Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield

ENDNOTE: TIME FOR TEMPORARY BISTRO LICENSE MORATORIUM

HOUSE

40TH BEHIND THE SCENES ON AUGUST PRIMARY GOP STATE CONTEST CHANGING ROLE OF MODERN LIBRARIES DREAM FACTORY: THE COLLAPSE OF OAKLAND COUNTY MOVIE STUDIO GERAK: SOCIAL SCENE • HEALD: HYDE PARK PRIME STEAKHOUSE

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40th District House race The August 7 primary contest for the Michigan 40th House on the GOP ballot pits four contenders in a race that hinges on money and name recognition and the winner will likely be the next state rep.

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CRIME LOCATOR

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39: Tod Williams

CITY/TOWNSHIP

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse has joined the steakhouse scene in Birmingham with a “boutique” approach to what it is offering patrons.

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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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Upper Long Lake, Bloomfield Township.

Downtown photo/Hayley Beitman.

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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

Voters to decide fate of tax proposed for the Detroit Institute of Arts; SMART millage renewal facing primary voters; push back on synthetic designer drugs.

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.

Ghafari Mobil 1; Birmingham Gallery; SVS Optical Boutique; Sherman Williams; Script Salon; iKarate; Crust Pizza and Wine Bar; and more.

SOCIAL LIGHTS

Bloomfield Park development; Restaurant ML clears planners; Maple Theater liquor license; public safety millage; woodlands ordinance approved; township clerk honored; plus more.

COUNTY

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having to the times, format they information

BUSINESS MATTERS

49: Corey Damen Jenkins

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Libraries are evolve with including the use to offer and books.

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FACES

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Changing library role

Here's the story about a local film studio and plans for great things, that is until the state cut the film subsidy.

AT THE TABLE

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

15: Alexandra Silber

Studio dream delayed

Our views on the 40th state house race, taxes for the DIA and mass transit and why Birmingham must have a moratorium on new bistros.

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.

07.12

FROM THE PUBLISHER

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ugust is one of the busier travel/vacation months in the Birmingham/Bloomfield area. It also happens to be the month in which the electorate, every two years, is asked to decide primary election contests when more than one candidate has filed to represent either the Republican or Democratic party in the November general election.

Of course, there are critics that find conspiracy in the timing of the August primary election, often times blaming the Republican party but trust that members of both parties would game the system no matter when the primary election were held.

There is some validity to the frequently heard criticism that attendance at the polls in the primary election is dismal and that elected leaders and those supporting issues appearing on the August ballot prefer the smaller turnout because it is easier to work the electorate and obtain a desired outcome. And oftentimes this proves to be the case, which is why many followers of politics, this writer included, are not thrilled with tax issues being decided in August.

Some states have moved their primary elections back until after the Labor Day holiday in September, but in theory this leaves little time for primary victors to campaign and interact with the public before voting starts for the general election. So there is really no quick fix to increasing turnout in an election year.

One possible improvement that might lift the number of voters deciding candidate and ballot issues, in both August and November, would be to improve the absentee voting rules in Michigan.

As it is right now, you can relatively easily obtain an absentee ballot from your local municipal clerk if you claim you will not be present in the community on election day. But there is a growing chorus in recent years that is calling for a loosening of absentee ballot rules to encourage more voters to request a ballot and cast their vote by mail, perhaps through permanent mailing lists to be used to distribute ballot applications by mail.

Although the Republican party, for the most part, has opposed this here and in other states on the grounds that it would encourage voter fraud, current GOP Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, who hales from Oakland County, has indicated her support of a wider use of absentee ballots in the state. Her Republican predecessor in the secretary of state post held a similar position.

Opening up the election process with broader participation through absentee ballots would increase the number of active voters and could help minimize the weak showing in the August primary.

Which brings us to the August 7 primary vote taking place in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills.

In this issue we took the time to look at the behind the scenes activity in the Republican primary for the Michigan House 40th district race.

We also took time to conduct a round table interview with the four candidates hoping to be the GOP standard bearer this fall.

On our website, downtownpublications.com, we have posted an extensive transcription of the candidates' answers to questions we posed. For those who want to invest 90 minutes of their time before voting, the audio to this question-and-answer session is also posted online.

The July issue seemed appropriate timing because absentee ballots are being mailed out to about 35 percent of registered voters early this month and we wanted to weigh in from a news standpoint and present our endorsements in the editorial Endnote section at the close of this edition on both the state race and some issues appearing on the August ballot.

For the August primary, the GOP race for the 40th is the only contest on which we focused, in large part due to staffing restrictions, but you can expect additional races to be covered for the November election.

As always, I welcome your feedback.

David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com

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ward-winning actress and Birmingham native Alexandra Silber spent her summers at Interlochen Arts Academy before making her West End and Broadway debuts. Although she was only nine years old, Silber vividly remembers moving from Los Angeles to Birmingham one December, greeted by an intense winter and a welcoming community.

"That's one of the things that really colored my move; my father was diagnosed with cancer so even more support was required and that was a testament to the quality of people. I felt an instantaneous affinity with my new home," she said.

Silber took classes at Cranbrook, Covington, Derby, and Groves, where she performed many roles in costumes designed by her mother. For five summers and her last two years of high school she attended Interlochen Arts Academy and Camp.

“The training, school and people there were the linchpin of my creative life. I have never been anywhere like it,” she said. She graduated with the distinguished Young Artist Award before her father passed away.

“Bad things happen to everyone. It's who we decide to become after those things that really show us what we're made of. In the sake of all that loss and death I wanted to really live and have a great adventure,” she said.

Looking beyond America for college, Silber attended the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasglow for eight years, only returning home for holidays.

"It was as if someone had just turned on the color in my life and I never looked back. I was going to be an actress in the theater without any question," she said.

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“It's a combination of opportunity and extraordinary hard work and determination. I wasn't scared or intimidated, I was ready," she said.

Silber has filmed Stephen King's 1408 and performed Carousel in London and Los Angeles. Other performances have included being part of Barbara Cook's Spotlight Series at The Kennedy Center and Master Class, a play that would become her Broadway debut.

“Landing on the shores of America, I was literally on Broadway. I had never been an adult in America so it was a dream,” she said.

In her future, Silber hopes to be artistically fulfilled with a meaningful partnership, maybe a family of her own, and to feel that she has contributed to making a difference in the world by teaching, writing a book and helping young actors.

“Theres something to be said about the phrase 'there's no place like home'. I am going to have a home in Birmingham. I really mean that, I'll be back,” Silber said.

Story: Hayley Beitman

Photo: Michelle and Ivan Hoo

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07.12

THE HOUSE

40TH RACE

MONEY, NAME KEY TO CAPTURING NEWLY DRAWN

RECOGNITION REP CONTEST IN STATE DISTRICT

BY LISA BRODY

B

irmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills voters, like the electorate elsewhere in Oakland, will be facing an August 7th primary election that includes a county-wide millage question about the DIA, one local municipal tax renewal ballot question, and a slew of primary contests involving the United States Senate and Congress, Oakland County Executive, Sheriff and Water Resources

Commissioner, plus some judicial contests.

But what probably has shaped up to be one of the more important races next month is the GOP contest for the Michigan House of Representatives 40th District, a classic Republican stronghold, which will for the most part decide who will represent residents of Birmingham and the two Bloomfields in Lansing for the next two years.

Candidates above starting at top card: Potts, Lawrence, Wolkinson, McCready.

A MAN IS KNOWN BY THE COMPANY HE KEEPS. Steven Andrews - former Circuit Court Judge Saul Anuzis - former Michigan Republican Party Chair Susy Heintz Avery - former Michigan Republican Party Chair Neal Barnett - Bloomfield Township Trustee Mike Bishop - former State Senate Majority Leader Mike Bosnic - Oakland County Commissioner David Buckley - Bloomfield Township Trustee Bill Bullard - Oakland County Clerk/Register of Deeds Dennis Cowan - former OCRP Chairman Mike Cox - former Attorney General Hugh Crawford - State Representative Kathy Crawford - Oakland County Commissioner Dan Devine - Bloomfield Township Treasurer Bill Dwyer - Oakland County Commissioner John Engler - former Michigan Governor Mike Gingell - Chairman - Oakland County Board of Commissioners David Gorcyca - former Oakland County Prosecutor Bob Gosselin - Oakland County Commissioner Gail Haines - State Representative Patricia Hardy - Bloomfield Hills City Commissioner Kurt Heise - State Representative Bob Hoffman - Oakland County Commissioner Greg Jamian - former Oakland County Commissioner John Jamian - former State Representative Joe Knollenberg - former Congressman Marty Knollenberg - State Representative Adam Kochenderfer - Rochester Hills City Councilman Mike Kowall - State Senator Eileen Kowall - State Representative Richard D. Kuhn - former Circuit Court Judge Norman Lippitt - former Circuit Court Judge Chris Long - Oakland County Commissioner Jim Marleau - State Senator Ken Massey - Farmington Hills City Councilman Jeff Matis - Vice Chairman - Oakland County Board of Commissioners John McCulloch - Oakland County Water Resources Commissioner Tom McDaniel - Birmingham City Commissioner Willy Mena - Novi Library Trustee Fred Mester - former Circuit Court Judge Tom Middleton - Oakland County Commissioner Scott Moore - Birmingham City Commissioner Chuck Moss - State Representative Mark Nickita - Birmingham Mayor Beth Nuccio - Oakland County Commissioner John Pastor - Livonia City Councilman

L. Brooks Patterson Oakland County Executive

*

Andrew Rocky Raczkowski - former State House Majority Leader Gordon Rinschler - Birmingham City Commissioner Jim Runestad - Oakland County Commissioner Leo Savoie - Bloomfield Township Supervisor John Scott - Oakland County Commissioner Coco Seiwert - former Birmingham Mayor Stuart Sherman - Birmingham City Commissioner Sheldon Smith - former OCRP Chairman David Staudt - Novi City Councilman Shelley Goodman Taub Oakland County Commissioner Clifford Taylor - former State Supreme Court Justice Phil Weipert - Oakland County Commissioner Pamela Williams - Bloomfield Township Library Trustee Eric Wilson - former Oakland County Commissioner Donn Wolf - former Oakland County Commissioner

Thomas Adams Kelly Potts Addis Jim Aldrich Lynn Alexander Paul Avesian Roger Avie Bill Axtell Harvey Babcock William Ballard Charles P. Barnes Bruce J. Barrett Andy Basile Jr. Henry Baskin David Baumhart Julia Baumhart Bill Belcher Sr. Brian Belesky Renee Bergman Andrew Bergstrom Irene Bernhard Dan Beyer Eleanor Blum Marty Burnstein Barbara Burnstein Dave Camilleri Mark Champion Kendra Cleary Ruth Clevers Anne Cole-Pierce Thomas Cory Rosemary Cotter Michael Cotter Christopher Cummins

Andrew Dahl Lyle Dahlberg Peggy Dahlberg Mary Katherine DeCuir Jennifer DeMello-Johnson Antoine Delaforterie Robert Dindoffer Judy Downing Bud Downing Shelley Drake Talya Drissman Ezra Drissman Ron Dwyer Robin Eikenberry Emily Einhardt Laura Eisenberg Kimberly Elkins Jim Elsman Karen Faett Ingrid Farquharson Edward Fisher Gerry Fisher Sally Foley Jacqueline Foster David Foster Alan Ganshorn Robert Gatt Jacob German

Lauren Gervason Bill Hampton Harvey Hauer Rickie Ibe Mary Ann Jerge Frank Jonna Dick Keier Jeffrey Kellett Jan Klein Sandie Knollenberg Brett Koretzky Lena Koretzky Vicki Lange Bill Largent Dan Lievois Eric Linder Steve Linder Rob Lund Doug MacLean Dan MacLeish Joyce MacLeish Frank Mamat Lana Mangiapane Dennis Marburger Karen Marcinak Bob Marzoff Caron McCracken

Richard McLellan Leslie McNamara John Mills Meyer Morganroth Daniel Murray Linden Nelson Michelle Nelson Robert Nemzin Kelly Nigohosian Paul Nine Sue Nine Henry Nurenberg Judy O'Donnel Ed Padilla Jr. Amy Peterman Richard Poling Jr. Kevin Popp Andy Porter Stephanie Potts Bill Pulte Walter Pytiak Mark Pytiak Harry Radcliff Rebecca Radcliff Jennifer Radcliff The Rev. Dr. C. Corydon Randall Kristen Rettig

Sharon Riley Kevin Rinke Tom Ritter David Rohtbart Max Rohtbart Mark Rottenberk John J. Schrot Boris Sellers JoAnn Sellers Zachary Shaban James Shanek Noel Siksai David Silver Karl Sipfle Gordon Snavely Mark Stuart Susan Tabar David C. Thomas Chip Tischer Richard Victor Denise Victor William Volz Wanda Warsinski Timothy Weiler Michael White Kevin Wilhelmi Jill Wilkinson Sarah Winsky Chris Wolf Shirley Wolf Norman Yatooma Barbara Yolles Al Zaparackas

*“I'm supporting DAVE POTTS, and you should, too!” w w w. d a v i d w p o t t s . o r g

VOTE! Tuesday, August 7th – by absentee ballot or at the polls - Michigan Primary Election

DAVE POTTS Republican Candidate for State House

Paid for By D av e P OT T S fo r St a te Re pr es e nta ti ve . . . 600 South Adams, Suite 100, Birmingham, Michigan 48009 . . . potts@davidwpotts.com . . . 248-594-4999

The 40th district, newly carved in the recent reapportionment process from the old 40th, includes Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township and the addition of the eastern portion of West Bloomfield, from Farmington Road east to Inkster, and 14 Mile Road north to the West Bloomfield border. The 40th is currently held by Rep. Chuck Moss (R), who is term-limited after serving three two-year terms in the job.

Four Republican candidates have filed to run to fill Moss' seat, and will compete in the primary on August 7 to run against Democrat Dorian Coston in November.

GOP candidates comprise current Oakland County Commissioner Dave Potts (Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township), Bloomfield Hills City Commissioner Mike McCready, Birmingham Public Schools Trustee Robert Lawrence, and David Wolkinson, a former policy director for Gov. Rick Snyder when he ran for office.

Amidst the din of the 2012 election year, this particular contest is one which is garnering the closest scrutiny.

“I think this is considered a Republican district, and during redistricting (in 2010), they tried to carve out two Republican districts, going west into West Bloomfield,” said Bill Ballenger, editor and publisher of Inside Michigan Politics, and a former state representative and state senator.

The eastern portion of West Bloomfield had been part of the 39th District, which Ballenger noted has been Democratic in the last two elections, represented by Rep. Lisa Brown (D). “The 40th has a 57 percent Republican base, and that's pretty strong. It would seem that it would be safe to say that whoever wins the Republican primary will likely win the seat in November. At least that's been the history of the seat.”

Ballenger said the current 39th District, inclusive of the portion of West Bloomfield which will be voting in the redistricted 40th, has a 53 percent Republican base.

Voting patterns in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills in 2010 in University of Michigan and Michigan State University regents' races, considered the litmus test when determining a district's' leaning, exemplify the tight hold Republicans maintain on the district. In 2010, when Andrea Fischer Newman (R ) and Andrew C. Richner (R ) both prevailed in their bid as University of Michigan regents, Fischer with 26.44 percent of the area's vote, and Richner with 24.96 percent. Democrats prevailed in only one Bloomfield Township precinct, while Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills swept all precincts.

Similarly, in the Michigan State University regents contest in 2010, Brian Breslin and

Mitch Lyons, both Republicans, prevailed, Breslin with 26.11 percent of the vote and Lyons with 24.78 percent. Again, only one Bloomfield Township precinct had a Democrat as victor.

“This is a race that is relatively down the ballot. It is very localized, and local issues will decide this,” said Dave Dulio, a political science professor at Oakland University. “In a primary, candidates have a tough task because they have to convince voters to choose between them and someone who is likely very similar. This will be especially true in the 40th, with common concerns and issues. The economy is going to drive everything. In all likelihood, they'll

DIN E H ST T 012 D I AM THE 2 AR, OF ION YE AR UL CT ELE PARTIC ONE THIS TEST IS S I CON HICH THE W G RIN T E N GAR LOSES Y C UTIN R C S

have the same Republican issues of cut spending and low taxes. If that's the commonality, it will be all about name identification. And that means the person who wins will be the one who gets their name out—and gets people to the polls.”

“It's going to be a hard-fought campaign,” acknowledged Steve Mitchell of Mitchell Research & Communication in West Bloomfield, a firm that conducts polling for numerous local governments and politicians.

“Birmingham and Bloomfield is a conservative area, but not as conservative as other areas of the county. Oakland County is the most moderate area in the state for the Republican Party. The eastern portion of West Bloomfield is a little more conservative for West Bloomfield, and a large part of the base in those communities have been represented by (Dave) Potts as a county commissioner.

He's been there a while, and that's a good thing for him.”

Potts, a lifelong resident of the

Birmingham and Bloomfield, is a divorce attorney and a three-term Oakland County Commissioner. His wife, Wendy, is an Oakland County Circuit Court Judge who will be on the ballot for re-election in November, and they live in Birmingham. His election slogan is “Put Michigan on a diet,” which he explains as “Michigan is still not out of the path of the economic tsunami. We need to learn how to operate state government just like creative chefs faced with some missing ingredients from their kitchen/restaurant pantries. We need a recipe for smaller government in Michigan. My experience in planning and budgeting in Oakland County can be successfully transferred to state government.”

Yet, the last two years, since Gov. Rick Snyder has taken office and Republicans have held the majority in both the state senate and house, Michigan has found the recipe for cutting excess and waste, coming in with their fiscal year's budget on time both years, balancing the budget, and righting the teetering ship of Michigan's economy. The state is realizing a budget surplus that ranges from $400 million to $1.2 billion, depending on the source. Detroit's three auto companies are rebounding from a calamitous decade, and property values, while not quickly rebounding, have started to slowly recover, especially in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills.

During an interview with Downtown, McCready and Wolkinson both said surplus funds should go towards education, not only K-12, but higher education.

“We need to educate our children and hold them to a higher standard, and in order to do that, we're going to have to put money into the classroom,” McCready said.

“The biggest area where there have been cuts has been higher ed,” Wolkinson said. “If there is one correlation between future higher economic growth, it is how educated your population is. We have some of the best public universities. Higher ed is something we have to look at putting a substantial investment in.”

In addition to education, Lawrence said he would help local communities with revenue sharing, and seek infrastructure improvements through greater transportation spending.

“I'm a contrarian. I don't agree with those observations,” Potts said, while acknowledging that the surplus figures are accurate. “I feel paying down the money the state owes, and then replenishing the rainy day fund, which has been drained to the point where it doesn't even exist, that's a wise use of surplus.” With more funds from the surplus, he would restore the number of police officers that have been cut in the last few years, noting the importance of public safety.

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“Where Potts has the real clear advantage is that he has Moss' endorsement and he is his campaign chair,” said Mitchell. “In the state house is where Moss can influence others. For example, are we going to take a stand against the chair of the appropriations committee? It allows Potts to talk to a lot of state players because he has that endorsement. It is a very key endorsement.”

“Potts has to be considered having the edge because he's a three-term county commissioner, and his wife is on the ballot at the same time, and she's a well-known judge,” said Ballenger.

Potts has a lengthy list of over 200 endorsements on his website, and McCready also has numerous endorsements, although Wolkinson has a coveted endorsement from Right to Life.

“One of the keys to the campaign is being pro-life and getting the Right to Life endorsement, and it will give that candidate an edge,” said Ballenger. Wolkinson, McCready, and Potts are all pro-life, although Potts said he believes in exceptions in cases where the health of the mother is in danger. Lawrence is prochoice. All of the candidates say they believe marriage should be between a man and a woman, but respect civil unions and say partners in civil unions should have the same benefits as any other couple.

“Candidates think endorsements matter, but it depends on who the individual voter is interested in,” Dulio said. “(Oakland County Executive L. Brooks) Patterson probably is important.

But you don't know what a voter is looking for. So when there are multiple endorsements, it doesn't hurt them, and says to the voter they're probably acceptable, but they become diluted.”

“I have a lot of endorsements, many from business people, and it's good to know these people are behind you and supporting you,” said McCready. “I don't know if they influence people but I appreciate having them.”

“Endorsements can sometimes be a factor, but mainly if a voter is deciding late,” said Wayne State University political science professor Marjorie Sarbaugh-Thompson.

“Then it's a quick reference point. If you're passing things out at a polling place, and they've never heard of you, it can be good shorthand information.”

What does matter, more than anything else, is money, which allows a candidate to hire experienced campaign advisors, perform polling and promote for name recognition.

“Money is still the key factor, particularly in a primary race with low voter turnout,” noted Sarbaugh-Thompson. “People tend not to be as familiar with state house race candidates.”

Ballenger agreed. “It's a fairly affluent area with four Republicans, so it could cost them each $100,000. But if a guy is self-financed, then money really is a big factor. That makes it much tougher for the other candidates to compete, all things being equal.”

Dulio said that in the past, state house races have cost more than $100,000, “but in a primary race, it's hard to put a dollar figure on it.”

Lawrence, a businessman who has no Republican party involvement “because I have been part of a nonpartisan school board, and I have

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stayed true to that,” has not hired any advisors, and says he does not feel they are necessary. According to the candidate, he will be spending more than $25,000 but less than $50,000, some of which will be his own money. He said he had one small pizza fundraiser, was looking forward to other small events being hosted by volunteers, and is seeking donations through his website. He is spending time campaigning door-to-door.

“We're fundraising as we go along,” he said. “I feel good at this stage. My focus is driving the economy forward and putting high expectations and standards in place for education. No one else in the race has my level of experience in education.”

Lawrence said he is running for the seat because, as a school board member, he “found it a very valuable experience, I added my expertise, and I work with a very diverse group of people. It's a non-partisan board, we check our politics at the door, and we work with a mission of making this a great school district. I want to take this philosophy up to the state legislature because my background

is both business, and in the volunteer area, in education. I know how it works in good systems; I've seen how it works in bad systems. I know we can improve it on the state level. I think I can take my business background and apply those principles the same way I've applied them as a fiduciary on the board here in Birmingham. You can reach across the aisle and find the common ground.”

McCready grew up in Birmingham and Bloomfield and is a local businessman with a campaign budget of $50,000 to $100,000, some of which he has loaned to his election effort. He has had both large and small fundraisers, including one at Oakland Hills Country Club, and receives donations on his website. “I've been getting checks from supporters. It's a great compliment when people send me money,” he said.

McCready has hired the Lansing political marketer Dave Doyle and his firm, Marketing Research Firm, and Doyle is working as his campaign chairman. He has a few volunteers working the ground level, helping him go door-to-door and put out lawn signs. Doyle is coordinating mailings, advertising, doing robocalls and will be advertising McCready on local cable TV as well.

McCready said his Republican party involvement has been on the municipal level, “and I'm also friends with a lot of Democrats because I have learned as a non-partisan Bloomfield Hills commissioner that it's important to keep the peace,” he said. “Working on a local level, you realize you have to work with people, having the give and take. It's a team effort.”

That team effort is what McCready said led him to jump into this race. “I'm a father, I'm a businessman, and I participate in our local municipal government. I see what's going on in the business world; I've felt it myself. Our economy is doing a little bit better but people are just barely keeping their heads above water. We need to bring jobs to Michigan. The state in the last year has made some great progress in balancing the budget and creating a better tax structure for business to move into. We still have to deal with the personal property tax issue. We don't have an environment yet where our children, when they graduate from school, can come back to Michigan and work. We need to create more opportunities. We need to make this an easy place to do business. In the municipal government, I've always been able to work together with my fellow commissioners, and we've always been able to balance our budget. That's very important.

We've invested in infrastructure. To me, it's bringing jobs to Michigan, it's funding for education, it's infrastructure, and I've always been a big advocate of public safety. And I think in those basic areas will help create jobs and create an environment for success in

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our state, and that's why I'm asking people to vote and send me to Lansing.”

Potts has hired the consulting group The Ballot Box in Bloomfield Hills, which is providing him with campaign consulting as well as media production. He will be engaging in mailings, lawn signs, door-to-door campaigning, print advertising, and commercials on cable TV. He said he has numerous volunteers supporting and helping him.

He is prepared to spend whatever it takes to get elected. “I have loaned myself $100,000, and I expect to spend that,” he said. “It may take more than that.” He does not know how much more he will raise.

Potts said he is running for the state house because he's the first college graduate in his family, and he's fortunate. “I've been given the benefit to rise in a country and rise in a state and rise in a community, based on what I could do and not who I was, what my religion, or my ethnicity was.

I feel a sense of obligation. I felt it as a member of the (Birmingham) planning board; I didn't go to the county commission to make the money but I felt it was an opportunity to give something back. I have certain skills and I've been able to work with people on the other side. I'm a middle-of-the-road guy. I know it sounds corny, but I think I have value to add. I don't need the job and I could stay at the county commission for the rest of my life because there are no term limits. But this is my opportunity to do something.”

Wolkinson, an attorney from West Bloomfield who has previously run unsuccessfully for office twice before, said he will raise whatever is necessary to win. “I myself have made a substantial investment, and I appreciate others doing so as well,” he said. He has not hired a consulting firm, preferring to go out door-to-door, talking to residents in the district.

“I'm running because I want to make Michigan the best place to do business, and I want to have it become a place young people can work and live in, and right now it's not,” he said, noting he has two sisters, who are 33 and 28, who live out-of-state because they couldn't find jobs here. “The first thing we have to do is provide economic opportunity. If there aren't jobs here, nobody can live here. I have a substantively different approach to issues than my opponents. I am deeply skeptical of government's ability to solve problems. That's why I am a conservative.”

The key, according to the experts, is for candidates to get their name in front of the voters, especially registered Republicans who vote in Republican primaries.

“The electorate who shows up will be a small sliver of the population because people do not show up at primaries, and when it's in the middle of summer, it's even lower,” said Dulio. “The fact that it is a lower turnout actually helps the candidates because they'll be able to identify who has voted in previous Republican primaries and go talk to them because they're habitual Republican primary voters, and they're likely to vote again.”

“In a four-person race, someone could get 30 percent of the 20 percent of the voters who vote in the primary,” said Sarbaugh-Thompson. “That means that just 6 percent of voters have decided who will ultimately be the candidates. That's why it's so important for voters to vote. Michigan continues to have their primary in August, versus many other states who have theirs after Labor Day. There are many middle class people with school-age kids who are out of town or on vacation then.”

Absentee ballots will also be an important target for candidates in a district where, in the three local communities, historically 30-35 percent of the ballots cast come from those taking the absentee route.

“It's a skewed distribution of senior citizens who vote by absentee ballot who do not represent all of the voters. It's done this way to be safe for Republicans, so whoever wins this primary will likely win in November,” according the Sarbaugh-Thompson.

She said that research still showed that “going door-to-door and talking to people in the district persuades voters to vote. But it is the most expensive, in terms of time. In terms of cost, it is the most effective.

Historically, the most effective is if they have walked the district three times themselves. Shoe leather is still the best way to win elections. You can become familiar with the issues, you can motivate people to show up and vote, and you can encourage people SCAN FOR AUDIO to apply for absentee ballots.”

(A transcript of the interview with the four candidates and an audio recording can be found at downtownpublications.com.) downtownpublications.com

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DREAM DEFERRED MICHIGAN MOTION PICTURE STUDIOS AND THE STATE’S FILM INCENTIVES

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ecil B. DeMille. Jack Warner. Samuel Goldwyn.

Charlie Chaplin. Steven Spielberg. Linden Nelson.

Linden who?

Nelson is a 52-year-old Bloomfield Hills resident who has transformed himself from an advertising novelty seller, a tsochke salesman and successful businessman, into a film studio executive in Oakland County with a goal of creating a vibrant film industry in Michigan which can rival any in the world. Today, he is CEO of Michigan Motion Picture Studios in Pontiac, a struggling dream factory in search of its knight in shining armor.

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A longtime businessman, Nelson said being a movie mogul was never something he had planned on, and it's turned into a much more difficult endeavor than he and his partners could have ever envisioned. Today, he looks around the spacious conference room with its enormous leather-topped conference table, valuable pieces of art still propped against the walls, and laments what might have been, and what still could be.

“I was thinking about moving out of the state. I was looking for business opportunities with friends of mine in California because my wife and I were going to be empty-nesters, when Alfred (Taubman) challenged me to reinvent the Michigan economy and I went home and told my son, Sanford, who was home from school for the summer, and he has a friend, Jason Orley, who was in Cannes at the film festival, and Jason was telling him how everyone was talking about Michigan and how everyone wanted to move their productions to Michigan because of the new incentives. Sandy said, 'Dad, why don't we open up a studio to support the new law.' This was not because of a passion for the industry.

Our children are leaving here by the flocks.

The only passion I had was to create jobs in Michigan.

“At that point I went to my good friend and past business partner, Ari Emanuel (and brother of Chicago mayor and former Obama chief of staff Rahm Emanuel), and Ari has a passion for Michigan because he feels the auto industry helped make Hollywood.”

Today, Emanuel is co-CEO of William Morris Endeavors.

“We wanted to build the finest facility in Michigan. This is as nice a place as any in the world. We wanted to make it a great place to do business,” Nelson said. Set in the former Centerpoint Business Campus in Pontiac, a 178-acre campus near Square Lake and Opdyke on the border of Bloomfield Township, it was once a hub of activity for General Motors. An industrial complex, the land supported a factory, engineering and research center, all abandoned as the auto industry plummeted and and General Motors spiraled into bankruptcy. The factory closed, and in 2004, GM, Centerpoint's largest tenant relocated its business to the Milford Proving Grounds and its Warren Technical Center.

Other businesses followed suit.

In 2008, with the automotive industry puffing labored breaths, a new industry was being midwifed in Michigan: a film industry, led by the largest film credit subsidy, 42 percent, to movie and television producers in the country. That large percentage was an incentive to producers to lure their productions to Michigan to film in the state, with the caveat that they could receive a 42 percent refundable tax credit on their investment,

which meant that if a production's Michigan tax was less than the credit, the company would receive the difference as a check from the state. Former Gov. Jennifer Granholm and legislators who approved the film credits did so believing film and television production would provide a new industry for laid off Michigan workers, an opportunity for them to be retrained in a new line of work. Further, it would provide a field for younger Michiganders to develop, rather than fleeing to New York, Chicago or Los Angeles.

F

or a couple of years, the 42 percent incentive was successful, bringing in the film productions of “Gran Torino”, “Red Dawn”, “Scream 4”, “Real Steel”, “Oz, The Great and Powerful”, “A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas”, “The 5-Year Engagement”, and television shows like HBO's “Hung”. But then Granholm left office, and with her, so did the film credits.

Gov. Rick Snyder abolished the 42 percent film credit subsidy shortly after taking office, asserting that Michigan could not afford the subsidy, and that it did not make good economic or business sense to prop up any industry. Instead of the film credit subsidy, the administration and Republican-controlled legislature appropriated $25 million in the 2012 and 2013 budget years for the industry, which was substantially less than film proponents had been urging, although a new bill in the 2013 budget increases the incentives to $50 million. Many big budget productions which had been looking to film in the state suddenly walked. Few have returned.

“If you subsidize any industry, it will make it,” said Michigan House Appropriations Chairman Chuck Moss (R-Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills). “We just felt it (the film industry) should make it on its own. It was being subsidized out of the state's coffers. Another question was, why this business over another? It's not that I, or Gov. Snyder, don't like the film industry. We don't want it to die. It's just that there isn't the money to prop it up.”

Michigan Motion Picture Studios began in 2010, and officially opened in April 2011, at a cost that is estimated at $60 million. It is owned by a partnership that includes Nelson; noted mall developer A. Alfred Taubman and the Taubman family; Walbridge Aldinger CEO John Rakolta; Raleigh Studios; and William Morris Endeavor Entertainment L.L.C. “It took a long time to get it done, and we ended up putting up cash and guarantees,” Nelson said.

“We put in double the money we anticipated.

When we closed, there was more than $20 million in cash and guarantees put in by the partnership. The Michigan Employees

Retirement System didn't put up any money; they guaranteed $18 million in bonds. There were also redevelopment bonds.”

“We secured new market tax credits which are designed to stimulate the economy in low income communities,” said Steve Lemberg, CFO of Michigan Motion Pictures Studio.

“There are certain census scores and there are certain requirements that have have to be met, and Pontiac was in need in all the categories.

The financing was a combination of new market tax credits, the Michigan film market tax credits, which is a tax credit designed to build infrastructure to support the industry, and recovery zone facility bonds, which are federal tax-exempt bonds also designed to stimulate the economy.”

“For those you need a letter of credit guaranteed, and that's where the Michigan Employees Retirement System stepped in,” said Nelson.

Besides the more than $20 million Nelson said the partners put into the deal to finance the studio, major sources of funding were $3.8 million in federal infrastructure recovery funds from President Obama's stimulus package, which sources said Emanuel helped secure with his brother's assistance; $15 million in federal new market tax credits; $11.1 million in Michigan Film Infrastructure tax credits; and $18 million in bond financing insured by the Michigan Employees Retirement System, which was approved by the Oakland County Economic Development Corporation.

T

he Michigan Employees Retirement System, often referred to as the teachers' pension fund, guaranteed the studio with $18 million worth of bonds, and as co-signers occasionally discover, was left to make a substantial bond payment of $630,000 in February 2012 when Michigan Motion Pictures Studio defaulted on their bond payment. The next payment of $630,000 is due in August 2012, and Nelson acknowledged that they do not know if they will be able to make that payment.

Terry Stanton, director, Office of Communications for Michigan State Treasury, wrote in a letter to Downtown, “In June of 2010, the State Treasurer (Bob Kleine) signed a Guaranty and Credit Enhancement Agreement which promised to pay $18 million of bonds, principal and interest, if the Michigan Motion Pictures Studios Investment Fund LLC (the company) was unable to make payments to bondholders. The bonds were issued on July 13, 2010. Bond payments, made in February and August each year are $630,000.

“The company is obligated to make the bond payments. If it is unable to make full payments, the State of Michigan Retirement

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Systems (SMRS) are obligated to cover the payments (or the balance of the payment due) based on the agreement mentioned above, which was entered into under the previous administration.

“The movie studio could not make the full February 1st payment to bondholders, and therefore did default. The company had made monthly payments into an escrow account ($210,000) and bondholders were paid $630,000 on February 1, 2012. Of that amount, SMRS paid $420,000.

“At this point, it is not clear what amounts, if any, the company will be able to pay bondholders in August. It is not clear what portion of the payment could potentially be borne by the SMRS. My understanding is the payment amount due in August is $630,000.”

“We paid that system a fee for them making a guarantee,” Nelson asserted, noting SMRS had been paid $540,000, while they paid out $420,000. “So they were still ahead. (Will the studio make a payment) next month? Good question.”

“The Granholm administration invested pension money into this business venture. Is that a wise business venture?” asked Rep. Moss. “Now the state of Michigan is on the hook for that money. Was that the best use for that money? That's somebody's money. It's public money, not private venture capital with a specific rate of return that was put at risk.

Looking at the results in hindsight, was that the best use of the money? Now the state is an investor in the film industry, and we have to keep putting more money into the industry to protect their interests.”

N

elson and Lemberg repeatedly assert the whole goal for Michigan Motion Picture Studios, which opened after Gov. Snyder repealed the film incentives, is to create a new industry for Michigan and to get more people in Michigan working.

“There is no problem in getting workers; the problem is getting them work,” Lemberg said.

“People here have great values. The skills in 80 to 90 percent of making movies are jobs behind the scenes. They're carpenters, electricians and other construction jobs, and it's an easy transition for Michigan workers to make, if we have the work.”

In late 2011, early 2012, the big-budget Disney film “Oz, The Great and Powerful” starring James Franco, Mila Kunis, and Michelle Williams, was filmed at the studio, utilizing film credits from the previous administration at the 42 percent level.

“On Oz, there were over 7,000 days of grips and electricians of work. You multiply that for every field, and it's substantial,” Nelson noted.

“There were 70,000 man hours alone in creating Glinda's castle. A lot of people have gotten trained in this industry. For every one job in front of the camera, there are 30 created behind it. This industry is dominated by unions with great benefits.”

D

isney had planned on filming “Ironman 3” at their studio, Nelson said, until Michigan's film credits were scaled back, and Disney walked.

He noted they were not the only one.

Nelson was asked if his partner, John Rakolta, owner of Walbridge Aldinger, had been brought in for his Republican connections. He is a well-known Republican supporter, as well as a former brother-in-law of Scott Romney, who is Mitt Romney's brother.

“Little good that did. Alfred Taubman's a Democrat, his son Bobby is a Republican,” Nelson responded.

In the newly signed 2012-2013 Michigan budget, the state senate, led by state Sen. Randy Richardville (R-Monroe), the industry has been appropriated $50 million in film incentives via Senate Bill 569, which advocates say is better, but not enough.

Sources said Richardville was seen this past winter at Detroit Red Wing games with Nelson, and that Nelson allegedly took Richardville to Los Angeles to the Emmy Awards last fall. Richardville did not return several calls for comment on the film incentives appropriation nor his relationship with Nelson or Michigan Motion Picture Studios.

“They were probably very involved in getting the film credits increased to $50 million, and they're the only studio in town,” said one source who requested anonymity. “If the whole thing flies, they all make a s...load of money from films and TV shows.”

“But people are apprehensive in coming back here,” Lemberg said. “No one knows what's coming next. There 's so much more apprehension.”

“The drop in film credits has obviously affected us adversely from the perspective of our clients, so we don't get the films we needed to sustain the industry in the state of Michigan,” said the studio's COO Tony Wenson, who is a former commercial producer who worked for a year in the Michigan Film Office during the first year of the film credit program. “I think we're being very careful. The state has to support what we're doing. The state has to continue to provide incentives in order for Michigan to be competitive. More than 45 states, Canada and Europe have incentives, so it's gotten very competitive. If they want to see it grow, they have to provide incentives. Without them, there's no hope.”

But Nelson has a plan, and anyone who has ever known him over the years, or done business with him, knows to never count him out.

“Linden is great at shmoozing and selling,” a friend of his, who asked not to be named, said. “His entrepreneurial ability, his creativity, his salesmanship, no one else has that ability.

But he can't help himself from destroying it.

No one else can lift up the rug and put you under it like him. But he's like Teflon—they can never get anything to stick to him. What's the difference between a cat and Linden Nelson? A cat only has nine lives.”

Nelson and Wenson are currently flying back and forth to L.A., networking, shmoozing, and selling the heck out of Michigan, its workers, and Michigan Motion Picture Studios.

“I want to get one of the big boys to come here and do a slate of movies, and get the state to commit to a slate of movies,” Nelson said. The “big boys” he refers to are one of the major studios. “We have great stages, and they will help train an industry. These guys don't want to come and leave.”

“They make money if they can stay. If they can make a movie and have the same people stay and work on the next movie and the next movie, they move up and do more and more things; it's in their (the studios) best interest,” Lemberg explained. “Their model is to come and stay.”

If that occurs, Nelson and Lemberg say, the infrastructure will be established, and film incentives can be lowered to a break even point, and production companies can lower their bottom line. They believe that break even point would be in the mid-20s for the film credits.

They acknowledge it's a tough sell right now. Currently, they have a modest movie, a tornado film called “Category 6”, filming at the studios and in the metro area, utilizing some of their seven massive state-of-the-art studio space, which qualified for $12.1 million in incentives. About 461 Michigan workers are expected to be hired. Another movie, “Lost Vegas,” will film there in the fall.

A further problem is an overabundance of unfilled office space in the facility which initially was committed when film credits were plentiful. Nelson recognizes the problem he has renting office space in Pontiac when there is a surplus of office space in Troy, Southfield and other places. He is hopeful that if he can get a studio to commit to three films at the studios, the solutions will multiply as well, with high-tech, digital, and education-oriented companies eager once again to fill the office space that is sapping his overhead.

In the meantime, Nelson turns on the lights in his empty studios, and dreams of what could be.

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Stately and pristine Transitional home updated in 2011. Gracious 2-story foyer. Formal Dining Room. Oak Library with built-ins. 2-story Living Room with marble fireplace. Gourmet island Kitchen & Breakfast Area open to Sun Room. 1st floor Master Suite. 3 additional Bedroom Suites. Lower Level walk-out with Family Room, Exercise Room and more.

Fabulous Transitional home on 2/3 of an acre. Updated and neutral with 4 bedrooms, 3 baths. Newer Cook’s Kitchen with stainless steel appliances. Outstanding Master Suite with vaulted ceilings, large walk-in closet and spacious Bath. Wonderful living and entertaining spaces. Newer windows. Hardwood floors. Generator. Move right in!

Outstanding home on All-Sports Pine Lake. Complete 1995 remodel.

Entertainer’s dream inside and out. Gourmet Kitchen opens to Dining, Living and Family Rooms. Lakefront Master Suite with 2-way fireplace, sitting area and spa-like marble Bath. 2 garages with 6 car capacity.

2-story Boat house. Bloomfield Hills schools.

www.RandsColburn.com

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

442 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009

MAJESTIC HILLTOP ESTATE IN THE CITY OF BLOOMFIELD HILLS

Bloomfield Hills $2,499,000 Experience understated elegance and warmth throughout this inviting hilltop estate in the City of Bloomfield Hills. Situated on 1.77 sweeping acres of lush terraced grounds complemented by manicured lawns, an illuminated Tennis Court, paver patios and a very private Pool. 5 Bedrooms, 5 full and 1 half Baths. A gracious foyer opens to the formal Dining Room and sophisticated Living Room with bay window and French doors opening to the rear grounds. Beyond the formal spaces are the bookshelf-lined Family Room, fireplaced Library and 1st floor Bedroom Suite now used as an Exercise Facility. The outstanding country Kitchen with granite island, wine cellar, fireplace, Breakfast and Sitting Areas opens to the expansive paver patio. A private 2nd floor hallway reveals the stunning Master Suite with owner’s balcony and luxurious marble Bath. Lower Level walk-out amenities include a wet bar, Rec Area and full Bath. 3 car garage. Generator. Close to Cranbrook.

Nanci J. Rands 248.701.9000

www.RandsColburn.com

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

Meredith Colburn 248.762.5319

442 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009

OUR PAST PERFORMANCE IS YOUR GUARANTEE OF FUTURE RESULTS

Your Hometown Realtors for Over Five Decades of Combined Service Lynn Baker

Deby Gannes

248.379.3000

248.379.3003

lbaker@hallandhunter.com

dgannes@hallandhunter.com

Associate Broker

Rich

Realtor

LynnandDeby.com

Oakland Township $834,900

Oakland Township $799,900

Gated, private, custom built one of a kind on 2.6 acres with resort style pool. 4,262 sq.ft. with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and 2 lavs.

Circular drive, 3 tiered decks and multiple perennial gardens.

French doors off great room and dining room open to scenic decks. Hardwood floors, paneled library, extensive crown molding, oversized laundry and too many additional custom features.

Finished walk out with family room, bedroom, bath and garden room. ABB212046344

Horse lover’s paradise on 5.7 acres. Home totally redone in 2003 with every custom feature and detail. 5,320 sq. ft. 4 bedrooms, 3 baths and 2 lavs. Plus private entry 1 bedroom apartment/au pair suite (900 sq.ft.) with living room, fireplace, dining room, laundry, kitchen and bath. Finished walkout, oversize 4 car heated garage, decks and paver patios overlooking barn with stalls for 5 horses, 4 corrals and round pen. BUE212039461

Rochester Hills $724,900

Oakland Township $499,900

West Bloomfield $149,900

Circular drive welcomes you to your private wooded half acre paradise with water feature and perennial gardens. 5,049 sq.ft. with 5 bedrooms (1st floor master), 4 baths and 2 lavs, spacious rooms and closets. Updated in 2012 with new roof, interior/exterior painting +++. Finished daylight lower level with wine cellar, spa room (steam shower/dry sauna), exercise room, family (30 x 26) with fireplace, bar and billiard room. 4 car heated garage with built in cabinets. ARC212056781

Wooded, private .59 acres with plenty of perennial gardens and brick patio to enjoy. 3,521 sq.ft. 4 bedrooms, 2 baths and 2 lavs. Neutral updates and décor starting in 2005 to present. Paneled library, oversize dining room, large kitchen and breakfast room overlooking cozy family room with fireplace, wet bar and many windows/door walls bringing the outside in. 1,827 sq.ft. finished lower level with bar, billiard room, fireplace and storage. Extra deep oversize 3 car garage. CID212049008

Maple Place Villas (gated development) ranch unit with 2 bedrooms and 2 baths (1,509 sq.ft.) Enter the foyer with ceramic tile and mirrored closet doors. Living room with vaulted ceiling, kitchen with breakfast room and door wall to wrap around deck. Hall bath has skylight and tub. Spacious master suite with large walk in closet. Full basement ready to be finished, plumbed for bath/kitchen. condo backs to woods and a short walk to the pool. ROC212060802

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

Rochester Hills $774,900 4,766 sq.ft. with wooded privacy. Home sits high with a welcoming circular drive. Oversized gourmet kitchen with keeping room (19x12), fireplace and breakfast room. Master suite with sitting area, Jack and Jill plus private suite up. Finished walkout with 5th bedroom, bath, family room, fireplace, bar, game area and kitchen. All hand milled molding, 2x6 construction and many upgrades. Mahogany deck and brick paver patio. Car lovers dream 5+ car garage with central vac, insulated doors and plumbed for water.

SCE212047657

442 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009

THE PERROTTA REAL ESTATE TEAM Two generations, 39 years combined experience and one goal: Educated Buyers & Sellers = Results!

Dorothy Perrotta

Michael Perrotta

248.217.7222

248.672.0494

dperrotta@hallandhunter.com

mperrotta@hallandhunter.com

Associate Broker

Rich

Realtor

perrottarealestate.com Burt Lake $1,150,000 Build your dream retreat in Northern Lower Michigan! Two adjoining lakefront lots on Burt Lake, a 27 square mile all sports lake which is part of Michigan’s inland waterway. Wooded lots with 340 ft. & 578 ft. of sandy bottom lake frontage. On a paved road with natural gas & electricity at property line.

City of Bloomfield Hills This mini estate is located on 1.3 acres reached via a private road offering a quiet, secluded oasis away from the hustle and bustle. The large windows provide abundant natural light plus views of the magnificent grounds. 4 bedrooms including a first floor master with new bath and adjacent library, 3 full baths. New boiler and air conditioning, mostly newer windows as well as a 4 car garage.

SOLD Bloomfield Hills

Bloomfield $989,000 Lakefront living in one of the best locations in The Hills. This exceptional home embodies the best of contemporary and traditional with an open floor plan, high ceilings and walls of windows overlooking Minnow Lake. Chef’s kitchen with limestone counters, first floor master suite plus two additional bedroom suites. Newer cedar roof, decks, paver brick driveway and flagstone patios.

Extensively renovated 3 bedroom, 2 bath condo with over 2,500 square feet. Open floor plan with spacious rooms, chef’s kitchen, breakfast room, 1st floor laundry, attached garage and a full basement. Newer hardwood floors and imported handmade Italian tile in the foyer. All bathrooms have been renovated including new plumbing. Newer windows with wood blinds and shutters.

PENDING

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

442 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS

Ginny Fisher

Lynda Schrenk

Realtor

Realtor

248.593.0518

248.760.6026

GinnyFisherHomes.com

HallandHunter.com

SOLD

Birmingham $670,000 Walk to downtown Birmingham. Quality and sophistication describe this beautifully renovated house. Gorgeous outdoor fire place with brick paver patio. Great for entertaining.

Bingham Farms $415,000 Gorgeous end-unit 3 bedroom/3 bath ranch condo on a ravine setting in a small, private enclave.

Elegant and sophisticated with hardwood floors through most of the main floor, custom moldings, granite island kitchen and sound system. The beautiful study features custom bookcases and cabinets.

Spacious first floor master with two walk-in closets. Lovely private atrium plus decks for outdoor living.

The finished lower level has daylight windows, a bedroom, family room area and a full bath plus exceptional storage. 2 car attached garage.

SOLD

Birmingham $489,000 This 4 bedroom colonial has beautiful wood floors hroughout, coved ceiling, gourmet kitchen and spacious master suite.

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

442 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009

THE INTEGRITY OF HALL AND HUNTER...THE POWER OF CHRISTIE’S

Chris Edwards Associate Broker

248.310.9896

cedwards@hallandhunter.com

Kelly Small Realtor

248.631.8750

Rich

ksmall@hallandhunter.com

Birmingham $629,000

Farmington Hills $1,295,000

Historic Wallace Frost-designed 1920’s gem. Original architectural details and hardwood floors throughout.

Spacious family room, formal dining room plus living room with French doors. 1996 addition includes huge master suite. 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. Newly painted inside and out.

Exquisite and elegant European-inspired estate designed by acclaimed architect, Alexander V. Bogaerts.

Gracious custom Tudor home. Exceptional craftsmanship throughout. From the amazing woodwork and beautiful oak floors to French doors and richly marbled floors, this home was built with permanence in mind.

Charlevoix

Sold

We listed and found the perfect buyer for this beautiful custom farmhouse on 12 acres with a private pond. This tranquil estate is equestrianzoned and is the perfect retreat from city life.

Next door is the landmark antique store on M-66. Yes, we can sell homes in Charlevoix and Bay Harbor. Price upon request.

Birmingham

Bloomfield $525,000 Distinguished 4 bedroom 1920’s Tudor estate designed by Richard Marr and situated on nearly 1/2 acre of beautifully landscaped grounds. Arched doorways, original pewter hardware throughout, limestone fireplace and hand-carved staircase. The spacious floor plan makes this home great for families and for entertaining.

Leased

We found this beautiful, 1920’s Wallace Frost-designed quintessential cottage for clients coming in to film a movie. This distinguished 5 bedroom residence is located in the heart of Quarton Lake Estates and within walking distance of downtown Birmingham. Yes, we do high-end leases too!

ChrisandKellySold.com

CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE

442 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009

FACES

Tod Williams

A

t a young age, architect Tod Williams began laying the foundation for his career at Cranbrook Schools, and continues to build upon it.

After graduating with bachelor and master degrees from Princeton University, Williams gave back to his schools by designing Feinberg Hall at Princeton and the Williams Natatorium at Cranbrook.

“I was one of these lost people and began to find my way. Cranbrook was a fantasy world of continuous delight. It transformed my life and helped develop my creativity in every way. I realized I could pull together the academic and physical and create a life in architecture,” he said.

With his wife, Williams founded Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects in New York, and turned his passion for building his community into a literal sense.

Working for six years before founding his own firm made his transition to the professional world an easier one.

“I developed rigor and I learned to be a professional. Everything we did was an art, so it was a continuous flow from childhood dreams to an academic life and right into a professional practice,” he said.

Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects had a gradual beginning before making strides towards success.

“We had meager work but we were happy to have any work. It took a long time before accolades but it didn't matter,” he said.

Williams has designed the American Folk Art Museum in New York, the Phoenix Art Museum in Arizona and the Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia but has a special connection with each of them.

“I think of them as my children. They are all different and I care for them equally,” he said.

Williams appreciates all of his works and also realizes the responsibility behind supporting a vision without imposing his own.

“It's a gift to be asked to contribute but also a responsibility. Being asked to come back to work in the community you live in is maybe the greatest gift of all,” he said.

Even after being honored multiple times by the American Institute of Architects, Williams remains humble.

“When I was young, any mention of my name in paper was an accolade.

I remember moving to New York and when I first saw my name in the phonebook thinking 'wow, I exist outside of my home in Birmingham'. For me, the pleasure of the projects is that they exist and are loved,” he said.

Williams views teaching as part of his job and fulfills this role as a trustee of the Cranbrook Educational Community, a fellow of the American Academy of Rome and as a member of the advisory board of the School of Architecture at Princeton.

His upcoming projects include an arts center at the University of Chicago, a dormitory at Haverford College, a laboratory at Princeton University, a campus in Mumbai, India, and hopefully the opportunity to eventually design low cost housing. “That can change a community. I've enjoyed giving back to Cranbrook, Princeton and New York and I'd love to give back more to people who have less,” he said.

Story: Hayley Beitman

Photo: Dorothy Alexander

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BEYOND THE SHELVES HOW LOCAL LIBRARIES ARE REINVENTING THEMSELVES

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A Downtown photo/Hayley Beitman

s far back as people could collect and organize information and documents, some form of a library has existed in history.

The first recorded library is believed to have been found in excavations at a site in Ugarit in Syria, which date back to around 1200 BC, where a palace library, temple library, and two private libraries containing diplomatic texts as well as poetry and other literary forms were unearthed.

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07.12

In North America, personal collections of books brought over by French settlers in the 16th century are believed to be the first libraries in this hemisphere, and the oldest non-personal library on this continent was founded at The Jesuit College in Quebec City in 1635. Thomas Jefferson was known to have a glorious library at Monticello consisting of thousands of books, at a time when books were truly a rare commodity. He devised a classification system where he grouped his collection by subject rather than alphabetically, as libraries had previously done. Jefferson's collection became the nucleus of the first national collection of the United States at what is now known as the Library of Congress, after the congressional collection was destroyed by fire during the War of 1812.

F

ast forward a few centuries. The U.S. Library of Congress has grown, as has the country. Public libraries, as we've come to know them, have long been more than just beautiful repository of books and other written materials, and are currently undergoing a new revolution as the Internet and electronic reading materials threaten their very existence. Fiscally, municipalities are financially pressed to maintain libraries as property taxes plummet and revenues follow, and some residents question why they need to bother going there if they have a computer to Google information, and an e-reader to download any book they want.

Librarians and library directors will tell you public libraries are much more than a place to find the latest best seller (although they definitely have those) or places only for people without computers, although they are a great provider of that service, as well. Public libraries have re-imagined their purpose, both expanding their services to offer more to a wider range of constituents, and have regrouped to be the community meeting place, offering classes and opportunities for assemblies of all ages and needs.

As one librarian in Oakland County sees it, “We have repositioned ourselves as a community meeting place and a source of community information. We offer so many programs that people cannot get anywhere else. We're like the kitchen of the house—everyone decorates their living rooms and bedrooms, but the kitchen is the heart of the house, and I think the library is the heart of the community.”

Doug Koschik, library director for Birmingham's Baldwin Public Library, which provides services for residents living in Birmingham, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, and Bloomfield Hills, agrees. “Libraries still remain a primary source of information for people. Last year, we did a survey of our customers to see what they want and use the library for, and they still see it as a popular lending library. But the other important function is programming.

Libraries also play an important cultural phenomenon. It's a place to congregate, to learn, to discuss, and to have as a community and cultural center.”

Karen Kotulis-Carter, library director for Bloomfield Township Public Library, notes, “I think our primary function is still similar to what it was in the past: to provide a public access point for information. That information can be for recreation, how-to-help, information for health, reference materials, or to update a resume.

We used to connect people with books. And we still do. Now they may just take a variety of forms, from physical to e-format. And not everyone in Bloomfield Township has a computer, or has the technical help they need, and our technical staff provides a lot of help.”

Public libraries came into being in the United States and Europe in the late 19th century and early 20th century as public

places that were publicly-owned and funded by taxes from the community they were centered in, open to any citizen who wanted to use them, and were places that contained a wide range of materials, both popular and scholarly. Today, despite the increase of availability of information by greater sources, such as the Internet, they still are. Koschik said, “This year we anticipate 23,000 people will attend programming offerings at Baldwin Library. Many will be children, because our children programming is especially strong, but others are for seniors, adults, and more and more of that is centered on technology.”

Many things have changed. Technology, and its uses, has caused a cataclysmic shift in usage of the library, and debate about what libraries should be offering. The American Library Association (ALA) notes that in 1876, at their first major conference, the topics included what sort of readers to allow into the libraries and what sort of books they should be permitted to use. With cheap paper and mass production, new books were being published at unprecedented rates, and librarians wanted to provide guidance to the masses on appropriate reading.

The ALA said the youngest librarian at the conference was Melvil Dewey, who would later be elected president of the organization and was the individual who would standardize libraries with the Dewey decimal system. For a century, anyone visiting any library in the country could find and access anything they needed via Dewey's method of standardization through cataloging, filing and placing books on open shelves for easy access. He is also credited with creating circulation departments, overdue library book fines, and reference departments.

Today, the Dewey decimal system is a relic of the past, a souvenir of another age in library science. Today, libraries are fully computerized, with online public catalogues. In the 1980s and 1990s, libraries had the choice of computerize or die. “We do keep one old card catalogue in the basement,” Kotulis-Carter said. “We really worked hard to make the public comfortable with the online public catalog, and to make them realize how accessible it is to the world of information. We have 200 computers at the library, 100 of which are available to the public.”

“We first got the Internet in 1994, almost 20 years ago,” Koschik said. “We are constantly scanning the future. One of our primary purposes is to deliver the content, and more and more that is centered on technology.”

K

oschik and Kotulis-Carter note that rather than being an antiquated vestige from another age, libraries today are actually on the forefront of technology, providing them to a public which may not, even in an affluent area like Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township, have as much access to as many things that the libraries can offer.

“When the Internet became popular in homes, some people thought if I can Google it, I don't need to go to a library. Well, libraries have access well beyond Google. There's a world of information beyond Google, and it's a junkyard to wade through, yet there are jewels there,” said Kotulis-Carter. “A public library is a wise option, especially for students, because there is so much beyond Google. I don't think the Internet replaced libraries. It just created more places for information. I think there is nothing but upsides to technology, if you can afford it.”

“An important function is having skilled staff here to answer questions for people,” said Koschik. “There are many questions that can be answered on the Internet, but more complex questions can be answered by trained librarians.”

Baldwin and Bloomfield Township libraries also now provide free downloads to e-readers to their patrons, as do approximately

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07.12

75 percent of libraries, according to the ALA, up from 67.2 percent last year. However, Pew Internet and American Life Project reported that only 12 percent of Americans ages 16 and older who read e-books have borrowed an e-book from a library in the past year. A majority, it was revealed, were unaware that their library offered the free service.

“Clearly, the content we are delivering is in flux,” Koschik said. “We are continuing to check out physical content—most of it is books, magazines, DVDs, CDs. But electronic content has really increased in the last few years, and the circulation of e-resources has gone up 25 times in the last six years, from 1,100 to 27,000 in the last six years. It now amounts to about 4 percent of our overall circulation. Before it was negligible. It's continuing to increase to where it will end, I don't know, but I can't foresee a point where it will replace physical material. Books will continue to be part of libraries for as long as I'm alive. But in other areas, like DVDs and music, it will probably go away. It may find another physical format, or convert completely to an electronic format.”

H

e gives the example of how for many years libraries held microfiche as a record for old newspapers and other fragile documents. “Now you can go on the Internet and access them. We subscribe to a number of databases which have replaced some reference books, bound volumes of journals, magazines, newspapers, and certainly, microfiche.”

Kotulis-Carter said the township library has some rare historical documents that volunteers are digitizing, “so they'll be accessible to anyone anywhere in the world.”

Despite national figures for e-reader circulation, Kotulis-Carter sees it increasing. “Our walking through the door statistics are definitely up, and circulation is up for everything, from books, e-books, DVDs, CDs, magazines, media kits and special needs kits,” she said.

Of special encouragement is the amount of people the library is seeing at digital bookmobiles, which introduce the community to electronic lending for e-readers put on by an e-book vendor to promote digital access. “On June 15, we had 143 people stop by our digital bookmobile.

We had all kinds of e-devices for them to try out. We had all kinds of people stopping by—young kids, teens, mature people, senior citizens,” she said.

A problem libraries are experiencing with some publishers is that they are not making enough titles available in e-book format, often charge very high prices, and many limit e-book borrowing in some way.

“There can be a tradeoff for us in our budget between print and digital,” Kotulis-Carter said. “Because it is new, some vendors use it as an excuse to charge us more than for physical books, and libraries don't have money. Our budgets have declined while our uses have increased.”

She noted that 97 percent of Bloomfield Township Public Library's funding “comes directly from taxpayers through their residence or property tax, and since 2008 property taxes have gone down to a tune of a decrease of over $1 million in revenue, which represents 20 percent of our operating budget. That's a 20 percent cut in our operating budget.”

The remaining 3 percent in funding comes from overdue fines, room rentals, copying fees, state aid funds and penal fines which are allocated to libraries.

At Baldwin Public Library, in addition to property tax revenue, they also have service agreements with three communities, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms and Bloomfield Hills, in exchange for fees, which has allowed the library to restore full operating hours and a return to full staffing. Koschik said that in the 2012-2013 budget, which began July 1, 24 percent of the overall acquisitions budget, or $115,000, will be spent on electronic resources, versus $69,000 in the 2011-2012 budget.

The remainder of acquisitions are for physical books, magazines, CDs, DVDs, video games, puzzles, games, puppets and other toys for the youth room.

So next time you are looking for something to read, do, or a place to go, head to your local library. downtownpublications.com

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Corey Damen Jenkins

O

wner of Design With Vision in Bloomfield Hills and winner of HGTV’s Showhouse Showdown, Corey Damen Jenkins intends to remain a loyal member of his community.

“There's already a healthy design industry in New York and Chicago, but Michigan needs resources too. A lot of people could benefit from that so I can't jump ship. I'm committed to the area and seeing it through,” he said.

Jenkins grew up in Rochester Hills, where he drew for the first time at the age of three. “My mom used to cut open cardboard cereal boxes and I would watch TV and draw Lynda Carter as Wonder Woman inside the box,” Jenkins said.

Helping his parents redecorate, Jenkins realized he was interested in furniture layout, unlike his two younger brothers who enjoyed playing sports, and moved to New York after high school.

“I grew up in Michigan with grass and roads. New York is all subways and concrete. At 19, I was absolutely terrified by myself but I kept pursuing my dream,” he said.

He moved back home and first followed in his father's footsteps, working in the automotive industry. After purchasing furniture and designing offices for ten years and briefly working at The Michigan Design Center, he started his own firm in 2009.

“I created a position for myself where I could control my own fate and couldn't be outsourced,” he said.

Jenkins parents both remain huge supporters of Design with Vision, but from opposite ends of the spectrum. “My mom is ‘go for it!’, while my dad is ‘go for it...cautiously’,” he said.

Jenkins describes his style as fresh with a continental mix of elegance and modernity, and is mostly inspired by clients.

HGTV saw his website and ask him to audition for the nationally televised design competition, Showhouse Showdown, an opportunity he initially thought was an April Fools Joke.

“I didn’t call them back because the likelihood of HGTV calling me just felt a little too far fetched,” he said. “When they called, I was so sarcastic because I thought it was a joke.”

He competed with 52 designers from Michigan in a grueling interview process before getting the call that he was cast on the show.

“It was surreal to end up winning. At first I didn't think I really won. Even the day it aired, I kept waiting for the alternate ending,” he said. “It brought tears to my eyes because it validated two years of really hard work.”

Jenkins intends to remain in Bloomfield Hills. “It's a classy, sophisticated and timeless city. It's trendy and cosmopolitan, but also has old world class. It's like a little mini elegant New York,” he said.

His dreams extend to having his own television show and launching an exclusive furniture line.

“I'd like to do it all. I don't see why I can't. If people say you can’t sail your boat, sail it anyways. Not to prove them wrong, but to prove yourself right,” he said.

Story: Hayley Beitman

Photo: Laurie Tennent

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Oakland Township $1,590,000 Private gated community of newer estate homes. Completely updated in the last few years. Spacious and open floor plan. Beautiful first floor master suite. Finished lower level walkout includes kitchen and bedroom suite. Home sits on 1.74 acres with large private backyard. Extensive stone landscaping surrounds lovely pool. Six bedrooms with 5.2 baths. 212020713.

Birmingham $1,590,000 Totally rebuilt home on one of the most sought after streets in Birmingham. Many custom built-ins and moldings. Marble and hardwood floors. Family room off kitchen features Limestone fireplace, French doors to Florida room with Slate floors. Large open kitchen with island. Spacious master suite.

First and second floor laundry. Three car garage. Four bedrooms with 3.2 baths. Co-Listor Erin Keating-Dewald. 212018261.

Ronni Keating

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Birmingham $3,275,000 Stunning custom in-town residence is the epitome of style and sophistication. Offering over 9,000 square footage of functional living space with details that exceed expectations. Sumptuous master suite, gourmet kitchen (as featured in a national publication as a "dream kitchen") finished lower level, elevator and loft space. Four Bedrooms with 5.2 baths. 212001452

Birmingham $899,900

Bloomfield Hills $875,000

Fantastic in town home built on a deep lot. Nearly 5,000 sq ft of living space. Offering open living space with sun filled rooms. Gourmet kitchen with large eat-in area and deck. Sumptuous master suite with spa like bath and huge walk in closet. Finished lower level. Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212015336

Wonderful opportunity to own a PRIME piece of land in the HEART of the City of Bloomfield Hills. This lot is beautiful! Lots of trees, on 2.53 acres, give it a very "tucked away" feeling. What a fantastic site to build your dream home! 212017698

Sara Lipnitz

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Franklin Village $1,750,000 Custom built home on 1.5 acre lot providing much privacy and serenity overlooking the wooded lot and beautiful gardens. This impeccable home shows like brand new, is high quality throughout, and constructed with high standards. Finished walkout lower level with kitchen, bar, 2,000 bottle wine cellar, exercise room, theater room, and two bedrooms. Multiple furnaces and air conditioning with zoned heating. Heated garage. Six bedrooms with 4.3 baths. 212063242

Rochester Hills $895,000

Washington Township $850,000

Fabulous wooded 1.2 acre lot with frontage on Paint Creek Trail. Newer custom built home with finished walkout lower level. Spacious, stately and affording exceptional privacy in this prestigious Rochester Hills gated community.

Minutes from downtown. A magnificent opportunity to live within substantially more expensive neighboring properties. Private association access to Paint Creek Trail. Five bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 212063410

Beautifully tucked away on over 2.5 acres Cul-de-sac lot. Updated throughout with impeccable taste. Open kitchen to great room with granite counters and top-of-the-line appliances. Brazilian Mahogany hardwood floors. Finished walkout with kitchen. Fabulous yard with in-ground salt water pool and 1,000 sq ft pool house with heat, gas fireplace, bar and bath. Cabana wired for TV, hot tub, waterfall and fire pit. Four car detached garage in addition to the two car attached. Six bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 212057949

Mike Cotter & Paula Law

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Bloomfield Don't miss this opportunity on this impeccably detailed designer's home. Function and beauty abound in this hill top masterpiece! Brazilian Teak hardwood floors, chef 's kitchen, sun filled breakfast nook and three fireplaces. Custom ceilings, iron staircase and built ins throughout. Master retreat with fireplace, claw foot tub, steam shower and custom closet all set on a wooded, private lot. Four bedrooms with 3.2 baths. Price available upon request.

Birmingham $589,900 Fantastic home on a great street in Downtown Birmingham! White island kitchen with granite and stainless steel appliances open to family room and eating area. Gracious open floor plan with designated dining, living, family and office/recreation rooms all on first floor. Master suite with cathedral ceilings and neutral bath. Finished lower level and beautifully landscaped yard. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212064022

Renee Lossia Acho

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Birmingham $699,000 Sophisticated in town home expanded and renovated to offer a very open floor plan with high end finishes. The updated kitchen offers stainless appliances, contemporary cabinets and granite counters with seating open to a large dining area and family room. Master suite with cathedral ceiling, Ann Sacks tile bath and walk in closet. Large deck in extra deep back yard and fully fenced. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212060880

Bloomfield $649,900

Bloomfield $495,000

Classic Bloomfield Village Colonial situated on an outstanding lot on a quiet part of street! This home features a spacious master suite with private master bath and walk in closet, beautiful open living room/formal dining area with large natural fireplace, first floor office, family room with door walls to Florida Room. Hardwood floors throughout. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212045447

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. 212059923

Cindy Obron Kahn

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Brighton $1,950,000 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 and 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, hardwoods and elevator. Porte Cochere and five car garage. Seven bedrooms with 6.3 baths. 212057089

Lake Huron Frontage $1,599,000 Port Sanilac Lighthouse, Michigan's last privately owned and still operating Light House offered for sale for the first time in 85 years. Constructed in 1886, first lit in 1886 and continues today to guide vessels on Lake Huron. Fifty-nine foot double brick construction tower attached to a three bedroom with 1.1 baths. Additional three bedrooms and one bath guest cottage built in 1852. 212032183

David Busch

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Northville Township $1,249,000 Gracious and beautiful Estate living on the third Fairway of Meadowbrook Country Club! This custom built home offers it all from the stunning entrance to the incredible walk out. You have an open floor plan with beautiful views, wonderful room sizes and custom touches everywhere. The expansive lot offers privacy with room to enjoy the outdoors. Immediate occupancy. Six bedrooms with 5.2 baths. 212054432

Bloomfield $839,000

Gilbert Lake Frontage $595,000

Charming does not begin to describe this historically significant Bloomfield Estate Home. Situated on 1.24 manicured acres this lovely home features four bedrooms in the main house with additional accommodations in the carriage house apartment. The main house features hardwood flooring, six fireplaces and a second story Florida room. This home is a wonderful example of classic American Architecture that has been thoughtfully updated to suit modern family life. 212048969.

Over one acre wooded grounds with 200 feet of frontage on Gilbert Lake.

Gorgeous sunsets from two patios and most rooms. Newer furnace, central air and dishwasher. Everdry lifetime basement warranty, two sump pumps and hot tub. Bloomfield Hills Schools. Six bedrooms with 2.2 baths. 212051040

Bill Tracy & Chris Johnson

SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty skbk.com

Birmingham, Michigan

248.644.7000 Equal Housing Opportunity

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

South Rockwood Village $3,995,000 Wesburn Golf and Country Club. 100 years strong! 250 acre 18 hole Golf Course with beautiful quaint Club House/Living Quarters. Second Caretakers home on property. Property could be developed as sub-division or develop your own family estate and compound. Endless possibilities! Near I-75.

212060977. Presented by Kathy Haack

Oakland Township $849,900

Brandon Township $749,000

Situated on a hilly, wooded 5.94 acre lot, minutes from Paint Creek and Rochester, this outstanding home is ready for you. Sunlight floods the two story great room with fieldstone fireplace. Expansive first floor master with custom bath and two walk in closets. Kitchen with top of the line appliances, formal dining room, paneled library/study. Custom lower level has three gathering areas, full bedroom and bath. Five bedrooms with 3.3 baths. 212049589. Presented by Jim Casey

A slice of Paradise on this 42 acre retreat on Hummer Lake. Great fishing on this 12 acre private lake. Two level Brick Ranch with 5,500 sq ft of living space including a private guest wing. Two par 3 golf holes. 30 x 50 Pole Barn. Walk out lower level and terraced garden. Five bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 212065181. Presented by Bev McCotter

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Sterling $1,200,000 PRIVATE COUNTRY ESTATE on 20 spectacular acres, wooded with multiple ponds. Mediterranean style features, 30' ceilings, 12" logs and custom railings. Open floor plan, great room, dining, kitchen ideal for entertaining. Three bedroom suites with first floor master and lower level guest suite.

Lower level walkout with media room, wet bar and wine cellar. Handicapped accessible with three story elevator. Additional acreage available. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212058055. Presented by Ann Greenberg

Birmingham $1,245,000

Bingham Farms Village $689,000

Beautiful new construction from Maplewood Homes. High end woodwork, mahogany paneled staircase, additional service stairs, high end cabinets, kitchen command center, all suite bedrooms, great second floor lay-out with private fourth bedroom and second floor laundry. Luxurious master suite.

Completion date late August. This one is a 10. Four bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 212055997. Presented by Lisa Sturdevant

Beautiful Frank Lloyd Wright inspired home built in 2007. Top of the line finishes and neutral colors through-out. Large windows face a wonderful yard part of which is a protected nature preserve. Finished lower level with media room and more. Birmingham Schools. Five bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 212055171. Presented by Candice Cuyler

Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com

Hills of Lone Pine BLOOMFIELD Recently renovated with luxurious details and exceptional quality. Huge first floor master suite, elegant marble master bath, large gourmet kitchen and an open floor plan with soaring ceilings. Exceptional views of pond/waterfall from patio and screened porch. Three bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212020027. $689,000.

Kelly & Gerry Etue

Classic Colonial BIRMINGHAM

Cul-de-sac Lot OAKLAND TOWNSHIP Custom built all brick home with circular drive and four car garage. Neutral decor, upgraded fixtures through out, two staircases, central vacuum, stereo system and speakers. Two gas fireplaces, library with judges paneling, coffered ceiling and bookcases. Open floor plan. Four bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 212054173. $617,000.

Anthony Scaccia

Distinguished 1920's Tudor HUNTINGTON WOODS

Close to Downtown Birmingham and around the corner from Quarton Lake.

Updated in 2000 include John Morgan kitchen, plus all bathrooms including master bedroom. Walkout deck from master bedroom. Lower level partially finished. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths.

212065668. $599,000. Dan Gutfreund

All of the Charm of The Era! Featuring Stained Glass, Pewabic tile and beautiful wood moldings. Gracious living room with fireplace, kitchen with windowed breakfast room, leading to deck. Nanny quarters/in-law suite. Four bedrooms with 2.3 baths. 212056415. $569,000.

Laurie Glass

Lovely Wooded Lot on 1 Acre

Lake Voorheis Frontage

BLOOMFIELD HILLS Two story brick, country home in City of Bloomfield Hills. Open floor plan. Two story ceilings in living room and entrance.

All new bathrooms. Well maintained and sparkling. Nice architectural detail. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 211116427. $569,000. Pam Budde

Move in Condition BLOOMFIELD Open Contemporary with large wrap around deck. Kitchen updated with skylight in 2012. All bathrooms updated Overlooking Forest Hills Country Club.

Painted and carpeted in 2010. Large, lovely landscaped lot. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 212041589. $459,000.

Ronni Keating

Tree Lined Street BIRMINGHAM All Brick Poppleton Colonial. Large oversized living room. Formal dining room, fireplace and family room with views of a very private yard. Three bedrooms with 1.2 baths. 212062764. $399,000.

Beverly McCotter

West Beverly Charmer BEVERLY HILLS VILLAGE Classic Mid-Century Brick and Aluminum home. Family room off eat-in kitchen with granite countertop. Partially finished basement, hardwood floors, wet plaster.

Door from family room to rear patio, lovely garden, mature trees. Four bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 212063378. $335,000. Kathy Smith

ORION TOWNSHIP Very nice Raised Ranch. Large kitchen for entertaining. Custom Stone fireplace in both levels. Finished walkout lower level. Many custom features. Expansive deck overlooking lake. Four bedrooms with three baths. 212060479. $479,900.

Lee Embrey

Pristinely Maintained BLOOMFIELD Wonderful Bloomfield Village Colonial.

Formal living room with fireplace opens to dining room. Nice and bright kitchen with greenhouse window. Numerous perennials. Partially finished basement.

Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths.

212055964. $449,000. Beverly Napier

Large Lot BLOOMFIELD 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.

212049201. $395,000. Cindy Kahn

Sleek Cool Condo ROYAL OAK Open floor plan including living room with gas fireplace and wonderful view of Downtown. Large patio off spacious master giving 68 more sq ft of luxury living! Beautiful hardwood in kitchen, dining room and living room. Two bedrooms with two baths. 212062901. $285,000. Joanne McGuire

Custom Home Building and Renovations Kitchen, Bath and Whole House Renovation Exterior Modifications/Addition Historical Preservation Design/Cost Consultation Member National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Member Builders Association of Southeastern Michigan (BIA) BIA Builder of the Year Award BIA Remodelor of the Year Award NAHB Certified Aging in Place Specialists Greenbuilt Michigan Michigan Historic Preservation Network

81 West Long Lake Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304

(248) 647-2228 Kelletthomes.com

Since 1978

60

DOWNTOWN

07.12

CITY/ TOWNSHIP PSD market study of city approved

By Lisa Brody

Birmingham's Principal Shopping District (PSD) board voted in early June to approve a consumer market research study to look at the stores, shoppers, parking, demographics and businesses patronized in the downtown shopping area.

The PSD board chose The Strategic Edge of Sylvan Lake from a group of seven firms that had submitted requests for proposals (RFPs) to perform the research at cost of $22,500.

The market study is expected to begin in July and be completed by the end of September.

The Strategic Edge is a consulting firm which provides experienced, professional and value-based real estate consulting for developers, retailers and municipalities. The firm performed two prior consumer market research studies for the PSD, one in 2002 and another in 2006. A memo prepared by John Heiney, executive director of the PSD, noted that “The Strategic Edge stands out primarily because they have done this work for the PSD in the past. Their methodology in data collection and analysis would be consistent with the previous two studies, in all aspects, including the assigned staff members. Their familiarity with Birmingham and the PSD allows them to conduct the surveys and provide analysis based on past experience working in Birmingham.”

The PSD board concurred, and voted to approve their hiring for the market research study, which will be an intercept survey to gather the desired information, meaning they will intercept individuals on the streets of Birmingham at predetermined dates and times to ascertain what the primary purpose of the person's trip to downtown Birmingham was, whether to shop, dine, for entertainment, browsing, work, other business, or if they live in the downtown area. They will find out where people have parked, and what businesses were patronized that day. Heiney said the survey needs to be conducted in the summer because that is when Birmingham receives most of its walkable traffic.

Also questioned will be people's likes and dislikes of downtown Birmingham, and the amount spent on that visit per person. The home zip code will be discerned, as will be other demographic characteristics, such as

age, gender, ethnicity and income level.

One aspect that does not appear to be a part of the survey is whether Birmingham has reached a saturation level for restaurants and bistros, although Heiney said Birmingham City Manager Bob Bruner has met with the PSD executive committee regarding the study because it will be one element in assisting the city in helping to determine the level of liquor licenses. The possibility of including that in the latest downtown survey was first raised in February 2011 by the PSD during discussions about whether Birmingham was becoming too overpopulated with dining and liquor establishments.

For analysis purposes, the consultants will evaluate the downtown area and its market reach, assess the retail competition, estimate the expenditure potential for select categories of business and submit a report.

Because The Strategic Edge performed the previous market research studies, they will be able to compare and contrast Birmingham in 2012 to similar studies six years ago and a decade ago to recommend where the downtown area needs to improve.

Roncelli Michigan Clerk of the Year Bloomfield Township Clerk Jan Roncelli has been named Michigan Clerk of the Year by the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks, and was awarded the 2012 award at their annual conference in Traverse City on June 20.

“I am very honored to have been nominated and thrilled to have been voted clerk of the year,” said Roncelli, who has been Bloomfield Township clerk since 2004. During her tenure in office, she has made the township's code of ordinances accessible on the township's website, has established the clerk's office as a passport acceptance agency, instituted a township-wide policy and procedure for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests, and implemented the electronic roll book in all 32 Bloomfield Township voting precincts, among other actions.

“I'm so pleased for Jan; she's truly deserving,” said township supervisor Leo Savoie. “She works hard, she doesn't push work onto other people, and it's outstanding.”

Ruling may impact Bloomfield Park

By Lisa Brody

A

n appeals court ruling on a repeal of an emergency manager law petition could have ramifications for Bloomfield Township and the now abandoned Bloomfield Park development land that was annexed by the city of Pontiac over ten years ago.

The appeals court ruled on Friday, June 8, that a petition to put an emergency manager law repeal on the ballot in November must be upheld, despite the fact that the font size on the petitions was the wrong size, because of a previous Court of Appeals ruling made in Bloomfield Township v. Oakland County Clerk and City of Pontiac on September 6, 2002, which the same court deemed on June 8 was an erroneous decision.

In September 2002, the Court of Appeals ruled on Bloomfield Township's challenge to petitions initiating, and the scheduling of, a September 11, 2001, election to decide whether Pontiac could annex property located in Bloomfield Township for the Bloomfield Park project.

The circuit court refused the township's request to enjoin the annexation request, and the appeals court affirmed the lower court, despite numerous compliance violations, according to Bloomfield Township attorney Bill Hampton.

“We challenged the petitions on a number of grounds, including that the petitions violated Michigan election law,” Hampton said. “The judge said that the petitions substantially complied with election law, even though it was clear they didn't, on at least six to eight points. Eventually it went to the Court of Appeals, where even they acknowledged the many election violations, but they went ahead and affirmed the earlier ruling, and Bloomfield Park went ahead.”

In recent legislative sessions, an emergency manager law was passed for the state, and a group has challenged the law by circulating petitions to put the issue on the ballot this fall, but a violation of election law was determined due to the size of the font on the petitions.

“So what the Court of Appeals ruled in the emergency manager case was, they said the Bloomfield Township case was ruled improperly,” said Hampton. “They said that substantial compliance is not right, and they think Bloomfield Township was wrongfully decided. The election language 'petitions shall' means mandatory, which is what we always asserted. Therefore it must be virtual compliance, not substantial compliance, as the previous court ruled.”

Hampton explained that the court said that if they follow Bloomfield Township, then the emergency manager petitions have to go on the ballots, “but they said we believe Bloomfield is wrongfully decided with numerous election law violations, so we are asking a seven judge panel to review the emergency manager case, which they refused to do.”

Ultimately, the emergency manager case will go to the Michigan Supreme Court, Hampton said, and when that is decided, it will determine what will happen to Bloomfield Park in Bloomfield Township.

“Now, 12, 14 years later, after Bloomfield lost it, the court is saying they shouldn't have lost it,” Hampton said. “And one of the same judges who ruled 10 years ago ruled last week. That's incredible.”

Hampton said Bloomfield Township will have to determine whether it wants the annexed land back, “considering the condition of the property,” and what can be done moving forward, with or without Pontiac.

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62

DOWNTOWN

07.12

Woodlands rules for Bloomfield Hills After months of discussions and political wrangling, the Bloomfield Hills City Commission passed a woodlands ordinance by a vote of 3-2 at their regular meeting on June 12.

Commissioners Sarah McClure, Mike Dul and Michael Zambricki supported the ordinance, while commissioners Pat Hardy and Mike McCready voted against its passage.

Dul, a new commissioner, had campaigned on improving the ordinance. “Dul was supportive of the ordinance, but felt it needed simplifying, such as how many trees a resident could remove without a permit,” said Jay Cravens, Bloomfield Hills City Manager.

The goal of the ordinance is to preserve trees and green space in Bloomfield Hills, stating that “Urban growth, new development, redevelopment, and increased demand on natural resources can encroach upon, damage or even eliminate many of the trees and other forms of vegetation that distinguish our city.

Healthy trees and woodlands constitute important physical, aesthetic, recreational, and economic assets to present and future residents of the city.”

The ordinance is very detailed in its specifications for size, type of trees, and how many trees per year a homeowner can remove from his or her property. Commissioners and planning board members had noted that many other communities, such as Bloomfield Township and West Bloomfield Township, have long had woodlands ordinances, and felt it was long overdue that Bloomfield Hills should have one. A primary concern was to prevent clearcutting, where a developer or homeowner clears the trees on a piece of property. The ordinance now formally prevents that practice.

Public safety tax renewal on ballot

B

loomfield Township voters will be asked to approve a renewal of a 2.39 mill, 10-year tax for public safety services when they go to the polls on Tuesday, August 7.

If approved, the renewed millage begins December 13, 2012. Township officials expect it to generate $7.41 million in the first year of the renewal.

Parking ticket revenues for Birmingham

By Lisa Brody

T

hey're the pieces of white paper stuck in your windshield when you know your parking meter has expired. They're a boon to Birmingham, far exceeding revenues from the meters themselves, which cost $1 an hour at 25-cent increments every 15 minutes.

According to Teresa Klobucar, Birmingham Deputy Treasurer, parking ticket revenue for fiscal year 2010-2011, which ran from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, came to $356,060, up from fiscal year 2009-2010, when parking ticket revenue was $325,448.

But that is not all of the money the city could be collecting for parking tickets, which are $10 if paid within 10 days. After 10 days, the ticket increases to $30. However, if you receive more than seven tickets in a calendar year, the parking ticket goes from $10 to $30, and if it isn't paid in 10 days, it increases to $40. That's a lot of quarters.

Klobucar said uncollectibles for parking tickets runs approximately 13 percent of all tickets given every year.

“We do impound cars,” Klobucar said. “If you have six or more overdue tickets that are unpaid, we will impound your car. However, if you pay them all, even if they are late, you're fine.”

She said the city routinely sends out late notices to car owners with unpaid tickets every 30 days to remind people to pay their late tickets, and will again in July for all late tickets for 2012. “We will notice people a couple of times because we would rather have people pay their ticket than have it go to a collection agency. But if they're not paid, after six months they are turned over to a collection agency.”

Klobucar said that Birmingham's collection rate of 87 percent “is pretty darn good” on parking tickets, which provides a good amount of revenue for city coffers.

“We want you to pay your tickets. We really don't want to impound your cars,” she emphasized.

The ordinance allows up to 10 percent, or four trees, whichever is greater, to be removed from a property without a permit. Any amount of diseased or undesirable trees can be removed, as well as trees with less than an 8-inch caliper, without a permit. Specifications for replacements are spelled out in the ordinance, and Dul had requested a homeowner credit for planting larger trees. The commission compromised, Cravens said, by determining that homeowners can come before the commission with their plans and request a credit.

“I don't think that will happen too much though because we're already

“Our public safety budget is $25 million a year, and this millage accounts for about a third of it,” said township supervisor Leo Savoie. “If this millage went away, it would drastically affect the way our police department and fire department would look. About 25 police officers and 25 firefighters would have to go away. The first thing we would lose would be our EMS. No matter what, we need to keep this millage.”

Steve Mitchell of Mitchell

giving them a pretty good credit,” Cravens said.

The ordinance also allows landscape architects to submit plans for residents.

The ordinance went into effect June 24.

Residents appear satisfied with city Bloomfield Hills residents responded to a citizens' survey with overwhelming satisfaction relative to the direction the city is being run and its quality of life, survey results indicated.

Bloomfield Hills engaged Cobalt

Research and Communications conducted a phone survey of residents to see how willing they would be to support a renewal of a public safety millage, and Mitchell's survey indicated township residents would be very willing to renew the public safety tax, with approximately 75 percent of respondents indicating they would support it.

“There was very strong support for passage of the millage. Each

Community Research to run a citizen engagement assessment, where responses were graded on a 10-point scale, with 10 being the highest satisfaction.

Bloomfield Hills residents gave the city an overall 7.8 point satisfaction score, which city clerk Amy Burton said is a very high satisfaction rating.

The national average is 6.7 points.

“The overall satisfaction score presented was above the national average, and that was an important point,” Burton said.

The survey was sent to 3,525 residents culled from the city's voter registration rolls in two separate mailings in March and April , and 1,042 responses were returned, which is a 31 percent return.

The results of the survey indicate overall satisfaction with the direction the community. The bottom line of the survey results indicated that 67 percent of respondents support moving the city commission election from May to the November general election; 58 percent oppose a millage increase; 53 percent of respondents do not want to see a millage increase to aid in road construction projects; and in the event of a budget shortfall, 60 percent of survey respondents want to see the city pursue shared services agreements with other local governments.

In other matters, 58 percent of the respondents said they were opposed to a millage that would pay for a paved pedestrian walkway along Long Lake Road and Woodward Avenue.

The city's website is considerably underutilized; it was discovered by the survey that over 40 percent of respondents hadn't been to the city's website in over a year. “There are areas where we have found ways to improve, such as the city's website and written communications with our residents,” said Burton. “In summary, our commission is excited to move forward with these results to get goals in place.”

question around the millage showed 50, 60, 70 percent support. There was very little negative response, so we felt comfortable voting to put it on the ballot,” trustee Brian Kepes said.

The millage proposal is being placed on the August primary ballot, rather than waiting until the November general election, so that all taxes can stay current and there will not be a gap in public safety finances, Kepes said.

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Drinking at theater compromise okayed

By Lisa Brody

After several continuances and tablings, the Maple Theater in Bloomfield Township, and its new owner/operator, Cloud Nine Productions, were approved by a 5-1 vote of trustees for a liquor license on June 25.

The theaters owners and trustees agreed the theater would only serve alcohol to patrons who had purchased a ticket to see a movie at one of the theater's three theaters, and they agreed to a six-month probationary period after the owners receive their license from the state and begin serving alcohol. After six months, the township and trustees will review the license and determine whether to extend the liquor license to include anyone walking in the theater's doors.

The agreement, in the form of a contract between Jon and Lauren Goldstein, principles of Cloud Nine Productions, and Bloomfield Township, is a first for the township, and worked out between township attorney William Hampton and attorney Scott Edwards, representing Cloud Nine and the Goldsteins. In addition to not serving alcohol to anyone without a movie ticket, the theater agreed to not sell more than two drinks per patron; no alcohol will be served on the patio; alcohol will not be served in G-rated movies; will not be served before 3 p.m. on weekdays and noon on weekends; and the owners cannot transfer the liquor license out of the township if they choose to close the theater or sell it.

The inability to transfer the liquor

Sewer work set for portion of township

T

he Bloomfield Township Board of Trustees agreed with their staff engineer, Olivia Olsztyn-Budry, that sanitary sewers in the eastern portion of Bloomfield Township, off Kensington near Adams and Wattles roads, need to be rehabilitated, and unanimously approved a contract at their June 11 meeting to begin work on them.

Construction is scheduled to begin after July 4 and continue through May 2013, with sewer work continuing through the winter months.

license out of the township is a new provision added to the township's liquor license ordinance, also approved at the June 25 meeting, and is applicable to all liquor license applicants.

The Goldsteins, who purchased the theater from Landmark Theaters in January, plan to completely renovate the theater, adding a coffee bar, bakery, and lobby bar, while still maintaining the theaters as an independent art theater. Jon Goldstein said that is still the plan, as well as upgrading it to an all digital theater so they will be able to provide alternative content, such as operas and Broadway shows.

Goldstein confirmed that he has signed a deal with Great Lakes Coffee Shop to open a coffee cafe in the theater. Great Lakes Coffee has a roasting operation on Enterprise Court in Bloomfield Township. “They're opening their first coffee shop in midtown Detroit, and this will be their second,” Goldstein said. “We're proud to have them.”

“We also hope to start film programs,” Goldstein said. Another

Olsztyn-Budry explained the township has been very proactive in redoing sanitary sewers in the last few years, and recently wrapped up a project in Hickory Heights in Bloomfield Township. She said on June 5 they accepted bids for more than 21,000 linear feet of sewers and approximately 130 manhole covers in the areas west of Adams, Kensington, and Wattles roads. She noted that many of these sewers are more than 50 years old, and “several are located in low-lying areas, in side and rear yards, and adjacent to the Rouge River.”

Three contractors bid the project, with Liquiforce Services USA of

innovation for the site, he said, is to offer family films on weekends in the mornings.

A source of consternation between the Goldsteins and some trustees came over the Goldsteins desire to offer alcoholic drinks in the lobby to anyone 21-and-over walking in the door, whether they had purchased a movie ticket or not.

“Liquor is an incidental but important piece of the business plan, not only for someone who wants a drink, but someone who wants to meet someone for a cup a coffee, for dessert, who might be joining friends at a movie club,” he said. “It's a limitation of what we can and cannot do, of what my customers can and cannot do. We do not plan on being a bar. It will be a small piece of the plan. At some point there is trust between a township and an applicant.”

“Until this agreement, all of your paperwork was for alcohol for your patrons, with two drinks punched on fluorescent wristbands. There was nothing about any comments about anyone coming into a bar in the lobby

Romulus coming in with the lowest bid, at $629,240. Liquiforce previously did work for Bloomfield Township with the current Bloomfield Village CSO district inspection and rehabilitation project, the 2009 sanitary sewer maintenance rehabilitation project, and the Charing Cross sanitary sewer inspection and rehabilitation project in 2008.

Liquiforce was also the contractor for Birmingham's 2011 Lincoln Road sewer reconstruction project, where six individuals became sick from styrene fumes used in the sewer linings.

Bloomfield Township Supervisor Leo

open to anyone,” said township clerk Jan Roncelli. “What I see is your plan has changed to a neighborhood bar, which is different from what we were considering. We do not have neighborhood bars in the township, and it sets a precedence, and I'm not prepared to do that when we were considering liquor at a movie theater.”

Goldstein accused trustees of not getting his vision for the theater, and trustee Neal Barnett responded that it was because it had not been consistently presented.

A vote of trustees was tied at 3-3 to approve a liquor license agreement limited to only movie patrons,with trustee David Buckley absent, so the motion failed. Trustees Barnett, Brian Kepes and Corinne Khederian voted no, and Dan Devine, Jan Roncelli and Leo Savoie voted yes. A second motion was made to serve alcohol only to patrons, but to review the policy after six months to determine whether it was working and if trustees felt comfortable extending the liquor license for the theater to everyone, as Goldstein demanded.

That motion also failed by a 3-3 tie, with Devine, Kepes, and Khedorian voting against, and Barnett, Roncelli, and Savoie favoring it.

At a stalemate, the Goldsteins and their attorney went to the hallway as the item was temporarily tabled. When they returned, they said they were willing to sign an agreement that they would only serve alcohol to patrons with movie tickets, with the provision that the matter would be review by the township board in six months.

Trustees approved the liquor license application for the theater by a 5-1 vote, with only Devine voting no.

Savoie asked Olsztyn-Budry how Liquiforce was planning to handle styrene on this project, and she said they would be utilizing low odor control methods that are at or below OSHA standards.

“It does include the additional step to solidify the styrene so it does not go into the gaseous phase. They began using this method a few months ago in Bloomfield Village and on Westchester at the request of Bloomfield Township, and since they have begun using it, there have been no complaints,” she explained.

“They will also monitor it hourly.”

Once cured, styrene becomes hard like concrete.

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Non-union worker wages restored The Birmingham City Commission unanimously approved a resolution at its meeting on June 25 to reinstate a 2 percent wage cut non-union city employees had been forced to make in 2010.

Upon approval of the wage reinstatement, the city's 2012-2013 budget was amended to reflect the reinstatement and commissioners approved the transfer of the necessary funds to cover employees' wages by the city's finance department into a contingency account.

“Now that all of the union contracts have been settled, we wanted to be fair to that non-union employee group and take them back to zero, because the city does not debate with them about their wages but dictated to them when they had to take a 2 percent wage cut,” Birmingham City Manager Bob Bruner said.

He said he was disappointed for employees who have sacrificed, but the city was not able to make the wage reinstatement a retroactive act, “so the city saved money during that time. But this makes them equal to our union group employees,” he said.

City commissioners also unanimously approved a resolution authorizing non-union employees to begin paying increased deductibles, out-of-pocket maximums, and higher drug co-pays and office visit co-pays, effective January 1, 2013. These expenses are the same as the city negotiated with union employees.

2012-2013 budget for Birmingham set Birmingham city commissioners unanimously approved the city's fiscal year 2012-2013 budget at the city commission meeting in late May. Birmingham's fiscal year funs from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013.

Commissioners had reviewed the city's budget during an all-day planning session in April. At the commission meeting, Birmingham Finance Director Sharon Ostin presented a few changes to the $64 million budget, noting that there will be a $60,000 decline in property tax values and a $232,000 increase in revenues to the city's general fund due to the police dispatch agreement downtownpublications.com

Birmingham changes fireworks regulations

Restaurant ML okayed by planners

By Lisa Brody

R

estaurant ML, a proposed new restaurant by popular restaurateur Bill Roberts, was recommended on June 18 by the Bloomfield Township Planning Commission for approval by the township board of trustees which will likely decide the issue in July.

The restaurant is to be located in the Bloomfield Commons shopping center at Maple and Lahser roads in the former Blockbuster Video location.

Neal Barnett, a Bloomfield Township Trustee and member of the planning commission, said, “What I liked about the restaurant is it fits into a niche for that market. There's nothing else but family type restaurants or delis in the area. Restaurant ML is going to be a comfortable neighborhood restaurant.”

Roberts is the owner of Beverly Hills Grill in Beverly Hills, Streetside Seafood in Birmingham, Town Tavern in Royal Oak, and the new Roadside B&G restaurant on Telegraph in Bloomfield Township in the former Brandy's location.

The planning commission reviewed plans designed by the Ron & Roman design firm in Birmingham, with approximately 77 interior seats and 50 outside dining seats that will be seasonable. The current design encloses the outdoor area utilizing natural materials and has a permanent awning.

“It's a complement to the neighborhood and the shopping center,” Barnett said. “It's the type of place that I see residents from surrounding neighborhoods walking to.”

The planning commission received a complaint from Plum Market, which is also in the shopping center, regarding a concern over parking.

Township officials and planning commissioners said they visited the center several times at various times and days, and did not view parking to be a problem.

“It's a small restaurant, and it will not have an impact on parking as Plum has contended,” Barnett said. He also noted that the shopping center owner intends to reconfigure some of the parking spots, adding six additional spots, and clean up the rear area of the center.

Roberts said he hopes to open the restaurant by the end of 2012.

with the city of Beverly Hills.

The budget also established the proposed millage levy for residents at 15.4641 mills, which is a net reduction of just under .14 mills from the current fiscal year.

Birmingham's 2012-2013 budget is just over $64 million, which is a 6.9 percent decrease from the 2011-2012 budget. Expenditures are budgeted at $68 million, with revenues at $61.3 million, up from $60 million in 2011-

2012, due to an increase in property tax values. Property taxes make up approximately 45 percent of Birmingham's revenues.

The general fund, which is the city's chief operating fund, is expected to be $27.4 million, of which $11.3 million will be spent on public safety. Capital improvements total $7.8 million.

Personnel costs, including benefits and legacy costs for retirees, make up 59 percent of budget expenses.

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Birmingham City Commissioners unanimously approved an ordinance amending part of the city code to provide for the regulation of the ignition, discharge, and use of consumer fireworks to the day before, day of, and day after, the Fourth of July, as well as any national holiday, in response to a new state law which permits the purchase and use of a wide range of previously banned fireworks in Michigan.

Michigan state legislators approved the Michigan Fireworks Safety Act this year, which set new regulations for the purchase, sale and use of fireworks. The new law prohibits local municipalities from regulating the sale, display, storage, transportation, or distribution of fireworks.

“We cannot prohibit the use of fireworks on July 3, July 4, or July 5, and about 10 other days of the year, like around Thanksgiving and Christmas, according to the new state law,” said Birmingham City Manager Bob Bruner. “This ordinance is in response to it. We are restricting fireworks in Birmingham to the maximum allowed by law.”

Bruner said there the state law is having negative consequences on local municipalities. “The big issue is that this is another attempt by the state to increase revenue for the state that has negative effect on communities,” he said. “We will get none of the revenues (from fireworks sales) but all of the problems.”

Commissioners voted 6 to 0, with commissioner Scott Moore absent, to restrict the use of fireworks by private citizens to only the days mandated by the state. Bruner and mayor Mark Nickita commented on recent increases in police calls by local residents for fireworks noise complaints and neighbors calling on neighbors for shooting off what may be illegal fireworks. ““Police have been having quite a few nuisance calls on fireworks. It can be a wild goose chase, because by the time you get there, the fireworks are over and no one is there,” Bruner said. “I remind people to use common sense and not to shoot them off into the wee hours of the morning.”

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EDUCATION Nerad named as new superintendent Dr. Daniel Nerad, currently superintendent of the Madison Metropolitan School District in Madison, Wisconsin, was approved as the finalist to serve as the next superintendent for Birmingham Public Schools at the special board of education meeting on Monday, June 11.

Nerad signed a contract with the district at a school board meeting on June 19.

Marcia Wilkinson, spokesperson for Birmingham Public Schools, said determining the start date, salary and other pertinent details are part of the contract negotiations the board began after they selected Nerad.

Nerad informed the board during the interview process that he may not be able to begin July 1, as they would prefer, as he would need to provide the Madison district with a certain amount of notice.

If he is not able to begin on July 1, Wilkinson said the board would have to determine who would act as superintendent until he would be able to begin.

“We will begin negotiations this week,” said Susan Hill, board president. “If he is not able to start July 1, will will put an interim plan in place.” She said a couple of board members traveled to Madison after his selection “to confirm what we know about our decision,” she said.

The board selected Nerad after multiple interviews and community input. Community members and district staff were invited to engage in a community survey, attend and participate in interviews, and attend special meetings discussing the

finalists. Nerad ultimately earned the position over one other finalist, Dr. Robert Shaner of Warren Consolidated Schools.

Nerad's extensive background as a superintendent and his student focus and passion impressed the board, Wilkinson said. The board also commented on Nerad’s ability to listen and learn before taking action.

“What really struck us was his experience as a sitting superintendent,” Hill said. “He's very child-centered, and he uses the word 'serves.' He believes he serves all kids. He also is very research-based, and very familiar with data, and how to use it, and how to how it accountable. He is very impressive. I believe the district will be well-served by his leadership.”

“He has such a comprehensive background in education,” noted Wilkinson on the choice of Nerad. “He has been a sitting superintendent for 11 years, currently with Madison, and before that in Green Bay. He also has an extensive background in community involvement. He realizes the importance of schools' involvement in the community.”

“The board has conducted its process to hire its new superintendent with transparency and integrity,” said Hill. “Dr. Nerad’s selection completes an exhaustive three-month process directed by a national search firm using best practices across the country. A multidimensional search process has been used, including interviews, screening and background checks, reference checks (both formal and informal), and writing and presentation samples.”

Nerad earned his Doctoral of Leadership for the Advancement of Learning and Service from Cardinal

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Stritch University in 2002. He has spent 11 years as a superintendent and was named Wisconsin’s Superintendent of the Year in 2006.

Country Day adds Bearden as director Detroit Country Day School has named Timothy J. Bearden its new chief academic officer/upper school director, effective July 1.

Equivalent to principal of the upper school, in his new role Bearden will also be instrumental in the development, implementation and coordination of the academic program of the school for all four of the Detroit Country Day campuses, which serve pre-kindergarten through 12th grade, according to headmaster Glen Shilling.

Detroit Country Day officials noted that Bearden brings with him more than 25 years of experience in education, administration leadership and athletic coaching.

“Throughout his career, he has been a leader in local, state and national arenas in the development of “Schools of the Future” and promoting advanced learning initiatives. He has presented throughout Michigan and the Midwest on grading and assessment, constructivism, social media in education, academic support programs for struggling learners and technology in leadership,” Shilling said.

Prior to being hired by Detroit Country Day School, Bearden served as principal at Grosse Pointe North High School in Grosse Pointe Woods for the last six years, where he was responsible for writing the district's 2.0 21st century learning initiative, authored the district's teacher

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evaluation model, and led the district's technology grant process, which resulted in an infusion of interactive technology into classrooms.

“I've always known Country Day by its reputation; we would compete on the athletic fields, so when this opportunity arose, I was excited to be part of it,” Bearden said. He noted he is particularly pleased about the duality of the position, where as chief academic officer he will work with Country Day's curriculum leadership council to align the entire school, from 3-year-olds to 12th graders, with one educational philosophy, and as head of the upper school. “I have not wanted to leave the school setting, which often in public schools you have to when you get into administration,” he said. “I am excited to not leave students and teachers while having broad contact with the entire academic programming.”

Sue Murphy, director of external affairs for Detroit Country Day, said, “We are so excited to have Tim join us.

His educational philosophy meshes perfectly with our Country Day philosophy of putting students first.”

Bearden led the Grosse Pointe district in studies on school day structure, grading and assessment, the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program, as well as cochairing the English language department's curriculum committee.

Bearden earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, History and Social Sciences from the University of Michigan-Flint in 1986, and his Master of Arts degree in Educational Leadership from Eastern Michigan University in 2001. He completed his teaching certificate in 1989 and attended Wayne State University Law School.

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COUNTY Oakland millage on ballot to fund DIA

By Lisa Brody

A .2 mill, 10-year tax proposal to help fund an Oakland County authority to support the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) is on the August primary ballot.

The purpose of the millage proposal, approved by the Oakland Board of Commissioners, is to seek tax authorization from county voters for the purpose of providing revenue that will be used to benefit the DIA. Macomb County and Wayne County officials are also requesting their voters approve an identical millage package to support the DIA. DIA Executive Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Annmarie Erickson said if only one county approves it, the DIA can have an art institute services provider agreement with only that county. The millage and its administration is similar to the tricounty zoo tax which helps to support the Detroit Zoo. A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property's taxable value, which is generally equal to half of the property's taxable value. A home with a $100,000 taxable value ($200,000 market value) would pay $20 a year for the DIA Oakland Arts Authority. If the millage passes, residents will see it on their December tax bills, with the arts authority beginning to receive funds in January 2013.

In exchange for its approval, all Oakland County residents will receive free admission to the museum, other than for special ticketed shows. It would also provide for free self-guided field trips for Oakland County students, and “there will be a specific contract that will include a defined amount of financial support for transportation to the museum for all Oakland County schools, public and private,” Erickson said. “We have seen a decrease in attendance by school groups because clearly they cannot get here. The millage will ensure that the money is there.” Currently, the museum has been receiving grants from Target Corporation and the Hantz Group to provide field trips, but it hasn't been sufficient to meet needs.

Erickson said that if approved, the free general admission will begin immediately, “on August 8,” but free school transportation will likely not occur until the 2013-2014 school year, as details will need to be worked out.

The millage will also provide expanded senior programming in Oakland County, which Erickson said downtownpublications.com

is still being determined. “Examples would be to have senior groups come in private groups to the museum, hear a lecture, and then tour the museum for free. The transportation would be free, and the only cost to them would be what they might spend at our store or cafe',” she said.

Oakland County will administer all funds collected by the potential millage via a five-person Oakland County Arts Authority, which was put in place by the county board of commissioners. Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner is a nonvoting member of the board.

“We're hopeful for a positive outcome,” Erickson said. “It's an investment in a partnership between the county and the DIA, and strengthens our ties with people in our service areas that we have not had the resources to do before.”

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SMART tax renewal on primary ballot Oakland County voters in communities which participate with the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation (SMART) bus service will be asked to renew a .59mill, two-year public transportation millage renewal when they go to the polls on Tuesday, August 7.

The millage renewal will cover tax collections in 2012 and 2013 for the purpose of providing funds for the support of public transportation services for the elderly, disabled and general public in Oakland County.

The millage was previously approved in 2010 for 2010 and 2011.

A mill is equal to $1 for every $1,000 of a property's taxable value, which is generally equal to half of the property's taxable value. A home with a $100,000 taxable value ($200,000 market value) would pay $59 a year for the SMART millage.

It is estimated that .59 mills would raise approximately $16 million when it is renewed and levied in 2012, according to Oakland County government officials.

The Oakland County Public Transportation millage renewal is on the ballot in Birmingham and Bloomfield Township, but not Bloomfield Hills because it is an optin, opt-out millage renewal, where commissions and boards determine if their communities are going to participate with SMART. Only in those municipalities which opt-in are the residents asked to approve the millage renewal request.

Twitter.com/DowntownPubs One more way to keep local residents updated on quick items of interest in Birmingham/Bloomfield.

The Guide The annual community directory providing information on local, county and state government, pubic and private schools, houses of worship, hospitals, parks and much more. Mailed to local residents.

Black Book of Non-Profits Our annual guide to the major and minor fund-raising events in the world of non-profit groups in southeast Michigan from November each year until the end of October in the following year. A must read (and save) for those who help underwrite the efforts of the community groups by their attendance at the major social happenings each year. Mailed to local residents.

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DOWNTOWN

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

220: American. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 220 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.2150.

Andiamo: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

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

248.865.9300.

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

248.499.6867.

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

Beau Jacks: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday; Dinner, daily. No reservations.

Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630.

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

248.494.7110.

Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078.

Big Boy: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.642.0717.

Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations.

Liquor.

245 South Eaton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774.

Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009.

248.593.8880.

Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304.

248.645.6879.

Brooklyn Pizza: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 111 Henrietta Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.6690.

Cafe Via: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 310 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.644.8800 Cameron’s Steakhouse: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 115 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.723.1700.

Chen Chow Brasserie: Japanese. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 260 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.2469.

China Village: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 1655 Opdyke, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.758.1221.

Cityscape Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Beer.

877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220.

Commonwealth: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009.

248.792.9766.

downtownpublications.com

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

Deli Unique of Bloomfield Hills: Deli.

Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations.

39495 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7923.

Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.642.1135.

Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 176 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.9888. Also 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301.

248.258.9939.

Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009.

248.647.2420.

Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033.

Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Dinner, daily. Reservations.

Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134.

Forest Grill: American. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday.

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

BIG ROCK CHOPHOUSE PRESENTS ITS JULY WINE DINNER SERIES AT THE RESERVE Big Rock Chophouse and The Reserve celebrate summer by perfecting the art of pairing fine wine and food at their summer wine dinner series in July featuring California’s popular Kendall-Jackson and Ravenswood Wineries.

Kendall-Jackson: Tuesday, July 10, 2012

The first dinner will feature Winemaker, Matt Smith from Kendall-Jackson Winery on Tuesday, July 10, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. Guests will enjoy an hors d ‘oeuvre reception followed by four courses matched perfectly with Kendall-Jackson wine selections.

Ravenswood: Thursday, July 19, 2012

The final dinner in the series will welcome Winemaker, Joel Peterson from Ravenswood Winery on Thursday, July 19, 2012 at 6:30 p.m. Featuring a variety of appetizers, a meat and grilling station and S’mores campfire dessert station, the strolling wine dinner will highlight five of Ravenswood most popular Zinfandel selections.

Tickets for both wine dinners are $85 each and include tax, tip and valet. Reservations are required as space is limited. For more information, to purchase your tickets or to view complete menus for the wine events, visit www.bigrockchophouse.com or call 248.647.7774.

248.647.7774 • bigrockchophouse.com

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FOCUS ON WINE New Michigan wineries on a roll

By Eleanor and Ray Heald

If you have “Up North” plans for summer and you like wine, include Michigan’s newer wineries. Wines from vintages 2010 and 2011 are exciting.

Riesling is outstanding.

Left Foot Charley, Traverse City “The 2011 rieslings have more vibrant acidity,” says winemaker/owner Brian Ulrich, “but it’s ripe acidity. The wines are more alive and will prove to be better in the next two to three years if cellared. Flavor profiles of 2010 and 2011 rieslings are not that different, but the 2011s have more powerful flavor in a [German] Mosel style. In 2010, we focused on dry wines, but 2011 gave us more flexibility to make multiple styles.

The presence of Botrytis [noble rot] in pinot gris added a broader mid-palate.

Our other exceptional variety is pinot blanc.”

2010 Pinot Gris $18 Tale Feathers; Vineyard, Old Mission Peninsula (OMP); 2010 Dry Riesling $16 Terminal Moraine Vineyard, OMP; 2011 Pinot Blanc $23 Island View Vineyard, OMP; 2011 Gewurztraminer $17 Manigold Vineyard, OMP. Crain Hill Vineyards, Leelanau Peninsula In 2004, brothers Robert, Ed and Gerald Brengman began planting 20 acres of vineyard off Crain Hill Road, overlooking west Grand Traverse Bay. They have a beautiful site and attractive tasting room located in the middle of the vineyard.

After selling their fruit to neighboring wineries, they decided to establish Brengman Brothers.

2010 Dry Riesling $25; 2010 Block 65 White Blend $25; 2010 Medium-Sweet Riesling $20; 2010 Gary’s Reserve Gewurztraminer $28.

2011 Pinot Gris $14; 2011 Woodland White (Auxerrois) $16; 2011 Viognier $22 Tasting Room Only; 2011 Pinot Blanc $22 first ever release. Earned Best of Class Pinot Blanc in the Eastern Wine Competition. 2011 Dry Riesling $18. Best of Show Riesling Award in NY Finger Lakes Competition; 2011 Gewurztraminer $18; 2010 Semi-Sweet Riesling $14.

Boathouse Vineyards, Leelanau Peninsula In 2009, proprietor David Albert planted 16 acres of pinot gris, riesling, auxerrois, regent, merlot, cabernet franc and pinot

noir on a spectacular site for red varieties as well as white and spares no expense aging reds in new French oak.

The Boathouse Tasting Room is located on a beautiful site in the village of Lake Leelanau with a dock on the river connecting North and South Lake Leelanau.

2011 Pinot Grigio $16; 2011 Dry Riesling $18; 2011 Semi-Sweet Riesling $16; 2011 “License to Chill” Pinot Noir Rosé $20; 2010 Boathouse Red $22 (blend of cabernet franc, merlot and syrah aged in new French oak.

in other states, they moved back and in 2007, planted 33 acres of chardonnay, pinot gris, riesling, gewurztraminer, pinot blanc, vignoles, cabernet franc, merlot and pinot noir. Wine medals are displayed in the Leland tasting room which Hamelin explains are important, “first because we are a new winery and consumers are looking for validation; second since many people do not trust their own taste judgment and third because Michigan is making very good wines that compete on the world stage.”

2011 Dry Pinot Noir Rosé $15 gold medal; 2011 Pinot Blanc $20; 2011 Dry Riesling $18; 2011 Dry Gewurztraminer $18; 2011 Medium-Sweet Gewurztraminer $18.

Moto Vino Cellars, Leelanau Peninsula Deirdre and Erik Owen are biking aficionados and former commercial photographers who have opened their tasting room in downtown Northport. They have a very cool, unpretentious store with a variety of specialty foods as well as interesting wines. They invite bikers of all genre to come, enjoy and hangout.

Biker or not, all will enjoy the bike-culture names and creative descriptions of each wine.

2011 “Thumper” Dry Riesling $15; 2011 “Café Racer” Semi-dry Riesling $15; 2011 “Cruiser” Unoaked Chardonnay $15; 2011 “Dream” White Blend $12.

Chateau Fontaine, Leelanau Peninsula Proprietor Dan Matthies explains how he is able to make so many award-winning wines. “We have 27 acres of vineyard, managed by my son Doug. In the winery, we gently destem each bunch of grapes and extract bitter seeds during the fermentation process. Every tank in our winery is temperature controlled which allows for long fermentations and cold stabilization. This is how we can bottle and release our wines earlier than other producers.”

Blue Vineyards, Leelanau Peninsula Proprietor Tom Knighton has 10 acres of seven-year-old pinot blanc, pinot gris, gewurztraminer, pinot noir and riesling in the first ever purchase of an existing vineyard in Leelanau County. A new tasting room overlooks the vineyards.

Blustone’s first wines were produced in 2010-11, but were introduced in 2012.

2010 Unoaked Chardonnay $16 gold medal at Pacific Rim Wine Competition and a double gold at Tasters Guild Competition; 2011 Pinot Grigio $16 gold medal at Finger Lakes Competition; 2011 Gewurztraminer $18; 2011 Riesling $18 dry style; 2011 Late Harvest Riesling $18; 2011 Pinot Noir Rosé $16; 2010 Pinot Noir $20.

2 Lads Winery, Old Mission Peninsula Winemaker Cornel Olivier explains his new reserve program. “The 2 Lads reserve sparkling wines are made by the French Champagne method and aged 24 to 36 months versus the regular which is aged nine to 12 months. Reserve Chardonnay from selected clones is whole cluster pressed, 50 percent barrel fermented and lees stirred, then blended with the stainless steel portion to achieve balance.” The vineyard-designated dry rieslings are distinctly different from one another and that is why Olivier keeps them separate.

2009 Reserve Dry Sparkling Wine $32 (75 percent chardonnay with pinot gris); 2011 Pinot Grigio $17; 2011 Riesling Fouch Vineyard $20; 2011 Riesling 2L Vineyard $22; 2011 Rosé $18 (100 percent cabernet franc); 2010 Reserve Chardonnay $40; 2010 Pinot Noir $26; 2010 Cabernet Franc-Merlot Blend $25.

Verterra Winery, Leelanau Peninsula Paul Hamelin and his wife grew up in Michigan and always called the Leelanau Peninsula home. After working

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

Fox Grill: American. Lunch, Monday through Friday; Dinner, daily. Sunday brunch.

Reservations. Liquor. 39556 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304.

248.792.6109.

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

42757 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48302. 248.333.2400.

Greek Island Coney Restaurant: Greek.

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

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

248.626.1800.

Honey Tree Grille: Greek/American.

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, daily. No reservations. 3633 W. Maple Rd, Bloomfield, MI 48301. 248.203.9111.

Hunter House Hamburgers: American.

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

248.646.7121.

Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse: American.

Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.594.4369.

IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522.

Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations.

2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166.

La Marsa: Mediterranean. Lunch & dinner

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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 & 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, MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.

588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122.

Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009.

248.645.6999.

Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941. Also 42967 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Township, 48304. 248.874.1876 Quiznos: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

No reservations. 185 N Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.7827.

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 reser-

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vations. 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.

South: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily.

Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009.

248.593.8133.

Stacked Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, Monday-Saturday. Delivery available. No reservations. 233 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.5300.

Steve’s Deli: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6646 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield, 48301.

248.932.0800.

Streetside Seafood: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily.

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

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

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

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

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

Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro: American.

Dinner. Monday-Saturday. Sunday brunch.

Reservations. Liquor. 55 S. Bates Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7066.

The Corner Bar: American. Dinner.

Wednesday-Saturday.

Reservations.

Liquor.

100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2958.

The Gallery Restaurant: American.

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. 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 Boutique-inspired Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse

By Eleanor Heald

A

reserve prime steaks are frequently menu options at oneof-a-kind steak houses, not chain operations. With limited availability, Hyde Park offers 36, 40 and 50-day dry-aged cuts. Their matchless characteristics are explained on the menu and again, generally available only in non-chain venues.

The executive chef, 32-year-old Allan Ayer of Novi (formerly executive chef at J. Alexander’s in Novi), earned a hospitality and tourism management degree from Purdue University. He enjoys his position at Hyde Park because it’s allowing him “to expand my horizons within the industry. The enlarged variety of steaks and dry-aged steaks allows me to be creative. Daily changing and seasonal presentations on the blackboard add fun to menu preparations.”

dded last month to Birmingham’s three well-established steakhouses (Big Rock, Cameron’s and Fleming’s) is the boutique Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse.

Each has its own style, yet by definition, ‘boutique’ fits Hyde Park as a small specialist catering to a specific, often upscale market.

“Beyond expected food quality,” says Joe Saccone, owner/partner with Richard Hauck, “we want to become part of the Birmingham community, letting people feel good about coming to Hyde Park.

Birmingham has been on our Lots more radar screen since 1992 when A bevy of mostly made-onwe began seeking a suitable premise desserts range $7.25 to site.” $12.90. A kid’s menu has main Since its founding in 1988, courses at $5.95 for five choices the Hyde Park Group has opened and appetizers and dessert addisteakhouse locations in tional at $1.95 each.

Cleveland and Columbus, An inventive martini list Pittsburgh, Sarasota, Buffalo (trendy with striking appearand now Birmingham. ance), and more than 30 wines The former Forté was comby the glass offer a broad range pletely remodeled, assuming a of choices. The list is principally rich, stylish décor featuring corporate selections, but it is wood-paneled walls, three firehoped that attention will be paid places, portrait-lit art and museto local favorites. Bottle prices um framed oil paintings. Two are a tad high. One example: smaller dining areas, available Moet & Chandon Imperial for private events or overflow Executive Chef Allan Ayer, General Manager Daniel Cosenzi.

Champagne has a Michigan guests, augment the main white Left: Steak Sanders and Kobe Style ribeye. retail front line price of $45 per tablecloth dining room. Both the Downtown photo: Laurie Tennent bottle and a Hyde Park wine list price of $110. Double kitchen and wine cellar are open to diners’ view.

Exterior restyling features black and white awnings retail is a going standard. and a main entry overhang leading to revolving doors which were a feature of the former Forté. They open to an Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse, 201 S. Old Woodward, attractive lounge with bar seating, high tops and com- Birmingham 248.594.4369. Dinner Monday-Wednesday fortable seating in upholstered chairs where bar food can 5-10 p.m. Thursday-Saturday 5-10:30 p.m. Sunday 5-8 be enjoyed. If you like noshing on small plates, you’ll p.m. Reservations suggested. Parking: valet, street and appreciate the bar menu, $5-$9. In the novel finger food parking structures. “sticks” category, there’s mango-glazed bacon, black pepQUICK BITES per bacon and anchovy, parmesan flatbread sticks.

Waitstaff are smartly dressed in black pants, pinstripe Addie & Jack’s at Papa Joe’s Gourmet Market (34244 black and white shirts with a tie and short apron. They Woodward Ave., Birmingham) will open in early July. It is operated by Mindy Lopus, proprietor of Tallulah and Bella carry the black/white façade theme indoors.

Piatti, both in Birmingham. American comfort food will be served at lunch and dinner weekdays with brunch and Principal focus Although daily there are five fresh fish added via a dinner on weekends. All-American bottled beer and wine blackboard to the standard menu, steaks and chops are are the featured beverages. the principal focus. Myriad choices range $24 to $50 depending on cut and weight. Seven selections carry the Social Kitchen, a new bistro, opened formally June 21 in name of a celebrated Detroit sports figure. Saccone the former Tokyo Sushi, 255 E. Maple Road at the corner admits that the athlete was not specifically selected to of Old Woodward in Birmingham. It’s owned and operatmatch the steak cut and preparation. Yet Steak au ed by 26-year-old Chef Zack Sklar, whose menu focus is Megatron fits Calvin Johnson – NY Strip, fresh pepper- small plate offerings. Intimate rooftop and outdoor areas corns, cognac bordelaise sauce and the added (spicy) in add to the al fresco dining scene at a host of other Birmingham eateries. Look for a Social Kitchen feature in parens!

Wagyu “Kobe-Style” Beef, either American or the August Downtown.

Australian-sourced, is available in three cuts and sizes Eleanor Heald is a nationally published writer who also writes the from $49-$80. wine column in a double byline with her husband Ray for If you’ve mentally challenged ‘boutique’ as you’ve Downtown. Suggestions for Quick Bites section can be e-mailed read, consider a number of features. First, dry-aged to QuickBites@downtownpublications.com.

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BUSINESS MATTERS Mobil station re-opens The Mobil gas station located at 36101 Woodward Avenue at Oak Street in Birmingham has opened after eight months of construction.

The two story Ghafari Mobil 1 now includes a 12-pump gas station, accessible parking and Tim Hortons with a drive-through. Owner John Ghafari and his son, manager Saleem Ghafari, wanted to have a soft opening while they continue to prepare for customers. “It is a unique location, not only locally, but in the country,” John Ghafari said. The former Mobil Mart is now Uptown Market, which features original snacks and beverages, including Mediterranean food from Steve's Backroom and Flavor Burst shake and slush machines. The Flavor Burst machines use an innovative system that automatically blends a variety of flavors into a milkshake or frozen beverage. “This is going to be a big hit,” Saleem said. The gas station will also carry beer, wine and eventually liquor.

SVS Otical Boutique Sponsor of the Detroit Tigers and Lions, SVS Optical Boutique has opened in he Bloomfield Plaza at 6602 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Township.

Manager Linda Kingston said the township location is the first SVS Optical that is also an optique. “We are very fashion forward and carry upscale designers and unique eyeglass frames,” says Kingston. The Michigan-based optical store has 56 other offices around the state started by Dr. Sterling in 1974 to serve safety accounts for General Motors and Chrysler. “A couple other stores are opening in the Bloomfield Plaza which will generate more traffic,” Kingston said. “Once people come in and see the unique designers we carry, they can spend hours trying on frames.” SVS Optical Boutique is looking to do trunk shows and exclusive showings.

New sandwich shop Subway Restaurant has opened in the shopping center at 1619 Opdyke Road in Bloomfield Township, and manager downtownpublications.com

Angela Smith said business has been going extremely well in the new location. She said the new restaurant attracted over 1,200 customers at its grand opening on June 18.

Crust closed Crust Pizza & Wine Bar, which had been located at 6622 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township, has closed.

“The owner of the building locked us out overnight,” said employee Chelsea Bomarito. “We had been on a month to month basis lease for about five years. Our owner was negotiating different rent pay. The lack of business in the plaza really hurt us.” The restaurant brought two employees and two cooks to their Rochester Hills location in the Shops at Barclay Square on 2595 South Rochester Road. Crust Pizza partners with Emagine Theaters to serve their pizza at the Rochester Hills location.

“Right now we are focusing on the Rochester Hills location for about a year, but there has been talk of opening a new restaurant in Royal Oak near the Emagine Theater,” Bomarito said.

Birmingham art gallery New art gallery and custom framing studio Birmingham Gallery has opened at 33772 Woodward Avenue in Birmingham delivering the highest quality art at the most affordable price, says business director Rika Kuwae. “I think art connects people.

It's one of the beautiful things that people like to look at,” Kuwae said.

Birmingham Gallery currently focuses on local Michigan-based art, but anticipates bringing in art from a variety of locales in the future.

Mexican hot spot Qdoba Mexican Grill has celebrated the grand opening of a new location at 42967 Woodward Avenue at Square Lake Road in Bloomfield Township.

Bridging the gap between the Birmingham and Clarkston locations, this is the first Qdoba in Bloomfield and the 22nd location in eastern Michigan. Qdoba's Regional Marketing Specialist Jessica Deiotte said both lunch and dinner have been busy with customers looking for a casual atmosphere and flavorful Mexican food. “Lots of business' are faxing in orders, setting up catering orders, as well as dining in. We’re seeing lots of professionals in during lunch, teenagers in the afternoon, and lots of families in the evening,”

she said. Southeastern Michigan will welcome five more locations before the end of the year.

Wine and olive oil Wow World of Wine, formerly of the Willits Alley in Birmingham, is joining Old World Olive Press, 282 West Maple Road in Birmingham. WOW owner Ed Bosse closed his store to put wine displays in the Birmingham and Grand Rapids Old World Olive Press locations, where the display will be located with ongoing wine, olive oil and balsamic vinegar tastings. Kristin Holmes, manager of Old World Olive Press, said, “We are excited about working with World of Wine. It is a great company and the wines will be a nice complement to our products.”

Bosse will showcase a limited selection of wines that bring out the natural flavors of olive oil and vinegar.

“Even out of 1,000 wines, I've always had the philosophy that certain bottles are better,” he said. “There are a few that I think everyone should try because of price, quality and season.”

Bosse has been in the wine business for over 25 years and used to own Simply Wine on Pierce Street.

Paint concept store Sherwin-Williams has signed a tenyear lease at 820 South Old Woodward Avenue in Birmingham for the former Design Center and Hudson Hornet auto dealership, a 5,200 square foot space which will undergo renovation to become a concept store for paint and interior design, according to leasing agent CORE Partners partner and co-founder Eric Banks. “It will be a design store for the high-end Birmingham market, so the look of the store will be as upscale as possible with terrazzo flooring,” Sherwin-Williams District Manager Chris Cummings said.

While the store will employ two fulltime managers and a designer, it will cater to a do-it-yourself approach.

Cummings said construction will begin soon, with the building will be open in October or early November.

Hair salon in Rail District Script Salon has opened in The Rail District of Birmingham. Located at 1064 Commerce, the Birmingham salon specializes in precision hair cutting and focuses primarily on pure organic hair color. Owner Kathryn Kales and cut and color specialist Norman Kemp both attended the Vidal Sassoon Academy, and together

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have over 70 years of combined experience. “We've had a great welcoming and response from the clients. People just walk-in or come by,” Kales said. “It's just the two of us right now, but we are already looking to expand.” Kales and Kemp both worked at other salons in downtown Birmingham and now travel several times a year to attend cutting classes and bring back upcoming trends. “It's a unique part of the Rail District just off the beaten path. It's the best move I've ever made,” Kemp said.

Dick Scott Automotive MotorCity Power Sports is expanding at 1645 South Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township to include a 60unit previously-owned automobile dealership under the Dick Scott automotive brand. The new dealership, opening in July, will replace old warehouses in hopes of utilizing the property and bringing more business. MotorCity Power Sports owner Tom Celani says, “We are excited about being in the midst of other dealerships. It's a great area for automotive. With the street repaved, the traffic is high and we are excited to be part of the new growth.”

MotorCity Power Sports currently sells and repairs BRP, Honda, Kawasaki, Polaris, Suzuki and Yamaha.

New karate studio iKarate, located in Adams Square Shopping Center at 685 South Adams Road in Birmingham, recently opened in Dance City. Internationallyacclaimed martial arts master instructor Jesse Crawfis opened the martial arts studio in his hometown after graduating with a business degree from the University of Michigan. Crawfis said iKarate is the only martial arts studio in Michigan that offers age appropriate classes in Tae Kwon Do, Hapkido, and Okinawa for children and adults. All classes are taught at Dance City. “We've been doing well, it was a great decision to partner up with Dance City,” Crawfis said. iKarate offers a no commitment free trial class for new members.

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 COMMUNITY HOUSE Celebrating TCH Ambassadors To recognize the 90th year of The Community House,(TCH) on June 19th 170 people enjoyed a TCH celebration luncheon, including a historical architectural talk by Alan Cobb from Albert Kahn. We honored almost fifty ’90 and Beyond’ nonagenarians. People who “grew up” at TCH, and literally remain so vibrant they were practically glowing. I thought I would share with you my thank you letter to them for being our “Ambassadors.” Evidence, perhaps, that frequenting TCH is good for your health!

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Dear Honoree, On behalf of The Community House (TCH) Board of Directors, employees and volunteers, I sincerely thank you for joining us at our “90 and Beyond” Luncheon Celebration. It was a joyous day indeed! We hope this wonderful event encapsulated everything that TCH has represented for the past 90 years…a place to gather with friends, learn, give back, and an organization that Camille Jayne makes our community a more vibrant place to live.

Thanks to the ‘vibrancy’ of so many of you, TCH has been a cornerstone of the community for 90 years.

I look forward to TCH being here to serve the community for the next 90 years and getting the continued support of each new generation. Numerous honorees told me how their parents went door-to-door raising money for TCH. What a passionate group of community Ambassadors reaching out for the sake of The Community House.

Today, as our Ambassadors, we appreciate you reaching out on our behalf to engage new families and professionals to continue using TCH as a relevant destination and cornerstone of our community. Just as you and your families were engaged in our work over the years, our continued goal is to have more families and professionals participate in our programs, use our facilities and care about giving to our causes. We welcome any thoughts you might have, as we want TCH to have equally wonderful recognition luncheons to honor your children and grandchildren’s generations as well!

Please email camillej@tchserves.org or call me at 248.594.6409 to share your ideas, or just to catch up. Nothing could be a better use of my time.

Sincere thanks, Camille.

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Thank you to all the TCH “Ambassadors” we have throughout the community.

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Jazz at TCH Starts Six Week Series on July 12th: The best jazz artists will be on our beautiful TCH terrace. July 12th, WRCJ 90.9 and artistic director Ron Kischuk bring us The Johnny Trudell Quartet. See our ad for more details in this publication.

Sponsorships available.

July 11th Bulletproof Your Success™ Lecture - “The Art of Woo, Not War – Communications Excellence”: The Wednesday, July 11th 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. lecture covers oral and written communications to help make people want to engage with you; as well as keys of how to read others and respond to emotional cues. Learn how to woo others with your negotiation’s excellence versus “going to war.” www.tchbulletproof.org.

Baseball, Brats & Beer: -Sunday July 29th, 12 p.m.- 4 p.m. come for an entertaining lecture and the Detroit vs. Toronto game streamed live on our 70-inch flat screen TV’s. Beer and brats available for purchase. This lecture chronicles the 64-year major league baseball career of Hall of Famer and former Tigers General Manager Rick Ferrell. Enjoy old baseball photos, humorous stories, and how he put together the world champion 1968 and 1984 Tigers. $20 includes the lecture and the game. www.tchserves.org.

Travel: Day Trip-Roses are Red Garden tour, July 22; Overseas trips: Lovely Paris (2 seats left) September 6-13; Delicious Venice (2 seats left) September 14-22; Romantic Rhine and Moselle River Cruise, April 10-19, 2013 - $300 early bird sign up until June 30th, 2012, color brochure available. Call for information at 248.644.5832.

TCH Dance Academy: Summer Youth classes begin July 9th. Be inspired to dance in one of 20 classes offered for ages 3-adult. The summer session will present classes for children and adults in Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap and much more. www.tchserves.org.

Camille Jayne is President & CEO of The Community House. downtownpublications.com

The area of Franklin Road north of Square Lake Road is an area of Bloomfield Township that has gone through a substantial change. This area is now home to a number of popular businesses—a skating rink, gymnastics center, tennis facility, dance studio, coffee roasting company, pet resort, plus others.

So help us name this area which allows for a brand identity to be developed for this special section of the township.

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Get creative! If your idea is chosen, you will win and prizes from area businesses. Plus, the winning entry will be announced in a future issue of Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield.

Contest entry is simple. Go to downtownpublications.com, click on the contest ad to enter. Follow the instructions for the contest. Almost no restrictions—any age can enter; enter multiple times; not restricted to township residency. You must have a valid e-mail address to enter.

Your entry is automatically sent to Bloomfield Township officials who have created a special committee to choose the name.

Contest entry deadline is August 15, 5 p.m. Winner will be announced in the September issue of Downtown.

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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.

American House Celebration of Dignity & Hope

American House Celebration of Dignity & Hope Volunteers eager to answer questions about the American House Foundation’s mission were circulating among the 240 guests at the foundation’s benefit Sally Gerak cocktail party at Birmingham Country Club. That mission, as AH CEO Rob Gillette said during his brief thank you remarks, is to help needy seniors with basic vital needs and to fund research at Wayne State University’s Institute of Gerontology. Guests also socialized, sipped and supped big time and perused a silent auction ($26,760 total bids) coordinated by AH’s Danielle Bruce and her crew of devoted staffers. Thanks also to ticket sales and generous sponsors, this fourth annual foundation benefit raised more than $101,000.

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1. Geri Pietrosanti (left) & American House founder Bob Gillette of Bloomfield, with Rob, Lauren, Kari and Katie Gillette of Beverly Hills. 2. Redico’s Karen & Jeff Schoenberg of Birmingham and Jan Purcell of Bloomfield. 3. Molly (left) & Joe Schwartz and Peter & Stephanie Schwartz of Bloomfield. 4. Phil (left) & Tracy Krause with Ruth & Kent LoPrete of Birmingham.

5. Mike McDermott (left) of Bloomfield, Steve Szuch of Birmingham, Brian Henry of Bloomfield and Bryan Melvin of Grosse Pointe. 6. Robert (left) & Kirstin Capinjola of Beverly Hills and Traci & Rocky Ricelli of Birmingham.

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Camp Casey’s Giddy Up Gala The story at Camp Casey’s Giddy Up Gala that brought 100 “wranglers” to Bloomfield Open Hunt was an anonymous, on the spot $10,000 donation. CC founder Molly Reeser announced the windfall after she had shown a video of the surprise horsey house calls CC volunteers make every weekend to the homes of children with cancer, and after Nora Kolar’s moving description of the positive impact CC has had on her darling little Lauren. Also in the crowd was Nathan Foote, the father of the late Casey Foote, a horse-loving 10-year old whose losing battle with cancer inspired the program. It includes the house calls, Cowboy Camp Outs, all-expense paid horseback riding vacations for the whole family, and Outlaw Outings to a variety of attractions. “Casey’s legacy lives on. It’s a miracle,” said Foote. There was also a chuck wagon supper and a silent auction that brought the event proceeds to $27,000, plus the surprise donation. It was surely motivated by Reeser’s contagious, youthful enthusiasm for CC. For more information go to www.camp-casey.org.

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Birmingham Education Foundation Toast de Mayo

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1. BEF director Laura Couger (left) of Beverly Hills with TOAST owners Regan & Thom Bloom of Pleasant Ridge. 2. Eco-Sound Pest Management’s Greg & Melissa Peterson of Bloomfield. 3. Chris Burton (left) and celebrity bartender Larry Murphy of Birmingham and Attan Kaiser of Royal Oak. 4. Birmingham native Dr. Molly Dougherty O’Shea of Troy with Beverly school principal Jamii Hitchcock of Bloomfield.

Catholic Social Services Night in Tuscany Catholic Social Services of Oakland County staged its annual spring gala at the Inn at St. John which was perfectly suited to the Night in Tuscany theme.

More than 300 supporters sipped, supped, socialized, and bid in the silent auction and the post dinner live auction conducted by Greg Bator. The agency’s mission however, was best highlighted by the moving presentation “Reflections on Motherhood”. It was jointly told by a birth mother and the adoptive mother of her infant. The soiree raised $125,000 for CSSOC, which provides caring professional and volunteer services to children, families and the elderly.

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Camp Casey’s Giddy Up Gala

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1. Honorary event chair, Bloomfield pilates instructor Francee Ford (left) of Birmingham with her sister Shari and Arielle Barouch of W. Bloomfield. 2. Camp Casey founder Molly (left) and her husband Nick Reeser (left) of Ferndale with emcee Fox-2’s Monica Gayle and her husband Dean Greve of W. Bloomfield. 3. Mark (left), Alex and Tracey Burnstein of Bloomfield with Camp Casey’s Lauren Maiman of Beverly Hills.

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Birmingham Education Foundation Toast de Mayo For the second year, Toast Birmingham tossed a fundraiser for the foundation that supports enrichment programs in the Birmingham public schools. It had a South of the Border spin this year thanks to tequila sponsor Tres Agaves, Mariachi music and the savory fare chef Jeff Rose prepared for the 90-plus parents and teachers who attended. The fun social raised $9,000-plus which were earmarked for the NASA DAY events May 31, which included a once in a lifetime downlink with flight engineer Joe Acaba aboard the International Space Station.

Starfish Family Services’ First Annual Fundraiser More than 350 supporters of Starfish Family Service’s comprehensive programs attended the first annual An Evening for Starfish: Turning the Tide for Children at The Henry. Susie Citrin and her committee put a children’s party spin on the event. The band played jazzy kids’ favorites. Guests were welcomed with booming voices by Starfish preschoolers. The Parade Company loaned colorful decorations. Centerpieces were made of Legos and destined after the party for the Starfish preschool classrooms, where Robert Citrin, a weekly volunteer, is a popular for his magic tricks. The event honored the Ford Volunteer Corps for their 20plus years of support at the Inkster-based agency which serves metro Detroit families in need.

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Project HOPE Kentucky Derby Party Most of the ladies in the crowd of 50 at the Kentucky Derby party wore hats to the Women’s Division Project HOPE event at Bloomfield Open Hunt. It was chaired by Brigitte Krawiec, who persuaded her daughter, professional singer Stephanie K, to entertain. She wowed them with such old pop favorites as “At Last” and “I Can’t Help Falling in Love with You”. And as the horses approached the gate, all joined in singing “My Old Kentucky Home”.

Eisenhower Dance Ensemble 21st Gala What better way to make a nonmilestone event anniversary memorable than to put the spotlight on an icon like philanthropist Maggie Allesee? Oh, the gaming table was a fun diversion during the cocktail hour, but honoring Allesee for her two decades of EDE support was not a gamble. It brought 145 to The Community House. They applauded two EDE dance performances and bid $6,250 in a live auction conducted by Charles Wickins, who got two people to pay $1,650 for dates with EDE dancer Mo Williams. They also cheered Dr. David DiChiera’s tribute to Allesee’s legendary generosity and Sue Nine’s revelations about less wellknown Allesee eccentricities. Like her post master’s degree in human sexuality and her actuation of some advice Abraham Lincoln gave a general during the Civil War. “Beware of rashness, but with energy and sleepless vigilance go forward and give us victories.” Many in the crowd nodded knowingly having received e-mails from Allesee written in the wee hours of the morning. Nine suggested “It’s those sleepless nights and Maggie’s high energy that have given us so many victories that would never be a part of our lives had she been more normal. Abe Lincoln knew what he was talking about.” The 21st annual gala honoring Maggie Allesee netted an all-time event high of $23,000.

Donate Life Coalition’s Alive There was a happy buzz at the Donate Life Coalition of Michigan benefit which attracted 300 to the Michigan Design Center. Earlier in the week Facebook had announced that organ donors could state their wishes on Facebook. “We all felt we had won the lottery with (that) announcement…a feeling of success and hope for the future was in the air,” noted event coordinator Peggy Burkhard. Guests nibbled, sipped, bid in a silent auction downtownpublications.com

Catholic Social Services Night in Tuscany

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2 1. Gina Forbes (center) of Bloomfield with David and Theresa Joswick of Birmingham. 2. Gala Committee: Sue Bixler (back row top left) of Bloomfield, Tracy Golden and Vicki Lagnemma of White Lake, Gina Forbes of Bloomfield, Niki Serras (front left) of Birmingham, Kathy Murnen and Linda Luchi of Commerce Twp; Anne Calice of Troy; Trish Mervenne of Bloomfield and Mary Hines of Bingham Farms. 3. Kathy Mills (left) of Troy, Charlotte Wong of Bloomfield, Nancy Borowiecki of Hunt Valley, Maryland and Karyn Rezanka of Bloomfield. 4. Jackie Goforth (left) of Beverly Hills and JoAnne Sobeck of Bloomfield. 5. Past board chair Msgr. Chuck Kosanke of Bloomfield and CSSOC president Margaret Huggard of Rochester Hills.

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Eisenhower Dance Ensemble 21st Gala

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1. Event co-chair Dodie David (left) of Oxford, EDE Executive director Maury Okun of Novi, honoree Maggie Allesee, and Sue Nine of Bloomfield.

2. Event co-chair Amy Jidov (left) of Brighton with Floy Barthal of Farmington Hills and Sandra Moers of Bloomfield. 3. Gloria Cark (left) of Grosse Pointe with EDE board chair Debra Bernstein-Siegel and Larry Nahigian of Bloomfield. 4. Joanne Forbes (left) and Carol Halsted of Bloomfield, EDE director Laurie Eisenhower of Rochester and Jim Langan of Shelby. 5. Adele (left) & Mike Acheson of W. Bloomfield with Jo Ann & Don Colliver of Birmingham. 6. Barbara Frankel (left) of W. Bloomfield, Millie & Bob Pastor of Bloomfield and Jo Kessler of Huntington Woods. 7. Kate Mullins (standing left) of Royal Oak and Chuck Forbes of Bloomfield with Frankie & Matt Piccirilli of Detroit.

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Donate Life Coalition’s Alive

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1. Event coordinator Peggy Burkhard (eft) of Commerce with honorees Dr. Stan & Lenore Dorfman of Bloomfield and the governor’s representative Alyssa Lemke of Dexter. 2. Mike (left) & Kathy Schwartz of Birmingham with Ambrosia caterer Vera Ambrose of W. Bloomfield. 3. Drs. Dilip Samar & Sunitha Glovindaswamy of Bloomfield with committee member Susan Jackson of W. Bloomfield.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK ($9,600), and applauded when coalition chair Karen Morey presented three awards - Media Award to WDIV’s Sarah Mayberry, Visionary Award to Dr. Stan and Lenore Dorfman; and Crusader Award to Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, who could not attend but had accepted earlier. There was also a Treasure Chest raffle for a Romantic Encounter at the Townsend Hotel that Chistine Kerridge won. The annual event raised $30,000 to increase organ donations. Go to www.giftoflifemichigan.org for more information.

Kirk in the Hills’ Broadway on the Lake

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Kirk in the Hills’ Broadway on the Lake When your first event is sold out and has a waiting list for tickets, you have to conclude the idea is a winner.

Such was the case at Kirk in the Hills Presbyterian Church’s Broadway on the Lake, an auction, dinner and cabaret evening benefiting the outreach programs funded by the church’s Currrent Ministries Endowment Fund.

The Saturday evening affair featured lots of socializing during the reception and silent auction review, a fine seated dinner catered by Jack Leone, starring beef tenderloin with wines from Hiller’s Market, a live auction with pastor Dr. Norman Pritchard doing the arm twisting, in his kilt, no less, and a performance by Michigan Opera Theatre singers. Their medley of Gershwin tunes, the popular Memories from “Cats,” and stirring selections from ‘Les Miserables” earned a rousing ovation and rave reviews for the entire evening.

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1. Event chair Sydrena Epstein (left) and co-chair Sue Gelbach of Bloomfield and committee member Sharon Gioia of W. Bloomfield. 2. Dr. Norman Prichard and his wife Joan of Bloomfield. 3. Denise Leighton of Bloomfield. 4. Justin (left) and Laurie Hughet Hiller of Bloomfield with Patti & Roger Hughet of W. Bloomfield. 5. Rev. Carol Tate (left) of Bloomfield with committee member Bobi Tallinger and Ron Gardhouse of Birmingham. 6. Rev. William Adams (left) of Birmingham, Tom Lelli of Livonia and Chip Tallinger of Birmingham. 7. Phyllis (left) & Chris Mazure of Bloomfield with George & Carol Rock of Rochester Hills.

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Charity Opening Morels by Matt Prentice

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1. Event chair Judy Tappero (left) of Bloomfield with her son Curt Norwick and his wife Cindy of Farmington Hills. 2. Pamela Ayres (center) of Bloomfield with Jodie Wachler and John Ashcraft of Troy. 3. Karen (standing) & Alan Barry of Commerce with Jeff (seated left) & Fran Kravitz of Bloomfield.

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Karmanos Cancer Institute’s Dinner

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1. Sponsor AVL America’s Dan Manvel (left) of Bloomfield with event co-chairs GM’s Mary and Tony Barra of Novi and Karmanos VP Nick Karmanos and GM Foundation’s Vivian Pickard of Bloomfield. Photo by Timothy Haunert. 2.

Karmanos CEO Dr. Gerold Bepler (left) and event sponsor Lil Erdeljan of Bloomfield with event co-chairs Mary and Tony Barra of Novi. Photo by Timothy Haunert. 3. Karmanos CEO Dr. Gerold Bepler and his wife Tracey of Bloomfield.

Photo by Patricia A. Ellis.

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Mothers, Daughters, Sisters & Friends

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1. Event co-chairs Francee Ford (left) of Birmingham and her mother Micki Kline of W. Bloomfield with emcee WDIV’s Carmen Harlan. 2. Sisters Marla Tapper (left) of W. Bloomfield and Susan and Leora Tapper of Bloomfield. 3. Event co-chairs Florine Mark (center) and her daughters Lisa Lis (left) of Farmington Hills and Sheri Mark of Bloomfield.

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Charity Opening Morels by Matt Prentice The crew at Matt Prentice’s new Morels was kept scrambling during the sold out charity opening benefiting Variety, The Children’s Charity. It was a friendly crowd, not surprising since Prentice serves on Variety’s board and has been most generous to the nonprofit organization. The name salutes Michigan’s iconic mushroom as do the giant carved wood morel sculptures guarding the bar. Prentice, who is no longer with the group that bought his company and retained his leadership a couple of years ago, notes at Morels “...ingredients will be local …to provide the height of freshness and quality (and) to support our state.” The bistro is located on Northwestern Hwy. just south of 14 Mile on the west side of the road. It’s open for lunch Monday through Friday and for dinner 7 days a week. Seating on the patio is on a first come basis. Call (248) 254-3840 or visit www.morelsbymattprentice.com 07.12

Karmanos Cancer Institute’s Dinner The Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute’s 30th Annual Dinner raised nearly $1.7 million, making it the most successful Annual Dinner in Karmanos’ history. Nearly $1.4 million of that was raised prior to the actual dinner, thanks to GM, Chevrolet and several others. More than 500 attended the dinner at the General Motors Vehicle Engineering Center in Warren where Chevrolets from the 1950s through current day, plus concept cars, were showcased. The evening featured a cocktail reception, seated dinner, music by the Jerry Ross Band, and a raffle for a Tiffany treasure and a holiday in the Bahamas donated by Compuware. The live auction of Chevrolet donations was conducted by Spanky Assiter and generated excitement. It included a one-of-a-kind, custom Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Coupe and accounted for $261,000 of the event total. Proceeds will support Karmanos’ new Intensive Care Unit scheduled to open in the fall.

Mothers, Daughters, Sisters & Friends The eighth annual Mothers, Daughters, Sisters & Friends fundraiser attracted 350 people to the Ravitz Foundation Main Atrium of Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital and honored its President and CEO Gerard van Grinsven. The affair featured healthy dining, boutique shopping, makeovers and the Spring Trend Fashion Show by Saks Fifth Avenue. Guests were also treated to a brass quintet concert, courtesy of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Neighborhood Residency Initiative, and those who made an appointment for a mammogram received a gift. The event raised more than $100,000 to benefit the Francee and Benson Ford Jr. Breast Care and Wellness Center at the hospital.

Grace Centers of Hope More than 530 people attended Grace Centers of Hope’s 14th annual Women Helping Women Luncheon & Fashion Show at the Royal Park Hotel.

The event included a silent auction with 120 items and a deck of cards raffle with outstanding prizes. The fashion show was coordinated for the third year by fashion expert Mary Alice Stephenson. She featured her favorite looks from designers Naeem Khan, Marchesa, Oscar de la Renta, Bibhu Mohapatra, and Jean Paul Gautier. The event raised more than $207,771 for the Women’s and Children’s Programs at Grace Centers of Hope. downtownpublications.com

Grace Centers of Hope

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1. Sharon Wood (left) and Wendy Petherick of Birmingham, Kelly Janssen of Beverly Hills and Barb Bowman of Birmingham. Photo by Linda Hyman. 2. Fashion coordinator Mary Alice Stephenson, a Birmingham native now of NYC, GCoH’s Shannon Grace Sokol of Oakland Twp. WDIV’s Ruth Spencer of Bingham Farms. 3. Sue Taylor (left) of Rochester and Gina Diphillipo of Birmingham.

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1. Honorary chair sponsor GM’s Cindy Brinkley of Birmingham, HAVEN President Beth Morrison of Oxford and GM’s Vivian Pickard of Bloomfield. 2. Committee member Pam Wyett (left) of Bloomfield with Tom and co-chair Meg Gordy of Beverly Hills.

3. Lauren Azoni (left) with Jerry & event co-chair Mary Ann Lievois of Bloomfield. 4. Pat McCarthy (left) of Bloomfield with sponsor Private Bank’s Bill Keller of Troy and Cherry & Steve Howell of Birmingham. 5. Sponsor Huntington Bank’s Mike Fezzey & hia wife Suzy of Farmington Hills. 6. Rick (left) & Mary Ellen Tonis of Birmingham and committee member Teresa & Greg Mulawa of Rochester. 7. Stuart Sherr (left) of Bloomfield and Laura Segal of Franklin. 8. Committee member Beth Lieberman of W. Bloomfield with Delphi’s Luli Montagano of Rochester Hills and Eleanor Mascheroni of Birmingham.

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Childhelp Michigan Drive the Dream Gala

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1. Elizabeth Brazilian (center) of Birmingham) with Keenie and Geoffrey Feiger of Bloomfield. 2. Award recipient Betsy Reich (left) of (Birmingham) with Grammy Award-winning Jon Secada of Miami Beach, FL. 3. Mara Brazilian(left) of Birmingham, Childhelp Celebrity Ambassador and Nascar Truck Series driver Paulie Harraka, Wendy Silverman and Mitchell Masters of Bloomfield. 4. National Board Member / Michigan Board President Keith Pomeroy of Birmingham.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Boys & Girls Clubs Award Luncheon

Junior League Martinis and Millionaires Some of the 200 Junior League of Birmingham members convened at Zazios to learn who won their Live Like a Millionaire Raffle. The project raised $7,250 in ticket sales and the lucky winner was Jerry Flagg.

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1. WA president Kathy Martin (center) with co-chair Rita Dallavecchia (left) and chair Judie Sherman of Bloomfield. 2. Matilda Wilson Awardee Sally Gerak of Bloomfield. 3. Elise Fisher Hayes (left), Yvonne Fisher McCready and Sis Fisher of Bloomfield. 4. Past honoree Sue Nine (left), Barbara Tucker, Ann Vestevich, Lucia Zurkowski and Rosette Ajluni of Bloomfield. 5. Past honoree Sylvia Hagenlocker (left) with Lorraine Schultz of Bloomfield. 6. Jeanette Keramedjian (left) of Orchard Lake, Sandie Knollenberg and Mary Lou Janes of Bloomfield.

7. Peggy Kerr (left) of Birmingham and Karen Clark of Bloomfield. 8. Linda Bomberski (standing left) of Troy, Penny Persiani of Birmingham, Cindy Corey of Clawson, Elizabeth Brazilian of Birmingham, Jennie Cascio (seated left), Cathy Weissenborn and Susan Reid of Bloomfield and Terri King of Rochester Hills.

9. Deborah Schrot (left) of Birmingham and Eileen Schrot of Bloomfield. Photo

by Lynn Stinson. 10. Jo Rafter (left) of Bloomfield and Flo Batchelor of Pontiac.

11. Helen Holmes (left) and Julie Dawson of Birmingham. Photos by Lynn Stinson. 12. Boys & Girls Club art winner Madison Medelle (center front) with co-chair Rita Dallavecchia (left), B&GC CEO Len Krichko of Novi, WA president Kathy Martin and chair Judie Sherman of Bloomfield.

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HAVEN’s Promenade of Hope General Motors’ Jennifer Mason told the crowd of 400 at the GM Heritage Center about the devastating effects of the rape and abuse she endured as a young teen. She concluded by saying, “Thank God for HAVEN. I don’t know where I would be without HAVEN.” Her compelling story highlighted the need for the services that HAVEN CEO Beth Morrison cited when she spoke about the Seeds of Hope campaign for a new facility. It will bring HAVEN’s 48 services under one roof, all provided free to assault victims.

The plans include a ground breaking next spring. Event honorary chair GM’s Cindy Brinkley then announced her company’s $100,000 gift to support HAVEN’s prevention education programming. The speeches were preceded by touring the exhibit of iconic GM vehicles, silent auction bidding and dinner. The live auction that followed helped raise $300,000, making the evening the most successful Promenade of Hope in its 24-year history.

Childhelp Michigan Drive the Dream Gala Some 250 Childhelp supporters celebrated their love of kids and cars at the General Motors Heritage Center which showcases an extensive collection of legendary GM vehicles.

Grammy winner Jon Secada entertained VIP guests before the main event, which featured singer dancer Alena Nicole. The live auction was spirited, but the focal point of the program was the presentation of the Elizabeth Brazilian Compassionate Leadership Award to president Betsy Reich. One of the proudest guests applauding was Reich’s twin sister Amy Shannon who came from California for the event. The evening raised more than $100,000 for Childhelp Michigan’s Foster Family and Adoption Agency.

Boys & Girls Clubs Award Luncheon Madison Medelle, an art awardwinning B&G Club member, inspired the look of the 36th annual Women’s Association award luncheon with her painting of pink tulips. The painting was used as the invitation and program covers, and a bouquet of the sim07.12

ple flowers centered the tables where 135 supporters gathered. They first watched the new PSA video, which included many famous alumni, and heard Madison’s art teacher describe the prizes her student has won.

Following lunch, they laughed as Downtown Publications publisher David Hohendorf had some fun at the expense of the honoree, this reporter.

After telling that I had e-mailed some brief remarks for him to use, he eschewed them in favor of a moving tribute that had come by email from one of the four Gerak children, Jay Gerak. Then Sue Nine, who is unsurpassed when it comes to delivering public tributes, did not disappoint. She concluded by noting some similarities between me and the person for whom the annual award is named – Matilda Dodge Wilson. In my speech, I surprised some by naming names and thanked all for making my beat the best job anywhere. But someone in the audience had the last chuckle based on my story about a nice person I met on the job, a now-retired Meadow Brook Hall volunteer named Corenna Aldrich. As she and I were awaiting the dessert presentation at a fancy dinner, I told her I hoped it was a Snickers bar. Of course it was not, but every holiday for years a bag of Snickers appeared in my mailbox. When I returned home the night of the luncheon, which raised more than $16,000 for the Women’s Association, there was a package of Snickers in my mailbox.

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation More than 270 fashion conscious supporters of the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America flocked to Oakland Hills Country Club for their most successful ever ($64,000) spring event. It featured the popular pickyour-own-prize raffle ($7,100) and a new, five-item, silent auction ($3,190).

But the highlight of the event was the Spring Fashion Show staged by Saks Fifth Avenue. “It was wonderful,” reported co-chair Carol Roberts, adding, “I’m so glad I came back for it.” Roberts, a CCFA Michigan chapter pioneer, and her husband Skip moved from Bloomfield Hills to La Jolla, CA, after Thanksgiving.

Preservation Bloomfield’s Bee Hive Five The biggest crowd ever (258) attended the fifth annual Friends of Preservation Bloomfield’s Bee Hive Ball, dubbed for the occasion Bee Hive Five, at the Townsend Hotel, thanks in no small measure to the honorary downtownpublications.com

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

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1. Event Co-Chairs: Connie Colman (left) of Bloomfield and Carol Roberts of La Jolla, CA. 2. Committee members Sally Marx (left) and Julie Marx of Bloomfield and Wendy Gorge of Franklin. 3. Committee members Judi Schram (left) of W. Bloomfield, Wendy Gorge of Franklin, Connie Colman of Bloomfield and Ruthie Seltzer of Birmingham

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Preservation Bloomfield’s Bee Hive Five

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6 1. Honorees builder Eddie Mancini of Troy and Barton Farm House donors Mary Barton Jolliffe of Bloomfield and Margaret Barton Van Dusen of Tucson, AZ. 2. Event co-chairs Sue Nine (left), Joanne Cherney, Judy Kelliher, Judy Anderson and Pat Hardy of Bloomfield. 3. Emcee Leo Savoie and Preservation Bloomfield president Lisa Yamin of Bloomfield. 4. Auctioneers Ed Cherney and Nancy Boos of Bloomfield. 5. Music director Robert Dempster (left) & his wife Caroline Rooney of Bloomfield with fashion designer Bonnie Foley & her husband Pat of Birmingham. 6. Shirley Maddalena (left), Judy Vindici and Jane Sakrison of Bloomfield. 7. Larry Neal (left), Chris Thornber, Cindy Boudreau and John King of Bloomfield. 8. Scott (left) & Kim Elliott of Farmington Hills with co-chair Judy Anderson of Bloomfield, judge Wendy Potts of Birmingham and Ellen & Lou DeMaris of Bloomfield. 9. Mike & Brenda Zemmin of Bloomfield. 10. David Potts (left) of Birmingham, Christine Zambricki, Patti Jessup, Maggie Allesee and Dave Baumhart of Bloomfield.

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SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Pour Les Enfants Luncheon

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3 1. Event chairs Sally Westerheide (left) of Beverly Hills and Dawn Bradley of Huntington Woods. 2. Speaker artist Julie Dawson of Birmingham. 3. Julie Fries (left) of Beverly Hills with her daughter Annette Royce, Sara Young and Lisa Ferrari of Birmingham. 4. Spice Miser vendor Monica Diehl (left) and Cindy Broderick of Bloomfield (www.spicemiser.com). 5. La Belle Provence’s Liz Fallert (left) and Mary Kay Heintz of Birmingham.

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Ed Deeb’s Toast & Roast

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1. Joanne (left) and honoree Ed Deeb with Peter & Anne Vestevich of Bloomfield. 2. Paul Leontaras (left), Lucia Zurkowski and Chuck Kirkpatrick of Bloomfield. 3. Nabby Yono (left) of W. Bloomfield with Tarik and Helen Daoud of Bloomfield. 4. Gerry (left) & Kathy Miserendino of Grosse Pointe with Maggie Allesee of Bloomfield.

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chairs. These were the two sisters who grew up in the Barton Farmhouse and made the ball a family reunion of sorts, and Eddie Mancini, the builder developer who sold it to the historic preservationists for $1. The evening buzzed with energy, generated by Robert Dempster‘s music planning, the silent auction ($6,000) which Judy Kelliher and her crew coordinated and the live auction ($7,100) conducted by Ed Cherney and Nancy Boos. Other highlights of the evening were Katie Kiyo’s short, professional video and Patti Jessup’s program book which was a financial bonanza and a grand keepsake. The event was a splendid celebration of five years of saving and restoring the historic Barton Farmhouse. It netted an all time high of $70,000-plus. It also was a swan song for PB board president and Queen Bee for five years Pat Hardy. Shortly afterwards she turned over the leadership to Mike Dul. For more information about the projects underway at Bowers Farm visit www.preservationbloomfield.org.

Pour Les Enfants Luncheon The 275 people who attended Christ Child Society’s Pour Les Enfants Luncheon at Forest Lake Country Club socialized big time, shopped at the 17 boutiques, and bought raffle tickets before lunch. While they were dining at tables centered by tiers of cupcakes celebrating the Detroit chapter’s 100th anniversary, daughters of members informally modeled appealing casual wear from J. McLaughlin’s Birmingham shop. The highlight of the luncheon program was artist Julie Dawson’s presentation of one of her colorful Kaleidoscope paintings created for the anniversary. It features teeny, tiny scenes of Christ Child history including likenesses of the boys who reside at Christ Child House (for kids at risk) and Msgr. John Zenz, the society’s spiritual advisor. The cards and prints displaying the art will be treasured by society members for years to come. The annual spring event raised $15,000 for CCS’s many services for needy children.

Ed Deeb’s Toast & Roast More than 300 friends of good guy Ed Deeb journeyed to Andiamo’s in Warren for the Roast & Toast that celebrated his 50 years as leader of food and beverage industry associations.

But truth be known, many of them attended because 30 years ago Deeb founded the Metro Detroit Youth Day – the largest youth event in the state. At the amazing event on Belle Isle, more

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than 35,000 youngsters have fun, play games and learn sportsmanship and leadership. The anniversary program was emceed by Paul W. Smith. L. Brooks Patterson and Big Al Muskovito were especially entertaining roasters. But it was auto sales and leasing executive (EVS) Mona Gualtieri who likely won Deeb’s heart when she presented him a framed certificate naming him “Mayor of Belle Isle”. Good sport Maggie Allesee conducted an auction of Ed Deeb Bobble Heads. It helped the event raise $48,000, earmarked to support more than 60 college scholarships to be presented at the 2012 MDYD July 11.

Children between 8 and 15 may still register for the 2012 MDYD by calling the Michigan Food and Beverage Association at (586) 393-8800 or online at www.metrodetroityouthday.com.

Healthy Body Healthy Mind Brunch Kadima, a Jewish mental health agency providing services on a nonsectarian basis to people affected by psychiatric disabilities, staged its most successful ever Healthy Body Healthy Mind event. The change from a luncheon to a brunch at the Townsend Hotel may have been one reason that 300 people attended. However, the speaker, nationally known spiritual medium Rebecca Rosen, was the big draw. “She’s quite impressive,” opined Barbara Kratchman, based on a reading she and her daughter had with Rosen. Indeed, during Rosen’s speech, which is really a convincing demonstration of her making telepathic connections with spirits, she evoked strong emotions from some in the audience when she conveyed messages from deceased loved ones.

People also snapped up Rosen’s book “Spirited” and her CDs and bought raffle tickets ($2,500). Shari Kaufman was the lucky winner of a Rosen reading ($500value) that was donated during the event. It raised $22,000 for Kadima, whose next fundraiser is the Annual Golf Classic Monday, July 16 at Franklin Hills Country Club. Call (248) 559-8235 for info.

Ladies of Charity Spring Luncheon More than 150 members of the Oakland County Chapter of an organization that was founded in the 1600s were reminded of that founding by Sister Marillac, a Daughter of Charity.

She read a lovely, historical reflection before saying grace at Oakland Hills Country Club. It reminded outgoing president Mary Glantz to tell members, “The virtue of charity is above all downtownpublications.com

Healthy Body Healthy Mind Brunch

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1. Event co-chair Carol Weintraub Fogel (center) of W. Bloomfield with event coordinators Kadima’s Leah Foltyn (left) and Paula Schonberg of Birmingham. 2. Major event sponsor Mary Must (left) of Bloomfield with Kadima’s Janette Shallal of Beverly Hills and Ted Stojek of Novi. 3. Barbara Kratchman (left) of Bloomfield and Marva Maxwell of W. Bloomfield. 4. Rhoda Tobin (left) of Orchard Lake with her daughters, committee member Robin Tobin-Murav of Farmington Hills and Denise Tobin of W. Bloomfield. 5. Marla Horwitz (left) of Birmingham, Birmingham native Elissa Kaner of Washington, DC and Kadima’s Nancy Stein of Southfield.

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Ladies of Charity Spring Luncheon

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1. LoC president Mary Glantz (left) of Lake Angelus and event chair Marianne McBrearty of Bloomfield. 2. Event committee Mia Materka (left) of W. Bloomfield, Lynn Martin and Dorothy Perrotta of Bloomfield and Mary Jo Cavanaugh of Rochester. 3. Carolyn Flynn (left) of Lake Angelus, Kay McGlynn of Bloomfield and Lu Smela of Pontiac. 4. Cathy Dillon (left) and Kay Browne of Bloomfield and Susie Antishin of Northville. 5. Lois Thornbury (left), Jan Forgione and Bev Moore of Bloomfield.

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others.” Guests also bid in a small silent auction and bought raffle tickets. The annual meeting is not a fundraiser but, as luncheon chair Marianne McBrearty explained, these tough economic times have increased the need among those we serve.

Lion Town Kick Off Reception Some 60 supporters of Lion Town, the arty lion sculptures that will start prowling the sidewalks around town in early August, enjoyed a rather tame kick off at Birmingham Country Club on June 12. The project, which will benefit Variety, The Children’s Charity, CARE House, and the Detroit Lions Charities, will culminate with the main event auction party at Ford Field on Tuesday, October 16. Event co-chair Connie Beckett and CARE House interim director Cathy Weissenborn relayed the news that the sculptures are being delivered to the 100 artists who have been selected to to participate in the exhibition that will invigorate the metro area. For information about obtaining a lion to display, sponsorships and supporting the main event, call Variety at (248) 258-5511.

PATH’s Salute America The residents of Lighthouse of Oakland County PATH are moms and their children on the move from a crisis situation to self sufficiency. To help the Salute America committee, they made table centerpieces with lettuce and herb plants they grew in the PATH Garden. Each bowl also contained an artistic stake with red, white and blue accents. Many of the 160 PATH supporters at Oakland Hills Country Club competed to purchase one for $25. They also socialized, dined, bid in the appealing silent auction, and applauded three honorees - Strategic Staffing Solution’s Paul Huxley and Cindy Pasky and Detroit Public Television’s Rich Homberg for their community beneficence. They also gave a standing ovation to PATH client LaDonna Karnegay-Bay, an abuse victim who is now working on a master’s degree and grateful “…for hope, confidence, safety and a new beginning.” The annual event, which has evolved from a celebration of military heroism to celebrating the American spirit of hard work, success and generosity, was the concept of Sue Nine and Maggie Allesee. They confirm the notion, as emcee Paula Tutman noted, “In America one person can make a difference.” The event raised $58,000.

Benefit for The Roeper School To raise money for science programs at her grandchildren’s school, Dr. Farideh Bagne welcomed more than 100 guests to her estate home, famous in its Bloomfield Hills neighborhood for its old world architecture and its sale at auction. In addition to wine tastings, hors d’oeuvres and desserts served on the grand terrace, her warm hospitality included guided tours of the home and gardens, casino gaming with prizes, and a 3-D theatre experience. A timely excuse for the affair was to introduce Roeper’s incoming Head of School, David Feldman and his wife Elane. Feldman spoke briefly of school founder George Roeper’s downtownpublications.com

PATH’s Salute America

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2 1. PATH board chair Robin Schirs (center) of Lake Orion with event honorees Strategic Staffing Solutions’ Paul Huxley (left) & Cindy Pasky of Detroit and Detroit Public TV’s Rich Homberg with his wife Tracey of Bloomfield.

2. Lighthouse founder Jack Keenan of Bloomfield with Terry & former Lighthouse CEO Noreen Keating of Auburn Hills and Susan Cooper of Birmingham. 3. Event founders Maggie Allesee (left) and Sue Nine of Bloomfield. 4. Susan Foley (left) of Birmingham, Cheryl Hall Lindsay of W. Bloomfield and event chair Katie Marinelli of Royal Oak. 5. Committee member Deborah Ridenour and her son Nick of Birmingham.

6. Rick Tonis (left), David Leith and Craig Allen of Birmingham with Jim Ruthven of Beverly Hills.

7. Matt Schwantz (center) with committee members wife Monica Schwantz (left), and Teri Fenner of Bloomfield. 8. Frank & Maureen Jerneycic of Bloomfield. 9. Mary Ellen Tonis (left), Ellen Leitch and Lisa Arnold of Birmingham. 10. Kathy Nyberg (left) of Birmingham, Cheryl Johnson of Canton and event emcee WDIV’s Paula Tutman.

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insistence upon the value of divergent, critical thinking, its resulting creativity and the necessity for this in a rapidly changing world. “After all, that is what brought me to The Roeper School,“ he concluded, before introducing L. Brooks Patterson.

The country executive cited the importance of science and technology in emerging sectors. “I’m proud to have Roeper in Oakland County. It gives me bragging rights,” said Patterson. Perfect weather also enabled guests to stroll the grounds and inspect the fountains and bronze sculptures in the front courtyard. The casually elegant evening raised more than $13,000.

Night for Sight tasting The 11th annual charity wine auction benefiting the good sight guys, Alliance for Vision Research, was actually a three-night event.

Thursday evening more than 40 wine buffs convened at the Bloomfield Plum Market for sommelier MadelineTriffon’s wine tasting. On Friday night, one vintner dinner attracted 90 to Bacco Ristorante where 2012 Honorary Vintners - Flora Springs Winery & Vineyards from Napa Valley and Château des Karantes from Languedoc-Roussillon, France - showcased their creations and a mini auction raised $23,000. The same night an intimate dinner for 25 catered by Cuisine’s Chef Paul Grosz at a lakeside home in West Bloomfield spotlighted Special Feature Vintner Fleury Estates Winery from Napa Valley, California. The boutique winery does not distribute in Michigan but diners could and did place substantial orders with Brian and Claudia Fleury, who returned a generous percentage to the alliance. The Saturday main event attracted 350-plus to the Ford Conference and Event Center. They bid $165,000 in the silent auction before settling in for the program. It featured performances by the Glad Tidings Church choir and speed painter Martina Hahn. Then auctioneer Paul Margetson got the folks to bid $200,000 on 60-plus lots that included impressive wine, dinners and trips. Dr. Lylas Mogk and her crew at Henry Ford’s vision rehab center’s Sitewise program also demonstrated the alliance mission by simulating the vision loss in macular degeneration. It inspired the crowd to donate another $15,000 for the program. In total, A Night for Sight raised $400,000, which will be granted to organizations providing direct assistance to the visually impaired.

Pink Wine Tasting benefiting Pink Fund Speaking of wine, on June 6 the Franklin Grill’s Ruth Kochensparger and Deborah Sands hosted a wine tasting of rose wines to benefit The Pink Fund’s bill payment program for cancer patients.

More than 40 supporters sipped wines selected by sommelier Tara Fortney. Included were pours from Spain, South Africa, France, Italy and Germany.

The informal al fresco soiree, which also included a raffle, raised $1,300.

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

Benefit for The Roeper School

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3 1. Event hostess Dr. Farah Bagne of Bloomfield and Fran Anderson of Waterford. 2. L. Brooks Patterson of Clarkston (left) with Elane and new Roeper head David Feldman, currently of Kalamazoo. 3. Rick & Mindy Lopus of Birmingham. 4. Kathrina Spyridakis and Scott Simeck and Michael & Erin Gatewood of Birmingham. 5. Tara & Steve Grekin of Bloomfield. 6. Christie Peck (left) of Birmingham, Glenn Sims and Zach Savas of Bloomfield with Ron Robinson of Detroit.

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Night for Sight tasting

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1. Alliance co-founder Dr. Paul & Ann Fecko of BH. 2. Rich & Becky Sorensen of BH. 3. Francoise & James Schwyn of Birmingham. 4. Drs. John & Sue Lim of Troy with alliance chair Dr. Luisa DiLorenzo of Birmingham and Dr. Joe Skoney of Troy.

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ENDNOTE

Our endorsements for August primary

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n Tuesday, August 7, voters in Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township will be asked to go to the polls and decide several primary races, including the 40th District Michigan House of Representatives, a public safety millage renewal in Bloomfield Township, a countywide millage for the Detroit Institute of Arts, and a millage renewal for those communities that offer bus transportation with SMART.

while Michigan is moving forward economically, it is not out of the woods yet.

We also think Potts, and the district, benefit from the backing his candidacy has received from Moss, now the chair of the House Appropriation Committee, when it comes to establishing himself as a freshman legislator in Lansing.

Republican primary voters would do best by backing Potts in the August primary.

House of Representatives 40th District

Bloomfield Township Public Safety Millage

Four Republican candidates are vying for the open 40th District Michigan House seat which state Rep. Chuck Moss (R) will be vacating in January because of terms limits. The winner of the primary will face Democrat Dorian Coston in November.

Fortunately, voters are faced with a good field, including Birmingham Public Schools Trustee Robert Lawrence, Bloomfield Hills Commissioner Mike McCready and Oakland County Commissioner DAVID POTTS, who we believe is the best choice in this primary field.

Elections are always a question of alternatives, so while all three candidates have something to recommend to voters, Potts would seem to be the best prepared to take on the Democratic party contender in November and hit the ground running in Lansing should he ultimately succeed in the general election.

Potts has served well at the county level, has a history of rapprochement and the strength to break from the party when it would benefit his constituents. A fiscal conservative, his moderate approach to important social issues is clearly in sync with the majority in this district.

Potts gives thoughtful, in-depth answers to questions facing the state and understands that

Bloomfield Township voters will be asked to renew a 10-year, 2.39-mill tax for public safety services. This tax provides a portion of the township's costs for public safety services and is expected to generate $7.41 million in the first year of renewal.

There's simply no question about this issue.

Voters should vote YES on this millage to maintain public safety in the township at its current level.

Birmingham/Bloomfield Township SMART Millage Renewal Voters in Birmingham and Bloomfield Township voters will be asked to renew a .59-mill public transportation tax. It is a two-year renewal, collected in 2012 and 2013, for the purpose of providing public transportation under the Suburban Mobility Authority for Regional Transportation or SMART. Bloomfield Hills voters will not cast ballots on this issue because the community has chosen to opt out of the SMART system.

The millage was last approved in 2010 and this renewal will continue SMART bus service for Birmingham and Bloomfield Township.

Bus transportation service in metro Detroit is

recognizably a seriously flawed situation, which leaders throughout the area, as well as at federal and state levels, are working to rectify. We recommend voting YES to maintain SMART bus service in Birmingham and Bloomfield, and hope that in 2014, when this millage expires, there is a new regional transportation solution.

Oakland County DIA Tax Voters in Oakland County are being asked to approve a .2-mill, 10-year tax proposal to help fund a county authority to support the Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA). Macomb County and Wayne County officials are also requesting their voters approve an identical millage package, but the authorities will work autonomously if they are all approved.

The Oakland County Arts Authority, which will be overseen by the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, would disburse money collected from the millage to the DIA, which is a non-profit managed by a non-profit board, and perform annual audits before any tax dollars are provided to the art institute, which is suffering from a loss of state and regional funding. The authority will work autonomously from the DIA board although Oakland will have two seats on the board.

It is not necessary for all three counties to approve the millage. If the millage passes in Oakland, county residents will receive free general admission and school groups and seniors will have free access and transportation to the DIA. We recommend voting YES to fund a county arts authority, although we would have preferred to see a mandatory regional authority established, as the DIA, like the Detroit Zoo, is a regional asset.

Separate county authorities acting independently are counterproductive to a regional approach to preserving worthwhile regional cultural institutions.

Time for temporary moratorium on bistros

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et's get right to the point: The city of Birmingham needs to impose a temporary moratorium on the process of awarding new bistro permits.

As background, 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. At the time, most 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 then, more restaurants have opened, including Social Kitchen & Bar, and Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse, which utilizes a conventional Class C liquor license, and Churchill's is scheduled to open soon.

A year ago, Birmingham's city commission and planning board did review the city's bistro ordinance, and changed the first-come, first-served system to a deadline, with October 1 as the date for all bistro applications for the following year. Commissioners

can choose one, two, or no bistros to move on through the planning process, and if they do not choose to approve two bistros, a second round of bistro applications can be submitted by April 1.

What the commission and planning board did not do was a study or survey to see if the city had reached a tipping point for restaurants and entertainment venues versus retail establishments. Now the PSD has authorized a consumer study which will examine who visits Birmingham and why, but the results will not be available until at least mid-October, which is after applicants for a 2013 bistro license will have to apply. This means business people who hope to get a bistro license will have to acquire space and develop architectural plans by October 1, and at considerable cost.

Further, there had been talk of the city surveying other similar municipalities around the country to determine how they have handled determining the correct mix of restaurants and retail and whether anyone has taken the approach of shopping malls and applied a formula to help guarantee success.

We think with survey results not being presented most likely until October, the city and business community need time to weigh the results and also hear what the city discovered when talking to other towns around the country.

Lastly, there should also be a discussion about reassessing the bistro ordinance in light of a flaw that has come to light--which is 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, and we have heard on N. Old Woodward in 2012, or was stalled for five years, as was Bistro Joe's, now to be called Addie & Jack's at Papa Joe's. The city must set deadlines and then be able to revoke these permits and possibly re-issue them if demand warrants.

We think there is much to do and certainly little time once the survey results are in and a temporary moratorium on new applications until April of 2013 would allow for public discussion before it's too late for the downtown area and the proper balance of business in the community is irreversible.

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