WWW.OLIVERPEOPLES.COM
REBECCA SCHWARTZ WEARS SHEAN
A
LOVE YOUR GLASSES MORE 193 W. Maple 248.645.0075
www.shadesoptical.com EYE EXAMS - CONTACT LENSES Dr. Bill Koppin
SUCCESSFUL
AGENTS
CHOOSE TO REPRESENT
HALL & HUNTER. MELINDA ALLEN JAMIE BAKER LYNN BAKER GAYLE BARKER PATTY BLAIR JOAN BROWN NANCY BUCK JOANN BUESSER LOIS CASEY RON CLEM MEREDITH COLBURN JEAN COLBY KEVIN CONWAY LANIE HARDY COSGROVE EMILY DAY SANDY DEMETRIOU CHRISTINE DRINKWATER KRIS EDEL JANETTE ENGELHARDT GERALD ETUE KELLY ETUE GINNY FISHER FRANK FLYNN JULIE FLYNN GORDON FOX DEBY GANNES HOLLY GEYER EVA GOREN JANET GRAHAM PAM GRAY ESTER GREIG GAIL GROUT ANNA GULOYAN KRISTI HAMED KIM MINASIAN HAWES TIM HERTZLER SUSAN HILL SAL IMPASTATO GILLIAN LAZAR JO LINCOLN DONYALE MAHORN VICKIE MCASKIN ALICE MCINTYRE BILL MEADE KELLY MOODY JOY MORRIS JOHN NEWMAN ELLEN NEWVILLE GARY NEWVILLE KARIN NIHLS RITA M. O’BRIEN KRISTIN PARENT AMY PARKER MONA PARLOVE SHONDELL PATTERSON DOROTHY PERROTTA MICHAEL PERROTTA NANCI RANDS NANCY REIZEN CHERYL RIBACK JERRY SCHMIDT LYNDA SCHRENK DANA SHAGENA SUE SIMON PAM STOLER VIOLET VESTEVICH ADAM WAECHTER CHI-CHI WARD MADELON WARD TED WIDLUND DIANA WOLAK SCHMIDT BRAD WOLF DENNIS WOLF DEE WRIGHT AMY SUZANNE ZIMMER ELISE ZIMMERMANN DENISE ZUCKERMAN
It’s A Fact: Hall & Hunter outperforms all other real estate firms*! #1 in Listings Sold! #1 in Sales! #1 in Total Dollar Volume! #1 in Average Sale Price! #1 in Volume per Producing Agent! Gary Newville Assistant Sales Manager
Bloomfield $1,175,000
Bloomfield $1,200,000
Beautifully decorated custom home situated on private 2 acre wooded lot just minutes from downtown Birmingham. Spectacular kitchen, luxurious first floor master, paneled library and much more.
Move-in perfection overlooking the 18th fairway of Oakland Hills. Stunning great room with floor-to-ceiling windows, gorgeous island kitchen, first floor master retreat, 4 fireplaces.
Birmingham $995,000
Bloomfield $869,000
Renovated 4 bedroom charmer on a premier street in the heart of downtown. Classic white kitchen opens to vaulted family room. Finished lower level playroom. Huge yard.
Custom designed in Bloomfield Village. 10' ceilings, great room has lovely fireplace and French doors to patio. Library with built-ins. 1st & 2nd floor laundries, large bonus room plus 3 car garage.
248.644.3500 HallandHunter.com *YTD thru 5/22/11 City of Birmingham. Data provided by BrokerMetrix and Realcomp II MLS.
CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE
DOWNTOWN06.11
15
Municipal golf: benefit or burden? Birmingham's two municipal golf courses, Lincoln Hills and Springdale, continue to suffer annual losses, so the question is when and how will the city approach the deficit problem in the future.
CRIME LOCATOR
13
81
57: Lynn Crawford
EDUCATION
84
Recall petitions against four members of the Bloomfield Hills school board have been submitted to the county clerk.
Libraries sparring; city, school land deal over; Oakland County Child Killer leads; update on marijuana suits; mayoral tradition changed; bistro lawsuit; Play plan denied; plus more
DISTRIBUTION: Mailedmonthlyatnocharge tohomesinBirmingham,BloomfieldTownship andBloomfieldHills.Additionalfreecopiesare distributedathighfoot-trafficlocations. Forthosenotresidinginthefree mail distribution area, paid subscriptionsareavailablefora $12 annual fee. Phone 248.792.6464 and request the Distribution department or go to our website (downtownpublications.com) and click on “subscriptions”inthetopindexandplaceyour orderon-lineorscantheQRCodehere.
4
Birmingham Tan; Optik; The Wine Guy; The Robot Garage; Link Wachler Designs; Backcountry North; Spa Mariana
Mitchell's Fish market in Birmingham has made seafood sustainability part of its focus while serving local diners.
SOCIAL LIGHTS
CITY/TOWNSHIP
The future of political districts—county, state and congress—are now being decided as following the federal census.
AT THE TABLE
73: Heather Silecchia
61
By the new numbers
We asked a number of local chefs where they go to eat and drink in the off hours when they are not in the corporate kitchen.
75
FACES
59
Where local chefs eat
BUSINESS MATTERS
A recap of select categories of crime occurring in the past month in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, presented in map format.
25: Ben Sharkey
27 45
THE COVER Birmingham water tower near Maple Road and Woodward Avenue.
ENDNOTE
94
DOWNTOWN P U B L I C A T I O N S DOWNTOWNBIRMINGHAM/BLOOMFIELD 124WESTMAPLEROADBIRMINGHAM48009 P:248.792.6464 downtownpublications.com facebook.com/downtownpublications.com twitter.com/downtownpubs
Publisher:DavidHohendorf AdManager:JillCesarz Graphics/ITManager:ChrisGrammer NewsEditor:LisaBrody
NewsStaff/Contributors:HillaryBrody, SallyGerak,Eleanor&RayHeald, AustenHohendorf,GarrettHohendorf, KathleenMeisner,LaurieTennent
DOWNTOWN
Society reporter Sally Gerak provides the latest news from the society and non-profit circuit as she covers major events of the past month.
Our thoughts on the upcoming bistro ordinance review; time to cut city losses on municipal golf courses.
INCOMING: Wewelcomefeedbackonboth ourpublicationandgeneralissuesofconcern intheBirmingham/Bloomfieldcommunity.The traditional Letters to the Editor in Downtown are published in our Incoming section, and can include traditional letters or electronic communication.Youropinionscanbesentvia e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com; or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI, 48009. Letters must include your full name, address anddaytimephonenumberforverification.
06.11
A very special
OCCASION
MAKE IT UNFORGETTABLE...
Sterling Silver charms from $25
33366 Woodward Ave. Birmingham, M I 48009 248.723.4653 www.estateandjewelrybuyers.com
FROM THE PUBLISHER owntown Publications is now starting work on a special directory, the Black Book of Non-Profits, that will be produced in the fall of this year.
D
The Black Book of Non-Profits will be an annual information resource guide to the non-profit organizations that help strengthen the community fabric in the region and the local area. This is one of several special projects that have been on the drawing board since last summer at Downtown Publications. We are especially excited about the Black Book because this annual publication is designed to help promote the efforts and valuable work of our communities’ non-profits that add to our quality of life, and the publication comes at a time when many organizations are facing added challenges of reduced funding following several years of a declining economy in the state. The Black Book has a special significance for me personally for a couple of reasons. First, I have spent the past two to three decades creating publications in Oakland County, in economic times both good and bad, and I have been waiting now a number of years to produce a publication that can be considered essential reading if you are involved in what are commonly known as the “non-profits”—either as a volunteer or financial supporter. Second, our relatively new publishing group has reached a point where we can start to tackle some of the special projects I envision for Downtown now that we have made our mark, I think it is safe to say, in the Birmingham-Bloomfield area. As readers, you should now have a feel for our dedication as an information source in the local community. I think we have demonstrated our commitment to quality, both in the topics we tackle and the manner in which they are presented in our monthly news magazine and online. We will apply these same standards to the Black Book of Non-Profits. Lastly, I come from a family that places a value on community service. Personally I have spent decades working on number of community projects, although my efforts pale in comparison to those of Suzette, my spouse, who has spent as many years volunteering on behalf of non-profit organizations and continues to this day working in the non-profit sector. We see signs that our two sons will follow the family tradition. As for details about the Black Book, to preserve an element of surprise, I will remain cryptic on some special features of the annual directory. But if you are a locally-based non-profit organization, or one of the key regional non-profits that offer services to the Birmingham-Bloomfield area, you will start to hear from us in about two weeks relative to being profiled in this special publication. If your organization wants to assure it receives our information, send an e-mail to BlackBook@downtownpublications.com with the organization’s information contact person’s name, mailing address, phone number and e-mail address. In the business community, look in mid-June for information on how you can benefit from being represented in this annual publication and special early commitment ad discounts being offered. This much I can share: The Black Book of Non-Profits will be produced in a traditional glossy stock, full-color, magazine format. Approximately 30,000 copies will be distributed, mostly by direct mail at no charge, to the majority of Birmingham, Bloomfield Township, Bloomfield Hills and Franklin, areas that have a reputation for strongly supporting the non-profit organizations. Because of the anticipated size of the Black Book, we will be doing a mailing separate from the monthly issue of Downtown, in October of this year. A limited number of copies will be available for sale to those who don’t receive a complimentary copy by mail. The publication will be featured in a flip-book format on our website for one year. The Black Book will be unique in this market, a standard I think we have established with our monthly news magazine, Downtown, so watch for further details in the weeks ahead. David Hohendorf Publisher DavidHohendorf@downtownpublications.com
INCOMING Board hurting community
“10” IS OUR MAGIC NUMBER ANY MOVIE ALL DAY ANY TIME 10th Day of Each Month (May–November)
JUST $10 INCLUDES: Admission Ticket, Reg. Pop/Small Popcorn/Hot Dog 3D Movies Not Included
OSCAR MEMORIES & BUFFET DINNER – $10 Sunday Enjoy A Double Feature of Oscar Winning Movies and Buffet Dinner First show begins at 2:00 PM (6/12, 7/10, 8/14, 9/11, 10/9)
$10 Senior Luncheon 10 -10 -11 Enjoy a Matinee Movie & Lunch Buffet – Reservations Required.
Purchase Our 10th Anniversary Loyalty Card for Only $1 All Proceeds Benefit Grace Centers of Hope 9 Visits and Your 10th Visit is Free. Receive a Free Reg. Pop/Small Popcorn.
FATHER’S DAY LUNCH AND A MOVIE SPECIAL Sunday, June 19th – 1:30 PM INCLUDES: Lunch Buffet, Salad Bar & Desserts Movie Admission ( 3PM Green Lantern ), Pop and Popcorn
$29 Per Person – Buy Three and Dad is Free!
Uptown Brings Hope Raffle All Proceeds Benefit Grace Centers of Hope Raffle Tickets Available at Guest Services $20/Book of 10 Tickets or $2 per Ticket Winners for Grand Prize, 2nd Prize and 3rd Prize Raffle License Number: R11663. Must be 18 or older to purchase.
All Packages and Promotions Include $7 Admission Ticket.
8
The Bloomfield Hills School Board seems to continue on a very costly campaign for one high school despite the majority of taxpayers desire to the contrary. Depending on what week it is will depend on how the latest plan will work. And the budget? Impossible to understand as the board uses fuzzy math-intentionally. But here is some (more) of the latest. Since Andover's auditorium is small, BHSD will continue using Lahser's auditorium. The board will actually not be shutting down Lahser for what was to be some cost savings. Another new one from the board: In order to do construction work on Andover High School, it will be necessary to move the football field across Andover Street, where there really is not enough room. So it appears they will have to tear down the administration building to make room for the football field. Keep in mind Andover Street is a simple two-lane street that the fire department uses many times daily as they respond to emergencies. In this very same tight area are private office building parking lots with driveways, additional driveways to a student parking lot, school buses dropping off/picking up students at least two times daily, parents and students driving their vehicles for drop offs and parking. The voters have said 'no' twice to the board's silly scheme for one high school. This board spends so much time on buildings, they almost have no time to address academics, the primary reason for which they are elected. The buildings issue has turned into a circus. The latest? Lets' spend what we have now and then see where that takes us. Effectively deal with it piecemeal. Add on to Andover until the money runs out, then ask for more. Meantime, no plans have been discussed for current empty buildings and what to do with them. There simply is no master plan. This is a board so over their heads they are drowning and don't even know it. Given the choice, might you really want your children in such a troubled system? It is time you stand up, speak out and help this board restore some solid, simple, effective, cost efficient, prudent management processes that effectively get this ship headed in the right direction. Maybe a recall might be a proposition worth considering. Hip shooting with the help of an $850,000 DOWNTOWN
consultant, and many others at additional expense, after all these years is actually inflicting way too much pain to this community. It needs to end. Soon. Rich Andrews, Bloomfield Hills
Project similarities There are too many similarities to ignore between the Troy-Birmingham “Transit Center” and the Bloomfield Hills “Mega High School” projects, Neither is needed, especially during these days of busted budgets. Both were proposed and encouraged by overpaid “visionaries,” local gadflies and out-of-state gypsies who like to spend other people’s money. Supporters for both projects enlisted the blessings of outside “experts” who prostituted their credentials and used false assumptions and phony statistics. Both proposals were encouraged by elected officials and cheerleaders in the community who succumbed to buzz words like “high speed rail” and “21st century education”. Both, if built, would have greatly exceeded initial cost estimates. The proposed cost of the transit center tripled in less than five years. My recommendations: Let’s build a climate-controlled waiting room somewhere in Birmingham, with video and audio links to the police department, a telephone, a rest room, and ample parking. For our Bloomfield students and taxpayers: Put all high school students (including pupils at the “Model” and the “Alternative” schools) at Lahser this September and save the costs of two administrators and the heating bills for two buildings. Put the students from all three middle schools at Andover (where there will be less need for parking) in September and save the costs of five administrators and the heating bills for three buildings. Move the International Academy to the most desirable of the vacated middle school buildings and accept all of the qualified individuals from the Bloomfield Hills School District (not only one in three applicants, as at present). Richard Rosenbaum, Bloomfield Hills
Common sense Astounding! Thank you for having the courage to publish this eye opening letter (A call to common sense/May 2011) . 06.11
SPEAK OUT We welcome your opinion on issues facing the Birmingham/Bloomfield communities. Opinions can be sent via e-mail to news@downtownpublications.com or mailed to Downtown Publications, 124 West Maple Road, Birmingham MI 48009. While we don’t have a specific word limitation, we reserve the right to edit for length.
I’ve heard of nightmares happening to social drinkers and good people in our community who have become caught up in the system and raked over the coals. This certainly sheds a little light on what’s really happening. It’s shameful and suspect. We do need to stop being such alarmists and start using more “common sense.” It may not be popular to say, but let’s keep in mind that drinking and driving is still legal and can be done responsibly. Imagine our culture without that freedom. What would be the effect on our restaurants, bars and clubs used for fundraisers, weddings, award ceremonies and the like? I applaud you Downtown. Keep it coming. Dave Legacy, Birmingham
Time for change At what point does an oral agreement by 80 percent of a city commission in Michigan, to change the traditional process of choosing a mayor, become collusion to cut out the senior citizen commissioner who has successfully just been re-elected in spite of a last-minute effort to unseat her with a more favored candidate? Is it when, in a public meeting with 6 out of 7 residents expressing verbal support for the traditional process to be followed, three commissioners looked their constituents in the faces and voted against the incumbent and put in their candidate, and then elected a one-year city commissioner as Mayor Pro Tem, who leapt into the mayor’s chair instantly since the newly elected mayor was not in attendance? For whom are these paragons of virtue working? Not for me; I have lost my ability to trust them with city business. downtownpublications.com
The Bloomfield Hills city commissioners vowed to be more transparent in their actions this past year–to communicate more effectively with residents. They certainly did that when asked point blank by a resident why they sought to change the procedure for choosing the “honorary” mayor. Outgoing Mayor McCready said, in essence, that right after the election on May 2, four of the commissioners discussed among themselves changing the procedure because they wanted Michael Zambricki to be mayor, and they decided to inform commissioner Patricia Hardy of their intention. They did not inform the residents of the city, however. Residents present for the meeting registered shock at the fact that four people would make a decision to overturn a tradition for the past 30 years and not inform residents ahead of time. The majority of the commissioners closed open discussion at that point in the meeting and immediately voted against Pat Hardy for mayor. When personal politics take precedence in city government, isn’t it time for a change in our representatives? Sandra L. Shoshani, Bloomfield Hills
Gift Certificates Available
Toxic atmosphere The toxic racist atmosphere of late at our local high school has created a lot of tension and concern not only from the African-Americans families and students who attend Seaholm but also from citizens and others who care about our city. The reactions and postures taken by our school district and the wonderful teachers and administrators at Seaholm has been impressive and comforting during this ugly ordeal. What remains a troubling and sad omission and commentary is the lack of public support and condemnation from our city's local public officials and religious leaders. None of them have issued a public statement condemning the racist behavior at Seaholm nor has there been any public support for the ordeal the African-American students and families have encountered and still confront. Whatever happened to the mantra “United We Stand?” Apparently this theme rings silent from the offices and pews of our public, private and religious leaders here in our city. Greg Thrasher, Birmingham
The Tradition Continues.… Come in for the perfect fit
DOWNTOWN
265 S. Old Woodward Birmingham, MI 48009
248.642.2555 Monday thru Saturday 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. 9
THERE IS NO TIME LIKE THE PRESENT.
Our real estate market is changing. I am listing and selling homes quickly, many with multiple offers. Buyers can still take advantage of historically low mortgage interest rates. If you have been thinking about buying or selling, the time really is now. Call me to further explore your options.
cgrothe@gmail.com | www.ChristianGrothe.com | direct (248) 971-0080 Awarded “TOP 30 UNDER 30� Realtors nationwide by Realtor Magazine
CHRISTIAN GROTHE Christian Grothe was recognized as one of the “TOP 100 REALTORS” nationally by the Wall Street Journal. Over $21 Million SOLD in 2010.
%ORRP¿HOG
Lake Angelus
SOPHISTICATED AND ELEGANT CUSTOM BUILT COLONIAL IN A PICTURESQUE SETTING. INCRED,%/( $&5( /27 :,7+ (;7(16,9( /$1'6&$3,1* WONDERFUL INTERIOR WITH STUNNING PORTUGUESE MARBLE FLOORS, TWO GOURMET KITCHENS, AND A FINISHED WALKOUT LOWER LEVEL. 4 CAR GARAGE.
INCREDIBLE, DES ROSIERS CUSTOM BUILT ESTATE ON EXCLUSIVE LAKE ANGELUS. WESTERN EXPOSURE HILLTOP LOT WITH STUNNING LAKE VISTAS. GREAT, OPEN FLOOR PLAN. ELEVATOR TO ALL FLOORS. LOWER LEVEL FEATURES A WINE CELLAR, FITNESS ROOM, STEAM ROOM AND LAP POOL. 6 CAR GARAGE.
$2,650,000
LD SO3 DAYS IN
%ORRP¿HOG +LOOV
%ORRP¿HOG
MAGNIFICENT COLONIAL ON A 2.5 ACRE HILLTOP LOT. HOME RECENTLY UNDERWENT A EXTENSIVE RENOVATION AND PRESENTS BEAUTIFULLY. GOURMET KITCHEN WITH LARGE ISLAND, SUB-ZERO DUAL FRIDGES AND WOLF RANGE. SPA-LIKE MASTER BATH WITH LARGE STEAM SHOWER. 4 CAR GARAGE.
BEAUTIFUL COLONIAL IN DESIRABLE BLOOMFIELD CROSSING. LARGE OPEN FOYER WITH SWEEPING STAIRCASE. CHEFS KITCHEN WITH GRANITE COUNTERS. SPACIOUS MASTER SUITE W/ 2 WALK IN CLOSETS AND JETTED TUB. FINISHED LOWER LEVEL. NICELY LANDSCAPED AND A LARGE 3 CAR GARAGE.
cgrothe@gmail.com | www.ChristianGrothe.com | direct (248) 971-0080 Recipient of the “Power Seller Award” by Crain’s Detroit Business Magazine
Birmingham FootCare Specialists DMC PHYSICIAN DO YOU HAVE PERSISTENT HEEL PAIN? Until recently, tendon and fascia symptoms has been difficult to treat. Many treatments tend to address only the symptoms, not the cause of pain. Patients tend to endure months of pain before the underlying disease improves. The only other option has been aggressive invasive surgery. Introducing TOPAZ©, which offers a minimally invasive alternative to surgical procedures for the treatment of tendons and fascia. Dr. Schaffer is offering the new TOPAZ© treatment for heel pain.
COMPLETE PODIATRY CARE Do you have hammer toes, corns and calluses, fungal nails, painful bunions, ingrown nails, sprained ankles? Do you need orthotics?
Schedule your consultation now.
PETER E. SCHAFFER, D.P.M. DIPLOMATE, AMERICAN BOARD OF PODIATRIC SURGERY
DMC PHYSICIAN 600 N. Old Woodward (Maplewood Office Park), Suite 202
248-594-3338 Same Day Appointments Available
CRIME LOCATOR
NORTH
Map key
Sexual assault
Assault
Murder
Robbery
Home invasion
Breaking/entering
Larceny
Burglary
Vehicle theft
Larceny from vehicle
Vandalism
Drug offenses
Arson
These are the crimes reported under select categories by police officials in Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills through May 20, 2011. Placement of codes is approximate.
Summer quality at its best. Come in and see what it feels like to sit in some of the most comfortable outdoor furniture available. Choose from sofas, loveseats, lounge chairs and ottomans. And if you want movement, we have rockers, gliders, spring chairs and swivels. Pick from over 200 fabrics with coordinating throw pillows and dining cushions too.
7350 Highland Road (M-59), Waterford
You can't beat the quality and comfort.
248.666.2880 www.PalmBeachPatio.com Hours: M & Th 10-8 • T,W,F,S 10-6 Sun 12-4
PEWABIC POTTERY Presents
SPICEUP
YOUR SUMMER SALAD
EVENTS
AT
P E WA B I C
JUNE 3-5, 2011 Friday, Saturday & Sunday 10:00am — 5:00pm {Free & Open to the Public}
Three Days to Visit & Shop s /VER 5 3 #ERAMIC !RTISTS s &IREPLACE 0OWDER 2OOM 6IGNETTE FEATURING -ETRO $ETROIT )NTERIOR $ESIGNERS s 0EWABIC DESIGNERS WILL BE AVAILABLE TO DISCUSS YOUR PROJECTS
SINCE
1903
s .%7 3ATURDAY *UNE TH -AKE 9OUR /WN &LOWER 0LANTER $ROP IN 7ORKSHOP FOR !LL !GES ˆ PER PARTICIPANT s &LOWER ARRANGING DEMONSTRATIONS ON 3ATURDAY AND 3UNDAY AT NOON s -USEUM 4OURS s $EMONSTRATIONS
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Mon–Sat s 10AM–6PM Sun s NOON–4PM
14
Special Benefit Fundraiser Preview Party 4HURSDAY *UNE n pm Tickets start at $75.00. Call 313.626.2000 for more information and to reserve tickets.
%off
Receive an
EXTRA
with this DTP ad
TUSCAN HERB STRAWBERRY BLOOD ORANGE JALAPENO HOJIBLANCA RED APPLE HERBS DE PROVENCE DARK CHOCOLATE CHIPOTLE POMEGRANATE
Cannot be combined with other discounts. Some exclusions apply. Expires June 30, 2011.
282 W. MAPLE BIRMINGHAM, MI 48009
10125 E. Jefferson Ave. s Detroit, MI 48214 (4½ miles east of Downtown Detroit at Cadillac) 313.626.2000 s pewabic.org s pewabicstore.org
248.792.2192 oldworldolivepress.com
Pewabic Pottery is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization.
DOWNTOWN
06.11
GOLF COURSES BIRMINGHAM'S MUNICIPAL LINKS: BENEFIT OR BURDEN? BY LISA BRODY
he antidote to our long, cold winters: On a lovely summer day, when the sky is perfectly blue, the sun is shining, there's a light breeze and the grass is green, there's no place better than being out on a quiet, beautiful golf course. In the Birmingham/Bloomfield area, golfers have their cup runneth over with choices of places to play. Among many other selections, there are five private country clubs, Oakland Hills Country Club, Birmingham Country Club, Forest Lake Country Club, Stoneycroft and Wabeek Country Clubs offering premier golf at a premier price to its select membership. Numerous other private clubs abound in neighboring communities. Oakland County Parks has five golf courses scattered geographically throughout Oakland County, providing golf opportunities for residents and guests at Glen Oaks in Farmington Hills; Lyon Oaks in Wixom; Red Oaks in Madison Heights; White Lake Oaks in White Lake; and Springfield Oaks Golf Course in Davisburg, which opened just a year ago. Each are reasonably priced, offer leagues and junior golf programs and tournaments, and are ideal for both the occasional golfer and the more seasoned duffer. Throughout Oakland County, there are numerous private golf courses which are open to the public. They vary in price points, difficulty, maintenance and occasions for usage. In addition to all of the other choices available, Birmingham owns two municipal golf courses, Lincoln Hills Golf Course at 2666 W. 14 Mile Road, just west of Cranbrook Road, and Springdale Golf Course, located at 316 Strathmore Road. They are each ninehole courses open seven days a week during the season, with availability for residents, non-residents and businesses via inexpensive leisure passes.
T
Springdale Golf Course
EXPRESSIVE Raising the bar for custom homebuilding and fine renovations…
complete personalization •
h o m e re n o v a t i o n s •
custom build on your lot or ours •
design services
SALES OFFICE (248) 851-6400 3200 LEGACY COURT
WEST BLOOMFIELD
MICHIGAN 48323
(248) 626-3150
FRANKELHOMES . COM
pringdale is the older of the two courses, originally built in 1929. It was renovated in the 2000-2001 season, creating a picturesque, more challenging course than it previously was. The designers the city of Birmingham hired added new greens and tees, restored a stream bank along the Rouge River which showed erosion, and aesthetically enhanced the course. The par for both men and women golfers is 34, and the course ranges from 2,732 yards from the blue tees, to 2,196 yards from the red tees. The park offers a picnic pavilion, children's playground and picnic facilities, as well as a clubhouse, power carts, pull carts, league play and concessions. Lincoln Hills was built in 1964, with a rolling terrain which offers golfers a “fun and challenging golf experience,” the city website says. The course was recently renovated and the irrigation system upgraded. The city spent $642,131 in fiscal year 2009-2010 on the renovations, which according to mayor Gordon Rinschler, was loaned from the city's enterprise fund, a division of the general fund. “We don't have an end date for that loan to be paid back,” Rinschler said. “We're assuming the golf course will become profitable again, and then we can transfer the money back to the general fund.” The par for both men and women is 35, and the course ranges from 3,023 yards from the blue tees, to 2,336 yards from the red tees. The golf course offers a PGA golf pro, youth and adult lessons, a junior golf program, a golf education center, league play, and a handicapping service. This year, the city is offering an online tee time service to facilitate the ease of making tee times, and seeing what is available. Last year, the clubhouse was completely renovated. With all of these updates and premier services, Lincoln Hills is now considered one of the top municipal nine-hole golf courses in the metro Detroit area. Yet, it is hemorrhaging money, with rounds of golf spiraling down. Recently, a couple of city commissioners questioned whether it was time to privatize or sell the courses. The immediate answer from the parks and recreation department was they were seeking to resolve the difficulties, and turn it around. But the question remains as to whether a city should be competing with private businesses in the golf course industry, and whether this is a service a city should be providing to residents, especially when it can be found easily elsewhere. There are a variety of reasons for the financial problems Birmingham is experiencing with their municipal golf courses. Some are the same as the golf industry as a whole. Others are unique to municipal courses, and some are due to economic conditions in our area, still mired in a lengthy recession. It is evident that Birmingham has made a priority of green spaces, parks, and leisure opportunities for residents, such as tennis courts, the municipal ice rink, baseball diamonds, and golf courses. The greater issue is, Lincoln Hills club house. can it afford to continue to provide these services, and should they? Or is there an opportunity to make money, and create a revenue stream, off of residents and neighbors, as some municipalities around the country have done, thereby minimizing and possibly eliminating the need to underwrite the courses each year from the general fund. Part of the local municipal golf course problem is the challenges faced by golf courses nation-wide brought on by course overbuilding that has taken place in past decades. In the 1980s and l990s, there was unprecedented construction and growth in the golf market, with investors in the form of big money financiers and new technologies developing at break neck speed. New golfers, watching Tiger Woods win event after event at beautiful settings around the world, decided they too wanted to try the game. In 1970, estimates put the number of golfers at approximately 11 million. By 1980, that number had increased to more than 15 million. By 1990, the National Golf Foundation said the number of golfers peaked at 27.8 million in 1990, and settled at 25 million in 1995. In 1997, with 26.5 million golfers there were 547 million rounds of golf played by Americans. There were approximately 28 million golfers in 2010, and while there is expected to be a dip in the next couple of years, the National Golf Foundation estimates there will be a growth in golfers of about three million between now and 2020, with most of their forecasted growth coming from expected increases in the size of the high income and high participation groups—their traditional mainstays. They also expect over the next 10 years that rounds played per year will increase by 15 percent. According to the National Golf Foundation, as of Dec. 31, 1998, there were 16,365 golf courses in the United States, of which only 4,708 were private facilities. Many of these were newly-constructed, and in 1999, 387 more courses were finished. Florida, California, Michigan, New York and Texas boasted the greatest number of total courses in the country, and in all of these states, the number of daily fee and municipal courses available far outweighed those of private club courses. While the number of golfers had flattened, the number of courses continued to grow until the mid-2000s, when courses began closing in droves due to the rocky
S
course of the economy, and what many analysts view as overbuilding, which forced many real estate developers and municipalities nationwide to grapple with unexpectedly high debt burdens. The National Golf Foundation's 2011 report shows there were 107 18-hole equivalent courses closed in 2010, compared with 46 new course openings, continuing a five-year slump. It is anticipated that 2011 will continue the same trend. “Increases in golfers and rounds will not necessarily lead to proportionate increases in revenues, as aggressive pricing will continue to attract bargain-hunting golfers,” National Golf Foundation reported. “The increase in the number of golfers and rounds played over the next 10 years will come, but it will be gradual, and hardly noticeable. At the end of the decade the average number of golfers per golf course may rise by only 150 to 200 golfers. Rounds will increase somewhat more, due to the aging of the population, particularly the baby boomers.” Yet there are still millions of golfers out there, looking for a great round of golf. According to Golf Course Industry, a mere 12 percent of customers generate 60 percent of all revenue. The average public course does 32,000 rounds a year, and has between 5,000 and 8,000 distinct customers. They note that half of all customers play an average course once, and never come back. The key is to find out why, and get them to return. It is also important to note that half of all customers to a public golf course each year are new. here are a lot of factors that can lead to a deficit, and the lack of return is one of them. Another is the weather, as is perception, fees, service, competition and overall enjoyability of the experience. In Birmingham's Golf Report, 2010 Report/2011 Prospectus, officials noted that while the 2010 season started out well, there was a 12.2 percent drop in total rounds, with a combined drop from 53,666 rounds in 2009 to 47,117 rounds in 2010. Lincoln Hills saw a 17.8 percent drop in rounds, from 25,950 in 2009 to 21,335 in 2010. Springdale's drop was smaller, a 6.9 percent decline, from 27,716 rounds in 2009 to 25,782 in 2010. One reason is the rain and cold in April and May of 2010, vs. a beautiful spring in 2009. This spring's results, with almost daily rain and below average temperatures, will likely yield similar statistics. There are other factors as well. The summer was extremely hot, which can be a deterrent for many golfers; there was construction at Lincoln Hills, although primarily at the clubhouse; and the area has had the lingering effects of stubborn economic conditions plaguing the region. This led to deficits of revenue for both courses in 2010. Lincoln Hills recorded a deficit of $122,177, not counting the renovation loan from the city, and Springdale saw a deficit of $22,381. While these losses are unsustainable over the long term, Birmingham Director of Public Services Lauren Wood sees them as a short-term problem, and something she said the city can manage and overcome. “We want to promote and highlight the two golf courses as 'local country clubs,'” she said, talking about rebranding the courses as a place to enjoy the country club-like atmosphere at a more reasonable cost. “We're kicking it up a notch. We want to be customer-oriented, and highlight that we have two beautiful nine-hole golf courses, and with time being so valuable, people or business individuals can take people out for nine-holes very quickly and easily, vs. playing 18-holes somewhere.” The perception for many golfers is that municipal golf courses are the entry door to golf, and the stereotype is that they provide inexpensive, affordable golf. Many view them as the provence of a community's seniors, without realizing the benefits available to everyone in the community. They are a great entryway to golf, especially for juniors. Lincoln Hills, for example, offers a stellar junior golf program, including tournament play, introducing a new generation to the game at a very reasonable price point. With the recent upgrades to their facilities, Birmingham's municipal courses are following a trend in the industry for many municipalities, which is to offer a “country-club-for-a-day” experience. According to Ed Rehkopf for Club Resources International, a few municipal courses have thrived nationwide by choosing that path, but many are struggling. “As a result, municipalities are now unloading in bulk the operation of their golf courses. During the first seven months of 2010, 69 requests for proposals representing nearly 175 golf courses (about 8 percent of municipal golf courses) have been issued third-party management. Detroit, Memphis, Omaha, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa, Toledo, Virginia Beach, Georgia, Kentucky, and New York are examples of what is becoming a sweeping trend,” wrote Rehkopf. “First, a municipal golf course has to overcome the brand image of being a 'muni'. The heyday of municipal golf construction was the Eisenhower years, and many of the buildings and courses look their age. The cost to repair the infrastructure (and the image) nearly equals the cost of building a new golf course.” Overcoming the brand image of being a municipal golf course is exactly what Wood is working on, with uncertain results. “We have an action plan that speaks
T
A Better Partnership
®
From the boardroom to the courtroom, Michigan businesses rely on Warner. You can too. Business & corporate services Family law/divorce Physicians law Concierge medicine
Trusts and estates Real estate services Intellectual property Nonprofit formation & governance
SOUTHFIELD | STERLING HEIGHTS | LANSING | MUSKEGON | GRAND RAPIDS | HOLLAND
248.784.5000
wnj.com
KEEP IT Downtown. The only publication of its kind in Birmingham/Bloomfield. Over 26,200 homes by mail, plus 800 free on newsstands.
www.marrellaandco.com
32889 Woodward Ave. • Royal Oak • 248-549-9100 West side of Woodward, one block south of 14 Mile Rd.
Always Buying Items Of Value In ANY Condition We Are One Of Michigan’s Largest Comprehensive Estate Buyers
FREE
May thru August every Thursday come in for your
LOCAL $ 25
EVALUATION on your items.
BIRMINGHAM
With ad.
Hours: Tuesday - Friday 10-6 | Saturday 11-5
18
Join the local leaders in our July issue. Deadline Wednesday, June 15. Contact Jill Cesarz. (O) 248.792.6464 or (C:)248. 860.8414
Kids Karate
• Estates Evaluated for Equitable Distribution • GIA / AGS Certified Gemologist • Professional Staff • Immediate Payment • Confidential Transactions • House Calls by Appointment • Competitive Prices Paid
Quality editorial environment. Produced by local residents from offices in downtown Birmingham.
DOWNTOWN
BLOWDRY
with a conditioning treatment with Diana
Birmingham Martial Arts 2219 Cole Street Birmingham MI 48009
www.bmartialarts.com
248.646.6608 06.11
loud and clear,” she claimed, although she acknowledged all of the work done has been internal, on the city's website, and they have not yet looked to an outside advertising agency for assistance. “We want to get back to basics first. We need to blast (e-mail blasts) the community more. We're having specials, with $2 and $5 off coupons, and notifying people who have asked to be notified when we're having these specials. I don't think we've communicated enough to our core constituents. These courses are real jewels of the community, and we need to be more informational about letting people know about them.” She said they are targeting their local audience first, and will branch out from there. “Oakland County is a big community to draw from,” she said. Wood said golf rates are reasonable, in the municipal and public course range—but acknowledges she is not sure, with adult weekday members paying $14.50 to walk, and $22.50 with a cart. On weekends, adult members pay $15.50 to walk nine holes, or $23.50 with a cart. Senior and junior members pay $9.50 to walk weekdays, and $10.50 weekends; and $17.50 to use a cart on weekdays, $18.50 on weekends. Resident leisure passes are $15 for a year, while business memberships are $100, and non-resident individuals pay $200, or $400 for a family. They can be purchased at the Birmingham Ice Sports Arena. The city's golf report noted they are concerned about right sizing their fee structure, and are in the process of evaluating their fee structure than an email survey of comparable courses in the area. “We want to remain competitive in this market and do not want to 'price ourselves out of the market.' What we do know is that with the myriad of discounts that are given we are losing approximately $35,000 in potential revenue between the two courses. Research into the effectiveness of discounts in relation to increased rounds has found that they do not generally improve/increase the number of rounds played. As a result, many courses are eliminating discounts. Therefore, we are recommending that discounts be eliminated.” Wood's statements regarding coupons appear to be a contradiction from her own report. Wood said they are improving the food and beverage offerings this year from the limited choices of hot dogs, candy and pop to a wider range of sandwiches, snacks, muffins, bagels, rolls and grab-and-go treats, as well as pursuing a liquor license for both courses. “We're early in the process, but it's a good revenue generator,” she said, noting many people enjoy a beer after golf, especially with tournaments. She said they have also worked with their PGA golf pro, Todd Greenlee, to mingle more with golfers, and offer more lessons. “We want to give a better perception of the golf pro,” she acknowledged. “You're going to come back if The Lincoln Hills course. you've had a good experience.” he golf report noted that the city increased Greenlee's hours for 2011 from 585 hours to 800 with out increasing payment to him. They have also shifted more responsibilities to him, assigning concessions, pro shops, tournaments and membership to him under the guidance of the Golf Operations Manager. There are built-in incentives for Greenlee for increases in registrations for Junior Golf and business memberships above historic levels. Wood said they see a clear need to upgrade their technology if they are going to make their golf courses viable through profitability, as their record revenues are “antiquated at best, and completely devoid of analytical tools to properly manage and market and manage the operations.” The question, still out, is whether these efforts will be enough to turn their revenue streams around. For 2011, they anticipate revenues of $572,243 for expenses of $614,612; they had just $485,942 in revenue in 2010. Jim Keegan, managing partner, Golf Convergence in Castle Rock, CO, who did a strategic plan recently for Ann Arbor's municipal courses, said, “In 2010, 15 percent of all municipal golf courses were privatized. Cities brought in firms, either where they pay a management firm a fixed fee, and all city employees are covered as employees of the management firm, or on a contract basis. A comprehensive review needs to be undertaken before anything is determined. First, look at the parks and recreation department and see what their core services are. First, it's open spaces, like parks and soccer fields. That's something that private enterprise would never enter. Second, there are pools and tennis courts. Third, in the triangle, is the highest, for what is discretionary, is golf courses. They are the highest because they are adequately met by private enterprise. “The rule tends to be, if you're losing less than $250,000, it's controllable. If losses are between $500,00 and $750,000, there are some structural problems. Then it's time to sell, privatize or turn the course into open park space,” he said. Keegan said that for Ann Arbor, privatizing was successful. “Three years ago they were losing $750,000 a year. Now they're losing around $300,000.” Troy was one of the cities nationwide which privatized its two municipal golf
T
courses in 2010. They decided to seek privatization as an option because from 2001 to 2009, the city's general fund had subsidized the building department for $5.5 million. On June 7, 2010, its city council approved the hiring of Billy Casper Golf to manage the two courses, after receiving proposals from five different firms. The golf course staff, including AFSCME employees, were given the opportunity to match private company bids in an effort to save their jobs but they never even presented an official bid. ohn Szerlag, Troy City Manager, said that was because a review before the bidding process revealed that every one of the 22 employees in the city's building department would have to take a 35 percent pay cut, which they deemed unacceptable. By privatizing the golf courses, the city is able to guarantee a revenue stream of $265,000 a year, regardless of the number of rounds played. While Keegan has not studied Birmingham's situation, he said he recommends two important fundamental changes. “First, I'd get rid of any delineation between resident and non-resident rates,” he said. “There's the outmoded thinking that because our residents pay taxes they're entitled to a discount on municipal activities. In reality, only 11 percent of citizens play golf, and the city is responsible to the other 89 percent of citizens who do not, and to the general fund. It's an entitlement philosophy, especially amongst seniors. But the cost to communities is just not justifiable. You have nearby neighbors who do not come to golf because of those rates. “The second thing is, get a liquor license. A Class C liquor license is a fundamental necessity because about 70 percent of people who play golf will get a beer or alcoholic beverage between arrival and departing, especially at a tournament,” he said. Richard Singer, director of consulting services for the National Golf Foundation in Jupiter, FL, agrees with Keegan that privatization is not a sure-fire panacea. “It depends. Some privatization options are not that clear-cut. It can be difficult to gauge what the costs are going to be to the city. It's not dissimilar to buying a house, where you're not sure what it's going to cost until you buy it,” Singer said. “Cities need to study plans thoroughly. Most successful municipal situations are when municipalities have studied the plans thoroughly and know what they're getting into and have planned appropriately. On the governance side, there can be a whole new set of responsibilities, because rather than managing a golf course, they're now managing a contract. From the consumer's side, when there's a change in golf operations, and people do not like change—it can be more expensive, services will change—it's a consumer service business, and they will vote their displeasure. “The positives are, it depends on who your partner is. Where the city thinks it out thoroughly, has done their homework and finds a partner who has done this successfully with other cities, and have been very popular with consumers, it can improve they city's economic situation and have a very popular outcome.” According to the Mackinac Center for Public Policy, a conservative Michigan think tank, municipalities should never own and operate their own golf courses because it puts them in direct competition with the private sector. “Government golf is unnecessary, unfair to private entrepreneurs, and needlessly expensive,” said Michael LaFaive, director of the Mackinac Center's Morey Fiscal Policy Initiative. “Government competition is unfair A municipality may build or subsidize a golf course with tax dollars taken from the private course owners they compete against. In addition, the government often has the option of assigning workers paid by one department to a municipal golf course run by another. Government golf courses are also not saddled with property tax burdens.” Municipal golf courses do not pay property taxes. Further, LaFaive contends, municipal golf is “the most nonessential of nonessential services. Can anyone seriously claim 'golf' as a legitimate government function?” Birmingham's mayor, Rinschler, feels the losses the courses are sustaining are very small, and not a major issue. Yet all of the losses are coming from operations. “We just need to get the rounds up. It's not a significant problem. It's not a real drain on services,” he said. “We'll get to a profitable stage soon.” It may not be as essential a service as police and fire, but it has been an endeavor of the city of Birmingham for almost 100 years, and one they will likely not give up lightly. “I'm not ready to take a dramatic action yet,” Rinschler said, speaking for himself. But clearly, there is work to be done to make the most of these “jewels of the community” sparkle ever more brightly—and profitably. Operational losses are substantial for a community the size of Birmingham. And in an era of austerity and cutbacks, sooner may have come rather than later.
J
EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS
Nanci J. Rands
Meredith Colburn
Associate Broker
Associate Broker
248.701.9000
248.762.5319
Birmingham $1,695,000
Bloomfield $1,145,000
Bloomfield $1,950,000
Ralph Lauren model residence offered furnished at Woodland Villa, in-town Birmingham’s intimate residential enclave. Luxurious lifestyle and unparalleled location. Sophistication and elegance throughout 3 levels. Elevator. Three car garage.
Beautiful colonial on nearly 2 acres in one of Bloomfield’s most desirable neighborhoods. Majestic hilltop setting. Spacious entertaining areas. Family Room with fieldstone fireplace and 12’ pine ceiling. 5 bedrooms. First floor Master with Sitting Room. Deck, Terrace and Pool. Renovated 1990.
Magnificent limestone and cedar design by architect Michael Willoughby. Superbly landscaped 1.5 acres. 170’ of frontage on Chalmers Lake. Garden and lake views from every room. Open island Kitchen/Family Room. First Floor Master. Screened Adirondack porch and large deck.
Building Sites Birmingham $385,000 Rare opportunity to build your custom dream home within a block of the Townsend Hotel.
Franklin $599,000 Gorgeous 1.92 acre parcel along private road in area of multimillion dollar homes.
Bloomfield Village $698,000 Great opportunity in the Estate Area of Bloomfield Village. Site is 0.83 acres with 150' frontage.
Birmingham $429,000 Just move in! Charming Cape Cod on double lot overlooking Birmingham CC golf course. 3 bedrooms, 2 & ½ baths. Beautifully updated. Hardwood floors. Detailed molding and trimwork. Stunning Living Room. Maple and granite Kitchen. Four Seasons Sun Room. Finished Basement.
Birmingham Lakefront $995,000 Last remaining buildable site directly on Quarton Lake.
Bloomfield Hills $3,250,000 to $6,800,000 Spectacular sites on the East shore of Turtle Lake from 1.6 acres to 4 acres, in the premier gated community of Turtle Lake.
Franklin $649,000 Elegant French-inspired home with courtyard entrance on an idyllic acre bordering the 8th fairway of Franklin Hills Country Club. Large first floor Master Suite with spacious Dressing areas. Fantastic views. Full house generator. Franklin mailing with Farmington schools.
Bloomfield $790,000
Bloomfield $725,000
Bloomfield $249,000
Gracious soft Contemporary on lovely North Wabeek site. Two-story Living Room with fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows. Island Kitchen. Master Suite with great closet, Sitting Room and marble Bath. Finished Basement with full Bath.
Wonderful home on premiere 1.56 acre private site in Chelmsleigh neighborhood. Gorgeous views of picturesque grounds. Five bedrooms, three full and two half baths. Cook’s Kitchen with large island. Saltwater pool and spa. Finished walkout Lower Level.
Charming, updated Cape Cod cottage-style home on nearly 1 acre. Entry level bedroom could be Office with separate entrance. Close proximity to the Franklin Cider Mill. Perfect to live in as is, use as investment property, or build your dream home on gorgeous site. Also for lease $1,600/month.
CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE
NANCI J. RANDS & MEREDITH COLBURN Bloomfield Hills $4,950,000 Beyond a sweeping tree-lined gated drive lies PARK HAVEN, an impeccably maintained 1929 manor on seven lush acres with a courtyard entrance. Wide bluestone terraces overlook perennial gardens and magnificent grounds. Spanning nearly 10,000 square feet of living space and designed by architect George DeWitt Mason, the estate was superbly renovated and expanded in 2006. The home features five Bedrooms and four full and three half Baths. Reached by a private entry, the four-room Master Suite has a Sitting Room and dual Dressing Rooms. Evident throughout is incredible attention to detail, including intricate woodwork and decorative ironwork.
Franklin $4,250,000 Exceptional 2001 Tringali-designed 1800’s English Tudor replica on 2.48 acres nestled in the heart of Franklin Village. Winding gated drive opens to stunning views of the slate roofed home with pond, fountain, arched walkways, and ivy draped trees. Over 10,000 sq. ft. of luxury with four bedroom suites, four full and three half baths. Refined cherry paneled two-story Library. Chilton country blend granite island Kitchen with Hearth Room and Breakfast Area. Knotty Pine paneled Family Room. Meticulously crafted, temperature controlled wine cellar and tasting room. An impressive Exercise Facility houses a professional Dojo. Two heated garages with 8 car capacity. 5 Fireplaces.
Birmingham $3,275,000 A stunning blend of sophistication and functionality. French-inspired architectural masterpiece with premier in-town location. Over 6,000 sq. ft. of living space on three levels plus additional 2,800 sq. ft. in the exquisitely finished Lower Level. A showcase of extraordinary interior spaces, exquisite details and finishes. Three car garage. Elevator.
NEW PRICE Nanci J. Rands 248.701.9000
Meredith Colburn 248.762.5319
CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE
THE MARKET IS HEATING UP. Homes are selling faster than we can list and we need more listings in all price ranges. Call us for details. Lynn Baker
Deby Gannes
Associate Broker
Realtor
248.379.3000
248.379.3003
lbaker@hallandhunter.com
dgannes@hallandhunter.com
Rich
Bloomfield Hills $789,000
Birmingham $699,900
Not just the view to enjoy, but the beauty and serenity in this luxury home on Minnow Lake. Located on one of the premier lots in The Hills of Lone Pine gated community. 4,828 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 5 baths and 2 lavs, has a first floor master suite with fireplace and luxurious bath, great room with soaring ceilings and wall of windows to view the lake. Finished walk out with full kitchen, 2 bedrooms, and 2nd family room. Heated greenhouse, private courtyard entry, 2 decks and brick paver patio. Excellent value! WIC211003385
Custom built home in desirable Birmingham neighborhood. Built in 1992 with all the custom features and architectural details you could imagine. 4,680 sq. ft. with 4 bedrooms, 4 baths and 2 lavs. Unbelievable master suite with 14’ x 13’ lounging area, enormous closet plus jack and jill and private suite up. Finished lower level with kitchen, bath, 2nd family room, exercise room and game room. Oversized Trex deck with spacious yard and perennial gardens. Short Sale. WES211045934
Rochester Hills $884,900
Bloomfield Hills $829,900 or lease for $5,000/month
Exceptional home with every upgrade plus premium lot of .70 acres. Hardwood floors, granite, top of the line appliances, enclosed wet bar with French doors, 8 foot doors on 1st floor, judges paneled library with coffered ceiling, cased arches and 4 layers of crown molding. Finished walk out. Could not build at this price. LIN211049178
Original carriage house for the Chalmer’s Estate. Rich in history, renovated in 2007 with all of the details, charm & elegance to reflect the era. Oversize rooms, extensive limestone, hardwood, wainscoting and trim. First floor master plus 5 additional bedrooms, 3 baths, 3rd floor family room/ game area, 7,611 sq. ft. Private, wooded 1.25 acre estate with perennial gardens and views/privileges on Chalmers Lake. CLA211049021
CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE
Franklin $749,900 or lease for $5,000/month Opportunity of a Lifetime! Home custom designed by architect Don Paul Young in the estate section of Franklin. Almost 2 acre wooded site on a private lake to enjoy the natural surroundings. Interior is totally redone and finished to perfection. Never been lived in this 4,351 sq. ft. home has 5 bedrooms, 5-1/2 baths with a first floor master suite. CAN210124300
Oakland Township $649,900 Own your own private paradise on 3.86 acres with horse barn or additional car storage (horses allowed). 6,511 sq. ft. with 4-1/2 baths, master suite with attached media room, garden room overlooking in-ground pool, marble, tile and hardwood floors throughout. Sits far from road for utmost privacy. Finished walkout, covered portico, 4+ car garage. GAL211046402
THE PERROTTA REAL ESTATE TEAM Two generations, 37 years combined experience and one goal: Educated Buyers & Sellers = Results! Dorothy Perrotta
Michael Perrotta
Associate Broker
Realtor
248.217.7222
248.672.0494
dperrotta@hallandhunter.com
mperrotta@hallandhunter.com
Rich
perrottarealestate.com
SOLD Bloomfield Hills $899,000 Wonderful family home on over 1 acre. Large backyard, granite kitchen opens to vaulted-ceiling family room, in-law suite with full bath plus 5 additional bedrooms. Finished high-ceiling lower level. 4 car garage. Birmingham schools.
Upper Peninsula Price upon request Almost two miles of white sandy beach south facing Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula. 300 contiguous acres of natural beauty. A rare opportunity! Includes a 3 bedroom ranch home.
Bloomfield Hills Beautifully renovated 4 bedroom home with fabulous chef’s kitchen, family room with fieldstone, heated year-round Florida room. Great master suite with adjacent study. Magnificent grounds plus 3-car garage. Birmingham schools.
Franklin (vacant land) $650,000 Winding driveway leads to an estate setting of 2.3 acres in the heart of Franklin. Beautiful treed lot for privacy and seclusion. Includes building plans for a dramatic contemporary home. Walk to shops & restaurants while enjoying the country lifestyle.
Bloomfield $249,000 Completely renovated & updated 1850’s farmhouse overlooking Hadsell Lake. Old world charm with all modern amenities. Open floor plan with large rooms. Kitchen with granite and stainless steel, tumbled marble master bath, hardwood floors.
SOLD Bloomfield Hills Charming manor on almost two acres in the shadows of Bloomfield Hills Country Club. First floor master bedroom with his and her baths and closets, custom, quality and privacy. Inground pool, special in every way.
CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE
THE INTEGRITY OF HALL & HUNTER...THE POWER OF CHRISTIE’S
Adam Waechter
Lynda Schrenk
Associate Broker
Realtor
313.801.8018
248.760.6026
akwhallandhunter@gmail.com
www.HallandHunter.com
Bloomfield $449,000
Bloomfield $599,000
Bloomfield $998,000
Extensively updated 5 bedroom home. Inlaw/nanny quarters with separate entrance. Stunning family room. All season sun room with skylights & heated floor. Professional landscaping.
Completely renovated 3800 sq. ft. ranch on 1.2 acres. High ceilings & hardwood floors throughout. Fabulous gourmet kitchen. Master suite has jetted tub, xl shower & doorwall to beautiful yard.
Enjoy sweeping hilltop views of Endicott Lake from this 2.74 acre lot. The land has been prepped for building the home of your dreams. Very private and wooded setting at the end of a cul de sac in the city of Bloomfield Hills within the awardwinning Birmingham school district. It is also in close proximity to the Cranbrook schools.
SOLD Bloomfield $549,900
Bloomfield $599,000
Birmingham $725,000
Fabulous 3 bedroom unit with open floor plan, marble floors, vaulted ceilings. First floor master suite with walk-in shower. Finished lower level, family room with built ins, game room, workout room and more.
A lakefront building site on a beautiful peninsula on Island Lake. Outstanding views of Island Lake and Kirk in the Hills. Desirable location with Bloomfield Hills schools. Approved for a 4488 sq. ft. home.
This charming renovated classic home in Quarton Lake Estates includes 6 bedrooms and 3 baths plus a screened sunporch and 3 car garage. The elegant exterior features a cedar shake roof, copper gutters and professional landscaping complete with bluestone walkways and patio. Award winning Birmingham schools.
CHRISTIE’S INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE
FACES
Ben Sharkey ocal jazz-pop artist Ben Sharkey had a difficult home life growing up, but was determined to overcome adversity and pursue his dream of becoming a singer/songwriter. He has succeeded beyond what he could have imagined, with followers all over the world thanks to You Tube. “I moved out of my mother’s house while still in high school. I was so broke and supporting myself,” Sharkey said. “I was living with roommates, but passionate about music.” Determined, he waited tables at Beverly Hills Grill, putting himself through the College of Creative Studies in Detroit. “Singing and art were a safe haven for me,” said Sharkey. “I feel like struggle makes artists who they are. It makes them more passionate.” “Ever since about the fourth or fifth grade I knew I wanted to perform,” he said. “I didn’t just want to sing and record; it was more about being on stage and creating a show.” Sharkey’s mother, also musically inclined, supported his goals despite wishing for a more stable career for her son. “My mom always wanted me to be safe and have a back-up plan,” he said. “I went to school for digital animation and became a 3-D artist.” In addition to vocal performance, Sharkey has been a commissioned artist for more than 10 years and describes his work as pop surrealism. “I have a home studio and I sell my paintings on the side,” he said. “I’m working on my first painting exhibition and have been looking at a few spaces in Birmingham.” While Sharkey concedes that music is a challenging field to break into,
L
he released his first CD, “Try As I Might,” and gained a lot from recognition through social mediums. “A few years ago, I started posting videos on You Tube,” he said. “I didn’t get coverage right away.” Sharkey had been covering songs, but soon posted one of his original tunes, “Can I," and became an Internet sensation. “It was featured on You Tube’s homepage, and got about 250,000 hits in just a few days.” Since then, his music has reached a viewership of nearly five million on the site, but Sharkey continues to hustle in an effort to get his name out locally. “I think it’s important to do things on the Internet, but it’s also important to get around so people can see you perform live.” Sharkey has played at the Hamilton Room in Birmingham and at many local residences. “It’s definitely competitive, but I’ve been performing and trying to grow a fan base locally. I’d really like to do something in Shain Park.” A Birmingham resident for seven years, Sharkey continues to dream big, but keeps his home base in the city. “I feel like a lot of really talented people leave this area. I think Michigan is one of the biggest exporters of talent,” he said. “I see myself traveling and doing shows, but I’m a proud Michigander.” Story: Katey Meisner
Photo: Avery
CRANBROOK
Coin& Jewelry
AUTHORIZED DEALER
Michigan’s Leading Numismatist
& D L GO VER SIL
LS!! LEVE EN C I R E ISTO EVER B N AT H ARE RE HAS ER TIME THE A BETT LL! E TO S
Rare Coin Specialists Call
Buying/Selling Gold, Silver & Platinum Bullion
Curr for Quo ent tes
BRING IN YOUR COINS AND COLLECTIBLES FOR A FREE EVALUATION AND OFFER Collection too large to come to us? We can make arrangements to meet you at your home or your bank.
STRONG BUYERS OF US CURRENCY PAYING SPECIAL PREMIUMS ON ORIGINAL ROLLS OF MORGAN DOLLARS AND STRAPPED CASES OF AMERICAN EAGLES BUYING STERLING SILVER FLATWARE & JEWELRY
BUYING ALL SLABBED COINS PCGS, NGC ANACS
33437 Woodward Avenue Birmingham, MI 48009 Area’s TOP Buyer
Two Blocks NORTH of 14 Mile Rd. on the WEST side of Woodward
248.530.1248
Professional Appraisals
Serving Michigan’s Numismatic Community Since 1964
WHERE CHEFS GO OUT TO EAT WE ASKED THEM TO RATE DISHES AND PLACES
T
hey're the unknown faces behind the well-known marquees, toiling away to create fabulous food for us to savor and enjoy. At Downtown, we wanted to know where they like to go when they come out from behind their stoves, and what tickles their taste buds. Ask, and ye shall receive. In their own words, here is an eclectic variety of local notable chefs, and their favorite off-duty haunts.
BY LISA BRODY
Photos by Austen Hohendorf
Sameer Eid
Jeffrey Rose
Owner/Chef, Phoenicia Restaurant, Birmingham
Executive Chef, Toast, Birmingham
Best Pizza: Buddy's—their whole wheat pizza is delicious with any topping.
Best Pizza: My Cousin Vinny's on Woodward and Telegraph in Bloomfield. It's the closet thing to New York City pizza!
Best Burger: Red Coat Tavern in Royal Oak. Their burger is always juicy and good. Best Place for Ethnic Food: Spago in Windsor. They have fabulous mussels in marinara and white wine sauce. Their pasta is made there, and the minestroni soup is the best. Best Steak at a Restaurant: Ever since I started serving bone-in ribeye in my restaurant, I quit ordering steak anywhere else. Best Seafood Restaurant/Item: Ruth's Chris (Steakhouse in Troy) always has fresh seafood, and it always has been good. Best Breakfast Menu/Favorite Breakfast Item: Frittata in Clawson. It's a small place with a great variety of things other than eggs and bacon. Best Dessert Menu or Dish: Big Rock Chop House in Birmingham. The variety of desserts is huge, and it is all delicious. Favorite place to go when you don't feel like cooking: Streetside Seafood in Birmingham. You can always get a wonderful meal there. Best Bar/Lounge: Big Rock Chophouse. They make the best martini in town.
Best Burger: Red Coat Tavern is great because they always serve late! The burger is good. I do an original burger and add American cheese. Why mess with a good burger! Best Place for Ethnic Food: Phoenicia on Old Woodward in Birmingham for Lebanese. Hung Hua for Chinese. It's the best. Pi Thai on 10 and John R. great flavor, very spicy! Shiraku is the only place for sushi. Best Steak at a Restaurant: The Clawson Steak House. Good food, great old school feel. Big red leather chairs and and live entertainment! Best Seafood Restaurant/Item: Nothing really thrills me. (I'm picky on my seafood). Best Breakfast Menu/Favorite Breakfast Item: Always an eggs benedict. Toast is the way to go! Best Dessert Menu or Dish: Cork Wine Bar has the best pastry chef in the state. Tanya Fallon. The financier is to die for! Second is Patricia Nash at Motor City Casino's Iridescence restaurant. Favorite place to go when you don't feel like cooking: YaYa's Chicken for a quick "fast food" is real on-the-bone chicken, not processed!
Best Wine List: Ocean Prime in Troy. They have a very extensive list.
ABOUT THE JUDGE: id, 71, originally from Lebanon, began cooking “by mistake, by coincidence, by faith,” he says. “I was in the custom drapery business in Highland Park, and I used to eat in a Middle Eastern restaurant almost every day, until one day the lady said, Sameer, you are the only one who can run this restaurant. I told her I knew nothing about restaurants. I never cooked. She said this is what you're going to do. Five minutes later, I bought it for $5,700.” Eid learned to cook, and to run the front of the house. “I have done everything.” He upgraded the quality of the cuisine, and ran the restaurant with no name and no sign for 12 years in Highland Park, before moving it to S. Old Woodward in Birmingham in 1982. “I put up a very subdued and subtle sign,” he said. His son Sammy, 31, is now running the restaurant. “He's doing a better job than me. Having him around has brought young people and added a tremendous support to my business.” But Eid has no plans to step down. “Dealing with a couple hundred people a day is wonderful. My customers are my best in the country.”
E
Best Bar/Lounge: Gusoline Alley in Royal Oak; Tony's Sports Bar on Woodward north of Nine Mile; Grasshopper Lounge, Ferndale. Best Wine List: Forest Grill
ABOUT THE JUDGE: ose, 39, began as a pot washer at 14 in his native New Jersey, “and then by the time I graduated from high school, I was doing weddings and parties for 200. I just kept learning and growing.” Now the executive chef at both the Birmingham and Ferndale locations of Toast, he was earned his stripes working for six years at Tribute under Chef Takashi, a year at Iridescence, and four years at Big Rock Chop House. When he's not working, he loves to stand outside and grill.
R
Josh McCoury
Michael Barrera
Chef, Peabody's, Birmingham
Chef de Cuisine, Streetside Seafood
Best Pizza: Antonio's Town Square pizza in Rochester Hills is great. Fun for the family, pizzeria/ arcade, and large inexpensive beer selection.
Best Pizza: Amici's in Berkley. Easily the most healthy and creative pizza in town. Their vegan pizza with artichokes and walnuts is amazing.
Best Burger: My new favorite is definitely 5 Guys burgers and fries.
Best Burger: I usually like making burgers at home, but if I do go out to get a burger, it has to at Rosie O'Grady's in Ferndale. It's a simple all-American style burger. Their buns are the best, too.
Best Place for Ethnic Food: My wife and I love to go to Pegasus in Greektown. They have by far the best lamb shanks in town. The menu is very reasonably priced and so are the drinks. Best Steak at a Restaurant: I have to give this one to Lelli's. Their dry-aged porterhouse monstrosity is phenomenal. This has been my long standing favorite steak. Nobody else has even been able to come close. Best Seafood Restaurant/Item: There are a lot of choices when this comes to mind, but overall I will say it is the Rochester Chophouse and Oyster Bar. Everything from the maryland jumbo lump crab cakes to the lobster and shrimp pan roast. Best Breakfast Menu/Favorite Breakfast Item: The banana pancakes at the Original Pancake House in Birmingham. We drive all the way from Rochester to undoubtedly wait in line every time, and it is still worth the drive and wait. Best Dessert Menu or Dish: I recently had a chance to review the dessert menu at Cork Wine Pub in Pleasant Ridge, and the dessert menu is really intriguing, and I hope to pay them a visit very soon. Favorite place to go when you don't feel like cooking: Definitely a good time to be had at Miyako Japanese Steakhouse in Auburn Hills. My wife, kids and I love the show cooking. Best Bar/Lounge: Good drinks and live entertainment at the Hamlin Pub in Rochester Hills. Best Wine List: I'm not that big of a wine enthusiast, but having had the opportunity to read over the list from Coach Insignia in Detroit, it pretty much covered anything one could possibly want.
Best Place for Ethnic Food: Taqueria Lupita's in Mexicantown. They have $1.00 street tacos. The pork al pastor or carne asada are my faves. Best Steak at a Restaurant: The New York strip steak at the Town Tavern in Royal Oak, hands down. It's not just because we share the same owner, trust me. They give options on sauces or toppings. Don't pass on the cognac sauce. It is great. Best Seafood Restaurant/Item: Streetside Seafood. I mean that. I love the Mahi Tacos. The Rock Shrimp pasta is also a favorite of mine. Best Breakfast Menu/Favorite Breakfast Item: I will remain biased and say the Beverly Hills Grill. They have the most consistent food and the best daily specials. My kids beg to go there just for the pancakes. I worked there for five years, so I used to make what is known as the Mike BLT. Bacon, Lettuce, Tomato, Fried Egg, Swiss Cheese, and Sriracha Mayonnaise. Not for the calorie watchers, but delicious. Best Dessert Menu or Dish: Easily the Inn Season Cafe in Royal Oak. They have the best carrot cake in town, when you can get it. They also make this Cardamom Spice cake that is unreal. I have yet to have any vegan desserts that are nearly as good as these. Favorite place to go when you don't feel like cooking: Zingerman's Deli in Ann Arbor. Great bread, great fresh and natural ingredients. and free cheese. Really, you can try as much cheese as you like. That alone is worth the drive. Best Bar/Lounge: I enjoy Dick O'Dow's in Birmingham. Sam is a great bartender and they have Newcastle on tap. Ye Olde Saloon in Royal Oak is a good dive and that's where most of my sports junkie friends like to hang out.
ABOUT THE JUDGE: t 30, McCoury has spent more than half his life in professional kitchens, when a research project in freshman English turned into his life's work. “While I had spent a lot of time cooking as a kid, helping my mom and grandma, it was while doing a research project in English interviewing chefs that I was offered my first job, at Acadia, a Brian Polcyn restaurant across from The Palace, as a prep cook. I was a 14-year-old kid working for minimum wage who wanted to be there, peeling vegetables, making rice, absorbing as much as I could at a young age.” He later attended Oakland Community College's Culinary Studies Institute, and worked for the Kruse & Muer organization at Charley's Crab at the Northfield Hilton and Rochester Chophouse, as well as Lily's Seafood in Royal Oak, P.F. Chang's, Big Rock ChopHouse and Chen Chow.
A
Best Wine List: Streetside. The Louis Latour or the Ruta 22. A must on any list. I personally love the fact that we have a huge variety of wine. There is something for everybody here.
ABOUT THE JUDGE: arrera, 34, originally went to college looking to have a career outside of cooking, but the lure of the kitchen pulled him back in. He wound up in culinary school in Philadelphia in 2000, and returned here in 2005, after meeting his wife, who is a pastry chef at Whole Foods, and having the first of his two sons. He worked at Beverly Hills Grill for four years before recently moving over to owner Bill Roberts' Birmingham restaurant, Streetside Seafood. In their off hours, he and his wife like to make simple foods, “like roast chicken and rice, but done the right way,” Barrera said, “or fine Latin foods.”
B
Luis Reyes
Brian Henson
Executive Chef, 220, Birmingham
Executive Chef, Big Rock Chophouse, Birmingham
Best Pizza: Crust: Telegraph & Maple. I love their thin crust pizzas.
Best Pizza: The best I have had in the area is Darios in Garden City. It has been 25 years since I have been there as a kid, but we went there after baseball games and swim meets. I think it is still there. If not, I'm kind of a sucker for deep dish at Pizza Hut.
Best Burger: Love the big chief burger at Duggans Pub on Woodward. Best Place for Ethnic Food: It would have to be my own (Puerto Rican). Unfortunately, there isn't any Puerto Rican restaurants around. Ex: mofongo fill with lobster, crab a la salmorejo. Best Steak at a Restaurant: My 14 oz. hand-cut New York strip at 220 is by far is the best New York I've tasted.
Best Burger: Miller's. Again, has been a while, but there is something to be said about the old time honor system, it makes it taste better. Port Hope Bar and Grill, although I could never finish half.
Best Seafood Restaurant/Item: Streetside Seafood, and their salmon with braised brown lentils.
Best Place for Ethnic Food: Pad Thai, Siam Spicy. I fell in love with Pad Thai while working for Wolfgang Puck Food Company in Southern California and this is the closest I have found.
Best Breakfast Menu/Favorite Breakfast Item: Beverly Hills Grill, hands down. Their muesli (I' m not an egg type of a person), although their huevos rancheros is quite delicious.
Best Steak at a Restaurant: Can I say any at Big Rock Chophouse?
Best Dessert Menu or Dish: 220. It's all made in house. Cream puff sundae w/ pistachio gelato, chocolate semi freddo, warm apple strudel, strawberry mascarpone cheesecake, Tiramisu. Favorite place to go when you don't feel like cooking: Unfortunately, Modern Food, in Keego Harbor, but they closed. They moved their business to Portland. Best Bar/Lounge: Edison's in Birmingham. Live music, a great wine list, dancing, martini menu, quick bites to eat menu and free cover charge. It doesn't get any better than that.
ABOUT THE JUDGE: eyes, 44, notes that “this is all I've ever done.” Cooking for 24 years, he moved to the U.S. from Puerto Rico to go to school, started washing dishes at Jackson's of Beverly Hills, now Beverly Hills Grill, and “worked my way up.” “As I learned the language, I was very intrigued about food combinations,” he said. When Bill Roberts and his then-wife Judi Roberts took over Jackson's and created Beverly Hills Grill, Reyes stayed on and became sous chef. “I then went to open my first restaurant with them, Streetside Seafood, and then took on a bigger challenge, 220, and I've been here 13 years.” Married, with a 19-year-old son, Reyes loves to cook seafood, especially with a Caribbean flair. “I like light food. I'm a firm believer in true flavors, and in reductions vs. thickening agents.”
R
Best Seafood Restaurant/Item: Perch at Steve and Rocky’s. Simple and perfect. Best Breakfast Menu/Favorite Breakfast Item: Breakfast in bed served by my family. Father's Day is coming up. Best Dessert Menu or Dish: Anything Patricia Nash makes at Motor City Casino. And the occasional Blizzard, and my new favorite Ben and Jerry's Red Velvet Cake Ice Cream. I have a big sweet tooth, so I really can go on and on. Favorite place to go when you don't feel like cooking: Frank’s Anatra. Chicago style hot dog at Home Depot. Best Bar/Lounge: Dukes in Highland Best Wine List: Hard to tell because the good ones change their list a lot. Any that would have an Albarino from Rias Baixas, Mencia from Spain and inexpensive reds from Languedoc-Roussillon. Vera's program at Big Rock is fantastic. I also like Tallulah Wine Bar and Bistro in Birmingham and Mon Jin Lau in Troy.
ABOUT THE JUDGE: hen Henson, 38, was in high school, his cousin was a chef and an ice carver at Schoolcraft College. “When I was in 10th grade, he paid me to help and sweep up the shavings. It's how I got started. I entered some competitions, but when I entered Schoolcraft, I switched to cooking,” he said. His first job was at the intimate now-defunct Cafe' Bon Homme in Plymouth, where there was only room in the kitchen for the chef and him. “You couldn't ask for a better first cooking job. There was one person cooking and one person in the pantry. I got a tremendous education, because you couldn't make a mistake because the chef was looking over me.” He's been at Big Rock for the last three years. With three kids, he feels settled. In his off-hours, “We try to make quick, good-quality things that are not fast food,” he said.
W
admire the view exceptional places. exceptional spaces. exceptional people. • Landscape design/installation • Brick pavers/Retaining walls • Outdoor lighting • Lawn & landscape maintenance • Spring annuals & perennials • Power washing/sealing of decks • Sales/installation of mulch, topsoil, sand & gravel
sustainable: renew. reinvent. regenerate. continuously improve. At J & S Landscape and Maintenance, we have spent over 20 years building a solid reputation in Oakland County. A track record of quality service at reasonable prices. Jobs both large and small. From simple delivery of supplies, ongoing maintenance, to new landscape installation or projects where we refresh the look of your yard as part of one of your biggest investments--your home. Our diligence and creativity continue to be rewarded and our company continues to grow. In 2009 we made room for an on-staff landscape architect to expand upon the artistic design portion of our business, bringing you the best possible results. Exceptional design. Exceptional workmanship. Imagine the possibilities. Jeff Stulberg, Owner
248.366.7980 experience. excellence. exceeding expectations. www.JandSLandscapemaintenance.com
David Gilbert Executive Chef, The Forest Grill, Birmingham Best Pizza: Tomatoes Apizza in Farmington Hills Best Burger: Red Coat Tavern in Royal Oak. Best Place for Ethnic Food: Mon Jin Lau in Troy. Best Steak at a Restaurant: Bourbon Steak in the MGM Casino. Best Seafood Restaurant/Item: Iridescence at Motor City Casino. Best Breakfast Menu/Favorite Breakfast Item: Frittata.
Distinctive Hardwoods
Best Dessert Menu or Dish: Bread Pudding at The Forest Grill.
WHERE BEAUTIFUL FLOORS COST LESS.
Favorite place to go when you don't feel like cooking: Cinco Lago's in Milford. Best Bar/Lounge: Hamilton Room. Best Wine List: The Forest Grill.
ABOUT THE JUDGE: ilbert, 36, began at a local mom-and-pop place in his hometown of Milford, then worked at Appeteaser's before heading to the Culinary School of America in Hyde Park, NY. He's worked all over the world since—from The Mansion on Turtle Creek in Dallas, French Laundry in Yountville, CA, Auberge du Soleil in St. Helena, CA, and in Paris for three years at Le Stranse before heading back to Michigan and becoming chef at The Townsend Hotel. “Chef Brian Polcyn has been such a mentor to me for 15 years, and he asked me if I wanted to be a part of Forest Grill,” Gilbert said. He did, and became the opening chef. His wife, Monica, is the general manager and sommelier, as well. “It's the best blessing I could ask for.”
G
Luxurious Carpeting
NATIONAL FLOORING SALE FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE
2705 Orchard Lake Road
248-682-5600 Sylvan Lake www.TelescoFloors.com
8,000 SQUARE FOOT SHOWROOM CUSTOM HARDWOOD, DUSTLESS FINISHING FINE WOOLS, RUGS & RUNNERS BAMBOO & CORK downtownpublications.com
DOWNTOWN
33
E
M ore Birmingham and Bloomfield homeowners choose SKBK to market their properties than any other Brokerage.
248.644.7000
SKBK.com
migVdgY^cVgn X]VgVXiZg ^h i^bZaZhh#
SKBK.com 44=00 :V[OLI`»Z 0U[LYUH[PVUHS 9LHS[` (MÄSPH[LZ 33* ( 9LHSVN` *VTWHU` (SS 9PNO[Z 9LZLY]LK :V[OLI`»Z 0U[LYUH[PVUHS 9LHS[` PZ H YLNPZ[LYLK [YHKLTHYR SPJLUZLK [V :V[OLI`»Z 0U[LYUH[PVUHS 9LHS[` (MÄSPH[LZ 33* (U ,X\HS 6WWVY[\UP[` *VTWHU` ,X\HS /V\ZPUN 6WWVY[\UP[` ,HJO 6MÄJL 0Z 0UKLWLUKLU[S` 6^ULK (UK 6WLYH[LK
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
According to National Association of Realtors, on average, 90% of home buyers use the first agent that contacts them and feel that an agent's response time is very important-second only to their knowledge of the buying process. At SKBK Sotheby's our agents are notified via cell phone, within 20 seconds of the online inquiry and are trained to respond without delay. No lead goes unanswered.
Ronni Keating rkeating@skbk.com
248.644.7000
Bloomfield - A true Masterpiece on two plus acres. Technology and old world charm come together in this fabulous estate. Quality and stunning details throughout from mahogany doors to imported cabinetwork. Cigar room, music room, summer ballroom, exercise room, salt-water pool and so much more. Five bedrooms with 8.1 baths 211041664. $4,700,000.
Cascading Staircase
Custom Chef’s Kitchen
Palacial Great Room
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Leadership — For continued growth & success, every business, industry and community must have leaders who can see change that is needed, organize resources, and engage those around them. SKBK Sotheby's encourages their agents to be involved with the local, state and national association. Giving our agents the competitive edge in the marketplace. Birmingham - Prime, in-town location that has been COMPLETELY renovated. New hardwoods, drywall, kitchen, baths, paint and more. Charming details with sun filled rooms. New landscape package includes sod, plantings and sprinkler system. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 211051898. $439,900.
Sara Lipnitz slipnitz@skbk.com
248.644.7000
Birmingham - Well maintained and tastefully updated! Newer, white, granite kitchen and eat-in space. Fresh paint, gorgeous hardwoods and stylish decor. Finished lower level offers great space. All this on a deep lot that screams come out and enjoy! Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 211051712. $369,000.
Birmingham - Exceptionally updated Colonial on a great tree lined street. Gorgeous hardwood floors, stylish decor, stunning baths and updated kitchen. Three bedrooms with 1.1 baths. 211036991. $319,900.
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
The real estate market continues to show signs of revival! Homes are selling more quickly with an average days on market of 90 days. As inventory has continued to decline, there is now a more balanced market. Great homes which are accurately priced are selling fast and are in demand. Birmingham - Grand new construction. Spacious room sizes, over 5,200 sq ft and 1400 additional sq ft in finished lower level. Kitchen is a cooks delight with dual Wolf ovens and sub zero refrigerators. Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 29117427. $1,999,000.
Mike Cotter
Paula Law
mcotter@skbk.com
plaw@skbk.com
248.644.7000
248.644.7000
Oakland Township - Exquisite home in gated Orchard Ridge subdivision with exceptional appointments you would expect! Superb kitchen entertainment area. Five fireplaces. Finished lower level with media room and more. Five bedrooms with 6.2 baths. 210137847. $1,995,000.
Birmingham - Exceptional Craftsman Colonial with many updates. Gourmet kitchen with Granite, and high-end appliances. Spacious great room off kitchen opens to yard. Five bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 211051449. $549,000.
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Birmingham - Newly redecorated Gem in the Heart of Town! Transitional floor plan with 12-foot ceilings. Gourmet kitchen with floor to ceiling cherry cabinets opening to family room with French doors to patio. Four bedrooms with 4.1 baths. 211048752. $1,275,000.
The Sotheby’s Realty Mobile application (SIR Mobile) allows consumers to view properties based on GPS location, address, city or zipcode. The application displays detailed property information including price, bed/baths, taxes, estimated mortgage, features, maps, high-quality photos and more. When you’re ready to see a property hit the “call” feature and you’ll be immediately connected to a Sotheby’s International Realty sales associate. Go to Sothebysrealty.com to download the app.
Renee Acho renee@skbk.com
248.644.7000
Birmingham - Impeccably remodeled center entrance Colonial in Fantastic Holy Name area. Nantucket inspired décor with walnut floors throughout. Crisp white chef’s kitchen opens to sun filled breakfast nook and spacious family room. Extensive trim including custom wainscoting, crown moldings and built-ins in study and family room. Master suite with vaulted ceilings, his and hers walk in closet and marble baths. Finished lower level. Four bedrooms with 5.1 baths. 211048755. $1,275,000
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Birmingham - Beautifully rebuilt by Steve Templeton. Extensive use of crown and dentil molding, wainscot, marble and hardwood floors. Kitchen with island, granite counters, Viking stove and double ovens, sub zero refrigerator. Family room with limestone fireplace and French doors to Florida room. Finished basement with media room. Beautiful landscape. Four bedrooms with 3.2 baths. 210139458 $1,595,000.
Birmingham - Spectacular home! Custom 2006 home offers an impeccably designed interior featuring floating staircase, open floor plan and beautiful natural finishes. Gorgeous gourmet kitchen is the heart of this home and open to living space. Finished lower level includes wet bar, gym, full bath and media room. The backyard has patio and pool for relaxation or entertaining. Four bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 211047728. $1,395,000.
Birmingham - Landmark home! This lovely 1928 Colonial has beautiful original details from top to bottom including wood paneled foyer with beautiful staircase, library with fireplace, gorgeous solarium, beautiful wide plank flooring, Large open Mackenzie Childs tiled kitchen. Daylight lower level, beautiful yard with gardens, patios and decks. Seven bedrooms with 5.2 baths. 211029207. $899,000.
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
Metamora - Magnificent Country Estate on 138 acres in the Heart of Hunt Country. Spectacular 10,000 square foot Country French Manor. First floor Master Suite, Chef’s kitchen, large keeping room with fireplace. Walkout lower level with 28 x 20 clubroom, wet bar, game room, wine cellar and exercise room. Exceptional landscaping with pond, barns and caretakers cottage. Five bedrooms with 7.1 baths. 211053323. $2,695,000. David Busch.
Franklin Village - Expansive custom Ranch nestled on 2.79 wooded acres in heart of Franklin, overlooking the Rouge River. Home boasts 9,000 sq ft with additional 4500 sq ft in finished walk out lower level. Center island kitchen with granite counters, Gaggenau cook top and Thermador double ovens. Three car attached garage, brick paver heated driveway and gated entry. Four bedrooms with 4.2 baths. 211045273. $2,650.000. Avery Weisling.
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Farmington Hills - Private Estate with highest regard to quality and craftsmanship on 5.14 acres. Custom island kitchen with door wall to deck, great use of granite and marble. First floor master suite. Walk out lower level has full kitchen with fireplace, exercise room, sauna and great room opening to patio. Private guest house, six car garage, putting green and in ground pool. Six bedrooms with 5.2 baths. 211043777. $1,590,000 Dee Brooks & Renee Acho.
Bloomfield Village - Captivating interior renovation! This reconfigured floor plan is absolutely perfect. French doors lead guests from interior living spaces to beautiful brick terrace and yard. Five bedrooms with 4.3 baths. 210137579. $1,595,000. Darlene Jackson.
Walnut Lake Frontage - Magnificent property with 125' of lake frontage. DesRosiers designed and rebuilt in 1995. A great cook's kitchen, beautiful cabinetry and lovely finishes throughout. Birmingham Schools. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths 211046761. $1,295,000. Candice Cuyler & Beverly McCotter.
Birmingham, Michigan | 248.644.7000 | skbk.com
Exquisite Views of Lake Orion ORION TOWNSHIP Fabulous Newer Construction! Built on a "no wake" zone. Interior decorator's own home. Gourmet Kitchen. Second kitchen in lower level. Deck, paver patio and dock. Custom upgrades throughout. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 211047442. $849,900. Lee Embrey
Authentic Cape Cod BIRMINGHAM A surround patio facing the Rouge River and enhanced by mature trees. Privacy but just a few steps from downtown. There is a guest house adding 961 sq ft. to the living space. Two bedrooms with two baths. 29116090. $595,000. Betty Pince
Newer Construction BIRMINGHAM Builders own home with focus to detail and finishes! Gourmet kitchen with top of line cabinets, granite, stainless steel appliances. Kitchen overlooks family room with fireplace and built-ins. Three bedrooms with 2.1 baths. 210066068. $499,000. Erin Keating
Meticulously Maintained! BIRMINGHAM
Spectacular 1.73 Acres BLOOMFIELD Unsurpassed beauty and "up North" feeling with breathtaking views. 125' of frontage on private Gilbert Lake. Well-built home with many upgrades. Bloomfield Hills Schools. Four bedrooms with 3.1 baths. 211038153. $630,175. Bill Tracy
Prime Bloomfield Village Location! BLOOMFIELD Large great room opens to gracious living room with adjoining Florida room. Lovely dining room with large bay window. Fireplace in library, living room and basement. Three bedrooms with 2.2 baths. 211047459. $535,000. Kathy Smith
Beautifully Renovated BIRMINGHAM Updated kitchen with granite and stainless steel appliances opens to family room. Living room with custom fireplace and built in bar. Huge master suite with jacuzzi tub, walk in closet. Four bedroom with 2.1 baths. 210105394. $399,000. Heather Salesin
Add Your Decorating Touch ROYAL OAK
Newer kitchen with stainless appliances, gorgeous hardwood floors and newer fixtures. Charming front porch and spacious back deck. Three bedrooms with 1.1 baths. 211042897. $315,000. Sara Lipnitz
All the expensive updates have been done; new roof, drive, windows, two new furnaces and air condition units, kitchen appliances and updated baths. First floor master. Four bedrooms with three baths. 211047481. $279,000. Jim Casey
Great Neighborhood
Tranquil End Unit Condo!
BLOOMFIELD Classic Colonial offers a wonderful master suite and three nice sized bedrooms! Lower level is partly finished with room to work and play! Wood floors throughout. Bloomfield Hills Schools. Four bedrooms with 2.1baths. 211051058. $229,000. Bill Tracy and Chris Johnson
Sprawling Ranch TROY Over 3/4 acre sits this beautiful cared for home. Living room with gas or natural wood fireplace. Finished basement with full kitchen, bath and additional bedroom space. Three bedrooms with two baths. 211046379 $199,000. Donna Barlow
WEST BLOOMFIELD Perfection! Upgrades including granite kitchen with maple cabinets, double ovens and stainless steel appliances, abundance of storage, hardwood floors and recessed lighting through out. Fabulous master suite! Three bedrooms with 3 baths. 211051597. $219,900. Lisa Sturdevant
Perfect Floor Plan! PLEASANT RIDGE Desirable Brick Ranch! Great for entertaining, paved patio, fire pit and bbq area off all season, bright family room. Beautiful large living room with fireplace. Swimming pool association, new fitness spa, parks and tennis court. Three bedrooms with 1.1 bath. 211051023. $190,000. Joanne McGuire
IMPROVING QUALITY OF LIFE THROUGH BETTER HEARING MY ROAD TO BBA: My journey actually came about as I was faced with a “fork-in-the-road” during my career. Having worked in the business sector for years after majoring in Business Administration, I was in a position where I had to make a career change after my place of employment was closing. I was temporarily employed as a teacher and I had students that were hearing-impaired. It was life-changing for me! I became attached to my students and their families and knew that I wanted this experience in my life. So, Eileen Bessega through the next several years I returned to college at Au.D., CCC-A, FAAA Wayne State University and “re-invented” myself in an Doctor of Audiology entirely different role of academics. Some people would say I’m addicted to school, because I am still enrolled! I am presently pursuing my Ph.D. in Communication Disorders with an emphasis in the pediatric population. MOST REWARDING ASPECTS: I certainly enjoy working with all ages of my patients that have hearing loss, but I do have a passion for – as I call them“my little’s”! The children are very special to me. I love working with the families and those that support our children, whether it be their pediatrician, teacher, caregiver, or their favorite friend – their fluffy Mr. Teddy Bear.
OUR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: Advanced Diagnostic Hearing Evaluations | Vestibular Testing Custom Hearing Aids | Visible Speech | Aural Rehabilitation In Office Repairs | Cerumen (Wax) Removal | Pediatric Audiology Custom Ear Molds | Video Otoscopy | Community Education Hearing aid technology has improved immensely in recent years. Today’s digital hearing aids look and sound different. Newer, more popular products are discreet while allowing a more natural sound and feeling. These advantages make the thought of wearing hearing aids much more appealing to those who may have been putting it off for years. Another recent advancement in technology is the ability to wirelessly connect the user’s hearing aids to their cell phone, TV or iPod via Bluetooth technology. This feature allows the user to hear the caller directly in both ears without ever having to pick up the phone. This technology is particularly appealing in today’s “hands-free” world.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE: The biggest challenge I have and foresee in the future is the need for public awareness for all levels of hearing impairment and how it affects every age as well as every stage of life. Hearing loss is usually a transparent challenge others are unaware of. However, the impact can be farreaching, whether it be in the classroom or the board room. Hearing is integral to every aspect of communication! MY ROAD TO BBA: I was first introduced to Audiology at the age of two when I was diagnosed with hearing loss. After high school, I considered going into Audiology and it seemed a perfect fit. I graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Audiology and Speech Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Audiology. My journey began at Deaf Hearing and Sign Language Center, a non-profit organization in Detroit, where I managed the Audiology department for six years. In 2002 I was Kristin Hinderliter inspired to open a private practice with Dr. Eileen Au.D., FAAA Bessega. At that time, I was also completing my Doctor of Audiology Doctorate Degree from Salus University. I feel fortunate to have found a career that is fulfilling, rewarding, challenging and inspiring! MOST REWARDING ASPECTS: I love my job! The most rewarding aspect is making a personal difference in someone’s life. It is very gratifying to hear patients’ honest, emotional stories of reconnecting with loved ones and experiences they used to enjoy. Patients often tell me, “I don’t know why I waited so long. I have missed out on so much.” BIGGEST CHALLENGE: The biggest challenge I face is encouraging people to take the first step towards better hearing. Many people are anxious about having their hearing tested and considering amplification. My goals are to improve their quality of life by providing hearing solutions that can help alleviate frustration, restore confidence and enhance personal relationships.
Telegrap 16 Mile Rd. 15 Mile Rd.
248.203.9760
12 Mile Rd.
www.bbaudiology.com
dw
ard
Av e
.
Maple Lahser Rd.
3500 West Maple, Suite C, Bloomfield Hills, MI
Wo o
h Rd.
Birmingham Bloomfield Audiology
N 696
BY THE NUMBERS DECENNIAL RITE OF PASSAGE, REDISTRICTING NOW UNDER WAY BY LISA BRODY
O
ccurring in the spring and summer following the release of each decade's census numbers, which give the state's latest update on population figures and demographic makeup, it's a decennial rite of passage. It determines our representation in the U.S. House of Representatives, Michigan House of Representatives and Senate and, on the local level, who our Oakland County Commissioners will be. Redistricting is the act of redrawing the lines of electoral district lines for County Commissioner, state House and Senate, and U.S. Congress, based on the latest population figures. But really, despite all the platitudes people offer, the process is rooted in political power, with the party in power using it as a means to perpetuate their dominance, and benefit their friends and allies. The process is important for each of us because it determines who will represent us in government, and subsequently the laws they will enact and the policies they will determine for the next ten years. Yet most of us don't even know it's happening, or if we do, it's often followed by a glance and a yawn. “Most people think it's something that happens in smoke-filled rooms,” said political strategist and pollster Ed Sarpolus of Target Insyght. Regarding the public's lack of interest, he noted “It's like Brigadoon. It comes around every ten years. Some people die, some people live, and they don't know what happens in between. Yet it determines where investments and funding goes, the direction of the community, the influence it has, and can affect the diversity of the community.” “It has such an impact on things, but the public really doesn't pay attention to it, despite all of the transparency in the world,” agrees political strategist Bernie Porn of Epic MRA. “It just leaves the public glazed over, despite the profound effect on their lives.”
Oakland County’s Premier Remodeling Specialist Baths • Kitchens • Additions • Windows • Doors • Wine Cellars Cabinetry Made In Michigan
42 248.669.3500 • www.newmyer.com
A+ Rating with BBB
Dorothy came to Canterbury-on-the-Lake for physical therapy. —and loved it so much she decided to move in!
There is something special about Canterbury. Call or visit today to find out what it is. 248.674.9292 www.canterburyonthelake.com CONVENIENTLY LOCATED ON HATCHERY ROAD IN WATERFORD.
46
DOWNTOWN
06.11
Today, the key legislative determinate for redistricting is one vote, one person—that each resident equals a vote of representation in whatever district is being re-carved. The criteria for determining redistricting changes with the decade—and which party is in power. At the state level, Republicans are in power. In Oakland County, although Republicans control the county board, the committee in charge of the redistricting process is controlled by Democrats. “We know what the law is. This legislature has not let out what their criteria is,” said Sarpolus. “This legislature is not adhering to criteria from before, other than the one vote, one person rule, or the Voters Rights Act; there are no rules, nothing to guide them, or us, and keep them in check in drawing the lines. And because it's a partisan process, they're not going to release the criteria until after they draw up the lines.”
T
he Voters Rights Act is a major factor in redistricting and mandates the creation of minority majority districts, where the majority (55 percent or more) of that district is African American, in order to provide for African American representation. In other parts of the country, it may pertain to Hispanics or other minority groups. Oakland County does the redistricting for Oakland County Commissioners. Members of the state House and Senate determine both the state legislative districts and U.S. Congressional districts. “The process has evolved over the last couple of hundred years, to stay true to the Constitution,” said Dave Dulio, professor of political science at Oakland University. “The House of Representatives, both state and federal, has to stay true to the population. The Constitutional piece deals with reapportionment. States will have representation based on their population, based on what the census gives us. But redistricting and reapportionment are two separate things. First, there are the numbers from the census. Here are the numbers from the government, telling you how many representatives you get. The second thing is, it's up to the representatives, government and the courts, to determine how
reapportionment support, emphasizing that the existing formula violated due process and equal protection clauses of the Fourteenth Amendment of the Constitution. The state Supreme Court rejected the suit as non-justifiable, and they appealed the case to the U.S. Supreme Court, which consolidated the Michigan case with a Tennessee case, Baker v. Carr. “These are part of a string of cases that hold states to strict evenness between districts and population,” said Dulio. It affirmed the one vote, one person standard of representation which is the mainstay of current redistricting. In 1961, Michigan voters approved a call for a constitutional convention composed of one delegate from each house and senate district. In the subsequent election of delegates, 99 Republicans and 45 Democrats were elected, and the two parties proposed competing apportionment plans for the new constitution. Republicans proposed a formula weighing representation in both houses by 80 percent population, 20 percent area. The Democrats proposed an equal population formula. The Republican formula won out, and was adopted when Michigan's constitution was ratified in April 1963. It also established an eight-member redistricting committee, evenly divided between Democrats and Republicans. In 1964, apportionment followed this formula, establishing single-member districts for both the 38-member senate and the 110-member house, with a population variation of less than one percent in any one district from the average district population. County, city and township boundaries were frequently crossed to equalize the population of districts. Consensus could not be found in 1971 or 1981, with the committee ending up deadlocked, and each side claiming that the other was engaged in egregious gerrymandering. In 1982, Bernie Apol, then the state director of elections, was appointed by a three-judge panel to devise a way to successfully redistrict areas in the state. His redistricting standards, which were used in 1982 and codified in 1999, are referred to as “Apol's standards.” Apol's standards direct the state to create state legislative districts that contain roughly equal populations; feature
Redistricting is the act of redrawing the lines of electoral district lines for County Commissioner, state House and Senate, and U.S. Congress, based on the latest population figures. But really, despite all the platitudes people offer, the process is rooted in political power, with the party in power using it as a means to perpetuate their dominance, and benefit their friends and allies. you will get it. Ideally, states would only redraw districts if they won or lost a seat. But we have to make sure the districts are equal in population. That's why all states redraw their districts every ten years.” The act of redistricting, providing the population with roughly equal districts for representation, initially began under provisions in Michigan's first constitution in 1835. Both houses of the state legislature were elected at that time from multimember districts in proportion to numbers in the population. In 1850, new settlers spreading out throughout the rural state pressured the constitution writers of 1850 to depart from the equal-population principle so that their sparsely settled counties could elect their own representatives, and be able to compete with more populous regions like Detroit. A revised apportionment formula in that constitution provided that a newly-organized county could obtain separate representation when its population reached “a moiety of the ratio of representation”, which was a convoluted method of calculating the ratio of representation where, when a county reached a population that was half of a more populated area, they would be entitled to a representative of their own. The Upper Peninsula was an example of a region which received moiety, receiving three representatives and one senator at that time, regardless of their population. In 1908, a third constitution was adopted, extending moiety to all rural-small towns, and dropping the Upper Peninsula's special provision. With this constitution, the state legislature was required to reapportion districts after every federal census, but they failed to do so after both the 1930 and 1940 censuses. By 1950, over half of the state's population lived in the Detroit metropolitan area, but the area's residents elected only 27 percent of the state's House of Representatives. Urban voters, disturbed by the lack of proper parity, initiated constitutional amendments to restore equal population apportionment. Statewide, the amendments failed in 1924, 1930, 1932 and 1952, before an alternative balanced legislature amendment was finally adopted for the Michigan Senate in 1952. In 1959, Democratic and labor groups turned to the courts for
contiguous and compact boundaries; maintain respect for municipal and county boundaries to the extent possible; and assure representation for minority groups. Apol's goals were fairness not just for legislators, but also to protect against voter disenfranchisement. He was determined that regardless of which party controlled the legislature, voter rights would be upheld. They are the standard still followed. It is considered that Apol took politics out of the redistricting process, or as much as one can take politics out of a political process.
P
olitical observers widely recognize that the party controlling the state legislature historically uses its majority to its advantage when it comes to redistricting. In 2011, Republicans control all three branches of Michigan government, and Democrats are fighting to stay in the game and maintain some representation. Currently, Sen. Joe Hune (R-Hamburg Township) is chairing the Senate's redistricting committee, with Rep. Peter Lund (R-Shelby Township) chairing the House's redistricting committee. By Michigan law, the process must be completed by Nov. 1, 2011. Each committee has begun public hearings, while it is widely acknowledged the real work is accomplished behind closed doors. "Maintaining accurate representation for our state's changing population centers is an essential component of a functioning democracy," said Lund. "This process will be fair and follow the law." The state legislative committees, in an effort to be transparent for voters, has begun holding a series of public hearings, where they have reviewed census results, the Federal Voting Rights Act, Michigan's Constitution, and Apol's statutory standards for redistricting. “Legislature (redistricting) should not be done with legislators redrawing their own lines,” said Porn. “It should be done by independent consultants with no agenda. There are all kinds of strange things people request, all based on politics and personal issues, which have nothing to do with population
State of Michigan Top Ind
Luxury Homes & Lak
City of Birmingham
City of Bloomfield Hills
This 6 bedroom estate newer construction home is ideally located on over 1 acre of manicured grounds. Designer perfect yet practical for entertaining and casual living. Quality craftsmanship on all 3 levels. Finished lower level recreation room. $2,585,000
Traditional classic newer construction complete old world craftsmanship. Landscaped acreage. First floor master suite with rare dual bath and walk in closets. All bedrooms suites. Finished lower level with media and exercise rooms. $2,380,000
Bloomfield Hills
Bloomfield Hills
Lakefront luxury living on acreage with professionally landscaped grounds. This French Style manor home was designed with large rooms and open spaces. Ideal for entertaining yet gracious living. Finished walkout lower level. $2,249,000
Island Lake lakefront. This classic home is perfectly perched on an exquisite lot, south facing with panoramic views of “The Kirk”. Rebuilt with quality in mind, this ranch style home, with full walkout, exudes tranquility from every room. $1,890,000
Franklin Village
Bloomfield Hills
This newer construction, on almost 2 acres, boast 6 large bedrooms and a layout that surpasses all others. Designed for casual living yet incorporating expected amenities including a 4 season room off the great room and library. Finished lower level. $1,595,000
Build your dream home with the renowned Deneweth and Company. Over 4,000 sq. ft. of custom design. Two lot options available, one with a side walkout and the other with day light windows. Bloomfield Hills schools. $1,400,000
Getting a home sold in today’s market takes teamwork. Kathy Broock Ballard of Max Broock Realtors and Real Estate One have forged a powerful partnership. Between them, they offer the latest in web exposure for your property, GPS-driven property search tools, online guides to the area, and the latest market updates. Need to find a home? Search from your mobile device using the Real Estate One app for iPhone, iPad, and Blackberry. Or sign up for e-mail and text alerts on Kathy’s website with “1st to Know”. New to the area? If so, visit the Concierge area of Kathy’s website. This connects you with local professionals and keeps you updated on what is happening around town. Wondering what the market is doing? Kathy passes all the latest information on in her blog. Visit www.kathybroock.com to learn more.
ndividual Producer 2010
Lakefront Lifestyle
In Town Custom Build North Oakland’s Finest End Unit Condo Lakefront with Guest House
Newer Construction in Bloomfield Hills
Bloomfield Estate Lots Bloomfield Hills Schools
Birmingham French Design Walk to Town
$829,000
$549,500 to $824,900
$799,000
$1,199,000
$995,000
Birmingham New Construction
Birmingham Poppleton Park
All Sport Upper Long Lake
Middle Straits Lake Renovated Ranch
$690,000
$689,000
$679,000
$659,000
Birmingham Classis on Double Lot
Bloomfield Hills Site Condo Move in Perfect
Waterfront Bloomfield Township
City of Bloomfield Hills
$649,000
$487,500
$449,000
$359,000
K A T H Y BROOCK BALLARD 248.318.4504 KATHY@MAXBROOCKHOMES.COM
MAX BROOCK REALTORS 275 S. Old Woodward Ave. Birmingham, MI 48009
46
Bloomfield Sprawling Ranch
West Bloomfield Move In Ready
Bloomfield Hills Contemporary Condo
Upper Straits Lake Access with Up North Appeal
$289,900
$253,000
$199,000
Lease $3,000 monthly
KATHYBROOCKHOMES.COM DOWNTOWN
05.11
Every Sunday!
Every Sunday 9am - 2pm
MAY 1 THRU OCTOBER 23
)UHVK &XW )ORZHUV 3URGXFH 2UJDQLFV %DNHG *RRGV .LG·V &UDIWV 3UHSDUHG )RRGV /LYH (QWHUWDLQPHQW $QQXDOV 3HUHQQLDOV
%LUPLQJKDP)DUPHUV0DUNHW RUJ
deals
&RPIRUWDEOH 5RRPV )XOO /LQH RI (VWKHWLF 6HUYLFHV *O\0HG 3OXV 3XUHO\ 3URIHVVLRQDO 6NLQ &DUH 3URGXFWV 2SHQ 'D\V D :HHN
50
DOWNTOWN
06.11
equalization. Congressional members will put requests in, and will request certain counties in or out, or certain areas in or out. Look who the person is we are relying on to draw the lines.” “What is tricky in allowing the legislature to do it is that whoever has power wants to do it for power. That is gerrymandering. Everyone does it. Everyone wants to do it to give their party a safe seat,” noted Oakland University political science professor John Klemanski. “We know the party breakdown of each local population because of past election histories. They use that information to determine if they want that community in or out of a district. The importance of doing that boils down to, if you can form a safe district, it's good for ten years, and the Democrats or Republicans have that district for the next ten years. That's huge. The reason that people think that voters are not interested is because a lot of the time there is not a lot of competition. But the incumbent has a huge advantage, and this advantage is strictly due to redistricting.”
W
with Jumbo financing
ith the results of the 2010 census and Michigan's loss of population, Michigan is slated to lose one congressional seat. Redistricting will not only reflect the change of our population, but who will lose their congressional seat. Due to the Voters Rights Act and the requirements for minority majority districts, it is believed that, while the city of Detroit lost a quarter of a million people, they will not lose a seat, because there is a need to maintain African American representation. “There are enough African Americans in southeastern Oakland County in Southfield to make a whole district,” Sarpolus said. The 9th District, representing Birmingham, Bloomfield Township and Bloomfield Hills, currently represented by Gary Peters (D), is considered a district that will either disappear, or be merged with another district, depending on who you ask. “I would be shocked if his district is not changed, and if it does not shift north,” said Oakland University's Dulio. While there has been talk about combining Peters district with that of Sander Levin's (D-Royal Oak), Dulio doesn't think that will happen. “The northern communities, Lake Orion, Oxford, Holly, are more rural, and more Republican,” he said. “The goal is to make it a more difficult district for Gary Peters to win in, and to have a Republican beat him. But I'm speculating.” His colleague Klemanski agrees. “If you have a chance to redraw it and win, and we have to lose a seat someplace, with population being lost in this area, while most voters were lost in Detroit, they're minority voters, and they're harder to lose a seat for because of the fear of losing minority voting power, so one option, if I were a Republican deciding this, maybe I want to draw a line so that Sandy Levin and Gary Powers overlap and run against each other, and go from two Democrats to one, and lose one Democratic seat,” he said. “Or you push Gary Peters district up to Flint to (Democrat) Dale Kildee's, where there are a lot of rural areas, like Holly and Clarkston, and therefore, more Republicans, and it's harder for a Democrat like Peters to win. It's all about party. What's triggering it is the population shift. That's the law. What isn't the law is how to do it.” “For Birmingham, after redistricting, it could be Peters, Levin, Candace Miller (R-Harrison Township), Thad McCotter (R-Livonia), or Dale Kildee (D-Flint), depending on how the lines are drawn,” said Sarpolus, who was asked to draw non-partisan maps for MIRS news. “By looking at the various options, it determines who it could possibly be. It will probably be McCotter or Peters.” He noted another factor in the redistricting decision is that Marty Knollenberg (R-Troy) has already announced that he will be running for Congress in 2012. “And they could design a district with the anticipation that he would win,” Sarpolus said. “Knollenberg is on the House redistricting committee,” throwing another ingredient into the mix. “If I were king for a day, I would draw as many districts that were in swing as possible (neither Democratic or Republican),” said Porn. “I'd make them as compact and competitive as possible, where either party would win. Democracy would benefit, and legislators would all be more in tune to problem solving.” He laughed. “Of course, that's not going to happen.” While the state legislature has until Nov. 1 to make final redistricting plans, Oakland County had 60 days from the date the census was transmitted. “The clock started tolling for us when the census became available, which was March 23, 2011,” said Oakland County Treasurer Andy Meisner. “The 60-day statutory window began then.” Oakland County's redistricting committee, which voted on final plans just in the last week, comprises Meisner and Oakland County Prosecutor Jessica Cooper, both Democrats; Oakland County Treasurer Bill Bullard, a Republican; Oakland County Republican Party Chairman Jim Thienel, and Oakland County Democratic Chairman Frank Houston. The committee was tasked with developing a compromise plan to represent the downtownpublications.com
Think
DOWNTOWN
MetLife Home Loans offers a range of Jumbo loans which feature: > > > >
Loan amounts up to $2 million 30 year fixed - and adjustable-rates Interest - only* payment options Only 20% equity or downpayment required
For more information contact:
C. Ann Moody Mortgage Consultant Phone: 248-770-0749 • cmoody@metlife.com
* Monthly payments will increase after the initial interest-only payment period ends. All loans subject to approval. Certain conditions and fees apply. Mortgage financing provided by MetLife Home Loans, a division of MetLife Bank N. A. Equal Housing Lender. ©2010 MetLife, Inc. L0110082465[exp0111] [All States][DC] © UFS
51
Stunning downtown Birmingham masterpiece offers a luxurious lifestyle with Brazilian FKHUU\ ÀRRUV PDUEOH VWRQH DQG RQ\[ ÀRRUV DQG EDWKV FURZQ PROGLQJV FKHUU\ SDQHOHG OLEUDU\ WRS RI WKH OLQH NLWFKHQ DQG PRUH $Q XQVXUSDVVHG OHYHO RI FUDIWVPDQVKLS
Experience Matters Buying or selling a home, even under the best of circumstances, can be a stressful and complicated undertaking. So with the real estate market we find ourselves in today, choosing an experienced professional to represent your interests is even more critical than ever. In my 24 years as one of the top real estate professionals in Birmingham and Bloomfield, I have conducted business in all types of market conditions. I can help you price, stage and market your property to maximum advantage, as well as give you advice on financing, appraisals, and short sales.
Rebecca Meisner 248-408-2212 RMeisner@CBWeirManuel.com | RebeccaMeisner.com
SOLD IN MAY
BLOOMFIELD - list price $219,900
SOLD IN MAY
WEST BLOOMFIELD - list price $237,500
SOLD IN MAY
BLOOMFIELD HILLS - list price $329,000
SOLD IN MAY
BIRMINGHAM - list price $795,000
more than one million Oakland residents for county commissioner districts. There are currently 25 contiguous districts. After the 2008 election, they were fairly evenly split, with 13 Republicans and 12 Democrats. There are now 15 Republicans and 10 Democrats, following the 2010 election. Commissioners serve for two years. “By April 18, we each had to submit a map to the apportionment committee of how we would divide up the more than one million residents in Oakland County,” said Meisner. “We had to submit a map with 25 to 35 districts. The districts must be contiguous, without a big differential in population in districts, and there must be a certain amount of majority minority districts. The plans were submitted to the elections division of the county clerk's office. Each member had a laptop with special mapping software downloaded on it. Then, on April 21, we presented these maps at a public meeting. We had until April 25 to offer any amendments to these plans, and May 22 is our deadline for plan adoption. Sometime in the interim, we need to vote on the plans, and the majority of the three of us will cause a plan to be adopted. “The main theme is we're all making sure it's an open, thoughtful and transparent process for the public,” he said.
V
arious sources have said that Cooper's map, which underwent a second amendment, was the fairest, with the least political maneuvering and grandstanding. It was the map chosen on Friday, May 20, by a partisan vote of 3-2, with Cooper, Meisner and Houston voting for it, and Bullard and Thienel opposing it. “We considered it a partisan, gerrymandered map,” said Bullard, after the vote. He said he preferred Cooper's first amended map. He particularly had a problem with the redrawing of districts in Birmingham and Bloomfield Township. In the approved map, two incumbent Republicans, Shelley Goodman Taub of Bloomfield Township and David Potts of Birmingham, will be pitted against one another. It leaves an open district in Rochester Hills with no incumbent, and redistricts affluent Orchard Lake and Keego Harbor, which trend Republican, with parts of Pontiac, which is traditionally Democratic-leaning. Another district which had significant changes was District 17, currently represented by Democrat Marcia Gershenson of Bloomfield Township. Previously, the district covered most of Bloomfield Township, Franklin, Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Lathrup Village, Southfield Township, and a small piece of West Bloomfield. The redrawn district will have just four precincts of Bloomfield Township, and all of West Bloomfield, and none of the other municipalities, basically creating a district with stronger Democratic leanings. “My goal was to follow the statute because all redistricting is done by statute,” Cooper said. “My first priority was always one man, one vote. I sought as equalized a population as possible. The caseload determines where you can go beyond that. Oakland County's population only increased by 9 percent, but the population shifted in this census. In order to redistrict, it's like the game Soduku. You have to have 25 (districts), each with about 48,094 residents. Your computer program will tell you when you are too far up or down in redistricting. You have to be contiguous, you have to respect municipal lines, but sometimes you have to ignore them because population is the key thing. We also have to have respect for minorities, and minority majorities with the Voters Rights Act, so their blocks are not diluted. All these things are taken into consideration. You're not supposed to take any partisanship into account, and there's not a whole lot you can do partisan-wise, because you cannot attach the southern part of the county to the northern. “As a prosecutor, I always draw as tight a map as possible. I sit here, elected as a partisan, but I run a non-partisan office,” she continued. “I come from the judiciary. My role is to be fair and ethical.” Meisner said that “in an ideal world, each district would be square-like, but that doesn't happen. We try to avoid having municipal boundaries broken up by multiple different districts. The law says we have to minimize that, and we try to do that. The difficulty comes in when the population does not allow that, because we cannot have big differentials between districts.” The law does not allow a deviation in population greater than 5.9 percent one way or another, totaling 11.8 percent differential. SCAN FOR AUDIO All five tasked with redistricting Oakland County came up with maps with 25 districts, all of which were contiguous. From there, their interpretations differed. They all had a median population for districts of 48,094. Barring any lawsuit to oppose its adoption, the map for the Ed Sarpulos county takes effect immediately, Bullard said, as it was filed with the county clerk's office after the vote on May 20. Any county resident has 30 days to challenge the map by submitting an appeal to the state Court of Appeals. “If it's not challenged, it will be the map used in the county Dave Dulio commission election when they run in 2012,” said Bullard. downtownpublications.com
DOWNTOWN
Only iLASIK Can …Deliver the vision quality that enables NASA astronauts to have laser vision correction. If it’s good enough for an astronaut, isn’t it good enough for you?
Complimentary Hearing Screening In addition to our vision services we now have an Audiologist on site. Call today to schedule your appointment.
One Year Interest Free Financing Available
Carl F. Clavenna, M.D. Gregory B. Fitzgerald, M.D. Board Certified Ophthalmologists Laser Vision Correction 600 S. Adams Road Birmingham www.cvi2020.com
Call For Your No Fee LASIK Consultation
248.646.3733 www.cvi2020.com 55
“Now More Than Ever… Experience The Difference Between An Agent And An Expert”
Birmingham 4400 Sq. Ft. Three Beds and 4.1 Baths Three Units $1,300,000 - $1,650,000
Birmingham 4100 Sq. Ft. Four Beds and 5.1 Baths $1,275,000
Birmingham 4389 Sq. Ft. Four Beds and 4.1 Baths $1,275,000
Birmingham 4500 Sq. Ft. Four Beds and 3.2 Baths $1,225,000
Bloomfield 6323 Sq. Ft. Five Beds and 6.2 Baths $1,100,000
Birmingham 4204 Sq. Ft. Five Beds and 3.2 Baths $989,000
Birmingham 3000 Sq. Ft. Four Beds and 3.1 Baths $950,000
Birmingham 2700 Sq. Ft. Four Beds and 3.1 Baths $519,000
Bloomfield 1865 Sq. Ft. Three Beds and 2.1 Baths $339,000
Bloomfield 2500 Sq. Ft. Three Beds and 2.1 Baths $325,000
Renee Lossia Acho SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty Reneeacho.com Birmingham, Michigan
248.310.1414
FACES
Lynn Crawford hen she first graduated New York University with a masters degree, Lynn Crawford began a career as a social worker, but it was not long before her talent for writing and art drew her in a different direction. “When I was in New York, I was working in a psychiatric hospital,” said Crawford. While living in New York, she developed a friendship with John Yau, a respected editor, and discovered a passion for writing. “He really encouraged me. He spotted something in me I’m not sure I would’ve seen.” By the time she was 35-years-old, she had published her first book, Solow. She left her prior vocation, and pursued a career as a novelist. Since her first book, Crawford has written Blow, Simply Separate People, Fortification Resort and Simply Separate People, Two, and describes her writing as “fanciful and inventive.” Although her work is fiction, her books are mainly centered on people and literature, and are very loosely based on her own life experiences. Never one to be pigeonholed, Crawford broadened her craft by adding art critic to her list of professional endeavors. “I think going to New York, there’s so much art around and I got this great education there,” she said. “Writing a novel is very lonely; but in writing about art, I met incredible people. The art scene right now is exploding.” Crawford’s critical eye for the arts has been featured in Metro Times, Tema Celeste, Modern Painters, Art in America and The Brooklyn Rail and Parkett.
W
Crawford, a University of Michigan alumnus, returned to Michigan from New York to marry and raise a family. She has been a Birmingham resident for 13 years and considers the city to be paramount to her success. “I think there are a lot of people who are interested in the arts in Birmingham and there are a lot of art galleries,” said Crawford. “The thing I love most is that it’s a great place to raise kids. I feel living in Birmingham is a really important part of who I am.” Currently raising two teenagers, Crawford gets much of her writing done while traveling to Key West, New York and Northern Michigan. “I write a lot when we’re on vacation,” she said. “I’m very busy with our kids and it’s hard for me to find time during the week to get the momentum to write.” Presently, Crawford is working on another novel, slated for release in winter 2012, and is focused on several book readings she be doing this year in Paris, New York and Key West. Crawford was awarded a 2010 Kresge Literary Arts Fellowship and has gone on to be a founding board member of the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit (MOCAD), yet her children take center stage in her life. Both her 14 and 16-year-old attend Seaholm High School. “The challenge of my life is that when you’re a mother and writer, it’s always a juggling act. I always try to put my family first and fit my writing in when I can.” Story: Katey Meisner
Photo: Laurie Tennent
CREATE THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS 22 YEARS IN OAKLAND COUNTY WE SPECIALIZE IN REFRESHING AND UPDATING YOUR EXISTING LANDSCAPING
QUALITY SERVICE AND SUPPLIES AT THE MOST REASONABLE PRICES! 100%
CEDAR MULCH
3050
$
PER YARD
EXCEED YOUR EXPECTATIONS WE PROVIDE THE HIGHEST QUALITY RESULTS WHEN PERFORMING OUR CUSTOM SERVICES FOR YOUR HOME. WE WELCOME ALL PROJECTS, BIG AND SMALL. FROM REPLACING A FLOOR, REMODELING YOUR KITCHEN & BATH, BASEMENT OR BEDROOM, FOYER TO ADDITIONS. NEED AN OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE? WE DO THAT TOO. WE DO IT ALL. LET CRAFTWELL GIVE YOUR HOME THE CHARACTER IT DESERVES.
Great Northern Michigan
HARDWOOD MULCH
2550
$
PER YARD
Red / Black / Brown
COLOR ENHANCED MULCH
29
$
50 PER YARD
Screened
TOP SOIL
18
$
00 PER YARD
DELIVERY AND INSTALLATION AVAILABLE
248-366-7980 or 1-866-MULCH2U
Call For Your Consultation Today
248.939.2419
Over 10 Years of Experience
58
www.CraftwellConstruction.com
Fully Licensed & Insured
DOWNTOWN
www.JandSLandscapemaintenance.com www.866Mulch2U.com
WE WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD! 06.11
EDUCATION Four board members targeted in recall A resident of the Bloomfield Hills School District filed recall petitions for four members of the school board on Wednesday, May 18. Those named in the recall are board president Ingrid Day; vice president Ed Ford; treasurer Cynthia von Oeyen; and secretary Kate Pettersen. Day, Ford and Petterson were the target of a recall campaign last November, which was subsequently dropped. Dan McClorey of Bloomfield Township, the resident who filed the petitions with the Oakland County clerk's office/election division, said he filed them “because they're not doing their job. They're not following the voters wishes. No one wants to do this, but it has to be done.” McClorey will have to acquire 5,266 valid signatures for each recall petition. “It's going to be a lot of work, but it will be worth it,” he said. The Bloomfield Hills district has been mired in turmoil for the last year, the result of a decision by the board to consolidate the district's two high schools, Andover and Lahser, into one high school on the Andover campus. Initially, they planned to build a new high school on Andover's grounds before being rebuffed by voters in last November's election. Since then, the board hired educational consultants, for a fee of over $800,000, despite looming educational budget cuts. Recently, the board introduced a new catchphrase, “One high school on two campuses,” as they reported they will need to utilize certain facilities of Lahser's building and campus. The community has become divided over how the school board has handled the two vs. one high school issue, construction costs, education reforms, budget cuts, and the educational consultants. “It's taxation without representation,” said McClorey. “The taxpayers voted this down Nov. 2,” referring to a failed bond vote that voters in the district turned down. “If voting is not respected, what is?” McClorey planned to speak at a board meeting on Thursday, May 19. downtownpublications.com
ELECTROLYSIS & LASER
Multi-Dealer Vintage & Antique Shop with High Quality & Affordable Merchandise. Crimson Rose has the largest selection of authentic vintage & antique jewelry for all of your needs.
Permanent Hair Removal For Men & Women
Regina Jaye, R.E. Over 25 Years of Experience!
ELECTROLYSIS CLINIC OF BIRMINGHAM CRIMSON ROSE ANTIQUES
248-642-7850
205 Pierce St. Suite 103 • Downtown Birmingham
248.203.2950 630 N. Old Woodward, Suite 101 Downtown Birmingham
OPEN: Tuesday - Friday 11am - 5:30pm, Saturday 11am - 6pm
Easy Accessible Parking
NEW ARRIVALS!
170
Construction Loans Great Rates
AND COUNTING
Nearly 170 business have thrown their support behind Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield since the launch of our direct-mail news magazine in 2010.
New Homes Renovations
We like to think we are producing the the best looking and most professional product in the local area, and the overwhelming support from the business community leaders says we are off to a good start.
Jumbo or Non-Jumbo Loans
Find out how you can join the leaders in our July issue, which deadlines Wednesday, June 15. Contact Jill Cesarz Office: 248.792.6464 Ext. 600. Cell: 248.860.8414 JillCesarz@downtownpublications.com
Lynn Wiand
%LUPLQJKDP %ORRPÀHOG
1-800-JUMBO-LOAN
DOWNTOWN
™ 59
The Art of Luxurious Lakefront Living
Gourmet Kitchen Master Suite Featuring Luxurious His & Her Bathrooms Guest Suites Lakeview Terraces Movie Theater Ballroom Banquet Room Billiards Room Wine Cellar Indoor Basketball Court Rustic “Man Cave� 2 Bedroom Private Guest Apartment 8 Bedrooms, 8 Full & 5 Half Bathrooms Over 20,000 Sq Ft of Living Space 350 Feet of All-Sports Lake Frontage 2.2 Acre Private Estate $4,500,000
248.980.2455 www.WilliamBrundage.com
275 S Old Woodward Ave Birmingham, MI 48009
CITY/ TOWNSHIP Medical marijuana cases proceeding By Lisa Brody
Two different medical marijuana lawsuits filed against local municipalities are proceeding through the judicial system, testing the limits and legality of local ordinances attempting to ban usage of medical marijuana despite a voter-approved initiative in 2008. The Doe v. Bloomfield Township case seeks to have two Bloomfield Township medical marijuana ordinances overturned and rendered void. In October 2010, Bloomfield Township unanimously passed two ordinances, one mandating that any medical marijuana patient in the township must register with the township police department, and the other forbidding the dispensation of medical marijuana by approved caregivers. Since the ordinances were passed, no patients have registered with the Bloomfield Township police. The lawsuit contends the township laws violate the right to be free from self-incrimination, as guaranteed by the Michigan Constitution, as the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act guarantees confidentiality, and cities and townships may not adopt ordinances in direct conflict with a Michigan state statute. Therefore, the lawsuit contends, the ordinances are void, and medical marijuana cannot be a crime in Bloomfield Township. Since the lawsuit was filed, Bloomfield Township filed a motion stating they were entitled to know who was suing them. Neil Rockind, attorney for the plaintiffs, said they objected, but the judge granted the motion in favor of the township. “We requested it to be in camera, and that was granted,” he said. “That means we could sign an affidavit where it would be a privileged document for attorneys' eyes only” to continue to protect the anonymity of his clients. “The plaintiffs have requested anonymity because they are concerned about becoming police targets,” said attorney Rockind. “Illnesses, other personal choices, these are the sort of things that people want to keep to themselves. The reason to go before the jurisdiction violates the MMMA. They should be free of government oversight and intrusion. What would prohibit any other law enforcement agency, local, state or federal, from searching and subpoenaing the township's records? There is nothing private about a police department file.”
Rockind said he anticipates filing a summary judgement in the next month asking the judge to declare Bloomfield Township's ordinance in violation of the medical marijuana law, and therefore an invalid ordinance. On Dec. 1, 2010, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed suit against the cities of Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills and Livonia, on behalf of a Birmingham couple who are each valid, verified medical marijuana patients. Linda and Richard Lott of Birmingham assert that the cities' ordinances violated their right as patients and caregivers and claim they currently fear arrest and prosecution by local officials if they use or grow medical marijuana in compliance with state law. Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills have prohibited any use or dispensation of medical marijuana. Shelli Weisberg, Legislative Director for the ACLU, said, “A community cannot ban a patient or a caregiver from accessing or providing their allowable amount. That is the only thing we are suing over.” Since that time, Rana Elmira, communications director for the ACLU, said that Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills both filed to have the suit moved from Wayne County to Oakland County. It was denied, and they have both appealed that ruling to the Court of Appeals. The suit was placed in Wayne County as one of the defendants is Livonia, a Wayne County community. Elmira said the suit is proceeding, with a hearing on summary judgements scheduled to take place on June 14. Medical marijuana was approved by a statewide vote of 63 percent to 37 on Nov. 5, 2008. It became law in the state in April, 2009. Proposal 08-1, known as “a legislative initiative to allow under state law the medical use of marijuana,” also known as the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act, stated that it would permit physician-approved use of marijuana by registered patients with debilitating medical conditions, including cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis (MS), pain, and other conditions as may be approved by the department of community health. The law required the department to establish an identification card system for patients qualified to use medical marijuana and individuals qualified to grow marijuana. The law also allows individuals, who are known as caregivers, to grow 2.5 ounces of medical marijuana for up to five patients in an enclosed, locked facility. The law guarantees total privacy by the department of community health.
Residents file suit over bistro By Lisa Brody
wo owners of condominium units of 180 Pierce Street in Birmingham have filed suit against Pierce Martin LLC, owners of the upcoming Townhouse bistro at the same location, alleging that the bistro violates the property rights of the plaintiffs, who are seeking monetary relief. Joel Dorfman and S. Dennis Rogers, each owners of residential condominium units in the building, filed suit against Townhouse owner Jeremy Sasson of Birmingham and his father, Enriko “Henry” Sasson, and other principals, on April 13, 2011, asserting that the Sassons have violated Dorfman and Rogers' property rights; are using the common areas of the building without formal approval and consent of the condominium owners; and that the condominium owners never held a formal meeting to discuss or vote on the proposed bistro. Rogers' is also objecting to the sale of alcohol on the property. Further, Rogers is claiming he was unaware that Jeremy Sasson was proceeding with developing the commercial units of the building, which Sasson had purchased in August 2010, until he read a newspaper article regarding city approvals for the bistro. The commercial units where the bistro will go used to house a women's clothing store, which had been closed for some time, and a wine shop. Sasson received planning department approval for Townhouse on Jan. 12, 2011, and the city commission awarded him a 2011 bistro license on Feb. 14, 2011. Prior to all city meetings, residents and businesses within a wide range are sent postcards and notified of the date and time of the meetings and public hearings, and are welcome to attend. Dorfman, Rogers and other residents did not attend any city meetings. Dorfman owns unit one, the top floor, which he purchased in October, after Sasson purchased the commercial units. Rogers owns unit two, which is currently inhabited by his grandson, Seth, 25. Rogers resides in Bloomfield Hills. Throughout the city approval process, Sasson asserted that he had asked the residents of the condominium, and they had agreed to his bistro. Jana Ecker, planning department director, affirmed to Downtown on May 25 that the city has a letter signed by the president of the condo association and other residents, saying they had reviewed the plans and approved. Downtown also has seen emails between the defendant, plaintiffs and other residents regarding meetings to go over plans, including a meeting on Aug. 19, 2010, where Sasson wrote, “I would like to begin by thanking you for meeting with us last evening to discuss what we believe is a wonderful opportunity for the 180 Pierce address in Birmingham. I have attached all 4 images, day and night, shots of both roof lines, for your further review.” On Jan. 3, 2011, Sasson wrote to Dorfman, copying the other residents, including Rogers, “I'd like to do whatever is necessary to get your approval on the expansion in the garage, as this is pivotal to our success for a viable retail component to the building. I would like to set up a conference call, as this has been something that has been discussed multiple times over the past few weeks.” He proceeded to present three different times to conference. While the plaintiffs filed a request for a temporary restraining order on April 13 to have work on Townhouse stopped, Oakland County Circuit Court Judge Rudy Nichols denied the order on April 15. Depositions in the case could take several months. While Sasson would not comment on the suit, he said work on the bistro was progressing and that he expects to be open in 30 days. David DeVine, an attorney for Dorfman and Rogers, would not comment on the lawsuit.
T
T u s H a R v a k H a R i ya diReCT:
248.302.3921
disCoveR a New level of luxuRy iN Real esTaTe disCoveR THe Re/Max ColleCTioN
CusToM BuilT HoMe loCaTed iN THe pResTigious iNNeR woods of BlooMfield $1,400,000
BlooMfield Hills lake fRoNT HoMe loCaTed oN oveR oNe aCRe
$850,000
Te Ta
ld
so
oN Ti
es e
ld
dg
so
N Ro
Ri
w
Ne
He
wesT BlooMfield lake fRoNT $1,899,000
BlooMfield Hills 42717 woodwaRd ave. BlooMfield Hills, Mi 48304 248-988-8888
luxuRy wesT BlooMfield lake fRoNT $875,000
HeRoN Bay luxuRy esTaTe $2,000,000
Re/Max New Trend
C
C Ru sT N o
BlooMfield Hills desigNed By alexaNdeR BogaeRT $2,899,000
faRMiNgToN Hills 38275 w. Twelve Mile Rd. sTe. 101 faRMiNgToN Hills, Mi 48331 248-553-5050
Commission breaks 30 year tradition By Lisa Brody
©2011 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved. Franchises independently owned and operated. Not valid with other off ers. Not to exceed 10% of system value. New orders, at participating location only.
In a break from 30 years of tradition of ceremonially moving the current mayor pro tem forward as the new mayor of Bloomfield Hills, at the Tuesday, May 10 city commission meeting, the commission did not vote for mayor pro tem Pat Hardy to be mayor, instead choosing commissioner Mike Zambricki as the city's next mayor by a 3-0 vote. Commissioner Sarah McClure was voted mayor pro tem. The appointments took effect immediately. The meeting was the first following the city's city commission election, where Hardy, Mike McCready, and Zambricki each won re-election. Challenger Connie Salloum was sworn in with the others, appointed at the meeting by McCready to replace former commissioner Bob Toohey, who unexpectedly resigned just prior to the meeting.. According to city attorney
BEDROOM
GARAGE
all agreed to share the honor of being mayor. I know I did a great job as mayor in 2007, our 75th anniversary year, and I know that I would do a great job in 2011, so with that, I nominate myself.” Citizens spoke to the commission, almost unanimously outraged, requesting Hardy be voted mayor. Former commissioner and mayor Dale Dawkins said, “The nomination of Zambricki is contrary to our tradition. The mayor has a single vote, just like the rest of us. The mayoral position, while taking some leadership, is an honorary role. It is our way of saying 'thank you' for serving our community. I urge you to vote for Pat Hardy. Do what you know is right.” “I can only perceive that as a slap in the face to one of our community. I believe you will create a divided community if you go forward with this. I advise you to rethink this,” said John Monohan, a member of the planning commission. Resident Mike Zuzenak asked, “After 30 years of tradition, why do you want to change it now?”
Bill Hampton, by city charter, the appointments of mayor and mayor pro tem must occur at the first meeting following an election. Outgoing mayor McCready said he had wanted to wait a couple of weeks as Zambricki was out-of-town on business, but the charter overrode that desire. McCready called for nominations for mayor, which startled the 20 or so residents in the audience, who all assumed Hardy would ascend to mayor that evening. McClure said, “I would like to nominate Mike Zambricki to be our mayor. The kinds of challenges the city has, he has an MBA. I know there has been a recent tradition differently, but this is what I think would be best.” Hardy then spoke. “It's an unusual evening here. I see an unprecedented effort to set aside a tradition that spans 30 years, this mayoral rotation. We are a beautiful, traditional community. I feel we have a compelling need to honor our shared tradition. There is a need to show respect for one another, because we're all neighbors and friends, so we have
ENTRYWAY
WALL BED
KIDS
MEDIA
CENTER
OFFICE
McCready replied that after the election, many of the commissioners, including Toohey, called him to say they would not support Hardy. “I believe in best practices,” McCready said. McClure said, “I respect anyone who gives their time to the community, but I called someone in another community, and they said they give the position to the best person. The city has made great strides in adopting best practices, and I think Mike Zambricki can lead us through this process, giving our residents what they deserve. Zuzenak, speaking to McClure, said, “You're the newest member of the commission. I and many others do not care what other communities do. It's an honorary position. To come in here, in the dark of night, and change tradition, it's childish, immature and it's appalling.” The commissioners then voted, with Zambricki winning 3-0, with Hardy abstaining. McClure was voted mayor pro tem, 3-0. Once again, Hardy abstained.
STORAGE
CRAFT
PANTRY
Call today and save up to $500 OFF any custom organizational system from California Closets!* Schedule a free design consultation today.
Commerce | 3260 Old Farm Lane
Birmingham | Coming Soon
248.624.1234 | CaliforniaClosets.com downtownpublications.com
DOWNTOWN
63
Legacy jeweLry and Loan
ANTIQUE, VINTAGE AND ESTATE JEWELRY BUYERS AND SELLERS Antique, Vintage and Estate Jewelry has Style, Design and Old World Craftsmanship no longer available. Unique one-of-a-kind pieces from the Edwardian, Victorian and Art Deco periods. We are extremely knowledgeable. Available for large estates. We loan on all jewelry and watches, diamonds, gold, platinum, silver coins and flatware. Private rooms and appointments on request. Confidentiality guaranteed.
LOANS ON ALL JEWELRY AND WATCHES 700 N. Old Woodward, Ste. 200 Birmingham, MI 48009
Big Beaver o Wo
ard dw
o Wo
ard dw
Old
N
.
e Av
Maple Rd.
248.723.9975 www.legacyestatejewelry.com mrlegacyjewelry@gmail.com
SCAN ME
Legacy jeweLry and Loan
New leads in Child Killer investigation By Lisa Brody
Without confirming or denying it to the families of the children who were killed almost 35 years ago by someone known as the Oakland County Child Killer, police now have a new suspect in the case due to advances in DNA technology. Barry King, the father of the last of the four children killed in the mid1970s, Timothy King, passed information to Downtown, first reported by WDIV-TV Channel 4, about a possible accomplice to the killer who abducted pre-teen children, held them hostage, molested them, and then killed them. DNA has confirmed that white animal hair was found on all four victims, firmly connecting all of them to the same killer. Police records had always revealed that a human hair was found on Timothy King. New records, never previously disclosed, show that three hairs had been found on Kristin Mihelich, including two on her blouse. Mihelich was the second Child Killer victim, abducted on Jan. 2, 1977 from Berkley, held for 19 days, and discovered dead in the same clothes as when she was kidnapped. According to police files, police were never able to make a DNA match. The hair, for the first time, provided them with that opportunity. Files show that the hair found on Mihelich's blouse is a mitochondrial DNA match with a man currently living in Kalamazoo. A mitochondrial match narrows a match to one percent of the Caucasian population. According to WDIV-TV, police think the hair belongs to 49-year-old James Vincent Gunnels, who was in police custody in a halfway house in Kalamazoo until a month ago. He has a history of property crimes, but has never been charged in any criminal sexual case. However, a suspect the families do believe was the chief perpetrator of the Oakland County Child Killings, Christopher Busch (Downtown, Oct. 2010), was a known sex offender and was convicted of sexually assaulting
Tax hikes in Bloomfield Hills? he Bloomfield Hills City Commission held their final budget meeting for their fiscal year 2011-2012 budget on Tuesday, April 26, prior to considering and approving it at the May 12 commission meeting. Bloomfield Hills is currently facing a budget deficit, according to city treasurer Lisa Dolan. “We're facing a 8 percent decrease in taxable value in the upcoming fiscal year, which translates into a $590,000 taxable revenue loss to the city,” she said. “The loss puts us in a $500,000 operational deficit for next fiscal year. In light of this, we need to do something. We've cut significantly, but we need to do something on the other side of the coin, on revenues. I'm recommending a millage increase.” Bloomfield Hills' residents currently pay 9.05 mills. A mill is equal to $1,000 for every $100,000 of taxable value. According to city manager Jay Cravens, the city is looking at raising the millage .45 mills, rather than an initial suggestion of .75 mills. At the budget meeting, there was a recommendation to increase the millage another .35 mills for dedicated road projects in the city. If both millage increases were approved, Bloomfield Hills residents would pay 9.85 mills in taxes, a .8 mill increase overall. Cravens said residents would likely see the increase in their July 2011 tax bill. “We've been working on a 10-year road improvement project in the city, and we're fast approaching the six-year mark, and realizing we need to continue the program,” said Cravens. “The city commission is asking that it be put in a designated fund just for road improvement projects.” Road improvement projects include complete rebuilding of city roads, rehabilitation and repaving projects.
T
Gunnels. Investigators believe Gunnels may have been part of a group involved in the child killings, or may have acted as a lure to draw the kids closer to the killer. Gunnels was only 16-years-old at the time. At the time of the killings, investigators put together a profile of the killer based upon witnesses' descriptions of the man believed to have been seen talking to Timothy King the night he disappeared. He was a caucasian male with a dark complexion, about 25 to 35 years old with shaggy hair and sideburns. Authorities believed that the killer had a job that allowed him to move around freely, and that he may have appeared to be someone that a child might trust, such as a police officer, clergyman, or a doctor. Although the task force checked out more than 18,000 tips, they never made substantive headway on any of them, and they disbanded in December 1978. "But homicide cases are always open. There is no statute of
limitations on homicides, and they can always go back and be revisited," said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson, the county prosecutor at the time. The Oakland County Child Killer has never been heard from again. Barry King said he believes it is because Busch committed suicide in November 1978, and over the years, investigators knew he was the killer. “I also believe he never acted alone,” King said. Records show that Gunnels told police that Busch molested him at the Busch family cottage on Ess Lake in northern Michigan. Investigators wanted to see if Busch took King, and the other children, to the same cabin. But sadly, two years ago a tree fell on the cottage during a storm, destroying it, and making it impossible for any forensic evidence to be found. Furthermore, WDIV discovered in records a disturbing drawing, found with Busch's belongings, of a young boy being tortured. It is a dead-ringer
for Mark Stebbins, the first child abducted. Busch was polygraphed after Stebbins' body was discovered, by Larry Wasser, a Southfield polygrapher, who later admitted to San Francisco polygrapher Patrick Coffey, a childhood friend of Timothy King, that he knew Busch was the Oakland County Child Killer. He has since denied that, but recently settled with Coffey over a libel suit. "Coffey told my son Chris that Wasser identified Christopher Busch, a three-time convicted sex offender who was a pedophile, as the person who killed the kids. He said he had polygraphed him in the Stebbins case," said King. "He lived at Maple and Lahser at the time; there had been some mentions of him in The Detroit News. He was the son of a prominent GM executive, and he committed suicide in November 1978." This led the King family to pursue new leads and justice for the four children, despite what they perceive as obstacles and roadblocks from police, investigators and the prosecutor's office. The current Oakland County Prosecutor, Jessica Cooper, released a statement, “The murders of Mark Stebbins, Jill Robinson, Kristine Mihelich and Timothy King are actively being investigated by a multijurisdictional task force. The task force meets on a regular basis. The collected physical evidence is being evaluated and analyzed by the Michigan State Police and FBI Laboratories as new forensic testing becomes available. All developments in this investigation must remain confidential and there are many reasons for this. One reason is that it is impossible to foresee how information made public during an ongoing investigation might compromise that investigation at some future point. In addition, the publicizing of some information, such as that related to polygraphs, is actually a crime. I understand the great anguish that the families have suffered for over thirty years and continue to suffer. But I believe that I am professionally and ethically prohibited from revealing the details of an incomplete and inconclusive investigation.”
According to WDIV-TV Channel 4, which broke the most recent story, police think the hair belongs to 49-year-old James Vincent Gunnels, who was in police custody in a halfway house in Kalamazoo until a month ago. WDIV also unveiled other previously unknown information about the case and discovered in records a disturbing drawing, found with former local resident Christopher Busch's belongings, of a young boy being tortured who looked like one of the victims. downtownpublications.com
DOWNTOWN
65
FDC LANDSCAPING, LLC
Make a great first impression
Turn your BBQ into an outdoor kitchen
A Design & Build Firm
Relax in your outdoor living space
“If you’re going to be original, you can count on being copied.”
Create an intimate setting with a simple patio
FOUNTAINS • BOULDER WALLS • PONDS • IRRIGATION • LIGHTING • BRICK PAVING • RENOVATION GAS FIREPITS • WET-SET PATIOS & WALKWAYS • RETAINING WALLS • WATERFALLS • TREE & SHRUB PLANTING
FDCLandscaping@yahoo.com | 248.866.6021
When The Details Matter. At Kastler Construction, we believe details are everything. We also believe it is our extreme attention to those details, that sets us apart from our competition. From the most subtle architectural nuances to bold design details, we know how to bring your vision to life. We assist in not only the design process, but also in material selection, from flooring to cabinetry hardware - even paint colors. When it comes to home renovations, help with those details can really make the difference.
View our entire portfolio online at kastlerconstruction.com
248-655-5580 1206 N. Lafayette, Royal Oak MI 48067 WWW.KASTLERCONSTRUCTION.COM
DESIGN / BUILD EXPERTS | WHOLE HOUSE RENOVATIONS & ADDITIONS | KITCHEN REMODELING & RENEWAL BATHROOM FACELIFTS AND RENOVATIONS | WINDOW AND DOOR REPLACEMENT | HARDIE SIDING & ROOF REPLACEMENT MILLWORK AND CUSTOM BUILT-INS | HOME REPAIR OF ANY KIND 66
DOWNTOWN
06.11
CITY/ TOWNSHIP Play Birmingham proposal denied A game, restaurant and retail concept equaling 25,000 square feet for the corner of S. Old Woodward and Hamilton Row met with concern and disapproval from Birmingham city commissioners on Monday, May 9. Play Birmingham was proposed for 270 N. Old Woodward in the former Buca di Beppo and Arhaus Furniture locations, to offer a sports bar-like casual restaurant, nine lanes of bowling, interactive video games, four billiards tables, a golf simulator, basketball, a bar and candy shop, all under one roof. Play Birmingham had come before the commission for approval of a special land use permit for electronic games and billiard tables. The commissioners denied them, 4-3, after a lengthy and at times acrimonious, discussion amongst themselves, with the petitioners and at a public hearing. Commissioners Rackeline Hoff, Tom McDaniel, Mark Nickita and Stuart Sherman voted to recommend denying the special land use permit. Mayor Gordon Rinschler urged them to rethink their business plan and re-apply. Ron Jona, the architect and a principal in Play Birmingham along with The Dali Group, operators of The Hamilton Room, Chen Chow, and the now-closed Quattro restaurant, where Barrio, a Mexican restaurant and nightspot will open soon, presented the plans to the commission. Play would be a family entertainment complex, filling the entirety of the former Buca di Beppo location and part of the former Arhaus store with an upstairs lounge, a lower level restaurant and a basement bowling alley, meeting or party rooms, electronic games, billiards, air hockey, moonwalk, skiball, and a golf simulator. The entrance would be on S. Old Woodward. A candy store/bakery would open onto Hamilton, with exterior table seating and entrances to the restaurant and entertainment facilities. The restaurant would have outdoor seating on Old Woodward. Jona said that while the 25,000 square feet could possibly accommodate more, they would cap occupancy at all times at 500 people. By city ordinance, the bowling lanes and gaming areas would have to close at midnight. Other than the sweet shop, the rest of the complex would remain open until 2 a.m. However, Jona said they would not allow anyone under 21 in the entertainment areas without an adult after 9 p.m. because of the bars in the facility. downtownpublications.com
Robert Carson, attorney representing the equity partners of the Palladium building, said, “It's important on behalf of the city that it remain occupied. We are fortunate that it is master leased (meaning one tenant). We do not see it taxing the city or its services. It did not serve any purpose to have 25,000 square feet empty.” Mayor Gordon Rinschler had questions about overwhelming the Park Street structure, especially in summer months when blockbuster movies come out and the structure can back up. Carson said that the city is a pedestrianfriendly place, and “if one deck is busy, people can park in another and walk around.” That appeared to inflame, rather than pacify, commissioners. “What happens when you close the doors at 9? That generation of kids are not going home,” Rinschler asked. “I don't know. I don't have an answer for you. They're going to have to leave the establishment,” said Jona. Sherman spoke of the elephant in the room. “A great concept needs a great operator. I have great concerns about this particular operator, based on past experience.” “I tie my thoughts to the ordinance,” said Nickita. “What is the effect on the adjacent areas? How do we protect adjacent retailers and the business district in general? That's in our ordinance. The Palladium concept initially was a true mix—with a record store, a movie theater, a restaurant. Now it's exclusively entertainment which goes against the concept. Five hundred to 1,000 people. That's a significant intensity of entertainment right there. I have great concerns.” Commissioner Scott Moore disagreed, saying, “I will support it. At one time we had two bowling alleys, Birmingham Bowl and Northwood. I'm persuaded it's workable. This would be a lot of fun.” Rinschler disagreed. “I do not have any problems with a bowling alley, but that's not what this is. You move kids out. I think there may be a workable concept, but not as it is.” Carson pointed out to the commission, “The issue that brings us here is the coin operated games and the billiards. It is legal and entitled to go forward without the billiards and the games. You have an absolute entitled use, as designed for this location. We can do it with or without you. Let's be clear about what we're doing here.” McDaniel said, “I would not approve the liquor license transfer on this project for the same reason.” DOWNTOWN
7 K U X X Q H
7 K U X X Q H
CONTENT It's a simple fact of publishing life: CONTENT IS KING. For your message to resonate in the market, you need to know that local residents are reading a product. The July issue deadline for Downtown Birmingham/Bloomfield: Wednesday, June 15. Contact Jill Cesarz. Office: 248.792.6464 Cell: 248.860.8414 JillCesarz@downtownpublications.com
67
294 E. Brown Street, Birmingham, MI 48009 D
D
E UC
D
RE
E UC
D
RE
West Bloomfield - $3,875,000 Refurbished & Redesigned Estate On Approximately 7 Acres • 4 BRs, 5 full & 2 half baths & 8,509 total square feet • Outstanding 6-car garage & in-ground pool • Redone guesthouse has additional 1,200 square feet
Bloomfield Twp - $2,850,000 Luxury & Elegance Can Be Yours • 5 BRs, 5 full & 2 half baths & 8,966 total square feet • Professionally designed kitchen & a lavish lower level • Heated garage, dock & 18 ft boat are only a few of the amenities
Bloomfield Township - $2,495,000 Exquisite Detail Inside & Out In A 24/7 Gated Community • 4 BRs, 5 full & 2 half baths & 10,705 total square feet • Gourmet kitchen & luxurious 1st floor master suite • Walk-out, heated 3-car garage & gorgeous landscaping
Nancy Browning Bloomfield Twp - $1,700,000 Rare 1 Acre Lakefront Vacant Lot!
Associate Broker, ABR, CRS, GRI
248-701-7119 www.NancyBrowning.com Nbrowning1@aol.com
• Walk-out site with breathtaking views surrounded by nature • 250 frontage feet on Lower Long Lake • Stunning views of water & wildlife
Bloomfield Hills - $1,025,000 Experience Tranquility on Private Cul-De-Sac Street • 4 BRs, 5 full & 1 half bath & 7,280 total square feet • Lower level wet bar, new roof & brick paver walk-way • Indoor pool & spa, spacious sunroom & updated landscaping
D
E UC
D
RE
Bloomfield Twp - $999,000 Extremely Private Contemporary With Open Floor Plan • 5 BRs, 4 full & 2 half baths & 7,340 total square feet • Spacious island kitchen & sunny morning room • Entertain in dining room, walkout, pool, spa… or all four!
Bloomfield Hills - $994,000 Antique Accents Throughout Gorgeous Masterpiece • 5 BRs, 3 full & 2 half baths & 5,505 total square feet • 1st floor master suite & large playroom above garage • Newer roof & brick paver oversized patio in back of home
Bloomfield Hills - $899,000 Multi-level Decks & Walk-ways to View Nature • 5 BRs, 4 full & 1 half bath & 6,264 total square feet • Well done lower level has sauna, wine cellar, bar & more • Within walking distance to Cranbrook
DON’T MAKE A “MOVE” WITHOUT ME • Exciting market • Exquisite homes • Exceptional service
I will exceed your expectations Each office is independently owned and operated
New counterproposal on Baldwin pact By Lisa Brody
Bloomfield Hills City Manager Jay Cravens on Thursday, May 12 sent a letter enunciating a second counterproposal to Doug Koschik, director of Birmingham's Baldwin Public Library, for possible library services for city residences. Cravens sent the letter on city commissioners direction following discussion at their commission meeting on Tuesday, May 10. Mayor pro tem Sarah McClure said, “I think we are interested in negotiating with Baldwin and seeing where it can lead us.” The counterproposal is for an initial contract of $222,781 for each of three years, which equates to 0.3 mills for residents of Bloomfield Hills, or approximately $150 per household. It would be predicated on a successful millage approval in November 2011. At their meeting, city commissioners said they felt voters would support that amount, and if the library agreed to that amount, they would approve a motion supporting it. They said the city would also support automatic renewal after three years, as well as a mutual opt-out clause after six months.
Baldwin disagrees with Bloomfield he Baldwin Public Library Board of Directors has responded to what they suggest is egregious behavior on the part of the Bloomfield Township Public Library Board of Directors when they rescinded library privileges to all contract communities, effective July 1, and warned Bloomfield Township on Monday, May 16, that if they did not change their stance, Baldwin would sever their reciprocal relationship with them that has been in effect for 40-some years. In a move that surprised many in neighboring communities, at its meeting on April 26, the Bloomfield library board voted to cancel reciprocal borrowing privileges with all communities that have library service contracts. Bloomfield will, however, continue to circulate items
T
Baldwin and Bloomfield Hills have been in talks regarding services for the last few months. Baldwin Library requested a contract of $317,266 per year, based on what Birmingham residents pay, in their last counterproposal. Both seem to want the same goal: to provide full library services for Bloomfield Hills residents, who have been without a library since 2004 when their contract for services with Bloomfield Township library was discontinued. Some residents have been buying a pass for the Troy Library, but they are in serious fiscal trouble, and may close for good this summer, leading the city to seek a new avenue for library usage. Baldwin Library is eager to provide its services, as a contract with Bloomfield Hills would help alleviate financial shortfalls it is experiencing.
Rail District seeking uniform signage Birmingham's Design Review Board is working to counteract an excess of portable signs, A-frame signs on sidewalks, and signs tacked onto telephone poles by creating uniform signage for all Rail District businesses mandated through a city sign ordinance. City planner Sheila Bashiri said
to residents of communities that have their own libraries, such as to Birmingham residents. Bloomfield Township has had a reciprocal relationship with Birmingham's Baldwin Library as long as it has had a library. At its meeting, the board said it had identified 22 communities with library service contracts in The Library Network (TLN) Cooperative. Among them are Beverly Hills, Bingham Farms, Lathrup Village, Pleasant Ridge, Sylvan Lake, Keego Harbor, Orchard Lake, Oakland Township, and the city of Rochester. Of these, likely the communities most affected will be Beverly Hills and Bingham Farms, which border Bloomfield Township but contract with the Baldwin Public Library in Birmingham. Baldwin Library Director Doug Koschik said he became aware that the township library board was considering making this move in
the board, which met Wednesday, May 4, is looking for Rail District business sign uniformity to help create an identity for the area. Bashiri said they are taking their recommendations to the Birmingham City Commission on Monday, May 9. The goals for Rail District signage are multifaceted. Besides decreasing visual and actual clutter, it will help create a unified identity for the area through a logo and branding. The board would also like to unify the area through street lighting and furniture. “It will be best for businesses that sit way back from the street and to get rid of the temporary signs, because it creates a junky, tacky look,” Bashiri said. “Before we can write an ordinance, we have to show the city commission what the problems are.” In September 2010, the board determined the best course of action would be to contact Birmingham architect Victor Saroki to see if he would be willing to come up with a design for monument signage that would look attractive in right-of-way areas. They also asked Rail District architect and proponent Frank Carnovale to work on it. Carnovale suggested the signage should have a railroad theme to it. At a January 2011 meeting, design
late March and came to the April 26 board meeting to try to persuade board members that it was not a good idea. He did not succeed in convincing them at that time. Andrew Harris, vice president of the Baldwin Library board, wrote in a letter to Margaret Cohen, president of the Bloomfield library board, that they “strongly disagree with the action taken by Bloomfield Township Public Library board at its April 26, 2011 meeting. The vote to rescind circulation privileges to all contract communities, including Beverly Hills and Bingham Farms, ignored the long-standing relationship that our libraries have shared since the 1960s.” The letter emphasized that the timing was especially inappropriate, coming when the state government is urging communities to collaborate and share services among local municipalities. It noted that it felt the township library was penalizing
review board members saw designs of a monument sign with sign inserts for easy replacement as businesses move; room for six inserts per sign; the inserts would have the ability to have business identification; and they would have Rail District identification. The directory signs would stand in a row at least 30 feet off of a corner. “We want to have the landlords purchase these signs for the tenants,” Bashiri said. They would also like to have building owners pay for construction and installation. Since January, the board has been working with design issues and with Rail District interests. They are now ready to present it to the city commission. “We have to ask permission to put signs in the right-of-way. If the commission agrees and says 'yes' Monday night, then we will draft an ordinance to allow that and then present it to them to approve,” Bashiri said. She said she hopes to get that done soon because the city's engineering department will soon be making streetscaping changes, including adding sidewalks to Cole. “We want to do that together, in order to get lights in, so we can get the signs lit,” she said.
local communities which did not have their own libraries and were contracting with others to provide their citizens with library benefits and services. Harris included a packet of information reminding the Bloomfield library of their over 40year mutually-beneficial relationship, and urged them to reconsider their decision regarding local contract communities before Baldwin's next board meeting June 20. If they do not, he said Baldwin would have to sever their reciprocal relationship with the Bloomfield library, “and effective July 1, Baldwin would begin treating Bloomfield Township as just another reciprocal community, leading to lower circulation limits and higher fees for Bloomfield Township residents, as well as the elimination of Baldwin's service to the homebound of Bloomfield Township.”
When there isn’t enough quality homes on the market michigan’s #1 203(k) loan officer and lending team can help you renovate any home with a 203(k) loan.
͞/ ŐĞƚ ŝƚ͘ hŶůĞƐƐ LJŽƵ͛ƌĞ ƋƵŝĐŬ͕ LJŽƵ ĐĂŶ ĞĂƐŝůLJ ŵŝƐƐ ƚŚĞ ŚŽŵĞ ŽĨ LJŽƵƌ ĚƌĞĂŵƐ͘ Ƶƚ ĚŽŶ͛ƚ ǁŽƌƌLJ͕ / ĐĂŶ ŚĞůƉ LJŽƵ ĮŶĂŶĐĞ ƵƉ ƚŽ ϭϭϬй ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĂƉƉƌĂŝƐĞĚ ǀĂůƵĞ ĨŽƌ ƌĞŶŽǀĂƟŽŶƐ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ϮϬϯ;ŬͿ ůŽĂŶ͘͟ dŝŵ WĂƐĐĂƌĞůůĂ dĞĂŵ WĂƐĐĂƌĞůůĂ ŝƐ ƉŽǁĞƌĞĚ ďLJ ZŽƐƐ DŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ͕ ƚŚĞ ηϭ ϮϬϯ;ŬͿ ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ůĞŶĚĞƌ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐƚĂƚĞ ŽĨ DŝĐŚŝŐĂŶ͕ ĂŶĚ ηϭϬ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŶĂƟŽŶ͘ ZŽƐƐ DŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ŝƐ Ă ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐĨƵů ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ďĂŶŬŝŶŐ ĐŽŵƉĂŶLJ ǁŝƚŚ Ă ƌĞƉƵƚĂƟŽŶ ĨŽƌ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂůŝƐŵ͕ ŝŶƚĞŐƌŝƚLJ͕ ĂŶĚ ƋƵĂůŝƚLJ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ͘ dŽ ŚĞůƉ ĮŶĂŶĐĞ LJŽƵƌ ŶĞdžƚ ŚŽŵĞ͕ ĐĂůů ϮϰϴͲϲϱϴͲϮϱϲϭ͘ dĞĂŵ WĂƐĐĂƌĞůůĂ͗ ඵ KīĞƌƐ ƐĂŵĞ ĚĂLJ ƉƌĞͲĂƉƉƌŽǀĂůƐ ඵ ƌĞ &, ĂŶĚ &, ϮϬϯ;ŬͿ ƐƉĞĐŝĂůŝƐƚƐ ඵ ůŽƐĞƐ ůŽĂŶƐ ŽŶ ƟŵĞ ඵ ĚƵĐĂƚĞƐ ďŽƌƌŽǁĞƌƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ ඵ DĂŝŶƚĂŝŶƐ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ŽĨ ĞǀĞƌLJ ƉŚĂƐĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƌƚŐĂŐĞ ƚƌĂŶƐĂĐƟŽŶ
WSDVFDUHOOD#URVVPRUWJDJH FRP ZZZ WHDPSDVFDUHOOD FRP 10/6
70
Helping People Obtain Mortgages They Can Live With! DOWNTOWN
06.11
Churchill's Bistro plan okayed irmingham city commissioners last month narrowly approved, by a 4-3 vote, a bistro license for Churchill's Bistro, a cigar bar and restaurant at 116-118 S. Old Woodward, in the former Jennifer's Convertibles location. After lengthy discussions on Monday, May 9 regarding concerns over ventilation of cigar smoke and whether a cigar bar met the parameters of a bistro license, commissioners Gordon Rinschler, Rackeline Hoff, George Dilgard and Tom McDaniel voted to approve the final site approval and special land use permit, which will allow the petitioners to go forward. Commissioners Stuart Sherman, Mark Nickita and Scott Moore voted against the license. Churchill's has been operating as a tobacconist since the 1960s and under the current ownership of Nash Zaitouna for the last 10 years. By becoming a restaurant and cigar bar, “Churchill's will be giving up on the tobacconist concept and featuring only cigars,” said attorney Paul Weisberger. “There will be no cigarettes, pipes, or any other tobacco. There will be a beautiful humidor, and a large selection of the highest end cigars. This is a major evolution. It will not look like the current Churchill's. It will be a bistro with a cigar influence in the center.” According to the Michigan smoke free law, which went into effect throughout the state May 1, 2010, in order to qualify for any smoking exemptions, which are casino gaming floors and cigar bars and tobacco specialty retail stores, cigar bars must file an affidavit for an exemption with the Michigan Department of Community Health on or before June 1, 2010 and must renew that exemption by Jan. 31 of each subsequent year. Churchill's did do that prior to the smoking ban taking effect in anticipation of creating the restaurant/cigar bar. The cigar bar must also demonstrate that it generated 10 percent or more of its total gross annual income from the on-site sale of cigars and the rental of on-site humidors. Further, the cigar bar must be located on premises that are physically separated from any areas of the same establishment in which smoking is prohibited. There must be an installed, onsite humidor. No minors under the age of 18 may be allowed in at any time that the cigar bar is operational. The only smoking permitted on the premises is cigars that are available for retail for at least $1 each. As Churchill's intends to be a cigar bar, no minors would be permitted in the restaurant. According to the state, the bistro will need to communicate with the department of community health to update the exemption information. The smoking exemption, to permit smoking in the bistro, will have to be approved at the state level now that the city has approved the bistro. At an April commission meeting, commissioners were concerned about ventilation of cigar smoke both within the establishment, and into neighboring properties and the adjacent streets. Walt Zimmerman of Climate Technologies, which provides services to factories and casinos, said, “Filtering out the odors is not a problem if you're to spend the money. Any of these technologies has done the job at other cigar shops. Mr. Zaitouna is going to employ multiple technologies.” He said they will be employing a dilution and exhaust system that will replace the interior air 10 times per hour, exchanging fresh hour vs. stale air at a rate of 5,000 cubic feet per minute. “Any of these methods will dilute the air so you will not be able to tell there has been a cigar smoker unless you see them smoking,” Zimmerman said. “It is not any noisier than anyone else's rooftop HVAC equipment.” The ventilation systems will reside atop the building, with ductwork coming down the side of the building. The smoke stack will be about eight feet high, with a dispersal of about 60 feet. Weisberger also introduced the chef Zaitouna recently hired, Jade York, originally of Bay City, Michigan. Chef York previously worked at Pike Street in Pontiac, Los Angeles and Santa Fe. He said he recently returned to Bay City, and is prepared to relocate to Birmingham if Churchill's was approved. He presented a menu with a Cuban/Latin American/Caribbean flair, which he said he had created before. “The menu started conceptually. They wanted a Cuban flair woven into it. (Director of restaurant operations) Pete Ginopolis began the process, and then chef York worked on it and brought an amazing flair to it—things you've never brought to Detroit before,” Weisberger told the commission. Hoff asked Weisberger, “You have a very nice menu, but do people really eat while they smoke cigars?” Weisberger, who said he does not smoke cigars, said he understands that many smoke pre and post-meal. The special land use permit, allowing the bistro license, was approved.
B
City, Brother Rice walk from land deal By Lisa Brody
Birmingham and Brother Rice High School have decided to walk away from their confirmed deal to purchased property at 2400 Lincoln Road in Birmingham, which was to have a baseball diamond and bleachers for the school, because the Clover Hill Park Cemetery Board of Directors will not permit any kind of baseball diamond to be built near the cemetery. The baseball diamond property is at the rear of the cemetery. The cemetery, which is located at 2425 E. 14 Mile Road, is owned by Shaarey Zedek synagogue in Southfield. The property is currently bankowned due to a foreclosure proceeding. The purchase price was $1.05 million with Birmingham paying $350,000, or a third of that. “Brother Rice also agreed to pay two-thirds of the brownfield authority loan (two-thirds of approximately $300,000), which was significant because they are taxexempt,” said Tim Currier, Birmingham's attorney. According to sources, the cemetery board had concerns that loud speakers would be disruptive to mourners at funerals. However, these sources also said that Brother Rice had worked out a deal with the cemetery that they would not begin any baseball games when the cemetery was open. Clover Hill Park closes at 4:30 daily. It is open Sunday through Friday, and closed on Saturday, the Jewish Sabbath. Brother Rice does not play games on Sundays. Clover Hill Park asserts it is not a mere baseball diamond, but a baseball stadium. “Three hundred fifty seats? With loudspeakers?” said Ralph Zuckman, executive director for Clover Hill Park Cemetery. “We have a certain respect for the people who are here. I respect Brother Rice for understanding our position. If you offend one family, is it OK?” Zuckman said it was Brother Rice who walked away from the deal, but sources contend that the Clover Hill Park board threatened to keep Brother Rice tied up in litigation if they did not drop the deal. John Birney, president of Brother Rice High School, confirmed that. “The cemetery board told us if we went forward, they would pursue whatever
legal remedies they had available, and as much as we felt we were bringing a great asset to the community, we decided we would forgo a very lengthy and expensive litigation.” “From the city perspective, Brother Rice was in the driver's seat and chose not to pursue this further,” said Birmingham city manager Bob Bruner. “I'm disappointed it did not happen,” said mayor Gordon Rinschler. “I thought it was a good deal for Birmingham and Brother Rice. But some deals just don't assemble.” Currently, there are two other baseball diamonds and Forest Hills Swim Club at 2410 E. Lincoln behind the cemetery. Baseball games and noise from swim meets at those facilities can be heard at the cemetery.
Township approves 2011 safety paths In its continuing effort to provide safety paths throughout Bloomfield Township, the Bloomfield Township Trustees unanimously approved a contract for their 2011 safety path program at their May 9 meeting. Construction will be performed by Italia, with a bid which came in just under $800,000 for four different projects. According to Lance Scram, project coordinator, they have not worked out the specific calendar and work schedule for the safety paths, but anticipate beginning construction in early June, weather permitting, and anticipate wrapping up the entire project in November. Areas around schools will be done during the summer months when schools are out. The areas where the township will install safety paths this year are: On the southbound side of Telegraph from Orchard Lane to Maple, on the west side of the street. On the north side of 14 Mile Road, from Telegraph to the township line at Crosswick Road. Covington Road, from Amberly to the school, connecting the new safety path to existing paths. Two sections of Square Lake Road; the first from the International Academy to the Squirrel Road, on the south side of Square Lake Road; the second on Upper Square Lake Road to Mulberry, to the Surf Club, “ the far side of the driveway,” said Scram.
ct
ra nt
r de
Co
Un
Bloomfield - $2,495,000
Birmingham - $2,475,000
Birmingham - $2,395,000
Franklin - $1,599,000
ct
ct
ra nt
o
o
C er
C er
d
d
Un
ra nt
Un
Birmingham - $1,595,000
Birmingham - $1,595,000
Birmingham - $1,395,000
Bloomfield Hills - $1,095,000
Bloomfield Hills - $995,000
Birmingham - $899,000
Bloomfield - $750,000
Birmingham - $449,000
Cindy Kahn‌ Bloomfield - $439,000
Birmingham - $429,000
cindykahn.com
an extraordinary agent providing extraordinary results Cindy Obron Kahn SKBK Sotheby’s International Realty Birmingham, Michigan
Bloomfield Hills - $429,000
Franklin - $359,000
248.568.7309
FACES
Heather Silecchia eather Silecchia was just 10 years old when she embarked on her first business venture, and she has since blossomed into a successful artist and entrepreneur. "When I was 10, I made a new pair of baby shoes for a cousin," said Silecchia. "I had been walking around a shoe store one day and I saw a pair of shoes with decorations on the side. I thought I could make something like that.” Others quickly took notice of Silecchia’s artistic talent, and soon her designs were in demand. “I ended up opening up my own business then." Through word of mouth, Silecchia developed a customer base and worked craft shows at Midvale Elementary, her grade school at the time. "I had a little table that my mom helped me set up." A lifelong Birmingham resident and Seaholm High School graduate, Silecchia spent a lot of time at the Birmingham Bloomfield Art Center where Jerry Melton, an art instructor, helped foster her talents. “He just always encouraged creativity and I always felt so special in his class,” she said. “He made everyone feel like an artist.” After graduating from Seaholm, Silecchia went to Michigan State University and studied fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York, where she specialized in children’s wear. She eventually moved to Chicago in 2003, where she now works as an instructor at the Illinois Institute of Art and is a student in the Master of
H
Arts in Applied Professional Studies (MAAPS) at DePaul University. She also designs children’s clothing for her business, little h designs. “I enjoy making things that are really cute and sweet and here I am, at 30, still making baby stuff,” she said. “I think from an early age, I always loved babies and kids. I have a big family and I just love being surrounded by children, so it was very natural for me.” Little h designs can be found online and in select Chicago boutiques, and she is constantly creating new designs from her in-home studio. “I carve the screens by hand, draw them by hand and cut them out by hand. I keep trying to create new designs to put out there and that’s the most fun part for me.” Although Silecchia is thriving in Chicago, she still makes time to return to Birmingham, where her heart and family remain. “My parents still live in Birmingham in the same house I grew up in, and my sister, Andrea Papadopoulos, is a first grade teacher at Pierce Elementary. I like to come back and visit my sister’s classroom and do art projects.” Silecchia calls Papadopoulos her biggest fan and said she would like, one day, to return to Michigan and the city that helped propel her into the arts. “In the future, I’d love to be involved with an art center or open my own art center,” she said. “I can’t see myself being in a place that doesn’t harbor creativity.” Story: Katey Meisner
Photo: Catherine Else
Why just go to an event when you can arrive on the wings of the Steel Dragon! PARTY BUS CAPACITY: 20 ADULTS RESTROOM FACILITY ON BOARD COMPLETE SOUND SYSTEM; IPOD READY LIVE VIDEO BROADCAST FEED FOR YOUR EVENT Proms • Weddings • Rehearsal Dinners • Concerts Or Just A Night On The Town
313.378.1666 www.steeldragonlimoandtours.com / pchohendorf@comcast.net 74
DOWNTOWN
06.11
BUSINESS MATTERS Birmingham Tan Birmingham Tan has recently moved to 555 S. Old Woodward from its prior location at 1066 S. Adams in Birmingham. Owner Sarah Cormier, 27, purchased the salon in April 2009 and decided to make the move when her lease was up at the S. Adams location. “Because I was a new owner, I wanted to kind of be in a new spot,” said Cormier. “I thought that being downtown would benefit us more and get some new people in the door.” Cormier was impressed with improvements being made to the 555 building and decided the location would be beneficial for her business. “It’s an up-and-coming building and there’s a lot of potential here. Because we’re the only tanning salon in Birmingham, that was a huge factor in purchasing it, moving it and staying with it,” said Cormier. Birmingham Tan offers beds, standups and five different levels of UV lamps and also provide UV-free spray tan.
Optik anniversary Dr. Joe Ales, owner of Optik, is celebrating his 10-year anniversary this month with the vintage and
Maher. “I had a pleasant time in Birmingham and everyone has been good to me. I have nothing planned yet, but I’m taking the summer off.” Nahla’s Place, an evening wear boutique, also offered make-up application, eyebrow and face threading. Morrey’s Jewelers at 283 Hamilton Row and Topz, a burger grill located at 327 Hamilton Row in Birmingham, have recently closed their doors. Neither business owner could be reached to determine the reasoning behind the closures. “I have been in touch with several of the merchants in that area,” said John Heiney, executive director of the Principal Shopping District (PSD). “Despite some of these closings, Hamilton is still a destination with eateries like Greek Islands, Birmingham Sushi, Sy Thai and Commonwealth Cafe all within a one block. In addition, we know that two businesses are planning to open on Hamilton.” Heiney could not provide further details on the new businesses at this time. “We will continue to work with property owners and retailers to help bring businesses back to this important section of the PSD.” Just around the corner from Hamilton, Sandella’s Flatbread Café at 172 N. Old Woodward Ave. in Birmingham has officially closed for business due to a lack of sales volume.
The Wine Guy contemporary eyewear store at 245 W. Maple in Birmingham. Kirsten Bedard, store manager, said Optik has enjoyed 10 years in Birmingham and is hoping to continue serving their clients in the future. “We hope that we keep growing as we have,” said Bedard. “I think people like that fact that we are a sole proprietor, not a big corporation. Clients in this neighborhood have appreciated that personal attention over the years.” Bedard said that Optik clients are friendly, loyal and prefer to patronize downtown businesses. Optik offers eye exams, a selection of high-end exclusive designer frames and vintage eyewear.
Business closings After almost six years in business, Nahla's Place at 205 Pierce St. in Birmingham has closed its doors. “I’m just taking a break,” said owner Nahla downtownpublications.com
The Wine Guy, a custom wine store, is slated to move into Bloomfield Market Place at 1932 S. Telegraph Rd. The new business will open at the end of June or early July and offer patrons the opportunity to sample wine selections before they make a purchase. “We will have the only tasting bar in Bloomfield Township,” said owner Joe Newmyer. “We will have wines you normally don’t see in a retail store and we’re dealing with, for the most part, small, passionate winemakers.” Newmyer said that he has always believed you should be allowed to taste wine before committing to buying it. “We’ll also do a profile on each of our customers,” he said. “We’ll keep track of what they like and don’t like.” The Wine Guy will feature nationallyknown winemakers at their Bloomfield Township store on Saturdays. “Unless people go to the winery, they don’t usually get to meet the winemakers.” Newmyer and his
staff will taste between 50 and 100 wines each week to ensure the best bottles will be available at the store. A Bloomfield Hills resident, Newmyer lives five minutes from his shop and is pleased with the opportunity to own a business in the area he calls home. Newmyer has started the build-out and said The Wine Guy will have a unique aesthetic. “It’s going to look like you’re actually walking into a wine cellar,” he said. “It will not look like a normal retail store.” Newmyer also owns Classic Wine Cellars, providing design, management and maintenance of wine cellars. Additionally, he owns winebuys.com, an Internet wine company.
The Robot Garage Sarah and Jonathan Jacobs are bringing a unique concept to the Rail District in Birmingham. The Robot Garage, a place to design and build, was created for robotic and LEGO enthusiasts. The 4,400 sq. ft. warehouse, located at 637 S. Eton St., is an extension of what the Jacobs family has been doing as a hobby for many years. “We’re very into robotics and LEGO building,” said Sarah Jacobs. “After traveling to conventions, we thought it would be fun to have a place for people to go do that day in and day out.” The Robot Garage will offer classes, workshops, camps and retail items for purchase. “Once we’re up and running, we’re going to host competitions. We just want it to be this community place.” The space will house four classrooms. “We will be selling LEGOS and spare parts for people who are into robotics,” Jacobs said. “We’ll also have birthday parties.
Spa Mariana opens After working as a massage therapist in the Birmingham community for 11 years, Maciek Lyko has decided to open Spa Mariana, a 3,000 sq. ft. retreat located at 909 Haynes in Birmingham. The spa boasts six treatment rooms, a private yoga room, consultation space, a lounge, bathrooms with showers and a kitchen with full amenities. In addition to traditional services such as deep tissue massage, European facials, waxing, and manicures/pedicures, Spa Mariana is offering Thai massages and will serve as an educational center for workshops and private instruction in
DOWNTOWN
the realms of yoga, the Feldenkrais Method, and other alternative therapies.
Link Wachler Designs Link Wachler Designs has partnered with international award-winning sculptor, Todd Warner, to design a line of jewelry inspired by Warner’s 40 years of work. The BluArch Collection at 142 W. Maple Rd. in Birmingham will host an introduction of Link Wachler and Todd Warner’s collaboration on Friday, June 17 from 6-9 p.m. “I’m really looking forward to that. They’re doing kind of an introduction of the new work that I’m doing,” said Wachler, who previously worked at the Wachler Estate Collection, a Birmingham family business. Wachler had been an admirer of Warner’s work for nearly 40 years and approached him about integrating his sculptures into jewelry. “I was fascinated with his stuff and we were both looking for something new and fresh,” he said. Wachler will not be duplicating Warner’s pieces, but gaining inspiration from them in order to create unique, wearable pieces.
Backcountry North Backcountry North, an independent outdoor company located at 284 W. Maple Rd., is celebrating one year in business in downtown Birmingham.
After more than 30 years of operation in Traverse City, owner Tracy Mayer decided to branch out to reach a customer base downstate. “It’s really been great, many of our customers know us and shop us up north,” said Mayer. “People in this community have been very supportive.” Mayer is looking to continue to expand their community involvement in Birmingham through instructional clinics focused on kayaking, hiking and outdoor cooking. Business Matters for the BirminghamBloomfield area are reported by Katey Meisner. Send items for consideration to KathleenMeisner@downtownpublications.com. Items should be received three weeks prior to publication.
75
BLOOMFIELD TWP.
WEST BLOOMFIELD
BLOOMFIELD TWP.
WHITE LAKE
Beautiful Bennington Green Colonial on a large gorgeous lot w/mature landscaping & privacy. Charming patio. Clean move-in ready home. Fresh paint w/neutral colors. Newer windows, plumbing & light fixtures. First floor laundry. Bloomfield Hills Schools. 211051080. $299,900
Entertainer’s delight on spectacular Gold Coast of Union Lake. Gourmet kitchen with double oven, hardwood floors. Entire second level is huge master suite with laundry, walk-in closets, jet tub, fireplace and deck.. Spacious lot with circle drive. 4 bedrooms, 4 baths. 210078445. $749,900
Upper Long Lake front in desirable neighborhood setting. Walkout lot with fabulous views. Area of multi million dollar homes. Renovate, add on, or tear down to build your dream home. Survey and plans for 5,820 square foot home available. 4 bedrooms and 4 baths. 211037526. $650,000
Magnificent custom built contemporary on White Lake. Dramatic 2 story foyer, designer kitchen, hardwood floors, soaring ceilings, coved archways and crown molding. Finished walkout. Extensive tiered decking and landscaping nice sandy beach. 5 bedroom, 3.1 baths. 211028198. $639,900
BLOOMFIELD TWP.
FARMINGTON HILLS
DEARBORN HEIGHTS
BLOOMFIELD
1.37 acres. Spectacular property in Bloomfield Township. Build your dream home or refurbish this former pope estate home. Charming home needs tlc. Value is in the land. Bloomfield Hills schools. 211032153. $274,900
Long admired stately yet charming home with private location. New custom kitchen with premium upgrades. 2 fireplaces. Nice dining room. 4 car finished garage or studio plus 2 car garage. Registered historic home once the home of the original Lone Ranger's voice. 4 bedrooms, 4.1 baths. 210143189. $499,000
Custom built 3600 square foot all brick Colonial. Huge granite kitchen. Family room with natural fireplace and wet bar. Master suite with oversize cherry wood bath. Finished basement with full bath. Anderson windows. Hardwood in family room, kitchen and den. 4 bedrooms, 4 baths. 211011799. $495,000
A rare find in popular Foxcroft. Meticulously maintained 2 story with basement. Located on circle for privacy. Over 3/4 of an acre. Almost everything has been updated. Flooring, appliances, siding. Great room opens to Florida room. Home warranty included. 3 bedrooms and 3 baths. 211017660. $489,500
BLOOMFIELD
FARMINGTON HILLS
FARMINGTON HILLS
BLOOMFIELD
Ranch with walkout basement on almost 1 acre. Renovated in ’03 with brick exterior, Anderson windows, cathedral ceilings, 2 fireplaces, 2 master suites, circular cement drive, deck with hot tub. Basement has family room with wet bar and fireplace, a game room and bath. Four bedrooms and 4.1 baths. 210065847. $399,999
Great Room with vaulted ceiling and fireplace, formal dining, family room with fireplace, wet bar and glass French doors leading to sunroom. Kitchen, with island, granite counters, sub zero refrigerator and walk-in pantry. Custom Finished daylight basement with full bath. 4 bedrooms and 3.1 baths. 211016868. $389,900
This prime estate is completely updated with custom amenities & spectacular views of 5 acres. New hardwd. Flrs. Limestone, granite, crn molding, cabinetry. Dining rm. Library. Atrium. Lg. Liv rm. Gt rm. Limestone fp.bright kit. W/ granite, gen-air. 211049501. $579,900
Sophisticated architectural design. Darby Lake privileges. 2 story foyer, bright open floor plan, sun filled kitchen with Island, family room with fireplace, huge Master Suite with shower and walk-in closet, 2 tier deck leads to Mission Spring Preserve, finished lower level. 4 bedrooms and 2.1 baths. 210056617. $379,000
One of the 10 largest real estate firms in Michigan with multiple offices serving Metro-Detroit
Today, Inc. www.century21today.com
Family Owned & Operated Serving Our Community Since 1967
CLICK or CALL Today (248) 647-8888
WEST BLOOMFIELD
WHITE LAKE TWP.
WEST BLOOMFIELD
Brick colonial featuring huge kitchen, granite counters, tile backsplash, two sided fireplace, soaring ceilings, 2 office areas, finished basement with full kitchen and bath with steam shower. Master suite offers two walkin closets, fireplace and changing area. 4 bedrooms, 3.1 baths. 211034870. $349,900
Gorgeous custom brick colonial situated on almost 3/4 acres backing to woods w/views of serene pond. Escape the stress & enjoy the privacy in your new home. Awesome 2-story foyer. Master suite w/bath and walk-in closet, Stunning kitchen w/granite. 211043888. $329,000
Bright and open ranch on beautiful deep lot. Great room with fireplace and skylight. Vaulted ceiling. White kitchen with granite tops opens to breakfast with skylights and door to full deck. 2nd master in finished basement with full bath. Lots of storage space. Library and more. 4 bedrooms, 3.2 baths. 211026982. $340,000
WEST BLOOMFIELD
WHITE LAKE
WATERFORD TWP.
Lakefront Paradise! Lower Straits Main Lakefront. First time offered. Prime 1acre site w/100 feet of frontage. Panoramic views of center of lake. Custom designed kitchen w/granite snack bar, granite island, & 8x6 pantry. Generous master suite has 11x10 exercise room, 10x7 WIC, two-way fireplace. 211040700. $995,000
Cedar Island Waterfront Home. Huge great room with cathedral ceiling. Updated gourmet kitchen with hardwood floors. Large dining room with oak floors. Family room with built in wine cooler. Large deck overlooking park like wooded lot. Oversize garage. 4 bedrooms and 3 baths. 211003846. $329,000
Sharp renovated home with open floor plan. New bath, furnace, windows, roof, water heater, garage door & opener, cedar privacy fence, landscaping & more! Large kitchen w/slate back splash & all appliances. 1st floor bedroom w/WIC. Nice private yard. Freshly painted inside & out. Walk to Cass Lake, beach & park. 210136948. $79,900
RELOCATION SERVICES 1-888-21-HOMES PLYMOUTH TWP.
RELOCATING?
BLOOMFIELD
Gorgeous former model ranch end unit. Open floor plan. Hrdwd flrs. Crn molding. Lg kitchen w/custom tall maple cabinets, all appl & lg. Breakfast bar. Large bedrms. 2 full baths. Lg master ste has jetted tub, lg shower, wic & bay wndw. Great rm has custom firepl. Dining rm opens to gr/ fam rm first flr laundry. Full private basement. Att garage. 211022244. $204,900
OUR RELOCATION DEPARTMENT
Beautifully maintained Bennington Green colonial. Wood floors under carpet in bedrooms and family room. Finished basement. Huge master. Florida room overlooking large yard and patio. Bloomfield Hills Schools! New windows, kitchen, bath, and driveway. 4 bedrooms and 2.5 baths. 211022389. $315,000
OFFERS LOCAL HOMEFINDING ASSISTANCE AS WELL AS NUMEROUS RELOCATION SERVICES THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. CALL TOLL FREE 1-888-21-HOMES
One of the 10 largest real estate firms in Michigan with multiple offices serving Metro-Detroit Family Owned & Operated Serving Our Community Since 1967
CLICK or CALL Today (248) 647-8888
Today, Inc. www.century21today.com
From all over the United States comes PATIENTS. Not because my diploma says MEDICAL DOCTOR but because my patients call me “HEALER”.
Diabetes Fighter: 12.3 to 7.1 in 3mo!
No Ulcerative Colitis Woodlock, GA
No PMS, Menopause Birmingham, AL
Low-Testosterone Feels 20yrs Younger!
Diabetes-Type I Commerce Twp, MI
GI Bleed-Controlled Highland, MI
Diabetes-In Control Levittown, PA
Chronic Fatigue-Gone San Francisco, CA
No Liver Transplant London, KY
No Back Pain, No PMS Pontiac, MI
RESTORE YOUR HOPE Dr. Lichten’s programs are not available anywhere else in the U.S.
Edward M. Lichten, M.D. 555 South Old Woodward Avenue Suite 700
Birmingham, Michigan 48009 Telephone: 248.593.9999 For more information: www.usdoctor.com No guarantees can be made. Results vary by individuals.
Also pick up a copy of Dr. Lichten’s TEXTBOOK of BIO-IDENTICAL HORMONES
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. Beau Jacks: American. Lunch, MondaySaturday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 4108 W. Maple, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.626.2630. Beyond Juice: Contemporary. Breakfast & Lunch daily; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. 270 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7078. Big Boy: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 6675 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.642.0717. Big Rock Chophouse: American. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 245 South Eaton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.7774. Birmingham Sushi Cafe: Japanese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 377 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8880. Bloomfield Deli: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, MondayFriday. No reservations. 71 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.645.6879.
Boston Market: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 42983 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.334.5559. Brandy’s Steakhouse: American. Lunch, Monday-Saturday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 1727 South Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.338.4300. 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, MondaySaturday. No reservations. Beer. 877 W. Long Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.540.7220. Commonwealth: Coffee Shop. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 300 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.9766. Cosi: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & wine. 101 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.9200. Crust Pizza and Wine Bar: Pizza. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 6622
Telegraph, Bloomfield, 48301. 248.855.5855. Deli Unique of Bloomfield Hills: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 39495 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7923. Dick O’Dow’s: Irish. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 160 West Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.1135. Einstein Bros. Bagels: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 176 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.9888. Also 4089 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.258.9939. Elie’s Mediterranean Cuisine: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, Monday-Saturday. No reservations. Liquor. 263 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2420. Embers Deli & Restaurant: Deli. Breakfast & Lunch, daily. No reservations. 3598 West Maple Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.645.1033. Flemings Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 323 N. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0134. Forest Grill: American. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, Monday-Saturday. Reservations. Liquor. 735 Forest Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.9400. Forte Restaurant: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 201 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.7300. Fuddrucker’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily.
Quality editorial environment. Produced by local residents from offices in downtown Birmingham. Join the local leaders in our July issue. Deadline Wednesday, June 15. Contact Jill Cesarz. (O) 248.792.6464 or (C:)248. 860.8414
Award of Excellence Wine Spectator 2010
273 Pierce Downtown Birmingham 248.645.9123 www.streetsideseafood.com
RELAX&ENJOY
KEEP IT Downtown. The only publication of its kind in Birmingham/Bloomfield. Over 26,200 homes by mail, plus 800 free on newsstands.
“neighborhood favorite” - Zagat 2010
The Birmingham/Bloomfield area is filled with discriminating diners and an array of dining establishments. Make sure the message for your restaurant reaches the right market in the right publication—Downtown. Call Jill Cesarz for advertising rate information 248.792.6464—Extension 600 Cell: 248.860.8414
LOCAL GRADUATION & FATHER’S DAY
Present this ad for
30% off your second entrée Not valid with any other offer
$19.95 or More
$49.95 or More DELIVERY SERVICE AVAILABLE
Present this coupon when placing order. Excludes all other specials and offers. Expires 7/5/11. DTN
6646 Telegraph at Maple Bloomfield Plaza
Excludes all other specials and offers. Present this coupon when placing order. Expires 7/5/11. DTN
CALL DRIVE-IN/CARRY-OUT/CATERING
Lunch Meetings Dinner Live J a zz Weekends
34965 Woodward Ave Birmingham 248 644 5222 peabodysrestaurant.com
248-932-0800
www.stevesdeli.com downtownpublications.com
DOWNTOWN
79
FOCUS ON WINE Think blue canyons and thermal rainbows By Eleanor and Ray Heald
hether it’s the effect of San Pablo Bay on Napa and Sonoma counties, or the transverse Santa Ynez Valley, bringing marine influence from the Pacific Ocean to Santa Barbara County, cool climate makes all the difference. Climate then, is the operative word when discussing California’s premium wines. In Monterey County, the marine influence originates from the Blue Grand Canyon in Monterey Bay, one of the largest underwater canyons in the world and centered in the middle of Monterey Bay. The canyon is one mile deep, a comparable depth to Arizona’s Grand Canyon, but filled with water – cold water! James Pickworth, general manager at Monterey’s Carmel Road Winery (try the 2009 Pinot Noir $20) explains, “It’s the aspect of having so much water so close, so dense and so deep. In Monterey Bay, two miles from the coastline, water temperature at the bottom of the Blue Grand Canyon is 40 degrees F. The area has so much deep sea influence that it becomes the dominant climate factor in Monterey County.”
W
Thermal Rainbow Monterey Bay marine influence filters through the county via the Salinas Valley, which runs from the Bay southeast to the San Luis Obispo County line. With the Santa Lucia mountain range on the west and the Gabilan Mountains on the east, the valley acts as a wind and fog tunnel. “[Because of the wind], Pickwork continues, “At three o’clock in the afternoon small dogs and cowboy hats are in danger. Yet, as far south as Paso Robles on a hot summer day, people open their windows at 5 p.m. to enjoy the cool breeze.” Further south and creating a Thermal Rainbow, afternoon heat rises to create a lower pressure that draws wind, fog and lower temperatures into the valley from the bay. Think of temperature related to color, red hot and ice blue, a Thermal Rainbow stretches from blue at Monterey Bay to red at Monterey County’s southern border, with all rainbow colors in between. During the growing season, temperatures throughout Monterey
County are very consistent at 55 to 60 degrees F, at 9 a.m., but by 3 p.m., temperatures vary from Monterey Bay at 60 degrees F to Hames Valley in the south at 90 to 95 degrees F. “That is when the Thermal Rainbow kicks in,” says Rhonda Motil, executive director of the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association. “It is in effect for three to six hours per day.” Monterey County Monterey County stretches from the bay southeast for 90 miles. The Monterey wine-growing region
extends for 60 of those 90 miles. From north to south starting at Monterey Bay, and therefore cold to warm, the nine Monterey County American Viticultural Areas or AVAs (Monterey, Santa Lucia Highlands, Carmel Valley, Chalone, Arroyo Seco, San Bernabe, San Lucas, San Antonio Valley and Hames Valley), dot the landscape. The Thermal Rainbow defines where Monterey’s growing regions for premium grapes are located. It defines why one grape variety is grown in a particular location and not in another. Northern Monterey County is too cool to ripen most grape varieties. With cool, but not cold weather during the growing season, Santa Lucia Highlands, Chalone and Arroyo Seco are ideal for growing chardonnay and pinot noir. The four southern AVAs have gradually warmer climates that are hospitable to warm climate varieties. Hames Valley is the most southern AVA in Monterey County and is only 20 minutes north of Paso Robles with similar weather and temperature conditions, making it ideal for growing cabernet sauvignon, merlot, zinfandel and tempranillo. As a wine region, Monterey successfully grows 42 different grape
varieties. Although chardonnay is the most planted variety in Monterey County, pinot noir plantings have witnessed steady growth. In 2009, Monterey overtook Sonoma County as the largest producing region for pinot noir in California. Morgan In April 2011, results from Wine & Spirits 22nd Annual Restaurant Poll show that Morgan's "Twelve Clones" Pinot Noir is one of the top 25 most ordered pinot noirs in U.S. restaurants. It hails from the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA in Monterey County. Morgan has earned a reputation of producing value wines and is a brand to start you on your journey discovering other Monterey producers crafting wines of balance and distinction. Wine picks Wines for summer pleasure should be crisp and flavorful, often with a touch of spice or floral accent. For a change of pace, serve these unique wines well chilled. 2010 Marques de Caceras Rioja White $9 (100% Viura) 2010 Marques de Caceres Rioja Rosé $9 2010 Fetzer Moscato $9 (slightly sweet) 2009 d’Arenberg (McLaren Vale) The Stump Jump White $12 2009 Martin Codax Albarino $15 2010 Colomé Torrontés, Argentina $15 2010 Peter Lehmann Layers $17 2009 d’Arenberg (McLaren Vale) The Hermit Crab $17 2009 Murrieta’s Well the Whip $19 2010 Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas Blanc $20 Sauvignon Blanc fits the bill for refreshing summer wine: 2009 Clos du Bois $12 2010 Vina Robles Jardine $14 2010 Cupcake (Marlborough, NZ) $14 2009 Franciscan Napa Valley $17 2010 d’Arenberg The Broken Fishplate $17 2009 Joseph Phelps $32 Williams Selyem recently released 2009 Pinot Noir, Central Coast $37, Sonoma County $37, Russian River Valley $46, Sonoma Coast $46 and Westside Road Neighbors $69. Look for them or get on the mailing list at williamsselyem.com. Eleanor & Ray Heald are contributing editors for the internationally respected Quarterly Review of Wines among other publications. Contact them by e-mail at focusonwine@aol.com.
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. House of India: Indian. Tuesday-Sunday; Lunch & Dinner. Reservations. 1615 Opdyke Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.451.0201. Hunter House Hamburgers: American. Breakfast, Monday-Saturday; Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 35075 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.7121. IHOP: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2187 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48301. 248.333.7522. Kerby’s Koney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 2160 N. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.333.1166. Kirk’s Open Pit Bar B Que: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, Tuesday- Sunday. No reservations. 33766 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7010. La Feast: Mediterranean. Lunch & Dinner, daily. 297 East Maple, Birmingham, 48009. 248.731.7768. Leo’s Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 154 S. Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.9707. Also 6527 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.646.8568. Little Daddy’s Parthenon: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 39500 Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.647.3400. Luxe Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily; Late Night, 9 p.m.-closing. No reservations. Liquor. 525 N. Old Woodward Ave., Birmingham, 48009. 248.792.6051. Max & Erma’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 250 Merrill Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.258.1188. Mitchell’s Fish Market: Seafood. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 117 Willits Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.646.3663. Mountain King: Chinese. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 469 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2913. New Bangkok Thai Bistro: Thai. Breakfast, Monday-Thursday; Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. 183 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.2181. Northern Lakes Seafood Co.: Seafood. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 39495 North Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48304. 248.646.7900. Olga’s Kitchen: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 138 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2760. Also 2075 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.451.0500. Original Pancake House: American. Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 33703 South Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.642.5775. Panera Bread: Deli. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 100 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.203.7966. Also 2125 S. Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.253.9877. Peabody’s: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34965 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.5222. Phoenicia: Middle Eastern. Lunch, MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor.
588 South Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.3122. Pita Cafe: Middle Eastern. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 239 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.6999. Qdoba: Mexican. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 795 East Maple Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.988.8941. Quattro Pizzeria & Wine Bar: Italian. Lunch, Monday-Friday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 203 Hamilton Row, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.6060. Quiznos: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 185 N Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.540.7827. Salvatore Scallopini: Italian. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Beer & Wine. 505 North Old Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.644.8977. Sandella’s Flatbread Cafe: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 172 North Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.594.4200. South: Mexican. Lunch, Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 210 S. Old Woodward, Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.8133. Stacked Deli: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, MondaySaturday. 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, MondayFriday; Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 273 Pierce Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.645.9123. Sushi Hana: Japanese. Lunch, Monday-Friday; 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. WednesdaySaturday. Reservations. Liquor. 100 Townsend Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.2958. The Gallery Restaurant: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. Reservations. 6683 Telegraph Road, Bloomfield Hills, 48301. 248.851.0313. The Moose Preserve Bar & Grill: American. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. Liquor. 2395 S. Woodward Avenue, Bloomfield Hills, 48302. 248.858.7688. The Phat Sammich: Deli. Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 34186 Woodward Avenue, Birmingham, 48009. 248.723.0860. 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. Village Coney Island: American. Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, daily. No reservations. 653 S. Adams. Birmingham, 48009. 248.593.7964 Whistle Stop Cafe: American. Breakfast & Lunch, daily; Dinner, Monday-Friday. No reservations. 501 S. Eton Street, Birmingham, 48009. 248.647.5588 Zazios: Italian. Dinner, daily. Reservations. Liquor. 34977 Woodward Ave, Birmingham, 48009. Phone: 248.530.6400
AT THE TABLE Sustainable efforts guide Mitchell’s Fish Market By Eleanor Heald
potatoes at lunch or scallion mashed potatoes at dinner, market vegetables and shallot butter. Blackened comes with étouffée sauce, shrimp and andouille jambalaya rice, green beans & mushrooms and cane syrup. Shang Hai Style is steamed with ginger and scallions, served with sticky rice, spinach and rice wine soy sauce. “Shang Hai,” says Price, “is the most ordered preparation in Birmingham.”
n our current “go green” society, sustainability is the purposeful word. In the seafood world, this transfers to an understanding of how fishing decisions impact the world’s Signature dishes There’s little doubt which of its menu options Mitchell’s large lakes, seas and oceans. For long-term maintenance of ecological stability, all seafood restaurants should consider a considers signature. They are marked with a check and are a good place for first-time diners to start. At both lunch and commitment to sustainability. To this end, Mitchell’s Fish Market achieved Marine dinner, two appetizers lead the list: Chesapeake Bay Crab Stewardship Council (MSC) Chain of Custody certification Cake $12.50 and Crab, Spinach & Artichoke Dip $12.95. Signature lunch main courses include Blackened Salmon and is now able to sell MSC-certified sea bass. Mitchell’s is the first large-scale U.S. restaurant to receive the accredita- & Spinach Salad $12.95, Shang Hai Seafood Sampler $13.95 tion, a first step in the company’s mission to vigorously pro- that includes fresh Atlantic salmon, scallops and shrimp, mote seafood sustainability. “Four audits per year,” notes din- Cedar Plank Salmon $13.95 and Ahi Tuna Wrap $12.95. Two favorite dinner chef’s specialties are Lobster & ing room manager Justin Price, “are required to retain certiShrimp Stuffed Pacific Cod $18.95 and Seafood Americana fication.” Located on the ground floor of The Willits, a luxury down- $21.95 that includes George’s Bank sea scallops, jumbo town condo complex, Birmingham’s Mitchell's Fish Market, shrimp, spinach and mushrooms sautéed in a shellfish butter opened in May 2003 and is now part of Ruth’s Hospitality sauce and served over roasted fingerling potatoes. A one-page wine menu features Group, which owns Ruth’s Chris principally California wines from Steak House. There are 20 well-known producers. By-the-botMitchell’s locations throughout tle prices average $22 to $50 and Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, by-the-glass selections range $6 to Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, $11. The wine deal is “Wine Ohio, Pennsylvania and Down” Wednesday when selected Wisconsin. wines by the bottle are offered at a Mitchell's seats 250, including significant discount. a private dining room for 18. The great seafood houses of coastal Sweet endings America inspire the design and To keep a seafood theme going atmosphere, complementing the to the end, “Sharkfin” Pie $6.50, 80 menu items utilizing fresh makes a sweet ending with butter seafood, flown in daily from fudge ice cream, honey roasted coastal origins. peanuts, fudge and peanut butter Once purveyors make seafood in an Oreo cookie crust. Key Lime deliveries, a custom-designed Pie $5.95 is a classic ending to a refrigerated preparation room at a seafood meal. For sharing, 7-Layer constant 35 degrees Fahrenheit Carrot Cake $6.95 is just the thing. maintains maximum seafood All desserts are made on premise. freshness. True to the "Market" in its name, Mitchell’s also features a retail seafood menu of fresh fish Mitchell’s executive chef Alex Cain. Downtown photo: Laurie Mitchell’s Fish Market, 117 Willits, Tennent Birmingham, 248.646.3663. Open and seafood to go. for lunch Monday-Saturday 11:30 A large reception area divides a bar with 35 stools and additional table seating for 40 from the main dining area. A a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dinner Monday to nautical bar mural hints at boating on local waterways while Thursday 4 to 10 p.m., Friday & Saturday 4 to 11 p.m. Sunday décor as a whole offers the feel of eating on a docked yacht. 3 to 9 p.m. Parking: valet dinner hours $6 or structure directly Polished brass-accented comfortable booths set another across the street. mood while tables at the windows offer a city "shore" view. QUICK BITES Seafood Captain Lately it seems that area sommeliers are getting as much After working in other Mitchell’s Fish Market locations in attention as the restaurant chefs with whom they work. WellMichigan, 37-year-old executive chef Alex Cain came to the known area sommelier Antoine Przekop, late of the Mina Birmingham location in 2005. During high school, chef Cain Group restaurants Salt Water and Bourbon Steak in MGM began cooking in a retirement home. He pursued Grand, Detroit, is the new Wine & Beverage Director in Environmental Studies at Ohio University, yet soon realized Birmingham for Tallulah and the upcoming Bella Piatti. this degree would most likely lead to a desk job. He then turned to cooking, his second passion, and earned a Culinary Target date for opening new Zumba Mexican Grille, 163 Arts degree at Columbus State Community College. W. Maple Rd, Birmingham, 248.792.2775. As Downtown went “Cooking fish and seafood is challenging,” says Chef to press, the site was nearing completion, including all inteCain. “They are delicate products with essentially delicate rior and seating. We have no official confirmation from owner flavors to be accentuated. Variation is based on seasonality. Tim Castaneda, but construction workers at the site indiAs an example, perch is only available in spring through late cated the target opening was the first week in June. fall. Halibut has the same season. Mahi mahi is available year-round, but it’s basically a winter fish. When a restaurant Eleanor Heald is a nationally published writer who also writes the serves a fish that’s out of season, it has been frozen. We serve wine column in a double byline with her husband Ray for only fresh fish.” Daily fresh fish can be prepared several ways. Downtown. Suggestions for Quick Bites section can be e-mailed Simply grilled or broiled is served with roasted fingerling to QuickBites@downtownpublications.com.
I
If you are a Doctor, Dentist, Podiatrist or Chiropractor considering divorce, call Dave Potts . . . . before your spouse does.
David W. Potts J.D., PLLC 600 S. Adams, Suite 100, Birmingham (248) 594-4999
ELISSA & TONY SCIGLIANO PERSONAL TRAINING STUDIO LOCATED IN
DOWNTOWN BIRMINGHAM
forzabirmingham.com ELISSA 248-417-3517 TONY 248-568-6235
www.michigan-divorce-lawyer.com
Complete Home Remodeling
Arbortowne Construction Serving the Community for Over 25 Years • Licensed & Insured INTEGRITY • PROFESSIONALISM • QUALITY • VALUE
15% OFF All Remodeling, Siding and Windows
248.207.5583 arbortowneconstruction.com
20% OFF For Additions, Baths and Kitchens
Additions | Kitchens | Bathrooms | Cement | Roofing | Siding | Windows & Doors | Interior & Exterior Painting | Basement Finishing
82
DOWNTOWN
06.11
THE COMMUNITY HOUSE sually, I begin my column with descriptions of upcoming programs, but this time I wanted to tell you about a very special May event, the graduation of this year’s class of 21st Century Leaders, our outreach program for middle school students. Seventh graders from 19 area schools participated in the program. Modeled after Leadership Detroit/Leadership Oakland, the curriculum included: Ivory D. Williams—Professional Storyteller; Ruth Holmes— Professional Document Examiner; Denise Anne Taylor—Protocol and Etiquette Consultant; Jeff Hampton—Toastmasters of Birmingham; Neil Taylor and Burt Gottlieb—2nd degree black belts and a business application, The Apprentice. The leaders also worked together to support the nonprofit organization, the Children’s Charities Coalition, by raising $1,000 for the Kids Helping Kids, One Step at a Time walk. At the moving graduation ceremony, former leader Emily Guirey, now a senior at Shrine Catholic High School in Royal Oak, gave credit to the 21st Century Leaders program for Shelley Roberts giving her the confidence that she needed to face a difficult situation and the many others that she will encounter during her life. My sincere thanks to our outstanding 21st Century Leaders Program Director Z. Rosie Koul, our co-leaders Ocie Irons and Don Smith, and the program sponsor, Trott & Trott. School is almost finished and it’s time to think camps. The Community House has a camp for every child and every interest. Our signature camp, TCH Summer Camp, is a must for any child who loves the theatre. Kids in grades 3-7, beginning or advanced, can enroll in our Junior Division Camp and be part of a complete musical theatre show. Kids in grades 7-12 who have had some theatre training will love the Senior Division Camp which consists of scene study and character analysis, as well as theatrical games and historical theatre study. Other great camps at The Community House include the new Safety Camp for Kids for ages 6-10, Video Game Animation Camp (Beginning) for ages 9-12, the new Rock n Roll Robotics Camp for ages 8-10, Cabaret Workshop for Grades 7-12, Get into the Act: Summer Theatre Camp for ages 5-7, American Girl Camp with Girls Empowered for girls ages 6-10, the new Little American Girl Doll Camp with Girls Empowered for girls ages 4-6, the new Fitness Fun and Food Fiesta Camp! for ages 10-12, the new TCH Dance Academy Junior Intensive Ballet Camp for ages 9-12 and Fencing Camp for ages 7-15. Sign up now and avoid hearing, “Mom, I don’t have anything to do.� Constant summer themes are delicious summer foods and looking good for swimsuit weather. Get fit by taking our new classes “Let’s Hoop� and “Breaking Free from Compulsive Eating.� Take our June cooking classes “Very Berry Desserts� and “The Summer Scoop! Ice Cream� and learn to make the world’s best summer desserts. Sign up for “The Saison Experience: A Tasting of Belgian Ales� where we will learn about Saison ales that trace their origins to the rural French influenced Wallonia region of Belgium where their thirst-quenching, refreshing taste made them perfect for spring and summer enjoyment. Looking further into the future, mark your calendars for the next season of our wildly successful Classical Brunch series produced by artistic director Robert deMaine: September 24 (the children’s program) and September 25: Sharon Sparrow and Jeffrey Zook play flute/piano (each playing flute and piano). October 23: David Everson, French horn, and Robert Conway, piano. December 10 (the children’s program) and December 11: Sergei Kvitko, pianist, and Ken Beacher, narrator, in a program featuring works by Poulenc (“Babar�) and Debussy (“The Toy Box�). January 22: Kimberly Kaloyanides Kennedy, violin, Yizhak Schotten, viola, Robert deMaine, cello, and Katherine Collier, piano, play piano quartets by Mozart and Brahms. February 19: Chroma Piano Trio (violinist Nurit Pacht, cellist Robert deMaine, and pianist Priya Mayadas). Program to include trios by Beethoven and Ravel. March 25: Hai-Xin Wu, violin, Michael Klotz, viola, and Robert deMaine, cello, playing string trio repertoire by Dohnanyi and Beethoven. For additional information about these and other programs see www.communityhouse.com or call 248.644.5832. Join me this month as I prepare for retirement and take Beginning Bridge Part I Bidding on Tuesday mornings with Ed Bloom. I have many friends from Grosse Pointe who come to The Community House for Ed’s classes which they love, so I’m really looking forward to it. I look forward to seeing you at The Community House. Shelley Roberts is President and CEO of The Community House.
U
downtownpublications.com
#SBWP .POUFTTPSJ "DBEFNZ
'PSNFSMZ #MPPNmFME )JMMT .POUFTTPSJ $FOUFS
&YDFQUJPOBM FEVDBUJPO GPS UIF NPTU JNQPSUBOU TUBHFT PG ZPVS DIJME T EFWFMPQNFOU t 5PEEMFS o NPOUIT UP ZFBST PME t 1SF , o UP ZFBST PME t ,JOEFSHBSUFO &MFNFOUBSZ o UP ZFBST PME 'VMM %BZ 1SPHSBN B N Q N )BMG %BZ 1SPHSBN B N B N $IJMEDBSF CFGPSF BGUFS TDIPPM B N Q N
"7Ê ," Ê ",Ê-1 ,Ê Ê ÊÓ䣣Ê*," , -1 ,Ê- "" Ê/1/", 'IVE YOUR CHILD AN ACADEMIC BOOST BEFORE THE NEW SCHOOL YEAR STARTS IN 3EPTEMBER 4UTORING FOR +INDERGARTEN THROUGH THE TH GRADE 3 /PDYKE 2OAD "LOOMlELD (ILLS ,OCATED ON THE %AST SIDE OF /PDYKE 2OAD BETWEEN 3QUARE ,AKE 2OAD AND 3OUTH "OULEVARD
Ă“{n°ÎÎnÂ°ÂŁÂŁĂˆĂˆĂŠUĂŠĂœĂœĂœÂ°LĂ€>Ă›ÂœÂ“ÂœÂ˜ĂŒiĂƒĂƒÂœĂ€ÂˆÂ°Vœ“
DOWNTOWN
83
SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Here is the update on the social scene from the past month. 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.
Variety’s Table Tops Luncheon Benefactor Reception
1
2
4
3
5
6
1. Celebrity guest speaker Suzanne Kasler (center) of Atlanta, GA with event co-chairs Lucy Earl of Bloomfield and Jeffrey King of Birmingham. 2. Event host Lyle Shuert (center) of Bloomfield with David Tull (left) and Pat Franssen of Birmingham. 3. Felicia Shaw (left) of Birmingham, event host Joyce Shuert of Bloomfield, Connie Beckett of Troy and Judy McBride of Ortonville. 4. Matt Shuert (center) with Joe & Colleen Newmyer of Bloomfield. 5. Kathy Broock Ballard (left) and Sheryl Briggs of Orchard Lake. 6. Designers Carolyn Groeneveld (left) and Jane Synnestvedt of Birmingham. 7. Diana & Marty Johnson of Bloomfield. 8. Cheri Bailey (left) of Bloomfield, Denise Lachman of Orchard Lake and Julie Weyand of Bloomfield. 9. Designer Michael Coyne (left) of Bloomfield, Karen Gaudette of Birmingham, Colleen Newmyer and Joyce Shuert of Bloomfield and Debbie Franssen of Birmingham. 10. Hickory Chair’s Jerry Gale of Columbus, OH and designer Shirley Maddalena of Bloomfield.
9 84
Variety’s Table Tops Luncheon Events Nearly 350 guests flocked to Pine Lake Country Club April 13 for Variety, The Children’s Charity’s fourth annual Table Tops Learning Lunch. Before Sally Gerak lunch, some flirted with the youngest guy in the house – two-month old Spiros Karmanos. All socialized big time and studied the 36 glorious tables decorated by top design talents. They also bought raffle tickets for the table items generously donated by the designers. When awardwinning designer Suzanne Kasler was introduced as guest speaker, she led off with the most repeated comment of the day: “(These tables) are absolutely fabulous.” She then accompanied her interesting slide show with commentary sprinkled with tips such as how tacky souvenirs look a lot better when you get them home and integrated into your personal collections. Lots of lucky people won raffle prizes. The five Premiere Table items went to Deb Thomas, Vicki Valentine, Rebecca Warchuk, Barbara Bilobran and Penny Persiani. Persiani won the charming glass top table with an iron base featuring silhouettes of children on the apron designed by Jane Synnestvedt. Both women were in the crowd of 95 benefactors who met Kasler the previous evening at a splendid reception hosted by Lyle and Joyce Shuert. In addition to consummate camaraderie, the evening featured superb cuisine from the Birmingham Country Club and wines selected by Joe Newmyer, who manages and maintains the Shuerts’ wine cellar. The Internet wine merchant mentioned he’s opening The Wine Guy shop on Telegraph Road next to Carl’s Golfland in June.
7
South Oakland Shelter’s Luncheon/Boutique Supporters of SOS staged a Luncheon and Shopping Boutique, their first, and it attracted 125 to the Townsend. The shopping at 23 vendor booths was appealing. Jewelry designer Barbara Boz had much of her collection that appeared on the cover of Oprah Winfry’s Aug. 2009 magazine. She also mentioned that the Michigan movie making activity was for her business, and that her film credits include the classic chic jewelry Courteney Cox wears in “Scream IV”. (See it at www.stylenaturale.com). All the vendors donated something for the Chinese raffle that raised $850, bringing the event total to $5,000. It will help provide homeless people career building, job readiness skills and nutrition programs, as well as resources to get them out of the temporary shelters at the 60 houses of worship that partner with SOS. Gleaners’ Women’s Power Breakfast PNC Financial Services regional president Ric DeVore was a welcome sight at the Women’s Power Breakfast benefiting Gleaners Community Food Bank. He told the 450 who gathered very early (7:30 a.m., April 13) in the North Grand Court at Somerset Collection that the PNC Foundation would match all donations made that morning in support of Gleaners’ Weekend BackPack program. It provides six nutritious meals for children who qualify for free or reduced fee school lunches. The women, who had already paid from $100 to $1,000 for breakfast tickets, came up with another $35,930 which PNC doubled. This brought the event total to more than $190,000. Of every dollar donated, Gleaners uses 96 cents for food programs. One dollar provides three meals for a hungry person and Gleaners provides more than 532,000 meals per week. Learn more at.
8
10
New CAREHouse Donor Reception When this reporter winced as CAREHouse client Julie Guzanek was talking about the pain her foster children had experienced, Terry Murphy whispered, “You shouldn’t come here if you don’t like to cry.” The scene occurred during the program at the April 14 donor reception, one of the grand opening week celebrations of the agency’s new facility. It attracted 225 generous people. Some like Vicki and Tom Celani, builder Gary Roncelli, who donated 100 per cent of the contract profit back to CAREHouse, Art Van Furniture Company, Cathie and DOWNTOWN
06.11
Jim Weissenborn and Brier & Garry Neel, who co-chaired the $4-million capital campaign - were spotlighted during the program emceed by board member Katie Parks. Before and after the program guests enjoyed superb wines from the Celani Family Vineyards and yummy food and spirits courtesy of Huntington Bank. They also toured the new 14,000 sq. ft. building designed by architect Ed Francis. He confided that he mostly did residential remodels yet many touring the new center commented on how his design accomplished the seemingly impossible – lots of bright daylight flooding private interview rooms. The Detroit Country Day String Quartet provided the perfectly harmonious musical accompaniment to the evening’s festivities in the new home where abused kids begin to heal. Sacred Heart Leaders of Conscience So how did international award winning concert pianist, composer and beauty Marina Arsenijevic land in Bloomfield Hills when she immigrated from her war torn Yugoslavia in 1999? “I came to Michigan because one of my bipartisan congressional (immigration) co-sponsors was congressman Joe Knollenberg. The other representative was from Chicago. I liked Oakland County better than Cook County,” she explained following her concert April 14 in the chapel at the Academy of the Sacred Heart. It was a passionate, powerful performance, made even more so thanks to the three perfectly positioned cameras that captured Marina’s slender, strong fingers for display on the video screen above her. We later learned the talented AV guy, Blue World Productions’ Russell Sumner, was a perfect choice for the assignment because he was trained as a classical pianist. Marina was the third recipient of the ASH Leaders of Conscience Award honoring those whose ethical lives and work inspire hope and optimism. Her compositions blending ethnic music have led to her hallmark “Unity through Diversity” concert. It gained national prominence when she performed it at West Point with the cadets’ glee club and band and subsequent broadcast on PBS. During the intermission of her concert at ASH, Sr. Bridget Bearss, when she presented Marina the award, noted that Marina and her music “…have brought the world together and made dreams possible.” Marina thanked ASH for recognizing her immigrant downtownpublications.com
Variety’s Table Tops Luncheon
1
2
3 1. Sheryl Briggs (standing left) of Orchard Lake, Patty Ghesquiere, Kandi Brice and Variety president Kelly Shuert of Bloomfield, Evyenia Jonna of Birmingham, Carrie Langdon (seated left) and Andrea Guttilla of Bloomfield and Andrea Vespa of Birmingham. 2. Ellen Rogers (left) of Birmingham holding 2-month-old Spiros Karmanos, his mother Danialle Karmanos of Orchard Lake and Vicki Valentine of W. Bloomfield. 3. Marian Ilitch (center) with her daughter Lisa Murray (left) of Bingham Farms and daughter-in-law Kelly Ilitch of Bloomfield. 4. Designer Phyllis Whitehead (left) with Lisa Arnold and Mary Ellen Tonis of Birmingham. 5. Caroline Mila (left) and Judy Solomon of Birmingham, Michael Coyne and Susan Paroly of Bloomfield and Kari Gillette of Beverly Hills.
5
4
South Oakland Shelter’s Luncheon/Boutique
1
2
3
4
1. Event Chair Lynn Oates (left) of Rochester with board committee chair Jennie Cook and SOS’s Danielle Miller of Birmingham. 2, Style Naturale Barbara Boz’s jewelry designer Barbara Boz (left) of Pleasant Ridge, Carolyn Clark of Chesterfield Twp. and SOS board VP Tawnya Bender of Bloomfield. 3. Elena Hunt (left) of Bloomfield (in necklace she just bought at the It’s a Treasure! booth) and her mother-in-law Kathi Hunt of Waterford. 4. It’s A Treasure! owners Evelyn Simon (left) of Bloomfield and Shula Brown of W. Bloomfield. 5. Owner of Escapades in Franklin Pam Bird (left) of W. Bloomfield and her daughter Michelle Fischer of Pleasant Ridge.
5 Gleaners’ Women’s Power Breakfast
1
2 1. Event chairs Sarah Earley (left), Leslie Murphy and Vivian Pickard of Bloomfield and Joan Gehrke of Grosse Pointe. 2. Marsha Johnson (left) of Bloomfield, Crevelle Bedra of Wolverine Lake and Lamija Gerbovic of Warren. 3. Maria Labie (left) of Birmingham and Lucy Fowlds of Shelby Twp. 4. Shauna Ryder Diggs (left) of Grosse Pointe, Kim Nye of Troy.
3
4 DOWNTOWN
85
SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK message and concluded the concert with “America the Beautiful”. At the afterglow which followed, event cochair Hilary Hayes Bradley mentioned that she first met Marina and heard her play “America the Beautiful” in 2003 at the opening gala of the Colorado Music Festival when her father Jim Hayes was the festival chairman and CEO. “It was written in Colorado Springs and when Marina played her version of the song in that place it absolutely brought the house down. It was incredibly moving,” recalled Bradley. Learn more about Marina’s incredible talent and journey at .
New CAREHouse Donor Reception
1 1. Major donors Vicki (left) & Tom Celani of Bloomfield with CAREHouse executive director Pat Rosen of Detroit. 2. Campaign cochairs Jim (left) & Cathy Weissenborn of Bloomfield and Brier & Garry Neel of Birmingham. 3. Board members Noreen Keating (left) of Auburn Hills, Katie Parks of Bloomfield and Jeane Lee with her husband Aubrey of Orchard Lake. 4. Joe (left) & Sandie Knollenberg of Bloomfield with reception sponsor Huntington Bank’s Mike Fezzey of Farmington Hills. 5. Karla Sherry of Bloomfield with the project architect Ed Francis of Detroit. 6. Cathy Weissenborn (left) of Bloomfield and Brier Neel of Birmingham. 7. Event sponsor Huntington Bank’s Scott Wolffis (left) of Shelby Twp. and Linda and Dan Bomberski of Troy. 8. Cindy (left) and builder RB Construction’s John Stapleton of Grosse Pointe with board members Denise Stapleton Abrash of Bloomfield and Scott Jacobson of Birmingham.
2
3
4
6
5
7
8
Sacred Heart Leaders of Conscience Concert
1
2
3
4 1. Marina Arsenijevic (center) of Bloomfield with event co-chairs Anke Kaas (left) and Hilary Bradley of Birmingham. 2. Amanda Bradley (left) and Alexa & Luisa Kaas of Birmingham (ASH students who presented flowers to Marina). 3. Event co-chairs Rob Bradley (left) & Hans-Werner Kaas of Birmingham with (Marina’s husband) Dr. Donald Bronn of Bloomfield. 4. ASH’s Sr. Bridget Bearss (left), Marina Arsenijevic and ASH board chair Robert Forrest of Bloomfield. 5. West Point ’53 Cliff Worthy of Bloomfield with ASH’s Sr. Barbara Lopiccolo of Lathrup Village.
86
5
DOWNTOWN
Oakland County Bar Signature Event The sold out flag went up on the web site days before the Oakland County Bar Foundation’s Annual Signature Event at Oakland Hills Country Club April 15. And the 350 – 400 people who crowded in faced a challenge if they were hoping to find a particular someone. Fortunately, everybody had name tags, complimented with titles and sponsor tags if appropriate. Conway Mackenzie and The Thomas Cooley Law School were Platinum Sponsors followed at the Gold level by Alix Partners, Bank of Birmingham, Computing Source and Kohn Financial Consulting. Just about every law firm in Oakland County also signed on at lesser levels because the event was a fundraiser for the foundation’s mission. This includes improving the accessibility and affordability of legal services, funding the Adams Pratt Collection at the county courthouse library and education. Finding good victuals over which to schmooze other legal beagles and judges was no challenge. The OHCC chef had bountifully stocked buffet stations with popular cuisine a la an international theme, as well as a bananas Foster station stocked like a sundae bar. Signature Event planners learned several years ago to forgo a program because nobody paid any attention to it and the sponsorships ($175,000 this year) raise much more money than an auction. The 12th annual event grossed more than $233,000. Birmingham YMCA Comedy Slam Laurie Farr surely was a good sport at the Comedy Slam benefiting the Family Y. It attracted 225 to The Reserve on April 16 and, because the Bank of Birmingham (which her husband serves as CEO/president) was the presenting sponsor, the couple 06.11
had front row center seats. And also, we suspect, because the audience was more sedate than traditionally irreverent comedy clubbers, the six stand-up comics, including show producer Joe Nipote, seized upon Laurie’s colorful shirt as an object for comedic quips. ‘Twas all in good fun, as was the auction of 11 items conducted Frick & Frack style by Nipote and “Big Al” Muskavito from the Dick Purtan Show. It raised $6,950. Another fundraising highpoint occurred when the winning ticket in a 50/50 cash raffle was pulled. It had been purchased jointly by Bank of Birmingham staffer Jim Simone and customer Keith Butler. Without missing a beat, the men donated their winnings back to the Y, thereby making the raffle account for $1,650 of the event total of $25,000. This was the second year Nipote, whose sister is married to Y director Tony Pecoraro, has called upon his pals to help raise money for the Y’s Strong Kids Campaign. It provides financial assistance for struggling families. Symphony Old World Benefit The old saw about home entertaining – that everybody ends up in the kitchen – was certainly true at the BBSO’s preconcert benefit April 17 at Birmingham’s Scavolini by Cucina Moda. Dozens of symphony supporters gathered at the contemporary Italian kitchen cabinetry gallery on East Maple Road and supped on superb savories catered by Opus One. Former long time BBSO director Carla Lamphere and her musician husband Ward even came down from their retirement digs in Traverse City for the event because the brief program included a salute to 20-year board chair Rich Tropea. Carla recalled how she snagged Tropea when he first arrived on the BBSO scene as a grant reviewer. Agreeing to help, he told her, “If you make me look good, I’ll make you look good.” Both Tropea and new executive director Maureen Kickham referenced the current financially challenging times, but Tropea happily noted the 2011 season for the 36-yearold orchestra will end with a very small profit. Then all left for the season’s final concert at Groves High School. Under the baton of conductor Charles Greenwell, it concluded with Dvo ák’s “From the New World”. Karmanos Cancer Institute Dinner GM is back – in the philanthropic game. The company not only hosted downtownpublications.com
Oakland County Bar Signature Event
1
6
2
3
4
7
5
8 1. Event co-chairs Mark Stern (left) Northville, Diane Dietle of Commerce & Eric Pelton of Bloomfield. 2. Foundation president Tom Tallerico and circuit court judge Joan Young of Bloomfield. 3. Linda Orlans (left) of Birmingham and foundation treasurer Elizabeth Luckenbach Brown of Bloomfield. 4. Gold sponsor Alix Partners’ Bob Koval (left) of Troy and Jeff Johnston of Birmingham. 5. Kathleen Bogas (left) of Bloomfield, Barry Powers and Jeff Sadowski of Birmingham. 6. Lynn & Scott Sirich of Birmingham. 7. Abe Singer (left) of Bloomfield, Beth Gotthelf of Birmingham and Jerry Pesick of W. Bloomfield. 8. Leon Schurgin (left) of Bloomfield, Joe Bourgon of Plymouth and Andy Dragovic of Birmingham. 9. Platinum sponsor The Thomas Cooley Law School’s Dustin Foster (standing left) of Oxford, Jim Robb of Birmingham, Jerry Fisher of Clarkston, Ashley Lowe (seated left) of Bloomfield, Lisa Halushka and Stevie Swanson of Rochester Hills and Lisa Fadler of Commerce.
9
Joe Nipote’s Comedy Slam for Birmingham YMCA
2
1
4
3 1. Event sponsor Bank of Birmingham’s Rob Farr & his wife Laurie of Beverly Hills with sponsor Greenleaf Trust’s Mark Jannott & his wife Maggie of Bloomfield. 2. Event chair Amy Hochkammer & her husband Karl of Birmingham with Bob & Carry Cornacchini of Bloomfield. 3. Marcie (left) and event sponsor Giarmarco, Mullins & Morton’s Lee Wulfmeier of Beverly Hills and Mark Papazian of Bloomfield with Debbie Pop. 4. Board member Daryl Gilliam of Farmington Hills, committee member Jan Bird of Birmingham and Y executive director Tony Pecoraro of Beverly Hills. 5. Y board chair Brad Kreiner of Troy, event producer Joe Nipote & his son Gabriel of Burbank, CA.
5
Birmingham Bloomfield Symphony Old World Benefit
1
6
3
2
4
5
1. Honoree board chair Rich Tropea (center) of Bloomfield with his daughter Alissa (left) and wife Colleen. (Rich is holding a pair of Treble Cliff cuff links, a thank you gift donated by David Wachler and Sons Jewelers). 2. Event co-chair Sandra Stalmack (left) of Birmingham with Scavolini owners Brian Gamache, his wife Alisha Serra and her sister Niki Serra of Ann Arbor. 3. BSO youth competition runner-up Davis West of Ann Arbor and BBSO executive director Maureen Kickham of Birmingham. 4. Event co-chair Bob Pliska (left) of Bloomfield with Bill Harber of Birmingham. 5. BBSO violist Michele Olind (left) of Brighton, past president Barbara Diles of Bloomfield and Mary Synk of Troy. 6. Pioneer BBSO supporters Preston (left) & Mary Happel of Bloomfield and Marcia & Larry Stoll of Auburn Hills.
DOWNTOWN
87
SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK Karmanos Cancer Institute Dinner
1
2
4
6
9
3
5
7
8
10
1. Event co-chairs GM’s Dan (left) & Karin Akerson of Detroit with board chair Alan Schwartz of Franklin. 2. Sponsor Suburban Collection’s David Fischer, Jr. & his wife Darcy of Bloomfield. 3. Event honorary committee Ed Levy (left) & his wife Linda Dresner of Birmingham with sponsor GM Foundation’s Vivian Pickard with Bill Pickard of Bloomfield. 4. Event co-chair Karin Akerson (center) of Detroit with committee members Sandy Schwartz (left) of Franklin and Tracey Bepler of Birmingham. 5. Julie (left) & Nick Karmanos of Bloomfield with Peter & Danialle Karmanos of Orchard Lake This photo credit: Patricia Ellis. 6. Karmanos President/CEO Dr. Gerold Bepler (left) of Birmingham with event co-chair GM’s Dan Akerson of Detroit. 7. Bluma (left) & Robert Schechter and Ethan & Gretchen Davidson of Bloomfield with Nancy & Barry Lefkowitz of Birmingham. 8. Lori Brooks (left) and Karen Jacobson of Bloomfield. 9. Deborah & board member Stephen D’Arcy of Grosse Pointe with Stephen & Bobbi Polk of Bloomfield. 10. Marnie (left) & Larry Parrott and Jim & Lori Arpin of Birmingham. 11. Larry (left) & Patricia McLaughlin and Erwin & Roberta Madorsky of Bloomfield. 12. Janice (left) & Ralph Nichols and Lucia Zurkowski of Bloomfield with Judy Runco of Birmingham.
88
11
12
DOWNTOWN
the 29th Karmanos Cancer Institute Annual Dinner at it’s Heritage Center (really a car museum) in Sterling Heights, it also gave Karmanos a $50,000 research grant, a $25,000 Cadillac sponsorship, auction donations and the leadership of CEO Dan Akerson and his wife Karin. The friendly couple socialized with many of the guests (nearly 500) near the entrance to the huge exhibit space where costumed stilt walkers in vintage apparel dwarfed everything. During the program that preceded dinner, Dan said that he and his wife feel very much at home in Detroit and are impressed by the area’s non-profits and their tremendous pride in the community. (This attitude was echoed the following week when retired GM executive Roy Roberts and his wife Maureen made a huge donation to the Detroit Institute of Arts and Roy accepted the challenge of being the Emergency Financial Manger for the Detroit Public School, and parallel retired GM president Lloyd Reuss’ dedication to Focus HOPE.) The dinner doubled last year’s total, raising more than $868,000. This included generous sponsorships (like GM’s, Compuware’s, The Suburban Collection and others), a silent auction ($50,000), an auction of goodies from Somerset Collection ($4,000) and the Tiffany raffle ($13,00) for a diamond watch which Jennifer Fischer won. Proceeds will benefit the Joseph Dresner Family Bone Marrow Transplant and Hematological Malignancies Center at Karmanos. The Community House in Bloom Birmingham event planner Carolyn Hefner knew exactly what to do when she agreed to chair House in Bloom at The Community House. Because it was a week before Kate & William’s ceremony, she put a royal wedding spin on the second annual fundraiser featuring tables designed by florists. “As a wedding planner, I knew they would (jump at the chance) to show off their finery, and boy, did they!” she said following the spectacular event. It attracted 200 for viewing the 25 tables set for dining throughout the House before the luncheon served at each table and the Saks Fifth Avenue fashion show that followed in the Wallace Ballroom. Talented florists participating included: Bellisario Florist, Blossoms, Blumz by JR Designs, Breath of Spring, Dawn Owens Designs, Delux Floral, Emerald City Designs, Flowers by Gabrielle, 06.11
Jacobsen’s Florist and Thrifty Florist. And, although Saks doesn’t have a bridal salon, Cheryl Hall Lindsay pulled a show of 57 ensembles grouped a la the British Invasion, Hot Tropics at Hyde Park, Sergeant Pepper, etc. The show concluded with a colorful segment of sophisticated bridesmaid dresses with the models carrying bouquets by Jerome Raska (Blumz). This was preceded by a Rehearsal Dinner segment. Cortney Ambrose, one of Hefner's brides in the audience, was thrilled that it included the dress she had already purchased for the rehearsal dinner that will preceding her July 2 wedding to Seth Barnett. Viewing the Royal Wedding Alicia Gillette, who was the Perle Mesta of Fairfax Avenue all the years she and Jere were raising their family in Quarton Lake Estates, reports their daughter Alicia Hart hosted a Royal Wedding Viewing Party at her Birmingham home. It was complete with “…goofy girlfriends in pearls and chapeaux, scones, tea sandwiches, shrimp champagne, mimosas, giggles and tears.” Simultaneously, Mary Beth MacGuidwan, whose mother Mary Kay Rich was the Perle Mesta of Cranbrook Road when she and the late Al Rich were raising their family, tossed a similar sleepy-eyed social up the road from her girlhood home. Both assemblies agreed the hats at Westminster Abbey were, to quote Gillette, “…a milliner’s paradise…the bride was stunning and the ceremony, wow!” MOSAIC The Auction for Roeper Jon and Lauren Stein chaired MOSAIC The Auction for Roeper that attracted 220 school boosters to the Detroit Athletic Club. They bid in silent and live auctions, made outright donations for faculty professional development ($22,000) and bought $100 tickets to an upcoming Casino Royale party to be hosted by Veronne and Orlando Bustos at their Bloomfield Hills home. Healthy Body Healthy Mind Luncheon Laura Adler and Nancy Reed chaired Kadima’s Healthy Body Healthy Mind luncheon that attracted 130 to Temple Beth El. All were silent as speaker Clark Flatt told the devastating story of how he found his son Jason’s body on the day he committed suicide. Flatt went on to say that there were signs he should have seen and to downtownpublications.com
The Community House in Bloom
1
3
2
4
1. Event chair The China Closet owner Carolyn Hefner of Beverly Hills. 2. Committee members Patty Peacock (left) of Birmingham and Sarah Jane Regan of Commerce. 3. Patti Prowse of Bloomfield at table designed by Thrifty Flowers. 4. Leslie Pilling (left) of Bloomfield and Jill Wilkinson of Birmingham (In foreground table designed by Blumz by JR Designs). 5. Dawn Owens Designs’ Dawn Owens (left) of Birmingham with Anna McComb of Ann Arbor. 6. Pat Nickol (left) of Birmingham and Lynn Miller of Bloomfield at table designed by Flowers by Gabrielle. 7. Joyce Bolo (left) of Grand Blanc and Connie McEwan of Birmingham at table designed by Bellisasio Florist. 8. Jacobsen’s Florist’s Audrey Reuter (center) of W. Bloomfield with Karen Jackson (left) of Birmingham and Susan Surletta of St. Clair Shores at table designed by Jacobsen’s Florist.
5
6
8
7
Boys & Girls Clubs Spring Lunch Event Sponsor Party
1
5
9
11
2
3
7
6
10
12
DOWNTOWN
4
8 1.Honoree / party hostess Lil Erdeljan (left) with Patti Prowse and Harriett & Shel Fuller of Bloomfield. 2. Event chair Mary Jo Deighton (left) of Novi, Pat Steffes of W. Bloomfield and event co-chair Elyse Folton of Birmingham. 3. Steve (left) and Niki London with David Foltyn of Birmingham. 4. Sylvia Hagenlocker (left) of Bloomfield with authors Nic Sheff of Los Angeles and his father David Sheff of Inverness, CA. 5. Kirk (left) & WA chair Kathy Martin and event co-chair Fair Radom of Bloomfield. 6. Nancy Gershenson (left) of Franklin, Stacey Miller of Birmingham and Karen Jacobson of Bloomfield. 7. Al Erdeljan (left) Sam Valenti and Jim Prowse of Bloomfield. 8. Peter Steffes (left) of W. Bloomfield and Ed Hagenlocker of Bloomfield. 9. Katie & Sam Valenti of Bloomfield (holding framed gift for hostess/honoree). 10. Designer Robert Gauthier (left) Didi & Steve Johnston and Pia Petretta of Windsor, Canada with Patricia Hill Burnett of Bloomfield. 11. Former Bloomfielder Bob Marcin (center) now of Phoenix, AZ with Jennifer Fischer and Al Erdeljan of Bloomfield. 12. Dennis Gershenson (left) of Franklin and B&GC’s Nick Papadas of Clinton Twp.
89
SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK note the importance of educating teachers and parents to identity these signs in young people. The luncheon also featured a popular raffle and raised $15,000 for the Miya Jo Must Home and Kadima’s new Child and Adolescent Program. For more information about Kadima’s mental illness services, go to.
Boys & Girls Clubs Spring Lunch
Kudos Congratulations to philanthropist Maggie Allesee for receiving her third honorary degree, this one from Oakland University, and to developer Mandell (Bill) Berman, Judge Avern Cohn and entrepreneur Mort Harris, along with Detroit Poet Laureate Naomi Long Madgett, and Michigan paving magnate-turned-education advocate Robert Thompson for theirs from Wayne State University.
2
1
4
3
5 1. Honoree Lil Erdeljan & her husband Al of Bloomfield. 2. Past event honoree Denise Lutz (left) of Ann Arbor with guest speaker David Sheff of Inverness, CA and WA chair Kathy Martin of Bloomfield. 3. Mary Beth MacGuidwin (left) and Karen Williams of Bloomfield with Kathy Broock Ballard of Orchard Lake. 4. Past honoree Judie Sherman (left) of Bloomfield with Don & Dale Austin of Grosse Pointe. 5. Bloomfield Hills city commissioner Pat Hardy (left) and Barbara Tucker of Bloomfield. 6. Event cochair Fair Radom of Bloomfield and Huntington Bank’s Mike Fezzey of Farmington Hills. 7. Colleen Burcar (left) of Bloomfield and Julie Beaty of Orchard Lake. 8. Helen Holmes (left) & Mary Lou Janes of Bloomfield.
90
Boys & Girls Clubs Spring Lunch Nearly 150 people attended the Boys & Girls Clubs Women’s Association’s annual Matilda R. Wilson Spring Award Luncheon at Franklin Hills Country Club May 4. There were highlights. One was past awardee Denise Lutz’s tribute to the “relentless, tireless, resourceful, passionate about life” honoree Lil Erdeljan. Another was Lil’s acceptance following a standing ovation. “Why do people honor you for doing things you love doing? I am thrilled you did. ..I accept,” said she. The clubs’ Youth of the Year Tiara Conner also told her compelling story, and then the father-son team of David and Nic Shiff shared the devastating story of Nic’s battle with drug addiction which each has chronicled in a book. During the Q & A someone asked Nic what it’s like to be homeless. “It’s like being an animal,” he replied. When he added that he has been sober for two-and-a-half years, everybody applauded enthusiastically. The 35th annual event raised more than $30,000. Fifty of the event sponsors partied the previous evening with the authors at the Erdeljan’s home. The couple’s three children – Niki London, Didi Johnston and Rob Stakits - were there but Rob, a chef, was busy in the kitchen.. Also in the crowd was Robert Gauthier, who mentioned that he designed the Erdeljan’s magnificent abode with accommodations for entertaining large groups, which the generous couple does frequently. Joint Aid Management Benefit Party Like this reporter, Sam and Katie Valenti left the above-mentioned Erdeljan social early to get to Steve and Renee Read’s home overlooking Island Lake. The Reads were hosting Tom and Laurie Cunnington’s cocktail party honoring Ann and Peter Pretorius. The South African couple was in town to update the Cunningtons’ friends on the humanitarian aid they implement in six African countries through JAM (Joint Aid Management). Peter had a big announcement – that the UN has chosen JAM for a $6.5-million World Food Program grant to establish feeding programs in South Sudan which will become the world’s youngest democracy in July after years of civil war, genocide, famine and drought. The hitch? JAM must raise 10 percent ($650,000) of those grant dollars. “For 26 years…Tom and Laurie have been an unbelievable part of helping us,” Peter told the crowd of 78, including the ambassador from Mozambique. She was invited because her country, now growing, stable and a success model for JAM’s programs, was as devastated 20
6
7
8 DOWNTOWN
06.11
years ago when JAM went there as South Sudan is now. Tom and Laurie thanked their generous friends for their past donations for food, schools and water wells in Africa (last year they gave $200,000 which the Cunningtons matched) and challenged them to consider the new goal of $650,000 so JAM can get the WFP grant. One week after the party, Cunnington’s friends had already committed $225,000 (before the match) and “…donations arrive everyday. We are well on our way to the goal,” Laurie reports. JAM will also benefit from proceeds of the fourth annual golf outing Nathan Conway is chairing Monday, Sept. 19 at Pine Lake Country Club. Call (248) 265-4185 for information. To learn more about JAM’s work, go to .
Joint Aid Management Benefit Party
1
2
6 CCFA Fashion Preview Some 215 supporters of Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America flocked to Oakland Hills Country Club for the fourth annual Luncheon & Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Show on May 5. Before lunch, many of them perused the Pick Your Own Prize raffle display coordinated by Nanci Kantor. It contained 40 great prizes ranging in value from $125 to $2,500. One in the crowd, Sharon Snyder, said her handsome neckpiece was one of the prizes in last year’s raffle. There was a single silent auction item that garnered much attention – a $5,000 mini face or eyelid lift by Dr. Ahmet Karaca, who also donated two liposculptures to the raffle. The raffle winners were drawn after the splendid fashion show of 57 outfits, including 24 by guest designer David Meister. One raffle winner, Bonnie Jobe, said she was pleased to win the $500 SFA gift certificate toward a David Meister garment and doubly pleased that the price point of the collection makes the certificate a real gift. Event co-chair Nanci Rands credited the event concept to Carol Roberts and Harriett Fuller. She also mentioned a new fundraiser on the CCFA calendar – Evening for a Cure – which Rob Higbee is chairing Saturday, July 30 at the Cranbrook Institute of Science. For tickets ($250), call Anthonie Burke at (248) 737-0900. Detroit Public TV’s Premiere Night Dinner At Detroit Public TV’s Premiere Night gala last fall, Jerry and Eve Jung made the winning and very generous, bid on a wine dinner for eight donated and to be hosted by honorary chairs Bobbi and Stephen Polk in their historic Bloomfield Hills home. Redemption night was April 29, and the other lucky guests were Karen and Joe Caserio, Mary Beth and Keith MacGuidwin and Kathy and Kirk Martin. Legendary Chef Brian Polcyn did the cooking. Wine pairings for the six course gourmet dinner were selected by the host from his private collection. In addition to the host couple, the wait staff comprised DPTV’s Pres/ GM Rich Homberg, Sr. VP Dan Alpert, VP Fred Nahhat and Major Gifts Officer Jill Schubiner. “We were honored to be a part of it,” said Kathy Martin, adding, “It was a wonderful evening. On the same day as the Royal Wedding, we were treated like royalty in a dreamlike setting!” downtownpublications.com
4
3
7
8
1. Tom Cunnington (left) of Birmingham, Mozambique Ambassador Amelia Sumbana of Maputo, Mozambique and Peter Pretorius of Johannesburg, So. Africa. 2. JAM’s Peter Pretorius (right) of Johannesburg, So. Africa with Don Keeble (left) and party hosts Steve & Renee Read of Bloomfield. 3. Laurie Cunnington (left) of Birmingham with Ardis & Dr. Perry Greene of Bloomfield. 4. Ulli Jonen (left) of Bloomfield, Pam Good of Birmingham, Jack Krasula of Bloomfield, Peter Pretorius of Johannesburg, So. Africa and David Curtis of Birmingham. 5. Glenn DesRosiers (left) and Jodi Barnett of Bloomfield. 6. Patrick (left) & Dina Cunnington of Bloomfield with Ami & Dr. Vito Antonucci of Farmington Hills. 7. Dione Dewitte (left) of Troy, event host Renee Read and Pam McCarthy of Bloomfield. 8. Debbie & Stuart Logan of Bloomfield.
5 CCFA Fashion Preview
3
2
1
1. Event chairs Nanci Rands (left) & her daughter Meredith Colburn of Bloomfield with committee co-chair Wendy Gorge of Franklin. 2. Committee member Sally Marx (left) with committee chairs Carol Roberts & Julie Marx of Bloomfield. 3. Featured designed David Meister of Los Angeles with SFA’s Kim Nye (left) and Cheryl Hall Lindsay and event committee chair Nancy Kantor of Bloomfield. 4. Committee chair Connie Colman with Emily Tobias of Bloomfield. 5. Hikmet Yenigun (left) of W. Bloomfield with her daughter Zerrin and granddaughter Esra Karaca of Birmingham. 6. Committee member Amy Zimmer of Bloomfield (in vintage ensemble).
Detroit Public TV’s Premiere Night Dinner
4
1
5
6 DOWNTOWN
1. Bobbi Polk (left) of Bloomfield, Fred Nahhat of Troy, Rich Homberg of Bloomfield Hills, Jill Schubiner of Birmingham, Dan Alpert of Troy and Stephen Polk of Bloomfield
91
SOCIAL LIGHTS/SALLY GERAK DIS Women’s Committee’s D’Art for Art: 3
1
2
4
3
5
7
6
1. Event committee chairs Elise Hayes (left) of Bloomfield, Mary Roby of Grosse Pointe, Christine Giampetroni of Bloomfield and WC chair Henrietta Fridholm of Grosse Pointe. 2. Bonnie Larson (left) of Bloomfield and event co-chair Lindsey Buhl of Grosse Pointe. 3. Artful Lanvin neckpiece on Patti Prowse of Bloomfield. 4. Charli Podowski (left), Chris Zantop, Jennifer Fischer and Lauren Fisher of Bloomfield. 5. Barbara Bloch (left), Fair Radom, Maureen D’Avanzo and Patti Prowse of Bloomfield. 6. Bruce & Annie Margulis of Bloomfield. 7. Ric & Chris Zantop of Bloomfield. 8. Geoff Piceu (left) and Peter Hoglund of Birmingham with Greg Fisher of Bloomfield. 9. Dennis Archer (left) of Detroit with David Fischer and Chuck Podowski of Bloomfield. 10. Stuart Michaelson (left) & his wife judge Susan Borman of Detroit with Joe & Barbra Bloch of Bloomfield.
8
9
7
Fund Drive Kick Off and Major Donor Dinner It costs $1,600 daily just to open The Community House doors. Yet, TCH, which has been the heart of the community since it was founded in 1923, does not receive any public funding. Two recent events explain how it is able to thrive. The first was held at Orchard Lake Country Club on May 5. That was the 2011 Annual Fund Drive kick-off reception hosted by drive chairs Bud and Nancy Liebler for members of their committee. It was a two-generation gathering because the co-chairs are Pat & Anne Liebler, Molly and Mike Beauregard and Katie and Paul Trevino, the couple’s children and their spouses. More than half of their 150 committee members were on hand to socialize and hear Bud lead the pep rally, which he concluded by saying “It takes…a Community House.” On May 10, the second event attracted 110 to TCH for the Major Donor Dinner. For the 13th year, it was generously underwritten by Northern Trust. Following the social hour, board chair Don Kunz welcomed all and told them that “…you are truly making lives better.” He signaled out some in the crowd for special recognition. This included Kappy and David Trott, Jeanne Hackett, Sylvia and Ed Hagenlocker, Barbara and George Miller, Maggie Allesee, Becky Sorensen, the Filmer Foundation’s Ann Conrad and the Greg Schwartz clan. The latter chaired the 2010 Fund Drive which raised $360,000. The 2011 goal is $361,000. And so it goes.
8
VIP Opening of Fox Grill Tradition was celebrated on the evening of May 14. Out of the rubble of the old Fox & Hounds restaurant, Steven Pehrson, Nigel Barnett and Mark Aichele greeted some 120 VIPs at their new Fox Grill, a 100-plus seat eatery in the handsome building whose turret recalls its predecessor. City commis-
10
The Community House Major Donor Dinner
1
5
2
3
4
6
1. Event sponsor Northern Trust’s Fred Adams of Bloomfield with guest speaker Ford Fund’s Jim Vella of Canton. 2. Kappy & Dave Trott of Birmingham. 3. Ed & Sylvia Hagenlocker of Bloomfield. 4. Lois & Gene Miller of Bloomfield. 5. PNC’s Anne Harpe (left) of Rochester Hills with Larry Nahigian and Maggie Allesee of Bloomfield and Connie & Ian McEwan of Birmingham. 6. Jean (left) & TCH board chair Don Kunz of Bloomfield with TCH president / CEO Shelley Roberts of Birmingham. 7. Brian Manoogian and Betsy Reich of Birmingham. 8. Dorothy & Augie Perrota of Bloomfield.
92
DIS Women’s Committee’s D’Art for Art: 3 The first time we reported an art-based fundraiser where guests get to select a piece of donated art to call their own was several years ago. It was for the McCune Arts Center Up North and it was spearheaded by the Walt Fisher clan. Members of that Bloomfield Hills / Harbor Springs family quickly brought it to their favorite Detroit art institution, the DIA, where Sis and her daughter Elyse Hayes have been president of the Women’s Committee. The third D’Art for Art brought 140 DIA boosters (at $250 per person minimum ticket) to the museum on May 5. Before dinner, they socialized and perused the 110plus objects donated to the cause. One couple, Ann & Tom Stallkamp, was drawn to a painting by Stephen Magsig. As luck would have it, before dinner in the mini-live auction conducted by Rip Hayes, the Stallkamps placed the winning bid ($3,000) for the right to be the first “darter” during the art selection phase. The other 77 “darters” had to depend on the luck of the draw to determine their darting order and the availability of their desired object. It’s a fun concept. There were only 78 darters, so everybody had lots of choices. A live auction of five items raised $14,500 and a mini silent auction of four objects raised almost $4,000. D’Art for Art has become a biennial WC, event so the next will be in 2013.
DOWNTOWN
06.11
sioner Pat Hardy welcomed them to the neighborhood and County Executive Brooks Patterson thanked them for investing in Oakland County (the restaurant has created 45 local jobs). On behalf of his partners, Aichele said they will maintain the legacy of the site at the corner of Woodward and Long Lake Road in the heart of Bloomfield Hills. While retaining some aspects of the past, like the warm atmosphere and clam chowder, Aichele said the Fox Grill will also embrace cutting edge technologies like its extensive wine list on Apple iPad devices and a Webbased application called Uncorked. Chef Jimmy Stepp’s approach is American with an emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Fox Grill will be open 11a.m.-10 p.m., Monday - Thursday and 11a.m.-11 p.m. Friday, 4-11p.m. Saturday, and 10a.m.-10 p.m. on Sundays with brunch served 10-3 p.m.
The Community House Annual Fund Drive Kick Off
2
1
3 1. Nick (left) & Amy Barker with drive co-chairs Molly & Mike Beauregard of Bloomfield. 2. Karen Williams (left) and drive chair Bud Liebler of Bloomfield with Liza Panley of Beverly Hills. 3. Lynn (left) & Dr. Pat Quigley of Birmingham with Karen Williams and drive chair Nancy Liebler of Bloomfield. 4. Lorraine McLaughlin (left) of Bloomfield, Jim Suhay of Birmingham and Fred Adams and Jack McLaughlin of Bloomfield.
4 Project HOPE’s Run for the Roses More than 80 people watched the Kentucky Derby on a large screen TV at the Bloomfield Open Hunt. They were enticed there by the Women’s Division Project HOPE’s mini fundraiser chaired by Anita Hedeen. It included a delish buffet dinner, a small silent auction that raised $1,000, a race raffle won by Ellen Sanders, Barbara Finn and Corinne Giudici that raised $750, and a vocal performance by Stephanie K, who concluded with “My Old Kentucky Home”. It was also an excuse for many to wear dynamite hats, like Lidia Grahovac’s chartreuse Mr. Song creation. Detroit Symphony Spring Garden Party Volunteer Council president Janet Ankers recently hosted a social at her Beverly Hills home for council members. Past president Kelly Hayes chaired the spirited gathering with help from Lori Knollenberg, Debbie Savoie and Karla Sherry. They provided an elaborate middle eastern buffet and engaged Bordine’s Heather Glenday to provide a demonstration of container gardening. The party provided the downbeat for the new DSO, its summer concert schedule and the VC series of Musical Feasts. Great Lakes Chamber Opus Series Five sold out musical socials attracted nearly 300 (total) music lovers and raised some $18,500 to support the annual Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival. The generous hosts were Irving Shapiro, the Okun Family, the Joel Kahns, Stuart Frankels and Mert Segals. Performers were the Jasper Quartet, soprano Lauren Skuce and baritone Daniel Gross, cellist Andrés Díaz, eighth blackbird and pianist Jeremy Denk. Each Opus event provided up close and personal interaction with the musicians, a hallmark of chamber music. The festival kicks off June 11 and runs through June 26 at various venues. To see the full schedule and order tickets visit . 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
VIP Opening of Fox Grill
1
2
4
3 1. Restaurant partners Nigel Barnett (left) of Goddard, Steven Pehrson of Royal Oak and Mark Aichele of Highland Twp. 2. Bloomfield Hills Public Safety Director Rick (left) & Debra Mattott of Troy with city commissioner Pat Hardy and Mary Lou Kopmeyer of Bloomfield. 3. Dr. Jack & Genevieve Finley and Dale & Maureen Dawkins of Bloomfield. 4. Jim (left) & Deb Berline and Ellen & Lou DeMaris of Bloomfield. 5. Bill (left) & Susan Seklar with Yvonne McCready of Bloomfield.
5
Project HOPE’s Run for the Roses
1
5
2
3
6
7
8 DOWNTOWN
4 1. Don & event chair Anita Hedeen of Bloomfield. 2. Singer Stephanie “K” (Krawiec) (center) with Judie & Roger Sherman of Bloomfield. 3. Michelle Orsini (left) and Mary Putinta of Bloomfield. 4. Steven & Brigitte Krawiec of Bloomfield. 5. Don & Bettina Gregg of Bloomfield. 6. Barbara Farley (left) of Farmington Hill with Barbara Finn and Millie & Bob Pastor of Bloomfield. 7. Jay (left) & Jill Hollander of Orchard Lake and Steve & Sherry Saginaw of Bloomfield. 8. Julia Coen (left) of Farmington Hills, George Linker of Northville and Ellie Tholen of Birmingham.
93
ENDNOTE
Our suggestions for bistro review talks y any standards put forth to measure it, Birmingham's 2007 bistro zoning ordinance has been an unqualified success. Designed to activate the streets, bring people into Birmingham, and create a vibrant, eclectic and exciting restaurant scene in the downtown which could help revitalize the struggling retail shopping district, the bistro ordinance has done just that. Where before there were either quick dining spots or larger, fine dining establishments with Class C liquor licenses, the bistro ordinance set out to create smaller, more unique dining spots throughout town. We believe it can still be improved, and the upcoming June 20 joint city commission/planning commission meeting to review bistro licenses is the ideal time to do just that. In April 2007, the Birmingham City Commission unanimously adopted a unique zoning ordinance to allow for bistros with limits on their liquor licenses, mandatory outdoor seating, either on the adjacent sidewalk or on platforms built in a parking spot, in the central business district of downtown, the triangle area of Birmingham, just east of Woodward, south of East Maple, and north of Ruffner, and recently added the Rail District, south of Maple, north of E. Lincoln, and east of Eton. With the ordinance came a strict list of specifications to receive a license. Each year, the city commission is only allowed to provide two bistro licenses. Among the requirements restauranteurs must follow to get one of the coveted licenses is they must have a full-service kitchen at the bistro; no more than a total of 65 seats, including no more than 10 seats at the bar; there must be tables in windows lining the street; outdoor seating; and
B
they may be permitted to have low-key entertainment if it is specified in their application. Now, four years into the ordinance, there are numerous new bistros dotting Birmingham's landscape, from Tallulah's Wine Bar and Bistro, Luxe, Cafe Via, Toast, and the upcoming Bella Piatti, Townhouse and Churchill's Bistro. Existing restaurants like Elie's and Salvatore Scallopini found new life once they received their licenses. But there have been miscues as well and, of course, over time, a clearer vision of how the bistro ordinance can be improved, so the following should be addressed in the review: Can anyone really understand why Papa Joe's needed a bistro license? Having applied years ago for a license for a concept called Bistro Joe's, they said they were going to add a second floor eat-in area for patrons to take items they bought from the prepared food area, and then purchase wine from a vending machine. It took them until late February of this year to begin construction, a week before permits would have expired, and there is no second floor dining area, just the same seats near their prepared food area and outdoor tables and chairs. The commission has green-lighted everything that has come before it, but bistros were not designed— nor should they be—for grocers or quick food establishments seeking alcohol. Obviously a more detailed set of rules must be developed. The other miscue was for a seeming delightful bistro on Cole Street, an Italian concept, whose chef/owner promptly attempted to put the 2010 bistro license for sale on Craigslist, invalidating the license. Unfortunately, once a license is given out, even if it is not used, it cannot be reissued. So in the upcoming review, the city must agree that if a license is not used, or used appropriately, consider
reissuing it to a more appropriate candidate, keeping the license in play and allowing it to benefit the city. Licenses are currently approved on a first-come, first-served basis, meaning an operator who finds a site and financing later in the year when two have been given out, is out of luck. We think a better idea would be to have a set deadline when everyone seeking a license for a certain year would have to apply, and commissioners would have presentations by all and choose the best bistros to give licenses to for that year, subject to planning approvals. The bistro license has been a wonderful economic building tool for the central business district, and should be utilized for other areas of Birmingham—the Rail District, Triangle District, and the North Old Woodward business area, where Luxe has brought business to a quieter area of town. We do not believe that capping the licenses at two a year is necessary if there are exciting and economically energizing options for underutilized areas of town. Perhaps the number of licenses issued each year should be increased, with a couple of the licenses designated annually to the up and coming areas, which would address some peoples' concern that viable retail space will be eaten up by bistros, turning the city into a Royal Oak-type of heavy entertainment mecca at the expense of other businesses. Bistro licenses were designed to be economic catalysts. The city should allow that to continue, and help encourage the growth in a managed fashion. And the upcoming bistro ordinance review session is an opportunity to fine tune a good concept into a much stronger economic development tool.
Time to turn over the municipal courses irmingham has been playing the municipal golf game for 80-some years, but it appears they may not be very good at it, so it is time to let professionals take over management of two city courses. For the last several years, expenditures at the courses have far exceed revenues. In 2009, combined losses as Lincoln Hills and Springdale golf courses came to $176,465, and in 2010, the combined losses were $144,559. These losses are on top of the outlay of $642,131 from the city's general fund for a new clubhouse for Lincoln Hills, as well as irrigation upgrades. For a city the size of Birmingham's, with a population of around 20,000 residents, a loss of $321,024 from one city service is enormous. When the clubhouse expense is added in, it becomes an almost $1 million bill to the city, and for a non-essential city service. Residents of Birmingham who have watched as former city manager Tom Markus and the city commission have practiced fiscal prudence and
B
implemented austerity measures should be pretty floored to hear current city mayor Gordon Rinschler say, “It's not a significant problem. It's not a real drain on services.” Rinschler feels the losses the courses are sustaining are very small. He also said there is no timeline for the repayment on the $642,131 for the clubhouse. “We don't have an end date for that loan to be paid back,” Rinschler said. “We're assuming the golf course will become profitable again, and then we can transfer the money back to the general fund.” Yet what is all too clear is that there is not a welldefined plan back to profitability, and that they may be waiting a long time to recoup their money. At any time, that would be foolish fiscal planning, but in an era of municipal belttightening, it is inexcusable. We applaud Birmingham for building and beautifying the city with parks and green space or open space. But just as other communities around the country have done, like neighboring Troy, it is time to stem
the losses and get out of the golf course management business. It is time to bring in an outside golf management firm to run the municipal courses, and stop the bleeding and improve profitability. Director of public services Lauren Wood is making a valiant effort to right-size the ship but contradicts herself in a recent city golf report, saying both there is a need for more golf discounts, and that it has been found that discounts do not really improve the number of rounds played. Rates at the courses were increased this season before a study was done to see what neighboring courses are charging. These are signs that despite the city's best efforts, the municipality is not a golf course manager. The city commission should move now to form a committee in late June or early July to begin to address these issues, so that at the end of the season they will be in the position to go out for management company bids for next year.
EVERYTHING FOR EVERYONE.
2011 LINCOLN MKZ
2011 LINCOLN MKS
• More standard features than Lexus ES 350 • Voice-activated SYNC® technology standard1
• Available Sirius Traffic™ and Sirius Travel Link™4 • Invisible SecuriCode™ keyless entry keypad • Available active park assist and EcoBoost™ engine technology
Introducing MYLINCOLN TOUCH™ . Exclusive to the 2011 LINCOLN MKX. Voice and touch technology1 unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. What’s even more amazing is that it’s standard equipment on the 2011 Lincoln MKX.
2011 LINCOLN NAVIGATOR
2011 LINCOLN MKT
• PowerFold 60/40 first-in-class power liftgate • Voice-activated SYNC® in-car connectivity1
• Available active park assist and EcoBoost™ engine technology • Standard voice-activated SYNC® technology1
LINCOLN 1185 S. ROCHESTER ROAD ' ROCHESTER HILLS MI, 48307 248-652-4200 ' WWW.CRISSMANLM.COM
It’s not just luxury. It’s smarter than that. 4 YEARS / 50,000 MILES OF NO CHARGE MAINTENANCE ON EVERY NEW LINCOLN.2 1 2
Driving while distracted can result in loss of vehicle control. Only use mobile phones/MyLincoln Touch/other devices, even with voice commands, when safe to do so. Custom Lease Disclaimer
3 EPA-estimate 19 city/26 hwy/21 combined mpg, FWD. Class is non-diesel Luxury Midsize Crossovers vs. 2010/2011 competitors. 4Some features are unavailable while driving. Service available in the 48 contiguous states and DC. Sirius Traffic™ and Sirius Travel Link™ are trademarks of Sirius XM Radio, Inc. Requires available Navigation System. Offer ends 6/30/11.
INTRIGUING Some homes arouse curiosity. A sense of wonder overcomes one to know what lies beyond lit doors and windows. It captivates with its fascinating and compelling qualities and draws you into a world that is at once vibrant and comforting.
SEARCH FOR YOUR OWN “INTRIGUING�
skbk.com
Birmingham, Michigan
248.644.7000