Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield

GERAK: SOCIAL SCENE • HEALD: MEETING HOUSE IN ROCHESTER

BALDWIN HOUSE THE FIGHT FOR SENIOR AND LOW-INCOME HOUSING IN THE CITY OF BIRMINGHAM EDUCATION: UPROAR OVER SCHOOL REFORM RAPE EVIDENCE: CATCHING UP THE BACKLOG

Oriental Rugs

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DOWNTOWN01.13 17 Fight for Birmingham senior housing

Although forgotten by most local residents, Birmingham at one time was at the center of a pitched battle for senior and subsidized housing.

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CRIME LOCATOR

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Chateauneuf-du-Pape is one of the world's great red wines, grown and made in the southern Rhone Valley of France but it is also the name of a place.

AT THE TABLE

37: Rick Williams

75: Treger Strasberg

93: David Agyekum

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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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Quest by Ed Kasprowicz, at Bloomfield Township Public Library, Bloomfield Township. A gift from Friends of the Library in honor of the library's 25th anniversary. Downtown photo/Hayley Beitman.

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DOWNTOWN • XPRESS • 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

Azar's Oriental Rugs; What Crepe?; LV8 Communications; Fun Stuff!; GNC; The Tile Shop

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.

Chris Johnson partnered with Jason Mood to open in early December the new Rochester eatery called The Meeting House.

SOCIAL LIGHTS

New city commissioner; Kresge building plans change; Old Woodward plan okayed; three bistros await decision; 6 Salon moving; opposition to Park Street apartments.

BUSINESS MATTERS

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State crime labs are working furiously to clear a backup of years worth of neglected crime evidence from Detroit.

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

25: Abby Jackman

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Rape kit backlog

FOCUS ON WINE

FACES

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School reform uproar

Educational reform bills nearly made it out of the legislature in the recent lame duck session but the issue is not dead.

Our thoughts on the educational reform push in Lansing and the lack of movement by Birmingham to address bistro issues.

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.

01.13

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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lace. It is both a sense of physical geography and at the same time an intangible sense of identity that includes our outlook on life, relationships, a feeling of well being. It is also one of the key driving considerations as municipal leaders in Michigan and southeast Michigan in particular plan for the future.

Just ask Birmingham City Commissioner Scott Moore, who I consider a kindred spirit of sorts. A student of government, with a number of years of community and government service, he is focused on keeping ahead of the curve in terms of what is coming in the future for all communities, including his hometown of Birmingham.

Moore understands the importance of “place” if we are to adapt to the changing demands of a population that itself is redefining what is expected from government and the local communities.

I single out Moore, although he is representative of others on the commission and the various appointed boards in Birmingham, and hopefully the governing bodies in other local communities if they are keeping up with the changing demands and needs of their constituency.

Birmingham is a convenient example when looking at the challenges facing community leaders nowadays. It is a small city with a developed downtown area, rather than a retail community stretched across a lengthy thoroughfare as in other communities that developed during the same time period. It also has housing opportunities in the central business district or on the edge of the retail community. The city is also small enough to allow an observer to track how the issues of the future are dealt with today.

And there are many issues. We are in the midst of seismic changes in attitudes about how our cities should be developed or reinvented for the future. While regional leaders are predicting growth of 8-8.4 percent in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area by the year 2040, the mix of local residents will be considerably different than today. The Baby Boomer population in the region and state is aging. By 2040, nearly 24 percent of the population will be age 65 or older. As a result, sizes of households will be declining. And on the flip side, for the younger set, the traditional family is changing and marriage and childbearing are being delayed.

We have moved from a population that post-World War II sought drive-able suburban communities to a populace that is now demanding walkable urban communities and municipalities that are concerning themselves with a multi-modal outlook about moving in the community of the near-term future. We are also witnessing the arrival of a younger generation that places much less emphasis on car ownership and more interest in mass transit and on biking to work and recreational pursuits. This generation wants to live in or within a few miles of a central business district, and they are willing to leave their home communities or state to satisfy this demand.

The upcoming generation and the older generation both seek a sense of place.

Cities—both large and small—must recognize the changing needs and attitudes of the population. We must concern ourselves with the demands of an aging population. And we must reinvent cities to attract the younger generation to refill the ranks of workers, attract entrepreneurs, and bring added life and vitality to communities.

Fortunately, Birmingham has been addressing all of these issues for a number of years, starting with the 2016 Plan and continuing with ongoing local studies and planning panels, sometimes in concert with neighboring communities, addressing everything from local multi-modal issues and mass transit, the library of the future, aging infrastructure, the strength of the downtown business community and senior services.

This pro-active approach to future planning will keep Birmingham healthy and an attractive community for those, now and in the coming years, who are seeking this sense of place. For that effort, local residents should be thankful.

As always, I welcome your feedback.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

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downtownpublications.com

DOWNTOWN

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REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST

INCOMING School takeover by state The school district ruining bills which were snaking their way through the lame duck legislative session will gut the competitive educational excellence our communities expect and undermine the very structure which supports strong property values. They create a new Lansing bureaucracy that tells Birmingham and other high performing schools how to operate.

The bills are fueled by the mutation of a single inter-local agreement between Detroit Public Schools and Eastern Michigan University. From this single local agreement the legislation authorizes the type of unrepresentative command and control structures we fight to prevent when the federal government imposes unfunded mandates upon our state.

The bills allow for the state confiscation of locally funded school properties; override local control funded by local taxation; create public vouchers; enable provisions for uncontrolled charter schools; and throw open the borders of our district. How can a new level of government, not elected or responsible to the local constituency (itself an anathema to the sponsors of the legislation), be a good thing?

School improvement can and does work under the current system of locally elected, locally responsible, and locally involved representatives. If legislators want to help struggling districts, then establish temporary, proportionally representative boards that bring voices from the state superintendent, the state board of education, and Michigan Department of Education to the table.

Do not add new, unrepresentative levels of bureaucracy and costs to Michigan’s education system. Do not take our buildings, do not mandate open borders,

and do not impose a state-sponsored “federalization” of our local school districts.

HB 6004, 5923 and SB 1358 are bad for Birmingham and other high performing schools. The bills subvert local control and attack the foundation of the strong property values we’ve helped to build. The bills add costs, bureaucracy and complexity. Worst of all, the bills assume faceless bureaucrats in Lansing know what’s better for our kids than we do and that’s not right. We represent tens of thousands of voters who elected us to protect their schools, educate their children, and enhance their communities; do not ignore our voices.

Birmingham Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Daniel Nerad

Meaningful public debate In the October 2012 Downtown, (Publisher) David Hohendorf wrote in his column, “I liken the LGBT battles now being fought to the civil rights movement …Yes, in many respects the core issues of equality are at the center of the political skirmishes we are now witnessing as they were years ago when the black community sought equality”. Really? Before accepting the surface similarity of the public struggle for equal rights between lifestyle based on sexual attraction with racial equality, prudence before proceeding with agenda would request a deeper examination of the underlying “core issues of equality”.

These are some core considerations that I believe are necessary toward fostering a more substantial and meaningful public discourse of equality for the “LGBT community”: The innate dignity and respect deserving of each person by virtue of our shared humanity and as equal members in our constitutionally based society; race is a

debate in our shared community of humanity.

Thank you for welcoming and listening to my feedback. I enjoy the small town feel and community feature stories of your Downtown publication.

David Grobbel, Birmingham

SPEAK OUT

Exterior of lululemon

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.

genetically determined variation of the same humanity shared by each and every person; sexual attraction that deviates from the natural law design complement of heterosexuality is not genetically pre-determined (scientific evidence is inconclusive as to if or what extent genetics influence sexual inclination); acting on sexual desire is a self-determined choice and over time personal choices based on sexual inclination greatly contribute to forming a person’s sense of sexual identity (the converse cannot be said of a person’s racial identity); an adequate anthropology of the human person respects the whole of sexual love that is both powerfully bonding and potentially procreative.

I believe that a public discourse that seeks to “listen” to and respect the “language” of our bodies made male and female, i.e., purpose and meaning of human sexuality, is the only firm and common basis for entering into a mutually honest, listening and meaningful public

I am so delighted to see new stores in Birmingham. However, I am very disappointed by the exterior of the new lululemon store in town.

I have lived in Birmingham my entire life and the iconic clock, now replaced by a logo, at the corner of Maple and Woodward has been a hallmark of the downtown landscape. I know the building's historical exterior has been modified in the past, but the other national chain businesses ( Cosi and Panera) on opposite corners managed to maintain the classic appearance of the center of downtown.

The clock could easily have been left in its location and the logo which replaced it could have been hung beneath the arched doorway similar to the Panera logo, actually creating greater visibility.

The painted brick in a neutral color would have looked much better than the black and more in keeping with the other buildings in town. And lastly, the papered windows were acceptable only until construction was completed. Now they add to the eyesore that is the southeast corner at the center of town. I am sure the store could rearrange the interior space to eliminate the need for garish paper on the windows.

I recognize the need and appreciate the new energy stores like lululemon create in town, but let's not sacrifice our town's character when simple control over design plan and common sense will maintain the classic appearance of our town.

Barb Ritsema, Birmingham

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Untested school legislation A package of bills designed to corporatize and dismantle public education (was nearly) pushed through (the recent) lame duck legislative session. I believe great damage will be done to public education, including our school system.

House bill 6004 and Senate bill 1358 would expand a separate and statewide school district (the EAA) overseen by a governor-appointed chancellor and functioning outside the authority of the state board of education or state school superintendent. These schools are exempt from the same laws and quality measures of community-governed public schools. The EAA can seize unused school buildings (built and financed by local taxpayers) and force sale or lease to charter, non-public or EAA schools.

House bill 5923 creates several new forms of charter and online schools with no limit on the number. Bundled with HB 6004/SB1358, many of these schools could be created by the EAA. Public schools are not allowed to create these new schools unless they charter them.

Selective enrollment/dis-enrollment policies will likely lead to greater segregation in our public schools. This bill creates new schools without changing the overall funding available, further diluting resources for communitygoverned public schools.

Senate bill 620, known as the ‘Parent Trigger’ bill, would allow the lowest achieving 5 percent of schools to be converted to a charter school while allowing parents or teachers to petition for the desired reform model. This bill will not directly affect our district, but disenfranchises voters, ends their local control, and unconstitutionally hands taxpayer-owned property over to forprofit companies. Characterized as parent-empowerment, this bill does little to develop deep, community-wide parent engagement and organization.

I’ve never considered myself a conspiracy theorist—until now. This package of bills is the latest in a yearlong barrage of ideologically-driven bills designed to weaken and defund locallycontrolled public education, handing scarce taxpayer dollars over to for-profit entities operating under a different set of rules. I believe this is fundamentally wrong.

State School Superintendent Mike Flanagan and state board of education president John Austin and others have also expressed various concerns.

We embrace change, innovation and personalization. We’re passionate about providing choices and options for students. We compete strongly in the educational marketplace. We must never stop improving. This is not a laissez faire plea to defend the status quo. This is downtownpublications.com

Bloomfield Park story As a follow-up on the story about Bloomfield Park Plans appearing in the December issue of Downtown, there are a number of clarifications and/or corrections that we offer readers.

In describing a number of business dealings, including litigation that ensued during the development of the Bloomfield Park project, we referred to developer Craig Schubiner personally rather than referring to the legal entities in which he was involved. We readily acknowledge that we could have identified specific legal entities rather than taking a conversational approach and referring to Craig Schubiner personally.

We also acknowledge the following factual errors that appeared as part of the story: At no point were there liens against Craig Schubiner's Harbor Companies.

Craig Schubiner did not enter into a “425 agreement” with the city of Pontiac. The agreement was under P.A. 425 and was between Pontiac and Bloomfield Township.

Neither Craig Schubiner, nor any of his companies, asked for a tax “abatement” from Pontiac, nor did he file a petition to have Bloomfield Township land annexed by Pontiac.

Entities with which Craig Schubiner was involved sold their interest in August of 2006, according to Schubiner representatives, and in that light, any suggestions that Craig Schubiner made development decisions after that date are incorrect.

Although a judge granted Wells Fargo leave to pursue a foreclosure on the Bloomfield Park property, the lending company has not exercised that option and the current owner of the land remains Coventry Real Estate.

Lastly, there were conclusions drawn and expressions of opinion on the part of the story's writer and expressions of opinion by sources quoted in the story relative to Craig Schubiner and the Bloomfield Park project that were just that, opinion, and in no way were intended to be presented as fact.

Downtown Publications about making sure this tidal wave of untested legislation does not sweep away the valued programs our local community has proudly built into its cherished school system.

Superintendent Rob Glass, Bloomfield Hills Schools

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irmingham's stellar reputation has a major stain, a scarlet letter on a long-time prestigious community.

A noble effort by leaders of four Birmingham churches in the mid-1970s to provide affordable and convenient housing for seniors within and around the community led to divisiveness within this once staid city, pitting do-gooders against do-gooders, neighbors against neighbors, recalls of local elected city officials, and set the stage for a major federal lawsuit against Birmingham which branded the city and its residents, once safe and secure as an

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enclave in which residents were sure was as good a place to live and raise their family as any in the country, as racists.

Racists? In Birmingham, Michigan? Yes. A federal judge said it in a major court ruling. And it was true.

Y

et, ultimately, the city healed, and based upon the federal court rulings and a subsequent appeal which was upheld, built a warm and inviting senior housing facility in the center of downtown Birmingham. The senior housing facility, Baldwin House, has become a respected and iconic part of the community. Ironically, today there are waiting lists to get into Baldwin House, with residents, including some who originally fought its creation, living their senior years at the facility with quality and respect in the community they always knew of as home.

The red letter “R” of racism was tarred upon the name of Birmingham, Michigan, and sadly, at the time, in the late 1970s and early 1980s, it was deserved. The city had dissolved into animosity, name calling, them vs. us, city commissioners against residents, churches against citizens, and racial fear mongering. In a city which today is still primarily white and Christian, records show that, according to the 1980 U.S. Census, Birmingham was an affluent Oakland County city of 21,600 whites and only 44 blacks.

While Birmingham today is certainly not a bastion of ethnic diversity, the 2010 U.S. Census shows there has been some growth in diversity. The 2010 census showed Birmingham had 20,103 residents, with 3 percent of the citizenry African American population, or about 600 people.

But today's Baldwin House, a facility for independent living which permits modest aging in place for seniors with 131 apartments in the heart of downtown Birmingham, 40 percent of which are reserved for low-income residents, is an elegant, warm, inviting building treating the elders of this community as they should be treated in their sunset years. It is a home to them, a non-denominational enclave which provides two cooked meals a day at a sit-down dining room, offers weekly housekeeping services, work out facilities on each floor, a multi-purpose room for social activities and parties, a library well-stocked with contemporary and classic literature, movies, computers with Internet access, and transportation to events and local markets and stores. In each elevator is a lengthy list of activities in which residents can participate, both within the building and at nearby Baldwin Library and The Community House.

“I have an open door policy. My residents are number one; my staff is number two. I have long- term employees, which makes my residents feel more secure, and over time it feels more like a family,” said Pat Lodish, Executive Director of Baldwin House, which is operated and managed by American House.

Lodish noted that most of her residents are “people who have lost a spouse, they're alone, they were living alone, they know the area, and want to stay in Birmingham. We have the best location because we're walkable.

We're right in the middle of Birmingham. Also, because we're in Birmingham, they know the city. Even though there's a change, moving out of their home into here, they know the area. We pride ourselves in making it as much of a home as possible.”

Every unit is a full apartment, with a complete kitchen, a living room, and either one or two bedrooms and baths, and some have balconies overlooking Birmingham. Baldwin House has 117 one-bedroom apartments, and 14 twobedroom units. There is a television lounge and coin-operated laundry on each floor. Each one-bedroom apartment is identical, in neutral colors,

although residents can paint their apartment to their preferred color. A pull cord, for safety purposes, is placed in every bedroom and bathroom, and if needed, calls 911 immediately. Lodish said they are inspected every year.

The building is very secure, with all entrances locked 24-hours a day.

Every residence has a phone in their foyer that connects to the front door that can buzz someone in, or permits them to speak directly to someone in administration.

Just what any—and every—community would want, and enjoy having in their downtown area.

And today, Birmingham is proud to have Baldwin House in their immediate midst.

“My recollection is that it is on the site of the old Baldwin School,” said Birmingham city attorney Tim Currier, who has been working with Birmingham since 1992. “There were some church leaders who thought it would be a good idea to have low-income housing, and a fervor started in town that that meant it would bring 'those people.'”

“It was a pretty tumultuous time,” concurs Birmingham City Commissioner Scott Moore, whose mother, Norma Stevens Moore, working with the First Baptist Church of Birmingham, was a strong advocate for and founding board member of Baldwin House. Norma Stevens Moore passed away in May 2012 at 90. “It was legal dentistry every step of the way. Now, it's a hallmark of the community.”

Lois Poston of Birmingham worked with Norma Moore from the very beginning to help create affordable senior housing for Birmingham seniors.

“I was right there on the spot. I went to the first meeting in the summer of 1975.

The original input came from Alice Burlingame of the First United Methodist Church in Birmingham, who called a meeting. There were four churches—I was a member of the First Presbyterian Church—and we decided to form a non-profit group and put in a bid to the city. They had asked for proposals to sponsor senior citizen housing, and we were one of eight groups who presented proposals to the city commission.”

T

he consortium of four churches were First Presbyterian Church of Birmingham; First United Methodist Church in Birmingham; First Baptist Church of Birmingham; and Embury United Methodist Church in Birmingham. Years later, a fifth church, St. James Episcopal Church in downtown Birmingham joined the group.

Poston recalled that Burlingame was president of the group for the first four years, and then she assumed the mantle for the next 20. Today, the group, which operates as the board of directors of Baldwin House and owns 5 percent of it, has Leona Frost of First Baptist Church as president.

“The church group was instrumental in bringing this housing to the community,” Frost said. “They were the ones who wanted to include lowincome, affordable housing. They brought this about as a social justice issue.”

“The city didn't want houses dotted here and there for low-income; they felt it would lower the housing standards for Birmingham,” recalled Carolyn Butcher, part of the church group with First Methodist Church of Birmingham. She remains a trustee today. “But the churches felt it was important to have low-income housing because many residents lived in small homes throughout Birmingham—remember some of Birmingham before everyone knocked those houses down and built big ones? Not everyone in Birmingham was wealthy with great retirement income, and they didn't have grandiose housing. There were a lot of people who wanted to stay here, but couldn't afford to.”

Poston said she believes Birmingham's City Commission picked the

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01.13

church group's proposal out of the eight presented because “we were a community of churches from within the city limits. At the time they wanted it sponsored by churches in the city limit. At that time, we probably weren't non-profit. We were looking for financing at HUD (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development) and Section 8 financing.”

Section 8 housing, as it is regularly referred to, alludes to Section 8 of the Housing Act of 1937, which authorizes payment of rental housing assistance to private landlords on behalf of approximately 3.1 million low income households. It operates through numerous different programs. The largest one is the Housing Choice Voucher program, which pays a significant portion of the rents and utilities of about 2.1 million households throughout the country. It also authorizes a variety of project-based rental assistance programs, under which the owner reserves some, or all, of the units in a building for low-income tenants, in return for a federal government guarantee that will make up the difference between the resident's contribution and the rent. Section 8 programs are managed through HUD.

P

oston recalled they had to apply repeatedly for financing. “We were denied several times, and denied because other communities were deemed more necessary. We were originally asking for completely subsidized housing. We kept applying over four years, and we still couldn't get any housing financing. We had been talking and working with developers in the community, and spoke with Cranbrook Associates, a developer in the area who had built up money we could use. We worked with Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA), and received a partial subsidy from them.”

Poston said receiving that subsidy is what began the change in the community. “We were trying to build a senior citizen home, and the state said we had to have some (low income) family housing. That's when (local) residents began to protest,” she recalled. “They did not want low income citizen housing here, and they voted against it. They were also afraid that some area homes would be fixed up and rented to low income residents.”

Dorothy Conrad, familiar to today's city commission observers as a stalwart city observer, was a Birmingham City commissioner and mayor when the city was undergoing the attempt to get Baldwin House underway, remembered that “as far back as 1976, (Birmingham) elected officials were aware there was a need in the community for housing for seniors. We appointed a housing commission which explored various options of what was needed. We also felt it must be affordable, and we asked for various input from developers and builders. We also knew there was no land for development.”

The city purchased the former Baldwin School, a closed elementary school, with the assistance of Jacobson's stores. “So, we had a site in the downtown area,” Conrad noted. “I believe we all felt it was an ideal location, across from the library, The Community House, right in the downtown area.

You don't want to stash your elderly in some isolated location.”

She said that the city commission received proposals from many developers to build and possibly run a senior housing facility with community input “because we did not intend to get rid of our housing commission. We held many public meetings and hearings, and out of all of these, we chose Baldwin House, which included some rent subsidies. We were including affordable housing for those who would be needing that. Our goal, primarily because of the surveys from the community we had received from Birmingham people as a whole, with the knowledge of Birmingham

people who had had to move out of Birmingham because there was no senior housing at the time, especially the lack of affordable housing. We liked that there was subsidized housing available under the state of Michigan, by MSHDA, under the landlord-partial payment program. It was a good program.”

Then the quiet town of Birmingham, with its civilized discourse, blew up. It was 1977. Still in the early planning stages, meeting with planners, architects, and having site plan reviews, “All of a sudden a very boisterous group of people began to show up at meetings,” recalled Conrad. “Originally, there were about 12 people, and then it grew. Then they started holding mass meetings. They even bussed in people.”

Poston recalled the group called themselves The Patriots.

“They began to talk about damage to our community—that there was a 'need for our southern communities, and they'll come here and take over our housing and live here and take over the city and we wouldn't have control,'” Conrad said. “It went on and on. People had lots of concerns of who was coming in (to Birmingham). Many people were really convinced this was going to happen. It was a mob mentality.”

Just as there is today, there were seven city commissioners at the time in Birmingham, and other than then-commissioner Bob Kelley, who agreed with the anti-senior housing faction, the other six commissioners became victims of recall petitions. On March 6, 1978, the Birmingham Eccentric quoted Birmingham City Clerk Phyllis Armour as stating she had not had time to run a tally of petitions for a recall of six of the seven commissioners, but that “not too many” had been disallowed. The petitions against city commissioners Ann Dropiewski, Arthur Underwood Jr., Samuel Staples, Herbert Ring, mayor pro tem Patricia Watt, and mayor Dorothy Conrad, had been launched by Citizens for Responsive Government.

At that time, city elections were held in April, and city commission terms were for three years. Conrad recalled that the three men, Underwood, Staples and Ring, were all up for re-election that April 1978, “and they were all ousted, and in their place, three anti-housing people were elected,” she said. “Then the three women were left who supported public housing. We were left to be recalled. We campaigned not to be recalled but a recall election was held and we were ousted. Then there were four commissioners left—the three new commissioners elected and Mr. Kelley. Those four appointed three new commissioners until the next election.

“We now had seven people who did not support Baldwin House, despite saying they supported senior housing,” Conrad emphasized. “They did not do anything to move it forward.”

C

onrad was not the only one who noticed that senior housing was not being moved forward in Birmingham. The U.S. Government, which had been approached for HUD financing, had observed Birmingham's lack of motivation and interest in moving the community forward, as well as the mass commission recall, and began to investigate in earnest.

“The federal government, via the FBI and other agencies, investigated what happened through the (city commission) ouster, and determined it was due to race, and filed a lawsuit against Birmingham. And Birmingham lost. They really determined that Birmingham was racist,” said Conrad.

“It was awful, it was terrible,” remembered Scott Moore. “They (the city of Birmingham) pulled federal Judge (Robert) DeMascio (d.1999), and they couldn't have pulled a nastier judge who hated Birmingham more. He viewed them as a racist community. And they were.”

In 1980, in United States v. City of Birmingham, the Department of Justice sued the city, alleging Birmingham had violated the Fair Housing Act by

intentional and purposeful racial discrimination. The court case lasted 26 months, with numerous residents, including Conrad and Poston, testifying.

The 1982 ruling said “the U.S demonstrated a prima facie case by showing the city had engaged in activity interfering with the Baldwin House Corporation, which was a non-profit organization founded in 1976 by four Birmingham churches chosen by the city to develop a senior citizen housing project, thereby preventing the development of a low-income senior citizen and family housing project. Judge DeMascio outlined a detailed factual accounting that led the court to find the city had not only “otherwise made unavailable” a low-income family housing until, but also 'was chargeable with racially discriminatory intent for actions it took in November 1977 and thereafter to obstruct the construction of family housing.'”

DeMascio then ordered Birmingham to end the racial discrimination by telling the city commission and city officials to help the Baldwin House project select a site and obtain mortgage and rent subsidy money from state and federal governments. He ordered the city commission to reinstate its contract with Baldwin House Corporation, the organization of the four churches, and to refrain from interfering with it; to sell the former Baldwin School site to them, even though they had turned part of it into a parking lot; and to give Baldwin House two-and-a-half years, with another year's extension, if necessary, to put in the housing facility. The city also paid a steep fine.

DeMascio determined that 40 percent of the facility would be set aside for low-income residents. To this day, that standard is maintained, Baldwin House's Pat Lodish said, with seven of the 14 two-bedroom units set aside for low-income residents, and 47 of the 117 one-bedroom apartments reserved for low income residents. “While this building is not conducive to young families, we provide housing for low income families,” she said.

The current gross annual income threshold for a single individual is $25,450; for a couple, it is $29,050. “This is a MSHDA property, and we do accept Section 8 applicants as well,” Lodish said. “This program is audited every year by the state of Michigan.”

The city, represented by attorney William Saxton, fought the low-income housing order, but the court fully affirmed DeMascio's ruling on appeal in 1984. Baldwin House opened in 1994.

The four—now five—churches currently comprise the board of trustees of Baldwin House, acting as an oversight committee and a constant presence.

“Our job, according to the way this was set up, is oversight, to make sure 40 percent remains low-income, to make sure the standards of the facility are maintained, to be sure money is set aside for maintenance and repairs, and that there is money for residents for TVs, parties, and the like,” said current board president Leona Frost. Each church has three board members, and “every Friday a member of the board joins the coffee hour, and listens to the residents, and meets with them, and hears how things are going. We're an extra set of eyes and ears.”

C

onrad attended the groundbreaking of Baldwin House. “It was a wild and interesting experience. I do not regret it. I wish we had pushed ahead at the time but I don't think we would have gotten anywhere. When I listened to my messages, I was appalled. Then I would go to meetings and try to explain to them what we were going to do and that it wouldn't hurt the community. But they wouldn't hear it.”

She recalls that a few years later she was grocery shopping and a woman she did not know approached her and said she wanted to apologize. “She said 'I was one of those people who fought against the senior housing, and now we need someplace for my mother, and we don't have the money to keep her living on her own. I just want to say I'm sorry.' I didn't say anything.”

“We've since lost a lot of federal money because of this ruling,” current city attorney Currier noted. “At one point, the court wouldn't even trust us to enforce our building codes on Baldwin House. They wanted outside inspectors, but they backed off and allowed us to handle that. It was built and passed all of the codes and inspections. When it opened, there was just a deluge of people eager to live there. And since, it's been uncontroversial.

All of those unknown fears turned out to be ghosts in the closet, filled with wonderful people who've enjoyed living in Birmingham.”

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Abby Jackman

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bby Jackman was cast in her first role as a munchkin in “The Wizard of Oz” when she was only six years old. The Detroit Country Day School actress transitioned from the stage to national television when she recently played the part of Hannah Webster on NBC's hit drama “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”.

“When I was young I used to horseback ride and do Irish dance, so it's always been about performing,” said Jackman, who was a nationally ranked Irish dancer by fifth grade.

The natural performer first began singing at Detroit Country Day School. “I was in the choir at the lower school and found out I actually had a good voice,” Jackman said.

She began writing her own lyrics and putting them to music. “I think playing guitar and the piano is kind of how I've gotten good at [singing]. I started becoming interested because my brother played the guitar and I would always sing with him.”

A few of her high school performances include Les Miserables, Anne Frank, The Odd Couple, and Sweeney Todd, which she also performed in Scotland.

Jackman sharpened her skills as an actress by studying with veteran performers at Juilliard School Summer Theatre Institute and Broadway Artists Alliance. Jackman remains humble despite her early success.

“I didn't want to make a huge deal out of it at first because I was missing so much school. My closest friends were really excited. The week the (Law & Order) episode aired my teachers emailed the entire school

and told them, so word got around. The majority of the school watched the episode. Everyone was really excited. It was a pretty exciting thing.”

Coupled with excitement came the challenge of traveling as a high school junior. “Just this year has been pretty tough because there was a point where I was going to New York every weekend. Because my agent is in New York, I oftentimes will get calls for an audition on a Wednesday and it's a Tuesday, so my mom and I have to fly really late at night, get there the next morning and miss school. When I filmed Law & Order I missed two weeks of school, and I'm just now catching up with that.

That's probably been the hardest part and it just happened this year.

That's just what I have to do, I guess.”

Jackman lives with her family in Bloomfield Hills and hopes to find more time for horseback riding and snowboarding. She gives back to her community by donating all proceeds of her annual holiday CD to CARE House of Oakland County.

While some young actresses dream of fortune and fame, Jackman is taking each day as it comes. “College is pretty much what I'm focusing on now. I really want to go to school and continue to pursue acting and singing. Hopefully, I'll be doing a lot of movies by then and getting cast in bigger things, and just doing more and more theater, and singing and getting really good at instruments like piano and guitar,” she said. “I'm just going to continue that, and hopefully keep going out for auditions and (continue) down the path that I'm on right now.”

Story: Hayley Beitman

Photo: Philip Kessler

EDUCATION REFORM THE POTENTIAL LOCAL IMPACT

BY LISA BRODY

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hose of us living in the Birmingham and Bloomfield area understand how privileged we are to have two of the finest school districts in the state in our midst, in addition to several excellent private and parochial schools from which to choose. Students from area schools score among the highest on state mandated tests, like the MEAP, they are regularly exposed to challenging college preparatory classes, such as Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate program, and attend, and graduate, college at a highly successful rate.

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Yet we all acknowledge that not only could every local school still do better, but many schools in Michigan are not succeeding, and are actually failing Michigan children at an alarming rate. Locally, we have to look no further than Detroit and Pontiac schools. Statistics, as recent as November 2012, show that only 32 percent of Detroit students graduate in four years. The conundrum, which has been debated for years, is what to do with education to help more students, in all districts, succeed in an increasingly competitive and technological landscape. overnor Rick Snyder thinks he has an answer. It lies with an organization called the Oxford Foundation-Michigan, and what he and they believe is an innovative tool to assist the lowest performing schools in Michigan, the Educational Achievement Authority (EAA).

The Oxford Foundation is not new—it was established in Michigan in 1991 as a non-profit corporation, and is organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes. Previous activities included funding improvements for the executive residences in Lansing and Mackinac Island, and it served as a fiscal agent for the effort to draft legislation implementing the 77 environmental regulation recommendations of the Office of Regulatory Reinvention, along with other initiatives.

Together with Gov. Snyder, in April 2011, they worked with the Michigan state legislature to enact several pieces of legislation amending the Michigan Revised School Code and other education laws, including ones which expanded the number of authorized cyber schools; lifted the cap on charter schools and schools of excellence; reformed Michigan's teacher tenure act; and eliminated the “last in/first out” policies.

Beginning this past September, 15 Detroit Public Schools, the lowest performing, were placed in an EAA, which acts as a separate district running the schools, under an inter-local agreement administered by Eastern Michigan University and Detroit's school district, after Snyder created the authority in June 2011.

The Oxford Foundation has listed, on its website, other educational efforts they have been seeking to reform, with the governor's office, including expanding online learning and blended learning; authorizing new forms of schools, including international schools and advanced learning academies with selective enrollments; creating a new structure to address academically failing schools, expanding the Education Achievement Authority; authorizing residential public schools for special populations, including a military/public safety academy; using adjunct instructors from universities and colleges, as well as business and professional leaders; and allowing the deployment of unused public school buildings for charter and other schools.

The Oxford Foundation asserts that “The State School Aid Act of 1979 is severely out of date and prohibits the effective implementation of many of the new education concepts. A proposed new Michigan Education Finance Act would replace the current 'membership' and school districtcentric model with education financing based on a more modern vision of public education.”

But many educators, particularly those in

G

charge of Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills school districts, are not enamored of the educational initiatives. In fact, they're downright enraged.

“Oxford Foundation has me most concerned,” said Bloomfield Hills Superintendent Rob Glass.

“When I challenge the EAA for having an unlimited number of schools not under the (Michigan) Board of Education, when the governor says he wants a whole new free market, a la carte version of education—like charters, I'm very concerned and disturbed.”

Glass elaborated. “The governor has said Oxford would allow a student to take the money (per student school financing) with him, and the student can split the money amongst many schools, districts, classes, including web-based classes, which is a thing they're calling 'unbundling' of school financing. The other thing I don't like is performance-based funding, where they would create a special test to see if you, as a school, grow each year. A year's growth for a year's funding. Never mind that the test hasn't been created, it's tricky to create, would create another level of bureaucracy, if it's computerbased it's putting a lot of people to a lot of trouble. And how reliable and valid would it be?

That's what remains to be seen.”

Glass noted that those are two of the pillars of the Oxford Foundation, “which have come from Gov. Snyder, who has said this is what I want.

However, if we're going to make these kinds of educational changes, I believe we need to do it thoughtfully and carefully. Basically this is driven by an ideology that schools need to modernize and become more like businesses.”

For Snyder, reforming education is a legislative priority, a platform which he ran on, and he believes is as important to rectify as the economic climate in Michigan and the business environment. Yet, while he received strong support from Republicans in the Michigan legislature in his first two years in office (20102012), as well as the business community, corporate as well as small businesses, he has been rebuffed in his efforts to massively redesign education in the state of Michigan. He is undeterred.

Most recently, in the lame duck session which ended in the wee hours (4:30 a.m.) of Friday, December 14, Senate Bill (SB) 1358 and companion House Bill (HB) 6004 died, despite revisions in education committees, with vehement opposition coming from school districts, superintendents and teacher unions.

They were only introduced in mid-November 2012 by state Sen. Phil Pavlov (R-St. Clair) and Rep. Lisa Posthumus Lyons (R-Alto), at Snyder's behest, and many legislative observers felt there was a rush to get them passed during the session.

“They're (the state House of Representatives) going from the largest Republican majority ever, 64 to 46 in the House, to 59-50 in January,” noted former legislator and political pundit Bill Ballenger of Inside Michigan Politics. “John Engler, known as a 'my way or the highway' guy, never had a House with more than 58 Republicans, and only for four years. The other four years were a tie, and four years were a

Democratic majority. He was never able to pass as much legislation as Snyder has in his first two years because of this incredible Republican majority Snyder has enjoyed.”

Ballenger pointed out that the educational reform bills failed partially “because Snyder had trouble getting support from his own caucus. I said in early December I didn't think it would pass out of lame duck, and even though it almost did, eventually, it didn't,” he said. With four less Republican representatives, he is not confident education reform will pass in the upcoming legislative session either. “He would have to rely on all of the Republican (House) members, and the Democrats are not going to support this. In the senate, they're running for re-election in less that two years, so they're thinking about that as they cast votes. I just don't think they're going to do it. I just think they're going to say, governor, we can't walk the plank for you on this.”

Ballenger pointed out it's very unusual for school administrators and teachers unions to be on the same side of an issue, as they are with this particular educational reform. “They're all on the same side, and they're all opposed, which is a bad sign for this kind of legislation.”

The 2012 bills proposed to establish in statute the Education Achievement Authority, which would oversee a separate Michigan school district called the “reform district”, whose leader, known as the chancellor, would have the powers of a school superintendent, and whose constituent schools would comprise those school buildings statewide, where student achievement, measured on state tests, fell within the lowest five percent of Michigan schools for three consecutive years.

The bills said that students in the “reform district” would be taught by certified teachers, but that collectively bargained contracts would be cancelled when a school entered the “reform district.” Current pay scales and benefits would also be eliminated.

The original bill also called for unused school buildings to be leased or sold to other educational entities, either public (such as charter schools) or nonpublic schools or entities. This part was later removed at the insistence of many legislators, who spoke to their local superintendents. he bill said it would create the EAA to provide “innovative, flexible, transparent, safe, efficient, and effective public educational services throughout the state; to design quality public elementary and secondary education programs; to improve learning environments and student achievement for all students, including but not limited to educationally disadvantaged students; to expand flexibility and adaptability for student learning models and styles; to stimulate innovative public school teaching methods; to create new professional opportunities for teachers within a public school structure and educational programs innovatively designed and managed by teachers directly engaged in the provision of educational services; to provide greater choices for parents; to facilitate the extension of technology and online learning; to encourage public-private partnerships to foster learning; to renovate, repurpose, and remodel school buildings; to

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acquire and develop sites, including athletic and recreational facilities; to expand the number and types of public entities permitted to operate public schools; and to provide new forms of public school governance.” urther, it stated, “the Achievement Authority would have an executive committee...and vacancies would be filled by gubernatorial appointment...the Achievement Authority would be governed by a seven-member authority board, with five members appointed by the Governor, and two members selected by the Governor from three-person lists submitted by the Senate Majority Leader and the House Speaker.

The chief executive of the Achievement Authority is the chancellor, as appointed by the governing body. The chancellor administers all programs, funds, personnel, facilities, and contracts, and is subject to oversight by the governing body.”

The Achievement Authority would have governmental immunity, and could enter into an agreement with a school district or a charter school. They are to be paid for by public funds, in a new method that permits school funding to follow the student. The bill provides the Achievement Authority the authority to employ their own personnel and fix all compensation, including a “method of compensation based on performance, accomplishments, and assignment in a subject area or school that is difficult to find employees to staff...develop and implement new teaching techniques or methods; and use any instructional technique or delivery methods that can be used by other school districts.”

“It wasn't right, which is why they didn't pass it before the session ended,” said state Sen. John Pappageorge (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills).

“The governor ran on a pledge of reforming education, and he's been going on a campaign pledge,” said former state Rep. Chuck Moss (RBirmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills). “There's always somebody, historically, who doesn't like education bills, so they always get kicked down the road, and so another group of kids get left behind. These kids have to have something else.”

“The people most opposed to the bills will not be affected by this (education) legislation,” alleged state Sen. Pavlov, chair of the senate education committee. “It's important to deal with the lowest five percent of school building based on the state (education) department lists. That number makes up about 150 school buildings.

That's the total universe we're talking about. To get on the list takes many years of failure. There have been a number of years which have passed with no meaningful reform. We have to fight for achievement and results, and opening up a marketplace for education and results to fit all different kids.

“I understand local districts,” Pavlov continued. “There's $20 billion each year from local taxes and state funding that washes up on shore, so you're going to fight to protect every dollar of that. But at what cost? Reform work is never done. We have to remember that 98 percent of Michigan schools are not affected, and that's where the push-back is from, and you have to ask why.”

F

While these educational bills died in the lame duck legislature, Gov. Snyder has made it clear that he intends to have versions of them reintroduced in January. As Moss said, they're part of his campaign pledge.

“We think it's important to put legislation in place to address the concerns school groups are railing against,” Pavlov said. “But absent any different legislation, this is the governor's plan.

No one wants to take on this problem; it's difficult to solve. But I stand on the side of the children.”

“There was no exit strategy. There must be before we pass this thing,” Pappageorge said.

Noting that the EAA is a state-run school district superseding local school district control, another concern he has is “The EAA could put a charter school anywhere. No. You have to put a charter school within two miles of, and in the same school district, as the EAA. You can't put a charter in the Upper Peninsula if there is no EAA there.”

“How do you convince Oakland County districts that this legislation is necessary? You can't. We have been so successful for so long. I know there are unsuccessful districts, but they do not need to ride on the backs of successful districts,” said Rep. Mike McCready (RBirmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills). “We do not need a wholesale restructuring for our schools. For underperforming schools, we need to find a new method and a new path. For the other two-thirds of schools, who show year after year that it works, why make such drastic changes?”

On November 27, 2012, Snyder wrote of the previous bills on his website, “In Michigan, we have an educational crisis on our hands. Many of our students are being left behind, all at a time when they can least afford to stand still. We now have an opportunity to take action, and that is by confirming in law an innovative tool that can lend a helping hand—the Educational Achievement Authority (EAA).

“Here's a fact that's as shocking as it is tragic,” Snyder continued. “Last year, 238 Michigan high schools did not produce a single student proficient in math or reading, yet every one of those schools is accredited. Those students were crying out for help, so we created the EAA, a new program designed to help turn around the lowest performing schools in our state. The EAA program is based on a proven learning platform and locally-based management style...It eliminates 'one-size-fits-all” education by instituting a system known as student-centered learning. Under that method, each student is individually tested to determine his or her achievement level in each subject. Educators then develop a unique education plan for each individual student, working with that student on an individual level. No longer are students moved on just because they have spent nine months sitting in a chair. They move on when they master a particular subject.

“We put this system in place in September at the 15 consistently lowest performing schools in Detroit. Already, students and parents have shown a dramatic response. More than 10,000 students are enrolled in EAA schools...We can't allow ourselves to fail these students.”

“It's meeting the student right where they need to be. We meet a child where they are. It can be at a high or low level, similar to Montessori. They (students) are different in behavior when they're engaged and successful,” noted Mary Esselman, Chief Officer for Equity, Innovation and Accountability for EAA, currently working with the 15 Detroit schools in the EAA. “For the first time, some of the kids have ever had success. It's also been a paradigm shift for some of these teachers. All we're really doing is best practices, and we're meeting the students at their learning levels and interests.”

Key aspects of EAA are permitting a school's principal to pick the staff at the school, including determining the compensation and benefits, with performance-based funding rather than “seat time” requirements, with student-centered education model where students are supposed to take responsibility for their own learning.

Students are supposed to test into levels, rather than be summarily passed from grade to grade.

Students attend school for longer days, and up to 11 months of the year. There are mandatory parent groups involved.

In fact, Michigan already has an EAA. Gov. Snyder entered into an inter-local agreement between Eastern Michigan University and Detroit Public Schools in August 2011, not by legislation, but through executive powers of his office, due to the urgency presented by failing schools in the Detroit Public Schools district. Operative in 15 schools just since this past fall, which have been transferred out of DPS and into the EAA, Dr. Louis Gallien, Dean of the Oakland University School of Education asserts it is still too soon to assess the success of the EAA. “It sounds good, but when you look closely, it's not going to benefit all kids. With a professor's lens on, I can say it's too soon to tell, but I don't think how it can, with 50 to 60 kids in a class,” Gallien said. “Further, they have not vetted their teachers well. I'm not sure they really think it can work. I'm not a fan of state interference in education, yet when governments fail their citizens, there has to be alternatives. The data is still out as to whether charters have been successful. EAAs—which supersede local school boards—it's really unacceptable. We'd like the state to have more faith in university schools of education. We would prefer to let them have us handle this rather than an outside agency that does not know education. I think the state and local boards of education, working with the schools of education, would be more successful.” sselman acknowledged that there were overloaded classrooms at the beginning because, she asserts, “more students showed up in some areas, and we had to work out some balancing issues. Our target class size is 25 in the primary grades, and 30-33 in high school.”

She counters that there is research on student-centered learning. “I believe a lot of the backlash is a fear of the unknown. We're changing the culture and climate of education first, and then we begin to educate,” she explained. “The learning environment is critical.

And we're pushing 90 percent of the our funding to our schools, unlike traditional schools boards.

There's not a lot of bureaucracy.”

E

Birmingham Schools Superintendent Daniel Nerad is also not a fan of EAA. “I am not convinced. The emphasis is on governance as a key reform tool on creating a super school district across the board. There are research-based strategies that are more effective if the goal is to rid the gaps in achievement, and those provide early achievement, low class sizes, especially in lower elementary, as well as strategies in improving what happens in the classroom. We cannot believe that different forms of schools, or a creation of a statewide school district, are going to change all of the school problems, especially since research isn't based on this. We have a responsibility to improve what we can. “The other thing that concerns me,� Nerad continued, “is the notion of loss of community (under EAA). People elect their local school boards so they can make decisions for their local schools, and that happens by local conversations, community by community. That has the potential to tear the fabric of communities across the state.�

Gallien noted that a key component of Snyder's plan—that school funding needs to follow the student, or as the Oxford Foundation states, “Michigan's state foundation allowance should not be exclusively tied to the school district a child attends,� has tremendous holes in it. “The problem is, when your money follows the child, you're in the system of unsteady budgets,�

Gallien said. “You cannot run a school system if you don't know who's going to show up. It's a free market system without a track record of working with kids. People are waking up and questioning this program.� “It's really vouchers without religious schools,�

Bloomfield Hills' Glass said. “I'm worried less about the parents who are most mobile and concerned—they'll move their children to specialty niche academies. What will be left with? Students who are more expensive to educate. It will separate students by those parents who are most mobile and can transport their kids to those schools, and will leave behind students whose parents cannot move those children, and we'll be left with a system that has lost its critical mass to offer specialty programs. It will create a system— when you think of public school, you'll think of them like public transportation or public housing: for those who can't get educated anywhere else.� cCready particularly objects to an incentive the governor has proposed to encourage students to graduate from high school early, and take some of their per pupil school funding with them to community college, university or trade school. “That money for early graduation, to take it with them to college, I do not agree with that. That money was appropriated for K-12 education. Students can take college-level courses right now while they're in high school.

This will will just help deplete local districts.� “We need to insure that base funding for education is there before we talk about other forms of education,� said Nerad. “Our efforts to educate all kids have been compromised by funding issues. I'm not saying we can't do better— we do need to do better. We have good, even great achievement overall, but we don't have universal achievement results for all kids. I accept there are areas of improvement. Let's take care of public schools, which is the public's responsibility.�

M

“Public education is a melting pot from the same community,� Glass noted. “When you're talking about switching to a free market economy, you better be sure you know what you're getting, and what you're giving up. If public schools are not failing—which I don't believe—why are we giving it up for a system that has not been proven to be an improvement? I feel like my profession is being hijacked by profiteers. They will have a competitive advantage because they'll open them up less expensively in a free market system. With everyone hopping around, we won't know what's working, and what's not. There are clear danger signs.� “It's very corporate-written legislation, and I'm not sure education should be corporate, with a corporate structure. It's a neutral environment,� said McCready. “The governor's office has set it up like a corporation with boards of directors, and I'm not sure schools should be set up like that.

Education is different and must be treated neutrally. Corporations don't act neutrally; they're in it for the bottom line.�

McCready, who began his term representing the Michigan House District 40 on January 1, said he is going to listen to local school districts “because they're the top districts in the state, and they're the experts, and I'm going to make sure their voices are heard in Lansing.� “No one wants to own this problem,� countered Sen. Pavlov. “We're running out of time. Each passing year fails more kids. The governor decided we're spending the money and not getting the results, and we're running out of time. The social promotion system has failed these kids.�

422

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R

ick Williams worked as an investment banker, management consultant, and served as a lieutenant in the United States Navy before opening his well-known law firm in Birmingham. Another exciting yet challenging opportunity presented itself when he was asked to be chairman of the board of trustees for the Michigan Opera Theater.

“I was exposed to music at an early age. My mother, in particular, was very interested in the symphony. Like many kids of that era, I was marched down to the symphony,” Williams said.

After graduating from Cranbrook Schools as a lifer, he attended Princeton University and the University of Michigan Law School. “When I was a junior at Princeton, the Cuban Missile Crisis happened, and we knew we were all headed to war. That made me realize that [law school] was an option. I felt like it would give me the most flexibility and could be a springboard.”

Williams worked for Morgan Stanley Smith Barney in New York City before he was drafted into the Vietnam War. After four years of service in the navy, he returned to New York to work as a management consultant.

“One year later, I left and joined another guy [John Schaefer], Jim Williams, and Ed Ruby on June 1, 1973--- this is our fortieth year---and we just started as four young lawyers. That firm still exists today and I'm the managing partner,” he said of Williams, Williams, Rattner & Plunkett.

Williams first became involved with the Michigan Opera Theater when he attended a large fundraiser held by his mother.

“I was there and that's when I really began to be interested,” he said.

“Around 1998, they asked me to be on the board and I showed a lot of interest and was asked to be chairman eight or nine years ago, and I said

I would. I thought it was something that I could take on and they seemed to want me to do it. I took it on, and of course it became a huge challenge.”

Williams became chairman during a difficult financial time when MOT needed to borrow $18 million to finance improvements. He used his financial and legal background to restructure the balance sheet and get the company back on solid financial footing.

“Essentially, it saved the opera and put us on a strong foundation for the future. It was a completely stressful time. I would wake up in the middle of the night and fear on my watch this thing would go down, and I was determined it wouldn't happen.”

In addition to his daily routine, Williams has served on the boards of numerous organizations. “Cranbrook, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and most of all Michigan Opera Theater. Those have been labors of love,” he said.

Williams resides in Bloomfield Hills and has enjoyed working in Birmingham for the past 40 years. “It's fun to see it change and evolve into a sophisticated city. I remember the trolley cars and things that are long gone.”

Though he enjoys playing golf, windsurfing, and spending time with his children, Williams is not ready to sit back and relax quite yet. “I want to find something else that's fun for me to do. I'll always be involved with organizations. We have so many needs here. I want to continue to help in something that's important. I like to look forward, not back, and I'm probably not going to be a very good retired person.”

Story: Hayley Beitman

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DELAYS IN JUSTICE LOST, BACKLOGGED RAPE KITS FOR VICTIMS

BY LISA BRODY

W

ayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy was appalled. In a storage room off to the side of an evidence room of the Detroit Police Department, apparently untouched for years, lay forensic material that had been tossed aside. Laying on shelves, one upon the other, askew, haphazard, evidence kits taken but not processed, apparently not a priority to the police officers and evidence workers who had taken the reports, Worthy and the Michigan State Police discovered over 11,000 sexual assault kits going back almost 20 years.

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“Ours was not a case of backlogged rape kits...it was a situation of neglected kits,” Worthy emphatically stated when asked about backlogged sexual assault kits in Wayne County. “Ours was worse.

These (kits) were just sitting on a shelf, just thrown there. A backlog means it's being taken care of, that it's just taking a log time.” t's happened in Detroit, in Los Angeles, in Dallas. In cities around the country, untested rape kits have been discovered in police evidence room, victims of either downright neglect and indifference, or of resource-strapped police departments and municipalities trying to deal with the backlog of sexual assault kits. The repercussions of the discoveries are a double insult to victims of sexual assault, who had to endure the assault itself, and then are pummeled by the indignity of a justice system that appears to not find it a deserving enough crime to investigate and prosecute. They further ripple through the communities affected, rushing through the police and crime laboratories, the court system, victim service agencies, as well as legislators at every level, from the local municipalities affected, up to the state and even the federal level, as accusations are made, fingers are pointed at one another, and attempts to right the wrongs are made.

“In 2008, we were asked by the Detroit Police Department to come in and take a look at their labs because faulty (crime) lab reports were being done and faulty analysis was being generated. They asked us to do an audit,” said Michigan State Police Captain Greg Michaud, Director of the Michigan State Police Forensic Science Division. “When Detroit (Police Department) closed their crime lab for firearms, biology and controlled substances in September 2009, we also looked in their property room, and found a large number of sexual assault kits on shelves in a storage room, untested. It turns out there were more than 11,000 of them, and the oldest kits were about 17 years old.”

“I was shocked quite frankly. I had never heard of a backlog or neglect in Wayne County or Detroit,” Worthy stated.

“I was very disturbed and alarmed— alarmed that the Detroit Police Department would just ignore this evidence and these crimes. At the time, Warren Evans was the chief of police (for Detroit Police Department), and it was difficult to get him to do anything. In my exasperation to get them to do something, I wrote Chief Evans a letter, which was later leaked to the press, but not by me, telling him I felt it was inappropriate that DPS was ignoring this situation—just

I

basically discarding this important evidence.”

According to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), untested sexual assault evidence is being discovered in police evidence rooms all across the country, and it's unknown how many unanalyzed sexual assault cases there are nationwide.

According to NIJ, while there are many reasons, such as Detroit's outright neglect, another reason is that tracking and counting sexual assault kits is an antiquated process in many jurisdictions.

A rape kit, or more accurately called a sexual assault kit, is a box or envelope used by a specially trained police officer or nurse examiner, or both, to collect and store biological evidence from the victim of an alleged sexual assault. Evidence in a sexual assault kit can include vaginal, oral or anal swabs, as well as blood and urine, if there is any, that they hope will yield the perpetrator's DNA. Photographs, pubic hair combings, fingerprints, fingernail scrapings, fibers, bed sheets, as well as the victim's clothing, would be stored in separate bags but not in the actual kit, to be submitted to a lab for analysis.

“Certainly, there may be legitimate reasons why some of the recently discovered unanalyzed sexual assault kits were not sent to a lab. Not all evidence collected in an alleged sexual assault is going to be probative. For example, in cases where 'consent' is an issue (the suspect admits sexual contact but maintains it was consensual), detectives may consider that the sexual assault kit does not add any important information to the investigation. That said, it is clear that we, as a nation, need to understand more about how law enforcement decides to submit a sexual assault kit to the crime lab for analysis (or not) and how cases are triggered for analysis,” a May 2011 NIJ report on unanalyzed evidence stated. The same report stated that their findings of a nationwide survey of forensic evidence discovered that during 2002 – 2007, 18 percent of unsolved rapes, 14 percent of homicides, and 23 percent of unsolved property crimes, had forensic evidence that had not been submitted to a lab.

A concern illustrated by the NIJ report emphasized a problem with some sexual assault kits that are analyzed in the differing requirements each state uses. In Los Angeles County, for example, the police and sheriff's department are required to use the same sexual assault kit, but the rest of California doesn't, which then may have very different evidence included. Illinois requires state police to provide the sexual assault kits to every state agency, which provides consistency and quality control. Yet, the

report points out, 900 of the country's 1,350 rape crisis centers in the U.S are in rural areas where turnover amongst hospital and clinic staff is high, and training or access to a sexual assault nurse examiner may be non-existent. NIJ, among its other efforts, is working to unify the collection efforts across the country.

“Sexual assault nurse examiners and sexual assault forensic examiners are highly trained professionals who provide medical care to victims and ensure the consistency and quality of evidence collection. This is a balancing act. They maintain that evidence collection should not trump health care. In fact, the first concerns for many women who have just been sexually assaulted are fear of HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases, pregnancy, and the need for psychological counseling. A well-trained sexual assault nurse examiner or sexual assault forensic examiner is crucial to simultaneously assuring the health of the victim and the collection of high-quality evidence for possible future criminal proceedings,” the NIJ report explained. akland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper asserts that, after careful investigation and reviews, she discovered that Oakland County has no such similar backlog of sexual assault kits.

“When we heard the story of the situation in Wayne County, I went in and looked at our sexual assault cases, and found only one case—and that was only because one victim had recanted, and when they recant, we don't go through the process (of prosecuting the suspect),” Cooper said. “The volume there (Wayne County) is so different. It's so heavy there, with an office twice the size of ours, and the volume of crimes are so large. It's really tragic what happened.”

In Oakland County, all sexual assault kits are referred to and collected by the Oakland County Sheriff's Office, rather than local police departments. The sheriff's office currently sends all of the rape kits to the Michigan State Police forensic laboratories to be processed, although Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said the sheriff's department is in the midst of building its own laboratory which they hope to have open in the next 12 to 18 months.

“Currently, like the rest of Oakland County, we do not keep our own kits but send them all to Michigan State Police,” Bouchard said. “We are working to develop a DNA crime lab. It literally takes years to get a lab operational, and we are years into the process.”

O

Bouchard said he has been working on creating an Oakland County DNA (biological) crime laboratory since 2007.

“We have already set up quite a bit, and have received ASCLD (American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors Laboratories Accreditation Board) accreditation,” Bouchard noted. “We will have Michigan State Police train our staff.”

As a matter of fact, Bouchard emphasized that the state police will provide all of the training to the Oakland County Sheriff's Office new crime lab.

“They do an excellent job but they're overwhelmed, especially since the city of Detroit crime lab closed, and it has overwhelmed the state. We want to make sure Oakland County doesn't experience a backlog. I believe our opening our own crime lab will also reduce the backlog of the Michigan State Police and help them out.” ouchard said they have added a great deal of physical space to the existing sheriff's office on N. Telegraph in Pontiac, with the past two to three years devoted to reallocation of resources and staffing.

“I really believe this is a priority,” Bouchard said. “Everybody who watches TV expects CSI, but that's an unreal expectation. But there is real lab work that is, and can be, done expeditiously for victims. We need to get control of how long it takes to get the results from forensics and sexual assault kits in order to control how long a suspect is in the community repeating his crime.”

As Detroit's crime laboratories were closed in 2009, and the full onus of the state's forensic lab responsibilities fell to the Michigan State Police, they have truly had their hands full with a full complement of forensic cases across all disciplines, from sexual assault cases, toxicology, firearms, biological cases, and controlled substances. In 2009 and 2010, they hired 35 new scientists in various areas to handle the cases incoming from Detroit.

“We didn't have time to prepare for all of the cases coming from Detroit, and the backlog across all forensic disciplines spiked to over 20,000 cases,” Michigan State Police's Michaud said. “We got the 35 scientists to help, but the typical training period is one to two years, so we're just realizing the benefits of their hiring this year. We are now being able to cut the backlog of our cases (across all disciplines) in half to about 10,500 cases.

“This year,” Michaud continued, “fiscal year 2013, which began for us October 1, 2012, the governor gave us an

B

appropriation for 20 new scientists. The majority will go into firearms and biology, which are our two biggest areas, with 80 percent of the backlog. We're in the process of hiring them right now.” Sexual assault kits fall into the biology category.

Michaud said it is not difficult to find and train qualified forensic scientists, unlike in years past. “We can thank Hollywood and CSI,” he noted. “There's now a lot of interest in it in education and college. So they are trained and can come in right now and begin making an impact right away on the backlog.”

That backlogged number of 10,500, however, are current cases, and is exclusive of the approximately 11,000 sexual assault cases discovered in Wayne County in 2009. With such a monstrous current backlog, how are forensic scientists supposed to handle the old, neglected rape kits that were discovered, yet still needed to be tested?

“We conducted the 400 Project,” Michaud said. “We worked with the Michigan State statistical department. We gave them the total number of discovered sexual assault cases, and they said pick a random 400, and you'll be able to, with a 95 percent confidence level, predict what would be seen if you had processed all 11,000 cases.”

Michaud said that by processing the random 400, it not only helped with the cost of forensic testing, but “gave us a big picture of what we were faced with. It also provided us with a picture of what we would see with suspects and results,” he said.

Clearly overwhelmed and outmatched by the sheer volume of the sexual assault kits, the Michigan State Police and the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office outsourced a portion of the work to Marshall University in West Virginia. All 400 of the randomly selected rape kits were sent to Marshall to be tested and analyzed.

“We weren't removed from the project.

When the results come back, we have to conduct a technical and administrative review, and determine if the results fit a DNA profile. If so, we upload it to the state and national CODIS (Combined DNA Index System maintained by the FBI and the Department of Justice) and see if there is an appropriate suspect,” said Michaud.

When it reaches Worthy's office, it has become even more time consuming “because there was no nexus. There was no indication or information between the rape kits and the police reports. There was nothing from the Detroit Police Department. These kits were totally ignored, and we had to create a trail,” said Worthy.

She said that her office and a volunteer

office did research, combing through research, log books, police reports “because there was no electronic database,” seeing the data, victim's names, and going through every piece of information by hand. They have now identified 21 serial rapists out of 243 tested kits.

“Who, there's a good possibility, would not have raped more women if they (the sexual assault kits) had been tested at the time,” Worthy asserts.

“One man, Shelly Allen Brooks, we convicted him a few years ago as a serial murderer for killing six women. He's in jail now, for life in prison,” Worthy recounts, clearly agitated. “But years ago, he raped a woman whose kit was on the shelf. If this kit had been tested at the time, there's a good likelihood those six women would still be alive.”

Michaud sees the work ahead of him, and other forensic scientists. He's pleased they've sent off the first 1,000 backlogged sexual assault kits to Marshall University to be tested. Worthy has received over $3 million in NIJ grants to develop a national protocol for other cities to follow on backlogged sexual assault kits, and is preparing a study of how sexual assaults are treated from the very beginning, from when the first report is taken from the victim through the criminal justice department.”

“It will happen again because it's happened in other cities, too. We don't want anyone else to have to reinvent the wheel,” she said. he Michigan State Police is slowly getting through those long-neglected cases, while dealing with new ones on a continual basis. While Michaud is pleased with the NIJ grants, “we're robbing Peter to pay Paul,” he said. “Typically we'd use this money for current cases.”

As of November 30, there was a backlog statewide of 2,700 sexual assault cases, down from over 5,000 in 2009.

“We're attempting to keep up-to-date with today's existing cases while weaving in the 11,000 backlogged cases. Our current turnaround on biology cases is about four to five months (statewide),” Michaud said. “With our new scientists getting on board, the expectation is a 30day turnaround, once they're all trained and competent. We're doing what we can for the lost time, and for the victims.”

“The gratification is that we hope in the future every effort will be made by all parties to find and prosecute the perpetrators, using every bit of evidence, including their rape kits, and that they will never again sit on a shelf, forgotten,” said Worthy.

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Rochester Hills $799,000

Fabulous custom built 8,000 square foot Equestrian property with stable and 150 feet of all sports lake frontage on Silver Lake. Amenities include large country kitchen with premium appliances, luxurious master suite with Jacuzzi/exercise room, custom walk in closets and access to sun room, finished walkout with family room, wet bar, bedrooms and enclosed game court/room. Onyx foyer, three fireplaces with hand carved mantels, library, guest suite with mini kitchen and sandy beach. Five bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212088774

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 and full bath. Intercom, phone and sound system. Five bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212116331

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 $1,399,000

Bloomfield $1,199,000

Stunning masterpiece adorned with only the finest finishes and materials. Grand two story limestone foyer and walnut hardwood throughout. Outstanding Chef 's kitchen with white marble and stainless steel counters, commercial appliances and custom cabinetry. Gracious family room with built ins, elegant dining and formal study.

Fantastic 2500 square foot lower level with full bath, kitchenette and work out room.

Private yard with magnificent landscaping. Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212114989

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 bedrooms 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

Bloomfield $619,000

Birmingham $499,999

Stately center entrance Colonial on a large lot. Impeccably remodeled!

Gracious foyer opens to formal dining room, large living room with fireplace. Eat-in kitchen with stainless steel appliances and cozy family room with fireplace and built-ins. Spacious screened porch off of family room. Elegant master suite and walk in closet with laundry. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212117666

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

Renee Lossia Acho

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 $3,400,000 Immaculate home with gorgeous landscaping, 3.4 acres with every amenity. The grounds include in-ground pool, spa and tennis court. Renovation and expansion in 2000 with 2,500 square feet, addition includes basketball court, gym, family room, sauna and full bath. Exquisite study with cherry wood, 3,900 sq ft of walk out lower level with kitchen, wet bar, media room, wine cellar, full house generator, new electrical and security system. Six bedrooms with 7.4 baths. 212115390

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

Cindy Obron Kahn

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Metamora $1,350,000 Spectacular Post and Beam home with 75 rolling, open, wooded acres. Designer perfect kitchen with Bosch Sub Zero, five star appliances, granite and maple floors. Two and half story great room with massive Fieldstone fireplace. First floor master, library, finished lower level with fireplace, bar, exercise room, sauna, in-ground pool, heated pool house and cabana. Six car garage, dog kennel, beautiful Morton barn, caretakers home, dairy barn and out buildings. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212107747

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

David Busch

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Lake Angelus Frontage $2,999,900 Fabulous newer Estate on pristine Lake Angelus. Almost six acres with 160' lake frontage and beautiful in ground pool. Over 10,000 square of living space. Great room off kitchen for entertaining. Granite, hardwood and top end appliances. Phenomenal finished walk out lower level. No expense spared on this home. Five bedrooms with 6.3 baths. 212102244

Lake Angelus Frontage $1,999,999 Beautiful South Shore Ranch home sitting on a point with 3.2 acres and fabulous views of Pristine Lake Angelus. Brand new cooks kitchen and updated baths. Granite, marble and hardwood everything you would expect in a home of this quality. Full home generator, new furnaces and air conditioning units. Long drive way with private yard. Five bedrooms with 4.3 baths. 212088083

Lee Embrey

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 $1,039,000 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.

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. 212122772

Dan Gutfreund

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 $1,599,900 Stunning home nestled on wooded acreage on quiet cul-de-sac. With its center hall construction and ten foot ceiling it is cozy and luxurious. Walnut flooring and tumbled marble interior. Kitchen boasts marbleized granite countertops and custom pearl white cabinetry, nickel hardware and professional grade appliances. Master suite with sitting area and fireplace. Lower level professionally finished with full kitchen. Five bedrooms with 5.2 baths.

212118400.

Stunning Foyer

Formal Dining Room

Gourmet Kitchen

Donna Barlow

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

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, bedroom 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 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

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

Large Country Kitchen

Stunning Indoor Pool

Jim Casey

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

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

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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

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. 212114031 Presented by Michelle Yurich

Lake Michigan Frontage $2,975,000 Magnificent beach house is located on a wooded site with a gated enclave of only eight lakefront homes. The Homestead Resort in Glen Arbor. Close to the pool, clay tennis courts, golf and ski slopes. High tech, GEO thermal heating/air conditioning . Right on Sleeping Bear Bay Beach. Property features a walk out lower level with hot tub, sauna, steam shower, gym, living and family room, guest bedroom and fireplaces. Desirable year round family retreat is exquisitely maintained to perfection! Seven bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 210046073 Presented by Mike Cotter

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Brighton $1,799,000 Spectacular 12,000 sq ft Lake Front Estate on beautiful Hidden Lake. Built in 2005. Large designer perfect kitchen with high end appliances, hearth room, great room with fireplace. First floor master suite, 1600 sq ft bonus room or in-law suite. Walkout lower level finished in Up North lodge style with fireplace and second kitchen. Custom trim and doors, granite and marble, and hardwoods. Elevator. Porte Cochere and five car garage. Seven bedrooms with 6.3 baths. 212121552 Presented by David Busch

Lake Orion Frontage $849,900 Fabulous newer construction with exquisite views of Lake Orion. Built on a "No Wake Zone". Interior decorator's own home. Custom marble, granite in every room. Beautiful master suite and views from every room. Gourmet kitchen on both levels, 19 foot ceilings in walk out lower level. Custom landscaping. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212090360 Presented by Lee Embrey

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, 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 Presented by RW Watson

Oakland Township $499,000 This beautiful and meticulously maintained home on large court lot features an open and spacious floor plan. The abundance of hardwood flooring, floor, wall and crown moldings along with cherry kitchen with granite counter tops makes this home very warm and inviting. The master suite with tray ceiling and bayed sitting room makes for a wonderful retreat. The lower level is beautifully finished with a wet bar and full bath. Also includes 12KW Generator BU. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212080489 Presented by Tony & Lisa Scaccia

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Lake Angelus Frontage $1,899,000 Fabulous views from every room from this beautiful hidden gem on the South Shore. One plus acres with 100 feet of 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 Presented by Lee Embrey

Metamora $389,900 Beautiful, large, 4,340 square foot Metamora Village home on 3.9 acres is in mint condition. Living and great rooms with fireplaces, den or dining room, wet bar, recessed lighting, hardwood floors, granite counters and bonus room. Full walkout lower level, custom trim, zoned furnace and nine foot ceilings. Wrap around deck, great in-town location with privacy, rolling wooded and open spaces. Five bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212034867 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

Cass Lake Frontage $649,000 Panoramic view, Eastern exposure, 126 feet of lake frontage. Dramatic two story great room, open flowing floor plan with large country kitchen/dining combo, granite island, Hunter Douglas remote window shades. Radiant floor heat, neutral decor. Master suite with sitting area and private deck. Professionally landscaped and beautifully maintained. Half acre lot and stainless steel seawall. Four bedrooms with three baths. 212124586 Presented by RW Watson

Bloomfield Hills $619,000 Beautiful custom designed newer home sitting on spectacular 1.26-acre lot that goes far into back woods. Open flow and versatility of main floor are paired with unique brick-encased circular staircase connecting all three levels and featuring two fireplaces on main floor in dining and living rooms and the third one in lower level. Huge master suite, spacious bedrooms and three full baths upstairs with second floor laundry. Freshly painted. Four bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 212124013 Presented by Dmitry Koublitsky

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Franklin $540,000 Franklin at its best. Beautifully situated on a premiere location with supporting properties. This concise multi-level has been brought into this century with style. All new throughout with magnificent Michael Dul landscape. This is a turnkey property for your discerning client who wishes fresh move in with immediate occupancy. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212124050 Presented by Mike Cotter & Paula Law

Bloomfield $387,000 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

Bloomfield Hills $525,000 This is an unbelievable opportunity to own a fantastic home on a gracious 0.91 acre lot situated in the Heart of Bloomfield Hills near Cranbrook Schools. The location is fabulous on a quiet cul-de-sac. This home offers unbelievable potential to its new owners and is priced to sell! Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212119543 Presented by Renee Lossia Acho

Bloomfield $450,000 Unique 1 1/2 story home on one acre in wonderful Kirk in the Hills neighborhood. Surrounded by million dollar plus homes this unique home features soaring ceilings and huge windows that overlook nature and views of Lower Long Lake. Dock included. Motivated Seller! Three bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 212100292 Presented by Cindy Obron Kahn

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Huntington Woods $499,000 Distinguished 1920's Tudor on a hilltop lot with all the charm of the era! Featuring stained glass, pewabic tile and beautiful wood moldings. This classic home has a gracious living room with fireplace, kitchen with windowed breakfast room leading to deck. Huge family room with built-ins. Master suite with walk in closets. Nanny quarters or in-law suite with half bath. Four bedrooms with 2.3 baths. 212098999 Presented by Laurie Glass

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

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 Bev McCotter

Highland $299,900

Farmington Hills $299,000

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. 212108828 Presented by Dee Brooks

The epitome of a family home! Situated on a large lot deep within Independence Hills. This home offers a main floor office/den, laundry, formal dining room, large family room with stone fireplace off kitchen. Large updated kitchen with granite counters, breakfast area with door walls to patio. Brick paver drive way and professionally landscaping. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212125117 Presented by Chris Johnson & Bill Tracy

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Orion Township $599,000 Premier location on all sports Long Lake. This home has it all. Granite kitchen, hardwood floors throughout and a finished walkout basement. Hot tub/spa hook up on deck. Private beach access for homeowners. Cul-de-sac and perfect location on the lake. Five bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212103978 Presented by Lisa & Tony Scaccia

Farmington Hills $289,000

Royal Oak $200,000

This beautiful custom built Detached Condo features three bedrooms, plus a bonus room. High ceilings, hardwood floors and formal dining room. Living room with gas fireplace. A first floor master bedroom with a huge bright master bath, that boasts his and her walk in closets, a jetted sunken tub and private shower. First floor laundry. 212121538 Presented by Avery Weisling

Extended updated kitchen with stainless steel appliances and doorway to deck, beautiful private slate patio and enchanting garden with waterfall.

Upgraded electric, copper plumbing, newer windows throughout and refinished hardwood floors, professionally finished basement, with fireplace and half bath. Newer siding, enlarged and updated main bath, Freshly painted. 212103876 Presented by Candice Cuyler

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Independence Township $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 Presented by RW Watson

Owosso $399,000

Farmington Hills $244,900

Beautiful 1876 Victorian Italianate home on 1.66 acres overlooking the Shiawassee River. Formerly a Bed and Breakfast with seven bedrooms and 5.1 baths, ball room type living room, formal dining room and updated kitchen. In-law quarters with private entrance. Two large gathering porches and deck overlooking park like yard. 212100706 Presented by Bev McCotter

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

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Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

FACES Treger Strasberg

T

reger Strasberg used to rescue small animals in her backyard as a child. Today, she helps families who once were homeless furnish their new homes.

“I was always hunched over a bird with a broken wing or scooping bugs out of the pool or walking a friend home who was upset that day,” she said. “I spent my childhood trying to make things and people around me feel better.”

Strasberg grew up in San Diego. “We never had a ton of money but I also never wanted for anything.” Her senior year of high school she traveled to Israel and graduated without the presence of family or friends. “It was a sobering year because I lived in a tiny little place and worked on a farm and in school in exchange for room and board. I realized things aren't as easy for everybody as they were for me.”

After high school, Strasberg attended the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan and met her future husband as his student. “We hit it off pretty quickly and I followed him down to Miami. I started a couple of small businesses while working in advertising and graphic design and had kids, and that all went by the wayside.”

Strasberg spontaneously accompanied her husband to Detroit when he interviewed for a potential new job. “I walked around and got to see twinkling lights and kids throwing snowballs and he came home from the interview and I said this is it for me. I love it here. He took it more seriously and we moved here March of that same year.”

Volunteering at Forgotten Harvest, Strasberg met a coworker who had recently fallen on hard times and asked around for donations to help furnish her empty home. Even after the home was furnished, the donations kept pouring in.

She called seven housing and homeless shelters to try and find one that provided donated furniture to families at absolutely no cost. “They all said no, could you please start that?”

Strasberg and friend Ana Smith created Humble Design, agreeing to furnish one house every six months, but the wait list quickly grew. They have since furnished homes for over 200 families from 12 different homeless shelters in the tri-county area.

Strasberg hangs up her hat for the day when she picks her children up from school. “I drew that line in the sand a long time ago. I work my rear end off from eight in the morning until three in the afternoon, then we all go home to our children.”

Some days, she takes her children with her to the homes. “I take them with me to see what life is like on the other side of 8 Mile, and to see where their toys and bed and jacket ended up. I think it's really important for them.”

Although Humble Design was featured in the New York Times, Strasberg gets most gratification out of seeing a three-year-old forgo new toys to crawl into a warm bed for the first time in their life. “That's the moment I realize I can't stop doing this.”

Strasberg hopes to continue living in Birmingham and to help as many people as possible. “We'd like to have no one on our waiting list and to be able to serve everyone that comes to our door.”

Story: Hayley Beitman

Photo: Laurie Tennent

LEGACY JEWELRY AND LOAN THE LARGEST COLLECTION ANITIQUE, VINTAGE AND ESTATE JEWELRY 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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CITY/ TOWNSHIP Mex approved with some conditions

By Lisa Brody

A proposed new restaurant for the former Big Boy restaurant at 6675 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township received final site plan and special land use approval from the Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees at their regular meeting on December 10, although conditions were imposed upon the new establishment's owners in order to receive the approvals, including rebuilding a rear wall and a restriction on the desired operating hours.

Planning, building and ordinance director Patti Voelker told trustees that a contemporary, trendy Mexican restaurant, to be called Mex, is planned for the location, on the northeast corner of Country Club Drive and Telegraph Road. Mex is owned by Riverstone Hospitality LLC, an entity comprised of local businessman James Bellinson, one of the founding fathers of Level One Bank, and chef Zack Sklar. The duo also own the Birmingham restaurant Social Kitchen & Bar, and Sklar is the owner of Cutting Edge Cuisine, a catering company that is located in Temple Beth El as well as in West Bloomfield.

In their proposal, they plan to have 196 seats at Mex, with 162 seats on the interior, including a mezzanine. The plans also propose outdoor service, with 20 seats on the west side of the restaurant, and another 14 on the south side. The outdoor patios will be covered with screening. Extensive landscaping plans, with updating to comply with planning board requests, were done by Birmingham landscaping company Michael Dul & Company.

“There were further revisions since the application, noting the concerns in the last review,” Voelker said.

Voelker pointed out township

concerns regarding traffic potentially intruding into the residential neighborhood surrounding the restaurant. She noted that the applicant had requested to provide an area for excess overflow parking at the building to the south of Mex, at the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Detroit. A preliminary agreement was presented to trustees, which supervisor Leo Savoie said he had issues with. “I'm troubled because the Federation package document that I saw had a 30-day termination agreement,” he said.

Voelker noted that the restaurant principals could petition the Road Commission of Oakland County for a no parking sign on Country Club Drive, as well as a “Left Turn Only” sign out of the Country Club exit. “So that it's a visual cue that they do not turn into the neighborhood,” she said.

Trustee Brian Kepes asked if there was a necessity for the restaurant keeping access to Country Club Drive, and to have it as an emergency only exit. He was told by Bloomfield Township attorney Bill Hampton that there would be a problem for ingress and egress to Country Club Drive if there were an accident on Telegraph Road. “Then you're really landlocked,” he noted.

Another issue which arose involved a wall at the rear of the property which is in terrible condition. The new restaurant owners proposed fixing it.

However, township clerk Jan Roncelli said, “I think it's a cheap fix on the wall to paint it and landscape it. It needs to be replaced. That's what we require from anyone else, and with all the money you're putting in, it's what we require from you.”

Mex attorney Kelly Allen disagreed.

“They already have $1.5 million into this establishment. They do not want a dilapidated wall. They will make it beautiful.”

However, the majority of trustees

Former Kresge building changes are cancelled

By Lisa Brody

T

he former Kresge building on Maple Road in Birmingham, where the Roots store currently resides, was sold last year to Bailey Schmidt, Inc., a Birmingham real estate company that had planned to redevelop the site as a five-story multiuse building, either as retail, office and residential or as a hotel, but are no longer planning to redevelop the location but just fix the property up and lease the retail space.

Peter Noonan, vice president of Bailey Schmidt, said, “We are really disappointed, but currently the

disagreed, passing the final site plan approval, 5-1, with trustee Corinne Khederian absent and Brian Kepes against it, with the replacement of the wall as a requirement.

In their application, Mex had requested to be open from 11 a.m. until midnight during the week, and until 2 a.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, with outdoor dining closing at midnight. Trustees, and several residents who spoke, objected to the late hours.

“It's a residential bedroom community. The commercial is there to enhance the residential,” said treasurer Dan Devine. “The restaurant has come to the residential; the residential has not come to the restaurant. I'm concerned about the hours. Anything past 10 p.m. on outdoor dining would not be appropriate, and anything past midnight would not be appropriate to me.”

It was pointed out that Andiamo's, across the street, closes at 11, as does Beau Jack's and Bagger Dave's. Hogan's closes at midnight.

Lisa Wong, who lives on Country Club Drive in the first house next to the restaurant, told trustees during the public hearing, “I'm concerned about the hours. I've already lived for 20 years with Big Boy closing at midnight, with people standing at their cars chit chatting and smoking, and employees coming out later. If you leave this establishment open until 2, I'll hear the noise until at least 3. I was there first. It was a quiet street, and I intend to keep it that way. The impact to me and my neighbors is going to be pretty severe.

You have to respect people.”

Sklar said, “I'm a chef at heart, and I'm also a businessman. Everything revolves around the food. This is not a bar. We understand your concerns. But when you make this kind of investment, as an operator, the liquor is the caveat to the food and allows you to be

environment just does not lend itself to that. Now our job is to lease the building up. We'll fix it up a little and wait and see what comes up.”

Long-time residents will remember the location as a popular S.S. Kresge store in the 1960s and 1970s. Noonan said that a private family in Florida has owned the real estate, with Kmart/Sears (formerly Kresge's) having had a lease on the prime Birmingham location since 1959. The lease is set to expire in January 2013, and Bailey Schmidt will take over at that time.

Roots, at the corner of Maple and Henrietta, has been located in Birmingham at that spot since December 1997. “We certainly hope Roots will stay, and we have every indication that they will stay,” Noonan said. “They've been a bastion

profitable. A lot of these other operations are not as nouveau as we are. In order to be a healthy operation, we need to be open.”

In the unanimous trustee vote for special land use approval, in addition to requiring a right turn only sign off of Country Club Drive for patrons, hours were restricted to midnight daily, with the last seating for outdoor dining at 10 p.m.

PSD consultant contract extended The Birmingham Principal Shopping District (PSD) board voted to extend the contract of retail leasing consultant Julie Fielder for another year at their monthly meeting on December 6.

Fielder's contract was set to expire on December 31, 2012. John Heiney, PSD executive director, noted that all aspects of the current agreement between Fielder and the PSD would remain in effect for the next year.

Fielder, a leasing expert with 25 years of experience with The Taubman Companies before she established her own leasing company, was first hired to assist the PSD in acquiring quality national and regional retail establishments for downtown Birmingham. She also works with local landlords in retaining their current merchants.

Fielder is responsible for bringing lululemon athletica, The Paper Source, J. McLaughlin, and the upcoming Francesca's, The Daily Method exercise studio, and Found Objects men's and women's apparel store on Merrill Street to Birmingham, according to PSD officials.

Fielder has often explained to the PSD board that it can take up to 18 months from first contact to final lease for a national retailer to commit to the city.

of downtown (Birmingham).”

There are only four Roots stores in the United States, including Birmingham. The others are in Aspen, CO; Park City, UT; and Los Angeles.

Noonan said he anticipates the building's other spaces, including the former Lexi Drew and Harmony House locations, will likely remain retail, “although we have talked to a large restaurant as a possibility, though I don't know if that's the right location for it.”

“We're disappointed (about not being able to redevelop the site), but sometimes you have to move on and make a beautiful building beautiful again,” Noonan stated. “We're already talking to some wonderful tenants who will add a special glow to that part of town.”

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01.13

6 Salon moving to S. Old Woodward 6 Salon on Maple Road in downtown Birmingham is planning a move to larger digs in the city.

According to owner George Nikollag, they have signed a lease to take over the spot currently harboring Paul Cicchini Custom Clothier, a men and women's custom clothing store on the corner of 180 S. Old Woodward Avenue and Merrill.

Nikollag, who owns the salon and its companion salon in Royal Oak with his brother Johnny and Tomy Lulgjuraj, said he expects it will be a while before they move from their current salon at Maple Road at Henrietta, next to Anthropologie and Complex.

“This corner is ideal for us. We're just at the beginning stages. We're interviewing three different architects about designing the new salon,” he said. He said Cicchini, which is moving down S. Old Woodward to the former Blockbuster Video location, may not be out of their current spot until January or February, “and it will take us three to five months to customize the space. We build everything from scratch for the salon except the shampoo bowls and the styling chairs.”

The Birmingham salon currently has 12 stylists, “and we will go to 21 chairs,” Nikollag said.

“We do all in-house training,” he noted. “Every hairdresser (at 6) is homegrown, so we know everyone well.”

The owners say they are delighted to be staying in Birmingham to complete their expansion needs. “I love Birmingham. I love the people, the feel, the energy. There's no way I wanted to be anywhere else,” Nikollag said. “There's a lot of hair salons in Birmingham, so there's a lot of wonderful, great salons here.”

Lifetime Fitness coming to Bloomfield

By Lisa Brody

Lifetime Fitness, a sports, fitness and health club, has submitted plans to the Bloomfield Township planning department to build an executive club on Telegraph Road just south of Long Lake.

Jan Roncelli, Bloomfield Township Clerk, said Lifetime Fitness will locate its new club on a site that has downtownpublications.com

had Max Broock Realtors and Hamill Music but is now being cleared. It will be situated between a new building to be built for Max Broock Realtors and the strip center housing Pizza Papalis and Starbucks.

Roncelli reported that representatives of Lifetime Fitness appeared at the township's zoning board of appeals meeting on December 5. The township facility will be a Diamond Executive fitness club, part of their new model going into more affluent communities, with a spa, cafe, a five-lane, 25-meter lap pool, and child care. Membership in this location will permit access to any other Lifetime location, but only members to Diamond Executive locations will be able to utilize the township's club. There are only two other Diamond Executive clubs in the country.

“They call this their more 'country club atmosphere',” said township supervisor Leo Savoie.

The township Lifetime Fitness club is proposed as a three-floor health club covering 67,500 square feet with a rear-facing entrance on Dublin. “The entrance to the health club will be on Dublin, with the rear end on Telegraph, as well as some parking on Telegraph,” said Roncelli.

Real estate developer Arkan Jonna owns the property and will be constructing the new fitness club, which still needs approvals, as well as variances for height and signage, from the township's planning board and board of trustees. “The height allowed in that district is 32 feet, and the proposed building is about 65 feet. It is higher than normal, but it is really attractive,” Savoie said.

“Between the new Max Broock and Pizza Papalis, it will really balance out.”

Site plan approvals are anticipated to come before the boards in early 2013, with the club opening sometime later in 2013.

Jonna received approval from the township's board of trustees to demolish the existing buildings at 4130 – 4136 Telegraph Road in early July 2012. At the time, he told trustees, “We've talked to one prospective tenant for the whole building for phase two, but that's slowed down right now. But we're talking to others.”

DOWNTOWN

THE GUIDE 2013 BIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD

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 designed 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 March.

Watch for further information in the coming days on how to make sure your business is represented in The Guide. Or feel free to either phone or e-mail Advertising Manager Jill Cesarz at 248.792.6464/jillcesarz@downtownpublications.com

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Residents object to apartment building

By Lisa Brody

Residents in the area abutting 404 Park Street in Birmingham came out to a city planning board meeting on November 14 to object to a proposal by developer Burton-Katzman to develop the double lot as an apartment building.

The lot, at the intersection of Park, Woodward and Oakland, is zoned for residential, single family and has been vacant since 1989.

The planning board delayed a decision until their January meeting to rezone the property from R2 single family to B2C, or general business, which would permit a multifamily development, at the request of the LPR Properties in Livonia, which has owned the property on Park. They have sought to develop or sell the property.

According to Birmingham planner Matt Baka, Chuck DiMaggio, senior vice-president of development at Burton-Katzman, said they offered to do contract zoning for the new

development if they were approved for the zoning change. Baka said contract zoning is where the developer volunteers to put restrictions on themselves. In this instance, although the property would be rezoned to general business, they would only develop the property as multi-family residential.

The development company first came before the planning board on September 19 when they proposed 14 units on the site. The planning board postponed a decision to permit the developer to address concerns from neighbors in the Little San Francisco neighborhood, as the adjacent area is referred to, as well as adapt plans that would address traffic flow concerns.

On November 14 they presented a revised plan with six apartments in a row home style over no more than three stories, all of which would face Park. However, residents of the neighborhood submitted a petition with 47 signatures objecting to the apartment building, arguing it would be detrimental to the neighborhood.

Planning board members indicated the developers had provided

insufficient information for them to make the rezoning request, and requested that the developers and neighbors to attempt once again to reconcile their differences. They postponed their decision once again until the board's January 9 meeting.

Old Woodward redesign approved A multi-modal transportation committee created by the Birmingham City Commission returned to the commission on December 17 with a recommendation on how to redesign Old Woodward between Willits and Brown streets, and the commission unanimously agreed.

The committee determined that, unlike N. Old Woodward, there should not be a center median, and center left turn lanes should be created at all intersections. They determined that Old Woodward should be rebuilt to the same width as it currently is, with the other option of having a striped left turn lane down the center throughout, as the street is extremely wide and could

handle it. They said the left turn lane was a critical component. The city's engineering staff was more positive of the continuous center left lane than the one just at intersections.

The committee also recommended that bump-outs be created at each pedestrian intersection in an effort to reduce the distance of each pedestrian crosswalk.

City engineer Paul O'Meara was directed to seek federal funding for 2016 for the project. The cost to complete the application and submit it is approximately $3,000, which the commissioners supported.

The ad-hoc committee was composed of members of the commission (Rackeline Hoff, Mark Nickita, and Gordon Rinschler), planning board (Scott Clein), the community (Dulce Fuller), Principal Shopping District (Doug Fehan, Geoff Hockman), traffic & safety board (Johanna Slanga, Gerry Dreer), architectural review committee (Christophe Longe), historic design commission (John Henke), and a large property owner (Steve Quintal).

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Bistros sent back to city commission

By Lisa Brody

The Birmingham Planning Board considered applications from three applicants for 2013 bistro licenses at their December 12 meeting and, after lengthy reviews, sent all three proposals back to the city commission for final review and approval.

The bistros under consideration are existing restaurants What Crepe? on Old Woodward, which is seeking a liquor license to expand and enhance its business; Birmingham Sushi, a three-year old sushi spot on Hamilton Row, which would like to add alcohol, but will not add a bar and will mix drinks in the kitchen; and new bistro concept Crush, at the 555 Building on S. Old Woodward.

Birmingham Planning Director Jana Ecker said the city commission will consider the bistro licenses at a February meeting.

“The planning board looked at all three to see if they met the criteria required. They did not rank order, just reviewed the concepts and the plans, and sent it right back to the city commission to allow them to make the final decisions,” said Ecker. “They left the final decision up to the commission to make for whether it's one or two bistros.”

Under current bistro application rules, applicants for the two annual bistro licenses apply by a set deadline, which allows several applications to be reviewed at one time. This system is believed to give the planning board and city commission the opportunity to select the best applications in a given year.

Applicants had to turn in a five-page summary to Ecker by October 1, which were then sent to the city commission for review. Additionally, applicants had to present a full planning package to the planning department.

City commissioners reviewed six applicants at a meeting on October 15, choosing Birmingham Sushi, What Crepe? and Crush for their unique features, including menu items and location, which economically enhance certain areas of the city. As commissioner Mark Nickita said at the time, “It was not as much this year about the concepts because they were all great; they'd all be great bistros. The fundamental thing we looked at was would they be an economic driver for downtownpublications.com

Meals on Wheels program considered

T

he city of Bloomfield Hills will likely join Bloomfield Township in providing a Meals on Wheels program for seniors within the community, starting next fall.

Bloomfield Hills City Commissioners voted unanimously to adopt a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) resolution at their monthly meeting on December 11, which would help fund the program.

Currently, the city of Bloomfield Hills receives $5,000 of federal money from Oakland County for low and moderate-income citizens. City Manager Jay Cravens said the money is supposed to be used for things like household repairs, but the money has seen no use in the past three years.

Cravens suggested allocating the money to a Meals on Wheels program, and submitted the application to Oakland County on behalf of the commission. If accepted, $5,000 of federal money from Oakland County will be available for a Meals on Wheels program in Bloomfield Hills.

The program would be provided through Bloomfield Township Senior Services and would deliver a midday meal to qualifying citizens, ages 60 and older. Hot, nutritionally balanced, dinner-style meals would be delivered Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m. In addition to Meals on Wheels, liquid nutritional supplements would be available based on medical necessity. Cravens said each meal is estimated at $6, and the program would continue until the money runs out.

Bloomfield Hills Police Chief Rick Matott stated two locations in the city already receive Meals on Wheels. “People are using it,” he said.

The resolution will be considered by Oakland County and, if approved, the program would start in fall 2013. our city. In using space, we have only so much space, and a lot of it is precious, and we have to keep a balance with retail. When we put a bistro in, we lose a retailer. Activating areas (of the city) is a high concern.”

At the planning board meeting, board members had more detailed site plans. “They had tons of concerns with Crush,” Ecker said, noting the plans had numerous inconsistencies, “and left a lot to be desired.” Concerns from planning board members referred to plans with too many seats, too much outdoor seating, worries about problems with the building itself and how the restaurant is situated on the traversing street, problems with walkability in the southernmost part of downtown Birmingham, isolation, connectability to the Triangle District, and access to the upper outdoor dining terraces, which would require going up in an elevator from the main floor, and then walking across the parking deck to access it.

Crush, presented 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 during its initial presentation. 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 bistro would be on the first floor, with patio dining, but would have overhanging terraces for private parties.

Open seven days for lunch and dinner, it would offer “good food and an import wine list offering many choices as well as craft beers,” designed to be a neighborhood haunt. It would be owned by Marc Blancke, owner of Sinbad's on the Detroit River, 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.

While board members received some satisfactory answers from the Crush ownership team, the board had mixed feelings. Some felt the bistro would activate an underserved portion of the city; others felt it was a plan with too many inconsistencies, even with revised plans. However, they sent it on to the city commission for a final determination.

The primary issue board members

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had with Birmingham Sushi, which has been on Hamilton for three years, was that their submitted proposal merely asked for the bistro license without providing any improvements to the building, nor to the existing establishment. “There was this sense of 'Why should we give it to you if you're not making any improvements whatsoever,'” Ecker recalled. “It's an ugly building from front to back. The response from the architect was, 'Well, you never asked us to do anything.'

They did not not like it, but they weren't overwhelmed.”

Ecker said board members were most enthusiastic for the proposal submitted by Paul Jenkins, owner of What Crepe? He has submitted plans for expanding and altering his interior, as well as for a street platform if he receives one of the bistro licenses.

“Board members asked him why he didn't want to put in roll up windows.

He said he'd be happy to put them in; he didn't know he could. There was discussion about whether his tables on the sidewalk should be against the windows or the platform, and his response was, 'Whatever you guys want, you tell me, and I'll do it.'”

Sherr selected as new commissioner

By Hayley Beitman

Stuart Sherr was appointed as a Bloomfield Hills city commissioner on December 11, to fill the position vacated by former commissioner Mike McCready, who was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives for the 40th district in November.

McCready's resignation was unanimously accepted by commissioners at their monthly meeting on December 11, giving the commission 30 days to fill the vacancy.

The city of Bloomfield Hills had announced they would be accepting applications, resumes and cover letters in November, and received seven responses out of almost 4,000 residents. “They are a diverse group of people from the community,” mayor Sarah McClure said.

The applicants were nine-year resident and lawyer Michael J. Hamblin; 25-year resident and community activist Mary Juras; former commissioner and mayor David Kellett; 20-year resident and planning commission member Stuart Sherr; 23year resident and zoning board of appeals member Mark Kapel; 14-year 83

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resident Ron Marks; and 29-year resident Ruth Holmes.

Commissioners Michael Dul, Michael Zambricki, Patricia Hardy and mayor Sarah McClure each cast one vote. Three votes are needed to appoint a successor.

Commissioner Zambricki nominated Mary Juras and Stuart Sherr, while Patricia Hardy nominated David Kellett.

“I made two nominations. First, Mary reflects the interest and undying advocacy for residents. She has been here on a host of issues,” Zambricki said.

Commissioner Hardy stated she nominated Dave Kellett because of his background with the city and his honesty. “I'm most impressed with the fact that he has no intention to run for a full seat this November,” she stated.

This would give other candidates a chance to run without an incumbent.

“We're very fortunate to have three very good candidates. That's pretty exciting. The election coming up will be pretty exciting as well,” Dul said.

During the first vote, Kellett received votes from Hardy and Dul. Sherr received one vote from McClure and

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Juras received one vote from Zambricki.

After a second vote, Sherr and Kellett were the two finalists out of seven candidates vying to fill the open position.

Kellett received votes from Hardy and Dul, while Sherr received votes from McClure and Zambricki, producing a tie.

After a motion for a third vote, Dul changed his vote from Kellett to Sherr, electing him to the position.

Sherr attended the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School and Wayne State University's Law School.

He also has his CPA certification and is vice president of Sherr Development Corporation.

“I'm honored to be nominated. I'm a 20-year resident and have greatly enjoyed living in the city. When I appreciate something, I try and give back,” he said. “I have a desire to serve. It's a simple desire to offer my skills and ability to the city.” Sherr will complete a partial term expiring November 2013, and he stated he plans to run for re-election.

After the vote, he was sworn in by

clerk Amy Burton, which took effect December, 14.

Open committee seats vacated by McCready and Sherr as planning commission member will be discussed at the monthly meeting in January.

Barnum Park to get shade structures Birmingham city commissioners unanimously approved the addition of a shade structure and additional plantings for Barnum Park at their meeting on December 3.

Barnum Park, located at Pierce and Frank streets in Birmingham, has been resuscitated and renovated in recent years, after the city purchased the land from Beaumont Hospital Health Services. The latest additions are listed under Barnum Park Phase II, and are the “Heart of the Park”, at the center where a large shade structure with a trellis will be situated, along with a sanctuary garden, tables and chairs, swings, and the creation of a “no mow” area of decorative grasses. Additional trees will also be planted around the

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park. Director of public services Lauren Wood informed commissioners that money from local donors will be used to pay for the project, which have been deposited with the city.

Sketches for the shade trellis were drawn by local architect David Peterhans of the design firm C3, and presented to the city's parks and recreation board and city commission in September 2011, where they were accepted. The estimated cost of the structure is $9,500.

Wood had previously reported to the parks and recreation board that numerous Linden trees, at a cost of $11,000, had been planted in the park this fall. A drainage problem east of the park's ball field was taken care of by city staff, drainage tile was installed in the park, and other irrigation issues associated with park have been handled by city workers. Additionally, a sandbox area was expanded.

This spring, Wood told the commission, an additional 58 trees will be transplanted in Barnum Park, at a cost of $6,000.

All costs are assumed by the Community for Barnum Park.

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01.13

CITY/ TOWNSHIP Bloomfield Hills still seeking treasurer

By Hayley Beitman

The city of Bloomfield Hills is still seeking a finance director/treasurer to replace former treasurer Lisa Dolan of Bloomfield Township, who submitted her resignation in October.

Bloomfield Hills hired the Michigan Municipal League (MML) to perform the search on October 9.

Les Pulver at Plante Moran suggested six candidates for an interim finance director/treasurer and Troy resident Keith Francis was selected by mayor Sarah McClure and city manager Jay Cravens.

Francis, who has been working with Bloomfield Hills since he was selected in October, was a partner at Plante Moran, a member of the private and public sector, and also owns his own firm. He was highly recommended by Pulver of Plante Moran and has been working three days a week.

On November 28, the finance director/treasurer search subcommittee received 19 resumes and nine were brought to the subcommittee for consideration. Of the nine resumes, five held the qualifications listed in the job posting. The subcommittee said two were most qualified, including interim finance director/treasurer Keith Francis.

On December 4, the subcommittee met with Francis and conducted an interview, where they decided he was the best qualified to fill the position. However, salary and benefit terms could not be met and Francis declined the job.

Francis will continue to work while the subcommittee restarts the job search and considers other candidates.

City manager Jay Cravens stated the subcommittee may announce the vacancy again to broaden the list of potential candidates.

New clothing store to open on Merrill Found Objects, a women and men's fashion and lifestyle clothing, shoes and accessory store, will open at 241 E. Merrill Street in Birmingham in the former Waterworks location.

Laurie and Zachary Kay, a mother downtownpublications.com

and son duo, plan to open the store in February 2013.

“It's really my son's store. He has scoured the earth for designers that are not represented in Michigan,” said Laurie Kay. Zach Kay, a Cranbrook and Parsons New School graduate, said he is excited to return home from New York City and open a store in Birmingham. “Birmingham is where I spend time, and where people go to shop. Birmingham is about lifestyle, it's not about being in a mall,” he said.

He said he wanted to bring together a unique mix of designers for men and women because “my friends leave the state to shop. It's very important to me to bring in items so you can shop local.”

Found Objects will feature an eclectic mix of clothing, shoes, accessories, apothecary items and items for the home. “It's very much about style, and not price, although they're far from inexpensive,” Zach noted. “Found Objects will be in between Caruso Caruso and Tender and Linda Dresner.”

Designers for men's clothing and accessories include Band of Outsiders, Todd Snyder, Stone Island, Joseph, Massimo Alba and Hartford.

For fall, Rick Owens, Maison Margiela and Balenciaga will be added.

Women's designers that will be featured include Lisa Perry, Barbara Bui, Peter Som, Rio, Nili Lotin, the relaunch of Paper Denim & Cloth, Jenni Kayne, Ohne Title, and Hartford for Women.

Zach, who has worked in retail for years, said he got the idea for the store from similar lifestyle stores in New York City and California.

KEEP IT Downtown.

The only publication of its kind in Birmingham/Bloomfield.

Quality editorial environment.

Produced from offices in downtown Birmingham.

LIST with a LOCAL

With nearly 30 years as a Birmingham resident, Michael Sbrocca is your local expert whether you’re buying or selling. He has 25 years of real estate experience spanning from new construction, remodeling, commercial and land development. His wealth of knowledge will provide you the tools required to achieve your desired results. Contact Michael, your local expert today.

MICHAEL SBROCCA

E: P:

msbrocca@skbk.com 248.644.7000

Ad deadline for February issue Friday, January 25.

Contact Jill Cesarz.

(O) 248.792.6464 or (C) 248.860.8414

LOCAL

DOWNTOWN

91

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Birmingham $929,000 Architecturally significant residence on one of Downtown Birmingham's most coveted streets. Renovated and expanded to perfection in the last two years, including a designer kitchen with professional appliances wide open to a generous size family room. Master bath addition will stun and delight you. Three full baths upstairs and four generous size bedrooms. Finished lower level includes wine cellar, family room with fireplace and exercise room.

Private gated backyard has new garage with stairs to upper level. 212126385

Designer Kitchen

Paver Patio

Stunning Master Bath

Kathy Manoogian kathymanoogian.skbk.com

248.515.8013

kmanoogian@skbk.com

FACES

David Agyekum

D

avid Agyekum grew up in Bloomfield Township watching stand-up comedy on television as a kid. After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania, he was featured by MTV and Comedy Central as one of ten “Comics to Watch”.

“I used to watch a lot of stand-up comedy. I just liked how they had the freedom to say whatever they wanted and people accepted them,” he said.

At Lahser High School, Agyekum was never known as the class clown.

“My dad is a dentist and my mom is an accountant, so they're the complete opposite of that,” he said. “I was a pretty quiet kid. I would usually just give the class clown ideas of what he could do and not actually do the ideas myself.”

He expressed his originality through creative writing and was elected to the student council after he gave a comical speech. “I gave Model UN speeches, too. It was supposed to be a debate but I just made them funny. I would always pick an African country and just talk in a deep voice. When I was a senior, I got the Republic of Congo and they abbreviated it as 'ROC' and I would talk in the third person and refer to myself as 'the ROC'.”

Agyekum studied creative writing and classical studies at the University of Pennsylvania with the intent of going to law school. “My dad just gave me a list of 13 schools to apply to and it was the best one. I had never actually heard of it before I applied to it. I didn't know it was an Ivy League school or anything, I just wanted to go somewhere that was in a major city so I could start doing stand-up comedy.”

A successful audition for the student group Simply Chaos opened the doors to the world of comedy. “I always wanted to try stand-up but I was afraid the thoughts that I had were going to be weird and not funny,” he said.

Upon graduation, Agyekum's manager suggested he audition for Comedy Central's “Comics to Watch”. “I think it was probably one of my favorite shows because I got to go to New York for their kick-off party, and it was sponsored by Svedka and Klondike, so I got free cocktails and free ice cream. I ate five Choco Taco's and before that, I don't know that I had ever eaten more than two tacos at a time,” he said.

Agyekum was featured on MTV's “College Quickies Comedian Profiles” this fall. “I was more baffled than anything. I thought they'd maybe made a mistake or something.”

Though Agyekum now resides in New York and has found his niche away from home, he returns to Michigan often to spend time with his family and to sometimes participate in open mic night at Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle in Royal Oak. “I have a temp job at a financial services company. I do something with bonds. I don't really know what I'm doing. I just write and perform as much as I can,” he said.

He hopes to one day tour the world doing stand-up comedy. “I want to get married someday and raise a family and have little Davids running around,” Agyekum said. “Hopefully, I'm still doing comedy, and hopefully people are still laughing at it. I haven't quit yet. Most importantly, I hope to be alive.”

Story: Hayley Beitman

Photo: Laurie Tennent

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

West Bloomfield $979,000 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.

Rochester Hills $699,900

Cheboygan $850,000

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.

Home and Business Opportunity! Black River Winery and Vineyard. Tasting room and retail store both in Cheboygan and Mackinaw City. Eight acres with building to produce wine (Valiant Grapes). Included in the sale is a 1800 sq ft Ranch home, additional building, all equipment, recipes, inventory, licenses, training, most furnishings and business web site. 212115409.

Waterford $875,000

Wayne $599,999

Fantastic views of "All Sports" Maceday Lake. Dramatic two story foyer with winding oak staircase. Over 5,000 sq ft of living space with finished walk out lower level. Unique master bedrooms on both first and second floor. Two brick fireplaces, huge deck, wet bar, premium appliances and island kitchen.

Boat dock included. Four bedrooms and four baths. 212093793.

Reduced! Owner is retiring. Full glass frontage on main street. Three units totaling 11,200 sq ft. (1st-3,200 sq ft, 2nd-3,200 sq ft and 3rd-4,800 sq ft.)

Have your business in one or all of the units and/or lease out units as an investment. Large roll up doors in rear of building for easy access and loading.

Parking lot. Great location. 212062721.

Dawn Williams DawnWilliams.skbk.com 248-390-0283

Maria Constante MariaConstante.skbk.com 313-460-4413

BUSINESS MATTERS Bistro expanding What Crepe? will be expanding at 172 N. Old Woodward in downtown Birmingham and, by demand, opened

a new location in Ann Arbor on Saturday, December 15. “We're doing small renovations. When we opened, we didn't get a bistro license out of the box,” owner and founder Paul Jenkins Jr. said about the Birmingham location. With a bistro license, What Crepe? would “increase seating to be able to house more population,” Jenkins said. “There is already a bar built there, but we're building more of a functional bar.”

The expansion would add 14 additional seats and Jenkins is looking to build an outdoor deck which would add 16 seats.

If approved, 30 seats would be added to the 40 current seats. “It's our gift and curse. A lot of people don't want to wait that 45 minutes.

Some people don't mind it because they know our product is worth the wait,” he said. “We would be able to service a lot faster than we do now.”

The dining menu will stay the same and the drink menu would introduce French and European wines, cocktails and a handcrafted “mocktail” list.

“There is a demand by people who don't drink. Mocktails look and feel like a great cocktail but there is no alcohol in them. We have really cool handcrafted drinks too,” Jenkins said.

LV8 Communications LV8 Communications moved September 1 from Grosse Pointe Woods to Birmingham at 1050 N. Adams Road, Suite 4. President Tom Nixon said, “It is a full spectrum marketing and communications company. We offer traditional public relations to brand strategy to branding to social media, digital marketing, website development and SEO. When I say full spectrum, it is full spectrum for companies marketing and communications needs.”

Nixon launched the company in his hometown of Grosse Pointe on June 1, 2012, after working at Identity Marketing and Public downtownpublications.com

Relations for 14 years. “I found an office space near my house while I determined where I wanted to be long term. In the first two to three months, I had the need to hire the first employees. I grew out of the first office space in Grosse Pointe and evaluated where it was I wanted to be. I chose Birmingham because I feel like it's the new center of it all from a business standpoint. Certainly downtown is the heart of the metro area.”

Nixon said LV8 Communications focuses on doing business with southeast Michigan companies in Detroit, Southfield, Rochester and other cities. “I feel like Birmingham is centrally located to all of that. I had a couple of clients in Birmingham when I started. It's the most opportunistic and sensible place to open my business. I love being in and near downtown Birmingham. I feel like it has a big city, urban feel with small town sensibility.” Nixon said he is following in the footsteps of his grandfather John Verbiest. “He left a company years ago to start his own company. He set up shop in downtown Birmingham and called it home for his entire career.”

Eclectic gift shop opens Fun Stuff! opened in October at 725 S. Adams Road in Suite 104 at Adams Square Shopping Center in

We're the only retailer in the Detroit area that carries her.” Kulak, who ran for the Birmingham City Commission about 10 years ago, currently operates the store by herself six days a week while her husband teaches at Cranbrook. “We have an Up North seasonal place. The store will be open all year round. Maybe next summer we'll open a seasonal store up north,” she said.

New remodeling store The Tile Shop opened a new store at 2063 Telegraph Road in the Gateway Shopping Center of Bloomfield

Azar's closing The owners of Azar's Oriental Rugs in downtown Birmingham are retiring and the store will be closing after 34 years of business. Owners Azar and Hormoz Alizadeh will begin their going out of business sale at 670 S. Old Woodward Avenue on Friday, January 4. “There are lot of rugs to go, so hopefully we see lots of our customers coming and seeing us,” Azar said. “We have worked here for 34 years in Birmingham and we had a wonderful, amazing time here and lots of good repeat customers. It's time for us to rest a little. We work seven days a week. The decision didn't come easy but it's time for us to say goodbye.” The Alizadehs will enjoy spending time with family in their free time. “We have three kids in different states; each one is in a different state. We want to enjoy grandchildren and read and relax and do community service.”

Azar said the space has been leased to a Danish modern furniture store, BoConcept, which will move in sometime this spring.

Health store opens

Birmingham. Owner and “Chief Fun Officer” Denise Kulak describes her 200 square foot shop as a whimsical eclectic mix of gifts. “I like it to be a neighborhood pocket type shop,” she said. Kulak started the store in a barn in northern Michigan “just for fun”.

She now occupies a space where the village optician was located for 42 years. “I live four blocks from here. I wanted something close to home that wasn't too big, so I found this space and it was perfect.”

Fun Stuff! offers everything from puppets made in Ferndale to “growable greetings”, which are recycled paper cards made with seeds in them that you can plant. The store also carries handmade clay jewelry made by a local artist. “It's really fun and whimsical.

sports nutrition, herbs, minerals and also an assortment of non-GNC branded items.”

A new GNC (General Nutrition Center) store opened at 2207 S. Telegraph Road in the Bloomfield Town Square shopping center of Bloomfield Township. Owner and franchisee Dennis Moushmoulian also owns the nearby GNC store on Telegraph and Maple at 6614 Telegraph Road in the Bloomfield Plaza shopping center in Bloomfield Township. “I opened that in 1996, and then opened up this one October 31, 2012. At the time when I opened up the store, I was actually working for a business and working out at the same time and going to the gym. After I did some research, I decided that this was the business to be in, and it has been a positive experience ever since,” he said. “We're here to service the community. We have a nice selection of GNC branded supplements including vitamins,

DOWNTOWN

Township. “It will be our fifth store in the greater Detroit area,” marketing director Megan Hoy said. “We wanted to supplement our other locations and fill the gap a little bit around the Detroit market. The Detroit market actually does phenomenally well. The Ann Arbor store is our highest selling store in the country, and that was a lot of the reason for wanting to expand.” Hoy said the market is really receptive to remodeling and home improvement.

“The biggest factor for opening another location was a big demand for home improvement, and a big gap between Sterling Heights and Farmington. Filling in that gap helps us put our stamp all around the metro area.”

The Tile Shop has locations all over the country and is headquartered in Minneapolis. The store, located on Telegraph north of Square Lake, is a large retail tile shop that caters to the homeowner and doit-yourself clients. Hoy said The Tile Shop aims to guide home improvement projects and offers everything from extremely high-end tiles to custom stone pieces. “All associates are trained on the product and its application and design combinations and are also very knowledgable about the installation process,” she said. The Tile Shop also features fully furnished rooms and displays at their Bloomfield Township location. “It's one thing to look at a loose piece of tile or display board but seeing it in a space really helps visualize the finished products.” Free do-it-yourself classes will be offered every Saturday at 9:30 a.m.

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.

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THE PERFECT BITE

A T T H E P E R F E C T P R I C E.

Join us for two fabulous weeks of quality dining at Birmingham’s finest restaurants. It’s an experience you’ll never forget. Bon appétit! As always, the first two hours in the parking decks are free.

For more info, visit BirminghamRestaurantWeek.org

January 28 - February 1 & February 4-8, 2013 Three Course Lunch $15, Three Course Dinner $30

Birmingham Restaurant Week is partnering with Forgotten Harvest to raise money to feed those in need in Metro Detroit.

Just $5 is enough to provide 25 nutritious meals. Learn about how you can support Forgotten Harvest inside participating restaurants.

ForgottenHarvest.org

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DOWNTOWN

01.13

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, Monday-Saturday.

Reservations.

Liquor.

220 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.2150.

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

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

248.865.9300.

Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42805 Woodward Ave., Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.499.6867.

Barrio Tacos & Tequila: Mexican. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 203 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.6060.

Beau Jacks: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.626.2630.

Bella Piatti: Italian. Dinner, TuesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 167 Townsend, Birmingham, 48009.

248.494.7110.

Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, MondaySaturday. 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

FINE DINING

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.

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

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FOCUS ON WINE Winter’s a perfect time to enjoy red wine

vignes). The Homage de Jacques Perrin is a special reserve of red Chateauneuf-du-Pape made only in the best vintages.

By Eleanor and Ray Heald

Recommended wines: Chateauneuf-du-Pape Blanc 2010 $105, features aromas of white flowers and notes of peach and honey. Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rouge 2009, $110.

Grenache gives fruit and juicy character while mourvedre lends structure, backbone and aging potential.

Compared to Chateau de Beaucastel, Chateau de la Font de Loup is a small producer, but with excellent wines emphasizing elegance. The vineyards are planted on the famous Plateau de la Crau with sandy soil and pebbles.

Owner Anne-Charlotte Bachas explained, “My great-grandfather purchased Font de Loup in 1938. The original vineyard is planted to grenache, syrah, mourvedre and cinsault.

In 1995, my father bought a second vineyard parcel planted to old vine grenache. Our white varieties include grenache blanc, roussanne, clairette and bourboulenc. Our vineyards are located on one of the highest positions in Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

“We are not certified organic because organic allows the use of copper [in the form of copper sulfate] and I do not want to use copper because it is not good for the earth. I use a product that is 100 percent biodegradable.

hateauneuf-du-Pape is one of the world’s great red wines, grown and made in the southern Rhone Valley of France, dominated by grenache, but blended with up to a dozen additional red grape varieties. Chateauneufdu-Pape is also a place name and translates as the “Pope’s country house.”

In 1305, Clement V, a Frenchman, was elected Pope, yet refused to reside in Rome. In 1309, he moved his court to Avignon. For the next 67 years, seven Popes reigned in what was known as the Avignon Papacy. In 1316, Clement V was succeeded by Pope John XXII who erected the castle (country house) which remains the symbol of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation.

With 240 vineyard acres, Chateau de Beaucastel is one of largest producers of Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Standing in the vineyard, one is literally blown away by the Mistral, a very strong wind that blows down the Rhone Valley. The Mistral dries the vines after a rain and reduces the chance for disease. It is so strong that it can break vineyard canes. This is why the vines are planted very close to the ground.

One also notes the proliferation of large, smooth rocks that blanket the ground. They range from fist to football size and tumbled down the valley during the glacier period. During the day, the rocks absorb heat that is released at night. The welldrained vineyards are all dry-farmed and receive only 2428 inches of rain per year.

Although the history of Chateau de Beaucastel dates to the 17th century, Pierre Perrin took over in 1909, followed by his son, Jacques, who is credited with advancing its reputation. In 1964, he adopted organic viticulture and was one of the very first French estates to use it.

Since then, no chemical pesticides or herbicides have been used in the vineyard. In 1978, Jacques’ two sons Jean-Pierre and Francois took over the business. Today, their seven children carry on the tradition of great wines from Chateauneuf-du-Pape.

Jean-Pierre’s son Marc explained, “Organic is the only way to grow grapes which really have a sense of place.

The soil is lively and not compacted, so roots grow deep into soil layers. We also believe in old vines, low yields, deep roots, no irrigation and blending using all 13 allowed Chateauneuf-du-Pape grapes varieties. My grandfather decided to use a larger than customary portion of mourvedre (30 percent) in the blend.”

Although all 13 allowed grape varieties are used to make Chateau de Beaucastel rouge, the principal grape varieties are grenache, mourvedre, counoise and syrah.

The Beaucastel blanc uses six varieties, including 80 percent roussanne plus grenache blanc, bourboulenc, clairette, picpoul and picardan. A special white cuvée contains 100 percent roussanne from old vines (vieille

C

reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301.

248.203.9111.

Hunter House Hamburgers: American.

Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4369.

98

Recommended wines: Chateau de la Font de Loup Blanc 2010, $53.

Grenache blanc gives structure, roussanne offers peach, honey and floral aromas while clairette adds flowers and bourboulenc freshness. Chateau de la Font de Loup Rouge 2010, $43.

Grenache gives structure, syrah contributes color and violet aromas, mourvedre offers tannins and length and cinsault adds freshness and licorice notes. Font de Loup Le Puy Rolland 2011, $49 is 100 percent old vine grenache with a distinctive raspberry character.

Winter Wine Picks Pick of the pack: 2009 Bogle Essential Red $11 Outstanding pinot noir 2010 Sea Smoke “Ten” $82 and “Southing” $59 2010 Williams Selyem Pinot Noirs: Burt Williams’ Morning Dew Ranch $75, Precious Mountain Vineyard $94 and Estate $100 Flavor-packed whites 2011 Pierre Sparr (Alsace) Gewurztraminer $17 2011 Pierre Sparr Pinot Blanc $15 2011 Martin Codax Rias Baixas Albarino $15 2010 Sea Smoke Chardonnay $59 Great cabernet sauvignon under $35 2009 Kenwood Jack London $30 2010 Rodney Strong Alexander Valley $28 – excellent value 2008 Dry Creek Vineyard Meritage (Bordeaux-style blend) $28 2008 Arrowood $30 2010 Chappellet Cervantes Mountain Cuvée $32 -- elegant Bordeaux-style blend.

Eleanor & Ray Heald have contributed to numerous international publications including the Quarterly Review of Wines. Contact them by e-mail at focusonwine@aol.com.

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, 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 &

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Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051.

Max & Erma’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor.

250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.1188.

Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.3663.

Mountain King: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 469 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2913.

New Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai.

Breakfast, Monday-Thursday; Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. 183 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.2181.

Northern Lakes Seafood Co.: Seafood.

Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

No 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 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.

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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.

Tokyo Sushi & Grill: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 225 E. Maple Rd., Birmingham, 48009.

248.258.6501.

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.

Whistle Stop Cafe: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Friday.

No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.5588.

Zazios: Italian.

Dinner daily.

Reservations.

Liquor.

34977 Woodward Ave, Birmingham, 48009.

Phone: 248.530.6400.

Zumba Mexican Grille: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, Daily. No Reservations. 163 W. Maple Rd., Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.2775.

AT THE TABLE Meeting House in Rochester: simple, seasonal, good cooking

By Eleanor Heald

W

hat are the chances? A three-year-old learns to handle pasta dough from his great-grandmother.

Thirty years later, after earning an Oakland Community College culinary degree, working under chefs Steve Allen and Rocky Rachwitz at Steve & Rocky’s in Novi, then nine years with the Roberts Restaurant Group, rising to Executive Chef of Roadside B&G in Bloomfield Township, Chris Johnson partners with 34-year-old Jason Mood in their new Rochester eatery, The Meeting House. It opened December 4, 2012.

The partners met when both worked at Beverly Hills Grill. “For four years,” says general manager Mood, “we entertained the idea of our own restaurant. Because Chris was born, raised and now lives with his family in Rochester, this city was on our radar.”

It’s easy to note that both partners are passionate about food perspectives with the cornerstones of great food and warm hospitality.

Three wood fired pizzas offer a casual note. Chef Johnson has developed the wood fired oven into more than a way to cook pizzas. Fire roasting and smoking of other items create unique flavors.

Cheeseburger aficionados get a choice of Swiss, Gouda, Chevre, Tillamook or Fresh Mozzarella, $10.

Veggie Burger, $9, is black bean, brown rice and vegetables. Both come with chips, fries, veggies or fruit.

Mains for Main Street Eight main dishes include what is apparently an early favorite – Steak Frites, $22. I’ve learned from many chefs, including Jacques Pépin, how to judge really good food. “You can rate a restaurant on the roast chicken,” they say.

They’re spot on. Lightly Smoked Chicken Breast, $18, is a Meeting House winner.

The full spectrum, $18-$26, includes Fish & Chips, Ravioli, Braised Beef Short Ribs, Littleneck Clam Linguine, Shrimp & Grits, and 7-oz filet.

Finishing Touches Like the menu, the wine list focuses on well-known varietals and avoids the obscure.

No plonk here as prices $28$100 reflect. On tap beers showcase three from Michigan.

Also highlighted are local producers supplying food products.

All desserts and breads are house made. If I can only have one, what should I order, Chef Johnson? His favorite is Banana Pudding in a neat presentation, $4.

Ambiance Patrick Thompson of PTD Design in Detroit masterfully captured a somewhat zencentric setting with touches of vibrance captured by red arm chairs at four-top tables, against an essentially black background, highlighting Lightly smoked chicken breast, maple basted spaghetti squash, baby carrots snap peas sage (gf). Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent blond wood tabletops. Tables The Meeting House, 301 S. for two line a wall and offer Main Street (at corner of seating flexibility.

Third), Rochester, 248.759.4825. Tuesday through Although modern, it’s easy to catch glimpses of an Thursday 4-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday until 11p.m. original 1887 building brought to life in the 21st Century. Sunday 4-9 p.m. Parking: street and surface lots behind It’s simple, classic, comfortable, and current. the restaurant.

It creates the perfect backdrop for the “simple, seasonal, good American cooking,” Chef Johnson brings to the QUICK BITES table. “I want our menu to be approachable with sophis- The American Culinary Foundation’s Michigan Chefs de tication and refinement.”

Cuisine Association announced that the Michigan Culinary Olympic Team returned home from the 23rd International What’s on the menu?

Culinary Art Exhibition (aka Culinary Olympics) with more Avoiding the well-worn categories using French terms medals than any other state in the U.S. The competition feasuch as entrée incorrectly, Meeting House dubs appetizers tured over 1,600 talented chefs from more than 50 countries suitable for sharing, “Smalls & Such.” Here, tasty stuff has a to showcase their respective culinary skills. The Michigan balanced price point, $4-$9. Chicken Wings are cold smoked chefs garnered three Gold Medals, one Silver and three and wood roasted, garnished with white truffle oil, toasted Bronze. “We represented the Detroit Metro area, Michigan, garlic, and parmesan. Fire-roasted Wild Mushrooms are and the entire U.S.,” says Randy Smith, CEC, manager of the enhanced by roasted garlic and goat cheese. Littleneck 2012 team and executive chef of Walnut Creek Country Clams are enlivened by cooking in white wine and finished Club, South Lyon. “We used products grown, raised, processed and manufactured in our Great Lakes state, with smoked paprika butter.

Daily seasonal soup specials are offered by the cup or emphasizing that Michigan is home to some of the greatest bowl. Traditional salads are small while main course size are products and chefs in the world.” creative. Grilled Flat Iron Steak is accompanied by a corn tortilla, avocado and blue cheese dressing, $14. Apple Cider Eleanor Heald is a nationally published writer who also writes the wine column in a double byline with her husband Ray for Pulled Chicken Salad highlights crushed hazelnuts, Fuji Downtown. Suggestions for Quick Bites can be e-mailed to apple, mixed greens with Michigan maple dressing, $12.

Quickbites@downtownpublications.com.

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THE COMMUNITY HOUSE TCH Shining Brightly in 2013 We have some “shining news” to report in the New Year at The Community House: • A Shiny New Look at the House: Come see our elegant and fresh new décor at TCH, including a lighter color palette of beautifully painted taupe walls - and in March, new carpeting throughout the entire main floor of taupe, sage green, tan and cream colors. The House not only looks brighter and bigger, but everyone looks even more beautiful as soon as they step inside! Please stop by to see the first phase of our new look.

• Artists in Residence: To complement the new look of “the community’s house,” starting in January TCH will proudly display beautiful art created by juried Michigan artists in parts of the main floor. All of the art will be for sale, and will benefit TCH with a 35 percent donation to the House with each sale.

The art will rotate when pieces are sold, or every two years. We want to showcase the best of the best as much as we can, and our new “artists in residence” program is a shining example of doing just that.

Camille Jayne

• ECC Gets 5 STAR Rating: TCH proudly announces that our Early Childhood Center received a 5 Star rating from the state of Michigan’s new “Great Start to Quality Awards” rating system. Of the almost 4,000 centers that have been rated, only 66 received a 4 or 5 star rating; and our ECC is the only one in Birmingham to receive a 5 STAR rating. All program sites were graded by a Program Quality Assessment® assessor. Another shining example of the excellent service that TCH provides the community!

• Senior Men’s Club A Shining Example: Men 55 years plus, retired or not, should know about the Senior Men’s Club (SMC) sponsored by TCH. SMC no longer requires members to be retired. They believe it is important for professional men to foster relationships and friendships before they retire to help with the transition into retirement, which can be difficult for some. Because of the impressive membership, they attract extremely sought after speakers, making the weekly lunch meetings educational and informative experiences.

An investment group featuring guest speakers, bridge playing and travel outings are other great benefits of SMC. Other happenings at TCH: Robert deMaine at Classical Brunch Concert – Sunday, Jan. 13th: Enjoy TCH Artistic Director, Robert deMaine, playing with violinist Benjamin Beilman’s “handsome technique, burnished sound and quiet confidence…,” The New York Times. On February 17th hear the DSO’s new Concertmaster, Yooshin-Song, performing with beloved Detroit-area pianist, Pauline Martin.

Bulletproof Your Success™ Professional Development Lecture Series Wednesday, Feb. 13th Lecture: “Networking to Build Productive, 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 at: www.tchbulletproof.org.

Vintage Tea & Jewelry Sale – Saturdaty, 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.

TCH Annual Gala & 90th Birthday Party – March 16th: Celebrate TCH’s 90th birthday at our black tie Annual Gala on March 16th. The Gala is our main fundraiser for our three Youth Development programs serving At-Risk Youth and Children in Need. We proudly honor family business owner and philanthropist Linda Orlans, founder of eTitle Agency and a great supporter of programs that help underserved children. Presenting sponsor, Bank of Birmingham; VIP Reception sponsor, Greenleaf Trust. Tickets: $250; Preferred Seating Tables of eight: $2,000; General Tables of eight: $1,600.

Travel to Las Vegas Act Now! – March 23-26: Three nights at the fabulous Bellagio Hotel. Package includes air, hotel, transfers and insurance. Double $799/person; Single $985/person.

Go to www.tchserves.org to sign up for any of the above, or call 248.644.5832.

Camille Jayne is President & CEO of TCH. downtownpublications.com

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

Christ Child Society’s Night of Angels

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1. Anniversary co-chair Pam Gray (left) of Bloomfield with event chair Laurie Keziah and Lanie Cosgrove of Birmingham. 2. Hall & Hunter’s Brad and Julia Wolf of Birmingham and Ryan Wolf of Royal Oak, who accepted the Mary Virginia Merrick Award on behalf of their father Dennis Wolf. 3. CCS president Shondell Patterson (left) of Huntington Woods, anniversary cochair Carolyn Mergel of Lake Orion, and Amy Zimmer of Bloomfield. 4. Gwen North (left), Katie Parks, Patsy Flynn and Maureen Cosgrove of Bloomfield.

5. Doreen and Tom Lasorda of Birmingham. 6. Wendy Leonard and Robert Stewart of Bloomfield.

7. Theresa Bash (left) of Bloomfield and committee member Kelly Parent of Birmingham. 8. Janet Kavanaugh (left) of Bloomfield and Jody Jennings of Beverly Hills. 9. Lisa Halsted (center) of Bloomfield with Amy Franklin (left) and Bonnie Foley of Birmingham. 10. Bill Wogh of Clarkston and committee member Madelon Ward of Bloomfield.

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Christ Child Society’s Night of Angels Sally Gerak The Detroit Christ Child Society culminated its centennial celebration at the annual Night of Angels auction, dinner and dancing gala. It attracted 220 to Oakland Hills Country Cub where Hall & Hunter’s Dennis Wolf was honored, in absentia, with the society’s annual award named after founder Mary Virginia Merrick. In 1887, she established an organization dedicated to serving needy children “…for the love of the Christ Child.” It now has chapters nationwide. The Detroit chapter’s Christ Child House for at-risk boys is its most visible project, but among other things members also conduct a literacy program and, like Merrick, assemble layettes for needy new mothers. Before dinner, party guests bid more than $52,000 in the silent auction. The live auction generated another $46,250, including the $12,000 bid for a private jet trip for six to the Kentucky Derby. The candy-filled apothecary jar centerpieces illustrated the party theme - Making Lives Sweeter for 100 years – and also sold for $60. This brought the evening’s net profit to $110,000.

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Congregation Shaarey Zedek’s 150th Anniversary The same night the above-mentioned CCS was concluding the celebration of its 100th anniversary in Detroit, 1,000 members of Congregation Shaarey Zedek capped off its 150th year as a Conservative Jewish house of prayer and learning and a community gathering place. After various locations in Detroit, the present synagogue overlooking I-696 in Southfield was completed in 1962 and named in the San Francisco Examiner as one of the top 10 breathtaking places of worship in the United States. Its members have included generals, U.S. congressmen, the former ambassador to Norway, and internationally known philanthropists. Suzi Terebelo chaired the Ultimate Party, which transformed the iconic building into a nightclub where members of all ages, 21-95-years old, toasted their love for this cornerstone of Detroit’s Jewish community. Her committee incorporated every available space to create a cocktail bar, the Hank Greenberg Sports Lounge, and clubs for all musical tastes. Quality Kosher Catering wowed the crowd with ten themed food stations including a sushi bar. The evening was topped off with a bang – fireworks announcing the endless dessert bar.

Beaumont Foundation’s Heart to Heart And speaking of anniversaries, Regis Philbin was the star of Beaumont Foundation’s celebration of the Ministrelli Women’s Heart Center’s 10th anniversary. Heart to Heart 2012 attracted 335 people to the Andiamo Italia Showroom in Warren where Philbin cajoled good sports to cavort with him on stage. The entire audience then sang along with Philbin and the Johnny Trudell Orchestra and gave the legendary entertainer a standing ovation. The dinner party, thanks to generous sponsors like Mercedes Benz of Bloomfield Hills and Reino Linen Service, raised $135,000 for the heart center which was the gift of Florine and Peter Ministrelli.

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CCS Art of Wine Auction The 31st annual Detroit International Wine Auction, held for the first time at the GM Design Center, attracted more than 500 guests.

It was chaired by General Motors Global Design vice president Ed Welburn and his wife Rhonda. Not only did Welburn’s company host the event, but GM also gave the Center for Creative Studies

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$180,000 to support automotive design education and training. This brought the event total to $1.5 million for the student scholarship fund and Community Arts Partnerships.

Currently 98 percent of CCS students receive financial aid, and last year CAP provided free art and design education to more than 4,000 school children in Detroit. As always, the Featured Vintner’s Grand Lot was the hit of the auction, fetching $30,000 for two lucky travelers to tour Spain in VIP style.

JARC’s Annual Fall Fundraiser Some 3,000 supporters of JARC’s mission – service to people with disabilities - joined event leaders Lindsay Dembs, David Haron, Janis Shulman and Sharon Eisenshtadt at the sold out 32nd annual JARC fall fundraiser. Always a theatrical, this year they brought the internationally, critically acclaimed “CIRQUE DREAMS Enchanted Evening” to Detroit’s Fox Theatre. The pre-glow event for young adults in the Dream Lounge also sold out (300). Before the Cirque show, everybody applauded the premiere of “JARC For A Lifetime.”

It was produced by Evolution Media’s Fran Victor and Bill Harder. Thanks to many generous loyalists, the event raised $1.2 million toward JARC’s $1.4 million end-of-year goal.

Congregation Shaarey Zedek’s 150th Anniversary

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2 1. Event chair Suzi Terebelo (left) and Leypsa Groner of Southfield with Bill & Madge Berman of Franklin. 2. Officers Jeri Fishman (left) of Southfield, Steve Margolin of Orchard Lake and Mary Knoll of Bloomfield. 3. Kari (left) and Eddie Alterman of Franklin with Roberta and Emery Grosinger of Bloomfield.

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Equilibrium’s Plie for Shades of Pink Equilibrium Studio owner Nancy Hodari hosted a fundraiser for the Shades of Pink Foundation which gives needy women financial support during breast cancer treatment. She not only donated the Extend Barre class fees to the foundation, but also matched or doubled it if participants wore pink costumes or a pink tutu. The class sold out (20) enabling the studio to donate $800 to Shades of Pink.

Art Museum’s NEW (...and Then) Again More than 250 art lovers frolicked in the restored galleries at the Cranbrook Art Museum at the CAM fall fundraiser.

They bought all 20 of the silent auction items - work donated by art academy grads- and lined up to have their picture taken in the on-site photo booth.

Guests could and did buy (for $250 each) the very tables where they dined on artful Forte Belanger cuisine like pumpkin risotto, deconstructed French onion soup, and for dessert, hot donuts and hummer-like apple cider milk shakes. Other amusements included music by bands of Cranbrook grads, an interactive performance by Tom Friel (CAM ’11), and dancing into the night.

Among the guests was photographer downtownpublications.com

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3 1. Regis Philbin (left) with co-chairs Lois & Mark Shaevsky of Bloomfield.

2. Dr. Marc and Meryl Sakwa of Bloomfield.

3. Bob Ciraulo of Franklin and event co-chair Ellen Rogers of Birmingham.

4. Mixie and Geoff Hockman Birmingham.

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CCS Art of Wine Auction

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1. Fair Radom (left), GM’s Vivian Pickard and Jessie Elliot of Bloomfield. 2. Steven Miesowicz of Birmingham and Irma Elder of Bloomfield.

3. Past event chairs Tom Celani and Vicki Celani of Bloomfield.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Alec Soth, whose exhibition – “From Here to There: Alec Soth’s America” opened a week later. It included results of a road trip he took across Michigan in the weeks preceding the presidential election. Event proceeds, including the sale of tickets ($250 and up) were earmarked for the CAM education programs. The Soth exhibition runs through March 30, 2013.

Art Museum’s NEW (...and Then) Again

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1. Maggie (left) and Bob Allesee (right) of Bloomfield with CAM director Greg Wittkopp of Pleasant Ridge and acclaimed photographer Alec Soth of Minneapolis, MN. 2. Judge Avern (left) and Lois Cohn of Birmingham, Gary Fried of Detroit and committee member Janice Steinhardt of Birmingham. 3. Committee member Maxine Frankel (left) of Bloomfield with Patti and Jonathon Holtzman of Orchard Lake. 4. Alex May (left) and Bonnie Larson of Bloomfield. 5. Megan and, holding five-month old Cadence, Chris Ulrich, of Birmingham. 6. Karen Swanson (left), Bob Zeigelman and Lillian Zonars of Bloomfield. 7. Sandy Seligman (left) of Birmingham and Brenda Rosenberg of Bloomfield. 8. Tadd Heidgerken (left) of Detroit and committee member Benjamin Teague of Bloomfield. 9. Deborah Meyer (left) of Birmingham and Lynn Gillow of Beverly Hills. 10. Phillip Morii (left) and Joe Nieradka of Sylvan Lake with Doug and Barbara Bloom of Birmingham.

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Beaumont’s Cunnington Center Reception

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4 1. Tom (left) and Laurie Cunnington of Birmingham and designer Pamela McCarthy of Bloomfield. 2. Patrick, Dena, Patrick, Jr. and Amelia Cunington of Bloomfield. 3. Anna Whiteside (right) with Steve (left), Renee and Ryan Reed of Bloomfield. 4. Neena (left) and Shirk Mehta, Irma Elder and Nadia and Sam Simon of Bloomfield. 5. Dr. Norman Pritchard (left) of Bloomfield with Kelly and Rod Hillman of Royal Oak. 6. Sandy Morrison (left) of Bloomfield with Dr. Leonard and Barbara Glinski of Farmington Hills. 7. Bob and Kathleen Storen of Royal Oak with Debbie Schrot of Birmingham.

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Beaumont’s Cunnington Center Reception Nearly 150 friends of Tom and Laurie Cunnington joined them and Beaumont Foundation supporters at the reception recognizing their generous gift of $1 million to establish the Cunnington Family Comprehensive Lung Cancer Center within Beaumont’s Rose Cancer Center in Royal Oak. The couple’s trademark hospitality accented the gathering before and after the brief program. It featured remarks from grateful Beaumont big wigs as well as Tom and Laurie. Tom read from the new patients’ pamphlet he wrote because he wanted them to know he survived stage four lung cancer and they can, too “…with good medicine and God.” Laurie added, “Tom’s cancer taught us so many things… (including) that the best place for treatment was right here in our back yard. ” She also saluted designer Pamela McCarthy’s work that makes the center a bright, cheerful and comforting space. Many guests toured the high tech center which will officially open in January 2013.

Style Through the Ages Luncheon Nearly 300 turned out at Somerset Inn for the Ladies of Charity’s luncheon and fashion-show-with- a-twist. The fashions were vintage and worn by both some guests and 30 models on the runway. Event chair Dorothy Perrota and fashion historian Angela Tomczyk (100 Years of Fashion) provided fascinating background on the member models and the fashions. Highlights included Lee Kendell wearing her grandmother’s 1941 wedding gown, Lorraine McLaughlin wearing her mother’s 1948 mother-of-the-bride dress, and clothing from the 1800s modeled by Mary Glynn, Vivian Norton and Lynn Martin. Tomczyk’s commentary about such topics as the fashion dowry of mail order brides was especially entertaining. A silent auction and Chinese raffle raised nearly $7,000, bringing the event total to more than $15,000 to help the LoC serve those at risk through projects like its upcoming Christmas Basket program that distributes food and gifts to needy families.

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Re-opening of the Maple Theatre benefit Jon and Lauren Goldstein opened their newly renovated Maple Theatre with a party benefiting Variety, The Children’s Charity. Some 350 attended and ohhed and ahhed the makeover, socialized, sipped and supped on Matt Prentice cuisine. They then saw the movie “The Sessions” and seemed to agree with the rave reviews it is getting.

The evening netted $12,000 for Variety.

Leader Dogs for the Blind’s reception Leader Dogs for the Blind hosted a social for 60 donors and potential donors at The Reserve. The CPA firm Fenner, Melstrom & Dooling sponsored the event that offered food, spirits and blindfold walks with a Leader Dog. Of the latter, Liz Sellers said, “The dog actually pulls you…It’s intimidating but liberating.” The evening also featured very inspirational remarks by two Leader Dog owners and an impromptu by board member Lon Grossman who declared that 30 years ago Leader Dogs gave his (blind) father respect and mobility. Following the event at the Reserve, Sellers had three Leader Dog pups in training and their raisers on hand for the Fusion premiere cocktail hour event at her Dean Sellers Ford car dealership. She reports that they were a big hit with the 234 people who, in exchange for a donation to Leader Dogs, came in to check out the 2013 Fusion. Lead in the Holidays, Leader Dogs’ annual gala fundraiser, also followed the social. It attracted more than 500 to the Palazzo Grande for gourmet cuisine, live and silent auctions, a puppy parade and blindfold walks. The event raised more than $220,000 to help the organization empower visually-impaired people.

Go Red For Women Premiere Party More than 200 gals and guys from all walks of life trekked to The Community House for the American Heart Association’s dance party designed to generate enthusiasm for heart health.

The evening featured hustle lessons from Two Left Feet and country line dancing with Ashleigh from Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Fox2’s Roop Raj emceed the program that included compelling survivor stories from Susie Dubin, Michael Vanover and Tanya Hughes and the premiere of the 10th anniversary Go Red video. The 10th annual Go Red For Women Luncheon is Friday, Feb. 15 at the MGM Grand.

Health screenings, exhibits and the Personality Silent Auction begin at 9 a.m. The luncheon follows at noon. For tickets ($175), go to www.detroitgoredforwomen.org. downtownpublications.com

Style Through the Ages Luncheon

2 1. LoC president Mary Glantz (left) of Lake Angelus and committee member Lynn Martin of Bloomfield. 2. Angela Tomczyk (center) of Davisburg with event chair Dorothy Perrotta (left) and co-chair Kim McInerney of Bloomfield. 3. Dr. Auggie Perrotta (center) with long time LoC members Mary Steffanina (left) and Rita Schmaltz of Bloomfield. 4. Sandy Mackle (left) and Mary Lou Sullivan of Bloomfield.

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Re-opening of the Maple Theatre benefit

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1. Event hosts Jon and Lauren Goldstein of Bloomfield. 2. Felicia (left) and Ed Shaw with Jim Barnett of Birmingham. 3. Sally (left) and Julie Marx of Bloomfield. 4. Karla Sherry (left) and Pamela Ayres of Bloomfield.

Leader Dogs for the Blind’s reception

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1. Speakers Laura Craig (left) of Birmingham with her dog Caitlan and her sister Kathy Craig of Waterford and Jim Platzer now of Fort Wayne, IN with his dog Mica. 2. Event sponsor FMD’s John Melstrom (standing) of Birmingham and his partners Mark Schroeder (left) of Clarkston, Mike Gottshall of Rochester Hills and Len Gayeski of Almont. 3. Board member Lon Grossman (left) of Bloomfield with Rod Hamline and event sponsor Brian Hunter of Rochester and Michael Serra of Holly.

Go Red For Women Premiere Party

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1. Premiere Party Event chair Tayna Hughes (left) of Macomb with Bonnie Jobe and Mary Pantely of Bloomfield. 2. Keith Mobley (left) of Birmingham, Passion committee chair Therese Peace of Farmington Hills and her husband Michael Agboh of Farmington Hills. 3. Carol Lewis (left) of Bloomfield with her mother Dolly Lewis and twin sister Cheryl Seprino of W. Bloomfield.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Angels’ Place Anniversary Gala

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1. Cardinal Adam Maida (center) of Plymouth with AP cofounders Loretta Nagle Ryan (left) of Bloomfield and Annemarie Lopez of Birmingham. 2. AP co-founder Rosemary Kelly (right) and her husband Dan with Barbara and John Tierney of Bloomfield. 3. Emcee WDIV’s Chuck Gaidica (left) of Northville, AP CEO Cheryl Loveday of Pontiac and event chair Ted Pearse of Bloomfield. 4. AP co-founder Margaret Maxwell of Bloomfield and her daughter Mary Anne. 5. Doug (left) and Gwen North with Nora and Schuyler Hamill of Bloomfield. 6. Molly (left), Pat and Cathy McQueen of Bloomfield. 7. Nancy (left) and Michael Smith of Bloomfield and Joslin Crowe of Bingham Farms. 8. Cheri and Chuck Taunt of Bloomfield. 9. Beth (left), Jane and Bev Moore of Bloomfield. 10. Nancy Grace (left), Pat Hurlbert, Colleen Monahan and Val Conway of Bloomfield.

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Same Sky Foundation Fundraiser A cocktail hour trunk show of jewelry attracted some 50 friends of the hosts - Nada Simon, Marybeth Howe and Beth Brockman - to the Birmingham Atlas Oil office to socialize and shop. The jewelry is notable because its design is inspired by Mary Fisher and made by HIV-positive women in Africa struggling to lift themselves out of poverty. These survivors of the Rwandan 1994 genocide work in a collective, share stories, empower each other and make their living producing jewelry. Each stunning piece represents one woman’s fight for survival and prosperity. The trunk show raised $10,000 for the Same Sky Foundation, the non-profit that supports the mission. For more information, go to www.samesky.com.

Angels’ Place Anniversary Gala Nearly 600 supporters of Angels’ Place attended the celebration at The Henry. Because it saluted the organization’s 20th anniversary, reflections reigned. Video congratulations came from George Will, whose 40-year-old son has Down syndrome and who was the speaker at three annual AP dinners.

A video by Alteris captured the founding mothers reminiscing about their vision for a place that would provide a Christian family environment and dignity for the life of people with developmental disabilities, long after their parents and caregivers were gone. There were standing ovations for the founders (Rosemary Kelly, Annemarie Lopez, Margaret Maxwell, Loretta Nagle Ryan, and, in memoriam, Peggy Prentice) and for the residents of the 20 AP homes. And the first board chair Jim Hurlbert evoked laughter when he noted the running argument that two of the residents still have over bragging rights about which one of them was “the first” resident. “Here’s to the miracle,” Hurlbert toasted, “…and the Lord’s going to guide us to 20 more years.” The event raised more than $225,000.

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Sky Foundation’s Benefit Luncheon

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1. Scott Moore (left) of Birmingham and foundation founder Sheila Kasselman of W. Bloomfield with researcher Dr. Michael Tainsky of Detroit. 2. Sponsors Bill (left) and Wendy Powers of Bloomfield and Dr. John Popovich of Birmingham. 3. Dave Cosgrove, Sr. (left) of Sylvan Lake and his sons Steve of Birmingham, Chris of Bloomfield and Dave, Jr. of Birmingham. 4. M.C. and Tom Chisholm of Birmingham. 7. Andy Anderson (standing) with Susan and Bob Blank and Chris Lamarche of Bloomfield.

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Sky Foundation’s Benefit Luncheon You know you are on the right track when you increase your fundraising event proceeds from $27,000 to $150,000 in four years. Such is the case with Sheila Kasselman’s Sky Foundation, the mission of which is to fund research to find an early blood marker for pancreatic cancer. More than 300 supporters attended the fourth annual foundation benefit, a Sunday luncheon at the Townsend.

Guests included pancreatic cancer survivors, their family members and 01.13

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Alzheimer’s Chocolate Jubilee in the D

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1. Featured speaker Hannah Johns (center) of Livonia with AA’s Dian Wilkins (left) of Beverly Hills and Gayle Burstein of Bloomfield. 2. Event chair Mary Wilson (left) of Grosse Pointe and honorary chairs Marlene and Bill Emerson of Bloomfield. 3. Becky and Gary Sakwa of Bloomfield Hills. 4. Event co-chairs Birmingham jeweler Richard Astrein (right) of Huntington Woods and Amyre Maksupson of Southfield with their spouses Walt Makupson and Debbie Astrien. 5. Patti Prowse, Lil Erdeljan and Lucia Zurkowski all of Bloomfield Hills.

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Fashion with Compassion

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1. Event co-chairs Barb Diles (left) of Bloomfield and Judith Zorn of Rochester Hills. Photos: Lynn Stinson. 2. Phylis Mazure with Judi Sherman of Bloomfield. 3. Models Camille Green (left) of Bloomfield and Chris Guardhouse of Birmingham. 4. Susie Sparks (left) and her daughter Hannah of Bloomfield. 5. Kathe Cameron (left) of Orchard Lake and Susan Krawczyk of Troy.

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The Community House’s House in Bloom

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1. Event chair/The China Closet’s Carolyn Hefner (left) of Beverly Hills and presenter Lisa’s Gift Wrappers’ Lisa Gleason of Troy. 2. Presenter Blossoms’ Dale Morgan (left) of Detroit with Ellen Rogers of Birmingham. 3. Presenters Jim Skuta and Ralph Bellisario of Bellisario Florist. 4. Susie Goodnow (left) of Grosse Pointe, former CEO of TCH Shelley Roberts of Birmingham and Jackie Sefferman of Bloomfield. 5. Joy DiCenso (left) of Bloomfield, Christine Provost of Birmingham and Janet Cummins of Bloomfield.

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family members of victims, including Dan Glosser, who lost his wife to pancreatic cancer and came from Pittsburgh to help the cause. A litany of victims’ names was poignant. So was a video in which the focus was life and hope. Kasselman, who is looking healthy in her symptom-free condition since her successful whipple surgery in 2007, was ecstatic that the foundation is nearing $1 million for research. “I’m all about awareness.

Dr. Tainsky is all about research,” she declared when she introduced Karmanos researcher Michael Tainsky. His update was scientific but concluded with something everyone applauded, “We’ll be tucking this cancer away pretty soon. “ For more information go to www.skyfoundationinc.org.

Alzheimer’s Chocolate Jubilee in the D The 27th annual Alzheimer’s Association Chocolate Jubilee, which attracted 944 to the MGM Grand, had a decidedly Detroit spin this year. The décor by Mandell Designs featured historic landmarks (Ren Cen, Eastern Market, Guardian Building). The dinner menu saluted traditions like The London Chop House (Doc Greene salad and Poncho sauce for the filet mignon), Joe Muer Seafood (crusted Walleye) and, for the vegans, meatless Polish cabbage rolls a la Hamtramck eateries. The Sun Messengers energized the dancers with classic Motown hits from Eminem, Kid Rock, Stevie Wonder and Bob Seger. Sweets included toffee, truffles, brownies and mini Sander’s hot fudge cream puffs, to name a few of the offerings from 17 generous exhibitors. The program also included highlights. Honorary chairs Marlene and Bill Emerson and Hannah Johns, 14, told their moving, personal caregiver stories. And Dian Wilkins, who has led the Greater Michigan AA Chapter since it was launched in 1982 and is retiring, received the award named after the doctor who first diagnosed Alzheimer’s disease in 1906. The event, chaired by Mary Wilson and sponsored by Quicken Loans, raised a record $1 million-plus to help build programs, raise awareness, expand advocacy efforts and support research to find a cure. The 2013 event is planned for Saturday, Nov. 2.

Fashion with Compassion When the Women of the Kirk (in the Hills church) were asked to clean out their closets for a cause, they responded with a passion, donating 16 packed racks of high quality career clothing 01.13

and boxes of shoes and accessories for Dress for Success Michigan. Then 90 of them came to the church refectory for a dinner and fashion show featuring some of the donations selected by Art Institute of Michigan retraining students. The students also dressed the 17 church members, who volunteered to model and the mannequins that decorated the hall. Following the show, DFS Michigan director Brenda Byrd explained how her organization provides interview appropriate attire to economically disadvantaged women and helps them succeed in the mainstream workplace.

Detroit Institute of Arts Fabergé Gala

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The Community House’s House in Bloom Highly regarded event planner Carolyn Hefner (Birmingham’s The China Closet) was a perfect chair for House in Bloom, a fundraiser for At-Risk Youth programs at TCH. It attracted 115 guests and featured entertaining tips and demonstrations from the talents at Blossoms, Lisa’s Gift Wrappers, Bellisano Florist, and 2 Unique Catering. The latter also catered the luncheon and shared some helpful culinary advice.

Detroit Institute of Arts Fabergé Gala Because “Fabergé: The Rise and Fall” was the featured exhibition, from the moment guests arrived at the Detroit Institute of Arts for the annual November gala fundraiser, the aesthetic accent was decidedly royal and Russian. Birmingham haberdasher Carl Sterr and his two Russian wolf hounds greeted guests at the top of the entrance stairs. Little ballerinas from Juliana’s Academy of Dance were poised in the lobby where snow covered trees suggested Russian winters. The ceiling of the Kresge Court was covered with Fabergé egg lookalikes and a pair of Porter domebacked chairs invited guests to rest aristocratically. Dinner tables in the Great Hall were dressed with luxurious plum colored velvet linens, gold candlesticks, vases filled with vibrant flowers, and opulent china on gold chargers. Even the dinner menu saluted the exhibition with Filet Stroganoff and Pinot Gris-infused Chevre Egg. The richness of the décor was also appropriate to the price people paid for tickets (320 at $2,500 and 210 at $600). Another 200 (at $125) joined the party after dinner, toured “Fabergé” and danced until the wee hours of the morning to the Jerry Ross band. The regal soiree grossed nearly $1 million.

“Fabergé: The Rise and Fall,” which features more than 200 precious objects from the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts and traces Fabergé’s rise to fame and privileged relationship with the Russian aristocracy, will be open through Jan. 21.

CARE House’s MasCAREade The Walter P. Chrysler Museum hosted 200 CARE House supporters, many of downtownpublications.com

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1. Event chairs Yvette Bing (left) of Detroit, Peggy Daitch of Birmingham and Fair Radom and Kim Reuss of Bloomfield. 2. Ethan (left) and Gretchen Davidson of Birmingham with Sandy and Alan Schwartz of Franklin. 3. Committee members Joy Nachman (left) of Bloomfield and Elyse Foltyn with husband David, and Roz Jacobson of Birmingham. 4. Rip (left) and committee member Elise Fisher Hayes, Walt and Sis Fisher, Mike and Yvonne Fisher McCready, and Greg and committee member Lauren Fisher of Bloomfield. 5. Committee member Gayle and Andrew Camden (center) of Grosse Pointe with Alison (left) and her mother committee member Linda Orlans of Birmingham. 6. Committee member Patti (left) and Jim Prowse and committee member Maureen and Jerry D’Avanzo of Bloomfield. 7. SFA’s Cheryl Hall Lindsay (left), a committee member, of W. Bloomfield and Ina Levinson of Bloomfield. 8. Gayle and Richard Burstein of Bloomfield. 9. Michael and Carol Ziecik of Bloomfield. 10. Dr. Ted and Diana Golden of Bloomfield. 11. Event sponsor GM’s Mark Reuss (left) of Bloomfield with committee member Mary Anne Gargaro of Grosse Pointe and Brian Hermelin of Bingham Farms. 12. Robin McMahon and Carl Sterr of Orchard Lake with Sterr’s Russian wolf hounds Nyeve and Quinn.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK whom had fun donning glitzy masks. Some 70 of them arrived early for the champagne reception with music by some DSO musicians. All ogled the vintage Chrysler cars on exhibit, perused the silent auction ($20,000), and applauded the honorees.

These were Noreen and Terry Keating, Variety, The Children’s Charity, and St. Joseph Mercy Oakland’s Dr. Mary Jo Malafa, whose concern for all children inspired her to open the free medical clinic for abuse victims at CARE House.

Following the presentations, a live auction raised $18,000, bringing the event total to $88,000. CARE House’s upcoming 17th annual Circle of Friends luncheon Thursday, Jan. 31 at the Townsend is generously sponsored by Mackinac Partners.

The featured speaker is sexual abuse survivor Cheryl Burke, best known for her appearance on “Dancing with the Stars.”

She will also be the guest of honor the preceding evening at the Preview Party hosted

by Vicki and Tom Celani. For ticket information, call CARE House at (248) 3327173.

CARE House’s MasCAREade

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1. Jeff Siver (left) and Dave and Kappy Trott of Birmingham. 2. Gregory and event co-chair Tifany Walker of Bloomfield. 3.

Event co-chair Brier Neel (left) of Birmingham with Jo Manley and Lia Farley of Orchard Lake. 4. Variety board president Connie Beckett (left) of Troy and CARE House director Carol Furlong of Bloomfield. 5. Tim (left) and St. Joseph Mercy Oakland’s Barbara Hertzler of Bloomfield with honorees SJMO’s Dr. Mary Jo Malafa of Hartland and Noreen and Terry Keating of Auburn Hills. 6. Priscilla Perkins (left) of Troy with CARE House board president Cathy Weissenborn of Bloomfield. 7. Kim Bondy (left) of Birmingham with Denise Abrash and Henry Baskin of Bloomfield. 8. Susan (left) and Ray Sohn with Jim Weissenborn of Bloomfield. 9. Auction chair Carol Curtis (left) of Bloomfield with Variety’s Jean Bugeaud (center) of Warren and Jennie Casico of Bloomfield. 10. Laura Segal of Franklin and Stuart Sherr of Bloomfield.

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Lighthouse’s Lighting The Way For The Holidays

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1. Event co-chair Priscilla Perkins (left) of Troy with Henry and event chair Talbot Payne of Bloomfield. 2. Board member Monica Schwanitz and her husband Matt of Bloomfield with Lighthouse board chair Laurie Horvath of W. Bloomfield. 3. Jerry (left) and Lisa Meter with committee member Millie and Bob Pastor of Bloomfield. 4. Board member Patty Ghesquiere (center) of Bloomfield with event volunteers Emily Paraskevin (left) of Royal Oak and Jennifer Chevrier of Lake Orion. 5. Peggy (left) and John Griffin of Rochester Hills with Ken Wunderlich and his wife Jean Hershey of Bloomfield. 6. Don (left) and Georgine Hayes of Farmington Hills and committee member Sue and Paul Nine of Bloomfield.

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Lighthouse’s Lighting The Way For The Holidays The impressive Bank of America (Troy) lobby was aglow for Lighthouse of Oakland County’s exhibition and auction of beautifully decorated Christmas trees and wreaths. The art-accented venue, which was the former Standard Federal headquarters, was a perfect choice. It not only provided ample exhibition and silent auction space, it also provided comfortable seating for the 200 guests who had succulent buffet choices, a balcony for the Langsford Men’s Chorus performance and a stage for LaDonna Kornegy Bay’s client testimony and Tola Lewis’ appealing vocals. The festive event raised $70,000, enabling Lighthouse to serve 1,000 needy families in its Thanksgiving and Holiday Adopt a Family programs.

Winning Futures’ Corks & Forks Nearly 300 supporters of Winning Futures - a mentoring, goal setting and scholarship program - attended the fourth annual Corks & Forks event at The Reserve.

Brian Osuch’s PRP Wine International brought wines from all over the world, both for the three VIP early stations and the eight main event stations. A silent auction, cork pull, photo session, and a buffet of comestibles also occupied guests. Thanks also to sponsors, the event netted $22,000 for the award-winning organization that makes a difference in the lives of young people. Winning Futures is staging its Fifth Annual Corks & Forks wine tasting and strolling dinner Saturday, Feb. 9 at The Reserve. For tickets ($125- VIP, 5:30 p.m. arrival; $75-general- 7 p.m. arrival), call (586) 698-4364 or go to www.WinningFutures.org.

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Sing-a-Long for The Salvation Army At the suggestion of charitable Detroit boosters Tom and Diane Schoenith, the owners of the new London Chop House revived an old tradition on Dec. 11. They got people to make donations (more than $20,000, according to Diane) to the Salvation Army. Back in the halcyon days of the original Chop House when the three-martini lunch was de rigueur, Salvation Army day was a very big deal. The place was jammed with movers and shakers and Christmas spirit filled Salvation Army red kettles to overflowing. This year, the Chop House’s Gatzaros family sold booths for a $5,000 Salvation Army donation. WDIV’s Paula Tutman emceed the sing-a-long, involving everyone. She even took a stint conducting the army band that accompanied the generous carolers which included Sam and Katie Valenti, plus many Grosse Pointers.

Beyond Basics Benefit Because the Beyond Basics enrichment programs include art, the Park West Gallery was an especially appropriate venue for the BB fundraiser that attracted some 150 supporters for cocktails, a strolling dinner from Bacco Ristorante and auction bidding.

Gallery owner Albert Scaglione was a grand host, serving as an auctioneer and donating 10 works of art to the cause. But the only program speaker to get a standing ovation was Brianna, a Finney High School student who recited the sensational rap poem she wrote about her phenomenal mother who was the backbone of their home and answered “why” questions with “...because I say so.” The event raised $75,000 for the BB programs that annually are changing destiny for 6,000 Detroit Public School children. BB supporters will next convene on Feb. 7 in Naples, FL at a social hosted by Dan Phelan and Doug Keating. For information, call (248) 250-9304.

Cranbrook Holiday Tables For the first time in the 37-year history of this annual Cranbrook House & Gardens Auxiliary holiday fundraiser, the fountain in the courtyard at Cranbrook House was decked out by members as an actual table top. It was a brilliant greeting for the sold out crowds at the two elegant Patron Teas (40 tea goers each) catered by Canape Cart in the Oak Room at Cranbrook House. As pianist Alice Haidostian was playing the Steinway in the library, before and after the formal teas guests toured the 14 vignettes exhibited throughout the former home of Cranbrook founders George and Ellen Booth. Many, like Linda Seitz who bought two tin peace doves, stopped to shop in the auxiliary’s Thistle Shop, which also stayed open the following three tour days. Friday, Saturday and Sunday the Oak Room became the site of five seminars which were offered free to the tourists (400-plus), and touched on the event theme —The Fine Art of Entertaining. The downtownpublications.com

Beyond Basics Benefit

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1. New BB board chair Ethan Gross (left) of W. Bloomfield and founder Pam Good of Birmingham. 2. Don Tocco of Bloomfield. 3. BB Board member Linda Orlans (left) of Birmingham with Howard and Brenda Rosenberg of Bloomfield. 4. Wendy Powers (left) of Bloomfield with Alonzo McDonald and Kathy Wilson of Birmingham. 5. David (left) and Marsha Stanislaw of Birmingham with Mary Fisher of Bloomfield. 6. Renee and Steve Read of Bloomfield.

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Cranbrook Holiday Tables

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2 1. Event co-chairs Randy Forester (left) of Birmingham and Juli Ritter of Orchard Lake. 2. Table designer Marcia Glencer of W. Bloomfield at her table: “Breakfast at Tiffiany’s.” 3. Peggy Sayed (left) and Mary Ann O’Neill of Bingham Farms and docent Sjanna Young of Troy.

4. Barbara Button (left) of Bloomfield and Martha Gray of Birmingham. 5. Barbara Rotary (left) of Pontiac, Denise Bull of Rochester and Sue Kirtland of Lake Orion.

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2012 Holiday Tables event raised more than $45,000 for preservation and restoration projects at the historic manse.

Holiday Gift Show Preview Party

Holiday Gift Show Preview Party The Community House’s Holiday Gift Show opened with a popular Thursday night Preview Party that attracted 250. Max Broock Realtors’ Kathy Broock Ballard is the presenting sponsor of the show which expanded from one to two days this year, drawing steady traffic both days. This pleased the 50 vendors, especially those like Just Girls, Wire Design Jewelry, Sweater Authority and Pearly Vine, which seemed to be doing especially brisk business on Thursday night. The project raised $22,000 for The Community House’s outreach programs.

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5 1. Kate Harper (left) of Bloomfield with event cochairs Denise Copp and Diana Day of Birmingham.

2. Zoey Lanesky (left) with show co-chairs her mother Shelly Lanesky and Meg Ferron of Bloomfield. 3. Sponsor Birmingham Institute of Plastic Surgery & Orchid Day MedSpa’s Cassie Vasileff (left) and Denise Bianchini of Birmingham with Tory Smith of Bloomfield. 4. Peggy Keating Maham and her sister Kathy Keating Wilson of Birmingham. 5. Marie Coyle (left) of Bloomfield with Laurie Balian of Birmingham. 6. Jan Blanchard (left) of Bloomfield with Ruth Ann Rowan and Carole Denton of Bingham Farms and Kay Wisok of Beverly Hills.

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1. Ruby (left) and Lucy Weiner of Birmingham. 2. Humble Design’s Loren Weiner (left) and Treger Strasberg of Birmingham. 3. SHE owner Sharon Eisenshtadt (left) of Bloomfield and Calypso’s Temma Richman of NYC.

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Humble Design benefit shopping at SHE SHE owner Sharon Eisenshtadt, always eager to pair area charities with the designers she represents in her upscale Bloomfield Township boutique, combined the casual resort look of the Calypso Collection with a shopping benefit for Humble Design, an organization that uses furniture donations to make a needy family’s dwelling look like a magazine feature. More than 40 shoppers attended, many as interested in meeting HD founder Treger Strasberg as in adding to their wardrobe. HD not only got 10 percent of the shopping proceeds, it also got offers of donations and future help. For more information about HD, go to www.humbledesign.org.

Eagles for Children Breakfast Eagles for Children, a nonprofit organization, was founded earlier this year by Oakland Hills Country Club members Hal Zaima and Don Kegley. Their idea was simple. With the help of several other OHCC members, they would solicit pledges from within the club for every eagle scored on the course in 2012. These pledges were made with the understanding that 100-percent of the money raised would go to local children’s charities. The response was overwhelming. Within weeks, the program expanded to include Walnut Creek, Country Club of Detroit and Pine Lake. When the last hole was carded this season, the four clubs posted 104 eagles and raised more that $40,000.

Recently, 60 people representing the Eagles team and children’s charities organizations met for breakfast at OHCC and applauded the distribution of those funds. Zaima told the group, “The exciting thing is that we are just getting started. If we can engage just 50 percent of the private clubs in the country, we will raise $32 million annually. That is our vision. That is our goal.” For more information on Eagles for Children or the local charities benefiting from the program, please contact Mark Winter at (248) 258-2333.

Send ideas for this column to Sally Gerak, 28 Barbour Lane, Bloomfield Hills, 48304; email samgerak@aol.com or call 248.646.6390.

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Slow down on state educational reform

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overnor Rick Snyder has made educational reform a legislative priority of his, a platform which he ran on, and one which he believes is as important to rectify as the economic climate in Michigan and the business environment.

In August 2011, by executive order, Snyder entered into an inter-local agreement between Eastern Michigan University and Detroit Public Schools due to the urgency presented by failing schools in the Detroit Public Schools district.

Beginning this past September, an Emergency Achievement Authority (EAA) has been operating in 15 of the worst-performing schools, which have been transferred out of Detroit Public Schools and into the EAA. This past November, legislation was introduced in both the state senate and house to establish in statute the Education Achievement Authority, which would oversee a separate Michigan school district called the “reform district”, whose leader, known as the chancellor, would have the powers of a school superintendent, and whose constituent schools would comprise those school buildings statewide, where student achievement, measured on state tests, fell within the lowest five percent of Michigan schools for three consecutive years. The bills said that students in the “reform district” would be taught by certified teachers, but that collectively bargained contracts would be cancelled when a school entered the “reform district.”

The bills, Senate Bill 1358 and House Bill 6004, didn't make it out of the lame duck session, where they appeared unnaturally rushed for such important legislation. The governor has made it clear he intends to make this a priority in the new session in January, and we urge restraint and thoughtfulness

as lawmakers move forward to reinvent education in Michigan.

Besides the EAA, there are numerous other elements included in the educational reform legislation, such as allowing the per-pupil school funding to follow the student where ever the student elects to take classes, early graduation incentives, “to renovate, repurpose, and remodel school buildings; to acquire and develop sites, including athletic and recreational facilities; to expand the number and types of public entities permitted to operate public schools; and to provide new forms of public school governance.” It would also create a new oversight board appointed by the governor along with a governor-appointed chancellor.

School districts in our area are angry about the proposed changes, feeling the legislation is taking a broad brush to repaint all districts, rather than just failing schools. They are also very concerned about the potential loss of money if students can pull their per-pupil money for a class here, a class there, destroying their ability to properly budget.

We recognize Snyder's efforts to rescue the educational lives of students from failing schools, who have been passed along without gaining necessary skills. Snyder noted that last year 238 Michigan high schools did not produce a single student proficient in math or reading. That's unacceptable. And efforts should be made to reform those schools. Perhaps the EAA is the answer but perhaps not. The 15 Detroit schools transferred to the EAA have only been in it since September—far too brief a time to make a determination of its success or failure. We would like to see more data and results come from the EAA before it's expanded statewide. It's a radical

concept which needs to be evaluated after a few years.

We also have concerns over governance and control of the EAA. We believe the EAA would be better served answering to the state board of education or state superintendent Mike Flanagan, who answers to the board of education, rather than a governance board and the governor. We're also troubled by the lack of pay standards and the elimination of benefits for teachers in the EAA because individual principals may have different benchmarks. We are also concerned about the ability to attract the best teachers to educate struggling students in a new educational format.

Local school buildings, whether underutilized or closed, should not be prey to the legislative process as they were in the most recent bills. They are part of the community, bought and paid for by local taxes, and part of school districts' budgets. How they are re-utilized should be a local community decision, and has no place whatsoever in a school reform package.

The governor's incentive to accelerate graduation, especially for high-performing students, intrigues us.

There is nothing wrong with accelerating the academic process, especially for students (and parents) who complain that senior year can be a waste. But we'd like to hear more about how that can and would be applied to all districts, and how that can benefit students and districts.

The key is that there is no broad brushstroke to be applied to reform education. So while we appreciate Snyder's efforts to improve the lives of Michigan's children, careful thought must be given to delicately transform education in the state, which we are not convinced took place in the recent lame duck session.

Bistro questions need answers, and now

W

e hate to sound like a broken record but the Birmingham City Commission needs to deal with several outstanding issues related to the city's bistro license ordinance.

In February 2011, the Birmingham Principal Shopping District (PSD) board requested that the Birmingham City Commission conduct a thorough review of the bistro license concept, including type, scale, condition, location, and impact, both positive and negative, that bistros have had on the city. At the time, they were pleased with the benefits to the downtown area that bistros had brought. However, many were concerned that a saturation point had been reached.

Since that time, other issues have come up, including the question of transferability of a bistro license, as well as a market study recently done by the PSD, the results of which will only be released to its board at the beginning of this month. The

market study will help discern who shops and eats in Birmingham, as well as look at how visitors to Birmingham like the mix of restaurants to retail.

Malls determine their mix of restaurants and specialty stores by a formula, and we have long felt there should be a balance between the two in Birmingham. Hopefully, the PSD study will help the PSD and the city make those determinations, as well as where bistros would best fit to be economic catalysts, which is what the licenses were initially designed to do for the city.

The bistro scene has also matured enough in Birmingham, after almost six years, that there are now going to be requests for transfers of licenses and outright sales, which is actually not permitted in the original license agreement between the bistro owner and the city. The idea was that places would open, perhaps close after a time, and a new one would open, maybe in another area. Yet, we

know there is at least one owner now attempting to generate a sale, and it is an issue the city commission has discussed, but repeatedly pushed off. It must be dealt with now.

There should also be a discussion about what to do when a license is given out, and either is not used, as is the case of one given in 2010 in the Rail District, or is not used in a timely fashion as is the case with Bistro Joe's, at Papa Joe's, which after six years has still not opened. Another bistro appears headed that way now, so once again the city must establish some type of time limit once a license has been approved and then reissue it to someone more qualified.

The goal of bistros is to activate the streets of Birmingham and get shoppers into stores. By all accounts the concept has worked. But there are lingering issues that must be hammered out, and now.

First Preferred Mortgage Company

20

Years

A Division of Michigan Mutual, Inc.

Luke Marton lmarton@firstpreferred.com (248) 214-1306 NMLS# 179915

Christian Newberry cnewberry@firstpreferred.com (248) 895-8660 NMLS# 13314

First Preferred Mortgage Company NMLS 12901 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rail Districtâ&#x20AC;? 2151 Cole Street, Birmingham, MI

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