming.” Jennifer was prescribed Adderall a few years ago when she was 19 or 20. Before that, Jennifer “used to get the pills from friends or random people who I heard sold Adderall, usually older guys.” “To this day, I don't know if I am actually ADD, all I know is that when I took the
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Adderall, I was able to study for many hours more than I would have been if I hadn't taken the drug. They put me in a zone that enabled me to work for hours on end. It makes you feel like the Energizer bunny,” she said. Jennifer has taken Adderall, Vyvanse and Focalin both with and without a prescription. “They take away my appetite, which many people enjoy. They make me extremely irritable, not fun to be around. I act like a zombie. I get headaches and stomachaches, and the worst is when I can't fall asleep. I finally stopped taking them last semester because the side effects got so bad. It's a vicious, toxic cycle. I took Xanax a lot to counteract the Adderall, and as far as Adderall being a gateway drug, absolutely. The gateway drug concept is 100 percent real if you ask me,” she said. “Knowing how it makes me feel, I would never prescribe my kids to it unless they have real, serious, lifeimpairing ADHD.” One solution to ADHD stimulant abuse problem, Dr. Eastman suggests, is to prescribe a different medication. For example, Vyvanse is formed to be impossible to inject or snort. “It still can be traded or sold to other individuals. If someone wants to study for a test, they might give one of their buddy's medicine, and they might use it to take it in the evening to try and stay up all night and pull an all-nighter. Those kinds of things do happen sometimes with older kids, mostly teenagers and college age kids,” he said. “It's not a very effective way to prepare for a test. Sometimes you can be too clever by half and be less effective in test taking abilities when you try to do that.” homas took Adderall and other ADHD medications without a prescription while he was a student at Cranbrook. “I took Adderall as a less potent cocaine – snort for partying and usually oral for studying,” he explained. “If you take too much, sometimes you can't sleep or get Adderall hangover, which is no fun.” Thomas describes the crash or withdrawal as, “the opposite of the euphoria you feel while peaking.” Eva Dodds, founder of American College Consulting, says one reason for the abuse is stress, particularly during college application season and when students are studying for the ACT and SAT exams. “High school in this area is stressful per college expectations and unknowns about how to reach academic goals. We all think we get education because we went to school ourselves, but to be a high school student continues to become more stressful, in my opinion. The reality is students feel programmed to achieve an end acceptable to their perceived cultural ideals. The reality of
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achieving what parental and societal expectations often unknowingly demand requires almost superhuman staying power, a.k.a. a few more hours in a day, a.k.a. how can I stay up?” she said. The answer to this question often results in the illegal use of Adderall or other prescription ADHD medication. As an independent college counselor, Dodds walks into the homes of students from every high school in the Birmingham and Bloomfield area. “Some have less stress due to a lighter work load, (and) some are just better at managing stress, but I have worried about students from public, private, Catholic and Jewish high schools in the area. The college application process is so stressful to families both in terms of results and finances that both students and parents are challenged to manage stress levels,” Dodds said. “Parents want what is best for their child. When that becomes defined by them and society as getting perfect grades or ACT score to get into the best college, parents stress their children out often without even realizing it by having unrealistic performance expectations, which encourage students to look for ways to perform even better and find more hours in the day.” Kevin Roberts, M.A., a nationally recognized expert and speaker on ADHD and a former teacher at The Roeper School, also works closely with students, some who get frequent requests to sell their ADHD medication. He remembers NoDoz as the study drug of choice when he was in college, because of its high dose of caffeine. “We live in a culture that accepts brainaltering and body-altering substances as helpful to live our lives,” Roberts said. “What we’re seeing nowadays is simply the present iteration of a tendency that has been around for years, but with the increasing sophistication and availability of psychoactive drugs, this tendency toward enhancing our focus and ability to study has taken on disturbing proportions,” he said. “We are an affluent community, and so our children have the money to readily purchase these things if that’s the path they choose. My hope is that we also have the resources to better educate our young people so they will not engage in this dangerous and lifedamaging set of behaviors.” According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, Roberts said, “BirminghamBloomfield students are part of a national trend, in which illicit drug use has fallen, but prescription drug use has been on the rise, and performance-enhancing has risen as the one of the driving forces.” Heather, a Detroit Country Day graduate who currently attends the University of Michigan, frequently took Adderall without a
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prescription to handle stress and enhance her performance. “I used to feel a lot more pressure in high school because I was in a really academically competitive environment and was worried about getting into college. On standardized tests like the ACT or for exams that hold a lot of weight for your final grade, I always felt the most pressure so I always felt the biggest need to take Adderall or Vyvanse for reassurance,” she said. “They help me devote hours and hours to studying without getting tired of it or losing focus, and help me feel like I'm performing to the absolute best of my ability, which helps take some of the pressure off.” risti also bought Vyvanse and Adderall from other students at Seaholm and the University of Michigan. “I liked to use Adderall if my friends and I were planning on having a late night or just wanted to go out a little harder than usual. My friends and I used to go to EDM (Electronic Dance Music) concerts at a club in Ann Arbor that would go on much longer than a usual bar night. I have found that I can drink and not feel sleepy or sloppy, since the upper effects of Adderall counteract the downer effects of alcohol,” Kristi said. “It would take one (cell phone) text (message) and you could get as much as you needed immediately. “I even have friends whose parents have prescribed my peers Adderall without a consultation or test. On a college campus, to get it from somewhere else is incredibly easy. People always have it in class, in the library or in their houses.” Roberts points out that in the end, the students are only cheating themselves. “It is the height of stupidity to take strong, prescription medications that have not been prescribed to you,” he said. “They could become dependent on these medications, and they could fail to develop appropriately in terms of their academics. In addition, people who get prescribed these medications are monitored by a physician for potential side effects. This is not candy – these are brain altering substances. “We have to go deeper and realize that drug abuse is something that derives from neurobiological tendencies. Some people just have a greater predisposition due to our genetic hard wiring. Drug use is often about escapism so when we view this problem, we have to look deeply into the lives of people to find the true cause,” he continued. “The other question is why some people choose substance abuse over hard work, and what that says about them and their life experience.”
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(Editor's note: Students or former local students agreeing to participate in this story were assigned new first names to allow for open discussion of the issue.)
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ohn Arnold, the mastermind behind Linda Dresner's window displays, was once mistaken for a homeless man sitting outside the storefront in downtown Birmingham drinking coffee and smoking a cigarette in a sleeveless shirt. His casual appearance belies an innovative mind. Arnold grew up in the rural and isolated town of Massillon, Ohio. “I had an amazing mother that never stopped my creativity, no matter what. My father always let me pursue and didn't stop me either. I was really lucky in that aspect.” He began working when he was only 17 full-time at Zayre discount stores during the day, and at Higbee's department stores in the evenings. “I had a cute little Mustang, and I would drive around to the back of the store by the dumpster, and change into designer clothes in the car and go to the mall to work in the evenings.” During a 24-hour sale and midnight shift, Arnold decided to quit working at Zayre and began working full-time at Higbee's. After 10 years at Higbee's, he applied to work at Barney's at their Cleveland store. He later transferred to their Somerset store, and began working for Linda Dresner in 2000 at both her Birmingham and former New York stores. “I got a call from a friend that worked there who said 'Do you want to work for Linda Dresner?' and I said 'What am I going to do for Linda Dresner?'”
As the creative director, Arnold is in charge of all window installation and displays. “I interpret Linda's vision and my vision for the store, and we work hand-in-hand together. She has always been a forward thinking woman in the fashion industry in terms of how a woman should look, and I'm a big believer in her philosophy.” Arnold's ideas come from everywhere – from his imagination, to what he finds in the dumpster that day. “I never ever think about a window or plan or draw it out. I always think in the moment and that's some of my best work,” he said. “People don't always get it but that's OK. I get a lot of compliments on the windows here. Some people ask me to explain, but I don't feel like I have to.” In addition to his work at Linda Dresner, Arnold also freelances for Lori Karbal in Birmingham and creates for the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD). “I live in a great space in Royal Oak which I'm really grateful to have but I would love to live in a vacant building in downtown Detroit,” he said. “I love Detroit, present, past and future.” Arnold plans to continue his creative work, and wants to keep being surrounded by people he loves and admires. “I have a wonderful circle of men and women in my life who have really taken me under their wing and helped me grow, and I hope I've made them proud.” Story: Hayley Beitman
Photo: Laurie Tennent
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Crush recommended for license By Lisa Brody
Birmingham tackles long-range planning The Birmingham City Commission held its long-range planning session on Saturday, January 12, where financial, engineering and planning department plans were reviewed for the next few years, and Birmingham's Baldwin Library and Historical Museum detailed their plans for the coming year. Commissioners first reviewed the city's five-year financial model, which forecasted that the city's three fund balances, the general fund, the major streets fund and the local streets fund, will each see decreasing balances over the next five years. According to Sharon Ostin of the city's finance department, “The general fund has been significantly supporting the other funds.” The five-year financial model forecasts the general fund balances to decrease from $13.3 million in 2012 to $5.4 million in 2017. The major streets fund, which tackles large projects around the city, is projected for a decline from $3.6 million in 2012 to a negative $1.3 million in 2017. Similarly, the local streets fund, which handles neighborhood road projects, will see a decline from $2.9 million in 2012 to to a negative $518,643 in 2017. “We're spending that money as fast as we're transferring it into the funds,” city manager Bob Bruner stated at the meeting. “We have some major projects coming up, like (the rebuilding) of Old Woodward. When you see lines approaching zero, it's cause for caution, but not to sound the alarm. We'll look at it each year.” While some anticipated grants for road work were built into the projections, commissioners were told that because all construction costs are not yet known for projected projects in 2015, 2016, and 2017, grants are expected to compensate the city for some costs and bring the balances up. “The dips in upcoming years (in the unassigned general fund) says we need to monitor our spending,” Bruner said. “It's a guide to conservative spending.” Paul O'Meara of the city's engineering department presented a backyard sewer easement update, discussing the difficulty in attaining access to all of the properties in the Quarton Lake Estates neighborhood, where the city is seeking to reline residents' sewers. He then presented a five-year capital improvement plan for the city's streets, telling commissioners that each year there is an area of the city where complete reconstruction is planned, including water and sewer work, and certain streets where resurfacing will be
done to provide an extension to the life of an asphalt road. O'Meara said that this year, a half-mile of Cole and Torry street, Derby in front of the middle school, as well as two blocks of Pierce Street in downtown Birmingham and Merrill will be completely reconstructed; in 2014, Kennesaw and Mohegan, in Poppleton Park, and W. Eton from Derby to Yorkshire will be; in 2015, Birmingham will undertake reconstructing W. Maple from Southfield Road to Cranbrook. In 2016, the city is hoping to have a grant for Old Woodward, and will reconstruct Oak Street. In 2017, the city hopes to receive a grant for the remainder of the Old Woodward project and will redo Redding by Woodward. Planning director Jana Ecker explained to commissioners how the new multi-modal plan that is underway right now can be, and should be, incorporated into the public process of considering multi-modal considerations first during infrastructure improvements in order to improve the quality of life for all residents. “It's a way of humanizing the streets,” she explained. “Quality of life metrics are prepared.” She said the multi-modal committee currently meets monthly to familiarize themselves with every corner and condition of the city, and took a twomile walking tour and a nine-mile biking tour of the city's streets. “The steering committee has drafted its visions and goals for public comment. The consultants have done an inventory of all the modes of transportation for the conditions of the streets, the widths of the roads, etc., in order to merge the recommendations together,” Ecker said. “The programs and policy issues have been identified.” She said the next step is to include public input, and then put their evaluations into a draft and prepare an implementation action plan, which should be ready in early summer. The Birmingham Historical Museum presented a strategic plan for 2013-2016, noting that a draft is in the process of being finalized, with goals centralized in two categories, community access and stewardship. Director Leslie Pielack said the museum wants to enhance the community's access to the museum and its collections, and they want to provide greater stewardship and management of those collections, as well as to assure financial stability for the museum, and to increase attendance and community awareness. “Archival files are not yet housed in fire-safe cabinets, but we have the storage capabilities in the Allen House that can be maximized,” she told commissioners.
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rush, a bistro concept presented to the Birmingham City Commission in October and approved to move on to the city's planning board, came before the planning board once again on January 23, presenting site plans for approval for both a bistro license and an economic development license. The planning board considered each proposal, suggesting the concept would work for either license, but that it was a particularly good candidate for the city's economic development license, which permits a liquor license for a newly-constructed building that offers economic development along Woodward Avenue in Birmingham. Either liquor license costs the applicant $20,000, after final approval by the city commission. It must receive final approval from the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. Planning board chairperson Robin Boyle said they had significant conversation on each of Crush's proposals, and decided to look at both the bistro license proposal and the economic development license, one at a time, determining the merits of each. “This particular process was not a debate on bistros v. economic development licenses,” Boyle said. “We looked at this as an interesting proposal.” Crush, presented to the planning board by Michelle Russo, general manager of the 555 Building, was initially introduced as a way of invigorating the southern end of S. Old Woodward and “as a western gateway to the Triangle District. We want to create traffic to the southern end of downtown, and to help define the Triangle District,” she said. The proposal stated it would be built from new construction on Bowers between Woodward and S. Old Woodward, and include two rooftop dining terraces in addition to a sidewalk cafe. Russo explained it would be situated between the two 555 buildings, with the main entrance opening onto S. Old Woodward. “That's dead space that needs something to fill it in. It's great for a bistro because it's hard to fill.” Russo said. The restaurant would be on the first floor, with patio dining, but would have overhanging terraces for private parties. Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, it would offer “good food and an import wine list offering many choices as well as craft beers,” and be designed to be a neighborhood haunt. It would be owned by Marc Blancke, who owns Sinbad's in Detroit, in partnership with Russo and other owners of the 555 Building. John B. Fleming of Sinbad's would be executive chef. It would offer fresh seafood and quality meat. Plans for Crush show the restaurant would be 3,285 square feet, with a menu featuring everything from burgers to steaks and fresh fish, appetizers to full meals. Financial forms said that Blancke would provide 50 percent of the investment; Russo, who spent 20 years in restaurants in San Francisco, Boston, Santa Fe and Oklahoma City, 10 percent of her own capital; John J. Reinhart, CPA, and retired partner at Deloitte PLLC, is investing 40 percent; and investors and restaurant consultants Ray and Joanie Leich of Sarasota, who own 37 Outback restaurants, a chain of gourmet burger restaurants in Sarasota, and a successful high-end Italian restaurant in Sarasota, will also be involved. Boyle said that while the planning board recommended the restaurant to move on to the city commission for a bistro license by a vote of 5-2, they unanimously felt it would be an ideal choice for an economic development license. “While we felt it would work well as a bistro, its scale, the two outdoor decks along with sidewalk seating, which offer a great deal more seating, we felt would be much better for an economic development license,” Boyle said. “But we are splitting hairs.” He noted that “bistros were meant to be tighter and smaller. The economic development license would allow for greater seating. (In the 555 Building) there is no single family housing, although there is stacked residential. It's a strong urban location with dedicated parking.” Boyle said most importantly, the board took a final vote “that the signal we wanted to send was that the economic development license would work best in that location,” he said. The vote was 6-1, with Bert Koseck voting against.
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Birmingham joins Main Street program Birmingham has joined the Main Street Oakland County program as an associate level member. The announcement was made on January 22, by Oakland County Deputy Executive Matthew Gibb, on behalf of Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, and Birmingham Mayor George Dilgard. “Downtown Birmingham has a fantastic mix of high quality restaurants, unique retail establishments, and a variety of urban living choices,” Dilgard said. “By joining Main Street Oakland County, we intend to take the Birmingham experience to the next level.” Patterson launched Main Street Oakland County in 2000 as an economic development program which emphasizes a sense of place and has a historic preservation philosophy. The program helps 32 local Oakland County governments develop their downtowns as vibrant, successful districts that serve as the heart of their communities. Oakland County entered into a contract with the National Main Street Center in Washington, D.C., to provide training and counseling for downtown revitalization projects. Coordinated through Oakland County's Planning & Economic Development Services, Main Street Oakland County seeks to balance historic preservation with economic growth and state-of-the-art urban planning design. Since the program was instituted, Patterson said that more than $600 million has been invested in Oakland County downtowns, creating 7,000 jobs and more than 700 businesses. John Heiney, executive director of the Birmingham Principal Shopping
Bloomfield Grille proposed for Telegraph By Lisa Brody
Plans for new hotel at Woodward on hold By Lisa Brody
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he former Rio Bravo and Mountain Jack's restaurant at 2262 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township is about to get a new life as Bloomfield Grille, an upscale American restaurant serving burgers, chops and steaks, which the township's board of trustees unanimously approved on January 28. The applicant for Bloomfield Grille, George Lucaj, the owner of the Honey Tree locations in Farmington Hills and Commerce Township, along with his architect, Chester Stempien, presented the plans and renderings to the Bloomfield Township Planning Commission on January 7, where it received a unanimous recommendation for approval. If successful, Bloomfield Grille would transfer the Class C liquor license from previous operator Rio Bravo. The restaurant is proposed to have a bar and dining area with 289 seats and additional seasonal outdoor seating for 24. The parking lot, which would maintain the current traffic pattern, can accommodate 176 vehicles. The proposed hours for Bloomfield Grille are 10 a.m. to midnight daily. Carley said Lucaj plans to do a complete renovation, utilizing lots of stone and natural woods. Township clerk Jan Roncelli said they plan to redo the entire facade of the restaurant and will keep the floor plan of the restaurant similar to previous incarnations, while remodeling the restaurant. Lucaj's Honey Tree restaurants are casual family dining locations. Both Carley and Roncelli said that Bloomfield Grille is envisioned as a more upscale restaurant serving American fare, but not a high-end steak house.
District (PSD), noted that being part of Main Street Oakland County will offer Birmingham services that will help continue its success. “Downtown Birmingham’s growth during challenging times is quite a success story,” Heiney noted. Birmingham will benefit from Main Street Oakland County services, which include helping to develop strategic plans; marketing and promotion; grant application assistance; small business retention, expansion and recruitment; and historic preservation and architectural expertise. There are 12 full-service Main Street communities, which include
Clawson, Farmington, Ferndale, Franklin, Highland, Holly, Lake Orion, Ortonville, Oxford, Pontiac, Rochester and Walled Lake. Birmingham, along with Clarkston, Leonard and Waterford, had all been in a mentoring program and are now in the newly-designated associate level program. This program will allow downtown communities and their management organizations, such as the PSD, to work with Main Street Oakland County to develop a further understanding of what is required of full membership, and what services are provided, allowing Birmingham to apply for full status at a later date.
Mike Koza, principal of Group 10 Management Company in Farmington Hills which purchased the former Barclay Inn site at Maple and Woodward in Birmingham out of foreclosure in May 2012, said plans to build a four or five-story hotel, with first floor retail, are still what is in mind for the site, but “it's on hold right now, and we don't have any plans developed yet.” A “for lease” sign on the barren property is to test the market for the first floor retail that is planned for the upcoming building, Koza said. He added that he could not discuss the size or square footage of the retail space planned for the building, and that some specifics would be dependent upon who leased the spaces. Koza said they are still hoping to put a Hampton Inn on the site. “Hampton Inn is a flagship, and one of the key hotels we are looking at, although there are others we are also looking at,” he said. Hampton Inn is a mid-level hotel which is owned by the Hilton Hotels group. Koza had noted in May that there is not a mid-level hotel in Birmingham. He said they currently do not have an estimated start date for the project. Group 10 Management is a hospitality and real estate company which specializes in asset management, run by the Koza family. Long-time Michiganders, their roots were first planted with a grocery store in Detroit in the early 1970s before they grew and diversified to supermarkets and hotels.
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SOUTHFIELD
Fabulous 5 bedroom, traditional Colonial in desirable Upper Long Lake Estates with Beach, Boat and dock Privileges with membership on exclusive All sports Upper Long Lake. 212053476. $195,000
Spectacular private setting for this custom designed home on 1.23 acres in Franklin. Updated kitchen, formal dining room, large master. A must see! 212072439. $389,000
Complete remodel. Too cute. Very open floor plan. Convenient first floor laundry. Granite kitchen. 212076859. $61,900
Cape Cod on large treed lot. Fireplace and built ins in living room. One car attached garage. Needs TLC. 212102686. $65,000
PLYMOUTH
LATHRUP VILLAGE
GARDEN CITY
NOVI
Nice sprawling ranch on 8.23 acres. Own your own small lake with large bass. Roof 4 years old, nice natural fireplace in family room. 212109196. $379,900
Vintage Colonial loaded with charm & character. Archways, cove ceilings, bay window, curved wall, oak floors & six panel doors. A lovely home! 213000419. $144,900
Spacious ranch on extra large lot. Updated kitchen with wood cabinetry and flooring. Large bright living room ideal for entertaining. Walk out basement with fireplace. 212116992. $119,000
Prestigious Bellagio! Gated Community. Detailed superior craftsmanship and woodwork. Move in condition. 212018036. $1,249,000
NORTHVILLE
LIVONIA
CENTER LINE
FARMINGTON HILLS
One of a kind Northville estate on treed and professionally landscaped 4.5 acres with creek. A 6000+ sf stone tudor with custom details throughout. 211063530. $1,990,000
Country living in the city. Cute, clean house on large treeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d lot with multi level deck and patio leading to pool and 2 car detached garage. 212109614. $59,900
Fabulous Vintage home-same family owned since 1935. Classic features include high ceilings, plaster walls, glass doorknobs, large port, archway, tall windows and cubbies and closets galore! 212109621. $79,500
Very Nice Westbrooke Manor home. Updated kitchen, great floor plan for entertaining. Enjoy the new stamped concrete patio in private backyard. 212112182. $189,900
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WATERFORD TWP
INDEPENDENCE TWP
ROYAL OAK
On a hill overlooking Drayton Plains Nature Center, the darling log cabin has been painstakingly maintained. 212114925. $104,900
Open floor plan in custom built home! Wall of windows in cathedral Grt Rm w/gas FP, formal DR. Sunny kitchen w/center island, desk and breakfast area. 3 season solarium, 1st floor laundry. 213001475. $375,000
Triplex. Unit 1 has 2 bedrooms, partially fininished basement, plus 1 car garage. Unit 2 & 3 have 1 bedroom each. 213001652. $175,000
E ON
T ON R F KE LA
RE AC
WIXOM
WALLED LAKE
WEST BLOOMFIELD TWP
Spacious ranch on 1 acre lot complete with 2400 sq ft detached out building with furnace. Full finished walkout lower level. Newer furnace and central air. 213004116. $259,900
All sports main lake. 3 bedroom 2 baths. Enjoy expansive lake views. Brand new tile floor in kitchen & dining area. Nice sandy swim area. 213004626. $279,900
Sophisticated elegance in this custom built home. Kitchen w/cherry cabinets, granite counters. 2 story GR w/stone fireplace. Yard w/pond, patio and waterfall. 213005823. $839,900
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RELOCATING?
BLOOMFIELD TWP
Move in ready to enjoy! Great ranch with formal living & dining area. Bright eat-in kitchen, wood floor, many updates through out. Finished basement, glass block windows. 213007179. $125,000
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Beautiful brick ranch home in exclusive gated community. Brick paver patio welcomes you, very spacious rooms. 212096451. $649,000
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WEST BLOOMFIELD
FARMINGTON HILLS
GREEN OAK TWP
GREEN OAK TWP
Beautiful 5 bedrooms, 3 ½ baths on .73 acres with large deck. 1st & 2nd Master bedrooms, large family room with fireplace. 1st floor laundry. 212113504. $249,900
Lovely 3 bedroom, 2 ½ baths, large 2 story foyer leads to high ceiling in great room. Finished basement, 1st floor laundry. 212099732. $309,000
Rare custom home in Dutchman Farms! First floor master with luxury bath & jetted tub. Gourmet kitchen and large formal dining room. 212089964. $549,900
Sprawling ranch with walk out basement and attached garage situated on a secluded private road. 212118246. $219,900
AUBURN HILLS
ROYAL OAK
FERNDALE
NOVI
Beautiful one bedroom one bath condo on the 1st floor. Nice open floor plan. Ready to move in. 212122951. $39,000
Nice 2 bedroom condo with oak kitchen, newer windows, assigned parking. 213008190. $38,000
Wonderful 1998 rebuilt Dutch Colonial. Specious kitchen leads out to pressed concrete patio and newer deck, fenced yard. 212116992. $124,900
Privately owned 2 bedroom 2 full bath condo with lake view. Enjoy pool, spa & Jacuzzi year round! 212041209. $141,900
PONTIAC
SOUTHFIELD
OCEOLA TWP
OCEOLA TWP
Hardwoods through out most of home. Newer furnace & a/c, siding, windows, shingles. Seller will entertain land contract. 212078424. $38,000
Great starter home or downsizer! Land contract available! 212093560. $74,900
Walkout to nature in Hidden Creek! Backing to Nature lands, private 4 bedroom home with large deck and walkout basement. 212103164. $189,900
4 years New! Large Windsor model home in much sought after Hidden Creek Sub. Beautiful and Neutral! Professionally finished basement. 212105219. $289,000
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T ON R F KE A L
SOUTHFIELD
DEARBORN
WATERFORD TWP
Charming 3 bedroom ranch in beautiful Southfield community. Large living room and spacious family room. Dining room and hardwood floors. 212107108. $64,900
End your search w/this mint condition brick bungalow w/great curb appeal! Many updates! You will love this home! 212118788. $111,900
Spacious and unique home located on canal to all Sports Williams Lake. Large open kitchen/living room. Large deck overlooking canal and dock facilities. 212122744. $179,900
WATERFORD TWP
CANTON
NOVI
Spacious ranch on 1 acre lot complete with 2400 sq ft detached out building with furnace. Full finished walkout lower level. Newer furnace and central air. 213001422. $159,900
Great location to all that Canton offers. This home is ready for your personal touch. Neutral dĂŠcor. 213002979. $369,900
Beautiful Island Lake Colonial with wonderful location in sub. Gourmet kitchen, huge master suite, private den, light filled conservatory. Island Lake offers pool, tennis courts, walking trails and more! 213006768. $729,900
RELOCATION SERVICES 1-888-21-HOMES WEST BLOOMFIELD TWP
RELOCATING?
CANTON
Enjoy this gorgeous & sophisticated architectural design soft contemporary with Darb Lake Beach privileges. 21209807. $349,000
OUR RELOCATION DEPARTMENT
Perfect location in the Links at Fellow Creek. Great amenities: clubhouse, 24 hr fitness center, pool, park in the complex and all that next door to golfing! 212109588. $119,000
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One of the 10 largest real estate firms in Michigan with multiple offices serving Metro-Detroit Bloomfield Hills (248) 647-8888 | Farmington Hills (248) 855-2000 West Bloomfield (248) 360-9100 | Livonia (734) 462-9800
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CITY/ TOWNSHIP
Library study panel to present findings By Lisa Brody
The Joint Library Building Committee that has spent the last year determining the future needs of Birmingham's Baldwin Library will be presenting its findings to the city commission on February 25. The committee has gathered input from the public through a community-wide survey, a community forum, and several focus groups, as well as site visits to area libraries, a comprehensive benchmarking study, and work with a library professional to conduct research on library trends and the future of public libraries. The goal of the committee's work is to determine possible renovation or expansion needs for Baldwin Library, and to make that determination in a draft bid document. If the city commission approves the draft bid document, a request for a proposal incorporating the recommended building program will be issued, requesting architectural services to develop conceptual drawings and cost estimates for work to be done on the library. To date, the committee has determined that whether a full scale expansion of Baldwin Library is done, or a renovation of its space, certain principles should guide any work. These principles are: maintaining the spirit of the Grand Hall, and if possible, letting it infuse the rest of the building; improved blending of the Youth Room and the Birkerts addition into the building's original architectural style; ensuring that all square footage of the building is used to the best effect, including the lower level and second floor; making the library's spaces as flexible as possible since the future will likely bring changes in library usage; create a more spacious, less cluttered layout which would integrate a more retail model; improved lighting; enhanced way-finding; less shelf space allocation for collection as the move continues from print to electronic formats, and audiovisual materials from print; and the importance of keeping the main traffic areas free of clutter. The committee has identified a list downtownpublications.com
Baldwin Library seeking public input
T
he Baldwin Public Library Board of Directors held a community forum on January 23 to receive input and feedback from members of the public on their reactions and views to possible renovation and/or expansion of the library facility in the near future. The Joint Library Building Committee has spent the last year determining the future needs of the library based on input from the public through a community-wide survey, a community forum and several focus groups, as well as site visits to area libraries, a comprehensive benchmarking study, and work with a library professional to conduct research on library trends and the future of public libraries. “We have a list of recommendations we have identified. Some we have identified as our needs, and other items we have identified as our wants. We put together this document after meetings with the public, and after benchmarking Baldwin against other libraries in the area,” said Doug Koschik, library director. “We want to make sure the public agrees with our findings.” Residents can find the document, and the list of recommended needs and wants, on the Baldwin Library website, at www.baldwinlib.org/library-building. The next step is to present the recommendations to the Birmingham City Commission at its February 25 meeting. If the city commission approves the draft bid document, a request for proposal incorporating the recommended building program will be issued, requesting architectural services to develop conceptual drawings and cost estimates for work to be done on the library. “If the city commission agrees with our findings, we will issue an RFP (request for proposal) for architectural services, and it will be an open bid process,” Koschik said. “The architect that is chosen will then develop conceptual drawings and cost estimates for us.” Koschik said there is currently no time frame for that next phase.
of needs and a list of “wants” for the library. The higher-priority items, identified as needs, include a larger and better laid out Youth Room, including a larger Children's Activity Room and a larger and better laid out Teen Room; more study and collaboration rooms and quiet study areas; improving handicap accessibility; creating a more inviting public entrance, both inside and outside; improving the service desks, office areas, and storage areas for staff, as well as a safe and easy-toaccess staff entrance and a functional loading dock; and improving the organization of the collections. The additional space required for meeting this list of “needs” is 5,657 net square feet, which translates into 8,841 gross square feet, a 22 percent increase from the library's current gross square footage of 40,174 square feet, to 49,015 square feet. Then there is the list of wants— lower priority items which, depending on costs and
architectural layout, could possibly be incorporated into a new library plan, especially if the library board and city commission approve a fullscale expansion of the library, rather than a more modest renovation. The additional space to include the wants is another 4,075 gross square feet, or another 10 percent increase of the library's current space. The wants include a bookstore, to be operated by the Friends of the Library, or on a self-serve basis; a cafe or vending machines; storerooms; increased space for information technology and technical services; a street level or curbside material return box or slot; an outdoor patio connected to the library; and more and larger restrooms. The Joint Library Building Committee is comprised of library board members Jim Suhay, David Underdown and Frank Pisano; city commissioners Rackeline Hoff, Scott Moore and Gordon Rinschler; and planning board member Janelle Boyce.
DOWNTOWN
Hardy named new mayor pro tem By Hayley Beitman
The Bloomfield Hills City Commission unanimously elected Patricia Hardy as mayor pro tem to fill the position vacated by former commissioner Mike McCready, who resigned in December after being elected Michigan Representative for the 40th District. Commissioner Hardy was elected by her fellow commissioners at the commission's January 8 meeting. Hardy, a former English teacher and community activist, is a 40-year resident of Bloomfield Hills. She has been a commissioner since 2003 and served as the city's mayor in 2007. Hardy served ten years on the planning commission and was a member of the Michigan Women's Commission. She was nominated by commissioner Michael Zambricki. The vote was seconded by commissioner Michael Dul.
Juras appointed to planning commission The Bloomfield Hills City Commission appointed Mary Juras to the planning commission to fill the seat made vacant by the appointment of city commissioner Stuart Sherr. Juras was unanimously voted to replace Sherr on the planning commission at the commission's meeting on January 8. Mayor Sarah McClure stated that historically the mayor suggests a candidate for consideration. Mary Juras, who was present at the meeting, was the only candidate to submit an application. Juras is a 25-year resident and community activist. She sought the city commission appointment in December 2012 and received one vote from commissioner Michael Zambricki. She was nominated to the planning commission by Zambricki and the vote was seconded by commissioner Patricia Hardy. Juras will serve the remainder of the Sherr's term, expiring in 2015. 97
BIRMINGHAM BLOOMFIELD & BEVERLY HILLS PROPERTIES SOLD & LEASED IN
2012
4427 Barchester, Bloomfield Hills 1040 Bennaville, Birmingham 1195 FAIRFAX BIRMINGHAM Quarton Lake Estates. 1995 build. 4BR, 4.1 Bath. 3 car side entrance garage. $1,199,900
1838 Birmingham Blvd, Birmingham 1063 Bird, Birmingham 17215 Birwood, Beverly Hills 757 Briar Hill, Bloomfield Hills 1393 Cedar, Birmingham 4370 Charing Way, Bloomfield Hills 530 Fairfax, Birmingham 554 Fairfax, Birmingham 1900 Fairway, Birmingham 2920 Farmingdale, Bloomfield Hills
137 DOURDAN BLOOMFIELD HILLS Home to be built, exclusive developement of million dollar plus homes. 5 bed, 3.5 bath, 1st floor master. 3 car gararge. $1,199,000
20605 W. 14 Mile, Beverly Hills 932 Forest, Birmingham 2017 Fox Glen Ct, Bloomfield Hills
CHRIS PERO Associate Broker
328 George, Birmingham 30320 Georgetown, Beverly Hills 419 Greenwood, Birmingham 1712 Henrietta, Birmingham 18540 Hillcrest, Beverly Hills
248.797.0784 cell cgpero@yahoo.com
16993 Kinross, Beverly Hills 350 Keswick, Bloomfield Hills 30500 Lahser, Beverly Hills 624 Lincoln, Birmingham 602 RIVERSIDE BIRMINGHAM Fabulous lot backing to woods. Private community in heart of Birmingham. Design your dream home. Lot Price. $699,900
801 Long Lake, Bloomfield Hills 1742 Mansfield, Birmingham 1508 Maryland, Birmingham 1640 Maryland, Birmingham 3624 Maxwell, Bloomfield Hills 5090 Mohr Valley, Bloomfield Hills 32600 Norwood, Beverly Hills 533 Oak, Birmingham 411 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham 720 Pierce, Birmingham 1736 Pierce, Birmingham
1004 WIMBLETON BIRMINGHAM Brick Colonial in Poppleton. 3 BR, 2.1 baths. Rec room in basement. $349,900
OVER $30 MILLION SOLD IN 2012
400 Pilgrim, Birmingham 220 Ravine, Birmingham 3535 Rayburn, Bloomfield Hills 1492 Ruffner, Birmingham 4250 Sandy Lane, Bloomfield Hills 20605 Smallwood Ct, Beverly Hills 660 Smith, Birmingham 784 Southfield, Birmingham 473 E. Southlawn, Birmingham 31645 Southview, Beverly Hills 1897 Stanley, Birmingham
75 MAYWOOD BLOOMFIELD HILLS Close to downtown but with private wooded setting over looking Rouge Rive. 3 car side entry, .91 acres. Birmingham schools. $324,900
3259 Tuckahoe, Bloomfield Hills 1347 Washington, Birmingham 1974 Webster, Birmingham 371 N. Williamsbury, Bloomfield Hills 1818 Yorkshire, Birmingham
275 S OLD WOODWARD, BIRMINGHAM
New conditions set on bistro licenses By Lisa Brody
Conditions upon possible future bistro license transfers or sales were approved by the Birmingham City Commission on January 28, by a vote of 4-2, with commissioners Stuart Sherman and Rackeline Hoff voting against the measure and mayor pro tem Scott Moore absent. City manager Bob Bruner introduced the measure by stating, “We are getting to the point where some bistros may start changing hands. I've outlined in a memo the proper format to say no to transfers and then all you have is a small quota license,” he said. He said there had been confusion among at least one bistro license holder as to whether a bistro license could be transferred to another owner. Bruner said the city commission is best able to deny future transfers when a new owner requests to amend the special land use permit. The only problem with that, Bruner conceded, is that a request often comes at the end of the transfer or purchase process, rather than at the beginning. Hoff said that she was a commissioner when the bistro ordinance was created, “and in the ordinance, transfers cannot be permitted, of location or ownership, without approval of the city commission. It's very clear. It's up to the opinion of the commission.” “But it's a ministerial act,” Bruner clarified. “If it meets all of the requirements, the commission can't say no with a transfer.” He noted that currently, the ordinance treats a bistro license holder like all other liquor license holders, “which is why the special land use permit is an appropriate mechanism. It's location specific.” “We have to be clear about our intent. They were approved as an entity and we want them to stay as that entity. We want to avoid people flipping them. We need to make it abundantly clear what this commission feels about this, and what our intention is at this point in time,” commissioner Gordon Rinschler said. “This addresses how the city is going to handle bistro transfer downtownpublications.com
Zazios transforming into The Stand
Z
azios Italian Restaurant + Bar will soon be transformed into a new restaurant called The Stand, according to Patti Owens, vice president and managing director of Catalyst Development Company, the real estate arm of Greenleaf Trust Company, which owns the building at Woodward and Maple where the restaurant is located. Owens came before the Birmingham Planning Board on Wednesday, January 23, to announce that they would be requesting a transfer of their economic development liquor license from Zazios to The Stand. Zazios was scheduled to close on January 31. Planning board chairperson Robin Boyle said that Owens did not bring any materials to the meeting for the planning board to see, and did not say who the operator of the new restaurant would be. “She said there would be very modest changes to the restaurant space, and that is why they will be requesting revising the special land use permit,” he said. “She said there will be some changes in the entrance and the layout.” Owens stated at the meeting that Birmingham architect Victor Saroki would be designing the restaurant space. Owens said she was only the landlord, and could not comment on what the operator was planning for the space. Boyle said Owens and The Stand would come before the planning board on February 27 for approval. Senior planner Matt Baka said the operators of The Stand have until February 5 to submit plans and information in order to be on that agenda.
assignments in the contract,” Bruner said. After several commissioners noted their confusion, city attorney Tim Currier said, “We call it a bistro license, but it's really a special land use permit, a contract, and a Michigan Liquor Control Commission license. We amended the (city) ordinance to include any and all transfers must be approved by the city commission with notification of the city clerk (following changes by the Liquor Control Commission July 1).” Commissioners then voted to approve the resolution, with Sherman and Hoff voting against it because they said the language was not sufficiently clear.
Zumba Grille closes Birmingham outlet After 18 months of business, Zumba Mexican Grille on Maple Road in Birmingham has closed its doors. The Mexican restaurant, which opened a Birmingham location in June of 2011, announced the closing the second day of January with a sign on its door, “Thank you Birmingham! It has been our pleasure but we are now closed. You can still visit us at our Royal Oak location, 304 North Main Street”.
“It was lack of business, obviously,” Zumba owner and founder Tim Castaneda said. “Also, no parking. We did a quarter [of business] there of what we did here.” Zumba Mexican Grille serves healthy Mexican food like burritos, tacos, quesadillas and offers healthy and affordable options for eating on the go. All of the food is fresh, and guacamole and salsa are made daily. Castaneda opened Zumba in Royal Oak in 2000. “In Royal Oak, we were there 12 years,” he said. “Last year, we moved across the street to a different spot. We're hoping to get a liquor license here. We're going to try and fight and get our head above water.” Despite the closing, the Castaneda family still calls Birmingham home. “I still love the town; it's just not conducive to business like we are here.” As for what will take Zumba's place at 163 West Maple Road, “I have no idea,” he said. “Not a restaurant. It's (likely) going to be retail.”
Bloomfield Library to fill board vacancy The Bloomfield Township Public Library has announced that there is a vacancy on the library board of
DOWNTOWN
trustees due to the resignation of library trustee Joseph Falik, who announced his resignation December 18 because he is moving to out of the township. Library director Karen KotulisCarter said the board is seeking to fill the position, with applications available at the library. Applications were taken through January 31. Applicants for the position, which the board of trustees is hoping to have filled by April 1, must be a resident of Bloomfield Township. An applicant for trustee must recognize the importance of the library and help oversee funding towards all aspects of library services, both traditional media and computer technology. “We're looking for a candidate who uses the library and loves the library,” Kotulis-Carter said. “The three main responsibilities of trustees is to set policy, make the budget and approve it, and to hire, evaluate and possibly fire the library director. We want someone who knows and understands the ramifications of those decisions.” She noted it would also be helpful if a candidate has budgeting, nonprofit and fundraising experience. The board of trustees, by state statute, is authorized to fill the trustee vacancy. The interview process is expected to take place in February and March, with a new trustee anticipated to be sworn in by early April. Trustees meet monthly on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. Additionally, each trustee serves on several committees and is encouraged to become active in various library activities. Falik, who became a trustee in August 2011, told the board, “It has been an honor and pleasure to work with the trustees, library director Karen Kotulis-Carter and library staff. I commend my fellow trustees for giving their time for public service. It has been wonderful to work with each and every one of them.” Kotulis-Carter said, “We're very sorry to lose Joe. He's been such an asset to the library. He was a (retired) mediator, and had experience as a fundraiser and strategic planning. He always offered a balanced approach.” 99
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DOWNTOWN
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utstanding Bloomfield Estate Spectacular One of a Kind Custom Home Situated on over 1.2 rolling acres, this magnificent estate home features unparalleled details. Upon approaching this gorgeous estate you are greeted by a front elevation that showcases the extensive stonework and landscaping beautifully. Gracious and grand steps lead you to the stone covered entrance. Entering the home you are greeted by the grand two story foyer and are surrounded by magnificent custom details from floor to ceiling.
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FACES
Karen Newman
L
ocal singer Karen Newman is widely recognized for her popular appearances commanding Joe Louis Arena with her patriotic version of the national anthem and, for the past 24 seasons, has often been referred to as the voice of the Detroit Red Wings. As one of three sets of twins, Newman grew up with her six siblings in Rochester and Clarkston before graduating from Grand Blanc High School. “I knew when I was eight years old that I wanted to be a singer. I sang everywhere,” she said. “That's all I ever did. I was part of every musical production I could be a part of.” The current Bloomfield resident attended Oakland University to study commercial music. She credits much of her success to the program and her mentor, “Doc” Ray Allvin, who was chairman of the music department. “It was Doc who was really the driving force behind my music education, which was my career. I think about him all the time.” Newman sang as often as she could, debuting on Star Search in Los Angeles, the Wrangler Country Stars Search, the Miss Michigan pageant, and on a cruise ship. “It was a searching kind of decade,” she said. “In business, you have these ups and downs, and I've had plenty of them.” “The big break for me, the thing that pulled me apart from the pack, was the opportunity to sing the national anthem at a tennis tournament,” an opportunity that led to an invitation to sing at Pistons, and eventually Red Wings games. “It really did happen fast, in a matter of a couple years. People started to recognize my name and one thing led to the next,” she said. “I look back and have so much thanks to give the Red Wings and their fans.” Even after 24 seasons, the veteran performer still prepares for every
performance. “I have to warm up to my Celine Dion music on the drive down (to Detroit), and I have my pitch pipe so I can start on exactly the right pitch,” Newman said. “It's a nerve wracking performance, but it's one that I love doing.” Newman has released five CDs, including Christmas albums which she performs at holiday shows at the Fox Theatre in Detroit, the Andiamo Celebrity Showroom in Warren, and in Port Huron. She also transformed her radio hit “Christmas Eve on Woodward Avenue” into a children's book to benefit Toys for Tots with longtime Detroit radio legend Jim Harper and his wife, Lynn. “I've come to realize out of all the genres I've sang, from background to pop to country, the stuff that I sing the best is inspirational and spiritual at heart. I'm a contemporary Christian singer.” Today, Newman devotes her time as a regular volunteer and is also the spokesperson for Juvenile Diabetes Care Education Association. “If it involves children or animals, I'm there. It's part of the job responsibility as I see it.” Though she is in Detroit three to four times a week during hockey season, she loves spending time in downtown Birmingham with her children and husband. In the future, Newman hopes to bring her annual holiday show back to Detroit, mentor aspiring artists from Detroit, and continue spending time with her family. “I hope to continue being a great mom. My kids are awesome and I'm really blessed. Who knows, maybe I'll be mentoring them,” she said. Story: Hayley Beitman
Photo: Laurie Tennent
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DOWNTOWN
02.13
EDUCATION BPS to participate in schools of choice
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
By Lisa Brody
Birmingham Public Schools will now participate in Michigan's Schools of Choice program by accepting six students into their Lincoln Alternative School, which is housed at Seaholm High School. Students from both Seaholm and Groves High School currently feed into the district's alternative school. The decision to participate in Michigan's Schools of Choice program came during the board of education meeting on Tuesday, January 15, by a vote of 5-2, with board members Geri Rinschler and Lori Soifer voting against participation. Historically, Birmingham Schools has not been a participant of any open school choice measure, citing state politics and best practices incentives. “It's not been good for us financially,” said schools' spokesperson Marcia Wilkinson. “It's such a complicated issue. However, the state (of Michigan) has changed, and they now have a best practices incentive, and one of the pieces of the incentive now is in order to receive funding is for school districts to be (a) schools of choice program.” Schools of choice allows non-district residents the opportunity to apply to attend a district school without the prior approval of their home district. However, the best practices criteria incentive would potentially provide Birmingham with an additional $430,000—or $52 per pupil—for the 2012-2013 school year. To receive the extra funding, a district must meet at least seven of eight best practices criteria set by the state. They are: to serve as a policyholder for employees' medical benefits; to contract out non-instructional services; to measure student growth twice a year, or to provide the Michigan Department of Education with a plan that shows the progress the district is making in developing technological infrastructure; provide dual enrollment or opportunities for post-secondary coursework; provide online learning opportunities; to provide physical education and health classes; to make the district's data criteria available to parents and the public; to participate in schools of choice. “The majority of our board voted to support participating in schools of choice because it will bring additional revenue into the district,” Wilkinson said. The district accepted applications until February 1. Wilkinson said if there are more than six applications, the district will hold a lottery for the open spaces. downtownpublications.com
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FACES
Emily A. Hay
E
mily A. Hay mastered the art of leadership and empowering others at a young age. Today, the social media consultant, public speaker and entrepreneur is the founder of Hay There Social Media, which helps small businesses grow using the Internet. Hay grew up in the suburbs of Cleveland, where she participated in speech competitions and held leadership roles in student council and National Honors Society, and helped friends start small businesses. “I remember when I was probably in middle school, there was a time where a bunch of friends of mine were too young to have full-time jobs. I remember collaborating with everyone,” she explained. “And we put together a little business.” Following in her father's footsteps, Hay attended Ohio State University, studying business and marketing at the Fisher College of Business. “My marketing professor advised me that regardless of what you do in marketing, you can't go wrong by learning how to sell something. I definitely took his advice and my first job out of school was sales.” Hay worked in hospitality sales in Ohio before moving to Michigan in 2006 to work for IKON Office Solutions. “All I knew of Michigan was Birmingham, where we lived, and Southfield, which was my sales territory.” In 2008, Hay left the corporate sales environment and was hired by a small business, where she was one of two full-time employees selling sponsorship for major events in Detroit. “That was definitely enlightening to be able to see first hand how one can build their own business,” Hay said. Using her past experience, she launched Hay There Social Media in 2010, which began as a side project helping the owners of Great Harvest
Bread Company expand their Facebook page. “They had all these options that didn't cost them anything and that's when I got really passionate for the small business owner,” she said. It wasn't long before Hay realized social media careers were an empowering and flexible way to work from home. “I thought that was the breakout moment. There's a plethora of very capable women who can take on this work with me.” A few capable women quickly grew to an allfemale staff, who specialize in marketing to the female population and communicate using tools like Skype and conference calls to fill the void of not being geographically close. Her newest ventures are “Saving Face for Parents of Tweens” and TweetTeam, a street team with a modern spin. “Saving Face is the first go at a product. I just kept hearing 'I'm scared to death of what my 11year-old is doing on my Instagram page'.” Saving Face, a package of videos and handouts, also serves as a fundraiser for Cornerstone Schools. On a monthly basis, Hay contributes to the Internet Advisor Show on WJR 760AM and has been featured in Crain's Detroit Business, After5 Detroit, CBS Radio Detroit, and MY TV20 Detroit. When she isn't working from her laptop or smart phone, Hay utilizes the walkability of her Birmingham community and enjoys dining with her husband. “My next step is to keep my eyes and ears open and figure out ways to build a more scaleable service,” she said. “I see myself working flexibly, possible having a family, and helping an exponential number of businesses and team members.” Story: Hayley Beitman
Photo: Laurie Tennent
BUSINESS MATTERS Pastry shop reopens Cannella Patisserie & Crêperie, a French bakery formerly located at 300 Hamilton Row is reopening as Cannelle at 159 Eton Street in downtown Birmingham. Co-owner and partner Matt Knio said he is changing the name to make it a more typical French name. “Cannella is cinnamon in Italian. I'm switching it to Cannelle, which is cinnamon in French.” The bakery, which first opened in 2003 and closed after five years, hopes to reopen on Eton Street on March 1. “I've been promising the people in Birmingham for a while we were going to come back. I just want to thank them for being patient,” Knio said. “Basically, after I closed the retail shop, I moved to wholesale. I was doing wholesale for the last five years, making products for coffee shops. Me and my friend decided I'm ready to open a retail shop. Now that I have a partner managing with me, it's going to be a lot easier.” Knio will reopen Cannelle with co-owner Garen Demiryan. The new location will serve items similar to those offered at the previous location, with the exception of crepes. “We do 100 percent French items from breads, baguettes, loaves, and country breads to all French baked goods, a lot of pastries like desserts, and we're going to do some sandwiches,” Knio said. Cannelle will also serve coffee, cappuccino and espresso from Great Lakes Coffee. “Everything we do I make myself. The only thing we don't make is the coffee, we buy it from Great Lakes and it is 100 percent no artificial ingredients.” The bakery and coffee shop will offer seating for customers as well as to-go items.
Photography shop moves Organic beauty boutique, Ecology has closed its storefront at 239 S. Old Woodward and SeegerPeople will open in the location on Friday, February 1. SeegerPeople photography studio has been in their current location at 378 E. Maple Road for 21 years, said owner Nan Prout. “One of our client's problems are the stairs because we deal a lot with mothers with strollers and older people,” Prout said. “I asked my landlord if anything opened 108
up on one floor to let me know and something opened up, and we think it'd be a perfect spot for us.” The new studio will also give SeegerPeople more options. “Right now, we shoot primarily with a white backdrop, but because of the higher ceilings in the new studio, it will have different options like black and gray, different venues and things like that.” Prout said the atmosphere will be very open. “On the lower level, we'll be able to have a meeting room for when we meet with brides or grooms. We'll have a nice quiet area for that.” Prout said the rest of the business will remain the same. “We'll have the same personnel, same staff and keep doing the same things we do so well.”
Tea Spa to open The Franklin Spa, with locations in West Bloomfield, Royal Oak, and Franklin/Bloomfield Hills, will add its fourth location, Birmingham Tea Spa, in downtown Birmingham. Birmingham Tea Spa will be located on the corner of Maple and Woodward at 55 Maple Road. Owner Andrea Ubom said she hopes to open by the middle of February, a few days before Valentine's Day, on Thursday, February 14. “I started out in downtown Franklin and went through a lot of obstacles but made it from there and diversified out to West Bloomfield, which was much better for us,” she said. “We're centrally located in downtown Birmingham. It seems like a lot of people walk around and do things in Birmingham so it's the perfect spot for tea time and pampering. People can come right in and get pampering and finish what they're doing there. I thought it'd be a very good location for that.” The Birmingham location will be Ubom's first to offer teas, sandwiches, scones and condiments. She plans to implement tea time at her other locations in the future. “I'm trying to make it really cute with wood floors; more of a bonding type of intimate setting since it's not a big space,” she said. “Mothers and daughters can come by and have tea. We're going to do hand and foot massages and treatments. Just fun, pampering stuff.” The spa will provide a unique bonding setting for mothers and daughters, but the experience is not exclusively for women. Ubom said she will be offering specials to
coincide with her Valentine's Day opening.
Jeweler celebrates 90th David Wachler & Sons Jewelers is celebrating 90 years in business and 30 years in their downtown Birmingham location at the corner of Maple and Old Woodward. In 1922, David Wachler began the jewelry business in downtown Detroit and opened a Birmingham storefront with his sons Norman and Jeff almost 30 years later. The location at 100 S. Old Woodward in Birmingham opened in 1983 and family members Buzz and Lori Wachler Miller continue the tradition today. "Every customer that walks in our store is treated as they are part of our family. Whether it is for a simple repair, to buy a piece of costume jewelry, to sell some of their heirlooms, or to design a one-of-a-kind diamond ring,” Buzz Wachler said.
Chocolate shop closes Kilwin's, known for its chocolates, truffles, candy, caramels and fudge, closed its store at 162 N. Old Woodward in Birmingham. “Unfortunately the Birmingham store has closed permanently,” said Jeff Hall, Kilwin's director of marketing. “Hopefully, some day we will be back in Birmingham.” Kilwin's of Birmingham posted a message to their local customers on their Facebook page, “Thank you to our fans and customers for sharing this experience.” Linda Luhtanen, who also owns and operates the Kilwin's store in downtown Plymouth, could not be reached for comment about the closing of her downtown Birmingham store.
New accessory store opens Miss Kates Maid's, the wedding attire store formerly located at 2121 Cole Street in Birmingham has closed and Added Oomph! opened in the 1,200 square foot space in late November. The new furniture, accessory and gift store in Birmingham's Rail District carries a variety of brands, including Shabby Chic furniture. “We're in the very first strip mall on Cole Street. We're the corner building,” said Pam Dennis of Added Oomph!. Dennis helped her
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best friend Janet Genn open the store because of her business background and experience working as a partner of Oliver's Trendz with her brother David Zawicki. “Janet, the owner, has been an interior designer for over 24 years. This is her first store,” Dennis said. “She had never done anything like this before and I had some free time so I'm really just helping her out.” Dennis and Genn recently spent three days in Atlanta shopping for the store. “We have great things coming in for spring.”
Fitness studio opening The Dailey Method, a fitness studio with 46 locations globally, opened its first location in Michigan at 34665 Woodward Avenue in Birmingham. The new studio in Birmingham Place held its grand opening celebration on Friday, January 11 and Saturday, January 12, offering free classes and discounts on membership all weekend. Owners and franchisees Carly and Greg Goidosik searched for about eight months before finding the perfect location. “We had a little bit of a hard time finding the right fit but we were patient,” she said. “My husband and I are both Michigan natives, not from Birmingham, but we discovered The Dailey Method in Chicago and knew we wanted to get back to Michigan to be closer to family so we started looking in the area and just found Birmingham to be the most amazing place. It's so welcoming and supportive of new businesses and there are a lot of people who are health conscious.” The 2,000 square foot space offers a fitness studio, childcare, parking and a locker room. “The downtown is great and the businesses are great. It's been amazing. The visibility is great – the flow of the studio – it all worked out really well.” The Dailey Method offers hour-long work out classes that are a combination of ballet barre work, yoga, orthopedic exercises for core conditioning and muscle strengthening. “The hour-long Dailey Method workout is perfect for busy moms and anyone who wants an efficient and effective workout that provides quick physical results. Our studio will help people achieve the longer, leaner and more fit bodies they seek in a caring, encouraging and noncompetitive atmosphere.” Business Matters for the Birmingham-Bloomfield area are reported by Hayley Beitman. Send items for consideration to HayleyBeitman@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.
02.13
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02.13
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. 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, downtownpublications.com
daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221. Churchill's Bistro & Cigar Bar: Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 116 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.4555. Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220. Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9766. Cosi: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 101 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.9200. 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, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033. Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. Forest Grill: American. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9400. 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.
JOIN US FOR OUR FEBRUARY WINEMAKER DINNER FEATURING SPECIAL GUEST MICHAEL SOLWAY, REGIONAL SALES MANAGER AT SILVER OAK AND TWOMEY WINERIES
Thursday, February 28, 2013 | 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Chef’s Selection Passed Appetizers Domaine Carneros Sparkling Wine by Taittinger Dinner Goat; Root Vegetable Stew, Chevre Hominy, Micro Salad, Cipolini-Bacon Chutney Twomey Pinot Noir • Bein Nacido Sable; Butternut Hash, Celeriac-Pear Slaw, Yuzu Sabayon Twomey Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley • Twomey Pinot Noir, Russian River Blood Orange – Carrot Shot Beef; Dry Aged Strip, Potato Sour Dough Pain Perdu, Braised Kale, Stilton Cheron Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander valley Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley Dessert Chocolate; Passion Fruit, Banana, Caramel, Hazelnut Silver Oak Merlot, Napa Valley Coffee Service Price is $125, inclusive of tax, tip and valet. Reservations required as space is limited. For more information or to make reservations, call 248.647.7774. Executive Chef Brian Henson, MCAA Chef of the Year. Pastry Chef Eric Voigt.
248.647.7774 • bigrockchophouse.com
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273 Pierce Downtown Birmingham 248.645.9123 www.streetsideseafood.com 111
FOCUS ON WINE Outstanding red wine calls Lebanon home By Eleanor and Ray Heald
G
rapes are grown and wine is made everywhere in the world. In the U.S., every state has at least one winery. Outside the U.S., the wines of France, Italy, Spain, Australia and New Zealand are well known. Did you know that there are vineyards in Lebanon? Serge Hochar, owner-winemaker at Chateau Musar, maintains his vineyards in the high altitude Bekaa Valley of eastern Lebanon. During a recent tasting of Hochar’s wines at Birmingham’s Phoenicia restaurant, Hochar explained, “I experimented with red wine blends from 1959 to 1977, before deciding that the Musar red wine formula would be a blend of cabernet sauvignon, carignane and cinsault.” Cabernet sauvignon is a grape variety common to Bordeaux, France; carignane is a major component of the wine of Priorat, Spain; and cinsault is a variety known for centuries in France’s southern Rhone Valley. At Musar, each grape variety is harvested and fermented individually, then aged in untoasted Nevers (France) oak barrels, 25 percent of which are new. The wines are blended after two years, bottled after the third year and released to the market after seven to eight years. “Only then are the wines ready to drink,” says Hochar, “but they are not truly mature until 15 years post harvest.” Philosophical descriptors Hochar describes his red wine with masculine traits because, “a man has a backbone for structure, flesh, muscles and skin. The cabernet sauvignon is the backbone, the flesh is carignane, and the skin is cinsault. Some people have mistaken my wine as a Burgundy or a Bordeaux, or even a Cotes-du-Rhone.” Hochar, the philosopher, expressed that, “wine should be a companion, something that is able to make you happy. Although I believe winemaking is an art, after making wine for five years I went to Bordeaux to study enology. The famous winemaker at Chateau Margaux, the late Emile Peynaud, taught me the science of winemaking. When I returned to Lebanon I knew that I had to put my imprint on the wine of Musar. I knew it should have a lengthy finish, it should linger on the palate and impart a memory for the drinker.” Hochar admits to making wines by inspiration and uses 1990 as an example. “I usually begin harvest around September 15, but that year I started September 6. I don’t
Hogan’s Restaurant: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 6450 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.1800. Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111. Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 112
know why, but I was lucky because three hours after completing the harvest on the 27th, Syria invaded Lebanon. If I had waited to begin harvest, I would not have made wine in 1990.” Contrary to accepted thinking, Hochar proclaims, “Wines of Musar have the ability to grow young as they grow old.” Who knew? Yes, the wines of Chateau Musar have longevity on their side, but this notion seems to be reverse logic. “The 1990 does not show its age of more than 20 years. It has no wrinkles. As the wines grow older, they grow bigger, they achieve a different dimension. A young wine is like a baby, it isn’t interesting because it has no experience. After the wine is 15 years old, it is interesting because with age it has become more complex. Like a man, wine improves with age.” Recent vintages Hochar explains that each of his wines is dissimilar because each growing year is different. He says that sometimes the cabernet sauvignon excels, while other years, either cinsault or carignane. The young wines of Musar exhibit fruit characters while in the older wines, secondary aromas and flavors dominate. Chateau Musar Rouge 2004, $46, is a delicious red fruit mélange with balanced tannins and lengthy finish. The 2002, $50, is more minerally than the 2004. The 1998, $80, has lost bright fruits, but has developed unique secondary aromas and tastes. Chateau Musar also produces white wines. Cuvee Jeune Blanc 2011, $19, is a bit of a departure for Musar. It is a blend of viognier, vermentino and chardonnay that features fresh and lively tropical and citrus aromas and flavors. Musar Blanc 2005, $43, is a seriously generous blend of indigenous Lebanese varieties obaideh and merwah, highlighting notes of honey, lemon and orange with characteristic Musar length and longevity. Best winter wine bargains under $20 2011 Bogle Chardonnay $10 2011 Biltmore Reserve Chardonnay North Carolina $15 2011 Rodney Strong Charlotte’s Home Sauvignon Blanc $15 - lime, grapefruit and mild herb notes. 2012 Vina Ventisquero Reserva Sauvignon Blanc $13 2010 Dry Creek Vineyard Heritage Zinfandel $19 - deliciously fruity 2010 Martin Codax Ergo Rioja Tempranillo $14 2011 Alamos Malbec $13 La Marca Prosecco $17 - nice with spicy dishes. Eleanor & Ray Heald have contributed to numerous international publications, including the Quarterly Review of Wines. Contact them by e-mail at focusonwine@aol.com.
Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4369. IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522. Kerby’s Koney Island: American.
Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166. La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & dinner daily. Reservations. 43259 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Hills, 48302, 248.858.5800. Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue,
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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. 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 reservations. Liquor. 39495 North Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7900. Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Also 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500. Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775. Panera Bread: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7966. Also 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.253.9877. Peabody’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.5222. Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122. Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.6999. Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941. Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.874.1876 Roadside B & G: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 1727 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7270. Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward 02.13
Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. Sanders: American. Lunch, daily. No reservations. 167 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.3215. Social Kitchen & Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations, parties of 5 or more. Liquor. 225 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300. Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.932.0800. Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. 42656 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.3887. Sy Thai Cafe: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 315 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9830. Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American. Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch. Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066. The Corner Bar: American. Dinner. Wednesday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2958. The Gallery Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313. The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. The Rugby Grille: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5999. Toast: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 203 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6278. Touch of India: Indian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 297 E. Maple Road, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7881. Townhouse: American. Brunch, Saturday, Sunday. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 180 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5241. Village Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams. Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7964. What Crepe?: French. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday-Saturday, Breakfast & Lunch, Sunday. No reservations. 172 N. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.5634.
AT THE TABLE Authentic Italian cuisine featured at The Silver Spoon By Eleanor Heald
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Top hot appetizers include Zuppetta di Canestrelli e Fagioli, $15, bay scallops sautéed with cannellini beans and spicy saffron sauce. Another favorite is Fritto Misto di Pesce all’Italiana, $13, with fried shrimp, calamari and zucchini. A salad section is extensive. Insalata Sfiziosa, $8, is a refreshing intermezzo with arugula, oranges, fennel and a citrus dressing.
f you’ve been to Italy and liked both the authentic food and ambiance, you’ll like The Silver Spoon. If you’ve not traveled to Italy, but read stories, viewed images, admired the ambiance and food, you’ll find it recreated at The Silver Spoon, which opened in Rochester Hills, April 2011. Although Italian food claims the number one spot in eating preference among Americans, Detroit Metro suburbs have only a few truly authentic Italian restaurants, each with its own regional twists. Count The Silver Spoon among the best. Although many Italian eateries claim authenticity and a traditional style, you can downplay that idea if a “side of pasta” is a mainstay. “Pasta is a course,” says co-owner and executive chef Daniele Dell’Acqua. “We don’t serve half orders of pasta either,” sous chef Mauro Querio adds. Co-owner and executive chef Daniele Dell’Acqua, sous chef Mauro Querio, and general manager Rito Lisi. A relaxed atmosphere carries Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent the right touch of sophistication Pasta offerings, $19-$29, are also extensive and will with white table linens, wine glasses, fresh flowers and keep you coming back to try all of them. Divided into tableside carts for serving several pastas and deboning freshly made, which absorb more sauce, are two fish. The latter, a task deftly accomplished by skilled favorites, Pappardelle and Tagliatelle, and a host of co-owner and general manager Rito Lisi. dried pastas imported from Puglia.
Affable triumvirate Perfecting their skills for a total of 78 years, Lisi, Dell’Acqua and Querio are the heart and soul of The Silver Spoon. They are backed in their enterprise by investors, among them Giuseppe (Joe) Nirta and Paolo Longo, who have more than a passing interest. Lisi was born and raised in Puglia (southern Italy). He worked in restaurants since age 17, working his way from dish washer to prep cook to dining room service before emigrating to the Detroit area in 1998. If you request his help on wine selection, he’ll lead you straight to the wines of southern Italy on his list. Unless you really know Italian wines well, take his advice! Dell’Acqua, a Milan native, went to culinary school there and worked in the kitchen of many top restaurants. Along with Querio, the triumvirate did most of the restoration work and turned a former Asian restaurant into a comfortable, cozy, trattoria-like eatery. What’s on the menu Reading through the generously-sized menu makes a diner very hungry. Among cold appetizers, Antipasto di Affettati Della Casa, $13, is a selection of cured meats served on a tagliere (walnut wood plank). Also unique is Carpaccio di Polpo, $17, thinly sliced marinated octopus.
Yes, you can order a steak. A 36-ounce grilled Tbone, $100, serves four easily when sliced tableside. “However, because we are Italian,” says Lisi, “we prefer veal.” Here are three to try: Paillard di Vitello, $26, Saltimbocca alla Romana, $25, and Medaglioni di Vitello Alpina, $36. Branzino del Mediterraneo, shipped fresh (never frozen!) every Tuesday and Friday is a fish lover’s delight at market price. Sweet endings Tiramisu is house-made with real mascarpone fresca. If you don’t know it, order Cannoncino, puff pastry in the shape of a cannon filled with classic pastry cream. “Every course and menu item is meant to provide an experience in eating authentic Italian food,” the triumvirate concluded in unison. It’s reiterated in a wall message: Life is short – eat well. The Silver Spoon, 6830 N. Rochester Rd., 248.652.4500, Tuesday-Thursday 4:30-10 p.m., Friday-Saturday until 11 p.m., Sunday until 9 p.m. Reservations recommended. Parking: on site. Eleanor Heald is a nationally published writer who also writes the 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.
Custom Home Building and Renovations Kitchen, Bath and Whole House Renovation Exterior Modifications/Addition Historical Preservation Design/Cost Consultation Member National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Member Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan (BIA) BIA Builder of the Year Award BIA Remodelor of the Year Award NAHB Certified Aging in Place Specialists Greenbuilt Michigan Michigan Historic Preservation Network
81 West Long Lake Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
(248) 647-2228 Kelletthomes.com
Since 1978
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THE COMMUNITY HOUSE TCH Honors Orlans with Duggan as Keynote TCH ANNUAL GALA MARCH 16th : Join us for The Community House Annual black tie dinner Gala honoring Linda Orlans, CEO of eTitle. TCH annually honors a family business owner who is also a great philanthropist - and whose personal values and business services are shining examples to others. Linda Orlans is our 2013 very deserving honoree, as she exemplifies those qualities and so much more. The gala theme is “Creating More Vibrant Lives,” which Linda helps do every day through her generosity to underserved children. TCH will also be celebrating our official 90th birthday, so come celebrate both! Mike Duggan, Gala Keynote Speaker: We are very excited that Mike Duggan will address us as Gala keynote speaker. As former CEO of the DMC, Mike led his team out of financial crisis into the fastest growing healthcare system in our market. He is a former Wayne County prosecutor who served as a key deputy to the late Wayne County Executive Ed McNamara. His address is sure to be insightful and engaging! Raising Money for Youth: The Gala is our main fundraising event for our three Pillars of Vibrancy Youth Development programs helping children in need. Our goal is to reach 1,000 students with programs of Leadership, Exercise & Nutrition, and Music and Art education which are no longer offered by their schools. As a nonprofit, TCH helped 750 youth in 2012 in the tricounty area.
THE GUIDE 2013
Camille Jayne
BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD
Recognizing Pillars of Vibrancy: The Gala will also recognize members of our community who are great examples of our Pillars of Vibrancy. In the Education Pillar are Carole Deyer, former Dean of Macomb Community College, Pamela Good, President/Executive Director of Beyond Basics, and Henry Lee, J.D., of Howard & Howard. In the Wellness Pillar are Pierre Boutros, owner of Mills Pharmacy & Apothecary, Ed Mamou, owner of The Root Restaurant, and Svetlana Mishulin, M.D., of Heartland Healthcare Centers. The Culture Pillar has Maggie Allesee, major community arts supporter, Jeannie Hackett, jewelry designer, and Connie McEwan, artist. Pillars of Generosity: We are delighted and grateful that Bank of Birmingham is the Gala Presenting Sponsor. eTitle is a Shining Sponsor, Greenleaf Trust is our VIP Reception Sponsor, with Legal News, Raymond James, William J. Vasileff, M.D., Tapper’s Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, Heartland Healthcare and Carol and John Aubrey as Supporting Sponsors. We hope to add many more! Tickets are $250; general tables of ten: $2,000. Call 248.644.5892 or purchase online at: www.tchserves.org. To contribute a silent auction item, please call Kathie Ninneman at 248.594.6403. Please join us to raise your glasses to honor Linda to thank her for all she does for so many. Not to mention come eat some birthday cake made by Gracie Moon Pie cakes! Other February Happenings at TCH Introducing Yoonshin Song of the DSO – Feb. 17th Classical Brunch: On February 17th, come hear the new concertmaster of the DSO, Yoonshin Song, and enjoy a delicious brunch. Ms. Song will perform with beloved Detroit-area pianist, Pauline Martin. $35.00 tickets/$50 Patron tickets. Bulletproof Your Success™ Professional Development Lecture – Wednesday, Feb. 13th: “Networking to Build Long Lasting Relationships.” We’re continuing the popular Bulletproof business lecture series, with new content and new lectures. $35/ lecture; 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; sign up for all nine and get 20 percent off. See the complete line up and register at www.tchbulletproof.org. Vintage Tea & Jewelry Sale – Saturday, Feb. 16th: Enjoy an afternoon of tea, finger sandwiches, dessert and vintage jewelry just waiting to be bought – as well as nostalgic songs from pianist Penny Masouris. $40 for the full tea; $5 jewelry sale only. Travel with TCH: Sunday, Feb. 24: NY Phil at Hill Auditorium matinee performance with Gandy Dancer brunch; May 17-18: Frank Lloyd Wright homes, Oak Park, Ill. and shopping on Michigan Ave. Go to www.tchserves.org to sign up for any of the above, or call 248.644.5832.
Downtown Publications is excited to present its annual edition of The Guide for 2013. Designed as a high-quality stock, convenient-size publication that will serve as the definitive directory to the communities of Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills. We created a publication that is more befitting these special communities and we think we are uniquely qualified to capture the essential information for the Birmingham/Bloomfield area. With our monthly newsmagazine, Downtown, we established a track record of producing a quality, upscale editorial and advertising product. We applied these same high standards to The Guide in 2012, which proved an overwhelming success. The Guide will serve as the source of essential information for local residents and newcomers to the area, reaching nearly 25,000 by direct mail in April. Make sure your business is represented in The Guide. Feel free to either phone or e-mail Advertising Manager Jill Cesarz at 248.792.6464/jillcesarz@downtownpublications.com
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Camille Jayne is President & CEO of TCH. downtownpublications.com
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LEGACY JEWELRY AND LOAN THE LARGEST COLLECTION
ESTA FEBR TE B UARY IS U ON AT L YIN E IT EGA G EM CY T
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MIL TO A LIO NS NY SI Z TO SPE E EST ND! ATE
ANTIQUE, VINTAGE AND ESTATE JEWELRY
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WHY LEGACY? AT LEGACY JEWELRY AND LOAN, WE HAVE BUILT OUR REPUTATION AS THE LEADING EXPERTS IN THE REALM OF ANTIQUE, VINTAGE AND ESTATE JEWLERY. WE HAVE A SIZEABLE COLLECTION OF SOME OF THE MOST UNIQUE PIECES TO BE FOUND ANYWHERE. WE RESPECT THE INTEGRITY OF WORKMANSHIP OF THE ARTISANS FROM THE PAST. BUT OUR DEDICATION AND ATTRACTIVE PRICING ARE NOT THE ONLY THINGS THAT SET US APART FROM OTHER JEWELERS. WE HAVE ALSO BUILT A STRONG REPUTATION FOR THE LEVEL OF SERVICE WE OFFER OUR CUSTOMERS AND THE PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS THAT HAVE DEVELOPED AS A RESULT. WE HAVE COME TO KNOW OUR CLIENTS AND THEIR NEEDS, WHETHER THEY ARE BUYING OR SELLING, WHICH IS A DIRECT RESULT OF DEALING WITH A LOCAL JEWELRY STORE WITH LOCAL OWNERSHIP. NEAL BLAZ
700 N. Old Woodward, Ste. 200 Birmingham, MI 48009
248.723.9975
Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.legacyestatejewelry.com mrlegacyjewelry@gmail.com Big Beaver
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BUY • SELL • TRADE • LOANS ANTIQUE, VINTAGE AND ESTATE LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED GIA GEMOLOGISTS
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. Hob Nobble Gobble More than 1,800 charitable Sally Gerak America’s Thanksgiving Parade supporters (ticket prices ranged from $200 for little kids to $1,000) frolicked on Ford Field at the 23rd annual Parade Company’s Hob Nobble Gobble. This party is the quintessential three-generation event offering amusements for all ages from end zone to end zone. The move last year to Ford Field was a coup. It permits bigger rides than past venues did and the hospitable staff is adroit at making people feel welcome. Likewise, all the Parade Company volunteers. Unlike in the early years, most of the Distinguished Clowns ($1,000 per year donors) seem content to wear their badges as opposed to their custom made parade costumes, and the toddlers and teens are winsome in holiday finery. Their smart moms wear comfortable shoes to keep up with the kids making the rounds of the giveaway stations like the Fathead booth where the Kid Rock, Detroit Tigers, and University of Michigan images were snapped up early. Great food and live music with universal appeal also mark this soiree. All the profits, plus many generous sponsorships, made possible the 86th annual parade six days later. Stomp Out Diabetes The Michigan chapter of the American Diabetes Association staged its annual grape fest at The Reserve and 120 came early for the VIP reception where they savored great pours from Cana Importers, Red Wagon and Woodberry. They were joined by 130 more diabetes fighters, and all sipped wines from around the world supplied by Soif, Paul Mann and Fine Wine Distributors. Great food accompanied the wine sampling and silent auction bidding. They paused for a brief program that board president Dr. Marc Siegel began by thanking sponsors Meijer, Novo Nordisk, Inc., and PayAnywhere before Glen McIntosh, Dean of Student Life at Oakland University and former Mr. Michigan, spoke. His message contained the observation, “Our addictions to traditions are killing us.” The event raised a record $73,000. The next fundraiser on the ADA schedule is Unmasked, the Commitment for a Cure Gala April 20 at the MGM Grand. For information, call (248) 433-3830. South Oakland Shelter’s Dancing with the Stars It’s not surprising that a faith-based organization that is currently partnering with 67 congregations to provide a year-round rotating shelter for the homeless would draw an enthusiastic crowd for its benefit. Granted, the fun party at The Townsend was a very different scene for many of the 320 guests who volunteer their time at their churches, but all work and no play makes you know what. And Dancing with the Stars was anything but dull. This is thanks to the celebrity and pro dancers, the celebrity judges and the event leadership – Jennie and Bill Cook and Nicole and Norman Yatooma. Before the show, a client testimonial video highlighted why SOS enjoys their dedicated support. It featured greetings from Rita Fields, a PhD and SOS board member who was once homeless. When she explained she could not attend in person because she was vacationing in S. Africa, someone in the crowd said, “You go, girl!” The event doubled last year’s success by raising $150,000. Detroit Historical Society Gala The same night as the above reported event, the Detroit Historical downtownpublications.com
Hob Nobble Gobble
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1. Susan and Jeff Sadowski of Birmingham. 2. Bronte (left) and Quinn Burkart with Kris Appleby and Danyelle Burkart of Bloomfield. 3. Kim (left), Sofie and Paul W. Smith of Bloomfield. 4. Brock (left) and Andy Appleby, Brynn, Gary and Banks Burkart of Bloomfield. 5. Julia Barto (left), Annie Alberts and Audrey Petrucci of Bloomfield. 6. Norman and Nicole Yatooma of Bloomfield with their four daughters. 7. Eileen Ashley (left) of Northville with Jenn Pethel of Birmingham. 8. E Title’s Linda Orlans (left) of Birmingham, Amy Polowy of Buffalo, NY, James Clark of Reston, VA and Julie Moran of Boston, MA.
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Stomp Out Diabetes
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1. Event chairs Maurice (left) and Lori Pogoda of Franklin and Lori and board president Dr. Marc Siegel of Bloomfield. 2. Sponsor Meijer’s Effie Steele (left) of Bloomfield and her husband William with Sandra Plezia and her husband Ryan Husaynu of W. Bloomfield. 3. Karen (left) and Dr. Guy Pupp of Bloomfield with committee member Callie Bradford of Warren. 4. Bloomfield Hills endocrinologist Dr. George Grunberger of Grosse Pointe with Chuck Hyde of Spring Lake.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Society staged its grand reopening gala at the newly renovated Detroit Historical Museum. A ribbon cutting ceremony kicked off the evening attended by 400 DHS supporters. They explored new exhibits - Detroit: The Arsenal of Democracy, Allesee Gallery of Culture, Doorway to Freedom – Detroit and the Underground Railroad, Gallery of Innovation, and the Kid Rock Music Lab - as well as updated old favorites like the Streets of Old Detroit and America’s Motor City The strolling dinner menu was accented with Detroit originals like Hudson’s Maurice salad and Sanders hot fudge sundaes. The live entertainment – The Contours, Ben Sharkey, and Marion Hayden – was also classic Motown. The party raised more than $150,000 and launched a new, freeadmission-all-the-time policy.
South Oakland Shelter’s Dancing with the Stars
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1. Event chairs Norman (left) and Nicole Yatooma of Bloomfield and Jennie and Bill Cook of Birmingham. 2. First place winner David Clapper (left) of Orchard Lake and his fan club: Jennifer Stocker of Beverly Hills, Jonathan and Arica Clapper of Birmingham and David and Grace Savage of Bloomfield. 3. Celebrity judges Monica Del Signore (left) and Robert Dempster with Caroline Rooney Dempster of Bloomfield. 4. Arthur Murray Royal Oak Dance Studio owner Candy McKenzie with Gary Wood of Bloomfield. 5. Connie Hudas (left) of Orchard Lake with Amy Peet and Kurt McNeill of Birmingham. 6. Mike Moran and his wife Patty of Bloomfield. 7. Rod and Tammi Alberts of Bloomfield. 8. Sue (left) and Jay Deacon of Bloomfield with Jenny and Curt Bailey of Birmingham. 9. Eileen Allenance (center) of Farmington Hills with Jamie (left) and Nancy Richard and Sarah and Tom Post of Bloomfield. 10. Bruce Goldman (left) of W. Bloomfield, Ron Barron of Bloomfield and Simon Kar of Fleming Island, FL.
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BARD Foundation’s Gobble Wobble The sixth annual night afterThanksgiving reunion for Bloomingham natives once again brought a sold out crowd (450-plus) of young professionals from near and far to The Reserve to party for charity. Even the DJ, Jamie Wineman (aka Jimmy Con), here from Chicago for Turkey Day, was socializing with old friends from Cranbrook school days. Until 2 a.m. the chic, youthful guests sipped, socialized, danced and bought raffle tickets hoping to win the $2,000 worth of swag the committee got donated. The event raised $24,000. It will be donated to initiatives that contribute to a more positive way of life in Detroit. The BARD (Born and Raised Detroit) Foundation board will determine the grants early in 2013. Check them out on Facebook or at www.bornandraiseddetroit.org.
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BARD Foundation’s Gobble Wobble
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1. Board members Patrick Thornton (left) and Greg DeMars of Royal Oak and Scott Strickland of Birmingham. 2. Board members Julie Rankin MacMillan (left) of Ottawa Hills, OH, Lauren Kerr Freund and Anne Strickland of Birmingham and Liz Vollman of NYC. 3. Host committee members Kick Gard (left) and Anne McCullough of Bloomfield and Matt Cracchiola of Royal Oak. 4. Alyssa Deyonker of Grosse Pointe and Patrick Kelly of Birmingham. 5. Host committee members Jean Butzier (left) of Waterfrod, Adrienne Volk of Birmingham, and Meghan Heather of Bloomfield. 6. Christine Fons (left) and Lindsay DeWitte of Bloomfield and Laura Clemons of Chicago.
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Brave Knight Benefit Some 325 friends of Brad and Nettie Boivin attended the second annual Team Julian Foundation Brave Knight Benefit at the Townsend. And, although they sipped, supped, socialized, danced and bought silent auction donations and raffle tickets, they attended primarily because, in July 2011, five-year-old Julian Boivin lost his seven-month battle with a brain stem tumor. Dr. Atman Pai, Julian’s radiation oncologist from St. Jude Children’s Hospital in Memphis, TN, was here to present an update on radiation therapy, including the new state-of-the-art proton beam currently under construction at St. Jude. It will be used to target brain tumors without damaging surrounding tissue. Guests also saw the new video that told 02.13
the story of superhero-loving Julian Boivin and the mission he inspired. Go to www.TeamJulianFoundation.com to see it. The soiree netted $70,000 for the research at St. Jude and, I suspect, made lots of parents go home and fiercely hug their children in gratitude. Gala Evening at the Movies The 35th annual Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America’s fundraiser attracted more than 400 to the Emagine Theatre in Royal Oak. In addition to savoring passed hors d’oeuvres, buffet cuisine, Center Cupcakes, Barefoot wines and choosing a film to see, some guests also paid a total of $1,200 to participate in Greis Jewelers’ champagne on ice raffle. This involved buying a champagne glass containing a “jewel” topped by bubbly. One lucky buyer did get the diamond instead of a fake. And, with Fox-2’s Raj Roop as emcee while body builder Peter Nielsen was being honored and a survivor story was told, speed painter Dave Santia whipped out three paintings which sold for more than $1,500. Thanks also to generous sponsors, the evening raised nearly $130,000 for research and patient support. Next on the CCFA benefit schedule is the sixth annual Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show Luncheon which Harriett Fuller is chairing May 9 at a famous country club in Bloomfield Township. For information, contact Becky Howland at rhowland@ccfa.org. Flutes, Friends & Fa La La Patron Dinner The FAR Conservatory of Therapeutic and Performing Arts’ twelfth annual Flutes, Friends and FaLa-La attracted nearly 550 to FAR Goes to Broadway at the Seligman Performing Arts Center at Detroit Country Day School. With Fox-2’s Alan Lee as the emcee, 28 FAR clients, accompanied by their dance and music therapists plus flutist Alexander Zonjic and singer Josh White, Jr., charmed the crowd. Among the 140 supporters who arrived early for the Patron Dinner was former 11-year director Arlene Kass, whom we know deserves credit for bringing Zonjic on board to launch the event. However, the musician always credits the FAR clients, who also produced the giftables being sold in the FAR Bazaar before and after the show, for his return each year. For the first time ever, the FAR Star Award was presented. It went to the First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham which has provided free space and warm support to FAR since its inception 61 years ago. John downtownpublications.com
Brave Knight Benefit
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1. Carol and Gene Boivin of Bloomfield. 2. Meredith and Dan Morse of Bloomfield. 3. Mary Reinoehl (left) and her sisters Sarah Alberts and Kendra Watson of Bloomfield. 4. Gina and Ted Morgan of Bloomfield. 5. Courtney (left) and Pat Lowman of Birmingham and Pat and Katie Izzo of Bloomfield. 6. Dr. Atman Pai (left) of (Memphis, TN) with Nettie and Brad Boivin of Bloomfield. Photos: Becky Shires Photography
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Gala Evening at the Movies
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2 1. Katie Rothstein (left) of W. Bloomfield, Emme Coleman of Bloomfield and Stephanie Grove and Libby Post of Birmingham. 2. Julie Rothstein (left) of W. Bloomfield, Cynthia Grove and Susan Post of Birmingham and board member Katie and Gordy Coleman of Bloomfield. 3. Gracie and Grant Coleman of Bloomfield. 4. Jeffrey and Stacey Silverman of Bloomfield. 5. Event pioneers Shel (left) and Harriett Fuller of Bloomfield with Sonya and Steve Friedman of W. Bloomfield. 6. Sandra (left) and Bobby Moers of Bloomfield with Rosemary Bannon of Beverly Hills. 7. Julie (left) and Sally Marx of Bloomfield with Contessa Bannon of Beverly Hills. 8. Committee members Marla (left) and Jason Golnick with Sandi and Thom Millman of W. Bloomfield and Tammy Kahan of Bloomfield.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Judson and Cindy Merten accepted it from FAR’s Pamela Ayres and Jody Wachler. Thanks to sponsors like Charity Motors, the CS & Marion F. McIntyre Foundation and others, the event raised an all time high $111,000.
Flutes, Friends & Fa La La Patron Dinner
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1. FAR executive director Pamela Ayres (center) of Bloomfield with event chairs Faye Gorback (left) of Franklin and Lucy McIntyre of Bingham Farms. 2. Rosemary (left) and FAR board chair John Ashcraft of Troy with honorary committee members Carol and John Aubrey of Birmingham. 3. Honorary committee members Lloyd and Maurcine Reuss of Bloomfield. 4. FAR Bazaar chair Barb Fleischer of Birmingham holding piece of art by FAR participant. 5. Honorary committee members Keith and Nancy Kleckner of Bloomfield. 6. FAR president Jody Wachler (left) and honorary committee member her husband Link of Troy with FAR board member Amy Ordona of Bloomfield. 7. Sarah (left) and Bryan Carroll of Birmingham and Kristi and Michael Guathier of Bloomfield Hills. 8. Judy Solomon (left) of Birmingham and Jennie Cascio and Karla Sherry of Bloomfield.
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Art Center’s Shop and Champagne
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1. Sponsor Patty Eisenbraun (left) of Bloomfield and her mother, a nonagenarian, Dorothy Wiand, of Rochester Hills. 2. Sponsor Bobbi Polk (left) of Bloomfield with BBAC teachers Andrea Tama of Farmington Hills and Sue O’Connor of Bloomfield. 3. Sponsors Joel and Judy Adelman of Birmingham. 4. BBAC students / event patrons Elaine and Dan McMahon of Birmingham. 5. Elizabeth Gibbs (left) and Raenette McManus of Bloomfield. 6. Tracey (left) Alex and Mark Burnstein of Bloomfield. 7. Amy and Brad McMahon of Bloomfield. 8. Judy and Michael Layne of W. Bloomfield.
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Art Center’s Shop and Champagne No one knows exactly how many years the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center has kicked off its juried holiday show with a champagne-splashed social, but Social Lights first reported it in 2002 and the event formula is a winner. In addition to copious amounts of champagne, local food “artists” offered their creations buffet style for the 375 guests to savor while they perused the handmade wares of 100 artists. As in the past, tree ornaments, jewelry and wearables were popular, but so were outdoor garden sculptures, tables and benches, plus very Calder-esque steel and wood mobiles. Also at the preview party shoppers got a discount on their purchases which inspired gift shopping. The first exhibit of the new year at the creative oasis opens runs through Feb. 22. In addition to the vigorous class schedule, also planned are inexpensive Drop In Workshops for all ages from 1-4 p.m. on the second Sunday of each month through May and for seniors from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday through June. Go to www.BBArtCenter.org for details. Christ Child’s Christmas Home Tour The word is out. The biggest charity bargain of the holiday season is Christ Child Society’s Christmas Home Tour. For $45 participants could tour five splendid homes decorated for the holidays and partake of a yummy buffet lunch and shop at 17 vendor booths at Birmingham Country Club. More than 600 people did just that. And open hours at the club were lengthy enough (10 a.m.–2:30 p.m.) that all guests could be easily accommodated by the attentive BCC staff. Lunch tables were centered with a pretty gift bag filled with delicious peanut brittle homemade by CCS member Lauren Quarton (who made 50 bags, all of which were sold for $20 each). Overheard in the luncheon conversations were rave reviews on the five homes. These were: Susan and Joe Plomin’s contemporary near Wing Lake; Sheila and Steve Schlageter’s Wallace Frost Tudor in Birmingham’s Quarton Lake Estates; Tracy and Al Papa’s contemporary in Bloomfield Hills; Lisa and Skip Lemon’s colonial in Bloomfield Village; and Rebekah 02.13
SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK and Bill Harahan’s circa 1906 classic, one of the two oldest residences in the Village. Getting the Harahans to participate was a piece of cake. Mary Dakin, an interior designer and event co-chair with Christine Provost, helped them with much of the recent design work. The annual fundraiser topped all previous tours by raising more than $32,000 for the 100-year-old society which serves at-risk children throughout the Detroit area. For more information, go to www.ccsdetroit.org.
Christ Child’s Christmas Home Tour
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2 1. Event co-chairs Mary Dakin (left) and Christine Provost of Birmingham with Betsy Heid of Bloomfield and Julie Galante of Birmingham. 2. Mari MacKenzie (left) of Birmingham, Anne Sommerfeld of Bloomfield and Laurie Farr of Beverly Hills. 3. Elaine Maderal (left) of Bloomfield and Julie Holtgreive, Ann Cornillie and Karen Brown of Troy. 4. Jewelry vendor Laura Keziah of Birmingham. 5. Cindy Dirksen (left) of Grosse Pointe and jewelry vendor Mary Clare Pulte of Bloomfield. 6. Annette Murzin (center) of Milford with Janice Nichols (left) and Lucia Zurkowski of Bloomfield. 7. Mary DeBlaisio (left) of Birmingham and Sandie Knollenberg of Bloomfield. 8. Chris Vivian (left) of St. Petersburg, FL with her mother-in-law Margaret Vivian of Harrison, Susan Raymond of Birmingham and Joanne Vordenber of Bloomfield.
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Volunteer Council’s Nutcracker Luncheon
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1. Event chairs chef Lynn Miller and The Henry’s Todd Peplinski of Bloomfield with ballerina Niki Brown of Taylor. 2. Advisory committee Debbie Savoie (left) of Bloomfield, VC president Janet Ankers of Beverly Hills, Gloria Nycek of Dearborn. 3. DSO CEO Anne Parsons (center) of Grosse Pointe with GM’s Vivian Pickard (left) and Val McCammon of Bloomfield. 4. Sheridan Snell (left) and Ann Stallkamp of Birmingham, Bonnie Larson, Rita Buschmann and Annie Margulis of Bloomfield and Margie Hubacker of Birmingham. 5. Emma Minasian (left), Susan Gopigian and Audrey Mooradian of Bloomfield. 6. Maureen D’Avanzo (left) of Bloomfield with her daughter Natasha and granddaughter Fiona Hamilton of Oak Park. 7. Holly Moncher (left) of Bloomfield and Pat Nickol of Birmingham. 8. Millie Pastor (left) of Bloomfield, Rosemary Bannon of Beverly Hills, Debra Ribitwer and Jackie Layne of Bloomfield.
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Volunteer Council’s Nutcracker Luncheon The annual Detroit Symphony Ochestra Volunteer Council fundraiser was more spirited than usual. This could be attributed to two factors – either the complimentary Dragon Bleu White Cosmopolitans happily being consumed before lunch or the high energy of Mel Ball Entertainment’s Hot Dueling Pianos with the singing by Stefan Kukurugya and Corrin Barnett during lunch. More than 300 guests also shopped at the Saks Fifth Avenue and Dior booths and admired the pretty ballerinas posed throughout the ballroom at The Henry. Laura Fogelman’s crew of raffle ticket sellers garnered $4,700. Winners included Gillian Lazar, one of Fogelman’s Birmingham neighbors. DSO CEO Anne Parsons also generated some enthusiasm when she talked about the orchestra’s upcoming dates (May 9-10) at NYC’s Carnegie Hall, thanking GM’s Vivian Pickard for GM’s sponsorship. Emcee Paula Tutman helped name the raffle winners and all guests received a poinsettia plant and a great cookbook written by chef Lynn Miller, who co-chaired the event with The Henry’s Todd Peplinski. Their efforts grossed nearly $50,000 for the Volunteer Council. Alternatives for Girls’ Tea at the Townsend For many years interior designer Shirley Maddalena has been hosting a High Tea to benefit the at-risk girls who turn their lives around at Alternatives for Girls. Some of the 99 guests, like Birmingham banker Linda Bomberski who has long used the event as a good excuse to socialize with her mother in the elegant setting of the Townsend’s tea lobby, just want a lovely break from holiday preparations. Others like to shop the silent auction of donated, gently used-treasures, donated by the guests themselves, especially by Marjorie Schultz who devotes much energy to acquiring goodies for the auction. This year it raised nearly $2,000, including what one generous guest paid for the 02.13
Townsend Bakery’s gorgeous, freshlybaked cake, which she gave to AFG. It was consumed that night by the young women in the AFG Shelter, reportedly with lots of “oohing” and “aaahing” when they saw it. The event grossed nearly $10,000 and much interest in the critical programs AFG has been providing for 25 years. In addition to the shelter for homeless girls, these include after-school, youth leadership and street outreach programs. Learn more at www.AlternativesForGirls.org. Project HOPE Luncheon and Boutique Jackie Bagley and Tina Prevas chaired the Women’s Division for Project HOPE’s annual Luncheon and Boutique at Forest Lake Country Club. More than 100 gal pals bought giftables like sweaters, accessories, Innis Joswick jewelry, Michigan-themed bookmarks and Gloria Henry’s painted photographs. They also bid for silent auction donations and bought raffle tickets for gift baskets coordinated by Linda Juracek-Lipa. Joyous music by pianist Alice Haidostian and the Jills of Andover High School accented the happy holiday scene. Proceeds support Project HOPE’s medical missions throughout the world. The WD will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Kidney Ball Motown Magic An event record high (nearly 800) attended the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan’s eighth annual Kidney Ball: Motown Magic at the MGM Grand Detroit. Before dinner, with classic Motown tunes in the background, guests perused a huge silent auction ($55,000), gathered around a cooking demonstration by the Food network’s Chef Aaron McCargo, Jr., and flocked to the Meijer Mars Candy Land where kidfriendly silent auction items and bountiful displays of Mars candies competed for attention. Highlights of the dinner program included a moving tribute to Michigan Kidney Consultants associate, the late Audrey Kubicz, a much loved event pioneer, by Dr. Jerry Dancik who worked with her for 35 years. “I think she’s here tonight,” he opined. Kidney “Kids” also spoke before the Kids Auction and dedicated volunteer Gregg Rasmussen received the Cindy Hoglund Award. Then, with emcee WDIV’s Steve Garagiola leading the way, a brief live auction raised $70,000. Thanks also to significant sponsorships from Meijer, Quicken Loans, Mars, GM and Miller Coors the event raised more than $618,000, to the great delight of chair downtownpublications.com
Alternatives for Girls’ Tea at the Townsend
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2 1. Event founder Shirley Maddalena (left) and her mother Connie Purucker of Bloomfield. 2. Alternative for Girls’ Amy Good (left) of Detroit and Marjorie Schultz of Bloomfield. 3. Valorie Cheyne (left) of Beverly Hills, Josie Sheppard and Rebecca Bray of Birmingham and Linda Holden of Bloomfield. 4. Donna Hartwig (left) and Kathleen Dalton of Bloomfield. 5. Peggy Glick (left) of Troy and Mary Counihan of Birmingham. 6. J.J. Benkert (center) of Bloomfield with Charlotte Blocki (left) and her daughter Linda Bomberski of Troy. 7. Carol Zuzenak (left) and Marie Kadlec of Bloomfield and Catherine Gofrank of Troy.
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Project HOPE Luncheon and Boutique
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4 1. Past president Alice Berberian Haidostian of Bloomfield. 2. Event co-chairs Tina Prevas (left) of Bloomfield and Jackie Bagley of Commerce Township. 3. Past president Irene Davis (left) of Beverly Hills and President Anita Hedeen of Bloomfield Hills. 4. Lidija Grahovac (left) and Sherry Saginaw of Bloomfield. 5. Lidija Grahovac (left) of Bloomfield, Linda Juracek-Lipa of Birmingham, Eva Meharry of Windsor, Ontario.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Blanche Mack and co-chair Myra Moreland. Last year the NKFM served more than 100,000 people suffering from chronic kidney disease.
Kidney Ball Motown Magic
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1. Event chair Meijer’s Blanche Mack (left) of Canton and co-chair Revstine’s Myra Moreland of Birmingham. 2. David and committee member Cindi Wienert of Bloomfield. 3. Emilie and Dr. Jerry Dancik of Birmingham. 4. William and Meijer’s Effie Steele of Bloomfield. 5. Lanie Moreland Bryant of Birmingham and her infant son Jayden. 6. Blair (left) and Monika Gough of Bloomfield and Jill and Mike Maynard of St. Clair.
Henry Ford Hospital Grand Ball After a spirited social hour, the more than 925 guests at Henry Ford Hospital’s Grand Ball settled into the MGM Grand Ballroom for dinner and the program. It included standing ovations. Mayor Dave Bing got one before and after his frank remarks about his job. (“Is it fun? Hell no…but it’s God’s work.”) Hospital President/CEO Dr. John Popovich, who co-chaired the event with his wife Beth and Joanne and Richard Brodie, got one following a video in which he starred. So did Henry Ford’s VP of Governance Edie Eisenmann, who was honored along with Comerica’s Linda Forte, Siemens’ Chris Hummel and Hudson Weber Foundation’s New Economy Initiative’s David Egner. The soiree was a swan song of sorts for medical group chief Dr. Mark Kelley, who, as HF Health System CEO Nancy Schlicting mentioned, would be leaving for a new job at Harvard. The party, which raised nearly $450,000 for clinical programs at the hospital, celebrated the hospital’s 97th year of service and concluded with dancing to Simone Vitale’s music.
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Henry Ford Hospital Grand Ball
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1. Detroit First Lady Yvette Bing (center) with event cochairs Joanne Brodie (left) of Bloomfield and Beth Popovich of Birmingham. 2. Char Terry (left), with Andy and Kristen Shapiro and Norman and Solange Messelian of Bloomfield. 3. HFHS CEO Nancy Schlichting of Bloomfield with Chris Hummel of NYC. 4. Ken and Marilyn Way of Bloomfield. 5. Natalie Keoleian (left) of Bloomfield and Christina Popovich of Birmingham. 6. Claire Chambers (standing left) and Irma Elder with Eva and Dr. Jan Rival of Bloomfield. 7. Dale (left) and Randi Watchowski with Karen and Jeff Schoenberg of Birmingham. 8. Todd Glenn (left) of Northville with Graham and Sally Orley of Bloomfield. 9. Don (right) and Debi Jackson of Birmingham with Sheryl and Bloomfield attorney Steve Matta of Commerce. 10. John and Marta Schaefer of Birmingham.
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Volunteers of America Holidays of Hope Volunteers of America, a nonprofit, faith-based organization founded in 1896, has hundreds of human service programs around the country. Twenty years ago the Michigan VoA began selecting families for special support at Christmas and since then over 34,000 families, including 143,000 children, have been adopted. They each received new winter clothing, new toys for the children and a bountiful holiday dinner. Funding comes from such events as the VoA’s Holidays of Hope, which attracted 225 to the Townsend. Guests included VoA board members, athletes like Detroit Lion Ndamukong Suh, and representatives from program sponsors like O’Brien Construction, Fusco, Shaffer & Pappas, Dennis Brown, and Fiberclass Contracting. During a brief program one of the 2005 Adopt a Family recipients, Volanda Harrison, described that year when she lost her job and house and her car was stolen. Everything changed when she got a call on December 21 telling her she had been selected for the Adopt A Family program at Volunteers of America Michigan. “The program gave me hope to move forward,” she explained. Three 02.13
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK years later she was hired to work in the program. Following her presentation, WJLB’s Coco cajoled guests to pledge $17,800 in the service auction. This brought the event total to more than $95,000. For more information about the organization, go to www.voami.org.
Volunteers of America Holidays of Hope
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2 1. Andrew McQuiston (left) of Birmingham with Detroit Lion Ndamukong Suh of Royal Oak and VoA president Alex Brodrick of Novi. 2. VoA board chair Eddie (left) and Gloria McDonald of Canton with 95.5 FM’s Shannon Murphy of Birmingham. 3. Ann and host committee member Bob Shaffer of Birmingham with sponsor O’Brien Construction’s Dan and Lynn Ross of Washington. 4. 97.1’s Courtney Olbrich of Allen Park and WWJ TV’s Steve Ryckman of Birmingham.
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Family Night/Gingerbread Brunch
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1. Event co-chair Mia Materka (left) of W. Bloomfield with committee member Virgina Antakli of Bloomfield. 2. Annette (left) and PB president Mike Dul with event co-chair Sue Nine and committee member Agnes Andrews of Bloomfield. 3. Committee member Julia Sosa and her mother, co chair Carol Shaya of Bloomfield. 4. Lauren Rakolta Fitzgerald of Birmingham and her daughter Dylan. 5. Eileen Kiriluk and Paige Frisch with their mother Terry Rakolta of Bloomfield. 6. Marlene Soieaux-Edwards of Birmingham with her grandma / committee member Gail Barget of Bloomfield. 7. Nicholas, Lisa and Lucy Kelley of Birmingham with grandma Cecelia Kelley of Bloomfield. 8. Committee member Tina Stonisch (left) with Jennifer Margherio and Patti Chinonis of Birmingham. Photo credit: Carroll DeWeese.
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Family Night/Gingerbread Brunch Preservation Bloomfield, which is preserving for educational use the 1832 Barton House that it moved to the Bloomfield Hills School District’s Bowers Farm five years ago, staged its annual two-part Gingerbread fundraiser at Oakland Hills Country Club. Both events sold out. Some 180 attended Family Night, including three generation groups like the Oliver Baers, Case Koremans, Ed Andersons, Cecelia Kelley, and Terry Rakolta. Amusements included piano music by Alice Haidostian, a grand buffet dinner, visits with Santa and child-centered activities, notably decorating, instead of gingerbread houses, little log cabins constructed of pretzel rods. Santa Claus was formally presented with the “Key to the Hearts of the Young People” by Bloomfield Hills mayor Sarah McClure and Bloomfield Township supervisor Leo Savoie. Savoie noted his police department had confirmed that all 80 of the children in attendance had been “very good”. The next morning more than 200 attended the Gingerbread Brunch. Highlights were the performance of renowned violinist Sonia Lee, who was toting a new state of the art violin case featuring GPS Tracking and temperature and humidity control systems; music by Bloomfield Hills students; a raffle; and the outstanding displays of wreaths, trees, centerpieces and gingerbread houses for sale. Gingerbread House judges were Lois Hennessy and Donna Rorabaugh. The local DAR Piety Hill Chapter won first place in the NonProfessional Competition for its replica of Wing Lake School. Having excused herself from judging her own category, Rorabaugh, a nationally renowned gingerbread house baker, won first place in the Professional Competition. Fox-2’s Monica Gayle emceed. Sister Bridget Bearss blessed the food. Michigan Lottery’s Aggie Usedly drew the raffle winners’ names. PB president/landscape architect/city commissioner Michael Dul, often the only male at the meetings, profusely thanked co-chairs Carol Shaya, Mia Materka, Sue Nine and their committee for the success of 02.13
the detail intensive project. It netted nearly $40,000, an all time high. Deck the Aisles Chair-ity Luncheon The 150 supporters of Humble Design were guided to Neiman Marcus’ third floor for the Chair-ity Luncheon by the jazzy sounds of the Wildcat Moonlight Band, who happen to be friends of committee member Gretchen Davidson. The aisles were decked in vignettes by interior designer friends of the non-profit — Kristen Armstrong of KCID, Kristen Suhy of Humble Design, Bob Endres of Gorman’s, Stephanie Schwartz of Interiors by Stephanie, Donna Dettore, Tanya Hamilton and Loren Weiner. This was as it should be since HD’s raison d’être is to furnish, using donations, welcoming dwellings for people leaving homeless shelters. Cofounder Treger Strasberg was justifiably proud of the fact that “…only five percent (of the people we help) return to shelters,” before she introduced a success story. Latisha Griffin, accompanied by her daughter who’s starting college this month, addressed the crowd. “Humble Design blessed me a whole other way…You should see (what they created). I truly thank everyone who had a part,” she concluded. The high energy event raised more than $20,000. For more information about this non-profit that’s truly making a difference, go to www.humbledesign.org. Academy of the Sacred Heart Family Fun Night Michelle Jonna is chairing the ASH 2013 Benefit and she came up with the plan to kick it off with a family party just before Christmas. It was a winning idea. Close to 500 parents and children did Follow the Yellow Brick Road (benefit theme) into the ASH Field House. There were activities for all ages, a yummy pasta buffet (catered by the Jonna family’s Plum Market), and a silent auction display containing 250 items. But the savvy chair and her crew knew to eschew the odious auction checkout lines that night in favor of pick up at school the following week. Items not sold on family night were sold online the following week. Lots of the kids got a kick out seeing their teachers in Mickey Mouse ears. They were selling raffle tickets for the trip to Disney World that will be drawn at the main event. It’s Saturday, April 20, at the school. For ticket information, call (248) 646-8900, ext. 170. Brother Rice Christmas / Pre-Auction Party For the last six years the Brother Rice High School Mothers and Dad’s Clubs have been hosting a social that generates Christmas spirit, school spirit and donations for their Irish Night Auction. Party chairs Arlene and Ken Alessi graciously welcomed more than 250 parents, past parents and alumni to their country club (Birmingham), where the staff kept the hors d’oeuvre buffet well-stocked. There were lots of high fives for the school’s downtownpublications.com
Deck the Aisles Chair-ity Luncheon
2 1. HD founder Treger Strasberg (left) and board members Lorin Weiner of Birmingham and Lauren Carson of Bloomfield. 2. Board member Kristen Armstrong (left) of Birmingham with HD client Latisha Griffin and her daughter Unique Tellis of Detroit. 3. Alicia Turnbull (left) of Grosse Pointe and board member Lynn Sirich of Birmingham. 4. Gretchen Davidson (left) and board member Roz Jacobson of Birmingham with Danialle Karmanos of Orchard Lake. 5. Lipsa Sheth (left) and Eva Meade of Bloomfield. 6. Sena Halabi (left) and Amie Stern of Birmingham and Karen Kligman of Bloomfield. 7. Ani Antonocci (left) of Farmington Hills, board member Brooke Fisher of Birmingham and Beth Fisher of Grosse Pointe. 8. Designers Stephanie Schwartz (left) of Bloomfield and Tanya Hamilton of Rochester Hills. 9. Designers Donna Dettore and Janne Sandler of Birmingham. 10. Gwen Weiner (left) of Franklin with Nanci Kantor, Jean Dubin and Jill Syme of Bloomfield.
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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK state football championship, but mostly happy renewals of friendships prevailed. Marie Dowler (Mothers’ Club president) and Jeff Guella (Dads’ Club president) have named Mark and Sallie Hogan the honorary chairs of Irish Nite Auction XXVI. It’s Saturday, March 16, at the school. For tickets ($75, $150-benefactor), call the auction office at (248) 833-2017.
Academy of the Sacred Heart Family Fun Night
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1. Event chair Michelle Jonna of Bloomfield and her daughter Bella. 2. Chase McCormick (left) of Birmingham with William Zimmer and Nick Rassel of Bloomfield. 3. Maxine (left) and Lori Stillwagon of Bloomfield. 4. Parents’ association president Debbie Gerard (left) of Birmingham and silent auction chair Carol Seitz-Keller of Lathrup Village. 5. Past benefit chairs Sue Spangler (left) and Yvonne McCready of Bloomfield.
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Eton Academy’s Pre-Auction Bowling Party Some 100 people convened at the Emagine Theater Star Lanes in Royal Oak for Eton Academy’s night of fun, also staged to gather items for their upcoming Gala & Auction. Gala co-chairs Suzanne Mahoney and Michelle Fredericks were on hand to thank the boosters of the school that educates 200 students with learning challenges. The main event – Embrace the Extraordinary - is Saturday, March 2, at the Birmingham school. For tickets ($200), call (248) 642-1150 or go to www.etonacademy.org
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Brother Rice Christmas / Pre-Auction Party
Historical Museum Prohibition Repeal Celebration People had to know the password to get into the ‘speakeasy” (aka Edison’s) for the clever underground party the Friends of the Birmingham Historical Museum & Park, staged to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition. It was “Harry sent me.” Who’s Harry? Harry Allen, the first mayor of Birmingham and the man who, in 1927, built the house that is now the home of the Historical Museum. Many guests dressed a la the era and all socialized with the jazzy music of Detroit’s RJ Spangler and his band in the background. They sipped classic cocktails, played poker, viewed an authentic still on loan from the Hamtramck Historical Commission and raised a few bucks ($1,350) for the Friends.
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1. Chris (left) and Michelle Lievois with event hosts Ken and Arlene Alessi of Bloomfield. 2. BRHS principal Brother Michael Segvich with Tracey Barber and Amy Nelson of Bloomfield. 3. Tom Bustance (left) of Troy with Mary Clare Pulte and Tim and Judy Hildebrand of Bloomfield. 4. Julie Berg Pulte and Katie Berg Liesveld with her husband Fred of Bloomfield.
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Gleaners Board Social Gleaners Community Food Bank board member Ellen Rogers recently hosted a small gathering in her Birmingham home to thank Gleaners donors who live nearby. Among the 30 guests were Gleaners president DeWayne Wells and board member Erica Peresman. The “Lazy Sunday Afternoon” event was an opportunity to meet some of the leadership and ask questions about Gleaners, which, every day, distributes food for approximately 100,000 meals. Gleaners will celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Women’s Power Breakfast on April 10 at Eastern Market’s Shed 3. This signature fund-raising event, a sell-out for the past two years, will raise funds to support programs aimed at feeding hungry children. Ninety-four cents of every dollar Gleaners raises goes to mission. Find more information at www.gcfb.org.
Historical Museum Prohibition Repeal Celebration
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1. Jenny Fezzo (left) and her mother / event chair Marty Logue of Birmingham with museum director Leslie Pielack and her husband Larry Oshier of Oxford. 2. Kevin and museum friends president Catherine Toczek of St. Clair Shores with Bob and Coco Siewert of Birmingham. 3. Jim (left) and Barbara Suhay and Geri and Gordon Rinschler of Birmingham. 4. Former Birminghamer Geoff Upward of Rochester Hills and Gwenn Russo of Birmingham. 5. John and Sheila Brice of Birmingham. 6. Mark and Pam Thomas of Birmingham.
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Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390. 02.13
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ENDNOTE
Continue proactive school security measures
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ommendable efforts are being made by local public, private and parochial schools towards increasing school security and safety measures following the recent massacre at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT this past December. For some local schools, it was a wake up call to shake them out of a longslumbering complacency; for other educational institutions, it permitted them the opportunity to re-evaluate the security plans they already had in place. We anticipate these efforts will continue to evolve and be refined over the coming months The slaying of 20 innocent children and six adults in Newtown was hardly the first act of violence at a school. In fact, since 1996, there have been at least 68 shootings worldwide involving school children, committed both by fellow students and by outsiders entering school buildings, most of the time by individuals known to school officials and fellow students. But the Sandy Hook shooting has rattled us to our cores, shattering our faith in the ability of educators to protect the lives of our children when they leave our arms each morning. Marcia Wilkinson, spokesperson for Birmingham Public Schools, said that in light of the Newtown killings, “We've started a complete review of all security and safety policies and procedures for the district.” For the first time, on Tuesday, January 29, the district decided to employ a security company for all eight of the elementary schools and three middle schools, and
also for the first time, will keep all of the schools' front doors locked. The security company will staff the doors during the school day, monitoring who comes and goes. The district is also evaluating whether to institute a camera and buzzer system at the doors. Adult hall monitors are utilized in the high schools to keep order and to screen for security. Birmingham has utilized surveillance cameras in their two high schools for the last few years, but they have not been live monitored, which may be a change they need to make. A change Bloomfield Hills Schools made following the shooting was to hire a Bloomfield Township police officer as a school security officer who will assist the district at all of its buildings by conducting an immediate review of their existing procedures, identifying areas for improvement, and then helping to make those improvements. The officer will also conduct drills for staff and students. While several private and parochial schools already had security plans in place prior to Newtown, others acknowledged they had been somewhat lax. While Cranbrook Schools and Detroit Country Day School declined to specify how they are adjusting their current security plans, nor to identify whether their private security guards are armed, they both emphasized that their students’ security is their top priority and under constant review. Brother Rice High School had just begun
instituting their first-ever security measures, which includes a locked building where visitors must be buzzed in and former police officers roaming the building and parking lot. We're very impressed with the keycard swipe system principal Brother Michael Segvich has instituted throughout the building, and that every student and visitor must wear an ID on a lanyard. It's an idea which other schools might want to adopt themselves. Academy of the Sacred Heart has a security guard, and staffs an individual at each of the two entrance doors. The staff was recently instructed by Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard on what to do in case of an active shooter. But we are not certain that a single individual, isolated from the office and classrooms, could contain a shooter or trespasser at an entry door on their own. The Roeper Schools does not have a security guard, despite acknowledging that there have been times when strangers have been found on their grounds. No changes were made following Newtown; they are satisfied with their doorbell buzzer system. If it has already not been done, it would probably make sense to call a conference of the local public and private schools to share current security plans to determine if there are other improvements that can be made. Competitive instincts aside, keeping our children, and those who work with them, safe and secure at all times, is in everyone's interest all of the time.
Input can help shape community streets
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esidents of the Birmingham/Bloomfield area have a prime opportunity to have their say as local communities begin planning for future transportation demands across the area. Birmingham is actively working on creating a multi-modal transportation plan for all of the city's major roads, major and minor arteries, and side streets, to plan in advance of future road construction how and where future bike lanes, sidewalks, and transit stops and lanes would be incorporated into the city's streets. Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills are also examining multi-modal transportation plans, with planners introducing the concept at recent meetings. The goal of planners is to create a master plan for multi-modal transportation which will transform the future usage of streets, sidewalks, rail, busses, bicycles, and other forms of movement in the city for all users. Multi-modal was initially referred to in Birmingham as Complete Streets, a federal initiative
adopted by Birmingham in August 2011, one of 50 communities in Michigan to have embraced it. Complete Streets' policies are designed and operated to enable safe access to streets for all users. It is an enterprise 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. Birmingham now refers to the plan as multi-modal because it's a transportation plan which takes into account all modes of transportation. Some Birmingham city commissioners recently commented that few citizens have attended open meetings seeking resident input. “But they'll let us know when we're asphalting in front of their house,” commissioner Rackeline Hoff commented. It's true. One is an immediate concern; multimodal seems like a far-off interest. But in
actuality, the multi-modal plan is an important transportation action plan which will eventually affect the movement of every one of us. We each have the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of recreating our cities and township for 21st century transportation. In the last few weeks, the federal government awarded the area $25 million towards the M1 rail system, which eventually should connect with a regional transportation system from 8 Mile up Woodward to Pontiac, to Macomb County, and westward. Rapid transit busses may transform how we travel on major regional arteries, no longer being the transportation of last resort. More locally, as bike lanes are added, research shows that users utilize and enjoy them on a regular basis. Walking paths added in communities benefit everyone without destroying the beauty and privacy of the inhabitants. Let's all pay attention to the multi-modal transportation experts. Our future depends on them.
20
Years
Luke Marton
lmarton@mimutual.com (248) 214-1306 NMLS# 179915
Christian Newberry
cnewberry@mimutual.com (248) 895-8660 NMLS# 13314
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